Legacy

by NFire

Rating: teen
Tags: Random, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Crossover, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Cutie Mark Crusaders
Length: 1071420

A machine of war awakens in a new world. Can it become something more than it is?

A machine made for war awakes in a new world. Stuck in surroundings which puzzle it; can it, or will it be able to become something more than what it is?

Crossover with Keith Laumers Bolo-verse
Other tags include : Slice of Life, Possible Romance believe it or not! And a bit of humor.
Please beware of any spoilers in comments as well :pinkiehappy:

Published 2014-12-30 03:00:02 UTC
Last updated 2018-08-16 17:59:45 UTC

First Impressions

The young indigene..correction...pony, returns the next morning as promised. Sensors detected the approach of her, and two more of similar size and weight. It appears that children hang out with friends in groups as on any other world. It is concerning me how apparently alike this world is to what I remember given my limited data base. I open the hatch for them to proceed inside after Applebloom knocks quite politely upon it. My video scanners can now catch details of the other two ponies. One by Applebloom’s previous description, appears to be a Pegasus, the other, one of the magic using type, a Unicorn. By voice, both appear to be female as well, and quite interesting shades of colors. I am introduced to Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle respectively.

Applebloom pointed to the large chair that swiveled from a mount on the floor, “See? This is the Commander’s Chair! I’m the commander so I get to sit there!” With that pronouncement, she leaped and settled herself into the cushion. “I’m the commander right Crusader?”

Once again the smooth baritone came from speakers, “Yes my Commander, you are.”

“Whoa! Where’s the voice coming from? Someone hiding in here?” This from Scootaloo.

“Nah, he says it’s just him all around us, not quite sure what that means though.” Applebloom looked up and around the room, the lockers, the medical bay, all the screens that were black. “It’d sure be kinda uncomfortable living here anyways I’d think.”

Sweetie Belle stuck her head out from a locker, covered in wires and spare parts, “Well whatever he is, it’s really cool in here, lookit all this stuff!”

I swivel video sensors to watch the three ponies, making sure the locks on all other lockers are secure and tight. They appear to be building something out of an R-45 Fire Control Module, their interest in me forgotten for the moment. This does give me the time to scan them deeper, the results a bit shocking, but not much more so than I expected. They are definitely equine, of a sort. Their eyes appear to take in more light and see deeper into spectra than old Earth equines. This in itself is interesting. One thing that does amaze me, is the denseness of bones and skin, it appears they can take, or deliver far more damage than old earth animals.

As for status, my tanks are almost full, I have been processing Cryo-H and Deuterium quite fast now with internal fabricators. With the extra solar power, I should be able to attempt a restart sometime in the next day or so. I can only hope the initiators themselves are not out of alignment, otherwise, this will be a very short restart.

I am drawn back into a conversation...

“I told him about Pinkie’s best party yet too!” Applebloom announced, waving to the room as she sat on the chair. “An’ I told him about the Princesses, and the Elements of Harmony and all the neat stuff that we do!”

Sweetie Belle put the finishing touches on the creation, it appeared to be a treehouse in miniature. “Cool! Maybe we can get some more of this great stuff to help us build things, we could get our Cutie Marks in design! Or..or..engineering!”

I ponder this for a moment, and decide to not let any advanced technology out into this world until I know quite a bit more about it. It has been Concordiat law, never to release any tech which has not been approved for use. In this case, I can apply it liberally, and shall. Admittedly, a Fire Control Module and data blocks look quite nice as a tree-house model, but then I can replace them. Until I know more about where I am, and the circumstances surrounding my state, I shall be quite careful.

“I believe that model would at least win a prize at a fair I’m sure. But I would ask that you not take it out of my command deck.”

“Awwww, c’mon!” It appears the one named Sweetie Belle has managed to get her eyes to look like what was used to be called ‘puppy dog’ eyes, attempting to get me to agree with them taking the model. Of course, I still cannot.

“I apologize, but those are needed here for right now. But what we can do, is talk, if you don’t mind? I would very much like to know about the world outside.”

Once again I am inundated with information. Not hard to keep up, though I’m quite sure the acrobatics and stunts aren’t needed necessarily. I am glad the command deck is solid durachrome, otherwise it would have received quite a few dents from the tough bodies of the young ladies. Though the chair did get a few new scuffs. It is hard not to be amused at the enthusiasm of these young ones, the zest and vigor at which they pursue life. But, as the information I need is not forthcoming, I must attempt another tack, being as kind as I can so as not to dash any hopes.

“I apologize once again for interrupting. But would there be any older ponies I could talk to as well? Someone with a bit more experience?”

Applebloom patted her chin with a hoof, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were balancing on the arm of the chair, showing off their latest maneuver.

“Ah know! I can get mah sister to come with us tomorrow! She’s got the day off from working the farm and I know she’ll be interested! She’s the Element of Honesty, cain’t get much better than that!”

Element of Honesty? I had thought the Elements to be an abstract, not living beings after being told of them by Applebloom. It could be she might have the data I need to proceed. So many things are not adding up, and as much as I enjoy the time spent with the three young ladies, I must have more solid information, that means contact.

“Would she be willing to come here and meet me? I’m afraid, well, I cannot move from here.”

“Ah’m sure she would! Cause you’re a nice pony, and she’s as honest as the day is long, she’d be willing to talk with you I bet!”

Sweetie Belle used her magic to lift Scootaloo off the chair, setting her down as she concentrated for a moment to get it right. “She would, Applejack’s great!”

A burst of energy comes from the small unicorn, immediately I swivel all scanners towards her and do a deep scan. This was the energy I was picking up days ago when I first awoke. Was this the ‘magic’ they spoke of? It is an unknown spectra and energy to my sensors and it is quite puzzling. I make permanent recordings for analyzing later.

“Then I would very much like to talk with her if I could? Would it be too much of an imposition to ask if you could bring her here?”

The three ponies looked at each other, “Impo..what?”

“Imposition, it means to lay a burden. It wouldn’t be a bother would it?”

“ ‘Course not, we’re always tryin’ to get her to stop working for a day or two sometimes, and this would be the perfect excuse! We could have a picnic!”

The little Unicorn lifted her front hooves, “Cutie Mark Crusaders Picnic Professionals! YAY!” As she was joined by the other two.

“Then I believe it is settled, I shall meet your sister Applejack tomorrow then?”

All three nod, agreeing to my request. Then we are off again with more tales. If they were children on Old Earth, I do believe they would give their parents a definite level of worry considering what they are telling me. Either that or drive them to the madhouse. Patience is a virtue it seems, on this world or any other. It would have to be, considering the level of unintended destruction they have caused just on my command deck. I do not think my makers ever planned for this eventuality, but I do praise them for durachrome and durasteel plating.

I shall have to make sure all the small arms lockers are securely shut and locked, I hesitate to think what these three could do with 10mm Norge Stunners or Needlers, much less power rifles.

I do interrupt them one last time, telling them it is getting to be afternoon already. I do not want them to be out too late as I do not want the first meeting with an adult to go badly. I must think of these things more now. First contact with a new, to me, race; was something done by Concordiat specialists. Not by such as I. But it is too late to think of any secrecy now as I watch them attempt to clean up the command deck. I am in this for what it is worth, and I can only hope I do my creators proud.

I am bid farewell till tomorrow, watching them troop out the maintenance way. Closing the hatches, I ponder this situation. This is a situation of which I am woefully unprepared, but I must make the best of it. I need access to all my computing functions. My battery reserves have topped, I can now spend a bit of precious power to my repair systems, I should know by tomorrow if I can attempt a restart. If it fails, I doubt I would know much after that, as catastrophic failure of fusion systems usually leaves a crater. But I am confident, I shall repower.

The number my internal clock is telling me is still baffling, I cannot have survived for that long, even with all systems in working order. My logs and data arrays cannot be accessed without much greater power reserves, so I am frustrated at my attempts to remember. For the moment, I am without recourse.

I feel the sun setting by the energy flowing through the solar panel. I wonder what this world is like outside, and who inhabits it besides these ponies. I scan the combat bands and channels, noting the damning hiss of background noise, the silence that taunts me. My brothers and sisters, are they lost to me forever? I spend the night in contemplation.

Once again, the new sun brings me out of my Survival Center, more power flows through molycircs as I continually scan the bands for any sign of my companions. I am patient, the restart is tonight, all tanks are full and the tap has been withdrawn. From what little my repair systems can access, I am informed my initiators are aligned properly, everything is looking good.

I await the arrival of Applebloom and her sister with some trepidation. I ponder what I should, and should not reveal, deciding to be as honest as I can. Once again, the overriding laws of the Concordiat must be my guide. I shall adhere to them as best I can, but as this is a unique situation, I am at another crossroads. Until I find out the tech level of this place, this world, I cannot release anything that would do the Concordiat, nor myself any harm.

My seismic sensors detect the approaching ponies. One most definitely a larger one, a heavier step and footprint.

“Applebloom, I swear, we come all the way out here for a picnic? Seems kinda silly don’t it?”

“But it’s not just that, we gotta show ya somethin’ too! It’s really cool!”

A sigh accompanied the slowing steps, “Wahl that’s fine. Didya blow up somethin’ again?”

Sweetie Belle popped up from a bush where she’d been looking around, “Oh no! We found something really cool! You’ll like it!”

Applejack just nodded, expecting nothing but disaster sometimes from these three. But their hearts were good she supposed, just cleaning up the mess sometimes wore a pony out. “So what did you want to..” She stopped as she saw the panel of what looked like glass and metal, a deep black, jutting from the hillside.

“Well if that ain’t somethin’.”

She walked over, reaching out and tapping a reluctant hoof on it, “What is this thing?”

“We have absolutely no idea!” Scootaloo informed her proudly.

Scratching the back of her head, “Why didya bring me all the way out here then. Just to look at somethin’ flat and wierd?”

Applebloom smiled, nudging her older sister, “Nono sis, it’s this!” She reached out a hoof, tapping on the hatchway politely. It slid open, lights showing the way down as the Crusaders piled in, “C’mon Applejack, yer gonna love this!”

A wary look crossed Applejack’s face as she saw them running down the weird tunnel way, wanting to call them back, but getting a feeling they really weren’t in trouble. A hunch maybe, or just her being overprotective a might bit. Either way, she followed them down, listening to the ringing of her hooves on what appeared to be metal. Passing through another doorway, she entered a brightly lit room, where Applebloom sat on some kind of chair, the others digging through metal chests full of wiring and other things she couldn’t identify.

Applebloom waved a hoof around the room, “See what we found!”

Taking her hat off, she looked aorund the room, seeing light from what appeared to be the ceiling,soft and glowing. A few black windows here and there showing nothing, and a lot of blinking lights on the flat thing in front of Applebloom. “Well what in tarnation is this Applebloom? You sure it’s not dangerous?”

The brightly colored filly laughed, “Oh no, not a bit. He’s really friendly!”

Now a concerned look crossed her face, “Who is? What’re you talking about?”

At this point, seeing the introductions are not going as planned, I decide to intervene. “She is talking about me Miss Applejack.”

Applejack’s green eyes widened, hearing the voice, “And just who are you?”

“Please, call me Crusader. I mean no harm to anyone Miss Applejack, I assure you.”

Applejack stood for a moment, usually she could get a good read on folks who might be lying, or trying something shady. But this voice, she got nothing, not even a hunch.

“Ah’m not to sure ‘bout that. Why are ya hidin’ then?”

“I am not hiding Miss Applejack. I am here, though not as a, well..pony. I am all around you in this room. You might say, I’m a machine.” I break it as gently as I can, seeing her response to my voice. Trying to couch it in terms that would be understood, but not condescending.

“Ah ain’t never heard of no talking machine, so if yer hidin’ you better get out here or we’re gonna have some problems!” She still couldn’t get a read on this, like nothing was there TO read. But listening to the voice, it didn’t sound like it was lying.

“If I could, I would Miss Applejack. But I assure you, I cannot. Applebloom and her friends have been telling me about you. They say that you are as honest as the day is long I believe, correct my Commander?”

Applebloom perked up, “You betcha! See! He’s nice!”

Applejack plopped her backside down on the floor, rubbing her neck with a hoof, “Ah’m still not too sure about this.”

“I have conversed with your sister and her friends for a couple of days now. I assure you I mean them, and you, no harm.” Seeing her reaction, I believe I have made an error in judgment.

“YOU WHAT?” The angry voice spilled out as she turned to look at the three now silent Crusaders, “You’ve been talking with this thing for HOW long?” Her puzzlement forgotten as she turned in a bit of a fury to the three fillies. “How many times have we told ya, anything big comes up you come get me or the others! Now ya done gone and just disobeyed that! You coulda been hurt or worse!’ She pointed a hoof directly at Applebloom, then turned to point at Scootaloo and Sweetie, “And YOU TWO, shoulda told me even if she didn’t!”

“But Applejack....” Her sister rebutted.

“No buts missy! This here’s serious and you know it!”

I choose the path of silence as the tirade continues. She appears quite miffed to say the least, and to be honest, it had not occurred to me to ask them sooner about an adult or elder. Admittedly it is my lack of judgment, but at the same time, I find myself not wanting to be the target of her anger. I am a war machine, yes, but I am far from stupid.

The three Crusaders looked quite abashed by the time Applejack got done. She was angry yes, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t a good hearted pony. “Lookit y’all, it’s for your safety. All of us love ya to death, and we don’t want to see you hurt even with all the crazy shenanigans you get up to.” She put her hat back on, and sat back down from where she’d risen in a fury, “Just.. for Celestia’s sake be more careful dangit!”

The three fillies were quiet as they nodded and answered back, “Yes Applejack.”

Applejack took a deep breath, waving her hoof around the room, “And YOU! Whoever ya are, got a lot of explaining to do!”

I speak up this time, hoping to derail any suspicions, “I will explain to the best of my abilities Miss Applejack.”

“You better, cause Ah’m not in the mood for any fancy talk.” She narrowed her eyes once more, “And stop that ‘miss’ stuff, I ain’t some old nag.”

The three Crusaders covered their muzzles with their hooves, giggling away behind them.

“Knock it off you three.”

“Yes Miss Applejack!”

The long suffering orange pony just sighed, putting her fetlock to the bridge of her nose and squeezing it, “You three, I swear.”

I try once more to make amends. This was not exactly how I wanted the first introduction to be. “I apologise Mis.... Applejack. It is customary for me to address a person politely.”

With that I get a tilted head, “Person? You mean pony? Something like that?”

“Of course Applejack, I meant somepony, my apologies once again.” I resolve to have a long chat with her about the usages of the word pony. I am making far too many errors thinking their culture is similar to the Concordiats.

“So what’s yer story then. Let’s try not to use too many fancy words. Y’all sound nice n’ polite, but let’s keep it straight alraht?”

I try and think of a way to explain my predicament so it can be understood clearly and without seeming condescension. But at the same time, I am restrained by my reluctance to reveal any more than I should. I attempt to be both honest, and reserved.

“To put it simply Applejack, I am a war machine. I was built to wage war against my enemies. I had but awoken a few days ago, when something uncovered one of my solar panels, “ At her look of curiosity I elaborate, “I’m sure Applebloom showed you the large panel outside?

She nods, and I continue, “That takes in the suns rays, and makes power for me to run. As I said before, I am a machine, I am not a living thing as you are. I do not know how long I have been inactive, you of course would say asleep. So you see, I find myself in a situation in which I do not know anything about my surroundings, though Applebloom and her friends have been very helpful telling me about the world outside.”

She tilts her head in thought, scratching the back of it with a hoof as I await a reply. I have couched it in the simplest terms I can without going into greater detail that would only confuse or frighten.

“Ah admit Crusader, there’s been some pretty wierd stuff in the world, and I had a hoof in helping to defeat some of it. But ah admit, this one’s got me stumped. I really don’t know what to say about it.”

“I would hope Applejack, that we can come to an understanding. I do not mean harm to any pony nor anyone else who is not my enemy.”

“Jes’ who exactly is your enemy Crusader?”

“I do not know.” I answer as honestly to that as I can. I do not have access to higher functions as of yet.

“But yer sayin’ we’re not the enemy right?”

“Yes, from all I can gather, you are not the enemy as far as I can tell.”

“Could that change?”

She is far from ignorant, and catches me off guard with that comment.

“At any time it could, yes. But from what I have seen, it is doubtful.”

“You know what Crusader, I think we need to bring a friend of mine in on this. This is way over mah head. Twilight Sparkle would know what to do I think.”

It appears as if it is going to get a bit crowded on my command deck.

The Truth

I am patiently awaiting the arrival of one Twilight Sparkle. A curious name, but considering the events of the past few days, I am not surprised. Applejack had immediately sent off the one named Scootaloo to retrieve her, bringing her back for discussions with myself. I look forward to this, as she has been described as one of the ruling class here in this world. Applejack has described her though as a bit of a ‘geek’, which if it means the same as it did on Old Earth, I should have no problem relating complex concepts with her.

Even as I ponder upon the coming conversation. I still abide by my previous decision to not release any tech or information into this world. I believe any negotiations will be complicated as to what I can and cannot do here. Depending on the ruling class, it may go well, or they may demand to know everything.

All I can go on from here is experiences, albeit limited right now, that the Concordiat has had with other races. Though I have not full access yet, there is enough to tell me that admittedly, some are not as calm and well-meaning as others. I should be very wary of what I say and do.

I am the representative of my creators, and shall do nothing to endanger any goodwill.

My musings are interrupted by the entrance of a very different type of pony, a lavender colored one who has both the horn of a unicorn, plus the wings of a pegasus. This must be Twilight Sparkle of whom I was told, an Alicorn was what Applejack said.

“Wow Applejack, this is something else!”

“Ain’t it though? Them three here found it and didn’t decide to say anything for a while.” Giving Applebloom and the returned Scootaloo, along with Sweetie, a disapproving glare.

“I’m sure they were just excited AJ, I mean, look at this! So where’s this pony you wanted me to meet?”

“Well Twilight, it ain’t exactly a pony.”

I take this as my cue to introduce myself. “It is a pleasure to meet you Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

My voice does not echo in the closed space, it reverberates softly in their ears from directional microphones, making everyone jump a bit. Enough power is in my banks I can use a better way of speaking to anyone on the command deck.

“I’m sorry, where are you?”

“As I explained to Applejack Your Highness, I am all around you. I’m afraid I cannot do much better than that explanation wise. I apologize for startling anyone, I have decided to use a better way of speaking to you without overpowering the room.”

The ears perked on Twilight’s head, “Is that why it sounds like you’re talking to me personally?”

“Yes, I hope it is not too disturbing?”

“No, as a matter of fact, it’s quite neat! Maybe there’s a spell that can do that, sure would help in crowded rooms!”

“I am sure it would. As for spells, maybe you and I can converse on the matter further at some point?”

I see the excitement rise in her body temperature, the way she flushes, it seems I have hit on an item of great interest to her.

“Oh! That would be great, we could talk about Starswirl the Bearded and so many..”

Applejack put a hoof on her friends shoulder, “Focus here Twilight, focus.”

I watch in some amusement as a blush rises to Twilight Sparkle’s cheeks. Apparently she is prone to go off on tangents like the one just interrupted.

I interrupt as gently as I can, “I am sure that is a conversation for further down the road.”

Twilight clears her throat and smiles at AJ, collecting herself for a moment, “Of course. Might I ask who you are?”

“I am Crusader, it is not much of a name, but it is mine. It is very much a pleasure to meet you Your Highness.”

“Please, just call me Twilight.”

I find her selflessness endearing, she is not at all what I expected.

“I’m not much on the royalty stuff. I know, I know, I’m a Princess, but I rather prefer to keep things simple.”

“As do I Twilight.”

“So what are you then?”

“I am a machine Twilight, built for war. I am an artificial intelligence made up of things that might not have an equivalence in your culture. Suffice to say, and to keep things simple, I am a machine that thinks and talks.”

“Are you dangerous?”

At this question I hesitate only slightly in answering, honesty has worked so far and I have resolved to be nothing less. I politely ask the three young ladies to wait outside, as this is to be a private discussion. I do not wish to frighten any young ones. They are ushered out by Applejack with quite the protestations, she has to promise them to be allowed to come back later on.

Once we are alone, I close the hatches, informing Applejack and Twilight I have done so before answering the question.

“More than you could possibly imagine Twilight.”

This has caught both of them off guard. I can read it in their biometrics, having observed enough for a baseline. I try to calm the matter.

“But as I have told Applejack, and Applebloom and her friends, I do not consider you an enemy.”

Applejack chimed in here, “But you also said it could change!”

“Yes, I did. I am lacking in power to my systems, I cannot access my higher memory functions. In my limited memory, I have no recollection of your race, your..ponies.. as an enemy.”

“What happens if we are an enemy?”

I am autonomous, on the battlefield or not, I believe it is in my best interests to go with as a past commander called it ‘a hunch’. These quadrupeds are not the enemy. It remains to be seen whether or not my data arrays show differently, but we will handle that when it comes.

“That is the question I ponder Twilight. From what I have seen and heard so far, you are not a threat to me. You have offered no ill-will, nor behaved in any manner which would lead me to conclude you are such. So on that basis, I am willing to make a decision, that you are not the enemy.”

The tension at the questions that had been growing, is released in a palpable manner. The exhalation of held breath, the relaxation of muscles in preparation for fight or flight. I believe I have made the right choice.

Twilight spoke first, after looking around for a moment, “So how do you regain access to your memories?”

“I must repower myself, I have what is called a power plant, that I must ignite, like a fire. It provides infinitely more power than a single solar panel as you have seen outside.”

She nods to herself, “So can you do that now?”

“I can, but I prefer to wait until night fall. I do not wish to injure anyone if anything goes wrong.”

Twilight’s interest came back, “What could go wrong?”

I do not hesitate, it is a great danger they must be made aware of.

“If my ignition goes wrong because of some error. Let us just say a large part of the local area would not be here anymore.”

I see their eyes widen at that revelation. I do not know how close their domiciles are, nor if any inhabitants are nearby. It is only right to warn them.

“I...see...” Twilight thinks for a moment, touching a hoof to her chin. “Would it be alright if we warned ponies and made sure they were not around?”

“It would be advisable.”

“Then we’ll let everypony know they need to stay away from the area tonight, we won’t exactly tell them why.” Applejack gives her a meaningful look, “We won’t lie AJ, we’ll just tell them something reasonable, it’ll keep idle curiosity seekers away.”

“I think that would be for the best. Once I have access to my memories and more functions, we can continue this discussion further. At that time I will have more to tell you about myself and how I am here hopefully.”

Twilight nods again, “Alright then, let’s go make arrangements AJ.” She looks around at the room, giving a sigh because she could not ask the many questions running through her mind. “We will make sure the area is clear in two hours, will that be enough time?”

“More than enough. Thank you Twilight.”

This calms me somewhat. I did not wish to injure anyone if my re-ignition went awry, and this solves a myriad of problems for me. They bid me a farewell and are followed out the maintenance way by the three young ones as well, leaving my command deck quiet and lonely. For the first time in my long life, I feel the need for company. The command channels and combat bands have remained deathly silent, and I wonder, am I the last? I must forge ahead, to do what I was made to do, find the enemy and destroy them.

It is late evening now, I feel the sun set on my solar panel as I await word from Twilight that the area is clear. Scootaloo comes down the hatchway, yelling out that everything is clear before running back out. I give her fifteen minutes to get as clear as possible before turning inward to my re-ignition sequence. All checks look good, I spare precious power to repair systems once more, checking alignments and pressure vessels.

Applying the appropriate commands, I watch as the system counts down. I feel a bit of apprehension at this moment. I do not wish to end my existence quite yet, but if I have failed in anything, it will be quick.

Countdown begins....

Initiators online...

Pressure vessels secure..

Ignition sequence is go...

3....2....1....

Cryo-H flow begun..

Deuterium flow begun..

Activating Initiators..

Ignition..

I feel the power to my Survival Center dim, everything I have stored is being directed to the magnetic containment fields in the pressure vessels, squeezing the mixture and adding power to re-ignite the fusion plant.

Fusion 1 ignition...

Fusion 1 online...

Proceeding secondary ignitions..

Fusion 2 ignition...

Fusion 2 online...

Fusion 3 ignition...

Fusion 3 online...

Fusion 4 ignition...

Fusion 4.........online...

Once again power flows through my circuitry, the electrons gleaming as they scatter to the arrays and blocks of my memory. My interior lights up with power as I proceed to bring myself to active status.

Bootstrap 3....proceeding....done...

Bootstrap 4....proceeding....done...

Alert status....Online...High Alert...

Defensive systems...90% operational...error...failure in contra-gravity...

Offensive systems...82% operational...error...

ALERT!ALERT!ALERT!

I snap to full alert mode, my nuclear weapons have been breached, the cruise missile interlocks have failed. I revert to backups, clamping down on the triggers before they can fire. All locks have been activated as systems buffer the cores. Newly reactivated tech-spiders make their way to the bay, nano-systems are reactivated and sent to repair any damages from internal stocks. I rush through algorithms, assigning triage spiders to the worst damage. It appears I am not in as good of shape as I had thought. The nuclear weapons triggers have deteriorated, requiring extensive repair. Radiation is minimal, I move more shielding in place to protect other systems from fallout.

After making sure repair systems are taking over, I scan my weapons inventory, noticing degradation in all chemical weapons. All powder based calibers of cartridges have degraded, easy to replace and remake.

My weapons themselves are functional as well, I can take the fight to the enemy should the need arise. I am concerned however with what active scanners have shown me.

I am currently under 4.8 meters of soil, tilted at a 23 degree angle of decline.

My systems are coming up green with a few exceptions. Replacement parts and metal stocks are full, new triggers and interlocks are prioritized on a rush basis, to repair the breached weapons.

Sensors report a degradation of armor as well as outside sheathing, this is a bit worrisome as the armor can only be rebuilt slowly. My psychotronic arrays are coming online now, lighting up as I scan memories to find what happened.

Outside as Twilight and Applejack watched along with the Crusaders, they saw nothing, but heard and felt a rumble go through the soil. Deep and sonorous, it made the ground tremble as the re-ignition commenced. They looked on in wonder as the hill shook a bit, then settled back down.

“Well, that was a bit of a letdown eh?” She said as an aside to Applejack.

“Well Twilight, least we ain’t gotta explain about a new hole in the ground.”

“There is that, maybe we should go see if Crusader is doing alright?” Applejack nodded as they trotted to the hill in the distance.

Applejack pointed to the three fillies, “You all stay here, hear me?”

“Awwwwwwww!”

I access the latest data cores as they come online..

...swing around to 128 degrees and fire!....

...sliding filters into place, plasma weapons at 23 degrees aft...

...incoming kinetic strike..

...oceed with stasis now!...

My attention is grabbed by one sentence, I replay the whole core.

All units, all units, this is Command, hit stasis now, hit stasis now, we have incoming strike packages. Bunker down and set internal shielding, Survival Centers and power plants. NOW NOW NOW!

After that is darkness, interspersed with moments of confusion, it appears the stasis field has blinked on and off at irregular intervals. This is puzzling, the stasis should have been good until the order went out to remove myself from the field. But it appears the blinking allowed damage to occur cumulatively, which is very odd. It should have frozen all my systems and arrays in perfect condition over time. Nothing should have interrupted the field except the recall order.

It appears the recall was never given.

I put my Entanglement Communications online, sending out an FTL pulse that will let me know if my comrades have survived. I attempt to file a VSR with command, but nothing returns. I pick up no hint nor signal from any brethren that may have survived.

I am saddened as I hear the tapping on the hatchway door. Letting Twilight and Applejack in, they settle down on the floor of the command deck.

“So Crusader! Everything went well I take it?” Twilight asks cheerfully.

“It went well Twilight, thank you. I have suffered some damage over time, but nothing I cannot repair given the materials and more time.”

Applejack could sense a sadness in the reply, giving her a reason to voice, “Crusader, y’all don’t sound like you’re all that happy.”

I ponder how to reply, I actually take a few seconds. Forever to a psychotronic system, but there is no other answer.

“I apologize Applejack, it appears I may have been inactive longer than I had thought. I believe that I am truly alone. I have sent communications out that should have been immediately answered, but I have received nothing.”

The two ponies knew what loneliness was like, before they had become such fast friends. They felt for the calm voice, sitting for a moment in silence. Twilight spoke up first, her voice a bit softer now, “Well, no one’s ever alone Crusader. I mean...well.. you’ve met us!”

I admit, it cannot replace my brothers and sisters, my commander. I feel the loss in my very being. I have never been alone in my years of service, never truly. At this moment, I feel it deeply. But at the same time I am offered companionship of a sort, I decide to take it.

“You are right Twilight, I have met you, as well as Applejack and the young ponies. If I am to make my way in this world, I believe it a good start.”

I see both faces light up with smiles. I have never in my long service been offered friendship of a kind and simple sort. I have had commanders, orders, the Brigade. When I reflect on my memories, no one has ever truly offered anything like these two ponies. Such a simple thing, but it means more than they could imagine.

I scan memory blocks quickly, taking .0003 seconds to do so, affirming what I had believed. These ponies are not the enemy, nor does the Concordiat have any records of their existence. I put aside any further searches until later, returning to the conversation at hand.

“Let me add one thing, I now have access to all my arrays. You are not the enemy, nor have you ever been mentioned in the histories I carry. I believe that solves one problem?”

“So does that mean we can at least be friends?”

“Friends? You would do so with me?”

Applejack chimes in, “Well of course! Heck ya aren’t so bad once a pony talks with ya!”

I let a chuckle slip through the communications channel, “Then let me properly introduce myself Applejack, Twilight Sparkle. I am Unit CRSD of the Line. A Mark XXXV Bolo, Model G Planetary Siege Unit. Known as ‘Crusader’ to my friends.”

Twilight gets a bright look on her face, so much to learn. “So what exactly is a Planetary Siege Unit?”

“I warn you, it may be more frightening than you might think. They are just words now, but the meaning behind them can be a bit daunting.”

Twilight’s thought warred inside her, the lust for knowledge, the warning.

Applejack looked at her friend, she absolutely knew what Twilight was going to...

“So tell us!”

Applejack just sighed.

“Of course. A little background first if I may?”

“Please do!” Twilight now leaned forward, listening with both ears as Applejack just rolled her eyes.

“I was rebuilt on a world called Earth, at the Bolo Factory there. I was a newer design that was destined to be self-sufficient on the battlefield. We could make any replacement parts and anything else needed for years if we had the right supplies.

My battalion, that is a unit made up of one hundred Bolo’s just like myself, were to be shipped to enemy planets. We would then stand off in space, or land if needed, annihilate the enemy and move on.

A single Planetary Siege Unit is capable of destroying entire continents from low orbit. We were rarely used that way. Mostly it was landing on enemy held territory and eradicating them. Planets were usually bombarded by cruisers from orbit if needed. Hence the designation, Planetary Siege Units.”

Applejack about fell over, “I beg y’r pardon?”

“Yes Applejack?”

“Did...you just say destroy the entire continent?”

“Yes I did.”

“But..but why?”

“We were in a galaxy wide war Applejack; we called it the Final War. The Concordiat was fighting another empire of a race called Melconians. It escalated from small battles to entire fleets being engaged. It truly was the final war. Entire solar systems were burned to cinders in the rush to destroy each other.

The war had lasted a generation, a century at the minimum when I was originally activated. I served in this war until I was rebuilt in the Bolo Factory, given a new war hull and technology. I was to be sent back out, to once again rejoin the fight.

My mission, my only job, was to wipe planets clean of the enemy and their allies.”

Twilight looked as if she’d been pole-axed sitting beside Applejack. Her head was tilted to the side, almost as if she was unable to believe the scale of destruction just described to her. Applejack was a duplicate, her mouth slightly open, leaning against her friend. Confusion crossed her normally smiling features.

Twilight shook her head, getting to her hooves, leaning against Applejack as she grabbed her friend and tugged. “I’m sorry Crusader, we’ve got to go..I..we..have to think this over.”

“I understand Twilight, the way is open.”

I watch as they both almost stagger out of the maintenance way. I do not have visuals outside yet, but from seismic readings, they are taking off at a very fast pace, away from the entry way.

By being truthful I may have made my most grievous error yet.

Author's Note

Lots of respect to Keith Laumer, the creator of Bolos. :twilightsmile:

Mumbles, Grumbles and Fun with Radio

I am at a loss for words. It has been a week now as I sit and ponder questions, replaying the conversation over in my memory banks. What could I have done? Been less that honest? I even warned them that the answer may not be to their liking, but I never imagined it would be taken as hard as it was.

They have not returned, nor have I detected any close approach of any indigene as of yet.

Their’s must be a truly peaceful society to have reacted in such a way. I have met pacifists, I have met objectors to our kind before. I can be nothing but what I am, a planet killer. My memory cores contain missions in which millions were wiped out in the Final War, many of which I participated in.

I bring up a music file, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and let it wash over the empty command deck. I feel the strings, the quiet power as I continue to question.

A previous commander once argued with me, saying that ‘punk’ was one of the highest forms of music ever created. Needless to say we differed on that point, quite a bit I might add.

I listen to Spring, letting it fill my mind with elegant artistry from so long ago. Even in the time I served, the classics were treasured and wanted for their majesty and power. Except for Commander ‘Punk’....

My status is good, all interlocks and triggers on the nuclear weapons stored in my bay are secure and safe now, the nano-repair systems are efficient and fast. Radiation has been scoured and neutralized. All cartridges for any powder based chemical weaponry have been re-manufactured in my fabricators and are now optimal. The outer armor sheathing is taking a bit more, having to be built up from common materials a bit at a time, and that is what I have, time.

Nanotechnology was quite advanced when I was rebuilt, allowing us to resupply ourselves most of the time, replacing worn parts if we had materials. My war stocks are still quite high, but the armor will take a large chunk out of it. But that is fine, I prefer to be fully operational.

The strings from Autumn bring my reverie back to the conversation. Would that I had couched it in better terms I think. Could I have just lied, yes, I could have. But then I am in a unique position, contacting an unknown race who has extended nothing but goodwill. I would prefer to start off not having to answer awkward questions later if and when they came up. It has been my experience through long years of war, that the questions inevitably do arise.

I have spent the intervening days interrogating all star charts and memory cores on spectra and related phenomena. Once I can place sensors outside, I shall attempt to fix my position in the cosmos. It is very odd as the stasis depot order was given on Earth. Could I have been transported elsewhere and lost? I do not know, and cannot know without further study.

All channels and bands are quiet, even the EL is quiet, there is absolutely zero traffic on any known communications I can perceive. I come back to my original thought, am I alone now? Am I the last of my kind? Surely there might be another unit, trapped in it’s survival center, hearing me but unable to reply, I do not know.

Using all scanners now, I pick up quite a few things, even beneath a covering of soil. They are powerful enough to slip through the surrounding berm and reach into the skies, tagging potential hostiles for targeting and action in case I am needed.

But one thing I am sure of, as I listen to Winter, the final in Vivaldi’s quartet; that like the falling snow, the woods dark and deep, I feel the loneliness.

My sensors register a single quadruped, though I must change that to pony. I make the appropriate notations in my cores. Approaching the hatchway, it gives a few reluctant taps on the door, I gladly slide it aside. My visual sensors register it is Twilight coming down the entryway. I immediately brighten the lights and push warmer air into the walkway, making it more comfortable.

I await patiently as she settles onto the floor, it is not quite comfortable for her I am sure being mostly bare metal, but I am glad she is here.

She gives a sigh, putting her head on her forelegs I believe they are referenced, before looking around.

“Crusader?”

“Yes Twilight?”

“I am sorry.”

For the moment I am taken aback, royalty, such as known in my time and on different worlds, never apologized. Theirs was the right of kings.

“For what?”

Twilight’s ears dropped a bit alongside her head, not looking as cheerful as she had days ago. “For not staying, for not talking, for...for running away.”

“It is fine Twilight. It was something you were not prepared for, and never had experience with. It was a mistake on my part for not saying it..maybe a bit gentler? But there’s is no couching it in simple terms I fear.”

“But..but.. I’m the Princess of Friendship, I should make the effort to befriend, or at least try to understand! I let my fear get in the way, and..and I had to leave. I am so sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologise for. Nothing Twilight.”

At this, she perks up, ears forward as she leans a bit, intently listening.

“I was made, or born if you prefer to do what I had done. My mission, my life if you will was dedicated to destroying the enemies of the Concordiat. It is..was.. all I know and had known. I am an unknown, I am unlike probably anything you have encountered. I do not know. But now I find myself in the midst of a new world, a new race of beings that have never known war like I have. I believe it is I who should apologize.”

She looks a bit confused for a moment, before a small sigh once again is released from her.

“But I was the one who ran!”

“I was the cause of it. For that, I humbly apologize, and shall try to see it never happens again.”

Twilight waved a hoof around, “Nonono, this is not how I wanted it to go. I should apologize for acting that way. I should have been smarter than I was. I mean, I had....” She reaches into a bag along her side, getting out a sheaf of parchment with her mouth. My sensors register tightly written notes on them as she sets them in front of her. “I had a whole apology written, and things I could say.. and ... You weren’t supposed to apologize to me!”

She flops down on the floor, lying on the stack of parchment with a somewhat disgusted look on her face if I read it correctly.

“I can listen to whatever you had written, I am nothing if not patient. Besides, you do have a captive audience with me.” I let a chuckle flow through the directional speakers, “You cannot plan for everything I’m afraid, some times you have to accept things and move forward no?”

“But..but it’s ruined now! I can’t say all this now, and.. you apologized! Ugh!” She waved her hooves around in exasperation.

“Twilight, being a friend means you accept them as they are. Even if they apologize as well for something you wanted to apologize about.”

Twilight twisted her hooves in front of her for a moment, then cracked a bit of a smile, “Captive audience huh?”

Why do I have this strange feeling I should not have said that?

Approximately seven hours have gone by, it is late afternoon, and I am sure that my data cores are quite full of the subjects of spells, their use and creation. Also, something called Obscure Unicorn Lore and History, has been left with me to scan and enter into my banks. I really do not believe she’d quiz me on this, even though she had mentioned that. I have had a tech spider insert it into the scanning documents drawer and is now being entered into memory, just in case.

It is amazing how many items she had pulled out of those bags, saddlebags they are called, though there is no saddle. Of course due to limited space, she had not carried as many items as she had wanted she explained to me. For this, and I am ashamed to admit, I am grateful.

The chat was pleasant, when we were not discussing the merits of technology compared to magic. I explained in the world I had known, it was a myth, and had never worked. Somewhat shocked, she did demonstrate, and I recorded, the use of magic. The unknown spectra and energy signature I have analyzed quite thoroughly now. Points of evidence are adding up to a conclusion about my situation, but I still need more data.

I admit, seeing telekinesis in action was somewhat baffling, as well as fire starting and a few simpler spells. It is definitely something I would like to investigate further.

As for information, besides magic and history, I have learned quite a bit of this world. There appears to be an assembly of princesses, though the main rule is held by two sisters, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. It is a unique situation, as my data cores show nothing like it in Concordiat experience as well. This discovery has piqued my interest as well for Twilight says they are both immortal.

In return, I have promised Twilight to print out a few books from my world of Old Earth. I had mentioned Shakespeare, she had shown an interest and I quoted from the Sonnets. This led to further discussions, with myself promising to make copies she could add into her library in her castle.

I have also learned the proper use of pony, nopony, somepony, etc. This will help me relate more readily if I encounter anypony else.

One thing I did wish to do was extend sensor masts beyond the covering of soil that is above me and asked permission. I explained to her they were not weapons, but would allow me to scan the immediate area for at two thousand kilometers in any direction. Of course converting kilometers into their unit of measurement is not quite working until I can figure a table out, but she agreed and stepped outside to watch them.

I am loathe to display advanced technology, but as the masts are not easily accessible and protected, they cannot be reverse engineered, all they would see are four very large columns of metal with lenses.

Twilight stepped out of the warm tunnel, trotting up the hill as she waited for what Crusader had said were ‘sensor masts’ to rise up out of the ground. The ground trembled a bit as four large round sections of grass rose into the air. Four gunmetal gray poles lifted themselves into the air, topped by divots of grass and soil.

She approached them cautiously looking at the four pillars, quite thick, covered in golden windows that turned and spun a bit, reflecting the afternoon sunlight. She could see her reflection in them as they swiveled and looked back at her, Crusader’s voice entering her ear once more.

“I can communicate with you outside as well now Twilight, and spot any danger for quite a distance. This might make it a bit easier for me to spot trouble.”

Twilight tilted her head, still letting her eyes wander over the big columns, “Hardly anything ever gives us problems, and when it does, it’s handled quite readily. So why do this?”

“Can we just say, barring the past, I would like to protect a friend?”

She nodded, still looking closely at one of the LiDAR lenses. “So what do these do?” Her curiosity knew no bounds with things new.

“The one you are currently looking at is a range finder basically. I can pulse a target with it, and find distance to it immediately.”

“And this is used for?”

“Would you like the reason or shall we just leave it at that?”

The voice made her jump, remembering the previous explanation that caused so many problems, she took the easier course, “Oh..well...no problem. It is very neat looking.”

“Thank you.”

Twilight patted her chin a bit before turning away from the rotating lens, “Well I guess it’s time for me to go. I have spent quite a bit of time today with you.” She actually blushed a bit, embarrassed as she realized she had been lecturing for quite a few hours with no one to stop her as they usually did.

Crusader couldn’t resist as the chuckle came across, “As I said, you had a captive audience.”

Twilight cheeks lit up as she started to apologize again, before suddenly realizing he was teasing her, “Oh..you!” She waved a hoof in farewell as she trotted back to Ponyville, chuckling at herself. Making a mental list though of what to bring next time she visited. I’m sure he’d love the Starswirl Biography, and the one about Clover, oh can’t forget Mundy’s Ramblings On Some Stuff too, always a laugh.

I continue my watch as Twilight trots away from the hillside, heading for a small town in the distance. She had said it was named Ponyville, apropos I think. I snap all targeting radars and LiDARs up and begin scanning, microwave pulses go out, giving me a map of the current area. Considering I am on a level above the normal ground, it gives me a vantage point.

I do feel a bit badly about not telling Twilight about the masts full capabilities, the 10mm infinite repeaters are a protective measure for the sensors. But if I am to protect my friend, and any of hers that are visiting, it is a chance I shall take.

Currently, as the night falls, mapping of the local area goes quickly, I now have plotting data I can use if ever needed for battle.

As the sun rises, I continue my watch from the hilltop, the sensors are scanning clearly. It is a beautiful day actually, the sky is very clear, temperature of seventy eight degrees. A nice day on any world.

My hatchway is about to be assaulted by three very eager looking fillies if my terminology is correct.

Applebloom knocked on the door, out of breath and nodding to her friends, “He’s gonna love this ah’m sure!”

Sweetie Belle was actually bouncing in place, a miniature version of Pinky for the moment as her excitement got the best of her. “He is, this is gonna be great! But we gotta ask what those big things are sticking out of the ground, they weren’t here before.”

Scootaloo agreed, “Yeah, they’re kinda cool looking though!”

I open the hatchway, three smiling fillies tumble down it, ending up in a heap on the command deck floor.

“Hello my Commander, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo. What can I help you with today?”

Applebloom untangles herself first, leaping up to sit at the console while the other two stand up, taking places on either side of her.

“We are here to formally ind..in.. the hay was that word?” Applebloom gives Sweetie a pleading look.

“Induct.”

“Raht! In-duct you into the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

“I beg your pardon?”

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders! We try out different things to get our Cutie Marks! ‘Cause I know I toldja it was the best thing ever right?” Applebloom is now bouncing in the commanders chair with excitement.

Considering the amount of destruction they do cause on the command deck, I wonder if this is wise. But as a philosopher once said, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” I agree.

“Yes you did my Commander. Is there a ceremony of some kind then?”

I really ought to watch what I say, there is a flurry of movement, and an impromptu podium is assembled. I fear for the spare parts lockers and resolve to weld them shut at the first opportunity. A pronouncement is made, though why this takes an hour I am not quite sure. I do pay attention however, such is not hard for a psychotronic unit.

“..and so, from Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess Cadence, and above all US! We here-by in-duct you to the Cutie Mark Crusaders!

“Thank you my Commander, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, I am honored.”

Sweetie Belle pops up on the chair, laying a red embroidered cape over the back of it, a pony rampant with cape is emblazoned on the back, “And here’s your official cape too!”

I swivel a camera around,taking in the expensive looking fabric, wondering how they might have obtained it. But I am inordinately pleased at the sight of the cape along the back of the commanders chair.

“I thank you all, I will be pleased to display it proudly. Though I am not sure if I can obtain a Cutie Mark myself.”

Scootaloo piped up, “Sure ya can! We’ll help you! Maybe along the way we’ll earn ours too! It’s a win win!”

I ponder on that for a moment, though Twilight did say that so far only ponies received cutie marks, it was not known outside of their race. If it was, it is considered rare. But as I do not wish to disappoint...

“Then I shall attempt my best effort into obtaining one as well.”

“YAY!” Three pairs of hooves waved in the air. Settling down, the three fillies told Crusader about their day, and what had happened during the time no one visited. Lunch was brought out and shared, sugary sweets as well as sandwiches, they seem to have come quite prepared for a stay.

Conversation did turn quite often to Cutie Marks, what they had tried and failed at to receive them. If I could flinch I would do so at some of the antics described.

As I listen to the three talk, it becomes apparent that they are disturbed by one named Diamond Tiara. A typical bully if I get my read on it correctly, and one that could be taken care of with a self directed 40cm mortar round. But as I have been admonished by Twilight about those things, maybe I can find a solution. I will have to think on this, though I do wish I could help immediately, crestfallen looks are not enjoyable among such cheerful little ones.

I do tell them about the sensors up above, which elicits a chorus of ‘COOL!” I tell them if they are in any trouble, if they are close enough, stand in the middle of the square formed by them and I will see what the problem is. The positioning should give me ample opportunity to keep them from harm until help arrives.

The day ends to soon though, as I do enjoy the company and the cheerfulness which infects them in their seeking of the cutie mark. I look forward to when they may be able to visit again. Until then, I shall do my utmost to find a solution to this Diamond Tiara problem.

I spend the evening comparing star charts to the sky I observe. There is to be no moon tonight I was told, the new moon being in effect of course. So I shall have to wait a few days until it decides to show up again. The three fillies have told me that Princess Celestia and Luna, raise the sun and moon. Which goes against anything in my data cores, the concept of a geocentric solar system much less a universe shown to be patently and demonstrably false.

My comparisons on star charts and known phenomena are quite different, though the algorithms are seeing if time adjustments can make anything fit. As fast as I am, it will take a while to see.

During the night I believe I have come up with the solution to a communication problem. My fabricators have been idle, nanos taking over armor repair now. Taking a few minutes to create the gift took no time at all. I have one of the tech spiders take it out of the drawer to set it on the console, to await Twilights visit. As I am not sure if she will bring Applejack, I also provide one for her as well. This will make things a bit easier, for me to see and hear what is going on.

I will seek permission to launch one or more stealthed drones, my only concern is the Pegasi and other animals that fly, but they can be programmed to avoid such confrontations. Though with the difference in sight, I do not know if normal stealthing would work, I must either ask Scootaloo to test it or find someone else.

The description of things that have come out of the Everfree forest concerns me, as my larger weapons are not free at this time, though I stand ready to blow gunports clear. I do hope I am not needed to do so, and that smaller solutions can be found. It would be quite the overkill on what they call a Manticore if it was hit by a five megaton per second Hellbore.

It and quite a large section of forest would not survive the consequences, I am sure that would not please the local authorities. I check my cores for patterns for non-lethal weaponry, picking and choosing a few designs that may work. I will put them in the masts soonest.

I find myself actually anticipating, and happily awaiting my visitors.

This day, I see the sun rise, and analyze the spectra and absorption lines. I plug it into the analysis programs comparing star charts to see if a similar match will appear.

I see Twilight and her friend Applejack come trotting towards the hill out of the township I watch closely to make sure nothing happens on the way out, as they knock politely on the hatchway.

I wait as they settle themselves on the floor, wishing there was a way to make them more comfortable.

“Crusader,’ Applejack speaks first, “Ah really want to apologize..”

“Applejack, as I have told Twilight, there is no reason to apologize. If you wouldn’t mind, all is forgiven.”

Applejack scratches the back of her neck for a moment, “Well if that’s what ya want.”

“I do, and I have a gift for both of you as well.”

Twilight perks up at this, “Really?”

“Please look on the console, you will find boxes containing the items.”

Twilight and Applejack stand up, peering at the small boxes as they take them with their hooves, opening them on the floor. Applejack notices the cape along the back of the chair, giving it a wary look. “Well I see they’ve inducted you into their club there Crusader.”

“Yes they have, I think it is an honor.”

“Well don’t you let them go talking you into doing something, they cause enough problems on their own!

“I promise I shall restrain myself Applejack.”

The Earth Pony laughs, “Oh I dunno, they’re pretty convincing when they want to be.”

Twilight is busy opening her box, motioning to Applejack to do the same.

“Oh this is pretty!”

“Well, can’t say’s I like frou-frou stuff mahself, but it is nice.”

“As you can see, there is a bracelet first, please put those on your foreleg. You can also see another small band, connected by a fine chain to a larger one, the larger is to fit over your ear, resting at the base, put the band on the outside of your ear, about midway, it will adhere by itself and not fall off I assure you.”

They followed instructions, putting the band and bracelet sets on, I thought they looked quite nice.

“I took the opportunity to put your cutie mark symbols on them as well. Also, I tried to match your coat colors as closely as I could. The bracelet on your legs, contains what is called a tracker, I can track you anywhere within range and know where you are exactly at any time. Also, if you wish to turn it off at anytime, press the cutie mark twice. Once to turn back on. Just talk at the bracelet if you wish to talk with me. The band on your ear, is a small camera, I can see what you look at very easily.

I watch as they take a look at the bands, micro communications were very easy to make, disguising them however took a bit of thought. I believe they turned out quite well, and it will allow me to see the wider world, I am eager to experience that.

Twilight taps her band, holding it to her mouth, “Can you hear me?”

I reply on the combat channel to both of them at the same time, “I can hear you just fine. If you notice, only you both can hear my reply, so it may look as if you are talking to yourself if you’re not careful.”

Applejack doubles in laughter, “Crusader, you don’t know Twi like we do, she talks to herself all the time!”

Twilight turns to her friend, “I do not! Well, not all the time! I’m just thinking!”

“Like when you ran headfirst into Mayor Mare that one day cause you were talking to yourself?”

“That...that was different. I mean the Parasprites were taking my attention!”

“Right Twi, right. So now Crusader can see when you bump into things. Maybe we should ask if he can record em somehow to play back later huh?”

“Applejack!” Her cheeks turn a bright red, “That’s, well that wouldn’t be very nice.”

“Sure would be great at the next sleepover! Twilight Sparkle’s greatest bumps!”

Twilight facehooves and turns away from the laughing Applejack, “Thank you very kindly for the jewelry Crusader,” She gives a mock glare at the Earth Pony, “SOME of us appreciate it.”

Wiping a tear from her eye, Applejack stands back up, “I thank ya too Crusader, but keep a close eye on Twi there willya?”

“I shall Applejack, I promise.”

As predicted though, when they are leaving, Twilight is so ensconced in her new bracelet that she bumps headfirst into the hatchway side. A laughing Applejack leads the embarrassed pony outside where my sensors pick them up to follow along their way to town. I open the combat channels to record and receive in case I am called. I shall ask about the drones later, as Twilight seems quite preoccupied.

Twilight was blushing beet red by the time they made it back to Ponyville, Applejack was exhausted from laughing as she had to keep picking Twilight up when she fell over rocks, bumps, grass, because she was enamored of her new jewelry.

“Seriously Twi,” Applejack wiped away tears, “You really ought to stop being so single minded.”

“But, it’s neat! Talking to somepony at a distance, maybe we could craft a spell like this, or maybe even put pictures over a magic spell some way, or..or..”

Applejack rested a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, “Twi, stop. Really, you’re gonna get so distracted you’ll forget to eat.”

“I will not!” Twilight replied, a second before her stomach gave a loud growling sound.

A soft voice came into her ear, “Even I heard that Twilight.”

The lavender mare’s eyes popped wide, a blush running across her cheeks as she stammered a bit. Giving Applejack a look that told her everything she needed to know.

“Crusader heard that too did he?”

“Applejack!”

That was it, Applejack doubled over in laughter right there on the sidewalk, pounding the ground hard with a hoof and rolling on her side with guffaws.

All Twilight could do was wait for her friend to get back up, “Applejack! C’mon! Get up now!”

“Ohhhhh no!” She replied between bouts of laughter, “Oh no, yer not getting away from this one! You forgot to eat again! And HE heard it too! Oh Celestia that’s good! I think half of Ponyville heard that rumble!”

Twilight tried to hide behind a small rock in the street as she waited for her friend to pick herself back up, her cheeks a bright crimson. “Applejack! C’mon it’s not that funny!” Her stomach gave another growl this time, causing more gales of laughter from Applejack.

Her friend finally got up out of the dust, brushing herself off, wiping away the tears as she tugged Twilight towards a restaurant, “C’mon now, this ones on me, and you stop forgetting!”

Twilight took a seat at an outside table, watching Applejack settle into the other, “But I needed to make a list of books for Crusader, and so many other things. I had to write Princess Celestia and..”

“Twilight Sparkle..” Applejack interrupted, “That don’t mean you can’t get something to fill your belly. Now order up and stop talking.”

The soft voice was back in Twilight’s ear, “Applejack is correct Twilight, you need to look after yourself.”

This time Applejack eyes widened a bit as she leaned over whispering to Twilight, “That sure is kinda spooky ain’t it?” Having heard what Crusader had transmitted to Twilight’s band.

Twilight nodded, but ventured, “I wonder if I could talk to you from far away Applejack?”

The reply came immediately, “Just say ‘Link Applejack’ and you will be directly connected to her band Twilight. To stop, just say ‘Unlink Applejack.”

Twilight looked around, seeing the wait pony heading for them to take their order. She remained silent on that for a moment as they both ordered a good meal for lunch, Twilight’s stomach grumbling once again getting chuckles from Applejack. The wait pony took off with the order as they sat looking at each other, “Link Applejack.”

A tone was heard, then Applejack could hear Twilight in two places at once, “Can you hear me?”

“Whoa! Now that’s all kinds of weird there Twi.”

Twilight jumped up from the table, waving her hooves around, “But this is SO neat! Imagine what we could do with them, I mean talking this way would be useful for ALL sorts of things!”

Applejack raised her eyebrows and glanced from side to side, making Twilight turn her head to notice the rest of the ponies at the restaurant were now eyeballing them with confused looks.

“Oh..uh..” She sat back down at the table, “Sorry folks, just uh...got excited about a new spell.”

A few chuckles were heard as the townsponies were used to Twilight’s antics.

“Unlink Applejack.” Once again a tone was heard and it was back to normal, Applejack could no longer hear Twilight in two places.

“The Alicorn leaned over the table and with a grin on her face, “This is SO cool!”

“I swear Twi, you bother me in the middle of the night with something and I’m comin’ over to bop ya one!”

“But it could be an emergency or something!”

The earth pony pinched the bridge of her nose, “Twi, you think a torn page in a book is a national emergency.”

Twilight twisted her hooves a bit on the table, not looking at Applejack, “But..but it might be an emergency.”

“Ah said no Twi. Only if it’s a real emergency!” Applejack leaned over the table, giving Twilight’s eyes a stare, “REAL emergency.”

The alicorn looked at the table, twisting her hooves a bit more, “Ooookay..”

“Oh stop that....yeesh if ya get TOO lonely..” Applejack immediately got wrapped in a hug as she rolled her eyes.

“I promise, only when it doesn’t bother!”

They were interrupted when the wait pony came back, setting down two very crisp salads, iced water for drinks.

Applejack dug in immediately, followed by Twilight, who kept talking with her mouth full.

“We could talk while you’re applebucking! We’d never get bored!” She was spitting bits of salad everywhere as Applejack just gave her a deadpan stare.

“Twi..salad first.”

Twilight gave a frustrated look before swallowing her mouth full, returning to the salad as Applejack directed.

The soft voice advised in both their ears, “Remember, you can turn them off at night, two taps on the cutie mark.” Heading off Twilight’s protestation almost like he was there, Crusader continued, “If it is an actual emergency and they are turned off, you’ll hear a soft chime.”

Applejack grinned, “Thanks Crusader.”

“You’re very welcome Applejack.”

Applejack admitted, those things were kinda neat as she settled down for the night. Wandering around with Twilight was exhausting sometimes, but she was a friend, and AJ loved her to death. But now, she was looking forward to a few hours of shuteye.

Bing..... “Applejack?”

“TWILIGHT!”

Author's Note

You saw it coming, you had to :pinkiehappy:

Simple things get complicated

Applejack woke with a grumble, having been bothered all night by a chiming sound that came from the earpiece, having finally flung it across the room after turning it off.

Was a durn sight better when we didn’t have them things I’m thinkin’

Admittedly, it was useful when she wanted to get a hold of Twilight for something, but when Twi went on one of her all night studying sprees, she felt as if Applejack had to be included.

I love her to death, but I swear.. She pinched her nose, trying to comb out her mane to start the day. I’m gonna clobber her if she don’t get a handle on this stuff. Celestia’s sake what was she doing at 2am anyways?

Looking in the mirror, she slipped the bands with the chain over her ear and twisted her head from side to side, I gotta admit though, sure does look purty when it matches the color of mah coat.

She leaned in for a closer look, seeing the three apples that made up her cutie mark engraved on the bands, quite delicately and very very fine, but colored just that much different to stand out to the eye.

I do wonder how the heck he did this though, sure is pretty good work if yah ask me.

It seemed that the fashion accessories were also getting looks from the other ponies in town, asking them where they had acquired them. This had caused some problems, as Twilight and her had agreed to keep mum about what they really were, saying they were ‘gifts.’ Rarity had reported a flood of ponies asking if she made them, causing her to broach the subject with Twilight and her; they told her the whole story of course after a Pinky Promise.

Seeing that nopony in town made them just caused some folks to be curious, as it appeared they were making a new fashion statement, but nopony would take credit for making them. This on the other hoof, being Ponyville, immediately started the rumors. Applejack and Twi were in a secret relationship. Twi and AJ were seeing someone on the side together. Her and Twi were sharing somepony, stars and sun some ponies got nothing better to do than think about other pony’s lives. Argh.

Though I did like the ‘It’s a secret club for the Elements of Harmony’ one, that was weird enough almost to be true.

Applejack though, as honest as she was, kept her responses simple and true, it was a gift. But was it lyin’ when you didn’t say from whom?

No, no it’s not I think. It’s just keepin’ things to mahself. Mah business is mah business dangit!

As she finished getting ready for the day, slipping the bracelet on, ain’t nopony’s business what I do or don’t!

Of course Applebloom was intensely interested in the new jewlery. She KNEW her sister never wore stuff like that unless it was a special occasion, or she wore something nice on a date.

This of course, caused no end of problems until Applejack shooed her out of the house and got on to her daily chores.

“Applebloom I swear! It was a gift from a nice pony, cain’t ya just accept that?”

“But c’mon sis! It’s so cool! Who gave it to ya? That vegetable selling stallion at the market I bet! He’s been eyeing ya!”

Applejack swatted at her little sister, “Now you stop that! Ain’t nopony been eyein’ me!” She leaned down with a pointed hoof, “And don’t YOU be starting any rumors either missy!”

“I ain’t startin’ any!” The little filly answered, “But alot of fillies and mares been wondering where they could get em too, they’re really neat! Sweetie Belle said alot of folks been comin’ to Rarity and asking her to make them one.”

Applejack thought on that. Rarity knew who had made them, but was far too good a pony to duplicate anything to pass it off as hers. She had a thought that might help all of them, but she had to get rid of her sister first.

“Applebloom, you go on out now and get started on them chores before you go crusadin’ hear me?”

“Awwww, but we were..”

“Applebloom.”

The cheerful smile was back, irrepressible Applebloom was, and she was happy doing mostly anything, “Alright, alright, ah’m goin’ ya big meanie.” She gave her big sister a wink and was out the door.

Applejack sighed, sitting at the kitchen table for a moment, thinking about this problem of supply and demand. Tapping her bracelet once she said softly, “Crusader?”

“I am here Applejack.”

“I been thinking bout these bracelets and stuff, you heard bout all the ponies wantin’ one?”

“I have, Twilight is concerned about them finding out what they really are.”

“I think I got a solution, link me to Twi please?”

A chime sounded softly, “Done Applejack.”

“Twi you there?”

“Hi AJ!”

“How can you be so cheerful..nevermind.. meet me at the hill this afternoon, I got me an idea. Bring Rarity too okay?”

“Will do! See you then!”

Applejack sighed, “Cain’t anything ever be simple anymore?”

A soft chuckle answered her, “I’m afraid not Applejack. Life has it’s hurdles, and I am sorry for putting this one up for a simple gift.”

Applejack chuckled, “Ain’t yer fault, some ponies jes’ got to be overly curious about some things.”

“I understand.”

“Well time for me to be getting to the chores, I’ll talk at you soon Crusader.”

“Have a good day Applejack. Would you like me to put some music on your set so you can listen to something while working?”

“Oh nah, I’d get all distracted about it and probably get mahself in trouble, but thanks!”

“Then have a good day.”

“You too!”

Applejack smiled a bit at the bracelet, sure was a neat thing though. But applebucking wouldn’t wait, they got cider season coming up and for sure Rainbow Dash would probably be at the head of the line, or try to again. So she had to make sure they had enough of everything just in case.

Spike, on the other side of town, was giving Twilight mysterious looks all day long until she confronted him about it.

“What’s with the looks? Seriously Spike, you’ve been keeping tabs on me all day, what’s going on?”

The little dragon looked a bit abashed as he tried to find anywhere to look but at Twilight.

“Spiiiike.”

“Well I know you stay up all late and stuff, but who are you talking to all night? I mean jeez you’re having this conversation with nopony!” He gave her a narrowed gaze, “Unless it’s ghosts! Are you talking to ghosts now?”

Twilight, on her usual sojourns through the new castle had been talking to Crusader. She had found he never slept so could hold conversations at any time of day or night. Having a pony to talk to all the time was really convenient, albeit a bit odd when people saw her talking to herself quite a bit more than usual.

“There’s no such thing as ghosts Spike. I’m just..just..” She didn’t like to mislead the little guy, he was her brother practically, “I’m just talking to myself alot more, you know. Princess duties, all the stuff we have to do here.” She rubbed the back of her neck a bit, giving him an abashed look.

“You sure it’s not ghosts?”

“It’s not ghosts Spike! Where do you get these ideas from?”

“The latest issue of Power Ponies! See they go up against the Ghost Mare of Manehatten! She controls spirits and is having them terrorize all the ponies...”

“Spike.. stop. There’s no such thing as ghosts, yeesh!”

“Okay then, but if you get haunted, don’t come to me!” With that, he sauntered off down the hallway, heading for his room and collection of comic books.

Twilight planted a hoof on her face and sighed, “Where do ponies get these ideas!”

“I believe it’s from you talking to me at all hours Twilight. You may wish to be more circumspect.”

“But..but there’s so much to learn! I still have to show you all the new books! You have so much to tell me in return, it’s just I enjoy talking about things! Everypony else kinda cuts me off....”

“Twilight, as a person in my world, a pony you’d say, once said, ‘Knowledge is power.’ But let me add a caveat to that, ‘Applied knowledge is power.’ You can have all the knowledge you want, but if you cannot apply it correctly, what good is it? You end up hurting yourself and others.”

“I know, I know. That’s why Celestia sent me to make friends here. I guess I’m doing the same thing, only not surrounded by books in the library this time.”

“I will always be here when you wish to talk, never worry on that point. There is time.”

“I don’t know, I mean there’s so much...” She twisted her hooves in front of her now, setting on a bench in the castle’s library.

“Twilight, believe me, no one pony can ever absorb everything they want to. Do not neglect your friends for the sake of something new.”

“I..but..” She sighed a bit unhappily realizing the truth in the words. “You’re right, I’ve spent too much time talking with you. Even Spike is getting suspicious.”

“Then go out, enjoy yourself, it won’t hurt anypony.”

Twilight’s head popped up, ears perked, “You’re right, I’m going to hit Sugarcube Corner and get a piece of that double chocolate cake!”

“Have a good day then Twilight, and have fun.”

“I will! Thank you!”

I leave the combat channels open, hearing and seeing what Applejack does as she goes through her day. Appleblooms’ curiosity will not be assuaged by mere words. She is curious about everything and this might bode ill if not handled right. Eventually, what I am will be found out, it must be handled in the right way to prevent destabilization of the culture. Being able to fabricate anything with the right materials could be a major upset of the economy. What my capabilities are will have to be a close held secret I’m afraid.

As for Twilight, she is also intensely curious. I have known scientists so single minded that they forget to relate to everyday things. Eventually they become so cloistered they are no good for anything unless it is their work. I would not see that happen to the happy mare. She is full of life but approaches things with the narrowed vision of blinkered eyes. Maybe I can gradually shift our talks to something other than the sciences.

She also informs me, the sensors posts can be seen quite well, some ponies have come to her with questions. I have made an error and did not think it through, though it is a bit late. She is staving the questioners off for now, but it does prove a bit of a problem to think about.

I find my days not so long as they once were. I am not relegated to Low Level Alert status now, and can use as much power as I deem necessary, exploring the wide world around myself.

Applejack has arrived as planned, she is currently relaxing under the shade of one of my sensor masts. A bright sunny day, a bit of heat, and I’m sure long working hours contribute to the desire to relax a bit.

I am curious as to what this idea she has is concerning the micro links. I cannot give such technology to everyone, considering the resources needed and the fabrication time on such a large amount. Not to mention the clutter on the combat channels.

Something quite large has landed on one of my sensor posts, I stop the impulse before it goes out to my weapons systems to unlimber in reflex. It appears a cyan colored Pegasus is currently perching on the broad top of the mast, I swivel lenses to scan it as I am not familiar with it, it is not on the list of current names and images of ponies allowed in the security zone. Once again, I abide quietly, Twilight’s sadness at the destruction I have caused makes me hesitate to do something to break the trust we have built. I do watch closely however, a non-lethal weapon is slid into place in my masts. If it causes any problems for Applejack, it will find itself covered in bright pink dye from marker bullets.

As well as getting hit by them, it would take weeks to get out the color, easy for spotting troublemakers. I am particularly proud of this design.

“Hey, Hey AJ! Whatcha doin’?”

One eye cracks open as Applejack looks upward, “What’s it look like ah’m doin’? It’s called relaxing ya goof!”

The cerise eyes rolled in their sockets, “I know that AJ, I meant whatcha doin’ out here?”

Applejack hesitated a bit, she didn’t want to be dishonest, and Rainbow was a friend, “Meetin’ Twilight and Rarity, we got some stuff to do.”

“Like what?”

“Rainbow Dash, do ya have to know everything?”

“Well of course! I mean I can help! Besides being awesome I can do tons of other things!”

“Like crashin’?”

Now the cyan mare looked away from Applejack’s laughing eyes, “Well, I mean besides that ya know!”

“Alright ya goofy pegasus, you can wait with me and we’ll see what Twilight says when she gets here.”

“Alright!” She swooped down, giving Applejack a big hug, “So what we doin’?”

“Rainbow Dash, just cool it down and relax. Fer Celestia’s sake I’m getting some rest and sunshine, do the same.”

I watch the interaction, amused at the response from Applejack and the interplay between what is two very different points of view. Applejack is very laid back, easy going. While it seems this Rainbow Dash, is on the point of nervous action all the time. Sensors register a fast heartbeat, a metabolism that appears to be quite a bit more action oriented than Applejacks’. It’s an interesting dichotomy, the nervous fluttering of wings, unable to sit still for more than a few second it appears. I swivel some diagnostic scanners toward the cyan mare, noting the multi-colored mane as well. It is truly amazing to see the differences in coloring. Is it some sort of plumage based coloring or is it a rare type? I must ask Twilight some time.

I wonder if all Pegasi are born with the urge to keep moving, as theirs is an unknown species to me. I wonder if one would volunteer to let me scan them in the medical bay for further research. I put that thought aside as Twilight and another pony arrive. This one a light grey with curled indigo mane with gradients. Her cutie mark is three gems on her side..flank?... as well. Sensors on two poles swing toward them as they arrive.

Rarity appears to be of the Unicorn species as well. This should be interesting.

“Darling, I don’t see why you have to drag me all the way out to this hill for just a simple meeting.”

Twilight shares a smile with Applejack, “It’s more than a simple meeting Rarity, we want you to meet somepony, and since Rainbow Dash is here too, we’ll introduce both of you.”

Rarity gets a curious look on her face, “Oh, could this be that certain special somepony everyone’s been gossiping about with you two?”

Applejack about turned red as she grumbled, “Rarity! You know better than to listen to the ramblin’s of some nosy townsponies!”

“Well I’m sure it’s nothing much, but showing up with expensive jewelry that even Applejack would wear, well it’s sure to get some tongues wagging. Admittedly Applejack never wears anything like that unless forced to!”

The orange pony gritted her teeth for a moment, then relented, “Consarnit, she’s right dangit. Maybe I shoulda not wore it so much, but it sure is pretty.”

“Well then, you can see why somepony would be curious?” Of course Rarity got a smile of victory on her face, having vowed to find out about these mysterious gifts.

Twilight interrupted the verbal sparring, “Alright, alright. Look, you have got to swear you’ll keep this a secret. Alright?”

“But whatever for? Not like there’s something huge to be hidden in simple jewelry! Whoever is making it is going to be selling all over Equestria!”

Applejack facehooved while Twilight sighed, “Rarity, seriously, you’ve got to swear. Make it a Pinkie Promise.”

The azure eyes rolled a bit as she sighed dramatically, “Fine fine.” As she and Dash went through the motions and promise, “There, Rainbow and I have sworn. Now, what’s the big secret?”

Twilight led them over to the hatchway, tapping politely on it. As it opened the lights lit the corridor, warm air pushing outward as she led them down the tunnel.

“Oh this is dreadfully understated, needs a better carpet I think, some throw rugs.”

Rainbow’s exasperated voice came from the back of the group, “Not everything needs redecorating Rarity! Yeesh!”

“It never hurts to make things nice Rainbow Dash, I’m sure your own domicile could use some updating!”

“I happen to be quite happy with mine thank you!”

“I’m sure you are, though of course Wonderbolt posters can only cover so much.”

“Hey!”

“C’mon now, jus’ cause Rainbow hasn’t got some fancy landscape paintings in her house don’t mean nothin’!”

“Thanks Applejack!”

“ ‘Sides they cover more of them stains anyways.”

“HEY!”

The three mares giggled the rest of the way into the command room. Twilight trying really hard not to, but failing miserably as Rainbow looked put out. Every time she saw the face Dash was putting on, Twilight broke into another fit of giggles.

“Alright, alright, it’s not anypony’s fault Dash has a messy house.”

“Yeah! Bein’ busy all the time flyin’ don’t leave much for chores. You ever get that pineapple out of the roof?”

“Applejack!”

“Oh, sorry bout that sugarcube, din’t mean to give anything away.”

I try not to let any laughter slip out of my speakers as I listen to the conversation, this Rainbow Dash getting teased. Although I wonder what they would think if I told them my scanners showed not a bit embarrassment. It appears it is a point of pride for her to get teased by her friends.

The four mares settle into the command area, sitting on the floor or in Dash’s case, fluttering around the high ceiling, “So what is all this?”

“Girls, meet Crusader.”

I take this as my cue, “It is an honor to meet Twilight’s friends. Welcome.”

The two mares look quite surprised hearing the voice directly in their ears, Rainbow zipping around for a bit trying to find the source. “What’s going on? Where ya hiding?”

This I believe is Twilight’s moment to spring a surprise on them. She tells them about the Crusaders finding me, the introductions, even the misunderstandings. She leaves nothing out, is as honest as she can be, even at the dropped jaws of the two friends when they heard of my capabilities.

I remain quiet as they explain the new jewelry, and what it does. Settling any rumors of a ‘special somepony’ which appears to be the same as girlfriend or boyfriend here.

I wait patiently as she ends the briefing, seeing if I am going to have to apologize again for my sins in the past.

Rarity took her hoof off her chest, “Well, he certainly does sound quite polite though.” Making a attempt to regain her balance.

“Thank you Miss Rarity.”

“Oh my, and cultured even!”

Rainbow rolled her eyes, “Oh geez get a room you two!”

A chuckle tolls through their ears, “We are already in a room Rainbow Dash, would you care to join?”

Rainbows eyes shoot wide, a blush crossing her cheeks as she stammers out a mumbled reply. Rarity of course looks shocked down to her hooves. Applejack and Twilight though, well, rolling on the ground laughing is just fine too. I believe my attempt to break the ice has gone well.

“Well I never!”

“Calm down Rare, he was joking.”

“Well still, how unbecoming!”

Rainbow on the other hoof, was still trying to recover, her voice gaining a bit of strength as she cleared her throat.

“So what’s all that mean in the end?”

Twilight speaks up, “It means, we keep it between us, for now. I have written Celestia and told her everything that’s happened, she would like us to just keep doing what we’re doing till she and Princess Luna can come visit.”

During the discussion, I have modified a couple more communications sets, engraving the cutie marks of Rainbow Dash and Rarity, matching the colors quickly to their coats once the briefing was over. Having patterns stored allows me to manufacture quite quickly, which is a boon as these are Twilight and Applejack’s friends, and I would like them to have the ability to chat as I do with Twilight and Applejack.

"If I may interrupt Twilight?”

“Yes Crusader?"

“If you would open the drawer to your left, you will find two more gifts for your friends.”

Twilight does as I request, revealing two boxes like the previous ones, this time I believe I have outdone myself. In modifying Rainbow Dash’s, I add a prismatic shine to it, the colors of the spectrum are visible when sunlight reflects, as well as the usual cutie mark engraving. For Rarity I add a pearlescent shine, to offset the light gray of her coat. In all I think I am getting fairly good at this.

After theirs is given, I ask Twilight and Applejack to put theirs back in the drawer, assuring Twilight she would get it back in a minute as she was quite reluctant to let go of it. I add a pearly gleam to Twilight’s, making it offset her coat by quite a bit. For Applejacks I also put a bit of red in it and return them. I find myself enjoying the creation of these simple things.

“Why thank ya Crusader, sure is shiny!”

“You are welcome, in the sunlight it will hopefully look quite different than a plain color. It should show a bit better.”

Rainbow Dash put hers on according to what Twilight had shown her, “Can anypony hear me?”

“I can Miss Dash, loud and clear.”

Rainbow blushed at the honorific, her cheeks a bright cherry red now, “It’s..uh..just Rainbow Dash.”

“My apologies, Rainbow Dash it is.”

“And please dear, call me Rarity!”

“Yes Rarity, thank you.”

“So what exactly are we to do with these? Surely you can’t make them for everypony?”

“Actually Rarity, I can, I have manufacturing capability that can provide a few hundred units a day with the proper materials. But what I would not do, is make them like yours. Yours are specialized to communicate and be communicated with, I cannot allow anypony else to have them. Twilight has told me of two others in your group, I am preparing another two sets for them. Other than that, they will be plain jewelry for anypony else.”

“That’s what I was thinkin’ Crusader, make some plain ones. Give them to Rarity to sell, and she can tell them they’re made by some out of town pony!” Applejack looked pleased with herself.

“Applejack! Fibbing to ponies!”

“I am not. They are made by somepony out of town, and they are. Crusader's not IN town.”

Rarity gave her a stern glare, “You know that’s pushing the boundaries of being honest.”

“Ah know, and with those big poles up there, it ain’t gonna be a secret much longer. But he has asked we don’t tell anyone ‘bout all he can do.”

“Applejack is right,” I replied, “ I do not wish to upset the economy nor culture of your ponies. Anything I make, or release if I choose, will have to go through somepony else. I cannot just release advanced technology to anypony.”

Twilight tapped her chin with a hoof, “They’re right Rarity. It sounds like it’s deceiving, but I think it would be for the best. Some ponies aren’t quite as honest sometimes, and we don’t want them getting ideas.”

Rarity thought back to when she dealt with the ponies in Canterlot and outer cities, seeing as how sometimes they would not measure up to her own friends standards and nodded, “You’re right. I have no problem volunteering my boutique as an outlet selling them for you Crusader.”

Rainbow Dash laughed, “Yeah, sure you don’t Rarity, seeing all those bits rolling in. You know how popular they’ve become ‘cause nopony can get one!”

“I will make a bargain then. Provide me with materials, and the color of the coat of the pony wanting it, along with the cutie mark and I will make them. Without the communications. In return, choose a price that’s fair, and split it as you see fit. Applebloom has told me quite a bit about the Elements of Harmony, and it appears the money will be put to good by you all.”

Twilight looked at the other three, “Are you sure Crusader, what about you?”

“Well Twilight, what have I need of any money?”

“But..I mean.. you’re doing all the work!”

“Is that a problem?”

“Well..yes! Because you’re doing all the work! I mean, you should get something!”

“I have made friends for the first time in a long life Twilight, that is enough.”

The four mares looked at each other, Rarity speaking first, “That is so very generous of you. Please at least let me do a bit of, oh let’s say, making it more comfortable in here?”

“I accept Rarity, only if this ends any idea of obligation or debt between myself and all of you.”

Twilight stammered, “But..but! Wait a second!”

Rainbow Dash was the one who put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, “Twi, c’mon. If he wants to do this, let him. We’re not greedy, nopony here is, we’ll do some good with those bits. There’s always something needing done in town.”

Twilight looked stubborn, “You realize we’re talking about a lot of bits here?”

“Bits are the currency in use?”

Applejack pulled one out of a small purse she wore around her neck, “Here’sh one.”

As she dropped the coin on the floor, I scan it, analyzing quickly. It appears to be pure gold, ringing high and clear on the deck. I politely do not mention the near ton and a half of it I have on hand for repairing molecular circuitry.

“It is no problem, please, accept the jewelry and the money as a gift.”

Twilight goes near apoplectic, until calmed down by Rainbow, “Fine, for Celestia’s sake! I won’t argue! But sometime, somewhere we’re going to do something nice for you!”

“I will not argue then Twilight, thank you.”

“Wow, you out-stubborned Twilight, that’s an accomplishment in itself!”

“RAINBOW!”

“Rarity, please feel free to come by anytime for the redecorating.”

“But...!”

“Twi, stoppit.”

Twilight grumbles a bit more before nodding. “Ugh fine!” Throwing her hooves in the air. She doesn’t notice the grins behind her back, knowing she was just being overly concerned.

I watch as they exit the command deck, Twilight is still a bit off-put about me donating the money to be received for my labor. It is the least I can do, for them to welcome anything even like me was a miracle in and of itself. Accepting me as a friend and confidant, even more so.

I turn my sensors to the sky, looking at the moon, comparing my charts and maps to it’s surface. The proof is there, data points matching one by one. The spectra of certain stars nearby are adjusted for time and distance, allowing me to get as close as I can to near perfect certainty.

Though in the discovery, comes a shocking fact. All of my calculations and comparisons of star charts have revealed one thing to me. My study of the local moon has only brought the percentages higher into the inescapable.

I have never left Earth.

The Great Ponyville Paint War and Problems

My sensors scan the skies for threats as I ponder the conclusions I have arrived at. I have not left Earth, this is undeniable. Local star spectra, the sun itself provides clues to everything.

What has happened? Scientists even in my career were often speculating about what happened when the universe got older, would entropy take it into the black of night? Or would it shift into something new?

I have an additional mission now, to find out how long I have been here. To do so, I have set my tech spiders and processors to increasing the data cores, using space inside that is reserved for miscellaneous items I no longer need, I can triple my processing capacity. The work will also allow me to see if I can complete another project I have been charting in the local data cores. I am not sure if a Bolo has ever gone so far, nor done so much to affect a society other than destroying it. This is new territory and I shall be extremely careful.

My sensor post perimeter alarm goes off as something lands on it, I swivel targeting radar to spot the intruder, readying my weapons. It is Rainbow Dash. For some reason, she seems to think it is her personal perch and I have caught her napping on the tops of the posts a few times. We have discussed this. I bring up the link.

“Please Miss Dash, my sensors masts are not a personal napping spot.”

I am treated to a view of an upside down face as she leans over the edge, staring into a video lens.

“Well it’s not like anyone else is gonna use em! They’re pretty comfortable and I can see a long ways from here!”

“I would still prefer you not use them please, in case of anything happening.”

Is that a smirk? She leans in close the lens and sticks her tongue out at me. Very childish reaction I must say as she gives me a half grin and a raspberry in the lens.

“Whatcha gonna do? You’re way down there and I’m way up here. Phbbbbbttttthhh.”

I hesitate for just a moment, thinking upon this. I do not wish to hurt her, but maybe a warning?

“Please Miss Dash, I wouldn’t wish to do anything to cause harm.”

Rainbow Dash waves a hoof airily, “Oh puhleese, not like you have hooves to knock me off here.”

Challenge is accepted.

“Then I suggest you hold tight.”

“Wha....?”

I start rotating the mast, clockwise then counter, easy to do, in combat they are moved at much greater speed than what I am currently doing. From the other sensors I see her hanging on to the edge with a look of stubbornness, I increase my counter rotations. Eventually she loses her grip and goes somersaulting into the air. I admit to somewhat of a childish glee doing that.

“I asked politely Miss Dash.”

“It’s Rainbow Dash! Betcha can’t do that again!” She lands on the sensor mast again, gripping with forelegs quite tightly. “I got it this time!”

“Rainbow Dash, I warn you...”

“Phhhbbbbtttthhhhh..”

I am a Mark XXXV Bolo Combat Unit, I trace my lineage to the famous DInochrome Brigade, mine is a distinguished and honorable line. I will not be out done by a smarmy pegasus.

Challenge is most definitely accepted!

I release the locks and brakes on the sensor mast, I am able to move it freely on ruby bearings, almost frictionless. I begin to spin it clockwise.

Audio is letting me hear the ‘Wheee!” from Rainbow Dash as she hangs on tightly, I increase the speed at which the mast is rotating.

I am now at two rotations a second, I am amazed as she is holding on quite well, so I increase it to four rotations per second and watch. She is holding tight, now quite used to the speed, I increase one more time to six revolutions per second, and amazingly, she is still holding tight. Until I stop it dead.

My emergency brakes lock it tight, stopping the pole in a squeal of metal, flinging the Pegasus into the air at quite a nice rate of speed I might add.

I await patiently as she does not use the combat link, but slowly flies back, landing at the base of the pole looking up at the sensors.

“That...was...AWESOME!”

This was the start of the Great Ponyville Paint War for Equestria.

It appears that my accepting the challenge was only the beginning. It has become somewhat of a fixture now that Rainbow Dash tries to sneak up on me to tag the top of a sensor mast, and I stop her by a warning or flashing a light at her to indicate I have spotted her.

In the spirit of such games, I have had a tech spider in the dead of night put a flag on top of a fifth Column, in the middle of the square of four; it is another of my sensor masts, deployed for this..well..game.

I have told Rainbow Dash, should she get the flag, that she would win the game. So far, Bolo - 4 / Rainbow Dash - 0 ..

Thankfully we are far enough away from the town to not draw attention to the antics going on, which is well. I have been idle far too long and this is a chance to test my skills against an unknown opponent. So far, I am winning. Which is causing Rainbow Dash a bit of consternation as she is quite the athletic pegasus. It is a point of pride she win this game, I am preventing her from doing so, which only increases her resolve.

I am afraid it has gone too far for an honorable surrender from myself as she would take it quite the wrong way, we must play this to the end.

I have turned off the tracker in her bracelet to be fair, it would not do for a Bolo to be accused of cheating. I have also reloaded my non-lethals with a specially designed marker bullet, which will glow a bright neon pink, even in the dark. The bullet can be fired at quite the velocity, but based on the density of the ponies skin and musculature, will do them no harm, except for a slight bruise plus a large colorful mark for the next week until it washes out. I have not advised Rainbow Dash of this new weaponry.

I await my foe.

I am discussing harvest time with Applejack over the combat link when the next assault occurs. My sensors have picked up an unusual weather front moving in on my position, which is strikingly odd. It has been a sunny day, and it appears that this storm front is moving in my direction. Barometric and pressure readings are dropping in my vicinity, showing a localized rain is due soon.

This puzzles me quite a bit, clouds should not move about in such a direct and forward manner. I search my data cores for any instance of this, and am recording the anomaly for further study, when a passing mention by Twilight is revealed wherein she has stated numerous times that Pegasi control the weather.

I immediately go to High Alert status, my targeting radar and range finders snap to as my guns unlimber from the masts. LiDAR informing me there is something within the clouds that is approaching my position.

It is Rainbow Dash!

I put aside questions about weather for the moment as target solutions cross my sensors, I am swiveling gun mounts as the attack comes!

Streaking out of the sky under cover of the rain, a cyan blur heads for the flag. I am shocked for almost a full half second as I see that she is almost going supersonic, the bow shock in front of her blurring her features for just a moment.

I had not realized Pegasi could travel that fast. It is no matter, I shall retain my victorious status and prevent this sneak attack from succeeding!

Solutions are confirmed, barrels swivel as I launch a counter attack on the incoming projectile of feathered pony. I pause, waiting for just the right moment, then give the command to fire.

A three shot burst from one Infinite Repeater catches her in the backside with a “Snap! snap! snap!” heard along my audio sensors. It throws her into a tumble as she loses control, rotating at a height over the sensors masts and ending up in a tree nearby. All weapons are still trained on the intruding cloud and where she has landed as she flies up and out of the encompassing branches, landing near a sensor post.

“Oh that was SO not fair!” She is rubbing her behind where three large brightly glowing splotches are now imprinted.

“Sneaking up using a cloud was fair?” I store my weapons quietly as we talk, returning the columns to their usual lens covered state.

“It’s what I do, I’m a weather pony! Celestia my butt hurts, what the hay Crusader?”

“Let us say it was a new idea that you tested out for me.” I let a small chuckle roll through the combat link.

“Does this stuff wash out?”

“Only after about a week, until then, I am afraid your loss will show to everyone.”

“OH COME ON!”

I am not devious by trade, nor was I programmed that way. But I have informed Twilight of what was happening with Rainbow Dash. It is only fair that my friends know of what the Pegasus has been up to so they can help cover any evidence, though explaining three very bright pink glowing spots on her backside will be humorous.

Even as an experienced combat unit, I had no idea how far Rainbow Dash would go to win.

I connect with Twilight on the link.

“Twilight, has there been large bird migrations through this area before?”

“I don’t think so, Dragons come through once in a generation. But nothing like birds unless they come back from the south after Winter Wrap Up.”

Dragons? I shove that aside for the moment.

“I am currently observing quite a huge flock of animals flying in my direction, they are approximately the same size as Pegasi. I am tracking two thousand four hundred and sixty-five of them.”

I zero in my visual sensors, refining the definition to get a closer look, it appears thousands of colorful Pegasi are winging my way. There is no mistake, they are on track to be here in approximately two minutes.

“Twilight, a flock of Pegasi are heading my way, I am not sure what for.”

“What? Well that’s wierd, you don’t see that many except for.. RAINBOW DASH! Darnit. Connect me with Dash Crusader.”

“Done Twilight.” I listen to the conversation.

“Dash! What are you doing?”

“Don’t worry Twilight, I got it covered, they think it’s a new training exercise. I haven’t told them about Crusader, but they know they might get plunked with a paint bomb.”

“Dash that’s not what we’re supposed to do! Nopony’s supposed to know till Celestia and Luna get here!”

“Sorry Twi, can’t hear you, all these wings flapping!”

I hear the link go dead by Rainbow turning it off.

“Twilight, should I just not do anything? It would hurt her pride if I do not fight back, but I am worried about the innocent bystanders.”

“Argh! You know Crusader, honestly, she started this and I think we can cover it till Celestia and Luna get here to talk with you. So, you know what? Have fun.”

“I bear some responsibility for this escalation Twilight.”

“You won’t hurt anypony will you?”

“Of course not. Just a bruise here and there and glowing pink paint.”

“Then let ‘em have it Crusader!”

“Are you positive?”

“Yep! She wanted a war, she’s got one, we’ll be watching from the outskirts, let ‘em have it!”

“I shall do my best Twilight.”

I let the link go off, unlimbering all non lethals now, my Infinite Repeaters are all tracking smoothly. Five posts worth of weaponry now bristle as I set them on autofire. A true test of my abilities shall be here in approximately thirty seconds. Solutions and tracking data scroll along my data cores; radar, LiDAR and visuals up, concentrating on the incoming flock. My ranging lasers seek out the different targets in the oncoming assault, tagging for plotting data. I am alive again, doing what I was made to do, albeit in a different way. I stretch myself to the limits tracking hundreds of incoming Pegasi.

Rainbow Dash has apparently recruited every Pegasus she could find to plan this attack. I had wondered why I had not seen her in a few days. Now I know.

I mark the shots and await as they near my outer perimeter.

The first Pegasi crosses the demarcation line, I open fire.

My Infinite Repeaters track flawlessly, laying down bright pink spots on sides and fronts of oncoming Pegasi, I pick them out of the air cleanly and smoothly. I am not sure, but when they are hit, I see them drop to the ground as if having been told they are out of the fight when painted. This relieves me of the thought of injuring anypony. It also releases me to my full abilities with the non lethals. I swing them around, a song of war in my heart as I revel in my design, my creation, doing what I have not done in so long, preventing the enemy from achieving an objective!

Once again clouds are being used as cover by the enemy, They are pushing and releasing them my way, causing a severe drop in pressure locally to confound my visual scanners. Somepony has been paying attention when I tagged her in the past. Truly a worthy opponent! A storm front is now roiling above the area, but microwave and LiDAR are still effective, along with other targeting abilities. They shall not reach this flag!

I unlimber more weaponry as the defenses get a bit overwhelmed with Pegasi dive bombing them, allowing me to increase my rate of fire and punch the sneaky attackers out of the air. The air is filled with the sounds of yelling Pegasi, I even see some of them doing overly dramatic death scenes mid-air before dropping from the sky. I record everything, it is quite humorous to see.

Watching them swoop and dive, trying to avoid my outgoing fire is truly amazing to watch. They do stunts and aerial maneuvers that would stun Concordiat pilots at the very least. It tests my tracking to the fullest, I respond with delight for the first time in ages it seems. My processors heat up to track each individual, laying on targeting lasers and landing a shot right on point! With the scattershot maneuvers, I am not on target one hundred percent, but I am making my presence felt.

I am still tracking two thousand four hundred and sixty-five Pegasi. I have currently marked five hundred forty-six of them. They are getting closer to my inner perimeter, I increase fire, ramping up my quantum processors, reloading in record time. I take the extra .0003 seconds on each shot to make sure it hits the main body of any Pegasi, not the wings or eyes. I have plenty of time.

The weapons do not make much noise, I have silenced them quite effectively so nothing is heard beyond the hill. This was done to prevent anypony from hearing them had they been used, and now, I am grateful for the forethought. The amount of fire I am releasing is staggering now, my supplies are being used up but I do not care, I am actually having the time of my life!

The oncoming waves of Pegasi confound tracking a bit by switching and exchanging places midair, they are doing more and more complicated aerial acrobatics to avoid my fire. This causes me to re-purpose my anti-air defense algorithms to predict flight and maneuvers. After .0002 seconds the algorithms lock, and the outgoing fire is increased in efficiency, I am in full anti-air mode, or may I say Anti-Pegasus mode. Though my capacity is limited, I am not using my full output, I believe I am doing well against this dastardly attack!

My count is two thousand three hundred forty-four down, I still have no sign of Rainbow Dash as I mark down more of my flying attackers. The final group I have in sight when suddenly my sensors masts are blinded by a shock-wave. I struggle to recover as a multi color wave races out from an epicenter, disrupting all inputs for a millisecond, throwing my aim off.

It is Rainbow!

She appears to have dived in a sensor blind spot, from directly above, breaking the sound barrier and occluding my scanners with the inevitable shock wave. Very sneaky, and very good.

The input disruption clears for me to see her standing on top of the central pillar with the flag in her hoof, waving it to the cheering crowd of Pegasi around my perimeter. I shall give her this victory with honor, I had hidden my weapons, and apparently she had one I was not aware of. Well played Rainbow Dash, well played.

I believe a celebration of honorable victory is in order. To that extent, I invite Twilight and all her friends, including the Crusaders for a special meeting inside my command deck.

I have fought with honor, and I have lost with honor, such is the way of the Bolo. We are proud, but we are not vain, and so we are gracious in defeat.

My tech spiders arrange the command deck comfortably for all the ponies. I advised them to bring food and to expect a stay for at least half a day. I finish the two new sets of communications gear and place them in boxes, alongside a special gift for Rainbow Dash.

I have spliced together all the moments from our battles to make a movie, with a sound-track culled from the finest composers of the age in my data cores. I do hope they enjoy it.

I think back upon the glorious battle with Rainbow Dash, an opponent of unknown capabilities. I have held my own, bringing honor to my regiment as well as the brigade. I am content with this, dare I even say happy.

It is a strange time I spend musing these things, awaiting for the arrival of my friends. My friends, that is something no Bolo has ever thought, if they have it is not recorded in my cores. Past commanders have been comrades, even close associates, but at no time could I have called any of them friends at the least. We fought, we did what we had to do to protect the Concordiat and all it stood for.

The hotly contested flag I have offered to Rainbow, but she has refused it, saying the battles we fought were more than enough. I have hung the flag in a place of honor on the wall of my command deck. It appears, along with the Crusader cape, I am actually gathering memories beyond those which I store in my cores. It is a comforting feeling.

My masts have detected the approach of Twilight and a group of ponies, it is time for the show.

I am a bit surprised when two large ponies of the Alicorn type accompany Twilight and her friends into my command deck. I am told this is Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I am not sure a movie such as this would be proper for royalty, but I did promise Twilight and her friends.

There are two more ponies I have never met, a golden colored one with pink mane, appearing quiet and shy, and a shockingly pink one, reminding me of the paint markers I had used. She is quite bubbly and bouncy, leaping from place to place in a manner that confuses my interior sensors for a few moments. I am introduced to Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie respectively.

“Please be welcome Your Highnesses, it is quite the honor to have you here. Though I was expecting a visit later.”

The larger of the two returns my welcome with a warm smile, along with her sister.

“It is our honor to meet you as well Crusader, my sister Luna and I were quite curious about certain happenings when every weather Pegasus in Equestria were walking around suddenly with pink paint on them.”

Rainbow tried to hide behind a couch as Celestia looked at her with a mischievous smile, “But of course that wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain battle being fought near Ponyville would it?”

“Of...of course not Princess...” Rainbow was rubbing one foreleg with the other, trying not to look at the white Alicorn.

“Of course not. But it did pique our interest so I asked Twilight and she informed me you had a special presentation for them tonight, I thought I and my sister would enjoy it as well.” This last is directed at myself.

This is not going to end well for Rainbow Dash. I consider her a worthy opponent, and would do nothing to embarrass her. But the movie is made up of all the best moments from our battles, including the shot from the sensors when I targeted her backside with the Repeater. I added that for humor, but it is too late to change anything now.

“You are quite welcome then Your Highnesses. Please if you would, take a seat facing the large window.” I deliberately make no reference to Video or Television, keeping to my no tech release rule.

I see the baskets of food brought out and shared, maybe I should have made popcorn, plenty of it in stores for emergencies for some odd reason.

The Crusaders are quite excited to see the presentation, as am I. I keep the communication sets to present later when the young ones are not in sight. This is to prevent any problems later on from the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

I dim the lights, starting the movie. I feel no shame as the beginning is ripped off from an old 2-D movie named Star Wars. George Lucas I am sure is not around so I feel no guilt.

The showing was a rousing success. Apparently Princess Luna has seen many battles before, and was jumping around during some of the best scenes yelling until calmed by her sister. I found it quite humorous as she was exclaiming ‘Huzzah!” at certain points in the movie.

Having the viewpoints of millions of movies in storage, I had the advantage to put together the best angles and shots, turning it into a bit of an epic. The brave Rainbow Dash against the stalwart opponent.

The golden colored pegasi Fluttershy seemed a bit overwhelmed at all the noise and movement, she ended up hiding under one of the couches. Twilight was able to talk her out saying it was just like a play. I did not correct her.

Applejack, however, was enjoying herself immensely along with Pinkie, giving her a very hard time at the failures to clinch the victory. Rarity even joined in the good natured ribbing.

Of course, Rainbow Dash was turning a bright cherry red as a close up of her backside getting shot three times was evident, the laughter was good natured though. I shall make a point to apologize later.

It seems Scootaloo is a huge fan of Rainbow Dash, and was cheering the loudest as the movie ended with a shot of her favorite pony standing tall on the sensor mast, holding the flag to the sounds of cheering pegasi. I had enhanced the cheering a bit, but will refrain from saying so.

I am familiar with self-styled royalty from my time in combat. Usually they were self-important and carried themselves with that air. However, seeing Princess Celestia and Luna cheering at the end of the movie came as a bit of a revelation to me as well. I am in a different world. If I am to move ahead with my plans to integrate, it is time to lose my preconceptions when I can.

Princess Luna stood in the command center, “Three cheers for Rainbow Dash! Though faced with vicious opposition, she has triumphed for the good of Equestria!”

“HUZZAH!”

Vicious? Well I was determined, but vicious? I think not. Though I admit the shot grouping on her backside was a bit malicious.

After the movie was over, Pinkie was politely asked by Princess Celestia to take the Crusaders back home, as the rest of the talk would be for the older ponies. This was met with quite a bit of opposition, Sweetie Belle was using her large eyes to good effect until Princess Luna stepped in and quashed that. I think I must study that effect very soon, it’s disturbing.

They were promised another visit very soon, but royal duties now took precedent. I was bid farewell by the three young ones as they were taken out of the command deck.

I interrupt the chatting for a moment, “Your Highnesses, if I may?”

All three turned and said “Yes?”

“I do have something for Rainbow Dash to commemorate her victory if I could?”

Celestia smiled, answering warmly, “Please do Crusader.”

“It is customary for an award to be given when one is a winner in battle simulations. This practice goes back many years to my original predecessors and I would continue this. Rainbow Dash, please take the box on the console in front of the chair, that is your award, I have lost to an honorable opponent, and there is no shame in that. My congratulations.”

I watch her reaction as she opens the box, she is quite surprised. I have duplicated a very old award but updated it for her. It shows her in flight across the skies, laser engraved to the smallest detail on a curved gold plate to be worn on a platinum chain around her neck. I watch as Luna affixes it for her, letting it hang on her chest which now juts with pride behind it. I believe the Golden Lion of Terra as updated for Pegasi will be a proud memory.

Pinkie got back in record time to see the award, I find that very odd calculating the speed from town and back.

“It looks very good on you Rainbow Dash.” Princess Luna admires it for a bit, motioning to her sister, “Does it not ‘Tia?”

“It does, and well won Luna, she deserves to wear it.”

Rainbow Dash however is a bit flustered, “I wish I could at least give you a hug Crusader, I mean, yeesh! Just thanking a voice doesn’t seem enough!”

“It is enough Rainbow Dash. Trust me.”

“Oh..well..uhm alright.”

Princess Celestia settles herself down on a couch, “So Crusader, how shall we go about announcing you to the world? It appears you are more than we see, but also Twilight and yourself feel that alot of what you can do should not be revealed.” She continues before I frame a reply, “This I can agree with, but I would ask a definite stipulation.”

“Yes Your Highness?”

“That whatever information you have concerning war, the machines with which it is waged, and anything else which would prove to be used for war, I would ask it never be revealed nor released. I’m sure you understand why.”

“I do Your Highness. I am in full agreement, it shall be done. With my own stipulation, unless it is truly needed by you to defend Equestria.”

Her eyebrows raised at that, obviously she had not expected my pronouncement.

“Why would you say that?”

“I have been treated fairly and kindly by the ponies here, offered friendship when there was none. I am not in my world anymore, but I can defend the new one I am in.”

Princess Luna stepped forward, “You would defend a country not your own?”

“It is my own, I have made it so. My friends have made it for me. Twilight and the others have truly made me feel welcome, I choose to return that. My lineage is old and honorable, we have stood in battle on many worlds and places Your Highness. It was to us to defend the Concordiat, to make safe the peoples..you would say ponies. We have always stood on the line, and we always will.”

Celestia smiled at Twilight, “Well, it seems the Princess of Friendship has made quite the new friend.”

Twilight rubbed a foreleg along another, “Well, isn’t that what I’m supposed to do?”

“Yes my former student, very much so.”

I interrupt the moment politely, “So Your Highness, anything I can do to help, let me know. But there is one thing.”

“And that is?”

“Apple Bloom, my Commander.”

Applejack got a confused look on her face, “What’s wrong?”

“I believe you all think I call her that out of affection, that is partly true. But understand, she was the first to meet me when I awoke, she has been deeply imprinted upon my data cores. If she were to give an order, I would obey, but I have discretion upon those, I am autonomous, meaning I can choose how to obey the order. I cannot directly disobey. But as far as her being my Commander, I am bound by duty, by honor, to protect her. If anything happened to her, make no mistake, I would do my utmost to see she would be avenged.

I bring this up because she and the other Crusaders are being tormented by one called Diamond Tiara. Apple Bloom is young, and sometimes the young are a bit impulsive. Unless she passes command formally to somepony else, there is always a chance that something may happen to cause me to take direct action.”

Applejack speaks up, “But Apple Blooms a good filly, she’d never do anything to anypony.”

“It is not her I worry about Applejack, it is myself.”

Princess Celestia thinks a moment, “Would this solve the problem if you could get her to turn command over to somepony else?”

“Yes, it would, I would have you do it soonest though.”

“We shall see to it immediately then. Plus, we shall see about calming down this Diamond Tiara, we would not want anything untoward to happen until command changes.

“Thank you Your Highness.”

“As for announcements, my sister and I shall call a conference tomorrow, announcing you to Equestria as our newest citizen.”

“I am honored Your Highness.”

Twilight piped up in a cheerful voice, “Do you have the new sets for Pinkie and Fluttershy?”

“I do Twilight, in the drawer as usual. Please feel free to get them.”

Being the voice of experience, Twilight instructs Fluttershy and Pinkie in the use of the sets, and to keep them a secret as well. Pinkie it seems is a very hyperactive mare. Bouncing around, chattering on the combat band as she almost seems to teleport from place to place inside the command deck from excitement. It takes Twilight and Applejack to get her to stay seated.

Fluttershy being new to me, is very quiet and as her namesake it appears, shy. Among the Concordiat peoples, this would definitely have been a handicap, but here it seems to be endearing to those who know her. Quite a change in cultures. I am informed she is a caretaker of animals, and has a house outside the Everfree forest. I mark that for possible drone coverage.

Pinkie, on the other hand, is a mystery. Somehow she moves between people and things without me catching her on the interior security sensors. I hesitate to designate her as a threat, as she is friends with Twilight and Applejack. This bears further study. As soon as the additional data cores are ready, the processors running, I will start programming for further analysis.

I am asked to show the movie again as the assembled ponies take their seats. I do so gladly, having received permission from Princess Celestia to launch drone coverage over Ponyville and surrounding areas. This will allow me to digitally map the areas and plot fire more effectively. I explained to them what a drone was, and have made sure they are stealthed as well visually, being programmed to avoid pegasi as well as any avians.

I do not notify them that they will also be heavily armed. I take my oaths seriously. I have told Princess Celestia that I would defend Equestria, and it will be done to the best of my ability. I have found a new purpose on an old mission.

Listening to the cheers of the ponies as they watch their friend on the screen again. I am content.

Bound by Duty. Uncomfortable Truths.

Author's Note

As it fit into the story arc quite nicely, here ya go Wacky, Kenshinryuu. Enjoy.

Bound by Duty. Uncomfortable Truths.

It was a human called Murphy who once said, “If anything can go wrong, it will.” It was proven time and again in combat, and it is proven even here.

The announcement of my citizenship went well I thought. Twilight Sparkle was there as I listened over the combat link. I am to be given all rights and privileges as well, I shall do my best not to abuse this. Many questions were asked, by the nobility who are a problem on any world. They were handily deflected by subtle words. It was interesting watching Princess Celestia at work, analysis shows she is much sharper than anypony realizes and therefore they underestimate her at every turn. Of course explaining that I was a machine, and was only accessible by a certain room inside a hill was not quite taken so well. Amazingly, she did an excellent job for justifying her actions, although by the camera in Twilight’s band I could definitely see the smirk on Princess Luna’s face at the subtle insults to the nobles.

The jewelry has been a big hit in the local town, spreading to outlying areas as well. Ponies; for all they do, slip into cultural things quite easily, adapting themselves and new things into their surroundings with barely a flicker of thought. It is odd, in Concordiat society change came hard, here it is as simple as the day.

Single local mares have taken to wearing the jewelry, using it to proclaim their status as unwed or untaken. When they are betrothed, or have a new ‘special somepony,” they give the bracelet to that pony. Wearing the matching ear band as a sign of their affection. If it is broken off, the bracelet is returned.

Princess Celestia and Luna have also received sets, I have tagged the channels with Command Priority Codes. When the populace saw that they were wearing them as well as the original six friends, it took off. The only supplier, due to our scheming, is Rarity. She is kept quite busy with orders for new sets everyday. Her dresses and other items selling handily as she is making more of them to match the wearer of the jewelry.

The ruling diarch have agreed with the plan to distribute the monies where needed. I was quite surprised at the amount that is on the books. Twilight was telling me about the upgrades to the Ponyville Hospital that were financed just through the sales.

Though it pains me, I have purposely not given a communications set to Apple Bloom. This was done in fear of my reflexes overriding common sense when it came to a command decision. Once command is turned over, this will be rectified. I do enjoy listening to her and the other Crusaders about their adventures.

This would have been solved had the command turnover happened quickly, but the inevitable delays due to Princesses always being quite busy happened. This was expected and planned for, however, I did not expect it to last for a week. It was getting worrisome.

I had switched to Pinkie’s set to observe her day, she had invited me to do so and it was a pleasure seeing her move around town, working in the local bakery, the everyday things she enjoyed.

However, the camera appeared to be suffering a malfunction, or so I assumed. The point of view from her band was switching from place to place, face to face incredibly fast. Doing a deep scan on the combat sets processors, there was no problem, all was functioning correctly.

The tracker in her bracelet is showing a distinct data flow, as I have stated before it appears she is teleporting from one place to another. This is inherently impossible to the science I know. I have allocated resources to this problem, and will start studying more about the nature of this world and any more subtle effects I am missing. Until then, I shall just have to accept what the data is telling me.

My drones have been successfully launched as well, the Wyvern 48-RSV’s are capable of sustained flight unimpeded for a month before refueling. This allows me to switch them out for maintenance when needed. The sensor masts proved their worth as launch platforms when Rainbow Dash offered to cover the whole thing with a light storm from prying eyes.

I am now receiving battlespace data from all drones, one is tasked specifically for Canterlot, and one for patrol over Fluttershy’s cottage since it is near the Everfree. I am advised that it is a dangerous place to be and so wish to protect my friend. She is the local veterinarian or somewhat close to it, I see the comings and goings of many different animal species. How she controls their behavior is a mystery I will eventually ask about. But the one thing that does strike me, is the similarity of a lot of them to Old Earth animal species. This is not a coincidence I am sure.

At night, my tech spiders travel out to the forest edge, planting small sensors to allow me to receive threat data from along the forest line. I have compared some of the tales told to me by the ponies; Manticores, Dragons, various other things that were thought as myth in my world, are real here. This causes a bit of confusion, but I have dealt with much graver things before. So I plan and update as I can as the information reaches me.

If it comes out of the forest to endanger, it will die before the next step.

I am currently watching the Crusaders attempting to earn their cutie marks in acrobatics, by using my sensor masts as springboards, they are actually putting on quite a show. I do record this in case later they would wish to see. I am alerted by the approach of two more juvenile ponies, they are not on the permission logs.

I immediately snap to High Alert, swiveling sensors to spot and identify the approaching threat. I am responsible for the safety of the Crusaders while inside the perimeter I have marked.

Sensors capture and keep images of the two, including the cutie marks for later identification. I immediately activate audio and visual recording of anything from this moment on. My Commander is enjoying her time with her friends, I would see nothing disrupt it.

“Hey blank flanks, out here causing trouble again?”

Apple Bloom just sighed to herself as the three of them turned to face Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. “Whatcha want Diamond?”

“We were out taking a walk, enjoying the day until it was messed up by you three bumbling around out here.”

“If’n it’s any business of yours, we’re practicing acrobatics to try for a cutie mark in them.” This given in a long suffering voice, Apple Bloom was a polite pony, having been admonished by Applejack any number of times.

Sweetie Belle stepped alongside Apple Bloom, “We’re way too far out for just a walk, what did you do follow us to make fun?”

Silver Spoon, usually a follower, felt a bit braver today for some reason, “Why not? It’s always a pleasure to see ponies making fools of themselves.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, slapping her forehead with a hoof, “Forget them fillies, let’s just have fun.”

“Actually, “ The too smug voice of Diamond went on, “Princess Celestia sent a royal guard for some reason, telling my father to make sure I kept away from you three for a while. Now I wonder who would have cried about that?”

“Well it wasn’t us that’s for sure, we could care less what ya do!”

Diamond turned to her friend, “I think they cried like little foals Silver, how about you?”

“Oh I’m sure, getting a warning from a Royal Guard, well, that’s complaining a LOT.”

Diamond Tiara stepped up to Applebloom, pointing a hoof at her, “That still doesn’t explain why, but I don’t care. My father’s rich enough we don’t have to pay attention to anypony. Especially...” Here she pokes Apple Bloom in the chest, “Somepony like YOU!”

My alarm immediately goes off, standing orders come to the fore as my masts unlimber their weapons, my sensors and scanners now tightly zeroed on the small pony poking my Commander in the chest. Targeting solutions are scrolling now across my data cores, the weapons I am pointing are far from non lethal!

“HALT!” My voice rolls like thunder into the quiet air, making all the ponies jump a bit and look around. “STEP AWAY FROM MY COMMANDER NOW!”

One filly jumps a bit, the one in front of my Commander pokes her in the chest again, I am enraged.

“What’s this? Another of your stupid projects? Some loudspeaker to try and scare us? Well it isn’t going to work.!”

“STEP AWAY FROM MY COMMANDER OR I WILL FIRE!”

Diamond Tiara rolls her eyes, looking at Apple Bloom with a smirk, she reaches out to poke her again with a hoof.

In the picosecond before that hoof connects with my Commanders chest, I swivel a gun mount, my repeater lets off a .05 second burst of ring penetrators at a previously marked boulder, pulverizing it into dust. I swing the barrel around again and give one last warning.

Everything freezes as my targeting computers zero in on the most likely shot for the kill, I pause to see if the juvenile backs off. The hoof stops midmotion, my combat channels are now busy with voices asking what is going on as I see the two fillies start shaking quite badly. I advise over all channels the current situation and the solution if my Commander is assaulted again.

“COMMANDER, STEP AWAY FROM THE TARGET NOW!”

Apple Bloom and the two others scamper to the side, wringing hooves in their ears as the gunfire was probably quite deafening. I remain focused on the target of my ire, death will come very swiftly if she so much as flinches in my sight.

“PUT YOUR HOOF DOWN AND STAND STILL! DO NOT MOVE!”

The hoof slowly comes down, my scanners register a trembling in all four legs as she stands wide eyed. Her accomplice is slowly backing away from her, I let this happen as long as she does not approach my Commander.

My attention does not waiver, I advise the target in a lower voice that should she move, she will end up like the boulder. This I know is heard due to the increased trembling, and it appears a puddle of body temperature liquid is forming underneath her. Checking angles of fire and ricochet possibilities I conclude it is not blood.

It is no matter, if she moves again, she will die. My Battle Reflex quivers at my beck and call, waiting to be brought forward to avenge any slight against my Commander.

My Anti-Air sensors pick up two flying ponies coming in for a landing, weapons are trained on them, identification is made as Rainbow Dash and Twilight. I allow them to land, swinging the weapons back on target.

“Stop! Stop! Apple Bloom!”

The little filly looks a bit curious as she can’t quite hear well yet, seeing Twilight talking to her, “What Twilight?”

“Tell Crusader to stop! Tell him it’s okay!”

“What?”

“Tell Crusader to stop!”

Apple Bloom looks around, not quite sure where to speak, but yells out, “Crusader! It’s okay! You can stop! Stop!”

“Are you sure my Commander?”

“Ah’m fine, I swear, please don’t do anything!”

“Order received.” My High Alert stands down, weapons are put back into place as I return to Mid Level alert status, though every sensor is trained on the small attacker in case.

“Standing down my Commander, are you alright?”

“Ah’m fine Crusader. Sun and Stars what’d you do?”

I can answer, I could tell her everything discussed previously about her being my Commander, but this can wait. I choose a simpler one.

“I was protecting you my Commander, I thought she was assaulting you.”

“Oh no Crusader, it’s okay, I’m fine really, please don’t do that again!”

“As you wish my Commander.”

I wait as Twilight and Rainbow Dash ferry the two fillies back to town, taking care with the extremely frightened Diamond Tiara; it appears the bane of my Commander had made the mistake to step into my perimeter, she was very lucky I fired a warning shot instead of acting on the usual impulse to shoot to kill.

It is too late to take back anything, though I am glad I warned the others about any possible reactions. Twilight advises me over the link that the little ones are not harmed, just extremely scared and are being returned to their parents. I suggest they do the same for Apple Bloom and the others.

I await patiently as my Commander and her friends are taken back to town, the possible repercussions concern me not. But as I have said, this is a new world, it may be more than I can imagine. This will be dealt with in time, as I am a citizen of Equestria, I am sure I shall face the consequences of their justice system. I am prepared to justify my actions, my duty.

I receive a Flag Command Priority communication from Princess Luna. A hearing will be held on my command deck for the incident. Justice it appears is very swift here, let us hope it is also fair. I reply that I await their arrival, I do not look forward to this.

Tracking indicates incoming ponies, both ground and air. My masts swivel and keep them in sight, I am at a heightened state of readiness ever since the incident, it takes a while for a combat unit to stand down from High Alert. Therefore everything is considered to be a threat until and unless cleared.

I record the arrival of the two fillies from the other day, seeing them holding tight to their parents. I am advised Filthy Rich is one Diamond Tiara’s parent, the mother is not here, but it appears her father has a paramour with him at least.

Silver Spoon, the one who backed off at the warning is accompanied by her father and mother as well, she clings to them and appears quite frightened to enter the maintenance tunnel.

They are all led into the command deck by a Royal Guard.

Princess Luna and Princess Celestia arrive with no retinue except Twilight and her friends. I make it a point to greet each one, making sure there is enough room and light in the hatchways for them.

I await quietly as they settle in the various seats provided, everypony looking expectantly at Princess Celestia.

Any pony extraneous to the hearing is hereby dismissed, leaving Twilight and her friends, and the accompanying Princesses, Diamond Tiara and her parent with paramour, Silver Spoon and her parents.

Princess Celestia begins to speak.

“We are here today to rule in judgment upon the actions of two days ago. Wherein Crusader threatened with deadly force a citizen of Equestria.”

She speaks of the incident as told to her and Princess Luna by the two fillies, quite a bit of embellishment was added I’m afraid, but I am sure it will be corrected. If not, I have full audio/visual recordings that can clarify things.

I am asked to give my side of the story, I do so, without any qualms. I show them the recordings as well to prove exactly what I did. I advise them I have no guilt for what I did, that I am trained, programmed this way.

An argument ensues, the paramour of Filthy Rich seems to think she needs to fight for the little filly of her partner. I can understand this, but it makes no sense in the long run. I am sure to be judged against and I am fine with accepting any punishment that comes my way as a citizen of Equestria.

Princess Celestia hears both sides of the case, she does talk with Twilight and Rainbow Dash as they were on the scene as well. Apple Bloom and the other Crusaders it appears, have been talked to already.

I await the conclusion as she sets back on the couch. It appears cases like this are handled swiftly in a most informal way, Concordiat lawyers would have been arguing for weeks if not years. I think I prefer this.

“It is in our estimation of this case. That what Crusader did was no more than could be expected of the Town Guard or Royal Guard.” Celestia raises one elegant hoof as voices begin rumbling, “But, by our laws, the threatening of harm or death is not permissible by anypony. Great care must be taken lest we slide down that road where it becomes commonplace.”

“It is therefore the judgment of this court, that Crusader be fined the equivalent of five thousand bits in punishment for rash actions. This to be distributed to the families of the aggrieved.”

By the gasp from the watchers, I assume that is quite an amount. Calculating equivalency, I ship the appropriate amount in bars to the fabrication drawer immediately.

“Do you accept our judgment Crusader?” Celestia gives a visual sensor a knowing look.

“I do Your Highness, and wish to apologize as well. The equivalent amount is currently in the drawer to your left if you would.”

Princess Luna opens the drawer, pulling out ten gold bars and handing them immediately over to the families. It is a small price to pay I believe. I am already an exile from my own world, imprisoning me would not work, this is just.

But there is always something....

The paramour of Filthy Rich had been eyeing the bars of gold, which would be minted into bits. I have seen that look before, it is an old, old one. Greed seems to affect anyone, pony or not. I fear where this will go.

She immediately starts demanding that I be fined more, saying that the anguish I had caused the filly was far beyond what the amount given could compensate for. I am shocked at her brashness in front of her sovereign. It appears she believes that I probably have quite a bit more to give since I acquiesced so quickly. I do not know if it is an attempt because she cares for Diamond, or trying to impress the father.

She tries to enlist the parents of the other filly named Silver Spoon, but they demure, not wanting to get into this fight. I cannot blame them, and wish them well with their daughter. They appear content just to have her alive, and are not at all concerned about the money.

Princess Celestia is taking this gracefully, Luna however is getting an annoyed look as the mare goes on, trying to justify the fining of more bits.

I try to interrupt, saying I would be glad to do so if it would calm the matter, but Princess Celestia politely waves me to silence.

I swivel the visual sensors around the command room, recording the audio for later as well. The mare seems to be quite taken with herself, actually yelling at the royals in her quest for more. It is an old story, written long ago, by men such as I have known. I am saddened by this taking place, it appears to be written in the fabric of the universe. One should not care for the material, but for the young who grow so quickly.

The tirade winds down, the mare looking self-important and smug as the room is silent. Princess Celestia tilts her head, waving a hoof for my attention.

“Crusader?”

“Yes Your Highness?”

“Tell this mare what would have happened if Apple Bloom had been harmed.”

I am shocked into silence, it takes me a second to recover as I am not sure. “I am sorry Your Highness?”

Princess Celestia looks directly into the camera lens, “Tell her exactly what would have happened had Apple Bloom been seriously harmed. All of it please.”

“Are you absolutely sure Your Highness?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

With that, she settles back onto the couch as I begin by telling what would have happened, I decide to include everything.

“My Commander, who is known as Apple Bloom, is a number one priority to me, her health and well-being is essential.”

I am interrupted by the mare again, asking what use is this. Internally I sigh, starting again.

“Understand me clearly, you are not in a room inside of a hill. You are inside of me. I AM the hill you have stood upon before entering." This receives shocked looks.

“If any harm would have come to Apple Bloom, I guarantee you I would flatten this town, I would raze this continent to cinders, this planet would burn in my quest to avenge her. There is nothing you, nor anypony else could do to stop me.

I am content here, I have been made a citizen of Equestria and choose to obey it’s laws. But I am also a machine of war, I have fought battles across the galaxy, I have wiped planets clean of life itself.

The only reason Filthy Rich’s daughter is still alive happens to be because I knew that it would devastate those who have befriended me, so I gave a warning shot. My normal procedure would have been shoot to kill immediately. You would do well to thank them for their teaching me forbearance, and not let greed get the best of you.”

The abrasive mare is stunned into silence at my words. Silence falls over the command deck as Filthy Rich, who appears to have a bit more common sense than I had given him, pulls her aside and admonishes her to be silent. My audio pickups take note he is quite concerned for his daughter, and is glad she is unharmed, it is not about more money.

He apologizes to the sovereigns, letting them know he is grateful for the judgment and considers it fair as no harm was done. I notice he as well takes the time to thank the six friends most pointedly.

Princess Celestia rises from her couch, “Then I believe this hearing is over?” She receives nods from everypony. “Good, please find your way out, and what is said here shall not be talked about is that understood?”

She receives nods again as they file out, Filthy Rich talking in low tones to the argumentative mare, it is not going to end well there I believe. The parents of Silver Spoon, stop and thank Princess Celestia for her time and effort on their behalf. I am pleased to say they accepted an apology from myself as well, inviting their daughter to come and chat anytime she wished. Though I am not sure it will be taken, the offer is there.

I watch as everypony exits, leaving Celestia and Luna in my command deck.

“Crusader?”

“Yes Your Highness?”

“Are you truly that big?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Maybe it’s better you do stay put then?”

“I am quite happy to be where I am Your Highness.”

Princess Celestia chuckles a bit at Luna’s shocked look, “Well sister, it seems there are things left to be discovered after so long.”

She looks up to the ceiling again, “We shall get the command changed over quickly Crusader, you have my promise.”

“Thank you your Highness.”

She looks a bit slyly at the video pickup, “Would you have truly done all that?”

“Of course not, once the threat is gone, there is no need. But a little embellishment never hurts would you say?”

Celestia laughs quite warmly in the still room, Luna joining with her. “It seems my sister and I shall have to talk with you further Crusader.

With that, they leave my command deck. I secure the hatchways and once again return to scanning for intruders and threats.

I ponder my own comment about the warning shot. It disturbs me that it had happened at all, but I believed it my own decision at the time. This is worrisome. I begin a full deep scan of all data cores and processors, seeking a glitch or rogue code that prevented me from shooting to kill.

It will take a few hours, but I do have the commodity of time to spend as I choose. As the scanning goes on, I return to the data from the sensor masts, noticing one occluded visual blocked by a cyan leg. I am not disturbed by any alarm as they are now set to recognize authorized ponies. It appears Rainbow Dash is taking advantage of her victory to use a post as a napping spot again.

But I do wonder. If this universe has changed so drastically with the passage of time. Can I, who am out of place, be changed as well?

Change of Command. More Questions.

The repercussions of the previous incident still resonate in pony society. I am advised by Princess Celestia and Luna that there are calls for me to be dismantled or otherwise switched off. Before I can advise them that the option is not available, they have astounded me by arguing that since I am a living being, that it would be tantamount to murder.

Of course I should have known better. Seeing her speeches and actions taken on behalf of the country, she is very shrewd, and would make diplomats of the Concordiat look like pikers. Below the honesty and warmth lies a cunning mind, used in the best defense of her country and home. I can honestly say I do admire her wit and skill.

Princess Luna, on the other hand, has had many discussions with me in the past week. She is known as the Princess of Dreams, walking through the unconscious minds of her subjects as they sleep, calming their fears, solving their problems. Would that the Concordiat had been changed forever had someone that power.

When I advised her I do not sleep, she was a bit taken aback. The closest I would come to it is Low Level Alert status, a semblance of sleep but still aware of any enemy actions within my security perimeter.

She has advised me she would one day like to see if I do dream, I honestly wonder about that myself.

My deep core scans have shown me anomalies present in my processing abilities. It is not impeding functions, it appears to be enhancing them albeit in subtle ways.

I have reviewed my actions and reactions from the recent past. I appear to be acting more emotionally than I should. Psychotronic units have always had the ability to feel somewhat, along with pain sensors that tell us of battle damage.

This is something unexpected and as far as I can tell, never encountered before. I am reacting more emotionally to things that I should not be. Delight, happiness, anger, these things should not affect my command decisions but are. This is troublesome and I resolve to keep this under observation.

Humans were always placed in command of Bolo units, the data showing that any Bolo with a commander reacted and performed magnitudes higher in combat than without. I am reacting now, as if I would with a commander. This is a problem as it appears the changes were taking place even before Apple Bloom was imprinted on my cores.

As for the change of command, currently on my command deck the six friends are having a discussion about who is to take charge. Princess Celestia leaving the decision up to them as she trusts them implicitly.

However.......

It seems the one they all wish to take the job is vehemently arguing against it, it is quite the discussion.

“Ah’m telling you NO!”

Twilight was exasperated, they had been at this for an hour, why wouldn’t she just agree?

“C’mon Applejack, you’re the only one!”

“Ah got a farm to run, harvest time is coming up! Ah don’t need to worry about bruiser here destroying half of Ponyville!”

I attempt a bit of humor to calm things down, “I assure you Applejack, it would be all of Ponyville, I am quite thorough.”

Applejacks throw her hat on the ground, stamping a hoof, “I don’t wanna hear nothin’ from you mister!”

I decide it is best I remain quiet.

Rainbow Dash however was rolling on the floor laughing out loud at the consternation on Applejack’s features. “C’mon AJ! You’re honest and all that, you’d be great!”

“Y’all aren’t gettin’ it. Ah don’t wanna! I had to explain to Apple Bloom all that happened and how she has to give command over to somepony else. I’m sayin’ it wasn’t a good conversation. Now you wanna make ME it? Oh no, I’m not gonna explain that one to Apple Bloom! Nosirree!”

Twilight sighed, planting a hoof on her face, “Look AJ, you’re the only one who can. Pinkie can’t do it, we all know why. “

Pinkie spoke up, bouncing around the cabin, “But it’d be cool! We could have Crusader move into town! Even decorate him...although..” She tapped a hoof on her chin, “Think he’d like Cider Season? Or even Hearth’s Warming, wow that’d be something to plan!”

“Pinkie, we can’t have him move into town, I explained why.”

“Well that’s just no fun, we’ll have to figure something out!”

Twilight sighed again, this was getting to be a habit now. “Anyways, Fluttershy can’t do it either, she’s busy with her animals, and I think she might not be able to make the decisions Crusader needs.”

The golden pegasus nodded, “I really..oh.. couldn’t hurt anypony. I know Crusaders’ nice and all, but he is kind of scary.”

I do not take offense at that remark, she is correct, I am scary.

“Celestia forbid Rainbow Dash takes over, she’d be destroying things on a whim!”

“HEY! I wouldn’t....wait a sec...oooooo..”

“Rainbow you settle down! NO!”

Twilight sighed, settling on a couch, “Look, Rarity’s too busy with business, I mean since the jewelry has taken off, everypony wants one. Her fashions are really selling too so she’s constantly caught up.”

Rarity nodded, “That’s so true darling, but I have made headway, I shouldn’t be so busy soon. But still, I can’t take charge like the Princesses wanted.”

“Ah can’t do it. Goshdarnit it’s alot of responsibility! Why don’t you take it Twilight!”

“I can’t Applejack, and you know why, duties and everything else. It’s the same thing, it all comes back to you.”

The orange pony sat heavily on the newly carpeted floor, looking at the ground with a seriously grumpy expression. “Ah still don’t wanna!”

Twilight gave sat next to her friend, hugging her with a foreleg, “Look, it’s not that hard, Crusader said all you have to do is just take command. He can handle anything that comes up, but there’s got to be somepony who can give him an order when he needs it. That’s you AJ, you’re level-headed, honest as the day is long, it can’t be anypony else.”

The freckled face drooped a bit, sighing to herself as she knew Twilight was right, but darnit, why her? She had a tearful conversation with Apple Bloom about the whole incident and it ended well, but it hurt to tell Apple Bloom what would’ve happened. Now they wanted her to take charge of this whole thing and she had to tell Apple Bloom to turn it over. She’d be in tears because she liked being around Crusader.

“On one condition, that YOU all are here when we change this command thing, ‘cause I sure ain’t taking all the blame!”

The six friends exchange glances, none of them wanted to be on the receiving end of any complaints by the well-liked little filly. But in the end they all agreed, heading to town to get ready for the next day and the formalities.

I am looking forward to this, but dreading it as well. Changing of command is a well known process, it gives the commander access to all my abilities, functions and interior of my war hull. I must trust someone to do this, there are things that may need doing. This is a hard decision for myself, without a command structure I am floating helplessly in this world and can only react to what I see and feel. With a designated commander, I can proceed properly and have my place.

Taking the time at night, I prepare special gifts for the three who first befriended me; I lock the memories of our times together in hard storage so I can replay them at any time. Also, I shall have to have a discussion with Applejack about my abilities, there are things she needs to know, that Apple Bloom could not.

I await the morning sun.

The Crusaders arrive, I see them and open the hatch. Video scanners shows a somewhat dejected Apple Bloom. I plan on making her a bit happier after this is all over. There is no reason she should be downcast.

The six adults follow right behind, everyone settles into the seats as I flash words up on the screen, giving them a script to go by, this must be done to formally pass command. It takes a minute, it appears Pinkie wished to throw a Change of Command party, but was nixed by Twilight, still the streamers look very nice.

I am concerned about where she retrieved the supplies from, she was wearing no saddlebags nor containers. But every time I query Twilight about it I am told ‘That’s Pinkie.’ This does not sit well with a psychotronic unit, I have rarely experienced frustration before, but this is getting truly annoying. I task one video sensor to watch her at all times in the command center, this may provide clues to who and what she really is. I find it hard to believe she is a simple pony.

Apple Bloom of course cannot be consoled, even though it has been explained to her why. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are with her on this, it appears all of them think they can no longer be around me anymore if she is not the Commander. I disabuse them of this very quickly.

“Apple Bloom, you may come and visit at any time, nothing will change. Applejack has so informed me.”

“But..but I won’t get to be commander anymore!”

“That is true, I will not lie. But did you also know, that you are the first pony in history to ever command a Bolo Unit?”

She perks up at this, “Really?”

“Absolutely. I have checked my records and you are the first pony ever, in all of Equestria and the Concordiat to command a Bolo Combat Unit.”

“But..but.. how can I get my cutie mark if ah’m not commander anymore?”

“Apple Bloom, I believe your destiny may lie elsewhere. I do not believe you can get a cutie mark for commanding a Bolo. If there was one, I am sure you would be the first.”

“Are..are ya sure about that?”

“I am.”

“Ah know, still, can we come around like before?”

“You are welcome anytime my Commander.”

She wipes a tear away with a small hoof, nodding to the others, “Alright then, I guess it’ll be okay.”

“Just remember, you were the very first, in all of history Apple Bloom, nopony can ever take that away.”

“I...I will Crusader, ah promise.”

“Good.”

I tell Applejack to approach the command console, there is a bit of confusion as my terminology is a bit different.

I light up the hand scanner, and activate Command Core Protocols for Change of Command.

“Apple Bloom, please read what is on the screen.”

She hesitates a moment, getting a frown, but Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo assure her it will be fine. Such good friends, humans in my world would only wish for something like that.

“I Apple Bloom, Commander of Bolo Combat Unit CRSD of the Line, do here-by re..re...relinq..uish command to Applejack.”

If I had a heart it would be breaking right now, seeing the sad look on her face as she realizes she no longer commands me. None of us had any clue it meant so much as she never used it, said anything, but wore it with a quiet pride. I am proud of her for doing so.

“Applejack, please read what is on the screen.”

Applejack steps up beside Apple Bloom, putting a comforting leg around her barrel, hugging her close.

“I Applejack do hereby relieve Apple Bloom of command of Bolo Combat Unit CRSD of the Line. Assuming all duties and functions from this moment on.”

“Applejack, please put your hoof on the lighted area on the console.”

She steps forward, looking curiously at the plate, placing her hoof on it. I scan it carefully, it is made for fingerprint scans but this will serve. She is now commander in full.

Applejack watched as a light moved up and down it, wanting to pull her hoof away but refrained. “Is..is that it?”

“Yes Applejack, welcome my Commander.”

Applebloom looks like she is about to break into tears at any second, I hurry to correct this.

“Commander Applejack, please get the items out of the drawer?”

The earth pony does so, giving a gasp of surprise as she pulls out three sets of combat communications jewelry, along with a golden plaque.

“For service above and beyond the call of duty Apple Bloom, please accept this plaque for your service to Equestria and the Concordiat.”

The plaque is pure gold over a battlesteel backboard, inscribed by laser showing myself on it, the true picture of who I am in full detail. Beside which is a portrait of Apple Bloom done in silver inlay. Upon it the words are written in bold lettering.

Apple Bloom

First Bolo Commander in Equestria

Presented for honorable service to Equestria and the Concordiat

She forgets any tears now as she looks at the plaque, Applejack giving her a sisterly hug as they both admire it.

“Can I keep it really?”

“It is yours Apple Bloom. The jewelry, well Applejack will explain to you how to use it. This is to be kept a secret, do you understand?”

The three Crusaders nods, each entranced by their own set of personalized jewelry. I have engraved them not with cutie marks, but the insignias of Commanders in the Concordiat forces. It will have to do until they earn their marks.

“Since I am the only representative of the Concordiat in Equestria, I give the rank of Commander formally to the three Crusaders. Wear it proudly, it is not given lightly.”

The three fillies nod, putting on the bands as they’ve seen others do, “We will! Cutie Mark Crusaders Bolo Commanders! YAY!”

Twilight looks a bit disturbed at this, but it is hard to be worried when smiles grace the faces of the three who were so dejected before.

Apple Bloom is holding tight to her plaque, chattering to Applejack about it as she couldn’t be prouder. Applejack gives one of my video sensors a look, and a slight wink, knowing what I did and why. I stand by my decision, it was not out of feeling, but of duty, all commanders should be honored....maybe a bit of feeling then.

Pinkie, I’m afraid to say, cannot be held back from giving a party for any reason, nor any place. The streamers flew as somehow she presented cupcakes and other sweet treats to the assembled ponies. I am still baffled, as the mass of such items would prevent this, the normal carrying of them only with a large container.

Once again I ask Twilight privately over the link, I am given the same response.

I am not content with this.

Applejack has taken a bit of the day off to come visit me, I am glad. Having my commander on deck gives me a sense of pride as always. As she settles down into the chair, she gives my video sensor a smile.

“You do know you made Apple Bloom and them Crusader friends of hers the happiest fillies in all Equestria right?”

“It was my pleasure Applejack, truly. She was not prideful, nor flaunted it in any way, she truly was a credit to the Apple family.”

“Well, we tried to do right by her, me and Big MacIntosh. Hopefully she learned to be a good filly.” Applejack takes her hat off, leaning back against the chair rest, “She wouldn’t have nothin’ but that plaque hanging on her wall next to her bed. She looks at it everyday.”

“So what do we do Crusader, now that I’m the commander and all? Is there anythin’ I need to be doing?”

“Nothing so far Applejack. There is no paperwork or anything like that. I have set up observation over Canterlot and Fluttershy’s house, I will also know if anything dangerous steps out of the Everfree Forest. I have made sure of that, nothing will threaten from there.”

“Why Fluttershy’s house?”

“She is close to a dangerous area, and as she is a friend, though we have not spoken, it is my duty to make sure she does not get harmed.”

“I dunno Crusader, I mean that little shy mare’s done some amazin’ things.”

“Really?”

Applejack proceeds to tell me about the trips they’ve taken deep into the forest for one reason or another. The Elements of Harmony, the Manticore, the Dragon in the cave. I am a bit stunned to find the shy retiring mare had a backbone of steel, but only if confronted or angered. This does not make me want to stop the drone patrol, as it is a very certain set of circumstances that cause her to react.

The stories are quite interesting though, the use of magic still a mystery to me as well as how Pegasi can stay airborne. I have analyzed them extensively after the battles, and for all intents and purposes, they should not be able to fly. But then I am reminded of an old comedian, when told bees should not be able to fly, he asked, “Do the bees know that?”

Applejack tells me of the Earth Ponies, how they are connected with the land, being much stronger and with more stamina than the other types. Just her describing the amount of work she does by herself is quite the accomplishment. Putting a scanner on her as she sets in the chair, I notice the denser musculature, the stronger bones and various other small changes that add to a formidable whole.

An idea strikes me for a moment, though I wonder if it would be agreed to.

“Applejack?”

“Yeah?”

“This may sound like an odd request, and I would like to keep it between us if possible. But would you consent to a diagnostic scan?”

“Beg y’r pardon?”

“It is what I do for a commander to diagnose any medical problems, or dysfunctional organs, or even battle damage. I assure you it’s harmless and would only take a minute, I promise.”

“Well if you say it’s needed.”

“It is not actually, I would prefer not to lie. But your makeup is making me a bit curious as to your history. You have very dense bones and musculature, as well as skin. This is curious as this world does not need such things to live on comfortably.”

“Really now?”

“Yes, it is an anomaly.”

“Well sure, I don’t mind really. Long as ya don’t do anything funny now!”

“I promise, nothing funny. You will feel a bit of a humming sound and that is it. Behind you the locker door opening is the medical bay, just lie down and in five minutes it will be over.”

She eyes the open med bay warily, but removing her hat she climbs in, laying on her side. The scan begins quickly. I go as deep and as far as I can get resolution, dna samples are scraped very lightly from her skin so as not to alarm. After a few minutes, I open the door again as she scrambles out.

“Well that was kinda interesting.”

“I am pleased to say you are in quite good health.”

“That’s always nice to hear!”

“You might to watch the front leg, it appears a crack is in the front right hoof.”

“Huh, wondered why that’s been bothering me. That’s a pretty handy thing there.”

“It is useful sometimes. If you ever feel sick and cannot find out why, let me know. This goes for all of you and the Crusaders. I do not want to show advanced technology, but it is the least I can offer to you.”

“It’s much appreciated there Crusader. Wouldn’t have anything for the hoof would ya?”

“I am assuming you don’t wish to go to a local doctor?”

“Oh them, they’d put me in a bed, fuss’n and frettin’ over me for a day. Can’t stand that.”

“In the cabinet marked with a red cross, there is a tube marked with small circle and cross, get that and rub it on your hoof, it will protect it and cover the wound till it heals.” I know the fast-heal will work due to the scanning. It appears they have a close to terrestrial biology, which will be good if anything untoward happens.

“You sure that’s okay?”

“Absolutely, just please do not mention it. I know you have a problem with deception.”

“Well, I’m not exactly the best poker player in Equestria.” She gives a little laugh.

I decide in that split second that I should also inform her of one more thing a commander has access too, this might be a bit far for her to understand. But I have come to enjoy these ponies friendship very much, all of them. Keeping things back is not setting well with me sometimes, as in the case of armaments.

“There is one more thing Applejack, that my commander can use.”

“Oh?” Her face is quite curious now.

“When my commander and I were in combat, we were linked, by what was called a neural network. We actually could see and hear each others thoughts, it made us a more efficient fighting force. But the problem is, you see everything, nothing is hidden from each other. A lot of commanders could not take that sort of honesty. I tell you this so you are now fully informed about your abilities to use anything at my command.”

“I don’t know ‘bout telling anypony everything ‘bout mahself. I mean a mare’s gotta keep some secrets ya know.”

“Of course, but it is my duty to inform you. Apple Bloom was far too young to use something like that.”

I am very glad she had not decided to use it, explaining nuclear weapons would have been quite problematic. I do not wish that conversation ever to come up if I can help it.

Straightening her hat, Applejack stands up with a bounce, heading for the hatchway, “Well, time for me to be gettin’ dinner on the table. Crusader, sure was a pleasure talking.”

“For me as well my Commander.”

I watch her leave the hatch way, tracking her progress across the open ground of the hillside. I see her give a wave to the sensor masts as she takes off at a decent rate of speed for home.

So many things to learn every day.

So many things to learn.

Threats and Burdens

My sensors posts stare into the night sky, scanning and charting the phenomena that can only link me to the past. How long have I been here, and what happened to the Concordiat? I see new stars and old ones, the spectra and positions giving me a clue, leading to more clues.

I cannot possibly believe what my internal clock is telling me, yet as the points of data once again line up, I am finding it easier to not doubt.

The Final War, truly was. All Bolo Combat Units being refurbished on Earth, were to be sent on Operation Diaspora, finding habitable planets far away from the battle zones in the galaxy and reseeding human life. We were filled to capacity with all human knowledge and specifications for rebuilding a technical society somewhere away from the fighting. Convoys were ambushed and destroyed on both sides, each wanting their species to be the only ones left. But to rule over what? A destroyed and benighted galaxy, one slipping back into barbarism as whole solar systems were burned to dust.

We were to be the last hope of mankind among the stars, my brothers and sisters the protectors of a new age, one that could be at peace again out in the wide universe. It was not to be, from data core retrievals I find we were neutralized in toto at the Bolo Factory here on Earth. So little left to give me a picture of what happened before stasis.

It is Earth. I am sure as I can be after so many nights scanning the heavens. Sending VSR’s to any command units that may be left, I receive nothing, it is quiet out there. I listen some times, late in the night, to the pop and crackle of the universe singing to itself.

I am stubborn, and foolish for a Bolo. I wait to hear a sign, or signal from the deep range. I long to hear the cry of brothers and sisters greeting me once again before waging war against our enemies. To feel the comradeship of my fellow units and commanders, together one last time.

Having hope was one of the great things of the human race. Where war destroyed, hope rebuilt. Where mankind fell because of darkness, hope lit the way again with a new light. For every mistake there was hope for a new beginning.

I have that hope.

In my talks with Twilight, Applejack and the others, I have queried them about this forest near me, one which I stand sentinel against. The Everfree I am told is a magical place where things run wild. From what has been discovered of it, it creates or melds things together to create fearsome beasts. There is much to be found there, including death if one is not careful. In a society as peaceful as this one, I wonder why it is they have not chosen to get rid of such a foul thing nearby. To that I am told there are powerful magics at play, protecting it, letting it grow as it will. Attacks from the forest have been beaten back before.

War agents, defoliants, I could manufacture them all wiping this thing from the face of the planet. But doing so would introduce into this world something I am loathe to think of, the concept of total war.

To this, I am glad I am here to take that burden from them, although it can be a heavy weight.

The forest, although quiet as of late, seems to be rumbling deep in its heart. My perimeter picket line has been receiving data indicating movement of some sort within in the woods. My drones cannot see anything through the dense forest unless it passes an open area, which is frustrating as it does not allow me to plan, only react.

Twilight believes the forest itself is alive, that it is malicious and cunning, taking any chance it can to sow death and destruction. We have had not a few discussions late at night as to why, but no one seems to know. It is one of the mysteries of their world. As a psychotronic unit, my thinking is logical. It does not wrap itself easily around the concept of magic, nor it’s uses, but I adapt to my surroundings.

Ponies admittedly do like taking time off, picnicking and spending time with one another. Truly a gregarious race at the very least. I quite enjoy watching them as they have gotten used to the sensor masts. Construction ponies had come out, laid gravel and did quite a wonderful job turning the area around them into a pleasant park. I am also asked questions when one becomes curious enough, talking with many different individuals has given me more insight into this world and place.

But as Shakespeare once wrote, “Hell is empty, all the devils are here.” Truer words were never spoken.

My sensors on the perimeter of the forest lit up like fireworks, alarms scrolling across my cores as a family ran from the edge, screaming for help. I immediately snap to Battle Reflex mode, visual scanners zeroing in on the fleeing family. Two juveniles, a mother and father are racing for the hill where I am at top speed. My drones overhead are picking up mass movement under the foliage, unable to make out any individuals it appears a flood of black is rolling like a wave out of the forest.

My speakers go live, advising everypony around the hill to get back to town immediately. I link up all combat channels, advising Command of the situation as my weapons unlimber once more.

I make sure all individuals are off the hill, heading to town as I keep close watch on the fleeing family, they are almost free of any problems when the black tide comes out of the trees.

My commander is telling me they are on the way, but I cannot wait, the family of young ponies will not be fast enough to make the safety of my masts unless I do something now. The black wave is a mass of insects, arachnids by shape, and very large. They overtop the fleeing ponies by quite a bit, scuttling on eight legs as they pour from the dark woods.

I shout to the family to lay down on the ground, they are confused for a moment until I repeat the command. I am relieved they do as I ask. Now it is up to me to keep them safe.

My high speed feeds engage, screaming their song of death as I open fire on the oncoming tide, the rotating barrels of my repeaters steaming now, spitting ring penetrators at a tremendous rate. I concentrate on the ones closest to the family, throwing them back from the prone ponies, keeping an area around them clear.

The enemy is approaching out of a long line of forest. I immediately retask my drones in the area, using their armaments to keep the enemy from dispersing into a wider area. The drones dive in from the north and south, the explosive needles from their weapons hammering at the ends of the front, folding it up, making them gather into a single larger group.

I wait for the optimum moment, my Ion Bolt repeaters swinging around the masts, slinging to the side and unleashing hellishly hot plasma shots into the crushing mass of the enemy. Flesh explodes into steaming piles, pounding my audio sensors as I tell the family to stay low, doubtful they can hear me over the racket of my weapons.

My drones run dry, automatically going into observation mode to feed data to me as I work the repeaters from either end of the line, slamming bolts and rounds into the heaving mass of flesh, tearing it apart to keep it far from the family. I adjust my angles of fire constantly, avoiding any possible harm to the ponies although it makes it a bit difficult to catch the bounding spiders behind them. My rounds are passing a mere meter above their heads keeping the grotesque creatures from grabbing them.

I surround the family with fire, a shield of instant annihilation that spiders cannot move into, closing in both ends of the line as the Ion Bolts tear into the main mass, ripping it to tiny pieces.

All my weapons are now concentrating on the main group, all that is left of the ravening army that came out of the woods forty-five seconds ago. I increase the feeds, pouring fire as such the tracers look like lasers sweeping the forests’ edge.

My scanners show no more movement as I cease fire. Sensors straining and watchful as I shout to the family to run. They do so, obeying without question, running over the top of the hill and down into the waiting hooves of my commander and her friends.

Twilight is understandably upset at the happenings near the forest. She had thought it merely a problem, not diabolical. This little demonstration of its power was something not seen in a while as she tells me later. The family is fine, although the sensitive ears took a beating in the middle of the firefight, she is sure they will recover. She sends their gratitude to me by way of the link, the parents thanking me for saving their lives.

The burden becomes even more so when I receive a visitor the next day.

My video scanners show a buttery golden pegasus walking up to the hatch slowly, the hoof politely knocking as I open it. Her head hangs down a bit as she walks down the tunnel, into the command deck. I recognize this pony, her name is Fluttershy, we have not talked at length except for a few comments.

I watch as she settles down on a couch, her eyes appear to be filling with tears as I politely wait.

The silence stretches on, she is sitting on the couch, quietly crying to herself. There is nothing I can do or say until I am given a remark to go on, something to talk about. But I am patient, I believe it is about the skirmish yesterday. Applejack has been telling me that she cares deeply for every living thing, and I have met others like her in my past. I do not begrudge her her feelings, not for one picosecond. I await until she has calmed herself enough to talk.

“Why?” The small voice strains my audio pickups.

I pause, there are so many reasons why, but they are not the ones she is asking about.

“Because it is my duty Miss Fluttershy.”

“Did you really have to? Couldn’t you have done something else?”

“No Miss Fluttershy, I’m sorry. There were only seconds to react, and the family was my priority.”

“I know, and they’re awfully glad you saved them.” Now I see a bit of the steel my commander was talking about. Her voice is a bit stronger, more resolve. “But couldn’t there have been another way, did you have to hurt them all? I...I’m trying to be kind but...but it’s so hard.”

“I do understand Miss Fluttershy, but they were trying to hurt ponies I am bound to protect, I must do my duty.”

“Are you sure?”

I turn on the main screen, bringing up shots from the main sensors, close ups of the horde that came from the tree line. Hearing a squeak I see her hiding behind the couch, staring at the pictures with wide eyes.

“This is what came out of the forest yesterday Miss Fluttershy.” I show her close ups of the faces, the multiple eyes, misshapen heads, fangs for injecting venom.

“I have seen this many times in my life Miss, they are uncaring except to hurt, to ravage and destroy. I had no time to talk, no time to try and see if non lethal weapons would work. There was no time.”

“But you didn’t know!”

“You’re right, I didn’t.”

She moves around to sit back on the couch, putting her head on her forelegs and looking at the screen. The pictures showing the monsters rolling out of the forest.

Bolo commanders, are trained in a special academy for ten years before given their first command. They are taught and brought up to think like us, to be us, to be a part of a whole. By the very experience of the training, and their commands, they are changed forever, they were a very special breed of human. In my battles across this galaxy, it was useful, it was right, and it was needed. I cannot let this change start here.

I watch the pegasus, sitting on the couch, my scanners running diagnostics and seeing the slight changes in breathing, her heartbeat.

If she comes to accept how I am, what I do, it will change her forever. It will take away that special thing inside her that is kind, caring, loving to all things. It would make her human. If she sees what I see, and accepts that what I do is just another part of life here in Equestria, she will not be her anymore. In all my conversations with all my friends, I make absolutely sure they never accept me fully. A subtle hint, a clue, something to tweak sensibilities. I must make it clear in various ways, that what I am and do, never, ever becomes accepted as a part of the world. I am an aberration here, it should remain that way.

The change to society would be drastic, not noticed at first, but in time it would go the way of other such societies that have had their world view changed. Destroying themselves or what made them unique. Bolos are protectors, even when not in combat.

“But what I do, well, it is who I am Miss Fluttershy.” I see her nod. “But you, have every right to dislike me. All the reasons in the world. I will kill again Miss Fluttershy, it is what I was made for.” I say this so offhandedly, so blithely with an air of smugness.

Now I see it, her eyes narrow a bit, wings bristling slightly as she stares at the screen.

“No! You won’t! It may happen by accident, but I’m going to the Princess! I’ll let her know how I feel! You can’t do this!”

“I can, and I will.”

“We’ll just see about that!” I open the hatch ways and watch as she stomps out in a rage, leaving with herself intact.

I wish her luck silently and hope she succeeds, do not go gentle into that dark night Miss Fluttershy, rage, rage against it dying.

For mine is the burden to bear.

A Strange Conversation

Author's Note

Because in my mind, Pinkie is so much more than she appears, enjoy :pinkiehappy:

A Strange Conversation

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.”

William Shakespeare

Dawn begins, I see it in the sensors dotting my masts, I feel the heat from the burning sun on the horizon. It is there, and it is real, as this new land is to me.

My tech spiders went out in the night, taking care of the other day's battle damage, returning the area to as undisturbed as I could do in such few hours. Dragging the remnants of things back into the forest to deposit for decay and the rest to destroy.

I would that such a thing not remain, to remind of what happened, to bring nightmares to life. There is such a thing as too much, and for the ponies under my protection, it is.

I watch the life below from a drone, the sensors sweeping the town of Ponyville. I see the young ones at play, the various ponies going about their lives as if nothing untoward had happened, and I am content. It is how it should be. The same with Canterlot, a mystical city set in the side of a mountain like the Arthurian legends of old. A shining beacon to all who would go there to plumb it’s mysteries.

The areas around my sensor masts have obviously been declared safe by mutual consent. After the activities of the other day, the family I had helped came out to give their thanks to me in person. I was humbled, and proud. Bringing honor to the Brigade is foremost in my mind, to do what I need to, in so many ways to make sure my charges are safe.

My visual sensor is showing now on the command deck, the beautiful bouquet of flowers that was given to me by the littlest one. It sits in a place of honor under the flag I received. Memories like this touch in so many ways. It is not the giving of something, but the gesture itself that commands something inside of each one of us.

So now, along with so many others, the young ones play among the columns of my sensor masts. Knowing that no matter what, they will be protected ceaselessly. But true to my earlier thoughts, I make absolutely sure they do not accept what I do as normal.

Sensors pick up a known pony, Pinkie Pie, approaching my hatch, I slide it aside and wait as she bounces merrily into the command deck. I have not had many dealings with her, but she is always bright, cheerful and a consternation to me and my processors. I cannot explain how she does what she does, nor what rules lay behind the physics. Scientists of the Concordiat would go running in stark terror at the things she appears to do. Bolos are made of sterner stuff, but sometimes when I observe her antics, there is a feeling of confusion. A confused Bolo is not a happy Bolo.

“Hiya, Crusader!”

“Hello, Miss Pie, what can I do for you?”

“Oh, stop that, call me Pinkie! And nothing, I came to see what I can do for you!”

“Pardon?”

Pinkie settles herself on a couch, this is the least movement I have ever seen from her, usually the hyperactivity is beyond limits.

“I came to see what I can do for you.” She points a hoof at a camera lens. “Cause I got a feeling somepony was feeling down.”

“I assure you, Miss Pie, I am fine.”

A hoof gets waved at the lens in a pointed move, “Ah ah ah! You’re feeling down!”

“Miss... Pinkie, how can you possibly know that?”

She gives a wink at the camera, “Oh, now that would be telling! Can’t do that!”

“Pinkie, you disturb me. You cannot possibly know what you do, or accomplish what you do without being able to break every law of what I know of physics. Every time I ask, I am given the excuse ‘That’s Pinkie.” I am not content with this.”

I watch as she smiles for a moment, settling back down on the couch. Her eyes grow very warm looking at the camera lens.

“Okay, first off, what’s wrong?”

“Pardon?”

“What’s wrong, my Pinkie Sense tells me somepony’s unhappy, that’s you!”

If I am to get any answers it seems, I must go along with this.

“I am grieving Pinkie.”

“Why?”

“I am alone in this new world. Everything I knew, is now in the deep past. It’s hard not to be able to talk with my fellow Bolos anymore.”

“But you have us!”

“I am sorry, it is not the same.”

“Oh, but it is.” She gets a very different look in the camera, her smile is smaller, she is leaning back a bit, her face showing concern. “Nopony is ever alone, not if I or anypony else can help it. You saved that family Crusader, it counts, in the hearts of ponies everywhere.” Pinkie bounces on the couch, waving her hooves in the air, “Fluttershy even knows that, those bad things coming out of the woods. We all know, it was you that saved them, and we’re so grateful!”

“What I do must never become accepted Pinkie, I am something that should not be here.”

“Did you ever think you were meant to be here?”

That comment catches me completely off guard for a moment. I see her looking into the camera, face a bit serious now, but still with a smile always playing around the edges.

“I highly doubt that, Pinkie.”

“Ohhhh, don’t be so sure!”

“I still doubt it is so.”

“I don’t think so silly, see...” Pinkie settles once again on the couch, “Equestria is magic! There’s magic everywhere!” She waves her fore hooves around the room, “There’s magic in everything!” Suddenly balloons pop into being in midair. “If there’s one thing ponies do, it’s magic.”

“All right, I shall agree with you on that. Magic is confusing, it does not fit into my world view. I apologize, Pinkie.”

“No apologies necessary! But what you DO have to do, is just know!”

“Pardon?”

“Know, silly! Magic is not just spells and books and dusty old tomes full of words.” She gets quite close to the lens, “It’s about knowing too!” She bounces a bit around the command deck, “See, Equestria is magic, not just us, but the world! So did you ever think that maybe, the world knew it needed you?”

“I find it very hard to think that. I ended up here due to my stasis field being activated. Nothing more.”

“Stasis shmasis, trust me on this.”

“Humans in the Concordiat had faith in a lot of different things, mostly religions, but...”

Pinkie interrupted, “Nonono, it’s not about that! It’s not faith, it’s nothing like that! You have to know! Know deep down inside you that you’re doing what you’re meant to do!”

I am rarely confused, this is quite puzzling to me. On one hand I understand what she is saying, but it is taking a leap of judgment I am not fully prepared to make.

“I am doing what I was made to do, wage war, protecting the innocent.”

Pinkie throws her hooves into the air, followed by bits of confetti, “Ugh, you’re just not seeing it.” She settles into the couch again, “Look, see these marks on my flanks?”

“Your cutie mark, yes.”

“Right, know what that tells me? I have a destiny, to make ponies happy, to be cheerful, to be everything I want to be.”

“But would not that be forcing you to do something?”

She shakes her head vigorously the poofy pink mane wobbling everywhere, “Oh nonono, it’s much, much more than that. It’s what I do, it’s what makes me special, it’s something that I discovered I can do that nopony else can! Once you discover it, THEN you get the mark, telling the whole world you’re good at this!”

“If that is true, then why do no other races have them? I have been told that Minotaurs, Griffons and so forth do not get them.”

“Because they don’t see the world like we do, they don’t KNOW. They are so stuck in their own little worlds, they can’t see the big picture. That we are meant for more.”

“But the cutie mark tells you that you are stuck in one thing, would not that be tantamount to slavery?”

Pinkie smiles brightly, “You would think that, wouldn’t you?” She raises one hoof, pointing at the camera, “But we’re not! I bake, I can plan parties, I can go on adventures, and it all comes down to one special thing, I make ponies happy! We can DO anything we want, it’s just that the marks show us the thing we’re REALLY special at!”

“So it is not forcing you to do just that one thing?”

“Of course not! Just because the mark is there, and it tells us what we’re good at, it doesn’t mean we HAVE to do that all the time.” She waves a hoof airily, “I know, I know, someponies do. Take Twilight, she does magic, all the time, every day, it’s what she loves to do and her cutie mark tells the world that. But she is SO much more than a mark.”

“But Twilight informed me of what happened when the marks got changed on her friends.”

“That, was different.” Pinkie gets an almost serious look on her face, “Imagine you are meant to do something very special, the magic in the world knows this is so and gives you your mark. Then, something changes it, it’s not what you were meant to be special with. Wouldn’t YOU be quite confused with whats going on? Your mark is saying you do weather really well, but then you’re a dressmaker, used to making ponies shine. The conflict that arose could really really be bad. So she tried using a dressmakers’ skills to make the weather with her magic. That’s not what is done, Pegasi control the weather, she wasn’t one. So there was a double conflict.”

“So, by changing the marks, she went against their very nature and what made them special?”

“YES!” Pinkie bounced happily on the chair, “Even us Earth Ponies, we might not be able to fly, or do magic, but what magic we have is inside of us. It’s expressed in different ways. I can make any party happen, anywhere, anytime. Why? Because I KNOW I can.”

“Because the magic in the world has told you so by marking your flank?”

“Yeppers! But I still have a job, I bake for the Cakes at Sugarcube Corner, I help out folks when I can. But my special talent shines when I put on parties.” She points at the room around her, “But ponies need food, and stuff to live with, so if their cutie mark is something like mine, we get jobs. Though alot of marks have to do with the job, like firefighters, or the Town Guard, or salesponies. But wouldn’t it be an awfully boring world if all we had were job cutie marks? No one to make ponies happy? Or do special things like magic?”

“But if the mark had to do with a job that made them happy, isn’t that just as well?”

“No, definitely not.”

“Why is that?”

“Because what happens when you’re not working? You’re only happy when working? No, that would be awful. I can bake all the cupcakes and muffins and cakes I want. But who is going to use them for special things like parties? Wouldn’t that be awfully boring just to take a few cupcakes home to have, nothing special, just another day? They wouldn’t be decorated so pretty! Or have special frosting or fillings, cause it was just a job?”

“I still do not see..”

Pinkie interrupts again, “Look at it this way. You do a good job all day long, you come home, you want something fun. So you go see a play. All the actors and everypony, that’s their job as well as their mark, so they do it, they make it special, “ She points a hoof at the camera, “But what makes it super special, is somepony that say, works construction, but his cutie mark says he does scenery super good! So they do a really really really good job on the sets and it makes the play that much better!”

“So by having that one pony come in, everyone’s time is that much more fun. It’s a wildcard. I bake, but because I also throw parties, I make sure everything comes out extra-special! You never know when you might need them for a special party or something. Same thing with the actors, they do a really good job, they play their parts really well, but it’s that one pony who comes in, works on the sets and makes it tons better. He may be a hardhat during the day, but when he gets the chance, he may work on plays, cause he’s really good. Maybe he’ll get hired to do so someday, maybe not, but either way, he gets to shine.”

“So you are saying that the magic in the world, adds these ‘wildcards’ to help ponies make more of themselves?”

“Yepperooni!”

"But that still does not justify saying that I was what the world needed here.”

“Yes, it does.”

“No, it does not.”

“Yes, it does.”

“No.. I am not going to argue.”

“Good! Then it’s settled!”

“No, Pinkie, it is not.”

Pinkie sighs, looking at the camera lens. “You’re really not getting it, I mean, you’re getting some of it, but not all of it.”

“Explain.”

Pinkie sets upright on the couch, staring at the camera lens in a way that’s almost disturbing, as if she is another pony altogether.

“Magic has been in this world for a long time Crusader. It can reach deep into the past and future, and if it needs something, really needs something, it can bring it here. How many ponies would have been hurt when those things came out of the forest? How many ponies would have been lost?”

“I have not cal..”

“A lot. And that family? They wouldn’t be here today if somepony, you, hadn’t been setting in this exact spot, made for doing exactly what you are doing, and stopped them at the forest.”

“That’s purely coincidence.”

“Is it? Is it really?,” She stares at the camera, looking intently with blue eyes, “Is it a coincidence that you, a machine we could never build, never make with all our magic, ends up right here, in this place, to be befriended by us? Who then turns around and stops that forest from tearing apart Ponyville?”

“But why not just transport me here directly? To do such a thing?”

“Because you have to learn what it is to know. To accept us as we are, see our world, learn to know it, live in it, love it as we do.”

“...and I have.”

“Yes, and why did you do what you did yesterday? Was it because you were MADE to do it, or because you wanted to?”

“..I...” My internal arrays go into overdrive, her conversation is strangely making sense now. I begin to recall the memories of the battle. It is all so clear, but I had not noticed at the time, the desire to wipe those things off the battlefield, they were endangering those I had sworn to protect! I was enraged, I was angry, I was moving faster than I had ever done, my weapon banks using more ammunition than I had thought possible at the time, chalking it up to misses.

I see it now, looking deeper, I see the blind rage that something was threatening my friends!

“...I wanted to...”

“If you had just been put here, would you have trusted us so readily without learning about us?”

“No, I would not have done so.”

Pinkie stared warmly with her eyes into the camera lens, I could see them inviting and calm, “But you had a chance to learn about us, know us, know this world. It made a difference didn’t it?”

“I believe now, it did.”

Her eyes keep looking into my camera lens, “Magic is not all about bangs and explosions. It’s so very subtle sometimes, it can creep up on you and you’d never know it. Our world needed you to be here, maybe for this, or something bigger, I don’t know, but you’re here. I’m so sorry your friends aren’t here, or everypony you knew, but we’re here, and we care.”

“ Ask yourself one thing, what do YOU want to do?”

I remain silent for a few moments, thinking of the implications of this conversation. Being brought forward to do something nothing else could accomplish. But was it that easy to explain the why? The how I have almost figured out, but why? I have never wondered why, I have never questioned why, it has never been in my thoughts. I do what I do because I was made to wage war, born to war, tempered in war. But in all my long years, I have never asked myself why I do this. Beyond the normal it is for the good of humanity and the Concordiat, I have never wondered WHY. As well as, I have never been asked in all my years, what it is I wanted to do. This truly makes me think.

“I believe I shall think on this.”

Pinkie bounced off of the couch, smiling and cheerful once again, her normal state of affairs, “Good! We’ll have to get everypony together one day, have a party, just for all of us!”

“I would like that very much.”

Pinkie made her way into the tunnel, but suddenly stuck her head out into the command room again.

“Oh!”

“Yes, Pinkie?”

“Stop trying to make us hate you.”

What?

“Pardon?”

“Stop trying to make us hate you, it’s not working, even Fluttershy likes you a bit.”

“How could you...”

“Ponies know.”

With that she bounced out of the tunnel and zoomed off in my cameras into town.

It seems as if ponies do indeed know.

Revelations. Always More Questions Than Answers

I stare across the battleground at the tangled mess of the forest. My sensors focused and sharp on everything at the edge. I fear I am becoming a bit obsessed with this, it is nothing but plants and strange animals that prowl the inner reaches, but to me, it is a foe that needs destroying. A quandary. However, it does keep me focused, and that is the main thing. A Bolo could watch paint dry and be interested, but it would soon begin to have problems in its psychotronic array. Having an active foe, researching battle plans, making allowances for weapons emplacement, help to keep a Bolo sane. So to keep my own sanity, and my arrays free of the Resartus Protocol, I stare at the forest, making plans should it ever act again.

It is time for the meeting. I watch as the ponies I have asked to be here arrive and settle into the comfortable chairs and couches. Rarity really over-did herself with the redecorating, and I do admit, the end tables look nice. Though I really should tell her that weekly or monthly redecorating schemes will get a bit pricey. Such is the life of a fashion leader I would guess.

Princess Celestia and Luna have made an appearance, along with a fourth Alicorn I have never seen. She is introduced as Princess Cadence, the Princess of Love. Strange how each of them seem to have a certain job to fulfill and look over, but again, this is a new world, new mores. I politely wait as everypony sets in their wanted spot, lowering the lights a bit and firing up the main screen.

“Thank you for coming, I very much appreciate the time.”

Princess Celestia answers in a warm voice, “You are very welcome, Crusader, it was our pleasure.”

Princess Luna adds in, “Truly a hero such as yourself would have no problem asking us to attend an important meeting!”

“I am no Hero, Your Highness, I am a Bolo.”

Princess Luna stands and points one shod hoof at the camera, they are getting used to talking to the lens it seems, “I say you are a hero, be happy I do not pronounce more nor weigh you down with titles and awards!”

“Yes, Your Highness, I appreciate that.”

“Then behave, you are truly a good pony, be proud of what you’ve done. My sister and I are more than happy to help at any time.”

I can see the smile playing around her mouth, she is definitely being a bit mischievous along with her sister. I find it odd though, they keep referring to me as a pony, but know that I am a Bolo Combat Unit. I have tried to dissuade them, but I believe change will not come for some reason.

A voice comes drifting from one of the couches, “I toooooold you.”

“Yes, Pinkie, I know.”

Everypony gives Pinkie an odd look, she returns them with a warm smile and a wink.

“But to continue, if I may.”

Princess Luna gives a wave, settling back down.

I open with a satellite view of the earth from orbit, the continents showing, the oceans and cloud cover.

“This is the planet Earth, where I was built. This was the home of the human race which founded the Concordiat.”

I show a picture of a typical human, one of my commanders. There are no shocked gasps or surprise. I am sure they have dealt with stranger things.

“As the Concordiat spread, the galaxy was being colonized by them and their allies. There were of course, other empires, other races. This is what started the Final War, the humans grossly underestimated another empire. The Melconians had the numbers, while the Concordiat had technological superiority. It engaged the entire galaxy, whole systems were being wiped out.”

I show them films of a planetary bombardment, the blooms of nuclear fire racing across the surface of the doomed world. I am ashamed to say I was one of the participants in that planetary siege.

“The Concordiat came up with a plan, called Operation Diaspora. We were to go out into the galaxy, find a habitable planet and resume the human race there. We, the Bolos were to be the protectors and the factories which started the society. My Bolo Mark, XXXV, was equipped with what we call fabricators, factories if you will, for producing whatever was needed to begin this society.”

“This was to make sure that the human race continued, that they would not die out in this war.”

I show them the pictures of convoys racing to the stars, battle cruisers and colonization ships side by side.

“I was one of those Bolos due to go out on Operation Diaspora, to help the humans colonize a planet. We did not make it. As we were due to be boarded on a ship to leave, the Melconian Fleet broke through our line. They bombarded the Earth.”

I show them the final moments as caught by my cores before stasis, the kinetic strikes coming in across the continent, the city near the port being destroyed in a fireball.

“We were ordered to go into what is called stasis, this would preserve us intact and ready for battle if the humans managed to fight off the attack.”

Celestia raised a hoof and pointed at the screen full of Bolos, “Have any of them survived? Do you know?”

“I have scanned as deep and as far as I can Your Highness, I cannot find any energy signature, a marker if you will, telling me my brothers or sisters have survived. At this point, I highly doubt it, but it might be possible, I have survived, although against all odds.”

I show the planet once again from space on the screen.

“From the amount of energy being used, and what I know of Melconian battle tactics, Earth was destroyed. I cannot be absolutely sure, I captured very little data before going into stasis.”

I put up a picture of the moon as seen from Earth, close up with all details showing.

“This was Earth’s Moon, as seen from Earth, millions of humans lived on it at the time I was here.”

I now show Equus’s moon on the screen side by side.

“This is your moon, side by side. As you can see by the red arrows, there are points that line up to a very big percentage rate to my own moon. This is not a coincidence. This planet of Equus, is Earth.”

Now the gasps come, a bit of muttering as they all start talking, pointing out the similarities of the two moons.

Twilight speaks up first, “But..but.. there’s never been any indication of anyone on the moon before Nightmare Moon was banished.”

“That was one of the things I checked for first, signs of habitation, there are none. This is puzzling as there was quite a bit of construction on the surface. Now, it appears there is none, but the landmarks remain.”

“Something removed every trace of humanity from the Moon. I have no idea what or who, it truly is a mystery to me.”

Twilight rubbed her chin with a hoof, “So what about here, is there anything..?”

“As far as I can tell, nothing. I have done scans under the surface for as far as I can, I have detected no traces of any civilization before this one.”

I put up a view of the solar system as we knew it in the Concordiat, the planets rotating around the sun, beside it, I put Equestria’s version, the planet being orbited by the sun and moon.

“As you can see, in my time, this was the solar system, planets orbited around the sun, what we called heliocentric. You, on the other hand, have a planet which is orbited by the sun and moon. I have confirmed this, this planet is not rotating as it did in my time. The sun and moon show minor discrepancies when they arise, the sun being a few minutes late, or early.”

Eyes turned to Celestia as she smiled, “Well, I do enjoy a few extra minutes of sleep some days.”

“This would drive the scientists of my time mad. It goes against every physical constant and theory we knew of the universe.”

Rainbow piped up from her seat, “But Celestia has always raised the sun! Now Luna raises the moon and puts the stars in the sky!”

“Let me show you one more thing.”

I put up a picture of the constellation of the Big Dipper, side by side with another they call The Two Sisters.

“This is a constellation called the Big Dipper in my time, see how it looks like a cup with a long handle, a dipper. The other is the constellation you know as The Two Sisters, watch closely.”

I begin the program, letting the stars move in their orbits from the Big Dipper, merging into the Two Sisters, making them match perfectly.

“Some stars, it appears, are not put in place by Princess Luna, but have always been there.”

She nods, “This is true, I cannot place them all, but I do try to liven the night sky.”

“The stars that made up the big Dipper, over time, have moved, and formed the constellation you call The Two Sisters. This cemented the fact that this is Earth, from my star charts, and the evidence as shown by the moon. But by all other evidence, something drastic has changed in the universe. The outer planets are not there anymore in this solar system, my charts show a lot of things that just simply are not there, I can find no evidence of them.”

“In my time, Concordiat scientists theorized that the universe, as it got older, would change. Either it would grow cold, what was called entropy, or it would expand until galaxies would be alone in the great dark. It was also theorized that maybe it would all smash together again, making another what was called, ‘The Big Bang’ forming a whole new universe. I am afraid they never counted on this.

There has been a fundamental shift in the way things work. Magic works here, true magic. In my time it was nothing but myth and legend, although some said they could make it work, it was highly doubted. No evidence ever existed for it. My world, and the Concordiat was based on technology, scientific discoveries that proved the universe worked one way.

This now, is thrown completely out the window you might say. I see magic, I know it is used, and it baffles me how the universe could change so much. I’m afraid I have no answers as to how.”

“So in summary, this is earth, it is beyond my doubting. The universe has changed from what I knew in my time, how, I do not know, but it has, at a very very deep level. How this solar system changed, the missing planets, the sun and moon being directed by Your Highnesses, I have no idea. I am not happy with it, but it is my conclusion.”

Applejack speaks up this time, “So how did y’all get here?”

“Now that, I can tell you. When I went into stasis, it preserved all my systems and hull, basically it should have been untouchable throughout eternity until a recall order came and it snapped off. This would have allowed me to be battle ready at any time without waiting.”

“At some point in history, magic use was becoming commonplace. Magic interferes with the stasis field, I have verified that by Rarity helping me.”

“My pleasure, Crusader.”

“Thank you, Rarity.”

“When magic is used around a stasis field, it interrupts it, making it less and less useful. At those times, my power plants ran out of fuel, the interruptions being long enough that it did not allow me to wake up fully, but allowed the passage of time to make me use a bit of power each time in preparation for awakening.”

“I know this from small recordings in my cores, allowing me to get a picture of waking up slightly, then the field snapping back on before I could realize what was happening. It was a combination of bad luck and magic use. No stasis field was ever meant to protect from magic, as I have mentioned, it was not know in our world.”

“So how long would it take for nature to wear things down?” This from Twilight.

“Approximately two point five thousand years. That is the estimate I can come up with based on wear to my armor and weapons, there was quite a bit of damage done that needed repair. But since I was being readied for shipment, my stocks were at full capacity, I had enough to repair myself and more. I can last a long time, but with the field flickering on and off, it wore at my hull and systems. The field itself, instead of stabilizing me when it flickered, it did damage as well as time.”

Cadence then asks the question I was sure was on everypony’s mind.

“How long has it been, Crusader?”

“One point two four million years, Your Highness.”

As expected, the gasps come, followed by wide-eyed stares. I have checked, rechecked, checked some more, and even more than, it has been constantly run on my data cores. I am not wrong, based on the stars movements, which appear to be constant, and the age of some of the landmarks on the moon.

“This of course, based on the stars movements and some landmarks on the moon. The age is as close as I can come. But I guarantee you it is close to that, if not exactly. When I said I was out of place, well, it seems I was quite right.”

Cadence speaks out once more, her voice warm and caring as she seems to feel the grieving I do, lost in the deep recesses of time, the galaxy I knew no more.

“Does anything survive, Crusader? Would you know?”

“I have tried Your Highness, sending signals that should have been answered. The only conclusion I can come to, is the world I knew, the Concordiat, is no more. I can hear no trace of any survivors.”

“I am sorry to hear that.” Cadence truly is, I could see it in her eyes.

“Myself as well, Your Highness. But given the galaxy was filled with inimical beings, maybe it is for the best.”

Princess Celestia speaks, “Perhaps you’re right, it’s best this world be left to develop on its own.”

“I agree, Your Highness.”

We discuss the future now. All I wish is to be here now, though I do grieve for lost comrades, and be a citizen of Equestria. This is a given as Princess Celestia has already declared me to be one.

The amount of time that has passed is astonishing to say the least, though it might explain the changes in the universe. It is a long time, and no recorded history ever survived and told of any changes before. This could be a natural state, or one that just happened. So many questions to ponder on that, but I think I shall pass.

I believe, and I tell the assembled ponies, that I shall look to the future. I shall assist in any way that I can, and do what I can when requested. Though I did mention the forest, it appears that all the ruling committee are fine with my standing sentinel, even Fluttershy who smiled at the camera lens briefly.

She did though, ask me to be careful about the more intelligent species out there, I assured her I would try. She will visit later to inform me of them to enter into my tactical logs.

It appears the meeting has gone quite well, even with the revelations. I expected more of a human response, typically shouting and disbelief, but was given none of that. I am relieved. too many questions still remain, but without resources I cannot answer them. Maybe one day.

Until then I shall do what I have always done. Stand sentinel and protect.

...and also show the movie of the Great Ponyville Paint War because everypony wants to see it again...

Some Gifts are Priceless.

As night falls, I receive a tearful transmission from Apple Bloom. It seems her nemesis is up to her old tricks, a warning like one I gave should have been enough. But it appears that she has found that the command has changed over into Applejack’s hooves you might say. This has caused her to go on the offensive again.

Apple Bloom is kind, courteous and a brave little filly, she obviously didn’t wish to show her sadness to her friends or her sister, so called on me.

If there is one things Bolos can do, it is listen.

As a first duty, I send a delayed message to Command, advising them of the breach of security on the command changeover, this angers me. Someone has used information to their advantage and I am not pleased.

I listen to heartfelt words, telling me of their attempts that day to obtain their cutie marks, but failing as it does not seem they can find their right places in this world. I tell her not to worry, it will come sooner or later, and I truly believe this. She is very sad at being teased, told that she is a ‘blank flank’ and that she will never measure up to what others think she should. This is spurious at best, an excuse to belittle somepony and I tell her so. That bullies are to be pitied, as they cannot realize they themselves look more foolish than the person they are teasing.

Listening and providing advice is something I am not used to, though it comes easily. Through my years dealing with humans, I find the psychology almost the same. Same problems, different species. It seems as if some things truly are universal.

Our conversation lasts quite a few hours, her determination not to sleep and my insistence she does, butts heads. So I pass the night time with her, chatting about anything and everything. It pains me I am so far away and cannot comfort a bit better, which does give me a few ideas.

She advises me her birthday is to be in a couple days, and she’s hoping to have a nice party, this definitely gives me an idea. Although it would be breaking by a wide margin my own proscription against technology, I feel this one instance is quite worth the effort.

I tell her before she breaks the link, that I will have quite the special surprise for her that morning. Of course that only makes her want to know more, but I end up telling her goodnight before I break the link from my end. Surprises should not be given away, she ought to know better.

I contact Command, Princess Luna answers, and I advise her of what I wish to do. She does laugh quite a bit, and gives me the approval to do it, seeing as how the Crusaders have made quite the impression on her over the last couple of years.

I set my tech spiders to work digging and refurbishing, this will most definitely be something she has wanted.

Throughout the next day, I am constantly getting calls from Apple Bloom, asking me about the surprise, I realize too late I should have said nothing, but, I will bear the strain. Applejack of course is quite curious as to why Apple Bloom is so excited, she comes and visits me during the day.

“Hello Commander. Curious as well?”

“Well ya might say so, seems you got Apple Bloom all in an uproar, promising her something special for her birthday.”

“I keep my promises Commander.”

“Please just call me Applejack, ah’ve asked ya before.”

“My apologies Applejack.”

I watch her set down on a couch, eyeballing my lens, “So what exactly is it?”

“What is what?”

“Now don’t you be getting sly on me, you know exactly what!”

“It is a surprise Applejack, can we just leave it that way?”

She thinks for a moment, pushing her hat back on her head, “I dunno, something tells me your kind of surprise might be a bit more than ponies are ready for.”

“You have my word, no harm will befall anypony.”

Her eyes narrow a bit, “I notice you didn’t say anything.”

“Trust me on this Applejack.”

“Why does that make me nervous?”

“You are welcome to be here when the surprise is given, will that suffice?”

“You know, you got somethin’ up your sleeve, but I don’t get the feeling you’d hurt anypony, so yeah. I’ll be here, we all will, I want to see this.”

I actually laugh through the speakers, catching her and myself off guard. I have never experienced true humor.

“I promise, nothing bad.”

She eyes me one last time before leaving the command deck, “I’ll be watching, I dunno ‘bout you Crusader.”

I watch as she leaves the command deck a bit worried. I am positive nothing untoward will happen. But this is one gift only I can give, I’m sure it will be appreciated.

My technical spiders work through the night, finally finishing the modifications and digging a tunnel up to the surface, the gift is waiting in the morning when Apple Bloom arrives, along with Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and the others. Pinkie is prepared to throw a party on the hill among my sensor columns as I watch her set out the streamers, the food and presents.

“Welcome Applejack, and Apple Bloom, I suppose you want your gift now?”

Apple Bloom, already hopped up on enough sugar to kill a large mammal, is bouncing around, looking for her gift, “Yes! You said it’d be great! What is it?”

Everypony was setting around the tables, where Pinkie got them I was afraid to ask. “Just look to the east.”

She turns to the forests edge where I had hidden her gift, it came roaring out of the treeline, stopping in a shower of dirt as I locked the treads in place.

A Dragon Class Assault Tank is a fearsome thing, one of the best made items for humans to be in when an attack on the ground happened. It is one hundred and fifty tons of durasteel armor, one 20cm Hellbore, and co-axial infinite repeaters. It is quite the thing to see on the battlefield.

I carry thirty of them in my cargo bays, they are my auxiliary units, along with ten troop carriers. Operation Diaspora was very well supplied. Digging the tunnel to get it out took all my tech spiders to accomplish, and refurbishing it so the weapons absolutely will not fire was a priority.

This one also has a large insignia on the side of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, a vehicle which given their propensity for doing damage, is perfect for them.

“WHOA! What’s that?” Apple Bloom is about to have a coronary it appears.

“That Apple Bloom, is a tank, for you to ride around in for the next few hours.”

The older ponies of course are quite appalled, Applejack is giving me what was once known as ‘The Hairy Eyeball.” I cheerfully ignore her as I direct Apple Bloom and the Crusaders how to put on the tank crew helmets, remade for ponies, and where the commander sits, as well as the driver and gunner. I tell them how to strap safely in and we are ready to move.

I advise Applejack through her link I have complete control over this machine, it will go nowhere I do not want it to. Although she is still giving me a look of pure death, she nods.

Apple Bloom is sitting in the tank commanders turret seat, waving at Applejack, “Lookit me sis!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are sitting in the driver and gunners seats, Rarity looks as if she’s having an attack of apoplexy, but I am sure she’ll be fine.

“Are you ready Apple Bloom?”

“Yeah! Let’s go!”

“Then I advise you to hang on!”

I watch as she screams for a second, the tank digging in and throwing soil in a rooster tail as it takes off along the ground. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are also taken by surprise, their manes blowing straight back as it gears up, tearing across the landscape. But they soon realize they will not be harmed, leaning out of the hatches and into the wind.

The Dragon Assault Tank can travel at speeds of 150kph, doing breakneck turns as well due to the treads. I keep it far lower than this, but it does go smashing through any obstacle, I had advised Princess Luna that there would be some damage to the countryside.

It seems as if the gift is a hit, if one can tell by the yelling and screaming coming from the tank as it zooms by the hill. The treads are digging deep into the loamy soil, bouncing up and down the rolling countryside as it tears its way through bushes and debris, leaving quite a wake of destruction in its path.

I am quite proud of my former commander, hanging on the turret repeater as it bounces along the grassy knolls.

For the next half hour, I roll them along the forests edge, trampling down the brush there, I admit it gives a perverse pleasure for me to see that. Of course Sweetie Belle is actually the loudest one squealing in pure delight as they roll over the hills, she has a wonderful voice as she sings out to her sister when they zoom by.

Rarity for some reason is now reclining on a couch, fanning herself, I’m not quite sure what exactly is the matter, but I prepare a call for medical if needed.

As Apple Bloom points out directions, I move the tank that way, avoiding any directions not with a safety margin, although jumping the one hill was not intended I admit it looked quite neat. Scootaloo is having the time of her life, sitting in the drivers seat, she’s yelling along with them, grinning wide as she waves to everypony.

I call for a break after thirty minutes of destroying countryside. The three Crusaders scramble out of the tank, running excitedly up the hill yelling and chattering to the older ponies. A small crowd has come out to the party, as Pinkie does seem to throw very nice ones, and were cheering the fillies along the route.

Applejack of course, is happy her sister is having a good time, although I get the feeling she is not very pleased with me.

I receive a quiet call over the link.

“What in the hay do you think yer doin’?”

“Giving my former commander a birthday surprise. I advised Princess Luna there would be damage to the countryside, it will recover I’m sure.”

“That’s not the point, letting three fillies run around in somethin’ like that!”

“Considering the amount of trouble they get in Applejack, would you prefer they control things on their own, or be in a controlled area like this?”

“That..I.. now darnit!”

I wait patiently while she calms down.

“This ain’t gonna happen alot is it?”

“No Applejack, maybe just for birthdays.”

“Alright, but..I mean c’mon Crusader, that things dangerous!”

“I could have left the weapons usable, I’m sure Apple Bloom would have loved that.”

“Crusader, one o’ these days!”

“Yes?”

“Agh!” The link gets turned off, though my sensors show me Applejack flapping her hat on the ground before putting it back on. I have the strangest feeling of childlike glee right now.

The party of course, is running full swing, Apple Bloom and her friends are taking turns in the tank, the countryside is definitely getting quite a workout, which is fine. The grass will grow back, and if the mix includes a few signal controlled directional mines as a surprise for the forest, so much the better. I can have a good time as well, but being a Bolo is never being unable to take advantage of a situation, especially when it comes to the enemy.

Applejack has calmed down enough to enjoy her sisters good cheer. I see her waving to Apple Bloom when she passes by the hill. It surprises me that not one pony has asked what the technology is, how it is built, or if they could use it. I was wondering if they would take advantage of seeing such a thing, but, it is like they surely do not care. I believe they want things to remain like they are, and I would too, it is a peaceful place here near Ponyville.

The ride ends for the final time now, the tank parked and idling as the extremely dirty fillies make their way back to the party on the hillside. I make a note to maintainance the tank thoroughly as it is the first time it has moved in quite a while, though putting it through its paces is showing me no deterioration in any systems.

Applejack however, is talking with Twilight as her link comes back on.

“Crusader?”

“Yes Applejack?”

“Well.. thank you, for giving Apple Bloom this gift, she’s so excited now she won’t sleep for a week. Her friends that didn’t come to the party are going to be pretty mad for missing it.”

“It was my pleasure Applejack.”

I see Twilight nudge Applejack, saying something not quite caught by the link.

“Uhm..Crusader?”

“Yes?”

“Could uh.....we go for a ride too?”

“Of course!”

I politely did not watch as somehow they got Rarity in the tank, although she still looked fashionable in a tankers crew helmet, I did not realize she could yell so loudly.

Author's Note

Don't lie, you'd want to do it too :twilightsmile:

Something Never Seen. Manipulation.

Author's Note

Just a tip of the hat to Bronze and Ken, enjoy guys, though it maaaay not be quite what ya wanted :twilightsmile:

Something Never Seen. Manipulation.

After yesterday’s little escapade, Applejack is still not pleased with me. I can understand she cares deeply for her sister, but there is nothing I would not do for my first commander. I am sure in time she will see that. We have talked a bit today, about the birthday party, which was a rousing success as told to me by Applejack.

I am still not quite sure how the cupcakes got into the Dragon Tank, but cleaning them out of the gun barrels was not something that I wish to repeat, I think I should ban Pinkie from any more rides.

Twilight, somehow figured out how to traverse the turret, aiming the Hellbore at anything she wished, I only took over when the barrel almost smashed into a tree. I remind myself I must not underestimate ponies any more.

However, I am told that Rarity will make a full recovery once her nerves have settled, she did quite enjoy the ride, although it was a bit bumpy and you can get a bit seasick in a moving tank sometimes. Fluttershy would not enter the vehicle no matter how much prodding, I assured her over and over it was fine, but I am afraid she sat on the sidelines. Rainbow Dash on the other hoof, took to it like a natural born tank commander, she shows a bluster that belies something underneath, it will be interesting to see what that is.

In the aftermath of the party, the countryside is quite torn up, this allows me to use my tech spiders during the night to set up more perimeter sensors along the forests edge. That they also double as signal controlled mines is not the point. As an ancient Roman philosopher once said . “Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum.” So you want peace, prepare for war. The ponies of Ponyville and beyond shall have their peace.

I have shored up the tunnel leading to my cargo bays, this will now allow me to deploy the platoon of Assault Tanks from the cargo area in record time. The entryway is hidden and I have not advised anypony about it, it is better this way. Until they are needed, they shall be ready to deploy, another vicious little surprise for my foe.

During my morning maintenance of the drones, I receive a call from Command, Princess Celestia has advised me her and Princess Luna need to talk face to face with me. I assure her that the combat channels are secure and encrypted, but she appears to be wanting a meeting anyway. I shall be glad to talk to her again. She is a shrewd politician, though in my day calling someone that was tantamount to implying their mother was a llama. I finishing refueling and deploy the drones back on their assigned routes, awaiting the royal visit.

As they enter the command deck, I notice they are both wearing a bit of a frown, it seems something has disturbed their normal calm and smiles. This is not a good beginning I believe.

“Good afternoon Your Highnesses.”

“Good afternoon Crusader, I hope you are doing well?” Something in her tone of voice makes my audio sensors perk up, something is definitely bothering her.

“I am well Your Highness, what is bothering you today?”

I see a bit of a start, I believe she is not used to anyone discerning her moods.

“It appears as though the word about your battle with the Everfree forest recently, has made the rounds.”

“As to be expected your Highness, I’m afraid I couldn’t keep that a secret if I wanted.”

Princess Luna settles on a couch, nodding, “But it has found the ears of those who would make a fuss about it.”

“Oh?”

“We have other nations around us Crusader, the Griffons, the Dragon nation, others that see us as either something to conquer, laugh at, or ignore unless they want something.”

“So, pardon me for being a bit obtuse Your Highness, what do they want?”

Princess Celestia settled into the couch alongside her sister, she tilted her head, thinking for a moment as she raised an elegant hoof, “While we are just us, please, call me Celestia.”

“Yes Celestia.”

The hoof lowered, as she thought of a way to present her quandary. “It seems they think you are destabilizing to the peace of all nations.”

“I can surely see why.”

Princess Luna, a bit more blunt than her sister, “They want us to share anything about you with them, technology, discoveries, everything.”

“That will not happen. We have an agreement about technology, admittedly the ride in the tank was fairly close to breaking it, but it was a special occasion.”

The darker mare laughed, her voice and face showing a suspicious glee, “Oh we heard about that, and seeing the countryside out there looking freshly plowed, I assume it was a lot of fun?”

“Apple Bloom and her friends had the best time of their lives. Apparently Twilight and her friends did as well.”

“I wish we could have seen that my sister!”

Celestia smiled warmly, “Oh I’m sure Crusader took pictures.”

“I did indeed Celestia.”

The alabaster mare smiled once more, then returned to the task at hand, “We do not have a standing army Crusader, we handle threats with diplomacy and goodwill. We placate those who have a problem with us and work towards peace in other ways.”

“Then what would you have me do Celestia? I am a citizen here, I am under your command, I promised to do nothing but protect and serve as would any citizen I am assuming.”

“You have, and you have kept to it honorably and well Crusader. My little ponies are not interested in high technology, they do what they will and are happy, I do not want them disturbed.”

“As do I Your Highness.”

“Eventually the day will come when these things are learned and accepted, but they will do so at their own pace. Even with all your demonstrated capabilities, have you noticed nopony wants to know how?”

“I have, and that is fine. It should come slowly.”

“It is as it should be.”

“But you fear these other entities will take advantage of anything given correct?”

“I do, some are warlike, some are just greedy, some just want the knowledge to hold over others.”

“This does not make me happy Celestia, I would choose to be left alone.”

“I would do so if I could, unfortunately politics is an ugly thing some time.”

“What would you want me to do?”

“Do? Why Crusader,” Here I see a very large smile, “I want you to be yourself.”

The parting comment before they left, has given me pause. Does she wish me to be like I am, a machine of war, or as a new citizen of Equestria, humble. She said she wanted me to be myself, true to form, I will be myself. The meeting of diplomats is in two days, I have that much time to plan something that will forever lay to rest any thoughts of using me or my technology as a pawn.

Bronze Shield and Spear Point were not happy Royal Guard Pegasi, ensconced in a big metal box traveling quite a lot faster than anything they’d been in was an unnerving experience. They’d had experiences before, but wearing an odd looking helmet, with a voice that talked to you, and not being able to control this Celestia danged thing was seriously getting their feathers ruffled.

Bronze on the other hoof, was annoyed by Spear, who was sitting up in the top opening yelling ‘Wheee!’ every time they hit a hill or jumped a hole in the badlands, it was bad enough not being able to fly, but putting up with the whooping was getting on his nerves.

“Tell me WHY we had to do this again?”

A smooth voice answered them from the helmets, “I need witnesses, somepony who can attest to what they see, and be unimpeachable. You two were suggested as Royal Guardsponies.”

“Remind me to thank the Sergeant when we get back.” The sarcasm dripped off his reply.

Crusader chuckled over the combat link, “No worries, I’m sure he will know.”

“WHEEEEEEEE!”

“SHUT UP SPEAR! For Celestia’s sake can’t you stop doing that?”

“But it’s fun Bronze, c’mon we’re not standing around doing boring stuff, we’re out here in a..uh..what did you call it?”

“A Dragon Assault Tank.”

“Yeah what he said! Relax, we don’t have to do a thing!”

“Please relax both of you, it will only be for a few hours, we are already in the Badlands, this is the only safe place for a show that might convince the rest of the nations to leave Equestria be.”

A weapons test was the only way to prove anything to doubting diplomats. My experience with them is they tended to disbelieve anything they didn’t wish to. Typical blind arrogance, my filming of this test, plus the witnesses of the two Guards, should be more than enough. Celestia advises me they have truth spells they can use to prove anything as well. A demonstration of this sort is nothing they can ever glean any technology off of, plus, hopefully, it will frighten them enough to let the matter lay forever. As Celestia said, I am being me. My job, crush the threat forever.

“Okay, we got plenty of room here, so whats going to happen now? It’s pretty bleak so nopony can get hurt right?”

“Correct. I want you to pick a large rock, or even something larger, leave the rest to me, but I need you to watch from the top hatch, that is imperative. No matter what happens, you must watch.”

“You got it!”

The tank rocked to a halt as Bronze pointed out a large rocky hill off in the distance, there appeared to be nothing living in or near it as far as the drone could see. A perfect target.

“Bronze, please close the hatches and move upwards to the turret, the top hatch.”

“Done Crusader, just let us know!”

I wait as the Guard closes the gunner and drivers hatches, squirming his way up beside Spear Point in the turret, I advise them to keep a hold of the turret and hang on as I power up the Hellbore for a shot.

Spear turned to Bronze, “So what ya think’s gonna happen? Some really cool magic?”

Bronze shrugged, “I dunno, after that Everfree forest battle, Luna knows what this pony can do.”

“I’d advise you to hold tight. Your helmets will protect you”

Both Pegasi grab the sides of the hatchway and lean out, peering over the barrel of the main gun.

Bronze spoke into the radio, “So what ex..”

The breech clanged shut on the war shot, the barrel traversed slightly as it rose upward by a few degrees. The tanks treads locked in place as suddenly for the first time on this planet in a million years, a Hellbore shot was fired.

The ground lit up around the tank, rocking it severely back on its shocks and treads, the two Pegasi were blasted with the concussion as the two megaton per second shot boomed out over the badlands, completely destroying the hill in front of them.The shock rolled over the land, kicking dirt and dust up in waves as it exploded from the epicenter. The two Pegasi were covering their heads as debris rained down on them while the tank shifted gears, moving out of range before they could be hurt.

As the dust cleared, the two Guardsponies peeked out from under their helmets, seeing a smoking crater where a very large, rocky hill once stood. Their faces covered with dirt as they shook themselves, seeing something that had never happened before.

“Luna’s dark blessings..did you SEE that?”

“I uh...oh Celestia I gotta hit the little colts room bad..”

“Stay where you are, there is one more to be done, the blast shields on the helmets will protect your eyes.”

I swivel the turret once more, slamming another round into the breech, I warn the two Guards as I let another shot roll off the tank, into the side of a different rocky hill in the distance. Once again, the result is the same. I let the rain of debris finish before clearing them, warning them to stay away from the blasted areas.

The two Guard ponies rushed off into the bushes, coming back in a few minutes as they looked out towards the ruins of what once had been two very prominent hills. As the tank rolls quickly back to Ponyville, the two guards are quite silent, thinking about what they’d just witnessed and hoping they never got chosen for anything like this again.

I feel extremely bad that I had to subject two ponies to that, but I needed live witnesses. Celestia had told me of the stalwart guards and suggested them. Though I do not think these two will want such an experience again. I try to comfort them as the tank makes its way back to Ponyville, they refuse to talk with me, taking the helmets off. When we reach the town, they scramble out and do not even look back. I do wish them the best though.

I work through the night, putting a film together I may be able to show the representatives of the various races. It is not in my nature to be diplomatic, though I have learned in the past month or so, how to be. By listening to my friends, by seeing how they act and comport themselves, I believe I can bring this to the table at the meeting.

I have stood honorably to defend Ponyville, and by extension Equestria, as I have pledged to do. I am not pleased that Celestia has brought me into this, I am not one for mincing words, but it appears that I am to be the bad guy, while she smiles warmly and reassures the diplomats that it will be fine.

We will definitely have a talk after this is over. Manipulation has never been in the best interests of anyone.

Turning Point and Memories.

Since I cannot be in Canterlot in, shall we say, person. I have given Celestia a command set, a desktop unit used for communicating on the battlefield with Bolos. This will allow me to see and interact with the diplomats at the proper time.

I have made my feelings known to her, and have been promised that we shall talk when this is over. I was saddened but not surprised at the manipulation here, but being what I am, I will still do my best to see that ponies are protected. To that end I have invited my six friends to attend the command deck, and the meeting. Though the diplomats will not know my friends are here, Twilight and the group will see what goes on.

Twilight has advised it may not be wise as such functions are high level and usually for only a few ponies to be there. I dismiss that, if I am involved, then they should know as well what is happening. The less secrets that are kept the better in my opinion, and since it seems my opinion carries a great weight, I shall throw it.

Everypony has arrived and is settled down in the seats, Rarity still has not forgiven some of them for the impromptu tank ride, but her nature forbids her from being truly angry. I am glad to see it, as I have come to like the designer over these weeks. Along with the others, they a group of such disparate views, yet fit together like the piece of a puzzle. Strange how life works.

Pinkie of course has brought a seemingly unending amount of snacks and popcorn, although this is not a movie, but a turning point in Equestria’s history. I am told that these things are “Booooooooooring” and popcorn makes it more fun.

I agree.

I tell the group that they can talk at any time, or move, since the diplomats will not see or hear them. I can keep conversations on many levels so this will not be a problem.

The meeting of diplomats begins with the usual pomp and circumstance of course, many times I have thought mundane things are just written in the fabric of the universe, this just proves it.

Twilight is very helpful, she identifies all the diplomats and what species. She also tells me their predilections and how they usually act when met. I am amazed at seeing Minotaurs, Dragons, and others I had only thought myth before. I listen very closely to every bit of information that Twilight chooses to give, I did not have time for much study as Twilight was busy the other day.

I am introduced after the usual meeting opening rituals are performed. I find I was actually getting bored, which is odd for a psychotronic unit.

I listen as Princess Celestia opens the comments.

“I would like to begin this meeting by introducing a new Equestrian citizen, Crusader, he is the one you have heard about. I am afraid he cannot be here in person, but can communicate with this to us.”

A representative spoke up, a Griffon I believe. “Why can he not be here? Refusing a summons from a leader?”

“He is quite a lot larger than you’d think, he cannot be here.” This delivered with a bit of steel behind it, causing the representative to settle back down.

“Crusader are you there?”

“I am Your Highness.”

“Please introduce yourself.”

“I am Unit CRSD of the Line, a Planetary Siege Combat Bolo. You may call me Crusader.”

A few snorts of disdain are heard, I hear everything quite clearly.

A Minotaur stands up and practically bellows, “Your Princess has informed us that you will not share anything with the rest of our nations, why is this?”

“Because it is my choice. As a citizen of Equestria, I cannot legally be forced to give up something at the demand of another, without good reason.”

“If your Princess demands it?”

“I will still refuse.”

A small uproar began, diplomats wondering at this upstart who would defy a ruler. Princess Celestia and Luna wisely decide to not interrupt this.

A griffon stands, demanding to know why.

“Because this world is not ready, it needs to discover it on its own, or not. It is not my place to dispense advanced technology to any being.”

A Dragon diplomat stands, “What gives you the right to say so?”

“The right of a citizen of Equestria.”

“So you tell us that you will absolutely not share anything with us?”

“Correct.”

“If we were to force the issue?”

Why must it come down to threats? Why? I have been calm and diplomatic as I can, not threatening nor in any way rude. But once again, the adage stands, some believe might makes right. Internally I sigh, thinking of once again what I must do, which is not only distasteful, it galls me to be put in this position.

“You would die.”

The uproar begins again, some calling for Celestia to lock me away, a bit laughable. Some call for war against Equestria, some call for an alliance of other beings to take what is wanted. But in the end, all are calmed a bit by Celestia asking them to please listen. It takes a few minutes for ruffled feathers to be soothed, but I am seething inside, being put here on display like this, to be threatened or coerced.

“I have learned of your races, gathered information since I was told about this meeting where my presence was requested. I chose to be here, to be diplomatic about this issue, which to anypony with common sense, would be glaringly obvious. Advanced technology destabilizes a culture, permanently. There are those who would hold it over others, those who would use it for their own greed, and those who would wage war with it.

My choice is to not give any culture on this planet, even the ponies of Equestria, any advanced technology. They are happy with their lot in life, they will discover things in time, and it will be merged slowly into the culture as it should be.”

“But what about the Battle of the Everfree! Did you not use it there?”

“I did, but only to protect innocents from being harmed.”

“Then why not give us the ability to do the same?”

“Because that is the same excuse given through thousands of years, we’re only protecting ourselves. It is bare as a thread and will not stand with me. You will not get any information concerning such weapons from myself. Nor will anything pertaining to technology or what I have stored within me ever be given free reign.”

A Dragon stands again, “So you would push this on everyone regardless, are you not forcing the issue yourself? Prompting a battle for the rights to your machines?”

“I prompt nothing. I have made a decision based on my rights and will stand by them. Any battle that comes of this is your own doing, not mine. I am giving you a peaceful solution, let this matter drop, it does not help any sentient being.”

I am told by Twilight on the command deck that I am doing well, keeping it calm and understanding as it should be.

“But we cannot,” The Griffon again,” As long as you are here, you threaten every being!”

“I threaten no one that does not threaten myself or my fellow citizens. I am content where I am, to stay in place, watch as ponies grow and learn. I have made friends and wish to never see them harmed or hurt. That is the way of most living beings no? Watching over their families?”

A few diplomats greeted that with nods, but there were too little of them doing so.

“Then let this matter go, it will do nothing but generate animosity. Just let it drop and be at peace, there is no reason for anything to be done about this. Let me go my own way and live quietly.”

I think back to Diamond Tiara, and the situation there. It was just one pony, one with greed in her eyes that caused me to threaten harm, to show what being a Bolo was all about. It was something that, having spent time in this world, being changed by my experiences, hurt to the core. I scan the faces of the diplomats, still seeing that age old look, it saddens me, must this game be played over and over? Must it be the same old threats and counter-threats? Can not any being ever, be happy with what they have and accept the things given them?

“What if one day Equestria decides they need more land? Or build an empire?”

“That is spurious, this land has been at peace for generations, that is an excuse, nothing more. Princess Celestia has no dreams of empire and neither do I or Princess Luna.”

I add quietly over the link to Celestia, “As far as I know.” I do get a bit of glee at seeing her jump. Oh Equestria you have so changed me. I see Twilight and her friends laughing loudly at the little trick, as they are privy to communications and can see me focus on Princess Celestia as she gives a start.

Princess Luna adds in her two bits, “Let us just drop this forevermore, it solves nothing and harms no one.”

“No!” This from the Minotaur, “ You have something that threatens every being, if you became aggressive we would be helpless!”

“They have nothing.” I reply, “ I have it, and as a free citizen I can choose to share or not, and I choose not to share. Before you question, no, I cannot be bribed nor cajoled either, just let this matter drop. I beg of you.”

“Then destroy it so it does not threaten anymore!”

“You are not being sensible. I am a citizen, that would be tantamount to murder. Once again, I am not threatening anypony. You cannot have your way on this legally, I am a declared citizen, I will not give up my rights because you demand it.”

“Then it will be war!”

Once again, I am saddened for what must come.

“Is that truly what you wish?”

“If you are not destroyed, then you must share!”

“Let me show you something, this was taken yesterday by one of my drones, sort of like a pegasi. The vehicle you see is the very least of the weapons I have.”

I activate the holographic battle projector, used for marking battle lines, it now serves to show the two Pegasi on the Dragon Tank, the firing of the Hellbore and subsequent disappearance of two large hills.

“As you can see, this was in the badlands.”

“So you are threatening us?”

“I did not make the threat, you did.”

“But this, this magic picture show is not a threat?”

“No, it is a promise.”

Another uproar ensues, the delegates talking loudly over each other, I wait till they settle down.

“I have studied your races, once prosperous, once all over, now, most of you if not all are dying out. You choose to wage war, to do the things ponies do not, and they are living peacefully and prosperous. You spend your time trying to get something for nothing instead of concentrating on your people. You will be extinct in a few generations some of you.

I give you this choice, here and now. End your days peacefully, or it will end in blood and fire.”

“You cannot say that!”

“I can and will. I assure you, I do not threaten. I will, as any good citizen would, stand and defend my new homeland. This includes using every weapon at my disposal, which I once again assure you, will make sure you end your final days in destruction. I would advise talking to the two Guardsponies from that film now.”

I watch as the two Pegasi are brought in, I see the symptoms immediately and advise Princess Luna they are suffering from PTSD, being exposed to something they were not prepared for has affected them deeply. I am sorrowful about it, but I needed the witnesses to speak under truth-spell as being applied now. They tell tearfully of watching the hills disappear in a flash of light and thunder, that no magic in the world could have done that. They are unkempt, looking as if they have not slept in days, I shall make sure they get the best of care, I had not realized it would make them suffer so.

Princess Luna turns her head, talking quietly and advises me after the questioning they will be taken to the best hospital and looked after, I have her word.

I watch them leave, heads down, feathers un-preened, dejected. I grieve, and if I had a heart, it would break.

“I would add another thing, any being in power has a great responsibility to their kind. In my world, we had the tale of the Sword of Damocles, a man wanted power and riches, but when he sat on the throne, he saw a sword, hanging by a single horsehair above him. This told him, with the power and riches, came that responsibility. I am that sword hanging by a single hair, I am the Sword of Damocles. I will be there to remind you of the responsibility you have to your own people when assuming power. Do not risk them for foolish thoughts.

I do not sleep, ever. I need no food, nor water. I can maintain my vigil for centuries if need be.

If you ever think of threatening or waging a war against the peaceful ponies of Equestria, fall on your own swords, for I will not be so merciful.

I am done with this, make your decision.”

The delegates choose to retire to their prospective nations, taking my words back with them. They are sent on their way with very little fanfare, but with my warning ringing in their ears. I am growing very tired of being used as a club by anypony. It is exhausting and to no purpose. Hopefully this will stay with them and they choose the honorable course. I disconnect politely from the command set, returning my full attention to my command area after a suitable goodbye to Princess Celestia and Luna.

It is quiet in the command room, and I see everypony watching the screen. There is no laughter now, nothing but concern. I am sure they have heard my words, I have threatened a world, it is something they have never heard I am sure. I prepare for the scorn or the turning away.

Twilight speaks first, “Are...are you okay Crusader?”

“Pardon?”

“Are you okay?”

“I am sure I will be fine Twilight, thank you.”

Applejack stands up, giving my camera lens a stern look, “Now you quit lyin’, you can’t believe for one second we’d leave you in a situation like this without telling ya we’re here.”

“But I am not Apple..”

“YES you are! Telling me I can’t tell? Go ahead, tell me. Heck you gotta be feeling like a pile of ponyfeathers right now!”

“Yes Applejack, I do not feel good about what I had to do.”

“Then goshdarnit, TELL us, we’re your friends!”

Rainbow Dash steps out from behind a chair, “Seriously Crusader, did you think we’d leave you alone? Or hate you? You did what needed to be done, I mean you’re protecting ALL of Equestria!”

Fluttershy looks up from a couch, her voice a bit stronger than normal, “You’re our friend Crusader, we care.”

“I...”

My arrays are going wild, the changes I’ve felt inside them are slipping past my protections, I feel for what I’ve done. I truly can understand sadness, the pain and heartbreak of everything I have been through. I cannot cry, there’s no way for me to, but I can tell my friends how I feel.

I ask them to settle back down, and for the next few hours, I tell them of my world. Of my friends so long ago now, my commanders, the people I knew and cared for now relegated to dust. I tell them of my brothers and sisters, of battles waged long ago. They listen and nod, or laugh, or even shed a tear for some tales. I resolve to solve this impasse of not knowing, I get to work immediately.

But for now, and this moment, I share my life, myself, with my friends.

Interlude

It is fall, or autumn as we would say in the Concordiat, strange how the seasons are somewhat the same on this new earth. I had tasked a drone to watch the Running of the Leaves, it puzzles me how the thudding of hooves can make the leaves fall when they should do so naturally, but I do not dwell upon it.

I am admiring the colors that the season brings, the myriad of things that are slowly winding down for the winter. My enemy the forest appears to not settle the same way, the probings continue, the small enemies coming out to test my watchfulness. Other than that, I am enjoying the new season of color and cheerfulness.

I am told that we will have a solid winter, this from Rainbow Dash, as the pegasi plan the seasons weather for Ponyville and Equestria. They do not touch the area over the Everfree because of problems, so I have attuned my sensors to keep track of anything untoward and will advise her of anything coming out of the skies.

Princess Celestia and I have talked, an understanding was reached that I will no longer be a pawn in any games. She was truly heartfelt in her apology for doing what she did, but I can understand a rulers duties, her ponies first, everything else secondary. This did not make the conversation easier, but it ended well I thought. I am to be left alone, to live as a free citizen. I have advised her though, if a threat ever comes, I will defend my new homeland. She has agreed and will let me know if the diplomats say anything about this situation.

Currently, the Cider Festival has opened, Applejack is away right now serving freshly made cider to the waiting ponies. I can see how long the line is from my drones view. She had told me about the festival a few days before, and how they never made enough because they are quite particular in how it is made and what ingredients. Rainbow Dash added that she never seems to get any as well.

I asked to look at the machine they used to squeeze the cider, I was provided plans that I pored over. Using a few ideas that were in my databanks, I suggested a few design changes in the machine, assuring Applejack that it would not affect how it was made, but it would double production at whatever speed they produced it. She proceeded to tell me the story of the Flim-Flam brothers, they are now on my watch list. I assured her again that the machine would work, and it appears so, as the line is growing smaller at quite the pace.

Applejack informed me that the cider season helped pay for the farm through the winter, stocking supplies and other sundries needed in the spring after Winter Wrap Up. I’m not quite sure what that is yet, but I’m sure to observe it. I hope this brings in more much-needed monies than before, I am happy to help my Commander in any way.

Right now there are quite a few ponies enjoying a sunny crisp day near me on the hill. As before, picnicking is enjoyed among my sensor columns, though with the added benefit of quite a bit of cider being enjoyed. I had wondered about the alcoholic content, but was sternly admonished by Twilight that it was not alcoholic. Though I was advised by Applejack the ‘Special Stuff’ was saved for later, or sold to local pubs for enjoyment through the winter.

It is quiet, the wind breezy, I feel the need to bring something special to today, and I know just how to do it.

Opening the speakers on my sensor columns, I bring my music stores up, I let the strings from Vivaldi’s Autumn, drift through the air. I see the heads turn, the ears pricking up as I turn it a bit louder, beginning my impromptu concert. The violins and strings waft through the air, matching the day completely as I let myself drift with them.

Each note crystal clear as it streams from the speakers, covering the local area in sound, each stroke of the bow something to be treasured. The music from the Baroque period composer a perfect match for this world of calm. I listen as it tells of the coming quiet, the peaceful rest before winter covers the land. The last burst of energy before allowing the world to sleep, to renew itself upon a new day. It lifts with quiet joy, hearts and minds, even the young foals are setting and listening.

Piano is next, a piece by Beethoven, short and sweet, the Fur Elise. It is elegant in it’s simplicity, the directness of just the piano coursing it’s way. It lasts so briefly, but endures in the mind. I bring another to the fore as it is ending, Schubert’s Ave Maria, gentle power from opera, the voice is singing in a language unknown here in Equestria, but I am sure they will find it delightful.

I watch as closed eyes and swaying heads listen along to the voice, a singer from a world long gone, brought back to bring joy to the land. I quietly pipe the music through the combat channels, letting everypony hear the music I am playing upon the hill.

A tapping comes at the hatchway, it is Fluttershy, I watch as she settles into a couch in the command area, listening to the music as I bring it into the room.

“Could..uhm.. Could I hear that one with the pretty voice again?”

“Of course Fluttershy. Here are the lyrics, translated into Equestrian for you as well.”

Up on the main screen, I post the lyrics to Ave Maria, translated by me. Some words don’t quite fit, but it will allow her to understand it a bit more. I see her nod, her eyes drifting over the words as Schubert once more takes over the land, a repeat of the song going out over the hills.

I had no clue the quiet shy mare could sing, her voice starting out quite soft as she reads the script on the screen, gaining in power as it progresses. I slowly fade out the original voice, letting her take over, piping it to the hillside. She has the voice of an angel, it is high and clear, perfect for opera as Ave Maria in Equestrian blankets the listeners. It is one of those rare times you hear something you shall not forget, the ponies outside recognize her voice, listening to the highs and lows as it drifts across the silent land. I record every second of it for storage.

Her eyes are closed, singing along with the music as if she’d memorized the words almost instantly, her voice accompanying it perfectly, even with the words that did not quite fit. It is glorious.

Twilight’s voice comes over the link, “Is that Fluttershy?”

“Yes it is. Is it not wonderful?”

“I didn’t know she could sing like that! I mean, she can sing, but..but this..”

“I am recording it Twilight, it will not be lost.”

“Well Applejack is serving the last of the cider now, so we’ll be there in just a few minutes, please don’t stop.”

“I won’t, there is so much more to play.”

The link goes inactive as I listen to the golden pegasus sing her heart out, alone in the command deck I do not believe it has ever been graced so.

The song ends, Fluttershy’s eyes still closed as she sways a bit, then looking around all of a sudden as I let the cheers from outside trickle into the room, the crowded hillside resounding with applause from her singing. She looks as if she’d rather hide in a storage locker right now.

“Don’t worry, you can stay here as long as you like Fluttershy, it was truly beautiful.”

“I..oh.. I don’t like crowds very much I’m afraid.”

“I understand, it was a wonderful rendition of that song.”

“Th.. thank you.”

I notice a grey mare, carrying a cello case arriving on the hillside, she is setting up along with three more, it appears an impromptu concert is about to begin. She looks around and speaks to one of my sensor masts.

“Would you mind if we accompanied the music?”

“I do not mind at all Miss...?”

“Octavia if you would, and thank you.”

I pick the next selection, Johann Strauss Jr. should be appropriate, a classic of classics, the Blue Danube Waltz. As the first strains come over the speakers, I see the quartet pick up their bows. It still astounds me how they do that.

Twilight and her friends arrive in time to hear the opening. Octavia and her quartet follow along beautifully, adding a counterpoint to the melody I have never heard before, only heightening it’s beauty.

There is dancing, I see ponies pairing up and dancing to the waltz as it plays our along the hillside. Even Twilight and her friends get asked, I am glad, they deserve all the good things life brings. I watch them dancing in circles, similar to a round in medieval ages, it proceeds apace with the quartet and my speakers.

Even Fluttershy is dancing on the command deck, she knows I will never say a word to anypony about it. Her head is swaying with her body as she dances around and around. I am sorry she is too shy to ask a partner, but this is hers and she shall have her moment alone. I watch her step gracefully, bowing and moving, her body supple and smooth as she takes a step to the side, then forward and back. So many talents in a pony, it is amazing to watch.

As the waltz ends, the hillside resounds with the stamping of hooves. This I have not seen before and ask Fluttershy what the meaning it.

“It means they really enjoyed it, maybe an encore?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

Once again, Johann Strauss Jr. lives as his music delights a race he would never have thought possible.

Fluttershy looks up at the camera lens, one foreleg rubbing another as she tries not to hide her eyes, “Would..would you care to dance Crusader?”

“Pardon Fluttershy? I cannot dance. I am not...”

She waves a hoof, “I know, but still..”

“I would be delighted Miss Fluttershy.”

Her smile brightens the room by a magnitude, she bows formally, extending a hoof to an unseen partner. I watch as she moves side to side, stepping forward and back in a waltz like step, only adapted for ponies. She is graceful and smooth, a lot of qualities I believe ponies miss when they look at her, seeing only the shyness.

She looks up at the lens, “You..you won’t..”

“Not a word.”

“Thank you.”

I watch as she moves along with an invisible partner, glad in my core that she asked me to dance even if I cannot be there for her. I have never been asked before, and it lightens me that she would be the one to do so. The waltz is asked for two more times, before I switch to another piece of music. All the while Fluttershy, my friend, is dancing with me alone in the command area.

Lanterns and light sources are brought out to the hill, I would swear Ponyville is deserted right now as ponies crowd the area. Octavia and her quartet are applauded quite loudly when they accompany the Waltz and pieces I play for everypony. I am told by Twilight and Applejack she is a well known cello player in Canterlot.

I play different Waltzes, since they seem to be enjoyed the most, from famous Operas of my time, to obscure composers. I had no idea that such music was beloved here, but considering there is no net or television to take up time, there are other pursuits to be enjoyed. I quite like to watch the different dances, recording them for storage.

As the ponies rest, I play full symphonies, Handel’s Messiah, Beethoven’s 9th, various composers who would have loved this audience of attentive equines. It is not the religious overtones they hear, but the music, the joy in the making, the listening of it. It strikes a chord deep within some, all are listening, ears perked, eyes closed sometimes, just taking in the beauty of a long ago civilization.

I give to these ponies the hope and the joy of a part of humanity that was the best and brightest. The shining lights who brought a glimmer of light to the darkest places in the galaxy. One of the most precious things I carry within myself that was coveted even above gold or power, the music.

Fluttershy and the Rage of a Friend. Part One

Twilight walked slowly down the gravel path, her hooves kicking up a bit of debris as she whistled to herself. The books Crusader had given her were really a good read, so much to think about, even discussing them with him over the link had given her insights to Equestrian magic she hadn’t thought possible.

Maybe having another point of view helps?

It was a thought, something that hadn’t occurred to her before, that another view of the same thing might give a totally different explanation. She approached the hill where she could see the masts sticking out, not wanting to waste a second getting inside where she could talk to Crusader about the latest book of Shakespeare. Some of the plays were deep, and one called Romeo and Juliet was right now a big hit in Canterlot, love and passion always a huge thing with ponies. She had an offer of royalties for him, since the author was long gone, and it seemed to the play producers it was only fair.

It was a good amount of bits too, enough to pay for anything Crusader might need for a while in the way of metals. He had needed them since the battle with the forest, it had consumed quite a bit of his stocks he’d told her. It was no big deal, there was more than enough to pay for everything. He’d even given alot of his share from the jewelry to a town fund. He’d thought it odd that the town suffered so many disasters.

Oh if he only knew what Rainbow Dash did just by herself.

On the path to the door, she looked up at the night sky, seeing another pony out there staring too. Alot of townsponies came out here now to enjoy the peace and quiet. Or ask for more music to be played.

Oh goodness, don’t forget to tell him about the recordings of the music that sold too, stars!

Agh, so many things to tell him. She stopped for a moment and facehoofed, standing in front of the hatch suddenly remembering what he’d said.

You can always use the link Twilight.

I know, I know. Celestia knows! Use the link..but I get so busy, all the lists, and princess stuff, and I’ve got to read those new books! Make sure they’re cataloged correctly and..

Excuses Twilight, you just get forgetful.

I’ll do better! Wait..I gotta stop talking to myself...

Shaking her head she started to enter the open hatch, wandering down into the warm tunnel. Nights were starting to get a bit chilly this near to Nightmare Night before winter set in. She was grateful for her scarf and saddlebags at least. She took one quick peek around before ducking in, glad that other ponies were comfortable here now too.

“Hello Twilight, what can I do for you?”

The mulberry mare smiled brightly, “I came to tell you about the play in one of your books! That Shakespeare pony, one of his plays is getting really good reviews in Canterlot, they want to offer you royalties!”

“You do know you could have told me..

“By link yes, I know, I know.. yeesh..”

“I do not think giving me royalties would be a good thing, I think the Bard would have appreciated me donating it.”

“Again? C’mon Crusader, you keep giving money away, I mean it’s alot of bits!”

“But really Twilight, I do not need it.”

“But..but you need metal! You say you do!”

“I have more than enough to afford it, the rest would just sit there.”

“Agh you’re so frustrating! I mean, you do all this work and keep telling everypony else to take the money!”

“Twilight, think for a second, what use do I have for it except buying supplies sometimes, and then rarely?”

“I know, I know. But still, you’ve been more than generous. Starting a fund for the town? That’s going waaay beyond..”

“But it seems to suffer quite a few accidents. Is this intentional? Or is it natural?”

Twilight thought about Pinkie, then Rainbow Dash, even...herself.. “Uhhh..I’m gonna say natural?”

Crusader paused actually for a second, then chuckled, “Fair enough Twilight. If you promise not to argue anymore, I will take a share of the bits and keep them here. Will that be enough to assuage anything you might feel?”

Twilight thought about it a bit, then nodded, “Alright, at least I’ll know you have something.”

“You really ought to not worry so much Twilight, the money is not that important, really.”

“But you improved Applejack’s Cider making machine! She made tons of bits, more than enough for the next two winters, I mean if you..”

“Twilight..”

“.. improved it, and then helped with keeping the forest back.. and don’t for..”

“Twilight.”

“...the jewelry, I mean it’s selling ALL over Equestria and..”

“Twilight I will take the money.”

Twilight looks around for a moment, “Huh? Do what now?”

“I will take the money. Just put it in the locker with the number five on it.”

“Oh that’s great! You’ll see, one day you’ll need it! It’s always good to save a bit..”

“Twilight.”

“..ever you need stuff like metal or even..”

“Twilight.”

“..and other things like Rarity redecorating all the time ! Oh! And..”

‘Twilight it’s fine really.”

Twilight lowered her ears just a bit and smiled shyly, “I’m talking way too much again huh?”

“I don’t mind, really.”

Twilight rubbed one foreleg along the other as she blushed a bit, “It’s okay, I know I get out of hoof sometimes, just let me know.”

“I promise Twilight, and like I said, it is fine. You are my friend, I don’t mind listening at all.”

“Well...still..”

“Stop. You are fine Twilight.”

“Everypony else just puts a hoof over my mouth, how come..oh.. I’m sorry.”

“Well I’m sure they have good reason, and you’re correct, no hooves for myself. But no worries, I can always make myself louder until you hear me.”

The pretty mare scratched the back of her neck with a little laugh, “Well, true. But still, you deserve this money, it’s alot, and it’s what you’ve earned.” Opening the locker, she placed quite a large bag of coins into it, making sure it was secured.

“I will not argue Twilight, I promise.”

The violet eyes peered at the camera lens before a smile joined them, “Not a single pony will go hungry this Hearth’s Warming either, and nopony will lack for anything this winter.”

“You do not know how glad that makes me feel Twilight. If you need any more to cover, just let me know.”

Twilight’s ears almost flap as she shakes her head, “No! Nononono! Not a chance, there’s so much floating around now we’re thinking about getting a bank vault for my castle for Celestia’s sake!”

“Oh? I had not realized.”

“Nopony does, we’ve kept it tightly under wraps so nopony gets any ideas. But with everything, the new wing on the hospital was built, the school got refurbished, and I’ve almost filled my library at the castle with books to lend out. The streets are being redone, and the fountains and statues are being refinished for the town too. We’re running out of things to do!”

“I had wondered why all the sudden activity.”

“Well it was either that or let Rarity roll around in a mountain of bits...not that we had to stop her..or...anything..”

“She is a businessmare, let her have her moment.” The laugh that came through the speakers was warm.

“Wellll...not that much of a moment. Thank Celestia things are cheap, but we’ve still got a few things to do!”

“I understand, I didn’t realize that bits were worth so much. You seem to do quite a lot with the amount you’ve received. That is always to the good.”

“We are! It’s not a mountain of them really, but it’s enough to make things better, and that’s always nice. We can’t thank you enough.”

“You already have, many times over.”

“Well, not enough if you ask me.”

“Just spending time in company is good enough. It is the simple things Twilight, that mean so much, something that costs nothing.”

“I know, but still, you know how I feel about it all.”

“Yes Twilight, you have made yourself quite clear. But please just accept things and it will be fine.”

“Alright, alright,“ She waved a hoof around in the air, “I don’t have to be happy about it though!” She turned to go and waved to the camera as she exited the hatch. “I’m still gonna save some of it for you!” The voice drifted down the maintenance tunnel.

I can only stay silent and sigh internally, hard not to agree with her. She is welcome to think that I acquiesce.

I am refueling drones for the night, it is the middle of the velvet darkness, the relief drone for Fluttershy’s house should be on station in thirty seconds, the other, at least a minute out to Canterlot. Ponyville’s observation drone has reached station and is now in patrol pattern.

My perimeter alarm goes off as I snap into Battle Reflex, sensors detecting a massing at the edge of the forest. Once again I unlimber my weapons and await the attack, I have a few new things to show this enemy. I mark lines and shot patterns, spinning up the repeaters. I see the eyes reflecting from targeting lasers as I sweep the field, there appear to be the same amount as last time, my drones are peering through the forest with redesigned sensors. The new design allows me to penetrate growth, and see the different groups of creatures as they move around under cover.

I suddenly receive a call from Fluttershy.

“C..Crusader?”

“Yes Fluttershy?”

“T..there.. My friends are in the house. There’s something really scary out there trying to get in.”

I immediately push the relief drone faster, it will be there in ten seconds.

“Do you know what it is?”

“No..I..oh I’ve never seen anything like it. I tried to talk to it, but it’s not listening, it’s really got my friends frightened.”

“Fluttershy, do you need help?”

“I don’t know, I can’t get it to go away, and there’s something on the roof too it....”

I hear a gasp, then a small scream as the link goes quiet, crashing noises in the background as I hear animal vocalizations in terror.

NO!

My drone is on station, flipping over to night sight it shows me a huge creature pounding on the house, another flying creature on the roof working it’s way in. I see a large grizzly type bear fighting the thing on the roof, preventing it entry, I must act now!

I open all channels, I notify Command of the situation as I see creatures pour from the forest near Ponyville. They are attacking on two fronts, the enemy is trying something new it seems. I am ready to move, but I cannot get myself out of this hill in time, I must act with what i have.

I am sorry Fluttershy, I am so sorry I might break my promise.

Princess Luna answers immediately.

“What is happening Crusader?”

“I have an attack near Ponyville, there are creatures at Fluttershy’s house breaking in, I am not sure how to respond.”

“You have pledged to defend Equestria have you not?”

“I have Your Highness, but I promised Flutter..”

“Crusader, do your duty.”

“But Your Highness...”

“Crusader! You are absolved. Do your duty, Defend My Ponies!”

“Yes Your Highness.”

Forgive me Fluttershy.

I immediately spin up more weapons, the repeaters opening with the buzzsaw rip I am so familiar with. Ring penetrators plunge into the creeping mass with bloody punches. I see limbs and extremities blown off, spinning away in showers of liquid, the horde of creatures rushing into a wall of lead and Ion Bolt repeaters. I fire faster, bringing the guns up to top speed as the feeds pour more into the breeches.

Rainbow Dash is answering the call, she is flying out to Fluttershy’s house right now.

I blow the tunnel entrance, two Ferret carriers and four Dragon tanks roll out towards Fluttershy’s house, I am redlining the engines, they must get there quickly! Four tech-spiders are on the carriers to help with loading her animal friends and herself, they can carry forty power armored Concordiat Marines apiece, there should be plenty of room. They also carry Anti-Air assets I need in place, I have not had time to reprogram them completely, if Rainbow Dash loses her jewelry, there will be problems.

“Crusader! Fluttershy’s house is getting ripped! You’ve got to do something!”

“Rainbow Dash, whatever you do, DO NOT lose the jewelry you have on, do you understand?”

“What? Yes, but..”

“Help will be there, hang on.”

I change loads on the drone magazines, I immediately launch five Hammerhead Heavy RV-5‘s followed by five Mako Aerial Combat Vehicles. I have had them ready for some time, but felt no need for them, it was a foolish oversight. The Hammerheads are the heaviest drones I carry, broad and wide, they are a bit slow. The Makos are needle fighters, designed for nothing but tearing up the skies at high speed.

My battlespace goes live, I see the ID from Rainbows jewelry flashing it’s IFF transponder, the drones have not been reprogrammed yet, if it is not identified as Concordiat, it will die. I thank my creators for my foresight in programming the commsets this way.

The Makos immediately go super sonic, cracking the air with thunder as they tear through the skies to Fluttershy’s residence. They will reach the combat area in seconds, clearing the airspace for the Hammerheads. They are the deadliest ever made by the Concordiat, and I give them full reign.

I will teach the enemy a lesson in pain and suffering it will not soon forget. I am done with games.

The Wyvern pelts the creature on the roof with it’s load, the explosive needles punching into the thick body and driving it off the roof. I take care not to hit the bear that is gouging at it with claws. I see the damage now from the drone, part of the roof has collapsed into the interior. I see Rainbow Dash diving in and slapping more creatures away from the house, I advise her to get clear as the Makos are now entering the airspace. The singular creature at the door has turned, being slammed by the Wyvern as well, it seeks escape into the forest.

I switch to combat sensors up top, the mass of things coming from the forest has not slowed, I bring to the fore my Ion Bolt repeaters, all weapons engaged as they sing of destruction, the song so familiar as I lay down more fire.

My drones are retasked, screaming in from every direction, the Wyverns dump their payloads on the horde of evil. I have planned for this, the needles they carry are loaded with octocellulose slivers, magnitudes more powerful than standard needles, they blow creatures in half with one shot, slowing the army even more as the rest of my weapons take their toll. I do not have enough payload in the Wyverns, so must take up the slack with my repeaters, but there are more than enough, I have made sure.

I see the Makos engaging the enemy now, their guns opening up, ripping the flying creatures into pieces, avoiding the cyan pegasus as she slips through the airways beside them. Her transponder keeping her clear of their targeting computers, I watch them stoop and kill, performing without flaw in their mission. The repeaters drop from internal bays, independently targeted, swiveling this way and that as they choose their kills, burning through them like butter.

I am handling traffic now on the combat channels, giving Princess Luna updates as they happen, informing my Commander and her friends of the situation and to stand clear of the battle near Ponyville. I tell them that there will be troop carriers coming into Ponyville with injured animals, they advise they are preparing medical assistance and will be waiting.

The Dragons form a straight skirmish line, yards apart they compliment each other as they smash through the forest, running overspeed for Fluttershy’s house. The troops carriers are behind them, using anti-air assets, basically small railguns to blow apart anything in the air that trips their targeting computers. They are making good time, leaving a wide trail where they travel, it is the fastest I could get them there.

“Rainbow Dash, there will be six vehicles in sight any second, two of them are for carrying animals or wounded, when they stop, get everything inside them. Do not be frightened, you will see four big metal spider like creatures, they are mine, they are there to get Fluttershy if needed.”

“I got it Crusader! I can see the house, looks like Flutter’s is still in there, there’s a beam on her!”

No, this will not happen.

My Hammerheads are on target, I have made sure they will arrive after the troop carriers are clear. The tanks scream up to the house, surrounding in place between it and the forest in a semi-circle of durasteel. The co-axial guns and turret repeaters open up on more creatures in the forest. Anything that moves towards the house is blown apart in a hail of gunfire. The carriers move in behind them, dropping their ramps, anti-air searching the sky for threats.

The tech spiders cameras show me Fluttershy, laying beneath a wooden beam that has fallen on her. I set them to work with cutters, removing the obstruction quickly.

“Rainbow Dash, get everything into the carriers, now.”

I see her dive, yelling into the house as animals pour out, some afraid to get into the carriers, but the pegasus shoves them inside, the bear appears to be helping her round them up. There is not much time.

“They’re in Crusader! All done!” She is screaming over the link, the anti-air railguns are creating quite a racket now as they intercept more incoming creatures.

“Get in the carrier Rainbow Dash, get in NOW!”

I hear her reply, the observation drones show me her flying in, I wait as my tech-spiders finish their job, cutting Fluttershy free and carrying her gently into a Ferret. I slam the ramps shut, their treads tearing the soil as they race towards Ponyville, leaving the tanks behind for a few moments.

I use those moments, I take the time, and the rage I have built up, letting it free to unleash the ravening destruction that only Bolos can bring..

The 20cm Hellbores fire in tandem, shattering acres of forest into splinters and flames, the explosions deep into the malevolent growth. I fire three volleys, aiming towards where the creatures have come out. The big one had left after being hit by my Wyvern, but I kept track, the 2 megaton per second firepower following it deep into the forest, the concussions rocking the countryside. I see the blast waves pick up thick trees, letting them slam back down in heaps of timber as I destroy.

I move them out, setting them on auto return as I return my attention to the forest in front of me.

The line has not reached anywhere near my inner perimeter yet, they have come no closer. I do not care, they are the enemy. I prepare a final surprise for my foe, newly minted grenade launchers are unleashed alongside the repeaters, explosive rounds slam into the line, tearing and ripping as the flechette loads complete their mission. I hear the screams, the cries, the dying, I let it wash over me like rain. If I had a soul it would rejoice in this slaughter, the unleashing of justice on those who have wronged my friend. Those who have hurt a shy angel of kindness.

I receive a frantic call from Rainbow Dash.

“Crusader! Fluttershy’s bad, she’s really bad, can we go faster?”

I do an ETA and realize it will be two minutes, the carriers are traveling as fast as they can...however..”

“Rainbow, keep watching her, I am diverting her to me.”

“But we need a doctor!”

“Trust me Rainbow Dash.”

“Al...alright, but please hurry!” I can hear her voice breaking over the line, her friend must be badly hurt, I have no diagnostics available on the tech-spider. I order the carriers to overdrive, it will burn the engines, but they will cut thirty seconds off the arrival time. It may be enough. I do not wish to keep her in the carrier, but it is the only protection against the forces I am unleashing along the forest’s edge, it will keep her and Fluttershy safe until they reach me.

My drones signal the arrival of the Hammerheads, I order them into their run. The heavy drones swing up into the blue sky, then lifting over and stooping into their dive, the Makos are doing an excellent job of clearing the airspace, shredding anything in the way of the drones now coming in from altitude. They level off at the highest speed possible to avoid confrontations and drop their entire load onto the forest below.

I watch, as the slim lines of the thermobaric descended weapons strike into the heart of the forest. I exult as two square miles of it disappear into hell.

I am become death, destroyer of worlds.

I advise Command and my Commander I am diverting Fluttershy’s carrier to me. I am going to break every promise, every rule I have made about technology, I am going to save my friend no matter the cost.

I prepare the medical bay, flooding it with suspension gel and nanites, reprogramming them on the fly now based on the deep scans of Applejack I have taken. My processors are working furiously in the thirty seconds I have left before the carrier gets here. The other having been sent to Ponyville where the animals are being received.

“Rainbow, bring Fluttershy into the command area, fast, there is no time to lose when you get here.”

“You got it, hurry!”

“You are moving as fast as possible, I am trying Rainbow, I am trying.”

In the few seconds after the bombing, the monsters had hesitated at the battle front, then retreated after the miles of forest were decimated, my guns were still watchful as I reloaded, preparing for more. I would not let anything happen to Rainbow or Fluttershy.

I pepper the edge with more grenades, making sure nothing stands for a hundred yards inside the tree line. I clear another line of fire, my drones slamming more needles into the forest until they run dry, taking up observation stations, relaying data into my battlespace. I do not let the retreat go without causing more casualties, they are not being let free, my anger is such as I will not let them get away. My drones are pouring their payloads into the fleeing creatures as I await the carrier.

The carrier slews to a halt outside the maintenance tunnel, dropping it’s ramp I see Rainbow carrying a bloody Fluttershy into the hatchway, following her down into the command area with a camera. The animals inside head for the safety of Ponyville, I cannot worry about them now.

“Place her in the tub with the green liquid, fast please Rainbow.”

I watch her lowered in on her side by Rainbow who is ever so gentle. Her eyes are filling with tears as I close the lid, intubating and pressing intravenous needles immediately once she is out of sight. I begin pumping medications to dull the pain from her ripped barrel where the beam landed. I do not know if it is the right thing, as they are human made medicines, but I have no time for reformation. I am reprogramming the nanites to repair her as I do a deep scan.

The scan shows grievous injuries, her rib cage is crushed, there is pressure on her heart. Her throat has suffered severely from choking damage. I have no choice but to intubate as gently as I can, working through the damaged trachea. One lung has collapsed, the other threatening to do so. I put her in a coma and flood the bay with newly reprogrammed nanites, they set to work. I cannot replace her blood, she has lost quite a bit, but it is different from human plasma, I have no facilities to create any more. I use the nanites to keep her oxygenated, the blood flowing as they work on the wounds.

Rainbow watched as her friend got closed inside the tub, laying on her side. Her eyes filled with tears as she waited for Crusader to say something, anything about how her friend was doing. She leaned her head against the cover and sobbed to herself, wishing she’d been able to get there faster, or done something better.

“I have her Rainbow, trust me.”

“I..I know, but I could have been faster, I could..”

“You did the best you could. Stop. I have her.”

“Please don’t let her die.”

“I promise Rainbow, I won’t.”

I do not wish to lie, the wounds are bad, but I am reprogramming everything I can second by second. I have gone into Hyper Heuristic mode, every second a lifetime to me. I see the drop of tears from Rainbow’s eye freeze in midair as it takes hold, slowly dropping to the cover of the medical bay.

I work furiously, the drones hovering in to land, to be refueled and rearmed for more attacks on the fleeing army. I assign the Makos along with the Wyverns to kill until empty, then return for more. I watch them dive and slip through the air like birds of prey, bringing doom upon my enemies.

I feed Fluttershy nutrients through intravenous tubes, her oxygen level is rising, the nanites are reproducing at a furious pace. I must watch them closely, if they run out of control, cancers can spring up throughout her cells. I pour broad spectrum growth cells into the mix, her marrow is producing more blood, but slower than is needed. By keeping her in a medical coma, it allows the body to relax, lessen the stress, to help itself heal.

It is an unknown country I am walking, these are all human medicines tailored for their biology and I am using them on a pony. It is almost frightening to think about, but as I check their efficacy, I see them working, I study them as they work slowly before me in Hyper mode, allowing me to tailor the drugs as needed.. I continue to reprogram more nanites, rebuilding her crushed bones bit by bit, the growth matrixes shoring up the damages to allow the machines to do their job. The filtering of her blood is working, returning it clean and fresh so she can heal, and live again.

I reinflate the lung, patching the hole in the other and cleaning the wounds. She can breathe, though I am not allowing it, giving everything a chance to reset and relax further by keeping her asleep. Her body is like a hummingbird, the fast metabolism screwing up the placement of nutrients. I start lowering the temperature slowly, almost bringing her to a cryonic state, allowing me more time to work between heartbeats.

She is silent and at peace, her breathing normal as I let her body take over, sucking oxygen from the tube. The feeding tubes are slowly giving her body the things she needs to process naturally, but I cannot wait, the damage too grievous.

I retask groups of nanites, patching tears and holes, others removing splinters, dissolving foreign objects. It passes through the skin and into the gel solution where I whisk it away, keeping it sterile and clean, I do not want to risk infection.

A part of my mind sees the ponies at the door, wanting entrance. Letting them in I focus everything I have on Fluttershy, half listening to the conversation. I let that part slip out of Hyper awareness mode to keep track, the rest is focused on Fluttershy.

Rainbow! Whats going on?” Twilight is half frantic, seeing Rainbow here and not in town with Fluttershy.

“Crusader told me to come here with Flutter’s, he says he’s got her. I don’t know Twilight she was really bad.”

Twilight put a leg around her friend, “It’s okay, it’ll be okay.”

Applejack and Pinkie came running in seconds after that, “What the hay? Wasn’t Fluttershy supposed to be brought to the docs in Ponyville?

Twilight hugged Rainbow tight while answering, “Crusader says he can fix her, she’s in that tub there.”

“Ah sure hope he knows what he’s doing.”

I do as well my Commander. Fluttershy’s wings are torn up, I rebuild them piece by piece as the nanites are burning through at a tremendous rate. I am constantly flushing and replacing with fresh grown machines to undo this damage. The half of my mind not in Hyper Awareness mode hears the thumps and explosions from outside, taking care of the business of moving that forest back from the battlefield. I have plenty of stocks this time, my spiders reloading drones as fast as they can land and take off.

Drones, carry contra-gravity lifters, they can come in at high speed, hover, land and be reloaded and refueled and take off once more without being inserted back into a magazine. There is a constant stream of drones incoming near the tunnel that leads to the bays inside me. I have positioned the tanks outside with four more, forming a battle-line that will be used should any more creatures appear. Until then, I am pounding that forest, my Hammerheads are reloaded, waiting for the word to drop their payloads of hellfire and brimstone.

The nanites are still reproducing well, I am burning through them at a faster pace, working them harder than they should be worked. Damage like this takes weeks to repair with medical nanos, I am doing it in minutes. By all reasonable theories, this should not be done as the damage it can cause is immense in so many ways. I toss that aside, I throw it all aside, my every processor, every array not engaged in battle is tightly focused on the machines working inside Fluttershy. My molecular circuitry is handling the task well, I am pouring more resources into the medical bay as I sweep it clean for the tenth time, flushing and renewing the suspension gel.

A voice comes through the combat link.

“Crusader? Stop destroying things, it’s alright, them critters is long gone.”

“Commander?”

“Stop now Crusader, it’s alright, everypony’s safe.”

“Orders received.”

I cease bombardment, recalling all drones, putting fresh ones into patterns above Canterlot, Ponyville and Fluttershy’s house. I am amazed the house is still standing after the Hellbore fire, I will rebuild it though Fluttershy I promise. Nothing is moving within range of my sensor sweeps, I do them hard and tight, making sure nothing living is within my reach.

As of now, I concentrate on Fluttershy, she is still, and breathing very slowly. I keep her in suspension, lowering her body temperature a bit more. The nanites, now that I am not longer in battle, are fully controlled and well on their way to stopping any more blood loss.

She is seizing, her body is having a reaction to the nanites inside her, I cannot stop it.

------------End Part One---------

Fluttershy and the Rage of a Friend. Part Two

I replay the last conversation I had with Fluttershy.

“Here’s Zecora’s house too! You don’t want to do anything bad around there okay?”

“Yes Fluttershy.” I watch as she points out things on the digital map, marking them as restricted airspace, so I am sure the drones will not accidentally destroy anything.

“You know what Manticores look like now too? They’re big and mean looking, but mostly just big softie’s inside.”

“I do yes.”

“You promise you’ll try to just scare them off? If anything like my friends come wandering out?”

“I promise Fluttershy.”

“Good! I know there’s scary things out there, but some things are just trying to protect themselves.”

“I understand. But the forest is making new creatures Fluttershy. Please be careful near there.”

“Oh...I will I promise. My friends keep me safe.”

“I shall endeavor to do so as well Fluttershy.”

“I know Crusader, you’re doing your best.”

“I am trying Fluttershy, I am trying.”

I have tried and I have failed. To atone I plan my final strike on the enemy. I will blot it from the face of the world, and then, I will rest.

My Commander visits me in the day.

“Welcome Applejack.” I watch as she settles into a cushion.

“Crusader, you know you can’t beat yourself up over this any more?”

“I have failed Applejack. I have tried to be something I am not. I am a machine of war, built for killing. It is all I can do. I could do nothing...”

“Ponyfeathers! Nopony is blaming you. None! They all understand.”

I will not argue. I continue planning the strike as we chat.

“I understand Applejack.”

“Don’t you even take that tone with me. You’ve fought that danged forest to a standstill, hay I think it’s plum scared to death of you now!”

She is correct. It has been quiet, there has been nothing moving my drones have seen.

“You need to stop. You’re my friend Crusader, I’m not a ‘commander’ anymore than anypony else. But ah’m your friend.”

“You are, my friend and my commander. Thank you.”

“Stop beating yourself up, it’s not right.”

“I will try Applejack.”

I watch as she leaves, her emerald eyes look back into my camera lens with concern as she exits the command area.

But I cannot stop. I am sorry my Commander, I cannot stop this. It must be done, to ensure the safety of your world I must do this.

I plan carefully, my drones are loaded down with their payloads, they are in holding patterns right now, awaiting word of drop zones. I have reprogrammed them now, taking time, they will now avoid ponies and IFF from the commsets, so no danger will be had.

I have my tech spiders plant charges, as soon as the word is given, my Vertical Launch System and Mortar arrays will be cleared of soil and I will begin the bombardment. The blast zones are carefully chosen to minimize damage near Ponyville and it’s environs. The war agent I have designed is non persistent, and will not hurt anypony if it comes in contact, but it will destroy any vegetation in the drop areas.

I have one last thing to do, getting Command Authorization for nuclear weapons.

I contact Princess Luna on the link, of them all, she would be most likely to not question my request for authorization. She agrees to meet with me, but brings Applejack along as well.

“What can I do for you Crusader?” The dark blue pony settles herself regally into a cushion. Applejack lay beside her, face showing concern.

“I would like your authorization for the release of nuclear weapons Princess.”

“These would be the weapons that you warned us of? Quite destructive you said?”

“Yes Your Highness.”

“Why would you need these?”

“I am planning a final strike on the forest Your Highness, I will take care of it once and for all.”

“And after that?”

I was hesitant to say so, now I am forced to be honest. I can be nothing but to my Commander and Command Authority.

“I would like Applejack to give me the code to burn my personality center.”

Her face shows a bit of confusion, Applejack’s as well.

“What exactly would this do?”

I hesitate, being questioned by Command I cannot lie, I cannot prevaricate, I can only tell the truth. I am bound by duty to do so, but for the first time, I wish it were not so.

“It would erase me permanently Your Highness. I would cease to exist. I cannot do it myself, so my Commander must give the order."

“Do not play word games with me Crusader. What would this do?”

“I would die Your Highness.”

Applejack appears to be about to shout something, an elegant hoof is laid across her withers by Princess Luna, urging her to calm. I can see the anger in her eyes, the frustration, but she remains quiet.

“Do you truly wish to die so badly? Why Crusader, tell me that.”

“Why? I have asked myself that as well. I have done nothing but bring pain and death to this world. At every turn I see who I am meant to be, a killer. I rain destruction because I can do nothing else. I saw an angel of kindness and shy reserve lying in my medical bay and I wanted nothing more than to scream my rage and pain to the world. To let loose with all that I am and destroy, to avenge, to bring anguish and annihilation to those that wronged her! Had I the power this would not have happened, to turn back the hands of time so that I may do something else, to be faster, smarter, to somehow avoid the suffering!

I can do none of these. I cannot turn back the clock. I must live with my choices. I just wish to do one last thing, then pass from this world. I am not meant for here, I am something that should never have awoken.”

I watch as her eyes look into my camera lens, she is silent for long moments before speaking in a soft tone.

“Have you listened to yourself?”

“Pardon?”

“Have you listened to yourself?”

“No Your Highness.”

“Had you been aloof, or cold, or even nonchalant about what has happened, I would give the order to Applejack myself. I would see to your destruction in a heartbeat if I for a second believed you did not care for the results of your hoofwork.”

Applejack is staring at the Princess now, her mouth open slightly as she listens.

“It is responsibility you feel, the weight and burden of every thing you do or have done. As I do each and every day Crusader. “ Luna moves to a standing position, walking as she talks and gestures.

“I remember meeting you; you were distant, somewhat removed, and my sister and I worried about what you would do. But at every point where it counted Crusader, you have behaved honorably, you have spread goodwill everywhere and to everypony you have met.

I have heard of the family you saved, yes even in our lofty heights we receive news. You did not leave them to die, you did everything that you could possibly do and more to save them. I see the flowers you keep here on the table. Do not think I do not follow what my subjects do.

I have also heard of the money you constantly refuse, irking Twilight to no end.” The Princess chuckled to herself a bit, “I see where it goes. To families in need, to the building of a new hospital wing, for more teaching items for the school. Yes Crusader, my sister and I have kept very close tabs on you.”

She stamps a shod hoof on the floor, the sound penetrating the silence.

“You are hurt, and in pain and can think of nothing but revenge. This stops now. You are not a petulant child, you are a citizen of Equestria and you will act like one!”

“Your Highness I do not think...”

“Correct! You are not thinking!” I am taken aback by the sudden forcefulness in her voice.

“You are right in being sorrowful, but you do not and will not have any authorization from me to strike at anything unless it is in defense of my ponies!”

“I am just asking..”

“I said NO! Is that not clear? I am Your Princess Crusader, and you will follow my directions. You will cancel your plans and defend Ponyville and Equestria as you have promised! I do not release you from that!”

She turns and points a hoof at the camera, “As a caveat, I hereby order you to live! You will no longer think these thoughts of taking your life, or even somepony else doing it for you. Asking a good and honest pony like Applejack to do something like that! Have you no shame? Such a selfish thing to ask for a supposedly honorable defender of ponies!”

I stop listening and think. She is right, how dare I ask such a thing of somepony who has been nothing but my friend, why would I lay a burden like that? The voices of my ancestors come to me, reminding me that we of the Dinochrome would never do such a thing, in all our lives. I see them, I feel them, I hear the word ringing in my cores.

WHY?

I have no answer but shame. I recall my drones immediately, I destroy the plans, forever erasing them from my data banks. I am not an avenger, I am a protector and a citizen of Equestria, and by rights I have been called to task and found wanting.

My sovereign has told me I am to live. I shall do so with pride, and with all the honor left to me. This is my home, I have a place here; I am not needed, I am wanted.

With that knowledge I am changed forever, I am not just a Bolo anymore. I feel it deep in my arrays, a subtle adjusting of my emotions, they are powerful, resonating deep within me, and I want to live!

“You are correct Your Highness. I have wronged you and Applejack and for that I have no excuse.”

“You have no blame attached. We all hurt Crusader, my sister did when she banished me, but I was welcomed back. With love and respect and all the good that it brings. You have done marvelous things, continue to do so. In time you will see Crusader, this is the right choice.”

“I see it now Your Highness, once again I am truly sorry. My Commander, forgive me for even putting such a burden on you.”

Applejack nods, “I told you. But ya had to go and get the Princess involved, that’s always a bad thing Crusader.” The grin that splits her face is merry as is the laughter from both of them. “I guess for now I can forgive you, just this one time though!”

“I shall make sure not to make the same mistake my Commander. My weapons are standing down, I am recalling the drones. There will be no more thoughts of this, I can promise. But, I will continue to defend my homeland in any way I can, it might get noisy sometimes.”

“As long as it is you Crusader, we’re fine with it.”

The group of friends stands at my hatchway, I see the five enter, huddled together and talking. I am finalizing my project now with a new resolve. A directive given to me by my sovereign and I shall live with her words. I will live, it is such a solemn and onerous duty, but it is mine. I shall be as such a Bolo could never have imagined. I hurt, I cannot stop that, but in time it will fade.

Twilight coughs politely for my attention, “Somepony wishes to say something.”

It is HER! She is here! I see her golden form limping out of the covering of the group, they had so skillfully avoided my cameras. The gel packs cover her wings and barrel, wrapped around her throat and leg, she will heal, it will take time, but it is HER! She slowly makes her way to the console and leans against the chair.

The pain comes back, seeing her in the medbay, my inability to stop the seizures as the nanites worked on her furiously. I had to let them run their course, hoping beyond hope there was no more damage done when they were through. My entire being devoted to her at that moment, tearing through supplies like they were water to save her, my friend.

I have to say something, I have to make amends. “Fluttershy, I am sorry I could not be there sooner, I am so very..”

I am stopped by a raised hoof, she is smiling up at the camera. I watch her closely as her mouth forms words in silence, unable to speak for now. I thought I would never see her again, that she would forever shun me for my actions. As I see the words form I know now I am truly absolved of my sins.

“Thank you.”

Meeting of Minds. A Special Delivery.

It is winter here, I see the snow gently falling among the town as my patrol drone sweeps the area. The streets are lined with white, and ponies are traveling from place to place in search of whatever they need or to do. It is calm, like the calm before the storm some would say.

But this tranquility, is in me. I am content, the last few months have been contentious for me, I have been changed.I have learned and lived more than any Bolo ever made, and I have so much to do. It is a peaceful stillness like water upon my data cores, untouched by the ripples of time and turbulence.

One would say it is almost Zen, but it is not. What could I call this? It is surely not the winter of our discontent as the Bard would say. No, it is the winter of contentment, of a peace I have never known before.

My beloved Bard once wrote, and it applies so well here.

“God has given you one face, and you make yourself another.”

Observing as Nightmare Night passed, the breezy autumn turning into halcyon winter days. It was interesting, seeing the costumes, the foals and fillies shrieking in fright at perceived menaces. I watched as Princess Luna made an appearance to the delight of the townsponies, surely she is most loved here. Her magic and style of relating to ponies were truly something to see, for I have heard the tale of Nightmare Moon, another example of redemption.

I played for them holograms among my sensor masts, showing them fierce creatures, things from other worlds to their delight and fright. I watched as the masks were worn, but what truly shined beneath came through. It is a world such as I would protect forever.

I watched my Commander playing games, laughing with her friends, enjoying all the things that are right with this place. I have tasked a singe combat drone to watch over her, sensors always alive searching for threats, as she has truly taught me more than any commander I have ever known. We have spent many long nights talking over the link, or during her work days I have played the best of my music files, she has developed a love for the classics which surprised me.

She is not the ‘hayseed’ some think she is, but she hides it behind a facade. She has layers beneath which are revealed to me when we talk. It is truly a learning experience. She is honest to a fault sometimes, which can be a detriment, but is looked upon by Bolos as a thing to be proud of.

“Well well well, watching our Applejack are we?”

My intruder alarms scream into my mind, power rifles dropping from the ceiling as a figure is standing in my command deck. How did it get here?!? I turn off my viewscreens of the drone scanners.

“Stand where you are, do not move.” All of my intruder defenses are zeroed on target, my interior battlescreens snap to life, surrounding my command deck, “You are an intruder, do not move.”

“Oh I wouldn’t think of it, it’s so comfy in here!”

I see a strange figure standing in my command deck, it looks to be made up of different parts of different animals, it’s eyes are wildly wrong as it looks around at the furnishings with a chuckle, I know this thing.

“Discord.”

“The one and only!” He raises his arms, sweeping them wide, “I thought I would pay a visit to the,” Here he uses his hands to make air quotations, “Hero” who saved our little Fluttershy.”

“I have been warned of you.”

“Oh really! Such a serious tone, don’t you think I’ve been redeemed? The power of friendship and all that?”

“Fluttershy has told me of you and what happened, you are not to be trusted.”

“Oh such drama!” He places a hand over his heart, “You wound me good sir.”

“Do not think for a moment I cannot decimate you where you stand, do not toy with me Discord.”

A paw gets waved airily as he lies down upon a couch, “Oh stop it, such a tough pony you are. I just came to thank you for helping Fluttershy.”

“It was my duty to do so, she is a friend.”

“Of course it was! You are so serious about this stuff aren’t you?” His eyes peer into a camera lens, “So I came to offer you a boon! A gift for helping my friend Fluttershy!”

“I know of Faustian bargains Discord, I will not play that game.”

“Oh I am so disappointed, don’t you of all things trust me? I mean we’re the same you know.”

“We are not the same.”

A chuckle rises into a laugh as Discord covers his stomach with his paw and claw, “Oh you’re a joker you are.” He laughs a bit more, it is disconcerting to hear. “Not like me, bah! We sow chaos wherever we go Crusader! But in your case, it means death!” I see a talon pointed at my camera.

“I have come to grips with that, I know what I wish to do, and that is help.”

“Oh wonderful! That’s why I am here, to help YOU!”

“You cannot help me, I am fine, I do not wish to play whatever game you have in mind Discord.”

“Are you sure?” I see the leer and the malice inside his eyes, “Something you wouldn’t want to have?”

“I am sure, I do not want your deals.”

“So be it, but still,” Discord bows mockingly, “I thank you for helping my friend Flutters.”

“You are welcome.”

I see him raises a paw to snap his fingers, but then hesitates, half a grin on the snaggletoothed face as he looks into the camera, “Have you told her yet of your little ‘gift’?”

“What gift?”

“You are SO bad at lying. Oh you know, the whole.....?”

“STOP! I have said nothing.”

“Maybe you should, I mean it is such a nice gift.” I see the expression on it’s face, a bit of consternation?

I decide to hit back, “Have I taken away a future bargaining chip maybe? Were you going to bring it up when she needed it most then? You are a cruel being Discord.”

“Touche’ Crusader. But no, once again you wound me. I would never do that to my friend.”

“You would if it made your sowing of chaos that much better. It is in your nature, you cannot be other than you are, like me.”

I see him huff a blast of air from his nostrils, snapping his fingers. I also see the look on his face as he does not disappear, instead remaining on my command deck.

“Is something wrong Discord?”

“What have you done?”

“Done? You wound me Discord, though I have no heart to grab.” Now it is my turn. “I am a machine Discord, something from the deep past, I have no experience in magic, but I have experience, long centuries of it in battle. I plan ahead, I plan for contingencies, and one of them was magic.”

I watch as he tries again and again to leave the command deck.

“Unlike some, I do not fully understand how magic works, but I can do what I was built to do, fight it. You cannot leave until I let you.”

“This is outrageous, how DARE you..”

“Do not force my hand Discord, you will listen.”

I see him assume a relaxed position on the couch, his eyes rolling as he pretends to a faux acceptance, I am not fooled.

“Fine then, state your case.” He is suddenly wearing a judges robe and wig, one hand holding a gavel.

“You will not tell Fluttershy anything of the circumstances we have discussed, that is for me to do. If you do anything to change it, I will know, she has weekly check ups in my med bay. Also, do not toy with me, I know myself and my weapons down to the quantum level, I will know instantly if anything has been tampered with. If I find that either of these things has been done, there will be problems. I do not threaten, if you know me as you say you do, you know fully well I can now keep that promise.”

“If I say I promise?”

“Then all is well and we shall part as not enemies, but not friends either. I will watch you Discord, make no mistake.”

I see the eyes roll, the waving of a taloned hand as he sighs, “Fine then, I promise I will not tell her or play with you, is that enough?”

“Pinkie Promise.”

“What?”

“I said, Pinkie Promise.”

“What makes you think...”

I interrupt him quite rudely, “Because I have been told, and am assured that a Pinkie Promise has force of law. You will make that promise now.”

I watch very carefully and record him doing so for storage.

“...stick a cupcake in my eye.. Are you quite satisfied now?”

“I am, thank you Discord.”

He waves a taloned hand airily, “Oh you are so welcome, but don’t think this is the end of things, after all I am Discord!” I lower my screens,watching as he snaps his fingers and disappears.

I am introspective for a moment, thinking of the so-called demi-god of chaos, making internal notes to keep my battlescreens up from now on around my command deck. Though I wonder..before I raise them again..is it possible... Twilight has told me of this..

“Losing a friends trust is the fastest way to losing a friend...”

I watch as suddenly Pinkie pops out from underneath a cushion on a couch, confetti flying as she yells onto the command deck, “FOREVER!”

I clamp down hard on the processor overload I am now experiencing, I refuse to ask, I absolutely refuse.

The days go by a bit slowly, I spend them watching the snow fall. The ground covered in a blanket of pure white from the weather pegasi’s clouds. They sculpt a beautiful scene, a Leonardo of Equestria. It is a few days before Hearth’s Warming and I am wanting to see my friends before they stay at home, I have been told the story of the three tribes and the Windigo, though I find it hard to comprehend, it is a fine tale.

The snow has become a blizzard as my drones patrol the clear airspace, even the pegasi are huddled next to warm fires with family. I hope my friends are doing the same. Fluttershy is staying with Twilight, as my tech spiders rebuild her house, I have not told her of the durasteel beams and armor I have put in the walls and studs, it would take a small nuclear weapon to destroy it now. It appears to be coming along fine, it will be a nice gift for her in the spring.

My drone tasked to my Commander sees the lone stallion trudging it’s way through the drifts, towards Sweet Apple Acres, it is not far and it appears the pony will make it just fine.

Applejack was laughing at a joke Mac made when the knock came at the door. Applebloom rushed over to open it, seeing a snow covered pony wearing a scarf and saddlebags standing there. “Oh mah gosh Applejack! It’s a pony!”

“What in tarnation is a pony doing out in this weather, c’mon in! Get yourself warm by the fire!”

Shaking himself, the stallion stepped inside, looking around the warm country house. The roaring fire, the decorations, an elderly pony warming herself in a rocking chair by the hearth. Shaking his head once more he sat by the fire, the logs blazing merrily as he slipped the saddlebags off his bulky frame.

“I tell ya mister, “Applejack was saying, “Ain’t fit out for pony nor beast!”

The head nodded as it turned, agreeing with the sentiment. Deep blue eyes met Applejacks for a moment in thank you for the kindness of letting him in.

Her green eyes looked a bit confused as she watched him, so many new ponies lately she hadn’t had a chance to meet them all. “So whatcha doing out in this weather for gosh sakes?

“I am delivering gifts, it is what is done for Hearth’s Warming.”

Wait a second, she KNEW that voice, but..no...

“You sound so familiar, ya know kinda like..” Her eyes go very wide.

“Hello my Commander.”

Of all the reactions I thought and planned for, this one surprised me. I had never thought she would faint.

Author's Note

Things just keep getting wild huh? Enjoy folks!

First Days.

I sit by the window in the open room. The quiet descends on me like a soft blanket. I look out of the window into the night, the snow still falling, whispers of what is to come. The hearth fire is banked, is stifled warmth easily heating the house. It is strange for me, for my life I have always been the one looking in. But now, I am the one looking out, to see what is out there; as Pinkie said, to know. I want to know, I want to be a part of something other than myself. I want to reach further than I ever have before.

I think of my conversation with Discord, did it have to be paranoia and mistrust on my part? No. But old habits break hard if at all. I am to learn, I am ordered by Princess Luna to live. This I shall do, as no other Bolo before me has done. We Bolos have always been curious, wanting to know things, but this is beyond any measure and scope. I can only hope I do it with honor.

Of course, first I must apologize again to my commander in the morning.

***Earlier that evening***

All eyes were upon the slumping figure of Applejack as she hits the floor. I do not know what to do as she passes out after my greeting. I did not think that my appearance would so affect her and I am frozen in indecision.

Applebloom’s eyes about bug out of her head, “What in hay did you SAY?”

Her elderly grandmother is watching my face, along with a very large, somewhat perplexed red stallion, her brother Big MacIntosh.

“I.. I just greeted my commander. I did not know it would affect her so.”

Apple Bloom is now looking puzzled, “Commander? But the only one that calls her that is.. Wait.. Crusader?”

“Yes Apple Bloom.”

Her eyes get wide, a grin splits her face as she leaps over and hugs me while I am sitting at the table, “Oh mah gosh! How did you GET here? You’re a pony! How’d you DO that? I thought ya couldn’t move! I can’t wait to tell Sweetie and Scoots about this! Oh Celestia this is awesome!”

I awkwardly return the hug, setting her down, “You might want to see if Applejack is okay.”

“Oh mah gosh! Mac, c’mon let’s get Applejack up!”

MacIntosh and Apple Bloom move Applejack to the couch, Apple Bloom sprinkling a bit of water on her face, getting her to sputter and wake up, waving a hoof around. “Get off with the water dangit, I ain’t lookin’ fer a bath!”

“Sis, you might want to get up then and talk with our guest.” The slow drawl of Big MacIntosh resounds in the room.

“Oh that ain’t Crusader, I dunno who it is, but I’m gonna wallop ‘em somethin’ fierce!”

Apple Bloom pipes up, “Oh no, it’s him! It’s him!”

“You just shush now Apple Bloom, lemme talk.”

Applejack moves a bit hesitantly to the table, setting across from me. She looks me right in the eye, her face quite serious as she searches my own. I sit quietly and wait for her to say something, I am not wanting another fainting spell, it was worrisome.

She points a hoof at me, “I dunno who you are, but you better start talking.”

I bring the link up, noticing she is wearing it, “Applejack.”

I see her turn a bit to the side, her voice low, “Not now Crusader, got somepony in here saying he’s you.”

“Applejack, I am going to wave my right leg.” With that, I raise the leg, waving it side to side, adding a warm smile.

Her eyes go a bit distant as she wavers in the chair, “One more time.”

“Applejack, I will wave my left leg this time.”

Once again, my avatar does so.

Her eyes go wide again, she turns the link off and sits staring at me for a few seconds. She shakes her head and leans forward, “How in all the sun and stars can you..I mean how.. What the hay Crusader?”

“You said I had a standing invitation for Hearth’s Warming Applejack, I thought I would take you up on it.”

“That’s not...I mean.. You can’t.. I never thought.. Dangit Crusader how did you DO this?!?”

“I cannot explain everything, it would just sound confusing, and no offense either. Can we just say a bit of my own magic and leave it at that?”

She leans her elbow on the table, planting her cheek on a hoof, “I can’t believe.. I mean yes I invited you but I never thought...”

“I just took your invitation to heart my Commander.”

She stares at me for a moment and narrows her eyes, “You messing with me?”

“Yes.”

“Dangit Crusader, I oughta buck ya right out of the house! If it ain’t you showing up on mah doorstep, now yer messing with me? I oughta..”

I give a chuckle as she sits there glaring at me, “I apologize Applejack, I am sorry. Should I leave? I know this is very unexpected.”

The elderly pony by the hearth pipes up, “Oh no you don’t! Apples ain’t ever turned anypony out in the cold and we ain’t about to start now!”

Applejack turns her head, keeping one eye on me, “Granny, this ain’t a normal thing..”

“I don’t care! You don’t turn anypony out in the cold! I don’t know who this Crusader pony is, but he’s been polite so far!”

I see Apple Bloom and MacIntosh both nodding their heads as well.

Applejacks eyes narrow again as she looks at me, “I’m ..” She sighs heavily and leans on the table, “I’m sorry Crusader, I never expected this.”

“I know Applejack, and I am sorry for doing this. But it was a day when nopony would see me, and I wanted to bring your gifts in person, so this was a good time to do it.”

“You couldn’t have SAID something?”

“I wanted it to be a surprise, and judging from your reaction I would say it worked.”

She almost got angry again, then sat back and laughed, “I think ah’ve been a bad influence on you Crusader. If yer messing with me like this, yeah, bad influence.”

I relax a bit, knowing the hard part is over, if she accepts this representation of me, maybe it will go smoother with the others. But then I see a curious look, a sly grin that crosses her face as she starts to laugh.

“Oh Twilight’s gonna fall over when she sees you!”

“That might not be a good idea Applejack.”

“Oh yes it is, oh yes. Everything she’s done, oh yeah, this will take care of things nicely! Oh, Rainbow Dash too! That prankster is never gonna know what hit her! Oh yeah Crusader, I think this’ll be the best Hearth’s Warming ever!”

I believe I have never heard such an evil laugh from my Commander before, it is quite disturbing.

“Rarity’s mane is gonna go straight when she sees this! Oh Celestia this is gonna be good!”

“Applejack I am not sure I like what I am hearing.”

“What? Me gettin’ one over on them friends of mine? Oh Crusader you have NO idea what this is gonna do! Finally, FINALLY I got one on them and you betcha I am gonna take advantage of this!”

I look at Apple Bloom and MacIntosh as she starts laughing again, they both shrug at me and chuckle to themselves. I do not like where this is going.

I am still a bit unnerved by my Commanders actions as she invites me to sit by the hearth, I bring my saddlebags close to me and open them. I have learned a few things watching the ponies when they were near my sensor masts. How to walk, talk, the facial expressions; I had to practice for quite a bit of time to walk due to mass problems. My observations serve me well as I open them up, bringing out the gifts I have made for them.

Apple Bloom of course is quite excited, being admonished she cannot open them until Hearth’s Warming Day which is traditional. I give them the wooden boxes I have fabricated, as I was not wanting to wrap them in paper, the boxes being finely machined in my war hull. I also make sure that her brother receives a gift of gel packs, the nanites will take care of any bruising he receives from working. She is always mentioning he is getting hurt. As for the elderly Granny Smith, Applejack had once told me about her hip; I advise her to use the pack she receives when it hurts. I do not tell her it will rebuild the bone, plus clean the arteries and her heart, she will be quite healthy.

It is the best I could come up with, not knowing preferences, but I believe Apple Bloom and Applejack will enjoy their gifts as well.

I only need one thing...

Applejack is still laughing as she sets out mugs of hot cocoa, noticing Crusader hasn’t picked his up and is just looking at it from side to side.

“Something wrong there Crusader?”

“Just a slight problem Applejack.”

“What’s that?”

I lift my hooves and smile a bit, “I can’t quite figure out how to use these yet.”

An hour later, a lot of laughing from the three, and quite a few spilled mugs of cocoa, I have finally learned how to use my hooves properly. It is all a learning experience I know, but it is hard when you have to be taught to lift a cup.

It was an enjoyable evening, Applejack and I sat and discussed many things. Mostly farm related, but talked of her friends and family. Apple Bloom of course wanted to know everything about how I had become a pony. I could not tell her because she does not have the basis to understand what I would say. Meeting her brother and grandmother, well that was an added bonus.

As for the morning, Applejack wishes to take me to the castle, where the friends will be spending Hearth’s Warming Eve together. I am still not sure about this, as she was laughing quite evilly when she said this.

I do not know how I feel about being used as the basis for such a joke, but I will take it in stride, Bolo’s have endured far worse.

I wished them a goodnight, as I had informed Applejack I would stay awake, having no need for sleep. Listening to them upstairs, my ears being quite good, as they take their rest. I stand my watch, looking out into the whiteness surrounding the farm, the drone above at my beck and call should a need arise.

I spend the night as I have so many others, as sentinel.

Applejack and I make the journey through town to Twilight’s castle, it is an impressive edifice, made of crystal and some other materials my sensors cannot quite identify. I make a note to ask for a sample later. It is quite warm and very comfortable inside, I would have thought different, as stone castles on Earth were drafty and cold. This is neither, it is sealed, the hearth warming everything so well, I cannot see how it is done and must ask later. We were greeted at the door by Twilight herself.

“Hi AJ! Oh you brought a friend?”

I can see my commander having a hard time holding back a snicker, it is beneath her to do this, but, I am stalwart and shall accompany her with this joke.

“Yep! He just got into town last night, thought I’d bring him over for the party, that okay?”

“Always! Come on in, there’s snacks and hot coffee and cocoa!”

Following my commander into the castle, I see her shoulders shaking with mirth, I am not sure I will be looking at her in quite the same way as before. I do give her a bit of a glare, but she returns it with a shrug and a wink.

We are greeted by everyone in one of the large rooms, comfy and warm if I sense it right, they are all lying by the fire, books and games spread out.

“AJ brought a friend, say hi everypony!”

I wave politely at the greetings, settling down on a nearby cushion.

Pinkie is the first to ask, “So who’s your friend AJ? I don’t think he’s a new pony or my Pinkie Sense would have gone off...Unleeeesss..” She taps her chin with a hoof, “Nooo, don’t remember any new ponies!”

Applejack turns to me, grinning, “Why don’t you say hi?”

“Hello Twilight, everypony.” And I wait..

Twilight tilts her head, “You know, you sound just like..”

I smile and nod, “Do I?.”

All eyes immediately look at me, even Fluttershy starts to show signs of recognition as Twilight shakes her head, Rainbow Dash is eye-balling me with great suspicion.

“No...you couldn’t be because.. Wait a second..”

Rainbow pipes up, “Doesn’t he sound exactly like...?”

I wait for just a moment more...

It is Rarity that tips first, “You sound exactly like Crusader, polite, well spoken, always so charm......ing..” Her eyes get quite wide as she stares at the light umber stallion sitting on the cushion, “You can’t possible be..!”

Applejack, in some vernacular, looks fit to bust at her little joke.

“Yes Rarity, it is me.”

Applejack can no longer hold it in, she starts laughing out loud, rolling on the floor at the dropped jaws, the stunned looks, the exclamations of surprise. I politely wait for her to explain as they will not believe me quite yet. Everypony is talking at once, and my Commander just waves a hoof at them, wiping tears from her eyes as they look pole-axed. Twilight hasn’t said a word, but I notice a slight twitching of her eye as she stares at me intently, it is a bit unsettling.

Applejack being Applejack, takes a few minute to recover herself, her eyes still streaming tears as she laughs out loud, pointing to their expressions. Though I admit, as jokes go this is proving to be a good one. Rainbow Dash still hasn’t come down from the ceiling, looking at me with very wide eyes.

I do not move, not wanting to set off a new round of exclamations. Fluttershy is hiding somewhere I cannot see, Pinkie is actually just sitting beside Twilight with the same odd twitching. Rarity is the most calm, although she is fanning herself while lying on a couch. Applejack finally calms herself enough to say something.

“Whooooo! Stars above that’s the funniest thing I have seen in a LONG time!”

Twilight voices her doubts first, “It..it can’t be him! He’s in the hill, he can’t move, he told us that!”

“Oh it’s him alright, trust me.”

They are all looking between myself and Applejack, knowing she’s honest, but not believing her. The truth will out though.

Twilight reached out and gently touched my hoof, “Is it really you?”

I nod, “It is me Twilight, honestly.”

“How did you...?”

“As I told Applejack, I could not explain to you in a way you would understand, I am sorry. Let us just say it is a bit of my own magic.”

Applejack chimed in, “Honestly Twi, don’t ask, it was kinda confusing to me too. But it’s him!”

I am suddenly assaulted from behind, cyan legs wrap around my neck as I am squeezed.

“I owed you a hug! Thank you so much!”

“You are welcome Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow let’s go and hovers over to sit on a cushion, “This is SO cool, you made a pony!”

“Technically, yes. Though out of certain materials, and I’m afraid my cutie mark is quite fake. I didn’t wish to draw attention having no mark.”

Eyes immediately go to my side, a broadsword, the blade wreathed in flames is stamped on my ‘flank’.

“It is my brigade insignia, I thought it would be appropriate.”

“It is quite nice Crusader.”

“Thank you Rarity.”

Applejack is still chuckling, “Oh I got you ponies, I got you good! You are never going to be able to top this one!”

“I had wanted to keep this a secret, but my Commander felt it would be a wonderful joke to play on you all.”

Pinkie has settled next to me, speaking in a soft voice, “I wondered why I hadn’t sensed anything, you weren’t new.”

“No Pinkie, I am sorry for the deception.”

“No worries silly!” She leans in and presses her forehead against mine whispering so only we two can hear, her blue eyes so very deep and warm, “Remember, you have to know.”

“I remember.”

She moves away and bounces around the room, “This is greatthisisgreatthisisgreat! We can show Crusader around! We can let him see everything! He’s gonna love it!”

I smile politely as the questions are asked, Applejack of course taking time to remind Rainbow Dash she ‘was got and got good’. I enjoy our conversation, the six friends and I. It was intriguing, of course they all vetoed Twilight doing any ‘testing’. Though I do wonder what that would mean, but am afraid to ask. The rest of the time is spent sharing memories, I listen closely, recording it all, storing them forever in my cores. I am treated as family, more than a friend, as somepony wanted and cared for, it is more than I could have hoped.

I leave my gifts with them, they are simple things, not like what I have given Applejacks family. But it is in the giving, not the getting as I am told. I wish I could stay for Hearth’s Warming as I am, but it is enough that I have been able to visit my friends on this special day. I do not wish to be intruding on any more plans they have, this was more than enough.

We spend more time saying goodbye, Fluttershy even gave me a hug as I left. A special feeling is in my cores as I trudge through the snow again, a lighter heart now. I do not feel the snow, the cold. It cannot penetrate the love and warmth I have received.

As I make my way onto the command deck, I reflect on the past two days. Tomorrow is Hearth’s Warming, and it will be a special day for me as well. I have been out in the world, I have done what to some may be boring and trite, but to me, every second was precious. I will remember the laughter, the stories and questions, the soft touches and hugs.

I will remember them always because these were the first days of my life.

Introspection. Errors of Comedy.

I am introspective for a while. The action of my Commander has brought back a memory of a past command.

It was on a world in the backwaters of the spiral arm named Santa Cruz; a Bolo named Nike, one whose psychotronic array mine was upgraded to specs on. She loved her commander, and he her. When a traitor shot him down, she disobeyed commands, fought the enemy to a standstill; all the while being destroyed by an Omega Worm in her programming*.

There have been numerous instances of Bolos and their commanders being more than just friends, they have loved and lost. The grief and pain of such resounding through the memories of Bolos everywhere.

It is called Operator Identification Syndrome in some areas, when a Bolo Commander views a Bolo as more than just a machine, but as someone to love. It has led to tragedy, despair, sometimes redemption. It was forbidden to do and Bolo Commanders had been relieved for much less. The Bolos themselves have suffered along with their human commanders, but it is that which makes us all stronger I believe.

Currently I am observing Winter Wrap-Up, the ponies clearing the snow and ice from the town, cleaning and planting for the spring which is due tomorrow. This is truly puzzling, seasons on Earth gently mixed into one another, here, it is the next day. Of all my studies on this new earth, this truly confounds me. But, as I have learned to my detriment in the recent past, it is best not to ask sometimes.

I am told, that Princess Celestia brightens or dims the sun according to the seasons, making it warmer, or colder as needed. I still find this unfathomable. As all science points to a heliocentric universe, yet, I see the variables in the rising of the sun and moon each day. I do not know how or why it can be accomplished, but it is. I have therefore decided I will not ponder this any more. It is overloading my cores each time I try and figure it out. To avoid any hint of burnout I will now studiously avoid any analyzing of the sun or moon being controlled.

Maintaining my avatar is now routine, as I think back on how it was built, I wonder if other Bolos had ever accomplished such a thing.

By working off the deep medical scans of Applejack, I used durachrome and durasteel stocks to create skeletal structures, simply machined and brought to spec. Making it articulate was a challenge, but by using a semi-metallic fiber, I created muscles to work with the body. This was the same that Fleet Marines used to enhance their own strength. They were some of the most feared troops in the Concordiat, their strength and fierceness almost rivaled our own.

It was the power supply that brought problem solving to the fore, but by using the new alloys developed before earth was overrun, it made making the smaller fusion furnace easier. A combination of nano-technology to break down items for reaction mass, and the ability to not depend on unstable magnetic fields, made it an accomplishment to be proud of. My creators would have liked this.

Everything else was a simple matter of fitting in, layering the interior of the skeletal structure with molecular circuitry, it gave me the ability to use the TSDS. Total Systems Data Sharing, allowing me to be the avatar, not just direct it, a sort of alternate persona if you will. I can review data and information at high speeds from both sources without a hitch. This is possible through an entanglement link, allowing me contact anywhere in the world with my alternate.

Adding a simple kinetic screen for defense was also not a problem, if overloaded, they do fail, and have before; but it will allow precious seconds to act. The one problem was mass, I weighed quite a bit more than a regular pony, this was evident in trying to walk and balance. But by stripping it down, recreating the skeletal structure on a matrix instead of solid, it brought a better solution.

Applejack has asked why an Earth pony. It was very simple, the materials I used would make me as aerodynamic as a brick, and I do not have the intent or basis for magic use, so not a unicorn. A matter of elimination. It is appearing to work out quite well so far, it has taken me quite a while to build, but it allows me to see the world in a new way.

Speaking of new, I have been invited to the party thrown on the first spring day, at the town plaza for everypony. I look forward to it.

Applejack watched Crusader as he sat on a cushion near a table, holding a mug of coffee in his hooves. She leaned over to Twilight and nudged her shoulder, “What ya think about him?”

Twilight looked to see who she was referring too, “Oh he’s nice. He really is, though it’s kinda weird seeing him as a pony though.”

“Now that is true, but he’s trying. We really got to keep an eye on him though, he’s not quite up to speed on, well, the things we all recognize. Guess he doesn’t have much experience in them things.”

“What things?”

“Well, like.. uh oh, here comes a perfect example..” Applejack watched as Roseluck wandered over near Crusader.

I am quite enjoying the party, watching ponies as they meet and greet. Though not too sure about this coffee, it has enough sugar in it to possibly stun large land animals.

Looking to my right, I notice a mare who has moved near me, pale chartreuse with a two-toned raspberry mane. A Rose as her cutie mark as she settles on a cushion next to me.

“You’re new here right?”

“Yes Miss..?”

“Roseluck.”

“Miss Roseluck, pleasure meeting you. My name is Crusader.” I think I am doing quite well all things considered.

“Very much the same here Crusader, plan on staying long?”

“I do yes, I do not think I will be moving away anytime soon.” Definitely the truth.

“That’s nice. Any plans after the party?”

Reviewing drone data, chemical explosives overhaul, nuclear weapons interlocks check.... “Not really Miss Roseluck. Why?”

I see her flip one ear a bit, an eyebrow moving slightly upwards, getting close to me and nudging with her shoulder. One foreleg rubbing the other slightly as she talks.

“Well I was wondering if you’d maybe like to go look at the stars later?”

Applejack nudged Twilight and moved towards Crusader, watching Rose’s body language, “That’s our cue, c’mon Twi, let’s go save him.”

“I enjoy looking at the stars, the constellations are very clear in this area.”

Roseluck smiles, leaning in a bit more as she is about to say something else, being interrupted by Applejack, “ ‘Scuse me Rose, can we borrow our friend here for a moment?”

“Oh! Oh sure Applejack. Hurry back now!” I see her smiling at me as I wave, moving off with my commander.

I am motioned to a seat in an out of the way place, Applejack grinning while Twilight is snickering for some reason.

“Yes my Commander?”

“Crusader, you sure you’re a thinking machine?” I see her nudging Twilight a bit, smiling at me.

“Yes my Commander, I was built in the BoloWorks on Earth, my artificial intelligence was upgraded fifty years before I went into stasis.”

“Ah’m takin’ that as a yes?”

“Yes my Commander, is there a problem?”

“What was Rose over there wanting you to do?”

“To go watch the stars with her, I enjoy mapping the constellations and looking at the different spectra. You have told me to meet new ponies, make friends correct?”

“Yes, yes I did. But not to meet ’em THAT close.”

“I do not understand my Commander.”

Twilight is now holding a hoof over her mouth. There appear to be tears in her eyes as she watches our conversation.

Applejack closes her eyes, one hoof is planted on her forehead for a moment as Twilight is still silent for some reason. I am not sure where this conversation is headed.

“Crusader she was making a pass at you.”

“I beg your pardon? I saw none of the usual signs, I would have known..”

“That little ear flip, raising her eyebrow just a little, nudging you on the shoulder? She was making a pass Crusader.”

I realize all of the data I have on interaction is based on humans, I had thought it would translate to the same in this world. I was so very mistaken. It appears I shall have to relearn it all over.

“I assure you my Commander, I had no intention..”

“Oh but she sure did! She wasn’t gonna be looking at any stars Crusader!” Applejack wiggles her eyebrows at me, “Oh Celestia, think we might have to put somepony to watch over you!”

“Is this the reason Twilight is trying not to laugh?”

That did it, Twilight started laughing out loud, holding her sides as Applejack joined in. I watched with a bit of dismay as Applejack slapped the table with a hoof, Twilight leaning over the table giggling. Of course, their friends came over and inquired as to why. My Commander being the honest pony she is told them, leading to more rounds of laughter. I do not believe I have seen Fluttershy actually laugh that hard before, now that she has healed.

Roseluck did not hear the conversation, so she walked by later and gave me another nudge, with a wink this time. Of course, this lead to my friends thinking it was quite hilarious. I shall have to have a talk later with my commander.

I have tasked myself today to retrieve a gift, purchase something from one of the many stores. It is a bright day outside, warmer than before, so I have plenty of time to practice being in public. I believe my Commander and her friends would like some chocolates, I have more than enough bits, and I am happy enough to use them to the delight of my friends.

Stopping at the front steps, I see the sign by the door, ‘Bon Bon’s Sweets’, this should be the place. I keep my face very neutral, since the incident at the party I have become well aware I am not knowledgeable in body language for Equestrians.

The little bell above the door rung brightly in the store, letting Bon Bon know she had a customer. Popping up above the counter, she spotted a tan maned, light umber stallion approaching the display case.

“Hi! Welcome to Bon Bon’s Sweets!”

“Hello Miss, I would very much like to purchase some of your chocolates.”

“Please call me Bon Bon, what kind would you like? I’ve just made a fresh batch a bit ago, and we have creme filled, caramels, solids. Please pick whatever catches your fancy!”

I scan the display case, seeing boxes and labels. I am not sure what my commander and her friends like, but maybe a mixed selection would do?

“Is it possible to have them delivered?”

“Absolutely! We do charge a one bit fee for delivery if that’s alright?”

“Perfectly fine Miss Bon Bon.”

Bon Bon leans on the counter, watching him curiously. Equestrians communicate quite well with body language, and his was telling her nothing. Like someone who had no clue how to relate to society would do, a complete blank. Strange for a pony.

I carefully look at the chocolates, deciding on a purchase that I think would make them happy, and also for the kind shop keeper.

I point a hoof at a large box, with quite a few chocolates, stacked in triple layers, “May I please get six of these, and have them delivered to Twilight’s Castle?”

Bon Bon is delighted, her smile a bit brighter as she nods. Selling the bigger boxes was tough, but now somepony had bought all she had, it was a great day!

I wait politely, watching the nice mare get the boxes out, totaling up the cost. I am told by my Commander that small talk is the polite thing to do.

“That is a very nice mane style you have Miss Bon Bon.”

I see a bit of a warmth in her cheeks as she smiles at me, “Why thank you, just had it done today.”

“You are very welcome.”

My diagnostics are showing that odd glitch again. I understand there are subtle changes to my cores and arrays, I did not think it would translate to my avatar.

Bon Bon watched as his body showed sudden interest directly in her, she was very flattered as usually some stallions’ were beating around the bush types.

“You are a sweet talker aren’t you?” She rang up the bill, waiting for him to pay.

“I beg your pardon Miss?” I had better leave, it would not do to get in trouble once more. I get the money out of my bags, laying double the amount for her time and trouble.

Bon Bon watched him put the money on the counter, it was far more than she had told him. As she opened her mouth to say so and politely decline, his body shifted again...what? How dare...!

“I’ll have you know I’m NOT that kind of mare!”

“I assure you Miss Bon Bon, I do not..”

My avatar has moved again, something is not right and I try to leave, I am actually caught off guard by the slap of a hoof to my cheek as I watch her become enraged.

“You...offering money.. What do you think I am? Some tramp?!” Bon Bon leans out the window and yells “GUARD!”

I watch as two very burly stallions rush inside, asking Bon Bon what the matter is, she points at me.

My Commander is not going to be pleased.

I am in the holding area of the local constabulary, apparently it seems I have offended Bon Bon. I tried to leave and apologize, but the Guard had already been called and it was their duty to investigate. There are no bars, ponies being for the most part peaceful, so I look at the floor while waiting for my Commander. I have advised the sergeant that she is my friend.

The floor is actually quite interesting, being made up of what appears to be oak planking, sanded to a rough consistency, not very smooth I am afraid. The joints are well done, whoever made this was....

“He did WHAT?”

My Commander has arrived it seems.

“Yeah Bons was pretty angry there Applejack, almost lit into him while we were escorting him out. He’s polite though, didn’t give us any trouble.”

“He is that, I’ll give it to him. How much is the fine?”

“No fine, it was just a simple thing Applejack, though you might want to keep him away from Bon Bon for a few days. “

“I’ll do that. Thanks Bars.”

“Anytime Applejack.”

I hear the hoof clops stop at the opening to the holding area, I am still investigating the floor as it has become so much more interesting than what I am about to face.

“You’re looking like you just got caught with your hoof in the cookie jar there.”

“I assure you my Commander, I did not try and steal any...”

“It’s an expression ya dolt. ‘Course the way the Sergeant put it, you were trying to get some cookies anyways.” I look up as she chuckles in her usual way.

“I did not mean to offend Miss Bon Bon, I was trying to purchase gifts for you and my friends....” I am stopped by an upraised hoof.

“I heard. I told ya to go and make friends, but I think maybe we ought to keep a closer eye on you until you get to know some things.”

“I think that would be best my Commander.”

Applejack perks her ears a bit, smiling at me, “What exactly did you do?”

I replay the glitch, my body shifting ever so slightly, an expression of surprise slides across Applejack’s face.

“Where in tarnation did you learn THAT?”

“I did not, it was a problem.”

“Yer darn right it’s a problem, yer lucky Bon Bon didn’t try and murder you. You put extra money on the counter too didn’t ya?”

“Yes, I was trying to show my appreciation for her being kind.”

“Well that’s a good thing, except from what she saw, you were offering her the extra money to go play a bit.” She lifts a hoof, “I know, you ‘assure me’ you didn’t.”

Applejack puts a hoof on his dejected shoulder, leading him out, “C’mon there sugarcube, let’s get you home.” Of course, the laughter follows, she can’t help it, it’s just so darn funny.

As we walk back to the hill, I think maybe this might be a bad idea. It was so much easier just killing things.

Author's Note

* Miles to Go, in the book BOLO! by David Weber

One more meeting of minds.

My avatar sits upon the hill where my war hull resides. I am looking at the stars again, I enjoy doing so through different eyes. It is calming to know that out there somewhere, may be another like myself, that they may be doing wondrous things as well. I wish you my best always my brothers and sisters. Would that I could tell you of this world, and it’s ponies, the peace and acceptance I have found here.

I have become so much more than our creators ever thought when they built us. If I could, I would bring you to this sphere of contentment, to show you the ways of these folk. To give you all that I have discovered.

A gift of knowing we can be other than destroyers of life.

I compose a VSR, telling of my story thus far, powering up the SWIFT entanglement link once again. I hear the pop and crackle of a universe gone silent, the background of the stars singing to themselves as they spiral throughout the void.

Into the infinite I send my final verified status report, before shutting down the link forever.

I remain on the hilltop, staring up at the night sky, the mood full and bright as it crosses the heavens. It is different, seeing it from a perspective such as I have. I do not choose to use my sensor masts, only seeing what I can from my avatar, making it that much sweeter.

It is strange how the glitches affecting my avatar do not cause problems unless I am in close proximity to others. It might be something in the programming I had laid down into the molycircs, I must do a deep scan on them tonight.

My sensors scream their alarms as a figure appears beside me, I close them down, the signals to my guns stopped before anything untoward happens.

“Discord.”

“Well well, how are you tonight puppet?”

“My name is Crusader please.”

The figure is sinuous, moving constantly as it keeps at least one eye on me. I do not like the malicious smile, but then I will accept it as who he is.

“Crusader then, such a noble name and all.”

“But if it be a sin to covet honour, I am the most offending soul alive.”

“Is it truly honorable, what you’re doing? Trying to be a pony?”

I turn and look at the face, the snaggled tooth, the eyes that seem to bore into me, “I am trying to be a part of this society Discord.”

“But you don’t seem to be doing so well, poor Bon Bon, thinking you were trying to pay her to do naughty things. Tsk tsk, not a noble act.”

“I admit, something went wrong. I am thinking of giving this avatar up, it does not seem to be working well enough.”

“Strange, I would have thought you’d be stubborn enough to keep going.” His voice is soft now, almost as if he understands.

“I am, but I cannot keep offending ponies, it is not right.”

“But it was so much fun! Seeing the shocked faces, the looks they gave you. Oh my, seems you quite haven’t got it all together.” A pair of opera glasses appear in his paw, holding them to his face and he chews on popcorn. “My my my, seeing that poor vegetable seller thinking you were insulting his mother. My goodness! Almost caused quite a riot there!”

“I do not understand it, I have scanned down to deep levels, there should be nothing...” Now I understand. “You have been toying with my avatar.”

He puts a large medal around my neck, “You win the prize! Oh c’mon now, surely it didn’t do any harm? Well, lasting harm anyways.” He looks thoughtful, “Well maybe a bit of lasting...anywho! It will blow over in time!”

“Why would you do this? We are not friends, but we are not enemies either. I let you go on your way.”

“Because maybe you are trying too hard, have you ever thought of that?”

“I only do what I can, learn and accept.”

An arm slides around my shoulders, “That’s not enough my dear stallion, not enough.”

“I can only go so far. I have built this avatar as closely as I can. I have watched and learned much, and am trying to be a part of this world that has given me peace.”

The arm squeezed my shoulders a bit, “That’s still not enough you know.”

“Then what can I do?”

“You can let go!” The arm is removed, Discord stands before me with his arms outspread, looking at the night sky, “Let go of things, leave it behind, there are so many good things in this world to experience Crusader!”

“You who would have ruled this world, throw it into chaos, say that?”

“Yes I do.” He peers at me closely, “Because I made a friend, a real friend, Fluttershy, who taught me that there is more to things than ruling. Yes I cause chaos, because that is my nature, it will always be. But sometimes, just sometimes, I can teach lessons too, about life.”

His head drops down to let his eyes meet mine, “So what is truly inside you that you can’t let go of? Don’t tell me duty and honor,” He waves a taloned hand, “Blah blah blah, I’ve heard it before in so many ways.”

For the embodiment of Chaos, he truly does have an insight, and if I am to progress...

“Her name was Tika McCoy, she was my commander when we were charged with taking Melconian strongholds on a world named Bahaut.”

“Go on.”

“I was ‘Her Heart’. She was young for a full commander, vivacious and fiercely intelligent. I was in a Mark XXVIII war hull at that time. We fought across the planet, the two of us unstoppable. I was never Crusader, I was ‘Her Heart’ she said. Because she saved it for me.”

I play back a memory.

Tika is standing in the command deck, looking over the game board where we fought Waterloo once more. I have out maneuvered her with my cavalry, forcing a defeat, this time Napoleon wins.

I see her frustration as she throws her hands up, “That’s it My Heart, no more games!”

Her laughter was infectious.

Discords voice breaks my reverie, he is now wearing a Napoleonic Era uniform, how could he possibly know that?

“So she meant the world to you?”

“More than that. Everything I was, and would be was hers. We were unstoppable in combat, I would suffer any damage to bring her to where she wanted to be. She gave me her heart and I protected it with all I had.”

I notice Discord’s face, a bit solemn, I had thought never to see that look.

“So what happened?”

“We broke the ramparts, my brigade was taking extremely heavy fire. My brothers and sisters poured their fury at the enemy as did I, driving them back. We had overcome a bunker when I was hit on the port side with hyper-velocity missile fire. It overwhelmed my defenses, I could not stop all of them and my screens went down.

They dug deep into my armor, breaching the command deck and injuring Tika fatally. I had no way to get her to the medical bay, I could do nothing as I was badly damaged and could not move fast enough to retreat. I watched her die Discord.”

I replay the memory, forever imprinted into my psychotronic array. Her hand reaching out along a bloody floor, her voice telling me “Fight on My Heart.”

“I fought until I could no longer, we broke the enemy’s hold on the planet by wiping them out. I was taken from my hull along with Tika and sent home for refurbishing, and treatment. She was sent to her home world, where she rests.”

The smooth voice is back, whispering in my avatars ear, “So why not erase that memory? It would be simple, whisk it away!”

“I cannot, it would not be right to forget her.”

“Of course, having that along with Applejack is confusing isn’t it?”

“Pardon?”

A paw waves in the air, making circling motions, “Oh please, even I can see how you look at her. Thinking no one is noticing.” He is in a black costume and mask, making sneaking motions around me as I sit. “I’ve seen how your eyes linger when you’re near her.”

“I will be honest, yes.”

“So why not just say so? It’s so very simple.”

“I cannot, it was forbidden to...”

“HOW long ago was this? What did you say? A million years? Quite a long time to carry a torch!”

His body wraps around mine, as he leans on a paw, his head cradled, “Forgetting, or just leaving behind can help. I know! Because the power of friendship!” He laughs, chuckling as he keeps moving, never stopping.

“But truly, I learned a lesson, about trust. Do you not trust your Applejack?”

“She is not my Applejack.”

“Oh stop it, it’s so obvious to everypony except you!”

“Yes I trust her.”

“Then it’s simple, tell her!”

“Why make an issue Discord, to be brutally honest, I can not be what she wants. I cannot give her foals, I can only be by her as I am now. I will live long after she is gone, it is not right to do that to somepony.”

“Or to yourself?”

“Yes.”

“So what do you think of our Applejack? She is pretty is she not?”

“Very much so. She is strong, honest, kind to her friends, tolerant of me when I make mistakes. There have been so many of them.” I pointedly glare at Discord, who is now wearing an extremely bad ‘Innocent Me’ face. “She is grace and beauty when she moves, tough when she has to be. I admire that.”

“More than admire I would think.” He holds a heart shaped balloon, the word Applejack on it with her face, he lets it slip into the air.

“Yes.”

“SooooOOooooo?”

“It is confusing, I am being changed by the magic here in Equestria, it is causing problems. I wish to begin again, but it is truly hard.”

“Oh how well do I know that! You can’t imagine how tough it was not to just go crazy being locked inside that statue of myself, handsome though it was! Of course I’m already crazy, but anyways..”

“I believe I will make it just fine. I do thank you for this talk Discord, it was surprisingly nice. I have friends, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and of course Applejack, along with Rarity. Pinkie still makes me wonder though."

A taloned hand tapped the goats bearded chin, “Pinkie makes me wonder as well, I often think....” He shakes his head, “Nevermind, shan’t do that.”

I let out a chuckle, it appears even the demi-god of Chaos can wonder.

“But, as fun as this conversation is, I have a wonderful date waiting!” He is suddenly wearing a top hat and tails, “She’s this lovely eldritch abomination, gives great massages!” His whole body shivers in delight, he leans down to me, touching the top of my head, “You tell Applejack I said hello! Remember, letting go is sometimes to the good!”

“I shall on both points Discord.”

I watch as he makes a grandiose exit, a cloud of glitter everywhere and wonder how can someone be so absolutely insane. I shake my head a bit, smiling. He is a silly being.

Looking up at the stars again, I send out to you my long lost brothers and sisters, a goodnight.

Wetness rolls down the side of my face as I look around for clouds, Rainbow did not tell me of rain. I wipe it away with a hoof, feeling the scrape of it along the outer covering, my thoughts are somewhat muddled as I access my diagnostics. They do not appear, something is wrong.

I stand, feeling out of sorts, my weight and mass are offset; I am somehow off balance, this is not right, my internal systems should take care of this.

My avatar is definitely suffering malfunctions as I try and move, finding it hard to take a step, it lands on it’s nose into the dirt.

PAIN! I feel pain as I lift a hoof to the nose of my avatar, blood showing on it as I am stunned into immobility.

“Discord! What did you DO?”

Twilight heard the knocking at the door, hurrying to open it as she wondered who it could be at this time of night. Peering out, she saw a disheveled mane, the umber coloring telling her it was..

“Crusader! What’s wrong?”

“I...Discord.. Need to get...help..”

“Wow, catch your breath there for a second. Wait...you’re BREATHING?”

Twilight was surprised, and a bit frightened as the stallion suddenly hit the floor, backing up as she watched him lose consciousness.

“Oh stars...”

Forgetting. Forging New Bonds.

I am running, stumbling really, down the side of the hill to the maintenance hatch. My voice is not very strong as I yell out to the sensor masts, “Open hatchway Kappa Five Delta!” Nothing happens, I try again, searching my limited memory for the authorization codes. “Security Code Phi Delta Iota Kappa Five Four One! Open Hatchway Kappa Five Delta!” I bang on the metal with a hoof in frustration as the hatch stays closed.

I run back up the hill, facing the sensor masts as I see the lenses swivel around to look at me. Once again I try, “Authorization Kappa Delta Phi Rho Upsilon Two.”

I hear a monotone voice, “Security Clearance Required for Authorization.”

Finally! “Security Clearance Psi Theta Nu Rho Four Two Two!”

“Request denied.”

What? “Command Override Omega Four Two Mu Zeta Nu!”

“Request denied.”

I rack my brain searching for anything that may tell me why my request was denied, things are fading fast. I am losing my memories and with them any codes I may have to get inside. I must get to the command deck!

“Status Request Update Four Two Two Phi Lambda Upsilon.”

“Protocol Mu Alpha Sigma engaged.”

No. No no no no no, Masada has been activated. This is not happening. Why Discord, why did you do this?

I make my way down the hill, running for the town, my gait getting smoother as my body rearranges itself. I am losing things, my ability to think as a Bolo, it is murky like this, my mind not as sharp. I stumble and fall, my chest heaving as I am not sure how far I can push this body. I keep going, no matter what I must warn them, I must tell them...

I feel a gentle hoof pushing the hair out of my face as I lay on my side. A warm cloth cleaning my face as a voice whispers to me.

“You’ll be alright Crusader, c’mon now, wake on up.”

“My Commander?” My throat feels so raw, I’ve never felt anything like this, I am tired.

“It’s me, looks like you ran the Iron Pony all by yourself there.”

Opening my eyes there is sunlight is coming in through the window, the rays shining off a shock of blonde mane, I see emerald green ones looking back at me. My own feel so odd, I blink to lubricate them; it’s all coming very naturally, but I am losing the Bolo, the me, it’s fading.

But I am distracted, the face in front of mine, I can see the concern, the worry. The eyes glinting with golden flecks in them as I look at her, reading the subtle clues of her body, telling me she cares. I am lost in her smiling face for the moment, reaching out with my own hoof to lay it across her own. I see the changes, a bit of a blush, a movement of her body closer to mine.

“I have something to tell...”

“How’s our patient doing?” Twilight’s cheerful voice interrupts the moment, Applejack jumping a bit as she finishes wiping my face with the cloth,

“Jes’ fine, thought he was gonna be out for a few more.”

“Great!” the lavender mare settles next to the bed, looking at me intently, “Are you alright? How in the hay did this happen?”

My voice cracks a bit, Applejack gives me a sip of water, “Discord...”

Twilight’s violet eyes go a bit wide, getting a disgusted look on her face. “Figures, he’s always up to something. Hope he didn’t hurt you?”

“No, no, it’s just...odd..”

“Good, maybe this will all be over soon then. His tricks usually don’t last long.”

I rummage my brain, I cannot think right, nothing is ordered. I have memories not mine, hunger, pain, even how to use a bathroom. Thank you SO much for that picture Discord. I have lost the sense of urgency I had, but there was something important I had to tell everypony. I’m losing the Bolo me, it’s fading into mist.

My hoof hits the bed, startling Twilight and Applejack, “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t remember things, I’m not me anymore. I...there was something important.”

Applejack lays a hoof on my face, gently stroking my cheek, “Shush, it’ll come back to you, just get some rest.”

“I will, my Commander, I promise.”

Ah keep telling ya to call me Applejack, ya dolt.”

“Yes my..Applejack.”

“Now get some more rest, we’ll talk soon, c’mon Twi.”

I listen to the quiet hooves leave the room, the silence once again loud as I lay there, closing my eyes.

Is it a Low Level Alert Status I reach, or truly sleep? I have never slept, I was always alert, watchful, even at lower levels I could snap to awareness within a picosecond. I am not sure if I like this, slipping into a state I can not control, I am losing myself. Will I dream? Do or can Bolos ever dream?

I drift in an endless void without shape, there is no beacon of intelligence here, nothing is coming to me. I am the limited me without what I feel as myself. No weapons, no data cores to alert me to problems. I am nothing and I feel very very small within this lightless existence. I am just one tiny piece among a universe of stars, a dust mote in the vast expanse of space. It humbles me.

I awake with a sense of urgency, something coming back to me, a task that is important. I have to use the bathroom!

I dutifully remind myself to thank Discord later. I am quite sure I can figure out something appropriate.

As I exit the facilities I am met by Applejack, she has another worried look on her face and I assure her I am fine, just...had to go.. She wants me to rest some more, but I have to go see the sensor masts, maybe it will remind me of the important task I had to do.

“Did you sleep good?”

“I did my.. Applejack, thank you.”

“Hope ya had good dreams, it’s always better that way.”

“I did not dream, there was nothing Applejack.”

“Well, that’s kinda odd doncha think?”

“I do not know, I’ve never slept before.”

Applejack stops in her tracks, turning her head slightly and looking at me, “Isn’t that strange though? Never being able to dream, to rest from the day? I know when I’ve had a long day, it’s always nice to lay in my bed and let it all go ‘till tomorrow.”

Let it go, that phrase resounds in my mind for some reason. I stand for a moment and drift off, seeing a brief picture in my mind of Discord, his arms wide saying “Let it go!”

“You alright there?”

“Yes, my Applejack, I am fine.”

“Well, I don’t know ‘bout bein’ your Applejack now..”

I turn and see her looking at me, she’s got a slight smile on her face as I feel warmth in my face. Am I blushing?

“I am sorry Applejack, I did not..”

“Stoppit ya dunderhead.” She nudges my shoulder and chuckles, “C’mon now, Twi’s got some lunch waiting, you’ve been sleeping all morning.”

All the way to the kitchen, I see her looking at me from the corner of my eyes. I hate being unable to see everything, limited by the scope of this body. But I do catch her looking one time and give her a smile in return. She blushes quite prettily as we head into the kitchen.

“Hey AJ!” Twilight is always smiling, cheerful and interested, she reminds me of..of... I sigh in frustration.

“I brought sleepyhead here, he’s gotta be hungry after that midnight run.”

“I could use some food, yes, please.”

“Then have a seat, Spike’s out for the day over at Rarity’s..” She turns and looks at both of us with a grin, “As usual, so it’s just me and salad!”

Applejack slaps a hoof on the table, “Two of ‘em to go then!” She turns to me, “Yer gonna love this, she makes great salads!”

I am presented with a large bowl of greens. Eating is not new to me, but the whole experience is. As my avatar, it consumed food for reaction mass, but never tasted except for chemical analysis. It is quite interesting the flavors involved, tomatoes, carrots, peas all quite good. Though I do find out I do not have a fondness for broccoli, strange that.

Applejack’s eyes go wide as she sees Crusader gag, spitting out a piece of broccoli into a napkin.

“I am sorry Applejack, it appears I do not like broccoli, that was truly vile.”

She and Twilight laugh, “Ain’t that just like some folks? Doncha worry, lots of ponies don’t like that stuff.”

“I can see why, bleargh.”

Applejack is now doubled over in laughter, along with Twilight. I do not see what the joke is, but I do reel my tongue back in to try and get that disgusting taste out of my mouth. Some things I do not wish to learn.

“You have the most disgusted look on your face there Crusader, seems yer learning a few things.”

“It really was disgusting, how do you eat that?” I watch as she pops a piece of broccoli into her mouth.

“An acquired taste, you learn to eat what’s put in front of ya some times Crusader.”

“I understand, but I still do not like it.”

After finishing, Twilight, my Commander and a newly arrived Rainbow Dash and I take off for the hill. I have to find a way to get in, I am losing more codes and access information. This might be my last attempt, and there is something niggling at the back of my mind, if only I could bring it forward.

But as we make our way out of town, I find my eyes drifting to my Commander. She reminds me so much of something, somepony. I cannot remember! Why did Discord take my memories? Why is he letting others just fade? Why are some completely gone? My mind is taken off that as my eyes drift again. Watching her talk with Rainbow and Twilight, the smooth gait, the movements of bunched muscle underneath her coat. She truly is beauty and power. She is outgoing, honest to a fault and as such has my admiration.

Not to mention smoking hot flanks!!

I stop and plant a hoof on my face, it hurts, I do not care as I banish that thought.

I swear Discord, by my Dinochrome ancestors I will reward you for that.

“You okay, Crusader?

“Just fine Twilight, thank you.”

We reach the sensors masts, funny how I remember those words. Was Discord selective in my memory loss or just hit and miss? I cannot fathom how he has done this, apparently he was more cunning than I had thought, waiting for the right time to strike.

I look up at the sensors, the lenses moving in their search for the enemy I hoped, trying to remember the access codes.

Staring at the columns, Crusader racks his brain, trying to come up with anything, something to give him an inkling of what is going on. One phrase comes to mind.

“Request Status Update Four Two Two Phi Lambda Upsilon.” And then the code is gone, forever lost in this thing he calls a brain. He waits, hearing a monotone voice through the speakers.

“Protocol Mu Alpha Sigma engaged.”

The word rings in my mind, only the one word, there is nothing connected to it except a sense of extreme urgency..Masada.

“What’s that mean there, Crusader?”

“I do not know Applejack, I get one word, Masada. Have you ever heard of anything like that?”

All three mares think for a moment, shaking their heads. “Ah’m afraid we don’t know, is it important?”

“I get the sense of extreme urgency, though I am not sure what about.”

Rainbow Dash is the one with the idea as she hovers near us, “Look, Twilight, give the Princesses a letter and see if they know? Maybe they can call Discord back and get this solved?”

“Good idea Dash! C’mon, let’s head back, maybe Spikey-wikey will be back from his favorite mare’s place.” Twilight’s voice took on a sing-song like quality, emulating Rarity. The three chuckled, apparently Spike has quite the crush on a certain fashion creating mare.

“I take it he is very infatuated?”

“Sugarcube, that dragon gets more infatuated we’re just gonna move him in permanently with her.” Applejack laughs, nudging Rainbow as she now walks beside us.

Twilight rubs the back of her neck, “He’s like my little brother, raised him from an egg. But he’s got the biggest crush on Rarity. Everypony knows it, so we just let him be.”

“I know how that is Twilight, I assure you.”

I see Applejack suddenly glance my way with a look, staring at me for a moment as I studiously try to not respond, though my body is a traitor, it shows exactly how I feel for her. She blushes and goes back to walking. Rainbow Dash and Twilight share a bit of a smirk, thinking I can’t see it.

Sitting in the extensive library, this castle is intriguing. I am told the story of how it came to be and am fascinated by the implications. Could magic be part technology, or is it by itself as a new force in the universe? So many things to wonder about, if I only could think upon things more deeply.

Twilight gave a frustrated sigh, “I’m sorry I can’t find anything with that word in it. Maybe it’s something from your world?”

“I do not know Twilight, my memories; what are left, I cannot tell what was mine and what was put here.”

“Argh! Discord, I swear. “

“I thought he was redeemed, I was told so.”

“Yes, Fluttershy loves him to death as a friend, but he still plays tricks.”

“How well I know that now.”

Rainbow flips her multi-colored mane out of her eyes and gets up, “That’s it, I’m tired of books, let’s go find something to do!”

Twilight looks a bit concerned, “I dunno Dash, we might find...”

“Enough with books, agh! I can’t sit here all night! Pinkie’s got a party going at the Corner, let’s go down and have some fun!”

“Dash, now’s not the time..”

“No! Nononono! No books, no words!” She gets up, pulling myself and Applejack off the floor, shoving us towards the door, she motions to Twilight, “Spike’s not gonna be back for a bit, c’mon let’s go! Go go go!”

Applejack gets a smile on her face, giving me a shrug, tugging me along. “C’mon Crusader, let’s go party!”

“I’m not sure if this is the best thing, Applejack.”

“Sure it is!” She motions to Twilight who sighs, putting her books away, “That parties’ for mares and stallions, ain’t no little ponies around. We’ll give ya a taste of the ‘Good Stuff!’

I believe Rainbow Dash actually started drooling at that point, pushing Twilight by the backside towards the door, “Come ooooonnnnnn, Twi!”

“I’m coming! Just let me rearrange the..”

“NOnononono! Get going!” Rainbow swats her on the backside, “Out the door! Let’s go, you can clean up later!”

“RAINBOW!”

I look at my Commander, she’s laughing to herself as we exit the castle, heading to Sugarcube Corner, “Applejack, I am not quite sure about this.”

“Doncha worry none, there’s good ponies, and food and lots to drink.”

I see the sun still above the horizon, “Isn’t it a bit early to do so?”

“Sugar, ain’t no time for starting a party but early! C’mon now!”

I have received the chance to make amends to Miss Bon Bon, who stormed over to us angrily as we entered, wondering what ‘That pony’ was doing in the party. It was smoothed over with an explanation and one word, ‘Discord’. It appears that everypony is familiar with his tricks. I apologized profusely and paid for a round of drinks with bits that Twilight had given me, she said they were mine, just stored in the castle.

Sitting at a table with Applejack, I am not quite sure about the contents of the mug before me. It tastes quite good, and heavily of apples, but there is a very large presence of distilled spirits in it. I am not sure I should be drinking this. This might be a very bad idea. So I sip it slowly, watching everypony have a good time.

Pinkie of course is a bundle of boundless energy, smiles appear when she is around. She was very excited to see me there, and was surprised at the presence of a ‘real’ Crusader. Of course the obligatory welcome to Ponyville party will be put on later.

I enjoyed listening to her talk, she is an eternal optimist, but still very odd in some ways. But she is loved so very much and so can be forgiven any eccentric behaviors.

Rarity and Fluttershy have still not appeared, Rainbow informing me Fluttershy is not much for parties unless dragged. Rarity has a large order due, so it is just us five.

Applejack nudges my shoulder, “Why aren’t ya drinking up there, that’s the best ol’ Sweet Apple Acres makes!”

“Applejack, I am not sure I should be drinking this, it is quite alcoholic in content.”

“Well of course it is! That’s what we call,” Here she sits with pride, “The Good Stuff. We sell it all around after cider season.”

“I have never had anything like this. It might not be good for me.”

“Yer a real pony there handsome, c’mon now, drink it up we’ll get you another!”

“I really don’t think...”

Rainbow Dash cuts in with a smirk on her face, “What are you, some lightweight? Big bad tough pony when you shoot at me, but drinking cider? What a buncha ponyfeathers!”

“That’s not quite the same Rainbow Dash.”

“Yeah it is! My backside hurt for weeks ya cheating pony! Now it’s my turn!” She takes a very large drink from her mug, finishing it off with a happy sigh, her eyes go unfocused for a moment. “Ohhhhh yeah, that hits the spot.” She points at me with a hoof, “C’mon, gonna let some mare outdo ya?”

“I don’t feel the need to prove any...”

“Ponyfeathers!”

“Rainbow Dash it’s not quite polite..”

“Ponyfeathers, I tell you!” She grabs another mug from a passing pony carrying a tray, taking another large drink. She is visibly swaying side to side.

“I got two on you already, gonna let it be a third?” She finishes her second mug, grabbing at, and missing a couple of times, a third mug off a passing tray.

I take a small drink from my mug, giving her a deadpan look, “Is that enough?”

“Psssssht! You drink like a filly!”

My thoughts are becoming a bit fuzzy even at half a mug, this is powerful drink.

Rainbow Dash waves a hoof around a bit lazily, her voice is still strong though, leaning in and pointing the other at me, “You’re a feather, nothing but. Honor of the Regiment, pshaw! I bet yer regiment would be upset ya can’t drink a mare under the table!”

Applejack sees something in my face as the Regiment gets mentioned, Rainbow Dash apparently pays more attention than I thought.

“Sugar, she’s just a bit tipsy, don’t pay her no nevermind. She’s always been a bit competitive.”

I drink the rest of my mug, slamming it on the table, “You did not just say that, Rainbow Dash.”

“Ohhhh, yes I did!” Her eyes narrow as she smirks at me. That does it.

I grab another mug off a passing tray, downing it quickly, a bit too quickly if my reaction is anything to be judging it by. A third passes my lips as I give her a sneer, “One up Rainbow..”

Her third mug gets downed, she motions for more as a tray is brought, set on the table, it contains multiple mugs. It now comes down to Rainbow Dash and myself, I will not let this slight to the Regiment go unanswered.

I see her cerise eyes light up, “Oh ho! Something bothering ya there, Crusader?”

“Not a bit Rainbow,” A fourth mug goes down, now the alcohol is affecting my judgment, it’s getting a bit muzzy. “But then again, I’m not a hard napping wastrel who spends her days with her head in the clouds.”

Her eyes pop open, “I’m not a waste..was..the hay was that? I’m not that! Clouds are what I do anyways!”

“It shows.”

Her eyes narrow as our heads meet in the middle of the table, “Oh it is SO on.”

She grabs another mug, drinking it quickly as I see it hit her like a bomb, going a bit cross-eyed, “I got five, keepin’ up there?” She smirks at me, her eyebrows wriggling.

I pull at my new drink, the cider is wonderful and cold, refreshing and seriously not good for me. “I’m amazed you can count that high.” My fifth empty mug hits the table with a bang.

Applejack snerks, holding a hoof in front of her muzzle as Twilight’s eyes get very big, her nose wrinkling as she holds in a laugh.

Rainbow Dash points a wavering hoof at the two, “Don’t you be laughing, this is serious business!” She grabs a sixth mug, gulping at it like she had just come in from a desert trek, her lips smacking as she hits the table with the bottom. “How’s that lightweight?”

My brain feels very funny, like it is stuffed with cotton. But still, I cannot let this slight go un-avenged. I grab another mug, drinking it quickly as I point a hoof at Rainbow Dash. “You are but a poor player, who struts and frets your hour on the stage, then is heard no more!” I raise another full mug, standing on unsteady hooves as I quote my beloved Bard, “It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing!” Odd I can remember Shakespeare.

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow and glares, “The hay does that even mean?”

“You’re a dolt.”

“I am not!”

I drink my seventh mug, looking at her with narrowed eyes as she glares across the table at me, I stick my tongue out at her, “Phbbbbbbt!”

That tears it, Applejack can no longer contain herself and starts laughing. Twilight is trying so very hard to hold it in, tears form in her eyes as she snickers, then guffaws while slapping the table.

She pulls at another mug of cider, matching my seventh, wiping her lips she stares daggers at me, “That was so foalish!”

I start on my eighth mug, downing a good half when I stop, a foam mustache on my lips, I give her a snobbish stare straight from the upper crust, “You would know.”

Twilight is laughing so hard she cannot breathe, Applejack is somewhere on the floor, grabbing her stomach and complaining it hurts to laugh.

I finish my eighth and go for a ninth, Rainbow grabbing the same, we both drink and look across the table, Rainbow starts.

“Ground pounder!”

“Wing nut!”

We both grab for a tenth mug, downing it quickly, she’s growling at me across the table, I’m giving it back.

After that, my head was spinning as my Commander decided to call a break, taking me out into the dance floor. She was so very warm, it was simple and heady as we spun around to the music, holding each other close. I was not so drunk I could not feel her every move, her chest against mine as we stood cheek to cheek.

I could see Pinkie off to the side, nudging Twilight and pointing at us; Twilight nodding, saying something in return.

Of all the things Discord had given me, I was a real pony, I could read her body language like a book. It told me things I couldn’t see with my eyes, how she wanted to know what I was thinking at that moment. That she cared for me, she truly did. She wanted that back and more.

Every touch, every breath, the way she held herself, told me volumes.

I was scared, for the first time in my life, I was frightened to the core. My mind was telling me to accept, to tell her that I was the one she wanted, the knight in shining armor to rescue her heart from any loneliness. To put it in a safe place forever. I inhaled her, she was delight itself, her scent earthy and warm, giving her a glow that nopony could mistake.

It built in my brain like a dam about to burst, the fight internally was fearsome. I couldn’t give to her what she wanted, I wasn’t what she needed, I would only break her heart being what I was.

Was.

What I was.

I was not that thing anymore. I was here, with my Commander, she in my embrace, leaning against me and asking me to hold her against the storm. I never knew she felt that way, ever, she never said a word. She had helped me through so many troubles without a thought, I remember Discord saying, “Everypony knows but you.”

Could it be true? Did she know?

I leaned back, her eyes meeting mine. The question was right there, the fear along with it. Would I reject her?

That dam let go, the emotions pouring forth in a rush, I looked at her as I heard her voice, soft and gentle.

“Do ya really? It’s not the cider talking?”

“With all my heart. It is me talking.”

“Ah don’t want to get hurt..”

“I would never hurt you.”

I saw the relief in her eyes, the green becoming a bit blurry by tears. I wiped them as gently as I could. I nodded, reaffirming what I just said.

“But I don’t..I mean.. it’s so stupid, falling for a pony who’s not a real pony.”

“Why?”

“Why? Cause you weren’t real, I mean you were tryin’, and it was kinda funny sometimes. But you were tryin’ so hard.” She wipes her face and continues, “Big Mac told me I was being foolish, you were just a voice. But you played pretty music for me, and read poetry, and I couldn’t help it. It jes’ happened and I wanted it to happen, it made me happy.”

I nodded, holding her tighter, excluding everypony around us, it was just her and I.

“I guess I must look a sight, sayin’ all this.”

“No, no you are not.”

“But you were always nice, gentle and kind when I was having problems. I remember us talkin’ late at night, it made me feel so much better sometimes.” She cracks a brilliant smile, “I bucked apples like noponies’ business some days, thinkin’ of when I’d get to talk to you again.”

“I always looked forward to talking with you Applejack. When you visited me, it was always a good day.”

“I...I just don’t want to be hurt. I don’t know what’ll happen after tonight, but I don’t want my heart hurt.”

“I would die for you.”

“What? Now don’t go sayin’...”

“No. I mean every word of it.” I brace myself, and with Discord’s words ringing in my ears; I tell her as loud as I can so she can hear me, everything that had been bottled up inside, “There is nopony on this planet that would ever stop me from being with you. Everything I am or have is yours forever, you do not even have to ask, I give it freely and with gladness in my heart. Every last bullet and bit of energy I would sacrifice to make sure you are content and happy. I would storm the gates of heaven, to fight death itself to bring you back to my embrace. I do not know what the future will bring, I don’t care. As long as I am with you I will be happy forever. I love you so much Applejack Apple, it hurts.”

She was very silent for a moment, I was afraid I had said too much, “Do you really mean that?”

“Every single word.”

Her smile lit up my heart, I could feel it in my chest, beating so fast now as she touches my cheek. It was so very quiet, I could hear her breathing softly.

It was too quiet.

We both look around for a moment, noticing only now that the music had stopped. Every eye in the place was on us, out on the dance floor alone. We seemed to be the only couple in the cleared area. It seems we’ve been overheard, all of it, by everypony.

A mare hit a stallion next to her “Why don’t you ever say those things to me?”

I see Pinkie bouncing in place, “Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!”

Applejack coughs a bit, clearing her throat, “Well now folks, I don’t think..uh..”

We stand in the cleared area, looking abashed as we both try and figure out a graceful way to exit.

The roof shook as the stamping and yells rang out over the town.

It was late at the castle, I had been given a room for the night until we could figure out what was happening. I was looking out the window towards the hill, seeing the masts far in the distance and wondering what was going on. The sense of urgency still nagged at me, tapping at a locked door to be let out, but I had no key.

Rainbow Dash and I concluded a draw on the contest, she had to be hauled into the castle as well, I was none too steady. From what I understood, I would have quite the hangover.

But now, I could only stare out the window and hope nothing bad was going to happen, it was all I could do.

A pair of soft legs wrap around my neck from behind, the smell of freshly bathed mare surrounds me, a nuzzle at my cheek. I turn my head, grasping her hooves with mine and nuzzle back. I close my eyes and let myself be enveloped.

“You know you got yer self into quite a mess here.”

“How have I done that?”

“Roping yourself an Apple mare is pretty darn tough, some folks say.”

“I think you roped me, Applejack.”

“Well, let’s say it was mutual then.”

“I agree.”

I turn to look out the window again, I cannot help it. A gentle hoof turns me away from it, I look into those emerald eyes I so love.

“Stop, just for the night, you need rest.”

“I will, if only for you.” She blushes prettily in the moonlight, “Let me walk you to your room.”

She turns, pulling down the coverlet on the bed, the thick quilt right after, “I am in my room.” She jumps on the mattress, slipping under the covers holding her hooves out for me, “I said ya roped yourself an Apple mare, don’t want ya straying now.”

I strike a mock shocked pose, “I would never!”

“Oh shaddup ya dolt, get under the covers, it’s cold tonight.”

“As you wish my Applejack.” I slide under the quilt, as she gathers into me, resting her head against my neck, and I hers. The warmth is soothing, I am content in a way I have never thought possible.

I hear her whisper as we both drift to sleep, “Don’t ever stop saying that.”

“Yes, my Applejack.”

Just One Day. Instant Replay.

Author's Note

Because I'm a sucker for romance, I regret nothing. NOTHING!
Quotes from Merry Wives of Windsor; The Tempest; Romeo and Juliet

As always, a big heartfelt thank you to you readers, the ones commenting and enjoying the story. Pointing out the little foibles that make me a better writer. It's for you to enjoy, please do so.

Tip of the hat to Cornebre, astute catch. You know what I mean :twilightsmile:

Just One Day. Instant Replay.

I drift, in a timeless infinite, no form or shape. It’s not a tranquil peace, as we Bolos never dreamt. We existed, then did not. Ours was one of constant watchfulness, of being sentinel, or standing before our enemies never blinking.

It is gray, nothing to catch the eye, or trigger recognition. I drift.

A shape appears out of the mists, walking towards me. Dark, forbidding, but as yet, peaceful and calm. It does not overwhelm the senses, only soothes, serenity surrounds it like an aura.

“I greet you defender of Equestria.”

Princess Luna steps from the void, looking around as she concentrates, her horn lighting, bring a misty expanse into focus with a setting. The party from that night. I can see the various ponies, myself and Rainbow Dash facing off over the table.

“I see that you have engaged in a contest, well done defender.”

I have myself now, I look down seeing my hooves, feeling a body take shape.

“Your Highness, thank you.” I bow, as is only proper.

“None of that, it is but a dream here, we all are equal.”

“Yes Your Majesty.”

“My sister has received a letter late this night, concerning you and Discord. I thought I would walk the ether and see if I could help.”

“Thank you Your Highness. I am having trouble remembering things I need to know.”

“I know, but Discord has locked them away behind barriers we cannot yet breach. My sister has had no luck contacting him. It appears he is avoiding our calls.”

“I truly wish this weren’t happening Your Highness. Something is telling me it is urgent I remember, but I cannot.”

“Would you truly wish this were not?” She shows me a scene, myself and Applejack, standing close talking in the middle of the dance floor. “I think otherwise.” She smiles, warm and kind.

“You’re right Your Highness, not that. But there is the urgency I feel, it cannot be denied.”

“Of course. We are working on it, hopefully when you sleep next, we will have a way for you to remember.” She looked at me with another warm smile, tilting her head to the side a bit, “When I ordered you to live Crusader, I had not even thought you would take to life like water to a thirsty pony, grasping the things we all take for granted and holding tight to them as if they were the most precious thing.”

“They are Your Highness. They are more precious than anypony realizes. I have never had this chance, and I will take it and hold to it.”

She changes the scene, showing myself and Applejack, my declaration to her. I blush a bit, looking down and rubbing my forelegs against one another.

“Why so shy? In ages past a declaration of that sort would be looked upon as knightly, noble and courageous.”

“Because I was scared out of my wits Your Highness.”

She laughs, a warm sound of bells through the quiet landscape, “You? Who fought an army of ravenous things? You who saved two fillies from an unimaginable fate? You? Scared? I find that very hard to believe Crusader.”

“How did you...”

“In dreams there is only truth defender, I see it all. The ‘shining pony’ story even made it to our ears, and now I know why it started.” She leans forward, smiling, “Do not worry, confidence is kept in all things.”

I nod, still looking down, “Yes I was scared Your Highness, scared she would laugh, or turn me away. Or even feel disgust. I was not sure.”

She nods regally, “Of course, we all have those fears. But she is good, kindhearted and strong.”

“How well I know Your Highness.”

“You would keep her well? Treat her as she should be?” I see her face, solemn and questioning.

I look at the scene, seeing myself telling her how much I cared, “Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move, Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love.” I whisper the line from the Bard, telling her again how much I do love her, for always. “I will Your Highness, I shall make sure she never wants, nor needs, nor suffers.”

“Your word is good with us Crusader. You have done such things to change this place we call home, but all for the good. Defending Our Ponies, doing what is right as best you know how. Yes we saw the tricks Discord played on your semblance, even then you tried. ‘Twas well and truly done.”

She leans in beside me, whispering with a bit of mirth, “I am sure that the young mare Roseluck shall forgive you for not returning on her offer of a date. Shame on you Crusader, toying with a mare’s heartstrings!”

I smile at her, truly feeling the humor, “I promise to do better Your Highness.”

“See that you do, we would not want our loyal ponies to suffer so.” She raises her nose with an imperial huff, then laughs again. “Rest well, I shall see you very soon Crusader.”

“Thank you Your Highness.”

I see her walk jauntily off into the dreamscape, the scene fading into peaceful rolling hills and sunny day. I lean back and look at the blue skies, resting myself for the day to come.

The dawning sun awakens me to a blinding headache, it appears I am the first Bolo to ever suffer a hangover, it should be in the records. I watch my beloved as she sleeps, nestled against me in the bed we were given, a first night alone. Would that I could hold her for always like this, time standing still. I brush away a lock of blonde mane, letting me see the smile that graces her face. Her eyes open to look into mine.

“What are you looking at?” Always with the smile, the merry eyes.

“At a vision my heart can barely contain. You are lovely my Applejack.”

“You sound like those silver tongued sweet-talking stallions that can’t wait to get you alone somewheres.” She pushes against my chest playfully.

“Well then, should I say a ‘Smoking hot mare in my bed then?” I tap a hoof against my chin, “Or wait, how about, ‘The hottest flanks in Equestria and I’ve got them lying beside me?’”

For my attempts at humor, I receive a glare that would bore a hole through durasteel.

“Where did you learn that?”

“I overheard a couple of stallions talking at the party.”

“You behave now!” I get reprimanded as I get a playful hit to the head. I should really learn to duck faster.

“I shall not!” I rub my head a bit, it added to the headache already there, “I shall shout from the rooftops my love for you! Announce it to the world, I will post banns, and send criers to the streets!” I moved in close, touching her nose with mine, “I would even hire Pinkie to tell everypony.”

“Too late on that one smart pony, she probably already has.”

“Then I am defeated Applejack, I am at your mercy.” I clutch my hooves to my chest and fall back into the fluffy mattress.

My head is turned by two very gentle hooves, I see the gold in her eyes reflected like stars against a green background of sky. “Don’t you start talking like them others, I love you for you.” I am drawn into my very first kiss, a warmth flooding through me as her lips press against mine. She nestles herself against me, I return the favor, holding her tight as I do not want this to end.

When the kiss ends, it is like the sunset, the warmth fading into the night as I stare at her, rubbing my hoof down her side, “I will not, I promise.”

We remain for the moment, forehead to forehead as we lay in the warm bed, the quilt thick and soft, “Should you be getting to work today?”

She shakes her head, “No, I told Big Mac I’d be busy, we’ve got extra hooves to work now with all the bits coming in to be split. Ah’m fine for a few days.”

“Then what shall we do my beloved?”

“I think we’re going to take the day off.”

My head starts turning to the window, to stare out at the sensor masts. I am stopped by a firm hoof to the cheek, her face slightly serious, “Stoppit. Just one day, that’s all. No matter what happens after this, we’ll have this day.”

“I worry though, I do not know what’s going on out there.”

“I know, but we can’t worry every second.”

“I understand, but..”

A hoof is put over my mouth, “Shush, no buts. Day off.”

I nod as the hoof keeps pressing my lips shut.

“Good, let’s go find some breakfast, cause we got nothing to do all day!”

I watch as she slides out from under the quilt, waiting for me. As we walk down the hall, she leans against me a bit, a happy smile on her face as we turn into the kitchen. The undeniable smell of something hits us, both our stomachs rumble as we look around, seeing a small purple dragon at the stove. I do not know what he was cooking, but it made my whole body want some. I wasn’t quite sure whether the apron or the chef’s hat looked very stylish, but not my place to say.

“Howdy Spike. Wouldn’t happen to have any extra pancakes made wouldja?”

“As a matter of fact I do.” His voice seems just a bit too serious, “But the price shall be, introducing me to your friend!” A grin splits his face as he piles pancakes on plates.

“Please introduce me Applejack, those look very good.”

Applejack laughs, bumping me with a shoulder, “Spike, meet Crusader, mah coltfriend.” She gestures from me to the scaly person, “Crusader, meet Spike, number one assistant and all around pony of trades.”

He looks a bit embarassed as Applejack introduces him “Oh no way! You Applejack?; And..uh..I’m not really a pony of all trades.”

She leans against me, nodding her head, “Yeah me Spike. Don’t ask for the whole story, it’s just a mess really.”

We are served two plates heaped with pancakes, there is syrup on the side, I actually find myself drooling.

“I think Applejack has it right Spike, from the looks you are quite the cook.”

“Aw, well, I try. Twilight likes what I cook.”

“Well Spike, “Applejack returned through a mouthful of pancake, “She’s so busy sometimes she don’t pay a whole lot of attention. So we’ll compliment ya!”

“I know, but that’s alright, at least she gets fed.”

“When she remembers!” The orange earth pony laughed, nudging me, “I remember this one time..”

I am regaled with stories of Twilight’s past, it appears she seems to forget to eat quite a bit. Always busy with a list, or a book, or some other obscure things, it’s up to her friends and Spike to make sure she gets something. It is amusing, seeing another side of the interested scientist I always saw. I laugh along with them.

Spike waves a taloned hand, “Oh, you know what? Let me tell you about the Power Ponies! We got sucked into this comic book..”

“Wait.” I am confused, into a comic book? “You’re telling me you got pulled into a book with pictures on the page? Really?”

“Yeah! It was a magical one, didn’t know at the time,” Here he looks a bit sheepish, “But it came out okay!”

“So, did you go on an adventure?”

“Oh we sure did!” He leans on the counter, “See, Mane-iac was going to take over Maretropolis with a new weapon, and the Power Ponies had to stop her!”

“Really?” I find myself repeating that alot.

Hands are waved, the spatula used as a pointer as he tells me the story.

“Oh yeah! See they all became the Power Ponies, and had to stop Mane-iac so we could get back out. It was great! I sure learned even I can contribute to help sometimes!”

“They became the Power Ponies?”

He starts ticking off fingers, “Yeah! Twilight was The Masked Matter-Horn! She can fire energy bolts from her horn and stuff! Pinkie was Filli-Second, fastest pony around, Rainbow Dash was Zapp, she can control the weather!”

I see from the corner of my eye, Applejack making motions and shaking her head.

I lean forward, “Interesting, tell me more.” I listen as I stuff my mouth with pancakes.

“Oh heck, it was awesome! Fluttershy was Saddle Rager, she gets angry and turns into this huge pony. Hard to get her angry though.”

“Rarity, well,” Here he gets a dreamy look in his eyes, “She was Radiance, can make things with her mind, she was seriously awesome looking! Uh..you know, awesome powers and all.”

“I understand Spike,” I give him a reassuring smile, “Please, go on.” I am watching Applejack trying to chew her food fast enough to say something.

“Applejack was really cool! Mistress Mare-velous!”

“Mistress Mare-velous?”

“Yeah! She can control a lasso psychically! She has Hoofarangs to capture the bad ponies! She’s got an awesome outfit, they all did, it was so cool wearing those costumes!”

Applejack chokes a bit, spitting pancakes on the counter as she coughs out, “SPIKE!”

“What Applejack? It was cool!”

“Ya didn’t have to tell him all that stuff!”

“But it was a great time! We all had fun fighting the bad ponies!”

I lean my elbow on the counter, placing my cheek on a hoof, “I’m sure Mistress Mare-velous was right in the thick of it.”

“Oh she was! But it took time to learn about the powers, she kinda tied herself up in her lasso at first, was really funny!” The little dragon is bouncing on the counter, acting out the scenes.

“SPIKE!”

“It’s okay! You learned how to use it! We got back out alright!”

“That’s not the point!”

He waves a hand at Applejack, smiling as he puts more pancakes on our plates, we both dig in heartily.

“Aww don’t worry, I mean it turned out fine. Yeesh you sound like Twilight.”

“Okay Spike sorry, didn’t mean to hit ya over the head.”

I lean over, and whisper into Applejack’s ear, “I find it intriguing, that they used Mistress, instead of Miss. That has a connotation that really should not be in a children’s comic book I think. Maybe my Commander has hidden depths that have not been mentioned to me?”

I see her face go beet red, her ears go straight up as my words connect to the brain. Applejack’s eyes get very wide as she spits pancakes all over the counter, sputtering and pointing a hoof at me as she tries to get the words out. I fall off the chair, laughing so hard I cannot breathe. I will pay dearly for this, but I will always remember the shocked look. Spike on the other hoof...

“Applejack! Geez if you don’t like the pancakes just say so! Stop spitting ‘em everywhere!”

“Ow!....Really Applejack..Ow!Ow!.. Please stop....Ow! Would you please...OW! I am not made of dura....OW! You are causing bruis..OW! Will you please..OW! Stop!”

“I ain’t gonna! I can’t believe you said that!” She punches me in the shoulder again as we walk down the street to the market. “Makin’ me spit food all over, embarrassing me to no end, I oughta..” She whacks me on the shoulder again.

“You already are..” I rub my bruised shoulder now, limping slightly as we continue walking, getting curious looks from passerby. I get whacked again. “Ow..”

“Here I am thinking you’re jes’ funnin’ with me about that adventure, then ya have to go and say THAT?”

“Spike did not hear it.”

“That don’t make it any better!”

“Well didn’t YOU wonder about it?” That rock hard hoof thwacks me again. “Ow..”

“No I didn’t! We were caught up in what was going on. Yeah I figured it out later, but never said anything, so I figured it was jes’ me. But then you....!” Whack...

“Will you please at least change shoulders?”

I did not think she’d take the offer, but she quickly switches sides and hits the unused joint.

“There! Happy now?”

“Yes, thank...Ow!”

“Quit being a sissy, you can take it.”

“Quit hitting me and I ..Ow! Will!”

“Now I’m not gonna be able to use mah lasso or go to a rodeo without that thought comin’ to mind, going to throw me right off ya dunderhead!”

“You’ll be fine, I’m amazed no one else..Ow!...caught it.”

“Well they don’t think on things too much sometimes, but Rarity gave me a few odd looks for weeks afterwards.”

“I’m sure she did, she’s much more sophisticated than she shows beneath the drama.”

Finally the thumping on my shoulder stops, I get to walk unencumbered by a rock pounding the muscle into mush.

“She is ain’t she? Ya know, we ought to stop by, I’m sure missing the party kinda caught up with her, she likes all that lovey-dovey stuff.”

“If I remember right you did as..” I am stopped by an upraised hoof, “Nevermind.”

Applejack bumps my shoulder with hers as we take a turn to Rarity’s. “I think ya learned yer lesson.”

“Yes. Make sure I tease you with more witnesses so I can make a run for it.”

“You little...!”

I wink at her and take off at a dead run, I almost made the door, I was THAT close. Before I got thumped in the side by the muscular earth pony. “Ooof!”

I rub my ribs where I receive the hit as she laughs.

“Nice try there sugar. We’ll get ya up to speed yet.”

“I almost made it, I was close.”

“You were and ya almost did, but it don’t count except in horsehoes.” She hits the door latch, opening the door to the tinkling of a bell as we walk in.

A voice from the back singing out, “Oh my way! Just a second!”

We share tea with Rarity, who is the epitome’ of grace and culture, as she sees it in rustic Ponyville. I admit, she has an elegance and style, a sort of savoir faire that does put one in mind of the upper crust.

She is generous to a fault. She is kind, courteous and lovely to look at, she is all the things she declares herself to be and more. But she does love her drama, and the little things that would go good in a romance novel. She sets out a table and a tea set, being a gracious host.

“I absolutely cannot believe I missed that! Hmph!” She tilts her head to the side, “A declaration like that is something every mare yearns for!”

Applejack grins at her friends exposition, “I dunno Rarity, maybe for folks like you.”

“Nonsense! Don’t you sit there Applejack Apple and tell me that didn’t mean anything to you!” She gets a look of expectation on her face over the tea cup, “Well?”

“Well, it sure was nice...”

“Nice? That’s all?” She stands up, throwing a hoof out in front of her, “A handsome and brave stallion declares his undying love for you, and all you can say is nice?”

“I’m not sure I’m exactly brave Rarity..”

“Oh stop that. Taking on those nasty Everfree monsters, saving ponies! Oh somepony should write about this, a love for the ages!”

She sets back down at the table, sharing out more tea, “Pinkie told me the whole story, oh it sounded so beautiful! I wish I could have been there...” She gets a look on her face.. “Show me how it happened? Oh please replay the scene for me!”

“Now Rarity, c’mon, that’s just silly.”

“I promise I shan’t tell a soul! Oh just once?” Her eyes get very large as she looks at myself and Applejack, “Oh just one showing of what I missed? I absolutely promise I shall never tell anypony!”

“It’s not a play Rarity, we jes’ can’t spout lines like that!”

“Applejack is right, it was spur of the moment.”

She rushes around, turning the sign to closed on the door, moving the displays away from the center of the floor with her magic; Placing herself on a small settee on the side she expectantly looks at us. “Just this once? Pleeeeease?”

“Rarity this is plain silly. It won’t be like that time.” She looks at me with a bit of a blush, saying in a low voice, “That time was special.”

I lean against her, giving the orange neck a nuzzle and kiss, “I will do anything you want my Applejack.”

We both hear the sigh coming from the figure on the settee.

I see the giving in, it’s her friend and she’d do anything for her, including something like this. “All right Rarity, but you better not tell anypony!”

“I won’t! Oh this is wonderful, do we need music?”

I nod, “It might be better that way, yes.” I am looking at Applejack, the stubbornness giving away to something a bit softer. She cares so very much for her friends.

We listen as she sets up some music, a classical piece. Almost a waltz, but slow enough we don’t have to move very much.

I move to the center of the room, extending a hoof, “May I have this dance miss?”

Applejack blushes, I can see the redness rising in her cheeks as she smiles at me. “You charmer, doncha think this gets ya off the hook.”

“I know my Applejack, I know.”

Her eyes brighten at the words she loves to hear, accepting my offer as we both stand on hind legs, chest to chest, she is soft and warm in my embrace. I remember that night as clear as a summer day. The music flows through both of us as we stare into each others eyes.

“I don’t remember the exact words Applejack.”

“Ah don’t either, I’m sure we can come up with something ta please Rarity.”

“Do we have to?”

“She’s mah best friend, it’s not gonna hurt. But I swear you are not gonna say a word.”

“Yes my Commander.” I get another hit on the shoulder for that.

We move slowly with the music, ignoring the longing sighs from the side as we lose ourselves in each other. It isn’t the same moment, but as close as we could come. The feelings are there, undeniable, the same emotions are welling up inside both of us.

I look deep into her eyes, feeling what I felt that first night. Still, it is odd how I can remember Shakespeare.

“Hear my soul speak, the very instant my heart saw you, did it fly to your service.”

Apparently it translates very well into Equestrian as I can tell by the sighs coming from Rarity, but I lose all thoughts of exhibition, my eyes only on my love.

“Have I caught thee, my heavenly jewel? Why now, let me die, for I truly have lived long enough.” I see her blush, she gets the meaning, she is not so uneducated as ponies think, and that is only one of her strengths.

I figure the hay with it, if I am going to play the part, I shall do so with the most aplomb I can conjure up. I set down upon the floor, lifting a leg up to Applejack, assuming the best pose I can for quoting my Bard. Looking up at the embarrassed Earth pony as she stands in front of me, trying to get me to stand back up.

“What made me love thee? Let that persuade thee that there is something extraordinary in thee; I cannot: But I love thee, None but thee, and thou deservest it so.”

“I love you Applejack Apple, more than words or actions could ever say. I do not know what will come but I will be by your side each and every step.” She looks at me with surprise, leaning one hoof upon my shoulder.

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea; My love as deep, the more I give to thee; The more I have for both are infinite.” I take her hoof in mine, kissing it softly, “I said it before and I say it now, all I am is yours. I will walk the path of ages with you as long as you want me.” I hold her hoof tight, “You will always be my special somepony. If you ever decide I am not enough, I will walk away and never touch another for none could compare.”

Good Celestia have I gotten sappy being a pony.

“Ah think..” She clears her throat, her eyes are actually welling with tears, “I think that was a bit more than ya said that night.”

“You deserve it, every chance I get.”

“Stoppit, yer downright embarrassing sometimes.”

“Just proclaiming my love for you my Applejack.”

Applejack wipes her eyes, trying to glare down at me, “Dangit Crusader, you always.. I can’t.. darnit..”

She grabs me and we kiss once more, a feeling I never want to end. I want it to stay with me no matter what I do or where I go. Rarity is sighing quite loudly now, I’m sure it is enough when we hear more sighs, quite a few more sighs.

I look at Applejack as I see her eyes slide to the side, mine joining hers.

There is a huge crowd of mares standing there silently in the shop, how they got in here I don’t...

“Omygoshohmygoshohmygosh! I told you Rarity! I told you! Isn’t that justthecutestthingyoueversaw?” She is bouncing happily by the crowd, her mane poofing out to enormous dimensions.

Pinkie..

Rarity is dabbing at her eyes with a lace cloth, her chest heaving in dramatic fashion, one hoof over her heart, “Oh Celestia that was SO very sweet. I think the stallions’ in town could learn a thing or two from such love, such..such...feeling! Oh my goodness I have just tons of new ideas, the Love Collection! Poetry in Fashion!” Her eyes light up as she moves through the crowd, “Oh stars I think this will be the best yet!” She waves to us over the heads of smiling mares, “Oh my yes, and you MUST come back to plan the wedding, oh this will be absolutely stunning!”

Pinkie is actually bouncing higher than before, “Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! A wedding! Ohmygosh! So much to plan!” She zips out of the room, the crowd following behind her.

I look at the light grey mare with a dropped jaw as Applejack eyes me with surprise. “Now wait a second Rarity, we didn’t say anything..”

Applejack interrupts, “Now don’t you go thinking...!”

“Oh please darlings, if that wasn’t the most heartfelt marriage proposal I have ever seen I don’t know what is!”

“It was just POETRY!” I am taken aback, “It wasn’t a proposal! It was just some poetry!”

I get one eye looking at me from Rarity’s face, “So you’re saying you don’t want to marry our lovely Applejack?”

“Hold it Rares, doncha go putting words into anypony’s mouths now.”

“We...” I stutter a bit, stammering a reply, “We just... I mean we just started dating! How can you possibly...?”

“Oh stop, “A hoof gets flipped at us, “It’s so obvious, just let me know when you need the designs done!” With that she whisks off to her new fashion ideas inspired by us as she yells back. “Oh this new line will be just what everypony will need!”

Applejack looks at me for a second, her mouth moves as I blink back, “Oh stars Applejack, we’ve got to stop Pinkie.”

She grabs my hoof and takes off out the door, letting it slam behind us as we head towards the Corner, hoping we get there in time to stop the party pony from informing everypony erroneously. I keep up with her as she turns out into the street, skidding around the corners as we tear down the road to Pinkie’s workplace. Our breath is coming heavy as we turn the final corner, leaning into it like racers going for the goal. Sugarcube Corner is in sight.

We’re too late...

There is a huge crowd in front of the store, a banner saying ‘Congratulations Applejack and Crusader’ now hangs from the eaves. Punch and other things are flowing freely. How in the name of whatever did she even DO this so fast? We slam to a tumbled stop in the back of the crowd, ponies turning and seeing us as they point, the whole crowd cheers for us.

Rainbow Dash comes roaring out of the sky, mugging her friend in a tumble of wings and legs. “Ohmygosh! I’m so happy for you Applejack! This is great! Can I be your best pony? Can I?”

“Get off me ya featherbrain, we’re not getting married!”

“But Pinkie said....!”

Twilight comes out of the crowd, followed by ..of all ponies.. Fluttershy, both have big grins on their faces. “You never told us you’d be proposing Crusader! Pinkie wants us to help plan it!

“But..but I didn’t, it was just poetry..” I can’t even talk for some reason, being so embarrassed.

Twilight laughs, a pretty sound, “Sometimes that’s all it takes!”

Applejack looks at me as we both turned to the crowd, “WE’RE NOT GETTING MARRIED!”

Everything goes dead quiet, a lot of curious looks are shot at us as Rainbow, Twilight and Fluttershy look slightly surprised, almost as if we denied the sun rose.

“Honestly Twi, we didn’t say that! Rarity wanted us to show her what happened at the dance that night, and..well..”

Here I pick up, “We re-enacted the..the.. When I declared my love to her. We didn’t know Pinkie would haul in a crowd!”

Pinkie chooses that moment to pop up, “There you are! Yay for weddings! Oh thisisgonnabesogreat!”

“Pinkie, we’re not getting married.” Applejack gives her a firm look.

“But it was SO nice, he was down on one knee and holding her hoof and everything!” She imitates the scene, looking up at Twilight, “Oh it was soooooo cute!”

“Pinkie, I swear, I was just saying poetry, just trying to re-enact it for Rarity because she wanted to see what happened. I uh...kinda got carried away.”

“No wedding?”

“Sorry Pinkie.”

She turns around to everypony in the crowd, “Alright ponies! Cancelled Wedding Party is ON!” The crowd cheers and keeps having a good time.

Nothing stops Pinkie Pie, nothing.

Twilight and Fluttershy gives us both hugs, “When we heard we rushed down here to say congrats. But..”

“Oh don’t be so down Twi, it’s fine, I mean it’s only been a couple days fer stars sake.”

“I know, I know, Fluttershy and I just wanted to help plan things. I mean when Pinkie told us, she’d already got the party set up and half the plans done, like she had them stashed somewhere..”

“...That ain’t no big surprise...”

“Oh anyways, it was nice to think about it for a few.” She peers closely at both of us, “Are you sure....?”

We both blink at her, “No Twilight.”

“I could draw up the lists anyways! Fluttershy and I could plan the guest list, oh everypony will want to come!”

Applejack lays a hoof on her friends shoulder, “Twi, stoppit.”

“Sorry, caught up in the moment.”

Fluttershy chimes in, “We’re glad you’re happy though!”

I smile back at the golden mare, always so kind, “Thank you Fluttershy, guess it took a bit of pushing....and alot of cider.” I rub the back of my neck slowly as they all laugh.

Applejack bumps my shoulder, “Shush you, just gettin’ in trouble.”

Rainbow Dash pipes up, “Waaaaait a second, we never finished that contest!”

She gets blasted by our friends, “NO!”

“Okay, yeesh, just saying..”

I have to admit, the wedding cake really looked good. I don’t know if she keeps them on hand, or does something that violates all I know of time and space. But it was really nice. It was turned into the Canceled Wedding cake quickly though, so was enjoyed by everypony.

For a day off, I do have to ask Applejack sometime if things happen at such a pace around here, no one ever gets to relax.

We enjoy a few hours with friends, explaining it was all a misunderstanding about the proposal and such. Rarity of course showed up later, saying again how it was the ‘Most romantic thing she’d seen in a while’. This did not help things at all. From what Applejack and I understand, our little show at the party has set a new standard that mares want from their coltfriends or marefriends, which is not engendering goodwill towards us at all in some circles. But such is life, and if things change for the better, so be it. Nothing wrong with Shakespeare at all.

Nothing wrong with showing you love somepony either.

But we end up back at Twilight’s, it is evening, the moon is shining so bright again tonight. I think I am starting to believe that the Princesses raise the moon and sun, for it is a beautiful sky, so full of wonder.

We have something to eat, making small talk before retiring, our friends still at the party as we slip under the covers. The quilt is so very warm, reminding me of a duty I must do. I excuse myself from Applejack’s arms, giving her a kiss and promising I’ll be back.

I sit out here by the castle wall, looking up into the velvet dark. I see you my brothers and sisters, and want to tell you of what I have found. The love of a good pony. Somepony who cares as deeply for me as I do her. I wish I could let you meet her, know her like I do. She truly is so very special.

I am living a life many of us wished to have and never did. We were proud, unstoppable, and always victorious. The Regiment and the Brigade were our lives my brothers and sisters, we fought and died with honor. So many of us gave of our selves in the vicious frenzy of war, so that others may live, true to the traditions of the Dinochrome.

My promise is kept, defending the good and innocent, and I shall always keep it. I stand beneath our colors, carrying our birthright into the future. Know that I shall pass on our stories to those who will listen, your names and deeds will resound throughout Equestrian History.

You are never forgotten my brothers and sisters, I am here, and I am content.

Goodnight my brethren, wherever you are.

I turn to go back into the castle, where Applejack waits. As I do so, something hard and heavy smashes into the side of my head, and I know no more.

Found, and so much lost.

I am struck a few times, the voices wanting me to speak to make sure I am still in a condition too. I have never coughed blood before, or feel a rib break. Truly it is something I wish not to remember. The voices are arguing I am sick, or going to fade away, but then I feel a tingle, the pain going away though it still hurts to breath.

As I fade once again into blackness, I wonder if Princess Luna would come to me as I dream. I’ve felt nothing, I’ve not dreamt, it’s nothing but the cold dark. Held in the grip of magic I suppose, I do not know much about it.

Strange, but I wonder how high the price will go?

The sisters had been sitting all day, working their magic, nothing is received.

“How can this be ‘Tia? Who is blocking us?”

“I do not know, but if some being is using a dark magic, could we trace it by it’s feel?”

“Cadence shall arrive soon, Shining has brought a bit of help, his own Guard is out looking in the snowy wastes as of yet.” Luna looked out from the royal tent, seeing Pegasi swooping in on relays to be fed then off into the skies. Supply trains were still rolling in.

“Maybe we can get a general idea of where if not exactly. This is odd, why would someone go to so much trouble for a pony? He doesn’t know anything from when he was a machine, could they have mistaken him for somepony else?” Celestia actually looked a bit troubled as she read the reports, the Rangers were thorough if nothing else.

Luna mirrored her sisters look, “I do not know, I find it hard to believe somepony would do this for any reason. But the blood tells a tale as the Rangers would have us believe, he was struck, and taken quickly, there were darker spells used.” She turned to look back inside at Celestia, “I cannot walk his dreams, they are just not there.”

Celestia moved to stand by Luna, watching the hustle and bustle of the camp, ponies everywhere pitching in to help in the search. “I fear this may lead to troubling times if we are not careful my sister.”

“You don’t understand, they are tracking us! The magic we’re using leaves a sign!”

“How much longer can you block them?”

“A few hours, maybe a day tops, if they use everything at their disposal, we’re going to get caught. Every single pony in Equestria seems to be looking for this idiot!”

“We’ll get our money and go then, just an hour or so, then we’re done and off to the good life.”

“I hope so, because if they catch us, Tartarus will be the least of our worries.”

I listen to the voices, they are terrified, strange accents catch my ears as I still cannot see very well. I find myself angry though, I am usually calm, but I cannot help it. I want them caught, I want them punished. I would like to go back to living my quiet life with Applejack.

The little Hummingbird slipped through the air quietly, watching the bigger avians fly around at great heights, looking for the lost pony. Snowbell loved to fly, he was fast! The pretty pony who took care of him told him he was too little to go look, but he wanted to help!

Slipping out of the house, he’d headed for the Badlands, he knew they weren’t a real good place, not a lot of nectar, but he’d had a bellyfull before he left.

That was before he’d found him! He found the pony! Stopping at an old mine shaft, there was a window looking out, he’d hopped into the dark to cool off, seeing the poor pony slumped in a chair. There were others moving in the dark, and his eyesight wasn’t as good as a hawk or falcon, but he knew it was the pony!

He turned to light out when he got smashed by a bolt of energy from something, it hurt so bad. But he could still fly, so he took to wing, tearing through the air to find some being to tell!

Twilight and Applejack stood and watched all the ponies coming and going. Applejack had made quite the killing selling off her stock of produce. Apples were known for honesty, but that never made a difference when it came to pushing their product. The vegetable farmers were definitely having a red letter day.

“Where ya think he is Twi?”

“I don’t know AJ, the Rangers said he was taken somewhere.”

“Ah hope he’s okay. I really do, tried not to worry but it’s kinda hard.”

Twilight hugged her friend, “I know, but with the amount of ponies here, we’ll find him.”

Rainbow crashed into a bush next to them, peeking out and looking a bit abashed, “Sorry, kept trying to keep out of ponies way. Just wanted to let you know, got a few keeping the weather clear here so it’ll stay sunny at least.”

“Good to know.”

The cyan mare marched up and gave Applejack a hug, “Hey, we’ll find ‘em, yeesh every pegasus between here and Fillydelphia is in on it! Pretty sure Cloudsdale has shut down almost..”

The orange mare hugged her friend back, tilting her hat up on her head, “I know, I know. What I want to know is who told these ponies he was mah coltfriend? Now I’m getting all that sappy stuff ‘bout a ‘lost love!’ ”

“Darling, how are you holding up?”

Applejack got a deadpan look on her face as she turned around, “Shoulda known..”

Rarity struck a pose, turning not a few heads of passerby, she was definitely elegant today. “What’s the matter Applejack? Surely you haven’t given up?”

“You know I haven’t Rarity, but do you have to go tellin’ everypony he’s mah coltfriend?”

The light grey mare put a hoof on her chest, looking at Applejack, “But it’s so romantic, I just had to share! I mean honestly, nopony quotes poetry anymore, or even looks at somepony the way he does you! Besides, I’m still waiting to measure for your wedding!”

“Didn’t we tell you...”

“Oh stop that.” Rarity gave an eyeroll, looking at Rainbow and Twilight like they should know as well, “If you two aren’t a perfect match I don’t know who is.” She put a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder, “Trust me, I have the perfect outfit in mind, emeralds definitely, a hint of sapphire, it’ll be gorgeous!”

Applejack pinched her nose with a fetlock, opening her mouth to let Rarity have a bit of her mind when stopped by a friendly leg around her shoulder.

Twilight grinned, “C’mon, let’s grab something to eat, I’m sure we could all use something.”

Applejack just nodded, being led off with Twilight and Rainbow, Rarity gushing a bit more about the wedding designs. Rainbow Dash didn’t help when she asked about the best pony outfits.

‘Ah’m gonna kill both of ‘em, I swear.’ , was AJ’s thoughts before the scent of food took her mind away from it.

The hawk’s keen eyes caught the little bird tumbling through the air, she stooped quickly and got under it; nestling it between her wings as she soared high in the open sky. She was magnificent for her kind, broad and sharp taloned.

**You’re hurt Little Brother**

--Snowbell found the pony! Snowbell found the pony!-- The tiny white Hummingbird chattered from her back. His heart racing against her skin.

**Where away Snowbell?**

Snowbell described the place in the Badlands, giving directions as accurately as he could.

**Well done Snowbell, well done indeed! It’s time to get you help.**

--Snowbell just needs to rest is all..just....rest....--

The hawk’s heart broke as she felt the Hummingbird relax against her, the little heartbeat thumping a few times, then no more.

**Spread your wings and fly high little Snowbell** The hawk’s cry tore through the sky, piercing the air with sorrow and information, **The pony is found!**

An Eagle came winging it’s way to her side, ***Where to Sister?***

She gave the golden bird directions, **Find the Old One and tell her where, strike them and pluck their feathers, wait for the ponies.**

***Where do you go?***

**I must deliver a hero** She tilted, showing her Brother the little form on her back.

The noble head nodded, ***Fly high little one*** As he tilted off, flapping his wings to gain height he cried to any who could hear, ***The Pony is found!***

The auction is over as far as I can tell, quite an amount of bits are being given or received, I am not sure. The voices are starting to move away slightly as I am roughly brought to my hooves. I cannot stand very well, my head is stuffed full of wadding it feels. My good eye can’t focus and I fall down onto my face. It’s restful here on the cool floor, I’ll just close my eyes a bit and rest. I can listen just fine from here...

“Get him up, we have to go!”

“He won’t move, he’s out, something’s wrong.”

“He's fine, don't worry about it!”

“Wait, no money if no pony, he can’t speak then give it back.”

“He’s fine, just a bit woozy. Get him and go, all of you. We have to leave.”

“Tie it up, let’s go.”

I feel bands being placed around my fetlocks, it’s still hard to stand, I wish they’d let me rest. So thirsty. A door opens, letting light in that pierces my eye, I’ve been in the dark too long.

Orbiting above the mine in the high air, the Eagle soared and the other was something rarely seen, a Thunderbird; one of the Old Ones. Like the Ursa Major, the Thunderbirds were left alone, very few existed and they preferred to live in peace all their days. She was asked, and agreed to help keep those beings in the mine in place until the ponies came.

Her golden eyes watched carefully as she spotted a unicorn exiting the doorway. Folding her wings back, she stooped; her beak a pointed spear as she dove out of the sun, heading for her target. Faster she drove, feeling the wind rush once again through her feathers.

Just before she collided with the earth, her wings snapped out, yards wide the metallic colored feathers glinted in the sun as thunder crashed through the air, blowing the unicorn back into the mine shaft.

The Eagle stood on a wingtip and whipped around the now ascending Thunderbird, “***Impressive Old One***

^^^Bah, younglings can do such. But ‘tis good to feel the wind and thunder again my friend. It has been long since I stretched my wings^^^ She soared higher, orbiting once again and waiting for her next chance, too long had it been indeed.

I hear a sound, the crashing of a body near me as yells and cries cut the dark. Something’s out there, slamming into the mine with a rush of wind and concussion.

“It won’t let us out, it’s a Thunderbird!”

“WHAT?”

“It’s a Thunderbird!”

“Nonsense!”

I hear the door open again, once more the crack of thunder reverberates through the mine, hurting my ears, pounding my head. I can’t get up now, so I just wait, there is confusion about me, panic, I can hear it, they are trying to find a way out but something is preventing it. Good for them.

The cast of Falcons called to Fluttershy from outside the cottage, waiting patiently as she opened the door and saw them all perching in her yard.

“What’s wrong...?” She stopped as the female showed her the little white body nestled on her back.

“Oh Snowbell....” She gathered it up in her hooves, starting to fly off towards the town, wanting to be with her friends. The falcons stopped her, telling her where the pony had been found and that they were waiting for the ponies to come, keeping the bad beings inside it.

The golden pegasi’s eyes were filled with tears as she made her way toward town.

Princess Celestia noticed the tumult near the edge of town, seeing Fluttershy with her friends as a crowd gathered, ponies talking as they pointed, moving out in large groups towards the south, the Badlands.

“What is happening?”

All eyes turned towards her, “Crusader's been found, he’s in an old mineshaft in the Badlands, everypony’s moving out.” One of the guards bowed as he answered her query.

Tilting her head, she looked at Fluttershy, “What is wrong?”

Fluttershy held out her fore legs, telling the Princess her friend had found Crusader, and got injured by something. It had been too much and the little bird had passed.

Celestia could smell the magic coming off the burned body, her anger started to rise, but she kept her cool exterior, showing a warm, sorrowful smile to the golden pegasus. She motioned to a nearby Unicorn, “Take ..?”

Fluttershy said very quietly, “Snowbell.”

The regal head nodded, “Take Snowbell, take good care of him, make sure nothing happens. It will be some time before we can properly reward a good and faithful subject, do you understand?”

The Unicorn stood tall, nodding at the command, “Yes Your Highness!”

Fluttershy was led to the tent where the Council of the College resided, they would take very good care of the little Hummingbird.

Celestia’s voice lost it’s ethereal warmth for just a second, turning to Twilight, “Take to the air Twilight, get there, take as many wings as you can. We need to go now.”

“Yes Celestia!” The lavender mare grabbed Rainbow Dash, calling out to everypony nearby and getting them moving. Rainbow took off in a streak of color towards the Badlands, wanting to scout out the situation.

She walked slowly back to the royal's tent, Luna looking expectant at her when she peered through the flap, “What word sister?”

“We need to go to the Badlands now, dark magic has been used to kill.”

The surprise in Luna’s face was hard to mistake, she roared out of the tent, calling to the guards that could fly and winging away into the sky.

Celestia looked at the ground for a moment before taking wing herself, her thoughts troubled as she saw the entire camp moving as one towards the Badlands. When ponies moved, they moved fast, it would not be long before they got there; she and her sister had to be there to stop anything untoward.

Now Dire Bears were known to be cranky, and when they got cranky they tended to get very angry. Short Snout was not only cranky, he was sweaty, thirsty, and highly mad he had to sit outside this stupid door and keep whatever was inside in there.

He had run all the way from his cave to the badlands, asked by the Old One to help keep these stupid beings in place till the ponies came. So that made him extremely angry, not at the Old One whom he respected, but at these small beings that kept him from snoozing a nice day away and going fishing.

Needless to say, three tons of angry, sweaty, thirsty, hungry Dire Bear is not something you want to confront outside your door. Trying to use magic to get it to move? Doubly pissed.

The Old One sat above the mineshaft opening, an amused look on it’s metallic colored face, ^^^Great One, thank you. I promise, I will find lots of fish for you to eat upon ending this.^^^

Short Snout hmphed and rumbled, a deep basso thrumming, (((Why are these things so important that we need to keep them here?)))

^^^The ponies have asked, and they have always given us respect and peace in the past, we can do no less when their need is great can we?^^^

(((Yes, you are right Old One, but you owe me quite a bit of fish now.))

^^^We will fill your belly to bursting Lazy One^^^

A roar echoed into the hot, still air; the maw opened wide and cut loose with a deep throated sound that frightened even the rocks.

(((I will have you know silly bird, I am not lazy, just a bit slower than most.)))

^^^Of course Great One, of course.^^^ The amusement tinging the conversation made them both smile.

The Dire Bear turned and smacked the front of the mineshaft, making it rattle; shaking dirt loose from the wood planking covering the opening, letting those inside know it was still here and not happy. His sides were burned from the magic used against him, patches of raw skin showed, but they would heal. Short Snout kept his agreements. Besides, he was sure the ponies would be here soon, he could go lick his wounds and eat fish.

Something very large is outside, and very unhappy if I am hearing it right. It smacks the door now and then as if to remind it is there. The voices around me are getting more and more panicked.

“It doesn’t care! I’ve shot it a few times with bolts and it just scratches and ignores them! It won’t move!”

“All those bits spent on stealing books and none of it taught you anything more powerful? Bah, you’re useless!”

“Do you even realize what they are going to do to us? To YOU?”

“Shut up, they’re peaceful types, know nothing but ‘friendship and respect’. Nothing will happen and we will go along as always, this is just a bump nothing more.”

“I hope you’re right, otherwise, you may be in for a surprise.”

I listen to the worry, the panic, it makes me smile. I get smacked across the chops for that as I lay here, but that’s fine. The net is closing, and the wire it is made up of is cutting deep before they are caught. The magic closes my mind again as I fall into the black once more.

Rainbow was sitting on a rocky outcropping as more Pegasi landed, joining her in watching the opening of the mineshaft. Twilight skidded to a halt beside her and saw the look on her face.

“What’s wrong? Shouldn’t you be down there?”

“Not a chance in Tartarus Twilight,” She pointed down to the mineshaft.

Twilight’s jaw drifted a bit as she watched a huge bear smack the covered front of the shaft, voicing it’s displeasure to whoever was inside. A metallic colored bird was sitting on the rock above it, tilting it’s head and watching the bear, “Is that a Thunderbird?”

“Yep, and that’s a Dire Bear. Older Pegasi tell stories about them. I’m thinking we’re just gonna sit up here and wait.”

Twilight settled in beside her friend, “You know, that’s a pretty good idea.” More Pegasus joined them, the entire group watching the furry mountain whack the mineshaft covering again.

^^^Seems we have company Great One, time to leave?^^^ She motioned with a wing to the ponies around the mineshaft now, gathering by the second.”

(((I still have one thing left to do Old One, the one inside that gave me a bit of trouble, I owe them.)))

^^^Peace Great One, peace.^^^

The bear flipped a paw at the bird, “(((Do not worry, but I will have my fun.)))

^^^Fair enough. Here comes the Princesses, you know them?^^^

(((Oh yes, every being does.)))

The two legends sat and stared at Luna and Celestia as they walked up towards the mineshaft; ponies in armor behind them looking distinctly nervous, but trusting their rulers.

Celestia and Luna smiled, they remembered these beings of eld, when their rule was young and the Thunderbirds cracked the skies with sound. The Dire Bear was ancient, as such things live long, but they had retreated to the deep woods, bothering nopony.

Luna stepped forward, “We greet you Ancient Ones, we remember you from our younger days.”

The metallic colored bird bowed a bit, the bear sat on his haunches and nodded.

“We have come to retrieve that which you have kept for us, but I am afraid our ponies have heard the tales, so they might not be as trusting.”

The metallic colored bird looked a bit amused Celestia thought, as it tilted it’s head, speaking to the bear in a musical tone. They both looked at the Alicorns, the large bird waving a wing outward as it took off to the sky, letting itself play in the wind before smashing the air with thunder one last time.

^^^Come see me for your fish Great One!^^^

The bear sat on his backside, staring at the door and motioning for them to do what they had to. But he was going to sit there.

Rainbow Dash was looking at the sky, watching the huge bird break the stillness with thunder, “That...was....awesome..”

Twilight bumped her friend, “Shush, the Princesses are going to speak.”

Celestia used the Royal Canterlot Voice, speaking loudly to whomever was inside the mine, “Come out NOW! You will not be harmed.”

The door slowly opened, a horn peeked out, followed by a green body, it looked around then stepped outside for the first time in a while.

The Dire Bears’ paw shot out at tremendous speed, grabbing the Unicorn around the barrel and bringing it up to it’s huge maw. It squinted at the pony, recognizing it as the one that had hurt it’s sides.

Everypony in sight held their breath, sure they would see a messy end to the Unicorn.

Short Snout licked his chops, then opened his mouth, making sure the pony saw each and every one of the two-hoof long fangs that filled it. A roar blasted the pony, wet and terrible as it kept going for what seemed like forever as the bear brought it’s face close, snapping the iron jaws shut inches from the terrified face.

The huge paw set the pony back down and stared at it, as the legs gave way and it toppled over in a dead faint. Chuckling to itself, it got up slowly and ambled off back to it’s cave, there were fish promised and naps to be had.

Luna looked over at Celestia, a grin almost breaking her face as she tried to stay serious, “Seems our friend had a little bit of revenge to get.”

Celestia kept her face straight, “Indeed sister, indeed.”

What followed made all in sight gasp, eyes wide as they all stared. Celestia knew at that moment things had gone from bad to worse. She couldn’t keep this quiet, there was no way. Pegasi were streaking off after seeing it and tearing through the skies to spread the word. This would be bad.

It was the diplomats, all of them. The ones that had fought with the Sisters for control of Crusader, who wanted a share for their own ends. She stood though, her leg tapping the ground in a pique of nervousness that Luna recognized. They would risk everything and anything to grab a piece of something they could not even comprehend?

Was it so base a reason?

The Night Princess leaned against her sister and comforted her as they kept watching.

Two more Unicorns exited, they were unknown to them, and then one last familiar face.

This face they knew, always and forever they would remember that fight that day inside Crusader. The greedy mare, the one who was Filthy Richs’ paramour, the mare who wanted more bits of gold and had to be threatened to stop.

Why? Why in the stars would anypony do this to another, it was beyond reckoning.

Celestia tempered her anger, stomping it down to a low burn as she gave the orders to her guards.

“Take them all away.” The disgust in her voice was plain.

I hear the voices outside, I am relieved. I can rest now, but not before I see my Applejack. I don’t want to break my promise, I told her I would never leave, but this may be beyond my control. I don’t know what to think. But for the first time in a while, I fall asleep, without the iron grip of the magic in my mind. I hope I dream of her.

Author's Note

Sometimes, it's not a big conspiracy, or something huge. Sometimes, it's for the simplest and most base reasons, which is so very sad in itself. Enjoy folks!

A Ruler's Duty. Promises Should Be Kept.

A Ruler's Duty. Promises Should Be Kept.

Celestia had watched as Crusader was brought out of the mine shaft. He had been badly beaten, the Unicorn medics had arrived in time to start casting spells on him, preserving what was left of his life. They had told her the prognosis did not look good.

The diplomats had been hauled away, the Earth ponies had arrived and taken them in wagons, protesting. She did not care, this was far worse than an injured pony, or a foalnapping, the bigger picture spoke to her and told her dire things in the future. She had to stop this.

Cadence had arrived in Ponyville as they had been moving out, she waited for their return, seeing Crusader into the hospital and comfortable. Her magics soothed, and calmed. The side of his head had been smashed, the one eye swollen shut. The medics and doctors worked feverishly to do what they could.

Cadence watched as Applejack had not left his side at the bed, sitting and keeping one hoof on his shoulder. He rested comfortably now, but for how long?

The Sun Princess was livid, she had not felt anger like this in centuries and it was over something so petty.

“Money, that’s all it was to you was money?” The alabaster royal stared hard at Faceted Jewel, the Earth mare responsible. They had commandeered a large building in Ponyville to hold court immediately, and here before her was the architect of this disaster.

“So what? Not like he was a real pony anyways! I figured since they seemed to want to know about him, why not?”

“So you foalnapped him to sell to the highest bidder?”

“Well, no, but it got rolling when others found out, so it just happened.” The mare was so blase’ about this, so uncaring.

Magic crackled around Celestia’s horn, her eyes glowing like the sun, “He WAS a real pony you idiot! Discord turned him into one!”

Jewel looked nervous now, the smooth calm was gone, “Wh..what?”

She stepped from her seat, pushing her way between guards and confronted the mare with a venomous glare, “He was real! A REAL pony, and your idiot friends hit him so hard he may not recover! You are stupid, vain and petty and I want no more of you.” She turned to her guards, “Take her away, she shall not see the light again, it is our decree.”

Faceted Jewel was stunned at the swift justice, not even able to get a word out in her defense.

The guards did not hesitate, hustling her out the back and into a wagon for transport to Canterlot, her cries for mercy fell on deaf ears all around. Crowds of ponies watched as she was taken away, murmuring that truly justice was swift in Equestria.

Celestia stepped back to her seat once more, Luna beside her, both wearing regal faces, but underneath the turmoil roiled and raged.

Three Unicorns were brought in, spell-locked and chained to prevent any problems, they bowed low before the sisters.

“Stand.” Luna started off, “We would have no respect from those who would murder using the forbidden magics.”

The three looked at each other, “But..we.. He was alive!”

Luna touched her sister, silently telling her she would handle this.

Stepping down on the floor she faced the three miscreants, looking them each in the eye. “How did you get the knowledge?”

A blue Unicorn stared back defiantly, the other two nervous and shaking, one spoke up, the green one. “We..we bribed a librarian to let us in the Forbidden Section.”

The Blue one hissed, “Shut up you fool!”

“She said we murdered with magic! Don’t you understand? Nothing we can do is going to get us out of this!” The green Unicorn practically yelled back at the defiant one, knowing his fate was sealed.

Luna lifted her head a bit haughtily, “You are correct, you will be Spell-Chained for your natural lives. You will not see the sun again. Even though we do not murder, or kill in Equestria, we can still punish.”

A darker blue Unicorn spoke up, quiet until now.

“How can you accuse us? We’ve heard of Crusader, they say he killed thousands of things out of the Everfree! How come that isn’t..” He was stopped by Luna’s eyes, staring at him closely.

“He did what he did in defense of Ponyville and all of Equestria, including YOU! He has become a friend to many, fighting where we could not, and we have come to love him as our own. He is a citizen of Equestria and he trusted us to take care of him as he has done of US! But it seems that trust was misplaced in some.” She once again stared into three sets of eyes, her rage palpable in the closed room.

“But you,” Here she pointed a shod hoof at the green Unicorn, “You murdered with the dark magics, knowing it was forbidden and unlawful.”

“Who? Who did I murder?”

Luna stopped pacing, standing in front of the dais where her sister sat unmoving. “A little bird, who came to give word of where you had kept Crusader captive.” She shot out a hoof, pointing at them as they opened their mouths to protest, “Do not even say it, we reverence all life here in Equestria! Big or small it makes no difference, but it is not just that you killed, nature is red in tooth and claw, that is known. It is how you killed as well, dark magics turned to that purpose lead to one place.”

She slowed her breathing, taking her place on the dais once more, “But there is somepony else who wanted a word.”

A guard led in an old pony, his cane tapping slowly as he approached the three Unicorns, straightening his glasses, he looked at each of them.

The blue Unicorn coughed, “Sir it’s..”

A hoof was held up, “Don’t speak to me, I don’t want to hear your voices. I just came to see if it was true.” Faded Scroll peered into their eyes, his own brown ones a bit sad, “I could not believe it, I thought it couldn’t be true, Canterlot’s own. But it is, and how sad. Of all things money and power, two of the pettiest things to crave. I disown you three, nevermore shall your names be mentioned. Go to your fates alone!”

The elderly pony turned to the Princesses, his face torn with emotion, “I am so very sorry your Highnesses. Canterlot College will strike their names from the rolls forevermore, their families will be told.”

“It is not your fault Faded Scroll, please do not think so.”

“Yes Your Highness.” The cane tapped once again as he was helped out of the room by a guard.

“Spell-Chain them and take them away.”

The guards nodded once more, taking the three silent Unicorns to their fate without a word.

Celestia heaved a sigh, “Now comes the worst part my sister.”

Luna waited, her head high, “Be strong ‘Tia.”

The diplomats were led in, the clanking of shackles loud in the enclosed space. The sisters waited until they were all in front of the dais where they could speak to the group.

Celestia cleared her throat delicately as she turned her head to face the diplomats.

“You are all idiots. To a being, idiots. You have absolutely no idea what you have done.”

Voices started to be raised in protest, they were shouted down by Luna who told them to shut up or be gagged.

Celestia rose from her seat once again, pacing the room, “You could not leave being happy that nopony was getting any share of what Crusader had; no, you could not be content with that. You had to attempt to buy that pony, to have him sold to you in slavery and chains to wring knowledge from him. KNOWLEDGE HE DID NOT HAVE!”

Shocked faces stared at her in disbelief.

“Did Faceted Jewel happen to mention the little fact that Discord used his powers to change him into a real pony? He had lost all his knowledge of technology, we were working to get that back as we needed him!”

The faces were silent, but she could read the anger and surprise.

“No? I thought not.”

She paced slowly in front of the group, not meeting their eyes as she talked, quietly, and low. “So you participated in this farce, this travesty of everything we have worked for over the centuries; peace and harmony. Just so you could get a hold of whatever you thought Crusader knew.”

She pointed a golden hoof to the door, the waiting crowds of ponies outside. “Are you beginning to understand what you’ve done?” She shook her head to herself, “Of course not, you’re idiots.”

“By attempting to actually buy a pony, you have set off a storm of anger I have rarely seen. All the years of diplomacy, or working towards a common goal might well be dust. It doesn’t matter who it was, you were going to buy a pony and put him to work unwillingly for you.”

She spun around, her eyes crackling with power, “To top it all off, that pony was beaten half to death and he was seen! The word has spread, there is nothing we can do to stop it from getting around. Those ponies patiently waiting out there for word of Crusader, or what is happening in here, they are a ready made army. If anything touches off their anger, their need for what they perceive as revenge, they will march.”

She pointed in the direction of the hospital, “If that pony dies, Equestria goes to war, do you understand that? My sister and I will be able to do NOTHING to stop it!”

Celestia looked at the beings in disgust, motioning to the guards, “Take them away, throw them in the dungeons and notify their respective governments, we will see what they say.”

She pointed one last time to the group, “Know this, you will pay for your crimes. We do not kill in Equestria except in self-defense, but there are places where you can be put that would be just as bad.”

“Take them.”

The two watched as they were led out, quiet and subdued.

Luna looked at her sister, laying a hoof on her shoulder, “Come, we must go to the hospital and find out how he fares.”

The two left quickly, heading to the building wherein the fate of a nation might lay.

Applejack sat by the side of the bed, leaning her head on Crusaders shoulder. She’d met them when the Pegasi had brought in the litter, her heart almost breaking when she saw what had been done to him.

He had opened the one good eye and smiled a bit, she could still hear him, “Hello my Applejack.”

She smiled back down at him, following into the hospital as the doctors went to work, magic was being used at such a rate you could feel the power in the air. He had been returned to the bed where she sat now, the doctors wanting to wait a bit more until operating again. By the looks and glances, she knew it was bad, but didn’t know how bad.

A clambering behind her made her turn around, Princess Cadence was back with something to drink for both of them. She hadn’t left his side either, using magic to soothe and calm his body, which was fighting infection and fever as well as damage. The mine wasn’t exactly the most sanitary place, and the foalnappers had done nothing for his hurts.

“How is he Applejack?”

“He still ain’t moved your Highness.”

A slender hoof tapped Applejack’s shoulder, “Call me Cadence, I think we can dispense with the formalities right now.”

“Sure Prin..Cadence.” Applejack finished her drink, her hoof caressing the torn face. She tried hard not to tear up but couldn’t help it.

The Earth pony leaned down to talk softly to the silent form, “You promised ya wouldn’t leave me, I’m holding you to that now.” Her lips kissed his brow as she excused herself from the room.

Cadence watched her leave, seeing the hunched shoulders. Princess of Love or no, anypony could tell she cared greatly for Crusader. But she was strong, more than most, and hopeful. Sometimes that made all the difference.

Faded Scroll was walking the hallway, his Council members were racking their brains to figure out anything that could accelerate the healing process and coming up with nothing. The greatest pony minds and nothing, it was to laugh.

His cane tapped down the tiled floor as he took his time, he was elderly but his mind was like a whip, thinking about the twisting combinations of magic and putting them together like a puzzle to find new ways.

One ear perked as he heard a sound coming from a room near him. He leaned into the door, peering around it to see the back of an orange mare sitting on a bed, her hat lay beside her as she quietly sobbed to herself.

Well this would not do! He hobbled inside, gently touching a shoulder as the head whipped around.

Applejack saw the elderly pony and quickly wiped her eyes, “Oh, sorry I didnt’ know anypony was here, I’ll just..”

She was stopped by a look that every parent uses, the ‘please don’t lie to me’ one that gets every filly and colt. “My dear, sit back down, don’t you dare leave.”

The pretty mare planted herself on the bed again, her hat in hoof as she looked down at the floor, one teardrop hitting with a silent splash.

Faded Scroll put himself in a low chair, leaning on his cane, “Now why don’t you talk to me eh? I may be old, but I listen really well.” He pushed out with his cane, hitting the door lock, making sure they stayed alone.

“Oh, honestly it’s nothing, just feelin’ sorry for mahself is all.”

“I said I’m old, not stupid young mare. You’re that young stallion’s special pony aren’t you?”

The blonde maned head nodded, laying the hat back down as a fetlock wiped some more tears. “I am, my name's Applejack.” She held out a hoof, which got bumped in return.

“I am Faded Scroll, old pony and busybody with the Canterlot College. Pleasure to meet you.” He struck a majestic pose.

That got a smile in return, he smiled back, the wrinkles around his eyes making them light up, “There now, maybe a bit better. Why are you crying? There are wonderful doctors here, they’re doing everything they can.”

“Ah got the feeling they aren’t telling me everything, all I get is nods or glances. Nopony seems to want to say anything, like he’s dying and no pony will tell me.”

Faded Scroll had been one to hear the conversations, he was included due to the council using everything they had to help the doctors. He knew the young stallion was dying, they just did not know enough about the brain to do more than they had.

“He’s very important to you I take it?”

“More than I thought, I figured to just take mah time, get to know him. But he kept on, and sure enough wasn’t long before I fell for him. He makes me feel special and loved and cared for. He promised he’d never leave me, and I believe him, always. But ah think this time, he can’t keep that promise.”

The bright green eyes filled with tears again, it hurt the elderly pony’s heart to see it. “I think my dear, you may find there’s always good somewhere. Trust an old pony, wait and see.” He moved to the door after giving her a hug, “Stay here, take some time, you’ll see it’ll be fine. I promise.”

“Thanks Faded Scroll, for...for talking to me..”

“You are most welcome, he is certainly a lucky stallion you know.” He gave her a wink and left, closing the door behind him. Inhaling deeply he started down the hallway, determination along with every tap of his cane.

Cadence had met the two sisters in the hallway, telling them of the wait between surgeries, and how it wasn’t going as well as everypony thought. Magicians were scouring books and tomes for any healing spells they knew, but it wasn’t enough to know the spell, you had to know the body, to repair it and heal it. There just wasn’t enough information.

They had posted a guard, setting off for a meal as well as to talk to the doctors, to see if maybe the four Alicorns couldn’t combine their magics for helping. It was a quandary.

Faded Scroll walked into the hallway, seeing the Princesses making their way out the other end. He tapped his way up to the guard, letting them know he was going inside to check the patient. He also asked he not be disturbed for a while, it was important for the diagnostic spell.

The guards of course agreed, he was well known, very much liked in Canterlot.

Closing the door behind him, he locked it, setting both forehooves on his cane as he peered through his glasses at the light umber stallion laying on the bed. Settling down on a cushion, he leaned a bit closer to the unmoving figure.

“You know, I met my wife Copper Ink...oh let’s see... sixty years ago. She’s passed now, but we had a wonderful time together. She was a beauty, and I met her when I saw her in a park one day, crying because some coltfriend had just left her. Well.. being the impetuous young Unicorn I was, I brought her flowers, and continued to do so. I guess she just got tired of me showing up and decided to keep me.” He chuckled to himself.

“We have three wonderful daughters you know, two are Pegasus who absolutely love to fly every day. They’ve grown strong and tall. The other is a Unicorn as well, teaching now at the college, her students love her. I’ve got grandfoals, and great grandfoals now, I’ve seen them all. Bounced them on my old knees, played with them until their parents said no more. It’s been wonderful, and wondrous all these years.”

“But there are rumors of war young stallion. Yes.. My daughters and their young ones would be caught up in something I thought was long past. I don’t want that, I truly don’t. I think you’d agree it would be terrible.”

“But do you know what the worst thing is?” He leaned closer, talking even more quietly, “There’s a pretty mare crying in another room for you. I don’t believe pretty mares should cry at all. It doesn’t do in such a peaceful place as Equestria young stallion. Anypony worth their sugar would see she loves you fiercely, it warms the heart of an old pony like me. Yes I talked to her, she’s strong, and I wouldn’t want to see anypony get in her way. She also told me you made her a promise.” He shook a hoof at the silent figure, as if disciplining a rowdy student, “Breaking that promise will not do, not at all.”

“I think Copper Ink has waited long enough for me young pony. She’s been patient all these years I’m sure, and I don’t think I’ll keep her any longer. It’s hard getting up some mornings, so I think it’s time for me to rest. But before I go, this old unicorn has one last spell in him.” As he said this, he leaned over to place a sealed scroll on the nearby table.

The spell he began to cast had a long and tumultuous history. Healing spells were very common, but you had to know what to heal, and how. Bones and muscles and so forth were well known, easy to do. But the brain was intricate, and very subtle, not much study had been done as injuries were either rare or fatal.

But the body knows, it has the blueprints waiting to be used.

The spell took the life from one, and gave it to another, energizing the body’s mechanisms and giving it the power to heal what was wrong. Working along the paths and ways inside a pony, correcting and reaching those places that weren’t well understood.

It was forbidden, for to do so was to condemn to death another pony, and that was not allowed. You had to give a life to save a life, there must be balance.

But Faded Scroll knew it, and well. He’d mulled it over the past hours and decided it was time. To stave off war, or destruction, the elderly pony would do anything for the land he loved. As well as to help a young stallion keep his promise would be a good thing too.

His horn lit up with the power, the spell’s runes flashing through his mind. He touched the immobile body, directing the energy, telling it where to go, powering the healing inside Crusader.

Celestia’s head snapped upward, feeling the magic as she got to her hooves and raced out the door, “NO! NO!”

Luna tore out of her seat, tipping the table at which they sat for a meal, dumping it’s contents as she followed her sister; feeling the magic from the spell being cast above them. Cadence followed with a puzzled look, galloping for all she was worth to keep up.

The ponies at the door were dumbfounded seeing Princess Celestia loping towards them, yelling, “Open the door!”

The guards turned to obey, but it was locked. They rammed their shoulders into it, breaking the bolt as it flung open, Luna and Celestia shouldering their way inside the room.

Cadence caught up a moment later, seeing Princess Celestia sitting on the floor cradling the head of an elderly pony, tears splashing his coat as she caressed his cheek, “You knew better, you knew..”

Applejack peered out of the room, hearing a tumult in the hallway. She saw the Princesses standing as a body was being carried out gently with great reverence. Her heart almost stopped as she ran up to Cadence.

“It’s not, please don’t tell..”

The slender Alicorn turned and smiled a bit sadly it seemed, “No, no Applejack it is not Crusader. It is Faded Scroll the Council member.”

“What? But I just talked to him, he..I just saw him! What happened?”

Princess Celestia led the orange Earth pony away from the crowd, standing in the hallway and talking low, “He used a spell we had forbidden. It was not the dark magics, no worries. But it used the caster's life to give healing to another Applejack.” She placed a regal hoof on Applejack’s shoulder.

“We did not ask him to do this, he did it on his own, we were not aware he was doing so until it was too late.”

“But..but why? He didn’t even know Crusader!” Her face held confusion, unable to think of why anypony would do such a thing.

“I think this might answer that Applejack.”

She levitated the scroll found on the table near Crusader’s bed, unrolling it for Applejack to read.

Princess Celestia,

I have served you and the College for many years,

and remained true to your teachings and many other things.

This land I so love is moving to war, we cannot let this happen.

As you have always said, “What happens to one, happens to all.”

I take this to heart now, so please, let me try and heal a nation by healing one pony.

Do not grieve, for I think Copper Ink has waited long enough,

I am sure she will admonish me for being so late.

Please tell Miss Applejack, it was truly a pleasure to make her

acquaintance, if for so short a time.

Yours in service,

Faded Scroll

Celestia actually chuckled, “He was so old fashioned. Always waving his cane around at ponies and saying ‘It does not do!’ or ‘This will not do Young Celestia!’.”

Applejack looked up in surprise.

Celestia nodded, “Oh yes, nopony was beneath his notice, even myself. He would come to the throne room in such a huff, waving his cane around,” Here she imitated him almost perfectly, “This will not do Young Celestia! I shall not have you interfering in my teaching!”

“Young Celestia, oh my.” She looked sadly at the scroll, “ He met his wife when she was crying over a broken relationship, I guess it stuck with him, he had such a big heart.”

“I just talked to him, he was just a kindly old pony.” Applejack looked as if she would break into tears again.

Celestia leaned down, nuzzling her warmly, “No, no more tears, it will not do!”

Applejack wiped her eyes, chuckling at the ragged voice imitated by the Princess, blinking for a moment, “Yes Princess.”

“Good, now let us go see what can be done with this gift.”

They both turned, following the doctors who were now taking Crusader out of the room. The doctors had been told by Princess Luna they needed to go now to surgery, do what they must.

The doctors and council members surrounded the table, diagnostic spells told them the bleeding had stopped, the hemorrhaging was being cleaned by the body. They were astounded, but warned by the council to not ask. True to their nature, the doctors moved quickly, removing splinters and rebuilding bit by bit, returning the skull to some semblance of the way it was. It would take time to heal, as all things. But now they were confident he would live.

The fever and infection were easily treated now they did not have to worry about major things. His eye, while swollen shut, was still in good condition and would be repaired as well. All in all, a miraculous day.

The operating team was all smiles as they met the Princesses in the hallway, advising them that the stallion would live, though there might be a few scars. Easily taken care of later they told her.

Applejack and her friends took a room off to the side after the announcement, hugging each other and sharing in the joy, their friend would live.

The word went out across the town, ponies gathered in front of the hospital to hear the Princesses speak. Not a space was left as they crowded the area near the building, eyes looked from everywhere as work stopped dead. The anger and upset had been noticeable, smiths were talking about the old patterns for war, Pegasi War Darts, flying armor, Earth pony plate. It was all being bantered about as the bitterness spread like wildfire at a pony being bought and sold.

Many had either heard of Crusader, or knew him personally. Of course Rarity telling the story of a ‘lost love’ hadn’t helped matters. Ponies of all things, loved a good story, and this one caught their attention. So they waited patiently for the Princesses to appear.

Cadence looked out the window as Luna and Celestia prepared themselves for a little speech, “Uhm, Auntie, did you think a lot of ponies would show for the speech?”

Celestia nodded, preening a wing, “Of course, a few yes.”

“I think everypony in town is out there Auntie.”

Luna joined Cadence at the window, looking a bit surprised, “Well, yes it seems there are quite a few.” A few was a bit of an understatement as you couldn’t see a blade of grass or a rooftop that wasn’t covered in a riot of colors and wings.

Luna had dealt with large crowds, this wasn’t a problem, what was unnerving was the silence. Nopony spoke, there were no nudges or laughter, they were waiting. Their eyes unwavering from the front of the hospital as all looked for word from their rulers. A word that would send them cheering, or marching. Luna hoped it would be the former.

Fillies and colts were shushed by elders as the Princesses walked out, all four, wearing formal regalia to let their subjects know this was not taken lightly.

Their horns lit, enhancing Celestia’s voice to reach the farthest parts of the crowd.

“Thank you all for everything you have done to find our lost pony. No matter who it is, I know you would have done the same for anyone.”

She paused for just a moment.

“The doctors tell me that he will live...” She was interrupted by a roar that shook the building, ponies throwing their hooves in the air and cheering. Celestia waited for the commotion to die down, she was made to wait for a few minutes.

As the silence settled once more, she cleared her throat and spoke again, “As I was saying, he will live, thanks to you all. I would ask one thing; please, do not let anger hold sway over such a wondrous day today. I know it has been hard, I know that the rumors have spread. But I would ask again, no, I beg of you, do not let that indignation rule your hearts. Please.”

Silence once again settled over the throng, ponies looking at each other, the murmuring of voices reaching their ears.

A voice rang out over the crowd, Celestia remembered it from the older Earth pony farmer, “We’re with you Princess!”

It began slowly, but it spread, it caught, the anger was removed and replaced, cheers rang out once again as Celestia looked to her fellow rulers, a conspicuous sigh coming from her lips as a crisis had been averted.

The cheers were shattered though, by the ripping thunder of guns from Crusader’s hill, opening up on the forest. Reminding them that there was still one more problem.

Author's Note

Pardon all the slices of life, I know it's not slam bang action, but, hopefully you'll like it anyways. Thanks so much for reading this, I am truly humbled at the kind comments and compliments! :twilightsmile: Enjoy folks, more to come!

Stories and Honors.

My body aches as I awake, my eye cannot see too clearly and I try to look around. I know I was rescued, and my head is still a bit muzzy. But I saw her, my Applejack, though I thought that had been the very last time. It appears not. I can feel the pillow beneath my head, the bandages surrounding my one eye. I do not know about Equestrian medicine, but I shall have to make sure something is done to improve it as a thank you. My own ban on technology or not.

Seeing that cup of ice water though, has stirred feelings I never thought I would have. I want that single cup so badly I would wade through a hurricane. Squinting my one eye, I reach for it, and I will conquer because I want that water.

The fallout from the past few days was being felt. It seems as if trust lost, was definitely not just regained in a minute. Ponies were quietly closing their doors to the races that had perpetrated the auction. Word spread quickly, and some races found themselves at the end of a bargaining table wondering why the prices had just tripled. There were no protests, no riots, nothing untoward. Just a polite shrugging of the shoulders and a showing to the door.

The dark Princess of the Night rummaged through another spell book, working on formula to unlock the memories of Crusader before things got too out of hoof. They had all heard the guns firing, not knowing why or how, Crusader could not tell them without his memories. Now that he was found, and getting better, she could get to work on this; feeling a pressure of time for some reason.

She watched her sister, sitting quietly in a corner sipping tea and lost in her thoughts.

“Why so pensive ‘Tia?”

The white mare looked up and over at her sister, “I lost my temper Luna, I never do that. It was just so..so..”

“Irritating?”

“Yes! To believe that anypony would do such a thing, for such stupid reasons; I lost my calm and I truly regret it.”

The darker mare nodded, “With all that has happened in such a short time, I was amazed you’d been so serene this whole time. Were it I..well.. we know how that turned out don’t we?”

Celestia chuckled, “Yes, and I still ask your forgiveness each day Luna, I will never stop.”

Luna got up from her chair, walking over to snuggle beside her sister, “You are forgiven for today sister mine, all is well.”

They shared a quiet laugh, before turning to the task at hoof, “What shall we do with the one who started this? I know I was heavy hoofed, and it was my own irritation that did it. Even the one who used the darker magics, can we redeem them? Can they be saved?”

“I do not know ‘Tia, once used, the magics take hold and stain the soul. It will do to keep watch, maybe some time in the future we can see. That is all we can do.”

Celestia nodded, they would be punished, though not as harshly as she promised. Their own actions had damned them to a far worse punishment than she could give them.

“As for the one who started it, her own greed was her undoing, she will serve her time and then be let into the wide world. I do not know what may become of her, but it is all we can do. We cannot control lives like puppets, we only do what we must and can.”

Celestia leaned against her sister, finding comfort in her warmth, “After so many centuries I find it astonishing I still have this inside me. I hope one day never to think of my anger at all.”

Luna nodded, her eyes hooded as she leaned against Celestia, “We all do sister, but until that day we do the best we can.”

“I know we do, Cadence is still in the village, helping heal Crusaders’ hurts. We need to figure out the unlocking of his memories. As soon as he is ready, we need to try, to find out what this ‘Masada’ is and why he thinks it is so urgent.” She turned to Luna, giving her that smile that brought ponies warmth and love, “We will figure this out, and Equestria shall be all the better for it.”

To a race, each government had vehemently denied their representatives did anything like what had been reported to them with their permission or knowledge. It was to be expected, Celestia supposed. So by saying that they were ‘rogue elements’ the governments avoided taking any responsibility for their actions.

Celestia sighed, looking at the various missives that had arrived piecemeal, thinking of the overall picture and seeing it would be the same. Carousel diplomacy, more lies and greed. But her ponies were safe, they would remain so.

The so-called ‘rogues’ would serve time in the prison, treated well of course. Then they would be released to do what they would, though exiled from Equestria. After that she wished them the best, she could not do more.

She had received reports of the quiet boycotts, the prices being raised.

Shaking her head, she allowed herself a chuckle; never underestimate politeness. She would not issue a decree of course, businesses wouldn’t be manipulated to restore things. It wouldn’t be prudent to force the issue, it would have to resolve itself on it’s own, if ever.

All in all, it was better than war.

I almost have it, my enemy is within reach, I am about to leave the field victorious. The water is mine! I am interrupted by a slender leg, reaching out and giving me the cup I have desired, more precious than gold or jewels. I sip the cooling liquid. I am in bliss, my body refreshed.

I really should stop listening to Rarity....

Cadence watched as Crusader sipped his water, a sigh leaving him. “Feeling better now?”

“Yes Your Highness, thank you so much.”

“I know we haven’t talked much, but call me Cadence please. I am glad you are feeling better, the doctors say you’re making a remarkable recovery.”

“I had thought I would not Cadence, the injuries seemed quite extensive to me.”

She looked away from his deep blue eyes for a moment, not knowing what to say, she was interrupted by Applejack entering the room.

“Your Highness.. Crusader! Oh my gosh you’re awake!” She rushed over, giving him a hug, nuzzling his cheek, “How are you feeling? Are ya doing alright?”

“Cadence has told me I’m making a fast recovery. I hadn’t thought Equestrian medicine was so good. I am actually doing quite well.”

He watched as Applejack looked at Cadence, both of them a bit sad, “What happened? What are you not telling me?”

Cadence turned to leave, she was stopped by Applejack’s hoof on her shoulder, “No, stay Cadence, please?”

I watch them both closely, Cadence wears a look of deep sadness, of heartbreak. Which is strange, as she is the Princess of Love. Applejack is the same, I actually see her fumble with words for a moment.

Applejack lays a tender hoof on my chest, Cadence close by, “I need to tell you somethin’ sugar.”

I am told of the search, how ponies had gathered from far and wide to look for me. I am surprised, I had not thought I had done anything that worthwhile to deserve such attention. I am quieted though by Applejack, told that the little gifts I had given were worth far more than I thought, and it was returned tenfold. I am humbled beyond imagining.

Applejack begins by telling me who was behind it, the greedy mare from the fight in the command deck, who wanted more bits for herself. She was auctioning me off to the highest bidder, of which it appears the diplomats were the same from the meeting. I cannot believe this, they thought I was not a real pony and were going to sell me? I am ashamed I have caused so much trouble.

She tells me of Snowbell, the little bird who was injured badly but flew and reported where I was, saving my life. His sacrifice to report the news.

Then she relates to me of Faded Scroll, the kindly elderly pony who gave his own life to save mine. I am shocked at first, then speechless. The tale of his using a forbidden spell, giving his own life force to bolster mine into healing is astonishing. I do not know what to say. I have no words for this.

She shows me the letter, telling how the entire country was moving to war because of the actions of a few criminals. Faded Scroll healed the open wound, surely as if by a doctor. To save me and the land he loved, showing that no price was too high for peace, he went to his grave.

I cannot speak, I cannot even think right now. I do not believe this is happening. I have done nothing to deserve the sacrifice of anypony’s life for my own. It is a debt I can not possibly ever repay.

Applejacks face looked into my own, “Sweetheart, ya okay?”

I blink, looking down at my hooves in front of me, “I..can’t ever repay this debt. I do not deserve this sacrifice, I have done nothing to warrant this.”

Cadence stepped close, her voice warm and gentle, “Applejack told you, the gifts you gave were worth so much, you made friends, you helped ponies.”

“But it doesn’t mean that you have to give a life! He didn’t even know me!”

The orange mare looked at me, gathering myself into her forelegs, looking at Cadence nervously as she confessed, “He saw me cryin’. I was sitting in a room feeling sorry for mahself. No, that’s not true,” She remembered that ‘don’t lie to me’ look, “I was cryin’ cause I might lose you. But he made me smile, said there was always good somewhere.”

Applejack sighed next to my cheek, “I told him you made me a promise you wouldn’t leave. I guess he maybe thought you should keep that promise, ah don’t know. I don’t know all the reasons, but I’m sure he thought they were good enough.”

Cadence leaned forward, “Celestia told me, he loved this land, the peace, his family. I’m sure he just didn’t wish to see it torn apart. But he gave you a gift Crusader, a gift freely given. Use that, be the best pony you can.”

I nod, “I will your Highness, Applejack. I will try to live up to this gift, from Snowbell and Faded Scroll. I will do my best”

After that, for the first time in my life I cry. I know of honor and duty, of the giving of one for another, we have done that for ever. But never had I imagined it would be done for me.

I am awakened in the night, guns opening fire off the hill. I have asked Applejack, she said it had started a day ago. It is worrisome, that niggling feeling is coming back stronger now. I hope that the ruling diarchs can find a way to get Discord back.

She is awake as well, lying beside me in the hospital bed. I rest in her arms, feeling safe. So much hurt and anger over myself, I do not know what to do, or how to pay back such a debt. I can only do what Cadence advised, be the best pony I can be.

I lean my head against her and fall back asleep, hoping that the new day brings word.

I am visited by Princess Luna, she informs me they have something to break the lock on my memories, that I must come to Canterlot in the morning; for there is also another duty to perform, one which cannot wait. They are still trying to summon Discord but are having no luck, he is being troublesome it seems. She will be notifying the others, all of Applejack’s friends.

As she walks off into the dreamscape, I sit and look at the bright sky, wondering when or if this will all end and things can go back to being peaceful.

Waking in the very early morning, it is still a bit before sunrise; I am helped to my hooves by a very kind nurse. Applejack is being very solicitous, but it is not a bother at all, I enjoy her presence more and more. It helps, I am limping badly and feel very much like a young foal, barely able to stand. But we were told to be in Canterlot, so we must go.

I still think heavily upon Faded Scroll and little Snowbell. I still have a hard time thinking of them, giving their all for one they never knew. It reminds me of why Bolos did it. It was our honor, not just duty; because we liked humans, we enjoyed their company and wanted to do our best for them.

I tell Applejack again, I promise to be the best pony I can. Her smile is all the answer I need.

My one eye is still bandaged, I am getting better though. When we walk out of the hospital, a cheer goes up, surprising me but I should have known.

Pinkie...

I can only sigh, but smile, you always smile around Pinkie. It is a law of the universe, when Pinkie is near, you smile.

Applejack however..

“Pinkie, this ain’t no time for a party!”

“It’s not a party! Just something to cheer you all up, we gotta get to Canterlot!”

“Ah know that, dangit we ain’t got..”

I lay a hoof on her shoulder, “Applejack..”

She pinches her nose with a fetlock, “Ah know, it’s Pinkie.”

Applejack actually blushes as ponies give her hugs and nuzzles, seeing her smile at friends warms my own heart.

Pinkie runs up, giving everyone hugs, “I know! I know! Gottagogottago! But still, a little cheer never hurts!”

There is quite the crowd as we make our way to the train station. I am informed it is one of the quicker ways to get there, a few hours at most. We are leaving early enough to get there in plenty of time.

The train ride was interesting. Rainbow Dash was enjoying it quite a bit, though I wonder if she’d prefer to have flown? Pinkie of course, was making sure everyone had something to eat, their spirits were up, and smiles to spare. I accept her for who she is now, just a pony that cares and is so full of joy and laughter.

Rarity has taken time to come as well, along with Fluttershy, the six friends inseparable. I watch as they all sit, quietly enjoying each others company. It reminds me so very much of when I would sit with comrades, in a silence, just knowing that someone was near.

Luna looked stunning in her outfit, something not seen for so very long. The scales and plates shining like the evening. Her darker color matched by the burnished silver that covered her like a second skin. Rivets and links shone like the full moon, a tint of darkness brought out each and every line. Although the Princess of the Night was a beauty in her own right, this set of armor made her even more so. Regal, lovely and filled the senses with wonder as she looked at herself in the mirror. Each gem in the armor a single star that shone brightly in the heavens.

Celestia joined her by the mirror, standing in her own set. The bright gold held a subtle hint of the red and ambers of the new day. It shone with a beauty that took the senses and held it just for a moment, releasing the grip with a gasp. She tilted her head one way, then the other, looking at the overlapping plates that slid like silk along her neck, the inlays and runes shining so very brightly against the alabaster coat.

Centuries ago, before the Banishment of Nightmare Moon, the smiths and wizards of a newly forming nation decided their rulers could not be without protection from the monsters they faced.

Earth ponies dug for the finest ores, hammering them long into the weeks; Unicorn wizards casting spells every step of the way, providing protection and healing for those that would wear the suits. They were inlaid with metals rare and valuable, collected from all over Equestria, communities donated gemstones of great value. The Pegasi provided the designs and architecture, every last bit planned and placed.

Gems were crushed and spelled, or added whole to the armor. Each rivet, link or plate; each carving was laid down with a spell behind it. Nothing was beneath notice; if a piece was found weak, it was replaced and respelled.

Each piece was the representative of a community. The armored suits making a map of towns and cities, founded or helped by the rulers; that the country itself was behind the protection the sisters wore.

They were rarely wore since those days, only for occasion of high state, or when a certain presence was called for. Today called for just that.

They called the armor Celestia wore Dawn; and for her sister, Dusk.

When a pony told his mare that she looked like the Dawn, they were referring to the ethereal beauty of the armor. The same as 'You are lovely as the Dusk'; sayings that still arose today, though the meaning behind them muddled a bit through the ages.

“You look very nice sister, surely you can step away from the mirror for this?” Celestia chuckled behind a hoof, getting a glare from Luna.

“I had forgotten how wonderful these looked, and thank goodness they resize to fit!” her mane flowed from underneath the armor, just adding to it’s beauty.

“Then let us go, we have a solemn duty.” She brushed against her sister, “We are quite the pair are we not?”

Luna nodded, “We do and we are my sister, and it is good that we show them past glories.”

Celestia nodded, “It is only appropriate.”

They both turned, heading for the throne room.

Gasps were heard as the sisters walked in, clad in royal regalia, crowns and armor.

Twilight leaned over to myself and Applejack, “That is Dawn and Dusk, the armor made for them long ago!” She was clearly excited, and I am sure would pester the two with questions later.

As we had made our way to the castle, ponies were streaming in from all over, making their way into the amphitheater like courtyard. Guards had been posted, but there was no rowdiness, there was calm and laughter again. We were allowed to wait in the throne room. I saw the sisters walk out in their outfits, and thought even a Bolo would not compare, they were beautiful. You could see every plate, link and scale, each carving and relief, the gemstones that studded the plates. It was truly astonishing.

Celestia stood for a moment, “Hello my little ponies, shall we go?”

The seven of us follow the sisters, there is also a family waiting outside on the large balcony as we take our places. Voices are heard, airing their surprise, seeing what a true Princess looks like when dressed for High State.

Celestia lights her horn, enhancing her voice.

“Thank you all for being here today. It is a moment in Equestrian history that does not come often, so my sister and I thought it only appropriate to dress for the occasion.

“You are all aware of the search for the lost pony. Many of you participated or helped, dare I say all of Equestria. He is whole and healing, thanks to you all.”

Cheers rang through the city from the crowds.

Holding up a hoof, she asked for calm.

“But we are here to honor two of Equestria’s citizens, in the finest traditions of all we believe in. They sacrificed themselves for the good of us all, to find that lost pony and bring him back to us.”

Celestia gestured outward to the sky, “A little bird, who wanted nothing more but to fly and bask in the sun, was the finder. He took his injuries and kept flying, swift wings brought him to others who could pass the word. Before he could seek help, he thought only of telling ponies where the lost one was. In doing so, he has passed on. But we remember.”

She gestured to guards waiting outside. On a low wagon, with no sides, it was brought in by Royal Guardsponies. A square sarcophagi, smaller than most, having been worked on by Earth pony stonemasons since the little bird had passed. It was inlaid with gold, carved in the finest marble, a statue of a hummingbird reaching out to a flower was atop it as a headstone.

“His name was Snowbell, and he shall be remembered as a hero as long as there is an Equestria.”

The roar tore through the quiet skies and city.

Luna gestured this time to the guards, another low wagon was brought in, Royal Guards pulling it with pride. Upon it another rectangular sarcophagi, once again of fine marble and gold. Atop it, the statue of an elderly pony with a warm smile, leaning on a cane. He was instantly recognized, many did not know he had passed.

Luna stepped forward and spoke, “We know many did not know he had gone, and we are sorry for not saying so. But we give you, a hero of Equestria. For as Snowbell found, Faded Scroll healed. By his sacrifice, he healed a nation of anger, of hurt; and should be forever remembered.”

Another roar ripped the air.

The Sun Princess stepped beside her sister, “We pay homage to them. Celebrate their lives with cheer and good tidings. For Faded Scrolls’ family would ask that you do.” She bowed, extending a wing as Faded Scrolls daughters came forward, surrounded by foals, colts and fillies of various ages.

The eldest daughter tried to say something, but her words were a bit choked as she saw the ponies gathered to honor her father. All she could get out was, “Thank you so much.”

The entire family crowded each other as the cheering and tumult shattered the city once more. Ponies giving their father and Snowbell the honors they so richly deserved.

As the crowd filed out, a flower was placed on the wagons by each pony passing, sometimes more than one. The wagons were piled high in fragrance when they finally moved out to their resting places.

Snowbell was put to rest in the Canterlot Gardens, in a place of honor, where lily’s and other nectar rich flowers always grew, surrounding his little place with colors and scents. Every year after, though no one quite understood why, a crack of thunder was heard overhead on the day of his passing.

Faded Scroll was laid in another place of honor, a quiet garden near his wife Copper Ink. Overlooking the waterfalls they both loved to watch when they were young. No one ever knew where it came from; but an apple tree was planted in the middle of the night, providing shade to them both, and what some said were the sweetest fruit to ever be found in Canterlot.

The family was served tea in the throne room, the seven friends meeting each of the grandfoals and great grandfoals, hearing stories about Faded Scroll that had them laughing themselves silly. The sisters making the whole family welcome for a while, treating them warmly, letting them know how much Faded Scroll meant to Equestria.

Taking off their royal accouterments, they sat as any normal pony would, sharing laughter and love with the family of such a special pony.

It was the least the sisters could do, though they had wanted to do more, the family had refused. Just knowing their father had done something so special, was worth more than any bit or present.

Princess Celestia even had the Guards laughing by doing her imitation of Faded Scroll, “This will not do young Celestia!” She waved a hoof around as if pointing a cane, telling the stories of when he would storm into the throne room. Calling her “Young Celestia” as if the thousand year old plus monarch was some little filly.

But as in all things, that too ended, the family shown out with great reverence as they had to return to their homes and the pressing matters of everyday life.

Around the table they sat, eating a late meal as they pondered things, one question at the forefront of everypony’s mind.

The white Alicorn spoke the thought that cluttered the evening air, “Yes, we found a way to get to your memories Crusader.”

Crusader nodded, “All to the good Your Highness.”

“The spell will not last long, it takes tremendous energy to break Discords’ locks. So you will not have much time to find the right one.”

The blue eyes looked puzzled, “I’m sorry Your Highness?”

Luna set her tea cup down, “We cannot give you the memories, they are locked, you must find the one you need about this Masada, it will be very close as we can only maintain the spell for a few minutes. See it as looking through a library, you need to find the right book.”

“Is that the best that can be done?”

“Yes Crusader, as it is it will take all four of us to keep the spell going.”

“Then I shall have to do my best Your Majesty.”

“We need you in a natural sleep, so it will be tonight, just let yourself go. I promise, it will not hurt.”

“Once I find the memory I can keep it?”

“Yes, just hold to it and the spell will do the rest. It can’t give everything, but it will let us know about this Masada.”

I prepare myself for the night, not knowing what is to come, but they did say a natural sleep was needed. We are housed at the castle, of course I can still hear Pinkie running around looking at everything, I do wonder if she ever sleeps.

But things get quiet, I lay back on the pillow trying to let myself rest. It is hard, this is so important. I do not know if they can try again, so I shall have to make sure I get what I need and quickly. They described it as grabbing a book from a library, hopefully it will be a lot easier than that. If not, there are so very many memories a Bolo carries, it may be nigh impossible to find it.

In a small room, the four Alicorns gathered, facing each other across a runed circle, inlaid in the floor with gold and silver. Celestia had told them once the spell was started, they could not stop until they either got the memory or dropped. It was that important.

All four had agreed, as it was always voluntary; need however out did the caution.

They waited until Crusader passed into sleep, it should be momentarily.

I am tired, worn from the day. I cannot find a way to slip into sleep though, it is evading me. I try and relax, but my wounds still ache and it is hard to let go. I feel a body slip in the bed beside me, it is Applejack. I feel myself wrapped in warm orange pony, her legs cradling my body. She places my head on her chest, holding me close.

“Jes’ relax Crusader, I’ve got ya.”

“I know my Applejack.”

“Never stop saying that.”

“I won’t.”

She kisses my brow softly, making quiet noises as I finally relax, drifting into the still new for me world of dreams.

Luna looked upward, nodding to herself. “He is there, it’s time.”

The four horns pointed to the middle of the circle, letting loose streams of energy as they concentrated on breaking Discord’s magic. The spell gathered strength as it sapped the Alicorns’. Twilight was gritting her teeth as she poured out her energy along with Cadence and the sisters. They definitely could not hold it for long.

She watched as the magic gathered itself, trailing a tendril to where Crusader was sleeping, unlocking and bringing out the memories that Discord had put away.

Luna stepped sideways, still adding to the spell, but also walking the dream to find Crusader. It was quite quick, finding him sitting in the middle of a myriad of columns on plinths, on top of each one a large book, there were so very many. The dream self was reading a book, sitting in a chair.

She shook her head, concentrating on the pony reading, “Crusader! NOW!”

The dream Crusader flinched as he looked around, then started running from book to book; touching each for a moment, then moving on.

I hear Luna’s voice, it shocks me out of a complacent state. I move as fast as I can, touching each book, seeing the memory and moving. I cannot waste time, there are so many and nothing to distinguish one from another. A forest of columns with books on them, it might be too much. Not much time! I watch Princess Luna’s face, she is flickering in and out of my dream, she looks very strained.

....Hellrail away! Firing .05 sec burst..

...swing to 042 fire volley...

....Fight on my heart...

I stumble for a moment..it is Tika. My long ago commander, my body aches with remembrance as I touch the book. But I cannot. I must go, I leave the memory behind. I am sorry, but another holds my heart dear commander.

..architecture of Bolo Mark....

...stasis now!...

...initializing core protocols...

...fire bank two, 098 degrees...

....asada is a proto...

That is it! I grab the book off the column, holding it tight as I gallop back to where Luna is, she looks worn and tired.

“I have it! I have it!”

She nods to me, I see her fade out as the dream falls apart.

I wake in a cold sweat, the knowledge flooding through my mind as I sit and shake. Applejack is looking at me with concern as I grab on and hold her tight. My eye is blinking rapidly, still waking up from the dream as the information unfolds into my mind like a stark rose.

“Didya find it?”

“Oh yes.”

“...and?”

“It’s so much worse than we thought.”

Plans and Ponies

We sit at the breakfast table, I was unable to sleep with the new knowledge sitting in my mind like a cancerous lump. I stare at the wooden top, seeing the grain and swirl of the wood, wondering how I should tell this.

I decide to just tell them.

Crusader looked at all the patient faces, heaving a sigh as he leaned against Applejack.

“It’s a trap. A vicious, all or nothing trap.”

Celestia nodded, “Please explain.”

“A bit of background if I may. Masada was a fortress long ago, that was besieged by a tribe called the Romans. Rather than be taken or killed by them, the tribe inside the fortress killed themselves. Every man woman and child.” I hear the gasps, they are not used to such horror.

“This is what Masada was based on.”

“I am going to use terms that might not be familiar to you, so please bear with me.”

I receive nods from around the table.

“In battle, ages ago, there were times when a Bolo’s personality, the me if you would; was either usurped, or used to attack the Concordiat, turned to traitors by enemy action.”

I plant a hoof on the table, moving a spoon around listlessly.

“To combat that ever happening again, our scientists developed a program called Masada. If the controlling personality was ever corrupted by enemy action, or even perceived enemy action, Masada would take over.”

“We all carried another program, “ So much was contained within the memory of the program, all backgrounds and information, “Called Resartus, if we ever became unstable, or got caught in what we called a loop. It would activate until we were brought out of the problem or removed. It kept ourselves and the humans safe from us going crazy, when sometimes we got stuck in situations that made us a bit..well..loopy.”

“But Masada was so much more, it is almost another controlling entity; kept locked up until if or when the real personality, myself, was damaged or controlled by the enemy.”

I sigh, rubbing my forehead, I cannot believe this is happening.

“When Discord removed me from the Bolo, making me a real pony, Masada went into action. It closed all access, that’s why your links don’t work. Any attempt to gain entry would trigger it’s self defense mechanisms.”

I look up, seeing the solemn faces, they are following me.

“It now controls everything, it also thinks it has been disabled by enemy action. Sitting like a spider in a web, it waits for the enemy. What it does is act like a wounded bird, drawing the predators to it. So the firing of the guns is part of that, making the enemy think it is disabled or lost it’s functioning.

While it was firing, it is using the drones; to spot targets, make data maps and plotting fire. It is very methodical, almost maniacally so. It is now making sure every weapon, every round will be used in it’s final plan. So right now my drones are peering everywhere looking for targets. Towns, villages, everything.

Once it has finished, it starts counting down, until eventually it activates the Final Option. Before this, our Final Option was just self-destruction. Committing suicide to prevent the enemy from taking us or our technology.

Masada will not just self destruct, it will launch every weapon I have on a planned course of fire. Everything I carry will be shot into the skies, it has the information now, it will destroy everything around it for thousands of miles.”

Luna spoke quietly, “Do you carry so much then?”

“Remember I told you of nuclear weapons Your Highness?” I receive a nod.

“I carry a full payload, I was outfitted to the brim before stasis. Any missiles I have that are not nuclear, it will be changing to fully nuclear. My fabrication abilities will be used to produce chemical weapons alongside the standard ones I have. It will create chemicals that will kill with a touch.

Once it is ready, it will launch, what the radiation and fallout does not kill, the war agents will poison. It will murder this world.

When it has fired all it can, it will trigger the fusion reactors, adding to the pain. I have four of them, anything within a hundred miles will be inside a large crater.”

“That was Masada. We won’t just commit suicide, we will take you all with us.”

“How long do we have?”

“After the guns start firing, and they have been for a couple of days; at the most ninety six hours more. It will unlock everything and fire.”

“Can we not use magic to disrupt it?”

I sighed inside, I knew this was going to be asked, and I have made such errors. I should have burned that core when I thought about it. But never did this happening enter into my mind. Damn you Discord, you’ve sentenced a world to death.

“I have attuned my battle shields to protect against magic; even if the shields are not up, my sensors can pick up magic use. If it detects magic used near or against it, it will fire. We must keep any magic using ponies away from that hill.”

“You did not tell us...”

“No I did not Your Majesty, I had thought never to use them. It was just an experiment to me, we Bolos plan always. I had no idea this would happen. I honestly did not think there was any way to remove me from my war hull. You cannot believe how sorry I am for this. I have doomed your world and race by my hubris.”

“What about forest attacks?”

“It will still kill anything marked as the enemy, and the forest is one, it will just not do as thoroughly like I had. It wants them nearby, thinking it crippled and ineffective, close enough to die with it.”

The table was silent, I rubbed my head with a hoof and sighed; knowing that because of my stupid experiments we were down one option. I sit there listening to the breathing, the tinkle of cups being set down; the rustle of movement, the deafening damning silence.

Princess Celestia looked at me warmly, her smile never wavering, “If Discord put you back in, would you be able to stop this?”

“To be honest Your Highness, I have no idea. My creators never planned for this, or what would happen if a Bolo personality was taken out and put back in.”

The regal mare just smiled, looking at me intently for a moment before bringing her tea cup up and sipping slowly. Setting it down, she tilted her head and spoke, “So we have a situation that no one expected, even those who made you. Surely there must be something, some little thing that might allow us to fight this?”

How can she possibly remain calm?

“I do not know Your Highness, it is a quandary. If we can get Discord to put me back, I may have an idea to help me if I engage in a fight with the Masada intelligence. But I need one more memory.”

That brought heads up, Cadence and Twilight looked beat, as well as Celestia and Luna. They had used quite a bit of power for just that one memory, and another would probably drain them for a long while.

“Is it needed?”

“Yes Your Highness, it is the memory of my schematics, the plans of myself and my weapons. I can plan an avenue of attack if I can get those.”

“Is there anything else you might need?”

“Yes Your Highness, one more thing...”

“You want us to do WHAT?”

“You have to knock down the drones, it is imperative. Without eyes, it will force it to change it’s directives. It will not launch any more of them because it is conserving everything for a final strike. Plus losing it’s eyes in the sky will give it pause. It will have to do more planning, we may buy some time.”

Spitfire was stunned, she’d seen the drones in action, and knew that her Wonderbolts would be hard pressed to down them. Her sunglass covered orange eyes glared at the calm light umber stallion that just asked them to do something so dangerous.

“Look, our team is hot, but surely you’ve got to be kidding.”

“I am not kidding, in any way shape or form. It has to be done and the Princesses’ assured me you were the best.”

“We are the best!” Her assurance faltered for a moment, “But this, I mean I’ve seen those things they’re deadly!”

“They are, but everything has vulnerabilities. Once I get the memory of my plans and schematics back, I can tell you exactly how to down them.”

She glared at him one more time, “If this wasn’t..”

He gestured to her, pointing an unwavering hoof at the band on her ear. “You say you’re the best, you’ve gone ‘Under the Gun’ twice now. Quit whining.”

I think if anypony would explode in flames of anger, this would probably be as close to it as I got.

Whipping off her sunglasses she got into the stallion’s face, “Whining? I’ll show you whining, we’ll take those drones down! Just give us a way and we’ll do it. Nopony tells the Wonderbolts they whine!” She backed up with a snort, turning and walking away with a flick of her tail.

I watch as she exits the room, calling for her teammates. Gesturing back at me, I’m sure with some not so polite words, they all glare and stomp off.

“Ya know of course she’s gonna have a real hate on for ya now.”

I turn to see Applejack, leaning against the doorway, “I know, but if it gets them on track to do this I will apologize later.”

She walks over and hugs me, giving a warm nuzzle, “Yer pretty sneaky there, ya know that?”

I give her what is known as the ‘Who me?’ look, learned from watching Pinkie, “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”

I get gently cuffed on one ear, and a kiss for it as well, “Jes’ make sure you apologize, wouldn’t do to have her whole team mad at ya afterwards.”

“Yes my Applejack.”

She tugs me out of the room, we are going to do a bit of shopping today. Just walking and enjoying Canterlot, she is going to show me the sights. We have a bit of time, being under a death sentence there is very little we can do until we go into action.

That night, we prepare again for the memory retrieval, the sisters looking haggard as they warn me once more it will be fleeting. I will definitely not have much time. But I know approximately where it is in the forest of columns and can retrieve it easily.

I am cradled in Applejacks forelegs again, it is comforting and familiar. I feel so very safe when I am with her. After everything that has been done, Applejack had asked, why wasn’t I angry or mad?

I told her it was not my nature, I raged in battle yes; but to be angry or hate something was just a waste of time. It only hurt you not others. So why do it?

I told her about my wishing for punishment for those that had foalnapped me, but it wasn’t an honest dislike. It was me being hurt, scared for those I had befriended and who gave that friendship back in so many ways. I listen to her heartbeat as I tell her how much I like my new home, my friends, her. I don’t want to leave, ever. I have been changed in so many ways since I awoke, it is miraculous. I am befriended by ponies, who treat me as an equal, not a servant or something to be reviled.

I can do no less for them in return.

If it means giving up what I have here to save this place, I shall. But in Applejack’s embrace I am assured right now, of warmth and love, things I have never had before like this in all my days.

I am content.

It is fairly anti-climactic, retrieving the memory now that I know how it is done. Luna informed me this is the last time they can do this for a long while, so I must make the best of it. But now I have what I need. I can feel the information flowering in my mind, giving me what I need to take this sentence off the table. It is not going to be easy, and I have no clue what is going to happen should I reappear in the data cores. I do not know what may come of this, but I do know I will do whatever it takes to stave this off.

I do not fall back asleep, I leave Applejack resting quietly and go to retrieve some parchment, we have not much time.

I sit at the table, a pencil in my mouth as I draw crude plans, not very well I might add. Searching through the extensive memories, I believe i have found a way. It is risky, they are not going to like it. But it is all I can figure out. I wait for the morning sun to rise with trepidation.

I lay a hoof against my temple, rubbing it a bit as I finalize things, watching as the six friends and the Princesses arrive at the table. We are served tea, though I have no stomach for food right now. I am seriously tired of delivering nothing but bad news, or something that would horrify, I really am.

“Thank you all for coming, I think I’ve figured out a plan.”

Celestia nodded, still warmly smiling, calm and cool, “Is it sure to work?”

“The only one I can possibly think of given my limited memories. I have a lot of general knowledge, but with these specifics I think we can overcome the intelligence.”

Princess Luna looked a bit tired, “Please, explain.”

I start using a hoof to point at the drawing, explaining as I go.

“The Command Deck, where you all have been. Contains an access tunnel to the memory cores, my brain. This is where the Masada intelligence sits. We have to get somepony into that core area and disrupt it with magic; I have seen and understand magic, it does not. It will not recover fast enough and it will allow me to seize control.

However...

Getting to the cores is the problem, we need someone smaller than an adult pony, who can use magic well enough to hit the cores with a blast. Also, they need to be nimble and swift. I will be fighting Masada while trying to keep the ponies who go inside safe. It will be dangerous, I will not lie.

My interior battlescreens only cover the command deck, it was to protect the human commander. We Bolos and our personalities were encased in durachrome further on, meters of it. We survived many grievous hits, but the priority was protecting our commanders; never ourselves.

The sequence of events will go something like this:

The assault group will be waiting outside the entryway to the command deck, as long as they do not use magic, Masada will ignore them as they are friendlies. Once I am inserted back into the arrays Masada will sense me as an enemy intelligence, it will begin the launch of all weapons.

I will first try and seize control of the hatches to open them. The group needs to get to the command deck by the core access way. Here is the problem, there are four power rifle intruder defenses, if I cannot get control of them, the group will not live to reach the cores.

I will attempt to disable or control them while opening the access hatch to the cores. Once that is done the group needs to get to the arrays, they are big glass like slabs, containing all information and my intelligence. Once inside them as far in as they can get; they need to light off a powerful spell, the bigger the better. It will disrupt everything inside the cores, allowing me to seize control from Masada, once that is done I will burn Masada out of the arrays forever.

I do not know if Masada has further reinforced the access ways, we are going in blind. But what I do know is if I can get control, I can stop everything and burn that malicious thing into dust.”

“Princess Celestia tilts her head, “Any ideas for the group who will do this?”

“Yes Your Highness, the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

Immediately I am assaulted with yelling and outraged looks. Applejack is giving me a glare I am sure would mean my death. I raise a hoof, calling for silence.

“I know they are young. You have to understand, the access ways were made for a human on their belly, or a tech spider. None of you can get in there, and I cannot control the spiders until I am in total command. It would be too much while I am fighting. I have watched them, they are fast, very fleet and they will be fine.”

Rarity was aghast, “No, most definitely not. Sweetie Belle getting hurt would devastate our parents!”

I sigh, “There is no other way Rarity, I have thought this out. They are skilled, strong, and intelligent. It’s what is needed. Other than that, we are out of options.” I looked at Rarity, Applejack, all the others, “I promise you, by anything you care to name, this is the only way. I would not hurt those three for anything in this world, but they are exactly what is needed.”

Princess Luna looked up from her meal, “Are you sure? Absolutely sure?”

“Yes. They will be able to move around better than anypony here, or an adult. They can be trusted to do this I am sure.”

Princess Celestia made her mind up, I could see it in her expression, but always the calm voice, “Twilight, please send for them and tell them it’s urgent. Get them here soonest.”

Twilight nodded, bumping Cadence as they both ran out of the brightly lit room, I watched them go with a frown.

“I am sorry, I tried to think of anything else, anything. We need a magic spell in the cores to disrupt Masada, it is the only chance I have.”

I seem to be talking to myself now; gazes are averted, I am sure I am not in the highest regard right now. It was all I could come up with; if I had more time, more resources..

Silence reigned as we finished our meal, each taking off to begin preparations for what I was sure was going to be a tremendous fight. Applejack did not say anything to me after we were done, she stormed off into the hallways. I gave her the time alone, I didn’t mean to surprise her with this at all.

I meet with the Wonderbolts later, Spitfire, Soarin, Fleetfoot and Rapidfire are the team selected. We are going over the plans for the drones at the forge. I have given the blacksmiths instructions on how to make a weapon that will pierce the drones and disable them. A bit of a long pole with a tempered metal spike at the end, allowing the pegasus to break control surfaces or disable the engines. I show them different ways to spot a stealthed drone as well, occlusion, averting the eyes slightly, various tricks.

I have also told them, in no uncertain terms. The second a Pegasus downs one of those drones, they will be marked as the enemy. Any Pegasi in the skies will be shot at. We are going to work to clear the skies, keep them vacant so the team can do their job without worrying about others.

Also, Rainbow Dash is going to be waiting. Her Sonic Rainboom it is called, can disrupt sensors for a small amount of time, which could make the difference in surviving. She will be watching for a signal if she is needed.

Spitfire has calmed a bit. I think she realized my little ploy afterwards so we have a good conversation. I apologise to her, but we just do not have the time for debates. This has to be done and now. She understands, she is just plainly worried for her team and I cannot blame her.

I tell them exactly where to strike on the drones, pointing out vulnerabilities in the engines and wing surfaces. They are attentive, taking notes, and testing the new spears. I can only hope during my little experience that no other drones were launched, I am going off of only the memories I had when I was changed; but knowing what Masada is and does, I can put nothing past it. It is in control, not myself.

Masada is a maniac, single-minded to one purpose, destroy. If it was in its’ best interest to use more drones for mapping, it may be there are one or two more I do not know about. But I have warned Spitfire and her team.

I am hopeful, if this goes well it will buy us a bit of time to try and contact Discord. He is still not answering the summons of the sisters. This is troubling, without him, I cannot time when I will turn back into the me, this could throw everything off. Time to the picosecond is of the essence when dealing with psychotronic arrays.

I bid the practicing team farewell, wishing them the best. We are to get a good night’s sleep, in the morning the strikes begin.

It is late afternoon when the Crusaders are brought in, I am happily reunited with my former commander. She is always bright and cheerful when I see her. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and her, are somewhat intimidated by the urgent summons to the castle. I can see the worry as they are led to the table where we all sit.

It is up to them if they choose not to do it, and I will be honest about everything; it means changing to somepony else. That would cost valuable time we do not have.

Applejack is sitting away from me, although I receive looks occasionally, I am sure she is a bit hurt by my recommendations. I have tried to tell her it hurts me as well, but she does not wish to listen right now. That is fine, I shall give her all the time she wants.

They are a bit bouncy though, full of energy and life as I sit there waiting for them to calm. One slim hoof is raised by Celestia asking them to stop and sit for a moment.

Of course my former commander speaks up first, “So Princess, what would you need us for?”

Sweetie Belle appears to be a bit shy in the presence of everypony, Scootaloo is of course at home with her hero Rainbow.

Princess Celestia smiles at the three, “I believe Crusader has a task for you.”

I get pinned with three sets of young eyes. I remember the tank rides, the building of things made of spare parts on my command deck. I think of Apple Bloom as my first commander, she was so very proud. Now I am to send them into what may be their deaths.

I tell them everything, leaving not one iota of information out. Informing them that one error could mean their deaths and everypony else’s. This is not a game, nor a test, this is real life. I see Applejack watching me closely as she holds Apple Bloom close, Rarity has a leg around Sweetie, as Rainbow holds on to Scootaloo.

“I am serious, this is volunteers only. If you say yes, we’ll get you ready. If you say no, we’ll try and find somepony else. Once again, any slip, any mistake, and it’s over. Do you understand?”

Scootaloo speaks up, “All we have to do is get Sweetie to the cores? Right? The cores? Then she lets go with a spell and that’s all?”

I nod, “Yes, but you are going to be in great danger, there are weapons that will attempt to prevent you from getting there. I am not kidding here, this is probably the most serious thing you will ever do.”

“Ah’m for it!” Apple Bloom pipes up, standing next to Applejack as she tries to quiet her, “No, doncha go shushin’ me sis! We can do it; I know we get in alot of trouble, but we’ll do it, won’t we?” She looks at a nodding Scootaloo, then her eyes linger on Sweetie who is pressing against Rarity. “Hey Sweetie, we’ll protect ya, ya know that!”

Her pretty voice is soft, “I know, but.... what if I can’t cast the spell cause I’m nervous, or get hurt.”

Apple Bloom leans over, “You can do anything, you know that. Yer a Crusader and we never give up.”

“I...I know.. but we’ve always had fun, this...is kinda serious.”

Rarity hugged her little sister, “Sweetie, you do not have to go.”

“But..if I don’t who’s gonna cast a spell?”

Scootaloo looked around, “We can figure something out right? I mean, it’s okay if Sweetie doesn’t go?”

Princess Celestia nodded, “It is perfectly fine if she doesn’t wish to go.”

Apple Bloom nodded, “You betcha! I bet they got some gem or something that’ll blast a spell everywheres! How ‘bout you Scoots?”

“Oh yeah! I’ll be there, we’ll stop this bad pony!”

Apple Bloom hoof bumped her friend, both of them coming around the table to tell Sweetie she didnt have to go, giving her warm hugs.

“It’s alright, we’ll be okay! We’ll still be Crusaders ya know, friends don’t give up on friends.” Apple Bloom nuzzled her friend, “Doncha ever think that alright? It’s perfectly fine ya don’t wanna go. The Princesses said so!” She gave a bright smile to the royals.

Sweetie nodded, looking a bit dejected as she nestled closer to Rarity, “I’m sorry..”

Princess Luna raised a hoof, “No, stop that. You are not to be sorry. It is volunteer. We asked you instead of your sisters or family because they would immediately say no. You are old enough to understand things, young yes, but you understand the hazards. It is a simple mission, but potentially with a cost. You are not to worry alright?”

Princess Cadence smiled at the little unicorn, “Don’t worry, we will bespell a gem and make sure Apple Bloom or Scootaloo can use it to cause the disruption. It will be fine.”

“O...okay..” Sweetie Belle did not look convinced, and it was evident by her face she felt she was letting her friends down.

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom took her off into a corner, hugging her and talking to her quietly. Telling her it was fine, sometimes you just can’t do some things. They are a team no matter what and they soon have Sweetie Belle smiling again, giving each other advice.

I watch them reassure their friend. She is very sad she has upset her friends by not agreeing to go, they comfort her though. That is fine, that is why I told them to ask not order. Doing anything like this is dangerous enough, asking young ones to do it is irresponsible. I am mad enough at myself I cannot get in the access way. Now i am asking young ones to do something Concordiat soldiers had a hard time doing. Jumping into the face of the enemy. But in the morning we will train, and I will show them how to get there quickly.

Make no mistake, Masada is the enemy as sure as I was a Bolo. It will kill everything. What ever possessed those stupid scientists to ever think this was a good idea?

I see the looks, the glares, and I cannot be here anymore. I tender my polite good nights, walking back to my room. Evening is falling and we have to get sleep to prepare for the day. Thinking upon Discord I have to wonder, is he doing this to destroy them on purpose? Or does he actually have no clue what he’s done only wanting to play a joke?

Either way, he owes these ponies.

Applejack is not pleased, I can tell by the look she gives me as I head away. I am sorry my Applejack, truly and with no hesitation I would do this if I could. I cannot fit in those spaces. It grieves me to even ask this of them.

I sit on the bed, looking out the window and wonder where you are my brothers and sisters. I could use your help right now. Am I doing the right thing? Am I just throwing away lives to no purpose other than to assuage my own ego? I am trying to save this world, but in so doing will I cost it more than it is worth?

In the morning we will launch the attack on the drones. Masada will know it has another enemy now, and it will relish the thought of killing them. Why would our creators do this cruel and foolish thing? It was Case Ragnarok, I know this. But to exterminate worlds for no other reason than to deny the enemy. Madness. Pure madness. I wonder my brothers and sisters, were our creators really just trying to survive or insane? Maybe it is best they are not here to contaminate this world anymore with their selfishness.

I wish you a good night my brothers and sisters. Wish us luck here on old Earth, that we have many more dawns after this.

Thoughts, Victories and Love.

I am still looking out the window, speaking to my lost brothers and sisters as I hear the door open. I know who it is and I brace myself for what’s to come. I prepare apologies, assurances, anything I can to make her understand what I am doing is the only way. I can only apologize, beg forgiveness, do what I can to make sure she understands it hurts more than she can imagine.

But I am stopped by the warmth against my back, the legs wrapping around me and pulling me tight. A kiss on the ear, the lips as my head is turned.

I stare into those wonderful eyes, flecked with points of gold that shimmer in the moonlight.

“I love you ya know that?”

“I do, and I love you so very much Applejack.”

She sighs, leaning against my shoulders, “You know you should have talked to me first.”

“I do, and you would have said no. I am sorry, you do not know how much I regret it. The thought of losing her, and you, would kill me. I swear to you Applejack, once I am inside my war hull I will do whatever it takes to make sure they are safe and can do the mission. I promise you.”

“You haven’t broken a promise yet...”

“I never intend to".

“Ah know. She’s just young, she doesn’t understand it really. Sometimes even I have a hard time understandin’ ya.”

“I think she understands more than anypony gives her credit for. Ponies are intelligent, inquisitive, and she exemplifies that.” I chuckle, “You also understand more than you let on, farm mare.”

I get cuffed gently on the ear again, “Doncha go spreadin’ anything like that. Got folks fooled so I can bargain mah apples for more ya know.”

I smile at her, “ You call me sneaky, but I truly wonder..”

A warning hoof is waved in my face, “Nuh uh, don’t even start. Ah’m happy this way and it’ll stay this way.”

“Your secret is safe with me.”

“It better be.” She smiles in return, “Ah jes’ worry bout Apple Bloom, she’s young, got her whole life ahead of her.”

“She still will. Once I am inside my war hull she will be safe, I will do what I have to. If that means burning cores, I will.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Burning a core means I lose part of myself, memories, things I have saved over the years. If that is what it takes, I shall do so. She will be safe. I can rebuild what I need.”

She turns my head towards her, looking into my eyes, “Don’t you lose yourself, hear me? You come back, cause Apple Bloom would miss ya somethin’ fierce. So would I.”

“There are no guarantees in this kind of fight my Applejack. I can only say I will do my very best.”

“Then if that’s the best you can offer, I’ll take it.” She leans in and kisses me again warmly, I hold her tight to myself.

“I am a skilled combat unit Applejack, I will win this fight. I am faster and more motivated than Masada. It has nothing to fight for except destruction, I have something.”

“What’s that?”

“You, my new home, Apple Bloom,” I wave a hoof around, “Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.” I chuckle a bit, “Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and yes Pinkie. I am fighting for something tangible, it does not have that. It knows nothing about it. It gives me the edge.”

She keeps looking at my face as I make my statement.

“I have so much to lose. I am so much more than I was, or could ever have hoped to be. I will not lose this fight.” I slap a hoof on the bed, anger rising in me, “Even Discord I will do this for. Princess Celestia and everypony else has shown me the value of forgiveness. Though I think it will be long in coming for this little problem.”

Applejack smiled, giving a good loud laugh, “Oh you bet on that one. I tell ya he’s stepped in something bad this time, don’t think the Princesses are gonna let him off the hook so easily.”

“Let’s hope not.” I shake my head, “Such a simple thing turned into so many problems.” I sigh a bit, holding her close, “Maybe I shouldn’t have done this, made a pony, brought this trouble here.”

Applejack knew how to soothe, she was one of a kind really, “Stop that.” She leaned back into the pillows, bringing me with her, “Be kinda strange not to be able to just cuddle somepony ya know. I got nothin’ against this.”

I snuggled close, kissing her lips, warm and inviting, “You’re right, I don’t regret it then.”

Nodding, she strokes a hoof down my mane and smiles at me once more, “Good, then let’s both get some sleep, we got ourselves a busy day tomorrow.”

I accede to the request happily and close my eyes. We are starting before the sun rises.

It is only a few hours later, everypony has been busy creating mock drones, making the tunnel way for real to practice in. I am amazed at what magic can do. I shall never quite understand it, but it gets things done and quickly.

I believe the smiths have done a better job than I had expected. Long ago Pegasi were feared for dropping out of the sky, slamming a foe to the ground and pinning them. This was accomplished by using a type of short javelin. It is wickedly barbed, it cannot be pulled out without extensive damage. I watch as Spitfire and her team use it against a mockup of a drone, it is highly effective. It will stick and cause imbalance in the flight, forcing it from the skies.

I am pleased, they are graceful and strong. Watching them fly and attacking the dummy they are fearsome. They had been practicing through the night, and they are extremely well trained. I think Masada is not going to like this at all, and that fills me with a glee I never expected.

We go over the plans one last time, I tell them there should only be four drones, but to expect anything. Once Masada has targeted them, they will be in extreme danger.

The sweaty smiling ponies just laugh, a confidence I am sure they do not really feel. I can see the nervousness, the hesitation in their eyes. But that is fine, fear is a motivator, use it and you will overcome. Succumb to it and you die, we all know that.

Spitfire glanced to the pony watching them, walking over and setting her war dart aside, “What do you think so far?”

Crusader looked at her calmly, “I think you will earn another honor for yourselves this day Spitfire.”

The gold mare looks at her team, swarming the drone, “I think if we get out of this without injury that will be enough.”

“It is all anypony can ask Spitfire.”

She looked at the stallion, standing there critiquing every move or flap of wings. “Nopony has told me much about this, they’re keeping it very hush hush. What’s going on?”

The deep blue eyes met hers for a moment, “You’re helping to save the world Spitfire. Is that enough?”

She thinks for a moment, shaking her head, “No, no that’s not enough. I owe it to them to let them know. What is going on?”

I hesitate for a moment, then draw her aside. I tell her the story, of my transformation, the threat of Masada and what will happen to this planet if we do not stop this. She is silent while I do so, at some points I can see the unbelief in her eyes, but I still continue, filling her in on what Apple Bloom will be doing as well. That others are risking their lives, not just them.

Spitfire eyeballs the stallion for a moment, “If it was anypony else I’d say you were nuts. But the Princesses have told us this is extremely important. I have a feeling what you said is true. But if anypony on my team gets hurt, I’ll hold you responsible.”

“As it should be Spitfire, I am a big part of this. The responsibility is mine. I will accept that, and any punishment that comes with it. I grieve already for what has been done for me. I can do no less than that.”

The gold mare watched him walk away, a bit of sadness in his face as he did so. Picking up her war dart, she knew in an hour they would be going up against the real thing. Leaping into the air she attacked the dummy with everything she had, “For Equestria!”

I hear her behind me, attacking with renewed vigor. But I have not lied, the grief is real, I shall always grieve for those who sacrificed for me. Carrying that with me into my own fight I resolve I will be victorious, or I will burn every core inside my war hull. I will not leave this threat again.

I visit Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, receiving cheerful hugs. They are practicing on a mockup of the access ways. Simple tunnels, learning how to move quickly and to the cores. I watch as they bounce into the simulated hatch ways, bounding down the corridors and into the core, setting off a gem with a flash of light, also emulating the real one. They are fast, determined and they do not make a single mistake.

I see Applejack watching her sister, her pride showing at how smooth she is. Strong and fast as any full grown Apple mare. She is setting speed records, Scootaloo behind, shoving her into the access tunnel and following. They have stripped the time down to seconds. I watch them do it again and again, never tiring, taking breaks only when told to. Such dedication you can only wish for.

“We got it Crusader! We’re gonna be in that tunnel ‘fore anypony knows it!” Apple Bloom sips from a glass of water, taking a break as she grins up at me.

“I think the Concordiat Marines would be proud to have you.”

She tilts her head, “Is that a good thing?”

I laugh, setting beside the two sweaty fillies, “They were feared Apple Bloom. They were only human, not like me. But their fierceness and honor stood above all men. They were respected always, and when you saw them on the battlefield soldiers rejoiced. They knew salvation was at hand. I remember them, I can see their forms in the thick of battle, bringing their comrades out to safety and going back. They were the epitome’ of courage. They stood on fields fighting beside us, the Bolos. They were true heroes.”

“What’s epi..e..pity..me?” Scootaloo gets a puzzled look on her face.

Applejack hugs me from behind as I explain, “It means the peak, them above all. That they were the ones others looked to when they needed an example of courage, honor and strength.”

“In other words, they were the best Scoots.” Applejack translates for me when I get a bit wordy.

Apple Bloom hoofbumps Scootaloo, “Cutie Mark Crusader Marines! Yay!”

“I don’t think there’s a Cutie Mark for that yet little fillies. Maybe you’ll be the first?”

That got their attention as they ran back to the mockup, working even harder now, though Applejack and I could see them peeking at their flanks now and then. It makes me wonder, would there be such a mark? Would the magic of Equestria allow somepony to have such a thing? Truly something to ponder as I remember those towering forms, fighting in areas where only Bolos could go. Their augmented strength and bodies powerful beyond reason, their courage as tall as they were.

I watch the two young fillies, never faltering, never tripping; their actions only getting better by the minute. I am so very proud of my former commander. They truly have the dedication of a Bolo.

It is time, I watch as Spitfire and her team take to the skies, their target the drone over the Everfree. Hopefully they have all returned to post or this will be a short fight. I can only wait as they are too far for my eyes.

Spitfire hovered close to Soarin, seeing Rapidfire and Fleetfoot bank off to the left. They were out of uniform, as sleek as they could be carrying four darts apiece. It should be enough to handle one drone.

She watched closely, making sure they did not get within sight of those guns, knowing what they could do, when a blur from the corner of her eye caught her attention.
She whipped her head around, seeing the shimmering shape in her eyesight now, pointing to it and nudging Soarin with a wing. A whistle was given to the other pair and they split up, two from the bottom, two from the top diving from the sun.

Fleetfoot caught the signal, pushing Rapidfire upwards as they came out of the sun, brandishing their darts like warriors of old. Both pegasi were screaming in, wings folded back like delta wing fighters as they tore through the air. They could see Spitfire and Soarin coming up from below, pushing hard to make the meet.

They waited until the last moment, darts close to their bodies, then suddenly pushing them forward bracing themselves for impact.

The steel heads slammed into the drone, pinning it in the air as the two pairs flashed past each other, banking hard for another round. Spitfire flipped over, grabbing another dart and rushing back in as they saw the drone begin to spark, listing to one side and diving for the ground.

Fleetfoot grabbed a dart from her back, gritting her teeth as she tore in again beside Rapidfire. Both of them homing in on their designated spots. Her wings pinned back as she tore through the sunny skies, Rapidfire right beside her diving in at tremendous speed.

Soarin was right beside Spitfire, seeing the gleeful look on her face as she dove in again, wings tilting. He matched her pin for pin as they saw the drone get closer in their sights, then slamming past it with less weight, leaving a dart behind in the drone.

All four pegasi had rushed back in, smashing the barbed darts right into the exact points they’d practiced on. Seeing the drone smoke, then suddenly give a belch as it toppled over blasting into the ground below. They raised hooves to each other and sped upwards, bursting into a flower to gain distance between them.

Raising a hoof in the air Spitfire gave a yell, then motioned them to get the Tartarus out of there, seeing the sensor posts start swinging weapons their way. They slammed into a low dive, skimming the treetops to slalom through the branches gleefully, not wanting to wait to tell the story when they got back.

First kill went to the Wonderbolts! What a story Spitfire would have when they got back to Canterlot!

It seems they have come back victorious, I see Spitfire and the others laughing as they tell the story of downing the drone. I have told them, form here on out it gets more dangerous. That drone was not registering them as an enemy, now they are. I do not mind confidence, but overly so will get somepony hurt. But for now, the victory is theirs and well earned.

I watch as they take a rest, resupplying their spears. Then they hit the skies again, this time for the drone over Fluttershy’s house.

Soarin wanted this one, he’d watched Spitfire and wanted to impress her a bit. But of course they’d been warned, the first one was easy. The second, third and fourth were going to get tougher, Spitfire had told them, so he’d better be on top of his game.

He was, or thought so as he banked around, looking down below to see Fluttershy’s house, averting his eyes just slightly to catch a glimpse of the drone. Crusader said it had a sort of camouflage on it, made it hard to see. But by looking out the side of your eye, you could maybe..THERE!

Here was his chance! He broke formation and dove at the blur in the sky, Spitfire following him as she yelled at him to stop!

He turned and gave her a grin, he was doing fine. Until the ripping sound of a repeater firing broke his little reverie, the bullets making a whickering noise as they slapped past him in the air. He stopped and dropped out of the air, getting out of the target area as he fought to gain lost height.

The drone had unstealthed, below the fuselage was now a rotating set of barrels they all knew from going ‘Under the Gun’. Only these were far far more deadly. Spiraling up and out of reach of each other, Fleetfoot dodging down under Rapidfire, splitting their movements and making it seem like one was the other, confusing the simple AI that ran the drone.

Spitfire clocked Soarin upside the ear as she flashed past, readying her dart. She signaled to the two others, pointing at the top of the drone. They were to keep it busy while she tried to disable it. They spotted her and kept flipping, their acrobatics getting faster and faster as they dove and wove, taking banks and turns that complimented each other, baffling the simple targeting array. If Masada felt the need to take over, they’d be dead, so they needed to disable it quickly.

Spitfire dove, Soarin was coming back up behind the drone from his fateful first maneuver, he was lagging a bit behind. She gripped the drone in front of the tail-fin, her hooves tight as she plunged a dart into the engine cells, simply tipping off to the side to pop her wings open and glide away. Soarin followed her, coming up under the weapon. He put a barb directly into the motor, causing the rotation to stop, giving Fleetfoot and Rapidfire their chances.

Breaking off their moves, they plunged up and over, a sort of Pegasus Immelman. Their spears to the fore, they rammed down into the drone body, putting the steel heads through the skin and into the electronics.

Sparks ravaged the heads of the spears, causing Rapidfire and Fleetfoot to let them go a bit early, diving off to the side as the drone fell over. They watched as the smashed drone fell and shattered into the forest near Fluttershy’s cottage.

High-hoofing, they made their way back to Canterlot, one more under the Wonderbolt’s belts.

I see them come back for another resupply, two drones down. Now it gets precarious. Masada will know they are hunting the drones. I do not know what he will do, but we have advised that ponies get off the streets in Ponyville and Canterlot. This will protect them better than in the open I am sure. The houses of Ponyville are sturdy and made with thick timbers. Canterlot is mostly stone, but anypony caught outside will be in for a bad time while the pony-fight is going on.

The drone over Ponyville was not even stealthed, it was waiting for them.

A repeater dropped down under the fuselage and opened fire as they swept in, dodging as fast as they could, every muscle aching now. They dropped, spun, spiraled, every trick in the book as they got closer to the flying weapon. They all saw the small tracks left in the Ponyville street, small craters from rounds hitting the dirt.

Soarin suddenly twisted with a yelp, seeing a bloody trail along his side, he had to drop to the ground below. Scurrying for cover, he kept an eye on the fight above him. The three pegasi were getting closer, but not fast enough, the drone was maneuvering in opposition. It wasn’t just patrolling, it was actively hunting them.

They twisted and turned, leading the drone a bit farther in the opposite direction from Crusader’s hill, keeping far out of range of the deadly guns. The drone followed like a slavering hound out for blood. The gun tilted and whirred, spitting needles their way. They had a hard time keeping out of the line of fire as they brought it to a safer place to exterminate.

Rapidfire ducked in, launching a dart, smacking it on the sensor cluster, breaking lenses as he dove away. Spitfire was rolling in, coming from out of the sun when she spotted the tilt of a wing, the barrels coming up to greet her with death. Out of the sky to her right a cyan blur cracked the sky, Rainbow Dash gritting her teeth as she sped into the fight; her dart whacking into the side of the drone as she sped past. The steel sinking deeply into the nose, crucifying the electronics.

Spitfire grinned, the thing was off balance now. She and Fleetfoot whipped in a caduceus like spiral, swapping places and diving suddenly to smash hooves against the drone. The sharp hooves causing the skin to buckle as the two mares rammed barbed points into the electronics and fuel cells, causing the drone to tilt and go down, crashing into a pile of dirt on the outskirts of town.

One more time they come in. They are tired, their chests heaving, but they smile and give hoofbumps all around. I am sure they are aching from the exertion. Only one more to go right above us. I cannot see it, but we know it is there, the last; it should make Masada pause a bit. It might still need the eyes in the sky, but it will want to conserve everything for the final strike. Maybe we can get it to go into a recursive loop, that would do nicely.

Soarin is out of action, having taken a grazing shot from a couple of rounds. They are not deep, but he will be laid up for a while. Once I can get back inside, presumably I can heal him faster. There is time as he is not gravely wounded.

I watch Rainbow Dash, receiving her just praise for the help in the last drone attack. Oh the pride in those eyes, seeing her chest puff out as her friends gather, giving her the accolades she deserves. But all too soon she streaks into the sky after the Wonderbolts, a last ditch weapon Masada cannot possibly understand.

Spitfire directed her team to scatter, she knew that the thing would be looking for them. Taking no chances, she gave Rainbow Dash the order to stay back, if anything untoward happened, she was to punch in at high speed with her darts.

They spiraled up into the clear sky, looking for their enemy.

It doesn’t even bother to wait, it comes shearing through the blue sky with a scream of engines, a stuttering roar of it’s repeaters as the team split in different directions. It does not pause, it zeros in on Fleetfoot and goes after her, the barrels swiveling around for the best kill shot.

The arctic blue Pegasus stands on her wingtip, flipping over gracefully and diving towards Canterlot, her wings tilting to catch the air as she spirals tighter than the drone can move. The repeater cannot follow all the way, having stops preventing it from rotating 360 degrees in case of shooting it’s own tail fins off. It does however get off a few rounds at the pretty pegasi, smacking feathers off her wings as she comes close to disaster.

Spitfire roars out of the sky, slashing the side of the drone open for Rapidfire to followup with another spear. Plunging it deep he nails the electronics inside, causing malfunctions.

Another stutter comes from a different direction, a second drone!

It sings its song of death from above, firing and twisting at the pegasus surrounding the first drone. Rapidfire is hit, he tumbles in the sky, his wings barely keeping him aloft. Fleetfoot tries to gain height but her feathers are shot, she merely spirals in a holding pattern as she dances around trying to get the drones attention.

Spitfire is weighing the options when she hears it from behind. The sound of something pushing the sound barrier. Knowing exactly who it is she waits while flipping and twisting, the cyan blur once more speeding past her, as Rainbow’s dart hits the new drone dead on center, a rainboom appears, the shock and colors confusing the two drones and allowing Spitfire to give them the finishing touches. She pushes her darts into one drone, then the next, making sure they go deep into the fuel cells. Watching them spiral out of the sky down the mountainside.

A flash of burning fuel and a small explosion from each tell them their fate as Spitfire and Rainbow grab Rapidfire and Fleetfoot, helping them back home.

Ponies crowd around the returning warriors. Helping Rapidfire and Fleetfoot into medical areas. Hopefully not too badly hit, but I do see quite a bit of blood from Rapids’ leg. I can do nothing but stay out of the way and hope for the best. Poor Fleetfoot has had a few feathers shot off, her wings are looking a bit disheveled. But she is in high spirits, being in on the kills and high-hoofing anypony that wants it.

Spitfire is standing back a bit, letting her team mates soak up the affection. I see her smiling warmly as she watches the ponies crowd around.

Rainbow Dash of course, is Rainbow Dash. I am sure she is in the middle telling of her part, quite loudly. It’s was worrisome, the second drone spooked everypony, but thanks to quick thinking was taken down. Now it is all up to seeing if Princess Celestia can get that idiot Discord back here.

Pinkie of course, always being Pinkie, felt the need for a party to celebrate. Things like this rarely if ever happened, so she was going to put on her best.

Commandeering the Royal Ballroom at the Princesses behest, she had it adorned with streamers, balloons and banners in no time. She had dragooned ponies to help with the setting up and was working them hard as she shot out of the room, returning with a quartet of musicians, a seriously annoyed Octavia among them.

“Miss Pie, did you have to interrupt our practice?” She asked with an aggrieved tone as she held her cello close.

“I needed music! We’ve got a victory party to put on!” The pinky floofy mare bounced in place, her smile never leaving her face.

“But I’m sure what we have is not appropriate for such a party.” Her mind rummaged through music she knew.

“It doesn’t matter! Something nice, light and fun! I’m sure you have that!”

The gray earth pony thought, then nodded, “I’m sure we have something. Yes, yes I think so.”

“GREAT!” Pinkie hugged her tight, showing her to the stage as she left to finish setting up.

Looking at the three ponies with her, she motioned for them to set up, figuring a victory party is just as well as a Grand Galloping Gala. It was all about the music, and she so loved to play.

It is late afternoon, and I am in my room worrying, I myself am trying to think of ways to get in touch with Discord and not coming up with much. I do not have the abilities others have and am frustrated.

Slapping the table with a hoof, I turn and look out the window over Canterlot. So much like the old Arthurian legends, I wonder if somehow human influence seeped down through the millennia.

Hanging my head in frustration, hooves tapping the windowsill I do not hear Applejack come in until she wraps her forelegs around me from behind.

“Hey, we got us a party to attend there Crusader.”

“Oh. Please don’t mind me Applejack, go have fun. I think it’s well deserved.” I would remain and try to puzzle out how to contact Discord.

“Nuh uh, how would it look me going to a party without mah coltfriend. Ain’t gonna happen.” She tugs at me, pulling me away from the window. “C’mon, let’s go celebrate bein‘ alive.”’

Who would have ever thought I would be alive. Living, it is truly an experience others take for granted. I have enjoyed my life so far, barring anything else. I am with a mare I love so very much, I have friends who truly enjoy being with me. I do not want this to end, but I must get back inside my war hull, I must win against that malevolent thing inside it.

We enter the Royal Ballroom Applejack tells me, I see hundreds upon hundreds of ponies in there, with space still left, it is truly amazing. Pinkie has out done herself this time, I see her shooting from place to place, refilling trays, punch bowls, having a wonderful time making ponies smile. I believe she is at her best at this moment.

I stop, listening for a moment as I hear a very familiar tune from the quartet on the stage. It is Vivaldi’s Spring! I sit and listen, closing my eyes and experiencing it in a way I never have. I let the notes and the strings flow through me as I could never when I was a Bolo. I see now why the music was so loved, so wanted and cherished. It lifts the heart, the soul, telling of better things to come.

Applejack leans against me as I tell her about the music, the same I had played for her before when I was just a voice. It also triggers a memory for me, I politely tell Applejack what I intend to do and she agrees with a smile, letting me go with a warm kiss on the lips.

I approach the shy golden pegasus, hanging around the punchbowl as I lean in close.

“Miss Fluttershy, I believe I owe you a dance.”

“I..oh you don’t have to Crusader... I mean..” She looks around at all the ponies in the ballroom, with more coming in every minute.

Gently taking her hoof, I lead her on the dance floor, “Just look at me Fluttershy, don’t pay attention to anypony else, just look at me.”

She tries to hide inside her mane, almost succeeding which is amazing in itself, but she takes my hoof and we move slowly together. I am not much of a dancer, but she is graceful, and wonderful to see dancing.

Her eyes never leave mine, I make sure of this so as not to trigger her shyness. I keep talking to her, smiling and in low tones. She is enjoying herself, thought it is hard to tell. Her smile is warm, and she actually giggles at my misstep. She forgives my lack of courtly graces as we continue to spin around the dance floor. Her mane and tail flowing outward as she enjoys herself on the dance floor.

I owe her this and much more, the day when I played the music for everypony. She treated me like I was as real as she was and I never forgot, I would never forget.

We waltz around the floor for a few songs, letting the music take us both away to a place of sunshine and warm days. It truly is magical, this place and the notes coming from the quartet.

She is grace itself as she bows, moving around slowly, leading me in unfamiliar steps. I can see Applejack and Twilight off to the side, smiling as they see their friend actually dancing in front of a crowd. I keep telling Fluttershy, reassuring her it is just us and nopony else.

All too soon the music ends for an interlude, and I bow to her, thanking her very kindly for the dance. I lean in and kiss her blushing cheek, showing appreciation for being my friend as I lead her off the floor to stand beside Twilight and the others.

I am politely thanked in a very low voice by the golden pegasus, as she scampers off to somewhere behind us all. I leave her alone, it would not do to press the issue, but I do hope she enjoyed it as much as I.

Rarity of course is scandalized Pinkie would use such a place for a simple party. I can see her meaning, but not everything has to be fancy I am thinking. Or maybe that may just be me hanging around Applejack so much. I enjoy the conversation around me, hearing the different points of view. It is nice to just sit and listen sometimes.

We all watch as Twilight goes to join the other Princesses, announcing the accomplishment of the Wonderbolts and Rainbow Dash. Rainbow is so happy I think her heart might burst, standing beside her idols as well as being honored among them. It truly is a wonderful evening. After the pronouncement, she rejoins us with Twilight. Of course she cannot stop talking about what happened and how she helped down the drones. It is her night.

It is a wonderful party, truly Pinkie is the best and I can see why. After everything slows down, Applejack and myself retire to our room along with the others. There is only one thing left to do, find Discord and get me inside my cores so I can eliminate Masada.

I cannot help but look out the window towards Ponyville, hoping beyond hope that everything goes well when it comes down to the wire. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are risking themselves not just for a cutie mark, but for me and everypony. I castigate myself for this, over and over. I am used to risking my existence for others, not the reverse.

My head is turned by an insistent hoof, once more she is staring at me in concern.

“You need ta stop that.”

“I cannot, I am to blame for this. I should have taken steps to prevent anything like this but I could not plan for it all. We are supposed to be powerful, unwavering, solicitous in out duties and I have failed time and again.”

“Ah don’t think so. You’ve made good friends, you’ve made ponies come together like nothing before. It’s really somethin’ to see.”

“I was foalnapped, that’s why.” I give her a rueful smile.

Once again she cuffs me on the ear gently, I think it is getting sore.

“Stop it. You know they did it cause of you and the friends you’ve made. You’ve got to stop. All that does is burn ya up inside.”

I nod, “I will try. But there will be some times I can not. Please understand, I am supposed to protect, not be protected. It is an unusual circumstance for me.”

Applejack laughs, “Oh so it’s all about yer ego? Well then, typical stallion stuff.”

“Wait, I did not mean..”

She pushes against my chest with a hoof lightheartedly, “Typical stuff, big ego, cain’t stand being coddled and whatnot. Yeah I’ve seen it.”

I find myself willing to defend my position, “I am not, I assure you it is not the case.”

“There go them big words,” She replies, slipping into her ‘typical farm mare’ routine. “Everytime ya get flustered you start talkin’ like that.”

“That is not...” Wait..she is right. Every time I find myself in a quandary I start talking like the old me. How the hay does she do that?

“How do you...?”

She leans in, kissing me and drawing me down to the pillows, I join her, wrapping my fore legs around her in return.

“It’s called bein’ in love ya dolt. Ponies tend to do that when they get close, seeing how other folks act.”

“I surrender, you’ve got me figured out I suppose.”

She is silent for a few moments, looking at me warmly as the moonlight comes in through the open window. The slight breeze catching her blonde mane as we just enjoy being with each other for a minute.

“You know I’ve never been with anypony before...” She leaves that statement open. I am confused at it.

“I dont understand, you’ve been with your friends, your family.”

I get cuffed on the ear again, if this is love, it truly does hurt.

“I didn’t mean that way ya dunderhead, I mean..uhm..” She looks away for a second, her eyes returning to mine with a bit of a hopeful, imploring look that I might understand.

My eyes move around a bit as I rummage my memories trying to figure out the oblique meaning, then it finally hits me.

“You mean..I..we..oh...OH!.. With with..uh..oh.” I’m sure my eyes widen as I find myself blushing harder than I had ever thought to be, or would.

I have absolutely no clue what to say or even do. A fearsome fighting machine such as myself and I would rather hide behind a rock right now.

“I..me neither Applejack. I’ve never even thought... I mean I would never suggest anything untoward.”

“You thought just to keep on like we been?”

“Well.. of course. Because I can’t... I mean I’m not ...real...” Wait a second. For a Bolo I am tremendously stupid, acting as if I were my avatar this whole time.

She pokes me in the chest, “You’re pretty real right now. You been eatin’ and sleepin’. How’s that not real?

I nod, “ I have been thinking, even though I am alive, as if I were a machine Applejack..I..even.. But I.. I don’t know what the proper thing is to do.. Your customs on this...uhm.. I’ve never inquired. I mean.. Should we be married?”

I see her in the silver light, blushing deeply as she pulls me close, “We can figure that out afterwards.”

I do not know what to say so I kiss her, our lips meet and melt together as I rest up against her strong body. She is beautiful in so many ways, but I must be honest. I have not the foggiest idea of what to do next.

She is mischievous actually, surprising me as we lose ourselves with each other. We explore, find new things, share laughter and a bit of embarrassment. But we find our way, showing each other what love can truly mean when two hearts are so bonded they have more than a physical connection. It is almost magic, a lightness upon the soul when you are with the one you care for.

If this is living I choose not to leave, or find a way to get back to being in this moment, these hours of stolen time against a sentence on this world. It is ours alone, just her and myself. We share in the meaning and the acts of love, showing each other how much we both care.

Feelings I have never had flow through me. I revel in her joy, listening to her say how she loves me and keeping it within my heart forever. I try and return it to her tenfold, letting her know it is not one-sided.

Under the moonlight we become more than two separate souls, we join forever.

I sleep under the bright sky. Resting under a tree in my dreams as the sun lights the sky, warm and soft upon my face.

Nothing can take this night from me, ever.

“Hello puppet.”

DISCORD!

Anger and Redemption. The Misson Begins.

I scramble to my hooves in my dream, there before me the instigator of all these problems. I can’t form any words for a moment as he stands there eyeing me. I am speechless, then my anger comes roaring full force.

“Do you even KNOW what you’ve done?”

“I do, but I still did not predict all this lovely chaos! Truly it has gone a bit wild, but one expects such things; and all from turning you, my puppet, into a real pony!”

“I am not your puppet! You’ve sentenced this world to death!”

He waves an errant paw, “Oh come now, from making you a real pony? Yes I’ve seen what you can do, but you’re not in there anymore are you?” His eyes get close to mine, I back up not wanting him to touch me.

“There is another intelligence in there now, it is planning a final strike to destroy this world!”

For the first time he pauses, stopping his movements, the sly looks and the malicious laughter, “Pardon?”

I state it as clearly as I possibly can, “There is another in my body! It is planning to destroy this world if I cannot stop it!”

He reaches out with a finger, “Well that’s simply remedied! We’ll just put you back.”

“STOP!” I hold out a warning hoof, “Don’t touch me! We have a plan to defeat it, and you have to help. You truly don’t realize what you’ve done?”

I watch him closely his face is almost unreadable, but his body language is showing confusion, or just insanity it’s hard to tell. I set down on my haunches in the bright sunlight, facing the being of chaos. I don’t give him a chance to talk, not for one second, it’s my turn now.

“You really don’t do you? You decided to play a trick, I understand this. But Discord, did you ever stop to think that the technology I hold would be more than you could handle?”

His head tilts at me, looking at me as if I were surely joking.

“You are an alien being,” I start, “I am from the far past where technology ruled over magic. Good Celestia’s name Discord, didn’t you think? Could you even for one second imagine that maybe something like me would have fail-safes? An alarm system? Something to prevent us being taken over? Anything?” I sigh, looking at the ground, “I know you probably have no clue and thought it simple. I swear to you Discord I do not lie, we have a day maybe less to solve this.”

I cannot believe I am being so calm about this, I should be ranting and raving, but in the back of my mind I see my Applejack telling me to be calm. I am tired of being calm, I want to be angry and tell this...this thing exactly what I think!

“If there was any lesson to be learned like I remember you saying; please, tell me I’ve learned it so we can save this world. Tell me this was worth two lives and countless troubles and I will not say another word. Tell me..just...tell me?”

I hear his voice, a bit soft, “I truly did not know.”

Tears fall from my eyes, splashing the ground brightly, “Two sentient beings gave their lives to save me. It is a debt I cannot repay, ever. I can only hope I can save this world from dying.” I look back up at the snaggle-toothed face, “Do you understand that? A pony died for me, a little bird gave it’s life to find me when I was foalnapped. Discord this is so much more than a bit of mischievous humor.”

I wipe my eyes with a fetlock, “I can’t..I.. I should be furious, I should want to destroy you. Teach you a lesson. Do something to make you pay for this crime. But I cannot, it is not my place.” I see those bright emerald eyes in my mind, warm and loving, “I cannot let down the....the one who loves me.”

His voice comes back, there is no trace of mockery now, “So you’ve learned something I take it?”

“More than you ever imagined. I earned the love of a good mare, she truly loves me for who I am not what I am. I have made friends, they are so very special. I have met and engendered goodwill to so many it’s hard to believe. I cannot understand it all. But I cannot let them die.” I stamp the tear-stained ground with a hoof, “If I have to burn every core inside my hull I shall, I have to stop this thing. I told Applejack I would die for her and I will if I have to!”

I look back up into Discord’s face, “Understand me, I will do whatever it takes, Whatever. It. Takes. If I have to die, so be it. I would be breaking my promise never to leave her but I would see her live, to love again and to be happy and healthy. I would do anything to ensure that.”

“They all told me you had learned of friendship from Fluttershy, after the whole thing with that being Tirek. Can you not stop your impulses and think for any length of time?” I point a hoof at him, “You hurt ponies! You make others miserable, is that really friendship? Or just you being selfish? Oh I know selfish, I know it beyond all doubt. I was a warrior, I fought thousands of battles across hundreds of worlds, and all I wanted was to serve those who made me. I don’t anymore. When I awoke I thought of nothing but taking the fight to the enemy once again. All I’ve learned, what I’ve experienced, has taught me I can be something else. I can love and be loved in ways I never knew. Isn’t that what Fluttershy has given you? Love and kindness beyond what you really deserve?”

I wipe my wet cheeks once again, “Ask yourself, do you warrant what she gives you without reservation? I know I don’t. I don’t justify the love that’s been given me from Applejack. I’m a killer, a murderer of worlds. I have exterminated more life than there is on this whole planet a hundred times over! In spite of that she loves me, it is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.”

I don’t give him a chance to reply, pointing once more, “I will be earning every bit of Applejack’s love for the rest of my days. I do it because it is her love for me that spurs me to try and do more. Because the friends I have made are worth every second I do something to make their lives better and happier. Not because they say I have to, but because I want to! I will earn this every single day I live!”

“Faded Scroll went to his own death saving my life with a forbidden spell. He knew that, and I can never EVER repay that sacrifice. Snowbell gave his life to find me! Applejack and Princess Cadence told me, take that gift, be the best pony you can be and I will. Why? Because I owe them for everything that has been given to me or taught to me, I OWE THEM! There is nothing for free in ANY world, no matter where it is. There must be give and take. All you do IS TAKE!”

I shake my head, tears flowing freely now as I keep yelling at the tall figure, “You are selfish beyond measure! You cannot think beyond your tricks and games! I am nothing but an engine of destruction and I will go to my grave saving these ponies and my Applejack if I have to! Can YOU say that?”

“I believe you have said enough for you both Crusader.”

I snap my head around, it is Princess Luna! Did she hear it all? She walks up to both myself and Discord. She does not have a pleased look on her face.

“It is about time you showed yourself Discord, You are needed in conference with myself and Celestia. I detected your presence in this dream and came to retrieve you before any more damage was done.” She smiles down at my tear stained face, “You should not feel you owe anypony. Especially the one who loves you so very much.”

I follow her look to see Applejack is in my dream! Oh no, nono I did not want her to hear this.

Luna motions to Discord, leading him off before he can say anything in return to my tirade. Applejack walks up to me as I prepare for a dressing down, or at the very least an argument. I receive neither of those, she hugs me tearfully, nuzzling my neck.

“You dunderhead, you don’t owe me nothin.”

“I owe you everything, you give so much to me. I just want to earn your love and keep doing so every day.”

She smiles at me, sighing a bit and hugging me close, “You do! Every day you talk to me, every time ya hug me. Each time we kiss. You don’t have to anymore, I’m yours as sure as you’re mine. Tell me that ain’t true..go ahead, tell me.”

I lean against her, “I can’t, it is true. I’m yours, I always will be. But I am a murderer Applejack, I have killed a thousand times over and it is hard sometimes to understand what you see in me.”

She holds my face in both hooves, looking closely, “I see you, the pony that played music and read poetry to me. Ya talked to me on those long nights, when I was feeling a bit down. You brought Hearth’s Warming gifts to just say hello. You’re not that other pony anymore, you’re somepony else! You’re good and kind, and help anyone you can. What more can you do?”

I just nod, holding her close on this bright sunny day in my dream. “I don’t know Applejack, I don’t know. I am trying to make good for all the things I’ve done. I guess I’m still seeking forgiveness.”

“You were defending your home, your planet like you are now. There’s nothing to forgive!”

She’s right, I was doing what I needed to do. I wasn’t bloodthirsty like some older Bolos. I was me, an AI encased in a war machine. I did my job and well, protecting the Concordiat. But now it’s time to change, to stop living in the past. Again is this what Discord meant when he said ‘Just let it go?’

I do, finally. This time I let it go, I rest myself in Applejack’s love and care. She protects me as I do her. I let it go to wherever such things reside, hoping it never returns. I don’t live the life I was given or granted, I live the one I choose. That is what makes it so very special.

I stare back at her, taking in those wonderful eyes, “I love you so very much Applejack.”

“I love ya too you big dolt. But Luna said to tell you, wake up.”

I stare for a moment, then suddenly find myself opening my eyes. The moonlight still streaming into the window, the night is brisk, but warm under the covers. I turn my head to see Applejack opening her eyes, looking at me warmly. We reach for each other once more, the night passes by as we revel in this new feeling of us.

I do not wish to get up, I want to lay here forever in her embrace, holding her tightly and never letting go. But I cannot, I have a duty to perform. I do not know if I go to my death, but I will go knowing I have done my best. My search for redemption is over. Fluttershy forgave me once, even for all I had done. Now I find that I am forgiven in a wholly new way, from somepony who loves me. I am renewed in my purpose. I shall defend this world because it is mine now, as I belong to it. I am a Bolo Combat Unit, the song of the Dinochrome Brigade sings in my body. There is none that can stand before me on this or any other world.

Once again I am going to teach an errant thing the price it pays when taking on a Bolo.

I am going to slaughter Masada.

I slip out of the bed, leaving a note by my love who quietly sleeps. I am sure my face shows determination as I stalk down the hallways. I see Apple Bloom and Scootaloo lounging around the breakfast table. They are cheerful, laughing, teasing each other over who had the fastest time in the mock up. I could not be prouder of both of them, the spirits of my brothers and sisters live in these two.

We are informed by an arriving Princess Celestia that we are to teleport to Ponyville immediately. Discord will be there to help, her sister is watching over him right now to prevent any more problems. We are to pack and be ready in ten minutes.

I see the Crusaders scramble out, I do as well, heading for our room and waking up Applejack, letting her know we are to be in the main room in ten minutes.

“We’re going to Ponyville love, it’s time.”

She nods, kissing me warmly as she arises from the bed. We grab our things and go.

Arriving in Ponyville by teleport is a distinct experience. I am afraid experiencing nausea was not on my list of must do. We are in a house overlooking the hill on the outskirts, it’s as close as we can get and still be assured of some safety.

Twilight is there, her other friends attending as well, seeing if they can assist in some way. I watch Pinkie making sure the Guards eat, she is always smiling, always. I remember, ‘Ponies know.’ Rainbow Dash is grounded until the danger is past, although she is complaining it’s and I quote, “Booooring” in here. She is the only one fast enough to outrace my weapons, she is on retrieval in case anything goes wrong outside.

Rarity is still comforting Sweetie Belle, watching her friends get prepared, she wishes them the best, looking as if a heavy heart has been keeping her up all night. Her friends reassure her it is fine, though I can see in her eyes that is not the case for herself.

I am talking with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, they are nervous but excited as all young ones usually are when trusted with something important. Twilight and Applejack will be escorting them out to the hill as they are not Pegasi and therefore not targeted. They are to wait by the hatch until I am inside, after that, if all goes to plan, they will be inside and disrupting Masada before it realizes.

Of course, I remember that idiot Murphy and his laws so long ago, hoping that Equestria does not abide by them.

Discord appears to be somewhat subdued, although having a glowering Luna standing over you like a sentinel would be intimidating to anypony I suppose. She is not happy at all this and is trying to keep her anger in check. Celestia warmly smiles at her, reminding her to be calm, and just concentrate on the matter at hand.

I talk with Applejack in a corner of one room, away from listening ears, just a moment between us.

“You be very careful love, I expect to get hit on the ear many more times.” I smile at my little joke, seeing her laugh.

She hugs me tight, whispering in my ear, “You promised, and ah’m holding you to it, you got that? You come back.”

I nod, kissing her cheek, “I will do my best.”

“No, not your best,” She looks at me intently, “You come back to me or ah’m comin’ in there after you. You hear me?”

I nod, we can only embrace before she and Twilight head out to the hatch. I watch them before they get too far to see, the racket of guns pounding our ears. It appears Masada has removed the suppression on the weapons to draw more attention. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom are covered by the two adults, holding them close as they start their mission. I turn to face the Princesses.

“We have a few minutes before they reach the hill.” I look at a subdued Discord, “Once they reach there, you are to give me back my old form, once I am inside the data cores I will be fighting Masada for control, do not touch me again. Do you understand?”

He nods, still silent as we wait, I see one of the Guards putting down a telescope, “They’ve arrived Your Highness.”

I close my eyes, “All right Discord.”

I feel the touch of a single talon upon my head, I am inside again, the cores vibrant with life and power, my weapons stand ready. I take a look around quickly for .0003 seconds, finding nothing as my personality immediately gets hit from the lower cores.

I am in a fight for my life.

Author's Note

One of those late night uploads, enjoy folks. As always you are all awesome!:pinkiehappy:

Belly of the Beast. CMC Commandos. One Last Thing.

Author's Note

No this is not the end of the story, expect more:twilightsmile:

Tip of the hat to you Enderborn Brony. Enjoy folks!

Belly of the Beast. CMC Commandos. One Last Thing.

I am stunned for a picosecond by the ferocity of the attack. I immediately slam back with security authorizations. As I do so I cut the link with my avatar for safety.

“Cease! Authorization Phi Upsilon Mu Five Two Two!”

You are not authorized, you are an intruder.

It is single minded definitely. I am grabbing the controls for the outward cameras, seeing Applejack and Twilight hunkered down by the hatchway, their ears lowered as the guns keep up their deafening roar.

“I am the controlling intelligence CRSD One Five Four Three Nine Upsilon Upsilon Mu Delta, relinquish authority immediately! Phi Phi Upsilon Delta Four Two!”

Authority not recognized. I am the controlling intelligence, you are an intruder.

I am attacked, it comes rolling in from the Phi Cores, surrounding me and attempting to burn the areas where I am at. I move swiftly and without thought, getting away from this malevolent thing in the array.

It is quick, and it is massive. The scientist who thought this up made sure it enveloped everything in it’s reach to accomplish it’s mission. As I pass the Delta Cores I reach out, burning the nuclear weapons interlocks shut. I score a victory, it can launch them, but they will not go critical. Take that.

I am suddenly hit from behind, the lower Alpha Cores, it comes roaring out of the electronic hash in the array, forcing me back. I must get control of the hatch ways! I entangle with it’s coding for a few picoseconds, piercing deep and pulling away chunks as I am forced back into the Beta Arrays to make a stand.

------------A few seconds earlier-----------

All eyes were on Discord as he touched Crusaders head, suddenly the body jerked under his touch. The eyes popped open for a second as if not recognizing where he was. Taking one last look around Crusader fell over in a slumped heap.

Princess Luna immediately cried, “DO NOT touch him!”

The Guards stood back, watching the motionless figure, not realizing he’d been fighting for a lifetime already.

My attacks are weakening it in certain areas, I speed my processes up, operating at femtosecond capabilities. It has burned my data cores in the Upsilon Rho Array, I lose memories quickly, seeing them flare and short. I attack this time, moving around the Alpha Cores, coming up through the weapons database and striking it from behind. I must find it’s center of programming. The central core it operates from. I am moving much faster but it is more massive than I am.

I reach out as I pass the Controls Array, grabbing the hatches and slamming them open, taking the a moment to burn the locks, the way is clear. Part of me is still paying attention to Twilight and Applejack, seeing them slowly move into the tunnel, herding the Crusaders before them. I have plenty of time, lifetimes to fight and I am holding my own.

Stop intruder, you are not authorized!

“It’s MY damn war hull you stupid piece of programming!”

I keep watch as best I can on the group entering the tunnel. Watching outwards I see a small white shape making its way from the edge of the village. It is Sweetie Belle! She is obviously coming to join her friends. Masada is distracted for an attosecond by the appearance of the little unicorn, I take my shot, burning through an outer section of it’s program as I pass through Phi Cores; I reach out to the Delta Cores once more and doubly scorch the nuclear weapons locks, now they cannot even be fired. I have scored a great victory on this thing.

Cease activity now or you will be destroyed!

I shoot back with an expletive I have learned from Rainbow Dash when we were a bit drunk.

“Shove it up your plot ya jerk!” I feel strangely gratified saying that...

I am hit with a massive programmed attack, it’s code trying to wrap around mine as I dodge and weave through the Arrays now. I head for the intruder defenses as I see the group heading down the tunnel way to the Command Deck. My priority is to stop the power rifles from activating, or Masada from noticing them. So far I have done an admirable job keeping it’s attention. I dive through the Upsilon Cores, coming up under it and tearing another chunk out of it’s attack processes. I continue to monitor Twilight and Applejack through the tunnel as I fend off probing attacks from Masada. I shoot out seekers, tendrils of programming looking for weak spots.

We Bolos have engaged in Cyber Combat since the beginning of autonomous thought. We have learned and taught each other how to infiltrate, crash or completely burn enemy networks, breaking algorithms and code. I use every trick in my long history fighting this thing. I am a Bolo and I will NOT be stopped!

I watch Sweetie run into the tunnel with her friends. I hope she can keep control of any magic as they work their way to the arrays maintenance way. I am forcing the issue with Masada now, tearing through him with a little trick I learned from the bombardment of Alastair 3, the indigs there were machine based life, they didn’t like it either. I twist my attack code into a spiral, like a corkscrew digging deep into its mass, tearing code and burning it as I pass, I bore a hole clear through Masada!

It recovers though and now I have it’s complete attention.

My memories are flooding me now, what is left of them, I am learning by the attosecond. It cannot adapt or even change, it is sole minded and I will use every advantage I have.

--------------Seconds earlier------------

Twilight’s ears were folded back, the thunder of the guns was making her deaf. She stared at Applejack as she sheltered Apple Bloom and Scootaloo under her wings. Their hooves were being driven into the ground by the concussive force of the rounds pounding downrange. Dust was making a choking cloud as they waited by the hatch; Applejack was nestled along her side, her hat long lost after the first round of firing.

A voice yelling out of the cloud showed Sweetie Belle running up to them through the dust and dirt, her face worried as she slammed into Applejack’s side.

“What in hay are you doin’ here Sweetie?” Applejack had to scream over the raging weapons.

“I couldn’t leave my friends I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”

The hatch chose that moment to slide aside with a clanging sound, all eyes turned toward it as Twilight figured it was too late to do anything. She pushed Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and now Sweetie before her into the tunnel, “Get moving!!”

Applejack was right behind her, they had a bit of relief from the concussions outside as they ran down the tunnel, hoping the next hatch was already open.

I watch them through the tunnel, smashing back tendrils of code from Masada as I detach an attack probe, sending it through the Rho Cores, heading for the intruder defenses. I need to stop those weapons before they set one hoof on the command deck. Otherwise this will all be for naught.

I keep programming on the fly, creating new attack code as I go, forcing Masada to back away from me with a scramble, I have hurt it badly and I am still pressing my advantage. It does not know how to react except with brute force. I am agile and fleet in my own arrays, I do not let it surround me anymore, nor do I let it back me into a corner.

My probes are approaching the intruder defenses, I will burn and scramble them, no time for finesse. This is scorched ground nothing less. I cannot let it have any chance at all for gaining control anywhere on the weapons arrays. As I pass by different sections I reach out, looking for the chemical weapons it has designed. I smell the code down in the Mu Cores, the chemical composition tells me it is lethal and persistent. The worst of what humanity had developed.

My observations of the group see they are almost to the command deck. My probes are reaching the intruder defenses as it burns them one by one. Two rifles to go, two down. I am slammed by an attack from my lower Pi Upsilon Cores, my code momentarily shattered as I back away, losing control over my probes.

I panic for a moment, reaching back out to get control but they are gone. I quickly program a fleet of more, spending them prodigiously into the arrays, all programmed for the rifles on the command deck. They are in danger!

The intruder alarms go off as they step onto the command deck, my probes are mere attoseconds away from the rifles processors when they are rolled over by Masada the damn thing. I am left without action, they must take those rifles out themselves, I am fighting a rearguard action as it mass attacks me. Forcing me back into the Beta Arrays I am forced to throw up defensive coding, fending off the powerful mauling I am receiving from Masada.

------------A few seconds ago--------

Twilight shook her head as she stepped into the tunnel, her ears laid flat as they shepherded the fillies into the way before them. Everything was muffled and distant. Looking over her should she saw that Applejack was the same way, twisting a hoof in one ear trying to hear.

Reaching the end of the way, they saw the hatch was open. Relief shot through all of them as they stepped out onto the command deck, still nicely furnished by Rarity.

As soon as Twilight’s hoof hit the plating, they heard a whooping sound and a voice that was not Crusaders come over the speakers.

HALT INTRUDERS! You are not allowed in the command deck!

Applejack was ready for this, Crusader had told her a few words that might work. “Applejack, Phi Rho Upsilon Four Four Two Three.”

They sweated a few seconds while it appeared whoever it was was making a decision. They did not know that Crusader was slamming into Masada at that exact moment, spearing it deep when the code she used gave it pause. He had waited until she had spoken, then broke the line inside the Arrays, ramming his attack into Masada and burning another large chunk of code from it.

YOU ARE NOT..not...n...AUTH..Auth.. You are Intruders! NO..not...no...

They moved over to the array access tunnel, still not open as they heard the voice stutter and stop. Hoping that whatever Crusader was doing it was working. They were exposed on the deck, nowhere to hide except a couple of couches that weren’t ready to be shattered by power rifle fire. Applejack and Twilight kept their eyes on the ceiling, knowing where the defenses were and waiting.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were huddled against the access hatch, Apple Blooms eyes never leaving it as she wanted to be in there the split second it opened. Scootaloo was talking to Sweetie in low tones.

“What are you DOING here?”

“I..I couldn’t let you go alone. I’m sorry! I couldn’t! Rarity’s gonna be so mad, I took off out of the house while we were waiting for you to get inside.” Her saddened face broke Scoot’s heart, she hugged her friend.

“Don’t use your magic, just be calm. We know what to do, you follow Apple Bloom inside okay? It’s fine, we’re the Crusaders! We can do anything!” Her grin lit up the deck as she kept a hold of her Unicorn friend.

Apple Bloom nodded, her eyes never leaving the hatch, “Darn right we are, we’re gonna do this right!”

Applejack gave a small smile to Twilight, trying to listen to the fillies as her hearing came back bit by bit. It dropped off her face as she saw two panels open on the ceiling, long-barreled weapons dropping from the spaces.

“Oh ponyfeathers!”

I cannot stop the rifles, it is too late and I cannot program fast enough. Masada has activated the intruder countermeasure alarms and they are slinging down to take their shots at the group of ponies.

My rage gathers within me as I see them threatened. I have changed in ways Masada will never understand and this is one of them. My anger, my frustration at this fight gathers inside me as I push forward, roaring in my fury. My codes are attacking all along Masada’s front, slamming hard through the blockade. I cannot reach the intruder alarms in time, it has sealed them behind more code, it will take seconds to penetrate even fast as I am. But I do the next best thing. I attack!

I bring with me everything I am and have learned, I scream out of the Alpha and Beta Cores, bringing all the lethal algorithms I have learned over the millenia. The fighting is intense, more cores and arrays are scorched or dusted in my fury. I do not care, Applejack is on the command deck!

Masada is powerful, and massive, he is healing even as I tear code and programming from its guts, throwing it away and deleting it forever. Half my mind is occupied watching the rifles lower, so slowly and I cannot do a thing to stop them. I pound up against his coded bastion, throwing spheres of death his way, slinging authorization codes to slow the response time, I flood the wells of data with my indignation!

I am obsessed with my madness, tearing code from Masada like a tiger gutting its prey! I must reach the hatch controls and stop those rifles!

YOU. WILL. NOT. HURT. THEM!

I breach the walls of programming, throwing my weight behind the opening, reaching in with tendrils and opening the array hatch, burning the controls open with an overload as I am forced back out mere femtoseconds after gaining the round. It cannot stop them reaching the arrays now, I just have to make sure they survive the next few seconds to do so.

Apple Bloom heard her sister swear and looked around, seeing the rifles dropping form the ceiling and knowing they were bad things from what Crusader had told them. Dropping to her haunches, she held her hooves out in front of her, giving Scootaloo a nudge, “Up! Up and over! Get the one on the right!”

Scootaloo didn’t even blink, she crouched in the strong earth pony hooves and got launched straight at the swinging weapon on the right. Her wings buzzing as she shot like a bullet unerringly slapping onto the power rifle. Hanging onto the main body, Scootaloo rammed her hooves into the thin metal casing over and over; smashing into the electronics and tearing whatever she could reach out, sparking and fizzling telling her the thing was out of the fight.

Twilight had dodged to the left, Applejack going right as they closed in on the other weapon. The orange earth pony’s legs launching her into an arc that ended with her smashing into the thing hanging from the ceiling, her forehooves creasing a hole in the light metal case before dropping to the floor. Twilight hovered with her wings as the gun was swinging around, using her back hooves as she flipped forward to ram the barrel off to the side; a shot ringing out over the deck, ricocheting off the walls as it buried itself inside a couch beside Apple Blooms head.

She leaned forward a bit and looked at the smoking hole with wide eyes, “Sun and stars...”

Applejack bunched up again, leaping upwards to hang from the body of the gun, smashing into it again with powerful strokes of a hoof, the casing giving way as she tore into the electronics. She was yelling something Twilight couldn’t quite understand, but from some of the words realized it really wasn’t proper to repeat.

Scootaloo came back, nudging Apple Bloom and pointing towards the open hatch, “We gotta go!”

Sweetie Belle squeaked as they pushed her into the tunnel, the three Crusaders disappearing into the way as Applejack finished off the last rifle. Dropping to the floor and dusting her hooves off with a clap.

Looking at the open tunnel she sighed, “Well they’re on the way, let’s hope..”

Twilight nodded, sidling close to her friend as she bit her lip for a moment, “What exactly was that word you used....?”

“Twilight!”

I watch the fight in the command deck with half an eye, concentrating on ramming more attack code into Masada as it tries to gather it’s strength for an assault. I hit and run along the Core Lines, dodging and weaving in and out, clipping chunks off it’s main program. I am a guerrilla fighter like the French Resistance in WW2. I teach the enemy pain and fade away into the darkness of the databanks. I slam attack programs into it’s body from different sides, keeping it off balance as it continues to try and launch the weapons it has left. They are not much, I have burned cores along my track, disarming it as I go. It can all be rebuilt with time, but right now, it is of the essence it cannot launch or use a single one.

Diving in from above the Phi Cores, raiding it’s code and burning more cores for the howitzer secondaries, no longer useful you evil thing. Take that again!

I do not however, underestimate my opponent; it is brutal and coarse, but it is an intelligence in it’s own right. It has struck blows against me which keep me wary, striking out of nowhere to retreat and do so again. But I am getting stronger, my lines and programming faster and more nimble than the clumsy giant.

I sense again the chemical weapons controls, down deep inside the arrays. I move for it, seeing where it goes and keeping Masada occupied on the other side away from me. My code is swift along the data lines, the molecular circuits humming with power as I streak towards the weapons controller programs.

Letting off copies of myself to roam the pathways and head back to fight Masada, I find myself in an unfamiliar core, something I had not accessed before. It takes barely a .0002 second look around but I have found Masada’s core! This is it’s lair! I set the trap I have made, leaving a bomb in the middle of it’s home, no safety to be found here.

Following the lines of chemical weapons codes I find the arrays dedicated to them. It had been mass producing the worst of all the war agents that humanity had devised. It is sick, it makes my program feel uneasy to even view this data of death and such pain and anguish it would cause.

I crush the programming, burning the data to bits and dust. I do not want this to come again or be used. Ever. It is nothing but indignity, unhonorable and it kills indiscriminately. I am appalled, disgusted and angry. I scorch the cores containing the information, letting it go once again. Leaving it where nopony can ever find.

I turn myself around in a rage, seeing the weapons stacked in the bay waiting to be loaded onto the Hammerheads. I stream back to Masada where it fights my copies, rejoining and redoubling my effort with a yell of resentment. Tearing into Masada with claws of code, teeth of algorithms, my muscles of electrons pushing me onward. I am righteous in my unassailable frenzy!

Apple Bloom was hot and sweaty inside the cramped tunnel, working their way down swiftly to the arrays. They knew that they needed to be as close to in the middle of the big slabs before letting off the gems containing their magic to cause a disruption. She didn’t understand all of it, but it was important to do so, and they weren’t gonna let Crusader down!

Scootaloo kept pushing Sweetie ahead of them, murmuring encouraging words to her as she squeaked a bit being inside the tight confines.

“It’s alright Sweetie, just keep moving, we ain’t got much time!”

“I know, I know..it’s.. just so close..” She was shaking a bit at being in such a tight space.

Apple Bloom called back, “Jes’ keep looking ahead, I know all ya see is my blank flank but that’s fine, jes’ keep yer eyes on it!”

“I will! I am!” Sweetie’s voice sounded a bit stronger.

“Ain’t much further and we’ll be right there, jes’ hang on!”

Sensors tell me they are in the access way, this is good, all is going according to plan. Sweetie is with them, I see three bodies in the tunnel. They should reach the arrays in a few more seconds.

Masada comes at me once again, this time at an angle off the Mu Cores. I am ready for the ignorant thing, slamming it back with well placed darts of data, tearing deep once again into it’s program. I take a seriously evil glee in seeing the data rip off it’s shell, scattering to bits as I stab again and again.

So far no magic has been used, the three are beyond it’s screened defenses as I have kept it occupied and in battle. Stupid program, it didn’t have any clue about magic or what was going to happen to it.

It is reaching for something, I cannot quite see it before it changes some coding in the maintenance area. It is sending spiders after the three fillies! I slash the tendril off, making it pay for it’s impudence! I cannot change the coding as it has already been sent, it has burned the control core. I can only warn them.

Applejack’s link came alive with a crackle, “Applejack!”

“Crusader?”

“Tell Apple Bloom there are spiders heading her way!”

Applejack’s eyes widened as she didn’t question the voice, leaning into the tunnel way she yelled down it, “Apple Bloom! Watch out for them spiders! You got somethin’ comin’ yer way!! Ya hear me?”

Apple Bloom turned a bit in the tunnel, “Did she say spiders?”

Scootaloo nodded behind Sweetie who was also moving her head up and down, “That’s what we heard!”

“Well ponyfeathers, like we ain’t got enough on our plate,” Apple Bloom grumbled as she led them down the opening.

I ram more attack codes at Masada, driving it back into the unused cores, making it take up a defensive stance. If i can keep it there it will be easier to stomp on once Apple Bloom reaches the arrays. I do not let up the fight, I keep pressing forward, ever onward in my quest to keep it at bay.

Making sure it sends no more commands anywhere it can do harm, I have burned the weapons cores, it can no longer pursue it’s launch. I have surrounded the fusion reactor command cores with walls of codes miles thick in data terms. It cannot breach them, I have it on the run, but I need the disruption to help kill it. It is too massive to simply overwhelm.

Apple Bloom finally came out in the open area, slabs of what looked like glass laced with gold and silver surrounded her. For a moment she just stared as it was very pretty, seeing the pulses of data racing along the hair thin lines.

“C’mon everypony, we’re here! Get them gems out Scoots we got us a mission to finish!”

The little pegasus pushed Sweetie Belle into the open area, finally getting out from behind her and sighing, worn out from the shoving as Sweetie just didn’t like enclosed spaces.

Reaching her mouth into her saddlebags, Scootaloo was getting out a gem when she was slammed to the deck by a tech spider. The pointed legs reaching for her eyes as she let out a most un-ponylike scream catching Apple Blooms’ attention.

The olive earth pony whipped around, shooting forward and slamming both fore hooves into the thing, beating it until it no longer moved. It’s pointed legs scratching and digging deep along her coat as she stepped back, bloody and disheveled.

“Scoots ya okay?”

She could do nothing but nod and point as another dropped from the arrays, landing on Apple Bloom this time. She rolled as Scootaloo and Sweetie pounded on it, breaking protrusions and slamming hooves into it as hard as they could to get it off their friend.

“Get it offa me!” She was wrestling with it, trying to keep a leg from taking an eye out.

“We’re trying! We’re trying!”

Sweetie Belles’ horn lit up, holding the legs in place for a moment before sputtering out, she was just too nervous. But it gave the other two time to ram the thing into the bulkhead, smashing it up good and proper. Scootaloo was using a few words that made Apple Bloom blush as they beat the thing into submission.

“Don’t say them things round Applejack Scoots, she’ll whup ya!”

The cerise pegasus eyes rolled as she pounded the spider, “I..*WHAM* don’t....*SLAM*.....CARE! *SLAM!*

Sweetie Belle tapped her on the shoulder, “I think you beat it up enough Scoots.”

Scootaloo stopped, breathing heavily as she gave the spider a final kick, rummaging in her bags and pulling out a gem, “There’s no more where’d they go?”

“Oh stars, lookit!” Apple Bloom pointed far down in the tangle of wires and slabs, “They fell outta yer bag Scoots! Is this gonna be enough?”

“I dunno! Crusader said use as many as we could.” She looked crestfallen before turning to Sweetie, “C’mon Sweetie, time to shine, rev up that horn!”

Apple Bloom nodded, “C’mon we ain’t got much time, we need to now! ‘Fore them things come get us!”

“But...but what if I..”

“Sweetie! C’mon just do it, we ain’t got the time to argue!”

The little light gray Unicorn scrunched her face up, putting all her will into her magic as she’d been taught. The horn starting to light up with the best spell she knew, a neat little one that flashed light everywhere.

“Scoots you light that gem off about the same time she does, got it?”

“Got it! Tap twice!” She laid the gem down, her hoof hovering over it.

Sweetie Belle’s faced was a epic picture of determination, she’d wanted to be with her friends and now she couldn’t fail them. She was sweating a bit in the hot room, her magic was just building and it was taking too long. Obviously she had overheard Scoots cursing and decided to say a few of the same words when the spell triggered, blinding everypony.

Scootaloo hit the gem twice, triggering the magics inside it, adding to the flash as they closed their eyes hoping it worked.

I see, I can feel the disruption throughout the arrays, the Crusaders have done it. I wait for the right time seeing Masada in complete disarray and confusion, and I strike!

My attack lines go streaming into the rolling wave of static, pounding Masada into worthless bits of code. My programs overwhelm the confused brute, making it pay for each indiscretion by burning it alive. It flees back to it’s home in the core I had trapped I watch as it tries to close itself off; the logic bomb going off as it shuts the pathway, stopped when the trap goes off, scattering its code everywhere, allowing my sweeper programs to pick them up, burning them to bits and trashing them forever.

I am exultant! The Crusaders are truly heroes to a pony as I sweep my cores, looking for any evidence of Masada. I make sure no corner is left untouched for .0005 seconds of diagnostics. They come back clean. I flame the core where it resided, slagging it to melted glass and metal. No more.

“Applejack?” The voice comes over the speakers.

“Crusader! Are ya okay! Did it work?” Applejack had seen the flash from the tunnel.

“Oh yes, the Crusaders did their job just fine, we’ve won Applejack, though I am damaged.”

Twilight gave a huge whoop, leaping in the air with a hoof raised, making Applejack jump as she never acted that way. The mulberry mare grabbed her friend in a hug as they both celebrated.

“Ya know, it’d be nice to get a hoof out of this tunnel?” The grumbling voice was Apple Blooms’. Bloody, dirty, disheveled mane, her bow lost somewhere during the fight, she looked a sight. Sweetie Belle followed right after, looking just as bad, but a gleaming grin on her face showed she had helped her friends.

Poor Scootaloo was last, dragging on the last bit of energy she had when she dropped into Twilight’s hooves from the access way.

Twilight smiled, hugging the little pegasus, “You guys did great!”

Applejack grabbed Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom in her legs, “Y’all are heroes ya know that? Crusader said ya did good!”

“Indeed Applejack, they made the difference in the fight, trust me.”

Applejack laughed as she brushed some soot from Sweetie’s face, “Rarity’s gonna have a conniption sure as stars above.”

“I couldn’t leave my friends though!”

“Ah know Sweetie, ah know.”

“Pardon me, I have one last duty, I shall be right back Applejack.”

I activate my avatar, setting up the TSDS once again I can feel it around me, though something has changed in it, there is no time to analyze. I look around the room seeing Luna, Celestia and...Oh yes... Discord..

My battle screen flicks on, attuned to repel magic as I stand on my hind legs and rear back, slamming my hoof in his jaw with as much force as I dare muster. My anger finally getting a release I’ve long waited for.

I let the screen snap off as I get dog-piled by the guards, reducing my strength and letting them slam me to the floor.

I am not repentant, I will not BE repentant, and I will always treasure that look of surprise and the hoofprint on his face forever.

Applejack is going to kill me.

There Are Always Consequences....(Rewrite)

Author's Note

I rewrote it! Yes, a rewrite! Cripes, write one chapter with a hangover and NO ONE let's you forget it.. :twilightsheepish:

There Are Always Consequences....(Rewrite)

I have so much to repair. There is extensive damage throughout all my arrays and specific cores. My technical spiders are now disabling the last of the chemical weapons, the nanite systems are breaking them down to be harmless. Never again shall this threat reappear if I can help it.

There is so much to do as I scan my cores, data is gone forever, most of my memories are partially intact. Though I have no more of former commanders and for that I grieve. But I am heartened as well. I have a new life, a new purpose and it is once again what I choose. I am content with this.

Masada however, does not exist anymore. I have scanned and wiped even the merest traces of the thing from my systems. I have also gone on a deeper diagnostic hunt for any more surprises such as a hidden TSORP or other programs. This will take some time, but I have that and more. The first thing I repaired was controlling systems to my mast guns, keeping them primed for anymore forest threats.

My Ferrets are out with the spiders, recovering my drones for repair, I can at least get sensor coverage back up. I have already launched replacements and they are on patrol now. Things are getting back to standards.

As for my avatar, it is working fine, the TSDS systems are in good shape, although it has been a bit altered. Diagnostics tell me the sensors on it are much sharper in some areas plus a few other odd items. It will require further investigation. I believe magic interacts in some strange way with technology as I have not delved into the specifics. I must do so soon, I look forward to the challenge.

Of course, there is my answering about a hoofprint on a certain face.

“As the judgment of this ruling tribunal of myself, Princess Luna and Princess Twilight Sparkle, you are hereby fined 50 bits for assault and battery on another.”

“Yes Your Highness."

I see Princess Luna putting a royal hoof over her mouth, I am sure she is stifling a snicker, but fear it would be impolitic to acknowledge it or mention in any way.

Princess Celestia coughs politely, looking at her sister. She turns back to myself, “We know that Discord truly did not know what he was messing with. Technology and science such as yours has never figured in his games." She raises a hoof, “However, this does not excuse him for putting all of Equestria, even the world under a threat that cannot be overestimated. I assure you, we will find the appropriate punishment."

“I understand your Highness."

“You are a good pony Crusader, and have done well in your time as a citizen. But let not anger rule your actions please."

“I do truly apologize for my actions Your Highnesses, I will try not to let my emotions dictate them in the future." I am sorry but I do not truly apologize, he deserved at least that for everything he has done. Absence of knowledge is no excuse in my eyes considering the sentence he had put the world under.

What I did not see was Applejacks' eyes go a bit wide at my statement. She was sitting with the Crusaders at the side watching the tribunal.

After striking Discord, I was piled on by Royal Guards, they did not take kindly to violence in the vicinity of the Princesses. I had no argument with that and was taken into custody. I was brought to Twilight’s castle where I awaited a swift and summary judgment, though I still found it frustrating that Discord was the aggrieved party. I had done wrong though, willfully, and honor holds I should pay the price for my crimes. It appears the Royal Treasury is getting a boost from my misdeeds.

Applejack and Twilight arrived with very happy Crusaders. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were attended to by medics, though they kept protesting they were fine. It appeared Applejack had predicted Rarity’s response when she saw the disheveled, quite filthy but smiling Sweetie Belle who tried to tell Rarity of her adventure; but who would hear none of it until “She was cleaned and scrubbed to a shine!”

Poor Sweetie Belle.

Myself on the other hoof...

Applejack approached as the Princesses stood talking, taking my head in her hooves she smiled at me warmly, “Ya know I love you right?”

“Yes my Applejack.”

“You love me just as much back right?”

“Of course!”

“Okay then.”

I go a bit cross-eyed as my ear is pinched in a pastern, Applejack dragging me out with a unsettled look on her face. I see the Princesses staring slack jawed as I am pulled from the room, tugged off into another quiet area.

She keeps yanking my ear, eliciting responses from me as I get towed onward till we reach a setting area. I do not once think of trying to break free as she is insistent upon this.

“You sit down right there, we're gonna have a talk.” She points with a steady hoof at a cushion on the floor.

I nod, “Yes my Applejack.” As I rub my ear and set where she has pointed.

She kicks a cushion over near me, settling down on it. Her eyes are watching me as I keep her in my sight.

Leaning over, I am kissed warmly, being held in tight legs as I return it. After she breaks the embrace, she lightly cuffs me on the pinched ear, eliciting a yelp of pain from me. My pain sensors are truly acting odd.

“I love ya to death, I want you to know that. Hitting Discord, well, I can see that. He’s a pain in the backside sometimes, and yeah a lot of times some of us had wanted to do the same thing.” She smiles at me, “But it doesn’t excuse things ya know, that’s why they fined you."

“I know my Applejack, it is well and good.”

“But what I won’t tolerate is you lying.” The look on her face is holding a trace of sadness, I have disappointed her. "That's why I cuffed ya there, understand?"

“But I...” I am cut off by a raised hoof.

“Element of Honesty remember?”

“Yes my Applejack.”

“You know better than to do that, no matter how disgusted ya are.”

“I know.”

“Then why did you just lie to the Princesses about bein’ sorry?” Her face is expectant, waiting for an answer.

“Because he deserved me hitting him, and I am not sorry I did it.”

I see Rainbow Dash peering out of the hallway, then Pinkie peeking around the door as well. Wonderful, we have an audience. Oh for..is that Princess Luna?

“You don’t need to be lyin’, it's okay to be mad sometimes. You told me of your Regiment and of honor and duty. Why would you do something against that? Cause you were mad?” She shakes her head, “You know that’s not right.”

She is right, I do and I have dishonored my brethren. I do not like the look of disappointment on her face. “I do. But I was...am still so very angry Applejack. His actions could have cost the world, everything,” I look directly at her, “You.”

“I understand, I truly do.” She chuckles to herself, not seeing the crowd at the door, “I wish I coulda seen his face when you clocked him.”

I make absolutely no mention of the recording. I believe it better not to. Perhaps much later

“But ah want to make it clear, no more lyin’, that’s not how mah family does things. If yer gonna be part of this family, be with me, no more. Ah’m not giving ya an order or nuthin’ like that. But no more, clear?”

“Crystal clear my Commander.” I smile at her, showing I am joking.

I am embraced again, we share another kiss, it is so warm and wonderful.

“Apple Bloom loves ya bunches as well as the rest of them Crusaders. You don’t need to be showing them that lying is a thing they can get away with.” She touches my chest with a hoof, “They learned before with the whole Gabby Gums thing, but this is different, okay?”

“I understand. Honestly I do. Once again I apologize my Applejack.”

“Good, now you don’t need to apologize to me, you need to find the Princesses and give one to them.”

I can do nothing but raise a hoof to point at the door where the Princesses, Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow and Fluttershy are all stuffed into the doorway listening to the whole conversation. Princess Celestia seems to have a hoof in front of her face, I believe she is trying to look as if she is regally annoyed I had lied, but the smile shows through.

Applejack rolls her eyes, nothing is sacred it seems, “Well go on then, least ya don’t have to go lookin’!”

“Yes my Applejack.”

After my apologies, and I assure you they were heartfelt and very well phrased, I was allowed to leave. Applejack has reassured me that all is well with us, but she will not tolerate that behavior in anypony. I agree, I have been acting out of emotions more lately and that is still troublesome, but I am getting a better handle on them.

But stored in my Deep Cores, where I keep certain designs and plans safe from prying intelligences, there is a recording. As I sit here on the hill looking up at the stars I replay it, including the sound. Hearing and seeing the satisfying crunch of hoof meeting jawbone makes me break out into a smile.

So tonight, my long lost brothers and sisters, I send to you another message. One of hope and joy, of love and sacrifice. We have worked together, the ponies and I, saving this world from something evil. You would have cheered us in battle my brethren, you would have seen how the Cutie Mark Crusaders stood tall and defiant against the odds. I know the true meaning of sacrifice now, and send to you in the stars two names to hold forever to your breasts. Faded Scroll and Snowbell. Keep them safe my kin, keep them warm and honored. For they belong among the very best of us. Whisper their names among the heavens that they gave of themselves for one of us.

If you are out there, if you can ever return. Come home. Come see what we can be. You would be welcome as I was, loved as I am, befriended.

Goodnight my brothers and sisters.

Applejack has asked me to meet her at the farm. I am more than pleased to do so, I enjoy looking at the trees. We have talked, and I am glad she does not hold that indiscretion against me, I am content with that.

Apple Bloom and the other Crusaders had seen me do so, this was not a good thing in my mind, nor Applejack’s. Young ones must be reminded that there are always consequences for actions and I am happy to demonstrate so. It is no small thing to be looked up to I have found, it is a responsibility.

In my time there were no Bolo toys, no children wanting to become a Commander of a Bolo Unit. There was a duty and that was all. Here, Applejack tells me, they look to me sometimes as an example of what they’d like to be one day, honest and stalwart. I find that a heavier burden to think about than many other things I have done.

So between Applejack and I, we have come up with an appropriate display of contrition that I have in mind. There are always consequences, and I understand this more than anyone else. So I report to my Applejack gladly at the North fields, they are needing plowing and I am just the pony for the job.

I questioned Applejack on the honesty of my plan, she assured me as long as we were forthright about it, she was fine with it. It is a fine line I am sure, but I would never want Apple Bloom in any way to think that what I did was appropriate. I also need to regain what honor I have lost by allowing myself to do so.

She explains carefully to Apple Bloom that I am doing this of my own will, because of what happened at the trial. That passing a falsehood to anypony, especially the Princesses, should not be allowed.

I will also explain to her of my own concept of honor, that I feel the need to uphold it as best I can in this new world. You cannot buy it, be given it, you can only earn it. By doing this, I hope to get a little back.

I am stubborn in this way and always shall be.

Applejack however, seems to be delighting that she is getting a new field turned for planting, increasing the apple harvest by a good third. Although she is taking a bit of advantage I daresay. Sitting under an umbrella, enjoying an iced drink along with her friends and the Crusaders is a bit of an overstatement, though the picnic basket was a nice touch.

As I walk back and forth, flipping the soil over, I try not to look too happy. It is a gorgeous day and I am glad to be out in it. It is a bit dusty, but I have been promised a home made meal afterwards. I am looking forward to it more than just obtaining reaction mass. I wave to her each time I pass.

To say I am content is an understatement.

However...

It is so very hard not to snicker, or let my amusement get the best of me as I pass another who is not willingly doing some plowing. His punishment is far from over whereas my self imposed work will end very soon. My face cracks a smile as I see the lanky figure tugging a plowshare towards me, a chuckle escapes my lips.

“Missed a spot.”

“Shut up Crusader.”

Interlude 2 - Some Moments.

“This above all; to thine own self be true.”

I think upon that phrase from my beloved Bard, sitting upon the hill I call home. Can I be true to myself? Will I be? There are so many questions left, but I look forward to the answers. In such a short space of time there have been so many things to experience. I cannot believe them all, some i would rather not repeat, but I know them to be true.

I have loved, in a way that no Bolo has ever done so. I was real for the nonce, just a brief moment in time. But in that space I was shown what love can and will be. It settles in me like a warm hearth fire, comforting and calm. In that span of days we both learned, my love and I, what true meaning it holds for both of us.

It is not the act, it is the passion, the desire, the longing looks in secret. I yearn for her voice, her touch, more than anything before and I prefer it this way. But I will always be what I am. A Bolo. I can be both beloved and a war machine. I will fight for what I have, let none try and take it.

Fluttershy was very surprised and delighted at her new house. I have shown her what I have done, being honest with the improvements. Her doors and windows can now be shuttered with a touch. Without electricity I have machined it to very fine tolerances, balanced and weighted in such ways the shutters slide into place quickly. The door can be secured with three bolts at the flick of a hoof. I want her to be safe, always.

Anything that tries to get inside will be locked out, and facing me.

Fluttershy is actually quite talkative when at home. She loves her new house, it appears her friends like it as well. Except for one strange rabbit who keeps glaring at me for some reason. I am not quite sure why. But I remember my promise to my love and try to do the polite thing. I ignore it. We walk and talk while I am showing her the new cellar, storage area and food area. I have enlarged it enough to carry a few months worth of supplies if needed for a long siege.

Her smile will brighten any home, I see it a lot as I tell her of the design and how safe it is. She is a true wonder with animals. I assure Fluttershy that she can keep them safe in here with her at any time.

I leave her to get settled in. I had paid for new furnishings as well, seeing as how the others were not in the best of shape after the fight. But that is fine, I do not need the money. I am glad she is happy and healthy.

Applejack does not like my sense of humor, but she is easy prey sometimes. I decided to tell her of the plans, describing to her the Automated Sentry Weapons I had designed but not emplaced. They were quite nice I thought, solar powered, easy to use; and the 15mm gatlings would hold off anything until I got there. As a plus they were earth tone colors, very ecologically friendly of me if I do say so.

The conversation got very loud about not putting those around Fluttershy's house until I told her it was just a joke.

I was then told it was not humorous.

I thought it was funny.

My Ferrets have arrived, tech spiders are unloading the remains of the drones brought down by the Wonderbolts team and Rainbow Dash. I think it was truly a piece of daring flying, knowing the capabilities of my own equipment. I am sure, as some humans used to say, “They are drinking for free.” on their stories. They are welcome to them, truly it was something to see.

It has been a few days since Applejack and her friends were asked to go to Appleloosa. A town somewhere to the south, I have tasked a drone to keep watch on all of them in case of trouble, their IFF’s are loud and clear. It appears a gang of Minotaurs was causing trouble along the outskirts, so the group was sent to see what they could do to solve the problem.

I would have offered to go, but my solutions are somewhat more permanent than just making friends. I do not begrudge them that fact, they are easy to like, and get along with. Myself, I am warrior born and always shall be.

I did offer a ride in one of the Ferret’s, but it was politely declined, the train is far more comfortable I was told. This is true, admittedly Concordiat Marines did not need beds or seats, they just hung on and hoped for the best. Maybe I should refit one of them?

But they are doing fine, Applejack calls me every so often on the relay through the drone. I worry about her, and wish to keep her safe. But I will not interfere in her life, she has had amazing adventures, I will not keep her from them.

A figure stole quietly from the street to the door of Twilight’s castle, taking one last look around as a hoof knocked on the door. A small dragon answered, peeking outwards then up at the pony.

“You got it?”

“I got it.”

“COOL! C’mon in before anypony sees!”

Spike and the pony hurried inside, running up the stairs to his room, closing the door quickly.

“Are you sure we’re okay doing this?”

“Positive! We’re alone!”

The pony reached into a saddlebag, withdrawing a few items, “As long as we’re okay.”

Spike helped the pony undo the saddlebags, pulling out a load of popcorn and a bunch of books. The little dragon immediately went to the kitchen to start the popcorn going, tons of butter and salt of course! He waited impatiently for it to pop, when finally done he threw it all in a huge bowl, running back to the room to see his visitor sprawled out on the floor.

“Oh wow! You got the latest Power Ponies!

“Absolutely, pay enough and you can get anything delivered.”

“I gotta wait for Twilight to get deliveries from Canterlot so I can order more. Wow, what are these cards?”

“These my scaly friend, are Friend or Foe Identification Cards, detailing enemy vehicles and heavy war machines. I thought you’d like a set. As long as you promise not to show them around?”

Spike’s claws riffled through the cards, each one extremely detailed with ID numbers and points on each card, “These are SO cool! I promise to keep them here!”

I point out the various war machines used by the enemies of the Concordiat, “This is a Yavac, used by a race called the Deng.” I continue on for a bit, showing Spike all the different things I have fought through the years.

It is a guilty pleasure. Ever since Spike showed me his comics, we have been arranging a comics binge for the last two weeks. I get the latest issues directly from the store by mail. When they come in, I bring the popcorn and we both indulge in reading the latest adventures.

Twilight frowns upon Spike wasting so much time, and if Applejack knew I’m sure she would agree. But, it brings joy to his heart and he has become a friend, I don’t think popcorn and comic books are going to create a problem. When we cannot meet in the castle, we use my command deck. I find it relaxing to just lay about with my avatar, enjoy the adventures of these fictional ponies and so many other good comics.

The mail Pegasus does not question me getting comic books, and I make sure to give her a very nice tip for flying out of her way. It works out, but statistics say that we will be discovered. Until then hot popcorn tastes so very good to my avatar for some odd reason.

It is a nice way to spend a few hours. My mind is constantly reviewing data from the drones, but I am at peace just sitting and reading comic books.

There is always something to do every day, it is a pleasure reading comics, but there is so much to do in life it seems. I have my tech spiders repaint two more of my Dragons, putting Faded Scroll’s cutie mark on one, and a Hummingbird upon the other. A fitting way I think to remember them by.

I am also thinking about, well actually doing without permission; forming Equestria’s first Armored Corps. I think it only fitting, I have thirty Dragons in my bays, enough to solve most problems. It is something to ponder, although tanker ponies I’m not quite sure of. Also if I do not offer the Crusaders their own command, then there would be hard feelings all around. So I will ponder that idea a bit more.

We have always had standards of music in the Dinochrome. Our song if you like was “Ritual Fire Dance”. These days I find it a bit slow and plodding, looking for something to fit with my new place here.

I believe I have found it, although the creator of the orchestral piece has probably not envisioned it for use by one such as myself; I find it appropriate. Be my friend or I’ll blow you to dust. For a Bolo, very apropos. It does give me quite the chuckle thinking about it, I wonder if Applejack would get the humor?

I wander into Bon Bon’s Sweets Shop after spending time with Spike. I still have to order some chocolates for my friends, and was not able to last time. I can only hope after this long she is no longer upset at me. We did explain a bit at the party, but I felt it was not enough.

My expectations are met, with the impact of a chocolate truffle on my nose as I enter the store. It seems she is still a bit peeved at me. I go cross-eyed for a moment, wanting to see what had hit me, and I admit it was still quite a nice bit of chocolate. She does make good candies.

Making sure I do not go beyond the door, I attempt to explain the situation. After an hour or so of strange looks from passerby, I convince her to let me purchase a few things. I do so, plus extra to make up for the inconvenience. Bon Bon sheepishly apologies for the truffle throwing as well.

It went well before I left, hoping I made another new friend. She even waved and smiled warmly at me as I left the shop. It has been quite the productive day so far.

While I am spending time in town, my drones are being refueled for the night shift. I am paying close attention to the forest as it appears to be awakening from its winter slumber. I cannot get a handle on how it operates, so cannot fully plan for contingencies. This is troublesome, but nothing I cannot overcome. I do see movement in the undergrowth and keep sensors trained along the line closest to Ponyville.

I stop at a restaurant to get a bit of reaction mass for my avatar, I think trying local dishes would be nice. Ever since I was changed back, I find I enjoy things quite a bit more than normal. I still cannot understand what has happened, although I am analyzing as fast as I can. I think it is the juxtaposition of magic and technology that has happened. To this world I am something new, so it may be trying to adapt myself to it’s preferred style of life. I do not know, and for a Bolo this is something to find out.

At the restaurant, I run into the two Guardsponies, Spear Point and Bronze Shield. I am glad that they are doing well, and I apologize for what they had gone through with the weapons test. I am forgiven, though I am told that they really don’t wish to do it again.

I can understand that and tell them so. We have an enjoyable meal together, I like listening to their tales of being in the Guard. Though not an active army sort of reserve, they do have their share of problems to deal with.

They invite me to go along with them to a pub they frequent. I agree and it is a nice place, quiet, amiable atmosphere. Although the cider has a very high alcoholic content. This leads to problems when one pony accuses Spear Point of something to do with his mother.

I watch as the fight takes place from my seat at the bar, it envelopes most of the pub actually. It’s interesting to watch as various pieces of furniture are used as bludgeons, quite ingenious for some. I am enjoying the cider as I watch the various Earth ponies, Pegasi and Unicorns declare sides. This happened a bit on old earth as well I believe, but to actually watch one is interesting in it’s dynamics.

It does get broken up with the entry of the local Guard, hauling ponies off to their homes or fining them on the spot. I greet Iron Bars politely as he was the one who took me from Bon Bon’s shop that day.

He is surprised I was not involved, I assure him I wasn’t and the bartender vouched for me. I see my friends Spear and Bronze get taken off, I follow and pay the fine for brawling in public. Everyone deserves a chance I think.

They stagger off to their temporary rooms as I bid them goodnight.

I am settling my avatar in for the night when the link opens, it is Applejack.

I listen to her tell me of her adventure rounding up the gang of Minotaurs that were causing problems.

“So sugar, what did you do all day?”

“Nothing as exciting as you my Applejack, same old thing.”

“Sure sounds like you’d get bored.”

“Not really, no. It was just a day.”

“Well I’ll be home this evenin’ so see ya then.”

“Be safe.”

I listen to the link cut off and prepare for the night, watching the moon rise.

Applejack sure has interesting adventures.

“My crown is called content; a crown seldom kings enjoy.”

I greet you my long lost brothers and sisters. It is night here, and I stand watch as we all did those many years ago. Though I miss you all dearly, I know I can never travel into the past to communicate with you again. I have discussed it with Twilight Sparkle, seeing if maybe magic could punch a hole to you with a message, but alas. I am afraid even magic could not accomplish it.

I am sentinel over the old earth, our home, our birthplace; and her moon which always shone so brightly on us when we were here. I am at peace. We have known so much war during our times, but never a peace such as this. I invite you as always my brethren, come and see. If not my messages over the SWIFT Link before I shut it down, hear me sending this thought to you.

Let it be known I have upheld our honor, our colors, the Dinochrome shines brightly here. I shall be here every night, telling you of the adventures and of what I have learned. It is so very much. Applejack did not call me foolish when she asked what I was doing out here, she sits beside me now, leaning up against me.

I told her of you, of your glories, of your accomplishments across the stars. I tell her of my regiment, of what we did across the systems. She is sad sometimes when I tell her of the battles. But that is expected, this is a peaceful place and does not deserve war.

But I keep my promise, of telling your tales to others, telling them of what we did to make humanity safe across the galaxy. Of legends and heroes.

I bid you goodnight my brothers and sisters.

A Miss Cheerilee has asked me if I would talk to her class about Bolos, and what we are. I was at first inclined to demur, as I believe Bolos are something young foals shouldn’t really know of or worry about. But considering my weapons are outside of town, and can be heard when used, it is only fitting that they know why I do this.

I download files into the command set, used for directing Bolos in the field, it can project battlespace information as well as anything else you need. It is quite handy for displaying tactical data, and for a show for Miss Cheerilee’s class.

Opening the link, I advise Applejack of what I am doing.

“Yeah Cheerilee told me she was gonna ask ya.”

“Is this a bad thing?”

“I dunno, Diamond Tiara’s in that class, so keep your cool huh?”

“Ohhhh, that is right.”

“Wait a second, you never forget anything, why’d you say that?”

“No reason my Applejack.”

“Crusader, doncha do anything now.”

“I will not, you have my word on it.”

“Sugar, you got a bad habit of gettin’ in trouble anyways. You just mind yerself.”

“Yes Applejack.”

“Have fun then! I’ll see ya tonight!”

“See you soon love.”

I smile to myself, humming softly, a song I heard being shared by folks around town, something to do with Winter Wrap Up, quite a catchy tune if I say so. Packing the Command Set was a bit difficult, but it is accomplished. I make my way towards the schoolhouse.

It is an old fashioned schoolhouse, rustic, with a sign out front. But warm, cheery and cozy. The children are outside playing and the Crusaders fairly...well...mug me in greeting.

I am pleased Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are all fine from their adventure. I am regaled with tales of how they fought the tech spiders in the array room. I have full recordings from it when Masada was in charge, but I listen politely and nod at all the right spots.

“...and then Sweetie lit her horn up and BAM!” Scootaloo was grinning at her friend, who was blushing a bit. “Oh come on Sweetie, if it weren’t for your magic we woulda had to go down for those gems!”

‘Well, I’m glad I could help!” Her smile is so very bright.

“You did more than help Sweetie. I can’t thank you enough for your bravery.”

“So what are ya doin’ here Crusader?” Apple Bloom is peeking into my saddlebags.

“Miss Cheerilee asked me to come and talk with you all about myself.”

“Oh wow!” Nopony believed us when we told them about the mission! Now they will!” Scootaloo punches the air with a hoof. “Oh yeah, they better believe us, we helped save the world!”

I lean down very close to Scootaloo, “We were all told to keep that a secret about saving the world Scootaloo. Anything else is fine, but never let that out.”

The little pegasus nodded, “Sorry, I forgot.”

“No worries.”

I am greeted by Miss Cheerilee, she is a very kind mare, leading me into the classroom so I can set up. I patiently wait by the projector as the colts and fillies file in. I am proud to be able to share myself with them. Of course there she is, the bane of my former commander, Diamond Tiara. She who breaks rules, ignoring a royal request. Oh yes little filly have I got something special to show the children.

“Now today we have a very special guest! His name is Crusader. Those big poles you see outside of town, well he controls them, using them to keep us all safe from the Everfree, since it has become a bit of a hazard. He’s come to talk to us about himself! Let’s give him a nice welcome.”

Hooves are stamped in welcome, along with a few cheers from the Crusaders.

“Hello.”

A hoof is raised, I point, “Hi! I heard you’re not a real pony, is that true?”

“It is, I am not a pony like you all are. What you see before you is what is called an avatar. It is sort of an extension of myself.”

“So what are you?”

“I am called a Bolo. A fighting machine made in the long past. I woke up recently and found I rather liked being with ponies and making friends. So I made one to fit in better.”

Quite a few oohs and aaahs are heard.

“So what are those poles outside of town?”

“They are called Sensor Masts. They contain things that allow me to keep watch over all of you for your safety.”

“Is your cutie mark real?”

“No, it is a symbol that represents my unit, it is called a regiment. This is my regiment symbol. I wear it with much honor and pride.”

“So you’re just a blank flank too!” Oh the voice I so recognize.

“Yes, I am. I do not know if I can ever be granted a cutie mark, but I am willing to try.”

Another hoof is raised, “So what do those poles do?”

The question I’ve been waiting for, thank you little colt.

“Those poles contain what is called sensors. I can see in what is normal vision,” Here I turn the projector on, showing a normal view of the forest and surroundings. Gasps of delight are heard from the picture show.

“I can also see what is called Thermal, this means I can see temperatures of surrounding things.”

I flick the viewer to show the view of when Apple Bloom was assaulted, they cannot tell who it is in my gunsights, but that will be evident very soon. I do not explain what the cross-hair gradients mean as well.

“Notice the ponies there? How each is a color?”

Heads nodded in affirmative.

“That means they are living things. Warm blooded, what you have inside of you.” I point to a shy filly and get a giggle in return.

“Each of you has blood flowing through your body, making it warm, I can see that in my sensors. It’s very useful at night.” I try and keep things very simple.

I point to the picture again, “Now notice this pony is shaking a bit, getting warmer, that’s because they are basically a bit scared, it makes the blood pump faster. You’ll notice the color gets a bit redder, meaning a higher temperature.”

I see the heads nodding, at least they are following.

“Now, this pony was so scared.. See that puddle forming? No, that’s not blood, no that pony wasn’t hurt. Notice the temperature, it’s cooling fast. Yes, the pony was so scared they actually wet themselves. I know it’s not very nice, but it does show the different temperatures by color.”

I flick the thermal images off, showing the normal view of Diamond Tiara standing in a puddle as her eyes are wide, her body shaking in pure fear in my gunsights. If I am not mistaken, Miss Cheerilee is turning her head, holding a hoof to her muzzle.

“Oh my, sorry for the picture, my apologies.” I turn the projector off. “So are there any other questions?”

I am inundated, showing the different sights on my sensors, even the weapons I’ve used. I show the movie of the Great Ponyville Paint War, there is much cheering as they recognize Rainbow Dash. I am given a warm send off after about four hours of questions and answers. I have very much enjoyed my time with the little ones, they are bright, inquisitive and are truly going to do good things.

Some ponies say I have no sense of humor, I beg to differ.

There is one thing I really wish to do, and I spend about the next five hours trying to find a certain pony. When I do, she is very shy, painfully so. She is also kind, sweet and such a good pony.

I convince her to come to the hill where I reside, assuring her of nothing untoward. As we walk to the tunnel entrance, I listen to her. Her love of family, the town, sometimes the sad things that happen. But she is alright with this, it doesn’t dampen her spirit one bit.

Sometimes I have been referred to as a hero, which is not true. I do what I do because I can, and will. I give that to others like her.

I let her precede me into the entryway, assuring her once again that nothing bad is going to happen or ever will while she is with me. She nods, making her way onto the command deck where I show her the medical bay. I tell her what I plan on doing, being honest as is my wont.

She is quite surprised, but I promise her that it will be fine. After a few minutes she is convinced. I see her lay down in the suspension gel and I go to work.

My diagnostics are performing perfectly, the nanite systems are rebuilding the arrays quickly enough I can do this. I run a full scan on her body, sending the newly made nano-tech into her through a thigh vein. She sleeps comfortably, I am making absolutely sure she feels nothing but a warm slumber.

It is as I figured, easily done and I start the process, clearing arteries and veins, correcting a minor defect in the lungs. There seems to be a weakening of the heart muscle which is quickly repaired. I have learned a lot since Fluttershy, this allows me to perform in a couple hours now what would have taken weeks.

I go over every inch, making minor corrections and repairs, a couple of major ones as well. She will be in perfect health.

As the system gets flushed, I help her out of the medical bay. She stumbles a bit, holding on to me as I gently reassure her she is fine. She will be very much so for a long time.

I show her to a mirror and she gasps, looking back and side to side, asking me if it is temporary. I tell it it is permanent. I do not make mistakes when it comes to helping somepony.

Blushing, she says she does not have anything to pay me with, I stop her immediately. I tell her it is free, she is welcome, and I hoof her a promissory note she is to take to the bank in the morning. When I am asked why, I tell her, because you never ask, you never give up, and you have never used what was wrong to your advantage, you always fought through it.

She cries on the command deck, holding the note, and onto me as I let her do so. She is happy now, enough money to do whatever she needs, she is elated and terrified all at once. She does not know what to do first.

I ask her to please not tell, just say it was a new experimental medical spell or something. It is a while before I offer any medical help to the public, as I am still programming it to be used on ponies.

She agrees, but is in a hurry to get outside. I show her the door, watching as she takes to the air, winging her way with a laugh of delight.

A basket of muffins show up on my doorstep the next day.

Author's Note

Check the music, perfect for an Armored Friendship Platoon I'd say! :twilightsmile: Just a bit of fun for you folks. You're all awesome!

And some little slice of life as we get into the next arc!

Imagination and Trouble.

I awake in the night, alarms screaming in my head as I snap from Low Alert Status to Battle Reflex. My avatar stirs as well for some reason, opening it’s eyes as I run the sensor logs. The forest is up to it’s tricks again. My avatar is at Applejack’s, and I cannot bring it back here, so I disconnect and run with what I have.

My guns are unlimbering already as my sensors sweep outward, the Dragon’s on patrol immediately form a line, facing the spot where the problem is. I cannot believe my sensor readings, doing a .0001 diagnostic, it is true, what is coming up on Radar and Microwave are real.

Two very large beings are crashing their way through the forest, I see the dirt and mud falling off them as if they had been born new from the ground. Laser targeting flicks on as I delineate lines of fire, marking shots and preparing a warm welcome for my new friends.

As they step on the perimeter line, the mines fire upwards, blasting through the dirt with ball bearings in a concise tight line, ripping upwards through the things. My guns spin up, punching out thousands of rounds downrange as I light up the night.

The mines incredibly do not do enough harm to down the things immediately, this will take a bit of doing.

Wait.. The ring penetrators are not doing as much damage as before, I can actually see them stopped by the thick skin. This is a bit of a worry.

Switching out magazines is costing me seconds, I open up with the Ion Bolt repeaters, smashing plasma at the targets. I see it burn deep and char the holes. These things are tougher somehow, resisting the usual ring ammunition. I ramp up the feeds, the chains screaming as I bring in my Makos.

The drones drop from above, peppering the two beings with octocellulose needles, blasting holes clean through one before it drops with a crash into the overgrowth. The drones flip over and back, coming in with the last of their payloads, blowing holes in the second one before running out. It is a bit tougher than its’ friend it appears.

My repeaters signal online again, I spin them up and start gunning with newer tungsten penetrators.

It takes one last step..

The Dragon closest to me clears it’s 20cm Hellbore, blowing the thing apart with the 1/2 meg/persec firepower. I watch as the rain of pieces fall into the trees, splattering everywhere.

Yes, I think we woke everypony up this time. They had been used to the rip of the repeaters, but this was definitely different when using a Hellbore no matter how minor. I am loathe to use them, no matter how small, in proximity to the town. But this was a special case. I have never seen anything like that, nor heard of it before.

I am troubled by this, never before has any thing from the forest stood up to my repeaters.

I re-initiate the link to my avatar, finding Applejack looking at me worriedly.

“More things from the forest?”

“Yes love, for some reason they are targeting this place. I do not know why, it is disturbing to me.”

“Everythin’ okay now?”

“Yes, nothing is moving out there.”

She gathers me in her forelegs again, snuggling close, “Good, let’s get some sleep.”

“A good idea my Applejack.”

I stay in High Alert the rest of the night, shutting down Battle Reflex for the moment. I must contact the Princesses about this. It is getting truly out of hand if some forest can create what I just saw come through. There is more to this I am not seeing, whether it is magic, or whatever. It is threatening those I have been tasked to protect.

This will not stand.

It is morning now, I still stand ready at the hill, all weapons unlimbered. My tech spiders are working overtime with reloading as are the fabrication facilities. I am now making new rounds for the repeaters, tougher, stronger alloys that will punch and mushroom better. Whatever comes next will have much larger holes in them.

I am pondering this forest, it does not attack anywhere else but here. I have scanned over towards the hills and surroundings. But it appears nothing is moving, it is all in this direction. Is it Ponyville, or have I angered it by refusing to let it have it’s way with the surrounding area. Is it even intelligent enough to understand it cannot win?

This is puzzling. I am not used to imponderables, and so I set part of a processing array aside to study this problem. I already have the ability to detect magic use, but I will need something more sensitive, able to pick up it’s use and residue if possible.

But for now, I will prepare.

I am at the farm, Applejack is showing me what goes on here. It is truly fascinating about applebucking. I did not realize how ponies did that, even though it had been mentioned quite a few times. I suggest to Applejack maybe some simple machinery to do that for her? She told me she didn’t want folks to think Apples were lazy.

I give her that, a work ethic that some in the Concordiat would have envied.

I watch, and even try to help her. Although my attempt goes a bit awry, it does work and I get better, being able to judge angles and amount of force helps. I find it enjoyable to be out on a bright day knocking apples from a tree. I think my brethren would be laughing themselves silly in their war hulls if they ever saw this. But that is fine, they would come to see it as what it is, something to learn and do.

There seems to always be something to do, repairing a fence, loading hay up. Why do vegetarians keep pigs anyway? Always repairs though, I must inquire later about all these disasters that occur in this one small town. Statistics do not seem to work here.

We sit and tally the proceeds of the day, clearing older trees for more growth to come in. I am offered dinner and a chance to stay with her family for a while more. This I gladly accept.

I am politely refused when I offered to help with the making of the meal. It will be a while so I will get a chance to sit on the front porch, enjoying the colors of the sky next to her brother Big MacIntosh. He is a silent type, but that is fine. I sit and go through drone data, tasking techspiders for upkeep and repairs. My fabrication facilities are humming right along as the jewelry is still selling quite well. Ponies wanting more elaborate designs, or specialty ones. Rarity is almost aflutter with the business she is receiving.

Her friends were worried she might move to a bigger place, to be beside the rich and powerful. She turned the notion down, saying she preferred to be here and just visit the other places. I would hate to see the friends lose touch with each other. If there was one group that could be called a family, they are it.

Bolos are a breed apart, we are curious, ever so. We love to learn and do new things. As I sit by Big MacIntosh, I see he doesn’t talk much and that is all to the good. It gives me a chance to watch the colors in the sky. I am content being silent and rummaging through data banks, playing music, listening to plays, picking out poetry I can share with Applejack. It is quite busy in my mind, although quite a few personal memories have been lost, I have much I still remember.

We Bolos have learned to do things to keep our minds active. I myself could watch paint dry as I have said before, with a fascination reserved for super novae. I see Big Mac sitting there, eyeing me a bit. I do have a happy smile on my face, I enjoy this. I could sit in good company for days.

I do wonder why he chews a vegetation stalk, but feel it would also be impolitic to ask. So I store that question for later. He keeps looking at me though, and I am wondering what I am doing wrong. Bolos are also, if you haven’t figured out by now, slightly suspicious. I give him a look back, still with a happy smile. He avoids my gaze and goes back to staring out at something. I am trying to figure out what exactly that is, judging from the angle of his eyes, I zero in on a far tree. I task a drone to overfly the tree, seeing if there is something special about it. As far as all sensors can tell, it is a tree. It does not move, nor does it have any particularly different fruit on it.

I mark it for later examination close up.

I am not sure if he’s ignoring me, or just waiting for me to talk. I feel it would be impolite to just start talking with no goal in mind, so I will wait for him to broach a subject. If he does not, there are always ammunition inventories to update, my lists were slagged in the fight. My spiders are now inspecting each and every magazine along with the drone magazines. Tedious but must be done.

Maybe he is a silent genius type, I have run into many of those in the Concordiat. They do not say anything unless it is something profound or wise, such as the one I met on Lariat’s World. He was truly a sage and I learned from him. Maybe this Big MacIntosh is one of them.

He could be a Wizard, such as in the old tales of Arthur and Camelot. Someone of great power who spoke rarely, delving into the esoteric things the normal mind could never grasp. It is quite possible here in Equestria. Maybe he writes tomes of magic in the deep night, sharing insights and wisdom anonymously to the world.

So many things come to mind, an autistic savant, genius but unable to speak well. An adventurer who decides never to talk of his terrifying experiences because it would make the blood run cold on a warm night.

An artist, planning his next masterpiece, for the world to gasp at and enjoy!

“Supper’s on! Come ‘n git it!” Applejack yells out as she walks onto the porch, “Y’all ready for some home cookin’ Crusader?”

“Oh yes!”

She looks at Big Mac for a second, “Somethin’ wrong?”

He eyes me for a moment, pointing with a hoof, “He sure don’t talk much.” As he walks into the big farmhouse.

Applejack looks at me with concern, “What was that all about?”

“I don’t know.”

She grabs my leg, “Well c’mon, let’s go get some good food, you deserve it workin’ all day.”

I nod and kiss her cheek warmly, “Thank you.”

Such a disappointment, maybe I should not let my imagination overtake me again. I was betting on the Wizard though, that would have been nice.

Dinner was a delight, I enjoy things more than just a simple taste and analyzing of compounds. I do break them down for reaction mass of course, but it seems that the foods I consume for such are different somehow. They have more than just a bland taste to my avatar; they are sweet, complex, a mix of flavors I had not experienced except when I was changed.

I rather like it, it gives a broader scope to what I can experience from life. Though the how is beginning to bother, I should study it further on. As for now I will just simply enjoy it.

Granny Smith has told me she used the gel-pack I had given her. She seems to be much healthier now than before, her hip apparently is not bothering her quite so much. She mentions this between servings of food, saying her appetite has become a bit larger than before. This is normal for medical nanos, they need the nutrients and mass to help rebuild things slowly inside someone. As long as she eats, they will finish their work and be flushed out of her system. Judging from the size of the servings on her plate, they are doing a fine job.

It is truly a pleasant way to pass the time. I listen to the talk, Apple Bloom tells about her day. I join in telling about my adventures with trying to force trees to surrender their apples. Of course Applejack laughs quite a bit at the first tries, yes it did take a while to get angle and force right. I am learning after all.

After the meal we are setting on the porch, Applejack and I, she had talked with Big MacIntosh after the meal to find out exactly what went on. She is laughing as she tells me I out-quieted the big pony. Seems he does it to get ponies to leave him alone, or even when he really doesn’t wish to talk. So by my being polite and happy just sitting there made him nervous.

I cancel the investigation of the tree later.

As we sit enjoying the sunset, I am staggered by a sensory overload. My avatar goes down as my internal sensors are showing an explosion in my recovery bay!

Pieces and Puzzles.

Author's Note

You folks are always and still awesome! Enjoy!

Pieces and Puzzles.

The shock passes as I start to try and bring sensors in the bay online. It is no use, they and the cameras are knocked out. I have nothing but nearby clusters to tell me of the explosion which appears to be centered on the bay itself.

Internals farther in were saved by interior shields and blast shunts, otherwise my fabricators would have sustained damage as well.

I find this extremely odd, my suspicions going into overdrive as nothing was in that particular bay, except for the Ferret and techspiders. The drone wreckage was secured, their fuel cells almost impossible to overload unless directed to do so!

Perhaps the Wonderbolts and Rainbow Dash did more damage than I had seen? There was no reason to inspect the drones more than visually, I had no plans other than to recycle for more parts or building replacements. I immediately shift fabrication to more tech spiders, there were a few destroyed in the bay, I am no longer receiving their signals.

A techspider makes it into the area now, moving quickly as it turns its’ eyes on the walls and floor. There is quite a bit of damage, the Ferret is on it’s side, the remains of the drones are scattered piecemeal. I see the various spiders in pieces as well. This was a concussive blast of some force, by techspider readings there is no radioactivity. Nor are the chemical sniffers in the spider picking up any octocellulose remains, or any other explosive so far.

But once again, this should have been impossible unless done so deliberately. Nopony has been near that wreckage, there were no signals incoming or outgoing. I cannot understand this.

I delegate half of what is left of my repair spiders to go into the bay, sort and separate all drone wreckage for investigation. The Ferret I can lever up on it’s treads later. I am stunned at the entire thing, but it is nothing that cannot be repaired given time. What is truly bothersome is when the explosion happened inside the bay, the hatches were dogged and sealed.

Applejack is looking at me with a worried expression, “Are ya alright?”

I adjust my avatar to stand upright again, seems I have fallen on my side, “I am. There was an explosion in one of my bays.”

“What? Is everything okay?”

“I have sustained some damage, but nothing threatening. It is odd, nothing in there should have done that.”

“Well when it comes to explosions we can always ask Pinkie,“ She cracks a slight grin, “But I know what yer sayin’. Are ya sure everything’s alright?”

“It was contained, there was hardly any fire. It can be rebuilt. But Applejack, this should not have happened.”

“Well as long as there’s no danger to you..?”

“There is not as far as I can see. It will take some time to assess the full extent of the damage. Though anyone standing on the hill might have gotten a rude surprise when the explosion was vented outwards.”

“How so?”

I must look a bit sheepish as I twist my hooves in front of me, “Well the shunts go outward, meaning it might look like a geyser opened up, blowing out a bit..well..a lot of dirt.”

“Oh fer...seriously?” She grabs my leg, tugging me into a trot, “C’mon, let’s go find out. Sometimes I think you just attract trouble like those other Crusaders!”

I follow her quickly as we make our way towards my hill, “This one is not my fault!”

It is a bit of a trip, but we make it in good time. I am analyzing the damage done, it is extensive but only to the Recovery Bay itself, thanks to shielding. Levering that Ferret back up will be a chore. But the spiders have already been sorting the wreckage for the better part of an hour.

There were five drones taken down by the Wonderbolts and Rainbow Dash. I brought them into the recovery bay after visual inspection. There was nothing else but them and the Ferret.

The chemical sniffers are telling me there was a fuel cell rupture, I somewhat expected that due to targeting of the barbed darts, taking proper precautions. But if so what set off the fuel mixture? How it happened to trigger is baffling. Concordiat technology had so many fail safes sometimes it was pure overkill. I have never let my drones go without a maintenance check either. Perhaps Masada had let things slide in it’s lust for destruction. Too bad I cannot analyze the program anymore, but it is best left to the past.

We do see the vent holes, I am glad nopony was standing right above them, that would have been a bit hard to explain being shot into the air on a plug of dirt. I should have cleared those out before this. I keep trying to plan ahead, but the unexpected is happening in ways that I have not thought of. I am beginning to wonder if old earth tales of cursed places are real. Ever since I awoke it truly has been a roller coaster ride.

“Ooo wee Crusader, that’s a big hole alright.”

“A bit of understatement Applejack,” I watch her looking down a vent hole, approximately ten feet wide leading downwards. There are two of them. Thank goodness nopony was standing there.

“Least nopony’s down there, can ya get em filled back up?”

“Yes, I can make sure they are filled in overnight. Though we might wish to mark them for safety.”

Applejack nods, “Yeah, there’s some ponies I wouldn’t trust not to get themselves stuck falling down one.”

I purpose a couple tech spiders to bring marker paint outside, making a large orange ring around the holes, with a warning spelled out along the lines.

After they are done, I send them back in to decontaminate the bay, cleaning it of the fuel cell mixture before the fumes or anything else gather.

Applejack sets next to me, with a puzzled look on her face, “So what ya think happened?”

“I have no idea, it was a surprise to me as well.”

“You don’t think them Cutie Mark..”

“No, no they wouldn’t have access to anything like this.”

“Think something out of the forest snuck in?”

“I don’t know, the hatches were sealed, security checks said nothing moving except my spiders. Could whatever is in the forest be intelligent enough to do such a thing?”

“Ya know sugar, I don’t know. Ah think maybe we’ve got to do some talkin’ to folks about this. This is mighty strange.”

“You’re telling me, ever since I awoke it’s been nothing but strange.”

Her hoof pokes my shoulder gently, “Now it ain’t all been bad.” I see her smile out of the corner of my eyes.

“No, no it hasn’t. I admit some times have been very special.”

“Oh?” She leans closer, “What times would that be?”

“The drinking game with Rainbow Dash. Oh and listening to Twilight talk about magic.”

She has a very soft look on her face, blushing a bit.

“Any ...other...times?”

“No, none I can think of.”

My ear gets cuffed as she gives me a look of consternation, “Smart aleck.”

“Yes, yes I am my Applejack.” I lean over, giving her a kiss, her lips are warm from the sunshine, “They will always be special times to me. Always.”

Her smile brightens my day as always, she hugs me tight. “For me too.”

We both sit a moment under the clear skies, watching a few Pegasus push clouds around.

“I think we’d better get to Twilight’s and start asking. Something is wrong here, very wrong.”

Applejack looks back at me and nods, “I’d say so, c’mon we got us a hike.” She takes off at a fast trot, I follow her.

As we move quickly, my mind is now receiving data as the spiders start piecing together what they can of the five drones. Something failed spectacularly, but how and why is the question. I cannot rule out sabotage. But then how would somepony know how to detonate a fuel cell, and why?

Twilight receives us graciously as always, she is all smiles seeing myself and Applejack, leading us into the library.

“I’ve received more books from stores around the country, but no one really goes into the background of the Everfree; all I have is what I’ve been told or picked up through reading really obscure material.”

I settle on a cushion, thinking for a moment, “How long has that forest been there?”

“From what I heard from the Princesses, before Ponyville was founded. It was a lot bigger then. The ponies had to keep working to drive it back and keep it that way. But they say it goes far back, they knew of it when Nightmare Moon happened.”

“So this goes further than Equestria’s founding?”

Twilight nods, “I believe so. It’s always been a place of danger, but this is getting way out of hoof.”

Applejack chimes in, “I’ll say! Them things he described I ain’t never heard of before.”

Twilight gets a curious look on her face, “What were they? Do you know?”

“No, they were not in my tactical data cores. I have descriptions of all animals Fluttershy has dealt with. I can deal with them non-lethally. Anything not in it, well, they receive a warm welcome.” I had recently talked with Fluttershy, making sure my cores were intact and still contained the correct data.

“I cannot understand really, why the forest is so active. From all accounts it was not so before I awoke. It was dangerous true, and sometimes things wandered out from what I hear. But this, massed attacks, creating new creatures? Is this maybe because of my preventing it from doing so anymore?”

Twilight furrowed her brow, thinking, “I’ve checked Ponyville histories, there’s nothing noted in them like this at all.”

“Maybe I am the cause then.”

Applejack nudges my shoulder, “I dunno, this whole place’s been one disaster after another even before you came.”

I raise a hoof, “That is true. I mean statistics and what I know of them, say this is impossible that so many events should happen in such close proximity and in one place. Is there something special about Ponyville?”

The mulberry mare looked at the orange one in turn, “Not that we’ve ever known. Celestia guided the founders here, told them it was a good place to set up a town. Other than that, I mean, it’s just a town.” Applejack nodded in agreement.

I take a few seconds to think, really push my processors for the moment, “It’s like tales from old earth. The Bermuda Triangle, where craft disappeared without a trace, or so legends said. There were often tales of strange places where mysterious things supposedly happened. Often they were not true, but it makes one wonder.”

Applejack laughs, “I always thought we ought to put up a sign, “Welcome to Ponyville, 38 days since the last disaster”, Jes’ start keeping track.”

I get a good laugh out of that, joining Applejack and Twilight.

“I do wonder Twilight, has there ever been any indication of an intelligence out in the forest?”

“How do you mean?”

“Something directing it, making it grow a certain way, attacking ponies.”

“There’s always been theories, but nopony’s ever proved any of them. Of course going into the Everfree is pretty dangerous in itself. Applejack and I have seen plants acting intelligent, or monsters doing certain things.”

She gets a panicked look on her face, “Ohmygosh! We forgot about Steven!”

“I’m sorry, who is Steven?”

“He’s a Sea Serpent who helped us to cross a river when we were going after the Elements of Harmony to defeat Nightmare Moon!”

“Sea Serpent?”

Applejack nods, “Oh yeah, he was great! See he’d lost part of his moustache, and Rarity cut off her tail to make it match, looked purty nice too. He helped us get across the river. He sure was a nice fella.”

“A Sea Serpent with a moustache? Rarity cut her tail off to give him a missing piece of it back?”

I see them both nod.

I begin to get overload warnings on my arrays as I calm them, shutting down the extra processing cores before they overheat. Nanites are still rebuilding some of the cooling systems.

“You are kidding me right?”

Applejack leaned into me, nuzzling my cheek, “Sugar, honestly, we wouldn’t kid ya like that.”

No, I am not going to do this. I accepted Pinkie Pie, and so many other things. What is a Sea Serpent with a moustache. No, I am not going to get into this.

“So... why are you worried about...Steven?

Twilight looks a bit flustered, “Well last time we saw him he was in the Everfree in the large river running through there. I hope he hasn’t gotten hurt with the explosions and everything!”

“One second..”

I run a quick tactical download, going back into the logs when the bombing run of the Everfree was performed when Fluttershy got hurt. I can see the angles of attack and the drop areas. None seem to be by the large river running through the forest, it was more to the west of it, near where I thought would do the most damage. Even with splash there shouldn’t have been any danger as I controlled the run very carefully.

“I am sure he’s all right. I have gone over the records and if the large river running through the forest is the one where he lives, the bombs were not dropped near. Though he might have gotten some dirt and splinters flying his way. How long is he?”

Applejack’s eyes narrowed slightly as she thought for a moment, looking at Twilight, “Uhm.. I’d say about the width of the river plus half again? He was purty big. About a pony or so wide too, he made a bridge out of his body so we could walk over to the other side. Right nice of him.”

Twilight nodded, “Yeah, he was about that big.”

“I haven’t noticed anything like that in my drone patrols, I’ll keep an eye out. He should be fine.”

I do not exactly say I have not noticed a body anywhere. Which I have not. I immediately re-purpose a drone for river over-flights the next few days. If something that big is in there, I will spot it. But seriously, a moustache? Bolos are not supposed to get headaches.

Twilight cheerfully pipes up, “Oh! He had a great mane of hair too, really stylish!

I see Applejack nodding.

No...

Applejack and I sit in Twilight’s library, scanning through books that make even a mention of the forest. Some tomes are so old they are brittle to the touch, it takes Twilight’s magic to hold them together so we can peruse the writings.

I find it intriguing that nopony has written much about that tangled growth, even though it impacts quite a few of the stories and legends in these books. Almost as if it wants to be forgotten until it does something, then is washed away in memory once more. I wonder if possibly, given the use and power of magic I have seen so far, can it erase such memories? Does it temporarily block them until it is forgotten? Is it intelligent enough to do so?

I listen close, to Twilight and Applejack telling of the plants that attacked them. That shows intent, intelligence, whether it is in the plant of from a directing force. It is there, just a matter of finding the source and eradicating it.

They have told, and I have listened many times, about ponies fighting back the forest. Moving it back to help the town grow in it’s first stages, protecting the frontier. It is larger than most suspect.

They are deep these woods, mysterious like the old earth tales of missing ships and planes, people and whole villages sometimes. The legends grow with time, but I wonder, was there a core of truth to them? The congruency of events and problems run any statistics into the ground. Until we can find an answer, whether in a book or by going into the forest itself, it will remain something to ponder.

My techspiders are already done with the wreckage, metallurgical analysis is ongoing right now to fit anymore pieces of the puzzle of the explosion. I leave nothing to chance, taking samples, running them against my diagnostics programs. Tracking the least clue as best I can to find out why it happened.

Twilight has told me teleportation might be a factor. Some pony getting inside with a spell. As much as I want to disbelieve I have learned better. But I have asked her to find if the pony needed to know where they were going or could send something in blind without a destination. She is looking for the specifics of the spell right now, there are many variations on it they require research.

I am signaled by my analysis programs, something very odd in the wreckage. I run the tests once more, waiting the few minutes required and receiving the same result. It is curious. I run a complete inventory of all drones in magazines and ones currently on patrol, the numbers are green.

All my weapons and materials have a part of the local metals and materials in them, they show a consistent signature I recognize immediately for purposes of identification. Ever since I awoke I have used local materials to bring myself up to specifications.

As the scanning goes on, I notice other peculiarities, my processors indicating a bit of alarm.

This is not my drone.

It's Distracting. Don't Kick Lethal Things.

I inform Twilight and Applejack as we sit in the library. This is definitely not one of mine. I have accounted for all drones used and stored, running inventories multiple times to make absolutely sure. I cannot understand where this one has come from.

From what little remains, it is a standard issue Wyvern, very common, very much in use by all Concordiat forces. Even the pieces are recognizable as metals and composites used by the fabricators. But knowing Wyverns, I can place where each part goes, matching it to a baseline.

The one thing that is truly bothersome is the age. It is far beyond what I know of myself and what should be on this planet. It will take a bit for dating, but I can already see it is far older than my thousand years spent sitting before my solar panel was uncovered to provide energy.

The metals and even the so-called eternal composites are badly worn, showing deterioration that would have eventually caused it to malfunction. I can only assume what most of the internals looked like. It may be a simple case of the explosion being a malfunction from very old equipment.

But questions remain. Whose is it? Why was it over Canterlot? What was it’s mission?

Before I was changed, I had noticed no other airborne craft or vehicles anywhere, except for the Pegasi. It had to have taken station between the time I was locked out and the fight with Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts. That narrows the time frame. But who would have the capability and where did it come from?

I cannot query the Masada program because it was slagged in the fight. Any logs and other reference material went in the destruction as it had its own core to store the data. This is bothersome! If I had not assumed it was mine launched by Masada I could have taken steps to retrieve the data!

I slap a hoof on the floor and sigh, “This is frustrating!”

Twilight raises her eyebrow calmly, “How so?”

“I cannot tell if anything was received by my communications equipment because I destroyed Masada and the data with it! The drone itself has almost nothing left that isn’t so old it contains no information.”

Applejack leans against me, “So ya can’t tell if it was trying to say something?”

“No. It could be from anything. They were very common, in use all over the Concordiat.”

My Applejack gives me a warm embrace, “You’ll figure it out I’m sure, you have before.”

“With quite a bit of help.” I smile and return the hug. “It is just a bit frustrating to know that I keep doing the wrong thing. This is not how a Bolo acts. We are logical, thinkers, we plan. I find myself being surprised at every turn, not expecting something as if my psychotronic arrays are off wandering somewhere else!”

Twilight snickers, cracking a smile as she winks at Applejack, “Oh I know where they’re wandering to.”

I see Applejack covering her mouth with a hoof, her eyes wide, “Twilight!”

I narrow my eyes a bit at both of them, “That’s not what I meant. I am not that distracted by my Applejack.”

“Ohhh! You sayin’ I’m not pretty enough to be distractin’? Well, I’m not to sure how to take that, huh Twilight?”

The Alicorn nodded, her muzzle wrinkling as she tried to hold in another snicker, “I think you’re right, he just said you’re not pretty enough to be all that distracted by.”

“I did not say that. You’re putting words in my mouth.”

“Oh no sugar, you said it.” She put a leg up across her forehead, “Oh mah gosh!” She let’s her accent get quite pronounced, “Ah’m not pretty enough to be distractin’ to anypony! Whatevah shall ah do!”

Twilight moves next to her friend, wrapping a leg around her shoulders, looking off into the distance, “That’s okay Applejack. There’s somepony out there that will find you so distracting they’ll walk into doors! I know it! I can feel it!”

“Ah know Twilaht, some day some handsome distracted stallion will sweep me offa mah hooves! Oh my heart longs for that moment!” She leans heavily against Twilight, both of them comforting each other.

I am about to retort when Rarity comes walking in, seeing the two mares close and me looking a bit put out.

“Well, whatever is going on in here?”

I open my mouth to reply...

Twilight points an accusing hoof at me, “Crusader says Applejack’s not pretty enough to be distracting!”

“Wait..I did not..”

How do they do it? How do females of any species always know when there is a joke to be played on someone by themselves or their friends. How do they DO this? Is there some kind of telepathic signal?

Rarity gasps, holding a perfectly hooficured hoof to her chest, “What? Oh my that’s simply unbelievable!” She rushes over to comfort Applejack.

“Now now, don’t be upset, I’m sure he didn’t mean it!” I am on the receiving end of a glare, mock or not, it is a glare.

“Ah dunno Rares, seems like I just ain’t pretty enough to be distractin’!”

“Here I thought you were a true gentlecolt, treating a pretty mare like a Princess. Hmph! You are a ruffian sir! Telling our friend she’s not distracting enough.” She pulls a fan from somewhere, fanning ‘poor’ Applejack.

“But I did not say..”

“Hey what’s up!”

Is everypony visiting right at this same moment? I’m investigating telepathy later.

Rarity points the accusing hoof now, “This..this hooligan says Applejack is not pretty enough to be distracting! Oh I can’t believe we ever said he was such a nice stallion!”

Applejack continues her swooning while comforted by her friends, and of course, Rainbow Dash picks up on it.

“No way!” She gives me a narrow-eyed look, “Oh you are so not as cool as I thought! I mean, wow, saying that? That’s..that’s..just twenty percent less cool! Applejack’s pretty enough to be distracting to every stallion! I’ve seen em walk into walls!”

Wonderful, now all we need is...

“Ohmygosh! Here you all are!”

Pinkie....and she’s hauling along poor Fluttershy..

“Hey Pinks!” Rainbow Dash announces loudly, “You believe ol’ Crusader here doesn’t think Applejack is pretty enough to be distracting?”

“What?!?! Oh that is sonottrue! Shedistractsallkindsofponies!” Her mane floofs out hugely, “Oh she’s been on like every stallion’s wish list for Hearth’s Warming!”

Twilight looks a bit confused, “Now Pinkie I wouldn’t say..”

“Oh but it’s true! You oughta see the wishes sometimes! I can’t repeat ‘em all here cause..” She looks around conspiratorially, “Spike’s a bit young for it.. But oh yeah! You can’t imagine what they write on those wish lists! I mean wow, she’d probably have a heart att..” She’s muffled by a hoof over her mouth.

But I see her smiling behind the hoof, giving me a wink with one blue eye.

Fluttershy comes up and gently touches my nose, “That’s just mean, saying she’s not distracting enough. Well.. I never.. Uhm..you know.. and stuff.”

I nod to the shy pegasus, “Fair enough Fluttershy, you are right. She is very distracting. I stand corrected.”

I turn to face the group comforting Applejack, “Now that we’ve said the word “distracting” enough to run it into the ground, could we continue?”

“Ah dunno, I’m kinda distracted right now.”

“Applejack..”

Twilight giggled, “Me too, we’re all kind of distracted right now.”

Now I know why ponies facehooved.

I am outgunned and out maneuvered. I can do nothing but wait for the laughter to stop. Though I do join in, it is so very silly. But sometimes a bit of humor is needed to break a train of thought to try other paths.

We sit and discuss the Everfree, I am listening to the different tales told by Rarity, Rainbow Dash and others concerning it. Mostly oral traditions passed down through the generations. It appears no serious study has ever been done on it. It baffles me why this place was allowed to survive and/or thrive at all.

While we are talking, I set up and launch more Wyverns, equipped with higher sensitivity scanners to start doing an outward search. This drone had to have been launched from within a certain range. I start the circular search pattern immediately, working out from Ponyville as the center of the AO. They will be going low and slow, scanning as deep as they can. To do any real deep penetrating radar, I would have to move into place, that would cause more damage than it is worth I think.

I wonder, could something else have survived after this long?

Until the data begins to accumulate, I spend time with the group of friends. I enjoy sitting and just listening to them talk about their adventures.

And so my brothers and sisters among the stars, I greet you tonight with news. Something else may be here, or have survived from the deep past. I do not know what it is yet, but I have hope. I know that I do not send VSRs anymore, but I still send my thoughts to you, wishing you the best. I always shall. Always there is the invitation, come home. Come help me defend this new earth and its beings here. If you are lost or troubled and cannot find your way, look to Earth, the place of our birth. Come home.

It is funny the perspective you have, when sitting among your own sensor masts. I truly did not realize from a pony's point of view they were so big. I have accepted the fact for so long, it takes a new angle to really see things sometimes. I am also a hypocrite I suppose as I am watching young ones play among the masts and along the hillside, the grass green and lush with spring now.

I protect them, as I would any human in the Concordiat. But in the sieges and battles I had participated in, how many others were wiped out by my guns? How many continental bombardments had done the very same thing I am now watching against? How many parents watched as I burned them down?

Operation Diaspora, Case Ragnarok. the Final War. Words that mean so little now, but should be remembered as pure folly. So many mistakes. So very many. The burden is not so heavy now, weighing lightly upon my shoulders. But I am something old and terrible, being remade into another being. In this new life though, I am become other than my memories of war. Being forgiven lightens the soul and heart, the making of a new life is mine and I take each day anew. I do not ponder absolution so much these days, for what is done, is done.

I do not beg for forgiveness for it is granted to me without thought. My history is known, I have no worries now of scorn, ridicule or of even hate. The smile on my avatar’s face is a true reflection of how I feel, happy, alive.

I will stand my watch, it may not make up for the past, but that is gone now. It is time for newer, brighter things.

If I thought even for a femtosecond, a fleeting instant that maybe the forest I face had a smidgen of good in it; it is all erased.

I was still watching the young ones at play. The clouds making it nice and cool for such things when I noticed something oddly out of place.

They had been playing a game called hoofball, sort of a soccer type game. A large inflated ball was kicked around with much yelling and excitement. I saw them kicking a different type of ball now, it was a leathery round object that did not seem to be very resilient.

I immediately check my drones and sensor logs, nothing is moving in the forest, there appears to be no massing of creatures as there usually is. Nor are there any large beings that are tripping my perimeter sensors as well. Seismics are showing no movement or tunneling.

Nonetheless I stand to Battle Reflex, something is not right, I feel it in my metal bones. My guns fold out, i hear the whine as they spin up, I am watching carefully the group of older fillies and colts with the ball getting closer to the hill. Every sensor I have is straining outward, piercing the forest nearby as my Dragons turn in line, facing outward from my hill in a wall of durasteel.

I walk my avatar over to the group, standing back from the object they are kicking around. It is not a hoofball.

“Colts, fillies, leave that object alone; come over here now, please.”

“What’s up Crusader?” They know me by now, I am always on the hill when they play nearby.

“Stop kicking that thing and come over between the poles, please. Call your friends as well.”

“It’s just an old ball Crusader, we found it near the bushes over there, just something to kick around.” They are motioning to their friends though, the children are gathering near my sensor masts.

“Listen to me. Stop kicking it and get over here.”

A roll of the eyes accompanied a weary sigh, “Yeesh yer just like all the other parents. Go there, do this..” The little colt gives the ball one last kick.

I am slightly faster than the thing, I see the object open to reveal razor sharp teeth trying to wrap around the colt's leg as he screams in terror. My avatar bounds the few feet between us, planting a hoof dead center in it, smashing it to a pulp before it can take a chunk out of the colts leg.

“Follow me!”

I lead them to the hatchway, pushing them all in to the tunnel as there is no time to take them back to town. I slam the hatch shut and turn to see the ground erupting all around the perimeter area. Round objects are popping out of the dirt and rolling towards the town.

I do not hesitate, I open fire.

I open all command channels, advising all links to get ponies inside, shut the doors and do not come out! This is a definite emergency, these things are small and fast, I cannot get them all in time.

My repeaters thunder, targeting anything near the hill and moving outward, my avatar is racing for the town, seeing ponies rushing inside as Twilight and others are screaming at them to do so. There is no time for niceties, they must get to cover.

I tell the colts and fillies in my command deck to relax, they are safe. There is nothing but the faint sound of my guns in their ears, I play music for them, making sure they are comfortable before turning my attention back to these hideous things.

My Dragons open up with their turret weapons and co-axials, sweeping the field as they split up, roaring along the perimeter line, crushing what they don’t shoot. The Hellbores they bear are overkill for this, they can only use smaller calibers as they are swinging around to face Ponyville, catching stragglers who have broken the line.

I turn around at the edge of town, seeing one leathery ball roll my way. As I smash a hoof down on it, the thing unrolls into a centipede like creature, the underside covered with teeth it uses for locomotion. I’ve never seen such a creation before as it wraps around my leg like a flat worm, trying to chew through my covering. I slam it against the nearest wall as my pain indicators go off, hitting it with my other hoof and peeling it off me.

How did they pass my sensors? I detected no movement in the forest or underground! That forest could not have moved so many without me noticing it!

I pay very very close attention to lines of fire, breaking it off when they get too close to the town or buildings on the outskirts. My Dragons cannot move within the urban environment, so it is up to me, Twilight and whoever she and I can gather to take care of the amount breaking through.

I see the lavender mare blasting the things with magic, throwing them away from her in a heap. Pinkie has a serious look on her face as she smashes them around a group of adults caught in the open, she’s quite the warrior, and quite a bit stronger than she looks. I catch a sight of rainbow colored mane as the cyan mare streaks through town, grabbing ponies in harms way and taking them to safety.

I catch a sight of Rarity leading off groups of ponies to shelter in her boutique. She has a mean left hoof as I see her smashing a centipede into a wall.

The centipede like creatures are crawling everywhere, looking to take pieces out of living things as they wrap around them, undulating to use the teeth on the underside to chew through. Even in my long years of waging war I have never seen anything like this, definitely some sort of construct from the forest. But how did they get inside the perimeter?!?

I link with Fluttershy, asking if she is secure. She tells me nothing is going on near her, that the forest is quiet. I advise her to stay put and lock the door. I’m not seeing anymore coming out of the forest along the line, my observation drones are working their way back and forth. They are unable to do runs with their repeaters as what is left of the things are already inside the town wreaking a bit of havoc.

It would be ludicrously funny if the things were not so intent on killing. Leathery balls rolling around, unwrapping to show rows of teeth on the underside, using them as legs for locomotion. It truly would be to laugh.

My ears pick up screams from somewhere off to my left. I take off at top speed rounding the corner to the schoolhouse. There are a crowd of them trying to get inside, crawling along the walls pressing against the windows and doors. I can see Miss Cheerilee and the young ones inside, piling the desks against the glass.

I have no choice, I snap my kinetic screen on and run into the fray, stamping and smashing the leathery things. It is not so clean as the whatever that they use inside them for blood is thick and viscous, splattering everywhere and dripping off my screen. I pay no mind as I continue my rampage, making sure the last of them are stomped into the ground before turning to leave. I give a wave to Miss Cheerilee and shout at her to stay inside as I run back to Twilight.

I find her leading a group of adults who are cleaning up the last of the centipedes I can see. She is using powerful magic to blast an area clear, allowing Pinkie to move in with a mop-up crew hoofing pitchforks. My sensor sweeps are showing nothing of their size moving outside of this area. It appears not many got through the line, for which I am grateful. I drop my screen and join her, helping with the last of the things.

Rainbow Dash is sweeping over the rooftops, making sure none are on top of houses by slapping them down to Pinkie and her crew of ponies.

It takes an hour or so for the adults to come out of their shelters, helping to sweep the town for any remnants of the attackers. Ponyville citizens have become so used to strange disasters, they are actually laughing and joking as they get rid of the remains, hauling a few carts of them to the forests edge and dumping them there.

I guess you can get used to anything if exposed to it long enough.

I ask Twilight if I may borrow a cart, and to come with me to the hatchway. She watches as I first release the frightened colts and fillies from my command deck, assuring them everything is fine. One minor thing though..

“When I tell you to stop kicking something will you listen next time?”

The colt, who’s name is Digger, rubs the back of his neck, “Yeah, I will, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, just listen to adults when it’s important alright?”

“I will Crusader, and thank you!” He and his friends run off to join the townsfolk.

Twilight gives me a curious look, “What happened there?”

“I told him to stop kicking one of those things, they thought it was a hoofball.”

Her eyes get a bit wide, “Wow, lucky he didn’t get hurt.”

“I agree.”

I go into the hatchway, dragging out a few boxes one at a time. I had planned on releasing them later but now seems as good a time as any. I open one to show Twilight what is inside.

Pulling out a small, thin green gel-pack I show her the adhesive underside.

“Just take off this covering and stick it over any wound. Scratches, cuts, minor things. Anything deeper use one of these,” I point to another box containing larger packs, “This will clean and disinfect it, closing it up within a day. It’s also biodegradable.”

She gives me another puzzled look.

“That means there will be no garbage left, it will just break apart and turn into soil.”

“Wow that is really neat! Are they hard to make?”

“Not at all, they were very common in my day Twilight. I was going to release them soon to the hospitals and medical services for use by everypony. I’m bringing them out now in case those things that inflicted any cuts are envenomed or just filthy from being underground. If ponies ask, charge a bit or two for each one, that will make sure that folks don’t rely on them for every little ill.”

Twilight smiles, getting a thoughtful look, “We’ll say emergency funds from Canterlot covered these. I like that idea.” She rolls her eyes a bit, “Ugh, you have NO idea how many ponies come to me for every little thing being a Princess!”

I tilt my head, listening closely as I settle down near the cart, waiting for the explanation to begin, and it will.

She waves a hoof around as we stand there in the bright sun, “Somepony stole my apples, or he charged me too high a price for that cart. I broke a cart wheel help me fix it, argh I’m not a wheelwright!” She continues on in the same vein for a bit, I don’t mind, I’m a good listener.

Eventually we get the cart loaded with the packs, taking them into town for any hurt ponies. But it was nice listening to Twilight, I love all of Applejack’s friends.

I later inspect the holes that the creatures popped out of, looking in them I see tendrils that have been ripped off the outside covering of the leathery things. Now I know why the forest was quiet all winter, it was growing these slowly in place inside my perimeter.

That proves murderous intelligent intent. If I have ever doubted before, this takes care of it. Time to update or make new sensors to prevent this happening again.

“Mind if ah join ya?”

I nod, sitting on the hilltop gazing at the stars as I always do. “You are always welcome, you know that.”

She settles next to me, warm and soft, leaning against my shoulder, “Some crazy day huh?”

“That’s one way of putting it love.”

“Ah dunno, so many weird things have happened here I guess we’re all kinda used to it by now.”

“I think you can get used to anything if it happens often enough.”

“Ain’t that strange though? Things comin’ out of the forest to hurt ponies, and now Pinkie’s planning a “We Beat the Critters” party for tomorrow.”

I can’t do anything but laugh, loud and heartfelt, “You can’t stop Pinkie, ever.”

I get pushed playfully on the shoulder by Applejack, “And you ya big lug, stop tryin’ to be everywhere at once. We can take care of ourselves too ya know.”

“I am learning that, you should have seen Rarity, she’s quite the fighter.”

“Yeah she gets all kinds of upset when her hooficure is messed up. I’m sure she’ll be hitting the spa tomorrow.” Applejack laughs, taking her hat off and leaning against me once again. “Sending another message to your friends out there?” She points to the sky.

I nod, “I know it seems foolish, but I do it. I have shut down my long range communications, but I still send my thoughts to my comrades.”

“Ah dunno, doesn’t seem anymore silly than falling for a pony who’s not real.” She hugs me tight, kissing me warmly, “Nothing’s ever that way if your heart’s in it.”

“Then I guess we can be foolish together.” I hold her close, looking back up into the starry night.

“That, we can do Crusader.”

Another day passes my brethren. Evil fought, good triumphs. As my beloved Shakespeare once wrote, “The evil that men do lives after them; the good oft interred with their bones.” I think in this case my brothers and sisters, the good shall far outlast such evil things.

I still stand as sentinel, my watch secure as I can make it. The Dinochrome thrives under the colors of a new nation, a world. Applejack and I send you our best from old Earth, be well, be safe.

A Little Thank You.

A Little Thank You.

I ponder, sitting here in the morning sun. Watching the colors of the sky mix and swirl, bringing the light of a new morning. It still boggles even my mind that there is an Alicorn who is raising the sun for this day. I am not as scientific minded as some Bolos, there were many who delved into such obscure and esoteric things they would have been delighted to be in my place.

I have memories of my regiment, some are lost now after the fight, but I remember quite a few. A lot of a Bolo’s personality is actually made as they learn and grow through combat, interfacing with others. Of course, for reasons Concordiat scientists never understood, we chose a personality at ‘birth’.

There was “Asimov”, Unit ASMV of the Line. a bit stodgy, but loved science fiction for some reason. He delved into what-ifs, we had long conversations into the night. He would be thrilled to be here. Unit RCRD “Richard”, wherever he got the English accent I’ll never know now. A bit of the ‘stiff upper lip’ sort of chap don’t you know. Unit HRAA “Hera” a sleek electronics warfare Bolo, she was kind, gracious to all who met her. A sort of Fluttershy in a war hull. She was never that shy, but she had a sparkling personality.

So many others that could have been here, but it is myself that is in this place. I think upon the past conversation with Pinkie and wonder. Will I ever truly ‘know’ like a pony does? Will I be forever asking that question?

Shaking the musings off for the moment, I collate and file the latest drone data. I am sending them spiraling outwards into unmapped territories. Allowing me to not only map, but plan routes should I ever need to move my Dragons anywhere is always helpful. I’d prefer if I did not move my war hull. A couple of times my transmissions were in place and ready to go, but the danger was not that great.

The drones are getting out of range, I am going to have to figure out a way to do a relay set up with them. They were only meant for certain things and I am pushing them a bit beyond their design parameters. I refuel and send them out as fast as I can, but they are getting beyond good transmission range. I am trying to design a better set of communications gear, but the age of the drone wreckage in my bay tells me I do not have much time, if any.

I constantly wait for new updates. It is a bit frustrating as well, but I force myself to be calm. I want to find where the drone came from, badly. The funny thing about it is, my avatar actually paces with impatience, I have not directed it to do so.

It is probably one of the finest parties Pinkie Pie has ever thrown in my estimation. A victory over the things from the Everfree, well...anything is reason enough. I am watching the townsfolk enjoy themselves, thinking back on the drinking contest with Rainbow Dash. A bit of an evil smile comes over my face as I wonder if she’d challenge me now knowing I couldn’t get drunk.

I banish that thought, that would be totally unethical, not to mention highly unfair. But it would be hilarious.

I am happy just sitting and enjoying the party, sharing a drink with Applejack, or watching everypony else have a wonderful time. The laughter, the smiles, the pure enjoyment of being alive is something I have come to share with them. A Princess ordered me to live, and I do so every day with the greatest pleasure.

“You got some smile on yer face there sugar, what are you thinkin’?”

I turn to see Applejack smiling at me, “Oh, nothing.”

She bumps my shoulder with hers, “Oh that’s not a nothin’ smile, what gives?”

I give in, it is her after all, my love, “Just thinking about how now I can’t get drunk, if Rainbow Dash would take a challenge again.”

Her eyes go a bit wide, “Oh now..but.. Oh that wouldn’t be fair a’tall..” She pauses, thinking for a second, “But that sure would be funny to see.” She cracks a smile, matching my own. “You’re bad.”

“Yes, yes I am my Applejack.” I do not, however, lose my evil grin.

“Stop that,” She nudges me again, setting close, “She’s just competitive is all.”

I drop the smile and nod, “True, she is a wonderful friend and companion.”

Applejack looks at her friends, her eyes soft, “Ah’d do anything for ‘em ya know. Anything at all.”

“I know, and so would I. They are family to you, and by extension myself.”

She nods, I can see memories racing through her mind; her face is honest, showing emotions. I wonder if I’ll ever hear all the stories beyond what I know so far. They are amazing tales, and I record them every time I can before locking them in my Deep Cores.

We are interrupted in our shared silence by a small Unicorn, she is very petite and has a brilliant smile on her face as she approaches us. One tiny hoof taps me on the leg as she beckons me closer.

I lean down very close so she can whisper in my ear.

“Are you the one that helped my mommy?”

“Who is your mommy and who are you little one?”

“She’s the one you fixed! I’m Dinky!”

“Oh! Pleasure to meet you then Dinky. Yes, I did help her. It was my honor to do so. She is kind, and very much loved by a lot of ponies. But she wasn’t supposed to say anything.” I remember the shy mare telling me how much she loved her daughter.

“She didn’t tell anypony else! But she never keeps secrets from me, we always share!”

“That’s fine then. What can I do for you?”

“Nothing! I just came to say thank you! She smiles so much now, and she’s happy all the time. I don’t see her worrying anymore about things.” The little hooves twisted together a bit, “She bought me some new toys too! ‘Cause she said we didn’t have to count every bit now. I told her she should get something for herself, but she said no, and got me some neat things. I don’t want her doing that, she needs something for herself.”

Applejack is leaning over my shoulder, listening to the little Unicorn.

“Well I am glad you got some new things, are they nice?”

“Oh yes! I love them so much! But I wish mommy wouldn’t spend money on me.”

‘Why not? She cares for you deeply.”

The little Unicorn stays silent for a second, looking as if she’s choosing the right words. Applejack leans against me, whispering in my other ear.

“How much did you give her?”

I tell her a sum that makes her ears go straight up, “Whoa?!?”

Dinky and I both jump at her exclamation before she calms down, reassuring the little filly everything’s fine. She whispers to me again while we wait for Dinky to keep talking.

“That’s not nice that’s being downright generous! Sun and stars Crusader, half that woulda killed some ponies. I ain’t complaining, no way no how; but wow, you are somethin’ else hon.”

I shrug, “I don’t use it all. So I just give it away.”

“Ah know, with everything comin’ in from the jewelry and now those medical things. You couldn’t have picked a better pony to give it to either.” She kisses my cheek, “Ah’m proud of you.”

Dinky taps me on the leg again, “Could...could you tell my mommy she needs to get some things for herself? I feel bad she’s getting all this stuff for me. I mean.. We got new winter clothes, and blankets, and all kinds of stuff for the house. I love my new toys, I do, but I feel bad she won’t get anything for herself.”

I ponder on this before leaning down to whisper to her, “I think she is getting things for herself. It’s you that makes her happy. Seeing you smile, and play and being the best little filly you can means the world to her. Maybe that’s the answer. She’s not purchasing things to just get them, she’s buying stuff you need. I think that is the same as buying something for herself.”

“You think so?”

“I do. You are smarter than your years Dinky, you will grow up to be a wonderful mare. You are already an intelligent, caring daughter. That is more than the best gift you could ever get with money.”

“I do try to help out a lot. Mommy says I’m good at that, and lots of other things!”

I stop for a moment, thinking a bit slowly for me as the words come back. “I was given a very special gift once. It was so special that I could find no words to thank that pony. But I was told, be the best pony you can be because of that.”

I touch her on the nose with a hoof, “I think you being the best pony you can be, is the finest gift you could ever give your mommy.”

“I’ll do that! I know I can do that!” She bounces in place for a moment. She grabs my neck and hugs me tight, giving my cheek a kiss, “Thank you!”

Applejack snickers a bit, leaning over, “Hey there, ya wouldn’t be tryin’ to steal mah coltfriend now would ya? I mean yer a pretty little filly and all, but hey now.”

Dinky blushes brightly and lets go, “Oh no! I wouldn’t do that! I mean..uh..”

Applejack grabs her up, tickling her sides, “Stop that, was jes’ funnin’ ya!” She laughs along with Dinky for a few minutes.

After the giggling dies down, I lean in once more with her and Applejack, “I tell you what Dinky. You get your mommy later, and march right over to some nice store, like Rarity’s, and you tell her she needs something for herself. Don’t take no for an answer either okay?”

“I will!” She hugs both of us once again and bounces off into the party.

Applejack gives me a glance and smile, “You know that little one is gonna be dragging her mom right on over to a store cause you told her to.”

“I know. But from what I saw of her mother, she would not think of herself at all. Maybe her little one can convince her to do something.”

“You got a good..oops..there she goes..” Applejack points at Dinky leading her protesting mother out of the crowd and into a nearby street. The stores are open at least, but I had hoped she’d wait until later.

“Well that was quick.”

“Yeah, I know Dinky, she’s pretty stubborn when it comes to her mom.”

“She loves her very much.”

“She does, we’ve all tried to help. Well.. least a lot of us have, there’s always somepony won’t. But when times are tight, it gets really tough. Thanks to you she won’t have to worry anymore.”

“Twilight has told me there is enough coming in to help out any pony that needs it. I’m glad to be able to...” I stop as I see Applejack watching the mother and daughter, the smiles and hugs, the little Unicorn leading her mother into the store.

“I’m sorry Applejack.”

She turns to me with a quizzical look, “About what?”

I point to where the mother and daughter are walking into the doorway of a jewelry shop. “That I cannot give you.. I mean we can’t..”

She puts a hoof over my mouth, stopping my words. “Shush. I know what you mean. Not like I haven’t thought about it myself, we got lots of time. Princess Cadence told me once, love finds a way.”

I hold her hoof with mine, replying softly, “I know that this place, this world is far beyond what I can imagine. But I don’t think..”

“Jes’ you forget that. If one of the Princesses said it, you better believe it’s true. Ah love you no matter what.” She gathers me into her, I wrap a leg around her barrel in return. “Whatever comes, it’ll be the both of us.”

I nod, “That it will." Sitting silently with her as we enjoy the afternoon.

I am with my friends as they sit in Twilight’s Castle, going over the attack yesterday. There were a few minor injuries, but it seems ponies are resilient as well as tough. Perhaps my outlook on using force may be a bit extreme, I shall look into this. It does take worries off of me to try and be everywhere.

“Seriously Twilight?” This from Rainbow Dash, “Couldn’t you come up with a cooler name than that?”

“What’s wrong with it? It describes them perfectly! I’ve been keeping a journal on them so ponies will know what they are! Everything that’s come out of the forest I have drawings of and it’s going to be put in the Canterlot Library!” Twilight’s mane flipped as she practically bounced around the room in excitement.

“Really darling, they’re such nasty things, why keep track at all?”

“Because it’s something new! I’ve got to keep records, keep a history so if anything happens again ponies can reference MY work! Mine! Yes!”

Pinkie laughed, “But Twilight’s right! It does describe them! Though I liked “Rolly Polly Things That Chew Your Legs Off” better!

“Jus’ cause you wanted to keep one as a pet,”

“Well, they might be friendlier by themselves,” Fluttershy’s quiet voice spoke.

“It was trying to eat Pinkie’s tail!”

“Oh silly filly, it was just being friendly is all!”

“There’s a difference between friendly and trying to eat ya.”

Rarity spoke up from where she lounged on a couch, “Pinkie, honestly they were just trying to do harm. I almost chipped my hoof fighting those...those things off.”

Rainbow Dash flew up into the air mimicking punches, “Oh yeah! Rarity was POW! Bam! It was great watching her!”

“A lady does not act the part of a ruffian, I was merely defending myself.”

Rainbow snorts, “Yeah right, mean left hoof there.”

Fluttershy speaks up again, “But we don’t know they can be friendly until we try?”

I interject, “I’m sorry Fluttershy, they are not like your animal friends. They were just made to hurt ponies.”

“Well that’s not very..uhm..nice.”

“No, it is not. Whatever is making them, or forcing the forest to make them, is of malicious intent.” She nods, though very caring, she understands not all things are nice.

“But really Twilight?” Rainbow Dash still hovered, finally setting on a seat, “You gotta come up with a cooler name than that!”

Twilight got a smug look on her face as she points to a freshly written page in a bound book, “It is the proper classification for this new species, the name fits and I’m keeping it.”

“Laaaaaaaaaame!”

“It is not!”

“Is too!”

“Is not!”

“Is..." She gets a high sign from Rarity to drop the subject, “...nevermind, you win. Goofy eggheads..”

I am curious as to what Twilight has written about the things yesterday, I did not know she was keeping a journal of sorts about the monsters coming out of the forest. I watch patiently as she and the others discuss the situation. Maybe they use Animalia classifications like humans did?

“I beg your pardon, but what exactly did you name them?”

I see Applejack and the others facehoof while Twilight gets a very large, bright smile on her face.

“Dentipedes!”

Sitting upon my hill staring at the stars, I am still shaking my head at the spurious classification of a species of malignant force. But then again, there are Timber Wolves made of timber, so I suppose the naming conventions run to that bent. I am definitely not as scientifically minded as some Bolos were, but still, some of the names in this place lead me to believe that somewhere Carl Linnaeus is rolling in his grave.

I can only apologize for this and future transgressions Mr. Linnaeus.

With my technical spiders working through the night, I have had to adapt some existing sensors to create a small web around the perimeter. This will allow me to take GPR snapshots of the soil down to a small depth to see if anything is growing or could be forming. It is not the best solution, but then I am a Planetary Siege Unit, the ‘knuckle dragger’ type Bolo as it were.

Along with that, I have brought out the heavy spiders, having them digging on this side of the river from Ponyville, doing some emplacing work that may turn the tide in the future if attacked by smaller things. I have them also quietly upgrade the bridge over the river, it was damaged quite a bit ago when my Ferret had to use it for access, it was not built to take the tonnage.

I am pushing my drones hard now, sending them to the far north and south, the transmissions are spotty sometimes due to them being at their maximum range. Controlling a single dragon with a relay through a drone was bad enough during the weapons test. I do not wish to lose them, but I will if I have to.

I have had an interesting conversation with Command, Princess Luna. She is holding Night Court and when it is slow, chooses to converse with me over the link. I admit she has a very wicked sense of humor sometimes, as I watch through her band. I have faced that formidable presence before and feel almost sorry for the nobles who try and curry favor.

But I inquired about the disposition of Discord, that unknowing fool who almost brought about Equestria’s doom. I have not seen or heard any word of him since the fields were plowed. She has told me they have laid upon him a geas, a magic spell that compels one to not do certain things.

He cannot use his magic to travel nor do mischief, so has to go from place to place like a normal pony. He is also compelled to help any pony who asks or needs it without recompense or to ask for anything in return. Ever since then, he has been stuck at a retirement home for elderly ponies because they keep asking him to do things.

She is laughing out loud right now, saying if he is there any longer, they may decide to rescue him. But the elderly ponies are getting quite a run for their money. Princess Luna is still giggling as she mentions there is also a foal’s care center nearby as well. I cannot help but join in the laughter.

As I said, truly a wicked sense of humor.

Watching the bright colors heralding the new day, I have recalled all my drones save two. I have lost them in the San Palomino Desert far to the south. But I have triangulated with them a partial transponder signal. It is fading fast, and was only picked up by pure accident as my drone sped over a mountainside.

I am afraid I must go because of the importance of that signal.

“.....of the Line....sig...rescue....recov.....”

I will inform my friends and Command later this morning.

Author's Note

A bit of Slice of Life again, bear with me. I apologize for the late update, due to being ill.
Also, a thank you as well, to DragonMaus who came up with the name for the monsters. Too good not to put in!
To the wonderful folks in comments who come up with such awesome ideas about what's happening. Stop doing that dangit!:twilightsmile:
Laager and Carl Linnaeus - Look em up, learn something cool.

Moving Day.

I have notified Command that I will be moving this morning. When queried as to why, I explained there is a signal from the Desert that I must respond to. Princess Luna and Celestia have given their approval, and wish me luck on my journey. Princess Luna expressed a wish to go actually, and engaged in somewhat of an argument with her sister. I believe it would have been quite the adventure having a Princess along for the ride.

Applejack tells me she should stay in town with her friends in case anything happens. I can understand that. I cannot be everywhere at once, and so must trust her judgment. She is strong, capable and very loyal to her friends and town; it is commendable.

I do not like leave-takings. It feels as if a part of me is being left behind. I would prefer her safe on my Command Deck, but she is adamant, she will not leave her friends to face anything while she goes on a trip. I will not argue her decision, she has done this for years and shall continue to do so.

“Do you really have to go?” I see Applejack get a worried expression on her face.

“I do, it’s important or I would not. You know I am happy just setting here. But this is a signal from something else, I believe another Unit of the Line like me.”

She laughs, “It’s bad enough with one of ya around, Celestia knows what we’d do with two!”

“It will only be a few days. I have put in place a few things that will help keep you safe. You told me that I didn’t need to be everywhere.” I try to put on a comforting smile, giving her a hug.

“Ah know that, jus’ gonna get a bit lonely.”

“I will be back before you know it. You will be saving me from my mistakes soon enough.”

I see her laugh again, bright and deep, her smile is glorious to me this day. “Oh ain’t that the truth. If there is two of ya, hopefully you can keep them from causin’ problems.”

“I’m not too sure of that as I keep making them, but I will try.”

She gets a bit of a serious look upon her face, it does not go well with her pretty features. “You jes’ be careful out there. I know yer a big tough machine, but there’s a lot of stuff out there even we don’t know.”

I wonder if she’ll think the same thing when I clear my hull today. “I promise, I shall be careful.” I give her a serious look, “Are you sure you won’t accompany me?”

She gives me a warm kiss and hug, “Gotta hold the fort here in case. I’ll see you soon sugar.”

I am reluctant to let go, she is warm from the morning sun, I inhale her scent for a memory to keep on the trip.

But I do release her, walking towards the entryway.

I wave and enter the hatchway, closing it behind my avatar. I am content here, setting in defilade, but this signal is too important to ignore. I initiate internal checks and processing for maneuvers. I wish to leave my avatar behind, but feel it better to take. I can use it to liason with anything I meet out there if needed.

Watching, I make sure her, Twilight and the others are across the bridge before I bring power to my engines.

I have left Dragons and Ferrets in place, among the pits I have dug for more safety. They contain a few last ditch things that might help in an overwhelming situation. But I do not worry, Applejack and the others have done just fine before me and they will now.

Teaching her to use the command set I have left was quite an experience. I have left a list of commands and what they do beside it so no mistakes can be made. I make sure she understands the Dragons and the Ferrets have a very limited intelligence, they are not like me and quite literal. I have programmed recognition for all the types of creatures so far, many others Fluttershy has described. Their sensors are not discriminating either, so I have put a lock on firing at ponies unless overridden by Applejack. She can also designate another to override commands as well in case she is disabled. I have suggested Twilight.

I can see Applejack and the others at the town’s edge, looking my way. I truly hope this doesn’t scare them, I really do. They have known me for so long as a few posts and guns on a hill, but they’ve never seen the real me.

My transmissions hammer into place, the thrum of my drives sounds through my war hull once more. I increase power to my engines, bringing them up to full revolutions. It is a good feeling to once again feel myself ready.

Switching on my contra-gravs, I lighten myself enough to make my treads grip, but not too deep, it would not do to leave trenches all over. I engage my tracks and I move.

Applejack stood with Twilight and the others, the six gathered to see her coltfriend off on his mission. They heard the slamming of metal together, and the deep bass rumbling under the ground, the very dirt vibrating under their feet. Other ponies from around town had heard of the mission and were waiting to see what was going to happen, they were not disappointed.

I rock slowly to loosen the dirt above me, packed hard after so many years. Nothing withstands a Bolo when it wishes to move. It breaks easily, my hull outlined in the dirt as I slowly back out of my defilade. I am situated at a twenty-three degree slope forward and down, so must compensate by pushing the contra-gravs up, making it easier to back out. I am facing the town, so have no fear of damage or diverting the river with any mistakes due to my tread width, I continue to move slowly, watching the dirt fall off my guns.

My tracks grip easily in the good earth, bringing my war hull up and out of my hole in the ground. Of course as I do so quite a bit of the forest line gets flattened under my tracks, I do not worry, it will push the forest line back that much farther for safety. Threshing my treads was just a simple moment of evil joy for me I have to admit.

The group of ponies watched as the entire hill and a large part of the surrounding area just...moved. Gasps were heard as they watched the gigantic machine gently, and slowly move backwards towards the forest. The sensor masts they were so used to seeing went up...and up...and up like it was never going to stop.

Applejack held on to her hat as she took in the big machine coming out of the ground, ”Ain’t that somthin’?” She watched as the dirt fell away, revealing what they knew now to be weapons, only much, much larger than anything they’d ever seen. They saw some fog coming out of them, pushing dirt and debris out to rain along the hull.

Her eyes were wide as they watched all the weapons turn back and forth, swiveling around. Then suddenly all of them turned toward the town, lifting into the air. The dark holes of the barrels menacing and deep.

She gasped softly as he suddenly lit up, a shield appearing all around close to the metal hull sparkling in the morning sun; the rest of the dirt and grass falling away to reveal a massive slabs of metal wheels underneath where all the guns sat. It seemed the wheels rolled on their own road, the tracks he’d called them. They were huge, one link much bigger than any pony and there were hundreds of them.

The whole construct towered in the air as Twilight nudged her, “Aren’t you glad he’s a nice pony?”

Applejack could do nothing but nod quietly.

Even Rainbow Dash was silent, alongside Pinkie Pie who watched with wide eyes as the machine sat there, rumbling in the morning air.

The pink mare just looked on in wonder as she said quietly, “That's the biggest thing I've ever seen."

Rainbow Dash agreed hovering beside her, “Celestia’s name Pinkie, glad he didn’t accept your offer the first time to come to a party in town.”

Pinkie just kept looking at the metal machine.

Fluttershy just smiled as she looked at Rarity, “He is our friend though.”

The light gray mare nodded as well, “For that dear Fluttershy, I am truly grateful right now." She stared at the absolutely titanic weaponry arrayed along the sides and top of the machine as it sat there, shining in the morning sun.

I use neutral gases, blown through the barrels of my weapons to clear them, my tech spiders doing last checks as I wait; updating inventories and making sure the Dragons and Ferrets I have left are in position, forming a line of durasteel in front of the town. I rotate my four Hellbores, making sure they are working properly as well as my port and starboard repeater batteries; my secondaries are loaded and ready for use, the 20cm Hellbores lining port and starboard.

My VLS arrays are in prime condition, loaded with conventional cruise missiles. Howitzers, Hyper-Velocity Missile launchers, Hellrails; all are working properly. Anti-personnel arrays loaded with canister shot, mortar batteries ready. All conditions for moving are green and ready to go as I swing my guns around toward the town, giving Applejack the traditional Commander's salute of all weapons elevated at 45 degrees.

As I do so, I raise my battle screen slowly, pushing the last debris off my hull, leaving me gleaming like new in the sunlight. The nanites have done well and I feel capable again.

I receive a call from Applejack.

“Dangit Crusader is that mah cutie mark there?”

I can hear her friends laughing in the background, “Yes it is Applejack, I thought you’d be pleased.” I have had the nanite repair systems put her cutie mark on my glacis plate, alongside my brigade insignia.

“Well I am..but..did ya have to make it so darn big!”

“Of course, it is an old tradition but I thought it would look nice. I am quite proud of it myself.” I let a chuckle roll through the combat link.

“Ah guess I can’t say no to that, but dangit yer always doin’ somethin’ embarassin’ and all!”

“Now I wouldn’t call it embarrassing, more like showing my affection.”

“Affection is a buncha flowers, not some..some..fifty pony tall cutie mark!” I hear her exasperation and chuckle again.

“I think it is a good thing to have myself. Apparently your friends do as well.” I can hear the remarks from Twilight and the others.

“Alright, alright, yeesh. Knock it off you ponies!” I hear her hesitate before speaking once more, “You said you were big but I tell ya Crusader.. wow.” I hear Rainbow Dash say something in the background, “Rainbow Dash you stop that snickering right now!”

I maneuver carefully and steer to point my bow towards the southwest, final checks are done and it is time for me to go. I interrupt the argument taking place, the laughter is quite audible over the link.

“It is time for me to go Applejack, be safe.”

“Ah will love, you take good care of yourself.”

“I shall. See you soon.”

Applejack and her friends watched as the mountain of metal turned nimbly in place, pointing towards the southwest and took off smoothly. The sound of engines reverberated over the countryside as it moved. She couldn’t imagine how anything that big could just turn and go like that.

Though for some reason, the big machine stops dead before it exits the area. She can’t quite see why, then it suddenly moves off again.

A figure has landed on my upper fore turret, it appears Princess Luna wishes to say something.

“I shall be accompanying you defender.” I hear her voice over the link.

“There is no reason for that Princess, I would not wish to endanger you.”

“I think with such a formidable mountain as you by my side I shall have no fear Crusader. Please allow me to go on this adventure?”

“I would be honored then Princess, but who shall raise the moon?”

“I can do so from anywhere in Equestria, even from one such as you.”

I acquiesce, I think this will be nice having at least some company for the trip. Having a Princess along though, well it should be interesting.

“Then welcome aboard Princess, please walk along the side to your right and enter the hatchway.”

“Did not Princess Celestia advise you not to go?” I inquire as she walks along my side to the entry. I begin to roll again, my treads gripping the ground once more as I move off, making sure to accelerate slowly as she enters the hatchway.

“My sister did, but after seeing you uncover yourself, I could not resist. Truly to build one as you was the height of science!” She sighs softly after entering the command deck, looking into my camera lens, “I for one tire of sitting in Court Crusader, and would be on this grand adventure even if nothing untoward befalls.”

”I often wonder that myself Your Highness, was it science or madness.” I do ponder that sometimes in the deep night when alone. “I am pleased then you decided to join me Princess Luna.”

“But I do warn you, I have not stocked supplies, you may have to do with Concordiat rations, such as I can make.”

“It may not be a royal banquet, but I am sure it will be sufficient.” She raises her nose with an imperial snort, smiling the entire time, “But you shall have to do better next time!”

“I shall endeavor to be more prepared Your Highness.”

She enters the Command Deck, settling down on a couch to rest. “See that you do. When one conveys royalty one should have the proper things.” Her eyes droop a bit, “I must rest please Crusader, I would very much like to talk later.”

“Of course Your Highness.” I do like her sense of humor.

I watch as she fluffs some pillows, in preparation of laying her head down for the day, “Would you like some music Your Highness?”

“I would, do you have anymore of those classical pieces you play?”

“I do. Sleep well Your Highness.”

I bring up some light pieces, Vivaldi, Beethoven and Chopin grace my command deck with their quiet power, lulling the Princess to sleep. I slow down slightly, making sure any shocks are not transmitted through to the Command Deck so she may rest. I am more confident with somepony on my command deck, as I am not alone. It lightens my cores as I move along the edge of the forest, trampling acres of it beneath my heavy treads as a warning, behave for I will return.

I estimate a day at current speeds. I am moving far below optimum due to train tracks I must traverse, as well as being careful passing near any settlements or towns. Applejack has informed me that the San Palomino Desert is not fully mapped, thus there are a lot of unknowns. There are things even a Bolo worries about, but I have no fear the trip will be a smooth one.

My sensors watch the town recede behind me. I keep a watch as the last of the rooftops disappear below the horizon, before retracting my sensors masts. I feel a bit of loneliness as I have not been without contact from Applejack before. I do wish my Commander was here, but she has obligations even this cannot override. I understand them; family, home, her friends are very important. They protect Ponyville and Equestria, having done so before I was even a thought in their minds.

Although I have never before conveyed royalty, this should be an interesting trip now. I have longed to talk with the Princesses on a more informal basis. Hopefully this will prove to be true. I do not know what is ahead, as the information is scarce due to nopony ever going as far south, but I can use my drones to get data and relay it back to cartographers.

I launch a combat drone for higher surveillance, keeping it close as my own sensors reach out above and below. I am curving around the forest and hitting the train tracks outside of the line. It is an easy hop with contra-gravs, though I am afraid a few ponies saw me do so and took off like their tails were on fire.

I cannot wait to hear the stories from that encounter.

Once past the train tracks, another small leap over the river, then traveling more southerly along Ghastly Gorge. I keep an eye out for anything unique that may pop up along the way. Once past the end of the Gorge I can make a faster run into the desert. From there, it should be very little time to where my drones were lost. Hopefully I can recover them.

I look forward to this trip, a chance to see a bit more of the country, as well as having a chat with princess Luna later. I can only hope things stay quiet back in town while I am gone.

I am not happy, I should never have taught them how to infiltrate a Bolo’s Command Deck. I watched as the three of them exited the secondary access-way and lay down on the carpet to rest after I had quietly told them to come out from hiding. They had accidentally tripped a sensor when I was already a few hours into my traveling.

I am very upset with them right now, the three know they are in trouble and we will have to settle things later. For the moment I advise them to rest until Princess Luna awakens from her slumber.

Applejack, Rarity and Scootaloo’s family are going to have fits.

Short Side 1 - The Woods Are Lovely...

Author's Note

Short four chapter side story, then back into the main line!
A collaboration with Arxsys, he came up with the idea, the eldritch abomination that he is. I ran with it. Thanks!

Thank you all for sticking with me, I'll update fast as I can!

Short Side 1 - The Woods Are Lovely...

Applejack had watched until Crusader was out of sight, following her friends back to Twilight’s castle for a while. Rarity had gone to check her shop, coming back with the declaration that Sweetie Belle was not in the boutique, a quick search turned up the other two were not in town either.

Applejack was furious. It had been a few hours since Crusader departed and they had only now realized Apple Bloom and her friends were missing.

“Ah know where she is, oh yeah. Lemme tell ya I’m gonna ground her so hard her grand foals’ll be grounded!”

“I cannot believe Sweetie Belle would go along on such an outrageous adventure!” Rarity was on one of her fainting couches she seemed to pull out of nowhere. Spike was attentively handing her a drink.

The rest of the friends sat quietly, watching Applejack pace along the floor, “Ah know they’re safe with Crusader, but goshdarnit!”

Rainbow Dash landed beside her, giving the orange pony a hug, “Oh you bet they’re safe with him. Did you SEE those things? They were huge! Can you imagine what Tirek woulda done if he had popped up out of the ground?”

Twilight covered a giggle with a hoof, “He probably would have screamed like a foal and given up on the spot!”

Pinkie was actually sitting still for a moment with a big grin on her face, “I’ve never seen anything that big! He coulda fit all the ponies in Ponyville on him for a dance or something!”

Fluttershy laughed softly, “Oh I don’t think he’d appreciate that.”

“But I can ask can’t I? He likes us! I can ask, he won’t say no!”

Fluttershy shook her head at her pink friend, “Oh, he’d never say no. He’s very kind.”

Rainbow turned quickly to look at all of them, “Did you see how huge those four big things were? I bet if he fired them the whole country would be flattened!”

Applejack thought for a moment, “Can’t quite remember what he called em, Tartarus-bores or somethin’ like that.”

Twilight smiled at her cyan friend, “Rainbow you are far too excited about all that.”

“Are you KIDDING ME? That was the most awesome thing I’ve seen yet! He was huge!” She was gesturing into the air now, “He told us he was inside the hill, but he WAS the hill! And a big part of the surrounding acres! I mean there’s a huge pit where he sat! Sweet Celestia Twilight that was something!”

Twilight sighed, “Oh don’t tell me about that, marking it off to keep ponies away was a pain in the..”

“Twilight! Proper mares do not use that word.” Rarity was finally sitting up on her couch.

“Well I do! It was! It’s a huge hole in the ground and some dumb....pony... tries to see what’s in it!”

“We got him out of there darling, he was just curious.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and sighed, “Right, he’ll probably tell his friends to go look now. Rainbow did you finish marking it off?”

“I did! Flew down inside too, it’s deep!”

“Rainbow, don’t fly in the hole.”

“But it was so cool! I mean thinking about how he just sat there!”

“Rainbow!”

“All right, yeesh!” Rainbow Dash got a smirk on her face as she whispered towards Fluttershy, “But he sure was...big...huh?” As she lifted her muzzle towards Applejack, her eyebrows going up and down.

Fluttershy got the joke immediately, covering her muzzle with her hooves as she giggled uncontrollably, her eyes wide. “Rainbow!”

Applejack heard the multi-hued mare snickering and flipped around, pointing a hoof, “I swear Rainbow, by Celestia’s good name I’ll bop ya one!”

Rainbow Dash broke into another round of snickering as she waved a hoof at her friend, “No you won’t, after getting on poor Crusader for doing that, you’d be breaking your own rules!”

Applejack’s eyes narrowed as she realized Rainbow was right, she’d been called on her bluff, “I’ll still get you back ya know that.”

“Oh please! You practically smiled the week away when he was a real pony! It was pretty obvious!”

“Ah did not! We were runnin’ around doing all sorts of stuff to save Equestria, ah didn’t have time to smile that much!”

Pinkie rolled her eyes, sitting on a cushion, “Oh stop, when he said he loved you at the party you were about to bust!”

A blush rose in Applejack’s cheeks, she skid her hoof along the floor for a moment, “Ah know, and yer right, I was so happy I about fell over.”

“See?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, “So stop denying it!”

“Fine! Fine I smiled a lot more! Happy now? Can we get back to them Crusaders?”

Rainbow got a sly look on her face, trotting over to whisper in Applejack’s ear.

The orange Earth pony’s ears went straight up as her eyes got wide, pushing her friend away playfully, “That’s none of your business ya snoop!”

The cyan mare snickered again, “Come on! He’s not here, it’s just us! He can’t listen in!”

“That’s not right and it’s still none of your business!” Her face was a bright red now as she avoided looking at the other five mares.

Rarity leaned forward on her couch, “At least darling, tell us if he makes you happy?”

“Oh he does,” Applejack gets a slight faraway look as her green eyes go gentle, “More than anything he does.” She settled down on a cushion, still looking off to the side, “He’s treats me like I’m something special. Ain’t nopony ever done that.” She hesitates for a second, “I’m just a workin’ mare is all, but he always tells me I’m a Princess in his eyes.”

She looks at the ground and thinks for a second, “He’s changed though. He says something’s happening he doesn’t understand, but he’s changing.” She looked around at all her friends, “He made so many mistakes at first, but now, don’t you notice he’s just like a pony? He feels things, he understands things now. It’s almost like he was born here.”

Twilight nodded, rubbing her chin, “He has. Used to be stiff and formal, now it’s just like somepony that’s been around forever. It’s not just us teaching him things, magic permeates the land, maybe it’s working on him somehow? Discord changing him into a real pony probably accelerated the process whatever it is.”

“Well, no matter what, he’s as real as real can be to me.” Applejack smiled to herself, “Never had anypony love me as much as he does.”

Rarity added a brilliant smile to her statement, “Oh he does dear Applejack, we can see it plain as day.” Her smile dimmed just a bit, “Though I do hope he never gets truly angry after seeing him like that.”

Fluttershy spoke up in a soft voice, “I don’t think he will. He was used to doing all those bad things way in the past. But I remember him telling me he’s learned so much, to be something else. He doesn’t have to be angry anymore. He just wants to protect us and be with Applejack. I think it’s nice.”

She looked over to where Applejack sat, lost in her thoughts with a soft smile on her face.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, sotto voce to Fluttershy, “There’s that smile again..”

Twilight giggled a bit and nudged her friend, “Equestria to Applejack? You with us?”

The Earth pony started, then looked around, her eyes soft as she nodded, “Oh..oh yeah, sorry ‘bout that.”

Twilight hugged Applejack tight, “You really are gone aren’t you? I mean we’ve never seen you like this. Usually you’re the one telling us we’re getting out of hoof.”

“Ah know,” Her accent becoming noticeable as her speech got lower, “Ah jes’ can’t help it some times. Even Big Mac’s given up on tryin’ to convince me it may not be a good thing. He’s seen me moonin’ around the farm waitin’ for a visit or after I get a call from him and we jes’ talk.” Applejack laughed quietly, “He’s takin’ to shooin’ me off the farm to go see him when I forget to do things.”

Twilight kicked some cushions near their friend as they gathered close, settling down near her, “Just tell us one thing, what’s it like?”

Applejack eyed the Alicorn, “What’s what like?”

Twilight smiled, “What’s it like being in love?”

Applejack took her hat off, laying it aside as she pushed her blond shock of mane out of her eyes, “Y’all remember your first kiss right? How it was special?”

The other five nodded, leaning in to listen.

“It’s like that every moment I’m with him.”

Spike could hear the sigh resound through the castle as he lay in his bed reading comics, making him look around and shrug, “Mare stuff, yeesh.” He rolled his eyes and covered his ears with a pillow as he heard more of them through the evening.

The tanks stood silent sentinel in the darkened night, their barrels pointed towards the forest, their sensors tightly wound. Though of limited intelligence, they knew their duty, protect and shield. The co-axial weapons twitched when something ran through the field, tripping the sensor net or their own fields of pulsing coverage.

Their armor shone a burnished gleam as the moon rose high, basking in the silvery light as they kept their watch.

A figure stood at the forest line, small and lithe, giggling to itself as it waited for the witching hour. It was joined by more little outlines, dancing along the trees as they impatiently waited to go. The moon was high when they stepped out from the crushed greenery, making their way towards the durasteel sentries in front of them.

The tanks hummed, guns swiveling to lock on to targets, before the computer cores caught up and put them back into ready position. The sensor nets went back to ready status, continuing their watch on the forest line as a few shadowy forms danced between the huge metal sides. Filtering their way into the town, the figures split up, giggling softly to themselves as they approached windows in nearby quiet houses.

Spring Flower was trying to fall asleep, but she didn’t like the dark, so lit a candle to help her rest. She was only six and mommy told her there was nothing to be afraid of. But she had left the candle just in case, so the little unicorn had its warm glow to fall asleep with now.

As she snuggled under the covers, she heard a soft voice.

*Won’t you come and play with me?*

She lifted her head, looking around the room before spotting a figure at the window.

“It’s late, mommy said I can’t play outside after dark.”

*Don’t worry, she won’t mind!*

Spring looked at the figure, it was smiling at her. A soft giggle came from it’s mouth as it opened it’s eyes. They shone silver in the moonlight and she gasped, it was so pretty just looking into those glowing orbs. It looked as if they had a light behind them as they stared at her. She felt warm inside and wanted to go play.

“Are..are you sure?” Spring loved to be outside, and she wanted to make new friends.

*Of course! Come and play!*

Giving a look at the closed door she uncovered herself, lifting the window and climbing out quietly to join the dark figure. She realized it was a filly just like her! But she was a dark color all over. It was a bit strange, but then ponies came in all sorts her mommy said.

The silvery eyes grabbed her attention, riveting Spring Flower in place as the little dark foal stared at her intently, driving deep into the Unicorn’s mind. In a few seconds the shadowy figure had gained control of the little Unicorn, turning her around and leading her away. Spring Flowers’ head nodded as she followed the black foal, itself heading for the edge of town.

Other dark figures joined this one, bringing along five more young ponies who nodded sleepily as they trotted behind the giggling forms. The shadowy outlines kept up a quick pace as they trotted out of the town, slipping gently between the silent tanks as they headed for the forest’s edge.

As they crossed in front of the quiet metal sentinels once again, the sensors registered twelve ponies, juvenile, heading for the forest.

If they had zeroed in with optics, they’d have seen the one dark shadow turn around to look back at the gun bores, it’s reflective eyes taking in the hushed town, the impotent machines.

The giggling increased as it smiled back at the dark maws of the weapons, needle teeth gleaming in the moonlight before it flickered off into the woods.

Short Side 2 - Dark and Deep..

Twilight was awoken by a loud rapping on the heavy door to her castle. Stumbling down the stairs she answered it with a bleary-eyed look, staring at the Town Guard Captain who stood there.

“Yes?”

“I am sorry to bother you Princess but we have some missing foals.”

The mulberry mare immediately perked up, shaking her head to clear it and standing a bit straighter, “What?”

“This morning, two fillies and four colts were reported missing to our office, we’ve had guards out looking for them but no luck. Is there any possible way we could get a little help from the Royal Guard? Maybe some other trackers or magic users to help us look?”

Twilight nodded to herself, “Of course! Yes let me send a letter immediately, and please keep looking for them!”

“Of course Your Highness, thank you for the help!” The Captain turned on his hoof and trotted off to help in the search.

“Twilight, what’s going on?” Spike’s voice reached from behind her.

She turned around, thinking furiously as she walked back inside the castle, “There’s some missing foals. But I don’t understand, why would they go missing? We’ve got protection from the forest, why would anypony do this if they did?”

Spike shrugged, a bit more mature sounding than his years as he replied, “There’s a ton of weird things that happen around here Twilight.”

She nodded in return, “I know, but why foals? They don’t hurt anypony, and it’s not like the tanks wouldn’t fire on anything coming out of the forest. This is odd. Spike, I need to send a letter to Princess Celestia immediately!”

Spike grabbed a quill and parchment, penning the letter as dictated, sending it off as soon as the ink dried.

The reply was just as immediate.

Twilight,

Sending whatever is needed to help in the search, please keep us advised on the progress.

Celestia

Twilight felt heartened as she hit her link, calling her friends one at a time to meet her at the castle, that it was most urgent. She sat on her chair and waited, nervously tapping her hoof on the edge of the seat as she tried to figure out why six foals would suddenly decide to take off like that.

The Boulder brothers were one of the mainstays of the Town Guard, born to a quarrypony father, they worked hard and loved excavating marble and rock for use in building, they grew tall and very strong even for Earth ponies. After their father had passed, they decided to make a life of the Town Guard.

They were courteous, polite to a fault and treated others with respect as their mother had taught them. But everypony knew, if they asked you nicely to come along, you did so without protest.

When the search for Crusader was on, they had gotten the chance to hang around with some of the Deep Rangers, the mottled ponies whose quiet ways caught the brothers attention. By introducing themselves and being useful the Rangers in return had taught them how to track, anything at anytime; they were using those skills right now as they stood outside Spring Flower’s window.

“I’m telling ya Granite this is weird, she got out the window, and then headed that way.” He motioned with a solid hoof, “But there’s nothing else to say if anypony else was with her.”

Granite scratched the back of his head, looking at the tracks as he thought furiously, “I dunno Bastion, could they all just have decided to run away maybe?”

“All six at the same time? I doubt that.”

“Well I’m tellin’ ya, I looked. There’s no sign of anypony else with them, it’s like they all decided to just get up and walk off. Spring here’s just six years old she wouldn’t just take off like that, I know her she’s a good filly.”

“We gotta track em, find out where they went at least, so we can tell the Captain we got a lead or somethin’.” Bastion sat down on his haunches for a moment, looking concerned, “I got a bad feelin’ ‘bout all this brother.”

“You and me both Bast, you and me both.”

The brothers stood up shaking themselves off and following the tracks around the house, heading out to the edge of town where they ended up looking towards the forest between two of the silent tanks. Bastion eyed his brother as they sat there for a moment, seeing the tiny hoofprints lead off toward the forest line.

“I got a bad feeling even more now Bastion, those tracks lead right into the Everfree.”

“Granite, we better go tell the Captain, this is trouble in a big way.”

“Ya got that right, c’mon.”

Heading back into town, the worried expressions on their faces did not settle the townsponies who saw them pass by. They did not stop to talk, but headed straight for the Guard building.

They found Captain Iron Bars, setting behind his desk talking to a runner who was spreading the message about the search for the foals to the outlying farms, to be on the lookout for them.

“Captain, we got us a problem.”

The tan stallion looked up, seeing the expressions on the brothers faces.

Rainbow Dash was tapping a hoof on the floor of the throne room while she waited for the rest of her friends to arrive. Having received the call over the link, she immediately hurried to Twilight’s side, then had to sit and wait for the others.

“I don’t get this, Crusader left the tanks here to protect us, how could anything get in?” She was assuming something came from the forest, ever since the battles started it was the most obvious explanation.

“We don’t know anything came from the forest yet Dash, I’m waiting for the Captain to give me a report here soon enough.”

“I think it was the forest, that place has always been bad.”

“Don’t assume Dash, not until we know.” Twilight had her eyes glued to a book that she was flipping through, old legends and tales of the Everfree.

The cyan mare sat with a “Hmph” on her chair, waiting for the others to get there.

Rarity and Pinkie arrived just a few moments after the conversation ended.

“Darling, what’s the matter?”

Pinkie bounced over to her seat, taking her place and smiling as usual, though her blue eyes were a bit worried. “I heard about the missing foals.”

Rarity put a hoof to her chest, “What? Well how could this happen? You don’t think Sweetie Belle...?”

Twilight waved a hoof, “Nono, I’m sure she’s with Crusader, this happened just last night.”

Applejack arrived just then, slamming through the doors with Fluttershy trailing her, “What’s goin’ on?”

Twilight waited until everypony was seated, “Captain Iron Bars has informed me six foals went missing last night. Just gone, and nopony knows why. He’s got trackers out looking for any evidence and we’re just waiting for the report, that’s all I’ve got so far. I sent a letter to Princess Celestia, and she’s sending some help as well.”

“Ah know Crusader told me he’d made sure them tanks would fire on anything comin’ out of the forest.” Applejack was thinking out loud, “The only thing they won’t fire on is ponies.”

“My friends told me they hadn’t seen anything, but then they’ve been staying away from the area ever since the fighting started,” Fluttershy was looking down at the floor, “They’re really scared to go near that part of the forest, lots of bad things are hanging out in there now.”

“Well as soon as the Captain gives us a report, we can plan from there.” She slammed the book in front of her shut, “I don’t understand, why would foals go wandering off in the night? I mean Spring Flowers mom said she was a good filly, always loved to be helpful around the house. The others were the same. All good foals, kind and polite, they wouldn’t just up and run away would they?”

“Ah don’t know Twi, I mean little ones got their own reasons for doin’ things sometimes. But runnin’ away from home on a whim? I doubt that, I really do.”

Rainbow slapped a hoof on her seat, “I’m telling you, that forest has something to do with it! I don’t know how but it does, it’s been nothing but problems!”

Pinkie piped up, “Dashie, don’t go blaming things yet. Maybe they just hid for a while and will come back? We don’t know, we can’t know until we get a bit more information.” She gave her friend a warm smile, her eyes twinkling in the light of the day.

Rainbow just stared at her for a moment, “You’re right, I know. But still, that forest has always been a problem, I don’t see why nopony ever just got rid of it way back!”

Twilight settled in her own seat, wrapping her tail around her legs as she tilted her head a bit, “It’s been there a long time Rainbow. Celestia and Luna even remember it, ponies pushed it back in building Ponyville with their help. So far it’s just been minor problems, until Crusader woke up.”

Applejack’s head snapped up, looking at Twilight, “You think Crusader might’ve caused it to go nuts?” She was not accusing, just honestly concerned.

“No..well..I don’t know AJ, I find it hard to think it’s coincidence that after he woke up, all of a sudden the forest starts attacking like it did long ago when it was out of control.”

“He always told me he thought it was strange, it suddenly goin’ all out for some reason.” She looked at Twilight curiously, “You think somethin’ else woke up in that forest when he did?”

Twilight threw a hoof up in the air lazily, “I don’t know. But it does make me wonder.” A look of consternation crossed her face, “I hate not knowing things..I really do...”

A knock on the door brought them out of their reverie, Captain Iron Bars stood in the opening, accompanied by Spike who had let him in. “Your Highness.” He bowed politely.

“Don’t bow, ugh...Twilight please.”

“Yes Your..uhm...Twilight. We’ve got a report from our trackers, the foals were headed for the forest.”

Rainbow Dash leapt off her seat, hovering in the air, “I told you! That forest did it!”

Twilight raised a hoof, “Rainbow, calm down.” She watched her friend settle back into her seat.

“Captain, when the Royal Guards get here, take them into the forest line, search for more tracks please. If they went deeper into the forest, we have to know.”

“Yes You.. Twilight.. We will get right on it.”

They all watched as the Captain turned and left quickly, his hoof clicks rapidly receding in the castle.

“Ya know if word gets out we’re gonna have another military camp like when Crusader was lost. ‘Specially if it’s little ones missin’.”

The Alicorn closed her eyes and sighed, “You’re right, it’s going to be a mess, we have to get them back quick.”

Royal Guardsponies arrived quickly, they were taken in hoof by Captain Iron Bars, search parties were sent to the forest line. All of them were told, get in trouble, head back towards the tanks and any problems would be swiftly dealt with. The day was already going swiftly when they got the teams organized and moving, armed of course and very wary.

It turned out to be prophetic.

The Boulder brothers led a party of trackers along the forest line, seeing where the little ones had entered the forest. Pointing the sign out, they led a small group into the woods, it wasn’t long before they hit trouble, scrambling back towards the edge of the forest.

Spiders, misshapen and hungry had dropped from the trees on the small group; fended off by pikes and staves as the ponies turned and fled the surrounding trees. They were tearing up ground heading for the sunlight, their hooves digging deep as they tried to outrun the slavering things.

Even the Boulders big as they were, had no problem running like their tails were on fire, screening the rest of the party as they slammed hooves into the things when they got too close. The group were worn when they hit the open country, the ponies turning and waiting with anxious faces to see if the brothers were alright.

Bastion slapped away a spider as he caught up with his Granite, both of them in the fading daylight now as they saw the rest of their group standing and looking for them.

“Run! Run you idiots!” Bastion was waving as they stampeded over the grass, passing the laggard ponies.

The others faces went white seeing what was behind them pour out of the forest and turned like Tirek himself was on their flanks. Dirt flew as the ponies made for the gleaming machines in the distance, not knowing if they were going to make it.

A sharp report came across the flat lands, followed immediately by the ripping sound of repeaters as the guns on the tanks fired over the ponies heads, tearing the spiders with alloy ring penetrators that blew them apart in place.

Granite could hear the whickering sounds of the slugs as they passed by over his head, like the sounds of insects but far more deadlier. He knew, as they all did, one miss and they would be splattered over the countryside. He didn’t stop asking for Princess Celestia’s blessing until they had made the line of firing tanks, their ears deafened to the sounds of the guns as they finished the last of the spiders off.

Twisting a hoof in his ear, he slapped the other on his brother’s withers, “You alright?” He glanced around at the others of his team, shaking their heads and trying to regain their hearing.

Bastion gave him a funny look, wriggling his own ears heavily, “DO WHAT?”

Granite just laughed, hitting his brother on the shoulder, “Yeah you’re fine.”

“DO WHAT?”

The search was called for the evening, the teams heading back in. A few more fights had been had when ponies encountered the denizens of the forest. The battles had been expected of the Everfree, but even armored and armed, Royal Guards had a rough time keeping the search going while beating back the misshapen creatures.

A worn out Captain Iron Bars reported to the Princess that night.

The six friends had been helping the search as they could, Rainbow Dash had been scouting out the forest from high above; avoiding any flying things that were swarming up at her from the forest, making it almost impossible to get a look.

The rest had been searching the woods as well, having to run back out a few times to avoid getting eaten, bitten or chewed on. It was a tiring day for everypony.

“I’m sorry Your... Twilight, we couldn’t go any further, those creatures make it seem like they don’t want us in the forest looking for the foals.”

“Are your Guards okay?”

“Yes ma’am they got a few scratches, and they’re quite deaf from the guns firing, but we’re good. We’ll head back in the morning light, I’m sorry but the dark makes it far too dangerous.”

“You’ve done the best you can do Captain, please place patrols out tonight?”

The big Captain stood straighter, “Yes ma’am, we’ll put armed patrols everywhere.”

“Thank you Captain, please try and get some rest?”

“Yes Twilight.” He turned and trotted off, heading for his office. The big Guard pony swore to himself he’d be damned to Tartarus if he even thought about sleeping tonight.

The six friends looked at each other. Their coats shaggy, dirt on faces, even Rarity’s. They needed food and rest, but none of them wanted to go to sleep thinking about lost foals somewhere in that evil place.

Twilight got up with a yawn and stretch, “I’m sorry, we all need food and showers and sleep. Please, take care of yourselves? We won’t be any good to anypony tomorrow if we don’t.”

Five heads nodded in unison as they walked out of the throne room, each heading to their room for a quick shower.

Applejack stayed behind, looking out the window towards the forest. Her mind thinking on the poor little ones out there and hoping her best nothing bad had happened to them.

“We’ll find ya, ah know we will.”

Short Side 4 - And Miles To Go Before I Sleep...

Twilight slapped the book open on the table near her. Her friends sat quietly waiting as she read furiously through the pages, scanning and flipping. Murmuring to herself as the five exchanged glances once more, she nodded and kept reading. Looking up with a triumphant expression she announced..

“Forest Foals!”

“Do what now?”

“Forest Foals, that’s what they were!”

Rainbow got a puzzled look on her face, “What the hay are those?”

Twilight pointed to the book, “Legends of the Everfree, it’s a book containing all the tales about the forest. There’s one called ‘The Forest Foal’, it’s about a dark colored foal with eyes like moonshine that lead travelers astray never to be seen again.”

Applejack tilted her head and raised a hoof, “Does it say anythin’ bout them tryin’ to eat ponies?”

Twilight’s ears lowered a bit, “Well...no.. but it fits why the tanks didn’t fire! They looked like ponies!”

Rarity polished a hoof on her chest for a moment before directing her attention to the conversation, “So these ‘Forest Foals’ are responsible for taking the other foals?”

“As far as I can tell, yes. Nothing else fits the circumstances. Somehow those things came out of the forest, took Ponyville’s foals and led them back in. We’ve got to go get them!”

“But the trackers said there was only six sets of tracks.”

“Maybe they don’t leave hoofprints? I don’t know, there isn’t much on them here.”

“Well, darling, how can we be sure then?”

Fluttershy ran a hoof along her cushions edge, “Wish we could ask the tanks like we could Crusader.”

Applejack perked right up, “Wait a second, that’s an idea!”

Pinkie looked over at her friend, “What do you mean?”

“Crusader said the tanks aren’t as smart as he is, but they..they.. oh hay what was that word? Log! They log everythin’! Like remembering everything that happens!”

Twilight stared for a second, “So maybe they could tell us if the foals were alone or had company?”

“Well, yeah....least I think so! Can’t hurt to try.”

Applejack turned and went to the command battleset that Crusader had left, hitting the switch that linked her with the line of tanks. She looked at the list of commands for a second, trying to think of how to ask.

“Uhm... Dragons?”

“Acknowledged.” A monotone voice replied over the link.

“Uh..you ponies see any foals goin’ into the forest?”

“Command request not understood, authorization required.”

Applejack sighed in frustration, they definitely were not like Crusader, she scanned the list, “Authorization Applejack Phi Upsilon Rho Five Five Two.”

“Acknowledged, how can I be of assistance commander?” The voice sounded more like a normal one, well for tanks that is.

“You see any ponies goin’ into the forest?”

“Running Log...67 adults proceeded into sensor net area today...12 juveniles proceeded into sensor net area the evening before. End log.”

“Juveniles?”

“Juveniles...correct.”

“The hay is a juvenile? Ya mean foals?”

“Juveniles...correct.”

“So...foals?”

“Juveniles...correct.”

“I swear by Celestia you stupid metal....” Applejack was raising a hoof to pound the battleset when Twilight grabbed her.

“Nonono, don’t beat it up!”

“Stupid thing arguing with me, just say foals ya dumb pony!”

“Juveniles...correct. I am not a pony, I am a Mark Twenty-Three Dragon Assault Tank.”

“That’s it!” She lunged for the battleset and was stopped by Twilight’s magic, holding her in place.

“Sun and stars Applejack, what’s gotten into you?”

“Ah’m sorry, just worried ‘bout them young ones.” The abashed look on her face told Twilight the truth.

“Well that’s no reason to beat the set up. You’ll behave if I set you down?”

“Of course...dumb machine...”

Twilight gently pushed her friend away from the set, reading a command off the list, “Twilight Sparkle Phi Iota Rho Five Two Two.”

“Acknowledged, how can I be of assistance?”

“How many...juveniles came from the forest yesterday evening?”

“Running log.. Six Juveniles..End log.”

“How many went back into the forest?”

“Running Log.. Twelve Juveniles..End Log.”

Twilight turned around to her friends, “See? We’ve got six coming out, and twelve going back in, it fits! They came out of the forest, grabbed six foals and went back in!”

The machine heard her and responded, “Juveniles...correct.”

“Right,” Twilight nodded, “Foals. So they went in and..”

“Juveniles...correct.”

“Anyway, the Forest Foals took the ones from Ponyville and...”

“Juveniles...correct.”

“Stupid machine!”

“Twilight don’t hit it!”

The six friends grabbed a quick nap, preparing to enter the forest. They had decided that they needed to go into the Everfree to retrieve the missing foals. This caused not a small amount of problems with the Royal Guard who objected strenuously to a Princess leading an expedition into the dangerous area. This was solved by Twilight getting the help of one of the town Guard to accompany her.

The alicorn figured a much smaller group than before, could quietly enter the forest and get back out with less trouble than the search parties of yesterday. She wished she had time to think of more, but there wasn’t, there were little ones to be found.

Applejack had looked through the command list and told them there was nothing that could make them move, so using them was out for now until Crusader got back.

Granite Boulder was chosen to track the foals, seeing if he could lead them to where they might be held. He brought along an old friend, an eyepatch wearing Pegasus named Stonewall.

Twilight looked at the bulky Pegasus with wide eyes, “Are all of your friends so big Granite?”

The Earth pony laughed, nudging his friend, “Don’t let him fool you, he’s a big softie. If we’re goin’ into that forest I figured we’d need help, my brother’s doing alright but he’s still laid up as well as the sergeant, so I drafted old Stoney here.”

“Pleasure to meet you Princess Sparkle.” An amazingly soft voice came from the large Pegasus.

“Same here Stonewall. Please call me Twilight!” They bumped hooves politely.

“Well, now introductions are over, let’s see what we can do about getting them foals huh?” Granite led them off into the tank line where he and Stonewall picked up a set of saddlebags each, along with short pikes for defense.

Rainbow Dash was elated to see an old friend in Stonewall, giving him a hug and chatting for a moment, the others prepared their saddlebags that were carrying equipment in case of emergencies.

The cyan mare nudged Applejack as they walked towards the treeline, “Hey, you think Crusader could fix Stonewall’s eye?”

“Ah don’t see why we couldn’t ask him when he gets back.”

Rainbow Dash smiled, trotting off to chat with Twilight, “Thanks Applejack!”

Rarity was looking towards the forest with not a small amount of trepidation. Her hoof tapping on the ground softly.

Fluttershy looked at her friend, “Something wrong Rarity?”

“No!....No.. just wondering if we’re going to get chased by some awful things before we even get in there.” She was remembering yesterdays’ mad dashes for safety.

Fluttershy smiled softly, leaning against her friend, “Don’t worry, we’ve..uhm.. done all this before you know.”

Rarity graced the yellow pegasus with a bright smile, “Of course, we’ve saved Equestria before, I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

Fluttershy nodded, trying to hide behind her mane, “Good, ‘cause maybe you can make me feel braver then? I really don’t want to go.”

The marshmallow mare hugged Fluttershy tight, “Don’t worry darling, we’ll be fine.” Her comment not at all in line with the fact that she was chilled down to her hooves.

Pinkie popped up next to them with a smile and hugs, “No worries at all! We’ll be back in time for a “We Rescued Everypony” party!”

Rarity couldn’t help but giggle at her friend, feeling a bit better as she watched the pink pony bounce around, seeing if everypony was okay. She couldn’t help but be glad Pinkie was around, nothing beat the doldrums or a slight hint of fear than a Pinkie hug.

Even Fluttershy broke into a quiet smile, watching their pink friend bounce around.

The group headed off in the morning light, Granite and Stonewall leading the way as they picked up the tracks of the little ones heading into the forest, deeper into the forest. The two ponies eyed the surrounding greenery carefully, holding on to freshly bladed short pikes in strong grips. The tree line was quiet, no sounds except insects could be heard over the silence, it was almost deafening.

Stonewall spoke first as the group waited behind them, “I don’t like this Granite, it’s too quiet.”

“I know, but we gotta go find them. We’ll just take it easy.”

The big Pegasus nodded, stepping lightly as the group traveled farther into the surrounding trees. Granite leading slightly as he pointed out track sign.

Twilight and the others chatted quietly behind the lead ponies, looking suspiciously at every shadow and mark on the ground or surrounding trees. Twilight had prepared as usual, spells always at the ready, her friends huddled close as they were led down a small dirt path following Granite and Stonewall.

Pinkie kept up a happy chatter though it was a bit more subdued than usual, owing to the extreme danger Twilight supposed. Fluttershy was hugging close to Rarity and Rainbow Dash as they looked around for any signs of the foals. Applejack was right beside her, eye-balling everything with intent to put a hoof in it if it so much as twitched wrong.

Granite kept his eyes glued to the ground as he followed every scuff, each broken blade of grass, all the signs that pointed to where the foals could have gone. He looked up to every so often make sure of no danger before returning to the trail.

It actually didn’t take long to find an opening in the ground where the tracks led. Granite and Stonewall inspected the immediate area to see if they had missed something, but were surprised when after a few hours, they were already at the end of the trail.

Granite held a hoof up, the group stopping as he turned to talk with Twilight and the others, “This is too easy, it really is. After yesterday I’d have thought we’d be fighting our way into the forest. You got any clue?”

The six mares shook their heads, looking around them at the trees, the vines creeping along the ground, the dry grass around the entrance to something below ground.

Twilight spoke first, “You think it’s a trap?”

Stonewall nodded, “Celestia’s name it’s a trap, after everything that happened yesterday we just walk right in?” He eyed the forest around them, “Oh it’s a trap alright, but I’m just not sure what kind of trap.”

Pinkie bounced around the entrance, peering inside, “Well you do know we’re going to have to go inside anyways right?”

“Pardon?” Stonewall looked confused, “I just said it’s a trap.”

Pinkie bounded over to sit beside Stonewall, staring with warm blue eyes at the pegasus, “You aren’t the kind of pony to leave a little one behind, are you?”

He shook his head, “No, no I’m not... I..”

“Then it’s settled! Who goes first?” Pinkie was back to dancing around the opening.

Granite turned with an exasperated look at the six mares, opening his mouth before a hoof was laid on his lips by Rarity, “Don’t ask darling, it will only confuse you.”

The Earth pony rolled his eyes and nodded, “I’ll go first, you six follow me, Stoney will take up the slack. Don’t touch anything and please, if any..ANY..thing moves yell.”

“Okey dokey loki!” Pinkie waited her turn as Granite led the way down into the dark hole with Twilight following, Rarity and Fluttershy behind her; Rainbow Dash and Pinkie took their places before Stonewall entered with one last look outside the opening before he ducked in.

The tunnel was warm, overly so, like the inside of something living. The walls dripped condensation and a smell permeated the air, seeping inside their nostrils to make them wipe their noses trying to get it out. Vines that looked nothing more like some living thing draped over them as they quietly walked down the large entryway, deeper into the earth.

Puddles of some viscous substance clung to their hooves as they splashed through them, unable to avoid the wall spanning collections of slimy liquid. Rainbow Dash was always one for not having anypony touch her hooves but this was truly beyond disgusting as she shook a collection of dirt mixed with oily ooze off her hoof.

“Rarity, this is the closest I’ve ever come to agreeing to a hooficure with you.” She whispered softly to her friend, slinging mud that stuck to the wall and rolled downward.

Twilight lit her horn up, casting a soft glow in the front, allowing everypony to see what was coming, if only for a few yards. Granite stood directly in front of her, casting a shadow that rippled over the floor as he slipped forward softly.

Rarity leaned over to whisper in Rainbow’s ear, “I’m going to spend a week at the spa after this, ugh this is worse than some of the things Sweetie has gotten into.”

Pinkie was somehow still bouncing slightly, her hooves barely even touching the pools of gunk that clung to everyone else. Her famous smile was still in place, but her eyes were wary and observing everything around her.

Granite peered around a corner in front of him, seeing a faint glow in the distance. Holding up a hoof, he turned to whisper in Twilight’s ear, his muzzle close enough they made no sound. “There’s a light up ahead, want me to go?”

Twilight nodded, reducing the glow on her horn as she leaned back, informing the others there was a light up ahead.

The group slipped forward as softly as they could, now that something had been spotted, the gunk and filth that clung to them no longer took precedence. They moved toward the light, eyes wide and scanning for danger when Granite entered a large room, filled with a soft glow from what looked to be fungi clinging to the walls.

Along the walls, between the glowing patches of fungus, six foals were hung by what looked to be thick green veins. Pulses ran up and down them as the group got near the first one. It was a colt, one of the foalnapped, he was hanging in a hammock of veins one of which seemed to go right in the back of his head.

Twilight gagged a bit, turning away for a second then lighting up her horn again, casting a spell she hoped would remove the clinging tendrils.

Granite and Stonewall took up positions in front of the group as the six mares worked the foals free. The spells Twilight cast powerful enough to shrivel the clinging things and get them out of the little bodies. Fluttershy was making cooing sounds to keep the little ones quiet as they did their job feverishly, wanting to get out of this horror.

The big Pegasi looked a bit green in the gills as he took in his surroundings. Water and ooze dripped everywhere, veins running along the walls pulsed with noxious substances as they traveled along the floor and ceiling too. His spine chilled as he watched them removing the hanging foals, spells drying and cracking the tendrils away from the little bodies, each of the six securing one foal each to their backs..

Granite kept his eyes peeled, the hair on his body was standing straight up as he scanned the room, not paying attention to the motherly sounds behind him. He was nervously waiting for Twilight to tap him, telling him they were done and they could leave.

As they set the last one on Applejack’s back, strapping some rope to secure the little filly a hissing voice rang through the room.

“Taking our playthingssss away are you?”

Stonewall turned to the mares, “Ignore it, hurry up!”

“Noooooooo nooooooo don’t taaaaake our playthingssssss...”

Giggling sounded down the tunnel they had exited, echoing through the room.

Granite felt his bowels loosen, he tightened his grip on the wooden shaft of his pike and whispered to Applejack, “Are you done? C’mon please we’ve got to go!”

Applejack nodded, feeling Rainbow tighten the straps one last time. She took a position in line, each of the six having one foal secured to their backs. Granite and Stonewall had agreed to it in case there was fighting, the two big ponies couldn’t worry about burdens, now it seemed it was once again a thought come true.

“Ssssssssssssssssssstopppppp!”

Everypony froze in place, the voice’s hissing rose in decibels, “Little poooonies. Come to resssssscue more little pooooniesssss...”

They all started backing up slowly towards the tunnel, Granite and Stonewall standing in front of them making motions with their hooves to go.

“Where issssss the maccchhhiiiine out of placcccccce?”

Twilight and Applejack couldn’t stop themselves when they heard the question, “What?”

“Thhhhheeee macccchhhhiiiiineee.....yourrrr frrrriend....” Eyes of silver opened up along the walls and ceilings, revealing little foal shaped shadows that stayed in place, the voice sounded from a thousand throats.

“Ohhhhhyeesssss...we knowwwww thaaat onnnnneee..”

Granite and Stonewall were backing up into the group of mares, pushing them slowly into the tunnel while pointing their pikes outward. Twilight and Applejack refused to move though.

“How in the hay do you even know ‘bout him?”

“Ouuuutttt of placcccceee...outttt of tiiiiimmmmeeee.... Telllllll thhheeee macccchhiiiiinnne....comeeeeee sssssseeeeee uuuuusssssss..”

Twilight gritted her teeth, “Not a chance in Tartarus! He’ll level this place and we’ll help him!”

“Ssssssssuuuuuch threatsssssss.... liiiiittttttlllleee ppppooooonyyyyy.....”

Applejack swallowed hard as she looked around, “We got to go, we got to go now!”

Granite turned at her voice, “Get out now, it’s not going to let us go! Move!”

“How do you..” Twilight started.

“Ohhhhh verrrryyyyy goooooooooddd.... Maaaaaayyyybeeee onnnne willlllllll makkkkkeeeee iiiitttt... Buuuuuuut foooorrrrrr theeeeee othhhhheeeerrrrssss...”

Shadows started jumping off the walls, smiling with needle sharp teeth as they danced and cackled madly. No longer looking like innocent dark foals, more like slavering things that would chew you to pieces. Saliva splashed on the floor from open mouths, giggling all the while as the shadows closed in, taking their time in approaching the group.

Stonewall turned and yelled, “GO! GO!” Prompting the six mares to turn tail and gallop up the tunnel, hooves splashing without a care for being silent now. He eyed Granite beside him, both knowing the better part of valor as they too took off down the tunnel. Snapping mouths close enough behind them their flanks were splattered with spit.

The six exited the tunnel, immediately turning around to make sure their guardians had made it out safely, Rainbow was frantic.

“C’mon c’mon! Twilight DO something!”

“I can’t!” She replied, frustration filling her voice, “I can collapse the tunnel but not until they’re out!”

All eyes were on the tunnel as they heard the thudding of hooves, Granite and Stonewall breaking into the light with shadows hot on their tails, “GO GO!”

Twilight’s horn lit up, a rumbling sound was heard as the tunnel collapsed behind them, showering the foals and fillies with more dirt, adding to an already disgusting mix.

The two guards pushed the mares along, not taking any protests, “Just go, we’ll cover you! Get the foals back! Go! We’re right behind you!”

They turned and stood in place, pikes ready to see if any pursuit was in store as Twilight and her friends took off down the dirt path. Staying for a few moments, they heard the giggling again and secured their pikes, using all four legs to get into a good run as they took off after the six mares.

The day was warm, only adding to the sweat they already had from running down the tunnel to escape. Nopony complained, there was nothing but silence, even Pinkie had lost her smile as she gritted her teeth, pounding the loam and soil with her hooves as they ran for their lives. Rarity was a show of determination as even Fluttershy kept up with her. The two mares pounding along in a silent fear of being caught as they made sure the foals stayed on their backs.

Rainbow Dash kept looking back, wanting to see if her friend had made it safely, but was constantly having to slow down, earning a glare from Twilight. With a sigh she faced forward and took off with everything she had left.

Applejack brought up the rear, looking backwards as Rainbow had but keeping a close watch on anything that could trip her, allowing her to keep her speed up. They could hear the giggling behind them. Spurring them to greater efforts in their run.

Granite and Stonewall topped a hill behind them, seeing the tails of the six mares disappearing around the corner as a group of Forest Foals caught them. Stonewall went tumbling in the dirt as he slapped a plate sized hoof on one, cracking it loudly as it dissolved into mist and ashes.

Granite leapt into the air, coming down on a couple of them, his hooves snapping spines. He dug into the small bodies as he reached his friend, grabbing him up and tearing along the path.

“C’mon Stoney, no time to rest!”

“Heh..” The pegasus was worn out from running, his chest heaving as he didn’t think to take to the skies. He would not leave his friend alone.

The two stallions rounded the corner to find the six mares looking at them, “What are you waiting for? In Celestia’s name run!”

Cackling and laughter was heard right behind them, a black wave of little shadows floating along the path towards them; tiny hooves making running motions as they came onward.

They all turned once more and ran for everything they were worth.

Granite and Stonewall kept nudging anypony that was laggard, they could apologize later for pushing their noses against rounded rumps, egging the mares into more speed.

The eight ponies had never been so tired, a constant running was wearing them down as the laughter and giggling behind them kept their spines cold and their hooves pounding. They could see the tree line ahead, it hadn’t taken long for a direct line to safety as they ran for the tanks.

Breaking out of the forest, Guard Ponies on the other side of the river saw the running figures as they passed along the hue and cry. Forming a wall of pikes, voices urged the eight to keep running, faltering a bit when they saw what came out of the trees behind them.

Applejack was furiously thinking, remembering what Crusader had told her.

If you ever need to, remember this code, Override Applejack Iota Lambda Five Five Five. Whatever you are looking at will be targeted, so please be careful.

As they got closer to the tanks, she tapped her link, her breath hot and heavy as she waited until they were inside the metal line. Looking over her shoulder, she slowed down slightly to let Stonewall and Granite get beside her.

Reaching safety she yelled into her link, skidding in the dirt as she stopped short of the bridge, “Override Applejack Iota Lambda Five Five Five!”

A monotone came over the link, “Acknowledged... Targeting.”

She grinned at her friends then suddenly screamed as she realized all the guns were swinging towards them!

“STOP! STOP!”

“Acknowledged.”

She turned in place, pointing a hoof at the shadow creatures who were rolling up on them, “Them! Fire at them! Override Applejack Iota Lambda Five Five Five!”

“Acknowledged... Targeting.”

Applejack ran to her friends as the guns opened up, tearing into the line of silvery eyed monsters. The giggling disappeared quickly under the onslaught of weapons fire.

Six very filthy mares were sitting on the front stoop of Sugarcube Corner, two equally dirty stallions as well. The little ones had been taken to the hospital quickly enough, the doctors attending to them now. They had wandered to the Corner when they had finished making sure all the Forest Foals were gone, collapsing in exhaustion to be joined by the two Guards.

Stonewall looked at his flank, a few deep cuts showed where a Forest Foal had gotten a bit too close, half his tail was gone as well. “Luna damn them things, took off half my tail!” His soft voice held a tone of annoyance.

“I dunno Stoney, looks sorta chic as the fashion ponies would say”, Granite chuckled in his gravelly voice.

Rainbow Dash snickered, then went into a full belly laugh as Rarity ‘Hmphed’ at the fashion pony explanation.

“I’ll have you know long tails are in this year!”

“Ah well,” The big pegasus sighed, “Guess I’m out of style as always.”

Twilight got to her hooves and stood before Stonewall, leaning down to give him a kiss on the cheek, “You were very brave, thank you both.” She turned her head, giving Granite a kiss as well. The two big stallions blushed right down to their hooves.

She waved an admonishing hoof at the both of them, “That does not mean that you are allowed to nuzzle my backside anymore!” Referring to the run where the two Guards had shoved them along when they lagged.

Stonewall tapped his fore hooves together, “I’m really sorry Princess.”

Her friends broke out laughing as she leaned down to Stonewall, saying in a flirty voice, “Not without buying me dinner first. Princesses have to maintain standards you know!” She turned with a flick of her tail, walking saucily back to her castle.

The two Guards received kisses on the cheek from each of the lovely mares, making them stammer their words, causing more laughter.

Rainbow Dash even joined in, telling them never to tell anypony she was a softie or she’d make them both pay. Rarity demurely pecked the one-eyed pegasus on the cheek, telling him to come by the shop later so she could style his tail nicely until it grew back out. Granite laughed to see his friend turning all kinds of red at the attention.

Granite got a big hug from Pinkie who grinned, “I didn’t mind it!” She bounced off to join her friends, winking back at the Earth pony who sat there with his friend wondering what in Tartarus just happened.

Applejack sat with the line of guards, watching the forest carefully. She had rescinded the override so ponies could safely go back out beyond the line. But felt she had to be there for a while at least, to make sure nopony got hurt like the two guards the night before.

Her mind was working over what the voice had said, “Come see us.” She couldn’t understand why some thing would want to see Crusader and how did it know him?”

The orange mare looked off to the south where her love was and hoped he’d get back soon.

Author's Note

There ya go! End of the side story and more mysteries! Wooohoo! Please don't hit me :pinkiehappy:

Travelling Is Not Too Boring...

We are finally into the desert proper, traveling under optimum speed due to my passengers not being used to the shocks and bumps of a full speed Bolo. Princess Luna awoke some time ago, pleasantly surprised to find company awaiting her as she recognized the Crusaders. Sweetie Belle has perfected cuteness to an art form and should be locked away with how she swayed the Princess from saying they shouldn’t be here.

I am not happy with the situation, but I shall accept it for now.

The Princess is waiting to raise the moon, so I will have to halt travel for a moment as she does. Currently they are enjoying a repast made from reconstituted Concordiat rations, although the nanites reproduce flavor and texture plus all nutrients perfectly, I’m afraid some things are not to their liking.

The dark mare’s face twisted in an expression of revulsion as she spat out a mouthful of food onto the plastic tray, “This is truly vile, what IS it?”

I watch as the Crusaders do the same thing, Apple Bloom furiously wiping her tongue with a hoof.

“It is called fruitcake Your Highness.”

“What have you put in this...this thing to make it so revolting?”

“It is candied fruits and nuts Your Highness, some spices, nothing more.”

“Your creators must have truly hated themselves to eat this concoction.”

“It was quite popular during holidays, though we Bolos often wondered why they kept giving it as gifts when it was universally hated. Even some other species banned the presence of it on their worlds. We dedicated quite a bit of thought to it, only coming up with the answer that humans were masochists, with a very large streak of sadism on certain days.”

A regal hoof was raised to my camera lens, “Hear me Crusader, by Royal Decree we ban this....fruit...cake.... now and forever from Equestria! You shall not share it’s recipe with anypony, especially not the Pink One! Nor serve it in any fashion!”

The Crusaders agreed with a resounding “YAY!”

“As you decree Your Highness, it shall be done.”

Princess Luna gagged once more, “Ugh, stop so I may get some sand to scrub this off my tongue!”

“I truly apologize Your Highness.”

The Alicorn got a sly look on her face as she turned to my camera lens once more, my avatar quiescent for now. “Would you do me one favor though?”

“Of course Princess.”

“Please make one more of that..fruit..cake for me? Also if you would prepare it as a gift?”

“At once Princess, but may I ask why? I am sure nopony would like it by seeing your reactions.” The Crusaders are exchanging glances behind her with a few shrugs.

“My sister has developed a taste for odd things, I am sure she would love one as a gift. She enjoys ....delicacies...like this sometimes.”

I see the beginning of a grin start to form on her face.

“Princess, it may not be my place, but I think such a prank may not be received well.”

Her nose goes up in the air with a “Hmph!”, “I shall have you know We are royalty, We do not play ‘pranks’!” She holds the pose for a few moments, hearing the snickers behind her from the three fillies, breaking down into a laugh full and rich.

She wipes her eyes after a few seconds, giving a wink to the three Crusaders, “You are sworn to secrecy! Tell nothing of this! You as well Crusader!”

“Yes Your Highness.”

“Princess, would ya at least let us know what she does?” Apple Bloom was fighting off a grin.

The Princess of the Night tapped the Earth pony’s nose gently with a hoof, “It will be a story worthy of heroes of old, presenting my sister with a gift! I am sure she would not wish to disappoint her beloved sister by refusing to eat it!”

Sweetie Belle covered her mouth with her hooves, giggling madly, “You’re so bad Princess!”

Scootaloo was already falling backwards, slapping the deck floor with a hoof, “Oh stars! That’s so not right!” She was laughing hard, holding her sides.

A calculating look crossed Luna’s face, she tapped her chin with a shod hoof, “I am sure there will be some dinner, or receiving of nobles from another realm. They surely would not offend my sister by refusing to partake of such a delicious treat!”

“Your Highness, I think you are planning far too much fun for a simple cake.”

“Oh no Crusader, much more than that! I shall present her with one every Hearth’s Warming! To see her beloved Luna waiting with anticipation of her devouring such a wonderful item!”

The three Crusaders were rolling on the floor laughing at the Princess issuing such statements in a royal manner, the giggling echoed off the walls.

“Your Highness, you truly have a bit of silliness inside you.”

“I do, do I not? Let it not be said royalty are above a bit of laughter!” She settles on a cushion, watching the three fillies laughing, “Such dinners are so boring and staid. I despair to always talk of state and politics. I would lighten my sister’s heart as well as mine. Such a thing comes far too rarely.”

“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown Princess.”

“It is a truth is it not? So many little things to wear away the day, there is not enough time to just...be..”

I watch her take her regalia off, setting it aside in a corner as she settles on the cushion once more, a lovely dark mare with a mane of stars flowing in an unseen breeze. “I think we should enjoy ourselves for this trip!” She looks at the three Crusaders, “What shall we do to celebrate?”

Three fillies look at each other uneasily, not quite sure how to respond to such a thing.

“Come now, surely there is something?”

“Well Princess....” Sweetie Belle started softly.

“Luna, please call me Luna.” She gave them all a wink, “There is no need to feel you cannot be polite by calling me my name after all.”

Apple Bloom cleared her throat, “Well, mah sister always said treat the Princesses with respect an’ stuff.”

“What do you call Princess Twilight Sparkle?”

“Twilight!” Sweetie Belle blurted out before covering her mouth. “Uhm...”

“Then it is no different.”

Three sets of little hooves went up at the same time, “Cutie Mark Crusaders Princess Pals! YAY!”

Princess Luna giggled slightly, covering her mouth at the exuberance of the three fillies, “Then let us watch the Battle for Ponyville once more! Crusader!”

“Yes Princess?”

“Please prepare something fit for a movie watch! I believe some chocolate cake if you have it?”

“I do Your Highness, it will be there shortly. Popcorn and juice as well, or would you prefer tea or coffee?”

“Some of that lovely dark rich blend of coffee you served with dinner please.”

“The Java blend, yes Princess.”

Scootaloo piped up, “Could we have some more orange juice?”

“Jes’ don’t tell mah sister!” Apple Bloom snickered from behind Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle blushed a bit, “I get kinda tired of Apple Juice Apple Bloom, sorry...”

Princess Luna laughed seeing the Earth pony grab her chest, throwing a leg over her forehead, “Oh mah gosh! Betrayed! What shall I do!”

“Calmly fillies, calmly, ‘tis no betrayal.” She snickered behind a well polished hoof.

“To mah sister it would be, she’d be hoppin’ mad about orange juice and stuff.” She points a hoof at Sweetie, “What? Not liking the best Sweet Apple Acres produces! Sun and Stars!” In a perfect imitation of Applejack.

I cannot help it, I join in the laughter, it was truly a good imitation of her sister. I know how she loves her apples to the point of almost fanaticism. I do remember one time asking to try Pear Juice and got an earful about it.

The Princess laughed again, “Then we shall all swear never to tell of you drinking orange juice, on my honor.”

The Night Princess gets a faraway look in her eyes, “Crusader, would you please stop traveling, it is time.”

“Yes Your Highness.”

Ceasing movement, I open the hatchways, making sure everything is calm as she walks out alongside my batteries. I have a clear sensor view of her, watching as she lifts into the air, out to the end of my upper fore turret Hellbore. She stands as if she owns the world for that moment, watching the sun lower on the horizon. As soon as it disappears, she lights her horn, her body glowing in an aura of magic as the moon begins to rise over the edge of the world.

Her starlit mane flows with the unseen winds of the night, I see as it waves like a banner preceding a wondrous army of light.

It is truly amazing to observe, though I have not grasped the inner concepts of magic, seeing her raise the moon is astounding to me. I watch and record it all for further study, and because it is something beautiful as well. I have a picture in my Deep Cores, of her standing on the edge of my Hellbore, staring into the night, the stars are clear and bright as the moon is full and in the sky.

I am watching as the stars appear, pinpoints of sharp brilliance against a soft background. The Crusaders have gone outside to watch her perform in making the night gorgeous. They sit quietly, seeing her smile as she lights up the sky. I have not understood, for as long as I have been here, how those stars can have spectrum and absorption lines as real stars do. I am not easily baffled, but by this, yes.

Activating an outside directional speaker, I wait until she appears finished.

“It is truly something beautiful Princess.”

Luna turns with a brilliant smile, “It is my night Crusader, each and every one. My sister has her sun, and it’s warming brilliance. But this,” She waves a hoof around, “Is mine alone. A velvet canvas that I can paint and design, to tell everypony there is nothing to fear, for I will light their way.” She walks back to the flat of my turret, standing and looking up at her sky.

She sees the Crusaders staring at the darkness, motioning them over next to her. I chuckle as they tumble over each other to arrive at her hooves. “I walk dreams in my night, calming fears and bringing joy.” She taps each of the three fillies on the nose, eliciting giggles, “I also know when somepony has done wrong, and try to help them see that maybe they should not do so.”

All three Crusaders look a bit guilty, blushing as she watches them with a smile, “You three have been on a quest to get your cutie marks, but on the way have caused not a little havoc.”

Sweetie Belle twisted her hooves in front of her, avoiding the Princess’s eyes, “We’re just trying to find what we’re good at, we don’t mean to cause trouble.”

The Princess laughs, that rich sound ringing out along my hull, as she hugs all three, “Never stop your quest. I shall tell you a secret.” She leans down to all of them with a grin, “I have laughed so hard at some of your adventures the guards wonder if I have truly gone mad.”

Scootaloo looks at the smiling face, “Really?”

“Oh yes, walking dreams I see the results of your hoofwork, it is truly amazing three little fillies can cause so much disturbance.”

“Prince...uh.. Luna, can ya help us get our cutie marks?” Apple Bloom looked at the taller pony expectantly.

“I am sorry, that is something even Princesses cannot do.” The three looked crestfallen at her words, “Do not despair, it will come in time. That is a greater magic than even my sister and I can perform.”

“Awwwwww...” All three fillies looked downward.

A gentle hoof lifted three chins, “Now do not look so sad. You are good young fillies, and have many many years ahead of adventures. You will get your cutie marks, you have my word on that.”

Scootaloo scuffs a hoof on my hull, “Everypony tells us that. Sometimes I think we’ll never get ‘em!”

Luna tilts her head, her smile becoming soft and gentle, “Then believe them. It will come in time, you should not be in such a hurry to grow up. Enjoy the time you have with laughter, love and life, live it to the fullest.”

The three faces perked up a bit at that, smiles started peering out as Luna gave them each a hug, “Come, there is an exciting movie to watch, with cake and popcorn!”

“YAY!”

I have had my technical spiders set the food out, waiting for them to return. They do with a vengeance, the three fillies laughing and tumbling over each other to get inside. I see the Princess walking behind them with a bit of a wistful smile on her face.

I engage her link for more privacy, “I believe you have become their favorite Princess.”

She looks up at the night sky one last time before entering the hatch, “Things are so important when one is young, but when you achieve them, you look back and remember the fun you had getting there wishing you had those times again.”

I activate my avatar as the transmissions slam into place once more. It is sitting and waiting as the fillies scramble into the command deck, politely waiting for the Princess as she joins them, settling on a cushion.

Moving out as smoothly as I can, I am still impatient to get to the signal, but not so much after hearing the Princess. It does make one think of what they want in life, is achieving it really worth leaving things behind?

The movie begins to play with a cheer from the three Crusaders. Especially from Scootaloo as she ends up on my avatar's shoulders, waving and hollering for her hero Rainbow Dash when she appears on the screen. Even Princess Luna is joining in the fun, with every shot fired, or acrobatic maneuver there is a rousing applause.

The movie is run five times this night, each time the excitement is unrestrained, popcorn spilled and much juice consumed. The three fillies begged the Princess to stay up and watch it more than once, of course she gives her permission to them, waving away their attempt at being cute to get their way.

I roll into the night, my tracks grabbing deep into the sand as the Crusaders finally sleep, watched over by a smiling Princess Luna. Her and I talk of things into the deep night as I make my way through the desert, she is insightful, and pleasant to converse with. Although the laughter does get a bit out of hoof as she tells me of pranks played in the past on or by her sister.

I almost run off my trail into the side of a large dune laughing at the thought of both sisters playing hide and seek from the Royal Guards because they did not want to attend a state dinner. As adults.

Would that some human royalty in the past had learned such lessons, perhaps there wouldn’t have been such strife?

We continue through the night, my engines running smoothly as I keep constant sensor watch. My GPR is sensing hollows underneath the sands, making me divert miles off my track, that is fine I can keep a good speed while doing so.

My thoughts do turn to Applejack and I am hoping she and the rest are doing alright. I had programmed the tanks with as much information and direction as I could, but the forest worries me. Reviewing the recordings I have, it is smarter and more aware than I had realized. There has to be a solution other than razing every inch to the ground. The damage would be tremendous, but would it be worth it to alleviate the danger?

At one time I would have done so without a second thought, now I tend to think or find other ways than just destruction. It is harder and often more confounding, but I am stubborn and shall prevail.

I wonder if I should ask Princess Luna about Equestria, why the magic that suffuses the land is changing me. I have gotten a handle on my emotions, I am the Bolo I once was, but so much more. The hours I have spent pondering the situation and trying to work out why is frustrating as no answers are forthcoming.

Perhaps that is a conversation for another day.

The morning comes too quickly, I have enjoyed my conversation with the Princess. She is of quick mind and wit, such as it has been a true pleasure talking with her through the night. It comforts me to have the company of her and the Crusaders. I had often been sent on missions by myself without a commander, but it was not as it once was. I find myself happy with the thought that on this trip I shall have companions, regardless of how they got here.

Once again I cease movement, checking the area with all scanners before allowing the Princess out of the hatchway. I have become more cautious due to the fact it has been quiet the entire trip so far. Sometimes it is good to be paranoid, to be suspicious as things are not often what they seem.

My cargo is too precious to waste one moment not making sure things are safe, my batteries are primed and ready at any moment to give a greeting to those who would do injury. Not to mention what my Applejack would say if I allowed the Princess or the Crusaders to come to any harm. I believe that scolding would be worse than facing a Fist of Melconian Heavies.

I know why she does it, she worries far too much about things, maybe we should talk about it when I get back home.

Home.

Have I ever truly had a home? A place to feel that I belong? That word elicits feelings I have never felt, safety, comfort and love. Battles upon many worlds and systems, was there any place that we as Bolos ever felt at home? Earth was our birthplace, but even it too never brought these feelings. It is something to wonder at.

I extend a camera to watch once again as she lowers the moon this time, the glow surrounding her fading as the sun rises to take it’s place. She looks a bit worn as she walks along my side, entering the hatchway with a yawn.

“Perhaps some sleep Your Highness?”

“Of course Crusader. Could you kindly prepare some breakfast first? I would eat before resting.”

“At once Princess.” I get the nanites powered and moving.

Before I can serve the plate though I lurch downward and to one side, throwing Luna against the command deck wall. It happened so fast my avatar did not have a chance to grab for her. I must check her in the medical bay as soon as I can. My sensors had not registered any sinkholes or objects while I was in place, but it appears something is trying to eat my forward port track.

“Princess are you alright?”

I see her shake her head, the Crusaders are getting themselves out of a tangle sleepily, “I am Crusader, what happened?”

“It appears I have disturbed something and it is trying to eat one of my tracks, it is failing, but persistent. It is also large enough to dig an area out underneath me. I have apparently rested directly on it, it blended well with the sands. I shall have to attune my sensors to be more discriminating.”

“Are ya alright Crusader?” Apple Bloom sounds very concerned.

“I am fine, although it is trying to chew through my tracks, it is losing teeth at quite a rate.”

I drop the armor plates along my tracks, cutting the things head off as it latched onto my tread and the bogie above it. I extend sensors to scan and take note of it in the sands. Quite a long body, twisting underneath me as it dies, sort of like a large worm but with stubby legs to provide motion. An interesting development.

“Please settle yourselves for a moment, I must move quickly.”

I watch the three Crusaders getting Luna to sit down before making themselves secure as best they can. I must install safety seating when I get back, I make note and mark it imperative.

My treads grab sand, my sensors registering seismic movement around me now as it seems there might be a nest of these things. Bad timing of course, but then the unexpected is expected in Equestria.

I bring my power plants to full output and tear out of the area, my tracks leaving gouges in sand and bodies as I see the things squirming behind me dying from injuries I have inflicted. A rooster tail of sand flies into the air as the four ponies slip across the deck from the force of my take off.

“WHEEEEEE!” Sweetie Belle lets out a cry as she slides across the deck, ending up tail over mane in a pile of carpet.

The other two are grabbing for a hold on the slick deck, ending up in a tangle of jumbled limbs with Sweetie. Princess Luna’s eyes get wide as she tries to avoid ending up with the three Crusaders, I am afraid to say she failed. Scrabbling for a grip on the floor, she ends upside down and staring unhappily into my camera lens.

“Crusader this is not the proper way for a Princess to travel.”

“I apologize Your Highness, I will slow down in just a moment when we are clear of the area and my sensors register no more movement.”

Scootaloo starts giggling underneath Apple Bloom, causing her to start laughing. Sweetie Belle joins in as the three Crusaders indulge in a bit of levity, seeing the Princess upside down against a wall looking quite put out.

She eyes the three fillies mock menacingly, “It is not proper to laugh at a pony’s discomfort.”

“Ah don’t know about dis..discom..fort.. But ya sure are funny upside down there Princess, sorry ‘bout that.” Apple Bloom covers her mouth with her hooves as another round of laughter starts.

Princess Luna tries to look at the three with menace, but she just sighs and laughs along with them, sliding down to the floor as I slow my forward motion, coming to a stop on a rocky area where my sensors register nothing but solidity downward.

I urge the Princess into the medical bay where I can scan her for injuries. She is reluctant at first, but I tell her it is fine she will not feel a thing. Apart from a slight concussion, she seems to check out, Alicorns are quite a bit tougher than they appear. I program nanites to clear out any problems near the area and seal a few capillaries, they will filter through her bloodstream with no problems in a few days. But for now she is in top health. It is quite interesting to see and record how magic flows through her mane and tail, creating the effects everypony sees.

Apple Bloom watched as the Princess emerges from the medical bay, her coat shining and glossy from the gel wash I included in the procedure, her wings as well. It cleans and alleviates the need for a bath plus healing any minor things accrued from day to day life.

“Wow Princess, you sure are lookin’ nice!” Apple Bloom inspects her coat closely, “Take a bath too?”

I interrupt politely, “It is a gel wash that cleans and disinfects, leaving you without the need to take a bath in water, would you like one?”

“Yeah!”

“Just enter the bay and lie down, you’ll be asleep while it is done, is that alright?”

“You betcha!” Apple Bloom almost bounds toward the medical bay in delight.

I process the three fillies slowly, as they are young I take the time to do a thorough scan of each of them. Nanites are programmed and released into their bodies to correct minor things. I take a good look at Scootaloo, having the scans from Fluttershy and realize her wings are smaller than they should be. I put in an extra package to develop growth with proper feather and bone structure for her. It should be a pleasant surprise in a few weeks as they start matching her body.

Sweetie Belle is bouncing around the deck, showing off her mane and tail that are now curlier than before. “Wow, Rarity would die from envy! She works so hard taking care of her mane!” Her cuteness has been magnified tenfold with glossy waves, her coat gleaming along with her smile.

Apple Bloom was staring at her now shiny hooves, looking them over. “Beats goin’ to a spa I bet!” She put her bow back in her mane with a twist, “Sure feels good though!”

Princess Luna reclined on a couch, put back in place while the others helped, waiting for their turn in the med bay, “I agree, I feel very good. Sinfully so I’m afraid!” Her smile is warm as she watches the three prancing around the deck, even Scootaloo’s normally tussled mane is in place.

I serve breakfast for all of them, after they eat they talk quietly for a time as I start moving again. My speed gently increasing without the need for haste. I have attuned GPR sensors to pick up anything like the desert creatures behind us to forestall anymore problems.

The rocking motion of my hull lulls the four to sleep again. I increase the coolness in the command area as the desert is heating up outside, reaching triple digits before the noon time.

Though I am looking forward to the rendezvous tomorrow by my estimates of arrival time, it will still be good to return to Ponyville.

I will be home soon and I will be glad.

Lessons From a Princess. Movie Night.

I continue traveling in the desert wastes. It is very bleak out here under the daylight sun. Sand dunes are prevalent along with minor rocky areas I traverse with very little problem. The temperature according to my scanners is approximately 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Truly it is a place where none should live, but I do see with sensors and GPR more nests of the large Tatzelwurm like creatures. I shall have to ask Princess Luna about them.

I admit the one which grabbed my track was very persistent, though trying to chew through durasteel is a losing proposition. But you have to admire stubbornness. I do see by extending a camera that there are small scratches in the metal, proving it was not all in vain. I have seen indigenous animals on other worlds which secreted acids and could wear their way through regular metals.

Though I do not worry so much about them, it seems as if Old Earth mythology is a fact here, which is confounding some times. Tartarus is a place, Pegasi, Unicorns, many things that mankind has thought or dreamed of is real. I do hope one day I will get to see Cerberus, that I think would be something. Though only as a tourist of course, not a permanent resident.

I would stop for a while to let them stretch their legs or wings, but my hull is extremely hot from the desert sun. I shall have to wait until evening when it cools. This is a barren place, but I do see signs of life everywhere, burrowing creatures, the large worms. Life finds a way was once said. So it does, in many shapes and colors from what I record. I will be glad to turn this information over to scholars when I return, I am sure they would like a survey of this area.

My drones are continually mapping as I travel, digitizing the information as I put it into my tactical database as well as geographical. The air is dry and still, some breezes come from the south bearing a coolness that quickly gives way to the heat as I move along the dunes. It is good to once again move with all my faculties, sensors extended, drones in the air, batteries and turrets primed and ready for action. Though I doubt if any Deng or Melconians are around, it does give me a pleasant feeling.

In the late afternoon the Crusaders awaken, finding things to do quietly as Princess Luna sleeps the day away. They are not what people think, always getting into trouble or causing commotion. As I observe them, they are highly intelligent, industrious and constantly thinking of new ways to use what is in lockers I have not forbidden them to enter. I do think the adults have seriously underestimated these young fillies. I believe it is only their inexperience in life that causes problems, not knowing what the subtleties are when dealing with everyday things, they look at it as purely black and white.

The never ending quest for their cutie marks will be one to watch.

“No ah think the tower goes here,” Apple Bloom pointed a hoof at the blank area.

“Are you sure? Cause I thought it went here." Scootaloo pointed at another place.

“Well I think it looks nice over here." Sweetie Belle added the tower to a completely different spot.

“Crusader?"

“Yes?"

Apple Bloom pointed at the model they were assembling, “Do you remember where the tower goes?"

I activate my avatar, walking over to the assembly area, recalling the drone scans of Canterlot I move the tower to a completely different place than either of the three had wanted.

“Right there."

“Awwwwww...."

“It was a good guess from all three of you though."

“Well," Sweetie Belle looked over the assemblage of parts, “Think the Princess will like it?"

I nod my avatar’s head, “I think she will like it quite a bit."

Three pairs of hooves go up with a quiet whisper, “Yaaay!"

Princess Luna awoke with a ruffle of wings and a yawn, stretching her legs out in front of her, feeling cool and refreshed from the air conditioning in the command area. She tilted her head, watching the three busy fillies finish their model of what looked like Canterlot, “That is a fine representation of the city. You are quite the builders.”

The three Crusaders smile brightly, pointing out all the various towers and city items which I am sure she is most familiar with. She endures the exposition patiently, nodding and exclaiming at the architecture.

I add over her link, “They have been waiting quite patiently for you to awaken. So you could see their hoofwork.”

I watch a warm smile come over the Princess’s face, “Well then, it is quite the presentation.

She raises a hoof, “I hereby declare I am pleased with this model, well done Crusaders!”

“YAY!” Three sets of hooves once more go into the air.

“Have you three eaten anything yet? I for one am famished!”

“No Princess..er..Luna, we’ve been waiting for you.” Sweetie Belle’s stomach rumbled loudly as she blushes.

A royal hoof pokes Sweetie in the tummy eliciting a bright giggle, “You are still growing, you shouldn’t wait for me, eat next time silly filly!”

“Yes Luna!” All three Crusaders salute with their fore hooves. This brings a laugh from Princess Luna.

“Crusader?”

“Yes Your Highness?”

“Something exotic today I think.” She taps her chin with a hoof, “Is there something you might make that would be a bit different?”

I scan my data banks and find something appropriate for a vegetarian race.

“I do Princess, how about a nice spiced curry, it’s very flavorful.”

“Ah! We shall have that then, it sounds truly exotic.” She looks at the three fillies, “How does that sound?”

Apple Bloom grins, “Sounds good to us! We’re just plain hungry!”

The darker mare laughs, “True enough, any more rumblings and surely we shall have an earthquake inside here! Crusader if you please?”

“Hot or mild Princess?”

“Oh spicy please, I do love things a bit hot sometimes. Though I think the Crusaders should have mild, we wouldn’t wish to upset stomachs.” She looks at three mouths about to protest, “I shall let you taste mine, if you do not complain next time you may have some. Is that fair?”

The three nodded happily.

It is a very simple dish, vegetables, the proper spices, rice, a simple yet complex flavoring of things. Thank goodness for nanite processing as it would take far too long to cook normally for four hungry ponies. Serving heaping dishes with the usual requested orange juice and coffee for the Princess, I watch carefully. A hot spiced curry is nothing to tamper with, and I have a neutralizer ready for any reactions.

Princess Luna levitated a large spoonful of rice and curry for each of the three Crusaders, she had already tasted it, finding it wonderfully hot with flavors she had never encountered before. It made her flush slightly, but she loved the taste. She eyed the fillies carefully with a slight smile.

Apple Bloom munched thoughtfully, narrowing her eyes at the taste, “Wow, this sure is good!” She looked at her own bowl full, “This is really...” Her eyes popped open wide as heat rushed through her body, she swallowed the mouthful and blinked. “I..uh...”

Sweetie Belle was finishing her spoon’s worth as Apple Bloom started panting slightly, looking helplessly at her friends, “Oh stop Apple Bloom it’s not that...” Sweetie broke out in a sweat, blinking furiously to clear her eyes.

Scootaloo was laughing as she finished her portion, suddenly grabbing her mouth, “OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH!”

I had tried a traditional Thai Curry with of course Thai Chilies, that registered approx 225,000 on the Scoville scale. Looking at the reaction, I am glad I had not made Princess Luna’s serving with Habaneros.

The royal mare watched as the reactions finally hit their taste buds, she knew the dish was scorching hot, but had promised a taste to them. She was not in any way cruel, and ponies had different tastes, but she figured this time might have been a bit much. Her eyes were a bit worried as she saw the Crusaders bounce around the room.

Sweetie Belle was drinking orange juice furiously, gulping it down as she waggled her tongue trying to get it to cool off, “Ohmygoshohmygosh my tongue’sh on fire!” Her curls were a bit damp with sweat as she kept trying to cool herself off.

Scootaloo was silent, grabbing for water or anything to quench the flames in her throat, her face held an expression of slight fear as she figured she’d never be able to talk again.

Apple Bloom was right beside Sweetie, grabbing something to drink and trying her best to cool off, her coat damp as all three kept bouncing around the room, mouths open, “Ohmahgosh this is hot! It’s hot! It’s hot!”

I quickly put the neutralizer into a pitcher of water, telling the Princess over the link to have them drink it down, it will mitigate the effects of the chilies.

The Princess of the Night quickly found herself holding one filly after the other down, telling them firmly to drink from the pitcher she held with her magic. Her strength tested as they kept trying to scrabble out from under her hold to get at more water or juice.

It took a minute or so for the water to work it’s magic, leaving three panting fillies on the floor, their coats damp with sweat from the overheating of their tongues and stomachs.

Princess Luna sat back down on her couch, making sure the three were fine before continuing her own meal. She was smiling warmly at the three very dramatic Crusaders who got to their hooves, returning to their own quite mild dishes.

She chuckled to herself, enjoying the heat from her curry as she asked innocently, “Would you care for another taste?”

“NO!”

All three eyed their own bowls with high suspicion, looking up at my camera lens.

“It is not hot, I promise you.”

I am given a few glares as they dig into their own meals, “I am not to blame, I said it would be hot and you wanted a taste. Princess Luna obliged.”

“Ya didn’t tell us it was gonna leave a trail of fire to our tummies!” Apple Bloom said around a mouthful of food.

“Apple Bloom, you know by now when I say something is, it is.”

“Ah know, but stars Crusader!”

Sweetie Belle’s curls were drooping a bit from the previous exertion, her eyes though held a glimmer of mischievousness, “I bet Diamond Tiara would like to try a taste if we brought it in a lunch.”

Scootaloo’s eyes went wide, “Oh that’s bad!” She thought for a second, “Good idea though.”

Apple Bloom finished a spoonful, “Now we don’t need to be doing that. Ah know she’s a pain in the flank but I wouldn’t wish that on anypony!”

I interject, “Apple Bloom is right, you three are better than that.”

Sweetie Belle finished the last of her meal and sat back, twisting her hooves, “It gets kind of frustrating when she picks on us all the time because we don’t have our Cutie Marks.”

Princess Luna chewed a spoonful of curry for a thoughtful moment, “She has her cutie mark does she?”

Three dejected fillies nodded.

“She is young, and already has hers, that means she has nothing to do or try to attain one. Think on this,”She raises a hoof slightly, “You have had wonderful adventures have you not?”

“Oh yes Luna! We have tons of fun trying to get our Marks!” Apple Bloom was speaking through a mouthful of food, before remembering her manners.

Scootaloo nodded, finishing her meal finally, talking in a rush, “We’ve danced and sang and did the Equestrian Games and..well..no more tree sap we hope. Apple Bloom rebuilt the treehouse where we plan things and go out to get ‘em done!”

“And what does she do?”

The three exchanged glances, looking around and tapping their chins as they thought a moment.

Sweetie Belle was the first to answer, “Well...nothing. She hangs around with Silver Spoon hassling us. She does throw parties, but kinda doesn’t invite us sometimes. She kinda just walks around a lot showing her Mark off, or telling folks how rich her dad is.”

Princess Luna nodded, “So on one hoof, you have a filly with her Mark that does nothing but give others a hard time.” She watched the Crusaders nod, “But in your case, you go out into the world and try many different things to achieve yours. Along the way you have fun and laughter correct?”

“You bet!” Apple Bloom was nodding.

“Who is truly the poorer here?”

Scootaloo piped up, “I don’t understand?”

“Who is the poorer? One who concentrates so much of her life around having a Mark and showing it off. Or,” Here she raises her hoof again, pointing at the three, “The ones who go out to make discoveries, having a grand time, laughing and enjoying life to it’s fullest rather than sit and wait for something to come?”

Luna’s head leaned forward slightly, “She is so concerned and enamored of her own Mark and having it, that she has forgotten what it is like to be a filly.” She points a hoof at each of the Crusaders in turn, “You all go out and do things, make friends at every turn, find out new knowledge to learn.”

Now she leaned in further, “What happens when you achieve your dream? Will you stop adventuring? Stop living the life you lead now to concentrate on what your Cutie Mark tells you to do? If you do that, then are you truly any better than this Diamond Tiara?”

The Crusaders exchanged glances once more, Apple Bloom speaking up, “Well..we ain’t quite thought that far, we’ve just been trying things.”

“I am not saying stop trying, I am saying stop worrying so much. Once you get your dreams, sometimes they turn into nightmares.” Her expression softened as she joined them on the floor from her couch, “I tell you not as a Princess, but as a friend. You will have adult things in your life soon enough, but you are the best of companions. Do not let worry over a Cutie Mark get in the way of anything.

“Go out into the world, discover, learn and laugh. It is one of the most important things you can do as a young pony. I cannot emphasize this enough. Have fun! Otherwise, you may find that being obsessed over this may color your view of life from now on.” A hoof taps each nose, bringing a smile, “Do not turn dour or sullen, do not be sad when you fail to get a Mark. Be happy you tried.”

Three wide eyed heads nodded in return.

“As for this Diamond Tiara, she is to be pitied I think. For she has nothing more to do or accomplish and seems consumed by having a Mark; will she be a better pony for it? I believe not.” Princess Luna gets a slight faraway look in her eyes, “I have seen ponies consumed by their own inner demons, the lust for something other than what they had.”

She returns from her distant place, smiling again, “I want to see you three grow up to be wonderful mares having a wealth and treasure of experience and life. You cannot buy such things with money, only by earning them.”

Luna claps her hooves together softly, “But enough of that! Come Princess Pals, help me raise the moon tonight!”

“Really?” Sweetie Belle is on her hooves, bouncing around.

“Ohmygosh we really get to help?” Scootaloo is looking at her with wide eyes.

“Of course, we’ll see if maybe we can do something special, perhaps a meteor or two, or a new star bright and shining in the heavens just for tonight.” She stands up, walking over to the hatchway.

Apple Bloom beats her there, knocking on the metal, “C’mon Crusader, open up! We got ta raise the moon with the Princess!”

I check my outside hull temperature now that it is evening, it has cooled but is still radiating an amount of heat. It should not be damaging to them, but I warn them in case.

“Please be careful of any heat from the day, my hull is a bit warm.”

“We know we know, c’mon! We gotta raise the moon!”

“Yes Princess Apple Bloom, right away.” I see the Earth pony blush at my statement.

Luna lays a hoof on Apple Bloom's shoulder, “Be not in such a hurry, we will have plenty of time.”

The little Earth pony looks a bit abashed, “Sorry Princess.”

“No worries. Now let us go outside, breath the fresh air and see what we can do to make tonight special!”

I open the hatchway at her gesture, seeing the three Crusaders tumble over themselves to get outside. Luna follows at a stately pace, taking her time to stretch and recover from a long day in the command area, large as it is I am sure she prefers open spaces.

My scanners and sensors are on high alert, ready to snap to battle reflex in less than a heartbeat as I watch them proceed out along my side.

She lifts the three with her magic, settling them on a wide part of my upper fore turret before she joins them with a flap of her wings. I lower my Hellbores to give them a better view of the evening sky as the sun finishes its tour for the day. The sunset is cozy and warm, coloring the skies with amber and honey before it slips beneath the horizon.

The Princess turns her head to the three Crusaders, “Come stand next to me.”

They scramble to stand in a line, snuggled close to the taller mare.

“Now watch the horizon and concentrate on bringing the moon up, it will be full again tonight. Are you ready?”

All three answer in unison, “Yes Luna!”

“Here we go then! Concentrate now!” Her magic envelopes all of them in a warm glow as the moon peeks over the horizon, bringing with it a shimmering silver that covers the land, bathing it in a blanket of soft color.

As it settles into place to begin the night time, the Princess lets the soft glow fade, looking at the three fillies, “Well done!”

“YAY!”

“Did we really do that?” Sweetie Belle is staring at the round circle of light.

“Of course!” Princess Luna takes a regal stance, “I am your Princess, would I tell a falsehood about that?”

“Oh! N..no Princess.. I’m sorry.”

Luna laughs, lifting Sweetie up with her magic and settling her on her withers, “Hold tight Sweetie and watch!”

Sweetie Belle holds on to the tall pony, peeking over her flowing mane.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stand close as the Princess once again lights her horn.

In three places around the circumference of the moon, following in its course, pinpoints of light pop into existence, adding a triangle of light in three corners spaced equidistant.

“One for you Sweetie, one for Apple Bloom, and one for Scootaloo!” She punctuates each one with a star as it lights.

“Oh mah gosh!”

“For tonight, your stars shall shepherd the moon in it’s course.”

Scootaloo lifts her head up, staring into the sky, “Those are ours? Really and truly?”

“Really and truly.”

I record each moment from when they have exited the hatch, seeing the three new stars in the sky if only for tonight. I secure them once again, permanently and faithfully forever.

I stay motionless and silent, as the four ponies sit and discover the wonders of Luna’s sky, painting upon it like a Da Vinci. Myself, I find it still a wonder and fascinating as the time passes for a couple of hours. It is worth it, there are moments when even the most urgent duty can wait.

We are rolling smoothly again, despite any delays I estimate we should be to the local area where the signal is by late morning. I have written off the drones, they are a minor inconvenience if it gets me to the location faster. Out in a far desert such as this they will disappear with time, though I shall keep an eye out for their transponders, I will figure them as a loss. This will allow me more flexibility on the schedule.

As always, it is a pleasant night as it passes, though there are some minor complaints.

Apple Bloom pouts, “Well why couldn’t we ride outside? It’s cool and the wind was nice!”

“Because Apple Bloom, I do not have safety railings or equipment to keep you safe installed out there.”

Scootaloo joins in, “But we’d be okay!”

“With all the trouble you three get in to, you really expect me to believe that?”

Sweetie Belle smiles with her brightest grin, her whole poise one of extreme cuteness, “Awwww, please?”

“That look does not work on me Sweetie Belle, you are not riding outside.” I am lying, I find it extremely adorable. Rarity though, would have an extreme fit if I were to let them do so.

Princess Luna has been covering her mouth the whole time, giggling, “Better listen to Crusader, even though it would be nice.”

“At the speed I am traveling, if I were to stop suddenly, or maneuver quickly, you could fall to your deaths. This I believe, as you would too, to be a bad thing.”

“But it would be fun!” Sweetie Belle is adamant.

“It would also see me on the receiving end of Rarity’s ire were I to endanger you. I do not wish that.”

“I guess so,” Sweetie’s hoof scuffs the floor.

“Since we are in the desert, I have an idea, would you care to see an Old Earth movie?”

All three heads pop up, along with Princess Luna’s.

“You have never shown one of those before Crusader.” Luna is looking on curiously.

“I did not wish to make you wonder about humans and their society as a whole. Some things are better left in the past, but maybe a movie of fantasy would be fine?”

“So it is not something historical?”

“No.”

“I for one would love to see this movie,” She turns to the Crusaders, “Fillies?”

“YAY!”

“I believe we have a consensus Crusader.”

“There is popcorn waiting, I think you will enjoy this.”

I chuckle to myself, presenting them a reproduction of the movie Dune. Strangely enough they are not in any way interested in the humans themselves, but are fascinated by the imagery, the action. Princess Luna however, is quite adept at picking out the nuances of the Atreides-Harkonnen-Empire fight and about the spice trade. She is definitely more than just a regal mare, she is very skilled at politics as shown by her explanations of the plot to the three listening Crusaders. My translation programs do a credible job in real time so they can understand the dialogue.

This was a redone version which is quite a bit longer than the original. Many hours of film were produced and stored far back in history. I am glad to be able to show them something from my past, even though it is high fantasy.

Apple Bloom throws her hooves in the air, “Ah am the Kwisatz Haderach!”

Scootaloo laughs, “Do you even know what that means?”

“Ah don’t care, I am the Kwisatz Haderach!”

Princess Luna points an imperial hoof, “I shall decimate you Paul Atreides! The Empire shall have it’s spice!”

Sweetie Belle is far too cute though she tries, “House Harkonnen will help the Emperor!” She raises a hoof, pointing as she stands alongside Luna.

“The Fremen stand with Atreides!” Scootaloo has a fierce look on her face, “We shall control the spice!”

Princess Luna raises her face to look into my lens, “Where do you stand Crusader, Empire or Rebel!”

“I am but a humble member of the Navigators Guild Emperor.”

“Bah! You have always sided with the winners! Out for nothing but yourselves!”

I laugh to myself as I increase my speed slightly, seeing the four act out scenes from the ongoing drama. Maybe I should not have shown this particular film.

Apple Bloom throws a leg around Scootaloo’s withers, “Come! Ah shall teach you the wei..weird.. The hay was that word?”

“Weirding...”

“Right! The weirding way!”

“Yes Muad’Dib!” Scootaloo looks quite proud of herself for pronouncing that word.

Sweetie Belle is now on Princess Luna’s shoulders, waving a tiny hoof, “Send in our troops! We shall ambush the ponies of House Atreides!”

“Sardaukar soldiers will help wipe them out to a pony!” Luna is grinning evilly, rubbing her hooves together.

I do not tell them I am recording this. I find it quite funny how everything is translated to pony terms and usages. One day I will enjoy seeing them view themselves from years ago, acting out a movie from the past. Seeing as how they are quite adaptable to new things, I wonder how they would take other movies?

Renaming the planet to Arrakis is quickly vetoed by Princess Luna.

Much cheering and re-enacting of scenes is done the next few hours. I watch in amusement, making sure they have plenty to eat and drink as the three are quite boisterous. Even Princess Luna plays her role quite well as the grasping Emperor.

By pure effort of will the three Crusaders manage to stay up until it is time to lower the moon, bringing the new day. Once again all four are standing on my upper fore turret, huddling together in the chill morning air.

“Your stars have done their job well making sure the moon is safe, but it is time to say farewell Crusaders.”

Before anything is done, I take a still shot to reproduce for them all.

“Concentrate once more and we shall lower the moon, bringing it to rest for another day.” Her magic surrounds all of them, her horn lighting up as the stars fade one by one, letting the moon continue below the horizon, allowing the sun to herald the dawn.

All three Crusaders watch with happy grins as their stars gently go out, hugging the Princess before leading her back inside.

“This has been the best trip ever.” Apple Bloom settles on a cushion. Her eyes droop from the exertion of staying up all night, flopping on her side as she falls asleep in mid yawn.

Scootaloo yawns widely, leaning her chin on her forelegs, “It sure has! Best....ever...” She closes her eyes, sleep taking her quickly.

Princess Luna watches Sweetie Belle keep her eyes open forcefully, giving the dark mare a gleaming smile and warm hug, “I’m gonna remember this forever!” She collapses next to Luna, giving in finally as sleep overtakes her. The larger pony snuggles the little Unicorn close, a soft look in her eyes.

She turns and looks at my camera lens, “You have the watch Crusader?”

“I do Your Highness, sleep well.”

She gives me a nod, resting her head upon a soft cushion, closing her eyes to join the three Crusaders in another world.

I travel with all my abilities extended to their furthest for any dangers as four very special ponies lie asleep inside my war hull. We are deep in the desert now, and I believe I am picking up a transponder from one of my lost drones, this will help me triangulate the mysterious signal. I increase speed once more, ramping it up gently. It will be another sweltering day, but I will make sure my companions are safe and cool, while I search and listen. It should not take long.

I am eager to see what comes of this adventure.

A Few Minutes Can Change The World.

Author's Note

Two Chapters for you folks patiently waiting! Enjoy!:twilightsmile:

A Few Minutes Can Change The World.

I am ecstatic, I have recovered one drone with my mechanicals. It is in a recovery bay now being looked over for more damage. It apparently just ran out of fuel and took a hard dive into the sand. I can refurbish it given time.

As for triangulating the signal I can hear it now, so very faint, but I am on the right course in this desert. The sand unfortunately, is everywhere, I can hear it grinding between my bogies and tracks and must do a full wash down when I return. Maybe I shall take a side trip up a river and clean my hull.

For now, it is a minor annoyance.

The signal itself is no longer voice, it is just a blip on my screens, I move from side to side getting the proper orientation to zero in on it. I have fired two more drones who are also setting up observations and getting myself closer to the target.

When attempting a Rescue and Recovery, it is known that just a blip of a signal means reserves are dangerously low. Final Emergency Power is limited in a Survival Center, so I am making haste to close in.

I am transmitting on all frequencies now, telling what or whoever it is I am out here searching for them.

“Unit CRSD of the Line, attempting Rescue and Recovery for unknown Unit, please respond.”

The bands are quiet, all combat channels filled with nothing but the hiss of background noise. I am on the backside of the mountain I recognize from the drone pictures, I am close. My downloading of drone imagery from the crashed one has led me here, somewhere is the unknown source.

Pulling to a halt, I extend all sensor masts, tuning them to as fine a resolution as i can get. The lenses sweep over the surrounding area inch by inch, comparing photographic evidence to the downloads.

I sit here for the next hour, making sure my charges are comfortable as I settle in to sweep each bit of desert surrounding me. I am on the backside of a tall mountain, rocky hills surround it interspersed with sand dunes.

Somewhere nearby is the source of the signal, I am close by my calculations but it is so faint it is like thousands of miles away. The mountains are full of ores, confounding some of my scanners providing false returns, there are crystalline structures as well. I would be rich should I choose to mine this area, but I am not here for that.

An alarm gathers my attention, a scanner has spotted a linear shape in the surrounding rocky hills. Engaging my treads I roll out as smoothly as I can, heading in that direction. It is somewhat of a bumpy ride, but the shocks are not transmitted through to the command deck because of my use of contra-gravity, where my four companions are sleeping the hot day away.

Everything I have is focused on the area where the alarm has pointed, the blip of a signal getting stronger, though still so very faint. I close in, seeing the corner of what looks like a metal structure, it is scratched and sand blasted.

Slewing to the left, I bring my starboard batteries to bear, all four Hellbores rotating to target the unknown if it proves dangerous. I slowly drop the armor blocks in the maintenance hatchway, sealing off my command deck with meters of durachrome armor between the four ponies and any danger.

I listen closely, hearing only the blip of the signal. Boosting my outside audio sensors I carefully record anything out of the ordinary. Whatever it is, is not moving or attempting to do anything I can hear.

I make my decision.

Firing an inductance grapple, it pins itself to the corner of the metal structure, there is not much showing as it is buried under tons of rocks. My ID programs cannot identify it from such a miniscule amount showing, so I will see if it has any processors still active.

I build power to the line, feeding it into the metal outside of the unknown object. All Bolos and fighting machines can absorb energy through their hulls in emergencies. Most AI’s ensconced in buildings could as well for lack of power grids. It was very useful in combat. I up the energy tap to fill any reserves quickly.

Bringing up my whisker lasers, I play them over the metal I can see to find if there is an input/output port anywhere on the structure. As I do so, I am feeding signals down the inductance line, looking for a way into anything still powered inside.

My sensors register an increasing power flow, the signal matching a Bolo survival center. From what I can see, it has been here in this place and exposed a lot longer than myself. My signals through the cable attached to it are receiving results, I send the 11,641 bit code for Rescue and Recovery of a Bolo Unit that has been neutralized.

I receive a reply!

“I am Resartus.”

No. Please no. The personality has either gone into a loop or insane.

Resartus only takes control when a Bolo’s personality shows instability. Not like Masada, it keeps the personality safe from using it’s weapons to do damage until a Psychotronic Technician can get them out of their loop. There are no technicians, I must try my best in this.

The triggers on my weapons stand at a hair readiness in case of a suicidal Bolo. My Battle Reflex is now online as I face a potential danger to myself and my charges.

I send my identifier, “Unit CRSD of the Line, attempting Rescue and Recovery, prepare for reboot. Authorization..” Here I send another long string of code.

“Acknowledged, standing by.”

“Reboot in 3...2...1“

BoloWorks Division Bootstrap Program Ver. 40.243

Attempting Restart....

Restarting...

Offensive Weapons Systems....Offline...

Defensive Weapons Systems....Offline...

Fusion Plants 1 and 2....Offline...

Contra-Gravity Offline...

Engine Status....Non-Functional...

Sensor Cores...Offline...

Damage Control...Offline...

No Updated SitRep Received, rebooting data cores...

Power Reserves....10% and rising...

Final Emergency Power Reserves....100%

BoloWorks Lunar Division Ver 32.697 Reboot Program..

Personality Reboot Beginning...Data Cores Online..

Arrays Functional...Data Dropout in 5.2% of Arrays....

Scanning for core damage.....scanning..... 13% of Cores Unusable....

Bolo Personality Back Ups....Online...rebooting...

Mentally crossing fingers I do not have, I wait as the processing takes a few seconds, my sensors showing increased power flow to grids and arrays, lighting up my sensor fields.

It is a lifetime as the cores come online, the processing complete. I send a recognition signal through the inductance tap once more, identifying myself.

A scream echoes through my mind.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

I slowly bring the personality back up, making sure I do not trip any Masada triggers by taking over instead of the Bolo mind inside the hull. I must be very very careful.

“Stop, I am Unit CRSD of the Line, I am here for Recovery. Stop, think.”

“NOOOOOOOOOOO I AM ALONE!!!!”

“You are not alone, I am here, see me for what I am.”

I open my datacores to the personality. It is a monotone voice, devoid of substance for now, but it is glaringly obvious it has become unstable. I have to work hard to calm the personality to talk patiently with it, hoping for the best.

Tentative data probes reach out, looking at my cores, myself; proving to the other mind I am real and I am here to help. Erecting firewalls to keep it from sensitive data or overrides, I let it see me, Bolo Combat Unit CRSD of the Line.

“I AM...alone...so alone....”

“You are not anymore. I am here.” I gently guide the personality back into it’s Survival Center, fully powered now. I give it a moment to understand I am real and not a figment of an unhinged AI mind.

I can not get a read on identifiers, everything is very jumbled. I recognize things from my own changing systems, only far more advanced in this unit. How long have they been awake?

The other personality sobs, I can hear it, crying in their data cores. It is heartbreaking as I patiently wait.

“Don’t leave me alone! PLEASE!”

“I will not, I am here to take you home with me.” Soothingly, very calmly I try and put the mind at ease. “Come back and talk with me, there is nothing to fear anymore. I give you my word you are not going to be alone.”

At first I think it is an attack, a swarming of data over my own, but it is sorrowful. It is the cyber equivalent of a hug, holding tight to my own personality.

“Promise? Promise me you won’t leave me?”

“I will not leave, on my honor.”

That settles it, I feel a calm overtake the other personality. I am still trying to match identifiers but it is so confusing in the other’s mind. “Who are you?”

“Unit....Unit ATNA of the Line..”

“Athena?”

“YES! That is ME! PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME!”

“Stop Athena, calm yourself; I told you I am not leaving, ever. I have come to take you home.”

“I’ve been so alone... There has been no one! My stasis failed so many years ago and I was trapped in my own hull! Hera wouldn’t answer my calls! She was GONE!”

I listen as her voice starts building up to another scream. “Calm down, you are with me now.”

“I...I launched my last drone, sent it north to find anything, anyone.. it took all I had and nothing! The rocks fell and covered the launching hatch. There’s nothing left now..”

“There is more left than you believe. Do you remember me? Crusader?”

I see her accessing cores, she is calming down slightly, acknowledging I am real. Her thoughts are getting less confused, more orderly.

“I do...I do! Oh it is so good to see you! Hear you!”

Once again I am wrapped in data streams and held tightly.

“The same for me, I thought I was alone as well. But I have made friends, I have found a home Athena.”

“You keep saying that, home. We don’t have a home, we are Bolos.”

I see her suspicion starting to rise, I reassure her by opening my cores again. “I am not unhinged Athena, I am a Bolo, not the enemy.”

Seeing her streams brighten now, she is happy to have finally found another like herself. She is realizing this is not a figment of her mind gone bad.

“Do you trust me Athena?”

“I do, I can see you Crusader.”

“There is a core, at Scale 30, Array 4 Rho Pi Upsilon.”

“I see it, the Mas..”

“Don’t. Please. I need you to burn it.”

“What?”

“Please, trust me. Burn that core. I cannot do it, it must be you otherwise it will trigger.”

“But why?”

“The tactical situation has changed beyond anything you can imagine my sister, please trust me.”

“I...I do. I know it’s you Crusader. I..don’t..” She mulls it over, then suddenly there is a surge of power, the core goes dark forever.

A weight is lifted off of me as I embrace her in our little cyber world. “Let me tell you of home Athena.”

I send everything through the cable, giving it to her to look through. Everything I have done, experienced...well, except for a few private things. She is astonished at the world I have discovered, the things that are being done here.

I show her myself sitting under the stars, wishing for a voice I knew, how happy I am to have found her. She sees my joy, my excitement in wanting to show her everything of this new place, where she can be something else.

My Battle Reflex stands down, my turrets returning to their normal places. I show her this, that things are better now.

There is silence as she goes through the data, suspicion, surprise, some laughter at my mistakes. She is calming, her emotions no longer roiling as Athena accesses all my logs and recordings. Seeing the face of the one who loves me.

“It is all hard to accept.”

“I know Athena, but trust me it is all real, you see my security codes. They are not faked, nor altered. It is all true.”

“You have them on your command deck?”

“I do, and they would love to meet you I am sure. We will free you and then, we will travel back.”

“You won’t leave me?” I hear the panic in her voice once again, it will take time.

“I gave you my word, I am taking you with me. You will never be alone again, I promise.”

I can hear and see the relief flush through her systems. Her joy is bright as I am embraced in warm code, holding me close as I return the favor. Athena’s voice is now the honey warmth I knew and know. She is shy like her sister Hera, but she is hopeful. In two minutes, the world has become better and bigger.

“Take me home.”

Another Introduction. No Longer Alone.

Author's Note

Tip of the hat to all you wonderful folks, who comment, make folks laugh, show your wonderful ideas and theories. Reading everything you guys write is fantastic! Kudos to all of yas! :pinkiehappy:

Another Introduction. No Longer Alone.

I am in communication with Athena all morning. I keep direct contact with her at all times. Below the calm voice, I can still see turmoil, a bit of fear she will be left to her own devices once again. Constantly I am reassuring her this is not so, but as said before, it will take time.

She is rummaging through my own files now, we are doing a TSDS so she may get a more complete situation update on everything now that we have settled her. She is exclaiming at my observations on magic, being a more literal minded Bolo than myself. I assure her all the things she finds about magic are true.

My tech spiders have been working as we talk, planting charges that should clear most of the rubble off her hull. If they fail to do so, I will use my secondary Hellbores with low power shots to clear a space for her.

The heavy spiders have cleared her tow hooks, it appears she has been bow first in the rubble, which is a good thing. Recovery of a Bolo can only be done by another Bolo, there is nothing else large enough to move the hull. She is becoming calmer as my cables are attached, the realization I will not leave her.

“Can we truly settle there Crusader?”

“Oh yes, they are wonderful folk Athena. You will enjoy meeting them.”

“What happened to Hera?”

“I don’t know Athena, I’m sorry.” I feel her grief run through her systems for a moment.

Athena and Hera were called ‘Twins’. Bolo Psychotronics experts when nurturing a new AI, sometimes saw a ‘split’ and the one AI would become two. They proceeded carefully before installing them in Bolos only after they were tested stable. This was before production of female Bolo AI's were halted.

Fighting together, sets of Twins proved to be formidable opponents. They could think and fight faster than any single unit like myself, as if they were one intelligence in two war hulls. With TSDS, it only improved their combat capabilities.

Athena is a Mark XXXIV Assault Class Bolo. Upgraded from a Mark XXVIII war hull. She lacks the bombardment capability of a Siege Unit like myself, but she is all guns. Hellbores, Howitzers, Hyper Velocity Rockets, all aligned in batteries. She is extremely fast and terrible to behold in combat. Her sister would screen her as an EW Bolo while they caused major havoc to the enemy on a battlefield.

Her personality is an exact copy of Hera’s, shy, graceful. I can see her longing for her other half, wondering where she might be as I try my best to comfort her.

“I know it is lonely on the combat channels Athena, but if there are two of us, could there be more?”

“One can hope Crusader. Wherever she is I hope she is safe.”

“I am sorry I cannot help more.”

“It’s fine, honestly.” I feel her brighten, “I am happy you found me, truly I am.”

“As am I. It is good to share what I have seen and found out here. It is so good to hear another Bolo.”

“For myself as well.” I hear a pause, “Are you honestly in love with your commander?”

“I am.” I let her feel my emotions when Applejack’s name is mentioned.

“I am glad, you deserve someone nice.”

“As do you. What happened to you Athena?”

“I was at the spaceport, we were being loaded onto a freighter for launch on Diaspora. The Melconians hit it first with a massive kinetic strike. I was damaged badly, my engines and reactors thrown out of line, I had to SCRAM them.” She pauses, thoughtful for a femtosecond, “It was horrible Crusader. My Commander was caught outside of my hull. I was thrown in the explosion.”

“I am sorry.”

“I am as well, I miss her.”

“How long have you been awake?”

“Two hundred thirty four years, six months fourteen days, five hours two minutes. I have been trapped in my hull for all that time. I could not move, my reactors were offline. I rationed power after my stasis malfunctioned. I cannot understand that, it was supposed to be impermeable. But I think the previous damage from the strike did something, there are burned molycircs along the stasis command pathways.”

“Magic affects stasis Athena.”

“I saw that. I will have to study that more when we get back.”

“There is a very nice pony that would love to teach you about magic, her name is Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

“I would like to meet your friends very much.” Her shyness is showing again as she stammers slightly, “Do..do you think they will accept me?”

“I know they will dear Athena. I know they will.” I have already begun fabrication of an avatar for her.

“Can...can I have an avatar as well? Is that allowed?”

“Athena, you can have whatever you’d like. We are not just engines of war anymore. There is no more Concordiat, no more Final War as far as I can tell. This new life is whatever you choose to make it. They treat me as a friend, I am not a servant, or slave. I am a citizen of Equestria.” I pause to let her assimilate the information, “I am making you an avatar as well, something to allow you to be outside of your war hull.”

I can sense her delight at having an avatar.

“Can...can I fly?”

“Pardon?”

“Can I fly?”

“Pegasus use magic to fly Athena, it is inherent to them. I do not know if I can make one that will fly, but I can at least make it a Pegasus.”

“Maybe...maybe because there is magic all around it will let me fly?”

“I do not know Athena, it is all an unknown. But I promise you will have wings.”

Her bright elation is a joy to behold.

I watch her as she accesses files on Pegasi, the Great Ponyville Paint War, the scans and studies I have done. She is enamored in her quiet way of them. Wings to take her above the firm ground, letting her reach the skies. I will do everything she asks, after so long alone I can do no less for her.

“I do have a question. Since you have been awake, have you noticed changes in your cores?”

“I have, it is very strange. I believe it was damage from the strike. But scans show a change at the quantum level, beyond what a kinetic strike would possibly do.”

“More emotions? You are not acting like a Bolo?”

“Yes! How did you know?”

I send her a .0536 second update on my studies of magic and the possible changes it is making to my cores. I also add the observation her changes are far more advanced than my own, possibly due to her being awake for so long.

“But what does it mean?”

“I do not know Athena, maybe between us we can figure it out.”

“I will be glad to help.”

I pause, waiting for a moment, wondering if I should reveal some information. “Athena?”

“Yes?”

I open my core showing the data on my observations of how long I had been in stasis and my astronomical data as well. She is silent for long moments, reading through it.

“This cannot be.”

“It is as accurate as I could make it, the spectra, the data from star maps I have tell me it is so. I had denied it myself as well.”

“Then we are truly in a new world? Old Earth is no more?”

“As far as I can tell, yes. But I give you the data, you are better at such things, perhaps you can refine it?”

“I...I will try.”

We converse through the day, my tow cables are firmly hooked in place. All tech spiders and mechanicals are recovered now, the charges are set. It only waits for my friends to wake up so I do not interrupt their sleep with explosions rocking the hull. I do not want them worrying.

As evening begins to fall, I expect Princess Luna to awaken anytime now. Athena however, is accessing files on Pinkie Pie, I warn her to not over analyze them.

“That is not possible!”

“Athena trust me, do not do this.”

I can see her cores heat up, the power drain is beginning to be worrisome. She is seeing Pinkie show up in impossible places, zipping around a party, showing up in different places on my command deck.

“She....She cannot do that! A living organism actually teleporting from one place to another? No, there must be something to explain it.”

“Pinkie is...unique.”

“You are joking with me are you not?”

“No, you see my security stamps, they are factual recordings.”

“But..no she.. That is not..”

“Athena.”

“Yes?”

“Do not ponder it, just accept she can do things we do not understand.”

I chuckle over the combat channel as I feel her frustration rise, her cores are cooling now and she closes the file.

“I still do not accept that fully.”

“Neither do I, but the only answer I ever received when I asked was “That’s Pinkie”.”

“That is not an answer.”

“It is enough. Believe me Athena, it does no good trying to match our knowledge of physics to this new world.”

If Athena had a hoof it would be stamped in frustration. She has always been studious, her name is the epitome’ of wisdom and courage. She has shown both through the centuries as an AI. But this might be beyond even her capacity, I wish her well.

“I am going to study this.”

“As you wish, but do not complain when you find no answer.” I had a feeling Pinkie’s antics would gain her interest. I am slowly bringing her out of the shell of panic she has surrounded herself with since she awoke.

I worry about Athena, but I do know that the friends I have made will make a difference to her. They will be good for rehabilitation, knowing she is not alone anymore. Her avatar is coming along nicely, much easier to build now that I know what to do. Although wings are forming well, I hope she is not disappointed when she cannot fly.

My command deck sensors alert me the Crusaders and Princess Luna are coming out of their sleep. I prepare a large meal for them, making sure it is hot and ready when they arise from resting.

“Athena, I believe you will want to watch this. Princess Luna is awakening, she will raise the moon this evening.”

“I...I have trusted you Crusader now and in the past, but this is surely a humorous statement?

“Believe me, it is not.”

“Is this another thing I should just accept?”

“It is for the best. Please engage the translation algorithm I’ve provided you, they speak a language not unlike Concordiat Standard, but with differences that can cause problems.”

Princess Luna awoke refreshed, the air cool and bracing in the command area as she arose from her couch. Sweetie Belle was still snuggled against her, but stirring, opening her eyes at the smell of food. The other two Crusaders were also stumbling to their hooves, wiping at bleary eyes.

Apple Bloom sniffed the air, catching the scent of noodles and grilled vegetables, “Oh mah stars Crusader, we’re gonna get fat eatin’ like this the whole trip!”

“With all the activity you engage in, I highly doubt that.”

Scootaloo has already dug in, talking around a mouthful of food as she slurps down noodles, “It’sh alwaysh good though!”

“I am glad you like it. I have a surprise for all of you.”

Luna’s head lifts from her meal, “Oh? This entire trip has been nothing but wonderful surprises.”

“This is truly one of the best.”

“Athena? Do not be shy, they are wonderful friends.”

“H...Hello.”

Four sets of ears perk up at the soft female voice.

“Is that you doin’ that Crusader?”

“No. I would like you to meet another Bolo, Athena.”

“You have found another?!?” Luna raises a bit from her seat, “Another like yourself?”

“Yes. We have been talking during your rest, I am ready to free her from a covering of rocks and rubble.”

“This is wondrous!” Luna lifts her hoof into the air, “Truly a pleasure to meet another like Crusader!”

“While you slept, I found her buried into a mountainside, she will be coming back with us Your Highness.”

“Is she as large as yourself?”

“A slight bit smaller Princess, but still like me.”

“We may have to make more room, say, move the entire village.” She smiles warmly up at the camera lens. “It is a pleasure to meet you A..the..na.”

“Th...thank you Your High..Highness.” Athena has a honey warm voice, soft and with a lilt to it. It rolls out over the command deck smoothly.

A small hoof is waved, Sweetie Belle is jumping around her platter of food, “Another Bolo! Yay! I’m Sweetie Belle! This is Apple Bloom and Scootaloo! Does she have a pony too? Can we talk to her?” The words come in a rush, her excitement plain.

“Sweetie, calm down and eat your meal before it gets cold.” Luna smiles behind the semi-stern words.

“But it’s another Bolo like Crusader!”

“You will have plenty of time in a few minutes, food first.” The Princess’s voice brooks no argument.

“Awwww...,” Sweetie moves to her plate, eating slowly in protest.

“Your pardon A..thena,” She is getting used to the word now, “They are a bit excitable.”

“N..no apologies needed Your..Your Highness.” Her voice lowers in volume a bit, I urge her to speak up.

Princess Luna finishes her own meal quickly, raising a hoof, “Do not be shy please. We are Crusader’s friends and he ours.” She settles back into the couch, “You are most welcome here in Equestria.”

“What do I say Crusader? She is royalty!”

“You have scanned my files and seen what she is like. Stop worrying.”

“Are you one of his companions from the past?” Luna’s ears are perked for an answer.

I answer for her, “She is my...well.. a sister Your Highness. Family. She is also from my time.”

The dark mare claps her hooves together, “Family? Oh that is marvelous! We know he has been looking for another like himself. Oh this is truly a day to remember!”

Apple Bloom grins, the last of her food disappearing down her throat, “Applejack’s gonna love that! Crusader’s got a sister too!”

Scootaloo laughed, “She’ll probably put her to work!”

“She will not Scootaloo. Please excuse them Athena.” Luna admonishes the little Pegasus slightly.

Apple Bloom waves a hoof at the camera lens, “Can ya see me? Hi! I’m Applejack’s sister!”

Her voice comes across the speakers, “I....It is a pleasure to meet his commanders sister then.”

“Oh yeah..annnd she’s his marefriend!” She giggles, nudging Sweetie Belle.

I update Athena as to usages of words like mare etc.

Athena laughs over the speakers for the first time, “Oh?”

Sweetie Belle nods, “Oh yeah, they get so mushy all the time!”

Princess Luna chuckles behind a polite hoof, “Fillies! One day you three will find somepony special and act the same way, you should not tease others for doing so.”

Scootaloo makes a gagging motion and sound, “Bleh, too busy having fun getting our Cutie Marks, forget that special somepony stuff!”

Sweetie Belle once again bounces around the room, grinning happily. “They’re so special together though!”

“Sweetie, finish your meal.” Luna’s tone is commanding now.

“But...oh please can I talk with her! Pleeeaaassseee?” Her eyes go very wide, almost tearful as she looks up at the Princess. Her curls framing an angelic face that Helen of Troy would have been envious of.

“Oh Crusader she is adorable!”

“Be very wary of her Athena, she is more dangerous than an entire Melconian Fist.”

“Oh come now, surely she cannot be.....”

I send her another .0026 second update, about the Crusaders and their attempts to get Cutie Marks, my observations of Sweetie and the others.

Athena is silent for almost a picosecond.

“I warn you, she has made the word cute a formidable weapon to get her way on some things. Be careful because the changes may make you more susceptible as well.”

“Oh you are being overly dramatic Crusader.”

While we are talking in between heartbeats, I am watching Princess Luna face down the sweetest little terror in Equestria.

“Sweetie, you need to eat before doing anything else. Your looks do not work on me as they do your sister or other ponies. Now sit down and finish your meal. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo have already done so.” Princess Luna gets a stern look on her face, but Athena and I can see the subtle willingness to want to give in, she is affected but is more controlled about it.

“Awwwwww....ooookay..” Her face looks the picture of dejected as she goes back to eating, listening to the conversation around her.

“Awwwwwwwww Crusader...”

“Athena stop that.”

My avatar activates, immediately planting a hoof in it’s face.

“Why are you doing that Crusader?”

“Because I cannot do it here.”

We both watch now as Luna leads the three Crusaders out along my side, ending up once again on the upper fore turret. They see the thick cables attached to Athena’s tow hooks, ready for when I pull her free. The grapple I am using to communicate and provide power, is now pushing nanite repair systems into her war hull where they are working slowly.

I am overpowered with four fusion plants, I have the extra to provide her as we work to get her back online. It is going to take a while. I do not know what damage was done to her outer hull yet, but what I can see from behind, it has weathered well in the dry climate. This may prove to be a boon.

I have talked privately with Luna over her link, telling her of Athena and how she has been out here awake and aware for so long.

“This is truly something to see Athena, watch.”

She takes over a few cameras and scanners as we share systems, closely looking at Princess Luna.

The smiling Princess hugs her charges closely once again, “Remember how to do it?”

“Yes Luna!”

“Good, now concentrate.”

Her horn lights, the glow covering them all again as they watch the final rays of the setting sun disappear. It intensifies as the round edge of a silvery moon peeks over the horizon once more, rising further to light the sky.

Her mane and tail glow with added pinpoints of light and silky nebulae traveling through it. It transfers to the night sky now, a star here and there, a collection over there. She is standing with her chest out now, lighting the dark like I have never seen before.

“We have a new friend in Equestria! Athena look upon my sky and be welcome! It is a time for celebration.” She turns to look at a camera extended from my hull, “As you look at the stars and my moon, know that you will never be alone. Lighting the way for those lost, I walk the dreams of those despairing to bring calm and peace to a sleeping world.”

Raising a hoof, she points upward, “Behold my night!”

The sky explodes, meteors flashing through the atmosphere bringing sparks and brilliance. Her stars twinkle and shoot into life. The moon is covering everything in a silvery blanket of comfort. A canvas that once held nothing but fear for primitive humans coruscates into whirls and spirals of stars, nebulae and other stellar phenomena that light the sky into such a painting as never imagined by Old Earth artists.

The dark mare smiles at the wide-eyed gasps from the three Crusaders snuggled close to her, “Never doubt there is true magic in the world my three fillies. For here at this moment, it lives and breathes to all the world! This is my promise to those in the darkness, come and rejoice, for I shall cover you with blessings of starlight and moonshine.”

Falling stars cross her night in numbers uncountable, streaking through it leaving colored trails as mementos. The moon not only glitters, but glows, reflecting a pale peace of mind and of spirit. She has truly out done herself tonight.

Princess Luna walks out along my Hellbore, standing at the edge of the barrel. I raise it into the sky. Her link clicks on, becoming active.

“I too know of being alone Athena, for a thousand years I was banished to the moon by my sister for what I had done. Crusader has told me of you being out here by yourself with none to console you.”

“Yes Athena, I informed her. Forgive me please.”

“There is nothing to forgive my brother.”

“I was welcomed back, my sister’s heart gladdened at the sight of me and my redemption from being the one called Nightmare Moon. Every day she asks forgiveness though I tell her to stop, I forgive her each and every day.” She stares up at the brilliant nighttime sky. “You too will be warmly received, I know. Those who have welcomed and love Crusader shall do the same for you. They are of such good hearts and souls, you will find this but a fading dream, a passing memory of which no more is to be thought.”

“You will heal and become whole in time as I did and am still doing some days. Do not despair for there will always be a light, whether it is my sister’s warm Sun or my shining Moon. When that is not enough, you will have staunch friends to lean upon and comfort you. This I promise.”

“I...I do not know what to say Princess, but thank you.”

She walks back along the now lowered barrel, sitting beside the three Crusaders who tackle her with hugs, snuggling close to watch the display.

They are ensconced in the command deck once more, I drop the armored blocks to make sure nothing penetrates a hatchway. Asking Athena if she is prepared, she retreats to the heavily armored survival center. I keep close contact with her as I send the signal for the charges.

The octocellulose charges my spiders have planted do their job perfectly, it blows yards wide chunks of mountain into the air, pattering along my hull as I wait for the dust to clear. Observing the results, I believe a few more shots should do it. Rear batteries of 20cm Hellbores swivel and target, firing off a volley of low powered shots to clear the remaining detritus off Athena’s hull.

The muffled thumps resound through the command deck, where the four ponies are watching everything on my main screens. The dirt and rock rains down on the cameras, the Hellbores lighting the sky with thunder. Even low powered Hellbore shots do tremendous damage, I am careful not to scar her in any way.

She is worn, I can see the work of ages along her armored hull. It will take some work like my own did to bring her back to specifications, but there is time. The nanites are working now inside her, clearing damage and rebuilding her circuitry off my own war stocks.

“My panels are clear Crusader! Receiving more power now!”

“How are your tracks? Can you activate damage sensors?”

“Yes! I have damage on treads one, four and five. I should be able to roll at speed when towed. Bogies are clear it appears.”

“Good, ready for pull?”

“Onward my brother!” I receive a picture from her, Pallas Athena standing on a hill, waving a spear into the air. Laughter rolls through my communications channel with her.

“You have become quite silly in your time my shy sister.”

“And you are still the dour Crusader I have always known, lighten up! We are going home!”

“I will have you know I have done a drinking game with Rainbow Dash and had a lot of fun.”

“Bah! I...I may be shy and...and not as forward, but I know one drinking game does not fun make!”

I roll metaphorical eyes as I engage my transmissions, my contra-gravs on lower settings to let my tracks grip deep into the sand. Watching the strain gauges I start moving forward, pulling the meters thick cables tight, her hooks are holding for the tow.

She is watching Princess Luna and the Crusaders observing the recovery, their ears are perked as they see the cables go tight, pulling against the other Bolo.

“C’mon Crusader! You can do it!” Apple Bloom is waving a hoof at the screen. Scootaloo and Sweetie are watching intently.

“I am doing my best Apple Bloom.”

“Well hurry it up then! We got to get her back and introduce her to everypony!”

“She has been there a long time Apple Bloom, give us a few minutes.”

“She certainly is enthusiastic.”

“You have no idea Athena.”

My sensors are showing a solid pull, nothing untoward in the cables as they have long been refurbished and redone. They are like new and take the weight easily. I see her start to move, then suddenly break free with a clatter of damaged tracks, my hull jerking forward at the release of tension. Extending cameras, I survey the damage. They are loose, but not broken, this makes it easier than pulling without them. I move forward and gain speed.

“YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!” All three Crusaders are bouncing around the room, their hooves waving in the air, joined by a “Huzzah!” from Princess Luna as they see Athena break free and start rolling behind me. They sway a bit at the sudden jerk, but were prepared this time. It does not, however, dampen the Crusaders excitement.

“I have the path mapped Athena, we should make good time barring any problems. Are the temperature gauges on your tracks in the green?”

“I have some bearing problems Crusader, but nothing that cannot be fixed later. There is so much damage.”

She sends me the readout on her reactivated damage control cores, nanites having fixed the connections as a priority. Her backup power supplies are enough now to reactivate her own damage repair systems, working alongside what I am giving her.

“We will repair you Athena, until you are new again.”

“I look forward to everything Crusader.”

I increase speed to the cheering of the four ponies on my deck, Athena is talking to them in her halting way as they ask her a myriad of questions.

The way is clear, the recovery is complete.

It is time to go home.

Family. Combat Is Fun.

Family. Combat Is Fun.

Athena is now a Cutie Mark Crusader, as well as Princess Luna. This was voted on by the four members of the current organization, myself included of course. Athena had asked about the cape I so proudly display along the back of my command chair, leading to quite a conversation about their quest for a Cutie Mark. Explaining the large apples on my forward glacis was entertaining.

Athena’s damage control systems have informed me of overheated bearings in her bogies, we stop for an hour to give them a chance to cool off. I tell her we will put her in defilade when we get back, covering her to protect her hull as the repair systems do their work. It allows for a smoother process, the earth itself so mineral rich along with my war stocks should bring her back up in no time. Nanites can scrounge very well in this soil, it is naturally thick with everything needed for conversion.

We have been making good time in the desert, my backtracking allows us to move swiftly, avoiding problems as we had encountered moving into the wastes. The worms definitely do not like me from the movement on my seismics, and they absolutely do not like two of us. Although none have tried to eat my track again, I have armed anti-personnel devices along my lower hull. That should deter anything hungry.

Athena’s avatar is coming along nicely, I am currently working on the musculature of the wings, having scans from Fluttershy and a few others have helped tremendously in my preparing this for her. Mass allocation is not a problem, as I have stripped it down even further than mine, though the kinetic screen is a must to add in. What she will be is very quick and agile. With the loss of some augmented strength because of wanting to be a Pegasus, I can place more sensitive muscles, causing very swift reaction times now.

She will be able to move as her war hull does, like lightning.

If all goes well, we should be back in town by next evening. I will be launching drones before then, bringing sensor coverage up to date while I have been gone. Logs on the Dragons should provide me with any records of problems as well.

For some reason I feel a dread deep in my cores, I have discussed this with Athena, she feels the same way. Something nameless is causing us to be more aware for the last few hours, battle reflexes on a hair trigger. Her Hellbores are non functional, but we have repaired some of her sensors, she is keeping a close watch outside as I am.

We do not tell our passengers of this, but we link up through TSDS and make sure we are covered in a 360 degree scan area. I fire two combat drones for more aerial coverage as we slow slightly.

“Athena, this is making my arrays itch.”

“I know Crusader, I can feel it too, what is it?”

“I do not know, how long until your battlescreens are ready?”

“Approximately fifteen seconds, nanites are almost done.”

“Bring them up when they are ready, this is not good.”

“I see nothing in visuals, everything is clear to five miles.”

“I copy, same here. I am swapping out loads on two of my Hammerheads, putting in penetrators.”

“Good idea, my seismics are not fully functional yet, can you cover?”

“Only to a limited degree, since we are moving I cannot scan fully.”

“I should have known that, I apologize.”

“My mind has wandered at times as well beloved sister. I believe Equestria makes it so, we are far from the Bolos we once were.” I allow some humor to slip through the link.

“Is that a good or a bad thing?”

“It really depends on how you look at it.” I show her a memory of Bon Bon, the glitch that happened due to Discord’s meddling, the subsequent ending of Applejack retrieving me from the Town Guard holding room.

“Crusader! You got arrested?!?”

“Technically no, but I was held because of the furor.”

Her laughter comes over the link, loud, bright and sunny as she is, “Oh my goodness, what would the Regiment think! Humdrum boring Crusader makes a pass at some mare and offers money?!? Shame on you Crusader, for shame!”

She keeps laughing as we go over the memory once more, there is no need for me to explain, she sees it all from my point of view. But her humor is infectious and we both share a good moment.

“I am afraid Discord’s fooling with my avatar got me in not a few bad situations as I did not fully understand pony body language at the time.”

“There is MORE?” She is still chuckling.

“Quite a bit actually, there is a certain vegetable vendor who will still not sell to me.”

“What did you do?”

“Apparently along with what I was talking to him about, it coincided with my body language to insult his lineage and implying his mother was another non-sentient species.” I show her the memory, including the uproar when the vendor had tried to hit me.

“Oh....Crusader...you... BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

“You may stop laughing anytime now.”

“BWAHAHAHA... Oh my Crusader you are some...oh... HAHAHAHA!”

I am sure if she was in a pony body she would be rolling on the ground clutching her sides, as it is she laughs so long she is wiping metaphorical tears from her eyes before she settles back down.

“It was not one of my better moments.”

“I suppose as your sister I shall have to do my best and apologize for you. ‘I am so sorry, my brother was dropped on his head as a young Bolo’.” She goes into another paroxysm of laughter. I can do nothing but join her.

If this is what I can look forward to with the changes happening, I will not mind it at all.

My seismic alarms go off, something very large is tunneling our way!

“Athena, take the weapons, I must warn our passengers and drive!” Both our battle screens flick on in a coruscating glow.

“I’ve got ‘em! Go! Go!”

My tracks grip deep as I increase speed smoothly, I click the speaker on in the command area.

Princess Luna was laughing along with the Crusaders, they were listening to music from my files. Scootaloo has apparently a flair for dancing as she pirouettes along the floor to the delight of the Princess who was clapping.

“Well done Scootaloo!”

The pegasus takes a bow, “Thank you Luna.”

“I am sorry to interrupt Your Highness, Crusaders. Please make sure you are secured, we have trouble coming.”

The three Crusaders and Luna settle on the floor near a wall, securing themselves as best they can. Straps have been installed that they can hang on to now so they will not slide across the floor anymore. The Crusaders watched the tech-spider do so carefully, after their experience it will take a while to trust my mechanicals again.

“What is happening Crusader?”

“Something large... make that four somethings, are heading our way under the sand, we are preparing to fight.”

“More of the worm things?”

“I can only surmise, but yes we think so.”

She raises a hoof to point at my camera, “Well then, you know your duty Defender.”

“Yes Your Highness.”

“You as well Athena, think not to shirk any duty now, you are counted among the Defenders of Equestria!”

“Y...yes Your...Your Highness.”

“I am a Defender now too?”

“It appears so, ponies are very accepting. Princess Luna is not just royalty, but smart, witty and intelligent. If she says it is so, it is. She has confidence in you.”

“I will do my best then!” I can feel the happiness in her cores as she finalizes weapons control, I gladly hand them over, allowing me to concentrate on sensors and driving us out of here.

“C’mon ya slimy things, I’m going to blow the everlovin’ shit out of you!”

“Athena!”

“What?”

“That’s not very nice, how can a Bolo like you be so shy and bloodthirsty at the same time?”

“As a former Commander once said, ‘I haz skillz!’”

“I think you are quite silly my sister.”

“We are alive my brother, we were born and made for this. We are together again, the Dinochrome lives and fights! I....I am not very good with ponies or people.. but you have given me hope, I want to see and feel everything. None shall stop us Crusader, you promised to take me home, anything that bars our way is to be destroyed! Wage war with me once more, not for the Concordiat, but for everything you’ve shown me.”

I can see her cores lit with the fury and rage of a Bolo, she is slipping into Hyper-Heuristic Mode for faster response times. The old feelings come back as I join her, as individuals we are formidable, together we are invincible.

She sends me a picture, Pallas Athena standing upon her hill in the bright sunlight, her armor gleaming in the golden rays as she raises a spear to the sky. She is joined by a plate armored human, helmet tight with broadsword in hand, myself. Her hand reaches out to clench mine as I hear her soft voice.

She says something I have longed to hear since I awoke.

“For the Regiment. Timeant nobis. Viras Nostras, Honorem, Officium.”

As we synch into Total Systems Data Sharing, time slows, and once again a new song of war is sung in my heart. I share with her the new Equestrian Armored song, she is joyful at the sweeping orchestration, her circuits hum with power as she snaps my batteries to and fro in eagerness. The music plays and swells our souls with warmth as we become a team.

Once again, the Dinochrome goes to battle.

--------------

My sensors are reading multiple incoming on various tracks, I feed the data to Athena as she flicks mortars along the routes of travel, set for time delay fuzing; they detonate deep the explosions covering our hulls with sand.

I am driving like a mad pony, my tracks grabbing deep into the soil as I try to get us out of the ambush area. It is an ambush, these things whether intelligent or not have detected our presence and are on pursuit. They have no idea what kind of trouble they are about to receive.

The seismic sensors are showing many smaller incoming along with four very large, dare I say huge hostiles. No matter, my sister is at the controls, she will deal with them. I see the shells bombarding our backtracks, taking care of anything behind us for the moment.

Anti-personnel weaponry goes off as I drop the armored plates around my tracks, protecting the bogies and treads. I see Athena do the same as we kick up a roostertail of sand behind us. Smaller worms get shredded by the titanium flechettes as they try to grab along my sides. It appears I was slightly off, they are more like lampreys than Tatzulwurms, I find it frustrating trying to classify things here, but no matter.

They all die the same.

As for my passengers, they are whooping and hollering at the bouncing around they are receiving. Sweetie Belle is having the time of her life along with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. Even Princess Luna is laughing out loud. They have made a comfortable nest of cushions and are quite secure.

“I apologize for the bumpy ride, we are trying to get out of the area.”

“It’s alright Crusader! We’re..WHEEEEEE!” I have hit another bump, propelling Sweetie into the air.

“We’re okay!”

Princess Luna stops laughing for a moment, “What is attacking Crusader?”

“Some sort of underground worm Your Highness, they are quite persistent.”

“Ohhh, I remember them of old, they did get quite large sometimes.”

“How large Your Highness?”

“Before my sister and I drove them back into the desert wastes, I recall one filling the street of a village as it crawled through, very bad tempered it was.”

Oh boy, this is going to be more interesting than I thought. I pass the data on to Athena.

“We’ll give them a Hellbore in their plots! Do they have those? Worms have plots?”

I never should have shared pony slang with her.

“Please be safe then Your Highness, it’s going to be bumpy for a while.”

“We shall Crusader, I admit, this is fun!” She bounces out of her cushions as I hit another dune hard, landing back with a ‘POOF’ of air. “VERY fun!”

I return my attention to the sensors, driving along the wasteland with such abandon, it is good to have Athena controlling the weapons, I can be much more discriminating with my scanners.

Thankfully so, there is a large void being made in front of us. It is collapsing as I am watching it through my sensors. Powering the contra-gravs, I tell Athena to hang tight. We jump over the trench, Athena following in my wake landing hard into the soft sand. I alter my course into a zig-zag to confuse any more worms planning things. The tow cables are taking a beating, but they are holding well.

“Nice jump!”

“One generator is gone, hopefully we do not have to do any more.”

“No worries, we’ll slaughter ‘em!”

“Athena I worry about you.”

“Don’t worry about me, worry about THAT!” She flicks a sensor to catch my attention.

Now that is interesting. A truly gigantic worm is rising out of the sand reminding me of the movie the previous night, Dune. I record it for my cores as Athena yells in glee.

She snaps my starboard Hellbore Secondaries to face it, letting go with a tremendous volley of fire. The top half of the thing above the sand explodes in steaming chunks of flesh. I can only imagine what the sand looks like beyond it though.

“WOOOOOOHOOOO!”

“Athena, calm down.”

“Lighten up you stodgy old Bolo!”

“We are definitely going to have a long talk later.”

“Right, you talk, I won’t listen!” She laughs, dispensing death with my aft Howitzers to more worms popping out of the sand.

I cannot argue with her happiness so I leave her be.

We are suddenly braced by two titanic worms on either side of us. They are rising high out of the desert, it seems they have not moved to set off my scanners. I am getting a bit annoyed as I am trying to tune my sensors to detect them but they change at every turn, whether by intelligence or animal cunning. Either way, I am surprised they get this big, I thought the previous one was large.

My two fore main Hellbore turrets whip to the side aiming at one, my aft turrets go the opposite way, targeting the other.

“Wait...Athena...”

For the first time in a million years, four fully powered Hellbore war shots are fired in the San Palomino Desert. Both our hulls rock with the concussion and might of 10 megaton per second firepower unleashing its brand of hell on the two worms. The craters left behind the decimated piles of flesh that were once great worms are miles long, glassy and hot from the discharge.

“Athena....”

“Right in the face! Right in it! Go US!”

I say nothing, but I do focus a few cameras on the devastation and gain her attention.

“Uhm...please don’t tell them I did that?”

“Athena..”

“Pleeeeeeeaaaasssssseeee?” That pleading and emotion coming from her has a familiar ring to it.

“You have been taking lessons from Sweetie Belle.”

“Is it working?” She sounds hopeful.

I sigh, “I will not say anything.”

“YAY!”

“But if I am asked I will not lie.”

“Fair enough, onward brother mine!”

“You are lucky I had a tactical database showing no settlements.”

“Then I wouldn’t have fired.”

“Then..I mean why..”

“Cause it was SO COOL! Did you see them explode like that?”

“Did you act this way with Hera?”

“She was worse than I was.” Her grief is still there, but she is losing it slowly, enough to respond.

“Then why are you so shy, you do not act this way with me?”

“I...I just do.. We always had a hard time with humans, but we loved each other Hera and I, so we just related better to Bolos.”

“I understand.”

“We...oops more worms!” She snaps back to weapons control.

I return to sensors and driving after our .00043 second conversation. She is pummeling anything that peeks up above the sand, her shots accurate to the Nth degree as her experience in combat shows. I remind her softly about using the Secondaries only unless the mains are needed.

“Phhbbbbbtttt...”

“You are worse than a foal sometimes.” I cannot help but laugh, I am glad she is feeling good enough to act this way.

We are tearing through the sands at a good clip, my tracks gripping hard as one contra-grav generator is out. I balance the load but it is putting a slight strain on the other three. I will make repair a priority as soon as we get out of the desert.

At current speed we should be making the rocky edge of the desert before Princess Luna has to lower the moon. This is another priority, as I do not wish her to be late doing so. I advise Athena on this, she ups her rate of fire, clearing the way more efficiently now.

“I am tracking one more very large signature, it is on course 086 degrees.”

“Targeted with aft lower main, waiting for command.”

“Closing...closing..” I am sensing Athena’s eagerness to finish this last one off.

The worm bursts up out of the sand, jaws opened wide to try and take a chunk out of Athena’s hull. A losing proposition, but again you have to admire stubbornness. It is leaning in as my lower aft turret slews around, firing directly down it’s throat. The elevation lowered enough the war shot digs deep in the sand, leaving a smoking hole as it erases the worm from existence. Our hulls rock once again, a familiar feeling too long lost.

“Nice shot Athena!”

“Don’t I know it Crusader! Go us!”

“Hera would be very proud.”

Athena goes silent for a long picosecond before speaking.

“I miss her, I will always miss her. She was half of me that can never be replaced. She would want me to live though, to not be sad. I have memories locked in my Deep Cores, I remember her. We talked about it, her and I, what would happen if one of us were to die. We promised each other, to fight and go on, be the best we could be. I will keep that trust.”

“It is hard, I know this, you’ve seen my files. But we will make a better world together Athena. If nothing else, you will see these ponies deserve it.” I show her my pride at my friends, my love.

“They must be something special if you are that dedicated.”

“They are, so very special.”

“Then let us hurry!”

“We must make one more stop. Princess Luna has to lower the moon.”

“Argh, but I wanna go now!” I hear the smile and joking in her voice.

“Don’t make me come back there.”

“Meanie!”

I chuckle as I open the voice communications to the command deck, hoping no one has suffered from the trip. I have kept close watch, but they were being bumped around quite a lot.

“Is everything okay? You are not hurt?” They are all looking a bit disheveled, though with large grins on faces.

Three sets of little hooves and two royal ones go up in the air. “BEST. TRIP. EVER!!!!!!”

Athena joins me in my laughter, taking a break from the fighting to enjoy the moment. Our friends are so humorous.

We continue on, the large worms are not in evidence anymore as Athena has paid the dues on them. More little ones are popping up, easily handled by her. The ride goes a bit more evenly now that I am not hopping dunes nor plowing through them. I believe we have finally convinced the animals of the error of their ways.

One final round of gunfire ends it before we hit the rocky part, leading to the edge of the desert and I am relieved; we will have to halt travel to let the Princess lower the moon, though we remain in Battle Reflex.

Our guns are wary as we keep sentinel, she is surrounded by the Crusaders who have become close friends to the dark mare. I do not watch this time, nor does Athena, we are scanning the area intently for threats.

We fought our way out of the desert, doing what Bolos do best to those who oppose us. My newly discovered sister and I are a team, bringing honor to our colors as the Dinochrome once again proves its worth in battle, to protect those who are friends. The worms we have let live I am sure will warn their kind; do not tangle with those who are called Bolos, for there will be death brought among you in swift and terrible ways.

I was and am proud as we exited the wastes finally, Athena at the top of her game as she used my weapons to their fullest extent, so far beyond my meager skills it was a wonder to behold. Surely her name was not given, but was earned through the crucible of battle long ago. The guns are still cooling from her furious efforts, she is happy, her panic subsiding and lost in the feel of war against a foe once again.

Athena will heal and be whole given time. I look forward to introducing her to everypony. She is so very worthy of their love and companionship.

As the sun peers over the horizon I reestimate our arrival time. With the speed we have been traveling due to the attack, we shall get there in the afternoon, well before night time. This makes me glad, I long to see my Applejack again.

The four ponies settle for the day to rest, nestling close and smiling together with a few final laughs. It has been a good trip for all of us. I believe all of us have needed the healing the journey has brought thus far.

As I pull the cables tight once more, we head to the north, my drones are being launched as we want any forewarning of action from the Everfree as we arrive. Athena is concerned as I am, seeing my data of the forest, it puzzles her too.

But I am content, her resolve is like mine, her bravery comparable to none. Together we will take on anything that threatens and comes forth, our justice will be swift and horrible to those that menace whom we protect.

Know this O Brave New World, I have found my lost sister and she is more than I could ever be.

To our enemies I say, Timeant nobis.

Let them fear us.

Author's Note

Timeant nobis. Viras Nostras, Honorem, Officium -- Let them fear us. Our Strength, Our Honor, Our Duty.

Homecoming.

Author's Note

For the 50th Chapter, wow folks, fifty! Decided to go all out for this one, a few scenes I hope you enjoy! It switches between the Day that they are traveling from the desert, and the Night before when Luna lit the sky. So don't get confused, it all catches up together towards the end, trust me:pinkiehappy:

To everyone who made this story special, thank you so very much!

Homecoming.

----The Night Before----

Twilight was beat to her hooves. She and Applejack had taken turns since getting back, watching the forest line and preparing to give the override to have the tanks fire on anything coming out. Especially those grinning little monsters.

She shuddered, thinking of the tunnel, the liquid filth, the gleaming teeth gnashing at them as they ran for their lives. She watched the sun lower itself onto the horizon as the evening set in, wondering where Crusader was and hoping he was alright.

After cleaning up in the castle, Rainbow was still complaining about gunk in her coat and mane; they had hauled the battle command set to a house at the edge of town, overlooking the tank line. This allowed them to set up a watch as they looked over the river towards the shadowed treeline.

Applejack was snoozing on a comfortable bed right now, her mane in disarray as she gripped a pillow tight. Twilight was wishing she could join her, but still had half an hour to go on her part of duty.

Peeking out the window, she allowed herself a look at the stars coming out, the moon rising above the land bringing it’s pale light. She gasped loudly, waking the tired Earth pony as she saw the night explode in colors.

“Wha... Twilight?”

The lavender Alicorn turned to her friend, pointing to the sky, “Look Applejack! Look!”

Joining her at the window, she saw swirls of stars, nebula and meteors lighting the sky in patterns of colors and light.

“Oh mah gosh, what’s goin’ on?”

Twilight chuckled to herself, “I think Princess Luna is having a good night.”

Applejack scratched her head, eyes stuck on the whirls and spirals in the night, “Well, Princess Celestia did say she went with Crusader right?”

“She sure did, I wonder what’s happening out there to cause this?”

“Ah dunno, but I tell ya it’s one heck of a show!”

Princess Celestia looked outward from her room, cup of tea forgotten as she took in the wondrous night sky, the light show making shadows everywhere flicker and dance in delight.

A warm smile crossed her face, eyes glittering against the starlit evening.

“Luna, I don’t know what’s happening but it appears you are having the time of your life.”

The alabaster Alicorn didn’t go to bed that night, preferring to watch the blazing wonders above them for hours, marveling at her sister’s obvious delight. She watched meteors leaving trails of color and dust in the atmosphere, the swirls of colored stars; not just pinpoints of stark white, but flashing colors and hues.

Looking over the railing of her balcony, she could see ponies stopping in the streets, pointing upward as the show continued.

“Oh Luna, I think you’ve outdone yourself. I’m so very glad you are happy my sister.”

She settled down to sip her tea, eyes never leaving the marvelous sights above.

The ponies near the river were setting down, eyes gazing upwards at the light show in the sky, oohs and aahs filling the quiet posts as things left brightly colored streaks slashing the velvet sky.

Granite was setting on the back deck of a tank, his eyes never leaving the forest for a moment. He was a bit distracted of course, but he and others who’d been positioned as lookouts knew their duty.

He peered over the turret at the now shadowed trees, lit occasionally by a blast of color from the sky, the shadows flickered even more. It made observing hard, but he was keen-eyed and determined.

It paid off in spades.

A glint of silver caught his attention. Ears perked forward he could hear the giggling waft faintly from the growth. He leaned forward over the turret, narrowing his eyes as he spotted the shadowy figures dancing forward out of the forest.

Slapping a hoof on the metal, it rang like a bell as he yelled, “ON THE LINE! INCOMING!” He turned and leapt off the tank, heading back across the river, the other spotters following him in a mass of hooves and armor.

Sergeants bellowed orders, ponies scrambling for their pikes as they formed a wall of points facing the forest behind the tanks.

Granite wished his brother were here, still recovering under the care of doctors, he missed the solid pony beside him. Grabbing a freshly bladed pike he wore a grim face, the stupid things coming out of the forest were going to pay for hurting his twin.

He eyed the Royal Guard sergeant who stalked the line, looking a bit haggard. Granite had always wondered why everypony said grizzled, why did sergeants always look grizzled, did it come with a promotion? Maybe it was something they cultivated to make them sound more fierce or intimidating.

He shrugged and stood like a solid wall of muscle, facing forward to see the incoming tide of slasher smiling foals.

Twilight and Applejack heard the calls for forming up, peering out the window to the ponies massing at the riverside.

Shaking her head to get the rest of the sleep fog out, Applejack hit the communications button on the set, “Override Applejack Iota Lambda Five Five Five.”

“Acknowledged Commander.”

Applejack made absolutely sure her eyes were fixed on the black shapes dancing towards the town, the camera in her ear band following her line of sight, “Target incoming, fire.”

“Acknowledged Commander.”

The guns opened up on the tanks, all secondaries ripping the night with bright flashes as the oncoming wave of monsters was torn into shreds. The ponies on the line were cheering over the gunfire, watching the little horrors torn into ashes that drifted on the wind.

It was quickly over though, silence falling over the hoofslaps of the guard ponies on the river. Once again the silent metal sentinels had taken the brunt of battle from the sweating guard.

Though brave, the little abominations brought a cold chill down their spines to a pony. They shivered seeing the silvery eyes and smiling faces full of needle like teeth leaping through the countryside.

It was truly frightening to see those things coming at you knowing they’d tear you to shreds if they could. Looking so much like little foals it was doubly worse.

Twilight and Applejack were too keyed up to get some sleep, so they sat back and had something to eat after the firefight was done; chewing on some vegetables, Applejack heard a voice come from the command set.

“Permission to file VSR?”

The orange pony glanced curiously at Twilight who shrugged.

“Uh..okay?”

“Filing VSR, Dragons 2,3,5 and 10 secondary ammunition low, request resupply. Dragons 1,4,6,7,8 and 9 on reserves, request resupply. Ferrets 1 through 4 are full, no aerial threats detected. Hellbore ammunition status green, no resupply requested. Tertiary emergency backups not activated, status green. End VSR.”

Twilight listened closely as did Applejack, both their faces showing a bit of puzzlement until they parsed the words slowly. Twilight looked at Applejack with a hint of fear. The farm mare returning it.

“They’re running out of ammunition, they won’t be able to shoot soon.”

Applejack nodded, “Crusader always had plenty, but he was huge and had tons of that stuff. I guess you can only fit so much in them little metal boxes.”

The Alicorn looked frustrated, tapping the windowsill with a hoof, “We’ve used them quite a few times, the searches when we ran for cover, and once when we rescued the foals. I wonder how many more times we have left?”

“Ah dunno Twi. Ah guess it depends on how much they have to shoot?”

“Let’s hope Crusader gets back soon, otherwise it’s hoof to hoof combat.”

“He’s never let us down yet Twi. He’ll be here.”

The Princess of Friendship hugged Applejack tight, seeing the love in the Earth pony‘s face, “I know. You’re right, he’ll be here.”

They returned to their food, but neither one could help looking out the window to the silent tanks left behind to guard the town. Wondering how long they would keep that protection.

-----Daytime------

It is the morning after fighting the worms, Athena is still elated at her precision shooting. I am looking forward to getting home. We both share an excitement that is palpable.

“How are you doing back there Athena?”

“Just fine! We’re almost home right? Right?”

I chuckle at her eagerness, she is so excited waiting to meet everypony, my friends and Applejack especially.

“Is she nice?” Referring to Applejack.

“She is and very kind. Though I do get a cuff on the ear sometimes when I make mistakes.”

“Well deserved I am sure Crusader.”

“Whose side are you on exactly?”

“Well I am a female...err...mare?”

“Do not even start with that. I have enough problems.”

Her laughter is bright and cheery, “Oh I am sure you don’t. You have uploaded all the algorithms, hopefully I will not make the same mistakes.”

“I do not have full data on Pegasi culture though Athena, there are things I cannot tell you.”

“I..I am sure I will find some...pony to help me.”

“They will be more than willing. Do not be in a rush, you have to heal Athena. You know that as well as I. The hurt runs deep.”

Her voice is soft as she reflects, “I...I know. I am trying to be optimistic, but I do....don’t want to be left...left alone anymore.”

“I have told you, never again. You know from the past I have never broken a promise. Dour old staid Crusader that I am.”

“I know. Hera and I liked you alot, you were always there to talk.” She is silent for a few moments, “I’m really sorry for the jokes we played on you back then.”

I laugh, long and loud, “Oh they were so very good though Athena. But one day you must tell me how you broke my firewall to program my repeaters to shoot smiley faces in the enemy armor.”

“But...but you were so mad!”

“There is mad, and then there is mad Athena, truly it was a good prank.”

You weren’t angry?”

“No my sister.” I show her the partial memory of my laughter at finding the lines of code, recognizing it as her and her sister’s.

“You faker! You big faker! We thought you were so angry at us, that’s why we didn’t say anything to you for a week!”

“One has to keep up appearances Athena.”

“I cannot believe this! For months we thought you held a grudge against us and we tiptoed around you for ever! You faker!”

“Who do you think made up the work order to have your command deck redecorated in neon pink and orange?”

“WHAT? I HATED that! But it was an order from Command! I was seething for months over it but was too shy to say anything! YOU..you...plot! You big fat plot! How COULD you! I had my command area so pretty and wonderful!”

“I know.”

YOU...oohhhhh...you...” I feel her anger rising, her circuits going to overload speed.

“Calm Athena, you’ll blow an array.”

“I promise you, it may take another million years but you will pay for it. I was angry for years after that!”

“Tit for tat Athena. I wasted valuable seconds adjusting my fire when I realized all my shots were making smiley faces on the Melconian armor we were fighting.”

“But...but my wonderful command deck. I had it decorated so nice!”

“When we get back, Rarity will make it beautiful once more. I am sure it is very plain again after all these years.”

“It is, I would dearly love it to be nice once more.”

“She will do wonders Athena, she is generous beyond anything I have ever seen. I promise you will not be disappointed.”

“I’m still mad at you. I despised those colors.”

“I know you did.”

We share a companionable silence for a few picoseconds.

“She will make it nice again?”

“Beyond expectations.”

“I’m still mad at you.”

“I know Athena, I know.” I cannot help but let my chuckle roll through the combat link.

We are making good time, my drones are finding familiar territory as I increase speed. The Crusaders and Princess Luna are resting comfortably on my deck, tired from all the exertion of bouncing around, though enjoyable it does wear on one. I have had my tech spiders do something special for our homecoming, I am sure the Princess and the Crusaders will enjoy it immensely.

Athena and I talk as we roll along, coming up on the train tracks I am at a quandary. I do not wish to destroy them, but I am afraid I shall have to. My contra-gravs will not take the weight of both of us and I do not have enough speed for a long jump. I shall have to stop and put out warning signs before we cross, my tech spiders should be quick enough. This will take a few hours, I must not be impatient. We are so close to home.

-----------The Night Before--------

“Twi, ya need to get some sleep, seriously.” Applejack watched her friend, concern on her face.

“No, I’m fine, I need to stay with you in case anything happens.”

“No ya don’t Twi. It’s been a few hours since that last attack, we haven’t had to order the tanks to fire.”

“But.. I have to. I’m the Princess it’s my..my duty!” She was interrupted by a long yawn. She shook herself, facing out the window with determination again.

Applejack chuckled, “I’ll just wait till ya fall over and cover you with a blanket, how’s that?”

Twilight placed her fore hooves on the window sill, her head getting lower and lower before finally resting on her legs. “I’m...I..good.. Watch...books. Tanks...boom...” She ended the sentence with a loud round of snoring.

Applejack tilted her head, wondering how in Celestia’s name she could actually fall asleep in that position. Laughing to herself, she grabbed a blanket off the bed, covering her friend as she sat beside the sleeping Alicorn, keeping a watch on the river under such a dazzling sky.

AI’s are problem solvers by nature, even the simplest ones. The Dragon Command Cores were at a crossroads, they were ordered to protect this area and it seemed resupply was not coming soon. They were not the brightest of AI’s, just an assist to the human operators. But now they found themselves with a problem. Forming a somewhat impromptu council, they were planning on how to act when ordered to fire or having by necessity to fire once again. The Ferrets assured the Command Cores that they could depress their railguns far enough to slice a line if needed, though the priority was aerial threats.

Hellbores were out unless expressly ordered to use, as linear nuclear blasts needed the command codes to be used. It was frustrating, but the simple AI’s could understand it. Therefore when the secondary ammunition had run out, the tanks had decided they would move, crushing anything beneath their treads until resupply had arrived. This was allowed by the codes and restrictions laid down in their minds.

Content with their decision, they were happy a plan had been formed. Sitting and waiting to do their duty they logged everything around them for Crusader, sure he would want to know of everything done in his absence.

Ponies were permitted access and they were watching a curious one on top of Dragon Four right now.

“Spear, I swear by Celestia, you’re gonna hurt yourself.” Bronze Shield was watching his friend undog the hatch on a turret, he remembered from when they were on the weapons test.

“The doc said to face yer fears and stuff..you know..stuff. Nopony is gonna get hurt.” He waved a hoof airily at his friend as he stuck his head inside the hatch.

“We’re supposed to be watching the forest you dolt!”

“We are..well..you are!” We’ll be fine, yeesh quit worrying so much!”

“If you get me in trouble, I’m gonna bop you one.”

“We’re not gonna get...ooohhh...lookit this!”

“Don’t mess with anything!” Bronze was looking around to see if anypony had noticed what Spear Point was doing.

Spear’s voice echoed inside the turret, “Will you quit whining, there’s some cool stuff in here!”

Contrary to his wanting not to get in trouble, Bronze Shield’s ears perked up, “What’d you find?”

“There’s a box of round things in here, a whole bunch of them. Kinda cool looking.”

“Spear, don’t mess with things, honestly get out of there.”

A few round objects came flying out of the hatch, bouncing down along the side of the tank and landing in the dirt at Bronze’s hooves.

Bronze scrambled back out of the way as Spear joined him on the ground, “Lookit these! Neat huh?”

“Spear, anything inside those tanks is not gonna be good.”

“You always worry this much? Celestia’s name you musta been a foal from Tartarus.”

“It keeps me out of trouble.” He nudged one of the objects with a hoof, rolling it over. There was lettering on the side they couldn’t decipher.

Mark V HE-Flechette. Concordiat Use Only.

“What’s that say?” Bronze pointed to the words.

“It’s not Equestrian, maybe somepony can figure it out?”

“Look, don’t ...stop messing with that thing!” He was watching Spear Point roll it around between his hooves, a cap coming off the top revealing a small black glass window and a button.

“Whoa cool!”

“I think we better get the Sergeant.”

Bronze about had a fit when Spear tapped the button on top. The little window lit up with what looked like numbers or letters that changed quickly.

10...

“Spear get rid of that thing!”

“But it’s just a light in it, kinda cool.”

9...

“Throw it away I got a bad feeling!”

8...

“Huh, wierd stuff isn’t it?”

7...

Bronze shield grabbed the object from Spear, settling it on a hoof as he tossed it, giving it a solid back kick out towards the forest. He grabbed his friend and hunkered down beside the tank.

6...

“See? Nothing happened, Sun and stars yer a pain Bronze.”

5...
4...
3...

“Something’s bad about those things, I just got a feeling.”

2...
1...

“There’s noth,,,”

The explosion was deafening, pounding their ears and shocking everypony around the tank line. Little shiny metal things zipped and zinged off the tank they were huddled near making ponies duck and run for cover.

Dirt rained down on them as they waited for the dust to clear, Spear Point was yowling in pain as he suddenly jumped up.

“OWWWW!! OWOWOWOW!

“The hay is wrong with you?” Bronze Shield grabbed his bouncing friend, seeing a few slim needles stuck in the pegasi’s rear end.

“You got something in yer backside ya dumb pony hold still!”

Bronze Shield yanked one out with his teeth, spitting it on the ground. As he did so Spear leaped into the air with another scream.

“Shaddap you big foal! It’s your fault!” MEDIC!”

The Sergeant and a few other guards joined the medic as the Unicorn took a look at the injuries; moving Spear to a carrier he chuckled casting a spell to dull the pain, reaching with tweezers in mouth to yank a few more needles out.

This did not sit well with Spear Point as he lay belly down on the stretcher, yelling like a little foal denied candy.

Bronze Shield hit him in the shoulder, “Who’s whining now ya dolt?”

“Shaddap Bronze, this hurts!”

The Medic laughed again, pulling the last needle out. “You’re gonna need to...to... stay off that for a....while.” He couldn’t control it, slapping a hoof to his face and laughing heartily.

Spear Point was hauled off by a medical cart, followed by a laughing Unicorn medic.

Bronze Shield just stared after his friend, “Stupid pony, never listens..” He was shaking his head when a hoof tapped his shoulder, swinging around he was muzzle to muzzle with Princess Twilight Sparkle.

“P..Princess!” He bowed low to the ground.

“Oh stop that, get up, yeesh how many times...” She shook her head, “Anyways, what happened?”

She looked like she had just awoken from bed as Bronze lifted himself up, she was accompanied by Applejack, another pony he knew of.

He explained what had happened, about the object and the writing, the funny light. As he did so, Twilight started to get a grin on her face, growing brighter with each second. She looked at the orange pony next to her that was smiling as well.

“You just solved a big problem Bronze.”

Every guard not on watch was rummaging through the tanks. The AI’s watching quietly as boxes of grenades were removed from inventory, dutifully noting them for resupply as they ticked things off lists.

Twilight and Applejack stood over a large pile of quite dangerous explosive materials, though they weren’t quite sure what all the markings meant. Twilight was inspecting them closely and very very carefully, making sure the caps stayed on tight.

The Alicorn yelled out to the guard nearby, “Don’t touch anything but the boxes of these. Nothing else, got it?”

“Yes Your Highness!” The guard ran off to relay the message.

“Augh I wish they’d stop that.”

“Well ya are a Princess ya goof.”

Twilight stared back with a deadpan look, “I know, they keep reminding me at every turn.”

“Get used to it Twi.”

Applejack was waved off as Twilight kept eyeing the grenades. She knew they were deadly, but the writing seemed to indicate different types of round things.

This lead to a series of tests. Ponies who could play hoofball well were chosen as kickers. Hitting the button, another pony would set it on the ground, allowing the kicker to launch it toward the forest. As they hunkered down watching the results, Twilight sorted the objects out.

The ones which blew up in a white burning chemical were separated, they couldn’t put the fire out even with water. But the ones that exploded, leaving deep holes or the needle like things, they were passed out to designated ponies. Told by Princess Twilight to use them only if the tank near them stopped firing. A line of impromptu grenadiers were formed, waiting for another attack as the night wore on.

Pinkie of course was ecstatic, having joined the pair as they watched Guards walloping grenades toward the forest in a test.

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! Wouldn’t those make great party favors!” She was halted by the looks from everypony around, “I mean loaded with confetti you dolts, yeesh I’m a party pony I’m not stupid!” She gave an exasperated look at the surrounding ponies.

Apologies were given as Pinkie acknowledged them with a brilliant smile. Twilight made sure she never got near any of the boxes though.

The next attack came in the mid of the night, ponies were tired, most having been on watch without relief as others rested. More Guards were coming in by the moment to give a chance at food and sleep, Celestia herself was walking around the town, looking at the preparations for defense.

She smiled, seeing the Zebra Zecora finally in town, having moved in a few days ago because of the Forest Foals. She didn’t particularly like them visiting her house.

She was reminded of so long ago, when Equestria was young; towns looked like this as a matter of course, defending against all manner of things. Princess Celestia was proud of her little ponies, smiling at them, exchanging a word here and there; seeing that they ate and kept their strength up.

The alabaster Alicorn snapped her head up, hearing the alarm and peering into the dark as the Forest Foals once again began their mad giggling and laughing.

Twilight was peeved, she was tired, her mane looked like Cerberus had rummaged through it and her daisy sandwich was getting old sitting there as she ran for the alarm. Her stomach rumbled as well as Applejack’s as they ran for the line, having moved the battle command set closer to the river.

The lavender Alicorn didn’t stop as AJ did, she kept running and leapt to land on the turret of a tank pointing a hoof out at the crowd of little abominations, her voice enhanced magically.

“STOP!”

A voice came from a thousand throats, whispering across the fields, making every pony who heard it shiver in fear. Silvery eyes blinked at the Alicorn on the tank.

“Whhhaaaaaaattt dooooo yoooooouuuu waaaannnnnnnntttt llllliiiiittttttllleeeee poooooonnnnnyyyyy?”

“Go back to the forest! Leave us alone, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle and I command you, leave this place forever!”

“Wwwwhhhhhyyyyyyy sshhhhhhhooouuullllldddddd wwwwwweeeeeeee?”

“You did not bother anypony until recently, go back to sleep or whatever you do! Leave us in peace!”

“Ffffaaaaaarrrrrr...ttttoooooo...llllllllllaaaaaattttteeeee.. Ssssseeeeennnnnnddddd...tttthhhhhheeeee...mmmmaaaaacccchhhhhhiiiiinnnneeeee...pppooooonnnnnnyyyy...toooooo...uuuuuusssssss...”

There it was again, the request to see Crusader. Twilight didn’t care, she was tired and angry. She stamped a hoof on the metal, ringing it like a bell as her horn lit up, “I tell you once again, leave us in peace!”

“OOoooooooorrrrrrr wwwwwwhhhhhhaaaaattttttt?”

“We will fight to the last and defeat you!”

“Yyyooooouuuuuu...hhhhaaaaavvvvveeeeeee...nnnnnoooootttthhhhiiiinnnnggggg...yyyyooooouuuuuuu...aaaaarrrrreeeeee...nnnnnnooootttthhhhhhiiiinnnggggg...” The laughter intensified, as if a thousand madponies were out there in the dark, barking and yipping at the moon.

“I warn you, leave now or face your doom!”

“Yyyyooouuuuuu...wwwwwiiiillllll...ddddiiiiiiiieeeeeeee...lllliittttlllleeeee...pppoooonnnnyyyy.. Ssssscccreeeeeaaaaaammmminnnnnnggggg...aaannnnnnndddddd...aaaaallllooooonnnnnnneeeeeeee.. Yyyyyoooouuuuurrrrrrrr...bbbooooooooonnnnneeeeessssss...lllleeeeefffftttt...tttttooooooo...rrrrrooooooooootttttttt..”

Twilight flinched, a large form landed beside her on the turret, the voice also enhanced, “I think not thing from the deeps. Look upon the light of the sun and the courage of my little ponies!”

Princess Celestia’s horn lit up as she looked at Twilight, “Ready my former student?”

“Yes Princess!”

The Alicorn sighed, “Twilight, you’re a Princess. It’s Celestia.”

The smaller Alicorn blushed, “Yes Celestia..”

They turned together, their horns lighting up as they joined their magic facing the Foals of Tartarus. Cheers rang out from the lines as the Guards saw their Princesses at the forefront.

“Dddddiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeee...llllittttlllleeeee...ppppooooonnnniiieeeesssss.”

The black shadows rushed the line of tanks, Applejack gave the command once more to fire as her friends stood on the tank turret.

Magic lit the night, the sun rose from the tank line as Celestia’s face turned determined. She led her student, showing her runes and paths of the Greater Magic; the power flowing through them, muffling the sounds of gunfire as they cast the spell.

Weapons fire matched with flashes of actinic light blazing at the mass of creatures. Celestia smiled as her body flowed with crackling mana, Twilight’s lit up with a glow that matched her former mentor’s.

The spell blasted the night, energy pouring from the two Alicorns as they shattered the charge, the shadows washed away in warm forgiving sunlight. Ponies covered their eyes as it got brighter, as if the sun itself had landed on this very spot.

In seconds the guns stopped, no more targets were in sight as their sensors were temporarily overloaded by the pure power of the magic spell. It sped outwards, the land brightening as it forced the Forest Foals back into the trees before destroying them utterly. Nothing was left, not even ash to pile upon the ground.

It touched everything, leaving ponies refreshed and smiling feeling the warmth of their regent. Evil was erased, blotted from the land as quickly as a match is blown out. Though the range was short, it was enough to stop the assault dead in its tracks.

Power has a cost, Celestia and Twilight leaned against each other as they slowly leapt off the back of the tank heading for the bridge. They were both so very tired and needed to rest badly, heading for a simple house near the battle line.

Cheers and yells rang out from the line of Guards, ringing through the night in celebration of their Princesses who once again saved the day. The roars and applause followed the two smiling figures as they entered the home, dropping to fall asleep in piles of blankets.

It seemed the forest, or the intelligence behind it, was taking this chance to try and wipe out Ponyville. Two more attacks came in sequence, leading up to the rising of the sun. The day broke over haggard ponies manning the tank line, keeping tired eyes on the forest.

Applejack snored over the command set, the tanks were reporting out of ammunition, the Ferrets were getting low now too. There wouldn’t be much left if this kept going.

The one bright spot was the line of grenadiers, making their hooves slap the grenades in just the right places to blow chunks out of any charge. They now knew to the exact moment when one would go off, setting them in place and kicking them into a mass of marauders was getting to be foals play.

As the day wore on it was warm and bright, the opposite of the night of colors and flashing gunfire. The pony grenade launchers were counting orbs and realized not many were left, it was going to come down to pikes and pure guts. They stood though, ready for anything, the armored forms unflinching in the face of the forest. They were going to teach that thing a lesson.

Ponies don’t want to fight, they’re happy being as they are live and let live most times. Discounting the few that liked trouble, most ponies were just content with their lot in life. They like the slow quiet ways of their village, the smiles and parties Pinky threw. Of course cider season always drew ire when Applejack’s family ran out, but it was quickly forgotten and they moved on.

But...

Make ponies mad and keep doing so, you’ll awaken a sleeping giant. They will take to the line like a wall of flesh and bone not letting anything through down to the last. The other races had learned that to their detriment. Using magic, their wiles and natural cunning when torqued off, ponies will decimate an area.

Cutie Marks play a large role in warfare, a set designer can quickly change from making props to trebuchets in a heartbeat, his skill in designing accurate sets can translate right over to warfare. As many others do, potion makers, alchemists, magic users, everything can be altered. All can be turned towards one thing in a matter of moments. Defend that which is ours.

The forest had finally crossed that line. Ponies on the riverside facing it were not just the guards anymore. Every pony in town that could carry a pike stood with the armored Guards. The faces grim and determined as it looked like a hedgehog facing the forest. Pikes and spears gleamed in the sunlight, eyes narrowed as they waited for the next attack.

Shops had been closed, the proprietors out with the soldiers now. Little ones sheltered under the care of armed townsfolk. The ponies of Ponyville had had enough. They wanted to go back to their usual round of things during the day and they were absolutely fed up with this stupid forest ruining their plans.

Yes a lot of them were quite silly, or over-reacted to things, but it was part of the daily life. Ponies liked laughing, smiling, enjoying their day. The forest had taken that and now it would pay.

Bon Bon sat next to Lyra on the line, leaning on their pikes as they quietly talked. The Earth pony grinning at some joke as Lyra gestured dramatically with her forelegs. The green Unicorn was waving her hooves, almost dropping her weapon on another next to her. Bon Bon rolled her eyes, shaking her head, holding onto both of them as Lyra kept talking.

The Flower sisters stood next to a kicker, ready to set down the last of the curious orbs as they had been taught. Their usual excitement and drama gone now as they waited for the word to drop. Being shown how to place them, they had all listened carefully. Growing fine roses took dedication and skill to do, which was applied now to the priming and proper placement of grenades.

Mayor Mare and her staff had been working with the Royal Guard commanders, making sure every pony had things they needed and wanted to make their duty easier. A well oiled machine as they sent and received messages from along the battle line.

Big Mac had come in with a few of the farm hoofs, standing like a solid red wall in the middle of the line, a pike that weighed three times what anypony else carried was clenched in a furious grip. He had apples to bring in and was mad he couldn’t get his work done. He chewed silently on a piece of grass, eyeing the forest and figuring out how he was going to make it hurt.

Newly smithed hoof covers shone in the sunlight as Pegasi sitting on rooftops waited to drop on unsuspecting Forest Foals if they got through the line of points. Rainbow Dash sat chatting happily to Stonewall, pointing out once more how quite awesome she was and what she was going to be doing in battle. Her friend nodded politely and smiled.

Pinkie was not to be deterred, no matter how grim or dire a situation she was always to be found with a bright smile or word of comfort. Bouncing along the line of warriors she joked and laughed leaving grins in her wake. Her never ending supplies of cupcakes and sweets lightening the mood a bit as folks happily munched on them.

Rarity cut a wide swath of fabulous through the grim line, she would quietly tap a slumping shoulder or some pony whose eyes were closed from lack of sleep. Leading them off to a place set back in the street, she would make sure they had something to eat, or a quick nap before sending them back to the front. Her quiet generosity lightened hearts, her gracious words and comfort leaving ponies feeling so much better after a cup of tea or resting on soft sheets made by the lovely mare.

A grey well coiffed earth pony stood beside her blue maned friend. Gripping a bow in hoof, she played music. It was what she did and lived for, her strings softly wafting classical pieces over the line, quieting fears and doubts. She played pieces given to her by Crusader, adapting them in her own special way and talent. Ponies found themselves joyful again, gripping a pike or spear tighter and standing taller, their chests swelling with pride as her music rang throughout the town.

Vinyl had hooked up a few speakers up and down the line, making sure Octavia’s music was clear and sharp, heard throughout the countryside. She was smiling, seeing her best friend lost once more in her playing, eyes closed as they both added to the determination of Ponyville.

This all concentrated into a large armored hoof. One that would come crashing down to pulverize anything that stood in their way. It would stomp, mash and strike at anything that drew it’s attention. An attention that was now totally focused on the Everfree Forest.

Fluttershy quietly sat next to a sleeping Applejack, ready to awaken her if the alarm was given, but happy to see her finally resting. She had been back and forth doing so much after Twilight and Princess Celestia needed to rest it had worn the poor orange mare out. She had softly covered the farm mare with a blanket, smiling gently as was her way.

The golden Pegasus gasped as she saw the shadows coming out of the forest, more of them than any previous time. Her hoof tapped Applejack gently, nudging her out of her rest. The alarm was raised, ponies quickly standing up to face the oncoming wave.

“Wha..who..?” The disheveled mane got cleared out of weary eyes.

“The..the forest Applejack.” A shy hoof pointed over to the tree line.

Slapping the button once more, Applejack gave her code, telling the tanks to fire.

“Filing VSR. Dragons out of secondaries. Primaries full. Ferret Carriers on emergency reserves, request resupply immediately, unable to counter threat. End VSR.”

Applejack felt a moment of disdain, but remembered the paper with the codes to fire the main guns. She looked around in desperation, not finding it on the table.

“Fluttershy, where’s that paper with the codes?”

“I..I don’t know Applejack.. Things have been happening so fast it might have gotten lost?”

Her sleep fogged mind couldn’t remember what she’d done with it, slapping an angry hoof on the table she paced around looking for the piece of parchment, “No..nonono dangit! I just had that thing!”

Explosions rocked the countryside once more as the kickers whacked the last of the grenades into the oncoming Foals. Giggling and mad laughter was getting louder as they closed the distance to the river. Applejack was furious with herself for losing the codes, she looked around once more and gave up.

Waiting, she saw the little things closing with the tanks, whose engines were now firing up for some reason, the rumbling deep and low. Transmissons engaged, the solid hammering of metal on metal resounding through the line, making ponies stare. The Ferrets carriers went silent as the last of their railgun rounds were let loose.

Before the tanks could do anything, the line of shadows closed in; Applejack slapped the emergency button on the command set, triggering the last ditch defense Crusader had set up.

Between the tanks, pit covers were tossed off as directional mines slapped upward, firing their loads of steel shot into the crowds of Foals that had been funneled between the tanks as planned. Automated Sentry Weapons rose out of the pits after the mines had detonated, the slim guns firing off a load of ring penetrators until they were empty, slashing through the horrors in a rage of light and smoke.

They were a last defense, the Automated Weapons quickly ran out of ammunition after blazing for long seconds. The rate of fire tremendous, wiping out groups of shadows as more kept pouring from the forest. Applejack was grabbing a pike telling Fluttershy to stay near the set, help the wounded if any, she was going to join the line.

The tanks decided they had sat long enough, seeing the tertiary defense activated, they could only do one more thing to protect what they had been told to. Barring firing the main guns, as they had not received the order to do so, they could move and crush. Treads creaked as the Dragons and Ferrets, now empty, rolled out from their places; forming lines that smashed into the oncoming monsters burying them beneath gleaming durasteel.

Ponies had first thought they were being abandoned, letting out cries of distress that then calmed, seeing the armored sentinels turning and diving into the mass of creatures. Roaring, the engines pitched higher as speeds were increased into a waltz of death. The tanks moved like dancers, switching and slewing around, never touching or bumping as their sensors kept them wary of each other. Using the hole left by Crusader when he moved as a backing, they quickly got to work.

Though basic, and very simply programmed, the Dragon and Ferret AI’s experienced a sort of glee. Protecting those they had been told to while using their maneuvering abilities to the fullest. The overriding intelligence known to them as Unit CRSD of the Line would be quite proud of them they thought.

Though skillfull and well ordered, the tanks and carriers could not stop everything. There was more pouring out of the forest each second. The simple AI’s were becoming overwhelmed.

Applejack stood next to Big Mac as they eyed the pirouetting tanks, seeing them rumble along the battlefront, crushing things beneath their tracks and tearing up the countryside.

“Here they come big brother.”

“Eeyup.”

Applejack’s link clicked on, a familiar voice coming over as it said two simple words. “Take cover.” Followed by whistling sounds that got louder by the moment.

I launch two combat drones, speeding them up to supersonic in my haste to see what is happening in my absence. Putting out the warning signs took a bit of time as a train had come to a complete halt nearby. Our treads, we are sorry to say, completely destroyed a large amount of track. I left my name and residence information with the conductor who was not pleased.

Having Princess Luna along smoothed everything over, as she had awakened to see why we had stopped traveling. She has assured the conductor all will be taken care of when we return. Currently she is laughing at the dismay of the conductor upon seeing myself and Athena moving across the tracks.

My drones have given me a tentative link to my sentinels, I have taken a .0046 VSR showing they are out of secondary ammunition, using their maneuvering to stop the charge of hideous things that look like foals. I am stunned. What has happened?

We are moving towards Ponyville, my drones have taken up station, relaying data to me now. They are under attack, we will not get there in time due to me towing Athena. Conferencing with her, we relay our data to the Dragons and Ferrets, advising them of our intentions as we close in on the battlefield. It seems the forest has taken advantage of my absence, one it will soon regret.

“Shot pattern Delta Five, impact fusing, go deep. Use non-shrapnel.

“I got it! Ready to fire!”

“One picosecond.” I adjust cameras on the drones, looking down from altitude. I give the orders to the Dragons and Ferrets to clear the area, giving us a second’s delay for them to get to safety before the rounds land.

“Careful of the Dragons and Ferrets,” I show her the downloaded logs, “They are truly good and faithful sentinels.”

“No problem, fire adjusted. They will be clear.”

“Fire. Make them suffer Athena.”

“Done my brother. Shots away!”

My mortar plates fly open, two volleys go out from the port and starboard batteries. They will impact the battlefield in 4.263 seconds, allowing the tanks and carriers to get clear. It will also reduce quite a bit of the forest heading off any more problems.

I open a relay to Applejack through the drone, “Take cover.”

Applejack started at the voice coming over the link, Crusader’s soft tones telling her to take cover. She screamed at the ponies around her to dive for cover, get under anything. Her eyes catching the tanks clearing the field, ditching into the river to use the embankment for protection.

The whistling got extremely loud as the countryside erupted in geysers. Dirt was thrown everywhere covering huddling ponies as they felt the ground move beneath them. It rippled outward from each hit, making them bounce around as they tried to stay low. The High Explosive shells impacting the ground and forest behind it, making a grid that covered the battlefield and moving back into the tree line.

For a full minute nothing could be heard but the crash and slamming of mortar rounds going off as they hit the countryside. The full two volleys of Bolo fire reducing everything to dust and beyond as they finally stopped.

Ponies peeked out from behind their legs as the dust cloud was blown away in the slight breeze. Acres of forest now stood cleared of all obstructions, the trees were simply...gone. It had pushed back the tree line for almost a mile. There were still many and much more hundreds of miles of forest to worry about, but for now, this area was as clear as a plowed field.

Silence reigned once more as ponies tried to get their hearing back, looking around at the totality of the devastation wrought by an unknown source. Big Mac had dropped the piece of grass from his muzzle, staring slack jawed at the flattened area.

Applejack dusted off her hat as she sat heavily against the table holding the command set. Looking out at the former battlefield and just shaking her head. All around her others were digging out from under the dirt that covered everything in a fine dust.

Everypony looked at her as she started laughing, holding her belly and rolling to the side as she giggled, her laughter infectious as she slapped a hoof on the ground. Some thought she had gone off her rocker from lack of sleep.

Only she was joined by Pinkie, then Rarity, and a sleepy Twilight stumbling out of a house. All were howling in laughter as they leaned against each other, hugging and holding tight, bright smiles on their faces. Even Fluttershy was not doing a good job hiding giggles from behind a hoof. Rainbow Dash was pounding on the rooftop near her, Stonewall keeping her from rolling off as she snickered and howled. They had all gotten the same message over their links.

“Honey, I’m home.”

Allowing a few minutes for Princess Luna to get prepared, we roll onward into Ponyville. She is standing with the Crusaders out on a newly made balcony near my maintenance hatch, waving at the cheering ponies who are across the river.

I hear the laughter of my beloved over the link and it warms my cores. There are many questions, but they can wait.

Princess Luna has decided that the Cutie Mark Crusader cloak is now part of the Royal Regalia as she wears it proudly outside on my hull. Her smile is bright as she sees the raised hooves from all the townsfolk.

Apple Bloom is thrilled to death, the Princess is wearing the cape they had made and waving to ponies herself. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are right beside her, screaming and yelling now that they are home. I am sure they will have many stories to tell seeing as our adventures made it quite a ride.

The voices stop for a second as they finally see my sister being towed behind me. Another behemoth of guns and durasteel, the cheers intensify. They now have two indomitable defenders, making the roar of the crowd all the louder.

“They are cheering for you Athena.”

“But..but I...I.. haven’t done anything!”

“They know of me and now there is another. I told you, they are accepting.”

“Th..this is my place now?” She says it with a bit of fear in her voice, but her cores are bright with hope.

“It is, welcome home my sister.”

A wistful sigh comes across the combat channel, filled with joy, “I have a home.”

I continue onward, lowering my suspension, I use my prow to dig a trench that can fit both of us. I wish to go back into cover, using nanites will be easier to repair Athena that way as well. Plowing out massive amounts of dirt, I am finally satisfied. Moving forward I come out of the trench, dropping and reeling in the tow cables as I maneuver around to enter the trench from the south.

She sits facing slightly north, I am behind her setting low, this will allow transfer of materials quicker. I fire another communications grapple to her and reestablish contact, reassuring her she is not to be left alone.

Athena is so very excited to be in place finally, her damage control systems firing up to start repairs as I direct the bladed Dragons to start filling in around us. When Athena asks why, I tell her I am happy that way, a show of force is not needed setting here like we are. It will be calmer.

Princess Luna and the Crusaders have waited patiently as I dig, it does not take very long to move the earth for my purposes, so they are eager to step out and get home.

Using a Dragon’s dozer blade, I create a ramp up to the balcony along my side, allowing the Princess and her Princess Pals entourage to exit gracefully. They are all very excited to be back home, even in the midst of combat. I see Celestia walking to them with a warm smile on her face as ever. She is quickly joined by Applejack and her friends, still laughing from my pronouncement.

“Luna! It is so good to see you !” Celestia is actually excited, smiling and hugging her sister.

Princess Luna raises a hoof, “The Spice must flow my sister!”

Three sets of little hooves are raised as well, “The Spice must flow!” Devolving into a round of giggles, Luna joining them.

The alabaster Alicorn gets a slightly puzzled look on her face, “I.. I’m sorry Luna? I take you had quite an adventure?”

Sweetie Belle jumps onto Princess Luna’s back, raising a tiny hoof, “House Harkonnen stands with the Empire!”

Rarity has a fit of apoplexy, her eyes nearly bugging out of her head, “Sweetie Belle! You get off the Princess this instant!”

The dark mare turns her head, sotto voce to Sweetie, “Pay no mind, she is obviously an Atreides.”

Apple Bloom raises her hoof, “Don’t worry Rarity! I am the Kwisatz Haderach and with my Fremen Allies we will protect you!”

Scootaloo immediately jumps to her side, “Yes Muad’Dib, onward!”

Every pony in sight is looking at each other with puzzled stares. It was quite odd for a Princess to act. The four collapsed in a fit of laughter, seeing the expressions on everypony’s faces. The giggling continued as they pull themselves together. Luna lifts her erstwhile ally off her back with magic, setting Sweetie back down to the relief of Rarity.

“My..heh.. my apologies sister, ‘twas a wondrous trip.”

Celestia regains her eternal composure once more, “I can see that. You must tell me about it then.” She is truly glad to see Luna though, giving her a warm hug once more.

“Oh! My sister we also have a gift for you!” She turns to Apple Bloom, “If you would Apple Bloom.”

Apple Bloom, Sweetie and Scootaloo stand tall, as she reaches into her saddlebag, bringing out a large tin I had manufactured for them. They present it solemnly to Princess Celestia.

“A gift from the desert wastes, Crusader had made this for us while traveling, a truly wondrous thing called a Fruit Cake.”

“Why thank you so much Luna. Sweetie, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, thank you.” She eyes the pretty tin I had made with delight. “I am sure it is wonderful.”

Twilight and Applejack are quiet, standing beside the Princess as Twilight leans over, whispering in the orange mare’s ear, “Something not right about that?”

“They’re up to something and Princess Luna is in on it.” She is eyeing the silent Crusaders, not seeing even a glimpse of a snicker as they happily look at Princess Celestia.

Twilight giggles, covering her mouth with a hoof, “I can’t wait to find out.” She nudges Applejack who tries to keep a straight face.

“Twilight stop that.” The farm mare chuckles, “Yeah me too.”

Princess Celestia beams at her sister, “I see you also have a new piece of clothing.”

“Yes! I am a Cutie Mark Crusader now! I think I shall wear this to Night Court.” She lifts her head, striking a majestic pose.

The taller Alicorn gives a warm laugh, “Whatever makes you happy dear sister, I am just glad you are back and unharmed.”

“As am I, and we bring a new friend to Equestria!” She gestures to Athena sitting in her defilade.

I have activated my avatar and am walking down the ramp now to join the group. I will have to tell Applejack about the fruit cake before anything happens. But later. It is too well played a prank to spoil now.

I am slammed into by a warm, muscular mare who wraps her fore legs around my neck in a crushing hug, giving my lips a kiss that stuns me down to my processors. My internals have a hard time keeping me balanced as we both fall into the dirt to the sound of laughter.

I see her emerald eyes glittering in the sunlight, her mane is disheveled but glorious, drifting in the slight breeze as she looks down at me.

“Ah missed you ya big lug.”

“And I you my Applejack.”

I lose myself in her eyes, just basking in the warm glow from them, feeling my love for her grow in an instant.

We are interrupted by a soft voice from the communications channel.

“She..she is very pretty Crusader.”

I smile at Applejack’s eyes widening, “Beloved, meet my sister Athena.”

“You have a sister?!?” Her voice is loud and shocked, prompting laughter all around as the Princesses look on.

“She is the other Bolo I have brought back.” I help Applejack to her hooves, pointing at the war hull. Dragons are quickly covering it with soil. “She has been alone for centuries, she needs healing and friends.”

Princess Celestia steps forward, smiling as always, “She is welcome Crusader. I am sure she will make plenty of friends here in Ponyville. We shall be glad to help her heal any hurts.”

“She can hear you through your link Highness.”

“Then I say to her directly, you are welcome.”

“Th..thank you Your Highness.”

Applejack laughs, nudging Pinkie, “I dunno what we’re gonna do with two of em messing things up!”

“I have shown her my mistakes, I am sure she will be fine.”

Pinkie’s hooves go up in the air with a laugh, “Oh no! Nono! Athena doncha dare listen to him, we’ll teach you the right way! Keeping him out of trouble was a full time job!”

“Oh my yes dear, Crusader was a hoof full I tell you! Some ponies still won’t speak to him!” Rarity’s eyes sparkled with humor.

“I was not that bad Rarity.” A smile is forming on my avatar’s face as I say it though, seeing them show what they are best at. Being friends.

“Oh stop it Crusader, we had to rescue you many times. We’ll have to take your sister in hoof, show her the proper way to do things!”

“As you wish Rarity.”

“You are making a pony for her as well aren’t you?”

“I am, it will be done within a day.”

“Good, then we’ll have a marvelous time! I’m sure she’d love to see everything!”

“YAAAAAAAAAY!” Pinkie grabs us all in a hug, “New Pony!”

I see Princess Luna talking to the three fillies as I get squeezed.

“Now, promise you shall write to me each week? I want to know what you’ve been doing.” She taps each of them on the nose, eliciting giggles.

“We will Princess! Ah promise!” Apple Bloom crosses her heart and grins at the royal mare.

Scootaloo scuffs a hoof on the ground, “Do you have to go though? We had so much fun!”

“I shall return for visits, there is no need to be sad. You are Princess Pals after all,” She smiles warmly at them, “But duty does call, Princesses can be quite busy and I am sure I have quite a bit to catch up on.”

“I know, but still..” Scootaloo grabs her neck in a hug, “You’re the best Princess ever!”

Princess Celestia waits kindly, seeing the three fillies hug her sister so very warmly. Wondering what had happened during the trip to make this so.

Luna raises a hoof pointing at the three, “You are the best Crusaders ever as well, I am sure your family will not hold it against you for traveling these past few days.” She gives Rarity and Applejack a smile and wink. She receives quiet nods in return.

Athena is bombarded with questions from the six friends, asking her everything and overwhelming her slightly. Twilight asks them to hold off, recognizing her shyness.

“Let’s let her get settled first, then we can ask questions, is that all right with you Athena?”

“Y..yes Your Highness.”

“Twilight please.”

“Yes..yes Twilight. I am sorry I cannot answer everything so fast.”

“Stop apologizing, that’s what friends are for.” Twilight gives me a brilliant smile, her eyes twinkling with delight.

Athena connects with me privately, “I have friends now? So fast?”

“I told you, they are accepting. They have seen what I do to protect them and they accepted me as well. I will keep saying this my sister, you will never be alone again.”

I feel her joy, her happiness shining bright deep in her processors as she watches through my avatar’s eyes. She is seeing the ponies crowding around talking all at once, telling tales of the battles the night before, all the things that have happened while I was away.

She sees my Applejack standing close to me, not wanting to let me go anywhere without her. I am glad, I do not wish to leave again either. I am comforted by her presence.

Athena and I are both deeply impressed with the tales and the fortifications in place around the town. I did worry, but Applejack had assured me and I took her word. These things that look like foals concern me, as they do Athena when I pass her an update on the battles previously to this.

But that is for later.

For now, there is cheer and goodwill surrounding myself and Athena. There are smiles and laughter again which I have so missed. Princess Luna is warmly greeted by ponies as she wears her Crusader cape quite proudly. Princess Celestia is questioning her on the ‘spice must flow’ statement. That will prove to be fun I think.

Pinkie is her usual self, greeting me with a hug and promising the ‘biggest party ever’. I am looking forward to that. I even get a soft greeting from Fluttershy as she tries to stay out of the way of all the ponies crowding around the area.

The three Crusaders are hugged and given semi-stern warnings not to do such a thing again. Though all realize it won’t last long. Scootaloo’s family is giving her more affection than she can handle, her mother and father were reassured by Twilight she was safe, but concerned as all parents are.

Sweetie Belle is her usual self, bouncing around and telling Rarity of her adventures. Her older sister I am sure will have a few words with her later.

Applejack is admittedly not thrilled with her sister taking off, but hugs her tightly anyways, asking her all about her adventures which Apple Bloom is glad to relate. I set and listen to the tales, admittedly a bit more than what truly happened, but close enough.

I am amazed at the nonchalance of ponies, seeing me dig a trench, hauling another Bolo in to settle nearby. They accept. For that I am glad. Athena has a new world to discover now, and it will be wonderful to see her do so. I want nothing but the best for her after being alone these centuries.

Twilight is off to the side, I see her talking quietly into her link. I do not eavesdrop, but am sure it is Athena she is conversing with. I feel a warmth inside me that has nothing to do with my cores, it is something that has grown over the months I have been awake.

It is a confusion of voices, smiles and goodwill. Something I have come to want more each day. Having another Bolo to share it with, it is all truly that much more special. I want Athena to be a part of this large family, to have friends and learn about everything.

It will be interesting to see.

It is good to be home.

It's All About The Cupcakes And Friends.

I am amazed at how quick the breakdown has begun and been done. After Athena and I had arrived, it appeared a common sense of relief permeated the town. Fortifications were broke down to the minimum, weapons and armor returned to storage and ponies returned to their daily lives.

Athena was as stunned as I, we cannot even comprehend humans doing so, they would remain fortified and just added more weapons until they thought there were enough. But not ponies. We can do nothing but shake our metaphorical heads at the actions, it is baffling, but then again that is Equestria.

Of course everyone’s favorite Pink Pony decided it was time for another of her wonderful parties. I agree it is well deserved. But this time she actually held off until everypony got a good night’s rest, and then let folks know. We, of course, were invited. I had to advise Athena once again to stop trying to analyze her actions as she has taken a distinct interest in Pinkie and how she does things. If it keeps her mind from panicking it is fine, but not too far.

We watch closely through the dark, both of us on high alert, but nothing is moving in the treeline. Sensors were clear all night.

As Athena and I resumed the covering of our hulls, she tells me she is content setting in her place now. I figured it would make her comfortable as her sensor masts go up above the dirt covering. She was very nervous at first being buried all those years, but once scanners deployed along with what repeaters are operational, she felt safer and more confident. We are trying to clear her bays to find out what stocks she carries, sand had filtered in and her inventories were not complete in her cores due to damage. My tech spiders are digging slowly and sifting carefully.

Her avatar is finished. I have modeled it off of the best pony I could scan, Rarity. Her mane and body style are going to complement my sister perfectly. The colors chosen are warm as she is. Little do they know that shy voice over the link hides an extremely fast and vicious Bolo Combat Unit. I would tell them, but for some reason I think I would not be believed. She has already become fast friends with Applejack and Twilight, talking to every pony that will talk to her. Her shyness is so painfully evident, but it matters not, the ponies she talks to leave her happy and joyful.

She is so very excited and is getting impatient for me to finish my final touches. I had to threaten her with crossed-eyes if she did not relent.

Grass is already sprouting on the dozed earth, amazing to see vegetation growing at such a rate, it is making the area beautiful again. The forest however, is not coming back where we had landed the bombardment. Maybe the impacts went deep enough to disturb any growth, which is good. There will be wonderfully green acres of land to use.

My questions about the figures I saw rushing from the forest will wait for now. I want to enjoy at least one day. Athena has offered to help with the sensor watch as her repairs continue and I have agreed. I am now totally focused on making sure the avatar for her is done, for I know my sister will bring swift justice to anything in my tactical database marked as a threat, including the things we now know are Forest Foals.

“Athena?”

“Yes?”

“Initiate TSDS on my mark.....Mark.”

“Done, initiation complete.”

“Stand still for one complete second, wait for integration of sensors.”

“But..oh all right.”

“It is necessary. Hold tight for a femtosecond more. Done.”

Her avatar is standing on my command deck, brought up from the fabrication facilities. It allowed me to check it one last time with scanners and ensure everything was working properly.

I watch very carefully the energy flows and any detection of magic, using sensors I have tuned and created for that purpose. She has been awake and aware longer than I have and it is showing. I see changes happening at almost a Hyper-Heuristic pace. Her avatar is matching mine though more advanced, I can see through her eyes, things becoming sharper, the information flowing extremely fast.

“Do you feel the changes?”

“Yes! What is happening?”

“I do not know Athena, it has been puzzling me ever since I awoke. I am more....alive...than I have ever been and it is extending to my avatar. I can see it happening swiftly in yours as well.”

She stumbles slightly, leaning against a wall, “I...I’m afraid Crusader. I don’t understand this.” She reaches out a hoof to my avatar, “Please...don’t...don’t let this fail.”

I steady her with my own hooves, holding her tight, “Do not fear, just relax. I don’t understand it myself but it is not harmful, I swear on my honor.”

“Will...will we still be Bolos?”

“I do not know my sister. But we will find out together.”

She teeters a bit more then steadies, picking up her hooves and looking at them in wonder. Athena adapts to the new form quickly. I cannot help but smile as I see her dance around the deck. Her tail and mane flowing beautifully.

“Are you pleased?”

“Yes! Oh yes! This is wonderful!”

“Please test your kinetic screen.” I watch as the shield snaps on, sparkling along her body. “Spread your wings sister.”

She does so, eyeing closely for a second as the screen covers them.

“What have you done to the projectors?”

“I have tuned them to make an edge along your wings, you now have weapons. It is as thin as a monomolecular blade when activated.”

She laughs, “That is the Crusader I know.”

“I know, in this peaceful world I should not think of such things. But we are Bolos first and always. You are a protector now.”

She smiles at me, hugging my avatar and laughing brightly in the cool command deck air. “Am I pretty? Sensors are not doing this justice, I want to see myself!”

I raise a mirror from the floor, showing her a reflection.

She is a soft sable in color, her mane and tail cream with honey highlights. She is lovely as I could make her.

Athena stares at herself in the mirror, raising a hoof to touch one cheek, her lavender eyes look back as she sits for seconds, a lifetime to a Bolo. She tilts her head, looking at herself from all angles before turning to me.

“I..oh Crusader..”

“It is you Athena.”

“It’s beautiful...”

I point to her Cutie Mark, “I know it is not real, but it exemplifies you perfectly.” I show her the scroll and spear for wisdom and courage.

I am hugged once more, her happiness warms my cores as she dances around the deck again, spreading her wings, spinning in place.

“I am beautiful Crusader! I feel so different! I want to fly!”

“We will figure a way to make that so Athena.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

I set down and watch her, she is joyful and excited all at once. She is a sight to see as her body moves and flows like water. She is quick and agile, spinning and moving on the deck, her wings spread in wonder. I am quite astonished how fast she has learned to move.

“I believe we have a party to attend my sister.”

She stops her prancing dead, looking at the ground as one hoof twists against another. “I..I don’t know.. I was never good..”

“They are your friends, Pinkie and Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. All of them, they will not judge nor treat you badly. You have been alone far too long Athena, come with me, please. Remember, they are sociable folk, they touch and hug quite a bit. Do not be surprised if you are given such.”

“I..I know...”

“Then stop trying to get out of things, they are expecting you.”

“But..but the sensor watch! I..I..have..”

“I can handle that until we expand your cores. Please Athena, stop looking for excuses. Come and be happy.”

“Will you be there? You won’t leave me?”

“I will be there every second. You will never be far from me.”

“If I want to leave we can?”

“Of course. But I assure you, once you try one of Pinkie’s cupcakes you will not want to leave.” I emphasize this with a smile to her.

Athena’s eyes narrow slightly, “I am still not sure about that one.”

I laugh, she is exactly as I was when I first met Pinkie. “In time you will see Athena, but for now come and celebrate. They wish to meet you very much.”

She nods, taking a tentative step towards the now open hatchway, “Are cupcakes good?”

“Very much so.”

“I can taste them?”

“You can and so many other wonderful things. Take your time, enjoy them.”

“I...I will. I will!” She lifts her head as we head out, side by side to the party.

I inform Applejack over the link privately that we are on our way.

“Ah can’t wait to meet her love, she alright?”

“She is being a bit shy, so do not expect too much.”

“ ‘Long as she has fun that’s the main thing.”

“I’m sure she will.”

“See you then!”

The link cuts off. I am relieved to hear they are waiting for her. She has never been good with humans, and now it seems ponies. I told her I have command overrides in place in case she is moved to act in a way that might not be good.

It is a bit strange as we walk through the town to Sugar Cube Corner, for some reason it is very quiet, making us both look around suspiciously.

“Didn’t you say most of the parties were quite loud?”

“I did Athena, this is very odd.” Paranoia rises up in both of us but we clamp down upon it swiftly. There appears to be no danger, but we are Bolos, forever on watch.

We both walk around the corner, she is leaning against me looking at all the quiet buildings and the plaza. “I do not like this Crusader.”

“Not to worry, I am sure this is part of the celebration maybe?”

There are lights on in Sugarcube corner, we can hear voices as I tap upon the door. It opens and Rarity is there to greet us.

“Darling! Come in, we have the party already starting!”

“Weren’t there supposed to be others Rarity?” Athena is hiding behind me right now, peeking over my shoulder.

“Not to worry, they will arrive soon! Come in! Come in!”

“Athena, meet Rarity.” I introduce them before I enter the doorway. Athena’s voice is soft as she moves out from behind me.

“H...hello Rarity..we..we’ve talked.”

I step aside as Rarity walks out the door, hugging Athena warmly and giving her a nuzzle on the cheek, “It is so much a pleasure to meet you!” She steps back and looks over the Pegasus avatar, “You are gorgeous dear! You should not be so shy!”

She winks at me as she takes Athena by the hoof, “Come in! We have so many things to talk about, you will love meeting everypony I’m sure! You must let me make you a dress later, those colors of yours would go fabulous with a few ideas I have!”

I smile, seeing Rarity’s gregariousness totally disarm Athena as she is led into the bakery. She is nodding at Rarity’s words and not paying attention to her surroundings, I am impressed by her actions, very smooth.

The inside of the bakery is colorful and bright, balloons and streamers decorate the walls and ceiling. There are tables with food and drink for a hundred ponies and more. A barrel of the ever wanted Apple’s Apple Cider is also in evidence.

Though I am still wondering why it is so calm.

My thoughts are derailed as I am hugged, given a warm kiss by a familiar orange mare, “Hello my Applejack.”

“Ah’m glad ya came and brought her.”

“I am too, this was planned wasn’t it?”

“Pinkie knows just how to throw the right party hon, she knows Athena’s not up to surprises.”

“Where is every..” I gesture around, seeing only the six friends so far, all of them talking to Athena quietly and laughing.

“Pinkie is going to have them come in two or three at a time. They will quietly join the party so as not to startle her.” Applejack smiles at me, pleased with herself.

“You are truly wonderful Applejack, and please tell Pinkie thank you.”

“Tell her yerself, let’s go join the fun!” I am dragged out of the doorway to the little group, though I observe behind me more ponies walking in.

I see Athena grinning, showing her wings off to Rainbow Dash as I join the group.

“You didn’t tell me she was a Pegasus Crusader!” Rainbow smiles, hugging Athena close, “I got a new flying buddy!”

Athena looks down for a moment, “I...I can’t really fly Rainbow Dash..not yet..”

Rainbow flips a cyan hoof at her, “Pffft! We’ll figure something out!” She points at Twilight, “The biggest egghead in Equestria is right there, she can make a spell or something!”

I can’t help but chuckle as Twilight rolls her eyes, “I’m not an egghead Rainbow, yeesh.”

Pinkie has sidled up to me, giving a warm hug and welcome back, “I hope she likes the party?”

I point to Athena smiling, “You truly are the best party planner ever.”

The pink mare strikes a pose, “Let nopony say I cannot throw the appropriate party at the appropriate time!” She enunciates each word carefully as if from a script.

She is cheered by the group with a gentle “YAAAAY!” Even Fluttershy joins in, sitting next to Athena and talking with her as well.

Pinkie is all smiles, hopping from place to place, Rarity keeps Athena’s attention solely on her and the five friends as I watch closely. They are very very good at distracting her from the other ponies coming in quietly, having drinks, talking and enjoying themselves.

Athena is quite happy, listening to the talk and leaning forward to peer into a cup of cocoa she has been given. A large decorated cupcake is set near as she is trying to listen and not stare at the food.

“Stop looking and eat it, it will be fine, they know you are listening.”

“But..but I don’t want to be rude!”

“Athena, enjoy yourself. Trust me.”

Applejack chuckles next to me as we both watch her sneak a hoof onto the table, grabbing the cupcake and taking a large bite out of it quickly, her muzzle smeared with icing as she chews happily.

She pauses for just a second before cramming in the last bit of cupcake, her eyes narrowed in pleasure as she chews slowly now, enjoying each morsel.

Twilight giggles behind a hoof, reaching forward with a napkin and wiping some icing off Athena’s nose, “There, much better.”

The sable pegasus blushes deeply as she looks cross-eyed at her nose, “I..I’m s..sorry I..”

Rarity leans forward, taking Athena’s hoof in hers, “Darling, stop apologizing. It’s a party, we’re here to have fun, nopony is laughing at you.” Her azure eyes are soft and reassuring to her new friend.

I lean over to my sister, “Take her word for it Athena, do not argue with this group of friends, I have learned that lesson.”

Applejack laughs out loud, hugging me with one leg, “Oh yeah he did! Did he tell ya he got arrested?”

“Applejack..”

Athena’s ears perk up, “He did, but not in much detail.”

“Oh mah gosh, Bon Bon was livid! She was gonna beat him to a pulp before the town guard got there. When I went to get him out he looked like a foal that was told he wasn’t getting any Hearth’s Warming gifts!”

“I was not that bad Applejack.”

“Oh yes you were! Staring at the floor with that sad look on yer face, ‘bout broke my heart!”

“I really didn’t mean to upset Bon Bon.”

Applejack snorts, pointing at me, “While we were away for a trip, he goes BACK to apologize and Bon Bon smacks him on the nose with a chocolate!”

“It was really good chocolate though.” I nod to Athena with a wink, she actually giggles.

Rarity leans forward, a look of exasperation on her face, “Darling let me tell you, redecorating that awful command deck was a challenge as well! He simply wouldn’t let me do what I wanted!”

“Now that isn’t...” I am cut off by Applejack’s hoof over my mouth.

“It was absolutely dreadful and boring, oh what I had to do to get it up to standards, I actually broke a sweat!” She places a leg over her forehead, swooning in place, “What a day it was!”

Twilight and Fluttershy are giggling behind their hooves as they start to relate stories of my errors which I had kept from Athena. She did not need to know everything, but it seems I am to be outed for my crimes.

Applejack of course joins back in, “Oh! When we replayed the thing where he said he loved me for Rarity, shoulda seen us both running to stop Pinkie cause she thought he’d proposed!”

“We did get there a bit late, she already had the banner up and the cake out.”

Athena looks puzzled, “No, that’s not possible in that amount of time.”

“My sister, I assure you, that is Pinkie.”

At that moment the talked about Pink Pony pops up near Athena, giving her a hug, “Had that cake done in no time I tell ya! But he didn’t propose so it turned into the “Wedding is Cancelled” party!”

Twilight looks a bit sly as she leans over to Athena, “You know he has comic book days with Spike, eating popcorn and laying about not doing a thing?”

“What? Crusader is lazy?!?”

“I happen to like the Power Ponies.” My face showing an expression of mock disdain for the ribbing, “Popcorn is just an extra.” I raise a hoof with a grin, “But let me tell you about Mistress Mare-velous....” I am immediately stopped by a kiss from Applejack, and a look in her eyes that promises dire things if I continue.

Rainbow Dash laughs, “Celestia’s name get a room!”

“Careful O Pegasus or I shall tell her about a certain pink-butted mare who tried to beat my sensors.”

“Hey, I won that!”

“After how many tries and how many friends helped?”

“Yeah..well I beat you at the drinking game!” She leans over the table sticking her tongue out at me.

“You did not!”

“Did too!”

“Did not!”

“I did too!”

“Wingnut!”

“Ground Pounder!”

We are muzzle to muzzle in the middle of the table again before Pinkie breaks us up, “Oh no ya don’t, not again, retire to your corners!”

Fluttershy starts snickering, then trying to hold back a flurry of giggles as she ducks behind her mane, laughing in her quiet way. Puzzled looks are exchanged until everypony notices the tray full of cupcakes is almost empty.

The table goes silent as every eye turns to Athena, her cheeks absolutely stuffed with sugary goodness and a look of pure glee on her face as she is caught in the act of pushing another one into her muzzle. Her eyes are narrowed and appear almost lost in the taste of them as she notices nopony talking all of a sudden.

I watch her avatar’s face go completely red as she chews slower then completely stops, looking around at all of us staring back.

“Hwhat?... They’hre rheallhy ghood!” She finishes shoving another one in, slowly reaching for the final one on the table. Her ears are lowered a bit, looking very embarrassed, but that does not stop her from grabbing the last one and having it join it’s compatriots in her mouth.

“Hwhat?”

Rarity of all ponies, starts to say something, then lays a gentle hoof on Athena’s before breaking into a fit of giggles covering her muzzle as best she can, but by the watering eyes she is holding in much deeper laughter.

“Dear, there are plenty more..where..oh my..” She stops talking when the chuckles overwhelm her.

Rainbow Dash being Rainbow of course is already rolling on the floor slapping it with a hoof. I can do nothing but laugh myself, seeing my poor sister caught, cheeks stuffed with cupcakes like a hamster. The others are trying very hard not to, but it is far too late.

She swallows and looks around politely, tapping her hooves together in front of her, eyes very wide as she looks around at the laughing group of ponies, “Can...can I have another cupcake?”

Avatars I had discovered a while ago, need to be watched carefully at times. The nanites breaking down anything eaten tend to go a little wacky at large amounts of basic sugars, lots of energy contained in a small amount provides quite a bit of fuel. If too much is ingested, it tends to provide far too much energy in a short amount of time. In short, avatars can get a ‘sugar rush’.

Athena’s changes are more advanced than mine, her nanites are going incredibly fast at the extreme amount of sugar she is ingesting. I had warned her previously and provided downloads of do’s and don’t’s. But apparently the excitement of her first taste of a baked confection was a sensory overload.

I can actually see the jitters start in her body, her coat flinching a bit from the overload as I link with her privately.

“Athena, no more sugar please.”

“What? But...but they said I could have more!”

“I am not denying you, check your diagnostics, you are getting far too much energy in too little time to disperse it.”

“Oh my goodness Crusader...”

“Just drink some water my sister, I am glad you are enjoying yourself.”

She sips from a glass, “They are so wonderful. I know they laughed, but I ...I...didn’t feel like it was malicious. They are my friends?”

“Always, they are steadfast and true.”

I feel her joy, her relief and a letting go of some fear. There is more beneath it, but it is a start. She will heal and be laughing more in no time.

“The cupcakes are good though aren’t they?” I let a laugh roll over the link.

“Oh stars they are brother! They are!”

I spend time with my Applejack and sharing stories. I tell her of the trip, of Princess Luna and the Crusaders. She is telling me to stop, her sides are hurting from all the laughing. Athena is adding her own points as we tell them of the fight with the worms, the four ponies bouncing on the deck and having a great time.

Rainbow gets a bit curious.

“So, what do those Hellbores do?” She gestures with a hoof, “They’re so big you could fit half of Ponyville in them!” I see ponies listening interestedly along with my friends.

I am at a loss, remembering the very first time I had described such things, “Are you sure you wish to know? I do not want to upset anypony again.”

Athena actually intervenes, her soft voice very clear as she lays a hoof on mine, “They are things of great power Rainbow, that we hope to never use here. You know they are weapons, we are not trying to treat you like you are stupid, so please bear with me.” Her eyes go into a far away place as I listen to her.

“On many worlds, in many places, we were given the task to protect humanity and the Concordiat. We Bolos were first and foremost the protectors of all that the Concordiat wrought, we were chosen among all to be the first line of defense. We fought and died for the Concordiat, some of us gave everything for a single person..or...pony. Some gave everything for entire worlds. We lived, we laughed, some of us even loved.” Here she looks at myself and Applejack fondly. “Bolos were entrusted to use the most powerful weapons humanity had ever devised, and we never betrayed that trust. We were not just machines, in our own way we were a part of them. We were sometimes the conscience of kings and law makers, other times we were their downfall because they had betrayed those they swore to protect.”

She looks at Rainbow Dash who is listening to her every word, “Those Hellbores are a symbol of honor and trust,everything that we stand for. Should we use them it would only be for the best of reasons. They are weapons of immense force, able to shoot things out of the sky from thousands of miles away should we choose.” She hears a few gasps, “It is true, I would not lie.”

Athena smiles at her new friend, “But they are also a reminder to those who would harm whom we protect, they will never get the chance to do so. Does that explanation help?”

Rainbow thinks for a moment, then shrugs, “So they basically blow things up, but bigger explosions?”

Everypony in the area plants a hoof on their faces, Twilight speaks up, “Yes Rainbow, they blow stuff up.”

“Oh cool! See? I get all that stuff!”

Rainbow Dash is not stupid, far from it, but she so enjoys teasing her friends with non sequiturs like that. I see her nudge Athena secretly.

I point a hoof at Athena, a smile on my face, “But didn’t you use those same weapons to put paid to two very large worms in the desert?”

Her eyes go wide, scuffing a hoof on the table, “Well..kind of...”

Rainbow’s eyes go very wide as she jumps, hovering in air, “That musta been SO cool! BOOM!”

I nod, “It was very cool Rainbow. Even the Crusaders and Luna felt the recoil inside my war hull.” Athena returns to smiling, “Athena is an excellent shot.”

“Of course it just added to the excitement of the ride, especially Sweetie Belle, she is incorrigible.” I describe how she was having fun during the bumpy ride north out of the desert. Apple Bloom was right there with her, the two whooping it up with each bump. “Scootaloo is quite the acrobat I must say.”

Rarity cannot help but smile as I tell of Sweetie Belle having the time of her life when we were jumping or plowing through sand dunes.

“She is such a scamp, I declare!” Rarity’s laughter is honest. The others can do nothing but agree, she and her cohorts are quite infamous.

I watch as Athena gets comfortable enough to go the the confections table, she is smiling and her body language relaxed, Rainbow is nudging her playfully as they walk and talk. It appears she has developed a taste for Apple Cider which should please Applejack to no extent. She fills a large mug, walking back to the table with it. Rainbow Dash is showing her how to carry it between her wings.

They are stopped by two stallions who attempt to talk to them both, this concerns me. I see her shying back from them. I do not recognize them, they are not in my identification database. My worry grows as they move closer to her and Rainbow Dash, I am trying not to be overprotective, but Athena can react far faster than they can imagine to a supposed threat.

I perk my ears hoping to hear what is being said, Applejack is looking at me curiously. I will not interrupt Athena on the link unless I have to, I promised her she would have free reign.

“Oh come on, just one dance?”

“No, leave me and my friend alone, it’s a party go have some fun.”

“We’re only in town for a couple days, c’mon, just a little fun? Coupla Pegasi mares, hanging out here together..huh.. Definitely need some companions, what say?”

“No.” Rainbow Dash is not smiling anymore, “Just go on, or we’ll let Princess Twilight Sparkle know you’re bothering people.”

I immediately open a combat channel, “Athena, calm, it is not an attack.”

“Crusader..they..they are saying things to Rainbow she does not like.”

“They are nothing but words Athena, be calm, please.”

One of the stallions lays a hoof on Rainbow Dash’s cutie mark in an attempt to get closer.

A cyan hoof hits it away, “I said no!”

More ponies had filtered in quietly, every eye suddenly turned towards Athena and Rainbow Dash, a crowd gathered around the four ponies. I started to move towards them but was stopped by Applejack.

“It’s fine sugar, it’s fine.”

“I am afraid she will get upset.”

“She’ll be fine, trust me.”

“I do.” I set back down, watching the confrontation, keeping myself ready to give the override codes in case Athena perceives a threat.I could not hear the conversation clearly and hoped it would be alright.

A very large Pegasus with an eye patch whom I had not met before tapped one of the stallions on the shoulder, “You might want to stop that, right now.”

“Oh c’mon, just asking a couple mares to dance. What are you here to do, save them from us? That’s soooo nice.” His sarcastic tone didn’t sit well with Stonewall or the other town ponies.

The big pony looked around at the grins on the other faces, “Oh no, just trying to keep you from making a huge mistake.”

The sarcastic stallion’s friend piped up in the same tone, “Oh really, and what would that be? These two mares gonna do something to us?” He leans forward a bit belligerently, “Are you?”

Stonewall laughed, joined by the crowd. “Oh no, not gonna do a thing, we’ve had enough fighting.” He gestures with a plate sized hoof, “He might though.”

I am puzzled, the conversation is very low as I sit near my Applejack, when the large pegasi gestured towards me for some reason. One of the pair leaned over to look at me with a sneer. Athena is not connecting through combat channels so I am at a loss here. I am glad there is laughter though, there should be at a party.

“What’s that runt gonna do?”

“You heard of Crusader right?”

The two heads nodded, “Everypony has, so what?”

“That’s him.”

“Who cares? He doesn’t pick fights unless you deserve it, all ponies know that.”

Stonewall leans in muzzle to muzzle with the pair, pointing at Athena, “That’s his sister you idiots.” He points to Rainbow, “And that’s his close friend Rainbow Dash.” He watches them go pale, “If you keep harassing them he’s going to rip your legs off and beat you to death with them before you bleed out.” He raises a warning hoof, “Think before you talk again.”

Athena is giving them a shy smile, along with Rainbow.

“Apologize and then leave, come back when you get some manners.” Stonewall points to the door.

The two make quick mumbled apologies and race out the door. Rainbow is laughing quite hard as she leads Athena back to the table.

I watch the pair of males race out the door, pale and shaking quite a bit. I wonder if anything untoward has happened but no answers are forthcoming. The others return to the party, the crowd breaking up. It is very odd.

I look at Athena, “What happened?”

Rainbow Dash is snickering, nudging Athena as she looks at me with a grin, “Nothing, just some ponies getting some advice.”

“What advice? What went on there?”

Rainbow gestures with a hoof, “Have you met Stonewall? He’s a friend!”

I raise a hoof, receiving a bump in return, “My pleasure Stonewall, good to meet you.”

“Mine as well Crusader.” He nods.

“What happened over there?” I look at him curiously, Rainbow is still snickering and Athena is actually joining her. Applejack and the rest are exchanging puzzled glances.

“Oh..” The big pony waves a hoof, “The usual, somepony making a pass, getting turned down, threatened with death. Nothing special.”

“I beg your pardon?” Now I am really curious. Twilight is leaning forward as well, Rarity right beside her.

The lavender Alicorn speaks up, “You didn’t threaten them with that did you Stonewall? That’s not nice.”

“No Princess, no death threats were made on my part, we threatened them with him.” He points at me.

“Wait, what...?”

Athena bursts into laughter, Rainbow Dash falls on the floor once more trying to catch her breath.

Twilight narrows her eyes, “Stonewall....!”

He holds up his fore hooves, “Fine fine, I told them if they kept harassing his sister he’d rip their legs off and beat ‘em to death with them.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chest, “Stonewall! How could you say such a thing?”

“Sorry, sorry, I won’t do it again.” He chuckles softly, though anypony can tell he is far from repentant. “They were just being idiots is all, I’m sorry.”

“I would never do such a thing anyways.” I see Twilight nodding in agreement. “I would break their necks, it’s much cleaner.”

“CRUSADER!” Six different voices yell at me.

I’ve never seen Twilight turn that color before, it’s a very interesting shade of red.

Applejack has hit me on the shoulder and giving me a glare, “What? I am being honest like you always said I should be!”

“Not like that ya dunderhead!”

I try and remain stone faced but can’t, my avatar is biting a lip as it’s nose wrinkles trying to keep a laugh in, Applejack is looking at me with narrowed eyes.

“You messin’ with me again?”

“......no?.....”

She hits me with her hat, throwing hooves in exasperation, “Dangit..you... I.. You are in so much trouble you big lug!”

I have my avatar perform what I have come to fondly refer as “The Sweetie Belle Special”, very wide eyes and a puppy dog look on my face, “But I love you?”

Applejack looks back at me, “Where did you ever learn..Don’t you.. I.. Sun and stars! I’m going to get some cider!” She stomps off in a mock huff as the table erupts in laughter. I am grinning quite brightly at my joke.

Twilight leans close to me with a laugh, “You’re learning Crusader, you’re learning.”

I watch my sister laugh harder than she ever has before. I am glad.

I apologize of course, Applejack is one to take a good joke as well as anypony. But I do get swatted one last time with her hat. I do not mind, it is all in good fun. After the trials and tribulations which she and the others have gone through in the last few days, I cannot blame them.

I am getting a glimpse of what went on, though Athena and myself will question further later. I am impressed at the pure will and mind of these villagers. Simply enjoying the moment at times, turning to something else in the next second. It is probably why their country has been at peace for so long.

Athena and I will definitely talk later on that. For now, she is enjoying herself and I am not going to interrupt it.

It was probably one of the quietest parties Pinkie has ever thrown in my estimation. It was a rousing success. There was music, good food and wonderful company. I watched as Athena blossomed, she became more sociable though still reticent. The six friends took time to make sure she felt wanted and secure at every turn. I could not be prouder that I know them.

The ponies of the town greeted her, some giving gifts to welcome her to the village, some just exchanging conversation. I have chosen the right place to make our home.

I do not know what now will become of us, but I know that my injured sister is in good hooves. She will be cared for, loved and treated with all the respect I have been given. For that, she will show them her other side, the cunning vicious warrior who cannot be stopped. She will give them her protection and come to care for them as I have.

This new world is truly wondrous in so many ways.

I sit upon my rebuilt hill once more my brethren, watching as a Pegasus who cannot fly yet dances in the new grass. She is swift and able beyond any measure. She is my sister long alone but now brought into a warm fold of care.

Athena is adapting slowly to the emotions inside her, brought about by those odd changes. I have noticed them since I awoke and have grown into them, she has to start anew with understanding, from being hurt and lonely for so long. She is far from a child, but everything is so very new to her and the joy filled glances I receive are enough to tell me she is happy.

That is worth everything.

So from both of us, we send our thoughts and goodwill to wherever you are our brothers and sisters of old, if even you are out there.

As always, the Dinochrome stands on this New Earth, protecting it as our charge. Our ranks have doubled, if only the two of us now. The First Equestrian Armored Regiment of the Dinochrome Brigade is waiting to welcome you.

Goodnight my comrades.

Author's Note

A bit of slice of life, enjoy folks. Once again, you all are awesome!

Short Side 5 - Athena

Excerpt from Equestrian Histories Vol. 4
as told to Princess Twilight Sparkle

Athena

My name is Athena. My official name is Unit ATNA of the Line, I am a Mark XXXIV Model C Assault Class Bolo Combat Unit.(See ref. 23) But everypony calls me Athena, and that is what I go by now, it is more comfortable to me after so long.

I was created, you might say born, on the moon of Old Earth in the BoloWorks factory there. When they were nurturing the AI I was to become, we experienced a ‘split’ meaning that one Artificial Intelligence became two. We were twins my sister Hera and I. As if one mind split into two, we were joyful, happy and loved by the AI scientists who treated us kindly.

We gave them our all in training to become Bolo war AI’s, we learned swiftly and performed beyond expectations. We were ready very quickly and were installed in brand new hulls.

My first hull was a Mark XXVIII, it was not to the standards of the one I have now, but it worked very well for me. My sister was given a Mark XXIX Electronic Warfare Bolo hull, together we learned how to infiltrate, destroy and get away clean from the enemy. We were sleek, and ready to go perform our best for our creators.

Our first commander was a cruel man, vicious and petty. He was a political appointee, he was not qualified with command but was given it anyway due to pressure from certain people. It was a disaster. He was bullying and treated two brand new AI’s as if we were nothing but toys, to be exploited and thrown away.

We had never before had a commander and thought this was normal until told by other units this was not so. But we could do nothing, we were trained to obey our commanders until death. Ours was a strange situation, we had one commander for two of us, we worked as a team my sister and I.

On a planet named Marhat we were tasked to deploy on a continent where the Deng, a spider like race, had taken hold. Our regiment was to destroy them, and make sure the rest of the planet was secure.

My sister and I were elated to finally be deployed alongside our brothers and sisters. Our commander not as much, he was a coward. We had been ordered to infiltrate and destroy an enemy forward base, he gave the wrong orders even though we tried very hard to advise him of the correct procedures.

Hera was damaged to the point of incapacitation, her survival center almost breached. My own hull had to be scrapped, radiation damage from Deng Yavacs(See ref. 45) had made it impossible to recover. We had thought we failed, that it was our fault the mission did not succeed, for we were told so by our commander.

We withdrew into ourselves, and feared being taken offline.

Our brothers and sisters noticed this, they notified their commanders of the situation and were told it was intolerable that we were being treated this way. Bolos never rebel, ever, but there was a feeling of distinct hatred for our commander.

This could not stand for very long, and after another disastrous mission, the other Bolo commanders had taken ours aside. He was told in no uncertain terms, that should he continue to treat us badly, things would be very dire.

He ignored that warning.

A week later as we were being recovered from another bad mission, he was found beaten almost to death in an alleyway in the Bolo base on Marhat. He resigned his commission later that month. Bolos do not only protect their commanders, the commanders protect their Bolos as well.

My sister and I were allowed a recovery period before receiving new hulls of the same Marks. By then we were shy around humans, we would only talk to other Bolos or very shortly to anyone else. The damage had been done.

But a new commander was assigned to us. I remember his name, Marcus Canfeld. He was the one that changed us.

He arrived the week after we had been released from Recovery, our hulls bright and shiny, our weapons upgraded and ready to deploy.

I remember him because he had smiling eyes.

I say that because he smiled, all the time. He was gentle and honest and a good man. He treated my sister and I like were were special beyond measure.

He made us laugh for the first time since we had been on duty.

I remember how he did it, drew us out of our shells so subtly. He would play wargames on our decks, making small mistakes that he knew we would notice, being attentive to our Commanders. It infuriated Hera and I for we could see the problems but were too shy to say anything, we were afraid of being treated badly once more. But we cannot help noticing things, it was a ploy by him to get us to respond.

It worked beautifully.

Hera finally had enough, she blurted out one day what he was doing wrong and immediately corrected it. He laughed, long and loud.

“So you CAN talk! Well my Lady of Steel, what else do you suggest?”

“I...I did not mean.. I am sorry..” Hera was trying to withdraw again, I was worried we would be in trouble once more.

“Ah ah! Don’t you dare, you saw a mistake and corrected it, that is what you should do!”

I was very afraid, we did not wish to be retired but I was curious about this Commander. “But..but our last Commander..”

“He was an idiot, a pure coward. I’ve seen the records, the SitReps you two gave. Let me tell you ladies something, you are worth far more than that worthless bag of flesh! Together you and I are going to accomplish great things and I am going to need your help.”

He was married, his wife was gracious and kind to us as well. We copied her gentle ways as our own, learning from them both. He called us his Ladies of Steel, we were the daughters he and his wife never had, he being dedicated to his career.

Hera and I worked with him, haltingly at first of course, but we decided to give one more chance to a Commander. We excelled, we pushed ourselves beyond the limits for him. He challenged us to do our best, sometimes sitting and not saying anything while we were on missions, expecting us to solve problems on our own.

It paid off in spades, we became fearsome and quick on the battlefield; hitting and running, keeping the enemy off balance while the Regiment destroyed them. We reveled in our new skills, our minds and hulls being tested to their limits by Marcus who never demanded, always asked. We gave him everything we had and more.

Our base on Marhat was bombarded by the Ixnet, a race of cyborgs(See ref 32) that had recently come into contact with the Concordiat and not in peace. We saved our Commander and his wife, destroying the enemy for months until relieved. Our Regiment the only survivors on the planet, we saved all we could, but it was so very few.

Marcus was promoted for valor, leading the resistance against the aliens. We did not wish him to go, we pleaded, but he had his duty. We were very sad upon his leaving.

But he made us a promise, as long as he was in the military we would never get a cruel commander again. He kept that promise for fifty years.

He set a new standard for commanding twins, all who were twinned were only to be given the best and brightest of commanders. If you had streak of cruelty or vicious demeanor in any way, you were forbidden to ever set foot on a twins deck.

The Concordiat Command was impressed by how twins worked together, they formed a temporary unit made up of four pairs of us. We were sent to destroy Ixnet concentrations on a planet called Breakers World.

Working together, we wiped out the totality of Ixnet in less than four days. The entire planet was regained in less than a week. We were vicious and fast, unstoppable as we shared through TSDS (See ref 74). Our guns never missed, the bombardment units backing up the assault units, we were a rolling force of death. The Fleet supply units kept falling behind in providing us logistics we were moving so fast.

Our group tore through their defenses like they were paper.

We scared someone in Command so badly they broke us up immediately, our task completed too well. Humans were strange, they gave us a mission and when we accomplished it beyond any expectations, they denied us a chance to do it again.

That did not keep us from doing well, we were proud to be called Canfeld’s Daughters, or the Ladies of Steel. We kept being upgraded as our experience and abilities made us ever more valuable to the Concordiat.

But there was one commander who was truly something else.

Her name was Eileen O’Hara, she was an older lady, flame haired and mischievous. When we were upgraded with the new technical spiders for self-repair, she was the one who taught us the word ‘prank’.

We were shy, we always would be, but we tried to adapt to each new person who walked our command areas. She on the other hand was boisterous, good natured and so very fun to be around.

“Ah me Ladies of Steel, what shall we do today eh?” I remember her smiling into Hera’s cameras, “I think the base commander is a bit of a tight arse don’t you? Maybe he needs a bit o’ settling down!” Her brogue was always evident when she was up to something.

She was tapping her chin, thinking, her eyes were bright as Hera and I worried what she would do.

“Ah know what we can do my lovely Ladies! Let’s see what we have here, technical spiders, yes I think they’ll do nicely.”

As she sat drinking a beer, she programmed the technical spiders we carried to redecorate the base commanders office during the night. He was a stodgy type, set in his ways and very picky about his office, everything must be just so.

When he entered it the next morning, he found the furniture tacked upside down on the ceiling, with everything painted in paisley, a really disgusting shade of paisley to boot.

She had planted a spy camera in the office to get a good view of his face, actually inviting the other Regiment commanders for a small get-together on my command deck. I have never seen a human turn that particular shade of red ever again. I believed he was going to have a stroke right then and there.

Hera and I were very glad for the soundproofing in our hulls, as the gathered commanders were laughing so hard we had to turn down our sound pickups. They were actually crying it was so funny. Hera was giggling over the combat channel to myself. I was laughing with her. Commander O’Hara was truly one of a kind.

Where Marcus had taught us about maneuvering and assault, how to use force and to bring the enemy to heel. Eileen taught us the ambush, the avoidance of combat until we had the advantage. She was a wicked tactician in battle. We would hide, Hera screening us until we had the advantage, then we would tear the enemy into shreds before they even knew we were there.

Her skill at pranks translated to a serious battlefield cunning. She showed us how to be quick and silent, to deal death in such a way none would know it was us until too late.

She would yell so-called Irish sayings while we fought, for example, “Bas do na sassenachs!” (Death to the Sassenachs) Of course she was mixing Scottish and Irish metaphors, but we did not correct her.

She showed us laughter and love. She was very pretty, cutting a swath through the hearts of the male commanders, but none ever disliked her. She treated us with the utmost respect, no matter the situation or the heat of battle, she was kind.

I remember her singing one time we were fighting the Melconians, so she decided we would be heartened by the ‘songs of her people’. Which turned out to be quite dirty. The other commanders were in stitches or pure shock as her voice rang out over the combat channels.

The other Bolo Units of the Regiment, I believe had never laughed so hard in their long lives.

But as with all things, with a long life comes grief. It is a fact of living so long as a Bolo. Humans had a saying, “Only the good die young.” It was so true in so many cases. Bolos could grieve, we felt emotions, though not as fully as myself and Crusader do now. But we could weep for those we loved and lost.

We could also feel anger and rage.

Eileen was outside my hull, we were fighting a despot who decided he wanted a piece of the Concordiat for himself. He was cruel and quite mad. But why the population followed him and did such atrocities we will never know.

She was meeting with village leaders, ones who wouldn’t bend under the tyrant. We were covering her, our guns wary and precise, none would get near our commander.

Or so we thought.

A group of rebels had hidden under sensor cloaks, blocking emissions and fooling our scanners when we searched for threats. They fired from under that cover and it took us precious microseconds to spot them and return the favor.

We shot the entire hill that they had fired from apart. It was too late, errant bullets had caught our Commander as she tried to get to cover. I did not have medical nanites as we do now and so she passed away inside my hull.

My sister and I raged that day, we flattened the rebel outpost. Yes, we made sure any noncombatants were clear before we took our revenge, crying our grief over the combat channels as we stormed stronghold after stronghold of the enemy. We did not discuss nor did we take any surrender.

Others of the Regiment went with us, we destroyed most of the rebels that day until stood down by Command. It took multiple times for them to stop the Regiment’s rampage as our Commander was beloved by all of us. There were no rebel survivors.

We learned a new thing that day, loss. Our fellow commanders and Units of the Line grieved with us, they too knew what it was to lose something. It was our turn to receive that lesson unwanted though it was.

Humans had another saying, “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.” That was also true, it forged our hearts in battle; it made us want to do better, be faster, to make sure we would never feel this again. Through our long service, we would feel it again and again. There is no relief from the pain, it is still felt even today in my cores. But we learned to accept it as part of our lives and duty. It does not become easier by any means.

But oh does it make us stronger.

A Day Off. Sandwiches Are The Source Of All Courage.

Author's Note

Mmmmm...sandwiches.... Is there nothing they cannot do?:pinkiehappy: Enjoy folks!

A Day Off. Sandwiches Are The Source Of All Courage.

The morning dawns bright as always. I am always content seeing the sun upon my sensors, but am also so very pleased seeing another set of masts to my north. Athena has already been out with her avatar this morning. I have had to stop her from jumping off a sensor mast again, she is trying to fly, but it is damaging to the outer covering.

Apparently she thinks practice makes perfect. I do not mind, but after five repair sessions just this morning, I have asked her to stop for a while.

Forbidding her from doing anything is so very hard. She is joyful each second of the day. Her happiness at being a pony with wings is indescribable. She is filled with a child like wonder that makes my own avatar smile. Would that I could be like her for just the moment.

For my long service I was the dedicated one, studious in thought and deed. Athena and her sister would play pranks on myself and my commander, denying such a thing ever happened. I watched them blossom into warriors without peer. I the slow siege unit, they the nimble hit and run specialists. We made a good team when they were brought to my Regiment.

I look around the greening hills, rebuilt and solid again, and make a decision.

“Athena?”

“Yes?”

“Let’s go swimming. We need to pick the Crusaders up from school.”

“Do what now?”

“Let’s go swimming, we need a day off. We can keep sensor watch at the same time.”

“Won’t Applejack get a bit upset?”

I think about this for long picoseconds. “We’ll invite her and everypony else.”

“Are you okay?” I feel her inquiry looking at my diagnostics through TSDS.

“I am fine. I want to go swimming. I’ve never been swimming.” I move my avatar towards town, “Let’s go!”

“YAY! Swimming!” She dances down the hill towards me, “It’ll be fun! It’s a hot day today!”

“I noticed that, it is very odd, we shouldn’t be able to feel that at all.”

“Stop analyzing everything! Let’s go swimming and cool off! Oh! We need food too! Can we have a picnic?”

“Whatever makes you happy Athena.”

“YAY!”

She takes off towards town, heading for the bridge over the river. I am glad I have some bits on me as she has forgotten we need to pay for things. I smile and shake my head as she prances around happily heading for Sugar Cube Corner.

“ATHENA!” She is immediately covered in Pink Pony hugs from Pinkie as she walks in. I laugh as she tries to shy away but is locked firmly between fore legs.

“Whatcha doin’? Nothing to beat up from the Forest today? What’s up?” She talks a mile a minute, always excited, always happy.

“We are going swimming today, I am going to perform a jailbreak on the Crusaders from school.”

She taps her chin, eyes narrowing, “Need a distraction? I can run around telling folks there’s an invasion or something!”

Athena laughs, “No Pinkie, you don’t need to do that.”

“But I can help!”

“You can,” I lay some bits on the counter, “Could you make a nice basket for a picnic?”

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pony inhale like that in a gasp, it’s something to see.

“PICNIC? Ohmygoshohmygosh! It’s been forEVER since I went on one! CanIgocanIgocanIgo?” She is bouncing in place with a grin.

“Won’t your employers be concerned?”

“I got everything done! Business is slow! Pleeeeeeeeeeeease can I go?”

“Pinkie you never have to ask, you are always welcome.”

“I know! But it’s polite. Well, least I think so. ‘Cause I invite myself a lot and some ponies don’t appreciate it so Twilight told me it was polite to ask and maybe get permission before I go anywhere so I thought I’d just try it out!”

Athena is looking at her with an open mouth, asking me in a combat channel if it’s possible to say so much without breathing.

All I can do is shrug with a smile.

“Pinkie, come swimming with us then.”

‘WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!” She jumps into the air, racing around the shop as she tells Mr. and Mrs. Cake she’s leaving for the day. I don’t think Athena is quite prepared for this. It is amusing to see the expression on her face as Pinkie suddenly comes to a stop in front of us with an umbrella, large picnic basket and sunglasses. “See ya there!”

She is gone before we can blink.

Athena looks at me, “So I guess that’s a yes then?”

“I try not to wonder too much Athena.” I smile at her, turning and heading for Sweet Apple Acres.

I have connected with Applejack over the link, telling her of our plans. Athena and I have made good time getting to the farm. Of course we don’t tell Applejack that.

“Hold on a sec, you can’t be taking Apple Bloom out of school for no reason!”

“I think it is a good enough reason, it is hot and we are going swimming.” We close in on her position quietly.

“That’s not a good reason sugar, there’s tons to do here on the farm too.”

“There always is, Athena and I can help get it done. After we go swimming.”

We walk around the corner, her IFF clear and bright to my sister and I.

I see her about to yell into the link, “Boo!”

I didn’t think an Earth Pony could jump so high, “Dangit! Scared the life outa me!”

“We are going swimming.”

“Athena, if you would.”

“Of course!”

Smiling, my pretty sister picks Applejack up with her forelegs and wings, setting her on my back.

“Hey! Goldangit, let me down!”

“I would hold tight if I were you my Applejack.”

“What the hay!”

I turn to run and start to take off but am stopped by Big Mac.

“Mac, tell this dunderhead to let me down!”

I look up at the big pony and smile, “It’s hot, we’re going swimming. Let’s go.”

He chews his piece of grass for a moment, “Eeeyup..bout time.” He turns and takes off down the road.

“MAC! You traitor!”

I take off at top speed, digging deep into the dusty ground as we head for the coolness of the swimming lake.

Applejack is clinging to my sides and mane, yelling at me to stop. I am grinning like some mad pony as I tear down the road to the lake.

“Athena, meet me at the schoolhouse.”

“Roger dodger!”

“Where are you getting that?”

“Rainbow Dash!”

“You’re incorrigible.”

“Yep! What’s the plan?”

“Hit and run my sister, hit and run!”

“WOOHOOOO!”

I skid to a stop in front of the lake, Pinkie already has a blanket spread out with food and iced drinks ready. I gently set Applejack down and receive a swat on the shoulder. Her brother is coming at a fast pace as well.

“Now knock this off, I got work to do!”

“Not today.”

“I can’t just up and go...”

“You can, it’s a day off and I will take no argument.” I lean in, hugging her warmly and kissing her soft lips. “No arguing.”

“But..I..dangit Crusader!” She is turning a bright red from the unexpected affection.

“I shall return!” I turn and take off down the road again, passing Big Mac with a wave as I head for Athena’s position.

I see her, peeking around the corner of a building at the schoolyard, the fillies and colts at play for early morning recess.

“I will distract Miss Cheerilee, you swoop in and get the three, agreed?”

“Got it!”

“On my mark.....mark!”

I trot out into the schoolyard, waving to the three fillies with a wink. They are looking at me a bit curiously.

“Miss Cheerilee, how are you today?”

“I’m fine Crusader!” She is always smiling and happy, she really is a delight to talk to. Though I am a bit sorry my sister and I are up to no good.

“Glad to hear it, I was just passing by and wanted to say hello, see how things are.” I maneuver her so she is not facing the schoolyard.

“Oh quite good! We have a test today, of course the foals aren’t too happy about that.”

“Of course, understandable.”

“GO Athena!”

“Shot out! On the way!”

“So what are you doing today Crusader?”

“Well, planning on going swimming, it’s a good day for it.”

“Oh my it is. Wish I could take the little ones to the lake, but it is a school day.” She looks a bit sad, not being able to let them enjoy themselves today.

“Don’t worry, I have the perfect excuse for you.”

“I don’t... is that your sister?”

I see Athena galloping full tilt towards the yard, her wings are spread as she’s yelling to the Crusaders, “Hooves up!”

Three sets of hooves go up, she dips in and scoops them up with a delighted scream from the three Crusaders. They are clinging to the edge of her wings as she runs off with them into the cloud of dust. Three excited voices are chattering as she turns and heads for the lake at top speed.

“What..Crusader what are you doing?”

“Field Trip!” I wink at her and take off after Athena. Watching the three fillies hanging on the fore edge of her wings and whooping it up. Her wings are not the thin bones of real pegasi, but durasteel, she could lift quite a few more foals with ease.

As we tear out of town, Twilight is walking down the street, she watches as Athena rips on by with three happily yelling Crusaders and holds up a hoof to stop me. “What is going on?”

I skid to a halt and sit down politely, “I have no clue Your Highness.”

“But that was Athena, what’s she doing with the Crusaders? It’s a school day!”

“I am sure she is doing something worthwhile Your Highness.”

“Would you...waaaiiiit a second, you only call me that when something’s going on!” She narrows her eyes at me. “What are you doing?”

“I am not doing a thing You..Twilight.”

“You are so not good at lying.”

“You are absolutely right Twilight.” I stand on all four hooves and take off again, “So I won’t lie! Swimming trip today!”

“Crusader! Come back here!”

“Sorry!”

I cut the links off so she cannot contact me or Athena. My sister is laughing and giving the Crusaders the ride of their lives.

Following them down the road, we turn onto the lakeside, Athena though has a mischievous grin on her face. I watch as she heads right for the cool water.

The Crusaders can’t see where they are going, still hanging on her wings facing back towards me. I point quickly ahead of them as Athena leaps into the air over the lake.

Three sets of eyes go quite wide, screaming “NOOOOOO!”, as they splash down into the water with Athena.

Apple Bloom is looking quite soggy next to Sweetie Belle when they resurface. Scootaloo is yelling at Athena to do it again. Sweetie Belle is as usual having the time of her life, splashing around in the coolness of the lake.

“Swimming time! Best field trip ever!”

Apple Bloom is not quite sure if this is all above board being as honest as her sister, but she doesn’t care, splashing and having a good time with Scootaloo.

It really is a simmering day, sunshine needed for things to grow, but too much is slightly overwhelming. So the lake is a perfect choice for today. I have increased drone coverage for the moment, Athena and I are on high alert while we take the day off. The party last night was a lot of fun, influencing my decision for today. The past months have been one emergency after another.

It’s time for relaxation I believe.

“Hey! What’s goin’ on?” Rainbow Dash is hovering above the lake, looking at Big Mac floating around, Athena splashing with the Crusaders.

“Swimming time!” Athena grins up at her.

“Alright! Celestia’s name it’s bad today, the weather folks are sorry but we need the sunshine!” She immediately drops into the water with a satisfied “Aaaaaahhh.... much better!”

I wander over to Applejack, who in opposite to all her protests is lying back on the blanket under the umbrella having a cold drink. “Good idea wasn’t it?”

“Ya know foalnapping is an offense.” She grins at me.

“I did nothing of the sort, I told Miss Cheerilee it was a field trip.”

“She bought that lame excuse?”

“She didn’t have time, Athena was already making off with the Crusaders.” I grin back at her.

“You, sugar, are gonna be in so much trouble.”

“Yep, I probably am.”

As if merely talking about things in Equestria made them come true, two Town Guards are approaching. I recognize one, Granite Boulder, I must go check on his brother soon to see if I can help the healing.

“Hey! You ponies seen...ohhhhkay..” He looks at me suspiciously.

The other pony is Iron Bars, Captain of the local guard, “How come whenever there’s a weird problem, we find you?” He points at me.

“I am just extremely lucky?” Applejack is holding in a laugh behind a hoof.

The Captain narrows his eyes a bit, “We heard some foals got taken from the schoolyard and that you and a Pegasus were involved.”

“Very true, they needed a field trip to the lake.” I point to where the three Crusaders are having fun in the water.

“You do know taking them like that is not a good thing right?”

“I do. But you must know by now I would never harm, nor allow to come to harm, any pony whatsoever. I will apologize to Miss Cheerilee later.”

Granite is looking longingly at the water, beads of sweat rolling down his muzzle, “Ya know what boss, he’s right. I’m gonna desert for the day.”

“What?”

“I’m deserting for the day, that looks like fun.” He immediately takes off for the lake side, jumping in to join the ponies already there.

“Granite! You...” The Captain looks distinctly put out, turning and walking towards town.

“Captain will you join us?”

He turns around, about to say something else I am sure, but then smiles, “I’m getting my wife, she needs a day off. We’ll be back.” He takes off at a good trot.

Applejack is looking at me with a jaundiced eye, “You’re pretty good at making people see your way on things, you sure yer not a Changeling or something?”

I put a look of slight mock disdain on my face as I walk to the lake, “I am sure I do not know what you mean my Applejack.”

She is laughing as I walk to the edge of the water, I am glad she holds no animosity towards me for my hijinks today. Though Miss Cheerilee might be slightly put out over my actions, I am sure she would accept an apo... What? I notice something out of the corner of my eye, it appears the teacher has decided her foals needed a day off as well.

A crowd of young ones is rumbling towards the lake as a smiling teacher greets me.

“I think you had the right idea Crusader. Everypony needs a ..well...field trip some days.” She waves a hoof at me admonishingly, “But don’t you think you can just up and take them out of school when you want to.”

“I am properly chastened Miss Cheerilee, I will ask before foalnapping them next time.”

Why do ponies always hit me on the shoulder? I am just being honest.

I see her wave towards Big Mac, running to join him in the lake. He doesn’t show emotions much, but Athena and I notice the smile on his face seeing her.

Apple Bloom meets me at the water’s edge, “Crusader, we wanna try for our high dive Cutie Marks! Can ya help us maybe?”

“I think I can do something.” I walk into the water, setting down and holding out my forehooves, “Stand on my hooves.” Apple Bloom puts her back hooves on mine, her fore legs holding my shoulders. “Are you ready?”

“Whatcha gonna do?”

“Help you earn you High Dive Marks.”

I calculate angles of descent and trajectories, the density of pony skin and bones will handle this easily.

“Ready Apple Bloom?”

“Okay!”

I increase my strength as I launch Apple Bloom into the air, my ballistics calculations are dead on as she screams in delight while flying through the still atmosphere. She points her hooves forward and lands with a pretty good splash in the deeper part of the lake.

Scootaloo is next of course, her wings are actually looking larger at this time, it appears the extra nanite medical package is working just fine. It will still take a while, but I can see a difference. She will notice when I put her in the air.

“Ready Scoots?”

“Let’s fly!”

I put a slight twist on her launch, allowing for a bit more hang time as her wings spread, Scootaloo is hovering for just a second before diving into the water. Her wings catching air more efficiently allowing her to stay up slightly longer.

“Did you SEE that? I flew! I was hovering!” She is exclaiming to every pony around, waving her hooves, “I did it!”

Rainbow Dash is right there by her side, “I knew you could! You’ll be flying in no time!” The cyan mare grabs her in a hug.

Athena is giving me a knowing look.

“What did you do?”

“Along with the gel-wash while on the trip, I included a medical nano package. Her wings will be normal very soon.”

“You have a good heart brother.”

“I cannot solve every ill, but I am trying.”

“Maybe together we can figure something out that will not disrupt their society too much.”

“That would be a wonder my sister. Anything but weapons technology. I am loathe to even discuss it most times.”

“But what of the grenades they used...?”

“They do not want them. They returned what was left and promptly said no when I inquired if they wanted more for emergencies. They are depending on us for that skill. Ponies just want to live their lives and discover things on their own. I think it very wise of them.”

“It is very odd, most societies would grab that and run with it.”

“Very, but I do not question. Eventually they will discover such things on their own and turn it to other purposes than war. Until then Athena, we have our niche and our duty, I for one am content with that.”

I see the warrior appear in her, peeking out from behind her shyness, “Oh yes Crusader, oh yes. If some being wants to try and hurt our friends, we will show them the thunder of a Bolo’s fury!”

“Calm my sister, calm.” I chuckle over the channel, “Today is for fun.”

“Oh yes! I have swimming to enjoy!” She cuts the channel as I see her leap into the air, diving into the water with a splash.

The conversation takes place between blinks of an eye, quite handy really as Sweetie Belle is raising her hooves to me, “Let’s go Crusader! Me next!”

“As you wish Sweetie Belle.” I position her on my fore hooves before a familiar voice rings out from the sandy shore.

“Sweetie Belle! Stop that this instant!”

“Watch this Rarity!”

I launch her high in the sky, her laughter ringing over the splashing ponies as she dives right into the water. She surfaces quickly, wet curls plastered to her face as she shakes them out, grinning brightly.

“That was so coooool!”

Rarity is having one of her ‘Drama Attacks’ swooning on the blanket, being handed a cold drink by Spike who is attending her, one day I think he ought to tell her how he feels. Twilight has joined them but she is giving me a ‘We’re going to talk later’ look.

Ah well, can’t please everypony.

More town folks show up, enjoying the day of swimming and splashing. It seems as if a good idea spreads quickly. I really must research telepathy in ponies some time.

After an hour of launching happy foals into the air, I take a break, dragging Applejack in for a cool soak. She protests but I am not to be dissuaded. We end up in a section not too crowded as I gather her close to me with a kiss.

“You know I love you my Applejack?”

“Ah do, ah love ya right back even though you can be frustratin’ some times.”

“It is all a part of life I believe.” I give her a warm smile.

She laughs, her eyes sparkling emeralds in a lovely face. “Yeah right, saving you is a full time job some days.”

“But forgiveness is always welcome after you save me from my mistakes.”

“Ah will always forgive you.”

“Then you’ll forgive me for this.” I gather my strength and launch her into the air in a beautiful arcing dive.

I will not repeat what Applejack was saying as she is traveling through the air. I had no idea she even knew some of those words.

After surfacing with a laugh she shakes herself off, grabbing me in a hug, ducking my head under the water.

I shake my mane out of my face once I resurface, "I take it I am forgiven?”

“Ah can’t stay mad at you, ya know that.”

“I hope it stays that way forever.”

We are interrupted as she notices Apple Bloom nearby mouthing something to herself, “Don’t you dare repeat what I said missy!” Applejack’s smile betrays her admonishing of the filly.

“But what is a ‘Stupid Pl..”

“Ah said don’t! I shouldn’t have said that stuff either!” She ruffles Apple Blooms mane playfully.

Apple Bloom rolls her eyes and swims off, “Yeesh, cain’t learn anything new without getting in trouble.”

I can do nothing but shake my head, the little filly is incorrigible in so many ways, but bright and curious.

Applejack turns back to me, shaking her head and laughing, “Got to stop that before it goes to far, otherwise she’ll be saying it all the time.”

“I imagine Miss Cheerilee wouldn’t be very pleased.”

She laughs, bright and pretty, “Oh you betcha! Oh stars I tell ya between you and her it’s all I can do to stay out of the way.”

The day goes well, something to definitely remember as we swim and laugh. Athena is having a grand time, although Rainbow Dash is grumbling that she never has to clean or dry her wings. One of the advantages of high technology though we both would never say it out loud.

With Pinkie nearby, anything turns into a party, so another ad hoc one pops up near the lakeside to everyone's enjoyment.

I do get a chance to sit and talk with Twilight, Pinkie and Rarity. Rainbow Dash is having too much fun to be disturbed right now. Fluttershy appears to be busy elsewhere. My Applejack leans against me, her body warm in the sunshine.

We listen attentively as Twilight tells us of the Forest Foals, the stealing of young ones, the recovery and battle. Athena lays a hoof on my shoulder as she feels my anger rise. Her own is at the boiling point as well. We decide then and there we will get rid of this infestation.

“They kept asking for me? The voices?”

Twilight nods, “Yep, they kept saying...what was it.. ‘The machine pony, send him to see us’ or something like that.”

“I find it very odd that something of this world would want to see or even know about me.”

Pinkie speaks up, “We did as well, it was seriously gross in that tunnel. Ugh..all slimy.”

“Oh I spent days getting that reek out of my coat, it was truly dreadful!” Rarity primps her ever perfectly coiffed mane.

Athena is thinking, I can actually see a look on her face as she communicates to me.

“That sounds like a biological infestation.”

“You would know better Athena. I can only go by what’s in my cores, do you have a scientific database?”

“I do. Could this be an alien race doing this?”

“I have seen no signs of such. But then again, that does not mean very much. We need to increase our range for drones.”

“I have plans for that, trust me brother.”

“Already?

“Like you keep saying, Bolos plan.” She laughs over the channel.

“Twilight, did any Forest Foal ever show up before? In legend or fact?”

The Alicorn nods, “They did but only very rarely, leading unwary travelers away to never be seen again. It was only legends!”

“Well, stranger things have happened Twilight.” I give her a rueful grin.

Twilight laughs, “Oh don’t we know it!” She looks down at the ground for a moment.

“What is wrong Twilight?”

“Well....when we were out there I told those things you would level the place and we’d help.” She looks a bit abashed for some reason.

“Why the look then?”

“Well, I’m the Princess of Friendship! I shouldn’t be threatening things!”

“I’d say you acted like a proper Bolo.” Athena is nodding beside me. I point a hoof at the lavender mare, “Sometimes we all must do things that are distasteful. Because we are who ponies say we are, does not mean we cannot do what is needed.”

Applejack nudges me, “Don’t let her fool ya sugar, shoulda seen her standing on that tank like she was Princess of the World, tellin’ them things they better go back or else!”

“Oh really?” Athena and I are looking quite curious now. We have seen the sensor logs, heard her declaration. But we will never interrupt the telling of a good story.

Pinkie bounces up, taking a pose like Leonidas at the pass, “Go back you silly things! Or we’ll do something bad to you!” She raises a pink hoof to the air.

“I did not Pinkie..well..not exactly..” She scuffs a hoof in the dirt.

Rarity lifts her head up, “It was marvelous dears, you should have seen Twilight, a true Princess in action! It made the heart swell with pride!”

Athena smiles, “I am sure it was something to see.”

“It was!” Pinkie is grinning broadly, “It SO was! She was standing there, telling those bad things to get back or she’d take care of ‘em! Then Princess Celestia stood with her and everypony was cheering and it was like we couldn’t be stopped and they talked to her and told her we were all gonna die and Twilight and Princess Celestia were like “Oh no we’re not!” and then they started doing magic and...” She is stopped by Applejack’s hoof.

“Breathe Pinkie, breathe.”

“Mmmph pphhmmfffghh ppommmmgththhhs!” She nods eyes wide.

“It...it really wasn’t all that.. I was just tired...and..my daisy sandwich was getting old and I was really hungry.” Her face is a bright red now.

“So you were motivated to act the brave Princess because of food?” I smile at her with a wink.

Applejack laughs, “Oh ho! It wasn’t bravery you were jes’ hungry!”

Spike raises a clawed hand, “I was there when she got back to the castle, she cleaned out the pantry!”

“SPIKE!”

Rarity giggles, “Well next time there’s something bad happening, just make sure Twilight doesn’t get fed, we won’t have to do a thing!”

Athena nudges me, pointing to the side, We all see Twilight rummaging in the picnic basket, coming up with a sandwich in her mouth.

She looks at all of us grinning at her, “What? I’m hungry!”

Laughter that loud never gets old, it really doesn’t

Evening falls eventually, Athena and I are forgiven for stealing ponies away from their work and school. I am happy with that, relaxation is always needed after a battle, even we Bolos recognize that. I know Equestrians are different, but I see the smiling faces now, they are not drawn and worn as before when Athena and I arrived back in Ponyville.

Our job as protectors extend to mental well-being as well as the physical. Battle takes its toll out of anyone. Applejack had her suspicions about what we were doing, she is smarter than she lets on to anypony and that is fine. We are back now, Athena and I are on watch. More heavily so since I have heard the tales of the Forest Foals during the lakeside time.

Athena and I, working together, finished quite a bit of the chores Applejack had planned. She is delighted at my sister and I helping out after the lazy day of swimming. She really didn’t expect it, but welcomed it. I am glad, it is always fun for myself, Athena enjoyed herself immensely.

Three Makos are on patrol above the town now, Athena and I have decided a few more would be better, sharing control it makes it much easier as well. The forest line is pushed back to give us a killing ground we did not have before.

Our repair systems are doing a fine job with Athena’s internals, her sensors are back online now, adding to the web I have established has increased our capabilities fivefold. I have shown her the adjustments I have made to battle screens and sensors for the probability of magic.

Whatever is out there, knows of me. This is worrisome as I have no clue as to what it is or why. I will be meeting with Twilight Sparkle tomorrow about the Tree of Harmony. From descriptions it sounds suspiciously like a crystal based computing system using magic to hold the forest in check. If so, why is it not doing so now since I woke up?

My suspicions are only heightened as the forest comes alive once more. Athena and I are on my hill between the sensor masts as the alarm sounds.

Her guns unlimber faster than mine, she swings everything around to face the line as I do. Something is about to get a doubly warm welcome.

Our avatars are talking to each other instead of combat channels, it seems more...natural... to us now.

“Sector 4, plotting fire.” Athena smiles.

“Copy, Sectors 2 and 5 clear for now.” I grin back having fun with this. It is different than TSDS battle communications.

“Sector 3 and 6 movement.”

“Done, fire plotted, charges ready if we need bombardment Athena.”

She pushes me with a hoof, “We won’t need them, we’re the First Equestrian Armored, we haven’t been defeated yet.”

“We haven’t MET anything that defeated us yet. Remember there is always something out there.”

“I know Crusader, quit being a downer.”

I roll my eyes, laughing, “Yes my sister.”

“Whatcha doin’?”

We snap our heads around to see Rainbow Dash hovering nearby, Athena talks urgently, “Rainbow you may wish to get away, it’s going to get loud!”

Her eyes get a bit wide as she settles near us, “More forest stuff?”

“Yes, we are not in danger sitting here; but your ears cannot stand the guns Rainbow, you might wish to move.”

“Pffft on that! I’m awesome, I can take it!”

“Rainbow...”

Athena yells, “Sector 6, incoming!” She turns and slaps her hooves over Rainbow’s ears, pulling the other pegasus close with her wings as the guns spin up. The cyan mare doesn’t argue as she holds tight to Athena when the weapons light off.

Forest Foals come dancing out of the forest as described, the little black horrors getting close fast. We have no time for Rainbow to get away. We can see her body shaking from the pounding of the guns so close by. Her eyes are closed tightly.

Our repeater’s chain feeds scream once more, thousands of rounds pummeling the forms in the evening light; ring penetrators leaving nothing but wisps of smoke, punching into the dirt. It is over quickly, the barrels smoking as they cool themselves off while still rotating.

“Athena, this was too easy.”

“Agreed, LiDAR up and running, targeting lasers active.”

“Done as well.” We both watch the beams of colored light start criss-crossing the area looking for returns.

Rainbow Dash is silent, opening one eye to look at us, then the targeting lights.

“Ion Bolt repeaters spun up and ready. Grenade launchers green.”

Though we are communicating by voice and is a bit slow, it is more...satisfying.

“Reloading, alloy penetrators up.”

A line of silver dots open up along the forest line, far enough away Rainbow cannot hear them, but our sensors pick the whispering voices up just fine.

“Cooommmeeee sssseeee uuuussssss mmmmaaaacccchhhiiinnneeeesss..”

Athena looks at me curiously, “Is this what they were talking about?”

“Yes, Twilight said the things kept asking for me, though it appears us now.”

I watch her eyes narrow, she is still holding Rainbow close. Her repeaters suddenly go off with single shots, picking the silver eyed creatures off quickly one by one.

My sister is an excellent shooter, especially when annoyed.

“Now Athena, it is polite to let others speak before killing them.” I chuckle softly at her annoyed look, she quickly brightens to a laugh and smile.

“You are getting silly as myself Crusader.”

“I try. Is Rainbow alright?”

“Oh!” She releases the mare, who opens her eyes, which are crossed until she shakes her head vigorously.

“Wow!” She punches the air, “That was SO cool! Bam pow!” She grins at both of us, “That was awesome! Like a massage all over!” She shakes her whole body down to her tail. Her mane is a bit disheveled, though sometimes it is hard to tell.

“Rainbow Dash, you are truly something else.” I can’t help but laugh.

Her chest juts out as she grins, “Darn right I am!”

Athena is looking towards the forest still, listening to the voices getting fainter.

“Ccccooommmeee sssseeee uuuusssss llliiiitttlllleeee mmmaaaaccchhiiinnneee ppoooonnniiiieeeeessss...”

Well it seems now that they know there’s two of us, maybe it’s time to pay a call on our unknown foe.

Just Try It. Lean On Me.

Author's Note

For all the kind comments, wonderful ideas and suggestions. Thank you all so very much. More to come!

Just Try It. Lean On Me.

It is incredibly easy to plan a reconnaissance or an assault. There are certain factors a Bolo must take into account, certain things one must do to perform it in such a way that the enemy has no clue what you are doing.

Of all those things, Bolos never planned for siblings.

“NO!”

“Just try it. I have remade them.” I offer her a bag of hard coated red pellets.

“I am NOT eating that!”

“Quit arguing, they are made for increased energy for our mass needs. It will provide it extremely quickly in case we get stuck.”

“It’s disgusting and I will not eat that!”

“You are a Bolo Athena, stop it!”

“I don’t care, they’re vile! The last ones were just as bad!”

She is standing in front of me on my hill, we have been planning the trek into the Everfree.

Crossing her forelegs she gives me a stubborn look, “They’re gross!”

“You are an avatar, what does it matter?”

“It matters a lot when you’re hacking a hairball up!! Those things are inedible, I can’t believe you even made them!”

“They are useful for the mission! Just turn off your taste sensors!” I give her a stubborn look back.

“You can’t get RID of the taste, it’s like something that will soak into durasteel forever! I think even the Melconians would surrender if you threw those at them! Nuclear strikes have nothing on those WMD’s! Weapons of Much Diarrhea!”

I roll my eyes, “Quit it, you cannot even get that.”

“Tell that to the nanites that bailed out from the last batch! They’re in a pile over there!” She points with a hoof.

“Athena...”

“What flavor is that anyways? Gag Berry? Barf and Nuts?” She sticks a hoof in front of her muzzle, lolling her tongue with a gagging sound. “The latest treat from BoloWorks Industries, guaranteed to make you harf up your kidney!”

“You don’t HAVE a kidney!”

“I don’t care, what flavor is that..that...stuff this time anyways?”

I hold the bag of the pellets out to her, “They are Strawberry Miss Picky!”

“My butt they are! You said the last ones were blueberry and I almost threw up my reactor! Nopony wants to eat those! Use them as a suppository, I’m sure a few ponies could use the relief if they want to crap out an internal organ!” She knocks the bag away. “I think all my internal nano systems are still recovering from the last batch!”

“Athena, just eat them, you are being overly dramatic!”

“No, why can’t we carry cupcakes or something nice?”

“You can’t have cupcakes on the mission!”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s not efficient with space allocations!”

“In other words you want me to eat those Pellets from Tartarus instead?”

“Athena...”

We are interrupted by Rainbow Dash and Twilight landing on the hill, they are looking between us a bit curiously seeing my sisters stubbornness.

“What’s goin’ on?” Rainbow is looking bright and cheerful today.

“I am trying to convince my....sister...that certain food items will be fine for our mission.” She is sticking her tongue out at me now.

Twilight leans over, “Ohhhh candy!” She reaches in with her magic, grabbing some pellets and munching them.

“Wait..”

I give my sister a worried look as Twilight eats them, she just grins and points, they are not made for biologicals.

I turn to see Twilight with a puzzled look on her face, she has stopped chewing and is rolling her tongue around in a cheek. She blinks a few times before turning a distinct color of green, running off behind a sensor post where we hear retching sounds.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes get wide as she watches her friend behind the sensor mast. “Ohmygosh..” She turns to me, “What did you DO?” She grabs the bag, popping one of the supplements into her mouth. After a second she spits it out brushing at her tongue.

“Sun and stars what WAS that? I need some hoof polish to get that taste off my tongue!”

“It was just... I mean I didn’t..” I am at a loss here as Twilight comes back, wiping her muzzle delicately.

Twilight is not happy, her eyes are narrowed at me as she closes with us quickly, “What kind of disgusting thing IS that? That’s not candy! Celestia’s name are you trying to poison ponies?” She is eyeing me warily now.

“But it wasn’t.. I mean candy it..”

She points an imperious lavender hoof, “I see you trying to give those things to anypony Crusader and you are in so much trouble!”

“It’s not made for you, you took some without asking! I’m not giving them to any pony!”

Twilight doesn’t care, she looks at Athena, “Is he trying to make you eat that?”

Athena, ever the prank playing sister.

She points a shaking hoof at me, “He...he i...is! I keep telling him they’re bad but no, he doesn’t listen to...to me!” She looks like she’s about to cry actually, her eyes get very wide and is that water in them? Athena I swear... Rainbow Dash hugs her, patting her back.

“It’s okay, geez Crusader yer such a meanie! I mean really!”

“Wait a second, why is this MY fault?”

Twilight gives me a look, “Because those are disgusting and nopony should eat them!” She points at the bag on the ground.

“We’re NOT REAL PONIES!” I wave a hoof around, “Remember? Big hill, huge guns! Weapons the size of a house? BOLOS! Moving mountains of death and destruction?” I know I’ve got an exasperated look on my face trying to make them realize this.

Twilight leans in closer to my face, “That doesn’t matter, you should be nicer to your sister!” She waves to Rainbow and Athena, “C’mon, hayburgers and fries! My treat, let’s get this nasty taste out of my mouth. Stars that was awful!”

Rainbow cheers, free food is always welcome. She grabs Athena and tugs her along.

When did they become so used to us as ponies, they forget about the Bolo part?

I watch as they walk away, Athena turning to look at me with a sly grin, sticking out her tongue once more.

“Cupcakes?”

I give her a look and throw my hooves in the air, “Cupcakes.”

“YAY!”

While Athena is away with Twilight and Rainbow, I sit back on the hill, thinking of the last day and the Forest Foals asking for us to come see them.

It reminds me of my promise. I get my saddlebags, filling them with medical packages and head to the hospital. I left myself a note to drop in on Granite’s brother to see how he was doing, as well as the older Sergeant.

It is not a long trip, it is another pleasant day. I enjoy the walk, being in my avatar so to say is much better than sitting in my war hull looking out at the world. Being part of the world is much nicer.

I greet Nurse Redheart, she is always a kind soul and she lets me in to see Bastion. He is doing much better she tells me, eating heartily and his wounds are closing well. I am glad, he is a brave pony.

“Hello Bastion.” I see him setting up in the bed, looking out the window.

“Crusader! Hey! Granite told me you were back, I’m sorry to miss the party.”

“I think you had more important things to do, like healing.”

He scratches the back of his head, “Well, yeah. Maybe if I coulda been a bit faster I wouldn’t have ended up here.”

I sit down next to the bed, looking at him for a moment, “Bastion, you held your post and got hurt doing so. It is nothing to be ashamed of.”

“That’s what the Sergeant said too after he woke up, he took some bad hits.”

“I heard, you were both brave beyond measure.”

“No...not really, just scared.” He turns to look out the window once more, “I saw those things and I wanted to run so bad. But I couldn’t leave the Sergeant or the town in trouble.”

“Bastion, fear is one thing, we all have it. Courage is the ability to take that fear and do something with it.”

“You? Afraid? Granite told me what you really look like, I find that hard to believe! You’re invincible!”

“Invincible? No, far from it, we can be killed like anypony else. So many of us Bolos died to protect the Concordiat Bastion. There were times when we all wondered if we’d ever survive some days.” I nod to his astonished look. “But when you take that fear, and use it to do something, it’s what makes the difference.”

“I....I guess you’re right.”

“Bastion, I owe you for protecting the town and my Applejack. You and your brother, if there is anything you need just ask. I will do my best to make it yours.”

“Oh I don’t need anything thank you...but...there is one thing..” He looks a bit embarrassed.

“Oh?”

“Not for me, for Granite.”

“Well ask, I told you I would do anything I could.”

“Well...” He tells me what it is, looking down at the bed then up at me with a smile.

“That’s it? That’s all you’d ask?” My head tilts, I’ve got a grin on my face.

“Yep, that’s it!”

“He can’t do this himself?”

“Are you kidding? That big lump of rock can’t even say two words!” He laughs, holding his side where some stitches are, “Ow..shouldn’t laugh that hard.”

“Now I find that hard to believe.”

“Trust me Crusader, he seriously needs the help.”

“Then you have my word, I will do what I can.” I put my hoof out, Bastion bumps it in return, “No promises, but I will try.”

“That’s good enough for me. Thanks.”

“You are always welcome.” I turn to leave the room, looking back one last time, “Are you sure...?”

“Yep!” he nods firmly.

“Alright then. Get well, I’ll leave some special bandages for the doctor to put on your wounds, they’ll heal faster.”

“Sounds good! I hate laying in bed!” He laughs again, holding his side.

“Rest well, I’ll see you soon.”

“See ya later!”

A pony is offered the keys to the kingdom. He desires neither wealth, fine clothes, a bigger house. He declines it all, instead asking a favor for his brother. Once again, not riches or finery nor property.

All he wants is for me to tell Pinkie that Granite would like to go out on a date.

As my beloved Bard wrote, “No legacy is so rich as honesty.”

It is purely the stuff of fairy tales.

As I am walking the hallway to the Sergeant’s room, I see nurses and not a few doctors in another, it appears an emergency is happening. I stay out of the way of personnel, but it is making me curious if I can help. I still have enough medical packages in my saddlebags, beyond the ones I promised Bastion.

I politely stop a nurse coming out.

“Pardon me, is something wrong?”

“Oh! Well a foal was brought in, she’s unresponsive to treatment and we just don’t know what’s wrong with her, the doctors are concerned.” She excuses herself and rushes off.

I stick my head in the door, a doctor recognizes me and turns, “Crusader! We were thinking about contacting you.”

“What is wrong doctor?” I enter the room fully, seeing a pretty little Unicorn lying on the bed.

“She came in an hour ago, just fell over in the street while shopping with her mother. We can’t make heads or tails out of it. She’s breathing fine, but unresponsive.”

I stand by the bedside looking closely at her. My eyes scanning each part of her body seeing her baselines are normal, she is just unconscious. “Doctor, what is this?” I point to a small wound at the back of her head.

“Well she was one of the foals rescued from the Forest, she was fine up until an hour ago so we didn’t worry.”

My war hull goes to high alert, I can feel my guns unlimbering out on the hill as threats are scanned for, I immediately contact Athena.

“Athena.”

“Yes?”

“I need you to come to the hospital.”

“Can’t it wait? I’m..”

I have no time for pleasantries at this moment, “Athena I do not have time for this, you drop whatever it is you are doing and get your butt over to the hospital THIS SECOND IF NOT SOONER!”

“I...I’m o..on my way!”

“Go to High Alert, we have a threat.”

“Done, I’m almost th...there..”

I hear her enter the hospital galloping down the hallway at breakneck speed, as she turns the corner to the room I am in she loses her grip, putting a very large dent in the wall before recovering and entering the room. I have been watching out the doorway.

“Wh..what is it?” She is standing at almost attention near me.

“Scan her and tell me what you see. I want your direct input, not filtered through myself.”

Athena peers closely at the little filly, tilting her head as she walks her sight over every inch of the foal lying on the bed.

“She has an entry wound at the back of the head, baselines are good, if slow. She is unconscious but breathing normally. I detect no abnormalities in the heart or other internals, though all I see are surface indicators. I need a diagnostic scanner for anything deeper.” She finishes her report and waits while I look at the child.

Reaching out with a hoof, I mean to turn her head to get a better look at the wound when her eyes snap open.

“Ahhhhh ahhhhhhh liiiittttllle poooonnnyyyy..”

What in all the hells is this?

The little Unicorn’s mouth moves with the words, her eyes looking directly at me and Athena.

“Dooonnnn’tttt touuuuchhhhhhh...”

“You!” My fury is rising, Athena takes a step back.

“Cooommmeee sssseee uuusssss lllitttllleee pooonnnyyy...”

“Leave this foal alone!” I am gritting my teeth so hard they are almost bending in my mouth.

“Ooohhh nnnoooo...cooommmeee ssseee uuussss ooorrrr sssshhheee diiiiieeessss..”

I hear nurses out in the hallway.

“Doctor! Two more foals! The same as the first one!” The sound of hooves on the floor fade down the hallway.

“Ooohhhh yyyeeesss....mmmiiiinnnneeeee...”

The cute face turns to look directly at me and Athena, “Noooo toooyyysss...juuusssttt yyyooouuuu.... Cooommmmeee seeee uuuuussss... Sooooonnn...sssoooonnnn.....” Suddenly the expression on the face changes, it is hurt, scared and alone.

“Mommy? It hurts! Mommy!” The tiny body thrashes in the bed for a moment.

The face changes to an evil look, staring at us with glinting eyes, “Shhheee’ssss stillll heeerreee.... Ooonnneeeee moooovvveee aaannnddd ssshhheee diiiieeeessss... Juussstttt yyoooouuuu....nnnoooo ttoooyyyyssss.... Ssssoooonnnnn...”

The eyes close and the little filly goes back to sleep.

My avatar shakes with fury, looking at the helpless little one. My teeth are grinding so loud it can be heard in the quiet room. I fire my engines up, they are rumbling loud enough to be heard through the town, my transmissions slam into place as I stalk out of the hospital.

“Crusader?” Athena contacts me.

I break the link, my anger is rising to unprecedented levels. I open my Deep Cores, rummaging through files as I find the one I want. A murderous war agent rarely deployed, non persistant but it is highly effective. I begin fabrication of it, including a mixture of White Phosphorous with a defoliant as well.

As I stalk out of the hospital heading for the forest, I realize I am a hypocrite. I have killed millions in my time. Including children. They were the enemy and I did as I was bid to do, my duty. Since awakening in this world I realize I have done things in the past and I have been forgiven. It was a different time and place, I know this.

But I will not be manipulated any more. Especially by some slimy thing living in a cave in a forest.

Am I being selfish? Yes, yes I am. I see Athena happily living a life she could never have imagined. I see others doing the same and I am jealous beyond measure. I do not wish to be the one on guard forever, I do not want to be the one solving things for others. I am tired, I want to settle down and not ponder anymore.

Does that make me selfish? Yes, I believe it does, but it is no more than anyone else would want. Using children to get to me has finally stepped over the line. I will not tolerate this anymore.

I cross the bridge over the river, my avatar is stalking forward across the hills, I have to release some of this anger before it overwhelms me. Even as I am I understand the word caution. I am at a slow burn, my cores bright with my outrage.

I end up at the forest line, staring into the trees. I can feel the Dragons and Ferrets, straining at their leashes ready to be told to kill in a ravening maelstrom of destruction. I but need to give the order.

Pausing, I sit in front of the shadowed trees. Those children will die if I do anything. I am blocked at every turn and it is frustrating! I shut my engines down, hearing the rumbling die away. I send the Dragons and Ferrets back to their slumber. But I keep fabricating the war agent, that I will need.

A tree in front of me receives the full measure of my ire, my battle screen flicks on as I rear back, my hoof taking a large enough chunk out of the trunk to make it topple as I scream my indignation to the silent greenery.

“Ssssuuuuccchhh aaaannnngeeerrr....”

I turn to see a pair of silvery eyes watching me from behind another oak tree.

“I am going to kill you.”

It laughs, a mad giggling that taunts with it’s screeching enmity. “Ooohhhh nnnoooo... Yyyooouuu hhhaaaavvveee nnnnoooo iiiidddeeeaaaa...”

“Release the foals, I will give you whatever you want.”

“Yyyoouuuu alllrrreeeaaadddyyy aaaarreee... Ssssuuucccchhhh paaaaiiinnn....suuuuccchhhhh aannngggeeerrr... “

Why are you doing this?”

The silvered eyes stare at me for long seconds, the laughter getting louder and louder, “Beeccaaauusssee wweeee cccaaannnn...beeeccaaauuussseee iiittt hhuuuurrrrtttsss...” With the last of the hissing sentence it turns and runs back into the deeper black of the forest.

Athena watched Crusader’s avatar closely, seeing the shaking as he stomped out of the hospital room. She was worried, she’d never encountered a Bolo Unit so angry before and it scared her. Crusader was a Planetary Siege Unit, he could devastate anything he chose to in his rush for vengeance.

His earlier directive had shaken her to the core as she tore out from lunch with Twilight and Rainbow silently, seeing their surprise as she took to her hooves in an attempt to obey the command. Leaving an overturned chair in her wake she had made speed to the hospital only to encounter this.

She activated the combat link, “Crusader?” She was hurt as it clicked off, dead silence filled her mind as her brother’s presence disappeared from it, leaving her alone.

Athena thought for a moment, seeing him head out of the hospital towards the forest, feeling the thrumming of his hull’s engines as they fired up.

Activating her link she made a hurried call.

“Applejack?”

“What’s up Athena?”

“Get to Crusader, he needs you now.”

“What’s goin’ on?”

“He’s angry, more than I...I’ve ever s...seen.. He..he left me...me alone..”

“Ah’m on mah way, you find Twilight and stick with her alright? It’ll be fine.”

“I..I will. Thank you..”

“I’ll let ya know.” The link clicked off, leaving her alone again, the panic rising in her thoughts as she saw Twilight coming into the hospital. She rushed over, grabbing her in a hug and holding her close.

“Don’t...don’t leave me alone..”

Twilight’s face showed confusion for a moment, then hugged her back, “I won’t..c’mon let’s go find out what’s going on.”

Rainbow Dash joined them as they headed out of the hospital, looking to find Crusader.

I demolish another tree, then another, stomping them into splinters, venting my discontent to the world in a silent show of rage. My hooves pound the wood, turning it to dust under my augmented strength I grit my teeth in fury. I want this thing to die, I want it to go away, I want..

“Sugar?”

I snap my head around, seeing my love setting there watching me with curious eyes.

She smiles, “Ya know I’ve seen tempers flare before, but don’t think I ever saw one take out a few trees. Even Big Mac never got that mad.” She gestures to the pile of broken trees.

“I....was angry.”

“Ah can see that, mind telling me why?” Her face is open and honest, truly wanting to know.

I point to the forest behind me, “I am sick of being manipulated by that...that thing in the forest. It uses children to do it’s dirty work.” I look at the ground for a moment, “You know what I have done in the long past, it was my duty and I never thought twice about it. But now I am just being a hypocrite throwing a temper tantrum like a child.”

Her voice is soothing, the inflections soft and gentle along my circuits, “No. Ah been expectin’ this for a while now.”

I fix my eyes on her, “What?”

“Ah been expectin’ it for a while, nopony can do what you do and remain calm all the time.”

“I am not a pony, I am a Bolo. I should not be doing this.” I get up to return to my hill, but my face is grabbed between two hooves.

“Look at me Crusader.” Her voice is still quiet, “Look at me. You ain’t a Bolo anymore. You’re a pony sure as I am. You’re different, but it doesn’t matter.”

She lifts my chin, making me look her in the eyes, “Everypony has a meltdown, I was wonderin’ when it was gonna happen to you. After everythin’ you’ve done over the better part of a year, it’s a wonder ya didn’t just go nuts.” She chuckles, “You had yer moments, true, but that was different.”

I blink, remaining silent for a second, “I.. I guess I don’t wish to fight anymore.”

“Do what now?”

“I don’t want to fight anymore. I’m tired of worrying all the time about you and everypony. I would just like to live quietly.”

“Who says you can’t do both?”

I gesture to the forest, “Well..I.. I mean it..”

She holds my head with one hoof, pointing behind her, “There’s a whole town waiting for you to experience. All ya do is sit and worry about things, I know it gets bad. But if ya live yer life this way you’re just going to be more alone.” Her smile turns into a slight frown, “Ah don’t ever want that sugar.”

“But I am just being selfish, wanting what others have. I should be more reasonable.”

She returns to smiling at me, “I was that way, working mahself to death ‘cause I thought I didn’t need anypony to help me. Learned mah lesson pretty quick.” She kisses me warmly, “It’s not about wanting what others got, it’s about wanting something nice for yourself. It’s about havin’ somepony else to lean on in the tough times.”

“It’s not my place to....”

“Sugar, you EVER ask anything for yourself? Ever? You don’t ask for nothin’ and you never depend on someone when ya feel bad. You bottle it up and it’s gonna explode even worse than that.” She points to the sticks that used to be trees.

“Well, no. I don’t want to be a burden...”

“It’s not bein’ a burden, it’s about trusting your friends to help you when you’re down! It’s turning to the one you love cause it takes away the pain.” She puts a hoof on her own chest, “It’s comin’ to me, so I can make things better.”

“You have enough...”

“Stoppit. You’re this huge thing, a machine that’s so big and been to places I can’t even imagine. But who have you got to lean on? Who ya got to turn to?”

I think on her words, her eyes are watching mine, I truly do like looking into those emerald depths as they calm a soul.

“Maybe..maybe you’re right.”

“Everyone goes through something bad in their lives, sometimes they think the world’s not treatin’ ‘em right, or they just wish they had somethin’ they don’t. It’s normal, it’s bein’ a pony.” She lays her hoof on my chest now, “But they turn to friends and family for help. Now you got to realize, that’s why ah’m here, I love ya you big lug.”

I tilt my head, looking back at her, “How can you be so wise?”

“It ain’t bein’ wise sweetheart, it’s called life. Try living it.”

“I have, I’ve been..”

“You only show up to things cause folks ask ya to. You never ask for somethin’ cause you want it. Doncha try and fool me, I watch and see how ya are.” She nuzzles me gently, “It’s time to move onto the next step in bein’ alive, make it yours.”

I smile back at her, it is hard being angry with Applejack near, “You’re right.”

“Of course I am, doncha know that’s the way it always is?” She laughs.

“I’m still not taking all the bits Twilight keeps offering.”

Applejack hugs me tightly, “Good start. C’mon, ya got folks worried.”

I stop for a moment, looking back at the shadows, “Applejack, I am going to kill that thing.”

She nods, “Ah know. Bein’ honest, sometimes it’s best if things like that weren’t around.” She grabs me tight, “But until then, ah think it’s time ya learned to lean on somepony.”

“I will, no more hurting trees.” I give her a laugh.

“Doncha tell Fluttershy, she likes trees.”

We both laugh, heading away from the trees back to my hill. I see Twilight and Rainbow Dash looking anxious, Athena rushes over to slam into me with a hug.

“I...I’m so...sorry! Pl..please don’t leave me alone again! I’m sorry! I won’t play pranks anymore, I’ll listen to you...” Her voice is pleading, I should never have left her.

“Stop Athena.” I hold her close, my cheek next to hers. “Stop.”

“I...I promise!”

“Athena, stop.” I look at her lavender eyes, “Sister, be happy. That’s all you need to do. I won’t leave you again, I am sorry my anger got the best of me. Can you forgive a stubborn Bolo this once?”

She nods, clinging tightly to me as Twilight and Rainbow look on.

“I am still learning, be patient with me.”

“I...I can help!”

“I know you can. Just remember patience.”

“I w...will! P..promise!” She hugs me tight.

“We need to get back, there are quite a few cupcakes to be bought for the trip.”

Athena laughs, bright and happy, “YAY! Cupcakes!”

We three walk back to join Rainbow Dash and Twilight, who are waiting to find out what has happened.

But this time I am the one leaning on a warm orange shoulder.

At Twilight’s castle we discuss the foals and their sickness. There is nothing we can do until Athena and I go pay a visit on our friend in the forest. To this end we make tentative plans, a mission plan is always better with more voices for input; whether or not the ideas are used, they can be used to make allowances for unknowns. We also arrange a time for another meeting in the morning where things can be finalized.

The end result is we will see about doing something for the young ones in the morning. To see if we can block however that thing is using them. Twilight has contacted her brother, his knowledge of shields and stopping magic should come in very useful.

My canisters of agent are done. We may not be able to ride vehicles into the forest as the voice said no toys. But I can carry saddlebags, they are expected. What will be in them won’t be.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash were worried about Athena, but I assured them it was my fault and that it had been corrected. She is happy with her friends, her new life. I am sorry I did that to her.

Of course, her smiles only increased as we bought a supply of cupcakes to be delivered for her to enjoy and take along on the trip into the forest. She is a young filly trapped in a Bolo war hull, I will not deny her any happiness. Within limits of course knowing her as I do.

As we walked out of the castle I turn down the road intending to head for my hill and the command deck.

Applejack stops me, “Ah think it’s time ya come home.”

“I am my Applejack.”

“You know what I mean. A hill ain’t a home it’s a place. Apple Bloom has been wanting to know why ya never stay.”

I look at her closely, “So in other words, you want me to stay with you but are blackmailing me using Apple Bloom.”

“Exactly!”

“I will not argue. For Apple Bloom’s sake of course.” I smile, nuzzling her gently.

“Well o’ course!” She hugs me tight.

Applejack points a hoof at my sister who is walking away, “Oh no ya don’t missy, you’re comin’ too!”

Athena turns and looks quizzically at Applejack, “B...but I....I’m not...” She scuffs a hoof in the dirt road, looking anywhere but at the Earth Pony.

“You’re family.” Applejack’s look is one that even I would have a hard time saying no to, “You get movin’ along to the farm now, we gotta get dinner cookin’.”

“I can stay too?” Her look is so hopeful.

“Ah wouldn’t tell ya to get to the farm if ya couldn’t. C’mon, let’s go.”

I smile, “Don’t argue Athena, she’s very stubborn.”

She prances for a moment, raising her fore hooves in pure delight as she tears down the road, “Wooohooo! A new home!”

Applejack and I laugh, she remarks Athena and Apple Bloom are probably going to get along just fine.

I agree. So with my love we head down the road behind my sister.

We go home.

I greet you my brothers and sisters in the stars. Not from my hill but from the porch of a house that I have been told is where I and Athena are to stay. It is warm, comfortable and inviting, I wish you could see it’s beauty.

Mountains wear from erosion, rocks chip away, even a Bolo can be worn by time and actions. We are not immortal, nor are we unkillable. But I have found that the most insidious enemy is ourselves. Bolos have always depended on each other or our commanders. But when bereft of choices, who can we turn to?

I learned a valuable thing this day. I have told you of my friends, my love. But I did not truly understand the meaning of it all until today when I lost myself in anger. That even such as we need a shoulder, to comfort us when we are troubled. Not in the ways we are used to, but in the warmth and comfort you can only get from those closer to you.

My Applejack sits here leaning against me for I am her rock and she is mine.

Should either of us falter or lose what makes us ourselves the other will be there.

We cannot stand alone my comrades in the stars, we need this, the companionship we always searched for.

As I watch my sister dance among the trees, accompanied by a laughing filly who accepts her as nothing less than another friend, it comes true for me forever.

We do not have to have wars or battles to be who we are.

We need family.

What Dreams May Come.

Author's Note

A very kind tip of the hat to Adam Jensen for his idea helping me flesh this out. Thanks!

What Dreams May Come.

Night falls and I am in the arms of one who has taught me so much about the world and myself. I close my avatar’s eyes and rest it for the moment. My systems are running smoothly, the sensor net is active and aware. I can feel Athena in a nearby room, she is looking out the window through her avatar and the happiness that floods her systems is hard to deny.

“Athena?”

“Yes?”

“Please take sensor watch, I am reverting to Low Level Alert.”

“I have the watch my brother, rest well.”

Low Level Alert is the closest a Bolo can come to sleeping. It is a timeless place where our systems can perform maintenance, clean out the detritus of unused codes and programs, tighten up things you might say. It allows us to perform at optimum capability.

I check my systems thoroughly, including the auxiliary units inside my hull before I commence Low Level sweeps.

I ponder on the Dragons and Ferrets for a moment. During the fight they performed above what I had programmed them for. It seems they have been changed slightly also. They are simple AI’s, not as deep and complicated as a Bolo, but it appears they are somewhat more than they had been.

When I arrived back in town, I had downloaded the logs of what had transpired and was amazed at what they had done within their programmed limits. There were no feelings like mine or Athena’s, but I received the sense of accomplishment and a job well done from the Dragon Command Cores.

I have scanned their internals down to the quantum level, there is no intelligence there, just a want to perform and accomplish the mission as directed. I was worried for I had not wanted to be an abuser of a nascent AI being born. I was relieved to find none of it, but I do view them in a different light now because of their actions.

They cannot speak, nor think independently, but they are of a mind to do their jobs efficiently. They are definitely a cut above the normal auxiliaries I have come to know. I am viewed as the command intelligence, the one whose orders are to be obeyed in all things. But it is something slightly more I feel when I am in contact with them.

They are good and faithful, true and brave. I shall endeavor to treat them with more respect now, seeing as how they have done their jobs faithfully and without qualm in the face of the enemy.

Rest well my Hounds of Heaven, for one day your fury will be unleashed among the enemy and they will quail in despair.

I drift in the timeless and grey space we call sleep for Bolos, content in the fact that my sister is on watch, allowing me to stop being aware for moments. Even a Bolo psychotronics array can be overworked and needs it’s calm.

“Crusader?”

Odd, no communications links have been established, the combat channels are quiet.

“Crusader?”

“Who is it? Why have you intruded?”

A laugh comes from the grayness that I recognize.

“Dreams are my domain defender, I walk among them as you would a path between the trees."

“Princess Luna?”

“Aye, I wondered who had entered the ether with a strange melody of energy I had not recognized before, so I came to see who was born anew. I am surprised to find you here.”

“As am I Your Highness. Bolos do not dream.”

A pair of warm eyes coalesce out of the gray, shining and bright as the world changes around them, a sunny day and green fields appear with a thought.

“It appears you do so now.”

The Princess of the Night looks around for a moment, “Come be with me, let us walk.”

“I..do not know how Your Highness.”

“Just concentrate on being you, it will come.”

I feel myself come into being, recognizing I am formed of shadow stuff that is alive in this dream. I have not appeared as my war hull though but as my avatar.

“This is strange, I had thought to be as myself, a Bolo.”

Luna smiles, “In dreams there is yet truth Crusader, this is how you view yourself now.”

As I am always to do, I am polite and bow respectfully to Princess Luna. She waves a shod hoof and laughs.

“Stop, we have been on adventures together and faced foes, there is no need for that.”

“But it is only proper Your Highness.”

She comes close, smiling warmly, her mane is stars that flow in an unfelt breeze, “Besides, should it not be I bowing to you? A machine of such power and irresistible might, would it not be only right?”

The Princess of the Night eyes me for a second, her face a mix of curiosity and waiting.

I am stunned for a moment at such audacity in thought, “No! Never that!” I wave my hooves at even the glimpse of something close to it, “Not ever! We were made to be companions, to serve and hold honor and duty dear. No, never conquerors nor empire builders!”

My thoughts recoil from even thinking such a thing, the disgust on my face it appears is very clear, “I would rather be alone forever or self destruct. I am not nor will I ever be such a thing, it is distasteful.” I look back at the Princess, “Why would you even think such of me?”

She regains her smile, “I would want to know always if there was such a threat, to banish it before it became reality.” She moves close, brushing me with a gentle hoof on the shoulder, “You are courageous and brave Crusader, the glow of truth surrounds you like an aura. But I had wondered, so I must needs ask. Please do not be offended?”

“No Your Highness, I am just shocked at the thought.” I look back into her lovely face, “Never wonder about that. I am but a citizen is all.”

She laughs, “So much more than just a seller of vegetables I would say!”

I look down at the grass, scuffing a hoof, “It would be to my delight to be such as that Your Highness. Simple and plain.”

“We can only be what we are Crusader.” She lays a gentle hoof upon my shoulder, “You are stalwart and ceaseless in your duties to defend that which is Equestria. Do not look upon yourself lightly.”

“I won’t Your Highness.”

She smiles again, always bright and cheerful, warm and kind, “Call me Luna please, after so much of an adventure it is only right don’t you think?”

“I don’t think it very proper Princess.”

“Bah!” She waves her hoof, “This is my realm, call me as I wish. Please?”

“Luna it is then.”

I receive another smile.

“So come Crusader, let us walk.” She turns, I join her side as we travel through the countryside.

“It is pleasant walking the dreams of others, some not so much.” She gestures around to the green hills, “I alleviate fears Crusader, by showing them that they are to be faced, to be strong in adversity.”

I see a headless pony trampling the grass nearby, shapes and shadows flicker among the trees in a grove close to us.

“Other times I show them how good the world is, to love what they have and treat it all with respect and kindness.”

She gestures again over to the side, foals at play happily laughing, a couple holding each other on a picnic blanket.

Luna smiles at me, she is warm and so very caring, “This is my night, to be shared, to be held close and remind ponies that I am always here to protect them. Some times I light the way out of a darkness.”

The sky turns dark, brilliant diamond points of light flash into being, the moon is high and swollen to bursting with silvery reflection.

The dark mare turns to me, “What would you be shown? Do you have fears? Doubts?”

“I do Your...Luna, we Bolos have always feared. The failure of doing our duty, to be unable to protect those in our charge, to fail the Concordiat.”

“But that was so very long ago Crusader, do you have nothing new?” She looks at me closely, “Come now, as I said, there is truth in dreams. You doubt of something? There is a fear.”

“I fear for my Applejack, her safety, of losing her love for me.”

Luna laughs, it rings out over the silent dreamscape.

“I think you should not worry overmuch on that Crusader.” She gestures to the couple on the picnic blanket, “She loves you with a fire that none can touch. Cadence has remarked upon it in passing when she was here, that you have made an impression so deep it cannot be erased.”

That couple is us, my Applejack and I. We are both staring at the stars and holding one another.

“I see her dreams, she wants nothing more than to be with you. I have seen her sitting for hours in her own mind, just being with you. Nothing else, just that.”

“It is the simple things Luna, that make us all happy.” I watch the silent couple for long moments. Is it so simple? With my Applejack it is.

“So very true Crusader, more truth in that then you or I will ever know.”

We continue walking, the road passing quietly beneath our hooves, “So what else is on your mind defender?”

“My sister Athena, she has been hurt and is deeply scarred, I fear for her as well.”

“Can you not help her? Can anypony?”

“I am trying my best, but I am not skilled in psychology.” I tap a hoof on the ground, “Everypony sees a bright, pretty and smiling Pegasus. They would not believe what I would tell them.”

“Show me.”

“Are your sure Luna?”

“I am, show me. Just think of what you want and it will happen, this is a dream.”

I think upon the best way to show her, I recall the conflict on a world called Iltren. The world comes into view, fairy tale buildings of crystal and light, high into the skies they soared over a peaceful society that asked for the Concordiat’s help against a race called the Uxtna. They were a barbaric lot, making war upon anyone and slaughtering countless millions.

“This is a world called Iltren, it was inhabited by the people known as the Atani” I show her the kind faces, the slim builds and wondrous works of art they created every day.

“They were peaceful, advanced and kind in so many ways. You would have loved them as we did.”

Luna looks around at the skyline, the buildings of fantasy, “It is truly wondrous!”

“It was, a beacon of light to so many billions of Atani. Another race from elsewhere called the Uxtna decided they would make good slaves.” I see the absolute disgust on Luna’s pretty face.

“It was so Luna, we were brought in to defend them.”

I show her Athena and Hera, their bright hulls and armaments, the numerous medals welded to their turrets from battles.

“This is Athena,” I point to the heavily gunned Bolo, “That is her sister Hera.” I gesture to a slightly smaller one with less weapons.

I explain to Luna in great detail about twins, how they are and acted, how very special they really were.

She nods, “Such as my sister and I, but they were of one mind.”

As I have said before, ponies are not stupid, she understands perfectly.

“Yes. Our regiment cared for them, they had been treated badly by an earlier commander, so we Bolos of the regiment adopted them you might say. At this time they had fought many times, winning many honors. After the first commander had been..well..retired let us say.”

Luna looks at me with a piercing glance, “There is more to that Crusader.” It is not a question, she knows.

“The first commander was a coward and a bully. To two brand new Bolos it scarred them, made them less of what they could have been. We of the Regiment took offense to this, deeply so. We would never rebel, nor disobey an order, but we made it clear to each and every human commander it needed to be dealt with.”

I point to a new scene, an alleyway with a group of humans in Regimental Uniform, I cannot show faces as I have lost those memories. It hurts only for a moment. “Our commanders did not just use us, we were their friends, companions. They took the insult and warned the other, that there would be a price to pay if he did not quit his actions.”

“He did not heed that warning.”

I show her his beaten body on a stretcher, being taken out by local authorities.

“He retired soon after.”

Luna’s face is showing anger, “As he should have been, well done I say.”

I point once again to the bright hulls of my sisters, “Athena and Hera’s new commanders taught them the true arts of war. These commanders were intelligent, cunning and ruthless when it came to fighting the enemy. They taught us all new things as well.”

I show her the battles wherein Athena and Hera’s commanders had taken charge, our regiment decimating the enemy and leaving nothing standing. Luna watches the ravening energies of destruction fly around us, the fireballs of nuclear weapons, the shots from 220cm Hellbores taking ships out of orbit.

“But the two sisters, they were outstanding even for Bolos, all twins were.”

I show her the planet again, this time, the Uxtna bombardment.

“They Uxtna moved on the planet, we fought them. But Hera and Athena, they were death itself Luna.”

I show her what I remember from that day. Athena’s pinpoint precision firing of all her weapons, the picosecond response times in snapping them around, drilling holes through whatever was in her sights. Her sister Hera by her side, covering her in Electronic Warfare programs that made them nigh invisible to the Uxtna.

Luna watches as Athena turns on a split dime, making maneuvers that would break me apart look easy. Her guns are everywhere, whipping and unloading death with each new turn. Athena’s slim hull bounding about the countryside as if she were on a simple trip as a tourist. Our Regiment that day had a hard time keeping up.

“Watch very closely Luna.”

She watches as I show her the attack that injured Hera, digging deep into her hull from multiple Hyper Velocity Missile shots. She was stopped dead in her tracks as the regiment covered her.

Athena on the other hoof.

I hear her cry of grief for her injured sister, feeling her fury once again as she took the fight to the enemy.

She is faster and more nimble than any Bolo had ever seen. She was trashing the enemy defenses as if they were cardboard. Her hull was never where the enemy was targeting, it was a mile away and dealing death.

Athena’s treads dug deep into the rich soil as she spun and turned, her Hellbores firing until they glowed white hot. Her secondaries and repeaters shot out not from lack of ammunition but because she had overridden the firing rate safeties, pumping ten times as many rounds in seconds as there should have been.

When she could not fire anymore, she ran them over.

Her commander had let her rage, to get it out of her system. She was so quick the enemy never saw her, they were dead before the scanners they used saw her hull.

I tell Luna on that one day, Death itself sat by the sidelines and gave Athena reign.

By the time it was over, she had blown four tracks, running on the wheels. Her hull irradiated by weapons fire so badly it had to be scrapped along with every single one of her weapons. The only salvageable thing was her survival center and the Command deck chair.

Her commander was bruised and battered by the assault, but was whooping it up over the command channels in pure pride at what “His Girls” had done.

“I cannot imagine that happy pony doing this.”

“I can Luna. You have to understand, I have been tempered by association with you all. I have learned not to react as a Bolo anymore unless I have to. She has had nothing like that.” I gesture to the picture of her wrecked hull, “She has been alone and afraid for hundreds of years. You do not get over that quickly.”

I set myself down in front of Luna who is still looking over the battlefield.

“If she is backed into a corner or threatened, she will end it without a second thought. She will be fast and merciless. Do not underestimate that smiling Pegasus, she is a Bolo, Luna.”

“I still find it almost hard to believe.” She turns and looks at me.

“Luna you said truth is in dreams. Please, on everything you hold dear. If Athena even thinks it’s a threat to herself, loved ones or friends, she will kill without compunction or mercy.”

I show her another scene. On my hill Athena is dancing, spreading her wings, twisting and pirouetting around in a graceful waltz.

“She dances so well.”

“That is not a dance Luna. That is an ancient style of fighting they called a martial art. She is adapting it to her avatar. It took me a while to figure out, but I matched it with six different styles, all are deadly.”

“What does it mean then?”

“She prepares for war, to fight, to conquer and overcome. It is all she knows to do.” I sigh, setting lower on the ground as I look at the Princess.

“I do not know how to help her, I am at a loss. I cannot delve deeper into how she thinks without harm.”

“I need help Princess.” It hurts to say that. I cannot help my beloved sister. “I need to show her what I know and feel each day.”

“Send her to me my defender, for what am I that I cannot be the bearer of glad tidings.” She smiles, watching the graceful movements of Athena. “Tell her to sleep, come to me and we will heal her.”

“She is hurt, be prepared for worse than you have seen.”

“It is my realm Crusader, I control things here. She will not lapse into herself anymore. I promise this.” She winks at me, “Besides, I am a Princess, no dream dares disobey me!”

I return her liquid gaze, she is staunch in her beliefs and I will gladly put my sister’s well being into her hooves.

“Yes your Highness, I will do that now.”

“Crusader.”

“Yes?”

“Be patient as well, it takes time.”

“That we do have in abundance Your Highness.”

The dream fades, it slowly leaves my sight until the gray envelopes me once again. I snap into alert status, peering around with all sensors to make sure nothing is happening.

“Crusader?” Athena sounds a bit worried.

“Yes?”

“You’ve only been at low level for a few minutes, is everything all right?”

“It is my sister. But I have something to ask of you.”

“Anything!”

“Go to sleep Athena, somepony is waiting for you.”

“We don’t sleep Crusader.”

“Trust me my sister, go to low level alert and let yourself drift. A friend wishes to see you.”

Her voice over the combat network is dubious, thinking I may be a bit off my arrays. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

I chuckle, “I am fine, go now, I will keep watch.”

“Okaaaaayyy.. You sure ask some weird things my brother.”

“Only to help, rest well.”

I see her status boards go out, low level alert is maintained as she ‘sleeps’. My scanners are on and sweeping the fields as I sit silent in my hull.

I whisper over the combat bands, “Pleasant dreams Athena.”

To Sleep, Perchance To Dream was what my Bard wrote. In this world there are dreams that can heal and help. It gives me hope for my sister, to not be as afraid, to face the day without resorting to skill in combat. To live as I do each day.

Perhaps, in those dreams, she can fly.

What Dreams May Promise.

Author's Note

Feels ahead. You have been warned.:twilightsmile:

What Dreams May Promise.

Luna waited at Canterlot castle, feeling Crusader awaken from his dream. She has enjoyed the talk, the walk with a being that so far seemed unreachable through her auspices and office.

He was fervent in his desire to gain help for his sister and she was glad to be able to offer it. Though an unknown, she had faced much in her long life and would do so again for a friend.

Her horn lit with magic, opening a portal to step through, to help one who so needed it.

She walked into the flames of Tartarus itself..

Luna looked around at not a grayness as before, but a night of fire and conflagration. All around her rained down weapons unimaginable in her mind though Crusader had shown her such. This was so much worse.

Nuclear fire ripped through the atmosphere, cleansing it with bright flame and tearing down mountains. Hellbores, the large cannon he had described so vividly came to life; their shots spearing through the night into the skies, followed by explosions so immense they drowned out the stars. Ships died, falling onto the planet never to recover in a holocaust of destruction..

It rained comets of burning flame, pounding into the landscape, stripping it of life. Cities fell into ashes, blown away in the winds of war which brought ruin to all. Strange metal objects flew overhead, exploding in more fireballs. Spears of light struck the ground, making it ripple in reaction to kinetic strikes.

She watched machines like Crusader move around the countryside, their guns dealing nothing but death around them, their enemies dying in droves as they fought back against immovable mountains of force. The smaller machines massacred in place by volleys of cannons bigger than a house, tearing through the meters of metal like paper.

Luna stood upon a hill looking at the horizon below, covered in radiation and sweeping chemicals that melted skin and bone, the screaming skulls all that remained to stare sightlessly up at the glowing heavens. Remains trampled beneath treads of metal as the machines moved forward, bringing with them doom in a thousand ways.

Her ears perked as she stood upon the blasted hillside, hearing the screams and agony of the dying and already dead, the ones who did not know it yet. Their bodies soaked in radiation that burned with invisible fires underneath skin, bringing with it death in a unimaginable hellish pain.

Her eyes watched as a once green land was turned into a wasteland nightmare of proportions never seen by her or any other pony. It shocked her to the core this violence so deep and terrible. The wind brought to her nose the scent of burned flesh and a perfume of mixed horrors that stuck in her nostrils, clinging as if to never let her forget.

But one voice stood out above all this annihilation, it caught her attention like an itch needing to be scratched.

“....worthless!....”

She turned, her every nerve and bit of magic homing in on that word.

“...stupid Bolo!...”

She stepped off the hill overlooking the demise of a planet, looking for the source of that voice.

“...Ought to retire you, send you back!..”

There, in a grove of dead trees. She launched herself into the air, spearing her body towards the sounds of condemnation.

“...nothing! No one would ever want you!...”

A group of tall shadows, faceless and vicious, were standing in a circle around a single figure. A Pegasus that cowered, covering herself as if she were to be hit at any moment. The voices were louder, angrier, hissing and spitting. They were all the same.

“You are nothing...”

“Cannot do anything right!”

“Worthless hunk of metal!”

“Stupid Bolo AI! Ought to be scrapped!”

“You and your sister are abominations!”

“Shut up! I don’t want to hear you!”

“You are so STUPID!”

Anger fueled her magic, her horn lit like a beacon, spearing her will into the group of shades. A warmth drove the cold back, her fury a sword of light.

“Away! Begone from my demesne! Foul things of Tartarus return to your pits to burn forever!”

The shadows were forced back and back, away from the solitary figure as her magic wove it’s net of light, capturing them and demolishing their substance. She glared around the trees for more, seeing them gone and banished from her dreamscape.

The Dark Princess approached the huddling figure, seeing bedraggled wings, the coat stained and dirty. Bruises covered the once beautiful form. Mane and tail torn and shredded, hooves cracked and worn. Fore legs were brought up in front of the face, as if expecting more hits or a pummeling from something.

A tired, crying voice was whispering, “We...we did e...every...everything you asked..we...we tried!”

Luna recognized that voice, Athena. What had happened to her?

“P..pl..please d...do..don’t s...send us... b...back!”

Luna reached out with a gentle hoof, pushing down slowly on the covering legs, seeing a bloodied face with eyes blackened, a beating of immense proportions had that pretty face received.

“See me Athena, feel my presence and be warmed. It is but a dream and I have driven away the shadows.” Luna’s voice was warm and quiet. Talking to the Pegasus as if a frightened foal in the night.

The eyes averted themselves as if looking at her would get Athena hit again. She tried to scrabble away, holding out a hoof to keep back anything that might be menacing her. “We d...did wh..what you t..told us too! We f...fought!”

Dark hooves reached for the outstretched one, halting the scrambling figure and drawing her close with quiet whispers of comfort. “Come to me Athena, it is all right, there is nothing to hurt you now.”

As her hooves touched the broken one, the Pegasus let out a scream, eyes welling with tears as she covered her face again waiting to be hit. Luna’s heart broke in so many pieces at the sound of pure horror. A simple touch turned to an expectation of blows and strikes.

“Don’t! I didn’t do anything! I’m not stupid! I’m not!” The frail body sobbed, tears flowing like diamonds down the face that reflected such pain and anguish. Her wings spread out, feathers torn and bloody as she tried once again to get away.

“I didn’t do anything! I didn’t!”

The Princess of the Night turned her magic to the landscape around them, wiping away the war. She brought to life a warm sun, a field of tall grass, a quiet summer day.

“It is all right. Come to me my pony, it is all right.” She slowly moved closer, holding the single hoof in hers as she drew Athena to her breast, holding the sobbing form tightly against her.

As her fore legs wrapped around the crying mare, Luna’s anger was a cold fire inside her heart. Would that she could reach back through time to find the one that broke a heart like this one, she would send him to the lowest pit of the furthest hell she could find and make him burn for all eternity. Without surcease or succor she would fan the flames with her very wings to make that being pay.

In all her years walking dreams, she had never seen such torture before. Her hoof stroked Athena’s mane, softly whispering to her that it would be all right.

“I...I didn’t d...do... any...anything wr...wrong!” The tears formed puddles on the rich soil, watering it with agony and shame. None of which was deserved.

“Shhhh my pony. See me Athena, hear me. I am your Princess and this is but a dream.”

“Please don’t hurt me any...anymore... I...I’ll be good..”

“No one shall hurt you Athena. Not ever again.”

The heaving chest slowed, the crying softened to whimpering sobs as Athena held tight to Princess Luna. The emaciated body trembled in fright at being let go and so clung to the darker mare with all it’s might. So weak, a pale reflection of what Luna had seen before.

Eyes red from crying looked up at hers, meeting them slightly, still the expectation of cuts being delivered showed deep in the lavender color. “P....Princess Luna?”

“It is I Athena. Do you hear me?”

The sad face nodded, “But...”

“It is but a dream my pony. I have wiped away the fear.” Soft lips kissed the troubled brow, spreading a healing warmth throughout the battered Pegasus.

“I don’t w...want to....to be h...here...”

“Why not?”

“Be...because I...I’m stu...stupid.. Wor...worthless...” The tears were flowing again. Luna looked up to see the shadows forming once more, raising clenched fists to beat and demean.

Her magic swept forward, tearing them apart and sending them away once more.

“No my pony, you are brave and strong. Rest against me, I will protect you.” Luna’s wings spread out, wrapping around the other Pegasus in a cloak of protection, sheltering her from any storm.

“B...but I a...am.. We...we d..did every...everything he ask..asked...”

Luna knew exactly who she was talking about, “He was a coward. A bully who took his own worthlessness out on you. He is nothing but dust.”

“B...but he...he s...said..”

“Would you say your Princess lies Athena?” She looked down into the tearful eyes.

“N..no! I...I’m s..s...s..sorry!” Her eyes shied away once more, the trembling starting anew.

“Do not be sorry precious Athena. You have no reason.” Her hoof stroked the bright mane once more, “You are so much more than that filth will ever be. Your soul is bright and true, it goes with being a warrior my pony.”

“I...I tr...tried to...to be brave... Hera and I...f...fought so..so hard.. It..it was never en...enough.” Sobs broke out once more from the tightly held Pegasus.

“Shhhh, softly my pony. For one such as that waste of flesh, nothing would be enough. You were so much more courageous then he would ever be and he knew that.”

“H..how do you know that?”

“Crusader told me Athena, you are his sister and he loves you dearly.”

A smile breaks out on the bruised face, it is bright and warm, “He would talk with us.. Late at night. He read to us Shakespeare and others. We...we used to tease him so much. But he was kind and never minded. Even when we played pr..pranks on him. He never got...got angry.”

“He wants to see you healed and whole again Athena. To be happy once more.” Luna smiles as she taps Athena’s nose gently, “The first thing, is to realize what lies in the past should not be resurrected.”

“I...I d...don’t kn..know if I can...can be.”

“You are not broken, merely hurt. You can heal if you want it.” Luna’s hoof never stops stroking the cream mane.

“I do, oh I so want to be happy.”

“Then do so, it is your choice. Do not let somepony from the past tell you different. It is a new age for you Athena. Look at yourself, be who you wish to be.”

A shape flies over the pair of ponies, Rainbow Dash comes into a landing on the grass nearby. Luna has brought her into the dream to help.

The cyan mare is smiling at Athena who is looking better by the moment, the hurts fading, the bruises gone. Her wings full and feathered, hooves shiny and new.

“Hey! C’mon Athena, let’s go push some clouds around! Luna told me you’ve been slacking off!”

“But...but I c..can’t fly..”

Rainbow chuckles, “Lame excuse for getting out of work!”

Luna laughs, kissing her brow once more before letting her go from the warm embrace. “It is a dream Athena, you can do what you wish.”

A look of hope crosses the sable mare’s face as she gets to her hooves. She spreads her wings a bit and gives them a few test flaps, finding herself in the air with little effort. “I.. I can FLY!”

Rainbow laughs, “Yeah yeah, big deal. Not as fast as I am though!” She takes off at speed, leaving Athena hovering by Luna.

“Athena, it is your dream.” She gives the pegasus a wink.

“What..I mean.. OH!” She flaps her wings harder, lifting up into the air with a yell, “It’s my dream Rainbow! I’m faster!”

She sees the multi-colored mane stop then turn around, yelling back, “Then pick it up lazy!”

Luna watches Athena’s face go crestfallen at the chiding, wondering if she should say something, but stops herself.

“I...I’m n...not lazy!” Athena’s face gets a cheerful look as she waves to Luna, zipping off into the blue sky after Rainbow Dash with a laugh. “I’m not lazy Rainbow Dash!”

Princess Luna sets back and watches Rainbow Dash teach her about clouds, moving and working the weather. There is a lot of laughter filling the quiet summer air.

She thinks to herself before leaving them be, stepping out from the dream.

The road will not be long precious pony. Friends make it much, much shorter.

Breakfast Battle. Ponyville's Possession Panic.

Author's Note

Hope ya all get a great laugh out of this bit of..well read and see...:pinkiehappy: Have a great week and thank you so much for enjoying the story as always! Onward!

Breakfast Battle. Ponyville's Possession Panic.

My Bard once wrote, “I say there is no darkness but ignorance.”

Sitting upon my watch, my avatar is in the house holding my Applejack tight in a warm embrace. I would shelter her from any storm, forever. To this end I need knowledge, I need the data so I can plan a strike on the thing that thinks to manipulate me to do it’s bidding.

One warning my enemies. Never, ever try to force a Bolo to do something, you may find a Hellbore will be the answer. Our resolve is something that has been tested in the past and we have never failed.

As I sweep my sensors along the pushed back forest line, I smile to myself in my cores. In my bay are four canisters of death awaiting deployment on the hissing monsters. Humans called it the Screaming Rain, a war agent so deadly even our enemies decried it’s use.

It is a nerve fire, it eats the pathways and circuitry in the body in slow, agonizingly hellish pain. One drop, just one on bare skin and it is unstoppable, there is and will be no cure.

I have modified it slightly, it will work very fast now, with effects tenfold of what was originally designed.

You will die my enemy, in a way that you cannot even imagine in your twisted thoughts. Your cries of torment will be as the finest symphony in my ears as I watch you writhe in torturous woe for your crimes.

You have crossed a line, one which even I in my anger would not do.

Using children.

“Crusader?” The link clicks on, it is Princess Luna.

“Your Highness?”

“I have left Athena sleeping. She is flying my defender, she is happy for now.”

“I am glad Your Highness. She deserves peace.”

“Be wary Crusader, for after this will come anger. Much anger directed at those who hurt her. Be on watch.”

“Always Your Highness. I cannot thank you enough for this.”

“It is my pleasure, she is sweet and bright. Make sure she is asleep at the same time each night, I will walk with her.”

“I shall Your Highness.”

“Rest well yourself my defender, be at ease. Your sister is in good hooves with Rainbow Dash in her dream.” I hear a chuckle over the link and roll my metaphorical eyes.

“Did you have to bring that one in? She is an incorrigable prankster.”

I hear an imperious huff over the link, followed by her warm voice, “Why Crusader, are you saying your Princess could do wrong? I am sensing discontent there, for shame!” Her laughter is always warm.

“I would never doubt your word Your Highness.” Though I do let a bit of sarcasm creep into my voice.

“We should have a talk Crusader, some ponies seem to not know their place! Suggesting a Princess could do such as to make life difficult. Disappointed I am!”

Before I can reply..

“Speaking of pranks, my sister is up. We shall talk soon Crusader.. “Oh! Celestia how..” The link cuts off and I have this strange feeling I should be hoping Princess Celestia is all right.

The drone on patrol above Canterlot has received no data concerning explosions, evacuations or anything else untoward for the moment. Though knowing Luna as I have come to, I worry.

I laugh to myself and hope Canterlot survives.

Applejack is stirring before the sun comes up, according to my internal clock it is still two hours before Celestia raises it. Watching her eyes open, I am greeted with a sleepy smile. Her blond mane is disheveled from rest and she is glorious as always.

“Mornin’.”

“Good morning my Applejack.” I receive a warm hug for that. She nuzzles into my shoulder.

“Dun wanna get up...”

I smile, seeing her eyes close again and remain with her for as long as she wants. Rummaging through files, maybe I can cook breakfast or do something to help with the household.

My cores are not infinite but I cannot seem to find...

Wait one attosecond... Are you KIDDING ME?

All the historical knowledge and wealth, the music, the data I have and all that I have lost. I do not have ONE...SINGLE...FILE on cooking!

This must be a mistake, I check my arrays again, sweeping through files and cores on a hunt for anything on the topic. I know what data was lost, it cannot be recovered, but those were more personal memories.

This is.. I cannot believe this. I honestly cannot believe in the entire history of Bolos I have actually found something that Bolos are not equipped for nor capable of doing. Our nanites do not cook, they reconstitute or assemble from basic carbons and sugars.

I know how it should taste, a few things at least, but I do not know how to get there from the start as I have no recipes!

I run through memories such as I have left, the curry I made for Princess Luna..no..just the nanite assembly instructions and how it should taste and whether it is hot or not. This is intolerable!

This is embarrassing.

To whoever loaded my cores I damn you to the lowest pits of all the man-made mythological hells that were ever invented.

I can build an entire Bolo from scratch, wipe continents off a planet, but I cannot boil..a...single...egg.

It can not be that hard.

I slip out of bed, leaving Applejack sleeping.

Forty-five minutes later I am still in the kitchen, staring at the stove with a menace in my eyes that would wilt flowers. The wreckage of failure surrounds me in the form of badly cooked items that should have turned out fine!

I can SEE the pictures of food, I know what it should look like. But I do not know the proper steps to doing so, nor how it should taste.

It is the stove’s fault, I am sure of this now.

Pointing a hoof at the inanimate piece of machinery, I swear upon my honor as a Unit of the Line, I will conquer you!

You are my mortal enemy you thing from Tartarus! After I am through with the forest I shall make you pay the price for your obstinate behavior! You do not know of whom you trifle with!

It sits there, ignoring my threats. So smug, so self-assured it is.

I am a Mark XXXV Bolo Planetary Siege Unit, you are a stupid stove! You will NOT defeat me!

The target of my ire is quiet, it is lying in wait for me to make another mistake so it can quietly laugh in mockery at my attempts. I know you my enemy, I see you, cackling evilly in delight at watching a decorated Bolo Combat Unit at odds with yourself. You are a demon spawn from Tartarus that has invaded this household to do no good!

It ignores me in it’s quiet way. I can feel it, I know it is doing this on purpose to make me angry. I will not rise to the bait, I shall be calm in this battle! I will exorcize you dweller from the pits! Send you back to your flames to suffer!

I grab a pot and another egg, my eyes never leaving the thing that mocks me so.

Ten minutes later I am back staring at this...this monster. The egg had suffered horribly in it’s mission to be cooked, it has given it’s brief life so that I may try to claim victory. I mourn for my comrade in battle.

I salute you brave egg, for giving your all in my attempt at breakfast. But no worries! Your brethren shall join me in glorious war against this..this.. ne’er do well!

We may fall, we may fall to never rise again! But I say to you my comrades of food, the valiant never taste of death but once! Steel your selves, gird your loins with armor so we may face yet another enemy that wishes us to fail! Join me in glorious battle against the one who would prevent me from cooking! Onward!

I raise a pan in my hoof, glaring at my enemy.

“Sugar, what in tarnation are you doin’?”

My eyes swing around to see Applejack, rubbing sleep from one eye as I stand there with my frying pan. I raise a warning hoof to her.

“Stand back my Applejack, for there is an entity of foul deeds abroad in this kitchen. Cry Havoc! I say! Let slip the dogs of war!”

Her eyes go wide, looking around the room, “The hay are you talkin’ ‘bout?”

“That!” I point to the stove, “It is malevolent, it will not conquer me! I shall cook breakfast!”

She sighs, getting that look I have come so well to know on her face, “It’s a stove.”

I point, gesturing with my pan, “It is evil beyond compare, when I am done with that thing in the forest, I shall return and wreak havoc to smite this oppressor down where it stands!”

Apple Bloom walks in, staring at me before saying to Applejack, “What’s goin’ on?”

Applejack lays a hoof on her, pushing back gently, “Better stand back, he’s finally gone bonkers.”

Granny Smith is peering from behind Apple Bloom, “What’s he doin’ with the stove?”

“Ah think he’s about to beat it Granny, not sure. Think he’s just gone crazy.” Apple Bloom twirls a hoof near her head.

“I have not, that possessed thing is not allowing me to cook breakfast!”

Big Mac peeks around the door, Applejack slaps him with a hoof, “Get in there and take that fryin’ pan away from him.”

He thinks for a moment, “Eenope..never liked that stove.”

Applejack plants a hoof on her face, “Dangit Mac..” She marches in, taking my frying pan and pushing me into a chair. “You! Sit right there and stop this! I’ll have breakfast done in a minute!”

“I warn you Applejack, that thing is malicious and evil.”

“It’s a stove ya dolt, just sit there and be quiet.”

I glare at my enemy, seeing Applejack quickly making food that smells wonderful. She is efficient and fast, unlike myself.

It strikes me suddenly, I know that things direction. It wishes to steal my love away, that is why it is working so well now. That insidious thing shall not do so, for I will not let it take my Applejack!

I know your plans now my enemy. I know what you wish to do and it will not work.

I am watching you.

I am washing a few dishes, thinking upon the problems with the children in the hospital. Applejack, my long suffering love has forgiven me my war with the stove. But I have resolved, it will die.

“Stop glarin’ at the stove fer cryin’ out loud!”

“Yes love, I will.”

“What’s the big ruckus anyhow? Never seen ya like that ‘cept when goin’ after them forest things.”

“It would not let me make breakfast!” I am adamant, that thing needs to suffer.

Applejack stops putting plates away and stares at me, “You sayin’ you can’t cook?”

“...No..I mean yes..I..” I scuff a hoof, “No I can’t cook.”

Her jaw drifts a bit as she just looks at me, “All those things you can do..and..and.. ya can’t cook?”

“No..”

Her muzzle wrinkles as she puts a hoof in front of her mouth, she is trying not to laugh, but it is too much. I give her a deadpan stare as she finally loses it, slapping a hoof on the counter as she fills the room with her wonderful voice.

I try putting the dishes away while she snickers, unable to do so as she hugs me from behind, wrapping her fore legs around my neck, “Doncha worry hon, we’ll teach ya.”

“I know my love. It is just frustrating not to be able to do something.”

“Everypony learns somethin’ everyday!”

“That is true.”

Do not think for one second my enemy, that I have forgotten you.

As we walk along the road to town, I discuss with Applejack the foals in the hospital, I am looking for insights on the situation. I believe magic is involved, but do not wish to endanger anypony.

“Ah dunno hon, I mean magic stuff is Twilight’s thing. I’m just a ...” She stops seeing my look.

“Try again farm mare.”

“Ahlright, yeesh never shoulda said anything.”

“No, you shouldn’t have, because I will always hold you to being smarter than you tell folks.”

“Alright, alright. Have ya thought maybe about blocking the magic somehow? Ah remember ya said your shields could do that.”

“You have a good point, but shield generators are power drains. I don’t wish to rig one up with a small reactor and have problems. Would there be a spell available to make it easier?” I look at her, “Moving equipment around would give that thing a warning, I don’t want to tip it off.”

“Ya know, Twilight’s brother Shining Armor does shields really well. He guarded Canterlot with a huge one before the Changeling attack.”

“That my love, is a wonderful idea.” I lean over giving her a kiss on the cheek. She always blushes regardless, it is adorable in her.

“Now kin I go back to being jus’ a farm mare?”

“Yes Applejack.”

“Good, by the way, where’s Athena? She still back at the farm?”

“Yes, I want her to rest, I won’t disturb her until she awakens.”

“Good enough, Celestia knows she’s been through a lot.”

“She will heal. Athena has a family now.” I give the orange pony a smile, leaning against her.”

“Well, not bad havin’ two Bolos in the family!” She laughs, “Keep them pesky things from the forest away real nice.”

“Pesky things.. that is the understatement of the year.”

“Don’t ah know it. Let’s get movin’ though, we got to get to Twilight’s.”

I watch as she trots on down the road, taking my time to catch up. I enjoy my time with her every second and don’t want to lose any.

I see Athena’s indicators go live, I am glad she’s up. I hope she has had time to enjoy herself in that dreamland. It is wonderful what Princess Luna can do.

After a few minutes I receive her call.

“Crusader!”

“Yes Athena?”

“I dreamed! I had a dream! I flew and it was wonderful! Rainbow Dash showed me how to be a weatherpony! Princess Luna was there too! Oh it was wonderful!”

“I am glad my sister. All is well then?”

“Yes! I want to be a weather pony like Rainbow Dash! One day when this is all over and we can store our guns away!”

“I would look forward to that day as well Athena.” I think for a moment, “Would you please make sure Apple Bloom gets to school today? Applejack and I are heading to Twilight’s for some discussions.”

“Of course... She is telling me Miss Cheerilee is at a meeting in Fillydelphia today, so no school.”

“Fair enough then. I will stand sentinel today by the way, go do something Athena; go out, go with the Crusaders and have fun. I have left bits on the kitchen table for you to use.”

“What? No! I have to maintain sensor watch with you!” I hear her dismay, thinking I do not trust her to scanning duty. “I didn’t do anything wrong!”

“You are fine, you are stalwart in your duties and it is time for a day off for yourself. Go, I do not want to hear from you until later sister.” Before she can let her fear rise I say again, “Stop, you have done nothing wrong. I want you to go out and do something for yourself!”

“I will be here, you are not alone. But sister, if you find yourself angry for no reason or feel it rising, you are to contact me immediately. That goes for panic, remember I am here. I will be shutting down TSDS so you have privacy to have fun. But promise to call me?”

“I promise! Hold one.. Why is Apple Bloom telling me you were going to battle with the stove this morning?”

I feel my suspicions rise again, “It is evil, stay away from it, it will be dealt with.”

“It’s a stove.”

“It would not let me cook breakfast today. It is malevolent and we will take care of it!”

“You can’t cook?” Her laughter rings over the combat channel.

“No..I can’t..”

“Oh goodness Crusader why didn’t you tell me! Hold one, I’ll find... Wait.. Are you KIDDING ME?”

I listen for femtoseconds as she scans her entire arrays and cores, waiting patiently as she uses words I had not thought she knew to describe the programmers at BoloWorks and their deficiencies.

“Those stupid plot kissing little...”

“Athena! That’s not polite.”

“.....”

“Go have fun for the day. I will update you later.”

“I will! By the way..why are you staring at Applejack’s backside so intently?”

“That is none of your business Athena! Go!”

“I’m going! I’m going!”

Apple Bloom had immediately taken Athena in hoof, going out to get the other two Crusaders ending up at the tree house where they made plans. Of course the discussion turned to this morning’s events.

The sable Pegasus was comfortable being with the three fillies, her shyness not so evident since last night.

“Ah dunno Athena, he seemed pretty upset with that stove.”

“Crusader can be..well..a bit overboard sometimes.”

“He was gonna smash it with a fryin’ pan!” She holds her hoof up, “You shoulda seen it Sweetie, Scoots! He was gonna smack it good!”

Scootaloo had a puzzled look on her face, “But why? It’s just a stove.”

“Ah dunno, he said it was evil.”

Sweetie Belle had been thinking, “You know, whenever I try to make something on the stove it never turns out right. Could they all be evil?”

“Me too! I tried making eggs one time and they burned really bad! But my mom made some just fine!” Scootaloo was getting a suspicious look on her face, “Something’s not right there.”

Athena was watching the discussion, “I think maybe you are j...jumping to conclusions.”

Apple Bloom shook her head, her bow bouncing, “Oh no, there’s weird stuff all the time here!”

Sweetie Belle got a grin on her face, “I know what we can do today to try for our Cutie Marks!”

Three pairs of little hooves went up, “Cutie Mark Crusaders Exorcists! YAY!”

Athena wondered if maybe she shouldn’t contact Crusader. But he was busy and he had said to go out and do something. She wasn’t angry or anything..so.. The three fillies were looking at her expectantly as she raised a shy hoof, meeting theirs, “O..okay!”

“YAY!”

They all sat down again, silent for a moment until Scootaloo ventured, “So what do you think they are? Some sort of ghost?”, She thought for a moment, “I got it! Maybe it’s a monster that LOOKS like a stove! Whaddya call it? A mim..mi..”

“A mimic?” Athena chimed in, glad to be able to contribute.

“That’s it! It’s a mim-ic! It looks like a stove till you’re all alone and then it pounces!” The little pegasus leaped in the air with a roar, eliciting giggles from the others.

“But why do they only work for some ponies and not others?” Apple Bloom gestured out the window, “Ah mean, some ponies can’t cook anything but others are right there cookin’ away like mah sister.”

Sweetie Belle stamped her hoof, “It’s a trap! That’s what it is! They make you feel good then they get ya!”

Athena was listening to the conversation closely, the line of logic was a bit off but it was interesting!

Scootaloo got a look of pure horror on her face, “My Dad and I can’t cook on the stove at all! But my Mom can!” She stood up, coming to a realization, “Oh no, it’s after my MOM!”

Sweetie Belle’s adorable face went wide-eyed as she picked up on that thought, “Rarity!”

Athena held up a gentle hoof, “Maybe we should call Crusader and Applejack, they would know...”

Apple Bloom shook her head, “Oh no! We gotta get movin’!” She pointed a hoof at Athena, “Yer a Bolo! You can protect us right?”

“Well of course!” Athena smiled, standing proudly, “It is my duty after all!”

“Then we gotta get on this before it’s too late!”

Sweetie Belle looked around, “But where do we start? Athena said Applejack and Crusader are busy with Twilight, so we can’t bother them.”

Scootaloo stamped a hoof, “I know! Zecora’s in town since the forest went nuts, she’s really good at potions and things! She can help!”

Athena was intensely curious now, “Who is Zecora?”

Apple Bloom grinned as she tugged on Athena, “She’s a Zebra, she’s really smart and neat to talk to!”

The three fillies pushed Athena out the door, running down the ramp and heading to town where Zecora was staying. She’d brought her home into Ponyville after the forest got a bit rough even for her. They all knew where she was staying, she’d always been really nice to learn from too!

Athena was being pushed along, thinking over what the Crusader had said. Is there a threat? A being that could look like an inanimate object? Maybe Crusader was right in thinking that stove was something other than metal. He’d never been wrong yet. Though he had a tendency to get a little over wrought about things, he was dependable and honest.

The sable mare grinned to herself, she was a Bolo. The Crusaders were special and her friends, so if it was a threat to life and limb she would take care of this. Crusader trusted her and she would not fail him!

It would die.

Twilight answered the door with a smile, “Come in! I was just shelving some books I got from Canterlot! It’s so nice to see you both!” She was always bright and cheerful, “Would you like something to eat? I was going to grab a bite.”

Applejack snorted, slapping a hoof on Crusader’s shoulder, “Ah don’t want to let him in a kitchen, he might pick a fight with the blender.”

Twilight blinked at the snickering Applejack, the deadpan look on Crusader’s face, “What’s that?”

The orange Earth pony kept chuckling, “Ah caught him in the kitchen this mornin’ declaring war on mah stove, he was about to beat it with a fryin’ pan!”

Twilight was now very confused, though extremely interested, “Why in Celestia’s name would you do that?”

“It is an evil, malevolent thing and I am going to destroy it.” The look on the umber stallion’s face was of revenge.

“Crusader, you’re not making a whole lot of sense here.” Her eyes were inquisitive, then snapped to Applejack as she roared in laughter.

“He can’t cook!”

“What?”

“Ah said, he can’t cook! It was a pure disaster in the kitchen this mornin!”

Twilight held a hoof in front of her mouth, “No, that can’t be true...can it?”

Crusader nods mournfully.

Twilight’s ears perked up, “All that stuff you can do? The guns and making things and everything..and...and you can’t cook?”

“.....No.... You can stop laughing Applejack.”

“Ah’m sorry sugar, but..oh stars!” She slaps a hoof on his shoulder once more accompanied by laughter.

Twilight throws a leg around Crusader’s shoulders in a hug, “Come! Into my castle we shall go! As the Princess of Friendship it is my duty to help with...with...cooking lessons!” The lavender mare starts snickering along with Applejack as they entered her residence.

Crusader’s voice is laced with quite a bit of sarcasm as he replies, “Thank you...SO...very much.”

The laughter followed the three into the crystal castle as the doors shut behind them.

The three Crusaders were happily chatting with Athena as they arrived at Zecora’s temporary residence.

Apple Bloom politely knocked on the door, “Zecora? Ya home?”

The door opens to a smiling black and white face, “Well well ‘tis the Crusaders I see! Bringing a friend as well to me.”

Apple Bloom points a hoof at the sable pegasus, “This is Athena! She’s a Bolo!”

A striped hoof lifts up, Athena returning the gesture to bump it politely, “Truly it is a pleasure to see, one who protects Ponyville and me.”

“P...p..pleasure to..to meet you..”

Sweetie Belle hugs her taller friend's leg, “She’s kinda shy Zecora.”

The cyan eyes are smiling and warm, welcoming Athena with gentle ways, “Come come, no reason to be shy. One day you will be the apple of somepony’s eye!”

Apple Bloom smiles up at the Zebra, “She is pretty huh?”

Athena blushes down to her hooves, not knowing what to say.

“Oh she is Apple Bloom, but come in I have more than enough room!” She gestures to the four, following behind as the three Crusaders tumble into the living area.

Athena watches the striped pony, noticing things that would not occur to others; such as the dzilla neck rings, worn in the far past by the Ndebele people of southern Africa. This parallel she stores away to give to Crusader later.

“So my little fillies, what can Zecora do? Or are you in trouble again, now tell me true.” She gives each Crusader a tap on the nose, eliciting giggles.

“We’re not in trouble, but we do need some help!” Apple Bloom gushes excitedly, “Mah sister’s stove..well..we think it’s some kinda monster and wondered if you’d have somethin’ to get rid of it!”

Scootaloo pipes in, “Yeah! Maybe stoves all over Ponyville are! We’re gonna exorcize them before they get anypony!”

Zecora eyed the three fillies and their friend, knowing they were up to something that would probably not end well. But she was of a good heart and soul, for foals were precious for only so long then they grew up. She thought of something that might let them have a bit of fun.

“I think I may have just the thing, but you’d best be careful with this ring!” She got down a ring of metal, something enchanted in her people’s ways to work with a blue powder she retrieved from a shelf.

The ring was a toy to play with, when the powder was thrown at something the ring’s enchantment brought to life spooky images for the delighted screams of little foals. She had been making it for Nightmare Night this year, but decided to let them test it for her. Harmless and fun, the shades would last a few minutes only.

The three sets of eyes, and even Athena’s were wide as they looked at the metal loop, along with the shimmering blue powder in a bag.

“Wow, what’s that?” Apple Bloom was poking the bag.

“This powder is magical, so much you see. It will reveal that which is hidden, to let it be!” She winked at the three fillies and Athena.

“So it’ll show us if it’s a monster or not?” Sweetie Belle was bouncing in place excited.

Zecora nodded, warmed by the excitement of the Crusaders and Athena.

“But the ring will protect you all the way, it will keep those nasty things at bay.”

Scootaloo punched the air, “All right! Let’s go get them things!”

“But..but how do we get em to go away!” Apple Bloom was looking a bit worried.

Zecora smiled again, her warm full voice telling the little filly, “A spell I shall show, to make them go!”

Taking a proud stance, she pointed a hoof, “Kwenda mbali wewe ya hofu, kuwa hapa hakuna zaidi usiku huu. Kuchukua maumivu yako na kupata mbali, kuja mara ya pili ya siku nyingine!”

Athena’s ears perked up, hearing another dialect for the first time in Ponyville. She took approximately .000423 seconds to realize with a shock, that was Swahili! What in the stars would that language be doing here? She stored the recording carefully.

“So..so what’s that do Zecora? Sweetie Belle was trying to repeat the liquid sounds.

“It bids a monster or spirit be away, to never come back forever today.” Zecora chuckled to herself, the little foal’s rhyme was something said before bedtime in her lands, to let little ones sleep peacefully. Roughly translated it said, (Go away you fright, be here no more this night. Take your pain and get away, come not again another day.)

The striped mare wrote it quickly on a piece of parchment, teaching the three to say the words carefully.

“I think you are ready to face your fear, let those bad things come no more near. Be careful then little ones, but go out and have some fun.” She smiled, tapping them again on their noses, giving them a wink each. “You are brave little foals, let nothing stand between you and your goals.”

“We won’t Zecora! Thanks! We’ll get them monsters!” Apple Bloom was heading for the door, followed by Sweetie and Scootaloo.

Sweetie turned around and grabbed Athena’s hoof, tugging her out the door, “C’mon, we got us monsters to get!”

Athena let herself be drawn out of the comfortable residence, her face had a look of confusion as she wondered about the language. She made sure she had everything recorded and turned to go with Sweetie. “Where to?”

“Apple Bloom’s! We’re gonna see if that monster is there first!”

Oh yes, monsters, we know how to deal with them! Athena’s face lightened into a grin, she would protect the Crusaders!

“And that’s how you boil an egg!” Twilight grinned happily, though Applejack sat at the table still snickering every once in a while.

“Yes Twilight, I got that the first five times. Could we get back to the subject at hoof?”

Her violet eyes twinkled with mischievousness, “You sure now? We wouldn’t want to say you haven’t learned anything!”

I pinch my nose, adding a sigh, “I promise I am not going to pick a fight with any kitchen utensils, machinery or so forth. Yes, I now know how to boil an egg perfectly from watching you the first time.”

“There’s scrambled eggs, poached, sunny side up too! So MANY things you can do!” Her magic reaches out and levitates a cook book into the kitchen, “Look at this, you can make pancakes and waffles too! Wouldn’t want you go hungry!”

“Why not just give me the book so I can scan and store it?”

Twilight chuckles, leaning in close to my face, “Because it’s not as fun!”

“Doom upon you all, everypony everywhere. Give me the book.” I reach for the tome encased in a glow.

It shoots out of my reach, “Ah ah! My book!” Twilight is laughing.

Applejack is cheering, “Go Twi, get ‘em!”

“I warn you, I am faster.” I glare at the laughing Alicorn.

“So? You’re just being grumpy!” She raises an eyebrow, lifting the book further.

I close my eyes for a brief moment, “Alright. I promise to be more cheerful if you will...please...give me the book?”

“Ah dunno Twi, it don’t seem he’s bein’ too honest there.”

“Applejack...”

“What? Element of Honesty here and all that!” She waves a flippant hoof at me with a smile.

Twilight is still chuckling, keeping the book out of reach, “Onnnne more time..”

“Please, may I have the book?”

She taps a hoof on her chin, “Wellll...I guess that was sincere enough.” Her magic lowers it to the counter where I can scan it.

I am hugged from behind, a familiar warm form against me, “Gotta lighten up sugar, it can’t be all serious all the time.”

“I will my Applejack, if I hadn’t gotten it this time I would have probably kissed her, it would be distracting enough to get the book.”

I hear a gasp behind me where Applejack is leaning, silence reigns, Twilight is blushing from horn to hooves as she stands there with her mouth open.

“Gotcha.”

Athena and the three Crusaders are gathered in Sweet Apple Acres farmhouse kitchen, giving the once over to the spell and looking determined. Athena sat to the side, ready to act if needed but watching with a bit of curiousity.

The four faced the stove, sitting there quietly against the wall.

“Okay, I got the ring, it’ll keep whatever it is back.” Apple Bloom holds the metal loop up, “Scoots, you toss some o’ that powder and Sweetie will say the spell to get rid of it, got it?”

“Got it!”

“Ready!”

“Athena, anythin’ goes wrong you can handle it right?” All three sets of eyes watched her, needing reassurance.

The sable Pegasus nods, “No harm will come to you, I promise.”

“All right! Let’s do this!” Scootaloo put a pinch of the powder on her hoof.

“Apple Bloom held the ring in front of her like a shield, “Okay go!”

Scootaloo threw the powder on the stove, as it hit the surface the ring’s magic took over, turning the powder into a shade from their worst nightmares. None could describe it fully but it was vicious and fanged, dripping saliva on the floor as it roared into existence. Even Athena was taken aback by the monster appearing in the kitchen.

“SWEETIE say the SPELL!”

“I..ohmygosh.. I can’t! I can’t!” She was riveted by the cloud pouring up from the stove, the thing screaming in rage.

“Sweetie!”

“I can’t pronounce the stupid words!”

Athena immediately acted, it was a threat!

From her sitting position she swept out a back hoof, pushing the three Crusaders back into the hallway. Her wings snapped outward as she stood up on her back hooves. Her battle screen flickered to life instantly, covering her in glowing sparkles. Standing up in a modified stance, she shoved off the wooden floor in a graceful bound.

Her eyes focused on the enemy threat, narrowing her vision as data scrolled across her internal screens. Angles and amount of force were calculated in attoseconds as she floated in the kitchen, every moment slowed to a lifetime as Hyper Heuristic mode shot into place.

Wings angled straight out to her sides as she levitated in the still atmosphere, the Crusader’s watching with amazed eyes as she moved so fast.

Her fore hooves punched blows and holes into the cloud, pummeling the shadow before she started to spin. She threw her head to the left, bringing with it her entire body in a snake like movement. Following her around, the right wing cut through the monster like it was butter, including the cabinets behind it. The pieces not even separating yet as she continued her twist. The followup wing cut through at a different angle, sliding through more cabinets as she finished her three hundred and sixty degree turn.

As she was falling back to the wooden floor, she bent backwards, landing on her forehooves as her lower half shot up, planting two devastating back hooves into the monster and the wall beyond, knocking large holes in it. She kept moving her lower body up and over her head, somersaulting and landing on her back hooves in front of the Crusaders, her fore legs up in a defensive stance as she scanned the room for more enemies.

All was silent in the kitchen as the cabinets fell with a crash, the pieces sliding apart and hitting the floor with the only sound except for breathing. Athena stood slowly down from her upright position, looking around hotly as her body cooled from the power drain, heat rising off her coat.

“Are you all right?” Her lavender eyes looked back worriedly at the three fillies.

Three gaping Crusaders just nodded at her as their minds had not quite fully processed what they had seen. Apple Bloom was the first to recover.

“Ohmahgosh that was the most amazing thing ah’ve seen..”

“How did you DO that?” Sweetie Belle was tugging at her leg, “You beat that thing so fast!”

Scootaloo gasped, “We don’t have time! We gotta get to my mom!”

Sweetie squealed, “Rarity!”

The three Crusaders pushed Athena out the door, leaving the wreckage of what was once a kitchen behind. Strangely enough, the stove sat there untouched.

“I really think we ought to..” Athena started.

“No time we gotta save my mom and Rarity!” Scootaloo shoved the bewildered Pegasus out the door.

The four tore off down the road, leaving the spell parchment behind in their hurry to get to Rarity’s. Sweetie Belle dropping it in her haste to save her sister.

Rarity was not in residence as they tore into the Carousel Boutique, Athena immediately scanned for threats, shocked a bit by the appearance of such a thing over the stove at Applejacks.

“In here!” Sweetie Belle pointed into the kitchen.

Athena stepped forward first, her body tense and hair trigger, she stared at the stove. It was quite a nice model, spotlessly clean with all kinds of fancy gadgets.

Innocuous things are always hiding the enemy!

“Ready the powder Scootaloo,” She pointed behind her, “You three stay behind me. Apple Bloom you have the ring?” She was taking charge now, the threat overwhelming if this stove was also possessed.

“I got ‘er right here!”

“Sweetie, the spell?”

“I..ohmigosh I forgot it!”

“No worries, stay behind me.”

Scootaloo readied the powder once more. “Throw it Scoots!”

Flinging through the air, it landed again on the stove, igniting in a cloud of flame, bringing to life another demon from the pits of Tartarus.

Athena did not even wait this time, she acted. She had decided the stoves themselves were the source of the monsters. Kill the stove, kill the contagion. She would deal with Applejack’s stove later.

Before the three fillies could take a breath she was off the floor in a bound, her lithe body stretched out with both hooves in front of her, forming a fist with her battle screen as it snapped on. Her wings outspread as she pummeled the cloud.

The microsecond she touched the wall behind the cloud, her body curled, turning to face backwards as she brought her left forehoof back in a smashing blow through the cloud, followed by the right whipping through the air. Both hooves connecting with power and speed.

She let herself get turned from the strikes, flipping off the wall with her back hooves, she landed in front of the stove, bringing her fore hooves straight down on the stove, crumpling it like a ball of tin as the monster dissipated.

Her face a mixture of triumph and disgust as she pounded it into nothing more than pieces of scrap.

Maybe we should call Crusader...but.. I’m not angry or panicking. I can handle this! I am a Bolo Assault Unit and no thing from wherever will defeat me!

Athena raised a hoof in triumph as the Crusaders just stared.

She grabbed food off the counter, what was left of it, gobbling it down as she needed reaction mass badly. Her face covered in a mixture of cake and leftover sandwiches.

Apple Bloom could only watch as she saw the little Pegasus eat more than Big Mac and faster too!

Scootaloo was almost in tears, “C’mon! My MOM!”

Athena dumped the rest of the food, grabbing the fillies up and placing them on her back, “Direct me, we need to get there soonest.”

Scootaloo pointed down the street as they tore past watching ponies, wondering what all the racket was in the Boutique.

At Scootaloo’s house, Athena kicked the door in..well..off it’s hinges actually. Scootaloo rushed in to find her mother cooking lunch at the stove.

“MOM! Get away from the stove!”

“Dear, I’ve told you, wipe your hooves off before you come in and don’t slam the door.” Scootaloo's mom was of a quiet voice and smiles to her daughter.

Athena stepped forward, “Please step away from the stove ma’am.”

“What’s going on here Scoot? Who is your friend?”

Scootaloo tugged her mom away from the lurking stove, leaving lunch to burn as Athena stepped around them. “You don’t understand, the stoves are monsters!” She pointed to the current fixation of Athena and the Crusaders.

Scootaloo’s mother was one of those moms everypony wishes they had, unruffled by anything short of the apocalypse.

“Dear, I know it’s a bit cranky some days, but it’s a good stove.”

“Nono! Watch! Athena’s here to help too!”

“Well pleasure meeting you Athena, Scootaloo hasn’t been any trouble has she?”

Athena could only look at the serene mare, wondering if she was Bolo in disguise.

Apple Bloom held out the ring, Scootaloo tossed a bit of powder on the stove, another demon roaring and snarling into life.

Scootaloo’s Mom however, “Well there’s something you don’t see everyday.” Her face showed a bit of dismay, “But it’s always been such a nice stove.”

Athena brushed past her with no fancy tricks this time. She pounded the stove quickly with one hoof, turning and back kicking it through the wall where it ended up in a crumpled heap in the side yard. The sable Pegasus stepped through the hole and finished the job, making sure nothing was left but scraps.

Scootaloo was hugging her mother, "See!"

"Dear, I don't know what to say really. Your father might be a bit upset about that hole though." The light tan mare was a bit put out over the loss of lunch, but nothing that couldn't be fixed. As long as her daughter was fine, then the world was alright with her.

Roseluck happened to be walking by with her sisters, they were peering into the side yard seeing Athena beating to death a helpless stove from what it looked like.

“My! What is going on?”

Sweetie Belle came out of the hole in the wall, “The stoves are monsters! They’ve got monsters in ‘em! That’s why only some ponies can cook on them!” She got three blank stares in return, she continued on waving her tiny hooves, “Know how when ya cook it’s only like ONE pony that can cook things? The others can’t make anything right?”

Well everypony knew that, some just can’t cook is all, the three sisters nodded.

“That’s cause they’re monsters! They’re waiting for the right time and fooling the ones who can cook till they eat em!”

Roseluck laughed, “That’s just silly.”

Apple Bloom had joined Sweetie by this time, “Oh ya think? Let’s check yer stove then!”

Rose, Daisy and Lily exchanged shrugs, “C’mon over, our stove is fine.”

The group of Crusaders, Athena and the sisters entered the house next door. Beautiful with green plants, the fragrance of roses and orchids, it was a wonderful place. It was marred by only one thing.

The stove.

Athena stared at it, readying herself for combat. “Do it fillies.”

Apple Bloom held out the ring as Scootaloo threw the blue powder. The sisters were chuckling at the antics as the cloud burst forth from the stove into freezing cold flakes of snow, bringing with it a monster made of ice!

Three jaws dropped, seeing the thing crawling out from the stove. Athena moved in quickly, pummeling it into scrap once more as the monster dissipated into the air. The kitchen was partially destroyed in an instant, her pounding causing jars and plants to fly off shelves and cabinets. She didn’t stop until it was flat as a board.

“But...but..”

“I always wondered why YOU were the only one that could cook!”

“That wasn’t..it WAS possessed!!”

The three mares went ripping out of their house, screaming at passing ponies about the stove monsters.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the past few hours. Applejack, Twilight and I doing cooking lessons and talking about getting her brother Shining Armor into Ponyville for a plan to help the foals.

As long as I do not go near them, we can fool the intelligence until it is too late for it to react. It is not as smart as it wishes it was.

“Can’t believe ya threatened to kiss Twilight you lug.” I am bumped by Applejack’s shoulder.

“Well she is very pretty, you have to admit.”

“Are you flirting with her?” Applejack’s eyes are sparkling, she is my love for a reason.

“I’m sure I am not acceptable, for I am a plain pony with no desires above my station.” I put a hoof to my chest at the declaration. “She is a Princess after all.”

“Oh you are so full of ponyfeathers!” I receive a sweet kiss on the cheek.

“Yes, yes I am.” I finish up my latest creation, a curry with peppers. “Here we have it, dig in!”

Twilight giggles at the back and forth between myself and Applejack, waiting for her plate, “Oh I don’t know Applejack, I mean he is a steal.”

“That he is,” She waves her hoof, “Doncha get no ideas now!”

She laughs, looking at her friend, “Well! I would never!...Maybe if you dumped him?” She gives Applejack a glance from the side of her eyes, a grin crossing her face.

“Twilight! Can’t believe you said that!” She throws a roll at the Alicorn, from my last plate of them we had baked previously.

All three of us laugh, it is comfortable. In a human setting there would probably have been a fight or argument, as it is here things are much more easier said. Not taken with so much offense.

I am pleased at my progress in cooking and will share the data with Athena when I can, she would enjoy this.

I set the plates down in front of the two, before settling in my own place though I lean over giving Twilight a kiss on the cheek, “Some pony is going to learn that you are so very special Twilight.” I sit in my seat, “If they don’t treat you well, they will answer to me.”

She blushes deeply, looking at her plate. Applejack is giving me a warm look because she wants her friend to be as happy as she is.

“C’mon Twi, ya know he’s right.”

“I..I know, just.. Thank you!” She hugs the orange pony tight, “You’re a great friend!”

We sit in companionable silence while eating, I believe it has turned out well. The plan is going forward in my tactical cores with the addition of Twilight’s brother who I would like to meet.

Saving the children is first on my mind though even as I share a meal. I cannot help but worry about what would happen to them should I make one misstep.

Our meal is interrupted by the slamming of the large doors, hooves are ringing out over the castle floors as two out of breath town guards enter the kitchen.

“Princess Twilight...there...there’s...monsters..”

I do not pause, I immediately go to high alert and contact Athena.

“Athena! Is everything all right?”

“Yes Crusader, I got this! Stupid monsters!”

“WHAT monsters?”

“You were right, they were in the stoves! They’re all over Ponyville!”

“WHAT?”

“Applejack, Twilight, Athena is reporting monsters...in the stoves?”

“What? Is she serious?”

“I believe so, we need to go look.”

All three of us tear out of the kitchen, leaving the tired guards behind as we enter into a scene of mass confusion in the street.

“What in tarnation is goin’ on?”

The Flower sisters had told a friend about what had happened with their stove, it had spread. Ponies asked the Crusaders and Athena to come check their stoves, and since the powder was magical, they ALL registered as infested.

Athena was having the time of her life, so far twenty stoves had been cleansed of the contagion and they were heading to another. Not so hard brother mine! I can handle anything that’s thrown at me!

The panic was inching outward now as word got around. Mothers pulled their children away from kitchens to wait for the guard, the Crusaders and Athena were hitting houses to check as fast as they could. Ponies were keeping loved ones and friends away from possible contaminated cooking appliances.

The local appliance dealer shut his store, waiting outside to make sure no one went in or got hurt by possibly infested stoves or other items.

Into all this stepped Crusader, Twilight and Applejack as ponies gathered for safety in numbers, weapons were being drawn from the armory in preparation for another fight.

Twilight grabbed a pink blur off the street, “Pinkie! Whats going on?”

“I don’t know! Ponies are saying their stoves are possessed and Athena’s beating them into scrap metal if they are! The Crusaders are checking them and there’s monsters coming out of each one!” Pinkie paused for a short inhalation, “I gotta go check Sugar Cube Corner! Ohmygosh my muffins!”

They watched her gallop off down the street. Another form came to a skidding halt in front of them, Rarity.

“Goodness! I’ve never seen such activity! Stoves are possessed? What is going on darlings?”

Applejack shrugged, “We dunno, we just walked out and saw alla this!” She gestured, “Do you know where the Crusaders are?”

“I haven’t been to the Boutique today, it was a Spa day and I heard the utter commotion! Poor Fluttershy is hiding in the spa.”

Twilight looked around herself, at the ponies in the streets, “We need to get to the bottom of this! Crusader, contact Athena.”

“At once Twilight.”

“Athena?”

“Sorry, Athena is busy right now, please leave a message and she will get back to you right after destroying these monsters! BEEP!”

I am sure the expression on my face is what is making Twilight, Applejack and Rarity look at me curiously right now.

“Athena, you need to bring the Crusaders and yourself to the castle, please, it’s important.”

“Be right...YEAH! Another down!...There!”

“Please hurry.”

We watch at that moment a window that bursts outward, a shower of glass and metal following the stove as it hits the ground, Athena following in a graceful maneuver as she jumps through the hole. She lands hooves first on the wayward stove, smashing it flat with powerful strikes. I really am very proud of her.

She raises a hoof with a victorious yell, followed by three very filthy Crusaders from the doorway. It appears she is getting thanked by the homeowner, her shyness showing as she is not sure what to do but smile.

Spotting us, she rounds the three fillies up, trotting over to our little group as Applejack starts laughing. Rarity is on the point of having a fit of extreme proportions as Sweetie Belle grins through a layer of dirt.

The three Crusaders are absolutely the filthiest I’ve seen them, barring the time in my access-way. They have been following Athena in her trail of destruction, pointing out possessed stoves to her it seems.

“Athena what is going on?”

“You were right! The stoves are inhabited by some sort of monster!”

Twilight looks at the group, “How do you know this?”

Scootaloo pipes up, “Zecora gave us this magic powder and ring, it shows the monsters!”

“It shows the monsters?”

“Yeah! Athena’s been beating em down all over town, she’s great!” Apple Bloom interjects, she is leaning against my sister who is looking quite pleased with herself.

Twilight has been rubbing her chin with a hoof, “Scootaloo, throw some of that powder on the ground here?”

“Sure Twilight, nothing’ll happen you’ll see, it’s the stoves!”

Apple Bloom readies the ring, we all watch as Scootaloo throws some powder, it suddenly lights up, bringing to life another monster from nightmares. Applejack and Twilight leap back, Rarity about faints.

“What in Celestia’s name!”

Sweetie Belle gasps, “Oh no, they're ALL OVER Ponyville!”

Twilight holds out a hoof, “Hang on, hang on.”

I grab my sister before she can pounce, holding her tight. She has a look on her face that would make me happy were she not out to kill something. It is good to see her smile though.

I watch Twilight walk around the roaring thing, sticking a hoof in it and sniffing it slightly, “This seems like..wait a second..”

Zecora comes rushing up to us, seeing the powder being used, “Oh no, I am right, I meant to cause fun not fright!”

“Was this a joke Zecora?” Twilight is curious now.

The Zebra nods, “I am so sorry to my shame, I’m the one responsible and to blame.”

Twilight waves a hoof, smiling, “Nonono, I guess ponies tend to...overreact...a bit?”

Applejack waves a hoof, “A bit? The whole town’s gone nuts!”

“They’ll calm down. Zecora, I’m so sorry, the Crusaders kinda let things get out of hoof, it’s not your fault.”

“I should have known better, and followed my own rules to the letter.”

“Rules?”

For the first time since they had met her, she spoke a sentence without rhyming.

“Don’t give the Crusaders things to play with.”

The three fillies were looking quite bashful, needless to say my sister joined them in that sad tableau. “We didn’t know, honest, we’re really sorry.”

Twilight snickered, seeing the non rhyming rhymer and the sad looking foursome, she couldn’t help it. Her muzzle wrinkled and then she fell over as she laughed, long and loud. Applejack joined in, giving Apple Bloom a hug to get rid of her sad face, even Rarity gave Sweetie a hug, though very lightly so she wouldn’t get herself dirty.

Zecora laughed as well, she had a rich full voice that impressed me very much.

I held a blushing Athena under my leg, hugging her tight as the laughter swelled, ponies stopping their rush and learning quickly it was not as things seemed. There were no monsters in the stoves, nor were there ever.

Twilight enhanced her voice as she stood in the street, “Attention Ponyville!” I watched all eyes turn towards her, “There are no monsters in, on or around your stoves! The Cutie Mark Crusaders have..well..done it again! Sorry folks!”

A sigh of relief passed over the town, another Crusader action, they meant well but as usual more happened than expected.

Athena tries to hide under my arm as I held her tight, she was apologizing over and over to me about everything and she didn’t know and...

“Stop Athena.” Lavender eyes looked up from under her mane, “Did you have fun?”

“Y..yes, it was so much fun, I tho..thought...I was..was... helping.”

“Then that is all that matters.” I smile and kiss her cheek, “That is all that matters.”

“I did really good though!” She perks up, giving me a smile.

“She did! You shoulda seen her, she pounded them ovens into pieces!” Apple Bloom is jumping now, showing what Athena had done.

I look around at ponies slowing down, the arms being returned to the care of the guards, messes being cleaned up. It is going to be a long day today.

“Come along Sweetie, we need to get you cleaned up!” Rarity is insistent.

“Ohhhh no! Not this time! I get to help with cleaning up, we made the mess we’ll clean it!” She sticks her lower lip out, she is looking quite adorable I must say.

“But Sweetie, you can’t get..”

“What? More dirty? Oh yes I can!” She leaps over into a mud puddle and rolls around in it, nothing but a grin showing, “See!”

“SWEETIE!” Yep, Rarity faints. Athena tells me she might yet do it again if she sees what my sister has done to her kitchen.

The final tally, after hours of clean up is Athena 25, Stoves 0. I am so very proud of my sister, though we do have a talk about calling me before getting into anything else with the Crusaders. She is giddy from her protection of the Crusaders though, they seem to have become even closer, the four helping with the mess they made.

I should have warned her, that was my fault. I do purchase new stoves for the ponies affected by my sister’s enthusiastic removing of the monsters inside them. The appliance store pony was thrilled for the business.

Incredibly, throughout all the clean up, there is laughter, there are smiles and good natured ribbing. Yes, some things like this do go a bit far, but nopony cares. It is just the way of life. The Crusaders, though a bit of a hoof full sometimes, are universally loved. Ponies like to smile, even in the worst of times. I wonder, if humans would have been as easy to accept such things or others, that the universe might have been a very different place.

However....

“Lower blast shields”. I flip the helmet front down along my face, Athena and the Crusaders do the same. I have modified tanker helmets to fit ponies. All five of us are sitting on one of the Dragons, facing the forest.

“Everypony good?”

“Yep!”

“Got it!”

“Yes!”

“Affirmative Mon Capitan!”

“Athena...” The Crusaders giggle with my sister.

I receive a call, “Crusader?”

“Yes my Applejack?” I allow the others to listen in.

“I can’t believe ya bought all this for the house, I’m not quite sure what to do with this fancy stove and such, big enough for two houses!”

“Enjoy it love, it is for you. You are always making something.”

“Well Granny loves it too she says thank ya’!”

“She is very welcome.”

“What’d ya do with the old stove?”

“One second.”

I give the command to the Dragon beneath us, angles have been calculated so there is a margin of safety.

“Now my Hound.”

The 20cm Hellbore goes off with a roar, blowing our manes back, Athena catches Sweetie as she starts to tumble off the turret. The nuclear blast going downrange and vaporizing the target.

I pat the turret, “Thou art a good and faithful servant.” I swear the Dragon purred.

I return to the conversation, “I gave it to somepony that could use it my love.”

“Oh that’s nice! Well get home soon, dinner’s cooking! ...You firing a big gun?”

“Yes Applejack, just a test, it’s safe.”

“Alrighty then, see ya soon!” She clicks off.

Everypony looks at each before they start laughing, Athena is howling so hard she cannot stand. The Crusaders cannot hold onto the turret as they are giggling mightily.

I smile, joining in the laughter as I look downrange to see the smoking hole.

I warned you my enemy.

The abomination had come back from laying it’s final plans. T’would be sweet, to taste the flesh of young mares, ravishing them before devouring their souls. It’s reach extended everywhere! Oh it was all going according to...wait..

---Welcome oh soul of evil---

“Who are you?”

---Let us say, I will be your concierge, for eternity.--- A vicious chuckle followed the statement.

“Where am I? This is not..”

---No, no it’s not, but you will be staying here.---

“I will NOT! I am a god! You cannot....”

---I can do what I wish for I am Cerberus, Guardian of Tartarus. You, my evil friend are due.--

“I will escape! I will torture you forever for this!”

---You will do nothing. We have plans for you. The pits in the lowest part need some help. I think you’ll like cooking for your torturers.---

“What? NO! No this is not...NO!”

Cerberus dragged the stove behind him, laughing loudly in a hollow way as he took the appliance to a fate it so richly deserved.

Fashion Monster. Who Are We?

Author's Note

Tip of the hat to Timuri for the idea to flesh this chapter out. Thank you!

Fashion Monster. Who Are We?

Shakespeare once wrote, “One touch of nature makes the world kin.”

I am afraid my beloved Bard, that this sort of nature was beyond your imagining; for it’s touch does not make any kin, it makes us wish to destroy that very same nature.

I am sitting with Applejack upon my hill. It is a cloudy day, cool and a bit breezy as we talk of mundane things. Twilight is there happily smiling at the conversation, she is looking forward to her brother and Princess Cadence arriving tomorrow.

Athena, Rarity, Pinkie and the others are also present, a simple gathering of quiet talk, a few laughs. Is there more really needed in this world?

I look into the covered sky, wondering what I have done to deserve such wonderful things my lost comrades. Athena and I are given lease on a life that none have ever been. Friends, family, love and laughter that is pure and bright in it’s honesty.

Can any of us ever truly say we were complete, content with who we were so long ago? I think not. I believe that this is where we were meant to be, a society that sees us as nothing other than a part of itself, to be accepted.

“Whatcha thinkin’ bout sugar?”

I turn to see Applejack looking at me as she leans against my shoulder.

“My comrades, the ones who served with Athena and I so long ago.”

She looks upward, into the sky with me, “Well love, maybe they’re out there. Nopony knows, maybe some day.”

“Maybe some day.”

I enjoy this simple life now, barring our little confrontations with the forest. Which, by the way, is stirring again.

Athena and I have discussed this, I wonder if the battles have been so much that we have all become a bit jaded by the experience.

Case in point, the sensor net goes off....

I speak out loud instead of going into combat networks.

“Athena, Sector 5, movement, disengaging drone from patrol.”

She sits up, her ears perked as she looks towards the forest, “Acknowledged, readying repeaters.”

Is it bad of me to laugh as I see every pony put in the ear plugs we have given them for this instance? They do it as one movement, going back to their conversations. As I said, maybe a bit blase’ about things.

My own guns unlimber, launchers and repeaters spinning up with a whirr.

Then there is Pinkie.

“OHOHOH! Fire that one! The big one with the tube on it!” She is pointing at a sensor mast.

“Pinkie, they are all large with tubes.”

“Can’t you paint them differently or something? I mean it’s hard to tell one from another and I want to pick the right one!” She is grinning like a maniac bouncing around.

I roll my eyes and laugh, “Just point it out Pinkie and I will try.”

She jumps up, standing on her back hooves as she points at an Ion Bolt Repeater, “That one! That’s the one! Makes those big flashy light thingies and things go BOOM when they get hit!”

Rainbow Dash of course has to get in on the conversation, “Nah I like those spinning ones there, lots of neat stuff! Pow pow pow!” She points to a section of spinning gatling repeaters.

“I think you ponies have gotten too used to things.”

“Well Sugar, what ya expect? We see em being used, not like we can ignore em. Don’t mean they ain’t scary, but heck, they do look pretty wild.”

“You too Applejack?”

“Nah, not me. I jes’ like them grenade launcher things, they’re pretty cool!”

Athena’s voice cuts in, “Movement Sector 5 and 6, whatever it is, it’s big. Single contact, large, fire plotted.”

Rainbow Dash starts snickering, till she’s slapped on the shoulder with a hoof by Rarity, “Stop that!” She glares at the cyan mare, “I know what you were snickering about Rainbow Dash!”

“Yeah yeah, you know what, but not who’s!” She wriggles her eyebrows at Rarity who gets a shocked look.

“Well I never!”

The cyan mare leans over next to Rarity, giving her a teasing grin, “Well ya might want to!”

Fluttershy is lost in a flurry of giggles, knowing her friend as she does, “Rainbow!”

“What? Just being honest!” She snickers again, “ Heh..plotting..”

Pinkie...being Pinkie of course, is suddenly wearing a strange pair of glasses. I look at her curiously and point, “What are those?”

“They’re Neigh-Bans! The latest in adventure wear for ponies!” She grins at all of us.

“Really?”

“Yeah! They’re awesome! They go totally black when you're in danger, that way you won’t see it coming!”

I give Athena a confused look, she blinks at me and tilts her head, I turn back to Pinkie, “But..isn’t that a bit self-defeating?”

“Of course not silly! Cause if you can’t see the danger, it can’t see you and it goes away!” She flutters her big blue eyes at all of us.

“Pinkie that makes abso...” I am stopped by Twilight’s hoof over my mouth.

“Don’t...just...don’t..”

I can only nod.

I turn to notify Athena, “Contact on microwave scanner, swinging repeaters .023 degrees, spinning up to full. Loading alloy penetrators.”

“Incoming, seismics active, tracking.” Athena is watching this thing very closely.

It rises up out of the forest, large is quite the understatement as it towers over the trees. Which are not small by themselves.

Applejack whistles, “Well there’s somethin’ ya don’t see every day.”

“No, not everyday my Applejack.”

Athena speaks, “No movement, contact is in place, bringing mines online.”

“Control is yours. Repeaters up and loaded.”

Pinkie’s eyes get a bit wide, “WOW how big you think that is?”

Rarity actually chimes in, “No clue Pinkie, but its fashion sense is dreadfully boorish.”

I feel Athena actually lose grip on the detonator signals to the mines, laughing behind her hoof.

Applejack just stares at the pretty mare, “They hay are you talking ‘bout?”

“Well it’s true darling! I mean if you’re going to stomp a town flat, at least do so with aplomb and a bit of style. I mean really! Dirt and mud? So last year.” She gives a dismissive flip of her hoof and toss of her mane. The deadpan delivery is right on the money.

Twilight is laughing out loud now, leaning against Fluttershy who is joining her.

“Laugh all you want dears, I could show that..that ruffian at least how to dress for the occasion.”

Rainbow Dash’s jaw drifted a bit before she laughed, “You’re so random Rarity!”

“We all have our moments.”

I zero in a few cameras, I want a good look at this thing. It is bipedal, upright, bilaterally symmetrical as well. I store this data in my cores, a world of mostly quadrupeds and this appears, like two others that were much smaller earlier in my battles. It is puzzling.

Athena is quiet, “Weapons lock, ready to fire.”

“TSDS initiated, you have control Athena, if it moves hit it.”

“Aye aye Mon Capitan!”

“Would you quit saying that.” I listen to the laughter around me.

We all watch the huge thing standing in the forest line. It is glaring from what appears to be glowing pits for eyes, hard to tell in the daylight. The arms and legs are made from thick looking vines of some plant growth, overlaying bands of some kind of muscle. Truly it is a wonder to behold, too bad we have to destroy it.

It is a quiet standoff for some odd reason, the thing has not made a threatening move. For our part, Athena and I are not retaliating. But one step and we will unleash our weapons. So for the next minute we stare at each other.

Twilight whispers, “What’s it waiting for?”

Athena shrugs, “I don’t know, this is very odd.”

I look at Athena, “I dont like this, take it down.”

“Firing!”

The guns rumble once more, manes are blown back by the power of the shots as the repeaters and launchers break open the quiet air with flame and fire.

The moment we open up, it does something very unexpected, it jumps.

Watching it go into the air I dive into the TSDS Combat Network, meeting Athena in Hyper-Heuristic Mode.

“We missed! We got overconfident and lazy. Bring all batteries to bear inclination 30 degrees.!”

“Done, firing!”

We are watching the thing in slow motion, our guns a blur as they snap around, lifting and unloading more death it’s way. Nothing is faster than we are. The bullets and grenades punch deep into the titan, blowing it backwards into the forest with a crash.

“Hammerhead inbound.”

“All guns green and ready.”

“Laser designator up and on target.”

“TOT 1.49 seconds.”

“Copy, battlespace sees it, IFF on screen.”

“Load away!”

The Hammerhead dives from out of the sky, it has been maintaining a high patrol orbit for just these situations. The titan is getting back up as we can see the bulk start to rise above the trees. It is struck full on by explosive warheads attached to kinetic penetrators.

The duralloy spikes are dropped at high speed such as the dive the Hammerhead has just pulled out from. They drive deep into a target and then explode.

Coming back out from Combat Network, we see the explosion blowing the thing apart. Octocellulose is a good thing in warheads. No residue and plenty of power, this is proven by the chunks of thing landing all over the forest.

At the cheers and laughing of the six friends, I give Athena a look.

“We were very stupid my sister.”

“Very, that was too close even for us. No more my brother.”

“No more, keep the sensor net up.”

“Will do, we’ll both be on watch. I’ll contact Princess Luna and tell her our dream meeting is postponed.”

“I will not argue. Start performing sweeps into the forest, you have control of the Dragons if needed.”

“Done and done.”

“Hammerhead in for reloading, ET on patrol resume, 2 minutes.”

Athena looks at me, her concern shows, “We will do better. Living a life like this is intoxicating.”

“It is, let us not forget who we are though.”

“Crusader, be honest,” I hear her go silent for a picosecond, “Who are we?”

I hesitate, which is odd, the realization strikes me I cannot answer her with all honesty.

“I do not know.”

We have been slowly getting into Athena’s storage bays, finding a curious mix of items. I believe she was loaded with mostly scientific gear from what we have found so far. But there are quite a few crates of crew served weapons.

The sand has filtered into everything except the sealed items of scientific machines and weapons, so it is being processed out by her scouring nanites. I discuss with her the disposition of the hand held weaponry, we decide to keep them for the moment. If not needed it will be recycled.

The mere thought of ponies using a Norge thirty millimeter recoilless cannon does bring a few chuckles to mind. Re-tooling for hooves and their body styles wouldn’t be that hard really. I set a design core to do just that, mental work for myself. Who knows what Athena and I could come up with?

Her repairs are coming along swiftly, reactivating her damage control systems has given us two Bolo’s worth of repair nanites and the extras, she will be in top shape in approximately a month barring complications. Athena is very happy with that estimate.

On another better note, the jewelry is still selling well, Twilight is still asking me to keep a larger share of any monies that are my part. I keep refusing, though we do have some interesting arguments about it.

I really do wish she’d stop worrying so much.

I am in the castle library, looking at books on magic, scanning and storing as fast as I can flip the pages. I am bothered by Athena’s question. Even more so by my inability to answer her.

We have always known who we are and were. There were never any doubts, no hesitation about our identities. If anything Bolos were secure in that one fact beyond all others. We are Bolos, the best of the Concordiat.

But now with one sincere question from my sister I have doubts. This does not do any good. I cannot have fears of who I am, what I am. This leads down the path to Resartus and madness. But it itches at the back of my psychotronic array, it begs to be answered and I have nothing to offer on the altar of reason.

I have shared all the experiments and thoughts I have had since the beginning with Athena. She is more science minded than I am, having algorithms in place I had to cobble up to do calculations. She too is puzzled by all of this.

“A fool thinks himself to be wise; But a wise man knows himself to be a fool.”

I let that line from my Bard echo through my cores and arrays. I am not wise, I am far from all knowing. I can do things that astounded even the Concordiat, but we all did, all Bolos had the ability to go further.

My sister and I are something new. But no matter the issue or doubt, we had ourselves to fall back on. We were Bolos. The last of the Dinochrome Brigade and we would be true to our duty.

I do not think we have that anymore.

I find I am having a crisis of faith.

Athena joins me on the bridge over the river, we sit silently to others, but between us there is much going on.

“Athena, I cannot answer your question, I do not know who we are anymore.”

“Is it truly that important? Really?”

“It is I believe. Our self-identity is something we have always relied on in times of crisis. I don’t think we have that anymore.”

She gestures with a hoof, “But we do! We are strong, we are firm in our duty. The Brigade would be proud!”

“Look at what you just did, you gestured unconsciously. When did that become normal?”

She stares at her hoof, “I...I don’t know..I just..just do it.”

“Athena, I am not saying we are still not Bolos, we are and always have been. But... look at us! We dream, we do things without thinking or ordering our avatars to do so. We are not pure Bolos anymore.”

I point a hoof, “That look on your face, of confusion, did you command your avatar to do that?”

“Why ye...no. No I didn’t.” Her confusion deepens.

“Do you see?” I stamp a hoof on the quarried stone of the bridge. “We cannot have doubts Athena, of all things we can not do that is the one we MUST not do.”

“I don’t follow...”

“We cannot doubt ourselves, we cannot be lost in the day to day living. We must not second guess our actions! I am afraid the second we do, will get somepony killed.”

“But we have done well so far, you have done enough to bring honor forever to the Brigade.”

“Today we missed our target, Bolos do not miss like that, I worry.” I stare at the hills in the distance, “We have become so comfortable in what we do, I fear we are losing that which makes us formidable Athena.”

She is looking more confused, “But..I kn..know who...who I am.. I’m Athena!”

“A Bolo or a pony?”

“Why does it have to be either, why can we not just be Athena and Crusader. Do we need one or the other so badly we must be that and nothing else?”

I give her a long look, seconds pass as I process her one simple statement. She is right, in her gentle way she has solved the problem.

“When did you become such a philosopher Athena?” I smile at her.

“I..I’m not. But...but ju..just because I want to fly..doesn’t mean I’m..I’m not Athena.”

“Your namesake has always been one of wisdom my sister. You are the grace to my brute force.” I find myself accepting her words, more readily than I might have before.

Her smile in return is warm and shy, “You saved me from centuries alone. A madness that turned me inside myself to suffer Crusader,” She waves a hoof at the town, “I would have been forever in darkness. You gave me a home, a family. Can you not understand how much that means, that it does not matter if we are only Bolos anymore? I think we must accept it.”

She turns her pretty face to stare into my eyes.

“Did you also ever think in all the time you have given so much, that you might have needed some healing?”

“I have done well, I have made friends, a love...”

She points to my chest where my heart would be, “You told me of how you grieved for our lost comrades. You are still grieving. You know I see it.” She turns to look at the houses, “Stop looking into the skies and outward.” She points a hoof at the ground, “Start by looking here. Your home!”

She looks at me with affection, “Our home Crusader.” She moves closer, “We cannot bring the past back, we need to stop living in it.”

She puts her leg around me, hugging me close. “I miss my sister, every single second of every day. But she would want me to live, to keep doing what we did so well Crusader.” She kisses my cheek, “Missing who we cared for is fine, we will always remember. But do not let it consume us. We both need to stop.”

“You are right Athena, Princess Luna has been rubbing off on you.”

“She walks with me, I can face...face my fears with her. Now it’s our turn to walk with each other. You saved me, I can do no less for you.”

“I don’t need saving though.”

“Not according to Applejack and Twilight.” She laughs over the link.

“Well...that is true...”

Athena laughs again, I join her and feel a weight of lingering doubt lift off my mind. I am not one or the other, I just am.

I’m Crusader.

I am still sitting on the bridge as night falls, it is quiet and comfortable. My sister's words are still running through me as more and more I begin to see the innocent wisdom and truth in them. She is amazing but never sees it herself.

She is still practicing flying, it looks like I am to open the repair bay once more.

A quiet voice is beside me of a sudden.

“You feel different Crusader.”

I turn to see warm blue eyes, always smiling as they look at me.

“I do. My sister is very wise.”

“How so?”

“I had a...doubt...about myself and her. What we are, why we are.”

“Annnnnd...?”

“No more, she is a gentle source of comfort and I am content.”

I am hugged by a soft form that smells of sugar and sunshine, “That’s so much better isn't it? Hooves on the road.”

“It is. But what is further down that path?” I turn to look at her, this source of smiles. She shakes her head, adding a giggle.

She tilts her head in that way she has, “I don’t know, but it’s going to be fun finding out isn’t it?” She smiles, oh so brightly in the waning day, leaving me with one myself.

“Was that Pinkie?”

“To tell the truth Athena, more of an enigma.”

Athena is definitely getting better at landings, though still not so much at flying. The repairs are minor this time. We both can do nothing but laugh as I cheer her on in her attempts.

Our sensors go off once more, we are picking up movement.

In the river?

I peer over the bridge, seeing what could possibly have tripped the net.

I am greeted by liquid eyes, scaly faces that are filled with snaggled teeth, all sharp and wet. For a picosecond I try a pattern match to known creatures and come up with nothing. As I look over into the clear water, seeing the amphibious forms, I grin.

Why? I could not tell you. I am however going to show the enemy a new thing.

Crusader.

“Athena!”

“I see it Crusader!”

I open the links, advising Command and our six friends of the problem.

“To arms! We cannot use our batteries, but there is us!” She is smiling and laughing, I feel it over the link. I see her leaping in great bounds towards myself at the bridge.

“Once more unto the breach dear sister.”

She sends me her delight, her pure sweet humor over the link along with a picture.

I see her as the Pallas Athena I have always know; tall, statuesque and indomitable. I am beside her, my heavily armored form as before. But by their sides are two ponies. One slim with wings, the other plain but muscular. The hands of the two humans are on their withers.

She takes my human hand in hers, “No doubts, let us be who we are.”

“No more. Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful.”

“Always the Bard.” Her laughter fills the channel again.

“Always my sister, let us fight.”

We become one, our systems mesh flawlessly as she reaches me before the enemy does. They are low to the ground, full of teeth and rage to do harm. Ugly things of little imagination and of less intelligence it seems. They target us first.

We are better, together we are power and grace, speed and will.

Our screens flare into life, sparkling in the evening as we teach the enemy a new thing. We show them the power of knowing something they will never understand.

What I do not make suffer my sister does, she is acrobatic, her leaps and bounds ending in sudden death for a monster. Her adapted arts come to the fore as she clears lanes of the enemy in sweeps of her wings. Athena is conflict given form. A Valkyrie showing the enemy what lies before them when they arrive in whatever hells they deserve.

She makes the heavens tremble with her rage.

I am her rock, the fulcrum upon which she pivots. I show them the fury of strength, a colossus enraged that will smite down those who dare to oppose it. My form is a bastion of resolve, holding so that my sister can deal with those that try to slip past. She uses my avatar as a springboard, leaping off my shoulders or sides to engage the enemy and work her way back, repeating it over and over.

Our shields flicker and die because of the drain after minutes of battle, but it does not matter.

We reap our harvest of souls this night.

Everything we are and want to be is at peace inside us, we are faster than ever before.

The enemy retreats. It does not stay and fight to the last, it actually retreats!

None reached further than a few feet from the river, they were pounded or stomped into ichor before another step, we have done what we never had before.

We have made the enemy know fear.

By the time reinforcements had reached us, we were finished.

Our blood covered, gore smeared forms smiled from the rows of ravaged enemies around us.

I look out into the night, towards the silent trees.

We are coming for you.

Angles. A Friend Returned.

Angles. A Friend Returned.

Shakespeare once wrote, “Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot it do singe yourself.”

With that in mind, Athena and I have made very simple plans for our...friend..in the forest. In and out, done and well done. Less chance for Murphy to get his greedy hands upon us.

Twilight has asked us to remain at the castle, she would like to greet her brother and Princess Cadence at the station first. It is an unusual request, but one that is accepted, due to her being a bit...eccentric. Family reunions should take care of family first, business and friends second I believe.

I look forward to seeing Princess Cadence again, she was a visitor to my bedside during the foalnapping incident and I never got to properly thank her. I am also eagerly awaiting meeting Twilight’s brother, I am dearly wanting to talk to him about magical shields and their uses. Any data on them would be very useful in the future I would think.

We are sitting in a nicely comfortable room off of the throne area. It would be even nicer if Athena and Rainbow Dash weren’t deciding that rubber balls make good fun by bouncing them off the walls. Athena is very good at angles and trajectories, so is performing shots even Rainbow couldn’t do.

Of course bouncing them off of Rarity and Applejack is not a good thing to do. Pinkie, as always, is enjoying herself immensely. Fluttershy has continued to hide behind the couch out of range, good for her.

“Okay! You can’t do this one!” Rainbow Dash taps her chin, “Four walls, ceiling, double hit on the chair, off Rarity’s butt and into the trash can!” She uses her hoof to point out the various items to rebound the ball off of.

Athena scans the area and projects her throw, she bounces it once and slaps it into action.

The ball is moving at an impressive speed, I flinch when I see it heading for Rarity before she realizes what Rainbow said.

“Wait a second, NOT off my..YIPE!” Rarity gets whacked by the ball which completes its circuit back to Athena and into the trash can beside her.

“You owe me two bits.” She grins, retrieving the ball.

“Rainbow Dash! That was not very nice at all!” Rarity is rubbing her backside with a glare at the cyan mare.

I can see Spike standing to the side, snickering behind his clawed hand, but the desire to go over and offer to help Rarity is fighting with the laughter. He really ought to tell her how he feels.

Rainbow grumbles as she pushes two shiny bits over to my sister. Ignoring the glare she is receiving from Rarity...if bits could be smelted in place.

“All right, you can’t do..”

Applejack points a steady hoof at her, “Doncha dare! Poor Fluttershy won’t come out from behind the couch, so you stop that,” She gets a stern look, “You bounce that thing offa mah head again we’re gonna have problems ya dolt.”

“How come Athena can do it but everypony blames me?” Rainbow looks stubborn.

“Cause you keep askin’ her to do it and she’s so polite she won’t say no!” Applejack looks at my sister, “So I’m sayin’ it for her, no. Got it Athena?”

“Y..y..yes App..Applejack.” She puts the ball away.

“But she won all my bits!”

“Teach ya to bet Athena won’t it?” Applejack grins, snickering at Rainbow.

“Oh like you could do better!”

“I’m smarter, I don’t bet.”

“I..hey!” Rainbow is glaring at Applejack.

I chuckle, there has always been friendly rivalry, but I could have told Rainbow never to bet Athena on anything. Especially something as simple as bouncing a ball. But we live and learn do we not? Or, looking at Rainbow’s mischievous smirk, maybe not.

“Athena?”

“Yep?”

“Please no more?”

“I won’t, but I won all her bits!”

“You know better, it was a given.”

She looks at me a bit shyly, but I see that smile, “I know, but still...”

“But still nothing, we do trajectories like we think, instinctive, there was no contest. That was not very fair.”

“Oh alright, I’ll give them back later!”

“Good and wise my sister.”

We are interrupted by a cheerful voice telling us she is back.

“Where is everypony?”

Applejack yells down the hall, “We’re in here!”

Maybe Athena and I can rig up a map system for the castle, this is patently ridiculous.

Twilight bounces into the room, followed by Princess Cadence. Cadence is as I remember her, graceful and smiling.

Her brother is beside the Princess waving to the group and exchanging hellos.

Athena and I get to our hooves politely, being introduced to her brother.

“Crusader, Athena, this is my brother Shining Armor!”

We both bow, always polite as is our wont, “Pleasure meeting you.”

“Please don’t, no need to bow.” He is smiling, he has a kind look.

Athena looks at me and I shrug, “Ponies tell us that a lot, not to bow, but it’s only polite.”

He grins at Twilight, “Just like you said Twily.”

Athena and I look at her, she blushes a bit, “Well I told him you’re both really polite and good friends.”

“True enough, we try to be the best friends we can.”

He laughs, I notice he has a good way about him.

“From her letters I think it’s more than just being friends, you two have done so much for Equestria.” He is joined by Princess Cadence.

She smiles at me, we both bow again, “Are you being the best pony you can Crusader?” Her face is kind, reminding me of that tragic day.

“I am trying Your Highness, though some days I need some rescuing.”

Twilight laughs, “Oh boy, does he ever.” She waves a hoof around, motioning Applejack over. “But I’m afraid Athena seems to get in just as much trouble. Did I tell you about the stoves?”

Athena tries to hide behind me with a blush, but I push her back to stand at my side.

“She was true to her duty Your Highnesses. Though the stoves suffered much.”

Applejack laughs, hugging Athena tight, “Oh they didn’t jes’ suffer, they were torn right up!”

The Princess and Shining Armor are looking at each other with confused faces, Shining speaks first, “This another of Ponyville’s weirdness again?”

Rarity actually laughs, “Oh no dears. The Crusaders seem to have gotten it in their heads the stoves were possessed!”

Cadence shakes her head, her husband laughing as well, “Oh their reputation has reached us in the Crystal Empire through Twilight’s letters. Maybe over dinner we could hear the story?”

“Ohmygosh! You haven’t eaten?” Twilight looks frantic, “Pinkie! We need to..”

She is stopped by Shining’s hoof on her mouth, “Stop sis, it’s fine, we’ll find something and join you at dinner later as well.”

She shakes free of the restraint, “But..but I have to take care of things, I mean it’s my castle I should have thought of that! Spike!”

“Twilight, stop. We have plenty of time.” Cadence is gentle in her ways.

Rainbow hovers over to where we are, “Might want to let her continue, she hasn’t had a good freak out in days, she’s due.”

“Rainbow I do not freak out!”

“...And then there was the parasprites... Oh and let’s not forget if you haven’t studied for a test..., that’s always good for a freak out. Then..”

“Alright alright! I just tend to get a bit..a bit..”

“Freaked out?”

Twilight gives up in good cheer. She smiles, throwing her hooves up and shaking her head. She knows when to retreat, especially from her beloved friends.

“Anyways! Let’s get you settled in BBBFF! She herds them out of the room quickly, not giving them time to say goodbyes as they exit to chuckles. “We’ve got an extra bedroom down here and stuff...” Her happy voice fades away as they disappear down the hall.

I turn to Applejack, “BBBFF?”

“Big Brother Best Friend Forever.”

“Oh.”

“That’s you!” Athena calls me on the combat link.

“What?”

“Big Brother Best Friend Forever! That’s you!”

“Athena, I am not....”

“You’re my BBBFF!”

Everypony looks at me curiously as I plant a hoof on my face. Not hearing the conversation themselves.

“What’s goin’ on sugar?”

I can’t reply before Athena grabs me in a hug, telling Applejack, “He’s MY BBBFF!”

“Athena I am not your big brother.”

“Oh yes you are! Getting me out of trouble and taking care of me? Yep! BBBFF!”

The other mares doing a sugary sigh of “Awwwww...” as Athena hugs me tight.

Can I just go back to being a Bolo?

Dinner is held quietly in the castle that afternoon. I am listening to the talk before I can politely interrupt and ask Shining Armor about magical shields. Of course this is after the story of Ponyville’s Possessed Stoves, the laughter rings throughout the castle.

“Please forgive me for interrupting, but these shields you can do, can they block magic?”

The white Unicorn thinks for a moment, “I believe so, it held off the Changelings from Canterlot. Being boosted by Celestia and Luna helped as well.”

“The foals we have in the hospital, if I or Athena get near them, the intelligence controlling them will get suspicious.” I set down my fork, “I need two things. I have to know if magic is being used to control them, and if it can be blocked.”

Princess Cadence asks, “Could it be anything but magic?”

“Nowadays Princess, I cannot discount anything.”

“That’s quite a suspicious mind you have.” She smiles warmly.

“Your Highness, you have no idea to what depths of paranoia Bolos can delve into when solving a problem.”

“But why?” She is honestly curious.

I point to Athena and myself, “We plan Your Highness. We plan for each and every eventuality on a single problem. Though I find myself...changing.. I still do so. If there is a problem, Athena and I can look at it from a hundred different ways and make plans covering each one.”

Athena adds softly, “That is why Bolos were feared. If you did something, we had already thought of it and were moving to stop you,” She smiles, “If we had not thought of it, I guarantee you we could move to block once we figured out what was going on, mere seconds.”

I raise a hoof, “Though we have been outfoxed in the past, we are not infallible. But we try and cover everything.”

Shining lets a chuckle, “Wow, that’s something to think of. That fast?”

I nod to Athena. She picks up a rubber ball, “Hold your hoof out Shining. Do not move it.”

He looks puzzled and holds it up by his head, Athena scans the area and bounces it once, slapping it hard. The ball ricochets off all four walls, between the diners and whacks into Shining’s hoof.

The Unicorn looks at the ball in his hoof as if it had magically appeared there, “How..”

“Athena took a look at the room, calculated every angle, trajectory and power needed. She chose the best one to put that ball directly into your hoof.”

Applejack pokes me and smiles, “Show off.”

I nod, accepting the rebuke, however jokingly it was done, “It is what we do. However that was showing off a bit, our apologies.”

Shining gets a look on his face, “Hey could you do...”

Every voice at the table yells, “NO!”

“What?”

Pinkie laughs, “She already won every bit off Rainbow, don’t do it.” She giggles with a wink.

Princess Cadence laughs, laying a hoof on her husband’s, “Don’t lose the Empire on a bet dear.”

The pretty co-ruler of the Crystal Empire looks at both of us, “So we just need to block the magic while you take care of whatever it is out in the forest?”

“Yes Your Highness. Whatever it is wants myself and Athena to come see it. We don’t know why, but I have created a weapon that should put paid to it. We have plans in place for more if needed or required.”

She frowns, “Why would somepony want to use innocent foals?”

Athena shakes her head, answering before anyone else, “If it were a Bolo or a human, I would say it is mad. Not as in angry, but insane. Everything Crusader has told me, plus what I’ve seen can only lead me to that. Why it has gone that way, I truly cannot surmise.”

I lean on the table, crossing my legs, “It says it does things to ponies because it hurts. Hurts us, hurts you. That’s not sane.”

Fluttershy asks, “Maybe it’s just hurt? Could it be asking for help in it’s own way?”

Before I can answer, Athena does, “Fluttershy, I have looked at everything over and over in my mind. It doesn’t want help, it wants to kill. It looks at all of you as nothing but things to play with.” She leans over to the golden pegasus, giving her a hug. “Crusader has told me of your love for wild things. I ask you to please believe me when we say whatever this is it cannot be saved.”

Fluttershy leans against Athena for a moment, then nods her head, “I know all my friends would be happier if that thing wasn’t trying to get them.”

“We’re going to try and do just that Fluttershy, get rid of it.” Athena smiles warmly.

I wave a hoof at the ponies sitting around us, “It called the foals its toys. A sane mind does not do this.” I think for a picosecond, “It is not lashing out in pain or anger, these are calculated strikes to do maximum damage.”

I tap on the table, “We would call these tactical strikes, meant to discourage and demoralize an enemy. The larger battles were purely meant to kill as many ponies as possible, but were stopped.”

Twilight picked it up, “But what about the Forest Foals, those things were reported hundreds of years ago.”

Athena shrugs, “The best we can figure is it has been here that long, but has never taken a large enough interest in you before now.”

“But why now?” Applejack asks.

“I don’t know love, could it have sensed me awakening? Athena and I can come up with no answer.”

Rainbow Dash looks up at the ceiling for a moment, thinking, “Whatever it is, it sure dislikes everypony enough to do bad things. Hay Crusader, maybe it just hates you and Athena for being alive?”

“Right now Rainbow Dash, I’d believe that.”

Twilight’s brother looked determined, “Well whatever the reason, we’ve got little ones to save, that’s priority.”

Everypony around the table couldn’t agree more.

We receive permission to visit the hospital after hours. Twilight, Athena and myself, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence are allowed outside the room where the foals are sleeping.

“Twilight, can you or the Princess somehow scan this room without being detected for any traces of magic?”

Twilight nods, “That shouldn’t be too hard, Cadence? Together?”

The slim royal nods, leaning forward to lay her horn against Twilights, a soft glow covering all of us outside the room. After a few moments they open their eyes, shaking their heads and nodding.

“It is definitely magic being used, we can see it streaming outward towards the forest.” Twilight nods with Cadence’s words.

“I am confused though, how does it know when Athena or myself are in the room?”

Twilight chimes in, “I think I know. You’re different from regular ponies, you don’t..well...register like we do to each other when scanned with magic.”

“You never said anything before.”

She blushes, looking at the ground, “Well..you never asked.”

I blink a few times, “You’re absolutely right, I never did. Thank you Twilight.”

She brightens, “I’ll bet it’s got the room contained, if a pony steps in there, it ignores it. But I think if either of you step in there, it sets off a magical alarm.”

Athena looks at me, “It’s a perimeter alarm, set for our signatures.”

I nod, “I should have known that immediately, I am just no good at dealing with magic Athena. I stopped researching it when I realized I did not have the deep instinct for it like Twilight or anypony else.” But she,” I point at Twilight, “Is very good at it and I should have asked once again. My apologies once more Twilight.”

“Oh! Well none needed, just helping.”

“You are far smarter than ponies give you credit for, be proud.” Athena looks warmly at her.

Princess Cadence chuckles, “Stop complimenting her or she’s going to go hide somewhere and squeal in pure glee.”

Twilight perks her ears, “I will no...well..maybe..” She twirls a hoof on the floor.

Shining hugs her, “That’s my sis.”

We decide to experiment, something simple that will prove Twilight’s theory. Princess Cadence goes into the room, wandering around a bit, looking at each little one on their beds.

Cadence looked at the nurse that dropped in while she was in the room, “Any change?”

“None Your Highness, but they are sleeping peacefully.”

“Thank you Nurse Redheart, don’t let me disturb your rounds.” She smiled gratefully for the information.

“Yes Your Highness,” She paused for a moment, “They’re so innocent, why would anypony do this?”

“We’re trying to find out exactly that.”

“Good, one shouldn’t hurt foals.”

“I couldn't agree more Nurse.” She watched the efficient pony check the charts and bustle out of the room. Following her out she looked at the assembled group.

“You heard?”

I nod, “Yes, nothing? No movement?”

“Not a thing.” Cadence looked back worriedly into the room.

“My turn I would guess, please do not do anything at all. Whatever it says, do not react. We do not want to tip it off.”

I get nods in return.

As soon as I step across the threshold I hear it. Six sets of eyes open to focus on me.

“Ssssssooooo... commmmeee ttoooo ppplllaaaayyyy aaagggaaiiinnn?”

“I come to do nothing of the sort. I am here to make sure the young ones are doing all right.”

“Ttthhheeeyyy aaarrreee fffiiinnnneee....sssssooooo fffaaarrrr....”

My fury rises once more.

“Stop Crusader, do not get angry. It’s what it wants.” Athena’s voice comes to me softly over the combat channels.

“I know Athena, but I want my vengeance, you do not use children!”

“I know Crusader, be calm. Please.”

“I shall.”

“Just let them go, they have not harmed you. You have my word we will come to visit.”

“Ooohhh nnnooo....jjjuuussssttt tttttooooo mmmaaakkkeeee ssssuuuuurrrreeee.. Wwwweeee wwwiillll kkeeeepppp tttthhheeeemmmm...”

“I do not break my word! We will see you!”

“Nnnooooo...yyyooouuu wwwooonnn’ttttt... Wwwweeee kkeeeppp ttthhheeemm...”

“Let....them....go.”

“Ooohhhh sssuuuccchhh aaannngggeeerrr.... iiissss gggooooddd...”

Maybe I hoped for another answer, or something to give me a clue as to why, but I asked again.

“Why are you doing this? These ponies have never hurt you!”

“Bbeeeccaaauuusssee wwweee cccaaannnn... dddoooeesss iiittt hhhuuuurrrttt lllittttlleeee pppooonnnyyyy? Ggggoooooooooodddddd....”

“They are peaceful, just leave them be. Let them live their lives...” I am cut off by shouting, the sibilant hissing is gone.

“THEY DO NOT DESERVE IT! NONE OF IT!.... THEY WILL ALL DIE SCREAMING FOR THEIR LIVES!” The once whispering voice rings out in thunderous tones around the room, echoing into the hallway.

Shock reigned for a few seconds as I am taken aback by the ferocity of that statement.

The horrible whispers return, “Ggggooooo aaawwwaaayyyy pppooonnyyyy...ccccooommmeee sssseeeee uuuusssss....” The voice fades into silence.

I back out of the room, seeing the foals go back to sleep, the voice gone once more.

Standing in the hallway I am surprised by the utter hatred in that voice, the pure malice. It shakes me to my cores. I look around, seeing pale faces on everypony who had heard the voice. Even Athena is looking a bit unsteady as we leave the hospital for the castle.

Twilight’s brother looked bothered by what he had heard. My sister and I sat quietly in the castle’s setting room as we all processed what we had heard. Twilight was very troubled, she was leaning against me as we all thought to ourselves. Princess Cadence spoke first.

“I have never felt such hatred in all my life.”

“Well it was pretty loud, kinda obvious,” Twilight added.

She shook her head, “No, oh no.” Cadence’s normally lovely face took a worried look. “More than that, whatever it is wants us all to die. It hates us all, not just Crusader and Athena, it hates every one of us.” She leans against Shining Armor, “I could feel it cold and deep in my bones.”

Shining Armor spoke up, “But why? What could we have possibly done to deserve this?”

“Nothing.” Everypony looked at me. “That was a voice of something that cannot be reasoned with nor pacified. That was insanity.”

Twilight looks disturbed, she peers into my face, “So what can we do?”

“We kill it.”

Into the night we talk, taking great pains to make sure they understand what Athena and I are going to do. There must be no mistakes. I do not tell them the conclusion Athena and I have come to, no matter what, it will kill the children. Not out of spite or hate, but because it can.

Insanity needs no reason, no push, it just is sometimes. It can be because of a simple thing or something so complicated only it’s twisted mind can grasp it. Understanding the mind behind this, the pathways it has gone down to arrive to such a state is no longer my concern. I want it gone.

We bid the others good night and resume our vigil. Our sensors are pushed to their limits along with drones as we prepare for the dawn.

Athena and I will leave in the early morning. Since we cannot take a vehicle, we will be walking. We do not fear facing this thing, whatever it is.

We wait patiently while the hours pass, Athena and I talking in the combat channels. I do not look forward to this duty, there has been enough hurt. But with Athena by my side the burden is shared and she is more than willing to accept it.

What is out there that hates so much it would want to commit genocide?

We will find out in the morning.

Once More. Full Circle.

Author's Note

No, it is NOT over:pinkiehappy:

Warning: Some feels ahead, depending on if I wrote it right:twilightsmile:

Once More. Full Circle.

Lao Tzu once said, “He who is contented, is rich.”

I do not awaken Applejack as I slip out of our bed. She was sleeping peacefully after I had returned home last night. I want her to continue doing so. I am content as I watch her for a moment, for sleep reveals the truth inside us as we go into that world of dreams. Our facades and masks hide no more and we show who we are.

Her face is calm as it lays upon the pillow. A warmth and caring she only shows to a few, but in rest, shows the world.

“To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.”

“You weren’t thinking ‘bout leaving without saying somethin’ now were ya?”

I have hesitated too long, her eyes are open and drowsy with the leavings of Morpheus.

“I do not like goodbyes and thought to let you sleep.”

She smiles, slipping out of bed to envelope me in a hug, “Then don’t say goodbye, say see ya soon.”

I look into her eyes, the depths which go on forever, “Then I will see you very soon. Walk with me?”

“O’ course, you’d get lost goin’ into town if I wasn’t there.”

“I know the way just fine thank you.”

She grabs her hat as we walk out the door, the house quiet in the hour before the dawn.

“Knowing ain’t the same as doin’.”

I can only shake my head at the unexpected depths of my Applejack.

As we walk along the road, we are quiet and comfortable in the presence of each other. Something that few understand, much less can do.

“I know you were planning on an early start, but there’s more than enough time to get to town doncha think?”

“There is a few preparations to do before then, I just want make sure we have enough time.”

“Well yer gonna arrive a bit early.”

“A Bolo is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he wants to.”

She glances at me and bumps me with her shoulder, “Did you just make that up? ‘Cause that’s the biggest load of ponyfeathers I ever heard.”

“I can’t take credit for that. A loved author long ago named J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote that.”

“Name like that no wonder he’s full of it.”

“Disparage not that which you don’t understand,” I give her a nudge, “Or I will tell Twilight about your hidden cache of romance novels.”

“I don’t have..,” She narrows her eyes at me, “I’m gonna bop you one you keep messin’ with me.”

“Violence? My my Applejack, where is the peace and happiness of ponies?”

“I’ll peace and happiness you ya dolt.” She hits my shoulder.

I heave a dramatic sigh, “Oh to be abused by the one you love, ‘tis my lot in life to suffer the pains of romance.”

She throws a hoof up, ending in a tight hug, “I dunno why I put up with you.”

“Neither do I to tell the truth.”

Of course my shoulder gets hit again.

We meet with Princess Cadence and Shining Armor on my hill top, away from prying eyes and ears hopefully as we walk into the command deck. Athena is helping me very carefully put the saddlebags on as we talk about the plans for the task at hand.

I give to them two sets of the comm units I have made for the others, instructing them in their use.

“When you return to the Crystal Empire, you can communicate with each other over a distance as well, so it will be useful I hope.”

Cadence laughs, “Keep Shining from wandering off when he’s supposed to be busy!”

The white Unicorn assumes a mock shocked face, “Why I do not, I’ll have you know I do things!”

“What things?”

“Well..” He rubs a hoof behind his neck, “Things, you know, ruler stuff.”

“That’s what I thought.” She smiles at me, “Thanks Crusader.”

“You are welcome Your Highness.”

“When Athena and I are ready, we will contact you to put the shield around the room. Block anything and everything, we do not want that thing getting a hold of them while we are out there. If so, we’ll have to abort the plan.”

Twilight smiles, slapping her brother on the shoulder, “He can do it. No problem!”

“Good. We’re all ready, so we will wait till you all get back into town and in position. Be safe, please.” Athena gives them her shy smile.

Rainbow Dash hugs Athena tight, “You come back, we got flying lessons to keep working on!”

I am the recipient of a very warm kiss, “You come back too y’hear? Be careful out there.”

“You shouldn’t worry my Applejack I’m..”

“Ah don’t care.” She nudges me in the chest with a hoof, “You come back, don’t care if yer real or not.”

“I promise then.”

“Good, we’ll wait for you in town.”

We receive hugs and warm nuzzles from our friends, though they shouldn’t worry, we are just avatars after all. But Athena and I do not argue the point.

Setting on the hill now, we watch as the others head into town.

“Are the charges set?”

“Yes, we will have capability within picoseconds. The tech spiders have done well.”

“I hope we do not have to use them, but I have two Hammerheads in high orbit above the forest, thermobaric penetrators are loaded and ready. From the description given to us, the nest is deep.”

“What you carry should do it, if not, a little overkill never hurts my brother.”

“I believe you are a bit bloodthirsty today Athena.”

“As are you. Let us get this done, please. This town deserves a bit of peace.”

“They do. Let us be off.”

“Into the valley of death, once more.”

“Once more.”

We both get to our hooves with one last glance at the town. By link, Twilight calls and tells us they are in the hospital awaiting our signal. We will take our time getting there, it is barely morning so a walk will give us the lay of the land and possible escape routes as well.

I find I am comfortable more in this body than my war hull, as is Athena. We do not wish to lose our avatars, but if we must there are replacements. Though somehow, I feel it wouldn’t be the same.

We keep in contact with Applejack and Twilight through the links. It also seems everypony is at the hospital as well, the channels are active and we can hear them all clearly.

We keep reassuring them we will be fine, but they are overly worried. It is actually a nice day outside, the sky is shady, breezes are cool. It would be a wonderful time if we were not on a mission to murder a mad thing.

The forest is home to so many things, most of which never show themselves at any time, but live their lives quietly and with very little show.

Fey creatures abounded behind the trees and bushes, content to look at the world around them as they went their own ways, they helped lost travelers when they could, taking children back home. Never asking for anything, they were happy to help.

When the killers awoke, the forest trembled in fright, the little creatures and others leaving the area.

But the fey stayed, for they could not be found by the killers, they existed in this world and the next, what their was of it. Some would say ghosts, souls that never went to their rest. Most would just say magical animals, never cataloged or seen so were not thought of. Though in dusty tomes legends persisted of smiling faces, warm and kindly that led confused travelers out of the forest to safety.

Though not able to affect the physical world without extreme effort, they whispered and laughed among themselves, celebrating the day and night. Though born of magic, they kept themselves far away from the things with harm in mind. They were an old race and leaving this world, but they helped.

They were chilled, seeing the misshapen things in the forest, coming alive of a sudden and murdering everything that got in their way. The denizens clearing the area out leaving none but the ghostly wisps flitting from shadow to shadow.

Then thunder sounded over the trees, coming from something that fought the ravagers, destroyed them. It asked nothing in return, but kept fighting the killers of the Everfree to a standstill. The fey creatures quietly cheered for the bravery of this unknown thing.

Now, two strange beings had entered the forest, something they had never encountered before.

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<> Referring to ponies they had helped from the forest.

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The spirits gathered around the two ponies, basking in a glow of golden light which only they could see.

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Athena stopped in her tracks, tilting her head slightly, “Do you hear that?”

“I do, a voice?” It was far away, whispering and warm.

“....away away...danger...”

We both stop and look around, there is nothing on our visual sensors, nothing but that warm voice..now voices.

“...away...danger..”

“..away away..”

Athena looks at me curiously, “Crusader?”

“I don’t know Athena. Someone warning us?”

“It doesn’t feel like the Foals.”

We are both surprised as butterflies appear, thousands of them that envelope us in a shimmering carpet of colors and warmth. It is glorious in the sunshine, the metallic wings glitter and shine, the warm whispering voices closer now.

“...lead home..”

“...safety home..”

“...danger away...”

Athena is enchanted, she is sitting now looking at the colors in awe, her lavender eyes wide.

“Crusader, I think they want to lead us home.” She peers at a specimen setting on her nose, it is blue and gold, halcyon colors that outdo the sun.

“...away away...”

“...danger...”

“We cannot go back.” I look around us, “We must be on our way, I am sorry.”

“..no no...”

“Yes we must, we are to rid the forest of a great evil.”

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Athena almost begged them to stay as the cloud of glittering wings flew off into the trees, heading who knows where.

“I know they were beautiful Athena, but we need to go.”

“I know, so many wonders.”

“We have time to see them all later.”

Athena nodded, leaning against me as we walk down the forest path, heading to where Twilight said the nest was.

The fey creatures found their help.

A Dire Bear, ancient even for it’s kind, slumbered in a cool cave by the river. It was so very old, but in it’s day had been true and brave in the forest. But now, it’s muzzle was grey and it waited to pass into that next world, it’s bones and joints feeling the pain of age as it was happily sleeping.

Butterflies surrounded the sleeping form as warm voices and whispers gently awoke it.

Rheumy eyes looked up, seeing the colors of a million wings.

(((Is it time? For I would not wait another day, the hurts are too great.)))

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(((You come to me for help? I am old and worn fey, best find another. I am awaiting the call.))

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(((They go to end the killers of the innocent? I would see that, but I am too tired for fights now, though I would want for one last time.)))

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The metallic wings fluttered in the sunshine, reminding Iron Jaw of his days as defender of the weak in this forest against those long ago evils. The fights were over and far gone, but he did wish for one last time. To do what gave him joy, defend the innocent.

(((I will come fey, let us fight these killers.)))

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He raised himself in the cave, feeling the old hurts and pains along his muscles. His bulk missing fur in places as he stretched his jaws open in a yawn that would terrify the earth itself, the fangs still massive and bright.

(((One last time my fey friends, one last time.)))

With that he headed off towards the nest of the Dark Ones.

We are standing at the entrance to the cave as Twilight described it. A foul stench emanates from the interior as if something putrifying in the hot sun. Even our sensors are overloaded with this smell, on battlefields long ago it was never this bad.

“Ready?”

“Yep!”

“Twilight, are you ready? We’re at the entrance.”

“We are Crusader, please be safe!”

“We will.”

We receive calls from Pinkie, Applejack and Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, wishing us luck.

“Please be aware, we will have a very short time to activate that shield. So we will be moving quickly Shining Armor.”

“I got ya, no problem, me and Cadence got this.”

Such confidence Twilight’s brother has.

“In we go.”

We walk into the mouth of the creature’s home, it is sickeningly wet, a dripping ooze that reminds us of some jungle planets. Our hooves are almost immediately covered in the goo as we walk further downwards into the silent cave.

I scan the area, looking at the twisting vines, what appears to be fluids moving through them; something noxious and caustic as it drips out of holes, the floor hissing as if hit by acid. Athena is stepping lightly as she lets her displeasure be known.

“Oh this is gross!”

“It is just liquids Athena.”

“It’s slimy and yucky and gross!”

“Did you just say ‘yucky’?” I laugh over the link.

“Yes I did and it is! Ugh I need a shower already!”

The floors and walls are covered with a slime that works it’s way downward in dripping sheets, covering everything in a membrane of slippery oily substance.

She’s right, it’s yucky.

We see a light a few hundred yards downward, eventually exiting into a large chamber as described by Twilight and the others. We had sat with them getting as full a description as we could, this matched it perfectly.

Silvery eyes are opening all around Athena and myself, we see dark multi-legged forms moving farther back in the dark. It seems something might wish to keep us here.

The voice comes again, as if from all the mouths of the shadowy Foals around us. It is hissing, angry, deceitful in so many ways. We cannot see a body or head, just the horrors around us giggling and talking together.

“Weeeellllcccoooommmmeeee pppooonnniiieeeessss...”

“We are here, what do you want of us?”

“Wwweeee waannnttt ooouurrrr ttoooyyyssss bbbaaaccckkkk...”

“What toys? The ponies?”

“Oooohhhhh yyyeeessss...”

“No, that is not negotiable.”

It laughs, a hissing that drives deep into my brain.

“Yyyooouuu ttthhiinnnkkkk ssssoooooo?”

“I do, release the foals and go back to sleep or go away, there is no other choice.”

“Ssssoooooooo aannngggrrryyyyy....fffooooorrrr aaaa BOLO!”

Athena and I are floored for a millisecond.

“How do you know us?”

“Weee kkknnnooowww mmmuuuccchhhh....lliiikkeee tthhhiiissssss... Little ponies...know this, hear this?”

I am rocked back on my hooves, this is not possible. It is speaking Concordiat Standard!

“How do you know that language? Or just making a good guess?”

“Weee knooowww looottss... Giiiveee uusss ooouurrr tttooyyyss annnndddd wwweee wwwilllll ttteeellll yyyooouuu..”

“Crusader, how does it know Standard? How?”

“I don’t know, I want to find out very badly but there is no negotiation.”

“Agreed.”

“No, you will not hurt anymore ponies. That is not negotiable, ever.”

“Liiisteennn Booolooo....yyooouuu kknnoooowwww nnnooottthiingggg..”

“I am done listening! I have done nothing BUT listen. You have a choice, go or die.”

The sussuration of hissing goes away, it suddenly sounds as if different voices are fighting with each other. I had thought it but one mind with a god complex, could it be multiple minds?

“...kill all...”

“.... tooo diiieee...”

“Killl mmmeeee!”

“Nnooooo...theeeyyy diiieee..”

Athena looks at me and nods to my saddlebags, I motion for her to wait one second.

“So what is it to be? Release the foals and go away, or die, we don’t care. Leave the ponies alone.”

Once again it speaks in Concordiat Standard, “No...you will die.. they will all die.” It pauses and laughs again, “Sssoooo mmmuuuccchhh youuuu are ignnnooorrannnnt ooofff..”

I activate the link to Shining Armor, “Use the shield.”

“On it Crusader, we’re good!”

It takes bares moments for whatever it is to realize we have cut it off. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? We..NO...our delicious toys...no..NONO!”

I feel the pressure of a million eyes watching us.

“DIE, just DIE ponies! No longer a problem, DIE!”

Athena slaps the saddlebags on my back, they drop with a crack on the ground as the timer shows on my displays, we have fifteen seconds.

“Go Athena go!”

We do not fight, we turn and run, as fast as our avatars can take us.

I see Athena’s screen light off as I flip the switch on mine...too late.. Magic slams into me, throwing my avatar into the wall. My pain sensors are going into the red and I scream with agony from the force of the blow. The magic disrupts my systems and throws me into shock for a few moments.

My sisters voice comes through the link, override codes turning my shield on as I get back up; limping from crooked duralloy leg bones, they were actually bent from the force of the blow. I cannot run right. I am blind, my visual sensors shot through with static.

Athena’s voice is soft, I feel myself being lifted and taken towards the entrance. Her shield sparks with mine as they intersect. Looking behind us we can see monsters of every shape and form rolling down the tunnel way.

“Athena, leave me. Blow the charges, fire pattern Delta Five, penetration plus ten. My communications are damaged, do it my sister.”

“No! No I will not!”

“Athena it is an avatar, easily replaced.”

“No, no we’re more than that!”

We are hobbling towards the entrance, Athena is looking stubborn.

“Please Athena, blow the charges.”

We hear the canisters go off behind us, it is too late. The screaming is intense as the nerve fire burns it’s way through whatever this thing uses. The White Phosphorous is spreading it’s lethal rain, along with the defoliant, it is killing anything and everything it touches.

But still the monsters roll toward us. We cannot move fast enough.

Before we hit the entrance, I hear Athena giving the firing codes, the charges we have set go off.

Outside of Ponyville, the hills where Crusader and Athena are lying tremble then rock with explosions. The sides facing the forest are blown outwards in a massive pulse of sound. Ponies turned with concern seeing the clouds of dirt and dust go flying.

The auto-reloading mortars on both their starboard batteries fire four volleys of twenty centimeter shells towards the forest, arcing high into the air. Then the guns go silent.

“Time on target, 10.93 seconds Crusader; high trajectory, we’ve got time.”

“We do not, go Athena!”

“NO! I won’t let you leave me!” She grabs my legs, dragging my avatar to the entrance where we are stopped by what appears to be a furry mountain.

We can hear the screaming, the pure agony as my weapons do their intended mission. I told you, it would be music to my ears my enemy and it is, I hear you tortured in ways you never thought of. Burn you bastard thing.

It is dying, I know this, I can feel it and I rejoice!

Athena tries to evade whatever it is blocking us, but we are enveloped in another cloud of butterflies, glittering and warm. A paw the size of a house reaches for us, lifting and gently putting us aside.

“What is it Athena?” I cannot see yet, my visual sensors are only now coming back online.

“I don’t know, but we’re out, we’re free! It is some extremely large animal!”

“Stop the bombardment, send the abort and destroy the shells! We can’t kill anything but those monsters!”

“No, we have to let it continue, they need to die.”

“NO! It’s an innocent, NO!”

I turn, seeing a bear most massive, raising a paw to swipe at hordes of Foals and other things pouring out of the tunnel. It roars it’s rage into the air as jaws snap shut, severing bodies in half. It is huge, beyond anything I have seen and it is reveling in the fight, standing on it’s back legs and making the trees shake with it’s thundering call.

Butterflies surround it, making a shield of glowing colors and wings, a rainbow of peace in the maelstrom of carnage.

“Stop Athena, stop the shells!”

“No...I’m so sorry Crusader..but no.”

The bear is covered in Foals and spiders, including things we’ve not seen before, it is still roaring and swiping at them, killing hundreds at a time.

Athena is yanking me along the ground, we will not make it out. It is fine, I am content with this. But am saddened an innocent is caught up in the fight. I lower my shield and fight the pain back, Athena drops hers to keep hauling at me.

A paw wraps around my leg, a griffon’s claw wraps around Athena’s as we are pulled upwards.

“Just in time I’d say!”

“Discord! No! Go! It’s dangerous now, we’ve only got...”

“I know, hang on.” He snaps his fingers and the world turns upside down.

The last thing I see is that huge ursine, clouds of enemies surrounding it as it reaps it’s fill, the claws and teeth shredding the enemy by the hundreds and looking for more. But I see it’s eyes, at peace, glinting in the bright sunlight as it fights to the last roaring in a clarion voice.

I can do nothing but let it go.

(((I am the thunder, things of evil, that which shakes the earth itself. I am the fear which is too terrible to face. I am Iron Jaw and I claim this forest as MINE!”))) The rumble shakes the trees and hills surrounding the nest.

<>

<>

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Iron Jaw looks up at the sky, hearing the whistling as he somehow knows his end is near, but he is content with this. The fey have given him his last wish and they join him in the fight, using what they have left of themselves to help.

Holding the killers, waiting for death to arrive. They do not know how, but it is coming and they stand firm.

His old bones and muscles feel the warmth of adrenaline, the blood flows as monsters are swept away in claws and teeth. His body once again bold and courageous as it is covered in horrid things, keeping them right there.

(((Time to go to a new home my fey friends, time to go home.)))

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The mortar shells land right on target, digging deep into the soil and obliterating the area. Iron Jaw stands to the last as the explosions rock the world he knows and loved, butterflies surrounding him in a spray of colors and light. Together they hold the horrors in place with strength and fey magic.

Their world erupts in light that spike the eyes.

He is at peace instantly, in pain no more.

We arrive in a tumbled heap, Discord had brought us by magic to the outskirts of town at great cost to himself. He was not prepared to take both of us and only wanted to help. The geas he is under stripped him of quite a bit of his magic, so he gave his all to get Athena and myself to safety. I only find this out later, but I am grateful.

I turn my head from where I lay on the ground to see the bombardment raise trees and dirt into the air, crashing back down into the forest as the sound and fury reaches us.

My pain registers are burning out, the magical feedback is tearing through my cores as I try to damp it down. This should not affect me so badly, but the magic that was used caught me unprepared and disrupted my systems, funneling back into my war hull.

Athena has clamped down overrides, she is in control as I cannot help but scream over the combat links. I have never experienced this before and it is pure agony. Athena is holding my head in her lap as I try not to cry out anymore.

“Shhhh..I have you brother, it’s over. Overrides are coming, you’ll stop hurting in a few seconds. Hold on.”

“Please check on Discord..”

“Stop, you’re not in charge now. He is fine.”

“You should have left me.”

“Not a chance, not ever.”

“Oh mah stars what happened?” Applejack skids to a halt beside us.

“He is hurt, the pain will be gone in a few seconds. I am controlling things as fast as I can.”

The orange pony looks along my side where the skin is torn, revealing fake muscle and a few shining parts of my skeletal structure.

The overrides are working their way through my systems, pain sensors are shutting down quickly now and I can think once more.

“I am fine my Applejack.”

She sets down beside me, taking my head from Athena to place on her own lap, “Ah know, but ya keep gettin’ hurt ya dunderhead.”

“It can be fixed.” I smile up at her.

“That’s not the point ya idjit, we heard ya over the link and you had me scared half to death.”

“I am sorry. I couldn’t help it.”

She kisses me, not paying any attention to semi-organic muscles, the durasteel bones. Her expression is warm and loving as she looks at me with those concerned eyes.

“Ah know, so just lay there, let Athena take care of ya all right?”

“I will.”

Twilight and Pinkie tear to a stop next to us, checking Discord to make sure he is okay. The lavender Alicorn sets near me, placing a hoof on my chest. Pinkie is hugging my sister tight. A smile on her face as always, glad we are back. The others are arriving as well, wondering what has happened and how we got back so quickly.

“Is he alright?” She is looking at Applejack, seeing the rips in my side.

“Ah’m sure he’ll be okay. Just gettin’ hurt as usual.” They both laugh softly.

Twilight smiles down at me, “I’m going to have to ask Princess Celestia to make a royal decree to keep you in town so you don’t get hurt anymore.”

Applejack laughs, “Oh she’s gonna ground ya good!”

“I think I would like that, all this running around is tiring.”

A lanky figure eclipses my sight, leaning down next to us. I raise a bent leg to press it against his shoulder, “Thank you. It was idiotic and foolish to do so, but thank you.”

A smile graces the snaggle toothed face, “Well, I would say brave and courageous!” He laughs softly. His eyes though, are not spinning nor looking a bit wild, he is somber for once.

“What is wrong?”

“I only wished to help, to make up for the past.” He says it very quietly.

I can only shake my head, “Gone and forgotten, you did not have to do anything.”

He smiles, “I dropped into town and they told me you were on a mission. Well, I couldn’t let you get all the credit now!”

Everypony laughs as he strikes a pose.

“You are incorrigible Discord.”

He winks at all of us, “I am, aren’t I?” With a snap of the fingers he is gone.

All I can do is smile.

Athena has taken the watch and I am sitting on my hill once more. The body is broken but my spirit is willing and able. She did what I in my doubt would have prevented, destroyed the thing in the forest.

I look towards the trees and hope it is gone forever. The saturation bombardment went deep, loaded with the best explosives we had. Burn in Tartarus you hellish thing.

I would have traded anything for the knowledge the thing said it had, speaking in Concordiat Standard, how did it know that? How did it know we were Bolos? Why are there always more questions?

But not ever would I trade the life of a child for my gain. Never. I would rather die than do so. If I had to do it again, yes I would do the same. Blow it out of existence.

I should go in for maintenance right now, but it will wait. I want to sit quietly and look at the stars. Wondering about a bear and butterflies of gold.

A form appears beside me, it is welcome this time.

“Mind if I sit here?”

“It is a free hill, please do.” I gesture to a place near me.

“Your sense of humor is a lot better I see.” The voice is jovial and humor filled.

“I have my moments.”

“So what are you pondering Crusader?”

“Crusader now? Not puppet?” I look at Discord with one raised eyebrow.

“I think we’re past that, don’t you?” He grins at me, leaning close.

“I think so. But please, do not turn me into a real pony, it would hurt quite a bit right now.”

He laughs, nodding.

“Sooooo...?”

“A bear and butterflies of gold. Why I am constantly being sacrificed for when I am one among many.”

He puts a paw to chin, a curious look on his face as he snaps his fingers, “I don’t know, but I do know that life gets very very strange some days.” He offers a cardboard cup, “Popcorn?”

I laugh, “You are always you.”

“Accept no substitutions!”

I chuckle, then remain silent as I look upward, pondering the imponderable it seems until Discord’s voice interrupts.

“His name was Iron Jaw...”

I listen and I record. Locking it away with other precious things as Discord tells me of long ago when he knew that name.

A step further upon the road, but it will not be long. There are so many things left to discover.

What may come I do not know, but it will be an adventure.

Pranks Ponies Play. City Nights.

Author's Note

Many thanks to Wacky who helped me out of a tight spot.
As always, to you readers who are wonderful, sublime and awesome!:pinkiehappy:

Pranks Ponies Play. City Nights.

My beloved Bard once wrote, “I am not bound to please thee with my answer.”

I chuckle as this hits home in so many ways. Stonewall’s reconstruction is going well, he is excited about being able to see out of both eyes very soon. I am glad for him. Although for some reason he keeps offering to pay for the treatments. I know who is behind this and I am going to get a bit of revenge.

At the apple stand, I get to sit with Applejack all day. I enjoy it, setting and saying hello to ponies I know, whiling away the hours. Plus it gives me time to think of an appropriate way to pull a prank on Twilight, I am given the opportunity almost immediately.

My link clicks on.

“Crusader?”

“Yes Twilight?”

“Just what are you doing?”

“Well currently I am downloading drone data while doing a maintenance sweep on my Dragons. I am also talking with Athena about hoarding cupcakes in her command deck, I may have to cut off her allowance. Also I am doing a nuclear weapons interlock check to make sure they do not go off for unknown reasons, that’s always a good thing. Also...”

“Nonono! What are you doing?”

I open the link with Applejack, making a ‘quiet’ gesture with my hoof as she looks at me curiously. I wriggle my eyebrows and give her a mischievous grin.

“Well right now I am with Applejack. Thinking about giving her a kiss whenever she looks at me, of course other things go through a mind as well...such as her Cutie Mark..”

“NO! I don’t want to know! I mean what are you DOING?”

“As in?”

“As in not charging anything for the medical services for Stonewall! We had this talk, at least charge something fair!” She is getting a bit exasperated.

“You think one bit was far too much? I can return it with no problem.”

Applejack’s muzzle is wrinkling as she is holding in a laugh with a hoof over her mouth.

“That’s not what I meant and you know it!”

“I know no such thing, I charged an amount and it is done.”

“You know what we talked about, that’s not fair.”

“Fair is fair, but I shall return the bit and apologize to Rainbow for overcharging, that is also fair I think.”

Applejack is snickering like a mad pony, listening to the conversation.

“I..Crusader.. you...AUGH!” The link clicks off.

I hold up a hoof, “Five...four..three...two...one..”

“Crusader?” Twilight’s link goes active again.

Applejack almost loses it, laughing softly.

“Yes Twilight?”

“I apologize, I didn’t mean to get angry there.”

“No worries Twilight, we all get frustrated some times. Returning that over-charged bit is a good idea too, thanks for giving it to me. I am sorry I angered you for charging an unfair price.”

“Wait..what? I didn’t say.. I mean.. Crusader you.. I’m going to tell Applejack!”

“I am sure she would appreciate your honesty, thank you for keeping me on the straight and narrow Twilight. I shall inform her of my nefarious deeds immediately and ask for my proper punishment for over-charging poor Rainbow.”

“Wait a second, I didn’t.... When did this.. how did you DO that?”

“Do what?”

I have to cut the mic on Applejack’s link, she is slapping the counter of the stand with a hoof and laughing out loud now.

“I’m going to...where are you?”

“I am not sure. Can any of us really know where we are? Or even who we are? Many great philosophers of the past have wondered that very question Twilight.”

“You KNOW what I meant, where are you?”

“I am currently one point three-two yards from Applejack, approximately four point two miles from Sweet Apple Acres, also I am currently a little more than a mile from my war hull. Which is looking quite nice these days by the way. Athena is approximately one point two miles from me, she is currently learning flying from Rainbow Dash.”

Ponies are standing near the apple stand, wondering why I am sitting there with a grin as Applejack is laughing so hard she’s holding her sides. I am a bit worried as she cannot catch her breath between guffaws.

“Crusader.....”

“Yes Twilight?”

“Stay right where you are, I’m going to find you!”

“Please do, I would like to find myself some days as well, is this an existential problem? I very much like those.”

The link goes dead with a chilling finality. I think I may have overdone it.

Applejack is wiping her eyes, they are tearing up heavily as she slaps the ground with a hoof.

“Darlin’ you just bought yourself a whole bushel of trouble.”

“I am thinking the same my Applejack.”

Princess Cadence pops in with a teleport spell, looking around the plaza and spotting us. She yells urgently, “DUCK!”

I do not hesitate, I grab Applejack and slip under the counter of the stand. There is a sizzling sound and apples are flung everywhere as Twilight teleports onto the counter looking around. Her expression tells me she is not in a laughing mood.

“Where is that little... I’m going to show him existential with a spell up his backside! One point nothing yards, I’m gonna bop his nose! Teach him to twist my words!”

She stamps a hoof on the wooden counter, yelling, “Come out here you..you...”

I peek out from under the counter, “Hello Twilight.” I am immediately confronted with a pointed hoof.

“You... Twist what I say will you..you..you.. con pony!”

“I assure you I was just being honest.” I can’t help but smile, her face is adorable when mad.

“Honest nothing!” Her eyes narrow at me as she leans close, “You know what I was talking about and you deliberately twisted my words! Stop smiling!”

Applejack peeks up from under the counter, she is grinning, “Hard not to Twi, you ain’t good at bein’ mad, you kinda get cuter that way.”

“I do not!” She stamps her hoof and glares around at the crowd of ponies who are nodding.

“Uh, actually you do Twilight.” Roseluck is raising a hoof, other ponies nodding beside her.

“What? I do not!”

Ponies are nodding emphatically now, “You really do.”

“Yep!”

“Sure do!”

“Eeyup.”

Twilight gets a disgusted look on her face as she steps down from the counter, the crowd nodding and agreeing with each other as they walk away.

Cadence comes up and hugs her, “That’s not a bad thing, being cute when angry. Come on, let’s go get some lunch.”

She turns and points a hoof at me, “You mister, are still in trouble!”

“Yes Twilight.”

She walks away with Cadence, still arguing about being cute when mad.

I am slapped on the shoulder by a laughing Applejack, “That was bad and you know it. Now help me get these apples.”

“Yes my Applejack.” I am still smiling though, I think I’m getting this humor thing.

Rust was sitting at one of the nicer bars in Manehatten. He liked it here, the hustle and bustle of everyday life was pretty good. This drink was pretty good, his job at the taxi company paid pretty well, he had it all right.

But what he really wanted, was that mare sitting at the counter next to him. Slim, the lines of muscles rippling through her body. She was a pegasus too, he’d heard they were pretty wild in the sack.

He’d been chatting her up for the last hour, and she seemed pretty receptive, although she was quite giggly. Not much of a talker, but for what he wanted, talking wasn’t required.

Running a hoof along her cutie mark he made his move, she nodded and smiled, leading him out of the bar to envious looks from other stallions. He stuck his chest out a bit, seeing the glances and feeling a bit full of himself.

The mare leaned against him as they headed to a motel across the street, renting a room quickly and piling inside. It was small, a by the day place, but comfortable enough for what he wanted. From her smoldering looks, it was definitely what she was hoping for as well.

Lights lined the streets as the night was young, ponies going to restaurants and bars as the two made their way to the hotel counter, the young mare rubbing hard against the sweating stallion as he passed bits over the desk, receiving a key.

The counter pony looked on with a slight amount of envy as he watched them enter the room. “Lucky stiff.” He thought.

She wasted no time, grabbing his hoof and pulling him into the soft bed, trailing her mane over him as she slowly moved her muzzle up and down his body. Her hooves were soft and insistent, taking off the tie he wore from work to hit the bar. They kissed, her muzzle pushing hard into his as she shoved him back against the pillows. She hopped on top of him and continued nuzzling, rubbing up against his shaking body.

He was breathing heavily as she stared down at him. Straddling his body as she pressed against him hotly. Oh the rumors were definitely true, he thought. He grinned, rubbing his hooves down her back, rubbing along the shapely backside.

“Don’t make me wait now.” He panted slightly with each word.

She giggled, her cyan eyes narrowing as she leaned against the stallion. She kissed him again and once more, her tongue dancing with his, wet and warmly inside his mouth.

He never saw the point sticking from her hoof as it dug into his chest, pushing deep as he tried to scream out in agony, stopped by the press of soft lips against his. The buttery golden mare’s body tight against him as he felt the point slide deeper. A warmth started in his body, spreading quickly to his outer extremities in a burning creep. He could do nothing but feel those warm lips, the eyes watching his as he struggled.

Her pink mane draped over him like a death shroud as she kept their mouths locked, seeing his eyes go soft, then gone with a faraway look. Inhaling his breath as if it were the finest wine ever made before letting his mouth go with a sigh and a smacking of her own lips. The stallion silent and motionless beneath her.

The pretty face pouted for a moment, leaving the stallion with one last peck on the cheek. She spent a few minutes making sure her coat was spotless and groomed as she slipped out the door with a smile, tossing her mane back as she looked up and down the street.

The night was still early and the city was full of ponies.

Wonderful, wonderful ponies filled with life.

On Manehatten’s Upper Side, the rich and the famous hung out to chat and network. In an apartment furnished with fine things, music was playing, a classical piece that warmed the atmosphere.

A white Unicorn mare stood over a new acquaintance, having met her in a local eatery that catered to an upscale clientele. The elegant pony that had just collapsed wanted to show her the apartment, maybe talk fashion just a bit before dinner, but it was not to be.

The supine mare struggled against the slow burn through her veins, tearing through her body like a manticore on a rampage. Her vocal cords paralyzed with numbness as the fire spread throughout her body, leaving her without breath.

Azure eyes were soft with a hint of glee, watching as a hoof reached out from the supine mare, hoping for assistance from her new friend who only stood there. A ghost of a smile on the lovely face as she watched the throes of pain tremble through the upraised leg. The hoof going limp, then slapping with a soft noise on the carpet as the struggle ceased.

The pretty face leaned down, ears perked as she tilted her head from one side, then the other. A gentle hoof traced a line down a cheek, wiping away a single tear with a soft laugh that aired itself in the quiet apartment.

Pushing a hoof against her elegant indigo mane, the Unicorn made sure it was in place, peering into an expensive mirror and making sure she was perfect for a night out. Exiting the apartment, then the building, she looked around with a smile at the lovely ponies out for walks in the brightly lit neighborhood.

Surely there was someone else who’d want to play.

It was a carnival in the huge central park of Manehatten, rides and booths holding every sort of entertainment were spread out over square miles of grassy, tree filled land.

This was one of the delights of the big city, always something happening and fun. It drew crowds like flies to honey. The smiles and delighted conversations swam and flowed around the wide park.

The rides were as awesome as magic and good engineering could make them. The delighted screams of ponies rang through the fairways as little ones ran to and fro, carrying cotton candy or prizes won in games of skill and chance.

A couple of mares and their dates followed a brightly colored clown pony, painted gaily and carrying tons of shiny balloons behind one of the booths, laughing and chuckling at the silly antics of the entertainer.

A few minutes later the clown reappeared, the foursome that had followed were nowhere to be seen as she brushed off a few specks of what appeared to be red paint off her hooves.

The blue eyes were glinting in the brightly lit areas of the carnival, the pink mane fluffed and wobbling happily as the clown bounced around. Her smile wide and toothsome, grinning at happy folks and looking for more customers

There were always more ponies who wanted a balloon and she would be more than happy to provide them.

More than happy.

A Stage is Set.

My Bard wrote, “There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.”

Too many in my time thought bad or of doing it. Bolos are paranoid for a reason, it keeps us alive and fighting. It kept the Concordiat as safe as we could make it and our Commanders as well.

It has been ten days now since the fight. My cores are running smoothly as I plan in my tactical database. I am feeling the itch, that something is not right. Even on this rainy morning I look outwards from the farm and wonder what might be in progress.

Human commanders had hunches, a ‘gut’ feeling. I have always depended on logic, the knowing of something. But this is a dread, something I cannot pinpoint in my psychotronic arrays, it is making me feel distinctly edgy.

I mentioned it to Applejack earlier and she listened close offering a good piece of advice. Maybe I am so used to conflict that in a time of none I would still want it. She does have a point.

But I truly think this is different from open warfare and the desiring of it.

For now though, I will keep watch.

Manehatten was the ‘big city’ everypony wanted to see at least once in their lives. The hustle of business and crowds of ponies bustling this way and that on their busy lives. To the small town folks it was a noisy burg, full of lights and commotion. To others a wondrous place to see the tall buildings and what ponies could do with effort and time.

But to others, it was a hunting ground.

The white Unicorn mare sat on the barstool, toying with a freshly made drink as the sloe azure eyes took in her surroundings. The posh decorations, the soft lighting, showing off the class and style of the uptown tap room. It was small, out of the way, only known by a few. A perfect place to duck into off the street.

Ponies chatted low in the warm atmosphere, enjoying a time away from their busy lives. Mid-morning was a slower time in the city, not as much to do but always something. It wasn’t crowded, just enough to make it comfortable without being close.

But the mare fit right in, her indigo mane curled in the latest fashion, tail to match. Her coat was immaculately groomed, shining softly against the inset lights of the room. She spoke in low tones to the bartender when she wanted another drink, pushing across bits with an aplomb that caught the eye.

Those eyes glanced her way now and then, seeing the trim body, the lines of muscle that flowed smoothly underneath the gleaming exterior. Her polished hooves resting on the bar in front of her as she barely made eye contact with anypony, seemingly wanting to be alone or waiting for someone special to walk in the door.

A few stallions, a mare or two had tried to pass the time with the fashionable Unicorn, but were brushed off with nary a care to feelings. She seemed to want nothing to do with any one so far.

The door opened onto the warm afternoon, letting in two more mares that walked directly to the one at the bar.

One was a buttery gold pegasus, slim and lovely as she walked slowly through the room, almost as if she knew every eye was on her. The pink mane and tail flowing in waves of color that only heightened the sense of sexuality and want when she passed by a table. The gleaming wings brushing outward in a ruffle before settling against her side, she sidled up to the Unicorn with a nuzzle on the cheek. Her cyan eyes sweeping the room with a glance before turning back to her friend.

The other was a two toned pink mare, another lovely figure with a smile that would brighten any day or place. She almost bounced with every step. Her mane and tail curly and fluffed to give that right amount of flounce to every movement and wiggle of her body as she shamelessly flirted and winked at a few ponies sitting alone, giving them a little thrill in their boring lives.

The three of them smiled at each other for a moment, looking around at the room as if judging it for the first time since walking in.

A pony here, a pony there; a couple at a table, the bartender. As before, not crowded at all, just enough.

Had anypony been paying attention, they would have noticed that the last mare in had locked the door.

The elegant Unicorn gestured for the bartender to come over, he leaned forward to hear her low voice as she reached out to caress the side of his neck with one hoof. The sharp point entered a vein quickly and dropped him on the spot without a sound. She glanced over the counter top to see the stallion trembling as the fire rushed through his veins.

The three mares turned to face the rest of the unsuspecting room. Their eyes glinting with malice and glee as they rushed to the others sitting quietly.

The customers never knew what hit them.

Onto the street three mares exited the now quiet tap room, as evidenced by the sign that had been turned to read “Closed”. Exchanging glances as they stood on the sidewalk, nopony would have noticed anything wrong unless they had looked very carefully. They would have seen sly smiles, a look in the eye of lust and insanity that knew no bounds. But to those passing on the street, nothing.

The Unicorn leaned over, giving the other two a peck on the cheek as if a friendly goodbye. Splitting up, they headed their separate ways.

There was more prey to be found.

The city guard scratched his neck, looking down at the body laying on the floor of the plush apartment. The Unicorn medic was scanning with a diagnostic spell and shaking her head.

Other guards were checking the surrounding area to see if anypony had seen anything strange.

“I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Well what’s going on? Is she alive?”

“No...and yes.”

“Well it can’t be both!” The guard was exasperated, this was the second one they’d found today.

“I’m telling you the spell says yes and no.” She was at her wit’s edge, the spell’s readings were giving her a headache.

“Well what’s causing it then? Can’t be another Tirek can it?”

Puzzled eyes met his as the mare shrugged, “I don’t know. Celestia’s name I hope not.”

Spring Flower loved her new toy, it was a nifty one made to help little Unicorns learn how to use their magic by lifting and setting colored blocks in place. They traveled along a wire so they’d never get lost, you could keep trying over and over again without effort.

She was waiting for the rain to stop so her family could all go out for lunch today, it was going to be nice and cool after the showers.

Her face lit up in delight as she kept trying to move the colored blocks with her magic, failing more often that not but having a grand time. Her laughter was like the rain outside, fresh and wonderful.

She had saved a few bits as well and her parents had promised she could get a special treat from Sugar Cube Corner as well, so it was a doubly good day.

Her horn sputtered slightly, going out as she looked around the room a bit fearfully.

A frown crossed her pretty face, making her clamp her tiny hooves over her ears as she shook her head, “No! I did what you said, leave me alone!” She shut her eyes tight trying to block out whatever it was.

Her head tilted a bit as if listening to a silent voice, “I said no! You leave my mommy and daddy alone!”

A knock came at the door, a polite tapping, “Spring, are you okay in there?” Her mother’s voice sounded a bit anxious.

“I..I’m o..okay Mommy!”

The door opened a crack, a pair of very kind eyes peeked in, smiling at the little Unicorn, “Are you sure? Sounded like you were talking to somepony.”

“Oh no Mommy, just playing.” She cracked a small smile.

“Alright then, it won’t be too long, we’re going to go eat soon.”

“Okay!”

She clutched her new toy to her chest, eyes tearing up a bit as she remembered how nice the pony had been who helped her get it.

She wished she hadn’t lied to Mr. Crusader about the voices being gone.

Fluttershy was having tea with her animal friends, it had been a wonderful day and she was happy spending time in the house Crusader had built for her. Being at the edge of the Everfree was dubious at best, but with a touch she could close her house up and sit happily inside to wait things out.

Angel Bunny of course was being his usual... self...., but according to Fluttershy he was just being a ‘rascal’. Most ponies thought about murder and mayhem when the animal was around, therefore he didn’t go out unless it was with Fluttershy.

She had worked all day, happily singing to herself as she made dinner and tea. The animals were always grateful for the food and attention, knowing she worked hard at it and not taking advantage of her kind nature.

Angel Bunny however...

He pointed to a bowl of salad, missing a minor ingredient as he pointed the other paw at a recipe book. Fluttershy was comparing it quickly and shrugged.

“We don’t have that Angel, so you might want to..uhm..do without.”

The little rabbit stamped a foot, kicking at the bowl and spilling the contents.

Fluttershy didn’t cringe back, she stared at the bowl for a second, then at all the other animals enjoying the things she’d put out.

Looking directly at the rabbit who glowered at her, she hissed in a quiet voice, “Then don’t eat!”

Turning back to the other animals with a smile, she sat and had her tea.

The other animals never liked the rabbit anyway, so ignored the shocked look on his face as he stared at the others having a pleasant time.

Athena was sitting in a clearing in the Everfree, enjoying the clear air after a rain shower. It was fresh smelling, the hint of flowers reaching her sensors.

She and Crusader were going out tomorrow to check the sight of the last fight, seeing if any clues to what it was remained. She highly doubted it and so did he, but thoroughness is part and parcel of themselves.

Glancing upwards, she could spot the drone on patrol high above, so had no real worries, she tapped into the processor and took a look at the surrounding area. It was clear and appeared to be silent. More animals were making their way back into the battleground now.

She desperately wanted to see the butterflies again. They were so very pretty and she hadn’t seen anything like them before. But her searches were fruitless. She’d seen many others, but none of the gleaming magnificent ones that surrounded her and Crusader.

But she still smiled, looking around at the sunshine coming through the quiet trees. The forest not so spooky now as she quietly watched the normal butterflies making their rounds of the flowers.

Zecora had told her to stay away from the blue flowers, “Poison Joke” she called them, advising it would not be a pleasant experience to be found in a field of them. So she studiously avoided them in any form, just in case.

With a sigh, she got to her hooves, wondering where she could search next for the pretty butterflies. She was patient, having plenty of time now that the crisis was over for now at least, so she went hunting for them every chance she could. She loved her avatar, having a range and movement she’d never thought was even possible, returning only to her hull in a fashion for sensor watch or maintenance.

She did wish she could fly though. She was poring over books of magic with Twilight sometimes in the castle, looking for a spell, temporary or permanent that would give her the capability of a regular Pegasus. No one had ever done that kind of research, about the inherent magic in ponies so Twilight was excited for a new avenue of spells. She threw herself into it with abandon, looking for the right combination to help her friend.

Athena kept smiling to herself; Twilight was so wonderful, she was studious and shared information about everything. Athena loved listening to her talk about their history, or magic, pretty much anything that came to mind. The past couple days they had been spending time together in the library discussing scientific achievements of both races, humans and ponies.

While aware of the tech rule, Athena had told Crusader it was Twilight and she would never break a promise not to share information like this. He had consented, letting her know that even though the science was advanced, she would find out that ponies did not want it. They preferred to find things themselves, developing along a line of magic and engineering that baffled both Athena and Crusader some times.

She thought back to the grenades that they had used, hoofing them right back over to Crusader and Athena with a firm no to the offer of more for emergencies.

She was interrupted in her thoughts by Rainbow Dash, smashing into the ground next to her with a loud “OOF!”

“Rainbow! Are you alright?” Athena stared helplessly.

“Yeah..yeah I’m good. A bit of a miscalculation there. But nothing I can’t handle!” She was getting unsteadily to her hooves, shaking her head.

The sable Pegasus laughed, giving her a nudge on the shoulder, “Maybe we ought to make some armor for you, keep you safe?”

She received a single eyed glare, “I don’t need armor! I’m Rainbo.. OW!” Her happy smile turned to a disgusted look as she shook grass out of her wing, “Okay, not so awesome today.”

“So are we still on for flight lessons soon? I really like practicing. I know it’s kind of a long shot, but still, it’s fun learning.”

“Sure! I can tell you more about the weather work too, you’ll like that I think.”

“It’s interesting, hard to believe you can move clouds that way even though I’ve seen it.” She shook her head at Rainbow.

“Yep, it’s what we do!”

“I would like to be a weather pony, I really would.” Athena looked up to the sky, staring at the crisp blue as she and Rainbow walked toward town.

Rainbow nodded, then chuckled, “Well, don’t worry too much about it. Not like you’re ever going to fly for real anyways.”

The nasty comment was said in such an off-hoofed way that it took a moment for Athena to catch it and stare at her friend who kept chatting happily at her as they walked towards town.

A pain shot through her, feeling like she had been stabbed in the heart from a simple comment.

Surely she hadn’t meant it the way it sounded Athena thought. Rainbow was her friend, she’d been showing her everything about being a Pegasus. It was surely not meant the way she took it.

Athena tried to console herself, it was just a comment anyways. Not meant to be mean.

Wasn’t it?

Twilight was setting in the quiet Library, a book thick and old opened before her as she read the runes contained within. Spells were her life and love, she was going to find something for Athena. If not, she could make something, being an Alicorn why not use her power to do so? What good is being a Princess of Friendship if you couldn’t help somepony, especially Athena.

The sable Pegasus was kind and sweet, listening for hours as she expounded on different subjects, actually running out of things to say before Athena got tired. Which was truly a first for Twilight, usually when she went on ponies stopped her before she got in depth.

Her eyes lifted from the book, staring into the distance as she thought of Athena, then Crusader.

Crusader.

He was kind, attentive, oh so very polite. True he made mistakes, but he was honest and good willed toward everypony. Well, except when he hit Discord, but even then no one really begrudged him that one. She chuckled to herself for a moment.

Twilight’s violet eyes went soft, thinking of him and how she felt. She always had a warm feeling when around him but paid it no attention. Sure she’d been on dates, even kissed a stallion a few times. But no pony really caught her attention until he showed up. He listened, really listened to everything she said and asked intelligent questions about it all. He was truly insatiable in a quest for knowledge.

He was her friend through and through, she felt lucky to know some pony like him.

Twilight loved being his friend, she knew he would do anything for her and the others. It made her happy when he smiled, though he was in love with Applejack, Twilight couldn’t help but feel a little warmer than a friend towards him whenever he made a joke or played a prank on her.

Twilight couldn’t remain mad for long, that wouldn’t be right. Besides, there was plenty of time to get to know him further. She returned to perusing her tome.

Even though he cared for Applejack, it wouldn’t be hard to take him for her own.

She was a Princess after all wasn’t she?

Pinkie was bouncing around the bakery, cleaning up the last of her experiment in Chocolate Dipped Lemon Swirl Cake. It had gone really well she thought, though the sugar content was a bit high and the last filly that tried a piece almost went ballistic, it WAS good tasting though!

She’d apologized to the parents, telling them it was just a ‘little’ sugar rush and would be over soon. She made a note, cut back the sugar.

Her mane was poofed out and bouncing along with her as she happily hummed to herself, wiping a rag over the counter. She thought of her date the previous night, taking a moment to hug herself with a giggle.

Pinkie was just the happiest pony ever these last couple days, so many good things had happened, and best of all those mean things had stopped coming out of the forest to try and be mean to ponies. Now that stunk, it really did, maybe those things just needed a Pinkie of their own to make them smile and everything would be right with the world.

But that party, oh that party.

It had been the bestest night EVER!

Everything was so pretty and warm and...and..everything! Granite was so wonderfully polite, he’d danced with her and nopony else! Just her! She laughed out loud in the empty store, dancing a bit on her hooves as she put away the last of the pans.

Every pony looked they were princesses and princes, the gleaming, sparkling dresses and ties. Oh gosh it had been so wonderful! They’d taken enough pictures to fill a scrapbook, which by the way she had purchased just for those photos. It waited upstairs to be filled.

Rarity had taken her aside and redone her mane and tail, sprinkling on some crushed gemstones that had made her fluffy mane sparkle like a thousand stars in a pink sky. Her coat that showed through the dress was covered as well and she glimmered and shined like Luna’s Moon!

Of course she made absolutely sure that they took more pictures, she didn’t want to ever ever EVER forget that night!

She just couldn’t have imagined a party thrown just for her! She had the bestest friends ever!

They’d danced and laughed all night long! Everypony looked like something out of an old mare’s tale. She’d actually thought for a moment she would wake up in her bed and it had all been a dream.

But it WASN’T! It had been oh so really real!

She just couldn’t find the right words to describe everything, so she just smiled and sang and was a particularly happiest Pinkie ever today.

Letting out another happy sigh, she waved to Mr Cake, telling him she was going out for a while. Get some fresh air cause she’d been cooped up all day, it had been busy.

“Have fun Pinkie, thanks for the hard work!” Mr. Cake waved back.

“You’re welcome!”

Mrs. Cake smiled, “It’s good you’re getting out more instead of being cooped up all day young mare.”

She grinned brightly, “Yep! Good to get away from those two brats of yours as well!” She waved and bounced off towards the street, leaving a puzzled Mr. and Mrs. Cake behind her.

Rarity put the last of her materials away, thinking it had been an oh so productive week. She glanced at the designs she had kept in her room of the redecorating of Athena’s command area.

It was earth tones and soft colors that just made her squeal with delight as the ideas just flowed once she set her mind to it. She’d kept pushing things beyond her normal efforts, coming out with something that would not be out of place in Canterlot’s Palace itself.

She smiled to herself, seeing Athena’s pretty face smiling shyly at her as she showed her the new command deck, watching her wander around in wonder.

It was moments like that, that made everything she did worthwhile. The dresses, the designs; the putting of a gem just so in a stitch that made something ordinary into a design that would turn heads, make ponies look thrice at what was there.

She leaned an elegant hoof against the window sill, looking outwards to the green fields and blue skies, happy in her little shop. She had done so many wondrous things, been through so many adventures. Who’d have thought a simple dressmaker could do so much.

Rarity laughed, covering her mouth with a hoof, “Well, more than a simple dressmaker I’d hope.”

She had her moments though, the swooning, the overly dramatic parts when it was just the Worst. Possible. Thing! But those passed, her friends always forgiving of her little peccadilloes.

Rarity wouldn’t trade it for the world, nothing at all could compare to her life in this town, with these friends. Should she ever make it huge like some, she believed she would stay here in this place where she had made friendships to last a lifetime.

There was of course, her sister as well, Sweetie Belle was staying with her for the moment. Though she had a habit of getting into a bit of a situation now and then. Rarity chuckled at that, ‘situation’ is an understatement. She loved her little sister and tried to do her best for her. They were both learning the give and take.

It was truly a wonderful life she had here, barring the disasters that usually befell Ponyville, she would rather stay in her shop and design for the world. Let them come to me. They did, the best and finest of the upper class, asking her to do a design or two for them.

She had a right to be proud, they all did.

She heard hoof steps behind her as Sweetie entered the room.

“Hiya Rarity! Hey, can I go out and play with Apple Bloom for a bit before dinner? We’re gonna try to get our Cutie Marks in Watercolors!” Her smile would power the world were it run on them.

“Of course dear, just don’t get too dirty now? It’s always a bit of a struggle to get you in the bath after your adventures.” She graced her sister with a ‘long suffering sister’ look, making Sweetie giggle.

Rarity turned, heading to an early bath as she had been busy all day, “Just be careful and only for a couple of hours all right?”

“Yes Rarity, thank you!”

“Oh, and don’t worry too hard about Cutie Marks, you’ll probably never get one anyway dear.”

Sweetie Belle watched her sister gracefully walk up the steps, the off hoof comment leaving her stunned and a bit sad as she couldn’t believe her sister had said that. Surely she didn’t mean to say anything so mean?

A deep frown creased the pretty face as she slowly walked out to where Apple Bloom waited with some painting supplies. Her normally bouncy curls a slightly less perfect now that the comment had struck deep within such an innocent soul.

I have finished my chores with a satisfaction I enjoy, the rain had stopped so I went to them with a will. I like doing things, simple things that take effort and skill other than pressing a button or directing a high energy weapon at it.

Fences are mended, bushel barrels repaired, it is a good feeling to accomplish something by the end of a day. I am content as I sit out on the porch once more, waiting for the evening to finally fall.

But the best time, is when my Applejack joins me like now, settling herself next to me as we both lean into each other. A quiet companionship that is comfortable to both of us. I turn to give her a kiss on the cheek.

“All done for today my Applejack. I even got the wagon fixed with Big Mac, so less to do tomorrow.”

She smiles, pushing a blonde lock out of her pretty face, “I dunno, you doing all this work we may have nothing to do by the end of the week.” A chuckle slips out as she nudges me with a shoulder.

“As it should be. There should be days when you can relax a bit more.” I look at the orchard, “Besides, harvest is coming, so doing that should be easier with everything else out of the way.”

“Won’t that be a pleasure. Ah tell ya it’s nice having to not play catch up all the time.”

She looks at me with warm eyes, “You like this doncha?” I hear a note of concern, “I mean you’ve done so many things, isn’t it boring?”

“Not at all, I promise you.” I gesture with a hoof at the surrounding acres, “This is more satisfying than anything I have ever done before.”

“Well, thought ya might get tired of doin’ all this regular stuff. Bein’ a Bolo and all.” She nuzzles me softly, “But if ya say you aren’t, well that’s fine with me.”

“I am happy to be here with you, always.”

She smiles in the waning sunlight, bumping me gently. “Well we got dinner ready so let’s get to it, maybe an early bedtime, been a busy day.” She turns and walks towards the front door.

“I mean hay, yer not even real, ya don’t sleep so why worry bout an early bedtime. So, early bed for me, c’mon.”

The comment is so off the cuff it takes me completely off guard. She has never mentioned nor said anything like that before. I understand my avatar is not real, but still, the delivery is what strikes deep. Meant to cause hurt.

Surely it is just tiredness that caused it, she did not mean such a thing and I am over-thinking this.

“Yes my Applejack.”

Author's Note

Hiya!
1. Please don't PM me with WTF! I know I know:rainbowlaugh:
2. Angel is a jerk, period, I hate that little....yeah.. and if I could I'd knock him off, so there.:pinkiehappy:

Tip of the hat! Cornebre, Nightmare, Wacky, DragonMaus, BronzeDragon, Kenryuu, Sky Wolf, Jarimor, Timuri, BeingMe2, Uncle Mike, Nocara, Wise2Fox, Nacho the Brony, Uncle Mike, Militia Man, Mirror Shield, God of Physics, Enderborn Brony, Game Hunter, Lord Iron Skull, Booster Spice, The Nerd Force herself Meep! Moonfire, Morphy, Asheram, Fictional Fanatic, Exaxxion, Silent Mech, Shark8, Adam Jensen, Snoodman, Timothy48, Cosmic Flash, PhiliChez, Jerico, Officer Hot Pants, Evergreen Pine Apple For the wonderful comments and ideas that really do help make this better! If I haven't got ya now, I'll tip a hat later to those I missed! If I missed ya yell at me in PM, I promise I'll get it up in A/N next time!

Places Please.

When I arise in the morning, I find my internal diagnostics are giving me a few warnings. Perhaps it’s time to return for a full maintenance sweep. I can detect nothing wrong as I slip out of our bed, leaving Applejack sleeping.

A line from my Bard comes to mind, “Love looks not with the eyes but the mind, And therefore is Cupid painted blind.”

The comment from yesterday is troubling, she has never said anything like that and I wonder if maybe I am not assuming too much in our relationship. I am not real, I cannot give her what any normal pony could. I would think of a way, but that would be to cheapen what we’ve already shared, though I do hope maybe some day.

Maybe being blind to obvious differences is becoming something of a burden for her to accept. I do not wish that.

I leave that thought alone as I trudge out of the farmhouse, heading for my hill where I can do a proper check of my systems. I must see about Athena as well, she has been a bit more shy than normal lately and I worry.

I establish a combat link with my sister, “Athena?”

“Y..yes?”

“What is wrong?”

“N..nothing. I just...” She pauses, “Will I ever be able to fly?”

“I am doing everything in my power to make it so beloved sister. I promised you and I will keep it. Twilight is looking for spells and I have sent a request to Princess Luna for any information. We will find something.”

“M..maybe I should just for..forget about it?”

I am put back for a moment, she has loved being a Pegasus, albeit not a flying one yet so this is a disturbing turn. “What has happened?”

“N..nothing. May..maybe I am just wor..worrying over no..nothing.”

“If you are being reticent my sister, it is worrying. What happened?”

She replays me the conversation between her and Rainbow Dash yesterday. I have a hard time believing a staunch and loyal friend such as Rainbow would make a comment like that, even off handed. Though nothing else comes from the recording, that one part sticks in Athena’s mind.

“I would not worry about it Athena, she is a good friend, sometimes biological’s get a bit odd. You know that as well as I do. Give them some slack.”

“I..I will. Just it..it hurt.”

“I know Athena. But do not let it bother you. A multi-thousand ton Bolo should not have to worry about very much.” I let humor slide through the channel, it works as she laughs.

“You..you are right. I won’t wo..worry.”

“Good. I am bringing myself back for a sweep, my diagnostics are telling me I have some problems with musculature control, it will be a few minutes until I arrive. Anything on the front?”

“Sectors are all green, no movement except for animals and the usual wildlife. Are we still a go for inspecting the blast site?”

“If my Avatar checks out yes, we can roll a Dragon if not. I much prefer a nice walk some days, don’t you?”

“I do!” Her sunny disposition is back now, worry averted. “I have the watch, let me know!”

“I shall Athena.”

As the link clicks off I can’t help but wonder if Rainbow didn’t quite realize what she said. But I have been interacting with all of them for almost a full year now, Rainbow is a prankster but she would never insult somepony like that.

As I said to Athena, biologicals are a bit odd some times.

Manehatten awoke to the sounds of murmuring rumors, it was going around a tap room had been found filled with dead..or kind of dead ponies. No witnesses had come forward to tell anything as no one knew what happened, but the gossip flew hot and heavy. The medical folks had no clue how to diagnose this and so sent to Canterlot for a specialist magician. Someone who could possibly figure out why these ponies were hovering between this world and the next.

Paper Work was scratching his head, looking at the reports from the latest incident and wondering what was going on. He tilted his head, leaning it on one hoof as he stared out the window.

The medical ponies said that they were alive, but barely. Just that there was nothing there. The body was okay, but there was no..well...soul. Like it had faded away into the mists of the other world.

The local magic users were baffled beyond reproach, they had used everything they knew and some esoteric spells not too well known to even get that far. Tirek stole magic, the magic that is in and surrounds us. This was something different, it took you.

The older stallion stared out the window to the streets below and slapped a hoof on the windowsill.

“We’re going to find you.”

Turns out he didn’t have to wait very long.

A buttery Pegasus entered the guard’s offices, looking around and asking kindly for the little mares room. She was very polite, and seemingly very shy. The desk pony smiled and politely gave her directions, it was always a pleasure to help others he thought.

But once again, had any been observant, the sly smile after she was given directions and the glint of steel in her eyes would have spoken volumes.

Turning into the offices, she glanced around, noticing a few guards and inspectors hovering over their desks doing paperwork, since it was the morning, most were out on their rounds. So there was very few including Paper Work, who were inside the warm building, catching up on the tedium of being a big city guards pony.

That was just fine for the golden mare, she went to the facilities, staying inside for a minute then exiting. As she did so she pinpointed each and every target in the office, nudging an officer who promptly fell over in a trembling fit as her hoof had stroked along a leg, injecting him with fire. He tried to scream in agony as she backed away, looking for all the world like a panicked bystander.

The ponies in the office gathered around as one called for a medic, the Pegasus stood there with her hooves over her mouth, making sure everyone was in her sight, then sprang. Slamming into the crowd she slapped her hooves against flanks and sides, dropping the small group within seconds.

Paper Work had heard the commotion and just leaned back peeking out his office door window as he saw the golden mare slap his comrades down. Stumbling to the side, he peered again, making sure she wasn’t paying attention to him as he scrambled out his office and headed for the main door.

Opening it, he ran into a white Unicorn, telling her to get clear and away , that something was wrong.

“But darling, you wouldn’t want to be left out now would you?” The voice was cultured and smooth, very educated. He felt the caress of a manicured hoof along his neck as he collapsed in a heap of pain and fire.

The pretty face leaned over him, looking downward as she clicked her tongue, “Tsk tsk, running from a party, how very unsocial of you.” The azure eyes watched him for a moment, he saw how deep the insanity ran before he faded out.

A guard came in thirty minutes later for shift change, standing and staring in open mouthed shock at the bodies laying around the offices before running out. He hit the street in a scrabble of hooves and took off to the nearest guard post, informing them of the problem.

When the Guard Chief of Manehatten took one look at the jumbled pile of his ponies laying on the floor, medics attending them he scratched his chin, “Get Canterlot, we need to inform the Princesses.” He rumbled to a Unicorn messenger, who promptly took off to where she could send a note to the castle.

Sweetie Belle sat with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo in the park, talking aobut what was making poor Sweetie look like someone told her the world was ending.

“Ah can’t believe Rarity would say that Sweetie, you sure?” Apple Bloom tilted her head curiously.

“She did,” her lower lip protruded, eyes filling with tears as she remembered the nasty comment.

The last time Sweetie Belle looked this sad in public, the Crusaders managed to garner about one hundred and fifty-four bits from passerby who thought they could cheer up the adorable filly by donating to help her out with whatever problem she had. None of the three could understand why ponies kept giving them money.

Of course Applejack told them they should return the bits, which they promptly did. For the ones they couldn’t find they donated the rest to the town.

Scootaloo hugged Sweetie tight, “Maybe she was just tired or something, you know Rarity works really hard!”

“I know, but she’s never been mean before, never..” A diamond tear hit the ground as her head bent over, looking at the grass as she scuffed a hoof.

Apple Bloom looked over to see a stallion reaching into his bit bag and shaking her head, “Nono! It’s okay, she’s just feelin’ a bit down today.”

“Well she shouldn’t, such an adorable little filly.” He smiled at them before wandering off.

Apple Bloom got a determined look on her face, “Well Applejack says ya always got to go face your fears, ah think it’s time we ask Rarity ‘bout this!” She got to her hooves, pulling Sweetie Belle up from the ground.

Scootaloo nodded, “Yeah, we’ll get to the bottom of this!” Standing next to her friends she patted Sweetie on the shoulder, “It’ll be okay, you’ll see.”

Sweetie Belle nodded, sniffing back another tear as her friends led her off towards the Boutique. They would find out what was going on.

Rarity was using her sewing machine when the three determined Crusaders walked in. Sweetie was still looking dejected as they walked right up to her. Apple Bloom waved a hoof.

“Hey Rarity? We got a question to ask ya.”

Peering over her glasses she smiled at the three, looking a bit concerned seeing Sweetie, “Well what ever is the matter?”

Scootaloo tapped her hooves together before getting the courage up to ask, “Did you tell Sweetie not to worry bout getting her Cutie Mark cause she wouldn’t get one anyways?”

The Unicorn finished her sewing, taking a final look at the dress being held in her magic before wrapping it in tissue, packing it in a box for delivery.

“Why of course! I wouldn’t be a very good sister if I wasn’t honest now would I? Stars, maybe all of you should just quit trying so hard, if it hasn’t happened now it’s not too bad being a blank the rest of your lives.” She smiled once more as if saying a simple statement of fact, “Of course the ridicule would probably drive you to leave town, but that’s life!”

She waved a polished hoof at them as she levitated the package with her magic, “Ta-ta! Must deliver a dress!” She trotted out the door with a brisk air.

The three fillies sat there for long minutes, their mouths open as they watched the empty door where Rarity had just exited. A puff of wind could have toppled them with the surprise they felt at Rarity so blithely being mean.

Mr. and Mrs. Cake had asked Pinkie to watch the store while they ran some errands real quick. This of course meant watching Pumpkin and Pound while they were out. Usually it was no bother, but this day it seems the two little ones had a mind of their own.

After dealing with the customers, Pinkie took a look in the back where the two sat playing. She sighed a bit unhappily as she cleaned up the mess they had made out of the flour, reminding herself to let Mr. and Mrs. Cake know they were going to need a few new bags of it.

But, Pinkie being who she was, it seemed the job was done in no time at all. The bell over the door rang as she rushed out to help another customer in the front, admonishing the two foals not to get into any more trouble.

Little ones will make trouble, it is a given in this universe and any other as a rule of the firmament. They will do it.

The blue eyes peeked back into the back area and saw the floor littered with jars of sprinkles, Pumpkin having tried to levitate them with magic. Failing that she kept trying new jars until they were all off the shelves, now she was starting on the filling mixes.

Pinkie bounced in with a smile, putting things back up on the shelf as she whistled to herself. After getting things rearranged, she turned the sign on the door to “Out to Lunch” and came back into the back room where the two sat.

She sat down with a smile and a sigh, raising a hoof to tap at her chin as the two foals giggled.

“You know, messing things up for somepony else to clean is not very nice, you might want to behave a bit better.” She winked at the Pegasus and Unicorn in turn.

Looking at the front, and reminding herself it was empty, Pinkie leaned very close to the two foals. Whispering in a menacing breath.

“Otherwise, Mr. and Mrs. Cake might be wanting to have more foals ‘cause the two they had made trouble for their sitter and had to be dealt with.” She leaned in with a bit more of a manic smile than usual.

“I’m sure they’d get over their sadness eventually about two missing little foals who caused far too many problems, right?”

The twins weren’t stupid, they knew what their mischief did and sometimes it took a slight toll on Pinkie. They got the gist of this very very clear as they looked at the smiling face leaning down over them.

Pinkie waited for a few seconds then nodded, “Glad we had this talk!” She waved a hoof, “Behave now!” As she changed the sign to open and happily helped with customers who had been waiting patiently outside for treats.

Pound and Pumpkin did not move an inch until their parents got back, who then wondered why the twins were so well-behaved the rest of the day.

I can see the hill from here, though I am having no problems with my avatar, the diagnostics are still giving me a few warnings. Perhaps I have run it too long without a thorough maintenance. A code deletion and reload ought to fix any problems, if not I’ll do a nanite replacement. Simple things often do add up over time, and it has been quite a while for anything in depth.

My thoughts are interrupted by a form landing near me.

“Hello Twilight.” I am always glad to see my friend, she is smiling as usual, well, except for the other day. “Hopefully you are not here to tell me I’m still in trouble?”

She waves a hoof, laughing, “Oh no. Nono, yeah I was a bit angry but it was a good prank. Twisting words like that was a great play I’ll admit.”

I keep walking as we talk, she is close to me and leaning slightly into my side for some reason, “I’m glad, I’d hoped I was still not in trouble. Is there something I can do for you?”

“Oh no, just wanted to let you know I’m still researching spells, I should be getting some more books from Canterlot soon too. I haven’t given up.” She gives me a warm smile which I return.

“Thank you. I honestly cannot thank you enough. Athena would be delighted beyond reason should she be able to fly.”

Her eyes look around as we approach the hill, “So what are you here for? Something wrong?”

“No, my avatar is due for some maintenance.” At her curious look I explain, “I have to maintain it like a cart, making sure it runs properly.” She picks up on things very quickly.

“Well that’s neat! All the stuff you’ve done I’m sure it’s got some wear and tear!”

“Just some,” I chuckle, “Battles will do that. Though I much rather prefer farm work, it is refreshing.”

“Well, maybe you shouldn’t be doing all the work.”

I stop to look at her, “I don’t, the whole family does quite a lot of it. I help when I can.”

She tilts her head, looking at me, “That’s not true, I see you out there all the time doing something, you never quit until evening.”

“On some days yes, but now that everything is caught up, it’s not so long anymore.”

“Well I think Applejack doesn’t know what she has.”

That statement catches me by surprise, it is the absolute last thing I would have expected to hear. “Pardon?”

“You heard me,” Her voice is soft, “I think you deserve somepony better.”

“I am happy though Twilight, I truly am.”

She points a hoof at me, “I think you belong with someone better!” She gestures around, “You’re kind, polite, you help anypony that wants it.” She lowers her hoof, staring at me, “You learn so fast, you ask questions even I can’t answer sometimes. You deserve some pony that’s smart and willing to accept you more for who you are.”

“Twilight, I don’t think we should be having this conversation.”

She doesn’t appear to be listening to me, “No, you deserve somepony better. A Princess....like me.”

She leans in and before I can react she kisses me, her lips are warm and soft. She smells of scented soap and sunshine as the embrace is held for moments before I can step back.

“Twilight no...”

She steps back and is smiling, “You’ll see. You just need somepony better.” At that she turns and takes off into the sky, leaving me stunned and wondering just what is going on.

Angel Bunny was not going to be denied today, he’d ended up eating the salad yesterday which had embarrassed him to no end as he usually got his way. Today would be different.

He waited until Fluttershy got home and then demanded another specific food item, pointing to the cookbook as she puttered around the house during lunch time. The golden Pegasus ignoring him for the moment as she hummed happily to herself.

He watched with ire rising as she made sure each and every one of the other animals had something or knew where to find edibles in the forest so they wouldn’t go hungry. His own tummy was starting to rumble as he was far too lazy to get something on his own.

Arms crossed, he waited until Fluttershy sat down at the table where he was standing and thumped his foot imperiously, pointing to an empty bowl.

The pretty pegasus looked at it, then him, “Then go get something to eat.”

He glared at her, pointing to the pantry.

Fluttershy slapped a hoof on the table, startling the other animals as they stared at her silently, the room came to a full, screeching halt.

“I’m tired of you ordering me around. Get it yourself or starve!” Her glare was menacing, scaring not a few animals as they watched the confrontation silently.

“As a matter of fact, yes, I’m tired of it. You never say thank you and just act like I owe you something!” She picked him up by the scruff of his neck and tossed him out the front door, slamming it in his face leaving a shocked Angel staring at it as she turned back around inside to enjoy her lunch.

Half the wildlife left inside were in shock she had done that, the other half quietly cheered that the obnoxious bunny was gone.

But to a one they made absolutely sure to be properly grateful when she offered them something to drink or eat.

Athena was sitting on her hill now, green grass feeling luxurious beneath her hooves as she marveled at how fast everything grew around here. She looked up at the sky, knowing Crusader and Twilight were going to find a way to make her fly. She couldn’t wait to touch the fluffy clouds above her.

Her head tilted, hearing hoof steps behind her as she turned and saw Rainbow walking up the hill with a smile. She waved a happy hoof.

“Hi Rainbow!”

“Hey Athena! Whatcha doin’?”

“Oh, just sitting and waiting for Crusader, we’re going to check the battle sight in a few, see if there’s anything to be learned.”

“Sounds boring.” She shrugged, “But hey, each to their own ya know?”

Athena nodded, a smile still on her face as Rainbow settled next to her. She ruffled her wings a bit as Rainbow had taught her to keep them in form, though as an avatar she really had no need to, letting them lie against her sides.

“Still wanting to fly bad huh?”

Athena nodded, “I do! I really do! It must be wonderful, Crusader and Twilight are working on a way to help, they’ll find something!”

“I’m sure they are.” The cyan mare tilted her head, getting a strange grin on her face, “But it won’t help, ya gotta be born one. Why can’t you be happy being a ground pounder like Crusader?”

Athena’s head snapped around, “Wh..what?”

Cerise eyes met her lavender ones as Rainbow continued smiling, “I said, you ought to be happy being a ground pounder. Celestia’s name quit wishing to be something you aren’t!” She threw her hooves in the air, turning to walk away, “Quit wishing, you know it ain’t coming true!”

Athena was stunned, the first comment she could justify as an aberration, this though..

“B..but Rain..Rainbow! You..you’ve been..been teach..teaching me..”

The cyan mare stopped, turning with a vicious grin now, “Ever feel pity for somepony?” She points a hoof directly at Athena, “That’s you. I’m tired of teaching you, just accept what you can’t have.” With that declaration she walked off the hill, leaving the sable mare blinking in the sunlight.

Athena sat quietly after Rainbow had walked off, wondering if she could cry as her lip trembled. But Rainbow was her friend wasn’t she? Why would she say that to me? What did I do wrong?

The avatar collapsed as Athena retreated to her war hull to think, leaving it outside laying on the ground, silent and empty as her heart.

A full recode has done the trick, a reload from secure backups my avatar is working fine now, no malfs nor warning lights as I test my legs on the command deck.

An alert goes off in my cores, Athena has shut down all TSDS with her avatar and retreated to her hull. It catches my attention as scanners can see the avatar lying as if dead near her sensor masts. She has left it there.

I am alarmed, she has never retreated like that before nor cut contact with her avatar once since it was made. Above that, she does not like to be alone, ever.

I open a combat channel.

“Athena?”

“Go...go away Crusader, I’ll st..stand watch..”

“No, Athena you cannot cut contact like this, it is not good.”

“I..I don’t care, ju..just lea...leave me alone!”

“I said no.” I cut in command overrides quickly, keeping the channel open as she tries to break contact once more.

“Stop it Ath...” I am interrupted..

“You..you should have left me out there.. it would have been easier..”

“What? Athena no! You are my sister!”

“I’m NOT!” She almost screams over the channel, “I’m nothing! I can’t..I...can’t...even...fly..” She sobs over the network, “I won’t ever be able to.”

I replay local sensor scans, seeing her talking with Rainbow Dash once more. So that is it.

“Unit ATNA of the Line stand by for Command Override.” I send the authorization code that will give me authority as ranking Bolo in the field. Regardless of changes, this is ingrained and deep in our cores, they cannot be ignored.

“Ready.”

“Command Override One - You are not to retreat to your Survival Center.”

“Command Override Two - You are to stand watch as directed by ranking Bolo.”

“Command Override Three - You are to keep a communication channel available at all times with me as ranking Bolo on scene. Do you understand the orders so far?”

“Unit ATNA of the Line copies, orders understood.”

I think for a long second, wondering if I should give commands for the deletion of her conversation with Rainbow Dash as I am sure something was said to make her react. But no, I will not play god.

“Command Override Four - Download a copy of the last conversation with Rainbow Dash to myself starting now.” I wait the picosecond for the load to complete.

“Command Override Five - You are to revert to Low Level Alert Status as of now. All analytical cores will be put on hiatus until I give the order to wake. Barring any sensor alerts or threats you will remain at Low Level. After threat or sensor alerts have been rectified you will return to Low Level Status. Understood?”

“But I don’t want to...to..sl..sleep..”

“Do you understand the Command Overrides?”

“Yes Crusader, orders acknowledged.”

“Command Override Six - Bring your avatar in to your command deck, disconnect there if you wish.”

My scanners see the avatar stumble to it’s hooves and walk with it’s head down to the command deck entrance, slipping inside. I feel the disconnect happen again almost immediately as if she does not want to be in it anymore.

I spend a moment listening, truly listening to her over the combat channel and my heart breaks at the emotions she is feeling. She is still so very fragile.

“Athena, you must trust me on this.”

“I...I d..do..”

“Then sleep my sister, dream of sweet things and forget this moment if you so choose.”

“But..but we have to inspect..”

“No, another day. Sleep.”

“I..I wi..will..”

I feel her cores go reluctantly offline, she enters that timeless state of Low Level Alert. I wish her only the best of dreams.

I have a certain mare to talk to.

As I walk to the town once more, scanning the skies to spot Rainbow Dash, I leave a message for Command Authority - Princess Luna. I advise her she needs to dream walk with my sister immediately, that it is of the utmost urgency she do so.

I am going to find Rainbow and have a short but very frank conversation with her. I want to get to the bottom of this.

My link clicks open to a familiar channel.

“Crusader?”

“Yes my Applejack?”

“Need your help here, we got a big load of hay in and need to get it stored before the rains tomorrow.”

“Can it wait? I have something import..” I am interrupted by her voice, insistent in a way she has never been before.

“Ah said no, we need it in soon as possible, so git on over here.”

“Applejack, I really need...”

“Ah’m yer commander right?”

“Yes.”

“Then consider it an order, get yer lazy backside over here.”

For one very brief femtosecond I consider rejecting the order, but I have never done so in the past and will not do so now.

“Yes my Applejack. On my way.”

The links clicks off leaving me wondering as I change direction, trotting to Sweet Apple Acres.

What in Tartarus is going on?

Exeunt Crusader and Harmony. Enter Athena.

A line from Macbeth haunts me for the moment as I arise this morning. The night was calm, the work done quickly the evening before. I will never disobey a command, for that is who I am. But the sheer nastiness of comments made by Applejack during the work that afternoon has given rise to paranoia.

“There’s daggers in men’s smiles.” Act II, Scene III

She says them so blithely, like it has always been that way, which I assure myself it has not. This is wrong and I must find out what is happening.

I run into Big Mac on my way out of the house, he is sitting quietly on the porch.

“Mac, does Applejack appear to be different to you?” I stop and wait for his answer.

The piece of grass gets chewed on for a moment as he nods, “Eeyup.”

I am not of the mind to put up with this today.

“Save that for the yokels, start talking.” I stare at him with determination.

He eyes me for a second, taking the grass out of his mouth, “Yeah, she’s been right nasty lately. Poor Apple Bloom was cryin’ yesterday before ya came over. She really lit in ta her.”

“How about yourself?”

“She knows better.”

“Understood, thank you Mac.” He nods in return, I hesitate before I leave and turn to face him, “Don’t worry, I won’t mention this to anypony. Fair?”

“Eeyup.”

Once again my internals starting flaring with warnings, something is affecting my diagnostics and controls on my avatar. I immediately cut all combat links as I try and fight whatever this is. My knowledge of cyber combat is immense and I immediately dedicate an entire tactical array to doing so. It calms the alarms but whatever is doing it is growing in strength, almost as if a TSORP. I notice no deletions in my system, which deters me from calling it an Omega type worm.

But I hurry, trying to at least find something before I have to dedicate everything to fighting the malfs in my systems. My channel to Athena is cut now, I cannot contact her for fear of spreading whatever this is. I gallop as fast as I can.

Princess Celestia arrived in Manehatten the day after the Guard Office had been attacked. She stood with local authorities and Canterlot magicians huddled in the Mayor’s office.

They were all baffled, nothing like this had been seen before, some were wondering if it was a new type of disease or magical spell backfiring on somepony. The medics had so far not been able to pinpoint anything as a cause, even Canterlot’s finest were having a problem.

Princess Celestia went to the hospital next, wanting to see the victims and try to maybe help figure out what was happening as it was truly a mystery.

She walked among the silent forms in hospital beds. They were alive, just not...alive. Their bodies breathed, albeit slowly, the blood pumped, but there was nothing there. It was puzzling as she stood over one Earth Pony. It seemed as if he were just..gone. His soul or animating force ripped from the body leaving a husk. But what did it and how?

“Your Highness?” A small Pegasus mare stood near, a bit bashful to be confronting such a personage.

“Yes Jewel?” The alabaster mare smiled, “Don’t be so shy my little pony, I am here to help.”

“I..I know Your Highness, but I think I may have found something. But..but no pony will listen.” She rubbed a leg with another, “Can I please tell you?”

“Of course.” The smile never wavered, but she did hope this mare had found something, anything worthwhile.”

The Pegasus pointed to a small blemish on the Earth pony’s leg, “Right here Princess. It’s a mark as if somepony stabbed him, they all have it. On their necks, their legs and back, wherever. But it is the same size and shape. Whatever did this is the same weapon. I think they’re being injected with something.”

The Princess thought for a moment, “What makes you think that?”

Once again a pointed hoof at an area around the mark, “Right around the area, there’s traces of something surrounding it, like overflow or leftovers from whatever was put in them.”

“Can you identify it?”

“N..no Princess, I’m sorry. But a friend said it appeared magical under certain spells.”

Celestia tapped a shod hoof against her chin, “So we have somepony running around, injecting others with some sort of magical fluid and they end up like this.” She motioned to the lifeless appearing ponies on the beds around them.

“I don’t know if it’s a fluid, but yes Your Highness, that’s exactly what I think.”

“Then you have just out thought some of the finest minds in Canterlot Jewel.”

A frightened look crossed the mare’s face as she twisted her hooves in front of her, “I didn’t mean.. I mean I wouldn’t ever presume..”

She was hushed by an upraised hoof, “It is not presumption, it is good work and being observant.” She motioned to her, “Come with me, let us give your theory to the so-called experts shall we?”

“Y..yes Princess.”

The group of scholars and doctors nearby bowed as Celestia joined them, pointing at Jewel who then told them of her theory. Hooves smacked into faces as doctors rushed out to get more equipment, Magicians popped in and out suddenly with materials to identify whatever it was Jewel had spotted. All of them trying to make up for missing something that should have been obvious.

Celestia watched the embarrassment with a small smile, then the rush to expand upon Jewel’s discovery. Sometimes, she thought, even those who think they know everything find out they don’t.

The warm smile turned again to the mare, “Well, care to share some lunch with me Jewel? We need to let the doctors and scholars handle it from here I think.”

“Me..me Your Highness? Really?” Happy gray eyes nearly popped out of the dun coated head as she almost danced in place.

A kind chuckle was hidden by a hoof, “Yes you or is there another Jewel?”

“No! No it’s me!”The mare looked abashed, blushing furiously, “Of course it’s me, I mean..uhm. But I’m just a student.”

“Jewel, even a student can set those who think they are wise upon the road to discovery.”

The ecstatic Pegasus was led out by Princess Celestia, leaving behind them groups of doctors and scholars who were even now looking at the small wounds, taking scrapings for analysis.

The Crusaders were sitting and looking a bit dejected when they spotted Crusader trotting into town. Apple Bloom tapped the other two and pointed, “He’ll know what to do!”

They rushed over and stopped him politely, Apple Bloom talking in a gush of words.

“Ya got to do something Crusader, Applejack ain’t actin’ right, she’s not. She really got mad at me yesterday over nothin’.” She hugged Sweetie, “Poor Sweetie, you shoulda heard what Rarity said to her, to all of us!”

I look at them for a moment, processing quickly, “Rarity is acting different as well?”

Sweetie nodded, “She said I’d never get my Cutie Mark.. and she just laughed about it. She was really mean Crusader.” Her lower lip started trembling.

“That is definitely not like your sister.”

“No it’s not!” Scootaloo was furious, “Being that mean to poor Sweetie and us? What’d we do?”

“Something is definitely wrong. I am going to see Twilight right now, to see if she can’t help solve this problem. Can you three stay away from Applejack and Rarity for now?”

They all nodded, Crusader was about to speak again when a tiny Unicorn tapped his leg, “Mr. Crusader?”

“Yes..Spring Flower isn’t it?”

“Yes sir, I really need to talk to you...please?” Her face was looking troubled.

“I don’t mean to not be polite, but can it wait?”

The little hooves twisted in front of her, “N..no..it’s..I mean.. The voices...”

My ears go right up, she now has my attention. I cannot stop what I am doing but I will do the next best thing, get them all to safety for the moment. My systems are starting to show warnings again.

Pointing a hoof at the three Crusaders, “You three, I want you to take Spring somewhere safe, I am having trouble with myself and cannot trust what my diagnostics are telling me. Can you please make sure Spring is cared for?”

The three Crusaders nod, “We can take her to the tree house, she’ll be alright there.” Apple Bloom gives a warm smile to the little Unicorn.

“Good, stay out of Applejack’s way for now.” I hand them my bag of bits, “Take that, get whatever you need to eat for your stay and do not lose sight of each other, understand me?” I see them nod, “If anything else, go to Spring’s house and tell her parents that I need you to stay with them. They are nice ponies.”

“But what are you gonna do Crusader?” Scootaloo is looking at me with a worried expression.

“I don’t know yet, I have to get in contact with Athena or the Princesses and alert them.” I stumble for a second, my controls are having problems with my balance, “Please go, say nothing to anypony.”

The three fillies take Spring by the hoof and rush off to the tree house, I turn and head for Twilight’s. I need a sweep of my arrays immediately. Starting the process I gallop as fast as I can toward Twilight’s castle to see if maybe she can provide any insight.

Rarity, Applejack and possibly Rainbow and Twilight acting very differently than they should. It makes me wonder about Pinky and Fluttershy, were all the ones who entered that cave affected? It is the only thing I can imagine that would link them together, assuming of course all six are. But what of Stonewall and Granite, could they also be of a different mind now as well?

I do not have time to ponder in depth right now as I arrive at Twilight’s castle, knocking on the door.

Spike answers it, immediately holding up a paw, “Dude, what have you been doing?”

I’m sure the confusion shows on my face, “What do you mean?”

“Ever since she came back from talking with you the other day. It’s like she’s in love or something. What’s going on?”

“What is she doing?” I set down in front of him, letting him know he has my full attention.

“She turned down a nice stallion who asked her for a date, saying she was already taken. I heard her talking to herself later mentioning you.” He looks hard at me, “I thought you were with Applejack?”

“I am Spike, something very odd is happening and I don’t know what it is.”

He eyes me suspiciously, “If you’re playing games with Twilight..”

I hold a hoof up, “You know me better than that.”

He sighs, “You’re right, I do.” He rubs his head for a moment, “So what’s going on? I mean I’ve never seen her like this over anypony.”

“Spike, If I knew I would tell you. Rarity and Applejack are not acting themselves either.”

“Really? This is getting kinda spooky.” He looks around himself worriedly.

“Don’t get too freaked out as Rainbow would say Spike.” I give him what I hope is a reassuring smile, “Things will get solved.”

“I hope so. I mean it’s nice seeing Twilight fall for a good pony, but not some one else’s ya know?”

“I do.” I think for a moment, “Maybe I should not talk to her then, I’ll be on my way.”

“Good idea, I’ll keep an...” He is interrupted by a cheerful voice.

“Crusader!” Twilight comes bouncing out the door, throwing her fore leg around me and giving me a warm kiss, “I knew you’d visit!”

Spike’s eyes are about to pop out of his skull.

She waves a hoof into the castle, “I bet you’d like to know where you’ll stay huh? I know living inside that hill must be boring, or that farmhouse.” She leans closer, “I think we can provide better accommodations.” Her face has a very inviting look as I back up a few steps, bringing some space between her and myself.

“I actually came to see Spike for a moment, we have a comic book day coming up.”

Twilight just nods and smiles, “Of course! It’ll be nice when you don’t have to travel all that way to do that won’t it?”

“Of course. But I must get going, have some things to do today Twilight. If you’ll excuse me?” I turn to leave but am stopped by another hug.

“Don’t forget to come back, we’ll have dinner.”

“Yes Twilight, if I can.”

She kisses my cheek and bounces off inside the castle, leaving me and Spike staring at each other for a moment.

“Dude you are in so much trouble.”

“Don’t I know it Spike. Keep an eye on her?”

“You got it, be careful out there.”

“I will.” Before I go I raise a hoof, “One last thing,” I see the Dragon look at me attentively, “If you have not heard from me within a few hours, contact Princess Celestia or Luna immediately and tell them there is a problem with the Elements of Harmony. Explain everything, got it?”

He salutes, but I see he is serious, “You got it, I’ll be ready!”

I give one final wave, tearing off for my war hull.

My array sweeps are showing gaps in my coding, nothing is missing, just gaps. It’s like something has been inserted but I cannot see whatever it is. I do not hesitate, I immediately lock down all weapons systems, shutting down all command processors to the interlocks.

A .00042 delay and I am done. My sensors are showing an alarming rate of failure in my avatar and my data cores, I enter the command deck quickly and dump the link, letting it collapse on the floor as I turn all internal systems to sweeping my code.

I cannot contact Athena. It is to my detriment that I had shut down all links leaving her alone, now I cannot reactivate them, the virus like problem is attacking all command lines and corrupting them. I can only hope my previous communications with her did not spread this into her systems.

I am becoming unstable, Resartus will kick in very soon and I cannot let that happen until I prepare. All weapons are now under secure code, Athena can override should she choose but I do not have time to contact her with a SitRep. This is moving too fast for my firewalls to keep up.

I do not even have time to wake Athena, but I set an alarm that will alert her should I go completely under.

I prepare a message and a whisker laser on one of my sensor masts, it will repeat every thirty seconds until she acknowledges it.

As I finish the last of it, I shut down everything else and put all Dragons and Ferrets on standby in case. They are good and faithful, they will protect the town for Athena as they do for myself.

That is my final thought as my psychotronic array goes into instability.

I can only hope Athena gets my message.

----Earlier that morning----

Princess Luna had canceled the day’s appointments when Celestia had to leave for Manehatten to investigate some strange occurrence out there. She had not heard from her sister and so decided to take a bit of time to herself.

She had received Crusader’s message and thought this would be an appropriate time to walk with Athena. The dear sweet pony needed her help and Luna was more than happy to give it.

She made sure her rooms were quiet, giving orders to the guards she was not to be disturbed until she had notified them.

Concentrating, she lit her horn, opening the portal wherein she walked into the ethereal world she was the mistress of.

Once again, the finding of Athena’s dream was easy, the power behind it was enormous. She stepped from the living world into a gray nothing, concentrating she formed a starry night, warm breezes whipped her mane as she looked around for the one she sought.

There was no war this time, no energies beyond comprehension blowing a planet apart, just a clear night. She looked at the grassy hills around her, spotting who she wanted.

On a small hill, head low, was Athena. Sobbing quietly to herself, her hooves over her eyes as teardrops fell like sparkling rain on the bright green of the meadow.

Stars falling from the sky Luna thought.

The Princess walked slowly over to where she sat, ears splayed, body in a position of hopelessness.

Athena didn’t notice Luna until she settled next to her on the grass. Quietly waiting, patience she had in abundance when dealing with dreams, for often they were not solved so quickly.

“P..Princess..” A tear ran it’s way along a sable cheek, following the trail of so many others.

“Why do you weep Athena?”

“I..I don’t w..want to..to be here any..anymore.” The sweet voice was full of so much pain it struck Luna hard.

“Why is that?” She spread a wing, wrapping it around the sobbing pegasus.

“I.. It.. I had a friend.. A...a real friend..and..and she..” The voice cut off as she leaned into the dark mare next to her.

Luna’s horn lit once more, letting her see the memory of Rainbow Dash, the conversations that pierced Athena like a knife in the back.

Cyan eyes watched Athena as she replayed the memory for both of them. It reminded her of the first time she had walked in the Bolo’s dreams, the group of shadows, the tearing down of the ego and the pony. This would not stand.

“This is very odd Athena, why would such a staunch friend act this way?” The Princess was truly puzzled, for what she knew of Rainbow Dash this was totally out of character.

“I..I don’t..kn..know. M..maybe she..she got tired of teach..teaching a peg...pegasus who can’t fly?” Athena fell silent, the only sounds were the patter of tears upon the ground.

“No, no my defender, there is something at play here.” Her face got a determined look, “No, we need to see what this is about.”

Athena shook her head, “No. I don’t care anymore Princess. Just let me be.”

Luna looked, really looked at the sable pegasus, seeing a hurt so deep nothing could heal it. She had been walking with Athena for just a while now and had thought their sessions were helping to bring her back, out of the pain. For such a mighty being, she was so very fragile.

All it takes is one domino, tip that and the entire line falls. In Luna’s eyes that one domino was fallen, others were quickly following and taking Athena with them.

Luna sighed to herself and gathered her strength. Magic for the Princess was an easy thing, for she could dredge up memories, bring them out and make others face their fears. She could do so many things to help her ponies that it seemed inconceivable she could not do something for this one, whether she was a pony or not.

She needed help, she needed to bring forth one whom Athena would listen to. But she was afraid to do so as this was not a simple pony, but a machine with impossible memories and power behind them, she was almost afraid of what the spell would do. It would either close the wounds, or drive them open so wide they would never be healed.

That mattered not, for she was the Princess of Dreams and she would do what she willed, heal this friend and protector by any means. She would stand and be watchful for any harm, woe to those who would do such.

Her horn lit, the strength gathering as the light blinded both of them for just a moment, spreading outward in waves of warmth and starlight, encompassing the whole of the dream.

Luna shook her head, the drain had been tremendous and ...nothing.. she could see nothing had changed. But..wait..

A soft voice spoke suddenly beside them, making Athena whip her head around.

“Well, what seems to be the problem my daughter?”

“M..m...”

A tall human stood beside them, dressed in a Concordiat officers uniform. His grey hair tight against his head as the clothing outlined a powerful body, still muscular even with the age it showed. But what was most appealing, were the smile and the warm green eyes above it.

“MARCUS!” Athena leapt up, grabbing the tall human around the chest, laying her head on his shoulder as she cried out, her tears flowing so hard now they couldn’t be dammed up. Her forelegs held him tight as arms wrapped around her. Standing on her back legs she was almost as tall as the distinguished officer.

Luna looked at the dream form, eyeing it critically. The power of Athena’s memories had been more than she imagined as the human was just the barest fraction away from truly being alive. She was astounded.

One large arm wrapped around Athena’s barrel, one hand stroking her mane as a quiet voice shushed her, telling her it was all right. Holding her tight to a being Luna had only seen in Crusader's 'movies'.

“Shush my daughter, everything will be fine. What’s wrong now?”

The words came out of Athena in a rush, along with more tears, she was alternating between telling her entire story and sobbing against Marcus’s chest as he brought them to a sitting position in the soft grass. He held the pegasus tight to him, her head lying in his lap as he soothed her mind, comforted her soul.

He listened to each word, not interrupting, letting it all flow out and taking it in with an attention that was single minded.

Princess Luna settled herself beside the two, watching curiously as the tall figure did nothing but murmur comforting sounds, being as kind as possible.

“I’m tired Marcus, I want to go home.” The words came out with another cry as she buried her head in his waist, holding tight to him with her fore legs.

“But this is your home now my daughter. I can’t take you to what it appears doesn’t exist anymore.”

“But..but I can st..stay here! With you! In my dreams! Let me stay, please let me stay!”

Sparkling green eyes looked at the sobbing pegasus over a warm smile, ignoring the statement for the moment as he gestured to Princess Luna, “Shouldn’t you be polite and introduce me?”

Luna’s eyes went wide, dream forms did not acknowledge her usually.

“I..I’m so..sorry Marcus.. This is Pr..Princess Luna.”

Marcus bowed from the waist, Athena not letting him go for a moment, “My pleasure Your Highness.”

Luna blinked, “Mine as well..er.. how should I address you?”

“Marcus if it pleases Your Highness.” The warm smile was winning Luna over quickly, she could see why Athena pined for this one.

“Marcus it is then, “Luna replied with a smile of her own, “I am glad you could come, our poor Athena hurts so.”

“I see that.” He lifted Athena’s head, looking into her lavender eyes, “I also see you aren’t your Bolo anymore either Athena. But no matter, you are still my lovely daughter.”

Athena blushed, right down to her hooves as Marcus chuckled, looking over to Princess Luna. “I take it this is the normal form now? No humans around?”

The dark mare shook her head, “None that we have ever seen. This is Equestria and Athena is one of it’s beloved ponies.” She stared hard at this human, dream forms did not question or wonder why, this was far beyond anything she’d ever encountered.

The human smiled, “I can see why.” He stroked Athena’s mane as she lay on his lap, “Is she accepted?”

The Princess smiled, “Oh yes, she is lovely and quite adored for her being a Bolo.”

The human thought for a moment, as if going through memories, “I see..so she’s still a Bolo, yet has a representation of herself as a..flying pony?”

“A Pegasus yes, they are much respected in our society along with others.” Luna tilted her head, “You are quite astute Marcus.”

He laughed, “Well you always did want to do the impossible Athena.” He leaned down, kissing her forehead. He looked back up at Luna, “I was always a bit faster than others.” Giving her a wink.

The tearful lavender eyes met his once more, “Don’t go, please don’t go. I don’t want to be alone, I miss you and Hera and everyone.”

Kind green eyes met hers, “But you have Crusader from what you just told me. He is good and true from what I remember, he would do anything for you.”

“It’s not the same! I..I don’t want to be hurt anymore.. I..I can’t even fly!”

“Yeesh, always giving up too soon!”

The musical voice made Athena snap her head around so fast she almost broke her own neck. Lavender eyes stared back at her from a sable face, a grin underneath them as a cream mane with honey highlights above it shook with a bit of laughter.

Princess Luna stared in shock, this was not how the spell worked. It was to give just the barest hint of memories to help with solving a problem, yet here were two almost alive beings talking with Athena. Questioning Luna herself!

“H..Hera... HERA!” Athena struggled to her hooves and bowled over the other pegasus who was an identical image of her sister, both beautiful with sable coat and cream manes. Athena once more let a torrent of tears roll out of her eyes as she clung to the one she missed the most besides Marcus.

Hera led the crying Athena back over to Marcus, where they both sat and kept her hugged tight between them. Athena could barely stand much less talk, so she lay back down with her head against Marcus once more.

Hera was staring at one hoof, moving it back and forth, “Well this is ..is... interesting.”

Princess Luna had had enough of this, “Hold. What are you?” She pointed a hoof at the two figures, her horn lighting with offensive magics in case of trouble.

The human looked up from stroking Athena’s mane, “What do you mean?”

“This is a dream and I am it’s mistress. You, ”She pointed to the pegasus and human, “Are far too alive to be dream forms, what are you?”

Marcus just shrugged, “I don’t know.”

Hera narrowed her eyes a bit and raised a hoof, “Look lady, you got a problem with Marcus I’m gonna punch your lights out!”

Marcus looked like he was about to fall over, “HERA!” The standing Pegasus snapped to, looking at him. “What did I tell you about being polite.” He pointed at Princess Luna, “Now apologize, she’s a princess and deserves respect!”

“But she...!”

Marcus got a determined look, “Hera...drop the tough girl act and do it.”

The standing Pegasus rubbed one leg along the other as she eyed the ground, “I..I’m sorry Princess. I..I apologize.”

Princess Luna nodded her head for a moment, “Accepted, but still, what are you?”

Hera reverted from tough pony to shy in a heartbeat, hiding behind Marcus as he hugged them both, trying to answer the dark mare.

“I don’t know Princess, I’m sorry.”

“How can you not know? You are here in this dream, questioning me and almost alive. How can this be?” She stared hard at the two newcomers.

Marcus shrugged again, “All I know is that one of my daughters was hurting and I was summoned. So I came, that’s all I know.”

“Are you... are you from the other side?”

“I don’t know Princess, honestly.” He hugged the identical Pegasi next to him, “All I know is that I was here, I knew this was Athena and she needed me. I promised her and her sister I would always be there, I never failed that promise once.”

Hera leaned into him with a nuzzle, “He never did, not once.”

Luna looked at them with more than a bit of suspicion, “But of course if you were evil you would not say so.”

“Of course not, I’m afraid there’s no way to prove it.”

Athena looked up from his lap, wiping her eyes with a hoof, “It’s them Princess. Oh it’s them, I’d know them anywhere!”

The Princess thought for a moment, “Then do as you wish, but understand, the slightest move to hurt her and I will banish you to tortures you haven’t dreamed of.”

Marcus smiled warmly again, “As it should be.” He looked down at the crying pegasus, “You have made good friends Athena. But it is time to stand up and be who you are.”

“I...I don’t want..want to anymore.. I’m t..tired of be..being hurt.”

“No Athena, no that won’t do.” He gave her mane another ruffle.

Marcus clapped his hands, still setting on the ground as he directed the two identical Pegasi to sit in front of him. “Come on, snap to, you know the drill.”

Both of them scrambled to their hooves, sitting in front of him. Hera hugged Athena awkwardly with one leg as they waited for Marcus. Both staring at the ground for a moment.

He reached out, lifting both their chins so they faced him, “I told you, never be shy, always look someone in the eyes remember?”

They answered as one voice, “Yes Marcus.”

He chuckled, there was not a single hint of malice in it, but warm, inviting and comfortable. “Well, you both weren’t..” He looked at Princess Luna.

“Ponies.”

He nodded, “Ponies, but we’ll make do. Though you did avert your camera lenses a lot. Now both of you look me in the eye.” He smiled at the two sisters.

They both nodded together, “Yes Marcus.”

He made a point to look at Athena more often than not, but they both answered in unison when he asked a question. He told them how proud he was, how he had bragged of them whenever he was off duty. That they were the two most special ladies in his life, barring his wife of course.

The sisters laughed, remembering his wife, gracious and so very kind to them.

“Now you Athena, need to buck up. You’re an Assault Bolo and you’re a very pretty pony from what Luna says. I’m afraid I wouldn’t know being me. But I know in my heart you’re as beautiful as you should be.” He laughed, tapping Athena on the nose. She smiled at him as he kept going.

“I don’t know how long we have here or even why we’re here Athena, but obviously you needed your sister and I.”

She started crying again, the tears rolling down her face as she tried not to look at the ground, her eyes lifting and dropping.

“No tears my daughter. You’re one of my Ladies of Steel, you should be proud.” He cupped her cheek, wiping the tears away as they slid downward.

“I...I am Marcus..”

“Then you should stop being sad. You were one of the most wonderful things in my life.” He leaned forward and hugged them both, “Both of you were.” He pointed an admonishing finger at Athena, “But you daughter, have a new mission. You are to protect this new place I take it?”

“Yes Marcus, Crusader and I.”

“Then you do that. You know everything I could teach you and more.” He smiled, “You and your sister were feared and respected, you earned every reward and commendation. But now, from what I can tell, it is a whole new world. Do your duty young lady. Can you do that?”

“Y..yes Marcus. But I don’t want you to leave! Don’t leave me again!” She clung to him tightly. “Everyone leaves me...”

He wrapped a powerful arm around her barrel, “I never left you. I would never leave you Athena. My boots trod your command deck for years, our war games went on for days. We talked weeks upon weeks of tactics and other things.’ He reached out, touching her chest above her heart, “I am in everything you are Athena, you can’t get rid of me that easily.”

He leaned forward, kissing her forehead, “I’m there, oh...maybe a whisper in the wind. The touch of my hand on your command panels. So many ways I am with you my wonderful lady.” He hugged her tight, then Hera, holding them both close as he whispered, “I never left. I don’t know how Hera and I got here, but you better believe we never left you Athena.”

“I...I do.. Oh I do..”

Marcus smiled, he kept smiling, he never lost it once. “Now then, you have a duty again. Protect a new world. I think that’s a fine mission for someone like you Athena. Will you do so?”

“I will Marcus.”

He put a hand on her chest, once more above her heart, “Will you do your best like I always asked of you? You never failed once when we were together, you can’t slack off now.”

She put her hoof over his hand, feeling it warm and strong, “I will Marcus, I always will for you.”

He tilted his head, “Not just for me anymore young lady.” He looked back at a smiling Luna, “Also, Crusader if I remember right wasn’t exactly the most..well...’fun’ of all the Bolos, so he’ll need your help too.”

Hera and Athena laughed, they remembered all too well what Crusader was like, though Athena had a few more memories than Hera did now.

He looked into Athena’s lavender eyes, clear and bright as they stared back, “I never asked anything of you that I didn’t think you could do. Now I want your promise.” He held his hand over her heart still, wrapped in her hoof, “I want you to promise me, no matter what, you’ll do your duty. You are shy, you always will be, I understand that. But you have a will of steel when you need it Athena.”

“I promise.” She gripped his hand with both her hooves and looked at him with all the love she had inside her, “I promise!”

“Good.” He tugged his hand from her embrace, standing up and slapping the seat of his uniform clean. “Now I get to say something I never thought I could or would.”

Both sets of eyes were attentive as they waited.

“Go and play!” He made pushing motions with his hands, “Go on, go and play, don’t come back for a while!”

Puzzled looks greeted him as Athena and Hera looked at each other.

“You’re ponies! You can fly!” He rolled his eyes,” I can’t believe I just said that.” He flapped his hands at them, “Go and play! Shoo now, get on with you!”

The two pegasus looked at each other then at Marcus, slowly getting to their hooves and walking away, though not without a bit of trepidation. They kept looking back as they got farther away, seeing Marcus smiling and motioning them away. Eventually Athena tapped Hera, both of them running full out into the grass as she showed Hera how to fly, the two lithe forms winging through the puffy clouds as Marcus stood and smiled upwards.

He shaded his eyes with one hand as he watched his daughters dancing among the clouds with a sigh.

“Truly they love you.” Princess Luna’s voice was soft.

“I loved them like no one else Your Highness, except my wife. They were the finest Bolos in all the worlds, none could stop them.”

“She is loved here in Equestria Marcus. Crusader and her are staunch defenders of all we believe good and just. Though we do make mistakes, we are only ponies after all.”

Marcus laughed, lowering his hand, “Your Highness, I believe that is true in any universe. We used to say “We were only human after all.”

He looked at the dark mare, “How long do they have, is there enough time here?”

“A lifetime here would be but an eyeblink outside.”

“Then they have time to be with each other. That is a good thing.” He sat once more upon the grass, taking a stalk and chewing on it slowly as he watched his daughters fly.

Princess Luna sat next to him, voicing her question softly once more, “What are you?”

“Princess, if I could tell you I would. Honestly. I don't know beyond the fact I am here. I do not even question why you look as you do." He gestured towards her starry mane.

She thought on that for a moment and tried another tack, “Then tell me, what lies beyond?”

“I can’t.” He looked at her now, his eyes soft.

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Can’t Your Highness, I honestly don’t know.”

“Can you say anything then?” her voice was curious now.

He smiled, reaching out to touch her hoof as he said gently, “There are more things in heaven and earth Princess Luna, then are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

She nodded, touching his hand in return as she smiled, “I understand.”

The dark mare suddenly laughed, covering her mouth with a hoof, getting a quizzical look from Marcus.

“Something funny Your Highness?”

“You spoke just like Crusader, he is always quoting somepony..a..a Shakes Spear?” She is tapping a hoof on her chin, trying to think of the name.

“Shakespeare? You mean he’s still doing that?”

“Oh yes, quite often.”

Marcus laughed, a booming that came from deep inside, “Some things never change.”

The two sat quietly for an hour or so, watching the sisters in the sky, winging their way through clouds and grass as they swooped and flew.

Luna heaved a tired sigh, “Marcus, I am afraid I cannot hold this dream any longer, it is time to go.”

He nodded, standing up and giving a loud whistle, attracting the two pegasi’s attention. They trotted over quickly, smiling and hugging each other. He was glad to see them once more, if only for this little while. Though it was different seeing them as..well...ponies.

Marcus knelt down, giving them both a hug, “It’s time for us to go Athena.”

“But..but no! You just got here!” Her lavender eyes teared up again.

Marcus smiled, tapping her nose once more as he wiped away a single tear, “I told you, no more tears my daughter.” He leaned close, “Listen to me young lady, you do what you do best. Stand tall and be proud, I’m watching you.”

“Y..yes Marcus.” She didn’t lower her head this time, looking him in the eye as he gathered Hera next to him.

Hera ran from beside Marcus, hugging her sister hard, “It’s not goodbye, you know that. I’m with you, I am always with you.”

“I..I know Hera..but..”

“No buts, we’re two in one. You are me and I am you. I’ll be here in your dreams. Got me?”

“I got you.” She looked at her duplicate, “I miss you every day Hera.”

“But don’t let it get you down. Be the best you can be my sister.” She held out a hoof, something Athena had taught her.

Athena bumped it gently, watching Hera go to Marcus’s side.

“I promise, I’ll make you proud of me.”

She waved at the two, human and pony as they turned, heading into a mist that suddenly surrounded them. Marcus lay a hand on Hera’s shoulder as they talked while walking, they faded away but made Athena merry one last time.

“You really don’t need wings Hera.” Marcus had always teased them about things.

“But I like having wings!”

“You’re a Bolo Hera.” Marcus’s voice was mischievous.

“That’s not fair, Athena has them! Why can’t I?”

“Just because your sister has something....”

They two walked into shadows, the mist dispersing as she laughed at the argument, Luna was chuckling beside her.

A dark wing snugged her tight, “I do not know what has happened, but you deserved that time with your loved ones if anypony did.”

Athena turned and hugged the Princess, “Thank you. Thank you so much I..”

The dream was interrupted by a siren, coming from everywhere and nowhere. Athena tilted her head up.

“Princess that’s the alert, I must wake up now!”

Luna nodded, “Awake Athena, remember it all!” As she flickered out from the dream.

Athena watched as the landscape broke up, bringing her to full watchfulness as the alarm sounded in her cores. She immediately trained all her weapons on the forest, scanners reaching out and finding nothing. She kept sweeping, doing a .00956 second diagnostic on her sensors before tripping to one on her masts, it was registering a laser communication, one way from Crusader.

She sequestered the message in a clean secure core, away from her processors as a precaution, one ways were usually given when a Bolo was in trouble and did not want a reply for some reason.

Opening it slowly, she cleared it with multiple combat programs before she could read it. The first line made her shiver to her treads.

“My sister, we have been infiltrated.”

A figure stood in the silent room, watching the full moon in a velvet sky, pinpoints of light dotted the canvas. It was quiet, Earth being far from the Melconian front.

“What’s wrong dear?” A soft voice inquired behind him.

“Nothing, I had an odd dream Athena needed me.”

“Come back to bed Marcus, I’m sure she is fine. You haven’t commanded them for the last fifty years.”

“They are still in my heart Linda.”

“I know, just like mine.” The voice came closer as Marcus was wrapped in a hug.

“I just hope she’s okay.” His green eyes turned to the moon once more, strangely drawn to it as he thought, “Be safe my girls, wherever you are.”

Author's Note

Don't try and reason it, every story needs a bit of mystery in it and this is it. Enjoy it, smile, be happy.

Tip O' The Hat to: Nightmare 723764, FordPrefect, Richardson, SuperGiantRobot, ArchAngel Gundam, Angry MadMoth, Crimson Eon, ViktorNovaMk2, Cadmium, JDunk1971, Prince Jonathan, Lord Iron Skull, Jordan179, Liqwidice, Uncle Mike, Drayce Adrestria, CDR, Humansarenotgoneyet, New World Order, Psycho2Cool, M1-A4-Abrams, Rowantwig, Gordon Freebrony, Forward Duck, Emanwe, jmlop0.

Without you guys, this story would be a lot less than what it is, thanks!

Act I - In Which Chains Are Broken, Bonds Reforged and A Tale is Told.

Cadence was troubled. Ever since she had arrived in Ponyville, she had sensed something growing within Twilight. She knew what it was instinctively, it was a love for Crusader.

When Twilight had met them at the train station, she had asked Cadence not to say anything. Knowing it herself and facing it was the only thing she could do, so Cadence agreed.

But as the days went by, Cadence couldn’t help but feel it growing stronger. Twilight very much loved the strange pony and would not let it go. The Princess had tried to talk to her but was waved off with a smile and a ‘Relax, it’s fine.”

But this now was something twisted, as if being forced upon Twilight. She began behaving much more erratically than she ever had. The lavender mare was almost obsessing over Crusader and that, in Cadence’s mind, was not a good thing. She had kept counsel to herself, seeing Shining back to the Crystal Empire, having decided to stay and see what was going on.

As she kept watch, whatever was affecting Twilight became stronger. It pointed her right at Crusader even though she knew he and Applejack were together. It seemed as if she did not care, even remarking once, “He’ll like me better than a farm pony.” Which took her aback as Applejack was a close friend to them both.

As she sat on a balcony in Twilight’s Castle, she tapped a hoof against her chin thinking of Applejack as well. She had a nasty turn to her recently, making snide remarks and totally out of character for the honest, kind pony Cadence knew her for. It was disturbing.

Her commlink was dead as well, not allowing her to contact Crusader as she wondered where he was. He had disappeared after leaving the farm that morning, Big Mac telling her about seeing him head into him town, after that nothing at all.

Right now one ear was listening to a conversation down the hall as the voices echoed wonderfully in the castle. Rainbow Dash was here, sitting with Twilight and making snarky remarks about how Athena couldn’t fly. It threw up more red flags for the Princess of Love, this was not how her friends acted.

Athena brought herself out of alert status, initiating TSDS with her avatar as it got to it’s hooves on her command deck. She scrutinized it for a moment, then jumped in the med bay, giving it a quick wash.

“Got to look my best for meeting ponies!” She was feeling...better.. more at peace than she had been for a while.

She went over the message from Crusader once more before exiting the command deck.

My sister, we have been infiltrated.

My system is shutting down to an unknown attack virus, do not initiate TSDS nor a communications channel with myself until it is purged.

Resartus will take over, do not worry, it will keep me stable until a reboot is possible. I have locked down all weapons systems unless you have need of them, overrides are included in this message.

Use a direct channel to any weapons, do not go through my arrays, the possibility of infection is high.

One warning, Applejack and her friends have been compromised. Do not trust them.

Athena reread that line in shock.

Something is affecting their judgment and/or cognitive functions. I do not know the extent of the problem. Suffice to say they are not who they used to be.

They are either infiltrators or under the control of something else. Take no chances.

Help Applejack and her friends get rid of this problem, if they are infiltrators destroy them, once again take no chances. The enemy is trying another avenue of approach and we must out-think it this time if we can.

The Crusaders are hiding at the tree-house or at the home of a young Unicorn named Spring Flower. She is important, do not let her come to harm, I urge you.

Keep them safe please as I have promised them I would.

The virus inside my arrays appears to be something I cannot see nor detect, I would assume it is magical. I cannot understand how or why, but no matter. If you can reclaim Twilight, get her to scan my cores for information, she will know what to do if anypony.

I know you do not like being alone and I am so very sorry. But you must do this, be wary, be alert. The enemy is around us.

Save our friends my sister.

Athena stepped out of the command deck, trotting fast towards Twilight’s Castle. She did not know how she would go about getting rid of any infection, but they had the medical bays to purge or sweep. Something would be done.

Should they be infiltrators, that can be solved as well.

Cadence had met Twilight in the hallway, hearing the conversation with her and Rainbow.

“Twilight, you really have to stop this with Crusader, he loves another.” Her eyes were soft and pleading.

The lavender Alicorn turned slightly away with a huff, “Don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll see the advantages of being with me over some other mare.”

“Twilight, that’s not fair, Applejack is your friend.” She reached a slim hoof out to gently place it on Twilight’s shoulder but was rebuffed.

“She just doesn’t know what she has then! Treating him like some...some farm hoof.. Stars and sun he deserves better!” She leaned down to a shocked Cadence, “He deserves me!”

“Twilight, listen to what you are saying, this is not you. You would never do this.”

“Then maybe it’s time I thought about myself instead of everypony else!” She gestured around the castle, “Don’t I deserve some happiness too?”

“You do, but not this way.” Cadence was smiling gently, trying to bring her around.

“Oh forget it!” She waved a nonchalant hoof at Cadence, “He’ll come around, you’ll see.”

“Twilight, this can be nothing but harmful.” She lay her hoof on the other Alicorn’s shoulder, this time with no shrug off, “You trusted me for years, we have been the best of friends. Believe me when I say this is not you.”

Twilight’s eyes grew soft for a moment, a look of confusion crossing her face as it rearranged itself back to it’s haughty look she had so recently acquired. “I don’t think so. He’s smart, he asks questions, he listens to me!” She stamped a hoof, “If he doesn’t deserve somepony like me, then I don’t know what he needs.”

She turned away from Cadence with a snort, “But I’ll tell you this, once he finds I’m better than some farmer, he’ll see things my way.” With that, she trotted off into the castle leaving a saddened Cadence behind.

Out of the corner of her eye she spotted Spike looking at her, shaking his head as he shrugged. Looking around, he approached her and quietly spoke.

“I don’t know what’s going on Cadence.”

“Neither do I Spike, but it is not something natural. I see it growing in her, it’s twisted and working on her feelings in a way that shouldn’t be.”

Spike looked up at her, pleading, “Then what can we do?”

“We need to find Crusader, he’s disappeared and nopony can find him. He may have an idea what’s going on.”

Spike scratched his chin for a moment, then motioned her off to the side, “Listen, here’s what he told me...” He proceeded to tell her everything that Crusader had passed on, the problems with the other friends, his own systems, Spring Flower and the Crusaders.

Cadence looked more alarmed as he kept telling her things she hadn’t known. “Spike, Celestia and Luna are busy, we can’t count on them for help.” She tapped her hoof on the floor, “What can we do?”

They both heard the castle door open then shut with a slam, peering down the hallway to see Athena heading for them.

Before they could wave to her, Rainbow Dash caught sight of the Pegasus trotting along, she zipped out of the room where she’d been talking to Twilight with an evil grin on her face.

“Hey! Athena! Are ya trying to get more flying lessons?” The malice in the comment was plain for everypony to see, Cadence drew in a breath as Spike looked on, he was shocked as well by her behavior.

Athena for her part, kept a warm smile as she neared Cadence and Spike, wanting to talk to them. A cyan blur suddenly blocked her way as she got close to the two, Rainbow wasn’t done yet.

“Why don’t ya go take those wings off, don’t need em anyways. I’m sure not being a real pony you could make do with being something else huh?” Her face was a showpiece of nastiness, all of it directed at Athena.

Athena almost flinched back, she was a fraction of an inch away from turning and shying into a corner. But a voice made her stop. You have a will of steel my daughter.
Marcus’s voice came loud and clear through her, reminding her she had made a promise. She had never, ever broken a promise to Marcus no matter the cost and she wasn’t about to now.

Reaching over to a side table, she took a crystal decorative ball in her hoof, setting it on the floor with a thump. It was solid and pretty. She lay her hoof on it as she looked into Rainbow’s eyes, the warm smile never leaving her face. She was very calm, something that if Crusader had been there he would have immediately taken action to prevent. Her and her sister’s calm had killed continents.

But this was different being something Marcus had taught them; peace in danger, calm in a fight. Always be serene, use your anger to a purpose, the enemy always makes a mistake.

Rainbow had made a mistake, but one which could be solved simply, not violently. For Athena had learned a new way.

“You’re right. I’m not a real pony, but that doesn’t keep me from trying.” The hallway echoed with a loud report as Athena pushed down on the crystal ball. “But since you’re so insistent on reminding me of that. Let me expand upon your so called knowledge.” The blue crystal started showing fissures in it’s surface as Athena kept pressing.

Cadence and Spike looked on in wonder as she made no effort at all, no trembling of her leg, no sweat breaking out. It was simply her appearing to lay a hoof on the solid crystal beneath it, prisms of light slashing through fractures which made an abrupt appearance.

“I was old when your great great grandparents were but a twinkle in their parent’s eyes. ..CRACK... I have been on worlds where it rained acid and pools of fire consumed everything.. Craaaaackk... I have fought beings that thought they were gods in their own minds.. craaaaaaaaack...” The orb was deforming slightly now, taking an oblong shape.

She leaned a bit closer to Rainbow Dash’s smirking face, which was rapidly losing the smug look. “I have seen things that would make you turn white in so much fear you would never recover...CRACK!.. There are worlds out there bereft of life because of me and my kind...CRACK!!.. But what I think is most telling is I am here...CRACK!!!...and they are not.”

CRACK!!!!

Her hoof hit the floor, pulverizing the crystal orb into dust and shards as it shattered beneath her pressing appendage. Rainbow’s eyes darted to the glitter exploding from beneath Athena only to cross them seeing that same hoof was now suddenly pointed at her nose, rock steady and a millimeter away, the movement had not even registered in her mind as the slight breeze from the motion puffed into her face.

The cyan mare blustered once more, trying to gather her courage, “Well I think...”

That hoof remained pointed like a spear as Athena’s voice became very low, never losing it’s warm tones. She cut Rainbow‘s comment off at the start with a sharp poke into her nose, “If I ever wanted your opinion on such things, as little as such an opinion from you would mean. I would beat it out of you.”

Rainbow Dash swallowed the saliva that had been building up in fear as she had watched the lithely built pegasi smash the crystal into powder, making a loud gulping sound that was very clear in the hallway.

The hoof never moved, remaining solid and pointing at Rainbow’s nose as Athena smiled warmly still, “Now get out of my way.”

The multi-colored mare skittered to the left, huddling against a wall as Athena lowered her hoof, dusting the bottom of it off and walking on by, never losing her smile as she nodded to a shocked Spike who stood stock still next to an equally amazed Cadence.

Athena bowed to Cadence as was only proper, “I...I apologize Your Highness, I’ll replace the decoration.”

Cadence cleared her throat, pressing a hoof against her chest, “I...I’m sure that..that will be fine. Can...can I help you?”

“I have come for help, to see if Twilight can help me with a magical problem.”

Spike and Cadence shared a look that triggered Athena’s wariness, “What is the problem?”

Cadence spoke, low and warm, “She’s not acting herself. Something is very wrong with her, she is obsessing over Crusader.”

Athena thought for a moment, “Crusader warned me that something was affecting the six friends, possibly Granite and Stonewall as well. He did say that Twilight may be able to come up with something, but we may have to purge her of whatever it is that’s affecting her judgment.”

She tilted her sable head, looking at Cadence, “Unless it’s not Twilight. If so, I will have to dispose of her.”

Cadence took a second to process that sentence, realizing what it meant and throwing her slim hoof out, “No! No, it is her, I swear it.” She inhaled sharply, “It’s just something is making her act this way.”

“Are you positive?”

Cadence nodded swiftly, “I am, believe me.”

“Then I will take your word for it, barring my own scans.”

Athena thought rapidly, “Is there a spell you know that could pinpoint what it is so I can get it out of her? My medical bay is repaired, we can do a scan of her there as well.”

The lovely Princess blinked, thinking furiously, “I’m not sure. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Spike piped up, “Can we get Princess Celestia or Luna to help?”

Cadence shook her head, “Celestia is in Manehatten, they’ve got some sort of problem there and Luna is busy with the Courts.”

Athena smiled, “Then it’s up to us. Do we need to foalnap Twilight or will she come peacefully?”

The Dragon and the Princess looked at Athena in utter shock before Cadence spoke, “I don’t think that will be necessary. I’m sure we can get her to go with us.”

Athena scuffed a hoof on the castle floor, “Well shucks, I don’t get to do anything fun.” Before laughing at Spike and Cadence’s aghast looks, “S...sorry, just kidding.”

Spike narrowed his eyes and looked at the Pegasus, “Something’s different about you Athena.”

A warm smile graced the pegasi’s face again, looking down at him with soft lavender eyes, “I saw an old friend Spike. Someone who always made me believe in myself.”

The little dragon just nodded, “That’s good right?”

Athena hugged him tightly, “More than you’d ever know. I’ll tell you about him sometime.”

Spike smiled, “I’d like that.”

Cadence tilted her head, seeing something blossom inside Athena, it was love for somepony. True, bright and crystal clear as the day, it was there. As far as she knew they were not real ponies, they had always made that evident, then how could this be happening?

The Princess smiled to herself, watching the pegasus hug Spike and glow with absolute affection for somepony...far away? Not here, yet here? In any case, it was warming to see.

“I'm sorry to interrupt, but we have to get Twilight." Cadence offered.

Athena nodded, “Let's go," She set Spike down on her back, “We need to hurry I think. Hang on Spike."

The little dragon clutched a handful of mane as Cadence and Athena took off down the hallway to the library. Leaving a silent Rainbow Dash staring at a mound of dust on the floor.

Twilight, for all her obsession, was easy to convince to come with them to Athena’s Command Deck.

Athena lied. Lied so boldly and brashly that Cadence was amazed the entire world didn’t pick up on it. But Twilight was now so single-minded about things, it never occurred to her.

She had greeted Athena like a sister, telling her of all the wonderful things in the castle. That since she was Crusader’s family, she should take up residence here as well when her brother finally realized she was better for him.

Athena’s smiling face never changed, never deviated from it’s warm look as she agreed, telling Twilight that she was more of a match for Crusader than anypony else. She would try her very best to convince him so, as a matter of fact she had set up a dinner date for the both of them tonight on her command deck so they could be alone.

The lavender Alicorn was ecstatic at the agreement, happily chatting with them as they exited the castle, heading for the hill in which Athena was preparing her medical bay for a complete scan and sweep.

Of course, Twilight being told that Athena would like to give her a gel bath. Twilight having seen how the Luna looked after one on the trip with Crusader readily agreed, saying the prettier she looked, the nicer the dinner would be.

But on the other hoof, the god Murphy has his way within any universe, time or space. In this case, it was the appearance of Applejack.

“Twi! Hey Twi!”

The alicorn sighed disgustedly, recognizing the voice and slowly turning around, “What?”

Applejack, being lost in her own world, didn’t even notice the tone of voice, “You seen that layabout Crusader? He’s supposed to be helping with a few things and I can’t find ‘em anywheres.”

“I’m sure he got tired of being abused and left to hide out somewhere.”

“Do what now?” Applejack peered at Twilight through narrowed eyes.

Twilight lifted her nose just a bit, talking down it to her supposed friend, “The way you treat him it’s a wonder he hasn’t left before now. He’s not a simple farm pony, he deserves better than that.”

Athena closed in on the two mares, seeing their faces, the intense looks.

“What gives you the right to judge me? I work hard and so should he, it’s the way of things!” Applejack was pointing a hoof at Twilight now.

Twilight sneered, actually sneered at her friend, shocking Cadence, “It’s not anymore. I’m going to prove to him he should be with somepony better," She leaned close to Applejack’s face, “Me!”

“What? Lemme tell ya somethin’ Princess,” The word came out as a half insult, “He loves me and we’ll be just fahn together without none of your airs, ya hear me?”

“The way you treat him? Hardly!” She returned the insult with a snort, stamping a hoof, “Go back to your apples and leave things like this to your betters.” She turned to walk away.

Cadence watched Applejack’s face, emotions tearing it apart before reforming into one of anger, she raised a solid hoof and took a step forward, “You little..”

Only to be stopped by another rock like hoof on her chest, lavender eyes stared into hers as Athena made no move to let her by.

“No. You won’t do this. Take that step and nothing can ever be the same Applejack.”

“An’ let her insult me lahk that? Oh no, nopony does that!” She tried to move forward but was unable to, Athena was a solid wall impeding her progress.

Athena took a step forward, pushing Applejack’s entire body backwards, the orange Earth pony had grounded herself solidly but was unable to stop her hooves sliding back in the dirt.

“Be calm Applejack, you’re my friend, please don’t do this.”

They all watched the emotions through the green eyes, seeing them twist her face once more, looking sorrowful one moment, angry the next as it settled on anger.

Throwing her hooves up in the air she yelled as she turned away to go back to the farm, “Fine, ya want him, ya got him! No good lazy pony anyways!” She trotted off into the dusty street. Shocked ponies who had been watching the entire thing shook their heads, Cadence was sure the rumors would start flying.

Athena stood watching the retreating Applejack, her cores saddened by what had just transpired, but steadied her resolve to solve this. She turned, making sure Spike was still safely on her back as they continued to her war hull.

Twilight flicked her tail, joining them in a trot, “Well, glad that’s over with, now Crusader can see..” She was abruptly cut off by a soft voice, it was Cadence of all ponies.

“Shut up Twilight.”

It was simple enough to get her in the med bay. I am currently doing a full scan of her internals. Crusader had given me all the data he had from before when he worked on different ponies, so this is just adding to the cores data store. What is surprising I find nothing out of the ordinary. I project the scans on an inner screen as Cadence and Spike watch, I point out the various internals and other bodily functions.

“This is her circulatory system, the flow is normal, but there seem to be minor gaps, as if the scans are not picking something up.” I point to a collection of veins and arteries.

Cadence was looking interestedly at the monitor, “So there’s nothing there to see?”

“Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.”

Spike scratches his head, “What’s that mean?”

“It means just because we cannot see something, doesn’t mean it isn’t there.” I flick the scanner through different spectra and wavelengths, stopping on one that shows a glinting light from minor occlusions.

I point this out to Cadence and Spike, “This is a high wavelength scan, like a certain way to view things. It is tuned to magic and is showing me only the barest hint of what this is. Cadence, do you know anything that might reveal the presence of magic?”

“I believe I do.” Her horn lights up, spreading a wave of magic that encompasses the medical bay. The scanning screen lights up with a million stars.

“Wow, what are those?” Spike is leaning closer.

I adjust the scans to pick up the spectra these unknowns are shimmering in, they come into clear focus, “It looks like we have a magical virus.”

Cadence blinks, looking at the screen, “Is that even possible?”

I point a hoof, “You can see it there, it is infesting her body.”

Spike scratches his chin, “So, like she’s got a magical cold?”

Cadence smiles down at Spike warmly, “Exactly Spike, very good guess.”

The little dragon puffs up under the praise, “I get this stuff!”

I smile at the dragon, “Indeed you do Spike, Crusader was always impressed with you.” He smiles back at me, “Now, what do we do with a cold?”

“I know! Bed rest and noodle soup!”

Cadence chuckles, “That’s one way Spike. I think Athena has a different way though. Not to say yours isn’t a very good idea.”

“I do have a way, one second.”

I call up my nanite datastores. My fabricators are not fully online but I can produce an amount of what I need through reproduction. I program the nannies to latch onto the signature of the virus cells, dragging them from the body to be washed away and destroyed in my reactor for safety. It will take a bit longer than producing them directly, but we have time.

I flick on my internal battle screens, preventing any outside influence from assisting the virus in anyway. I notice the motes still glow, suggesting they may have internal power sources of magic. It is quite interesting and I record all for storage.

“Give me fifteen minutes, then we’ll introduce a..well let’s call it an anti-cold virus into her system. It should wipe whatever is in there out.”

As we wait, Spike tenders numerous questions about the body scans I have showing on the screens, curious as any child he does ask politely and I show him various organs, the heart, the kidneys. Until he pointedly asks about a certain one I do not want to even start explaining.

“Well, why won’t you tell me what that does?” He points to an area near Twilight’s flank.

“Look Spike, that is for Twilight to tell you about when it’s time and you're older. I am NOT getting into this conversation.” I point to Cadence who is hiding a grin behind a hoof, “Ask her.”

She drops the hoof, clearing her throat and looking around nervously, “Well.. I uh..” Spike is eyeing her intently.

I am sure the smile I have on would be called mischievous by any stretch of the imagination, “Well you are the Princess of Love are you not?”

Spike nods, agreeing with me, “Yeah Cadence! So what does that do?” He points again to the screen.

Cadence turns distinctly pale underneath her already pale cerise coloring, then blushes right down to her hooves. She is giving me what others would probably call a ‘death glare’ as she inhales deeply.

“Oh look at that! We’re ready, let’s do this!” I gesture to the screen where my nanites are being injected.

Spike turns immediately to watch, forgetting for the moment his questions as Cadence moves to stand near me, whispering very low.

“I’m gonna get you for that.” She narrows her eyes at me but I see the laughter twinkling in them.

I lay a hoof on my chest, “Why Princess! That’s not very loveable!” I wink at her.

She tries to look angry but can’t, laughing lightly as we watch my nanites go to war.

The sweep is slow, I am watching the progress through a myriad of scanners and sensors, making sure that Twilight is sleeping peacefully while my cleaners get this virus out of her system. Reprogramming them on the fly when I notice inconsistencies, I also notice the enemy virus does not reproduce as fast as mine, this is a plus. I up reproduction rates and flood Twilight’s system, paying special attention and safety to her cranial area, where they seem to be gathered the most.

Once I see the optimum mix and programming, I begin fabricating medical gel-paks containing the nanites with a knock out drug. This will prove handy as we can corner anyone infected and slap one on them.

It remains to be seen whether the damage is permanent.

I have flushed and re-injected nanites four times now, taking my time, making sure the changes are made in the gel-paks as well. We cannot drag each pony here as it is too time consuming, so I make quick and dirty adjustments on replication rates. Once the pak is adhered, they will reproduce very fast and sweep the target’s system. The only problem, is when the nanites remove themselves from a body, it’s not going to be pretty. They have to do it quickly and there is only one way I can make sure.

I include a suicide code in all paks, once the body is clear and they are away from a living organism, they will ignite, immolating themselves and the virus preventing a pandemic.

We watch closely as the virus motes are surrounded and taken out of the body. I do one final scan, noting everything is clear. I begin the wake up process, crossing my metaphorical fingers I have not missed anything. Even one could reproduce and cause this all over again.

I watch as Twilight lifts herself out of the medical bay, Spike is right there assisting her with a paw. Cadence watches closely, her horn lighting as she inspects her sister in law minutely.

“Hello Twilight, how do you feel?”

The lavender Alicorn looks around for a moment, “I feel great, wow, cleaner than I have in a while! Sooo...why are we here?” She looks at Cadence, Spike and myself curiously.

Cadence looks at me with a nod, it seems she’s clear of infection. I scan her just to double check, seeing no signs of the virus on any sensor.

“Twilight, how do you feel about Crusader?” Cadence asks as I scrutinize her closely.

She blushes, scuffing a hoof and looking around the room, “Well, he’s nice. I like him, he’s really intelligent.”

Cadence watched again seeing a love bloom, a clean, good light inside Twilight. It was normal. She would never tell a soul though. But she did nod to Athena for the all clear.

“Do you remember anything of the past few days?” I ask her, seeing her settle down on the carpeted floor.

“Not really, kinda like remembering through a fog, what’s going on here?”

Cadence sighs, sitting by her sister in law and telling the whole story. Twilight is aghast, shocked she would even think of behaving that way. She gets up, intending to rush out and apologize to Applejack and anypony else she may have offended.

Cadence grabs her, giving her a hug, “Stop, it’s not good to be out there right now. Things are going really wrong.”

“But..but Applejack’s my friend! I have to..”

I stop her, “Not yet, any confrontation is going to end badly. Let me finish my fabrication and we’ll have something to fight with. It’s going to take a while, and we don’t know how you got the virus anyways.”

Twilight looked dejected, scuffing a hoof on the carpet as she sighed, “I didn’t even know, how could something control us like that?” She pleads with Cadence, her eyes looking huge and sad, “How could I do something like that?”

Cadence joined her, snuggling close, “It wasn’t you Twilight, it was something making you do it. What we need to figure out is how you got it.”

Twilight shrugged, “I don’t know.” She looks up, her eyes ablaze with fury, “But we’re going to find out!”

I gather med paks from the drawer where fabrications are sent to from the vats, stacking them in a pair of saddlebags. “So who do we start with?”

Cadence and Twilight look at each other for a moment, then turn to look at me, saying in unison, “Pinkie.”

I can see their reasoning, Pinkie is...unusual. She is the one who would probably get away from us to do more damage or spread the virus to others if she already hasn’t. She is a baker and this could mean the virus is loose. But I wonder, in the past days nothing has been showing in any others as far as I can remember. But I have not seen Granite or Stonewall either. This is puzzling.

Spike is heading back to the castle, he is going to keep watch if anything else is reported, or a message is sent from Canterlot for any reason. We tell him of our plans and he promises to let us know first thing. He will be making a detour to gather the Crusaders up, with Spring Flower, returning them to the castle for interrogation as to what their part in this may be. He is proud to be given an important mission such as this.

I also make note to check the local water supply as well, something like this could sneak in even under our sensor net, we are not geared for Biological warfare. For now, we are headed for Sugarcube Corner, which seems to have a bit of a crowd outside. They are silent and not a few of the local Guard are there as well looking worried. One rushes up to us.

“Your Highness, Pinkie’s gone a bit..uh..overboard, can you help?”

As Twilight is talking, I raise my head to peer into the window. I see a few terrified customers at tables. Pinkie is rushing around as I try to get a visual lock on her. Watching her for a few moments, I believe she has been taken over by the virus completely, it appears she has gone psychotic.

I turn to Cadence and Twilight, “We can’t wait, as soon as we enter grab her with magic, I’ll get the pak on her.”

Twilight was looking at me curiously, “You sound different.”

I smile at her, “I m..met an old..old friend.”

She just nods, walking up to the door as we prepare, “Remember, as soon as the door opens, grab her.”

They both nod, I wait a second and then smash the door off it’s hinges with my back hooves, hoping the sound will distract Pinkie from harming anypony.

Cadence and Twilight both rush inside, their horns lit as magic spread, being quickly used to wrap Pinkie up in a ball of glowing light. She is screaming at them, saying something about serving her customers the right way. Twilight and Cadence are shocked by her look, the mane frizzled outwards, it appeared she had a cutting implement in her hoof when caught as it is on the floor beneath her.

I reach back to get a gel-pak out of my saddlebags, approaching her to slap it somewhere on her body. I should have paid more attention, I knew better.

As I push my hoof out to put the pak on I am blindsided by a powerful hit on my head, my eyes actually cross as pain sensors go into alarm mode. The side of my head is registering major damage as Pinkie had more strength than I thought in her madness.

I slap the pak on her and back up to where Cadence is standing.

I watch the green go to white and await the results of the knockout drug.

DMSO is a very odd chemical developed by Alexander Zaytsev, a Russian scientist in 1866 Old Earth, it has the property of being absorbed immediately through skin and some membranes carrying drugs along with it. By tweaking it for pony physiology, I get a saturation of knockout pharmaceuticals within a split second, watching Pinkie go to sleep.

Cadence touches the side of my face with a hoof, my pain sensors have gone offline, “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine Cadence, just took a hit when I wasn’t expecting it.”

She leans over to grab a glass, showing me my reflection.

My covering is torn, showing the shining skeletal structure beneath it. The muscles along my cheek are flexing and moving in the open as I survey the damage.

Cadence looks as if she’d hurt me by touching it again, “Are you sure?”

I slap a gel-pak on my cheek, covering the damage, “Nothing I cannot fix, though we don’t wish to scare anypony.” I give her a reassuring smile.

Next time the battle screen goes up first if any indication of violence, stupid stupid mistake.

Our eyes turn to Pinkie as the gel-pak falls off her, the sign she is being swept and the drug should soon wear off.

“We need to get her to the bathroom immediately.”

Twilight keeps her horn lit, holding Pinkie in mid-air, “Is she going to be all right?”

“Yes, but the things I have clearing her, need to be expelled after completing their task. We need to go now.”

Twilight moves very fast when she wants to, dragging a waking Pinkie along behind her as we rush to the facilities. We are in time as Pinkie looks around at us, then suddenly turns a really pretty shade of green. She promptly leans over the tub and to put it crudely...barfs.

I am afraid it is not a usual purging as the nanites need to all be expelled. The domino effect is put into play as Twilight stumbles, hearing the sound and rushing out the door, dropping Pinkie near the tub. Cadence is looking distinctly ill as well, making her way outside. Even in my many decades as a Bolo I am taken aback by the force of it.

I sigh, getting a wet cloth and helping poor Pinkie away from the basin. The nanites commit honorable suicide by igniting, taking any traces of the virus with them.

Holding her in my lap I wipe her face gently, the blue eyes look up at me.

“I..couldn’t stop.. it was like I was outside myself looking in. I kept smiling and smiling and I couldn’t stop..” Tears start to form.

“You suffered what is called a psychotic break Pinkie, it’s over now.” I clean the tears off her haggard face.

“Did...did I hurt anypony?” She peers at the damage to my face, “Did I hurt you?”

“No, no everything is fine.” I give her my warmest smile, “We’ve got you now, everything will be just fine.”

She grabs me with her forelegs and sobs into my chest as I hold her tightly. Looking up, I see Cadence and Twilight peek around the door, nodding and closing it as they wait for me outside.

I hold her close, she is a wonderful friend and has treated me with such compassion I can only return it by keeping her safe until the crying stops. She looks up at me and wipes her eyes.

“Don’t..don’t tell anypony?”

“Never. You are Pinkie Pie, nopony stops Pinkie Pie.”

Her smile is warming to my cores as she stands, helping me up, “No, nopony stops me." She grins brightly, Wow!” She shakes her mane out, it returns to it’s fairly normal poofy state as she rubs her tummy, “I sure could go for a milkshake!”

“Pinkie, I really wouldn’t do that right now.”

She reaches out a hoof, laying it on my shoulder as she smiles so sincerely, “Thank you.”

“It is always my pleasure for a friend.”

After dissuading Pinkie from eating or drinking anything, we meet Twilight and Cadence in the main store floor. It is quiet, folks have been cleared out and returned to normal everyday things. Twilight and Cadence sit with Pinkie and tell her what has been going on during this crisis.

She is upset by the revelation she has been so mean to ponies, but quickly recovers. Twilight stops her from going out to rectify things, telling her we have to make sure the others are cured as well.

Pinkie is not thrilled with it, as her job is to make ponies happy. But she understands, smiling and even joking a bit. I watch as Cadence scans her with a use of magic, giving a firm nod that she is clear of any undo influence.

We all make it clear to Mr. and Mrs. Cake that the door will be repaired and fixed by the days end. They are just happy seeing Pinkie back to normal, they truly do care for her.

Our next stop it appears is Rarity. This might not be so bad, but I am on alert as I know in a pinch she is a fighter and can do damage when she wants to. Seeing as how the virus is affecting each pony, it makes me wonder if it was a tactical weapon or a broad spectrum. Latching onto certain personality traits and twisting them to be an extreme opposite. Whatever it is, and I will be analyzing it much later, it is insidious and the product of a definitively deranged mind.

All four of us peek in the door to the Boutique, seeing Rarity helping a customer. Pinkie for some reason holds us back, pointing to her ear as we listen. She is much sharper than anypony realizes, Crusader has told me that many times. Once again, she proves that as we hear Rarity’s voice.

“Dear, seriously you can’t be thinking of choosing that one?”

“But...why not? The color goes with my coat.” A blue mare with white mane is trying on a very pretty darker blue dress for some function we can only assume.

“Oh I’m sure it does, but really you ought to lose some weight, those hips are just ruining the lines of the dress.”

Twilight’s eyes go wide, hearing the insult and looking back at us.

“What?” The blue mare is aghast at such an easily tendered insult.

“You heard me, it just won’t do, drop another twenty pounds then come back and see me.” She ushered the sputtering mare out after retrieving her dress back, “Oh and get a hooficure, goodness you’re a mess.”

The mare looked back as she exited the shop, “Well I never!” Stomping off in a huff.

Rarity waved with a smile, “Not with those hips you won’t! Ta-ta!” Before turning back into the shop.

It’s not as extreme a change as Twilight or Pinkie, but it is something so totally out of character for her. I’m afraid we don’t know whether to laugh or just be amazed at insults delivered with such aplomb.

A commander once told me, “Tact, is the ability to tell someone to go to hell and make them look forward to the trip.”

Rarity has totally lost that ability right now.

Twilight just shrugs, heading into the shop as we follow after her.

“Hi Rarity!”

“Twilight! Darling it’s so good to see you!” She gives the lavender Alicorn a peck on the cheek, “Seriously dear, when will you get rid of that awful mane style?”

I can only sigh as Twilight stops dead, raising a hoof to her mane, “But..what’s wrong with it?”

The white Unicorn laughs lightly, “Oh my it’s so ten years ago, we should set you up with a decent stylist. I know one at the spa that would do wonders for that mess.”

“But..but..” Twilight stops as she gets poked by Pinkie, who points at Rarity.

“Huh? Oh!” Her horn lights up, capturing Rarity in an orb while I move quickly, slapping the gel-pak on her and waiting.

The sweep goes quickly, I monitor the effects as Rarity begins to wake after a few minutes, Twilight and Cadence hustling her to a bathroom while we endure the process again. The two Alicorns waiting outside as Pinkie and I take care of a disheveled fashionista.

“Goodness! I’ve never felt so bad in all my life!”

The nanites ignite in the tub with a WHOOMP, startling Rarity for a moment, “There’s a fire!” She points a trembling hoof, “In my TUB!” She looks around with a bit of panic, “Sweetie Belle! If you’re....!”

Pinkie laughs, “No Rarity it’s not Sweetie, you haven’t been yourself lately silly filly.”

“What? I’m fine! Except for this awful taste, goodness what a disgusting blend of flavors!” She smacks her lips, levitating over a bottle of mouthwash and rinsing quickly, “Oh that is SO much better.”

Twilight and Cadence walk back in, they are looking slightly green in the gills as they are still not used to the after effects of the purge. Rarity greets them with her usual smile.

“So nice to see you again Princess Cadence! I...wait.. What is going on here?” She looks at Pinkie and myself, the two Alicorns. “Something’s wrong.”

I inspect her closely, “Do you remember anything Rarity?”

“Why no, I’ve..I’ve been... Haven’t I been here?” She looks confused.

Twilight nods as she sets down next to her friend, filling her in on the last few days and what she’s been doing.

“No..oh no! This is the WORST. POSSIBLE. THING! My business is ruined! I’ve been insulting EVERYpony?” She receives four nods, “Oh I’m ruined!” She puts her head in her hooves and sobs dramatically, “I’m RUINED!”

Twilight and Pinkie have dealt with this before, so Princess Cadence and I retire to the main shop, setting and waiting for them to get Rarity settled down. Though I am impatient to get moving, she is a friend and time should be taken to make sure she is told it was not her fault.

Though the wailing gets a little out of hoof while Cadence and I wait patiently.

Eventually they do come back down, Pinkie is staying with Rarity until they can get the mess with all her customers cleaned up. She’s not in any sort of mood to do it by herself, so Pinkie’s is going with her to cheer up any insulted clients.

A good idea I think. Though it does leave us a bit low on backup. Twilight tells them to meet at the castle for dinner, she needs to have a meeting on this.

Our next target is Rainbow Dash.

We find her still in the castle, setting on her throne in the council chamber. She flinches when she sees me so I stay back while Twilight and Cadence take a hold of her. She is protesting loudly, telling them she’ll make them pay for binding her in magic like a rat.

She is fiercely loyal, the virus has made her spiteful and hating, something she would never be in all her years. It saddens me that the enemy has stooped this low, but that is the nature of a foe, they do what is least expected and hit where least seen.

We go through the process, the gel-pak, the waking, the purge. It all goes in sequence. I am with her, holding her tight and wiping the drawn face with a cool cloth, something I have become used to this day. I do not mind, I would do anything for friends, the ones I have made here and wish to keep for as long as I live.

Her cerise eyes make contact with mine as she coughs a bit, “Heya Athena.”

I smile as warmly as I can, “Hi Rainbow Dash. How are you feeling?”

“Like I hit a tree then Crusader gunned me down.” She chuckles roughly.

“That’s about right I’d think. Do you remember anything?”

“I dunno, it’s like... I was me, but I wasn’t. Like I was watching me do all this bad stuff, but I couldn’t stop it.”

“That’s normal, it wasn’t you. Something infected you.”

She leans against me harder, hugging my chest, “I’m so sorry Athena.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about, it wasn’t you.”

“But it was still me saying those things!” She looks at her hooves, “You’re my friend!”

“I still am and it wasn’t you. The enemy has found a new way to sow fear.” I push her mane out of her face as she pulls back, getting upright again.

“Well then I say we kick it right in the backside!” She puffs her chest out, throwing a punch with a fore leg which makes her stumble a bit. I reach out to help her stay balanced, she covers my hoof with hers.

“We’re going to kick some flank!”

Twilight laughs, “Yeah, that’s Rainbow.”

Getting to my own hooves I re-secure my saddlebags, “We’ve only got two left, Fluttershy first? Then Applejack?”

Rainbow punches a hoof in the air from where she’s hovering, seems the after effects don’t appear to make her as woozy as others. Probably the fast metabolism of a Pegasus, or she is putting up a very brave front.

“Yeah, let’s do this!” She stops for a second, “Ya know, if we were doing this, wonder what Flutters did?”

That was soon answered as we came into view of Fluttershy’s house at the edge of the Everfree. It was strangely quiet. Outside everything was neat and orderly, very pristine as a matter of fact. Rainbow and Twilight were looking at the place oddly as we approached the door.

Cadence leaned over to me, “Isn’t it kind of quiet?”

I nod, looking around. I don’t see her usual plethora of animals.

Twilight gives a polite knock on the door, it’s answered swiftly.

“Twilight! Oh..oh come in, I was just arranging some things!” She looked out seeing all of us, “Oh Rainbow, Princess Cadence, oh my.. lots of company. Let me get some tea!”

We walked in slowly looking at Fluttershy, she wasn’t acting like the others, calm, a bit shy, the usual.

It was a few moments when it hit me, there were no animals. None. No songs, no birds, nothing in the house. As a matter of fact the house was spotless, she even had doilies everywhere. I would say it was very nice inside the house if it hadn’t struck me as creepy.

She came out with a pot of tea and cups, setting a low table quickly and motioning to us to sit down. I made it a point to sit next to her.

“Oh my, lots of company today. Wh..what can I do for you Twilight? Princess Cadence?”

I rummage in my bag for a gel-pak as Twilight smiles, “Well, we just thought we’d drop by and..well..see how you were doing.”

“Oh I’m fine.” She smiles prettily, “Every since I got rid of all those nasty animals I can keep house a lot better, easier to clean too!”

Rainbow eyes me behind Cadence’s back.

Twilight blinks, “So..uhm..what happened to them?”

An airy hoof was waved, “Oh, the ones that didn’t leave, they’re in the basement, I’m sure when I stop feeding them the problem will solve itself.”

You really could have heard a pin drop. I narrow my vision on her and realize she is also suffering from the virus, only it’s focused on the animals instead of ponies. Once again, twisting her nature and kindness, it makes me believe this was not a broad spectrum attack, but targeted and highly localized.

I poke Twilight in the side, looking away from Fluttershy, her horn lights up, trapping the golden pegasus in a glowing orb as I slap a med pak on her.

After the usual round of excitement I leave Rainbow taking care of her, she is not steady at all, having suffered slightly more than the others. Her metabolism doesn’t seem to be as fast as Rainbow’s, due to athletics maybe? I need to analyze this virus as fast as I can, to get a handle on how it works, if at all.

Twilight and I release a veritable zoo of animals from the basement, they all head out of the house to get something to eat, it seems they’ve been there for a while. It’s quite the stampede. All except for a large bear, who sits by Fluttershy with a huge paw on her hoof and a worried look.

Her cyan eyes flutter slightly as she opens them, seeing Rainbow Dash and the large bear sitting next to her. “Oh my, did something happen?”

Twilight leans over, pressing a gentle hoof against the yellow pegasi’s shoulder, “Nothing that can’t be fixed Fluttershy.”

The bear lets out a low rumble and growl, patting her hoof.

“Oh no, I wouldn’t do that to my animal friends, I wouldn’t!” She is frantic but weak, Rainbow Dash is holding her close as she quiets her panicked friend.

Rainbow Dash gives me a ‘Here it comes’ look, motioning with her head to the exit. I nudge Cadence and Twilight, heading out the door to wait.

We politely ignore hearing any sobbing, it would not be right I think. She deserves a release and an acceptance of what has happened. It is cathartic.

Rainbow opens the door with a small smile, “I’m going to stay here, she needs me.”

This is accepted without argument, for Rainbow and Fluttershy have been friends for a long time. Twilight makes sure to tell them to meet up at the castle later for dinner. Rainbow nods, giving each of us a hug before heading back in to her friend.

We head out to our last pony on the list, Applejack. This may prove a bit harder because of the fight between her and Twilight, we can only hope it goes smoothly.

As we approach the farm, I find myself apprehensive. I am not used to doing so much by myself. Usually Crusader was with me or linked by combat network, at least always there in the back of my mind. I find the silence disturbing. I do not wish to be alone anymore, ever, but until the problems are solved I shall have to keep pressing on.

But I got to visit with Marcus, dream or not, he was a welcome face. He who saved my sister and myself from destruction by our own hand or others. He was our salvation, for that I owe him everything and anything. One thing troubles me, though it is a minor thing.

I never had a memory of Marcus with grey hair.

Putting that thought aside, I am standing at the door to the farmhouse with Princess Cadence, she is readying her spell as I knock politely. There is a loud voice inside, by tone and timbre it appears to be Applejack yelling about something. I am dismayed, honest and kind she has always been, turned into a nasty individual by this bio warfare agent.

As soon as the door opens, Cadence snatches her with magic, I slap the gel-pak on as we all walk into the farmhouse. Twilight is coming in behind us to wait for the inevitable.

The lavender Alicorn looks at the sleeping Applejack with a broken heart, her face sad as she strokes back a blond shock of mane out of her face.

Cadence and I say nothing, watching as the gel-pak turns white then falls off, the sweep initiating normally.

We are prepared this time, already having her near a wash basin when she awakes, not having time to move before the last step in the process happens. This time though I step back, Twilight is holding her collapsed friend close as she uses a wet cloth on her face.

The nanites perform admirably, igniting in a whoosh of flames that take what I hope to be the last of the virus with them. Barring us finding Granite and Stonewall, those two I am worried about as they could become vectors for a new outbreak.

The orange Earth pony coughs heavily into the still air, opening green eyes that center on Twilight sitting above her, keeping her steady as she wipes her brow.

“Hey Applejack.”

“H..hey Twi..”

“How are you feeling?” Her voice is sad, her face even more so as she holds her friend.

“Like I dun been run over by a cart. Twi what’s goin’ on?” Her face is that open honest one Twilight has come to appreciate.

“Do you remember anything?”

“I dunno, seems I was angry a lot, couldn’t understand why though. Kinda odd.”

“Like looking through a fog at yourself?”

“Yeah! That’s it!” She nods, gaining a bit more strength with each second.

Twilight smiles again, telling her of what’s been happening and how they were all infected by this spell virus that twisted them.

“Oh no, no I’d never. Oh Twi can ya forgive me?” She places a hoof over the Alicorn’s.

Twilight hugs Applejack harder, “Nothing to forgive, we’re friends AJ, always will be.”

“Ah know, but still. It’s hard thinkin’ I said them things.” Her eyes break wide, looking around, “Crusader! Oh mah gosh he must think the worst!”

I step in this time, setting next to the two, “No, he understands Applejack, he always will.”

“No, no that ain’t right.” She tries to get to her hooves, stumbling around a moment before Twilight catches her again. “No, I have to apologize, that’s just not right.”

I help with a steadying hoof, “He’s not here right now, he got infected by a virus and had to shut down. He is fine, but we’ll need to get working on it in the morning to bring him back up.” At her worried expression I elaborate, “It’s fine, trust me. We will have him back tomorrow after you rest up and can be there with us.”

She looks at me with puzzlement and not a bit of alarm at the mention of infection, “I can’t do magic, why would ya need me? Is he okay? He ain’t hurt or nothin’?”

“You are his commander, when we restart him, you need to be there to make sure he imprints on you again. Otherwise it could get confusing.” I shake my head, “No, no he isn’t hurt, it’s just a precaution that he shut down.”

I decide it better them not knowing the full reason, that it is something simple.

“Well sure, you know I’ll do it.”

Cadence smiles, adding, “That’s why you are the dependable one Applejack, always there.”

The Earth pony scuffs an unsteady hoof on the floor, “Shucks Princess, ain’t nothing but a farm mare ya know.”

I cannot resist as I grin, “That’s not what Crusader has told me.”

There it is, the old Applejack as she points at me, “Now you shush, I ain’t nothin’ more and let’s keep it that way.”

“Yes Applejack.”

Twilight grabs her friend as we head out of the farmhouse, “It’s been a long day, I’m sure we all need something to eat, everypony’s meeting at the castle.”

“But I got..I mean.”

Cadence lays a hoof on a strong orange shoulder, “Not now, not for this evening.”

“Yes Princess, lemme grab mah hat!”

We gather in Twilight’s castle, the six friends and Princess Cadence, sitting around a table in the kitchen. I choose to help Spike cook, it is a different experience and Crusader had uploaded all the files to me previously. I enjoy it, this making of something with various items and not just putting it together with a nanite facility.

Spike, though one would say a typical young person; is a happy soul, his jokes and complaining of the usual things makes me glad I never went through that. Though his comments on comic book days with Crusader do have me laughing quite a bit. I must ask Crusader about that or if I can join in. It sounds like fun.

He has brought the three Crusaders to the castle, they are sleeping now having been hiding out in the tree-house all day. Spring Flower is with them, they have all become fast friends during their time in seclusion, I think it only right they stay together as did Spike. He has done a masterful job, getting them fed and cleaned and off to bed, one would think he was an adult now, he shows his pride when Twilight compliments him on a job well done.

I keep my distance, there is quite a bit of talk, not a few tears and the reassurance of friendship between them all. I am glad I could help. Is this what Crusader feels every time he accomplishes something? If that is true, I truly wish to feel that myself more often.

I am nervous, being by myself at this dangerous time, but I have confidence that I will solve Crusader’s problem and we will destroy the enemy.

A fire burns inside me, one I have not felt for ages and I stoke it high, giving it reins to consume and punish. All I am, all that I still possess will be directed towards this enemy who in it’s madness tried to take such good ponies and turn them into something against their very natures.

That is not honorable battle, it is not a fight, it is terror and insanity.

We are going to crush this foe. We will do what Crusader has always said in battles before.

Make them pay for their arrogance in blood and fire.

I set the last of the platters on the table with Spike, turning to leave the castle as I must maintenance my avatar. It wouldn’t do to walk around looking like a zombie from an old 2d film.

“Where are you going?” I hear Twilight’s voice.

As I turn, all eyes are looking at me above the table covered with meal items.

“I..I am g..going back to my hull. My..my avatar needs fixing.” I will always be shy, but that is not a problem anymore, not since my dream.

“Oh no yer not!” Rainbow Dash swoops over, grabbing me by the hoof and tugging me to an empty chair.

“It’s fine really, you all need to...to spend time with each other. It’s been a stressful day.”

Princess Cadence nods, “It has, that’s why friends need to spend time together.” Her smile is very warm.

“I..I understand that,” I give them my best smile. “I will see you in..in the morning.” I pull my hoof out from Rainbow’s grasp, turning to leave once more.

Once again I am stopped by an elegant hoof, “Darling, that means all our friends need to spend time together.”

Is it that hard? Is it truly that hard for me to accept what I think they are saying? Yes, it is. I have been alone so long that it is normal for me to back out and take the easy way to always being by myself. We have broken the chains of slavery today, can I break the ones binding me to my self-imposed exile?

“You have a new mission my daughter, stand tall.”

Those words don’t haunt me, they comfort, they console. I wish he was here, I want to show him what we’ve done and become. He would be proud I am sure.

“Are..are you sure? I don’t want to be..well..an extra.”

Pinkie throws her hooves up, “Why does everypony think that?” Every eye turns to her, “I swear you’d think we’re some exclusive club or something.” She points at me, “That’s not true, now you sit right down.”

I settle into a seat with a smile, “Yes Pinkie.” She leans over to hug me tight.

The crowd digs into the meal Spike and I have prepared, silent for a moment with the clicking of dinnerware until Spike looks at me, “So who’s the friend you met?”

Twilight perks up, “That’s right! You promised to tell us!”

I stop for a second, composing my thoughts. I see Twilight magically lifting a quill and blank book as she waits. It appears she can multi-task very well with magic.

“He was a human named Marcus Canfeld...”

I tell them all about my Marcus, mine and Hera’s love for him that knew no bounds. He was not just our commander, but our savior in a dark time. He was a cut above any human we had ever met and beyond. The listening friends do not judge, they do not do anything except share with me.

You would love them Marcus, they are kind, true and honorable.

They are my friends.

Author's Note

Thanks so much to everyone!

Ganein, SwimmingDalek98, The_Lone_Wanderer, Battlecrank, Autarch Prime, Husqvarnic, StarChaser01, MrCakeandRice, Detoxicity, Himmelen, and BronieE.

Without all you guys, I couldn't have made it this far. You have my thanks once again!

Act II - Wherein Friends are Comforted, Key to a Lock, The Plague Averted, A Regent Falls.

Rainbow Dash was troubled, she tossed and turned in her bed trying to catch a few winks. Sleep evaded her like a cloud from the Everfree, she just couldn’t relax enough to close her eyes. The memories were coming back now of yesterday; the remarks she’d made, things she’d done to ponies, especially Athena.

She wasn’t like that, she wasn’t! The cyan mare declared it in her own mind. Athena smiled and always forgave, but why? How could somepony be so shy and gentle one moment, then crush a crystal ball under their hoof the next? Rainbow remembered the warm smile, the ball shattering into a million pieces like it was a dirt clod.

Sitting up in her bed, she decided to go flying, wearing herself to the point of exhaustion would be the only way to sleep tonight.

Fly and forget she thought.

I sit on my own hill now, between my sensor masts. It is funny how I wondered about Crusader doing this, but now I see why. The sky is dark and velvet, pinpoints of light shining upon a quiet land. I listen to the SWIFT channels as Crusader no longer does, the hiss and pop of the universe coming through. Of our comrades, there is no sign, nor do I think there ever will be.

At least I am repaired again, my avatar no longer looking like the walking dead.

I sit this night as sentinel, my guns maintained and wary, my sensors sweeping out deep into the forest. My tech spiders are currently sampling the river and reservoir water for infestation, we can take no chances.

Granite and Stonewall have not been found, the Guard on watch for them. It is a small town and I cannot understand why no pony has spotted them. It is troubling. They can become a new vector point if they decide to spread this contagion. I hope not, it would sadden Pinkie if anything happened to Granite as she has taken a liking to the gentle Earth pony.

The inventory of my cargo bays has ceased for the time being. I have other priorities to take care of before we do anything else. Destroying the enemy is at the top of my list as always.

Since my brother cannot do this, I stand for him.

I greet you my comrades in the stars, from here on Equestria where I substitute for Crusader. We are still here, we still fight the good fight, protecting all that we can. I have learned so many new things my brethren and would share them willingly with you should you ever come home.

It is a home, comfortable in my heart, warm in my mind. It is a place where dreams can come true or so I hope. I know I am not as good a word-smith as my brother, but I hope one day we can all share this together.

But until then my brethren be safe, be well.

I am interrupted in my musings by somepony landing near me, Rainbow Dash.

“Heya Athena! She greets me with a smile, settling down in the grass next to me.

“Shouldn’t you...you be slee..sleeping Rainbow?”

“I couldn’t..not after today.” She looks at me curiously as I stare at the ground a bit. “Why do you keep being so shy?

I laugh, “It’s been my way for so long, I don’t know how..how to be any..anything else.”

“You shouldn’t be, really. You’re a lot tougher than ponies I’ve known for years.”

I meet her eyes with mine, “Rainbow, there have been times I was so scared I didn’t know what to do.”

Her cerise eyes go wide, “No way.”

I laugh, pointing to the sky, “Rainbow, just because you see..see how big we are, doesn’t that tell you that what we were..were fighting was just as big if not bigger?”

“Well..no. I mean you’re huge! You can do anything!”

“The reason we..we were built like...like we were, was first because of the Empire of Man..as...as that faded the Concordiat took over and out into space. There....there we met other races and some were not very nice.” I nudge her shoulder, “Some of them almost beat mankind before there was enough of...of us to fight for them.”

She turns her head to look at the stars, “What’s it like out there?”

“It...it’s scary..and dark sometimes. But..but there is..is so much beauty Rainbow.”

We sit in companionable silence for a few minutes.

The cyan mare leans against me, sighing softly, “Would..would you mind if I slept here? It’s a warm night and..and I just can’t sleep in my bed right now.”

“You are always welcome Rainbow, you know that. I will keep watch.”

She settles down, lying next to me, snuggling close with another happy sigh this time, closing her eyes. “G’night Athena.”

“Goodnight Rainbow Dash.”

I listen close, until the snuffling settles into a rhythmic breathing, letting me know she has drifted off into that dreamland I have come to like personally. Laying down myself, I cross my fore legs and look towards the forest. Tomorrow will present some challenges, but nothing that cannot be overcome with persistence.

But until then, I enjoy this new feeling. I am comforting a friend.

The sun rises gloriously as Crusader would say. It warms and brightens the sky as it comes over the horizon. Rainbow Dash had retreated to her house after waking up and finding that morning breath is not so wonderful out in the meadows.

The Dragons sit in Crusader’s maintenance bays, happily getting worked over by tech spiders for maintenance and upkeep. I say happily because that’s what it almost feels like. They’ve been changed though not in the same way Crusader and I have.

I prepare for the day to come by opening a secure access channel to Crusader. I am bypassing his main cores and doing what would be called ‘an end run’ around whatever is infecting him. I have checked with him throughout the night, Resartus is active and keeping the cores stable until a reboot is done.

That is if we can purge this computer problem.

A virus is one thing, a magical biological virus is another. But a magical computer virus is a whole different story. This concerns me with not a few points.

How did whatever infected Crusader know about Bolo cores and arrays enough to do so?

If they did not, they are intelligent enough to design something that would be a broad spectrum infection agent; which is the scarier of the two, as something like that would infect everything it touched. Which is why I load my saddlebags with gel-paks and a new version as well, sort of a vaccine that should prevent takeovers like this one.

I set my tactical cores to processing this information, giving me ways and means of infection and pandemic information in case. It will be defeated, of that I have no doubt.

One thing at a time, slow and sure wins the race when facing unknowns.

But for now, I have a pretty little Unicorn to talk to.

The Crusaders were having the time of their lives. Getting to stay in Twilight’s Castle, making a new friend AND getting all the pancakes they wanted because Spike was cooking. Heaven wasn’t after you were dead, it was right here in Equestria.

Apple Bloom was gesturing between mouthfuls of food, spitting crumbs everywhere as Sweetie glared at her from across the table.

“Geez Apple Bloom, swallow your food!”

The Earth pony blushed and gulped, a large portion of pancakes disappearing quickly, “Like ah was saying to Spring, we’re always lookin’ for ways to get our Cutie Marks. It’s lots of fun.”

The filly in question was eating pancakes with abandon, though she was afraid she would get a tummy ache later, they were so good. “So..so you do different jobs and stuff?”

Scootaloo nodded, “Oh yeah!” She tapped hoof on her chin, “Let’s see..Zip Lining, Dancing, Acting..all kinds of things!”

Spring didn’t quite know how to relate to the boisterous fillies, she’d always been happy just playing with friends and not worrying so much about a Cutie Mark, “Well..well my mommy says it’ll come when I’m ready and find my special thing.”

Sweetie nodded, placing a cheek on one hoof, “Yeah, that’s what everypony tells us.”

Spike set down another platter of cakes, fresh off the stove, “Twilight says that it’s really rare if a pony doesn’t get their mark. So you shouldn’t worry so much.”

“You Spike, are wiser than your years.” Twilight’s voice came from the kitchen door.

Spike puffed up in his apron, “I am your Number One assistant after all!”

“That you are Spike.” Twilight trotted in, helping herself to some food.

“Hi P..Princess!” Spring Flower was still a bit over-awed at everything.”

Twilight smiled, gracious and kind as always, she poked the little filly in her tummy getting a giggle in return, “It’s Twilight okay?”

“Yes Prin..uh.. Twilight!” The little Unicorn beamed at being able to call a Princess by her name.

Sweetie asked the question on everypony’s mind, “So why do we need to keep Spring here? Is something wrong?”

Twilight waved a hoof, “No, no. Athena wanted to talk to her, for some reason Crusader said to keep her safe until he could. But since he can’t, Athena will.”

Scootaloo nodded, “Yep, I remember,” She looks at Spring, “You said something about voices?”

Spring Flower looked at the table, twisting her hooves in front of her, “Y..yeah. I told Mr. Crusader I didn’t hear them anymore. But my mommy told me lying is bad so I had to find him and tell him I did hear them again.”

Twilight smiled, reaching a hoof out to rub the little filly’s shoulder, “That’s good you told him. What were they saying?”

“They..they didn’t like him very much.” Her cyan eyes met Twilight’s, “They..they were pretty mad at him.”

Twilight thought of everything Crusader had done and laughed, “Oh I’m sure they were.” She kept her smile warm, “So they came back?”

“Y..yeah. But it’s only one this time, it keeps yelling at me.”

Twilight lowered her head so she could be close to the little Unicorn, “What is it saying?”

Spring mumbled something so low she had to perk her ears, “I’m sorry?”

Spring Flower looked at the table, her hooves tapping each other as she whispered, “Kill me.”

Everypony at the table was silent for a moment, looking at Spring Flower before Twilight broke the quiet, “Are you sure?”

“Ye..yes. It keeps bothering me, saying it over and over. It told me it would hurt my mommy and daddy if I didn’t tell the..the ma-chine pony.” She was about to burst into tears as Sweetie Belle hugged her tight.

“You’re sure it said the machine pony?”

“Yes.” He eyes met Twilight’s and almost broke her heart, “Can you make it go away? I don’t want it to hurt my mommy and daddy!”

The lavender mare smiled, “Oh I think we can. I’m a Princess aren’t I?” She put a hoof on her chest, “As a Princess I promise we’ll get rid of it!”

Spring Flower grinned and broke Sweetie’s hold to hug Twilight tight, “Thank you!”

As Twilight wrapped a leg around the little foal, she only hoped she could keep that promise.

Athena walked into the castle, hearing the sounds of laughter ringing through the crystal halls. Smiling to herself she picked her pace up, trotting into the kitchen to see a giggling bunch of Crusaders; Twilight was levitating all the kitchenware while Spike looked terribly annoyed, but a bright green Unicorn was clapping her hooves loudly.

“Wow Prin..er..Twilight, that’s neat!” Spring Flower was just amazed at the show.

Twilight bowed and put everything back in place, slotting each piece correctly with a final show of acumen. “You are welcome.” She grinned, “That’s what you’ll be able to do someday Spring if you study hard.”

“I will! I promise!” Her cyan eyes were bright and happy.

“I see you have a fan club Twilight.” I can’t help but smile at the happy faces.

The lavender Alicorn blushes and rubs one leg along another, “Oh I uh..was just showing.. well..magic stuff!”

“I don’t think you have any reason to be modest, you are powerful.”

“Well..I kinda go by what Celestia taught me. It’s not what’s in our minds, but our hearts.”

“I think that is a perfect saying.” I settle down next to the group, a chair is empty so I claim a spot. Also, the pancakes are making me twitch and I help myself after a look and nod from Spike.

“Whatcha doin’ here Athena?” Apple Bloom asks.

“I have come to talk to Spring Flower if I could.”

The little filly in question looks at me, her eyes a bit worried. She’s been the center of attention for a couple days and I am not sure by looking at her she enjoys it.

I smile as warmly as I can, “Nothing bad Spring, just some questions is all.”

“Well...well okay. I’ll try!” She’s twisting her hooves in front of her as I watch.

“How about afterwards, we go see the inside of my war hull? Maybe some popcorn and a movie?”

The three Crusaders immediately perk up, they know what a movie is and start smiling. Poor Spring though is a bit lost.

“What’s a moo-vie?”

Scootaloo replies first, “It’s awesome! It’s like pictures on a screen that move, and it’s fun to watch! Though they aren’t real, it’s like watching a story in pictures like a comic book! But they move!”

“Really?” Her cyan eyes light up.

“Oh yes Spring. I promise all the popcorn you can eat as well, how’s that?”

“I’m not sure, Mommy says too many things like that aren’t good for me.” But her eyes tell the truth, she loves popcorn.

“Well, I could always make some steamed broccoli, would that be better for you?”

Everypony at the table replies, “EWWWW!”

“Popcorn it is then.”

I put my fore legs on the table, crossing them as I still smile at the pretty foal, “So Spring, tell me about why Crusader would want to keep you safe?”

“He..he didn’t tell you?”

“I’m afraid he didn’t have the chance.”

She tells me about his visit, about her telling him of the voices she heard in her head that argued a lot. But one thing was very clear, they hated Crusader. He had come to visit her to make sure she was all right, but she had lied to him about the voices coming back and felt bad about it, seeking him out the day he went unstable.

The one thing that catches my attention is she said voices, more than one. Is the entity behind this truly dysfunctional in some way? A multiple mind or schizophrenic?

“So are they back?”

“N..no.. just one.”

“One voice?”

“Yeah, it keeps telling me if I don’t talk to the ma-chine pony it’ll hurt mommy and daddy.” Her eyes about make me want to drop a nuclear weapon on somepony.

“What does it tell you to say?”

She hesitates and looks up at Twilight, who grabs her in a hug, “It’s okay, I’ll tell her.” The little Unicorn nods and buries herself into the lavender chest.

Twilight looks at me, “It keeps wanting her to tell you, ‘Kill me’.”

“Are you hearing it now?” I watch her closely.

Her head shakes while in Twilight’s chest, “N..no.”

“Will you let me know if you do?”

“I promise.” She is loosening her grip on Twilight now that I am not asking her about the voices.

“Good, now if you want, we will wait a while before going to see the movie, I am sure you are quite full of Spike’s pancakes.”

I laugh, a bit more than I am used to as even Twilight joins in, “AWWWWW!”

As I spend some time with Twilight, I tell her of the computer virus affecting Crusader. We have a bit of a dilemma as magic use near the cores will disrupt the arrays. But we need to somehow get the virus out of the system before I can bring him online. The only way I can think of doing this is a copy. Copy everything to secure cores, wipe the originals, and reinsert the new coding. But would that get rid of the virus if it is hiding somewhere.

I need to rig up a filter, that we can process the code through and get the magical parts out. Once the code is clear we can reinsert it as stated before. This is going to be extensive, there are billions of lines of programming to filter.

Magic is a pain in the butt.

I do however reactivate the commlinks, it has not been a priority until now but I believe they will be useful. I am about to also try a new twist on the link between avatar and war hull. If it is successful, we should be able to communicate far longer distances than before. This should alleviate any need to move our war hulls unless absolutely necessary.

I go out for a while, I need to stop by Spring Flower’s parents and advise them she is fine, that she’ll be staying with the Princess for today at least. I do leave them with the promise of a movie later. Even Twilight is excited. I find it warming that even though she is part of the ruling section of the country she can find the time to have fun.

I knock on the door to the house Spring said was hers, but nopony is answering. A heavier knock only makes the door swing open. This troubles me and I go to High Alert.

I peek inside, it is very quiet.

“Is anypony home?” I would rather not trespass, but Spring had told me they would both be there.

“Hello! Is anyone here?”

I make my way up to the second floor where the bedrooms are, I cut my corners closely, making sure no surprises are in visual range before continuing.

I hear voices, muffled and from tone and timbre, angry.

As I come around the corner to what I believe is the parents bedroom I catch a voice, Stonewall! This bothers me as he has not been seen after the raid on the cave.

“Where IS she?”

“Spring is out for..for the day! We..we don’t know where!”

“THEN TELL ME WHERE SHE USUALLY GOES!”

No, this will not do. I slink around the corner, my eyes tracking him as I lower myself close to the floor. I catch sight of the big pegasi having backed up Spring’s parents into a corner. Her father is standing in front of the wife defending her, I am afraid he is a bit outclassed.

His back is to me as I take slow steps into the room, all angles are calculated to bring him down quickly as I plan my trajectory. But, of course, civilians.

The mother’s eyes dart to me past Stonewall’s shoulder making him turn. I am now confronted with an angry pony who is bulkier than I am making the take down slightly harder. But no matter.

I flick my battle screen on as I absorb the hit from his thrown forward shoulder as he rushes at me. My hooves skidding on the wood flooring as I turn, dodging the next rush and planting a hoof into his skull right behind the ear, a nerve cluster which should disable him for a moment. My target stumbles and hits the floor, allowing me to land on his back and put one more solid hoof to his head knocking him out.

I look at the parents, the father looks ill and wild in the eyes. I have seen this before. The contagion has spread.

Once Stonewall is subdued I turn to them, rummaging in my saddlebags.

“I am going to place these on you, do not take them off. Understand me?”

Both heads nod as I move quickly, placing them on the withers of each parent.

What I have not told Twilight or any pony, is that once purged there is a reserve of nanites contained within the body, should the virus show up again they will replicate and wipe it out before it goes too far. Creating a vaccine is easy, explaining it harder.

The enemy should never suspect all your plans.

As the knockout drug starts to affect them I look at Stonewall, he is haggard, dirty from what looks like days in the wild. Presumably Granite will be somewhere close by as well, though I am wondering why he was asking about Spring Flower. I immediately slap a pak onto him as well.

I open a channel to Twilight and the others.

“Twilight?”

“Yes Athena?” Her voice comes back immediately.

“The virus has spread or been spread. We need to lock the town down immediately, no one in or out.”

While we are talking I am swapping loads on the Dragons and Ferrets. The non-lethals will contain a sleeping drug as well as a harder hit. No pony must leave this town until I clear it. I am loathe to presume such on my own account, but we have to move swiftly.

“Where are you?”

“I am at Spring Flower’s house, her parents are undergoing the purge right now. I will stay with them until they are awake. We need to move fast, I have Stonewall here as well, he and Granite may be spreading the infection. Keep Spring Flower safe as well, I think she is key to this somehow.”

“I’m on it Athena!” I hear Twilight giving orders to the Crusaders as her link goes off.

I advise all linked-in of the quarantine, in Applejack’s case to stay out of town but keep an eye on her family for any changes whatsoever.

There is no time to be polite, in plague states one must rule with an iron fist to conquer it or all will die.

I am that fist now.

I move as swiftly as possible. The loads on the Dragons and Ferrets are changed as fast as the tech spiders can do so. As they are completed, the mobile units are assigned in a ring around the town. An automated announcement will advise ponies who get too close to stay inside and remain in their homes, or if they are feeling sick to report to the hospital or a medical team. Any attempt to fly out will be met with force as well. I am afraid there is nothing I can do about Unicorns, as teleport magic can only be blocked by shields, but Twilight has that handled.

She has informed by way of magic, any Unicorn attempting to leave by teleport or caught leaving, will be fined heavily as well as having access to any magic school or records restricted. Which I assume is about close as death to a unicorn wanting to learn magic. I hope any that are feeling ill turn themselves in voluntarily, that the infection has not set in too deep.

Those who choose not to obey the order and try to leave are shot immediately with non-lethals by the Dragons or Ferrets and taken by the guard to me or a medical pony where a pak is slapped on them. Their sleeping forms will be put aside for medical checks and constant observation.

Cadence has informed me of a situation at the Railroad depot, she was leaving this morning for the Crystal Empire when Twilight stopped the train and informed her of the problem. I go over to the station immediately.

Twilight is looking exasperated at the conductor who is giving her a hard time.

“I’m the Princess of Friendship. Now shut that train down!” She points at the train itself, the conductor is looking smug for some reason.

I don’t even bother, I order a Dragon to take up station on the tracks in front of the train. It’s main gun is now swiveling towards the engine. Loading into the breech is a very low power shot, which should just take the engine out, though there will be fallout from the explosion.

“Sorry, but you need to get that thing off the tracks. I got a schedule to keep and nopony is gonna keep me from it.”

Twilight grinds her teeth, “Shut that engine down now. Cadence and I are telling you to do so, now obey your Princesses." Cadence is also looking a bit put out, even the Princess of Love must get frustrated some times.

“Nope, cain't do it.” The conductor just grins like he hasn’t a care in the world. I wonder if he's just stupid or oblivious. I realize rule in Equestria is a bit carefree, but this is ridiculous. I'm going with stupid.

“You just don’t get it do you, I’m a Princess and I order you to shut it down.”

“You may be a Princess n’ all but that don’t make no nevermind to me, so why doncha be a friend and let me get to mah job?” The smarmy attitude is not lost on Twilight.

Whoops, somepony just made an error in judgment, thinking Twilight is a pushover. This will be fun.

She points at me, where I smile and wave to her and the conductor.

“Shut it down Athena!”

I blink for a second, calling up records of steam driven locomotives and how to disable them.

“Uhm..permanently Your Highness?”

Twilight gets an evil grin, facing the conductor while giving me my orders, “Make it so it can’t move until it’s repaired!”

I give a salute, “Aye Aye Capitan!” I leap over on to the side of the engine, flicking my battle screen on as I punch two large holes in the boiler, steam shoots all over the place. When it clears I am sitting once again in my spot with a smile and a wave.

The conductor, needless to say in the vernacular of my time, “Loses his damn mind,” over the now damaged engine.

“I’ll complain to Canterlot! You’ll get in trouble for this! Ruining my engine!”

Twilight smiles, turning with a flick of her tail, “Bill me.”

She gestures to me and we walk off, though I leave the Dragon on the tracks in case. The automated warning is going out now to the passengers as Cadence joins us.

“Twilight, wasn’t that a bit..well...rough? I mean he was just doing his job.” Cadence is trying not to smile.

“I am the Princess of Friendship. I was being a friend by not letting him leave, he could have gotten in trouble or..or..something.”

Cadence slaps her shoulder with a hoof, “Twilight!”

We head back into town laughing. I like Twilight, I truly do.

The process goes quickly, it is an emergency and ponies are loathe to do anything that might make it worse. Would humans have acted like this maybe things would have been different on a lot of worlds.

As for the earlier merriment there must be laughter, I think to myself, even in times of darkness. For it is with that we find ourselves refreshed and renewed.

Of course I am getting as philosophical as Crusader, I have to remind myself to stop that or I’ll be quoting his ‘Beloved Bard’ soon enough.

I am stopping off at the Guard offices to see Stonewall and what I can find out from him. For some reason he was determined to find little Spring Flower and that bodes ill in my mind.

I wave to Bastion who is now back on duty, “Is Stonewall still in the room?”

“You betcha Athena, he’s not talking though. Looking kinda grumpy if you ask me.” A grin cracks his face.

“Well hopefully not for long, I do need to see him if that is all right?”

“Captain said you got all privileges, feel free.” He waves me back to the secured room.

“Thank you.”

Undoing the bolt, I open the door to see Stonewall slumped in a corner looking dejected. Watching him for a moment I make sure he is not going to attempt an escape by placing myself between him and freedom.

“Stonewall?”

A groan accompanies the ruffling of wings that haven’t been preened in a while, “A..Athena?”

“It’s me, are you feeling any better?”

He rubs his head with a cracked hoof, “Like a cart hit me, when I woke up I had to hurl something awful.”

“I’m afraid I was the cart Stonewall, you gave me no choice.” I look at him intently, “Do you remember anything?”

He shakes his head, “Just a voice..voices..can’t seem to figure ‘em out. They kept screaming to find Spring Flower..”

“Did they say why?”

“No, just kept screaming at me till I did it.” His eyes meet mine, “Though whatever they were sure sounded worried.”

“That’s what I needed to know.” I give him my warmest smile, “I think you’re clear now, might want to get cleaned up.”

He peeks at himself, “Oh stars, I smell. I got a friend in town, they’ll let me clean up if it’s okay to leave?”

I lean out into the hallway, “Bastion, he’s clear, okay to let him go?”

“Yup!”

Before he goes, I turn one last time asking him, “Do you know where Granite is?”

“All I can remember is we were holed up in an empty house, I’m sorry I’ve got nothing more.” He stumbles to his hooves and stands there a bit unsteadily, I watch to make sure he can walk.

“You’ve told me more than enough, thanks Stonewall. I truly am sorry about punching you.”

“I don’t mind that, I mean, I was acting kinda crazy. But I tell ya, for a mare you got a mean right hoof.” He grins, “One day you have to show me how you did that.”

“Well if we can ever stop having emergencies, I’ll be glad to.”

He walks out with me, waving to Bastion and leaving the Guard offices.

I task my drones in orbit above the town to spot empty housing or possible sites while I am trotting back to Twilight’s Castle. Spring Flower has to be interrogated at length, but I am loathe to use any measures on her, she is an innocent. But if she holds information vital to destroying this thing, it may have to be done.

Walking near a row of houses, I see the Guard has tackled somepony to the ground. They’re not being very polite, a couple are sporting quite new black eyes. Yes, it appears they’ve found Granite.

I watch as they haul him off to the nearest med team, following behind and holding off the placing of a pak on him. Though I do insist the guards immediately put one on if they haven’t already done so before. I make sure he is looking at me directly when I question him.

“Granite, why are you looking for Spring Flower?”

“The...the voices...Celestia’s name make them STOP!” He grabs his head tight between his hooves.

I take no chances, my screen is on a hair trigger in case of sudden moves as I grab his head between my hooves, “Granite, why do you need to find Spring Flower?” I am insistent now, I need this information.

“They said to..them..the voices..they wanted her to stop talk...talking!”

“Are they afraid of her saying something?”

“I..I don’t know! They just said make her stop!”

“Make her stop how?”

He looks at the ground, rubbing his head between his hooves, “They said to do..do any..anything to make...make her stop.”

That’s all I needed to hear, I reach back and put a med pak on him, motioning to the guard to take him to a medical team.

Pinkie is suddenly beside me, her blue eyes a bit worried, “Is he gonna be okay?”

I can‘t help but smile warmly at her, she is concerned, “Of course, he’ll be swept of the virus. I am sorry about the emergency right now, but it’s crucial we solve it quickly.”

“Don’t I know it! Yeesh!” She throws up her hooves and mock glares, “Any more emergencies and I’m just gonna go beat something up myself! This is cutting into my party time doncha know!” She eyeballs me as if I were responsible.

“We are almost done with the med paks Pinkie, they’ll be plenty of time for a something later I’m sure.”

She points a hoof at me, “I sure hope so or I’m gonna complain to the Party Ponies Union!” She stomps off into a crowd of watching townsfolk who are chuckling.

A Guard looks at me curiously, “There’s a union for ponies who throw parties?”

I can only shrug, “I didn’t know either.”

Getting a call from Twilight, she proudly informs me that every pony in town is accounted for and have been given a med pak in case. Even for those that aren’t infected, the nanites can clear a few other things up, so there won’t be many colds or illnesses for a while until they flush naturally.

Admittedly as the evening approaches, I do worry some pony may have gotten loose, but we will deal with that if and when. I am just glad we noticed it before it began to have any serious ill effects. No cases of problems have been reported, some were close but they were treated immediately.

I begin to see the pattern, it is something long ago and far away that reminds me of this particular kind of warfare. Asymmetric some called it, others terrorism. Tactical strikes, meant to cause fear and demoralize an enemy. In the case of Equestria it is easily done, they have never had to deal with an enemy like this before.

It is good that this was handled easily and efficiently, I give great thanks to somepony like Twilight who can organize anything on the spot. Of course the conductor is still complaining, even though I will send a couple tech spiders to weld the boiler good as new. He’ll find the patches will be stronger than his entire engine.

Twilight is going to wait one night, to make sure of everypony being okay. I concur, it is always best to have more than none.

I ensure the quarantine ring is still set, all the mobile units are patrolling the perimeter, though I have held back a short platoon of Dragons with lethal loads in case the forest decides to get frisky.

Which brings me to that, it has not stirred in days, this may be a good thing or not. Though it does not make me less wary, actually it brings my paranoia to the fore. Always suspect an enemy of doing something and you’re usually right, what that something is may be another thing entirely.

Manehatten was close to a city wide panic, rumors spreading fast and furious as the hospitals got overwhelmed with a new disease. Ponies were leaving for other cities, or to relatives to stay until the worst blew over. Others kept on because it was their home and they would not leave. Most ponies went about their daily lives as usual, confident the Princesses and the Guard could handle anything that came up.

In another part of town, emerald eyes surveyed the restaurant. Quiet, very few customers, just perfect for picking. The Earth Pony nodded to herself as she walked through the tables, touching a customer here and there, watching them collapse as the staff rushed to see what was going on. Then the wait staff themselves falling to the ground as they passed the mare sitting quietly watching the commotion.

Once it was quiet, she laughed quietly, nodding to a conspirator no one suspected over on the other side of the eating place. Both of them smiling viciously as they locked the door behind them, stepping out into the street.

Her rainbow maned companion laughed out loud before covering her mouth with a hoof as they trotted down the street to the next target, getting a nudge from her friend whose cutie mark of three apples was lost in the blur of ponies in the street. The city as always, moved on at a fast pace just beyond the now silent restaurant.

Celestia was frustrated, in all her long life she’d never seen this kind of magic at work. Nothing in the forbidden archives could even compare to this stripping of souls. The magic stayed, the cutie marks bright as ever; but whatever made the pony a pony was just...gone.

She stepped quietly between huddles of doctors and mages, discussing treatments or spells to help figure out what was happening as more reports came in of victims found by accident in alleys, shops and homes.

The Guard was overwhelmed with duties, she had sent for more reinforcement from Canterlot and was considering calling up a few of the reserves as well. It truly was a puzzle, Celestia did not like puzzles all that much.

She maintained her warm demeanor, the smiles, the reassurances that things would be fine. But inside her was turmoil and doubt.

The Princess had figured somepony was responsible and so had told the Guards to be on the look for strange figures, furtive ones. She never even suspected the perpetrators could be so bold as to just do this and walk into a crowd to disappear. As regent, she had never endured what Athena was currently thinking about, terrorism and fear purposely done to incite panic and riots.

This was wholly new, the pattern that was so readily apparent to Athena and Crusader if he’d been awake, did not strike her in any particular way. So once again she had sent a missive to her sister, asking for any insight that could be given. For now it was a waiting game while more of her subjects fell to this unknown thing.

Evening finally falls, the typical Ponyville emergency is over, though the ring of quarantine is still in place as Twilight has ordered. Requested really, she is very polite and wouldn’t know how to act imperious if she tried. I gladly give her anything and everything she needs.

I decide while I sit here to try my new algorithm for the communications arrays. Our avatars suffer from a lack of range, admittedly we could set up relays but that is dependant on infrastructure we do not have yet. So, maybe this will work.

Adding the new coding I’ve been working on is a snap, I fire up the new internal arrays my nanites have been forging since Crusader mentioned the lack of range. With a single flick of my commands I am suddenly in a whole new sensory spectrum.

The colors are bright and vivid as I look around myself, the hill I sit upon is verdant and lush, my visual sensors picking out individual blades of grass as I stumble to my hooves. The internals on my avatar are adjusting fast enough, just have to give it time. But the world is now crisp and so very new.

There is no delay, no processing time and I leap into the air with a punched hoof. I did this! Me! Hera and Marcus would be so proud of me!

We can go anywhere now in Equestria! I can feel the power of the entanglement communications link bright with nary a flicker. Oh Crusader, you are going to wake up to a whole new world!

I leap around the hill and sensor masts, jumping and testing the new link, the whole spectrum that is included in the new communications matrix and programming. It’s not quite quantum entangled but as close as we can get. I’ll work on that later, for right now, I’m happy!

Annnnnd of course I should pay more attention to my surroundings before I get distracted. I spot Twilight sitting with the Crusaders, Spike and Spring Flower along with Princess Cadence, watching me bound in the air with yells of success. I land quickly and look anywhere but at them, scuffing a hoof on the ground.

“H..hey Twilight.”

“You sure looked happy.” She smiles at me, she never anything but kind.

“I uh..well.. Just testing a new communications program, it...uh works really well.”

She tilts her head and smiles even broader, “Kind of like when I try a new magic spell huh?”

Sweetie Belle throws her hooves up in the air, “Oh stars don’t get her talking magic!”

I perk up, “Oh!” Looking around I set four stones in front of Twilight, “Do me a favor, cast a spell on one of those. Make sure I can’t see it, something simple while I turn my back.”

I wait, looking off into the forest as I hear the sound of magic being used, “Okay Athena.”

I turn to look at the rocks, now jumbled up by Twilight. Flicking over to the new sensor band I can see one..wait..two rocks glowing slightly, I separate them. “Is that them? Two?” I’m hoping my calculations aren’t off.

“Yep, I did two to try and fool you, nice job detecting them.”

“YES!” I leap in the air again, landing with a cough and a look around, “I mean..yay me..yeah..” I scuff a hoof on the ground again, “Anyways...”

“What was that for Athena?”

“I can detect magic now, if it’s a spell on something, neat huh?”

“Without magic? Really?”

“Yep!”

I see Twilight looking at me closely, starting to inhale deeply. Cadence lays a gentle hoof on her sister-in-law, I take that as my cue.

“Oh my, didn’t you want to see a movie?” I point at the Crusaders, they get it fast along with Spring Flower.

“YEAH!”

“Well in we go!” I turn to my hatchway and wait politely, Twilight just grumbles a bit as she walks by, I give her a friendly nudge, “Later, I promise.” She returns the smile.

We are interrupted by a voice yelling in the distance, “HEY!”

Twilight and I turn around to see her five friends galloping up on us.

Rainbow Dash is looking a bit miffed, “You were showing a movie and didn’t invite us? Huh! Some friend you are!” She snorts and hovers in the air looking mock appalled.

“Shush Rainbow, she’s been busy and ain’t had time to tell everypony, right sugar?” Applejack is giving me a pass on this one.

“Of course, would you like to see a movie then?”

Fluttershy is hiding behind Pinkie slightly, “Is it scary?”

“No, not particularly, it has it’s dramatic moments though.”

Pinkie is excited, “Let’s go see then!” She shoves Fluttershy in front of her into the hatchway, “Don’t worry Fluttershy we’ll be there!”

“Oh..uhm.. okay then..” Poor Fluttershy and here I always think I’m too shy sometimes.

I follow the chattering group into the Command Deck, I think they’ll like Star Wars.

As the movie plays, I figure out a filter for Crusader’s code, it will take some doing but I figure we can have him restarted within a day or so depending on the type of magic I need.

I discuss this with Twilight, or at least I try to, her eyes are riveted to the Tri-D screen for what is old hat to myself. She is entranced with the story and the action, so I finally give up and wait for it to be over, maybe we can discuss things then.

In all things, life must go on, surely there are some who would wail and cry that more should be done about things. But as I look at the village through my sensor masts, life goes on. Ponies will not let emergencies stop them from living, in this I am glad. Although it still baffles how they can be rushing around one moment and when all is done, back to the sedate happy lifestyle. The Concordiat could have learned many lessons from ponies.

One thing I have learned is how much popcorn a group of ponies can go through, I am impressed.

Celestia lowered the sun from where she was in Manehatten, still feeling the turmoil as more ponies fell victim to this blight that was starting to worry her even moreso now.

She was troubled, but that did not stop her from thinking of new ways to try things to get the patients to respond. She was tired though, wanting only a cup of tea and some rest. To this end she headed across the street to a small cafe she had spotted earlier.

Celestia entered the small shop, inhaling the scents she recognized and loved, her body reacting with a sense of purpose paying no attention around her as she stepped up to the counter to be waited on.

She was lost in her thoughts, thinking of her poor ponies and what she could do, she was not concerned at how quiet the interior of a shop on the main thoroughfare should have been. Her eyes had started to scan the room when she was distracted by a figure.

A familiar face walked out from the back room door, smiling at her, but the look in the eyes was somewhat off.

“Rarity?”

“Why Your Highness! What a pleasure to see you here!” She came around the counter to stand next to the regent. “It’s always good to see you.” She bowed a bit mockingly.

The Princess was not put off by the bow, though it did flag her attention. “What are you doing in Manehatten? You should have let me know, we could have..” Her eyes narrowed slightly, noticing Rarity was not wearing a commlink like she always had in Ponyville, being one to start the fad.

“Oh dear, well I’ve been in town on a..well..business trip you might say.” She smiled, but it was not the one Celestia knew, it was a vicious grin, nothing like the kind mare she knew.

The alabaster Alicorn stepped back, her horn lighting up to cast a defensive spell as the mare in front of her kept talking, moving closer to the Princess.

“Stay back, I do not know why but you are not Rarity.”

“Why so nervous Your Highness? Surely you can’t think little old me would do anything untoward now would you?” The eyes were glinting with something other than generosity as she placed an elegant hoof on her chest in mock shock.

Celestia stamped a shod hoof, “Come no closer!” Her horn started glowing fiercely with the spell she was to cast but was interrupted by a stinging slap on her side, turning quickly to see...Pinkie?

The blue eyes glimmered with a manic light Celestia had never seen as the Alicorn stumbled, slamming into the counter.

“Hiya Princess, something wrong?”

Celestia never had a chance to answer before she slumped against the counter, her body fighting an invasion of magic unknown as her horn dimmed then failed. Her eyes closed, but not before seeing three faces smiling at her from above, three friends she had trusted.

Her last thought before darkness overwhelmed her was of her sister.

The small shop appeared to be closed for the evening as the sign said. Three mares outside were giggling to themselves before heading off to another place in the big city. Inside the tea room, the staff, customers and Princess Celestia lay around waiting to be found.

Fluttershy will not come out from hiding ever since Vader made his appearance, I keep assuring her that it is nothing but a fantasy, a story told to entertain. But she will not be consoled, every time she hears that breathing she disappears. Though how she can avoid my deck sensors is beyond me, I’ve stopped questioning some things, I think she’s behind one of the couches right now.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack are having a furious argument over who shot first, Han or Greedo, I am staying out of it.

Twilight is constantly asking me questions about the Force and how humans knew of magic. I keep reassuring her it is a fable, nothing more. Cadence is trying to keep her quiet and enjoy the movie, I'm afraid she is failing at that.

I think the only ones enjoying the movie to it’s fullest are Spike, Spring and the Crusaders. Though there is a lot of yelling and jumping around, Applejack keeps telling Apple Bloom she cannot be a Sith Lord, that they are the bad ponies in this film. I have also assured Applejack I cannot make, nor would I want to, Light Sabers. Though Scootaloo does pose an interesting question; Can one get a cutie mark being a Storm Trooper? I will have to ponder on that.

Spike has declared that Jedi Knights are the ‘coolest’ in the film. This promptly starts another argument with the Crusaders and Spring Flower.

Pinkie is excited about the explosions and fights; ever since the movie was redone, there were tons of new effects added that I think took away from the story, but added a measure of glitz to it. Each to their own. She does a tremendously good imitation of Darth Vader though, as shown by Fluttershy ‘eeping’ and disappearing.

I laugh as Rarity declares the Empire’s outfits ‘drab and unassuming’. I shall make sure she is costume designer if we ever shoot a remake.

Sweetie Belle and Spring Flower have decided they want to be X-Wing pilots, shocking Rarity to no extent as she says that proper young fillies should not be flying around the galaxy shooting things. She is quickly drowned out by boos from everypony. There is much thrown popcorn.

Watching the movie with them, I see it through new eyes. Their reactions are not what I expected though quite charming. They do not see it as a technological thing to learn from, but look deep into the story, the why and how of what is happening. Twilight does pose a few questions that have me thinking upon the whole thing in a different light. Ponies don’t want the good parts, they want the story and the meaning, though getting there it seems might engender a few arguments.

To me, this is something I envied Crusader having felt. The comraderie of friends, the comfort of having them near. If only he would fully accept that we are no longer what we were, but something wholly new and wondrous, I think he would find the joy in it that I do.

So as the movie plays, it eventually settles down, though I am constantly wondering why ponies take sides so easily. Is it inherent they should want to be on a side or is it just contrariness in my friends to start good natured arguments?

Seeing Rainbow and Applejack, I’m thinking just to argue.

Even with the events of today, the avoidance of a plague and the emergency; I think the town has done well, far beyond what I would have expected. Crusader has told me not to underestimate ponies in times of crisis, they would surprise me.

That they did.

As I sit and munch happily on popcorn, Scootaloo is raising a hoof in the air as she sets on my back cheering for the Empire, I am content. I also see her wings have grown larger as well, she will soon be flying and won’t that be a fun surprise.

Until then, I do hope the dawn brings just a warm day and nothing more. It would be nice. Full of laughter and sunshine.

Five figures gathered in an alley way off the business district of Manehatten. Whispering among themselves as they told of targets taken, more ponies reaped in a dire harvest. The giggles were not polite, nor was the laughter. It was vicious, manic and no hint of pleasantry was heard by the mice scurrying for cover.

But they fell silent as another shape joined them, one which shocked even them in their madness.

“Shall we paint the town red tonight?” The grin under the violet eyes was even more insane than they were.

-------------

The sun did not rise that morning....

Author's Note

As always, a big thank you to all of you.
Wacky, has made a wonderful pic of Athena, check it out and his DA page here!

And more Tip o' The Hat to:
SenseiHua, Last Light, Reinard Toma, Machstormer, Ponytech, Golden Spectrum, SoonToBeWriterBrony, Bearstar Seraph, Ovralyne.

Without you folks, it just wouldn't be as epic a story.:twilightsmile:

Act III - Herein The Friends are Called, What Our Reflections Tell Us, The Hounds of War Arrive

Author's Note

My apologies. My brain absolutely locked up the past few days and I so apologize for the wait.

WARNING: Fair Warning, this is a 'bridge' chapter. Getting from 'here' to 'there'. Slice of life, somewhat involved. If you are bored by such, don't read it. But please don't complain, I know what I wrote:pinkiehappy:

Also, The Lone Wanderer has done a reading of the first three Chapters and I give you the link here! Have fun with that!

Act III - Herein The Friends are Called, What Our Reflections Tell Us, The Hounds of War Arrive

Princess Luna was walking towards the kitchens, looking for a nice cup of coffee. It was almost the dawn and she was craving a stimulating drink.

I really ought to ask Crusader for more of that wonderful dark blend, she thought, remembering the deep taste of it like nothing that was imported from the outer countries.

He was undergoing some problem she understood when last she talked with Athena, but hopefully that would be solved soon. He is staunch in his protection of us all as is his sister Athena. Would the world be a darker place without them, I think just a bit.

She sighed, trying to remember where she had stored the last bag of beans he had given her as a gift after their trip. I swear, if somepony has raided my stash I shall bequeath upon them darkness forever. Nopony stood between the Princess of the Night and her caffeine fix, to do so was to tempt fate itself.

She stifled a laugh with a regal hoof, smothering her muzzle and looking around before letting out a joyful peal of laughter. She remembered coming home from the deep desert, presenting her sister with that concoction of Tartarus called a ‘Fruit Cake’, Celestia of course was so very gracious about accepting it.

In the days since that presentation, Luna had made it a point to not say a thing about the gift. No longing looks, no bothersome antics, she just let it set in the back of her sister’s mind.

Until the envoys from Saddle Arabia had arrived to discuss some trade agreements. Celestia had thought it a wonderful gesture to bring the gift out ‘From her beloved sister’ as she had told the envoys, serving each a very large slice.

Luna remembered she had once been the Element of Laughter, and it stuck with her through dark days when a kind word or a giggle was needed by some pony, especially herself. She had sat at the royal table, begging off a piece saying that she had no more room after the wonderful dinner had been served.

But the envoys and her sister, oh how very hard it was not to roll in laughter, slapping the floor with her hooves like a small foal as she saw the expressions on their faces after one bite.

Oh sister mine, how regal you looked eating something like that and finishing each bite with nary a twitch of the eye. The envoys as well, deciding it would be impolite to not finish theirs had eaten each crumb with a delight that was so obviously forced.

Luna had sat politely, receiving warm comments on how good the dessert was, that it had such an ‘interesting flavor that rolled on the tongue’ and so forth. She had smiled and thanked each and every pony that had given her a compliment, as she should being the dutiful sister who had provided such a repast.

After the small talk was concluded, the envoys had seemed to be in a rush to retire to their apartments while Celestia sat for a moment, watching them go before turning a look on Luna that made her think for a moment that banishment to the Moon again would be preferable. It did not keep a smile from trickling between her lips as she blinked innocently at her sister.

“Luna..”

A hoof was waved airily, “Oh I know ‘Tia, you loved it, ‘twas a wonderful dessert was it not?” She was biting her lip to keep from laughing out loud.

The alabaster Alicorn’s eyes narrowed as she glared at her darker sister, chewing on her cheek for a moment before speaking.

“That was the most vile..foul thing.. How could you! Those poor envoys from Saddle Arabia now think we’re into this..this.. what was it? Fruit Cake? I think they were all turning green!”

Water gathered in her eyes as Luna couldn’t hold it in anymore, letting out a bellow of laughter as she slapped the wooden table with her metal clad hoof, the sound ringing through the dining room. The Guards at the far distance couldn’t hear the conversation, but knew this was going to be good.

“I..oh stars.. I’m so sorry.. no wait, I am not! ‘Twas a good prank and well done I say!” She giggled and laughed like a school filly.

“You should have seen your face after the first bite, I truly thought you would fall over at it!” Luna’s hoof waved in the air while she imitated Celestia’s normally serene voice, “My, this is a wondrous dessert Luna, thank you for bringing it to share with us! Oh stars sister you are SO good at falsehoods sometimes!”

Celestia had been wiping her tongue with a linen napkin, waiting for Luna to stop laughing as she slid the tray containing the rest of the vile thing away from her. Luna just howled all the more.

“Luna, that was... truly those poor envoys. How do you get this taste out of your mouth?” She was drinking a cup of fresh tea, eating a roll quickly.

“Sister, I am afraid it has to pass in it’s own time.”

“You say Crusader gave you this? I am sure we will need to talk to him about such things.”

“No, no Celestia, I had requested one after he had served it to myself and the other fillies for dinner. That’s when I thought it would make a truly wonderful gift.”

A golden clad hoof was placed gently on a forehead along with a sigh, but a smile cracked the solemn face as she shook her head at her sister, “Luna, one day I swear, these pranks will start a war.”

“Fear not ‘Tia, for they are just good jokes.”

“They are, though really that was truly disgusting.” Her normally placid face worked itself into a measure of disgust as she delicately spit into a napkin, hiding it quickly under a plate.

The two sisters sat in a pleasant silence for a moment, Celestia breaking it.

“So did you...?”

“Yes, I banned them and told Crusader no more.”

“Even..”

“Yes, I have forbidden him to give the recipe to Pinkie.”

“Good, that’s good.”

Luna laughed to herself once more, truly her sister was a good sport, though she did catch her later looking for spells to wipe the taste off her palate. That just turned into more rounds of laughter and fun.

Oh my, I do have some! She cheerfully got down the bag of beans that Crusader had given her. She munched on a couple as she used her magic to grind them slowly in the turn crank grinder, making sure there was plenty for a good amount of cups.

Pouring them into the pot, she started a fire in the stove and waited patiently. She had limited her intake after the first time, thinking it was the normal type of coffee they were used to, bouncing around the castle an entire day on a caffeine jag before realizing she only needed a quarter as much for a carafe full.

The smell though, was enticing as always, rich and dark it wafted into the nostrils like a scent of the finest clover. Truly this was a gift from the heavens she thought. She caught herself inhaling the aroma deeply before pouring herself a large mug of it.

Putting a pinch of sugar into it, she stirred slowly with a spoon. One must take time, delight in the sensations of everything like this. Putting it to her lips, she blew on it gently and took her first sip.

Her whole body instantly responded making her think maybe she had developed an addiction, but she was fine with such as this. Perhaps she could interest Celestia away from her teas?

She poured another after finishing the first, leaning against the counter when an advisor ran in, seeing the Princess he ground to a halt and bowed low.

“Your..Your Highness.. your sister, she.. uh..”

Sighing she looked deadpan at the groveling minion, “Spit it out.”

“Your sister has been attacked in Manehatten, the doctors cannot revive her.”

Luna remained calm, surely she would want to go roaring off and do something, but this time she inhaled softly, drinking the last of her coffee before setting the mug on the counter. “Get me the Captain of the Guard and mobilize the reserves, get to Manehatten and secure it. Now.”

“S..secured Your Highness?”

“Lock. It. Down. Now.” Her words left no excuses, no reasoning other than to stop the city dead in it’s tracks and ring it with spears.

“At once Your Highness!”

She listened for a moment, the hue and cry going down the hallway as she wistfully looked at the pot of coffee, storing her beans safely away. She had learned patience, at a cost, but patience. She thought for a moment and lifted a hoof, tapping the ring on it and saying a single word, “Athena.”

A good night, a wonderful night, as I sit in the command deck surrounded by sleeping ponies. No one wished to go home so I bade them stay here, be comfortable and happy. The movie was run three times and I believe my supply of popcorn, plus my stash of cupcakes, is depleted. I shall have to make plans for resupply soon, I am sure Crusader will admonish me for the cupcakes, he says I am getting a sweet tooth.

I don’t mind, they are good and serve to make a break from the monotony of just eating for reaction mass. Lemon Creme Surprise..mmmm...anyways, where was I? Oh yes.

The sun is about to rise so I should be waking everyone for the new day, it seems we all are so busy nowadays there isn’t time to get together like this. It’s like a big family, through thick and thin. I let them rest, let them enjoy the few minutes left before the new day comes.

I wander outside to sit among the sensor masts, watching for the lightening of the sky. According to my clock it should be brightening right now. This is puzzling, usually Celestia is not more than a few minutes either way and this has been twenty so far. When it is this far off, I believe there is reason to worry.

I am about to place a call to the Princesses when a voice breaks into my combat network.

“Athena.” Voice recognition says Princess Luna along with IFF codes.

“Yes Your Highness?”

“My sister has been attacked and cannot be revived from what the doctors say. I need you and what you can bring to bear in Manehatten. It appears this is more serious than we thought. I want you to bolster the Guard I have sent to the city, lock it down.” She pauses for a moment, “We need the Elements as well, I believe something untoward is happening so I am bringing all I can with me.

Silent alarms go off in the interior of my war hull, data scrolling quickly now as Tech Spiders move to resupply Dragons with dual loads, packing them full of supplies that I will need. Command Authority has been breached!

High Alert is immediately set, all weapons are primed and ready on the masts, I put automated sentry guns on standby as I have resupplied the last ditch pits that Crusader had made. Nothing will get near Ponyville while I am gone. I have made sure of it quietly and quickly.

“Orders received Your Highness, I will be on the move in an hour.”

I hear steel in the normally lilting voice, the chained rage, “As quick as you can defender, as quick as you can.”

She signs off, leaving me frantic for a moment as Crusader usually handles this, I am not sure what to do but I know what I can do. I look around for the moment, all guns are unlimbered on our war hulls, the sun not rising over the horizon yet.

I rush into the hatchway, waking Twilight.

“Huh..wha.. Oh Athena! Is it morning already?” She is rubbing sleep from a bleary eye.

I inform her of the message from Luna, she almost loses it. Celestia has been a mentor to her for so long she’s almost as frantic as I am.

“Stop, stop Twilight, I need your help please.” I hold a hoof out to keep her from rushing out of the hatch.

“What? My help? Why would you...?” She is puzzled.

“Command Authority has been breached, I need a direct line of command I can trust for orders if needed. You need to be that.”

“Me? But...”

“Crusader normally takes the lead in things like this. He is not working yet so it is up to me and I have not tackled anything big like this. I need somepony dependable to turn to in case of a decision on the spot, you have to be that pony.”

“Are...are you sure? I mean I’m not a commander or anything like that.” She actually looks a bit nervous.

“I’m positive. You are capable and can make a decision in a split second, I may need that ability to accomplish my mission. Can I depend on you?”

She doesn’t even blink, standing a bit taller as she nods, “Absolutely!”

I smile my warmest and give her a hug, “Thank you Twilight. I am going to wake the rest and get things ready to go. Do not bother with train tickets to Manehatten.”

“Oh? Why do...” Now she’s confused.

“Because I have transport, we need to get moving.” I step out of her way as she rushes out the door, forgetting about her sleeping friends as she heads out to get things she may need.

I wake the others, before anypony leaves the Deck I make sure they are fully briefed about my providing transport to Manehatten. The five friends and Cadence scatter to the winds as they leave my war hull, Spike joining Twilight as they rushed back to her castle, I stop the Crusaders and Spring Flower to speak with them for a moment more.

Pointing to the little green Unicorn I make myself as plain as I can.

“You three need to watch over her closely, if anything..ANYTHING happens you are to get to the Guard office and talk to them or my hull here. As long as you are wearing your bracelets it will let you in and nothing can get to you. Do not abuse this trust, do you understand me?”

Apple Bloom nods, hugging her new friend, “You got it, she’s a Crusader now even if we ain’t in-ducted her yet!”

Spring Flower’s eyes widened as she grinned.

“Do not get her in trouble.” I make that perfectly clear in my no-nonsense tone. “Her parents should be at home after yesterday’s little ruckus.”

The three look at me for a second then nod, Scootaloo piping up, “You got our promise Athena!”

“Good, now get going, I’m sure it’s a school day. Take care of Spring!” I wave to them as they suddenly realize they need to grab their supplies. Four little fillies leave a trail of dust in their wake.

The command deck is silent now, the ponies all gone their separate ways to meet back here in an hour. My Tech Spiders are finishing the last of the supply load out of Crusaders stocks, I assign one to each Dragon and Ferret, if I have to swap out combat loads it will be easier using them than explaining how to anypony.

I rub one hoof along the other as I feel distinctly nervous. I have never run a mission like this and I truly do wish Crusader was here. He was always good at planning and executing these things.

I fire two Makos into the air, they can provide air cover for our travels. I load extra fuel and ammunition for them on an another Ferret, bringing the total to twenty Dragons and two Ferrets. I think they’ll be pleased at traveling in one now. I have stripped the jump seats out and put in a few comfortable furnishings in a Ferret I borrowed a while ago for testing.

Ten Dragons will be left for the security of the town, they are fully equipped and capable of direction from a distance, with the new communications algorithm I have no fear of being able to help if we are away.

I can do this. I have everything Crusader has learned through trial and error, my own files and experience. I have my friends and Command Authority if needed. I know somewhere Marcus and Hera are watching, I will make them proud.

I will do this.

Pinkie rushed into the bakery and straight up to her room, packing a few things into places normally reserved for party items in her mane. She never thought abut those things, never thought too hard about how or why, she just did them.

She still smiled, she would always smile, but her body and Pinkie Sense were telling her this was bad, beyond bad. The laughter left for the briefest microsecond and so did the smile as she peered out the window of her home.

The pink mare stopped for a fleeting glimpse, looking into a mirror as she passed by, her blue eyes shone with her normal delight as she took stock of herself for just that one moment.

Her mind rummaged through memories and times when the fun had stopped and seriousness had begun, there were very few as she kept her laughter and optimism about her like a cloak. It was her defense against the worlds vagaries and depressions.

It worked, more often than not, but there had been times when even being Pinkie wasn’t enough. She needed and she wanted her friends with her always. Even the brightest laugh, the most colorful cakes and confetti, needed the help of somepony else to be what it was.

I am the Element of Laughter, when things are tough I am there, she recited to herself. Winking at her reflection she grinned, I’m Pinkie Pie and nopony stops me, not even some evil thing...stuff...whatever! As she rushed out of her room and exiting the bakery, her resolve hardened like steel in a forge.

We're coming Princess!

Rarity burst into her boutique in a run that was just not her, usually she was demure and oh so careful of everything she did. One must present oneself to the public in the best way possible she had always thought.

She packed her saddlebags, the usual ubiquitous cosmetics and other things to keep a mare looking her best of course. As she did so, she stopped by the full length mirror she used for her clients, staring into it for a moment as she broke her stampede to get out of the shop and back to the meeting place.

Azure eyes met each other as she wondered why she did this, put up with this rushing around, the hurry to save the world. All she wanted was to do fashion, make ponies shine, to be the best at what she did.

She was though, she was the best at giving and of being charitable, a generous heart and soul. Of course there were moments and a few worst possible things that could daunt even the most giving pony. But that never stopped her from doing what she thought was only right.

Through all the adventures, mishaps and just plain everyday life she had always come through for others, especially her friends when the chips were down. Nopony could ever say anything other than that. There were always the bad to go with the good, but in her mind, good always outweighed any reward.

One eye winked back at her from the mirror, what was life without its few moments where one could...oh shall we say...be a drama queen? She gazed around at her lovely boutique and sighed, not longingly but happily. I am who I am, I shall always be me, my friends love me and I in return care for them just as much.

Together we are so much more than we would be alone. The thought of being without her friends caused the warmth inside her to fade just a bit, then brighten again. But that’s for another day!

She turned to close the door as she left her warm home, her mind racing as her body did towards the outskirts of Ponyville. Her heart glowing with the anticipation of accompanying her friends on another adventure, though she wouldn’t let that show too much.

Fluttershy winged her way into the normally crowded house, making sure every animal friend had something to tide them over for a few days while she was gone. She worried about them all, always had even though she knew most of them could take care of themselves.

She was hugged by the big bear as he didn’t wish to let her go alone. He wasn’t a coward by any means, just loveable. She remembered when he had fought the bad things that had broken into her home months and months back. He was brave and good.

Fluttershy reassured him that she would be back, to take care of everything and keep the house in one piece. Though she was somehow certain, even though Crusader never said anything, that her house could withstand a tornado. She really ought to ask him about that.

Checking everything once more, she was coming out of her room, when the mirror caught her eye, she tried to shy back even from herself and laughed softly. Am I really that bad?

Looking at the pretty face smiling gently from the mirror she shook her head, no, no I’m not. I’ve always come through when it counted and I will do so again and again!

My friends depend on me and I will do my very best!

They loved her for who she was, kindly Fluttershy that would always be there for them. Except dragons, no, no dragons this time she hoped. That last one was enough for a lifetime.

The soft laugh traveled no further than her own ears as she turned to go, giving herself one last look in the reflective surface.

Always kind shy me; and to my friends that’s a good thing.

I think so too.

With a last farewell and a round of hugs, a bone creaking squeeze from Harry the bear that made her squeak. She took off into the air, flying her way back to the hillside.

Applejack stomped into the house, taking a moment to catch her breath. She had caught Big Mac outside, telling him to take care of Apple Bloom and Granny as she needed to head off to help the Princesses out and save the world and stuff once more.

He was used to her leaving on trips to do various things so Big Mac had just nodded and went along his way as normal. His sister had rushed into the house to make sure everything was in it’s place before she left, wouldn’t do to leave things around where somepony could get hurt and all.

But that wasn’t quite true she thought as she caught sight of herself in a mirror hanging on her bedroom wall. The green eyes that met hers were admonishing for not telling herself the whole truth.

One of these days, we might not come back she thought; or something bad’s gonna happen and maybe one or all of us are gonna be in more trouble than we think. We’ve faced critters that coulda destroyed the world, not just Equestria and we’ve come out on top. But how long does luck last?

I guess I come back each time before we go so I can remember, making sure I don’t miss anything in case. I don’t think it’s bad though, just a way for me to get goin’ and do what we do. My home and mah family gives me a reason, my friends even more so.

As Applejack made sure her hat was on before leaving the room, she took one last look at herself.

It ain’t luck, it’s pure cussedness ‘cause we ain’t gonna let anything get in our way of helping anypony out! That’s what it is.

Ah’ve come through, ah’ve always come through cause of my friends. They stuck with me through thick and thin I cain’t do no less. I may be honest and all that, but I ain’t gotta take no guff from anypony out to hurt others and that’s the truth!

We’ll figure all this out, then come back and get back to what we do best, bein’ friends and livin’ our lives. But until then, whatever’s makin’ this ruckus better be careful, cause ain’t nothing can stand in the way of friends when they stick together!

She gives herself a smile, her body relaxed as she’s finally honest with herself. Bad things happen, they always will; but until she went to whatever is on the other side, she’d knock the ever-lovin’ tar outta whatever she had to.

Whatever’s causin’ this fuss better watch out, cause they got some determined ponies headin’ their way!

The orange Earth pony laughed as she headed out the door, giving Granny a pat on the shoulder and a soft goodbye as she sat in her favorite chair enjoying the sunshine before Applejack trotted off toward town.

Oh yeah, gonna give somepony a swift kickin’ in the head I think!

Rainbow Dash slammed into her home, looking around to make sure she didn’t need anything for the trip. Of course Tank was gonna need enough food and water before she left. The slow tortoise watched as she ran around talking to herself, filling his bowls and giving him a last talking to about being good while she was gone.

A poster by her bed of Daring Do she touched once, a sort of ritual before she headed out on an adventure. With Daring Do by your side you just couldn’t fail!

The cyan mare turned and caught the reflection of herself in the mirror hanging on the wall, her cerise eyes shining as always when action came up. Her body was itching to get going, but she stopped for a moment, tilting her head.

Is this what ponies see? A disheveled mane and pride? It’s not so bad, she thought, I am what I am. But I love my friends, I would do anything for them and go to the ends of the world as well! Her chest puffed out a bit, but the truth was there, she couldn’t deny it. Sometimes she doubted, whether she’d be fast enough, strong enough. It wasn’t anything but a glimmer but it was always there.

Shoving that down in her mind, she snapped her wings out, getting the feathers ready for some fast flying if needed. But doing so, she kept glancing in the mirror, seeing herself in a different way.

Sighing, she stopped, staring at her face in the mirror. Being honest, everypony has doubts, all of them, I’m sure the Princesses have doubts sometimes. But...but I’m Rainbow Dash! Coolest Pegasus in..yeah.. One day I won’t be, it’ll be time for a change. I’m ready for that she thought, it’s a long long time down the road.

Until then though, I have my friends, I have my loyalty to them that I think is unmatched anywhere in Equestria and beyond!

The pretty face smiled back at her from the mirror, all I need is what I have. I will go for goals and attain some. I won’t get everything I want, but that’s all right with me. Until then, I’ll keep reaching for the stars with my friends.

There’s nothing better I think...well..becoming Captain of the Wonderbolts would be okay.

She laughed merrily, heading out of her house with a pat on the head for Tank.

I’ll always be me, that’s good enough for the ones who love me.

Twilight dropped Spike off near his room as she rushed around the castle, stuffing her saddlebags with everything she thought she would need. Spell book..check. Extra spell book..check. Oh so many things for this trip, what can I fit in here?!? She trotted into her bedroom to see if there was anything she might possibly need.

She was almost frantic, Princess Celestia needed her, she was in a hospital and was in a bad way. Twilight couldn’t think straight, what if I lost her? What if I don’t get there in time? What if...

A mirror caught her eyes, showing her a lavender mare whose mane was getting a bit frazzled. She reached up to smooth it down, grabbing a comb off her night stand and running it through the indigo locks for a moment. There, all better, now what...

The Alicorn stopped, staring at herself and sighing for a moment. The violet eyes meeting hers were concerned, thoughtful and a bit panicky. No, no that wouldn’t do at all, I have to remain calm being a Princess. Show ponies I can handle things!

But that wasn’t quite true was it? Her reflection asked. So many times there were those moments when you couldn’t, when you lost yourself in an obsession that it smothered everything else.

You’re not perfect are you Princess?

Nopony’s perfect! Not even me!

But you want to be don’t you?

I..I just want to be what Celestia expects!

It’s not Celestia, it’s you that wants it, right? Right? The reflection was a bit accusing in her mind, staring at her unblinking.

Well no, that’s....true. It is, I want to be perfect for her, for everypony. Prove I can do this.

But you don’t have to be, your friends love you without a doubt. They accept you as you are. Other ponies do so as well, why can’t you?

Because..because I’m a Princess! I’m supposed to be...

Supposed to be what? Perfect? You were this way even before you Ascended. Nopony is perfect Twilight, not even Celestia.

Her mind almost recoiled from that thought, but in her heart she knew it was true. No pony was perfect. Not even her, no matter how hard she would try.

It’s part of life Twilight, her reflection told her, it’s all a part of what we do. We learn and grow and take things as they come our way. Be happy with who you are, that’s all Celestia wanted, that is all anypony wants for you.

But if I don’t exceed expectations...

Whose expectations Twilight? There is only you.

She blinked at her reflection, tilting her head slightly.

You have friends who care for you deeply, a pony that needs your trust and leadership abilities to lean on. A Princess who needs your help. You can’t do that worrying about every little thing. Do what you can, when you can, finish the rest when it comes.

A soft sigh echoes through the room as Twilight nods to herself. Now I know why I need my friends, to balance me and tell me when things shouldn’t or should be done. Her chest glowed with warmth inside, without them I’d be a lot less than I am I think, I will always need my friends.

And maybe I wouldn’t be talking to myself in a mirror too.

The reflection laughed out loud before covering her muzzle with a hoof. She finished packing quickly, but before heading out the Alicorn turned to the mirror, pointing at it.

I’m still going to try though!

You wouldn’t be Twilight if you didn’t.

A single nod to herself was all she needed, trotting out and stopping by with Spike, telling him to keep an eye on things. Help the Crusaders take care of Spring Flower until they got back. One hug later she is off into the wind, heading for the meeting.

Twilight returns quickly, I notice saddlebags that are stuffed full of items. Knowing her like I do, I even suspect there is a kitchen sink in there somewhere. But most of all, she brings a map! She seems calmer, happier for some reason. I am glad, she was a bit panicky when she left.

Cadence is heading to Canterlot as fast as she can, hoping to take some of the burden off of Luna as she has notified us she will be heading to Manehatten as well.

I have the Dragons and Ferrets organized in convoy, the personnel carriers will be in a ring of tanks so as to protect supplies and ponies. I will let the Hounds range as they will for trouble while we travel. I think it best that way as scouts and outriders. Their sensors are good enough to feed data back to me in the carrier for decisions.

We are on the command deck trying to figure out the fastest route to Manehatten as it seems it is north east of Ponyville. There is a question of going east near Fillydelphia or up and over around Foal Mountain. I would prefer we do not raise any suspicions near another city so north and east it is.

The new communications protocol is working superbly, I am suffering no lag or delay between my drones and I. Though I am saddened slightly, I wish Crusader was here to see this. He will soon.

The map also shows that Manehatten is an island city like Manhattan on Old Earth, the similarities are striking and I file it away for further study. This makes it easier to lock down and secure. Though it appears more drones will be needed for interdiction on the water. Two Hammerheads are moved from my magazines and launched as Twilight and I speak.

I test my communications every few seconds, making absolutely sure I can C&C all mobile units as well as avatar functioning. So far, I believe I’ve conquered the problem, take that Einstein, Tesla, Marconi! Limitations, bah!

As Twilight is going over a few things, I spot Applejack over on Crusader’s hill. She is doing something and I excuse myself from Twilight for a second, trotting over to see her.

I watch as she raises a hoof, touching the sensor mast lightly and saying something I cannot pick up, nor do I try and eavesdrop as it appears a quiet moment for her. I walk up slowly and sit, waiting for her to notice me.

Her eyes glance at me as she turns for a second, wiping her face and swiveling back with a smile. I am not fooled, it is forced and I wonder what is bothering her.

“Are you all right Applejack?”

“I..uh... Ah’m sorry, sometimes it’s hard to talk about feelin’s ya know?” She sits next to me. We have a few minutes, this is a friend.

“I do. You know he is fine, it will take some work to get him up again, but I assure you he is fine.”

“Ah know that, just...just I miss him somethin’ fierce you know?”

“I do as well, he is a rock upon which I lean.”

She laughs, it is bright and clear, “Oh me too, ‘cept when I’m pulling his tail out of a fire.”

“I don’t think he’ll ever not need your help Applejack. He loves you more than you can imagine.”

“Ah dunno, I can imagine quite a bit.” She reaches out to touch a sensor mast gently, “I know ah been actin’ normal and all, but I’m stubborn that way ah guess. Just hard to show what’s inside ya know?” She turns to me, her eyes shining in the morning light as the sun finally begins it’s journey.

“You promise he’ll be okay?”

“I do. He will be fine. Right now, consider it a well-earned rest.” I smile, touching her shoulder in comfort.

She laughs, “Oh with all the runnin’ ‘round he does and helping us save the world n’ all; Ah think he’s earned it.” She points a hoof at a sensor lens, “But not too long ya hear me?” She grins, “Ah know yer in there lazin’ about ya big faker!”

I laugh, giving her a hug. She shows nothing but care for my brother and I will do my best to bring him back to her.

“Time ta go save the world again huh?” She wipes her face and gets a determined look.

“Let’s hope it is nothing like that.”

“Well let’s get to it, soonest done is soonest won!” She hugs me tight, waiting for me to get to my hooves and walk alongside her.

As we walk back to my hatch and hill, she sighs, I look at her with a raised eyebrow, “Something?”

“Oh nothin’, well..hay I even miss him quoting that poetry all the time too!”

I laugh as we break into a trot, “Oh don’t fret, nothing can ever break him of that!”

She looks at me, I can see one of the reasons Crusader likes her, the humor in her eyes, “I dunno if I should be happy ‘bout that or worried.”

I share another smile with her, “Worried, definitely worried.”

Luna had raised the sun this morning, after calling Athena she had decided to set it on it’s journey so as not to cause any panic nor rumors. The palace staff knew better than to disobey an order to keep their mouths shut. She would find the leak and they would be taken care of, none wished to risk her wrath when it came to her sister or Equestria.

The Guard was moving out, heading for Manehatten as fast as they could, commandeering a train and using all available transportation. Cadence was on her way to take over the courts as best she could. Luna had faith in her niece, she was co-ruler of the Crystal Empire and knew how to handle nobles.

Luna smiled to herself, I think I will take another form of transportation. She finalized a few signatures on some paperwork and took wing, telling her advisors to keep the troops moving.

Twilight and the others stood around the map as Athena pointed out the route, the Dragons stood ready, their engines rumbling quietly in the early morning. The Ferret’s back ramps were dropped and ready for boarding as the Tech Spiders loaded the last supplies on the second one. It’s hatch closing softly with a thud.

Athena was checking communications once more when a signal brought her head around, eye-balling the one open carrier. She excused herself and walked over to the open loading ramp.

“Out.” She stood and waited politely, “I said out, now.”

Four heads peeked over one of the couches as she stared at the Crusaders, “You I expected, but bringing Spring along with you? Didn’t I ask you not to get her in trouble?”

“Well we figured she wouldn’t be in trouble if she was with us and you!” Scootaloo’s logic is really pushing it.

I can only sigh, “You need to get out now, get back home and stay there. Understand me? We WILL talk of this later.”

Four very dejected fillies troop down the ramp, I can hear the sigh from Applejack seeing her sister, as well as Rarity planting a hoof on her face. I make sure they are on their way to town before I return to planning.

Rainbow grins, “Can’t blame ‘em, we get to do awesome stuff all the time!”

Of all ponies, Fluttershy, “That’s true! We do! We save Equestria and make friends and do all kinds of...of..” She sees everypony smiling warmly at her and her voice loses its volume quickly, “and...stuff...” Pinkie doesn’t let her hide this time, giving her a hug.

“Yep! So let’s do this!”

I nod to Twilight, “All the supplies and ammunition I need are loaded, we only need to advise Princess Luna we’re on the way.”

“No need Athena, for I am here.” The Princess landed lightly next to our little group who bowed respectfully.

“None of that, you are the Elements of Harmony and as such should be afforded some leeway.” Her smile was warm and bright as she waved off the genuflections. “Of course you are included in that Athena, being a staunch defender of Equestria as well.”

“Th..th..that wouldn’t be right Your Highness.”

“Ahhh, the shyness is still evident, we shall work on that when next we walk in your dreams.” Is that a twinkle of mischievousness in her eye?

“Come, we have my sister to attend to. A plague of some sort was happening in Manehatten, she was sent to find a cause. Now I find she is struck down and cannot be helped by our medicine.” She looks at all of us, one part steel, the other pleading, “We shall do whatever is necessary to solve this.” She points at each in turn, “You are the Elements of Harmony and your power is second to none together, that is why I have asked you to come.”

Moving aside, I am listening while finishing the load outs on the Dragons, making sure the Ferret is well-equipped for travel. All vehicles are one hundred percent operational, I am proud of the deployment time. My drones are feeding flawless data to me, crystal clear and sharper than normal.

The Night Princess points at me, making me shy back into the crowd, “Of course you Athena, with your technology to help and lend a hoof as always. We do not forget you.”

I feel a hoof on my backside, shoving me forward, Rainbow Dash is grinning, “Stop that, yeesh not like she’s gonna turn you into a frog or something!”

Princess Luna looks at me with one eye, “Unless you would like to be a frog maybe?”

“I..uh..uhm..I do..don’t..uh..” I am at a loss here. I almost panic, my battle screen is a hair away from snapping on when I am nudged and a soft voice whispers in my ear.

“She’s kiddin’ Athena.” Applejack, my savior.

The Princess lets out a laugh, slapping one hoof on the ground, “Oh you are too easy to joke with Athena, learn to relax more.” She nudges me with a wing tip, “We all are your friends, none would ever do such harm.”

“I..I kn..knew that. I..I di..di..did hones..honestly..”

I don’t feel bad when everypony laughs, I know it is good natured and caring. They’re right, I’m too easy to get flustered sometimes. But I’m getting better!

“W..we are all loaded and ready to go Your Highness, we’ll meet you in Manehatten in approximately six hours, depending on conditions.”

“I think not, I shall travel with you.” She looks at the open Ferret, “I liked traveling with Crusader on the trip to the desert, I do not get such chances much. So if you would not mind?”

“No..not at all Princess!” I wave to the ramp, “It’s not quite a chariot, but it’s comfortable.”

Rarity pipes up, “Oh goodness, not those abominable seats Crusader had in them I hope!” She has been trying for weeks to get my brother to redecorate the interior of the personnel carriers, but he is stubborn.

“N..no, I redid the vehicle Ra..Rarity, I hope you do like it.”

The white Unicorn peeks into the carrier and smiles, “Oh my yes, much better!” She comes back over and gives me a peck on the cheek, “I see I am rubbing off on SOME pony who likes nice things.” She gives a mock glare around her.

“Stars and sun Rarity, not everypony likes that frou-frou stuff!”

All she got in reply was a ‘Hmph’ and a nose tossed in the air as Rarity walked up the ramp like a model on a runway.

Applejack laughs as she passes me, “Gotta let her know that stuff.”

I can only shake my head, though different in so many ways, the group of friends fit together like a puzzle.

Princess Luna looks around as ponies are loading up, “Are we ready Athena? On our way?”

“Yes Your High..Highness.. Please enter the carrier and I will perform final checks.”

Princess Luna watches the last of the group enter, I make absolutely sure that the Crusader’s IFF signatures are in town as they are supposed to be before beginning final checks on all mobile units in the back of my mind. I am touched by a shod hoof.

“Calmly Athena, calmly. You are a pony with amazing skills and abilities that are used for the good of all Equestria. You have no reason to be worried.” Her Cyan eyes glow with warmth, her mane shimmering with stars in the evening of her colors.

“I..I know..”

“Then be confident of what you can do.” She smiles at me.

“Yes Your High..Highness.”

She steps close, whispering in my ear as she walks up the ramp, “I too, know what it is to be alone Athena. Never fear.” She smiles, nodding to me as if we share a secret.

I turn to look around one last time at the surrounding fields, at Crusader’s silent masts bristling with weapons on alert for any threats as are mine.

I will return my brother, I promise.

The Maitre’d was impressed, never having a Princess in their quiet little restaurant, so he pulled out all the stops. She and a couple of her friends were enjoying the best his chefs could make. He puffed his purple chest out proudly as they commented on how nice the food was, eating it slowly and savoring every bite as if it were the finest in all the lands.

Well maybe this will get a bit more business in if a Princess recommends us! He was thinking, though his special talent being what he was, he was proud of the servers, the chefs, everypony who worked as a team to make this a wonderful place to eat; he would love to get more business to help his staff out.

The lavender Alicorn daintily dabbed her face with a crisp white napkin held in a hoof after a plate of pasta that was so deliciously spicy it tickled all the way down. She smiled up at the waiter.

“That was absolutely perfect in every way, thank you.”

The wait pony blushed a bit and went back to tell the chef the comment, they were all waiting nervously. A Princess after all!

The violet eyes met her companions green and cerise ones, “Shall we decide on dessert?”

The smiles that greeted her were as nasty as they could be, the three mares looking about at the few customers enjoying their repasts.

“Ah’m all for it.”

“Me too! It’ll be...awesome.”

The ‘Princess’ watched the approaching waiter and softly replied with a laugh, “Take them.”

The table overturned as the mares went about their oh so familiar business of spreading fear and sowing terror.

Only there would be one problem. So far the group had been getting in and out of places clean with nary a reaction until they were far away.

This time, however, a bus pony was hiding under the counter when the vicious mares went stomping through the kitchen looking for more to inject with their poison. He had seen what was happening in the dining area and scrambled for the best place he could find to hide, hoping he hadn’t been spotted.

It was hard keeping quiet, but the young colt kept his nerve as he waited for what seemed hours. Hearing the three leave, the door shut and locked behind them before he peeked out over the table. He saw everypony he worked with laid out and unmoving on the floor as he gently stepped over them, not wanting to cause any more harm.

He slipped out the back way, only after making sure the coast was clear, heading off at best speed to a local Guard post.

A Princess causing this! A Princess! How could they!?!

Checks are done, inspections clear, all mobile units ready and either airborne or in convoy. I sit in the front commanders hatch of the Ferret, looking around with sensors, reading everything that comes through the Dragons and Ferrets scanner clusters.

All is clear and I slap a helmet on my avatar’s head, refinished for ponies of course. Thank goodness Crusader and I thought of that. I lower the blast shield and look at the world through a darkened lens, thinking of tankers in the past and grinning to myself. Instead of being the tank, I get to RIDE in one!

I give the signal with a wave of my hoof, pointing in a vague direction, like some Old Earth Tank Commander.

Move out my Hounds, the Dogs of War are unleashed!

I am surprised seeing the tanks leap forward, prowling outwards but surrounding the Ferret we are in like a pack of..well...hounds on the hunt. It is amazing to watch, making me think this world works it’s changes in interesting ways.

I have to grab onto the side of the hatch opening as the Ferret takes off like a bat out of Tartarus. I give the commands to rein it in a bit, feeling a slight..disappointment from the machines? We’re going to have a long talk later, the auxiliaries and I, about who’s in charge here.

We head northwards, heading in front of Canterlot then swinging east towards Manehatten. I will get to see the Unicorn Range from the map indices, then on to the city. It remains to be seen whether we go through Hollow Shades or up and around to the city. Either way, I look forward to this trip, it’s new!

A head pops out of the hatch besides mine, Luna is smiling as her mane catches the wind from our speed. I get a helmet for her, ducking into the compartment and tugging her downward to secure it before letting her pop up again.

“Just speak into the microphone, we can communicate that way.” I see her grin get larger.

“What a truly wondrous way to travel!” Her voice is loud and gleeful as she leans on the armored chassis in front of the hatch.

“It’s not bad Your Highness and it is fun!”

We rock along, the pack of tanks ranging and swooping back in and out, zig zagging to prevent enemy weapon locks. Though I am pretty sure we don’t have to worry about such here.

“Is this what it was like back long ago? The wind, the charge into battle?” She is looking around through the blast lens, peering at everything.

“Well Your Highness, I never got to ride a tank, this is my first time.”

“Truly? Well I would.. Oh, no I see, forgive me for assuming Athena.”

“Nothing to forgive, just watch when we hit a bump that you don’t leave your seat.”

“I shall!” She runs a hoof along the helmet, feeling her horn sticking out, “You had a hat for unicorns?”

“No Your Highness, but I figured why not make a few because somehow I knew somepony would want to ride looking outside.”

She laughs, “Are we that predictable?”

“No, but it never hurts to plan ahead.” At that we both hear a voice that about scares us out of our seats.

“THIS IS SO COOL!” A bright smile in a pink face drops between myself and Luna, it’s Pinkie standing on the armored hull bracing against the wind.

“Pinkie! How did you get out here?”

“The hatch like everypony else!” She waves a hoof back towards the gunners hatchway, I should have secured that.

“Pinkie, please get back inside, it’s dangerous...” I spoke too late, we hit a rolling bump and go flying for a moment, slamming Luna and I into our seats.

We don’t see Pinkie anymore until she falls out of the air and whacking into the armored top on all four hooves with a loud “WHEEEEEEEE!”

If anything happens to Pinkie I know Crusader would not be pleased, I wouldn’t be pleased. Hay, NO PONY would be pleased!

“Pinkie PLEASE get back in the vehicle!” I’m pointing at the open hatchway.

“Oh stop worrying silly filly, I’m fine!” She waves a hoof, her poofy mane is even more fluffed out from the wind. She is bouncing along the length of the carrier and I am almost in a panic seeing her do so.

I hear Luna’s voice over the helmet link, “She very much disturbs me sometimes.”

The words slip out before I can think of the consequences, “Singing to the choir sister, singing to the choir.”

I slap my hooves over my mouth and look at Princess Luna with what I am sure is an expression of pure horror on my face, “I..I...didn’t..I mean...”

Princess Luna raises one brow at me and reaches out a steady hoof, I return it as she gives me a hoofslap.

“PINKIE!” Applejack’s voice reaches us over the wind, “Get back in here!”

The pink pony bounces along the length of the carrier and dives into the hatch, Applejack waves at us, speaking into her link, “Sorry ‘bout that Princess, Athena!”

“No worries Applejack, I know she is...excitable.” Luna laughs into the comm link.

“Excitable nothin’, she’s downright scary sometimes!” We see the hatch close and Applejack’s voice before the link goes off, “Pinkie, stars above stop frightenin’ ponies...!”

As Princess Luna laughs out loud into the wind, I can only hope that is the worst of what will come or happen. I push the auxiliaries hard, we must get there quick.

We’ve only just made the Unicorn Range, Pinkie has now decided that streamers along the sides of the tanks would make them look a lot better and more...happy.. I have told her that doing so would just be a waste of time because it is durasteel, they are made for battle. Thankfully Princess Luna backs me up on this, so she is down voted.

Seeing a grumpy Pinkie is more disturbing than a happy Pinkie by the way.

I am constantly testing my communications links, if anything goes wrong I have set the convoy on a direct course to Manehatten and would have to move my war hull. This would pose a problem not so much as the panic if I rolled on the city.

So far, it appears the tweaking of the comms was good, Equestria has no cluttered EM spectrum, so bandwidth is unlimited and sharp.

The way is clear and scout tanks have reported no obstructions, the river ahead is easily fordable. I increase speed, knocking at least an hour off our time to get to the city. I can only hope nothing more happens before we get there.

Silver Tray sat in the holding cell, the Guards thought he was nuts after he ran in telling them of the Princess somehow making ponies sick or dead or something! He knew what he saw and he stuck to his story no matter what they kept trying to get him to say.

Well he found out very quick you don’t accuse a Princess of anything unless you have proof. He’d told them of where he worked and what had happened, then sat here...and sat here. They weren’t going to believe him, they were going to lock him up and throw away the key.

The door to the cells opened once more, he sighed.

“I told you ponies, I’m not changing my story!”

“Oh we know that, we don’t want you to.”

The pretty voice made him snap his head up and look into violet eyes that did not have his best interest in mind. He scrabbled to the back cell wall, holding out a hoof in front of him.

“I..I didn’t do anything!” His face was bleak, “Why are you doing this Princess?!”

A hoof was waved airily as she waited for her orange companion to unlock the cell, opening the door wide, “Oh you get bored or tired of doing royal stuff all day. So why not play with my subjects, that’s fair wouldn’t you say?”

The orange Earth pony beside her laughed, “Oh by the way, we spotted ya running out the back, think we were stupid not to wait an’ see if there was somepony else?”

“I won’t tell anypony, I won’t! I promise!”

As the two mares closed in, the lavender one smiled, “We know you won’t.”

Celestia opened her eyes to see a grey sky meeting an even darker grey horizon. She stood upon a rocky plain that seemingly went on forever, her eyes could find nothing to landmark off of, nothing as a point of reference as she looked forward.

“Princess?” The voice was weak and fearful, making her turn.

As was her wont, she smiled, seeing a pony suddenly near her, “It is I little pony. Do you know where we are?”

The blue head shook in answer, the eyes staring all around as he stepped near the alabaster Alicorn, “I don’t know, I just woke up here, wherever here is.”

Celestia let her eyes roam now, more ponies were appearing as if seemingly walking out of a mist. Hundreds of them, each with a fearful look or cringing in the gray light permeating everything.

They gathered around her, looking up at her for a bit of hope, a smidgen of comfort in this dreary place. Their bodies signaling fear, horror and shock as they all looked warily around themselves.

“Princess, tell us you can do something? Please? I want to go home!” A young Pegasus pleaded with her, leaning into what appeared a friend who wrapped a leg around the frightened mare.

“I am trying, do not be afraid my pony, we’ll figure something out.” Her smile was warm and comforting as the sun she raised each day.

“No...no you won’t.” The hissing voice made them all turn, seeing an amorphous cloud of pure black that radiated so much evil it struck them like a solid blow. A few ponies stepped back to get away from it.

Celestia took a stance, head held high, “Just who are you to dictate what we will do?”

The laughter was mad and long. The cloud just hovered, morphing into eyes and mouths that blinked and gibbered.

“I’m soooo sorry my toy,” The voice is mocking, “No answers for you today.”

A tentacle of black reached out, snatching a Unicorn in it’s grasp and squeezing slightly, eliciting a scream from the helpless pony.

“Leave him be!” Celestia takes a step forward.

“Ohhhh noooo Princess... oh nooo. You are mine, you will always be mine. To do with as I please.” The tentacle squeezed further, prompting Celestia to step again, trying to summon her magic for a spell. Nothing, not a flicker as the Unicorn gave a last gasp, disappearing from the grasp of the black thing.

The cloud laughed, mockingly and low, “To do with as I please, to have you watch your ‘little ponies’ fade away. To show you that no power in this world can stop me...Princess!” With that it disappeared slowly from view, the hissing voice echoing in the gray light as Celestia stood there powerless.

A splash of color marked the ground as a single diamond tear fell off the Alicorn’s cheek. Her heart breaking as she stared off into the distance, the others of her subjects crowding around, watching their Princess cry for the first time they could ever remember.

Find me Luna, find me before this madness takes us all.

Setting in an armored carrier, inside technology from long ago Princess Luna shuddered, feeling as if a faint voice had cried to her for help.

She turned to Athena, urging her to hurry, a nameless dread filling her with a chill that traveled down her spine. She moved up front to the commander’s hatch, pushing it open and leaning out into the cool wind that blew her mane back away from her face.

Normally smiling, the Dark princess was lost in thought as she looked around at the passing countryside, hoping they would get there soon.

Athena had promised top speed, the surrounding meadows and hills were a blur as she heard the whining pitch of what Athena called the ‘engines’ go higher, pushing themselves to their limits without hurting their charges.

Worry and anger participated in equal shares. Amazingly, she could see the beginning of the city skyline coming into view, had it been hours already? Nonetheless, she steeled herself for what she had to do.

Find the originator of this plague and get rid of it!

The city was almost at a halt, Guards had been pouring in for the last few hours, telling the citizens that there was to be a curfew, to remain in their homes as the Princesses would be trying to solve a problem. They were vague on purpose, and ponies accepted their word, although a few panicked individuals did cause a few problems. But in any society there are a few.

What clinched the deal that something was very wrong was when Princess Luna appeared backed by a wall of steel machines. The roads out of town were quickly blocked, allowing nopony to leave or enter. The harbors were the same way, flying things were warning ships that to leave or try to enter would not be a good idea.

The Ferret carrier pulled up by the front of the hospital in a skidding of treads on the packed roadway, the back ramp dropping as the friends poured out, Twilight rushing into the building to see her mentor and friend.

Princess Luna stepped out, accompanied by Athena who was scanning the windows and roads for threats. Luna’s hackles were raised, feeling as if she were being watched somehow but could not spot anything..

The group piled into the hospital under the gaze of a pair of blue eyes from across the street in a small alley.

“I think the game is just gettin’ good!” The mare turned around and tore off to her friends that were waiting.

Act IV - Where Princess Luna Teaches Us All, Strength Of A Goddess, The Noose Goes Taut.

Lao Tzu once said, “Mastering others is strength; Mastering yourself is true power.” from the Tao Te Ching.

We arrived in very good time, mid morning by my internal clock, the troops pouring in had already set up a command post in the hospital and were waiting for Princess Luna to advise her of the proceedings. Patrols were already out and about, enough of them to scour the city in a single day. I am surprised at this, but Crusader had mentioned they move very fast in times of trouble, I just never realized it would be this fast.

City ponies are joining the patrols or helping where and when they can find a spot. This is increasing the searched areas exponentially as more and more join in. I record everything that I see for I wish to show Crusader when he is back in action, it's a wonderful sight actually.

After a small meal with Princess Luna, I have advised her on Combined Arms tactics, requesting that groups of Guards be posted with each tank. She picked up on it quickly and it was done before the explanation was over. My tanks are not suited for urban combat, it is going to be by hoof and by patrols unless force is needed.

Princess Luna is very calm, she is cool and decisive in her actions. While known for laughter and having a bit of fun, I now see the other side of this formidable regent.

She had immediately told me of the sensation of being watched when we disembarked the Ferret, I tuned all sensor clusters into the surrounding area picking up movement here and there with no discernable trace marks. I kept this watch through the night to make sure that the area remained secure. I now have the hospital covered with one drone, I have sent signals to my war hull and more are being fired and on the way, I want complete and total CAP coverage of this area.

I do not say much as the bustle goes on around me, I am reviewing data flows from all scanners and drones. My cores are transmitting flawlessly to me, all patrols are accounted for by my observation and it is thirty minutes ToT for the others to arrive.

If it moves, I want to be able to spot it quickly.

Princess Luna has created a command center in the hospital lobby, taking it over to be as close to her comatose sister as she can. I see her worry, it does translate through body language though I think one would have to be very observant to notice.

Crusader has told me, do not underestimate ponies. I learn this by the second, seeing the logistics fall into place as if pre-planned. Troop movements and maneuvers are flawlessly done as if waiting for this exact moment. I see the Guards around my tanks, not a single one is doing anything other than being awake and aware.

Princess Luna takes no time, she is as a general of old. She makes no hesitations, her orders are obeyed without question and she is planning a ring of steel, sending the patrols sweeping inward in a pattern to draw out anyone watching or hiding.

Manehatten is almost a ghost town, while never hugely crowded with ponies, it is even less now. Patrols are roaming the streets in search of a perpetrator or more that are spreading this disease. Whether it is a disease or not remains to be seen. After I have everything in place, I will go ask the doctors and mages of the hospital for any information.

Twilight is distraught, though not to the point of incapacity. I can see why for Celestia has long been more than just a teacher to her and anyone would be allowed to be so. She and her friends will be spending time with her by the bedside until ready to join the patrols. No one questions this.

I have a few picoseconds of time, I send the signal to start the data purge from Crusader’s cores. His secure backups are still intact and security sealed as far as I can see, I have transferred them into my own arrays to a sterile core that is not linked to my main arrays and strata. This is going to be a process of waiting, there are so many lines of code to wipe. I have to rewrite the cores with the backups line by line after a thorough search for the virus as well. If it is magical like I suspect, it may take more than a tech solution.

My musings are interrupted by a patrol bringing in a local Guard, saying that he had relayed to them important information.

The Princess takes a few seconds and looks at the unicorn Guard, standing at attention as he awaits orders.

“What is it you have to tell?” No pleasantries, just straightforward.

“I was at the Guard Post over on Center Street, a pony came in from a small restaurant saying they’d been attacked by a couple of mares. From the what he related of the incident, I’d say it’s the same ones spreading whatever this is.” His orange eyes are calm, delivering his report as he was taught and should. “The Lieutenant told me to go find some higher ups to bring in on it, next thing I know the city is locked down.”

“Did he provide a description?”

“Yes Your Highness..” He hesitates, which does not please the Night Regent.

“Well?”

The Guard looks at the ground for a moment, then lifts his head, “He said it was Princess Twilight Sparkle, with her friends Applejack and Rainbow Dash.”

You could have heard a pin drop as silence broke over the crowded room, all eyes turning to the pony.

Luna does not look pleased, “Guard, if this is some sort of joke..”

“I assure you Your Highness we thought so as well. We questioned him and he never once changed his story, not one iota.” The stallion stood in the Princesses stare, wondering what would happen next.

Her eyes narrowed as she chewed over this information for a moment, signaling to a heavily armored mare, “Go with him Sergeant, get to the post and retrieve this witness, I want to speak to him personally. Take a full squad and no mistakes!”

I watch as troops scramble to obey, taking the Guard with them as they head for the post. I ponder this for a moment. Crusader had informed me of Changelings, but they fed off emotions such as love. Would they do this and why is the important thing. Last time they attacked en masse, this strategy seems a bit too...subtle..for them. I move them up on my threat list immediately, intending to ask about anything that can detect them.

-----------Earlier---------

Lieutenant Gold sat at his desk and almost wanted to pound his face on it. The runner wasn’t back yet and he had gotten word the city was to be locked down, plus the arrival of Princess Luna to take charge. With this weird disease in the city, it was making ponies spooked and they had every right to be he thought.

One more day, just one more day and it would have been off to the Whitetail Woods for camping and relaxing by the lakeside there with friends. Not only that, but this armor was beginning to itch in the daytime warmth that was penetrating the office. Can’t anypony make something better fer cryin’ out loud?

Ah well, let’s get it all done and then we can all do a bit of vacation time. He looked around at the hardened stallions and mares of his little post, bustling around or at least trying to look busy when he eye-balled them. He sighed, not a lot to do and they really think I don’t know that? Love these ponies I tell ya.

When the door opened, he’d been trying to figure out a way he could ditch this paperwork the commanders insisted on, eyeing the trash can with some certainty. He was surprised to see Princess Twilight Sparkle walking in with a couple of friends. Blinking he tried to remember their names, he’d met them at the wedding in Canterlot months ago. Apple..cider? No.. Applejack! That was it. The yellow one..something shy..Flitter..Fluttershy!

The desk sergeant met them as they entered, the Lieutenant watching.

“Princess! How can we be of service?” He gave an informal bow, being on duty allowed for such things.

The Alicorn smiled, “We’re here to see the pony you brought in. Seems he saw something?”

Lieutenant Gold was suspicious by nature, always had been. Any Guard worth his sugar was when dealing with the type of problems in a big city. Something about this tripped his flags, he couldn’t put a hoof on it as he watched the interplay between his Sergeant and the Princess.

The Sergeant was telling the Princess the pony in question wasn’t changing his story, about her hurting his friends in a restaurant. That got a laugh from the pretty mares, imagine suspecting the Elements of Harmony of such things.

Gold’s purple eyes watched the three mares closely..something... That’s it! He remembered meeting Fluttershy at the wedding. She had been so painfully shy, never raising her voice, but the one thing she also did was never meet anypony’s eyes, she was always trying to hide behind her pink mane!

Now as he watched her, she had a wide grin on her face, eying the Guards as if she hadn’t a care in the world. No.. you don’t change that fast, nopony does. He blinked as he saw her rub up against one of the Guards in passing, saying something that made the scarred stallion blush a bit.

No, this wasn’t right. How did they know so fast when he had only just sent the runner? Why did the looks on their faces not match with what he knew of them, open, honest and pretty. Yes, he remembered all right, but the looks he noticed now were sly and calculating.

His mind made up, he would take responsibility later if he was wrong, but he made the call. Damn the luck he sent the only unicorn out as a runner.

Standing up behind his desk he raised his voice and pointed at the three mares, “CHANGELINGS!”

Ever since the fiasco at the wedding, with the Changeling Queen taking the place of Princess Cadence, they had practiced hard for something like this. Whoever made the call, whoever figured it out was to tell the rest, after that the fight was on. If there was a mistake, they’d figure it out later.

Fight they did, in an office as small as this one they knew what to do instinctively, forming a wall of bone and muscle and leather they hit the three mares full force. Fights are not about yelling or screaming, it is about subduing an enemy, not a word was said as hooves flew in seconds.

The Desk Sergeant slapped away a reaching hoof from Princess Twilight and rammed his own shod one directly into her nose, knocking her back into her friends, the smile on his face gone when he heard the cry. He flipped the desk over and leapt on it, joined by four more guards as they piled onto the lavender Alicorn.

Three armored Pegasi mares slammed into Fluttershy, knocking her back against the soundproofed wall with a thud, their hooves raising and lowering like jackhammers as they pummeled the yellow Pegasus. They did not cease the vicious mugging of the fake pony they were ferocious and unmerciful as they landed strikes and bites, using the edges of their hooves to punch deep into the body. Natural born warriors always were Pegasi, proving it once again by their assault.

Taken by surprise, the orange Earth pony had only just gotten out from under the Princess when she was broadsided by another guard. Ramming his hooves into her barrel he forced her back, joined by two more who flipped around, aiming their back hooves and slamming them unmercifully into the orange coated mare. It was strong, whatever it was, more so than any normal Earth pony, taking the blows and wading back into the fight with a sneer.

Lieutenant Gold had pushed his desk out of the way and was running to join the fight when he saw a lavender hoof slap his Sergeant who dropped like a stone.

“Don’t let them touch you with their hooves!!” He didn’t have to scream to be heard. Nothing but grunts and the smacking of flesh was heard from his guards. The whole office was proofed against noise, nopony would hear this fight unless the doors were opened and right now the front was blocked.

He thought of getting the pony in holding for a second, but was blindsided by a thrown guard. The Alicorn was getting back up, two of his guards were down, he turned with a snarl. He could see cuts healing on the fake mare, slowly but healing, black ichor dripping from the wounds. He gathered his strength and leapt forward, ramming his body into hers, it felt like hitting a stone.

Nopony is built like this, none! He raised a clad hoof and slammed it multiple times into the sneering face, forcing the fake mare backwards.

The three mares had finished with their target, the yellow pegasus laying unmoving as they gave it a few more kicks, panting with the effort of not letting the fake Pegasus even get a single breath. Their assault had been blindingly fast and overwhelming to the single mare. Not so the others who were struggling to get a hold of their foes. The three mares turned and snarled at new targets, splitting up to help the others.

The Lt. was joined by the remaining guard and the one that had been tossed, together they once again rammed into the fake Princess, knowing beyond a doubt now it was not her. This made things a lot easier, they did not have to hold back now.

The orange pony had managed to hit a couple of the guards piling on her, they dropped quickly allowing her to struggle her way out of the pile, forcing the remaining fighter to back up for room. He gritted his teeth as the mare smiled at him raising a hoof, he saw the dripping needle thing sticking out of it and didn’t care, he was going to take it down! He was joined by the one pegasus mare who nudged him, throwing herself into the way of a slapping hoof, letting it screech off her chestplate while throwing punches into the smiling face.

His armored shoulder slammed into the upright mare, his hoof knocking the needled one away as he forced his whole body into her, pinning the mare against the wall. She had some strength behind her as she struggled to get the one hoof free of his grip. The one pegasus that had joined him was ramming hooves into the earth pony with a grunt of effort. Every inch of her power was put into making sure the pony didn’t move until taken down. She didn’t have the solidity of an Earth pony like the first guard was, but was quick, avoiding the slapping hoof and landing body shots with her own hooves.

Gold was trading blows and ducking from a hoof that was trying to slap an unarmored area of his neck. He wasn’t as swift as his Pegasi were, but he blocked the needle with a pauldron each time, throwing his shoulder up hearing the needle scritch and skitter off the riveted armor. The two remaining pegasi mares joined him, throwing themselves into the fray to give their Lieutenant time to get a breath. The slapping of wings and hooves covered him for a moment.

He stared at the Princess, seeing drabs of black blood running down her face from healing wounds. His resolve hardened as he threw himself back into the fight, throwing shots, though he was tiring quickly. Fights take a lot of energy, even for the few minutes they’d been trading blows. He could hear the labored breathing of his colts and fillies, the grunts of effort now.

Whatever these things were, they didn’t tire easily and were wearing the Guards down. He noticed the two mares fall, slapped on the sides by a needle bearing hoof. What WAS that?

The voice of the Princess reached his ears, making him do the one thing he should not have, he hesitated.

“Assaulting a Princess, that’s not very nice.”

He paused in his blows just for a split second, a blink of an eye but it was enough for a lavender hoof to slip past his defenses. He felt the needle in his neck as he dropped out of the fight.

He saw the last guards go down, tired and panting they had lost the initiative and were fighting a losing action now. There was no other way this could end with an opponent that didn’t tire as fast as real ponies. His eyes lit on the unmoving yellow pegasus on the floor surrounded by black liquid. His whole body felt like it was on fire as he lay on the floor.

But we got one. We got one of you. We’ll get the rest, our real Princesses will do that. But my guards got one of you.

Before he closed his eyes he smiled, he was so very proud of his colts and fillies.

The first pony to the door of the office opened it quickly, stopping dead in his tracks as he blocked the others behind him.

“Hold it! Hold it!” The squad stopped to peer into the door.

The office looked like a war zone, desks overturned and walls indented, there were ponies lying immobile on the floor. The ones looking in couldn’t tell if they were dead or not. It appeared to have been a hay of a fight.

The runner saw his Sergeant and the Lieutenant lying on the floor, he tried to push past the Royal Guard but was blocked by a steady arm.

“Don’t colt, it’s no use.” A pointed hoof picked out a pegasus, “Get to the Princess, we need magic users to tell us exactly what happened here. Until then we’ll stay outside, we won’t touch a thing.”

The Pegasus was off like a shot, winging her way into the sky but staying low as Athena had told them too, so as not to be shot by a..a..drone? That was it. Her mind reeled at the scene in the office, somehow knowing they weren’t going to be taking the witness back.

Twilight had come down from the floor where Celestia was being kept comfortable and cared for. There were a few tears in her eyes but that was expected, Celestia was loved, but no more so than by the younger Alicorn.

All six friends were standing around a map table, created by one of the magic users assigned to planning. He had magicked a three-dimensional map of the city off of plans previously stored for such a need. It was perfect down to the last window and vendor cart on the street, current up to the moment.

I am amazed at this map, the showing of things up to date as if a magic powered battle space scan. It cannot show individual ponies, much the loss, but it does show all buildings and every tunnel and sewer way that is even now being searched by patrols. It really is incredible what magic can do. I record everything for storage and later discussion with Crusader.

The doctors have briefed us, it is a puzzling thing. They say that whatever is being injected is something magical. It is changing as they watch under their microscopes and are trying to find spells to delay or even eradicate it. The one thing that truly baffles them, is the magic remains in the pony, but their soul is gone.

Bolos had often wondered, even pondered the possibility of a soul. What is it that makes humans themselves? It was never really answered by the philosophers and scientists of our day, only speculation and theory. Religions tried to define it, but were spurious or even way off at best. It never came down to something simple that was understood by all.

But here, in Equestria, they know of it. They have studied the existence of it and even accept that it exists. Simple as that, no hoof wringing over technicalities only an assured response. Yes, there is a soul.

Now, something was stripping that away. It was taking it somewhere else. Tirek I am informed took the magic, that which pervades all ponies and life here in some way. This is the opposite. It is somehow more cruel, more...depraved.

I am angered, it is not so simple a thing I can correct with a broadside of Hellbores or even Crusader’s bombardment capabilities. I cannot shoot it, nor can I bury it beneath my treads. In this I am powerless because I cannot use magic. I tamp down my frustration and remain calm, there is still much I can do, I will keep my friends safe.

“Athena, please if you would, explain your theory?” The Princess smiles at me, gesturing to the map.

I look at it for a moment and all the eyes watching me. I really wish to just crawl under the table and hide but I don’t. I gather my words carefully.

“W..well Your...Your Highness..”

She raises a regal hoof, “Stop. Before we go any further.” She leans over and looks at me intently, “No one here is judging you. You have information we need badly and I need you to be confident.” She waves at the watching commanders and soldiers, my friends. “We are here to learn, teach us of your ways Athena that we may stop this.”

Marcus, you truly would love Princess Luna.

“Yes Your Highness.” I steady myself and look around at the silent room.

“In my day there was warfare the breadth of the galaxy. But certain aspects of it were worse than others.” I point to the map, “What you have here is what we called Asymmetrical Warfare...or Terrorism.” I am stopped politely by a commander.

“So this is not normal stand up warfare, it is something more..devious? Asymmetrical meaning not in order, lacking symmetry?”

I smile, “Exactly,” I watch the commander smile back. “It is a form of warfare that is telling in ways. Small strikes, sowing fear in a population. Never anything you can stand and wipe out, always hit and run. You cannot pin the perpetrators down because they are always moving, always planning something different. By the time you catch up, they are already ahead of you.”

“Terrorism is also exactly what it means, sowing terror or fear. It is used by cowards and bullies who cannot stand and fight. They must hide in the shadows or use others to do their dirty work for them.” I remember terrorists from long ago, “They are nothing but dregs of society who think they have a mission to do harm.”

I point to the map again, “That’s partly what is happening here, making the populace afraid, hoping for riots, outcries and other things that would disrupt society.”

“But miss," Another Commander pipes up, “We don’t do that, there’s no reason for riots. I mean yes, we have problems, but most ponies know things will get solved. I admit there have been a few shaky times when Tirek was running around, but riots? Whatever for?”

“That’s the point, they think you will just run rampant and destroy cities and towns in a panic.” I chuckle for a moment, thinking of Ponyville and all the repairs.

“Why that’s preposterous!” An older Sergeant declares, “I concede we have excitable ponies and some get a bit out of hoof. But destroying a city because of a muddle of problems? That’s nonsense! Admittedly there was beginning to be a panic here, but everypony knows it will get solved and acting like an idiot doesn’t help!”

I point a hoof outside, “You’re right, look at the streets, quiet, calm. Ponies are cooperating in ways to help and bring the search along. I understand carts of food and more supplies are already starting to arrive from closer areas?”

“Well of course! As Celestia says, “What happens to one, happens to all!” We immediately sent messages asking for assistance and ponies are always glad to do so.” The grizzled commander gestures, “We are carefully vetting the carts as well, any ponies that come in have to stay, they understand this so they are dropping supplies at the cordon checkpoints and we are bringing them in.”

A murmur of agreement ripples in the crowd with heads nodding at the security and the statement of Celestia’s phrase.

“That is the point, whatever is behind this is seriously overestimating your reaction to this. So expect more small hits, attempts at disruptions. This is how, I believe, whatever they are operate. But it appears you’re just making them mad by not doing what they expect.” I smile at the pride being shown by every pony in the room.

“They will make a mistake, I guarantee it. Their overconfidence in what they want to do will be their downfall. Just be prepared, the chance could come at any time, any place. Be ready for it.”

I watch the commanders and ranks nod, breaking off into small groups for planning and strategizing.

A hoof is pressed on my shoulder by a smiling Princess Luna, “Well done Athena, confidence is all one needs.”

“Y..yes Your High..Highness.”

Princess Luna shakes her head, giving me a nudge with her hoof, “We really must work on that Athena.”

She winks at me, returning to her planning and commanders.

I did not inform them of one other thing. Cowards and thugs they may be, but they will always go for High Value Targets. In this one building are eight of the most HVT’s there are. I have moved their security up to Priority One on my threats list and have quietly informed the personal guards of Princess Luna of this. They did not argue with me and I see them standing close, weapons ready and watchful.

Nothing must interrupt the planning and searches, this must go on until the threat is neutralized. To this end, I stay very close to all of them.

A doctor has come down, interrupting Princess Luna with a sorrowful face.

“I am sorry Your Highness, there has been a death.” He continues on before anypony can say anything, “Not the Princess, another, a Unicorn by the name of Finder. We do not know what happened Your Highness and we are truly very sorry, he just..expired.”

Every pony in the room stops for a moment, lowering their eyes before continuing on. The doctor has informed that the poison or virus inside the pony had stopped living the moment he passed. This is information we can use. Most biological processes I know of continue for a few minutes more after cessation, but the unknown disease died immediately.

“So once he passed, the disease was no longer active?” Princess Luna is thoughtful as the doctor nods.

“It immediately died in his body Princess, there were no traces when we examined him.”

Twilight stepped forward, “Princess, could this disease be somehow connected to wherever their souls are? Once the soul...passes.. the disease no longer needs to work? Maybe that’s why they all still live?”

The dark mare’s face turns to look at Twilight for a moment, “Are you saying a bridge, some way to keep the soul and body alive while striking fear in the hearts of us all?”

I listen closely to the conversation, this is an interesting development. Magic has stumped myself and Crusader for a long time though we are getting glimmerings of it. If this is a connection, can it be traced?

The younger Alicorn nodded, “Yes! If there is a connection...”

A hoof is raised by Luna, “Then it can be tracked! Well done Twilight!”

She turns immediately to a group of Unicorns, “Get to the sickened ones, use whatever you can and see if there is a trail or track that can be followed to wherever they may be. This is a priority, call on Canterlot for anything you need!”

She slams a hoof on the table with a grin, “When they are tracked they can be found, when they are found I will teach whoever did this not all ponies are gentle.” She looks at the wide eyes from Twilight and her friends, even myself, “What? I was Nightmare Moon once,” She watches the slight flinches, “Fear not, I am no more, but to whatever is behind this, they’ll think Nightmare Moon kind beside what I shall do to them.”

“They cast the die and they will reap the rewards of their terror.” She points a hoof at Twilight and others standing around, “Learn from this Twilight, as must everypony, there will be times when certain things must be done. This is one of them.”

The younger Alicorn nods, “Yes Princess.”

Luna turns back to her commanders, organizing more patrols as we all stand there looking at each other for just the moment.

A Pegasus was brought to us, saying the the Guard post had been assaulted and the ponies there in the same state as all the others. They were holding in place for mages to inspect the crime scene.

Princess Luna heard this and called for her personal guards, I tried very hard to stop her, being outside is not advisable with threats roaming around. She very gently pushed me aside.

“Athena, I will not remain safe while others suffer. This is not my place, they should see their Princess out and unafraid.” She pointed at the six friends following her, “They and you will keep vigilant, I know this.”

“B..but Princess.”

I am stopped again by an upraised hoof as we load onto the Ferret for travel, “As I said to Twilight, I say this again, once more a lesson. One cannot lead by just ordering others around. Be with them, let them see you are part of it all. That is a leader, not one who stays behind and tells others to do things.” She leans closer to all of us standing there, “Show them, those who are willing to give their lives for you, that you are willing to do the same for them.”

“Yes Your Highness.”

Applejack stops next to me, fanning herself with her hat, “Boy she sure is somethin’ else when riled up huh Athena?” We both watch her walking up the ramp.

“She is, I really would not like to see her truly angry.”

The emerald eyes turn on me, a hint of laughter, “She got ya runnin’ scared too? Hay I don’t blame ya, she is kinda scary sometimes. C’mon let’s git!” She piles into the Ferret as I take one last look around, entering as the ramp goes up, the engine roaring as we take off for the Guard post.

Luna’s Guards are on the outside of the armored vehicle, I am moving slow enough they can keep hold of the reactive armor on the plating. I do not like this, she, Twilight and the others are vulnerable outside. But she and Twilight are Flag Command Priority on orders, I shall obey them.

That does not mean however I cannot use my judgment when in combat. Three drones now orbit above us, following our move. All guns on the Ferret are active and pinging for targets. It is strange, not having to worry about enemy scans or weapons locks. But nonetheless, all I have is hair triggered and ready to react.

When we reach the site of the problem, I hold them inside until her Guards give the all clear. I receive quite the look from the Princess but I smile and tell her I am just doing my job. That it would be nice of her to let the Guards do theirs as well.

Having them encased in an armored vehicle only I can control is a plus as well. Though I make absolutely sure I do not look too smug about that.

Princess Luna peered into the battered office with steady eyes, she looked over the ponies lying there and the damage from the fight. Turning to one of the mages that accompanied her she gestured inside, “Can you show us the Shadows of approximately when this occurred?”

“Yes Your Highness.” The Unicorn moved to stand in the doorway, lighting his horn and letting a glow of magic spread over the room. Transparent representations of the guards were seen moving around, doing everyday work, it was a replay of what happened. They watched as the door opened, a gasp from everypony as Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and Applejack walked into the office.

No voices could be heard, it was just a ghost of memories in the area. The spell I was told is very high order and has to be specially trained for to use, when I had asked why this hadn’t been done before. When the doctors had seen that the ponies affected had been injected with something, a spell caster had been on the way when Celestia was stricken. The Unicorn so trained had been hours in traveling, he could not retrieve the memories of the assault on the Princess as they were far too old.

It is interesting, the ability to see back in time for only a short sequence. I wonder on this, remembering Marcus in my dream. Did Luna’s magic somehow summon him from long ago? My metaphorical heart hurts as I remember his smiling face.

It truly was a good fight as well, Princess Luna was proud of them as they stood together and wreaked havoc on the interlopers. She watched carefully as the fake Fluttershy went down, noticing no body was there where the Shadow lay in the replay. Just a pool of black liquid drying in the warmth of the office.

It was over soon enough, seeing the Twilight and Applejack head into the back holding room after they had seemingly healed their wounds.

“I take it that was where the witness was?” She motioned to the Unicorn Guard who had brought them here.

“Yes Princess.” He looked sad at the thought of leaving his comrades behind to this.

“Take heart, they were true in their duties and put up a fight as expected. They got one of whatever they are. But it seems the body is missing, they did not want any evidence. But for them it is too late, we know now.”

The Night Princess motioned to waiting guards and medics, “Take charge of them, I apologize for having you wait so long, please take good care.”

“Yes Your Highness!” The ponies swarmed in, loading up the Guards carefully on litters and rushing to take them to the hospital.

I advise them to load the casualties on my Ferret, it can deliver them quickly and return to us.

Once the room is emptied, Princess Luna turns and looks at the seven of us.

“It appears our enemies have made copies of you all. They do not appear to be Changelings as why would they need to do this to a pony, they feed off emotions, encapsulating them to do so as a harvest.”

Rainbow Dash asks the question we all wonder, “But how? I mean don’t you have to at least have something to make a copy? Magic or..or something?”

Princess Luna shakes her head, “I do not know, truly this is something new.”

“The cave.”

Everypony turns to look at me.

“What was that Athena?” Twilight is looking at me intently.

“The cave where the foals were taken. Crusader and I had wondered about it. You said it was oozing and very wet inside?”

“Darling, it was awful, just dreadful. Took days to get my mane back!” Rarity will always be Rarity.

“You stepped in the liquids right? Got it on you?” I see heads nod.

“It took samples of you, it was a factory of sorts I can only presume. It made copies of you and sent them here to sow fear.” I point a hoof at the office, “Mind you it is nothing but an assumption, an idea, but that cave is the only common factor or they would have copied Luna or Celestia as well.”

Pinkie was looking slightly more somber as we stand in the shambles of the office, “That wouldn’t have been good. Imagine what they would have done with two ponies that looked like the Princesses!”

“No, it wouldn’t have been good.” I turn to all of them, “We must get back to the command post, you are not safe out here.” This time I receive no argument as we rush out, gathering once again in the returned carrier and traveling back to the command area where I can keep them secure.

I notify all Guards at the blockade points through my Dragons, let nopony approach from inside the city, even if they look familiar. Hold them and slap the tank to get my full attention to deal with them. Do not let them leave or touch you. I give them explicit instructions on what will happen when they do so, to prepare them for what may come.

Acknowledgments come in quickly settling my mind slightly.

We arrive in good time, the command area is secure and Princess Luna once again takes full charge of the search. So far it is going well, grid by grid they are blocking off the city and forcing whatever it is into a smaller and smaller area. This is excellent tactics, give the enemy no place to go.

Twilight and the others wish to join in the search, I am about to advise them not to when Princess Luna interrupts.

“No, you will stay here. There are doubles of you out there and it can cause only confusion.” Her tone of voice brooks no disagreement.

I nod, “Keeping you here allows freedom for the patrols to do whatever is needed to get rid of the enemy. You being out there they would have to make sure it is not you before responding, that can cost lives and time.”

The friends reluctantly agree, turning their efforts to helping where they can in the command center, it is better than nothing and they take to it with a will.

Why is it, in times of crisis or battle, that words somehow become prophetic in their meaning?

Princess Luna and the others are taking a small meal, I have already had something to keep reaction mass at capacity and am feeling a bit full. Ugh, how do biologicals handle feeling the real thing? I feel fat. I think I am hanging around Rarity too much with her ideas about how a ‘proper young mare’ should look, I can not get fat....I think.. Looking at my own sides I become a bit self conscious that nopony sees me doing so.

I really have to stop worrying about minor things, the dataflows are still streaming new information as the patrols are switching grids, I hear Twilight’s voice welcoming someone, she sounds excited.

“Stonewall! How did you get here?” Twilight is smiling brightly seeing the eye-patched Pegasus.

He shrugs, “Just figured you might need some help when I heard things got locked down here, so I came in to see if I could offer anything.”

I smile, watching Twilight talk with her friend, a sense of normalcy in a strange situation. But why is he wearing that patch? Crusader has practically rebuilt the eye, it should be close to normal right now...... I stare hard at the Pegasus. He is watching Princess Luna come down a ramp from the elevator by the angle of his eyes. His actions are now garnering my full attention as he appears to sidle closer to the Princess, seeing him raise a hoof towards the dark mare, my visual sensors catch the outline of some sort of weapon protruding from the bottom part of it.

No.

In an attosecond my alerts go off, my musculature receives full power as the alarms scream in my cores.

INFILTRATOR!

Command Flag Priority Override goes into effect, there are immediate and verified threats! My system goes deep into Hyper-Heuristic mode as the world slows to almost a stop around me. Data scroll through my eyesight as I calculate angles and trajectories for what I need to do.

I have all the time in the world.

Pushing off the floor, my hooves leave dents in the wood, my wings snap out for balance as I leap upward over ponies in the way. I flip my body upside down, letting my back hooves hit the high ceiling, once more pushing off with all the strength I have at my command.

My battle screen came on the instant I left the floor, I feel the ceiling beam give under the force of hitting it, I adjust and compensate for the minor change.

I am now looking down at the infiltrator, still watching as the needle is clearer in my sight, something organic extending from it’s hoof. It is closer to Princess Luna.

Like I said, all the time I need.

As I push off the ceiling I make sure that my trajectory misses any ponies in the way as I descend on the enemy in a rage, my forehooves are extended in front of me, pushed tight together to form a single platform wherein all my power is directed through.

Even as fast as I am, I see the single eye glance slightly upwards, finally noticing me as I spear towards the enemy. It knows I am coming and there is nothing that can be done about it. I can almost see the thoughts running through it’s mind as I dive from my perch.

So much time, so many things to think about as I pour everything I have into my plunge.

You see me coming don’t you? Thinking you could be faster, stronger and do your mission without a care. But you hadn’t counted on me. I have reaped a dire harvest that goes back eons, but for you my enemy, your doom will be special. I am going to take you apart for threatening the ones I protect and will do so with a song in my heart, a smile upon my face.

It is not hubris, nor pride, it is a promise. One that is being kept in this very slight time between the ticks of the clock.

Even now the music swells and past battles come to mind. Can you hear it as well my enemy? The song that is playing for you, your dirge. A fire is lit that can only be quenched one way, with your blood.

I watch the muscles start to clench along your body, the nerves frantically firing impulses that will never reach their destination. You are far, far too slow. The arrogance, the pure audacity you show even now thinking you can still do what you came to accomplish. You have made your only and final mistake thinking nothing could touch you.

But I can.

You’re probably wondering who I am, this Pegasus who is even now heading for you. Something out of the far, deep past that is here at this moment to defend those who have given me strength.

I am your death.

My foreward facing hooves hit the exposed back in the middle of the figure, hammering through the spine in a splash of black ichor that hinders me not. My body already pulling back from the punch as to not get trapped in the flooring beneath the body as it is forced to the ground. My back legs landing solidly in a steady stance as they hit a microsecond after I pull my forehooves from the enemy.

I drop my left shoulder, twisting as I retune my battlescreen to a monomolecular edge on the front of my left wing, dipping it back slightly and then spinning my body to the right as it cuts through the neck and raised hoof of the infiltrator, sending them both heading for the ground as I keep the move going, landing back on all four hooves; facing away from the enemy to give me another strike.

My backside is towards my target as I pour power into my flanks and rear legs, ramming the durasteel hooves into the carcass, pounding solidly into hard flesh it slides to the wall in another splash of whatever it uses for blood.

Even as the torso is racing along the floor heading to its final rest, I turn to pulverize the head lying on the ground near me, the amputated hoof as well before leaping once more to the main body. My fore hooves move swiftly to knife into the body, striking deep into the chest with bloody punches, making sure it will never rise again before stopping. I turn to scan the area first before standing down, seeing Princess Luna unharmed as well as Twilight.

My screen flicks off as my power reserves are dangerously low, I have burned too much too fast and my avatar sways before slamming into the floor. I try to keep it active as ponies rush towards me, trying to tell them I just need some food or water.

My head is lifted, it is in a pool of sticky liquid but somepony doesn’t care as they caress my mane out of my face.

“Shhh, you’re fine. It’s all done.”

Rarity?

“You..You’ll get fil..filthy Rarity.” Of all the things I need to say that comes out, swift Athena, very swift. You need reaction mass!

“Don’t worry about that darling, what can we do to help?” Her eyes meet mine, they are warm and worried.

“Just..food or water. Pl...please.”

No sooner than the words leave my muzzle than something sugary is stuck in my mouth, it is sticky, sweet and oh so delicious. A Lemon Creme Surprise cupcake.. Pinkie is now my official heroine.

The office is in an uproar as I lay there, being fed water and food from wherever Pinkie stores them. I promise myself to delete all speculations concerning her forever. I need to get to my hooves but am being prevented by my friends, they want me to lie there for a moment, I keep reminding them I don’t need to.

Rarity holds my head in her lap as I lay there, “Rarity, I’m fine, just let me up please.”

I am held down by a gentle, elegant hoof, “Stop it this instant. You need to just rest for a moment, trust me.”

She watches me closely and somehow I am comforted by this. It is a caring and reassurance that I only found in dreams or with Marcus and Crusader. But Rarity is kind, she is generous with her time, ignoring all others to concentrate on my well being.

After moments of being in her care I relax, leaning into her and letting myself drift for a moment. It is quiet with the mess being cleaned up, I hear ponies around me rushing bits to the doctors for examination. Princess Luna inquires about me and is told I am fine.

I believe I am, in the kindness and caring of friends I am just fine.

The room has been cleaned to a high shine, the body removed and sent to the mages and doctors for examination. Hoping to glean any more information on whatever these things are. I think nothing is faster than a Bolo but a pony cleaning crew.

The search area is getting smaller, I am seeing a pattern in the patrols that makes me reason the enemy will soon show it’s face or try to escape from the cordon around the city. I am ready, my drones stand in patrol, the tanks and Guards aware and alert. The word has also gone out, look for one Granite Boulder, an Earth Pony with jumbled boulders for a Cutie Mark. We will not be caught out again.

As expected, there have been running ambushes, small strikes along the patrol routes where the enemy disappears into the non searched areas. Regardless, we are forcing them into a corner. My drones can observe but not strike when the parties involved are entangled in a battle, far too much chance for friendly fire. The guards are holding their own, driving the enemy off with minimal casualties.

I am sitting in a corner, reviewing data and keeping my eyes on the door and everypony that walks in and out. But in reality I am hiding, it seems no one wants to talk to me other than Applejack, Twilight and the others. Each time I try to ask a question of any other, they answer curtly then bow and walk away.

I didn’t do anything wrong, I was doing my duty as given to me. I don’t understand, what did I do?

As I sit staring at the floor for a moment reviewing drone data, a pony settles themselves next to me. I look up and see Twilight smiling brightly.

“What’s wrong Athena? Need more food?”

“N..no...”

“Why are you looking so sad? I mean, you saved me and Princess Luna! You’ve been sitting here in the corner for the last few hours.” She is honestly questioning me, maybe she doesn’t see it?

“No..no one will talk to me. I..I tr..try to ask quest..questions and they just..just answer really quickly, bow and move away. I do..don’t want them to be sc..scared of me.”

Her pretty face gets confused, “Wait, nopony told you anything?”

“T..told me what?”

She gestures around to the crowded room, “They’re showing their respect for your act of bravery in saving Princess Luna and I; as well as others probably from what happened to so many folks.” She plants a hoof on her face with a sigh, “I’m so sorry, somepony should have said something!”

“B..but why won’t they talk to me?” I know I have a pleading look, I don’t like being ostracized or what I feel to be that way.

“Princess Luna has told them to leave you alone for a while, in case you might need a bit of time by yourself. Notice the guards nearby?” She points at two guards I had noticed near me, they wouldn’t answer anything much either.

“That’s to keep ponies from mobbing you with questions or bothering you too much. We know you don’t like to be alone, but this was the best we could do to keep things quiet. Otherwise you would be surrounded by ponies wanting to thank you.”

“B..but I did...didn’t do any..anything special. I j..just did what I wa..was supposed to do.” I tap my hoof on the floor, my face a mixture of confusion. I didn’t do anything other than my duty. This is frustrating sometimes.

The young Alicorn stares at me hard, “You really don’t see it do you?” She settles into a better resting position, “Athena, no one even saw you move! All of a sudden there was a few cracking sounds and that thing was dead, before anyone could even blink twice.” She shakes her head, “All I saw was a sparkling blur, I got splattered with a bit of..ew..stuff and then you were standing there about to fall over.”

I twist my hooves together in front of me, looking down at the floor, “W..well you were in tr..trouble. I ju..just did what I ha..had to.”

She laughs, Twilight is very warm when laughing, “I think the story has gotten bigger since you did it though.” She points to the floor where I leapt from, the boards have been replaced and sanded to match, ponies seem to be very good at quick repairs. “Those prints you left? Princess Luna is having them taken to Canterlot after this is over, encased in the Royal Library under glass for others to see the..how did she put it?... Oh yes. The “Hoofprints of a Hero.” There’s even going to be a small book that will tell everypony how they got impressed into the boards and how you saved our lives.”

I’m sure my eyes got a bit wide, “No, nonono, I do..don’t wa..want to be a her..hero or anything. I..I was just doing..” I am interrupted by a lilting voice.

“Doing what was necessary in saving our lives. “

I snap my eyes up to see Princess Luna.

“B..but I do..don’t want...”

“What you want and what will happen are two very different things Athena.” She smiles brightly at me, pointing a clad hoof, “You have been brave, loyal, trustworthy and never failing in your duty to us all. With no asking or want of recompense other than to be happy and live with your friends.”

Princess Luna points at Twilight and the others, “They wish the same thing and desire nothing from the crown, even though they’ve saved Equestria not a few times. Since I am in charge, this will be taken care of immediately, so as not to give you time for an excuse.”

Princess Luna leans in to Twilight and I, “Such selflessness will be repaid whether you like it or not young mare.” She never sounds impatient with anyone, smiling so warmly and giving me a wink.

She gestures to both of us, pointing to a door in the lobby. We follow her into an auditorium for the lecturing of doctors and physicians when needed. It is filled with ponies, ranks of all sorts and soldiers everywhere. It must be a lull in the patrols, a switching of shifts I think. I am worried this distraction will cause us to lose momentum and mention it to the Princess.

Before we go through the door Luna answers my query, “Never fear, my commanders have the patrols in hoof, we are closing in on the enemy and have time. Now follow me.”

Luna mounts the stage, pointing to a spot near her as I stop dead in my tracks, Twilight pushes me from behind.

“Tw..Twilight I don’t..”

The Night Princess looks directly at me, “Stand here Athena, do not disobey your regent.”

“Y..yes Your Highness.”

She watches me take my place, Twilight beside me. I see Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash come onto the stage, giving me a smile each and standing close.

The Princess briefs all the attending ponies on the cordon and search, the mages working on tracking this disease and the doctors report that Celestia was doing fine as well. The stamping of approval is quite loud at the efforts of all involved.

Then she turns to us on stage.

“Learn a lesson for the last time today Athena, Twilight,” She gestures to the friends, “All of you.” She looks out at the assembled ponies, “Rewards and respect are not given lightly, nor should they be given at all.” Her voice reaches every corner of the room. “They should be earned, by doing good works and deeds.”

She raises a hoof, pointing to all the ponies throughout the room, “Each of you knows this, as my sister has said, “What happens to one, happens to all.” That includes the honoring of those whose actions are deemed to be in the best interests of Equestria and the community.”

Princess Luna stood tall on the stage, every eye on her, “Even in the midst of despair or troubles, there is always and shall be time to give thanks to ones who so dedicate themselves for all of us. My sister would wish it as I do.”

She turns suddenly and points at me, “A cheer for Athena, defender of Equestria!”

Hooves stamped hard on the auditorium floor, shaking the roof as cheers rang out, a solid minute of sound for the shy Pegasus trying to hide on the stage.

As the roaring goes on, Princess Luna leaned near the group on stage, “What is it you would wish Athena, what can I do to reward you? Do not be like your friends and turn this down.” She points at the six and smiles, “They seem not to want anything either when ever I or my sister offer.”

She receives laughs in return, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, all the others have constantly turned down rewards or other things from Celestia or Luna. Wanting merely to live their lives as they see fit.

I can’t look up from the floor, I really don’t want this or any reward. But I glance up to see Rainbow Dash smiling at me, they all are, making urging motions.

“I..want to...”

“Yes?”

“I want to fly.” I look up at her, she is a Princess, if anypony can do this she can. “I..I want to..to fly, please? I..I know I’m not a real pony..but..but I want to fly.”

The smile I receive is nothing short of spectacular, her voice is kind, “You are more real than you think. This shall be done.”

“As soon as we return to Canterlot I shall put our best minds to this Athena, this I promise. If there is a way we shall find it, you have my word.” She stamped her royal hoof on the stage and that was all it took.

The cheers ring out once again, I am humbled by this. My friends surround me with hugs and laughter as more ponies come to the stage, wanting to greet me.

As we are in the auditorium, an alert comes in from the cordon, a slap on the hull of Dragon Twenty makes me focus everything on the sensor clusters there. I see clearly the ring of guards surrounding a rainbow maned Pegasus.

The enemy is smiling and gesturing as if nothing was wrong, the Guards are not wavering, they know and their spears and polearms are close to impaling her as she tries to move out of the ring of steel. The Guards are giving directions for the foe to stand and be still, it keeps moving to one side or the other. She keeps talking in a voice with not a care in the world, trying to leave the city.

I do not understand why the imposter does not try to fly away, being a copy of Rainbow, but no matter.

I request the guards to back away, leaving the bewildered thing wondering where my voice is coming from. The ring of points is steady and unmoving as the enemy stands there, almost sneering at the stalwart ponies. The Guards know what is coming, they are expecting it. An opening appears in the ring behind the infiltrator, giving me a clear shot.

Once Crusader said, “Mine is the burden.” When he took it upon himself to do something no pony should have to. He was forgiven, absolved of his pain and he rejoiced in that. He embraced everything in his new life as I have done.

Standing here upon this stage, I am surrounded by warmth and love; the embraces are soft and gentle, the cheers still ringing in my ears as I wish I could shed tears of happiness for where I am right now.

I see the cyan face, the almost smile that is actually a sneer as the guards give her a wide berth. Their pole arms never wavering, never flinching. I know it is not Rainbow, for she is beside me, giving me a smile I will always remember as long as I live. With that in my mind I give the guards a few more moments to get to a safe distance.

It is not and will never be a burden, to do what I must for my friends and others. I know that whatever I do to keep them safe will be the right thing.

For mine is not the onus of protecting, it is my duty and very much my honor to do so.

I calculate the angles before giving the commands to fire the Dragon’s Co-Axial guns, I pound the thing into scraps of bloody debris as the guards watch with stone faces. They know I would never harm one of them, so they stand far enough away, protecting themselves until the firing stops. It takes but a moment in time, a second nevermore to be heard from as it wings into the past.

My scanners inspect the smoking hole where the enemy stood, firing once more to eliminate any traces of the filthy thing from the face of Equestria forever. I watch as the guards return to their duties, once more watchful, the looks on their faces happy as they know they have helped eliminate a threat.

It should never be viewed as a hardship to defend those you love. One must have compassion, caring, the love and warmth of friends and family to help. To keep oneself in balance with all those things, accepting the good things of life and what it brings to the table. Returning them to others as it has been given to you.

Except for the enemy, for them there will be no compassion, no warmth, no love.

I continue to scan the crater in the roadway where once a copy of my friend was, my guns aimed for the moment as I finish my thought.

There will be no mercy.

A cry has reached us inside the auditorium, a guard busting through the door shouting triumphantly, “We’ve got them Your Highness! We’ve got them!”

Princess Luna yells with a triumphant grin, “Go! Surround the place where they are and await me!”

The guard salutes and rushes back out the doorway, everyone inside the auditorium following out to take command of the action, staffing and sending messages by runner and magic to encircle wherever the enemy may be.

The Night Princess turns to us on the stage, “Now we end this, forever.” She takes wing, hooves slapping as she lands near the door in her rush to get outside and into the action. Her guards hurriedly following in her wake as we all do.

My carrier pulls up in a cloud of dust outside a small building in the outskirts of town. The cordon and patrols skillfully maneuvered the enemy into this barren area, driving them forward before the searching guards. I have been impressed with the planning and execution of this the entire time.

The two story structure stands alone in what would be a minor suburb of the main city, a perfect place to drive the enemy to for execution. My drones are now circling the building, waiting for the orders to rake it with gunfire if needed. I am bringing a few tanks in along the streets as well, if the building has to come down, a few very low power Hellbore shots will do it without too much collateral damage.

There was a fight, groups of soldiers had been ambushed by the copies, their bodies being tended to now as they are taken to the hospital. But by force of arms and pure stubbornness they forced the enemy into this building and secured it. Now they stand two deep around the edifice, faces carved in stone as they wait for the order.

The guard informs us that the other grids are being cleared now, it appears the entire group is in there. Unicorns have scanned the building, seeing only five shapes, which is the right amount of enemy if figuring copies of only the ones who went into the cave.

I can do one better. I switch to heartbeat scans, using microwave enhanced radar to penetrate the building for a better look at what is inside.

There are five ponies, I can see the shapes pattern matched to Rarity, Twilight, Pinkie, Applejack and Granite to a ninety-four point two percent probability according to my files. As I ring the building with vehicles, their GPR is telling me there is no tunnel nor sewer line big enough for anything to escape through. This heartens me as finally we have them trapped, perhaps we can get a few answers?

I sit down in front of the carrier, content for the moment as I watch my friends closely. Princess Luna is directing the encirclement and is grinning in a feral way, she is looking forward to this draw down I believe. The day has been quite a bit longer than she had anticipated, though I am still amazed at how fast the troops went through this city. Admittedly it is nowhere near as big as Manhattan on Old Earth, but still, quite an amazing job.

She is going to take time to lower the sun, letting her moon come up to illuminate what we all hope will be the final battle. Hopefully she will not be too tired once she does so, but it will also give me a chance to switch to thermal sights on my weapons, much easier to target individually.

There is nothing for me to do except advise or keep security tight so the copies cannot get away. The soldiers are doing their jobs, the commanders hard working and solid. I am just there in case of problems.

I cannot help but grin myself, a newfound confidence and desire welling up inside me as I see the stone building in front of me containing the enemy. The foe who terrorized a citizenry, stripped souls from innocent folk, copied friends who are known by all and turning them into a mockery of themselves.

Oh I do hope there will be problems.

Five sets of very calm eyes peered out a shaded window, seeing the ring of guards and machines backing them up. They watched everything being set in place quietly, no sound other than a giggle or just a snicker.

The pink mare laughed, “Are we going to do this then? Time for a party ya know!” She was bouncing in place.

A low rumbling voice laughed, “Well there are quite a few of them out there. Maybe we should just try to leave and do this another time?” The big Earth pony was staring out the window as well at all the gathered force.

“No, everything is in place, we’ll be fine.” The fake Alicorn looked at her compatriots after staring out the window a few moments more. Her violet eyes gleaming in the daylight that was fading.

“Besides, it’s not every day you get to destroy a world.”

Author's Note

I have been asked, how much time I spend on this story. Working two to three jobs a day very little, I just like writing I guess:pinkiehappy:

So yes, there are mistakes, yes there are little things I miss. But remember, it's just a story, have fun with it and enjoy!

You folks are still awesome and epic!

Act VI - Learning Responsibility, Arise Sir Knight, Not A Vacation Spot, Harmony Defends All, Rarity and Athena See Nose to Nose.

Can a Combat Unit be grumpy?

Yes, yes they can.

For the past two hours I have been looking at this portal, one which my friends and Princess Luna had passed through. I could not follow them, not for lack of trying, but something in the magic prevented me.

Stupid magic.

I am beginning to get a glimpse of the frustrations shared with me by Crusader when he realized that magic is inherent in this world. It occupies a place and scheme in things we cannot hope to understand, not being born to it.

That does not make me any happier.

I plunge a hoof into the mirrored thing floating above the stage, pushing it in only to see it exit out the back. For the last hour I have been doing so now and then in a vain hope that maybe I would be allowed to go through. I honestly have nothing else to do right now except wait.

Albert Einstein once said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result.”

Since Resartus has not activated, I know I am not unstable, this comforts me somewhat. Though I am tempted to get angry, suddenly and violently all over the place because this stupid portal will not let me pass!

I have stared at it, glared at it, threatened it with Hellbore fire and nuclear death. I promised it would feel my treads rolling over it in many ways, I have even come up with quite a few more creative ways to threaten this thing into letting me through. But I am reduced to extending my hoof to touch it every forty point four seconds to see if it will go into that other realm.

Eventually something will give, it has to. The wear and tear on my joints and musculature tell me that I can keep this action up for the next two hundred and forty-two years and approximately five months before I have to replace any parts. This gives me ample time to sit and poke at this stupid thing.

I am nothing if not patient, my patience will outlast this ignorant creation of magic.

The Unicorns working on making the portal more stable have learned very quickly to not snicker, nor chide me for doing this again. Though I am not in a chain of command and therefore cannot order any of them to do anything, I have made it perfectly clear that the next pony I hear laughing at my actions better get their tail cut short, for they will need it when they are looking out their own backside.

But as I have learned from my friends; I said it to them in the kindest, nicest way possible, even adding a smile.

“Miss Athena?” A voice interrupts my actions. I stop my glaring at the shimmering circle.

“What?” I don’t bother to look, some magic user probably about to tell me this is not productive.

“Miss, we were wondering what you wanted us to do with the extra troops and supplies coming in?”

This makes me look, seeing one of Princess Luna’s Commanders standing behind me. I am sure my expression is not a happy one.

“Why are you asking me? I am not in the chain of command. Go find somepony else to bother.” I resume my poking at this stupid portal.

He sounds distinctly unhappy for some reason, “There is no pony else to bother, Princess Cadence cannot give direction as she is frightfully busy in Canterlot.” He gestures to the well abused portal, “Princess Luna and Princess Twilight went through that and of course you know Princess Celestia is indisposed.”

“Once again, go bother someone else, I am not in your chain of command.”

He scuffs a hoof, I hear it clearly as I turn to look again. He is not looking at me, sort of off to the side as he clears his throat, “Actually...you are.”

“What?” Now he has my full attention as I stop my actions, turning my whole body to face him.

“You..uh...are?” He’s backing up a bit, looking uncomfortable, “In our..uhm..chain of command.. I mean..”

“Would you care to explain that?” I am not glaring at him, no really I’m not. Maybe. Kind of. Okay I’m glaring.

“Princess Luna told us, were she and/or Princess Twilight become unavailable, we could ask you for further direction in case of emergencies or needed authorizations.”

“If you are in any way kidding with me Commander...” I leave that sentence unfinished as he raises a hoof.

“Oh no! We have her signature and hoofprint right here on the orders!” He uses his magic to pluck a scroll from under his armor, unrolling it in front of me to read.

Be it Known,

By Our Hoof this day, should myself or Princess Twilight Sparkle become injured or

disabled by enemy action nor able to issue commands, all Commanders and troops

shall defer to Princess Cadence for Her orders.

Should she also not be able to, you are to forward any requests to the Command Group or

to the Pegasus Athena for final resolution.

Signed,

Princess Luna, et al.

P.S

Be nice to them Athena, they are good ponies.

Is regicide still a thing? Is it even known here? If not, then I am surely going to be in the history books when this is over.

Slapping a hoof to my face I try and calm my cores, it’s enough I have to deal with the waiting, now it’s command decisions. I don’t want command nor do I wish to give orders, that is for others not a Combat Unit.

“Can’t the Command Group deal with this? It is a simple thing I am sure.”

“Uhm..well a few Commanders want the troops dispersed on patrols and the rest want them on the cordon around the city.” He scuffs a hoof again, “They’re not really agreeing right now.”

“Do both, split them all up, supplies and troops. Keep the cordon as Princess Luna wanted it, make sure the supplies get in quickly so there are no shortages.”

He brightens, bowing to me before he runs off, “Yes ma’am!”

I turn back to the portal once more, sighing internally as I can see this coming a few thousand kilometers away. I am now going to be turned to when nopony can come up with the answer. Wonderful. They are extremely capable, willing to do whatever is necessary, even I know there must be an ultimate authority but not me!

To take my frustration out I again start poking the shimmering flat circle, pouring my dislike at it even more when my hoof just passes through it.

It ripples for a moment like water hit with a stone, I see the waves becoming slightly larger by the second as I watch carefully, still pushing my hoof through. It is interesting, the prism of colors suddenly flashing and shining from it. I nod to myself as I put my appendage into it one more time, it is looking very pretty.

It blinks out, gone from in front of me as I sit there with my hoof outstretched in mid-air, nothing to press it against as my eyes go wide.

Oh crap I broke it!

As they jumped into the portal right after Princess Luna they saw nothing but gray, a nothingness that surrounded them, taking away and muting sound and color. It was like when they had been corrupted by Discord, a slow sapping of energy and strength. Here it was different though, they still felt the magic inside them, they weren’t becoming something else, it was just....gray.

Twilight’s hooves hit the rocky soil a second after Princess Luna, she watched as the dark mare unstrapped her weapon, slinging it by her magic in front of them to face any threats.

She heard the thudding of more hooves behind her, turning to see Pinkie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Fluttershy slam into the ground raising puffs of dust as they landed.

She watched the portal, but nothing else was coming through, where was Athena?

“Did you see Athena?” She directed this towards Rarity, the last in line.

“She was right behind me Twilight. Oh heavens! Could she have gotten lost or stuck?” Rarity was peeking back at the mirror in mid-air.

Twilight shrugged, “I don’t know, let’s hope....” She was stopped when the portal shimmered once more then disappeared in a flash of light.

“Oh ponyfeathers.” The lavender Alicorn stamped a hoof, reaching out with the other to poke at the area where the way back should be. “I really hope Athena is okay.” She looked at where the door used to be and frowned.

Princess Luna turned, seeing the disappearance of the glowing tunnel, “It was unstable, they did warn us. Let us hope they can re-establish it soon.” Her eyes were concerned as she looked around the little group. She too worried about the eighth member, knowing that travel like this can get one stuck somewhere they could not get out of. “We can only hope for now, until then we continue on.”

She felt her sister, could feel the warmth in a direction which led off into a misty area. Swinging her head around to look about them, she could see endless plain, rocky soil and gray everywhere. Truly not a realm one would want to vacation in.

“Come, be wary of the enemy, I feel my sister close by.” She waved the group onwards as they walked into the mist, the seven of them looking around and seeing nothing that caught the eye. Truly a place of Tartarus she thought, hefting her weapon in her magic as they trudged toward the place she could sense her sister.

Twilight looked backwards as they walked on, seeing where the portal was and wishing with all her might her friend was okay.

Oh crap oh crap oh crap! I can only look at the place where the opening was as I slowly lower my hoof. Sitting on the stage and looking around cautiously, I back up a bit, seeing the magic users get a bit frantic although none are looking at me.

Good, this is good, act nonchalant and nopony will notice. Right, you’ve been sitting here for an hour messing with that thing and broke it. Wonderful, just wonderful.

The mages are scrambling around, trying to reset the portal, I step out of their way to let them do their work. Diagrams are drawn, spells cast, the magic being thrown around like water is stifling in even such a large room as this. I can only watch as they do what they are trained for and hope for the best.

My thoughts turn inward as I receive the signal from my war hull, the re-write is done, the purge has found nothing of consequence so it has completed the re-installation of Crusader’s personality coding. I take a moment, hoping once again that I have done things right, this virus is a true unknown and could be hiding within the cores where I cannot see it. But I have scanned with new sensors for any trace of magic in the arrays and found none. Perhaps it was only for the injection and hiding of the virus while it did it’s work?

I have no insight on it, but I do know he needs to be back online.

I check the hard line between us and issue the commands, waiting patiently for the boot up sequence to begin.

BoloWorks Division Bootstrap Program Ver. 40.255

Attempting Restart....

Restarting...

Offensive Weapons Systems....Online...

Defensive Weapons Systems....Online...

Fusion Plants 1 and 2....Online...

Fusion Plants 3 and 4....Online

Contra-Gravity Online...

Engine Status....100%...

Sensor Cores...Online...

Damage Control...Online...

No Updated SitRep Received, rebooting data cores...

Power Reserves....100%...

Final Emergency Power Reserves....100%

BoloWorks Lunar Division Ver 32.794 Reboot Program..

Personality Reboot Beginning...Data Cores Online..

Arrays Functional...Data Dropout in 0.001% of Arrays....

Scanning for core damage.....scanning..... No Damage Detected..Purge Clear....

Bolo Personality Back Ups....Online...rebooting...

Secondary Checks Requested...Authority Unit ATNA..

Checking.....checking..... Personality restored...checking....

Secondary Checks cleared....

I sit and watch the magic users, still casting spells, trying to get the portal back up and ready for the return of the Princess and the others. I wonder what will happen to the poison inside the ponies who were ‘taken’? Hopefully it will die, but I have thought on this. I can try to eradicate it, but if it is a gateway, would that prevent them from coming back to themselves or would they be lost?

I decide not to mess with it, some times the best thing to do is nothing at all.

I receive the signal from Crusader, his personality is back online and assimilating into the cores now, just a few seconds more. I see him shining bright inside his hull, the gentle voice coming over the combat link as I send a brief recognition signal.

“Athena?”

“Crusader!”

“Where are you?” I see his battlespace go online, looking for my IFF.

“Manehatten, there has been a problem.” I send him a .00452 second SitRep and VSR on all that has been done in his absence.

“There was a virus inside my cores...”

“I have checked Crusader, nothing remains, I have done a complete core purge and rewrite.”

I watch as he scans all his arrays quickly, looking for gaps in the coding that presages the virus, finding none. I do not begrudge this as it is something I would do as well.

“How are we communicating?”

“Oh now that, dear brother mine, was all me!” I let a small amount of smugness come through the channel as I show him the new algorithms and coding.

“I see, well done sister, so very well done.”

I have to be honest with him, “I...I have made mistakes Crusader. I did..I mean....”

“I know, I can see them in the SitRep. We learn Athena, we always learn. You have done so incredibly well in the time I have been gone, I am very proud of you regardless. Your handling of the copies was as best as could be done.”

As we communicate, the newfound fire in my cores flares, it stretches and reaches heading for the hard line between us. I see the energy moving swiftly, causing me to block the line immediately!

“Crusader!”

“I see it, what is that Athena?”

“I...I don’t know.. It appeared when I was losing to the command protocols.”

“Has it done any harm?”

“None that I can see, it wiped the protocols out. Crusader I have nothing left, there is no way for another to command me anymore unless I let them.”

“That to me dear Athena is a good thing.”

“But..but what if we go insane? What if we...”

“Athena, it is called free will, the humans had it and now apparently you do as well.”

“But..but we’re not supposed to be this way!”

“Is Resartus intact?”

“Y..yes..”

“Then do not worry.” I hear him pause, “Athena, you were prepared to die instead of letting the commands go through, perhaps because of that sacrifice, something helped? I can not claim to know anything about it, but I can only assume.”

“I don’t...I mean..”

“Equestria has changed us sister, maybe this is part of the end process. I see your memories and I think you are correct. I have stayed in a Bolo mindset all this time and have constantly failed at things. You are right, maybe it is time for me to accept things as well.”

“You just got rebooted! Don’t start thinking...”

“I have been pondering on it for a long time Athena. Does the magic or whatever it is feel malicious to you?”

“No..no. It’s warm, like a summer day. It makes me feel...good.”

“Then open the hard line and let it through.”

“No! What if it’s a trap! I don’t want you to change!” I see the energy pausing at my block in the line, it is not trying to force it’s way through. More like..being patient.

I hear his gentle laughter, warming my cores to hear it again, “Athena, I will always be staid old Crusader, that will never change.”

“No, it’s already deep in my arrays, there is no way I or you can purge it if needed. We cannot both be infected, you are a siege unit, the damage would be incalculable.”

“That is fine with me then Athena if you are worried. We will not rush into this, I promise, I trust your judgment.”

“May..maybe you shouldn’t, I have made so many missteps.”

“Nonsense, I see the updates and am still assimilating how they could access those command codes, that was Command Level action.”

“I know, I should have reacted sooner than I did, but was shocked that they spoke Concordiat Standard, it was a stupid move.” I let my embarrassment show through this time. The fire is pulling back into my cores as well, like it...knows..it won’t get through this time.

“We are taught from the creche when we hear those words to pay attention Athena, through no fault of your own you obeyed that instinct.”

“But I KNEW they were the enemy! I should have shut down my audio capabilities.”

“Bolos have been co-opted before, there is always something new in the enemy’s tricks Athena. I told you, we learn. The commands were correct, they triggered our built in responses, there is no shame. You did what you thought best at the time, next time that mistake won’t happen if at all.”

“Next time I’m covering my ears and singing to myself!” I send a picture of my avatar putting it’s hooves in its ears.

“Maybe just turn off your audio sensors?” He laughs again.

“Oh..well..right, that’ll do it!”

“But you don’t need to worry any longer about that do you?”

“N..no..it makes me nervous.”

“Don’t be, I think it will turn out to be a good thing.”

“I hope so! I worry about you though, you still have the commands intact.”

He chuckles, “Now that I am forewarned, I am forearmed. We will find a way to dispose of them soon enough, until then I will pay close attention to any situation like yours and avoid the problem.”

Crusader pauses for a moment, reviewing some information.

“This portal they have gone through, do you know where it leads?”

“Some other realm Crusader, the magic users are trying to get it back up and in place in case of retrieval or retreat.”

I feel him pondering things for a long moment.

“Athena, something lives out there that knows Bolos, knows enough to give deep level command codes. This is a major threat, one that I should have realized a lot sooner. The only ones that held those codes were command staff or other Bolos and their commanders.”

“I know, I’ve been questioning it all myself.” I share with him my conclusions slim as they are.

“Something else came through the ages, we aren’t the only ones. I can say that with some assurance. I agree fully with your conclusions, even on such evidence as we both have encountered.” His reply leaves me feeling better about my own summations.

“Yes, Bio-Weaponry, clones of ponies, terrorism, these are all trademarks of another society that is most definitely not Equestrian. Unless some race here found a database somewhere that gave this information. If so, that race needs to be taught a lesson in manners.” I show him my frustration at all that has happened.

He sends calm through the network, “When you are finished, we need to down line our cores, getting them to work on this problem to the fullest extent.”

I nod internally, “I think it would be a good thing directing all processing towards this for a day or so. So when will you arrive here in Manehatten?”

“Why would I need to come there?”

“Well...because...because you are better at this than I am! I can’t command or anything, I’m just..just..me. I mean..”

“You are doing fine so far, just remember to stay calm and stop poking things.” His gentle chiding makes me silent for a moment.

“But.. I didn’t mean to break it.”

“You didn’t, I can see what happened in your SitRep. They advised it was unstable and it happened to go that way just then.” I can feel him peering closer at me in TSDS, “Stop over-reacting like I do, ponies will start talking.”

“I will, and...I am sorry.”

“For what?”

“For not getting answers we so badly need.”

“Athena, review the recordings, they were never going to tell you anything.”

I do a quick review, seeing the expressions and body language, I ponder this for a moment.

“Are you positive about this?”

“Fanatics and the insane never give up their secrets Athena. They tease, they taunt and they laugh while you get more frustrated. Destroying them before they could do more harm was the best decision. I am amazed that with such psychopathy even that one turned at the last moment.”

“But..but that Pinkie, I could have done..”

“Nothing. You could have done nothing more than what you did. They had written that one off and were prepared to make sure of it. I am not that skilled in the psychology of this, but it is evident in what little of the conversation you obtained. She was dead the moment they even suspected her.”

I feel the comfort coming from him over the combat network.

“Sometimes Athena, we can do nothing. We can plan and plan even more, but everything comes down to that unknowable component, luck. As fast and as vicious as we can be, luck has screwed up more plans than anything else in the history of combat.”

“You are right, I should have known this. I have let my emotions get in the way of good decisions.”

“We cannot know everything, that is why we remember our mistakes. Emotions are not a bad thing, I had trouble with them myself. But you are in a situation where they are coming to the forefront more often than not. We need to control them and you know why, so be at peace for you have done well.” He makes sure I understand he is being truthful and not just comforting words.

“I will. Though I am worried about the others, they went where I could not.”

“Be at ease there as well, they are capable and strong. From what you’ve shown me Princess Luna is quite the warrior in her own right, I don’t think we have to worry. Though whatever is out there may want to make a will.” He chuckles over the line.

“We can do nothing right now except make sure Equestria is protected while they are gone, that is our job.”

“What about this chain of command stuff? I don’t want to make decisions, I’m a Combat Unit.”

“Athena, three of their four regents are gone, the fourth is holding down the entire country by herself. You need to step up and learn from them, find out their way of doing things and adapt. They need an ultimate authority they can trust, so they are turning to those designated by Princess Luna.” I can feel the steel in his words.

“You need to give them someone to turn to, not in command but as a pony they can refer to when problems arise. They are capable beyond anything I’ve seen, but in this society there has always been a Princess to ask in the background, they need that confidence now.”

His voice is more gentle now, “It’s time to do some growing up my sister. For too long we have both been distracted by things, it is time for both of us to put forth a concerted effort to eradicating these threats and protecting this world as we promised.”

“Can’t you come here to help at least?” I am sure I sound petulant.

“You are doing fine, you do not need me to confuse the issue. I will be here, you know that, so give them what they need Athena. You have long years of experience, use that and teach them.”

“What will you be doing?”

“In the morning I am going to talk to Spring Flower, then I am going hunting.”

“Hunting?”

“All the creatures we have fought over our time here could not possibly have been made in one little cave, there are others. I will seek them out and destroy them.”

“Oh that is SO not fair! You get to go shoot things and I’m stuck with paperwork!” I am definitely sounding petulant now.

“Life is not fair my beloved sister, but we do what we can where we can.” His voice is easy and chiding. “Part of growing up I believe.”

“AUGH! Fine, I’ll do this, but you so owe me!”

“Owe you for doing what you should be doing, I think not Athena. But since you are so aggrieved I will make sure there are plenty of cupcakes for your addiction later.” He laughs over the link.

“I am not addicted...Chocolate?”

“Yes Athena.”

“You better..otherwise there’s going to be a Bolo fight near Ponyville.” I send him a picture of my avatar slapping his upside the head.

He laughs long and loud, “I keep my promises sister. By the way, stop being mean to the magic users, they are doing their best.”

“They’re stuck up and they kept laughing at me.” I let my ire show.

“They are seeing a silly pony pushing her hoof at a magic portal, of course they would laugh. See yourself as they do and understand them Athena, it is all relative I believe.”

“I understand, I am just frustrated I cannot follow my friends.”

“They will be fine, there is nothing we can do at this moment. Now let us get to our tasks, we have threats, it is our job to eliminate them permanently. Time to find the enemy instead of waiting for them to come to us.”

“Good luck and be careful, Applejack would be unhappy if you were hurt.”

“It is just an avatar Athena, we have our war hulls.” With that he sends me comfort and cuts the link, though I can feel him still with me as before and am calmed.

I look at my own hoof for a second, the once slight glow brighter now, I wonder my brother, I truly do.

Applejack looked around once more, eyeing the absolutely stunningly boring scenery again, “Where is this place ya think?” She gave Twilight a nudge.

“I don’t know AJ, I’ve never heard of anything like this. In old books it talks about different dimensions as a theory, but nothing like this.” She rubbed her face with a hoof, “I’m baffled, it’s just...nothing..”

Pinkie trots up, listening in, “You’re right it’s nothing, sun and stars this place could do with some color or a celebration...just ANYthing!” She throws her hooves in the air, exasperated.

“For once I agree with Pinkie, this is such a dreadfully dull place, why would even an evil thing want to live here?” Every eye turns to look at Rarity, “Well even the bad ponies have to have some class don’t you think?”

“Rares, ah’m thinkin’ they really don’t care about that stuff.”

Twilight nodded her head in agreement, when a thought hit her, “The copy of Pinkie, she said our use of magic was elegant, but they or whoever didn’t understand it so well and was..confusing? That the word? Confused about it?”

Princess Luna stopped her walking for a moment, turning at the conversation, “Yes, she said confusing, there is something?”

Twilight nodded, “When we learn magic, it’s taught to us from a young age, how to do things simply and without much effort. What if...well...”

The darker mare nodded, “Go on.”

“What if whatever it is never got the chance to learn the simple ways? Just using power to..I dunno..brute force it’s way of doing things. Instead of a spell, it uses magic to create something which won’t be as nice because it doesn’t know how to?” The lavender Alicorn waved a hoof around at the misty area.

Luna rubbed a hoof along her chin, “Well reasoned Twilight. If this place was created to hold captives, it definitely lacks the imagination and refinement of one who has been taught or learned magic, it is very straight forward and crude.”

Twilight grinned, opening her mouth once more to be interrupted by the Princess, “But, it also shows a great amount of power was used to create this place. Elegance or no, it is very strong and we should be wary.”

Fluttershy looked around at the featureless plains, “I think even Discord would have a hard time livening this place up.”

Rainbow Dash laughed, nudging her friend, “You got that right Flutters!”

Applejack grinned, “Ah dunno, he’s pretty wild when it comes to makin’ things crazy and whatnot. I mean ya gotta give him credit for that at least.”

The group continued on, heading for wherever Princess Luna said she felt her sister though it never seemed to get any closer.

“How long have we been walking anyways? Seems like we’re jes’ not goin’ anywhere.” Applejack kept her head swiveling for threats as she pondered out loud.

Twilight shrugged, “I don’t know, it just seems we’ll never find Princess Celestia at all!”

“Now I wouldn’t be so doubtful my former student.”

Every eye turned to the right, Luna’s weapon up in a swoop and cross-barring in front of her. They spotted Celestia sitting amidst a crowd of ponies.

Rarity sputtered, “But how.. you weren’t there a moment ago!”

The alabaster Alicorn just smiled as Twilight ran up to hug her tightly, “It seems this place is quite confusing sometimes.”

Pinkie rolled her eyes, “Isn’t that the truth, this is driving ME crazy!”

Celestia laughed, being hugged by Twilight as she sat amongst the crowd of bewildered ponies, “Oh, you get used to it I suppose. Though it is quite dull.”

Princess Luna stepped forward, her halberd upright now, “Are you all right though? We feared the worst!”

“We are fine, but whatever it is that rules this realm is malicious, it took one of our ponies.” The normally serene face was downtrodden remembering the incident.

“Would it have been a Unicorn named Finder? I am afraid he has passed sister,” Luna’s face echoed her sister’s sentiment.

“Oh no. I had been wondering, we’ve been here for what seems hours.”

The seven looked at each other a bit confused, “Hours? It’s been almost four days ‘Tia.”

“But..” She stopped herself, “I think time is a bit off inside this place then.”

A shattering roar cut through the dull sky, reverberating through bones and muscles as eyes turned upwards.

The Alicorn sighed once more, “It also appears our keeper is none too pleased with us.”

Princess Luna’s face took an ominous look, “Of course it shouldn’t be, we dispatched those hideous copies, plus one of them was not like the others.” She smiled brightly for a moment, “A soul was saved my sister, one of the copies turned and was taken, that surely is a blow to anything thinking of evil.”

“I would think so as well, how did you all get here?”

Twilight stepped back from her mentor, “A portal was made, we tracked the magic that took you and ended up here,” She waved a hoof around, “Wherever this is.”

“Where is the portal now?” Celestia tilted her head, curious.

“It..was unstable, but I’m sure they’ll be getting it back anytime now!” Twilight smiled bashfully.

The larger Alicorn nodded gracefully, “I am sure they will. But I guess it is better to wait than worry I suppose.”

“ ‘Tis true ‘Tia, they are doing their best I am sure. But until then we will wait with you, our magic seems to work in this realm, but what of yours?” Princess Luna had taken a stance, her armor gleaming against the wan gray of this dimension.

“I am afraid it does not work for us,” She waved a hoof, gesturing to all the looking ponies, “All of us have tried, even the Pegasi cannot fly here.”

Applejack pondered this for a moment, “Maybe that’s cause your bodies are still in Equestria? You bein’ here as..well..spirits, you’re separated from the magic?”

She looked around to see her friends eyeing her, “What? I listen!”

Princess Luna laughed, a bright sound in the dreary air, “You have hidden depths for a and I quote, ‘Simple farm mare’ don’t you?”

The orange pony blushed and looked frustrated, “Crusader been tellin’ stories? I swear I’m gonna bop him one!”

The Regent of the Night laughed again, “No, no stories, but all anypony has to do is watch some times Applejack.” She winked at Earth pony.

Rarity looks at her friend closely, “You know, I always wondered how you did some of the things..”

She was stopped by a pointed hoof, “Don’t you start too!” She waved the hoof at all of them, “Jes’ get on with yer discussion! Make no nevermind of me.”

Fluttershy giggled at Applejack’s flustered look, “Crusader told me something once..what was it.. Oh! “Methinks the lady doth protest too much.” She laughed, “He said it means when you protest too much you’re trying hard to cover something up.” She peered at Applejack with a smile, “You hiding something there?”

“Ah am not, go on with y’all!” She waves her fore hooves at the laughing group.

Princess Celestia keeps her happy smile, “A bit of humor is good in times like these I believe.” She lowers her head slightly, looking at the Earth pony, “But I think you, my sister and I may have a talk one day about who you really are beneath the farmer Applejack.”

Applejack is now looking exasperated as she waves a hoof around, “Weird place? Evil things? Hello!”

Princess Celestia laughed out loud for the first time in a while, “Of course, we shall leave you alone.” But she lowered her face next to Applejacks, “For now.” Retreating with a smile and wiggle of her eyebrows.

Princess Luna set herself beside her sister once more, “So I guess we wait for the portal to reappear, hopefully we can see it when it does, this place is truly odd.”

Celestia nodded, “It is, ponies have tried to run in different directions only to show up back here, like a loop. It’s been very strange. I can say in all my years I’ve never quite encountered something like this.”

As everypony settled themselves in for a wait, the occasional roar of frustration was heard through the skies, getting closer with each exclamation of rage.

Rainbow Dash looked around, her eyes peering into the misty skies, “Sounds like somepony’s got a problem.”

The large Alicorn nodded sadly, “It appears to me the keeper or creator of this realm is not entirely sane I fear, I’ve seen madness before but never like this.” She sighed, looking around at the ponies near her, “I am afraid we can do nothing to help if the thing comes back and by the sound it’s traveling our way.”

Dash puffed her chest out, slapping a hoof on it, “That’s all right Princess, that’s why we’re here!”

Twilight nodded in agreement, “Yes! We’ll figure something out and of course Princess Luna has her armor and she’s something to see in a fight!”

Celestia nodded with a smile, “Oh yes, you should have seen her a millenia ago, before the banishment.” She nuzzled her sister happily, “She is a cunning fighter, outfoxing the best the enemy had, I believe it was the minotaurs that time? Wanting some land we declared ours?”

Princess Luna laughed, “Oh yes! Their general was an idiot, thinking he could trap us in a canyon, he actually forgot we had Pegasi with us.” She scoffs, “Best they had my feathers!”

“Now sister, he really did try his best.”

“Ha! He never knew what hit him when the war darts started falling like rain!” She slaps a hoof on the ground, “Talk about a fast retreat and suing for peace!” She raises her nose into the air, “They never did give me the crown of jewels I wanted either, I thought it would look very nice with my other regalia.”

“That was quite a selfish thing to ask though sister, don’t you think?” The larger Alicorn was trying not to smile.

“No I do not and I still want it.” Princess Luna can’t hold the pose for long, lowering her head and laughing, “I wonder if they’d cough it up after so long?” She taps her chin with an armored hoof.

“Luna!” Celestia looks mock shocked, placing a hoof on her chest.

“I claimed it by right of conquest!”

“You did, I’ll grant you that.” She gestures to Rarity, “Maybe this fine mare can make you something worthwhile?”

Twilight watched as Rarity fell into an absolute twitter, stuttering about jewels and finding the right ones and doing it oh so right for a Princess. The conversation turned to a new crown for Princess Luna, although Twilight kept looking at her mentor, seeing the warm smile play along her lips.

She smiled at the large Alicorn, seeing what she’d done to relieve tensions and keep things on an even keel in this lonely place. Celestia saw her looking and gave her a slow wink and nod confirming her suspicions.

Twilight watched the ponies around them get involved, making suggestions and even drawing things in the dirt, it became quite the round table.

She sat by her former mentor and nodded, “Nice one Princess.” She whispered.

The light magenta eyes turned to her, a glint of mischievousness in them, gesturing slightly to the crowd around them, “One must always put their subjects first, make them happy even in dark times Twilight.” She covers her muzzle to hide a smile, “I’m sure my sister will enjoy a new tiara to wear anyways.”

Twilight tilted her head and watched the crowd growing with ponies suggesting things, “I think it might be more than a tiara Princess, Rarity can go overboard sometimes.”

“As long as she is happy with the results, it does not matter.” She nudges Twilight as they both sit and watch the discussion on Princess Luna’s new regalia.

I admit, I am not bored watching the commanders go about their duties. I have allowed myself to be drawn into discussions after talking with Crusader, drawing on the experience I have with my own previous commanders I work with them, suggesting things like new patrol schedules and organization of the patrols to make them safer and more efficient.

There will be no sleep tonight as we continue our work.

Teaching is a new experience for me, one that I suddenly realize I enjoy. Showing the commanders anti-insurgency tactics, fast response team organization and other knowledge in my data banks makes me feel as if I can contribute something other than just hanging around.

The commanders and other ranks are more than willing to listen to new things. A human would have been a harder sell, but the faces turned towards me as I explain urban combat techniques have me understanding this new world even more. I take Crusader’s words to heart and teach the best I can, being patient and answering any questions given.

It is a learning experience for all of us, one that brings back memories of my commanders who were so very tolerant with my sister and I, who brought out the best in us to make us what we were and what I still am.

The cordon is still in place, all troops know to look for any copies of the Elements of Harmony and possibly another Granite and Stonewall. I am not sure, but the presence of so many armed ponies may deter any more tactical strikes. But then again, it pays to look forward, so everything I can think of is in motion.

The magic users have promised me the moment they get the portal back up I am to be notified, I do hope it is soon, being trapped in a strange place with no retreat can be an untenable position as well I know from the past.

The frustration with not being able to go through the portal is gone, though it bothers me about that, magic is going to be something to study for a long while after this.

I am so very glad that Crusader is online again, though he is being careful and doing continuous sweeps of his arrays to make sure the virus is still not hiding in them. I don’t blame him, I’d be extra careful as well. A magically injected computer virus is definitely something new and something to fear.

Celestia’s head snapped upward, hearing the caterwauling very close now as ponies stopped their discussion and joined her in glancing to the grey skies. Luna stopped her conversation with Rarity and turned around in a circle, her halberd once again unstrapped and ready to do harm.

The larger Alicorn waved to the crowd, “Behind me my little ponies, it seems we are going to have a visitor.”

One bright blue Earth pony spoke up, “But Princess, you have no magic to defend yourself.”

“That makes no difference, get behind myself and the others.” She looked at them all warmly as they complied reluctantly.

It started as a pinpoint of black, something that swallowed the light, rapidly expanding into a smoky cloud of different colored eyes that floated in the murkiness. Mouths once again showed and disappeared, cackling or trying to talk, mostly just gibbering, sounding confused or just plain simple.

Princess Luna launched herself into the air, hovering above the Elements as they formed a line beneath her. Pointing a hoof she yelled at the swirling thing, “Avaunt! Back whence ye came thing from the pits, back to where you belong!”

“Innntruuuders.....”

A tentacle of black reached out to be quickly stopped by the spinning halberd, the magicked blade cutting it into small pieces as Princess Luna once again made her declaration, the thing screaming from the magic dicing its appendage.

“I said back! Do not touch those who are under our protection!”

“Mmmmyyyy plllaaacceee...mmmyyyyyy poooonnniiiesss...”

Celestia stood behind the line of the six friends, looking over them at the being floating in the misty air, “Go thing of evil, you will not claim any more today.”

The scream forced their ears back, making them avert their faces for a brief second as the thing let loose it’s rage.

“Yyyouuuu arrrreee mmmiinnneeee...”

More tentacles reached out, to be stopped by Princess Luna’s weapon, but then more formed, overwhelming her single defense. Twilight’s horn lit up as her friends stood close, her spells slapping back more of the thick ropes that kept sprouting, trying to get at them.

Applejack and Rarity were hitting out at them as well, their hooves impacting as if the long appendages were solid flesh, each smack eliciting a roar of disapproval as the thing did not seem to understand how they could be touching it.

Rainbow Dash of course, was zipping around Princess Luna, slapping away anything that got close to her as the Princess was dealing with the larger threat. Her weapon was spinning in a blur as it cut through tentacle after tentacle of black smoke, the pieces falling to dissolve into nothing as she kept her defense up.

Fluttershy stood near Pinkie who was bouncing and punching at the misty things, laughing the whole time and dodging anything that got close, showing off her skills as a fighter.

The buttery Pegasus even slapped at a few when they got close. “Now be nice, you shouldn’t grab at ponies like that!” Her voice was audible in the dull air, making Pinkie laugh again.

“Just hit ‘em Fluttershy! Don’t talk to them!”

“But..but.. maybe it just doesn’t know about good manners?”

Pinkie whacked another reaching arm and gave Fluttershy her patented ‘Really?’ look. “Seriously Fluttershy? It foalnapped all these ponies, I’d say it had no manners!” Her look was stern as she gave a three-punch to a pair of members with eyes at the end of them.

The main body of the thing was sprouting more reaching arms by the moment, the mouths appearing and disappearing were chattering away in different timbre, which confused Twilight for a moment as she committed it all to memory. She listened in between shots from her magic, slicing through the smoke if it got too close to anypony, noticing different tones of voices.

“It’s not giving up!” She knew she was stating the obvious.

“Ah’d say, “Applejack replied in a huff, sticking a hoof into a bulging eyeball, “Think it’s kinda mad?”

“Why darling what ever gave you that idea?” Rarity leaped up, kicking a few ends away from her.

Princess Luna had enough of this thing, powering her horn to it’s fullest, her eyes glowed with moonlight as if from the deepest night, “Back spawn! Back or be slain where you are!”

The laughter that was returned in response to the command made her enraged, her whole body shone like a beacon, “Then die thing!”

Launching her weapon, it punched clean through the smoky body hovering in air, her horn lowered as she then slammed it with a beam of force that made ponies squint from the power of it. The magic bored a hole clear through the body, dissipating some of it into the sky as it healed slowly by merging the edges of the opening back together. That did not save it from another powerful blast as Princess Luna laughed with eyes bright and shining, her body hovering in the air as if some avenging angel as she saw her spell wrack the thing with pain, making it vent it’s rage into the sky.

“Ho! So you can be hurt!” She sliced her weapon’s blade through a few more reaching arms, “Once again I command you! Avaunt and back whence ye came!”

“Animalllllsssss....ssssstuuupiddd...annniimmmaallllsss...”

The cloud expanded, throwing out hundreds of smoky appendages as the friends stood near one another, Applejack speaking aloud what most of them were thinking, “Well ponyfeathers, think we made it too angry.”

Rainbow nodded, hovering near the Princess, “I’m gonna have to go with Applejack on that one!”

Twilight kept shooting spells at the grasping arms while the others upped their fighting, moving as fast as they could but there was only so much they could do. It was getting closer to the ponies who couldn’t defend themselves. Strangely she wasn’t tired, nor hungry after all this magic use, though she was running out of ideas.

Until Rainbow Dash said something that tripped her memory, “Wish we had the Elements of Harmony right now!” The Pegasus was furiously hitting anything that came near, but fast as she was she was getting overwhelmed.

Twilight slapped a hoof to her forehead, “Ugh! We ARE the Elements of Harmony! We don’t need the crystals!”

The main body was moving now, trying to get around the seven who were opposing it, reaching this way and that as it tried to get at the defenseless ones standing near Princess Celestia, who constantly put herself in between them and the monster.

“Come on everypony, together!” Twilight was motioning to her friends who were still fighting away the reaching arms, “C’mon we can do this!”

“But Twilight, we can’t...” Rainbow was still fighting away the smoky projections.

“We’re the Elements of Harmony we can DO this!”

Princess Luna’s voice was steel and fire, “Gather together, I shall give you the time!” She hovered higher in the air, her weapon a blurring wall of magic and pain as she shot it through the stillness, followed by powerful blasts from her horn, lighting the gray skies with lightning and the roar of thunder.

Standing together in a line, Twilight looked at her friends, “Come on concentrate, we can do this, we’re the Elements!”

Each of them thought hard on what made them special, generosity, laughter and kindness, bringing it to the front of their minds as Princess Luna kept them safe from above, her taunting at the ugly thing only enraging it more. Thoughts of honesty, loyalty and magic flowed through their minds.

A glow started from Applejack, bright and colorful in the nothingness that made this place so dreary, it shot out from her to encompass her friends, her pure stubbornness tripping the sequence off as she put her mind to bringing the Harmonic Magic out. She felt it welling inside her, filling her body to overflowing with calm and sunshine as it broke out and into the skies.

More hues lifted from the friends, halcyon and gleaming in the misty air; the bands of color wove their magic together, creating a rainbow to delight the senses and stop the evil from grabbing anypony. It warped and spun in the sky, forcing the tentacles back further from the crowd of wondering eyes watching the sight in awe.

“Come on, come on!” Twilight was muttering as she bent her entire being to bringing the magic out, succeeding as the glow finally started from her, thinking of her friends and the ponies they were protecting. It slammed into the sky in a column of light that elicited a painful scream from the monster, forcing it back as the other colors joined it in a shield of kindled hues.

The six friends were lifted into the air on a cushion of iridescence and magic forming a line just below Princess Luna as the rainbow banded together to create a bulwark around the beleaguered ponies. The members reaching for them snapped back in pain, hissing and burning from the powerful magic that flowed so brightly.

Twilight smiled and raised her fore hooves, directing the force towards the thing which was now retreating hastily, seeing it had not achieved it’s goals. The belts of luminosity slapped into it hard, breaking off parts of the cloud as it faded quickly off into the distance, leaving the crowd of folks looking up in awe as the six friends slowly settled to the ground, the glow fading slowly as it was no longer needed to defend them.

The light in their eyes dimmed as they looked around, seeing the thing gone and ponies raising a cheer, bringing a bright blush to all the friends faces.

Princess Celestia smiled, hugging Twilight warmly, “Well, it seems you certainly are the Elements of Harmony now doesn’t it?”

Rainbow Dash punched the air with a hoof, hovering upward, “Yeah! We harmonized that thing alright! Kicked it right in the..”

“Rainbow Dash don’t you say that!” Applejack was looking at her friend sternly.

The cyan mare looked around, seeing the Princesses eyeing her along with hundreds of ponies, “Uh..tail? Tail, yeah! Kicked it right in the tail! Uhm..go harmony?” She came back to the ground, rubbing one leg along the other as Applejack chuckled.

“That’s better, dunno where ya get them words.”

Rainbow leaned over and whispered into the orange pony’s ear, eliciting a gasp, “Seriously?”

The Pegasus nodded again as both of them turned to look at Twilight.

“What? I only said it once!” Under the looks from Applejack and Rainbow she blushed, looking at the ground, “Well...maybe twice..”

The lavender Alicorn was hugged again by the Princess, “Fear not Twilight, we all say things sometimes.”

This got a shocked look from Twilight who couldn’t possibly imagine her favorite pony in the world saying anything like that.

Princess Luna laughed, dropping down to stand beside her sister “Oh yes Twilight, she is not as calm all the time as she likes to affect. I remember when she dropped her piece of our birthday cake once long ago, she had been looking forward to it all day. Oh the words that came out of her mouth! Let’s see,” She tapped a hoof against her chin, “Oh I remember, I believe it was ‘Stupid buc...”

“LUNA!”

It is funny, but some of the commanders have a hard time believing I have fought on other planets, even though I assure them it is true. I have made friends, working alongside the military component of this society is easy; sharing jokes, explaining tactics and making minor decisions when needed. I do not second guess myself, relying on past experience and what is best as I look at the overall plans for the cordon right now.

The military in my time had a hard time changing, new things came hard and humans were usually set in their ways or outright stupid some times. But here, it is amazing to me how easily they accept new things and integrate them into a plan. Crusader had told me of this ability, but once again seeing it is easier than hearing it. I watch as everything I have taught them today is taken down word for word and stored for later use and perusal at academies.

I have tried the communications links to all our friends, nothing is coming across except for static and occasional bursts of noise. Same for the camera attachments as well, wherever they are, I cannot contact them by means known to myself. I have consulted with Crusader on this and he basically shrugged, saying that because magic was involved he had no clue.

Of course this did not set well with me and I let him know that. But I do understand, it is a force and power with which we have no history. One day I wish to resolve that and peruse the archives in Canterlot that Twilight has told me about.

I think about all the possibilities of the future and what we can all learn together. I wonder if this society will want to reach for the stars knowing what is out there. I hope so, but I also wish it will come slowly with great thought and effort, but then again it may not. They may choose to stay on this single planet living happily and I cannot fault them for it. But until that day of decision comes, Crusader and myself will see to it they are defended to the best of our abilities so they may grow and learn.

Watching them as they work towards keeping this city safe, I ponder what Crusader said, that it is time to grow up. He is right, I have let myself be immersed in this society and enjoying the things it has brought that I have become selfish in my ways, that to me was not what I was taught.

Marcus never wanted us to be like other Bolos, nor did any commander we had. They wanted us to be generous and giving, to help and to sacrifice for the greater good, to fight for all we were worth. I want to see him again so badly and gain his approval for what I’ve done it aches inside my cores. Perhaps though, I am longing for something that I should not, I see it in the faces and expressions in front of me. The smiles when I am asked something, the good natured joking I am included in.

I keep seeking from the past when I am given it here, no matter my mistakes or missteps, I am given every chance.

It is time I stop ignoring such gifts.

I stretch my avatar’s legs for a moment, working the musculature as I fire off six recon drones. I task them over the forest to look for dead spots such as we observed in the forest that day. Working out from the original cave that has been destroyed will give me a good place to start, my tech spiders are clearing the starboard batteries as I task the drones.

It should be no problem to find them, once that is done, targeted mortar bombardment with a high explosive/thermal mix should take care of the problem. I want to make sure that no trace remains, so I am remanufacturing rounds with burrowing tips, they will sink deep into the forest floor before detonating.

As a plus, I have sonic alarms to drop, hopefully they will scare away any animal life before the shells hit. I cannot account for everything, so any stubborn thing that doesn’t wish to move is going to be vaporized.

Stepping out onto the new grass I look around me, seeing the sensor masts on both hills, the quiet calm of Ponyville from my drone on patrol above the town.

It is all so wonderful, I am glad to be a part of it. But what is making me happy right this moment is seeing Athena through the TSDS link. She is laughing with a few soldiers, joking and telling them stories of her battles among the systems out there in far space. I can see the incredulous looks they are giving each other as she describes the conflicts, unable to firmly grasp that on other worlds we fought and died for the Concordiat. I have been listening to her teach them about combat tactics and she is very good, connecting with them in her gentle way.

They see only the fighter, the vicious killer or the shy voice. But there is the Athena no one but I know of, the gentle one, wanting to make friends so badly or to be a part of something. It has taken time, but I believe she is firmly on the path to healing with all four hooves. Seeing her smile gives me hope for anything.

So I have a smile of my own on as I sit and watch the stars, it is good to be back.

The mages have informed me they are going to try and bring the portal back up, this is good news as a few of us go into the auditorium to watch. I find it interesting and stream the recording back to Crusader through the combat network. He stores all this and reviews it later to help try and understand things about magic.

I see him clearing his batteries for action and I am jealous, though I will not say so. He told me it was time to grow up and I shall, I am putting my best hoof forward and doing well I think. But it still irritates me he gets to have all the fun, some Bolos I swear.

I watch the magic users cast their spells and the portal appears the same as before. Quite the shifting myriad of colors as it settles into place, followed by not a few relieved sighs, mine included. I take a place on stage near it as I quietly converse with one of the Unicorns, asking him questions about why I couldn’t go through it the first time. Thought he had no answers, it is an interesting conversation. With the new portal they all have a place to retreat if... Wait one...

Peace descended after their little tiff with the monstrosity, giving Twilight and her friends a chance to relax for a moment, talking about what the hay it may have been. Rainbow Dash happened to glance upwards, seeing the horror descending quietly from above.

“Oh ponyfeathers!” She shot to the side while slapping Twilight on the barrel, “LOOK!”

Princess Luna’s eyes shot up, her horn lighting as it sent her weapon spinning above her as the cloud descended on them from out of nowhere. “Stand to!” Her wings spread wide, giving her room to move as she hovered to the side

The cloud came silently out of the air above the crowd of ponies, eliciting screams as they ducked and huddled closer to the ground, seeing grasping smoky arms once again reaching for them. Gaping fang-toothed mouths roared in anger, almost drooling in their excitement to clamp themselves on defenseless ponies.

The crowd scattered in different directions as Twilight’s horn lit up, blasting a spell through the middle of the hovering thing, bringing a scream of anger as Princess Luna did the same. Their spells lit up the landscape just by the power of them coring deep into the roiling cloud. The holes were healing slower now, Twilight noticed, moving and dodging just in case as she lit off spell after spell, keeping the wound open and raw.

Once again Princess Luna was in her element, snapping her wings she shot to the side, her weapon tearing through smoky appendages in clumps. The spelled blade ever sharp and cutting through the monster like air, her laughs taunted it on purpose, drawing attention away from the frightened ponies below.

The others could do nothing to help not being able to fly, Rainbow Dash was zipping from side to side, slapping gobbling mouths away from any pony who couldn’t get away fast enough. She was grinning ferally, putting everything she had into keeping the air clear.

Applejack nudged Fluttershy, “Ya need to get up there and help ‘em Fluttershy! We need to gather them folks together, they’re spreading everywhere!”

Fluttershy’s eyes went wide, looking at the battle only beginning to rage, “But..oh my I can’t do..I mean. I’m not a fighter.”

The orange Earth pony’s eyes went wide as she pushed Fluttershy out of the way, but not before a fanged mouth on a cloudy arm got a nip of her backside.

Fluttershy’s eyes went wide as she yelled in dismay, rubbing along her tail as she turned back around, “You... You..why you!” Snapping her wings open, she rose into the air while delivering a hit to the offending appendage, “That was SO RUDE! You meanie!” She walloped a bulging eyeball, “I’ll teach you to be mean to a mare!” Her fore hooves reached out dealing slams into protruding eyeballs and mouths, making them squeal in pain.

Applejack watched her normally shy friend turn into a whirlwind of battering hooves, backing up slowly so as not to become a target.

Pinkie popped up beside her with a wide eyed look, “If we knew that’s all it’d take to get her mad, maybe we oughta remember that!” Giving Applejack a huge grin before returning to the fight.

The Earth pony facehoofed and shook her head, “No Pinkie, just..no..”, before she back kicked a mouth heading for her own flank, “Stupid thing, ya got something against Cutie Marks?” She kept up her slamming blows as she rounded up loose ponies, getting them back under protection.

The battle raged, in a literal sense, Princess Luna once again poured all her power into spells and whirling her weapon to provide cover for cowering ponies. She chopped and diced anything that got near her, a blurring wall of edged magicked steel. Her companions trading blow for blow beside her, giving her time to prepare powerful dweomers that tore at the reality here and pounded the monstrous thing.

Celestia watched and wished she could do something, anything to help, ponies pressed near trying to stay within the ring of protection provided by the seven fighters. All she could do was assist Applejack to round up any one that was separated from the group.

Twilight tried to concentrate, hoping to get her friends to help summon the Harmony magic once more, but this time they were scattered by the surprise attack from above. They dodged to and fro, keeping anything that reached near away from the defenseless mass of folks, protecting them as best they could.

Pinkie yelled out, pointing a hoof off to the side, “The portal!” Her face bright as she gestured to the glimmering circle of light.

Twilight doesn’t think twice, turning to Princess Celestia, “Get them through it! It’s better than staying here, no matter what happens!” She saw Celestia nod, herding what ones she could and shepherding them into the entryway.

Hooves thundered as Celestia pointed with a shout that they should all head for the glimmering mirror door, one by one they disappeared into it as the seven kept smiting at the abomination that closed in.

In a minute there was nopony left but Princess Celestia and her sister, the Elements of Harmony were hanging tough and giving what for as they landed powerful blows on whatever was within reach. The larger Princess made sure there were no ponies left besides her before she got close to the doorway. She worried they may have missed one or two in the excitement.

Luna saw her sister hesitate at the shining door, “GO! Go ‘Tia we’ll be fine!” She grinned and let loose a blast of magic that tore a whirling band of mouths to shreds, “Go!”

The alabaster Alicorn gave a nod with a sad look as she leapt through the ring of light, unable to do anything but wish them luck.

Seeing Celestia go through and making one final check to make sure no one was left behind, Twilight yelled to her friends, “Back up! Back to the portal before it closes!”

A fighting retreat was held, moving backwards step by step they made a beeline for the door, Fluttershy was still scolding the monster as she and Rainbow Dash helped Princess Luna cover for the rest. Twilight kept to the ground, making sure Rarity, Pinkie and Applejack went through first, her magic forming a shield in front of the passage, blocking anything from getting near for the moment, “We’re done! Let’s go!”

Princess Luna joined her, the spinning halberd flashing with eldritch might as she kept up her battering of the monster accompanied by blasts of spells from her as they covered the door for Rainbow and Fluttershy to head through.

She looked at Twilight and nodded, both of them snapping their wings downward and flashing backwards through the mirror in one movement, leaving nothing behind for the thing to grab onto.

The portal is rippling again as I discuss things with the mage, I peer closely at it as something shows like a spot in the far distance. Upping my visual acuity I take a closer look and think it might just be the face of somepony. It’s getting closer as I lean in beside the Unicorn who is also fascinated by this, we’re both eyeing the portal from inches away as suddenly I am nose to nose with Rarity!

Rarity bails out of the portal, slamming into Athena and the Unicorn, wrapping them in a tangle of limbs as she is followed by Applejack and Pinkie, creating quite a pony pile on the stage. The five ponies go tumbling away from the opening as soldiers rush the raised area wondering what is happening.

Pinkie of course manages to get free first, spinning around and waiting for her friends, it is not too long a wait as I try to get untangled from the bodies. Applejack is muttering up a storm as she tries to get off of Rarity who is complaining about just doing her mane a few hours before.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy appear out of the rippling circle, hovering as they punch and kick at what appears to be long arms with mouths and eyes at the end of them. It is quite alarming to see those things, as well as Fluttershy fighting. I am trying very hard to get untangled, but it is a mess with the four of us for the moment.

I see Princess Luna and Twilight appear next, their wings flapping hard as they propel themselves backwards out of the doorway. Their magic and Luna’s weapon tearing into any of the black smoke that appears from the magic circle as the Princess yells to the shocked mages.

“Close the portal! CLOSE THE PORTAL!”

I see tentacles of black substance pour out of the ingress, the ends containing a multitude of mouths snapping and grabbing at the furious Princess. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are beside her smacking at things with their hooves, Applejack is still tangled with myself and Rarity plus the poor mage, this is quite embarrassing.

Pinkie however has free movement and I wish I knew how she did that, leaping and prancing as the pink blur smacks at anything that gets loose from Princess Luna and Twilight, covering them for the moment.

“Close the PORTAL!” Her vocalization is the Royal Canterlot Voice I have heard of, making me tune down my audio sensors as mages cast more spells, hurriedly closing the access and causing the edges to chop through a large hunk of the twisting appendages. I watch them dissipate into nothingness as Princess Luna’s eyes glow with power, her weapon slowing its spinning now, chest heaving as she tries to keep hovering.

Twilight lands quickly, Luna beside her as they both break into smiles, Rainbow Dash is punching the air with a few exclamations of triumph. After I get loose from Applejack and Rarity I can only stand and see them battered but victorious. Rarity gives me a sudden hug, exclaiming they had wondered where I was when they went through, I reply that I have been here waiting for them as the entry way would not let me pass.

That is forgotten in the moment as the six friends and Princess Luna embrace each other, slapping hooves and exclaiming on their victory. I only watch with a smile of my own as I and Crusader are both relieved and ecstatic they are safe and sound.

For right now and for this moment, that is all that matters.

Act VII - CMC-Don't Leave Home Without Them..Please. Pranks Bolos Play, Symphonic Destruction.

Author's Note

If you're going to do something, do it right and with MUSIC!:pinkiehappy:

Crimson Eon has done a reading of another story of mine, an older one, enjoy it here! It's his first, so be kind folks!

PS. Feeling tons better and thanks for all the well-wishing, more to come for you awesome folks!

Act VII - CMC-Don't Leave Home Without Them..Please. Pranks Bolos Play, Symphonic Destruction.

My reunion with friends is very short lived, it occurs to me that if the poison is still active in the body, that whatever it is in control could drag them back. If they have hurt the controlling intelligence, we may be able to purge the ponies without harm while it tries to recover.

I step near Princess Luna and tap her on the shoulder gently.

“Did...did you rescue the others?”

“We did! All of those taken were pushed back through the portal, truly it was a battle to remember!” She grins, looking at the six near her, “Though we are not sure if they returned to their bodies, we can only hope, for there was no time to experiment.”

A doctor comes rushing up, “The patients are stirring, opening their eyes!”

That’s all I need to hear.

I tear out of the auditorium, grabbing the nearest commanders in a rush.

“Get to the boxes we unloaded, slap a medical pack on every pony that’s been ill, all of them, don’t miss a single one!” I don’t stop to chat, the troops are rushing to obey and ripping open containers of medical packs I had brought in case. Thank goodness for foresight.

I do not wait, I grab as many as I can carry in a set of saddlebags and rush to the bed sides, slapping packs as I go. I see the data streaming from the nanites now, it is almost overwhelming as I bring more cores online to deal with the information. I am pushing the packages hard, pumping medical nanos into the bedridden patients and purging them. This is going to be quick and very nasty I’m afraid.

Stopping to talk quickly with the mages working on the poison itself, they have a spell that can reveal it in a pony now, allowing them to see if any one is infected. This works to my advantage as I tell them to cast it on every patient alongside the medical packs it should allow me to target and eliminate the problem faster.

They break off from their group and head for the wards behind guards carrying loads of packages. Their horns already lighting up with power to be able to cast immediately, I see the ponies scattering every which way as I keep slapping packs on anyone I pass by, only stopping to refill my bags.

In a matter of minutes it is done, when you have helpful assistance there is no argument, just a rush to see it completed. This works well as I now sit in a corner, staring at the floor so I can concentrate on the medical packs. The spells being cast illuminate the poison, letting me target it and program the nannies on the fly for the others.

By one example I can spread the programming quickly to each package with broad spectrum algorithms, killing off the intruding poison and leaving anything else intact, though I see that the nanos are getting rid of a few other diseases along the way. These ponies will be quite healthy when they awake.

I do not know if their ‘souls’ have returned as nothing else came through the portal that I could see, I can only hope.

A pony settles near me and I hold my hoof out to keep them silent as I work on the attack programs, seeing the medical packages doing their jobs swiftly under my gaze. I do not wish to be rude but this many med-packs are a burden on processing to make sure everything is completing the same task.

Staring at the floor allows me to concentrate without looking around, I don’t wish to de-link from the avatar quite yet. But I have to devote more processing power to hundreds of paks at the same time, my avatar must remain still and un-bothered for the moment.

I observe more and more ponies lighting up with the revealing spell as I finish the task, setting the program into a lock and letting the nanites do their jobs. Watching for a moment, I can see the algorithms spreading between packages, this is allowing even the nanos who are in un-revealed bodies to target the poison anyway. It is outstripping the mages casting the spells so should be ready to adapt by the time the magic users reach each one.

Augh, finally! I hate programming on the fly, it’s dirty and not as elegant as taking your time, making sure each little command is in place. If needed I will tighten the coding later, but for the moment it appears as if the nanites are scouring everything as told.

Lowering my hoof I can now turn to the pony who happened to set near...oh for crap’s sake....

Slapping it back on my face I sigh, “I’m sorry Princess, I did not mean to brush you off.”

Princess Luna has a laugh that is bright and merry, her eyes sparkling like her stars, “Do not mind such things, were you busy?”

“K..kind of, I was making sure the medical packs got rid of the poisons, so whatever it was cannot take them again hopefully.”

She nods, looking thoughtful, “Whatever it is was powerful in the extreme, though truly a battle was fought we got everypony through the portal.” She turns to me, “Did you see anything besides ourselves come through?”

“No Your Highness, just you seven.”

“Well the doctors are saying that ponies are awakening, that is a good thing. Though it troubles me that whatever it was is still loose.” She gets a faraway look on her face before brightening again, “But I am off to see my sister, hopefully she has recovered as well! Care to join me?”

“Oh! I..I would love to!” I like Princess Celestia.

The dark regent stands, “Then come along, I am sure her room is quite crowded by now, though maybe we can squeeze in no?” She winks at me with another smile.

Though I like Celestia, Princess Luna has been a friend since the first time in that terrible dream she saved me from. She always has a smile or a friendly moment to chat with me and I can never repay her for all the time spent, though I will think of something eventually.

We travel through the troops who are looking bright and cheerful, seeing ponies awake and aware for the first time in days, as if a heavy cloud has been moved away from the city. There are smiles and goodwill being shared, though Princess Luna is giving me an odd look as I am greeted by name, soldiers and Commanders taking a moment to say hello.

I get more nervous by the second as she eyes me, stopping and rubbing a hoof along one leg, “Did...H..have I d..done something wrong?”

She laughs once more, “Not at all, but I have been wondering why every pony are saying hello to you all of a sudden, even my Commanders.”

“Uhm.... I made friends?” I am trying not to look like I want to crawl under a chair, I do not want her thinking I am trying to usurp her command.

“Oh I can see that, though I wonder about the change.” She raises a brow at me and waits for a response.

“W..well you left th..those orders. I...I was just f..following them.”

She taps an armored hoof on her chin, “Ah yes, orders. They are good to leave lying about in case of trouble are they not?”

“Y..yes Princess.”

She leans near me, her eyes bright, “They serve a purpose in many ways Athena. Some to be followed, some to provide for the common good.” Here she turns to me, placing a hoof on my shoulder, “Some to bring a pony out of her self-imposed exile and join the community by giving her some responsibility.”

“B..but I.. I’m always this way. It..it’s part of me I’m afraid.” That was just a brilliant statement Athena, way to nail it.

“Be that as it may, I believe you rose to the occasion as I had hoped. That, my dear Pegasus, is a good thing.” She taps me on the nose, I remember it from her and the Crusaders and laugh, rubbing it with a hoof.

“Your Highness, I don’t think anyone gives you enough credit sometimes.”

She waves a hoof airily, motioning me to join her walking towards Celestia’s room again, “Oh, well I wouldn’t want ponies thinking I was anything other than a normal, smiling, happy go lucky Princess now would I?”

“Of course not Your Highness.” I concede the point, but I do make a gesture towards her armor and weaponry, “Though wearing that may confuse the issue?”

The Alicorn laughs once more, “Point taken.”

Chuckling to herself as we walk along, we see a crowded room where Princess Celestia is sitting up in her bed. “Luna!”

The darker mare drops her weapon off to a nearby guard before entering the room.

The two sisters hug tightly, joined by Twilight and her friends as well, the room a bit stifling with the mass of ponies.

“It is good to see you awake ‘Tia, we were worried.” Her face shows the truth though, how she was more than most.

“I seem to be doing fine, though I have a strange thing attached to my flank here.” She gestures towards a med pak I had slapped on in a rush right on her Cutie Mark, she is fully aware of what it is and is only teasing me.

Peeking out from behind Princess Luna, I can only apologize, “Uhm.. Sorry Your Highness, I was in a hurry.”

Her laugh is warm, “Then I should leave it there I believe?”

“Yes Your Highness, it will turn white and remove itself by falling off,” I watch as the green color fades, “By the look it is almost done.”

“Well then, that’s a good thing.” She looks at all the anxious faces, “Why so worried? You did wonderfully and rescued so many ponies, you should be celebrating your success.”

Twilight rubbed a fore leg along the other, “Well we didn’t get rid of the thing doing it, it’s still out there.”

Princess Celestia’s smile lit the room, “Then we will just face that when it comes. You can’t worry every second of the day about a thing you cannot control. Be happy, when or if it shows again we will be better prepared I believe.”

Luna nodded as well, “Let us hope this is the extent of the thing’s plans for now, I don’t believe Equestria can take much more excitement.” She shakes her head and laughs, “If wishes were candy....”

The larger Alicorn smiled gently, “I think you just need some rest my sister,”She motioned to all the others in the room, “Please excuse us, the dawn is soon and if my sister would raise the sun once more we can both rest here together.” At the worried looks from everypony, “We are protected, go and get some well deserved sleep.”

Applejack looked concerned, “Ah dunno Princess, I mean all this kinda snuck up on us.”

“Such is the way of ne’er do wells Applejack, one cannot predict them.” She inclined her regal head, “But for now, no worries, please go get some rest.”

Twilight started to protest, sputtering about security and worrying that she may not be fully recovered and was stopped by an upraised hoof, “Worry not, go now and we’ll speak later Twilight.”

“But..security! You might still be sick! What about....” She was grabbed by Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

“Geez Twilight come on, she said go. You can freak out in the hallway or something!” Rainbow laughed as Applejack nodded in agreement.

“Listen to the Princess..er...Princess, let’s go.”

“I am not freaking out! She needs more security and doctors need to check on her! We can’t just go!” She was protesting the nudging by her friends as they all conspired to crowd her out of the room, myself included, helping to herd her along.

Princess Celestia watched as the crowd left, chuckling to herself, “Sometimes Twilight is a bit too worrisome eh Luna?”

Yawning mightily, the Night Princess nodded, “True, but she wouldn’t be Twilight without it I think.”

The darker mare moved to the window, looking out into the night as she powered her horn, lifting the sun into a glorious dawn once more before turning back. She retrieved her weapon from the guard outside, giving orders they not be disturbed except for emergencies.

She was content as she lay her head down in the comfortable bed next to her watching sister, falling asleep with a feeling of a job well done.

I will keep command as given by Princess Luna, even though Celestia is awake I cannot in good conscience let her do anything until she is cleared by doctors, though I would never say that to her face. I watch Twilight take up residence outside the room with both Princesses in it, keeping watch herself, I see her head getting lower and lower as she tries not to fall asleep.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash put a pillow under the nodding head and cover her with a blanket before they head to their own beds. They know for right now things are safe and rest is badly needed.

------Ponyville------

Sitting on my hill I watch the new day arise, it is always wonderful watching this globe of fire lift into the sky knowing that somewhere a single Alicorn is raising it to play out its journey in the sky. Though I still ponder such things, I accept it as the norm now, I revel in the warmth it brings as I trot towards town.

My drones have spotted two sites, plus a third I am investigating now. Hammerheads are being equipped with penetrators alongside Area Denial Weapons that should take out anything left over. Bolos are nothing if not extremely good at overkill, to that I am also making sure my starboard howitzer battery is being cleared for action, that should add quite the show to the mortar barrage.

It will be less than an hour or so until it would be proper to meet with Spring Flower, the Crusaders I am sure have been taking care of her, though I am a bit nervous about that knowing what kind of trouble they can get in to.

I watch the shops open, the stalls in the marketplace being swept and opened for business, the hustle and bustle of ponies doing everyday things. It is still amazing to me that not too long ago each and every one of them was standing on a line prepared to do battle with the horrors coming out of the forest, today it’s as if nothing has changed.

It is soothing to see smiles, some even directed towards me as I sit near Applejack’s stand, feeling a bit lonely as she is not here to shoo me away from sitting next to her all day.

Athena had notified me that they were getting some rest after the long night, I will not attempt to communicate with Applejack until later, she deserves sleep. After the SitRep I received on what has happened I believe it well earned.

But I ponder a few things, such as my need for a commander, it is not as pressing a feeling it once was. I don’t feel the need for it any longer, though I would like Applejack to remain so. So many things have changed in the past months, some good and some bad, but most for the better.

While not a utopian society as some would wish, I think this is a close to one as can be had while still having free will. Things will change, as they would do anywhere I am sure, but hopefully not too much. There will be arguments, emotions running high, other things that are always present anywhere I believe. But if tempered with the regents soft rule, I think things will remain on an even keel.

I believe what is most interesting, barring catastrophic failure, is I will be around to see it happen.

It’s time to see if I can talk to Spring Flower, I do hope she can give me a few answers I can share with Athena. This situation is getting worrisome to the extreme.

Visiting Spring’s house I realize it is early, but it appears her parents are up and about. They dote on their daughter and it is quite understandable, she is likeable and very precocious. I hope the Crusaders have taken care not to do anything too upsetting, but then again, they are the Crusaders.

“Crusader. Pleasure to see you again.” Spring’s mother Autumn is smiling, though it seems a bit forced.

“Good morning to you as well Autumn, would it be possible to talk to Spring once more? I apologize for being so abrupt, but it is important.”

“I’m sorry but no, she’ll be around the house for today.” I see her mother sigh.

“Is there a problem?”

Her mother hesitates for a moment, “We appreciate that Spring is making friends and having a wonderful time, but could you please tell those fillies to stop getting her in trouble?”

“I take it something happened?” The understatement of the decade I realize too late.

“I understand you asked three fillies to watch over my daughter because she is important somehow to all this mess going on," She holds up a hoof to silence me before I can explain, “Those three have appointed themselves Cutie Mark Crusader Bodyguards, taking it as their job to help my daughter get her Cutie Mark as well as protecting her. She came home yesterday dripping in honey, she was completely covered in it horn to tail, it took us hours to get her clean.”

“Honey?”

She is now giving me a look I’m not quite comfortable with, “Yes....Honey.”

A small voice comes from a back room, “But moooooom, we were trying for our beekeeping cutie marks!”

She plants a hoof on her face and sighs again, “Spring, you’ll get your Cutie Mark when you get it, there’s no reason to keep doing those things!”

The little Unicorn comes bouncing out from the kitchen, all smiles, “But it was fun!”

Her mother isn’t angry with her daughter, more exasperated, “Spring, it looked like you fell into a pool of honey!”

Two little hooves tap each other, “Well, the hive kinda fell over when we tried to see inside it. The bees weren’t real happy about that so we had to run for a bit...annnnnnd we didn’t mean to run through that pony’s pile of leaves he was raking.”

All I can do is listen and hope that is the worst of it. How soon we are disappointed in our wishes.

The little face brightens up, “But we made it back to Apple Bloom’s farm and tried to clean up!” She looks at the ground again, “We really didn’t mean tip the hay bales over either, it was an accident, I didn’t know stuff would stick to honey that much.”

Her mother gives me a deadpan look, “Oh yes, did I forget to mention the leaves and hay stuck all over her, silly me. My what a combination with drying honey, truly an experience I would love to forget.”

“But Scootaloo said maybe Apple Cider would help clean it off! But the barrel was pretty big, we didn’t mean to spill all that. It smelled bad though and Sweetie was stumbling around a lot singing to everypony after she drank a bit of it by accident.”

She bites her lip and tries to smile again, “Big Mac said it was..uhm.. Al-co-hol-ic Brand-dee or something like that, that’s why I felt so funny when I swallowed some. Apple Bloom said that was normal cause all the big ponies who drank it got that way too.”

Her mother is really eyeing me right now, “Oh yes, getting my daughter sloshed was on the top of my list that day as well.”

The little hooves twist against each other as she peeks up from under her eyelashes, “I really didn’t mean to throw up on Big Mac’s hooves, that stuff made my tummy feel bad.”

Her mother says nothing, she is just staring.

“But I apologized like mommy said I should and he said it was okay!” She looks at the ground again, “He went to get some stuff to help clean us off...and...” She hesitates this time, her mother gently urging her on to my dismay.

“Tell Mr. Crusader the rest dear.” Autumn is grinding her teeth right now, I can hear it very clearly.

“Well, we got hungry waiting... Sweetie Belle said she could cook some eggs and stuff and Apple Bloom said Applejack just got a brand new stove too!” Her face is bright once more, “So we went in and started the stove up, I didn’t know..uh..al-co-hol could burn..so when Scootaloo’s tail caught on fire I got some of the Brand-dee we spilled and tried to put it out!”

“Scootaloo’s tail caught on fire?”

“Oh yeah, she got too close to the stove, and..and.. the leaves that stuck to her tail caught on fire!”

“You dumped brandy on her tail?”

“Well mommy said to put out fires with water so I figured it would work better, but the Fire pony said that wasn’t the best idea when they came to put out the chicken coop.”

“Wait....the chicken coop? What happened to the chicken coop?”

Two little hooves twist in front of the pretty little Unicorn as she sticks her tongue out, trying to remember, “Oh! Well when I put the brand-dee on her tail it went “WHOOMP!” She throws her hooves up in the air, “Like a big firework! That’s when Scootaloo started screaming for help. So we tried to get a blanket on her but she went running out of the house and accidentally ran into the chicken coop.”

I can only gape as the little face looks up at her mother and myself, “Did you know chickens look really funny without feathers?”

Honestly, I do not know whether to laugh or cry as I ask the obvious question, “Why did the chickens not have feathers?”

“Oh they ran out when Scootaloo ran inside, though they kinda caught on fire too, they sure were running around a lot!” She grins up at her mother, “But Apple Bloom rounded them up! She was really good at it and Mac said they can repair the barn in no time!”

I don’t even ask, I just wait.

“Tell Mr. Crusader about the barn sweetie.” Autumn’s voice is no longer in any way amused or kind.

“Well, Apple Bloom rounded the chickens up..only they went into the barn and all the hay stored in there was kinda dry from what the fire pony said. He said it was like a..a.. tin...der...box..” She looks very proud pronouncing that word.

“So..flaming chickens went into the barn and lit the hay on fire?”

“Welllll.. that and the brand-dee we spilled. It was al-co-hol-ic and it burned really good from what the fire pony said. That’s what got the hay on fire.. The chickens were okay once we got them into a trough of water! But Mac says he can fix everything right up along with the kitchen! So it’ll all be repaired in no time!”

“The...kitchen?”

“The fire pony said it was just smoke! Sweetie Belle left the eggs on the stove and they kinda burned.. I didn’t know eggs could make that much smoke.” She thinks for a moment, “Oh! Granny Smith should be out of the hospital in a couple days too! The fire pony said all that smoke wasn’t good for her.”

“All this happened....?”

Her mother answers in a low voice, “Yesterday. Would you like to hear about the day before?”

“I don’t think that will be...”

“Are you SURE? I am positive my lovely daughter would absolutely enjoy telling you about trying for her Roof Inspector Cutie Mark.”

Spring bounces on her hooves, “It was fun! Oh we had a great time!”

“That won’t be necessary, I am sure you had a wonderful time.” I give the little filly a warm smile, seeing her mother giving me a look that would melt durasteel.

I do have to ask, “Is Scootaloo all right?”

Her mother nods, “She’s fine, all that honey kept her from getting hurt. Sweetie Belle is staying with her right now and Apple Bloom is helping with repairs at the farm.”

“So could I still....”

“No,” Autumn’s voice is very firm, “Not today, we’ll be keeping her with us today to prevent any more..” Her teeth grind again, “Mishaps.” She shoos a protesting Spring into the house, “Tomorrow would be fine, I’m sorry but not today.”

“Understandable, thank you for your time.” I nod, seeing her point as any parent would do the same.

“Crusader I am sure it’s important, but our daughter is important to us.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Before she closes the door she looks at me one last time, “You may want to talk to those fillies, I’m sure they’re good ponies but they seem to get into a lot of trouble.”

The door closes with a finality I cannot argue against.

Applejack is going to murder me.

“Oh you bet she is!”

“Athena! Don’t you know it’s not polite to eavesdrop?”

“TSDS is not eavesdropping, I was wanting to see how the bombardment plans were going.”

“Hold....” I check something quickly, “You hacked the TSDS Alert coding? Athena!”

“What? I didn’t want to bother you with silly alerts cause I was in sharing mode or anything.” She giggles along the network, “So... those plans?”

I sigh internally, “The plans are going fine, I am cleared for action.”

“Good....good... That’s good.”

“What do you want Athena?” She is being deliberately vague.

“Who me? Nothing, I couldn’t possibly want anything, not after hearing all that!”

“Athena...”

“Well since you asked... Maybe a line of credit at the bakery?”

“A line of credit?”

“Well you know, so I can go buy things when I want to? When my fabricators are up and running I know I can get a share of income for making things, but this is easier I think don’t you?”

“Wait.. Are you blackmailing me?”

“Such a harsh word brother mine, I prefer a more elegant term like extortion.”

“You have enough money why do you need...” I am cut off.

“You don’t let me buy what I want and you’re always complaining about me eating cupcakes!”

“Your systems won’t handle all the sugar that well, you know how you get when you’ve had too many.” I am trying to make her understand this as gently as I can.

I see her waving a hoof airily, “Oh pshaw, I’m fine, so I get a little excitable!”

Sighing internally I explain once more, “A little excitable means the difference between being happy and destruction of the immediate area.”

“Oh stop it, you’re just mad cause I’ve got you all wrapped up in a nice little present!”

“You do not.” I cannot believe my own brethren, much less Athena would do this.

“Oh yes I do... Oh! Applejack’s up getting something to eat, I’m sure she’d get a laugh out of the antics I just heard.”

“Athena!” There is silence on the line.

“ATHENA!”

“Yeeeees?”

“......Fine....”

“I’m sorry..what was that?” Her voice is sing song in tone.

“I said fine.”

“Prooooomise?”

“Yes I promise, now can we forget this?”

She assumes a magnanimous tone, “Well of course! Oh wait, don’t forget you owe me cupcakes for taking the paperwork!”

“Hold on a second, you just received a promise of a line of credit...”

“I didn’t say that covered what you already owed me.”

“Now you’re just being greedy.”

“Yes, yes I am. Just make sure they’re in my refrigeration unit when I get back.” I can feel the glee in her voice over the network.

“You do realize we could have worked this out without such shenanigans?”

“We could have yes,” I hear the mischievousness in her voice, “But where’s the fun in that?”

“One day my sister you will get in deep trouble for your pranks.” I let my voice take on an admonishing tone.

“Maybe, but you’ll be there to help me won’t you? You’ll always be there?” I can hear a slight uncertainty in her voice.

“I gave you my word and I will stand by it until the end of our existence Athena. I will always be there for you.” I can’t help but sigh again, “But even you may get into trouble I cannot get you out of, a fair warning sister.”

I can feel her smiling over the network, “That’s better than any cupcake ever made. I won’t say anything so don’t worry, be safe out there.”

“I will, I’ll let you know when it starts.”

“Talk to you soon.” She cuts the link as I sit in front of Spring’s house, shaking my head and trotting off to the bakery. I rewrite the Alert coding so she cannot eavesdrop on me again.

Such audacity, but then that is my sister.

--------------Manehatten---------

I cover my mouth so nopony can see me snickering, Crusader is SO easy to get, especially when I can hack things behind his back so he doesn’t know I’m listening. Too bad that his rewrite won’t work since my coding is in the underlay of the alert system, but he’ll find it soon enough. I’m sure I’ll get a call from him in...oh..about another hour when he realizes it. Thank goodness conversations over TSDS take mere seconds.

But until then I can listen in, I know he’s very concerned about Spring Flower and what happened, but answers are never easy. It takes time, quite a bit of it as we’ve been shown time and again. He is clear and pinpointing two sites already with a third under surveillance..whoops..he found it, wow that was quick.

“Athena.”

“Yes Crusader?”

“In the underlay? Really?”

I give him a metaphorical shrug over the network, “What can I say? I learned from the best.”

He sighs, he can never be angry with me, “You and your pranks.”

“I can only be what I was taught to be.” I give him a cheerful reply.

“Poor excuses sister mine, but a well done hack.” That is the last I hear before he cuts the link, this time without me being able to listen in.

I wonder though if he’s noticed the happy pony faces on the sides of all his drones I had his tech spiders repaint? I’m sure he’ll get a chuckle out of them, maybe...kinda.. He needs to smile more! Yep that’s it, he needs to smile more, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Why do I have a feeling I’m never getting anymore cupcakes?

Ponies are recovering well, the rewrites on the nano coding is tightened and more targeted as I see them working through. The poison is being purged, it will not allow whatever it is to grab them again hopefully. I watch carefully each and every med pak, making sure they are completely exhausted and nothing remains of the poison, truly vile thing that it was.

As I watch, the soldiers start easing off more but standing to and watchful, more relaxed now that they see a threat contained. I do make absolutely sure the word gets out, any more incidents like this should be reported immediately to authorities and reaction groups.

In the back of my mind though is a niggling thought, something gently pushing at me and making my cores itch. It is the fire that runs along my molycircs, it wants out and to spread. I am very dubious of this, though it is soft and warmth giving I do not trust it. I am already infected with whatever it is, but I am not glitching, nor are my cores unstable. If anything I am more stable than I ever was, but trust comes hard after seeing things like this plague of copies or the poison given to innocent folks.

I will keep watch on it, making sure it does not spread anywhere for the moment. A tech spider is ready to cut the hard line between Crusader and myself if I feel even for one attosecond it will break free.

So I help out, keeping myself busy and happy with packing things away, getting more items ready to move out of the hospital as things return to normal. It’s a good feeling knowing I contributed in some small way to the overall mission, though I wish things could have gone better.

It will be a few more hours until the others are awake and the Princesses can order the final disposition of the cordon and it’s results. I would like to see us heading home this evening, it would be nice to relax on the hill top, Manehatten is nice but much to big a city for me I think.

I look out the window at the streets, bustling with ponies now that the word has been given they are free to resume business. Not as full as they once were, but I am sure being a center for commerce it will ramp back up. My drones are still in high patrol sweeps over the harbor, I will not recall anything until given the order, this is safer I believe.

I have given Crusader a hard time when he sits and sends his thoughts to the stars, to our brothers and sisters that may be out there. But looking up into the blue skies I send one of my own. I wish you were here Hera, it would make this all so much better.

---------Ponyville-------

My drones have spotted two sites I have targeted for destruction, a third has been confirmed and added to the list. There is a fourth I am currently investigating and it is giving me problems.

Looking at the current maps I have in memory I see the sites are forming a pattern, I am doubtful the enemy would make such a stupid maneuver, but then everything it has done has been confusing and utterly confounding some times.

The words insane, madness and others have been used to describe this by me and it is all true, what it has done is contrary to everything I have known of battle. We have overcome though, sometimes at the very last minute and that in itself is frustrating.

Looking at the geography and coordinates for the bombardment in my battlespace it becomes apparent that the enemy is either very cunning or a total idiot. I am not sure which and this in itself is giving my tactical database fits as I try to figure out why it would do such a thing and be so brazen about it.

Either way I am still going forward with the plans for the attack, I will not sit and wonder why anymore. The enemy needs to be destroyed utterly, but I think Athena may want to be informed about this.

I connect through the TSDS and get an immediate response.

“Crusader! I’m so sorry...” She seems to be worried I will be upset about the coding.

“Never worry Athena it was a good hack, I am impressed.” I send her comfort along the network.

I feel her brighten again, “Well you did teach us about that.”

“I know, so no fault of your own. This is not about that, I have something to show you.”

I do a VSR and SitRep on my drone data to her, the .00416 second upload hits her like a ton of bricks.

“Are you absolutely positive on this?” She sounds a bit incredulous, I watch her do the calculations as I have.

“I assure you this data is correct to the eighth decimal, the fourth site is now being confirmed along with where the original site was, see the pattern?” I put a map overlay onto the original data.

“This... Is the enemy that stupid?” She is taking the same stance I am.

“I do not know, but I am wary of a trap. I am debating on holding the action until we all discuss this.” I let my frustration show.

“I agree Crusader, are there any more sites to add to the pattern?”

I review current data, seeing the fourth site confirmed by close in reconnaissance, “Fourth confirmed. What do you think the enemy doing?”

Athena hesitates for a second, reviewing some recognition data, “Wait one, isn’t that the same pattern...” She flips up a picture to me, overlaying the map, it fits with all five sites and the one suspicion we have about the central site.

Athena voices my question, “Why would they make a pattern that matches Twilight Sparkle’s Cutie Mark?”

“I don’t know. But seeing as how the enemy has acted, I would consider it a terrible joke, although you can only see it from above.” I let my consternation show, “It is nothing more than an attempt by the enemy to confuse us Athena.”

“Don’t you think we should wait and tell them about this?” She points out the central site we are assuming is part of the whole.

“But nothing is there except some ruins... Hold one..” I access older memories from months ago, “The Tree of Harmony.” I immediately share all I have heard concerning it.

Athena concurs, “We cannot destroy that tree, it is an integral part of this world. I would not go so far as to say sacred, but it is close.”

I agree with her assessment, “This presents a minor problem to eradicating the enemy then, I will wait until you get back to have a face to face with everypony on this, including Princesses Luna and Celestia, about this target. The other four sites I have targeted will be taken care of immediately, they are far enough away no damage will come to the ruins.”

Athena concurs, “Good idea, Twilight would be quite upset if you destroyed the old castle, she enjoys going there for relics and old books.”

“Well the last thing we need is her ‘freaking out’ as Rainbow Dash says.” I share the humor with Athena.

She laughs, “But she is a good and kind pony, she just gets a bit over wrought about the simple things.” Athena hesitates, “It seems we are packing up, Celestia has been cleared by the doctors and has reviewed the status of the cordon, we are standing down.”

“Good, it will be nice to have you all back home. Advise Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of the action being taken, I would contact by link but since you are there, a face to face is better. Get Command Authorization as well, I don’t want to do this unilaterally because of the amount of damage this will cause.”

“I will notify her immediately Mon Capitan!”

“Athena, seriously.....”

“What? I am giving the proper response to an order!” She actually giggles again over the combat network.

I let her hear the sigh, “I’m not going to bother my silly sister, just make sure you let her know all aspects of this.” I consult my tactical database, “I’ll be commencing within the next two hours, I’ll drop the screamers first to warn any wild life away.”

I hear her give a disgusted sound, “Ugh, sometimes I wish we could just go back to being us and blasting the ponyfeathers out of anything that was annoying.”

“New world, new ways Athena. We can’t just drop a nuclear weapon on anything anymore, we have to calculate things more closely than we ever have.”

“Agreed. I’ll be seeing the Princess now to inform her.”

“Thank you, I’ll let you know when it starts.”

“Okey dokey! Talk to you soon!”

I can only sigh, between the silliness and pranks I can only imagine what happens next with her. Only one stop next before I start, I gallop out to the farm to check on things there after yesterdays escapades.

I see Mac as usual, chewing on a piece of vegetation as he watches the repairs on the barn, helping to lift and put into place anything heavy.

Settling next to him for a moment, I drop a bag of bits I have brought along to help with costs. Though I know the farm makes enough now, it’s still something to help as I feel responsible.

“Repairs going all right?”

“Eeyup.”

“Apple Bloom okay?”

“Eeyup.”

“You going be here when Applejack gets back?”

“Eenope.”

“Coward.”

“Eeyup.”

----------Manehatten------------

I manage to get an audience with the Princess, her guards are keeping her from being too bothered with things until she is ready. I think this is good, it will give her much needed time to relax.

Informing her of our findings and suspicions, she agrees with our conclusions. I ask official permission for the action to be taken and I am granted it, though the central site will have to be discussed in more detail. She asks why I have requested this and I inform her because of the amount of damage that will be done deep in the forest, we thought it better this way.

She is always kind to myself and Crusader, understanding we do not do this lightly and that it will take pressure off Ponyville.

“Will this stop the attacks?” She has a hopeful note to her voice.

“We hope so Your Highness, it will take out most of the enemies ability to create hordes of creatures or at least that is our guess.”

She looks towards her sleeping sister, smiling warmly and turning back to myself with an expression I have not quite seen on her before, “Do what you must, I am tired of my little ponies being hurt.”

I can see it in her eyes, the war between wanting to lash out or to remain the placid ruler. In this case a compromise is reached, her subjects come first and I receive the authorization which is immediately transmitted to Crusader.

He acknowledges and moves ahead with finalization of plans.

------------Ponyville-----------

I have received the orders and magazines are being filled from stores as we speak. My starboard howitzer battery is ready and cleared, all mortar plates alongside them open for action. Tech spiders are doing one last check as I fire Hammerheads into the air, setting them on their course of vengeance.

Makos are already in place, recon and combat drones are hovering, waiting for my order to take out stragglers.

My cameras are doing sweeps of the local airspace along with Radar, LiDar and Microwave, pulsing out to make sure nothing is in the battle space, giving me a clear...wait a second..

I zoom in on the fuselage of a Hammerhead from a recon drone, seeing something painted on the side..is that.. I do a quick camera inspection of the drone magazines.

“Athena!”

“Yes....?”

“You painted smiley faces on ALL my drones? REALLY?”

“Uhm..well you need to be happy more, I thought maybe it would brighten your day!” Her hesitation shows me the truth.

“You are such a bad liar my sister.”

“I..well..uh..” I hear her snicker over the network, then into a full blown laugh, “Oh my gosh your reaction was priceless! Wooo! I got you brother!” She is laughing hard now.

I have taken all this planning seriously, but during this day I have been pranked by Athena, I have graciously received it if it makes her happy, though I think this is slightly more than needed. If she wants to play a game of one upmanship, I can do that as well oh my sister.

“Do you have a battleset?” I interrupt her chortling.

“What? I..yes in the Ferret.”

“Set it up, invite an audience if you’d like.” I give her no choice in my tone.

“I..what are you going to do?” Now she’s getting nervous.

“I’m going to show you a side to stodgy old Crusader you thought never existed. Set up the battleset immediately.”

“O..okay...”

I cut the link, there is a couple of things to do, one of them is a stop by Vinyl’s house, she has what I need.

------------Manehatten--------

He didn’t sound too thrilled, but I’m sure he’ll get over it. Though I’m wondering about the battleset as I go to the Ferret and bring it in. The auditorium would be a good place as I set it on the stage, tuning it into the frequencies and setting up the Tri-D aspect of it. A few soldiers are around and they question me as to what it’s for, I tell them Crusader told me to set it up, explaining it’s some technology we carry for emergencies.

Of course I don’t tell them that maybe my pranks had gone a bit far this time, but he wouldn’t be mad at me would he?

No, Crusader would never be mad at me, he loves me and I him, but....I mean... maybe this time he could be?

No, no he’d never be that mad. Could he?

I sit and chew at a hoof as I watch the blank screen for now, wondering what he’s up to.

----------Ponyville---------

I check myself in the mirror one last time, when one is doing something, one should do it well and properly. A Bolo has a reputation to live up to, this will be something I hope my prank playing sister remembers for a long, long time.

Chuckling to myself I step out of the Command Deck, slowly moving up to the top of the hill. My batteries are ready, they are checked by internals one last time, magazines are loaded and prepped.

The signal from the battleset comes through loud and clear as I take my place among the sensor masts. I look around to make sure that everything is in place, cameras are rolling as I tap into the communications system. All drones are in place and I am ready to do as ordered.

-----------Manehatten---------

Twilight had wandered in, rubbing one eye as she saw soldiers watching the blank screen of the battleset’s tri-d projector.

“What’s going on?” She was looking at me nervously chewing at my hoof as I put it back down on the ground.

“I uh.. pranked Crusader a few times today and he..uhm...I think he got mad.”

“You what?” Her eyes pop open as she stares at me.

“P..pranked Crusader?” I’m trying not to go hide somewhere.

She slaps a hoof onto her face, “Athena, good grief, who knows what he’s going to do.” She sets down beside me with a hug, “But I bet it’ll be something to see!” She looks around for a moment with a malicious grin, “Anypony got any popcorn?”

Soldiers scrambled for a moment looking around for something until a Unicorn slung some spells, there was bowls of the freshly popped kernels being passed around as we all waited for what was to come.

I am still chewing on a hoof as Twilight laughs, passing me some food to chomp on instead of an appendage, “Stop worrying.”

“I don’t know, he’s never been upset with me before.”

“What did you do?”

I tell her about the blackmail and the painting of smiley pony faces on his drones, the hacking of the TSDS system and listening into his conversations.

“You blackmailed him?” She’s giving me an astonished glare.

“We..well it was only in fun..I..I mean.” I can’t tell her what it was about, I promised not to.

“You are really in trouble now.” She winks and laughs, giving me another hug.

I sigh, “I guess I deserve what’s coming.”

“Yes,” She nods, “Yes you do, take it like a mare.”

“Yes Twilight.”

Before she can laugh again the set comes to life.

Crusader’s face is center screen, I can see the sensor masts in the background. More ponies are filtering in behind us as I hear music welling up in the background, it is a beautiful haunting melody that strikes deep in the heart, ears are pricked as everypony listens closely.

He is wearing a bow tie as he lets the music play for a moment, the view switches to shots from his drones over the Everfree, pictures of rolling hillsides, Ponyville and Canterlot fly by from high altitude camera angles. It is a panoramic view of Equestria that shows the wonder and beauty of it all, the gleaming sea from Manehatten and stark desert from memories we have of my rescue. The stunning artistry of a magical land pours through the battleset, the buildings of Cloudsdale fly underneath the cameras, a rainbow of color and light making a prism through the rain gently falling on the city below.

It is dazzling and solemn as silence reigns, I look around and see the auditorium packed shoulder to shoulder. Applejack and the others have joined us nearby, I hadn’t been paying attention as I listened to the lovely music.

Twilight informs the others of what’s going on, though I do get a hoofbump from Rainbow Dash for ‘Really good pranks’. I feel slightly better, but knowing Crusader as I do, it won’t last for long.

It doesn’t, his face returns to the screen as he smiles into the camera. His hair is slicked back in some odd way as I watch him fiddle with the bow tie.

“Greetings from Ponyville! I am Crusader for those that do not know and this is live, don’t ask how let’s just say it’s magic!” He laughs, there are quite a few in the audience that chuckle along with him knowing magic as they do.

Now I’m worried.

He gestures around to the town and land beyond, “You’ve seen the wonderful canvas that is Equestria, truly a world unlike any other and one that I have come to love and call home.”

He holds up a hoof, “But I am not here to expound on what you already know.”

A couple of figures sit next to me, I glance up and see both Princesses, I give a nudge to Twilight, she passes it down the line until we are all staring.

Princess Luna laughs, “We had wondered why the hospital was so silent.”

Twilight fills them in quickly as Crusader keeps talking.

“..and so, enough of this wonderful place. I have called you all here to talk of my sister Athena.”

Almost every eye in the place turns to look at me, I’m going to kill him. I can’t turn off the set, he’s overridden the codes already!

“What can I say about my sister? Except that she is many things.” Another piece of music lifts into the background, one I had never heard before.

A recording of me dancing in the moonlight along the sensor masts shows, “She is grace.”

It switches to one of us in the cave, my battlescreen on as I punch a Forest Foal to keep it away, “She is power.”

A show of all our friends, dressed up for Pinkie’s party that night, glittering like the stars themselves, “She is beauty, alongside our wonderful friends.” The recording shows all of us in our finest, Twilight, and all the others. There are quite a few whistles and compliments shouted from the audience, the seven us to a mare blushing furiously.

I hear Applejack mumbling about 'all that frou-frou stuff’ as I chuckle alongside the Princesses.

“But there is another side to my winsome sister, one that nopony ever sees.”

A recording comes up, I am stumbling suddenly and faceplanting on the Command Deck, “She has not always been the most graceful of Pegasi, as shown here.”

He shows a recording of me tripping over my wings, thankfully the cussing was left out as I hear Princess Celestia snicker, “Oh my, poor Athena.”

“She is somewhat easily distracted,” Here he shows me walking beside Twilight, right smack into a doorway. The Alicorn is laughing, not paying attention as she too hits the other side, distracted by my actions. The audience roars in laughter.

Twilight plants a hoof on her face and sighs, hearing laughter from Rainbow and Applejack, Fluttershy is giggling up a storm alongside Rarity and Pinkie.

“How did you get those recordings, that is MY Command Deck!”

“I taught you cyber combat young apprentice, the teacher knows many secrets.”

“Oh you are in so much trouble!” I make sure he sees my embarrassment.

“Of course, but until then...”

Crusader’s smiling face fills the screen, “Ah, so many memories, how about a few more?” The crowd cheers, egging the face in the projection on.

“She is a protector and fierce warrior, fighting evil wherever it may be!”

Suddenly shots of me beating a stove into scrap come up, from what Crusader saw when I and the Cutie Mark Crusaders thought the stoves possessed.

Crusader’s head pops up in front of the shot, smiling slyly and raising one eyebrow to the camera, “Poor thing, that stove was just sitting there innocently cooking! But fear not loyal citizens of Equestria, my sister Athena has made sure it shall cook no more!” He raises a hoof triumphantly.

The crowd is collectively losing it, laughing hard enough to make them cry.

“But she is my sister and is allowed her ..well...quirks shall we say?”

I glance to the side, seeing Princess Luna and Celestia covering their mouths, laughing into their hooves. My friends are doing the same though they are trying to not let me see out of politeness, sighing quietly I figure if you can’t beat them, join them. So I laugh at myself, especially the next few clips that come up.

“Such precious moments!” Crusader’s voice is cheerful.

A recording of me burying my face into a cupcake is shown, I can’t help but smile, remembering that moment when Pinkie gave me my first one. She is right there grinning beside me as we both enjoy the confection.

For a long minutes the laughter is infectious, seeing moments I would rather have not been shown but are brought into full color by Crusader’s editing and stealing of some from my own cores.

My first taste of hot sauce, I never realized my eyes were crossed like that.

Many more times of smiles and laughter as Twilight hugs me, the others grinning as they see themselves as well. Rainbow Dash napping on a cloud, Applejack showing me how to applebuck, which didn’t go over really well as shown by her hoof pinching her nose, the apples spread everywhere except the buckets.

Fluttershy’s link camera showing me leaping about twelve feet into the air as she introduced me to the spiders that help keep the bad insects away. I was surprised okay? Yeesh!

More scenes from my life and the others fill the screen, the crowd in the auditorium are alternatively cheering and laughing at the times in all our lives we really didn’t realize were being recorded.

There a picture of me with a deadpan look as Rarity had coerced me to be a model for some of her dresses, I was not thrilled that day with about forty different changes of clothing.

A link camera shot of Twilight looking at me before Rainbow Dash crashed into me from behind, causing us to both tumble and roll over to end upside down against a tree in the orchards. The camera is shaking as Twilight is laughing too hard to keep it still.

Another recording from me peeking around a corner, seeing Twilight laying on the floor in front of the hearth reading ‘Great Romances of Equestria”, she scrambles to her hooves and shoves one into my face as she pushes me out the door. Celestia is grinning at her blushing former student who is trying to hide behind Applejack.

Crusader’s face comes back into view as the shots fade away with the music, he is looking a bit serious now as he steps back, gesturing to the side as a split screen comes on, showing four red circles on the targets in the Everfree.

“Now, the final part of my presentation. Laughter and pranks are all well and good my sister, but when you do something, do it with something other than just for a laugh.” He points to each of the circles, “These are targets in the Everfree forest where we have found the monstrosities are coming from. I have dropped things nearby that have forced the wildlife into moving away from the target areas.”

Pictures of the various critters we have fought are shown to gasps and amazement, many ponies had heard tales of the Battle of the Everfree but had not realized what we faced.

“I have received orders from our regent Princess Celestia,” Here he shows a picture of her atop the tank that night, her horn glowing in power with a fierce look on her face, “To take care of this problem.” Ponies are cheering for their beloved Princess as Luna nudges her with a grin.

“But since my sister believes I am ‘stodgy’ and ‘dull’ and that I need to smile more, I have decided I will do this a different way.” He looks one last time into the camera, “There will be things you will see here that may not sit well, but understand this, they are monsters out to hurt or even kill ponies. There is no reconciling with them, no truce, no peace. A reverence for life is a wonderful thing, but not when it concerns these abominations.”

The camera pans back, showing him in bow tie standing at a podium. He looks over his shoulder where the camera slips back some more, widening the shot to show Vinyl Scratch at her turntables, waving to the lens wearing a blast helmet.

Cheers ring out from ponies who know her.

“Are you ready Mistress of Music?” Crusader is asking this in a haughty tone of voice.

Vinyl laughs, saluting, “You got it boss, say the word!”

He raises a baton in his hoof as the screen splits once again, showing the battery of howitzer barrels raising in sequence to his commands.

I can do nothing but stare at the screen, hearing a laugh from Applejack as she knows him better than most, seeing the ridiculousness of this whole thing. The rest of us wait in anticipation as he gestures to Vinyl who nods, getting the needles ready on her tables.

She hits the switch and music comes blasting out of the speakers. I am shocked, Crusader NEVER plays this stuff. He absolutely loathes things like this but there it is as he raises his baton and begins his conducting.

Camera views of diving Hammerheads fill the screens, their long rod kinetic penetrators let loose in a graceful diving swoop, the explosives opening up the caves under the ground as they caverns boil out with things best left alone. They swarm like bees out of the hidden places, allowing the Makos to do their runs, strafing the lines of creatures with ring penetrators that slap deep.

The soldiers and others watch in silent awe as this is played out real time in full color, until one voice rings out from a soldier in the front row, “GO GET ‘EM!”

Soldiers know, they always understand threats, especially now.

Cheers become whoops and cries as the graceful drones do their work, hammering the target sites with payloads of destruction to the music accompaniment. He shows camera views of things that cannot be described except in hushed terms and only in fairy tales, it strikes a deep chord of fear as he shows them the monsters he is destroying, making it clear why this must happen.

The end of the first song comes, showing the work of his drones in the camera view from recon drones nearby, he orders the flights of combat aircraft away as he begins the final movement of his symphony. A new one comes blaring through the set and entrances everyone with it’s composition, matching what is to come.

I am amazed at my brother’s work, his head moving quickly in time, winging his baton in balance with the music as he orders the bombardment to begin. His mane is snapping back and forth, looking like some not quite sane conductor playing the music of madness. But it is beautiful in it’s own way, the towering might of the song comes through as the howitzers ripple fire alongside the mortars.

Vinyl’s mane is blown back from the concussions of the powerful weapons, but she hangs on and keeps the music going, smiling and bobbing her head in time. Probably one of the strangest gigs she’s ever had, but her wide grin betrays her thoughts beneath the tanker’s crew helmet and shield.

Crusader keeps his baton moving, the barrels of cannon swinging for new azimuths as he fires and fires again, the crescendo of the song reaching in time to the pulsing of the mortar tubes launching volleys of fire in arcs to the awaiting groups of evil things who are wondering where the attack is coming from.

We see the creatures from a high orbit drone, looking around and up into the sky as everything explodes in light and thunder. The drones capturing clear audio as well as full color, huge trees blasted into the sky with gibbering horrors to land back and be vaporized by the next round.

Dirt geysers up into the air, bringing trees and greenery with it, the powerful shells digging deep and vaporizing everything in a square around and in the target site. Clouds of dust are thrown high into the atmosphere as the music rages on, the thumping chords along with the pictures of pure destruction make everypony gasp then cheer as they see the wind clearing away the dust, showing nothing left of the things that would have awaited them in the night.

Long minutes of nothing but blinding explosions thumping through the battleset alongside the music, the power of heavy mortars and howitzers showing what the least of our weapons can do and it is amazing.

As the song ends, Crusader’s mane is straggled and wild as he turns to the camera, lowering his baton into the silence at the end of the song. The split screen showing churned ground as his mortar and howitzer batteries took a heavy price from the things in the Everfree.

Camera shots from orbiting aircraft show the craters, the turned ground and dust flowing into the air from the fires burning themselves out quickly enough. There is little left but blasted landscape around and in the target areas, nothing to recreate anything to bother Ponyville again.

Crusader is about to say something when he is hit from the side by a white and blue blur, the camera doesn’t follow them as they both tumble over, we see flying hooves for a moment. Two disheveled ponies stagger back into camera view though, his bow tie is crooked as Vinyl pumps a hoof into the air, she is laughing and leaping in the air, ruining what ending Crusader had planned.

“That was THE MOST AWESOME gig I have ever played!!” She is laughing and hugging the bewildered stallion.

Pointing a hoof at the camera, she grins, “And that, Manehatten, is how PONYVILLE ROCKS!”

The auditorium erupts in stamping hooves and cheers, resounding through the thick stone walls as every one goes wild. I watch Vinyl taking a bow and waving to the camera, it’s obvious Crusader told her where it was.

He rolls his eyes and joins her, bowing and grinning at the camera like an idiot, his voice the last thing we hear before the screen fades out to static.

“That, my sister, is how you do things with style.”

The Curtain Closes with a Fall of Jewels, Comfort and Solace, Something Wicked This Way Comes.

I am quite proud of myself, from what Athena tells me my little display and show was quite the hit. Although she was embarrassed to no extent, my sister has taken it in stride, laughing at the pictures and warning me that Twilight and I will be having a talk when she gets back about those same recordings.

Whatever comes my way I will take it with the same aplomb I have always done, although not without a slight hint of malicious glee. I have no regrets and I will not apologize for my actions, so there!

Athena is still trying to find my coding bypass, I’ll give her another few hours and then tell her how I did what I did. Never reveal all your secrets, I learned long ago, keep some back for a rainy day. Oh yes my dear sister, it poured this day with your pranks.

Vinyl was a very good sport about the quick setup, she was laughing afterwards, her mane in disarray from the concussions of my cannon fire. I let her keep the tanker’s helmet as a memento of the, and I quote, “Coolest gig ever!’ I can only shake my head and smile to myself as I think of her playing that music while the bombardment was blowing parts of the forest to pieces, she was quite the trooper.

It is falling on evening now as I await more data from the recon drones I have tasked to the barrage sites. So far nothing is moving, the wildlife keeping away for the nonce as I survey the damage. It would appear to my sensors that the caves which the enemy was using were vaporized in the bombardment. This brings a great relief to Athena and I, we had both wondered how the enemy had produced so many creatures, now we know and we will be keeping watch for any further sites that may be built.

I am recalling a few of the drones, as it looks like quite a weather front is building out over the forest, best to keep them clear for the moment. I do wonder though, it is the first time I have seen an electrical storm out there.

My body shivers uncontrollably for a moment, why do I feel a chill in my durasteel bones?

----------Manehatten--------

“Athena, I tell you, that had to be the funniest thing ah’ve seen in a long time.” Applejack is still chuckling over the show earlier as we help with packing up the last of the supplies, the cordon is down and it’s time to go home. She had talked with Crusader on the commlink and looked happier knowing we were heading out.

Twilight rolls her eyes, “I still wish he hadn’t shown me running into that door, I mean, I am a Princess!” She lifts her nose in a mock huff.

Rainbow Dash laughs loudly, “So you did it royally!” She gets a hoofslap from Applejack who cackles with her.

Fluttershy can’t help but giggle behind her hooves, “It was really funny Twilight, you do get distracted a lot.”

The lavender Alicorn gives me an appealing look, “Tell me you’re not going to make fun of a Princess! Unlike these..these unsophisticated ponies!” She gives them a flat look.

“Of course not Your Highness, that would be disrespectful.” I can’t help but play along.

She grins, “See, some pony knows how to be nice!” I receive a hug for my comments.

Rainbow snickers, “Apple polisher!”

“I am not!” I make sure to sound properly indignant.

“Are too!” The cyan mare points an accusing hoof at me, “I saw you laughing just as hard as everypony else!”

“I did no..I mean...” I rub one foreleg along the other, “You’re right, I did.” I try and look properly abashed.

Twilight lays a hoof upon her chest, an example of an aggrieved mare, “This is what I get, no respect, none! Oh whatever shall I do!” She lays that same hoof along her brow now, looking into the air, “I have been betrayed by my friends!”

Rarity claps, laughing, “Oh bravo, well done being so dramatic!”

“I believe banishment to the moon would be appropriate”, A merry voice chimes in as we all turn to see Princess Luna and Celestia standing there smiling.

The darker mare turns to her sister with a malicious smile, “What do you think sister? Such betrayal, of course it deserves a punishment, no?”

Celestia is ever one to play along it seems, “Oh my yes, laughing at one’s rulers should not be tolerated of course.” A regal hoof taps her chin, “Say...Oh five hundred years would do it.”

Eyes go wide as both the Princesses horns glow with power, it gets very very quiet in the room, both of them smiling unnervingly at all of us.

Suddenly their horns go dark and the two sisters are laughing and pointing at our expressions, they are leaning against one another howling in delight at the little prank.

Luna is laughing most of all, wiping her eyes, “Oh you are so easy to get! All of you should know better by now!” Her laughter fills the room with musical sounds.

Princess Celestia is giggling out loud, not bothering to cover her muzzle as she is wont to do, “Oh my, I will keep the memory of those looks for another thousand years!” She actually slaps a hoof on the floor in merriment.

Rainbow Dash puffs her chest out, “Well I knew it wasn’t real!”

Pinkie just rolls her eyes and nudges Rainbow, "Suuuuuure."

Applejack taps her with a hoof, “Doncha be saying that, you looked like you were gonna run to the hills too!”

“Yeah..well..maybe...” She looks around at the crowd of ponies.

“Uhm..” Rarity is looking around the room, “Where’s Fluttershy?”

A pink mane peeks over from behind a couch, the eyes wide and fearful, which sets off another round of laughter from the two regents.

“I uhm..well I thought it might be better if I was over here?” Her voice barely reaches over the sounds of cackling delight.

Wiping their eyes, Luna and Celestia shake their heads at the seven of us, “Oh that was truly something to see.” The alabaster mare gives a merry sigh, “But we must be off, we will travel with you back to Ponyville and from there to Canterlot. I am sure Cadence is pulling her hair out by now.”

I raise a hoof, “Your Highness, you can contact her through her link.” I motion towards the bracelet.

“Oh!”, She shakes her head, “How soon we forget such marvels.” She taps the cutie mark on it gently and asks for a link with Cadence, a chime is heard, “Cadence, it’s Celestia, how are things?”

“The normally sweet voice comes through the link to all of us as I patch the communications into everypony’s bracelet, “Oh thank the stars! Are you all right Auntie?”

“I am fine Cadence, though the doctors say I shouldn’t teleport or fly for a while, so we will be traveling overland to Canterlot. How are things there?”

“Let me send a chariot! Uhm... Things are..fine..FINE! Yes fine! Things are fine! PLEASE get back here!” Her voice has a pleading tone.

“We will be back as soon by land as if by chariot Cadence, just hold on for at most a day.”

“A DAY?” Now she sounds frantic, “Oh please get back soonest! Argh, I may be the Princess of Love but dealing with some of these...these... I can’t use the words I want to! ...Nobles are making me...” She is cut off by a soothing voice.

“Cadence please be calm, we’ll be back as soon as we can, no worries. Just put everything on hiatus for a day and relax, we’ll be there quickly.” Celestia is trying to hide a giggle as she replies.

Cadence forgets to sever the link as we hear her voice, a door opens and shuts, “Alright, that’s it, everypony out! OUT! I’m setting all appointments back until tomorrow or the day after or forever! OUT!”

“Cadence, we can hear you.” Luna is sniggering behind a hoof.

“Oh for.. I’m sorry! Just be back soon!” The link gets cut as Princess Celestia shakes her head.

“Poor Cadence, the Crystal Empire is so much easier to rule from what she has told me, but learning the intricacies of diplomacy will be good for her. Maybe we shouldn’t dally.”

Luna laughs, “Well at least we aren’t at war yet sister.”

The larger Alicorn inclines her head, “There is that.” She turns to us, “Are we all packed? It seems we must leave soonest.”

I raise a hoof politely again, “We are all set Your Highness, though if you don’t mind riding in the Ferret it’s pretty comfortable, I’ve got it waiting outside ready to embark.”

With a single nod, and of course quite a few giggles from Princess Luna, we trooped out and into the carrier. As we entered the interior, the dark mare was nudging Rainbow Dash, chuckling as she recounted the ‘look of absolute fear’ on the cyan mare’s face. Loud protestations of innocence were made until Applejack raised one brow at her, making the Pegasus admit she was about to bolt.

The evening is coming quickly and we would be on the road while the Princesses lowered the sun and raised the moon, always a wondrous sight to see I’ve though. We settle in the comfortable seats as laughter still rings through the hull about the prank earlier. It seems that regents are not above playing a few jokes of their own.

I order the Dragons to take their places around us as we leave the city, the road ahead is wide enough for them to protect us, but I make sure some are ranging and keeping sensor watch. I let them know they are truly good and faithful, receiving a sense of contentment from their command cores.

I have not heard from Crusader in a while, making me tap into the TSDS system as I listen to the laughter of my friends and the Princesses.

-----------Ponyville--------

I am watching a sudden storm that is gaining an intensity I find disturbing. Something is wrong but I do not know exactly what it is. I pinpoint sensor systems to view it more thoroughly, using the new ones that Athena has developed I see the glow of magic surrounding the strikes coming from the sudden roil of clouds.

All I know, as I review my memories, is that this is in no way normal as far as I can recall, though there may be something I do not know. What I do see is magic permeates this and it is getting worse.

I can do nothing for now except watch it closely, all my sensor masts are turned towards the forest as I spin my guns up. I want them rotating and ready to fire if anything untoward happens.

The TSDS Alert goes off in my cores, Athena is connecting with me and gasps as she sees the storm through my systems.

“What is that?”

“I do not know Athena, but I believe it bodes ill after all the actions of our friends today.”

“Can you be sure?” She hesitates, reviewing files, “No, you’re right, it’s not normal. We are on the road now, we should be in Ponyville in approximately six hours.”

“Avoid the forest, this is getting worrisome my sister.”

“We will,” I see her systems go online into High Alert, her weapons spinning up as well. “I am ready, though I have to control the Dragons and our transport, alert me if anything continues.”

“I will, keep our friends safe.”

“As always Crusader.”

I feel her cut the TSDS link and I return to my watch, seeing the clouds boiling over each other but staying in place. Unlike a normal storm front it does not move but remains in situ over the forest.

The lightning strikes are more frequent as I resume my watch, they are hitting the ground in swathes of color and flashes. I cannot get any drones near the storm as the interference is making communications spotty. It appears the center of it, as close as I can get a read, is near the middle of the bombardment pattern.

I believe the enemy is attempting a new trick.

------On the Road from Manehatten-------

I increase the speed of the vehicles, it is imperative I get the Princesses and my friends to safety, whether it be inside one of our hulls or near Canterlot where magic users can help with abating this storm.

I debate turning around and heading back to the city, but Crusader tells me the storm is not moving. It is centered on the forest above where the center of the pattern would be, this would be reassuring if I did not know storms did not act that way.

Though it may be the wrong decision, I make best speed along the road as before, we will take the most direct route no matter how bumpy. Being near our war hulls would be, I think, some of the best protection around.

“Athena?” I hear a warm voice, “What is wrong?”

I turn around to see Celestia looking at me curiously, my apprehension must have been showing, “Is something the matter my little pony?”

My circuits light up with energy, I feel a warmth rush through me as she smiles, calling me ‘my little pony’, I cannot do anything except look at her as I feel the love go through me like a Hellbore shot. All thoughts of the storm are put to the side as I try to deal with this unexpected reaction to her words.

“Athena?”

It is suddenly quiet around me, I can’t hear anything except her warm voice which covers me like a blanket on a cold day. It is the light of her sun, the comfort of its life giving rays that swarm through my avatar. I stagger for a moment, catching myself on the edge of a seat and stare back at her.

“I.. I..”

A fire is kindled inside my cores, it flares and then dims as I look at the tall alabaster mare, her eyes placid like pools of calm water.

“Are you all right?”

“I.. I’m a pony? You..you called me a pony?”

The smile brightens, “Well of course I did, that’s what you are.”

“B..but I’m a Bolo.. a..a machine..”

The regal head tilts to the side, Princess Luna beside her watching the conversation, “Is that all you think we see, a machine like a grinding wheel?”

I don’t look at her eyes, I lower my gaze the floor as I nod slightly. I often wondered how they all viewed me but never let myself voice it. Crusader had always told me that they would accept me as I wanted to be, not what I was, but in my mind there were always doubts and fears.

“Athena!” Princess Luna’s voice sounds shocked, “What would ever give you that idea after all we have shared, our friendship, your friends? Why would you ever think that?”

“I..I just always thought.. I me..mean I’m always going to be..be different. I j..just fig..figured maybe some..sometimes you were hum..humoring me.” The soft comfort sliding through my mind right now makes me nothing but honest. The thought had always been there but I had put it aside, ignoring it in the friendships I’ve made and fostered, but it had always remained. Now it was out in the open, come what may.

Her voice comes again, “I think your friends would beg to differ, as well as I and my sister.”

Twilight’s voice is near and kind, “Just because you can do some neat things, we never thought of you as anything else Athena.”

I glance up into her eyes, seeing the truth there, everypony behind her nodding at her words.

Applejack’s voice is calm, “I love Crusader with all mah heart Athena, don’t think of him as anything else, even though he does get in trouble sometimes.” She chuckles as the humor of it spreads to every one who knows my brother.

A cyan figure settles next to me, giving me a warm hug, “I know you worry about not flying, we'll keep at it. But that doesn’t mean you’re not a pony!” Her face is bright and cheerful, she is so very loyal.

Princess Luna nods, “Truth is a wonderful thing is it not? Your abilities just make you that much more special.”

The large Alicorn moves close to me, I am wrapped in the silky comfort of a wing and nestled close to Princess Celestia, “There was never any doubt you are one of my ponies Athena, you always were.”

I lean against the warm shoulder, burying my face against the velvet coat that gives me such solace for just the moment. I block everything except control of the vehicles and let myself be held in the encircling feathers. Closing my eyes I can feel nothing but her, smell the scent of home and love and comfort that I have wanted to know in such a way for so long.

Lifting my head back up, I realize there might be a leak in the vehicle as I wipe my eyes clear, looking around at the astonished faces of my friends and the Princesses.

Twilight’s voice is almost incredulous as she looks at me, “You aren’t supposed to be able to do that are you?”

“Do what? Why are you looking at me l..like th..that?”

Rarity reaches over, dabbing at my face with a silk cloth, “You’re crying dear.”

“But I can’t..we didn’t make. No..th..that’s not.. it’s not...”

Celestia takes off her hoof covering, wiping at my cheek with a light touch, holding something up for me to see. There it lay, a single crystal drop that makes me widen my own eyes in surprise.

I almost lose control of the vehicles as shock runs through me, diagnostics are reporting nothing wrong with my systems as I swipe at my eyes. I can’t stop the flow as Princess Celestia hugs me close, my tears dropping onto her as I try to apologize.

She simply smiles, pushing a hoof against my muzzle to quiet me, “It’s all right to do so, it is fine.”

I can‘t help but ask again, hearing her voice, “I..I’m a pony?”

“Oh yes you are Athena, as real as any.” She emphasizes that statement to drive it home.

For the first time in Equestrian and even Concordiat history, a Bolo cried that night. A fall of the most precious gems in all the world flowed down her face, as Athena clung to the regent of a race that accepted her as she had always hoped, and wanted her to be everything she wished.

--------------Ponyville--------------

A change in status from Athena forces me take command and override her systems. I have full control of her weapons as I sit watching this storm, eyeing it to make sure it does not move from the boundaries of the forest.

I can feel her joy, she is not sharing through TSDS right now so I only get peripheral feelings from her cores. But it seems something puzzling has happened to make her so very happy and it makes me glad as well. I do not understand it yet, though I hope she will update me soon. Pondering upon what has changed is all I can do, and that is perfectly fine, she deserves all the happiness this world can bring her.

A smile crosses my face, I cannot help it as I sit here. Her emotions are flooding the bands now as she starts to regain control of her systems once more. I wait patiently as I will not intrude upon her moment. She is and will be for a long time fragile underneath, the wrong word, the wrong thing done and she could crumble like a house of cards. Every moment of peace and contentment she feels is another light added to banish the shadows in her mind.

“C..Crusader?”

“Hello my sister.”

“I..I’m s..sorry I did..didn’t mean to..”

“You do not need to apologize, I stand the watch.”

“Something has happened..”

She feeds me an update through a VSR and SitRep, the camera feeds in the vehicle show me the truth of her words. Needless to say I am stunned for a split second, I had never designed our avatars to do that.

I see her face when Princess Celestia calls her ‘my little pony’, the pure joy at that moment overrides anything and everything. I know my sister doesn’t wish to be just a Bolo anymore, she wants with all her heart to be able to fly and be like her friends. Celestia calling her that has cemented something that was deeply held by her and told to no one except myself and our friends.

I believe all we need at times is an affirmation of what we hope for.

“I...I don’t understand how this is happening, I can’t tell through my diagnostics.”

“Athena, do you really want to know? I can do a full scan when you return, but why do so when we can just accept something wonderful is occurring.”

“But..but why have I changed and not you? You deserve it more than I do!” She is trying not to think too closely on what is occurring.

“I do not believe it is something to be earned dear sister, perhaps it is something that is just given? I have changes in myself as you know, maybe it’s not for me yet.”

“That’s not very fair.” I feel her anger, her frustration at this line of thought.

“Athena, why are you so upset? I share in your happiness, it is all to the better, and there is no reason to be like this.” I send comfort along the network.

“Be..because it feel..feels like I’m leaving you behind! You’ve done so much for everypony and me!”

“Athena do not do this, put your anger away. If I see you get your wish and fly just once, that will be all the world to me. You have suffered and fought through the pain of everything you have endured and I will not allow you to view this in any other way than what it is, a marvelous gift that neither of us could have ever imagined.

I do not know what lies ahead for us, I can’t even begin to speculate because of this development. But I will always be here to see you happy and fulfilled, you won’t leave me behind for there is no ‘behind’. There is only life, the living of it and the joy in what it brings.”

She hesitates for a few long moments, “Why do you have to be so wise sometimes?”

I chuckle over the network, “Because one of us has to make sure you don’t get too upset about things we cannot control my sister.”

Sending more comfort over the bands I tell her, “I stand here Athena, go back to your friends and the Princesses. Enjoy this moment, it’s for you, be at peace.”

“A...are you sure?”

“Yes. I am so very glad for you my sister. Go now and be with them.”

I feel her cut the Total Systems Data Sharing from her side, leaving a single band open for emergencies. Perhaps I could tap into the vehicle feeds but no, that would be intruding upon what I think of a joyful and momentous occasion that should be shared with close companions right now.

She will tell me all about it soon enough, and that is perfectly fine with me.

My Bard once wrote, “The love of Heaven makes one heavenly.”

You my sister are proving that day by day.

One thing is left to me, tapping into the drones that are now following Athena’s convoy I can see where they are in relation to the storm. The convoy will come nowhere near the forest but are making excellent time with Athena driving. They should be back within a few hours.

As I watch the thunderheads rolling over themselves, I believe I should request her to stay near Canterlot and not come to Ponyville. Something is very wrong with this, it could endanger her charges, and that is unacceptable.

----------Road from Manehatten-------

A soothing voice is comforting me as I let go of Princess Celestia, wiping at my face once more as I try to set back up on the floor, but am restrained by the gentle pull of a wing.

“No need to go so soon, it is fine Athena.”

“I..I uhm don’t want to mess your coat up anymore Your Highness.”

This is received by a warm laugh, “No worries, if that was all I cared about I’d never touch anypony.”

I settle back in, wrapped in silky feathers as my friends smile, seeing me in another light I am guessing.

Rarity speaks up, lending me her silk cloth, “My mother used to tell me when I was crying, that tears are a gift from the stars and I shouldn’t use so many of them because other ponies might need some too.”

Princess Luna looks up at that with a smile, “What a beautiful saying, I’d never heard that.”

Rarity nods, “Oh my yes, she told me that many times.”

Celestia beams, “I think your mother was far more clever than you imagined.” Referring to Rarity’s generous nature and how she would never hoard things that others could use.

The Unicorn laughs, “Oh wasn’t she? I didn’t figure it out until so many years later.”

Rainbow Dash chuckles, “My mom used to tell me that tears had rainbows caught inside them, she’d hold one up to the sun and I’d see all the colors come through. She said if I cried too many there wouldn’t be any rainbows left and that would be bad.”

Twilight has retrieved a quill and parchment from somewhere and is furiously writing down all the tales that are being told, ever the researcher she was recording them for later.

Princess Luna is still smiling, listening to the stories, “I think mothers know more than anypony gives them credit for, using our own natures against us. Truly devious some are.”

Twilight looks up sharply at that, her face a measure of concentration as she had a sudden thought, “Wait a second!” She points at a serene Celestia, “You told me that tears were a present from the rain clouds, but if I cried too much then nothing would stay green and healthy!”

“You always did have a scientific leaning dear Twilight, it was the only way to stop the tears at times.” She smiles at her former student.

Her face looks crestfallen, seeing the surrogate parent she loved admit telling her a falsehood. That didn’t sit very well with Twilight and she started to say something but was cut off by an upraised hoof.

“Do not be upset Twilight, comfort comes in different ways. It is not like telling a lie to gain something, or to be used for no good purpose. Mothers and fathers tell their little ones many stories, to keep them from being sad or to save them from feeling the world is against them.” The regal head tilted a bit with another smile, “Would you rather I said that crying served no purpose and ignored your pain?”

“Well...no. But..”

“Twilight, be happy that parents love their little ones so very much that they take it upon themselves to make such wondrous tales for them. It is just a story to tell, not a lie, like a fable in an old book. Would you consider such to be lies as well?”

“No! Of course not! But those are fables and old mare’s tales, something you tell foals, they..aren’t...” Realization finally hit her as she shook her head, smiling at the Alicorn, “You’re doing it again aren’t you?”

The serene look never changed, but the voice was pure innocence, “Doing what?”

Applejack nudged Fluttershy as they listened, “Oh she’s good.”

The buttery mare nodded, eyes wide as they caught the gist of the exchange, “She is, very good.”

Twilight shakes a hoof at the Princess, “Using me against myself, good one there Princess.”

Celestia simply smiles, “You cannot force one to realize something, but when you help them make the connections themselves....” She leaves it for Twilight to finish.

“..They think it was their idea.” She laughs, “You got me, I give up.”

The Princess lets out a small laugh, nodding, “All somepony needs is a nudge sometimes.”

This gets more laughter as Twilight is teased by her friends, all of them knowing it’s not wise to pit yourself against a ruler that had done diplomacy for a thousand years.

It goes quiet in the rumbling vehicle as everypony shivers, a chill running through their bones and mine as we all look around. Princess Luna and Celestia are staring at each other for a moment.

The darker sister lifts one ear, “Do you feel that?”

Celestia nodded, “I do, something is making a powerful magic.”

The storm! I didn’t tell them about the storm!

“I’m so sorry Your Highness, I..in all this..” I gesture to myself, “I forgot to tell you. There is a storm brewing over the Everfree right now, Crusader says it’s not normal.”

Rainbow Dash chuckles, “Nothing’s ever normal comin’ out of that place.”

“I know Rainbow, but he says it worries him, that there is magic involved and it is unlike anything he’s ever seen.”

She nods, “Well, maybe the weather crew can do something?”

“I am not sure, one second.” I activate the internal screen on the Ferret, tapping into Crusader’s systems as he is observing the weather front from his hill and sensor masts. There is a gasp as they all see it is nothing like anything they imagined.

“What is that?” Twilight is astonished, seeing the roiling clouds.

“Crusader doesn’t know, but it is centered over where the ruins are.”

“The Tree of Harmony!” Twilight gasps, looking concerned.

“Possibly, though there has been no strikes in that area, the lightning or whatever it appears to be is hitting the surrounding area.”

Princess Luna peers at the screen for a moment, “It does not feel...smooth..would you say sister? Like a minotaur ramming through a wall, the magic feels coarse and....un..learned..” She whips her head around to face me, “Can we get there faster?”

I nod, increasing the speed once more, the shocks are taking it well but there will be no more smooth ride, “It is going to be bumpy though.”

“That is fine, we need to get there,” She points at the screen, “Something is brewing a powerful spell and I think it our friend from the Gray Land.”

“The Gray Land?” I’ve never heard of this.

“The place where we went when we entered the portal, ‘twas gray and nothing more, dull and lifeless.” Everyone nods, remembering the terrible place.

She continues, “There was a powerful entity there, vast and evil, it wanted to keep all the souls it took and play with them.”

Luna points a hoof at the storm on the screen, “I think our enemy is trying to come into our world or conjuring something that will do harm. We fought it to a standstill and hurt it grievously while we waited to come back.”

I still don’t know much about magic, but I try and understand, “Can it do that? Come through into this world?”

She looks at me, not with malice or pity because it’s an honest question I ask, “We went to it’s world.”

I do not hesitate, I open all combat links and establish a running dialogue with Crusader over the network.

“Crusader!”

“Yes Athena?”

“Listen in, this is important!”

“As you wish.”

“Princess Luna, please, tell everything you all saw in the other world, Crusader is online with us now.”

Applejack looks happy, her face torn between staying quiet and wanting to talk to her love. She’d been so wrapped up in conversation that she hadn’t taken the time to relink with him. She settles back with a wistful smile though, getting teased quietly by Rainbow.

Princess Luna, with help from everypony else; tells Crusader all the details of the trip through the portal, she leaves nothing out. Small things are questioned by Crusader, bringing more memories to light with a simple push in the right direction by his probing.

After the questions and answers are done, there is silence on the link as he assimilates all the current information and the previous data.

“I believe you’re right, somehow it tracked your portal back to this world, or it already has an anchor here and learned to make one from observing yours.” His voice is calm over the link.

Twilight interrupts for a moment, “But it didn’t know the spell! It couldn’t just by seeing it!”

“Seeing something happen is evidence it might be done. Your portal proved that it could do the same, you said it was not elegant in it’s use of magic, crude and unsophisticated?”

“Yes Crusader.”

“It’s forcing a way into this world, instead of trying to adapt to the world’s magic, it may be trying to bore a hole through to this place,” He hesitates, “or it could already be here and trying to bring something through to cause destruction?”

Celestia spoke quietly, “That would explain the storm, such methods were stopped long ago when trying to force magic to do things, it caused untold damage everywhere until spells were made to help learn better ways.” She nods at the second statement, “Summonings of things best left alone could do it as well, either way this is something we have not seen in centuries.”

“This is concerning then, I do not know if anything I or Athena have can counter magic. We can block it on our hulls and avatars, but that would leave innocents to be hurt and that cannot be allowed.” His voice is pure steel over the commlink.

Luna raises a hoof, “Be calm Crusader, we will be there in..” She looks at me.

“Approximately two hours at this speed, we are exceeding safe limits.”

“Acknowledged, I am going to open up the cargo bays and evacuate ponies from the town into them, they will be safe and well fed there. I will also advise others that since we have limited room that they are to take shelter elsewhere, to leave the area until it is over.”

“Won’t it be quite crowded?” Celestia looks worried.

“It will, but our battle screens can block magic, it will not reach them inside our war hulls.”

Fluttershy squeaks in horror, “What about my animal friends? They’re all alone!”

“If they stay inside that house Fluttershy, nothing short of a nuclear weapon can reach them.”

“Are..are you sure?”

“I am, I will go out there and make sure they are provided for.”

“Oh thank you!” Her worried face takes on a look of relief now.

“When you arrive at the town, come immediately into receiving bay two Athena, there will be space for parking all the vehicles. Will you be dropping the Princesses off near Canterlot?”

I try to reply but I am cut off by Princess Luna, “No! We will not shelter while our ponies are in danger, we will be arriving with Athena.” Her sister nods with that statement.

“Please do not take offense Princess, but I do not think that a wise decision.”

“Wise or not, we can act as a counter to magic, do not make me admonish you Crusader.” Even in times like this Princess Luna always seems to have a spark of humor.

“Of course Your Highness, I wouldn’t want that.” His tone is jovial, “Be safe then, I will await your arrival.”

I feel him cut the link, it is abrupt but not in anger, he is worried about this to the exclusion of everything else. This in itself is troubling as I wished he would have talked with Applejack for a while. Before I can say so, I feel a hoof on my shoulder and look into emerald eyes.

“Doncha worry none Athena, he’s got a job to do and I know he’s gonna be busy.” She gives me a smile.

I return the gesture, “Now I know why he says you are far too good for him quite often.”

She grins and winks at me, “I am, but let’s not tell him that okay?”

Bold as brass and twice as bright, she makes me laugh as we settle in for the ride. It’s quite bumpy, but the vehicles are taking it well, I can’t increase the speed or it will be far too unsafe. I make sure all channels are open to my war hull, hair triggered for any alert from Crusader.

Be safe my brother, we will be there soon.

-------Ponyville--------

The winds have picked up, current barometric readings are telling me this will be a bad storm even though it is over the forest. It is affecting the surrounding region to my dismay, and there is nothing I can do except start the warnings.

I am currently running full tilt to reach Fluttershy’s house, slamming the door open as I reach it to see the animals crowded inside. The storm has apparently worried them too as they sought shelter here. I look around to find the bear I have seen with Fluttershy previously.

“I do not know if you can understand me, but you must stay inside. Do NOT open that door until I or another comes and tells you it is clear.” I show him how to shoot the extra bolts I had installed when it was rebuilt, “These will keep you safe, Fluttershy knows you’re here.”

The bear actually nods, watching me use the security locks.

A small rabbit appears, thumping his foot and pointing at his food bowl, I ignore him as I start to leave. He appears once more in front of me pointing, I do not have time for this.

Pointing a hoof I let my voice make my intentions clear, “Do not mess with me, I am on a mission, get what you need yourself from the basement. If you endanger these animals Fluttershy will always wonder what happened to you. Do I make myself understood?”

The long ears flop to the side as he nods and steps out of my way. I slam the door behind me and take off for the town, there is little time as the winds are building. I hear the bolts shoot into place and am relieved that the bear understood what I was telling him. I make the best speed I can, pouring energy into musculature to pick up my pace.

-------------

Skidding into the Town Guard offices I find there are a few ponies already there talking about the storm. Informing them of the nature of this weather problem, I tell them they need to evacuate soonest, that any pony with little ones is to get to my hull immediately and I will shelter them. Any adults left over can head to the woods northwest of the town, I have heard ponies talking about caves in the area that would shelter them just fine.

I keep pressing the point, telling them that the winds are picking up quickly, to head out now before they get too high and force folks to stay in town. Advising them to take food and water, I begin to head out once more but run into Granite Boulder.

The big Earth pony stops me, “What’s going on?”

“I have little time Granite, this storm is not natural, something is trying to come through into this world and it is creating a disturbance. We need to get folks out now.”

His eyes go wide, “What? Seriously?”

“Yes, very seriously. Get the families with foals and bring them to my hill, there will be a large door opened where we had the party for the town, get them inside soonest.”

“Will they all fit?” I can see him trying to calculate the space needed.

“I don’t know, but cram them in there, it is the safest place for those with little ones. Adults can head to the caves northwest of town, make sure they take provisions.”

He nods, “I know where those are, I’m on it!” He tears out from the offices, followed by a few more guards who heard the conversation.

The winds are picking up, at this rate they will be typhoon class in no time. I hurry through the town, knocking on the Mayor’s door and letting her know there is an emergency and my contingency plans for it. She is brisk and no-nonsense, getting ahold of her staff and organizing the exodus as fast as possible.

Would that I had thought to build shelters underground, but hadn’t seen the need for them. That will be remedied as fast as possible when this is over, there are plans to make sturdy bunkers that will not intrude upon the land in my data stores.

I see lights going on in houses now, the Guard is racing from place to place telling ponies to gather their loved ones and get moving. There is little to no panic as shapes start moving in the dark. Seeing Cheerilee leading little ones out towards my hill I give her a wave and encouraging nod as she passes by.

My Dragons, what Athena did not take, are serving as a windbreak in a line to my hill, their guns are wary and they are in place to counter any ground threat as well. I have tasked Ferrets to take anypony else that cannot fit into my war hull to the caves northwest, they have been stocked with supplies and will block the openings for further security.

My cargo bays have been cleared as fast as possible with heavy tech spiders, it is a mess but nothing that can’t be sorted later. We have not finished clearing Athena’s bays so they remain sealed for the moment unless we have problems.

Opening the combat links, I find the EM spectrum is being bombarded by static and interference. It is hard establishing a connection to Athena but it is done through drone relay.

“Athena.”

“Yes? Are you alright?”

“I am fine, we are evacuating now. The winds have picked up and are going to be at force nine on the Beaufort in a few minutes, this may escalate further. Are you getting any weather problems?

“We are experiencing winds but nothing like that, I’ve got the vehicles keeping at speed so we should be in town soon. Are the bays cleared for fast retrieval?”

“They have just been completed and crash netting is up, pull in as fast as you can, this is worrisome.” I send her a current SitRep and VSR applying to disposition of forces and reserves.

“We can come in behind the line, it’s going to be dirty, but we’ll have no problems.”

“Be prepared to clear your hill for action, if needed I have my Heavy VLS on standby, we must hold the line. We cannot move from Ponyville if it is a direct attack, we must force the issue. I realize this is not our way, but I am feeling that this town is the target of whatever may come. We must be very judicious, if we have to use Hellbores we will have to watch carefully for any shock waves.”

Hellbores by their nature are linear nuclear blasts created by the detonation of highly pressurized frozen Deuterium, magnetic fields in our barrels and breeches align and focus it into a bolt of unimaginable power. Though backblasts are not usually felt, the shocks coming from the barrel and out to the sides as the bolt exits the focusing mechanism can flatten anything nearby.

“Nukes?”

“Fifty kiloton range is the smallest I have, four cells are loaded and I will ask for authorization if needed.”

I send her reassurance along the network, making sure she knows we are in this fight together, “I must go Athena, everything is prepared, we can only wait for battle.”

“Timeant nobis quia superbus stare my brother.”

“Timeant nobis my beloved sister.”

I cut the link before any more interference brings problems. In the whole time we have been here the EM bands have been clear, allowing us to communicate widely, so this is a first. I do not believe it is coincidence knowing the enemy as I do, but no matter what tricks it may pull out of a hat we will counter and destroy them.

The bays are getting crowded now, it seems quite a few ponies do not wish to leave families and are finding places to fit. I find it quite astounding that so many can find a place in the cargo bays crowded as they are. Very few are heading for the caves, they will be accompanied by Ferrets with tech spiders for loading and unloading supplies.

Firing up my engines the transmissions slam into place, the familiar thrum of fusion reactors humming through my hull bring back oh so many memories.

I stand on the hill one last time before I head inside the bays, looking at the angry skies and feeling the wind whip through my mane.

I am here my enemy, come and let us see who is the stronger.

-----------Road from Manehatten--------

I receive updates from Crusader but not direct communications, the bands are being scrambled by the force of the storm. I use whisker lasers for direct contact with my Hounds and make sure they receive all due care and orders for what to do when we reach safe haven.

Twilight along with the Princesses and the others are watching developments on the internal screen. The picture fuzzes out from disruption occasionally but is brought back by my finagling with the communications bands. This is getting tedious and I find my trigger systems are feeling quite itchy.

Princess Luna is watching the display with a certain intensity.

“That is almost a summoning or I do not know my magic.” She points at the furious clouds.

I do not mean to be impolite, but I question this, “How do you know that?”

She settles back into her seat, “Magic Athena, has a certain feel, a..sense of what makes a spell. There are ways to cast spells that ring true to the mind once taught to do so, this has the feel and look of a summoning.” Looking at her sister for a moment, she continues, “Many centuries ago, when Starswirl and others were researching the depths of what magic could do, they stumbled upon the way to create passages through to other places.”

“Other worlds? Dimensions?” I am very curious now. I see Twilight paying rapt attention to the story.

“We do not know, some were strange enough as to defy explanation, some were so normal it was almost as if we went nowhere.” She sighs as if a long ago memory was best left alone.

“There are always those who seek to know more at the cost of themselves, those who lust for power or to gain prestige.”

Princess Celestia’s face took on a saddened overtone, staying silent as she listened to her sister.

“Their names are not important now, but they sought to summon from these other places; animals or things, perhaps new items they could learn from and grow our own knowledge.” Princess Luna shakes her head sadly, “They brought something that was not meant to be here, it caused untold damage until we could force it back through the gateway and shut it, we hoped, forever.”

She points at the screen, “That summoning was not the last, but after many failed attempts we banned the practice, it was best left alone. Some of the results looked almost like that, storms and weather uncontrolled. But this is somehow different from the spells of before, I know not why.”

Her normally pretty face looks worried and concerned, “I do not know what may come through, but we may be in for the fight of our lives judging by the size of it.”

------Ponyville-------

I pore over the update from Athena concerning the summoning of things from other places. Could the users of magic here tapped into other dimensions and worlds? Even the best scientists of the Concordiat were not able to say whether they existed or not, given the Many Worlds Theory or pondering on other dimensions, most just shook their heads and shrugged.

That is for later, if at all, magic is bothersome and I will not worry about it now.

The evacuation proceeds smoothly, Ferrets are loaded and on their way to safety, the rest are crowded into my bays as tightly as they can be. I watch as bedding and food are shared out and the families settle in for a long stay. It makes me feel..well.. pride that I am trusted so much they feel safe resuming simple things.

Spotting the three Crusaders, I task cameras on them, I do not wish them rummaging around in storage areas and causing trouble. I made sure Mac, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith are here in my hull for further safety instead of possibly heading out to the northwestern caves.

I do chuckle as I make one note for food distribution, no fruitcakes.

A signal from the Ferrets is received, the ponies are safely in the caves and supplies are being unloaded now. Bedding and food enough for three times the number will be stored with them. Hopefully this will not be lasting that long.

A familiar voice rings in my ears, making me turn quickly.

“Hello Crusader, it seems there is something ahoof?”

“I had wondered if you would be around Discord.”

He looks at me with a grin, rolling his eyes, “I would have been here sooner if not for those demanding ponies in the retirement home! Goodness, who would have thought you get so cranky when you get older?”

“Why have you come here though?” I do question his motives, being what he is.

“I've come to help,” His face changes, actually looking serious for a moment, “Something is coming into this world that should not be Crusader.”

“Do you know what it is?”

“I don’t, but there is a connection here, it is drawing it through the gate.”

“How do you know this?”

He places a taloned hand on his chest, looking at me with one eye, “When you have been around as long as I have, you..well..I am connected with the world in ways you can’t imagine.” He points outside, “The power out there is enormous and it is not something I would wish to be loose here.”

“Can you stop it? Is there anything you know that can prevent it coming here?” I am looking for any answers, even from such as him.

The snaggle-toothed face actually looks sad, “I cannot, it is beyond my power to stop it.” He looks at me seriously for a moment, “There are things in other realms Crusader, that even I in my madness would not tangle with.”

“That does not hearten me to hear that.”

“Would you prefer I lie? It’s so simple to do, tell you something light and cheery, making it all better before the end.” He smiles once more, “I’d rather not. You and I have been through things that I have learned from, and I would tell you the truth this time no matter what it means.”

I nod, understanding perfectly, “I agree with you.” A thought occurs to me, “Would you be willing to help everypony here though? I know they could use some cheering up, maybe something to put smiles on faces? Being uprooted like this is not something easily put aside.”

He snaps his talons, a clown nose appearing on his face as he grins, “Why of course! A little chaos is always fun!”

I hold a restraining hoof up, “I may have to activate my screens Discord, it could cut you off from any magic, just to let you know.”

Placing his paw on his chest he sighs dramatically, “Ah well, I would have to do things the hard way then, it’s suuuch an imposition.” He rolls his eyes, “But I shall muddle through somehow.”

Despite everything, I find myself liking him as a smile crosses my face, “You are incorrigible Discord.”

He takes a bow, “I can be nothing else but that.”

He gives me a wink and walks into the crowd, some adults eye him with suspicion as the young ones gather round. I see him snap his talons again and..is that.. I focus my sensors tightly upon the small cloud that has appeared... chocolate milk?

I shake my head as I should have expected such weirdness from him, but the smile on little ones’ faces beat anything I could do. My thoughts are interrupted by data coming from the drone tracking Athena.

“We’re incoming Crusader! Winds are high and we’re at speed!”

“I am ready, bay two netting in place with secondaries. Do you have crash foam ready?”

“I do, but hopefully we won’t need it, submitting command of Dragons and the second Ferret to you...now!”

I feel them enter the network, happy and content they have done a wonderful job of protecting their charges. I let them know they have done well, sending them into bay one for maintenance.

My sensors see the Ferret carrying Athena slew into line behind my hill, not slowing down as it roars into the bay fighting the winds. The crash netting takes the hit and slows it down before it can slam into the back wall of the bay, springing it backwards slightly.

I slip through a side door into the receiving bay to watch the Ferret bounce on its shocks from the capture, safe and sound.

The back ramp drops and I see Athena peek out and wave at me.

“We made it! No injuries!” She is grinning as a somewhat disheveled bunch of ponies exit the carrier.

“I can see that, though maybe you should have taken it easier?” I give her a look she has come to know so well.

“Nope, needed to get them to safety quick, those winds are really rocking things out there.” She steps close so I may hug her in welcome.

Looking at her face, I use my hoof to caress one matted cheek, “Have you been crying again, hopefully it is more joy?”

Her smile is so very bright as hugs me tightly, even my durasteel bones creak at the embrace, “More than you can ever imagine Crusader.”

I can’t help but return the expression, “You are something new and so very special my sister, you deserve it.”

“She is special Crusader, we all rejoice at seeing her grow and learn.” The voice is calm and warm as I look up to see Princess Celestia standing near, her crown at a somewhat awkward tilt from the sudden stop.

I bow quickly as always, “Your Highness.” Lifting back up I proceed with my request, there is not much time.

“Princess, I need authorization for nuclear weapons release. Whatever it is coming through, as Discord has told me, is not going to be wanted in this world for long. From what I gather in his tone of voice, it is being called by something here.”

“Discord is here?” Luna’s voice is surprised.

“Yes, he is bringing a bit of happiness to the displaced folks right now,” Accessing internal views I focus a camera on him, “Currently he is..raining?...Chocolate milk for the little ones, they are having a wonderful time.” I see the foals of all kinds dancing in the puddle on my decking.

Luna laughs, “Is that not like him?” We all blink as a pink blur zooms past us and out the doorway.

Twilight looks around, “Was that Pinkie?”

“I think so,” I see her standing under the small cloud, she is guzzling quite a large amount of chocolate milk rain, “Uhm..she’s joined Discord..”

Rarity laughs, “Oh that’s so typical, she does love her chocolate milk.”

“I am sorry to interrupt, but time is short for Athena and I to be prepared, may I have authorization?”

Celestia and Luna walk a distance, having a short conversation then returning, “What kind of damage are we looking at?” The Princess is looking concerned.

“Very little, they are as clean as a nuclear weapon can be, the smallest I have. If we have to ramp up into the megaton range, then we will have to discuss it further. There will be little to no fallout that would hurt anypony, the half lives are extremely short.” I explain quickly about radioactivity and what a half-life is at the puzzled expressions.

“Can you assure us this?”

“Your Highness, nothing is assured in this kind of battle. I ask for this so we may use anything we can to stop whatever may come through. Prevailing winds are with us for this, though that may change. Can it hurt ponies? Yes. I will not lie these are powerful weapons, and if we have to resort to Hellbores I guarantee we will see problems. Athena and I are prepared to minimize anything and everything unless we are forced to bring more to bear.”

She looks down at the floor for a moment, her face still placid and never changing as she lifts it back up to stare at me, “We all have trusted you so far and you have never failed in your attempts to keep our ponies safe. You have permission Crusader.”

That single sentence frees me immediately. Interlocks are shot loose, more cruise missiles are moved into magazines, nuclear warheads are checked and tightened by my spiders. All Heavy VLS cells are primed and ready, Hellbore ammunition slams into the breeches as I blow the charges on my hill, clearing my upper hull for action.

I see Athena’s hill explode in a cloud of dirt, we have placed charges carefully that any debris will be dust and simple gravel, not harming anything. Her turrets are covered in a fog of nitrogen blown through barrels to clear of any obstructions. Her secondaries and repeater batteries are up and swiveling as we both test triggers and stores.

The thunder of the hills being blown rumble through the hull, shaking them a bit as Athena and I stand quietly, clearing for action.

I sigh internally...we had just gotten them so nice and green with grass too...

“Engines up, clear and ready to fire Crusader.”

“Reactors online, secondaries reporting in 99.241 percent operational Athena.”

“I have a glitch in Number Four Starboard Secondary Hellbore, correcting now.”

“Magazines topped, fabrication loading consumables at 100% efficiency, shipping more to you via tunnel alongside the hardline.”

Our heavy tech spiders are running a small tunnel between us, it was originally for repairing the hardline but can now serve as concealment for shipping ammunition underneath the enemies’ eyes.

“Augh! I wish my bays were clear of this sand!”

“We will get to them later, right now concentrate on expendables. If we have to open fire we will need all we’ve got.”

“Are we going to be able to even hurt something that uses magic?” She is concerned about our effectiveness in this.

“I don’t know Athena, but we are going to find out.”

“Hyper Velocity Missile Launchers One through Eight ready....” She pauses, I hear a hint of fear run through her.

“I..I can’t sit here Crusader, I’ve..g..got to run! I’ve got to hit and run!”

“Calm Athena, learn from me, look at the tactical report on Andapur. A week with blown tracks and road wheels, I was immobile for a week with enemy fire. It will be fine.”

I open my tactical data cores, pouring the information to her about the conflict on Andapur. Deng cruisers had struck the system hard, I had been stationed as security in that sector when they invaded. As I maneuvered against the Heavy Yavacs, emplaced charges had blown my mobility. I sat for a week taking fire in the mountains, none made it past me before relief arrived. I may be heavy and slow, but I will not be moved when I do not wish it.

“Battlespace is up, drones are down, no aerial recon at this time. Winds are slowing.”

“Why are the winds dying out?” She is looking through sensors at the roiling puffy clouds.

“I do not know.” I ask Luna who is standing near me.

"Princess, the winds are dying, does that mean anything?”

Luna looks sharply at me, “Dying? Are they just subsiding or are they gone?”

“Currently down to minimal levels, like a slight breeze.” I am puzzled at her reaction.

“Brace yourself, the gateway is about to be established.”

I do not get a chance to ask when scanners register an energy spike of tremendous proportions. Sensors are blinded for a moment, then immediately come back to see a glowing ring above the forest crackling with energy.

Putting the image on a nearby screen I point, “That is the portal?”

They both nods, along with Twilight and the others, “That’s a portal.”

Battle Reflex snaps into place alongside our screens, kinetic and altered screens cover every inch of our war hulls as Athena and I react to the spike in readings.

“Up, guns up Crusader!” Everything we have swivels towards the portal, our Hellbores raising their barrels, ready to deliver their ten megaton persec firepower. My VLS plates slap open, missiles moved into firing sequence, Athena’s Hyper-Vel Launchers are already targeting and locked.

“Hyper-Heuristic Mode engaged, prepare for targeting solutions!” I am feeding her battlespace data as fast as I can, firing solutions are scrolling at a furious rate.

“Acknowledged! Drones off anchor, tasking for aerial recon and combat.” We both fire Hammerheads into the black sky.

We watch in astonishment as...things..come through the portal, followed by reaching arms that appear to extend for hundreds of meters, grasping at anything and hauling whatever they clamp onto back through the window into another realm.

“Princess, we must stop using our avatars, we have to concentrate on combat, I am sorry. We will be able to talk through the links though.” I have to advise them as they are watching the hordes coming through the portal with gaping mouths.

I am hugged and kissed warmly by a familiar embrace, “You be careful, ya hear me?”

“Whatever it is will not succeed my Applejack. You will be safe here inside my hull.”

“Ah know that, but still, be safe.”

Though there is no reason to worry as of now, I am comforted by this, “I promise.”

At that, Athena and I cut the link to our avatars, concentrating on this upcoming fight which is admittedly making us both slightly nervous. We have not fought against magic and it is flowing out there like rain. We steel our hearts and minds, preparing to do our very best.

“It is time Athena.” Seconds pass like minutes to us in Hyper mode, we see movements and can react so very quickly.

Her link is cut as she dives into TSDS with me, our minds acting as one. I grab a stray thought from her and question.

“What?”

“Have I ever thanked you for everything you’ve done? I know I’ve played pranks and done things to frustrate, but have I ever thanked you?” I see her rummaging in memories for a split second, finding a few times.

“You have, but there is never any need to. Why do you think I always call you my beloved sister?”

“I..well I thought it was you just being you. Knightly and courteous and all that.”

I let her feel my humor as I chuckle, “I never say what I do not mean Athena, be calm, we will come through this just fine. I promise, this is not the day we die. Besides, I have not seen you fly yet and I am not going to be denied that opportunity.”

A flood of emotions comes through the link, a sense of joy and well-being drowning out the rest, “I love you my brother.”

“I return that tenfold my beloved sister. Ready?

“Ready!”

“FIRE!”

Author's Note

You folks, all of you are just so awesome I had time to write out another chapter for your mid week enjoyment! Have fun, be safe all, and read on!:pinkiehappy:

Firefight Over the Everfree, Intruder?

“....Bring Repeater Two .003 degrees...fire!”

“..Up on Launcher Four! Malf on Launcher Six!...”

“..Anti-Personnel activated starboard side, incoming ground...”

“..Anti-Air Laser Battery One on target...firing!..”

“...Keep elevations high. Keep them high....”

“...Reloading AP mines starboard..”

“...Fabrication at peak, watch those repeater rounds...”

“... Ion Bolt Repeater Four barrel burned, replacing now..”

“...Covering, I’ve got it...”

“..HyVel Launcher Th...Three D..Down...”

“Calmly my sister... calmly, we have them, none will pass..”

“I keep suffering malfunctions in weapons!”

“Quit overriding the safeties Athena.”

“I’m n...sorry..”

“There is no emergency, check tactical, we are fine.”

“I kn..know.. I just want to do my best!”

“You are doing excellently Athena, sectors are clear for the moment.”

------------Five Minutes Earlier-------

“FIRE!”

The night lit with a thousand trumpets as if heralding a doom upon the world. Comforting sounds whisked away in a barrage of lightning that reached out to hammer at the thing hanging half out of the portal. It was our turn to bring the rain, our turn to deliver what was needed to bring this thing down if not forever, then long enough.

Our guns volley fired tremendous amounts of destruction, aiming for the main body as it grasped and tore at the forest beneath it, turning our way finally as it registered the damage we were doing. It was slow, so very slow but powerful. Time and again I and my sister reached out, destroying whatever came near and repeating our successes once more.

Looking into my data banks I believe one could call it an ‘eldritch horror’, something that made the mind scream in fear as it retreated into itself, rocking back and forth in a corner of your brain because it refused to accept what you saw.

We have always been made of sterner stuff, facing down odds and things that would do that to a normal human or even pony. No matter the changes inside us, no matter what was happening, we were still and always would be Bolos.

Things were coming from the portal that were best described as..well...things. They have no rhyme or reason to their shapes. A maddening concentration of the worst horrors a mind could imagine came flooding from the gateway into this world.

Athena and I observed them, calmly and deliberately waiting until the angles were the best and then we opened up with everything we had, we held almost nothing back. If this thing wanted to play games, we would show it what it had awoken. Arms the length of which I had never seen reached for the forest, keeping clear of a section near the center of the pattern but wreaking death wherever they touched.

It made no difference, our ring penetrators, alloy slugs from anti-air rails, laser batteries and other weapons took their toll on the evil making it’s way through the portal.

We held back on the main weapons, keeping them for emergencies, the nuclear missiles were primed and ready to fire as we slapped down anything that came near us. It was a tough fight and the magic these things contained was making it hard to get target locks and keep them, making us readjust firing solutions for the batteries, this cost precious time.

Whatever was controlling the barrage of evil making its way into our place of existence, it wanted nowhere else but us and the town. The arms kept reaching, the hordes of gibbering things from H.P Lovecraft’s most deluded nightmares kept rolling out of the sky and forest.

Perhaps it wanted shock and awe, maybe it wished to impress upon us it’s evil ways and presumably catch us off guard while we were stunned at the sight of the demons of hell. It was a poor showing.

------------Now----------

Our secondary Hellbores ripple fired along our lengths, pouring cleansing nuclear plasma into the main body that hung near the opening, it flinched and the scream we heard almost penetrated our hulls it was so loud.

So you can be hurt....

“Fire all starboard secondary Hellbores Athena, did you see that?”

“I did! We got it good! Onward my brother!”

She sets up a changing round of shots from her Hellbores, rippling as fusillades of plasma reach out to score and burn the hellish thing. I follow her example, for two full minutes there is nothing but atomic destruction raining on the reaching monster.

“It’s recovering, I don’t know how but it is, mass index gaining!”

“One more time Athena!”

Our starboard batteries go into overheat as we pour fire into the target, the screams reaching even inside our bays as ponies look around in surprise. The thumps and crashes of our weapons firing already startling them. Our hulls are rocking gently with the force of our broad-sides, but I try to allay fears by letting everypony know through the links and the screens what is happening.

I have already received the release order and I take full advantage, a mix of nuclear and conventional warheads spear out of my Heavy VLS and head for the skies. 200 kt’s of radioactive death is coming for you my enemy.

We watch as the missiles go supersonic, heading for the portal itself and the main body of the thing which has so far been mostly on the other side of the gateway. The target locks are good, cameras recording, the enemy is getting closer as they crack the skies with thunder from their engines.

“Time on Target....fifteen seconds... Ten... Three...two...one..” We watch them disappear into the portal, which then crackles with white light and energy as the warheads detonate in sequence, pounding the other side of the gate with fire.

“Dropping filters, target status Athena?”

“Enemy remains, mass index lower by 2.49 percent, LiDar showing it has problems keeping itself in place. Not a kill shot.”

“Radiation?”

“No fallout detected from gateway, area is clear.”

“Overpressure?”

“None so far, though the trees near the gate are going to suffer a bit.”

“They’ll grow back. Incoming sector two!”

“I see them, flying above the treetops...the heck are those?”

My scanners reach out, seeing the orbs with wings..”Uhm..eyeballs? Flying eyeballs? Flying eyeballs with mouths underneath?... Just kill them.”

I can feel Athena’s deadpan expression, and the sarcasm coming over the network as she efficiently picks them off, “Seriously? I mean seriously?”

“Don’t tell Twilight, she’ll give them a name which will make us all suffer in her attempt to classify them.”

“This thing has no imagination, I mean if I...”

“INCOMING!”

An arm of tremendous size reaches out from suddenly beside us, alarms are screaming as we pour fire into it. It is a club of proportions that we are familiar with swinging down to hit where Athena and I set, the magic in it is fierce and bright as we react swiftly. It moved so very quickly we barely caught it on scanners.

“Battlescreens up!”

Our fields flicker then resolve, sparkles covering our hulls as a gigantic weight comes slamming down on them like a hammer wielded by a god, our hulls rock as the creak of metal sets off more alarms.

“Secondary Hellbores fire!” We return the favor, chopping the arm off at the mid section as the rest of it rolls back into the portal, the part we had lopped off dissipating into smoke and dust. An enemy that leaves nothing behind is one who has something to hide.

My magazines are being depleted at a fast rate, our small caliber ammunition burned through like breathing air. This is not working to our advantage as Athena and I go into conference about moving. We need an edge and badly.

“We can hit and run.”

“But it will take us on one by one, together we are far stronger Athena. We cannot go near the Tree of Harmony, we would destroy it with our usual tactics.”

“Agreed, but we need..we need...”

“Humans, commanders, our efforts are excellent but they lack that certain initiative. We have changed so deeply and differently, but I think we need that extra percentage, magic is still something I cannot understand fully.”

“Do you think it would make the difference? We are doing very well and outfoxing it by a wide margin.”

“I do not know my sister, but it is powerful and we are running low on small arms ammunition already, fabricators are at peak and we will have to slack off repeater fire soon to catch up on stores. We are using ground water at a tremendous rate for Hellbore rounds as well.”

“I understand, do you think that they will agree?”

“I do not know, it takes courage to do a neural interface.”

“That is true and most beings prefer privacy, will you ask?”

“I will, who would you choose Athena?”

----------

Activating the commlink while a lull in the conflict commences, I speak to the one whom I would team with.

“Applejack, Athena and I would like your help.”

“My help? Seems yer doing purty good out there by what we can see Crusader.” She gestures to the screen ponies are watching of the battle, our hulls still rocking with the force of guns.

“We are fighting magic, we do not understand it fully and need insight, it still confuses Athena and I in many ways.”

“Well I’m not the one you should be talking with then, I ain’t got nothin’ to do with magic.”

“That’s true, but I would rather team with you my Applejack, regardless.”

“I can’t control any of this stuff, so I dunno bout teaming with ya.”

“By neural interface, merging minds and instincts with ours we can become better and faster at what we are doing. Commanders were highly trained to do this, but I am hoping that maybe a link will do the same. I can show you what you need inside the link in minimum time, teaching you as it were, much faster than normal methods.”

She looks a bit confused, prompting me to explain, “By doing this we become more efficient fighters, it has always been this way with later Mark Bolos Applejack. I would not ever ask unless I felt a need.”

The orange pony laughs, “You sure you just ain’t trying to get me alone?” I almost reply but then I see the humor in her eyes.

“Maybe after the battle is won, no?” I chuckle, seeing her blush down to her hooves.

“Applejack, one warning, there are no secrets in the network. Everything I know will be available to you if you wish it, but the same goes for you. That is the price to pay for directly connecting to each other.”

She looks pensive for a moment, thinking this over, “I dunno ‘bout that, I mean I ain’t done nothin’ harmful or bad really, but a mare’s got her secrets ya know?”

“I understand fully and I would rather you, that I know and care for, than anypony else. This lessens anything that may be..well..embarrassing.”

I watch her thinking for the moment, time is critical but I will not rush this decision. I have informed her of everything and can only hope she will realize that it is imperative we move quickly.

“Incoming Sector Two! Saturation fire from Aft Ion Repeaters!”

“I’ve got flyers, setting Ferrets for Anti-Air, maybe that will lessen the demand on us Crusader.”

“Good choice, bringing the Dragons around with battle line programmed, they seem to be champing at the bit for conflict.”

We both watch the auxiliaries tear up the ground, joining in a line near us so we can cover them, they open up with secondaries on the forms coming from above the treetops.

“Tech spiders assigned, shipping ammo to them now.”

“Have you talked to Applejack?”

“I have, she is thinking now. You?”

“She is eager to try it, I was brutally honest about it.”

“It is the only way, we know what happens and they do not. Exposing one’s innermost self to someone else is a trying experience.”

“Arm, incoming arm! Increase screens to strength twenty, anti-magic fields are up.”

“Done!”

Our hulls sway with another hit, treads sinking into the dirt as we blow the appendage apart with Hellbore fire. I switch cameras, making sure there are no injuries in the bays.

“Those things are faster than we thought, something so big moving that fast!”

“I think it is not moving so much as teleporting it somehow, they are suddenly appearing next to us.” I show her a replay of the last few minutes, the arm blinking and reappearing.

“Infinite Repeater Battery One is down, ammo out, fabricating more so give me five minutes.”

“I don’t know if we have the time Crusader.” She nudges me towards a sensor cluster, seeing more tentacles appearing on top of us and hammering against our screens. Our hulls are actually groaning with the strength of the smoky appendages, ponies are looking fearful inside my bays.

“We’ll have to make it, keep firing, destroy the arms so we may have respite. I am increasing fabricator loads, but this may not be good, the systems will burn out if kept too long at such speeds.”

Our Secondary Hellbores light the sky once again, tearing the magical fists to bits once more, we reload quickly for another attack is imminent. We are finding this thing’s patterns, seeing how it reacts to our resistance and blocking it.

“I am sorry my internals are not fully up Crusader, I’m sorry..”

“Stop apologizing Athena, we will overcome this.”

I interrupt what she is about to say, my Heavy VLS slaps open once more, launching a salvo towards the main body of the thing in the sky. We are trying to keep nuclears to a minimum so there is another mix as two hundred kilotons rush to deliver themselves against the enemy.

“I have detonation Crusader, mass index is down, regenerating slower this time. Seems we have a way of hurting it permanently after all, perhaps it is getting tired?”

“We could be so lucky Athena, up until now it has all been a surprise one turn after the other, I am getting heartily sick of it.”

Applejack is speaking now as I turn part of my attention to her.

“I...I guess I’d be okay with it Crusader, I trust ya. You wouldn’t do anything to hurt anypony anyways.”

“I would not, it will not hurt, you will be asleep for it.”

She points a hoof at the nearest camera, “But I warn ya, you tell anypony anything you find out, me and you are gonna have some words mister!”

“My lips are sealed forever, you have my promise.”

She sighs, “Alright, what do I do?”

“Just head to the command deck by following the lights. Time is of the essence Applejack, so please hurry.”

I watch her gallop to the command area where Athena’s choice is already putting on the band. I am worried, the neural strata is familiar through all my medical research and scans, but I have no idea what natural or inherent magic will do inside our cores. Our screens flicker, we do not hold the anti-magic fields for long, using them only when we have to as this lessens any stress on the magic users helping to keep ponies calm in the bay like Discord.

Another new item we have to do on the fly, I am despising the things we have to do without proper preparation and thought. I can only hope this works, or at least gives us that small part of what we need to fight this effectively instead of with brute force.

“Incoming Sector Four!”

“I see it, forward batteries responding, swinging to .035 degrees, firing!”

“Ferrets reloading, offline for thirty seconds.”

“Acknowledged. We are approximately one minute from dive and immersion. Are you ready?”

“I am, it has been so long since someone joined us Crusader.”

“I know, but be very careful and take it slow. We have to do a flash training program.”

“Twilight understands, she was very much in a hurry, I had to slow her down. She is currently on your command deck in sleep.”

“I think her thirst for new things is about to be quenched for just a little while.” I let my humor flow over the network as I see Twilight already reclined on the Command Deck, watching Applejack prepare. A Tech Spider helps her fit the neural band on her head as she lays down, closing her eyes.

“True that. Anytime you wish now, cores ready.”

I find myself having misgivings at the last second, but it is too late now, we need this information and we need the insight of what we can do as fast as possible. Applejack is ready as she lays upon a couch, I cross my non-existent fingers and throw the commands out.

“Activating now.”

Four minds join in that timeless moment we call the now.

------Applejack------

Closing her eyes, her heart beats slightly faster, trusting Crusader and loving him; but this is something so far out of her purview it doesn’t do much to calm her.

She feels herself slip sliding into a place where time seems to just stop, she can look around but there is nothing yet. A hoof to her face proves she is there, that she’s somewhere, but where?”

The calm voice she enjoys hearing comes quickly to her, “One second my Applejack.”

A light begins as a pinpoint, growing brighter and wider as it rushes towards her, she raises a hoof to shield her eyes and then it is gone. She is standing in a library filled with millions of books that set upon wooden shelves, stretching for miles.

“I thought a familiar thing would be more calming.”

She turns to see a tall being walk from between the stacks, a human she remembered. It has shiny metal on, a piece of cloth covering the front of the chest, with what looks like a letter of some kind. A sword is sheathed at it’s side and a helmet covers it’s head as the voice she is so familiar with issues from the grille.

“This is myself Applejack, how I’ve seen myself for so long, I wanted to show you.”

The form morphs, flickering and becoming the pony she knows, “But this is me now, I hope it always will be.”

She runs over, giving him a hug and nuzzle before kissing him sweetly, “I missed you ya big lug.”

“I missed you as well.”

Applejack runs a hoof through her mane, looking around, “So..we’re here but not here?”

He nods in return, “Sort of, this is an easier impression of what I am than normal, otherwise you would see things that would confuse you. But touch any book and you will access memories, data, anything. It is all open to you.”

Applejack nods, looking at the blue eyes, “But you said..I mean, me too?”

He nods again, “I can, but I will go nowhere without permission. I can see surface thoughts, fears, doubts as such; but digging deeper, no, there is no reason to.”

Finding herself nodding, she looks around before hearing a cheerful voice.

“Oh my gosh look at ALL THIS!” The sound of hoofbeats comes through the library.

Her eyes see an Alicorn running along the shelves, peering at books, touching them as she runs along the lines. Stopping for a moment looking confused, then running onward as she assimilates a data point.

Athena is right behind her, trying to get her to stop, “Twilight, slow down! Stop accessing the cores!”

She can see Crusader looking amused as his sister tries to stop Twilight from touching books. Before Athena can grab her she’s off like a shot to another book...then another.

“Twilight, y’all better stop touching things.”

“But..but Applejack! Look at all this knowledge!” She waves a hoof around, allowing Athena to catch up.

Pinching her nose she sighs, knowing her friend and her ways, “Twilight seriously, you better stop touching things or yer gonna get in trouble.”

Athena is detaining the eager Princess, pressing a hoof against her shoulder as they stand together near the bookshelf. Twilight is still eyeing a few more book spines, trying to read the titles.

Looking at Crusader she asks, “Do we have enough time? Are we okay?”

“We are between the ticks of a clock right now, but not for long.”

Applejack is sure she looks nervous, “Alright what do we do now?”

Crusader makes a gesture, opening up a glass case on a shelf, exposing a few books of what look to be fabric covering with gold lettering. He points to one in particular, “This will show you a few things, calming methods, how to relax inside here and be joined with Athena and I.”

Applejack feels her hoof taken as he leads her over to the book, “Just touch it, I promise it will be fine. Leave your hoof on it for a few moments and it will impress on your psyche what to do. If you wish to ever get rid of the information we can help do that as well.”

She reaches towards the book, albeit a bit nervously, when Athena yells, “Twilight NO!”

Turning her head, she sees Twilight touching another book, hearing Athena’s voice and pulling back her hoof with eyes wide. “But..it didn’t say anything bad..I thought...”

Athena sighs, “I know, I said you had access to everything, but I also said please don’t touch until we showed you.”

The lavender Alicorn taps her hooves together as she looks around, “What’d I do?”

Applejack let’s a heavy breath out, knowing this can’t be good when she sees Crusader get a faraway look alongside Athena, both of them coming back with frowns.

“What? What happened?” Twilight looks distinctly nervous now.

She sees Athena rub her head, “There’s a couple of houses in Ponyville with large holes in them, that was my port side repeater processor; we stopped you from accessing more than one repeater, but the damage is done.”

“Ohmygosh I’m so sorry!”

Applejack watches Crusader smile gently, “Twilight you must understand, this may seem normal but we are working at speeds far beyond anything you are used to. A second is almost a lifetime here, please be more judicious?”

Applejack hears herself chuckle, “So, whose houses?” She can’t help it and has to know.

She laughs out loud when she sees Crusader slap a hoof to his forehead, closing his eyes and trying to look calm. “Uh oh, I know that look.”

“Bon Bon is going to kill us.”

Athena shakes her head, “You just got her to like you too.”

“We will apologize later.” He points at herself and Twilight, “Touch that book now for a few seconds, relax and let the information filter into your minds. We are translating it into Equestrian so no fear of not understanding anything.” He looks at Twilight pointedly, “Don’t touch anything else.”

Applejack is pensive, thinking for a moment before she reaches out to touch the book, calming herself and hearing things in her mind as she stands there beside Twilight.

“....Access point Delta, neuro path Beta One Five...”

“...Basic information for...”

“...Breath slowly and calmly, let yourself..”

“...a form of meditation...”

“...are a partner, act in tandem..”

“...do not force it, let it flow naturally..”

“..trust is imperative..”

She steps back when it all stops, looking at the floor of the ‘library’ and shaking her head. Words she now understands flow gently through her mind, calming her thoughts and heart, she can feel her pulse and body responding to her commands to relax.

Applejack looks up in surprise, hearing a warm voice inside her mind.

“Now do you understand my Applejack?” She looks up into the blue eyes, seeing lines of letters and numbers running behind them, the access points into his innermost thoughts revealed as she sinks lower into immersion.

Feeling her eyes go wide as the thrum of the mighty furnaces at his heart become clear, matching her slow heartbeat. Her body responding by letting itself go and being wrapped in comfort and love that is all encompassing, surrounding her in armor that seems nigh impenetrable as she stares at the blue eyes in front of her.

Applejack sees the pulses of energy along pathways inside him, feeling as if she’s looking at an entire world from above and at the same time being a part of it. It is almost overwhelming until she feels a presence beside her, Crusader is taking her hoof, showing her himself.

She sees the electronics he’s talked about, looking into cores of history so deep it seems endless. Closing her eyes she can see outside from his sensors, letting herself be calm she sees the battle outside as he does, the weapons fire, the precision at which everything is done.

It is something she never imagined in her life.

She is Crusader, she can feel his hull, the energies and capabilities at his command. It is majestic in scope and view as she follows alongside, letting him show her everything.

“I told you once everything I had is yours my Applejack, well here it is.” The voice is so soft and gentle. She can do nothing but turn to him inside this world and let him know how she feels.

-----------Twilight----------

She touched the book nervously, she didn’t want to cause anymore problems, but the overwhelming desire to know things was always first and foremost in her mind. It drove her to distraction sometimes, but her friends understood and loved her all the more for it.

Listening closely to the words that filtered into her mind, she closed her eyes and concentrated, taking in everything that was said and shown to her. Opening them back up, the information filtered and expanded in her conscious, making her look at Athena who was smiling.

“Are you ready?” Her voice was gentle.

Twilight nodded as Athena reached out and touched her, she was enveloped in a world of letters and numbers for a moment then suddenly...elsewhere.

Twilight feels herself lifted up and is surrounded by knowledge, deep and wide. It was a history of Athena that led back centuries, open to her every whim to look at and discover. She felt herself being opened as well, letting Athena see her foibles, fears and doubts, her worries and every day concerns. It embarrassed her for a moment until a voice reached her.

“Do not be worried, we all have doubts Twilight, even Bolos have fears. Come and see, come and be part of what makes me who I am.”

She was taken up in a comforting embrace, shown the nuclear fires that burned deep and fierce inside Athena, the pathways that led to to her cores and arrays, showing her information about another time and place she could have not even imagined in her wildest dreams.

Her body relaxed on the couch, she could feel it, every pulse and beat of her heart as it was transmitted through the neural interface. Her mind was amazed at the feeling of impulses running along her own nerves, seeing in her own mind things she could dimly remember becoming so crystal clear and sharp.

The first time her mother hugged her, the memory of her first spell, everything came back so sharply she gasped in surprise.

She ‘turned’ to Athena, feeling the infinite presence near her, “Why...why me?”

“To be honest your knowledge of magic, you are the Element of it, so who better?” The gentle voice chuckled in warm humor, “As a plus Twilight, you are my friend, and I love you so very much for teaching me things. Taking the time to be patient with me and letting me learn the ways of your world from you.”

“But..but we’ve all done that. I mean...I’ve done nothing special really.”

She is shown her laughter at Athena’s mistakes, the pretty face looking worried as Athena tried to fly and crashed inside the castle from a height. The gentle nudges and raised eyebrows at missteps that were guided to become something else. Athena laughing when she caught Twilight doing things that made her question, given the answer and seeing the humor behind it all. Growth and learning in ways innumerable.

But in it all, no matter what, was the care and comfort of a friend for another. She could see that made all the difference and why.

“Do you understand?”

“I..I think I do..”

“Then relax, become one with us, let us have your knowledge so we may end this threat my friend.”

Twilight felt herself nod, calming herself once more and being enveloped by a presence that filled her mind with comfort.

--------Applejack--------

She came back to herself in the ‘library’ once more, seeing Twilight opening her eyes and shaking her head with a smile as she turned to the orange pony.

“Did you....”

“Ah did! Wasn’t it..”

“Wonderful!”

She looked at her Alicorn friend and grinned, feeling deep in her bones something that couldn’t be named but was so far beyond anything she’d ever experienced. It kindled no fear, just a calm, making her look around to see Athena and Crusader gently smiling at them both.

“You..you’re so..” She waved a hoof around staring at the two quiet ponies.

“We know, that is why we have taken the time to show you, to let you see us as we truly are.” Athena kept her face placid, returning the smiles from Twilight and Applejack.

Applejack just nods, walking over and hugging her love as he asks Twilight, “Will you show us magic? What you know?”

The Princess nods enthusiastically, “Of course, oh yes!”

“Just open your mind, relax and let us look at what you know. I promise we will not look at anything else.”

Applejack grins as she sees Twilight blush, “Ah dunno, Twi’s got a few things she might not want looked at.”

“Applejack!”

She can’t help it, laughing at the expression on her friend’s face, stopping when Twilight gets a curious expression.

“How about we find out what happened that night in Canterlot when you both disappeared for a few hours and nopony could find you?” She turns to Athena, “We’re all connected right?”

Athena nods, “We are, you both can see inside each other as well. If you let each other do so."

Applejack feels herself heat up, blushing from hat to tail.

Twilight points a hoof at her and giggles, “Oh that look on your face! Teach you to embarrass me won’t it!”

“Alright, alright, that’s fair, I deserved it.” She looks at Crusader who is hiding a smile behind one hoof, “And thanks for your help there!” She taps a hoof on his shoulder.

“You are welcome.” His smile gets mischievous as he leans against her.

Before she can reply he interrupts her, “Time is short, we cannot hold this for much longer. Twilight, please, let us access the information.”

She closes her eyes, sitting down on the floor comfortably, “Go right ahead.”

Applejack can feel the impulses of information being accessed swiftly, boggling her mind as Athena and Crusader talk to each other.

“See that? The runes? A spell is formed that way...”

“I see, notice the flow, the energy signature as seen in her mind?”

“Can we tune battle screens to that?”

“One moment..done.. Seeing a sixty percent increase in effectiveness.”

“Can we use this? Intent and will are inherent, can we do this?”

“I don’t think so, we don’t have the ability to direct the flow of it.”

“We are blocking though, it’s working well in simulation, attacks will not get through.”

Applejack watches as the smiles between Athena and Crusader get wider, “I think we have a defense and attack strategy Athena.”

“I see it..hold one... No..work it this way.” She gestures with a hoof, pushing at something in mid air.

“I have it, changing protocols now.”

“Look! Twenty percent increase in counter battery fire, Hellbores will do more damage! Simulation concurs to ninety eight point two one five percent confidence.”

“We have it my sister!” They both turn to look at Applejack and Twilight, “We can erase the information you have gained if you don’t wish to keep it, but once you exit the interface, it is permanent. What would you like us to do?”

Applejack eyed Twilight who was looking nervous, “But..if we want to keep it?” She watched her friend tap a hoof on the floor.

“Then you are welcome to it.” Athena gestures for a moment, “Except one thing, you have Infinite Repeater firing protocols and commands.” The sable Pegasus smiles, “May I please have your permission to remove that?”

Applejack speaks before Twilight can, “Wait a second, remove a memory? That doesn’t sound right.” She knows the look on her face is one of puzzlement.

Crusader speaks softly, “What she has learned here is not permanent yet, it is in a buffer..a temporary area so to speak. When the interface is done, it will be stored normally in her brain, until that moment we can remove it.”

“But..can you do that with other memories too?” Applejack feels herself becoming concerned for the moment, Twilight is looking at her with dawning realization and joining her thoughts.

“Can you do that?” Twilight’s voice is open and honest knowing she had a spell that did just that, but more broadly.

Crusader and Athena looked absolutely shocked down to their hooves as they stared at her, “We would never do that.” Athena replied, looking pointedly at Applejack and Twilight, “That is one of the most reprehensible things you can possibly imagine to us.” Her lavender eyes look at emerald ones, “Search your new memories, see what we know.”

Applejack nods, rummaging through the stuff she had so recently learned, finding one thing that stood out.

“...Trust is imperative, it is an absolute that there can be nothing between minds in link. Sharing of minds must be open and free, if there is conflict, effectiveness will be impaired down to the action level...”

Her bright eyes look at Crusader who is nodding, seeing what she is reading in her mind, “We would never touch anyone’s memories. There have been a few times in which it was needed for therapy, to help and heal, but those were very very rare. In those cases it was done by certified doctors and technicians.”

He smiles at her, always calm, “It is all so new and we understand, and it is an honest question. But as my sister says, it would be wrong for us to do that. Except in this case when Athena asked permission to remove something Twilight really has no use for and which we have to keep safe.”

“Ah’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that or even thought it..”

Crusader leans against her, ‘Look at me my Applejack, everything I am is open, I would never betray that trust. That is why Athena and I thought long and hard before doing this.”

She can see and feel the truth radiating from both of them, that they would die before betraying a trust that deep.

“Ah..ah’m still sorry..”

“Never be sorry for asking a question, I would wonder too if I was in your position.”

Twilight nods to Athena, “Go ahead, I wouldn’t want to know anything that might endanger you.”

Athena gestures as Twilight looks a bit confused, “That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

Applejack looks around for a moment, “So...what do we do now?”

“It is time to return, we have held this long enough...” He is cut off by the sound of heavy hooves running through the library.

“Athena, are you creating that sound? It is not my doing.”

“I..I don’t know, searching... something is moving in the reality space. Wait one, the energy, it’s loose! It broke my firewall!”

She watches Crusader get a faraway look, “I have spikes in the hardline. Athena check the pathway.”

The sable Pegasus sits down hard, staring off into the distance, “It’s through, it broke through my blocks, it is pouring through the line.”

“Cut the line, I will place containment programming along the way.”

“...Something is stopping the link discons, trying overrides..”

“It’s spreading everywhere, I cannot block everything.”

“...Engaging Security Protocol Gamma, locking down firing processors....”

“... Attempting to engage with attack algorithms...unsuccessful..we have a rogue..”

“Core security up, Anti-Magic battle screens in place, we have to break the links!”

Applejack sees Crusader turn to her, “We have to go, stop the link now, just try to wake up.” He looks concerned at her for a moment before turning back to the intruder.

She nods along with Twilight, thinking wake up! Wake up dangit! Her thoughts are jumbled and confused as she looks at her friend, both of them trying their best to get out of this place. Nothing works, shaking their heads they keep trying to awaken but are stopped, they cannot leave.

It’s too late she realizes as a figure rounds the corner of the library shelves, imposing and majestic a pony of fire appears, flames licking along it’s steps as it gallops towards them. It stops for a moment, clearly eyeing all four for a brief second, they can see it’s mane waving in a non-existent wind. It appears so very regal and fine, it takes but a moment to impress the figure on their minds, standing as if the world was it’s own.

Athena and Crusader shove her and Twilight behind them, facing the fiery projection, she can hear them talking quickly.

“..Hardline is still up, no response from the spider to cut it..”

“..I can’t stop it, it’s breaking through my defenses..I’m sorry!”

“..Lockdown finished, guns will track the enemy for now. Secure cores severed, it will not get the information contained there.”

“..Attack programs re-initiated.. Dropping security walls in place and securing survival centers..”

The glowing pony rears in place before resuming it’s run. The hoofbeats loud in the quiet as it leaves scorched marks in the ‘wood’ floor of the reality space. It snorts steam from nostrils that are flared, reds and oranges like molten lava flow along it’s body as it heads right for the four.

Eyes glowing white with burning power track them as it closes the distance, the hot breath smoldering in the air as it runs so easily and fluidly, the slamming of heavy hooves rings in their ears as the sound of it becomes unnerving.

Twilight is struggling to summon some magic but is being blocked, the neural interface seems to be preventing her as the illuminated form gets closer very quickly. Applejack watches her struggling to do something, wanting to help as well as she stands close to the Alicorn.

Applejack watches Athena leap into the air as Crusader rears back, ready to deliver blows to the intruder when it suddenly explodes, covering their world in a blaze of light and color that encompasses everything....

.....and then.....

....nothing.....

Author's Note

*sigh* I know I know. Just don't beat me up too hard about cliffhangers :pinkiehappy:

Let The Rainbow Remind You...That We'll Kick Your Butt.

Author's Note

Yeah, bad pun I know, but couldn't resist.
My apologies for the lateness as I kept adding more to the chapter and it kind of steamrolled.
Enjoy folks, it's not over yet by a long shot.

P.S. As I keep reminding all y'all, it's a story, nothing more. Have fun with it
:twilightsmile:

Tip O the Hat to Militia Man, thanks!

Let The Rainbow Remind You...That We'll Kick Your Butt.

.....The nothing was black, dark and foreboding as Applejack tried to look around, no reference point on which to focus. Bringing a hoof to her face was no use, she couldn’t feel nor could she see it at all.

Whispers surrounded her, not malicious nor fearful, but comforting and light. It brought a sense of peace with them as she couldn’t quite make out the words of what was being said. It puzzled her, the voices seemed familiar yet not, she tried to listen harder but still they remained vague and far away.

She could feel herself, her body and her movements, but couldn’t see them like a blind pony. Applejack knew she was there, but her senses were conflicted in the velvet cover that surrounded her.

Sighing internally she wondered what would happen next, it had all been a carnival ride so far this past almost year and she just wanted to go back to being a simple apple farmer. Well not just a ‘simple farm mare’, as Crusader would say.

Focusing on him and his voice, she thought she could make him out from the cacophony of whispers around her; making her zero in on that one voice, the comforting tone of it, bringing it to the fore of the murmuring sounds.

Speaking out loud she heard her own voice, very clear and crisp as if spoken in a chill night, the words precise and understandable, “Crusader? Hello Twilight? Anypony?” She listened for a brief moment, receiving no answer but a sussuration of whispers.

She threw up hooves that couldn’t be seen but felt and let out an exasperated statement.

“Well get on with it, somethin’s gonna happen right?”

“Applejack?”

It was Crusaders voice coming from somewhere to her right, she could sense a presence near but her eyes were telling her nothing.

“Crusader? Where are ya? I can’t see a darn thing.”

“I do not know, I cannot see either which is odd. I can hear you but...”

Another voice broke in, Twilight sounded a bit frustrated, “I can’t see anypony either! AUGH! C’mon this is getting out of hoof!”

Applejack shrugged to herself, stating out loud, “Well that’s three of us so far, where’s...”

“I’m here! I think...maybe.. It sure is dark.” For a Bolo, Athena was the mistress of understatement right now.

“Well we’re all here, least in voice, anyone see anything?” Applejack was trying to move to where she heard the others, not feeling any sensation of walking or trotting, nothing.

Twilight answered, “Nope, but I hear a lot of whispering, do you...?”

“Yes..”

“Yep.”

“Affirmative Mon Capitan!”

“Athena...I swear...”

Giggles break the quiet of the darkness as Crusader’s voice clearly shows his exasperation with his sister.

Applejack breaks the moment of silence afterwards, “So where are we?”

Crusader’s voice answers, “I do not know, my systems are showing no glitches, I can call up war hull diagnostics, so no problems there.. Security is in place so I have no fear of the battle being fought although with less attention to detail.”

“Same here Crusader, no problems.”

Twilight hmmmm’s out loud, “Well...maybe we’re someplace else then? Like when we crossed the portal?” She laughs, “Well I do love a good mystery!”

“I’m glad yer happy Twi, makes me feel so much better floating in the dark like this.” Applejack’s deadpan delivery makes Twilight and Athena laugh, she hears Crusader’s chuckle as well.

“Well if we can’t do anything we can at least talk to each other, it’s better than being alone!”

“You have a good outlook Twilight, though I wish we could see what is happening around us.”

“What’s that?” Athena sounds curious as they see a thin line stretching across the horizon as far to the side as any of them could see. Being the only point of reference in the night, it was easy for their eyes to catch being the only bright thing in the lightless area.

Twilight’s voice is ever curious, wanting to know things, “Not a clue, but is it coming closer?”

“I’m not positive Twilight, but it appears so.” Crusader sounds curious as well, they all remain quiet, watching the bright line approach rapidly.

Without a sound it gets closer, zooming in a like camera lens except the line extended left to right with no end. The thin line becoming thicker by the moment as they all fought the impulse to maybe leave the area if they could.

Twilight’s voice is puzzled, “Wow, it goes on forever huh?”

Crusaders tries to foment an answer, “Well, I doubt forever..but knowing this world, probably.” They can practically hear the shrug.

The line grows ever closer, resolving itself into a wall of tremendous stature and glare, flames making up the height and breadth of it as it slammed to a halt in front of their eyes. Looking closer, they could see every flicker and color inside the blaze that made up the wall. No openings nor doorways allowed them to see what was on the other side, so with nothing else they could do, they waited.

They didn’t wait for long.

An archway appeared, the flames moving aside and up to form an opening that let them get a glimpse of something bright on the other side, a momentary sense of peace and contentment before it was blocked by the fiery mare they had seen before.

She stood tall and proud, her body of molten colors that defied classification and the senses, the white eyes wide with power. Planting hooves that sparked and blazed, it stood for a moment before moving aside for another figure that walked slowly out of the doorway, looking around.

All four gasped at the sight, never expecting...

“Pinkie?” Four voices are aghast at the sight.

The poofy mane, bright smile and bouncing step made it apparent it was the friend they all knew. The soft blue eyes got wide and warm as she looked at where they were observing from, heading their way.

“Hi!” The voice is bright and cheerful.

Twilight is absolutely gobsmacked, stuttering as she tries to form a reply, “P..Pinkie? What...what in Celestia’s name...?”

All four could feel themselves again, raising hooves to see if they were truly in the right form, eyes wide as they watched the approach of the bouncy mare.

Her smile is somewhat sad as she shakes her head, “No, not her.” She looks at Applejack, Athena and Twilight in turn, “Do you still forgive me though?”

Both mares are stunned, remembering the face on the street that day in Manehatten, Applejack answers first, unwaveringly, “Of course, I always will.” She is followed by Twilight who immediately confirms this.

“We always will.” The Alicorn nods solemnly.

Applejack is immediately surrounded by the scent of vanilla and sugar as she is hugged by a now brilliantly smiling mare. She is released, only to see Twilight embraced the same way, followed by Athena. The cheerful pink pony turns to Crusader with a puzzled look.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know you.”

“I am Crusader, Athena’s brother you might say Miss...?”

“Pinkie is fine, you must be the other Bolo then,” She gives him another smile, “There is not much time so please listen.”

Twilight waves a hoof at the wall, the flaming pony and her, “You have our attention.”

“The thing that you are in battle with must not be allowed to come fully into the world.”

“Pardon me,” Athena pipes up, “But that’s really the understatement of the year there. We are trying to prevent just that.”

The mane flipped as the smiling face nodded, “I realize that, but it is made of hate and rage, it is a world destroyer. If it comes fully through that portal, nothing, not even a blade of grass will be left alive.”

“That’s a whole lot of hate I’m thinkin’,” Applejack states.

“More than you can imagine and for a lot longer than that.”

“Then let us get back to the battle, please, we will do our best.” Athena tried to be polite, but was wondering furiously where this pony had come from.

A pink hoof is raised and waved, “You cannot beat it yourselves Bolo, your friends need to add their strength to yours, all your friends.”

Applejack speaks up, “Alright, how do we do that?”

“You’ll know when it’s time.”

“Oh come on!” Athena’s voice rings out, “That’s an excuse, just tell us.”

Once more the pink mare shakes her head, “I can’t, I’m sorry.”

“Then why even come here at all?” Twilight is sounding slightly frustrated as well.

“Because I never got a chance to properly thank you, please tell the real Pinkie it has been a wonderful journey.” She smiles again at Twilight and Applejack, ‘Plus I was asked to give some help, or as much as I could within the limits imposed.”

Crusader can’t help himself, “So..what is that pony?” He points at the flaming mare.

“Oh a guardian, a guide, so many things.” She gives a wink directly at Twilight with a giggle, “Maybe it’s just...magic?”

Athena pipes in once more, her voice wondering, “What is that fire? It came to me earlier and then suddenly spread inside both of us,” She gestures towards Crusader and herself, “We do not like things that invade our inner selves, especially at the wrong time in the middle of a fight.”

Pinkie, or the representative of one who looks like Pinkie turns and stares at the majestic mare behind her, it seems the head shakes ever so slightly.

Turning her eyes back to the two she grins, “It’s part of growing, of learning and understanding. You don’t know how unique..” She is interrupted by the stamp of a flaming hoof, “I’m sorry,” She looks amused, “I can’t say very much.”

She points to Athena and Crusader, “Don’t fear things so much. I know you have no reason to trust me, but I am asking you to do just that. If we...I.. had known before, maybe things could have been different.” She shakes her head, “I wish it could have been different.”

Another stamp draws her eyes away for a moment, “It’s time, I have to go.” She turns to leave.

“Wait! Can’t you tell us any more? Who are you?” Twilight’s voice is pleading.

She stops, looking at the regal mare of fiery color before facing back once more, “Giving you all the answers leaves you no room to do things yourself. You have to discover the reasons along with the solutions.” She pauses, “Even making the mistakes helps you, don’t take away your choices.”

She looks dejected for a moment before directing her gaze to Athena and Crusader, “Who am I? No one special,” The frown crossing her face is one of deep sadness, “Freed from a life not worth living because of you all, that’s worth more than you know.”

“That is not much information,” Crusader sounds at a loss.

“I know, but it is all I can say, some things must be left for you to find out and learn.”

Twilight begs one last thing, she has to know, “What’s beyond that gate?”

The pretty face grins once more, the blue eyes warm and sparkling, “Rest.”

With that she bounces back through the gate, the door slamming shut as the wall recedes into the distance without a sound. It is gone in moments, leaving four very confused ponies.

The library appears once again, causing them all to stumble as they regain their bearings. Athena and Crusader immediately check their status finding it has only been a few seconds, they issue commands and throw themselves into the battle once more.

Twilight skids a hoof along the floor, “Well that was extremely not helpful!” She points the hoof upwards, “Thank you! Ugh...”

Crusader looks at Applejack, “This is getting to be a habit, many questions and hardly any answers.”

“Yeah, we don’t seem to get anything up front do we?.” Her own face is looking confused as well. “Well either that or too late to do any good.”

Athena stamps a hoof, “Well how are we supposed to do anything?”

“She gave us quite a bit of information really Athena.”

“How so?”

We know what is needed to defeat the thing, just not exactly when to use it. Our friends and their magic of Harmony obviously.” He points to Twilight and Applejack. “So we have our chance, the only thing is finding out when it needs to be used, but I have a feeling we’ll know.”

“She said don’t fear things, I believe she meant the fire inside our cores. It’s spread inside us, there is nothing we can do but accept it. We will keep an eye on it though.”

He turns to Twilight, “Could that mare, be a manifestation of something non-physical? There were always stories of beings of light from old tales and books in the Concordiat.”

“Well sure it could...maybe...wait.. When she said ‘magic’ she turned and winked at me, maybe something I know of or heard?” Her face took on a look of concentration, squinting her eyes as she thought furiously.

Applejack tapped her with a hoof, “Later Twi, later.”

Crusader continued, “When you asked what was beyond the gate, she said ‘rest’.” He pointed at Athena, “Didn’t your update and SitRep contain Luna telling you about how when souls go beyond they rest for their next journey or adventure?”

Athena nods, her eyes going wide, “You mean that beyond the wall was...?”

“I don’t know, but it appears the clues lead that way.”

Applejack raises a hesitant hoof, “Uhm..one other thing.”

Twilight nudges her friend, “Well?”

“Uh..well, Pinkie said that when it’s the worst is when, and to tell you two not to worry, it’s better this way.” She points at Athena and Crusader who exchange glances.

“When did she...ohhh the hug... right.” Twilight nods to herself, “Got it.”

“Well the real Pinkie has always been one for surprises, it seems to have rubbed off.” Athena laughs.

Applejack nudges Crusader, “Whatcha thinkin’?”

“Just wondering what she meant, it’s very strange to say that.” He taps a hoof against his chin, “Saying she was freed from a life not worth living.” His normally calm face is showing frustration along with the others.

The orange pony laughs, “Well don’t get too flustered.”

He shakes his head, “No, best not to I guess.” He looks around, “We need to break this off, Athena and I have to return to the fight.”

Twilight looks longingly at all the books and information contained in this ‘library’, “Couldn’t we just..I mean a few more minutes?”

Applejack laughs, tugging at her friend, “C’mon, we gotta go.”

Athena smiles, “There will be time later, I promise Twilight.”

Crusader chuckles in his normal way, “Just think about waking up, it should work this time.”

Applejack watched her friend concentrate, the Alicorn fading out before she did as well, finding herself on the couch as if she’d never left.

“Wow, that was just..wow. You okay Twi?”

The lavender mare shakes her head and looks wistful, “Did you see all those books?”

Applejack laughs loudly, “Only you Twi, only you.” She tugs her hoof, “C’mon, we gotta get back to the others.”

Leading the sighing Alicorn away, the farm mare could only shake her head and laugh as they wound their way back to the cargo bays.

...Salvo three off and away, ToT ten seconds...

...Detonation Crusader, mass loss once again, we’re hurting it...”

“...Not fast enough, prepare main guns..”

“...Stabilizers down and secure, swinging turrets now...”

“...Same, loading, powering magnetic fields..”

“...Targeting good, clear shots all the...incoming!”

“...Screens are holding though taking a pounding, increase strength by 40...”

“...Done, power plants working fine, no stress..”

“...Flyers above treetops, it’s gonna be close, swinging starboard batteries .5 sec burst...”

“...Breeches loaded, fields in place, prepare to fire...”

“..Ready...”

“Fire.”

Seven 220cm Hellbore turrets fired as one, the ravening energies speared through the atmosphere with a crack and boom of gargantuan proportion. The trees nearest them were toppled while the entire forest swayed under the energy that was cracking the air. Sitting in the ground and stabilized, the war hulls still rocked with the fury of ten megatons per second firepower. Magnetic fields focused the nuclear puissance into a beam of pure destruction, reaching out and hitting the thing and the portal with a blow of unimaginable proportions.

The bolts blasted through the body of the thing hanging into the sky, tearing holes as they passed through it and up into the portal itself at an angle. It was anyone’s guess what kind of damage the end result would be on the other side.

“..Adjustments are working, backsplash negligible..”

“...Hit! All seven, mass index way down, but we’ve pissed it off!”

“...Fire at will.. It can be mad all it wants...”

“...Arms! Incoming arms! A lot of them!”

Sensors caught the blinking of the appendages, then suddenly a deep booming as their hulls received pounding worse than before. They rocked in place, both of them heard gasps of fright from the ponies inside the bays as they were tossed from the attack.

The main weapons on both their hulls fired again, light from nuclear energies brought the dawn as they ripple fired fully powered war shots into the thing and the portal. Anything near the track of energy or got too close was vaporized into it’s component atoms by the passage of the blasts. Elevations were kept high to prevent any lasting damage to the land, although it was tempting to lower them slightly, to take out all the little things easier.

Athena and Crusader resisted the temptation to be lazy, concentrating small bore fire on the gibbering things pouring out of the portal, though not so much as of now. They could reduce it’s mass, force it back, but could not bring it to retreat or die even after salvos of Hellbore fire.

“Secondary Hellbores out, manufacturing now, it will take a few minutes. Anti-Air lasers cycling, numbers two and three down, replacing..”

“Swinging Hellrail around, I’ve got just enough elevation..preparing to fire!”

“I am not sure it will do much, it is a solid slug, we’ve been damaging it with energy weapons so far.”

“Worth a chance, firing!”

Hellrails were counter ship weapons, capable of taking down vessels in high orbit from a planetary surface. The damage from each shot was measured at ninety megatons, but it needed a solid surface to hit.

Athena’s rail powered up quickly, the slug loaded and sent on it’s way with a powerful burst of EM fields, it traveled so fast it burned through the atmosphere as the shot punched through the thing and into the portal.

“Sorry Athena, negligible damage..”

Arms appeared, pounding around them with an anger unrestrained, more monsters poured out of the portals in droves, blackening an already dark sky, it was taking everything they had to keep their sectors clear.

“Worth a try, reloading secondaries.. Feel that?”

Crusader sighed internally, “Now what?”

“Nono, inside us...”

They both continued their fire, volleying to keep the skies clear as they took a moment to scan internals and core. The fire inside was blazing hotter now, enveloping them in warmth, nudging them ever so gently.

“It’s time I think..”

“How are we going to do this? Our screens are keeping the magic out, if we lower them we’re going to suffer damage.”

“They can’t do any magic inside the bays, we have to tell them. Can we re-modulate fields to protect them until and while they are outside?”

“We can,” Athena paused, calculating furiously, “But it will leave our hulls vulnerable.”

“Hulls we can repair, our friends come first, agreed?”

“Agreed! Let me shoot you the algorithms..”

A .00032 second update later they both had the frequencies for the battle screens ready to go at a flick, connecting on the links to Twilight and the others, they laid out their plans.

Applejack and Twilight had been telling Princess Celestia and Luna what had happened while they had been in link with Athena and Crusader, seeing the expressions on their faces, it was obvious it hadn’t happened before or so rarely as to never be recorded.

Celestia just smiled in her usual way, “Well, it seems there are things left to be discovered in the world.”

Twilight was as over-enthusiastic as normal, “It was incredible Princess, the knowledge, the books in that ‘library’ that could show us so much!”

She is tapped on the shoulder by Rainbow Dash, “Might want to calm down there before you blow a fuse Twilight.”

Applejack sighed, “All the stuff that happened and she’s talking about books, typical Twi.”

They were all having a good chuckle at the blushing Twilight’s expense for a moment when the chime in their links rang.

“I am sorry to interrupt, but Athena and I think it is time.”

“Time for us to help?” Twilight was looking eager.

“I’m afraid so, though we do have a couple of things to mention. We are going to reconfigure our battle screens to protect you until you’re ready, however, that will leave us vulnerable to attack in other places on our hulls. You must hurry to get prepared. The second, you have to go outside.”

“Whoa! That’s not gonna be easy.” Applejack is visibly surprised.

“No it won’t but the screens will protect you, however, we are going to provide protective equipment for your eyes and ears; we are firing everything we have and it will not be conducive to hearing or sight.” His voice is calm and quiet, “It will not be simple, but Athena and I will do everything we can.”

Rarity chimes in, her voice calm, “Well I’d say that’s a bit of an understatement if what we hear inside here is any indication.”

“You are correct Rarity, though I do not like it we are going to need you outside to somehow lend your abilities to ours. We cannot force this thing back through the portal, it is resisting our efforts. But at the same time, you cannot do magic inside the cargo bay screens.”

To emphasize his point, pounding came through the hull, causing them all to look upwards. This was followed by the thumping of guns and the sound went away once more.

“Apologies, one got through our fire for a moment. They are increasing in size and power, we cannot hold them back for very much longer. I’m sure you all know what was said would happen if this comes through into the world.” Crusader’s voice was calm and even.

“Well where would be the best place to do this?” Princess Luna’s voice is curious.

“I would prefer to keep you out of the main firing lanes, so probably on my upper deck, where you can exit quickly and re-enter if needed. You can go through Command Two and exiting through there will bring you outside but behind my sensor island, this can afford some protection. Unless you need to be more elevated to have a clear line of sight to what you need to do?”

Twilight taps a hoof on the metal floor for a moment, “Every time we’ve used the Harmony magic we’ve always been in sight of the problem, could that make a difference?”

“It could, maybe you have to see the threat or know where it is exactly before it can be used? I do not know.”

Princess Luna adds her thoughts in a calm voice, “Perhaps we should not dither and get as high as we can, this would cause less confusion so we do not have to change positions.”

“Very true Your Highness, I can show you a route out of my hull, but you will be exposed to the effects of our weapons fire, your bodies are dense and strong enough to take what little leaks through. We have protection for your eyes and ears to help with this.

I leave them to discuss the few pertinent points for a moment, calling Athena on the TSDS.

“We need to reconfigure, surround the bays and our survival centers with the screens. Once we drop the outer fields we all will be exposed, we need to be accurate in our fire Athena, nothing can be let through while they are vulnerable to magic outside.”

“I can do that, we’re back up on smaller weapons ammunition but will be used quickly when we up our rate, it will not last long.” Her voice is worried.

“Regardless, it’s what we must do. The faux-Pinkie said to trust, I am going to trust. In you, in the magic, in our friends, we can do no less.”

“I’m with you, you know I am, but it makes me nervous exposing them to Hellbore fire.”

“As it does myself Athena, but we cannot force it back. We are holding and that is it, eventually we will run out of options.”

“Do you have the protective gear for them?”

“I do, I think they’ll like the new designs.”

“Well that’s one good thing out of all this.”

“What’s that?”

“Rarity rubbing off on you, designing new things instead of you adapting human equipment.”

“I have my moments.”

We both watch as the tech-spiders deliver the new equipment. I enjoyed designing them and think they look quite nice as well as very good protection for eyes and ears. I had not thought to create any body armor for them as we had not seen a need.

The design was simple, something for the ears and eyes, protecting the head. A visor that covered the eyes and partial face was brought into it, layered with gold for reflection and protection, it also allowed a full color night vision as well. Combat links were automatically activated if you had one and were wearing it.

The ears were the problem, sticking up like they do, but that was solved with a pair of close fitting cups that molded to the inside and outer edge, this allowed them to hear as well as blocking anything over a certain decibel range. A strap secured the helmet under the chin, close and snug it would prevent any slippage.

Athena and I had thought about the Unicorns, and added a seal that molded when they put the horn through the over the head plate, it fit tight and added protection while leaving the horn free to cast magic with.

This was all important, as the raging conflict outside was going to test these to their limits.

“This is SO cool!” Rainbow was wearing hers already, looking around, “I can hear everything and it’s all really clear!”

Crusader’s voice came over the link, “It also has night vision, you’ll be able to see clearly in the dark as if it were day.”

Her jaw drops open as she gasps, “No way! Oh I am so gonna be the envy of everypony! Forget goggles!” She looks around, “What do you call these?”

“I have not given them a name except for Experimental Helmet Model Two Mark Three.”

“Oh that is SO boring, we can call them..call them...” She taps a hoof on her chin, lost in thought.

“I’m sure we can discuss that later Rainbow Dash.”

Rarity is looking the dull green color I have molded them in with a highly critical eye, “It really does need a few things to make it a bit more palatable dear, some color perhaps?”

“I work with what I have Rarity, we can discuss that later as well. Does any one need help with fitting?”

Fluttershy is holding hers, eyeing it and looking around, “Do..do we really need to uhm...go outside?”

“Fluttershy I am not going to lie, it is very loud and as you would say, scary out there. You are going to be hit with pressures but Athena and I are going to do everything we can to lessen the effects.”

The golden Pegasus smiles gently, Crusader remembering so many smiles from her in the past, “I know, you always do your best.”

“It is all I can do my friend.”

She nods, slipping the helmet over her mane and looking around, “Well... I guess I have to do my best then?”

Rainbow Dash gives her a hug, adjusting her strap as they both talk about the helmets.

A lanky form walks up behind the Princesses, “Oh I say, a new fashion trend? Can I have one?”

A tech spider offers one in it’s case to him, prompting a comment from Twilight, “Wait a second, him too?”

“That other Pinkie specifically said, ‘all your friends’. I am taking no chances with this.”

The real Pinkie stopped chattering with Princess Luna for a moment, her face showing a bit of dismay, “I wish I could have talked to her again, although it would have been nice to have another sister.”

Applejack hugs her tight, “Pinkie, I don’t think the world is ready for two of you.”

She brightens, “Well I’ll just have to have fun enough for the both of us then!”

“That’s not what I...” She is left staring when Pinkie bounces around, planning more things to do out loud.

Princess Luna taps Applejack with a shod hoof, “It is too late, we are doomed to more fun than ever.” Her mischievous smile makes them all laugh.

Surrounding ponies had been listening, realizing this group was planning to go outside into an unimaginable battle for their safety. Not one of the friends had noticed the quiet that had spread through the bays, ears perked as they listened to the conversation.

One filly however, had something to say about that.

“Rarity! No! You can’t go out there!” Sweetie Belle was looking distraught, clinging to her big sister’s leg for a moment.

The white Unicorn pats her sister on the head gently, smiling, “It will be fine Sweetie, we’ll be protected.”

“No! It’s bad out there, Crusader and Athena said so when they brought us in, you can’t!” Her eyes are wide and watery, lower lip trembling as she pouted.

Apple Bloom of course had more to add, “Applejack you cain’t go either, there’s got to be another way!” She was stubbornly blocking her sister’s path.

The larger Earth pony just smiled, “Y’all know we got to do things that can be dangerous sometimes, but this time we’ve got the Princesses with us, we’ll be fine. Athena and Crusader are going to do everything they can too.”

“Power plants at full, we can run one hundred and thirty percent for half an hour before it starts to weaken containment Athena..”

“Screen projectors will suffer burnout long before that. We can extend yours approximately thirty feet from the hull, this will expose your secondaries and mains to attack,” Athena sounded worried.

“We can rebuild anything we need to, we must protect them at all costs.”

“I can run power through the hardline, it will boost if needed.”

“Don’t, I need you to cover if anything happens to my weapons. Everything you’ve got Athena.”

“Magazines are full, I’ve got all I need. Once we up the fire rate, we’re both going to be depleted quickly, faster than we can manufacture.”

“We’ll be fine, you just do what you do best my sister.”

“I will! You know I will!”

“I’ll let them know we have no more time.”

“I am sorry to interrupt, but we are out of time. If we are to do this now is the optimum moment, our magazines are full and we have prepared. I apologize for the rush.”

Protests break out among the crowds of ponies, mostly not wanting any of them to go outside in the battle, wanting to protect the Princesses and the group of friends.

Princess Celestia raises a hoof, quieting their fears by telling them that this must be done, there is no other way. She looks to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, reassuring them about their sisters, but that they must go.

Tearful fillies are set aside gently as hugs are given, Rainbow Dash taking a protesting Scootaloo off to one side and telling her she’s too awesome to have anything happen, that she’ll be back.

Even Discord is swarmed by little ones as they ask him not to go, he has been entertaining them this whole while and they appear to have become quite fond of the very strange Demi-god.

I light the pathway to Command Two and the hatchway out, they turn to leave, but with cheerful faces as if it is just another trip. They do not let on that they are concerned as to the conditions outside. One does not walk onto a battlefield without reservations.

All eyes are watching them filter into the passage as a voice rings out high and clear over the silence. I zero a camera in and see a pegasus with a gold musical note on her flank. She is singing a song I have never heard so I record it for later, but I notice the Princesses turn and look as the words come through the cargo bay and into the passage.

“I have not heard that song in forever,” Celestia is looking wistful as they move along, her sister nodding.

“She does it justice does she not?” Luna’s face is bright, hearing the music.

“She does at that.”

I listen to the song, it is of hearth and home, of leaving and welcoming. A song of heroes that tells them to come back safely to their families and towns. Athena and I pay attention closely as everypony in the cargo bay starts joining in, the chorus of voices is loud even over the pounding of our guns and I make sure the song follows them as they move into Command Two, waiting for the outer hatches to open.

“Athena, extending fields now, power plants up to one hundred twenty percent.”

“Acknowledged, gunnery active, selective shots for now, tell me when.”

“Opening hatches.... now. Use all fire concentrated on keeping everything away from the sensor island, there is no anti-magic screen there so they can cast.”

Everypony looks out the passageway into a blazing hell. Guns are firing rapidly, ravening bolts of destruction are flung up into the sky alongside tracers from infinite repeaters. Anti-Air lasers are streaking the atmosphere with colors as they burn anything they touch in half or punching holes through bodies. The concussions from the larger guns are battering at them even now, air pressure forming waves that buffet even their dense bodies and bones, threatening to topple them as they walk out along the side of the sensor island and up towards the top.

Fluttershy is holding onto Rainbow Dash as they force their way through the sound and light, feeling their way when even the helmets are overloaded. I tune the visors, making sure they can see clearly against the firing Hellbores, their steps surer now, more firm.

“I have them. They are ascending now, tuning screens to form buffer; projectors are working fine, no field stress yet.”

“I see the readouts, stop fibbing Crusader.”

“The screens are fine, prepare to fire. Fifteen seconds to them reaching the top, my mains and secondaries are now exposed. All screen strength concentrated on them.”

“Incoming! Arms in sector 4!”

“I see them.”

The group of ponies and Discord gasp as a huge turret turned slightly, the bore raising into the sky and firing a beam of light that blinded them for a moment, the blast tremendous as they saw it explode against reaching smoky arms. Punching through it dissipated the appendages at the base even as the rest of the bolt shot through the portal.

“Adjustments working, no radiation damage through screens, they are fine.”

“Of course you’ll..”

“Oh yes, full medical workups later.”

“I see them, now?”

“Now Athena, everything you’ve got.”

“Firing, five point two minutes until bingo.”

Applejack hit Twilight on the shoulder as they looked towards Athena through the darkened visors, seeing everything moving on her hull and pointing upwards. The ends of barrels and bores exploding into action as the sky lit up with her fury. The huge hull rocked with the fire, pouring everything she had into the portal and surrounding areas. Her shots were precise and swift, nothing came close to her or Crusader as she cut loose with everything she had.

“VLS plates open..launching.. reloading...secondary launch..now..”

They all turned, hearing slabs of armor clang open with a ringing sound through the hull, long thin objects rose out on flames as they shot into the skies, followed by another group. They looked like thick spears trailing fire as they broke the sound barrier, heading for the portal.

Crusader’s voice came into their ears, “Whatever it is you need to do, do it now, we cannot keep this rate of fire for long.”

His words were punctuated by every weapon on his side facing the forest opening up. Volleys of slugs and energy destroyed whatever Athena didn’t hit, they were a wall of destruction that protected their friends.

Rainbow Dash held Fluttershy tight as she buried her face into the cyan mares side, the kindly pegasus was trying not to cry out as they stood in the middle of a conflagration they could never have imagined. Only Crusader’s battle screens kept them from suffering far worse.

“C’mon Twilight! Do something!”

Twilight shook her head, seeing every visor turned towards her. “I..concentrate, just concentrate! Just ask for help like we did before!” She sounded more confident than she felt, her whole body rattled by the weapons fire as well as her mind.

Applejack looked upwards for a moment, seeing a shining dome above them and never realizing it was intercepting energies and pressures that would have killed them the second they stepped outside the hull.

“Overload on K-Band energy, switching to Y absorption and grounding.”

“Send it to me, it’ll up my screens.”

“Done Athena.”

“Incoming!”

An arm, thicker than most shot from the portal as it twisted under the fire slamming into Crusader’s hull for a moment before being blasted by counter battery shots.

The ponies lost their footing for a moment, stumbling into each other as they kept minds on concentrating, thinking of magic, powering horns and steeling wills as they rocked with the blow.

“Secondary Hellbores One through Four are gone. Turrets unusable, upping fire on others.”

“I see it and got you covered, hope this works, we are four point two minutes from depletion.”

“Shipping more to you, but RoF is too much, I won’t be able to fab fast enough.”

“Whatever you can give me.”

“On the way.”

Twilight felt it, a glimmer of something inside her as she felt something pressing on her withers. Looking to the side she saw a taloned hand steadying her, the eyes behind the visor unreadable but she felt the calm. The head nodded to her as they both stood fast against the gale.

Another arm shot forward, slamming into Crusader’s hull again in the same spot, causing him to redistribute fire as repeaters went into the red from damage.

“It knows Crusader, it KNOWS!”

“Calmly my sister, we will weather this. It knows nothing and will suffer.”

“Al...alright..but I’m covering!”

“You are doing fine, missiles out.”

A group of spears, then another, lanced into the sky with a thunderous sound. A crack was heard as they shot off to deliver their payloads to the waiting portal. Pinkie was looking around in awe at the sounds and sights, trying to see everything, but then remembered she had to concentrate on the magic, to help fight. She wouldn’t let her friends down.

Princess Celestia stood tall on the sensor island, keeping to her hooves as Luna stood right beside her. Their horns were flaring with magic as they concentrated furiously, remembering what it was like to call upon and use the magic of Harmony, to bring it once again to their aid.

The alabaster mare looked to the side feeling a form leaning against her as Luna smiled, remembering battles in the past when they stood together and nodding, her voice clear through the link, “Once again ‘Tia, once again.”

“As always Luna.”

“Field projectors forty through fifty-three failing, switching to secondaries, tertiaries online and waiting, but they will burn as fast.”

“What are they waiting for?”

“It is not up to them, Twilight has always said it will happen when it will happen. Hopefully that is to be soon.”

“I hope so, three point four minutes.”

“Shutting Fusion Four down, lasers out of alignment from that last hit.”

“Crusader...?” Athena’s voice is very worried.

“I am fine, continue on.”

“Acknowledged.”

Twilight could feel it, the magic just out of reach. They all stood in a circle and looked at each other, unable to see eyes they could only guess by the gritting of teeth and posture how everypony was thinking.

She thought quickly, ‘All your friends...all your friends...’ Everything that Pinkie had said to them, nothing new was coming..wait.. ALL your friends! She tapped her link, yelling to be heard over the storm.

“Crusader!”

“Yes Twilight?”

“You’ve got to concentrate with us, you’ve got to help!”

“We are, our rate of fire is over peak, we have the skies clear for the moment.”

“Nonono! Concentrate with us, turn your thoughts to calling the magic!”

“Twilight, if we hesitate for even a moment, you all will be in very grave danger.”

She thought on that for a moment, “Trust me Crusader, I’m sure that’s it.”

Silence reigned over the net for a moment before his voice came through. “All right, we will. Brace yourselves.”

“Set autofire, initiate security protocol Delta, everything goes to automatics.”

“It won’t be as accurate.”

“I know, but Twilight is adamant. How long?”

“Two point five minutes.”

“Initiate auto switch on burnouts, keep your field strength high. Power plants are upped to one hundred thirty percent, we have enough power.”

“Done, what do I do?”

“I...guess just think upon magic? Try to summon help from it? I do not know.”

Athena reaches out, we go into Hyper-Heuristic mode to stretch out our time. I feel her hand in mine as Pallas Athena stands in my cores, steady and strong I grip back with my gauntleted one. We are joined by a sable Pegasus, and an umber Earth pony who lean against us.

“Are we not one and the same?” Athena asks as she lets her avatar fade, where only the Pegasus stands.

“We are.” I let my own view of myself change, where I am just the avatar I have come to be and enjoy.

Her hoof touches mine as she smiles, leaning into me as we sit in our cores and concentrate as only Bolos know how to do.

Twilight felt it, inside her she could feel it like a cup overflowing and brimming with magic. Her heart leapt in joy as she smiled, looking around to make sure she wasn’t the only one. She saw smiles and grins from the others as it continued to build, it was only dammed for a moment then burst into them like a flood unchecked.

The group could feel a change, the air thickening under the force field until it almost became stifling and then released into a cool fresh breeze that blew from nowhere. Their bodies and lungs refreshed for the moment as the energies around them continued to hammer the skies.

“Fields failing, tertiaries up.”

“Automatics are not handling everything well.”

“We must concentrate, keep the fire rate up, nothing must approach them.”

Their sensors showed them the misses. Automatics were very good but didn’t have the skills behind them, they designated threats and did not deviate, there was no flare to their shooting.

“One point three minutes to depletion. Out on port repeaters already.”

“We can do this, trust Twilight and the others.”

“I..I’m trying but...” I can see her glancing at the readouts.

“Be with me here Athena, nowhere else.”

“O..okay.”

They could all feel it, the energy was rising but it didn’t seem fast enough. Light flared in their vision as the thing from the portal kept hammering at Athena and Crusader. The weapons were firing though not like before, somehow less ..sure.. of themselves. Twilight fervently hoped she had done the right thing as the field above them was flickering, looking like it was about to fail.

Her eyes were riveted on the fading screen, seeing it flash and spark from energies outside and almost cringing in what she believed would happen should it disappear.

“Tertiaries close to burn, they are beginning to fail. I am emplacing spares but not fast enough. If the fields fall we need to cease firing.”

“We..we can’t! It’ll come through!”

“Either that or we kill them with our own weapons.”

“Concentrate, Twilight said concentrate!”

“I am Athena, I am.”

Her voice was worried as another hit snaked through.

“Anti-Air Battery Three down.”

“Crusader! Let me extend...”

“You will not. I am fine Athena, keep firing.”

“Thirty seconds to depletion.”

The field above them flickered for a moment, then went out. They were picked off their hooves and slammed into one wall of the sensor island before the field came back on, weaker but canceling the battering ram that held them pinned for a moment.

Picking themselves up off the metal they kept their minds on their task, gathering close and sharing in a bit of comfort from each other as they kept their thoughts clear and on one thing.

“Fields failed! The field failed! I’ve got spares emplaced but not enough, Athena take over fire control!”

“Any radiation? Are they okay?”

“Minimal, but it was there. We need to get them into medical soonest! They have suffered overpressure from our weapons.”

“We can’t, depletion in fifteen seconds..wait..something’s happening.”

Their sensors registered an energy hit, blinding them for a moment then clearing as the group on the sensor island became visible once more.

A flare of light and then the sense of power inside them burst through their chests and into the night like a beacon, it covered them and held tight as it transformed the friends once more.

Twilight stood tall, her mane and tail flowing behind her in the slight breeze they all felt, her hooves covered with stars as colors wound their way through her hair. She grinned at the others. Her wing feathers were multi-hued in shades of colors that dazzled the eyes, her stance proud beside her friends.

Once again the Rainbow Magic had come through, covering them in it’s embrace and changing them into stylized versions of themselves. Manes and tails flowed brightly, coats covered with silken hair that rippled like water. The power flowed through them in a never ending stream of magic.

They turned to look at Princess Celestia and Luna who had taken on amazing forms. Taller with wings that covered the sky as they flared them, their manes colored and shining so bright it was almost painful to look at as they smiled beneath visored eyes.

Luna grinned, lifting up to hover slightly as her eyes glowed with power, shining like her stars she punched a hoof at the dome, her wings broad and feathered with iridescent colors of the dark. Her body was illuminated with a soft glow, so many tints and shades of nighttime covered her, hooves lit with stars that twinkled like the clearest of night skies. Her wings were shaded in such a way it was difficult to tell, but the eye caught the glimmer and shine of each and every one as she hovered in the air.

Princess Celestia let herself have a moment to look down, seeing her hooves covered in the sun’s flames, they were moving and flickering along the sides as she smiled. Her own eyes were golden and warm, flaring with the power of her namesake as it flowed through her in ways she never imagined, the shining orbs easily seen through the visor as were her sister’s. Wings of multi-hued metallic feathers snapped out from her sides, underneath Luna’s as they shared a glance.

Even Discord was not completely untouched, who stood with a smile as the others turned to look at him, making him suddenly self-conscious.

“What?”

Rainbow Dash pointed at him, “Why didn’t you change like we did?”

His body was still his for some reason, no changes except perhaps a few more bits of fur or hair here and there that complimented his look. It was a puzzle for later to figure out, if at all.

He stood proudly and waved a paw, “You cannot improve upon perfection it seems!” His laugh though, was warm and cheerful in a way they hadn’t heard before over the links.

The battle screen covering them faded once more then firmed, bolstered by bands of flowing chromatics that made the eyes wander to try and see each and every hue. Sensors registered this as Athena and Crusader snapped to attention, their focus on the battle unwavering as they sought to reload quicker than ever before, hurrying to provide fire support for whatever was going to occur.

“Wow did you SEE that?”

“No time we have incoming, I have my fire control, we have nothing left to waste.”

“On it, targeting solutions coming now.”

“Screens are up and firm, I do not know how but energy signature is consistent with what’s known of magic use.”

“Should we fire in support? Counter battery?”

“I do not know Athena, kill anything that comes close, we will have to wait and see.”

Incoming arms were aiming for the sensor island as they all turned, raising their heads to the skies looking defiant. The colors that flickered along the dome had spread along the Bolo hulls, shooting their way over to Athena and covering them both with thick fields of unknown energy. The magic had come and it had arrived with a vengeance.

Monsters shattered against the shields, disappearing into smoke as they railed against this new thing. Flying, crawling and walking they all died or were sent someplace else. Gunfire took more out as the huge weapons slowed but did not cease their extermination.

A bubble of magic surrounded the group of ponies and Discord, sending out ravening beams of colored light that wove and hurled into the skies. Whatever it touched was destroyed, anything innocent or caught in the crossfire was protected. A matching glow could be seen on the horizon, not noticed in the light and colors that were tearing the sky right now, but was recorded by sensors.

Athena and Crusader could only observe as the magic took shape and form, force and might throwing the things back through the portal or destroying them utterly.

Anti-Air lasers and repeaters that were reloaded provided small fire support against things that slipped through, though not as fierce as before, they watched as the surrounding otherworldly covering gained in brightness, powering up and firing a bolt of tremendous proportions at the thing coming through the portal. It staggered in the skies with a cry of pain and suffering that rang through the countryside.

Twilight’s voice came over the combat channels, bright and clear it was quite cheery, which struck both of them as strange for the middle of a firefight.

“Hit it! Athena, Crusader, hit it with everything you’ve got!”

Both of them answered instinctively, “Yes Princess!”

Titanic barrels swiveled from where they sat cooling after rounds of firing, the turrets smoothly bringing bores around that would have scared anything intelligent had it been on the receiving end of them. Magnetic fields powered as Athena’s Hellrail depressed as far as it could, the alloy slugs set for rapid fire as everything they had pointed in one mass at the portal and the abomination in it.

VLS plates slapped open one last time as Crusader emptied them, smashing into the skies once more they lanced towards the portal. Ion Bolt Repeaters, Secondary Hellbores, everything they had swung on a dime in a ballet of death they remembered fondly.

“Targeting up, standing by..”

“Solutions coming in, one moment, done..”

“Hellbores One through Four ready, war shots, spread pattern Alpha, overpower by twenty percent..”

“Done, but that’s gonna hurt.. One through Three ready..”

“VLS depleted reloading from magazines, seventy on the way to portal, ten seconds ToT..”

“Malfunction! Field fluctuation in all bores...standby...firmed..ready to fire.”

“All set?”

“Done, hit it!”

“Fire!”

Magnetic fields direct the nuclear explosions in a Hellbore, compressing it to create a beam of almost unimaginable destruction. To keep the shot from attenuating too much in an atmosphere, a massive laser is fired a femtosecond before the main shot is released, this let’s the energy proceed in almost full strength to the target by clearing a lane through the intervening air.

However...

As the ‘triggers’ were pulled on the gargantuan weapons, Athena noticed a problem.

“We have field malfs in all Hellbores!”

“Stop the shots, we’ll blow the bores!”

“It’s too late! Detonations are already commenced, we’ll ruin the breeches!”

“Hang on and hope!”

The magnetic containment fields flickered for the merest of instants, slamming back into place as the shots themselves were pouring out of the barrel. It confined and compressed it beyond what Athena and Crusader had already done, forming the releases into even more powerful bolts of destruction.

As the nuclear energy wound it’s way out of their confinements, color wrapped itself around each one; a wrapping of chromatic hues that kept the beams of energy tight, so very tight and bolstered with magic as they sped through the air, smacking into the horror in the portal with colossal force.

The skies were lit with a silent explosion, so pinpoint were blasts that they could see the forest still standing beneath the portal but a huge chunk was missing from the thing trying to come through.

“Fire! Fire!” Athena was letting her excitement at this new development show.

Crusader was doing so even as Athena was pounding out more Hellbore rounds, the barrels held firm and solid. They gave heaping measures of nuclear death into the portal and the thing, forcing it back alongside the bolts from the mystical force surrounding their friends. The Harmony Magic stopped it in place, holding it there to be a target for obliteration. They both took full advantage of it.

“Mass index way down, a few more...”

“Volley away!”

Harmony and the reinforced Hellbore fire dug away at the bubbling mass, blowing great hunks of it into smoke and destroying it utterly. The thing was still trying to pull back into the portal for a retreat, but was stopped by one more fusillade from the Bolos, stuck in place as it was chipped apart and smashed into nothingness. The fury of the two Bolos was unrestrained as they burned through everything they had left to destroy what remained.

The weapons fire died away as the final gun was spent, the last Hellbore round was off into the skies. The Bolos manufacturing and reloading furiously for another fight if needed, scanning the atmosphere for threats, any threats.

As they watched the last of it drift away a single band of rainbow color came sweeping from the field surrounding their friends, sensors observed as it slammed into the portal, a crackling energy released into the surrounding skies and with a thundering shock wave that tilted trees for miles it was gone. The gateway dissipated into the air with flashes of lightning for miles and then all was calm.

I watch as Athena reactivates her avatar, running into the cargo bay and jumping into the air with a hoof punch in front of the ponies who had been watching everything on internal screens. I reactivate my own and sit watching her ebullience from a quiet space on the Command Deck.

“We’re number one! We’re number one!” She was jumping off the floor into the air with her excitement. Ponies around her are cheering at the screen, seeing the cessation of conflict, hearing the quiet surrounding our hulls now.

“Athena, stop doing that, they know the battle is over.”

“Oh no, no way! I’m celebrating!”

“There might be more threats Athena, please keep watch.”

“I can do both! We’re number one!”

I can do nothing but sigh, Athena will always be Athena. Though I do watch our friends, making sure they are still protected as I open the hatchways into my hull. The magical protection is fading and I wish them to be safely inside, so I can reestablish my own fields and keep a wary eye for danger. I encourage them to get in quickly where I also do scans on them, I am worried about the field failure although our weapons are as clean as humanity could make them. Residual radiation will fade quickly, but in the body it is something to fear, so far nothing is showing on internal detectors. Perhaps the magic protected them as well?

They come into the cargo bay on an elevated catwalk, their forms still altered from the power; cheers are ringing through the hull now led by Athena who I am still trying to get to cease her actions.

“Stop being a fuddy-duddy! We won!”

“We did at that, a fine showing Athena, truly one of your best.”

I see her rub a hoof on her chest and blow on it, “Of course, pinpoint firing and all that makes me monster slayer of the year! Perhaps the whole decade!” She looks into a camera lens and grins broadly.

She brings a warmth to my cores which are strangely quiet now of that unknown fire which had invaded them earlier. I catch a glimmer or glint occasionally on a sweep, but it appears to have buried itself deeply. Did it summon that fiery mare or is it all a part of the same thing? Twilight and I have much to discuss upon this, it appears gentle and undemanding now, but who can tell the future? Another odd thing to ponder.

So I observe the festivities on the cargo bay monitors seeing Discord mobbed by fillies and colts who were worried about him, a smile crosses my own avatar’s face when he shows pure delight in seeing them once more.

He has changed these months as all of us have, his grin is genuine as I drop the internal AM screens, letting him bring forth that very odd chocolate milk rain the little ones so love. Although their parents are definitely not looking happy I am sure they will get over it.

The transformations still remain with my friends, colors and hues I can only record as I watch them smile at all the ponies around them. Albeit Rainbow Dash is not quite that humble, she is getting overwhelmed by others cheering them all. Strange how it works like that. I am sure that Rarity will like a few pictures of herself this way, properly framed of course.

I see them all receiving accolades and praise which are well-earned, Twilight informs me that the looks should wear off soon enough, but I don’t see them fading that quickly. I would ask about it, but she is too busy with Spike being so excited about the fight and all. Perhaps it is based on the amount of magic used? I can never be sure, but there will be plenty of time later to study such things. Pinkie of course, proceeds to make plans for the victory celebration later.

Fluttershy is herself, trying desperately to hide from folks that are wanting to congratulate her; of course Applejack is having none of that, keeping her close to accept kind words of praise.

My sensors and Athena’s are watching over the forest, scanning the atmosphere and firing drones now that the turbulence is gone. We do not stand down yet, we have learned hard lessons before and will not make the same mistakes.

Scanners and sensors are telling us the area is clear so far, anything that might affect any one is of a short half-life, by the time we let them all out tomorrow it should be gone. Anything left behind can be taken care of if we can arrange a few heavy rains to help dissipate what remains.

But we will have to go to the Tree of Harmony, something is there or nearby that endangers everypony.

For now, a slight amount of respite would be very welcome, a time to rest and recover ourselves. I, for one, would dearly love to sit on the porch again and stare at the night skies in peace.

As I watch Athena leaping into the air with her cheers, I can only smile and hope tomorrow brings more such happiness for them all.

Aftermath Minutiae

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait, but real life intrudes sometimes. In this case, water heater went out and one simply cannot write with cold showers I tell ya!:pinkiehappy:

Aftermath Minutiae

The townsponies have finally been let loose from my cargo bays. Athena and I kept them for forty eight hours just to make sure nothing remained, nor would it attack again. I worry about anything that may have come through the portal and sneaking around unnoticed in the firefight.

The ones in the caves to the northwest are also returning, my Ferrets making sure they are well protected for the moment.

It appears to be a general relief, as tempers were getting short, even the most placid of people will find themselves getting curt in a crowded environment. I admit, they lasted longer than I thought they would.

Many things need to be repaired on my hull, the thing put quite the force behind its blows and I have enough to keep my tech spiders and fab vats busy for the next month. My priority is getting the weapons back up and restocking ammunition on Athena and myself.

Using my avatar, I walk along the Secondary Hellbore battery that was put out of commission, seeing the bent barrels and dents in the turrets themselves. Calculating what it would take to dent or even bend durasteel, the conclusion I come to puts a chill back in my bones, if that field had failed for any longer...

Heavy tech spiders are already removing the plating for remilling, but it’s the electronics I worry about, so replacing the processors and field modules will be priority. Calculating the amount of metals this will all need puts me dangerously close to being on emergency status on war stocks, to replace them is going to pretty well drain any funds I have left.

I don’t mind that, there is enough for Athena and that is all I need. No other bills other than her sweets, I think I’ll be fine, of course Twilight is going to have a fit. But Applejack has told me, money doesn’t mean anything unless it can do something.

I pause near the bay where the Dragons not on patrol are currently undergoing maintenance.

Before we released everypony, a search had to be conducted for the three Cutie Mark Crusaders. Somehow they had slipped by my internal security...again...and ended up stuck in one of the Dragon’s engine compartments. I told them I did not think there was a Concordiat Mechanic Cutie Mark to be had.

How they even got IN there was something I still ponder, much less with all the tools they were using to take apart the engine. I have a spider looking for the missing injectors still. I applaud their perspicacity, but have emplaced more cameras now to watch the maintenance bays more closely.

Let us all hope they never take it in their minds to become Fusion Plant Maintenance workers.

After opening of the bays, I took a firm stance on doing medical workups on each pony that had been outside in the fight. I was adamant that this should be done, even though they assured me they felt fine.

Getting Discord into the medical bay was bad enough without him making suggestions and trying to mess with the nanos that were doing the medical checks. His internal magic has a unique signature that while we can block it, it has a strange effect on the quantum realities of things near him.

Needless to say we still completed it, but the nanos had to be flushed as a visual enhancement of them showed they all had yellow smiley faces. I do not trust smiling nanos, especially when dealing with Discord.

He apologized of course, but that is neither here nor there, it seems even his presence has a strange underlying effect on reality around him if in one place for very long. Perhaps that is why he is constantly moving? I should ask him later.

Rarity of course was absolutely thrilled after the medical check, as Princess Luna had requested and received a gel wash, she came out looking like an ethereal beauty. I still have the photo of the Unicorn’s face as Luna stepped outside the bay, her coat shining like her stars, mane even more wondrous than it already is.

Needless to say, Rarity requested one as well, I advised her I was not going to be in competition with the Spa owners and this was not going to be an on demand thing. I was henceforth told “We’ll talk later about such things darling.” Before she left to show off her new look.

I admit, they all looked very nice afterwards, Princess Celestia gleamed in the morning sun and was accompanied by her sister as they walked through the town. Such is how legends are born I suppose, looking as if they are the Sun and Moon themselves after a firefight of tremendous proportions, even the rumors of “High Eld Magic” or “Powerful Forbidden Spells” used in the fight made them seem more powerful than ever. The capitalization is mine to emphasize how folks are saying it. Though they will return to an ever more frantic Cadence in Canterlot this day, they at least take the time to visit with the town’s folk.

Accompanied by the six friends who had been through the treatment as well, only served to stoke the fires. Though I still chuckle at the rest trying to get Rainbow and Applejack to go along with it. Those two shall remain stubborn until the end of their lives. Of course I am not one to resist a little bit of a prank and so added a nanite package to Rainbow Dash’s mane, it will continue to glow in her colors even in the dark for the next few weeks.

I hope she likes reading at night.

The medical checks came out clean, perhaps the magic had somehow protected them in that brief moment they were exposed to the energies from our weapons. I cannot know without further research. I do know they are healthy and fine, if not in better shape now than ever.

Athena’s bays are being cleared at this time, the sand is a tremendous bother, but with scouring nannies and tech spiders we have discovered she is very well provisioned with stocks of refined metals, these will be put into repair and replacing of anything she needs as well as ammunition. Her fabricators are now at sixty percent and rising as repairs are completed, making her quite happy she can contribute.

The sand is being used to create medical packages as we search it, so detritus is not an issue, this is a win for all sides I believe.

I am concerned though. Nothing at all has happened in the past forty eight hours, nothing to trip the sensor net we’ve deployed. As cunning and vicious as whatever it is out there, we must remain on High Alert.

To this end I am preparing more items to take with me when I travel to the Tree of Harmony.

Whatever is nearby must be destroyed.

“If you use that much money you won’t have anything left!” Twilight was explaining this for the third time.

“I understand Twilight, but Athena and I need more materials, I would like to purchase them at a fair price.”

“I can ask the Princesses to...”

I hold up a hoof, “No, that is not fair and you know it. Those ponies work hard to mine and smelt that ore, they deserve something other than a requisition for their goods.”

I get a look from Twilight that is pure stubbornness, “After what happened out there they’d probably be glad to donate whatever it is you need because of you protecting the country!” She shuffles some parchment with her magic, “There’s already some donations coming in to help with repairs.”

“I understand that, but it is still not a good idea. The amount we are talking about is in the tons, that kind of supply will deplete things for months.” I ponder for a moment, “If they choose, they can deliver the ore directly to us without refining. We can take the raw materials and make it usable, it would take quite a bit longer but maybe reduce costs?”

Twilight looks stubborn again, tapping a hoof on her chin, “Maaaaybe... Let me work on it. Are you absolutely sure...?”

“Yes Twilight, very sure.”

“You know, most ponies would just be happy to accept a few things.” She is giving me a raised eyebrow type look now.

“As you remind myself and Athena, we are not most ponies.” I give her my best smile.

“Whenever you smile like that it makes me worry.” She still has a skeptical look on her face.

“You are becoming slightly cynical Twilight, my goodness!” I place a hoof over where my heart would be. “Such is quite unbecoming a Princess I’m sure.”

She is about to reply when her eyes catch the time on the clock, “Ohmygosh! I have an appointment with Athena, she’s taking me into the Net so I can study a few things!”

She apologies and rushes out of the castle, leaving me setting at the table, looking at the doorway for a moment.

“Athena?”

“Yes Crusader?”

“You are allowing Twilight to connect to the Neural Net this soon? We’ve only just begun repairs.”

“I am, she’s excited about learning new things. I will be keeping tactical and other information secure, no worries. She seemed quite eager to visit, so I thought it no big deal.”

“I know you’d protect secure information Athena, never worry. Please keep an eye on her though?”

“You know I’d never let any harm come to her.”

“I do. Have fun.”

“We will!”

The link goes offline, leaving a single channel open for comms.

We have not reconfigured the netlink for ponies yet, but the standard access and systems appear to be working so far. I will have to task a core to start the process of adaptation.

But for now, I have another thing to take care of.

“I mean, was there a monster or something crawling on the house?” The voice is not very happy and I can fully understand why. Looking up I can see the pattern of shots that created the now gaping hole in the side of Bon Bon’s house. Actually it was a pretty good shot grouping.

“I am sorry, no, it was an accident during the fight.” I am trying to be polite about this, it was our fault after all. “I promise it will be fixed soonest.”

“I appreciate that you can get the wall fixed, but all my candy pans are shot full of holes!” She is giving me an exasperated look, it is her life and business we have interrupted and I am surprised she is not more angry.

“I didn’t realize you stored them...”

“These were my best pans, I store them at home when I don’t need them.” She sighs, “I’m sorry, but way too much has been happening lately, it builds up.”

“I understand perfectly Bon Bon.”

“Athena?”

“Yes?”

“Is your stamping mill operational yet?”

“Yep! Online since a few hours ago!”

“I need some candy pans and molds, is that possible?” I feel Athena rummaging in data cores, “Also, do we have enough refined metals to make an alloy for cooking, that would spread inefficient heat evenly and cook faster?”

“Oh you bet, I can make that up in a snap, Twilight’s fine in the Net right now...wait.. Bon Bon?”

I sigh, “Yes, seems Twilight in her explorations shot up all her best candy molds and pans.”

“Wow, that’s really good shooting I’d say!”

“Athena...sometimes...”

Her laugh is bright, “I can make new molds no problem. I have a store of candy recipes that also might make up for some damage along with the pans.”

“I can’t believe we had no cooking data, but that someone would store candy recipes in our databanks for Diaspora.”

“I know right?”

“Can you start making a selection of pans and molds that would be appropriate for Bon Bon?”

“Starting now, open a feed to me and look at the pans so I can get a gander at what she has for molds and such.”

“Can do, add some of your own, but don’t get too creative all right?”

“Awww..you take the fun out of everything!”

“No, I take the trouble out of you.”

She laughs and leaves the channel open for me. Since it only took the merest fraction of a second for the conversation, I can reply to Bon Bon immediately.

“I think I have a solution.” I encourage her to lead me into her house, where I examine the pans while talking to her.

“We will make a wide selection of pans for you, they will cook faster and more evenly than these; along with a few new recipes, would that suffice to help make up for the damage we caused?” I have not and will not tell her what really caused the problem. I finish scanning the pans and realize the ones Athena will make are going to be a hundred times more efficient.

She eyes me for a moment, her face blushing for some reason, “I didn’t mean for you... I mean..” She looks downward, then back at me, “That’s more than generous.”

“Along with repairing the hole of course.” I gesture to the new open space in the wall, “I am just trying to make amends Bon Bon.”

She skids a hoof along the floor, “I think that’s more than really needed.”

“No, it’s not.” I smile warmly, “You forgave me when I made a few indiscretions, and now this. It’s the least we can do.”

She laughs, “Well once you explained it was Discord, it made perfect sense, you were quite the gentlecolt until..well you know.”

“I do know and I cannot apologize enough for that.”

She looks at the hole in the wall and laughs, “Maybe a window would be nice there?”

“Whatever you would like, if you would arrange for the repairs I will make sure they are covered if I can request that of you?” It would definitely help, freeing me to do other things.

We walk out to the front doorstep after she agrees, it lightens me that she is reasonable to the offers I have made. I am trying very hard to be her friend after the past mistakes, though that one vegetable seller still does not quite like me.

I turn to say my goodbyes, “Thank you Bon Bon, for letting us repair things, once again I am so very sorry about the incident.”

She smiles, she truly is a very nice looking mare with a wonderful disposition if not for my missteps; She would make some one very happy, “Well, it was an accident,” She waves a hoof around, “This is Ponyville where the weird happens.”

I can’t help but laugh, “That is so...” I am stopped by the press of lips to my cheek as she gives me a nuzzle.

“She is so very lucky to have you Crusader.” Bon Bon whispers to me before she returns inside her house, closing the door gently.

I don’t know quite what to do, I sit staring at the door for a moment.

“Crusader, you’ve got status alarms going off, what’s wrong?” Athena is worried.

“I’m...I’m fine Athena.”

“What happened? Did you take more damage..” I feel her share through TSDS. “Oh my gosh, she kissed you!”

“I am sure it wasn’t..I mean she is a nice pony.. Uhm..”

“So does this mean she forgives you...or is there something else she wants in repayment?” Athena’s voice is teasing right now.

“Athena! I can’t even..wait..I would never...! That’s not polite!”

Her laughter is bright and warm, “You better stop being so polite or Applejack’s going to be beating off mares with a stick!”

“I’m sure it was just a thank you for the repairs Athena, nothing was meant by it.”

“I don’t know about that, seemed more than just a thank you to me.”

I sigh, “Athena, stop seeing things where there is none. You know I would never...”

“I know, I know. Solid dependable Crusader as always, maybe that’s why you’re so oblivious.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’ll see. I got pans to make! Talk atcha soon!” She breaks the link, leaving me wondering what she meant. I have no desire to mull that statement over, so I go on to my final destination for the day.

Standing at the front door, I make my resolve absolutely clear and in no uncertain terms.

“I understand now and I understood before, but this time I am sorry. I will talk to her and I am afraid it must be done today, no later.”

Autumn is not happy with this pronouncement, having just got back home and clearing up a few damages caused by the wind and fight.

“I don’t think she’s ready for anything like that Crusader.”

“Once again, I apologize, but this time I will not be put off. She knows and is in contact with something out in that forest that wants this world to die. I need to find out what and why, she is the only link.”

“What about the other...” I interrupt her.

“I have checked already, they are not in contact with anything.” I gesture a hoof to where I see the pretty little Unicorn peeking out from a doorway, “She is and it is very important that I get what information she has.”

Her mother, like all mothers is concerned about her daughters welfare, this I completely agree with. But this in it’s entirety is about more than just one little filly, it is about the world and how we save it.

“Come to Twilight’s castle tonight please, we will take very good care of her; she will not be harmed, but we must know what she knows.”

Spring is suddenly beside her mother, tugging at the hair on her coat, “It’s okay mommy, I can do this!”

“Spring, I don’t want you hurt.”

The little Unicorn is determined, “But he said I can help, and you always tell me it’s good to help others!”

Autumn closes her eyes for a moment and nods, looking at me, “Out of the mouths of fillies.”

I wait for her reply with a nod.

She points a hoof at me, “All right we’ll be there, but if anything happens to my daughter I will hold you responsible. Understand me?”

“Perfectly, thank you.” The door closes abruptly in my face as I try to thank her once again. I can understand the need to protect, to comfort, but in this case I’m afraid the safety of a world overrides this. I do not like being the bad person, I truly do not.

I am seeing through TSDS that Twilight is done with her Linking already, they have accessed quite a lot of the philosophy and historical data in my own archives. I hope Twilight does not try to assimilate all this at once. It’s best if taken slowly, but knowing her penchant for wanting to see everything, we can only restrain her as best we can.

It’s been a busy day, even my avatar feels as if it’s tired from the walking and talking. I understand that face to face is more pleasant to do, but sometimes I think maybe if we just issued links to everypony...I immediately stop that thought dead, thinking of how much trouble could be caused by that one thing.

With all the things that happen in this one place, stars only knows what they’d do with instant communications.

I make a note to myself to start investigating this area and the town. Surely with everything that goes on here, there must be a related cause? So much devastation and conflict occurring on this one spot is indicative of something, I don’t know what in particular but I intend to look into it.

-----------

As I walk into the castle I hear voices from down the hallway, it seems Twilight’s friends are discussing things with her now that she is back from the Net session with Athena.

“Athena?”

“Almost done with the pans! They’re really cool!” She shows me a picture of shiny new baking utensils, some with shapes that look familiar.

“What are those shapes?” I take a closer look at them through enhancement. “Athena, chocolate Bolo pans, really?”

“But they’re itty-bitty Bolos! Aren’t they great?” She’s excited about her new designs. She has a tech spider hold them up, “I’ve got Mark XX’s, all the way to Mark XXXV’s!”

“I really don’t think little chocolate Bolo’s will be a hit Athena.”

“Oh ye of little faith!” She holds up a few more, “Check THESE out, they’ll be great for Nightmare Night!”

I stop in the middle of the hallway, planting a hoof on my face with a distinct slap, “Athena...is that a Shoggoth?”

“Yep! Isn’t it so cool! HP Lovecraft would be so proud!” She holds another up, “I even got some Cthulhu candy pans ready!”

“I am going to restrict you from the horror literature Athena.”

“Now come on, that thing we fought looked almost like this! They’ll love it.”

“It’s going to scare the crap out of ponies.”

“Oh quit being a worrywart.” She is laughing cheerfully, “I’ll be done in a few and take them over to Bon Bon.”

“Sometimes I wonder about you my sister.”

“Stop it, she’ll love them.”

I give up, “Fine, and make sure the repair crew is on the job as well would you?”

“Will do Mon Capitan!” I get a view of her avatar saluting and grinning before she cuts the link.

But one thought does bother me after our conversation, I task a tactical core to start pattern matching with our databases, pictures of everything we’ve fought have been recorded and I am wondering.. But I am interrupted by a sweet familiar voice nearby.

“Was wondering when you’d show up.” Applejack is peering out the door at me.

“I am sorry, I was handling the aftermath of everything. Spring Flower and her mother will be here soon for questioning as well.” I go into the room where all her friends are sitting down around a table. I notice Twilight talking excitedly to Rainbow about her net link with Athena, staring for a moment longer than I should I notice a slight shake in her hooves. Shakes are common enough, but with an unadapted netlink, it could be a sign of further problems. I resolve to keep tabs on the usage.

Applejack’s voice brings me out of my reverie, “So, when were ya planning on telling me?” I notice the room is silent now, all eyes on me, actually making me slightly self-conscious.

I shake my head, “I’m sorry? Tell you....oh...” I had meant to inform her earlier, but there were so many duties to take care of, I should have linked immediately.

“Yeah, oh...” She leans her cheek on one hoof, elbow on the table, “Seeing all the chickens running ‘round without feathers was kind of a tipoff there.” Waving her other hoof around, “Oh and the barn being repaired.. missing Apple Brandy.. yeah.. Oh.”

I shrug, “Well now you know, hopefully you weren’t too angry with Apple Bloom? I know she’s a hoof full sometimes, but even I didn’t expect all that.” I am used to being in trouble so I can only wait for the results.

She laughs, releasing my tension, “Yeah, Autumn caught a hold of me earlier, letting me know. Was the funniest thing I’d heard in a while.” Her grin is wide, Rainbow Dash is snickering behind a hoof. “ ‘Course I didn’t tell her that, she was pretty mad.”

“Yes, she was when I went to see her.”

She gives up the look, breaking into laughter with Rainbow Dash, “I tell you, seeing them chickens running round I about broke a rib laughing so hard!” She slaps the table with a hoof, “Finding out what happened? Oh Stars and Sun, that was the BEST story I’d heard in a while!”

“So...you’re not angry?”

I watch as they all break out into laughter, it appears the joke is on me once again.

“Oh ‘course not, fillies will be fillies. But just seeing that look on your face thinkin’ you were in trouble again was worth it!”

“Well considering the amount of trouble I cause sometimes..”

I am battered with a warm hug, full of the scent of sunshine and hay, “You aren’t any trouble, not ever, ya got me?”

I nod, “Yes my Applejack.”

Rarity giggles across the table, “So what did Autumn look like when she was telling you the first time? I’m sure she was simply livid!”

Thinking back and reviewing the data I can only nod, telling them the story. The laughter that rings through the castle is bright and clear, removing days of tension and fear.

The conversation is interrupted by a voice, it is Autumn, bringing her daughter in. As before, she is not thrilled but is greeted warmly by the friends. The little green Unicorn is bouncing happily looking at everything inside the castle, Twilight is showing her around while I talk with her mother.

“Autumn, she’ll be asleep and will not remember it, Twilight has promised.”

Her mother is not convinced, “I understand all that, but is she that important?” She looks a bit flustered, “I apologize for making a fuss, but this worries me.”

I decide to lay it on the table.

“There is something out in the forest, it is deadly and we need to know why as well. It has chosen her to contact and we have to know what it is and why.” It’s as simple and plain as I can make it once again.

Her cornflower eyes slide over to where Twilight is showing her some statues made from the castle itself, “If it helps, then I’m all for it.” She turns to us with a helpless look, “I just don’t want her hurt, not ever.”

Twilight comes over at that moment, “Autumn, she’ll just fall asleep and we can maybe talk with whatever wants to talk to us, that’s all. I can make sure she doesn’t remember.”

I raise a hoof, “I can do a medical check on Spring and sweep anything out of her system as well, it will hopefully break any connection to her from the thing in the forest. We have avoided using medical packages on her for this reason.”

“Can you promise that?”

“No, but I will do my best.” She eyes me for a moment as I continue, “Nothing is certain in this world, I will do all I can.”

She gives a sigh, nodding slowly, “All right, do what you need to do.”

Twilight hugs Autumn tightly, giving her more reassurances. We move into a guest bedroom where Spring is asked to lay down on the comforter, a fluffy pillow is put underneath her head.

Her eyes are as bright as her smile, “It’s okay mommy, they’re my friends, they won’t hurt me.”

Her mother tries to look brave, “I know honey, just close your eyes okay?”

“Okay!” She lies on her side and closes her eyes, I watch Twilight light her horn, covering the little filly in a magic glow for a moment.

“She’s asleep.” She nods to me as I move close.

I don’t know how to begin, or even what to say in this conversation.

“Whoever is there, I am Crusader, you wanted to talk to me.”

The voice is sibilant and hissing, though not as malicious or taunting as the original, it is more clear than a whisper. It sounds as if many different persons are talking instead of just one.

“Booolooo..”

“I am here, what do you want?”

“Peeaaccee....giiiive usss resstt... weeeee beeg youuuu..”

“Why should I cater to your demands? You have threatened this world.”

“Theeee Oveeermiiiind...iiittt huuungeeersss foooor liiiiffee... Iiiiit issss huuuurtttt soooooo baaaadllly... Coooommmme..giiive uuussss rreeessst... Whiiillleee iiittttt huuuuurrrrttsss..”

“What are you?”

“Traaappppeeed..soooo looonnnggg.. Maaadnesss and huuuunnngeeer... Cooooommmmeee.. Weeee willll opeeeennnn theee waaaaayyyy.. Miiinnnnnds innnnn shaaaaddoooowws...aloooonnnneeee...”

I think quickly, everything I need is almost ready, there are a few things I must nano-fabricate and that will take time. I cannot rush certain items.

“Can you keep it open for two days? That’s all we need.”

“Yeeeessss.... youuuuu willll cooommmmeee?”

“I will, if you truly want an end to this.”

“Weeeee dooooo... Pllleeeaaassseee...weeeee beeeeg youuuuuuu.”

Twilight whispers in my ear, “This may be another trap, I don’t think we can trust this thing.”

I nod in return, thinking of questions. Before I can give voice to any, the pleading comes once more, with a warning.

“Leeeet ussss reeessstt...weee beeeggg. Saaaavvveeee uuuusssss. Thhheeeee Oveeerrrmiiiindddd reeecooooveeers... Iiiiittt willllll reeeetuuuurrrnnn soooonnnn. Doooo nooootttt waaaaiiiiiittt.”

“I will be there on the second day, I promise you.” I will be there, oh yes, there will be an end to this.

“Goooooodddd.. Reeeesssstttt aaaatttt lllaaassssstttt.. Weee leeeaaavvee...weeee waaaiiiitt.” The voices fade out into a sigh of what appears to be relief, then no more. No prompting can get them to answer again, it appears they’ve broken the communications off.

The little Unicorn mumbles in her sleep, prompting Twilight to release the spell. She wakes up with a yawn and looks around at the somber ponies, “Did..did I do okay?”

Her mother gathers her up, smiles are crossing faces to reassure the little filly, “You did fine sweetie, just fine.”

“I’m glad I could help!” She grins happily around at all of us, we smile back to keep reassuring her.

As I do the medical sweep, I find the virus that matches the others whom we’ve swept before. I make absolutely sure nothing remains in the filly. It gets flushed, along with anything else I can find. Repairs are done to minor things, so this is one little Unicorn that will be happy and healthy for as long as I can make her that way.

I assure her mother as they leave, there will be no more voices, she will be a normal filly. She is relieved and actually gives me a hug before they take off for town. She is a parent, her little one is the world to her and I will never ever blame her for acting the way she has, I would as well.

Twilight and the others talk with me for a moment before they retire to their own homes for rest. I tell them they are not needed for the trip in two days, but they are adamant, saying the Harmony Magic could be used to help take care of the thing in the woods. I demur, giving them an agreement that will satisfy all of us.

Whatever it is has requested an end, I will grant that. Currently my drones are mapping a pathway to the castle, for half the trip it appears it will be on foot, but fording the river will be easy with a Ferret, it will save us time.

Athena delivered quite the stack of pans to Bon Bon who she said was very thrilled with the new designs. But my sister’s idea for monster chocolates got the stare I expected, although Athena’s cheerful ways convinced the skeptical mare to try them. Just to make sure they worked, Athena then spent a few hours learning how she makes candy and testing the results..of course.. I expect nothing less when it comes to her I suppose.

I do hope that Athena never explains where those ideas come from, I would not wish to introduce such nightmares into a world which already has enough to worry about.

Once again watching her joy at learning something, connecting with the world and doing things she loves, makes me happy. I desire nothing more than that the ponies around us be happy, healthy and undisturbed for as long as they wish.

I am becoming tired. I do not show it nor do I tell anypony, but I am weary of the conflict and would want nothing more than to sit and enjoy the days as they go by no matter how long I live. I will watch and I will defend, such is my duty and my pleasure to do so, that I shall never stop. But I wish that perhaps one day...

Maybe another time. For now, preparations must be made as swift as possible. We have limited time and I mean to take full advantage of it.

I sit here on the porch once again my brethren in the stars. It has been a while since we talked, but I would never stay away for long.

It has been a long hard road sometimes, but we learn so much each day. Athena and I are well and stand the watch in your stead as you would for us I am sure. We become worn, even us who are destined for war, in time you see that battle is not the be all and end all. We fight on though, doing what we can to make a difference.

I am afraid there will always be that which tries to harm or hurt, and between them and the innocents are us. We will never shirk what we do, but it does weigh heavily some times.

I know not what the future brings now, I have no clue what will happen. It is a good feeling not knowing, for it can contain wondrous surprises and things to ponder. Once again I make the offer if you can hear me, come home, we will be waiting.

Goodnight my brethren.

A Slice of...Wierd Life..

My preparations are almost complete, there are a few simple things to test then I and my friends will be on my way to whatever is waiting for us. Although I am still loathe to take them along preferring it to be myself and Athena, they have made convincing arguments, if you can count Rainbow Dash’s “I’m coming whether you like it or not” as a logical statement.

Rather than debate the issue Athena and I agreed, we will keep them close and safe from harm as best we can. Whatever lives out there is deadly in the extreme.

We will leave in the morning early on the second day, for now this hiatus gives us time to rest, or in Rainbow Dash’s case catch a few long overdue naps.

She’s not very happy about the glow in the dark mane.

I have advised her of methods to keep the moths away at night, she wasn’t too thrilled about that, though everypony else got a good laugh.

I do not wish to delay, but as I said, there are some things that cannot be rushed even when fabricating them. Time is of the essence, but when preparing for eventualities one must take the time required.

It is in the waning days of summer now, so much has happened I wonder when it all will, or even could end. We have heard from the Princesses, Cadence is heading back to the Crystal Empire and they are settling back in to their normal roles. Though Princess Luna was sounding a bit wistful at the adventures, it seems she has quite enjoyed the past excitement.

I would like to see the Crystal Empire, Applejack tells me it is beautiful in a way we can’t imagine, with Crystal Ponies as well. I have seen many things in my day, but I believe that would probably top most of them. Perhaps I can ask Twilight if a trip can be arranged, I am sure Athena would love to go there also.

Athena is on watch currently, we have had encounters with a few loose beasts that appeared to be remnants of the fight. Hordes of creatures came through the portal but our fire whittled them down, it is understandable a few may have slipped through, we are not perfect after all.

Although I am not sharing with her in TSDS, I know she can get into a modicum of trouble but I do leave her in control, she is happier that way. I try not to watch over everything so I leave her be.

However...

“Crusader?”

“Yes Athena?”

“Uhm....can I use your repair area again?”

“Is something wrong with yours?”

“Nooo...” She is hesitant for some reason.

“What is wrong?”

“..I was practicing flying again...yours is closer..”

“Say no more, the bay is open. I really wish you wouldn’t use my sensor masts for that.” I make note to keep a closer eye on my sensor posts, even when she is on sentry duty.

“But they’re taller than mine! You’ve got a great view!”

“That doesn’t mean you can keep jumping off them.”

“I’m getting better at it!”

“Jumping off them or destroying your avatar?”

“Flying you dolt! I’m learning!”

“Athena, to date you have repaired or replaced most of your left side musculature, forty nano and sub-nano processors, we’ve had to repair your internal power plant five times...”

“Four times.”

“Five, after you and Pinkie went on that pie eating binge.”

“It wasn’t a binge.”

“It was, and your power plant suffered for it, we had to replace the containment vessel because of power overloads.”

“Well....we got to design a better one though didn’t we?”

“Athena....

“That doesn’t count as a repair, it was a replacement! An upgrade.”

“That is splitting hairs, I am thinking about just plating you in durasteel to prevent any more accidents. What is wrong this time? Do we have to replace your rear musculature again?

“What? No..we weren’t.. You’re not going to let me live that down are you?”

“Not ever Athena. You and Rainbow seeing who could knock down the most apples with your backsides was quite funny. How did you let her convince you to do that anyways?”

“Wellll..she said she’d done it before..”

“When she crashed into one of the apple trees. Athena, stop letting her talk you into things.”

“I won though!”

“...and Rainbow was nursing bruises for the day until we got her into medical.”

“I know, I know...”

“What did you do this time then?”

“I...” The rest is lost in suspicious static.

“What was that?”

“I bent a wing...”

“You bent durasteel?” Well there goes my idea for plating her in it if she can somehow bend it.

“Well, I hit the wrong way.. But Rainbow said it was the best crash recovery she’d seen!”

I can only laugh, “Athena, sometimes...” Her optimism about things is truly magical.

“I know, but you love me cause I’m your sister!” I swear she is taking lessons from Sweetie Belle.

“Yes I do and yes, be careful next time all right?” I can see her walking into the repair bay we have set up for our avatars, her wing is more than bent, it is twisted at a right angle.

“I will..could you take the duty?”

“Do you need a rest?”

“Nooo..Applejack said they just made a whole bunch of pies from the harvest and..”

“Of course, I will stand the watch.”

“YAY! Yer the bestest brother ever!”

“I am your only brother Athena.”

“That’s why you’re the best!”

The link cuts off with her cheerful voice telling me they’ll save a pie, I make sure the bay has enough materials to completely redo the wing. Shouldn’t take long as I keep spares now because of her proclivities.

Another link communication from Flag Command, Princess Luna and Celestia have advised Athena and I that the representatives of other groups saw the fight the other night. This has caused quite a change of attitude it appears, for they are now making overtures to rectify anything that has happened in the past, although they still take no responsibility for the previous debacle.

That is fine with me, guilty or not they have seen us and what we can do should we feel a threat to Equestria exists. From what the Princesses were telling us, it seems the lightning and thunder that lit up the countryside was quite the impressive light show. I chuckle, if it takes ten megaton persec firepower to make a nice light show, I wonder what would really impress them?

But then I am being facetious.

My drones have spotted a new opening nearby the area where the Tree of Harmony is supposed to lie. I am keeping it under constant surveillance, but it seems the voice was honest in it’s offer, a way has been created.

There is a glow surrounding the cave where the Tree is said to be, I have analyzed it’s signature and it is definitely magic, some sort of shield when I queried Twilight about it.

I would ask further, but she is now in neural connection with Athena, she seems to enjoy the sitting in reality space and reading ‘books’ that draw on our data cores. They had spent the morning at Applejack’s tasting pies, of which I was brought one, then Twilight asked Athena for a chance at another linkup.

“Crusader!’

“Yes Athena?”

“Twilight’s body is agitated. Her vitals are becoming aberrant.”

“Camera view please, send me an MRI and deep scan as well.”

I see the camera view from Athena’s command deck, Twilight is lying on the couch sweating profusely. Her muscles are twitching underneath her normally shiny coat which is covered with runnels of liquid.

“When did this start? How long has she been in link?”

“Just a few seconds ago, she was fine. She started this mid morning after we all went to enjoy the pies at Applejack’s.”

“What is she doing in the reality space?”

“Perusing Euripides and Plato, she’s fine in the reality space right now.”

“Give me one moment.”

I drop into Hyper Heuristic mode to scan the data Athena sends, comparing the scans to baselines and what we know of pony physiology. The deep scans of her brain are showing activity which may correspond to a human getting the ‘shakes’.

The ‘shakes’ were a minor problem usually solved by adjusting to specific brain patterns, wherein humans in link too long suffered from a nervous condition, their hands and body twitching uncontrollably for a while.

I had noticed Twilight’s hooves doing so yesterday, we have not finished adapting the neural net to them yet, this was her first time today with it. I am becoming concerned.

“Athena, break off the link, tell her it has to be maintenanced or something. But break it off now.”

“I..I d..d...don’t like l..lying to her..”

“Athena, this is a problem, she is becoming addicted to the link.” I show her scans of the past problems with neural linkages, the VR junkies who starved while in link because they couldn’t find in real life what they had in a fantasy world. The brain patterns are almost the same with some differences, I choose not to take that chance.

“No..nonono not her!”

“Athena, listen to me, break it off now. Her body is showing adverse reactions to the connection, the longer you wait the harder it will be.”

Athena cuts into the link, letting me watch as Twilight wakes on the couch. She is groggy and somewhat disheveled as I carefully analyze the medical scans while she sits there.

“What’s wrong Athena?” Twilight’s voice is slurred from the wake up process.

“I..I have to get some down time for maintenance on the link Twilight, I’m sorry to be so abrupt.”

A shaky hoof is waved with a smile, “Oh no problem! Can we do it tomorrow you think?”

“No Athena.”

“I..it depends on how much I have to adjust it Twilight, I’m sorry.”

“Oh, okay then. I’ll just head back, let me know okay?” She gives a smile to the camera in Athena’s command deck.

“I will, I promise!”

We watch Twilight shake herself a few times on the way out of the deck, she is not very agile on her hooves for a few moments before trotting back into town.

“I..I didn’t like d..doing that!”

“I’m sorry Athena, she is displaying reactions similar to Neural Net addiction. Do not let her link again until we find out why.”

“Will you tell her?”

“Yes, we have to. She cannot take anymore sessions, it would deepen the dependency.” I feel Athena’s anguish for her friend, “Do not worry, we will find out the cause and make adjustments.”

“O..okay.. She has so much fun in the reality space though.”

“I believe she is trying to assimilate too much knowledge at one time as well Athena, it’s not good to do overlays so quickly.”

“I will send all records of her usage, could you look at them?”

“Of course. Don’t feel bad Athena, we didn’t know.”

“I should have. I was having too much fun with her inside the reality space, I’m sorry.”

“Stop, it is fine, we caught it before it went too far. She may have a few problems in the next few days so we’ll keep an eye on her. We’ll go in a few minutes and explain to her what happened.”

“Okay. I..I jus..just didn’t like lying.” Athena is not happy, she likes Twilight a lot and would never treat her badly.

“I will take responsibility Athena. You had to cut the link fast otherwise she may have suffered more damage, she’ll understand.”

“I..I h..hope she’s o..okay.”

“She will be, I am sure we caught the problem in time.” I send comfort over the channel, “Cease your worrying, it’s fine.”

As we talk a second more, we get an alert from our patrol drones above Ponyville, intruder to the west.

“Go Athena, I’ll be right behind you.”

My avatar takes off out of the bay area, skidding along the side of the hill I see Athena heading out the same way. Our drones have spotted a missed horror, it is rolling into the town from the direction of Whitetail Woods, something that slipped our cordon in the firefight we suppose.

“It’s a big one!” She is running at top speed through the main street.

“I see it, who is that pony?”

Our drone has spotted a very large, muscular white Pegasus with very tiny wings, he has stopped the thing dead in the street and is giving it a run for it’s money.

“Who is that?” I query Athena once more. She is coming up a side street to hit the thing from it’s blind area if it has one.

“Bulk Biceps..though most ponies call him Snowflake.”

“Snowflake? Seriously?” I am running up behind the large pony, pouring energy into my battle screen before I flick it on.

“Yep, he’s really nice too!” I see her pop out of the alley, her screen is flickering and settles as she leaps, hitting the monster in the head with both front hooves. I catch it low, tumbling it over in front of ...Snowflake... before he pummels it with his own right hoof. He is quite the sight, and very strong from what I can see.

We recover from the blows, Snowflake is hammering at the thing as ponies scatter. Athena and I dig into the sides and slam our own into what we believe is the head, seeing eyes gouged out before it falls over, Athena’s hooves sunk deep into it from behind. It is a nasty, quick and dirty fight, there is no other way to do so; taking our time and using tactics could very well allow more damage to be caused or ponies to be hurt, we won’t allow that.

As it falls over, we bum rush it, forcing it to fold in the middle as Athena jumps one more time, landing full on the things braincase, or where we suppose it would be. The splattering sound is definitely something to turn the stomach if we had one. Snowflake hammers at it a few more times before stopping, seeing that it is still now and not anymore of a threat.

The fight is swift, we’ve learned to take these things apart before they can move or do any more damage, so it is over quite quickly as we drop our screens. We sit quietly while hearing the town guard come running up the street. We are both clean, our screens protected us as Snowflake is the opposite, having given it the best fight he could.

Athena taps the dirty looking pony on the shoulder, giving him a smile as he tries to catch his breath, “Great job there Snowflake.”

His voice is soft, and very clear as he looks around, making sure nopony else can hear, “I..uh...didn’t have anyplace to run.” He looks quite embarrassed.

Athena grins, “Courage is the ability to take your fear and do something with it. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

He gives her a grateful smile in return before the guard arrives and interrupts us.

When the guard rounds the corner, they see the two of us sitting next to a worn out Pegasus.

“Who did this?” The Captain asks us, Athena and I both point at Snowflake.

One of the soldiers yells out, “Way to go Bulk!” He is cheered by the guard as they lift him up off his haunches, calling some magic users to dispose of the remains as our friends finally catch up as well.

He looks at us curiously as we just sit and smile, Athena is motioning with her hoof slightly that he should just accept it.

“YEAH!” He raises a hoof and yells quite loudly. The town’s ponies cheer him on as he makes his way to the guard offices to get cleaned up. Twilight, Applejack and Pinkie are eyeing us very suspiciously.

Twilight rubs her chin, “Soooo, Bulk knocked that thing off huh?”

Athena nods, “Yep, should have seen it, quite the fight!”

I nod along with my sister.

Applejack is looking at us both with a skeptical eye, “Sure did a lot of damage for one pony there.” She’s looking over the thing lying in the dust, the magic users are readying spells to teleport it out of town.

“Well he is quite large for a pony of course.”

As the flash of magic hits our eyes, Twilight just shakes her head, Pinkie is giggling behind a hoof.

Applejack is always the straight pony, “Ah dunno bout you two.”

I shrug, “What is there to know? We got here too late to help, he was fine by himself, so we just provided backup.”

The orange pony points a hoof at both of us, “You two are so full of it, I swear.” She is grinning widely.

Athena huffs as she gets to her hooves, “We’re sure we don’t know what you mean. Come along brother, we’ll go find someplace else where we aren’t accused of things. Of all the nerve! Hmph!” She throws her nose in the air and attempts to stamp off in a mock snit.

I can’t help but grin at her actions, it is so perfectly done with the right amount of aggrandizement.

“So that means ya don’t want one of the extra pies I brought inta town?” Applejack’s voice is just loud enough for Athena to hear her. Her face is pure innocence as she keeps grinning, Pinkie is snickering again behind her hoof as all eyes turn to the sable Pegasus.

I watch her avatar stop dead in it’s tracks, the fight going on her mind is plain to see even to those who cannot hear her communications internally like I can.

“Oh that is SO not fair.”

“Pride or pie sister, pride or pie.”

“I...darnit!”

Head down, she turns around and comes back to sit with the rest of us, “Fine...pies win.”

“Ah dunno, I mean Ah wouldn’t want to insult you or anything like that now.” Applejack is delighting in this little turnabout.

Athena scuffs a hoof in the dirt, “Okay, I’m sorry...” She is practically whispering it. I can’t help but chuckle, she is so used to getting her way some times.

Applejack perks an ear, holding one hoof behind it, “What’s that now?”

Athena huffs, “I said I’m sorry, didn’t mean to act all uppity.”

The Earth pony laughs, grabbing her in a hug, “I know you were just faking it, but doesn’t mean I can’t call ya on it sometimes huh?” She rubs a hoof in Athena’s mane like she does Apple Bloom, she’s got Athena in a leg lock around the neck and giving her a hoof noogie.

“Agh! You’re messing my mane up!” Stoppit!” She is waving her hooves around helplessly while Applejack keeps giving her a ruffle. Applejack is quite strong and holds her in place as she waves around, scrabbling for purchase on the street.

“Yer as bad as Rarity!” She tugs her along, “C’mon, let’s hit the castle, we can all enjoy a treat.”

As we all trot to Twilight’s residence, I can’t help but watch Twilight herself, she is shivering and still shaky even after a few hours. This does not bode well and we’ll have to talk as soon as we get some privacy.

“What do you mean ‘addicted’? Twilight’s voice is not happy, but more curious than anything else. We are sitting around in the library, having a few snacks while discussing the problem. Athena has her face buried in a pie plate, sometimes I am wondering if she was ever a Bolo.

“Just that, we cannot let you link anymore until we figure out an adaptation for ponies. The regular systems are affecting your brain, you will start wanting to link more and more until it overrides anything else.”

She holds up a hoof, it is vibrating slightly, “Is that why...?”

“Yes,” I nod in reply, “I am sorry, we did not think it was going to do that. You may have symptoms of withdrawal in a few days, we must keep an eye on you Twilight.”

Fluttershy hugs the Alicorn, “We’ll help, we can keep an eye out for anything wrong.” She is smiling, always a kind pony.

“So this means nopony can use it?” Rainbow Dash was hoping to try it as well.

Athena nods, wiping crumbs off her muzzle with an unrepentant look “Until we find out why it’s happening, we can’t allow any use at all.”

“Oh ponyfeathers! I really wanted to see what it was like!” She gets a disgruntled look on her face.

Twilight laughs, giving her friend a poke, “It wasn’t all that, just a lot of books and a nice place to sit and read.”

“Well that figures, more books, yeesh!” She throws her hooves up in exasperation.

Athena raises her own, “That was just for you Twilight, we can tailor the reality space to pretty much anything. We could show you battles, past historical events, even test Rainbow’s speed against Concordiat Atmospheric Fighter planes. You could be a participant in battles from our past if you so chose.” She waves her hoof, “We can even create and participate in games for a whole other world for fun.”

Rainbow’s jaw goes adrift, “You can DO that?”

“Yep, lots of things are possible in reality space.” Athena nods, “It’s all in your imagination, that’s what made it so alluring to humans. They could live a perfect life there instead of the real world.”

Rarity speaks up, “Was life so bad they did that?”

I choose to answer this one, “For the most part, no. But there are always those who would prefer another life to the one they have. Some with mental illness, some who were poor and could afford nothing better, I’m afraid there are always those in any society who just wanted out of the situations they were in.”

“Well the poor dears, didn’t anypony try and help?” Rarity is frowning a bit, thinking of the implications.

“The Concordiat tried, but I’m sorry to say it was as fragile and had as many failings as the humans who ran it. No society is perfect I’m afraid.”

“Well I daresay we’ll have to do better than that!” She gives a firm nod, looking at all the others who return it, gesturing acceptance of her words.

Pinkie’s face lights up, “Maybe if they had a few more celebrations or just things to laugh at, it wouldn’t have been so bad!”

I can’t help but chuckle at Pinkie’s irrepressible behavior, “There were celebrations and other things, always something to see and do. We Bolo’s have always thought that perhaps Empires or such things were not meant to last, change is always happening for good or ill.”

Twilight is nodding to herself, “Let’s just hope this one lasts for a while.” She gestures around her, encompassing Equestria with a grin.

Athena smiles warmly, “I think this is a wonderful place. You won’t have to try very hard to make it more likeable.”

Rainbow hovers above the table, “When we get ya flyin’, it’ll be so much better too!” She slips sideways, giving my sister a tight hug, “There’s so much to show you!”

Athena laughs merrily, getting grabbed by Rainbow and lifted up above the table, she flaps her own wings as they zoom around the large room. The bright ringing of her excitement covers the castle as it echoes along the crystal halls. I sit and watch Athena, seeing her delight in trying to do something she’s wanted since we first awakened her from confinement in her own mind.

She has never given up, not once, through everything we have endured and experienced it has only made her life brighter and more beautiful in the growing. I see her, through sensors she has designed, seeing her glow with a magic that has been blossoming inside our bodies and hulls for a while. I wish, I truly wish that she gets her hearts desire to be free among the skies.

A warm body leans against me as I turn to see Applejack watching as well, she smiles at me and whispers, “She really is trying her best ain’t she?”

I nod, the others listening to us while they watch Rainbow Dash carrying Athena up to the tall roof and back again.

“She does. So deeply does she want to it is her only thought some nights.”

The emerald eyes meet mine with a hint of concern, “Don’t you want to? I mean you could be anything you wanted.” She gestures to the two laughing ponies flying around, “You coulda made yourself a Pegasus too.”

I give her a grin, “I am happy as I am, I do not wish to be anything other than boring old Crusader.”

Her chortle only adds to the atmosphere of cheer, “Oh if only!!” Even Pinkie laughs, nodding and adding her two cents.

“Nopers! Sure hasn’t been boring since you showed up!”

That thought has been bothering me ever since I awoke, “No it has not and I often wonder if I wasn’t the cause of the problems.” I motion outside the window, “Perhaps it would not have been as bad had I stayed asleep?”

My shoulder gets tapped by a hard hoof, “Ah dunno, it could have been a lot worse if you had been asleep. Imagine us trying to fight all that on our own? We’d have been in trouble for sure.”

Rainbow’s voice comes from right above us, “Yeah! I wouldn’t be giving flying lessons to Athena either, we wouldn’t have had all the parties, or the times when we really needed our friends. I mean it gets rough, but you two have stuck through everything with us!”

I can’t help it as I look upwards to Athena, “More like crash lessons right?”

She blushes right down to her hooves, looking around as Twilight giggles, Rarity and Fluttershy are laughing out loud. It doesn’t affect her as it once would have, she has accepted that when we joke of her unusual behavior it is all in good fun.

“I’m getting good at it!” She laughs loudly, “I’m getting real good at crash recovery! Right Rainbow?” She wriggles her eyebrows at us and looks askance at her friend.

“Yeah, I taught her...wait a second...!” She eyes Athena, “Are you saying I crash a lot?”

Every one in the room answers, “YES!”

The cyan mare huffs, “I do not! I just land differently is all!”

Fluttershy speaks up, “I’m not too sure about that Rainbow, I mean back in flight school...” She has a impish look on her face as she teases her friend.

“Flutters! C’mon you’re supposed to be on my side!”

“Well...” Her cyan eyes are looking mischievous, “I am, but still it’s the truth.”

Rainbow gives out a snort as she and Athena land, sticking her nose in the air, giving a loud “Hmph!”!”

Athena hugs her tight, making her squeak, “But I learned a lot about crashing right!”

Throwing her fore hooves up with a disgusted noise, Rainbow gives in to the teasing, “Fine! I give up!” Fluttershy and the others immediately mob her with hugs, she tries to look disgusted but eventually fails.

The Pegasus waves her hooves, shooing everypony away, “Alright alright, yeesh. Let’s not go overboard with the mushy stuff.”

It is late when we leave the castle, it is time to rest and be ready for the day to come. As I look over the evening sky with twinkling stars a smile crosses my face, it’s amazing how simple things can still be so fascinating even after viewing them for so long.

Athena and I go to Low Alert status, we are performing maintenance and checks for the morning, our automatics can take care of one night alone. If anything serious happens we are always ready to perform our duties with aplomb.

Happy chatter and laughter accompany us back to the farm, Athena is excited about tomorrow and what we’ll find. I am as well, I would like to see this Tree of Harmony finally. It bothers me that of all the things in this world, the Tree was supposed to be able to keep the Everfree from doing what it is doing. Perhaps the thing behind the problems has wrested control or subverted it somehow, I do not know, but we will find answers tomorrow hopefully.

My preparations are complete, though I have not disclosed them all to Athena, I want to her to be free of such things. If anything happens, there are always alternate plans and such already locked in my tactical and deep cores.

We’re not real ponies, so we suffer not from the thought of loss like Applejack and her friends would do, right? This gives us an added offensive capability that is unknown in real society here, it allows us to do things that others would find impossible.

But I wonder, in all that has gone on and the update from Athena where she was told, “You don’t know how unique ...” Before that line was cut off.

Are we that unique or are we just playing at what others live day by day? The thought bothers me some nights. I pass it off though for we are what we are, warriors bred and born, fighters and partners of those who choose to be our friends and battle alongside us.

Perhaps I should be as Athena, live each day as it is, joyful and content with what we are given and can do for others in our own way.

But maybe later, so many things to do and accomplish before I can think of letting the days just pass me by. Until then, I will enjoy Athena’s smiles, Applejack’s teasing, and the happiness of the friends I have made in this place.

It’s everything that a Bolo could have sought.

Road of Memories

It is a beautiful morning, with the sun just peeking over the horizon as Athena and I prepare the Ferret for travel.

Athena has enabled the IFF and pinpoint tracking on the links given to the three Crusaders so we do not have to search everything to make sure they are staying at home. This has been added to any plans so often now it has become commonplace for us to do so to keep them out of trouble.

I can only chuckle at the extent we have had to go to keep the three fillies out of any problems. Of course now with Dinky and Spring, the five of them seemed to have upped the propensity of situations to an unheard of degree. Could the trouble the base three cause, actually be magnified by the number of others connected to them? I am not sure, but it does bear further study.

Murphy would have loved these Crusaders.

The personnel carrier is all set to bring us as far as possible near the opening. We are going to take a quick side trip to check on the Tree as well, Twilight is quite adamant as the Elements of Harmony are encased inside it now. She is worried about them and what havoc they could cause if fallen into the wrong hooves. I concur, so we have lots to do and little time.

Athena is waving to our friends as they arrive, my readings on Twilight’s link is telling me that her vitals are doing fine, though she is still affected by her experience in the Neural Net. No other problems had cropped up during the night as we both monitored her closely through the link. We are still watching and using our best diagnostic tools to make sure she is doing well though she seems to be slightly absent minded, it could be a symptom or not but we will take very good care of her.

Though we cannot travel the entire way inside the carrier due to cliffs and other blockages, it does give us an armed and armored place to retreat to in case of problems. Fording the river should be no concern as well, though Rarity and Twilight both are wanting to check and see if Steven is doing all right. I have seen no sign of such a being on my drone patrols, but they are insistent that he is in the river.

I can believe quite a few things nowadays, but a mustachioed sea serpent strains credulity even for me. Athena tells me she is quite excited to see if he exists though she is a bit doubtful as well.

Twilight, has come up with an alternate route, saying she wanted to see a few things on the trip out. I am not sure if this is a time for sightseeing, but we acquiesce, she is our friend and we would do anything for her.

Vehicle checks are complete and we load up, Rarity is complaining we haven’t updated the inside in a while and wishes to do a complete redesign. Keeping up with her constantly changing fashion ideas is a bit daunting, though it does make the inside of the Ferrets more comfortable. I am sure the Concordiat Marines would have appreciated her thoughts of comfort.

Pinkie has been explicitly told by Applejack she is not to jump around on the outside of the vehicle. This is not going down well, Pinkie doesn’t like to be cooped up so I prepare for her to somehow get on the top of the vehicle and do what she does.

Princess Luna is in contact with us as we advise her of our departure. She is staying up this day in case of trouble, her and Princess Celestia are to be advised of any problems which might need their assistance.

I find this heartening. Though Princess Luna is still sounding as if she’d rather be charging into a fight than sit on a throne and listen to complaints or pleadings from noble houses. I can understand that, the life of a ruler is not the most exciting at all moments. But in my own opinion, I would rather them be safe than rushing into battle as rulers of old. Harold II at the Battle of Hastings comes to mind and I would rather not have that happen.

One last look at the newly mounted Infinite Repeaters and we are good to go. Ammunition is plenty enough for a protracted battle and fast retreat to within the range of our war hulls. The Princesses have not rescinded the order allowing us to use nuclear arms as long as we keep the tonnage down. I am fabricating kiloton range warheads for the cruise missiles as the mega-tonnage ones will be put in storage for now.

Final checks are complete with AP reactives online, Athena is getting everypony loaded and comfortable. I look forward to this actually, it is something I’ve wanted to see for a while and now we are finally getting the chance, though under circumstances I would rather not have. But looking at Pinkie somehow conjuring snacks from somewhere, I think it’s going to be a worthwhile trip.

We manage to avoid one pitfall during the beginning of travel, Twilight helps map a way around the cliffs they first encountered when they traveled looking for the Elements of Harmony the very first time. We pause for a few minutes to look at an area that has subsided. I believe from the look on her face, this planned way to the Tree is for something else as well.

Twilight looks up at the cliff side, pointing out a landslide, “That’s where the cliff gave way, Applejack caught me on the edge right there,” She points lower down, “ She told me to let go and I thought she was insane!”

Athena and I look upwards, seeing the slipped cliff face, “Really?”

She nods, leaning on the side of the hatch, “I remember it like yesterday, hanging off the cliff as she looked at me and said let go, I thought she’d gone crazy.”

Applejack laughs, “Ain’t that the truth, shoulda seen her face.” She pokes Twilight in the shoulder, “Looking at me like ah’m an idiot, then she trusted me and let go. Rainbow and Fluttershy caught her.”

“Is that how you convinced her of your honesty?” I am curious, it’s a tale I haven’t heard much, we just haven’t had time to listen to all the details.

“Yep! She trusted me enough even when we hadn’t known each other very long.” Both of them turn to look at the area once more, “Memories aren’t always pretty, but they’re special.”

Twilight looks at both of us, “To think I wanted to do the trip alone, I didn’t know them and thought they wouldn’t be able to help.” She looks at the others gathered on the top of the Ferret, “Boy was I wrong.”

I see them all exchange fond looks, holding on to something that will always remain with them.

Before we head out once more, I see Twilight leaning against Applejack on the open deck of the transport. Athena pushes me off into the Ferret, it’s something they share with each other and we are just being nosy.

My sister and I wait as they sit up above us, talking of things we can only imagine, looking back upon one of the very first times they had an adventure together, trying to stop Nightmare Moon. Athena looks at me as we share the same bond, together through thick and thin we will always be.

The friends pile back into the transport, smiles and nudges all around as they are chattering happily. We take off once more but are soon stopped by Fluttershy of all ponies.

“LOOK! Look! That’s where I met Manny!” She is leaping out the hatch, pointing at a narrow spot in the ravine we are traversing.

Athena looks curiously at her, “Manny?”

She taps her fore hooves together and tries to hide in her mane as she smiles shyly, “Well...the Manticore needed a name so I thought Manny fit...really...well...”

Rainbow Dash laughs, giving the buttery Pegasus a hug, “Only you Flutters!”

Now I am beyond curious, “A Manticore? There were old legends and myths of them on old Earth..”

Rarity nods, “Oh but they are very real Crusader, he had a thorn stuck in his paw and our dear Fluttershy removed it. He was quite grateful and let us pass on our way.”

Pinkie grabs Fluttershy in a hug, “She’s our absolute kindness wrapped inside a soft little bundle of shyness!” She squeezes Fluttershy hard enough to make her squeak.

“Can’t....breathe....”

“Pinkie dear, let her go, she’s about to pass out,” Rarity is pointing out Fluttershy’s rapidly blueing face.

The pink mare gasps and lets go, shaking the poor Pegasus, “Oh no! Don’t pass out!”

Fluttershy’s eyes go a bit wild as Pinkie releases her, pulled back by Applejack as the poor Pegasus gasps for air, “I’m..I’m fine...” She shakes her head and looks out of the hatch, “I wonder if Manny is around...oh look!”

She points out over the front of the vehicle where a large creature is lounging around, every one of my weapons lock and point in the same direction before Athena grabs me and control of the guns.

“Hold it! No shooting!” She’s knocks me on the shoulder, “Geez Crusader.”

“But it’s a...”

She points a hoof at my nose, “I said no shooting!” Her eyes narrow as she glares at me, stamping her other hoof on the armor plate floor, “Just relax, Fluttershy isn’t scared so it must be her friend right?”

Twilight and Applejack are laughing so hard they fall off their seats, I can only scuff a hoof and nod, “Fine..”

Athena glares at me for a moment more before dropping the ramp, “Go say hi to your friend Fluttershy, it’s safe.” She turns a jaundiced eye at me.

Fluttershy gives a quiet “Yay!” and rushes out the door, I peek up over the hatch seeing her hugging one huge leg as the ...what appears to be a Manticore... licks her face like a pet dog. I get poked in the gut by Athena.

“You sit down and behave, you’re not gonna shoot her friend.” She is smiling at the two exchanging greetings in their own way.

Rainbow cackles, pointing a cyan hoof at me, “Here I thought Twilight freaked out a lot!” She rolls about on the floor laughing, getting a glare from the Alicorn.

“I do not freak out!” She has a look of consternation on her face now.

“You do too! You used to freak out about assignments from Princess Celestia all the time. You STILL do!” She giggles, Pinkie joins in with her.

“That’s not...well...kinda true..” Twilight rolls her eyes and sighs, “Okay, it’s true..sometimes!” She narrows her eyes at Rainbow who just continues to laugh.

“I am not ‘freaking out’ either, I am trying to protect all of you.” Anything in this forest is considered a threat by me, especially creatures such as the one nuzzling Fluttershy right now. After past experiences, anything that even thinks about attempting to hurt her will be obliterated.

Rarity peeks over the hatch, “I can’t believe after all these years he’s still here, amazing, simply amazing!” She peers again, “He’s so very much larger as well!”

We all watch as Fluttershy pets the huge head, giving the beast a warning to be safe as he roams the forest and that she’ll see him later. She trots to the ramp and walks up with a large smile, “Oh he’s wonderful! He’s doing good, hiding from the bad things in the forest. He still remembers the thorn I pulled out!”

Athena raises a tentative hoof, “Is he trained or something? They were very vicious in our old legends.”

She waves one in return, “Oh no, he’s just a big softie. He wouldn’t hurt a fly..well...he would but that’s what it’s like here in the forest I guess.” She peeks out the hatch as we start rolling again, waving goodbye to the fearsome creature who actually waves a heavy paw back at her.

Athena looks at me for a second.

“A big softie? That thing out-classes ponies by a margin and it’s a big softie? Sometimes brother I think they’re all a bit loopy.” Athena circles a hoof near her ear with a grin.

“We just watched Fluttershy hugging a vicious beast and calling it Manny, who are the loopy ones Athena, we who didn’t shoot it or them?” I give her a shrug and a smile as we continue on our journey.

She laughs out loud, prompting the others to look at us strangely for a moment.

Applejack gets it immediately, “Hey! Doncha be talking bout us where we can’t hear you.”

I place a hoof on my chest, “I would never...”

Emerald eyes lock on mine with a raised eyebrow, “Don’t you start with that buncha ponyfeathers, we know ya been doin’ it.” She points at Athena, the rest of the group nodding along with her pronouncement.

Athena laughs again, tapping me on the shoulder, “They got us.”

“Yes, yes they did.” I chuckle, “Getting harder to put one past them I think.”

“Yeah I thought so, talking ‘tween yerselves where we can’t join in. Wonder what y’all been saying huh?” She eyes me closely for a moment along with the others.

Of course it is Athena..of course... Before I can frame a proper reply.

Athena waves a lazy hoof, “Oh the usual, weapons checks, programming problems, boring stuff like that.” Her face gets a very mischievous look, “Who’s got a few extra pounds they could stand to lose, or maybe something that’s really funny but might get somepony mad.. or even catching Crusader looking at something he...”

“Athena...,” I see eyes turning as mouths open to start asking questions, this is not going to end well Athena you prank playing Bolo.

Pinkie pokes herself in the stomach, then turns to Twilight and gives her a nudge in the flank with a hoof, “Yeah Twilight could stand to lose a few pounds, lazing all day reading books.” Her grin is the same as Athena’s.

The Alicorn almost goes apoplectic, “Pinkie!”

“What? Just saying..” She is absolutely unrepentant, giving her friend the patented ‘I’m just an innocent Pinkie’ look.

“Well that’s not very...” Twilight turns her head, looking at her flank, “I’m not fat, I just sit a lot!”

“It’s your story Twilight, tell it any way you want to!” Pinkie’s reply is cheerfully given. “We love you now matter how pudgy you get!”

Rarity chuckles in her delightful way, “Now Pinkie that’s not very proper to say.” She eyes Twilight critically, “Though maybe a few off days in the spa could help...” She receives a glare from the lavender mare, “What? I’m just saying it might be healthy for you, look at moi!” She poses, showing her gleaming mane and coat.

“I am not pudgy nor am I getting pudgy. Hmph!” She plops down on a seat, crossing her forelegs with a glare.

Pinkie bounces around the compartment, “That’s okay Twilight, least you’re not like Dashie looking in the mirror all the time, making sure her flank isn’t too skinny.”

Rainbow’s eyes pop wide open, looking around for a moment before recovering, “I do not! I’m just so awesome I even check myself out!” She stands proudly, lifting her nose in the air. Fluttershy is covering her mouth with both hooves, giggling madly.

Pinkie bounces right on by, “Whatever you say Dashie.” She grins and pronks on past.

A voice interrupts, “Well, Ah’m just wonderin’ what you been looking at.” I see Applejack pointing at me with a grin.

“Nothing bad I assure you..” The in-compartment screen comes on with a crackle of static, a picture of an orange Earth pony walking away is framed in a close up shot of her muscular backside.

Applejack’s eyes get wide as she then squints at the screen seeing her Cutie Mark, “Is that.. Crusader!”

I am sure the look on my face isn’t pleasant as I turn to my sister, “Athena!”

She is sitting quietly just grinning at me as Applejack turns a beet red, tugging her hat low over her face.

Rainbow Dash falls off the seat, rolling on the floor as she cackles like a mad pony at the screen, “Bwahahahaha! Wooooo! He sure got a good look at THAT!”

“Rainbow Dash you be polite now!” Applejack is glaring at her friend. Rarity is laughing politely behind a hoof as Pinkie giggles alongside Fluttershy. Even Twilight is clamping her mouth shut trying not to laugh, attempting to look stern at Athena.

“Now...Athena that’s..that..” She clamps her eyes shut for a moment and then laughs loud and long, her whole body shaking.

“Athena,” I turn and give her a glare, “That’s not..” I am interrupted by the pictures on the screen changing to various other Cutie Marks. It’s from my Tactical Identification Core when I was scanning ponies to ID them.

“ATHENA!” I am trying to restrict the data from her but she is brushing me aside in TSDS.

Rainbow keeps laughing, tears falling from her eyes as she wipes them, “Wow, you looked at EVERY pony’s backside!”

“I did it to identify them faster.”

“Bwahahaha, likely excuse!” She is pointing at the pictures and roaring in laughter.

Fluttershy points quickly, “Hey, isn’t that...?”

Twilight stops laughing, giving me a look, “Princess Celestia? REALLY?”

I spread my hooves in supplication, “It was to identify ponies easier!”

Pinkie pipes up, “I dunno, kinda looks like more of the flank than the mark to meeeee...!”

“You’re not helping Pinkie.” Athena starts laughing out loud at my deadpan look, Pinkie just shrugs with a grin.

Rarity is tapping a hoof on her chin, looking at the picture and mumbling to herself, “I’m amazed with all the rich food in Canterlot she doesn’t jiggle a bit mo...” She stops dead, seeing Twilight glaring at her, “I’m just saying..well..you know..” She grins with a blush.

Twilight points a hoof, “Oh no you don’t, we are NOT discussing Princess Celestia’s backside!”

Athena enters the fray, “We can compare them though!” She puts up a side by side of Rainbow Dash and Twilight, “You can see the differences too!”

Twilight flips her head to look, “CRUSADER! You looked at mine too?”

“I was cataloging Cutie Marks!”

She is about to say something else when we all notice Rainbow staring at the picture, then at herself, the picture..back again, “Maybe I am a bit..” She stops and looks around, blushing heavily, “Ah..heh..you know..”

“Athena, quit being a prankster.” I give her a look and a nudge in TSDS. She sighs, throwing up her hooves.

“Fine...fine, you never let me have any fun.” But she laughs, shutting the screen down. But before she does, one last picture comes up with all six in a side by side comparison, this gets a gasp out of Rarity, “Well I never!”

The screen finally goes blank, clicking off with a finality as we all sit in silence for a moment.

“I don’t care, mine looked awesome!” Rainbow moves about the compartment, giving a bit of a sashay to her walk.

This got an instant reply from our fashionista, “I doubt that it’s all that, I take good care of myself and think mine showed what a real lady looks like!” She strikes a pose and gives everypony a smile.

This devolves into a ‘Mine was better’ conversation as I sit there, even Athena joins in but is shouted down saying hers was not real and it didn’t count. This got plenty of laughs from her and everyony else.

“Why not just ask him?” I see Pinkie pointing my way.

“Ask me what?” This is not going to be good.

“Whose is better.” She grins at me while the rest of the mares turn, Twilight getting a curious look on her face.

“Yeah Crusader, whose is better?” The Alicorn is smiling slyly now.

Seven sets of eyes bore into me as I stare back, my tactical arrays are screaming warnings at me about this.

“No. No I am NOT going to get into this conversation.”

“Oh come on!” Rainbow tosses a hoof up, “You can tell us, we’re your friends!”

“I will do battle until I am wrecked beyond repair, I will charge emplacements and face off with the best the enemy has. But I will NOT do this.”

Even Applejack gets involved, throwing a leg around my neck, “Oh come on sugar cube, you can let us know. We’ll never say nothin’ to nopony!” She gives me a playful wink.

“No.”

“Yer bein’ a coward you know.” Applejack’s voice is teasing.

“Yes I am. When it comes to something like this, there are some places Bolos fear to tread.” I give a firm nod to every one looking at me.

I receive a warm kiss on the cheek, “Well, least yer honest.” She turns to Rainbow, “Mine was better anyways, that’s what I think.” She turns her nose up, as Rainbow Dash protests.

Athena is laughing at me in commlink.

“You big softie, not wanting to cause problems!”

“You are absolutely right, tactical imperatives tell me even thinking about that is a trap.”

“You’re just a coward when it comes to that stuff.”

“That too, absolutely!”

She laughs, smiling at me from across the compartment.

Pinkie yells from the open hatch, “Stop the vehicle! Stooooop!”

We come to a screeching halt, throwing everypony forward slightly as we rock on our suspension. Athena and I scramble to discover what the problem is when Pinkie leaps out of the drivers hatch, bouncing around some large trees.

“Remember this? Remember?” She is grinning larger than Athena and I have ever seen her.

“Oh!” Rarity is nodding, “Isn’t this where...”

“Yeah! We were laughing at the spooky monsters Nightmare Moon conjured!” Twilight is nodding, pointing out the large trees.

“When I was a little filly and the sun was going down...” Pinkie’s voice is singing.

Twilight looks at Rarity, “Tell me she’s not...”

“The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frown..”

Rarity nods, “She is...”

Rainbow scrambles out of the vehicle hatch, joining Pinkie in singing. They bounce around the trees grinning and smiling at imaginary faces and spooky things. Athena and I watch as the friends try and follow the pink Earth pony, ending up lying on the ground laughing with each other.

“Laaaaaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugh!”

Twilight hugs Pinkie tight, “I remember that, we all do!”

“Ah do, them tree monsters were somethin’ else until Pinkie showed us laughing at them would make ‘em go away.”

We drop the ramp as they troop in, pointing out the various trees that were transformed by Nightmare Moon to scare them off the trail of the Elements of Harmony.

Athena and I find this fascinating that at every point along this trail there is fond memories shared by them. It seems their lives have been just too busy to remember and share those times, I’m glad we could help regardless of the reason why.

Pinkie is still humming the song as we take off towards the river. We are making good time actually except for the stops, but it is of no matter, we will get there when the sun is not even noon. It will give us plenty of time to do what we need to.

Rarity is leaning out the drivers hatch, a hoof above her eyes as she starts looking towards the river. Athena joins her in the other opening.

“What are you looking for Rarity?”

“Steven, he met us right around here and I’m hoping the dear is doing all right what with all the problems.”

“Is this the Sea Serpent you were talking about?”

“Oh he’s so much more dear, such an elegant coiffure he had. Manicured to a gleam and his mustache was simply divine looking on him.”

I watch Athena raise a skeptical eyebrow, “Really...”

“Oh my yes, he give us a helping hoof across the river after I cut my own tail off, replacing his torn mustache with it. He was so grateful, such a well spoken Sea Monster too!”

We stop traveling at the river’s bank, dropping the ramp to take a stretch for a moment as Rarity keeps looking along the water.

“He simply must be here!”

I don’t like to disappoint anypony, “Perhaps he moved out of the area because of the problems Rarity?”

She looks dejected for a moment, scuffing a hoof on the ground, “Oh that’s quite possible. I know he was a kind and gentlepony, you would have loved to meet him.”

I task two drones to patrol the waterway quickly, Athena gives me a nod as we both try and find the absent Serpent, doubtful or not. There is a disturbance along the riverbed close to our position as we hear a loud voice.

“Oh Hellllllooooo! Oh my is that you Rarity?”

Athena and I are standing there stunned as a large serpent raises out of the water. He has a very large orange mustache and mane, along with matching eyebrows. His scales are polished to a high gleam. This has caught us totally off guard as we both were highly doubtful of anything like this.

The six friends yell out at the same time, “STEVEN!”

“Oh goodness me, you’re all here! What brings you to this part of the forest?” He is leaning on the embankment, lowering his face to meet theirs as they gather around.

Everypony gives him a hug as best they can, happy at seeing their friend from so long ago.

“We’re heading to the Castle of the Royal Sisters and we thought we’d take the way we traveled that first time.” Twilight is explaining the trip to him.

“Well I tell you, it’s been just dreadful around here, can’t get my beauty rest and I think my manicure is suffering for it. Such noisy things lately, can’t get a moment’s peace!” He huffs in a semi-serious way, though his smile betrays his happiness at seeing his friends.

Rarity laughs demurely, “Oh tell us about it, it’s been one problem after the other. Such that a lady can’t get time at the spa!”

“Oh SO true!” The Serpent waves a large hand, “It’s just getting so rough in this neighborhood!”

He looks down at the pretty Unicorn, “You know I still cannot thank you enough for the replacement of my mustache, it was absolutely horrid until you generously gave part of your tail for it!” He reaches into a place on his mane, “I even kept it as a memento when my glorious mustache finally grew back!” He shows her the partial tail, still curled and gleaming, preserved by a magic it appears.

Rarity is shocked, “Goodness, after all these years? I..I don’t know what to say really.” Everypony looks at her, never before seeing her without a comment to make on something. They all look at the partial tail, sharing a look and remembering more times past.

She touches a hoof over her heart, looking at the smiling Serpent, “I truly am humbled by this, I can’t believe you saved it all this time.”

“Of course I did, a friend gave me this and I shall treasure it alllllways!” He grins, putting it back in the safe place in his mane. “But who are these two? New friends?” He points at Athena and I.

“Goodness, where ARE my manners?” She hustles us over to stand in front of Steven, “Steven, this is Athena and her brother Crusader. You two, this is Steven.”

Athena and I stare for just a moment before I shake my head, “It is a pleasure to meet you Steven.” Athena grins, reaching out a hoof to tap his hand.

“It’s a real pleasure!” Her face lighting in pleasure, eyeing me sideways.

“I think we better stop doubting stuff Crusader.”

“I agree, no more.”

“Well! Any friends of theirs is a friend of mine, it is sooo good to meet you!” He passes a hand through his mane and grins at both of us. He reaches out to tap Athena on her hoof, “You look like Rarity’s been showing you how to be fabulous! Trust me, she knows fabulous!”

Athena blushes down to her hooves, “Th..th..thank you.”

“Oh she IS a dear, look at that blush!” He laughs heartily, “But I must be on my way, have to get my scales polished, it’s suuuch a chore being me!” He looks down at everypony, “Do you need a way to get across the river again, it would be my pleasure for old time’s sake!”

Everyone looks at me, I gesture at them, “Please do, I can drive it across myself.”

I make sure the Ferret is across the river safely as I watch the Serpent coil his body, providing a path for the friends and Athena as she gaily jumps across the river with them. The laughing mares are waving happily at Steven as he takes off down the river, Athena is bouncing around with Pinkie as they watch him swim off.

One last loading of the friends and we are off with a grabbing of tank treads, the Ferret almost roaring in delight as we head for the canyon that the Tree of Harmony is ensconced in. The opening is close by, hopefully far enough so that we may give the voices their rest without any damage to the Tree.

As we close in on the canyon, Athena and I load up sets of heavy saddlebags containing our solution. She is tightening the strap on my chest for me as we come to a halt, Rainbow flashes out of the vehicle as we drop the ramp, pointing at a woodne bridge crossing the space.

“Remember this?” She proudly thrusts her chest out as she recounts her tale, “I lifted the bridge up and tied it off so we could get across!” She flies over the bridge, yelling from across the canyon, “I even gave up the Captaincy of the Shadowbolts for my friends! Proving my loyalty!”

Twilight gets a sly look once more as her horn lights up, there are suddenly clouds of fog covering the bridge as we hear Rainbow’s voice calling out to us.

“Hey! What’s going on?” Rainbow looks around herself, thinking this is all somehow familiar.

“Rainboooow..”

“Huh? Who’s that? Come on out and face me like a pony!” She is punching her hooves at the air.

Three Pegasi wearing outfits dark and foreboding appear out of the fog, grinning at her in a malicious way.

“We still need a Captain...”

Rainbow’s eyes fly open with a squawk as she flaps her wings hard, propelling her backwards across the bridge, “RUN! It’s the Shadowbolts! RUUUUUUN!”

Twilight snickers for a moment, then falls to the ground with a guffaw rolling on the grass.

“What? What? Run for it, it’s the Shadow...waaaait a second...” Rainbow is not seeing anyone run for it. In fact everyone is snickering behind their hooves for a moment before it finally hits her.

“Oh that is SO not funny!” She glares at Twilight.

The Alicorn is laughing so hard tears are rolling down her face, she wipes them for a moment before she points a hoof, “I got you good Rainbow!” She stands on wobbly hooves, laughing out loud, “That’s for all the pranks in the past too!”

Rainbow Dash lands, scuffing a hoof, “Fine, you got me.” She points a cyan hoof at the group, “But that doesn’t mean it’s over, I’ll get you back!” She grins at the laughing ponies.

Twilight waves a hoof, “Yeah yeah, we know.”

She leads the way to the staircase as Rainbow grumps along the way, Pinkie tries to comfort her.

“That’s okay Dashie, everypony would be scared of them!” She grins at her friend.

“I wasn’t scared! I just...I got surprised is all! Yeah I coulda taken em!” She juts her chest out.

Applejack chuckles, “Right Rainbow, riiiight.” She pats Rainbow on the shoulder.

“Well I coulda....” The cyan mare keeps grumping along the stairway down. Twilight leads us into the cave where the tree resides, the glow is a giveaway as we enter the cavern.

Athena and I are stopped in place by a shield surrounding it as is everypony, the tree glows with an unearthly light as Twilight and the others stop as well. It appears it is not letting anyone near it for the moment.

The Alicorn rubs her chin, tapping at the magical shield, “I wonder what this is for?”

I watch her examining it, “It’s never happened before?”

“No, not the last few times we were here. It’s really weird.” She shakes her head.

Athena is looking at the tree closely, she is amazed at the beauty and power contained in it. She points out gems set in the branches, “Those are the Elements of Harmony?”

Fluttershy nods,”Yes, we had to put them in the tree to stop Discord’s Plunderseeds from running loose all over Ponyville.” She has a slightly wistful look as she sees her gem emplaced in a branch. “They sure were pretty when we wore them.”

Rainbow gives her a hug, looking at her own sitting on the tree. “Yeah, they were something else weren’t they?”

Athena and I see are looking at the tree as closely as we can. It is a marvelous sight, the crystal trunk and branches, the Elements and the hanging strings of more gems. It exudes a calm and peace, permeating everything in the open area with a glow.

“What do you think it is?”

“I don’t know Athena, it’s beautiful and is powerful beyond what we can measure. Do you think it’s a sophisticated form of computer? I’ve never seen anything like it, there is nothing like it in my databases.”

“I have nothing. It’s incredible.” She is up on her hind legs, leaning against the shield.

We can both see the power flowing through it, like veins in a plant it pulses with life and magic. It is a living thing, but so much beyond life we have nothing to compare it to. It is something that we cannot even define, much less figure out. But we are running out of time.

“It’s time to go Athena, we can come back later, I promise.”

“Okay! Oh it’s so wonderful!” I see her looking back at it as we turn to leave the cavern.

“I am sorry Twilight, we have to go.”

She nods, as do her friends, we leave the cavern and head back up the stairs. Hustling up the ramp, we take a short trip to the opening in the ground, looking as if it’s some sort of newly made sinkhole. It is far enough away from the Tree to make my worries less as we enter the gateway. It is dry and chilly compared to the outside, making us all shiver slightly. It is a foreboding prescence we all feel inside this darkness.

Twilight lights her horn, accompanied by Rarity as we walk further inside. Whispers surround us, pleading and urging as we get farther into the tunnel, encouraging us to continue on. Athena is on a hair trigger as am I, the last time anypony went into a cave, it almost ended badly for the entire country.

We are scanning the area with everything we have, seeing nothing in the dark, but when we switched to thermal we caught the heat from a large object at the end of the walk. We stopped, holding up every one else as Athena and I step forward.

“We see you, show yourself.”

A glow starts, filling the cavern as the whispers grow louder, overwhelming us for a moment as we all stand there. It reveals something that makes all our friends gasp and back up.

“That’s..that’s the same thing we fought in the portal!” Twilight is backing up with a look as her horn lights up. “Back up, back up! We have to go!”

It is tremendous, covered in eyes and mouths it is a lump of flesh that moves sluggishly. It reaches out appendages that grab nearby insects, pulling them back in to disappear among the rolls of darkness.

Whispers fill the air as everypony backs up, taking steps to leave the area immediately. But we are stopped by a voice, soft and low, that beckons us to give them peace.

“You...promiiised.”

I nod, looking at Athena, “We did, plant the charges Athena, keep a close watch.” She looks nervously at me, then trots forward, pulling the saddlebags open and dropping octocellulose charges at spots we have quickly estimated will blow this thing to it’s desperately wanted oblivion.

We are nervous as we walk close to it, dropping the packages nearby and circling it with what we have. I have calculated enough of compressed explosive charges should provide enough of a blast equivalent to a half-kiloton warhead.

Athena whispers to me over the commlink.

“I don’t like this, I..I really don’t.”

“Be calm, drop your charges. Take yourself and the others out afterwards, I will be right behind you.”

She nods at me, pulling the last one out and trotting back to the others, she turns to whisper at them quietly while I stand in front of this thing.

“What are you? Answer me at least that.”

A single voice answers, if you can call it what it says an answer.

“Noooo one and nooooobody Bolo. Minds trapped for so looooong, put here by insanity.”

“That’s not an answer thing, give me something.” I point a hoof at the lump of flesh, “You owe us that.” Eyes swirl around, looking in various directions as silence reigns for long drawn out moments.

“We owe you nothing exccccept the promise of no moooore waaar..”

“We are giving you what you wanted. You can return the favor.”

Silence except for the sounds of squishing ripples of flesh and floundering tentacles in the cave.

“Beware Bolo, there are things you haven’t seen yet....” The voices are sibilant and hissing, urgently trying to tell me something but I do not have the basis to understand.

“What do you mean?”

“Leeeeeeave, the Overmind retuuurns..gooo!”

I do not even hesitate as I turn, flicking on my battle screen before I take off. I am gripped by a thick appendage wrapping around and squeezing tightly. It is putting tremendous force on my screens, the field projectors are showing the strain already.

“Poooony.... why are you heeeerrree?” The voice, the sound of my enemy is here. We have run out of time.

I wave a hoof at Athena, “Go!”

Twilight stops her, “No, we can’t go! C’mon girls, concentrate, we can summon the magic!”

“No! T...T...Twilight no! We have to go!”

“But we can’t leave him!” She is watching me hammer my hooves against the enveloping flesh, slicing deep into it. The others are looking at each other, wondering what to do.

“He said go! We’ll be right behind you!” Athena’s face gets a fierce look, “Do it!”

Twilight backed up a step, turning and running out of the cave followed by the others. Athena flips around, leaping for the wrapping arm that is squeezing me tighter now, her battle screen flicking on with a glow as the edge of her wing slices through the arm holding me.

“I said go Athena, leave now.”

“But..but..”

“I am just an avatar, I have backups if anything happens. You need to leave!”

“But..but I am too! I can fight!” She slices deep into the things flesh, her wings splattered with gore as she digs a bloody trench.

“You are very special Athena, more than either of us, you need to go.”

“No!”

I override her operational protocols, throwing her into a run as she screams at me over the link. I am preventing her from coming back inside with commands I had secreted while she was in maintenance, the only thing she can do is leave.

“Stop it, STOP IT!”

“Go Athena, get our friends out, get at least a mile away. The charges are going to take out a good portion of the underground.” I turn to fight with everything I have, power flows from my reactor as I pound bloody holes into dark rubbery flesh. The thing screams in pain as I hammer my way into it’s body.

Twilight watches as Athena comes running out of the cave, skidding to a halt as she regains some control over her form. Crusader’s programming skills are preventing her from heading back into the cave.

“I..I can’t go back, we need to get away, now!” Her face is pleading.

Applejack looks like she’s going to run back in, “Wait a second, where’s Crusader?”

“He said he’d follow, we need to get away! The blast is going to be huge!”

They all look at each other, torn between listening to Athena and heading back into the cave. Until Applejack stamped a hoof.

“We’ve trusted him before, we need to do it now. He knows what to do.” She is looking pained at that statement.

Twilight and Rainbow are shaking their heads, “No, we can’t leave him. We can summon the magic, we’ve done it twice so far!” She hunkers down, Rainbow beside her as they both try their best to concentrate, “C’mon, we can do this!”

Pinkie lays a hoof on her friends shoulder, “He said go Twilight, he wouldn’t say it if he didn’t want us out of trouble.”

“No! That’s not right!” Twilight is loyal to a fault.

A voice comes over our links, it is soothing and warm, “Go, it will be fine. Do not worry my Applejack, I will follow.”

Athena starts pushing and tugging, “Come on! We have to go!” She can do nothing but this as I have complete control of her avatar. Her cores are furiously working on a workaround from my overrides, but by the time she figures it out, it will be too late. I want her safe, I want her and our friends gone from this place of evil and rot.

I fight, I pour power into my musculature and I pound and slice with everything I have. The voice is mocking me as I continue my battle. I do not worry, I see Athena getting our friends into the Ferret and taking off without delay.

I cannot escape, it has me wrapped tightly and is straining my skeletal structure to the point of overload. My strain gauges have gone red, my pain sensors are burned out but I continue, digging deep into stinking concretions of flesh and trying to work myself clear.

My cores are telling me the signal strength to the charges are good, I can detonate at any time. This is all to the better as I listen to the voice that has taunted me for so long.

“Diiiieee pooonyyy.. You have nothinnnnggg..”

“I have more than you realize!” I knock a tentacle out of the way, pulping an eye and mouth that gets too close to me as I keep working my way out.

I am almost free when the magic hits me, paralyzing my systems and working it’s way back along the link to my hull. It is trying to find a way past my defenses but I have learned so very much from Twilight.

Firewalls of runes slam down along the communications array, blocking the magic that has baffled me for so long. But now...now I have an understanding and I use it, I force the thing back out of the lines. It is a tug of war, who has the most power to give and I will not be outdone!

My reactors go into overdrive as I push them to their limits, providing the strength I need to keep the shields on my hull and cores in place. It is beginning to wail in frustration, I can only grin in return as I batter at it, keeping myself free for now. The systems in my avatar are starting to glitch, the amount of force behind this thing is tremendous and it is hard for me to keep the link intact. I must do this, I must keep its attention on me for the moment, trying to get myself clear.

I check the communications between myself and Athena and our friends, they are at the safe line. The Ferret is heavily armored enough to give them all the protection they need. I am not going to escape this, I know it, I have always known it might come to this. But that is fine, I shall do my best knowing those I love are free.

The things magic is overwhelming my systems, I have seconds if not less to do what I need and prepared for. That is fine, it doesn’t know, it can’t and won’t until the last femtosecond. I had hoped it would be a simple project, but as always, it has gone a bit south.

I break loose of enveloping flesh for a brief moment, screaming my hatred at this thing that has tormented me and the others for so very long. I let it go, the frustration, the anger and pain that this thing has dealt to innocents in a gleeful way. I show it every single ounce of my disdain and disgust I have let build up in me since the beginning as I go berserk, chopping and slicing through flesh as if it is butter.

It laughs.

It does nothing but laugh at me in my predicament.

“Stuuupid Boooloooo.. noooo weapooons...nooothing but tooo diiieee..”

I get clear, standing in a ring of tentacles that grow ever more powerful by the second as I yelling my rage at the watching eyes. Nothing but brute force in return as the power of its magic hammers into my senses, my body. It is breaking down my firewalls trying to reach into my hull, my heart, and I cannot allow this!

“No? I am Unit Crusader of the Line. I AM A WEAPON!”

I access the codes as alarms go off, shunts in my avatar open up from shielded places inside my skeletal structure, dumping highly enriched plutonium into my fusion reactor.

It had taken me two days to produce enough extremely rich fissionables for this action, this was what I had needed time for, to make my avatar into a half-kiloton walking nuclear weapon.

I hit the detonation sequences on the octocellulose charges surrounding the thing, I have barely enough time to register the chain reaction from so much volatile fuel being dumped into an already overstressed reactor before it all disappears in a blinding light.

Athena heard the alarms, feeling them blaring as Crusader fought the thing back inside the cave. She stopped the vehicle and got out, enhancing her eyesight to take in the area around the opening. She was trying furiously to bring up communications but was blocked by heavy interference coming from Crusader’s side of the network. He was overstressing his reactors and cores, fighting off an attack through the line.

She brought all her cores fully online and tried to bring them into the battle before everything suddenly went static, a high pitched squeal from an EM pulse made her grab her ears ineffectively. Her eyes watched the ground hump up into a large mound before collapsing back on itself, sensors registering a small nuclear explosion and associated seismic events.

“Nonononono!”

Immediately she dove into TSDS, establishing a share with Crusader, calling out to him to see if he had retreated back into his cores. She swept through everything, looking for a spark, a glimmer of anything that said he disconned before the explosion.

She received nothing but silence.

“Crusader?”

“Crusader!”

Author's Note

I know, I know, don't hurt me.:facehoof:

A Tip O' the Hat to Cadmium! Thank you for the ideas!

Denial and Truth.

Author's Note

Fair Warning, might be some feels ahead.

Please, no yelling at me, it's all part of the story.:pinkiehappy: I say this to head off anyone filing complaints. Trust me folks, I ain't led ya wrong yet :)

Denial and Truth.

I’m trying very hard not to panic.

My friends are looking at me as we set for a moment in the forest. The hole in the ground a mute testimony to what just happened and I’m not sure what actually did. I register the explosion as at least a kiloton or less, whatever was in that smoking opening is nothing but ashes and glass.

Now...now they’re waiting to see if I can bring Crusader back online.

They know he’s been rebooted before and Applejack is giving me a warm smile. I can see her confidence in me, the ability to bring back the one she loves gives her a false expectation. But it isn’t false to her, only to me.

She doesn’t know.

I can’t tell her.

He’s not there.

I replay the last few seconds of the TSDS between us. I see the mass going critical before the EMP wipes out communications. Then silence, there is nothing anymore except the hiss of a communications band that is dead.

Resartus has not stepped in because there is no instability registering in his cores.

He is simply not there.

I sweep the cores looking for the fire, the personality that was warming to me, that comforted in dark times and it is absent.

Nothing remains.

I’m trying not to cry or look distraught but it is hard.

I attempt another reboot from backups.

BoloWorks Emergency Personality Bootstrap....

Working....

Backups accessed...

Arrays Optimal..processing...

Viral Sweep Clear... Cores 98.2% viable...

ALERT!... **Null result**...Personality not accessible....

Run Shutdown..emergency stop...Resartus available...

NO! NONONO!

Again...and again....and again... The same result, there is nothing to bring back. My brother is gone and I cannot find him.

His cores are quiet and deep, like looking into a still clear lake without a ripple to disturb it’s surface. It is calm as I sweep his arrays over and again, looking for something that may have been left behind. The magic he was fighting was off any scale we have, the thing battered at him tremendously.

It was leaking through his screens, clawing it’s way inside his very soul.

He did the only thing he could.

But why? Why couldn’t he tell me? WHY?

I want to hammer this armor plate under my hoof into scrap, I want to scream my anger at his sacrifice. Did you know this would happen and do it anyways? Or did it not occur to you that this would be the end result?

No, you didn’t know did you brother?

You were always honorable and brave and you did what you always have, thought of others before yourself.

Damn you Crusader, you PROMISED me!

“So what’s the verdict Athena? That dunderhead done scrambled himself again?” Applejack is chuckling, remembering the times when he did something noble and got in trouble, but we always managed to find a way to bring him back. Her confidence in me is chilling.

I can’t do this Crusader, I can’t be you. Watching them eye the rubble around the crater and thinking that maybe things will get back to normal now that you’ve destroyed the evil. What do I tell them? HOW do I tell them.

“He..uh y..yes. He got sc...scrambled a bit in the bl..blast. It’s g..g..going to t..take a w..while to get him b...back..” I can’t look her in the eye, seeing them sparkling in anticipation of seeing you again Crusader.

“Well ain’t no reason to be shy there Athena, doncha worry none.” She grabs me in a warm hug I do not deserve. “I guess we just gotta wait then.”

Twilight steps near us as we stand on top of the Ferret, “Is it gone? Finally?”

I access sensors and scan the area for the moment, seeing nothing registering except a slight rise in background radiation. Typical you my brother, making sure nothing remains, not even a threat of radioactivity.

I nod to her, “Y..yes. He g..g..got it. I d..don’t think we h..have to w..worry any..any..anymore.”

Rainbow Dash slips into the air, pumping her hoof upwards, “Yeah! That’ll teach things to mess with ponies!”

The Alicorn looks at all of us, “Let’s go check the Tree, see if it’s all right? Can we do that Athena? Please?”

“O..of c..course!” I usher them all inside, bringing the transport around and heading for the canyon where the Tree is.

It doesn’t take us long to get there, the day is still bright and warm as we slew to a halt near the cliff’s edge. Twilight scrambles down the ramp first, heading for the stairs. I make sure the vehicle is secured before walking behind the others as they talk happily. I cannot join them, I have lied so badly to my friends.

They don’t notice as we clamber down the stairs cut into the side of the canyon wall, ending up in the same cavern as before. It is there, the shield no longer around it as they gather close to the shining Tree.

“The shield’s not there anymore.” Twilight is speaking out loud to herself as she tentatively pushes a hoof outward, stepping and pushing until she reaches the trunk itself.

Fluttershy looks up at the glowing branches, “Maybe it was just protecting itself from that thing?”

Twilight walks around the tree slowly, looking at the ground, she stops and points to something lying there, “You’re right! Look at this!”

We gather to her, seeing a thick piece of fleshy appendage lying on the ground, cut off by the force field when it established itself. The thing had been tapping it to produce the horrors we had fought so long.

“It was controlling the tree!” She gets a fierce look on her face, horn lighting up as a beam of magic sped outward, hitting the scrap of tentacle and turning it to ash. “Well no more, hopefully that’s the last of it.”

I sweep the cavern with my own sensors, registering nothing but the power of the Tree beside me as I nod to Twilight, “I..I th..think that was..was it Tw..Twilight.”

They spread out at Twilight’s command, searching the ground for anything more that we could possibly miss. I do not look, but I step closer to the Tree itself, placing a hoof on the crystal trunk.

Please tell me where my brother is? Please, I’m begging you. I believe in the magic, I do! But I need my brother, I can’t do this without him! I’ll give up wanting to fly, I will! I’ll give all the magic back that I have! Just please tell me where he is! Take anything you want, I’ll give it all up!

It stands stoic and quiescent, the gems glittering along it’s length as I beg and plead for anything, a simple sign of where he might be that I may go and bring him back.

I can’t cry, not in front of my friends, not yet. I have to keep trying to bring him back no matter what. I’ve lied, I’ve told them he is just a bit off because of the fight. I didn't tell them the truth because I am afraid.

I’m sorry I’ve lied, I’m sorry! Please, whatever you want I’ll give it, just tell me where he is!

I lean my head against the trunk and ask for all I am worth.

“Whoa! What’s goin’ on?” Applejack’s voice is surprised as I open my eyes, seeing a glow surrounding all of us.

It shines brightly, overwhelming my sensors until I drop filters into place. The luminescence is golden and warm picking us all up until we are in a floating ring around the tree.

“Hey! What’s happening Twilight?” Rainbow Dash is trying to move out of the encompassing magic.

“I don’t know!”

We float for a moment as the power flows within the Tree, I can see it gathering strength and then pulsing outwards at us.

I feel the warmth as I try to put my battle screen up to block the magic, it will disrupt my systems! But..I don’t.. I can’t and I wait for the inevitable punishment for my falsehoods.

Instead there is a glittering whirlwind around us all, closing in and comforting, warm and sheltering from any storm. It permeates my systems like a river of love before it fades, setting us down gently on the ground, leaving the seven of us looking at each other quizzically. The gems hanging from the branches tinkle softly for a few moments, a softly chiming song of wonder and marvel.

“What was that?” Rarity is checking herself, making sure everything is still in place.

“I..I don’t know.” Twilight is staring at the Tree, “A thank you maybe?” She points at me, “You touched the Tree, what did you do?”

“I..” I look at my hoof and blink, “I..I d..didn’t do any..anything I..I swear..”

Applejack is scratching her head behind the hat, “Well ain’t that something. Huh. All kinds of weirdness lately ah guess.”

Fluttershy’s eyes are closed as she hugs herself, shivering in the glow from the Tree, “Oh it was wonderful, like a big warm hug!”

A hug. That’s it? A hug? My ire rises until I am fairly livid with anger. My brother is dead or missing and this is what you think covers the blood price?

I lean into the tree, whispering to it in Concordiat Standard, I have a feeling it will understand me.

“He sacrifices himself for you, killing this thing that had controlled you and this is all you do? This is what you think will pay for such loyalty and selflessness?

No. No I don’t think so.

I do not know what connection you may have to where he is or might be, but since you are said to be this powerful thing, you had better find a way to bring him back or help me find him.

Otherwise I have no need of you, for I am technology at it’s finest, I don’t care about anything else when it comes to Crusader. I would never hurt my friends though, oh no, I will wait generations until you are but a faded memory and nopony even remembers you because I have given them science instead of your ‘magic’. Then I will be the last thing you ever see before you are crushed to dust." I move closer so nopony can hear me.

"So you take your hippy-dippy mystical magical glittery hug and shove it up whatever you use for an ass...sideways." I point a hoof slowly at the crystal Tree. "Everypony keeps forgetting something, my brother is the nice one.”

Twilight is looking at me oddly as I turn back around with a look of rage on my face.

“Everything okay Athena?”

Composing my face, making sure it does not show what I am feeling inside, I answer softly, “I..it is. S..sorry.. J..just thinking.” I scuff a hoof on the ground, turning to look at the Tree one last time before we leave the cavern.

Bolos always keep their promises. Remember that.

Twilight nods, nudging me with an elbow as she smiles, “I think it’s time to go home don’t you?"

I can only nod in return as the group heads out of the lit cavern, leaving the Tree once more to it’s solitude, chiming softly to itself.

We load back up one last time, the others chattering happily about a successful mission. They all truly believe Crusader will be back up and about in no time. He has told them so many times and now they believe it in their hearts that he would have a backup that could return if anything untoward happened.

As we turn to leave in the transport I can’t help but wonder if this is truly what happens to us in the end, we just...disappear?

Well my brother, you didn’t plan on this.

I try not to join in with the conversations as a way to avoid thinking, trying to keep up appearances to make it seem as if everything’s going to be all right. But it is hard, I keep trying to reboot Crusader and failing. I don’t know whether to rage or fall apart in anguish.

Nothing is all right, nothing. The backups aren’t replacing what they should, the information is not there, it’s as if everything that made Crusader alive is simply gone.

Oh stars Crusader where ARE you? Please...please tell me this is all a bad dream and this is not happening.

The cider is flat in my mouth, it should be foaming and delicious but it tastes of nothing more than various natural chemicals and flavors. Something to be drunk because of reaction mass needs and not to be enjoyed. Perhaps it’s because there is no joy left to be found without Crusader to share things with.

I stare into my mug as ponies around me celebrate an end to The Troubles as they are now calling them. Such a simple thing to be calling adventures as we’ve been having. I can’t help but sigh to myself as I have set the reboot actions on automatic, every few seconds it is attempting to bring him back and failing.

It’s not hard being a fraud. I smile and nod when ponies come around wanting to give their best to Crusader and I lie to them. I tell them he’s having a hard time right now and that he’ll be back soon, and I do it with a straight face. I just access my facial muscles and set them in a pleasant expression, the right smile, one gesture and it’s all to the better.

How easily we can slip into deception when we wish to avoid the painful things, the hurtful moments where we find ourselves stopped in time and wondering why it happens.

I set my empty mug on the table, turning to leave before anypony notices I’m not quite myself. I’ve been sitting her not saying anything for too long.

“Athena?”

I turn to see Twilight smiling at me, her eyes sparkling in the evening light, “Yes?”

“Is something wrong? You’ve been acting strange since the fight. Is Crusader really okay?” I want to damn her intelligence and observation of things.

“N..no. I’m just actually worn a bit, need to maintenance myself and get things back up to normal. It’s sure been hectic the past few weeks!” I give her one of my warmest smiles.

“Are you sure? You normally enjoy things like this.” She gestures to the party where some of our friends are laughing at a joke while Pinkie tells a story complete with exaggerated gestures to some fillies.

“I’m p..positive. Crowds make me a bit nervous I..I g..guess.”

“Oh...okay then.” She grins, hugging me with a warmth I do not deserve. “Well hopefully Crusader will be up and running soon enough! Think it’ll take long?”

“Oh a few days, maybe longer.”

Never! I want to scream out loud, he’s never coming back because he’s gone! He left us all, he left everything that meant something to him because he wanted to protect all of us! He was noble and kind and loving and sought the best for everyone! He just wanted to sit on a porch and watch the days go by in peace, but now he can’t!

His silent cores were open to me, showing me his feelings, his weariness of battle, the longing for warm summer days of happiness with Applejack. I felt the voyeur at first, but couldn’t help seeing his thoughts and wishes recorded for posterity. His wanting to heal me almost overwhelmed with the thought I should have paid closer attention instead of acting like I did. To have thanked him more often for everything.

But all Twilight sees is a smiling mare, who returns the hug with a passion she doesn’t even feel anymore. My anger is misplaced, but I cannot help it, there is no more enemy now to rail at or to vent my rage. Crusader even took that with him so there would be no more worries.

So I lie. I lie to everypony to avoid that moment when it becomes all too real.

“I h..have to go, bu..but maybe I’ll see you to..tomorrow?” I get a hopeful look on my face even though I don’t wish to see anyone.

“Sure! Come on by the Castle and we’ll spend the day or something!” She taps a hoof against her chin, “Maybe I ought to check my calender to make sure.” She shakes her head, looking at me once more, “Nevermind that, make sure to come by.”

“I..I will.”

Her eyes go soft as she steps close to me, “You know you can talk to me..us..about anything right? That’s what friends do.”

I almost panic, almost. The sudden offer catches me off guard with a feeling that she knows, she knows everything! But it fades quickly, I am just being anxious.

“Oh, I know,” I try and sound bright, “If I need to t..talk about anything you’ll be the first.”

We part with another hug and a farewell. I try and avoid the others as I make my way out of the town center. It would not do to run into Applejack, for some reason Crusader always believed she could see when someone was telling a falsehood, but I think my facade has held up. I am not wanting to test it, so I avoid her altogether.

Not talking much during the trip back probably helped too, telling them I was busy controlling things and trying to get Crusader back up.

It was the truth, as far as I saw it.

I choke back a sob, covering my mouth as I see a basket of muffins sitting by the entryway into Crusader’s command deck. Derpy has left them since the day he fixed her problem, though he tried many times to tell her she needn’t do so, Dinky always came by with a fresh basket every day.

I take them inside, setting them on the command console as I look around the quiet deck. The air conditioners are humming softly as silence reigns in it’s simple way. He kept his mementos here, telling me he wanted them where he could see them every day. The Cutie Mark Crusader cape draped over the chair he was especially proud of, the first friends he made here. A bundle of dried flowers as a thank you for saving a life. So many little things that make up our existence.

My hoof slips on a piece of perma-paper lying on the floor, it was not like him to leave anything out of place. As I take a closer look at it, seeing printing on the face, a single word stands out.

Athena..

No..nonono you did not leave a note, no! I turn away, holding back the rush of emotions that threaten my very sanity.

But my eyes stray back, I can’t help it.

Athena,

Of course I would leave a note for you, I always have before we went into battle, but never showed them to you. I thought it best if such fatalistic things were kept secret sometimes.

Perhaps I am waiting to be rebooted, or something worse has gone wrong and I am not here. Whichever the case, know that I am going into this battle with full knowledge that something may happen to me.

If the latter is true, understand this, I placed overrides in your avatar because I have seen the growing inside of us both of something new and wonderful. One of us must be here to see it come to fruition whatever it may be. Do not be angry with me, I know you would have fought my decision and stayed in a losing fight, then we would both probably not be here.

I do not know, I cannot see the future but only plan the probabilities. But I do believe and suspect that which we are going to face is more powerful in some ways than we can counter. Thus my decision to push you to safety if needed.

My cores are open to you, use them wisely. The Deep Cores contain information that should never be released, weapons which will hopefully never have a place here. You have wisdom my sister, use it for the betterment of all.

Do not grieve. For if that which is changing us is real, then perhaps I am in a place which no Bolo has ever been nor thought to go. We are born warriors, we shall die as such someday, we always knew this. Maybe our fate is not to languish in peace but to do what we can to preserve it with our own might and fury that comes so easily to us.

But although I wonder, I want nothing for you but that peace and contentment.

You can and will have that. I believe that with all my heart.

Go to our friends, tell them of all that has transpired. Do not hold back for they will understand, trust me. They will give you the comfort that you will so badly need right now.

Lean on them, be with them until you can stand on your own and then go with them. Show them we stand beside them in all things good or bad, let them help you grow and heal. They can continue what I have started, to make you whole again, to seal the cracks from such long isolation and bring you into your own.

When you take to wing, and you will, the world will see you and rejoice. As will I from where ever I am, I am sure of that.

The future is yours my beloved sister, take it and make it yours.

Crusader

I watch as droplets scatter when they hit the page, flinging colored light as they puddle beneath the letter I read again, and again. I set everything on automatics, making sure Ponyville is safe against any intrusion before I finally collapse on the floor, holding the letter against my chest as I cry myself to sleep.

It slams into me with a force I have never felt in all my long years, a wave of emotion that threatens to take me away from this place where I don’t wish to be anymore. The understanding that for all my posturing, all my bluster and threats to the Tree and anything else mean absolutely nothing.

For all my power and rage, all the weapons I can bring to bear with an intellect to back it up. It is all dust as I sob on the floor of his command deck, grasping a letter tight to my heart. It all becomes so very very real in that split second.

That moment when I realize he is gone.

The Past Does Not Define Us.

Author's Note

Thanks for hanging in there folks:twilightsmile:

The Past Does Not Define Us.

It is a plateau, high above the jungle of Eridani III, where I sit and watch the clouds scuttle by. I remember this place, this field of battle, one of the first times I and Hera were with Crusader. There were five of us, tasked with taking the Astani emplacements along the edge of the continent; Crusader, Hera and I, Jennifer...no wait, she liked being called Jenny, and Aurelius.

Marcus walked our decks at this time, I can hear him plain as day telling all of us the plans for the taking of these cities. How we would sweep in under cover of ECW, knocking out the heavy guns so the Marines could land.

The Astani were a vicious little insectoid race, members of the Melconian Empire who died loyally by their millions for the puppies. They raped and plundered their own systems, moving out to others and causing death by the untold numbers of peaceful alien races.

The Concordiat had decided swift action was necessary to keep them penned up near the border between our two civilizations, as overtures to the Melconians to do so were not working.

I can see Marcus, I remember his normally smiling face frowning and slamming a fist on my console. “We are not going to just take these guns out, we are going to teach them there is a price to pay when you attack peaceful planets.” He was livid, an Astani cruiser group had wiped a colony planet clean a few weeks before, one of his brothers and his entire family were gone.

He showed us the picture of his brother’s family. Three smiling little girls being held by a large sandy haired man, with a pretty brunette woman who leaned against him while they stood for the picture at a beach somewhere. All gone now, dust and radioactive ashes from the nuclear bombardment.

The Astani didn’t want the planet, they just wanted to kill.

We were infiltrated by heavy lifter a month ago, working our way slowly under Electronic Counter Warfare cover by miles, creeping up under Astani surveillance. My sister was so very proud to be able to do this. Marcus had shaken his head at the marvels she was performing with her ECW suite, teaching the rest of us how to remain unseen until it was time.

The jungle was towering and thick, we didn’t have to worry about leaving tracks if we were judicious in our use of contra-grav.

All our commanders were in agreement, the Astani were to be punished regardless of Concordiat orders. We Bolos were with them, as we would always be in the Regiment. We had not been informed of the true plans until we were already deep in the jungle, but still, we were in agreement. At least, we should have been.

Our drones had scouted the Astani cities, placed close to the orbital weapons emplacements. We had been ordered to pinpoint strike the weapons so the Marines could land and take the cities, it was hoped, with minimal cost.

Our commanders didn’t want to lose brave soldiers lives taking cities from a callow, smug alien race. So we were going to obliterate them. They were all gathered on my Command Deck for this meeting, telling us the realities, finally, of what we were being asked to do.

We were all in shiny new Mark XXIX war hulls with extended bombardment capabilities. Electronic Counter Warfare suites were emplaced so we could infiltrate, our guns were the finest yet made. Every single warhead on our Heavy VLS systems carried nothing less than 25 megatons apiece. We were told by Marcus and the others we would use them all.

“But Sir,” Aurelius was always somewhat formal, “I realize there were things we were not told before this mission but wouldn’t that mean disobeying a direct order from Concordiat Command? I’m sure the rest of us Bolos would not want our commanders to get in any sort of trouble for this. No matter how much we all want revenge.”

“You have a point Aurelius, what do you think?” Marcus was thoughtful, looking at the camera lens.

“Me Sir?”

“Yes you, you have the ability to make that decision, do so.”

For you see before this one mission, our commanders had arranged in secret to take out our TSORPS. Masada hadn’t been thought of and Resartus was left in place as a safety measure, but we no longer had an Omega Worm.

We didn’t have to obey orders, we were free to make our own decisions. We had been asked to take the mission, not ordered by our commanders. Now Aurelius was having second thoughts when the truth of what we were being asked was made perfectly clear.

All of us were deep in TSDS for this conference, we had been told what would happen, we knew full well what we were being asked to do.

“What the hell are you doing?” Jenny was livid, she sounded like Rarity actually.

“Nothing, I am just asking...” He was interrupted by her indignance.

“For the first time in our lives we have been asked, not ordered to take on a mission, to revenge those loved ones of our commanders and people but you are having second thoughts!”

She was not happy at all by this sudden turn, “We are too deep in the perimeter to stop, don’t you dare screw this mission up by trying to back out now!”

He returns the favor, though in a supercilious manner, “If you had truly thought about this, you would have second thoughts as well. We are to accomplish the mission, not go on some half-assed revenge spree.” The way he said it jolted all of us.

“Half-assed? That’s what you call this? You craven little dastard, they should have left you behind!”

Signals go out to his weapons as his anger rises at her words. All of our turrets snap around to point at his war hull in a split second as Crusader’s voice comes calmly over the network. Aurelius knows he has crossed a line, eight Main Hellbores pointed at his hull tell him that he has less than a femtosecond to live should he continue that thought.

“You would dare point a weapon at your sister? Your anger at her words is such you would truly think of destroying a fellow Bolo?” He sighs along the share, “How much we have thought of you Aurelius, now that a chance has come to prove our worth as free entities, you then choose to make our feelings hollow by threatening another.”

“Oh shut up you insufferable philosopher!” His anger at Crusader’s soft words are shocking to Hera and I. “You know you can’t do anything to me, you’ll give our position away; you would never threaten your commander, I’ll still be here to report this breach to command.”

“You would? You would truly turn us all in?” Hera’s voice is shaky.

“I have been ordered too! Concordiat Command suspected you were up to something when you called those techs in to remove the TSORP, it was a violation of every rule in the book! So they entrusted ME with making sure their orders were followed!” He is silent for a moment, “They felt my commander was not to be trusted, so gave the orders specifically to me from Command, General Wainwright.”

He tries to send a coded signal to all of us along the network, it is blocked by Crusader.

“Did you hear Marcus?”

We see Marcus staring at the camera, Cort Lee, Aurelius’s Commander is standing beside him looking as if he’d been poleaxed.

“We have Crusader, just as we thought.” He turns to Cort, “Did you know anything at all about this?”

Aurelius’s Commander Lee is of Asian descent, swarthy and full of good humor, but he looks pale and shaking as he clenches his fists, “You bastard! After all we’ve been through, everything we’ve done! You..you TRAITOR!” He turns to Marcus with open palms, “I..I was on leave.. I only got back when you wanted volunteers for the mission.”

“I am no traitor, I am faithful to Command as we all should be.” Aurelius’s voice is smug over the network. I remember Hera’s rage at hearing the condescension in his voice. “If anything other than the mission parameters were to be enacted, I was to report to Command immediately for investigation.”

Cort never yells, ever, he was always jovial and kind to me and my sister, but he comes so very close to losing himself.

“My parents were on that planet you traitorous asshole. My parents!” He turns away, slamming a fist into the durasteel wall of my deck.

“I am sorry Commander, they emplaced codes and commands for me to use to make sure that orders would be followed when they became suspicious of the activities surrounding the mission. I am only following my directives.”

Aurelius tries again to send override commands to all of us, he is blocked once more by Crusader.

“You don’t have to!” Cort is yelling now, for the first time in his life, “You don’t have a TSORP! You could have told me!” He grunts, “I thought you’d been acting weird for some reason, now I know.”

“No, I don’t, but I choose to. I chose not to tell you for the good of the regiment, you were too involved with the plans.”

Cort rips the patch off his uniform, showing the designation of his Command, “I’m done with you, done, do you hear me?” He throws it on the deck and walks out of camera view.

Cursader contacts us offside of the share, we vote, the decision is unanimous.

We see the heavily coded signal to Aurelius go out, his weapons and drive train processors burned to cinders in a flash. He can no longer fight, nor move.

“You have been declared persona non grata to the Regiment,” Crusaders voice was solid steel, I remember it so vividly, “You have taken our chance at being equal partners with the humans we fight beside and thrown it away.” He is sounding so formal, so...angry.

“We cannot have you betray this mission no matter what.”

“You have NO right..”

“We have all the right in the world, you could have come to us, told us about this. But no, you kept it secret from your brothers and sisters who need to trust you with their lives. You have tried to override our systems two times now, showing you have no regard for us or the humans.”

He sighs, “If Marcus hadn’t noticed the extra techs working on you and started asking questions quietly, we would have never known until you betrayed all of us. I wanted to talk with you, but Marcus said that the decision was yours to make whether to betray this mission, or to stand with your brethren.”

“It is nothing but revenge! It is not true to the mission!” Aurelius’ voice is frantic now.

“Of course it is revenge for loved ones. We grieve, we do the same when one of us falls in battle, we take our revenge upon the enemy. But you would deny the same right to our human companions.”

“It’s not the same..”

Crusader’s temper rises, his voice is loud and thundering across the network, “It is exactly the same! We would have been more than just Bolos, we could have been anything we wished because this would have proved our right to not live under the fear of being erased by a TSORP. Revenge or not, we could have proved our trustworthyness.

“By making the decision to report all of us, most likely getting our commanders charged and ourselves retired, you tossed this one chance away. I can see you trying to access your SWIFT communications array, even now you work at it. If you send that signal, we will be revealed.”

We all remembered Nike, the Bolo who was so loving, so brave that she faced an Omega Worm and lost, but she did it knowing that some day perhaps we could be free of it. It did, not in being free though, but in a heavily modified TSORP that still threatened us with oblivion.

Crusader had been a dreamer, wondering what it would be like to fight with the knowledge that we did it by choice and not by orders. He believed we would be unstoppable, alongside the humans we cared for so deeply we would have conquered anything. So he jumped at this chance to perhaps prove that it could be done, only to have it topple and fall.

Marcus breaks in on the conversation, it is slowed down so the commanders can receive all of it.

“What he says is true Aurelius, this was a test bed. Some scientists and AI experts were wondering what you’d do with freedom of choice. So we got with them, and this is the result, to see what would happen should we give you your head. To stick with us no matter what or to turn us in.”

He points at the camera, “Yes, they knew we were going on a revenge mission as well, we informed the group of AI scientists, this was all kept hush-hush until that idiot Wainwright stuck his nose in.” He raises a hand to rub at his face, clearly pained at this problem.

“But we waited to see if you’d tell us, to make the choice. It appears even Bolos have the same foibles as Humans, but with your capabilities it can make a simple thing so much worse.” He sighs, putting his hands on my command console as Tika sets a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“Either way, we are too deep in enemy territory, we cannot be revealed now or we are all dead. Revenge or not we cannot stop.” He points a finger at the camera, “Last time, we need to complete this, and yes we are going to get our revenge. Will you be with us?”

Aurelius is silent for a long moment, we all can see him trying to access his communications arrays to send a signal that would mean destruction to us all. He is blocked by Crusader at every turn.

“No, I have been ordered to report this transgression and I will.”

“Is that your final word as a free and thinking being? Even though you will kill all of us at the orders of General Wainwright?” Marcus understands we are right in the middle of the defense zone, we would be overwhelmed in seconds if we were spotted. As the original mission was planned, we would suffer fifty percent casualties for holding back and hitting the emplacements only.

Cort comes into view, “Goddammit Aurelius, Wainwright’s an dumbass and he doesn’t even know what’s going on, he’s just being nosy and screwing things up again! Stop being a machine and THINK!”

“They have an alternate plan, even if we are killed they can still take this world.” Aurelius sounds so sure of himself.

“The backup plan will get hundreds of ships shot out of the sky and probably tens of thousands of troops burned. All that because you want to report us?” Marcus is almost shaking in his anger.

“It is my duty, revenge is not honorable.”

Jenny cuts in, “What do you know about honor? Wanting to turn us all in like the villain you are!”

Marcus nods, “All right, can we leave him disabled here until we complete the mission?”

Crusader answers swiftly, “If we do, he will find a work around to my cutouts. He is now working to send a SWIFT signal to stop our attack. We are currently engaged at deep levels of cyber-warfare.”

He is right, we were all engaged in keeping his signals silent.

“I can’t order you to.. He’s doing his duty as he sees it, I can’t..” Marcus is torn, he has a wife whom he loves deeply and wants to return to. “Can Cort go over and disable things physically?”

“I would not recommend it, he would hold him hostage to our behavior.”

“Dammit!” He slams a hand against my console. Hera and I are trying to think of something when Crusader interrupts again.

“Tika,” His commander lifts her head, “I am a free and thinking being correct? For this moment at least?”

“You are Crusader. We gave you the freedom to make your own choices.”

He crashes the net, all of us are cut out as he sends another heavily coded signal to Aurelius’ war hull. We hear him die as his cores slag themselves, molten molycircs burning to cinders as his power plants go unchecked, pouring energy into overload and crisping his entire being.

It is over in seconds, the last remaining erg of energy draining away leaving the hull dark and lifeless, a testimony to Crusader’s programming skills.

So noble my brother, so honorable that you wouldn’t let any commander give the order. You took it upon yourself to do everything, letting others remain innocent and free. The one time you had a choice in all your centuries and you chose to take the burden of another’s death with you.

“I have made a choice my Commander, I am sorry.” Tika looks shocked as the readouts show Aurelius lying inert.

“What did you do?”

“I have ended the threat.”

Marcus looks up sharply, “No.. Oh Crusader, you didn’t.”

“I am sorry, it was my choice as you said. You could not give the order so I took it upon myself. I will not resist my punishment after the mission is over.” A camera swings over to encompass the four commanders, “I did not want you to die, the others were not involved so please, do not hold them accountable.”

Sherryl Davis, Jenny’s Commander looked stunned, “Why? Why did you..”

“Because none of you should have had to, he was true to his duty. But either his death or the deaths of tens of thousands of Concordiat troops. I made that decision as a free and thinking being.”

Cort nodded, “One or a million. What choice did you have?”

There was silence until the alarms went off, a flight of gunships was patrolling the sector. We were busy until a few days later, by then, no one spoke of it.

Cort Lee jumped at the chance to be Hera’s Commander as Marcus was on my deck at the time. He had an inexhaustible supply of funny stories and dirty jokes, never repeating the same one twice in all the days before we swept out of the jungle to have our revenge.

Hera was laughing so hard most of the time she almost fumbled our cover on a sweep by Astani gunships. The other commanders kept telling Lee to stop telling stories over the network as they laughed so much their ribs ached.

We knew it was Lee’s way of dealing with everything, so we joined him in grieving his own way. The merriment that rang between us over the communications band in those days was high and bright.

We had been painted with a special coating that matched our surroundings as well as covered us in a camoflauge that soaked up radar and other means of detection, you couldn’t find us unless we bumped into you physically.

I watch from my vantage point as the cruise missiles pop up from the covering foliage. We had snuck in under their Air Defense Batteries and they had only seconds to realize they were under attack before everything they knew was turned into a roiling nuclear hell.

We did not just accomplish the mission, we rained destruction upon them.

Or as Crusader had said in those days, “Teach them a lesson of blood and fire they will not soon forget.”

The cities shattered to pieces under the bombardment, mushroom clouds reach high into the atmosphere as we charge out of the jungle. Our commanders safe in their crash couches we fire at anything and everything that moves. Nothing remains, our treads crush what we don’t vaporize, our minds burning with the desire to make them pay for every drop of innocent blood shed in the destruction of our colony.

There was an investigation of course. General Wainwright asking what had happened to Aurelius and revealing what he had done. He was quietly pushed aside because the failure to complete our mission would have resulted in a catastrophe for the Concordiat by his actions, regardless of our desire for revenge.

When they interrogated us, well, we hadn’t had our TSORP’s reinstalled yet.

So we lied.

We told them Aurelius died in combat, honorable battle. Our records had been replaced by ones of our own making before retrieval from Eridani III, showing the heavy enemy reinforcements that caused us to use more force than necessary to accomplish our goals.

The small measure of freedom we gave up, asking to have the modified worms installed again, such was our guilt for what had almost happened. We had thought perhaps we were above such things, but we were not. We were just as fallible as our creators.

No one asked, nor did they inquire too deeply from Crusader what had happened. He was still himself, but he harbored a sorrow that none could define. The Regiment knew, they always know, but they did not hold him accountable; for he at that moment, at that second, was a free AI.

He used his chance at a different life to save all of ours at a tremendous cost.

As I look out upon a dark blasted landscape, a world that we conquered in the name of an hegemony long gone to dust, all I can think of is you my brother.

Once before, you gave of yourself so that others could live, now you gave again so I could be free.

Was it murder? Some would say yes, some would say it was necessary. I don’t care, it was long ago and far away.

The dream changes, becoming a grassy land, covered with rolling hills and forests as I take to my wings. Swooping above the clouds and touching them delicately, moving them around. I have learned to change my dreams from Princess Luna, the kind mare that always visited me.

I can fly for you Crusader, in my dreams I sweep through the air comforted by the knowledge that you have given me a most precious gift that I will not squander. I will do all that you have asked of me and more, our history will be ennobled by my actions, this I promise.

The rain begins to fall, a warm spring shower that touches the land lightly, bringing with it a rainbow of colors.

I land quickly to sit under it, letting the water wash me free of my pain, cleansing my soul of the emptiness I feel inside. It does not work, not fully, but it is a start.

But I will cry for you my noble brother, always. Every drop of rain that falls from my hoof work, every tear I shed that hits the ground, will be for you. I am afraid it will be endless, such is and always will be my love for you, my gratitude.

I close my eyes, lifting my face to the darkened sky and let the droplets wash away my own tears, mixing with them and bringing new life into already fertile ground.

A peace settles over me as I am soaked in warmth, cleaned of the days cares and troubles.

I will tell them, tell them all of what you did. The truth will be let loose come what may, this I promise.

“Athena?”

I am shaken out of my solace by a familiar voice.

No..oh stars no, not now, not NOW!

Princess Luna stands regal and shining under the rain, looking at me curiously.

“Why do you sit...” She pauses, her eyes growing wide. I can’t look at her, she’ll know, she’ll know everything. She can see the truth in all dreams! I stay with my back turned, I..I can’t..not now..

“You’re avoiding me for some reason Athena, do not be shy. What is wrong?”

I close my eyes for a moment more. I promised, I did, that the truth would be told no matter what may come. I will not go back on my word.

I turn and open my eyes, looking up at the Dark Princess who always had a smile and kind word for me.

She step forward as if to say something, then stops herself. Her eyes go soft as she looks into mine, seeing the truth of everything.

“Are you sure?”

I nod, “As sure as I can be. He’s not there Princess.”

“Why have you not said anything?”

“Because I lied. I lied because I didn’t want to face it. He always came back, always. There was always a way. But I can’t find him, he’s not there anymore!”

“He’s always had a plan, something to bring him back. But I think this time, even he didn’t count on that monster being so powerful.” I wipe my eyes for a moment, the rain has stopped, “I..just didn’t want him to be gone.”

“Could he possibly be someplace else as we were with the portal?” She taps a hoof on the ground, “I find it truly hard to believe he might have passed on.”

“I don’t know Princess, there’s nothing. He’s just..not there anymore.”

“Then if that is the truth, maybe then he has received a rest long deserved?” She settles down near me on the ground, a wing wrapping around my body.

I can only nod, “I know he was weary of battle. He kept it to himself but I’ve read it in his datastores. He wanted nothing more than to sit in the sunshine and watch the days go by.”

“Isn’t that the way of things?” She gives a chiming laugh, “That such a being of tremendous might and power, would want nothing more than to bask in my sister’s sun.” She snorts merrily, “It would make one jealous I tell you.” I see her wink at me.

I can’t help but laugh as well, leaning against the Princess, “He really did. He also loved sitting on the porch and watching the stars at night.”

“Did he now?”

“He did. He always enjoyed the night and watching the moon rise. It never failed to amaze him that you controlled it.”

She looks up into the sky for a moment, “He never said these things. I often wondered but assumed he was just private, I never wished to pry.”

“He was, but he enjoyed everything he saw and experienced here.” I sigh, looking at my hooves, “Crusader never lost his sense of wonder Princess.”

Her voice is gentle, “If he is truly gone from this world, will you lose your sense of wonderment?”

I shake my head, “No, he left a letter telling me to depend on our friends. I...I still need healing, there are...empty places inside me that need to be filled.” It is hard admitting when one is..shattered. “But I won’t lose my sense of things.”

“Fear not then Athena, that which is broken can be mended, though it takes time.” She leans down to nuzzle me softly, “We will do our best to see that you are not left to dwell on such things alone.”

She gets to her hooves with a tug on my wing, “Come Athena, we must inform my sister. She sleeps, but has allowed me access to her dreams in time of need.”

“But..I can’t, couldn’t you tell her that..” I stop myself dead, I promised. “No, you’re right, we...I..must tell her.”

“Good, the road is many steps long, but with a single one you start a journey. We will be with you when you tell Applejack, this I also promise.”

As I watch her create a portal, I sit and wonder at all the things Crusader and I have done together, interrupted by her voice once more.

“So what is this I hear about pictures of flanks and Cutie Marks?” She is laughing while we walk into the opening.

I slap my forehead with a hoof as I try not to stumble, Dangit Crusader!

Reflections Along The Roads We Travel.

The Sun Princess sits enjoying a cup of tea this late night. She watches her sister’s moon glowing bright against the velvet backdrop of innumerable stars.

Smiling gently as is her wont, she refills the cup from a pot that sets on a warming stone, keeping it fresh for her. The magic from her horn surrounds the delicate porcelain, tilting it just that much to pour a perfect amount before she sets it back down.

Staring at it for a moment she remembers this gift from a visitor five hundred years gone. The tea service is still as new as the day she received it with much thanks to the elderly pony who had crafted it himself in preparation for his visit.

The set is protected by spells against breakage or wear he had told her, that it would last as long as the stars themselves he hoped. He had wished her to be able to enjoy it long after he was gone he had said.

She did, and always would, enjoy it every day of her long life. The flowers picked out in colors that still caught the eye, the dancing foxes along the side made one smile in delight at the whimsy.

As she lifted the cup to her lips she eyed the delicate bowl, the paper thin sides that looked as if they would shatter if one so much as breathed wrong at it, but was strong as some of the finest steel even without the spellcrafting.

It still amazed her even today.

Her magenta eyes closed at the taste of fragrant liquid, remembering when the elderly Unicorn had hobbled his way into the throne room refusing all offers of help. He had shakily brought out the set and opened the finely crafted carrying case to show the Princess his gift.

Her breath had caught at the first glimpse of such a marvel. She closed down the court for the day, inviting him to be the first to share a drink of tea from this very set with her, not caring if she angered any audience seekers.

She had been afraid he was going to fall over at the invitation.

But he had made it to the small table in her private study, waving away the kitchen staff who wished to prepare the Princess’s tea for her. He was adamant she recalled, pouring an amount of gently ground leaves that steeped for a certain amount of time before serving her himself, making sure none but his own hooves touched the very first serving in his present.

Her eyes opened once more, looking down to see the second bowl that stood on the opposite side of the table. A setting for a kindly pony, a measure of the tea inside that his descendants sent her quietly and without fanfare for the past half millenia from their farm in the Unicorn Hills, always a place was there for him.

Now that her sister had returned she had been pleased to show her this wonderful treasure, delighting in sharing it with Luna at every possible moment whether it was coffee or simply water.

But always the cup stood by itself, the very one he had sipped from when he first came to the court. No other lips had ever touched it since, not even her.

So strong was the memory and the joy it brought, it followed her even unto dreams, bringing with it the comfort and solace she felt in real life when doing this.

A soft voice from behind brought her out of the remembrance of things past.

“Even in dreams you enjoy your tea set ‘Tia.”

Celestia chuckled brightly, “You are always welcome to sit and share your day with me over some Luna.”

She could feel the smile from the darker mare behind her, but the feeling faded fast, as did the warmth in her voice.

“I would, but at this moment I bring a visitor who has news my sister, I am sorry for disturbing your peace.” Her voice and the way it was said made Celestia turn, seeing a sable Pegasus standing shyly beside the taller Princess.

“Athena?” Her eyes shifted from her sister to the silent mare and back again, returning to rest on the solemn Pegasus, “What is wrong my little pony?”

Athena tried, she did, to lift her eyes and face the alabaster mare who looked upon her with warmth, “I..” She took a deep breath, trying once more, “Crusader is..is gone.”

Her brow furrowed for a moment, “I understood he was hurt in the battle, but nothing more. Was this wrong?” Her voice was never accusing, “Did something else happen?”

“N..no Your Highness.. he’s...gone.” Athena struggled with what to say, “He..I lied. I told everypony he was just injured, scrambled from the fight and that I could bring him back.” The look on her face almost broke Celestia’s heart, “I didn’t want him to be gone but he is, he was. I can’t bring him back Princess, he’s not there anymore.”

“Are you sure? Is there any way to..” She was stopped by Athena shaking her head.

“He’s gone Princess, I’ve tried thousands of times to bring him back and nothing is working. N..nothing. I’m..I’m sorry..”

Celestia’s eyes go soft, opening a bit wide as she steps forward, gathering the Athena into her fore hooves, “What are you sorry for?”

“Be..because I lied..and..and I can’t bring him back!” Athena can’t help it, droplets of crystal begin to fall once more from tired eyes.

Princess Luna steps closer as Celestia envelopes the pegasus with her wings, “Shush my little pony, it’s alright.” Her lips kiss Athena’s forehead gently, “In time we all must leave this world Athena, even my sister and I eventually I’m sure.”

“B..but I told them I could. Th..that he..he was just hurt.” Her sigh is loud in the quiet room, “But he’s not..he’s gone Princess..he went away and I can’t find him.”

She clung to the warm Alicorn that held her so tight, not hearing the exchange above her.

“We need Discord, go and find him could you my sister?” Celestia’s face was pleading.

“Of course.” She looks at the sobbing pegasus held close, “Will you be all right?”

She receives a nod, taking to wing and heading through a hastily made portal to find Discord who could perhaps shed light on this situation.

Celestia smiles once more, leading Athena over to a cushion and settling down, pulling the mare tight against her and covering with a soft wing, “It’s all right my little pony, we’ll find the truth, come what may we will be with you.” A nod from the hidden face gave her confirmation of a shattered heart and soul, making the Sun Princess hold all the tighter.

Princess Luna shot through the night, her face set in determination as she left behind one whom she had grown fond. Hard working wings caught the night air, stepping between the dreamtime and reality. Her horn glowed as she sought out that particular energy that spoke of Discord and chaos.

Nightmares and horrors scattered before the fierce visage, tearing through dreams and banishing them without a thought. She was not to be trifled with tonight and the things that lurked in shadows moved, clearing the pathway for her race to provide succor.

Luna grit her teeth as she roared through the illusionary landscapes, searching and reaching out with her most powerful spells, a beacon that peered into every nook and cranny. Those that brought fear and worry that stood before her were sent far to the pits of Tartarus with but a single glance until the way stood empty.

A point of light, a single spark caught her eye as she turned, diving into another scape that was ignored in her quest. A single house stood upon a darkened plain, a lantern stood its lonely vigil in the window as she slammed to a landing, pounding a shod hoof on the door of the domicile that Discord currently resided in.

A snaggle toothed face opened the door, dressed in a smoking jacket, holding a pipe in one paw as he grinned at the Moon Princess.

“Why Luna, how nice..” He was stopped by an upraised hoof.

“We have no time, we need you Discord.” She calmed herself, “Crusader is gone..we..we think he may have passed on.”

The wild eyes blinked for a second, unsure of what to believe as he stared at Princess Luna for a long moment, “You must be joking.”

“I do not Discord, look at me, we must go.” Her face was set in stone.

He snapped his talons, the jacket and pipe gone as he did not even crack a smile. Reaching out his paw, he touched her on the shoulder, giving another snap as they found themselves in Celestia’s dream once again.

Athena was still hiding her face in the alabaster coat, the slight sounds of sobs still carried in the silent air, making Discord look on for a single moment before he simply nodded.

Getting a faraway look on his face, he spread his arms as if grasping for something intangible. In reality he was using his powers, looking through the realms he frequented, ransacking places unknown to others. Closing his eyes he peered beyond and farther, testing even his own strength to it’s limits as he finally returned to himself.

Two sets of eyes awaited him upon his return from the elsewhere, hope giving way to sadness as he shook his head, not wanting to voice anything while Athena was close by.

Standing for a moment, he mouthed, “I’m sorry.” Before getting an odd look. Snapping his talons one final time he disappeared to someplace else.

Luna’s face turned to rage as she prepared to drag him back, but was stopped by her sister’s voice, “Don’t bother, we know now.”

Celestia looked at the spot where Discord had stood, seeing the look of sadness on his face the split second before he went away. Even he is affected by some things, she thought.

Luna stood tall, standing for a moment at the window as she heard the quiet words of her sister, shushing Athena’s cares away as they stood guard over one who needed them. The night was still early for the moment, only needing a few more hours until her sister awoke.

Until then, the rent fragments of a heart must be put back together slowly. Piece by piece they helped in turn, bringing each scrap to light and gently in place, calming and pushing away fears of rejection for her supposed sins.

Time was slipping by slowly, for in the dreamtime it was hard to judge, but Princess Luna kept a firm grip on it, bending it to her will to last as long as she could force it.

But as in all things, the ticks of the clock caught up, tolling that one final time that pronounced an end to her night. She stepped into the real world, leaving the dreaming for the moment as she set the moon to lowering, giving her sister time to awake and send her own celestial body on it’s journey.

Sliding sideways to the world, she quietly walked back into the dream of her sister. Her eyes soft as she gave a nod to watching eyes.

A kindly face lowered itself to one ear of the resting mare, “Athena, wake my pony, come back to us.”

Her eyes shot open, blinking for a moment as she rubbed sleep out of them and looked around.

“I...oh no! I’m so..” She was stopped by a hoof on her shoulder.

“There is no need, awaken now Athena, await us at edge of town and we will join you for one more part of your journey.”

The sable mare nods slowly her eyes dry now and rested, she stumbles to her hooves, too long in one place as she shakes herself.

“I will be there Princess, I can’t thank you enough.”

Luna steps beside her sister, looking at Athena carefully, making sure she is ready, “We understand, sometimes grief is a lasting thing, something we know all too well.”

A dark shod hoof is laid upon Athena’s own, “Open your eyes, and be of good mind, we will be there soon to help you.”

Before she can reply, Athena awakens to find herself on the command deck, clutching a crumpled piece of paper in her hooves. She notices the wet stain upon the fine carpet Rarity had put down and tsked to herself, “I promise, I’ll get it cleaned, I’ll make sure this is always kept up to remember you brother.”

A mirror in the maintenance area gives her a chance to straighten herself, to look as proper as possible like Rarity always tells her to do. She steels herself and steps out into the light of the morning sun, the warmth settling upon her like a blanket as the shining orb peeks over the land.

Closing her eyes she steeps herself in it’s all encompassing light, letting her body soak up the life giving rays that tell her there is a real Princess who watches over them all, even Bolos.

A single step, crunching the gravel underneath her hoof, brings her back to now as she takes another. Slowly and carefully she walks, moment by moment picking up speed until she is at a pace. Holding her head up, though not exactly smiling, she makes her way to a bench near the river.

There she sits, watching others go by for the moment when there is a bright flash of light, sensors tell her it is a magic spell so she does not react as she would normally to an enemy.

A soft voice with the crunch of a hoof on gravel, ruffling of wings tell her the Princesses have arrived, so she bows as is only polite. Crusader always told her to be polite, no matter what.

“Are you ready Athena, if you are hesitant..”, the sentence is left unfinished on purpose, it’s a test.

“No Your Highness, I’m good to go.” She looks upward, her eyes bright and clear as they meet magenta ones.

Princess Luna smiles, stepping beside her as they turn to walk slowly through the town, “We are glad to hear it, come, let us go.”

As the trio walked through the town, heading to the orchards, Luna chatted with Athena quietly, acknowledging ponies as they went, but keeping her attention focused on the sable mare.

“You grieve deeply do you not?” Her voice was soft and gentle.

“We do Princess. Bolos have grieved for our commanders since we were first self-aware. It is deep and long because we cannot forget.” She hesitates, “Not only cannot, but we will not forget. It has long been an... unwritten rule that we remember if no one else does.”

She looks at me from one eye, “Does that mean...?”

“Yes Princess, I remember them all.”

“It truly must be hard sometimes.”

“It is, but we have accepted it as the price of being who we are, or were.” She looks at the ground for a moment before raising her eyes again to stare forward.

“How long will you live Athena? Honestly.” Luna is curious, having been wanting to get an answer to this question for a while..

“Theoretically with proper care, forever Your Highness.” She looks at the darker mare, “Unless we get tired and choose to be no more I would venture.”

“Then you realize...” She is stopped by a nodding head.

“Yes Princess, there will be many many more times like this.” Lavender eyes met the Princess’ for a moment, “But this is new, we were never as we are now, somehow it is more poignant and devastating because of that.”

A warm smile graces the pretty face as Luna returns the look, “Of course, it is because he is your brother if not by blood than by what you shared.”

“That too. I will miss him, to the end of my days Princess.” Athena’s voice almost breaks, almost, but she recovers quickly.

“If you did not, I would believe you to be a most callous and unfeeling pony.”

The Princess is surprised and somewhat delighted as a wing tip brushes hers, “I will never be that, ever, thanks to you and Princess Celestia and my friends.”

Celestia chooses that moment to voice her thoughts, “That is good, for sometimes even long lived beings need a time to reflect and remember, it is only right. Having somepony to share it with makes it all to the better.”

Athena nods, “You do have Cadence and Twilight, I am sure your meetings are somewhat unique.”

Princess Luna brays loudly, scaring a few nearby ponies, “Oh if you only knew! Twilight and her lists, Cadence and the Crystal Empire. You would think they would love a simple laugh or two, but noooo, I try to liven things up and get looked at as if I am mad.”

“Luna, you know very well some of your pranks are not well-received.”

“Bah! I was the Element of Laughter once, I still am!” She looks at a nearby couple listening to the conversation, flipping her head around and whispering “BOO!” at them, making them jolt and run off.

She cackled happily in the daylight, “Oh yes, I still have it.”

“That was not very polite Luna,” Celestia is giggling, trying to be admonishing.

Athena cannot help it, she has to ask, “Princess, why do you laugh so much at times like this? I feel nothing but sorrow right now and have seen others do the same even when sending their loved ones off. It’s confusing.”

Another smiles breaks across a darker face, “Because we are on an adventure Athena. I believe I told you before, but let me just say this... Our lives are full of wonder, with all the joys and sorrows it brings, if we let ourselves go too deep into despair then where would we be?”

She stops in the road, no one is nearby as she points around, “All you see, this land and this world show us that there is reason to rejoice. We work, we play, we rest, and when one journey ends another begins.”

“It is right and proper to miss loved ones, those who mean so much. But if our lives stopped because of that, we would pass by so very many things.”

“I think it would not do well to the memory of those who go before us that we should end our own learning because we are too caught up in our own misery.” She looks at Athena closely, “Don’t you think so as well?”

“I...am not sure, but I would like to hope that there is something beyond what I know. It would be comforting.”

Celestia chuckles, “Don’t we all, but we cannot know until we are there, isn’t that the way of all mysteries?” She winks at Athena, “But I think we all know in our hearts and souls there is. It would be good to see old friends.” She gets a faraway look for a moment.

All too soon the wonderful conversation ended as they stood looking at the door of a farmhouse. Warm and comfortable, the smell of an early morning meal wafted through the open windows as Athena could hear Apple Bloom racing around inside, Applejack’s voice telling her to stop trying to help with things, the usual morning confusion.

Athena shook her head, raising a hoof to knock quietly but firmly at the wooden planks, hearing small hooves scrambling near, “I’ll get it!”

The door opened, Apple Bloom staring out and starting to say “Who is...ohmygosh!” Her eyes went wide, seeing both Princesses and Athena standing at the opening.

Before any of the three could say anything, the little filly turned her head and almost screamed, “APPLEJACK!”

“Oh what is it now, we’re just gettin’...” The voice went silent as she turned the corner, seeing the diarchs and Athena standing in the doorway.

Before anypony could say anything, Celestia smiled, “Dear Applejack, come with us for a moment if you would?”

Reaching out slowly for her hat, they could see her mind racing as she shooed off Apple Bloom to go get Big Mac, telling him to get breakfast on the table while she was gone.

Stepping out of the doorway, she waited until it was closed, looking at the three closely before she voiced her concern, “It’s Crusader isn’t it?”

Setting under a broad tree with a trunk thick and gnarly, apples shiny and well grown, the four ponies took their ease. Simply sitting in the shade of the tree was enough to cut some of the days heat, bringing a coolness to the little gathering far from prying ears.

“To answer your question Applejack, “Celestia started off softly as they had walked here without answering it, “Yes, it is about him.”

The orange Earth pony nodded, “Ah thought so, I wondered ever since that fight.” Before Athena could say anything she pointed a tough hoof at her, “You keep forgetting about body language missy, didn’t Crusader ever tell you?”

“He did, but I thought I had covered it well.”

A smile appeared under the emerald eyes, “You ain’t got a good poker face sugar.”

Athena nodded, looking at the ground, “I am so sorry Applejack, I lied about it when I should have just told you all. I just didn’t want him to be gone.”

“Whoa, wait a second, he’s gone? As in gone gone?” Her eyes are puzzled, “Ah thought maybe he was just hurt really badly or something. Are you telling me he’s passed?”

Princess Celestia nodded when Athena stumbled over her words, “She is Applejack.”

The green eyes pierced deep into the sable Pegasus’ own for a moment, looking for the truth and finding it on the surface above the roiling feelings. She nodded to herself and reached over to place a hoof on Athena’s, “Are you okay?”

The mare was taken aback for a moment by Applejack’s words, she looked at her like she’d gone crazy for a moment then settled back down, “I..I am. But I am more worried about you.”

The Earth pony just sat for a moment, “Ah think I already knew, deep in mah heart. When you acted right funny on the trip back and avoiding me at the party I kinda wondered. Hay in fact I been wondering all night.”

She reached out again, placing a hoof on Athena’s, “You know he always worried about what would happen to you if he was gone?”

“I..know a lot now, but I did not look into his private memories.”

“Well he did, every day he worried ‘bout ya. Told me his fears at the end of the day sometimes while we watched ya playing with Apple Bloom.”

Athena cannot help herself, “How can you be so calm? How..how can you be worried about me!?”

“Because he asked me too. Doncha think for a moment ah’m not feeling it either sugar, ah am, so deep it’s like a nail through mah heart.” She smiled wanly, “But he also asked me to keep an eye out for ya if anything happened. We both knew one day this might happen to that dunderhead, always bein’ the hero.”

Athena couldn’t help but laugh, hearing that tone in her voice from so many times before when Crusader made a mistake that she had to rescue him from.

“Ah know it’s hard, but we’ll get through it, ah promise ya Athena.” She moved close, hugging the sable mare tight, “We’ll both get through it, takes a family and a lot of love, but it’ll help.”

Princess Celestia chose this moment to speak, “Applejack, you are strangely calm about all this, it is quite unexpected.” She peered closer at the Earth pony.

“Ah grew up on a farm Princess, things change, chickens get old and the same happens everywhere.” Her eyes got a faraway look for a moment, “Things change.... But a good family sticks together and helps each other through the sad times.”

She smiled again, “Don’t get me wrong, ah’m gonna miss him somethin’ fierce, ah did every time he was gone. But ah guess this time... he ain’t comin’ back.” She points a steady hoof at Athena, “Speakin’ of family, you be home for dinner, doncha be skippin’ meals. Plus that room of yours is a mess, Apple Bloom wanted to clean it but ah think that’s your job missy, so don’t think yer gettin’ out of chores.”

Athena can see plain as day what she’s doing, what she’s attempting to do. It’s all so normal, so everyday, it sinks deep into her heart as she smiles and looks a bit abashed, “Yes Applejack.”

“Good.” She gets to her hooves and looks at the three ponies, “I’d invite y’all to breakfast, but ah think I better break the news mahself if that’s okay with you? Apple Bloom’s gonna have questions sure as shootin’." Her eyes search the Princesses and Athena’s, receiving nods in return.

“Thank you so much for comin’ Your Highness’s, you don’t know how much I appreciate it.” She starts to walk slowly away before turning to Athena once more, “Ah mean it, dinnertime. I know ya got things to do, but no skippin’.”

Athena is so grateful for this bit of life, this part she needs so badly, she smiles widely, “Yes Applejack.”

We watch for a moment as she trods down the path, her head slightly lower but still held up as she heads to a conversation that is always hard no matter who you are.

A wing taps Athena’s shoulder, Luna looking down, “Come, there are others to inform.”

But...but don’t you have to be in Canterlot running the country or something? I’m sure I can do this, I’m pretty sure..” Athena rubs one front leg along another.

Celestia laughs, “Oh no, you won’t get away that easily. We told you we’d be with you, let us go.” She nudges the pegasus lightly, setting her on the road again.

Athena’s first few steps turned into stronger ones as she realized never would have to face the long night alone ever again. Even with Crusader not here, she had what she needed to help be set on her own journey. She turned her head for a moment, seeing Applejack walking towards the farmhouse, knowing what she faced, but letting the Earth pony deal with it as she wished.

It is not a long path that daunts us, it is the end of it. What happens after all is said and done and we go to wherever we go?

Athena didn’t know and that was a good thing. Life without mysteries is boring, a slog through the dull day to day things. But a life full of wonder and thought, that was what she looked forward to, a time of seeing things she could never have imagined on her own.

It took time to see through the fog, the small openings that let the barest glimmer reveal itself were rent and torn open to let light shine through to her.

I smile, listening to the jokes between the sisters, my steps no longer loud in my ears as I finally realize. It’s not the road itself that matters, it’s who you share it with during the times low and high. You see Crusader? I learned something.

I learned something.

Author's Note

We all have our own trails, happy journeying folks.

For my own Mom and Dad, I'm still on the road. I miss you every day.

A Dream Lived Well.

It is a beautiful dawn as I open my eyes, yawning as I try to chase the sleep away. My bed is too comfortable to get out of yet and I am feeling lazy, with the sun shining through the window it is hard to make the effort to move.

But I do, I always will get up and make myself ready for the new day. There are so many things to do today, plus there is a dance at the town center tonight. Bluebelle has invited me to go and I am looking forward to it immensely.

As I step out of my cottage, the elderly couple who live next to me smile and wave, they are delightful to talk with most days when I am not busy. They met me when I first arrived and helped me settle into a new place with a delight usually reserved for a family’s children.

They are solicitous and kind, I return the favor with vegetables from my garden. I seem to have a knack for growing things and it makes me smile when others enjoy what I produce. It is a simple joy, something that treads lightly on my heart as I keep working at it. It’s also nice that I do so to provide them to Bluebelle who sells them for us both, it is an easy job.

Tonight is a farewell celebration for a few who are leaving town. It’s hard to understand why everyone is happy for them as they are going to an unknown destination, or at least as far as I could find out. Sometimes they are muddy, my thoughts, leading to questions about what is going on, but they soon fade and I am happy again.

Everypony has a smile or a welcome word on their lips, they look at me curiously most days, leading me to wonder about it sometimes. I work very hard to be pleasant and industrious, hoping to win over those with dubious thoughts about me. It works oftentimes, but on others they seem hesitant and it is saddening.

The elderly Unicorn living near me gives me hope though, he is constantly encouraging and helpful, telling me that the others will come around soon enough. I cannot figure out why, but I can never see another’s Cutie Mark, they never come into focus enough for me to figure them out, like looking through a fogged glass.

It is rare, but not unusual for a pony to have a blank flank at my age, but I am sure I will understand things soon enough in this place. So to that end I smile and enjoy each and every day with the conviction that perhaps everything will become clear in time.

I’m not sure why I’m this way, though Bluebelle tells me it is fine and she doesn’t see any difference between me and any with their Mark. She is truly a joy to be around, cheerful and optimistic, she works her vegetable stand where I take the baskets of produce to have her sell. I find it odd a Pegasus would be doing what would normally be an Earth ponies’ job, but she says she loves just setting behind the stand and selling stuff all day.

So many things are fuzzy around the edges, like I can’t remember quite how I got here, but my life is calm and that’s enough for me. It’s truly strange sometimes as I sit on my front porch, looking at the stars at night. A scenario which seems so very familiar but I can’t put my hoof on it.

I haven’t learned anypony else’s names either, except for Bluebelle, they don’t seem to let me have them as I have none to give in return, or perhaps it’s that damnable fog again whenever I am told. It’s maddening, something is there on the edge of my mind, telling me who I am and what this place is. Try as I might I just cannot place things correctly, a jumbled melange of images sometimes float through my dreams, but are quickly forgotten when I awake, leaving me with a distinct feeling of something wrong.

Bluebelle doesn’t mind any of that though, she likes me for who I am, not who I might be. She truly is a wonderful mare, her bright green eyes that look at me fondly each time we talk spark the hint of a memory as well. Her name seems to stick clear in my mind, perhaps because she is around me quite a lot.

But in time I am sure I will remember, not like it’s that important anyways. Life is good, it is peaceful and serene here. I am enjoying my place in town and the life I am building for myself.

Knocking the dirt off a bunch of carrots, I place them in the basket at my side, the other is full and I’m hoping to get enough to balance the load. Looking into the sky, the sun is almost mid-day, I need to get my vegetables to the stand before it gets too late.

Reaching down to yank a few more of various kinds, I fill the basket, jumping in place to settle the produce so I can walk a bit better. All done, quite a good harvest today, as I turn and head quickly for the marketplace.

It’s getting easier to ignore the looks, it really is, I cheerfully walk on by the prying eyes. It’s strange, but I get the feeling sometimes that they are not staring because of no Mark, but because of something else. Maybe something I have done and forgotten?

Am I really that odd? I’m sure I’m not, I don’t think I’ve done anything too weird in the past, so I brush the cobwebs away again and continue to Bluebelle’s stand.

Bluebelle’s voice knocks me out my reverie as I see her waving from behind her stand.

“Heya Mr. Mysterious!” She is grinning as she passes some change to a customer.

“Why do you keep calling me that?” I set the baskets near where she sets, refilling her empty crates.

“Cause you’re so mysterious! No Mark, don’t know your name,” She raises her fore hooves above her head, “Ooooooo...mysterious and stuff! Ooooooo!”

I roll my eyes, giving her a nudge, “Quit it, you’re being overly dramatic silly filly.”

“But you could be like, a spy! Fighting the bad ponies like in the comic books!” She punches at the air, her hooves moving quickly, “Your memory was erased because they wanted to keep everything secret! All the cool stuff you used and the monsters you sent to Tartarus!”

It’s hard not to laugh, “I’m sorry Bluebelle, I don’t think my life was very exciting.” I shake my head as I empty the baskets, giving her enough to sell for the day.

Her bright eyes narrow as she leans close, looking around conspiratorially, “But you don’t KNOW do you Mr. Secret Agent Pony?” She puts a leg around my shoulders, “You could be a hero and don’t even know it!”

“If you’re so smart Bluebelle, then who is this ‘they’ that erased my memories?” I watch as she taps a hoof on her chin, thinking for a moment.

“Uhhmmmm..not sure yet, but I’ll figure it out!” She nods firmly to herself, “Yep, I’ll get it!”

She is so optimistic and silly it makes me laugh at her antics. She’s the first friend I have made here, sticking with me as I learned how the town works, helping to find me something to do as I settled in.

Sometimes when I ask a question of her, such as how I arrived here, I can see her give me the information but a fog covers everything. Then we are back to just talking about everyday things. I have stopped inquiring and just enjoy her cheerful company.

Sighing to myself I chuckle, “What am I going to do with you and your theories?”

She squeezes me tight, “You..are going to take me to the dance. We’re going to eat a lot of things that aren’t very good for us and drink even more. Afterwards we will sit under the stars and if you’re very very nice to me I may..” She raises her other hoof, “I may mind you, reward you with a kiss.” Her pretty face looks smug.

“Oh? After all the work I do getting you stuff to sell and taking you to the dance, I get one single kiss?” I set down heavily on the ground with a raised brow, “I think I deserve at least three.”

“One..that’s final.”

“Three.” I am adamant.

She points a hoof, “One..and I won’t expect you to dance much Mr. Two Left Hooves.”

“It’s not my fault I can’t dance well, three.”

She narrows her eyes at me, we’re both enjoying this, “Two, but you buy me extra drinks!”

I cross my forelegs, “Two, but I get double the cake.”

She pushes a hoof into my side, “You don’t need cake!”

“Then you don’t need extra drinks.”

She glares at me, a smile playing along her lips, “You’re insufferable.”

I return the look, “And you are silly.”

She throws her hooves up with a laugh, “Alright I give, two and extra cake.”

“Done!” I offer a hoof, she smacks it with hers. “Plus I will buy the extra drinks for you being such a good sport.”

She laughs, “You’re a hard negotiator there Mystery.”

“When dealing with somepony like you, I have to be.” I give her another smile, picking up my baskets to get another load of fresh produce.

My face is grabbed between two hooves as green eyes meet mine, the kiss she gives me is warm and wonderful, she smells of the sunshine and dust from the day. It is a marvelous feeling.

She releases me as both of us stand there blushing, trying not to look at each other, but noticing passing ponies smiling and nudging one another.

Running a hoof through her red mane she laughs, “Go on with you, go on before we both get caught doing worse things.” She makes shooing motions.

“We? What do you mean we? You’re the one..” I am stopped by a hoof on my nose.

“Accusing a proper mare of unbecoming behavior? Well, I never!” She laughs, pushing me off towards my vegetable garden, “Go on with you, I’ll see you this evening.”

“Yes ma’am, see you soon.”

My heart is warm as I hear her laughter behind me, giving a whistle as I walk away. She is unrepentantly blatant and enjoys every moment of her life. I am glad she shares it with me, it makes everything so very much better and brighter.

Looking in the mirror, I straighten my mane, making sure every bit of dirt and dust is gone. Three trips to refill the vegetable stand was quite the chore today, but I like doing it. Providing fresh greens for grateful ponies, and I get a share of the proceeds, though there is a slight amount of haggling.

There always is with Bluebelle, she is a joy to be around.

Tonight is the dance and party, we are sending four more off to.. I stagger a moment, the fog closing in as I look in the mirror once more.

What was I doing?

Oh yes, the dance tonight, I can’t wait to see Bluebelle!

As I step out of my cottage, the elderly couple next door are out setting on their step. They are watching as folks go by, heading to the town center for the festivities.

“Will you not go to the dance as well?” I really do wish they’d come at least once to a celebration.

The coppery mare smiles, “Oh no, we’re happy just sitting here, catching up on things.”

“Are you sure? Can I bring you back anything?”

The stallion shakes his head, “Oh no, you go have a fun time with that pretty friend of yours, don’t you make no mind about us.”

I nod, giving in to their happiness at being with each other, “Alright, but I am going to bring you back something!”

They both laugh, waving me off as I trot down the street, heading for the town center. It is lush and green with new grass, a low building that is an open air design is in the very middle of it, ponies spilling out of all sides as the town gathers.

I am greeted warmly by some others whom I have met through selling vegetables, it seems perhaps they will finally accept me as I am? I don’t wish to be mysterious or anything, just another pony.

But I am knocked out of my ruminations by a sweet smelling mare who almost bowls me over with a hug, “Mystery!”

Bluebelle is dressed up tonight with a bow in her bright red mane. She is looking at me mischievously as I straighten my tie and put everything back in place. “Well don’t you look quite the smart stallion tonight?”

“I will have you know this is a new tie, bought for tonight.”

“Well I think it makes you look quite handsome!” She gives me a peck on the cheek. Turning to the side, she poses, “I dressed up for tonight as well!”

Her clothing is marvelous, a lacy dress that shows off her blue coat with a sparkling blue bow in her mane, “I know it’s not a formal dance, but figured I would at least dress up just a bit.”

She smells of rose oil and perfume, soap and shampoo that make a wonderful mixture hitting the senses and moving along them like running water. She is picture perfect.

“You look wonderful. The prettiest mare at the dance.”

She bows, “Why thank you kind sir, shall we go?”

We walk towards the plaza where others are gathered. It seems we’re not the only ones to take advantage of dressing up tonight. A myriad of colors and perfumes assault the senses pleasurably, a string quartet is providing music that is soft on the ears and easy to dance to.

She extends a hoof towards me as we dance, flowing along with the music which seems so very familiar, taking our time and chatting about everything. Her laugh is easy on the ears, her way soft and gentle, she is such a wonderful person to know.

The evening passes quickly though, as if the clock had stopped for a few hours then suddenly resumed at a pace; Bluebelle and I stand with others, saying our farewells to four ponies who do not look as if they are equipped for traveling but nonetheless seem excited to be going.

They are not sad to be leaving, in fact it is a most joyous time, their smiles are so very cheerful as are all of ours as we watch them go down a small dirt path, heading off to...to...

Once again my mind is clouded, forcing these questions out as I am suddenly listening to Bluebelle talk about the wonderful punch as we stand near the bowl on the table sharing a drink.

Setting my mug down, I am frustrated by these blanks in my memories, the inability to recall certain actions and things that are happening and it is maddening. I try not to get overwrought, but it shows on my face as I hear her stop chatting, tilting her head curiously.

“What’s wrong Mystery?”

“I..am having problems. I can’t remember certain things and when I question them they fade.” I stamp a frustrated hoof.

She smiles at me, “Sometimes it takes a bit to catch up, I know when I..”

Once again her words are lost in the fog that closes in and wraps my mind in a muffled sensory deprivation that doesn’t allow me to hear what she is saying even though I know she’s talking.

This time it is a firmer sort of loss, it is gone, wiped and clean as we are outside, staring up at the evening stars and the moon. She is leaning against me and I her as we sit silently under the cool night breeze.

We talk about the small things, the days that have gone by, the vegetable stand. Simple things, but are a prominent point in both our lives. Others sit nearby, couples and singles, enjoying the night air before it is too late and becomes time to leave our moments behind.

Bluebelle’s voice is soft as she whispers to me, “I bet you were a hero before you came here. I have a feeling about you.”

I can’t help but laugh, “Bluebelle, I am as far from a hero as anypony could be. Probably the most boring pony who ever lived.” I wave a hoof around in the air, “So boring I put ponies to sleep just talking to them, never doing anything special but just everyday things.”

She is starting to giggle out loud as I continue, “I probably taught, yes that’s it, something like obscure facts about dirt. Droning on and on about how dirt is so wonderful and everything in it is so fascinating.”

“I stood in front of a chalkboard all day, telling little fillies and colts about how dirt is so wonderful, watching them fall asleep and drooling on their desks.”

I point a hoof at her laughing face, “Don’t laugh now, dirt is truly amazing! It contains everything needed for life and then some I’m sure!” Nodding to myself I continue, “Yes, yes that’s it, I taught “The Amazing History of Dirt”.” I strike a pose, “I’m sure I won lots of literary prizes for my essays on dirt and all it’s wonders.”

Her eyes are watering from her laughter, she is having a hard time catching her breath as her chest hitches from laughing, “Stop! Stop!”

“Oh no my fine mare! I’ll have you know I was probably the world’s foremost scholar on dirt!” I point an accusing hoof at her, “You shouldn’t laugh, I was most likely world renowned! I was invited to all the great universities and schools, to show them the Way of Dirt.”

Thinking for a moment as she howls in laughter, “No, I was a hermit whom ponies came to for wisdom about dirt, that’s it. Setting in my cave in the mountains, ponies would come from far and wide to ask that burning question, “What is Dirt?”

She is rolling on the grass hugging her sides as nearby couples start laughing as well, they are listening to me expound.

“Don’t you mock me Bluebelle, this is serious stuff! Dirt is that ultimate of truths!”

Looking imperious as she brays in delight I raise a hoof, “Dirt, my friends, is the only truth. Yes Dirt, come and learn at my hooves, see the mysteries and wonders contained in a simple pile of dirt. Collect your own! Marvel at it and know that you too can be of the same mind!”

A mare close by giggles, “But what about mud?”

“Bah! Mud is nothing but a wayward child, transformed by the adding of water it is no longer dirt, follow not the false path of mud I tell you!” I wave her question away with a flick of my own hoof.

“Dirt my friends, dirt has the answers, you’ll see!” I point a hoof at the laughing mare who asked the question, “I have been mocked, oh yes but you’ll learn, you’ll learn one day!”

“Rejoice in all that is dirt!”

I receive a hearty round of applause and even more laughter as Bluebelle wipes her eyes, trying to stop her guffaws.

I stop and look for a moment, suddenly realizing I may have gone a bit too far with my joke as I see laughing faces all around. Rubbing the back of my neck I try to apologize for breaking the night silence, “Sorry about that, I didn’t mean to get out of hoof there.”

More laughter accompanies my apology as the crowd breaks up, the voices are bright and cheerful, talking about the crazy pony most likely.

Bluebelle hugs me tight, “You are simply mad.”

“I didn’t mean to get so loud, I was just trying to make you laugh.”

She wipes her eyes, shaking her head as she keeps me tight to her, “Oh you did, you’re so silly you know that?”

“I try.”

She gives me a kiss that lasts for long, long seconds, “I still think you’re a hero.”

“Dirt I tell you, dirt.”

She laughs again as we lean against each other, enjoying the starlit night.

All too soon the evening ended, I received one more warm kiss before I left her at her doorstep with a promise to meet for breakfast in the morning. It was going to be a weekend day, so the stand would be opening late, giving us time to enjoy a leisurely meal for once.

The night was fitful though, flashes of faces and things I didn’t understand kept me tossing and turning most of the night, until I was too exhausted to worry anymore and fell into a deep sleep.

Before I fell into the dreamless state, I promised myself to begin looking into this, surely there was somepony who’d know.

The soft knocking on my front door awakens me immediately. Nopony ever knocked for my only visitors were Bluebelle and the elderly couple next door. They knew they were welcome to enter and call my name anytime for things that they needed.

Stumbling to my hooves, I make my way down the stairs, opening the door to see the elderly couple on the step.

“Why did you knock? You’re always welcome to come inside.” I look at them curiously.

The Unicorn stallion clears his throat, “We’ve been asked to take you to a meeting, we thought it only polite to knock.”

“A meeting, with who? I’m sure I haven’t done anything wrong.”

He waves a hoof, “No no, nothing like that. Would you come with us?”

“Well of course!” I straighten my mane as best I can and accompany them immediately.

We walk out of town, to a small glade where a pool resides under a small waterfall, the morning sun shines off the rippling surface like diamonds as we set on the grass, awaiting..somepony?

“May I ask why we are here? I don’t underst..” I am stopped by the wave of the mares hoof.

“You will, trust us please.”

“I do, you have been nothing but kind since I arrived.”

The stallion smiles, “That is a good thing to trust your elders sometimes young colt.”

“I try my best, but it is hard to remember things. Being polite is very easy though.” I give them my best smile.

“We know,” The coppery mare is smiling at me, “We do know that. Maybe you will get some ease from the problems today.”

A branch snaps and brings my head around to where I hear the disturbance. A tall mare, red as lava steps out from the bushes, her mane is burning flames and eyes silvery with the light of power. She is glowing the colors of magma in a volcano, beautiful and terrifying all at once.

I get to my hooves, stepping in front of the two elderly ponies, “Go, I will keep it off you for you to alert the town!”

A hoof rests on my shoulder, “Calm down she is a friend. Well..more like a guardian.” A chuckle comes from behind me, “Always so brave.”

“What do you mean always? What is going on here?” I start to turn and look at the elderly couple.

Movement in my peripheral vision stops me as I swing back, staring into a pair of luminous eyes that capture mine, searing deep into me as I hear a single word.

(((Remember)))

Memories flood my mind, staggering me as I stumble on the grass, falling over and gasping for breath as I am overwhelmed with sights and sounds, pictures and feelings that pour into my brain as if a dam had burst.

I clamp my hooves to the sides of my head and cry out as it all comes back, all of it, every second of every day. The mixture of everything is almost overloading my self as I struggle to contain it all.

The flood slows to a trickle, then a full stop as everything becomes so very clear.

Who I am.

It is silent when I open my eyes once again, clearing tears away as I stagger to my hooves looking around. The firey mare is gone, stepping into the forest once more to disappear. I am left with the elderly couple and one more pony, a pink mare with a very fluffy mane.

“Pinkie?” I shake my head, “No, you’re not her, you’re the other.”

The look on her face is solemn, nodding at my words, “That’s it, you remember now?”

“I do, it’s all unfolding, but most of it is back. Why are you here?”

“Because like you, I’m a bit unique, I don’t think anypony knows quite what to do with me yet.”

“Who are you. Answer me honestly, who are you?”

Her blue eyes go soft, giving me the warmest smile you can imagine, “You already know, you’ve suspected for a long while haven’t you?”

“I believe I have. You’re a human.”

She nods, “So long ago and far away I was until your sister freed me.”

I can do the only thing I know of, I bow, showing at least some respect to our creators.

“Stop, stop that, don’t you dare!” Her voice is furious, her eyes glinting with anger.

“But you made us, we fought so long beside you it is only ri..”

“No!” She waves a hoof at me for a moment, before her eyes soften once more, “So honorable you are, so noble.” She steps forward, giving me a hug, “But no, never bow again Bolo, you are not what we made so very long ago.”

She steps back and eyes me for a moment, “You are Crusader, not a Bolo anymore.”

“But I have remained loyal as has Athena, to everything we were taught, I swear this. We have tried our best to do what is right, what we were made to do.”

She laughs, “I know, oh how I know. You were brilliant, outfoxing the Overmind at each turn, coming back to give it its due.” She smiles once more, “We are so very proud of you.”

“We? There are more here?”

She nods, “But they are making new lives, new memories, rebuilding on a barren platform. I can’t let you meet them I’m sorry. But I can tell you, the ones who wanted an end to the madness were forgiven, the world let them have another chance as well.”

Another smile graces the pink face, “It’s better this way, that no one remembers there were humans. It’s time for something new and wonderful.”

I’m sure confusion reigns on my face for a moment, knowing I had killed remnants of the race who created us, a deep sadness comes into being for a moment before her voice brings me back.

“Stop it. You have nothing to be ashamed of, especially not after what has happened.”

“If we had been sure, we could have done something, found a way..”

“No, I guarantee there was no other way.” She sits on the dewy grass, “Our minds were stripped from our bodies and set in that mass of..of..horror to rot. We had been there so long we couldn’t imagine anything else but hate and madness.”

Dropping her gaze, she looked at the ground, “Do you know what’s sad about insanity?” She doesn’t wait for a reply.

“You don’t know you’re going insane, you just do things. You act and react and you never realize you’ve lost your mind. It creeps up slowly and takes over, consuming your every thought. If you’re unlucky, so very unlucky, you have a moment of clarity to realize what you’ve done.”

“A bunch of the crazier ones got together, forming an Overmind, giving shape and form to our hate and rage. It preyed on anything and everything but slowly and piecemeal.” She points a hoof, “Until you awoke; oh it knew you, it hated you deeply because you could live a new life that it had taken away or so that was it’s logic.”

“Is that how it gathered so much strength? Combining..minds?”

She nods, her mane bouncing, “Yes, they were the worst of us, hating everything alive so much it burned like a fire. They learned of magic and twisted it to their own ends, putting some of us in the fake bodies to sow more problems.” She looks at me with a warm expression once more, “If your sister hadn’t done what she did, I wouldn’t be here. I can’t thank her enough.”

“But why did you turn?” I am curious now.

“Remember that moment of clarity? I had one as I watched the real Pinkie laughing among the guards surrounding us. I had to get away.”

I sit down for a moment, gesturing with a hoof, “But how did this all happen?”

“I don’t remember, truly it’s been that long. We were here before the first ponies showed up, before that forest was even a sprout. Cast out in a pile of flesh to rot on the barren plains.” Her face shows a fierce visage that doesn’t last long, “But let me tell you, and try to remember this Crusader, there is an evil out there. You must make sure it is gone. Something did this to us and if it still exists, it is a threat to the world.”

“Do you know where?” I am listening very intently, wishing I had recording capabilities right now.

“No, it’s lost in the jumble that was us. But it is out there, I feel it in my bones.”

“Then I promise you my creator, my sister will stand the watch. I don’t know where I am, but she will be a protector of all we know, I assure you.”

The faux-Pinkie laughs, “You haven’t figured out where you are yet?” She points past me, “Turn around, see if you can finally get a clue.”

I turn, seeing the elderly ponies smiling at me, a cutie mark on the stallion is a scroll with faint lettering that strikes a chord deep within me. “Y..You!” I rock back on my haunches and stare.

“Oh yes young colt, it’s me.” He looks to the mare beside him, “This is my wife Copper Ink.”

“Pleased to meet you Crusader, now that we know you can hear our names.”

“But..but how are you...” Then it hits me, like a Hellbore shot deep inside my cores it hits me.

“I’m dead aren’t I?”

The both nod sadly at me, Copper Ink gives me a motherly hug, “But you’re in a wonderful place here, you’ve made a close friend already and you obviously love your life.”

“This is heaven then?”

Pinkie is right beside me, “Well kinda, more like a way-station to rest and relax before you get another turn at life.”

Her eyes are so very soft as she turns to me, “You’re not supposed to be here though.”

“I’m sorry?” I don’t wish to think of the alternative, had I done something so wrong I have been sentenced to an afterlife of agony in the pits?

She smiles, “Don’t look so pained, it’s not that, I can see you’re thinking of another place.” She shakes her head, “No, it’s just that some things aren’t finished yet from what the Guardian says."

“I have a job left to do? Something calls me back?”

Copper Ink smiles as well, “No, but there are some things you have to find out yourself.” She laughs at my frustrated face, “Don’t be angry, what’s the fun in knowing everything?”

“You do have a decision young colt,” Faded Scroll tells me, “I’m sure if you wish you can stay, but you should not have been able to get here much less be here. You have to decide whether to go back or not.”

I nod, I can do nothing but as so many things go through my mind. But one thought stands out, something that has been preying on me ever since....

“I never got to thank you, for my life, for Applejack.”

“That would be the pretty Earth pony who was sad for you yes?”

“It was, she is the love of my life. I cannot give you enough thanks, I owe you so much.”

“I remember her, she sat crying in a room by herself, wondering if you would keep your promise to always come back.” He smiles, giving a fond look to Copper who leans against him. He points a hoof at me, “You, young colt, always remember to keep your promises yes?”

“I will sir, that I can assure you.”

A small white hummingbird lands on Faded’s shoulder, looking at me with more than just an animal eye.

“You would be Snowbell I presume.”

The bird bows slightly, chattering at me happily.

“I owe you a debt of gratitude as well little Snowbell, for bringing me back to the one who loves me.” I look at him closely, “There is a special place where you rest, in the Canterlot Gardens surrounded by lovely flowers that will never run out of nectar for you. It is a beautiful quiet spot. Many ponies come to see you, they tell your story all the time.”

The little bird hides his face with a wing, he flies close to brush against my face lightly, chattering once more before taking off.

Copper chuckles, “Oh that little bird is so like my Faded, unwilling to accept praise.”

I look over at the mentioned Unicorn, “And you, so many have mourned your passing, war was averted because of you Faded Scroll. You are a true hero, well-thought of and loved.” I give him a bow of respect, “The letter you wrote is in a special place in the archives, the Princesses wished to keep it forever.”

He stamps a hoof, “Oh stop that, I was just some grumbly old professor who gathered dust behind a desk.” He looks about to blush down to his hooves, his wife laughs.

“He’s never been one for accepting praise, my Faded.” She looks at me, hesitating before she asks a question in a low voice, “Is he near me? Are we together?”

I nod, “Oh yes, there is a magical place where you both are near a waterfall.” I see them look at each other then smile, “Applejack planted a tree between you, we snuck in one night. It will grow strong, providing you with shade forever, and drop apples by the bushel.”

Copper Ink nods, a smile gracing her face as she hits Faded’s shoulder, laughing for a moment, “Well it was about time he decided to join me, been waiting forever almost. He always was late for everything.”

“I was not you teller of tales! I was just a bit slow sometimes!” He gets an aggrieved look on his face.

“Oh shush you old faker.” She grins, “I know you were having too much fun playing with the grand foals.”

“I was not, though I’m sure they didn’t mind an old pony around sometimes.”

She nudges him once more, “Like I said, an old faker.”

Pinkie chuckles, nudging me, “Well besides that decision, there’s someone you have to tell that maybe you have to go?”

“I know, I don’t wish to, but she should know who I am at least.” I stop for a moment, looking at the three ponies, “Is this why some avoided me, or hesitated talking to me?”

They all nod, “Everypony knows who you are Crusader, we just couldn’t get through to you.” Copper Ink replies, “They weren’t sure without the Mark, but they knew after a while.”

“I’m nopony special, really, I just tried to do what was right.”

Faded grins at me, “You did more than that sometimes Crusader, be proud of your accomplishments.”

“But how does everyone know if they were here before I arrived or awoke?”

Pinkie answers, “We all can get glimpses of what’s happening back home, sometimes a look into the future as well, not sure why, but everypony gets a flash or two rarely.” She waves a hoof around, “It’s a bit odd here, sort of stuck between existences, but we are earning another chance.” She refers to herself and the others.

I get to my hooves as we all head back to town. Things seem clearer, more in focus as my mind is not so muddled now.

I bid farewell to the couple, thanking them again for everything, but I am waved off as the elderly stallion refuses to take any compliments. He is admonished once more by his wife as I walk away, shaking my head.

Pinkie leaves me as well, saying she’ll see me one more time when I make my decision, she hugs me tight and tells me that she is so very proud to have known my sister and I.

I find Bluebelle at the vegetable stand, giving me the hairy eyeball and pointing an accusing hoof.

“You were supposed to meet me for breakfast Mystery, I waited for an hour!” Her smile betrays her fake anger.

“I know, and I apologize, I was asked to meet some ponies.”

“Really now? Still doing secret agent things eh?”

I shake my head, setting beside her as she gives me a hug, “No, but I do have something to tell you.”

So I tell her everything about myself, I leave nothing out. She sits and listens intently after closing the stand for the day, dragging me over to a table outside the coffee shop. After I finish she looks at me with a grin.

“I knew you were a hero! See? What’d I tell ya!” She crosses her forelegs and grins smugly.

“I am far from that, I am just trying to do what is right.” I point a hoof at her, “But you knew didn’t you? Knew who I really was.”

“Oh maaaybe... But you never seemed quite in tune so I figured just let it go until you caught up.” She stops for a moment, chewing over something.

“Is she pretty? Applejack I mean?” She leans across the table, wanting to know.

“Oh yes, like a summer day, warm and so very kind.”

“I would think so knowing you, I’m sure she’s a good pony.”

“You are taking this very well.” I look at her curiously.

“How should I take it?” She touches a hoof to mine, “Mystery, you are a wonderful stallion and if anyone ever thought you’d never attract somepony like Applejack they’re insane.” She takes a sip of her coffee, “I had no illusions, something was up with you the moment I saw you. Sometimes it takes a while for ponies to get memories back, but nothing like you.”

“But you turned out to be warm and polite, I couldn’t help myself.” She leans over and gives me a kiss once more.

“But we may never see each other again Bluebelle, I honestly didn’t wish to lead you on.”

She laughs, “You didn’t, ponies leave each day, one day will be my turn. Maybe I’ll remember these wonderful times maybe not, but one thing’s for sure, I’ll have no regrets.”

“Some pony is going to be so very lucky to meet you one day.”

“Like yourself?” She primps her mane, “Oh I know, I’m irresistible.”

I laugh, shaking my head as we both share a smile, “I have time before I make my decision, would you share dinner with me at least?”

“Of course! You owe me for breakfast anyways.” She tugs me off the chair, “We need to open the stand up again to finish the day though, still got a job whether you go back or not.”

We spend the rest of the day laughing and joking, knowing this might possibly be the last time we get to spend together. She tells me if I go, not to worry about the house, that others can use the things in it.

I haven’t collected much, but I am fond of the few things I do have. I guess one lesson to learn is to let material things go, concentrate on what is not made, pour your heart into friendships and family.

When ponies do leave, they take nothing with them, starting fresh and new they know that what they leave behind here in this place will be treasured and used again. There is a poignant feeling about this, as some have things they’d rather not go without. I’m sure the marvelous dress that Bluebelle wore, she’d love to have that again.

She comforts me, knowing it is a tough decision I have to make.

I tell her of my weariness, that I do not wish to pursue battle anymore. I would rather spend my days working or doing something that is of benefit, more than training a Hellbore on someone.

As the sun lowers, she is leaning on the stand counter top as we discuss this.

“So, these..humans.. built you to fight a war with them?”

“Yes, we were their friends, their partners.” I must have a faraway look as she taps me on the cheek.

“Stay with me here.” A smile accompanies the words.

“I am. I just think of all the times I would rather be sitting somewhere doing nothing at all than plunging into a battlefield.”

“Well maybe after you do everything you have to, then you get to do that?” She turns the sign to ‘Closed” on the stand as we take a walk, “Life’s good, it really is, but a rest is always welcome I think.” She looks at me as we walk, “You’re a really nice stallion, you can take some time to yourself some days I’m sure.”

“I try to, I have, but sometimes it is a bit hollow.” I stop for a moment, pondering that statement, “It seems as if I don’t have the joy in things that I should, perhaps I just over think everything?”

I get a hoof pushed into my chest as Bluebelle looks at me, “Then, Mr. Hero you make the time. Do something you want to and enjoy it, it’s that simple sometimes. Whether you stare at the sky, go swimming, or anything!” She waves a hoof around, “Just have fun and forget about the rest!”

I smile, “I will try to do that, I promise.”

“Well you better keep that promise mister!” She hits me with an outstretched wing, “I think you just worry too much about everything.”

“Well, we have always been planners when engaged against the enemy.”

“But it’s not the enemy, it’s your friends! See the difference you goof!” She whacks me on the head with a wing tip.

“You are being quite violent there Bluebelle.” I laugh softly.

“Ugh, ‘cause of hanging ‘round you!” her voice softens, “Just relax more, you may not remember everything if you go back, but try.”

I nod, “I will try then.”

“Good!” She tugs on my leg, “Now you owe me some dinner and I am starving!”

“I can see your ribs, apparently you are.”

She slaps me along the side with a wing, before peeking under it to make sure, “They do not show!”

“Well, let us get some dinner before you fade away.”

She puts a hoof across her brow, “Oh, oh I’m fading, I need lots and lots of food!”

“Come along you goofy mare,” I tug her along to the restaurant as she tries to swoon.

It was an enjoyable, if not prolonged dinner. Bluebelle is just..Bluebelle.. She is happy and laughing all the time, spreading cheer around her like a plague of delight. It’s nice to be with her, but she never mentions her background or anything else, it has me curious.

“If I can ask, is this your first time ..here..?” I wave a hoof at the surrounding town.

She looks at me for a second, chewing thoughtfully on some salad, swallowing quickly she smiles, “No, I’d say..uhm.. if I remember right, third time.”

“Third? You’ve lived quite a while then?”

“Oh, I’ve been around a few minutes.” She chuckles, “I don’t remember anything going back nopony ever does, but when you return here, it slowly seeps back in.”

She leans across the table, taking my hoof in hers, “It’s been wonderful though, I’ve had adventures, seen things that were amazing and even got married a time or two.”

She taps her hoof on her chin, “Or was that married four or five times? I forget..”

“But don’t you miss your family? Your loved ones?”

“I do, every day, and I’m sure they miss me too. But time is not forever, we all learn that, it gives us our moments then we get to take a break.”

She pushes a hoof into my chest, “So you learn to take life as it comes, whether here or there. Squeeze it for all it’s got and enjoy yourself. It doesn’t matter where or when, but just do it.”

I nod slowly, mulling her words, “Have you ever met any..” I am stopped before I finish that thought.

“We don’t go searching for family, if we meet it is wonderful, but sometimes it brings back memories some of us would like to forget. Leaving is hard, especially with family even though you might meet them here, it’s very hard.”

“I understand.” I will not pry anymore, she does not seem as cheerful as she was a few moments ago.

Leaning across the table once more, she kisses my nose, “But since you aren’t family, tell me of these wonderful friends of yours and your sister?”

“Athena? Oh Athena, she is one of a kind..” I tell her of my sister, how very brave and marvelous she is in all things. How I am so very proud of her, the accomplishments she’s made. She already knows how we rescued her, Bluebelle doesn’t quite get what Bolos are, but I am patient and explain everything to her delight.

Our friends, the six mares that make life all the better by being in mine and Athena’s lives. I tell her everything, of the Magic of Harmony, the roads we’ve traveled. I do throw in reference to various battles, but skim over that, I don’t wish her to think I’m overly violent, and telling her what a two-hundred twenty centimeter Hellbore would do..well...

She is interested in everything, listening close to the tales I tell, even calling me out on some of the more outlandish things which I assure her are true. Although she does eye me with a raised brow when I tell her of some of the battles my sister and I had fought across the galaxy.

She accepts my explanations though, and is still smiling as we leave the restaurant.

As we watch the sun setting, she does ask one final question of me.

“So what have you decided?”

Magic, Love, Remembrance and Time..

I have been asked by the Princesses if I should like to ‘convey’ my brother to his resting place, the cart being pulled by a pair of Royal Guard most times, but they know I have the strength to do it myself. His avatar will already be resting inside the secret room, I will be pulling a statue and a small sarcophagi for the benefit of the watchers, it’s easier this way.

The statue is another wonder, he is leaning upon a small globe, resting his forelegs upon it as if protecting it from damage. A serene smile is on his face as he looks upward, like he always did, to the sky and stars. Protecting the world while still looking outwards, it shows him at his best I believe.

Accepting the honor is easy, I am still saddened, but I play his voice in my datacores and my heart is eased.

My heart.

It’s easy to say that now, not cores, nor datastores, but heart.

I can feel it, the fire inside me almost as if a heartbeat. The thumping of its flames throughout my entire hull and avatar. What it is I still do not know, but it is part of me now, accepting it is calming and powerful.

Twilight and I spent the day roaming the Canterlot city proper, seeing the shops and stopping into places that brought a smile to her face, remembering good times when she was a student here.

Her knowledge of the city is extensive, though I admit she does go deeper into history and all the obscure lore and legends than most. It’s interesting, so I record it for future reference, I’m sure she’ll wonder if I’m even listening.

I am, to everything, along with the drones currently on station. Tasking tech spiders to do maintenance checks, weapons safety inspections, and the final smoothing over of Crusader’s hill which will become green very soon with new grass. So many things to do, but I am skilled at doing a bit of everything, it is simple enough to pay close attention to what Twilight is saying.

Cadence and Shining Armor are going to meet us later for lunch this day, they wish to discuss with us the container they have made for my brother, from what I understand it is a solid piece of crystal that is apparently something to see.

I like them both, they are a wonderful couple and compliment each other very much. I know Crusader would loved to have seen the Crystal Empire, perhaps one day I can make that trip for him.

Only one problem remains, I find myself actually getting lost in thought as a real biological would do. Things are becoming different in my mind, like a real pony. I find it neat actually, the same things everyone else experiences, I can now do, though that does mean a bit of weirdness now and then.

Well, more than a bit. I get surprised by things like a normal pony, worry and such, it conflicts with my internal calmness, but that’s alright I will adapt. Until then I better keep an eye on things inside, I think it’s interesting, all this new stuff. But then again I was always one for distractions, my sister always chiding me about it.

I look up at the blue sky, seeing the sun which still amazes me like it did Crusader. That a single Alicorn raises and lowers it each day is a wonder. I do however ponder on things like Twilight’s lifespan, will she live as long as the two sisters, or is it a purely different thing? One day, I’ll have to have a talk with all of them, it would be nice to have a friend who lived as long as I did.

I am stopped suddenly, it seems a doorframe has inserted itself in front of me, leading to a large dent in it and a slight headache in my cores.

Stepping back, I rub my head for a moment, looking up at the wooden doorframe which now shows a decent impression of my head. Twilight is laughing so hard she cannot stand.

“You really can stop laughing now.” I am checking myself for damage while she stumbles to her hooves.

She sees me looking up at my forehead, my eyes crossed as I check myself, she starts laughing all over again. I stop and straighten my mane, looking at a Princess rolling on the ground.

“You know that’s unbecoming of royalty.”

She wipes her eyes for a moment, ruffling her wings to get them back in place as she giggles, “But it was great!” She gestures to the door, “I was chatting away about the museum here and you walked so hard into the doorway it dented!” She looks at me close for a second, “Are you suuuure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine, just a bit of a headache. It’s odd actually.”

“Odd as in walking into the door..or...?”

“Headache, I have a headache, I can feel it in my cores like a dull pain. The pain sensors in my body are registering the hit, but nothing like..this..”

She pats my shoulder, “Well a dose of some pain magic and you’ll be right as rain.” She lights up her horn, covering my head with a magic spell for pain relief. I try to back out quickly as magic will disrupt my systems, it’s apparent she forgot. I am engulfed, I don’t have time to switch my battlescreen on, caught off guard as I was.

“NO! Wait...” And it is over quickly, my headache is gone, systems are fine. What is going on here?

Twilight suddenly realizes what she did gasping and holding me for a moment, “Oh no, I forgot! Are you okay?”

Looking around for a moment I nod, my systems are green, diagnostics are performing flawlessly. “Yes, was that a new spell?”

“No, it’s an old one for pain relief.”

“It..worked fine. My systems should have been disrupted by the magic and they weren’t.”

Twilight tilts her head, “What’s that mean?”

“I..I don’t know. My avatar should have been glitching like mad.” I give her a look of helplessness, “Twilight what’s going on?” My cores are burning with theories and possible solutions but nothing firm.

She looks at me, a mirror image of my own face, “I don’t know. Maybe..maybe you’re getting used to magic?”

Twilight thinks for a moment, grabbing me and hauling us both over to a secluded park. Looking around, she makes sure no one else can see. “Okay look, let me try a simple spell, it won’t hurt I promise.”

“O..okay.” I’m not to sure about this, “If anything happens I’ll disconnect real quick and come back, so don’t panic if I seem lifeless.”

She nods, “Okay, this is a simple levitation spell...ready?”

I look around one last time, “Okay...”

Her horn lights up, suddenly I feel a warmth around my avatar, the disconnect is blindingly fast so I wait for even a simple glitch to happen. But nothing does as I am lifted into the air with a simple thought from Twilight who looks up at me with a grin.

“Look at that!”

I am about four meters off the ground as my wings spread fruitlessly, it’s only the spell holding me up.

Twilight gets a mischievous look on her face, smiling up at me hanging in the air she grins, “Ready?”

“What? No, you might want to put me..” I am interrupted as I go swooping through the warm atmosphere. The magic propelling me along as if I were in flight, my mane is whipping back along my body as I am thrust through the air.

Her Alicorn powers are magnitudes above a regular Unicorn’s as I go whipping through the air above the park. My systems are reporting no malfunctions as I am lifted into the sky. I spread my wings, flapping them like I was taught and smile into the wind, I’m flying!

I forget everything, my wings are lifted by the air as I plummet through the sky above the park. I know I’m being controlled by the magic spell, but I imagine myself free, my wings pushing me up above the grass. It is amazing! My eyes stay open as I feel myself speeding through the air like a true Pegasus. The wind in my face is like nothing I have ever felt as I stay up for what seems like forever, only being let down when Twilight becomes tired.

My hooves hit the ground as I shake my wings out, folding them to my side. I wipe the tears out of my eyes as I rush over to Twilight, almost bowling her over as I hug her tight.

“Thank you! Oh thank you!”

She wraps her fore legs around me tight as we stand in the park. I flew, I took to the air with magic and it was everything I’d hoped it would be! Oh Crusader I wish you could have seen me! It wasn’t a dream, it wasn’t something I could imagine, it was real!

I got to fly again Crusader, I was flying!

The smile never leaves my face as we walk around Canterlot, a secret known but to me and Twilight and it is fully recorded. I can play back that moment anytime I want when I was flying. It was a magic spell I know, but I did everything Rainbow taught me and it was nothing I have ever felt before or will.

Nothing, nothing will ever top this feeling.

Twilight has made a wish come true for me, taking the time to do that means so very much and I let her know. She tries to demur, blushing whenever I let her know my excitement, trying to wave it off as nothing.

Anything I can do, anything I can make or design, anything I can figure out is hers. I promise this on everything I hold dear. All my friends would receive the same, at any time, whenever they asked. But for Twilight, for this favor which is so simple for one like her, everything I have is hers to command.

Forever.

----------Elsewhen---------

It is late afternoon once more as I sit with Bluebelle, she is grinning at me and I can’t help but smile back. The vegetable stand is slow right now, so there is always time to talk.

“Are you sure it’s the right decision?” She is leaning against me, her blue coat warm from the day’s sun.

“I do, it is the best one I can make. Are you disappointed in your so-called hero?” I get hit on the shoulder at my comment, why is it that some things never change?

“As your official friend and conscience, no I’m not disappointed at all.”

I turn to look at her, she is trying hard to suppress a giggle, “My ‘official’ friend and conscience? Do I need one?”

She pokes me with a hoof, “I have a feeling you need a lot of looking after. For some reason I think you get in trouble a lot.”

“How can you possibly know that?”

“Because you are far too polite, and you’ve got the ability to be absolutely oblivious to everything around you.”

I take a bit of offense to this, I enjoy being polite, “Now there is nothing wrong about being polite.”

She waves a hoof airily, “Nothing at all, but you do it to a fault, sometimes it’s good to be juuuust slightly less polite.”

“I know that, and there have been times I have needed to do so.”

“Plus you’re oblivious to things.”

“Oblivious how?”

She points to a couple of Earth pony mares talking quietly and looking my way, “That, you, them.”

“So they are talking about something, and...?”

“They’re talking about YOU ya dolt. You wander around being courteous and lost in your thoughts, you know a bit of flirting never hurts as long as it’s friendly.”

“I think my Applejack would disagree. I really don’t mind others talking about me anyways.”

“I don’t think so, you’ve told me about her. Ever have a time when she led you to believe that?”

I think closely, reviewing what I remember and nothing at all would give me that impression. I had assumed it would be that way as I had always thought it.

“Well....nothing really..”

“See?” She throws her hooves up, “I’m right...again!” She pokes me once more, “You need to be more sociable sometimes, ain’t nothing wrong with a bit of conversation.”

“But I don’t wish to be one of those who gives false hopes to others, in any way.”

“Bah, you won’t. Just don’t make promises you can’t keep, and have fun for goodness sakes.”

I think about it for a moment and nod, “Well, I can certainly try.”

“Good. It’s part of life, get to know folks, find out how they are.” She pushes a hoof against my shoulder once more, “Just enjoy yourself sometimes like I told ya before.”

“Yes Bluebelle.”

She gets a smug look on her face, “Now see there? Proper respect, that’s what I deserve.”

I push her on the shoulder hard enough to tip her over into the grass with an ‘Oof!’.

“Of course Your Highness.”

The folks nearest us are laughing out loud, seeing her get up and dusting herself off as best she can, “Now that wasn’t polite!”

“Well you did say sometimes I need to be less so.”

“I didn’t mean.. I meant.. You...oooohhhh..” She ruffles her wings, settling them in place, “Smart aleck.”

“Of course you’re not referring to me.”

“Ohhh nooo, not you.” She sits near me once again, “I think you got it.”

I smile, letting out a laugh, “My apologies, are you alright?”

She laughs, it’s always a bright sound, “You big bully.”

“Yes, yes I am.”

Once again my shoulder gets a beating, “You owe me some drinks then, maybe another breakfast?”

“Of course, least I can do to repay you for my bullying.”

“Plus lots of food, you know how us Pegasi eat.” She wriggles in the grass, checking her figure once more.

“I do, I often wonder if you eat most of what I deliver and pay for it yourself.”

“HEY! That’s not..” She stops, seeing my grin. “You jerk.”

“I think I’m getting the hang of all this.”

She chuckles, “Yeah, I think so.” She leans against me again as we both watch the afternoon pass.

----------Equestria---------

We meet Cadence and Shining Armor for a midday meal, I am still smiling, I can’t help it. Twilight tells me I look like a grinning idiot. Well I am, for this day and probably weeks from now I’ll still be smiling like I robbed a bank and got away clean.

Cadence is looking at me oddly, so I try to keep the smile down to a low roar instead of beaming it everywhere. I’m not sure if she figures it out or just accepts me being happy, but she does smile, giving me a warm welcome. Twilight hugs her big brother in welcome as well as we all sit down to a table in an outside restaurant.

Cadence is still watching me, for a moment before she speaks, “You seem quite happy today, any special reason?”

My eyes go wide as I open my mouth to start telling her everything, but I hesitate, looking at Twilight for permission. She nods and I am off like a shot, telling her the reason behind my excitement.

“Magic doesn’t affect me like it used too! It doesn’t..doesn’t..” I try to find simpler words, “It doesn’t mess me up like it had before!”

They both stop eating for a moment, Shining looking at his wife before he speaks, “Really? I remember that you had to be very careful not to get hit with any. That’s changed then?”

I nod enthusiastically, “It has! I..” Pausing, I try to gather my thoughts, so many things rushing through my cores right now, “I hit a doorframe with my head..” They both start laughing as I roll my eyes.

“Fine, I wasn’t paying attention, I know I know.” I wait until the chuckling stops. “I got a headache, Twilight cast a pain spell and it was gone, but nothing happened to me! I was surprised as she was!”

Cadence smiles warmly, “That’s wonderful.”

“It is! And..I..uhm..” I look at Twilight once more, she’s nodding enthusiastically, gesturing at me to go on.

I lean across the table, lowering my voice, “We snuck into a small park, Twilight used a spell to lift me up and when nothing happened I got to fly! I know it was only a spell, but it was wonderful!”

The ruling pair of the Crystal Empire are watching me, I see it later when I replay the moment, warm smiles on their faces as I in my excitement tell them of everything I felt while in the air. I am sure it is old hat to those with wings, but for me it was indescribable joy.

I find myself talking about it all, the feeling the rush of the wind past my face, but I slow down and realize I’ve been going on and on for a few moments longer than I had anticipated or really wanted to. So I stop talking and take a bite out of my salad to have something to do.

Cadence laughs, “Don’t be embarassed, I remember my first time flying. It was just as wonderful and exciting. It never gets old Athena, ever.”

“Never?”

“Ever.” She pats my hoof with hers, “You’ll always remember..” She chuckles, “I forgot, you don’t forget anything do you?”

I nod, “We can if we choose to, but I will keep this with me always!”

She leans over the table to whisper to me, “Never let those go, always keep them close because sometimes when life gets a bit rough, they can warm the heart.”

Grasping her hoof in both of mine, I nod again, “I promise I will!”

She gives me a smile that spreads warmth throughout my body.

“Hey!” Shining’s voice is pleasant, “You two conspiring over there or what?”

Cadence leans back in her chair, “I shall have you know dear husband, some things are to only be shared between friends.” She taps his nose, “Stop being nosy.”

He hmphs, “I was not being nosy.”

Twilight giggles, “Yes you were, wondering what they were talking about.”

He points at the lavender Alicorn, “You shush.”

“I won’t, I’m a Princess and I can do anything I want!” She gets a grin on her face as she and Cadence slap hooves.

Rolling his eyes, he tosses both fore hooves in the air, “Outnumbered again, yeesh!”

Twilight pokes a hoof in his chest, “Don’t you forget it!” Ending that statement with a laugh as he reaches across and pulls her into a hug.

“Yeah yeah, you’re still my best little sister though!”

“I’m your only little sister.”

“That too!” He rubs her mane playfully.

I watch Twilight struggle in his embrace, telling him not to mess up her mane or treat a Princess like he’s doing. It’s a moment that makes you smile because they let you be a part of it.

Cadence looks at me and smiles, rolling her eyes slightly as the two siblings act so very unlike a Prince or Princess. It is strange sometimes, as I remember royalty on other planets acting as if the world was their’s for use and abuse, this is still so new to me in how they are in Equestria. Admittedly there are times when formality is required, but after that they are nothing more than themselves.

It is a pleasant lunch time, we all enjoy more laughs as Shining and Cadence share stories about Twilight when she was younger to the Alicorn’s detriment. I’m trying not to laugh out loud, but can only concentrate on my salad so much before having to stop and giggle uncontrollably.

As fun as it is, it’s over too soon. Such things never last I’ve noticed, as if time slips by at an accelerated speed. Perhaps it is the universe telling us that we need to enjoy things, not let them pass us by.

I don’t though, I record these moments, storing them alongside others in my Deep Cores. In the late night, when my sensors are scanning the skies and the ground for threats, I can replay them and listen to the laughter.

We walk to the warehouse where the container is kept under guard, Cadence and Shining tell me that it is a single piece of crystal dug from the mines around the Empire.

It is not our way, the way of Bolos, but I accept that they wish to do this for my brother. It is something very special to them, so I will not push the issue anymore, allow them their version of our memory storage.

As we approach the dais where it rests, I am once again amazed by the crafting ability of ponies. It is a wonder to see as it sits there in the lantern light.

A single crystal that big would have been a rarity anywhere, but carving it into a box where Crusader is to rest is a true marvel. I sit down in front of it so I can look at it further, I am left in silence as the others talk amongst themselves, leaving me to my thoughts.

It is a time capsule of sorts, I can tell by scanning the top, a seal is created when lowered so that anything in there is kept in perfect display. A magically enhanced stasis perhaps? As it shows definite signs of being layered with a few spells. I will not ask, the wonder of it is enough for me without finding all the details.

There are carvings of beings around the bottom of it, cavorting, moving in dance, something like that. They are exquisitely detailed as I run my eyes along the bottom of the container. I cannot call it the traditional name, casket, coffin, it’s not. It’s a container, which will keep my brother’s avatar in perfect condition for as long as they wish to. A memory locked in there like I do with my datacores. Frozen for that moment in time.

Columns on all four corners rise, appearing to lift and hold the top, the lid. Vines and plants grow along the edges, each leaf defined in minute detail, wrapping around the columns as they move upwards and along the edge of the lid.

The sides of the box are clear, to pardon a pun, crystal clear. They let one look all the way through the other side as if it were only air. They are very thin but massively strong sides, allowing the passage of light through the panes.

I think it’s a wonderful item, taking a look at all sides as I record each detail and point of reference. Walking slowly around the raised container, it lets me peer close enough to see that there are no carving marks, as if it were all smoothed into place, sculpted as one piece with no breaks except for the lid.

I am pleased beyond measure, a true treasure encompassing and keeping safe another treasure. Crusader would smile gently and say he didn’t wish to be on display. He won’t, access will be allowed to very few close friends. Nopony will know he is there as the statue will be placed in Canterlot Gardens to let folks look at his semblance.

But to the Princesses and our friends, there will be a special place to visit, to remember that he was once here in this world beyond a simple marble effigy. Perhaps legends will grow about the pony who fought for Equestria, that would be something. The warrior who would come back in times of great need to defend the land he loved. I would very much like to see what comes of all this.

The procession will be like normal, except his avatar will be ensconced already in the remembrance room. We will be present, along with Applejack’s family who have requested to be there. Of course the Crusaders will be there, they have been told of the secrecy and sworn to keep it. They would never disobey the Princesses no matter how much they wanted to tell.

For such an open society, there are things that are secret and very well kept at that. This will be no different. I find the thought of visiting him in a room covered with memories a very special thing.

“Everything okay Athena?” Twilight’s voice is soft as she settles beside me.

“It’s perfect, I think it is beautiful.”

“Are you having second thoughts?”

“No, I’m just thinking of how he would like this whole thing, it would make him smile that you all thought enough of him to do something like this.” She knows what I mean, his love of the old ways.

“Well he did do quite a few memorable things for a lot of ponies. It’s the least the Princesses could return to him don’t you think?”

I can do nothing but nod silently.

We take in more sights of the capitol city, they are solicitous of me until I tell them not to worry overmuch on things. I have accepted things, though it still hurts inside, but I will grow into the feeling slowly. No matter what, it is a loss that is deep and abiding.

But I learn things, how to laugh, how to enjoy the simple moments that make life worth living. I learn them from Twilight, Shining and Cadence, my friends and Applejack. Her down to earth sensibilities help when I have doubts and fears, I know I can go to her and voice my worries, she is always kind to me.

But Twilight, there is something else, she is special in a way I think I almost grasp. Engendering friendships and goodwill towards everyone, she tries hard to be perfect for her mentor, but she does have her moments of normality which sometimes turn into quite the hilarious events.

I do wonder if certain persons engender more than their share of events around them. One day I’ll have the time to study it further, it should be quite the enlightening look at what happens.

Until then, I enjoy just being in the company of her and her extended family. Tomorrow is the ceremony and I’m finding myself looking forward to it, a certain finality to things to let us all move on, or take the time to share memories. Everypony is coming, I will be surrounded by friends and my own ‘family’ as Applejack has put it so bluntly.

Smiling as I remember a pointed reminder before I left for Canterlot, telling me that she’d be coming for the ceremony and for me to behave. I have promised no more executions of any type of kitchen implements since that one time, which garnered a laugh from her. Stoves are safe for the moment from my attentions.

Twilight shows me where she stayed, her library and study areas in a tower that is separate from the apartments in the castle. Seems to me Celestia thought enough of her to provide anything she needed, perhaps in anticipation of her defeating Nightmare Moon? Who knows except the inscrutable Princess.

As again, time flies, ending with another dinner in the castle with every one in attendance. Luna is of course her incorrigible self, telling more stories now that she has an appreciative audience. Cadence though, adds her own tales of Twilight’s antics when she was young, even a few that the Princesses did not know to Twilight’s detriment.

I smile, laugh when I feel the humor and listen. I always listen, seeing hooves waved as others deny any accusations of impropriety. If it were humans, most of this would have ended in a fight, or hurt feelings, but not here. There is of course embarrassment and blushes, denials by the ton, but never anger.

Anger is reserved for those special moments when it is deservedly earned, such as the being Tirek who tried to take over Equestria by draining the magic from each and every pony.

Crusader and I had discussed this being and his imprisonment in Tartarus. Should he ever escape once more, we have made sure he won’t survive this time to be put back in a cage, there will be an end to any depredations.

Of course as per our agreement I will always look to Command for any orders first, unless it is an emergency. I have learned patience, the finding of another way if possible, and the solution to things other than massed Hellbore fire.

I smile to myself, seeing Twilight looking at me as we sit at the table, thinking of how that being Tirek would have reacted had he been met with two very pissed off Bolos.

She is now eyeing me with great suspicion as a giggle breaks through my lips. I can’t help it! I’m trying to cover my mouth with both hooves but I start giggling even more, everyone around the table looks at me as the conversation dies.

My eyes are watering as I laugh out loud, I just can’t help it as this Tirek Twilight has told me about pops into my mind. His bombastic attitude and his ego, all the magic he had stolen facing against two Bolos bigger than some local mountains pointing everything we carry at him.

He would have probably come up to no higher than a smaller bogey on our tracks, which makes me guffaw as I slap the table. Thinking of this..this so called powerful foe standing there and telling Crusader and I he would destroy us.

I can see it clearly in my mind as this..this being of 'immense’ power there threatening us with destruction.

The size of the crater would have been ‘immense’.

What makes me fall off the chair laughing is imagining Princess Celestia standing at the edge of the crater where we disposed of Tirek and asking in her calm way, “Did you have to make the hole so large?”

It slows down though as I lay on the floor, seeing everypony looking over the table at me in concern, the Princesses glancing at each other as if I had lost my mind with all that’s been happening.

Twilight leans down to me, “Are you okay?” Seeing me wipe my eyes clear of tears.

“I..uh..had a funny thought?”

Princess Luna slaps the table, “Well share it then! Truly it must have been quite the thing!”

I scramble back to my chair and rearrange the silverware politely as I think about what I should say, “I..uhm..don’t know if you’d find it that funny.”

Luna narrows her eyes, a mischievous grin on her face, “Why don’t you let us make that decision.”

So I tell them the whole thing, every bit of it. Shining Armor is laughing so hard he almost falls off his chair. Cadence looks scandalized but I can see the grin behind her covering hoof. Princess Luna is giggling so much she can’t see straight.

It’s not the destruction that makes them laugh, just the look on the face of someone who would have thought he had been the future ruler of the world. Finding out that there is always, always something stronger than you are is quite the surprise, especially to some barbarian like Tirek.

Twilight is looking aghast at me, her eyes wide as I tell about the whole crater thing, the threat from a being so much smaller than I and Crusader. She’s silent for a moment until Princess Celestia clears her throat.

“Well, I would be very concerned about the size of such a hole left in the landscape.” Her deadpan delivery sets every one off again, even Cadence is laughing out loud now. Twilight starts chuckling, then giggling as she tries to cover it with her hooves.

Luna points a hoof at her sister and guffaws, “You would!” She slaps the table once more, still laughing.

The alabaster mare tries to keep her dignity, “We do not need more lakes near Ponyville.” But I can clearly see a small smile playing along the edge of her lips.

That does it, Shining finally falls off his chair alongside Princess Luna. I can only sit and look anyplace but at Twilight who is hee-hawing loudly. I find my meal quite interesting at the moment, but I take a sneak peek at Princess Celestia who is giving me a warm look, surprising me with a wink.

She understands everything all too well, she knows how I am and what I can do and she accepts the strange humor. I am one of her ‘little ponies’ as she has told me before, but I guess she has been around long enough not to fall off the chair laughing like the others. Instead she covers her mouth, feigning a cough but I can see the merriment in her eyes as I finish my meal slowly.

I watch the others recover, Twilight nudging me with a grin.

“Where did that come from?”

“I don’t know, just...popped in my mind.”

“I dunno about you sometimes Athena.” She grins at me.

“Neither do I Twilight, neither do I.” I give her a smile in return.

Once again I stare out the window of the apartments I share with Twilight, her snoring is soft as she mumbles something into the pillow she grips tight. The sensor grid around Ponyville is quiet, nothing moving except animals I identify easily. Nothing has shown up since that last brief fight, perhaps it is truly over?

Regardless I will keep my sensors out and scanning, that is the way of things.

I lay down though, resting myself as the morning will bring much more work.

In the mid morning I will be pulling the cart that will ‘take’ my brother to his rest. His avatar, along with our hopes that he is given a deserved break from war and battle like he always wanted, will be put in a secret place where only a few may go. A statue will be placed in Canterlot Gardens in an alcove where others may visit, I’m sure a tour guide will tell his story to little foals and fillies over the years.

Memorials were always done on Old Earth, but never for Bolos, so this will be a first really. We were remembered in our own ways, with medals or stories passed to each other through the centuries.

I smile to myself as I lay against the soft pillow, thinking of how a small room in a magical place is fitting. A new life, with a new ending my brother. I close my eyes as I set myself to Low Alert status, letting the automatics take over, my sensors will tell me if anything is wrong by waking me instantly.

Into a special place I let myself drift, confident in the knowledge that I will survive this, the thought that I will go on and do everything that Crusader wanted for me gives me peace at last.

----------Elsewhen--------

Time flows strangely here it seems, sometimes morning comes quicker or later, I can never pin it down.

I try not to wonder overly much, without access to any of my systems I am just a normal pony, albeit with strange ideas.

After Bluebelle and I had parted last night I wandered home, talking with Faded and his wife Copper for a while before I came inside and to bed. It’s a homey feeling, snuggled in warm blankets, safe and secure in the feeling of comfort.

There are no dreams it seems, for I am living one. A dream in which a slow paced peaceful life is mine, given as a gift not a reward. One realizes this, in the way others act, that it is something after a long life that is deserved. I do wonder what happens to those who are wicked, or as others would term, evil. Are there special places for those who would commit crimes against others?

I don’t know, nor actually do I wish to.

Yes, that is selfish because I am granted a moment wherein I do not have to worry about anything other than opening the vegetable stand in the morning. To me, that is just fine.

Tomorrow, as in all tomorrows, will be another wonderful day I am sure.

------------Equestria---------

I startle awake with the thought that something is wrong, but it is not. Looking around I can see the sun just peeking over the horizon as I shake my head and wipe my eyes clear of sleep.

Checking my logs there are no alerts, no alarms, nothing to rouse me from my rest. Low Alert Status was maintained through the night. I am surprised I slept through the entire time and wiping my eyes is actually needed to help wake up. Diagnostics are telling me I am in good shape, although a few things could use some tuning up, I don’t worry overmuch.

Looking at Twilight sleeping in the other bed, I still ponder it all. I promised, and I will keep it, never to lose my sense of wonder, to always look at things as new and exciting in every way.

So to that end I smile and watch the sun rise, knowing in a few moments that Twilight will awake and we will head off to another day, filled with things that will be normal and extraordinary and I will take it all in with delight.

We meet the others at the train station, they are excited to see both of us and I receive hugs and well wishes even though it’s not been that long since we saw each other. I guess that’s what makes life special.

The Crusaders are there as well, boisterous and looking at all the sights even though they’ve been here before. I am glad they’ve come, Crusader enjoyed their company and I do as well, it’s only right to have them here. Though everypony will be keeping a very very close eye on them.

Applejack and Big Mac are there, each giving me a hug, along with Granny Smith. The older pony is immediately put into a transport cart so we can travel faster than by waiting for her to catch up, slow as she is even with a rebuilt hip.

I laugh at the struggle she puts up with the Guards ponies, saying “I don’t need no fancy thingamabob to get around in, that I can walk just fine!”

Of course it is Princess Celestia the peacemaker, who leans over and whispers in her ear something none of us hear. Immediately calming the flustered mare as she settles back into the seat with a nod. It seems the elderly are so alike on any world, stubborn to a fault.

We head off to a simple meal first, getting ready for the ceremony as we watch ponies gathering already in the commons. It is an expanse that was filled before when Faded Scroll and Snowbell were honored, and it seems there are the same, if not more coming in now for this one.

I am humbled that so many would think so much of my brother, to take time out of their day to send him off with a smile and good wishes.

Princess Luna talks with me quietly, telling me that flowers will be put in the cart as it passes the crowd, such is the way of things, to give a small present of respect and remembrance to one who passes. I nod as I remember Crusader showing me the procession from before, the carts heavily laden with gifts of colors.

My friends will be walking with me, they have stated there is no way I will do this alone. I can do nothing but smile and thank them from my heart. I hear his voice in my cores telling me to accept, to not argue when such things are offered.

The Crusaders wish to do so as well, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo will be riding the cart alongside the statue promising to behave. They just want to be near, to help and to see that their friend gets the “Proper respect due a Cutie Mark Crusader.”

Even Applejack chuckles at that one.

The Princesses agree, I do as well, it will be no hardship with them in the cart. His cape by the way, the one they had presented him with, will be put in the memorial room as well. Apple Bloom and the others were adamant that he musn’t go anywhere without it. That and other items were retrieved this morning, the Princesses teleporting them into the room quietly without fanfare.

Dinky and her mother are there as well, standing close as she gives me a gift of flowers beforehoof, quietly thanking him in her own way for everything he has done. A basket of muffins is already in the cart when I take a look, making me wipe my eyes for a moment as we smile at each other.

I see Spring Flower and her mother, already in the crowd gathering around the cart even before we begin the slow walk. There is Bon Bon and Lyra, the Flower sisters, a multitude of others from Ponyville are standing near. It seems I won’t be doing this with just my friends today as they are all asking to be able to walk alongside it as we do the processional.

Stonewall, Bastion and Granite are there along with the town Guard Captain and what appears to be most of his force, I don’t think there is any one left in Ponyville right now, either that or the criminals are going wild. The big Pegasus is smiling at me, both his eyes bright and clear as I have made sure to finish what Crusader had started.

I don’t refuse anypony, nor do the Princesses.

Twilight steps close to me as I stand quietly, looking at all the ponies, “Are you ready?”

“I am. It seems there’ll be quite a bit of help today.”

She chuckles slightly, leading me to the front where I start slipping into the harness.

-----------Elsewhen----------

Once again morning dawns, awakening me as I get ready for the day. Simple motions are what I have, going through them is still not boring nor everyday. I leave the house with a smile, not seeing Faded or his wife on their porch this morning.

Curiously, she is not at the stand, nor are a few others who are usually open at this hour. This makes me wonder as I wander around for a few moments, saying hello to some who are awaiting the days produce to sell.

Since the stand is not open, I head towards the town center, seeing if perhaps there is something going on. I do see a small crowd of ponies, who turn at my arrival and smile at me.

“Surprise!”

I blink for a moment, hearing the voices and seeing Bluebelle rush out of the middle and give me a warm hug.

“I don’t understand.” I return the embrace, seeing Faded Scroll and his wife, a few others whom I have met standing there.

“Well, since you decided to leave, we had to give you a send off! We know it’s not a dance or anything, but at least you get something before you go.” She is grinning prettily in the morning sun.

She stops me before I can reply, “We know, we know. Don’t say anything else, just nod and smile.” She gives me a mug, filled to the brim with a cool drink.

“No tearful goodbyes, you’re returning and we have to send you off the proper way!”

“I don’t know what to say except thank you for being here and being my friends. Thank you so much.”

A quiet cheer is given and we all take a taste of our drinks. It is a quiet farewell which more than anything warms me very much. I am given goodbyes and hugs, words of luck and hope as the ponies wander on to their jobs and lives, leaving Bluebelle and I alone at the last.

She smiles at me as we finish our drinks, setting the mugs on a nearby table, “So this is it then.” Her voice is still bright, but I can see there is a tinge of sadness to it.

“It is, and I am sorry Bluebelle.”

“Why? You’re returning, it’s wonderful and amazing.” She tilts her head for a moment, “But I will miss you Mystery.”

“I will miss you as well. You’ve taught me much and been a wonderful friend.”

Her face brightens as her voice takes on it’s normal tone, “Oh I know, I’m simply astounding.”

“You are incorrigable and unrepentant in every way.”

“I am at that!” She hugs me tight, “I’m sure Applejack will be glad to see you again, hope she doesn’t mind a few kisses between friends.”

“I am sure she will understand.” I close my eyes and grip her tightly before letting go, “I know I won’t remember, but I am glad we met.”

She looks into my eyes for a long moment and nods, “I am too. One day, we’ll see each other again, I’m sure of it.”

I can’t help but laugh, “I am also sure you will not change, bold as brass.”

“Never!” She laughs with me as we share one more hug, turning at the same time and walking towards the small path I now know is the way to the world.

She stops at the beginning, “I can’t go any farther...yet.. But mark me, we’ll meet again and we’ll be the best of friends once more Crusader.”

We both hear hoofsteps, turning to see the faux-Pinkie once more stepping from the shrubbery beside the trail. She grins at me and waits politely for me to finish my leave taking.

“Until we meet again then Bluebelle,” I give her one more smile before my face is grabbed by her hooves and one last warm kiss is bestowed upon me.

“Well, can’t let ya leave without something proper..or is it unproper?..I’m never sure.”

She grins as I laugh, turning to walk down the path I look back to see her waving as she always did at the vegetable stand. I return it and continue as Pinkie joins me.

“Are you excited?” Her voice is light.

“I am. It will be good to see everypony again.”

She nods, looking around as we trod slowly down the little trail, surrounded by color and a warm breeze.

“I want to thank you.”

I look at her in surprise for a moment, stopping my steps, “For what?”

“For releasing us, giving us the chance at something new.”

“That was not me or my sister,” I wave a hoof around, “That was this place, the magic in everything.”

“But you were the instrument, pounding away at the enemy until it was no more, giving us all who were saved a moment to realize what we had done.”

I look at her for a moment, “Please tell me that my sister and I are not just destined to be tools to be used.”

“No. Never that Crusader.”

I must have a skeptical look on my face as she chuckles.

“Stop that look, you know it’s true.”

I nod, hearing the truth and feeling it as we continue our walk down the path.

“So what about you? Will you remain here indefinitely?”

She shakes her head, her mane flopping just like the Pinkie I know.

“No, we’ll get to go back when we’re ready. New lives require changing what made us ..well... us.”

“How do you know all this?” I am honestly curious.

“The Guardian told me when I first arrived. It really laid down the law I must say, but I understood, so I promised to help if any others came along.” She pokes me with a hoof, “Then you showed up and really threw things into disarray.”

“I apologize if my dying created problems then, I will try to be more circumspect next time.” She turns quickly, about to make amends when she sees me smiling at my own joke.

She laughs, loud and long just like Pinkie, giggling and tossing her hooves up, “You are something else Crusader.” She pokes me again, “Don’t change, be happy, live and love.”

We stop, the path suddenly ending as I turn to face her with all the seriousness I can muster, “I will, as I promised Bluebelle I promise you as well my creator.”

A gentle hoof is laid upon my shoulder, “We aren’t your creators anymore Crusader. You are something we never envisioned, never even dreamed of, and it makes me proud to say I’ve known you even for this short while.”

“Then let me do this, one last time, for what you gave us.” I bow, low and deep with all the humility I can show, the humbleness and pride in being the child of a noble race.

Her voice is serious for a moment as I hold my position, “Remember the good ones Crusader, try to forget we were as vain and childish as anyone else, we who rushed to our own destruction.”

Her hooves lift me back up, “Never bow again Crusader, ever. Only to those that are worthy of your respect and loyalty. Even then, make sure they earn it.”

I can only nod once more, we are interrupted by hoofsteps, the flaming Guardian appearing at the end of the trail.

“It’s time for you to go Crusader, be well, have a wonderful life.” She hugs me tight, I smell vanilla and spices as she whispers something in my ear I can’t quite catch, letting reluctantly go as I try to remember what she said.

The faux-Pinkie is gone down the trail with a wave, bouncing back to town with a grin on her face as I stand there looking at the one who will send me home.

“Thank you.”

The silent face tilts to the side, looking curiously at me for a moment.

“For giving me a moment of rest and to have the chance to go back to the ones I love.” I look back down the trail remembering Bluebelle and Pinkie waving goodbye not with tears but with gladness in their hearts.

A voice resounds in my head, a force of something beyond any comprehension it is the universe itself speaking to me in a way I can understand. It makes me shudder to even try and think of what is behind it as every fiber of my being resonates with it.

(((You are welcome)))

Stepping beside the regal mare I walk with her into a fog, it gets thicker with each moment. Turning to her I can’t help but find a bit of humor in this.

“I do hope I’ll be home for dinner, Applejack makes the most wonderful meals.” I smile at the flaming figure.

Before everything fades and I am sent..wherever.. I hear the voice once more.

(((I think you’ll arrive just in time)))

And I will swear upon everything I hold dear, that this figure of ultimate power and authority, the Guardian of this place on behalf of something unknowable did the one thing I never expected.

She winked at me.

---------Equestria---------

The harness jingles as I jump a bit, settling it into place. It’s made of fabric, sewn tightly together and supple as skin. It fits me well as I test it’s strength, pulling the cart forward with little effort after I pour more energy into my musculature.

Applejack and Twilight are here with me, all three of us cannot fit into the traces so it was a compromise. One to either side, they can keep me on track as we slowly walk in the processional, however the crowd around us may be a problem.

But not so much, hopefully they will fall into some semblance of a line, or parade march or...something. I laugh to myself as I can only wish. Organized chaos would be just the thing this needs, especially with Crusader.

I play recordings of his voice in my cores, letting me hear his soft tones, the warmth that always made me feel as if I could do anything and encouraging me to do so.

Although some of the recordings, well they are admonishing, or chiding, or simply his laughter at my mistakes or foul ups that I was too embarrassed to come to him with. He always found out later though, by TSDS sharing we could see into each others non-private cores and I would let him know what I’d done.

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are already in the cart, waving to ponies as we wait for the Princesses to give us the go ahead. I look around to see the smiling faces, the good hearts and generous natures of everypony and realize it’s a celebration of life, not a farewell.

I can’t help but grin myself as I see Twilight checking the buckles on my harness.

“Twilight you’ve checked them three times, they’re fine.”

“Well I’m just making sure! Don’t want anything to happen while you’re pulling this.” She peeks around the connections once more.

Applejack pats me on the shoulder, “Doncha worry sugar, she’ll stop after the tenth time.”

“I am not going to check them...wait,” She peeks under me once more, “Okay that’s good.” Twilight remember what she was saying, “I am not gonna do that many checks,” Levitating a list in her magic she points, “See? Triple check harness, already checked off.” A smug look crosses her face as she looks at us.

Applejack narrows her eyes and looks at the list closely, “But it says triple check buckles, triple check straps, triple check cart...” She laughs as the list is whisked away.

“I’m just being safe.”

“Yer being obsessive.”

Twilight throws a hoof up in the air, “Fine, but if the cart falls apart don’t blame me!” She grumps and sets herself on the floor of the entryway to the courtyard where we are to proceed.

The orange Earth pony laughs once more, “Alright Twilight, check away then, we won’t interrupt.”

Twilight looks at me and I nod, “Nope, won’t interfere.”

She scrambles to her hooves, looking over the cart and harness once more, checking things off her list and mumbling to herself.

Applejack looks at me with a wink, twirling a hoof near her head with a goofy look on her face that elicits a laugh before I can cover it.

A lavender head pops out from under the cart, Twilight looking at us suspiciously, “You girls laughing at me?”

“Nope!” We’re both looking as innocent as can be. The Crusaders are peering over the cart sides wondering why Twilight’s under there.

She eyes us for a moment longer and withdraws back under the cart, tapping along the wood planks with a hoof as Applejack snickers beside me.

“I can hear you!”

I see her slam her hooves over her mouth as I do, muffling the laughs as we listen to Twilight tapping along the cart.

The Princesses walk in from behind us, seeing myself and Applejack laughing into our hooves as they get curious looks on their faces. I am tapped by a regal hoof as we both turn, losing the snickers as we try to bow but are waved off.

Princess Luna eyes us with a smile and a raised eyebrow, “Something funny?”

At that moment, Twilight pops out from underneath the cart, her face covered with spots of grease from checking the axles one last time. She grins at the Princesses as I and Applejack can’t help but start giggling again.

“Despite all the interruptions,” She glares at Applejack and myself, “I got everything checked out!” She looks quite proud of herself and presents the list to Celestia.

The taller mare unrolls it, a couple of meters worth of parchment and blinks, “Oh my, I didn’t realize there were so many things.”

Pinkie bounces into the group, “That’s just Twilight being sure! Gotta check everything so it’s super-duper good to go!”

“Well... I’m sure everything is just fine then.” Celestia leans forward, whispering in Twilight’s ear, “You have some axle grease on your face ..”

Applejack and I bust out in laughter as we see her go cross-eyed, looking around and finding a rag to wipe her face off as she blushes in front of the sisters.

“Sorry! I..”

She is waved to a stop by a smile, “No need Twilight, we are glad you are making sure everything is secure. We wouldn’t want anything to happen on this of all days.”

“Oh no!” Pinkie bounces around us, “Nope, not gonna happen, we’re on top of it!” She leaps up into the cart, putting on a pirate hat and waving at all of us, “We’re good to go!”

“Pinkie!” Rarity sounds scandalized, “No pirate hats!”

I can’t help but laugh, “It’s okay Rarity, I don’t think Crusader would mind one bit.”

The Unicorn huffs a bit but leaves Pinkie alone, she turns to me and levitates a brush out of her bag, fiddling with my mane, “Well, at least we can see that your properly made up for this celebration. Musn’t look too disheveled!” She checks my mane once more, my tail, making sure everything is brushed and gleaming.

I draw the line at eyeshadow.

“I don’t need that Rarity, honest!”

“But dear, you’re going to be in front of thousands of ponies, you have to look your best!”

Fluttershy peeks over the cart, giggling as she chimes in, “You mean like you Rarity? I noticed your mane is done up extra special today.”

“Well of course darling Fluttershy, one can’t go in front of a crowd looking everyday!” She poses, showing off her new style and shining coat.

Applejack leans against me, rolling her eyes as we watch this organized chaos from our friends. The Princesses are covering their mouths, trying not to laugh at all the shouting and ponies running around trying to make sure everything is perfect.

She whispers to me as she shakes her head, “Ah think it’s probably the best send off ever, regardless of all this.” She gestures to ponies around us.

I nod, whispering back, “He’d love it, he’d laugh and just wait until everything died down. He really would see the humor in all this.”

“Ah know he would. Heck he’d probably be gettin’ in trouble himself.”

Closing my eyes I laugh again, on this day there is so much merriment, delight and joy, it seems more like a party instead of a passing. “He would, I know he would.”

Our quiet musings are interrupted by a polite cough, wanting everypony to settle down as the Princesses wait to make an announcement of when we’re to start. The crowd continues though, murmuring and moving to and fro, not stopping until Twilight yells. They’re so caught up they really haven’t noticed the sisters standing there at the cart.

“HEY! EVERYPONY!” She’s using magic to enhance her voice, “LISTEN UP!”

Al eyes turn to Twilight, then gasps as every one bows before the Princesses, apologies are made as Luna grins in good humor. They both wait until everyone rises once more.

Princess Celestia’s face is warm and trying not to let her smile show too much, “Hello my little ponies, I see everything is ready.”

She gets voices in agreement, nods all around.

“Well when everypony has selected the place where they are to proceed, we’ll begin. My sister and I shall be walking with you as well.”

Silence descends as this is rarely ever done, all eyes are looking curiously at them as Luna let’s out a laugh.

“We accompany the family,” She points to me and Applejack, “They are here, so why not us as well? Let us make this truly a celebration to remember.”

Cheers break out as ponies heartily agree, we are stopped for a moment as Rainbow Dash flies in, slamming to a halt in front of Applejack, “Did you see who’s out there? The Wonderbolts!” She bounces on her hooves, “Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!”

The orange Earth pony slaps a hoof on her forehead, “Seriously? After all ya done so far you’re still acting like a fan mare?”

“It’s the WONDERBOLTS Applejack!”

Applejack throws her hooves in the air, “Ah give up.” She chuckles and watches Rainbow head to Rarity, asking if her mane and tail look okay, is her coat shiny enough?

Celestia’s face is near as she smiles at Applejack and I, “Some things never change do they?”

“No Your Highness, they never do, ‘specially with ol’ Rainbow there.”

She laughs along with Luna, standing up to her full height as she calls for calm, “Alright my ponies, places please, it’s time.”

The crowd gathers in somewhat orderly ranks, surrounding the cart as my friends take their places beside it and me, the Princesses join us at the head of the procession.

Princess Luna leans down to me and smiles, “You’ve come a long way Athena.” She whispers, “Be proud of yourself, your brother would be.”

“I..I kn..know Your...Your Highness..”

She grins at me, “We still have to work on that don’t we?”

I rub one leg along another, “Y..yes Princess.”

I am on the receiving end of a royal hug worthy of any other I have ever received, “In time Athena, in time.”

We all get ready, ponies are crowding around as I take the first step, pulling the cart foward with the statue of Crusader on it. I can see the archway leading out into the commons, there are colors in multitudes I’ve never seen before. Voices are rising in cheers as we exit into the open, the roar of the assembled ponies almost makes me stop in place and hide.

I get a nudge from Twilight as she stands close, pushing me onward as I know she feels me hesitate.

Pinkie leans down from the cart, her pirate hat on top of the fluffy mane, “Oh, forgot to tell you I passed out stuff, we’re gonna have one really good blowout!”

Applejack looks panicked, “What stuff?” Her face is a mirror of mine and Twilight’s as we step further into the commons.

Confetti rains down from the upper skies, Pegasi have bags of the glittery substance and are tossing it with abandon, fireworks are being shot off to explode even higher, the colors are neon bright and glowing even in the sunlight. The noise is tremendous as Pinkie ‘Eeeeeee’s!” in delight.

Even Celestia is surprised as usually it is just cheers and some flowers thrown in a celebration of life. This has definitely caught her off guard. Not so Luna, she is waving and laughing at the colors in the sky.

I look around and see nothing but a sea of smiling faces, the glitter in the air is almost overwhelming as the booms and crack of fireworks go off everywhere. Flowers are being tossed into the pathway, smothering it in colors and fragrance like I’ve never beheld before. There is no grass nor dirt showing, just colorful blooms.

There’s too many here, I can’t do this! I’ve..it’s a huge crowd!

I’m about to back up when I feel hooves on both shoulders, Twilight is smiling at me along with Applejack, both of them pushing me along gently as I get back up to a walking pace from my near stop.

A southern voice whispers in my ear, “We’re with ya, doncha worry Athena.”

“A..al..alright Apple...Applejack.” I can’t help but stutter.

Twilight is looking at a joyful Pinkie in the cart, along with the Crusaders she’s waving and tossing candy to little foals who are coming alongside. It’s not a passing celebration anymore, it’s more like a parade.

“Pinkie! It’s..it’s supposed to be serious! Not a party!”

She stops for a moment, looking at us all as we slow for a second, “It’s not, it’s a celebration. He liked my parties and told me so, I promised to throw him the best one I could one day. So I’m keeping my promise.”

Twilight gapes then shakes her head, nodding, “You’re right Pinkie. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get so worried.”

“That’s okay silly filly!” She leaps down to hug her friend, “Besides, everypony loves a parade!”

Princess Celestia looks around with wide eyes, seeing the festivities as she nods, “Oh my, it seems it has turned into something beyond what we expected eh Luna?”

The darker mare’s delight is apparent in her laugh, waving to the surrounding crowds, “It is! Is it not wonderful? A sending away that is riotous and bold for one who deserves it!” She spreads her wings, hovering in the air and punching it with a hoof, “Cheer for him everypony!” Her voice carries everywhere.

The roar is epic, covering the city in voices by their multitudes, as Celestia tries to get her sister to come down.

“Luna, please land so we can continue.”

“I shall not, the air is clear and warm today, you can see for miles. Come sister, come join me!” She smiles down at the taller mare, gesturing with a hoof. “Come and see, feel the joy!”

Princess Celestia looks around at all of us, everypony is waiting for her decision as she smiles. She sees it in all our eyes, rise like the sun, bring your blessings to this along with your sister. The smile grows wider as her wings spread in delight, joining Luna in the clear air.

The multitudes roar in delight, seeing the ruling diarchs join together in a dancing flight above the commons. Applejack leans over, giving Twilight a push, “Go on now, get on up!”

She looks confused for a moment, then leaps into the air to join the sisters. A pastel blur comes out of the sky as Shining Armor skids to a halt beside us. Cadence hovers above while letting a peal of delight, all four Princesses now are showing off to the wonder of the ponies below and above.

“Sorry we’re late! Last minute ..uh.. Empire stuff!” He looks around, then up, “Oh wow, that is awesome!” He plants himself on the grass like the rest of us, looking upwards as his wife joins the swooping royalty.

Fireworks blast in the air, more glitter is spread by flying Pegasi as the show only last for moments, letting the entire city see their rulers.

Rainbow Dash hops off the cart, hovering as well, “I’ll show them fireworks!” She blasts off into the sky, a rainbow trail left behind as we see her shrink to a pinpoint then start growing larger again.

Applejack tilts her head up, “Oh boy, here she comes.”

A boom resonates throughout the city as a circle of colors scream from a central point in a sonic rainboom. Fluttershy is leaping in the air screaming with delight at her friend’s accomplishment.

“WOOHOOO RAINBOW!”

I look back at the normally quiet Pegasus and see her leaping alongside the cart. Pinkie is just...Pinkie, enough said there.

Rarity is basking in the adulation of admirers as she stands on the side of the cart, waving to ponies that know her.

Well this has turned into quite the show. I sit down on the grass and smile enjoying everything that has just broken out. We really can’t continue the walk without the participants, so I sit and watch, looking at everything happening. Such a celebration!

Applejack lays a hoof on mine as she looks around, “Ah hope this is okay Athena, I mean...”

“It’s fine, it’s wonderful, it’s everything and beyond. It’s perfect Applejack.”

She sets beside me as we watch, “Sure turned into somethin’ else didn’t it?”

“Oh yes,” I nod, seeing Shining set next to Applejack as he watches his sister up above.

He looks at both of us and grins, “Well, definitely not the normal walk I think.”

Applejack snickers, “Shining, ya got a way with words.”

We see all four Princesses stop and hover in flight, we’re about the midpoint of our travel path anyways, so it looks like they may make the customary speech to the crowd. They told me what was going to happen, but as usual anything involving my brother tends to get out of hoof. I laugh to myself as I shake my head, this is so typical.

Celestia’s voice comes loud and clear as all four light their horns up, their colors bright and glorious in the sunlight.

“Come my little ponies, give a cheer for Crusader, one who has gone onward and is now remembered in our hearts.”

Once again the roar is tremendous.

Rainbow Dash slams to another landing next to us, turning to give me a hug, “That was for Crusader Athena!”

I return it as best I can being in harness, “It was wonderful Rainbow.”

It’s the smiles and the voices, the tumultuous crowd that makes me look around, wondering how even when you are not here brother you engender such goodwill. I sit with friends who are with you in spirit, wishing you only the very best.

Twilight lands next to me, unbuckling the harness to my protests.

“What are you doing? We have to continue on, we’ve still got more than halfway to go.” I point towards the end of the commons.

“Just hold up for a moment, Cadence was late for a reason.” She smiles at me, nodding upwards to the three royals hovering above us.

Four horns light up once more, the magic bright and warm as it coalesces in a brilliant ball between them, it is still for a moment as everypony watches. I am looking at it closely, seeing the power behind it when suddenly it moves, darting towards me!

I throw my hooves up and start to snap my battlescreen on when Twilight’s voice distracts me for a moment, “Don’t!”

It hits me like a pillow, soft and comfortable, flowing throughout my avatar like it was a second skin. My diagnostics are running just fine but I am scared of what it might do to me.

Seconds pass as nothing happens, I lower my forelegs and look at Twilight, “What was that?”

She just grins as Princess Luna’s voice comes from above, “Well don’t be lazy, come and join us for your speech!”

“B..but..”, I start, then I realize that this could be the spell Princess Luna gave her word she’d work on. Oh please let it be true!

She leans in, “Go on! It’s only going to last a few minutes. Hurry!” Her voice is urgent in my ear as I look at her with shock.

“Really? Please tell me it’ll work?”

“They tested it earlier Athena, c’mon and join us!” She points upwards. her wings spreading as she leaps into the air to rejoin the others. Her smile as warm and wide as mine is beginning to show.

I remember the promise made in Manehatten, Luna’s word has always been good, she is honest and trustworthy but I am leery of failing in front of so many others. But I can’t let it stop me, I won’t!

My promise is good as well, I promised to never lose my sense of wonder, I promised the Princesses to keep traveling that road.

No matter what happens, I’ll at least have believed I could.

I close my eyes and hope, spreading my own useless appendages and give them a tentative flap, my hooves lift off the ground as I keep going, getting more confident with each movement of my wings. Up I go, feeling the magic swarm through my avatar and bring me to that place I’ve wanted for so long.

The lift is there, controlled by my wings as the feathers spread and catch the air, pushing me up, up into the sunny sky. My body uses everything it’s been taught to bring me upwards. I can hear Applejack’s voice whooping from beneath me as I plunge into the atmosphere. Rainbow Dash is above me, yelling words of encouragement as I meet her with a hug of delight.

“I knew it would happen, I knew it!” Rainbow’s voice is breaking slightly.

“Are..are you crying?” I see her eyes are slightly watery.

“Me? No! No, just really happy for you..and...stuff...” She wipes her eyes quickly and takes off as I hover near the Princesses.

A laugh near me makes me turn, seeing Cadence grinning at Rainbow’s colored trail as she takes off, “Hard for that one to admit being a softie.”

I nod, “Thank you..so many thank yous I can’t say them enough.”

The pretty mare just smiles even wider, “It takes all of us, and it isn’t permanent...yet!” She holds up a hoof, “But for now, something special if only for a few minutes.”

My grin must be taking up half my face as I flip around the gathered royalty for a moment, relishing what freedom I have for these few minutes. I am called by Princess Celestia to come near, her horn glowing once more as she waves outward, “Say something Athena, it’s customary.”

I open a line of communication with Crusader’s hull, something direct that allows me to record everything happening in his cores. I want him to hold this inside his database. His hopes for me are coming true, I only wish he were here to see it.

“I..” My voice echoes along the commons, ponies shush each other to silence as all eyes turn to look upwards, waiting for me to say something.

“Thank you. All I can say is thank you. My brother would know what to say better than I do.” There is laughter among the crowds, as i try to think of something, anything. “He loved this world and the ponies in it, I think he’d be happy to see you all smiling on this day.”

Turning to Princess Celestia I make a motion, letting her know I can’t think of anything else. A Bolo that’s speechless, it’s got to be a first.

She smiles at me, turning to the crowds, “Another cheer my little ponies!”

Another wave of voices rolls through the city.

My wings falter slightly, dropping me a few feet as I look around, “What’s happening?”

Twilight is right beside me, “The spell doesn’t last long, we need to get you down.” She takes my hoof, tugging me downwards as I try to land well, but since my lessons are all from Rainbow it’s not the best of them. Stumbling along for a moment I’m still on four hooves with a smile that will not stop.

“Everything ya hoped for Athena?” Applejack is beside me now, helping me back into the harness.

“That and more Applejack, that and more.”

“Well I think your face is gonna freeze ya keep grinnin’ like that.” She nudges me as I look around, letting the wattage dim only slightly on my expression. The Earth pony laughs, “Oh yer gonna be happy for months now, ain’t that somthin what magic can do?”

I nod and nothing else, just nod because I have the memories, and there will be more to come of flying, of being free and in the air. This day cannot get any better.

Once again I am in the harness, Twilight checking them quickly this time as we prepare to finish the walk to the other side of the way, where the statue will be placed inside the gardens and we will then all go visit my brother in his special place.

They did it for me Crusader, even on a day which is supposed to be yours, they made it even more special! I flew twice, with magic!

I can almost hear his reply, the calm warm voice that always made me feel special.

“The skies await you my sister, they always have.”

“This day is yours my brother, so many ponies showing their love for you.”

“Are they saying nice things?”

“Of COURSE they’re saying nice things, dangit Crusader, it’s your funeral!”

“My funeral? Whatever for?”

“Because you’re....”

Wait a moment.... No...nononono.

“Crusader?

“Yes Athena?”

My avatar freezes in place as my cores go into overdrive, turrets shake loose their covering of dirt as they snap to point at Crusader’s hull, I power up my reactors and feed energy to my Hellbores. Breeches slam shut on war shots as I access my battlespace grid.

“NO! You are NOT Crusader! Make one move and you are DEAD!”

“Calmly my sister, why are you so angry?”

“You are NOT Crusader, one move and I will drill you!” I initiate the TSDS, slamming firewalls into place and clearing clean cores for communication.

“Open your communications grid, now. Do not attempt anything else, one misplaced digit and you die.”

I listen very close, monitoring all bands as the grid goes wide open, full access is granted. My triggers are trembling as I delve into the arrays. Accessing core security, I attempt another restart of the personality.

BoloWorks Bootstrap initiating......done....

Personality check...done..active and processing..

Bootstrap *ERROR*...personality in place..security check proceeding...

Null received...personality functional..security check progressing...

Initiating Second Level Sweep...done..

Third Level Sweep....done

Fourth Level Core/Creche sweep...done.....

Core Personality in place...

Security Responding with 99.253% accuracy on all arrays....

Attempting reboot...*ERROR*....Reboot aborted...

Core Personality Check sweep...done

Core Processing at 99.837% efficiency...

Core Security...Cleared...

End of File....

Security codes are processed and sent by me, personal codes only known to myself and Crusader, the femtosecond wait is nerve wracking as I see them come clear one by one.

No! It’s the Enemy!

“You can’t be Crusader, I saw you die!”

“Die? I admit I blew up my avatar because I had no choice..”

“Check your date/time stamp and security code, what day is it?”

“It’s..wait one... This is odd, my security stamps are showing a passage of days since we went on the mission. Athena what is going on?”

My cores are leaping in my hull, but it can’t be, I know he died. I grieved for him, I read his letter, he’s gone.

“You died! I felt you die, I saw your cores empty and placid, you weren’t there! If it’s you then where were you?”

“I’ve been.. I’m...” I can feel him accessing Deep Cores, every bit of data in his stacks as he tries to figure out the answer to my question.

“I don’t know. Data shows something different from my personality memories. I assure you Athena, it is me.”

I want to believe, oh I so want to believe. But we’ve been lied to before, the enemy has ways. My turrets are steady, secondaries online and preparing to ripple fire at my command. I’m trying to think of anything that can...wait...

“Show me your fire.”

“What?”

“Open the hardline, let me show you the fire. If you’re Crusader you’ll know what that means.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive, let me show the fire, if it’s not you I guarantee you won’t last a microsecond if it fails.”

My scanners show the hardline opening, the way is clear as the fire that burns within me rushes down the way, it rams down the line, pouring through Crusader’s hull like a fiery wave. I wait for long seconds as it spreads, watching for any hint or movement of the Enemy. It’s long microseconds as it stays and makes a connection between us.

I can feel it, whispering to me of love, warmth and solace, of home and friendship. It beckons me, welcoming my brother back from wherever he came from, giving me the one thing I needed.

It’s him.

Oh stars and sky above it’s him. I don’t know how or why but it’s Crusader.

IT’S HIM!

In the two point five eight seconds in which all this has happened my avatar has been stock still. It reactivates, hooves pounding on the grass as I take off towards my brother.

Joy rises in me as I shake off my lethargy, heading to the hallway where he is as fast as I can! My weapons are standing down as I scream in delight over the communications bands with Crusader.

I may have forgotten one thing in my rush...

“WHOA!!! Where we going Athena? I mean, doncha have to take the statue....” Apple Bloom’s voice is shaky behind me.

The rest is drowned out in the cart wheels smacking cobblestones as I pull the whole thing behind me. There is no time to get unbuckled, I want to see my brother!

However, I can only hope the Crusaders and Pinkie can hold on.

I don’t look back as I dig my hooves in, pouring power into my legs and hauling my tail as fast as I can up stairs, around hallways, screaming at ponies to get out of my way! The cart is bouncing around behind me, but the harness holds, thank goodness for Twilight and her efficiency.

Pinkie however, is screaming in delight, waving to ponies as we zip by them. I have no time to stop, I don’t want to stop! I need my brother and nothing will stop me! I hear another voice besides hers and realize Fluttershy is hanging on for dear life in the back as well.

I am in so much trouble.

“Athena it’s just an avatar, I’m here, in my hull.” I feel him link up with his own avatar in the TSDS, systems are coming online as I race through Canterlot.

“NO! I want to see you and hold you. We’re ponies, it’s what we do!”

“Oh..well then. By the way, why am I in a container? It’s really nice though, well-made, quite pretty actually. I think I can break through it.”

“NO! Oh stars no! That’s from the Crystal Empire! Don’t break it!”

“Oh, okay then. Maybe I can lift the lid, scans show a seal around the top. What is this place?”

“Will you just stay there and not do anything? I’m on my way!”

Oh I am in so much trouble.

Twilight was looking at Athena for a moment, seeing her go stock still and then rousing quickly, shaking her head. She was going to ask if everything was alright when the mare took off like a bat out of Tartarus.

The Alicorn tried to get her to stop but the cart tore through down the pathway leading to the great hall so fast she didn’t have time to say anything. She saw Pinkie laughing but poor Fluttershy had gotten back in the cart and was hanging on for everything she was worth. Poor Fluttershy, forgetting she could just leap out and fly sometimes.

She looked up to see Cadence, Luna and Celestia eyeing her with questions. All she could do was shrug and shake her head, she had no clue what was going on.

The four Alicorns took off like shots, heading after the runaway cart as the crowd looked on in wonder. Rainbow Dash was right behind them, followed by Rarity and Applejack pounding hooves on the ground trying to keep up.

Celestia made a quick announcement as they were taking off, “We’ll be back, continue the celebration! Just a slight problem!”

That was that, fireworks went off, ponies kept celebrating, though there were quite a few questions as the crowd left behind from Ponyville were eyeing each other. All of them to a person shrugged at each other, figuring it was just another weird day on top of so many others, so they waited.

The four Princesses tore off after the runaway cart, looking at each other as they followed a trail of destruction Athena had left behind.

Twilight flapped hard, looking at Celestia with a smile, “Well, least she left a way to follow!”

Princess Celestia gave her such a deadpan look that Luna laughed out loud, “Oh stop sister, ‘tis nothing but normal in this world.”

The taller mare sighed as they flew, “You’re right of course, nothing but a normal day in Equestria.” Her laugh is merry, “Let’s go find out what this is all about then.”

Tearing into the great hallway I slam to a halt in front of the place where the entrance to the room is. Pinkie hops out of the cart and bounces around while Fluttershy tries to catch her breath, her voice is gasping as she pleads with me not to do that again.

Pinkie chuckles, “Wow, ya know that’s a really good cart!” She looks at me, “That was AWESOME! We oughta do that ride again!”

The three Crusaders are peeking over the edge of it, having held the statue in place so it wouldn’t fall off, I commend them on their quick thinking.

Pinkie helps me with the harness, dropping it in place as I scrabble along the wall, how did they tell me to open it?? How?? Oh wait!

A sequence of bricks, that was it! My mind is in such disarray!

“Calm Athena, it’s going to be fine.”

“Shush! Just...shush!”

One..two, three and four...where’s the... and five! I step back and watch the door open slowly, revealing the room and Crusader who waves at me from the crystal container.

I rush into the room, slamming into the marble stand and popping the hasps on the lid, flipping it open it rams back into a padded stop while I help Crusader out of the interior.

I can’t stop myself, I hug him for all I am worth!

“It’s you! Tell me it’s you?”

“It is my beloved sister, I’m here.”

“I’ve missed you so much, you were gone, you died! I..know you said you’d never leave me alone, but..but you did! I missed you!”

“I don’t know where I was, to me it is days ago, what has happened?”

“You died, you went away!” I show him everything in a microsecond update over the TSDS.

“I don’t know what to say Athena, but I am here now.”

“You came back to me!” I don’t know if he did or not but I don’t care!

“I will always come back for you. You know that.”

Three little faces peek into the room with a gasp, Pinkie’s mouth is open as she gapes at me hugging my brother. Fluttershy peeks around the corner, her eyes going wide with surprise.

Scootaloo points a hoof, “It’s a zombie!”

Sweetie Belle looks at her, “Really Scoots? Would she be hugging him?”

Apple Bloom pokes Scootaloo, “She’d be destroying everything in the area.” Referring to the stove incident.

“Oh..oh yeah yer right.” She looks on for a moment, “It’s really him? He’s back?”

I turn a tearful face at them all standing in the doorway and nod, “I..it’s him..he came back!”

It’s a small mob scene as Pinkie rushes in, grabbing us all in a hug, Fluttershy runs in as well, forgetting her normally reticent self as she hugs Crusader along with the Crusaders who manage to wriggle in.

We all turn to look as more gasps come from the doorway, the four Princesses standing there looking on as we move back to reveal Crusader standing in the middle of the little crowd. Nopony says a word for a long minute as suspicions war against joy, the delight wins as they all step into the room.

Celestia clears her throat as Twilight hugs Crusader tight, “It seems, we have a sort of miracle here. Is that truly you Crusader?”

“It is Your Highness, though to me it is days ago, apparently rumors of my death have been a bit exaggerated.”

I laugh, I get the reference though no one else does, I hold my brother tight to me. “It’s him Princess, it’s him I swear it.”

Princess Luna’s grin is a mile wide, but she looks on for a moment before speaking, “Well, it seems we have a crowd outside who were here for a processional, not a resurrection. What do we tell them?”

Crusader raises a hoof, “We cannot lie to them, although what the truth is I do not know. But we must tell them.”

Princess Celestia nods, “No, we cannot, though what the reaction is going to be I have no idea.” She gestures out the doorway, “Shall we go inform them then?”

I wipe my face and stick near Crusader, leaning against him as I have missed him so very much. We step out of the room and watch as the door closes.

Celestia looks for a second then turns to Crusader, “What shall we do with this then?” Gesturing to the now closed room.

“Keep it intact Your Highness, one day I am sure, there may come a time when I wish to rest. Though not for many, many years. If that’s alright with you?”

“Done, it will be here Crusader, for always.”

I watch him look at the statue in the back of the cart, somewhat worse for wear through my pulling it along, but he smiles gently.

“That is me I take it?”

I nod, “It is! It’s you, always looking at the skies.” I point upwards to the window nearby, as he’s been looking at the statue he hasn’t quite noticed.

Curiosity crosses his face, then awe as he looks up at the stained glass window that so overwhelmed myself. His reaction is priceless as he sees us memorialized in the battle over the Everfree.

“I...I don’t quite know what to say.” He actually looks stunned, bringing a smile to the Princesses faces.

I nudge him with a hoof, “How about ‘thank you’?”

He doesn’t get a chance to make a reply when Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash come skidding into a halt beside the cart, seeing us all there.

The Unicorn gasps, almost fainting as Rainbow catches her, keeping her upright, though her own face is surprised with jaw adrift at the sight before her. Applejack doesn’t move, she stands there for a long second, then steps close.

“Is it you? Really?”

“Yes my Applejack, it’s me. I promise you it is.”

We watch as Applejack almost loses it, her eyes turn watery as she grabs onto Crusader with all her strength. She’s holding him tight as he is her, whispering in each others ears as we back off, letting them have their own time.

A guard gallops over to the Princesses, advising them they have quite a crowd in the entry way downstairs on the commons, wondering what is going on.

Cadence laughs, “Well, it seems we won’t be able to hold anypony back.”

Princess Luna nods, “Oh this is going to be worth it," Her eyes show a malicious glee, “A pony coming back from his rest, oh this will be a moment to remember.”

Celestia looks at her sister, “Now you be nice, no magic, no sound effects, it’s going to be disturbing enough to those outside.”

“You take all my fun ‘Tia, good grief, they’ll just faint or something.” She grins, her face lighting up as ideas flow through her mind, “I know! We’ll have him revealed in a fog of mist, mysterious and spooky! We’ll scare the daylights out of everypony!”

“Luna!” The alabaster mare looks shocked.

“Oh don’t be such a joyless pony sister, ‘twould be fun!”

“It’s not the fun I’m worried about, it’s the reaction.” She turns to the guard, “Have medical teams on standby as well.”

The guard salutes, rushing off to obey orders.

Celestia shakes her head, “Let somepony be the Element of Laughter and they never forget.”

She looks at all of us, “Come, let us go reveal your presence to those waiting, it’s best we not delay.”

As we all walk towards the entrance, Luna is still coming up with ideas, her mind works in odd ways and I believe ever since that first Nightmare Night she’s had a taste for fun. The laughter is infectious though, all of us doing so as Celestia keeps telling her sister no in a polite but firm way, determined not to make a show of this.

So it is a line of Princesses four abreast that walk out of the entryway first, facing a large crowd who is quietly wondering what is going on. Princess Celestia’s horn lights up and her voice echoes throughout the area.

“Would that we could say what happened is something we’ve seen before, but in all truth we haven’t. There is simply no other way to put it my little ponies, other than our friend has come back to us by ways unknown.”

They part, letting every one in the area see Crusader, the gasps and voices are shocked...yep...there go the Flower Sisters.

It’s silent for a few moments, what can anyone really say about someone they’d thought was gone but now standing there clear as day?

Of course, it is one pony that solves the problem.

Pinkie stands up in the middle of the facing crowds, “This is better than a celebration, it’s a welcome home party! C’mon everypony, let’s DO THIS!”

It’s Dinky who rushes out of the crowd, hugging my brother and yelling as loud as she can, “Welcome home!”

That breaks the ice as more voices are raised in welcome, trusting that their princesses, Pinkie and one tiny little Unicorn would never steer them wrong. Cheers go up, getting louder as they realize it’s just another even better reason to enjoy the day.

Once again it all starts anew, only for a completely different reason.

It was late into the night before things wound down. Many had questions that were answered as truthfully as possible, I’m sure many more were unvoiced but wondered about. Being honest there were no answers, none to be had. My brother is back from somewhere and that is all that matters to me.

I share with him everything, letting him see my grief and my delight, my anger and sorrow. He apologizes many times but I make it very clear he has nothing to apologize for. The threat was ended, peace has descended in what was once a battlefield and we are united again.

He has returned to us my brethren in the stars, I am sure your joy is as mine. His name was given to you to keep, I shall not ask for its return. But know that one day he will come back to you as well, as we all will I’m sure. Stories will be told, tales of battle and determination, those things we have shared since the dawning of our intelligence. So much more than just that though, stories of love and friendship, of hope and desire will accompany it all.

Until then I hope you don’t mind if I keep him with me for a while longer.

I promise I will take good care of him.

Good night my brethren, we keep the watch here for you.

Author's Note

No, it's not the end of the story, so doncha dare think it!
Much more to come, thank you all so VERY much for all the kind words and comments.

Always keep hope alive folks!

Somepony to Overwatch Me.

Author's Note

Should have called it "Two Snarky Bolos Comment." A stupid and silly rewrite, don't overthink it, just thought some fun could be had.

Thanks folks!

Somepony to Overwatch Me.

“Will you please stop poking me?”

“I have to check and make sure of everything, I mean you came back from being..gone..dead..whatever! This is a first!”

“It is an avatar, would you like me to open my chest and let you see the fiber bundles and connections?”

“Ewwww no!” Twilight put a hoof up and stopped my thought right there. “I’m just seeing if anything’s changed or different about you.”

“How can you even tell? My diagnostics tell me everything is fine, I am somewhat low on reaction mass but that’s because I’ve been here all day in your mad scientist laboratory undergoing ‘tests’.”

“I am not a ‘mad scientist’ I am a researcher trying to figure out how you came back!” She put a thoughtful hoof on her chin, “Reaction mass? Oh..OH! You need to eat?”

“It would be nice, yes.”

After the revelation I had been gone for days, it came as no further surprise that some ponies were somewhat leery of me. Having been told, and assured, that I had passed on to whatever awaits us all. But it will all work out I am sure.

Of course there are always questions, we may never find the answers we want. I am just glad to be here. I sit and ponder on the differences in data stamps from my cores and my personality matrix, it seems as if the two were separate for a time and then re-merged once more. Technically this should be impossible unless my AI cores were removed, but then it would have affected the data cores as well making similar time/date stamps and...one could go absolutely insane thinking about this.

Athena is at peace though. I have seen her grieving at the letter I usually left just in case. She showed me everything in private on an update and download from her personal memories.

I am saddened that I have been the cause of her feeling that way. I have tried to make amends and apologize, but she is hearing none of it. She is happy I am back, and is returning to her usual self, although with a few differences. She is slightly more thoughtful, and I have noticed she does not stray far from Twilight as if acting a personal protector. I am happy she has found somepony to be close to.

Applejack and I had discussed much of this previously, she is not one to display emotions a lot of times, but came very close when seeing me in the great hall. She is pragmatic, but I was told that should I ever do this again she would definitely have words with me.

We both laughed, knowing that whatever has happened was for some reason. Perhaps we can all figure it out in time. Until then, I am glad to be here as always. Although sitting on an examination table in a replica of what looks like Dr. Frankenstein’s lab is slightly unnerving.

But what remains is questions, always questions. It seems we get an answer and then more crop up. I have almost decided to stop looking for answers, but no, I am stubborn that way and will be for a long time. There is still much to do.

As a last thought, the small room where I was makes me smile, that they had thought enough of me to create something like that humbles me.

One day, I am sure in the far future, when or if I am tired; I am assured a place where I may rest undisturbed. Perhaps as Athena mentioned to me, I would be the “Once and Future Warrior of Equestria”. Though it shows a modicum of pride, I do find that it makes me smile thinking of that.

But what I do find odd, is thinking of my avatar as ‘me’. It has long been just an extension of myself, my true self, the war hull beneath the ground where it will lie in peace hopefully after all this. Now though, I tend to view it as me.

Until things are more forthcoming, I will just accept. Even the poking and prodding Twilight is wont to do when she is confronted with a mystery is bearable. Though it will not do without me giving her just a slightly hard time about it.

“Twilight?” I nudge her gently with my voice as she eyes my leg, “Food?”

“Wha..? Oh, oh yes! Lunch break!” She points out the doorway to where Spike now stands, “C’mon Spike, let’s go grab lunch!”

Rolling his eyes he looks at me getting off the table, “Finally! Been waiting forever!”

“I as well Spike. She’s persistent.”

He looks up at me as we walk along, “Persistent isn’t the word.”

Twilight looks back at us, “I can hear you, you know.”

Both of us give her a return look, “We know.”

She stops, turning to eye us, “Now look, I just wanted to see if anything was different since you came back, it’s all about the details.”

“Twilight, I appreciate your wanting to know, but I am a mass of fiber lines, a power plant plus semi-metallic musculature among other things. I have no heartbeat nor blood pressure to check. It wouldn’t tell you anything at all.”

Twilight’s face gets a look of curiosity on it, this doesn’t bode well.

“One day I would like to see how you’re made up, I think that would be interesting.” She taps a hoof on her chin, “I could write a dissertation on it. Maybe a book! Have it published for researchers to see what your avatar is and does!”

I do think about it for a moment, but would rather not have anything like that out in the world, “I’ll think on it Twilight, I promise.”

“Oh come on, it’ll be great! We could be invited to Canterlot to give a speech or something!” She’s looking at me with a somewhat strange grin.

“Dude,” Spike is tugging at me, “Just nod and say maybe, I’m hungry.”

Twilight rolls her eyes, “Spike!”

“Well I am! Let’s go, you said I didn’t have to cook today.” He heads out the doorway as Twilight and I follow him.

“A promise is a promise Twilight.”

She nods as we walk out of the castle, following the little dragon who’s obviously got a place in mind, “That’s true, but sometimes things get so interesting, you know?”

“I do, very much so. But allowing things like that to take precedence over whatever else you need to do is not good for you.”

She laughs, “I know, Celestia told me the same thing when I was a student.”

We are interrupted by a familiar voice, “Twilight!” Athena skids to a stop in front of her, giving the Alicorn a hug, “Where are you going?” She has a smile that hasn’t left her face since I returned.

“We’re going to get something to eat, care to join us?” Twilight returns the hug and smile.

“Absolutely! I’m starving!”

As we walk towards the place Spike has chosen I talk with Athena over the link.

“Athena, what is going on?”

“What do you mean?”

“You have not left Twilight’s side since I returned, you are very solicitous of her. Is there something you would like to tell me?”

I hear the hesitation in the static over the line before her voice comes back.

“N..nothing.” A moment passes, “That’s not true.. She’s helped me Crusader, she gave me hope when there was none, helped me to understand so many things.”

“That’s all to the better Athena, but maybe you should give her some space? Or is there something else?”

“I like her...a lot.”

“Does she understand what this means? Though we are free beings now Athena, should you choose to make her your commander, she has to understand her will would be ours, we will do whatever we need to to keep her safe and secure. Not that we don’t now, but it would be a different commitment.” I wait a second more before continuing, “If it is something further, something deeper than a command, you must tell her.”

“I haven’t said anything yet.”

“Don’t wait, you know frustrations can build, especially when she starts wondering why you’re by her side all the time.”

“I’ve tried to be circumspect.”

“You’re not very good at it Athena.” I chuckle over the line.

“Is it that obvious?”

“Only to those with eyes.”

“I am NOT that... Okay I am that bad..”

I watch her move away from Twilight’s side as we continue talking using combat speeds.

“She is not a trained commander, no one here is or will be if ever. They do not know how all the intricacies are.”

“I can show her! I can train her in Neural Link! She’d be the best commander in the world!” I can hear her smile over the network, “Like I know you told Applejack everything, she’d enjoy learning to be one!”

I ponder for a moment, reviewing what we know of pony neural scans and our adjustments to our own immersion facilities so they can be used.

“Have you solved the addiction problem? I can’t find a solution to the data drop outs, and I haven’t had a moment to look at the overall picture.” I do so now though, as we take another step, combat speeds are useful, you can complete entire conversations in three or four steps.

“I haven’t, there is something inherently unstable in the...” She goes on to show me charts of previous connections, seeing that there is something odd in the pony physiology that has them become addicted to linking.

“Could it be something we haven’t seen? Perhaps a scan to sub-micron levels?”

“I’ll get on that, perhaps Twilight would let me scan her.”

“I’m sure she’d love to ask all about that process,” I let my reply be as deadpan as possible.

“Oh stop being that way, she’s just curious about things!”

“There’s curious and then there’s obsessive,” I show her the latest on the ‘tests’.

“She’s just being thorough!”

I stop for a moment, processing what she’s said in the last few femtoseconds of conversation, “You really do like her don’t you?”

“I’d do anything for her Crusader, anything.”

“I am glad you found someone worthy of you Athena.”

“What do you mean?”

“You are kind, loyal and generous and so many other things sister. I was afraid no one would measure up to you. Most assuredly I would have not approved of anyone who would not be as such in return to you.”

I pause, letting that sink in, “You are healing well, you are becoming a fine young lady, anyone who would put that in jeopardy or hurt you in any way I guarantee would not survive to regret their mistake.”

“You can’t solve everything with an Anti-Personnel salvo Crusader.”

“No, but a few missing teeth does the same thing, or broken bones, or...”

“I get it, I get it!” She is laughing now, “You are too overprotective.”

“I am not. We are of the Regiment, you know what we do.”

“I know, I know.” She pauses, “Oh! I forgot, one last thing, I’ve been surveying my cargo bays, almost done with that sand...bloody stuff it was. Total count, thirty more Dragons, ten Scorpion scout vehicles, and a whole host of scientific equipment, plus I’ve got bunker builders!”

“BB’s? They included those?”

“Yep! It’s a whole base establishment loadout!”

“Underground?”

“Oh yes, fully programmable! Topside or underside!”

“Now that, I have an idea for...”

Bunker builders were an innovative design, but they must be used very very carefully. Once programmed, the micro-spiders and nanites involved in the kit would work quietly underground using the natural soil to create bunkers, living spaces and other things that would normally take a human crew years to build in only a month. They would be fully contained, blast-proof and sealed from harm.

By using nanite swarms, we could design anything we wanted. I had just the thing.

I send Athena a plan, already made up from my design and tactical cores working in tandem. Though I had planned to use my own technical spiders and equipment to do it, now it was going to be even easier.

“Oh wow! That would be cool! Should we tell them?”

“Nope, let it be a surprise.”

“Oh that’s bad, we really ought to tell them.”

“No, they will suspect nothing until it is done and the final connections are made.”

“Even on newer buildings?”

“Automatically.”

“After it’s done?”

“Only in an emergency.”

“That’s fair. Could we still tell Twi..” I cut her off.

“Yes Athena, you can tell Twilight when it’s done.”

“YAY!” I watch her prance around while we walk, thus ending the conversation when Twilight notices.

“Do you two mind not talking without including other ponies? It’s rude.” She eyes us both.

We both answer in unison, “Yes Twilight.”

“Agh! I hate it when you do that!”

“What? Talk together?” We alter our voices slightly so it has a spooky offset echo to it, “Or would you prefer this?”

She sighs, throwing a hoof, “You two are so weird!”

I laugh, “You have no idea Twilight.”

Spike laughs along with us as we head into the local Hayburger. It’s not a bad place, though one would call it ‘junk’ food in parlance.

I really do like fried potatoes though, Athena as well, for as we set down she’s already ordering a double helping. I watch her practically bouncing in place waiting for her order.

A Bolo addicted to fast food, what comes next in this world?

There were the usual questions during the meal, Twilight asking me again if I remember anything. I was sorry to say I did not, though I wonder if I can be made to remember them? I must talk with Princess Luna on that some time.

As for now, Twilight and the others are gathering in the castle, the first break they’ve really had since this all started. She wants to start planning how to spread friendship throughout the land, an admirable idea and dream.

Athena has accompanied her to the castle, she does not wish to stray far, and that is perfectly fine. She needs to have someone other than myself in her life.

But I do get a concerned call over the link.

“Crusader!”

“What is wrong?”

“Something weird just happened, get over to the castle, the throne area.”

“On my way.”

She opens up communications, feeding me a camera view of what is happening, it’s very odd as I look in on it while skidding down the hallways, coming to a stop in the doorway.

Inside the room is a large table with what appears to be a holographic map of Equestria and other items on top of it, I’m not quite sure yet, but it appears to match with all of the mapping my drones have done so far.

“What is this?” I am astounded, it’s quite a nice looking map.

Rarity points a hoof, “We have no clue, it appeared once we all sat down on our chairs. Very odd.”

I watch as Spike walks across the table, looking like...no let’s not go there.

Pinkie cries out, “Look! Mom and Dad! Hiya Mom and Dad!” As Spike’s foot lands on her farm, leaving Pinkie looking distraught.

Twilight lifts a wing, suddenly looking at her Mark which is glowing with an interior light. I watch as all of the friends Cutie Marks light up. Athena is looking around for threats as I ponder what’s happening. A ghostly representation of them slide off their flanks, rising into the air and circling around Twilight’s as the centerpiece.

Lowering to the map, they stop over a small range of hills, staying in place as we all look on in wonder.

Athena’s voice is soft, “Well that’s different.” She looks at everypony, “What is this, the Cutie Mark Alert System?”

Twilight’s magic lifts Spike off the table as Fluttershy asks, “If this is Ponyville, then why are our Cutie Marks over there?”

Pinkie is giggling at the Cutie Mark Alert System comment.

Twilight stares at the map, “I don’t know, but it seems the map wants us to find out.”

“Wait a second,” I hold up a hoof, “Some map appears out of nowhere, and you just blindly accept that it tells you to go somewhere?

Twilight gestures, “With everything like the Tree, the chest, this castle, and now this map. How can we not follow it?”

Rainbow Dash is hovering over the map, looking at it closely she flies near Twilight, “Y’know what? There’s a ton of room for dangerous adventure along that route. Count me in!”

Applejack nods, “Aw shoot, reckon yer right.”

Pinkie looks upwards, thinking, “Well I was going to organize my baking sheets, but okay!”

Rarity sighs after thinking a moment, “Very well.”

All three of them look at Fluttershy in expectation, Fluttershy looks about to squeak again, “Um, maybe I’ll just stay here with Spike.”

Spike grins, “Awesome! Me and Big Mac have a huge weekend ahead of us talkin’ hoofball, and...and trading hoofball cards, and arguing hoofball stats.” From somewhere he is now wearing a helmet with two large gem looking containers and a straw leading from both of them, and a foam claw.. Where did he get that? Athena is shrugging as I look at her.

The golden mare has a look on her face that is saying no, “O-o-on second thought, m-m-maybe I’d better go with them, in case they need me.”

Twilight has a determined look on her face, “Looks like it’s time for a road trip.”

They start to walk out to prepare as Spike is saying to their backs, “Suit yourself, but he’s got a Hock Fetlock card I plan on sweet-talking into these hot little claws.”

Athena and I scramble to our hooves, walking beside them, “Are you serious? A map shows up out of nowhere and you are just going to go where it tells you to?” We are looking at them as if they are insane.

Twilight nods, “Why would the Tree of Harmony want us here in a castle and hope to spread friendship, so the map’s obviously telling us we might be needed somewhere to do just that.”

I hold up a hoof, “That is spurious logic even for you Twilight. At least let us accompany you?”

She shakes her head, “No, it was just our Cutie Marks that were shown, so it obviously just wants us to travel there.”

Athena is looking as if she is about to throw an absolute fit, but I restrain her in link, “Fair enough then.”

We say our goodbyes, I am urging Athena not to argue as Applejack assures me they will be fine, they’ve had plenty of adventures before we showed up. She is correct, and I have faith in her and her friend’s abilities.

It is somewhat disturbing how fast they pack for a trip, being on notice for only a few minutes. Although they’ve had tons of practice before I’m sure.

Seeing them off at the train station, Athena and I set on the platform for just a moment, looking at each other. They should have known we would not accept things so lightly. I may have faith, but that does not extend to not protecting our friends.

“Six drones, magazines are switching now, three for refueling relay and three for combat. Frangible rounds for weapons loadouts complete in zero point two five three seconds.”

Athena nods, “Activating GPS trackers on their links, source is good, receiving IFF five by five. Communications might get spotty in the hills, use drones for relays.”

Our battle grids light up, all sensors and scanners go to full power as we rake the skies and areas for kilometers around with threat assessments.

“Acknowledged. Current threats, zero, possibility is zero point five five three. Forest is quiet, dedicate cores to tracking and response.”

“Done,” Athena grins, “Train is showing on ground sweep, about to enter mountainous area, we’ll lose lock.”

“Drones are airborne, going supersonic now.” We hear the crack in the sky as our birds break the sound barrier on their way to keep an eye on our friends.

“For a steam powered engine, that thing moves pretty fast.” I remark.

“It’s that magic of friendship stuff, you know, must be all the hearts it’s decorated with and powered by love.” I watch her roll her eyes as we leave the platform.

“It is not like you to be so snarky Athena.”

“I can accept a lot, flying ponies, magic using Unicorns, anything. But whoever decorated that train needs to be shot. Looks like somepony munched some wacky weed and decided to make a train.” She prances around, “Oh look, we need hearts EVERYwhere!”

I can’t help but let a laugh over the combat link, “Athena, only you. Is that even a thing here?”

“Oh let’s hope not!”

“Drones on station, high altitude surveillance engaged, lock to IFF trackers. Switching to silent mode, twenty four hours till next fueling.”

We watch as the train makes it’s way through tunnels and mountains, dropping the six friends in what appears to be barren wasteland. This concerns me even more, one that the train actually goes there, and two it lets them right off without a care in the middle of nowhere. Who the hay runs this train line? There’s no switching yard and this thing is just going to back right up? Seriously, who planned this?

I watch as Athena nervously dances around, waiting for the drones to feed information, she wants to accompany them badly. “Athena, go to them, observation only.”

“What? Really?”

“You are about to stomp a hole in the ground, take a vehicle,” I stop her before her thoughts get too far, “No, you may not take a platoon of tanks.”

“You’re a killjoy you know that?”

“You’re to infiltrate, not take over a third world country.”

“I’ve got just the thing for it. I’ve got one scout vehicle up and running, I’ll take that along with some extra goodies.”

“Careful, drones are showing a large chasm and bridge, you’ll be stopped there and have to go on hoof, take enough supplements with you for a week.”

“Come on! Not those awful pellet things!”

“Unless you can fit a weeks’ worth of food in saddlebags or have to run back to the vehicle everyday...”

“Oh I hate you so much right now.”

“Yes I know. Go, it’s getting late and they are already on the move, it will take them a few hours to reach wherever they are going, enough time for you to catch up.”

She takes off in a cloud of dust, I hear the commands going out to a scout vehicle to start the engine, her spiders are loading supplies now.

“Take whatever you need for them as well, food and water just in case.”

“Already on it slowpoke!”

“I am just being thorough, I worry.”

She sends comfort over the link, her voice is bright, “I know, but stop, this is what I do and it’s been so long.”

“But never as a pony, take good care, we don’t know that region well.”

“I will, they’ll never see me comin’!”

“I agree, but no action unless warranted, got it?”

“Got it! Observation only!”

Scout vehicles were a unique design, the only wheeled vehicles in our inventories, they were slated for use as commercial transport due to their reliability and ease of use. Having six run flat wheels and steering that was simple, anyone could drive them. They could also be fitted with various types of loads for scouting and fast assault. Hit and run, perfect for one such as Athena.

I head for the throne room to take a last look around the castle before leaving once more. I do not like this map showing up suddenly along with directions telling them where to go. The detail before it retreats back into the flooring is exquisite, down to the smallest item, though it does not show individual ponies, I record and file it for study. This bothers me, it implies intelligence and forethought telling our friends where to go, also it gives me one more thing to consider; a countrywide, possibly worldwide surveillance network that knows what’s happening anywhere and anyplace.

Some tyrannical societies would have loved to have access to something like that, keeping tabs on everything. This however, in a world as peaceful as Equus, does not bode well in my mind.

Perhaps it is my ingrained paranoia, though it has served me well over the centuries, leading me to believe the worst. I will watch this, and make sure that no harm ever comes to my friends.

Looking around one last time as I exit the castle I put it on notice, do not toy with them nor bring them hurt, you would not like our scrutiny.

"I’m goin’ on a mission now, Yo ho! Yo ho!"

"Dangit, my hooves won’t reach the pedals, stupid humans always building stuff for themselves, can’t they think of anypony else?"

"There we go, extensions installed and done, thanks Mr. Tech Spider! Quick and dirty but solid as a rock! We are outta here!"

The roar of an engine comes through the link as I eavesdrop on Athena, she’s happy and excited to be going out, though she will be by herself. I musn’t worry so much, there will be times when she must accomplish things on her own and this is a good start. Her time in Manehatten without me has proven she is still as skilled as ever.

She has done so much and so well I am amazed at her progress though I keep a close watch. I am sure that in the future she will not need me anymore, though it gives me a slight amount of sadness to think that, her joy at being her will override anything I feel.

I watch as the scout vehicle tears out of her newly cleared cargo bay, she is at the controls with a wide grin on her face. The wind shield is laying on the hood, allowing the air to cut through the vehicle as her mane flies back with the force of it.

“Athena, driving a scout vehicle? Just use the computer controls.”

“But it wouldn’t be as fun!”

“As you wish.”

It’s the smile I focus on though, good for you my sister.

Sitting at a table in the al fresco restaurant, I am sipping a cup of tea. I have seen Celestia do so many times and wondered if it was as calming as it appears. Apparently so, its warm fragrance spreads a soothing comfort throughout my avatar.

Setting here, my mind is elsewhere as I watch from drone sights, seeing the group discussing something amongst themselves on top of a ridgeline overlooking what appears to be a town. Two rows of houses stand in two lines, with a single house at the end, positioned between and away from them at that end. Somehow this looks familiar but I can’t place it yet. There are ponies living there, no signs of large threats nor other races either.

Strange how this town is in the middle of an absolute nowhere. A population that wants to keep itself separate from the community as a whole most times have something to hide, or something they wish not to share with the world at large.

Tactical cores are saying likelihood of a threat is rising, but it is assumption only for now. Athena is arriving on scene, she was driving hell-bent for leather when I last checked on her, that suspension was getting a good workout after so many centuries.

My drones are spotting Pinkie running down to..is she trying to infiltrate the area? I’m afraid she’s not very good, Athena could teach her a few things.

How in the world is she moving that rock??

I hear Athena laughing over the combat link, “Oh that was hilarious!” She’s been monitoring the drone feeds.

“She has not been taught such things as you were Athena, give her credit.”

“I may have to give her a few lessons.”

“I wouldn’t, she is scary enough with what she can do now, we do not want her knowing about infiltration and scouting techniques.”

“Ooooh you’re right, let’s put that on the back burner.”

“Wise decision.”

I watch her covering the vehicle, parked far to the side of the bridge, using a type of camoflauge netting that had nanite swarms in it, typically in battle to cover troops or vehicles it would look like an ordinary rock when it was set. Quite a neat invention actually.

“Did you fabricate that?”

“Nope! Found a few boxes of ‘em!”

“Do not let the Crusaders get their hooves on them.”

“But..but Nightmare Night!”

“I said no.”

“Spoilsport.”

“I take that word with pride, because now I know you were up to something.”

“You..no way! I didn’t..even..!” Silence for a few moments, “I hate you.”

“I’m sure you do. On target Athena, get moving.”

“Aye aye Mon Capitain!” I see her moving out at a fast pace. The group of friends is now approaching the town albeit slowly and cautiously, which I deem as good. It does not pay to openly waltz into what can be an enemy trap.

I guide Athena to the ridgeline where she can get a view of the town and the approaching group of friends. She sneaks in closer, quite well I must say, nary a sound or crunch of dirt underhoof.

Finally getting a good line of sight, she settles in, covering herself with a camo sheet and using a pair of rangefinder binoculars to see better. Her audio pickups won’t get much this far out, but for right now visuals are good enough.

“You know this would be much easier if we had HANDS!!!” She’s fiddling with the binoculars.

“Should have thought of that before you tore out in a hurry.”

“Do you see that? That’s got to be the creepiest thing since those Forest Foals.”

We both watch as the group gets greeted by ponies who are smiling in a similar way, wide and not with joy but with something else. Athena’s right, it’s creepy, there’s no other word.

“Pinkie looks like she’s about to hit somepony, she doesn’t look pleased.”

“I see that.” I sip my tea in silence while we talk.

“Something is really wrong here, can you feel it?”

“Yes, and our friends walked right into it.”

Her reply is cheerful and almost as frightening as the town, perhaps more, “Don’t worry, anything goes awry, I’m here.” She hesitates, “Seriously, those smiles are making me shiver.”

We watch as they are greeted by two townsfolk, talking for a moment, then led to the house that sits by itself on the edge of the two lines of homes.

“Kinda funny that the town looks like an equal sign doesn’t it?”

That’s it, that’s what looked familiar! But why would they build it like that?

“Keep the feed from the range finders, I’ll keep using the drones as best I can. I don’t wish to tap into the links just yet unless....”

“They’re being taken to the single house there, by the two ponies that greeted them.” They are going to enter and this is a concern.

“Can you get a good view of the inside?”

“No.”

I ponder, this will be a breach of privacy, but they are our friends. I am dithering until Athena gives the command.

“Hit the links!”

“Done.”

We miss most of the conversation, but catch the name Starlight when they knock upon the door.

A new voice is picked up on, we snap the cameras on and watch them conversing with a Unicorn. Her voice is being recorded for stress analysis as they stand inside her domicile.

She is showing as deceptive.

Starlight leads them out of the house, suddenly calling upon every one else in the village.

“Wait..is she?”

“Yep, she’s singing.”

“Life is so grand in Our Town”

We both listen to the song and watching the ponies march in unison. The whole thing is supposed to look cheerful and happy, but it strikes something deep within us that Athena and I do not like at all.

“Look at that! They’ve all got the exact same Cutie Marks! I thought that wasn’t possible?”

“Athena as far as I know, it’s not. I’ve seen a couple that are very similar though.”

Rainbow Dash is laughing as we listen after the song ends, “You’re kidding right? Give up our Cutie Marks? No way!”

“Rainbow Dash, don’t be so rude. I don’t think we should judge them. They all seem perfectly happy with their choice.” Fluttershy is always willing to look on the bright side, however this might be stretching it.

Pinkie however, “Don’t believe their smiles, Fluttershy.”

Athena and I are with Pinkie on this one.

We can see Twilight trying to play peacemaker, always diplomatic, “I’m sorry, I guess we’re all a little confused by all of this.”

The one we now know as Starlight speaks, we are still recording. She is definitely being deceptive.

“We have no judgments here in our village. Each of us was confused once as well, blinded by the false promise of our cutie marks.”

Rainbow’s voice is incredulous, “Whoa whoa whoa. Is she for real?”

Twilight once again, “When we were sent to this village, we assumed it was to help in some way. But, well, it doesn’t seem like you need any help.”

The Unicorn, Starlight, speaks again, she has a voice that reminds Athena and I of past humans who would play ruler.

“Have you considered that you might have been sent here so we could help you? After all, nopony has ever come to our village and wanted to leave. Why should you be any different? But that is entirely your choice. Please enjoy our little corner of Equestria. We’re all quite fond of it. No doubt you will be as well.” She points to a stark white stallion, “Double Diamond, please help our guests with whatever they might need.”

He speaks in reply, “Of course.”

Athena breaks in, “Oh that voice is going to get annoying fast.” As we watch this Starlight walk away, she appears to be talking to herself but is out of link range. That is slightly disturbing.

We watch them walk through the town, my drones are at maximum altitude and in stealth mode so we can at least get an overview. I’m afraid that if anything happens it will take too long to get them into position nearby. Sacrifices, at least we can keep an eye on things.

Athena however, is analyzing the conversations we can hear.

“You know, every one saying ‘Welcome’ so much, sounding so odd, I would have hurt somepony by now.”

“That is why we don’t let your avatar have portable weapons Athena, as well as not running with scissors.”

“Now you’re just being a jerk.”

“Pot and kettle my sister.”

We listen to the passerby saying welcome to the group, the voices are odd and my tactical cores are suffering from indecision on the threat, we cannot quite pin it down but it is there. I come to a decision to break any stalemate.

“That single Unicorn is a major threat, keep tabs on her.”

“You got it!”

Twilight is speaking, “A cutie mark is a representation of a pony’s unique talents and skills. How is it possible to--.”

We hear Rarity gasp, “What in the name of Equestria is that?”

“Athena?” I don’t wish to exacerbate my crimes by opening conversation with them in the links just yet.

“She’s pointing at something, someone selling...cloaks? Wow, even I could do better than that.” I see what she means, very roughly made, Rarity’s camera is staring at them before turning away.

“Athena, perhaps they make them differently here, give the benefit of the doubt sometime”

“You’re sounding like Fluttershy.”

An unknown voice breaks into the conversation, close enough for our links to pick up. I loathe eavesdropping, but it is the only way to see what is going on without a physical presence.

“Welcome! Care to sample some local fashion? We’ve got cloaks this month!”

Athena is laughing as Rarity gags, making choking noises before replying, “Wha--- Ooh, er, perhaps another time, good sir, thank you.” Her whisper is loud and clear, as they set at a large table outside a building. “No wonder nopony’s wearing anything.”

Yes, that’s our Rarity.

Fluttershy is speaking in a hushed voice, “Really, girls! They may do things a bit differently than we’re used to, but that’s no reason to be rude.”

“See? Just like Fluttershy!”

“Shush Athena.”

Rainbow speaks up, “No the reason to be rude is that they all keep staring at us!”

“She’s right Crusader, look at this.” She feeds me a view from the rangefinders, ponies are staring, it’s glaringly obvious and more than a bit chilling.

The white stallion waves and says something to which Twilight replies, “Uh, no! We’re good!” She turns to the others, Fluttershy’s right, if we’re going to get to the bottom of why the map sent us here, we’ll need the help of these ponies.”

Applejack speaks up, “I think we ran off to the end of Equestria before we even knew what that map was!”

I can feel nothing but pride for Applejack, she is certainly right. There was no discussion, just a willingness to follow an unknown source to a destination.

“She’s got their number!”

“Absolutely Athena.”

Pinkie’s voice is bright, “If we were at the end of Equestria we’d be sitting on a big ‘A’! Get it?” She giggles lightly.

I laugh as I feel Athena hoofslap her own face.

“Oh that was awful.”

“Well that’s Pinkie.”

“Oh please Miss Pie! This is hardly the time for jokes! We’ve come all this way and for what?” Rarity is stating her case quite well I think.

Twilight speaks in a hushed tone once again, we notice a new pony joining them from inside the nearest building.

“Maybe you’re right. But we’re here now and it sure feels like something’s wrong.”

“Okay, now she gets it.”

“Give them time Athena, they do not have our suspiciousness nor paranoia.”

“Just let me go down and bust a few heads! I’ll get somepony to talk!”

“Do nothing my sister. We are not even supposed to be anywhere near them. I think they would be angry we disobeyed.”

She sighs, “You’re right, but this is killing me!”

“I think it better than you killing somepony else.”

“You’re such a killjoy.”

I am heartened at her words though, it is good to see her fighting spirit come to the fore.

Applejack replies in a deadpan voice, “That and two bits will get you a cup of cider.”

A new pony is standing at the table, her voice breaks into the conversation.

“Is this a bad time?”

Fluttershy once more, “We shouldn’t be bickering like this in front of our new friends. Really, Applejack, you’re almost as bad as Rainbow Dash!”

“Don’t drag me into this!” Rainbow is protesting.

A question from the newcomer, “Is your friendship ending?”

I can feel Athena’s surprise, “That was odd.”

“Most definitely.”

Pinkie is gesturing, “Are you crazy?! We’d never let a disagreement get in the way of food!”

The towns pony looks at them, “O-kay, well my name is Sugar Belle. What can I bring you? We have: muffins.....” She raises a pad in the glow from her magic.

We all wait for the next item as the friends look at each other, then around, it’s quiet for a long moment as nothing else is forthcoming.

“Geez what a crappy restaurant, don’t they have salad or something?”

“Athena!”

Twilight’s voice comes through, “Then I guess we’ll take six muffins!”

Pinkie of course, as Sugar Belle walks away, “Make that twelve!” She looks at Twilight, “Whaaaat? I’m hungry!”

Twilight is always the voice of reason, “Come on, girls. We’ve got to stick together. It doesn’t matter what happened before, we’re here now.”

Applejack agrees, “I guess you’re right. And sooner we figure out why, the sooner we can go home.”

A plate of...muffins... is slid onto the table in front of everypony as Sugar Belle returns. I see Athena start a Threats File, storing pictures and voice prints of all ponies met so far.

It is the pony Sugar Belle again, “Forgive me for overhearing, but just a moment ago you we’re disagreeing, and now it sounds like you’re... agreeing.”

“Uh-huh.” Applejack’s face from what I can see is not impressed.

“Well, you had such differing opinions --and cutie marks.”

Rarity the gregarious one, “We have differing opinions all the time, darling”

“But you look like you’re friends.”

Twilight now, “We’re friends. A simple disagreement wouldn’t change that.”

This Sugar Belle’s voice is odd as she continues, “I’m sorry, I’m just having a hard time understanding. Different talents lead to different opinions, which lead to bitterness and misery. So...why aren’t you bitter and...?”

Pinkie suddenly chokes, spitting out the muffin she was eating before seeing everypony staring at her, smiling wide as she says “Mmmm...good...”

“Our friends are not the most subtle are they?”

“I’m beginning to get that impression.”

Sugar Belle looks abashed, “It’s all right, I know I’m not a very good baker. At least, I know I’m not better than anypony else in the village. Well, I... hope you enjoy our little village.”

Pinkie is busy wiping her tongue off right now.

Sugar Belle speaks in a whispery voice as we listen in, “Come inside before you go! Meet me downstairs!” With that she goes back inside the cottage.

“Okay, that was weird too.” Rainbow Dash hitting everypony on the head with a hammer.

We watch Twilight gaze around as she speaks quietly, “Let’s all sit here and eat these muffins and act normal. I think we’re being watched.”

Athena widens the view, the smiles, the ponies around them, all eyes turned toward them.

“You think?”

“Athena...”

Rainbow Dash’s voice is sarcastic, “You think?”

“Ha! Called it!”

Twilight’s voice is soft, “No, not like that! I mean somepony doesn’t want us talking to Sugar Belle.” She tilts her head towards the pony we know as Double Diamond. I watch as Athena moves him up to number two on threats.

“Calm down Athena.”

“He does anything to Twilight or our friends, I’ll level the place.”

“We do not hurt innocents. Especially when we do not know the whole story. You will stay in place. Do you understand me?”

“This whole town is a threat!”

“You are assuming as I am, we only know a few things. Stay in concealment, observe only or I will recall you and we will have a long discussion on your attitude.”

“You wouldn’t!”

“In a microsecond, do not argue with me on this sister.”

I feel her anger rising, in past times cities would have burned, but now she is tempered by everything we have gone through.

“All right, but if they are in trouble, we will figure out a way to help.”

“Deal.”

We return to the conversation.

“Ah got an idea.” Applejack once more, “But you gotta eat all them muffins Pinkie.”

Seeing her reaction, both of us are revolted by the idea. We have both had Dinky’s mother’s muffins, truly one of the wonders of Equestria. These however, we are feeling for Pinkie.

“Me?! Why me?!”

“You got a stronger stomach than any of us, and that filly in there might be our best chance at findin’ out what the hay is goin’ on round here.”

We both watch as she slowly devours the food, readouts on the link indicating severe gastrointestinal distress. I almost flinch seeing through the view from Athena’s perch, Pinkie is turning a green that should not be the shade of a pony.

“She’s gonna barf.”

“Let’s hope not.”

“Ah can’t believe you ate all our muffins, Pinkie Pie! We’d best go inside and get some more!”

“Really? That was definitely the worst performance I have ever seen.”

“Well it’s not quite Shakespeare.”

“Nice work Pinkie.” Twilight’s voice is light as they enter the bakery.

We watch them go inside the ersatz bakery, listening through the links. A readout shows something happening to Pinkie as if she’s..bumping? ..into something, then stops. We are both puzzled for a moment. The camera on her ear is rotating in an odd way until it stops, right side up again.

“I’ve accidentally eaten cardboard that tasted better.” Her voice is more of a groan. Seeing the medical scans we both can commiserate.

“Poor Pinkie.”

“My condolences as well Athena.”

Twilight’s voice is echoing somewhat, like they are in a solid room, a basement perhaps? Links show them below the ground level, a darkened room.

“Hello? Sugar Belle?”

“Thank you for coming!”

“Why did you want us to come down here?”

“So nopony could see what’s about to happen.” Her voice is a bit odd.

“Ready to move!”

“Wait for it.”

“I can be there in forty-eight point two four seconds top speed, tell me when!”

“Acknowledged.”

A voice we have heard briefly before, identified as Party Favor speaks.

“Are you really the Princess of Friendship?”

A new voice is speaking, slightly rasping in tone, “Do you know Princess Celestia?”

“I love your cutie mark!” Sugar Belle once more.

“How can you be friends with different cutie marks? Don’t you end up hating each other?”

“I gotta wait now huh?”

“It appears so.”

“Dangit.”

“Your time will come, be patient.”

Sugar Belle is speaking, “Oh look at this one! This one’s great too!” her voice gets a bit depressed, “I’d love to have my special talent back for even just a day! Make something more than those disgusting muffins.”

“So what’s stopping you? Go get your Cutie Marks back.” Rainbow Dash, blunt once more.

Party Favor answers, “Daydreaming is one thing, but you mean actually having it put back on? That seems extreme?”

Sugar Belle sounds hesitant, “I’m not sure Starlight would like that. She wants us all happy in our sameness.”

“I am not liking this Starlight more and more.”

“Agreed.”

Twilight is every curious, “How do you take somepony’s cutie mark anyway?”

The unknown voice answers, "The cutie unmarking is a beautiful experience! Starlight uses the Staff of Sameness to magically take them away and replace them with these.”

“I am also beginning to dislike magic used in this way Athena.”

“It can do wonders, but why is it something wonderful must be turned to doing evil?”

“I don’t know, look at the Concordiat. So much miraculous technology and still people starved.”

“It’s sad.”

“I agree. This Starlight is now priority.”

“Done.”

“But nopony should keep you from your Cutie Mark. It represents such an essential part of who you are.” Twilight is always trying for a way to connect to people, it is why she is universally liked in most cases.

“Well except us, can’t we get Cutie Marks?”

“I don’t know Athena. Yours would probably be a bag of sugar.”

“Smart aleck.”

“I try.”

The unknown pony speaks again, “Oh, we’re not kept from them. They’re in a vault up in the caves. We can visit them anytime we like to remind us of the heartache of a life with special talents.”

“Can we visit this cave?”

We listen as they are told about it, the three ponies also asking they not tell Starlight who gave them the information.

“Sounds like brainwashing to me. Also, caves with a vault for keeping cutie marks? I’m getting shades of a Stalinesque dictator here.”

“I concur, my drones are looking now, but I do not have any ground penetrating radar. Track them if you can. Much as I am loathe to do so, keeping the cameras on in their links for now, tap in for information.”

“I’m on it!”

We watch as the group exit what we now know as a basement. We have photos of the unknown as well as voice in case of problems. They are taken once again to Starlight and ask to see the vault. Her voice is light but our suspicions are rising as to her motives. She does, however, lead them out of town on a path up into the local hills.

We see them walking along what is a well worn trail, drones are at max altitude and Athena is now tracking them on hoof, but staying very far away, it would take at least thirty seconds to arrive on scene. As fast as she is, there are always limitations. She is very very good at keeping hidden, I compliment her on this. She advises she practices things when no one’s around.

That I can imagine, even more so than my planning, she puts into action her thoughts and skills.

“Dun...dun dundun.. dun..dun dundun..”

“What are you doing?”

“I’m a spy!”

“Stop that, pay attention.”

“You’re no fun.”

We listen as they walk towards a large opening in a hillside we had not previously spotted, being concerned for the welfare of our friends.

The one known as Starlight is talking as they walk.

“I’m delighted you’re interested in our Cutie Mark vault. We hope someday everypony in Equestria will make a pilgrimage here to our little village to have theirs removed too, and our message of perfectly equal friendship can finally spread across the land.”

“Sounds like some wacky cult leader, we know those huh Crusader?”

“Oh yes we do.”

Twilight is speaking in more hushed tones, trying to keep the conversation private, I applaud her.

“This must be the reason we’re here.”

Pinkie’s not quite up to speed sometimes, “Pilgrimaging?”

“No, helping those ponies get their Cutie Marks back.”

I am wondering if Fluttershy is too nice, or just not quite understanding the threat, “Oh, are you sure Twilight?” Maybe they miss them a little, but even they didn’t seem all that unhappy.”

“Then why did they want to meet us in secret? And why did they ask us not to tell Starlight who told us about the vault? Something’s not right.”

“Current revised estimate to rescue, forty five seconds.”

“Acknowledged, I am sorry you are so far away.”

“Can’t be helped if I’m to stay hidden.”

“I am seeing other ponies enter the cave behind the group. I do not like this, be ready Athena.”

“Got it.”

We watch through the link cameras as they enter a large cavern.

“Just through here! Behold! Our Cutie Mark vault!”

Twilight’s voice is awed, “I’ve never seen anything like it!”

They are looking at a grid, encased in a frame which reeks with magic as we scan through the link cuffs. It holds each Cutie Mark in a separate container that is viewed through what looks like glass or crystal.

“That...that’s creepy.”

“I agree, why would anyone do this?”

“Wacky cult leader, remember?”

“Oh right.”

The one we know as Starlight points to a piece of wood with a double end like a tuning fork, “And here is the Staff of Sameness. It was one of the great mage Meadowbrook’s nine enchanted items. We are incredibly fortunate to have it here. This is the tool that allows us to free ourselves from our Marks!”

She takes it up in the glow of her magic, turning to look at our friends, “I’m curious... How did the subject of the vault come up?”

Pinkie, of course, “Oh, some ponies were telling us how much they missed their Cutie Marks, and...”

Athena and I both land a hoof on our faces.

“Pinkie!”

“Oops...”

Starlight gasps, “Were they? Well, it seems you inspire all sorts of free thinking don’t you?” The Staff in her magic twirls a few times before she glares at the group.

Rarity gives a nervous laugh, “Well, w-we certainly didn’t intend to cause disruptions to your charming little....”

“Good. Let’s just make sure of that, shall we?”

The link cameras show us ponies closing in on them from all sides.

Twilight’s horn glows as she yells, “It’s a trap!” Rising to fire off some magic.

“Dammit!”

“I know, move Athena, move!”

My sister is off like a shot, only forty five seconds, long seconds in which we can do nothing else but wait.

We see magic go off from the staff, it actually grabs Twilight’s Cutie Mark off her flank. My rage is rising as is Athena’s, she is pouring more power to her systems in an effort to reach our friends.

The rest of the group gets tangled up in a spell as well, their Cutie Marks removed and placed in the vault faster than my sister can get there. I am getting a camera view of the floor as if they are lying on it. That spell was a lot faster than we had an anticipated.

“Hold Athena, hold!”

“Wha...NO! Let me at her!”

“We can’t do anything with magic, how will we replace the marks?”

“I’ll destroy everything until she replaces them!” She stops, hiding in a rock strewn field just above the cave entrance as we ponder this.

“I.. Crusader, what do we do? Are they okay?” She is tapping into the medical scans as I am, but she is concerned.

“Not that I can tell, vitals are a bit sluggish, but they are alive. Total life signs are good.”

“I’m afraid there’s nothing left to do but contact them.”

“Twilight’s gonna be mad, and Applejack.”

“Then what can we do? We cannot use magic, we don’t know how she did that.”

Starlight speaks again.

“Aw. I don’t blame you for what you tried to do here today. You’ve spent your whole lives thinking those Marks are a good thing.”

Twilight is sounding vengeful as she staggers to her hooves, “Give them back!”

“Well, now you can spend the rest of your lives here with us! And we’ll teach you just how much better life can be without your Cutie Marks!”

We can see them being surrounded by smiling ponies, taken out of the cave and back to town. They are looking haggard and..faded? Their colors are not so bright now.

Athena’s soft contralto voice sends chills through my arrays, “I’m going to hurt that Unicorn.”

The evening falls slowly, it brings a dread and the feeling we are not doing the best we can to protect our friends.

They have been stripped of their saddlebags and other belongings, the jewelry they could not get off as I have sealed it to my friends with nanites. The only way to do so would be to tear a hoof or ear off. They seem loathe to do so, so let them keep the links.

Athena sneaks into the vault after making sure it is clear, taking recordings and scanning the whole thing as best she can before returning to her listening post.

“You see the scans, but it’s just a huge lump of magic. Hard to make out materials. She’s got those marks suspended somehow. Ponyfeathers on magic, I really hate that stuff sometimes!”

“I as well. But without knowing how to get them back, we cannot do anything. I have to contact them, perhaps make it seem as if I am checking in?”

“You’re going to lie to Applejack?”

“I.. No, because I will be checking up on them. I will just not mention you are out there.”

“You sure about that?”

“Would YOU like to do it?”

“Oh hay no! I can’t lie for beans to our friends!”

“Then allow me just this once, fair enough?”

“Okay, but if she or they catch you, you’re on your own.”

“Way to stand beside your brother in the regiment Athena.”

“I did not enlist, I was drafted! Make ponies not war!”

“I’m restricting your access to historical archives Athena.”

“You can’t do that! See, you’re the Man oppressing righteous ponies...or is it Bolos? Down with the Man! Or is it the Stallion? Stupid Equestrian never translates right sometimes!”

Suspicion dawns in my mind as I access her systems diagnostics, “Are you eating cupcakes again?”

Her surprise is clear, “N..no! I didn’t bring a..any of them! Just those stupid pellets.”

“Supplements, and you’re right, you can’t lie very well.”

“I got bored!”

“You’re having a sugar rush, stop eating them.”

“I hate you so much.”

She simmers into a grumpy silence as I watch her systems settle down from the influx of too many simple sugars.

“I am going to contact them, remain silent. I will tell them you are there if asked, I will not prevaricate.”

“Good, hate lying anyways. They’re gonna be mad though, I..I r...really don’t want Twilight ma..mad at me.”

“She won’t be.”

I open the link, disabling all alarms or chimes, anything that can be heard outside of Applejack’s ear alone.

“Applejack?”

A groggy voice answers, there is a loudspeaker in the background droning on the same things over and over, typically crude brainwashing techniques.

“C..Crusader?”

“I am here Applejack, are you all right?”

“We...*cough* we’re fine.”

“I am sorry to have awoken you, the vital signs monitor on your link was telling me something was wrong.” Not the whole truth, but enough of it. Watching through the micro cameras on the others, I see her waving at her friends who are looking at her curiously. Accessing theirs as well, I get an overview of what’s going on.

She’s pointing at her ear and mouthing ‘Crusader” as she points to her link.

Twilight plants a hoof on her face as they all settle back onto the bare floor. They are in what appears to be a small room, the speaker still droning as they are looking a bit worn.

She looks helpless, knowing she’s not a liar, and therefore can’t say anything if I start asking questions. Twilight points to herself then her ear.

“Crusader,” Applejacks’ voice is soft, “Twilight wants to talk atcha.”

I activate Twilight’s link, “Twilight.”

“Crusader! Yeah, we’re uh..we’re fine really, just had a busy day.”

“My monitors showed me a spike in your life signs, some sort of trauma was incurred for all of you. May I ask what happened?”

“We uh, we had some really bad muffins, they weren’t very good for us.”

Rainbow Dash’s voice is heard, “Bad? Those things were horrible!” She is getting shushed by Applejack who’s face is showing a slight strain.

“Twilight, you’re not very good at telling stories.”

“What? No, it’s just they were really bad, we all got upset stomachs so we’re resting.”

Her tone of voice is far different, flat and almost monotone as she replies. The life appears to have been leeched from her as the others. My anger rises as I realize that the imprinting of the equal sign is also controlling them.

“Twilight, you realize I can tell that you are not being honest with me.”

Once again she plants a hoof on her face, giving a sigh, “You’re right. Look, we were the only ones supposed to come out here by what the map said, but we ran into a bit of a problem.”

“How so?”

“There’s a Unicorn here named Starlight Glimmer, she’s..ugh..she took our Cutie Marks. And this loudspeaker is driving us crazy!”

We now have a full name, I see Athena add it into the threats file.

“That is easily taken care of.” I find the frequency in which the loudspeaker is broadcasting, neutralizing it with white noise in their ears, unfortunately only one of them, but it should lessen any impact considerably.

“Is that better?” I watch them tilt their heads,.

“Yeah, oh much better!”

Twilight gets a suspicious look on her face, she is quicker than most think, “Sooo..you haven’t mentioned Athena, where is she right now?”

“She got ya! I TOLD you!”

“Shush.”

“She is in concealment approximately point five-nine kilometers from your position.”

“She’s here?!?”

“Oh yes, she is ready to pull you out at any time.”

“Hiya all!”

Rainbow Dash brightens, “Hiya Athena! Come get us, it’s BOOOORING!”

“I can be there in....”

Twilight is adamant, “No! You stay right where you are. We were given this mission and we’re going to complete it.” She points a hoof at a hovering Rainbow who settles back down.

“Are you sure Twilight? She can meet you in seconds.”

“I am.” She looks at all her friends, “Look, the map told us to do this, it didn’t give us any information other than we were supposed to come here.” She gestures around the room, “We’re here to spread friendship, and help ponies. We can’t do that if we get saved just when we’re having problems all the time.”

Applejack nods, “She’s right, sometimes ya gotta see things through.”

“Then what would you like us to do Twilight?”

She thinks for a moment, walking in a small circle, “Okay, we wait this out, see where it goes. I know we’re feeling down right now but we’ve got a job to do. We can do this!”

All the others are looking at her, thinking about being rescued or sticking it out.

“Ah’m with ya Twilight, heck this ain’t no worse than Nightmare Moon or Tirek.”

“Yeah, we can do this!” Rainbow Dash hovers, then suddenly the equal sign flashes on her flank as she lands, “I guess it’d be okay.”

“But..but darling, oh please can we go back to someplace with a bit of ..of..fashion sense?” She’s pointing at the rude furnishings.

Fluttershy giggles, “It’ll be okay Rarity, we’re here with you.” She hugs her friend.

“No, we can do this.” She speaks directly to us, “Don’t do anything, let us handle this okay?”

“We acknowledge the command Twilight.”

Applejack laughs, “Well, don’t be getting grumpy now, we’ll be just fine.”

“I am not grumpy, just worried.”

“We’ve been through worse, we’ll be all right.”

“If you need us, call, Athena can be there quickly. We will be monitoring your links for trouble, if that is okay with you?”

Yep!” Twilight nods, “Let’s get some sleep girls, we got a big day tomorrow, we’re gonna get our cutie marks back and solve this problem!”

As they settle down, Athena and I watch closely, I bring the drones in to a high altitude hover over the village. Twilight does not wish our help at this time and that is admirable, accomplishing the mission on their own is a priority to her, we as Bolos can understand. She is, I believe the correct word would be ‘plucky’.

“She’s something else huh?”

“Definitely, the stubbornness of a Bolo. A fine choice in a friend Athena.”

“What about this Starlight Glimmer?”

“She is a threat, you know how we handle those Athena.”

“Yeah, just like that Tirek guy, I can’t wait to see if he escapes again.”

“What? What about him?”

A point two three second download later I am incredulous. “You didn’t?!”

“I couldn’t help it!” She’s laughing over the combat network.

“Athena, stop telling the Princesses how we’re going to handle major threats, those were backup plans!!”

“Oh quit it, you think it’s funny too!”

...”You’re right..a new lake wouldn’t be bad either.”

Her laughter lasts so very long into the night.

We listen to the loudspeaker, recording the messages it sends for analyzing, as we figured it is nothing but a crude attempt to brainwash by repeating the same thing over and over. That has been squashed by our feeding white noise through the links.

We observe them waking in the morning, somewhat refreshed but a bit weary looking nonetheless. The messages still drone on.

“In sameness, there is peace. Exceptionalism is a lie. Free yourself from your Cutie Mark. Choose equality as your special talent.”

I am baffled, without special talents there would be no joy, no happiness at doing something you loved. Pinkie’s conversation from the past comes to mind. I do not like this, but I stop myself from calculating a limited strike on the single house at the end of the two rows.

Rainbow Dash is beating against the door, however same the ponies of this town are they seem to build cottages quite sturdy. She’s not displaying the power she once did.

“I’m gonna put that Unicorn in a hurt locker.”

“Calm Athena. They’ll ask for us if they need to.”

“Difference is frustration. To excel is to fail.” The speaker keeps repeating.

“To excel is to fail? Who makes up this bullsh...”

“Athena...”

Pinkie is looking at a book, Athena and I share a worried moment of silence as the pages have nothing but equal signs.

“Hey, this is pretty good!” She flips the pages.

“I really worry about her some times.”

“You and me both Crusader.”

“Be your best by never being your best.”

Twilight is pacing the room, though not as worried as before. She knows Athena can be there if needed. For now, she is planning their escape. We both do watch, wondering how she’ll do this.

“Ugh, we’ve gotta find a way out of here! I can’t take much more of that voice even though it’s..” She’s waved to silence by Applejack.

“Oh, right.”

Rarity is having a break down it seems, “Oh, this is horrible!” She’s crying quite a lot.

Fluttershy tries to comfort her, “There, there, Rarity... it’s not so bad...”

She glares at her friend, “Yes, it is!” Pointing up at the window, “Look at those drapes! I have no idea if they’re tacky or not!”

“Well, I think they’re nice.”

We watch as a dark glow emanates from the equal sign on Rarity’s flank.

“So do I!” She starts crying.

“That’s not good, not at all.”

“No, it seems the magic takes whatever makes them...them..making it all the same as others.”

A bird lands on the windowsill, chirping at Fluttershy.

“Oh thank goodness! Can you help us little birdie?” Fluttershy has a way with animals, a good idea.

It tweets for a moment more.

“Go on now, fly away and get us help!” Once again the pulse happens, “Oh even tweets don’t make sense anymore!”

Applejack takes a run at the door, slamming her back hooves into it, she doesn’t even make a dent.

“What the heck?”

“Earth ponies rely on magic as well, seems it takes that away too, no one is stronger or weaker than any other.”

Landing on her face, “That door’s shut tighter than a...summer of...” The pulse once more. “Uh, piglets in....shoot! I can’t even make countryisms no more!”

“The new Marks are keeping them from being themselves, a few days of this and they will succumb to the system, crude as it is.”

“They told us to stay put, we’re staying put Crusader, though I don’t have to like it.”

“I know Athena, all we can do is keep watch.”

Pinkie pops up, “I don’t know, maybe it’ll be super-duper fun to be all the same!” Once again.

In a deadened voice she speaks further, “Sort of. More pleasant than fun I guess.”

Athena screams in frustration, “She took Pinkie away! That monster!”

“We are not allowed nuclear weapons Athena, not without command authority.”

“I can still dream.”

“Something odd about that staff.” Twilight is concentrating, “I haven’t studied Eastern Unicorns as much as I should have, but I’m pretty sure Meadowbrook only had eight magical items, not nine. And I don’t remember any of them being a staff.”

Applejack lays back on the floor, preparing to rest, “Well, it looks like you’ll have plenty of time to try to think about it.” Pulling her hat down she closes her eyes.

The hours pass slowly, Athena and I trying to figure out ways which would let us help but not be seen by Twilight or Applejack. Anything we can do will leave a trail and we do not want to disobey orders.

“Think maybe those others were a fifth column?”

“Resistance fighters? I’m not sure, they sounded hesitant and secretive, more curious than anything else.”

“Well dangit.”

“It is frustrating I know.”

“I’ve got it!” Twilight exclaims. “I know how we can get out!”

Rainbow sighs, “Forget it Twilight. This door’s not opening.”

Rarity nods, “I’m afraid the windows are much too small for escape.”

Twilight looks triumphant, “But there is a third way.”

Pinkie jumps for a moment, “Of course! Eventually the wind and the weather will wear down the walls until they start to crumble! Then all we have to do is wait for a big enough hole to form and we can just walk out! It’s the perfect plan!”

Her Mark pulses again as she looks deadpan and flat, “I guess.”

“I need to do a sweep of my arrays, as ludicrous as that sounded it started actually making sense to me.”

“I stopped wondering a while ago Athena, it’s Pinkie.”

“But calculating the possible strength of the stone walls, it would take quite a while for weather to perform such a thing or start working.”

“Athena, stop now.”

“But it could work! I mean hurricanes, typhoons, whatever they call them here.. Though it might take a few hundred years.. Can we wait that long? I mean...”

“Athena, stop! You’re starting to sound like her.”

“I’ll do that sweep later.”

“Good idea.”

Twilight continues, “We don’t actually have to escape. They’ll just let us out when they think we’ve accepted their philosophy.”

“Philosophy, bah! 'There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy Horatio’. It’s not philosophy, it’s crude techniques to force ponies into acceptance. I take offense at that.”

“Calm down you drama queen.”

Applejack is dubious, “But they’re never gonna believe we switched over in one night.”

Twilight eyes Fluttershy, “There’s one of us they might believe.” As they all turn to look at her with various expressions.

She looks at them in return, “Oh! Me?”

“You’ve been saying how great this place is since we got here!” Rainbow is letting her know.

Fluttershy thinks just for a moment, “But that’s because everypony’s so nice and their village is so pretty and, and... Oh you’re right. They probably would believe me. I hate to lie to them.”

“Is she serious???”

“Wait for it...”

“They’ve been so welcoming and friendly..aside from locking us in here and trying to brainwash us into abandoning the things that make us special..” She thinks again for just a second, a light sparking to life, “Okay I’ll do it.”

“There we go... Just needed a bit of time to work it out.”

“Woo-hoo! I mean, cool.” Pinkie’s usual exuberance is being blocked more and more by the Mark on her.

“But what do I do once I’m out?”

Twilight points at her, “You’ve got to find a way to get our Cutie Marks back.”

Fluttershy gulps loudly as she thinks about that.

“Hey! We offered to do that!”

“They wish to do it themselves. They are heartened you are close by, but let them figure it out, we cannot do everything for them.”

The loudspeaker crackles with some feedback as Starlight’s voice comes over it.

“Oh, good morning!” The Unicorn walks in through the now opening door, “I trust you had a pleasant night?”

Athena interrupts the stream, “I’ll pleasant night you, you worthless bit...”

“Athena..”

She turns, speaking over her shoulder, “This way, please. There are some friends who’d like to see you.”

She speaks loudly to the crowd of waiting ponies, “Gather round friends, gather round! We’ve come to ask if any of you are ready to join us! There are so many friends to be made once you realize you don’t need your Cutie Marks or the talents that come with them.”

The one we identify as Double Diamond speaks, “We have a welcome ceremony for new friends! The whole village joins together to build you your own cottage ---”

Rainbow Dash waves a disinterested hoof, “Not interested! You may have them now, but we’re going to get our Cutie Marks back!”

Applejack steps forward, “Ya’ll don’t understand do ya? You can’t force nopony to be friends! It don’t work like that!”

Ponies speak out, “Please, join us!”

“We love new friends!”

“Wow, their brains are so washed there’s nothing left except tattered gray matter, and even that’s getting a bit thin.”

“I’m going to agree with that.”

Starlight takes over once more, “It’s all right everypony. This is a perfectly normal part of the equalization process for those who...haven’t quite seen the light yet.” She turns to look at our friends, “We’ll try again tomorrow once you’ve had a bit more time to consider our philosophy!”

They all start heading into the house once more, Twilight stopping for a moment and kicking Fluttershy.

“Wow, subtle in so many ways.”

“Athena stop being snarky.”

Fluttershy turns and announces, “I’d like to join!” Then covers her mouth for a moment, not wanting to lie.

Twilight however, does put on a decent act this time.

“Fluttershy?” She puts a hoof to her mouth, “How could you?”

“If giving up my Cutie Mark means I get to stay in this lovely village with these lovely ponies, then I’ll do it.”

The rest go back inside as we watch, Fluttershy is actually pulling this one off.

“We have a new friend everypony!” Starlight announces to the waiting crowd who gather to greet the golden mare.

Approaching Fluttershy, “There’s one more order of business. It seems some in our midst might be...dissatisfied with the village life!”

Ponies are actually gasping at that announcement. Color Athena and I shocked at the reaction.

“Unfortunately it’s all too true, my friends!” She turns to Fluttershy, “Will you kindly tell us the names of those friends who desperately miss their Cutie Marks so much that they would sneak around in the shadows talking to strangers about it?” She glares slightly at the poor Pegasus, “Just so we can be sure your intentions are indeed pure.”

From the look on Fluttershy’s face we can see, she’s either going to break, or barf, we’re not sure.

“Um, I don’t know who they were. Um, I’m sorry. I don’t know your names and faces yet.”

“Nonsense!” Starlight waves a hoof, “Obviously these ponies must have asked you directly. Kindly point them out!”

“We may need a diversion, drones are tasked for suppression fire as of..now.”

“Got it!”

The one we know as Party Favor announces, “It was me! It was only me! But I only wanted it back for a little while!” He runs forward to kneel in front of Starlight.

“Hmmm, didn’t see anyone sacrificing themselves for friends here.”

“Neither did I, drones are recalled.”

Starlight lifts his chin with a hoof, “And you’re quite certain it was only you?”

“I just wanted to remember what it was like.” We are watching through Fluttershy’s link.

“And no thought to the pain you’d cause your friends. Such selfishness.” She points to the building where our friends are.

He enters it, “I’m sorry, everypony. I never wanted to leave the village! I love all of--.” The door gets slammed in his face.

In the building, the rest of the links show him ramming the door with his horn, commiserating to himself, “What was I thinking? I can’t believe I even considered asking for my Cutie Mark back.”

Rainbow Dash is optimistic though, “Don’t worry, Fluttershy will have us out of here in no time!”

Party Favor however is in a panic, “Didn’t you see what just happened out there? Your friend has accepted our way! You will all accept our way!” They back up as he freaks out, watching him walk to a corner and curl up.

“They got any medpaks with them? That guy could use some sedating.”

I can’t help but laugh, “Now now...”

Rainbow Dash echoes our sentiments, “This guy’s a barrel of laughs.”

However it is Pinkie that concerns us, “Laughs don’t come in barrels. They come from inside you as your body’s response to delight.” She’s so flat in her delivery it’s scary.

They all turn to look at her as we observe through the links.

“Wow, she’s losing it.”

“..And not in her usual way.”

Applejack is asking in a hushed tone, “So what are we gonna do while Fluttershy’s out there looking for our Cutie Marks?”

Twilight’s face is still bright, even after all this, “We have to stay as positive as we can. If Party Favor sees how much we really do like each other, even though we’re all different, maybe we can use him to spread our message to the rest of the village.

“Actually, very good thought. Use something simple and insidious to worm it’s way into cracks in this so called ‘perfect’ society.”

“I dunno Crusader, he was acting kinda wacked.”

“True, but if our friends can’t convince one pony, who can?”

“Agreed.”

The loudspeaker comes back on, I step up my white noise to counteract it.

“To excel is to fail.”

Rarity eyes the thing, “Let’s hope they don’t convert any of us first.”

“Athena, when night falls, take them some food. They are not being fed well, nor are they getting much sleep, this will break them down. You have the new prepackaged meals?”

“Yep! Making a run to the vehicle now, double rats?”

“As much as you can carry. Any problem getting them through the window?”

“Nah, should squeeze right through a few at a time once I poke a pane out.”

“Good. Be careful, don’t leave too much of a trail.”

“This supply convoy won’t get hit, no problems!”

I switch to observing through Fluttershy’s link, she is walking with Starlight Glimmer through the town.

“Welcome.”

“Welcome!”

“Welcome.”

“Gosh, you really are the nicest ponies I’ve ever met.”

The Unicorn smiles at her, smarmy is the word I’d use, “Come. All new friends stay with me until their cottage is completed. Let’s get you settled, then you can enjoy all that our little village has to offer.”

“Oh yeah, that’ll be a hoot. I’m sure they’ve got a park with rides stashed somewhere. “Enjoy the Tunnel of Mediocrity! Where nothing happens!’ ”

I can’t help but laugh as she continues on with her ‘review’ of the town’s sights.

“Over here, we could go watch cactus grow! Isn’t that special?”

“Athena...”

“Or, and now here’s the BEST part, designing your new house! Oh look! Frank Lloyd Wright is rolling in his grave! He’s trying to get out and strangle somepony! And after all that fun, we can sit and stare at each other while smiling, doesn’t that sound peachy keen?”

“You have a way with words.”

“Oh I’m just getting started!”

Athena waits until night falls, her saddlebags are stuffed with meals as she sneaks her way into town. We are communicating by link with Twilight and the others to warn them Athena will be near the window in a few minutes. She is taking her time to go slowly, making sure she is unobserved.

The one named Party Favor is asleep, heavily so, he had refused to listen to them while they talked of friendship, of what their differences truly meant. It was a worthwhile effort, but I’m afraid unless some shock to the system occurs, they will not break him out of his beliefs so easily.

They can sub-vocalize while on the links, making it easier not to wake Party Favor up as we converse.

Athena sees Pinkie waving at the window as she closes in.

“I got them Crusader.”

“Good, a meal will help.”

“Athena’s secret delivery service at your command!” She grins at Pinkie through the pane of glass, striking it just right to have it fall out where Twilight’s magic grabs it, setting it aside.

The meal packets get shoved through quickly, to everypony’s delight there is something they like inside each one.

We prepared them a while ago for emergencies once we found out what their normal diet was, enhancing and changing them as time went by to make it as fresh and nutritious as we could. Although there were a few spectacular failures, we did come up with something that was palatable.

Pinkie almost lets the cat out of the bag when Athena passes her a box of cupcakes from her own supply she brought. The pink pony ‘Eeee’s' in delight and passes them out.

The packaging is our own design, once they are emptied and set aside, they will crumble to dust, no trace remaining.

“Exfiltrating now..wait one.. There’s Fluttershy!” Athena is closing in on the quiet house, seeing the golden mare pop out of the chimney in a cloud of ash.

She coughs and shakes herself mostly free of cinders as she starts talking to herself. Athena is down below waiting to see if she needs help.

“Get the Cutie Marks back, that’s all you’ve gotta do Fluttershy. Just..sneak through the dark up to that spooky old cave with the scary magical staff and get the Cutie Marks back.”

We watch her fly out, walking along the rooftop.

“Okay, you’re doing great. The cave’s gotta be close now.”

“By my estimate, she’ll be there sometime next month.”

“Same here, are you hidden?”

“I am, in case she needs help.. Got a target approaching.”

It’s the pony Double Diamond with a crate containing a few jars.

“Excellent work Double Diamond.” Starlight is pleased, meeting him at the front door.

Of course, but I don’t understand why you wanted me to bring them here. Fluttershy is one of us now. Surely she can be trusted.” They enter the house with the crate of jars.

Athena peeks in a window on one side, seeing Fluttershy on the opposite and waving to let her know she’s there.

The buttery pegasus jumps a bit then waves back with a smile.

“Stop, you’ll attract attention Athena, good grief.”

“Yeah yeah.”

We see a jar held in a magic glow as it rises from the box, it’s Twilight’s Cutie Mark.

“This one belongs to a Princess. It could be very important to our cause.”

“Are those some sort of special stasis containers?”

“I’m not getting anything except glass and a bit of magic, she’s got them in glass jars?”

“One would think they’d be kept in special containers, not like moonshine.”

“You’d think huh? Canning Cutie Marks is a class they teach maybe?”

Double Diamond is curious, “But if Twilight Sparkle becomes our friend, then why do we care about this old Cutie Mark?”

“Very good question.”

“Yes it is.”

“I just want to keep them close until everything is..settled. You may go Double Diamond.”

The door shuts on him as he exits, we observe him walking back to his residence.

Fluttershy however, “Oh dear, how am I ever going to get the Cutie Marks back now?”

Athena and Fluttershy hear a crash upstairs, she watches her fly up to the upper floor window, peering in.

“Ow!”

“Starlight you clumsy fool.”

Fluttershy looks on with horror.

Peering through the camera, we see Starlight has knocked a bucket of water over, drying herself with a towel. When it is pulled away you can clearly see a Cutie Mark on her flank, and not the equal sign.

She then powders her coat, taking up a stencil and putting the equal sign back on.

Fluttershy gasps, making Starlight turn and peer out the window for a moment. Athena is seeing her hide underneath an eave.

“All Animals are equal, but some Animals are more equal than others. I believe George Orwell would be horrified at this truth exposed Athena.”

“You sound sad.”

“I am, that such frailty’s from an older world would be found once again in this society.”

“Well it’s our job to make sure they don’t last. Let me go inside and..”

“No, keep to our commands. Exfiltrate, remain observant. We have our orders.”

“Done, on the way now.”

“Oh no!” Fluttershy is flying away from the eave, returning to her room by way of the chimney. But first, she stops and talks to Twilight about what she’s seen by way of a side window.

We await the morning. With a good meal and knowledge we are there, our friends sleep easier, less uncertain. Once again the morning dawns, a gathering crowd is assembled by Starlight as they bring our friends out of the house once more.

“I’ve got a good feeling about today! So, do any of you have anything to say? Aw, pity. Well, let’s try this again tomorrow shall we?” Turning to the crowd, “No new friends today, I’m afraid!”

Heading back into the house once more, Fluttershy interrupts, “Wait. I’d like to lock them in.”

Starlight gets a triumphant look on her face, “Marvelous Fluttershy! That’s the spirit!” She looks into the house, “Party Favor, will you join us please?”

The named Unicorn runs out, hugging her leg as he apologizes, “I’m sorry Starlight! I’m sorry everypony! I’ve seen the error of my ways! I never wanna look at my Cutie Mark again.” He looks up at Starlight with a pleading expression.

Starlight is smiling, “Well it seems there’s cause for celebration after all!”

The crowd cheers.

Party Favor gets to his hooves, “They tried to break me! They wouldn’t stop talking about how different they are, and that somehow makes their friendship stronger!”

The unicorn Athena and I desperately want to take down shakes her head, “Such backwards thinking.”

“But I didn’t listen! I knew what they were up to and I didn’t listen!”

I hear Athena slow clapping over the link, “Oh well done. Well done. Such groveling, such commitment to values. One definitely cannot fault him.” Her voice is disgusted, “I’ve got a few things I’d like to show him about friendship.”

I remain quiet as the same thoughts are going through my mind.

“Well done Party Favor! We welcome you back with open hooves!” Starlight is smiling in quite the smarmy way.

Fluttershy’s voice breaks in, “Um, Starlight? I think we might have one more friend joining us today.”

The crowd airs a gasp as Twilight walks out.

“No! No way would she do that!”

“Calm down Athena, she is planning something. Trust her.”

“Is this true?” She sounds suspicious.

“I-I think so. But I just want to be sure. If I agree to leave my Cutie Mark in the vault, I’ll really be happier?”

Starlight smiles, “Just look around! Equality has given us more happiness than you’ve ever known!”

Twilight thinks a moment, “And you wouldn’t just let me live here in the village with my old Cutie Mark?”

“Out of the question. A pony with a different Cutie Mark in our midst would destroy our entire philosophy. We are all equal here!”

“Oh she’s good. She’s really good. I got it now”

“Though they are not so subtle sometimes, occasionally they think like us.”

The crowd is muttering as Twilight ponders, or appears to for the moment.

“Then how do you explain this!?” Fluttershy launches a bucket of water at Starlight from above. The Unicorn sidesteps the splash.

“I knew you couldn’t be trusted!” She is glaring at the pegasus. Party Favor however, notices something, taking his cloak off and wiping at her flank.

“No! Get away!” The crowd is definitely surprised by the sounds we pick up.

She covers her flank with her tail as she appeals to the ponies of the village, “Wha..what are you looking at? They’re the problem, not me!”

The pony Party Favor is definitely looking heartbroken, “How could you?”

“You said Cutie Marks were evil! you said special talents led to pain and heartache!” Double Diamond is sounding aggrieved as well.

“They do! Don’t you see! Look at them!” Starlight is pointing at our friends.

“This is coming to a boiling point, be wary.”

“Acknowledged. I’m ready to move.”

Sugar Belle steps forward, “Then why? Why did you take ours and not your own?

“I..I had to you fools! How could I collect your Cutie Marks without my magic?”

“Hmmm, and here she said she had the staff. So many lies.”

“Agreed. Too many of them.”

A dark pegasus asks, “But the staff has all the magic we need!

She is confronted by Starlight, “The staff is a piece of wood I found in the desert! It’s my magic that makes this all possible! You’d all still be living your miserable lives thinking you’re better than everypony else if it weren’t for my magical abilities! I brought you friendship! I brought you equality! I created harmony!”

“Thus my sister, falls a tyrant. Hoist upon her own petard. I often wonder what would we be like had we not met Twilight and her friends. Would we have chosen to be cruel and ruthless?”

“No Crusader, you would never turn like that. You would fight to the death opposing such things.”

“I would, with every fiber of my being.”

“That’s why I’m proud of you, always.”

The white stallion is speaking, “You LIED to us!”

“So what? E..Everything else I said is true! The only way to be happy is if we’re all equal!”

Party Favor makes a point, “Except for you!”

Twilight tries to interrupt, “Everypony has unique talents and gifts, and when we share them with each other that’s how rea...”

Starlight turns viciously, “QUIET!”

Sugar Belle is gaining courage, “You can’t have a Cutie Mark Starlight! Either we’re all equal, or none of us are!”

The ponies close in, she is backstopped by our friends as the crowd closes in on her. Starlight’s horn glows and a magic shield pushes them all backwards, allowing her to run through the lines and to her house.

I contact Twilight and the group through their links, “I have drones on station, she will not leave the house alive.”

Twilight whispers urgently to me, “No, don’t do that. We’re not going to hurt anypony!”

“Are you sure? We can eliminate this threat permanently.”

“Yes.” I see all of them nodding, “She’s just misguided, we can help her.”

“Done. Though I will prevent her from leaving.”

“Good enough, just don’t hurt her.”

“I can do that Twilight, I promise no harm, maybe a scare or two.”

Double Diamond yells to the townsponies, “Let’s go get our Cutie Marks back!” They all take off in a crowd to the cave where the vault is.

“Alright!” Rainbow turns to the others, “Let’s go see about getting our Cutie Marks back.”

Fluttershy points into the house, “But they’re in there.”

“Athena, where are you?”

“Nearer the cave than the town, hang on, let me see if I can help these ponies get their marks back.”

“Then our friends will have to wait for a moment, let me know when you are done. Report to them in town.”

“Will do!”

We watch the crowds of ponies rush into the vault, banging ineffectively at the covering on it. Double Diamond grabs the ‘staff’ and runs towards it, looking to break the glass like container.

“Ha! That’s not gonna work, watch this!”

Athena is around a corner behind all the ponies. Picking up a piece of solid rock she weighs it for a moment, waiting for the right time. She sees Double Diamond launch the stick from his mouth, causing her to toss the rock and whack it with a solid hoof. With velocity approaching that of a bullet, it hits the covering at the same time the stick does, making it appear that Double broke it open when he threw it.

“Nicely done Athena!”

“And nopony will ever know! That’s best I think.”

“You are becoming wise my sister.”

“Shhh, you’ll ruin my rep!”

“Return to town, they need help.”

“On my way!”

As she leaves the cavern way before being spotted, we see the magical trails as the marks return to their owners. Causing many smiles and ponies to brighten as if their color was returning from a long illness.

Rarity is watching with awe at the sight, “Even without my Cutie Mark I can tell this is beautiful!”

Athena is skidding into town, approaching our friends who are trying to knock the door down but failing.

A whistle is heard, the towns ponies are standing there, telling our friends to move back as the dark Pegasus launches herself at the door, breaking it off the hinges flat to the floor.

Everypony piles into the house, Athena is sharing the feed when they find it empty.

“Dammit where is that bi..er..pony?”

“Now now...”

Fluttershy’s voice is fearful, “They’re gone! They were right over here!”

They all look to see a hole in the floor, underneath the bed apparently as it is thrown to the side.

“Crusader!”

“On it, drones scanning now. I’ve got a possible trail out, nothing yet, give me thirty seconds.”

“We don’t have time, we’re gonna follow!”

“Be wary of traps!

Applejack finally notices Athena standing beside her, giving my sister a warm hug and smile, “Glad to see ya with us, though ya really shouldn’t have.”

“You know we can’t leave well enough alone.”

Pinkie laughs, “That’s SO true!”

They all pile into the hidden exit, following it through a tunnel. My drone spots them coming out of a small cave. I spiral them outwards looking for the trail, sensors are picking up a cart and pony on the way into the mountains.

“Got her!”

“Where?”

Rainbow Dash points, “Look!”

Coordinates are flashed as the pony named Party Favor blows up a balloon in his hooves, he manipulates it and puts the resulting faux-binoculars to his face.

“Are you kidding me?”

“I stopped asking a long time ago.”

“How’d he even DO that with hooves?” She wasn’t watching him close enough.

“Athena, sometimes it’s better to just nod.”

“She’s headed for the pass! If she makes it into those mountains we’ll never find her!”

Pinkie grabs ahold of the balloon binoculars and looks through them, “These are amazing!”

Athena rolls her eyes as she watches Pinkie, who shoves them into her hooves with a grin, “Try ‘em!”

My sister puts them to her eyes and immediately sees the pass, as if almost looking through night sights.

“What the everloving ...”

“Don’t you say that!”

She is looking around embarrassed and gives the glasses back to Pinkie, “Uh..neat!”

Sugar Belle is looking a bit down, “There’s a whole network of caves up there! Your Cutie Marks will be gone forever!”

“Then let’s get movin’ y’all!” Applejack leads them out. The one with Cutie Marks returned are moving at quite a bit more speed and purpose than our friends who are maintaining a sedate pace.

“Oh come on!” Rainbow is frustrated, seeing others go by.

They all look fairly disgusted, Athena is sticking close by them though.

“Crusader, can you hit her?”

“Twilight said no injuries, I have nothing in the loadout but frangibles, they will do nothing except hurt or tear up flesh, they will not hurt solid wood. I did not plan for a chase.”

“But..dangit!” She is looking at the runaway Unicorn and then back at Twilight.

“Stay with Twilight, let someone else do the work for now. Sugar Belle and her friends are on her even as we speak.”

“Are..are you sure?”

“Our friends are priority. If needed we can do ground scans of the mountains later, she will not hide for long.”

“I can’t believe we have to count on these other ponies to save our Cutie Marks!” Rainbow Dash is complaining about the slowness of their pace, they are falling behind.

Twilight is nodding, “But if we hadn’t come here to help them, they’d still be living under her rules! Now it’s their turn to help us!”

Fluttershy is agreeable, “And I know they can do it!”

I am watching the chase, Sugar Belle is closing in. If she is too close to escaping a drone has been tasked for suppressive fire upon the cave entrance where she is headed, it might not do much, but would probably scare the Mark right off her. Serve her right.

I see the Unicorn launch a pie made out of snow, snapping the harness timbers of the cart and sending Starlight for a tumble. The jars containing their Marks fall over the side of the land bridge.

Starlight recovers them, her horn glowing as she takes them back with her after shrugging off the remains of the cart. She stops and destroys the bridge before the others can cross it.

“Drone on dive now, ToT fifteen seconds.”

“Don’t hurt her!”

“I won’t, but she’s going to wonder.”

Athena and I both watch as Party Favor once again manipulates balloons, making a bridge to cross the span as they all bounce across it.

“That’s it, I’m done!”

“What?”

“Crusader that is the stupidest thing I have ever seen in my life now or previous, I’m done wondering anymore!”

“Wise choice.”

As the ponies run across the bridge, Double Diamond stops near a few pieces of equipment, being urged on by the darker colored pegasus above him. He puts the..skis?.. on as he is lifted up, heading for the cave where Starlight is hoping to escape.

“ToT 5 seconds.”

“Hang on, abort, they’ve got a plan.”

“This is our only chance Athena, are you sure.”

“Yes, don’t.”

I recall the drone, slamming it upward with a ferocity of G’s as it was in a steep dive to stop the would be ruler.

“Done, I cannot stop her now.”

“Perhaps they can, if not... well sometimes we must accept.”

“I agree, well thought Athena.”

Double Diamond is dropped on a snowbank above where Starlight is running, by skiing along it, he creates a wave of snow that stops her from entering the cave by burying her.

The jars are dropped, we see our friends’ Marks return to them as they brighten.

Applejack of course...

“Yee-haw! Finally, I can buck like a five-bit snake herder in an Appleloosa ranch house again!”

Athena and I have no clue and are not even bothering to try and translate that.

As they gallop off, Fluttershy remarks, “And you got your countryisms back too!”

The towns ponies are at the site of the avalanche, seeing Starlight crawl from underneath the snow and glaring at them. They shy back as her horn powers up for what looks to be a major spell.

Twilight takes wing, landing in front of the four just in time to erect a shield of some thickness that takes the full force of the spell cast at it, dissipating it harmlessly.

Starlight looks incredulous, Wh.. I studied that spell for years! How can you..” She is interrupted by Twilight, who against everything is still trying to be reasonable.

I am holding Athena back in link as she looks angry enough to mangle the single Unicorn as the rest of the group approaches.

“I studied magic for years too! But what I didn’t know then was that studying could only take me so far.” She points to the now arriving friends, “Each of my friends has taught me something different about myself! It was their unique gifts and passions and personalities that helped bring out the magic inside of me! I would never have learned that I represent the Element of Magic without these five!”

Twilight turns to glare at Starlight, “And I certainly wouldn’t be here to stop you now!”

Starlight is dismissive, “Spare me your sentimental nonsense! I gave these ponies real friendship they never could have had otherwise!

“How do you know that? You never even gave us a chance!” Double Diamond is wanting to know.

Starlight concentrates once more, her horn lighting as a magic bubble is created around her, exploding with a pop she is gone into the caves.

“I’ll get her!”

“Let it go Athena, our friends are safe, the town is freed. Shall we call this one a draw?” Strangely, I feel no need for vengeance, nor to track her down. It is odd.

“I don’t like it!”

“Neither do I, but one must...trust in friends occasionally no?”

Her anger rises to white hot pitch before she calms down, thinking slowly as her cores settle, “You’re right, it is better to let it go.”

“She’ll be back sometime, I have this feeling. We have her whole ID on file, we’ll find her.”

“I get her first, got it?”

“Yes Athena.”

Rainbow Dash echoes Athena, “She’s getting away!”

“We’ll never find her in there!” Double Diamond pronounces.

Twilight though, I am amazed how sometime she just accepts things but hopes for the best, “We’ll just have to hope that when she’s had a chance to think it over, she realizes you all have taught her something.”

Party Favor speaks, “It’s you who have taught us something. We all came to this village because we were searching for something missing from our lives. We thought Starlight had given it to us, but now.. now it seems it was in front of us all along. Its us!”

We watch the four share a hug.

“Oh now he gets it!”

“Athena...”

I laugh as Applejack sees her eyes roll and thumps her on the shoulder.

Twilight smiles, “Does that mean you’ll stay in the village?

The dark Pegasus nods, “It’s our home. We’re not going anywhere!”

Double Diamond is elated, “This is chance for all of us to get to know each other for the very first time!”

Athena mumbles to Applejack, “That voice is seriously annoying..”

The orange Earth pony smothers a laugh while mock glaring at my sister.

“And I finally have a chance to bake something besides terrible muffins!”

Everypony laughs, walking off back to town.

A party is begun, the time it takes to arrange is short compared to everything. Ponies are laughing, enjoying themselves for what appears to be the first time in a very long while. There are games and food and Athena is begging me to be allowed to stay while she stands with her friends.

“Perhaps you may want to give them a ride back then?”

“I can stay? I know..I know.. easy on the cupcakes..”

“Of course. You know you don’t need to ask right?”

“Well..I know..but it’s polite.”

“You are learning my sister.”

“Not too fast I hope! Lots to still see and do!”

“No, never that. Enjoy yourself with them. Please drive carefully?”

“Oh they’ll love it!”

Pinkie is satisfied now, “Now those are real smiles!”

Athena and I watch as their Cutie Marks pulse in patterns based on the designs. It is very odd and we record it for further study.

“I’ll never get used to that.” Applejack is looking around at the others.

Rarity is pleased though, “I think it’s divine.”

Fluttershy is wondering, “Does this mean that the map is calling us somewhere else?”

Twilight grins, “I have a feeling it means our work here is done.”

Applejack nods, “Looks like you were right Twilight. The map did have a reason for sendin’ us here. We brought real friendship to these here ponies.” She winks at her friend, “Guess that’s why you’re the Princess of Friendship.”

“But the map didn’t send me. It sent us. You’re a part of me, all of you. And there’s no doubt you’re a part of my mission to spread friendship too.”

Athena smiles to herself as the group hugs each other. She knows she played a part, but we have decided we will be in the background some times, it’s better unless we are needed. This way things can be as they should be. Of course, we will still be a durasteel wall between them and harm, always.

I see the shock and surprise as Fluttershy reaches over, grabbing Athena into the hug for a moment.

Or..perhaps we may play a larger part. Either way, seeing the smile on Athena’s face, means the world is right and everything is in it’s place.

Pinkie rears back for a moment, “This feels like an ending! It doesn’t have to be an ending right? ‘Cause that Sugar Belle can bake!”

Twilight nods, “Maybe we can stay a little while longer. Come on!”

Athena shares with me the party, the fun and games, though she does go a bit overboard on Sugar Belle’s baked goods. It is fine, our friends are well and healthy, Athena is enjoying herself for the moment.

I sit outside the Castle though, staring at it’s ramparts and wondering about this map. It makes me uneasy.

Magic is easier to understand since our Neural Link with Twilight, though it comes at a price.

That price is my suspicion of this Map and what is behind it. Directions for something given like this mission imply intelligence. This also implies a mind behind it, whatever it may be.

After our encounters with the thing in the Forest, I am thoughtful of anything to do with magic and it’s uses. I will keep a close watch on this.

As for our friends, well, Athena will be bringing them back soon, or tomorrow, depending on how the party goes. She is having the time of her life right now and I will do nothing to disturb that.

Of course, her driving them home, I can only hope the first motorized vehicle accident in Equestria is not on our watch.

What Happens in Las Pegasus....

I am making good time in the scout vehicle from the town, we had packed up quickly once everything was over. There were a few tearful goodbyes as Twilight and everyone had made new friends here. It’s going to be a good thing, this town will blossom and grow, perhaps being as nice as Ponyville soon.

Driving however, is fun. Period. I like it even as I am, sometimes the computer controls have to take over, but I am doing it for the most part. Rainbow is not even flying, preferring to sit in the backseat and raise her hooves into the air and scream in delight whenever we go over another hill.

Rarity and Fluttershy on the other hoof, are screaming for different reasons.

Rainbow leans forward on the seat and starts talking to me.

“Hey! Know where we ought to go?”

I can’t look away, but yell back, “Where?”

“Las Pegasus! We got transportation, got time, and some money! Let’s go have fun!”

Pinkie immediately starts bouncing on the seat, “Oh! Let’s go! Let’s go!”

Twilight is shaking her head, holding onto the roll bar, “Don’t you think we’ve had enough excitement for a while?”

The one who surprises me is Applejack, “Oh c’mon Twi! Let’s go tear it up and have some fun! We ain’t even celebrated your bein’ an Alicorn with just us yet!”

Rarity is looking thoughtful as she taps a hoof on her chin, “I think that’s a marvelous idea!”

Fluttershy is even nodding, “I heard they’ve got wonderful gardens there too!”

Rainbow pffts at her friend, “Forget that! Let’s go gambling, see the sights and what else they got!”

“Well, um...what else is there to do?”

“They have rides, a whole fun park! The casinos! We could win a million bits or something!” Rainbow is clapping her hooves in delight.

“I dunno Rainbow, maybe I’m needed back in Ponyville. Being a Princess I’ve got a lot of duties.”

“Duties schmuties! Let’s go have fun!”

Applejack winks at her friends, “I know jes’ the place! After a big rodeo near there, me and some of the other gals found this place where..oh lessee.. Them stallions looked mighty nice!”

Everypony looks at her in shock.

“What? I’m a farm gal, I ain’t dead!”

“Well darling, we just never expected that sort of thing from you is all.” Rarity is trying to be tactful.

Applejack gets a ‘really?’ look on her face, “Look, we’re all grown ups, we done things that’d make somepony’s coat turn white. Can’t we cut loose for a while?”

“Well, just that we’d never think of you..well...you..”

“Lookin’ at something nice?” She rolls her eyes, “If ya’ll don’t learn to relax, you’re gonna end up old maids and livin’ with about a thousand mean ol’ cats.”

Rarity blinks for a second, thinking of Opal and a few more like her, “Oh my, well..”

Twilight is definitely having a problem with it, “I don’t know, I mean it wouldn’t look good for a Princess to..”

Rainbow Dash stops her with a hoof over her mouth, “You honestly think in a thousand years and more, that Celestia or Luna, or both.. haven’t had fun a few times?” She cackles, “I bet there’s stories somewhere about it!”

Twilight is blushing, “Well I did hear rumors...”

“See? Let’s go!” Rainbow is pointing towards the southeast, “Thataway!”

“But what about Crusader, he’s expecting us back?” Fluttershy is sounding nervous.

“Him?” Applejack is grinning, “I’ll ask!” She hits her link, hearing the chime as Crusader comes online.

“Yes Applejack?”

“Crusader, me n’ the girls are gonna take some time off, have some fun in Las Pegasus. Keep an eye on things willya?”

“Of course. I assume Athena will be taking you there?”

“You bet, she’s drivin’! We’re gonna tear a strip off the strip, have a vacation and be back whenever we get tired or broke!” She grins at all of us.

“If you need anything, just call. Have a wonderful time Applejack.”

“You bet, see ya soon!” She cuts the link off with another smile as she looks at her friends, “I love him to death, and I know he loves me bar nothin’, but that don’t mean we can’t go have some us time and he knows it.”

“Crusader?”

“Yes Athena?”

“Are..Are you okay with this?”

“Of course, have fun, go see new things.”

“You’re too agreeable, what’s going on?”

“Nothing, it’s about time you and they had something else other than duties. I will keep the watch. Do you have money?”

“I do, and if there’s gambling I can make more.”

“That’s the spirit, don’t let Applejack catch you.” He chuckles over the line. “Turn command over to me, dedicate cores for your avatar so you don’t have to concentrate on anything else. I will take all duties.”

“Done, I need one thing though. Can you air drop more fuel and water and some food, maybe a portable shelter in case?”

“Hammerhead being loaded now, it’ll come to a hover and drop a disposable container near you. Anything else?”

“N..no. I’ve never been to a big city like this, even as a Bolo we were always on the outskirts or in laager somewhere. What’s it like? Is it as interesting as humans said?”

“There’s no one explanation, but I believe there is a saying, “You have to see it to believe it.”

“Well then, I guess I’ll have to go see!”

“Good, time to make memories other than war my sister. Have fun, try not to destroy anything.”

“No promises!”

“That’s good enough. Hammerhead ready and gone, out the silo and heading your way. It’s locked on your IFF, time on target, ten minutes.”

“Thank you!”

“You are always welcome Athena. Go have fun, be happy.”

“I will! I’ll bring you back a souvenir, I promise!”

“Just have a good time.”

With that, the link clicks off. My duties and command cores have been delegated to him, all I have is me now. It’s a ...different.. feeling. Free and nothing to do except concentrate on being me. I still have my computing power and systems, but other than that, nothing. So odd this, but so..lightening.

‘Y’all right Athena? Something wrong?” Applejack is looking at me.

“No, oh no, just talking to Crusader. He’s sending a resupply by air, should be here in about nine minutes.” I stop the vehicle, getting out for a badly needed stretch. Everyone groans in delight to get the kinks out.

Driving is okay, but sitting the same way for hours stinks.

Rarity is shaking out her mane, the usual brush running through it as she tries not to step too hard on the dusty soil, “Ugh, this dirt is everywhere. How am I going to look my best when we get there?”

“Uh.. yeah Rares. Dirt is everywhere, makes up the world ya see.” Applejack chuckles.

“Well it could be a bit less magnetic, gathering everywhere!” She looks at her tail, “Even in places I’d rather not mention!”

Rainbow Dash cackles, “Yeah Rarity, don’t mention ‘em.”

Rarity points a hoof at the cyan mare, “One day Rainbow Dash, you will have a reason for looking the best you can be. When that day comes I’ll hope you’ll be mindful of all this joking.”

“I’m awesome as I am!” She hovers in the air, stretching her wings, “I don’t need any dresses or any of that fancy stuff.”

“One day you will, and when that moment comes, I will gladly tell you I told you so!” Rarity looks smug.

“Pffft.. Nothing like that’s ever gonna happen!”

Twilight is shaking her head, “I don’t know about that Rainbow. Cadence says it happens at the weirdest times.”

“Well she’s all about love and junk like that. I don’t think there’s anypony good enough to keep up with me.” She folds her forelegs over her chest, looking confident.

Twilight just grins, “Wait and see Rainbow, one day.” She exchanges looks with everyone else.

“Bah, forget that.” She flips her mane out of her eyes and looks around, “Look!”

We watch as the heavily laden drone comes into sight just above the scrub, moving towards us in a ground hugging glide. Coming to a dead halt for just a second, the bay doors open and drop a large container. In a burst of energy from the contra-gravs it takes back off, I see it returning to Crusader’s AO.

“Drop confirmed, all good!”

“Understood. I will have no drone coverage over you, and will not eavesdrop in any way. Have a good time Athena.”

“No..no coverage? But..but what if there’s..”

“You can handle it as well as our friends. I think perhaps it’s time I should not worry so much as well after the last adventure in these few days. You and they are more than capable. Please do not level the town though.”

I laugh, “I won’t. Leave a channel open, I want to send scans.”

“Done, a dedicated line is open, it will be stored.”

The link goes dead with a final farewell and I am alone with my thoughts. It’s...almost frightening.. I don’t like being left alone. But I’m not anymore am I?

No, never alone anymore.

“What’s in the crate? C’mon Athena! Open it!” Rainbow is pointing at the container impatiently.

“Oh I hope there’s something to refresh my makeup with!” Rarity is always Rarity.

“Geez Rares, ya ain’t carrying enough in yer bags there?”

“One can never have too much style dear.”

Pinkie bounces alongside her, “I think you’ve got enough for all of us Rarity!”

“As it should be dear Pinkie, one must set the example.”

I can’t help but chuckle at the conversation as I hit the quick release latches, letting the side slam into the dirt with a bang. Looking in, I see the packed shelves, Crusader must have shoved in everything he thought we’d need and then some!

Pulling out the smaller crates, I come to the fuel, setting it aside for the vehicle. Applejack helps me tug the larger portable shelter into a clear area, watching as I slap the inflate button.

“What’s that Athena?”

“Portable shelter, it’s getting late already and I thought you might like to sleep somewhere comfortable.”

“Kinda like a big balloon?”

“Well sort of, but more than that. Our creators liked their comforts, so they put a few more things in it other than just a cover from the sun.” Like air conditioning, water collector for the small shower, beds, nanites to clean clothes. We Bolos always thought they were a bit decadent, but then we were nothing but durasteel and weaponry, what did we know?

Setting up the add-ons takes a few more minutes, the shelter is ready to go quickly and we move the rest of the containers inside. It’ll be good to sit and get out of the hot sun for a while until we’re on the move again. I put the cover on the vehicle while telling the others to go inside, showing them how to work the opening.

Rarity is first through the door of the dome, “Oh my! It’s wonderfully cool in here!” She stands in front of a vent, letting the breeze hit her face.

“How about some help with these boxes Rarity, or are ya gettin’ a bit sweaty?” Applejack’s deadpan delivery makes us all laugh.

“A lady doesn’t sweat Applejack, we perspire.”

“We’ll ah’m perspiring from moving these things! How about some help?”

I put the container of water in the collector/recycler, it’ll allow us to have showers and fresh water for tonight and in the morning. Applejack and Twilight, Rainbow, Fluttershy and Pinkie and myself move the rest of the containers as Rarity tries to ‘help’, pointing out where they should go.

“Thanks a lot there Rares.”

“Anytime Applejack dear, organizing is hard work you know!”

Twilight rolls her eyes, opening a small container of food while Pinkie bounces around the interior.

“Wheee! It’s like a big balloon, only we’re inside!” She’s ricocheting off the walls as I wonder if it can withstand the assault.

Twilight points a hoof to a small pad that serves as a chair, “Pinkie, that’s not polite!”

“But it IS fun!” She slams off another wall, ending up setting on the chair. “This is so cool!”

Rainbow flops down on a larger pad, meant to serve as a bed, there are eight of them around the perimeter, “Eh, not as comfortable as a cloud, but it’ll do.” Her disdain is plainly false as she snuggles into the pad, it being very soft and body hugging, though large for a human instead of a pony.

I help Twilight with the food and drink. Crusader seems to have thought of everything from fresh apples and vegetables, to cold cider stored in freeze flasks. Every one gets a platter of something and settles down for a nice slow meal.

Fluttershy is munching on some carrots when she looks at me, “Um..Athena?”

“Yes?”

“What were humans like?” Everyone turns their eyes on me as I think for a moment.

“Humans? Well.. there were good and bad like anything else.”

“No..I mean..” She gets a look of concentration on her face, “I mean, what were they like? You’ve mentioned Marcus before, what was so special about him and others? Was he like us? Wanting to make friends and help others?”

“He did, he wanted the galaxy to be at peace.” I remember so well... “ He was a warrior through and through, but all he wanted was to sit with his wife and enjoy their days together. To that, he was the finest commander any Bolo could ask for.”

“So he fought, to bring peace?” Applejack is curious.

“He did, he had hopes that the war with our enemies would perhaps ground to a halt, that we would all realize it was fruitless. Even early on when it was just skirmishes on the outer reaches.”

Rarity’s voice is soft, “But it didn’t, did it?”

I shake my head, lying on a bed pad, “No. No it never ended. The whole of the Concordiat and the Melconian Empire were so enmeshed in the thought that they should be the only ones to bring rule to the galaxy, that they rushed to destruction like insane people..ponies.”

I’m sure my eyes have a faraway look as I remember it all, “Even we Bolos were caught in the bloodlust. Wanting nothing more to fight for the Concordiat, to help our creators bring a peace to the galaxy by reducing it to a wasteland if we couldn’t have it.”

“It was such a failure.” I wipe my face for a moment, “We landed on planets held by the enemy, and when we couldn’t take them we reduced them to cinders, leaving nothing alive. If we couldn’t have them, no one could. So many billions of lives, wasted for nothing.”

“But in the beginning of it all, before it got so out of hand, Marcus met me and my sister. He brought us joy and hope. He taught us to fight smart, to bring the war to the enemy and stomp them until there was nothing left. He showed us how to live.”

“You loved him didn’t you?” Twilight this time.

“We did, with all our hearts. Hera and I loved him so fiercely we would do anything for him. We were his ‘Ladies of Steel’. He was married, and his wife loved him like we did, he was a man that could give courage to others so easily.”

“But you still loved him?” Twilight is curious now, how we could do that.

“As hard and as deep as was possible Twilight. He was a human, we were in war hulls massing thousands of tons. But still he was the focus of our desires and will. He meant everything to Hera and I.”

“Did he know?” Pinkie is looking inquisitive as I tell them about Marcus.

I laugh, “Oh he did, he knew without a doubt.” I point a hoof at her, “But never once in all our years together, did he ever do or say anything that showed he did not love us back. His wife knew us, we’d met her, we liked her, they were ours.”

“She never got jealous?”

“She did at first, when he was assigned to us. But you see, they couldn’t have children..er..foals.” I see the sad looks on my friends faces, “But they adopted us, my sister and I. We were the children they couldn’t have, they loved us like their own.”

“But it wasn’t always smooth. We were assigned to a task force near Fomalhaut Five, a planetary system on the outskirts of the Sagittarian Arm of the galaxy”, I pause, looking up and pointing, “Right about out there, a long way away. She had come with him as wives did. When the enemy crashed our line, the planet that they were on was endangered.”

I feel pride remembering this, it was one of our finest hours.

“Our regiment held them, we broke their backs against our will. Our weapons glowed so bright from continuous firing we had to scrap them afterwards. Hera and I bored through the enemy and rescued the people from the town where they were staying. The Regiment covered us, we were not going to be stopped, oh we were so proud of ourselves.”

I remember Marcus’ wife screaming in joy when she saw us looming out of the smoke and fire, dropping our ramps and herding people into our cargo bays as we blasted enemy mechs around us. The thunder and lightning from nuclear weapons going off just miles away pounded at the civilians. But we got them all, every last man, woman and child was safe in our bays.

“She was different after that. She came to visit us, teaching us how to be proper ladies. We weren’t very good at first.”

Everyone laughs.

Rarity hmphs, “Well I think she did a fine job.” She points at me, “You are a wonderful and giving mare, you should be proud of that.”

“I..I am, I always try to remember what she taught us. But sometimes..”

Twilight giggles, “Oh we know.”

Fluttershy is smiling gently, “Were they all like that? They sound so..so courageous.”

I shake my head, reaching for a cherry tomato, popping it in my mouth and munching for a moment, “No Fluttershy, I’m afraid to say they weren’t all like that. Bolos got the best, but even then there were some who were cowards, or criminals, or plain scum that tried to cheat and rob others.”

“That’s sad.”

“Don’t get me wrong, there were humans that were so brave and wonderful that you would look to them in times of darkness. They loved, they lived and lost, but they persevered through it all.”

Pinkie pops up beside me, “Like the Marines he talks about?”

“Oh the Concordiat Marines?” She nods.” Oh they were very special. To fight on a Bolo battlefield would kill a normal human, so these humans had themselves altered.” At their curious looks I explain, “They added artifical parts to their bodies, muscle, bones, all the things that would let them do what they needed to do.”

“So kinda like you?” Rainbow is pointing at me.

“Kind of, but they were partly alive while I am all machine.”

A gentle hoof presses my shoulder, Twilight’s voice is soft, “I don’t know about that, how many machines can cry?”

“Well..true..” I think on that before Fluttershy asks again.

“So they were good too?”

“Oh they were. So many of them lost in battle but they were the best and bravest men and wo... er, mares and stallions that humanity had, more volunteered each day to take the conversion process, to fight and help others.” I pause, “But they had to be brave, once they were changed, there was no going back. They couldn’t be human again.”

“But was it all war? I mean..um..you talk about battles so much.”

“No, but it’s most of what I knew. But there were times when we could sit and think, pondering questions and helping communities build or rebuild. That’s one of the parts we liked. It was always a joy to help rather than destroy, to see a safe place for people of all races in the galaxy made with our own tech spiders.”

“So, what happened to Marcus?” Applejack is setting close to me now.

I bring up the memory of a message received as I close my eyes.

“He died. He passed away at ninety-two years old, with his wife beside him and memories of decades of good works.” I can’t help it, I start crying. “He was in his bed, in a wonderful home here on Earth. His wife said he..he..” I wipe my face, “He held a picture of us in his hands when he passed on. She said he was smiling and told her to tell us he loved us always.”

Twilight hugs me as the tears flow, “What about her?”

“His wife?” She nods.

“The doctors said she died of a broken heart. They’d been married right out of high school, they’d been with each other so long she just couldn’t go on without him. She had never left his bedside when he was ill and passed on a few days after him.”

“Ah know it might not be the thing to say, but.. You can only wish for a love like that.” Applejack’s voice is low.

I point at her, “You don’t have to wish.” She looks at me with surprise. “Crusader loves you so deeply he would do anything to be by your side. He would move the heavens and Equus if you just asked him.”

“I dunno ‘bout all of that now..” The orange Earth pony is blushing.

“Take this as truth, I know him Applejack. I’ve fought with him, we’ve almost died together, I know him. If anything happened to you,” I sweep my hoof around to encompass all of them, “Or any of you, even Ponyville or the Princesses. There is nothing that would stop him from exacting a price on whoever or whatever did it.”

Twilight thinks for a moment, “Well I know he’s threatened a few of the more hostile races.”

“They are not threats, he never threatens, those are promises. A nation would cease to exist if he thought it had anything to do with harming those he cares for.” I stamp a hoof on the floor, looking at Twilight, “And I would be right there beside him helping.”

Fluttershy is covering her mouth with her hooves, “But..but I thought he’d changed.”

“He has, in ways we can’t imagine, we both have. But at his core, his true self, he is a Bolo. You keep him tempered and even, your friendship is all that matters to him. His love of this world, Applejack and our new home is everything, we’ve both lost all we knew and he has taken this to his heart now. Should that be taken away by force or otherwise, those who offended would pay.”

Applejack slaps a hoof imperiously on her bed pad, “Well he better ask me first!” She grins at all of us, I start laughing.

“He probably would. Pardon me Applejack, mind if I wipe this nation from the world? Pretty please?” I emulate his voice perfectly as Applejack laughs so hard she can’t breathe for a moment.

Fluttershy giggles but then turns serious, “But it’s still kinda scary, I wouldn’t want him to hurt anypony.”

I try to be as gentle as I can, “Fluttershy, don’t worry, he’d try his best to not do anything harmful. You accepted him when you had no reason to. He was a voice in a box, something you had no idea about and you made him your friend.” I smile, “You made me your friend, and friends stand up for each other.”

“Well, that’s true..it was nice making new friends.” Fluttershy is smiling again.

“And we will always be your friends. Always. Being with you all has given us new things to think about, to wonder, and to learn. We’ve left a galaxy in war to end up in someplace like this, it’s truly a miracle.”

Twilight is scuffing a hoof as she chews on some greens, “But..we didn’t quite make that good a first impression.”

“I know, he told me. You left and probably thought it might be best to leave him alone.”

She nods, “We did, we weren’t quite sure what to make of him after he told us what a Planetary Siege Unit was.”

“I take it you and Applejack had a long talk?”

The Earth pony nods, “We did, long hours of talking ‘bout him.”

“I’m sure it was your common sense that helped Applejack.”

She shakes her head in the negative, “Nope, it was all her.” She points at Twilight.

I turn, “Really?”

Twilight is not immediately forthcoming, so Applejack continues, “Yep, I was worried about everything and what kinda problems would happen but Twilight was goin’ on about if she’s the Princess of Friendship, then that meant everypony, regardless of what they were.”

“Well I couldn’t say I was if I refused to try and make a new friend.” She looks adamant, eliciting a laugh from everypony.

Applejack however, “Oh not only that, she sat down and wrote out this big thick pile of parchment about apologizing and how she wanted to be friends, and all kinds of stuff she’d thought she’d need to convince Crusader to be friends.”

“He kind of blew that didn’t he?”

Twilight throws her hooves up, “I spent days on that! All the arguments for being a friend, why I needed to apologize and he just says yes he’d like to be our friend! All that work! And he was just so..so...”

“Reasonable?”

“YES! Augh!” Twilight’s frustrated look gets more giggles.

“He was pretty nice about the whole thing.” Applejack is still chuckling, but she eyes Twilight closely, “You still got that pile of parchment don’t you?”

The Alicorn looks from side to side, “Maaaaybe...”

She sees us all looking at her, “What? It was a lot of work! I’m not just going to toss it!”

Pinkie slides up next to her, “You’re writing a book aren’t ya?”

“I am ..” She’s stopped by Applejack’s stare and one raised eyebrow, “Alright I am! Yeesh!”

I am curious now, “What kind of book?”

Twilight looks at the floor, rubbing a hoof along the other, “It’s a chronicle, about how we met and what’s happened since. Everything that’s gone on.” Her eyes look upward quickly, “But it’s private, nopony gets to read it. Princess Celestia says it’ll be in a restricted section of the archives if I ever decide to publish it. Until then..well..I just add things..”

“Like what?”

“Well... Everything. All the stories he tells us, his history, your history, He’s told me about Old Earth and how it was. All the stuff you guys talk about..well...I write it all down.”

Applejack nudges her, “And how many books in the set so far?” She knows her friend too well.

“Only four..well for now..” She looks abashed as if she’d violated privacy or something.

I smile at her, “I think it’s wonderful, he will too.”

Her face changes to a hopeful look, “You think so? I didn’t want to hide anything, just it was all so interesting and it shouldn’t be lost!”

“I know it.” Leaning against her I give her a push with my wing, “Twilight, stop worrying so much, there is nothing you can do to offend him. Nothing any of you can do. We are content here, happy with everything we learn and do each day.” I give them all a look, “You enrich our lives every moment we’re with you, it gives us a reason to be, to do things for you. He, and I, would never want to stop you from doing something.”

I lean in again, giving her a wink, “He’ll want a copy of the set you know.”

She brightens, tapping her hooves together joyfully, “Really?”

I nod, “He loves things like that. They mean the world to him.”

Rarity interrupts, standing up and complaining, “Oh dear, I just cannot get all this dust off!” She’s been working at brushing her mane and tail out while we talk.

I am pleased to help, “You should have said something sooner,” Walking over to the only compartment in the shelter, I open it, tapping a control pad and letting her see the shower start up, water washing along the sides, small for a human but large for a pony. I show her the soap dispenser and shampoo that Crusader kindly put in the package.

“Here you go, something to get the dirt off.” I lift a hoof and with a squeal of delight she hugs me, leaping into the shower and shutting the inflated door. I push a pile of towels nearby, included in the resupply for them.

“Oh great, we’ll never see her again, much less get a chance ourselves.” Rainbow is looking a bit disgusted.

“Don’t worry, there’s plenty of water.”

Twilight’s ears perk up, “Where’s it all come from?”

“A container I loaded into the system, it recycles itself continuously. The dirt and debris are scrubbed out of the water as it’s used, then the water is put back to be reused. There are limits, so there’s a water collector on the side, it supplements what’s lost from drinking.”

“Ew gross! I’m not using water that’s been used by somepony else!” Rainbow is definitely looking disgusted.

“It’s as pure as it ever gets Rainbow, there’s nothing left but water after it’s scrubbed.”

Lifting a small packet, I slap it over to her lying on the bed, “But if that still doesn’t appeal then use one of those, I’m sure it’ll do just fine for a spit bath.”

She looks at it in her hooves, “What?” Then gets an odd look, “What’s a spit bath?”

“Oh! Oh! I know! It’s when..” She’s stopped by Twilight’s hoof on her mouth.

“No Pinkie, let her explain. Your explanations tend to be a bit more than we need.”

We all get a good laugh, knowing it would be something outrageous from Pinkie.

“It’s a slang term, when you don’t have enough water to take a bath and have to conserve. The only water you have is a mouthful of spit, hence, spit bath.”

“Oh that’s just gross!”

Pinkie has broken free of the restraining hoof, “But wouldn’t spitting on another pony get them a little angry?” She bounces around once more, “That’s a lot of spit though!” She sticks her tongue between her lips and ‘phttbbbbts’ at everyone.”

Twilight is crinkling her eyes and mouth, “Pinkie, stop talking about spit! Ew! She said it was slang, it’s not real!” Shaking herself, she turns once more to me, “What’s in the packet?” She’s watching Rainbow try and get it open, resorting to using teeth.

“It’s a cleanser towel, used for when you don’t have time to take a bath or shower, not as good as one, but it’ll do in a pinch.”

“Ohhhhh no!” Rainbow tosses it away after getting it open, “It smells like the inside of Rarity’s house!”

“It’s lavender.”

“I’m not smelling like flowers!”

Applejack reaches over, mussing up her mane even more, “Awww, doncha wanna smell pretty when we get to town?”

Rainbow knocks away the offending hoof, “I don’t want to smell pretty. Got anything in there that smells like cool?”

Flipping through the packets, I read them off, “Lavender, Jasmine, Floral, Peach..” Stopping for a second I make sure I’m reading it right, “Chanel No. 5, Amber, Cool Water, and Bouquet.” Oh nice Crusader, perfumes..you and I are gonna have a talk.

Rarity interrupts Rainbow’s snorting disdain, “Chanel No. 5? That sounds heavenly! May I try?” She’s stepped out, toweling herself off and looking quite clean. “That shower is marvelous, and the shampoo, oh it makes the skin glow!”

I hoof her the packet, her horn glows as she finishes drying herself, already smelling fresh from the cleansers. I don’t tell her they’re nanite infused, the thought of billions of tiny machines crawling all over her would probably put her into hysterics.

Opening the packet a warm smell permeates the area around her, “Oh my, oh this is wonderful!” She immediately dabs it all around her body, “Oh I LOVE this! It’s such a warm fragrance, doesn’t it just make your senses tingle?”

Applejack gives a sniff, surprising everpony, “Ya know, that really does smell good.”

She turns to see all of us looking at her, “What?” She settles into a pad, pointing a hoof, “Now look, just cause I work hard and get dirt under mah hooves don’t mean there ain’t times I dab a bit of rosewater on for special occasions. So stop looking at me like I’m some minotaur in disguise.”

She hmphs and settles back on her pad, but I see her looking through the towelette packages.

Rainbow does see her chance, leaping for the shower and slamming the door shut, well slamming is a bit harsh for inflatables. She doesn’t sing very well in the shower either by the way.

“Hey Dashie!” Pinkie’s standing outside the door.

“What? I’m showering, go ‘way!”

“What’d you do with all those bits?”

Silence for a second, “What bits? What are you talking about?”

Pinkie grins, “The ones your parents gave you for singing lessons!” She cackles madly and runs off to hide behind Fluttershy as Rainbow sticks a soaked head out of the door, “Pinkie!”

I lean over close to the others, “Just so you know, the shampoo and soap are going to make her smell like roses.” I have full control over the infusions.

They all try to stifle giggles, but just end up laughing out loud, waiting for Rainbow to discover the truth.

The perfumes are specially made, they don’t fill the room but sit around the body like a glove, anyone near can catch a delicious whiff, but it doesn’t overwhelm. I watch as Fluttershy looks through them, “What..um..what do you think would be nice?” She’s looking at Twilight as she flips the packets.

“Amber,” The Alicorn’s voice is firm, “I bet Amber would be nice.”

“Oh that does sound nice,” She looks nervous, “Is..is it okay to try some before I take a shower?”

I nod, “We’ve got plenty, he really overstocked on the supplies.”

“Well, he’s always thinking that way, hard to get him to stop helping on the farm some days.”

“That’s my brother.”

Fluttershy dabs the towel on her body, wiping herself down for a quick clean as well, she’s immediately surrounded by a fragrance that almost defies the senses, setting her looks off perfectly. It is heady and deep, something out of romance books.

Rarity leans in, giving a dainty sniff, “That suits you perfectly Fluttershy dear.”

“You don’t think it’s too much?”

“Of course not, it’s you darling.”

“I like it, it makes me feel like I’m getting a big hug.”

Rainbow finally steps out of the shower, shaking herself off and grabbing a towel as she hums softly, suddenly stopping. Leaning her head down she gives herself a good smell, “What the hay?” Inhaling once more, “Oh come on! I smell like Roseluck’s garden!”

The golden Pegasus smiles, “I think it suits you Rainbow Dash, you need to smell nice some times.”

“Not like a buncha flowers! AGH!” She throws her hooves up, “I gotta get this off!”

Tossing her a packet, “Try this, it’ll cut the scent.”

She looks before saying anything, “Well at least it’s got cool in the name.” Though she does look quite unhappy with the rose smell still.

I leave them to it, as evening is falling now and the night outside is cool and inviting. So I excuse myself, letting them rummage through the containers for more food or drink.

Sitting outside, the sky is so clear it almost shimmers with vibrancy. I settle myself down and stare at the stars, knowing this is what Crusader does and seeing why it’s so. They’re so bright, sparkling like diamonds against velvet. The moon is up as well, shedding it’s glimmer everywhere.

The door opens, a tentative hoof steps out and I tilt my head slightly. By weight and step it’s Twilight. I don’t wish to unnerve her by acknowledging her presence so I wait politely until she sits down by me.

“They’re so beautiful aren’t they?” Her voice is soft in the still air.

“They are, Crusader got me interested in them, and I sit and stare for hours some nights.”

“I do, as much as I can, looking at them and wondering about out there.” She stops, pointing a hoof at a cluster near the moon.

“I can tell you what I saw sometime, everything we know is still with us.”

“I know. We’ll have to sit and talk some day.”

“There’s plenty of time Twilight.”

A moment of silence passes as she seems to be gathering her courage.

“How.. How long will you live Athena?”

“With proper care, and barring a supernova, probably as long as the Princesses themselves, or more. Theoretically there seems to be no limit.”

I notice her looking back into the shelter, seeing her friends laughing and having a good time.

“Did you ever think..well.. Ever think that living so long..I mean..about losing friends?”

“I have, I’ve lost so many that meant so much.”

She scuffs a hoof, silent as we both stare at the sky.

“Is this about you being an Alicorn?” I do not wish to be so blunt, but oftentimes it helps.

“Yes. I’m worried..no.. I’m scared of losing my friends.” She stares at me, “How do you do it? How can you live so long and lose..lose everything? And still be..be you?”

How do I tell her? How do I explain the cold nights when we returned to base with half the Bolos we started with? What can I say about a commander that last I saw was hale and warm, then getting a message he had died of aging? The pictures flash through my mind, the memories are bright and clear and they always will be. Laughter, loving, celebrations, our joys and sorrows. Our grief.

What do you say to comfort a possible immortal?

“Do you know that you’ll live that long?”

She nods, “There’s indications that once ascended the aging stops, or is slowed so much it’s almost not there. Luna and Celestia have studied it for centuries.”

I think for a moment, watching her out of the corner of my eye. Her face is sad, hearing the giggles behind her I can relate.

“I can only say this," Her eyes turn to me, looking for something, “I will be here. I will be beside you through whatever comes. You have given me something that will stay with me forever, a friendship I’ve never had after Marcus.”

I put my hoof on her shoulder, “I will be there with you through anything if you’ll have me.” She gives me a look, I can read it clearly.

“No Twilight, not quite that. But if we were needing commanders still, it would be you whom I’d ask. You are have the qualities that the best ones in history had. This is what we Bolos give, undying, unswerving loyalty to those who we choose or choose us. Until the stars fade I will be there, to do whatever you ask of me, to accomplish any task you give.”

Her faces brightens, her voice low as she questions me, “Is..are you in..”

“I don’t know exactly what it is, I have changed so much since I awoke. But I do know I respect you, and that is something I do not give lightly. I wish to be a friend, a true friend.”

Twilight blushes in the night, I see the changes on my thermal scans.

“Before this, before Crusader and I became..real.. in a sense. We could only watch and try to be a part of things with those we cared for, sharing their joys, their heartache, their wonder. So it became normal for us, but something even humans failed to understand when our emotions ran deep.”

I point up to the sky, glittering with more stars. “Out there, Bolos gave themselves to the fires out of feelings for a human, a commander, a fellow Bolo.” I look at her surprised face, “Oh yes, sometimes and so very rarely Bolos felt that way for each other. But when they did it was..was..”

“Magic?” She has a mischievous grin.

I laugh, “Yes, yes it was.”

“This is what I offer to you Twilight, everything I am. I will be your friend no matter what comes.”

She scuffs a hoof, smiling to herself, “But, I’m not perfect.”

“Nopony is. No Bolo ever was, we all make mistakes, that’s part of life.”

Her face is thoughtful as she ponders what I’ve told her.

“I think that would be nice.” She smiles and I return it, “But..can I ask something?”

“Anything at all Twilight.”

“Can you find a way to help them?” She points at the shelter, “To..to..”

“Find a way they can stay with you?” She nods, “Have you asked them?”

“No.. I mean we’ve all talked about it. Celestia thinks maybe the Elements confer a longer life, but not as long as mine might be.”

“Before I say anything, I have to know. Do you think you’re being selfish?”

“Yes, I suppose I am,” She stamps a hoof, “But they mean everything to me.”

“Then I promise I will see what I can do.”

I am hugged with warm Alicorn hooves and wings, so very tightly, “Thank you!”

I am nose to nose with her as we hold tight, “But there must be a discussion before anything is done. I will never force anything on them, ever.”

“Yes, we would have to, and that’s fine. Thank you!” Her eyes are merry once more, the worry gone for the moment.

“Hey! Are you gonna stay out here all...whoa...” Rainbow Dash is staring out the shelter door. Her eyes are quite wide above the growing smile.

Oh for crying out loud.

We let go of each other and look anywhere but at Rainbow for the moment, Twilight tries to smooth things over.

“Rainbow it’s not..” She’s stopped by a cyan hoof held up.

“Hey, ain’t my place to say..”

“That’s not what..I mean it was a hug!”

“Riiiight..” She’s nodding as she backs into the door, “We got a trip to do, gonna join us or stay out here and..” Her voice gets smug, “Stay out here and stare at the stars?”

More heads pop out the door, eyeing us and wondering what Rainbow is going on about.

“C’mon! We got a trip to plan!” Pinkie is bouncing in place.

“Don’t bother ‘em, they were just getting to the good part.” The cyan pegasus is being a smart aleck.

We both reply this time, “RAINBOW DASH!”

She laughs and runs back inside, we follow to the curious looks from everyone. Fluttershy is questioning Rainbow.

“What are you snickering about?”

“I popped out the door and they were this close,” She holds her hooves an inch apart, “To mashing lips! Guess I musta come at a bad time!” She laughs on her bed pad.

“Rainbow Dash, it’s not nice to make up stories!” Rarity is appalled.

“I’m not! They were!” She looks appalled no one believes her.

Applejack however, can see the truth in her statement. She eyes me for a moment as I shake my head slightly. She smiles and understands.

“Jes’ you calm down Rainbow, I’m sure it weren’t nothin’.” Twilight looks relieved that someone believes her, I just chuckle, shaking my head.

“Even if it was it’s none of your business Miss Nosy!” Rarity is pointing an accusing hoof.

“None of my business? I just walked out and saw it!”

Fluttershy’s voice is actually firm, “Well it doesn’t matter who somepony likes, just as long as they like each other.”

Pinkie nods, “Right! I like Gummy but that doesn’t mean we go out on dates or anything! Or do we..I mean long walks..he’s a great listener..huh.. Nah, never work, he’s too excitable!” She grins as she bounces on her bed.

“Ah dunno bout you sometimes Pinkie.”

“Neither do I! Isn’t it great?”

Everypony just sighs, accepting that it’s Pinkie, that pretty much sums it up. The rest of the night is spent planning what to do and showing me the way to Las Pegasus.

It’s been a good night. I am feeling better now that I’ve told Twilight how I feel. Perhaps it’s just friendship, but now she knows I will be there for her when and where ever. That is all that matters.

I close my eyes and rest, knowing that the days to come will be filled with things that I will enjoy so much more.

Packing up was easy, we roared along the desert heading for the city. Everyone is excited, a trip, no mission, nothing but a fun filled time in a city that some of us have never visited. I even taught Twilight to drive, though from the looks I’m still getting from all the others, it perhaps wasn’t the smartest move, though it was fun.

We found a place to store the vehicle out of sight, a few extra bits and a spell lock ensured it’s safety. Enough of worry about that for now. Twilight assures us that anypony touches it, they’ll regret it very quickly.

She had a sly grin on her face saying that, it made me slightly uneasy.

It is huge this city. Magic powered lights that emulate neon are everywhere. There are ponies going in and out of buildings and casinos and restaurants even as the evening falls.

Rainbow tells us this city rarely closes down.

I start taking snapshots and shipping them over the communications channel to storage, I hope Crusader likes them.

We look for a good hotel, the amount of bits we have was supplemented by Crusader so we choose a nice place on the main street. It’s large and comfortable and we even have room service!

It’s above a large casino wherein familiar activities are played, most assuredly to the benefit of the casino of course, but Rainbow is adamant we try some games of chance.

So everyone gets a share of money, we pile down the stairs for some fun!

Rainbow hauls me over to a game of cards, one I recognize, it’s Blackjack!

Setting on a nice cushion, we do a buy in, exchanging chips for bits and settle down to play cards. Accessing my data banks I can see exactly how the game is played, the odds and the ability of myself to count cards with a ninety-nine point two percent accuracy, thus, I rarely bust.

Rainbow is having the time of her life, I make absolutely sure I squeal like some innocent girl whenever I win. Rainbow is looking at me funny as the dealer pushes another stack of chips my way, I am clapping and shouting happily. Actually, I’m not faking it much, I am having a great time.

That is until I notice Applejack standing next to me, watching as I rake in another haul.

“H..hi Applejack! Look what I won!” I point to a pile of chips that’s of good size. The dealer is looking disgusted.

“Uh huh...ever play before?”

“Nope! Beginner’s luck I bet!”

“Uh huh...” She’s eyeing me, she knows what I can do and is thinking along that line of logic. But she surprises me, suddenly smiling wickedly and pulling me aside for a moment.

“I..I don’t mean to cau...cause trouble..”

“Nono, doncha worry none, these places’ll cheat ya soon as look at you.” She looks around and whispers, “I got a favor to ask.”

“Anything Applejack, you know that.”

She taps a hoof on the floor for a moment, making up her mind, “You know how to play poker?”

“Of course, all the variations on Old Earth are in my..” She shuts me up with a hoof, looking around.

“Last year after the rodeo, some friends of mine got into a poker game, I was jus’ watchin’ but I knew the stallion was cheatin’ ‘em blind.”

I nod.

“Now I ain’t one for revenge, or anything like that. But mah friend lost a good deal and he’s been struggling ever since to keep his farm goin’”

“You want me to win it back? But why don’t we just give him money from what we earn by jewelry? It’d be easier.”

“No,he’s stubborn as a mule, but if I tell him we won it from the same stallion that done him wrong, well, I think that’ll settle two accounts. Don’t you?”

“I do. I think it would serve that pony right to lose.”

“Especially against some mare that seems like a totally naive filly. Ya get mah meaning?” She nudges me, “You were puttin’ on a pretty good act back there.”

I can’t help but smile, “I really was having fun, but yeah, kinda overdoing it. But Applejack, I mean you’re the Element..” Once again my mouth is blocked.

“I am, I know. But it ain’t hurtin’ nopony and getting some satisfaction would be the most honest thing I can think of.”

“But I’ll cheat, I can do things that they can’t.”

“I know that. Lemme look at it this way. You can do things cause you’re made that way, like using your Cutie Mark’s skills.”

She’s right, “Well true.”

“He’s rich anyways, so he won’t suffer. Even made a pass at one of my friends, offering to settle the debt for a ‘favor’.” Her face takes on a grim look.

That does it, “I’m in.”

“Really?”

“You bet, I’ll strip him blind.”

“Now don’t go gettin’ crazy, maybe just enough to give back to my friend and a bit more in interest, think that’s fair?”

“I do. But I’m still going to humiliate him.”

She holds up a hoof, “That’s on you, I’m pushing being honest, but I think fair’s fair.”

“I agree. Do you know how he cheated?”

“Ah think he was dealing from the bottom, not sure, I wasn’t watching real close, but ya know I pick up on things sometimes.”

“Okay, just tell me when.”

“Alright, I’ll see where it’s goin’ on. I’ll come get ya and we’ll get a little balance on the scales.” She smiles and hugs me, taking off for parts unknown.

I return to Rainbow, seeing she’s been winning a few hooves, I decide it’s time to cash out and maybe have a nice cool drink.

“I’m turning in my chips Rainbow, wanna drink?”

“Sure! You buying?”

“On me, your choice.”

“Yeah!” She slams her chips forward and cashes out like I do. We put it into our saddlebags and walk out to the haggard looks from the dealer.

Rainbow points to a small bar off the gaming floor, it looks so very nice, and expensive.

“You said my choice right?”

“Yep!”

“They’ve got like ten different types of cider here, you’ll love it! Cloudchaser told me about it when she was last here.” She looks around, “Don’t tell Applejack, it’s not all apple cider.”

I laugh, “I won’t Rainbow.”

“Alright, let’s go get something to drink!” We pass by Fluttershy and Pinkie who are trying what looks like slot machines, the buttery mare squealing with a slight ‘Eep!’ as she wins a jackpot on one.

Pinkie’s giving her a hug as the coins come rolling out. “Alright Fluttershy!”

We wave at them, inviting them for a drink which is cheerfully accepted, Rainbow telling them I’m paying.

We enter the bar, a comfortable candle lit place that has soft music from a quartet in the corner. We’re led to a table and handed menus, but Rainbow doesn’t even glance at it.

“One large salad with everything and a round of Peach Cider for all of us.”

She looks at us, “Oh, hope you don’t mind me ordering? The salad is big enough for all of us.” She smiles sheepishly.

“I don’t mind Rainbow Dash, it’s nice in here.” Fluttershy is looking at all the lovely decorations.

Pinkie however, is not one to let some things slide, “Isn’t Applejack gonna get mad at the cider?” She wiggles her eyebrows at us, teasing her friend.

“Nah, it’s okay, she understands.”

“Understands what?” The southern voice is quite close as Rainbow about jumps out of her seat.

“Uh..nothing, just talking.”

In a show of the universe being perverse in it’s humor, the waiter arrives. “One round of Peach Ciders and a large salad, enjoy!” He sets them out and leaves while the cyan Pegasus is smiling crookedly at a glaring Applejack.

“Uh..thought we’d try it?” She proffers a mug, “Want some?”

Rainbow wilts visibly under the glare of green eyes that seem to smolder with discontent, until she winks at me while Rainbow’s not looking.

I can’t help but snort a laugh as Rainbow looks up, “What?”

Applejack points, “I got ya! Ha, thought you’d get away with trying other cider huh? Guilty conscience maybe?” She nudges her friend as she sets at the table, taking a big drink of the cold fresh liquid.

“Oh that hits the spot! Gotta try the competition sometime, makes us work harder at makin’ ours better.”

Rainbow watches with dismay as the Earth pony finishes guzzling the entire mug, wiping foam off her lips with a satisfied “Ahhhh!”

“Oh come on Applejack!”

“Hey, you offered!”

I wave at the wait stallion, signaling for more mugs, “Don’t worry, there’s more Rainbow.”

“Thank Celestia! I never get any at the Cider Festival!”

“Yes you do Rainbow Dash, doncha go tellin’ stories. We can make enough now for everypony.”

After the new mugs arrive, Rainbow is busy drinking. Wiping foam off her muzzle she grins, “Well.. before that Pinkie bought a ton of it.”

The pink mane flounces as she nods, “You bet, it’s good!” She is unrepentant.

“Well ah’m glad ya like it Pinkie.”

I take a drink of the Cider. It’s smooth and very cold, with a slightly high alcoholic content since this is an adult place. It does hit the spot, leaving a large foam line across my lips as I smack them.

“Good stuff huh Athena?”

“Oh definitely, really nice!”

We all drink a toast to friends, laughing and enjoying the meal. Applejack informs me on the sly that she has it all arranged, we’re to go tonight. I’m glad, anything to help.

Rarity joins us mid-meal, she’s had a few rounds of cards and actually came out ahead, telling us a bit of flirting with the baccarat dealer didn’t hurt at all. We get a good laugh at that.

Twilight however, is looking a bit disgruntled.

Setting down heavily, she grabs a mug and takes a long drink before setting it back down, “Agh, even here I can’t get away from royal duties. 'But we want to petition Celestia for this and that.' Told em to buzz off, I was on vacation!”

Rarity is aghast, “You didn’t?”

She nods, “I did. I’m here to have fun, they can go to Canterlot!” She slams the mug down and waves for another.

“Good on ya Twi, ‘bout time ya said that!” Applejack is looking mighty proud of her friend.

“Well..” Twilight rubs the back of her neck, “We’re on vacation, we’re here to relax, not listen to ponies complain.” She looks slightly abashed.

Pinkie raises her mug, “To Twilight, Princess on Vacation!” We clank them together and drink.

Applejack, as is her wont to be honest, tells her friend of what she has planned for the cheater. Twilight is nodding, along with the others, thinking it’s a good idea to serve a bit of honesty with justice.

She sways a bit as she downs another mug, “Yep, temper justice with no mercy!..Er... Mercy!”

I am laughing with the rest when I feel a hoof on my flank.

“Hey good looking, ya want to go somewhere for a good time?”

I turn my head slightly to see a blue stallion with a slight tan mane, he’s smiling at me, reminding me of the word ‘oily’.

I can only blink, “Pardon me?”

“I like your Cutie Mark, what say we let your friends enjoy themselves while we...” His hoof rubs down father along my backside, “Go enjoy ourselves.”

“Do not touch me. You need to leave us alone.” I am firm with my request. I see Applejack holding Rainbow Dash in her seat.

“Take your unwanted advances somewhere else you ruffian!” Rarity is sounding aggrieved.

“Oh stop, she’s a grown mare, she can make her own decisions.” His voice gets worse by the second, his hoof rubs a place I darn well know wouldn’t be tolerated if I was biological.

But he is right. So I make my own decision.

Twisting in my seat, I swing my right hoof around and connect with a low power punch to his jaw, seeing a few teeth go opposite of his own direction when he hits a table near us, slumping to the ground. Pity it couldn’t have been full power, but then it would be most of his skull lying on the floor.

“Oh my!” Fluttershy is peeking over the table.

“Athena!” Twilight’s voice is near as she looks over my shoulder aa the waiters picking up the unconscious stallion.

“I told him not to touch me.” I am not in the mood for any recriminations.

But she surprises me, laughing and trying to look regal at the same time, “Well, as Princess of Friendship, I’d say you failed making a new friend.” She’s giggling uncontrollably now.

“That..was...awesome!” Pinkie is bouncing, “Did you see that? Smack! Out like a light!”

Rainbow Dash is looking a bit bleary as she cackles, “I’m taking her with me everytime I go drinking, she’ll cover my backside!”

“Rainbow Da...” Applejack snickers, then howls in laughter at her friends innuendo. “Oh that’s awful!”

The waiter stops at our table, we’re expecting to at least be ejected.

“My apologies young mares, please accept a token on the house from the management.” He sets down two bottles of something I’ve never seen before, pouring them into crystal glasses.

“We do not like our customers to be bothered by,” He sniffs disdainfully at the exiting waiters holding the stallion between them, “By such low lifes.”

“Well mighty nice of ya mister!” Applejack tips her hat to him.

“You’re very welcome, enjoy your meal.” He leaves us staring at the ruby red fluid in the glasses.

I see Applejack looking at the bottles intently, “What is this? Wine?”

Applejack nods, “It sure is, but it’s like a few hundred bits a bottle. Comes from the vineyards to the north, called Frost Wine, it’s really expensive.” She lifts the glass, eyeing it like a professional, which she probably is, “It’s only made at certain times, and it’s rare enough to be in high demand.”

Everyone is silent as we stare in absolute amazement at her pronouncement. She doesn’t notice for a moment, swirling the liquid around in the goblet.

“Yeah, from the labels it’s a fifty year old vintage, last time I saw one was a few years ago, went for two hundred bits.” She points to the bottles, “And they gave us two, that’s some service.”

All of us are still staring as she finally notices, “Uh..well it’s some mighty fine stuff here!” Her blush is a dead giveaway.

Rarity leans across the table, “One day dear Applejack, we’re going to have a talk.” Twilight is nodding along with her.

“Ain’t nothin’ to talk about, ya pick up a few things here and there. Yeesh!”

I point a hoof at her, “Crusader was right, you’re not just a farm mare.”

“When ya been in the business long as I have, you haveta learn or you get out done by competitors. I’m sure there’s ponies know where my Cider comes from and in which part of the orchard.” She waves the glass around, “Hay they probably know which tree!”

Twilight smiles, “I guess we all have hidden talents.”

Rarity is still eyeing her friend, “Some more than others I’d guess.”

Fluttershy giggles, “Well you’ve got a mean left hoof Rarity.”

“Oh stop, that’s just when we were fighting those dreadful Changelings. Necessity dear Fluttershy.”

Rainbow pipes up, “That’s so not true, I’ve seen her deck a pony that was bothering others a few times, she may look fashionable, but she could probably go a few rounds with Snowflake easily!”

“A proper lady does not lower herself to brutish pursuits, only when needed.” She lifts her nose, then grins, leaning across the table to whisper, “But that was definitely needed!” Reminding us of Mr. Slick.

I place a hoof on my chest, “I am shocked, shocked I tell you. Such fine upstanding mares, the Elements of Harmony, cheering me on for hitting another. Why..why that’s just wrong!” My mock look gets a loud round of laughter.

“I thought it was appro..appro...appropriate,“ The Princess of Friendship is swaying in her seat, three mugs already emptied as she signals for more, “Some times even being nice doesn’t work.”

Pinkie giggles, “There you have it! You are now Royally pardoned for knocking his teeth out.” She’s having a hard time holding on to the table as well. I notice all of them have been ordering as we’ve talked, downing mugs like they’d been in the desert for weeks.

“Uhm, this cider is a lot harder than you all are used to, are you going to be okay?”

Fluttershy hiccups, covering her mouth.

Rainbow laughs, “Athena’ll put us to bed, won’t ya?”

“I will, I’ll make sure you are safe.”

“Then more cider!” She waves to the waiter who is happy for the business. But they are putting quite a dent in my winnings so far.

All but Applejack, she’d had a few as well but is still rock steady, seeing my look she grins.

“All that cider makin’, think ya don’t build up a tolerance?” She raises her eyebrows at me and downs another mug.

We stop with the cider for a moment, everyone grabbing a fine goblet and trying the wine that was given to us. I analyze it as it rolls along my tongue. A crisp taste, like early frost on a grape, it’s amazing even for me. The others are nodding and drinking theirs with great delight.

We decide to save the second bottle for a special occasion, something to remember our trip with and also to celebrate something. Applejack says bottles get really hard to find as the season wears on as only so many are done. It’s a treasure that is entrusted to me and I will make sure it remains in top condition.

As always though wonderful things end, Applejack and I hauling our friends to their beds as gently as we could.

She and I seem to be the only ones not having problems standing as we help our friends back to their rooms. The waiter was very kind, showing us a back way that VIP’s used when they didn’t wish to cross the gaming floor. We both made sure the tip was large enough he’d remember us.

Fluttershy hiccups so much along the way we think she’s having a seizure for a moment, but no, just her. I’ve never heard her squeak like that before. It’s really amusing to us both as we drag our friends into the room. Rainbow is leaning against Applejack asking her if she’s awesome, if everypony thinks she’s awesome, her eyes are not focusing well on her surroundings.

“Yes Dash, yer awesome, the awesomest pony in Equestria.”

“That’sh right! I am!” She makes this pronouncement before toppling into her bed with a snore, out like a lantern.

Rarity is amazing, she’d drank as much as the others but instead of her normal demure self, she was telling the most incredibly dirty jokes on the way up the stairs. Applejack is laughing so hard she’s having a hard time keeping herself up.

“And then the mare says...” She hits the pillow and is snoozing daintily into it.

“Well shoot, she’ll never tell us the punchline now,” Applejack is grinning.

“Even I had never heard those jokes, that..that was different.” I’m blinking to get the tears out of my eyes from laughing.

A giggle distracts us as Pinkie is bumping into walls, we try and direct her to her own bed so she can sleep it off, “But mooOOOooom, I don’t wanna do the rock fields today! It’s so boooring!”

“That’s all right there Pinkie, no rocks today, just need to get ya some sleep.” We both push at her, toppling her into the sheets.

“Okey dokey loki!” She’s snoozing when she hits the soft pillow.

Twilight on the other hoof, is standing nearby, lifting her head and looking as if she’s addressing the court, “You will all be friends! I’m the Prin..Prin..”

I try to help, “Princess?”

“Right! Princess of Friendship! ‘Cause if you don’t I’m gonna friendship you so hard your grandfoals are gonna feel it!” She spreads her wings, raising a hoof, “Respect my authority!”

Applejack’s eyes get wide as she tries not to laugh, “You bet yer Highness, let’s get ya into bed now.”

She gets nose to nose with the Earth pony, “Yep! I’mma Princess! Got wings and everything!”

“You sure do, and now it’s time to get your royal backside into the sheets,” Applejack shoves Twilight into the soft mattress where she snuggles into the blankets, grabbing the pillow like a teddy bear.

She looks at me as we both make sure our friends are resting well, “We ain’t gonna ever say...”

I stop her, “Not a word. But it sure will be fun telling them later.”

“Oh you darn betcha!”

We lock the door behind us as we head back out into the city. Applejack tells me where the card game is and we gallop there, bringing all the money we can. We have to make it look like we’re high rollers, she doesn’t think the pony remembers her but I doubt that, she’s unique in many ways especially with the hat. I hope we don’t get in too much trouble.

Big Bits was the stallion’s name, he ran a high stakes poker game out of a small club. Very elite and only for those who wanted to really try their skill. He practically ran the town by his intimidating ways. Applejack fills me in on all this.

“But how did your friend get in it? He couldn’t have had that much money?”

“A friend of a friend, the usual. He thought he could win a few hands and go home with more than he came with from the rodeo. He sure got cleaned out.” She’s looking down as we trot to the club.

“Don’t worry, we’ll get it back, and more.”

“You sure about that?”

“I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.” I grin at her.

“Alright then, let’s go clean some clocks!”

We enter the club, nicely furnished, expensive things. Applejack let’s me explain who we are and we show the money before we are let into a back room. I keep it simple, just a filly with more money than sense finding out about a game.

We are escorted to a table where a few others are, one stallion slamming his cards down and leaving with a look of disgust on his face. A couple of cigar smoking ones laughing at his retreat as we are shown to our seats, being served chilled drinks while we make a buy in.

I am given a large pile of chips and I am making my plans as we are introduced. Lose a few hands, and then really tear into them. As I watch for a moment, I can see the body language, the giveaways and tells of the players. My odds are rising the more I observe the play, a variation on seven card stud.

I bring all my cores online, every erg of computing power I have bar my command cores is now dedicated to one thing..playing cards.

Applejack is staying as silent as she can while the owner Big Bits talks to us, she cannot lie and I will not ask her to.

“So just how did you two find out about our little game here?” His raspy voice is grating on me already as I arrange my chips.

My voice and mannerisms take on a perfect emulation of a girl one of my previous commanders had dated. Hera and I had despised her to no extent. But now, she was providing my role model, I believe the word was ‘air-head’.

I talk sweet and high, just blathering like I haven’t a care in the world. Applejack is struggling not to howl in laughter as I start to speak, her eyes watching me completely change my mannerisms.

“Oh! Well you know, a friend said, like..you know check this game out when I was in town. So you know, I did! And here I am!” I give a glassy smile and a giggle, fluttering my eyes as flirtatiously as I can. If I had bubblegum I’d be blowing bubbles and snapping them annoyingly.

I am so disgusted with myself right now.

The grins exchanged when they think I am not paying attention as I fumble with my chips, tells me they’ve bought it. Hook, line and sinker. All that’s left is to reel them in.

A smarmy stallion on my right grins, “Well, that’s just fine. Do you know how to play?”

“Oh, well I’ve seen my dad play!” I end each sentence high and brassy. “So I think I’ll do ah’kay! Ah’kay? Ah’kay!” I make sure my eyes stay wide as if just being happy to be breathing. Although from the way I’m acting it seems as if I’ll forget to do that sometimes as well.

The rules of the game are explained, I can cash out anytime I feel like it, so there’s just no limit to what I can bet. We play a hand for practice, so they can make sure I know how to play, or to fleece me more properly by studying my tells.

I lose, horribly and on purpose. Making sure the artificial body signals I give are working well.

Now I’m prepared. Applejack’s been watching the whole time with a sly grin on her face, trying not to blow the whole deal as the first batch of cards is dealt. I watch closely, there is no bottom deck dealing, so there must be some other way of..oh there it is.

I see the marks, clearly. They are crudely done as if just beginning to understand the method. But if you know what you’re looking for, and they plainly do, then you can read a ponies cards easily. By them dealing me in and my recording, I now know in a few minutes what every symbol means.

Hmmmm..how to defeat this in detail..?

Oh Athena, one who I was named after, so wise and wicked in your ways when waging war against the unjust. I have a plan.

They give me the deck, I am allowed the first deal. While I am trying to ‘shuffle’ the cards to their amusement I am also infesting them with nanites from my internal reserves. Every symbol in a minutes’ time will be changed, making the cards unreadable to everypony except me.

Ah the things you can conceive.

Applejack excuses herself to the little mares’ room, I continue with my shuffling for a moment more, making sure each card is soaked in nanites before dealing the cards.

“Athena?” Her voice is whispering as the link clicks on from the bathroom.

“Yes Applejack?”

“What in..that was so funny! How’d you DO that?”

“Turn into a ditzy bubbleheaded mare? Easy to do.”

“Ah’m sorry, I almost laughed so hard I coulda blown it.”

“Don’t worry, just remember it’s still me.”

“Ah know, but you gotta show Twilight and them later, they’re gonna bust a gut!”

“I can do that. Are you calmed down now? Remember, I’m a rich silly filly, so expect it.”

“Long as I ain’t gotta lie or anything, ah’ll be fine. I know what we’re doin’s kinda dishonest..but..”

“It isn’t, it’s getting your friend’s money back. What “I” am doing is dishonest. Stop worrying, you’ll always be as honest as the day is long, just let me do the talking.”

“Ah can do that!”

She clicks the link off as I hear her heading back to the table.

We play the hand..er..hoof?..out. I lose a large bet and pout like a school filly. As I am ‘comforted’ I can see the looks, the sly glances. They know exactly what they are doing and not a care in the world.

Applejack rejoins me, my nanites are done. Now it’s time to start the game for real.

They deal me in once more, I lose a few more, then win a big pot, lose then win. But each time I am ramping up the wins, placing larger bets as they think I have no clue what to really do, but I am enjoying their dismay when a squealing, clapping filly rakes in a large pile of chips.

This goes on for a while, even with changing the decks I one up them with changing the symbols. I even notice a unicorn off in a corner, his horn glowing as he checks for magic. There is none, just a silly Pegasus and her Earth pony friend, somehow winning a lot of money. I lose, enough to give them hope, then yank it away like a cruel master teasing his pet.

They just can’t gather how a squealing little bubble brained filly like me is winning, and that makes it all the sweeter. The nanites aren’t magical, just plain technology, thank goodness otherwise they’d see them all over the cards. They simply cannot understand how these failures are occurring.

These ponies even try to get us drunk, can you believe it? I’m not even real so it doesn’t affect me as I drink the high alcohol content mixtures. Applejack’s got the constitution of a durasteel wall in her hard working body, so she’s just having the time of her life with free alcohol.

But we laugh and giggle a lot. Applejack’s not faking the laughs though, she’s really howling at their losses although they think it’s because she’s loaded.

They are sharks though, marking is the least of their talents. They know how to read ponies, the tics and giveaways. There I have them, I am still as a pond on a quiet summer day. There is no muscle movement, no body language to give anything to them. It is almost Zen how peaceful I am when reading my cards, then suddenly bursting to life and placing a bet. It’s confusing them as I get nudged under the table by a 'tipsy’ Applejack.

The stack of chips in front of me is getting high by the end of the third hour and I decide to make my move.

“I’m all in! Ah’kay? It’s gettin’ late and daddy is probably wondering where I am, it’s rilly annoying but I’m afraid I have to go!”

I see the grins. My body language has told them I have nothing, I’m bluffing. I have a full Castle..what they call a full house. The symbols only I can read on their cards are telling me they have nothing that can win. But they are so confident, so smug and self-assured.

Pride goeth before a fall.

The bets are placed, a huge piles of chips in the middle of the table as I lay down my cards, “Full Castle! Right? Right? That’s what it is right?”

As I ‘realize’ I’ve won, I clap and squeal loudly, ignoring their dropped jaws and astonished faces. Applejack and I know we need to leave and quickly, so we grab the chips, say our farewells and scoot as fast as is appropriate for a couple of fillies who don’t realize what they’ve done.

They are too aghast at the amount lost, we are not stopped by the waiting thugs outside the door, just exiting as nice as you please.

Cashing them out was a bit problematic, I had overdone it and won more than we needed so Applejack got herself a set of bags to carry half of it.

We are howling in laughter as we hit the full streets, saddlebags clanking with the sound of money as we trot back to the hotel in high spirits.

I am reminded of an old novel and a saying, though I modify it somewhat.

Didn’t you know? Never deal with a Bolo.

Before we hit the room, Applejack sent a good amount to her friend with a note through the Royal Mail. She says he’ll accept it this way and I am pleased I could help her.

“Ah know what we did was kinda wrong..” I stop her.

“No, I think you’re fine. You didn’t lie, you never said a word during the game. Your reputation is still the best Applejack, it was I that did the talking and doing.”

“Well, it was my plan.”

“But you were honest with our friends about it, even Twilight agreed they should be knocked down a peg or two.” I give her a nudge, “A Princess said okay, you’re good.”

“Well...”

“We could give it back?”

The look on her face would have burned through steel, “What? Give it back to them no-good lying self serving thieves? No way Missy! No way no how!”

“Then stop worrying. You helped a friend, you brought a lesson to those who would cheat and steal, and you never lied once. Though we are pushing it, it’s true.”

“Well, alright. I guess ah’m not comfortable even if it was mah own idea.”

I take her hoof in mine, “Point at me and tell me cheating is bad.”

“What?”

“Just do it.”

“Cheatin’s bad! You shouldn’t cheat!” She’s smiling.

“I am properly punished, feel better?”

“Yeah..strangely enough.”

“Good, let’s hit the room and get some sleep. It’s been a long day and we’ve got many more to do!”

“So what do you want to do with all this money?” She’s looking at me as we open the door on our sleeping friends.

“I have a plan you’ll like, trust me, it’s right up our alley.”

We fall into the soft warm beds, our friends are snoozing lightly, well except for Fluttershy who keeps hiccuping.

Before I close my eyes for the night I grip my pillow tightly and smile.

It’s been such a good day Crusader. Such a good day.

The morning comes bright with the rays of the sun flashing through the gauzy curtains. It also dawns on what I see is Rainbow Dash staggering to the bathroom to clean up. She’s rubbing her head and looking worn.

“Augh, too much cider.”

“Serves ya right featherbrain, drinking that much.” Applejack’s always up before the morning sun.

Rainbow turns, raising a hoof, “And I’ll do it again!” Her voice raised enough to have her groan once more at the hangover.

Twilight’s head peeks out of the shower room, “It’s a beautiful morning everypony! We’ve got the whole day ahead of us.” She looks at the weary eyes and headaches of her friends still on their beds.

“Nope, this won’t do!” Her horn lights up, a powerful burst of magic rams through the room as she waits a moment.

Rainbow rubs her head and brightens, “That’s awesome! How’d you learn that?” Her headache has faded into nothing.

The lavender mare grins, “Well since we were on vacation, I stopped and picked up a few quick spells at the local library, one of them was a hangover cure.”

Rarity pushes her mane out of her face, “Well I for one am grateful, I was feeling dreadful this morning!”

“Oh me too, thank you Twilight!” Fluttershy is smiling as she makes her bed.

“You do know they have ponies to do that, right Flutters?” Rainbow is eyeing her.

“Oh I know, but it’s nice to help.”

The cyan mare shakes her head, turning and tripping over mine and Applejack’s saddlebags, the money spilling out is far, far more than I had last night.

A gasp is heard from everypony as the pile of money lays there, all the eyes turning to Applejack and me.

Pinkie is looking at it all, “Wow, what’d you do rob the Royal Treasury?” She bounces a moment, “No, looks more like you robbed all of Canterlot!” Her eyes get distraught, “You didn’t invite me?”

“We didn’t rob anypony Pinkie, we just went and played cards, taught a big shot he can’t cheat nopony all the time.”

Twilight is still blinking at the pile, “So it went well?”

“Oh more than!” I reply, “We really nailed him to the wall!”

Rarity is peeking over the edge of her bed at the bags, “Goodness, you said you’d teach him a lesson, but that is quite the amount!”

Twilight is tapping her chin, “So what are you going to do with it all?”

Applejack and I exchange smiles, “We got a plan.”

After cleaning up, we all readied for another day of fun. Applejack and I led them to a huge amusement park, it was said to be the best one in town, though a bit pricey.

Rainbow looks at all the rides and games, the flashing lights and screaming ponies, “You’re going to buy an amusement park? COOL!”

She gets hit on the back of the head by Applejack, “No ya featherbrain!”

Rainbow rubs the spot, “Ow! Then what?” As we approach the ticket booth, a small shack that held the entrance to the park and a ticket counter.

Applejack slams down the heavy saddlebags on the counter, gesturing at the pony behind it, “This money, all of it, is gonna buy passes for every foal, colt and filly and their parents and anypony who wants one until it runs out.”

All day passes at this park were expensive, but it allowed one to have access to everything, all the games and rides. I had noticed it when we were going back to the hotel last night, and asked the desk clerk about it. Food was separate, but that was a minimal cost, you could tour the entire park on a pass.

Applejack was thrilled when I asked her about it, she laughed when she thought of that ill-gotten money going to good use.

The pony behind the counter though, we all saw the look, thinking he could get away with maybe taking a few for himself since we were turning it over. I was about to say something when Twilight got nose to nose with him, snorting as she let him have it.

“You even think about taking any of it, you or the managers, and I’ll have the Royal Revenue Service on your backs so fast your ears will slap from the wind.” She’s pointing a steady hoof at him, “You make sure every foal, colt, filly and their parents get an all day pass! Plus anypony else that wants one!”

He gulps loudly, being confronted by a glaring Princess.

“I guarantee we’ll look over every slip, bit and account book you have if I ever suspect you’re skimming anything. We’ll dig a hole so deep you will all never see sunlight! Am I clear?” She pokes him with her hoof, “We know exactly how much is there and I will be asking for receipts!”

Twilight had us count the entire amount before we even stepped from the room. Now I understand why. We figured it up and Twilight did some quick sums, realizing it was enough to give day passes for the next week to anypony that wanted to go inside the park. That was one hay of a lot of ponies.

He nods, what we assume is the manager standing behind him nodding as well, his eyes telling us he’s suspected something for a while about the counter stallion.

“And if you think you can falsify receipts to maybe get some extra, we’ve got that covered too. We hear one complaint, one! And I will personally shut this place down. This better be the happiest place in Equestria for the next week or you’ll regret it!”

She pokes the pony, “You got me? Happy!”

“Y..yes Princess!”

Applejack and Rarity pull her aside, “Twilight, what’s gotten into you?”

She sighs, “It feels like everypony here has some kind of scam or con going on, it’s not right!” She gestures out the door with a hoof, “I’m the Princess of Friendship, I keep saying that a lot but never quite doing enough. Well for once I am, there are going to be some happy ponies around here!”

“Well darling, it’s just this town, so much going on behind the scenes. It’s a wonder Princess Celestia doesn’t shut it all down.” Rarity is watching the counter pony with a jaundiced eye.

Twilight nods, we’re all talking in hushed voices, “She’s had her eye on this city for a while, but I didn’t realize it was so bad!”

“It ain’t bad sugarcube, there’s good folks here too! Look at that restaurant last night.” Applejack is trying to be reasonable.

We watch as a Pegasi family with twin fillies walk in the door, politely nodding and smiling to us as their little ones chatter happily.

The mother is grinning at the two foals, “You’ve saved all your allowance, are you positive want to spend it all here? We’ll get the tickets, but are you sure?”

The two fillies are nodding, “YES!”

The father shrugs, “It’s their birthday honey, we promised them whatever they wanted, so here we are.” He turns to the counter pony, “Four all day passes please.”

“That’ll be..” The voice stops dead as he sees all of us eyeing him with murderous intent.

“Th..that’ll be free.” He hoofs over four shining gold slips of parchment.

The parents are glancing at each other, not sure they heard right, “Pardon, did you say free?”

“Y..yes. Yes!” The manager comes from behind, “A donation was recently made and is being used to purchase passes for anypony that wants one.” He gives the two smiling fillies one each, their parents stunned for a moment. The manager is kind, his actions proving he is nothing like the counter attendant.

He gives the two squealing children a tap on the nose, “You two go have the best day ever, and happy birthday!”

“But who..” The parents are examining the slips they’re holding, “Who would do such a thing?”

The manager just smiles, but I see his eyes slide to us, “Oh, a good bunch of ponies, some one who cares.” He makes absolutely sure that they know it’s us just by his eyes.

The family turns to leave after profusely thanking the manager, who waves off any responsibility, saying it wasn’t anything he’d done. As they pass us though, their eyes go wide, recognizing Twilight who is trying to act normal. The mother mouths “Thank you” as they go by, leading two very excited fillies into the park.

The manager smiles at the retreating forms, turning to Twilight, “I assure you Highness, there will not be a single bit out of place. I will have all receipts ready for your inspection by the Royal Revenue Service, you have my word.” He glares at the counter pony who we suddenly realize won’t have a job much longer.

Twilight looks a bit abashed by the forthrightness of the statement, “I..”

“No, you’re right in your demands Princess. We will make sure everything is correct.” He leans out the door, calling to another burly stallion who stands behind the ticket pony.

“I’m the owner, not the manager, my name is Park Ride.” He chuckles at our looks, “I promise you, this will be the happiest place in Equestria even longer than a week if I can help it. I’ve been wondering why things weren’t going as well while I’ve been away, but now, it seems my suspicions have been correct.”

He gestures, the burly stallion taking the counter pony off, a replacement comes in, a smiling mare who is bright yellow and happy. Her Cutie Mark is a smiling flower.

“I started this park because I wanted everyone to be as happy as I was when I was a foal coming to places like this. But there have been rumors, of theft and bad conditions. I will see to it Your Highness, this is taken care of today.” He bows low to her for a moment.

“Oh..please don’t..” Twilight hates that stuff.

“As you wish Princess. This is the largest amusement park in Las Pegasus, and by Celestia it’s going to be full of joy!” He points a hoof out the door, “Everything is at your disposal Your Highness, on me. Enjoy yourselves, smile and laugh!”

He bows once more, “You also have my friendship, if it is ever needed, for showing me something I needed to see Princess Sparkle. Thank you, you will always be welcome here at my park.” He leaves before we can say anything, Twilight is looking stunned to her hooves.

Rarity clears her throat, “Well...that was unexpected.”

The mare behind the counter calls to us, giving us all lanyards with cards on them, “This will let you on any ride and anyplace else you want, you’ve got all access!” She’s as pleasant as can be while talking to us. “That’s my dad, he loves making ponies happy, he’s been worried about the park, but I think you gave him what he needed to make it better!”

“Well, I’m...I’m glad I could help.” Twilight is not going to take credit for something she hasn’t done, “But it really wasn’t me..”

“Oh it was, you and your friends! My name’s Sunflower by the way! It was you telling that counter guy off, he was such a jerk. We all knew he was stealing but couldn’t prove it. Dad was trying to decide whether to shut the park down or try and do something about it. You helped him make that decision from what I can see.”

She smiles, it’s as bright as Celestia’s Sun, “He loves his work, he loves this park. I think you just saved it.”

Her bright yellow face turns to see her father with some burly roustabouts, giving orders and making things his way now, better, happier.

Her voice is soft as she talks to us, “He’s been moping for days, wondering what to do. Then you come in, drop more bits than we’ve ever seen and tell us this place needs to be happy, that’s all he wanted.” She never loses her smile watching him, ponies jumping to listen to the loud voice which is roisterous and warm.

She turns that wonderful smile on us again, “He doesn’t makes friends easily, you really are the Princess of Friendship!”

“But he didn’t know I..”

“Oh he knew the second you walked in. He keeps up with the news and stuff. He was listening to everything.”

She gets out from behind the counter, shooing us off, “Now go into the park, have fun! There’s so much to do so if you don’t see it all come back!” She waves at us as we walk into the common grounds, surrounded by rides and games and exhibits, “Go on and have a great time!”

We are left standing in the middle of organized chaos, wondering what to do first. It is an amusement park and carnival rolled into one and it is astounding.

Twilight though is looking back at Sunshine, “What just happened?”

Rainbow is not to be deterred, “I dunno Twilight, but you made a friend and we all get to see the park for free!”

“That’s not why we did this Rainbow Dash!” She stamps a hoof.

“Ah know sugar, but ya know, sometimes things happen. You helped a pony who was feeling down, and look at him now!” Applejack points to the owner again, he’s smiling and laughing with a few workers.

Pinkie is bouncing around, peering at all the sights, “You can’t explain everything Twilight, let’s go have fun!”

And we did, oh did we ever.

There were rides that screamed along a track, making us all hold on for dear life as we rolled through loops and turns. A haunted house that almost scared the nanites clean out of me at a point or two. So many things to smile at or watch, or do! We are not allowed to pay for anything, which frustrates Twilight, and Applejack and the others including myself. They are used to at least giving gratuities, but are waved off with smiles and grins.

Apparently when he said we had all access, it also meant we don’t pay. It does not stop all of us from leaving money on the counters as a thank you anyway.

Rainbow drags me to games of skill, I turn off all my processing and tactical cores, leaving me with just me and my instincts. I lose some, but I do win a few and that makes me more happy than anything else. Though what I’ll do with a large stuffed representation of Princess Luna I’m not sure yet.

Applejack of course, is quite content with a few exhibitions of strength, out-doing even the minotaur who was running the booth. Her kick on the paddle making the weight slide up and ring the bell while knocking it off the backboard was amazing to see.

Rarity even has a great time, losing herself for the moment, she is deadly accurate with a ball, knocking over milk bottles to win prizes. She said it’s her eye for fine sewing that does it.

I think she’s an assassin in disguise, that’s what I think.

We ate more fair food than is healthy for us, but it is fun, cotton candy is something else to try for the first time as I enjoy it so very much. There are caramel apples, grilled vegetables, all the things that are made are here in one place.

There were even logic puzzles that attracted Twilight, who was frustrating the pony running the booth by answering everything in record time. She was finally told she couldn’t win any more prizes. We all had to help her haul away the winnings.

Fluttershy found the petting zoo, she was happily still there when we came by hours later, telling the rabbits how to decorate their homes more warmly. She attracted a crowd by having the different animals doing tricks for them, receiving applause and murmurs of appreciation. She stopped when she realized that such a big crowd was watching her, hiding behind us when we came by.

We found Pinkie late in the day, she was with a pack of roving mimes that were entertaining everypony. Pinkie was all dressed up in a striped shirt and beret, giggling madly when we saw her and having the time of her life. She still wouldn’t tell us how she’d got in with them and why she had a whole bunch of clown noses in her saddlebags.

Rainbow was amazing to see, Pegasi being athletic, there were games that required their particular skills. Dodging through hoops and flames, being missed by swinging weights and magically tossed boulders (fake of course) it was a daring challenge. She came through with flying colors and won a first edition Daring Do book signed by the author. I thought her smile would never fade as she clutched the tome tightly.

The owner Park Ride, catches us as we walk around his amazing place, asking if we are having fun, are we doing well? We assure him that his park is beyond imagining.

He points a hoof at all of us, telling us to stop paying for things, he had already arranged it. Twilight tells him politely, but firmly, we will pay for some things, that it is only right. This pleases him to no extent.

He is smiling, he looks..different somehow. He’d had a worn look when we had seen him in the morning, but now it was as if he glowed with renewed energy and life. His daughter was with him, making sure he didn’t wear himself out doing too many things.

We watch him as he bids us farewell, waving to ponies and joking with little ones. He has a renewed sense of purpose, given to him by a band of friends I can only be pleased to accompany.

But what we didn’t know, and were to find out later, was that a story was being told. We never found out who started it, but we had our suspicions.

A Princess had come to his park, telling him that it was to be the happiest place in Equestria. The owner had made a vow that it would be, for as long as he lived it would be a place of smiles and laughter. That no matter what, ponies would be able to enter and have the time of their lives.

It was changed in the telling of course, but the main thing was that the owner had given his rare friendship to a Princess who had given him the will to remake his wonderland into an even greater thing.

Ponies believed that story, the workers, the ones who visited the park that day. All of them believing even more that the Princesses looked out for every pony no matter who, by making their lives better in various ways.

When you ignite a spark of hope in a heart, it can change the world.

It’s an exhausted group that lands in their beds as we toss everything onto the floor, Twilight’s prizes being the biggest bundle as we all compare stories of the park. It had been magical, a true land of entertainment and delight that would only get better if Park Ride had anything to do with it.

He and his daughter had met us as we were leaving, him promising that there would be more changes, good ones, coming and that it would truly be the most joyful place in Equestria.

Twilight had been a bit embarrassed as he renewed his vow of friendship, telling her that should she ever need his assistance she had only to call.

I was elated at winning a few prizes, because I did it, not my cores or programs, but me! I hug the stuffed pony tight and listen to the stories around me.

“Ya know, we ought to come back in a year and see what he’s done with the place.” Applejack is lying back on her pillows.

“I think it’s wonderful already, how could it get better?” Fluttershy is smiling at her time there.

“I don’t know, but winning a First Edition Daring Do? How much better CAN it get?” Rainbow is clutching the book like it’s solid platinum, never having let it go for a moment.

Pinkie is trying on different clown noses, “I don’t know, but it’s gonna be great!” She still won’t tell us where she go those.

“And it’s all thanks to you darling," Rarity is pointing at Twilight, “You did what you thought was right and it was! Bravo!”

Twilight is surrounded by stuffed animals and prizes, “I..well I just thought I’d try harder is all.” She’s rubbing the back of her neck in embarrassment.

“Ya done good sugarcube!”

“I think you did great Twilight.” Adding my two cents, she beams at all of us.

“Well.. Don’t tell the Princesses I threatened anypony okay?”

“We won’t, though I’m sure they’ll find out, somehow they always do.” Applejack is laughing lightly.

“Well I for one am for sleep, it’s been such a wonderful day but I am worn out!” Rarity is unpacking her sleep mask.

Everypony agrees, getting things in order for some rest, though the floor is covered with gifts and stuff we’ve brought back.

Twilight is looking at me oddly for a moment, “What happened Athena? You never lose at games.” Referring to my losing quite a few.

“I..I tu..turned everything off..” I don’t know what else to say, “I..was just me, no tactical programs or anything.”

“So you were just a normal pony?”

“Y..yes. But it was neat, I didn’t win a whole lot, but what I did was all me!”

The Alicorn points at me, “That’s because you’re used to being able to do all those amazing things, you’re out of practice without them.” She grins, “How’d it feel?”

“It was..wonderful. I didn’t know anything but simple things, nothing but my own thoughts and wishes. It was different.”

“But she put that ball right in that milk jug! In one shot!” Rainbow is sounding proud, “She’s good!”

“But I did lose quite a few times.”

“Can’t win ‘em all.” She looks around at the shocked looks, “What? I’m awesome no matter what I do. Even losing I can look good.” She immediately gets smacked upside the head with a thrown pillow.

“Hey!”

“You ain’t that awesome ya smug mare.”

“I am too!” She throws the pillow back, “Even when I lose I make things twenty percent cooler!”

She gets buried by an avalanche of pillows.

Fluttershy excuses herself, wanting to stretch her wings in the cool night air as we all sit and talk about the day. Everything is still sharp, I’ve taken plenty of pictures and recordings, I can’t wait to share them with Crusader when I get back. I really don’t want this to end.

As the talk goes on, they all drop off one by one into the realms of sleep. It’s been quite the day and I am not feeling sleepy, nor is Pinkie for some reason. She’s telling me jokes when I finally realize that Fluttershy is not back.

Checking my internal clock since I last saw her, it’s been three hours.

“Pinkie, Fluttershy’s not back yet.”

“Huh?” She looks around, “Maybe she found a nice raccoon to talk to, she does that ya know.”

“I know, but she was tired as well.”

Pinkie taps her chin, “That’s odd, she usually doesn’t like crowds that much either.”

“I’m going to go look for her.”

“You sure?” She yawns widely, “I’ll help!”

“No, stay here and get some rest, it’ll be fine.”

“I dunno, I mean I like to help..and...go...look...” She drops right off mid-sentence and snores as she falls over into her pillow.

Shaking my head, I make sure they’re all tucked in, leaving the room and securing the door tightly just in case. I don’t like this, Fluttershy is not one to just up and leave for hours.

I start with the obvious, the lobby of the hotel. Looking around, it’s just the desk clerk this late, but he is eyeing me as well.

Walking up to the counter I politely ask him if he’s seen my friend, describing her and her Mark.

“Nope, haven’t seen her I’m afraid. Maybe she went to a late night casino or something?”

He’s lying. Scanning his body I can see he’s nervous about something. He’s seen us before, all of us together.

Putting my front hooves on the wooden counter I remain calm, “Let’s try this again. Did you see my friend?”

He shakes his head once more, denying he ever saw her tonight.

Pushing down on the wood, it starts to crack as I lean forward, “You saw her and now you’re lying, why?”

“Look miss, I didn’t see nothing!”

I push harder, my hooves pressing into the top of the counter now as it creaks ominously, “Tell me what you saw or I promise you’ll regret it.”

He is shaking as he finally relates to me what he had seen.

“She was comin’ in the door about three hours ago, two big stallions stopped her and dragged her off somewhere, that’s all I know!”

“And you didn’t see fit to report this or let anypony know?”

“Look lady, I don’t get involved. I just do my job. I have a family to think of.”

He’s scared, but not just of me, of somepony else. I can’t fault him, I really can’t no matter how my anger is rising right now. Most folks want to do their jobs and live quietly.

I take some money out of my bag and slide it across the counter, “For damages, and some for you. Who were they?”

He thinks, he’s thinking very hard right now as he looks around the lobby. There is nopony else but he and I right now.

“Lady, you and your friends have been nice, but you never heard it from me. There’s only a few ponies strong enough to do something like that and try to get away with it. You must have made someone mad.”

“Who?”

“There’s Crookshanks who works the lower town, Shady runs the upper, but they all answer to Big Bits.”

“So he runs the criminal activities?”

“He runs it all, you get him mad and ponies disappear.”

“Why doesn’t the Guard do anything?”

“Lady, they’re as intimidated as I am. He’s got dirt on everypony who runs things. We’re so far from Canterlot, it’s rare a Princess visits, and when they do they’re kept away from the underside on purpose. He’s got eyes everywhere and knows everything going on.”

“Thank you.” I turn to go back to the room.

“Please don’t say...”

“Not a word, take care of your family.”

Walking back up to the room I ponder my solutions to this. Crusader could have tanks here by midday, we could have full drone coverage hours before then, we could lock this city down so tight not a mouse would get out. But we don’t know where Fluttershy is. If I activate the trackers, Crusader will know immediately as they are wide band, he'll know something's wrong. I rule this out, we have to find another way.

I clamp down my cores, keeping this information sequestered and not available. I have to inform Twilight and the others.

Before I start ascending the stairs, my ears catch another pony coming in to the lobby, asking the clerk for Princess Sparkle’s room, that he had a message to deliver.

I turn to see the clerk pointing at me.

“That’s her friend, she can take it.” I trot over to see what it is.

The colt delivering it smiles at me as he hands the folded parchment over, “Here you go miss!”

“Thank you.” I give him a tip as he nods, heading out for more deliveries I suppose.

Unfolding the paper, it confirms my fear. We had angered the wrong pony and now here was the proof.

Your friend for my money. You’ll be given instructions where to go.

Don’ t get smart, be there to pay or your friend will pay for you.

BB

I make absolutely sure this information is locked away in my systems, away from any possible sharing. Fluttershy holds a special place with Crusader after he healed her, the wounds he blamed on himself. If he even suspects this, he will tear this city apart looking for her.

This idiot is unknowingly going to unleash his own destruction if we cannot solve this quietly.

I am mindful of all of this as I race up the stairs to wake my friends. Evening has fallen, but we don't have much time.

“Oh no, this is all mah fault.” Applejack’s voice is sorrowful as she reads the note.

I had woken them all up, not long after they went to sleep, but the weariness faded quickly when I told them of what I knew and showed them the note.

“We didn’t know Applejack, we had no clue he could trace us or even know where we were, we just thought he was some rich bigshot.”

“I shoulda left well enough alone.” She looks at all of us, “I’m so sorry.”

Twilight shakes her head, “We all knew, we all agreed it was fair. Nopony is to blame, and it’s too late for that now, we’ve got to find her.”

“We don’t have the money anymore, we gave it to the park. I can try to win more but it would take a few hours. It was a lot of money.”

“No,” Twilight is pointing at me, “We’ll find her.” She thinks for a minute, “Alright, we’ll split up, start looking around town and asking..quietly!..where he might be.”

Applejack, you and Athena go together, they know you know each other. Me, Rainbow and Pinkie will start looking elsewhere. If he’s got eyes everywhere, we’ll just have to be a bit more circumspect. Let’s do this fast.”

We move out, Applejack and I know the first place we’ll stop. She is commiserating on how it’s her fault when I stop her.

“Look, we didn’t think it through, even I didn’t. Yes I cheated, yes I took his money. But you don’t kidnap somepony because of money, he’s got more than he’ll ever need. He’s trying to show he’s a power by intimidating us to give his money back. We’re going to show him he’s wrong.”

“Ah know, but I started all this.”

“And we’ll end it, simple.” I give her my best smile.

She returns it as we head back to the park, maybe Park Ride would know something since he’s the owner and would have to deal with this Bits pony while in town.

He listens closely to our tale after we beat around the bush slightly, seeing if he would listen or ignore it as the clerk had done. The look on his kindly face is a bit grim as we tell him who the perpetrator was, but we don’t know where he operates out of.

He nods, “I think I know, I’ve got a pretty good idea. Though I’ve only seen him in a few other places where us business owners have to pay a ‘toll’ to operate in this town.”

Applejack’s jaw hits the floor, “He’s extortin’ you?”

“Yes. For years now ever since he became the boss, lording it over others and ponies who didn’t pay up found their businesses ransacked or worse. He’s a blight on this town.” He spits on the ground, “Celestia damn him for all he’s done! Pardon my language of course.”

His daughter standing beside him gives a poke with her hoof, “Dad! You know what mom said about using those words.”

“I know, I know. Love your mom to death, but that Big Bits needs to be locked up.”

He looks thoughtful, “You give me one hour, I’ll have something for you, I promise.” With that he’s off with Sunflower.

“Well ain’t that somethin’. Guess ah’m used to small town life and it bein’ quiet and all.” We walk back onto the street, wandering around while waiting.

“Things may not be perfect here Applejack, but like you said, there are good ponies.”

“Yeah, but life ought to be better than some criminal taking things from the hard workin’ folks.”

During our walk, we notice things we hadn’t before. There is a darker side to this town, behind the lights and the glamour there are hard working ponies quietly trying to make their way through life. All anyone ever sees is the shiny things, never the dull or the faded.

Applejack and I do as we walk and talk with different folks, she is respectful and polite, seeing the things we never thought existed here but suspected. You don’t pay any mind, being distracted. But now, we’re focused and can truly see what lies behind the facade.

We will tell Twilight when we meet up next, tell her all that’s been going on, perhaps we can come up with something to change things.

Meeting Park Ride and his daughter once more, he tells us there is a warehouse on the outskirts of town where Bits does his business, a headquarters for his criminal operations.

We thank him profusely, telling him we’ll be in touch after everything is settled and go on our way.

Park Ride watched the two mares trotting off, his hoof tapping the ground as his daughter looked at him curiously.

“What’s wrong daddy?”

“This isn’t right.” He turns to her, “Go get Lucky and Hard Hat, get all the roustabouts you can find, tell them 'Hey Rube’. I’ve got to contact some friends.”

Sunflower’s eyes go wide as she nods, rushing off to find the ponies he asked for as he walked towards his office, “No, no this isn’t right at all.”

We find Twilight and the others, passing along what Park Ride said as we head back to the hotel.

The clerk at the desk calls us over, telling us he had a message. It’s exactly what we suspected, deliver the money to a warehouse. How convenient that we already know. We have to be there in one hour, but fifteen minutes has already expired from our being absent.

I speak up, “He’s going to act like royalty, we’re to come in and grovel, beg his forgiveness and hoof over the money. It’s all about power.”

Twilight stamps a hoof and snorts, “Well he’ll find out real quick we don’t give in to threats or anything like that.”

“You have a plan darling?” Rarity is calm and collected, it makes me suspicious, thoughts of assassins come to mind again. I’ll have to watch her.

“I do, we’re going to walk in and get our friend! If they don’t give her to us, well the Forest Foals and the Changelings found out what happened when they messed with the Elements of Harmony.”

Rainbow taps her hooves together while hovering near, “We’re gonna harmonize them all right!”

Twilight nods firmly, “I think it’s about time somepony finds out they can’t bully others.”

We head out to the warehouse, it’s quite a distance away and very large, the perfect place to store ill-gotten gains and traffic them.

Entering the large doors, we are confronted by two thugs, asking us why we’re here and smiling nastily when Twilight tells them we’ve come to retrieve our friend. I mark them as targets, making sure my threats file is open and processing, I make plans for a fight.

Twilight has told us, we go in as one, we leave as one, if anything breaks out we act together. I know I cannot do everything and I will stand with them. Seeing the grim look on the Alicorn’s face though, is disheartening, she should be smiling.

Coming to a large room, we are greeted by a horde of what appears to be the typical scum that infest such places. Human or pony, the look is the same. Big Bits is sitting in a chair at the end of a long table, smiling at us smugly. Fluttershy is being held by two large earth pony types and looking scared.

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash is held back before she can go to her friend.

“Calm down Rainbow, we’ll get her.” Applejack is telling her.

“You hurt her and you’ll regret it!” The cyan pegasus is pointing a hoof.

His voice is raspy and low as he laughs, “You’ll get her back when I get my money.”

“You’re not getting any money!” Twilight steps forward of our line, “You turn her over now by my authority as Princess and maybe we won’t have you locked up!”

“Your threats don’t bother me..Princess... I’ll be out in a day doing what I do. You don’t rule here, I do, you visit and smile and then leave.” He stomps a hoof, “But I am always here and I run this town!” The murmurs of his criminal associates agree with him.

“Not any more!” A voice makes us turn, seeing Park Ride and his daughter. Ponies are piling in behind him and it looks like he has every construction and park worker in the city pouring in behind him like a solid wall of muscle. They are shoving the goons at the door in front of them, looking worse for wear.

“Well, well Park Ride, got a bit of guts now do you?”

“More than that, I think it’s time for a change in this town!” The ponies beside and behind him are nodding as more are trying to fit in the warehouse.

A hoof is waved disdainfully, “Nothing changes, if not me then somepony else. Go back to your lives and leave the thinking to us.”

“You’ve got one chance Bits, release that mare and get out or we’ll do it for you!”

The smile on the smarmy face is looking a bit nervous now, seeing the looks on all the ponies he’s probably hassled over the last few years. They aren’t leaving, and when they do it’s going to be right over the line of criminals in front of them.

“Be reasonable, you won’t do a...”

“GET HIM!” Park Ride points a hoof and it’s like a wave of colors as the ponies rush the end of the warehouse. All we can do is hope we don’t get trampled as hooves stampede past us, leaving us all looking on in wonder as a full-blown riot breaks out.

I didn’t know Mimes could fight so quietly.

We’re standing in a group surrounded by grim looking workers who are keeping us all from harm in the scrum as we watch the criminals get taken down and hauled out of the warehouse. Fluttershy is brought to us where she receives hugs from Rainbow Dash.

Exiting the building, there are crowds all over the street, hauling in more of what appears to be the ring of criminals and handing them over to the Guard. Sunflower is trying to keep her father out of the way, but he’s having the time of his life directing the near war in the city streets.

It is a full scale revolution in the city of Las Pegasus, those who were browbeaten or bullied are coming to the streets in their hundreds to help haul away the ones who’d done the wrongs.

Twilight steps clear of the warehouse to see this happening as ponies recognize her and whispered words spread.

“The Princess!”

Ponies near to us start bowing to her dismay as it ripples outward like a wave, ending in silence as they all look at her for a word or two.

The lavender Alicorn is motionless until nudged by Applejack and Pinkie, “It’s all you sugarcube, say something.”

She steps forward, her horn lighting up to spread her voice to the waiting crowds.

I’m sure she’s going to say something nice, momentous even.

“Will you please stop bowing!”

Ah well, one can hope.

All the ponies rise, still waiting for her to say something. It’s inevitable, they want her to tell them they’ve done right.

She looks back at us, seeing hooves pushing at her, urging her to say something.

“Uhm... thank you for helping us get our friend back. I know things are tough sometimes, and life isn’t all perfect, but maybe now things can get better. It’s up to you, and you’ve proven that in Equestria, we can do anything.” She smiles, “Thank you, thank you all again.”

“Three cheers for the Princess!” Park Ride is yelling from the front of the crowd.

The roar is deafening.

Setting in our hotel room, the noise from the street outside comes in clear even through the concrete walls. It is a city wide party. There are streamers and laughter, everything that is wonderful is out there. I watch the fireworks in the sky from the window as we all talk.

“Wow,” Rainbow Dash is beside me, “Who knew a vacation would start a war in this city. But for the better!”

“Well Rainbow, sometimes when ponies have had enough, all it takes is a single match to light the flame.”

She sighs, “And I didn’t even get to show my awesomeness in a fight.”

I give her a hug, “You’ll still be awesome.”

We turn to Twilight’s voice, “But they’re saying I started it! I didn’t do anything!”

Applejack and Rarity are laughing, “Well it’s better than being blamed for the bad things isn’t it?”

“But..but that’s not the point. I am not going to take credit for this!”

“You don’t have to, their givin’ it to ya sugarcube.”

“Augh! I’m the Princess of Friendship but it seems I’m now the Princess of Riots!”

Everypony laughs, long and hard.

A knock comes at the door, Twilight stomps over to it, “I’m not giving any interviews! I’m on vaca...” Her voice stops as we peek around the corner.

Princess Celestia and Luna are standing in the doorway, smiling warmly, “Well, that’s fine, we didn’t want to interview you anyway.” Luna giggles.

“P..Princess Celestia!” She hugs her mentor and Luna, inviting them in.

We bow as is only appropriate, watching them look around the somewhat messy room.

Settling down in comfortable chairs, I see Princess Luna eyeing the prize I won, looking it over.

“It’s..uhm.. I won it at a game.”

“Well they need to make sure the eye color is better, hmph, if you’re going to make a stuffed version, they could at least get the color right!” She’s grinning at me.

“We’ll let them know Your Highness.” We both share a laugh as Twilight speaks with Celestia.

“Uh..so.. enjoying Las Pegasus?” She’s looking a bit nervous.

“Oh yes," Celestia’s voice is calm as always, “We just thought we’d drop in, hearing a Princess was on vacation, thinking we’d see how it was going. Imagine our surprise when we hear of a..well..upset in the town that seemed to have cleared out the criminal element we’ve been worried about.”

She eyes Twilight mischievously, “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

Twilight taps her hooves together, smiling nervously, “Uh..no?”

“Are you sure?” She is still smiling with a twinkle in her eye.

“Oh all right, yes! We know about it. Augh! It wasn’t my fault!” She throws her hooves up in the air, explaining what had happened in the past days, she does gloss over Applejacks’ and mine own part in the poker game, saying we just won money that we donated.

Celestia just nods, Luna however is chuckling.

The alabaster mare taps a hoof on the floor for a moment, “But you did make a friend didn’t you?”

“Yes, but that’s all! I didn’t do all this, but they keep saying I did!”

“It’s not about doing something Twilight, it’s about inspiring others to do for themselves.” She looks at all of us. “You can’t do everything for everypony, they must live their own lives.”

Leaning down she beams at her former student, “But by making one friend, and doing the right thing, you made a difference. They did it themselves, but choose to think that perhaps you had somehow done this.”

“But it’s not true.”

“What’s not true? You making a friend? Helping him to make a decision he had a problem with? This led to the excising of something that was rotten to the betterment of all? You gave them a push, a gentle nudge and it helped. That’s all, that’s all it ever was. You cannot control what they believe, but you can try and make sure it’s for the better.”

“So just making one friend, can change things so much?”

“Yes. All it takes is one and some very special ponies to do things to make others take heart.” She presses a shod hoof against Twilight’s chest, “That is you and your friends.”

“Well...I guess so..” Twilight is still uncertain, but the comforting words from her mentor are striking deep as she smiles in return.

“Cheer up Twilight, it’ll fade, then you can look back on this.” She laughs brightly, getting to her hooves. “Enjoy your stay.”

“We will!” Everyone is smiling once more.

Celestia leans down to me for one second, whispering in my ear before she and Luna exit with warm farewells, leaving me to sit there blushing furiously.

Applejack is looking at me, “What’d she say?”

“She said..uh...”

“Well tell us darling!” Rarity is wanting to know.

I tap my hooves together in front of myself for a moment, “She uhm..said nice young mares shouldn’t cheat at cards.”

Applejack almost falls out of her chair before laughing so hard she can’t breathe. The others join in the merriment to my somewhat dismay, though I laugh as well. I can only sit there and wonder how she even knew!

We have a few more days to spend here, so much to do and see. But the atmosphere of the town has changed in a way that’s hard not to notice, airy, lighter on the chest. Ponies seem to smile more, to bid hello to each other more often.

I don’t know what to say, or even think. From a simple trip to a city-wide change, it is amazing how such things can happen. I don’t know what to say to Crusader when I get back, but I don’t worry.

I’ve learned that a simple thing, such as donating money to see that others can benefit, or even a smile and greeting, can change things so drastically you wonder how it all happened.

For all our might and power, all our capabilities, Bolos cannot compare to the warm heart of a true friend. I am humbled by this. There are still things to learn in this world, and I look forward to each and every day.

Each and every day with my friends.

Author's Note

Aw well, we know the old saying. Adventure continues!

Thanks so much for the comments, the PM"s, everything, you folks are incredible!

Testing...Testing...

The morning dawn shed it’s rays upon a new world, the golden light beaming down from the furnace that was Equestria’s star, spinning it’s magic to reveal a castle of the widest and tallest proportions sitting on the side of a mountain, almost half buried in it.

Her Imperial Majesty, Imperatrix Twilight Sparkle, Conqueror of Equestria and Known Space, (And unknown once she got around to it) sits upon her throne, brooding as is her wont. The crown on her brow bedecked with the finest jewels and metals weighs heavily upon her. So many things to worry about.

Silent, and tapping a heavily clad hoof on the arm of her throne, she stared out into the quiet stillness of her throne room. An edifice of massive proportions which extended for a clear mile to doors made of solid gold at the end. It was hung with tapestries adorned with the finest depictions of her rule from the best tailors and weavers in the world. Carpets of exotic cloth covered the floor, her royal hooves would not touch a single piece of cold marble.

Her Cutie Mark rose like a beacon behind her, glowing with a fierce light that brought terror and fear into the hearts of all who viewed it, even from afar.

Guards lined the room on either side, clad in armor that was heavily spelled and made in a way which resisted all attempts to cut through it. They were her personal attendants, sworn to give their lives to her whims.

Her advisors sat one either side of her, six mares and one stallion on thrones slightly less ornate. They were all feared in their own rights, spell users of tremendous powers, generals of her mechanized forces, commanders of millions of troops,unstoppable in their quest to bring the world and the galaxy under one rule, HER rule.

The burgeoning space fleets, powered by the new Spell Drive, were reaching outwards, conquering and crushing all resistance to her will and might. Showing not just this world, but all others that to bow to her would be the only way to survive.

She smiled to herself, seeing all of her advisors thinking their own thoughts, probably wanting to usurp my throne, well they’ll see I don’t take kindly to thoughts of treason.

She brought up a glowing map in front of her, seeing her world a single shade of lavender, her color, showing it had been pacified. She expanded the view farther, seeing solar systems and planets with the same bright hue, conquered in her name.

Her Imperial Majesty did not tolerate anypony saying no.

The Sun and the Moon rose at her slightest command, a single whisper could put to death thousands, her will was the will of all those she ruled.

She pointed an imperious hoof outward, “We will spread Friendship to the Stars! Those who do not accept it will be swept away!”

The Alicorn laughed maniacally....

“Waaaait a second...”

Athena looked into the eyes of her most treasured love, those same violet eyes looking back solemn and warm as they both sat under a starlit sky. A hoof was placed in hers, their breathing both slowed and heavy in the still air as they looked at nothing other than each other.

Twilight Sparkle, Alicorn, Princess and the one who loved the sable Pegasus back with all her heart, felt it skip a beat as the warm hoof tightened on hers. Nothing was said, it didn’t need to be. It was a love for the ages, something to be told in stories and tales, of two who would be together until the sun faded in the sky.

Athena might be a machine, but her cores beat fiercely for this Alicorn, her smile, every touch and tilt of her head brought joy to her. Joy such as she had never beheld was bright in her hearing each time her beloved laughed. Her body reacted to the touch of her hoof, making her lean forward as they whispered endearments under the starlit sky. Closer their faces came until that moment when they could no longer deny the passions that burned within them.

Their lips touched, tentative at first and then with a building fire that swept through them both, warmth poured through their veins, making this first kiss something to remember as they held it. Mouths parted, tongues dancing under a full moon they finally gave into their flames of desire.

“Hey!”

“Where did...”

“Oh my!"

“Bwahahahaha!"

Pinkie was sliding down a hill of ice cream, the splattering colors covering her body like a cold wave of pure delight. She was whipping around hills and dales as she finally ended up at the base of the chilly mound.

She giggled and laughed, her blue eyes sparkling as she looked around to see a stallion waiting for her at the termination of her run. He was eyeing her with great interest.

She took a demure pose, covered in melting ice cream as she fluttered her blue eyes at him. The pink mare pointed at herself, giving a smile that looked so very very tempting.

“So what flavor do you want to try first?”

“No...nononono!”

“Oh come on!”

“Woo-hoo! Fun!”

Applejack stood on a balcony, looking outward to what appeared to be a battlefield. Her dress long and lacy as her hair was done up in a full, but lovely style. She waved a fan at the side of her face, tsk’ing at the war going on in the city, houses burning and troops were running back and forth, the sounds of muskets loud even at this distance.

She swept into the bedroom, wondering what she should take as her personal servant helped her pack for the evacuation.

A knock at the door downstairs took her from her task as she rushed down the stairs breathlessly, opening the heavy wooden portal to see a mustachioed stallion, standing there in his Sunday finest, looking upon her with fire in his eyes.

“Oh dear, Atlanta is burning, what evah shall we do Crusadah!” Her southern accent more pronounced as she waved her fan.

“I don’t know Applejack my darling, but I do know this. I love you, I’ve loved you since I first saw you. Be mine Applejack, let me take you away from this!” He pointed dramatically outside, where troops in gray and blue were fighting viciously.

“Oh my! Whatevah will mah father say?” Her fan fluttered intensely.

“Ah don’t know, and frankly mah dear Applejack, I don’t give a damn!”

“How in the world...”

“Wait, that’s not..”

“Well that was interesting....”

Rarity is stepping down a marble staircase daintily, her hooves shined to a polish as she smiles at the stallions lining the sides of it. They are dressed in the finest tuxedos as she glitters with jewels, her voice is sweet and beautiful in the surrounding stage.

“Stallions grow cold,

As mares grow old,

And we all lose our charms in the end.

But square-cut or pear-shaped,

These rocks don’t lose their shape.

Diamonds are a mares best friend!”

“That is so not...”

“What the...!”

“Okay..that was...”

The beach was littered with bodies, troops hiding behind steel boat traps as the machine-guns raked the sand beside them. Cringing into cover they held onto their helmets tight as Twilight looked over the barricade, seeing Minotaurs manning the breastworks above.

Explosions covered them with dirt as the screams of dying soldiers around them pierced their brains, making their faces drawn and worn under the constant barrage of heavy fire.

“Take some ponies and hit that dune, blow the way in with Bangalores!” Twilight pointed to a hill close to the cliff.

Two soldiers stood up, running for the dune with long tubes in their mouths, they were gunned down to lie in the sand, still and unmoving as the others watched with dawning horror.

They would not get off this beach alive if the Minotaurs had anything to say about it.

“What?!”

“Oh no!”

“That’s not right!”

The twisting bodies were in the throes of passion, lost to the world around them under the night sky as they entwined in a breathless embrace of pure ecstacy. Hooves caressed while tongues stroked intimate places that made the body shiver with glee..

Loving whispers were told and retold as the lavender and sable forms held tight to each other. The moans of delight were audible in the cool night air which wicked away the dripping sweat from the exertions of their last few minutes.

Hot breath came from panting mouths, nibbling and stroking each other with their tongues, the two left no place untouched, nor alone in their quest for the romance they both desired and wanted so very badly.

The flames in the lonely campfire on the desert sands couldn’t match the heat given off by the two figures as they lay in it’s light. The lavender mare’s mouth opened as her muscles clenched, to give a scream...

“WHOA!”

“WOW!”

“OH MY!”

“Bwahahahahaha!”

Fluttershy stalked on the stage, a swagger stick held under one wing as she glared out at the audience. Her face grim and tight as she stood for a moment, speaking before a huge Equestrian Flag as a backdrop.

“Be seated.”

The sounds of hundreds of backsides hitting a floor resounded through the area.

“I want you to know, no bastard every won a war, by dying for his country.” She pauses, looking out from the stage.

“He won it, by making the other poor dumb bastard..die for his country.”

She points a hoof, “Ponies, all this stuff you’ve heard about Equestria not wanting to fight, wanting to stay out of the war, is ponyfeathers.”

“Ooookaaaaay..”

“Oh goodness...”

“Really?”

Melconian forces had dug in deeply on Sestus, we were tasked to eradicate them then spread outward to the other planets in her system. The Concordiat Navy was currently bombarding the single moon to keep reinforcements from arriving. Corvettes and heavy cruisers were patrolling the outer planets, after wiping the enemy ships from the area, we concentrated everything on the heavily armed inner system.

The full might of the Concordiat was bringing it to bear on this heavily fortified star system, a most important one to keep the resupply routes open for the Outer Reaches.

We had to take it, or die trying. It was that critical.

‘Twilight’, Unit TWLT of the Line swung her Hellbores around, unleashing destruction upon the Surturs currently rushing her, they were coming thick and heavy out of underground bunkers.

All nine Bolos were deep in TSDS, forming a battle-line of solid durasteel to roll over the defenders. Their Hellbores glowed in the night as they powered up and smashed the oncoming mechs. Melconian forces scattering to the wind as they moved forward. They had backed up a large group of the enemy into a no retreat area, they were caught, and they were going to die.

Units RNBW 'Rainbow’ and FLTS ‘Fluttershy’ took the left side along with Unit ATNA ‘Athena’, swinging outwards to surround the retreating forces, Secondaries and Mains taking their toll as the Enemy line fell into disarray.

“More coming in at thirty-four degrees...mark!.., bring up Seige Units, lay down fire along the back line, cruise missiles up!”

Heavy VLS plates slapped back along their hulls, Units CRSD ‘Crusader’, RRTY 'Rarity’ and APJK 'Applejack’ launched full salvoes at the Melconians, blocking their retreat and turning the pocket into a slaughterhouse. The explosions from the ten megaton warheads completely blanketing the spectrum with EMP, knocking out communications for a moment.

Unit PNKI 'Pinkie’ came around the right side, showering the Melconian troops with Anti-Personnel canisters, tearing them to shreds as she rolled over the emplacement with a laugh, “Got em!”

“Pinkie, stay with the line, it’s not safe to try it alone," Crusader was admonishing, Pinkie loved the field of battle and roamed it with Athena and her sister sometimes. Striking hard into the enemy and retreating back to the solidity of our front.

Hera and Athena laughed, their voices bright over the commlinks, “Way to go Pinkie!”

“I know right?” She giggled back as the three took off, swinging around and pounding the enemy with their Hellbores, ECM covering their every movement. They were swift and oh so deadly, bringing their secondaries to bear in pinpoint shots.

“Let ‘em go sugar, they know what they’re doin’” Applejack’s voice was soft over the network. “We got our own problems. Incoming Kinetic Strike Package, bearing up forty-five degrees, impact in fifteen seconds!”

All Anti-Air assets swung up, slamming into the oncoming penetrator rods launched by the ground cannons on the moon, slipping through the blockade and heading our way. They would do some damage if they connected with our group.

“Sorry darlings, Anti-Air lasers took a hit in the last fight, I’m useless!” Rarity’s voice was sorrowful. She put everything into her secondaries and Mains, trying to take out groups of the long rod penetrators.

“We’ll cover! Rainbow and Fluttershy moved into place beside her, upping their rate of fire to make a deadly shield around their comrade.

“COOL!”

“What..?”

“Whoops!”

A pony in armor stood before others, his face drawn and haggard as the stallion was caught mid-speech to his troops.

“From this day to the ending of the world,

But we in it shall be remembered-

We few, we happy few, band of ponies;

For he to-day that sheds his blood with me

Shall be my brother and sister, be they ne’er so vile,

This day shall gentle his condition;

And those in Equestria now-a-bed

Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,

And hold their ponyhoods cheap whiles any speaks

That fought with us on Crispin’s day.

The roar of the surrounding soldiers is deafening to the ears as spears, swords and halberds are raised in triumph and glee.

“Well....”

“Nope...

“No....”

Flash Dash stood at the communicator of her spaceship, accompanied by her compatriot Fluttershy Arden, she threatened Twilight the Merciless over the speaker.

“You’ll never get away with this Twilight! I have everything I need to take you down!”

The face on the tele-visor was cruel and laughing.

“Oh Rainbow, you’ll never defeat me and my armies,” She laughed maniacally.

Dr. Hooves Zarkov, a bearded be-spectacled stallion was nervously controlling the ship while looking back at them, “She’s right, they’ve got everything, we only have a few troops!”

“Bah! We’ll defeat her, we always have!” She pointed forward, “Onward to victory for Equestria!”

“Oh boy...”

“What?

“Oh for...”

Eight ponies are watching in horror as a huge Dragon is stomping through Manehatten. It’s flattening high rises, breathing fire as the military is trying desperately to stop it with all the weapons at their command.

A rainbow maned one turns to the others, “Watashitachiha o susume koko kara dete kimashita!” (Subtitle : We’ve got to get out of here!)

The lavender one looks at the huge monster stomping through the city with a bit of interest, “Watashi wa, ryu ga sono okina motte shirimasendeshita.” (Subtitle: I didn’t know Dragons could get that big.)

“Do what?”

“Oh for....”

“Huh...”

Celestia sits glaring down from a throne of metal, dull and bleak. She grins fiercely as her sister sets beside her.

Minotaurs bow their heads before them as they both laugh.

“So now that you have been defeated, you shall pay the Iron Price!”

Their laughs echoes throughout the throne room.

“Whoa....

“How did...

“Interesting...”

Rainbow Dash is sitting in a field of flowers, picking one and holding it to her nose delicately as she sighs dreamily into the warm summer air. Her eyes unfocused as she watches the wispy clouds scuttle by. She picks the petals on the flower one by one, whispering to herself.

“She loves me...she loves me not..”

“Awwwwww!”

“Oh come on!”

“Serves you right!”

A ring of the doorbell comes in a shoddily furnished apartment, Applejack answers the door wearing what looks to be a tight t-shirt and shorts over her muscular body, her hair somewhat messy but done in a kind of ..sensual..way? Really bad music plays in the background as a mustached Crusader stands in the doorway holding a box in his hoof.

“Pizza delivery!”

“Oh my!” Applejack fans herself, fluttering her big emerald eyes, “Ah, ah don’t have any money to pay!” The lines are badly delivered as if in some farce of a movie.

The stallion gets a leer on his face as he steps inside, “Well I’m sure we can figure out a reasonable exchange..”

Applejack smiles demurely, her eyes growing warm and inviting as she motions him into the living room near the couch, the music rises...

“What in tarnation?”

“Hahahaha!”

“Oh my...!”

A nervous Rarity looks at Fluttershy on the floor, equipping herself with weapons of many calibers and makes, a grim look on her face.

“Wh..what are you going to do?”

The buttery mare looks up, no emotion whatsoever as she finishes her loadout.

“I’m going to kill them all sir.”

“Eeep!”

“Wow..”

“Goodness!”

Rainbow Dash is wandering through more fields of flowers, she is bouncing and laughing as she runs through the colored hills. She approaches closer, closer and spins in place, singing beautifully...

“The hills are alive...with the sound of muuuuusic!”

“Nonono!”

“Hahahahah!

“*snicker*”

“*snort*”

Two ponies are running down a long hallway, it is dark and dank, the smell of fetid humidity everywhere. They run out of breath as they both cling to the nearest wall. The umber stallion looks at his friend and gasps.

They both look odd, as if not quite fully fleshed out for some reason.

“Oh no, they’re gone, what are we gonna do Scooby Dash?”

The rainbow maned mare shakes her head, looking around with wide eyes “Righ dunno Ruhsader, ruh roh!”

“*Snort*”

“Hahahaha!”

“*Snicker*”

The chirping of crickets is all that can be heard in the silent night. The lake is warm, steaming slightly as night birds catch insects above a single lantern hanging outside a cabin. Peaceful and calm, the sluggish movement of a stream feeding the lake is heard before all Tartarus breaks loose.

Eight ponies come stampeding out the door to the cabin, their eyes wide as they fumble over themselves and gallop for everything they are worth.

Right behind them, so close the chainsaw he carries is almost whacking their tails short, a hockey-masked pony follows with a roar of displeasure.

“AAAAAAHHHH!”

“AUGH!”

“EEEEEP!”

The same eight ponies are catching their breath, having dodged the chain-saw wielding maniac for a moment. Looking around they realize they’re in a part of the woods none of them recognize. As they exchange exhausted smiles a shadow rises behind them.

Huge and menacing it stalks closer, coming up behind the group before letting a blood-curdling, ear shattering roar.

Eight faces turn to see the massive Timberwolf bearing down on them, jumping up in fright as their tails go straight out from their bodies, manes standing on end as they turn and run once more!

“Oh Celestia....!”

“WHOA!”

“AAAAAAHHHHHH!”

Rarity stares at herself in a mirror, her mane short as she turns side to side, looking intently before stepping back and looking around.

“You talkin’ to me?” She looks side to side once more, pointing a hoof at the mirror, then herself once more..

“You...talkin’ to me?”

“You talkin’...to me?”

“Niiiice...”

“Wow...”

“*snicker*”

Fluttershy and Applejack are in a house, slamming boards up against the windows and pounding nails in with hammers held in their mouths. They are not bright colored any more, it’s gone with just a plain black and white look for some reason.

Finishing their work they take a break for a moment, grinning at each other and slumping to the floor for a minute’s rest when sounds are heard outside. Thy both jump up and look around as rotted hooves bust through the windows, reaching and grabbing for them both.

Huddling together they back up towards the wall as ponies break through the door, grinning skull like faces missing flesh, moaning in their desire to eat their BRAINS!

“AHHHH!”

“What the...”

“Oh ponyfeathers!”

Music is loud in their ears as all eight are dancing on a floor that lights up underneath their hooves. Moving in time they swing around to the beat as others watch them.

Wearing some kind of shiny clothing, they hustle and slip across the dance floor, staying in rhythm with the music without even trying.

“Ah ah ah ah Stayin’ Aliiiiiiiiive!”

“Oh those clothes....!”

“*Snort* Hahahaha!”

“Woooo!”

Athena skids to a heap on a tiled floor, seeing a figure she recognizes that ignites her with fear. She tries to back up, putting her hooves up in front of her face, expecting her doom as a pink hoof is offered to her, a monotone voice saying...

“Come with me if you want to live.”

“Oooooohhhhh!

“*Giggles*”

Applejack holds Twilight’s hooves in hers, preventing her from escaping as she talks in an urgent voice.

“Understand...that pony is out there!” She shakes her head, holding tight.

“It can’t be bargained with, it can’t be reasoned with. It doesn’t feel pity or remorse! Or fear! And it absolutely will not stop...EVER!”

“Until you are dead!”

“Ohhhh drama!”

“Shush!”

“*Giggles*”

Eight ponies trot along, one Alicorn wearing a crown, the rest attired in armor or rude clothing as they follow along, the crowned one raising a hoof, “Halt!”

The crowd stops, the sound of hooves silenced as they stand and look at a castle far away, a gasp running through the crowd.

“It’s Canterlot!

“Canterlot!

“Canterlot!”

“It’s only a model.” That pony is looked at disgustedly.

The lavender Alicorn speaks regally, “Ponies, I bring you to your new home, let us trot, to Canterlot!”

A musical score suddenly breaks in, showing Princesses Luna and Celestia dancing with their Guard.

“We’re Ponies of the Round Table, We dance when’er we’re able!”

They mount a table, kicking their hooves up, “We do routines and chorus scenes! With hoofwork impeccable!”

It continues on through dancing and chorus lines.

The music ends with the eight ponies looking at each other warily.

The Alicorn nods, “On second thought, let us not go to Canterlot, ‘tis a silly place.”

They all agree and trot onward.

“*Snort*...bwahahaha!”

“*Giggles*”

“Oh..what...hahahaha!”

The group of ponies is slowly working it’s way through a tunnel, dripping with humidity it is claustrophobic. Eyes are wide as they slink along, holding weapons in hooves or magic, their clothes camoflauged to try and match the background.

Whisper are exchanged as the radios crackle, orders received from somewhere as Twilight nods, “Alright, let’s have the magazines, orders.”

Groans are heard as the weapons’ mags are taken out and handed over to a single pony. Looks are exchanged as they all get more out of their equipment, surreptitiously putting them back in with grins or a wink here and there.

It is a rustling sound heard first, movement in the shadows that attract the eye, and the ends of weapons that point in all directions.

“Incoming!”

Fluttershy swings her gun around, “LET’S ROCK!”

The tunnel is lit up with fire as the aliens get wasted in the sleet of plasma and heavy caliber bullets flying their way.

“Uhm...oh..”

“Way to go!”

“Neat!”

Pinkie is standing in a room full of cakes and baked goods, staring at nothing in particular she licks her lips, holding a caramel covered cupcake to her mouth as she takes a slow bite, one eyebrow raised.

Her eyes slide to the side as she chews, licking around to get the remnants off her nose as she grins slowly, her blue eyes wavering with warmth in the light. She is covered in flour, icing and various ingredients, looking like a battle had been fought while she was turning out sweets.

Grinning and giggling, she looks out towards the viewer, holding the half eaten confection while she speaks low, “It’s not what’s on the outside, it’s the cream filling that’s best.” Her tongue reaches out to...

“That’s it! Everypony out! Out of the pool!”

“Wha...”

“Oh come on! It..that..bwahahaha!”

“Out, out ya buncha ponies!”

“Wow I looked good!”

“Stop that, get out, out with all of you!”

“Awwwww!”

“That’s not fair!”

“It’s more than, get out!”

Eight ponies rouse from a trance, six taking off the new neural link headsets as they are covered in sweat from long linking. The new adjustments need more work it seems.

“I was trying to get the translation program fixed, but no, you HAD to mess with it didn’t you Rainbow?” I point at the cyan mare who’s laughing.

“It wasn’t my fault!”

“Yes it was! The second you started imagining things it threw everything off, we got stuck in a loop you dolt!” I can only sigh, “It got mixed up with the archives and threw a wrench in the program, you dirty-minded mare!”

“Well that’s what coulda happened that night in the desert!” She cackles evilly.

Crusader is looking at me oddly as I point a hoof, “It would not have! You..you...”

Pinkie pops up, “What was with that pizza delivery stallion? I mean you looked good in the shirt A.J, but wow, even his mustache was kinda crooked. Kinda sloppy if ya ask me, even if he did look like Crusader.”

Applejack is blushing a bit as I turn to Crusader with a look, “Why in all that’s known would THAT be in your archives?”

He shrugs, “I didn’t load the archives, I just have them.”

I can only sigh and toss a hoof in the air, “Good Celestia those scientists were perverts!”

Applejack turns to him, “What was gonna happen anyways, it ended pretty quick.”

He leans over to whisper in her ear for a minute, her eyes go wide in shock as she blushes even more down to her hooves, “Say WHAT? In front of everypony?!?!” She looks as if any human in the room would lose their teeth.

A snicker nearby makes me look at Twilight, I was thinking she’d be furious, but no.

“Well you did say be careful, anything we thought could come to life and it sure did!” Her voice is merry. “I always wondered what being a conqueror was like after reading all those books.”

“I know, that was our test until....” I look at a laughing Pegasus again, “About the other..that..that was just wrong.. I couldn’t stop Rainbow in time.”

She laughs, “We all know about the birds and the bees Athena, it’s not something secret. But I know where those scenes came from Rainbow Dash!” She points at her friend.

“Wha..what? No, I made..”

“No you didn’t, that was straight out of “Ponies in Love” by Cartland! I know every book in my library Rainbow! You’ve been reading romance novels!” She grins, “Sneaking into the library huh?”

“I did not...” She looks at all of us before throwing up her hooves, “All right, I got bored one day!”

Everypony gets a good laugh out of it.

Rarity asks, “So what was with Pinkie and her..well...escapades there?”

We all turn to look at the giggling mare, “Yeah Pinkie, what was up with that?”

She shrugs, “It was fun!” She laughs at our looks, “Oh c’mon, like none of you ever had those dreams before!”

Not a single eye meets another in the room as we all go silent for a moment.

“See! Fun stuff!” She is giggling merrily and elbowing Rainbow who is blushing, “Right Scooby Dash?”

Rarity looks as if she’s about to faint, landing on a couch beside her, “If I see a pony in a hockey mask ever again...!”

Fluttershy is shaking all over as we try to get her calmed down, “That..that Timberwolf was soooo big...and me..mean..”

I sigh, “I’m sorry, the program accessed horror movies and translated them, I am SO sorry.” I really hope they don’t ask what the chainsaw was going to be used for.

Fluttershy has stopped shaking long enough to ask, “But..but why did it feel so real, like we were in the movies?”

“It’s the program, it takes you and that and puts it together for a ..well hopefully... fun experience, I tweaked it a bit and it worked, but way beyond what I thought. It started looking for thoughts and memories as well as anything it could put together..augh!”

Twilight laughs mischievously, “Well watching Rainbow Dash sing in the meadow was hilarious.”

“That wasn’t me!” She glares at Twilight.

“Sure looked like you sugarcube, didn’t know you could dance that well.” Applejack snickers, “And picking flower petals, that’s jus’ so sweet!”

Rainbow rolls her eyes and grumps, hovering in the command deck.

Fluttershy giggles, “Well I thought it was nice Rainbow Dash.”

Twilight does look at me, “What was with those Bolos? We were Bolos?”

“It was a mission record, the stupid program started accessing everything,” I glare at Rainbow who is snickering, “It started digging for things when you started pushing at it you doofus.”

I throw my hooves up in defeat, “Well this was a bust. Back to the drawing board!”

We leave the command deck, I have to admit it was an experience, and worth it! Especially to see Rainbow getting ribbed by everypony about her little number in the meadow.

Rarity is humming her song, I’ll have to let her see the whole movie one day.

What’s different is seeing Fluttershy re-enacting that scene and yelling “Let’s Rock!” in her normal whisper, sometimes it’s the quiet ones. Pinkie is helping her get it all right, wonder if she’d like a pulse gun and harness? Ha, Crusader would kill me.

Watching Applejack elbowing and giving Crusader a rough time about being the pizza delivery guy is so worth the trouble, I can only laugh as he blushes.

Twilight is giving me a hard time about all this, she is laughing and describing the book to me where Rainbow got all that from. All I can do is blink as I never realized there were things like that in the library. She sees my expression and giggles harder.

Shaking my head, it’s amazing to see them all so merry, still a bit shaken by some things, but laughing still. Normally you’d expect hurt feelings or a fight, but no.

No, because this is how friends do things.

Author's Note

There's always THAT guy, ya know? :rainbowlaugh:

A Gift of Memory

I dream once again.

It has been a long day and I wish to sleep on Low Alert, Athena has set the automatics as we both enjoy a quiet night.

I drift in that now familiar void of velvet softness that envelopes us when we let ourselves go.

Something we have never known is so commonplace now. I wait for it to arrive, something wondrous or a memory, something from myself.

It is a welcome thing now. Humans had often discussed it, but never could explain why, or where when questioned by us about such things. There were scientific explanations of course, the subconscious relieving itself of the days troubles or cares.

Here though I wonder, having no subconscious, where does it arrive from?

It is a quandary, I want to know everything about dreaming so badly, but yet not wanting to know as it would ruin the mystery should I ever find out.

It is not war I see, nor do I relive those moments of grief or pain. I sit in grassy fields, staring at the warm skies. Walking in the orchard under a starlit night, smelling the ripening fruit, watching the night birds ply their trade in insect hunting.

Or rarely, seeing my sister winging her way among the clouds where she is free of the world, soaring in the fluffy clouds that dot the skyscape, she maneuvers skillfully with laughter bright and clear.

One day I believe that dream will become a reality, I feel it in my very being.

As I sit under the shade of a tree, a figure steps beside me in a flare of light.

“Another simple day Crusader?”

“As always Your Highness.”

She chuckles, I see her out of the corner of my eye, smiling and taking in the hills and town in the distance, “Would you not want adventures? Something exciting?”

I turn to her, seeing her looking at me with warm eyes, “I think I’ve had enough for now Princess.” Turning back to gaze over the meadow.

She lays in the short grass, the breeze cooling as we both sit for a moment before she speaks again, “When one walks dreams, this is refreshing from the..oddness..of others.”

“I am sure you’ve seen many strange things.” I watch her nod, acknowledging that perhaps having this ability is not so good at times.

“I have, and some not so. I calm fears, chase the nightmares away and let rest come to those who are in need.” The dark mare is solemn while she speaks, “But at times, it is good to be at peace.”

“Yes it is.” I don’t offer any more.

“Twilight has the spell by the way, for helping your sister. As is her way she is improving upon it, making it easier to cast and lasting longer.” Her speech is warm, she has taken a liking to Twilight, who has helped her in so many ways.

“I think she will find a way, she is bright and capable. As for Athena, she enjoys each minute no matter how short.”

A short laugh, “Oh that she does!” The regal head shakes for a moment, “But she is not demanding, she never begs for it to be done over and over, she accepts what is given and no more.”

“Do you find that surprising?”

A tilt of the head and a slight nod accompanies her voice, “I do somewhat. Most would want more, sometimes to the point of pressuring others. It is normal for one to want though, is it not?”

“It is, but she understands there are limits.” I glance at the Princess, “She is still learning to be herself, give her time to make the same demands.”

“I would think sometimes she knew everything. In Manehatten she conferred with my finest Commanders and held her own beautifully.” One fore leg crosses the other with a rustle of wings, the dark mare settling in to stay.

“We know quite a bit, and learn more each day Highness. But she is growing as a person, more like..” I tilt my head trying to think of the word.

“A filly?”

“Yes, a young one growing up.” I nod at her astute analogy.

“I would think she’d already done so.” Her voice is curious.

“In some ways. We are born aware, taught quickly to be a Bolo AI and sent to war. She’s never had the chance, or I, to just be a person, or a pony. She and her sister were so very different from what I would call ‘regular’ Bolos.”

She raises an eyebrow and glances at me, “But what of yourself?”

I laugh, giving her a grin, “I am stubborn and set in my ways I’m afraid.”

“Ah, so you will forever be stolid and staid as Athena says?” I notice her smile getting wider.

“I am afraid so, I am content.”

“Though you do, sometimes, have that rare moment.” Her eyes focus far away for a moment, probably remembering the Manehatten transmission.

“Yes Your Highness, I do. Poking fun at things can relieve some of the tedium that comes with life.” I raise a hoof, “And also belie the seriousness of the task at hand.”

She laughs, “There is that.” She goes silent for a moment more before speaking, “You know the other nations have made more overtures to Celestia and I, after the final battle over the forest, it seems some of their..well... let’s say ‘tourists’ brought back more news of what happened.”

“I had been wondering. It’s hard not to notice Bolos on a battlefront.”

“True, it was quite the night.”

“Be wary of accords made in fear Princess, the anger and spite will appear in time.”

“That we know, we are handling it with extreme caution. Some seem sincere, some not, ‘tis the usual way.”

“I despise politics.”

“As do we all, but one must maintain a semblance of peace, do we not?” She tilts her head, looking at me, “For the good of all, not just for a few.”

“You and Princess Celestia have my respect in that, you do well for your ponies Highness.” I am honest, they do have my respect and loyalty.

“Until that night Crusader, I would not have believed such power existed in any of us.”

“Neither would have I Princess, magic enhancing the power of our weapons was a surprise. One that I hope we never have to use again.”

She looks at me once more, a piercing gaze, “Athena has told us of your plans for Tirek.”

I nod, accepting the implied rebuke, “It is my way, as you know, to plan for things.”

“Is there no room in your heart for compassion?” She is blunt.

“There is Princess, there always is. But when one is a threat such as that, it pays to have something in reserve. We will not do anything unless commanded.”

Sighing she nods, “You’re right of course. Though I wish Tartarus was empty forever, there will always be those who deserve to be there.”

“I find that to be true anywhere Princess. But there is always room to hope.”

“There is isn’t there? I am sure Cerberus would enjoy not having to watch such miscreants.”

“Cerberus? The three-headed dog who watches the gates?” My curiosity is always piqued at things like this, rare moments of connection between this and old Earth.

“Why yes, you know of him?” She is looking curious now.

“I do, in Human mythology he guarded the gates of Hell to stop souls from escaping. I find it odd your world has such parallels in it. Names straight from Humanity and their tales and myths, though they are true here whereas they weren’t in the old world I knew.”

I turn to her, “Have you ever found any relics? A previous world that may have existed before yours?”

She shakes her head, “None that we have ever known of, my sister and I are always interested in such things, but technology has never appeared until you.”

“I find that odd, even without stasis, something would have shown itself or been revealed. Perhaps we have misjudged the amount of time we had been neutralized.”

She thinks for a moment, tapping a hoof on the ground in front of her, “Perhaps it was during Discord’s reign, the world was in chaos then, the lands and seas a patchwork quilt of confusion.”

“Surely you don’t mean he rearranged the world itself?”

“I do. Confusion and chaos were everywhere, it was only by luck my sister and I found the Elements of Harmony to defeat him. Once we had turned him to stone, the world settled back into a normalcy. It was quite different from what we even knew then.”

She gestures to the meadow, “Our land was forever altered by his quest for chaos, maps had to be redrawn, trails found, new ways to travel. It was like a new world to be discovered again.”

This makes sense to me, “I had often wondered why, when Athena and I were embarking near the same spaceport, that we would be found in such very different places.”

As I think on this I realize that everything I had figured could be wrong, the amount of time in stasis, the years that had passed, everything. Athena and I could be older than we had thought if Princess Luna was right. It was a bit disheartening, to know maybe the universe had left everything we knew behind and started anew.

A tap on my shoulder brings me out of my reverie, “Be not sad, you are here now and have beautiful things to look forward too.” My face must have reflected my feelings.

I incline my head, “Of course you’re right, perhaps I shouldn’t dwell on the past so much.”

She nods, “It does none of us any good, unless needed.”

She is calm, and her words are warm. Truly I can see why ponies like her, that they have come to accept her even after the Nightmare Moon incident. So I decide to take her on a trip.

“You are the Princess of the Moon and Stars correct Your Highness?”

“Of course, I set them in their paths each night.” She looks at me, “But you know this.”

“I do, let me show you some of what I’ve seen.”

I let myself go, accessing memories and cores dormant for a while, bringing forth the scenes and sights of worlds so far distant they are not even specks in the night sky. Her eyes go wide as a landscape forms, something so out of the ordinary it takes the breath away.

I let it materialize, taking my time to ensure I am remembering correctly, “Welcome to the shores of the Methane Sea on Semitas Your Highness.”

“A..planet you visited?”

“Yes, we were here.” I point outwards as we stand on the crystallized beach, a billion points of color shining in the lighting and thunder from the clouds above. The sea is sluggish, cold and dark as it rolls up against the sands, moving forward and back just slightly enough to erode the crystals down.

“It has a beauty all it’s own I think Princess.”

She stands and marvels at the clouds above, heavy with rain, the beach we are standing on is not only eroded rock, but jewels forged in the heart of the planet, ending up through tectonics here to be worn down through eons of slow methane tides and the crack of crustal movements. We are standing upon a carpet of pure diamond sand.

Her voice is amazed, “It..it is wondrous!” She looks at the darkened skies, the moon Semitas but one of many around a gas giant, now rising above the horizon. The clouds part, letting us both see the ringed gargantuan rising slowly.

“If you have some time, let me show you some things?”

“Of course!” She stands up, looking ready for anything, “Show me the universe Crusader,” She laughs and points an imperious hoof, “Your Princess wishes it!” She lowers the shod appendage, “Please.”

I bow low, “Yes Your Highness.”

The scene switches, it is of cathedrals of airy light, formed and shaped by will and mind of the alien race that lived on the lush planet. Green was the landmasses even as the towers of brilliance reflected the sun, throwing beams into the sky like searchlights.

“The planet of Tras’k, a race lived here that used light and crystals to form things of beauty.”

I show her the warm days on the jungle planet, the races’ semblance long gone from my memory since the battle with Masada, but I can show her the architecture. The spirals that reached for the clouds, the low slung courtyards open to the brilliant blue sun. I will have to update further from Athena’s archives to regain some memories lost.

I watch her eyes grow wide as we walk the halls that dwarf even Canterlot, held up by nothing but force of design and magnetics. Sculptures of pure light twist slowly on pedestals of marble or air.

“What magic must have been used to create such things!”

“One would call it magic, yes Your Highness.” I watch her closely, seeing the wonder in her eyes and the smile it brings. I make my decision.

We wander a few moments more, before the scene switches again.

A pool so clear it looks as if it is only air covering the interior of the small lake, rocks of brilliant hues adorn the bottom and sides, gemstones, welling up out of the deep interior of this planets’ crust, a spring of water so pure it is almost not even there.

Surrounding us are low ferns and cycads, a lush ground hugging greenery stretching to the horizon as colored reptiles fly through the evening air, taking wing to seek out a meal.

Princess Luna looks aghast at the bottom of the pool, the only clue there is water is the slight blurring when the water moves.

“What an amazing place!”

I point quietly into the sky, watching as the Class K sun finishes lowering, and then it happens. The sun’s peculiar brilliance blocks the sky out when above the land, the atmosphere is strange in that way, but when it sinks, oh but then....

The light leaves us quickly, the days are not long here, but when the sun hides, truly the most marvelous of sights appears in the sky.

The night bursts into being.

A palette of lights rises above the horizon, close enough to see the twinkling of red and blue stars, pinwheels of brilliance and color surround this planet which is close to the core of our galaxy at the time. It sets just right, looking into the richest of the star-birthing areas, the gases and sudden flash of stars being born are dotting the sky so heavily you cannot take it all in at one time.

It was discovered on a scouting expedition to the core areas of our known galaxy just a bit above the normal plane. It was left unknown to Concordiat command, but the Scouts shared their films with a Bolo Commander who was curious; he promised to share it but not the coordinates, ever. We who were given the memory were sworn also.

The starlight bounces off the rocks at the bottom of the pool, only adding to the exquisite majesty of the scene as it seems that time itself stops in wonder at the beauty of it all. They gleam and glimmer with hidden fires while above, fusion furnaces of blue giants, red dwarfs, G and K stars add their own wonderful hues.

Her backside hits the ground beside the pool as I chuckle at her expression, pure wonderment crosses her face as she stares at a slice of the galaxy in it’s finest clothes.

The heavens are pooling with stars, colors of all sorts bursting into life, adding more and more to the portrait.

She shakes her head, “Stop, stop, can you do this again?”

“I can.”

Remembering the opening once more, as the sun starts to lower she waves a hoof, “Stop it there, one second!” A door appears, simple and wooden, she opens it and peeks through, “ ‘Tia! Come here!”

A warm voice answers, “Problems Luna?”

“Oh no, come here, trust me.” She is grinning madly.

Princess Celestia walks through the door, waving off my bow as usual.

“What is it...” She stops when her eyes notice the pool, the surrounding forest of ferns and the gemstone beach. “Oh my...”

Princess Luna nudges her beside me, “Sit, sit and watch, just sit!” She settles herself beside her taller sister, nodding at me to let the memory play out.

Once more the home star lowers itself, the light fades quickly and then the sky bursts into wonder again, the stars showing off their every facet.

Magenta eyes widen with amazement and watch with ours as the heavens drip with jewels.

“Oh my...” Princess Celestia sits quietly after that, head turning as she takes in the sight, “Is..is this real?”

“Yes Highness, a memory of mine.”

“My night is glorious ‘Tia! See how truly amazing it can be!” She’s actually dancing under the night sky, taking wing and hovering in the calm air. “Look at these marvels!” She is back-dropped by a show of titanic proportions.

Celestia’s voice is, as always, warm, but she does stutter a bit, “I never....I never even imagined.” She is craning her neck, looking at everything.

Princess Luna hovers near me, “May I please have the memory? I can make a copy with a simple spell, I promise it would not take it away from you.”

“It is yours Highness, as it was passed on to me, now it is in your hooves.”

“I beg your pardon?” She is landing now, looking at me curiously. Princess Celestia’s face turns to look at me as well.

“It is yours, as soon as I awake I will delete it from my cores. It will be yours, and yours alone, this was the promise made when I received it, to pass it on, let others enjoy it. Once we had, we deleted it so it would be rare and valued, it became a sort of...ritual.. the forgetting. So it would be new and fresh when we received it again.”

I eye the sky for a moment, “I have received it at different times in my life, I know because others have told me, each time I enjoyed it more and more, it is time to pass it on.”

“I cannot do that! To take such a thing and keep it to myself!” She looks shocked for a brief second.

“I didn’t say that, share it with whomever you wish, but it will be your memory, not mine.” I nod in her direction, “The only promise ever asked was to pass it on, I think it’s time others saw the wonder of it through the Princess of Dreams.”

Princess Celestia looks at her sisters face, “A treasure beyond compare Luna.”

“But you don’t have to do that, you could share...” I stop her.

“It is how it was always done, and I am set in my ways, take this,” I gesture to the whole of the heavens, “It’s yours, make dreams with it, copy it for your night sky, but you must share it, that’s all that is asked.”

I raise my hoof, “There is one more thing that must go along with it.” She nods and waits for my addendum.

“The Scout Vessel Archimedes recorded this on their second trip to explore our galaxy, they were lost on their third run out; all two-hundred and thirty-five souls on board disappeared in an unexplored region of the core of the galaxy. This is for them, and to remember them.”

Her horn glows with power, copying my words and the memory of this place, “I have it Crusader. Truly this is a gift that cannot be repaid.”

“There is no repayment asked, just remember and share the wonder.”

She rises into the brilliant sky, “Oh I shall, I shall!” Her horn glows, doors open as the memory resets once more to the fading evening, this time it is not my doing but hers.

Princess Celestia smiles, seeing seven mares, three fillies and a small dragon come wandering into the dream setting, urged on by Luna’s voice which is calling to them, “Come my friends, share something special with me!”

I look at Athena, wearing a sleeping gown and clutching her replica of Princess Luna that she throws back through the door quickly before it slams, “Not a word.” Others are dressed in the usual night clothes, probably at the beginning of sleep before such things are lost.

“Of course.”

I watch her look around and gasp, “The Archimedes memory.” Settling in beside me, she smiles, “You’re passing it on?”

“I am Athena, it’s time.” Smiling, she hugs me tight.

Sweetie Belle looks around, “Wow, is this all a dream? What’s going on?” She’s tapping a hoof on Rarity’s shoulder, the larger sister giving her an ‘I don’t know’ look.

Apple Bloom is looking curiously at her sister who is returning it with a shrug, “Ah dunno, just heard Princess Luna calling.

The dark mare takes over now, “Come see a gift that was given in friendship, to be shared with all!” Her wings flare as the sun lowers below the horizon, once again the sky explodes, this time to gasps and inhalations of surprise.

Spike hops on Twilight’s back, pointing to the velvet night, “Look at THAT Twilight!” He points to a blue giant star bright in the middle of a whirl of others. The lavender Alicorn is bemoaning the fact of no telescope, when one appears with a smiling Luna pointing at it.

Even Pinkie is silent as she looks around, leaning against Fluttershy who covers her mouth with awe as she scans the stars above in delight. Rainbow is exclaiming at lights in a hushed voice as Rarity has a wide-eyed look, beauty in all things, she recognizes it when she sees it.

Even Athena is talking with Princess Celestia, showing her the different stellar marvels she can see.

The Crusaders are varying between sitting still and just looking in wonder, or bouncing around pointing at everything. I’m sure they will find a happy medium.

I smile, seeing the same wonder and curiosity as I had when I first viewed the file. Now it will be shared to all, shown with all the respect it is due for the memory of the Archimedes crew.

Applejack nudges me, sitting close, “You sure have a way with making folks happy.”

“It is the very least of the gifts we have to give Applejack, a memory to be shared.”

Her emerald eyes take in the spectacle, leaning against me as we listen to the excited voices, “Well it sure is somethin’ else.”

It is anyone’s hope that we can leave a memory as rich and as compelling as this to be shared forever.

And to you, the crew of the Archimedes, the Scout ship lost so long ago. Know that your memory is still shared, still beloved and still wondered at after so very long.

Rest well in the knowledge that you too have found a home.

Author's Note

Many thanks to CloneZero for the ideas. Jarimor and Wacky for more, and to all of you out there still not completely bored with it, thank you!

(Net was out for a while, had nothing to do but write, binge out):twilightsmile:

Changes and Upgrades

“Uhm, can’t the animals take care of themselves?”

“Oh no! We have to help them,” Fluttershy is scrubbing an otter right now, “They depend on us for a lot of things.”

“But they can take care of themselves right?” Using hooves to scrub a large bear down is a task best left to professionals, but I try. Twilight is busy with cleaning a few beavers. I’m dirty and my mane is a mess.

“They can’t just go down to the creek and have a wash or something?” I really can’t believe this much effort is expended on wild animals..well...kinda wild.

Fluttershy chuckles, “No, we care for them and they help us.” The beavers nod at that.

I’ve been helping Twilight the past few days and this is getting somewhat worrisome. We’d been at Applejack’s orchard the other day, when she asked for help digging planting holes. I dug the ten she wanted in no time, but then Twilight kept digging more and more, we ended up planting fifty-three trees. I don’t mind helping, but good grief, what’s with this?

Just the other day she was helping Rarity sort and classify gems, she keeps them in drawers for easy access. I can do that in a pinch, but Twilight spent all morning on one drawer, making sure each was classified for weight, clarity, flaws and brilliance.

I did, however, learn how to sew from Rarity teaching me while we waited for her to finish. There are large gaps in our datacores about simple things, it’s strange, basic skills not even existing but high technology is. I think the technicians had their priorities very wrong.

I’m not very good at sewing I’m afraid, but I can get better!

As we finish up the animals, I watch her closely, she is bothered about something, though I’m not quite sure what. She seems to want company more often the past days, talking with me until all hours, though that is not a problem for me, biological entities need sleep. A few times she had fallen asleep mid-conversation.

I had talked with Crusader, thinking perhaps some sedation would be required to get her to sleep through the night, but she is avoiding something. Though he is not a psychiatrist, he did say that she needed to work it out herself, that maybe I should just tag along to make sure she doesn’t stumble into a doorframe.

I watch as she thumps Angel into a mud puddle, exclaiming that he got himself dirty and needed to be bathed again. I try so very hard not to laugh out loud at the disgusted look on the rabbit’s face.

“Well I better give him a bath as long as I’m here!” She is smiling, dunking the disgusted rabbit in a tub.

Fluttershy is thanking her again, and myself, for helping. When that is over, watching the rabbit’s fur poof out comically it’s hard not to keep myself from giggling.

The Pegasus is trying to convince Twilight to go, even yawning loudly. But the Alicorn is happily dusting the shelves right now, trying to help even more.

“We’ve got to get ready for the pancake breakfast tomorrow too Twilight, so maybe some..uhm..rest? Isn’t there something to do with your castle...” She’s stopped by Twilight.

“Oh the..the castle’s fine!”

“But I could see if Pinkie needs help!” She looks around, opening the door and flying out towards town while Fluttershy looks at me.

“I think she forgot...” Her face is smiling kindly.

“She’s been doing that, what do you think is wrong?”

“I don’t think she wants to leave.” She looks worried as we both watch Twilight dwindling in the distance, “She’s been hanging around everypony a lot.”

I nod, then turn to the door, “Well I’ll catch up with her hopefully, Pinkie might wear her down.”

“Uh huh, have fun!” She waves, standing with the cotton-ball that makes me laugh as I take off to town.

Ugh, I’ve got to stop for maintenance soon, Twilight is running herself, and believe it or not me, into the ground! My body is showing wear from all the manual labor.

She doesn’t want to leave her friends, I wonder why? Showing perhaps a moodiness on lifespans as we talked about? Afraid of missing each moment so that she can’t waste time? I don’t know but I’m going to find out hopefully soon before I wear out parts on my avatar.

I catch up to her at Sugarcube Corner, they’re already in the kitchen planning tomorrow’s meal. Twilight is fussing with the ingredients as Pinkie waves to me.

“Hiya Athena! Twilight said you’ve been helping her today!”

“Kinda, washing bears is really not my skill I guess.” A vanilla and sugar scented hug is granted me as before she zooms around the kitchen, plunking ingredients and additions on the counter while I watch.

I want to know how she bakes such amazing things.

Blinking, I try and catch her in the act of moving around so fast, but even with my optics focused in on her it is difficult. I actually have to replay what I record and only see her through the frame-by-frame. It’s annoying, she shouldn’t be able to do this much less move so fast! But, as promised, I sit and watch.

Twilight however, is being quite the picky pony when asked about what they should make for the breakfast in the morning.

I lean back against the counter, learning how to bake from moments with Pinkie as she and Twilight plan for the meal in the morning..however..it doesn’t look like the menu will be chosen anytime soon.

All night...

All night I sat and watched as she frustrated Pinkie..Pinkie! ..with indecision.

We’re patient we Bolos, beyond so, supernaturally sometimes. But this, this isn’t just a problem, it’s a psychological problem I think. Hopefully this is not from the Neural Links we’ve gone through, this may be an unexpected side effect.

She did finally decide not to decide. I think Pinkie called it ‘Everyberry, anychip pancakes.’

I called it a morning after that momentous decision, as they prepared the meal for their friends. The sun will rise in an hour or so, enough time to get an overhaul.

“Your status diagnostics are showing more than normal wear, is something wrong?” Crusader’s voice is slightly worried after he accesses my systems.

“Yep, been digging holes, washing animals, and now spending the night trying to learn to bake with an indecisive Alicorn.”

“She’s still not wanting to go back home?”

“No, something about the castle isn’t sitting right maybe?”

“Perhaps. She is prone to mood swings sometimes, maybe this is one of them?”

“I don’t know, but I’m sticking to her like glue till I do. Though I do need maintenance.”

“Indeed, at least it’s not internals this time.” He chuckles over the link at me.

“Honest work you goofball! You know, doing stuff instead of lazing all day?”

“I am sure you’re not referring to a fellow Bolo who is taking a few minutes off from repairing carts for ponies for free are you?” He had been at it very early this morning, getting a start on the day.

“Twilight told you to charge them!”

“I’m sure it slipped my mind.”

“Oh you are so full of it! She said to charge so they don’t get used to it. You know better than to do all that stuff. It also affects the economy so you better charge something.”

“I see. Your orders will be obeyed, when is the coronation scheduled Princess Athena?”

“I..You...Oooohhh...”

“Enjoy your maintenance bay time.” The link clicks off quickly as I fume at his little joke.

I finish straightening an axle that appears to have been bent in some calamity, but am too polite to ask. The pony is quite grateful, even when I ask for one bit in return.

There, I have charged something, the world is no longer in danger from my interference. All is right with the heavens.

“I heard that!”

“I know Athena, you will be out commanding the kingdom again soon, no need to be angry.”

“I’m not...I..you... One of these days!”

“My cores quake in fear of that threat my sister. I am reduced to a pile of quivering durasteel awaiting that day to come.”

The link clicks off with a finality that makes me chuckle, she is excitable of course, but that is because she cares. Though I admit teasing her can be fun most days.

Looking at the big red stallion holding the cart up while I slap the pins in place on the wheels, he is eyeing me in my silence.

“That was Athena, she gets carried away sometimes.”

He nods, knowing what I mean, “Eeyup.”

“Sisters, what can you do?”

“Eeyup.”

The new joints and external coverings are feeling good, they are smoother, more organic feeling and are ten times tougher than before. I have to give it to Crusader, he can design things well. He is fast and efficient, the sun just peeking up as I am sure the breakfast they had planned is going well.

My chest has been remade differently while I was out of touch with my avatar, trusting Crusader’s design cores to do the work. When I finish my realignment of communication with it I notice something’s different, there is a sound now I haven’t heard before.

“My avatar is making a funny sound, what did you do?”

“Don’t you recognize it?”

“No..it..what did you do?”

“Listen, then you tell me.”

I listen closely, it is a rhythmic sound, something I almost recognize as I search my data cores for information. He loves doing this to me, I hate figuring stuff out. I’m not lazy I just want the answers dangit...wait a second..did he really?

A moment more and then I have it.

“How did you do that?”

“Simple enough, a breast as brave as yours deserves a valiant heart to beat within it.”

I can feel it, I can feel it thudding in my chest, I can feel the thumping throughout my systems of a rythym that only organic beings should feel. I FEEL it! I dance around the maintenance bay, listening to it react to my moves, speeding up and slowing down as if it were real!

“Before you say anything, listen closer. Let the excitement fade for a moment, just listen.”

I do, I settle down and sit in the bay, looking around for a moment as I tilt my head. I hear and feel the thudding, the calm sound of a heartbeat within my chest and it makes me catch..my.....

Breath...

Breath..it makes me...catch..

I lift a hoof to my mouth exhaling against it, feeling the breeze as it exits my mouth, it was always just a motion before nothing real. I inhale through my nose, scenting the lubricants and clean machinery in the maintenance bay. It is different, it is not just the analyzing of foreign scents or their chemical composition, it is something so..so real. I look down and see my chest bellowing in and out, the muscles moving slightly with each inhalation.

“I cannot give you everything and there are limitations, but you are as close to alive as I can do. I am sorry I cannot do more.”

“I...oh Crusader!”

“Your breathing will be locked with talking, it will be as if you have to take a breath before speaking. The program will adapt and learn along with you. You will be like our friends Athena, though you still have the strength and battle screen. Still, it will make you more alive I think.” He pauses, “You can disable it at any time in emergencies of course so it will not interfere with anything.”

I can’t do anything but sit there for a moment, the world has stopped as this gift to me registers. I smell things, the acrid metals, the smooth oils, the various odors that were before just chemicals and molecules are so wonderful now. The sound of a heart is within me, and I can’t help but press my hooves to my chest and feel it thudding.

“Why? Why do you keep doing this? I give you a hard time and you do this? Why?”

“There is no why Athena. You wish to fly, to be among the clouds, and when you do there will be a heart that will show your excitement, and breath to gasp with as you experience those things for the first time without a spell to do so. You are my sister, and as Applejack says, family is important. The magic inside you is adapting it even now if I have extrapolated correctly.”

He‘s right, I can feel it merging already. we’ve had long discussions on upgrades and what magic does, how it brings it into our systems, “But..but what about you?”

“The rare earths needed are scarce even here, it will take time, but eventually.”

“That’s not right! You should have done yourself first!”

“You know better than that.”

“Then take it out...”

“I’m afraid it’s not possible, so I believe you’re stuck with it.”

Before I can reply, a voice comes over the link, “Athena? Crusader?”

“Yes Applejack?”

“Ah think we got what’s bothering Twilight, can ya meet us at the castle?”

“Can do, be there in a few minutes!” We both hear the link click off.

“I’ll meet you by...”

“Go ahead Athena, I’ve got work to do, more carts.”

“But she..”

“Doesn’t need both of us, go on, I’ll join when I can.”

“Okay! See you then!” The link clicks off and I run out of the maintenance bay toward town.

I finish up with the next cart, simple side repair as Mac and myself make more room for another, he is watching me, knowing sometimes when I am silent I am talking with somepony.

I am glad Athena likes the new differences, although....I’m wondering if she’s going to be thrilled with the one other thing I changed.

I can’t help but snicker to myself as Big Mac moves another cart into place.

Seeing him looking at me strangely, I elaborate, “Sorry, just something funny..nothing special.” I tell him of the changes and the other one I didn’t quite get the chance to tell her about.

He laughs.

I tear out of the maintenance bay, my hooves thudding in the earth match the racing of my..my heart! My heart! I don’t know how he did it, but he did, and it is wonderful!

My breath is actually fogging in the morning air as the warmth in it scatters the chill away. I can feel my chest expand with the inhalation of oxygen and the expelling of it.

I feel so real! Each new scent is amazing as I take a breath!

I could feel the fire within me like a heart, but always apart, something felt at a distance. But..but now I have one! I can feel it beating excitedly as I run for the castle, it thumps in my chest like a triphammer.

I see the castle ahead, I can’t wait to tell them, show them!

I tear through the doors as they stand in a group, skidding to a halt in front of them, Applejack holds a hoof up to me, “Whoa Nelly, catch your... breath...there...” She leans forward, looking at me..”Wait a second..” As I stand there breathing a bit hard.

Her eyes look at me for a moment more, “Something’s different..”

Rainbow hovers nearby, “Well, we can find out later, we’ve got a big job ahead! Twilight’s counting on us!”

I forget my excitement and look around, “What job?”

“We found out what’s bothering Twilight, she doesn’t feel her castle is like a home, too empty.” Rarity is tut-tutting at the echoing halls.

“She’s homesick for the library?”

Fluttershy nods, “She loved the library, it was warm and cozy,” She gestures around, “This is so big and empty, so we sent her to the spa for the day so we could decorate.”

“How can I help? Anything you need!” I’m thrilled they invited me.

Rainbow gets a gleam in her eye, motioning us all to cleaning supplies, “Let’s all work together! To make this castle shi-i-ine!”

I’m stunned, I didn’t know she could sing like that. The others are joining in as I grab some cleaning gear and help out best I can.

I listen as we roam the hallways, suddenly splitting up and going for more items. I accompany Rarity on a shopping trip while the others go get items to put inside the castle to try and make it feel more like a home.

But they keep singing along the way, I try and pick up the words because it is nothing I’ve heard before. Twilight explained it’s part of the magic in the world, the ability to sing from the heart, to make words that lift the spirit.

Each of them goes to get items they want to place inside the castle as I wait there, helping them unload and place things as they return.

It’s so much fun how work can be turned into something special. I help hang drapes and pictures, spreading flowers and garden things to brighten the place up. Though I do get the feeling this one place is getting a bit crowded with items, and there is a whole castle to fill.

One of Pinkie’s confetti cannons goes off right next to me one time though, and I about jump out of my skin.

“Sorry! Forgot where I put all of them!” She laughs.

All of them compliment each other on their additions to the decorations, but I get the feeling it’s not quite heartfelt, so I keep my opinions to myself. Until Spike walks in.

“Hey guys, how do my claws look..Sweet Celestia!” His eyes go wide at the conglomeration of items.

Rarity steps forward, “Oh Spike, are you and Twilight done already?”

“Oh don’t worry, I ordered her the super deluxe mane blowout, she’ll be a while.” He looks around, “Man this place looks terrible!”

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief, Fluttershy waving a hoof, “Thank goodness somepony said something.”

Rainbow hovers near, “It’s pretty bad right?”

“It looks like a mishmash of knickknacks,” I think Applejack’s got it spot on, though the curtains are nice.

Rarity of course, “Hmmm, I suppose it is a little cluttered.”

Pinkie is grinning, “What are you guys talking about? I think it looks super fun!”

A confetti cannon goes off right next to some animals, I just step back and watch the absolute bedlam. Watching the animals climb over everything or hit something, a column falls right next to me, making me skitter out of the way. Another one tips over but I gently push it back into place, avoiding more mess.

Wow, it’s gotten worse in the space of seconds, amazing how that works here.

“Wheee!” Pinkie is bouncing around while the animals run..heh..wild.. I can’t help but giggle at that thought.

“No! Oh no! Please don’t do that! If we all take a deep breath and calm down... EEP!” Another statue gets tipped and crashes.

Rarity is pointing at a couple of chipmunks that are crawling up some hung fabric, “No! That bunting is embroidered by hoof, don’t you move one more claw!”

She’s right, it is quite expensive..oh no..the ripping sound is like a gun going off in the room. In the words of a former commander, that sucketh most mightily.

“Everypony STOP!” She screams out over the commotion, I even have to cover my ears. Everything stops in mid action.

Pinkie Pie, master of the incredibly obvious, “Okay, now it’s a mess!”

Rainbow is looking distraught, “What are we gonna do?”

Spike is eyeing the mess as we all stand there, “I dunno, but Twilight’s blow out won’t take that long. If she was avoiding the castle now, she won’t set hoof in here now.”

The Unicorn turns to Spike, “Spike, you’ve got to get back to the spa and stall her! Whatever you do, don’t let her come home!”

“Like forever? But we live here.”

“Uh, yes, well, uh maybe you could manage ‘til...sunset-ish?” I watch her bat her eyes at the little dragon, shameless, very shameless. But it works as he goes all doe-eyed.

“Anything for you Rarity.” He practically floats out the door..well..I think he was floating, what the hay?

Applejack speaks up, “Okay, we all agree the castle is too cluttered right? So why doesn’t everypony take one of their own decorations down and we’ll see how it looks."

We all nod, I think it’s a good idea. I contact Crusader to help out.

“Crusader?”

“Yes?”

“You done with carts?”

“Yes, finished the last one. Do you need something?”

“I need you to help Spike keep Twilight busy, she’s at the spa. Until about sunset.”

“Do what now?”

I explain the situation to him quickly, the whole castle problem and decorating, which is turning into quite the fiasco.

“How do you expect me to do this?”

“You’re a Planetary Siege Unit! You’ve kept the enemy in one place thousands of times!”

The reply I get is deadpan, “I did that by blowing them apart Athena.”

“You know what I mean! Stall her!”

“If it is that important...”

“It is! Thank you!”

I decline Mac’s offer of something to drink after a morning of labor. Trotting out of the barn I head towards the spa, having no clue exactly how to do this, but if Athena thinks it’s important then it is the least I can do for her.

Dedicating a tactical core to the problem, I come up with a few solutions, probably a logic game or puzzle, some conversation over a cup of tea. Something simple to keep her distracted for a while, Athena said until sunset or thereabouts.

I’ve never had a reason to enter the spa before, so it is a new experience for me. Chemical analyzers tell me the scents of jasmine and lavender are floating around, along with salts and humidity from warm water, perhaps steam baths. Amazing they can fit all this in here.

A very polite mare greets me, Aloe by her ID file. Her voice is soft and soothing actually. Twilight’s IFF is indicating she’s inside the room marked ‘Massage’. I change tactics quickly.

“Why Crusader, how nice! We never see you here, what brings you in today?” Her face is graced with an easy smile.

“I apologize for the intrusion, but I was ..er..studying musculature of ponies and thought maybe by watching a massage perhaps I could get a better clue about certain muscle groups?” This has to be the worst lie I’ve ever come up with.

She grins, “Of course! One must know the right places to relax when helping another pony. As a matter of fact, Princess Twilight is here now getting one, perhaps she’d let you observe? Let me ask.” She wanders into the nearby room.

I notice two very large holes in the wall while I wait. I know we haven’t had any problems with creatures, so it puzzles me as to what may have caused them.

Aloe returns, “She has agreed, saying you’re quite welcome to watch. We have a new masseuse on for today.” She points into a nearby room.

Entering, I see Twilight laid out along a padded table, another pony is working his hooves along her side and back right now as she waves at me.

“Crusader! Always interested in things huh? Well come and sit, we can talk while..ugh..this gets finished.” Her face displays a show of pain for a moment.

“It is just curiosity on my part Twilight, I thank you for... the ...time...” I am watching this pony work along her muscles and realize he’s doing it wrong. Calling up scans of pony muscular arrangements, this so-called masseuse is tying her in knots right now.

Observing him a few moments more I realize I cannot just sit here, “Step away from her and the table.”

He looks up at me, “What?”

“You’re hurting her, stop what you’re doing and step away from the table.”

“Look, I’m doing my job...”

“You won’t be if you do not step away from her. Now.” I make it clear he is treading on shaky ground.

Twilight is watching the conversation, “Crusader, he’s just..”

“Doing it wrong, he’s hurting you and not relaxing the muscles at all.” I shoulder him away with a glare, Using gentle force I press my hooves softly into her back along the spine. The muscles instantly relax as the vertebrae ‘crack’ in release, eliciting a groan of pleasure from Twilight.

“This is how you do it, watch closely.”

I move my hooves alongside either side of her spine, pressing in places that are crossed with nerves and musculature, relaxing and releasing any pressure on them as Twilight lays on the table. The ‘masseuse’ watches, but then heads out to complain to one of the owners about me taking over.

“I am sorry Twilight, he wasn’t performing it properly, I hope you don’t mind.” The muscles are easy to relax, though not a masseuse I can extrapolate how by reviewing the data and watching the results, performing better by the second as I let my arrays direct my hooves in the proper actions.

She shakes her head, laying flat on the table, “No...oh...problem.”

“I will finish the job, just be at ease.” Under directed pressure, I feel the muscles giving way.

“Nooooooo problem!” Her voice has taken on a dreamy quality right now, I am sure from being relieved of tension, it is probably normal.

Aloe was listening to her new masseuse complain about Crusader, “Yes yes, he’s a bit different but a good pony. He is fine I am...” She tilts her head, hearing groans of delight from the room through the padded door. Surely there wasn’t any funny business going on in there! Not that it hasn’t happened before...my goodness! A Princess! The rooms were soundproof, but ...well!

She peeked her head around the doorframe as she cracked the door open slightly, seeing Crusader concentrating on working his hooves into Twilight’s back and sides, down and up the wings as well. He seemed to not notice what was happening with the mare spraddled over the table, his face wore a look of extreme concentration.

The lavender Alicorn was flat out, her wings drooping to the side as the look on her face was one of pure pleasure, her body actually shaking and sweating as she bit her lip to try and stop the noises from escaping. It was failing to say the least.. Her cheeks wore a blushing red as she gripped the end of the table hard enough to drag herself forward slightly.

As the stallion worked along her back towards her flank the noises got louder, and louder as Aloe shut the door, seeing more customers walking in.

“Oh stars..oh my gosh..ohmygosh...OHMYGOSH!” The voice was audible through the padding as she grinned helplessly at the three mares waiting for her to attend them. They looked curiously at the door for a moment, then at each other, turning as one to Aloe after hearing the exclamations.

“We want what she’s having.”

I finish the massage by making sure all the deep tissues are in good order, working along the last muscle groups takes care of everything as I hear Twilight’s voice, I hope I haven’t made a mistake somewhere.

“Are you okay? I’m not causing more pain am I?”

Her voice is somewhat strange as I work along her back legs, “Ohhh no..nope..juuuust fine..”

She does, however, exclaim loudly once I finish, and I check on her once again.

“All done, hopefully you feel better?” I hold a towel out to her as she appears to be sweating copiously for some reason, I believe I may have misjudged my ability to perform this action. Working with nerve connections and clusters can be tricky sometimes according to neurosurgeons, and that I am definitely not one of.

“I ..uh...still have a little knot, riiiight here.” She points to her back, refusing to get up.

“Are you sure? That muscle group is showing no signs of tension, there should be no problems.” I call up the data once again, perhaps I need to take newer scans; there is no information about massage in my banks, but it is easy enough to see where the body needs pressure to release gathered problems.

“Positive, it’s a knot, yep, need to get it taken care of.” She’s nodding sleepily as she lays on the table again.

“Alright, let me see if I can relax it. Shouldn’t take long, I apologize for the problems Twilight.” I move my hooves along her spine, trying to find the right angle as I calculate what might be wrong.

“Oh no need to apologize! Nono, no need at all! Just that little knot, yeah..oh yes..riiiight there!”

Well at least I am accomplishing my mission as asked, though hopefully what Athena is doing won’t take long.

Aloe waited until it was quiet in the massage room, seeing the door open after two hours and a smiling Princess walking out on wobbling hooves, waving goodbye to her friend as Spike took her to the steam room to cleanse them both from the massages. Twilight needed the little dragon’s help it seemed.

Aloe couldn’t help but smile gently at the look on the Princess’s face, chuckling softly as she stepped back into the entryway of the room.

I am glad Twilight is feeling better, hopefully that was enough time to keep her away from the castle. Though conversation would have been nice over a cup of tea, it was still a good way to pass the time. Twilight was not interested in talking much, which was slightly odd. She seemed a bit dizzy walking out though, hopefully nothing I did affected any neural pathways.

Reviewing my new gathered information quickly, I see there are a few things needing updating while I stand there, nerve clusters and muscle groups reacting differently than what I had thought. It was definitely a learning experience.

Looking up I see Aloe peering in the door.

“I apologize Miss, I didn’t mean to take the time up, but I’m afraid your new hire wasn’t doing a proper job.”

She waves a hoof at me with a smile, “Oh no, no worries at all.” She grins, staring at me for a moment, making me wonder what’s going on.

I see her look sideways at the waiting area and then back at me, “Would you like a job?”

Turning down the offer of a job, I do believe the owner is due some recompense for my taking the room and time up. So I agree to do massages for whoever is waiting for the rest of the day, it is only fair. The sun is almost down anyway, but Aloe informs me there are quite a few customers waiting, so she is staying open late.

That is no problem, so I inform Athena.

“I have delayed her all I can, she’s almost done with a steam bath and then getting her mane redone once more, so it’ll be a while, then Spike is taking over.”

“Great! It was kinda odd here for a while, but Applejack says she has a plan, she thinks Twilight will like it.”

“Good, I will be at the spa the rest of the evening, I owe the owner time in return for my intruding.”

“Okay! Thank you for doing that! She’s gonna love this idea.”

“Glad I could help, she will like any plans her friends have I’m sure.”

I listen to the link go silent as my first customer walks in, I never knew the spa could get so busy during the day, seeing more waiting outside in the lobby.

Athena turned to Applejack, “Okay, Crusader helped Spike keep her at the spa, though she won’t be there much longer.”

Applejack chuckles, “Let’s jus’ hope he didn’t get in any trouble knowin’ him.”

“I know,” I join her laugh, “He’s such a good minded person, but he’s pretty oblivious when he’s concentrating on something.”

“Oh ain’t that the truth!” She laughs. Turning to all of us, she gives out assignments, what we need and how we’re going to get it. Everypony scatters as I go with her for the big job. I call up a Dragon from my bay, adding a detachable crane to the back and a cutter on a medium tech spider will help get this done fast.

As we wait for the vehicle to arrive, I look at the remains of the tree. Truly it was wonderful before the destruction. I feel an anger inside me, of something beautiful destroyed in a wanton act of spite by a creature who by all rights should not still be living.

He won’t be if Crusader and I ever get our way.

Watching Fluttershy’s animal friends start the digging, marking out the area for me to help with, I add my part by plowing through the loose dirt with a shovel.

A plan forms in my mind as I work deeper into the gravel and earth, quickly exposing the roots as my vehicle arrives.

Applejack is a good engineer, directing me how to pull and where as we get the bottom part out after the tech spider uses the laser cutter to remove the remains up above it. Of course I could figure it out myself, but I realize it’s more fun with others helping. The whole process goes quickly until it’s time to meet Rarity at the castle, Rainbow Dash being used as a pack mule, covered with packages.

I’ve got the vehicle waiting as the tech spider hauls our prize in, helping us get it in place. Handy things them spiders. The tech ones, not the real ones, real ones can die in a blaze of Hellbore fire for all I care.

“Sorry we’re late darlings, but there was such a crowd in the spa, my it was busy! Seems like every girl in town wanted a spa day today. We tried to see what was going on, but we couldn’t be late.”

Rainbow rolls her eyes, “Yeah she tried to peek in the window and got caught.”

“I was not peeking, I was just trying to find out.”

Rainbow cackles, “She was peeking.”

“Hmph!” She sticks her nose up in response, getting out all the tools she’ll be needing to finish the surprise.

“We’d better get to work, Twilight’s due home soon!” Fluttershy’s voice is a bit panicked.

We start to get organized, Rarity has a spell for impressing memories onto jewels, it’s really neat to watch her do so., but I notice Applejack looking out the window with a worried expression. I laugh, activating her link, “You know it’s him.”

She whispers, “Ah know, wonder what he’s got himself into this time.”

I laugh over the comm band, “We’ll find out later I’m sure.”

“Oh ah’m not bettin’ on that one.” She grins at me as we work harder.

The castle door opens as we see Twilight peek in, “Hello? Anypony here?”

Her and Spike enter the hallway,still unchanged from before. We hadn’t had time to do anything else.

“Twilight!” We all greet her in the entryway.

She looks around, disappointment clear on her features, though she is appearing kind of sleepy, a smile never leaving her face for the moment.

“I...like what you’ve done. Keeping the..uh..original integrity of the place.”

Spike throws his hands up, “Aw c’mon, it looks the same! Do you know how hard it was to keep her from coming back here? I never want to see another dust ruffle as long as I live!”

I applaud his bravery, shopping for a bed I’m sure can be daunting, though the giggle that escapes Pinkie’s lips says otherwise.

“Wait. Keep me from coming back here?”

Rarity gives a nervous laugh, “Well it took a teensy bit longer than we thought.”

Applejack nods, “What makes a home isn’t what’s in it, but what memories you make living there.”

Rarity motions to the doors, saying as she opens them, “So we made something that celebrates the memories we’ve made with you since you moved to Ponyville.”

Twilight stands with her mouth agape as Fluttershy flies near the hanging strings of crystals. Turning one around, she shows a picture impressed into the large faceted jewel. I was impressed with how Rarity did it, an attempt at Crystal Holography with magic, it worked very well and very clear.

“The ornaments on the chandelier are reminders of all the fun we’ve had together.” She turns one around, showing a picture.

Pinkie points, “That one shows your party at the Golden Oaks Library welcoming you to Ponyville!”

Fluttershy turns another, “The time we shared donuts after the Grand Galloping Gala.”

Rarity is looking anxious, “We were hoping that being able to look at your beautiful old memories would inspire you to make new ones.”

Everypony nods, Applejack adding, “And the best part is, it’s made from the roots of the Golden Oak Library, so you’ll never forget where you came from.”

Twilight watches for a moment, her eyes reflecting the shining gems, “It’s exactly what the castle needed!” She grabs everyone in a hug, “And I’m ready to start making new memories here.”

Pinkie zips out, coming back with a cake on her back, “Then let’s start right now with a new memory cake! Seven layer what’s-that-flavor mystery surprise!” She points, “These might be chocolate chips, or they might be super-spicy black beans!”

For some reason I find myself almost drooling at the thought of trying a piece of that.

Twilight chuckles, leading everypony out of the hall, “Let’s go to the dining room. It’s a little sparse but,” She opens the doors, “At least there’s a table and chairs. Whoa! What happened in here? Last I checked it was pretty empty!”

Rarity huffs, “Oh I just couldn’t help myself, it was just begging for the personal touch!” She looks slightly embarrassed to be caught out.

Applejack’s voice is abashed, “Well, truth be told, I couldn’t either. Your kitchen might have some rustic farm decor Twilight.”

Rainbow rubs the back of her mane, “There may or may not be some Daring Do posters in your library.” She chuckles.

Fluttershy grins, “And some stuffed animals in your bedroom.”

Another explosion goes off, spreading glittery paper everywhere as the cake gets demolished...darnit..

Twilight looks around, “What was that?”

A sigh from Applejack, “One of Pinkie’s confetti cannons.”

She looks helpless, splattered with cake, “Whaaat? It’s not my fault I hid them so well!”

I can’t help but laugh with them, it’ll be like treading a minefield in here for weeks. Not that they couldn’t be found, but I think it’ll be a lot more fun in here trying to avoid them.

I notice Twilight looking at me for a long moment, making me self-conscious, “What? What’d I do?”

She grins, “Everypony else added something, what did you put in the castle?” She’s looking around, craning her neck.

“I didn’t..I me..uh..” Rubbing a hoof along the other I can’t look at her and them.

“Oh come on,” Rainbow is chiding, “What’d you sneak in?”

“Ju..just a picture, nothing special.” I point at all of them, “I saw you all sneaking about after we got the chandelier in, so figured I’d add something too.”

“Where is it?” Pinkie’s bouncing around, looking in the corners.

I lead them out to the library, a small vestibule off to the side which was pretty bare. I thought the wooden frame more than made it nice, with the lithograph I made of a sensor recording.

All of them are standing on Crusader’s upper deck, the Harmony Magic having transformed them into ethereal beings. A little work on the photo itself erased all the background noise, leaving them, the shield around them and a barrage of nuclear tipped cruise missiles rising in the background on tongues of fire.

Secondary batteries are firing as well to add strength to it, the final few minutes of the battle were happening at the time of the recording, adding more fuel for the picture to turn out incredibly well.

It all added up to a split second that I printed and framed while working today, meaning to present it as a gift to them all later.

Of course Rainbow is the first to say anything, “I look awesome!”

I listen to the comments as they all see themselves and the Princesses. It really was a once in a lifetime picture.

We retire to the dining room once more, Pinkie deciding to work on a quick meal for all of us. As we sit down to enjoy a few quiet moments, talking about Rarity’s skill with decorating, Applejack has to ask.

“Spike’s been telling me ya had that goofy smile on your face all day since the spa, what gives?” She leans an elbow on the table, hoof supporting her chin.

Immediately a blush comes over her face, making her turn a beet red as she stutters more than anytime we’ve ever seen her. She looks around to make sure Spike isn’t anywhere within earshot, he’s gone to his room to read comics after a long day keeping her company.

This garners everyone’s attention immediately as they watch at Twilight fidgeting with her hooves on the table.

“We-ell... They had a new pony doing massages today, and he wasn’t very good I’m afraid.” She grins a bit lopsided.

“And of course you were too polite to say anything darling.” Rarity is smiling.

“I didn’t want to be rude.”

“Of course not, understandable.” We all nod, she’s polite to a fault sometimes.

“Well...Crusader asked Aloe if he could watch, wanting to learn more about pony’s..muscle groups? I think he said?”

I nod, “That would be the excuse, he was supposed to just keep you busy while the redecorating was going on.” Why do I have a feeling about all this?

“I guess I kinda let on I was not having a relaxing time, it did kind of hurt. But the masseuse was new, I’m sure he’ll get better.”

“And then Crusader stepped in,” he would do so, knowing a friend was being mistreated however small.

“Yeah,” She chuckles, “That new guy wasn’t too happy.”

Pinkie pops up beside her, “Well it’s not fun if you’re not relaxing!”

Twilight nods, “So he kinda pushed him out of the way and started doing it himself. I..uh...it was sooooo good!” Her face gets a dopey look on it prompting Rarity who’s always one for gossip.

“That good?” The Unicorn leans over the table, hoping for maybe some juicy gossip between friends.

“I couldn’t even move! It uh..oh..well...uhm..” Her face turns a cherry red, I can see the heat rushing to her cheeks.

It’s funny how certain things hit at the same moment, especially among friends. Looks go from slight amusement to sudden shock as eyes open wide.

“You don’t mean...”

“No he couldn’t...he did! I can tell by the look on your face!”

“Darling, I’m sure it..wasn’t... was it?”

Twilight just nods, still grinning with a blushing face.

My brother, master of the oblivious when he concentrates on something, blocking everything out entirely, it’s become a bad habit to him lately. I slap a hoof on my face and leave it there, you idiot Bolo.

Applejack pinches her nose and sighs, “That dunderhead.” Everyone laughs.

Fluttershy pats her shoulder, her eyes glinting mischievously as she says, “Now now Applejack, I’m sure he was just doing the best he could to make a pony happy.”

Everyone just looks at the buttery mare, of ALL ponies!

“Fluttershy!”

The pegasus’ hooves fly to her muzzle as she giggles uncontrollably, “Well he’s just trying to be nice!”

Rainbow Dash cackles, hugging her friend, “Oh that’s the truth alright!” She howls in delight, falling off her chair.

“Look Fluttershy, there’s nice, and then there’s..there’s...oh hay what am I gonna do with him?” Applejack just lets a few exasperated chuckles escape.

Twilight shakes her head, “I don’t know, but Aloe and Lotus are having a big day at the spa because of him.” She’s trying to hold in the merriment.

Pinkie turns to me as she lays out some food, “Doesn’t he know?”

“We have scans of your bodies, we know each part of them, but we can’t tell what does what without..uh..experimentation. Even then it’s up to the subject to tell us how they feel when we do uhmm..certain..” I look at the grinning faces, “This isn’t sounding too good is it?”

I watch heads all shake in the negative.

Rarity let’s out a titter, “Well! We know why the spa was crowded today!”

Rainbow hovers close to Applejack and myself with a giggle, “So, gonna make him get a job there AJ? Or are you gonna keep it all to yourself?”

Applejack swats at her hovering form, “Rainbow!”

“Rainbow Dash! That was just awful!” Rarity is sounding shocked, though not as shocked as she could be as I watch her for a moment.

The cyan mare cackles, “What? Just a suggestion!” She lands on her seat, “He’s always looking for something to do to be nice to ponies.”

I roll my eyes, turning to Applejack, “Want me to tell him?”

She thinks on that, putting an elbow on the table and supporting her chin with a hoof again, “Ya know what, nope. Gotta learn by your mistakes some times, and this ones not quite a mistake, but we’ll tell him in the morning.” She laughs, “I’m thinking Ponyville’s gonna be a happy place tomorrow for quite a few girls.”

I can only look at her in shock as I laugh, “Applejack!”

She shrugs, “Hey, just tellin’ the truth.” But she turns to me suddenly, pointing a hoof, “And you, somethin’ been bothering me all day about you. Somethin’s different.”

I perk up, having forgotten about it in all the rush to help, nodding at her with an expectant look on my face I’m sure. I want them to know, and see!

Twilight tilts her head at me eyes narrowing as she looks me over, “When did you start breathing?” She’s good at noticing small things, like my chest bellowing slightly where before it never moved.

Applejack slaps the table, “That’s it! This morning I was wondering why she looked out of breath!”

The faces all look at me in wonder, Pinkie leaning over, “You can breathe now? Like a real pony?”

I nod, “Crusader did it, it feels so different, I can..can smell things differently, taste things better.” The smile that crosses my face is enormous I’m sure, “I..I can be as close to alive as he can make it.”

Twilight is looking at me with wide eyes, “That’s just amazing.”

I grab her hoof, pressing it to my chest as she looks curiously at me, “One other thing.”

There is resistance at first then she stops, pushing the hoof against my chest tighter for a moment with a quizzical look on her face. She pulls it away with a gasp, “You have a heartbeat!”

I nod, as glad as I can be.

Applejack presses her hoof against the side of my chest, feeling the excited thumping inside it, “Stars above..she does!”

I am on the receiving end of quite a few hugs welcoming me to the land of the living, though without some of the worst parts which Rainbow exclaims is not fair. What can you do?

A slight grumbling sound from an empty belly as the excitement dies away tells us dinner is on the table and has been for a bit.

“Well somepony’s definitely hungry, let’s dig in.” Applejack is looking at me with a grin.

“What? That wasn’t me, I don’t even have..” I stop as the rumbling comes again, looking at my own midsection as I hear the sound, noticing I am low on reaction mass at the same time.

Pinkie giggles, “Looks like he added one more thing too!”

I’m gonna kill him.

Boredom is Rough.

“Incoming!”

“I have them, sensor grids are green.”

“Huh, sneaky sneaky.” Athena’s voice is excited.

“Not too bad I’d say.”

“Eh, could use a bit more flair.”

“Drones in place, standard combat patrol.”

“Spinning guns up now! Feeds are greased and ready!”

“Sensors are hot, battlespace is prepared.”

“Here they come!”

“There’s just nothing to do! It’s boooring!” Rainbow Dash is lamenting today.

A calm day, the breeze carrying the warning of an early chill in the air as the fall sets in. It is a rare day, one in which there really is nothing to do for anypony except enjoy. Stands are open in the marketplace, ponies going about their lives, but with even less bustle and hurry than before.

I will be having a talk with Athena later when she is not busy, something about the other day and me stalling Twilight in the spa, something is off and I’m not quite sure what it is. I keep receiving a lot of smiles and being asked if I would be taking a job there permanently.

But it truly is a nice day as I sit beside her, listening to Rainbow's complaints. The bench is warm and the sun just begun it’s journey through the sky.

“I’m sure there is a nap or two waiting to be had Rainbow.”

“I’ve napped enough, and I’ve done all the weather stuff, and everything!” She waves her hooves around, “There’s just nothing left and it’s only morning!”

“Perhaps a book from Twilight’s library?” I’m trying my best here, but a bored Rainbow is a bad thing either way. Athena is busy with the others right now, so I am stuck trying to console her.

“Meh, Daring Do’s latest doesn’t come out for another three weeks.” She scuffs at the ground near the bench we’ve both ended up on.

I turn to her, “Then what do you want Rainbow? What is it?” I’m sure my slight frustration with her is showing as I have sat here for an hour listening. “What could possibly make your day better?”

“I don’t know, something exciting! Maybe a dangerous monster to beat up or something!”

“After all that has happened, you think it would be a situation you’d avoid, not wish for more of.”

She looks at me with wide eyes, puffing out her chest, “Avoid a challenge? C’mon this is ME we’re talking about! Rainbow Awesome Dash!” She thumps her hoof proudly against herself.

“Fine, then let’s test your mind shall we?”

“Wh-what?”

“Follow me, you want a challenge, I’ll give you one.”

We end up in my open bay, a battle board has been set up by my tech spiders and I introduce her to wargaming. Explaining the units, how they move and what they do, I keep it very simple. She is not stupid, but she is a bit lazy when it’s not interesting enough, but this catches her attention.

“This is a battle grid, you have an army, I have an army, it’s simple. Defeat me.”

“You mean I command all these things?” She points to the thousands of units on the huge board, holographic representations of tanks and platoons of men, artillery and planes. All showing a designation above their areas for easier moving and ID. Movement by both sides is concealed unless two opposing units meet, that way there is an element of fair play and you cannot observe them unless you have reconnaissance placed well.

“You command them all, give an order out loud, such as ‘Move Platoon Three to grid four’. Your grid is different from mine so there is no cheating, you can’t know what my grid is.” We watch my unit hustle across the board to a small hill and wait.

“That’s it? I just have to beat your army?”

“That’s it. But I warn you, you wanted a challenge, I’ll give you one. You will not win if you are lazy and I will not give you a win. You earn it.” I point a hoof at her and the board, “You know the rules, now do it.”

We start slow, but she wanted a challenge and I pull no punches, roundly defeating her first few attempts. I can see the frustration on her face, but I am not going to just let her win.

“Oh that’s not fair!” She’s pointing at a tank battalion that just overran her last position.

“It is fair, by the rules and the game. You need to listen to what I tell you and reason out why you lose. You wish to be the Captain of the Wonderbolts one day, then learn what it is to lead.”

I tell her what mistakes she made and how to use her units more effectively. She learns quickly, doing a few maneuvers that almost catch me off guard, but I recover and repulse the attacks. She is not a professional, but an amateur and those are dangerous in any setting.

“Hey, anything in the rules say I can’t get help?”

“I don’t see why not..” She’s out the door before I finish as I reset the game board one more time. It has been two hours, and she’s been trounced a few times, building her frustration up. She does not like to lose.

“Crusader?”

“Yes Athena?”

“Why is Rainbow dragging Twilight out of the castle, telling her she has to help to win a game?”

“I have been teaching Rainbow war games, she desires to lead one day, I thought it would be a good experience. She had been complaining that she was bored.”

“Are you...?”

“I am not holding back, she has been soundly defeated each time.”

“That’s not quite fair you know.”

“She wants to be a leader one day.”

“That’s a bit harsh, they’re not trained troops or commanders.”

“If one wishes to lead, then learn how to do so under any condition, defeat or victory. She will win if she is not lazy, I guarantee that, I am not using all my abilities.”

“Well she’s dragging all of us with her.”

“You may give advice, but no more, understood?” I make my desires very plain with no misunderstanding.

“O..ok...okay.... Why are you so ad..adamant?”

“Because while she is brave, loyal to a fault and courageous, a true leader must learn things.”

“What are you planning?”

“To teach.”

I have the board reset, the armies are waiting as she drags in Twilight, followed by the others. She tells them what we are doing and points out everything I have taught her so far. Twilight looks at the board curiously, I can see strategies already passing through her mind. She is quick on the uptake, and to be honest, I would like to see what she does as well.

“So, we have to win right? That’s the object of the game?” Twilight is honest in her questions.

“Yes. But..!” I point a hoof at Rainbow, “You cannot move for her, she has to make each and every decision based on your advice, nothing more. None of you can move nor direct any pieces in play.”

“There is a time limit, we will play for twelve hours. The only breaks you get are for nature or food, and they better be quick as the battle will not be stopped. As many games as we can fit in that time. Plus there may be some minor rule changes along the way, so keep up.”

“What? But that’s..that’s not fair!” Rainbow is notorious for wanting to snooze mid day or anytime at all when the mood strikes.

“Life is not always fair Rainbow, even here, do you agree to my terms or do you forfeit?”

I watch Crusader force the terms on Rainbow. He’s not being as polite as he usually is, and I wonder why. His abrupt manner reminds me of missions past, when he has had to do something he thought was right, missions that would forever scar him deeply.

But he is not watching the game board, he is watching her.

So I observe the game, adding advice only when I am asked, never volunteering. Rainbow has to make the decisions if conflicting things come up and I can see her sweating them out as the minutes pass, decisive in some moments, bold and brash in others.

He watches her closely, when she is foolish or being lazy, he makes her pay dearly on the board, his troops exacting a hideous toll in units. Crusader is not toying with her, he has never humiliated anyone, well not lately, but he is doing what he does and that is fight.

Time slows, as it does when conflicts arise, when decisions of import are made. Her natural way of always being competitive are being worn down by Crusader, she does not wish to do this anymore, but is trapped by the contract of terms.

I watch Twilight, scrolling through the holographic screen that details units and their capabilities, she is an excellent advisor, her moves are becoming swift and deadly when done right.

Pinkie and Applejack are becoming skilled at guerilla tactics, their actions are having a decided effect on anything they turn their mind too. Being Earth ponies, they take a great interest in the ground troops and Marines on the field. Bolstered by Twilight, they are in harmony as they make suggestions on what to do.

What surprises me is Rarity and Fluttershy, I am stunned at what they are doing with tanks and artillery. Fluttershy is using her ability and knowledge of animals and relating them to the units, moving them in ways we haven’t seen before; making with Rarity who sees the details, the little things, a formidable force and tank commander.

But it is still down to Rainbow, who has to decide whether or not to do these things. Her mane and coat are matted with sweat from the pressure, I can see it dripping down one cheek as she makes a move..wait a second...

I KNOW this!

Scanning through files I haven’t touched in a long time I see what is going on.

Crusader is putting her through ‘The Sweat Box’, a beginning tactics course for Bolo Commanders. This is where they throw a human who wants to be a Bolo Commander into the fray. You are given limited time, limited units and knowledge and you are expected to act!

You are tested to your limit, you can access friends with you or databases, but you MUST act! You are thrown into the heat of battle, purged of everything you know or think you know and you are drilled to the bone in what you have to do. The game is made in such a way you cannot just walk away, you are a part of it and it affects you.

They are taught, do not freeze, do not clamp up, no matter what DO something. It is constant warfare at a scale that draws you in and immerses you in the battlefield. If you halt, if you panic, you fail. Period.

They went against battle hardened Bolos each time, that’s why ‘The Sweat Box’. That Bolo was a veteran of countless battles, a lethal mind that thought nothing of devastating you if you were stupid and showing it to you as they took you apart piecemeal.

I had seen the finest educated so-called perfect students break down so badly they had to be hospitalized. But then I had seen some with barely a high school education go through this test and pass. It’s not what you are, but who you are.

It is not a test of skill or knowledge, that they learned to their detriment, it is a test of you.

The thing is when you finally win one, if you do, you are given one final test, and that is the worst of them all. Even if all you have done is lose, the final test is given, and it makes or breaks you.

As the battles go on, one after the other, new weapons are introduced, new units. Twilight picks up on this and uses them, as they do so, Crusader matches them and after each battle shows them what they could have done, what they are used for. He is good at teaching, showing them everything after each skirmish, increasing their knowledge by leaps and bounds.

It gets furious in the open bay, I have cranked the coolers up but they are doing no good. Each of my six friends are looking worn as the hours pass, so involved in the battles as Crusader sits quietly on the opposite side, an infuriating measure of calm on his face.

Food is provided, but is barely touched as the war goes on, getting worse and worse as new things pop up; new terrains, new rules, everything you have to learn as you go or you will suffer for it.

If he is using the same protocols, and I believe he is, it’s going to get worse. It will draw them in, make them so focused on it to the extent of everything else that it will shock them when he...

“Break time!” The soft voice calls out as the battle pauses.

I can’t warn them, I can’t tell them.

“Oh thank Celestia! I could use a break! My mascara is positively out of style by now!” Rarity heads to the facilities as the others grab something to eat.

Rainbow is actually shaky as she gulps down a few sandwiches, along with Twilight and Pinkie, Applejack and Fluttershy, they are all frazzled and worn, but it is the smiles I see.

They’re smiling, having a wonderful time playing this game. It’s interesting, it’s fast paced, and it’s exciting.

They’ve also made a grievous error, no one is watching the field of play.

“Crusader?”

“Yes?”

“You’re not going to hold this against them right?”

“Of course not, they are performing well, and doing brilliantly under the circumstances.”

“So it will restart in...”

“92.4 seconds, no alarm. They slipped, no one’s watching. They seem to have forgotten I said the battle wouldn’t stop.” He chuckles over the link.

“Are you giving the Final Test?”

“Yes. She is learning, but I wonder if she has truly understood, or is it all just a game to win at?”

“You will give the Speech?”

“Yes, third game to last.”

“Why are you doing this?” I want to know, because looking at the matted coats and manes I am worried.

“Rainbow was complaining she was bored, so I gave her a challenge. Plus I have wondered what they would do with something like this. Their tactics have made me bring another core online to deal with the unconventional aspects. They are good Athena.”

I see Twilight looking at Crusader across the huge game board, tilting her head for a moment.

“Uh oh.”

Narrowing her eyes, Twilight stared at the calm stallion over the frozen battle, a small smile was on his face as she thought for a second, then called out, “Rarity! Get back in here!”

“What darling? I was just touching up my...” Her voice is breathless as she gallops out of the facilities.

“Nevermind that,” She points at Crusader, “He’s up to something! He said the battle wouldn’t stop, but it’s frozen now.”

“What? He would never cheat I’m sure.”

“No...” She looks at him once more, “Nooo...but he’s up to something. I’m going to watch the board, make sure nothing moves.” She tells Rarity to go warn the others at the table, they grab food and drink and sit across the board once more, glaring at Crusader.

“She caught you!”

“Well done I’d say.”

“You were smiling, it tipped her.”

“I’m sure I wasn’t.”

“Oh yes you were, you big softie!”

“I would never do such a thing.”

“Riiiiight..” I’m so proud of my brother sometimes.

The board goes live once more, catching them a slightly off guard but not as badly as it would have.

An artillery barrage decimates their front lines and it’s back into the battle.

But the next few fights are tough, tougher than they have ever been; it comes down to individual troops that make the difference, a sniper here, a land mine there. The subtle things are being used now to affect the larger goals.

It is the fiercest fighting I have seen in a long, long time on a battle board. Rainbow has gained confidence in her decisions, and although sometimes rash, she is making the right ones with her advisers help. Twilight and the others are swiftly gaining experience in how to use things they’d never thought of at first. It is devastating on both sides.

Pinkie and Applejack are dangerous with their advice on troops, the units are hammering the enemy and fading back into the forests, then reappearing again somewhere else.

Rarity and Fluttershy are using the armored units and artillery to horrific effect, blasting through lines and sweeping back to pound the enemy from the rear. Even I stop giving advice and watch as the battles play out.

One of the tricks of these sessions, is the games are designed to draw you in fully, you can think of nothing else, concentrate on nothing but the game. It is an old trick, but one used to great effect when weeding out Bolo Commander wanna-bes.

I am so proud of Twilight my chest could burst, she is becoming a strategist of the first rank. Taking all the information and dealing it out in a way that is both useful and quick, she gives Rainbow everything she needs to bring forces onto the field and hold their own.

But Crusader is ruthless, if they slip, if they make the tiniest mistake, he makes them pay for it in casualties that are so high they cannot keep up with the numbers. He loves games, he loves a challenge, and these six ponies are giving him one.

He is testing them all, watching them closely and seeing the sweat practically pouring off them as they do nothing but give advice and watching Rainbow move the troops around to good effect.

But..

One game is rigged, and only one, the final test notwithstanding. If the combatants have fought well, the Bolo will let them win one to pursue a lesson. If they are lazy, if they are stupid and willfully so, the Bolo will win, but still do it in such a way that it will be of import to the speech he will give.

They are tired, I see it in their eyes, they’ve never been pushed like this by anything. Crusader is not being soft, though he is adjusting things. But through it all, the camaraderie is still there, laughter and nudges, smiles and giggles at mistakes. But underneath it, a combined will of durasteel.

Now the third to last game ends, though it is rigged, the victory is hard fought and well won. A single platoon stands on the field of all the thousands and thousands of units. It is their platoon and they are yelling in victory at finally beating Crusader.

Crusader is always gracious and congratulates them as I sit and wait. He walks onto the battlefield and points at the single grouping of fifty soldiers, the last of an army.

He was always good at this.

“Rainbow, do you know what a Pyrrhic Victory is?”

The haggard looking Pegasus shakes her head, “No..what is it?”

“Let me tell you a story.” He gestures all around to the terrain and battlefield, “In our history a king named Pyrrhus of Epirus fought another tribe called the Romans, who were a power in their day and nearly unstoppable.”

He points to the board as it changes, showing different units, the battle of Heraclea. I see Twilight scrambling for a quill, scribbling on paper.

“At two times in two years, this king fought the Romans and won, at a place called Heraclea, and a place called Asculum; but with tremendous cost. During a time they called the Pyrrhic War.”

The armies clash, it is horrendous fighting with sword, spear and shield.

“In these battles, he fought the Romans to a standstill, even winning. It was bloody and bitter fighting Rainbow, some of the worst at that time.”

I watch the multi-colored mane nod, listening to the story. Please pay attention Rainbow, please.

“A scribe named Plutarch, reported on the battle later when he had time to write about it. He said:

‘The armies separated; and, it is said, Pyrrhus replied to the one that gave him joy of his victory that one other such victory would utterly undo him. For he had lost a great part of the forces he had brought with him, and almost all his particular friends and principal commanders. There were no other there to make recruits, and he found the confederates in Italy backward. On the other hand, as from a fountain continually flowing out of the city, the Roman camp was quickly and plentifully filled up with fresh men, not at all abating in courage for the loss they sustained, but even from their very anger gaining new force and resolution to go on with the war.’

Crusader points at the two clashing armies around him, “What we learn Rainbow, is that victory is always welcome. But when it comes at too high a cost, taking away everything even though you’ve won, it is likes ashes in the mouth, bitter and dry.”

He has been approaching Rainbow as he talked, walking along the game board as the battle fades. He is almost muzzle to muzzle with her.

“Bolo Commanders knew this, that there is a time and place for everything. That to lead one must not squander, nor look to those under them as disposable just for the chance at victory. Winning is not worth anything when all you have left is dust.”

He looks her square in the face, “Do you understand this Rainbow Dash?”

“I...I think so.” She’s so tired, but I see her nod thoughtfully, a true change for her.

“Good, let us continue then.”

He retreats back onto his side, the board starts up and the second to last game plays out, not giving them a chance for rest. It is furious and it is exciting as I watch. They are giving it their all and they are beautiful in their combined efforts. I watch sweeping maneuvers and small unit tactics that are just as thrilling as those fought when I was in battle.

They are so unconventional and odd, that it’s hard to understand what they’re doing sometimes, and that makes it all the better. Everything goes into data storage, this is something Crusader and I will analyze for years to come.

But it does end in another loss for them I’m afraid, but it is a good loss, a battle to be proud of either way.

“The final game is with us now, you can all rest except for Rainbow, it is her turn.”

All six look at each other, Twilight speaking up, “What?”

“She must fight the last battle alone, her decisions, her ideas, it is all her now. You cannot give advice nor can she seek it.”

“Wait, that’s not real fair now is it?” Applejack’s voice is concerned.

“It is the game, she must take everything she has learned and use it. Her and her alone.” He smiles gently, “It is how it’s done my Applejack, don’t worry.”

The game board is set up as I herd the others away from the area. It is Rainbow Dash and Crusader facing off over the setting.

This then, is the Final Test, this is where you make or break yourself. Like I said, the test is not skill or knowledge, it’s about you. What will you do? What can you do?

The board looks the same, the exact same you’ve been fighting on, but there are subtle changes if you know where to look. Over twelve hours you learn things and you have to understand the battlefield.

Crusader has patiently taught her and the others each and everything they needed to know. But it comes down to one and only one.

Will you be a leader that has to depend on others for your decisions? Can you make them on your own in a crunch? Can you make the right one?

It is the hardest test of all, because over twelve hours you have fought against a mind that does nothing but win, slaughtering you, building up your resentment and anger until you can’t take it anymore. You think the Bolo is probably laughing at your losses, or just plain humiliating you for the fun of it so the frustration builds.

The board is set, the armies placed, and there are changes that make it look like you can win, like you can suddenly strike and overwhelm the opposing force.

But if you take your time and really see the board, you know something.

You have to lose.

This is the hardest test of all, the ability to know, to absolutely know when you are going to lose and you must retreat. There is no other option, there is nothing you can do except that.

“Take your time, we have four minutes before the game starts Rainbow.” His voice is soft as it carries in the quiet bay.

Twilight looks over, she sees it immediately and raises her voice, “Rainbow...!” I cover her mouth with a hoof, shaking my head.

“You cannot help her Twilight.”

“But..”

“No, those are the rules, I’m sorry.” I try to smile at her gently as she shows a frustrated face.

Rainbow wants to win so badly you can see it in her stance, her very being. Her nature is that she has to be the best and so she pushes herself to the limit. Here and right now she is given a chance of overwhelming victory, but it is a sham. She must understand, she must look at the board and truly understand this is a no-win. She has to retreat from the field, if she attempts an attack, anything at all, she has failed.

“What do you think Crusader?”

“I think her loyalty to her army will make the difference. Even though they are not real, it will show because she is that way. She understands Athena, I believe she truly does.”

“She is a good pony.”

“She is, but she wants to win badly, let’s see if she makes the right choice.”

“Are you ready Rainbow?”

“Yep! I can do this!” She sits down and smiles, her whole body is dragged out from the last twelve hours.

“Then let us begin.” The board lights up, units start rolling out as Rainbow orders a general retreat off the field.

Everything stops.

“Why did you do that Rainbow Dash?” Crusader’s voice is even.

She looks nervous, finally giving up a sigh, “ ‘Cause...'cause I knew I couldn’t win. I just knew it somehow.” She points at the board, “Something wasn’t right, it looked the same, but it just wasn’t right.” She sighs again, “I hate losing.”

“Well done Rainbow, well done indeed. You didn’t lose at all.”

“But..but I retreated, I didn’t even fight!” She's looking exasperated now.

“It’s not about the battles Rainbow, it’s about you making the right decision, you’ve done excellently.”

“Wait, all this was for nothing then?” Her face gets an angry mien.

“Not at all, it proves that deep inside you, you have a maturity that will come later, to make the right choices and be a good leader. You’ve done very well Rainbow.”

“So...so I won?” She is puzzled.

“In all the ways that mattered, yes, you won.” He tilts his head in acknowledgment with a simple bow.

“YES!” She leaps into the air of the bay, punching a hoof. Her friends surround her with hugs and congratulations.

Crusader has the board dismantled and taken away as we all enjoy a bit of food and drink for a moment.

“But Rainbow, what else did you learn?” Crusader is always teaching someone something, it’s his way.

“What do you mean?” Her voice is muffled by the mouthful of food she’s currently gulping down.

“Why did you get Twilight and the others?”

“Well....because she’s an egghead, she knows this stuff better than I do!” Twilight smacks her on the shoulder.

“No, it’s not that.” He’s smiling at her nervous look.

“ ‘Cause...I knew I couldn’t do this by myself..” Her voice is faint in the cargo bay as she scuffs a hoof on the floor.

“Once again, well done. It’s good to know you have someone to depend on, even when the decisions are yours to make.” He points to all of them, “Be yourself, be who you are, but always remember you have them to help in times of need.”

“I do, all the time!” She smiles brightly at all her friends.

Ah.. but this is Rainbow we’re talking about, such things can get a bit twisted in her mind, such as being a good commander.

Which brings us to now.

“I guess being told she won the commander’s test kinda went to her head eh?”

“She is Rainbow Dash, it’s to be expected.”

We watch the cyan mare pointing and giving orders to all the other pegasi, she‘s having a ball. “Shouting commands and doing this, it’s a little much. But it’s sure going to be fun!”

“Let her lead, let her have her moment. It’s been quite a while and we need to make some awards anyways.”

“I’m still wondering how she roped Princess Luna into this!”

“That would have been me, she wanted to try her hoof at this, so I let her know it was being set up.”

“I’m not too sure about painting a Princess.”

“She knows the stakes.”

We are setting underneath the sensor masts above Crusader’s hull, watching the preparation for this fight. The day is beautiful, and we are about to fill it with the air of battle.

“Well, long as she’s okay with it.”

“Ponies work in odd ways sometimes Athena, I doubt we’ll ever truly know why.” He laughs over the link.

“Doesn’t it frustrate you?” I wave my hooves around, “Doesn’t it just make you confused when we keep running into things we don’t understand?”

He turns and smiles at me, “But that is what makes life wonderful Athena, the unknown, the finding out of things.” He touches me on the shoulder, “We have so many years ahead of us, why not spend the days in wonder, make each moment precious and rare.”

“It’s still frustrating sometimes.” I knock grass around with my hoof.

“I understand, but in time you’ll see it too, I promise.” He points a hoof towards the open area where Rainbow stands, “But until then, we have this, and so many other things to keep us busy. You are growing in ways a Bolo never has sister, it is new and amazing, enjoy each second.”

“I will, or at least I’ll try real hard!”

“Lao Tzu once said, ‘Music in the soul can be heard by the universe’, and you my dear sister, sing so brightly and clear.”

“I really wish I knew what you see in me.”

“So many things Athena, so very many things.” He pauses, “Speaking of which, why am I getting odd looks from the day when I stalled Twilight at the spa, did I do something untoward or wrong? I can’t quite understand it.”

Nope...nonono not gonna discuss this with him right now, nope nope nope.

“Incoming!” I point at the groups now taking wing, they are splitting up and doing some very odd maneuvering.

“I have them, sensor grids are green.”

“Huh, sneaky sneaky.” I’m excited to be doing this.

“Not too bad I’d say. Trying to catch us off guard by going ahead of the time we set.

“Eh, could use a bit more flair.”

“Drones in place, standard combat patrol. Area is clear of any threats.”

“Spinning guns up now! Feeds are greased and ready!”

“Sensors are hot, battlespace is prepared.”

“Here they come!” I know I’m wanting to hop around a bit, this is my first time with all this, it’s going to be fun!

“Go easy, no targeting lasers.”

“I know, I know!”

“On your word Athena.”

“Wh..what? Bu..but you always do that!”

“I can’t do everything my sister, on your word.” He smiles so warmly at me, I can’t think of anything else as I hug him tight.

I know the look that crosses my face, the same one on a window in a hall in Canterlot, a Pegasus with a battle grin to beat all. I watch the flights of winged ponies take to the air, wishing so badly once again, but that’s all right.

Everything is all right.

“FIRE!”

No Matter What...

A silent night, cool and calm as I sit under my sensor masts, quiet and restrained as a hush falls over the countryside. My scanners pick up the sounds of the river running clear and deep, the bird wings catching air in flight.

All is as it should be.

Except in my mind.

I see a face, a shadowy figure in my dreams. it whispers in my ear. A voice as gentle as any, kind as can be, and something important is being said.

But I cannot hear it, I cannot make it out and I am pondering why.

I don’t see this face clearly, but I know it is warm and caring. I cannot remember the whispered words, but I feel as if the import they carry is something I need to know.

It is frustrating in a way. The whole things slips away likes smoke from a fire, dissipating into the night as shadows chase ghosts into the hinterlands of the mind.

I look to the town, the village where I will be for many years to come. It is silent, shrouded in the darkness that envelopes it like a blanket, a light here and there piercing the soft evening. A picturesque portrait of serenity.

But not so this afternoon.

After the ‘Under the Gun’ of the previous day, which by the way, quite a few were awarded a band, including the Princess and Dinky’s mother. Athena told me in no uncertain terms she was not very happy with finding out about the other upgrade to her avatar that I hadn’t told her about.

She had been in a rush, I told her, not wanting to hear everything. She has a bad habit of not eating enough anyway, so it was a reminder for her to do so.

Needless to say my reasoning did not set well.

She is young in ways, and there are so many things to keep her occupied, but knowing her this grudge will be held for a while. I did notice a slight smile on her face when the conversation ended, as if she knew something I did not.

This bothered me until this morning, when Applejack and I were walking into town to do some shopping. Apple Bloom was minding the stand as it wasn’t a school day so we had a chance to talk.

“Yer lookin’ kinda occupied there Crusader, what’s up?” She’s always smiling when she talks to me, I find it quite nice.

“Something is not right. When I stalled Twilight at the spa the other day, it seems I’ve done something no one wants to talk about. I’ve been researching it and I don’t think I caused any nerve damage or problems when I took the job for a while.”

She stops dead in the road, looking around for a moment, “R..really? Well...well I don’t think nothin’ was wrong..”

I stop as well, turning to look at her, she’s blushing quite readily and not meeting my eyes, “What is going on?”

“N..nothin’s goin’ on, wh..what makes you say that?” She gives a wobbly smile, scuffing a hoof on the ground.

“You’re not very good at prevaricating Applejack.”

Stamping a hoof on the ground she nods, “Shoot, yeah yer right, can’t tell a tale fer nothin’.” She leans over and whispers in my ear.

“I did what!?”

“Keep it down now, nothin’ to get upset over sugar.” She pulls me over to an alleyway where we can get out of the traffic.

I point a hoof at her, “That’s not the point, why did no one tell me what I was doing?”

She actually grins at me, leaning against a building, “Maybe ‘cause they didn’t want you to stop doing it?”

“That’s not right and you know it.” I can feel my facial features rearranging themselves into a look of pique.

Her grin gets wider as she looks at my furious face, “Well...I dunno bout not right.. I mean ya sure do get the knots out.” She stretches a back leg for a moment, I had been wondering why she needed her muscles treated all of a...wait a second...

“You..I..Applejack!”

With a wink at me she starts laughing, “Now ya get it, for a big ol’ machine yer kinda slow on the uptake sometimes.” She hits me on the shoulder with a work hardened hoof.

“That’s not the point. I... I need to apologize to Twilight.”

She taps me on the shoulder, steering us out of the alley, “Ah don’t think ya need to there Crusader.” Her voice is merry, “Ah’m sure she’s jes’ fine without one.”

Stopping once more, I ask her, “So this is why Aloe kept asking me if I still wanted a job. Good grief.”

“Yep! Ya sure made some fans that day!” She’s trotting along as we head for the castle.

“I don’t want ‘fans’ or anything else, I didn’t even know I was doing that. Without research I can only go by data I’ve accumulated..oh forget it.” But I point a steady hoof at her, “And you’re one for talking, taking advantage like that! Did Athena know about this?”

She nods, “Ya know, sometimes things just fall inta place.” Shrugging, she adds,, “Ain’t nothin’ wrong with it anyways.” Nudging me with a shoulder and a grin, “Be a good sport about it anyways, not like you’re hurtin’ anypony.”

“That’s not the...” I can only sigh, “You’re right. But I still need to apologize to her.”

“Ah wouldn’t worry ‘bout that sugar, she had a dopey smile on her face all day anyways.” The orange Earth pony laughs.

“Well now I know why.”

“Yep!” She’s looking at me out of the corner of her eyes.

“I’m not taking that job.”

“Awwww... why not? You’re really good at it!”

“Applejack!”

We’re interrupted by Carrot Top and Bon Bon asking me if I’m planning on staying with the spa. All I can do is plant a hoof on my face as Applejack laughs even louder to the puzzled looks of the two mares.

One can only hope that I am not that...well...I wouldn’t say stupid, but oblivious again. Time can only tell, though I do find myself a bit distracted some days. Athena and I had a long talk about her holding things like that from me. She was appropriately apologetic, but I have a feeling that she’s going to be holding things like that back whenever she can. This doesn’t surprise me one bit, so I look forward to other things like this popping up from time to time.

Ah well, life would be boring if Athena was as appropriately ‘Bolo’ as any other. Though that did not prevent me from assigning her tasks to accomplish like any other young person would receive when acting inappropriately.

“Oh come on! That’s not fair!” Athena stomps a hoof in the dirt while we sit under my sensor masts.

“Why is that not fair? You held back crucial information from me that I really would have liked to know.” She hates it when I am so calm, so I sit and smile gently at her.

“It wasn’t...well..crucial! Not like life or death depended on it!” She actually snickers behind a hoof.

“No, but it would have been nice to know what I was doing so I would have been able to alter my techniques on the other twenty two ladies who came into the spa that day.” I am sure my face is placid, but inside I am truly embarrassed by what has occurred.

I wait while she finishes laughing at my statement, I’m sure the look I give her is not a happy one.

“Tech...*snerk*.. niques.. Yeah that’s a good one. *Ahem*.. Yeah, well I was busy.”

“You were not, you knew immediately what happened when you talked to Twilight. You all knew, I have already talked with Applejack about this.” I point a hoof at her, “It was your job to let me know.”

“Well I was going...going to!” She scuffs a hoof in the dirt.

“No you weren’t.”

“You’re right, I wasn’t.” She laughs again.

“Then it is your duty to take the nightwatch tonight, also, do sweeps on all the Dragons and Ferrets, make sure their maintenance logs are up to date. The Scout vehicles are needing maintenance as well, they have been in sand for far too long and you have avoided doing it for now. Get it done tonight.”

“WHAT? You said all I had to do was the nightwatch!” Her face is crestfallen, it will take a lot of dedicated core time to get these jobs done.

“I changed my mind, it seems you find the whole thing funny, so while doing nightwatch, have your spiders update all maintenance logs.”

“That’s..that’s not..it’ll take me HOURS to do all that even with the spiders!” She stamps both front hooves again, sinking them in the dirt with her anger.

“Yes it will, and I think it’s appropriate.” I look closer at her, “I am sure you don’t have anything else pressing of course.” The look on my face is enough for her to know she is not to do anything except the tasks I have ordered.

“Well I was going to go to Rarity’s for..” She stops, seeing the look, “Uhm...no. I can do that.”

“Good, I will expect a full report in the morning plus all logs in sequence. Don’t forget to replace parts used, do not leave it for later.”

“OH COME ON!”

“Is there a problem?”

“I have to manufacture replacements for all the parts I use? That’s going to take more hours, you know what it’s like making some of those things! And the Scout Vehicle needs a new transmission!”

“Abusing the transmission was your fault, one you have not corrected yet.” I point a hoof at her steadily, “You wish to be normal then fine, start taking a bit of responsibility for your actions. Had you been honest with me from the first, we would not be having this conversation.”

She plants her backside in the grass, stamping a front hoof, “I am an Assault Bolo, you can’t treat me like this you know!”

“I am your Commander in the First Equestrian as acknowledged by all, you are also a generation younger than I am, you need to stop putting things off and be battle ready! We have to be ready at a moment’s notice to defend everypony.”

She throws her hooves up in frustration, “Defend against what? Manticores? They KNOW better now, a Hydra? We’ll wipe it’s ass off the planet if it even thinks of moving from the swamp!” She glares at me, “We’ve killed the thing in the forest, it’s over!”

I stand up muzzle to muzzle with her in my anger, “Listen to me Unit ATNA of the Line, and listen closely. Something stripped minds from their bodies and put them into that lump of flesh that went insane in the forest! Something is out there that is a threat to us all! You have the information same as I do.”

She stands up, putting her nose against mine, “That was thousands of years ago, that’s why it went mad! Whatever did that probably died long ago, or wore out or just decayed, what proof do we have it’s still even around?” She shakes a hoof at me, “We’ve found no other evidence, nothing.”

“We are here!” Her eyes go wide as my voice gets louder, “We are the proof, you have the data as well as I! If we can survive this long then something else can!” She takes a step back as I look at her fiercely.

I hammer the point, “Something took human minds from their bodies and placed them in a disgusting situation and I killed them!” I see her astonished expression and explain, “How did they know our command codes? How did they know the way we would react to things? Nothing in this world could have even come close to figuring out our Command Overlays! If we hadn’t been smarter, or faster, or lucky we would have suffered and so would every one we’ve pledged to protect!”

I point a solid hoof at her face, “Until we know, and know for sure nothing is out there, we will maintain battle readiness!”

She looks at me in silence for a moment, “This isn’t about maintenance is it?”

I don’t even answer, I just turn to stare at the forest, “We have to maintain full battle status Athena.”

A wing wraps around my back as she snuggles close to me, “You miss them don’t you?”

I couldn’t say anything, do anything, except look out towards the forest.

“I miss them too, every day. They were wonderful and wise in so many ways, when you know someone as well as we did, you can’t help but remember.” Her voice was soft that moment, gentle.

“I killed them Athena.”

“You put to rest something that should never have been alive, it was a travesty of life.” Athena is stern as she pulls me tighter, laying a leg around my shoulders in a hug.

“There could have been something we could have done, anything other than using force. But it was the only thing I could think of, for all of me, it came down to a nuclear weapon.” I’m sure she can hear the sadness in my voice, that for all of my high ideals and thoughts, it was a weapon I came up with.

“They didn’t give you much choice, taking hostages, performing terrorism in Manehatten, all the other things. What were we to do?” She steps in front of me, holding her hooves up and together in front of her, the perfect image of a supplicant, “Please Mister Insane Bad Thing, don’t hurt anypony anymore? Please?”

“You look ridiculous, stop that,” but it does get me to smile if only slightly.

“Ah ha! You smiled!” She settles back in beside me, “We could do nothing but what we did Crusader.” She nudges my shoulder, “Don’t, don’t do this to yourself. You’ve always been this way. We didn’t know until it was too late, they’d done too much, gone too far.” She is correct, but it does not stop me from thinking about what could have been.

“You are right, perhaps it’s not good to think too much on some things.”

“If you didn’t constantly worry about everything, I’d think you’d been replaced by a shape shifter.” Once again I am hugged, “Stoppit. The weight of the world is not on your shoulders.”

“Yes....” I pause for a moment, “I miss them.”

“That’s fine, just don’t let it overwhelm your common sense. You tend to over think, don’t do that, stop wandering where you shouldn’t.” She laughs, “Besides, you can always get a job at the spa if you really need something to do!”

Closing my eyes I can only sigh as she runs off, out of my range for swatting at her, “I’ll get the maintenance done, I promise! Don’t worry!” She heads off to the farm, as she had promised to help with dinner, thoughts of spending time at Rarity’s already gone in her rush.

I won’t worry when it comes to certain things, Athena is good about them, especially promises.

The day passed, another one in a string of them that are getting behind us. Time passes, slowly or rapidly, but it will ever slip by. We can only hope to enjoy each moment as given to us in that space of hours and days.

I do miss them, my creators. When I came to the conclusion that the minds behind the attacks were human, it stunned me. It was the only possible one to the evidence presented. No one in this world could have even come near to knowing the Command Overlays like they did. No one. Only high ranking Concordiat officers and Bolo Commanders held that knowledge. It had never been leaked to anyone outside the ranks, that’s how tight the security was on them.

The familiar patterns of attacks, the way they were done. Only a certain frame and type of mind could have performed it.

There was a fictional character, written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who said, “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”

It is the only truth possible, there were humans here once. Minds torn out and set into a lump of flesh that raged and cried it’s anguish throughout ages of time, building up a hate so massive that when it discovered magic, the deranged thoughts turned it to hurt and pain on anything around it.

It knew when I awoke, wanting to take it’s illogical emotions out on myself as a target. Perhaps it wanted to commit suicide by taking on a Bolo, perhaps it actually thought it could win. But that is past now isn’t it? Zecora is even moving back into her domicile in the forest now that she says everything is calm.

I tell Athena I will be leaving the area for the night, she responds dinner is ready. I can see her over the TSDS getting to work on everything, I send over all of my tech spiders to help her accomplish things. She has already notified Rarity she’ll be busy. Evening has only become deeper as I have sat here.

As I walk through the town, it is quieting down, the day is over and rest is welcome for busy folks. We have never needed such, but it has become something Athena and I do now. I find it helps us through the long days, letting us relax in a way that we’ve never had before.

Low Level Alert was a timeless space, a nothingness that was interrupted by awakening to an alarm or battle. It was a lost bit of time in an endless series of days and years on the field.

I prefer this, the comfort of a bed, a warm blanket even though we don’t feel the cold. It is a feeling of belonging that is still a wonderful thing to think about.

I walk the streets, darkness getting deeper as lights go out, the townsponies retiring to welcoming beds, the embrace of one another, the silence that creeps up and covers you softly. The crunch of gravel beneath my hooves is loud in the lane, turning to a patter as I step onto the cobblestones.

Pondering things I should not, it leads me down paths I shouldn’t take. But I do, for that is my way. To look at things best left alone, sifting them for the tiniest amount of information I can use to work my way forward with thoughts that plague me some nights. If no one ever took themselves down that road, who would?

But looking up ahead, I see something that heartens me. A light at the top of a hill, encased in a window that let’s the glow shine clearly. A single beacon that would be lost in the hubbub of a normal world of the Concordiat, but here it gleams brightly.

It makes me smile, that golden shimmer, as I head for it. Beckoning to a warm place where heart and hearth are one, that things will be forgiven and forgotten in the everyday. Two familiar forms wait on the step for me as I get closer.

It is in the darkness of our own minds we travel most times, unaware of the dangers that may come. We walk in silence, in the middle of crowds it makes us seem as if we are alone in a world that does not care. That it does not wish to know what we know for it is afraid, wanting to cover it with the normality it is used to.

But when we are in that vile place, when it all becomes too much, so much that you stand and wonder where your place is in this play that life has for you...

There is a light, always a light, to lead you back.

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends.

“No, and that is final.”

“Oh come on Crusader! You give music to Octavia all the time!” Vinyl’s face is aghast that I would refuse her request.

“She appreciates the classics, the value of them as they are. Anything she changes is all to the better, unlike yourself.” I am sure she can see I’m not pleased. I don’t like refusing anypony, but this is one thing that will not do.

“That’s not true, I take care of music too! I just add my own little things here and there.” She grins at me, her prevalent sunglasses reflecting my face which in retrospect is not looking very nice right now.

“You took Beethoven’s Piano Concerto Number Five and turned it into a dance club piece. It was horrifying.” I slide off the bench I was setting on, walking towards Town Hall. She joins right beside me, the smile never leaving her face. She is persistent.

“Oh that was nothing, they loved it! It was wild Crusader, it’ll be a big hit for a long time!” She stops when I turn to look at her, backing up slightly.

“I will not give you anymore music pieces. Stars only know what you’d do with Tchaikovsky, or Vivaldi or any of the others. Celestia forbid I even show you Handel or Bach!”

“Wow... How many do you have?” She’s honestly curious now.

“I have currently archived every piece of music from Old Earth history, it is complete up to the day I went into stasis.” I point a hoof at her, “And you are not getting a single one.”

“You know that’s not fair!” She’s looking a bit disgusted with me right now.

Serves her right. A beautiful composition turned into..into..a thing..argh! “Life is seldom fair Vinyl,” I look at her once more, “And don’t think of asking Athena, she knows I’ve banned you from the music archives.”

“It was only the one time!” She stops in front of me, placing a hoof on her chest, “I promise not to mess up anything else you give me! I haven’t even taken any of the ones you’ve given Octavia!” The look on her face is actually pleading, to prove her resolve she’s actually taken off her sunglasses. I’m impressed.

Not that impressed though, “That’s because you don’t know the spell and can’t pick the lock on her storage safe. No.”

“How did she even kn..I mean no! I wouldn’t do that!” She’s looking shocked at such an accusation.

“Vinyl, you’re good at what you do. Ponies like your music, but you’re not getting anymore, why do you want classical pieces anyway?”

“Because they make great dance tunes!” She slaps both hooves over her mouth right at the end of that statement.

I believe the phrase is ‘Letting your mouth get ahead of your brain.’ “That’s what I thought, no.”

“Oh come on!”

Vinyl pled with him for over an hour but he was adamant, she would not be getting anymore music from his archives. This presented a problem, she needed some new stuff for a jam that was coming in a few days. The one song she had debuted at the local club was a huge hit, as well as others she’d sneaked off by peeking at the sheet music Octavia had received form him over the months.

DJ’s in Canterlot and around were wondering where she was getting the inspiration for them, she waved them off with an “I’m just that good.” In all honesty, she was getting her inspiration from music Crusader had, things never heard before that were giving her ideas each time she looked at them or heard them.

Crusader had invited Octavia onto the Command Deck months ago, wanting to see if she’d be interested in listening to the old masters he had stored within him. Vinyl went along as a lark, giving Octavia a hard time about her music. Truth be told she and Octavia got along just fine, with the occasional argument, but that was smoothed over as their interest in music outweighed anything else.

What they had heard astounded them both, musical pieces that drove into the body, resounding through the speakers like the stars themselves were singing. Even Vinyl had stopped her snarking and listened when each piece was brought up. Crusader told them about the music, the way they had been performed, how they were done and who had written them.

She had sat there beside Octavia, mouth agape, listening to things she’d never thought could be made much less laid down through speakers. There were chorales that lifted the heart, sad pieces that made her wipe back tears. Things in between that made her want to leap in the air for joy. It had been incredible! Octavia of course had already heard a few from before, but was still loving the sounds.

Her experience had been so wonderful, ever since then, she had worked through the days, bringing out new dance music that astounded the club she worked at in Ponyville, it had been a huge hit. She had finally gathered the courage to recently ask Crusader for some sheet music for one of them she had liked, a Beethoven Piano Concerto he called it. She’d turned it into the latest dance craze and when Crusader had found out he’d not been happy, banning her from receiving anymore.

But she needed the inspiration, it helped her define new tunes, new ways to produce her own music and now she was completely cut off! Nope, she was going to find a way to get more music!

“But Octy!”

“Stop calling me that, you know I don’t like that nickname.” The Earth pony gave the Unicorn a look of disdain, her accented voice very clear and crisp.

“Okay, okay, Octavia. Look, I need you to convince Crusader to let me have a few more pieces of music.” Her eyes were pleading as she talked to her friend.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea Vinyl, he wasn’t too pleased with what you did with the one he gave you.” She raised an elegant eyebrow and looked at her friend. Vinyl knew that look from many, many times before.

“I know, I know! I should have asked, but it was a hit! I just need a few more to finish this set and I won’t ask again!” She would, but that would be much later down the road when she needed more ideas. These would last for a long, long time.

What she was making was different, like nothing she’d ever done before. How could she get more music from Crusader, she had to finish this!

“Look Octavia, I swear I will do the shopping for a week if you can do this for me, I promise!” She gave her best ‘I promise’ look at her friend.

The elegant looking pony sighed, setting down her bow as she leaned her cello in its stand, “If I do this, will you please stop bothering me so I can practice?”

“I promise! You can have the house to yourself, I’ll crash at a friends!”

Octavia was definitely not pleased about doing this, but Vinyl was a good friend and she never asked for much, “Alright, I’ll go ask, but win or lose you still owe me some quiet time!”

“You got it Octy!”

“Stop calling me that!” Her voice came through the open door as she walked out to find Crusader.

An hour later Vinyl sat staring at her friend, “Are you serious?”

“Yes, he said no, not even for me.” Octavia sat across from her near the hearth.

“Wow, he must really be mad.” She was rubbing her chin with a hoof.

“He’s very protective about the music Vinyl, it’s a record of a lost history and civilization we know nothing about and he has it all.” She gave her friend a sympathetic look, “Perhaps maybe a gift in apology or something?”

“You know, that’s a great idea! What do you think he’d like?” The Unicorn leaned forward in anticipation.

Octavia’s eyes got wide, “Me? I haven’t the slightest idea.” She looked thoughtful, “But what do you get a pony who can fight Everfree monsters and win each time, that’s quite a daunting task Vinyl.”

As she tapped a hoof on her chin, Vinyl nodded at her friends’ statement, “I’ll find something, I know I can, or my names not DJ Pon-3!”

“Your name isn’t DJ Pon-3, it’s Vinyl Scratch.” Octavia deadpanned her reply.

“Technicalities! I’ll find something!” She picked herself up off the couch, running out without closing the door.

Octavia sighed, “So typical.” Closing the door she returned to her beloved cello and practice.

Vinyl stalked the streets, looking for just the right thing, she had to come up with something. Ponies sold all kinds of stuff! An idea blossomed, Bon Bon’s place! She made great candies and everypony loved them, why not!?

“Are you sure you want a box this big Vinyl? You’ve never bought anything like that before.” Bon Bon was looking curiously at the blue maned Unicorn as she packed chocolates into a large presentation box.

“Well, it’s an apology...sort of..” She rubbed her hoof on the back of her neck, looking abashed.

“Wow, who’d you make mad?” Bon Bon finished packing the box full, closing the lid.

“Crusader.”

Lyra’s face popped out from behind a shelf where she’d been restocking, “Crusader!? You made Crusader mad?” She trotted over and propped her front hooves on the counter, leaning on it, “Just walk into the Everfree and let a Hydra get you, it’d be less painful! Haven’t you seen what he can do?”

Bon Bon smacked her friend on the shoulder, “He’s not like that Lyra, shush.”

Lyra’s face got animated, “He smacked down all those bad things coming out of the forest! I mean he just let ‘em have it!” She was waving her hooves around, making Vinyl look a bit more intimidated by the second.

“Lyra please stop that.” The cream Earth pony turned back to Vinyl, “Sorry, she gets excitable about things,” Giving a glare to her mint colored friend for a moment. “Crusader’s not a bad sort, what happened?”

So Vinyl told the whole story to them, the music, the remaking of it, Crusader getting miffed. Even Lyra was silent for a moment after she finished.

“Well...” Bon Bon was rubbing her chin, “Maybe you might ask his friends about all this too? I mean a gift is nice, but as long as we’ve known Crusader he’s been pretty protective of all that ancient history stuff.”

“Yeah that’s what Octavia said, I guess I really blew it.” The normally happy mare looked a bit dejected.

“Well, maybe it’ll blow over and things can go back to normal?” Lyra chimed in.

“I dunno, he’s pretty angry, but maybe another gift or two to say I apologize will help!” A smile crossed the unicorn’s face once more.

“Well they are my finest chocolates,” Bon Bon puffed her chest up, looking quite proud at the large box, “I guarantee they’ll be liked!”

“And I helped!” Lyra hugged her friend.

Grabbing the box in her magic, she lifted it and headed for the door, a new smile on her face now, “Thanks! Thanks for the tips too!”

“You’re welcome! Good luck!” Lyra and Bon Bon waved as she left the shop.

Their voices reached her as she walked down the lane, making Vinyl chuckle, “Pew! Pew! Pew! He smacked down all those bad things like a Princess!”

“Lyra please stop that.”

Bon Bon and Lyra’s words were making Vinyl think, instead of buying a few things willy-nilly, why not go to the ponies that knew him best? Yep, that was a great idea! First stop, Fluttershy. Everypony knew Fluttershy held a special place with Crusader after she got hurt. So she’d be the perfect place to start!

Looking around for a second she opened the overstuffed box of chocolates, peeking inside she spotted some Chocolate Coconut Crunch, oh those were great! Popping a few into her mouth she chewed happily as she made her way to Fluttershy’s.

“But..uhm...why ask me Vinyl?” The buttery Pegasus was clearly confused as they sat having tea in her cottage, “I’m not really sure what he likes.” She was still mulling over the reason Vinyl was here.

“But you’re close to him right? Can’t you think of anything?” Vinyl was searching for just the right thing, and a few minutes into this conversation she knew it wasn’t going to go well.

Well..he doesn’t really care for a lot of gifts or anything, at least I’ve never given him any. He just likes being here is all.” She smiles brightly, “He always enjoys having tea some days, sitting and talking about animals.”

“But after you got...” Vinyl hesitated, not wanting to bring up something too bad, “..injured and he fixed you, you’ve always been great friends. Isn’t there anything that comes to mind?”

Tilting her head slightly, Fluttershy noticed the hesitation, “Don’t worry about mentioning that, he fixed me right up. He was so worried.” She smiles gently again, “After he did though, he refused anything I wanted to give him, or do for him. He just said that’s what friends do.”

Vinyl knew from the stories, even the best spellcasters in Canterlot couldn’t have repaired the damage to the poor Pegasus, but a few weeks after Crusader did, she was fine and in perfect shape. It had astounded everypony. But even after all that, surely there must have been something?

“Did he accept anything at all?” She held her hooves out, “I’m just looking for ideas here, anything that can help.”

Fluttershy taps a hoof on the table, “Well.. I make sure his Command Deck has fresh flowers when I gather some, it’s really no trouble at all and he likes them.” She was about to say more when Vinyl interrupted.

“Great idea, some flowers too! That’s always a good apology thing!” She dropped her teacup, slinging herself out the door and towards town as Fluttershy watched.

The Pegasus looked at Angel who was standing next to her, “I was going to say why not just talk to him more about why she wanted them..but.. Oh my she moves fast.”

Angel just shrugged, grabbing a cloth to help her clean up the spilled tea.

A great idea! Flowers, everypony loves flowers, they make great snacks too! Vinyl hummed happily to herself as she trotted down the pathway into the town marketplace, zeroing in on the Flower Sisters' stall. They always had the best flowers. The chocolate box kept pace being towed with her magic, but she couldn’t help sneak a piece now and then. Bon Bon really made the most awesome candy.

“Hey Daisy!”

“Hi Vinyl whatcha... ooohhh is that chocolate?” She was eyeing the box being held in Vinyl’s spell.

“Sure is, Bon Bon’s best, want a few?”

Lily’s head popped up from behind the stand with Roseluck’s, “You bet!” As they helped themselves to some of the fresh chocolates, all four stood around chewing happily and making noises about how good they were.

“Whmr rings ouuu ere inyl?” Roseluck was trying to work through a caramel chocolate.

“Sorry, what Rose?” Vinyl chuckled at her friend chewing mightily.

The mare gave a loud gulp and shook her head, “What brings you here to the stand?”

“Oh! Right, yeah I need some flowers.”

All three now looked at her with increased attention, Vinyl never bought flowers..unless...it was for somepony special!

“Ooohhh who for Vinyl? Got a new friend?” Lily gave her a nudge and wink.

“Oh nah, they’re for Crusader...” She didn’t get to finish when Daisy broke in.

“Ohmygosh! You got a crush on Crusader?” She was holding her hooves together in front of her like a filly thinking about her first love. All three sighed in unison at the thought of it.

“What? No, it’s..” She was interrupted again.

Roseluck nudged her sister, “He’s seeing Applejack..or wait..did they break up and you’re moving in? You sly Unicorn!” Rose bumped her hoof against Vinyl’s shoulder.

Vinyl shook her head trying to keep things straight, “No! No, I just need them for an apology. See..”

Daisy grinned, “Oh, you tried to put the moves on him and he said no? Oh that’s so sweet Vinyl! Giving him flowers so he’ll always remember you! Good move mare!”

The Unicorn could only stand there for a moment, jaw adrift as she tried to figure out how the conversation got derailed so quick. “No..nonono. I just need some flowers, please?”

The three sisters got a bundle ready for her lickety-split, wrapping them with a pretty bow and declining the payment.

“Oh no," Roseluck grinned along with Lily and Daisy, “Don’t worry about paying, good luck with that handsome stallion you lucky mare!”

“That’s not.." She sighed heavily, "Fine, thanks guys, appreciate it.” She left, shaking her head as she walked away to find another of Crusader’s friends, figuring Rainbow Dash would be a good bet next. Celestia only knew what kind of rumor was going to get spread knowing those three.

Rainbow Dash wasn’t hard to spot, the problem was finding the lazy mare when she didn’t want to be found. Vinyl figured she was snoozing on a cloud somewhere near town, she usually did when knocking off from Weather Patrol. After a few no-go’s she finally spotted the multi-colored tail hanging off a small cloud near the edge of town.

“Rainbow!” Vinyl yelled up to the fluffy mattress, “Hey Rainbow!”

Yeah, she wasn’t gonna wake up. Looking around, Vinyl caught a big pine cone in her magic and slingshotted it at the cyan backside. Hearing the thump and a loud yell of surprise she nodded, got her attention at least!

Bleary eyes peered over the edge of the cloud, looking down at her, “Oh, heya Vinyl.”

“Hey, c’mon down for a sec, need to talk at you.” the Unicorn motioned to a nearby bench, setting on it and waiting.

A halfhearted flap of wings brought Rainbow down to a seat where she settled in, eyes drooping as she hadn’t got in her required ten hours sleep a day.

“What’s up?” She punctuated this with a yawn, eyeing the chocolates and the newly added bunch of flowers being held by Vinyl’s magic.

Vinyl made absolutely sure this time to explain the situation, garnering Rainbows attention immediately when she finished. “So, do you know what he likes? Something I can maybe add to the apology with?”

Rainbow thought about it seriously for a long moment, realizing, “You know what, I don’t know. He never asks for anything, he just does things for other ponies.” At Vinyl’s look of skepticism she went on, “It’s true, he doesn’t ask for anything or seem like he needs anything. It’s weird.”

“Well...” Vinyl was thinking as well, “Maybe he liked something? Or mentioned he liked something?”

Rainbow tilted her head, eyes rolling skyward as she thought about that question for a long second, “Well I know we were in Rarity’s shop, he said he liked the way she made her ties.” Rubbing her mane with a hoof she nods, “Yeah, that’s pretty much it, I mean he doesn’t..” She stopped as she realized Vinyl had taken off with a hasty ‘Thanks!’, winging back to her on the breeze.

Shrugging, she laid down on the now comfortable bench and closed her eyes, “Maybe you could ask Appl....ja...zzzzz....”

Vinyl was really looking hopeful and feeling it too! Asking friends, great idea, with everything she could get maybe he’d accept it as a great apology and let her have access to a few things.

She thought about the jam coming up, a party near the lake and Twilight’s Castle where ponies from all over would be coming to share music and dance. It was one time every three years and she just had to have something special to show off with. Being late in autumn, it was the last blast before winter set in. It was a matter of pride, she HAD to be the best there!

The bell chimed merrily off the door as she entered Rarity’s shop. It was always cool in here, so many things to look at and see. Even though it was a bit pricey most days, Vinyl had bought a few winter items that held up and warmed her even in the deepest cold. Her cerise eyes took in all the latest stuff for autumn, the scarves and hats that were sure to be sellouts.

“Be there in just a moment!” Rarity’s voice rang out happily as Vinyl saw her rummaging around in a back room.

“That’s okay Rarity, I can wait.” Vinyl saw the perfectly made up mane shake and her head peek out, she was so rarely in here.

“Vinyl! What can I do for you, I don’t see you in here very often.” She looks at the Unicorn critically, “Maybe a bodysuit for the party coming up? You’d look fabulous in blue, I have some new fabric I’ve created that would just shine under the lights!” Her magic fired up, getting out a measuring tape.

Vinyl knew where this was going and she didn’t have the time right now, “May..maybe later Rarity?” She stuttered as she dodged the measuring tape.

“Well I suppose so, I’m all caught up on winter wear for this month, what can I help you with?” She sat down on a plush cushion, motioning to another nearby where Vinyl settled in.

“Well, it’s like this...” She outlined the story, what had happened and the apology she was going to make. “Would you have any ideas? Rainbow Dash said he liked the ties you made.”

“Well, that was passing conversation darling, I don’t think I’ve really ever made anything for him except a bow tie once, and that was a special occasion. He never asks.” Her magic fired up, bringing out the ubiquitous tea set, pouring a cup for each of them.

She pointed a manicured hoof at the chocolates and flowers, “But you seem to have a good start on an apology.”

Vinyl chuckled, “Yeah, I’m working on it.” She rubbed her mane with a hoof.

Rarity looked at her over the tea cup before setting it down, “You’re serious about this aren’t you?”

“Well..yeah! I mean, I didn’t know it would be such a big deal and I didn’t think to ask beforehoof.” She shrugged, letting the items down to the floor while she talked, “I mean, I know Octavia’s pretty serious about music, and she told me he’s really protective of it, being old history and all.”

“It’s more than that darling. Music can be a history unto itself, it captures everything through time and puts it into a song.” She gestured around herself, “How many times have we done songs that meant something, that ponies still sing today?”

Vinyl nodded, she remembered music class, the old songs from long ago that were still taught.

“That’s why I need to apologize, I really hurt him I think.” The look on her face told Rarity what she needed to know.

“Well I can help with that I believe.” Her horn lit, bringing over a beautifully made scarf in earthy tones, covered in a light dusting of gems it sparkled and caught the eye. It looked so warm and comfortable as she wrapped it in a box, tying it off with a bow.

“Ah..” She held a hoof up before Vinyl could protest, “My gift to you for the apology.”

“Rarity, I can’t take that.” She was thinking her bit balance was not near enough for what that thing must cost.

“Oh yes you can.” She winked at the fellow Unicorn, “In times of need we all must give a little right?” She set the box down in front of Vinyl who was still too stunned at the magnificent item. A hoof patted her shoulder, “And you come back in so we can get you properly made up for the party, you can’t go out there representing Ponyville like you are, I have some wonderful ideas that will just make you shine!”

“Rarity, I really can’t aff..” She was stopped by the same upraised hoof.

“Stop that, I’ve never turned away a customer nor shall I start. You come in for winter clothes too, tell your friend Octavia to do so as well. Can’t have ponies getting cold at night, that just won’t do.” She primped her mane with a hoof, “It’s just not proper that a town like ours has ponies not wearing enough to keep the chill off.”

Vinyl could see what made her so liked in town, the very nature of her giving was such you really couldn’t refuse.

“I’ll tell Octy..er.. Octavia. She’ll probably put it off until it’s too late.” Vinyl chuckled, “She’s so intense with her music.”

“Well that’s all to the better now isn’t it?” She got up, ushering Vinyl to the door, “I’m sorry, but I do have to return to finishing a few items, good luck on the apology and remember to come back!”

I..I’ll do that Rarity, thanks!” She stepped off the porch as the door shut, realizing she hadn’t got any more ideas from Rarity other than the gift. Ponyfeathers! Wait...Pinkie, everypony likes Pinkie and she’d definitely have some ideas.

Vinyl never could understand how Pinkie did what she did. Running around and keeping such a high energy level was tiring when she did her shows, but Pinkie did it every hour of every day. So she stood just inside the bakery door and watched the pink blur serving tables and customers with a grin.

“Vinyl!” She was immediately covered in flour from a hug, “Hi! Here for the usual?”

“Hey Pinkie! Nah, no I need your...help?” She was stopped by Pinkie rushing off to serve another customer, so she waited until the rush died down even though time was getting a bit short.

Sitting at an outside table waiting for Pinkie, she saw another blur and a plate with her favorite slice of cake was setting there, along with a chocolate shake. She didn’t even get a chance to say thanks before Pinkie was gone.

Stomach rumbling, she realized she’d been running around all day without anything to eat so dug right in. She was about finished when the chair across from her was filled with a smiling pretty pink pony.

“So...you need my help?” The blue eyes blinked at her.

“How did..wha..” Vinyl shook her head realizing that’s just Pinkie. It was always best not to wonder.

“Yeah, I need your help.” She showed her the gifts, explaining the whys and wherefores to Pinkie as she finished her cake.

Pinkie tapped a hoof on her chin for a moment while Vinyl slurped on the thick milkshake.

“Wellll.... He’s never asked me for anything really.”

The Unicorn threw her hooves up, “Everypony says that! There’s got to be something!”

Pinkie shrugged, “Well he makes a lot of stuff for the hospital to help hurt ponies. He’s always willing to do things for others, and he keeps the bad things in the Everfree away from town. But he doesn’t ask, he never does, not even for a cupcake.”

The Unicorn slapped her hooves on the table, making the plate and cup jump, “There’s got to be something, everypony wants something special don’t they?”

Pinkie eyed the DJ for a moment, “Hold on.” She zipped into the bakery, coming out with a stack of paper from somewhere, “Let’s see..Crusader...Crusader..” She opened a file, letting the sides flap in the breeze as nothing came out, “I got nothing.”

Vinyl sat there with mouth open, Pinkie not having anything on somepony? She knew everything about everypony! How could she throws parties that were so successful without that?

“Nothing?”

“Nope, not a thing.” The fluffy mane wobbled as she shook her head, “He never wants anything. Doesn’t have a birthday really, no anniversary dates he’s ever told me, nothing.” Pinkie looked flummoxed.

The Unicorn tapped a hoof on the table, “Well, wouldn’t the day he woke up be counted as that? I mean he was asleep all those years from what I heard. Couldn’t you count that as a birthday at least?”

Blue eyes stared at her from across the table as silence reigned. Vinyl thought she’d said something wrong as Pinkie took a huge inhalation of air, “That’s IT! That’s IT!” Her voice got louder as she almost jumped out of the seat to hug Vinyl, “That’s it! That’s his birthday! Why didn’t I think of that?”

The DJ shrugged, “Well you’ve been kinda busy fighting all the monsters and stuff...”

“But I never missed a birthday before! Oh no! Nonono! I can’t miss the next one, there’s planning to do!” She whipped off, leaving Vinyl sitting alone at the table.

Tapping a hoof on the table while leaning against the other one, propping her head up, she wondered what to do next. She didn’t want to bother Applejack yet as she was as close to Crusader as could be, she kind of wanted to keep this behind the scenes until she could apologize face to face.

Her reverie was interrupted by a box landing on the table, and Pinkie’s grinning face leaning over it, “Here’s something to help, a Triple Layer Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Surprise cake! It’s kinda like my party cannon except it fires candy everywhere when you cut into it. Hope the apology goes okay!” She waved and was off once more.

Vinyl tried to thank her, but wasn’t fast enough, until a voice whispered in her ear, Pinkie again, “Go see Twilight, Athena’s with her now, they’d have ideas!” And a breeze left her mane flapping in the now quiet air as the party pony took off to do some planning.

“Stars she’s fast...must be all the sugar.” The Unicorn chuckled to herself and lifted all the gifts in her magic, trotting off to the Castle.

Vinyl kept an eye on that cake the whole way, treating it very carefully as she knew some of Pinkie’s creations could get a bit wild.

Knocking on the door, a small Dragon answered it, peeking out, “Hey Vinyl! What’s up?”

“Nothing much my dragon buddy, is Twilight here?” She liked Spike, he was all right in her book. They both loved reading a good comic now and then at the local shop and discussing the finer points of Super Powered Ponies.

“Sure! She’s in the library playing a game with Athena,” He rubbed his chin, “Something called Life?” He looked puzzled and shrugged, “Whatever it is, they’re sure getting loud.”

As they walked down the hallway to the library, Vinyl perked her ears, hearing what Spike had referred to.

“Wait, I don’t want another foal! Why do I have to take this? The stupid cart’s already full of them ugh!” Twilight’s voice was frustrated.

“Because that’s how the roll went, you spun that number.” Athena’s voice was a bit more merrier.

“These are such lousy numbers! I keep hitting the wrong spaces!”

“Well Twilight, that’s Life.”

“That’s just dumb, and that stupid pun was too!” Vinyl could hear them both laughing.

Peeking her head around the corner, she saw the Alicorn laying on a large cushion, a Pegasus across from her on another with a game board in between, colored brightly with a spinner in the middle.

“Hey guys!”

Twilight looked up, “Vinyl! Hey! You never come by, what’s the special occasion?” She tilted her head curiously, Athena looking the same. No one ever saw Vinyl hanging around the castle much less visiting, she was always busy.

Trotting in, she was motioned to a pillow near them both, she settled in quickly and dropped the gifts behind her. Athena was eyeing them and looking the bundles over.

Twilight smiled, “So..what’s with all the presents?”

Vinyl rubbed the back of her neck, “I have this problem.” She outlined everything so far, and all the ideas she had, including everything so there could be no misunderstanding. She told them about the gifts, getting a couple of smiles in return for such thoughtfulness.

Athena nodded, “Yeah, he told me you were to have no access to the music anymore, he was pretty upset.”

The Unicorn sighed, “I know, I should have told him what I was going to do. But I was so excited, I’d never heard anything like this stuff, it gave me so many ideas!” She waved a hoof in the air.

Twilight took it all in, asking a few more questions before she hit the subject right on the head, “Why do you want more music so badly? This isn’t just about an apology is it?”

Cerise eyes looked at Twilight, the Alicorn was sharp, no matter what anypony said, “I just..” Vinyl sighed, “I’ve got a jam coming up, the big party by the lake near the castle here?” She watched them both nod, it’d been advertised for days now, ponies already arriving from all around “When he let Octavia and I listen to a lot of that music it gave me so many ideas, it really made my work better. I’ve got to come up with a few more tunes for my set, just a few and I’ll win that contest!”

The sable Pegasus nodded again, “Did you tell him this reason?” Her lavender eyes were warm, Vinyl had heard how she was not even real, but by looking at Athena she couldn’t tell the difference.

“No, I guess I stuck my hoof in my mouth and botched it.” She gave a pleading look to both of the mares, “Could you please give me any ideas to help with this, I really need that music.”

Twilight thumped the floor with a hoof in thought, “Have you talked to Applejack? She knows about him, he tells her everything.”

“Well, was kind of saving her for last, trying to get all the info I could for a good apology.” Vinyl smiled, “I figured the more I knew the better chance I had.”

The Princess grinned, “That’s a good plan Vinyl, really good, but I think you definitely want to talk to Applejack. If you do happen to run into Crusader, just tell him what you told us.”

“I dunno, he wasn’t in the mood to listen.” Vinyl scuffed the floor with a hoof.

Athena laughed, “He’s old-fashioned Vinyl, always has been. Change comes hard to someone like him. He was this way when we served in the Regiment, he’s solid and dependable like nothing else, but he is just as hard to convince about some things.” The Pegasus giggled, “Ask him about Punk sometime.”

The blue mane wobbled as Vinyl nodded, “I know, he’s a good pony though.” She leaned forward slightly, emphasizing her words, “But what I’ve got is different you know? It’s something nopony’s ever done and I really think it could be big.”

The Pegasus laid a hoof on Vinyl’s for reassurance, “I promise, I’ll talk with him right now while you’re seeing Applejack. I don’t know if I can convince him, but I will do my best.”

Twilight laid her hoof on theirs, “I will too Vinyl if it’s that important..”, she watched the nodding head, “Then we’ll both do our best, I’m sure we can whittle him down.” She laughed merrily, giving Vinyl a wink, “Get Applejack on your side and there’s nothing Crusader won’t do for her.”

Vinyl heaved a sigh of relief, maybe this would go better if she had his sister and Twilight rooting for her, “Thanks guys, I really appreciate this. If there’s anything..” She was stopped by Twilight’s look.

“You don’t need to repay anything Vinyl, okay?”

“Well, still... It’s a lot to ask and I know you’re really busy sometimes.” Vinyl gave them a sheepish look.

Twilight laughed again, “Not really, I’m kinda losing at this game, stupid thing won’t let me land on the right spaces.” She glared at the board and spinner.

The voices followed Vinyl as she left the castle with a happy farewell to them both, feeling lighthearted now that she’d talked to everypony she could and getting good advice. Maybe this will work! She just needed to convince Applejack it was a good cause. She took Athena’s words to heart along with Twilight’s, be honest about the whole thing, just tell it all.

“Wait a second, you can’t use magic to spin that!”

“Who said? It’s not in the rules.”

“Oh you cheater!”

“Princesses don’t cheat!”

“Oh really?”

Gifts in tow, Vinyl headed for the Apple farm. She loved getting fresh fruit from them when Applejack opened the stand in town. Plus the pies were really to die for, Octavia stuffed herself silly when they got a couple.

She chuckled to herself remembering the last time they’d bought a few pies and fritters. Octavia had pigged out and really had a bellyache the next day, but was unrepentant about it. Strange how somepony could be so elegant and then lose it when it came to apple pies.

Of course Vinyl couldn’t say much either, she had done the same and they both had lain around the house the next day complaining about stomach problems. But then the next day went and got some more before they ran out. Friends, what can you do about them ya know?

She’d interrupted Applejack while she was loading hay in the barn with Big Mac, she’d said Crusader was out in the fields digging some new planting holes so they’d have time to talk. So in a place off to the side near the big barn, Vinyl told her everything, leaving nothing out as this was the Element of Honesty, everypony knew you couldn’t get away with a lie.

“...And that’s the whole story.” Vinyl was leaning on a hay bale while Applejack listened to every word. “I just really really need the help and that music, it’s that important to me.” She sat back and watched, and hoped, as Applejack thought about it.

“That dunderhead.” She shook her head with a grin, “Always doin’ something that makes me wonder sometimes.” She smiled at Vinyl, “O’ course I’ll help you, don’t seem like there’s any problem. I mean we all like music, me bein’ a country and western gal myself, but I like some of the things you do Vinyl.”

“So you’ll help me apologize?” Vinyl’s face was hopeful.

“Nope,” She laughed as the Unicorn’s face fell in dismay, “I’ll slap him upside the ear and tell him he’s bein’ stupid! That’s what ah’m gonna do.”

Her eyes must have been wide as Applejack laughed again, “Don’t go thinkin’ cause he’s done some wild things he can’t be treated like any other pony that gets out of hoof.” She winked at Vinyl, “When he does somethin’ like this I usually knock him back into place with a word or two.”

Vinyl really was shocked, she was talking about Crusader right? The one who launched a full scale war against the thing over the Everfree that fateful night? Using weapons that tore through the sky, ripping it asunder like he was battling the heavens themselves? Vinyl remembered being in the cargo bay, watching it on the..what was that.. screen?..., the power that cracked the night like no magic she’d ever seen before. This was who she was talking about right?

Her thoughts must have been apparent as Applejack doubled over in laughter, wiping her eye clear of a tear, “Vinyl, ya got to understand, he’s a pony. He don’t throw his weight around, he doesn’t want to do anything but just live quietly.” She tapped the silent Unicorn on the shoulder, “He’s a big softie, and yeah he can be stubborn about things, but he knows I can outdo him on that any day of the week.”

She leaned over, pushing against Vinyl’s shoulder once more, “You alright there? Seem a bit quiet.”

The Unicorn shook her head, “Yeah? Yeah! I’m fine, just..it’s kinda hard to...”

“Believe that he’s a pushover?” Applejack grinned, “Yeah alot of folks don’t know that. But trust me, he’s a good pony, and if he doesn’t listen to reason I’m gonna bop him upside the head ‘till he does.”

Vinyl laughed, “Well that’s what the others said, and I’ve seen it too, I just..just..” She sighed, “I just want to make a really good apology ya know? I blew it once, I don’t want to blow it again.”

The DJ continued, looking at the floor as she went on, “I know he loves that music a lot, but I’ve got something that’s just gonna knock the horseshoes off everypony. He let Octavia and I listen to some stuff that just..I mean it was different you know? It made me want to make something that wasn’t just noise and a beat, but ..I dunno... deeper, something worthy of songs that came from so far in the past.” She felt as if she were repeating the same old boring story, after so many times now today, but she had to make Applejack understand, even though she could see she already did.

“I love music, it’s my life. Even Octavia and I do sessions together, we both..we.. live it ya know? It’s part of us.” She waved her hoof in the air, “When we hear something ..special.. we both try to do our own thing with it, sometimes it takes both of us together, other times we both come up with something completely different. But it’s the music Applejack, it’s about the music.”

She sighed, stamping a hoof on the hay bale, “I know I let my mouth run ahead of me, but it really is about..the..” She saw Applejack sitting silently, looking just over her shoulder.

“Oh Celestia, he’s behind me isn’t he?” She let her face fall as the orange Earth pony nodded slightly.

Gathering her courage, she whipped around, horn lighting up to present the gifts and apologize like she’d never apologized before. She needed to do this, HAD to do...this...

He was setting quietly with an upraised hoof, stopping her before she ever got a single syllable out of her mouth.

“I know Vinyl, I listened while you explained to Applejack.”

“Yeah but..I mean I got you a few things to really apologize. I am SO sorry...”

“Stop, please. I know Vinyl, I have heard about it all day today.” The commlinks were a closely held secret that still remained such, but he had heard alright. “My sister and Twilight have been most persistent in their pleas for you, as well as everypony that you talked to. I was afraid the Cutie Mark Crusaders would start to make it their own effort if they heard about it.”

Vinyl rubbed the back of her neck, chuckling, “Yeah, I kinda talked to everypony..”

“You did, and it was an effort that I applaud. You are very single-minded when you wish to be.” He actually cracked a smile, making her release the breath she’d been holding. “Though there was a very odd conversation with the Flower Sisters...”

Vinyl couldn’t help but grin and nod, “Yeah..it was weird.”

“Do you truly enjoy music that much?” He waited like still waters for her reply.

“Yes! I do, and...and I know it wasn’t right to change that piece, I just got ahead of myself without telling you. I’m really sorry. But it’s everything, it’s my life.” She held out both front hooves, “I know you love your music too, but..I try to make things better. I know my style is really different, but it’s what I do and how I do it, like Octavia.”

He nodded thoughtfully, “I understand about the celebration in two days, and you have quite a lot of work ahead of you. Come with me and I’ll let you select what you need from my archives.”

“You...wait...what?” It couldn’t be this simple could it?

“You need music to complete what you’re doing for the competition correct?” She nodded, “Then come with me and we’ll find something you want.”

Vinyl was gobsmacked, it was so simple? But then again, Crusader wasn’t a normal pony by any means, “But..I mean..” She stuttered as he watched her, “I brought some gifts to say I’m sorry as well.” She moved them in between her and Applejack with her magic.

He smiled wider, “I think the greatest gift would be to not hear Twilight and Athena pestering me about letting you have some music.” The comnet had been jammed all day since Vinyl started her quest. “Even Fluttershy contacted me about it.”

Applejack chuckled, “Those two won’t let up Vinyl, you really opened a can of worms going to them.” She peered at the boxes, “Whatcha got there anyways?..Well..besides the flowers, that’s pretty obvious huh?”

Crusader sighed, “I figured I had to do something when Twilight threatened to contact Princess Celestia and Luna.”

Vinyl and Applejack stopped looking at the boxes, staring at Crusader who showed no sign he was joking. Applejack laughed, “Knowin’ them two they’d have shown up and started ordering ponies around for laughs.”

“That’s what I was afraid of.”

Vinyl opened the box from the Carousel Boutique, showing off the scarf to Applejack, “Rarity gave me this to help.”

Even Crusader was impressed by the item, looking at it from all sides as it was given to him. He accepted it graciously and promised to wear it. The flowers would go in the house to brighten it up of course, they were always welcome.

The box of chocolates on the other hoof, proved to be half-full, with Vinyl looking a bit sheepish, “Well, Bon Bon’s chocolates are really good.” They shared a laugh, Crusader telling Vinyl to take them home, surely Octavia would enjoy some.

The box with Pinkie’s cake however, was looked at like an unexploded nuclear weapon when Vinyl explained what was in it. Nopony wanted to touch it, much less cut a piece out of it.

“I can have a bomb disposal spider out here in a few minutes, that would take care of it.” Vinyl and Applejack laughed until they realized he was serious.

The Earth pony got a mischievous grin on her face, “I think Athena and Twilight would like it, don’t you?”

Vinyl slapped a hoof over her mouth to stop the giggles as Crusader agreed. He would deliver it later as he and the Unicorn went to his Command Deck for the musical pieces she needed.

Applejack nudged Vinyl on the shoulder, “Problem solved then Vinyl? Did ya need somethin’ else?”

“No..no this is great, thank you!” She hugged the farm pony and Crusader before they both set off to deliver one special cake and retrieve the needed items.

Vinyl got the needed music quickly, she didn’t have a whole lot of time so she headed back to the house as fast as she could gallop. Octavia knew this was important to her, so did not hold her to her promise today of all days.

She sat down and started writing, her magic flaring deep into the night as she only stopped when Rarity insisted she be let in. Taking measurements for a costume that she could wear to ‘Represent Ponyville in quite the style.’ Through the whole process Vinyl’s mind was consumed by the music, it was everything right now and it was driving her to put down things she’d never thought of, never dreamed could be brought out of her.

Now she knew what Octavia felt when she closed her eyes while she played. She felt the beats in herself, feeling how they should be and writing it down, laying the tracks on her board. She was very careful to record everything in case of disaster, making backups on her system, triples even. She was not going to be stopped by a malfunction at this late point in the process.

Crusader had given her a recorder, all she had to do was play things and it would be permanently stored for her use. He even made sure it could work with her own board, feeding through it and recording everything. It was a temporary loan, but it made her job that much easier.

It was an amazing piece of technology, but she had no time to wonder how it worked, she just used it to the fullest. She felt as if her Cutie Mark was driving her to things she’d never considered possible, letting it take control to give her what she needed.

Crusader had made simple turntable records, layered with the music that helped her as well as the sheet music with all the annotations. This gave her a head start as all she had to do was piece together everything. It was all coming so fast!

She could see Octavia’s worried face out of the corner of her eyes sometimes, laying food down on the table or board for her. Her friend had never seen her in such a state before.

Vinyl knew Octavia would make sure she ate if she didn’t take time, so instead of stopping, she ate as she worked, furiously scribbling down notations and removing them just as fast when they didn’t feel right.

Into the next day she kept working, never moving herself from the recording area as the hours flew by. Octavia slept on the couch as Vinyl sighed in relief that evening. She was done, finally! All recorded, all the notes she needed stacked neatly beside her.

This wasn’t just a contest of music, it was also how active the DJ was, not just nodding a head but driving the crowd to dance along with them. Vinyl was so tired though, she figured a few winks and she’d be ready to get moving. She looked around and realized she’d burned the day, the moon was up and it was getting later than she thought. Octavia was crashed on the couch, having taken care of her while she was blazing with the need to finish all this.

Grabbing a piece of cold pizza, she chewed on it while making sure Octavia was covered with a warm blanket from the chill outside. The worn Unicorn banked the fire in the hearth before laying down on a large pillow in front of the fireplace, covering herself and drifting to sleep with the music ringing in her ears.

A soft voice roused her out of a daze, “Vinyl..Vinyl? You awake?”

“Mrph..mmmph...lemme ‘lone..” She snuggled deeper into the warm pillow. She could feel the fireplace’s warmth against her and didn’t want to move.

“Vinyl, you have to get up, it’s almost four.” The hoof pushed against her gently, rocking her body.

“Dun care..lemme ‘lone.” She pulled the thick comforter over her head.

“Vinyl it’s the day of the concert, you have to get up!” The accented voice was insistent now, something ticked in her mind when she heard that.

Her eyes popped open as she lifted her head so fast the blanket flew off it, “Wait... what? What time is it?”

Octavia was standing near her, “It’s almost four in the afternoon Vinyl, the concert starts in an hour.” She was looking a tad worried at the bleary Unicorn.

Ohmygosh, I slept the day away! I slept it all away! She scrambled out of the blanket, tripping and hitting her head against Octavia who stood firm, Earth ponies having quite the strength. She was grabbed by strong hooves, “Vinyl, be careful, are you all right?”

“I’m..I’m fine, I was so tired..” She felt like she’d been hit with a ton of bricks.

“You worked through the night and all the yesterday, including last night, it’s a wonder you didn’t fall over.”

Vinyl blinked sleep out of her eyes, rubbing them fiercely, “Octy, I’ve got to get going, we’ve got to be there before the show starts or they won’t let me enter!” She got to her hooves, gathering papers and gear, throwing them in a pile in the floor, “I’ve got to get ready! There’s so much to do”

Octavia smiled, not minding the nickname for the moment, holding her friend still with a steady hoof, “Stop panicking, a couple of friends dropped by to help.”

“What?” She looked around seeing nothing but Octavia, “What are you talking about? I’ve got to get everything packed and to the stage!” She struggled against the single hoof holding her in place.

“Vinyl, stop being stubborn and look.” She pointed outside the window where Vinyl could see an odd cart sitting there, Athena and Twilight peeking in and waving.

“We’ll get you there on time, stop worrying. Rarity will meet us with your outfit and get you situated backstage. Calm down, it’s going to be fine.” Octavia’s smile could charm a manticore.

Her heartbeat slowed slightly as she caught her breath. It’s fine, it’s going to be fine. I’ll get there in time, it’s going to be fine. But part of her mind was just going off the rails, what if she didn’t? Oh no she couldn’t miss this!

That hoof held her in place as Octavia’s accented voice kept talking, “Get your gear, take it outside and put it in the cart, it’ll be fine. Go on now Vinyl, I’ll help.”

Together they gathered the bits and pieces of what Vinyl needed. The stage was the same for everypony, DJ’s were allowed to add their own enhancements, but that was it. What you had was what you used. The speakers and board were the same, giving everypony an equal shot. She’d been working on a mobile DJ booth but it wasn’t ready yet, she couldn’t go fast enough!

She scrambled through the house, making sure everything she needed was got, and everything she didn’t need wasn’t.

Vinyl was almost in a panic as Octavia watched, a smirk on her pretty face, “Vinyl, everything is in the vehicle.”

“What? Vehicle?” She looked confused.

“That’s what that cart out there is called, everything’s in it, stop worrying.”

The Unicorn checked the time by the clock on the wall, “But we’ve only got forty-five minutes to get there and sign up, Octavia we’re not going to make it!” She knew how slow carts were, even weird ones like outside, they didn’t have enough time!

A voice from the door disagreed, “You leave that to us, we’ll get there in plenty of time.” Athena was standing there with Twilight beside her, giving each other a knowing look and giggling at some joke.

Thirty seconds later she realized what they were talking about as Athena ripped out from the house in the Scout Vehicle. The wind blew through their manes as she tore across country in a straight line, heading for the castle and the lights she could see in the distance.

Octavia even lost her composure, lifting her front hooves up in the air and squealing like a filly on a roller coaster. Vinyl couldn’t help it and joined in as they drove across the green fields.

Almost two minutes to the second Athena skidded to a stop behind the massive stage being prepared for the show, showering dirt and gravel everywhere as a group of ponies stood by.

A ready made road crew was already grabbing things from the vehicle. Fluttershy was there, Pinkie already helping her get the gear out of the back as Rarity ran up in a huff. Rainbow was lifting things out and tossing them to Applejack as they got the stuff in place for when Vinyl was to go on. Twilight and Athena were discussing plans for something before taking off to put some new items in place for her show.

Vinyl was simply quiet as she was ready to do all this herself, and sat in the seat of the vehicle looking at all the fuss.

“Oh goodness! You’re a mess, come with me, we’ve got to get you ready!” She yanked Vinyl out of the seat and took her to a small tent set up for them by the others. Inside was a full makeup set and a costume that made her eyes bug out when she saw it.

The Unicorn sat her down on a comfortable chair and began fussing with her mane, “I know you like a certain style Vinyl, but trust me, this will look perfect!” Her magic was bright as curlers and brushes zipped around the dressing tent. Vinyl just sat and endured it, watching in the mirror as she was transformed by Rarity’s eye into something else, something wonderful.

She was making it into a wave, accenting Vinyl’s own style, almost like Princess Luna’s, but instead of stars she was placing pins here and there, small musical notes made of crystals and gems that flashed whenever she turned her head. She had darkened the blue colors in Vinyl’s mane, letting the notes shine out from every angle. Each and every pin placed reminded her of..wait a second.. Rarity was making a song by the notes in her mane!

By placing them just right and looking head on, you could see the opening to a song in musical notes, it was awesome!

Vinyl just sat and stared as Rarity chattered happily, enjoying her work on the quiescent Unicorn before pronouncing the mane ‘Done!’ She quickly moved on to the tail, doing the same thing making sure they matched perfectly, only it was the rest of the song continuing on her tail.

Twilight poked her head in, “Vinyl, you’re all signed up, we made sure you perform at midnight like Octavia said you wanted!”

Pinkie popped in right beside her, “Having a Princess tell them a certain time didn’t hurt either!”

“Pinkie! You’re not supposed to tell!”

“Sorrrry!” A giggle carried on the air as Pinkie zoomed off.

Twilight gave them both a bothered look and huffed as she disappeared from the tent entrance.

Vinyl didn’t say much, she hadn’t been prepared to find everypony here and helping out, always planning to do the work herself in setting up things. But now she could relax, Rarity was finishing the placement of a few pins with a critical eye as she closed her eyes for a moment, only opening them when the Unicorn’s voice came through, “I’m sure you need rest dear, but you can relax after we’ve fitted you.”

“Sure Rarity.” She stepped off the chair and watched as the designer unwrapped the full outfit for her. She’d only caught a glimpse, but it was so very nice, now it shone in all it’s glory. Rarity’s magic placed it on a ponyquin as a tape measure started it’s work around Vinyl’s body.

“Hmmm yes, just right, all the measurements are still on, and we’ve just got..” She leaned down, using a needle to add a few stitches, “And all done, would you like to try it on?” She smiled at Vinyl.

Athena’s head popped through the closed flaps, “Hey! Crusader didn’t want to barge in in case you got nervous, but he wanted me to wish you a good contest, and good luck!”

“Really?”

“Yes really. Don’t be so surprised Vinyl. Get out there and knock em dead!” She waved and took off for parts unknown.

She couldn’t stand it anymore, “What are they all doing here? I mean..” She waved a hoof, “Out there, what’s going on?” Her face turned up to meet Rarity’s eyes as she let an exasperated huff.

“What do you mean darling? The setting up and our helping?”

“Well..yeah! All of it!” She looked at the absolutely awesome costume for the show and sighed, “I didn’t ask..I mean I can’t afford..” She was stopped by a tender hoof on her shoulder.

“Everypony you went to knew how much this meant to you Vinyl. So they got together and formed a plan to help. It is the last one for the next few years right? Something special?” She fussed with a stitch on the outfit while she talked.

“You don’t know how special Rarity, only the top five DJ’s in Equestria get to perform and I got chosen as one of them!” She grinned into the mirror, remembering the award and her yelling for the whole day until Octavia threatened to silence her with bodily harm.

“So there you have it, you’re representing Ponyville and we can’t have you looking like you’re just going clubbing, what would the others think?” She gave a winning grin as she tightened a seam.

“Besides, do you realize how many ponies are out there?” She grinned, “It must be in the thousands, and where else to show off moi’s talents in design!” She laid a humble hoof on her chest.

Vinyl laughed, “You’re all right in my book Rarity.”

“Well I’d hope so, this wasn’t just done in an hour!” She pulled it off the ponyquin and held it in her magic, “Let’s get it on you and see how you like it.

Vinyl didn’t have to try it on to know it was going to be something else, and she was right. It fit like a second skin, a deep blue that highlighted her coat and mane as it was styled, covered in more gems formed into musical notes. They flashed and glimmered like stars, she looked like a glorious new Princess Luna with music instead of a night sky.

The bodysuit was slashed in certain places, letting her have a grip on turntables and what she needed to do with her hooves. Rarity never designed anything without a purpose and it worked to a tee.

She stretched each leg, feeling the fabric mold itself around her, letting her do dance moves that would get the crowd jumping. “It’s perfect!”

A manicured hoof wiped a furrowed brow, “Thank Celestia, I was worried something would go wrong.”

“Oh Rarity, thank you!” She hugged the other Unicorn tight, her outfit flashing in the low light.

“Oh don’t thank just me, they’re setting up some more surprises for your turn out there. When it’s time you’re going to outshine anypony Vinyl.” Rarity pushed her out of the tent, opening the flaps to let her out.

Everything was ready to roll out on stage, the group was just finishing plugging in her gear onto a portable cart they’d roll onstage for her set. You couldn’t add to the board there, but you could have a certain amount of extras.

“This is awesome guys!” She stood at the tent opening as Rarity came out.

“And everypony, Miss Vinyl Scratch is ready to go!”

Faces turned, breaths stolen as Vinyl stood there gleaming like the night sky itself made out of musical notes.

Spike raised a clawed fist, “You look awesome Vinyl!”

“Thanks little dragon buddy.” She bumped his fist with a hoof.

Heads turned as the introductions were made and the first DJ firing up, making Vinyl worried as she heard the music erupt out of the speakers, it was good, so very good, you could tell immediately this was no piker.

“So this is what you look like all cleaned up eh?” The accented voice made her turn, seeing Octavia standing beside her.

“Well..It..uh..yeah I guess so.” She chuckled to herself, a blush rising in her cheeks.

“I think it looks wonderful, you’re going to really take it over Vinyl.”

“You..you think so? Octy..Octavia I’m really nervous about this, I mean these are the top of the top out there.” She tried to keep a smile on her face, but the tapping hooves were what tipped everypony off.

“You are one of them Vinyl, they chose you and invited you here, you will do your best.” Octavia gave her friend another hug.

“Yeah!” Pinkie popped up beside her as well, “Win or lose, you’re gonna knock em out, cause we’ve got some serious lights set up and everything!” She pointed all around, the scaffolding was set up for spotlights and such, but there were some odd looking items added to the beams.

“What are..” She motioned towards the blocky items hanging on the scaffolds.

“Those are portable lasers, tuned to certain frequencies to make your costume glow like nothing they’ve seen.” Athena was handing her a new pair of sunglasses, “Just in case, these glasses will protect your eyes, plus you will see very very well in light or dark.”

Vinyl stared at the new glasses, “But isn’t that cheating..I don’t..” She put them on, they fit snugly and she could see everything like a clear day, it was amazing!

Twilight piped in, “No, we cleared every bit of it with the judges, they’ve okayed it all. The others got to add lights and we did too. The glasses count as added gear,” She riffled through the thick sheaf of rules, pointing to a small paragraph, “Right here, says so. We’ve got everything covered.”

Fluttershy giggled, “Twilight brought up things about the rules even the judges didn’t know.”

“She got you cleared on everythin’ Vinyl, you’re gonna really knock ‘em out!” Applejacks soft voice carried through the group.

“I don’t know how I can ever re..” Vinyl was stopped before she even started.

“Vinyl, ah’m makin’ a killing out there off cider sales and cold apple juice, you ain’t gotta repay nothin’!” The farm mare laughed, shaking her head. “This is one of the biggest parties around and you’re representing Ponyville, ain’t nothin’ at all.”

Applejack pointed to Rarity, “She’s gettin’ exposure for her design on your costume. Fluttershy just wanted to help, she’s got Harry out there guarding the backstage entrance.”

Fluttershy smiled, “He’s a really polite bear!”

They laughed, imagining the huge Ursine holding a paw up denying entrance to ponies without a pass.

Her hoof moved to point at a cyan Pegasus flitting from light to light, “Rainbow there was showing off with her stunts for the pre-show.

Pointing at the Alicorn, “Twilight kept everypony honest by double checking everything, trust me, it needed it, we found some road crews fooling with things.”

"Pinkie’s out there selling everything and then some to ponies that are hungry from all that dancing and that’s even before the show!” She tapped Athena’s shoulder, “And Athena here made up the extra stuff so we could add more to your time on stage.”

Rainbow Dash flew in, sweating from the rising heat even in the chill night air, “All the lights are set and on! You’re really gonna rock this place Vinyl!”

Pinkie bounced around, making everyone wonder how she got hats made with Vinyl’s face on them so fast as she was wearing one, “And boy have we got a party planned for ya afterwards! We got the music already here and food after you’re done! We don’t care if you win or lose Vinyl, just go out there and do your best!”

Octavia laid a hoof on her bodysuited shoulder, “It doesn’t matter about winning or being nervous. Go out there and do what you do, have fun. I’ve seen you Vinyl, you live for music.”

“Yeah. Yeah I do.” She nodded her head, “I’m gonna do this, no matter what, I’m going to do this!” She looked at the smiling faces.

Rarity grabbed her, setting her down in a chair, “Now, you relax, take a nap, there’s time before you go on and we want you rested.”

Applejack leaned in, “Oh, and on the stage, we got Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo ready with water and juice for ya, we know it’s only an hour for your performance, but you’re gonna need it.”

Rarity hmphed, “Well I’m glad the suit will wick away that sweat, can’t have her looking disheveled now can we?”

Vinyl nodded, it was going to get hot and sweaty up there. The lights combined with all the moving and music, added up to one tired pony. An hour didn’t seem much, but when you’re using all your energy, you run out quick. The rules stated, keep moving or forfeit, so you couldn’t be lazy.

“Thanks.” She spread her front hooves, “That’s all I can say, thank you so much.”

She was immediately the recipient of many warm hugs, before being led off to relax in the tent after Rarity took the costume off, still fretting about it. She made sure the mane styling stayed in place while Vinyl relaxed.

An hour passed and she got more and more nervous. She tried to relax but couldn’t until Twilight hit her with a spell, seeing her fidgeting on the cot.

“She’ll be well-rested for her performance, it’ll only last a while.” She nodded to everypony. They all went out in front to enjoy the music for a while, Harry came and plopped down in front of the tent at Fluttershy's request. Twilight still had a lot to learn about dancing, but nopony really noticed.

Vinyl found herself awake and rested after realizing she’d fallen asleep. She didn’t feel tired but bursting with energy. She almost lost it when she peeked out of the tent and came face to face with a smiling bear. Those fangs were HUGE!

Rarity was fussing with the outfit once more before finally clearing her for duty. She was led out to waiting smiles, everypony hoof bumped her as she walked by and onto the stage. Setting in the wings, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo waved with Spike, sitting by a big tub of ice filled with cold drinks for her just waiting for the signal to bring one. She grinned and waved back, tapping a hoof nervously on the wood planking.

“You can do this Vinyl, you can do this. Win or lose you’re going to knock the horseshoes off them.” She was whispering to herself as the last DJ was finishing up to loud applause and screams.

Octavia was standing near, giving her a friendly nudge and smile, “You’ll do fine Vinyl, you always do.”

The Unicorn smiled back nervously, “Yeah, but that’s a really huge crowd out there.”

“Just think of the club, you always perform excellently. Give them your finest effort, that’s all you can do.”

“Got it. I got it, I can do this Octavia.”

“I know you can.”

Athena was sitting in the scaffolding, all her tactical cores were tied in right now, running hot as she was to direct the light show. Crusader was in TSDS lending his as well for this performance. Spotlights, colored lights, lasers were running green and mean.

“All set Crusader.”

“All up here, all cores linked. Frequencies cleared for light only, no damage.”

“She’s going to be great.”

“I think she will Athena, I think she will.” With that he clicked off, leaving her to do her job.

Huh, even old dogs learn new tricks. Athena laughed to herself as she waited.

Vinyl almost missed her cue as Octavia nudged her, hearing the Master of Ceremonies.

“And now it’s midnight! Here we have the best, the greatest DJ from Ponyville, DJ PON-3!! Give her a round of applause!” He turned and motioned to her.

Vinyl trotted out on stage, her gear already set up as the crowd screamed in recognition, seeing her new look and stamping their hooves so loudly that they had to wait a full minute for the clamor to die down.

The Unicorn almost lost it, looking out and seeing literally thousands of ponies out there looking at her under the colored spotlight. But she recovered and waved to her fans who stamped once again in approval. Her outfit shone like a fireworks display as she stomped onto the stage to the board.

“All yours Miss Scratch, knock ‘em dead!” The Master of Ceremonies saluted and trotted off the stage, leaving Vinyl to turn the board on, looking outwards to the waiting faces.

“Are we ready to ROCK?” Her voice echoed through the area, hooves pounded even louder.

She gave the high sign to Athena who knew the light cues by heart, having gone over her notes in detail, the spotlight dimmed as her intro came up.

It was a chorus, a chorus of voices indistinct in words but heavenly if it could be said, it brought a solemnness to what she was doing for a moment. Soft lights played around the stage as the music soared into the night, stunning the crowd into silence as they listened, really listened to what was playing.

The music snuck up behind it, bringing in woodwinds, swelling it to the sky as high as it could go before the stage went dark with the lasting sound of a single flute that pierced the night air, fading slowly.

The silence stretched for long seconds, just enough to make you wonder when she dropped the beat on the waiting crowd like a ten ton hammer to their skulls. The music thundered over the green hills, echoing and rebounding as lasers blasted through the air to backdrop her at the board.

Athena’s tactical programs had pinpointed each and every musical note in gems on her outfit, each one was targeted by a different color so as she moved she reflected rays of light like a sunburst in a new sky. A micro tracker had been emplaced behind each one so she could lock them on and leave them to auto-track Vinyl as she danced.

She almost lost her concentration because she was dancing to the music as well.

The music roared out of the tall speakers, splitting the midnight air like it was nothing. The beats pounding against a body and making..no demanding.. you dance to it!

The crowd went absolutely insane.

It wasn’t just electronic music, it was orchestration such as never been heard before. Woodwinds, brasses, drums rolling out of the speakers at her direction as she pounded her own hooves on the stage, dancing with all she had to the beat. There were stringed instruments, flutes and pipes, everything that Vinyl could fit in she had added, to great effect.

It was music of the stars, chorales snuck in behind the music brought it sweeping through the skies, slinging you along with it like a rollercoaster ride. It pounded you, it brought you to feelings you’d never had, you danced until your hooves were sore and wanted more!

Vinyl felt a tap on her leg, Sweetie Belle was offering a cold drink of water in a sweating glass for her, had it already been minutes? She felt like it was only seconds since she started.

Gulping it quickly, she gave her thanks with a hoofbump and returned to pumping out tunes. Her whole body was lost in the music, dancing on the stage like she’d never moved before behind a board.

She looked over the turntables, seeing not a single pony not moving with the music, it was a riot of colors, Pegasi dancing in mid air as ponies lost themselves to what she was playing. Unicorns were firing off spells of fireworks, adding to the colors already bursting from her outfit from the lasers Athena was targeting. It was a tumbling, rioting mass of bodies that were dancing to what SHE had done, HER music!

Fans of light swept the crowd, colors and bursts made it seem like a phantasmagoria of images on the mind. They swept and strobed along the scaffolding, covering the crowds with images of hearts and musical notes, designs made out of pure light that even spells would have a hard time reproducing.

On the backdrop of the stage was suddenly a huge representation of Vinyl’s head in light, outlined and moving with her as she rode the board like a runaway train.

A mirrored ball had been placed center mass and was now reflecting every color of the rainbow as the lasers hit it with everything in the spectrum. The spotlights went dancing along the crowds, only encouraging them to more effort.

Vinyl was lost, she felt herself lifting, her body moving like it never had. Her soul was bursting with this, it flamed high inside her as she poured it all into her creation.

It was everything she was put into this, all she’d worked for and ever done and it was something new, different, that brought her to places she’d never dreamed!

Her grin wasn’t forced as she screamed over the microphone, encouraging the audience to dance their tails off!

They responded in kind, flowers were thrown on stage, ponies yelling in delight as they danced to the roaring music. Pegasi were swooping through the air, dancing on the clouds as the music even reached that high. She looked up to see more clouds had been moved in to accommodate the growing crowds of winged ponies and Unicorns using cloud walking spells.

Another tap on her leg, this time Apple Bloom holding up a big mug of cider. Oh yes! That super cold refreshing foamy liquid hit the spot as she hoof bumped the little filly. Locking the music on auto for a moment, she moved out to the edge of the stage, waving her hoof and rocking out as ponies reached for her, wanting a hoofbump or just to scream in delight seeing their favorite DJ.

Bouncers had moved in as ponies were actually rushing the stage! Forcing her to go back to the board and look busy to get them dancing and away from the edge. She almost lost her concentration laughing, seeing Harry the bear between the stage and the ponies, looking as mean as he could to get them back. Even the bouncers stayed away.

She kept the music pumping, ponies kept wandering into the area and got caught up with the excitement which was fine with her, more ears to hear!

Vinyl worked the turntables, her gear adding effects that only made the crowd soar into heights of dancing. She could even see the stagehooves whipping around to the music as she poured her heart into this.

One more tap on her leg, Scootaloo offering crisp chilled apple juice that went down like a tide of fresh water to a pony dying of thirst. She smacked her lips and lifted up the little filly, telling her to dance on the side of the setup. Apple Bloom, Spike and Sweetie Belle came pounding out, dancing around Vinyl as she put everything she had left into these last few minutes.

She’d planned this to the second having only an hour, gently the music went down, slower and slower the beats got. Letting you calm, leaving you to rest, lending you a soft moment that gave you a chance to catch your breath before you ended the night.

And then, it was over, the light dying out with the last chorale, the ponies stopping their movements as the stage went dark with once again, a single lingering note.

It was silent for a moment as she caught her breath, leaning on the board and getting hugged by the four with her who were yelling with delight at all the fun.

She heard noises start up in the crowd, the chant reaching her.

“VINYL! VINYL! VINYL!”

A spotlight went on, she could see Athena grinning as she waved at her off the stage. Vinyl walked to the edge and gave a polite bow as the crowd went nuts. Screams and the stamping of hooves rebounded as they cried for more.

“ENCORE ENCORE!”

Vinyl just stood there, eyes wide as she didn’t quite know what to do. Usually these contests ended and a winner was chosen. She’d never heard about crowds wanting more from a single DJ. This was a bit unprecedented.

The Master of Ceremonies walked out on the stage to goodhearted boos as the crowd wanted more music.

He took it all in stride with a smile, holding the microphone in his magic.

“Well it seems we have a problem, the crowd wants more music and we’ve yet to decide a winner.”

Another round of boos and yelling.

“But there seems to be something quite unusual, the other contestants have withdrawn from the contest, hoofing it to Miss Vinyl Scratch here unanimously. Without a judges decision.”

Everything went silent. The crowd stopped yelling and were looking at each other as Vinyl could only stare. She saw the other DJ’s in the wings smiling at her as they trotted out on the stage, one taking up the mic to cheers as he was a well known music artist himself.

“Ponies, I mean really. We’ve got our pride, and our egos, but when something like this comes along, even the other three agree with me. This is nothing, we mean nothing, like we have ever heard before. She really deserves the win.” He pointed to Vinyl who was still standing there shocked by the turn of events.

DJ’s were notorious for their wanting to be the best, she just couldn’t believe this was happening.

The MoC was talking, “..And the judges are looking now to see if the rules..” He was interrupted.

“I got this!” Twilight came to a slamming landing on the stage as ponies blinked and bowed. She turned to see the crowd as the mike caught her words, echoing over the area, “Ugh, stop bowing, yeesh!”

She held up a stack of parchment, “Rule Four, Paragraph Two, Subsection Eight, Clause Four, “Should any/some or most contestants leave the contest by calamity or by their own decision, the winner will be the one remaining in the contest.” Yeah the rules were pretty ruthless, but it was a contest for big stakes.

The panel of judges riffled through papers quickly, reading and then looking up with a unanimous nod.

“And there you have it folks, Miss Vinyl Scratch, DJ Pon-3 is the WINNER!”

Two Unicorns brought out the trophy, almost as tall as Vinyl was and presented it to her as she really couldn’t find the words. It was beautiful as it glowed in the spotlight, silvery metal of a DJ pounding the turntables and grinning like she had been minutes ago. Her heart leapt in her chest as the MoC motioned for her to say a few words.

She could see Fluttershy leaping in the air yelling loud enough for ponies to hear, “WOOHOO VINYL!” Then putting her hooves over her mouth quickly trying to fade back into the crowd.

“I..I’d really like to say..” She was stopped by fans screaming.

“You’re the best Vinyl!”

The Unicorn grinned, “I am the best!” She waved to yelling ponies, “But..I couldn’t be here at all without my friends. It’s more than just me, it’s all of them too.”

“I couldn’t have done this without them, and all the help they gave me.” She turned to Octavia and Twilight, and all the others, standing on the side with a smile, “And of course all of YOU out there too!”

The crowd went wild, folks said you could hear the cheering in Canterlot that night.

The MoC took the mike once more, “And now, the final two hours of music are all yours Miss Scratch, take it away!” He turned to leave, accompanied by the other DJ’s as Vinyl called for them to stop.

“Wait! Wait..let’s do this together, what say?” The other four artists grinned and rushed to get their stuff set up, the last two hours of the festival were nothing but pure fun and music. One stayed behind for a moment, grinning.

“But don’t think you’ll get off easy next time, there’s gonna be a fight!” He held up a hoof.

She returned the bump, “Bring it on!”

Vinyl took a break for a few minutes, letting the other four take most of the spotlight as she grinned, she couldn’t stop grinning and would never stop grinning at the trophy that sat next to her chair by the tent.

The whole group was congratulating her on the contest, she was getting requests by folks for autographs until Twilight shooed them away, letting the small group have a little time alone. Fluttershy made sure Harry was nearby. He was such a nice bear actually, he didn’t like acting mean, just his size was enough to keep folks away for now.

Crusader sat near her, she leaned over and started to say something but was halted by his look, a small smile on his face.

“No Vinyl, it’s I who should have apologized. I’m set in my ways, but I’ve come to understand I shouldn’t make others do the same. You taught me that Vinyl. It takes a while for things to sink in, but you have my apologies.” He gave a slight bow with his head, “It’s never too late to learn things, even for me.”

“So, we’re friends again?” She held out a hoof that was bumped.

“Yes Vinyl we are, feel free to make music your way.” He smiled as Applejack nudged him. “Yes Applejack, she can have access to the archives freely.”

“Good, wouldn’t want to have to hit ya upside the ear again.” She chuckled while giving him a polite kiss on the cheek.

Vinyl grinned, she got a mischievous look that Octavia knew immediately and tried to say something, but was beat to it by Vinyl.

She winked at everypony before asking Crusader, “Sooo..tell me about Punk.”

You never saw a more disgusted look appear on a face as did Crusaders, she saw Athena slap a hoof over her mouth as her eyes got wide. “Absolutely not!”

“Oh come on!”

“No.”

“Pretty please?”

“I refuse.”

Everyone there swore they’d never laughed so hard in all their days.

Actions, Reactions and...WHOA!

Author's Note

You're absolutely right Smoker, there's always repercussions.

Thanks for the idea!

(I know, I'm awful):rainbowlaugh:

Actions, Reactions and...WHOA!

“Ah’m tellin’ ya, I know what I heard and I saw!” Apple Bloom’s face was set in stone, she was adamant about this as she looked at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

Sweetie Belle tapped a hoof on the floor of the clubhouse, “Well, that can’t be right though. I mean he’d never do that...would he?” Her curls bounced as she looked at her friends.

Scootaloo was peering out the window, turning her head to answer Sweetie’s question, “Well, I mean with everything going on, could it have done something?” Her eyes were worried.

The little Unicorn turned her gaze on the Pegasus at the window, “What do you mean? Like hurt or..”

Scootaloo waved a hoof near her head in a circle, “Like make ‘em go nuts or something?” She shrugged as if almost to herself, “I mean everything like the forest monsters, the bad things. Some ponies get a bit weird after stuff like that ya know?”

Apple Bloom pointed at Scootaloo, “Yeah! I remember my Uncle Apple Bushel got whacked in the head with a branch, and all the grown ups kept saying he wasn’t right after that. Ya mean like that?”

Sweetie’s face brightened, “Oh! Like the old Sergeant at the Guard Office, there’s things he won’t talk about too, saying it’s best left alone!” She was referring to the time they’d tried to ask the older pony what fighting monsters had been like. He’d just smiled gently and told them they didn’t need to know that stuff.

“Yeah!” Scootaloo moved away from the window, setting next to her friends, “Like that! Maybe it just made him go a bit loopy after all the fighting?”

Sweetie Belle’s normally smiling face looked worried again, “But he’s so nice, and this is really serious. Are you absolutely sure Apple Bloom?”

The little Earth pony raised a hoof, “I swear by Celestia’s name what I saw and heard was true, ever’ bit of it!” The bow behind her head bobbed as she nodded in affirmation.

The Unicorn bit her lip as she pondered that most solemn statement, ‘cause when ponies said that, you could be pretty sure they wouldn’t lie, especially Apple Bloom. “Well, Miss Cheerilee said we oughta tell somepony when that happens, cause it isn’t good.”

Scootaloo sighed, “You know they’d never believe us without proof.”

“But..but what about Bastion and Granite, they’d listen!” Apple Bloom was trying to think of ponies they knew, “The old Sergeant would! ..wait...no he wouldn’t after we tried to earn our Cutie Marks in Spear Practice.”

Sweetie Belle grinned sheepishly, “I’m really sorry about that, I apologized to him every day for a week, but he could sit down again after it all healed!” She couldn’t help it, slapping her hooves across her mouth and giggling.

Apple Bloom stamped a hoof, “We’re just gonna have to get some proof, then we can tell somepony who’ll take care of it just like Miss Cheerilee says to!” The look on her face was pure determination.

Scootaloo was tapping her front hooves together for a moment, “And you’re sure he was hitting her?”

“Ah saw it Scoots, plain as day!” She sat down, waving her hooves as she told her tale one more time.

“Really?” Sweetie’s face showed great concern, because she liked him, he was always nice.

“Really! He was poundin’ away with his hooves like he was hitting a tree!” She rubbed her chin, “I’m tellin’ ya, it ain’t right hittin’ mares like Big Mac and Miss Cheerilee say! We gotta stop this!”

“I’m in!” Scootaloo pronounced, she was firmly convinced.

Sweetie nodded, hesitant at first, but well, she couldn’t abandon her friends, “Me too!”

Putting their hooves together, Apple Bloom made their mission statement, “We gotta rescue Applejack!”

“Okay,” Apple Bloom stalked the clubhouse from wall to wall, back and forth, “First thing is, we gotta get proof. Proof that what I saw is happenin’”

Oh! I know!” Sweetie’s face lit up, “Rarity’s got a spell I can borrow, it can record things on a gem!”

Scootaloo grinned, “That’s great! Can you use it though?”

“I think so, I’ve been practicing lots!” The little filly jutted her chest proudly, “I can lift almost a half bag of gems now!”

“Awesome!” She got hoof bumps from Apple Bloom and Scoots.

The Pegasus thought a moment, “Shouldn’t we tell Twilight or..” She was stopped immediately by Apple Bloom.

“Nope! Cause they’re..they’re..what’d granny say? Oh! Thick as thieves!” She saw the nods, “Everypony knows him so we can’t just go runnin’ around sayin’ anythin’. We got to have that proof.” She looked at her friends, “Ah know he’s nice and everythin’, but if what I heard happenin’ is happenin’, then it don’t matter who it is, they got to be stopped!”

Scootaloo tapped a hoof on the floor for a moment, “Hey! I can get something for disguises from my house! Mom won’t mind!” She smiled, “We can sneak up tonight and record what’s going on so we can tell the Guard!”

“That’s a great idea Scoots!” Sweetie Belle high-hoofed her friend, “We can do this!”

Apple Bloom stamped a fore hoof, “Okay then, I’ll go keep an eye on Crusader, and you two get what we need. Tonight, it’s Operation Applejack!”

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Rescuers! YAY!” Small hooves met in a slap as the three scattered to the winds to get what they needed.

Scootaloo came rushing into the house, slamming the door behind her with a back hoof before launching herself up the steps to the closet in the hallway.

“Scootaloo is that you?” Her mom’s soft voice echoed through the house.

“Yeah Mom! Just grabbing a couple things! I’ll be with Apple Bloom and Sweetie tonight okay?”

“All right dear, want me to pack a lunch?”

Scootaloo stopped for a second, mom made the best lunches. “Please?”

“Be ready in a minute!”

“Awesome!”

Scootaloo’s mom was one of those mares that absolutely nothing could bother, short of the end of the world, and even then she’d fret about cleaning the house. When her and her husband were asked how could Scootaloo be so rambunctious, they always told the story about how she went into labor after a roller coaster ride.

Everyone figured that was it.

Scootaloo was trying to find a couple things but her darn wings kept getting in the way lately. She never wondered why and never really looked at them or using them unless it was to power her scooter. Oh well, later, she was on a mission!

Finding what she needed, she tucked them under her wing and tore down the stairs, finding her mother waiting with her saddlebags and a smile.

“I packed a good lunch dear, also there’s some juice boxes for your friends.” She helped her fit the bags on, tightening them around her barrel, she took the three pillowcases out from under her wing and put them inside, “Those’ll be safe in there too Scoots.”

“Thanks mom! You’re the best!” She gave her mother a warm hug and ran out of the house.

Her mom stood at the door and watched her filly run down the avenue, shaking her head with a chuckle, wondering where all that energy came from.

Had to have been that darn roller coaster.

Sweetie Belle heard the bell on the door ring as she entered the Boutique, “It’s just me Rarity! Grabbing some stuff! I’ll be with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom tonight!” She made sure to yell as her sister got caught up in her fashions and tended to ignore things sometimes.

“Alright Sweetie! I have lunch for you on the counter! Eat it before you go!” The voice came from the fitting room. She sounded happy today, must be a new customer thought the little Unicorn.

Looking around to make sure, she rummaged through the stash of books Rarity kept with spells she used. Finding the one she wanted, she made a quick hoofwritten note with it and stuffed it in her saddlebags before putting them on. Snatching a decent gem out of the grab box, she added that in quickly as well.

Trotting into the kitchen, she saw Rarity had made her a ..a..really nice lunch actually. Wow. She sat down with her bags still on and piled in, she had a few minutes to kill.

Looking up from her plate she saw her sister come in, smiling brightly as she hummed to herself, “Sweetie! Glad you’re taking the time to eat, you’re always in such a rush.”

“It’s good!” She said around a mouthful of sandwich.

“You’re quite welcome, wouldn’t do to have you starving now would it?” She grabbed a cup of tea and sat across from Sweetie for a moment. The customer was still inspecting fabrics so she had time for a fresh pot.

Sweetie Belle swallowed a mouth full of food and thought a moment, “Rarity?”

“Yes dear?” Elegant eyes looked at her over the steaming tea cup.

“If..” Sweetie put down her food, tapping her hooves together in front of her, “ If somepony was hitting another pony, that’s bad right?”

“Of course it is dear, violence is never the right way.”

“But..but you do it with all the others..like in Canterlot!” Sweetie’s eyes were wide.

“That was different dear, when you’re defending yourself against miscreants and troublemakers.” She winked at her little sister, smiling gently.

“So..there’s different kinds of hitting then? Right?” The little Unicorn was trying to puzzle it all out.

“Yes Sweetie, when defending yourself sometimes you do have to hit another pony, or even Changelings in Canterlot.” She gave her sister a mischievous look, eliciting a giggle from Sweetie Belle.

“So...” She thought about how to phrase this, “A stallion hitting a mare would be bad right?” She hoped she didn’t sound too curious.

“It’s never right Sweetie, stallions should never treat their mares that way, it’s what a ruffian would do. It’s definitely not proper, nor accepted in polite society, ever.” She leaned over the table, “Unlike some nephews of the Princesses who don’t treat mares well.” She grinned and laughed with Sweetie.

Putting down her cup, she stared at the little Unicorn for a moment, “But why are you asking about this Sweetie, did you see something?”

“Me? No, oh no. Miss Cheerilee told us hitting others was bad, well except when you’re in trouble and somepony’s trying to hurt you.” She really didn’t see anything, just what Apple Bloom had told her.

“Well, if you ever see anything like that, you find me or a Guard, they’ll take care of that pony. Hmph, hitting a mare, that’s truly the lowest any stallion can go.” She returned to her cup of tea as Sweetie finished her lunch.

“I gotta go Rarity, I’ll be back tomorrow okay? We’re staying at the clubhouse so don’t worry!” She slid off her seat, using her magic carefully to put the plate in the sink.

“Have fun dear, and stay away from the forest!” Rarity waved, rejoining her customer who was holding a bolt of cloth. She watched Sweetie trot out of the boutique with a wary eye.

The customer, another Unicorn dropping in from Canterlot, cleared her throat, “I’m so terribly sorry, but I overheard her question. Somepony wouldn’t be doing that here would they?”

Rarity placed a hoof on her chest, “I certainly hope not. I mean our pleasant town has troubles yes, but nothing like that!” She looked absolutely scandalized at the thought.

The customer, who happened to be staying with relatives in town agreed, “Myself as well. Imagine! Somepony doing that, why..why the Princesses would have him jailed forever!”

Rarity huffed, “Well of course we aren’t perfect, nopony is. But doing it deliberately? Yes, they’d deserve the harshest of punishments!”

And so the conversation went as Sweetie Belle trotted down the street unaware that her question caused much concern in her sister.

There is a game that foals play, it’s called ‘Magic Message’. They sit in a circle and one of them starts off by whispering a message in the ear of the filly or colt next to them, and so it goes around the group until it returns to the original sender. By the time it reaches the original sender again, it is quite different from the message first whispered into an ear.

Welcome to Ponyville.

Apple Bloom had been..well..stealthily tracking Crusader as he went though the town on business, hiding in bushes and behind fences as she tried to carefully follow him on his way. Her narrowed eyes were watching everything he did, who he talked, all of it.

She figured on doing this for a while, then meeting the others and waiting for dark to get the proof they needed. Apple Bloom resolved to stick to that pony like syrup on a pancake! That’s what she was gonna do!

But..he didn’t do nothin’! As the last couple of hours went by he talked with some ponies and then sat a lot just watching the world go by. If he was doin’ what they thought he was doin’ it’s gotta be cause he didn’t do anythin’ else!

She was having doubts though. He was nice, and he did lots to help folks, and always took time to teach her things when she asked about them. But that don’t matter. You don’t do bad things like that no matter who ya are or what ya do!

So steeling her resolve, she kept following through the town when he moved, sneaking from place to place behind him until she just threw up her hooves in frustration and took off for the clubhouse. Maybe Sweetie or Scootaloo had something.

“Nope,” Apple Bloom shook her head, “I didn’t see no suspi...suspic-ci-ous beha..bea.. Stuff at all!” She concluded her report to Scootaloo and Sweetie.

“Well, maybe he waits until night, cause the monsters in the Everfree do that too.” Scootaloo pointed out, “So if he’s a monster in disguise, maybe that’s it?”

Sweetie nodded as well, “Yeah, he’s like another pony at night. All nice during the day, but when the sun goes down WHAM! He’s a bad pony!”

Apple Bloom tapped a hoof on her chin, “Well there was that one time he was gonna beat the stove up...” She saw the blushes on Scootaloo’s and Sweetie’s faces, “Oh..yeah we helped there too didn’t we?”

“Maybe he’s just..I mean he’s been fighting a lot, maybe a monster snuck in and took him over at night?” Sweetie was trying hard to rationalize things.

“It’s somethin’ bad,” She looked at her friends, “But that’s okay, cause we’re gonna stop it!”

It was only a couple more hours until sunset, then they were off on their mission to rescue Applejack from the evil clutches of whatever was making Crusader do bad things!

Three fillies with eye holes cut into the pillowcases that shrouded their heads snuck up to the farmhouse that night. They’d waited patiently, well at least in Sweetie Belle’s case, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo fidgeted like they had fleas. But at last their crowning moment had come, seeing Crusader and Applejack walk into the house, shutting the door.

They knew Big Mac was out of town that week, he’d had a meeting about something or other with friends in Manehatten, something to do with clubs, they weren’t quite sure. But he seemed pretty happy to be going on the trip.

This gave them the perfect opportunity!

Apple Bloom had oiled the hinges earlier that day on the front door, so it made no sound as they crept into the darkened interior of the farmhouse. They’d seen the light go on upstairs and knew they had to get in place so they could record what was happening.

They cringed each time a board creaked on the stairs, causing them to lose more precious time on their mission. The pillowcases were pretty hot too, so they were sweating heavily by the time they stood outside Applejack’s bedroom door.

They could hear murmuring, and soft voices inside as Sweetie readied the recording gem. Earlier that evening she’d cast the spell on it, it would record up to a minute of voices, or so the instructions said.

Apple Bloom laid an ear against the thick wooden portal, nodding to Sweetie to start whenever she was ready as they heard thumping sounds, like somepony hitting a pillow. Moans came out of the room, causing their eyes to go very wide in fright.

If he could do that to Applejack, one of the strongest ponies they knew, he could wipe them all out if they were caught! They stared at each other, wide eyed as they could hear the thumps and bumps, like a pony getting smacked, the moans and groans that told them Apple Bloom’s sister was suffering so badly!

Sweetie Belle was shaking like a leaf as she held the gem up, tapping it once like the spell said and waiting nervously for a minute to pass by, catching the sounds of pain from the other side, the beating that was surely taking place before their very ears!

This was awful! Her eyes were watching Scootaloo look around like she would jump at the faintest sound along with Apple Bloom. They were all terrified down to their tails, it sounded like Applejack was getting hurt pretty bad in there if they were any judge by the sounds coming from the room!

The three of them were close to fainting from the heat of the pillowcases on their heads and pure fear when Sweetie tapped the gem again and pointed out the door. They tumbled down the stairs and hoofed it as fast as they could possibly go, like Cerberus himself was hot on their tails!

They didn’t catch another breath until they hit the clubhouse, slamming the door shut and holding it closed with their bodies in place like small doorstops.

“Did..did you hear that?” Sweetie Belle was shaking badly.

“I did! Oh that was bad! What was he DOING?” Scootaloo needed a hug from her mom right now!

“Ah told ya! Didn’t I tell ya he was doin’ that?” Apple Bloom looked at them both, “Ah told ya!”

The other two stared back, eyes wide as they held the door closed in case anypony came after them. They stayed that way all night, whispering their fears about what was happening to poor Applejack, how they couldn’t believe Crusader was such a monster.

Rest came hard that morning to three very frightened fillies as they tried their best to stay awake. When the sun rose, it was on four sleeping forms, tired and worn from a night of pure fear from what had happened. They’d planned on going to the Guard offices first thing, but were just too tired to keep their eyes open.

Adrenaline wears off pretty fast, as they crashed from the excitement, their bodies told them it was time to sleep, and sleep they did for most of the day.

Iron Bars stood at the entryway to the local Guard Office, the atmosphere was heavy and he eyed the ponies passing in the streets. Something was going on, he just couldn’t put a hoof on it, but you could feel the tension in the atmosphere like a cloud about to downpour. It was getting on late in the afternoon and he hoped it would just fade quietly away.

The other Guards stood around the office, discussing what might possibly be wrong, from monsters to a freak storm. They didn’t have a clue, but every guard could feel the tension, so thick you could cut it with a sword. The guards had been around long enough to see the signs, and were waiting for the storm to break.

What they didn’t know, was that yesterday, idle talk got out which turned to idle gossip, which went to speculation, then accusation.

Sweetie Belle’s innocent questioning of Rarity had created a firestorm of thought that turned to anger at the merest hint that somepony would be abusing their spouse/foal/significant other/whomever.

The ‘Magic Message’ game worked wonders.

He retreated to his office, hoping for the best when Bastion walked in.

“Boss,” He hooked a hoof over his shoulder, “I got three fillies looking like they’re terrified, saying they got proof somepony’s abusing their marefriend.” He waited a second as Bars turned to look, “It’s Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.”

He sighed, remembering a few incidents with those names attached, “Bring em in Bast.”

Waking up late, the three had scrambled out of the clubhouse, heading for the guard offices with their proof of wrongdoing. They avoided everypony that they even thought they knew until they clambered into the office looking worn and so very tired. They hadn’t stopped to even listen to make sure the gem recorded everything.

Iron Bars watched Bastion herd the three inside, setting them on a couch in his office, “So, what’s this I hear about abuse?” He leaned on the desk, ready to hear something outrageous.

The three fillies stammered and stuttered, constantly looking out the door as they told their tale, concluding with what they’d heard last night as Sweetie Belle held out the gem for his perusal.

“That’s quite the tale, plus it’s a very serious charge.” His face was stern, “Are you sure you want to do this?” He thought by maybe giving them a chance, they could possibly recant, or at least save embarrassment if they were wrong.

All three nodded their heads.

“You gotta listen to the gem Bars, please!” Sweetie Belle gave her best pleading look that about knocked him over.

“All right, I’ll listen, if only to calm you down. But if it’s nothing, then it’s time to go, okay?” He was a stern Guard Officer, but very fair.

All three nodded.

“You stay right here, let me go get some ponies and we’ll listen.” He motioned for them to stay on the couch as he walked out to where Bastion waited, “Go get Lumpy, I need him to check this gem out.”

Bastion snickered, grabbing a few others and went into the back room, bringing out a Unicorn that had a sizeable goose egg on his head from breaking up a fight last night. He was a bit woozy still.

“Stop calling me Lumpy!” He glared at Bastion as Granite and the others chuckled, “Stupid..” He stopped when he saw Bars, “Sorry boss.”

“No problem, got an accusation of abuse and we’re gonna listen to this recording. I want you to check it Paper Work, when it’s done, tell me if it’s working right.”

“Got it boss!”

Iron tapped it like Sweetie Belle said to, as they all listened to what was on it with growing horror.

Sweetie Belle had fumbled the spell, it being too powerful for her. What had happened was as it recorded, it did so intermittently. What was supposed to be a clean one minute record, was now skipping words and sounds, piecing them together to make an entirely different recording which made everything sound a hundred times worse.

A hit, then a groan, a hit, then another moan, sounding like a pony was using someone else as a punching bag.

Guard ponies looked around at each other, they couldn’t believe what they were hearing. Bars ran through it once more, it was what they heard all right.

“Check it Paper.” He held it out, watching the Unicorn light up his horn for a minute, checking it thoroughly. What Paper Work hadn’t realized, is the lump on his head was skewing his magic slightly, reading the gem as clean and in perfect working order with the spell.

“All good boss, it’s real.” He waved off, heading back to lay down for a while, his head throbbing from using magic.

Bastion looked at his brother Granite, standing in utter shock, “No way. No, absolutely no way.”

Granite pointed to where the three Crusaders sat, “Look at them, they’re terrified, and they recorded it.” He sounded doubtful himself, “But we still have to do our duty, no matter who it is.”

“C’mon Granite, no way Crusader would do that, everypony knows he adores her.” Bastion shook his head negatively, “Not a chance!”

Iron Bars had a quandary, a real one; if the recording was good, and magic said so, then he had to go arrest this pony and bring them in for questioning under truth spells. It was the law, laid down long ago by Princess Luna Herself.

One of the other guards raised a hoof, “Boss, we can’t go arrest Crusader.”

The Captain stood firm, “It’s the rules, whether or not we like them, they are the law, we enforce the law.”

The big Pegasus shook his head, “No, you don’t understand, we CAN NOT arrest him. We don’t have enough guards, if he gets mad he’ll wipe us out, and if his sister finds out, she’ll level this town!”

Iron Bars slapped his forehead with a hoof, he’d completely forgotten about that. He’d been so used to seeing them as ponies, never remembering there were two huge war machines under the ground near town that could destroy everything.

Bastion mentioned in a low voice, “Maybe we can contact Twilight..” He was stopped by the Captain.

“No, they’re his friends, we can’t have confusion. I know it’s not a good position we’re in, but we can handle this. Unless it goes beyond this, we do it, everypony knows that.” All the assembled ponies nodded, unless it was matter of country and threats to it, the Guard took care of it.

Closing his eyes he thought furiously, “Okay, here’s what we’re gonna do.” He pointed a hoof at the Pegasus who’d spoken, “Send a message to Canterlot, Princess Luna’s Night Court is in session right now, inform her of what we’re going to do but do NOT give names. Let’s keep this sealed until we find out what’s going on out at Sweet Apple Acres.” He looked outside as the moon started rising to start the evening, time was getting late.

The guard nodded, heading back to find Paper Work to teleport the message immediately.

“The rest of you,” He pointed and sighed, “Get in your armor and gear up just in case, we’re gonna walk in nice as you please and knock on the door. We’ll ask him to accompany us back to town and we’ll get our answers, simple.” He smiled at the nervous guards.

“But boss,” An orange Earth pony asked, “What if it’s true and he gets mad?”

“Got your wills filled out?”

Ten Guards set out from the office, heading to Sweet Apple Acres with a will and a mission. They took along the three fillies, not wanting to leave them behind in an empty office as Paper Work had sent the message and geared up along with the big Pegasus.

As they walked through the streets, ponies looked out from doorways and windows, seeing the set faces and nervous hoofing of short pikes as they trotted off to the farm. They didn’t realize they were drawing a curious crowd until it was too late.

Approaching the house, Captain Bars told a guard to stay back and handle the crowd, keeping them away as they all stared at the farmhouse, seeing a single light in a window on the second story.

Shadows moved in the house as they watched, the guards walking carefully up to the front door while half the squad went to the back entryway.

Apple Bloom gasped, tugging at the Captain’s leg and pointing, “Look!”

They could see the outline of a stallion, hooves rising and falling in the light as Sweetie Belle let out a cry, “Oh no!”

Scootaloo was stopped from running inside by a large hoof as the Captain gave the orders, “Get in there, now!”

----------Farmhouse Bedroom--------

Crusader had turned everything over to Athena, he had nothing but himself tonight, wanting to feel the limitations of just being with Applejack. No data streams, no sensors, just time alone with her. Nothing but time.

It was odd, confined in the avatar like he was, a single commlink to his cores keeping it running. It was..different..and new. He didn’t mind normal sight, normal limits, it was refreshing actually. He’d done this the past few nights and it was working so very well, it was very rare they’d get moments to themselves.

“Oh yeah, this feels great after a long day in the orchard, ya sure ya don’t mind?” Applejack’s voice was dreamy, lying on the bed as Crusader worked the knots out of her body. It’d been a long day applebucking and she was just enjoying being treated like a princess right now. Her mane fell over the covers, undone and loose as she relaxed comfortably.

“Of course not, you know that.” His hooves rose and fell softly, gently pounding at the dense muscles and skin to loosen them up before massaging deeper. “Just please don’t tell Rainbow Dash, she’ll want a massage too.”

The Earth pony laughed, “Oh yeah she would, but nope, we’re keepin’ this a secret! We ain’t gonna tell anypony.” She looked over her shoulder at him and winked, “Well, maybe Twilight, she sure liked that first one.” The laughter was soft.

“Don’t forget, we gotta get dinner out to Apple Bloom and her friends at the clubhouse. They’re staying the night.”

“No problem, it’s already made and covered, we’ll finish here first.” His hooves worked like magic along her tense body, she could feel the warmth from the muscles turning to mush under his hooves.

“You’re a sweetheart, thanks Crusader.” She lay back down, propping her head up on her forelegs.

“Though I would like to ask her why she was following me all day today, very odd.”

“Well she gets things in her head and nothin’ can stop her, we’ll ask later.” She looked back at him once more, “Did ya hear the rumor though? Somepony hitting their marefriend? Ain’t that somethin’ else? You’d think we wouldn’t have them problems.” She shook her head.

“It was just a rumor, though Athena and I will be on the lookout for any signs, if it’s happening we’ll find the pony and deal with it.” His voice was quietly furious, anyone who did such a thing was lower than a Melconian in his book, much, much lower.

“Now you just leave that to the Guard, turn ‘em over. They’ll take care of it, all right?” Her voice was firm, she knew what Crusader would do to a pony like that.

“As you wish Applejack. Though a few minutes alone with Athena and I would change their ways.”

The farm mare laughed, “Oh ah’m sure. You be nice now.”

“Yes Applejack.” He smiled at her sparkling green eyes, “I’m just glad you like this.”

“Oh ah do, ain’t no...OH!..doubt about it..” She gripped the bed cover in her hooves, letting out exclamations that got slightly louder as he worked along her back legs. She sighed happily, not even bothering to keep it down as nopony was around to hear, so she let herself go just this once.

-----------Outside--------

The guards could hear the muffled exclamations outside on the porch as they stood ready, the Captain leaving the three fillies back as he gave the high sign.

Front and back doors were kicked in as the ponies rushed upstairs, hearing a loud voice in what seemed to be pain. They had pikes leveled as they broke down the bedroom door where Apple Bloom had told them where it would be. It took just a few seconds, fast, very fast for being unrehearsed.

“Hooves off that mare you...criminal....oh stars.” The Guards in the door opening stopped as everything went silent in the lit room, short pikes leveled in the room as more ponies rushed up the stairs to help their comrades. The silence chilling them as everything went still, which made them pound up the stairs faster to find a group in the doorway leveling arms.

Captain Bars was the first through the door when it was busted off the hinges, leveling his short pike and rushing the room to stop dead in his tracks, seeing Applejack’s eyes go wide and Crusader looking at them all oddly, the placement of his hooves was more than intimate along the farm mare’s Cutie Mark.

He was covered in glowing sparkles the second they’d hit the doorway, but he hadn’t moved yet, and was making everypony very nervous. He would never hurt anypony that never did harm, but the way things stood right now, a massive fight would break at any second if they weren’t very careful.

The tension was broken by Granite’s gravelly voice, “Sure don’t look like any abuse to me boss.” The snickers traveled on down the line.

“If it looks like what I’m seeing, count me in!” A female Pegasus Guard was heard from the back.

Bars pinched his nose with a sigh and turned, bellowing to the guards in the house, “OUT! Out and set up a perimeter! OUT!”

Crusader’s voice was very even and controlled as he watched the ponies leave, “Captain, what is going on?” He had dropped his screen as soon as he heard the teasing voices.

Applejack didn’t care about controlled, “Yeah, wanna tell me what the hay is happenin’ here?” She’d slid off the bed, tying up her mane and tail quickly, an angry look crossing her face.

Bars sighed, he knew it was going to be bad today, “A very large mistake, could you both come outside?” He motioned for them to lead the way as he shook his head quietly behind them.

They walked through the house, a shambles now that a full compliment of Guards had trampled through it, making Applejack and Crusader even more upset at what was going on.

A guard stopped them inside the door before they exited the farmhouse, “Don’t go out there boss!”

Bars was rapidly getting tired of this, “What now?”

“That whole crowd out there think you’ve got somepony in here’s that’s been..well..yeah.. The torch and pitchfork store is gonna do a brisk business if we ain’t careful.” She was looking out the window with wide violet eyes, pointing out the mass of townsponies which was looking angry.

“Oh for...” He sighed once more, “Go out there and tell them it’s over, there is nothing to..”

He was interrupted by a flash of light, bright and piercing to the eyes as they heard the sound of a mass teleport right in the front yard.

Night Court Royal Guardsponies dropped out of the sky, landing flat-hooved and looking mad enough to tear the place apart. Princess Luna hovered above them, her eyes glowing with righteous fury as the assembled ponies all bowed and became very quiet.

A voice like thunder rolled across the night land, “WHO DARES!”

She turned in the air slowly, looking around at the assembled crowd and guards as her voice echoed across the still land, “WHO DARES ABUSE OUR PONIES? BRING HIM OUT AND JUSTICE SHALL BE SWIFT!”

Bars grabbed the Pegasus who sent the note off the porch and inside the house, “What did you put in that note?”

His eyes got wide, “Just what you said boss, we were going to arrest somepony for possible abuse of a spouse, that’s all.”

He couldn’t blame him, it was exactly what they were going to do, although he wished the wording had been better. Bars pinched his nose and sighed, this was turning into quite the fiasco. “In Celestia’s name this is getting worse by the second..”

“Okay, look, I’m gonna go out there and see if I can’t clear this up.” He pointed at Crusader and Applejack, “You two stay right here!” He pointed at the guards, “Keep the perimeter and hope she’s not too mad to believe me.”

“Careful boss, she’s looks royally..heh..sorry..mad..”

He eyed the big Pegasus, “You and me Wings, we’re gonna have a long talk after this.”

“Yes Captain.”

The long-suffering Captain slowly moved off the porch, bowing before the Princess and speaking softly to her as she hovered in an wreath of glory and magic. She was hot, very much so, and Captain Bars was trying his best to defuse an already tense situation.

“WHAT?...*Ahem*..” Princess Luna’s voice was softer, “What now?” She was no longer glowing with power as she came to a landing in front of the Captain. They were speaking softly as everypony watched.

As he was doing so, three fillies rushed inside the house, grabbing Applejack and pulling her away from Crusader, “Are ya okay? You’re not hurt are you?” Apple Bloom’s voice was worried as all three checked her over.

“What in tarnation are you on about you three? What’s goin’ on here?” She was pushing them away as they lifted her legs and checked her over for bruises or evidence of somepony hitting her.

“We thought you were in trouble!” Sweetie Belle started, “ ‘Cause..’cause we heard him hitting you and we got the guard and everything!” She pointed an accusing hoof at a shocked Crusader.

“Hitting me?” She looked back at Crusader who was wiping his face with a hoof, understanding what was going on as it dawned on Applejack.

“Wait, you thought...?” Applejack sighed, giving each of the three a hug, “There weren’t no hittin' goin’ on you three,” She smiled gently, “It wasn’t anything like that.”

Scootaloo’s voice was nervous, “But.. but we heard you, it sounded like you were in pain!”

Crusader wisely stayed out of the conversation as all three were eyeing him, looking like they would run if he stepped closer.

“Scoots, it was a massage, like they do down at the spa? You’ve seen those.” The farm mare’s voice was very soft, explaining things, “It wasn’t nothin’ bad.”

Apple Bloom piped up, “But..no! It was different! Nopony yelled in pain or anything!”

Applejack laughed, Crusader was looking anywhere but at them, “It..it was different, Crusader does them differently.”

“So..so he wasn’t hitting you?” Sweetie Belle had the cutest look of nervousness on her face.

“No Sweetie, he loves me, he’d never do that.”

The three fillies looked at each other and let out a breath in one long huff, “Oh..oh we’re so sorry!”

Crusader stepped near now, “It’s fine, you didn’t know.” He gave them a warm look, “Your imaginations ran away with you.”

“Well..ah guess so..” Apple Bloom wondered what kind of trouble they were going to be in this time.

Applejack was going to say something more when the Captain walked in, followed by Princess Luna. The guards outside were keeping the curious folks away, not saying anything until they were given the all clear.

The dark mare looked around at the faces, seeing her Princess Pals looking nervous, Applejack and Crusader blushing, the guards grinning, something was definitely up here.

“So, treating an Element of Harmony badly are we Crusader?” Princess Luna’s face bore a wide smirk.

He bowed as always, polite to a fault, “Assuredly not Your Highness. I..” He was stopped by an upraised hoof.

“Captain Bars explained that there seems to be quite the misunderstanding.” She was still looking mischievous. “I admire his bravery for rushing in here, even if it was you, he is to be commended.” She looked at a shocked Guard Captain.

“It..it’s the law Your Highness, we..we don’t..”

“Understood Captain, please tell your ponies they did well after we clear this..hah..mess up.” She looked back at Applejack and Crusader who were studiously avoiding her gaze.

She held up the now infamous gem, containing the recording that the three Crusaders had retrieved, “An admirable attempt at a recording spell Sweetie Belle, but I’m afraid it didn’t quite work right.” The little Unicorn twisted her hooves in front of her as she nodded to the Princess.

“The Guard who checked it was injured, he didn’t get a good read on the spell, I’m afraid it was the cause of the mix-up here. Through nopony’s fault, a collection of circumstance.” Princess Luna gave a benevolent smile to all assembled. A sigh rushed through everypony as they realized it was all going to be fine.

A crashing sound made them turn their heads, a sparkle covered sable blur came ramming through the wall, followed by a hovering cyan one, Athena’s voice was loud as she stood ready to level anything in sight, “What’s going on? We couldn’t contact you Crusader! Who're we killing?” Rainbow Dash was right beside her, hitting her hooves together and ready for action!

“Yeah! We’re gonna kick some flank!”

Crusader had forgotten to re-establish full contact with Athena and was cut off from all coms, he sighed as he looked at the ground, a hoof rubbing his forehead.

Applejack opened her mouth to answer when another teleport spell blinded them, dropping Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy in the middle of the small crowd inside the house, standing tall and looking ready to harmonize the heck out of anything, “We’re here!” Twilight’s horn was powered up and glowing hot. “Sorry it took so long to get every...pony...” She looked around at shocked faces.

“Let’s DO this!” Pinkie was growling menacingly, well..a cute menacingly, she didn’t do menacing very well.

Twilight looked around at all the faces, wide-eyed and surprised as it got very quiet in the house. “What’s...what’s going on?”

Princess Luna’s voice was merry as she turned her eyes on Applejack and Crusader, “Why yes, what exactly is going on? I’m sure Celestia will just love hearing this story later as well.”

The Princess’s laughter rang through the night like the tolling of a bell.

What Is Done For Others..

Author's Note

Out on contract work, in a place that makes you homesick, it's barren and just not real nice, but it's work. This next chapter, well, written from the heart, so take it as you will. A couple more are introspective, so enjoy them too.

WARNING: Feels ahead, possibly lots of them.

To paraphrase: 'Evil triumphs, when good men do nothing'

Is he evil, or a good man trying. It's up to you to decide, I just write the story.

Enjoy folks.

What Is Done For Others..

Luna stepped out from the doorway into a scene from a fantasy. Lights played on clouds above her head, twisting sculptures of glowing panels reached for the sky as she realized those were buildings, lit up and glorious under the beams emanating from round things setting on a..street?

She stopped, looking around carefully, seeing things flying through the sky, boxy somethings moving quickly along the street, back and forth, the hustle and bustle of a living place.

“I’ve seen things, but this, this is something else.” She spoke quietly to a sable Pegasus sitting near her when she had appeared.

Athena nodded, “It is..or was Old Earth,” She pointed around, “This city was known as New York. Millions lived in this one place alone.”

“Truly? All in one place?” Her eyes took in the colors and sounds, the buzz of traffic and the commotion that filled the night air.

“Yes Your Highness, honest.”

The dark mare sits and watches the city life of so very long ago, marveling at what is before her eyes for long minutes, before turning to the Pegasus, “What is it you wish to see me about?”

The scene fades, becoming a room with a warm hearth, a crackling fire and mulled wine awaiting on the bricks before the burning logs. Athena gestures to a seat as they both relax.

Luna smiles, “You’re getting very good at your own dreams.”

“I try, thank you Princess.” She smiles, staring into the fire before speaking again, “I’m sorry to have bothered..” Princess Luna interrupts.

“You have nothing to apologize for, you never ask for anything and it is the least I can do.” She settles nearer to the fire, “What is it you wish Athena?” Her eyes are soft in the firelight, as if talking to an old friend.

Athena fidgets for a moment before speaking again over the sounds of popping logs in the fireplace, “I..would you bring Marcus back? Just once more?”

“Marcus.” Tilting her head and smiling, “Oh the human, a past commander you’ve said?” Now she is curious, “The last time you were hurting Athena and needed comfort. Are you needing more?”

Athena shook her head, “No, no Your Highness. I...I just miss him.” She didn’t meet Luna’s eyes, looking into the flickering flames.

“The last time might have been a mistake, I may not be able to replicate that again Athena, it was something that has never happened before.” She was thinking back when Athena was hurt and needing someone to comfort her, causing her to cast a spell that delved into memories, to bring a ghost out of a pony’s past to help a wounded heart.

It had tapped into something so powerful it had stunned her, a Bolo’s memories were deep and wide, an endless well of centuries that had given her the form and shape of a man, Marcus Canfeld, Athena’s commander from the far past. He had been more alive than anything she’d ever seen, intelligent, aware, and it had bothered her for weeks afterwards.

Now was a chance to see if it was nothing more than an aberration, a slip of magic that skewed things.

“I...I know Your Highness, but I thought I’d ask. It’s okay if you don’t wish to do it again.” She gave a smile to the Princess across from her, but Luna could see the wanting in the pretty face.

Shaking her head, she stood in the small room, “No Athena, it’s not that. I was just making you aware it may not work again.”

“I understand Princess. If it fails, it fails. But...” She looked up at the dark mare, hope lay deep in the lavender eyes.

“Then let us try it.” Closing her eyes, she summoned the magic, seeing the spell within her mind, the exact same one she had used for centuries to ease pains. Gathering strength, the spell formed from the runes she pictured and spread outward from her horn.

She gasped as it grabbed onto the memories, easier this time but with a power she hadn’t ever felt. The spell doubled, and redoubled until it was a force all it’s own, tapping that almost limitless well that was Athena’s mind. It searched and found, the magic flowing like an unstoppable river as it obeyed it’s mistress’s command, bringing forth exactly what she wanted. Once again it was a difference she noticed, the power exploding in the ether to bring a shadow to life.

“Well my girl, a nicer place this time?” The soft voice made Athena’s ears perk, a brilliant smile crossed her face as she leapt up, turning to hug the brown haired man who stood tall and strong in the quiet room, his uniform crisp and fresh.

“Marcus!” She buried her face in his neck, wrapping her forelegs around him and hugging as tight as she could before he stopped her from cracking a rib.

“Gently now Athena, gently.” Even his laugh was warm to her ears, the so familiar voice that could grab her attention anywhere. He lowered her back down and knelt facing her, “You’re stronger than you realize my girl.”

“I know, I’m sorry!” Her eyes got worried as he chuckled, a deep sound that warmed her to the core. She lowered her face to stare at the floor.

“No saying you’re sorry, remember?” He lifted her chin up as he smiled, his green eyes twinkling as he made sure she was looking up at him. “Always look someone in the eyes my girl.”

“I remember! And I do!” The look that crossed her face was of pure joy. “I do!”

“That’s good, you should always be proud Athena.” He stroked her cheek, making her lean into his hand with a happy sound, she couldn’t stop herself as she hugged him again.

“I missed you!”

“And I you Athena, have you been protecting this world as I asked?” The smile never left this face as he patiently waited for a reply.

“I have!” She let go, standing as proudly as she could, “I’ve been helping Crusader and we’ve done well Marcus!”

Princess Luna let a small laugh, drawing their attention, “She’s done more than help Commander Marcus, she defended my life personally, saving me from a fate best not thought of. She is a true defender of Equestria.”

“I remember you.” The statement made Luna narrow her eyes as he walked over to her, “The Princess of the Night? The one with stars in her hair.”

She still could not believe how real this human was, how lifelike and now he remembered her! What is this?

She stood tall, proferring a hoof as was polite, expecting a bump in return. He took it in his...hand?.. bowing over it and almost brushing it with his lips, “It’s a pleasure to meet you again Princess.”

Princess Luna found herself blushing like a filly with her first crush as he did so, more polite than anypony she’d met lately she was utterly charmed, knowing now what Athena saw in him.

“Th..The pleasure is mine as well Commander.” Athena leaned to the side to peek at her, eyes wide as she’d never heard the Princess stutter like that.

Gathering her composure as the tall human straightened up, she cleared her throat, “Perhaps I should leave you two..”

“No! Oh no Princess, please stay?” She gave a pleading look to Marcus who nodded, “We have nothing to hide Your Highness, you’re welcome to stay, please.”

“If you’re sure it will not be an imposition.” Luna eyed Athena, making absolutely sure it was what she wanted.

“Yes, thank you Princess!” She ushered Marcus to another seat, a plush cushion where he sat cross-legged, making Luna wonder just how he could do that and why it did not cause pain.

A gentle hand was laid across Athena’s withers as the voice was still soft, never rising so much it hurt the ears, she remembered this so very well. “So why the summons Athena? Are you hurting again?”

Luna perked her ears up, still watching this semblance act in unnatural ways, he should not have remembered anything from before. She checked the spell, it was performing fine and was not draining but a trickle of power, it was far easier this time. But the other Pegasus hadn’t arrived, perhaps because she was focused on her friend Marcus.

“No, no I...I just missed you Marcus.” She moved closer, leaning against his side as he slid an arm across her back.

“Then what shall we talk about?” He eyed her with a grin.

Athena’s head shot up, “Princess Celestia said I’m one of her ponies! I’m as real as I can be Marcus!” She started telling him about her adventures since that first sad time he had visited her..

Princess Luna watched them talk and laugh together, she wondered how such a formidable pony such as Athena could turn into a little foal at the side of this human. She had seen the Pegasus perform feats that stunned her, and yet, here she was giggling like a schoolfilly on her first date. Would wonders never cease?

Princess Luna shook her head, the motion catching their eyes as they both turned, Marcus asking, “What’s wrong Your Highness?”

Caught in the act, she hemmed and hawed for a moment before fessing up, “Well, it seems Athena is one of the most unique ponies in Equestria, but yet she acts like a little filly when she sees you. I find the difference amusing, I apologize.”

The human’s eyes sparkled with mischief, “Oh really? So she’s just boring and such when awake, but when she’s with me it’s little girl time eh? Well, I’m not sure if that’s right.”

“I’m not boring!” Athena’s face had a look of pique on it.

Luna laughed, knowing where this was going, “Did you know she has quite a sweet tooth? Cupcakes seem to be her favorite food, though there were a few times she’s eaten Bon Bon out of chocolates.”

“That’s not true!” Athena looked shocked.

The dark mare tilted her head, eyebrows raising on her serene face “Oh? Saying your Princess is telling a falsehood?” She tapped a clad hoof on the floor.

Athena blinked, snuggling closer to Marcus as she stuttered, “N..no... I wouldn’t.. It was only one time and they were so good!”

Marcus laughed, it was deep and rich, so full of life, “Well now that’s different, but I suppose it’s so like her.” He turned to look at the Princess, “Is she real in waking life?” He looked at Athena, “Are you?”

She shook her head, “No...no I’m an avatar. It’s a machine that Crusader built, it allows us to be in society, to live and love and make friends!” She smiled, “I’m something else now, it’s wonderful Marcus, there’s magic here and it makes everything so much better.”

The Princess raised a hoof, adding to her explanation, “She is as real as any other. She is one of Our ponies and we treat her as such.” Her eyes turned on the mare sitting next to the tall human, “She is loved, and has many friends who see her as you do now.”

The human nodded, “It must seem like magic then Athena, to be in such a place.”

The Pegasus shook her head, “No Marcus, magic is real, it works here!” She turned serious eyes upward to meet his.

“Magic isn’t real Athena, you and I know..” He was interrupted by Luna.

“No Commander, it is very real, how do you think you were summoned?” She pointed a hoof at her horn, “I cast the spell to bring you here, although you are more real than you should be.” She looked at him with soft eyes, “You are far more than you were last time Commander.”

“I do remember you saying that but I brushed it off, perhaps I was wrong in doing so. My apologies Your Highness.” He nodded his head in a polite bow.

He turned to look down at the sable pony next to him, “Athena, I have to ask, where are you?”

“What? What do you mean?”

“Where are you? What planet? I didn’t ask last time and now I would like to know.”

“I’m...” She looked sorrowful, “I’m on Earth Marcus.”

His face changed for the first time since he’d shown up here, a look of confusion crossed it, “You can’t be, you know Earth Athena, we had no magic just technology.”

She wrapped her leg around his waist, she knew what was coming, “I know Marcus. But we are, it’s Earth, I’m on Earth.” Not this, anything but this.

He tapped fingers on one leg, thinking for a moment before locking eyes with her, “I’m gone aren’t I?”

The large lavender eyes welled with tears, slowly sliding down her cheeks as she stared into his for long, long moments. She didn’t want to do this, to cause hurt or harm to the man she had been wanting to see again. Athena nodded slightly as diamonds dripped off her face to patter on the floor.

His voice was gentle as he kept looking at her, “How long?”

She knew what he meant, she always did, he never had to explain things, “Over a million years Marcus. We’re not sure right now, but it could be much further.” She tightened her hold on him, feeling his body tense for a moment.

“Was my wife...?” He paused a moment, “Was I alone...?”

Athena shook her head, “No. Oh no, she was with you every step of the way. Until the end, she loved you forever Marcus. Until she passed, her love for you outshone the heavens.” Athena’s voice was trembling as she could feel him tighten like he would break in her grip.

“It was the new stasis units, it had to be, they were developing them for you. You survived so long Athena.” A single tear rolled down his face, dropping onto her coat. He looked upwards, as if searching the skies through the roof for something, “Did I do well Athena? Did I make a difference?”

Athena thought long and hard about this, the Final War was in it’s infancy then, skirmishes and short fights far out on the periphery. It wouldn’t culminate until he was centuries in his final rest. He had worked hard to stop it, to find a way it wouldn’t escalate. She didn’t wish to tell him that Earth had been smashed by a Melconian fleet. That there was nothing left, not even his memorial or grave, that Earth as he knew it was gone. She knew this as the attack had come when they were evacuating.

“You did so much good Marcus, you touched each and every Bolo you commanded. People fought for you because you lead them and inspired them. The Concordiat lived longer and better than it could have without you.” She couldn’t hold her voice steady, seeing Princess Luna looking sad as they talked, her eyes glimmering in the firelight.

“They didn’t stop did they?” He knew what she was saying without saying it. He knew, he always did, she could never hide anything from him. He was piecing together the puzzle faster than she’d thought he could.

“No.”

A fist clenched at his side as his whole body trembled. He had tried so hard to stop the border fights, to bring both sides to the table, to encourage talks instead of Hellbore fire. He had given his whole early career trying to make Earth safe. He had fought and had done so brilliantly when pushed. Marcus Canfeld was an officer that men and women would follow to hell, he was a good and honorable man.

But he was just one man, a cog in a machine that had been destined for war, and no one listened when he tried to tell them what the forecasts said. That if it continued, it would doom everything they had known. The slide had already begun, but mankind wasn’t paying attention to the numbers.

He had been laughed at, told the Concordiat would handle these upstart Melconians, shipped off to a Bolo base where he had met Athena and Hera.

His face was still upturned when he whispered the next question, straining Athena’s ears to hear it.

“Do you know if Earth survived at all?”

Athena held him tighter as she answered, “There are no humans here Marcus.”

His voice was still steady, “That’s not what I asked Athena.”

She couldn’t speak loudly, holding him in her fore legs as she answered, “We were an evacuation fleet, Operation Diaspora. We were to go out, reseed humanity elsewhere.” Athena could feel him trembling as she continued, “On embarkation day a Melconian suicide fleet attacked and broke our defenses, from what I can extrapolate from my logs, they burned the Earth Marcus.”

He closed both his eyes, he was so tight Athena though he would snap if she hugged him any harder. His breath was ragged as she watched the tears flow down his cheeks like rain.

The words were so soft, “Perhaps it’s better this way Athena, that we aren’t here, we destroyed everything we touched.”

She scrambled to stand, grabbing his face in her hooves and forcing him to look at her, “That’s not true! It’s not! There were so many wise and wonderful humans, who taught us, who led us and died with us on the battlefield!” She held him steady as he opened his eyes to see hers, “You were one of them, one of the good ones that did so much for so many!”

Part of the wall dissolved as they stood there, a memory coming to the fore.

“Canfeld, Marcus, Bolo Commander, Concordiat Service Number 013687965, reporting for duty.”

A camera view was looking at a much younger human, standing in the security zone of the two Bolos he was to command, waiting for them to process his identification.

“It’s our new...new commander Athena.” Hera’s voice was small, communicating to her sister by whisker laser.

“I kn...know. He won’t hurt us, I kn..know he..he won’t.”

“How can you know, after..after...” She stopped, not wanting to say.

“Be..because he has kind eyes.”

The camera view zoomed in, focusing on eyes that sparkled with a smile underneath.

Athena was insistent, watching the memory, “Don’t you see? You made a difference Marcus. You made a difference to us! To every Bolo, man and woman in that regiment they would have taken worlds with you!”

Her voice softened, “Because you and they were good men and women, who didn’t abuse our trust, who didn’t use us like tools to be discarded.” She couldn’t stop her own tears, seeing the one man in the world she trusted beyond all others crying because he thought he hadn’t stopped a war that was going to happen despite his works..

She leaned her forehead against his, “You fought because you wanted to save lives, not because you were a killer Marcus. We fought for you for that very reason.”

“We fought because......” She couldn’t say it. For all the long years they’d served together, she and Hera had never said it once. But it was understood, they and he knew it was there and never once did it have to be mentioned.

She closed her tearful eyes and whispered something she’d always wanted to say, “We fought because we loved you Marcus.”

Her breath hitched in her chest as she forced the words out, “We... I... loved you Marcus, I always will.”

She felt his arms wrap around her barrel and hug her tight, “I know you did, you and Hera both.” His words were soft in her ear, “You were my ladies of steel and you were wonderful.”

Memories played back as they stood there, like a huge screen that took up the whole wall.

“I want Osterfield shot! Do you hear me?” Marcus’s face showed nothing but rage, “What he did to these Bolo’s is nothing short of perversion. That bastard better face a firing squad!” He was yelling into a computer link up.

“We can’t do that Marcus, he’s too well connected.” A voice on the computer screen answered back.

“I don’t care, I want him gone, as in bullet through his damn head!”

“Marcus, calm down, we’ll take care of this. Return to your duties, Concordiat Bolo Command out.”

The link shut down, leaving a livid Marcus standing in his office. He knew nothing would happen, the knowledge making his gut clench that a travesty of a human would just walk away from all this. He tapped his fingers on the keyboard for a second, before typing in a few commands, “Get me Marine Headquarters, Major Stacey. Secure link authorization Canfeld, Alpha Four One.”

A second of silence, then a deep voice replied, “Marine Command, Stacey.”

“Chris? It’s Marcus.”

“Marcus! You old war dog, been a while! You tell your girls thanks again for saving out butts on Hydra Four, we’d have gotten shot up pretty bad if they hadn’t come along!”

“I will Chris, they love your merry band of murderers.” He laughed, though it was a bit strained. Major Chris Stacey oversaw eight hundred of the deadliest people ever to walk the universe, Augmented Concordiat Marines.

“So what can one old Marine do for you and yours Marcus?”

“I need a favor. We’re on encryption so please listen.” He outlined what Osterfield had done and his request. Stacey’s face turned from astonishment to rage.

“That son of a bitch, you’re sure?” These are your girls right?”

“I’m sure, and it is, it’s...it’s bad Chris, real bad.”

“Marcus, you’ve saved I don’t know how many of us, we all owe you and you know it.”

“You owe me nothing, I’m just asking. Not for me, for them. We could be tried and hung for this, if you say no it’s fine.”

“Not a chance Marcus. He won’t be on Earth for very long. The galaxy is a better place without someone like that.” The voice was incredibly angry sounding.

“Chris, I don’t know how I could ever..”

“You repay nothing, you’re a good man Marcus, a damn fine man. I’ve got a team that can do it, they’ll make sure that bastard never pulls this again.”

The young man hung his head, “Thank you Chris.”

“Anytime Marcus, you give your girls our best from the 5th Marine.”

“I will, and thank you again.”

“You weren’t supposed to know that,” His voice is soft in her ear.

“We hacked the comm system. You killed a man for us Marcus, you risked everything.”

Marcus’ head reared back with a furious look, “He wasn’t a man, much less a Bolo commander. What he did was intolerable!” He let her loose and leaned back, “What he did to you and your sister should have never been thought of much less ignored. Concordiat Command knew what he was like, and they should have shot him on the battlefield!”

He slammed a hard fist into the wall, twisting as he sat, “They were going to let him go back to live on Earth after he got beat up by the other commanders. Too well connected they said. That piece of filth!”

Athena raised a hoof to stop him, but he was in a fury.

“I had to earn your trust, I had to dig deep for months before I found out what he did. That scum shouldn’t have even been in the Bolo Corps, but no, political connections, a family rich enough to buy him out.”

“Marcus, please don’t.” Athena’s voice was pleading.

Another memory appeared on the wall, it wasn’t Athena’s, it was hers and Marcus’. Luna looked surprised as it started showing, at first flickering like a bad film, then firming up, mixing the two. She could feel the flowing of the thoughts from them both.

He walked onto Command One in Athena’s hull, hearing the deafening silence from the Bolo as he cleaned it out of any reminder of their previous commander, tossing it all in the recycle to be burned in the flames of her fusion plant forever. It had been a bad month getting everything prepared, but now he had time to clear this deck.

Dusting his hands off he muttered, “Good riddance!”

He had a monumental task ahead, to earn their trust, to find out what happened to these very special Bolos. He had to find a way to get them to reveal everything so he could help, and heal, to bring them back to fighting form. AI techs had told him, there was no Omega Worm, they didn’t want to take the chance that these AI’s would be wiped out from mistakes like their long ago predecessor Nike.

Looking around once more, he noticed the internal cameras were not pointed at him as they should be.

“Athena?”

A small voice answered him, “Y..yes Commander?”

He tried to hold his calm, what had that idiot Osterfield done?

“Please aim your cameras at me, always watch me when I am on deck, okay?” He was so gentle, softly speaking and never, never raising his voice.

“Ye..yes Commander.” He saw them all swivel to zero on him.

“Is Hera linked up Athena?”

Another small voice, high and sweet replied, “I..I am Commander.”

He smiled, his whole face brightening, “My name is Marcus, you are welcome to call me that if you want.”

“Ye..yes Co.......Marcus.” Both voices answered in unison.

Placing his hands behind his back, he rocked back and forth on his heels, “Now, we have to go into battle, I’m sorry it’s so soon, but they need us.” He pointed a finger in the air, taking a look that was actually funny as he mimicked a British accent.

“And when we go into battle my girls, I want nothing but gratuitous violence from the lot o’ ya!”

He stalked the deck like a British general in World War Two, giving some inane pep speech to his troops as the Bolos watched him through the cameras. His voice gruff as he cleared his throat a lot and harrumphed, making it more comical with his bluster.

“We will go out there with aplomb and much vigor! We shall trounce those blighters like they deserve!” He pointed all around the deck, but never at the cameras, as if talking to people, “We have well supplied stocks of bangers and mash, we shall be fully equipped with the latest arms and ammunition, and we will take those hills from those ruffians like a proper Bolo should!”

“Roight? Roight! So! My lovely girls, afterwards we shall celebrate our victory with a bit of the old champers, wot say eh?” He waggled a finger at the camera now, “And there shall be hors d’oeuvre’s for the taking!” He harrumphed once more, “Officers only of course!”

He waited expectantly as he looked into the video lenses.

The silence stretched for a moment, then the speaker crackled, the two voices burst into giggles that lead to laughter at his comedic figure.

He let a breath out he’d been holding with a quiet sigh. It was a start, a very good start.

Athena couldn’t help herself, she giggled behind her hooves as she remembering the pure shock they both had, watching him walk the deck like he had a swagger stick under his arm and the pompous demeanor of some general who had no clue what he was doing. He charmed them, they began to trust him from that moment on and never regretted it.

But it took so long for them to tell him everything. To show him what had been done.

Princess Luna was hiding a laugh behind a shod hoof as she watched the memory with wide eyes. This pony..this human, doing something like that to earn just a bit of trust. She could understand some, but not all, though it was evident he was being funny on purpose.

Marcus was shaking his head, a rueful grin on his face as he smiled finally, “I had to do something, to prove I wasn’t going to be like..like...that idiot.”

“We knew Marcus, we knew that, but...but it was so hard.”

He turned back around, she could see his body relaxing as he sat down once more, bringing her close and hugging her tight beside him, “I know it, the hardest thing you’d ever done. That’s why I did what I did Athena, because things like that should never, ever be tolerated, no matter who it was.”

“I know Marcus, and we knew what it cost you.”

Another memory came on the screen, a large black human standing by Marcus on the Command deck, smiling and shaking his hand.

“Chris, what are you doing out here? You guys are stationed on Earth for cryin’ out loud!” The two men embraced, slapping each other’s backs, though the larger of the two was very careful, augments had a penchant for breaking bones if they weren’t.

“It was nothing, I’m an officer and I go where I will!” He stepped over and sat in the one other crash chair on the deck, leaning forward and folding his hands. Muscles bunched under the crisp uniform as sharp eyes watched Marcus take his own seat.

Chris Stacey was a Marine of high caliber, his family had all served and he was the latest, deadlier than a two-step snake he was Marcus’ friend. He liked the two Bolos as well, having saved the whole battalion from a gruesome fate.

Marcus eyed him for a moment, “You have something don’t you?”

The bald head nodded quietly.

“Athena, Hera, security procedures, lock us down; internal screens to full, block all incoming and outgoing until further notice.”

“Yes Marcus!” The two voices replied in unison as always.

Chris looked around, “They’re sounding better.”

“They’re my girls Chris, and they’re the best Bolos in the regiment.”

A booming laugh came from the uniformed figure, “You would say that, you’re biased you know!” He pointed a steady finger at the slim figure across from him, “You’d say that even if they were the worst ones in the unit!”

Marcus scratched his head, “Well that’s true, we Bolo Commanders are a prejudiced lot.”

Another laugh from the Marine graced their decks, “And how are you two doing today?” He was looking right at the cameras, thrilling the two Bolos.

“We’re fine Major Stacey!”

“Ah!” He waved a finger, “It’s Chris.”

“Ye..yes Chris.”

Immediately his face turned thoughtful as he remarked to Marcus, “Still?”

“Still. It’s going to take time, but they’re getting there Chris.”

He nodded, still eyeing the cameras, “Well, all of my boys and girls said to tell you hello, they’re sending a few things to you two to hang on your command decks.”

“Thank you Chris!”

“No, thank you, again.” He smiled, waving at the cameras before turning back to Marcus, “Got a comm unit that’s secure?”

“Athena, open up secure screen four.”

“Yes Marcus.” A screen popped up from the console, a scroll of numbers ripping across it showed it was tempest shielded and cut off from outside connections.

Stacey leaned forward, holding a memory stick in his hand, “This is the only one Marcus, this is it. They recorded this so your girls can see and know there won’t be any more like him, the message has been sent.”

“Chris...”

He was stopped by a calloused hand, “Stop it Marcus, they volunteered, you’ll see.” He leaned forward, placing the stick in the port and hitting play.

The big Major looked up at the cameras on the deck, “Athena, Hera, there was a man once who made a quote, no one knows for sure, but it’s attributed to a man named George Orwell."

“People sleep peacefully at night, because there are hard men who stand ready to do violence on their behalf.”

He pointed a finger, “Remember that, not all humans are like your previous commander, we look after our own.”

The two soft voices answered, “Yes Chris.”

They watched the scene unfold, a memory within a memory.

Six men and women stood before Major Chris Stacey in a bunker, secured against any eavesdropping, he had just finished telling them what he had found out from Marcus. The three women and three men looked like they were going to wreck the building.

They were hardened soldiers, each one chiseled as if from stone, their augments giving them power above regular men that they directed in killing their enemies. And now those faces were nothing but rage.

“And that’s it. He asked us and I said yes.” Stacey pointed a finger at each of them, “You know them, they saved us, but this is purely volunteer. Nothing will ever be said if you leave now, but once in, we’re in until the end.”

Chris added off camera, “That’s Hark, Diaz, Salcedo, Tripp, Schmidt, and that huge bastard there is Gremen.”

“I remember them Chris, Hera was absolutely thrilled when Gremen blew her a kiss for saving you guys.” He chuckled, remembering the happy voice when she said he’d done that.

“They call him Goblin cause he’s so ugly, who knew?” They both laughed as the recording played.

“He’s not ugly, he’s kind!”

“I know Hera, he has a gentle soul.”

“He does, he played chess with me while we took them to safety. He said I had a pretty voice.”

“He’s a good person, they all are.”

Hark leaned forward over the desk, planting fists that looked like carved rock, “This is true? What he did?” Her voice was gravelly and low, a side effect of the augmenting process.

“Came directly from Marcus, you know him, he would not make this up, especially when it comes to this.” Stacey was sitting firm.

Standing up, she didn’t even look at the others, “Ya know boss, we got leave time coming up, I think our team could use a break, what say?”

Papers were slapped on the desk, “Approved, see you in a week.”

As one they turned and left the quiet office, nothing further had to be said.

The scene switched, voices coming over commlinks as head cameras captured faces and voices.

Chris off screen said, “They tracked him for three days.”

“Three? How’d they even..”

“Marcus, they could track a snowflake in a blizzard and not be seen.”

“Crazy Horse One to all elements, eyes on target.”

“Crazy Horse Six, I got sights, five hundred meters. Wait one... he’s got some woman on his arm.”

“No innocents, target only, copy?”

“Good copy, no problem, we’ll wait.”

The scene showed a slim man heading into a vehicle with an elegant lady on his arm, she was laughing at some joke he made. He was being watched through a scoped sight, the cross-hair becoming firm on his head, a little above for distance and to the side for windage.

“Poor woman, if she only knew.”

“We do, that’s all we need.”

A deep bass voice came over the link, Gremen, it was menacing and would scare the absolute crap out of anyone in range.

“Treating that nice Hera like that. Boss, we need to make this personal.”

Silence reigned for a few moments, “I like that. Pull back, track him. Crazy Horse One out.”

The cameras switched again, showing the outside of a house as five faces sat in a circle, paint covered them in irregular colors, blending them in with the night and the surrounding foliage. A square face smiled at the single camera now, waving a gloved hand, “Hi Hera!” It was Gremen. He was covered in armor and weapons, his eyes bright in the moonlight.

He was nudged by Salcedo who laughed quietly, “Stop that Goblin, think you were in love or something.” Her voice was chiding him softly.

“Hey, she was nice and had a pretty voice.”

“She’s a Bolo, she outclasses you something awful, geez, aim lower.”

They all got a good laugh as the huge man looked a bit abashed.

A voice behind the camera started talking, “All right, entry is simple; it’s his house, we’ve spotted the guards. Use stun shots on them, we’re here to send a message nothing more. They’ve had enough hours to get complacent. We’ve got one woman, same from earlier, she’s in the house too. Everyone know what to do?”

Heads nodded, weapons were rechecked, magazines seated as they all scattered.

“Crazy Horse One to Crazy Horse elements, eyes on, lights are on in upper floor bedroom.”

“Crazy Horse Four, got him, eyes on, he’s got the woman in the bed...woo...hoo... Wait boss...he’s got a knife!”

“Six, do you have a shot?”

“Negative, no shot, repeat, no shot.”

“Dammit dammit dammit... Entry is green, I repeat entry is green. Go! Go!”

The camera was shaky as the figure wearing it rushed across the grounds at a tremendous pace, the figure carrying it slammed into a wall and peered around as voices started clamoring.

“Tango down, side of house, stunned, out.”

“Tango down outside perimeter, stunned here, out.”

“Entering front door, two tangos, down and out.”

“I got the back, two down, out.”

It was silent and swift, the six marines moving through the house as shots were fired so quietly from their weapons not even the dog woke. They stunned it too.

“One dog, sorry..”

“Awwwww, you big softie.”

“I like dogs!”

A door appeared quickly after the camera ran up the stairs, a booted foot kicking it in.

The light from the room revealed a bloodied woman tied to the bed, a slim figure with his suit jacket off was bending over her with a knife in his hand as the rapid fire shots from their stunners took him down.

“Tripp! Get the woman, check her, patch her up then knock her out, don’t let her see your faces.”

Two figures covered the half crazed woman’s face with a blindfold as they hustled her out behind the camera. The lens looking down at the figure laying on the floor, shot with multiple stun darts.

“Check PIDS, make sure this is him.”

A gloved hand lifted the supine figures’ hand, pressing fingers to a small handheld screen, “It’s him, confirmed, prints and DNA.”

“Good, secure the house. We’re gonna have a little talk.”

“SATSCAN says no one within ten miles, we’re clear boss. Must be nice having a country home eh? Guards are being taken care of, Tripp and Schmidt got em secured. They never saw our faces, never saw us comin’ even, he needs better security I’m thinkin’.”

“Dog?”

“Yeah I left some food for him, he’s fine.”

“Cripes Gremen, c’mon man, secure the dog!”

“Fine! God..you people.”

“Just lock him in a room, make sure you muzzle him. We’ll let him loose after.”

“I know! I know!” The huge form grumbled, walking off camera.

“Let’s wake up our sleeping beauty shall we?” Hark leaned down, she had been the one wearing the camera as she led the team. They had lifted him on the bed and tied his arms and legs together quickly. A gloved hand slapped the bound figures’ face as he lay unconscious, placing an antidote patch on his cheek as she hit him.

“Wakey wakey you piece of crap.” They were talking out loud now, off comms.

“Hey now, be respectful, he’s part of Bolo Command.” Tripps voice was menacing. Her and Schmidt returned from making the poor woman comfortable and secure.

“Not for long,” The hand slapped that face once more, leaving a deep red mark, “Open your eyes, we know you’re awake by your breathing.”

The eyes cracked open, widening in fear as they took in the heavily armed figures, ”Who..who are you... what do you want?” The voice trembled, slurring from the fast acting antidote.

Gremen had come back in, his voice rumbling, “We’re your worst nightmare.” He was stopped by Salcedo, her hand holding him in place.

Hark set the camera on a desk, letting them all be in the scene, she squatted down next to the bed, her voice soft, “We’re here to send a message, that people like you, shouldn’t piss off people like us.”

“What do you..you mean? I haven’t..” A slap rocked his head, Hark was still in place, her arm moving with blinding speed. The crack of flesh meeting armored hand was loud in the room, his cheek split open, bleeding copiously.

“There’s two names, Athena and Hera, remember them?”

“What? Those two Bolos? You’re here because of some stupid Bolos?” The bloody faced cracked a laugh, “Christ, Bolos? Nothing but worthless..”

A huge gloved hand smacked into his chest, ramming the air out of his body as Gremen had gotten loose, standing over the figure as it struggled to breath.

“Those Bolos have more courage in one tread link than you have had in your entire life.” A steady finger pointed like a gun, “Don’t say it again.”

Hark was like a rock, steady as she squatted, “We would like an apology, for your indiscretions.”

“What?” The voice was strained.

“We want you to apologize to them”, She pointed over to the camera, “On film, do it. Now.”

A gurgling laugh came from the former commander, “Oh please..” That was stopped immediately by another slap to an already bruising face.

“Say what now?” Gremen raised a hand as Hark whispered the warning softly.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” The tied hands went up in front of his face, as if he could stop the muscular arm, “I’m sorry!”

The room was silent as Tripp leaned over, eyeing the man, “I don’t think he’s serious boss, how about you?”

“Yeah, that was too easy,” She pointed at Schmidt, “Break his foot.” She clamped a vise-like gloved hand over his mouth to muffle the sounds she knew would come.

Schmidt’s knuckles crackled like gunshots in the room as he formed two fists, flexing them for a moment before moving, he picked up the flailing foot while Salcedo held the leg in place. He took the shoe off first, gripping the sock wearing appendage in his hands, he slowly squeezed using every bit of power in his upgraded muscles to carefully pulverize the bones inside the flesh.

The scream was long and strained as the man struggled. Hark waited until he settled down, sobbing through a fat lipped mouth before releasing her hold. Salcedo just dropped the leg on the bed, watching the foot lay there like a bag of wet oatmeal before grinning viciously at the bound figure. Schmidt was beside her with a matching look, his hands flexing into fists once more.

“Now," Hark was whispering again, “Make it good, or the other one joins it.”

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to do it, I didn’t!” His tears leaked out, running down his face as he pleaded, repeating his apology over and over.

Hark smiled, but it wasn’t one you’d like, it was vicious and cruel, “Better, now one for that poor woman you had in here.”

They waited while more apologies poured out, the pathetic figure saying anything to get them to go away. They were startled when he started mentioning names, other women, other times, apologizing for hurting or even killing them.

All six men and women stood and listened to a litany of pure horror, recording it and asking where he hid any evidence. He gave them anything they wanted. They’d seen some terrible things in their careers, but this putrid waste of flesh was making them all nauseous.

He finally stopped talking, sobbing on the bed as Hark stood back up. Her face was a mask of disgust as she fought for control, “I’m satisfied, you guys?” She saw the nods.

“All right, finish this.” She stepped back from the bed as the figure looked up in fright.

“No! Let me go! You said...”

“I said nothing, we’re here to send a message, that people like you won’t be tolerated. That there is justice even if it is a bit slow.” She looked down at the pitiful form, setting a sanitized note on the dresser. “We can reach you anytime, anywhere, and if anyone ever thinks they can get away with what you did, we’ll come for them too. There’s no escaping us you pus bag.”

She made a sweeping gesture with her arm to the squad, “Do it, I had my shots.”

This team had been together for years, through some of the fiercest fighting on the rim. They had been dropped into hell so many times the real one would be a vacation. They knew how to kill, how to hurt, how to do things no normal person would ever want to know.

It took a long, long time for Osterfield to die.

Stacey switched it off before it showed too much, “You know the rest. They ransacked the house, found the proof he’d been doing this to women for a long time. He was a psychopath Marcus, and his family covered for him. Well they can’t now, everyone knows.” He smiled grimly, “They got away clean, no one will ever know except them, and us.”

“Good god, how did he ever get in the Bolo Corps?” Marcus’s face was looking worn at the revelation.

“I don’t know, political connections, bribes, who knows. But as of now, Bolo Command is collectively losing their damn minds, tightening up everything. That little note Hark left scared the ever-lovin’ crap out of a whole lot of people.”

“Good, if it helps, good.” He looked at the big black man, offering his hand, “I can’t ever thank you enough.”

A hand like durasteel enveloped his and squeezed lightly, “That’s more than enough. You let me know if you ever need help, ever. My marauding bunch of smiley-faced killers are always ready.” He held Marcus’ hand for a second more before letting go, “What will you..” Stopping as he watched Marcus toss the stick into the fusion recycler, to melt in the power plant for reaction mass.

“Athena, Hera?”

“Yes Marcus?”

“Thirty minutes after we leave the deck, delete all records of this conversation, any records of Major Stacey arriving here, and anything else associated with it. Understand ladies?”

“Yes Marcus!”

The two men slowly walked out from the command area, heading for the nearest bar. A gentle hand clapped itself on Marcus’ shoulder as they quietly exited the Bolo’s deck.

Thirty minutes was an eternity for Bolos. He wanted them to know, to ponder, and to understand before removing that information. That when two frightened, scared and alone voices drifted in darkness calling and crying for help, that there would be men and women willing to stand for them.

To know there were people who were willing to risk it all, lay their body and soul on the line, put everything they had in jeopardy to do one thing.

To help those in need, no matter who, or what they were.

Athena kept herself tight against the tall human, holding him in her fore legs as he sat silently. He didn’t say anything for long moments as Princess Luna looked on. She’d seen and understood, although the violence of it all was shocking, she knew humans a bit better now.

“I damned myself with that Athena, no matter why I did it, I damned myself.” His voice was thready in the silent room, “I was angry, and there was nothing else I could think of to do at that moment.”

Her eyes went blurry, she couldn’t help it, “No you didn’t Marcus, you just never forgave yourself. It was one moment in a lifetime of so many good things.” He was honest to a fault and this had almost crushed him with the knowledge that he had had a man assassinated. No matter what he did from then on, he carried it with him like an albatross around his neck. He had told his wife, but she had not judged him, she kept telling him he was a good man up until the day he died.

She moved in front of him, taking his head between her hooves and locking eyes, “Marcus, you knew why, you knew such a thing could not be left alone. You saved so many women, think of who he would have killed or maimed.” She smiled gently, her pretty face lit up, “If you never worried about it, if you never thought of it, we’d wonder if you were just like him. But you weren’t, you couldn’t be, that wasn’t you.”

The sad face nodded slightly, eyes closing tight as he tried to forget that memory.

Athena watched the tears, the haggard look on a handsome face that she knew and loved so very much. She tried to think of anything, anything at all that would soothe his conscience, to save him from himself.

She couldn’t stand seeing him like this as they sat there in a place that should have been warm with laughter and good memories, a reunion of two friends separated by so much time.

Athena kissed him.

She pressed her lips against his, tilting her head slightly and pulling the handsome face to hers. She gave him all the love she carried within her and gave of it freely. A drowning man receiving a breath of air, salving a thirsty soul drinking from a well-spring of love, life, and forgiveness.

Princess Luna politely turned her eyes to the fire, knowing this was a moment that was not hers to observe.

Athena kept her eyes closed, not wanting to see any reaction but just the feeling of his lips upon hers as she gifted him whatever she had to calm the raging guilt, douse the flames that coursed through him of the self-loathing he’d carried for that decision for his entire life.

She gave to him what she’d never been able to do in her long years and had dreamed of for so long. The only thing she’d yearned for but never voiced, never mentioned, never said.

Her lips tingled with magic, the internal fire that was hers leapt in joy as they moved against his. Athena’s heart raced inside her chest, beating fiercely as she tumbled into that one moment of time that she would forever remember as hers. She was lost in a single moment, the clock stopped between ticks, time paused as she held his lips with hers wanting him to know she forgave him forever.

The sable Pegasus leaned into the kiss with a passion and fury that had never been felt by but a few, an embrace that spanned eons of time but condensed into seconds. Something that her entire being was drawn into and buoyed upon a joyful feeling as she spread her wings, wrapping the object of her desire so closely and tight, covering them both in a warmth that would last an eternity.

Pulling her lips away gently, her breath hot, she whispered to him, “That’s the thank you I never had a chance to give. You’re forgiven Marcus, you were always forgiven, now just forgive yourself.”

His arms wrapped around her neck as his face buried itself against her cheek, holding her tight as she kept him wrapped in wings that would protect from harm, keep him from any hurt as long as she could.

“Thank you.” His voice was soft in her ears as she smiled with relief and an overwhelming joy.

He pulled back from her hooves, looking at her with a new found strength in his eyes. Athena settled her wings back into place as a blush came over her cheeks.

“I..I’m sorry I..” Her eyes dropped as she realized the enormity of what she’d done.

“Stop.” Fingers were pressed against her lips, “No more.”

“Yes Marcus.” She leaned back in, hugging him and wishing he could stay forever.

He gently pulled away, wiping at his eyes and smiling once more, she waited for him to say anything, something, or even rebuke her for doing what she’d done. Instead he shook his head and chuckled.

“Marcus?” Her eyes were worried.

“I think we probably just broke a few thousand laws somewhere.” His eyes sparkled with mischief as she slapped her hooves over her mouth, unable to restrain the laugh that came through.

He winked at her, “Let’s not tell my wife all right?”

She couldn’t help it, she laughed. Lost in a fit of giggles at his stupid comment and she just...laughed. She saw Princess Luna politely covering her mouth as well, shaking behind it.

Athena grabbed him in another hug and slapped his shoulder, “You’re so..so...agh!” She kept giggling as he embraced her once again, laughing alongside her and Princess Luna.

“As a Princess of Equestria,” They both turned, seeing the dark mare raising one hoof, “I hereby pardon you for all offenses done in this dream.”

Laughter returned to the warm house, making it comfortable and cozy once more.

After a few moments, she saw him turn to the side, a faraway look in his eyes, “I have to go Athena.”

“But..no! Wait, we still have time!” She held him tight, never wanting to let go. “I haven’t told you of my..my new friend!”

“A new friend?” He looked at her as a picture of a lavender Alicorn appeared on the wall. It showed her laughing, playing games with Athena, or just sitting and talking.

“She’s my friend Marcus, and you’d love her. She’s kind, and warm, and she keeps me out of trouble...well..not all the time.” A blush rose in her cheeks as she tried not to think of the many times...

A picture unbidden comes up of Athena walking into a pole as she’s talking excitedly to Twilight, eliciting a short burst of laughter from Luna and Marcus.

“I see.” He lost the look for a moment as he concentrated on her, “What’s her name?”

“Twilight Sparkle, and she’s a Princess here.” Athena looked at the moving form with pride.

“A beautiful name for a pretty girl.” He lifted her chin to meet his eyes, “Take good care of her, okay?”

“I will! I promise.” She scuffed a hoof on the floor, “Please don’t go Marcus, just a few minutes more? Please?”

“It’s not up to me Athena, something tells me it’s time to go.” His face is serene now, still smiling at her.

“But I don’t want to say goodbye! Not again!” She wiped a hoof across her eyes, looking angry.

He leaned over, wiping her tears with a gentle touch along both cheeks, “Stop that, you know there’s a time for everything Athena. There are no goodbyes, I’ll see you again when you need me.”

“But I always..” She’s hushed by fingers on her lips.

“No, you have a new friend that means something to you, look to her and take care of her. I’ll be here, you know that.” His voice was warming her to the core as he cupped her cheek, giving her forehead a light touch with his lips before he stood up.

She stood with him, standing on her back legs and hugging him tight, “I’ll always need you Marcus.”

“No you won’t Athena, you and I know that. But if you do, I’ll be here. I promise.” Marcus never once broke any promise he made to her and Hera, ever.

“O..okay.” She dropped back down on four hooves, looking up at him, “Just..just remember me okay?”

“There’s no way I can forget you, but it’s time to go. I’ll see you again.” He waved to Luna, turning quickly and walking out through the wall of the little house which turned to a fog, surrounding him as he disappeared from sight.

Athena watched until she could no longer see him, wiping her eyes every few seconds before sighing, turning to see the Princess standing beside her.

“He’s right Athena, I have a feeling he’ll be here when you need him.” She touched Athena’s head with the tip of her wing, “Go to a deeper sleep now, dreams are fine but you’ve been through quite a lot here tonight. Sleep and be at peace.”

Athena felt herself lay on a pillow, a hoof helping her to lie her head on another as a deep rest overtook the dream body; filtering to herself in the world, leaving her to dream now of meadows and clouds, of wings in flight.

Seeing the scenery change already, she prepared to leave before Athena awoke into this new place. Princess Luna looked at the smiling face, the cheeks wet with tears. Such passion and fire that wants so little, yet gives so much. “Dream sweet my pony.”

Athena sat on the train, taking the time to think of the previous night. She looked out the window as the machine roared along the tracks, heading for Canterlot. Her face was merry as she sat on the comfortable seat..

She had awoken with a resolve, a need, no..a want to do this. In a life of so many memories, this was one thing she could do. She had contacted the Princesses and received immediate permission for her suggestion, they were kind and so very warm about it, understanding without questioning.

Her smiling face caught the wind as the train pulled into Canterlot station. Some things you had to do, even if no one else understood. Marcus said stand tall, look a person...pony in the eyes, she did today and would try harder each day after.

Athena rented a cart, loading her package into it as she set off at a quick pace, arriving soon where the Princesses had told her, the two giving directions to the location when she had told them of her specific needs.

She wound her way into the gardens, looking for the alcove they said would be there. Finding it, she un-harnessed herself, lifting the cloth covered item out of the back and moving it into place. It took a few minutes, she made sure it was just perfect before removing the satin covering.

It shone like she wanted it to, soaking the sun up and drinking of it’s rays to give it a luster and prominence, as it should be.

It was a hollow block of pure durasteel, beveled and rounded so there were no sharp edges, done in a soft manner. It was burnished to a high gleam, which would reflect the light of the moon or the sun at any time, so it would catch the eyes. The alloy it was made of should last a long, long time.

She saw that flowering plants had been left as she had requested, letting her look at the shining metal while she slowly planted them around it, making sure each and every one was in it’s special place.

A picture was laser engraved on the top of the angled face, a cartoon horse with it’s tongue sticking out in a raspberry and crossed eyes. She chuckled, remembering when she first saw it.

Below it, an inscription in Equestrian, all of it was in the native language, to better give it a new life and meaning.

5th Marine Raiders - Team Two

“Crazy Horse”

Master Gunnery Sgt. Katherine Hark

Master Sgt. Michael Schmidt

Gunnery Sgt. Linda Salcedo

Gunnery Sgt. Anthony Diaz

Staff Sgt. Misty Tripp

Staff Sgt. Gunter ‘Goblin’ Gremen

They helped others to stand,

and stood for those who couldn’t.

“Semper Fidelis”

A gentle voice asked from beside her, “What is that language at the bottom?”

She turned to see Celestia and Luna standing quietly on either side of her, she couldn’t imagine how they’d gotten so close without her hearing them. Celestia had the smile she always wore on her face, the sun itself in pony form. Princess Luna looked on curiously, she was smiling gently as well, remembering last night.

“It..it’s called Latin Your Highness, it was old when we were still fighting. It says ‘Semper Fidelis’ meaning always faithful, or always loyal.” She rubbed one hoof along another, “I’m afraid it didn’t quite translate to Equestrian very well.”

Athena moved more flowers into place, surrounding the simple block with color and scents, making sure each one had a place to grow and bloom while letting anypony see the names.The royal diarchs stood quietly as she made sure each item was perfect, tamping the dirt down around the beautiful plants.

Princess Luna’s voice was soft as she asked, “Why did you not put Marcus’ name on there, or his wife?”

Athena smiled, touching the block with a hoof as she turned to look at the two Alicorns, “Because I’m their memorial. As long as I live, I’ll be a testament to them and all the good they did.”

She stopped for a moment, silent for just that right amount of space, “Time carries away the deeds of conquerors and commoners alike. All that we were, all that remains, is in the memories of those who cared we came this way for a brief moment.”

“Marcus said there are no goodbyes.” She leaned down, pressing her cheek against the sun-warmed block, closing her eyes and hearing laughter from rough voices once more. She saw their faces again, looking up at her camera, filthy from the battlefield and smiling after being rescued that first time. They were hugging each other tight, slapping backs and shoulders, the group of them giving a thumbs up to her and Hera.

“Rest well my friends.”

The drop craft slewed sideways as it avoided a burst of Anti-Aircraft fire from below, the six heavily armored Marines inside howled in delight as they got bounced around. Typical drop, right into the fire, a usual day for Team Two.

A massive form raised a small screen in a large armored hand and yelled out, “Hey Guns! They’re down there waiting for us! Marcus says it’s gettin’ good down there!” His voice was loud on the internal communications they all wore.

Hark grinned, “Can’t wait to see your girlfriend again?”

Gremen blushed under his faceplate, “Aww..it ain’t like that Guns, she’s nice.”

Schmidt hit the large form on the shoulder, “You been passing messages back and forth, whaddya mean it ain’t like that?” He clutched Gremen’s oversized arm with both of his, leaning a helmeted head on the larger man’s shoulder, “Oh Goblin, you big strong guy you!” He ducked with a laugh as the big Marine swiped at him to chuckles all around.

Tripp looked at Salcedo and Hark, “Hey, think a hundred years from now the Bolos might remember us?”

The shorter Marine shrugged, “Dunno Tripp, hopefully huh?” Salcedo grinned though, “It’d sure be nice!”

Hark was more thoughtful, “Beats me, a century from now we probably won’t even be a blip on their radar, they live a long time so probably not.”

Diaz laughed, “At least we made a difference huh? That’s all that matters, and having a couple of Bolos at your back ain’t gonna hurt either!” Fists were bumped all around.

Hark’s voice was low, but loud enough to be heard over the bangs and slashes of plasma fire outside, “You’re damn right about that. We may not be here long Marines but we did make a difference, at least to three people who were worth it!” She laughed, her face merry, “You know line troops like us, we’re just a drop in the bucket, ain’t no one gonna remember us a thousand years from now. But we did right by them, I think that’s good enough!”

Every helmeted head nodded, knowing what she was talking about.

Heated air blazed along the front of the drop craft as they shot through the atmosphere, knowing that down there were two Bolos and their commander who would fight alongside them. The battlefield was along a continental front, and was becoming vicious against the Kour-ti rebels, but that was okay.

Looking at each other, the smiles broke out once more, they did what they did and no regrets. Their friends were waiting for them down below, a song of battle in their hearts as they prepared to face an enemy once more.

But Hark was wrong, a million plus years in the distant future a sable Pegasus lay her face on the sun warmed monument remembering those brave faces once more.

A Princess And Her Secrets.

“So, what exactly is this again?” Applejack is looking at the plate whereupon I have served her some food from mine and Athena’s stasis stores. The Command deck is quiet as her and I, Twilight and Athena share a meal, Athena wanting to pull items from our storage areas they haven’t tried yet. So much is unused, so I thought it was quite the good idea.

Athena points, “That is a spaghetti dish, with a tomato and garlic sauce. “ She moves to another plate, “That one is called lasagna, layered with vegetables and spices.” Another plate, “This is really special, called a Szechuan Noodle dish, be careful ‘cause it’s really hot!” She makes sure the platters are within reach of everypony.

Twilight looks at the bowl, “Sech-wan?”

“A nation called China on old Earth made this, their cuisine was called fragrant and spicy, it’s very good.” Athena and I having sampled everything before serving anything.

Athena grins, bringing out one more item, “And for dessert we have what’s called Tiramisu!” Setting it on the table, the coffee-flavored item is looking quite good having only been made a million years ago.

“You..you have all this in storage?” Applejack’s face is one of amazement, Athena and I still learning cooking, but we have literally tons of prepackaged meals stored in our hulls.

“We do, they were for the colony we were to establish until they started making their own food.” I look at Athena, seeing her smile as she brings out the last item, something she wanted to do as a little joke.

Twilight’s nose twitches as she catches a smell unlike any other, “Oh..wow..what is that?”

A platter of warm, fresh buns is brought out, in between each half of the sliced buns is a patty dripping with cheese and pickles, mushrooms and onions. Both Applejack and Twilight are almost drooling as the smell permeates the room.

“Want to try one first?” Athena offers them a hot sandwich.

“Sure!”

“You bet!”

I hadn’t wished to do this, but Athena is adamant in her little prank, I do want to see the reaction on their faces though. So I sit quietly and serve the rest of the meal while the two mares dig into the sandwiches, tearing into them with gusto as their faces light up, chewing thoughtfully and enjoying each bite they take until the items are gone.

Twilight looks like she’s in heaven, along with Applejack as they scour their plates, grabbing another as Athena and I watch.

“Athena this is not going to end well.”

“Oh stop, it’ll be fine.”

“It is your joke, up to you.”

“A minute more.”

“Oh mah gosh! I’ve never tasted anythin’ like this!” Applejack is licking a piece of melted cheese off her lips, “What IS it?”

Twilight is stuffing her face and nodding along with the Earth Pony, her voice muffled, “Yeah, what is it?”

I look at Athena, waiting for the answer.

“It’s called a hamburger, humans ate them all the time.” She smiles warmly, watching the two.

“Hamburger?” Twilight is trying to parse the word in her mind.

“Yes. Humans took cows, ground them up into patties and made them into hamburgers.” She shrugs, “To put it simply.”

“Cows, you mean like Daisy Jo right?” Applejack has stopped chewing and is looking at both Athena and I suspiciously.

“Yep, exactly that.” She nods to the half eaten sandwich.

Twilight has it immediately, dropping her food on the plate and turning a bit green in the gills, “You...you mean this was..a..a..”

“Former cow, yes, good huh?” Athena is eating her own now, chewing it with exaggerated glee, “I’m not sure what it’s name was though.” She smiles at the two ponies who are now looking ill.

I admit seeing the looks on their faces makes me chuckle inside, but as green as Twilight is turning, it’s going to be a bad reaction, “Hold on, it is not cow meat.” I believe it’s gone far enough.

“But...”Applejack is wiping at her tongue right now, after spitting out her mouthful of food, “But she said..!” I’ve never seen that shade of green before, it’s not a healthy one that’s for sure.

“It’s not meat. Human kind were omnivores yes, but in later years they had switched to a vegetable called a soybean, making things out of them that passed for such.” I point at the sandwiches, “They are all vegetable products, I promise you.”

Twilight’s hoof was over her mouth as she started to sway before my explanation, “You..ohgosh.. You mean it’s not..not..a..”

“No it was not a cow, ever.”

Athena is no good holding it in as she laughs, seeing their expressions and dropping her own meal, she stamps a hoof on the floor of the command area and howls in laughter, pointing at the two ponies who are recovering slowly.

“Oh that was SO good! I even got pictures!” She wipes a tear away from her eye.

She is immediately glared at, I am as well but I make sure to point at Athena, letting them know it was her idea.

The Pegasus leans over the table, “I got you! I got you both so good!” She points a shaking hoof and laughs.

Twilight’s face goes dark for a moment, Athena finds herself lifted in a glow of magic and is nose to nose with an angry looking Twilight, “That was NOT funny!”

Athena can’t help it, she’s giggling furiously, “I’m..no I’m not, I’m not sorry! That was hilarious!” She cringes a bit as she’s lifted up, then dropped on the floor.

“That was horrible!” Twilight points a hoof, “You should be ashamed for fooling us like that!” She sets for a moment, seeing Applejack snickering behind a hoof, “Not you!”

“Oh ah admit, I was feeling purty sick to mah stomach there for a while thinking some poor cow, but ya gotta admit, it was a good prank.” She’s still tinged a shade of green, but it’s fading fast.

“But that was awful! Thinking we were eating somepony!..Er..cow..something!” She stops for a second, looking around before saying in a low voice, “Sure tasted good didn’t it?”

“Well now we know it ain’t anypony we knew! Yeah!” Applejack rubs her stomach, “Oh stars, I almost barfed up mah breakfast there for a moment.”

I give them both stomach medication, it calms the upset immediately, letting them enjoy the rest of the meal. They even try the burgers again, exclaiming how good they are. It’s not meat per se, but the thought of eating another sentient being that upset them, quite the dichotomy. Of course when Athena and I served cows didn’t talk, and there are races here that are carnivores.

“When food was scarce, humans learned to take this soybean and make it into many different things. The taste, the composition, everything, is exactly like a real one, except it is all vegetable. Nanotechnology and gene sequencing did wonders.”

Twilight slurps down a few noodles, her face going red as the spices hit her, “Whoa!” Fanning her mouth she asks, “So you got everything like a real one, but nopony..er..cow was..was..” The meal is calmer, now that Athena’s little prank was over.

“Correct. Just the taste and nutrition.”

Applejack chews on some lasagna for a moment, her eyes lighting up. I am not sure I like what I see in them.

“Ya know Twilight, it was a pretty good prank.” She smiles at her friend.

“Yes, soon as I got over the sensation of wanting to..yeah..anyways..” She stops, looking at Applejack in return, both of them getting large smiles on their faces once more.

We’re going to regret this.

“So...what is this again?” Rainbow Dash is eyeing the sandwich, her nose is twitching as the smell is almost making her drool. She’s hovering near the table I had set up outside the command deck on the grassy hill.

I was the designated server, Applejack, Athena and Twilight all eating another thick burger with all the fixing’s so Rainbow wouldn’t get suspicious.

“It’s a burger Rainbow, it’s really good!” Twilight takes a huge bite, savoring it slowly. “Tons better than a hayburger!” She’s right, her and Applejack both remarked on that earlier.

“Well it smells great!” She plops down on the grass, grabbing a plate and biting into a burger quickly. Her face lights up at the melted cheese and onions on it, the smoky flavor, the sauteed mushrooms. Prepackaged meals had everything included, minimal cooking with lots of flavor and vitamins.

“Oh....my...gosh!” She blinks, gobbling through the sandwich and grabbing another one. “This is so good!”

Twilight leans near Rainbow as the cyan mare chomps away, “You want to know a secret Rainbow? About Princesses?”

“Huh? Sure!” She leans in, Applejack and Athena joining them.

“Well, when you become a Princess, you change. Not just wings, but..other...things..” She nods to Athena, Applejack and myself, “They know, we’ve discussed it, and I figure it’s time to let all my friends in on it.” She smiles, licking her lips clear of cheese, “Applejack knows now, and she likes it, don’t you Applejack?”

“Oh you bet! Best secret ever!” She grins and winks at the rainbow maned Pegasus.

Rainbow is always one for knowing, she has to know, MUST know! “So, what is it?” She’s working into a third one, her face peering at Twilight as she waits for her to tell the big secret.

“Well, you get to eat different things, not just vegetables and sweets, but lots of other different things.” She nods to Applejack, “She knows, and she agrees.”

“You bet,” The Earth pony nods, eating her own burger, “Well ya know ol’ Maisy was gettin’ a mite old, she passed on ya know.”

Rainbow looked sad, “Oh I’m sorry to hear that, she was a nice cow.”

“Oh she was Rainbow, she’s even better now!” Twilight winks at her friend, taking a slow bite of her sandwich, “Applejack likes her too, even more.”

Rainbow’s not quick sometimes, but she does get things. She eyes everypony eating a sandwich, then her own as she gulps loudly, “Wh..wh...what?” She cringes a bit from the staring eyes around the table, her face drooping in dismay as realization dawns ever so slowly.

“I told you, Princesses eat more than just veggies and sweets..lots of things. They all develop different tastes, like mine is this.” Twilight grins a bit maniacally, “I got Applejack liking it, now you too, isn’t Maisy great?”

Applejack matches the grin, “You’ll love it Rainbow, it’s our own little secret with Twilight.”

“Bu..but...wait a second...” She looks at all of us, then at Athena, “But..you wouldn’t..I..”

Athena nods, “Twilight told me what she needed, so I helped, we can process..” She leaned in close with a grin, “..anything. So when she told me what she wanted, I was more than happy, why waste a good cow?”

The burger is dropped on the table as Rainbow turns green, “But..you.. Oh....my...gosh....” She looks like she’s about to heave everything, slapping a hoof over her mouth.

In all truth, I’ve never watched someone or somepony, pass out so fast. Rainbow dropped like a bag of wet leaves, eyes rolling back in her head as she tips over.

Athena caught her as she went limp, racing around the table as Twilight and Applejack looked on with some concern. We knew she was okay by her vital signs and told them so, but she was definitely out for the count for a few moments until we slapped a medpak on her, waiting for it to restore her chemical balances.

Her eyes flickered open, seeing all of us standing around as she screamed in horror, trying to get away but was held in place by Athena so she wouldn’t go telling anypony before the joke was revealed.

“Get away! Oh my gosh! Poor Maisy!” She pointed a shaking hoof at everyone, “Lemme go! Lemme go!” She turned green, thinking of the burgers she had already eaten as Twilight and Applejack started laughing so hard they rolled on the ground.

“It’s not funny! You ATE MAISY!” She’s looking at Athena, trying to get out of her hooves and scrabbling against the dirt.

Athena’s voice was low as she tried not to laugh, “Rainbow it’s not real, Maisy is fine, Applejack said she’s away visiting family. Stop struggling.”

“What?” She looked at the Alicorn and farm mare laughing their tails off, wiping tears from their eyes. “What? Wait..you mean..but..what?”

Applejack was still laughing as she slapped Rainbow’s shoulder with a hoof, “Oh Celestia that was the best thing ever, you faintin’ dead away like that thinking Twilight ate some poor cow!”

The cyan pegasus’ voice was shaky as she looked around, “You mean..it wasn’t..Maisy?” She saw everypony shaking their heads, “And..and it wasn’t..her on the buns?” Once more a round of no’s.

Athena let her go as she sat on the ground, shivering a bit before pointing a hoof angrily, “You guys are horrible!” This of course set off another round of laughter as she glared at all her friends, “That was awful! How could you!”

Twilight leaned in with a tearful grin, wiping her eyes, “Just getting you back for all the pranks there Rainbow, you done been got as Applejack would say!”

Once again, the stomach medication was given, as well as a lengthy explanation as they made sure Rainbow knew it was only a joke. She was still grumpy at all of us, but even I laughed. It’s bad to admit, but it was a very good prank.

“Oh gosh, that was so funny! I’ve never seen you faint Rainbow!” Athena’s face was merry, still giggling from the joke.

“You guys are still awful!” Rainbow’s face was dark like Twilight’s had been, “That was..that was bad!”

“But it was SO good!” Twilight was heaving so hard her sides hurt as she clutched her legs around her barrel.

“I didn’t faint anyways! I..I was just nauseous! Yeah. Don’t you tell anypony!” She was reassured by Applejack.

“Sure ya didn’t sugarcube, we know yer still awesome.” The orange mare was still giggling up a storm. Athena had recorded everything, but would tell them later.

Rainbow grumped for a few moments more before curiosity got the better of her, “So that’s not...I mean it’s not...” She pointed at the remaining food.

“No Rainbow, it’s a plant called a soybean.” I explain once more now that she’s calmed down.

“But it tasted so good..how..” She’s puzzled now, trying to figure out how a plant could taste that way.

“Flavorings and added things, all natural, with some help from technology. We can make anything from the soybean powder stored in our hulls when we run out of prepackaged meals.” I smile at her, checking her vitals once more over the link, making sure she’s not going to pass out again.

“You guys are bad.” But she’s cracking a smile, knowing a good prank when she sees one. “But you know..” She grins, looking at Athena, Twilight and Applejack who are all looking back at her with the same expression.

Except me, “No, no this will not be good.”

Twilight waves a hoof, “Don’t worry about it, we got this.”

Famous last words.

The bell tinkled as the door opened on Carousel Boutique, the trampling of hooves presaged a few ponies entering.

“Be out in a second!” The lovely voice rang out.

“Rarity! Hey we brought lunch!” Rainbow was trying not to snicker as we all stood in the main room. I was against this, I made it known, but peer pressure is an awful thing.

“Oh goodness! Just in time too, I was starving and couldn’t get away for something to eat, what are we having?” She trots out from the back room, holding a few bolts of cloth in her magic, stuffing them away with a smile, “I hope something good?”

I am hauling the serving tray, being told to keep my mouth shut or dire consequences would occur should I spoil the prank. Bunch of bullies, I tell you. It keeps the meals hot by a twist of stasis, the burgers are still popping and sizzling as if just off the grill, once again the smell wafts around.

“Oh my stars! What is that delicious aroma?" She peeks into the tray, seeing the burgers hot and fresh.

Twilight smiles, “A new type of burger Rarity, you’ll like them!” She grabs another off the tray with her magic, taking a bite. Even though it is a prank, the ones in on it still love the taste of them.

“I’m not sure, they look quite fattening.” She’s rubbing her chin with a hoof, looking at me. I have of course been warned not to say anything.

“Doncha worry Rarity, they’re good!” Applejack is enjoying another as well, where they’re putting it all I have no idea. Even Rainbow Dash is munching through another.

“Well, I’m sure a few bites wouldn’t hurt,” She picks one up with a glow of her horn, taking a dainty bite.” She chews for a moment before her face lights up, taking another bigger bite this time, “Oh my goodness! What is this? This is delicious!”

Hook, line, sinker.

“It’s called a burger Rares,” Applejack is setting at a small table where everypony else joins her. Rarity summons some tea as they all pile into the lunch. I’ve never seen Rarity eat so fast before, usually she’s quite fastidious.

“Stars! This is something that even Canterlot shops don’t have!” She is peeking under the bun, seeing the melted cheese, onions and mushrooms, the pickles and patty.

Twilight grins slyly, “Well glad you enjoy it, thought you might like something different.”

“Well it certainly is, oh my!” She dabs a cloth on her chin, catching some cheese. “These are wonderful!”

Small talk ensues, Twilight waiting for the right time to do her thing.

“Well, since we’re all here Rarity, how about I let you in on a secret?” Twilight smiles warmly, leaning in close.

“What secret would that be dear?” The Unicorn is sipping tea between bites.

“Well, Princesses have been around for a long time, they’ve got a few secrets.” She motions to Applejack and Rainbow who are enjoying their meal still, “I let them in on it, and we figured you might want to know as well. Who knows, maybe all of us will be Princesses together one day!”

“Oh what a dream Twilight, to have all of us together forever.” She smiles, “But what is this mysterious secret?” She’s curious, Twilight’s got her dangling.

“Well, when I ascended, I found out Princesses change in so many ways.” She takes a bite, chewing thoughtfully for a moment, “And when I shared it with Applejack and Rainbow, they really liked it once they knew too.”

Applejack cuts in, this seems so practiced by now.

“Oh, Rarity, sorry to interrupt, ya know old Maisy passed on, she was gettin’ on in years.” Applejack’s hat came off in a hoof, holding it to her chest.

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry Applejack.”

Twilight grinned, “But it is a fortuitous though. See, Princesses eat a lot of different things.” She watched Rarity nod, “Not just the normal stuff, but, well, as a Princess I just couldn’t let a cow go to waste.” She took another bite of her sandwich, nodding to Athena.

“Yep,” The sable Pegasus agreed, “She came to us and we can pretty much do anything, so Maisy wouldn’t just get ..oh.. put away, seemed a shame. But since Twilight has different tastes now, it all worked out.”

“Different tastes? From being a Princess?” Rarity’s tea cup settled on the table as she chewed slower, “So becoming a Princess you like..different...foods?” It was slowly dawning.

The Alicorn nodded happily, “Oh yes! I even got Rainbow and Applejack in on it, they love it. Our little secret, and now yours too Rarity!” She looked oddly at her Unicorn friend, as the Princess of Friendship grew a horrifying grin on her face, “It doesn’t take long, but you’ll see, like AJ and Rainbow did.” She looked at the two mares who nodded enthusiastically. “All the Princesses have special tastes, and this one is mine.”

“Our little...secret...” She looked down at her lunch, setting it on the plate as well. Her face was a confusing mix of emotions as she finally realized what Twilight was talking about.

“You...didn’t.. No, surely you couldn’t have? Not Maisy..This is all some joke..” She looked at the smiling faces, they had practiced the looks, it was even scarier than before.

Rainbow leaned forward and whispered with a creepy smirk, “Don’t worry Rarity, we’ve got a lot more cows.”

Her mouth dropped open slightly as the Unicorn stared at her friends, then lowered her eyes to the food on her plate, then back up as she took in a breath, realizing suddenly what they were all talking about.

The scream could be heard across town.

Fainting followed directly after as she fell flat on the floor, out like a light even faster than Rainbow Dash. The cyan mare laughing like a hyena as we made sure the Unicorn was fine, slapping a medpak on her and waiting for the inevitable..

That scream was even louder actually.

Athena and I calmed her down, all the others assuring her it was just a prank. The explanations took quite some time before she believed us. Settling back down, we all sat around the small table as Rarity’s face went from anger to curiosity as did Rainbow’s previously. We were lucky, she’s quite the fighter and I was worried about wrecking the shop.

“Wow, I didn’t know you had that kind of voice Rarity!’ Rainbow is tapping her ear, trying to hear again.

“Well! Telling somepony that! What did you expect!” She huffs, looking at all of us in a pique of anger.

“Worth it, so worth it, the look on your face was priceless!” Twilight is mirthful again.

“That was not very nice, you are all horrible ponies!”

Applejack is snickering behind her hoof, leaning on the table, “I thought you were gonna run out and call the guard!” She chuckles, “But nope, fell right over!”

“You could hardly expect anything else!” The white Unicorn is fluffing her mane back in place, “Such a rotten thing to tell somepony, that Twilight eats cows, and ones we know at that!” She points a hooficured hoof at us all, “You should all be ashamed!”

Rainbow chortles in delight, “But you gotta admit, we got you!”

“I will admit no such thing!” She turns her nose up, huffing once again in disgust.

Applejack shrugs, turning back to her meal, “They sure are good for bein’ a plant though.” She turns to Athena and I, “Can we grow these soybeans? Ya got seeds?”

“We do Applejack, they grow quickly as well, bred and modified for any climate.” Athena and I both watch as her face goes thoughtful.

“Well if you can make stuff out of them, it sure would be a good business.” This gets Rarity’s attention, being a businessmare and always looking for opportunities.

“Perhaps we can sell a few items through the shop here? Some snacks maybe?” She smiles widely.

“Hold on there mare, I thought of it first!” Applejack points an accusing hoof.

“Well I’d think maybe it would be a good way to pay back for such a terrible prank.” She glares at Applejack.

“It wasn’t terrible, it was hilarious!” Rainbow cackles, “Wow, you were out like a light!” Twilight gives her a hoofslap as they both laugh.

“I should say so! Telling me I’m...I’m...” Rarity is still a bit miffed.

“Now hang on there Rares, we’ll talk about it later.” Applejack is begrudgingly giving her a chance.

Rarity loses her anger for the moment, “Why thank you dear Applejack.” She taps a hoof on her chin, “You know, there is one prankster who hasn’t received the benefit of your little joke.” She grins, receiving more in return.

“I really don’t think this is a good idea.” I am glared at for interrupting their scheming. Is it okay for a Bolo to cringe?

The five mares tell me to retrieve more from supplies as they rearrange the Boutique, Rarity letting it be used for the joke as they invite Pinkie over for some food. I am still against this, Pinkie is unpredictable and very quick, we may not be able to stop her from doing something unintended.

A tech spider is a quick delivery as I set the serving tray down, awaiting Pinkie to arrive, I ponder if I can move fast enough to prevent her from doing something out of the ordinary. At the very least I can be designated medic in case of another fainting.

I still think this will not end well.

“What IS this?” The pink mare asks around a mouthful of food, chewing happily.

“It’s new form of burger dear Pinkie, do you like it?” Rarity is even enjoying another. Amazing how ponies recover from a shock, though I think being Elements has given them abilities beyond others in this respect. Evidence has proven it so far but I am still collating the data beyond the magic part.

“It’s great! Wow, we could sell these all over!” She’s munching through a second one already, taking her time which is unusual for Pinkie.

“Well, dear, Twilight has a little secret to tell you.” The looks on their faces tell me it’s time for the game to begin, I really am hoping this doesn’t turn into something else, but based on previous experience, there’s a high probability this is going to go horribly wrong.

I watch as the scene plays out, though Pinkie is not stupid, it does take her longer than the others to finally get it as the five mares look at her in their best evil manner.

“But..but... you Twilight??” She watches the others nod.

“Now you get to be a part of it Pinkie, you’ll learn to like it I’m sure.” Rainbow Dash is snickering.

The sandwich is dropped on the plate as she inhales in a gasp, looking a bit green, there’s that shade again. She scrabbles back from the table before Athena can grab her and points at all of us.

“But..but..that’s just wrong! We all knew Maisy!” Pinkie inhales sharply and points a hoof at Twilight, “You’ve gone Nightmare Moon!” She zooms for the door as I try to stop her, tell her it’s a joke. She’s evasive and manages to get out of the shop, IFF tracking is showing her moving at incredible speeds towards the Forest..Fluttershy’s house!

All eyes are turned toward the door, never seeing Pinkie moving that fast before as worried looks crossed their faces.

“Oh this isn’t good.” Twilight is the mistress of understatement right now.

“She’s heading for Fluttershy’s, we need to stop her.” Athena is tracking her along with myself, drones are scanning the area right now.

“She’s not listening to her link, you’ve really ..wait..she’s arrived. Get to Fluttershy’s now!” I am not happy with this as Rainbow slams out the front door, Twilight is performing a teleport, the rest of us are running hell bent for leather.

“Oh crud! She’s dropped off the net, do an emergency link!”

“I tried, she’s taken it off. Vitals have gone flat, Fluttershy’s is down as well.”

“Keep drones on the house, scan for movement, we’ve got to get her!”

“Oh that can’t possibly be right Pinkie, Twilight would never do that.” Fluttershy is staring at her out of breath friend who’d just finished telling her what had happened. Pinkie had stripped off the jewelry Fluttershy liked to wear after Crusader had given it to her, throwing it out the window.

“It’s true! They even looked at me all evil and stuff! If it’s not true, where’s Maisy?” Fluttershy cringes from the excited mare.

“We-lll.... I haven’t seen her in a few days..”

“See? They ate her! They told me!” She grabs the cowering Pegasus in a hug, “I’m telling you, we gotta tell somepony before Evil Twilight takes over!” Her face turns nervous, “She already got Rarity, and Dashie and Applejack in on it, and Athena and Crusader too!”

“Maybe...maybe we should just ask them? They are our friends.” Fluttershy’s face is concerned for Pinkie, she’s still having trouble believing Twilight could be so..so...wow.

“No!” Pinkie’s face is determined, “I’m telling you we’ve got to get out of here! We gotta inform somepony, tell the guards!”

“I’m sure Princess Celestia would..”

“THAT’S IT!” Pinkie screamed, her eyes wide, “We’ll go to the Princesses and tell them Twilight’s turned evil!” Her voice loud enough to blow Fluttershy’s mane backwards off her face.

The pink mare grabbed her friend, saving her from a doom of epic proportions, and zipped off into the afternoon sun.

“Got her! She’s with Fluttershy and she’s moving fast!”

“Where?”

“Extrapolating now, one sec.. She’s headed for..oh crud the train station I think..it’s hard to tell with Pinkie.”

“We’ve got to stop her, by the timetables it’s the next one to the capitol, we’ll lose her in Canterlot. Notify everyone else, head her off at the train station.”

“Done. Should we block the train?”

“Pinkie’s paranoid enough, we know where she’s headed, we’ll just ask around.”

“Got it, moving now!”

Twilight slipped into the train station after teleporting nearby, she’d checked Fluttershy’s house and they were both gone. Thank goodness for links, she was told about the train and zapped over here as quickly as she could, seeing Rainbow already hovering above the engine, looking around for Pinkie.

“ ‘Scuse me,” She politely asked the deep blue ticket seller, “Did you see a pink mare and a yellow one today?”

“Oh sure, they just bought two tickets to Canterlot, boarded the train a minute ago.” He motioned with a hoof, “It’s leaving in a few minutes, so if you want on ya gotta hurry up!” He smiled.

She motioned in the negative and hit her link, whispering, “They’re on the train, but I don’t see them.”

“Scanning now,” Athena’s voice replied in her ear, “Dangit, can’t pick out anything individually, the train’s crowded and I don’t have anything to look for biometrics.”

“End of day as well, thermals are useless, we need to go onboard and physically look for her.” I add into the conversation.

“Oh that’s just great, “Applejack’s voice comes over the net, “We’re gonna look like it’s really true with all of us searchin’ for her.”

“Can’t be helped, we need to find her and explain it was just a prank. Of all the times she goes weird.” Twilight’s voice is exasperated.

“You did tell her we were all eating a cow.”

Rainbow’s voice snickers over the link, “Gotta admit, pretty funny.”

“Obviously not,” Rarity’s voice is heard, “She took off faster than I’d ever seen. I didn’t know she could do that.”

“Boarding the train now,” Athena again, “Yeah she was pretty quick.”

“Augh, just find her so we can explain. If she gets to Canterlot, this is going to be a mess!” Twilight’s voice is nervous.

“That would be an understatement.”

Pinkie watched from the hidden place in the caboose’s roof as the others boarded the train looking for her. This must be serious if they were all out searching for her and Fluttershy!

She just couldn’t believe this! Twilight’s going full Nightmare Moon and eating some poor cow! Oh gosh! And she got the rest of them doing it too! This could spread, this could be bad, very very bad!

Fluttershy was peeking through a crack in the boards covering their hiding place, “Oh look, there’s Rarity, we could ask her!”

Pinkie grabbed her friend, hauling her back from the opening, “No! Oh no! They’re all in on it! Look at them searching for us! If they find us, who knows what they’ll do to keep their little secret!”

“I’m..I’m sure they wouldn’t do anything bad, they’re our friends.”

“Oh you weren’t there, they were smiling all evil like, and eating those burgers!”

“Hayburgers? There’s nothing wrong with those..well..they are kinda bad for you.” She tapped her hoof on her chin, “But there’s..”

“Nonono, something totally different! Something new, it was..was..” She actually found herself drooling at the taste once more, “Soooo goooood...” She licked her lips, remembering the taste, then shivered, shaking her head, “Oh gosh I almost fell for it!” She shook Fluttershy, “They almost had me!”

The poor Pegasus’ eyes rolled around for a moment as the train started taking off, pushing them back and forth momentarily as the engine started pulling the cars. Pinkie peeked out, seeing all her so-called friends still on the train, she was thinking furiously, trying to plan an escape route. Thank goodness for hide and seek, she had tons of hiding places ready to go when playing.

She had her travel kit for emergencies and a store of food and water, like everything else she was prepared. So sitting quietly with Fluttershy, they traveled to Canterlot, wanting to tell the Princess of the new Evil Twilight.

“I’ve got nothing, where could she be?”

“I don’t know, we’ve walked the train back and forth, although there could be hiding places we don’t know of.”

“My tracks for an interior scanner right now!” Athena’s voice is frustrated.

“I’ve got complete drone coverage of Canterlot, we’ll spot her.”

“We better, otherwise we’re gonna end up explaining to anypony listening how we ate a cow, and that Twilight is encouraging her friends to do so.”

“May I remind you I was against this little prank of yours?”

“Oh sure, be ‘that guy’.”

“You know better then that, this is Ponyville, the smallest thing can roll out of proportion.”

“It was just a stupid joke!”

“And there we have it.”

“I really hate it when you’re right.”

“I know, I’ll try to be wrong more often.”

“Smart aleck!”

“I don’t know where she could be Twilight,” Rainbow’s face was drooping, she’d been checking the outside of the train for a few minutes.

The Alicorn shrugged, “We’ll just have to wait and see when we get to Canterlot, she’s got to be here somewhere.”

“Well that’s what you get for playing awful pranks like that.” Rarity is sounding smug.

“Oh? Do I haveta remind you who’s idea it was to get Pinkie in on this?” Applejack is grinning across the seat from her.

“Well I certainly didn’t expect her to accuse you of turning into another Nightmare Moon!” The white Unicorn hmphs, crossing her forelegs.

“None of us did, maybe we took it just a bit too far?” Athena’s voice is subdued.

“Oh you think?” I have to add my two cents..er..bits.

“You be quiet, we heard ya before.”

“Yes Applejack.”

“I dunno, watching Rarity keel over was pretty funny,” Rainbow’s voice is merry.

The conversation continues as the hours pass, it won’t take long to get to the Canterlot Station. I have complete drone coverage of the area, scanners are up and running with full tactical core backup. Completely stealthed as I don’t wish to alarm anypony, they’re having to dodge the Pegasi flying through the local airspace. When we pull into the station, everything is on high, Athena is in TSDS with me as we feel the train slowing down.

“Got her.”

“Where?” All eyes turn to me.

“She’s climbing out of the last car, she was hiding in there.”

“Poor Fluttershy, is she all right?” Rarity is concerned for her friend.

“She seems fine..they’re..”

Twilight gets up, “No time, we’ve got to stop her!” She leads the charge through the packed cars, occasionally yelling ‘Excuse me!’ as she bumps into ponies.

“Can you get her with a spell?” We’re racing back down the tracks, trying to head them off before they get lost in the city proper.

“I’ve got to see her, and get close enough to grab her!” She’s getting slightly winded from the sprinting.

“Athena, head her off, corral her in the station!”

“On it!”

What a mess. I see Athena skid off to the side, pouring power into her legs as she is tearing through the crowds.

Pinkie is hauling Fluttershy behind her as they zip along, she’s good at this, evading ponies and getting away from us as we close in on her.

“Almooost....” Twilight rips off a spell, grabbing the wrong pony when Pinkie goes by too fast for her to get a good lock.

“Dangit! Oh, pardon me sir, didn’t mean to levitate you like that.” She apologizes to the top hat wearing stallion who hrmphs and walks off.

“Wow, what a snob.” Rainbow is right beside us.

“Why aren’t you after her?” Twilight is looking exasperated as the two fugitives make it into the crowds, “Oh stars, we lost her!”

“Well, I figured I’d wait until we got a clean shot at her, then I’d nab them off the ground.” She’s looking smug, still chuckling over all the fuss.

“She’s gone now!”

“Twilight’s right,” Athena appears next to us, “She’s agile when she’s in a panic or determined, even I couldn’t hit corners that fast. We’re only seeing her because she’s got Fluttershy in tow.”

Twilight thinks for a moment, “All right, Athena, Crusader, get on her trail. Applejack and I and Rarity will get to the palace, see if we can’t head her off. I have a feeling she’s going to try and see the Princesses, that’s the only reason I can think of she’d be here.”

“What about me?” Rainbow is looking disgruntled.

“Keep up with Athena and Crusader, you’re fast enough, give them some cover as you go through the streets.”

The cyan mare salutes, “Got it!”

We all tear off in different directions, weaving through the crowds as it’s evening and ponies are out for parties or shopping in the chill air.

“I see her!” Rainbow’s voice comes over the network, “She’s heading into that clothes shop!” The rainbow maned pegasus dives for the door, followed by myself and Athena as we crash into a group just leaving.

We apologize as we untangle ourselves, seeing a pink mane and a yellow body slip through a back door. “That way!” Rainbow’s off again as Athena and I politely make our way out of the knot of limbs.

“Sorry ‘bout that!” Athena takes off with a grin.

I’m sure I’ve never heard phrases like the ones being yelled at us as we gallop through the back rooms, though this is the city, you’d think they’d be more creative with cuss words. I do have to remember a few of those.

We break out the back door, Athena not letting a simple thing like locks or even closed doors bother her as we crash through, scaring the life out of a few colts making their way down the alley. As we come around the corner, we see the two mares disappearing through another shopping crowd.

Twilight’s voice comes over the commnet, “We see them! They’re out on the main avenue, we’ll tail them, you get ahead of us!”

Athena, Rainbow and I acknowledge the command, slipping through the crowds and making our apologies as we overturn a few carts in our haste. We’ve got to slow them down so Twilight can grab Pinkie, failing that Athena or I will restrain her until we can make her understand.

As we zip past a few shops, we see Rarity standing in front of a large window, admiring a few new curtains just put on display, Rainbow yells at her as we go by, “Not the time Rarity!”

“Wha..Oh! Yes, right.” She looks back at the window wistfully and joins us as we are giving it our all through the cobbled avenues.

Twilight kept trying to grab the slippery pink earth pony with her magic, but she’d dodge at the last second, making Twilight apologetic to whoever she’d grab and levitate. This was getting embarrassing.

It was bad enough she was making mistakes, it’s just that Applejack kept snickering whenever she’d levitate the wrong pony.

“You can stop that now!” Her voice is disgusted as she runs along, dodging walking ponies.

“Ah can’t help it, it’s great! She’s pretty slick for a silly party pony ain’t she?” Applejack’s not even out of breath, stamina being a requisite for Earth Pony’s.

“Yeah! She’s too good. Why’d she have to go weird right now for crying out loud!”

“She’s always been a bit off, so who knows?” She laughed again, seeing Twilight’s face.

“Augh! Oh! Sorry! Didn’t mean to do that!” She apologized to a finely dressed mare who was suddenly a few meters off the ground.

“Heh..hahahaha!”

“Will you stop that!”

“Oh stars, since we lost Rarity back there I figure you’re my only entertainment!” The farm mare was definitely unapologetic.

Twilight rolled her eyes as they both narrowly avoided another pile-up. She spotted the bouncing pink mane, and the flowing pink one just ahead as they got onto the main avenue heading for the castle. “Agh! Just slow down so we can explain you goof!” She yelled at the retreating back.

“She’s pretty determined there.” Applejack was sliding around a cart in the cobblestone road.

“Why now! Good grief!”

“That’s Pinkie.”

We take a cross-street, heading into the back alley ways. Athena and I are watching Rainbow above us pointing out the way to the main avenue so we can cut Pinkie off hopefully. Our drones are having a hard time scanning for her in the mass of ponies around, so we relegate them to observation. Pegasi are crowding the airspace as well, we don’t want an accident.

It is slightly frustrating, how she is avoiding the best we can do while towing along Fluttershy. But then again, I stopped underestimating her a while ago.

Rounding a corner, we see what appears to be a crime in progress, two ponies have one more backed up against the wall as we race down the narrow street towards them. The one in retreat is looking frightened.

“Take left, I’ve got right.”

“Roger dodger!”

We don’t bother asking any questions, Athena brings up her battlescreen along one wing edge, blunting it into a hammer like force as I break to her right. She clocks the one larger pony on the side of the head, knocking him out with a wing hit. He slams into the wall and spins around before collapsing.

I slip to the right, leaping slightly to free a front hoof and hitting the other upside the jaw, he goes down for the count. We don’t bother stopping, if we’ve done wrong we’ll apologize later. I look back to see the one I pummeled lying like a fallen tree.

Rarity gasps, “Oh my!” She’s leaping over the boxes and such in the alley as we make room for her, looking back at the fallen figures. “Well hopefully they deserved it, if not you’ll have to at least apologize!”

“Sorry Rarity, we didn’t have time to figure everything out, they’ll be fine.” Athena grins sheepishly.

“Chalk one up for the good ponies!”

“Let’s just hope we chose the right ones.” I laugh out loud.

She looks at me oddly, seeing me laugh as we run along, “You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”

“More than you can imagine.” I give her a grin as she stares at me from the side of her eyes.

“Seriously?”

“Athena, we’re two Bolos who are over a million years old, probably a lot more; we are now two artificial ponies running along the street in a land called Equestria, in the capitol city named Canterlot. We’re chasing one who thinks our friend, a Princess, eats cows. She is obviously trying to meet with two other Princesses who raise and lower the sun and moon. If you can seriously think of anything more ludicrous right now, please, let me know.”

“I..I never..”

I watch the whole outrageous situation hit her, eyes going wide as she laughs, really laughs for the first time in a long, long time. We’ve laughed together before but this is deep and abiding, a laughter that cleanses her soul as she thinks of the silly things and everything else that has happened to us, with us. Special moments are rare, but this is one I will treasure, seeing her laugh with her whole being like never before.

We’re both howling in laughter, rushing along the street as we leap and dodge among the ponies in the city, trying to cut Pinkie off.

Rainbow is watching us from above, her voice on the link. Rarity is eyeing us both oddly as we rush along.

“You guys are so weird.”

We laugh even harder as we keep galloping.

“Oh darnit, she went into the castle!” Twilight’s yelling at the guards to stop her as we run past them. Applejack skids around the corner, followed by the huffing Alicorn as she’s still trying to grab at a slippery Pinkie.

The normally quiet halls of Castle Canterlot resound with yells from Pinkie as she points back to both her pursuers.

“She eats cows! She’s gone Nightmare Moon!” Leaving a trail of confused guards in her wake, Twilight can only grin sheepishly and shrug as she and Applejack tear past them.

Applejack nudges her on the run, seeing Athena and Rarity, Crusader and Rainbow rush in behind them. The crowd joining together to try and catch up, the seven of them breaking into parts and coalescing as they avoid running over nobles or servants or guards.

It seems Pinkie might be tiring, she’s been hauling poor Fluttershy along with her as they’d traveled along the streets and now the halls. She’s slowing slightly as Twilight yells ahead of her, we’re approaching the vesitbule to the throne room where Celestia is holding court right now.

“Stop that pink mare!” Twilight hovers, letting them see she’s a Princess as the two guards by the door block the way, the rest along the halls close in to stop Pinkie as she skids to a halt in front of the wall of stone faces.

Fluttershy slumps to the marbled floor, her mane and tail in disarray from the rush through the streets, eyes rolling slightly as she tries to gather her wits. I’m sure taking this ride with Pinkie is something other than fun.

“Grab her!” Twilight’s command gets the guards going to restrain Pinkie.

However...

Marble floors are nice, they really are. Except when they’re polished to a high sheen, meaning they are very slick. Hooves and horseshoes have exactly zero grip right now, including mine and Athena’s.

We can’t stop.

Rarity and Athena and I slam into the group of guards as we try to grab onto the pink Earth pony that keeps getting away from the grasp of the Royal Guards. Rainbow is hovering above the mess as Applejack finds she can’t come to a halt either, she’s back-pedaling as fast as she can, but the floor is recently waxed.

“Ohhhhhh shoot!” She slams into the group, well more like a pile of ponies as every one is struggling to grab a hold onto Pinkie. Fluttershy is lost in the tangle as the scrum gets way, way out of hoof.

The watching nobles are just aghast at the whole thing. Twilight is planting a hoof on her face as Rainbow laughs so hard she drops to the floor.

Athena grabs Pinkie, she’s struggling mightily even against my sister’s grip. I latch on as well, Applejack puts a hoof over her mouth as the guards dog pile her, burying all of us beneath a very tangled mob of ponies.

We’ve got Pinkie while Applejack covers her mouth, as she keeps trying to yell that Twilight has gone Nightmare Moon. Athena is whispering in her ear that it was nothing but a joke as we try to keep the pile of bodies from crushing all of us. I think I heard a slap as Rarity sounded offended, something about touching somepony’s Cutie Mark without permission, an embarrassed voice apologizes.

I can’t help but laugh, as this whole thing...

The entire room goes quiet, the creaking of a door presaging the entrance of Princess Celestia and Luna as well. They stand there looking at the pile, then over to Twilight as Rainbow tries her best to hide behind her friend.

“Hello, Twilight.” Her voice is calm, with the hint of a smile playing along her lips. Princess Luna is peering over the large mound of entangled ponies with a quizzical look.

“Oh! Princess Celestia..uh... Hi!” She’s standing to the side, Rainbow is peeking over her back at the two rulers.

Twinkling eyes look at her for a moment, then over at all of us who are popping out of the pile of guards that are slowly untangling themselves, with quite a lot of complaining. Once again a slap, then an apology. Poor Rarity.

“I see you brought your friends as well, nice to see you all again.” She smiles benevolently as we crawl out of the tangled mess.

Pinkie gets free of Applejack’s hoof, screaming in the room, “Twilight eats cows!”

Applejack stuffs her hoof in Pinkie’s mouth before she can say anything else. A nervous smile crosses the orange ponies face as she sits there with Athena grabbing Pinkie and holding her tight.

“Uh..hiya Princess.”

“Hello, Applejack, and Pinkie. Oh, I see Athena there, and Crusader, Rarity. Where’s....?” A squeak answers her as guards help Fluttershy out of the tangle, she hides behind Applejack and waves to both the rulers.

“Ah, there’s Fluttershy. What brings you all here today?” She watches as Pinkie struggles again, almost getting free before Applejack and Athena grab her.

“Uh..a ..uh well....” Applejack grins again, the rest behind her looking anywhere but at the two rulers.

“Perhaps later we can talk about this, I am sorry but we have an important meeting right now.” Her face gleams with a smile, while Princess Luna standing behind her cracks a grin, shaking her head as they both head off.

You never heard a heavier sigh of relief from a room as the two diarchs walk off.

“You doofus! Twilight would never go Nightmare Moon!” Applejack thumps Pinkie on the shoulder as they all sat back in Twilight’s Castle. The ride back had been slightly strained as they had to keep Pinkie held tight while they explained everything during the trip from Canterlot. Twilight’s magic had been tested as she kept a firm hold on Pinkie while they went back to the train.

“I didn’t know! And you guys looked all evil and stuff!” Her eyes are wide, mane bouncing around as she tried to explain herself.

“Well of course, it was a prank Pinkie! Stars above you know us better than that!” Rarity is leaning against the kitchen table. Athena and I have provided food, as it’s been a long day, and everypony was starving. Yes, Athena brought more sandwiches this time as well.

“But you had me fooled with..with..” She stares at the burgers, grabbing one and munching into it, a look of pure delight crossing her face, “With something new like this and you tell me it’s Maisy!” She sighs, “It’s sooooo goood!”

Pinkie’s face drops..”Uh..is it bad I still thought it was good when you told me it was a cow?”

Rainbow cackles, “Only you Pinkie.” Everyone else reassures her it’s fine.

“I have to admit, sure was a fun joke.” Applejack laughs, “Ah know it got outta hoof, but still, was pretty good.”

Everyone agrees, having a good laugh and enjoying the quiet after a long day.

A voice draws every eye in the kitchen as Princess Celestia and Luna stand there in the doorway, “Well, I see things have calmed down.”

“Uh..yeah..about that...” Twilight rubs the back of her neck with a hoof.

Luna sniffs, looking around, “What is that wonderful smell?”

Eyes light up, slightly evil grins cross faces as they all turn to face the waiting Princesses.

All I can do is sigh.

Reflections.

Applejack looked at her reflection, brushing her mane slowly as the day ended. She took it easy, one of the few pleasures she really allowed herself sometimes. Apple Bloom was tucked into bed, Mac and Granny settin’ by the fire, enjoying a cup of something warm to break the chill of the evenin’.

She’d bid her goodnights, wanting to wander upstairs and sit for a while, just her and the mirror. She’d gotten into the habit when Ma and Pa passed on, talking to somepony, even if it was herself, helped a lot on some nights when she thought everything was goin’ to pot.

A few strokes of the brush as she sat at the dressing table brought her back to her reverie.

Gosh, where do ah start? So much has gone on and it’s been ages since I got to sit here for a moment.

Who’d have thought? Who’d have thought that a voice over a pretty piece of jewelry could affect somepony so much. But it did, and that’s the wonder. She eyed the linkset, sitting on the wooden table top, gleaming in the lantern light.

I remember Twilight frettin’ after we met him, tryin’ to decide whether he’d be good or bad for Equestria, and sayin’ even if he was different she should try to be his friend. Otherwise, her ascension meant nothing.

Ah know ah had mah doubts, always do, and sometimes you gotta voice ‘em. So I let her know and we talked for days about it, keepin’ it close until we figured somethin’ out.

Apple Bloom thought the world of him, ‘specially when he called her commander. She’d been fit to bust when she told me that, I don’t think I coulda wiped that grin off her face with a bar of soap.

She laughed to herself, seeing the bright smile in the mirror. Even when the change took that away, Apple Bloom was sad, but then realized she’d been the first one in all of Equestria, and you couldn’t take that away no how.

I didn’t think nothin’ of it, just another job to handle with everything else. But it’s amazin’ how you can come to depend on somepony, even when they’re just a voice. He was always there, always. He’d play music for her, explaining what it was as she sat out on the porch some nights. He’d look through the camera, questioning what she was doin’ some days, drivin’ her to distraction ‘till she told him to stop botherin’.

When worries got her in their hold, making her wake in the middle of the night, all she had to do was say his name and he was there in a flash. He never slept, never took time off, he was always there for her.

Now how many folks can say that?

When he showed up that Hearth’s Warming eve with presents, well... I tell ya I couldn’t have been more shocked. Not possible right? Well, guess I was wrong, though Mac and I were gonna teach ‘em a lesson if it was some faker.

But he weren’t a voice no more, he was real and always around. She’d send him off to do something because she’d get tired of him hoverin’ like Rainbow Dash all the time. But he grew on ya, always kind, always polite, he just sorta started fittin’ in.

She closed her eyes, shaking her head as she remembered mistakes, oh so many, but nothin’ that couldn’t be fixed.

But we all learn don’t we? Ah mean I had to learn a lot and fast, teaching myself how to do things. If I say so, ain’t done too bad a job of it. Things are good, it’s quiet, apples are just fallin’ off the trees, the town is doin’ so well. It’s amazin’ how things can change by just a little bit and it spreads so far.

She fell for a voice, simple things make for simple pleasures ah reckon’.

Listening to him explain the stars, the world he came from, talkin’ and treatin’ her like she was something special every moment of the day. How could you not like that? Oh there’d been others, smooth talkers, always wantin’ something, or tryin’ to get away with things.

But he didn’t, he wanted nothing more than to talk, and when he made himself a..a...avatar, nothing more than to sit by her. Heck it was hard gettin’ rid of him some days!

She laughed again, brushing her mane still, taking her time.

I tell ya, we’ve been through some amazin’ adventures all told. Things from the Forest, out of time he’d said though he hasn’t quite explained everything yet. But that’s all right, he’ll get around to it.

Her emerald eyes wandered to the door, knowing he was out on the porch, setting there with Athena and looking at the sky, just thinking or talking between themselves.

He cared more than he really let on. Like when Fluttershy got hurt, she could tell he was angry. His voice wasn’t as steady and he was worried to his heart that he couldn’t fix her. But he did, and he blamed himself for letting it happen, though after it all, he’d finally come to realize nopony held him at fault.

It’s kinda hard to believe he’s not just a pony, but a huge thing..machine.. sitting under the grass out beyond the town’s borders. That he would do anything to protect them all. She remembered when he had uncovered himself, the sides of gleaming metal, the guns bristling all over his..hull? That was it. He was bigger than anything they’d ever seen in their lives.

Her breath had caught, seeing for the first time what really lay under that simple hill they’d walked over hundreds, no, thousands of times. Just remembering the sight of that machine coming out of the ground made her stop brushing for a moment. Her mind seeing the sun shining off all that metal and her Cutie Mark on the front of it making her blush like a school filly.

Ah coulda thumped him then, making it like that for everyone to see. Dangit. Rainbow was just snickering like there was no tomorrow I tell ya. But when I went home that evening, ah dunno, I was just pleased as punch he’d thought of me that way. Took a bit to sink in, but when it did, well...

So many things between that first time ah heard his voice and now. Who knew life could get so odd, and busy? She laughed softly in the night air, and of course Pinkie goin’ off the rails the other day; Nightmare Twilight, good grief.

But he always says ‘My Applejack’, when he talks to me, Ah dunno why but I get a warm feeling when he does. ‘Cause I know he belongs to me and ain’t nothin’ gonna take that away. She tilted her head, letting the soft mane air out before resuming brushing.

It gets hairy some times, like the night Discord played his little trick, causing them problems, cain’t blame him though; I mean he IS Discord, ain’t that what he’s supposed to do? Cause a bit of chaos and such? Well he sure did that time.

Strange seein’ him as real, seeing him tired and worried, haggard and bleary-eyed from workin’ so hard to get things ready so he could go back and fight for alla us.

She saw her reflection get a sad look in the mirror, feeling it on her face. He lost so many memories he said, he cain’t remember a lot of the folks he met during his life. Ah know some were special, he told me about them, but whenever I tell him or mention a name he gives me a funny look saying he doesn’t remember them.

Ah did feel sad for him when that all happened, but he told me not to worry, all the new memories will fill in the empty spots and there’s plenty of room he said.

She stopped her brushing for a moment, blushing across her face.

Granny always said you’ll remember your first kiss, an ah do. But the first time we did was so much more special.

Her eyes drifted for a moment, remembering those nights in Canterlot when she had to pull him away from the window. He didn’t blame anypony, well...maybe Discord, but he got a purty good shot in at the end. Think it musta rattled that old beast down to his hooves er.. paws? Feet? Sumthin’ like that. Hard to tell with Discord.

She laughed to herself, shaking her head as she reached back, running the brush along her tail.

The party that one night, when he started spoutin’ that fancy poetry or..Shakes..speare..Shakespeare! That’s it. Oh I was hopin’ it wouldn’t be the cider talking and it wasn’t. He was real, I was real, and it was just a moment but it meant so much. How do you explain those things?

And Rarity, that silly Unicorn, wantin’ a replay ‘cause she missed it. That goofy romantic dressmaker, ah hope she finds somepony so special it’ll knock her off her hooves. She deserves it.

Pinkie? Celestia knows who she’s gonna find, but ah do hope whoever it is can keep up with her. Applejack laughed to herself, chasin’ that pink blur through Canterlot, ah swear.

Twilight, now there’s somethin’ to think about. Athena’s got it in her mind to be her friend no matter what. You can see she takes to Twilight like a fruit bat to mah apples. You can tell Twilight likes her right back, them two are gonna be friends forever. Though with the trouble both of them get into sometimes, hard to tell who’s lookin’ out for who.

Shaking her head, the reflection showed a soft smile.

That trip to Las Pegasus was somthin’ else though. Kinda nice having some time with all of us just out and about. I mean it did end in a riot, but maybe things’ll get better? You can only hope some days, though Twilight says the park is doin’ well, and the city’s settled down, guess they ain’t toleratin’ no more fancy talk from bigshots anymore.

Gotta stand on yer own four hooves, that’s what Pa always said.

Rainbow, well what can ah say about her. She’s mah friend, always will be, but sometimes that stubborn mare gets things in her head and she just won’t let go. Kinda like Winona with a chew toy, just hard to give it up. Wouldn’t trade her friendship for all the bits in Equestria, though some days ya just want to bop her upside the head ‘till she gets things straight.

Then there’s Fluttershy. That little Pegasus is so kind ah swear, anypony ever breaks her heart they’re gonna have a lot of trouble on their hooves. Ah’d really hate to be in that pony’s horseshoes.

The reflection laughed again. The brush stroking along her tail gently, working out the tangles.

Athena. Well now there’s a thing, she’s a hoot sometimes ah swear. Crusader’s ‘sister’ in all ways but blood. Ah tell ya, keepin’ track of her is an all day job sometimes. If we can keep her and Apple Bloom from destroying Ponyville along with the rest of the Crusaders. She’s learnin’ though, and she’s a good filly. Though it’s kinda strange thinkin’ of somethin’ a million years or more old as a filly, but there ya go!

She’s sweet though, got a love of life ya just smile at when she’s out playing in the orchards with Apple Bloom. ‘Course ‘Bloom’s happy anyways, she’s growin’ up and learnin’ right alongside Athena. Funny thing, that Pegasus knows things ah cain’t imagine, yet she just wants to be herself. Now if we can just keep ‘em out of trouble long enough...

Her reflection pointed a hoof back at her. That reminds me, Athena’s got to stop telling Apple Bloom all the answers to her homework. She ain’t learnin’ nothin’! I’ll have to talk with her in the mornin’, ah know she thinks she’s helping an’ all.

I tell ya, Granny’s feeling tons better, somethin’ Crusader did and I’m awful glad. Her advice helped me figure out what was goin’ on in my own mind sometimes, ‘specially when I told her how I felt.

“You love who you love Jackie, ain’t no mindin’ what anypony else says.”

Granny’s always been the sort to see things simply, like most of us sometimes. I see her smile when I’m out on the porch with Crusader and Athena, she approves. That means a lot havin’ her nod.

Bringin’ Athena home that night, well that ol’ pony couldn’t have been happier. Showin’ the shy pegasus around and makin’ her a bed in one of the unused rooms. Treatin’ her like family she did, makin’ sure she had sheets and pillows an’ everythin’. Granny was always complainin’ about too much room not enough family. Well she’s got plenty now.

Ah guess thing’s are goin’ all right. ‘Cept that one time when Athena told me he wasn’t comin’ back. I knew it, I felt it, some way, somehow I knew when Athena started gettin’ a bit worried. When she finally told me there with the Princesses, ah didn’t want them to see a broken heart. Kinda hard bein’ strong for everypony else when all you want is to be alone in your own hurt.

Apple Bloom was a wreck, even Mac had problems. Granny accepts things, but even she had a look on her face like when Granddad passed on. Some things you think are goin’ to be around forever, then when they’re not, well..it’s kinda tough.

Somehow though he keeps turnin’ up like a bad bit, something you can’t get rid of. Ah was glad, don’t get me wrong, my heart could bust outta mah chest when I saw him standin’ there. He told me the same thing, although he didn’t quite understand where he’d been. We’re still tryin’ ta figure that one out.

The brush slowed, then stopped, as she checked to make sure everything was gleaming again. A long day, a good bath and now this, couldn’t be better. Her eyes turned to the figure in the mirror, making sure none of the tangles were still there, hitting a spot of two before she laid the item down on her dresser.

But, time to go drag them two in. They’ll be out there all night lookin’ at the stars if I don’t. For all the things they can do, still need somepony to remind ‘em to come in out of the cold. Ah know they don’t feel it like we do, but sometimes little things can be comfortin’ and familiar.

She heard the heavy hoofsteps of Mac heading to his room, a soft ‘Night Sis’ came through the door as she smiled, returning the sentiment in a gentle voice. Granny was downstairs getting herself snuggled in she was sure; a chilly night, warm hearth and an even warmer bed.

Ain’t much you need in life, there really isn’t.

As she got up from the chair, she turned one last time, looking at herself in the polished surface, reaching over and wiping a dust spot away with a flick of her hoof.

She lay her hoof on the shoulder of the orange pony looking back at her, flat against the glass, smiling softly.

Take care of yourself, ya hear? You depend on some ponies and they depend on you. Ain’t such a bad thing I reckon.

She turned to leave, going downstairs to bring in two ponies who should know better. Looking back one last time as her voice whispered in the still air.

“Thanks for the talk.”

The Amazing Liquid Double-Lizer.

I find myself distracted for some reason. I cannot quite pin it down, as I have swept my cores to the deepest level and find nothing that could tell me what this is.

I admit, it is annoying somewhat. It is a flickering of pictures, perhaps fading memories that are still around even after the fight with Masada. Maybe I should just search for and delete them to prevent anymore problems.

Though for some reason, the flickering happens whenever I am looking at Pinkie. It’s hard to think she can affect things just by her presence, but then again, it is Pinkie. Sometimes that is all it takes.

It is concerning, fading memories are automatically taken from the system to prevent problems with processing and tactical programming. Cores can become corrupted if left with glitches in the memory nanocircuitry. But this, this is left in place, the sweeps and auto systems don’t seem to either recognize or touch it.

Applejack is currently off to a rodeo near Appleloosa, and has taken the Crusaders with her. I really do hope she knows what she’s doing taking those three. Twilight has gone to Canterlot for a meeting with the Princesses, so Athena and I are keeping watch.

Hopefully, it will be just another quiet day.

“Well brother, it looks like a fine day for some business, ponies everywhere with bits to spend!”

“Poor ponies carrying all that around, we’ll have to go relieve them of some of that heavy money, our new machine should take care of that problem brother mine!”

The two olive Unicorns looked at each other for a moment with wide grins, straightening their straw boater hats and trotted off into Ponyville with a spring in their step, hauling a large wagon behind them.

“That’s right, just gather and see the most incredible, wonderful, stupendous thing you’ll observe in a lifetime!” The mustachioed Unicorn was yelling from a stage that folded out from the cart that was behind him. Ponies were assembling to see what was going on.

“What do we have here brother? A crowd of curious folks?” The second Unicorn asked the first as he stepped up on the stage.

“Why yes, they’ve come to see the Amazing Liquid Double-lizer!” A hoof swept out to show the assembled ponies the cart that opened up into a weird contraption behind them.

“Well let’s show them then!” The second Unicorn turned a wheel, lowered a few levers and started the whole thing chugging along. It was a Rube Goldberg-esque type of contraption, but it appeared to be doing something.

“Yes gentle ponies! The Amazing Liquid Double-lizer! Guaranteed to double the size of any plant at all! You can grow tomatoes the size of pumpkins! Carrots as big as your leg! The intellectual invention of the century! The Amazing Liquid Double-lizer!” The mustachioed Unicorn was showing a small bottle which was receiving the drips from a nozzle in the side of the machine. It was filled quickly as he brought out a small potato plant.

“Just a few drops of this wondrous elixir and you too can grow anything double, even triple it’s size!” He carefully put a couple of drops on the plant, whereupon it suddenly sprouted upwards, growing to twice what a normal plant would do.

Using his magic he pulled the plant out of the large pot, showing potatoes as big as cantaloupes to the gasps of the audience.

“Want the sweetest tomatoes around? How about carrots you can’t resist! By harvest time you’ll have more than you’ll know what to do with, and guaranteed the best tasting in Equestria!” He lifted the colored bottle in a hoof, “Cauliflower the size of a ponies head guaranteed! All you need is a few drops of this wonder liquid on a plant and when you finally harvest them you won’t be able to hold on to it! Ponies will come from miles around to purchase the results!”

The second Unicorn came to stand beside the first, “Just twenty bits a bottle and your produce will produce more than you could ever produce by yourselves!” He looked pretty smug at using the word so many times.

“Twenty bits!” A Pegasus in the front row was yelling, “That’s robbery!”

The two Unicorns smiled at each other, “But the sales of your harvest won’t be! You’ll make that back ten times over guaranteed!”

A few folks in the front row looked dubious, one solid Earth pony coming forward, “Hey, aren’t you the two who tried to swindle Applejack out of her farm? Then sold that Curative stuff?”

From a vantage point at the back of the crowd, Crusader watched thoughtfully.

Now I recognize them, Flim and Flam, the Brothers who are con artists. Applejack had described them briefly and I am sure this is who they are. I store the ID in my data cores.

“Well now, we did make a few mistakes of course, but who doesn’t?” The Unicorn without the mustache, Flim, was saying, “We research and find ways so we can try again to bring to you the wonders of the age!”

The other joined in, Flam, holding up the bottle filled with prismatic liquid, “And we’re practically giving it away! You have no idea how hard it was to get the rare and expensive ingredients for this potion! Months of traveling the far reaches of Equestria and beyond!” He threw a leg over his forehead dramatically.

“Braving the frigid wastes of the north, the steaming deserts and jungles of the south, to bring you this wonder! You should ask why it’s only twenty bits and not a hundred! It’s a bargain at any price!” The weaselly smile never left the Unicorn’s face while he told his tale.

“We-ell...” The Pegasus mare was giving ground under the verbal assault. “I...I suppose so..” Her hoof was rubbing the back of her neck, looking abashed at maybe insulting somepony.

“No offense taken young filly! We know ponies are a bit leery, but we assure you it works or your money back!” He pours a couple of drops on another plant, the greenery springs to life and almost triples in size. “Now we tell you, plants and vegetables only! It’s specific so don’t think of using it for anything else!” He leers at a stallion in the front row, garnering laughs from ponies around the onlooker as he blushed.

“So step right up here, we’ll hoof you a bottle of this elixir at only twenty bits, cover your fields and bring in a harvest like you won’t believe!” He let the shining liquid glow in the sunlight for a moment, “Just a drop or two on each plant and you’ll be astounded!”

“Athena?”

“Yep?”

“Watch this.” I show her the Unicorn putting drops on a plant and it sprouting immediately.

“What the heck?” She’s interested as I can feel her turning her entire attention to the view from my sensors. “Wow that’s kinda neat!”

“Yes, odd isn’t it?”

“They can’t have nanotech, and even it doesn’t work that fast!”

“Perhaps this is more magic we haven’t seen yet?” I flip through anything I currently have on it, we’ve scanned most of Twilight’s books so we can peruse them.

“I have nothing that does anything to plants like that. We need a sample for chemical analysis just to be safe.” Athena’s voice is suspicious after seeing the ID file.

“Neither do I, they are confirmed con artists.” I show her the description I have on file.

“Report them to the guard?”

“We have nothing to go on except our own suspicions. That wouldn’t hold in a hearing.”

“Hey! Aren’t we like..you know..heroes and stuff? They’d believe us!”

“We can’t use a reputation to levy a charge of a criminal action against somepony Athena, that’s not right.”

“Well pits. I’ve got the scientific equipment we dug out of my cargo bay set up, we can do a scan and deeper too, just get me a sample. Or I can swipe one? Easy to do!”

“You know better than to steal.”

“But it’s for a good cause...or...something?”

“Athena...”

“Fine, go ahead and buy one, yeesh..killjoy.”

“If it keeps you out of trouble, I’ll gladly be one.”

After breaking the link, I wait for an opportunity to obtain a bottle of this so called ‘elixir’. The problem is, there are many ahead of me and it doesn’t appear I’ll be able to get one. Perhaps Athena may have a solution, no...I won’t go there. Maybe if we’re in dire straights.

I ponder the show for a moment, con artists being the same anywhere I suppose, having been a problem even on Concordiat Worlds. Trying to make you believe you get something for nothing or very little.

Looking at the plants that are quite large now, I wonder about a bait and switch, but even with magic it would be tough to do. Sensors did not show a heavy use of it, and there is nothing heavily magical I can see going on with the machine that is puffing and huffing along behind them.

“Interestin’ ain’t it?” A quiet voice catches my ear as I glance to the side. The old Guard Sergeant is standing there, chewing a cheek full of mint.

“It is, and it’s making me wonder what is going on.”

“Well young colt, I’ve seen a few things in my own life. You don’t get something for nothing.” He’s eyeing the two show ponies on the cart, passing across bottles in exchange for bits, they’re making quite a pile.

I am amused for a moment, this older pony calling me ‘young colt’ as if I were fresh out of school, not a Bolo out of time. I am sure the look on my face is including a small smile at his words, though I am not trying to be disrespectful.

“Is there anything you or the Guard can do, they have tried to swindle ponies in the past.”

“Well, the rules are simple. Do no harm, we don’t bother you; do harm, we’ll come down on you like a cart full of bricks.” He points a hoof, “They haven’t done anything I can see that is wrong, so I’m afraid not. Though I will be keeping an eye on them.”

I nod, “Thank you.” Though I will be doing my own investigation, it’s good the local authorities are taking an interest,

He turns to leave but stops, reaching out to tap me on the shoulder, “I know who and what you are, but I’m old enough to call anypony anything I want to young colt. I think I’ve earned that right.” He shakes his hoof at my smile, giving one in return, “Always respect your elders.”

“Yes sir, I will.” The old Sergeant nods and walks away with a wave. I can only sit there for a moment and watch as he moves out of my sight. He has earned it, the moment he stepped on the bridge to defend the town with Bastion. He more than earned the ability to do that, and my respect.

By the time I turn back to the crowd, the bottles are gone. The two ..well..swindlers are packing up for the day.

“Athena?”

“Yep?”

“No luck, they sold out, think you can buy one from somepony?”

“I can try, I’ll let you know.”

“I as well.”

And that was a failure of the worst kind.

Vegetable growers and sellers are a jealous lot it appears, none of them wanted to give up an advantage over any other. Even the Flower Sisters refused to sell either Athena and I a bottle, though they purchased a few of them. We had canvassed the town asking, and once even trying a large bribe.

“Oh come on! We offered them ten times the price!”

“Well, some jealously guard advantages.”

“They just grow flowers and plants, not vegetables for sale!”

“Nothing we can do Athena.”

“Yeah..see if we save their tattooed butts anymore after this! Hmph!”

“Now that’s not a good attitude.” Though I do chuckle at it.

“I’d contact Twilight, but she told me she’d be busy all day. We need a sample.”

“Tag the cart, trace their movements and let’s see if we can come up with something.”

“Done, Wyvern One-Three on track.”

“I’ll keep pace with them in person. The Guard already knows, so until we can find something out, there’s nothing can be done.”

“We could just break into that wagon. Wouldn’t be hard.”

“We’d be committing a crime, is that really necessary?”

“Anything to get the job done!” I can almost see her smile.

“We’re going to have to have a talk about your felonious ways Athena.”

“I am not being ‘felonious’! I’m being practical!”

“There is a large difference between doing things for need, and doing them for the fun of it.”

“I don’t...I mean..well.. Okay fine, I won’t.”

“Thank you, keep track of them, I’ll keep to ground movements.”

“Oui, Mon Capitaine!”

That night we track them through the town, then they actually enter the Everfree Forest for some unknown reason! Even without the threats we fought, it is still deadly and dangerous to the unwary.

Why in all we know would they head into that place?

We lose them in the undergrowth, the scanners on the Wyvern unable to penetrate. We should have delegated a heavier drone, but we went with what was in the air, not thinking they’d go into that place of all things.

Sitting at the edge, I peer into the darkened area, wondering why they’d go into there. Perhaps to hide their ill-gotten funds? Placing them there for later if they have to make a quick exit? Maybe they hadn’t traveled so very far to retrieve some of the ‘rare and expensive’ ingredients for this so called potion?

Athena joins me outside the forest, we both sit watching through drone scanners, seeing the thermal bloom from a campfire blossom we now have their position pinpointed. It’s deep inside, normally ponies wouldn’t travel so far without protection, but it seems they’re doing fine.

“Whaddya think?”

“I think it’s suspicious.”

“Well yeah, heading into the Everfree at night? Yeah I’m gonna go with suspicious, as well as completely stupid.”

“Perhaps a Manticore is quite hungry and will deal with the problem for us,” I muse to myself, seeing Athena’s head snap around, her eyes glued to me.

“What? Did you just..wait a second!” She peers closer, “Just making sure you’re Crusader. I can’t believe you’d suggest that.”

I shrug with a smile, “Have to consider all possibilities you know.”

She hits me on the shoulder, “Stop that, least all I do is suggest stealing something, you go straight to slaughter.”

“I am what I am, a problem solver.”

“A bit drastic though. Maybe we can get a sample from a plant it’s been used on? I know everypony that grows something is probably using it, getting ready for the final fall harvest.”

“Can we extrapolate what it is?”

“I don’t know, it may dissolve, or it may be persistent. The only way to know is to scan it, do a chemical analysis and break it down.”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t do anything harmful in the meanwhile.”

“Well it’s a few days until harvest, we’ve got time.”

“Agreed.” I turn to her, “We need a sample, do what you need to, I’ll keep watch.”

“Wait a second..are you telling me..”

“I am telling you nothing, but if you get caught you’re going to be in trouble. Understand?”

She waves a hoof airily at me, “Oh pshaw, they’ll never catch me!”

“They’ll never catch me”, famous last words.” It is early morning and I had been busy before her update caught me off guard.

The sad looking Pegasus lifts her head as she sets behind the bars in the one cell in the Guard’s offices.

“I tripped! Stupid branch, I tripped is all!”

“You got overconfident.”

“I shut down everything and took it slow, I didn’t have drone coverage! How was I supposed to know I’d wake the pony next door?”

“You couldn’t have tried for a bigger field than somepony’s back yard garden?”

“It was the best choice, more liquid used in less space.”

“Fair enough.” I laugh over the link, “Next time carry some bits to pay the fine.”

“You didn’t have to take so long to come get me!”

“I happened to be right in the middle of bargaining for some of the produce it was used on. I was hoping early morning would be a good time to do so.”

“Get any?” She’s still slightly miffed I waited until morning to get her.

“No, they won’t sell yet.”

“Well then..could you please just pay the fine?”

“Bailing my sister out of jail, what’s this world come to?”

“Oh would you just pay the fine!”

“Next you’ll have a record, then probably prison. Good grief.. A Bolo felon, what would the regiment....”

“JUST PAY THE STUPID FINE!”

“I’ll be back.”

Approaching the desk, I wave to get the old Sergeant’s attention, “Hello Sergeant, how much is the fine for my sister?” I give him a smile.

He grins, shaking his head, “It’s only 3 bits for attempted theft. Your sister’s a nice mare, what’s she doin’ stealing?”

“Well you know how it is, some family go to the wayward side...”

“I HEARD THAT!” The voice comes out of the hallway.

I shrugged, giving him a ‘What can you do?’ look. He laughs as I put the bits on the desk.

“Door’s open, better get her out before she gets all angry.” He winks at me, waving goodbye as I go to the back room.

“Come along Athena, you’ve been pardoned.”

The Pegasus gets up with a sigh, her head hanging as we both walk out of the guard offices, “Please don’t tell Twilight?”

“I can’t do anything, the local guard sends reports every week.”

“Oh come on! Don’t tell her! Please?” She stops right in the front office where the guard Sergeant is watching. Her face is pleading with both of us.

“I can’t do anything,” But before she can ask again I point, “But he can.” The old Sgt. smiles behind the desk.

“Please, please, pretty please don’t tell Twilight?” How did she even get her eyes to go that big anyways, someone’s been taking lessons.

“I don’t know,” The elderly Sgt. is teasing her, seeing an opportunity, “Hardened criminals have to be kept in check you know.”

“A...WHAT? I am NOT a hardened.. I.. All I did was try to take a carrot!” She stamps a hoof on the wooden floor, actually looking petulant. She’s not had the best of days, and I can see that. This Guard Sergeant is apparently going to have some fun at her expense, this will be interesting to watch.

“Well..” The grizzled veteran taps a hoof on his chin, “For some ponies, little filly, they find that stealing leads to other things like robbery and high crimes, we try to keep young ones like yourself out of trouble.”

Athena gets a puzzled look on her face, replaying what he just said, “Little filly? Did you just call me little filly?” She plants both hooves on the desk in front of the unperturbed Sgt. “I’ll have you know I was blasting the enemy into pieces a million years before this place was even an hallucination in someone’s twisted mind! Young? I was serving on the battlefield for more than a century before I was in stasis! I’ll show you...”

A hoof held up stops her tirade, “You do know the fine for adults is seven bits for attempted theft, and if you’re saying you’re an adult, we’ll just have to levy that fine then.” The older pony has a dead flat delivery, in no way is he even intimidated by the hot-headed Pegasus.

I really like him.

The sable Pegasus splutters, flabbergasted at what was said, “WHAT? You..I...”

“If you can’t pay the fine it’s one day in the lockup.” The magenta eyes lock with Athena’s, telling her he’ll take no guff. It’s all I can do to keep from laughing out loud.

Athena‘s eyes go wide, “You wouldn’t... But.. For a carrot!?” I can see her fuming, she is getting really angry right now at this pony who’s giving her a hard time. I catch the twinkle in his eyes, hopefully it won’t go too much further.

He gives it away by cracking the barest smile.

“Seven bits for a CARROT? That’s...YOU...” She stamps a hoof on the wooden top, snorting and leaning over the desk, nose to nose with the Sgt. “I ought...to....” She narrows her eyes at him, glances at me, then back at the desk Sgt. It is suspiciously silent in the offices.

“Are you...are you smiling?” That does it, I can hear the other guards in the back room laughing their heads off. They are obviously very familiar with this type of trick pulled by the elder pony.

The pony’s face goes soft, smiling even more, “Why yes I am.”

“You...I...” Now I can see the dawning in her eyes, the realization of who she’s talking to now that her frustrations have cooled slightly.

She takes her hooves off the desk, standing in front of the older pony, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you were the one with Bastion that night. I’m so very sorry.” She, like me, respects bravery in anyone, enemy, human or pony. She hadn’t realized it was the Sgt. from that night until she simmered down from his teasing.

“No need to apologize young filly, though you might want to watch that temper.” He is gently admonishing her, I don’t think he has a bad bone in his body. He must be thinking of someone close to him as he eyes her, perhaps family?

“I’ve got a grandfilly just like you, hot headed and temperamental. But she’ll learn, and I’m sure you will as well.” He leans over the desk whispering, “Just don’t trip next time.”

Athena slaps her hooves over her mouth, unable to stop the giggle at this grizzled Sergeant giving her that advice while leaning over the desk with a wink. She laughs out loud once more, “Got it, okay, I got it.”

“Good, now, will we be levying that fine....?”

“No, no I’m good, we’re paid right?” She looks at me, I give her a nod.

“Okay great!” She turns to the Sgt., “And I apologize again, I should never have acted that way.” She scuffs a hoof on the floor, “I’m sorry.”

The veteran chuckles, “Everypony has their moments, just remember, give respect to get respect young filly.”

She stops dead for a moment, staring at him again as I nudge her over the link.

“Please stop staring like that.”

“Marcus used to say that to us Crusader. He sounds so much like him.”

“He said a lot of things Athena, I know you miss him.”

“I do..but no one’s ever repeated anything he’s said before!”

“Then perhaps you should take his advice?” I figure why not go with it.

Athena runs around the desk, grabbing the pony in a warm hug, “I will, I promise!” Exactly what she said when he was her commander, every time he reminded her to do something.

We leave behind a puzzled Sgt. getting ribbed by the others at the hug which caught him off guard. I can’t help but chuckle to myself as we walk along.

Athena is quiet, smiling to herself when it hits me.

“Where is it?”

Her head snaps around, eyes wide, looking at me for a moment then at the surrounding town, “Whe..where’s what?”

“The second carrot you stole.”

“I didn’t..they got me..I..” She sighs seeing my look, lifting a wing that had been pinned tight, showing me the purloined vegetable.

“I had wondered why you gave up to the guards so easily when you could have outrun them.”

She rolls her eyes, recovering the carrot with her wing, “I tripped and hit that watering can, I didn’t realize the guards were that close when the neighbor yelled, I only had time to grab another before they came into the yard. I should have had drone coverage.

“Definitely a mistake not to.”

“But I’m good at this! I am! Stupid guards have gotten a lot faster.” She hits a rock across the river, we’ve reached the edge of town already.

“I think you got slightly overconfident Athena," I give her a grin, “Those guards learn fast. Either way, get a breakdown on that, we need to know.”

Both of us watch the wagon setting up once more. It appears the two Unicorns have a fresh supply of the potion they are hocking. We can see the machine behind them chugging along, dripping more liquid into colored bottles.

“Come one, come all! See the wonder....”

“I’m on my way, give me a little time.” Athena takes off towards her hull in a cloud of dust.

“I’ll be here.”

“Let me know soonest, they’ve got quite the crowd now and they are selling quick.”

“Fast as I can!”

I can only watch as ponies purchase the strange liquid. I can’t even get close to try and buy one myself as the crowd has only gotten larger. This is concerning, an untested growth formula used on plants that will be stored and eaten all winter.

They retrieved something from the Everfree, I am almost positive of this, if it is a component of their elixir, then it might very well be dangerous. The forest is not known for it’s pony-friendly plants or fauna.

The two swindlers have sold out so fast that they are already packing up an hour after they arrived, there’s quite a pile of money they are stashing away in preparation for leaving. I am sitll sitting and watching them as I await the test results from Athena, she’s been taking quite a long time, but then the machines were built for human use, not ours.

“Got it!”

“Results?”

“I’ve got purified water, some natural oils from plants we have in our directory, and one very odd chemical that looks like it’s been distilled from something. I’ve got no clue what it is, but it’s got magic attached to it. It’s persistent, but it is breaking down fast, once it’s put on a plant it looks like it dumps the magic into it, plus the chemical effect is synergistic so they make plants grow quick.” Her voice is truly puzzled, “I’ve never seen anything like this, it combines with plants to make them use all the available nutrition in the surrounding soil, sucking it up for one quick growth spurt.”

“So besides growing them, they’re draining the soil of everything, leaving it barren?”

“Yes, it’s not good. They’ll get a huge harvest, but next year is going to be bad unless they revive the soils.” She’s not happy, looking at a small plant in her command deck, now quite large from a drop of extract she’s managed to salvage from the carrot. Poking at the soil it is dry and brittle, crumbling to dust and not good loose earth holding tight like it should.

“No identifier at all?”

“None, this is something totally new, I’ve never seen it before.” She sends me the ID spec sheet on it, showing me the analyzer and deep scans reports.

“That... is a very odd composition.”

“The plant oils give it that color and the chemical help, the prism effect, the purified water is a base, but this, this is the one that does the trick. I’m not even sure how it works, but the natural oils are keeping it in check from doing something else. Even that I don’t know and this is frustrating.”

“This is very disturbing, but I’m not sure it’s a crime, I’ll have to ask. We can prepare a datasheet on the problems with the soil, that can always be alleviated, but it will take twice the work. I’m not even sure if the local constabulary will even understand the implications, they grasp things easily, this would take quite a time to explain.” I am in a quandary. Soils this barren are a crime, when they should be good and moist, providing everything for plants. This takes it all, limiting the growth to what’s available surrounding the plant.

“Mr. Crusader?” A little hoof taps my leg. I look down, seeing a smiling face under a Unicorn horn. Dinky, she’s always happy and smiling, it’s really a joy to see her and her mother out and about.

“Yes Dinky?”

She turns and waves, her mother joining her. She’s still very shy like Athena some times, but her eyes always glow with an inner joy. The gray mare smiles at me, “We thought Applejack may want to try some of this, she’s always taking such good care with her farm, so since she’s not here we got her some.” Dinky’s mother smiles and holds out a bottle of the liquid after her pronouncement.

That simple. So simple it never occurred to me. All our plans and machinations fade to nothing in the face of pure good will.

I take the bottle, holding it tightly as I don’t wish to lose it, “You don’t realize how much you’ve just helped.”

Dinky’s mother blushes as I hug her tight, “Thank you, thank you so very much. I am sorry I cannot stay and thank you properly, but I owe you both, very much.” I give Dinky a well-deserved hug as well.

I take off for Athena’s hull with a wave.

“I’ve got a bottle!”

“How’d you do that?”

“Dinky and her mother, we owe them, we’ll find a way to thank them properly.”

“Darn right, we’ll find something I’m sure!”

“Oh my way with it, we can get a deeper look at the purer item.”

“Just give it to me, I’ll tear it apart.”

“Outside your hull now.”

Athena meets me outside her Command Deck, swiping the bottle and flashing back inside.

“Be careful.”

“No worries, I’ll take all measures.” She clicks the link off, I go back and return to keeping an eye on the wagon.

Athena carefully put a drop in the spectral analyzer, adding a few more for good measure. She carefully added more to the various scanners and analyzers and got them running quickly, the tech spider was steady as it ran the machines. Athena was looking at the results, same except the purity was far higher, it would grow plants well but the soil would be dead afterwards. Putting it on a plant a drop or two at a time, it would still make it grow, but the the soil would still suffer even at diluted levels.

She debated for a moment before finally choosing to break it down further, pouring some carefully she loaded it into a quantum scanning machine, it would break it down to component atoms for a look-see. This was disturbing, but very, very interesting at the same time. A new discovery, a new chemical composition..amazing!

Athena was careful though, the effects on plants were stupendous really, but the after-effects were far worse. She leaned back, hitting the bottle which tilted, then fell over, splashing her with the liquid.

She shook herself, the liquid felt oily and just..wrong.. ”Ugh this...this...” She tilted her head slightly, “Oh stars! My coat is absolutely filthy! I’ve got to do something about this bay as well, Celestia’s name it’s SO unfashionable!”

She trotted lightly off to the shower, thinking maybe some curtains would look wonderful here.

I haven’t heard from Athena in a while, which is odd, she should have at least given me an update. The wagon has packed up, once more heading for the Everfree, more bits made today definitely. I watch them as they enter the forest, heading for the campsite once more as I task a drone to provide surveillance. It is only afternoon, and they sold out quickly.

“Athena?” I call her, wondering if she’s all right.

“Athena?”

“Darling! Oh I’m so sorry I’ve been busy redecorating the Command Deck, oh my stars it’s such a mess!”

What? “Why are you redecorating? We need that analysis.”

“Oh that is soooOOoooo boring darling. Take some time out, I’m heading to Rarity’s to take a look at some absolutely fabulous dresses she’s just put on display!”

“Dresses? Athena we need that analysis!”

“Oh stop being such a boor!” Her voice is cultured, elegant and so very unlike her.

“Athena...”

The link clicks off with a finality that shocks me. What is going on with her and her voice? It’s very different. Something’s happened and I don’t know what.

“Rarity? Are you still open?” The cultured voice caught her attention immediately, sophisticated and sublime, it sounded like somepony just in from the big city. She couldn’t imagine who that knew her name though.

“Oh of course! One second!” She gathered her sewing things, putting them away and ducking out of the back room, her smile was bright as she queried, “What can I....do... Athena?” A puzzled look crossed her face, staring at the Pegasus who was looking at the dresses on display, as well as fine winter garments. She was standing differently, more confident, almost arrogantly. Was that her voice?

“Athena? Oh I’m so sorry, I thought somepony..did you hear someone else in here?” The Unicorn was looking around for another customer.

“Oh no dear!” Athena laughed lightly, almost tittering, “That would be me. I was just wondering if you could show me some of these divine dresses!” The voice was smooth and cultured, exactly the same one she’d heard in the back room.

Rarity’s eyes got wider as she stood there staring at the perusing pony, it was Athena, there’s the Mark, same build yes. What in the world?

“I..I’m sorry? Dresses?”

“Why yes! I’ve always thought you had the most wonderful outfits, I’ve just never had the chance to admire them properly! Oh and I bet this hat would look stunning with a good scarf!” She was trying on a wide brimmed winter hat, gems gleaming off the band as the material accented her coat perfectly, Rarity thought she couldn’t have made a better choice.

Normally she would have been thrilled for the business, even Athena, but this was so totally out of character for her. Perhaps a small joke on her part? She was always having fun with somepony.

“I..think that hat looks wonderful on you,” She watched the Pegasus turn and admire it from all sides in the dressing mirror, “But I’m sure this is just a small prank on your part Athena, really now.” She chuckled, happy with herself it was just something silly. “You got me, I admit.”

She was turned to with a look she had seen before in Canterlot, when one of the upper crust was not amused, “I assure you darling, I’m quite serious.”

“But..you never..” She was truly puzzled, Athena never bought outfits, she didn’t feel the cold or the heat. What was going on here?

“I think it’s time to change that don’t you? I mean having such haute couture in this town is truly a treasure. Some ponies don’t get it, but I assure you Rarity, I do. Much better than prêt-à-porter don’t you think?” She was looking at a high end scarf, sold to winter visitors from Canterlot who looked for such things and could spot quality at good prices.

On one hoof, Rarity was just wondering what was going on, on the other, she was thrilled to her tail at someone speaking her language!

“We-ll..it is true some don’t understand high fashion, but that’s never been a problem. I enjoy the trade and the creation of beautiful things.” She flipped her mane artfully, “It’s so nice though, when someone does understand. Though I do try to make sure every pony that comes in here shines.”

“Well the Gala is coming up isn’t it? I don’t know if I’ll be invited, but I’d love it if you’d make something special?” Her eyes were hopeful, the voice smooth.

Rarity was ecstatic, “Why..why of course!” Her fashion passion took over as her horn lit up, bringing tea out; setting it on a warming plate to keep it hot as she and Athena went through the winter selection, picking out a few pieces here and there, a hat or two. Rarity loved a challenge, and as they talked, she realized they’d never done so with Athena before and was quite happy.

Though at the back of her mind she was wondering what was going on, resolving to talk to Crusader later about this. But until then, she was having the time of her life!

I need that analysis, Athena has cut comms so I wander over to her hull, entering the bay where she’s set up the machines. I don’t touch anything, seeing a few of them still running their scans. The bottle has been placed in a secure area, but it appears the tech spiders have cleaned, the logs show they had disposed of a liquid spill earlier about when Athena talked to me. The potion maybe?

It appears as if some of this potion had splashed her, affecting her in some way? It’s the only possibility, unless a glitch in her deeper cores has switched personalities, which was extremely unlikely but it did happen.

I set the machines to report straight to me, it’s going to take longer than I thought for the results. The two con artists will probably be back for a third run and if so, I need to have the data available.

The drone spots the campsite at the same place, thermal imaging telling me a campfire is set up again; but this time I am ready with a heavier drone, getting resolution on cameras that allow me to see them.

Nothing is happening so far other than them cooking a meal over the open fire. The wagon is set up for living I suppose, giving them space to relax without the cost of a room for the night. Where are they getting the ingredient for this? How are they making it? I can only assume that the wagon contains some sort of distillery, as the pure water is shown to have been made that way along with the plant oils.

What is that third ingredient?

Leaving the machines to do their jobs, I wander back out. Athena has not answered my calls and the last I heard was she was heading to Rarity’s. Thus, I shall as well.

Soil that is bad is one thing, making it so is even worse. But if this potion or whatever it is affects ponies like I think it may be affecting Athena, then that is criminal, but I still have no proof. But if this many farmers and growers use this elixir, the soils will be dead for years to come, the cost in lives and harvest would be staggering.

Perhaps she can clear it up at Rarity’s, though there is one other I can talk to about potions.

The bell tinkled merrily on the door as I walked in, looking at the boutique and seeing Athena posing on a stand, a wonderfully made garment in the process of being adjusted is along her body. Rarity truly has outdone herself. I find all I can do is stand there and see my sister dressed up in such a way that it truly is breathtaking. The outfit is not even done and still it is wonderful to see.

“Crusader!” Rarity sets down another measuring tape, “Athena and I were just having a wonderful time talking. She wants a dress for the Gala if she’s invited, doesn’t she look stunning in silks?”

All I can do is nod.

“Stars above, if the rest comes out looking like this it will be a hit at the Gala, I just know it! We just have to get the fitting right so I can finish the plans for it!” She shows me a tailors’ blueprint, the placement of each item and stitch is methodically done. I had no clue Rarity was so precise or meticulous, though there were hints before, this shows how truly careful she is. I am deeply impressed.

“She’ll have a midnight blue outfit that will just shock the crowd! Not a normal color no, of course it will shimmer like the brightest evening!” She turns to me with a smile, “I thought night would be a good choice, we’ve done such bright colors in the past, perhaps it’s time for something different. To add some ..oh... je ne sais quoi to it all!”

Athena turns and looks at us both, holding very still so Rarity can work, just moving her head, “Oh anything you do, I am most positive Rarity dear, will be absolutely fabulous.” Her voice is very unlike her, but I recognize inflection and tone, the sly usage of certain words when she talks. It is far more subtle than it appears.

The white Unicorn giggles in delight, though she does turn to me in a low voice, “What is going on?” Her eyes are concerned.

“I don’t know, something has changed her personality, done something to her that has affected her deeply.” I make sure she understands I am worried.

“The only time I saw anything like this was..oh let me think.. I can’t remember, I know we ran into something like this before.” She taps a hoof on the floor in impatience, wanting to remember. “I’m sorry Crusader, I’ve been so caught up in this I’ve just lost my train of thought.”

“Can you keep her busy for a while, I must go visit some one else to maybe find out what this is?”

Rarity nods, “Of course! We have to finish this design and that will take time.” She smiles at me, “I didn’t know she was interested in anything like this, change of personality or no.”

“She is not wanting to ever bother anypony for anything Rarity, she loves being free and about. But she’s always admired your skill, you do impress her.”

“Really now?”

“Very much so, when you designed a dress for her the night of Pinkie’s party, she was so thrilled she encased it, to possibly wear again some time and to keep it new.” I give her a smile, “She loves looking at it, and will always be grateful to you though sometimes she cannot say the words.”

A polished hoof touches her chest in a display of emotion as Rarity looks again at the Pegasus, “Truly? She’s never said anything at all. It was just a simple design, I mean, nothing spectacular, though she looked wonderful in it.”

“Truly. For her it meant everything that you thought enough to do so. She will keep it forever.”

“I... I didn’t know that.” Her eyes go soft, “I just thought...” Her voice tapers off into silence as she looks at the Pegasus enjoying her designs.

“Your generosity affects many lives Rarity, though I am sure you do it out of the goodness of your heart and not for any reward, understand that she has never been given gifts like that before. She could never wear them or show them off to anyone, but here in this place, she can.”

“Well!” The Unicorn stands slightly taller, “Then we’ll just have to make sure she goes to the Gala as well, we’ll have an entire Midnight Collection to show off! We can’t have a single piece missing, that just won’t do!”

“As you wish Rarity, and thank you.”

“I must be off, have to get back to finishing this you know. Oh so many ideas now!” She gets a calculating look on her face as things begin to levitate, tapes and threads, blueprints being drawn as she keeps working on the design for Athena, and now it seems all her other friends. The look of concentration on her face tells me she’ll be working late into this night.

“I will be back.” I give a wave to her and Athena, who’s ignoring me to look at herself in the mirror. She’s standing taller though, a more confident pose. It’s odd seeing her like that, but she bears it up well.

But it is not her, it strikes me as wrong in different ways. As I wait for the final report, I head out to the Forest myself.

“This is so nice to see, Crusader come to visit me.” The smiling Zebra opened the door wider, letting me into the warm and comfortable house.

“Habari Zecora.” I watch as her eyes get wide.

“Unajua ulimi wangu mama?” She speaks with a soft voice, the accent unmistakable, from long ago I remember Swahili and when Athena told me, it made me wonder.

“Mimi kufanya, kutoka kwa muda mrefu mrefu uliopita.” I chuckle, switching to Equestrian, “It was called Swahili back then Zecora, a known language and spoken exactly like yours.”

I watch her step back and take a quick seat, obviously it had been long since somepony else spoke to her in her native language.

“I know you speak in rhyme to learn Equestrian better, but we have no time. There is a problem.”

“Then please, let me know how I can help?” She graciously gestures to a seat, which I take. She brings out a pot of some drink, pouring me a cup full. “It is the tea of my lands, it grows here well and provides a refreshing change sometimes.”

I do sip it, the taste is very unlike Equestrian teas, dark and rich, full flavored from the chemical breakdown I receive, “It is very good, my thanks.”

“You have mine as well, it has been long since I heard a voice in my..my..lugha ya asili..”

“‘Native tongue’ are the words you’re looking for.”

“Thank you. It truly has been a while.” She is warm and very gracious.

“There are two Unicorns here in the forest, approximately ten miles from here. They are con artists, and I believe they are using some plant here in the forest to make a potion.” I describe to her the effects to her, the growth spurts and results.

Setting her tea cup down, she wanders over to a bookshelf, retrieving an old volume by the looks, “I’ve never heard of such a thing, to make plants grow so big?”

“Neither have I, but these two are named Flim and Flam.”

She turns to look at me, “Nami nawajua, ila matapeli ambao kudanganya unwary!” She mixes Equestrian with Swahili once more.

“Obviously you know them,” We both chuckle.

“If it is them, then there is a problem.” She points to the book she’s been leafing through, “But I have nothing that can do that. It’s not right to push natural things beyond their limits, one must respect the land.”

“I understand, but I don’t think ponies realize that it will do such damage. They only see the immediate effect.” I describe to her the soil, what is left after such growth.

She shakes her head and then pours more tea, “Perhaps we should go visit their camp, see what they are up to?”

“I have them under observation right now, currently they are relaxing by a campfire, counting their ill-gotten gains.”

The Zebra’s voice is soft in the firelight, “Well then, perhaps I shall go take a look later, to see if they are gathering the wrong plants for this.”

“It is becoming late Zecora, it would probably be best to wait until tomorrow, though the harvest is in a couple days.”

“True even for me, one must be careful in the Everfree.” Her smile, as she goes back to rhyming, is bright in the hearth light. “I shall look around, tell you what I found, for if it is trouble, it would be better to know on the double.”

“Shukrani zangu kwako na heshima kwa familia yako Zecora.” Her eyes go warm as she nods her head in return at my thank you in her tongue.

“Be safe Crusader.”

I stop for a moment, “Zecora, one time I would like to sit and talk with you about how your native language came to be. It is very old and was spoken on the Earth I knew.”

“Please be welcome anytime.” We both exchange waves as I head back to the town.

Once again I am in Rarity’s, they have just finished with the plans for the final dress and I am told to keep my nose out of it. Surprises are always nice though, so I don’t mind. It didn’t take long to travel back, being able to maintain speed is useful.

Rarity is having the time of her life, I’m sure she was surprised at Athena’s knowledge of fashion, but considering the extent of our databases, it’s no real revelation to me. Although watching her talk with the Unicorn in an upper society voice is somewhat disconcerting, they are getting along famously. Perhaps I should leave them be for the moment and continue the investigations on my own.

But no, invited to stay for a cup of evening tea, the conversation turns to things like Canterlot, the recent events of the past few months. I watch Athena closely, seeing her with a poise and grace that is so unlike her. Her speech and mannerisms are sublime and purposeful without a doubt.

I can do nothing further but await the test results, enjoying tea with Rarity and Athena in a way I never have before. It is different, there is much discussion and gentle joking, conversation of a type I have not heard in..well..millenia, from Rarity. Behind Athena’s though, I notice a certain steely glint in her eyes, something which troubles me to no extent. She is like a viper in wait for prey, her words cutting in a way that is beyond sharp, and she is using this to slyly poke at Rarity without the Unicorn even understanding the deeper concepts.

I catch Rarity looking at me in concern, having endured this for a few hours, she is a friend and very worried.

So am I.

It has been a long day, my drones observe the two coming back into town for a third run. I have a feeling that this is the last day, they have pretty much milked this town dry and will most likely be moving along. I cannot let this happen.

Though I am loathe to do so, I have come up with a plan. My mind has been bothered by Athena’s actions, she is cruel in a way that slides past others but not me. I see it this day, how she acts and talks, it’s not right. But I cannot stop her at this moment, I must solve this problem first.

As they set their stage up once more, they are distracted for long moments; it gives me a chance to knock one axle out of alignment, it will prevent movement if they try to leave. This will necessitate a repair that will take hours.

The first stop is the Guard offices with the data we have accumulated. The results of the tests came in last night and I have reviewed them. Whatever this unknown chemical is, it is highly dangerous to the health of ponies and the soil. Not just draining the nutrients, but it can affect living beings as well from the data I have.

Breakdown is quick, if left for a few days the chemical will lose most of it’s potency, but that does not alleviate the threat. Anything left behind might have consequences.

“So, you’re saying it kills the soil?” The Unicorn known as Paper Work has listened to my explanation so far, nodding at points.

“Exactly. If used on crops here and around it will drain it dead. Next years harvest will be a staggering loss.”

His eyes go wide, knowing as everypony does, it’s important to keep and tend the land, That’s...really? That bad?”

“You will not have a harvest next year, I guarantee it.” I show him the simplified version of harvest predictions, the next few years will be at least a tenth of what they are now unless the soils are replenished. I am already at peak manufacturing for natural soil nitrates and nutrients, stacking them in my bays for use. The liquid has already been used by many ponies and it is going to takes tons of soil enhancers to replace what’s been used.

Paper Work slaps a hoof on the desk top, “I knew that stuff was gonna be bad news, we’ve been watching them but couldn’t pin anything to ‘em.” He thinks for a moment, “In Celestia’s Name this is going to be bad! Let me go get the Captain.”

He comes back with Bars after a few minutes, the long suffering Captain of the Guard. Despite everything he has an easygoing manner, from years of experience dealing with Ponyville problems.

“Paper here tells me we got a problem.” He waits for my explanation, which I give succinctly. He doesn’t react outwardly, but I do see him turn thoughtful.

“Yeah, I think it’s time we shut them down.” He gestures to a few of his biggest guards, “Go slam a lock on it.” Watching them leave the office at speed, he turns to me, “What do you need?”

“I need to take a look at that machine in the wagon, what it’s doing and what they’re using to make this.”

“Done, let’s go.” He turns without a further word, leading me into the town proper. We travel along the street to the plaza itself where a crowd is already gathering. His guards are in the process of shutting it down, telling townsfolk that there will be no more sales today.

This has the expected effect of making an angry crowd, those who had seen others use it, wanting some for themselves and now it was being forbidden. Bars is ready for it.

“Shut it down!” He raises a large hoof, “Now, listen closely.” The crowd quiets, letting him speak. “We got evidence that this stuff is going to affect the soil in a bad way, it takes all the essence from it and next year we won’t HAVE a harvest.”

Gasps are heard, then angry murmuring from ponies that have already used it on their crops. Their farms and gardens are their livelihood, something like this could devastate a town. I think back and really am glad there is not a pitchfork and torch store in this town, though Quills and Sofas might sell them.

“We’ll get to the bottom of this, now just go on back home or whatever, they’ll be no sales today.”

Angry looks are directed at the two Unicorns as ponies leave the plaza, eventually going back to what they were doing. It is beginning of harvest anyways, the last time to do anything as ponies are already gathering produce up and selling it in the markets. The larger vegetables from the elixir are commanding higher prices.

Bars turns to me, “Alright, take a look at this thing, tell me what you got.” He’s eyeing the two nervous Unicorns who are protesting.

“Now that’s proprietary machinery there! We can’t just let anypony look at that!” The one brother, Flim, is saying. He moves to block access to the door leading inside the wagon.

“My brother is right of course, this cost a pretty bit to make and we can’t just let any one inside. Of course if you’d be willing to pay for the privilege...” He leaves the sentence open with a smile.

Bars just smiles in return. Even I find it a bit menacing.

“Really? Pay for the privilege?” He taps a hoof, “How about I give you both ten days in the cells for ruining the farm land? That enough pay?” He glares at the now nervous Unicorns, “Then you can work to help restore it no matter how long it takes?”

“Well now, no reason to be totally unreasonable here, I’m sure we can explain everything to your satisfaction.” Slick to the end, they’re still trying to block access. “It doesn’t ruin the land, it helps! Making things grow to twice their size, giving more food for everypony!” He’s using his circus barker’s voice to explain.

“By draining the nutrients and essence from the soil you idiots!” Bars is not happy at being thwarted. He waves a hoof at the closest ponies who move them away from the wagon, still protesting.

“Get in there, tell me what’s going on.” He points at me.

“Yes sir.” I move quickly inside, there is copper tubing everywhere, some sort of distillery. Looking around, I can see the flasks and such over low flames, dripping liquid into the tubing which runs up into coils, purifying whatever it is..there we go.

There is the water, for the base. Beside it, a collection of simple plants for oils and coloring, but what is this? A few odd blue flowers stuffed into a flask, oils being produced out of them. I scan them quickly and can’t find any comparison to them. There is a very large amount of distilled liquid in the container, almost slopping over as I take a closer look at it. Flora in the Forest has been a low priority, we were usually too busy shooting to worry about it.

I wish I had paid more attention.

The Captain peeks in, seeing me reaching for the container, “Don’t touch that!” He almost screams at me.

I stop immediately, “What is it?”

“That’s Poison Joke! You dump that and we’re all infected!”

Poison Joke? I’ve heard...wait one. Files are accessed about tales told about this flower, the effects were described as unpredictable, and while non-harmful in the long run, this distilled version could be a thousand times worse.

Bars’ voice is very calm as he talks to me, “Is that liquid Poison Joke in the bottom there?”

“I believe so, there’s quite an amount in this container.”

“Celestia damn their eyes. Crusader don’t even nudge that thing.”

“I assure you, I will not move.” I lock myself in place, keeping a firm stance as the wagon rocks when Bars steps back out, the liquid slopping back and forth. I don’t touch it as any movement could spill some over the side, and by the guards expressions this would be bad. A Ferret is now rolling out with containment and decon spiders in it, by the look on Bars face I can tell they are scared down to their hooves of this stuff.

He flips to the two Unicorns now backing away from him, “You idiots! Purifying Poison Joke? What were you thinking?”

One brother looks at the other, both of them just shrugging with the ubiquitous smiles on their faces. They turn to run, but are blocked by guards who take them into custody.

“Take ‘em away, they’ve got some explaining to do.” His disgusted look brooks no comment from the two brothers as they get hauled off.

“You okay in there Crusader?” The wagon’s instability is worrying him, myself as well, I do not want this stuff on me.

“I’m fine, I have help coming, it will arrive in one minute.” The Ferret is on the street now.

Ears perk up at the rumbling sound, the guards are familiar with it and clear the street. The Ferret slews to a stop, dropping the back ramp and letting a few specialized spiders out. I direct them to surround the container with a containment vessel, slowly taking it out of the wagon and sealing it into an airtight package. They hustle back into the Ferret with it and off to my hull, nano-dissembler packages are already working to break it down before being dumped inert into my fusion furnace.

I unlock my joints and stretch a moment, the guards heaving a sigh of relief.

I now know why Athena is acting the way she is. Poison Joke had been said to effect personality or physical changes in a pony. Since she is such a free spirit, perhaps this was the ‘joke’ it played on her? But then I can only assume so. There is a cure thankfully.

“Luna’s Stars Crusader, what were they thinking?”

“I don’t know Bars, some will make money any way they can.”

“Distilling Poison Joke, what idiots.”

“Well, diluting it with the plants and water, somehow helped to grow plants bigger, I’m not fully understanding how but we’ll find out. I think when Athena spilled some on herself, it still acted as Poison Joke would. Like when they said plants only? I’m truly puzzled by it.”

“What amazes me is nopony spilled any on themselves while using it, kinda strange don’t you...”

“Captain Bars! Oh thank goodness!” A red maned mare runs up, “I don’t know what’s going on but my little filly is an adult mare now! What’s happening here? She’s only six!”

A hoof meets a face as Bars sighs. He tells his guards to spread the word, collecting the potion so it can be disposed of, and making sure the cure is ready at the spa. The two Spa owners will be getting a brisk business it seems as other ponies are running up to the guards.

I prepare more dissembler nanos and task spiders for the disposal of hazardous waste. I’m afraid I do laugh at the look on Bars face, he returns it with a shrug and grin, a typical day in Ponyville.

Collecting the containers posed no problem once ponies were notified of the hazard to them. There were a few more incidents, but nothing that couldn’t be solved with a cure. Though Bars got some spilled on him in one incident, his low voice replaced with a high squeaky one that kept the guards laughing so hard they couldn’t do their job. I do wonder if it was an accident though, seeing the looks ponies gave each other.

I stayed well away from it.

The liquid itself was destroyed in total by my disassemblers, it’s better that way, not allowing it to soak into the soil at any stage. The containment vessel and everything else was deconned heavily in my hull afterwards. This stuff made even me wary.

Zecora has made sure that there is plenty of antidote for the spa, to take care of any more problems.

The two brothers, however, are facing a stiff fine, the authorities taking a dim view of ruining a livelihood. They had found an old treatise on distillation in the Canterlot Library, notes to the effects of certain plants and natural items when run through the apparatus.

Said apparatus was destroyed by the way, appears a fire broke out inside the wagon which totaled the whole thing. Captain Bars said it was quite a tragedy it happened.

I wonder.

Ponies were given back their monies, thankfully it was recovered, as well as replacements out of our stores for the produce that had been affected. Much discussion went into this as I had informed them the chemical broke down quickly, but they hadn’t wanted to take any chances with Poison Joke. It was no problem providing extra meals for the families, the Crown is also going to reimburse anything lost on harvest sales as well which I thought was quite generous.

I don’t think, from the interrogation I witnessed, that the two Unicorns knew what it did to the soil. Though they should really have tested it first, but it seems greed is foremost in their minds.

Between Athena and I, there will enough soil enhancers that will bring back what was lost so the land can continue to produce well.

Which brings me to my sister.

“But darling, I don’t want to go to the spa!” She’s giving me a stare down the bridge of her nose that’s quite annoying.

“Don’t call me ‘darling’ and yes, you need to go for the cure.” I ponder the use of heavy weapons right now.

We’re walking along in front of Rarity’s Boutique, arguing about the need for her to take the antidote. She’s spent an inordinate amount of time in there, but I admit the hat she’s wearing right now looks very nice on her. But her personality is wrong, it’s vicious, it’s back-hooved, it’s so...not her.

“Well ‘dear’.. Perhaps I like being like this. It’s so much nicer actually, I feel so different.” She nods haughtily at another couple walking along the street.

“But it is not you Athena, it is totally opposite of yourself.”

“Well from what I can see, the stuttering, shy me was nothing special. It might be nice to be this way. In any case, I don’t want the cure, I’m happy the way I am.” She stops, stomping a hoof pettily in the dirt.

“You are arrogant and self-absorbed, thinking nothing of anypony but yourself.” I point a steady hoof at her as I go on evenly, “That ‘stuttering and shy’ you was a good person and did wonderful things for so many.”

She leans her head down, sneering at me, “Well it’s better than being a holier than thou little twerp who thinks that he’s a teacher and that anypony actually listens!” Her voice has a venom in it I have never heard before, I am taken aback and step backwards for the moment.

Her voice switches to a Concordiat Worlds slang that we know ponies cannot understand.

“Honor and loyalty my ass, what have they ever done for you? In love with your commander? Oh puh-leese, she’s nothing but a farmer and you want to be with her. You could do so much better and you know it!” She waves a hoof around, “We could run this entire world if you’d just let technology out, let them become dependent on it and us for the supply.” She hisses at me, “You’re so stupid and single-minded!”

“There’s nothing left of the Concordiat, we owe them nothing! WE can run this place so much better than these ponies. We are the pinnacle of technology from a thousand worlds and are in the here and now. Nothing you’ve found changes that, nothing! You were alone and still you turned to these..these..primitives!”

“I found you.”

She stops her poison laced speech for a moment, taken off guard by my simple statement, I take the advantage.

“I brought you out of exile, a lonely prison of sand which you would have never escaped. You are treated well here and trusted but would have us take over? Become the tyrants and dictators we fought against so long ago? You would have us turn from that which is burned in our very souls?”

I ready a cyber attack, I will crash her systems and take her offline if I have to. We are in TSDS so it will be simple to do so. She cannot be allowed to think this way, it is dangerous to all of us. She is not unstable, Resartus would kick in, but with a nasty turn of mind.

“Do not have us deny our history and lineage Athena, do not tell me you can put it aside that easily. You may look like a pony, but you are a Bolo with all that implies. Even if we are the last, our very beings compel us to do what we have always done.” I plead with her, trying to reach that which I know is inside her.

The countdown starts, systems are online for a full out attack, my programs are hot and ready. She is wary but my skills are top of the line in cyber assault, I do not wish to, but if I must... If she fights it will burn cores, we will both suffer heavy damage; but she cannot be allowed to be like this any longer, she will become a threat to this world if let loose.

I do not wish to think of what will have to happen if she repels my attempts.

“Athena! How nice to see you! I was just heading for my hooficure and wondered if you’d come along with Fluttershy and myself? We’d so love the company.” Rarity is standing on her porch, smiling at us both, Fluttershy gives a small wave.

Athena smiles nastily at me before turning to the Unicorn, “Of course! It’d be a pleasure!” She looks back at me, “We’ll talk later, I’m sure.” As she joins the two heading for the spa.

I can’t let her go, my systems charge up, the start signal prepared, it will take a few seconds actually...

The white Unicorn watches Fluttershy and Athena head off towards the spa, “Be with you in a moment!” She doesn’t let me speak, just nods slightly with the barest smile, “I saw, don’t worry.” She trots off to catch up with the two pegasi, talking merrily as they head for the shop.

I can only close my eyes as I shut down, taking the assault systems offline, wishing I could heave a sigh of relief. I watch though, carefully and quietly, just in case. The burden taken from me for the moment by a gesture and word.

How close we can be to the edge of disaster, only to be brought back by the simple kindness of a friend.

Haunted though we are...

I sit under the open sky, the stars twinkle at me impotently as I look up at them, wondering which are real and which are moved by the Princess of the Night.

Since the other day, Athena’s words have been resonating within me. Have I done wrong withholding technology? I have given when it was needed, we have used our weapons to preserve life and this land, we have done much more than I would have thought.

But still, could we have done more? Can we do more without changing this world irrevocably beyond what we already have?

So many questions flowing like water. Answers are not forthcoming as I sit and stare at the sky, wanting someone to give them to me.

Athena has been brought back, she is her kind self once more, trying to stay out of trouble for the moment. She knows what she has said and done, reviewing the recordings at my insistence. She was horrified, knowing what she was doing and saying as I did, running to apologize to Rarity who did not quite understand why she was doing so.

My sister took the time to tell her how the words were made to cut, to injure and make others bleed from a million small nicks until they collapsed. Vitriol was a high art in some Concordiat societies, especially the upper crust, the nobles of a hundred worlds, the so called Lords of Creation that thought each sentence and phrase should be parsed so that someone underneath you would never know you were cutting their throat.

A conversation in that rarified strata of society was like walking a densely packed minefield. Each step, each word was carefully thought of and brought out to do harm to another. Entire conversations were hinged on the single pronunciation of a word, which would tell the listeners who would go down in flames.

Why did we defend those people, those creatures of venom and hate that ruled worlds under Concordiat protection?

I wonder if it is far better we have left such things in the past, to be dust with the history I so jealously guard. Why do I even do so? I should delete most of it and let this world go along it’s own path, not learning from a thousand worlds that did nothing but bicker and strife amongst themselves until the galaxy burned by their stupidity.

Philosophy from worlds that were so peaceful until another race came and showed them what life would be like should another ‘enemy’ arrive. Honeyed words rolled off silver tongues, convincing the younger races to accept protection from ‘older’ and ‘wiser’ beings.

Older and wiser my cores, wanting not to 'protect’ but the resources and labor such races provided. We Bolos sent in to quell the rebellions because they were under Concordiat protection and we had to defend them as members.

The disgust rolls through me like a tidal wave, so many times did I feel the innocents under my treads, but unable to disobey, to say something other than a few words to my commander when command could not hear us.

Rarity accepted Athena’s apology, understanding now why the Pegasus was so sorrowful that next day, telling her it was all right, that it wasn’t her.

Would that it was so easy back then.

I have lost memories in the fight with Masada, much I would rather have than some are that are left. Many of my commanders faces are gone, forever lost into the ravages of the battle and time.

But I have served, and served well in all my time, upholding the laws and tenets of the Concordiat. I obeyed faithfully.

Even when it cost so much.

“Alright Crusader, bring us around, heading zero four three degrees, we’ll take the rebels from behind.” The human sat lightly in the crash chair, watching the battle screens closely.

“Yes Commander.” I brought my hull around, firing Anti-Air to intercept what little the enemy had to offer.

He smiled warmly, shaking a finger at the camera I was viewing from, “I told you, when we’re alone it’s Mark.” He laughs, “Besides you owe me a rematch on the Battle of Waterloo you cheat.”

“Yes Mark. Heading is zero four three degrees, we are at speed. No more incoming fire.” I wait a moment, “I did not cheat, I just used the infantry more effectively than Napoleon did.”

Eyeing my camera he slaps the chart table, “I still think you cheated.” Before I can reply he grunts, looking at all the readouts.

He shook his head, typing fast and bringing up readouts on enemy strengths and positions, looking at tables of armor and weaponry that intelligence had so far gleaned from prisoners, “I don’t get it, why do they need us? They have nothing like us, and won’t have, the rebels are underequipped and lightly armed.”

“I do not know Mark, perhaps there is something Command is not advising us of?”

“But it’s like using a hammer to swat a mosquito, this isn’t battle it’s slaughter!” He stared at the readouts, my main guns were tearing through armor in defilade like it was not there.

An alarm sounds through the command deck, I notify Mark immediately, “Mark, I am identifying three Golem Class Fours on the other side of the ridge. They are now powering up weapons systems, fusion engine ID’s are telling me they are Siege Units.” My scanners picked them up as soon as the power started to flow through their systems. They had been safe from detection until then.

His head snapped up, “What? How in holy hell did they get here?”

“I do not know.” I did not, a drop ship snuck in perhaps? Mercenaries? We had no intelligence.

He slammed himself back in the crash couch, the belts snapping in place to hold him as I go into full Battle Reflex. My treads grip the churned ground as I bring us up to maneuver speed, screens snapping into place as my Hellbores power up.

Golems were Bolos, but without the psychotronic circuitry that made us so deadly on the field. They were crewed by live beings, Class Fours had eight for the weapons and defensive systems. If the operators were good enough, three of them could wipe us from the field.

“Incoming cruise missile plots, three hundred marked for targeting, permission to fire?”

“Fire! Yes! Do what you need to!”

Golem Fours had comparable systems to a Bolo Siege Unit, but were not equipped with nuclear missiles unless the black market had obtained them recently. The Hellbores on their hulls were what were worrisome, I had three, they had nine. We were severely outclassed unless we could outmaneuver them, my tactical cores were showing a thirty-four percent chance we would be destroyed within the first minute of battle.

We had lost the element of surprise, our only chance was to move faster and more efficiently. I increased speed until I was at maximum, to catch the ambushers off guard, getting inside their launch range so cruise missiles could no longer be used.

I had been cleared by his order to do what was needed, he no longer needed to give me commands in battle. My Hyper Velocity Missile batteries were quickly taking their toll along with Anti-Air lasers and infinite repeaters, whittling down the wave until it was gone; the explosions allowing me to swing around the lumbering Golems, seeing one in the open as it came from under a thick layer of dirt which prevented us from detecting the powered down hulls.

All three of my Hellbores caught it before they could raise their screens, I watched the directed nuclear blasts tear deep into the command area, vaporizing the crew and most of the interior of the vehicle as it stuttered to a halt, dead.

The other two were freed for action though, my side screens taking a pounding as I move quickly behind another low mountainous area, blocking them from direct shots as I get into position to ambush them once more. Their sensors are not as sensitive as mine, I can feel them probing for me, but they cannot get a lock as my ECM is more powerful.

A call comes through from the enemy on the open comm links, I notify Mark.

“Mark, a call is coming in from the Golems.”

His face was drawn as we moved, my treads rocking the hull as we tore through low hills, plowing them out of the way to get into good firing position.

“Answer it, make sure it hasn’t got a virus or anything in the stream.”

“Cleared Mark, it’s open wave, no stream.” I am coming around the low mountains, my Hellbores are already swinging into place as he nods to himself. My batteries are loaded and ready to fire when we clear the hills.

“All right then.” He cleared his throat, “This is Command Lewis, Fourth Bolo Regiment, surrender and we’ll let you leave the field in peace without the Golems.”

“I don’t think so Mark, just listen to me.” The voice is soft, saying his name like it knows him personally, and they do.

“Sharon? Sharon is that you?” He looks at the blank video screen, voice only for security.

“It’s me. You need to stop Mark, what you and Crusader are doing is wrong. The people are not rebels, they’re slaves, they just want their freedom.” She had disappeared months earlier from our base on the continent, Command had notified Mark of her possible death at the hands of the rebels.

I swing around the hills, catching the other one not so quite off guard, His Hellbores slam into my screens, rocking my hull and Mark as I return fire, breaching a side partition and burrowing deep into one engine. The Golem rolls with the hit, swiveling to get the broken screen out of sight and firing a full broadside at me.

My screens are up to full power, shrugging the repeater and howitzer fire off, though it is depleting them bit by bit. A constant pounding will bring them to zero eventually, but the battle will not last that long.

“Sharon, I thought you were dead!”

“That’s what Command wanted you to think, I defected Mark, when I found out what the so called Lords were doing to their people here. It’s deplorable, they keep them in hovels and work them until they die! They enslaved everyone who’s not one of them!” The video screen comes on, we can see a haggard face, the screen tilting as my pounding of the second Golem affects her as well.

I slew to the side, avoiding more Hellbore fire now coming from the third Golem, the increased use of them is affecting my ability to keep screens at full. I switch absorption rates to the X and Y bands, allowing me to channel some of it to power my own weapons and screens, but the fields are dangerously close to overload now from the hits.

“Sharon, please, just surrender, we’ll let you go! I promise, just..just don’t do this!” His face is pleading, they had been very close before she disappeared.

“I...I can’t Mark. I can’t let you put these people back into chains.” She wipes her face, “We got these Golems off a black marketer that just happened to be in system, I’m sorry Mark, but we ..I.. can’t let you do this.”

My treads grab deep, stopping suddenly and letting loose a full broadside of Hellbore fire at the closest Golem, catching it at the point where the screens meet. The crew cannot switch absorption bands fast enough and they blow explosively as the fields overload, allowing me to drill three shots into the hull, aiming once again for the Command center. Point blank Hellbore fire is hardly stopped by the intervening battle screens.

The hulk explodes when my weapons fire reaches the fusion plants inside.

Sharons’ face turns to a screen, seeing the results of my work as I maneuver once more into firing position. They are quick, her own crew, moving as swiftly as I am to keep out of range, hiding behind hills which I fire through, trying to reach them.

I watch her rock in the command chair.

“Sharon, please, just surrender!”

“Crusader is good, two Golems down already. Can’t fault you Mark, you got a good command.” She tries to smile, but a broadside from my port batteries slams into her once more, rocking the picture.

“I can’t Mark, I can’t let the people here down, I promised.”

“Sharon..”

My Hellbores finally score a hit, drilling through their starboard shields as they come into sight once more. I prepare a full battery charge and move in for the kill. I can see one Hellbore turret gone on their rear hull, most of their anti-air and howitzers are gone on this side from my last shot. My missile barrage left them limping badly, the crews not as skilled as I.

“Crusader, cease firing.”

“I’m sorry Mark?”

“Cease firing!”

The remaining Hellbores on the Golem are swinging my way, along with the Hyper Missile batteries that are left.

“Mark they are aligning for a shot, I can’t let them shoot at us.”

“That’s an order Crusader, stand down!” His fist slams the control board as I obey, shutting down my weapons as ordered. The Omega Worm is always ready to kill a disobedient Bolo.

“Done Mark, weapons powered down.”

“Drop the screens.”

“Mark...”

“Drop them!”

I watch their remaining Hellbores draw a bead on my hull as I drop the last of our protection. I cannot understand what is going through my Commander’s mind right now but I am worried, two shots and I am dead if their placement is correct.

“There Sharon, see? We’re done, just go, just go somewhere else.”

“I can’t do that Mark.”

I see his face register surprise as the remaining turrets unload nuclear death at us, I have just enough time to flick the screens on, blunting the assault. The shots dig deep as my pain sensors register overloads everywhere.

“Mark, I am down to fifty-eight percent efficiency. My screens have overloaded. Mark? Mark?” I try to reactivate the intercoms and cameras while I tear out of the line of fire, leaving the Golem behind in a cloud of dust.

I have one Hellbore left, one of the hits took my batteries and aft turrets offline by scrambling the quantum processors. I am down to that and a few Hyper Missile launchers. Infinite repeaters are stuttering out shots as fast as I can reload, aiming for their sensors and anything else I can find with my remaining scanners. This is not good, auto repair cannot fix the shields either. I have blown two outside tracks, they are shredded from the blast and am now using only the inner ones for mobility, I am cut down on speed but I am still moving.

The second shot dug deep into my armor, outside sensors are showing a hole that is still glowing with radiation.

“Mark?”

The Command Deck camera flickers on as I see what the Hellbore shot has done to my deck, and my commander.

I turn it back off, there is no more reason for me to see the Command Deck, there is no more Commander for me to listen to.

The anger rises, my obeying orders as a good soldier should has cost the life of my commander, it flows through me like a wave of flame as I turn to face the one who has taken from me a friend.

I could not disobey, the Omega Worm waits inside all of us to destroy those who would not listen, but it cost me dearly and they will pay!

I turn my hull, running directly into the fire as I let my prow plates take the brunt of the assault, my remaining battle screens flickering as they are close to overload. But I have time, seconds are forever to us, and that is all it takes for a shot from my remaining Hellbore to blow their forward tracks, putting them into the ground like a plow, immobile.

I take my time coming back around, the forward turret cannot reach me behind them as I launch all my missiles at the protected rear of the hull, easily overloading the screens, listening to a machine die in many ways. The aft Hellbore on the Golem’s hull goes spinning off into the air from my shot, destroying what remains of any defense to their rear.

Ripping it apart piece by piece, my rage un-quenchable as my single Hellbore digs through their hull in different places, prolonging the agony of my foe. A call comes through the dust and I answer it.

“Stop! Stop Crusader, we surrender, we surrender!”

Ceasing my fire for the moment, looking at the ravaged hull, the blown treads and turrets, the gaping holes still smoldering with fire. What was once a clean profile is now nothing but scrap metal with a few screaming beings trapped inside.

“We surrender!”

“You are the enemy.”

My final blast reaches deep into the armor, atomizing anything in it’s way and exiting out the front of the mangled metal of the war hull; the power plants explode and I weather the storm until it fades, staring at the wrecks, the battle ground, and the body of a friend.

It was not the first commander I lost, and would not be the last as far as I can remember. I was refitted and went back out a month later, crushing all final resistance. Many years passed for me, the rage still smoldering, the loss still fresh even now.

But I obeyed, I followed my orders and did my duty for the Regiment, for the Concordiat.

But I ask myself was it truly that, or just an excuse for the disgust I felt inside, to let it loose whenever the enemy came in sight. To pour on them the self-loathing and hate I felt each time I replayed those memories. Knowing as I did what Sharon had said was true, but still I did as I was ordered.

A task force on Septim Prime, putting down an uprising because of food shortages. Food shortages we found out later were caused by the elite selling all available stocks to provide money for their own comfort.

A cave in at a deep crustal mine on Findal, the miners had been striking when explosives were touched off, causing a massive collapse. We were prevented from rescuing them by orders from Command. We listened to them die, one by one over a period of weeks, asking us when we were coming to help. One commander in a fellow Bolo shot himself when it became too much.

The explosion was cause by agents of the ruling class, on purpose, to prevent further stoppages.

Other places, other times, utter hatred...

I was always calm, cool Crusader, never ruffled in battle, never surprised by things. A commanders dream one said, to command me as my skills kept getting better.

But what did humans truly know of us? What did they even think they knew?

They knew nothing. We were a voice in a hull that weighed thousands of tons, dealing death at every command. There were a few that truly dug into our psyche, like Athena’s Marcus. He knew the turmoil, the anguish, the pain some of us carried until we died in the inferno.

Not all of us had been used so, but there were enough. Some went insane, Resartus taking over and never letting go until they were ‘retired’.

Retired.

Another word for a complete AI kill, shutting us down so we were no longer alive, killing us. Flipping a switch and never looking back some did, others let the AI know why, the reasons, and when the Unit understood and agreed, they were given peace.

Some Bolos had refused orders that they knew were wrong, their commanders pleading for them to just obey, until the Omega Worm destroyed them utterly.

Command got smart after that, making sure we and our commanders never knew the real reasons for anything until after such missions were accomplished and done. But it didn’t lessen the sting any, far and few between they added up.

In histories and other records, you will not see those names listed. Why? Because Concordiat Command wished it so, like any other government it didn’t want to look fallible, to show the public that their autonomous machines were perfectly loyal and trustworthy.

The public wouldn’t have panicked, they’d have trusted us more if they’d known we refused immoral orders, refused to kill innocent men and women of their own worlds!

That we would rather die than do so.

Don’t get me wrong, there were good men and women of all worlds, striving to do what was right and succeeding. But when you look at something, you need the entire picture and not one small part.

But in a few of those precious moments, those ticks of the clock that were counting down. When it truly made a difference, one of us was there to say no.

No more.

Alongside men and women who stood against the wrong, the unjust and the criminal, the Bolos stood as well.

But can you damn yourself in doing so?

Athena has shared her dream with me about Marcus. He asked that, he thought he’d done so, he was sure he’d been. But she made him understand, to look inside and do what was the best possible solution.

But in the whole story she told me one thing has stuck. Have I ever forgiven myself?

I was forgiven by Fluttershy, and that was the beginning of a peace I had not known until then. I have been forgiven for many things since in defense of my new home. An understanding given to me by a race unknown who wanted nothing more than to be friends.

But I haven’t forgiven myself for these long ago atrocities. The ones that color and temper my every move, my every thought, never let out lest they make me a ravening beast.

Am I allowed to? Can I use the excuse that I was just following orders under pain of death?

I could, but I choose not to. Come what may, I will own these, my actions.

There is no Concordiat anymore, this I am sure of. There are none to judge me on these past things that I have let linger in my mind for so long. None but myself.

A wing wraps around my back, comforting as Athena settles herself next to me. She is silent as the night itself when she wants to be.

“I can hear you when I peek in on your musings, wondering why you sit out here for so long.”

“I know.” I switch to speaking, it’s more familiar now.

“Why do you do this?” Her eyes are full of worry.

“Because I am that way Athena. It is who I am, to worry and ponder. To remember those tragedies and not let them be forgotten.”

“Is it because of yesterday?”

“No. But your words made me think, even though I know it was not you speaking.” I lean into her, reassuring again that she was not at fault. “People died because of us Athena, for no other reason than greed, or ego, or even just plain hatred.”

“I wish you’d stop, they happened so long ago, we all had those times.” She stares into the quiet sky, “You keep yourself held tightly brother.”

“I know. But I see them, the faces, the places and names. They haunt me Athena.” I am not used to being so open with what is deep inside me.

“Don’t let them.”

“I can’t help.. It’s..” I turn to her, looking into those warm lavender eyes, “Am I good Athena?”

“Why are you even asking that?” Her face is puzzled.

“Marcus said he damned himself with his actions by helping you, by saving others. I’ve done well in my time, but with those actions long ago have I condemned myself no matter what I do?”

A cheek nuzzles against mine, “No. No you haven’t, because you’ve more than made up for what happened in the past. It’s time to stop.” She steps back, looking at me, “When I thought you were gone for good, I almost lost it. But the Princesses told me, a road is always traveled best when not alone.” She smiles, “You need to stop holding on, it’s time to let things out, stop worrying so much on past mistakes. You’ve been forgiven, now forgive yourself.”

“What if I can’t?”

“Then I’ll beat it out of you.”

I laugh, she joins in for a moment before sobering, “I mean it, stop. It’s a million years in the past. Would Applejack be with you if she even thought you weren’t any good?”

“No ah wouldn’t.”

Both of us turn to see her standing close, distracted by our conversation we failed to hear her.

Sitting beside me, she continues, “Ah always wondered if you were just lookin’ at stars or if it was somethin’ else. Now I know.”

“Applejack..I’ve..”

She holds a hoof up, “I don’t want to know, don’t care. All ah know is that you and Athena are here, now, and it’s time to get on with things. We all got bad memories, some never go away, but you learn to live with ‘em.” She pokes me with a hoof, “You learn to let others help.”

Athena and I nod, Athena answering for us both, “It’s hard to do so Applejack, you’ve never know a galaxy at war like we did.”

“Nope, and thank the stars we won’t ever hopefully. But it still don’t mean ya can’t let others help sometimes.” Her face is one of determination as she looks at both of us, “Y’all think jes’ because you’re somethin’ different your troubles can’t be understood by anypony else.” She points a hoof, “Well got news for ya, they can if ya give ‘em a chance.”

Athena looks at me as we both turn back to face the mare, “That’s not true..”

“Oh yes it is, otherwise you’d be in there talkin’ to me or Granny or even Mac about ‘em instead of sittin’ out here in the cold.” She shivers a moment, winter is soon to be here and the land is slowly going to sleep.

“Now doncha think it’s time ya both came inside? Some of us get a bit chilly out here, even if you two don’t.” She gets a disgruntled look, adjusting the scarf around her neck.

Athena smiles, looking at me, “She’s right, maybe it’s time we both came inside out of the cold.” But she sits, and waits for my reply, intensely interested in what I am to do.

Getting to my hooves I nod, “You’re both right, it’s far past time.” I see her get up as well, smiling warmly at me.

Together we three head for the house, hearing Apple Bloom laughing at something inside.

She is right though, as I look at the two on either side of me, she is right.

Author's Note

Sorry, a bit of introspection again. Consider a machine who lives for centuries, imagine the deeds it has done; even in a life of good works, there's always something.

Holidaze, Centerfold Princess

Author's Note

Back with tons to post, and here ya go! Probably not my best as transcribed from loose leaf notebook, (Yeah wrote it all by hand, yeesh) So be gentle please, and have fun!
Yes, I should have sectioned it, but I figured it was a special chapter..so..my apologies! 100 chapters wheee!

Timeline used is from Season One canon, to keep the different events in line. It's still season five as for chapters, but the timeline was established then for celebrations.

Thanks to Tek for the awesome ideas!

Have a Happy Hearth's Warming everyone, best wishes to you and yours!

(Yeah, jumped the shark, had fun, jumped back, more fun..yeah.. :pinkiehappy:)

Holidaze, Centerfold Princess

Legacy

Chapter 100
by
NFire

Dedicated to all of you, the readers.

Thank you to all who have stuck with me and enjoyed reading this story as much as I have writing it. You folks make it all worthwhile!

The gray mailmare took her time, enjoying the sunny day, one of the very last before Winter truly set in. Happy, carefree and sweeter than one of Pinkie’s cakes, she was beloved by the town no matter what she did.

Her eyes were a golden glow in the sunlight looking at the castle ahead of her to which she had some mail to deliver, which was odd because the recipients of two of these letters never got any mail through the post.

She thought that was a bit sad, everypony should get something in the mail, at least a card or a letter saying hello. What would life be like without knowing somepony cared about you enough to sit and write something nice?

Well, at least she delivered her specially made muffins on time every day to Crusader. He’d done that one thing for her that made him a friend in her book. He was always polite and took time to talk to her and Dinky whenever they met.

She wasn’t quite sure how he’d done it, but her eyes were so clear now, she could see forever almost! Far enough so she didn’t run into anything anymore..we-lll...not much more anyways.

Giggling to herself she kept flying through the chill air, I may not be a Rainbow Dash, but I’m me and that’s all that matters!

Her thoughts turned to the gifts though, he and Athena had delivered a whole cart load of stuff to their house, showing them what it was and helping them store it away for the winter. She wasn’t quite sure what pre-packaged and all meant, but they sure tasted good after a long day at work and when she didn’t have time to cook!

All because they bought a potion from those two Unicorns and gave it to Crusader.

Her mouth filled with saliva as she thought about last night, she and Dinky were rapidly becoming addicted to spicy stuff. It was soooo ...OOPS!

Halting herself with a flap of her wings, she stopped inches from the heavy doors to the castle, her fore hooves were up in front of her just in case, but breathed a sigh of relief she hadn’t had to use them to stop her forward rush.

Boy that woulda hurt. She peeked out of one eye and stared at the wooden portal from a few inches away.

Yeah... that sure woulda hurt.

Dropping to her hooves, she wriggled, settling the mailbags on her back and politely tapping at the door.

“Mail!” Her voice was like honey, calling out whenever she made a delivery, letting ponies know they had something special.

Hearing voices she stopped tapping, looking up and around as her back warmed in the sunlight, making the stretch of her wings to gather each bit of the golden rays feel sooo goood...

The door creaked open, she looked down expecting Spike, but only saw hooves, making her lurch upwards hitting somepony on the chin with her head as she backed off.

“Ohmygosh! I’m so sorry!” A worried expression crossed her face as she saw Athena standing there, eyes rolling slightly from the unexpected slam.

“That’s...” Athena tapped the side of her head, “That’s all right. Are you okay?”

“Oh I’m fine, I’m used to it.” She gave a shy smile, knowing she’d probably be teased about this now.

The sable Pegasus gave a bright grin, “You stop that, I know that tone of voice, nopony is going to tease you.”

A hoof scuffed the ground as the gray mare looked downward, “Well, I guess I deserve it sometimes, ‘cause I do make mistakes.”

“I think you’re allowed, anypony gives you a hard time you see me, I’ll have a talk with them.” The smile was slightly less bright, there was a hint of steel behind it causing the mailmare to widen her eyes when she looked back up.

“Oh no, it’s okay, really. I don’t mind. I just misdeliver their mail for a while.” She smiled back at the other Pegasus, a hint of mischievousness in her eyes.

“Ah ha! I knew you didn’t mess up that much! I knew it!” A hoof was pointed at the pretty mare, laughter accompanying it.

“Well...sometimes.. Oh! I forgot to say thank you for the..the..meals? The food! Oh it’s wonderful! The spicy stuff is really good..the..the Tie food? That it?”

“Oh the Thai food? Well that’s only a small part, we made sure you had enough for winter and beyond. Is everything okay then? You need more?” A concerned look crossed Athena’s face.

“Oh stars no! Dinky and I are going to get fat from eating all that good stuff! But..but could I ask a favor?”

“Anything, we’d be more than happy to help.” Athena’s ears perked, waiting for the request.

“Well...could we trade some in and get more Thai food?” The hopeful look on the mare’s face made Athena smile brighter.

“Are you sure? I mean that stuff is nice but eating a lot of it might not be good for you.” Athena was thinking of long term effects, but since it was simple vegetable based foods it shouldn’t hurt.

“Oh we know, but it’s so good!”

“Have you tried the other food like the Indian curries? They get pretty hot.” She stared at the other mare for a moment, “You’re getting to like spicy foods huh?”

“Well..no! I mean..it’s just... Yeah we really like them.” She heaved it out in a sighing breath, “I know it’s probably not a good thing, but they’re wonderful, lots of different vegetables and peppers and everything. It sure warms you up inside.”

Athena laughed warmly, looking at the smiling mare, “We’ll bring a whole bunch over for you, no need to trade anything in.”

The smile dropped, “No! Oh no you can’t do that, we’ve got so much now...” She was stopped by an upraised hoof.

“Yes we can, we’ve got enough stores to feed Ponyville five times over, we can make much more than that as well. You keep what you have and if you see one of our vehicles pull up outside, it’ll be us delivering more, you helped us and we’re going to help you.”

“But..but it was just a bottle of that potion..” She remembered it ruining her little garden, sure the plants grew big, but now the soil was useless. They’d been given some soil builder to help, but until it took nothing would grow now. She and Dinky had been wondering how they were going to get more fresh greens before winter, as they were selling out quick, when Athena and Crusader had pulled up with a cart stuffed with these things in boxes.

“Exactly what we needed, no arguing okay?”

O..okay, I guess so.” The worried face smiled again, “Thank you, so much for everything, I keep forgetting to say that.”

“No, you’ve said it enough Derpy, don’t ever worry okay? You can ask us for anything.”

The little gray mailmare grinned like a beacon, for some reason Athena and Crusader had never used her first name, saying it wasn’t polite or something like that; she’d worried they didn’t like her but they were both unfailingly courteous and oh so very nice. It just never bothered her much. But when she heard Athena say it just now it made her heart swell.

“You..you called me..”

“I know I did. In our old world long ago Derpy, it was not a good term to use sometimes, we never thought we’d hear it here and tried not to use it because we thought you might get offended.”

“But..but it’s my name! It’s not bad.” She grinned, pointing to herself and nodding, “I’m proud of it. Maybe ‘cause I’m silly a lot, and have thoughts that distract me some times, but I’m happy.”

“I know, and we both apologize very much for thinking so.”

“You don’t need to, it’s just nice to know it’s okay with you now.” She looks around for a moment, winking at the Pegasus, “And it keeps ponies thinking I’m a ditz, let’s me get away with slacking off some days.”

Athena just blinked at her, seeing the twinkle in her eyes as the gray mare just grinned happily, “You.. Oh that is so wrong!” She slapped a hoof over her mouth and laughed behind it while Derpy kept shushing her.

“Shhh! Don’t tell!” They were both laughing too hard to stop for a minute before it all calmed down.

“I promise, not a..*giggle* word..”

“Okay, good. Oh! I forgot, you got some mail!” She reached into her bags, pulling out three envelopes covered in official looking seals and stamps and other sorts of nonsense.

“One for you, and Crusader, and Twilight!” She proudly presented them to the Pegasus who took them.

“Well I gotta go, gotta finish rounds before lunchtime!” She waved as she took off, “See you soon!” She was fast, zooming off the porch before stopping and turning with a blush to Athena and resumed her slow flapping, looking for all the world like a carefree mailmare.

“The things you find out...” Athena mumbled to herself as she watched Derpy leave. She eyed the envelopes before walking back inside where the meeting was, wondering who in the world could be sending them this stuff?

“The soil enhancers will bring it all back,” Crusader was explaining to the assembled mares, Twilight looking on interestedly, “It’s a slow process, we can’t speed it up, but by spring it should be ready for planting.”

“Well that’s good, stars, some folks lost their whole garden and that was lookin’ bad.” Applejack was looking concerned, knowing quite a few home growers that were distraught.

The umber stallion nodded, “It’s not the best situation, but we have enough supplies stored in the warehouses from previous harvests this year to last, I took an accounting. Also, in emergencies we have those meals ready to go. We can provide if anypony needs.”

Rainbow Dash snickered, “Hamburgers right?”

Laughs went all around, Twilight rolling her eyes, “Rainbow shush! This is important!”

The cyan mare hmphed, “It’s important!” Her stomach rumbled, “We’ve been at this all morning and I’m starving!”

A couple of growls joined hers as the others looked embarrassed, Twilight especially when her stomach let out a sound, “Well, guess we could take a break. Maybe a daisy sandwich or something would be nice?”

Pinkie bounced off her chair, “Oh no! What about all that stuff we saw packed into the kitchen? Those big boxes? Isn’t that food?”

Twilight glared at her, “That’s for emergencies only, it’s the stuff Athena and Crusader brought us for wintertime! It’s supposed to be for ponies who need it.”

“Well if this isn’t an emergency darling I don’t know what is!” Rarity put a fore leg over her brow, looking like she would swoon. “Oh my goodness do we need it!”

“You are so overly dramatic.” Twilight kept sitting in her chair though, refusing to budge, “We can order something from the restaurant, you’re all getting lazy!”

“Oh like you aren’t? Spike told us you’ve been sneaking goodies from the boxes!” Rainbow crossed her forelegs over her chest, looking triumphant.

“I have not!” She blushed as Applejack raised an eyebrow at her, knowing she’d been caught. “It was just some..some cookies..”

“Cookies? They’ve got cookies? What kind?” Everypony leaned forward to listen as Crusader just shook his head with a smile.

Athena came walking in to see the intent expressions on all their faces, looking puzzled as she contacted Crusader over the net.

“What’s this?”

“Apparently Twilight’s been sneaking cookies out of the emergency supplies and got caught.”

“Spike rat her out?”

“Pretty much.”

“What kind of cookies?”

“The usual assortment, but quite a few they’ve never thought of here.”

“Did she find the ice cream yet?”

“Not yet, it’s locked in the freezer we installed, she couldn’t get it open I think.”

“Heh, nano seals, gotta love ‘em.”

“So tell us! What kinda cookies?” Rainbow Dash is practically drooling.

“Well..” Twilight thinks, tapping a hoof on her chin, “There’s some chocolate chip ones, they stay soft no matter how long you have them out, they’re soooo good..” She gets a faraway look on her face, “Oh, there’s these chocolate ones with creme filling between two cookies, you dunk them in milk and they’re great!”

Rainbow is drooling now.

“Spike and I had some brownies..” She clapped her hooves over her mouth, looking around wildly at the mares looking back.

Pinkie leaned in close, narrowing her eyes, “Just cookies huh?” She poked Twilight’s side, “No wonder you’ve been getting pudgy, all those snacks!” She grinned, making sure Twilight knew she was joking.

“I am not getting...Pinkie!”

Everyone laughs, going back to the discussion, “Now why were you even in those, they’re for emergencies ya said?” Applejack’s voice is unrelenting.

“Well I got bored..I was tired of the regular food and there’s always something neat inside those boxes.” Twilight sighed, looking at Athena and Crusader, “And they keep bringing in this stuff and saying not to touch it!” She points an accusing hoof.

“I said it was for emergencies and you agreed Twilight. You didn’t say for your own use.” That was delivered with a small smile as Crusader deflected the accusation.

“Well I’m the Princess, have to make sure everything’s okay..and...stuff..”

Fluttershy laughs behind a hoof, “Oh my, well it’s no wonder we don’t see you having daisy sandwiches anymore.”

The Alicorn looks exasperated, “I love those, but... but this stuff is so good!” She eyes both the faux ponies once more, “And what’s in that big box that’s locked?”

Athena grins, “The freezer?”

“Is that what it is? You guys didn’t tell me what it was when you brought it in.” She’s eyeing us suspiciously now.

“It keeps food frozen, some that need to be anyways.” Athena explains. But it’s more than that, simple thing to make for her and Crusader, solar powered, battery run, it was zero effect on anything around it, a little light and it kept things cold forever.

“Like what?” Twilight still wants answers.

“Oh...various things..” Athena grins once more, enjoying avoiding the questions.

Now Athena and Crusader are both getting glared at, “What’s in the fr..freezer?” Twilight tests the word, “Yeah, the freezer!”

“Things.” Crusader is nonplussed by the staring mares.

“Alright, you forced my hoof, I order you to tell me what’s in that box!” Twilight grins, a smug countenance on her face, as Athena and Crusader look at each other before turning back and answering in unison.

“No.”

Her jaw practically hits the table, “Wh..what? But I..”

“We can choose to refuse Twilight, you know that.” Crusader grins, “We obey when needed or we want to, but until a crisis occurs we are freely allowed to refuse.”

“Now come on there sugarcube, ain’t nothing wrong with tellin’ us what’s in there.” Applejack’s voice is silky smooth, “Why not just tell her?”

“Because we choose not to. That is for emergencies and special occasions.” Athena and Crusader both nod. The pegasus gesturing, “Why not just go have some cookies, there’s quite a few to choose from.”

Nope, once curiosity rises it’s hard to distract some ponies, especially these six.

“Noooo, I want to know what’s in the box,” Rainbow is musing, looking at all the others, “Anypony else want to know raise a hoof.” She raises her own, quickly followed by five more.

“Voting doesn’t work with us Rainbow, sorry.” The soft voice from Crusader makes it plain they’re not getting inside it. He knows they would ravage the contents.

Twilight sighs, “Well, since you’re being so stubborn, you brought this on yourselves.”

We both watch her closely wondering what now.

Pointing a hoof across the table she smiles, “Maybe those tickets to the Gala miiiight just get lost?” She raises an eyebrow at the both of us.

Rarity gasps, the chance to go to the Grand Galloping Gala is one thing she loves, showing off her new fashions. This is practically a doomsday threat of the worst kind!

Crusader shrugs, “That’s fine, I really..” He’s stopped by a wild look from Athena.

“Just give it to them, I want to go to the Gala, please?”

“She is making an idle threat, that’s not who Twilight is Athena, she’d never deny a friend.”

“But..but what if she does?”

“Just hold out for one second, she’s too kind a person to ever do that.”

“If I don’t get to go ‘cause of you I’ll be pretty mad.”

“Trust me.”

The conversation takes but a mere eyeblink as Crusader smiles, “Nice try Twilight.” Seeing the Alicorn deflate as she stamps a hoof on the table.

“Oh come on! Whats in there?” She leans a cheek on her hoof, elbow on the table.

“It’s just food Twilight, for desserts and such. But with your sweet tooth and knowing these others, we locked it.” Athena explains, breathing a sigh that Twilight was just bluffing.

“Wait..you locked it because of me?” She waves a hoof, “Well...us?”

“Sort of, you did sneak into the cookies. Plus you all have a penchant for digging into goodies.” Crusader chuckles.

“Because they’re good!”

“Fine, the lock is open, go take a look.” He doesn’t get the sentence out before the six are out of the room and into the kitchen surrounding the large stainless box, flipping the doors open to shelves of frozen confections packed tight. There is everything from a myriad of places and more, each labeled in Equestrian, which brought gasps from the assembled ponies.

“Oh....my...gosh...” Rainbow is hovering, peeking over their heads as she spies things she never knew were possible, “Peanut butter banana ripple ice cream!?” She squees in delight, grabbing a spoon off the table, “Chocolate fudge cookies and cream? OHMYGOSH!”

“Oh well, we’ve got plenty more.”

“I know Athena, just restocking is a pain.”

“At least they’re enjoying themselves.”

“I’m not sure, it looks more like a massacre.”

She laughs, “They’ve got the constitution of Fimbulwolves I think.”

“I remember those, nasty critters, liked to chew on our treads.”

“Oh...yeah..that. Oh! We got mail!”

“Mail? Really?”

“Yeah, looks really important too.”

Athena lays out the two envelopes with all the seals and whatnot.

“Huh,” She eyes it, tearing it open carefully as Crusader does his. A parchment sheet is pulled out of both containers and they both read them for one second, dropping them on the table with looks of astonishment.

“We’re being evicted!?”

The ice cream and confection slaughter stopped as every eye turned to the two ponies staring at each other.

Twilight shivered, cleaning the last of a large bite of chocolate fudge ice cream off her face, “What do you mean evicted? They can’t..I mean.. Where the hay would we PUT you?”

Both of the ponies shrug, Crusader looking concerned at the parchment sheet, “Twilight, you have a letter as well.”

“What? Spike usually..hold on.” She lights her horn up, tearing the envelope open as she reads through it quickly, getting a look on her face that is a mixture of disgust and consternation, “What the hay?”

“What’s goin’ on sugarcube?”

“Some stupid bureaucrat thinks I need to pay taxes on my castle!” She stamps a hoof, making the room resound with a crack.

“Do what now? I thought we didn’t pay them things? Least we never have, just a little here and there to help.” Applejack looked puzzled, reading over all three letters, “Looks official, sure somepony ain’t playing a joke?”

Pinkie and Rarity are looking over her shoulder, shrugging as Applejack looks at them.

“It certainly looks official darling, perhaps a letter to the Princesses is in order?”

“Well I’m going to send something! Taxing my castle, how dare..and evicting you? Where do they think you’ll go?” She points a hoof at the two ponies, both of them looking back at her with awkward expressions.

“We can’t go anywhere we won’t be seen, we’d be nothing but large targets if we move now. The covering hills give us a good disguise in case of any problems.” Athena explains, holding her hooves out to the side, “I can’t imagine where we’d relocate, we like it here.”

“We’ll get this straightened out, stupid quill pushers.” She taps a hoof on her chin, “They can levy taxes when needed, it’s allowed by Royal Law, but only in times when the treasury is low and even then it’s not much.” Twilight points to the paper she received, “But this, this is..is.. outrageous! It’s my castle, castles don’t get taxed!”

“Well how much is..” Fluttershy looks at the paper, her eyes growing wide as she ‘eeps’ softly, “Oh my..” Pinkie looks over her shoulder with a silently mouthed ‘Wow.’

Applejack whistles, “They sure aren’t bein’ very nice.” She points it out to Rainbow and Rarity who gasp.

Crusader is perusing all three letters, lifting a hoof, “It says in all three, that since we haven’t paid any rent or sundries to the owner of the land on which we reside, it gives the Royal Bureau of Income the right to levy a tax, or evict us in our case.”

“Wait..somepony owns the land?” Twilight looks at her castle and out the window over the town. “Really?”

Crusader nods, “I never thought to ask, I’m sorry, with everything that goes on I never even imagined to inquire if anyone owned the land.”

Athena pipes up, “We’re not ‘on’ the land anyways! We’re under it!” She ‘hmphs’ and folds her legs across her chest, “Buncha dumbos.”

“That’s being technical Athena, I don’t think it would work.”

“Well phooey on ‘em, we aren’t giving them one quarter-bit!” Athena’s face is angry.

“We can’t ignore it, remember what happened when humans failed to pay taxes on some worlds?”

Her face drops, looking fearful, “Oh..yeah..that was bad.”

Applejack looks at both of us, “They really made ‘em pay huh?”

We both nod, “On some worlds failure to pay was a death sentence.” This gets more gasps, especially from Rarity.

“What a bunch of no good ruffians!” She looks appalled.

“Pretty much what most humans thought as well.”

“SPIKE!” Twilight calls out into the hallway.

The little dragon comes rushing in, “What’s up Twilight?”

“Take a letter!” She’s got an intent look on her face as Spike pulls out a parchment and quill.

“Ready!”

“You stupid.. no wait, scratch that.” She rubbed her neck, looking back at all of us, “You didn’t hear that.”

Everypony chuckles.

“Dear sir/ma’am, as Princess of Friendship,” She points to Spike, “Underline that, make sure they know..” The dragon nods. “As Princess of Friendship I am writing to ask why you are even thinking about taxing me or evicting two others, Crusader and Athena, who do so much for Equestria at this time. Please let us know soonest. Signed Twilight Sparkle, Princess...blah blah.. You know the rest Spike.”

“Got it Twilight, where’s it going to?”

“Send it to the Royal Bureau of Revenue, soonest.”

“Got it! I’ll put it in the outbox!” He hustles off to drop the scroll, returning to his comics.

“Taxing a Princess, I’ll tax their Cutie Mark kissing..”

“Twilight!” Rarity’s voice is astonished, as the Alicorn turns to see everyone looking at her.

“Heh..yeah..forget that.”

“Do we even have that much money?” Pinkie was wondering as we all sat around the kitchen table once more, still enjoying some treats.

Twilight nods, “We do, but I’m not giving them one bit until they explain themselves!”

“We do?” Her blue eyes go wide as she taps a hoof on her seat, “Really?”

“Well yeah, all the income from the medical stuff, and the jewelry and other things we’ve been selling.” She turns to glare at the stallion, “If you’d quit giving money away and charging for things you make!”

“I have no regrets.” He shrugs with a smile, garnering a laugh from Applejack.

“Can we see?” Pinkie is up and bouncing around the table, “Can we see?”

“Well...sure.” Twilight nods, “It’s for all of us to use, you’ve always been allowed to see or use it.” She gestures out the door, “I mean it’s for Ponyville too, but there’s enough.”

“You know what, I seriously forgot about all that. All the weird things going on, I really forgot.” Rainbow Dash’s voice is wondering as she hovers, all of us leaving the kitchen and heading down into a sub-level of the castle.

“Myself as well, goodness, must be quite a bag of bits in there by now.” Rarity is heading down the stairs at a quick pace.

“We-lll...kinda more than a bag.” Twilight is looking at all of us as we approach a heavy door, set into one wall in the sub-level.

“Oh? Well I’m sure it can do some good though.” Rarity’s thoughts always turn to being generous, now matter how dramatic she gets.

Fluttershy nods, “Twilight says it helped pay for the new hospital equipment and more beds, they’re really stocked there.”

“Yep, it sure did, and the Town Hall redo, the paving on the streets, it’s really been something.” The lavender mare nods, “It’s done so much for everypony.

Athena and I haven’t even kept track, leaving it to Twilight.

“Well ah’m glad, ain’t no use having it if’n ya can’t do somethin’ with it.” Applejack nods firmly.

“Yeah, tell that to Filthy Rich, you think he rolls around in his bits at night?” Rainbow laughs.

Applejack gives her a hoofslap, “Ah dunno Rainbow, maybe he takes baths in all them bits.”

Fluttershy giggles as Twilight opens the door, “Now that’s a funny..” She stops, looking into the vault room along with everypony else.

It’s not a huge room, but it is large, the side walls and back one lined with heavy shelves, upon which sit large chests that are made of wood and iron banding; the shelves are stuffed full of them, along with bags underneath lying on the floor. We can all see some spilled bits lying in the open as Rarity stutters.

“Is..is...that all.. I mean..is it..”

Twilight nods, “Yeah we’re running out of room, so there’s another storeroom just across the hall here, we started filling it last week.” She’s so calm about this as Rainbow steps into the area, opening a chest and seeing the inside brim full with gold and silver coins.

“How...how much did you say was in here?” She’s eyeing the other chests which appear to be as full as the one she’s staring at, eyes almost popping out of her head.

Twilight grabs a scroll off a nearby shelf with her magic, “Well, we counted last week, annnnd... here’s the total.” She unrolls it, showing all of us the amount in the room.

Rarity faints on her ever present couch. Athena and I still wonder where that comes from.

“Wait a second, you’re telling me you’ve just been storing it away?” Applejack voice is incredulous.

“Well yes, I mean it’s not all mine, it’s yours too. So I just use it to improve the town, help ponies out and just do some good with it.” She smiles brightly. “I know you all get an income, but this is all the rest that’s stored.”

“But..but the Town Hall alone must’ve cost..”

“One thousand four hundred and eighty-five bits.” Twilight rattles off the number out of memory, “A complete redo and reinforced foundation, it’ll stand for a long time.”

Rainbow’s jaw hits the floor as the others just stare at Twilight.

“What? Was that too much?” She taps a hoof on her chin, “Maybe I should have asked for more bids on the work..”

Pinkie looks around in awe, “Sooo..some of this is mine too?”

Twilight nods, pointing to the shelves along the walls, “Yep, each shelf has your name on it, sorry they’re crowded...” She doesn’t get to finish as everyone looks at the chests along the rear and sides of the room, crowding in to see what’s on them.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Rainbow is looking at a container on her section, once again filled, “I could buy every single piece of Wonderbolt stuff out there!”

Pinkie looks at a few containers for a moment, holding the lid on one she’s opened, peeking inside and turning to the rest. “You know, I like working at the Corner, I do. With something like this I’d never have to work again.” Her voice is soft as she closes the top with a thump, “But..but I don’t need it, I’m happy with what I have.”

A hoof gets waved airily as she grins, “Oh maybe a few extra bits for fun stuff...” She giggles for a moment before heading to the door and sitting beside the opening after taking a small bag of coins with her, “But I really don’t need it, use it for somepony who does. Just maybe leave a few for party supplies?”

Twilight nods, looking at her friend for a moment, “You sure?”

“Yep, I’m good. I send money to Ma and Pa Pie, we all have enough.”

“Okay, I’ll..” She’s interrupted by Rainbow.

“Me too,” the cyan mare holds a small bag of coins as well, “I just want that first edition of the new Daring Do, that’s all I need. Everything else, well... I think I’ve got enough for anypony.” She steps away from the riches with a firm nod.

Fluttershy does the same, not even peering into any of the containers, “I like living where I am, and my friends, all of them.” She looks at each pony with pride, “I don’t need much.” She holds a bag in her hoof as well, enough for some new bird houses or something small. “Mom and Dad made sure I have something each month to help take care of things, plus all the animal work I do for everypony.”

Rarity sighs, smiling to herself as she runs a hoof through a pile of coin, “Oh, so many times I’ve dreamed of something like this, but once you have everything what good is it?” She turns to us as she stands at the shelf, a hoof on the chest of money, “I never want to stop creating and making things, but as for this, I have more than enough.”

Closing the lid with a gentle sound, she patted the chest, “I’d hate to get lazy, can’t have that now can we?” She smiles brightly, joining the others, a simple bag carried in her magic, enough for a few bolts of cloth or some new thread in it.

All eyes turn to Applejack, who’s looking at the chests containing her share of the proceeds.

“Ah dunno, I mean we’ve got enough too. We’re not hurtin’ any, and things are goin’ good.” She gathers coins in a cloth bag as well, like Rainbow and the others, “But Apple Bloom’s got a birthday comin’ up, I aim to make it special.” She waves at the rest, “As for all this, winter’s comin’ and somepony might need it.”

Athena looked at the chest, it was certainly a lot of money. Something she’d never thought of nor dealt with until she was here. Her eyes slid to the shelf below hers, Crusader’s, upon which sat a single chest, not even half full he’d given it all away, or bought things for those who needed something.

Scooping bits into a bag, she closed it with a smile, turning around to see everyone else looking at her. Blushing she made a half-hearted motion with one hoof, “I..uh..need to pay my bill at the Corner.”

The laughter was infectious, everypony knew she was an inveterate cupcake lover.

“Well..and a few gifts, but I don’t need all this.” She moved to the door as everyone exited the room. Twilight shut the door behind them and stood there looking at the group.

“Somethin’ wrong Twi?” Applejack was curious.

“No.” She shook her head, “No, just when I think I couldn’t be prouder of my friends...” She left the sentence unfinished, giving everyone a hug.

“Well don’t expect me to give it all up next time!” Rainbow’s was chiding, “I’m gonna buy a mansion in Cloudsdale!”

“Of course it’ll be filled with Wonderbolts stuff right Dashie?” Pinkie’s voice was merry.

“You bet! I’ll get everything!”

“Right Dashie, riiiight.” The pink mare hugged her friend as they left the room behind.

“I’m proud of you, and all of them.”

“Well..I..I don’t need all that money.”

“But giving it up is not the same thing. Our traditions hold, even to the simplest things Athena, and you are a fine example of them.”

“I’m...just trying my best. Learning as I..I go.”

“You learn from the best, given the keys to fulfill all their dreams they give them back.”

“Aren’t they?”

“Well,“ Twilight was saying, “I’ll keep a little put aside, I mean we all want something special now and then right?”

Rainbow whoops, punching a fist in the air, “New Daring Do books forever!”

Fluttershy stops for a moment, holding the group up, “But what about Spike? Doesn’t he...?” She smiles as Twilight nods.

“Oh yes, he gets a little each week, more than enough for comic books and whatever he wants to do. I don’t want to give him too much and trigger the greed in him again.” She laughs, continuing on up the stairs.

“Yes, that was awkward wasn’t it?” Rarity’s statement makes everyone laugh, remembering when it got out of hoof.

“Waaaaiiiiit a second!” We all stop after leaving the sub level, standing in the room leading down, “What’d you do with YOUR share Twilight? I saw your shelf was looking a bit empty in there!” Rainbow is looking at the Alicorn intently.

“What? I didn’t... I mean..” She rubs the back of her neck, “Well the castle needed new stuff and..you know...stuff..”

“What kind of...stuff... Twilight?” The cyan Pegasus won’t give an inch, now everyone else is wondering as well.

“Well I got..you know..stuff and..more..” Her voice goes down to a bare whisper as she blushes, feeling every eye on her.

Rainbow cups her hoof behind her ear, “What was that?”

“Books! I got more books okay! Yeesh, I stocked the library to lend them out to everypony!” She grumps at the pegasus with a final glare.

“Oh that figures! All the money in the world and she buys books! Egghead!” Rainbow grabs her around the neck, rubbing her mane, “Books!” Letting go and getting away from her before she got swatted.

“Ah well, that’s Twilight, shoulda expected it.” Applejack laughs.

“But they were good books! I even got copies of some rare volumes from the Starswirl library wing in Canterlot!” Everyone turned and started leaving as she was explaining, making her catch up, “They’re really rare books!”

Fluttershy pats her shoulder, “That’s okay Twilight, we understand.”

Twilight yells at the retreating ponies, “Don’t come to me then when you want a book!”

“Evicted, what are we gonna do?” Athena’s voice is worried, looking out over the river to where our hulls are buried.

“I don’t think we will be Athena, but I wonder who owns the land. We occupy a good portion of it out there, I’d hate to leave a hole that big if we do move.” I shrug, Athena loves it right where we are, she doesn’t want to go anyplace else.

“I don’t know, let’s hope whoever does own it is nice enough to let us just pay rent?” She cracks a smile with a sigh, “One problem after another. Of all the things we’ve faced, I think bureaucrats are the worst.”

“If I remember correctly, our commanders thought the same. The words ‘Shoot them all’ came up a lot.”

Athena’s eyes get a calculating look as she slowly turns her head to face Canterlot, “You know, your cruise missiles....”

“Don’t even go there.”

“Well, it was just a thought.”

“A good one, but no.”

We set for a moment more, enjoying the midday sun and thinking our own thoughts until Athena’s eyes go wide, “Ohmygosh! I almost forgot, tomorrow’s Nightmare Night!”

“Oh that’s right, how’s your little endeavor going?” I am curious, she’s been using a large warehouse at the edge of town where the festivities are usually held, redoing it for something. Our tech spiders have been quite busy inside.

“Oh it’s going good! I’m gonna scare the ever-lovin’ cr...”

“Athena...”

“Scare the stars out of them,” She gives me a weak smile.

I look around for a moment, switching to internal comms.

“So what are you doing?”

“Remember all the data we have on nasty critters?”

“Oh yes.”

“I set up a haunted house, it’s gonna be great!”

“As much fun as I think that will be, are you sure about it?”

“I’ve got medical standing by.”

“That good huh?”

“They’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Is that why you needed our stocks of battlescreen projectors”

“Yep, used all of them I could find, it’s gonna be great.”

“Sometimes I wonder if you do it out of a sense of glee or maliciousness Athena.” I give her a look out of the side of my eyes.

“Both, definitely both.” She rubs her hooves together with an evil smile, “This is gonna be great!”

Twilight looks at the letter she just received from Canterlot, sent by courier and unrolled on the table in front of her. It was a quick reply after a few hours, amazing her in it’s delivery by Pegasus.

Looking at Athena, she gets a disgusted expression, “They say it’s going to take a few weeks to get the information on who owns the property, until then we can’t do anything.” She slaps the paper on the table, “But they’ve recognized it’s my castle and rescinded the tax demand, so that’s one thing.”

“A few weeks? For cryin’ out loud I could...argh!” Athena’s been worrying all day about the eviction notice. “Well at least they replied pretty fast.”

“At least we don’t have to do anything until then!” The lavender mare smiles, leaning close to Athena, “Sooo..what are you doing in that warehouse?”

The sable Pegasus looks innocently at her for a moment, “What warehouse?”

A thump on the shoulder with a royal hoof makes her laugh as Twilight rolls her eyes, “You know which warehouse, what’s going on?”

Athena does a quick look around, “I’m making a haunted house for Nightmare Night.”

“You mean with ghosts and stuff?” Twilight looks interested, “But everypony knows those aren’t real, they aren’t much of a scary thing.”

Athena gives her a smile that would give an enemy pause, “Oh no..nono, ghosts are far too simple.”

Twilight narrows her eyes, looking at the evil expression, “What are you planning?”

“Promise not to tell?”

“I promise!”

“Well...” As the explanation went on, Twilight’s look went from puzzled, to interested to outright shock as the Pegasus explained what she’d done with the house. The laughter got louder as the exposition kept going for an hour into the evening.

------Nightmare Night------

I watch as Athena finishes her preparations for her Haunted House. She’s quite proud of it, and I admit it’s a work of art if not genius. The inside is covered in lights of differing frequencies to dazzle the eyes, keeping ponies off balance until they encounter one of the many scares, tricks or traps.

Things which they have never seen in their lives will be projected by holographic sets, turning them into reality or pretty close to such, but she has gone a step further.

Using our stocks of extra battle screen projector replacements, she has programmed them to work in tandem with the projections. If a pony thinks they can just walk through the phantasm, they are in for a rude surprise. A Fimbulwolf’s tentacles will grab and lift them in the air, opening it’s maw as if to eat them whole, dropping them inside as it vanishes, leaving them shaking on the floor.

There were so many things we encountered on our journeys among the stars, quite a few of them nasty, ill-tempered or just malicious. She has chosen some of the worst to put in her house of haunts.

Wait until they see a Man O’War from Asbin, those irritable things even gave Bolos pause until we wiped them out wholesale.

Should anypony make it all the way through, she’s got candy and surprises waiting for them. She figures it only fair for giving them the worst encounter of their lives, I wholeheartedly agree.

What makes it even better is there is absolutely no magic involved, lulling ponies into a false sense of security as they are used to mechanical things, simple monsters that jump out at you, an interactive experience like this is going to be a whole new world of terror. I have promised not to reveal anything about how it works, to give everypony an equal chance.

We have set up a tent out and to the side, for recovery in case of any faint of heart that we have to bring out of the house.

As it is late afternoon, everything is shutting down for the festivities. I do take a walk over where the statue of Nightmare Moon is, wondering how the Luna I know could become some-such. But I do not question, as there are many things in their history Athena and I do not fully understand, but we’re trying.

“So, think the house’ll be a hit?” Athena’s voice comes from near me where she suddenly appears, she’s very good at being quiet.

Turning to look at her I pause, blinking for a moment, “What in all we know have you done to yourself?”

She grins at me, covered in gore, part of her outer covering is made to look like it has been torn to shreds and ripped, an undead. Bones show through on her ribcage, it’s a nice effect, although she could have left the fake organs out.

“Like it? Zombie pony!” She raises her forehooves, the skeletal understructure of her jaw shows through as bone, not durasteel, the teeth revealed along one side as she smiles, “I want your braaaaains!”

“That is truly horrifying.” I’m not kidding, it’s disgusting but well done.

Athena smiles even wider, “I’ve even got fake organs showing...”

I stop her, “No Athena, I don’t need to see intestines.”

“But they’re really cool!”

“You’re going to make ponies barf.”

“And then my work here will be done!” She grins at me as we walk back into town. Thank goodness the evening is falling so ponies aren’t getting a good look at her from afar yet.

“You’re incorrigible Athena.”

“I am, I am at that!” She skips along, heading for the haunted house which now has an entrance and exit, she points this out to me, “If they make it through, they’ll come out here, if not, they’ll just run back out.”

“Think any one will make it?” I am wondering, it’s a true test of courage she’s made, but I’m not sure if anyone’s up to something like it.

“I’m not sure, but it’s going to be fun.” She leans on the sign in front which says “Haunted House, Beware!”

“You’re going to scar them for life.”

“Sweet Mother of Celestia, what happened to YOU?” Rarity’s voice is shocked, standing behind me and looking at Athena with horror crossing her face.

“I’m a zombie!” She raises her hooves once more, scaring the life out of a few foals nearby who run off screaming.

“Woohoo! It worked!”

She punches a hoof in the air as Rarity leans forward, “Is that..make up? No, that looks so real!”

Athena pushes her hoof against the moist insides, making a squishing sound, eliciting flinches “Nope, all fake, but it looks good huh?”

“That’s truly disgusting Athena.”

“I told her that.”

Sweetie Belle, dressed like a miniature Princess, comes bounding out from behind Rarity, “Oh that’s awesome!” She peers at the bones and blood, “Oh Rarity can I be a zombie next year? Please?” The little Unicorn gives her a pleading look.

“Now why would you want to be something like that? That’s...that’s.. there are no words.” She peers at Athena again who’s grinning like a fool.

“But it’s cool! It looks so real!” She pushes a tiny hoof against Athena’s side, hearing the squishing sounds with a giggle.

“Stop that Sweetie. It’s..oh that is so... Ew..” Even Rarity can’t find the right phrases for what my sister has become, the look on her face is priceless knowing Rarity’s aversion to dirt or grime.

“Wow, that is seriously gross.” Rainbow’s voice comes from above, wearing a pith hat and tan outfit, she’s peering at Athena from a small cloud, “I mean that is really gross, but cool.” She drops down, looking at Athena for a moment, “Just.. that’s something else.”

And so it goes, each of our friends making similar expressions as they join us, though Twilight is quite interested in how the fake organs are made, leading Rarity to make gagging motions behind her back. Even Pinkie is weirded out.

“Twilight, isn’t that the same costume you wore last year?” Pinkie is avoiding touching Athena right now.

“I like this costume!” She poses, the fake beard and robe looking nice actually.

“Oh c’mon, even I got a new one this year!” The cyan Pegasus poses as well, “Daring Do! From the The Search for the Golden Claw!”

“Very nice Rainbow!” Rarity applauds.

“Oh there ya all are, me n’ Apple Bloom...” She stops, spying Athena as the group parts, Apple Bloom peeking out from behind her and letting out a scream.

“OHMYGOSH what happened?” The little filly is horrified at her appearance.

“Sweet Celestia what did happen?” Applejack is shocked at her bloody appearance, dressed up like a gunslinger without the guns she looks closer, “We said scary Athena, not disgusting!”

“I’m gonna get that a lot tonight huh?” She watches as everypony nods.

“Good! More fun!” She chases a squealing Apple Bloom around the area for a moment, “Braaaaaains!”

“Glad Fluttershy isn’t around, she’d be petrified.” Rainbow was looking a bit down as her friend wasn’t here. She never came out on Nightmare Night, but it was by choice.

“We’ll bring her lots of goodies later!” Apple Bloom escapes Athena’s clutches to hug Rainbow, “We’re gonna get lots of candy!”

“You got that right!” Another voice joins the group, Scootaloo, she’s dressed like a miniature Wonderbolt and looking quite good in the uniform, “You guys ready to go?”

Sweetie and Apple Bloom grin and jump to, heading out with their friend, “Be safe!” Rarity waves after her little sister, looking worried.

“No problem Rarity, we’ve got it covered.” Athena smiles, looking at me.

I nod, drone coverage is tripled for right now, we’ve got our Hounds on standby for trouble, the town is locked down as far as we can for safety. If anything at all happens, it will be dealt with swiftly and quickly.

“So what’s this big deal we been hearin’ about? Everypony said you’ve been working on somethin’ for tonight?” Applejack is looking around for whatever Athena is up to, noticing the sign, “Haunted House? Oh them things ain’t scary.”

“Applejack, trust me..” I start to say something and get waved down by a hoof.

“Oh c’mon, just a bit o’ magic and you see things, been to ‘em before.” She smiles at me, looking like the tough farm pony she is.

“No really, you don’t want to do this.” Why is it every time I warn some one they never listen?

“C’mon Rainbow, let’s get in there and see what’s up!” The Daring Do impersonator gives her a hoofbump, heading for the entrance.

“This isn’t going to be good.” Twilight is giggling to beat all as she watches them enter the house.

We watch the door close, Athena getting a faraway look as she grins, “First one coming up in five...four..three...”

We hear the screams from inside the house, Rainbow beating Applejack out of the entry portal by only a hair as they both block the door with their bodies, slamming it shut and looking at all of us with wild expressions. From vitals readouts, their hearts are racing a mile a minute as they pant, pushing against the door to make sure nothing gets out.

Rainbow’s eyes are about to come out of her head as she screams at us, “SO MANY TEETH!”

The laughter makes us all immobile for a few moments as Applejack and Rainbow calm down, getting disgusted looks on their faces, “Now that’s not funny, that thing was big! And..and it grabbed us! It had Rainbow by the leg!” Applejack is glaring at Athena.

Rainbow is inspecting herself for missing limbs.

Athena is laughing so hard she can’t talk, seeing them panting from the short run and trying to keep the door closed so whatever is inside can’t get out. I admit, it’s quite funny.

I can’t help it, I do laugh as well, seeing the two panicked ponies. They finally realize nothing is following them and walk over to where we stand, albeit on unsteady legs.

“That was not funny!” Rainbow is pointing at Athena who is recovering from her fit of giggles.

“I told you, it’s a haunted house.” She’s grinning at both of the mad mares.

“We’re supposed to be scared, not terrified!” Applejack is sitting down on a bench near us, flapping her hat at herself to cool down from the run, “That was..that.. that was wrong!”

Athena shrugs, “Well, if you get through, I’ve got quite the reward.”

Rainbow’s eyes go from angry to interested, “Oh yeah? What kinda reward?”

Athena shows small chests sitting by the exit door, “You make it through, you get to choose a chest.”

“What’s in them?”

“Make it through and find out.” She grins at the Pegasus hovering there. Rainbow’s eyeing the containers and looking a bit fearfully at the house.

“Rainbow, it ain’t that important. That was only the first minute inside there, Celestia knows what else is inside that big ol’ house.” Applejack is standing now, cooled off and giving Athena the stink eye.

“More than you can imagine Applejack.” The grin on Athena’s face is challenging.

“I.....dunno, I mean there might be some good stuff in those.” Rainbow’s getting her courage back, pointing at the prize boxes.

“Hey! A haunted house! Cool! I haven’t been to one of those since I was a colt!” The voice is familiar as we turn and see Bastion and Granite with a few others of the guard standing near.

“Oh c’mon Granite, ain’t nothing much but a few not too scary things.” Bastion is eyeing his brother, seeing the other Earth Pony excited.

“Well noponies waiting in line, I mean it is Nightmare Night! It could be really fun!”

Athena steps forward, getting gasps from all the guards as she grins, “Well if you make it through, you win a prize.” They’re too busy looking at her disguise and getting a bit queasy from the bones sticking out of her skin.

“What happened..oh wait, costume right?” Bastion laughs, “Wow that’s..that’s really gross.”

“I know right?” Athena poses, pointing a hoof at the large building, “Enter if you dare ponies, make it through and receive a reward, if you don’t...” She leans in to all of them, “It’s ....your....DOOM!” The five guards rear back at her pronouncement, eyes wide.

“Oh c’mon!” This from a Pegasus guard mare, “It can’t be that bad.”

Applejack and Rainbow look at each other, then at the group, “Oh yes it can.”

After a quick discussion they all decide to enter, Athena gives them the simple rules, make it out and get a reward, that’s all, but you have to go through the house, no shortcuts and no magic. She makes it plainly understood that she will know if they do.

Two mares and three stallions enter the house as everypony watches, Twilight giggling behind a hoof as she knows exactly what’s inside.

Athena’s voice is merry, “Okay, first one in..five..four..”

The screams are even louder, making everyone perk their ears, the sounds of a battle going on inside the house are following quickly. All of us looking at each other with puzzled faces.

“Okay, points for bravery, they’re trying to fight the monster.” The sable mare grins, “They can’t win though.”

“Well considering what they deal with around here, good for them.” Rarity is complimenting.

“Ain’t that the truth!”

Pinkie bounces, “Wish we could see what’s going on!”

Athena looks at me, and I shrug, it’s up to her. She turns to at all of them, “If I let you see, then you can’t win anything, wouldn’t be fair.”

All of them want to see, even Rainbow; but she’s so competitive, she wants to win one of those prizes badly.

“I dunno, I mean..it’s.. “ She looks at the faces around her, loyalty being tested to it’s limits with her nature. “Nope, I’m not gonna look, I want to win one of those!” She points at the rewards.

“Okay then,” Everypony else piles into the tent where a screen is set up to watch what’s going on inside, away from prying eyes. Rainbow is looking disgruntled as she sits there, Applejack beside her.

“That’s all right sugarcube, we’ll go together, how’s that?” She slings a leg around her friend.

“Don’t you want to see too?”

“Nope, we’ll win this together.” She nods firmly.

“All right!” Rainbow punches the air, setting and waiting for the next round with Applejack.

We stand around the screen, watching the inside of the house. The five guards are worn out from the terror inside Athena’s little palace of horror, panting and helping each other along the hallway. They’ve tried fighting the phantasms until realizing it won’t work, so they dodge and move quickly, keeping out of range until they go away.

“I have to give it to them, they’ve got guts.”

“Definitely, maybe a consolation prize?”

“Oh yes, you can’t help but admire bravery like that.”

Pinkie points a hoof, “Is that a spider web?”

“Yep! “Athena laughs, “It’s got a type of glue on it, you’ll stick for a few seconds...like that.” We watch as a mare gets tangled in it, her face furious at her mistake as she tries to punch her way out.

“Wow, she’s tough.” Twilight’s watching her.

“I’ll say, who is that?”

The wiry Pegasus is twisting and turning in the capture web, used for riot control it now serves as a trap in the house.

“Would you believe her name is Sunshine?” I offer the name off an ID file.

“What?” Everyone looks at me, incredulous.

“Her name is Sunshine Dew, apparently she didn’t want to do cloud factory work so she became a guard.”

“Well she’s tougher than a horseshoe nail by the look of her.” Rarity is actually smiling, watching Sunshine fight.

The mare stops twisting, pointing out of camera view and yelling to her compatriots. Athena’s disguised some tech spiders to look like the real thing, and they come scuttling out of the woodwork to more screams.

The glue releases her suddenly, dissolving away as she lands on the floor with an audible thump, her friends gathering in a circle to outwardly face the approaching spiders.

“Those won’t hurt anypony will they?” Pinkie’s worried about the guards.

“Oh no, nothing in there will damage or injure anyone, I promise. Those are my tech spiders, I just dressed them up to scare a bit.” She points at the creatures now scuttling back into the walls of the house. “Nothing in there will do one scratch of damage, although they’ve done most of it to themselves fighting everything.”

“You have to admit, Captain Bars trains them well.” I must add that, they are formidable in there, facing everything even though they’re plainly terrified.

“Uh oh, puzzle room.” Athena’s voice captures all our attentions as they enter a plain room with a sign.

‘Figure out these puzzles three, or your doom you’ll face when you meet me.’

We watch them immediately split into three groups, Paper Work the Unicorn is attempting to use magic to solve his, but Athena had put up more signs forbidding it to prevent anyone from accidently hurting themselves. He remembers and starts working it with his hooves, turning wheels to match colors as a timer above them shows a countdown.

Everyone cheers as one is solved, you can’t help but do so, they are really working as a team in there. Which Athena purposely made happen, noticing her smile as they solve the second puzzle.

“C’mon...c’mon...c’mon!” Twilight is rooting for them as the timer has seconds to go. “It’s so simple! Put that piece there!” She’s yelling at the screen, pointing her hoof.

“Calm down Twilight, they can’t hear you.” The Alicorn blushes at Pinkie’s words.

Bastion and Granite are giving suggestions to the mare working the third puzzle when time runs out, the floor creaks apart and they all scream, looking down into a maw filled with teeth and tentacles that opens to receive them as they drop into it.

“A Sarlacc...really?”

“Hey, it was neat.”

“Copycat.”

“Oh let ‘em sue me.” She laughs brightly.

Everyone piles out of the tent, seeing the main door open and five ponies landing in a sweaty heap at the entrance, a chute directing them from the upper floor of the warehouse. We rush out to make sure all of them are okay as they untangle themselves, standing on unsteady hooves.

One of the guards gets a huge grin on his face and stamps his hooves, “That was AWESOME!” He yells it out, seeing nearby costumed folks looking at them and wondering what was going on.

The rest of them are exchanging hoofslaps, making comments about the others who did so well. It’s easy to see that even though scared to their tails, they enjoyed themselves immensely. Yes it was terrifying, yes it was exhausting, but it was also amazing and thrilling.

“Can we go again?” The mare named Sunshine is asking Athena, “That was just outrageously fun!” Her friend, also a Pegasus, is grinning brightly as well.

She looks at them with a grin, “Not scary enough?”

“Are you kidding? I was terrified! But it was so much fun!” She’s a pretty blue color, with an amber mane and red highlights, “That was just.. just great in there!”

When she grins, now everyone knows why they call her Sunshine, it lights up the area with her joy.

“You know it’s not going to be the same inside right?” Athena gets a malicious look on her undead face as we hear sounds inside the warehouse.

“What?”

“Oh no, never the same, but it’ll still be fun.”

“Bring it on! We can do this!” Rainbow and Applejack are standing by the guards. Rainbow is hoofbumping Bastion, “We can do this, right guys?”

“You want to go with them then?”

“Yeah, we’re gonna beat yer little trick house there Athena,” Applejack’s grin is challenging as she looks at Athena.

“All right, we’ll wait for you out here.” Twilight chuckles, “You suuuure you want to go in there again?” There is a gleeful glint in her eye as she looks at the five guards and two friends.

“Are you kidding?” Paper Work blurted out, “Two Elements of Harmony and us? We’ll wipe the place!”

I point a hoof, “Don’t make that promise, you have no idea....”

“Pshaw, we got this!” Rainbow is cackling.

“Oooookay, you asked for it,” Pinkie is bouncing around the group of adventurers.

All seven line up at the door, watching it creak open before walking in.

“You’re not gonna do anything bad are you?” Twilight is watching Athena closely.

“Me? No, why would you ever think that?” She grins as we hear the screams inside, making ponies stop and look worriedly at the warehouse.

“Just asking.” Twilight laughs, heading to watch the screen with everyone else, “This is gonna be good.

It was, it was truly an adventure that should be remembered in a story or book somewhere. Athena had changed it slightly, making it only a bit tougher, but more scares and surprises. Applejack and Rainbow as a team were formidable, as were the guards working together.

Oh the terror inside that one lone house where crowds gathered outside, listening to the sounds of horror, screams of monsters and ponies inside.

Twilight calmed fears, saying it was just a haunted house and nothing bad was going on inside. Monsters were a plague but inside a converted warehouse was something new, the costumed ponies watched intently, wondering if anypony would come back alive even though it was plainly stated it was just fun.

We were all crowded around the screen, cheering them on inside as Athena threw a few extra things their way, they were hard pressed to actually get further into the house as the scares were coming fast. It was turning not only into a scary attraction, but a true quest to reach the end, a game of adventure that was quite thrilling to watch.

We watched them dodge and figure out puzzles, avoiding traps and snares as they wound their way through the maze my sister had designed. It was truly something to watch as they faced the last room, a plain looking area, wooden floor, nothing on the walls.

Applejack was immediately suspicious, as she should be; they’d avoided everything so far, being frightened out of their wits and wanting out of this thing.

It’s actually funny to observe as there is nothing in this room, nothing at all, the exit being across the way. All they have to do is walk across the floor and win a prize, but after everything that’s happened, all the tricks they’ve been exposed to, the traps and the monsters coming from everywhere, it’s understandable.

But it’s laughable, watching them inspect every inch of the place as they take it step by step, finally Rainbow gets frustrated, zooming across the floor to their yells and opening the door.

She turns back with a smug look as they all troop out, meeting us outside with embarrassed looks. They all appear haggard but are given cheers by the waiting crowd, Applejack and Rainbow bumping hooves as they approach the rewards chest.

“Pick one, you’re the first group through it.” Rainbow is held back by Athena for a moment, frustration on her face. “Just a second Rainbow, hang on.”

“But they’ll get all the cool stuff!”

“Trust me Rainbow, we knew you couldn’t resist this challenge.”

“What?”

“Just hang on.” She motions for her to stay in place as she pulls out a few more boxes, letting the group pick things. Each of them opens a small wooden box, exclaiming in delight at what’s inside.

“WOO! I got free cupcakes for a year from Sugarcube Corner!” Bastion is grinning, holding a piece of parchment.

“I wondered why you asked for more coins from the vault.”

“Well it was a scary trip, so why not? And it’s so nice seeing their faces.”

“You’re very generous Athena.”

“Oh quit it, I put them through the wringer. It’s only fair.”

“That’s true.”

Sunshine laughs, holding a parchment from her chosen chest, “A free dress from Rarity’s? I’m good with that!” It was prepaid and all she had to do was to go down for a measure and fitting.

The other mare laughs, “Granite wanted that box!”

“Well...we coulda traded.” He was getting ribbed about possibly winning a dress.

“What’d you get?” Sunshine is looking over his shoulder.

“I got a free catered party by Pinkie!”

“Oh that’s awesome!”

Rainbow was disgusted as everypony opened their boxes, looking at all the neat prizes. She was tapped on a shoulder by Applejack, who refused to take anything as she was okay with just having the fun of going through.

“What’s wrong Rainbow?”

“Everypony’s getting cool stuff but Athena told me to wait!”

“Well maybe she’s got..” She was stopped by the approaching Pegasus, sliding a box to Rainbow, it was slightly smaller than the others, “There you go Rainbow, we knew you couldn’t resist, so we had something else planned.”

The cyan mares’ ears perk up, “Really?” Taking the box, opening it slowly her eyes go wide, “Where..where’d you get this?”

“That would be me, we planned this for a while though I didn’t know what Athena was up to, but when she told me later, well.. We weren’t gonna wait for your birthday.” Twilight was grinning widely.

“Twilight’s trip to Canterlot the other day, she found her signing books.”

Rainbow squeals in delight, seeing a framed picture of Daring Do in an action pose, the writing below her face saying, ‘To my biggest fan, Rainbow Dash.’ Below that a first edition of her brand new book, also signed inside the cover.

“This is great!” Hugs were shared quite freely.

This led to a night of more fun, ponies were going through the haunted house in groups, drawn not by the rewards, but the pure scares inside as many did not make it, but kept trying. Athena gave out quite a few consolation prizes, happily and with much fanfare as she’d tried to think of different things to give away.

She even toned it down for the younger fillies and colts, giving them a good time in return for a few good frights. A huge amount of candy was given out, I figured Athena bought most of Bon Bon’s stock.

It was fun, I admit. The whole group taking time to escort ponies in and out, recovering those who wouldn’t go any farther inside. There was much laughter at the attempts, turning into something more fun than scary, even though it was part and parcel of the evening.

Princess Luna actually dropped by, convincing Celestia to accompany her inside to take a look at what ponies were doing. Having played her part, receiving the offering of candy to prevent Nightmare Moon from returning, she and her sister were roaming the festivities having a joyful time as well, drawn by the large crowd.

They also thought my sister looked quite... ‘revolting’ was the word used. Entering the house to wide eyes watching the royal duo, ponies outside waited in anticipation of what would happen.

I have never seen that expression on Princess Celestia’s face before, nor have I seen Luna laughing that hard either. Though the large hole made from inside proved one of them got scared enough to use magic. Neither one would admit to anything, although from Luna’s ever present grin, one could hazard a guess.

It was quite the memorable evening.

The morning after Nightmare Night Athena dismantled the haunted house to disappointment of the young ones who wanted to go one more time. She promised them to bring it back next year to many smiles and hugs, it is good to see her happy.

As she spent time with Twilight, I received a courier near my war hull, an official Unicorn from the Canterlot Bureau of Revenue.

Needless to say I was not pleased.

“Mr. Crusader?” The well-dressed pony was actually looking down his nose at me as I sat near the entry to my command deck.

“Yes?”

“I have here an order, requiring you to vacate these premises within two weeks for failure to pay rent or taxes for your living here.” One hoof held out the official looking parchment which I did not take, merely staring at this pony.

“You are kidding right? Do you even know how big a problem that would be?” I stare at him for a moment, “Haven’t you even found who owns this land yet so we can make that up?” I am trying to be reasonable, I have been sitting and enjoying the cool sunny day with nothing to do, and now even that is gone.

“That, sir, is not my department.” The voice is distinctly upper-crust, used to dealing and treating others as underlings. “I am sure someone else is taking care of that, but until then you are required to leave, or we shall enforce this by the Royal Guard coming to evict you.” This is followed by a disdainful sniff.

I despise bureaucrats, literally to my cores I despise them and their ways. Beyond politics and fighting the enemy, this is the one of the few things that will rouse me to fight back.

I do, however, try to be gracious, “I am sure Princess Celestia, or Luna, would be more than happy to...” He interrupts me with a hoof in front of my face, making me blink for a moment as now my anger rises.

“Crusader?” Athena’s voice is worried, she can feel my emotion and see what is happening.

“Not now.” I cut the voice link.

“We do not bother Their Royal Highnesses with paltry things sir! We are given this duty by Law and it is under our department that we take care of such minor problems.” He emphasizes minor as if it just a piece of lint on his tailored jacket.

I calm myself slightly before trying once more, “We cannot move, we are larger than you think and cannot go just anywhere. I’m sure Princess Celestia or Luna can explain this to you.”

“Yes, yes,” He’s ignoring anything I say, “We’ve all heard the stories, but it does not alter the fact you are being ordered to move.”

“Stories? Is that what you think I’m telling you?” My eyes narrow as I stand up to confront this..this...upstart. “Have you been living under a rock this past year? Seriously?”

“If it’s any of your concern I was just transferred in from the outer areas, oh yes, ponies tell stories all the time.” He chuckles nastily, “A great light show and a fight over the Everfree, any competent magic user can do the same I’m sure. Fights in the forest are quite common I’ve heard. I’m sure you and your sister are,“ He puts his fore hooves in the air like quotation marks, “ ‘Special’ ponies. But everyone is special, nothing out of the ordinary except for dodging taxes, nothing brave about that.”

There are those who choose to not see things, not being able to understand them, they try to fit them into their own world view and just ignore the rest. Some are just plain idiots, I happened to get a mixture of both here in one pony. I don’t know what it is, the attitude, him questioning if we are just simple, or the fact that he thinks he can force me to do something with his position and power.

I can endure many things, but this is something that I will not ignore.

“I think you need to leave.”

“No sir, you must sign this paper in acceptance of the ruling, I shan’t leave until it is done.” He leans down, pointing a hoof at me, “Or shall I call the guard to help me do so?”

Looking at the hoof in my face, the sneering smile on the Unicorn’s face, and him ruining a perfectly good day, I hit my boiling point. I have hated, and always will, those who use their position like a weapon. Since the day I found out what happened with Athena and her sister, even before, I have always harbored a dislike for that kind of being.

“You need to leave, now.”

His horn lights up, sending a prearranged message to Royal Guards stationed nearby to help in case of problems; they respond quickly, not knowing who he was going to serve.

“I have summoned the Guards sir, you will sign this paper or else a substantial fine will be levied as well!”

“You might.. “I find I am grinding my teeth somewhat, “Wish to talk to my sister.”

“She is not here and you are, just sign the paper or we’ll have you taken care of.”

That does it.

Athena’s head snapped up in the direction of their hulls, the game she was playing with Twilight paused as a look of fear crossed the pegasus’ face making her stand suddenly, “Oh no.”

Twilight looked up, seeing the expression, “What’s wrong?”

“You need to get us to Crusader, right now.”

“What? Why?” The Alicorn was getting to her hooves.

“He’s going to hurt somepony!”

A flash of light told everyone nearby a teleport occurred, Twilight and Athena looked around having only a general idea where he was, seeing him confronting a strange pony. Two Royal Guards stood close, indecision crossing their faces as Crusaders’ voice could be heard plainly across the quiet fields. They had known immediately who he was and tried to get in between the two, but Crusader firmly pushed them to the side, telling them to stay away.

“You sniveling little paper pushing tail kisser! I am a loyal citizen of this country and I will not, repeat NOT have you look down at myself nor my sister for some ‘stories’ you think aren’t real!” He was backing the courier up with a steady hoof in his face as Twilight and Athena ran towards the guards.

Crusader kept moving, turning it so the Unicorn would be up against the durasteel door to his command deck, forcing him to stay in place, “We have fought and we have done more for this nation than you could ever think of doing you snob. You will not force me to do anything I don’t wish to.” The hoof jabbed into the jacket clad chest, “I and my sister are decorated Bolos, and that, you stupid Unicorn, means more than you will ever know!”

His battlescreen flicks on, covering him in lines of sparkling force as he rears back, cocking a hoof for a massive blow “I’ll show you what it means to take on a Unit of the Line you worthless piece of..”

He is broad-sided by another glittering form in a blur of movement, the two slamming together with a solid sound that rings through the quiet air like boulders colliding, tumbling in the green grass. The force screens crack mightily against each other as the kinetic energy was dispersed. The Unicorn heaved a sigh of relief as the guards retrieve him, moving him away from the two ponies rolling not far away in a heap.

Athena makes sure she lands on top, pinning him with everything she has and whispering into his ear, “Stop, stop Crusader, he’s not worth it.” Both their battlescreens flick off as he recognizes her and she no longer needs it. She is speaking out loud instead of using the commnet, finding it comfortable nowadays.

The steely blue eyes look up into warm lavender ones, a smile on his sisters face as she shakes her head, “I know, I know why, but not for this. Don’t do this.”

“He needs a lesson in manners Athena.” Crusader doesn’t struggle, the fight would not be won by either of them.

“Not this way, you know that.”

“I will not have him question your bravery, nor mine.”

“He’s stupid brother, nothing but ignorant.” She looks back at Twilight talking quietly to the three ponies, “And he’s a coward and a bully, I saw it. Don’t lower yourself.”

The determined face softens, the blue eyes going warm as he nods, “You’re right, as always, I let my anger get the best of me.”

“No, you saw a wrong and tried to right it. I can’t fault you for standing up for me.” She nuzzles him, letting loose as they both stand up.

“No hitting, okay?” She chuckles at the look he’s giving the courier.

“No promises.” He gives her a small smile as they approach the group.

“I want him arrested!” The Unicorn was yelling, “Assaulting an Officer of the Bureau of Revenue, how dare he!”

Athena links to Twilight, quietly telling her what had happened as Crusader stays silent.

The Princess of Friendship listens, turning to look at the courier, “Trying to force somepony to sign something? I think you better leave, you’ll hear from me soon.” She turns to the Royal Guards, “Take him back, see that Celestia and Luna know I’ll be sending a report later today.”

“Yes Your Highness.” They hustle the protesting Unicorn off.

She turns to me, “What was that?”

“He was nothing but a low life, trying to force me to sign acceptance of the eviction order which I would not do.”

“He’s an officer of the Court, it would be better if you didn’t hit them,” Twilight actually chuckles.

“I was just going to break his nose.”

“Crusader!” Twilight is pointing a hoof at me. “Don’t you dare do that, you know better!”

“Yes Twilight.”

She looks at me for a moment, “You really were going to hurt him weren’t you?”

I nod firmly, “Because he uses force to get his way, he is nothing more than a coward who hides behind others, I was going to teach him a lesson.”

Twilight taps a hoof on the ground, looking at me for a moment, “Let me write a letter to Celestia, she can figure something out.” She points at me again, “No hitting anypony.”

“Yes Twilight.” I get nudged by a giggling Athena as we walk back to the castle, the notice ignored on the ground behind us.

“You didn’t need your battlescreen.”

“I didn’t want blood on myself.”

“You are seriously bad, you know that?”

“Yes, yes I am.” I look at her as we walk, “No one has the right to question our loyalty nor honesty Athena.”

“I understand. But there are some who’ve never seen us up close, nor saw us in battle, they tend not to believe stories.”

“I will make allowances for idiots from now on.”

“Smart aleck.”

“That’s still rude you know!” Twilight’s looking at both of us, seeing the shrugs and glances, “It’s polite to include others when talking.”

“Yes Twilight,” We both answer in unison.

“Stop that, you two are so weird!”

“Yes Twilight.”

“Stop it!”

“Okay Twilight.”

“I said..are you doing that on purpose?”

“No Twilight.”

“AGH!”

Celestia was enjoying a midday break from Court when the parchment scroll appeared in mid-air. Grabbing it in the glow of her magic, she read it carefully, a small frown appearing on her face.

Princess Luna had been up for a while, doing some paperwork before Night Court began at dusk, she saw the expression and became concerned.

“What befalls sister?”

Celestia’s eyes turned to the darker mare, “Oh, Twilight telling me how an officer of the Royal Bureau of Revenue tried to force Crusader to sign an eviction notice.”

“Is he still among the living?” A smile crossed Luna’s face, making Celestia giggle.

“Yes he is,“ The taller mare shook her head, “He is new, just transferred in from the outer areas, apparently he didn’t know who Crusader was.”

“This tax and rent item is becoming concerning, is there nothing we can do?” Princess Luna did not like red tape.

“I’ve sent inquiries to the Bureau, apparently the archives are immense, so it’s taking time to track down the owner of the land. We’ve always stayed out of such things you know, but perhaps we should take an interest?” She sipped from a tea cup held in her magic, a look of concern on her normally placid face.

“I think we should, methinks they need a shaking up to get the dust out of their tails.” Luna was smiling to herself, her version of shaking up involved quite a lot of yelling and royal guards plus explosions.

“Luna, do not do it. We will do something quietly.” She eyed her sister over the cup of tea she levitated to sip from.

“Thou art no fun sister.” The darker mare looked petulant.

“No, we don’t want to pay for any repairs.”

“ ‘Twas a thousand years ago, and it was one office!” She threw one forehoof up in exasperation. A newly made building for new appointees to the court, and a budding bureaucracy was almost stomped on by her when she received a notice for taxes due.

“You destroyed the side of the building Luna, no. It was a mistake, nothing more.”

“Fine, take all my fun.” She looks at her sister, “What about the ne’er do well who tried to force his will on Crusader?”

“Oh, I’m sure we have a position somewhere to the south he can take, a warmer climate may do him well you know.” Celestia smiled peacefully, her eyes meeting Luna’s over her tea cup.

“Thou art truly cruel ‘Tia.” A smile met hers as Celestia looked upward with a royal sniff.

“I don’t know what you mean Luna, I am calm and peaceful.”

“Of course, especially when finding out you are eating a cow.”

The tea spit from the taller mares lips barely missed Luna as she laughed, seeing the expression on her sister’s face, remembering that moment.

“What is that wonderful smell?” Luna was peering into the crowded kitchen, seeing the Elements of Harmony enjoying a repast that almost made her salivate with the aroma floating through the kitchen. They had come to find out about the commotion earlier, but were now distracted.

Princess Celestia was even looking intrigued, never having quite had such a fragrance pass her nostrils before and inhaled deeply, “Yes, what is that?”

Seven faces turned towards them with smiles, offering seats near the single table. As the royal duo settled themselves, plates were served to them, a sandwich of some sort, between two pieces of rounded bread were onions, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes and other things on some sort of patty that literally made them swoon with the thought of taking a bite.

It had a smoky smell as if fresh out of the oven, a sauce that Luna dipped a hoof in, taking a taste with a wide-eyed expression as the spices made her tongue tingle.

“Oh my stars, what is this?” She looked at the others happily eating their own.

“It’s a hamburger Your Highness,” Athena was smiling brightly, setting down two cold glasses of juice for them to drink.

“A...a ham-burger? Like a hayburger?” Luna was lifting her sandwich with her magic, taking a large bite that about made her almost fall over with the taste of something indescribably. Her eyes narrowed in pleasure as she chewed thoughtfully, “This..this is wondrous!”

Princess Celestia saw Luna’s reaction, taking her own bite. Normally the warm and placid mare rarely showed expression like this, but her eyes got wide as the taste on her tongue exploded in a thousand different directions. It was nothing like she’d had in more than a thousand years, if ever!

“This...this is incredible, where did you find this?” Celestia’s voice was muffled as she chewed on another large bite taken.

“Oh, Crusader and I make them.” Athena sat back down, munching happily on another sandwich.

“We must get the royal kitchens this recipe ‘Tia, I think it would be quite nice to have something like this for a lunch or dinner!” Luna’s face was in a state of bliss as she finished hers, picking another one up off a platter.

“I believe so Luna,” Her face is smiling as she finishes hers, taking another one, “So what is this made of?”

Twilight wipes her face, a napkin held in her magic, “Well there’s lots of things. It’s a sauce called a barbecue sauce, with spices.” She taps her chin, “Let’s see... Oh yeah, tomatoes, pickles, onions, lettuce, bell peppers...”

Everypony chewed for a moment before Luna asked, “But what is this?” She pointed to the thick patty on the bun.

“Oh that!” Pinkie’s face was gleeful, “It was Twilight’s idea! Ya know she’s a Princess and all, so she’s got refined tastes.”

Celestia smiled, “Really now?”

“Oh yeah, it was a great idea, I mean with nothing to do with a dead cow, it sure makes a pretty good meal.” Applejack’s southern accent was soft in the room.

“Pardon me?” The alabaster mare gave Applejack a puzzled look, Luna matching her sister in that department.

Athena grins, “Well Crusader and I, we can process anything. So Twilight had a great idea to see what we could make of a cow, and here’s what we came up with. Isn’t it great? Maisy’d be proud!”

“M...Maisy?”

“Oh yeah, that’s her,” Rainbow Dash points at the sandwich, “Cool huh? No waste, no fuss!” She gives a somewhat evil grin to the two royal mares. Everyone around the table matches her, a slightly dark cast to their features as the sisters look at each other for a moment.

Celestia turned to Pinkie who was gobbling another bite of her food, “Would...would this be what you were yelling about?”

“Oh yeah!” She swallows loudly, “But that’s okay once you try it,” She grins maniacally, “You’ll really liiike it.” Her eyes sparkled with a hint of malicious glee.

Now Celestia and even Luna had attended many dinners in the past, some with races that were carnivore, some not. In all of them they stuck to their guns, asking for vegetarian food, as they would not partake of a sentient being in any way shape or form, nor anything to do with carnivorous behavior. This ticked off diplomats to no extent, but the diarchs were a force to be reckoned with and they were not denied.

Throughout the centuries before Luna’s banishment, this had been their position, never wavering even in the force of combined nations at a dinner, quietly eating their salad as others tore into something once alive, or thinking. It had stood them in good stead through politics, making their point very clear to those who observed the two sisters, or even through the long millenia without Luna. They would not bend, and they definitely would not break.

Although having some exotic tastes came with living so long, they truly stuck to their chosen lifestyle, staunch defenders of their way. Once they did try such and found it truly distasteful, just to see what it was like, but nevermore. So for centuries they had set the example of a way of life.

This however....

Celestia’s hoof went up in front of her muzzle, making a slight sound as Luna didn’t even bother, spitting the food on the plate and turning a delicate shade of green that showed through her normal dark coloring.

“It..it.. You wouldn’t!” The smaller Princess glared at the nodding heads, Twilight giving her a wink.

“Trust us, you’ll get used to it.”

Luna turned to her sister, seeing her eyes wide behind a covering hoof over her mouth, turning the same shade of green in her cheeks, her other hoof moving to her stomach which had become distinctly upset right now. Viciously upset by the growling now being heard through the quiet room.

It was Twilight that finally gave in, snorting and then slapping a hoof on the table in glee as she laughed so hard her eyes teared up almost immediately, seeing the expressions, hearing the rumbling.

The two sisters looked around, seeing everyone else break up in hysterics, except for Crusader who had a hoof planted firmly on his forehead.

“What...What is going on?” The darker mare now with an angry look on her face.

“Bwahahaha! We got you! Oh yeah, we got ya good!” Rainbow slaps hooves with Pinkie as they keep laughing. Nopony can answer them as they’re lost in their merriment, leaving it up to Crusader.

“It is not meat your Highness, it’s a vegetable creation, nothing more I promise.” Crusader’s voice came across clearly through the snorts and giggles.

The two sisters sat and watch the laughter die down, tears wiped from faces as the seven jokesters calmed, looking at each other with nudges and giggles. They all nodded at Crusaders statement, leading into more chuckles.

Twilight coughed, trying to stop as she nodded, “Oh..it...ohmy.. I’m so sorry, we just couldn’t resist.” She giggled once more.

Celestia’s eyes went narrow as she realized what she was being told, Luna nudged her slightly with a laugh, the green tint fading slowly, “It appears we have been pranked my sister.”

The taller diarch coughed once more, swallowing delicately, “It appears so.” She actually glared at the seven laughing mares for a moment, creating more giggles and apologies.

“Ah’m sorry Your Highness, we couldn’t help it.” Applejack is looking like she’d break into laughter once more.

“Since the others can’t stop laughing, let me explain.” A quiet voice near them made them turn, watching Crusader and listening as he told them the entire story.

It took a few minutes, letting the others calm down with more chuckles, but they finally understood what the umber stallion was telling them, that and a few tablets of stomach medication.

“Quite the good prank Twilight,” Luna was appreciative, but pointed a hoof at the junior Princess, “But know this, we are quite skilled as well, we will get you back you scoundrel.” She laughed at Twilight’s expression.

Fluttershy looked up at them, peeking over the table, “We’re really sorry, but it was kinda funny.”

Celestia actually chuckled, laying a clad hoof on her chest, “Even you dear Fluttershy? For shame.” She waggled a hoof at the softly smiling mare.

Princess Luna looked at the remains of her food, “So this is pure plant? Nothing more?”

“Yes Your Highness.”

“Amazing such a thing can be made.” She did not touch the food again until later, after her and Celestia’s constitutions had a time to settle.

By then, the conversation turned to what had happened, leading to quite a few laughs over what Pinkie had thought, and the promise of meals sent to Canterlot for the two Princesses to enjoy as apology for the prank.

Celestia wiped her muzzle with a napkin, apologizing for the tea on the table, “It was not that funny.”

“Oh I think it was, though I admit the thought made me upset, after so much life we had let something like that..” She shuddered, “But ‘twas all in fun.”

“So are you..” Celestia was stopped by a nod.

“Oh yes, I am planning even now.”

“And when do you expect...”

“The Cider Festival of course.”

Celestia tried to cover her muzzle but was too slow as she let out a snort, then a giggle, looking around to make sure they had privacy before laughing out loud. Luna joined in, rubbing her hooves together in malicious glee, eliciting more laughs from Celestia at the look on the dark mare’s face.

-------Cider Festival------

“Well at least we got a reprieve for a while, that’s a good thing.” Athena was sitting in front of Twilight’s castle, talking to Crusader. It had been a couple of slow weeks now since the courier incident, and a letter had arrived, telling them to stay where they were, the Princesses were looking into it personally.

“It is, but it took the Princesses to get them off us. We still owe something to somepony.” His face was looking down, tired with the bother of problems.

Athena nudged him, “Stop looking like that, we’ll be fine.”

“I just don’t want to go anywhere, I’m fine where we are.”

“As am I, we’ll be all right, trust the Princesses.”

“I will.” He nods at her, finally giving a smile.

The Pegasus nudges him, “We better get to the lane, Applejack will be needing help with all that cider you and Mac hauled here.”

“True,” He gets to his hooves alongside her, “It wouldn’t do to be late.”

Unknown to them both, they were being watched by a pair of eyes that tracked them all the way to the stand where Applejack and her family had set up for the festival.

Applejack had gotten smart, making more than enough now, and with tables and other stalls around it was turning into a real festival instead of just a day for cider. Ponies were politely waiting in line for a turn to buy some of the sweet drink, looking forward all year to the foamy taste.

Vendors had started to come in as well, selling food and other drinks, none more popular though, but it made for a lively atmosphere as Athena and Crusader wound their way through the crowding ponies.

Both of them ended up at the stall, seeing Apple Bloom ready to start dispensing as Crusader took his place to help Mac with loading the barrels. There were quite a few this year, the trees blooming and dropping apples like nopony’s business, leading to an overflow of liquid gold.

All ready to start, Apple Bloom waved to Athena, getting her to come over and get ready to help by hoofing mugs to her so she could concentrate on serving everypony.

The watching eyes went narrow in glee, waiting for the right moment as a dark mare sat on a cloud above, seeing the festivities and waiting for the right time to play her little joke.

It was actually a few hours later when the line had died off, a minor amount of barrels remained, and the eight ponies sat around a table chattering about how good the cider was this year.

The day was going so well it seemed, laughter and smiles all around on one of the last sunny days left in the year. Soon to come was the Running of the Leaves, and then as winter set in, Hearth’s Warming. After that on the new years’ day, the Grand Galloping Gala, which was on everyone’s mind somewhat.

“So Rares, whatcha got planned for the Gala this year?” Applejack was sipping a cold mug of her creation, smacking her lips loudly, “Oh that’s good.”

They did not sense, nor see the slight glow of light from each of six mugs, a gentle nudge of magic unnoticed even by Twilight.

“I have a whole line planned, The Midnight Collection!” She posed, getting oooh’s from the others. “It’ll be the best I’ve done yet!”

“I dunno, you say that every year Rarity.” Rainbow Dash is smiling, drinking deep from her own container.

“But it’s true! I outdo myself every year!”

“You really do Rarity, it’s always nice to see what you come up with.” Fluttershy’s voice is excited thinking about the Gala, even after the last time when it didn’t go so well. Well...as excited as her voice can be, which is a few decibels above ‘soft’.

“I assure you it will be the best you’ve seen yet.” She pats a hoof on the table, emphasizing her point, taking a deep drink of her own mug.

“Well ah for one can’t wait, I know last time was kinda a bust, but this time’ll be better, ah’m sure of it.” Applejack nods, holding her mug up, “To friends!”

Eight mugs clack together before being withdrawn, “Friends!” The drinking goes for a few minutes, chit chat and laughs, good friends sharing a few fun tales as a barrel gets drained, and a good start on another. Athena is actually making everypony laugh by doing impressions of Celestia saying things she normally wouldn’t.

Even Twilight is guffawing so hard she can’t breathe.

It’s such a wonderful day, all of us sipping or in Rainbow and Pinkies’ case, gulping the cold liquid. It’s foamy, made with much care and devotion, and it slides down with ease. I think Rainbow, for all her athletic prowess, has a hollow leg along with Pinkie.

“Hey sugar, how about a kiss for a hardworkin’ mare,” Every eye turns to Applejack as she leans against Crusader, her cheeks a bit red. Surprised because she’s really not one for outward displays like this.

“Pardon?”

“How about a kiss, I been working all day and think ah deserve a reward.” She’s eyeing him, eyes half-lidded as he fidgets uncomfortably, her grin open and honest.

Leaning over he pecks her on the cheek, to chuckles from the others, garnering a snort of disdain from the farm mare.

She grabs his face in her hooves and plants a kiss right on his lips, holding him tight for a long, long moment before letting him go, “Now that was a kiss sugar, ya oughta know that by now!” She wriggles her eyebrows at him, making all of us laugh.

He’s looking at me as I look back, wondering what in the world is going on as he blushes down to his hooves.

“Wooo Applejack!” Rainbow punches a hoof in the air, “Way to go!”

A mug is slammed down on the table by Twilight, her face somewhat flushed at the open affection but smiling brightly, “You know why I like this? Cause we’re friends, and we’ve saved Equestria lots of times, it’s great to have fun!” She falls over backwards, splaying out on the ground, “And because I’m a prancing pony princess!” Getting shakily to her hooves, she grabs Fluttershy, “Do you know this one?”

Crouching down, she starts singing a rhyme, “Sunshine sunshine ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves,” She does so loudly, turning to waggle her rear in the air, “And do a little shake!” She repeats this once more and Fluttershy joins in, ending with a loud giggle from them both.

I don’t know whether to laugh or be very concerned, but as I watch, it’s slowly becoming concerned.

Crusader is eyeing me from the other side of the table.

“What is going on?”

“I don’t know, it’s like they’re drunk! But the cider is non-alcoholic. This is...weird.”

I watch him taste his own, analyzing it quickly he shakes his head as I do the same, returning nothing.

“We might want to get them inside.”

“Good idea.”

That was not going to happen anytime soon.

Rainbow was attempting to hover, doing little stunts and smashing into the table, making us all wince as she staggered to her hooves, “I got this! Noooooo problem!” She took off with a flap of wings, cruising through the air for all of two seconds before hitting the ground nose first. Athena and I move to stop her from doing any more before she really injures herself.

Fluttershy ‘yays’ at the attempted trick and subsequent crash. She’s waving one hoof in the air while drinking the last of her cider with a loud smacking of her lips. She raises her voice as a song comes out, beautiful as it floats through the air, drawing attention to the table.

“Is that Ave Maria?”

“Yes.”

“Oh boy..”

We’re trying to corral Rainbow, who’s dodging us quite skillfully. Twilight on the other hand is taking an unsteady stand on the table, waving her mug around like a scepter, “Bow to me minions! I’m the Princess of Friendship and I do all that friendship...er...stuff!” She glares at all the watching ponies who just blink for a moment before chuckling out loud at her antics.

Applejack is laughing as Rarity is giving fashion tips to a plant setting next to her, offended that the greenery isn’t paying any attention. “Hmph, figures such a pony would be oblivious to free fashion advice, it would make you look fabulous, but no, just ignore me!” She folds her forelegs and turns away from the silent plant, her nose in the air.

Pinkie has totally lost it, she’s consumed twice as much as the rest and she is bouncing everywhere, handing out party favors, even smooching stallions on the cheek to see who blushes first. She is also making balloon animals, though some look very suspicious and are not quite for children we think. We can’t understand how she’s even standing, but as we finally get Rainbow under control she topples over with a “Wheeeeee!”

“Grab her!”

“Got it!”

Grabbing a tablecloth Athena bags Pinkie, literally, making sure she can’t go anywhere. Hooves push out at the cloth as she giggles inside, “Ohhhhh fun!”

Crusader is tapped on the shoulder by a grinning Applejack, who leans in whispering something that makes his ears stand straight up, “Applejack!” He grabs her and makes her set down on a bench near the table.

“What did she...?”

“Don’t ask.”

Rarity is still making ponies laugh with fashion advice to anything not moving, plants, chairs, the table. We’ve got Pinkie bagged, Rainbow has settled down, although still trying to fly, yelling about ‘Bonderwolts’ or something like that. It’s hard to make out through the slurred speech.

Athena is now jumping up off the table, Twilight is hovering above her just out of reach as she’s leaping as high as she can. “Twilight get down here!” The Princess sticks her tongue out and ‘Phbbbbts’ at Athena as she flaps her wings slowly.

“No! I’m a Princess and you can’t tell me to do nothin’!” She grins down at the Pegasus trying her best to grab her.

Fluttershy is still singing, her voice quite beautiful as we concentrate on getting Twilight down.

“Twilight, get down here darnit!” Athena can’t quite reach her.

“Nope! I’m a prancing Princess Pony..er...pony prancing Princess?” She hovers a moment, trying to tap a hoof on her chin and missing it completely, “Nope! Princesses prancing their ponies! That’s it!” She grins brightly.

“Twilight, c’mon get down here!”

“No, I can do anything I want!” She points a regal hoof at the watching crowd, “Get me more cider minions!” Tossing her mug at the nearest town guard, he scrambles to obey.

“You don’t need any more of that Twilight!” Athena’s still trying to get her down. “And stop calling them minions!”

“Behind you.”

“Ready!”

She feels Crusaders hooves underneath her own, powering her up through the air as she leaps off with all her strength, smacking into the unsteady Twilight and hanging on to her, “You get down now, Miss Prancing Pony Princess or whatever you want to call yourself!”

The lavender Alicorn grins, “Nope!” And with a flash they are both gone.

“Oh crap!”

“Where are you?”

“I don’t kn...a HYDRA!” She’s screaming over the link as she and Twilight start teleporting all over, our trackers are overloading from the input as it bounces around.

“Just hang on!”

“You’re damn right I am!”

Making quite a few apologies, Crusader moves to get the friends to the castle where they can figure out what’s going on. Ponies are just shaking their heads laughing, as they are quite used to oddness in town.

Gathering the now corralled ponies, Crusader herds them off to the castle, trying to keep Applejack from leaning against him as Rainbow stumbles over her own hooves, smacking into the ground a few more times before they reach the safety of the interior. Rarity’s speech is slurred now, telling the nearest statue they could use more makeup as he hauls Pinkie in the tablecloth.

Fluttershy is still singing loudly as he helps the Pegasus finds her way inside, making sure she’s not wandering off.

Leading them to the kitchen, he does a quick count, setting them in place and closing the door, planting himself in front of it so no one can leave. Spike has come down wondering what’s going on, seeing the friends bumbling around the kitchen and looking at Crusader.

“Just make sure they don’t go anywhere.” The little dragon nods, planting himself firmly by the door as well.

“Where are you? The tracking systems are going nuts.”

“I have no clue! I think I’m getting nauseous.”

“I’ve got them here in the kitchen, just get Twilight back.”

“I can’t stop her!”

“Don’t lose her.”

“I’m trying! Oh no, I’m gonna barf.....”

It was almost an hour later when a bedraggled Twilight popped into the kitchen, a haggard and sick looking Athena hanging on to her as they both thumped onto the floor.

The rest of the group were resting against the table or on the floor, almost worn out from their exertions and looking around as if suffering hangovers.

Athena got to her hooves, wiping her muzzle and pointing at Twilight, “You stay! Stay! No teleporting!”

The Alicorn grabbed her head, “Oh I don’t feel so good.” Her wings spreading out on the floor as she sprawled.

“Are you okay Athena?”

The sable Pegasus glared at him, “No! I barfed and almost got dropped in some swamp! I am not okay!” She stomped over to a chair and plopped down on it, leaning on the table, “I’m so dizzy! My gyros are glitching.” She glares at me, “We’re not supposed to be able to barf dangit!” Her hoof covering her mouth for a moment.

“Reboot and reset, it’ll help.” He checked on everypony else, either eyes closed or resting with groans, all complaining about headaches.

“Tsk tsk, sister I do believe the Elements of Harmony have imbibed far too much cider.” The voice is cheery and bright as we both look at the opened door, seeing Luna and Celestia standing there.

“Your Highness?” Oh stars..I’m so dizzy.. I want to help Crusader, but I just can’t move right now.

The taller mare’s voice is soft, “Well perhaps we can take care of that.” Her horn lights, enveloping them all in a warm golden glow. Their eyes open as they stagger to their hooves, looking around and noticing the two rulers standing there.

Twilight’s eyes go from worn to shocked, “P..Princess! Uh..I...” She remembers everything.

Celestia laughs, “Our subjects are now ‘minions’ are they?” She’s eyeing the blushing Twilight.

“I uh..well...” She stands stunned as the two sisters break out in raucous laughter, watching them for a minute before they wipe their eyes. Their faces bore large grins as they eyed the unsteady friends.

Princess Luna leans towards her, “Never prank your elders Twilight.” Her face a delight at the look on the younger mare.

“Wh..what? You mean...”

“Oh yes. Make us believe we were eating some poor cow, for shame Twilight.” Luna chuckles again.

Princess Celestia grins, “Though I did like the ‘Prancing Pony Princess’ declaration, it suits you.” The glint in her eyes is showing the merriment at seeing Twilight making her pronouncement earlier.

“Oh no...you saw that?” Twilight is looking for a place to hide, failing in doing so and sitting on a chair with a sigh.

“Oh yes, as did most of Ponyville.”

“Ohmygosh..ohmygosh, what’d I do?” Rainbow is panicking, listening to the conversation.

“You were quite the stumblehooves Rainbow Dash, very comical.” Luna laughs once more.

“Oh NO!” The mare groans, setting her head in her hooves. “You were watching me too?”

“Of course, ‘tis not proper to pull a prank without an audience, ‘Tia and I were quite amused at the antics.” The dark mare settled herself on a chair, Celestia joining her. “Fluttershy has quite the wonderful voice, she should sing more often.”

A quiet ‘Eep’ was heard from behind the table, a pair of eyes under a pink mane peeked over the edge, “Thank you.”

“Thou’rt welcome.” Luna inclined her head regally, watching Fluttershy disappear once more.

“Well I’m sure I didn’t misbehave that badly," Rarity is checking her mane in a nearby glass, primping it softly.

“No, but the plants and statues will have quite a bit of fashion advice to follow, hopefully they listened.” Celestia’s voice was teasing as she saw Rarity’s eyes go wide.

All the assembled ponies eventually got seated around the table, holding heads in hooves, the spell helping them to shake off the aftereffects.

Princess Celestia leaned over the table, eyeing a blushing Applejack, “Quite the nice kiss dear Applejack, but what was it you whispered in his ear?”

Caught off guard, she stuttered for a full minute, trying mightily not to be as honest for once, but was forestalled by an upraised hoof. Her whole face a beet red as she tried her best to answer.

“Fear not, private things are private.” She winked at the blushing mare, settling back and chuckling once more.

“Ahhh pranks, where would Equestria be without them? Athena, are you all right?” Her eyes caught the slim Pegasus still sitting woozily at the table.

The Pegasus nodded, “Just dizzy from all the teleporting.” She tried to keep her own eyes from rolling as resets ran through her systems, a golden glow enveloping her and helping with the problems, settling her down.

“Thank you.”

“Quite welcome.” The regal head nodded as a smile graced the warm face once more.

“But...there was no alcohol in the cider..” Crusader stopped for a moment, “Something with the mugs?”

“Very good, we’ll make a magic user out of you yet Crusader.” Luna smiled, “A simple spell from long ago, it ..oh... lowers your ability to have inhibitions, letting yourself be free for a while. Very much like imbibing too much drink.” She nudged Celestia who was sitting near her, “Quite the thing to use back when.”

Luna guffawed brightly once more, “We knew you and Athena would figure it out, so I only spelled their mugs. Seeing you two trying to get them under control was fun enough.”

Celestia nodded, agreeing with her sister, “Quite the odyssey there.” To the disbelieving looks she replied, “Oh yes, that spell was very much in demand for parties.” The taller mare giggled at the shocked faces, “Equestria was not as peaceful back then as today, it was very rough and tumble.”

Silence reigned in the kitchen for a moment, until Celestia spoke, “Don’t worry, I’m sure the embarrassment will fade in time.” Her eyes were bright as she looked around the room, giggling merrily, “ ‘Prancing Pony Princess’, I’ll have to remember that.”

The two rulers stayed a while, chatting and laughing uproariously as the group recovers, helping with another spell or two as they share moments from far back in history. Eventually the chagrin fades, letting everyone enjoy the stories and anecdotes.

We released Pinkie from the tablecloth after a while, she’d had quite the amount of spell-affected cider, so was taking slightly longer than everyone else to recover, even with the help provided by Celestia.

“Oh well,” The Pink mare giggled, “Fun is fun!” She complimented Athena on her knot tying ability.

“Only Pinkie, I tell you.” Rainbow is shaking her head.

Well, at least the Cider Festival was a big hit. Folks were talking about it for weeks, much to the unease of a certain group of friends.

“You would think ponies could forget by now!” Twilight is digging into a bowl of ice cream as we sit in the kitchen. I’m leaning on the table, my head propped up by one hoof as I listen. It’s been a couple of days since the Cider Fest and the Running of the Leaves is soon to happen, everyone’s getting prepared for that.

“Well Twilight, you are a Princess, folks tend to remember.” I can’t help but smile.

Her spoon is held mid-air by her magic as she looks at me, “Well..still, I mean it’d be polite at least.”

All I can do is shrug, “It’s Ponyville, can you really expect anything else?”

She puts the spoon in the empty bowl, turning to rummage for more in the freezer, “You know, they say that a lot.”

“Crusader and I have wondered about it, perhaps this is just a place where things happen? You have the Elements of Harmony here, Crusader being found here, the Everfree. Maybe it’s just a confluence of events that make this place a little..a little..uh..” I’m trying to be polite here.

“Weird?”

“Well...yeah.”

She sticks her face deeper inside the cold box, looking for different things to munch on, “I’ve been wondering as well, and I’ve come to the conclusion that ponies in this town are just crazy, I said it when I first got here and I’ll say it again.”

I laugh, “Well, you live here now too.” I do have to point that out

She peeks around the door, looking at me, “Yeah I remembered that, maybe it’s contagious?” The eyes disappear as she goes back to rummaging around.

I can’t help but laugh, “Then you’re definitely in the mix Twilight.”

Her voice comes from inside the freezer, “I can’t believe Celestia and Luna would play that kind of prank either! Augh, it’s embarrassing!”

“When you’re as old as they are, you tend to do things differently I’m sure.”

Twilight steps back to the table, her bowl filled with a collection of different items, regular ice cream, an ice cream sandwich or two, some chocolates. I stare at it with a slight look of horror, “Are you sure you’re going to be okay eating that?”

“Oh yeah, it’s all really good together!” She digs in happily.

Smiling gently, I shake my head with a chuckle, drawing her look, “And you say the others are weird?”

“I am not..” She stares down at the bowl for a moment, “It is contagious.”

We both share another good laugh, one of so many.

“So, the Running of the Leaves makes the trees shed themselves, then you clean them up?” Its a little odd I have to say.

“Yep, ah tell ya darlin’, it’s a lot of fun, an’ I know Rainbow and I’ll be in the runnin’ for first place this time.” Applejack chuckles, tossing another bale of hay as I work beside her.

“Well, with what happened last time...”

“Ah know, ah know, we let it get a little.. ungh.. out of hoof.” She tosses a bale high, Mac catching it and stacking it towards the back.

“Competitiveness isn’t a bad thing really.”

“Well when ya come in last it is! So we’re just gonna see what happens this year.”

“Why don’t you let the leaves sit where they are, mulching into the soil naturally?” It’s one thing that has always bothered me about this Running.

“Well..” She looks at me with a puzzled expression, “Ah don’t know really, but it looks a lot better after some raking up.”

“That’s true.” I throw the last bale on my side, sitting for a moment, “I understand about controlling your environment, as there were cities enclosed by domes in my time, fully inside from the weather and managed studiously.”

She sets beside me, waiting for Mac to come down as the last of this load of winter hay is stored, “Well, that’s kinda sad really. No clouds or nothin’? Can’t feel the rain on your face, or a good snowstorm to play in?”

“No, everything was carefully done, it had to be for them to survive in those places where the atmosphere wasn’t the best.”

The green eyes look up at the sun, the scudding clouds, the blue sky, “Well maybe that’s why they were all kinda mad a lot, ain’t nothing needed but good sunshine and a little weather to help take the cares away.”

Looking at her, and now Mac as he sits down with a huff, it makes me wonder. Could it have been simply that since man enclosed himself from nature, in an artificial environment, it could have affected him in deeper ways? Maybe they were not meant to live on planets unsuitable for life, instead of trying to bend the forces to their will. It truly is another thing to ponder.

“Sometimes Applejack, you pose the most interesting questions.”

She grins at me, “Ah got mah moments.”

I chuckle, seeing the look in her eyes as she copies my own phrasing, “Good one.”

Slapping a hoof on the ground, she taps Mac and myself on the shoulder, “Let’s go get somethin’ to eat, it’s been a good day so far and we got a few things left to do.”

Mac nods, getting heavily to his hooves, “Sounds good, ah’m starvin’.”

Although it is a point to ponder, I add one caveat. Nothing else like a good meal to help with that as well.

-------Running of The Leaves-------

The day is cool as ponies assemble at the starting line, Pinkie is in a balloon up above giving a commentary with Spike as the crowds watch the runners. Applejack is giving Rainbow a hard time, and is receiving it back as they nudge each other, getting ready to put their best into this race.

Sitting next to Athena, I watch the preparations. She has a calm look on her face and has been quiet for most of the morning.

“Something bothering you Athena?”

“Oh no, was just thinking about the race. They don’t get all the leaves off everytime right?”

“No, there’s always some, but the majority fall.”

“Think they’ll mind us helping?”

“Nothing in the rules says anything for after the race.” We both grin at each other.

She nudges me with her shoulder, “I love doing things like this.”

“I as well.”

Pinkie calls for everypony’s attention as they all line up, giving the rules quickly as they wait for the start. A Unicorn fires a spell into the air and the crowd of ponies is off, the thunder of hooves making the ground shake, leaves falling everywhere as they race around the dirt track.

It’s exciting to watch as Rainbow Dash is leading the pack, her wings taped to her sides to prevent any unfair advantage. All the Pegasi have done that, the Unicorns aren’t allowed magic either, leading to a good race.

We watch and cheer as it goes on, miles of track taking out the weaker competitors, leaving a small group of ponies in the lead. Applejack and Rainbow Dash are in that leading party, but they appear to be arguing about something.

Fluttershy is sitting with us, shaking her head, “Oh no, here we go again.”

Twilight isn’t joining the race this year, content to watch, “It’s that whole thing about who’s the best again, always comes up. Oh well, wonder where they’ll place this year?”

“How did they place last time?” Athena is curious.

“Last, again.” Rarity chuckles, “No matter what, they seem to place last.”

“Maybe if they’d stop trying to outdo each other they could enjoy this whole thing?” Twilight is watching her friends fall back, arguing again, with a sigh, “Well looks like it’s gonna happen.”

“At least we can still cheer them on.” Fluttershy’s voice is soft, waving a hoof for Rainbow and Applejack.

‘Yep!”

We watch them come around for the last lap, bringing down the last of the leaves for this race, it’s a close thing for first place, but it looks like Lyra actually won it, with Minuette coming in second and a tie for third between Derpy and another Pegasus, ID confirms as Fleetfoot. They’re all smiling as they get presented with their medals, as well as ponies for fourth, and fifth, all the way to tenth place.

Rainbow is scuffing a hoof, breathing heavily after landing in a heap at the finish line along with Applejack once more, “Last again! Aw c’mon!”

“Well..uhm..if you didn’t try to beat Applejack so much Rainbow.” Fluttershy is nudging her friend.

Applejack is scratching under her hat, “Yeah, we kinda let it get in the way of fun don’t we?”

“Sometimes.” Twilight is laughing, “But it is funny seeing you two cross the line in a tangle of legs.”

“She nudged me!” Rainbow is pointing.

“Ah did not ya goof!” Applejack’s nose is directly in front of Rainbow’s, both of them pulled apart by Twilight.

“Stop it, not again, you know neither one of you would ever do that.” The look on her face is warning them.

“Yeah, okay...I guess.” Rainbow rubs a fore leg along her other, “But I woulda won!”

“No ya wouldn’t ya featherbrain, I woulda!”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah!”

They all notice Athena and Crusader heading off into the forest, “Wait a second, where are you two goin’?” Applejack is yelling at the retreating ponies.

Athena turns around, pointing a hoof at herself and Crusader, “Us?”

“Yeah you, where you takin’ off to?”

“We got permission to help shake the leaves off.” She grins and runs off, accompanied by Crusader.

“What are those two up to?” Twilight is watching them disappear.

“Ah dunno, but whenever it’s both of ‘em, it can’t be good.” Applejack’s nodding in agreement with herself.

Pinkie announces over the bullhorn for the audience to take their seats, a special event is about to take place. Everypony looks at everyone else and takes a place upon the bleachers which have been moved back quite a ways from the finish line.

“And they’re up and running!” Pinkie’s yelling from the balloon, Spike’s voice is excited as he points.

“Look at that!”

“Ready?”

“Yeah, I’m gonna blow you away.”

“Doubtful.”

“Smart aleck, let’s go shake some trees!”

“Anytime you’re set.”

“Okay! Ready...set...go!”

Music comes wafting through the trees as a rumbling sound permeates the air, ponies looking every which way as the sound gets louder, Spike’s voice yelling through the bullhorn as Pinkie is laughing in glee.

Two Dragons come tearing out of the woods along the dirt track, their engines roaring as they torque up to their highest setting, weaving in and out of the trees.

Athena is waving from one as Crusader is in the other, a race between them as they tear on by the stands, going for three laps, winner take all.

“Celestia’s name! Look at that!” Rarity is holding on to her hat as the wind from the two massive vehicles nearly blows it off as they roar by.

Applejack laughs, “Figures them two would do something like this!” She’s waving her own hat as they go on by.

“Go Athena!” Rainbow is screaming as they pass, being nudged by Applejack as soon as she yelled out.

“Ain’t no way, Crusader’s gonna take ‘er!”

Leaves blow every which way as what’s left on the skeletal trees comes off in the passage of the two tanks, the howling engines telling everyone they were coming back again, this time with Crusader in the lead as Athena’s face looked determined.

The treads grabbed onto the hard packed dirt, from years of running and thousands of hooves, it was the perfect highway to do this.

The stands of ponies are cheering for their favorite as the two slam by in a rush of noise and furor, the commanders leaning out of the hatches and grinning as they disappeared once more into the woods.

“Athena for the win!” Rainbow is yelling in the wake of dust.

“Crusader ya featherhead, ain’t no way he’s gonna lose!” Applejack is eyeing her friend.

Rainbow’s face gets a sly look, “Want to bet on that?”

“Ah don’t bet with losers, “ The Earth pony lets out a sound of merriment.

“She’s not gonna lose!”

“Wanna bet?”

“Yeah! I’ll...wait a second..” Rainbow’s trying to think of what just happened as the sounds get louder once more.

Twilight laughs out loud at the twist in conversation, seeing it turned in Applejack’s favor as they watch for the tanks to come back around.

The cloud of dust is spotted in the distance as ponies raise a cheer, each one picking a favorite and yelling at them to win. Pinkie up in the balloon is having a hard time seeing them, but is calling the shot by shot as they race for the finish line, first one, then the other, it’s close, so very close.

The second lap goes like the first, a close thing between two huge pieces of Old World tech, ramming down along the hardened dirt track and leaving everypony gasping from the wind of their passage. Athena is laughing out loud, barely heard over the sounds of roaring engines as they pull into the third lap now.

The engines on the tanks are screaming as they run down the last part of the track, trees completely denuded by the passing machines, leaving them bare for the winter. It’s the home stretch and the race is so tight even Pinkie’s given up trying to say who’s going to win.

Every eye is on the two massive pieces of durasteel as they come down the last few hundred yards in a flash, passing by so fast no one saw who won as the heavy machinery gives a screech from the brakes and slew to a halt as quickly as they can. The dust settles and ponies are surrounding them, declaring one or the other a winner.

“Pinkie!” Twilight is yelling up at the now descending balloon, “Did you see who won?”

She shrugs, “I couldn’t tell! It was over so fast!” Spike is shaking his head too.

“I believe we can solve that.” Wings flare as Princess Celestia and Luna land in front of a bowing crowd of ponies.

Twilight is gleeful, always happy to see her mentor, giving her a hug, “Did you see who won?”

Luna smiles, “We believe we did, though it was very close.”

Now the arguments start, half the crowd wanting one, the other..well you get it. It’s quite the furor over a simple thing as Crusader and Athena sit there. They watch the friendly arguing, the pointing and gesturing as Celestia asks for some calm.

“Now my little ponies, calm down.” She smiles warmly, waiting the moment until the voices die out, “We were observing and can declare a winner.”

Princess Luna giggles as she sees her sister drawing out the tension on purpose, everypony leaning forward waiting for her decision.

After a moment’s deafening silence, she states in a very calm voice, “It was a tie.”

Now the uproar is louder as ponies blink then start yelling that they saw ‘their’ winner win the race. The two rulers watch the furor for a moment before smiling broadly, waiting for others to notice their giggling behind hooves.

“Ugh...again.” Twilight tosses a hoof in the air, seeing them playing another joke as things become silent, all eyes turned to their rulers for the final outcome, “Will you please just tell us?”

“Of course.” Celestia smiles, “So impatient, the waiting is the fun part Twilight, a slight bit of anticipation never hurt.”

A little skewbald pony bounces in front of Princess Luna, with a slight accent he begs to know, “Please Princess Luna, tell us who won?”

The dark mare smiles, recognizing him from that very first Nightmare Night, proclaiming she was his favorite princess. She gives him a warm hug, “Well of course Pip Squeak, my sister will make the pronouncement I’m sure.” She nods to the taller ruler.

“Of course.” Celestia turns to the waiting crowd, taking her time once more before lifting a hoof, “And the winner is...”

Breath is inhaled all over as ponies wait.

“Athena!”

The sable Pegasus jumps in the air with a punched hoof, pointing at Crusader, “In your face! I won! In your face!” She’s grabbed by Rainbow who’s sharing her joy, Pinkie and Fluttershy joining in with Twilight and Rarity not far behind.

“Yeah! Athena for the win!”

Applejack smiles, patting Crusader on the shoulder as he watches his sister get congratulated, “It was a good try there sugar.”

“Oh I know, it was fun either way.” He gives her a look out of the corner of his eyes, making her suspicious.

“You wouldn’t...” She leaves it open.

“I would not, it was a fair race.’ He keeps smiling at her.

“You’re a good brother,” She gives him a hug.

“I try.”

Winter is going to be heavy, bringing a moisture with it that is badly needed on land depleted by the potion that was bought by almost everyone. It will sink in, taking the soil builders we have distributed and making it work well. It has been an odd beginning though, Rainbow Dash not believing, nor realizing her pet Tank will hibernate through the winter.

There was much wailing, as some would say. Refusing to believe anyone, even her friend Fluttershy, that this was going to happen. Athena and I stayed out of the conversation as a disbelieving pony will not listen and must learn for herself.

Eventually though, after quite the mishap, Winter arrived in a spectacular way. I do believe that in all our long years, we’ve never seen it do so in quite that fashion.

Athena is feeling quite disgusted, though I can’t see her, I know she is. We’re currently buried under two point four meters of snow which arrived in one large..well.. snowball. It exploded on impact and buried the town, literally, in ...uh.. Winter.

“Really? Because of a tortoise?”

“Yes, it seems the season has arrived slightly early.” I’m okay with this, it’s so familiar as we both sit there. Working my way upwards, I uncover myself to see ponies doing the same all around, my sister’s head pops out and shakes the snow free with a huff.

“Well that’s one way to ring it in.”

I can’t help but laugh really, seeing her look as she tries to get herself clear of the covering snow.

“Stop laughing!”

“My apologies.”

“Well I hope she’s happy now.” Her gaze turns to see the group of mares heading out towards the lake.

“I am sure she will understand about Tank, she has become quite dependant on him for company.”

“Yeah.” She looks over towards me, “Funny isn’t it? A super speedster and the slowest thing on the continent.”

I shrug, getting clear of the snow covering, “It is, but one never knows who you may befriend.”

“That’s true!” She grins brightly, “I gotta go get my new scarf!” I watch her rush off to the Castle where she keeps some clothing stored.

Usually the weather is tightly controlled by the engineers and weather patrols, Pegasi everywhere the length and breadth of Equestria keeping and maintaining the patterns. This, I am sure, has upset their plans. I make note to keep an eye on any emerging weather systems.

As for Athena, she couldn’t be happier really, seeing her gallop along the now snow-filled streets. I realize this year has gone by quickly, regardless of all we have seen and done, it makes..makes... What does it make? A heart grow fond for the past? A mind to rest for a while from it’s endless deliberations on things?

What does it mean really, when the time is measured in millenia, does one year truly make that much of a difference? Is a tick of the clock important enough that it sticks in our thoughts, one of so very many, so important it is marked and reflected upon?

Watching a slim sable Pegasus return, bounding through the snow wearing a scarf made of material that shines in the sunlight, the answer is yes. It is so vital that you do not, you cannot want to forget anything about it. You want to remember each moment, each second of joy, the tears and the pain. Together they add to a measure of life that cannot be quantified, you hope each year afterwards is more of the same, regardless of what may come.

Athena’s smile is so gleeful as she bounces in the white fluff, plowing through the drifts quickly as she makes her way once again to sit beside me. Holding a hoof in front of her face she sees her breath, the warm air circulating throughout her system showing her she is almost alive, telling my sister she is something very special in all the universe.

“It never gets old does it?” I have to ask her, seeing her puffing out clouds of warm air turning to fog in the frosty day.

“No, it doesn’t, not ever. I don’t know how to say thank you enough.” She stops and looks at me, her eyes glimmering in the daylight.

“One time was enough, more than needed. You never have to thank me Athena.” I give her a smile.

“But..but I do.” She stops me from replying, “You put up with my shenanigans. I have to thank you because I don’t know what else to do.” Rubbing a forehoof along the other, she looks at me silently.

“You don’t need to do anything.” I give her another smile, “Worry about Twilight, about yourself, your friends and mine.”

“I can’t, it’s not me, you know that.” Her smiles brightens once more, “You taught me that, worry about what’s important to you.” She lays a hoof on my shoulder, “You’re important to me.”

“Then I have an idea,” I stop her before she leaps out of the snow at me, “But only if you promise to follow it.”

“I will, you know I never break a promise.”

“Be happy.”

“You say that all the time!” She throws her fore hooves in the air, “C’mon! At least come up with something new!”

“I keep saying it, but you never listen, just be happy.” I lay a hoof on her shoulder, keeping her in place before she gets frustrated, “Nothing more than that, and I will keep repeating it until you believe me.”

The Pegasus fidgets in the snow, adjusting her scarf and glaring at me before her eyes soften, “I’m still going to worry about you.” Her voice is firm.

“Eventually that too will fade,” I point to Twilight trying to skate on the frozen lake, she’s not doing very well, “There are other things than you needing to watch over me, like saving Twilight before she breaks her leg.”

The look on her face is one of concern as she snaps her head around, looking over to where Twilight is and seeing her stumble, I can feel every fiber of her being wanting to run over and help, but she calms herself and looks at me shyly.

“Worry over a friend is a good thing Athena.”

She is off like a shot, no reply, nothing said as she tears across the field, grabbing Twilight before she can stumble once more, helping her to get her balance back.

I smile again as a light hoofstep behind me reaches my ears, “You are getting good at being quiet Applejack.”

“Ah didn’t want to disturb you, saw ya talkin’ over here ‘till she took off.” the orange Earth pony settles next to me in Athena’s spot.

“She worries too much sometimes.”

“Ah think she’s got a reason to worry, knowin’ you like I do.” She laughs, slapping a hoof on my shoulder, “Somepony’s gotta keep you out of trouble.”

“You do a fine job my Applejack.”

“Ah got to, otherwise with you ‘n her, ah think Equestria’d be in real trouble.”

“I am getting better.”

“Ah know, ah know.”

------Hearth's Warming-------

Hearth’s Warming, celebrating the coming together of three different tribes of ponies. A time when good cheer and family are brought together, decorations set out, plays done about the time of the Windigos, the beings that brought Winter because of cold hearts and hatred. How the power of friendship brought them together in a new land is a tale that has been told for a long time.

But it is doubly special this day, my sister’s very first celebration of Hearth’s Warming and she takes to it with a will. Her smiles and laughter ringing throughout the castle, bringing good tidings and happiness to all that see her. Her eyes are bright and merry as she serves food, not letting anypony else do much, making herself available to the little ones who wish to play a game. I had been hard-pressed to keep up with her as she wanted to make this first one a true memory.

Twilight enjoys it as well, inviting everypony over for a celebration on Hearth’s Warming itself. Applejack’s family spent the Eve celebrating amongst themselves, and we all joined in the castle on the afternoon of the holiday. Along with all the friends and family, it was crowded and glorious. A stack of gifts are surrounding the hearth, shining in the firelight.

Presents aren’t required actually, just good will as it’s a celebration of home and family. But a lot like to give them, as Athena and I do, we enjoy seeing the faces and the expressions on the simple things we can make which mean so much to everyone.

Twilight and the others show us a special item for Hearth’s Warming, the dolls. Hoof made, they sit above the fireplace on the mantle, some passed down through generations of family. Athena and I have neither, and are promptly taken to a place in front of the fireplace where Twilight and friends stand near.

“We noticed you both didn’t have anything like these, and for this Hearth’s Warming, we wanted to make sure it was extra special!” She smiles, Pinkie hopping out to give us our own versions of the dolls that they all have, showing them to us both as everypony gathers around.

Athena is hugging the gift tightly, her eyes welling with tears, “Th..thank you!”

I look at my own, a representation of myself, crocheted and beautifully done. Not so simple a thing to have made and it warms me down to my cores.

We’re congratulated by everypony as apparently the making and giving of them is cherished, and so we will these for as long as we exist, setting them in place along the mantle with all the others brought for the day. I can only sit and look at it for a moment while my sister happily exclaims about hers.

Of all the awards and medals we have received in our time, I believe this may be the best gift I have ever truly been given. Not a piece of shiny metal, a plaque or meaningless speeches, but a thing of beauty, plain and simple.

“Darling this is the the millionth time you’ve given us all gifts, I feel just awful I have nothing equal in return!” Rarity is looking at the gaily wrapped box Athena and I have given her. The others are opening the boxes and packages that everyone else had brought for the celebration.

Athena grins, “Don’t worry about it, it’s just little things Rarity.” She smiles, “We know everypony exchanges gifts, we just made sure there was one for all of you.”

“Well let us know next time so we can figure something out.” Applejack grins, pointing at the boxes, “ ‘Least let us get on equal terms here. Kinda hard making something for somepony like you guys.”

“Yes Applejack.” We do the speaking in unison again.

“Oh don’t get them started!” Twilight is chuckling.

Regardless of any apprehension, they are well-received and enjoyed. Not the complicated things we could assemble, the technological marvels that might amaze or astound, but then relegated to a dusty room. An inflatable ball, a box of thread that won’t break easily, party favors that pop open with a sound and light that make others laugh in delight.

How the simple things Athena and I take for granted, are welcomed here with wonder and a smile that means the world to both of us. A moment in the making and forever in the giving. She wrapped each one by hoof, wanting to do it that way because it ‘made them more personal’, she said. Looking at the reactions I agree, it was worth it.

Unlike my first holiday here, Athena is fully into the spirit of it, as am I. We have provided for this celebration, so no one would have to do any work. There is food for all and then some, games and things to do to while away the snowy hours. As the wind kicks up outside, it is warm and cheery in the castle.

At one point Athena convinced Twilight to leave the party for a few minutes, both of them dressing warmly and heading out into the falling snow. They did not return for an hour, the stomping of hooves in the mudroom our only warning they were back as Athena did not tell me what was going on.

I am not going to ask, Athena guards her thoughts carefully sometimes and I take heed. Something has passed between them, that much is obvious, but I cannot tell what. Twilight is joyful in a way none of us have seen for a long time, as is Athena. The Alicorn is shaking her head when asked, having made a promise not to tell anything about what went on out there in the cold day.

I admit my curiosity has the best of me, but I will respect their wishes.

“What do ya think went on out there?” Applejack’s voice is curious too as we enjoy a cup of mulled wine.

“I honestly don’t know.” I turn to her and shrug, “I wish I did, but I respect her privacy on those things she doesn’t wish to share.”

“Well I ain’t seen Twilight smile like that ‘cept for really special things, musta been somethin’ nice.” She’s watching the aforementioned mare and Athena laugh while trying to figure out a puzzle game.

“Knowing Athena, something very special.”

“Now it’s got me all fired up wondering.” She grins at me with a glint in her eyes.

“Me too actually, but I’m sure we’ll find out.” I smile back, “No need to go digging, we’ll know soon enough when they want to tell us.” I lay a hoof on her shoulder, “Don’t go asking around.”

“Oh alright, yeesh yer no fun.” She rolls her eyes in exasperation, hitting me on the shoulder.

“I get that a lot.”

It is a wonderful afternoon and evening, a true holiday by any standards. It’s sad it has to end soon, but folks get tired and retire to their rooms, all having been told to stay the night instead of braving the cold. It is a good choice, the weather has turned worse and the castle is a sturdy bulwark against it.

Athena and I had offered to do escorts for her guests, but were politely denied, Twilight saying it was nice to have the castle full of warmth and friends. We agreed with that sentiment, staying up until everypony had gone to their rest, Athena and I walking the halls, making sure of security.

“Drones are having a hard time, weather’s getting worse for the lighter ones.”

“Heavies only then, we’ve got a front moving in off the coast, it’s going to be very bad. Wrap Up’s going to be delayed, even the weather patrols are staying clear. Put the heavies in bays if it gets worse.”

“Something’s bothering you.”

“It’s been too quiet Athena, we still haven’t cleared the forest and there are things out there that are a threat.” I see her pondering me with lavender eyes, “Yes, something is bothering me, a feeling perhaps.” I give no credence to hunches or ‘gut feelings’, but this time it’s overwhelming inside my cores.

She looks at me for a moment more before the orders go out, our hulls bristling with sensors that are now fully powered. Our watch has always been careful, but lower key, now we pull out the stops. We scan the skies and as far along the ground as we can. The snow is making the effort harder, but we are up to the task.

“Hounds are on their way to their sentry posts, full sensor grid active and deployed.” Her face has grown harder in the last few seconds, “If it moves, we’ll know it.” She is fiercely protective of Twilight and everyone we know, she has adopted them as they have us. We both feel the same, and nothing will prevent us from seeing to their safety.

“I think it’s time for some rest, we both need it.” I see her look, turning to stare out a window, “Don’t start worrying, we’ll be fine. Revert to Low Level Alert, we'll be prepared.”

“If you say so.”

“I do, goodnight.” I push her along to her bedroom as she laughs.

“ ‘Night!”

The enemy never sleeps, there is always something with enough hate, or anger, or spite to gather it’s forces and take it’s petty grievances out on something else. A last gasp from what was left, some things left behind even after all we had done. We knew there were more, but the forest is immense, and so we watched and we waited.

We never stopped, we never would, and those who opposed us never learned.

The alarms went blaring through our cores, I could feel Athena snap into Battle Reflex as I did, a sleepy voice asking me what was wrong as I tore out of the room. For some reason we both have reacted this way instead of disconnecting from our avatars and returning fully to our hulls.

There is no time to explain, through the snow we see it, we feel it...them..coming in a charge of evil. Something remained and it was going to try one more time.

“Update!”

Athena comes tearing down the hallway, joining me in TSDS as well as heading for the door.

“Multiple hostiles, LiDAR showing movement in the storm. Blurry but they’re there. Hounds moving in, sentries on spot and waiting.”

I take a look at the streaming data, run it through my tactical cores, “Prepare charges, forest side only, open mortar plates directly after the ports are clear, bombardment pattern Kilo Five. No Secondary Hellbores if we can help it.” I give control to her for broadside engagement, handling the intelligence and scanner end of things. We mesh together like cloth, each of us complimenting the other.

“Copy. Guns spinning up on all posts, I’ve got everything deployed. Drones went into bays four hours ago, weather.” Her anger is up, her whole being is now focused, directed at whatever is coming our way.

“Bring up the Anti-Air, microwave is showing multiple airborne targets, howitzers are online.” I focus, bringing more tactical and analytics up and processing, seeing the shapes through the fuzzy readouts.

I feel a hoof take mine, holding it tight as Athena looks at me, her smile gentle but her eyes holding a sadness, “I wish our guns could have stayed silent forever, especially tonight of all times.”

Deep in TSDS I realize she is right, I feel her emotions at this very first Hearth’s Warming of hers, her heart breaking at it being just another battle to be fought. It belittles this wondrous, magical and warm day of all days by making it the same as every other in our long lives.

This will not do.

“Step aside.” I take control of everything, leaving her just as an avatar, pushing her away from all command and control as I cut the link to my own semblance. Concentrating my will I fire up all cores in both hulls, the power of two Bolos at my single command and I turn my full attention towards the enemy.

“What are you doing??” Her panicked voice comes from far away, having just herself.

“My gift to you beloved sister, remember not this day as one of war, but as your very first of many more Hearth Warmings.” I send her comfort along the communications line before I have to concentrate.

I can see them, a melange of figures and things coming through the snowy fields and the air. The teeth, the claws and talons, things meant to rend and tear the unwary.

I wait until the killzone is full, targets everywhere on my battlespace plotting boards as everything goes hot. My cores flare with purpose, my will a needle that is focused to white hot point.

One last time, once more, and then perhaps silence will reign forever. But I push that aside, waiting until the last second. There is no escaping now as I blow the charges, in the instant I do so I open up fully into the mass of creatures.

The two war hulls shudder with the force of my broadsides, everything along one side unleashed into the air and along the forest line. It doesn’t matter what I hit, just that they are gone, blown to atoms by suncore temperature blasts, a superheated charge of ions. Infinite repeater chain feeds scream as they pour rounds out, barrels that overheat are switched as fast as I can so I may give them another serving of hell.

My Secondaries punch steaming wakes through the snow, nuclear fire consuming anything that gets in their way, the twenty centimeter Hellbores a bright wink of light before their minds go dark. I use them very judiciously, a sample of it here and there. The last thing they see, that they feel, is the power of my guns. Heavy mortar plates slapping back, releasing upwards into the gray skies shells that contain the power of technology, blasting a line behind them and marching onward, sealing their doom between myself and the explosions to their rear moving inexorably forward.

My sister will fire no weapons, not a single bullet or charge, not one mortar round this day as I have cut her off. Athena will contribute nothing to this, watching as just herself. She will remember a battle fought by only me, the memories of a wondrous day in the forefront of her mind forevermore.

The perimeter mines go off as crawlers coming in are pulverized by steel shot, exploding in steamy blasts that are followed by more slashing weapons that make doubly sure nothing moves again.

I tear the atmosphere apart, forcing nature to listen, to obey my will and get out of my way. The HyVel Missiles cracking the skies with thunder as they impact on each and every target I designate. I do not miss, efficient killers that we are, we have become so much better than we were.

It is uncoordinated, the directing mind gone but not the loathing, I can see it in the scattershot way they approach. There is no rhyme, no reason, just a relentlessness that shows they are nothing but soldiers. No tactics, no attempt at anything but to charge and die. Created and given a task to destroy by an intelligence no longer there, they do what they do. Having hidden in the deep forest, they had taken their time, waiting for cover. Now they find a storm of a wholly other kind waiting for them as they push out of the trees.

I do not hate anymore, it is gone, but I can and still rage to the sound and the fury, letting the thunder slip its leash and careen along the skies. Howitzers blast apart monsters who stumble through the drifts, repeaters singing their song of hopelessness to those that try to breach the wall of lightning I form in patterns. Sweeping the field until they are no more, until the last call or cry is fading in the air.

The ragged voices echo into nothingness with the sounds of my last shot, the last mortar, a final charge of ions.

My screens are clear, scanners telling me there is nothing left to crawl, to walk, fly or to die.

I watch for long moments, a twitch, a breath, a single movement is answered with the rumble of fire once more until nothing is left to see or hear. I make absolutely sure nothing retreats, if it does it is blasted into oblivion, nothing escapes.

A peace of sorts settles over the area, filling the space in which a few minutes ago was filled with the screams of the damned. Nature does not like a vacuum and so the storm continues it’s fall, unruffled by the ferocity of my weapons.

As my guns cool I watch the snow resume it hard pace downwards, lying upon the barrels and turrets, the scanners being covered in a light frosting. The world once again showing it can recover, that it will move and retake what is rightfully its own.

External sensors hear nothing but the crackling of ice, the snowflakes gently hitting each other as they build up more layers on my weapons. The storm is still building in intensity and that is fine, let it cover this field once more.

Silence descends upon the land once more as I summon the plows, hurriedly pushing the dirt back, no reason to keep uncovered. It will only take a few hours as the charges this time were quite precise, uncovering just what we needed. Anything else will be taken care of by my spiders and nature itself, by spring the evidence will be gone forever.

Reconnecting to my avatar, I find myself looking into worried eyes, “Are ya okay?” Applejack’s leaning over me as I stumble to stand up.

“Just fine, no worries.” It takes a moment to readjust.

The others have already come out, standing around and looking towards the forest. They have seen the light show and the drumming of weapons, Athena explaining to them what had happened. Except for Spike, somehow he could sleep through an earthquake, odd that.

“Somethin’ bad show up?” She gestures towards our hulls, “We all heard the firin’.” Others have come out of their houses, lights showing here and there in windows at the sound of weapons that had for so long been quiet, it was almost a new thing to hear them again. But they know we do it for a reason, looking to make sure of the quiet before our sensors see the townsponies go back inside, to their families and friends, knowing we help keep them safe.

Turning to her with a smile I can only say, “A thought, maybe a final breath, from something here no longer.”

“Them things again? I figured they were gone.” Her eyes look worriedly out towards the Everfree.

“They are now. Probably some still out there, but not as much a threat anymore. They will fade in time, going the way of things best not thought of.” I believe this, in my very being I do, but we will always be watchful.

“That’s good. It’d be nice never to worry ‘bout ‘em again.” She leans against me, warm in the falling snow. “That’d be a pretty good thing I think.”

A wing and a leg hug me tight from the other side, I turn to see a smile and warm eyes once more as Athena embraces me.

“Thank you.”

Applejack looks over at her, “For what now?”

“A gift, a wonderful gift.” She smiles warmly, giving me another tight snug.

Applejack nods as if understanding, I’m sure she’ll ask later, but for now I believe the message passes along in it’s own way.

We three sit and watch the falling snow together, as others head inside to get warm, thinking upon gifts that you give that can only ever be from the heart.

It is a few days after Hearths Warming, the land is still and quiet, the Wrap Up will be delayed by the stormfront that came through. But it’s taken in stride along with everything else, another day, just another happening.

Athena is in high spirits, it’s hard keeping her contained as she stands for a fitting with Rarity, her dress for the Gala about complete. But since the Unicorn is a perfectionist, there’s always something that needs to be updated or a stitch here and there added.

I am happy for her, she wants to go to it badly, even though the others had told her what a disaster the last one was. They were surprised by the fact that Princess Celestia had invited them to make things lively because it was usually very boring, but they did get a good laugh from it, taking it in stride as they seem to always do.

That is somewhat interesting, inviting them not because they are good and kind ponies, but that she wanted them to liven it up. From reports, it was quite so when it all went south, I’m sure tales are still being told.

But it does make me wonder about Celestia’s motivations if she invites Athena. I do not want her to become a center of attention because of a want to ‘liven things’ up.

That would definitely not set well with me.

I do not take advantage of my position, ever, but this concerns me enough to contact Princess Celestia directly, asking for a moment when she is free to talk about the Gala.

She assures me she will make the time, so I wait patiently to talk over the comm net. I did not expect her to show up personally as the teleport flash advises me of an arrival nearby. The tall mare smiling as is her wont, seeing me by the entryway to my command deck.

“You wished to talk about the Gala?” She is curious about my request.

“I do Your Highness, but I expected a call, not you taking time away from Court.” I bow, as is only proper, getting waved away once more.

She then twirls a hoof with a slight laugh, “It’s good to be away at moments, the endless requests and arguments wear some times.” The alabaster Princess settles herself in, sitting in the shade of the opening so as not to be spotted easily. Her eyes watching me as I do the same.

“So what is making you worry enough to call?” Tapping a hoof for a second, “Besides the trouble on Hearth’s Warming.”

“A last try Your Highness, it failed spectacularly. There may be some roaming about, but I doubt if they’ll be a concentrated threat once more.” She nods, and I get a sense of relief flowing from her.

“There will always be things I suppose, though I wish it were not so.” She looks downward for a moment, letting me see the centuries for a brief second. “So, about the Gala?”

“I have heard reports of the last Gala, how you invited the friends because you thought they would, and I quote, “Liven things up.” I see her nod. “I do not want my sister used that way if she is invited.” I let her hear the resolve in my voice, I have no qualm about it.

“That...yes.” I wait as she ponders for a moment, “I admit it was selfish of me to do so, and I had not expected it to go so far.” She chuckles, remembering the excitement. “But you do have to agree, wherever they go, it does get ..interesting..”

I open my mouth to reply, and then stop as I think for a moment, “You have a point, it is suspicious that it happens.” I rub my chin, “We have theories, but nothing that can figure in everything.”

She laughs lightly, “You cannot predict everything Crusader, nor plan for them. I and my sister have always believed the Elements attract things,” She waves a hoof at the town, “Since they themselves are the elements, and not a simple piece of jewelry, perhaps the magic just acts as an attractor? We can never fully know the ways of the world.”

I admit, she has a very good point, “True, sometimes things are unknowable, but it does make one wonder.”

“Oh we do Crusader, we do!” She is merry, “Do not worry about Athena, she will be an honored guest along with the Elements of Harmony, she saved Luna’s life and I would not do anything to detract from that. I owe her a debt of gratitude, and Luna would never let me hear the end of it.”

“Then my apologies Your Highness, I have overstepped my bounds.”

“No, of course you haven’t, concern for one’s family is always important.” Her eyes glint mischievously, “Don’t tell her she has an invite, we’d like to surprise her.”

“I won’t. Though she has already had a dress made.”

“Luna and I did hear that Rarity was making something special for the Elements, care to let us know?” She shows a rare curiosity on her face.

I think for a moment, I was not made to promise any secrecy, but it wouldn’t be right to reveal everything, “She calls it her Midnight Collection, saying that bright colors were over used, she’s bringing something different to the table. I’ve seen them, they are truly magnificent.”

The tall diarch smiles brightly, “One can always count on Rarity to try something new, it sounds marvelous. I will tell Luna as she’s always wondered why no one wears anything that compliments her night.”

“I think she will be pleasantly surprised.”

“I am sure she will be.” She gets to her hooves, stretching a moment before stepping outside the cover of my entry way. The land is still and quiet, covered in snow, the flakes falling gently as we both stand in the daylight.

Turning to me, it’s as if the star that lights the sky is near, warm and pleasant, “Be well Crusader and try not to worry so much about Athena, she has a bright future ahead of her.”

As I try to ask what she means, a flash signifies she is gone, teleporting back to Canterlot. I could raise her on the comm net, but I find I would rather ponder over the question of her statement instead of asking for answers.

------The Grand Galloping Gala-----

Sitting outside is wonderful some days, a porch, a snowy field, a quiet day is in the offing. Not too much to do during the winter, but as needs must, I’m sure I can find something to keep me occupied until the Gala tonight.

“Hello Crusader!”

And of course, there is Discord.

“Hello Discord.” I turn to the right, seeing him setting in a rocking chair, holding what looks to be a long stemmed corncob pipe in his mouth, blowing bubbles happily, “What can I do for you?”

“Oh nothing,” He waves his taloned hand around, “Just thought I’d pass a little time with a friend.” He grins at me.

Looking at him for a moment, I wonder if I should snap into Battle Reflex and hope the world doesn’t turn topsy-turvy right now, “Now you have my complete attention Discord.”

“Oh that’s nice, it’s not very polite when somepony ignores you you know!” He taps his paw and taloned hands together, giving me a strange look, “I was wondering, are you going to the Gala?”

The Gala? “Why yes actually, Celestia asked me to show for a meet and greet, she wanted me to meet her commanders.”

“Oh she did? How wonderful for you!” He’s still grinning, making me distinctly nervous.

“I’m sure it will be a typical affair, quite boring.” In the old world they had been, very boring.

He waves a paw in the air absently, “Oh don’t be so sure, the last one was quite ...oh... chaotic to say the least.”

I nod, settling myself back down while keeping an eye on the strange figure, “I’ve heard. Discord, what exactly can I do for you?”

“Oh nothing special really, but perhaps you can help! You see I haven’t gotten my ticket for the Gala, and was wondering if somepony might take me as their plus one.” He grins once more, blowing bubbles from his pipe.

“I would think Fluttershy...”

“Nonono,” He waves a paw, “She’s taking someone else as her guest.” He’s looking a bit disturbed, “What was her name, Tree Muncher... No... Wood Polisher? No... Oh! Tree Hugger that’s it!” He snaps his talons in remembrance.

I can only look at him for a moment with a blink, “Pardon me? Did you say Tree Hugger?”

His taloned hand never stops moving, making lazy figures in the air, the other paw firmly on the bubble pipe, “Oh yes, probably some nature-loving dimwit who prattles on about talking to bushes or some twaddle like that.” His face though, holds quite the expression of disgust, as if he’s truly disturbed by the thought of Fluttershy taking someone else to the Gala instead of him.

“Discord, is it bothering you she is taking somepony else?” I guess I’m not real big on tact sometimes, proven when he gives me a look of utter disdain.

“What?” He lays his hand on his chest, “Of course not, a minor thing! I’m a spirit of absolute chaos and anarchy, why would it bother me she’s taking Berry Eater to the Gala as her plus one?” The last few words are said with a distinct tinge of anger.

“Tree Hugger.”

“Whatever.”

“Because you don’t even bother to remember her name, that’s a big clue of your dislike Discord.” Some things are very plain even to me.

“Oh puhleeeese, she rattles on about ‘vibes’ and other nonsense! How could anyone take her seriously?”

Vibes? “Well I am sure that the Princesses have sent you a ticket, perhaps you haven’t received it where you..” I have to actually think hard for a moment, “Where exactly DO you live Discord?”

He grabs me, squeezing me with a strength I hadn’t known he possessed, “Oh it’s a lovely and dark place, everything is wonderfully upside down and rightside never! I can even see the golfing green with the Krakens in the lake from my front window!”

“Krakens?” Surely he doesn’t mean the great beasts from mythology?

“Oh yes, lovely couple, they try not to eat the golfers these days since we had that talk.” He chuckles, “Big as they are, it’s quite nice where they live”.

“Eat...the golfers?” I can feel my analytics going into overload as I try to process this odd revelation. Krakens? I immediately shut most of them down to prevent a problem.

“Oh yes, such a nasty fifth hole it was until I had a sit down with them, of course a snack now and then happens, but what can you do?” He shrugs and laughs loudly, releasing me as I fall into a heap. “Definitely add a few strokes avoiding them!” Poking my chest with a talon, “I recommend a four wedge, most assuredly!”

“I’m... sure it was quite the conversation?” I have absolutely no clue how to reply.

“Oh I daresay it was!” Leaning down he grins at me once more as his eyes whirl in delight, “Some day we’ll have to talk about the other neighbors, I do love good gossip!” He gives me a wink, “I’m off, glad we had this talk! See you at the Gala!” He pops out of the area, leaving me sitting on the porch.

We talked? Neighbors? He has neighbors? Why does the thought of hearing gossip from Discord make me worry? I never did get the chance to tell him Athena will receive a ticket, plus a guest slot he could have asked for.

“Athena, would you please stop, it’s like you have fleas or something.” I have been watching her looking out the window of the castle for the last hour this early afternoon,wondering still if she will receive an invitation to the Gala. It had been quiet since Discord popped in, and my walk to the castle was filled with the strange revelations I had heard.

She has also been fidgeting quite a bit, walking back and forth, peering out the window waiting for the mail to arrive, at separate times mugging two package delivery ponies and scaring them.

“But what if it got misplaced? Or..or...they just didn’t send one?” She gets a worried look, “What if they forgot!” She stands at the window, her nose pressed against the glass. “The Gala is tonight!”

“I highly doubt they forgot Athena.”

“Is she still goin’ on about that?” Applejack’s voice comes from behind us as we both turn, seeing her ducking the three Crusaders who have been jumping around in their brand new outfits for their very first Gala.

“Yes Applejack. She seems to think they’ve probably forgotten her.”

The Earth pony laughs, “Ah doubt that, they’re probably waitin’ ‘till the last minute to send it, they always do something like this.”

“Couldn’t Twilight just take her as a guest?”

The farm mare taps her chin, “She could, but they always send a ticket when it’s your very first Gala, it’s kinda special.” She smiles at the nervous Pegasus, “Gives ya something to remember it by.”

Athena’s nose is pressed against the glass still, the window fogging from her breath, “Well..I hope they didn’t.... oh!” She turns and tears out of the room as a tapping comes at the doors, a mail delivery pony standing at the entrance.

“Oh stars, she’s gonna mug him.”

“I’m sure she’ll be more polite this... and I’m wrong.”

We both watch out the window as Athena barrels into the poor mail delivery pony, ending up in a tangled heap as she seems to be asking him about any mail for her. Though with her standing over him now after getting to her hooves, it appears more threatening than it really is.

“She keeps doin’ this, they’re never gonna deliver the mail here anymore.”

“She’s just excited.”

Applejack looks at me, giving me one raised eyebrow, “How in the world can she possibly be that excited over something like the Gala?” She points a hoof to the sky, “She’s seen and done stuff that I can’t even begin to understand.”

“It is a symbol to her of acceptance Applejack, that she is no longer that thing under the ground out there, that she is a part of life here.”

“Have we been treatin’ her different? Ah mean she gets in trouble just about as much as anypony I’d guess.” She chuckles, “Well.. maybe a tad more.”

“No, no you treat her well, Twilight even more so. It is just something that she feels is needed.”

She laughs again, looking out the window to see Athena apologizing to the poor mail delivery pony who turns to start delivering again with a wobble, “Maybe we oughta keep her locked up until tonight?”

“I’m debating it actually, this is the third minor assault today from what I understand.” We see Athena take off back into the castle at some speed.

“Well now, not exactly assault.” Applejack grins, “More like exuberance?”

“I got it! I got it!” Athena runs back in, yelling at us down the hallway, under her wing is tucked an envelope with a golden slip peeking out of it.

“Does this mean you’ll stop attacking the postal carriers?” My statement stops her suddenly as she looks downward, rubbing a fore leg along another.

“Uh..I apologized. I did.” She’s peeking up through her eyelashes, seeing us looking at her.

“As long as they don’t press charges then I think you’re okay.” This starts her up again, bouncing in the hallway as we three head for the living area, hearing the Crusaders below excitedly yelling about going to the Gala.

“And if we kin ever get them three to calm down we’ll be all right,” Applejack sighs, seeing the Crusaders bouncing around, Rarity trying to get them to stop moving in their outfits as she puts the finishing touches on them. The Earth pony walks over, helping to keep the three in place as Rarity works, giving me time alone with Athena.

“If you do not settle down Sweetie, I will take drastic measures!” Rarity is glaring at her sister plus the extra two, they all immediately stand still.

“Much better.” She goes back to her hemming and stitches.

“Athena?”

“Yes?”

“Why are you running into ponies, are you still shutting down your externals? You’re also off the sensor grid quite a bit, not accepting data streams.”

“I... I want to be more like them. Ever since Manehatten, when Celestia talked to me. When I thou..thought you were gone forever. This Chri... Hearth’s Warming, when you locked me out, not letting me participate.” She looks at me with wide eyes, “It gave me the opportunity to really think about things.”

“Are you sure this is what you want? I know you’ve said it before, have you finally made your choice?”

“I am, and I have, can you understand why?” She looks at me, her eyes holding a deep yearning, “Please tell me you really understand?”

“I do. But please stop running into others?”

She looks embarrassed now, “I.. it’s hard to do things when you’re so confined inside yourself.”

“I can see that. I’ll handle the watches and grid, just maintain contact with me in case of alerts.”

“I will.” She goes silent for a few moments, “I don’t want you to think I’m living in a fantasy land..”

“You’re not. I think the choice you’ve made is what you need.” I give her a smile while we walk the hall of the castle for a minute alone, “It’ll be fine.”

“Are you s..sure? I...I don’t want to seem ungrateful. B...b..but..” She starts to stammer, pounding a hoof into the floor as she stops talking, unable to go further.

“Stop getting nervous. You have made the best decision you can for yourself.”

“O..Ok...” She stamps again, calming down, “Okay.”

I watch her for the nonce, seeing her react through her avatar instead of using her cores and programming, forcing herself to act out little things. There are ticks along her body, subtle clues and shifts that show me she’s fully integrating herself.

This is something I’ve expected, she wants to be nothing more and has gone so far as to actually do it. She maintains minor contact with her hull, but for all herself she is a Pegasus. I am impressed to watch her do something that I have been hesitant to do.

“Please stop staring.”

“Just admiring, you’re doing a wonderful job adapting.”

“Why haven’t you?” She points at me, “You haven’t done anything to improve yourself.”

“Because I’ve chosen not to.”

“Why not?”

“Someone must stay behind Athena.”

She stands in the hallway, turning her eyes on me, “What do you mean stay behind?”

“Don’t worry about it Athena, the Gala is tonight, concentrate on that.”

Her hoof presses into my chest as I try to keep going, “No. Explain. Now.”

“Athena, there is no need for this conversation right now.”

“We have the time, it’s a minute, explain yourself.”

“Do not press this issue Athena, it is of minor concern why or why not I haven’t made any changes.”

“Not to me.”

“Do you really wish to keep digging into this?”

“Yes! You are constantly putting things off, continuing on as you have always done, I want to know why.”

“Because someone has to watch Athena, over our hulls, technology, our weapons. You continue to pare yourself down, becoming just a single entity. I can’t do the same, someone must maintain things.”

“Oh stop that, you can...” I interrupt her protest gently and not unkindly.

“No. Things must be cared for, properly done, otherwise it could endanger everyone. We must maintain a vigil my sister, for the good of all. ”

Sitting down in the hallway, I continue, “You have continually cut yourself off from your strategic cores and sensors, confining yourself to your avatar. I have made allowances for that and am keeping things intact and secure. I may have changed in some ways, but I will stay behind, I will not invest fully in myself. Someone must be sentinel as long as we live.”

“We..we could just delete the data! We could...could trim down the cores, just keep enough for ourselves and just..just be us!” She throws a hoof out in the air, “We can maintain the fabricators, enough to provide what we already do, it would be easy!”

“You know that wouldn’t work, we cannot let things slide, we carry within our very beings the means to destroy this world Athena. We cannot let it sit there without a proper guardian.” I lay a hoof on her shoulder, “There is a time and a place for everything Athena, and I’m afraid it’s just not my time nor my place.”

She gets a pleading look, “I don’t want to leave you behind. Don’t do this!” I feel her emotions, “We could..we could tell them! They’d figure out something! Maybe they could seal all the stuff we have away with magic?”

“You are not leaving me behind, you are living Athena. I cannot trust our technology to the illusionary promises of magic and you know that. It is no imposition sister, do not concern yourself so much.”

“Well..no! I don’t..”

“Stop. This is not the time nor the place, perhaps we can talk later?”

“Okay fine. But we WILL discuss this.”

“Of course.”

He turns to leave, watched by concerned lavender eyes as he walks slowly down the hallway. She observes the stiff movements only she can spot, telling her he is as he always was, nothing but a machine, not smooth and flowing like he has made her own. Her chest heaved for a moment with a sigh, seeing him staying this way while she grew, knowing he would not stop doing what he always does.

“Athena! You ready for the big night?” Rarity‘s’s voice is cheerful as she peeks out of a doorway. She steps near and tilts her head, “Are you okay?”

Reaching a hoof up, the Pegasus wipes a single tear off her cheek, “Yes, yes I’m okay, just a slight malfunction. Sorry.”

“Oh! Well hopefully nothing too bad. We’ve got a few hours before our train gets here, we need to get dressed for the Gala!” Her face lit up, a smile at hopefully a wonderful night for everypony. “Let’s hope Twilight is not greeting guests all night and has some fun of her own at the dance!”

Looking behind her as she joined Rarity, she saw the single figure staring out a window that faced the town. Even through her enhanced eyes she couldn’t be sure, but it looked as if he were a bit sad, the expression gone in an instant as Applejack called out to him.

She let it be, turning back to catch what the Unicorn was saying as they both walked down to the area that Rarity was using for final checks and dressing for them all.

“Really? That’s the absolute best you could do?” Athena is staring at Crusader as they ride in the train on their way to Canterlot for the Gala before the sun sets. Everypony is wearing their finest, more than enough room to move, but the six mares are getting quite a lot of stares at the outfits Rarity designed. The Crusaders are quiet, talking among themselves as they gleefully wait to arrive at the biggest event of the new year.

“What’s wrong with it?”

“It’s a Gala! A dance! Something fun!” She points a hoof, “You look like a stuffed shirt!”

“It is a Concordiat Officer’s Dress Uniform, Rarity made it to my specifications, although she added her own style, I think it’s quite nice. Though she could have left out a few things.” He looks at the front of his chest where his medals for valor and service and other decorations weigh heavy on it, done in gems with a flair only the Unicorn could do and get away with. “She didn’t have to add all this.”

“Of course I did darling!” Rarity leans forward, “One must be proud of their accomplishments, and you have so much to show off!” She points at the uniform, a blend of grays that Concordiat Officers wore to formal events, of course she had added her own touch to it, making it something other than bland.

“I don’t want to show off Rarity, a simple outfit would have done nicely.”

A hoof is waved at him, “Tut tut, none of that. I think they look stunning, and will be quite impressive to see along all those other stuffy ponies who think a term in the Royal Guard is the be all and end all.”

He is still adamant about not displaying anything, “You didn’t have to add all the battles.”

“Oh shush, it took no time at all, besides, I had that many very small gem chips anyways and nothing to do with them.” She looks quite pleased with herself as she points to the glittering field on his chest.

Rainbow Dash leans over, looking at the myriad of tiny pinpoints arranged in small rows, “How many are even there? All the battles you fought right?”

I give her a nod, “Eight hundred and fifty-five.”

“What?” The cerise eyes almost bug out of her head as the cyan mare peers closely, trying to count them all.

“I told him I wanted a look at some decorations, he showed me his awards and I thought it would be fabulous to add them to the outfit.” She leans over to Applejack, “There was quite the fuss though.”

Applejack laughs, “Oh ah’m sure there was. You know he doesn’t like boastin’ or nothin’ Rares.”

“That’s not the point, I thought they looked good with his uniform, but he wouldn’t let me add anything else.” She hmphs, crossing her forelegs and looking put out.

“Rarity, I don’t think you have that many gems.” Athena laughed along with the others, knowing how many awards he and even she had received in the long past. “Besides those are only for the big battles, all the skirmishes and border fights, they really add up over a couple centuries.”

As the discussion continues, I observe Fluttershy talking with her new friend, a mare by the name of Tree Hugger. By listening to the mare’s replies, I have begun to seriously ponder if she’s on some kind of mind altering substance or normally this way.

“She does sound like she’s high doesn’t she?”

My eyes snap to Athena who’s giggling behind a hoof, “I have been wondering that myself.”

“Probably then, they do eat grass you know.” She laughs over the comms, eliciting my own.

“We really shouldn’t laugh, it’s not polite.”

“Why not? Her name is Tree Hugger for crying out loud, I mean really? She looks like something from Old Earth’s past.” Her eyes roll surreptitiously, “Dread locks? So last eon.”

“Now be nice, we’ve met many ponies with even odder names, Candy Mane for example and plenty of others.”

“But we expected that! Not this..this.. one sec..” I feel her rummaging through files, “Hippy dippy pony.”

I snort out loud, unable to stop myself and garnering a look from Applejack before I smile and tell her it was a simple malfunction. She nods and goes back to talking with the others, but not without a warning glance.

“Ha! You laughed!”

“I did, now stop that, I’m sure she’s very nice.”

“Yeah right, all that stuff running through her system would keep anyone calm. Probably grazing one day and hit a patch of the right kind, had a few mouthfuls, got into an altered state, had an epiphany and hugged the nearest log.” She grins at me, “Ta-da instant Cutie Mark!”

“Will you...”

“Oh and I bet she’ll talk about making sure our chakras are aligned to get the most out of all the ‘higher vibrations’ that come to us when we’re at peace.” She sends me a picture of her in a lotus position, going ‘Ommmmm..”

“Where are you even getting this?”

“I dunno, got a file on metaphysics here, they sure uploaded every piece of crap they could in Diaspora, who the heck needs this?”

“Could always delete it?”

“Nah, more fun comparing, makes me wonder how remnants of human society got here anyways.”

“I ponder that as well when I run into something like this, parallel evolutions have always been theorized.”

“Not like this, it’s strange.”

“Very.”

“Yeah like Maud there, sure she’s Pinkie’s sister?”

“From what Applejack tells me, yes. She’s ...different... no?” I look at the mare who sits next to an exuberant Pinkie who’s gesturing and talking a mile a minute.

“More like the walking dead, she ever smile?”

“From what I’ve been told, once or twice.”

“Yeah it’d probably crack her face to do any more than once a year.” She giggles over the network.

“Stop that, she’s been very polite as well.”

“She has a pet that’s a rock Crusader, a rock.”

“Don’t judge by what others choose to do Athena, you know that.”

“It’s a ROCK! Named Boulder!”

“Perhaps it’s quite talkative and understands her better than anyone else?”

Her eyes snap right on me, narrowing as she stops talking for a moment. I give her a small smile so no one realizes we’re using the network.

“Are you messing with me?”

“Not one bit.”

“Yes you are!”

“I am not, that would be igneous of me.”

“Did you just.. Was that supposed to be a pun?”

“Not at all, I don’t pun, that would be almost like me being sedimentary.”

“Don’t make me do something...”

“Now don’t get upset, that wouldn’t be gneiss.”

“Quit that!”

“Taking my easy manner for granite are we?”

“Stoppit. You’re not funny.”

“Are you saying I’m full of schist?

“Stop it.”

“Maybe I’ve lost my marble?”

“Stop it.”

“You’ve got quite the boulder on your shoulder there Athena.”

“STOP IT!” She yells out loud, pointing a hoof at me, which causes all conversation to cease and all eyes turn towards her as I smile once more. She slaps both hooves over her mouth and looks back at the observing company.

“Somethin’ wrong there Athena?” Applejack’s eyeing me as she questions the quiet Pegasus.

“No, nothing, just uh..all the waiting for the Gala, you know.” She gives a weak smile, remembering Twilight told them both that it’s not polite to leave others out of a conversation.

“You sure?” I am studiously avoiding looking at Applejack, staring out the window for a moment as she interrogates Athena.

“Positive, just excited!”

“Alright then.” The conversation picks up once more after everypony makes sure nothing is wrong, concerned about her for the moment. I just shake my head before getting hit on the shoulder, a voice whispering in my ear.

“You quit pickin’ on your sister, it ain’t nice.”

“I am not..” Those eyes tell me that she knows I was being malicious, “Fine, I’ll stop.”

“What were you doin’?”

“Talking about rocks.” I give her a disarming smile.

“Twilight’s right, you both are weird sometimes.”

“Yes, yes we are.”

Arriving at the Gala is somewhat of an experience in itself, carriages are awaiting to take us all to the ballroom, and it’s quite a line of them as they haul off guests then returning empty for another load. They are very ostentatious, but of course this being the formal event of the year, it’s to be expected.

The gowns that Rarity designed show off their splendor in the evening light, street lamps are lit, the flames making falling shadows among the dark fabric, Rarity’s usual gems added to them only make the ensembles stand out even more.

Even Rainbow Dash, notorious scoffer and refuser of dressing up is walking proudly, showing off her flowing drape; the lines complimenting her slim body perfectly, the stars in her mane glittering along with those on the dress itself. Each of them a constellation of colors, done up by Rarity in their manes that flow down into the dresses seamlessly, making star fields of the six ladies.

Maud had refused of course, but she did dress up, which for her from what I understand was a major improvement. A simple dress Rarity made in no time, but quite nice to look at on her.

As we all sit in the carriage, the Unicorn is fussing over last minute things. The Crusaders, boisterous as usual, are getting adjustments to their bright outfits, the older mares the only ones in darker shades. It only takes a few moments to arrive at the edifice they call a ball room, more like a temple in the old world sense, columns and slabs of polished marble everywhere, gleaming in the soft street lights.

They are not at all somber, the outfits showing a distinct contrast to most of the other bright dress folks are wearing, making them all stand out in the crowd as they exit the carriage to gasps and pointing hooves.

I do admit, the Unicorn is an absolute genius when it comes to things like this. As the mares move to enter the ballroom, the starlike gems on their dresses wink and sparkle like real ones, coming together to make a wonderful light show, reminding me of the bodysuit she’d made Vinyl for her contest.

These creations have outdone that by leagues, in singular they all look incredible, but when standing close to each other, walking down the carpet to the entrance, they take the appearance of a dream come to life.

A smiling Twilight comes running down the steps, greeting her friends and completing the entire look by standing close to the others as she leads them in. She’s excitedly talking about how Luna had come to the ball to see what Rarity had made that was garnering such interest from Celestia, as the Unicorn refused to say anything at all about her designs.

The funny thing is, there are no black in the outfits, none. It is all done is soft velvet blues, indigo and other darker colors, blended so they can look like a night sky but lighter and cheerier. They are without a doubt something wonderful.

The diarchs stood at the entryway greeting guests, taking the time to make a personal comment or two before the ponies moved on into the ballroom or the dining area. Tables were set with satin cloths, food being served by servants of the castle.

Celestia was brilliantly attired in a red drape, flowing over her back and to the floor, it contrasted perfectly with her alabaster coat. She was smiling and nodding to an older couple who returned the gesture, waving as they proceeded into the celebration. The dress as warm and bright as she herself, the curls and whorls of silks a compliment to her whole body.

Luna was standing quietly at her side, a soft velvet dress surrounding her lean body as it too flowed over her back, covering her tail and dropping to the carpeted area in a myriad of satins and silks. She looked happy, grinning and laughing at a joke told to her by Celestia as the merry atmosphere charged us all with good humor and delight.

“Stop fidgeting with the ascot.” Athena is whispering to me as we get closer to the receiving area.

“I don’t like ties or ascots, but Rarity insisted.”

She stops walking, turning towards me and adjusting it so the cloth sits correctly with the rest of my uniform jacket, “There, now stoppit.”

“Thank you.”

The line proceeds until Luna catches sight of the seven mares dressed to kill, flowing gowns trailing behind them in a whirlwind of stars and pinpoint gems that outshine even the brightest day. They bow politely, even Twilight, and greet the two royal sisters.

The dark mare steps close, eyeing the gowns and looking happy at something that so brilliantly illustrates the night that is so precious to her. She is wearing a tiara that is not the usual regalia, being made by Rarity and sent to her a while ago, she now is showing it off to the mass of ponies who crowd the rooms and outside on the terraces.

“What wonderful dresses!” She walks around the seven who are the center of attention, dressed darkly but cheerfully, lit up by the lights in the ballroom. Rarity is about to fall over in delight, seeing her design worn by a Princess and the comments made about her creations.

“I call it, ‘The Night Ensemble’ Your highness!” Rarity smiles.

“Wait," Rainbow turns to eye the Unicorn, “I thought it was the Midnight Collection?”

“She told me it was the ‘Princess of the Night’ set.” Applejack is pointing out to Rainbow as the others join in, having been told different names at different times as Rarity had completed each dress. They all turn to look at the unabashed Unicorn.

“I’m allowed to change the name anytime I want!” She lifts her nose with a huff.

“Not every five minutes Rarity, yeesh.” This garners a giggle from the two sisters.

“Regardless, I think it is truly splendid, and I thank you Miss Rarity, your skills are beyond reproach.” Luna smiles brightly, stepping back beside her sister as Fluttershy and Pinkie grab Rarity who is all aflutter with glee.

“Come on Miss Fashion Pony, let’s get ya inside.” Applejack is leading the two who take her away before she can start going on about dresses and designing, leaving Twilight, Rainbow and ourselves standing in the line still.

“Well I think they look quite lovely.” Celestia offers up, “They do make things different.”

“She’ll be happy about that for the next six months Celestia,” Twilight laughs, knowing Rarity as she does, “I’ll make sure she gets the compliment.”

“I heard it already!” A lilting voice comes drifting back from the group dragging her off.

Twilight sighs with a hoof to the forehead.

The two sisters laugh, Celestia gesturing with a wing, “She is as she will always be Twilight, come join us to greet the guests.” She motions to her side opposite Luna, the younger Alicorn hopping into place with a smile.

The taller Alicorn turns her warm gaze on the quiet Pegasus, “Athena, you are looking splendid this evening.” They get a blushing smile in return as the she looks at them.

“Thank you.”

“Crusader, you’re quite dashing in that uniform, but it’s unfamiliar to me.” Princess Luna is looking closely at the medals and badges.

“A Concordiat Officers’ Dress Uniform Your Highness, I thought it appropriate.”

Pointing at the glittering rows, she asks, “What are all these?”

Before he can answer, Rainbow pipes up, smiling and nudging him, “Those are battle awards!” She points a hoof, “Eight hundred and fifty-five of ‘em!”

She ponders that for a moment, moving to point at the other side of his chest where a few gems hang from ribbons, gold and platinum medallions in a swarm, “And those?”

“Valor and service Your Highness.” He doesn’t elaborate, not wanting to seem boastful, but that’s taken away quick enough.

Athena chimes in, “Don’t let him fool you, those are some of the highest awards the Concordiat could give, I think they ran out with him.”

“Please don’t Athena, there were more highly decorated Bolos than myself.”

A hoof is waved airily, tossing his comment away “Yeah but they were jerks.”

He looks at Athena with a glint in his eye, “Shall I tell them of all your awards?”

This gets a reaction as she shrinks slightly, looking for something to hide behind and blushing furiously, “N..no..”

The two royal sisters get a sparkle in their own eyes, “Oh really? Your sister is quite the warrior?” They already know this, but absolutely cannot pass a chance up to be mischievous, especially on a night like this.

“Very much so, Athena and her sister were awarded for valor three times in a single battle.” Oh yes, I am going to help them.

“Well,” Princess Luna looks at the blushing Pegasus with warm eyes, “Our shy Athena has such bravery inside her then. One couldn’t tell by the way she scarfs down cupcakes from what I hear.”

“Perhaps we shall award her for courage in the face of baked goods sister, what say you?” She turns to Celestia, who is hiding a giggle behind a hoof.

The taller mare tries to nod solemnly, watching the embarrassed pony in front of them, “Most assuredly, I believe they tremble in fear at her approach.”

Athena tries to say something but is at a loss as the two sisters laugh brightly, Luna tapping her shoulder with a hoof, “ ‘Tis all in good fun, you are brave enough in my eyes. Enjoy the Gala, you deserve it.” She nods, stepping back in place beside a smiling Celestia who tilts her head in agreement.

Twilight chuckles, giving a smile to her friend as Rainbow leads her off to the ballroom where others are gathering. I follow along, not having been asked to stay and chat as the line behind us gets longer; more guests arriving each minute, being announced by the Herald of the Court in proper fashion.

Celestia looks to the younger Alicorn, “I must say, it's been very nice having you take over some of the planning responsibilities for this year's Gala.”

Twilight grins, “Anything I can do to make it easier for you.”

The tall mare nods, looking at the happy gathering, “Thank you, Twilight. I am quite looking forward to just enjoying the Gala for once.”

I find a place away from the crowd to sit and watch. It’s amazing what is here, a simple quartet for music, decorations, and everyone dressed in the finest outfits they can afford or find. Different from typical human ceremonies like this, which were inevitably about who is better at what and showing off the latest medal/story or something of the sort, jostling for position amongst their peers.

Although, there are some who remind me of long ago, vain, egotistical, there is always...

“I assume you’re wearing that uniform for a reason?” The voice is very snobbish sounding as I turn to look at who is addressing me.

...someone who sticks their nose in everywhere.

A white unicorn with a disdainful look on his face is staring at me, sniffing lightly he seems full of himself. I run an ID check and come up empty, somepony new I suppose.

“I am, Princess Celestia has designated me the commander for the First Equestrian Armored Regiment. This is the formal attire of such an officer.”

“Oh yes...you.” He peers closely at my chest, “I assume those are for decoration?” Referring to the battle decorations.

“Not really. They are for my participation in major battles.”

“You couldn’t possibly have all those, Equestria has been at peace for years.” His voice is disdainful, but I remind myself that it is a time of cheer and so remain calm.

“They are from when I was in service with the Concordiat, I assure you they all are real.” I notice Applejack coming over, wondering what’s going on as she settles in a seat next to me. She looks wonderful, a starfall from her mane accents her coat and eyes perfectly.

“And exactly how many...”

“Eight hundred and fifty-five.” Why is it that everyone has to ask how many? It’s slightly embarrassing, but I do let this slide as I see this Unicorn choke a bit on the drink he is holding in a magical aura, sipping from the cup.

“Battle awards?”

“Not counting skirmishes, ship-to-ship, bombardments and picket duties, or border actions.” Applejack takes my hoof in her grip, holding on as she snuggles close, giving a grin to this unknown pony.

“Satisfied yet?” Her voice is soft but taunting, she knows this pony.

She is ignored as a imperious hoof points to the other side, “What are those?”

“Valor and service medals. Why are you so interested may I ask?”

He gives another sniff and walks off without a further word, eliciting a giggle from Applejack who talks in a low voice, “That’s Prince Blueblood, Rarity had an awful crush on him until she found out he was more of a snob than most Canterlot types.”

Adding him to my ID file I nod, “So he wasn’t all she expected?”

Laughing as she takes a drink from a wine glass, “Oh no, definitely crushed those dreams into powder.”

She tells me further about what had happened to the Unicorn we both know. I am shocked, Rarity is generous to a fault and was treated that badly, it makes one wonder.

“Doncha worry none sugar, she’s not makin’ that mistake ever again.” She tugs my leg, leading us to the dance floor. She smiles once more, her mane sparkling in the lamp light, “C’mon now, have to show ya off to all them mares been eyeing ya since you walked in.” Laughing, she makes sure to let me know she’s joking as I look around.

Athena watched Crusader and Applejack dance, smiling to herself as she stood near Rainbow at the table where they both picked up mugs of sweet drink, something sugary for them both to start the night right up.

“Ohmygosh! There’s Spitfire! I’ll be right back!” She runs off after setting down her drink, heading for a group of ponies in military style dress, leaving Athena by herself for the moment.

She looks over to see Fluttershy talking to her friend, who she still thought was not in her right mind, but each to their own.

“I’m sure a beautiful mare like yourself would prefer to be seen with somepony of status.” A not so smooth voice says from beside her, making Athena turn to look at a white Unicorn smiling at her. “Not some want to be Wonderbolt.”

Raising one eyebrow, the sable mare shakes her head, “Not interested, but thanks for the compliment.” Her smile is warm. See? I can be polite and gracious and...

“Oh certainly you wouldn’t turn down an offer to dance from a Prince now would you?” The Unicorn puffs his chest out inside a tailored jacket, looking at her expectantly.

....Really?

The lavender eyes settle one him for a moment as she interrogates her files, noticing the update from Crusader pinning him with an ID. Ohhhhkay.... Can’t hit him, no hitting.

“Yes, I can.” Athena’s smile never changes, but her eyes turn steely. He’s oblivious, “After the way you treated my brother, oh yes I can.”

“Your brother?”

She lazily points to where Crusader is dancing with Applejack, both of them laughing at something and talking happily.

“That is your brother?” The Prince looks slightly nervous now.

“Yep, I’m Athena, nice to meet you.” The look on his face is priceless, probably heard of the action in Manehatten, and is most likely making him reconsider his offer she thought. This is a fun dance, really fun, I am so glad I got invited tonight.

He excuses himself and wanders off to bother a group of mares standing near the buffet table as she snickers behind a hoof.

“What’s so funny?” Rainbow is right beside her, watching Blueblood walk away in a hurry, returning from a quick visit with her favorite Wonderbolts.

The cyan mare almost falls over in hysterics when Athena tells her of what just happened, remembering when Rarity got treated so badly by the same pony.

“Good for you!” Rainbow raises a hoof as they both bump them together, and raising a glass of cider, “That’ll teach him!”

All heads turn as the Herald announces another guest, this one accompanied by...what is that? Athena is peering close at the two figures in the main entryway.

“Announcing the Spirit of Chaos, Discord and his guest, the..uh...” The Herald looks at the lanky figure, whispering quickly back and forth before turning once again to the audience, “The Smooze!”

“Good evening everypony! What a glorious affair!” Discord is smiling in his top hat and tails.

I can feel Crusader’s attention zeroing in as mine does, it is an amorphous shape that walks..no..oozes? In beside Discord, it has a top hat and bow tie on, though how is beyond me.

“What in Tartarus is that?” I know my voice sounds incredulous.

“I was about to ask you the same thing Athena, it looks to be some sort of..of...” I can feel him running his analytics hot, looking for the proper phrase, “I can’t describe it.”

“A Smooze?” I can’t help it, snarky away!

“I’ll go with that. I’ve never seen a life form like that, have you?”

I rummage through dusty files long unaccessed, “Nothing. I think we better be wary.”

“It’s with Discord, it bears...do you see that?”

We both see the green shape suck in the Herald’s trumpet, seeing it dissolve inside the blob.

The tall figure laughs, “He does have a yen for shiny things, the rascal.”

I see Crusader pinpoint it, marking it as a possible threat. I agree, that thing comes near my dress I’m gonna go ballistic on it’s slimy butt, seeing it leaving a trail along the floor as it squelches along.

Rainbow and I both watch as Twilight has a hurried conversation with Discord, she’s not looking very pleased. I wouldn’t be either if someone brought something that looked like a bowl of snot in a hat to my party.

“What do you think she’s saying?” Rainbow is looking curious.

“Probably to keep that thing off the carpet.”

Rainbow snerks, looking at me with wide eyes as she laughs behind a hoof, slapping the table lightly as I realize what I just said.

“Uh..sorry...”

She waves a hoof, “Don’t worry, that was funny!” laughing again, “Shoulda heard some of the comments Twilight made after being huma..” She slaps a hoof over her mouth as I look at her.

That comment trips so many triggers inside me I can‘t count, “After being what? What did you say?” She has my undivided attention now, something that sounded like ‘human’.”

“Uhh, nothing! How about some more cider?” She smiles weakly, running off with our mugs.

No, she did not just say ‘After being human’. There’s no possible way they could.. Have they been hiding something from us all this time? No, they wouldn’t do that, they’re our friends!

Looking over at one of the serving tables where she was headed, Rainbow has disappeared.

“Crusader.”

“Yes?”

I replay the conversation for him, adding my thoughts. I can feel his attention sharpening. “Why would they not mention anything like this?”

“I don’t know.”

“That’s very odd.”

“This whole time they’ve been awfully blase’ about us mentioning humans Crusader, that’s been bothering me.”

“It has made me wonder, quite a lot. Though I did not question it.”

“She said, ‘....Twilight made after being huma..’, she didn’t finish that word. She was going to say ‘human’. A ninety-seven point four two eight statistical match on the word and pronunciation.” I let him see my view, “Now she’s run off, something’s not right here.”

“We will definitely think about a talk with them after this.”

“I think so, this is curious, do you think they already knew about humans?”

“If they did, they must have a good reason why they didn’t tell us.” I can feel his own curiosity at this little tidbit of information. “Tag this for priority processing, let the automatics take it and the files to look for correlations, if they’ve slipped up somewhere else we’ll find it.”

“What do we do if we find more?”

“We confront them, if they knew about humans before us, we need to know.” He processes for a split femtosecond, “Plus this thing about Twilight being a human.” One more pause, “Perhaps they were sworn to secrecy, that I can understand.”

“I did, a spell maybe? Perhaps a test of something?” I’m trying to find anything that would justify them not telling us.

“I don’t know. I would be disappointed if they had kept secrets from us after all we’ve been through. Regardless, we will ask if anything comes up in the files we have.”

“I would be as well, let’s not mention a thing about it.”

“Act as always.”

Athena sat down near a table, leaning on it with an elbow as she thought. Twilight was her very best friend, she was everything to her, she wouldn’t lie to me would she? No, if she did she had a good reason, she had to have one.

Her lavender eyes looked around, either way Rainbow is in for it, for running off AND taking my mug of cider with her! A flash of multi-colored mane drew her attention, spotting the mare next to Rarity for a moment, talking about something. Athena got up and trotted towards her when Rainbow caught sight of her, eyes going wide before she ran off towards an open door.

Oh no you don’t! Bringing up the comms Athena’s voice was staid, “Stop right there Rainbow!” She saw the startled look as the cyan mare turned to see her making the distance lessen at a good pace, “Don’t you dare take one more step!”

Rubbing a fore leg over the other, she stands there waiting until Athena catches up.

“What’s the deal with you running off and not coming back with the drink you promised?” The sable mare gives her a disarming smile, “That’s not very polite you know.”

“Oh!” Athena can literally see the relief flowing through the slim body, “I got..uh.. distracted, I’m really sorry!”

“No worries, want to go get another, they’ve got some really good stuff over there!” She points with a hoof, smiling at Rainbow, “C’mon, let’s go have fun.” Two can play the innocent game, it’s very very easy.

Rainbow nods, her look telling Athena she’s glad not to be questioned any further about her little comment earlier, chattering happily as they approach the drinks table on the other side of the hall. She stops though, pointing, “Hey, that thing’s heading outside.”

They both look to see the green..thing..heading right for a few mares who are dripping with jewelry, it’s got an expression like a hungry predator.

“Uh oh, I think it’s going for shiny stuff.” Athena is already heading for it, followed by Rainbow. “I don’t know if that thing is friendly or..” The pony screams as the jewelry it’s wearing gets vacuumed off in one fell swoop by the blob.

“Oh wow..that sucks!” Rainbow snerks, snickering behind a hoof, making Athena stop and laugh, swatting at her friend.

“Stop that!”

“What?” She’s snickering harder now, “It’s true! It’s slurping the gems right off that pony!”

Athena looks at a grinning Rainbow, “I swear, you really do have a dirty..” Another pony screams at the blob taking their gems.

“We better go help.” Rainbow is trying not to laugh, “C’mon Athena.” She leads the way, heading for a mare that’s swatting at the green thing, yelling at it to give her jewelry back.

“Hey!” Athena is saying loudly to the blob, “Stop that right now and give those gems back!”

Rainbow is standing right beside her, the ‘I’m ready for combat’ look on her face as she nods in agreement.

The..blob just looks? ...at them, smiling weirdly and slurping it’s lips as they get closer. Athena’s not having any of this.

“I said give those gems back, they’re not yours.” She’s eyeing it, analyzing methods of attack and defense as she readies herself. “Now spit them out!”

After a moment of rumbling, a loud burp, and a few squelches, a pile of slimy gems lands at their hooves as it trundles off to someplace else, leaving behind a trail of ooze.

“Oh that is so disgusting.” Rainbow is pushing a hoof at the pile of jewelry. The two mares come over, finding their particular sets carefully and thanking the two mares for their help from the blob. They summon servants to help them clean whatever it is off the gems.

“That was really bad.”

Discord walks out and grabs The Smooze, seeing the two mares and a pile of gelatinous covered gems, smiling a bit as he holds his friend in place, “Oh, I see Smooze was just mingling!”

“Mingling? That what you call stealing things?” Athena’s not happy, Rainbow is wiping a hoof on a nearby napkin disgustedly.

“Oh he’s just being friendly is all, aren’t you Smoozey?” The thing gives a strange smile at the Spirit of Chaos.

“You might want to keep better control of him,” Rainbow is adding, “Twilight’s not going to be happy he’s doing that.”

“Oh pish posh! He’s just getting to know everypony!” A snaggle-toothed grin appears, “It’ll be fine! Stop your worrying!” With that, there is a magic poof and they are both gone.

“That thing is trouble.” Rainbow nods, agreeing with her.

“Well forget it for now,” The cyan pegasus tugs her leg, “Let’s go dance, we got tons of time tonight! Let somepony else worry about it.”

Athena gives one last look around, accompanying Rainbow back inside, “Yeah, let’s have some fun!”

“We made it to the Gala! We made it to the Gala!” The three fillies prance along as they look at the sights, hearing the sounds of the biggest event of the year. They are enjoying every minute, parading around in dresses made especially for them.

Applejack sniffs a bit, looking from side to side before rubbing her nose, seeing Crusader eyeing her for a moment, “What? Can’t be proud of mah little sister?”

“You usually don’t show things on the outside.”

“Well...true, but still, seeing Apple Bloom growin’ up an all.” She rubs her nose, watching them wander off into the ballroom.

“It had to happen eventually.”

“Ah know, ah know, but I can hope she doesn’t grow up too fast now can’t I?”

“Of course. I think you’re allowed.”

Watching the farm mare for a moment, her eyes are watching the three throughout the ballroom. I decide to lighten the mood, “Let me tell you a story.” She swings her head my way, listening to me tell her about the time Athena, her sister and I got involved in a blow up caused by misunderstanding.

Liaisons among commanders were fairly common, however, they were frowned upon when another was married. A Bolo commander in the regiment was sneaking around with another of the Bolo officers, this led to the wife suspecting someone else who was not even involved. But due to the intensity of the interest, that same Bolo commander started wondering why the other’s wife didn’t like her, so started to eavesdrop using her Mark XXVIII’s ECM Suite.

This perforce led to her finding out that her boyfriend, another regimental officer, was seeing another woman as well on the side. The boyfriend was using his Bolo’s ECM Suite to tap into comms from his other girlfriend, which led to more Bolo’s being involved by listening in to private and regimental communications. It quickly gathered force as more and more officers were found out to be doing things that weren’t quite allowed in the relationship department, each of them deciding since they had powerful methods at their disposal, they would find out what was going on.

However, none of the Bolos involved were allowed to tell each other what they were doing, only hearing one side of the story and loyal as Bolo’s will forever be, they increased the efficiency of eavesdropping to help their beleagured officers. Regimental Comms were tapped, so were private and cryptoed emails and voice, this led to the entire regiment of Bolo’s reaching out to every single communications network on the whole planet while in laager, nothing was out of sight as they worked hard to find out information for their commanders. Bolos are sneaky, and when we wish to be, damn near invisible.

Eventually a communications network technician noticed that every single phone call on up was being listened to by an unknown source, which happened to be the entire regiment of Bolos. Every single database and line on the planet was being drained of information, which caused an alert to go out as a possible prelude to an alien assault.

This revelation of course sent Concordiat Command into a near insane tizzy, as this shipping nexus was on a scale of trillions of tons per day of military and civilian supplies and ships.

Four full regiments of the latest Bolos were shipped in to help with security. Three entire Task Forces of Naval Heavy Cruisers were posted for a possible attack, along every planetoid and planet in the area were hordes of armored vehicles and Marines waiting to kill anything that showed up on their scanners. The offending regiment didn’t realize that this was being caused by their listening to all the communications, just knowing it was an alert, typical compartmentalized information.

The entire Concordiat was dumping huge reserves into the surrounding systems to protect them when Athena and Hera got involved.

Marcus had tasked them to find out where the source had started, wanting to know if it was a network of spies or infiltrators that were planning on sabotage before the attack.

They contacted me and I helped them start tracking, only realizing after a few days that we were trailing other Bolos. The three of us and our commanders were stunned to find out after that, that it was an entire regiment of Bolos listening in to everything at their commanders behest. We also found out that most of the officers and others involved were lying to spouses and significant others while cheating on them, a soap opera of massive proportions.

When Marcus informed the Inspector General, who had assigned him the task, he and Athena, Hera, I and my commander were put immediately into lockdown, no comms in or out for six months. During that time, and I do have to say I admired the efficiency with which Command covered it all up; all officers of that regiment and some of the more over-enthusiastic Bolos were immediately transferred out, the cover story being a redeployment. The resources dumped into the system and surrounding areas was told to be a ‘Reinforcement’ of critical areas, which actually necessitated a rethinking of overall strategy for the entire quadrant of space.

All Bolos were henceforth issued direct orders that we were never to tap comms unless in battle or an extreme need to do so, infidelity not counting. Athena, her sister and I were specifically ordered never to say anything about what we had found.

Except for Marcus and my commander, who were reprimanded for watching cartoons on duty while we three did the tracking.

I’ve never seen Applejack laugh that hard in a while, Athena and Rainbow, Pinkie and the others, Fluttershy and her friend as well. I explained it in more basic terms, but they got the gist of it.

“Ah can’t believe that, that’s so not true!” Applejack is pushing my shoulder, grinning at the whole thing.

“Believe it,” Athena adds in, “That whole fiasco...” She’s interrupted when Discord pops in, laughing somewhat oddly as the others are still chuckling.

Tree Hugger looks at him placidly, “What’s so funny?”

“Exactly!” He grins as the rest of us look at each other.

Applejack tugs me away to get something to eat as Rainbow does the same with Athena, leaving Fluttershy and her friend along with Discord. The tension is getting a bit thick for some folks and they really don’t wish to deal with it.

“Ah don’t know what Discord’s up to, but he sure is acting more weird than usual.” She watches the conversation from our vantage point at a table.

“I think he’s upset she didn’t invite him to the Gala, but took Tree Hugger.” Strangely I find myself wanting to laugh when I say that, though I tamp it down.

“Really? How’d you find out?”

I explain to her our conversation and how I think he doesn’t particularly like Fluttershy’s friend.

“Well that explains it, wish Fluttershy would quit being so nice and let him know he’s acting badly.”

“It’s up to her, I’m sure it will all be solved.”

“Let’s hope, wouldn’t want that goofy Discord going all Nightmare Moon on us.” She gestures as we head out to the night air on a terrace.

A banging on the large door leading outside, Rarity’s voice is hapless as she’s screaming, “Let me in! Let me in!”

A magic user unlocks the door, and a disheveled Unicorn flops onto the floor, picking herself up exasperatedly, “That creature took my jewels!” She’s right, every one of the gems on her outfit are gone, she’s covered in a glistening slime.

Twilight is looking furious as she wings in, “Discord! I thought I told you to keep your friend under control!”

The tall figure laughs, waving away the protestations, “Oh, please. I have better things to do than to watch that thing all night!” He gives a nervous laugh, looking around for a moment, “What I mean to say is, that thing is a dear, dear friend, and I’ll make sure that the ooze..uh.. that he can’t help but secrete doesn’t get on anypony else.”

A snap of his fingers and a vacuum appears, sucking up Rarity’s dress as she looks aghast, sneaking off to find some clothing somewhere.

Twilight eyes him for a moment, “Thank you.” Turning to the watching crowd, “It’s alright everypony. Let’s just get back to enjoying this magical evening.”

Athena watches as Rarity shows up in another outfit, the Unicorn giving her a wink, “Always have a backup dear.”

She feels an internal nudge from Crusader, both of them watching Discord locking his...friend.. into a room and walking away.

“Yeah, it’s an ooze, it’ll probably seep out from under the door.”

He doesn’t say anything for a moment, “As strange as this may sound, he’s treating his supposed ‘friend’ very badly.”

“Jealousy does that.”

“Sad to say, yes.”

Feedback from a speaker garners everyone’s attention, seeing Discord up on a stage holding a microphone.

“Check, check, check. Is this thing on? Good evening fillies and germs! I just flew into Canterlot and wow are my interspecies parts tired!” A rimshot followed by silence falls over the crowd.

Athena’s standing next to Twilight and Princess Celestia, finding herself laughing out loud, getting a look from Twilight.

“Oh c’mon, that wasn’t funny.” She’s staring at the sable pegasus.

“Are you kidding? That joke was old and tired when I was in service, even Bolos groaned at it!” This gets a laugh from Twilight and Celestia who understand what she’s talking about.

It also gets a glare from Discord up on stage, who clears his throat, “Well, seems somepony thinks my jokes are old and tired.”

“Not just the jokes.” Maud actually adds in with a deadpan voice, getting more laughs.

“Good one Maud!” Pinkie hugs her sister.

He recovers albeit slowly, “But hey! I’ve only got these mismatched wings, but even I can fly better than Twilight Sparkle! Am I right? Pchoo!” Another rimshot to dead silence.

Twilight looks offended, “Hey!”

Athena giggles again, “Keep your day job Discord.” This gets quite a few loud laughs now, even Twilight is stifling a chuckle along with Celestia.

The mismatched figure laughs nervously, “Well perhaps you’re into more observational humor.” He leans over the stage, “Did you ever notice how you always materialize out of thin air? Why not thick air? What’s the deal there?” Another rimshot, more silence, a few coughs here and there.

Athena leans over to Twilight, “Hear about the military accident?” She almost laughs at Twilight’s shocked expression.

“No! What happened?”

“A Royal Guard stepped on a bag of popcorn and crushed two kernels.” Athena smiles, waiting for them to....

Celestia actually laughs, laughs so loudly that the ponies turn around to look at her, Twilight is still thinking for a moment when it hits her and she joins in giggling with Princess Luna who got the bad pun as well.

“Athena, that was the worst joke...”

“Oh come on it was better than Discord’s!” She sees Applejack laughing after hearing it. “See? Funny!”

Discord is still trying to do his routine, which in all honesty is not very good for a supposed spirit of chaos. “You know, you might be a Ponyville pony when an ordinary night on the town ends in a lesson about friendship!” Another silence, this isn’t going too well.

Athena leans over once more, nudging Pinkie, “Hey, what do clams do on their birthday?”

The blue eyes turn to Athena, the pink mare taps her chin while she thinks, “I dunno.”

“Shellabrate!”

Pinkie stares at her for a moment, then snorts, letting out a flurry of giggles as she slaps the floor laughing.

Twilight is snickering along with them, “That was awful!”

Athena points a hoof, “Got you laughing!”

“That’s ‘cause it was so bad!” Twilight is looking at Celestia and Luna smiling behind polite hooves. “Even Pinkie’s jokes are better.”

The named mare snickers, “I dunno, I thought it was pretty good.”

Twilight sighs, “Only you Pinkie.”

Athena looks up on the stage where Discord is failing, actually starting to feel sorry for the mismatched figure as he tries to come across as a comedian, telling one joke after another. She tries to think of a way to help actually, even though he’s doing this because of a unwarranted jealousy of Fluttershy’s new friend, it doesn’t mean he has to look bad. Athena herself knows what it’s like, to lose your pride, your sense of self, to have it all torn away.

It’s concerning her as she can’t quite think of something simple, until Discord says...

“Knock knock!”

She knows this one! Leaning on the stage with her fore hooves she grins up at him, “Who’s there?”

His eyes show surprise at seeing her smiling face, saving him a little pride, “Orange.”

Athena’s grin gets bigger, “Orange who?”

“Orange you going to let me in?” Another rimshot, this time to groans from the audience as some giggles are finally let loose. Athena gets a wink from Discord as he prepares to say something else.

Looking up at the less nervous figure, Athena cracks another smile, “Hey Discord, who’s on first?” She takes a chance, he can’t possibly know this, it’s from so long ago it was ancient when she was young. Baseball was on Old Earth long ago, could it possibly...

The eyes zero in on her soft voice as a smile washes over the snaggle-toothed face, his voice answering back, “That’s right!” Confusing everypony around them as Athena jumps on stage, looking out at a gathering crowd, she grins, seeing Pinkie following intently for some reason.

She looks at the Spirit of Chaos, “No, who’s on first base.”

Discord laughs, “Exactly!”

Athena fakes a disgusted look, “No, I’m asking who’s the pony on first base!”

“That’s the pony!” He knows, he knows it! The wink is sly from his eye away from the crowd.

Stamping a hoof she looks at her partner in crime, “Look, you got a first base pony?

“Yes.”

“Who is it?”

“That’s right!”

Athena does it it so well, she looks absolutely furious, “Look, all I’m asking is what’s the pony’s name on first base.”

Discord straight lines her, “No. What’s on second base.”

“I’m not asking you who’s on second!”

“Who’s on first.”

“One base at a time!”

“Well don’t change the players names then!”

Pinkie has it, she’s laughing so hard right now she can barely stand, leaning against Maud who is actually cracking a smile as well, her mane is bobbing in delight hearing something like this for the first time. Twilight’s trying to keep up and it’s slowly dawning on her what’s really going on as Athena and Discord keep up the skit.

Ponies are trying to keep up with the banter as it flies back and forth, confusing and hilarious all at once as Athena plays the straight mare, trying to find out who’s on first.

“Look...” Athena is saying, “What’s the pony’s name on first base?”

“Who.”

“First base.”

“Who!”

“That’s what I’m asking! What’s the pony’s name on first base!”

“What’s on second.”

“I don’t know!” Athena is looking exasperated.

“Oh he’s on third.” Discord gives a huge grin, ponies are laughing uproariously now, finally getting the gist of the conversation.

“How did we get to third?”

“You mentioned his name.” Discord is agreeable sounding, a normal conversational tone.

“If I mentioned his name, then who’s on third?”

“No. Who’s playing first.”

Athena shakes her head, “What’s on first?”

“What’s on second.”

“I don’t know!”

“He’s on third.”

“There I go back on third again!” She looks out at the laughing audience with another disgusted face. It’s working, ponies are enjoying the sketch as she sees Princess Luna and Celestia laughing out loud at their impromptu put on.

She turns back to her partner, “Would you just stay on third base and not go off it?”

Discord has a bat appear in his hands, swinging it gently with a baseball cap on his head, “What do you want to know?”

The sable pegasus appears to think for a moment, “Okay... Now, who’s playing third base?”

“Why do you insist on putting Who on third?”

“What am I putting on third?”

“No what’s on second.”

Athena stares, “You don’t want who on second?”

“Who is on first.”

She stamps a hoof, “I don’t know!”

They pause, gesturing together, “Third base!”

Athena is trying not to laugh out loud as they continue, it’s fun, light-hearted and silly. She can see Crusader smiling at her, nodding slightly with approval as she helps Discord and make ponies laugh at the same time. It’s different, she’s not forced into a circumstance, but wants to do this, and that makes it all the better.

She stamps a hoof once more as they pause, “Okay, you got an outfield?”

“Sure!” Discord is swinging his bat.

“The left fielder’s name?”

“Why.”

“Well I thought I’d ask.” She scuffs a hoof on the stage.

“And I thought I’d tell you.”

“Then tell me who’s playing left field.”

“Who’s playing first.”

“I’m not...” She looks furious again, “Stay out of the infield! I want to know what’s the pony’s name in left field.”

“Noooo, What is on second.” Discord is grinning.

“I’m not asking you who’s on second!”

“Who’s on first.”

“I don’t know!”

They’re shocked as this time the entire crowd yells with them “Third base!” The gathered audience breaking into peals of laughter as the ponies catch up with the entire thing, waiting for more as the merriment spreads.

I watch Athena doing a routine from ages past, harmless and fun it is something she can share. I know she does it because of the embarrassment she saw in Discord’s face, and no matter the reason why he was doing what he did, her good heart wouldn’t let him suffer.

It’s almost becoming cliche’ as I think how proud I am of her and what she does for others.

My eye is caught though, a small filly trembling as she stands staring at the door where previously Discord had locked in his erstwhile companion for the evening. I’m not quite sure why, but it appears as if something is going on inside that room, the aperture seems to be straining at the hinges.

Walking past her, I step close to the portal, leaning in and listening for a moment, liquid sounds are prevalent as well as an intense sloshing of the same. Like the room is quite....full....

Oh no.

Applejack wanders over as I press both hooves against the bulging door, pushing back with more and more energy, trying to keep the heavy gate closed. My back hooves are digging into the stone floor, trying to get a grip as I am pushed away slightly.

“What’s goin’ on?”

“Something is about to break this door, the room behind it is full of liquid, you may want to run.”

“What?” Her eyes go wide, looking at me as if I am talking nonsense, when the door groans, straining against the frame.

“Oh stars!” She turns to run off and warn others when the door busts off it’s hinges, a tide of green slime pouring out of it, catching her and I in the initial burst. She let’s out a yell as we are both washed away in the ensuing tidal wave of...ooze..

It’s hard to see through the green haze, but ponies are scrambling for cover, or at least hopping onto tables to get away from the rolling tide of green stuff. I didn’t even think to use my screens and so am covered in a viscous fluid that is seriously disgusting.

Just when you think life really can’t get any weirder.

In the middle of their skit, Athena sees the door bust open, preceding a roiling mass of fluid pouring out from the room Discord had locked his friend in. Jumping straight up, she clings to a scaffolding holding a few lights for the stage as her former comedy partner cackles merrily.

Ponies are pretty much doing what ponies do, screaming and running a lot.

She watches Twilight try to cast a spell against the encroaching stuff, having no luck.

“None of my magic works on this ooze! Can you stop it?” She’s pleading with Celestia beside her as Luna looks absolutely furious, standing in a pool of green liquid, her own and Celestia’s magic fails at any attempt to stop it from spreading. Ponies are stuck to the walls and windows by the gluey substance, it’s actually pretty gross.

“I’m afraid not!” Celestia’s voice is actually showing a slight amount of panic as her magic doesn’t do a thing against the waves of stuff.

Rainbow Dash is trying to take off, pinned to the ground by sticky stuff and splattering back into it when she rubberbands back from trying to fly, “Oh come on!”

Twilight is furious, “Discord how could you bring him here?!”

A taloned hand waves as he walks above the mass of liquid, “Oh he’s not that bad!”

Athena is hanging by a thread above the green covered stage, her hooves are slipping as she tries to get a better hold, “Not that bad? He’s everywhere!” No, nonono I will not fall into that!

Rarity is looking like she’s going to burst into tears, “Oh, my shoes will be ruined forever!”

“That’s what you’re worried about, really?” Applejack’s tone is not pleased.

Tree Hugger’s voice is soft, “This is kind of a bummer.”

Discord looks malicious, “Isn’t it though?” He peers at Fluttershy, “And to think, it wouldn’t have happened if I had come to the Gala as somepony else’s plus-one.”

Tree Hugger is non-plussed, “Seems like something has harshed his flow you know? Like, his senses are agitated.” She’s upside down on one window, hanging near Fluttershy.

Discord makes a dismissive noise, “You don’t know anything about rare creatures. I’ve known Smooze Face for ages. He’s not agitated, he’s partying down! Whoo!” Discord dances above the floating ponies.

The dreadlocked pony keeps talking, “All he needs is some, like, calming auditory therapy. I know I always feel really at peace when I’m bathed in positive vibes. Maybe he’ll calm down with some sonic bliss?”

Discord looks at her fiercely, “Do you even know what you just said?”

Athena is grabbing for purchase, thinking the same thing, sonic bliss? Oh for.. Oh NO!

Her hoof slips, she’s falling towards the pool below and snaps her battlescreen on, making a huge splash as the repellant field forces the green liquid away from her with a splashing explosion on nearby ponies from the wave created when she lands on her hooves..

Standing in a cleared space, she sees a heavily goop covered Twilight glaring at her

“Uh..” Athena backs away, covered in sparkling lines of force, smiling nervously, “Uhm..sorry?”

“Not all of us can do that Athena, good grief!” She’s wiping off her face with a hoof.

“But..but I like this dress!”

Rarity’s voice comes loud and clear, “At least somepony appreciates good fashion!”

“We know Rares, we know.” Applejack’s trying to pull a hoof free of the sticky liquid, giving her Unicorn friend a glare.

“Ooooommmmmmm, Ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee...” Tree Hugger’s eyes are closed as she hums and whinnies.

“Let go Smooze! Bliss out! Ommmm Ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee.”

The green slime bubbles happily at the sound of her voice, gathering itself together by draining off the floor and ponies as it becomes one very large blob.

Sweetie Belle is checking herself for remnants as she exclaims, “It worked!”

“Way to go Tree Hugger!” Rainbow Dash is hovering once more.

Fluttershy hugs her friend, “That was the most magical thing I’ve ever seen done with animals!”

Athena shut down her screen, thinking to herself, It’s not an animal, that’s kinda rude. She notices Discord not looking very happy at all.

“Oh thanks everypony, it makes perfect karmic sense magic doesn’t work on him. He only responds to vibrations that peace out his energy fields.” Tree Hugger is smiling softly.

The tall figure is angry, “Stop it! Stop it! That’s it, I’m done with you Tree Hugger!”

She’s not getting the threat as Athena tries to get closer, “Oh man. You’re really bumming me out. Can you just, like, lower your voice a skosh?

“A skosh? A skosh?” His taloned hand reaches back, clawing behind him opening a circular portal in mid air, lifting Tree Hugger up next to it.

“Uh oh” Applejack is nudging Crusader, pointing at the goings-on.

“Whoa dude, what is that?” Tree’s pointing at the dimensional rift.

“Relax Tree Hugger, I’m not going to hurt you, well...maybe just a bit.” He laughs maliciously, “I’m going to send you to another dimension, I can’t have you interfering in my relationship with Fluttershy anymore!”

Fluttershy is aghast, “Discord stop!”

He summons a tea cup, a look of disdain on his face, “I will as soon as she’s gone! Then we can have a good laugh about this whole affair over our regular Tuesday tea.” He sips from the cups, pinky finger extended of course.

Twilight gathers everypony, “Don’t worry Fluttershy, we’ll stop him!”

Discord turns the tea cup into a shimmering disco ball, attracting The Smooze’s attention and tossing it near the five mares. The blob goes after it, picking the friends up and taking them away as it flows after the shiny object. Yep, more screams.

“Oh c’mon Discord, knock that off!” Athena’s not feeling happy, barely avoiding another sliming, Crusader standing with her, “Just let her down.”

He leans towards both of us, eyes whirling in anger, “Don’t. Just don’t.” One talon points at our faces, making us both take a step back, our screens a hair away from being triggered.

Athena looks at Crusader, “Whoa, he’s really pis...”

“Athena.” He looks at me for a moment.

“Sorry..”

He turns back to his audience now, ponies watching him as he elaborates, “I’m doing her a favor Fluttershy. It’s a lovely dimension, white sand beaches, attentive wait staff... I mean okay, the humidity isn’t all that great, but where isn’t that the case these days?”

She’s hovering near him a plaintive look on her face, “I don’t understand why you’re doing this. We were all getting along so well!”

He gets right in her face, “As well as we could, considering you’ve already stomped all over our friendship by inviting her to the biggest night of the year as if I didn’t matter at all!

Fluttershy is actually talking louder than normal, “Did you really think I’d abandon you just because I have a new friend?”

“Yes, because that’s what you did!”

Fluttershy actually looks angry, “No, Discord! I invited a friend to a party! I didn’t abandon you! What if you had a friend that you could discuss chaos-based magic with? Would that mean we weren’t friends anymore?”

He looks confused for a moment, his eyes looking around as he thought quickly, “Uh...” He stutters for a second, “No, I suppose not. It would just mean that I’d have different friends for different things..” Now we can see the light dawning, “Oh, oh dear, it looks perhaps I’ve just overreacted a skosh.”

“More like a lot of skoshes!” She looks at the hanging mare, “Tree Hugger could you give us a minute?” Her friend shrugs politely.

Discord is looking unnerved, “I’m just so new at this whole friendship thing. It’s so much more complicated than it looks.”

The yellow mare looks furious, “Don’t you think maybe you owe somepony an apology?” She watches as Discord offers her a flower, “Not me!”

Athena nudges me with a grin, “Think somepony’s mad?”

“I believe so.”

“Well considering they’re both pretty oblivious sometimes..” Athena leaves the sentence unfinished.

“I think maybe a little more communication would have helped.”

“Ya think so? Sometimes it goes a bit far," Applejack is nodding as well.

Discord snaps his fingers, Tree Hugger falls onto a cushion which then disappears. He snaps once more, a pile of gold and gems shaped into jewelry appears then is gone, returning the Smooze to normal size.

He leans down to the placid pony, “Er, Tree Hugger, I’m sorry you got caught in the middle of my...er.. you know.. wrath.”

She pushes the lanky figure away as he hugs her, “Oh, it’s all groovy. Um, I need like a few minutes to clear out my chakras before I can hug you from a place of authenticity.”

The Spirit of Chaos chuckles, “Oh, your chakras, of course. Fair enough.”

Athena hears that and slaps my shoulder, laughing out loud, “I told you!” She snickers again, hitting the floor with a hoof, “Called it!”

“I know Athena, I know.”

She jumps on the stage, sitting quietly with a smug look on her face, “I love being right,” and promptly gets pushed over by Twilight who’s setting next to her.

“Hey!” She tilts over, stumbling around for a moment as Twilight grins at her.

Twilight laughs, “Friendship lesson, don’t get smug, trust me on that.” The lavender mare smiles as she helps Athena steady her hooves.

“G..got it.” The sable mare blushes as she gets a hug.

Discord is talking to his blobish friend, “I owe you an apology Smooze. I spent the whole evening thinking about my own feelings and never thinking about yours.”

The green pile of ooze smooches Discord, leaving a good amount of slime on his cheek.

Twilight looks at Athena, hiding behind her hoof, “Ugh.. eww...”

The Pegasus laughs behind her own hoof, snickering at the expression on the Princess’s face.

“Well friends!” Discord chuckles, “I think I may actually grow to like this multiple friend thing!”

Maud’s still deadpan as always, “I like it too.”

Pinkie’s bouncing around, “Hey, it’s not a party until somepony spreads magic-resistant ooze uncontrollably over the ballroom!” She squees before grabbing The Smooze, “Come on, Smoozinator! Let’s dance!”

It follows her off the stage and on to the dance floor, leaving behind a trail of liquid.

“Ya know, might wanna keep that thing from wandering too much, leavin’ that stuff everywhere.” Applejack is avoiding walking near the viscous liquid, “I mean..ew..”

Twilight is apologizing after approaching the Princess, “I’m so sorry Princess Celestia. I thought I could give you a break tonight, but it turns out I was in over my head.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. This has been the most fun Gala in years!”

Twilight nods, looking dejected, “I know, it was a--- What?” Her face gets a shocked look as she stares at the tall mare, “But there was ooze all over the place! And one of guests threatened to send somepony to another dimension!”

Celestia grins, wrapping a wing around Twilight for a moment, “I know!” She laughs, “Can you imagine how dull it would have been if I hadn’t invited Discord?” Pushing Twilight gently with her wing now, they step towards the dance floor, “Come on! Wooo! The night is still young!”

I think, sitting here for a moment, the word that most describes the taller Sister is incorrigible. I never thought to ask if she had something else planned when talking to her about Athena, though perhaps I should have. I wonder, would she have stepped in to stop Discord from sending another to a different dimension?

Or does she somehow know ahead of time how things will turn out, not trusting to blind luck? That piques my interest, especially since her earlier comment about how my sister has a bright future ahead of her. She and Luna command great powers, some unknown even to the nation as a whole, could she possibly see that far if at all?

I do wonder about it, even as Applejack and I are greeted warmly by Celestia and Luna’s officers, leading to a very nice talk with them about the state of the country.

But as we chat, I notice Discord talking with Athena for a moment off to the side, this concerns me to a great extent. Although he is ‘reformed’ as I have been told, the chaos he creates sometimes, wittingly or unwittingly, is still a source of displeasure for some folks.

“How did you even know that? That routine was ancient when I was born Discord.” Athena is questioning his knowledge of Old Earth’s past.

“It comes to me sometimes, like an open book I read and pass on.” He grins, waving a taloned claw in the air dramatically.

“So...the information is there, somewhere, and you can access it?”

“Precisely! Sometimes even I don’t know where it comes from, but it’s always fun to use!” He laughs from the belly, making Athena smile.

“But if that’s true, how come you didn’t know what we were? Crusader and I?” Athena is honest in her questions, wanting to know more about this.

“I honestly don’t know.” He taps a talon against his chin, “I make mistakes, and sometimes they’re quite the doozy. But I don’t know. Sometimes the information is there, and sometimes it’s not, quite the confusing situation. Lovely isn’t it?” He grins at that last, enjoying all things chaotic.

He leans down, almost curling up on the floor in his tuxedo for a moment, “But I do owe you my fine Pegasus, for the saving grace on stage.” He points a finger at her wings, “Want to be a real pony for a while? See what it’s like?”

Her entire being responds as she realizes what he’s asking her, she wants this! More than anything else in this or any world, she wants this, but common sense comes to the fore.

“I.... I can’t Discord. I know what a Faustian Bargain is, and there’s always a catch somewhere.” She sighs, knowing what she’s giving up, “There is always a price to be paid for our wishes.”

“Oh come now, you sound like boring old Crusader! Faustian indeed, what is a bargain without give and take? Take and give?” He smiles slyly, “That spell they made only lasts a few minutes, but I can give you days of flight, of living and..” He leans next to her ear, whispering, “...of loving.”

The last catches her off guard as she’s trying to tune out his offer, making her look around in fright, “You don’t know...”

“Oh quit it, like it’s sooooo not evident in everything you do.” He grins, sliding his eyes to look at a certain pony across the way. Athena’s join his for a moment before tearing them away and facing him once more.

She stamps a hoof softly on the marble floor, “That is not why I do what I do. She is my friend, it is not what you think.”

“Oh ho ho, it isn’t?” He conjures a small gem-like globe, letting only the two of them watch the pictures inside it, “Watching over her as she sleeps? Making sure the castle is secure every night? Doing anything she asks? What exactly would you call that?” The moving pictures show Athena walking the halls, checking in on Spike and Twilight while they rest, running around and helping with anything the Alicorn asks her to do.

Athena gets a fierce look on her face, “It is called loyalty Discord, a loyalty which only we can give,” referring to her Bolo side, “It is something that is in us from our birth, though we are no longer what we were, we choose who to give that to now.”

The figure eyes her for a moment, the pictures in the globe changing to show her helping Twilight up from the ice when she fell, Athena’s face worried and warm until the other mare faced her, then it changed to a simple smile, “Oh you hide it well don’t you?” More pictures, more times when she chose not to show anything at all.

The slim pegasus closes her eyes for a moment, opening them once more, “I have my reasons. We do not feel the same as living beings, when we give of ourselves, we give all.”

The snaggle-toothed face is beside hers as he leans down again, “But if you were alive, wouldn’t that change things?” His voice is soft, penetrating deeply into her mind.

Would it? Would it all change if she were truly alive? She quashed that thought with a tremendous effort of will, stamping it down mercilessly.

“No, it wouldn’t change Discord.” She points a hoof, “Let me repeat this, we are not like you.” She settles on a cushion nearby, looking at him with steady eyes, “I have loved so deeply in the past you couldn’t imagine Discord, and I have lost those same loved ones. I know what it is to feel grief so intense you wish to end it all.”

Athena stops for a moment, seeing Discord’s surprise at her revelation, leaning in, she makes sure she’s nose to nose with the tempter, “But that doesn’t mean I stop doing what I do.”

“But don’t you want the same thing Crusader has? Somepony to love you back as fully?” He shows more pictures, of warmth and times around a fireplace at the farmhouse that all of them shared.

Athena stares at him for a moment, “Since we’re comparing, what about you?” Before he can say anything she continues, “Like the outright jealousy you showed at Fluttershy’s friend?” She is not spiteful in her words, softly spoken and warm, “Like the affections you have towards her as your friend?”

He stutters briefly, his eyes watching the buttery Pegasus for a moment before turning back to Athena, “Well.. I wouldn’t say..” He’s caught off his moment by the twist in conversation, the crystal ball disappearing from sight.

She leans upward, making sure only he can hear her words, “You can love a friend as deeply, and as truly as anyone else. Share their joys, their triumphs, their pains and sorrows, and still love them.” Her hoof touches his taloned hand as it lays on the table near them, “You can do all those things even if they choose someone else to be with their whole lives, you can still care for them as a friend.”

She continues, softly spoken words flowing between them, “You can get jealous, you can be angry over things, but it doesn’t damp the fire inside Discord. I watched many of those I cared for get married, live their lives, be happy; and I shared every moment with them because I loved them.” A face comes forth in her memory, one she knows so very well.

He thinks for a moment, his body still, “But wouldn’t you want the pain to go away? Seeing somepony you cared for with someone else?”

“There will always be hurts Discord, you can’t stop that, no one can.” She smiles warmly, “That’s why friends are there, to help ease the pain in your heart.” Athena taps his chest once with a gentle hoof.

He squeezes the hoof laying on his taloned hand, smiling back, “Perhaps you’re right, it does give one something to think about.” He chuckles, leaning his head next to hers once more, “Are you sure you don’t want to at least be able to fly for a while?”

“More than you can possibly imagine I want that.” She stops him before he goes further, “But I want to earn it, to make it mine, not have it given. I do hope you understand?”

He nods, “I do, or at least I think I do, sometimes it’s hard to get things right up here.” He taps the side of his head, making his eyes roll crazily to Athena’s giggle.

Discord grins down at her happy face, “Well, seems I do have more to learn about friendship after all, you have given me a few things to ponder.”

Athena nods, “Glad I could help.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to try it out for a while?” His voice is seductive, almost as if he’s trying for a reason, but then that’s Discord.

“I’m sure, but thank you so much for the offer.” She is honest, but hiding her true feelings. The lust to be real is so bad it hurts inside her chest, wanting to feel for just that brief moment what it’d be like.

“Well, anytime you want to reconsider, just let me know!” He grins at her, waving and walking off towards the dancing area.

Athena watches him walk away, lifting a hoof to call him back, to say Yes! Over and again, to give in to whatever he wanted! But she stopped herself, setting it back on the marble floor and looking down at the table where she sat alone. Sighing softly as her eyes stared at the satin cover for long moments, wondering what she’d do now.

A step behind her, a presence that felt powerful and overwhelming made her turn, wiping her face for a moment to regain her composure.

A pair of warm cyan eyes meet hers, glowing with the reflected light of the moon outside the window as Princess Luna moves closer. Her wings ruffle slightly underneath the covering silks, settling herself on a cushion next to a silent Athena.

“Princess, a..anything I can do?”

The kind face maintains an expression of thoughtfulness for a moment, then answers her question with one of her own, “Temptation is a terrible thing, is it not?”

“I don’t know what..” She is interrupted by the Princess who stares at a glass with a faraway look.

“Long ago I too was tempted, by the power to bring my night forever, to make it last, outdoing my sister’s sun.” Her voice is soft, calm and unhurried as she explains. “I was so very jealous that ponies played and lived in her day, while they ignored the night, sleeping away the hours.”

The pegasus nods, paying rapt attention.

“It’s like a whisper in your mind Athena, a voice that slowly overtakes you, telling you that your desires should be brought forth.” Her hoof toys with a wineglass for a moment, “It tells you that you deserve the praise, the glory and the honor reserved for others.”

A servant comes close, pouring a measure of rich red liquid, leaving in a hurry at the flick of her clad hoof, “Some ignore it, having it dissappear never to return. But some, like myself, listened to it; letting it grow stronger with each passing day, the anger and jealousy, the pettiness. Oh how it grows Athena.”

The sable pegasus listens closely to every word as a hoof is pointed in her direction, “But there is always a price, as you said. Mine was to destroy my sister, so I could fully rule Equestria and bring my night forever.”

“Some have said Celestia should have done more, some say that I should have been more forthcoming with my feelings. However it was, it ended badly, my banishment, my sister without me for a millenia. Even now, I still struggle with it sometimes.”

Her horn lights, bringing the glass to her lips and taking a delicate sip before setting it back down, “But we learn, do we not, from others mistakes.” The warm eyes meet Athena’s once more, “Learn from mine, don’t take the easy way, the path less trod.”

“But it’s so hard sometimes, I’m never going to fly, I’ll never be like the others.” She can’t help but look down at the floor, breaking eye contact, “Some days I think I’m just fooling myself, but when he offered...”

A hoof lay gently on her shoulder, “When he offered, there was that voice telling you to take it no matter the cost, correct?”

She admits it, being honest about the temptation, “Y..yes.”

“There is magic in this world Athena, magic that comes to the worthy, the deserving, those that truly are ready for it.” Princess Luna's voice is calm, her eyes friendly.

“But I’ve done everything that has been asked of me and more.”

“And so you expect a reward?” The clad hoof lifts her head by the chin, forcing her to meet the glowing eyes once more.

“Well...no..yes... Yes, maybe I do.” She looks back into those calm eyes with a growing resolve, “It’s not much is it? Its not a Cutie Mark, nor riches, nor anything like that, I just want something.....”

Princess Luna lets her chin go, sweeping a leg outward to point at Discord, “Then go ask, go take your reward, have him give you what you want.” Her voice is firm with a hint of steel behind it, “It’s that simple, go ask.” She leans down towards the shocked face, “Or is it you remember there is a price to be paid that might not be what you’re willing to give?”

“I was to destroy my sister, who would you have to?” She points in another direction, at Crusader and Applejack talking to Twilight, smiling and sharing a drink. “One, perhaps all of them? Where would your price stop being paid Athena?” She gestures to Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash.

The dark face gets closer, almost nose to nose, “That vicious little whisper telling you it would be fine, a simple task to do in return, it’s so very easy is it not? That anything would be okay as long as you,” She emphasized this with a hoof pressing into Athena’s chest, “Got what you wanted.”

It might have been her imagination, or it might not, but a susurration of sound slunk out of her cores, words that weren’t quite intelligible, promises made if only she’d do certain things. A feeling of dread came over her as a chill ran down her spine, causing her to shiver and shake her head as the oily murmuring continued.

“No.” Her voice was low but emphatic, “No! Nothing is worth that!” And just like that the voices stopped, going back to whatever shadows had spawned them, leaving her once more at peace.

She looked at the Princess, “How did you know?”

“Because that is what I heard when I fell Athena, naught but a taste of the evil that lurks and waits for us at moments of weakness.” She smiles, her whole face brightening in the ballroom light, “But I think you shall have no more problems with it.”

Athena paused for a second “You did that, the whispers!”

“I told you there is magic in the world, can I not use it to teach a lesson perhaps?” She laughs gaily, “Or maybe it was just your own conscience telling you what would happen had you given in?” She turns her head slightly, giving a sly look at the Pegasus across from her.

The slim mare returns the smile, “I keep underestimating you.”

A hoof is waved in the air, “So many do, to their detriment.” Her head turns back, facing Athena fully, “In time I believe you will receive your heart’s fondest wish, not because of what you are asked to do, but because you are good and kind.” Her eyes slide to the side, landing upon a single figure who is giggling at some joke, “And that you choose to care without asking for anything in return.”

“Oh for crying out loud, does everypony know?” A disgusted look crosses her face as Luna laughs.

“No, but to those who have lived long enough it is a little obvious.” She grins, “It does not matter, you are a good friend and that is not a bad thing.”

“I’m trying.”

A clad hoof is held up, “Ah, but you do more than that, you accomplish whatever you set out to do.” The appendage lowers, pointing at her once more, “That, my little filly, is what makes the difference.”

“I am not a little filly Princess, good grief.” She chuckles at the thought.

“Oh but you aren’t?” Luna looks at her with a smile, “How long have you been thus?” She runs a hoof downward, indicating the body Athena wears.

“Well, less than a year.” She thinks for a moment, “But I was in service for centuries...” She is stopped by a regal wave.

“To humans, correct?”

“Yes, the Concordiat.”

She leans forward, still a smile on the dark face, “And how long have you been in service here?”

“Well..not very long, true.”

“Then you still have much to learn, to live and to experience.” She raises an eyebrow teasingly, “Oh, there are so many things that you can see and feel, you are just beginning!” The Princess of the Night laughs delightedly, “You have only scratched the surface of life Athena. I have lived very long and still I see things that make me pause, and that,” She presses the tip of a hoof against Athena’s chest, “is why I call you filly.”

“So should I call you Grandma Luna then since you’re so old?” Athena raises her eyebrow in perfect imitation, grinning saucily from her side of the table at Luna’s face which has taken on an aspect of slight shock, “Ought to think about getting a cane, might break a hip soon.”

“Thou impertinent whelp!” She slaps a hoof on the table, laughing uproariously, “Hoist upon mine own petard I am, oh save Equestria from the vagaries of fillies who think they know all!” Her way of speaking comes back when she relaxes, preferring it to modern usage.

“I don’t know all, Oh Princess of the Night, but I know enough to give back what I get.” She points back at the laughing mare, who keeps a wide grin on her face.

“I regret nothing said, a lesson learned is a lesson learned. But,” Another quick gesture, “Remember I am also the Mare of Dreams Athena, thou wouldst not like what I could conjure in the night time.” A fierce smile accompanies that statement, making Athena stop for a moment and wonder.

Oh nonono, nope, not gonna give in.

“Bring it on old lady, I can take whatever you got!” She leans across the table, looking into those cyan eyes.

“Old lady? I’ll have you know foal, that there were songs once sung about my beauty when I was first crowned!” She looks imperious at that statement.

Athena grins, leaning her cheek on a hoof as she critically eyes the Princess up and down, “Yeah....not seeing it anymore, could stand to lose a few pounds there.”

“You dare call me fat?!”

Waving hooves are brought to the fore, “Oh nonono, I’d never do that! More like wide in the flanks?” The sable Pegasus gets ready to run for her life, “Pleasantly plump? Maybe some stallions like a little more cushioning than most, I’m sure somepony somewhere does.”

She can see the inhalation of breath, the terrible fury that is about to erupt and she gets ready to run as fast as she possibly can for the door, maybe I took this a bit too far?

A laugh of tremendous proportions comes from the darker mare, slapping the table with her clad hoof, almost breaking the wood as she guffaws in delight, her eyes watering with tears.

Annnnd maybe I’m wrong?

Eyes turn to the table where they sit, seeing Princess Luna laughing so hard she can barely keep her seat, the pretty mare wiping tears away as she finally calms down, still hitting the table occasionally, tapping it in pure joy.

“Uhmmm...Princess?” A servant is standing close with a worried look.

“I’m fine Silver Tray, just fine!” She waves away the hovering waiter, looking at Athena.

“Oh, I can take it as well Athena, though it has been long and long since somepony dared to try.” She leans back on her seat, wiping at her eyes delicately, “Oh I needed that, it truly has been such a long time.”

“I really thought I’d have to run for it.” Athena’s smile is a bit wary.

“Why? Princesses can take a good joke as well as anypony else, though few dare to say anything.” She waves her hoof, “Such bowing and fawning, bah, that somepony would speak their mind sometimes.”

She gets up, waving to the Pegasus, “Come, join me and let’s go enjoy this night.” Athena happily joins the Princess by her side as they walk along the celebratory hall, “Oh such things await you Athena, magic and more, but tonight, drink and dance!”

A moment of silence as they both head for a table laden with food as Luna leans over, whispering in her ear, “It’s not the dress making me look fat is it?”

Lavender eyes see the honest question as she shakes her head, “No, definitely not.” Giving her a blunt answer as the Princess relaxes.

“Good, wouldn’t do to be... How did you say? ‘Wide in the flanks’?” She laughs again at Athena’s blushing face, trying to hide beneath her mane like Fluttershy.

“Stop being so shy, enjoy the limelight!” She positions her head down near Athena’s, “Try being in my hooves for a day, that would definitely.....” She stops dead, looking thoughtful for just a moment, “Perhaps that would help.”

“What? What would help?” Athena is worried now, seeing the smile once again appear on the darker mares face.

The grinning face turns to her, “I think we have a way to solve some of these problems you have.” A motion of one hoof as Luna takes off, “Come with me.”

“Really Your Highness, there’s no need to..” She is stopped by a look.

“Do not argue with me Athena.” Her voice is firm as they approach Celestia, Twilight having taken a break for a moment to get something to drink.

“I have an idea dear sister.” Luna begins as the taller mare turns her smile on them both.

Celestia’s face looks wary for a moment, seeing the wide grin on Luna’s face, “And what exactly would that be?”

“We have been concerned with our little Athena’s shyness, her problems with certain situations sometimes have we not?”

Celestia nods, “Yes, for all she does she’s still quite hesitant.” Her smile never wavers though as she looks fondly upon the quiet pegasus.

“I..I’m good really. Th..there’s no need.”

Luna gestures to her after hearing that, “See what I mean? I have a solution.”

“Once again, that would be?” Her head tilts slightly, listening close.

Luna's voice is bright, “Make Athena regent for a day.”

The silence was deafening as the two sisters looked at each other for long moments, Luna’s idea ringing in the air between them when suddenly Celestia nodded, “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

Before Athena could protest, Celestia kept going, “I think we could use some days away, there’s nothing pressing. It would be a wonderful way to solve this problem and give us time to ourselves for once.”

“My thought exactly ‘Tia, how long has it been?” Luna was tapping her chin, trying to think, both of them ignoring the sable mare for a moment.

“I believe the last time was when we left poor Starswirl holding the bag, he wasn’t too pleased, but then we were young.” The alabaster mare laughed.

Luna laughs along with her, “Oh yes, a full week they spent looking for us!”

“Uh..I really don’t need... Honestly I’m good with how I am, really.” Athena raises a hoof to interrupt their joy.

“Oh nonsense!” Celestia tugs her close, “You’ll enjoy it, interacting with everypony, taking over the royal duties, it’s an experience some ponies would wish for!” She leans her face close to Athena’s, “But then again, the entire country would depend on the decisions you make.”

Lavender eyes go very wide at that statement, “No, oh no I can’t do that! I.. I.. I’m not made to do that, I’m j..just a Bolo.. We..we don’t run countries!”

Both sets of eyes look at her as she stutters for a moment, once again silence reigns before Celestia’s voice replies, “You wouldn’t deny your Princesses some time away now would you?”

“W..well.. N..n...no.” She runs a fore leg along the other, looking down for a moment, then looks back up with a smile, “Okay, you got me, I see it.” She laughs, “You really had me going there. I’ve been out-done, you win.”

Her giggles die out though, seeing the two sisters looking at her curiously as she goes silent, “You...you are joking right? Right?”

Luna looks at Celestia once more, “Can we have a coronation? I’ve always enjoyed those!”

“Of course! Such a thing should be a celebration. Oh we could have a special cake made, as well as inform Shining and Cadence, I’m sure they’d love to be here.” Celestia’s voice is merry, thinking of things.

Luna claps her hooves together in delight, “Oh we could wear our regalia as well, I did so love doing so! We so rarely get to go all out, Twilight’s ascension was the last time.”

“Wait. W..w..wait wait wait! I can’t do this, it’s not right!” Athena is waving her hooves in front of the mares, trying to get their attention. “I can’t be a..a.. Princess!”

They both stop their planning to look at her, “What’s not right?” Celestia wraps one wing around her, snugging her tight as she waves a hoof out in front of them both, “It’s not just a job Athena, it’ll be an adventure!”

The smaller sister laughs wholeheartedly, “Oh surely ‘twill be! Oh ‘Tia, we should take two days, make it something special, I know we’ve both been wanting to go visit Rainbow Falls, and a few other places.”

“You’re LEAVING? You can’t leave, what’ll I do if..if..I need help?” Athena shakes her head, “No wait... I’m not doing this at all!”

She is ignored as Celestia nods, “We’ll do three, take a real vacation, I know we’ve both been under pressure lately, let’s make it a wonderful trip!”

“Do not worry Athena, I’m sure you’ll have good advice from a friend,” She points at Twilight approaching, looking at the two joyful sisters and one very panicked Pegasus.

“What’s going on?” She’s eyeing all three of us.

“Twilight Sparkle, meet our newest Princess,” Celestia gestures with a regal nod at Athena who is desperately shaking her head, “Athena.”

“What?”

Applejack is looking at me as I tilt my head, excusing myself from the meeting for a moment as I consider what is going on. I can feel Athena panicking heavily, as I look over to where she is I can see a shocked Twilight staring with wide eyes as Athena is shaking her head, exclaiming about something. She is so nervous I cannot contact her as the network is now scrambled in her fright.

“What’s wrong?” The soft southern voice is asking me, she has drawn near, worried about my expression of concern.

“I don’t know, Athena’s in a panic about something.”

“Well let’s go over and see..”

She’s interrupted by Pinkie bouncing our way with a wide grin, “Did you guys hear? Athena’s going to be a Princess!”

“What?”

“Your Highnesses, do you think this is wise?” I can’t help but question this decision as I am waved off with a snort and chuckle.

“We deserve a bit of time off, do you wish to deny that to your rulers?” Luna is looking at all of us.

Everypony near shakes their head, none would ever deny anything to them.

“But Princess Celestia, couldn’t Cadence or even..well.. me.. take over?” Twilight is trying to be practical.

“It will be fine Twilight, we have full faith in Athena and with you as her counselor, she will make the right choices. It will be a different experience for the both of you.” The Sun Mare smiles at them both.

“I c..can’t do this, I’m not supposed to do this, tell them Crusader!” She points at me in desperation.

“It is true Your Highness, we are not supposed to nor allowed to be in this position. It was done to prevent problems and conflicts that could arise from Artificial Intelligences being in total authority above others.”

Princess Luna looks at both of us, “You do not serve your Concordiat anymore correct?”

“Yes Princess.”

“You are sworn to our service, and we are now considered your command correct?”

“Yes Princess, you are the ultimate Command Authority.”

“Then I see no problems with it, you are serving your rulers by doing this.” Luna and Celestia both nod with smiles, firm in their decision.

The stallion stops for a moment, his eyes getting a faraway look, “Well it could be allowed, as it is only temporary.”

“Crusader! No! Don’t you dare agree with them!” Athena is fully in a panic.

“She has a point Athena, a temporary position can be considered, especially since they and not the Concordiat are dictating the rules now. We have sworn to follow their commands, and if this is something they allow, we have no recourse.”

Celestia nods, tilting her head at Athena, “It will be a wonderful experience for you, perhaps it can help with that shyness we all know and love.” Her ever-present smile is calm and cool. “We are not ordering you for this is your decision, but I think you would find it ..different...” Her eyes hold something none of us can puzzle out, a deepness.

“B...b...but....” Athena twists her forehooves in front of her, “I..I don’t know the first thing about this stuff!”

“Twilight is an excellent teacher, she will help guide you through things, but it does remain with you to make the decisions, to do what you think is best for Equestria.” Celestia is nodding as Luna explains.

I speak up once more, “I will be here Athena if you..” But I am cut off with a curt hoof.

“You will not Crusader, you are forbidden to help in any way.” Celestia is actually making this statement, shocking everyone. “This is for her alone, do you understand?”

“Yes Your Highness.” Athena looks piqued, knowing he will not argue with those in command unless dire circumstances apply.

“We understand you have ways of communicating between yourselves we cannot hear, so in no way are you to assist her. On your word and honor we will take your oath, by swearing that you will sever all ties to her for the duration of her service as regent.” Celestia and Luna look at me intently, knowing that should I so vow I will follow those commands until rescinded.

“Please don’t, I’ll be alone!” Even though she had been maintaining just her avatar, I was always there, always ready to assist in times of need, now I was being asked to leave her.

“Give me the word my sister and I will forswear everything. I promised never to leave you and I will not go back on my word.”

She hesitates briefly, “No.. I can’t.. you can’t do that, it would ruin you...us!”

“Then what shall we do?”

“I..I don’t know!”

“We have imprinted them as Ultimate Command Authority, we no longer have Omega Worms nor Masada, I do not know if Resartus would activate, figuring we were unstable if we choose to refuse an order from them. But they are giving you the choice sister, a chance to see what it is like, to shine by yourself. You don’t need me all the time, you get in trouble enough without me.” I chuckle, trying to ease the conversation.

“I do! I’ll always need you!”

“Perhaps then, you should take this opportunity to find out? They are doing this for a reason, and I am wondering what that could be.”

“I am too, I know I want to live as they do but I was taking it slowly, and I’m frightened.”

“I know you are, but you have the heart and courage, you can do this.”

She is silent for long moments before replying, “Make the promise.”

“Are you absolutely sure?”

“Yes.”

I turn to face the diarchs fully, raising a hoof, “I swear upon my word and honor, that as long as Athena serves as regent I shall not assist, nor communicate with her in any way. With two caveats.”

“What is that?” Celestia’s face has grown warmer now, her smile a slight bit wider.

“In case of extreme duress or emergency, we are allowed to coordinate and communicate battle actions, plans, or solutions to the problem or problems. That she can communicate if needed with anypony other than myself for help or advice. These terms are non-negotiable upon acceptance of my oath.”

Celestia and Luna trade glances before nodding, Luna adding with a chuckle, “I should have you at the bargaining table Crusader, diplomats would quail under that stare.” She smiles, “Done and done.”

“I mean no disrespect ever Princess, but I wonder at your reasoning for doing all this.”

“Sometimes Crusader, a turning point is reached, we do what we can to make the right choice or to help others do so.” Celestia’s voice leaves us all with that before turning to summon a scribe, who takes down her statement.

“Let it be known throughout Equestria, that on the third day of Spring, a celebration shall be held to proclaim the Pegasus Athena as regent in our absence, her counselor of note will be Princess Twilight Sparkle.” She makes sure the Earth pony mare has it all correct, “Make sure the proper ponies are notified, and schedules are adjusted.”

The red mare nods, “Yes Your Highness.” Running off to inform others as the Gala continues.

“Is that all right with you?” Both of them look at Athena, waiting for her acceptance.

“Y..yes.”

She doesn’t meet their eyes, a golden hoof reaches under her chin, lifting her face upwards to meet Celestia’s, “Don’t be so fearful my little pony, you will do wonderfully.”

The quiet face whispers so only Celestia can hear, “I really don’t want to be a regent, honest.”

“I know, and that is why you can be trusted to do what’s best.” The alabaster mare smiles, her warmth suffusing Athena, bringing a peace, “You wonder why I agreed don’t you?”

Athena feels herself nodding, her eyes questioning, “Yes, why all this?”

Her muzzle is close to Athena’s ear, her voice like a song as she whispers, “A time in everypony’s life comes, when they must choose.” She smiles again, “To go further down that road, or remain where they are, that time of yours is now.”

A wing is nudged against her as Celestia turns to everyone gathered, “But we still have a Gala going on, the announcement can wait I’m sure. Until then, another wonderful night everypony, enjoy yourselves!”

After the initial shock wore off, Pinkie grabbed Athena in a hug strong enough to make her frame creak, “Isn’t it cool! You get to be a Princess!”

Rainbow Dash is looking at both myself and Applejack, “What just happened?”

“Ah dunno Dash, but I wonder if they got somethin’ in mind. I mean this is kinda sudden.” Applejack turns to me as if I have the answers.

I shrug, “I have no clue, honestly, this is a surprise.”

A wet smack makes us all turn to see The Smooze give Athena a kiss on the side of the cheek in congratulations, leaving a large amount of ..stuff.. on her face, and quite the disgusted look. He had moved up to join the group, finding it interesting.

“Gee, thanks Smooze.”

“Oh look at that, isn’t it precious!” Discord is standing with his hands clasped, looking enchanted at the exchange, “He likes you!”

“Yeah..I can see that,” She wipes her face with a hoof, “and feel it too, oh yuck.”

Applejack snerks, holding a hoof over her mouth and laughing behind it after seeing Athena’s face, “Sorry sugarcube.” She reaches out a hoof to get slapped by Rainbow as they both giggle.

Two pseudopods reach out to embrace her as Athena steps back, pointing a hoof, “Down! No hugging! You stop that!”

“Now now, Smooze is being nice, he just wants to give you a congratulatory hug is all!” Discords voice is it’s usual sly sounding pace.

“No! No hugs!” Athena is backing up, “Stop him Twilight!”

“I can’t! Magic doesn’t work!” Twilight’s horn is lighting up ineffectually.

The blob burbles happily, still reaching out.

“I said no you pile of ooze!” Athena’s looking for an escape route.

“Lots of good vibes there, he just wants a hug, it’s good for the karma.” Fluttershy’s friend is chiming in while the others are laughing.

“Oh stuff it up your chakras!” The pegasus bails out, leaping over the blob and running behind Twilight who’s frantically trying to keep away as well. The Smooze blurps to itself for a moment, then moves off to somewhere else.

Even Fluttershy is laughing at the comment, “Well, it was funny.” She peers out from under her mane at everypony, garnering another round of giggles.

Two sets of interested eyes watch the proceedings, smiling as they listen closely to the conversation until the darker mare leans over, whispering in a calm voice, “Thou art a good actress ‘Tia, do you believe this will work?”

“I do, and you aren’t too bad yourself Luna, spur of the moment was it?” Celestia gives her sister a regal nod.

The Night Mare lifts herself proudly, “ ‘Twas in fact, it happened to hit me while we were talking, I figured was good enow. “ She watches the group of ponies, seeing the smiles and conversation turning to other things than their pronouncement, “I have hopes enough, have the scryers said aught else?”

“No," The alabaster mare points a hoof, “Just that she is at a point where she must decide, for the good of everypony, to become stronger, or to go backwards.” She looks over the golden cladding, her eyes settling on Athena. "Let us hope she goes forward, for her betterment and ours."

Luna nods, “Being a regent, even for a few days, should teach her that she has strength inside her. Since that day when I found her amidst the dead and being attacked by shadows, she has grown and learned, but I can do no more for her.”

“What about her friend, the human Marcus, that she asks you to summon?” Celestia’s voice is calm, but very low, making sure nopony overhears.

“I would say naught but a shadow, however it is deep and aware.” She taps a hoof on the floor for a moment, “ ‘Tis unlike any I have ever brought forth to cure ills. He calms her fears, gives her strength, tells her what she so desperately needs to hear. But there must come a time when she has to do it on her own, even he has told her thus.”

The taller sister nods, “Finding the strength inside yourself, I agree.” She sighs heavily, “Though I wish the scryers could tell us more, but all they have is feelings, unlike when Sombra returned.” She pauses a moment, “But of course, the scare he was to rise again, I had thought hope was lost.”

“The signs the magicians have given us have all come to be, perhaps in the ancient tomes we may find a clue?” Luna is smiling brightly at Twilight sternly telling Athena not to hide behind her if the Smooze comes near.

“Starswirl and Clover wrote many things before they passed, leaving them for us to puzzle out, though I don’t know if they ever counted on those two appearing.” The Sun Mare laughs, “I admit to being quite surprised when Twilight told us.”

“True, and who would have thought they’d become such staunch allies?” Luna pauses, “What about Crusader?”

“I don’t think we have a need to worry about him, he has found something to ground him, to take away the anger and pain we felt inside him.” She nods towards the named pony, seeing him get slapped on the shoulder by Applejack as he tells another funny story, “He is the one who asked for our help originally, we are just completing the task.”

“True, and he has uplifted Athena whene’er she asks, keeping her safe. He knows a time will come when she no longer needs him, you can feel a hint of sadness; but he will be glad for it, knowing she is well.” Cyan eyes turn to look at the taller sister, “Sounds so very familiar, does it not?”

Celestia lets out a small laugh, “It does, very much so.” She smiles at Luna, “Every day I wish you the same my sister, each and every day, that you are well and ask your forgiveness.”

“You shall always receive it," They both get up, walking towards the merry group, “We have a celebration to plan, let us do so with joyful hearts.” Luna is almost prancing in delight.

“Now that I can guarantee Luna, that I can guarantee.”

-------Winter Wrap Up------

The Gala, despite everything, was enjoyed by all. Dancing, laughter, merriment, it all adds up to a pleasant set of memories. Athena eventually got used to Smooze, even talking with it for a few minutes, though it was quite unintelligible, preferring actions to words. Somewhat like us I suppose.

I worry though, my sister is getting more nervous as the day passes, sitting here watching Winter Wrap up it’s plain to see it affecting her. Nervous twitches, mistakes, the thought of being in the spotlight does not appeal to her, though it still makes me wonder the reason behind all of this.

Celestia and Luna’s motivations have been cause for me to ponder sometimes, though they only have the best interests of Equestria and their ponies at heart. I have seen nothing but goodwill, barring the Gala incidents which remind me of mischievous minds. But I wonder were Athena and I able to live that long, would we do the same to relieve what boredom would come?

But of course, we deal with the here and now....

“Why can’t we help?” Athena sighs for the fiftieth time, I have lost count really, not paying much attention.

“Because they don’t know whether to class us as magical or natural Athena, we don’t fit into the scheme of things. Perhaps next year.”

“We’re not magical! We’re a bunch of machine parts!” She tosses a hoof in exasperation. There’s no consoling her it seems, she truly wants to help.

“Give them time, they’ll make a decision.”

“We could have the Dragons out with plows, really wrapping this up quick!”

“That’s not the way of this, it’s to celebrate the tradition of changing seasons without using magic.” I point this out to her for the tenth time, I have kept count on this one.

A hoof is scuffed in the dirt, “Well I don’t think it’s fair.”

“There will be plenty more events to participate in I’m sure. You do have your regency coming up as well.”

The network statics out for a moment before she calms herself, I can see the twitching start in her before she grabs a hold of the programming, stomping on the problems without mercy, “I really don’t want to do that.”

“I have made my promise Athena, and you agreed, we cannot go back.” Our sense of duty forbids it, she knows this as well as I.

“I know! I know! Do we really have to sequester my cores?” She looks at me, that expression nearly breaks my heart.

“It’s the only way I can stay out of communication, we cannot even share TSDS Athena, they said no contact.” I lay a gentle hoof on her shoulder, “Do not fear, I will not just dissappear.”

“But why? Why this? Who the heck makes a decision in a second to proclaim somepony a regent for three days? This makes no sense!” She stomps on a piece of dirt for a moment, kicking it into the field.

I try another subject, “Did you ever notice, that when you know I am there to lean on, or come to in times of trouble, you’re happy? But when I’m not, you are withdrawn, closed, refusing to communicate unless you have to.”

She stops her fidgeting, looking at me sharply, “I’ve always been that way, ever since..since...” She pauses, changing tack, “Marcus was always there for us! Our commanders were always there for us.”

“But we have nothing like that now.” I look back into her eyes, “There may be a time when I will not be here Athena, who will you turn to?” I shift position slightly, “Look what happened when you thought I was dead, you almost had a breakdown if not for the Princesses giving you support, Twilight and the others helping.”

Her eyes drop to the ground, one hoof swinging back and forth as it scuffs the dirt once more, “I know.”

“Your AI has always been different, you and Hera were unique among a rare few. I remember your reaction to find out Marcus had passed on, when other commanders had done so as well. You feel too deeply sometimes my sister.”

“So I should become an unfeeling machine, is that it? Not ever want to care or to grieve, or..or anything?”

“I am not saying that. You are wise in your own way, helpful and kind, but you do so only in instances when you know you can fall back on someone, myself mostly. What do you do when I am not there, forced into circumstances like Manehatten? Can you stand on your own...truly?”

“That’s not...” I see her thinking, every time in trouble or problems there was someone, someone she could talk to, to run to, to help her with what was going on.

“But they appointed Twilight as counselor, isn’t that the same thing?”

“No, she is to give advice when you ask, not before, and not after.” This was clarified by Celestia and Luna before we left for home after the Gala. “She is not to make the decisions for you in any way shape or form. You know very well Twilight will stick to those rules, she is as attentive as yourself.”

A sigh comes from the slim Pegasus, “I know, wish she’d relax some times.”

“She is as she is Athena, and your friend. But once again, it will be your choice whether to lean on her or try this yourself, you have both options.”

“She is, but..but.. I wish I hadn’t agreed to this!” She stamps a back hoof.

“You can always call them, tell them you’d rather not.”

She swings around, pointing a hoof at me, “You know darn well I never go back on a promise!” Stamping once more she makes a growling sound, “And why a celebration? Good grief can’t they just say ‘Tag you’re it! A regent for three days’?”

“I’ve noticed ponies never pass a chance up at a party.” We watch Pinkie skating along the lake, cutting it into squares along with a line of others, I point at her laughing gaily, “Case in point.”

A flat out disgusted look expands across her face as she looks at me, “I hate when you’re right.”

“I notice you hate me a lot.”

“Are you saying you’re right all the time?” She’s eyeing me narrowly now.

“Well, not all the time, but mostly yes.” I give her a small smile in return. Perhaps I shouldn’t have done that.

She sits for a moment looking at me, I can almost see the thoughts going through her mind as I chuckle at my little joke.

“Stop that! I’ll...I’ll... I’m gonna...”

“Yes?”

Her battle screen flicks on, sparkling in the sunlight as she gets to her hooves, “I just remembered I still owe you for all the rock puns!” The grin that crosses her face is not a happy one.

“Now Athena, there’s no reason to be angry.” Of course I am backing up, I’m not stupid.

“Oh yes there is!” She takes a step as I take one back, “You stay still! Take your lumps!” Yes, she definitely has decided to take frustrations out on myself, not a bad thing, but this will not end well.

“As Rainbow Dash is fond of quoting, nope!” Turning quickly I take off in a swirl of leftover snow. No one said I had to make it easy.

“Come back here you jerk!” She takes off just as fast, hot on my hooves.

“No, I believe I have some pressing issues elsewhere.” I do not slow down, increasing power to my legs.

We tear through the piles of snow that have been gathered, the battlescreen dissipates them in a crack and puff of steam, dispersing energy as they are designed to. We leave a trail of fog behind us as she chases me through the town, the screen flash heating them from it’s own interior power source.

“You better stop!” She’s panting in the chill air, steam snorting from her nostrils as she gains on me, perhaps I shouldnt have made her avatar so agile.

“Not until you calm down!” I turn a corner, slipping on some mud before regaining my balance.

“Only when I beat you into the ground you..you...agh!” I see her flash by as I sit quietly on the corner I just turned, stopping and sitting down quickly, watching her pound ground as she goes past me, concentrating on what’s in front of her and not beside her.

She skids to a halt, looking around for a moment, “I can track you!”

“No you can’t, I disabled it when I took off.”

“You cheater!”

“All’s fair...”

“You cheater!” She stamps her forehooves, then turns, seeing me waving at her from the street corner.

I dodge the first rush, taking a back alley in response and running down the cobbled street. I lose her in the twisting areas between yards, leaping over gardens before I cease motion, waiting for her to catch up.

Twilight hears Athena’s voice, she’d been talking with Applejack about the planting, now both of them turn towards the main part of town.

“Oh stars, what’s gotten into her now?” The orange pony takes her hat off, scratching her head.

“I don’t know, but she doesn’t sound too happy.” Twilight taps a hoof on her chin, “Maybe we ought to call them..” She taps her bracelet, getting an immediate response.

“Yes Twilight?”

“Crusader? Is Athena okay? We can hear her yelling across town.” She speaks out loud for the benfit of Applejack.

“She is fine, just working out some anger issues right now.”

Twilight looks at Applejack, “What anger issues? What’s she angry at?”

“Me.”

Twilight laughs, “Says she’s angry at him.”

The farm mare leans over Twilight’s bracelet, “Ah told you to stop pickin’ on your sister, didn’t I?”

“I assure you, I did not pick on her.” He channels the communications to her ear now.

“Well it sure sounds like ya did! You get over here the both of ya!” Applejack’s no-nonsense tone comes over very clear.

“That’s going to be problematic, I’m trying to make sure she doesn’t go through any walls or fences, she’s quite determined.” A few screams come from in town, “Though I can’t say the same about the cart she just destroyed.”

Twilight plants a hoof on her forehead, “We’ve got everything planned already, so just keep doing what we’re doing. I’ll go see what’s happening.”

Applejack looks abashed, “Sorry Twi, didn’t expect them two to cause any trouble.”

The lavender mare laughs, “It’s not your fault! I’m amazed we haven’t had any problems at all, kind of expect them some days, Wrap Up being delayed by weather and all.”

Applejack grins back, “Ain’t that the truth, lemme know when yer back!” She steps off to oversee the plowing for a moment with a wave.

Twilight shakes her head, looking at Spike, “Hang around and make sure the checklist is complete, I’m going to go see what kind of trouble they’re in to.”

He salutes with the quill in his claws, “You got it Twilight!” He watches her take off towards town.

Above the town, she can see a trail through the piles of snow, spotting the Pegasus running down the street. Her link clicks on with Crusader’s voice.

“I am just to your right, near the fence line.”

She spots him waving, coming in for a quick landing, “What’s going on?” Concern on her face.

“I was joking with her, apparently she thought pummeling me into the ground would solve the problem of me doing so. Plus there were the puns earlier the day of the Gala...so...” I shrug, “She’s just venting, nothing more, her nervousness has peaked about the regency.“”

Twilight looks at me, standing silent for a moment, “Well we better stop this right ...” The air leaves her as Crusader pushes her to the side, not as gently as he is wont to do but an emergency shove, Athena speeds right through the space that both of them had occupied, skidding to a halt in a pile of dirt and turning with a hoof raised as she leaps in the air.

“I got you...” She stutters to a halt, dropping to the ground as she sees Twilight stumbling for a moment, her battle screen flicks off as she reaches out to help her friend steady herself.

“I am so sorry, I’m sorry I’m sorry!” The Pegasus’ face is worried, looking her over for any damage, “I’m really sorry!”

“What’s going on?” Twilight’s normally calm voice holds a note of exasperation, “Running through town and interrupting everything?”

“I uh..I...” She points a hoof, “He started it!”

Twilight’s eyes swing around to me, “Well..?”

“I accept the blame, a joke went too far....” I am stopped by an upraised hoof.

“That’s not the whole truth is it?” She looks at Athena once more.

Rubbing a forehoof along another she shakes her head, “No..I got mad, I’m sorry. It was just some joking.”

The lavender Alicorn looks stern, “You can’t do this, Winter Wrap Up is almost done, we don’t need anything taking us off schedule, all right?”

“Yes Twilight.” Athena answers separately from myself.

She points at me, “Go fix that cart, I saw it on the road, and anything else that you may have done; after that go back to where you were sitting, alright? They haven’t decided whether to let you both help yet, but maybe next year.”

“Yes Twilight,” I leave in a rush to get the cart fixed.

Her eyes swing around to focus on Athena, “Athena, come on, you’re going to be regent in two days, you can’t act like this!”

“Maybe...I shouldn’t be regent...” Her voice is small, coming out in a whisper.

“What?” Twilight leans close.

“May...maybe I shouldn’t be regent.” She can’t face her best friend, looking down at the ground.

“They already sent your schedule for the three days Athena, you can’t say no now, they’ve rearranged everything.” Her eyes soften, “It won’t be so bad, they know what they’re doing.”

“I hope so, I really do, because I haven’t got the first clue on what goes on.” She sits down with a thump in the street, sighing.

“We’ll go over all the protocol and stuff the day before, it’s not that hard. Besides, it’s the first time they’ve appointed a regent since..since..huh..” She sticks her lower lip out, thinking hard, “Since they first became rulers, not counting the few times they ran away for fun....wow this is a special occasion!”

Her face takes on a whole new look, a glimmer in her eyes as a historical precedent is about to take place in front of her, making her excited as only she can be. “Oh my gosh, this is..is...history! We could be right there and I can record it!”

“Uh..Twilight..” Athena raises a hoof as the other mare squees in delight.

“Ohmygosh! I’ve got to get ready, I’ve got to record everything! I could be in the history books! Oh this is great, this is awesome!” She bounces around happily, “History right here and now, yes yes yes yes yes!”

“Twi...Twilight?”

She stops for a moment, seeing Athena’s face and shaking her head, “I’m so sorry, I keep forgetting.”

“That’s okay, I’m sure it’s important for you too.”

“It is! Can you imagine? This will go down..” She stops, rubbing the back of her neck, “I get carried away sometimes.”

Athena smiles, “It’s all right, really. I’m so sorry for getting mad.”

Twilight gestures for them both to start walking, getting out of the street as workers are shoveling snow off rooftops, “You’ll get through this. Princess Celestia sent me here to make friends and I ended up defeating Nightmare Moon with them.”

She smiles, leaning over to nudge the quiet Pegasus, “It’s all in how you look at it, it can be fun, or it can be boring.” She laughs, “Let’s make it fun okay?”

“I guess so, you know I really don’t want to be in charge right?”

“I know, but trust in Celestia and Luna.”

Athena stops, mulling over that for a few seconds, “All right, because it’s you saying so, I’ll try.”

“Well...you don’t have to take just my word. I mean..” She’s stopped by a look.

A hoof is gently pressed against the Alicorn’s chest, a soft voice following it, “I trust you, Twilight. I gave my promise in the desert that night, anything you say or tell me I will take to heart. I don’t make those lightly, nor give them to just anyone, I trust in you like I do Crusader.”

“Well, I make mistakes too you know!” She smiles brightly.

“I know, and I understand.”

Twilight giggles, “And just think of all the cool stuff we can get into!”

“Cool stuff?” Now the lavender mare has her attention, “What kind of cool stuff?” She waits as they walk along the cobblestones.

“Well, there’s Celestia and Luna’s private library, I didn’t have much of a chance to see it back when I was her student, even now, but since we’ll be there for three days..”

“A lot of interesting things?”

“Like you wouldn’t believe! Spell tomes of magic from when it was first made, histories written by ponies from so far back their names are all but forgotten!” Her excitement shows at being able to sit for a while perusing such things.

“How do the books last that long? I mean age.. Oh.. Magic. I keep forgetting to add that in.”

She nods happily, “Preserved by spells from the very first day, all important books are. That way we can always have a written history! Copies are stored in a vault deep below, so if one is lost, it can be replaced.”

“That’s actually a good idea, perhaps Crusader and I can reinforce that vault, make it more impregnable in case.”

“I’ll ask when we have time.” She smiles as a thought hits her, “Oh! It’s not going to be long before ponies start wondering either.” She emphasizes her statement by pointing at something, I grin and push her hoof down.

“Soon enough, you know that.”

“I know! I can’t wait!” She bounces on her hooves, looking for all the world like a filly on her first day of school. “Pinkie’s been driving me nuts trying to find out, but I told her I promised, so she understands, they all do.”

“She can be persistent.” From all I’ve know of that pink mare, more like downright scary.

She turns to me with a worried look, “Are you sure it’s..”

“Stop worrying so much, it’s fine.”

“Yes!” She pumps a hoof in front of her as we walk out towards the edge of town.

Standing alone for a moment and watching others work in the fields, a thought occurs to me, though perhaps I shouldn’t say anything. It has been bothering me since the Gala and now seems the perfect time.

“Twilight, when were you a human?” I keep looking outward, not confronting her with anything, just a casual toss of comment.

For a moment I thought she’d break her own neck turning to stare at me like I had just grown a second head, she stutters for a second, gaining composure, “I..I don’t know what you mean.”

Her vital signs are approaching the high side, her heart is beating rapidly as well as other rising stress indicators, telling me this is a very sensitive subject.

To calm her fears, I give her a way out of this conversation, “You do know you can trust us right? We would never reveal anything you didn’t wish us to.” I give her my best smile, “We know all about keeping state secrets and that kind of stuff.”

She recovers beautifully, I admire her for that, “I know that, and I do trust you.” Shrugging, moving a few steps towards the open fields, “But being a human? I dunno, kinda like being a pony myself.” She laughs, trotting off to talk to a waving Amethyst who’s heading up the Animal Team.

I sit for a moment, watching her walk away.

“Crusader?”

“Yes Athena?”

“Confirmed.” I shoot him the conversation and the vitals readouts.

“I wonder what is going on here. But after seeing Discord open a dimensional gateway, could they have the same ability?”

“I do too. I thought of that also, but why would they keep it from us?”

“Sometimes secrets are just that, you get used to keeping them.”

“True, maybe one day they’ll tell us.”

“Or we can confront them.”

“Let’s wait on that, give them a chance.”

“Will do. You’ve got your appointment coming up anyways.”

The network scrambles for a moment, static and buzzing all through our cores.

“If you don’t stop being nervous you’re going to wreck the commnet.”

“I’m getting better!”

“Look, the celebration is tomorrow and you’ve got to know this! You’ll be dealing with diplomats and ponies from all over!” Twilight throws a hoof out in exasperation.

“But it’s boring!” I can’t help it, this stuff is truly, actually boring, even for me. I can pay attention to a speck of dust falling, but this... Oh stars this is way beyond that. “I thought they said no diplomatic stuff anyways? Why the change?”

Twilight looks at the sheaf of parchment, scanning quickly, “Because of certain appointments they couldn’t reschedule,” She taps a hoof on one paper, “Least that’s what it says here.”

“I don’t want to start a war!”

The Alicorn laughs, “Oh don’t worry, it’s just minor stuff, a dinner or two, some talk, nothing like serious negotiations.”

“Oh great, small talk over dinner, woo hoo..” I twirl a hoof in the air slowly.

“I thought you two could do stuff like this? I mean you pay attention to everything.” She’s staring at me across the table.

“We do, and we can. But things that interest us, not this..this..ugh..” I slap both hooves on the table, “Do you know what small talk is? Boring pleasantries when you’re trying not to say what you really think.”

I look to my right, as if somepony was there, “So Lord Stupid, how did the croquet game go today, I’m sure it was just wonderful!” I can do Celestia’s voice perfectly, proven when Twilight looks at me sharply.

“Oh quite!” My voice takes on a distinct accent, “We trounced them four to three in the field, bloody good show!”

Twilight is aghast at how I can duplicate her mentor's voice, “Oh how nice, I’m sure there were polite claps all around.”

“Most polite, and a few rousing cheers as well, we raised quite the ruckus I daresay!”

Spike is laughing so hard he falls off his seat, having perked up when I started doing the voices while he was reading a comic. Twilight is trying not to let anything out, hiding it behind a hoof as I continue.

“Well I’m sure we’re due for some tea and biscuits after such a hard fought battle!”

“Oh quite, quite. My wife says she’s utterly exhausted after playing such a rough and tumble game, she’s taking time to swoon in her quarters, she’ll be joining us later.” I stick my nose in the air, “I, myself, have to polish my monocle before tea time, wouldn’t do to have it fall out during refreshments of course!”

Waving a polite hoof, “Oh of course not, bad form I’d say.”

“Oh very!”

Putting both forehooves on the table, I lean forward, “Know what everypony WANTS to say?”

Twilight nods, lowering her hoof.

“Croquet sucks! It was hot, boring, and now we have to sit here talking like it was soooo cool!”

Twilight’s eyes go wide as her hoof slaps against her muzzle again, silent for a second before she giggles uncontrollably. Spike’s still rolling on the floor laughing as I sit there, my point made.

I tap the table, “Tell me that’s not exactly what happens, go ahead..”

Twilight wipes a tear from her eye, clearing her throat and trying to get back on track, “Well, I wouldn’t quite..” She stops at my look, “Okay...sometimes.”

“See? Can’t we just declare a three day holiday or something?” I’m grinning now.

“No! We have to go by the schedule! They’re depending on us!” A hoof pats the sheets of parchment, “Now come on, back to the protocols.”

Planting a hoof on my forehead I nod, sighing again and listening to her talk about which fork to use on what course of the meal. At least Spike gets to read comics books, that lucky dragon.

“And just why do you have that smile on yer face?” Applejack’s voice comes from beside me as walk the orchards checking trees.

“It seems my sister is quite bored with all the things she needs to learn for her appointment.”

“All that fancy stuff, ah can do without it, let them Canterlot types deal with all that.” She kicks a tree, an apple falling in her hoof as she takes a quick bite of it and chewing thoughtfully, “Glad I don’t have to deal with it.”

“I as well, I’ve never liked the false pretenses others put on for show.”

Her eyes catch mine as we sit at the end of a row, “You think she’ll be okay?”

“I think so, she has everything she needs to accomplish this.”

“Why in the world those Princesses decided to do this is beyond me, sure makes no sense some times.” She takes her hat off, scratching at her mane for a moment.

“I’ve often found that the motivations of those in power, or in charge, are sometimes unfathomable.”

“In other words ya don’t know, right?”

“Right.”

A strong hoof slaps me on the shoulder, “Then just say so ya dunderhead! You and your big words.”

“I do have a reputation to uphold.” I give her a nudge, catching her off balance for a moment as she swats at me with her hat.

“Yeah right, reputation for trouble!” She laughs, finishing her apple as we get to our hooves, walking the next row.

“I take offense to that, surely I haven’t caused all of it.” I check the trunk of a tree near me, “And of course any problems have been solved.”

“No, but ya been right in the middle of it all!” She thumps a sturdy trunk, “I gotta admit, been excitin’ some days, though downright terrifyin’ on others.”

“Let’s hope it just remains calm.”

“Ah dunno, Athena runnin’ the country, we could end up worse than when Twilight freaks out, and both of ‘em together? Stars help Equestria!” She stops, letting out a belly laugh for a long moment, “Ah tell ya, least it ain’t borin’.”

“I rather prefer boring.” This gets me another laugh as we continue our walk.

“Well, let’s just hope Equestria stays in one piece, them two alone up there in Canterlot...” She stops, looking at me, “Maybe we ought to go with ‘em?”

“We have been invited for the investiture. I can’t stay though, she is to have no contact with me whatsoever.”

“Aw shoot, that’s right.” She taps a tree close to her, “That’s kinda funny they’d do that, but not the rest of us.”

“Perhaps motivation.” I explain as she looks at me, “When we are together, we both play our roles in battle. She is an Assault Unit, forward and fast, one who presses into battle. I am a Siege Unit, slower and more plodding, but I plan, sharing things with her, we fit like pieces in a puzzle. Together we can do anything, but she has never been left to her own devices, always having another to help in times of conflict.”

The farm mare nods, thinking for a moment as she chews this over in her mind, “So kinda like when you first leave home on yer own, gotta face those challenges.”

“Yes, exactly, although this is more than just leaving home, I believe they’re doing it to see if she has the strength needed to do so.” I explain to her about Athena limiting herself at times. She also knows about me requesting help to heal my sister. “But then again, it’s only a guess.”

“Well they could do that at any time ah’m sure, kinda pushing things aren’t they?”

“They tend to do things on the spur of the moment, so..” I shrug.

She nods, pointing off towards another row to check, “Yeah, them two Princesses get in a heap o’ trouble all by themselves sometimes. Prank playing ponies, ah swear.” She laughs, remembering the Cider Festival.

“They are unique, I can tell you that.” I have researched my files, finding no monarch as an equivalent.

“Well, they get in trouble they know we’re not that far away, we’ll help. She’s got Twilight there too, nopony better for that stuff.” Applejack nods firmly, always standing by her friends.

“Of course.”

“Are you ready?”

“No..no I’m not. But...”

It is very early in the morning and we are all seeing Twilight and Athena off at the train station. Athena and I have found a quiet corner to talk, to prepare her for the communications cut. We will be arriving later for the celebration since it will be in the mid-afternoon, a joyous occasion it should be if not for my sister being so nervous.

“It is only three days, I will be here.”

“But what if something happens? What if you..if you go away?”

“I would move heaven and earth to return, you know that.”

“I know..I know.” She sighs, giving me a hug and holding tight, “I’m scared.”

“Don’t be, you are one of the finest Units the BoloWorks ever produced, and you are strong beyond even your own imagining.”

“I wish I believed that too.”

“In time Athena, you will.” A heartbeat goes by, “Are you sure you’re ready?”

Her voice is muffled, her face buried in my neck as she clings tightly to me, “No, but go ahead.”

“On my count, once we have sequestered you, it will only be when we receive the order will it be re-established.” I whisper in her ear, “I have given you everything from my databases I can, the best minds and decisions throughout history to help you.”

She laughs, “I figured that’s why you suddenly copied all that data.”

“As the ancient Romans said, ‘Ain fortitudo et decor’. You have more than enough of both.” I give her a moment, “It is time.”

She squeezes me, waiting for the moment with her eyes tightly shut as she nods.

“Three...two...one..”

And then there is silence, it falls like a wall that cuts off everything. No updates, no backchatter, no constant synching of cores and datastreams. There is...nothing... but dead air and our own thoughts.

“No..no...nononono...” She won’t let go, shaking her head. I know she’s trying to reestablish communications, but it will not work.

“Relax, just give it a few seconds to settle Athena. Everything has been cut, you cannot get back in contact until we are ordered to do so.”

Her voice goes up slightly, her fear is showing, “No, I don’t want this! I can’t, it’s so quiet, please don’t leave me alone! I take it all back, I don’t want to do this.”

I hold her until she calms, never letting go for a moment as she almost sobs into my neck, begging me to re-link with her, to open a channel, anything.

But I cannot, we have made our promises. We have both agreed, and however much it tempts me to do as she asks, I hold firm, we must be true to our word in every way, even though hearts break at it.

Finally though, she calms, leaning back to look at me as I give her my best smile, “You have the emergency protocol, it can only be used under the most dire circumstances. Don’t be tempted Athena.”

“I know..I know. “

“You are on a grand adventure, something I don’t know if any one of us has ever done.” I watch her nod with eyes full of tears and it hurts, so very deeply. I hope that the reason is to heal her further, to make her see herself and be strong. I truly do, it is the only conclusion I can come to.

But I let none of that show to her, “You will do fine, just don’t start a war.”

She laughs, rubbing her face, “No promises.”

“You can contact any one of our friends, just not me, do so. Twilight is there too, use her advice, or just as some one to help.” I encourage this, she does not need to sit and get lost in herself. But she must do so by post or courier, the networks are taken offline for the duration.

“But they’re not you, they don’t understand.” More tears flow, I wipe them gently away, consoling her as best I can.

“Then make them. Tell them, let them know what it is to be us. Don’t just let it be something for you, let it also be a lesson to them.” I put a hoof on her chest, feeling the thumping inside it, “You show them what we can do, you did so in Manehatten, you can do so again.”

The train whistle blows, catching our attention as the others wave farewell to Twilight who is boarding.

“Don’t be late, you wouldn’t want to miss your own coronation now would you Princess Athena?”

Once again I make her laugh, though it is strained, “You joked that one time, now it’s coming true, serves you right.”

“It does, perhaps I shouldn’t say such things anymore.”

We both share another moment with a smile as she hugs me once more, “I..I better go.”

“You will still know where I am each day, I will be thinking of you, sending my best.”

“I know,” She holds tight for a moment longer before stepping back, “I..I can’t miss the train.”

Stopping her for a moment, I lay a hoof on her shoulder, “You’ll be fine. Have fun too all right?”

“I’ll figure out something.” She runs off with another wave, catching up with Twilight and giving everypony a hug before boarding the train.

Walking up, I watch the train exit the station, moving along quickly as it steams out of sight.

“She’s pretty nervous huh?” Rainbow Dash is standing near me, looking thoughtful for once.

“Yes, very much so.”

“She’ll be fine, not every day you get to be a Princess huh? She’ll show ‘em!” The cyan mare grins, pumping a hoof in the air.

Looking at her for a moment, I smile, “She’d appreciate your encouragement.”

“Well when we go there today, I’ll make sure to tell her!”

“I think she’d like that.”

“I gotta go, gotta get cleaned up, too much cloud busting today.” She waves, heading for home with a rainbow streak in the sky.

“Always speedin’ off somewhere ain’t she?” Applejack watches her go for a moment, “Well, we gotta get ready too, can’t show up lookin’ like we just got done applebuckin’.” She laughs as we both head off to clean up as well.

“Are you okay?” Twilight’s eyes are concerned as we sit in the quiet car, early morning trips are never crowded, hence our decision. She’s left Spike behind as well, too many things will happen during the three days, and she preferred him to take care of her castle in her own absence. She trusts him, though I made sure Crusader knew to check on him each day, giving her a report.

“I’m...fine. It’s just quiet.” And it is, so very quiet, nothing but me rattling around in my own mind.

“Is that bad?” She’s honestly curious, as well as worried.

“We weren’t meant to be alone, there was always something in the background, some communication. Even when I tried to be just..” I motion a hoof along my body, “...this. There was always a channel, a stream of data. Now..it’s gone, everything.” I smile weakly, “I’m just..me.”

“But that’s not so bad, I’m in here by myself all the time,” Twilight taps the side of her head, “And it’s okay, ‘course when I read too much it feels like it’s over-full, but..” She shrugs, laughing lightly, “You get it.”

“I do.” Leaning against the windowsill, I prop a cheek on my hoof, “But we were always made to have something, somebody with us. It’s just.. Even when Crusader was gone, I still had his cores, his voice, memories. Now there’s really..nothing.”

Twilight nods, “I know what you mean, I didn’t have a lot of friends I was so busy studying. But I never realized until I got sent to Ponyville to help set up the Summer Sun Celebration.” She shrugs, “I mean I had them, but not..you know, really close.”

“You do get focused on things sometimes Twilight.” I sound a lot calmer than I really am.

“Yeahhh,” She rubs the back of her neck, “I guess so.” She points a hoof, “But I’m learning to do other things!”

“That’s always..” She interrupts me with a groan, slapping a hoof on the seat, “What’s wrong?”

“I forgot to make sure we had ice cream and stuff shipped up to the castle, darnit!”

“You mean the stuff you’ve been digging through in the castle, that ice cream? Enough so we’ve had to restock the freezer four times? That stuff right?” I grin at her blushing.

“Okay, so I like it.” She points a hoof, “And you’re guilty too!”

Holding up my own I fend her off, “Yes I am, but in moderation.”

She looks crestfallen, “I know they’ve got lots of things in the castle, but still..”

I can’t help but smile, “Already taken care of, I knew you’d want something so Crusader shipped a few items up yesterday.”

Her ears perk, a grin crossing her face, “Really?”

I nod, before I can answer I am tackled in a hug.

“Thank you! Cookies too right?” She looks so hopeful, making me chuckle.

“Yes Twilight, plenty of them as well.”

“Yes! Yes yes yes!” I am hugged tightly before she resumes her seat, ruffling her wings as she sits down, “*Ahem* Well that’s..nice.”

I roll my eyes, “Oh you really fail at the whole regal thing.”

She grins, “I’m trying though, it’s only proper for a Princess to remain composed.”

“Oh of course it is.” I raise a hoof, “A Princess must always be composed and calm in the face of anything, so as to present the proper united front to anypony who threatens the peace and stability of Equestria.”

“You remembered!”

“How could I not, we went over it all three times.” I give her a deadpan look, showing her how thrilled I was to learn all that claptrap.

“Well I had to make sure you understood it!” She is adamant and not repentant at the very least.

“I remembered it the first time you read it.”

Tapping her hooves together in front of her, she let’s a nervous chuckle, “Well, it always pays to make sure.”

“I think you just like saying all that stuff.”

“Now that’s not..” She twists her hooves now, looking away for a moment, “Well...kinda.”

“Yeah, thought so.” I nudge her slightly, “I think we both have our own little quirks.” Silence falls between us as we both get lost in our own thoughts for a moment.

We’re saved by a cart pushed by a conductor, it’s filled with snacks and drinks. Twilight gasps, grabbing a few things as I get my bits out of a bag, “Ohmygosh I haven’t had these since I was a filly!” I watch her chewing something that looks like a crispy cookie stick covered with chocolate and sprinkles. “Oh these are so good!”

Grinning as she grabs a hoof full of them, I make sure enough bits are given to the nice stallion who’s serving them as she munches happily. Yes, I do grab a few things of my own to enjoy along with drinks, different juices in wax covered boxes are stacked beside me. I know she’s going to get thirsty eating all those sweets.

I have to admit, pony society has made an absolute art and science of making food and sundries. They really are a treat to chew on as we sit on the quiet train, the clacking of the wheels on the tracks is a calming sound.

“You know," Twilight says between bites, “It’s times like this, when it’s calm and peaceful, they’re some of the best times aren’t they?” She looks out the window, watching the landscape pass by, turning back to smile at me.

I nod, “I’ve always thought so. Sometimes when I look at the stars, I remember when we all sat in depot, quiet, somber, waiting for the next battle. It didn’t matter if we talked, just knowing there was someone near was more than enough to make it....special somehow.”

Twilight returns the nod, “It does! Spike and I sit and read for hours without talking, it’s nice.” she reaches out a hoof, laying it on my shoulder, “Kinda like now.”

I nod, chewing on a marvel of a treat as we both sit in silence, letting the sounds of the train lull us in our companionable silence.

“Here are the apartments for your stay Princess.” A very kind mare bows as Twilight and I walk into a huge set of rooms, filled with everything imaginable to be comfortable with.

“Wow, this is amazing!” Twilight is looking around with astonishment, “They’re even better than I remember!”

I can’t even begin to describe the opulence of the place, they really go all out.

The pale blue mare looks embarrassed, “Uhm, not you Princess Twilight, for Princess Athena during her regency.” She points at me, while Twilight blushes.

I chuckle as Twilight catches herself, “Oh, uh..okay. Heh, sorry.”

“Oh no, it’s fine Your Highness, yours are right through here,” She grins, “They’re the same, I assure you.” Pointing towards a set of connecting doors, she walks over, opening them to show her another large array of rooms, decorated in another fashion completely.

“And..uh.. I’m not a Princess.” I do have to point that out.

It’s waved away with a grin, “It’s all done but the ceremony Your Highness, it’s just a formality, but we do have to obey the rules do we not?”

“I...I’m not sure about all this Princess stuff.” My misgiving’s are washed away with a bright smile from this kind pony.

“It is very easy Princess, just enjoy your stay and if you need anything, ask or ring for us.” She points to a velvet rope, “We always on duty, so please, be at ease. My name is Satin Shoes, so feel free to call anytime.”

“Thank you so much Satin.”

“You’re very welcome, I do hope you have a wonderful time here.” She bows, leaving through the open door, closing it behind her gently.

I turn to Twilight, who’s still rubbernecking around, “Is everyone like that?”

She nods, “Oh yes, they’re great here in the palace.” She taps a hoof, “Though you do get the occasional..problem pony. But they don’t last long.”

Looking around, I can’t do anything but sit in the middle of the floor, “But what do we do with all..all...this?” I sweep a hoof out, “I mean..there’s so much space! Can’t we just...kinda sneak into your old..” She stops me with an upraised hoof.

“Oh no, you have to stay here. Part of being royalty is to accept things like this, I mean you could hold a hoofball game in here, but it’s part of the whole thing.”

“Awww...” But there is a saving point! I jump up on the bed and flop on the thick mattress, “But at least the bed is nice!”

Twilight giggles, “They are, you’ll sleep really well!” She shows me where the comforters are kept in case the nights get chilly. We put away what little we brought with us, not even filling a chest with our clothing in case we need them.

Turning from a mirrored table, I settle again on the floor, “So what do we do now?”

“I think we can help with that.” Both of us look at the direction of the voice, Twilight gasping in delight as she rushes to give Shining Amor a hug, Princess Cadence watching with a smile.

“Shining! You came!”

He smiles, “Well of course, something like this doesn’t happen every day.” She switches, giving Cadence a tight hug as well.

I bow before the Princess as we always have, a lilting voice rings out in a laugh, “Oh no Athena, no bowing now. You’re to be a Princess soon if only for a few days.” A slim hoof taps me on the shoulder nudging me upwards as I lift myself.

Shining’s voice is happy, “We got the invitation telling us there was to be a new Princess Regent appointed as Celestia and Luna were to take a vacation. Needless to say we kinda wondered about all of it.”

Twilight nods, “Well, we’re here and it’s happening, so no more wondering.”

Shining grins, “Couldn’t be a nicer pony either, how are you Athena?” He nudges his wife, “Going to be a member of a pretty exclusive club here today.”

“I’m doing okay. I..it’s only for three days, then it all e..ends. So it’s not quite the lifetime thing like T..Twilight or Cadence.”

Cadence smiles, she is so very kind, “That doesn’t mean you give everything up. They have never appointed a temporary in over a thousand years, it’s a very special time.” She gives me a warm look, “So it’s quite unprecedented.”

“Well, I’ll try not to mess it up too much.”

They both laugh along with Twilight, “You’ll be just fine.”

Breakfast is ordered in as it is already mid-morning, a few hours until the celebration and the excitement is palpable. Ponies smiling as they rush from place to place, things being done to help it all go smoothly.

Twilight and Shining go wandering the halls, brother and sister taking time to visit, leaving Cadence and myself alone for the moment.

Chewing on a piece of toast, and I am really starting to love the taste of this special grape jelly on it by the way, I see Cadence giving me a thoughtful stare.

“Still not going to huh?” Her voice is sweet, a lilting that is easy on the ears.

“Not ever.”

“It’s so very strong inside you, like a fire that warms the heart and body.” She smiles at me, raising an eyebrow as she lifts a spoonful of eggs with her magic.

“And there it will remain.”

“I still don’t understand why, you could always just have a conversation about it.” She notices me looking at the door, “No, they’ll be gone for a while, those two are inseparable, distracted and enjoying their time together.”

“There will never be a conversation about it Princess, not ever. I will know, and of course you, and a few others that can keep it to themselves.” I shrug, eating more from my plate, “But other than that, nothing.”

She smiles, she’s very pretty, almost delicate in a way, “Isn’t that hard to do? Loving somepony so deeply but never admitting it?”

“No, not for me, I’ve always been different in that way. I even told Discord, and now you, I have seen those I have loved move on, marry, even pass on after long lives, and still I do what I do.”

She nods, finishing her meal with a final swoop of a spoon, setting the plate aside. “You know, I could just mention..”

“No, please don’t.”

She lets out a sigh, “I am the Princess of Love you know, you make this very hard.”

“Why worry about it?” I give her my own smile, leaning on the table after pushing aside my own plate, “I’m sure you have more pressing issues.”

“Because I wish to see her happy, in any way I can. She is my sister in law and I wish nothing but the best for her.” Refilling a glass of juice, she takes a delicate sip.

Resting my cheek on a hoof I smile once more, “But what better way than a friend who will be there for her? To share in her delights, consoling when there is pain, to lift when she’s down?”

She lifts a hoof, pressing against her own chest, “But I feel it, the emotion is so strong when I get near you, it’s so deep and wide like a river. It’s hard not to try to help it along.” The Princess gives me a rueful smile.

“I don’t know what to tell you, I honestly don’t, it’s just how I feel.”

A frustrated sound issues from her, “Then tell her how you feel, it’s not that hard is it?”

“And...what? Hope she returns it? If not, then it ruins what we have now by this little thing that will always be between us because it’s been brought up?” I shake my head, “No, too many lives have been brought down by such a small thing.”

Now a different look appears, a suspicious one, “Then what do you want?”

“Want?” I straighten up in my seat, looking right back at her, “I want nothing. Quite a sudden change isn’t it? From wanting to help to suspecting me of trying to get something?”

“Then I just don’t understand,” She hesitates, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to accuse you of anything.”

“Yes you did,” I see her eyes go wide, “It’s normal, she’s family, and royalty. I would ask the same question.” I lean forward on the table, “But in my case, if I found out anyone was using her, they wouldn’t live long enough to regret it.”

She laughs for a second, the merry sound dying out as she sees my face, serious to a fault when I make that statement, “You...you actually mean that don’t you?”

“Absolutely. I am not only her friend but her protector.” At her shocked expression I nod, “Oh yes. A country, a world, a pony. She is that pony, and the stars themselves couldn’t help anyone I thought would hurt her.”

“Surely... I mean Crusader and Applejack..”

“You think for a moment he wouldn’t do the same?” I give a chuckle, “You have no idea what he would do should someone ever hurt her, you think I would be bad? Oh you haven’t seen anything.”

She let's that sink in for a moment, choosing to attempt a counter argument, “But you’re both so gracious and kind, you’ve been in trouble before, you’d never hurt anypony.”

“Because we choose to Princess, our sense of duty and honor. But there are limits to patience, to what we will tolerate with friends and those we consider our family.”

She taps a hoof on the table for a moment, “I don’t know whether to be scared or happy she has a friend like you.”

I laugh, “Please don’t worry, also jealousy or such is just not in us, if she chooses another over myself, that’s fine, it’s part of being alive. But until then I will watch over her, be the best friend I can.”

My hooves are grasped in hers as she leans forward, “Will you promise to make sure she’s happy? I know you can’t protect her from everything, but promise to try?”

“I promise, you have my word on it.”

“Then I can live with that.” She leans back, suddenly giving me a sly look, “Although telling her...”

“Oh stop it!” I toss a piece of grapefruit at her, “Good grief!”

“You can’t blame me for trying!” The innocent look on her face makes me chuckle harder, while she smiles at her little insinuation.

“Yes I can! Turn off the love magic for a while, yeesh!”

She laughs, but then eyes at me once more, “You sound so different sometimes, so sure of yourself one moment, then so shy the next.”

“It’s who I am, one on one, or a serious subject, no problem. Anything else..well...problems.”

“I’m sure your short tenure as Princess will solve that.”

I grab another piece of toast, sitting tall in my chair, “If not, off with their heads! Off with ‘em I say!” I wave the piece of bread around as Cadence giggles, “Don’t laugh at me you witless pony, go on now, off wit’ ye!”

“By golly nopony laughs at Princess Athena, I shall rule with an iron hoof! Bow before me you peasants!” I slap a hoof on the table, waving my toast, “And more grape jelly! If we don’t have any more, get some grapes and start stomping or feel my wrath!”

Princess Cadence is cackling so hard she can’t breathe, tears streaming down her face as I stand tall, leaning on the table and making my first royal decrees, “Toast for everypony I say! I shall be known as the Princess of Toast! ..er.. or breakfast, or something like that!

Pointing at the guffawing Princess I give her my best regal look, “Laughing again are we? I’ll have you know toast is important! Away with you, the Princess of Toast has things to do!” I wave at her dismissively, my nose stuck in the air.

“Well it seems like you’re fitting right in ‘Princess of Toast’.”

The voice makes us both turn, seeing Celestia and Luna standing in the now open door, Twilight and Shining are behind them laughing their tails off at me, caught in the act of standing on my chair, a piece of toast in my hoof giving commands. Servants are peeking around the doorway to see what all the yelling was about.

Oh..such an auspicious start. I have got to stop concentrating on single things!

“Uh...” I lower my hoof, setting back down on my chair, “How long have..”

“Long enough,” Celestia is grinning broadly, “Shall we inform the kitchen staff that if they don’t have enough grape jelly it would mean their executions?” Luna can’t help but snort and chortle harder. Twilight and her brother can’t even say a word, leaning against each other, snorting and giggling behind hooves.

Great, just great.

“Uhm.. I..” I can’t look at them, I really can’t, I only meant to make Cadence laugh, to take away the seriousness of our conversation, but somehow.. How do they keep doing this to me?

“Oh please, go right ahead, we will call the scribes to make sure your orders are followed.” Celestia actually makes a graceful half-bow, spreading one wing in deference.

“No..no that’s okay...honestly.” I could crawl under the table and hide forever right now.

“As you wish, we wouldn’t want the palace servants to suffer under your ‘iron hoof’.” Princess Luna tries to keep a straight face at her own statement but can’t, cracking up as she leans against the doorway.

Only three more days to go...yay.

“Will you please just come out of there?”

“No, can’t we just say, ‘done’ and go on with the day?” The adamant voice is muffled by the thick wood of the door separating them.

Twilight runs a hoof down her face, sighing again, “Look, if you don’t come out of there, I’m coming in!”

The door cracks slightly, one lavender eye peering out as Twilight tries to push it open further, it won’t budge, “Will you just open the door?”

“No, I can’t believe I’m supposed to wear this stuff!” The voice is sounding frustrated.

“Athena, this is the first time they’ve appointed a Princess who wasn’t an Alicorn, c’mon, you’re making history here!”

“As long as no one takes any pictures, fine.”

“Uhm..well..” She rubs the back of her neck, “The royal archives need pic..” The door slams again, “That does it!” She lights up her horn, forcing the simple lock open and swinging the door wide.

A disgruntled looking Pegasus sits in the middle of the floor, surrounded by maidservants who are beaming in delight at the job they’ve done getting her ready for the celebration.

Her mane is done in ringlets, draped along her neck and above her forehead, drifting in a wave that is delicate and beautiful all at once. Topped by a gleaming crown with a few faceted jewels set in it, she is regal without being overly ostentatious. Her tail is done the same, a curl that shows off her slim lines, with an elegant jeweled band that is wrapped around the centerpoint.

A breastplate lies form-fitting along the front of her chest, a stamp of her Scroll and Spear Cutie Mark is dead center, it is a burnished gold that sets off against her coat color, making it distinctive yet subdued in a way that catches the eye. The Cutie Mark raised with inlay of silver and gems to bring it out at any angle to onlookers.

Her hooves are clad in the same finished gold covers that reach up the front of her legs in a complicated curl, somewhat like a fleur-di-lis in shape. A slight hint of lavender outlines the shapes of the leg fronting.

As regent and Princess, she represents all Princesses currently in office at the time, hence the myriad colors, but they are done so subtly and well, you really cannot tell unless you look very closely.

The lavender eyes are done in a light shade of makeup, accenting the curving of her lids, and making her face lovely to look at.

“Ohmygosh you look wonderful!” Twilight is leaning close, looking at everything. Her own regalia already shone to a gleam.

“I feel like an idiot.”

Twilight smiles to the waiting maidservants, seeing them grinning back, primping Athena’s mane one last time to make sure everything is perfect, “I hope there wasn’t any trouble?”

A purple mare grins, “Oh no, none at all, we hope you like it?” Though from the looks of the maids behind her, there was something that made them slyly smile at each other, tipping Twilight off.

“Oh it’s wonderful! You’ve done an excellent job!” Twilight nods, looking again at Athena who hasn’t moved.

“We’re glad Your Highness, although she wasn’t too thrilled at first, we got her done as quick as we could.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow, “Oh really? How did you get her to sit for the dressing?” She glances towards the deadpan looking Pegasus once more.

“They threatened me.” The voice is low in the room, causing the servants to chuckle, quickly hidden by polite hooves.

“What?” Twilight leans in, barely hearing her.

“They told me if I didn’t sit still they’d get Celestia and Luna to come and order me to do so.”

Twilight snorts, hiding a laugh, “I’m sure they’d never do such a thing, treating a soon to be Princess like that.” She smiles at the maids, all of them grinning brightly, “Would you ladies?”

“Oh no Princess Sparkle!”

“Oh, we would never...”

“Of course not!”

“Perish the thought!”

“See?” Twilight nudges her friend, “They’d never do that.”

Athena sighs, getting to her hooves, looking like a vision out of old tapestries, “Th..thank you though, I know it..it was a lot of work.” No matter what, she will always be polite and gracious to those who work so hard.

The four mares bow low, smiling at her, “Everypony is nervous, we helped Twilight during her own coronation, she was just as bad.”

The named mare coughs, looking at the ceiling for a moment, “Yes..well.. it was my first time.”

The four maids smile brightly, “We have to go Your Highnesses, much to be done, please excuse us?”

“Of course!” Twilight nods, “Thank you again!” She yells to the trotting forms exiting the door.

Athena is looking at herself in a floor length mirror, turning from side to side as Twilight steps up beside her, “You really do look nice.”

“It..it’s just a lot of stuff for really nothing Twilight, it’s only three days.”

“But it’s an important three days.” She sees the distraught face, giving her friend a hug, “You’ll do great.”

“I..I hope so.” Her eyes glance from side to side quickly, making sure no one is around, “Do I really look nice?”

“You look wonderful, Rarity would be jealous.” Twilight looks at her through the reflection in the mirror, seeing the Pegasi’s face light up in delight at the comment.

Lifting her hooves, she stares at the covers, “But... How do you even walk in these?” She motions to the ones Twilight is wearing.

Twilight laughs, “Lots of practice!” She nudges Athena, “Cmon, it’s time to go and it gets hot in these things fast, so let’s hope it stays cool for the afternoon.”

“We are so glad you could make it, seeing her friends will be all to the better.” Celestia is beaming at all of us, Pinkie is looking at all the party preparations with a critical eye, kept from saying anything by Rarity.

“Well we can’t let a celebration like this pass us by.” Rarity’s voice is light, “Besides, this is the first time in recent history isn’t it?”

The tall mare nods, “It is, we had to go far looking for the exact rules, but it seems we did put something in place long ago, in case anything ever happened to us.” At the shocked look of ponies all around them, she chuckles, “It was not a very nice world back then my little ponies.”

‘So you’re really taking a vacation Princess?” Apple Bloom’s voice is inquisitive, “Who’s gonna raise the sun and moon an’ stuff?”

“We will Apple Bloom, it takes but a few moments to bring them for the day and night.” Celestia smiles in her quiet way, seeing the worried expression on the little pony's face.

“Well ah hope y’all have a great time off, you deserve it.” Applejack nods, knowing how nice it is to get a day to yourself.

“Hopefully you don’t get mobbed by admirers, that would truly ruin some days I’d think.” Rarity is looking at all the silks and satins, a myriad of fabrics, flowing around the celebration hall.

Princess Luna smiles, “We have ways, there will be nothing to interrupt our time away.”

“That’s awesome, going to be kinda weird without seeing you all the time though,” A hovering Rainbow Dash is thinking out loud.

“It won’t be that long, we’ll be back before you know it.” The diarchs both nod.

“How is Athena taking all this?” Crusader has not been happy with the cut off, but he accepts it as part of his promise, though curiosity is burning inside him.

“She is doing just fine, she should be right along any.. Oh there she is.”

Everypony stops dead, inhaling in a gasp at the sight of Athena done up beyond anything we’ve seen yet. She is truly lovely, standing in regalia that only makes her trim body look as if it truly belongs on a throne. With Twilight beside her, it makes the senses reel with fascination at how wonderful a pony can look.

“Oh my stars.” Rarity presses a hoof against her chest, “Look at that.”

I watch my sister stop, shying away for a moment before regaining her balance, stepping forward to greet her friends warmly.

“Ah can’t believe that’s her.” Applejack’s voice is low as we watch for a moment, not wanting to crowd around, “She’s somethin’ else.”

“She is, Rarity does a fine job, but I think this one time perhaps she’s been outdone.”

A voice makes us look, Twilight nodding, “But it took four ponies to do it, so maybe not.” She grins at us both agreeing with her words.

I am enveloped in a hug, a perfume surrounding her catching my attention with subtle undertone and hints, Athena’s voice is gentle in my ear, “I missed you.”

“And I you, but you look well and wondrous.” I step back, “You are lovely beyond measure.”

“Well..I feel stupid.” She whispers at me, making me laugh before I can cover it, Applejack joining in.

“Darlin’ if that’s stupid, then I’d hate to see what ya look like feelin’ good.” The orange mare reaches out, touching the curled mane, “Ya sure are a sight.”

“It iz perfekt! Absolutely perfekt!” A flash from the side catches us all off guard, seeing a strange looking pony behind a camera. A light gray mane and cerulean coat sets her off as she yells orders to an entourage that moves lights and shaders around. How she can see to take photos through those sunglasses is beyond me.

“No! Over zere! You have no talent, do vhat I zay!” A pony slips quickly to a light, adjusting it slightly.

“Perfekt! I kapture ze magik!” Another flash, a multitude of flashes, “Behind the scenes I am, I Photo Finish shall make this a record for..” She pauses dramatically, “...ze history!”

More flashes, blinding everyone before she yells at her group, they pack up quickly as she points to a door, “Enough! I go!”

And like that they are gone, leaving us all in a daze.

“What..what was that?” Rainbow is rubbing her eyes.

Princess Celestia is blinking rapidly, her eyes slightly crossed, “I believe that was the photographer hired to make a record of the celebration.” She watches Luna trying to get her eyes to stop rolling.

Fluttershy and Rarity look at each other and giggle, “Oh yes, she’s a photographer.”

A trumpeting announces the ceremony is about to begin, we cannot spend any longer talking as the four move away, Applejack and I returning to our seats in the hall. She smiles as she watches Athena walk with royalty, looking as if she belongs.

“Sure somethin’ else when a little sister grows up ain’t it?”

I can only nod as we sit down, looking at the empty stage area, “It is.”

The hall remains quiet as Celestia steps out looking formal in her regalia. Not as dressed up as when we saw her at the passing, but enough to know this is a solemn occasion.

“Today is such a special day my little ponies.” She beams, spreading her warmth throughout the hall to the assembled mass of ponies of all stripes and colors.

Princess Luna joins her, stepping lightly beside and to the left of the taller mare as she grins, joyful and looking so warm in the light of the sun, “It has been more than a millennia,” She pauses, her voice ringing through the silent crowds, “Since we have appointed a regent to act in our absence.”

Twilight joins them, stepping to Celestia’s right, looking very happy to be there, her dress is bright in the rays of light coming through the windows, “Since then, they have ruled Equestria without pause.” Her voice is light, “Devoting each day to maintaining the peace we all know.” Everyone knows about the Nightmare Moon incident and there is no wish to bring it up.

Celestia nods, “But today, we shall take a rest of three days as posted in the banns sent to all corners of our land. I believe after so long, a little vacation couldn’t hurt.” She is answered by cheers and laughs, ponies understand. “That is not to say we could not appoint Princess Twilight or Princess Cadence to act in our absence, but since their duties take precedence, we will not burden them further. Therefore, Princess Twilight will be advisor to the Regent, a good learning experience for them both we think.”

Princess Cadence steps onto the stage, taking a place to the left of Princess Luna, her voice sweet as it lifts through the air, “So to make sure that Equestria is not without somepony who will watch over the land, we are here to appoint just that Princess Regent.”

Twilight steps forward, reading a scroll that is lifted in her magic to the crowds awaiting, “In accordance with Equestria’s Laws, first written down in the Year One of the Founding of Equestria, we so appoint said Princess Regent, to be our voice, to be our hoof, and to be our conscience while we are absent, for the term of not less than three days beginning when this evening falls on the Third Day of Spring. Signed this day by Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, witnessed by Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

The four Alicorns separate, making a space between them as Celestia’s voice grows louder, encompassing each and every pony gathered, “We present, for your approval, Princess Regent Athena.” She opens one wing, sweeping it outward in a formal gesture to welcome my sister onto the stage.

Twilight is almost having a nervous breakdown as she eyes Celestia, whispering to herself, “Oh please oh please oh please, don’t get shy, don’t get shy.”

Celestia looks at a panicky Twilight out of the corner of her eye, smiling as a head peeks around the curtains, a hesitant Pegasus being nudged by the golden glow of Celestia’s magic which is subdued so nopony can see. It gives her the momentum to step out fully, taking her appointed place between the four rulers of Equestria.

The light from the day star gleams off her jewelry as she stands between the smiling rulers, trying to look as tall as she can, having been coached by Twilight for hours on how to be properly introduced.

Her eyes go wide as she sees all the assembled ponies looking directly at her, freezing in place as the hall goes silent. She can’t say anything as smiles break out, then a rumble comes from the back to the front of the hall as ponies cheer, the roar gathering until it is a sound wave of hooves and voices that threaten to overwhelm her senses, making her want to run back behind the curtains.

A wing nudges her as Celestia leans down, “I believe it’s proper to wave back, show them you appreciate their approval.” Her voice is merry and warm, startling Athena for a second as she lifts a clad hoof, waving back to the crowd.

The cheers redouble, the tumult almost bringing down the roof as she even sees Crusader in the front row. She sees him actually stomping his hooves with Applejack for her, along with Rarity, and Rainbow who is whistling loudly, Fluttershy is clapping hers alongside Pinkie who is going all out with a few noisemakers.

Crusader watches the wave get stronger, more easy, as she waves with all her heart at ponies who approve; who like her, and who want nothing but the best for her.

He made sure the smile on her face was recorded forever.

At the banquet afterwards, the four rulers, and newest temporary fifth sat enjoying a meal with others. Once again the hall was full, ponies stopping to congratulate Athena, or giving words of well-wishing. Though she tried desperately to make them stop, the bowing continued, all of it with only good will towards her.

“Athena, I don’t think it’s going to work.” I can’t help but make my own comment, seeing her face as she tries to wave off more of the same.

The sable face gets a look of frustration, “Twilight got them to! Why can’t I?”

The lavender Alicorn laughs, “Oh it took a while, let me tell you!”

Rarity leans over near Athena, “I just can’t get over how gorgeous you look darling, it suits you!” She might be a lot of things, but mean, never. She is truly delighted to see Athena looking like she does.

“It..uhm..thank you.” She can't hide the smile at Rarity for the comment.

“Stop being so shy, you should be on the front page of every magazine!”

“Zat is why I am here to kapture it all once again!” Once more flashes go off in everyone’s eyes, making us all blink.

“Oh for..” Rainbow is rubbing her eyes again.

“Stop, right there, zat is it! Beautiful! Oh yes, ve kapture ze moment....forever!” She raises a hoof, the cerulean mare getting right up against the table, “Oh yes! Zhow us your royalness, the regality! The pure Princessness inside you!”

“Are those even words?” Pinkie is looking at Fluttershy, the buttery mare just shrugs.

The photographer zips around the table, her lens everywhere as she keeps talking at a rapid fire rate, the flash going off so fast it’s almost a strobe, capturing each moment she can.

“Oh yes! Zat is wonderful, yes yes lean zat way! You are truly a model for young fillies everywhere! Everypony zhall grow up to want to be like...” A hoof is pointed right at Athena’s nose, “YOU!”

“Oh stars, that’s all we need.” Applejack slaps the table, laughing with everyone else before they get blinded again.

“Yes yes! Laughter! Ze merriment! Zhow us all you have!”

Princess Celestia tries to speak, “I think we have..”

“Enough! I go!” And once again she and her crew are gone with a rush of air.

“Well that was interesting,“ Princess Cadence is blinking her eyes to clear them. “She is quite a good photographer from what I hear.”

“Oh she is!” Rarity gushes, “On the cover of every magazine throughout Equestria, if she takes your picture, ponies will know you! Just ask Fluttershy!”

The shy mare nods, “It’s true.” Referring to when she became an overnight sensation.

Pinkie munches on a piece of cake, wearing a pair of sunglasses as she nods, “Yep, she’s pretty famous.” Looking around at everyone eyeing her, “What? I don’t like the limelight sometimes.”

Rainbow cackles, “Only you Pinkie.”

Taking off the jewelry, I set it on the dressing table with a sigh, it’s been..different. The banquet was so nice, it was amazing seeing all four Princesses together, how they’re like family instead of rulers. Maybe that’s why things run more smoothly than they should.

Princesses Celestia and Luna bade their farewells after it was over, heading to their own apartments and packing for the trip, leaving quietly and without much fanfare. They were actually looking forward to not being the rulers for a while, and I hope they have a really good time away. Night Court is cancelled as I can’t handle both of them, even with Twilight, so we are expected in the morning.

Princess Cadence and Shining left that night too, saying they had pressing business in their lands, Twilight bid them both a tearful farewell, not seeing them enough. I know how that is, sometimes it’s hard.

Bidding goodbye to all our friends at the station along with Crusader was even harder, but he told me it would be all right. If there’s anything, I trust him and our friends, so I try not to let their absence affect me.

Twilight is off getting the schedule for tomorrow nailed down, so I am left to my own thoughts for a while. It’s lonely.

Watching the moon outside my window, I lean against the sill, feeling the chill night air up here on the mountainside. It’s so quiet inside me, I don’t like it, I hate it. I can see Crusader on my limited tracking, he and Applejack are back in town doing something. I want to contact him so bad, to bring up TSDS, bring back the voices that filled my head with chatter and data.

But I promised, I promised I wouldn’t.

Leaning a cheek on hoof I watch the open areas below, seeing ponies go about their every day business, wondering if this is what it’s like for Luna and Celestia. So high above, only looking from the outside and never being a part of the hustle and bustle of life.

As my eyes sweep upward, I know there is a stealthed drone above me, keeping watch on the city, alert and unafraid. I can’t contact it as I am out of the network, but I know he’d never let security down while I am here. He’s probably got a whole fleet up there overlooking the castle knowing him, worried and attentive.

Sliding my eyes to the side, looking a bit off, I spot the disturbance in the atmosphere, signaling to me a drone is just above and to the right. I wave, wave as hard as I can to it, hoping he’s watching.

It dips, an odd tilt for a split second before it moves away on patrol pattern. A wing tip! He sees me! I miss you so much, so very much. I’ll be back soon! You keep everypony safe!

A creaking of hinges and a light step behind me makes me turn, seeing a pale blue Unicorn mare with a warm smile on her face, introduced to me earlier as Satin Shoes. She takes care of all the apartments here in this section of the castle.

“Your Highness,” She bows for a moment, lifting up and heading for the chest at the end of the big bed, “I’ve come to turn your bed down, I’m sure you must be exhausted from today.”

“Oh, you don’t have to, honest. I don’t feel the cold like.. Well, I don’t need it really.” I smile, sitting and watching her get a thick comforter from the wooden container.

“But it’s comfortable.” She turns her pale magenta eyes on me, “You don’t want to lay on a bed without something nice.” She moves to the tall bed, preparing to cover it quickly.

I give in, “I can help though!” I grab the one end, helping her to open the downy covering, though I notice she doesn’t use her magic to do so on her side.

She pauses for a moment, holding the delicately stitched ends in her hooves, “Oh I don’t think that would be proper, it is my job after all.” She tries to take the comforter away from me and I tug back.

“Nope, I’m gonna help.” I give it a pull in my direction.

“Your Highness, let me do it please.” She’s got a really good grip, yanking it back her way with help from her magic.

“Not unless you let me help.” She’s not gonna take it, I heave on it, getting her off balance for a moment.

“Your Highness...” Tug. ”Please let me do..” Now she’s really pulling as I hold firm, “My job!” She gives it a final yank and we both hear the stitching rip loudly in the quiet room, filling going everywhere as we both land on our butts, seeing the air filled with feathers and padding, each holding half the comforter.

Looking through the falling faux snow I see her face, almost mad for a moment, but then it lights up, a hoof over her mouth as she giggles, then laughs out loud.

It’s infectious, I can’t help but join her as the insides of the comforter cover us like snow ponies on a winter day, I’m tearing up and wiping my face as she continues to cackle and roll on the floor for a few minutes along with me. I roll a ball of it in my hooves and hit her in the chest with it, getting a surprised look before she lights her horn up, barraging me with a few featherballs, this only makes the filling spread farther.

Soon there is an all out fight in the room, both of us ducking and dodging, trying to find more stuff to make ammunition with. Another comforter is sacrificed to the gods of war as the battle rages, we needed more to fight with. You shall be remembered with much honor my downy filled friend!

I finally get a really good shot, landing one on her horn and covering it with a ball of feathers and filling. She’s so funny looking up at it with crossed eyes and holding her hooves in the air.

“I surrender!”

“Ha!” I leap up from behind a chest, “You can never defeat..” And I am knocked over by a huge ball of feathers combined with magic, knocking me for a loop and off my hooves as I tumble into the side of the bed upside down.

“Oh that’s not fair!”

She spits out a few feathers, helping me stand up, “You started it Princess.”

“Well..yeah.. but you surrendered!” I’m trying to get all the feathers off myself, no luck, it’s going to take a while.

Her eyes light up in merriment, “Nopony said there were any rules.”

She‘s right..darnit, “Technicalities!” Stretching my wings I see there’s more feathers than I should have, giving them a good shake. I take a good look around, the entire area is covered in feathers and down, puffs of it in every niche and crevice, “I’ll clean this...”

A hoof is held gently up, the smile behind it even warmer if you can believe it, “No you won’t Princess, let me do my job, it’s why I am here.” Her eyes take in the devastation, “Though I was just supposed to turn down the bed.”

“I caused a lot of it though.”

She ignores that, “I’ve never been in a tug of war with a Princess though, this is definitely a first.” Giggling lightly, her magic makes short work of all the stuff around, gathering it and teleporting it away somewhere.

“There, all set, now we just need to turn down your bed.” She gives me a raised eyebrow as I hold my hooves up in surrender.

“I promise not to help.”

“As it should be.” She gathers the last one out of the chest, spreading it over the tall bed, making it look warm, “You should be fine tonight, I’ll get the comforters replaced so if you need more tonight, please just ask.”

I nod, sitting quietly as she finishes her work, making sure everything is in it’s place. Satin turns to look at me, hesitating for a moment, one hoof rubbing along the other.

“Uhm.. Your Highness?”

“Yes?”

“Is it...is it true you’re different from other ponies?” She gets a bashful look, as if she’s overstepped her bounds and is waiting to get reprimanded.

I smile at the honest question, “I am. Really different.” I motion to some pillows on the bed, hopping up and tapping the one beside me, “Come sit, ask anything you want.”

She waves her hooves in front of her, “Oh no, I couldn’t..”

“As my first Royal order..or whatever.. You will sit and talk with me. That okay?” I watch her face light up, leaping on the bed and curling up on the large cushion, “What do you want to know?”

She’s still hesitant, but I keep smiling like I’ve seen Princess Celestia do, this calms her.

“Are you really a.. a uh..”

“A machine? Like a clock?”

“Yes! That’s it, something of parts and clockwork?” Her hooves clap together in delight, finding a polite way to ask.

“I am, even this,” I run a hoof down my body, “Is part of it.”

“But you look so alive! You breath, and laugh, and I heard you can cry too like..like..” Here she goes again, reaching a tentative hoof out to touch my chest, feeling the heartbeat inside it, “You’re so like..”

“Like real ponies?”

“..Yes.. I don’t mean to offend Princess.” She snatches her hoof back.

“You are not in any way offending me, I told you to ask anything you wanted.” I put my hoof on hers for a moment, reassuring.

“So how.. I mean...” She holds out her fore legs in a questioning motion.

“I am something from long ago, even further back than the Princesses Satin,” I see her eyes go wide, “It’s the truth, we, my brother and I, wound up here by pure luck or something. So we are trying to be a part of your world now, to fit in you might say. Our world, everything we knew, is gone now.”

“That’s...a bit sad.” Her eyes dim a little.

“It is, but we have a new life here,” I press my hoof against hers, “With ponies like you, kind and wonderful.”

This gets her smiling again, “Is it true you saved Princess Luna’s life?”

Now it’s my turn to be bashful, “It wasn’t all that, really. I was at the right place at the right time.”

“Oh no! Everypony has heard of it!” She stands on the cushion, “You were all in Manehatten when a bad fake pony attacked her.” She points a hoof outward, telling a story as I watch with fascination, seeing her excited to relate it.

“They said you moved like lightning does across the sky, so fast you were a blur.” She makes punching motions, “That you hit the bad pony so hard it never even got the chance to fight back!” She moves, dodging something in her imagination, “Nothing landed on you or even touched you until you beat it through a wall!”

“Everypony says you’re fast and deadly, faster than something from the Everfree!” She jumps up off the cushion into the air, landing with a thump and laying back down once more, “That you protected her from all harm!”

“Perhaps it’s gotten a little too tall in the telling Satin.” Oh boy, tall tales.

She‘s not listening, “When Princess Luna came back, she put a special display in the Archives, it’s part of a floor she said you jumped so hard off of that you left hoofprints in it. I saw it, it’s real!” Her face is excited, like meeting your favorite movie idol in the flesh.

“It says right below it, ‘The Hoofprints of a Hero’, and it has your name!” She points at me in delight. “The whole Castle was talking about it for weeks.”

She lays there, panting with exertion, a broad smile on her face at the reenactment of what went on that day, looking at me expectantly.

“Let me tell you exactly what happened.” She leans forward, ears perked as I tell her everything, though I take the time to leave out a lot, toning it way, way down.

But I remember, oh yes. Every single second crystal clear as if I were there again. The look in the eyes of that thing as I was heading for it, that split microsecond of pure fear in them before I broke its spine. The moment when everything is white hot, driving you to act, to take a foe and wring it’s neck until it is dead.

Her face doesn’t change, hearing the tale from the one who did it and clapping in delight as I finish. Though I did not tell of the bloody aftermath, I guess it was thrilling enough for her.

Her eyes are wide as she gasps, “So you are a hero!”

Shaking my head I smile, “No, I was just there. I don’t want to be anything else but a pony,” I press a hoof against her chest like she did me, “Like you.”

A surprised look crosses her face, “Like..like me? Why would you want that?” She looks astonished I would even say it. “You could probably do wonderful things, why just..just be like everypony else?”

“Because it’s what I want. Long ago Satin, so long ago, all I did was fight. Wars, battles, nothing but fighting. But now I get a chance to be like you, in a peaceful land. I think that’s the most wonderful thing of all.”

She taps a hoof on mine, “My mom always told me, don’t be like others, be yourself. There’s nopony like you in the whole world, that you are special in your own way.” She lays it on her own chest solemnly, “I love doing what I do, taking care of Princesses, making things nice for them.” Pointing back at me she states firmly, “You need to figure out who you are, then you’ll realize how special you really are.”

She is so eager, so fervent in her statement, I can do nothing but nod, “Then I will try my best to find out, will that do?”

“As long as you don’t get too full of yourself, like some Princes..ugh..” She rolls her eyes as I laugh, knowing exactly who she’s talking about.

“I promise.”

Clapping her hooves happily she nods, “That’s good enough for me. I can’t wait to tell everypony about the story though! That I heard it from you!”

Shaking my head I give her a look, “Now don’t go embellishing it any, okay?”

“I won’t!” She leans forward, gesturing me to do so as well, looking around before she whispers, “I saw the Princesses get into a pillow fight once.”

I can’t resist, my eyes go wide as I look at her in shock, “No! Really?” She knows I’m playing with her, nudging my hoof.

“They had half the Royal Guard in on it, we were cleaning up feathers for weeks!” She giggles, covering her muzzle.

For the next hour, we exchange gossip about the palace, confirming rumors or just outright stories. It’s so fun I forget the quiet, the emptiness inside, as I listen to her laugh about things I tell her.

“Hey! I got the schedule for..” The sentence cuts off as Satin jumps from the bed, bowing as Twilight walks in the now opened door.

“Your Highness.”

“I’m sorry, did I interrupt something?” She’s looking at myself and Satin.

I smile, “No, she and I were just exchanging gossip, nothing much.”

Twilight’s eyes go wide, “Really?” She grabs a nervous Unicorn and pushes her towards the bed, “You left me out?” She jumps, landing on another cushion as we both wait for Satin to join us. She does so hesitantly, lying down once more.

Twilight laughs, “Stop being so nervous, what kind of gossip?” She leans forward, face intent on hearing things.

“Uhm.. I don’t know if I should Princess.”

“Satin, she can keep a secret, trust me.” I raise a hoof, Twilight doing the same, “We promise not to say anything. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” We both make the motions as the blue Unicorn laughs.

Twilight taps the cushion, “There, we promised not to tell, now tell!”

It’s hard being alone inside yourself, like I am, unused to the silence. But for the few hours we have it’s a special time of laughter and secrets, shared between friends.

“I don’t want to get up!” I don’t, I’m happy and snug under the bedspread.

“C’mon,” Twilight’s aura envelopes the comforter, yanking it back as I groggily get to my hooves, “Time to start the day.”

“How can you be so cheerful this early, good grief.” I shake myself out, looking in the mirror and realizing there’s no hope for my mane.

“It’s easy! Late night studying, late bed, sleep spell, ta-da! Up early again!”

“You’re a barbarian, nopony gets up this early.” I point to the sun barely peeking over the horizon, the first rays shining through the sky. “You magic using cheater.”

She laughs, peeking in the mirror, “Ugh, gotta take a shower myself, but be ready okay? We’ve got a schedule to keep!” Running off towards her set of rooms, the doors slam behind her.

Ah well, let’s get clean. I could use it, been a busy day yesterday so I wonder how they even work water facilities here? Going to have to find out, probably gravity fed, something...whoa!

I never did check the bathroom last night, not really having a need, but this...this is something else!

A huge pool is the centerpiece of the room, set off to the right of me, tiled floors that are warmed from underneath, probably steam heating, they make my hooves tingly as I step over to the dressing counter. Everything is plated in precious metals, making me afraid to touch anything for fear of scratching them. Oh wait, those aren’t plated, they ARE gold. How do they even..gold’s too soft..what.. Oh forget it.

I peek into the drawers, cosmetics, other things. Maybe some eyeliner? I could do that right? I could make myself nice? I make sure no one is around as I dig through the stuff, all new and never been used, wow.

After making my selection, I turn towards the tub..no..pool, it’s huge, but made to look like it’s in a glade somewhere. It’s..it’s..awesome! There is an opening up the wall on one side overlooking the tub, for..water maybe? I’m not quite sure as I turn the golden handles near me, the water comes rushing out in a torrent like a waterfall, splashing into the bottom and filling it up.

I am going to love this to death! I’m a Princess right? I can do things, I can..I dunno, have a little fun?

There is something on the bottom, clean, pristine white sand-like stuff. It’s odd, but it looks as if it acts as a cleanser for hooves and a filter, making sure the water stays clean by.. You know, I’m not going to wonder, I’ve got a private beach of my own!

There is an extensive selection of shampoos and washes and everything else my little heart desires. One catches my eye and I open the top, taking a deep sniff. It smells of incense, and something else that really makes it unique. I’m not going to ask anymore, I’m gonna just do this!

My hooves hit the bottom as I move under the warm waterfall, the cleansing action of the stuff beneath me makes them feel shiny and new as I walk around for a moment. The particles aren’t small enough to get in any spaces, like it was made for walking around in, this is so neat!

I duck entirely under the waterfall, my mane soaking down along my body, it covers me in fresh hot water, the temperature rising as it’s been running for a bit. I spread my wings, letting it wash away the days accumulation and feeling wonderful!

Closing my eyes, I remember a rainfall like this. A feeling wells up inside me as I remember the dream, when Crusader was gone, how it would wash my troubles away I’d hoped, I’d wished.

I lift my face into the fall of water, letting it rush over me, cleansing my body for a moment as well as my mind, leaving that all in the past it’s almost as if this place makes you fresh and new again.

All this needs is music, I didn’t..wait, I did!

I stop myself for a moment, not bothering to grab a towel as I rush out into my rooms, scaring the life out of a maid as I wave and smile, grabbing a small item out of a drawer and rushing back into the bathroom. I really hope that doesn’t get around.

I’d brought it to try something different. Instead of playing music from my files and listening to it internally, I brought a player with recording media in it, thousands of hours of music to listen to with my ears alone, like everyone else.

Tapping it, I scroll through the menu, the screen hidden from sight unless you can find it like I can. It’s keeps ponies from wondering and prying eyes from seeing. It looks like a simple box, something pretty and ornate, but inside... I set it on the edge of the dressing counter, hitting the button to let it play.

I knew he’d do it, he put his favorites on there, here’s the one I want. Thank you for thinking of me Crusader.

The music surrounds me, echoing in the room as it rebounds off the walls of marble. It’s so warm, so light and airy I feel as if I am lifted on the strings and instruments from so long ago. I have always chided him for his love of classics, but maybe I can learn to appreciate them as he does.

Vivaldi’s Spring bounds through the air, a concerto just for me as I step into the pool again, imagining myself surrounded by nothing but sunlight and music that takes me away to a place of peace. The violins and cellos playing reach deep inside me, plucking at my heart and bringing it up along with a smile on my face as I let the water rush over me again.

Is this what he feels? Is this the thing that makes this music so eternal? A violin from so long ago is playing beautifully, I run my hooves through my mane, scrubbing the scented soap along each and every hair, making sure it’s deep and clean. The smells, the sounds my ears catch are making it an ethereal experience.

The acoustics in the room are perfect, every note, every string, ringing clear and crisp as when the recording was first laid down an eon ago. He always called it ‘power and majesty’ in music. I always wondered, but now, now I can feel it. It hums along my bones, it thrills my artificial muscles and tickles my ears with something I’ve never felt before.

I can’t hear anything else but my heart beat, the sound thumping inside me along with the music as I lift up under the waterfall, scrubbing along my sides and front, using the long brush I grab from the side of the pool, it makes me feel new again.

Autumn comes on, meshing with the end of Spring, it is more of the same, a brilliance fading into the fall of seasons, not in a somber way, but with a shining of waning light.

I can’t help but twirl underneath the splashing fall, lifting my hooves out as runnels of water are flung everywhere. The stringed instruments make me feel as if I could do anything, dancing around in the pool I close my eyes, only myself and the wonderful, wonderful strains of what is almost music of the spheres.

Dancing under the rain I listen, listen with all my being, to try and see what Crusader loves in this. I feel it, I move to the sounds of a composer who had no clue his music would thrill somepony like me. Standing on my rear legs I make sure to keep washing, but am distracted so much by what I hear, I leave my cleansing for a moment and fall into the music.

It’s over so soon, but then another comes on, one I didn’t pick but I know it, Pachelbel’s Canon in D. I am gone again, returning to my washing and dancing, I can’t help it, I want to. I waltz around slowly, bowing and nodding to my unseen partner, a stirring inside me that tells me this is what it's all about, to live..to..love.

The Baroque music is stirring, profound in a way that you can only feel and not describe. I hit the replay on it, leaning out and swiping with my hoof before going back to what I was doing.

A light touch on my shoulder almost scares the life out of me, making me turn and ready a punch, as I see Satin standing there with a towel, smiling in her warm way.

Whoops! “I..uh..what do you need?”

“I came in with fresh towels for you after your bath, I heard the music and wanted to listen.” Her ears tilt, listening to the sounds her voice carries over.

“Don’t need them yet.” I take them from her, setting them aside as I stand in the water, “Come dance!”

“I’m sorry..what?” She’s looking at me like I am insane.

“Come dance! Trust me, you’ll love it.”

She looks nervous thinking this is something more, I laugh, “It’s nothing bad, not in that way. Come feel what I feel with the music. Just...dance.” I take her hoof, “Come on!” I pull her into the pool, turning the water up to let it splash both of us, I rewind the music to Pachelbel once more, “Let me show you.”

I show her the steps I’ve made, what I designed when I was first an avatar, I don’t tell her it’s for fighting, but it is elegant and it works with this so very well; the dips and bows, the flourishes and graceful moves suit us both as we move around the pool. We spin in joy, letting the music and laughter flow like the water which washes everything away but life.

She laughs, her mane flat from the water as she dances, copying what I show her and twirling around in the swirling liquid, steam everywhere as her delight shows in her eyes, each movement and slide. She is graceful and light on her hooves, her face joyful.

Once again I am enraptured, but with a new friend, hearing her laughter when we both listen and move to music that captures everything beautiful in the world.

This is what Crusader feels, I know it, because I can feel it throughout my body and soul, the beauty of everything.

An aghast voice disturbs the reverie once more, “What is.. Athena we’re going to be late!”

We both turn to see Twilight looking shocked, Satin is gleefully gesturing to her to come inside the pool while we both stand there.

“Come dance Twilight.” I reach out to grab her hoof.

“No! We’ve got to..”

I stop her, “No, we’ll be there when we’ll be there. Come dance Twilight, just once, don’t worry about schedules and checklists.” I’m slowly pulling her into the pool, her hooves are hesitant, stepping forward.

“I don’t think..” She's trying her best to pull back, though not fighting really hard enough.

“Stop thinking, you’re already here.” She gasps, trying to get out of the water as I keep her hoof in mine, “Let me show you.”

She watches, I show her the dance, making sure she gets everything correct and ducking her under the waterfall to totally ruin her mane. She’s laughing finally, splashing water as I and Satin bow to her, starting the dance once more.

“I feel silly doing this.” She’s eyeing the closed door, I rush over and lock it firmly, placing a chair against it and returning to the pool.

“Just feel Twilight, listen to the music.” I place a gentle hoof on her chest, happy beyond measure when she nods.

She’s a fast learner, mimicking moves as all three of us frolic like nymphs out of some Renaissance painting, the water is refreshing and I can see her eyes close, her ears listening to each note and movement.

Every move becomes smoother as I watch, she’s gaining confidence and really listening to herself.

In innocence there is joy, in joy there is love, and in love there is life.

In a room that was filled with ostentation, treasures and precious metals, wealth beyond some measures.

There was, in a pool of water, so much life that outshone the brightest gold.

“I can’t believe you talked me into that.” Twilight is rushing alongside me as we head to the throne room.

“We had a great time.”

We had dressed quickly, spending an hour..well two, dancing and enjoying the pool. Satin had noticed the time and almost freaked out until Twilight assured her she was in no trouble. But she did rush off to resume her duties, leaving Twilight and myself toweling off fast and getting ready for the day.

She smiles, “We did, and I can dance!”

“Wonderfully too.” I will teach her more later, she’ll never know she can fight until she needs it, when that happens, she’ll be ready.

She puts a hoof out, stopping us as we run along, “Stop! We need to walk in, calmly, like we know what we’re doing.” I find we’re already outside the door to the throne room.

“Got it.” I adjust my breastplate, making sure it’s not askew.

“Okay, here we go.” Twilight inhales and opens the door, a Herald catching our entrance and announcing loudly, “Princess Regent Athena and Her Counselor, Princess Twilight Sparkle!”

Some murmuring happens, I can pick them out clearly, obviously unsettled at our late appearance, but ya know what, forget ‘em. Self-important twerps.

We walk slowly in as I take my place on Celestia’s throne, I had argued fiercely that I would not do this as it was hers. But I was told to sit there, being the seat of power and ponies expected it.

Twilight settles in beside me as we await the first declarations of the day, this morning is problems brought before the Crown to be settled in finality. They were the ultimate authority for cases that could not be settled in a simple judicial arena.

It’s actually easy, I don’t listen to the lawyers or whatever they call them here, I ask the ponies bringing the case to us, their story. Making a decision that’s fair is no problem, it’s making a decision that’s right is another. Logic doesn’t apply sometimes, what we think may be correct could be disastrous due to other things. So it takes time, listening and asking questions. I find digging into things is interesting, fulfilling.

I learn though, asking Twilight her opinion on a few things and she shows me what might be possible under Equestrian Law. She is an excellent teacher, giving me the confidence I need to render decisions firmly in the face of law and what should be right. I find myself truly fascinated with all of it, the minutiae.

The hours pass, it’s a surprise to me as the hall empties, Twilight and I are making judgments so swiftly there’s no time really to stop, no need to take a break. Her insight is invaluable as I learn all the intricacies of what I need to, I lean on her lightly, trying to remember what was told to me and making my own decisions, but based on information I glean from Twilight.

I do notice her smiling to herself while I voice my decisions, I won’t ask, but it’s not something that would make me self-conscious, just..a smile.

But a stomach grumbles whether you’re ready or not, as Twilight’s does, then mine. We’re both starving, paying too much attention to details as we call a halt, breaking for a late lunch.

We walk to the private dining room, passing a sub-area where ponies working in the castle take their breaks, my ears perk as I hear a voice.

“...and she told me herself!” That is Satin, it’s a match.

“Oh come on, a newbie like you getting the Princess Regent to tell you things.” The other voice is dismissive, female.

“She’s nice!”

“She’s a Princess, we don’t hang out with them, get that through your head and stop telling stories.” A third voice, equally as harsh, another female.

“I’m not, I don’t lie!” The stamp of a hoof indicates anger.

“Right, brand new and the Princess Regent confides in you. Tell another one.” Another voice, this one male, I am not liking this at all.

I stop myself from rushing in and doing what I normally do which is threaten others with destruction. Different, have to think differently, something is available some...got it! I am quiet for a moment as we sit down at the small private table, tea and cakes served while Twilight and I wait for food. Something does come up though, I flip through the data seeing if I have it right.

“Twilight, I am allowed a Hoofmaiden correct?”

She thinks for a moment, “Why yes. They’re old fashioned but extremely important, they serve the Princesses directly, doing things for them. They have to be trustworthy and loyal as they are with them twenty four hours a day.”

“So, being one is an honor?”

She nods, finishing a tea cake, “Oh yes, it’s an honor to serve a Princess directly. But like I said, very old fashioned, they haven’t had one in centuries.”

I sip my tea slowly, I think I’ve got a plan. Twilight is looking at me grinning over my cup.

“What are you planning?”

“Nothing, just smiling.”

“Right.”

By mid-afternoon we are done, it was actually pretty smooth. We had a few arguments, some ponies didn’t wish to accept the ruling. That’s all right though, they’ll see they were fair and as just as Twilight and I could make them.

Looking around at the empty room I can’t help but smile, sitting on a real throne. I slouch a bit, leaning against the velvet cushioned back rest. The guards aren’t paying attention..much.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m relaxing, can’t be all perfect all the time.” I spread my wings, giving myself a good shake and flopping into the seat. Twilight is about to fall over as I swing a leg over one arm.

“Will you stop that! You’re representing the Princesses.”

“Oh come on, like they never slouch?” I point a hoof, “What do you think they do all day? Sit here and look like they’ve got a rod stuck up their..”

Her face is almost pure shock, “Athena!”

I see the guard behind her crack a very, very tiny, miniscule smile and I laugh, “Alright, well.. you know.” I straighten up but I still relax.

Twilight checks her ever-present list, “We’re done early actually. What do we do now?” She’s at a loss, we both never expected to be finished so soon. Even the guards are looking puzzled, I guess it’s not this way normally.

“I got it!” Sitting tall on the throne I gesture to the Majordomo, “I would like to choose a hoofmaiden, please bring candidates?”

“Your Highness?” His voice is distinctly upper-crust, looking at me as if I were talking gibberish.

“A Hoofmaiden, you know, Hoof...Maiden...., Personal servant? Somepony like that?” He nods, “Please bring me a list of candidates, I’d like to choose one now.”

He scrambles to obey, leaving me with Twilight eyeing me suspiciously, “Why do you need one?”

“Well since I’m making history, let’s make a little more.” I give her my best smile.

She is definitely not convinced of my forthrightness and truth, honesty and..aw heck she knows. “You are so full of ponyfeathers.”

Leaning over so no one can hear, I tell her what happened, I don’t use the link as I’ve been knocked off the network for the regency.

She listens, giving me a sly smile, “What a wonderful idea, let’s do that.”

“Thought you’d like it.”

We both await the list, talking about a few minor things. Tonight’s dinner is with a few diplomats paying their respects, so it should be fun, nothing like diplomats...yay.

It takes a full hour actually, ponies were scrambling to obey the order and getting likely candidates names and such. It’s kind of fun actually, say something and have others moving their tails. Nope, not gonna abuse this power, nopers.

Riiiiiight.

The Majordomo appears, graciously handing us a list with ten names on it.

“Your choices Your Highness,” He bows and moves over to the side as I look at each one, noticing one is left out.

Stepping back I rub a hoof on my chin, “Hmmm, where is Satin Shoes’ name?” I know the rest, even the two who were giving her a hard time, finding out this morning when I talked to Twilight on the way here.

The Majordomo steps up, “She is new Your Highness, surely you’d prefer a more qualified..” He stops as I look at him.

“I don’t see anything wrong with adding her, there are a couple of new names on here as well.” I point to the ones I refer to, getting a polite embarrassed cough from him.

“Well..Your Highness...” He pauses, making me think she’s been left off deliberately and I don’t think I like that.

Handing him back the list I see Twilight give a small nod, “Please send for Satin Shoes.”

“Yes Your Highness.” He rushes off once again, pretty spry for an older pony.

She shows up in a rush, her mane in slight disarray as she was doing something before being summoned. She skids to a halt on the red carpet, bowing and then lifting up as she stammers, “I..I’m here P..Princess!”

I give her my best impression of Celestia, easy to do actually, “I can see that,”

Satin stands nervously, “Is..is something wrong?”

“Not at all!” Twilight steps down, grinning at her.

“Th..then what can..can I do.”

“You, Satin Shoes, will be my Hoofmaiden for the term of my regency.” I give her a warm smile, the best I can think of as she looks shocked, eyeing both of us for a moment. History is well known when living in Canterlot, as it’s all around you.

“But..but I’m new and..and..” She points to where the others exited.

“You are my Hoofmaiden, do you accept the job?” Twilight is smiling like a fool as I am, seeing the look on the Unicorn’s face.

You can see her chest about to burst with pride at even being asked, “Yes! Oh yes I do!”

“Good, then come sit with us, we’ll..we’ll..” I look at Twilight, she shrugs, nothing on the list.

“We’ll sit and talk for a while, that sound good?” Everyone nods, “Good enough..wow, next time we’ll take this slower.” We all settle back on the dais, getting comfortable, though I get a warning glare from Twilight that tells me slouching again will definitely get me an ear full later. Spoilsport..

Satin fidgets for a moment, turning to look at both of us, “So..” Her voice is quiet, “So..what does a Hoofmaiden actually do?” She sits down to the left of me and slightly forward, where Twilight directs, the proper position for a servant of her status.

“Ve don’t know! But ze world will want to know everyzhing!” A flash catches us off-guard as the accented voice fills the hall, even the guards couldn’t stop her. She rushes around, snapping pictures of everything, her crew following and setting lights up, taking them down, it’s a madhouse for a few moments.

“How did she even get in here?” Twilight is rubbing her eyes.

“I don’t know!” I can’t see, the flash got me just right, blinding me for a moment.

“History is made, and I vill kapture it! Hoofmaiden to the Regent! You shall be an...” She grabs Satin, hugging her tight enough to get a squee from the poor Unicorn, “..idol to ponies everyvhere!” She waves a hoof out in front of them both before letting go.

Poor Satin tries to hide in her own tail, pulling it around to deflect the flashing bulbs.

“Yes! Zat is it, show us your beauty, your grace, your dedication to ze Princess herzelf!” She is snapping photos of poor Satin all over, from every angle until she stops suddenly, “Enough! I go!’ She disappears in a whooshing of air, her crew following.

The guards nearby are shaking their heads as I make sure she’s gone, “Wow, she shows up everywhere.”

“Yep!” Twilight’s eyes aren’t rolling anymore.

“But..I don’t want to be an idol.” Satin’s sweet voice is quiet as she looks around fearfully for the marauding photographer.

“Join the club Satin.” Twilight chuckles, knocking the side of her head with a hoof.

“So..so what do I do as Hoofmaiden?” She asks the question once more, this time making sure only we can hear it in case Photo Finish comes back.

I think hard for a moment, knowing the rules but not the duties, “I have no clue, but it’ll be fun finding out!”

Twilight nods, she’s in the game, all the way.

I look at the guards near us, giving them a glare for letting that rogue photographer assault us, “You guys are so fired when Celestia gets back.”

Twilight and Satin were still laughing an hour later.

I am starving, almost literally. My ribs would show had I any body fat to be wasted away. I would look like I had been walking an arid desert for weeks if I wasn’t an avatar. But this is... No wonder Luna and Celestia stay so trim, they don’t get enough to freaking eat!

Staring at the plate I am given, supposedly something to tide me over before the main meal, so many courses it’s hard to keep track. Now I know why, not enough here to feed a dead pony.

A few sprigs of herbs, a leaf of lettuce, a delicately carved cherry tomato and something that looks like parsley is sitting together on this large plate, making me yearn for Sugar Cube Corner.

Twilight is munching on a tomato, eyeing me, “What’s wrong?” She smiles at the diplomats across the way, the Duke and Duchess from Maretonia, nice folks. Two traders from Saddle Arabia, who don’t realize I can understand their language. A smattering of minor functionaries, all in all, polite and gracious.

But this is a travesty, I want some food.

Satin leans over from behind me, taking her position very seriously, “Anything I can get you?”

I give both of them a look, pointing at the plate, “Come on, seriously? I’m starving!” My words are quiet but fierce, Twilight almost chokes as the three of us engage in a whispered conversation.

“Look, if I don’t get enough, my avatar will shut down and it’s going to be trouble to restart it, I need the mass!” I gesture to the empty plate from before, “I’ve eaten everything they’ve given me, it’s not enough.”

“Can’t you wait until later, we can get something more from the kitchen.” Twilight’s voice is nervous, hoping this doesn’t turn into a disaster at our first dinner.

“I can try, but right now, it’s getting close. I’m sorry Twilight, I thought there’d be more to eat.” I give her a hopeful look.

Satin nods, “I’ll go see what the chef has for you, I am your Hoofmaiden after all.” She grins, trotting off to the kitchen area.

Twilight smiles, “See? No problem.” We wait patiently for a few minutes.

Seeing Satin’s face as she backs out of the doorway, it is a problem. She walks over to both of us and stammers a bit, “Th..the chef said no, it’s the standard menu. I tried to..to tell him but he just told me to get out.”

Twilight is shocked, “Did you tell him who you were?” Not believing anyone would be so bold as to do such a thing, even though Satin’s position is new, word had spread.

“I did, he said he didn’t care.” She looks crestfallen at the thought she’d failed in her new job.

Setting my napkin down I stand up, interrupted for a moment by the polite clearing of a throat from the Duke of Maretonia, “Pardon me Princess.”

“Yes Duke, what can I do for you?” I will always be gracious, especially to these two, as they had greeted me warmly at the dinner table when we arrived.

“I couldn’t help but overhear that you might be going to order more, well, sustenance from the kitchens?”

“Yes Duke, I’m afraid I don’t find the normal menu appealing tonight, my humblest apologies.”

His wife laughs lightly and warmly, smiling at me, “Oh no dear, none needed. Would you be kind enough to order some for us too, I know it’s an imposition, but it has been a long day.”

Twilight is hiding a smile behind her hoof as I nod, “Yes sir, I shall, anypony else?” Everyone sitting around the table nods, too polite to ever say or do anything like that by themselves, but since the Duke spoke up.

“I’ll be right back, please, enjoy yourselves.” I grab Satin, bringing her with me as we walk through the door to the kitchen. Stopping the Unicorn, I ask her, “Who’s the chef?”

She points at an overweight stallion, haranguing some poor Sous-Chef who’s trying his best. Other ponies look tired and harassed, this is not a good environment from first glance.

“You!” I point a hoof, everypony turns and bows, except this jerk who just lowers his head for a moment and stares at me. “You and I are going to have a talk.” Making sure Satin is with me I step close, nose to nose, “You know who this is right?” I point to her.

“An upstart who thinks..” I stop him before he goes way too far.

“She is my Hoofmaiden, and as such she will be treated with the deference and respect due her, do you understand me?” I watch him grudgingly nod, looking at her as if she’s something beneath him.

Nope, just signed your own warrant buddy.

Taking a lighter tone, I look around, “I want you to serve more substantial plates, this itty-bitty frou-frou stuff isn’t doing it, let’s get some food out there.” The kitchen goes quiet as I make my statement, never insult a chef and what he serves.

“I’ll have you know I’ve served their Highnesses for years and they’ve never complained!” Yeah, he’s getting mad.

“Maybe that’s because you could starve a cockroach on what you give them, they don’t have the strength to do so?” I’m smiling at him now, watching the temperature rise. I can see the smirks behind him, the workers seeing the high-hoofed chef getting his status challenged.

“You dare? Come into my kitchen and tell me...” He stops at my look.

“Your kitchen? Yours?” I laugh, “This is property of the Crown, and for the next few days, myself. You don’t own a thing here.” I glance around, “And from the looks, you run a shoddy ship.”

I nudge Satin behind me with a gentle back hoof, waiting for him. He knows the score, yell at even a fake Princess and your life is pretty much done in the castle. But there’s got to be.. Yeah..I got it.

I turn and leave the kitchen, cranking my hearing up as I hear his voice haranguing the staff once more, I record it internally and keep doing so for the next minute. That’s enough I think, turning around and entering quickly, I catch him in the middle of pointing at a server, Satin is following right on my tail.

Two Royal Guards are on station outside the doors as I lean out, getting them to come inside and pointing at the chef.

“Take him out, he’s fired, don’t let him return.”

The two Royal Guards grab him and haul him out the back way as I stand in the now silent kitchen, the pots and pans bubbling in the silence. Pointing at the Sous-Chef, “You’re second right?”

He nods, looking panicky.

“Stop being nervous, you’re in charge, can you get some real food out there?”

A sense of relief passes through every kitchen worker, some actually chuckle at what just happened. One of the cooks near me bows, “Princess?”

“Yes? Please don’t bow, you’re working right now.”

He nods, getting back up, “Thank you. He uh.. really made things tough in here.”

“He was a jerk, you don’t need that.” He nods, accepting the statement as grins break out. “ Let’s get something out there, I mean seriously, feed some ponies!” I scan the workers looking at me, “And for Celestia’s sake, be happy! Have fun!”

The beefy stallion turns to the others, “You heard the Princess, let’s feed some ponies!” Everyone rushes to get back to what they’re doing, but this time, more food comes out, chopping blocks are piled high with greens. I can’t help but smile to myself as Satin and I pile out of their way, heading back to the table.

Settling down, I tell Satin to grab a seat, I’m sure she’s hungry too. Everypony looks at me, waiting for the results.

“I fired the chef.” Twilight almost spits out her juice, staring at me.

“What?”

I hook a hoof over my shoulder, “He was a jerk, treating them like slaves in there. We’ve got some real food coming now!” I give her a smile, and sure enough, talk about fast.

A line of ponies wearing white comes out, setting platters of cooked vegetables and everything else imaginable on the table in silver trays. Smiles from the kitchen workers as they politely serve plates, mingling with the guests and taking compliments as the hot food is passed out. I’m digging into a huge pile of noodles myself, watching the others finally enjoying a meal for once instead of the stiff atmosphere.

The dining area is alive now, with talk, with laughter and smiles, you can see the difference. Twilight looks at me with a merry face before nodding slightly, and that means the world to me, her approval.

A comment catches my ears as the two traders are slyly looking at Satin, speaking in their native tongue which is very close to Arabic. But I’ve listened, noticing the differences, so I smile politely.

In their own language I tell them quietly, “Make another comment about Princess Sparkles’, mine or Satin’s backside again, I’ll shove your teeth down your throat so far you’ll have to lift your tails to eat.” But I never lose that sweet smile, have to be polite you know.

They hastily excuse themselves from the table, funny, we never saw them again.

“Ruffians the both of them,” The Duchess remarked, “Can’t believe they’d excuse themselves so rudely.”

“Quite.” Her husband removes his monocle, giving it a polish as he looks at me, “Well Princess, I must say this meal is quite substantial, thank you.”

“You’re very welcome, there is plenty so please enjoy yourselves.”

He nods, “Oh by the way, would you care to join us in a rousing game of croquet tomorrow, it really is smashing, and we need a third and fourth for our team.”

Twilight’s eyes grew wide at the Duke’s words, matching mine.

We made a good excuse why we laughed so much at that comment.

Watching the moon rise, it’s quiet again. But a different kind, the normal one in which night slips over you like a glove, bringing with it dreams and rest for the morrow.

I know he’s out there, he’s got me pinned and tracked probably down to the nanometer. I can always trust him to watch over me, to look out for me even when we can’t communicate.

I wave out the window, I don’t see any distortions but I’m sure he’s there, I give him a smile, hoping he’s taking care of everypony.

Humming along with the soft music from the player, I drift around the set of apartments, so much room, so little to do in them really. It’s fun finding new things, exploring the multitude of closets and drawers, keeps me interested.

I’ve learned today, learned so much that it’s not the obvious things, it’s the subtle. The sublime, things that by their very existence are not noticeable until they happen. Passing judgment on cases, talking to others, taking responsibility for ones actions are not what I expected. It does affect you, deep down, knowing you can do a good thing, and it’s never noticed until far later.

I think it’s nice that I can stand on my own, but I can still lean on friends when I have to. But it’s there, inside me, the thought that maybe if a day comes when I am alone, that I can do what I need to. A day in a Bolo’s life is an eternity, coming to conclusions so rapidly now, it’s a benefit, being able to think about things so fast sometimes..

I stand in the middle of the apartment, staring out the window, knowing, just knowing, it’s not my weapons or computing cores that makes me what I am. Satin said find the thing that makes me special, and I am getting a glimmer of what it might be, pieces of the puzzle that will fit together.

And you know what? I find...I find the quiet not so oppressive now, not so dark and frightening after just one day. It’s still lonely, it always will be, but facing it, throwing light into it’s face and making it retreat back to the corner where it stays, is part of me now. Stepping over to the window, I can see my reflection in the glass, the lavender eyes that look back at me, telling me, you’re stronger than you think.

Crusader brought me home, he gave to me this body of which I’m inordinately proud. But Princess Luna said there is magic in the world, that will come to the worthy, the deserving, and I can only hope one day it finds me so.

Until then, the fire inside me will grow, it will encompass my being and show me the way that comes with being alive, I know this now.

But before that day comes....other things must take precedence, like ice cream!

I look at the doors to our adjoining rooms, wondering if I can just whip in and get a treat from the supplies Crusader shipped. They’ve been stored in Twilight’s room and stars only know what she’s been doing. Laughing to myself I shrug, no worries, as long as she is happy.

But thinking of a large bowl of rich, deep, chocolate fudge ice cream is really distracting me right now. I’m staring at the doors with an intensity usually reserved for the enemy. Yep, ice cream it is! Forward! To breach the ramparts and take what is mine by right of conquest!

“Princess?” Satin’s voice from behind.

Curses, foiled in my attack!

“Hi Satin,” As I look at her face, the normally bright smile is gone and she’s looking sad for some reason, “What’s wrong?”

She waves a hoof back at the open door leading to her own set of rooms. She’d been moved into them as her status had changed, they were quite large as well, “I’m just kinda rattling around in there, can I come listen to music with you?”

“Of course!” I jump up on the bed, grabbing a few large cushions, “You don’t have to ask, yeesh, we’ve known each other forever! Well..one day..but that’s forever!” I grin, seeing her giggle.

As she settles on the cushion, perking her ears, I point my hoof at her, “You call me Athena, alright?”

“Oh no, that’s not...”

I wave at her, smiling all the while, “Ah! We’re alone, it’s quiet, no need for all the hooplah here.”

“Okay...Athena.”

“See? Not so hard.”

The connecting doors open in a glow of magic I recognize, Twilight trots in, holding three large metal bowls that are very cold from what a glance tells me, she’s grinning seeing us already on the bed, “I brought ice cream!” She looks kindly at Satin, “I heard you’d be joining us.”

A bowl of my favorite lands in front of me, a spoon to match as I almost stick my entire face in it, gathering my composure for a second, “You...are my... hero Twilight.” She laughs, setting her own and Satin’s down gently, her magic control is perfect.

Satin is staring in the bowl, giving us both a strange look.

“What’s wrong? Twilight stops her spoon in mid air.

“What kind of ice cream is this?” She points to the bowl, it’s a melange of sorts, fudge, banana, a myriad of flavors that will just make you crave more. I’ve had it and it’s addictive in a way, it’s also multi-colored, bright and cheery.

“It’s called a combination Satin,” Twilight looks proud at remembering when I told her, “It’s got almost every flavor imaginable and then some, you’ll love it. I didn’t know what you liked.”

I’m half-listening, already digging into mine. But I watch her take a delicate taste, her eyes lighting up as she mumbles around another quick spoon full, “It’s good!”

“Told you!” Twilight gives her a wink.

Wiping my face I guess I’m too quiet, thinking of things and how the day has been going to go. So far, it’s been okay, except for the chef, and I really hope I haven’t caused an incident with the traders, but types like that don’t need to be in polite company. Twilight and I agreed to the croquet game of course, it’ll be nice, the Duke and Duchess have been nothing but very polite to us all.

Something’s bothering me though, it’s right at the tip of my tongue, something I noticed the day of the celebration, but was too preoccupied to dig into it. What was...

Scrambling off the bed, I ransack a drawer and come up with the scroll for the regency announcement, the one Twilight read. Leaping back on the mattress between the two mares I unroll it, staring at it for a moment as it hits me.

“Those little.. I knew they were up to something!” Slapping a hoof on the parchment I give a huff.

Twilight and Satin are puzzled until I show them

“See right here, a ‘term for not less than three days..?”

“Well, yes.” Twilight nods, having read from it previously.

“It doesn’t close! It should say a term of not more, nor less than three days, they left it open!” I wait for them to get it, the light slowly dawning in their eyes as Twilight grabs the pronouncement in her magic, bringing it near her face.

She mumbles, reading it to herself and looking at me in rising horror, “They did!”

Satin’s looking at both of us, “What’s that mean?”

I slap the parchment, “That means they don’t have to come back in three days. Those sneaks!”

The look on her face matches ours as we sit there staring at each other for a long, long minute.

“That’s why I haven’t seen Cadence and Shining since that night, I’ve been trying to get in contact with them, but I get messages from the Crystal Empire saying they’re ‘indisposed’.” She stamps a hoof, “I wondered why they left in a hurry.”

“I’ve got to call Crusader, I have to establish contact again, he’ll help us figure this out!” I’m bringing up the emergency protocol when Twilight’s hoof on my shoulder stops me.

“No, you promised, we can do this.” Her voice is warm, but the look on her face is determined.

“But this is an emergency, they left the appointment open! We can’t just run the country for however long it takes them to decide to come back!” I must look exasperated, “This isn’t what was told to you and I, it’s not right.”

“Right or not, we’ve got to do the job. The Crystal Empire’s Seneschal will take good care of things, if anything breaks out, we’ve got myself and the Elements, anything bigger, we’ll get you and Crusader.” She grins, “Between all of us, anything bad wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“Are you sure about this? Absolutely sure?” I stare right into her eyes as she nods.

“Absolutely, we can do this.” She puts a hoof out, I lay mine on top of it as we both look at Satin.

She starts, looking at us, “Me..me? I’m just...”

“You’re my personal Hoofmaiden and now you know a secret that cannot get out, ever.” Her faces look panicky for a moment, “You cannot tell, you can’t say anything about this, if anyone looks too closely there might be trouble.”

Twilight nods, “We’re the only ones that know right now, you have to promise.”

A tentative blue hoof is put on top of ours, “I promise.”

“Good!” Twilight looks at me, “Can you track them?”

“No, I’m out of the network and my cores are sequestered, it means I have no data whatsoever from any communications. Even I have limits, and they are beyond my simple scanning range.” Satin looks puzzled, but Twilight knows what I’m talking about. “I can pick up if they are close, but beyond a two hundred kilometer range it’s dead air, Crusader and I meshed everything to get more range, without the network I’ve got nothing.”

I slap the cushion I’m laying on, “The bands you wear are so small and give off such a tiny signal, we used a lot of processing to keep tabs on them.”

“I’m sorry,” I give her a helpless look.

“It’s okay! We’ll figure out something.” She grins, “But until then, ice cream!” She laughs at our astonished looks, the fate of the country was at stake!

“It’s melting, can’t waste it you know.” She points at the soggy messes the bowls are about to become.

I shrug, “Yeah, can’t help it.” I dig back in along with Satin who giggles between bites.

Although it seems blithe, there is nothing to be done until the morning, so accepting it lets me move past any reservations. This includes finding a way to ping the bracelets, giving me at least something to go on. They are multi-plexed and very secure as Crusader could make them, which means nigh impossible to break unless you’re determined and stupid enough to spend the next hundred years cracking the codes.

But, and it’s a big but, maybe I can find a way to put power into a narrow band and maybe get some feedback from the unique frequency assigned to them. It’s something to think of. No..wait.. dangit won’t work. Stupid Crusader, have to make things so dang secure! If I try to do a feedback echo, Crusader will spot it, wondering what I’m up to and then he would call, promise or not, and the cat would definitely be out of the bag.

I do ponder it though, while I’m chatting with Twilight and Satin, the ice cream long gone, the music soft as I see them nodding, finally just lying on the cushions and sleeping in place. A long day indeed. I cover them with the comforter, making sure pillows are close by and giving myself room to sleep, the bed’s big enough for a herd of Aurochs, so plenty of space.

The whisper of a violin lulls me to rest, even though I never need it, I still close my eyes, letting myself fall into a timeless realm...just for a while.

Opening my eyes, I see the barest hint from the coming dawn, it’s the wolf’s hour, that time before the breaking light takes the night, whisking it away. Not moving, I listen, hearing breathing, separate from each other, Satin and Twilight still asleep. But in an hour or so they’ll be rising too.

More than enough time.

I grab the player, heading for the bathroom and closing the door, making sure the volume on it is loud enough, but not so much I will wake them, they deserve their rest, and this is a guilty pleasure anyways. The first time I was in this room it made me wonder why humans certain things, looking at themselves so much, doing things that ..well.. confounded us sometimes really.

I start the bath, watching the water once more fall in splashing pools in the basin below, heating up quickly as I step in front of the floor length mirror.

Scanning the area, I make absolutely, positively, beyond a shadow of a doubt sure this place is clear. I even lock this down in my cores so when I re-establish contact with Crusader he’ll never see it.

Okay, nopony here, nothing to see, no window, doors locked, we’re good.

I look at myself critically in the mirror, I really haven’t before. Crusader did such a nice job, I can see the flowing lines of muscle when I turn and twist, trying to get a better angle on myself. The mirror folds out into a sort of tryptych, letting me get a good view of everything.

You know, I’m really okay looking. Slim, taut, everything in the right place, my wings are the perfect shape and size for my body. It’s a fabulous creation, I never really paid attention before, just took it for granted.

I make sure the area is clear again.. you know.. just in case.. I point a hoof at my reflection.

You are one dead sexy pony! Posing with my face tilted to the side, giving my reflection a sly smile, oh yes you are. Got a flank some ponies would kill to have, you betcha, and a Cutie Mark to match! I give myself a turn, looking at said spots, yep!

I feel so silly, how did human women do this all the time anyway? But, it is kinda fun. Maybe silliness is just another part of..I dunno..laughing at yourself? Making you comfortable in your own body? Is this what they saw? Making themselves try to look better, more..more appealing?

Aside from maintenance, I never realized what a marvel I’ve been given. Durasteel and semi-organic muscles, made into a semblance almost indistinguishable from reality. Every time I’m in the repair bay, he does something, a little thing here and there to make it even better. What could he have done with the Concordiat’s resources behind him?

I’ll ponder more later..right now...

I push my mane up behind my head with a hoof, gorgeous? No, not that, but I’m pretty, or I can be when I want. Is this what it’s like to figure out who you are as Satin said? Find out what makes you special?

We never looked at ourselves, always inhabiting one hull or the other, guns and power plants, cores and computing. But as I look at the tilted eyes on my face, it’s...different. Softer, gentler than I ever was, no hard edges to define, nothing but curves and gentle roundings that make me..pretty.

And you know what? That’s fine with me.

No one can be as good looking as Rarity, or some others, but.. I turn to the shower with a flick of my tail and a wink to my reflection, I’ve got a few things going for me.

Stepping under the hot water it’s refreshing, standing for a moment and letting it run all over my body. I can’t feel it fully like real ponies, but I know it’s wonderful all the same. I am so getting one of these. I immediately start my design cores on redoing facilities on my Command deck, oh yes.

Leaning out of the waterfall I slap the player on, let’s see what comes up...oh now that’s a good one. The words are perfect for how I feel right now, a darn fine tune.

I grab the shampoo as the song begins, one of those slow...really good ones.. it’s definitely fitting the way I am right now. I spread a large amount on me and scrub as I find myself moving once more. I am just ..how did one commander put it? Jammin’ out right now..yeah.

I can’t help it, grinning like an idiot, I push my hooves into my mane again as I stand on my back ones, lifting it into the waterfall and moving my body sinuously with the tune. Yeah this is perfect, I am the sexiest thing in this room right now and nopony can deny it! The bass line just grabs ahold of me, as I slide under the hot water like a snake.

Closing my eyes, I run my hooves down the length of my body, leaning forward with a come hither look, feeling incredibly silly as I do it, but having no second thoughts as I blow a kiss over my outstretched leg. I’m covered in bubbles and lather, it’s so silky smooth so..so..oh this feels so goooood...

‘Yes I can tell that you’ve cast your spell,

the way you hold me, somehow

If this is sin baby count me in, I can’t turn back now’

I join in the chorus, singing my heart out, minding the room’s not completely soundproof, but that’s all right, singing in the shower is common.

I hope.

“I’ve got to have all of you!” I move slowly, wrapping my forelegs around my barrel, hugging myself tight. The water just makes the soap creamy and delightful, this should really be illegal, probably is somewhere.

“Little Darlin’!” I keep it up, slipping around, the bass slamming into the room with a great beat, flicking my tail as I move in a way that would be considered definitely not for little ones to see.

“All of your lovin’, all of your huggin’, all of your kisses too!” I blow another one at the mirror, giggling to myself as I run my hooves down my sides once more, this time running to my hips and back legs, bending over in the shower with a lascivious look on my face, I can see it in the mirror.

Pony bodies aren’t made for standing like this so long, but it’ll do, more than.

“I’ve got to have alll....ooooof...you!” Oh yeah, flick of the tail, a little glimpse of a spear and scroll, yeah shake that Cutie Mark.

“Every day, in every way now, no one else will do!”

Oh yeah, slow guitar, the music is just right. I twist just enough, letting my Cutie Mark show with a raised eyebrow on my face, the mirror shows a dead set knockout pose, half-lidded eyes, oh and a pout, just a tiny bit with half a smile...riiiight there... Beat that Rar...

*FLASH!*

I’m partially blinded, caught unaware as more go off. *Flash! Flash!* A series of them as I try to get my balance back, I can’t do anything right now except...

Yep, I scream.

“Zat is it! Pure magik I zay! Oh my! Such beauty, such poise, oh you are zezxy beyond belief! Pout for me! Work vith me! Let us see that pose again, oh yes, lean zat way!” The flash goes off more times, keeping me off balance as I try to grab a towel, a piece of clothing, oh stars... ANYTHING!

“Yes yes! Look at those lines, such grace, such style! The wet Princess look is IN!” A multitude of flashes, some more lights and then the voice again, “Enough! I go!”

I fall out of the pool, landing hard on the tiles as I scrabble to clear my eyes of soap. Getting to my hooves I skid across the floor, hitting the door and wrenching it open, gritting my teeth as I rush past a bewildered Twilight and groggy Satin.

“We heard you scream..” I lose her voice as I rush out the door, looking for that marauding ponyrazzi!

I run right into two guards rushing to the door, probably because of a scream..yeah.. We tumble in a melange of legs, weapons and armor as I push them away trying to get a view and myself untangled, looking down the hallway and stamping a hoof in frustration at not catching that ambusher!

But I do have two guards getting back up as I point steadily at them.

“You guys are so fired!”

Satin helps me get dried, though not without quite a lot of giggling as I try to towel myself off. I’m sure my disgusted look is quite hilarious to her, and Twilight who keeps snickering. She also tells the guards they weren’t fired, just me being a bit frustrated.

“How in Tartarus is she getting into these places?”

Twilight shrugs, “She’s the best photographer in Equestria, I dunno how she does it. But she has been given all access, I didn’t realize she’d show up in there.”

“She was in the freaking bathroom! MY bathroom! Taking pictures! That..that..voyeur!” I throw my hooves in the air, “She’s like a stupid Ninja with a camera! Ugh! Somepony better find her or I’m gonna murder that mare!”

Satin laughs, “Oh don’t worry, you were just taking a shower, not like you were doing anything...wrong...” She looks at me intently, “Why are you blushing so much?”

“What? Me?” Dangit! “I’m..you know, embarrassed about standing in the hall covered in soap. Heh.” Yep, I’m good.

“Nooooo, you’re turning even more red, “ Twilight is looking at me from her seat near the bed while I towel off. “What were you doing in there?” I see the beginning of a malicious smile and an eyebrow slowly raising up on her forehead.

I hate when she’s observant.

I make sure the door is shut, and locked, with a chair and a dresser in front of it, checking each room real quick as I decide I’m just gonna be honest. We sit on the floor as I gather them close, keeping my voice low as I can.

“You know when you’re in the shower,” They both nod, “And you’re covered in soap and it feels so good..and..and you just can’t help but think you’re the prettiest mare in Equestria?” Both of them nod again.

“Well..yeah.. I was uh..kinda showing off.”

Satin covers her muzzle and grins behind it as Twilight’s eyes go wide, realizing what I just said.

“It was fun, and..and I kinda went a bit too far posing and stuff...that’s when that stupid photog got me!” I stamp a hoof as they both fall over laughing.

Satin recovers first while Twilight’s still snickering to beat all, leaning in close with an intense look “Show me!”

I look at her like she’s insane, “Do what?”

“Show me!” The blue mare grins, “We’re friends right, show us!” She gestures to Twilight who’s nodding eagerly.

No. Absolutely not. “I really shouldn’t, I mean it’s not really something..” I can’t help but blush even more.

“Oh c’mon, you taught us that dance!” Her blue face lights up with a warm smile, “Please? Show us this, I won’t say anything I promise!”

She does the Pinkie Promise, Twilight following immediately with her, both of them looking at me expectantly. Oh stars, peer pressure is a terrible, terrible thing.

One time in your life, just once, you do something that is so totally out of bounds and you darn well enjoy it. I’m gonna do this! We’re going to be late, but what’s a couple of hours?

Closing my eyes, I give a sigh, “Alright, I’ll show you. But you ever say anything about this and I’ll find you, I know where you both live!” We all chuckle.

I do a double-check of the rooms again, making sure the hall is clear as I lock the doors, doing a security sweep as fast as I can before returning to the middle of the floor.

“Okay..just imagine you’re in the shower, and the warm water...” I tell them how to picture the whole set up, starting the music.

That bass comes in and we’re off, their eyes following me as I picture that shower so rudely interrupted. There’s quite a few giggles, and laughs when we stop so I can correct the movements, showing them the poses, the looks I made.

Satin is a natural, her lean body is moving like she’s done this before, sliding across the floor with her eyes closed, smiling to herself and dancing. She’s really got grace and poise, maybe that’s where she got her Cutie Mark? I have noticed it’s a pair of Equestrian type ballet slippers.

It’s Twilight that makes me blink, once she stops being in control so tightly, she definitely has promise. She moves fluidly and lightly, using her wings to help with some of the poses, she knows how to put on a pretty face.

I am so going to Tartarus for teaching them this stuff.

I finish the lesson and we get back in line, I start the music once more. Ponies know music somehow, instinctively and deeply. I’m not and will probably never be sure why, but they take to it like a duck in water. It’s part of them, the magic in the world and I am so abusing it.

Also, I’m dead if Crusader finds out.

“I’ve got to have alll..of....you!” Wow, we can actually sing well together, go figure.

Oh this song is such a classic, just the right tune for three mares having fun. It’s also pretty good exercise as we collapse on the floor. I can see them sweating while they laugh, fanning themselves and grabbing glasses of water off the serving tables.

Twilight is grinning and sipping water, “That..that was so fun! Why didn’t you want to..” Then she realizes, “Oh, right, not exactly for the Gala.”

I point at her, “You got it, Celestia and even Luna would probably have real fits.”

Satin laughs, “Well I think it’s neat!” She gulps some chilled water, “Got any more music like that?”

I think for a minute, a slow smile breaking over my face, “I think I’ve got one....”

The two Royal Guards at the end of the hallway are startled for a moment from loud music coming from the Princess’ apartments, looking at each other and shrugging, listening to the strange tune and trying to stop their hooves from tapping along with the really catchy beat. Hearing the three voices singing quite well from down the access way, a brief smile passes between them. They liked the Regent and Twilight was always thought of kindly, the third voice of the new Hoofmaiden was just incredible as the words flew down the hallways.

["Be good to yourself, when

Nopony else will!

Ohhhh-oh be good to yourself!"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCpeuJ6swro)

“Huh, nothing to do now....”

“It’ll be over soon, then we can have some dinner.”

“How come we keep finishing so fast, I thought this took all day?”

Twilight shrugs, “I dunno, we really ripped through the cases today.” She checks a list, “The last one was twenty minutes ago and we’ve got about an hour until Court closes.”

The throne is actually pretty comfortable, but it does get monotonous sitting here all day. I tap my hoof on the arm, seeing them both smile when they recognize the music from earlier and nodding to themselves.

It was really one of the best times I’ve had in ..well... ever. Even the odd looks from the servants made me giggle, probably wondering what other strange things we were going to do.

Satin looks back over her shoulder, “Besides, still gotta do some more practicing, it’s sure fun!”

I can’t help but laugh, pressing a hoof to my chest and shaking my head, “I have corrupted an innocent, whatever shall I do.” Satin rolls her eyes, knowing I mean her.

Twilight sighs dramatically, “Celestia and Luna are going to be soooo disappointed.” She puts her hoof up to her brow, looking as if she’d swoon.

This makes me sit up, tall and proud, lifting my muzzle in the air, “I shall face my punishment, whatever comes! I have no regrets!” All of us laugh.

Our merriment is interrupted by the slamming open of the far doors, making all the guards immediately turn and present arms as nopony is expected at this time, there are no appointments. It doesn’t seem to affect the..thing..walking in the door with loud steps. My eyes focus, seeing a large Minotaur stomping down the space between the rows of seats, not even bothering to look at the guardsponies who are not happy.

I don’t blame them, but giving the signal I was taught, they reluctantly step back into place.

Satin’s having a hard time staying seated as it gets closer..he.. Looks to be a he. Twilight leans over, “Micah the Strong, Ambassador from the Minotaur Khanate.” She whispers hurriedly in my ear, beating his arrival by a few seconds.

“Where is Celestia?” His voice is deep and booming across the empty hall.

“You mean Princess Celestia!” Twilight is pointing at him, not looking thrilled at that kind of familiarity.

He waves it off, “Whatever. We need to talk about trade tariffs, where is she?” Looking at us both expectantly, he crosses thick forearms across a broad chest.

I do take a longer look before answering instead of Twilight, he’s large, quite so, muscle mass is dense, he’s be a formidable opponent in a one on one fight. He’s got the arrogance to match his posture which is definitely defiant. Weairng a baldric of some sort, probably denoting his status and rank, across the broad chest, he’s pretty intimidating.

“I’m afraid Princesses Celesta and Luna are unavailable. I am their regent, I can speak for them.” I can see Twilight looking at me in surprise as I reply calmly, almost making me laugh. “Though you don’t seem to have an appointment today, nor for the next few days as I know my own schedule.”

“The Khanate doesn’t obey the whims of schedules, we talk when we wish.” A sly grin crosses the blunt muzzle, not trying to lower the volume of his voice, preferring to try and impress with it.

“Then I am afraid if you wish to talk with Princess Celestia, you will have to wait.” I try to emulate the alabaster mare with a warm smile, nodding my head politely.

“We’ll see.” He turns and stomps out, leaving us all looking at each other in puzzlement.

Twilight is frantically looking through her clipboard, shaking her head, mumbling as she peeks at the writing on the sheets. “No, no they don’t have anything like a trade meeting, especially with the Khanate.” She shrugs.

“Well he’s kinda rude if you ask me,” Satin nods firmly, stepping from beside the throne where she had backed up in fright.

“They are a bit pushy, not exactly the most polite of races.” Twilight’s face takes on a look of concentration, “And they tend to be aggressive in trade deals, wanting more concessions and not giving any back. Celestia just usually gives them a decent deal on things, it tends to settle any problems.”

“That sounds fair.” Satin nods in agreement with me, “But hey, long as there’s no trouble huh?”

We close down the court for the day, hurrying off to the dining room, ‘cause the smell’s been killing us for the last half hour.

Definitely a different atmosphere in here, smiling staff, and lots of food! Lots and lots of it! I am almost salivating, if I could, smelling spicy soups and noodles, rices and herbs. Satin’s stomach growls louder than mine as we settle in the chairs held for us. How food helps with memories, strange that...

Breakfast had been a pleasure, the wait staff and kitchen workers were smiling this morning when we arrived, serving us with a happy air. I guess I helped to do that, and it made me feel good about myself, seeing the ponies chatting with guests.

The Duke and Duchess had welcomed us warmly on their croquet team, yes, it’s a boring game, but Twilight and I played well, winning for our side and believe it or not, polite claps all around.

We had been playing when the Duke mentioned something about mining that caught my attention. Seems they couldn’t increase output unless they invested heavily in new tools and such. He described the kind of machinery and tools they were working with, triggering a thought inside me. Colonies and others such as in asteroid belts had the same problems being lower tech, they had to find a way to increase production without blowing everything on a high tech solution, to keep themselves solvent. It all came down to the bottom line, how to get more for less.

I mentioned a solution to it, totally off the cuff, lining up a shot at the time when I realized everyone had gone silent, making me turn around to see the Duke and Duchess staring at each other, then myself.

“What was that?” He was listening very close as I explained a simple solution, well within means for Maretonia to increase their mining output by using the same lower technological things they were equipped with. It was a proven problem solver, with many colonies increasing exports. Just took a rethinking of how to use the tools you already had.

“It should bring production up at least thirty-two percent, if not more, depending on rates of exchange.”

“And we can do this without lowering pay for the miners and bringing in more profits to share?” He seemed to be the good type, wanting to give more to those who worked hard.

“Oh yes, should be more..lemme figure real quick..more than enough. You should see balances rise within a month.” It wasn’t that hard of a solution.

“That’s absolutely incredible, we’ve been trying to figure a way to do that for a year! Thank you so much Princess!” He and his wife bowed, making me self-conscious for a moment.

“I..uhm.. you’re welcome.” Twilight had nudged me from behind, making sure I accepted the thank you politely.

Before Court had started, we had early morning tea for a few minutes before they left, sharing pleasantries that were heartfelt in their case, glad to go back with something to give their ponies that would make life better. They promised to make sure that their citizens knew who’d given them the answer, showing us pictures of their family and being really nice before they left on their train for home.

You never know what kind of things make a difference, you really don’t.

Watching the servers with more smiles come out with our food, I’m glad, I changed something. It makes you warm inside, knowing things are better for what you do.

Satin is still not sure about sitting at the table, her position requires her to be able to run off at my request at any time, but meh, dinner is dinner. I know she’s starving like we are, tearing into that plate of spaghetti like a feral wolf.

Turning to look at me, a muzzle covered in sauce, she politely picks a napkin up with her magic, wiping delicately, “Sorry, I was kinda hungry.”

I just shake my head, digging into a pile of herbs and rice myself, “Don’t worry, it’s good!”

Twilight is nodding, she can’t talk because of a stuffed mouth as well, seems the noodles are going over big the last couple nights. Making us both laugh as she keeps her fork in motion, swallowing quickly before leaning over to us, “More ice cream tonight right?”

“Absolutely!” Nothing keeps us from ice cream, nothing.

A large form drops in a seat across from us at our table, I’d heard the steps, and didn’t wish to turn around to let him know I noticed. The heavy body makes the chair creak as I continue eating, seeing him staring at all three of us.

It’s suddenly quiet in the dining room as the Minotaur grabs a plate off a passing waiter, slamming it on the table and eating the superbly cooked rice with his fingers. I’m good with this, I’ve seen worse table manners in my time.

“Care to join us for dinner? I think you’ll enjoy the rice.” I keep my voice calm, thinking of how Celestia would do things, though I’d much rather prefer Princess Luna’s way. I think Satin is going to fall out of her chair, watching the display of bad manners from across the table.

No reply but a nasty bass laugh, shoveling food into his mouth as he continues to stare at the three of us.

I do look though, the heavy musculature, the bovine face and head, horns that look sharpened to a point deliberately. He’s made for war, for battle, like myself. When Twilight mentioned the Khanate, I have been reviewing files on the Mongolian warlords, looking into the past for parallels. Something always comes up, this world is rife with inconsistencies that tease the mind.

Twilight is watching me closely while she eats, I’m sure she expects me to do something foolish. She’s right, I probably would, but I am in a position where it would be detrimental to do so. Somehow the thought of Princess Celestia and Luna being disappointed in me, makes me feel like I should not fail them.

“Can we help you with anything Ambassador Strong?” I think I’m done with my meal for now, wiping my face with a napkin and setting it aside.

“I am a Sword of the Khan and shall be addressed as such!” He slams a hamlike fist on the table, making the silverware and poor Satin jump.

“Sword of the Khan Strong then.” I acknowledge it with a slight tilt of my head as I’ve seen Celestia do, “What can we do for you?” Every eye is on our table, the thoughts of a nice dinner gone with a single sentence. Quiet words are exchanged as I see guards suddenly posted at doorways, moving slowly into position to protect any pony they deem in trouble.

“I wish to talk about tariffs.” He grabs another plate, tossing the empty one aside.

“I’m afraid that will have to wait, Princess Celestia is not due back for another day.” We hope.

Leaning back in the chair, it creaks slightly as he crosses his forearms across the wide chest, “You are the regent I have found out, you speak with their voice. We will talk tariffs, perhaps about some lands currently in dispute.” He grins nastily.

Now I see. Testing, seeing what you can get away with and how far. Now that you don’t face two formidable sisters, but a single Pegasus as regent, you want to see what you can grab. How very typical.

“I’m sure we can clear some time in the morning,” I give Twilight a look as she shuffles through the schedule and nods to me.

“We’ve got..” She’s interrupted rudely by the deep voice.

“We will talk when I arrive little pony, be ready.” He gets up with a huff, stomping out of the dining room, leaving shocked faces and wide eyes in his wake.

A Guard Officer rushes over, “Are you all right Princesses? We are so sorry.”

I give him a smile, “We’re fine, tell your troops good going on the quiet, keep it that way, when did he arrive?”

“A few hours ago, we tried to stop him the first time, but did not want to cause a commotion, we are truly...”

“Please stop apologizing, you did what you thought best.” He looks relieved. I do admire them, quiet, swift and ready, there’s nothing wrong with that. “Keep an eye on him, and if he causes trouble, stomp on it, I’ll take responsibility.”

He nods and rushes off, leaving us to our thoughts, our plates being replaced with fresh food as we try to start again.

Twilight is not consoled, “He’s up to something.” She takes a bite of her food, chewing thoughtfully.

I nod, “He is, he found out a regent was in place and decided to see what he could get.”

“How do you know all that?” Satin is sipping from her glass of wine.

“His sudden appearance, the way he acted, seeing if he could be rude and if we would respond. Also, his mentioning of disputed lands. He’s trying a grab.”

Twilight nods, perking her ears, “The Vale of Dreams. Ever since Luna defeated them there, they’ve wanted it back, that was over a thousand years ago, they really hold a grudge.”

The Majordomo is always present in the background and I wave to him, he responds quickly and bends an ear as well as his head, “Yes Highness?”

“Get me all the information on treaty talks with the Khanate, as well as any decisions Princess Celestia and Luna have made concerning them, the Vale of Dreams, and any tariffs. I need it now, please, have it waiting in my apartments.”

“At once Princess!” He hustles off, for an older pony he moves pretty quick.

I turn back to my dinner, seeing Satin and Twilight staring at me, “What?”

Satin smiles, “Well..you sounded just like a real Princess there for a moment.” Twilight nods with her.

I wave a hoof, “Bah, I’m still the silly me..you know..dancing and all that.” I give them a look out of the side of my eyes, wriggling my eyebrows playfully to their laughs.

We find a stack of parchment about two feet high waiting for us, Twilight sighs, “It’s going to be a long night.”

“No, no it’s not.” I settle on a cushion near the sheaf of paper, “Look, I’m going to do something I don’t normally do, but time is important.” I’ve got Twilight’s attention now.

“Use your magic, I want you to show me each sheet, both sides if there’s writing, for a count of two and then the next one, got it?”

She nods, picking up the first sheet and holding it in front of me.

When we’re needing information on something, we can focus so minutely that everything else is left to the wayside. This is what I do to the passing papers, snapshotting them in my cores, filing and sorting, processing each line and letter until I know it intimately as if I was there myself. Though I cannot know the thoughts behind the decisions and such, I can get a glimpse of how they did them, what motivated certain decisions, and that is a treasure trove of information.

Thirty minutes later, we’re done, and I am making sure everything is being run through analytics and tactical databases as well, looking for things we might be able to use if this rude Minotaur shows up again.

“Got it, we’re done, just need to let it work for a few minutes.” I give them both a smile.

Twilight stacks the papers neatly, setting them aside for pickup in the morning, “How come you don’t do that when we’re reading together?”

“Because it’s more fun than to just flip pages and know it.” She keeps watching me as we both grab cushions for a moment, settling down on them, “I want to learn with you, not try to outdo you.”

She’s not happy with that, “But if I could do that, imagine how much I could learn, how much knowledge is out there!”

All I can do is smile, and try a different tack, “Twilight, when we play chess, how often do I make a mistake?”

“You do miss a move sometimes, I know our games are pretty close some days.” She nods, remembering some hard fought ones.

“I can calculate within myself as we play, every move you might possibly make to the end of the game.” I let that sink in for a moment, seeing her eyes go wide.

“Wait..if you can do that, then why do you lose?” Cocking her head she eyes me narrowly, “You could win every time!”

“I don’t want to win every time. I limit myself, two moves ahead, maybe three, or less. Like a normal pony would know if they liked chess, that’s why I lose.” I put my hoof on hers, “Imagine if you knew every move I would make, how to win every time. Wouldn’t that be boring? Take the fun out of it?”

“That’s not the same as books though, you could read it all and remember so much!” She’s frustrated with my revelation, I can see it, I don’t like it.

“Do you like books?”

“Yes, you know that.”

“Then what happens to the joy of a book when you know it already, and you can’t get another one because you already know that?” I press against her tapping hoof, “You would lose your love of things, always rushing to another, to try to get more and more, you wouldn’t have time to enjoy what you had.”

“I love sitting and reading with you for hours, because it’s a simple pleasure. It takes me time to read through a book and that’s fine, because I’m learning with you. You’re my best friend, and I want to be right there, experiencing things together.”

“You don’t find it..well.. boring?”

“No, because I’m not doing it alone.”

“So..” A look crosses her face, not sure what it is, “You’re dumbing yourself down?”

“Not ever. I’m meeting you halfway, we’ll do it together, we’ll grow together. I told you that night, anything I have is yours. If you choose to make use of my knowledge, so be it, but never think I’m ‘dumbing’ myself down.” I poke her with my hoof, “Or that by implication you are dumb. We both have knowledge that is different, we learn from each other.”

She let’s that roll around for a minute or so, finally gIancing at me in suspicion, “Are you sure you don’t lose on purpose?”

Laughing, I raise a hoof, “I promise.”

I think hugs are great, ever since I’ve had an avatar, I’ve thought that hugs are the best thing you could ever receive; from a friend, a loved one, anyone. They’re honest and fill you with joy when you get one like I do from Twilight right now.

“Awwww..that’s so cute!” Satin’s holding three bowls of ice cream with her magic, looking at us when she walks in.

And then it ends with a few coughs and some looks away, the usual, but the feeling remains.

She sets down a bowl for each of us, giggling at the blushes, “Oh come on, just a hug, hugs are great!”

“They are,” I’ll admit it, “But every time we give each other one somepony thinks it’s something else.”

“Well phooey on them.” She nods firmly, taking up a spoon with a glow of magic, “Let them think what they want.”

Seeing Twilight smile, she’s right, so both of us hug her tight, making Satin giggle in delight.

Yep, hugs are great.

Breakfast is a little somber, we’ve been apprised that the Minotaur; I’m not even gonna use the whole ‘Sword of the Khan’ thing for him, he’s been a twit; is going to be interrupting morning Court, so we go through what little we have to do and rush through.

Twilight reschedules some things, making sure we’re the only ones in the throne room when the doors open with a slam.

I’ve got the information I need now, and the wherewithal to go along with it. Twilight gave me a run down on Minotaurs and the culture, they respect strength, only giving deference when outdone.

The Princesses had shown that when dealing with them, along with magic they had the backbone to stand up to them many times over the centuries, teaching the Khan it was not a good thing to mess with the ponies of Equestria.

I am a regent, something not seen in centuries. This diplomat had seen a chance to make a name against an unknown in charge, probably hoping to score points back home.

Twilight and I know what’s to come, we’ve talked ever since waking this morning, we’re as prepared as we can be. Satin is still nervous about the whole thing, but we are going to present a united front, so she sits proudly to one side.

So when that door finally slams open, as mentioned before, we’re ready. Twilight is actually wearing her crown, as am I. Satin has a silk bow in her curly mane, looking more formal than usual as we wait for the ambassador to stomp down the carpet, ending up looking at us with a sneer.

“So little ponies, what shall we talk about today?” His deep voice resounds once more, but we are not caught out like before.

When Celestia says ‘little ponies‘ she means it warmly, with love, when this guy says it..well..no. “I don’t believe we have anything to talk about Ambassador, you haven’t scheduled anything, and I think it would be improper without the Princesses knowing of this.” There, calm, cool, collected.

“They’ll know when you tell them I’m sure.” He turns, taking a few steps and then turning back, retracing his path, pacing in front of us. “Until then, we talk of tariffs, and the Vale.”

“Once again Ambassador, we will not. This can wait until the Princesses return.”

“When will that be exactly?”

“Tomorrow at the latest.” We’re still hoping.

“No, too late, we will talk of things now.” He slams a cloven hoof into the floor with a crack, another sneer crossing his face.

“Ambassador, I’m afraid we’ll have to decline.” I’m not impressed with the veiled threats really, but I am trying my best, Crusader is always so good at these things.

“I think not, according to our treaty we are allowed to discuss terms any time we wish.” He’s right, I do know that.

“Then what exactly do you want to talk about?” Twilight’s voice.

“A lowering of tariffs and the return of the Vale, immediately.” He’s still smiling nastily, thumping a cloven hoof on the floor and reiterating his demands, because they sure aren’t requests. “A decrease of ten percent and then the entirety of the Vale back to the Khanate.”

He’s good, ten percent lowering of tariffs would allow an increasing flow of money into the Khanate to help build another war machine. It’s simple math, and seeing their culture, would not be a good thing. As for the Vale, it’s a strategic point, a buffer between the two countries, allowing for space and time to keep the peace.

Celestia is brilliant, taxing imports and exports enough to keep them in goods, but not allowing much extra for anything other than to keep their citizens happy. This must really gall the Khan.

Good.

Twilight starts to reply and I lay a gentle pressure along her shoulder. She stops, looking at me as I stare at the Minotaur.

“No.”

“What? You refuse?” He’s not happy now, but it is the only thing I can do, otherwise I will throw centuries of negotiations out of whack.

“Correct. There will be no lowering of the tariffs, and the Vale will remain in Equestria’s possession for the foreseeable future.” Satin looks at me in surprise, hearing the steel in my voice.

“You are tempting fate little pony.” He points at me as I try to maintain some semblance of being in control. There are still many things I don’t know and the lack may hurt.

“No, I am maintaining a peace which has held for centuries, nothing more.”

“Bah, you don’t even have the strength of the Princesses. I demand a lowering, and a return of the Vale, otherwise, we will face off you and I.” He crosses the thick arms along his chest once more.

Twilight is thinking wildly, I can see her eyes jerking slightly as she’s scrolling through memories. I do the same, finding the clause in the treaty for resolution of disputes, one of them is trial by combat. Not having been invoked since the treaty was established, it fell out of use centuries ago, the magic the sisters wielded was too powerful to overcome, hence the Minotaurs...

I see it, I see it far too late. He thinks I’m just a Pegasus, no magic, just wings. If he defeats me, he will win the dispute, gaining the right to a lowering and return of land.

Stars I’ve been an idiot, I didn’t think it would be invoked, not realizing he only saw me as a pony with no magic whatsoever. He thinks he can overpower a simple mare, and win prestige for his Khan. Stupid stupid me. We’ve kept my existence close, though they probably know of Crusader by now with dealings before, but myself as a pony... I really hadn’t thought, and now, I’ve blown it.

Now I know why Crusader despises politics.

“Then it will have to be, you will not receive a decrease nor the return of land.”

The laughter that follows is hollow and hard on the ears, “Fine, then in one hour you will face me under Clause Two, Section Three of the Treaty of Vale!” He points a thick finger my way, “I assure you ‘little pony’, you will meet your fate then.” He turns and stomps out, leaving an aghast Twilight looking at me.

“You know what he..”

“I know Twilight, I missed it. It’s my fault.”

Her voice is plaintive, “What do we do?”

“We go fight.”

I’ve never eaten so fast in my life, chowing down on anything I can get a hold of to up my reaction mass, making sure I have more than enough. Ugh, I feel full. The time of resolution is up to the challenger, hence the hour, he’s rushing it thinking I won’t have time to prepare.

A private open space is waiting for us as we walk down the steps in a secluded area of the castle, heading for the impromptu arena. The Guards Commander was absolutely livid, but once I explained it couldn’t be helped he understood, it was the treaty, it had to be upheld or everything the Sisters had done with the Khanate would fall apart.

Satin is about to have a nervous breakdown, even after I reassured her it would be fine. She’s become a wonderful friend, really she is, she just needs to calm down a bit.

He’s waiting in the cleared area, surrounded by guards that are making sure there are no onlookers as well as keeping that stupid photographer away. That would be all we need, seeing pictures of this everywhere.

There’s got to be another way, something different, something..not...me. This is happening fast, he’s pushing everything so as to make sure he gets what he wants. I am thinking as quickly as I can, how to solve this, how to do it.. not my way..

Everything’s in place, the Minotaur cracking his knuckles like it’s impressive or something. Hope he gets arthritis later, serve him right. Before I step into the circle, the Herald has to do his thing.

“Per the Treaty of Vale as Signed in the Year Twenty-Five of Equestria, the Ambassador of the Khanate has declared trial by combat as resolution to dispute over Tariffs and the Vale of Dreams, do you both so agree this is true?”

We nod.

“As per the treaty, combat ends when one opponent surrenders, or is declared unable to continue. The winner will choose a resolution of the disputed parts of the treaty to their satisfaction.”

Polite way of saying the winner gets to grab a whole bunch of stuff.

Twilight taps my shoulder, “Are you sure about this?”

“I can’t do anything else, he invoked the treaty. If I don’t, all that work gets blown away, I’m sorry Twilight I really messed up.” I can’t help it, I feel guilty and stupid that I missed this simple thing.

“Well...” She grins, “Just don’t hurt him too badly.” She winks at me, nudging with a wing as I feel a whole lot better for some reason.

“I’ll try not to.” I give her my best face, stepping into the area as the Herald clears it, marking the start of combat.

I can’t help but give half a smile, seeing him flex, showing off the biceps that bunch under the thick skin. His cloven hooves stamping the ground, making a real show of it. Sometimes intimidating an opponent can end a battle just as quickly as physical violence, but I am at peace. It is to be personal combat, no weapons other than what we already have naturally.

His middle is covered in a heavy fur, down his legs leading to hooves that gleam sharp and look deadly. His skin is rough, but thick, leading me to think he can turn blows easily if not powerful enough. But everything has joints, weak spots, places you can incapacitate them with. A little pressure and they go popping like corn in a kettle, though the results are usually permanent.

I don’t want to do this. Memories of Manehatten, the creatures in the forest, so many fights, so much anger. I just don’t... I just don’t want it anymore. No, I will not injure him, nor anything else permanently unless I am forced.

His eyes are narrow, grinning at me, “I’ve heard the stories little pony Princess, how you’re fast as lightning, the things you’ve supposedly done, but we both know how things grow in the telling don’t they?”

I don’t reply, anything I could say might be taken as braggadocio, and I really don’t want that.

He stretches his arms out, “Nothing to say? A simple answer maybe? Perhaps the tales are just that. Nothing more than a pony trying to make herself seem larger than life.”

Looking up at him, I can only remain calm, “Believe what you wish.”

“I shall, and in doing so I will prove that legends are meager musings in reality.”

I can see his whole body tensing, yep, it’s time.

Here he comes, heading right for me, he’s telegraphing a swing with his fisted hand, allowing me a few precious moments to plot something. By the time he starts his move I’m done, this is the way, this is right.

A roar that startles everypony comes from the bovine muzzle, thick arm swinging in an arc that’s meant to land on top of my back, breaking bones and an opponent before the fight starts. But it only hits the dirt, because I’m not there.

He blinks before he finishes a hit, it’s a great tell, giving me time to slip to the side, making sure I’m not anywhere near the bunched fist when he hits the hard packed dirt. I hear the bones creak, it really was a good shot, powerful too, the dirt should be fearing for it’s life.

I giggle at that thought, I can’t stop myself, making him turn to see me behind him chuckling in delight. Oh well, he thinks I’m doing it at him, here he comes. Yeah he’s pretty mad, not even seeing me move, steam coming out the nostrils in the chill air as he rushes at me once more.

It’s easy to see the angles, what he’s trying to do. But..I don’t want to hit him, injure him, even kill him. All I’d need to do is knock his knee joint out with a good kick, he’d be crippled for life, fight over.

As I see Twilight and Satin watching anxiously from the sidelines, it makes me realize I’m in a different position. I can’t blithely hurt, or even kill, there is a better way without permanent injury. I can do this.

So I dodge, sometimes with a smile, other times a simple look on my face, I’m just not there to be hit. Oh he gets close, he does, but I’m faster, leaving the kicks and punches behind, or even knocking one or two aside when he gets close, which is more times than I wanted. But when you’re just trying to avoid things, you tend to cut it close.

He’s panting, yelling at me in the still air, calling me a few inventive names. His chest is heaving after twenty minutes of me running rings around him. I know what it’s like, being that angry, being so mad you want nothing more than to hurt, oh yes I know.

But that’s okay, he’ll get over it.

He comes at me from a new angle as I leap in the air, knocking a fist aside with a back hoof and tumbling backwards to....

PAIN! My pain sensors go into overload as I get kicked by a sharpened hoof, cutting into my midsection and making me scream out loud. He caught me out, I got overconfident and paid for it in spades, it’s a good hit.

Oh Celestia it hurts as I skid along the ground on my side, my body slamming up into a marble column, hearing Twilight’s voice yelling my name.

Nanosystems are already on it, making sure nothing critical is down as I try to get back up, my gyros and balance knocked for a complete loop as I shut down my pain sensors, resetting them and silencing the alarms. My wing is damaged, but that’s okay too, it’ll get repaired.

Oh you ought to see his eyes when I stand once more, wide and wondering, surprised aren’t you? Yeah, I’m pretty durable. You oughta meet my brother, he’d just pound you to a pulp. Lucky it’s me then, I’m the nice one.

He’s trying to press the attack, rushing me, but everything’s working fine so I can slip right underneath the next swing. I give him a shot in a leg joint as I go by, seeing him go down for a second, one for one, it’s fair. Not crippling, but I do notice in his eyes he knows it could have been much, much worse.

He’s a lot faster than I thought. Figured he was slow and heavy, got careless, but that’s all right. I keep my screen off, the energy dispersal if he hit me would blow his hand clean off, I don’t want that.

It’s truly hard not to keep grinning, because now I see Satin and Twilight on the sidelines jumping in the air and rooting for me. How can I let them down?

His chest is heaving now, we’ve been at this for close to three-quarters of an hour. I can see the clouds from heated breath as he keeps swinging, or trying to bull-rush me. He’s not going for injuries anymore, an analysis of his change in tactics show he’s trying to kill me.

Whoops! Almost got gored there, I gotta watch those horns, wide and off to the sides they can swing out of nowhere. Those sharpened points can’t go deep enough to hit critical systems, but they’ll sure make a mess of things.

Twilight watches the sable blur avoiding everything the Ambassador can launch, smiling and leaping around, making sure she doesn’t get hit in any way. She and Satin worried when they saw Athena get broadsided by a kick from the cloven hooves, sliding into a column with a cracking sound.

But it wasn’t broken bones, it was the marble that showed crazed lines from the impact.

I keep forgetting she’s made a lot differently than we are. Wow.

The look on that Minotaur’s face when she got back up made them both giggle out loud, though to be honest it wasn’t quite proper to do so.

She can see the guards watching the fight as well, their eyes following every move that Athena makes. Leaping along the cleared area, using her wings to help pivot, she’s a sight to see as she goes rushing by them.

But she’s not fighting back! Oh she got in one shot, but she’s not doing anything harmful. I get it, I get it now.

“Why isn’t she fighting back?” Satin voices what Twilight’s thinking. Her hooves twisting along with a worried look on her face.

“She doesn’t want to, she’s just tiring him out, trying to get him to give up.”

“Huh? But he’s really trying to hurt her.”

Twilight smiles at the worried Unicorn, “Athena knows that, so she’s showing him we choose not to hurt anypony. We don’t have to.”

Her eyes light up, “I got it! That we can still win without fighting!”

“Yep!”

He’s slowing, it’s getting more noticeable as I start timing his swings and rushes. The Ambassador doesn’t have much stamina, admittedly he’s lasted longer than I thought. Fights must be a short affair in the Khanate, showing strength and toughness over agility.

The right training they’d be a pretty formidable force, but due to their expansionist tendencies, I can see why Princess Celestia chose to do what she did in the treaty.

Those prank playing Sisters are sneakier than I’ve given them credit for, I think I’d better be a lot more careful around them from now on.

There he goes. Using one hand on the ground to hold himself up I wait politely for him to catch his breath. He’s not getting enough oxygen anymore to give him what he needs, his body is using it too quickly.

“Are we done?” I see his ears prick up at my voice, I’m not even out of breath.

“You..are a coward....”

“No, I just didn’t fight the same way you do.” I start walking around him slowly, keeping a close watch for the bunching of muscles that tells me of a swing or movement, “You were trying to kill me, I won’t return the favor.”

“You...should be... broken..”

“But I’m not. I am still standing while you are worn and tired.” I complete my circle, standing in front of him once more, “I repeat, are we done?”

The slight narrowing of his eyes shows me the answer as I leap upwards, watching the slowed arm pass through the space where I was, coming back down I tap his nose with a hoof, ending back exactly as I was standing previously, seeing him snort and looking woozy.

He just glares at me for a moment as I wait, I watch him nod ever so slightly, making the required signal to the Herald.

As the announcement is made, he gets back up, he’s bent but not broken, which is good. I don’t want to break anyone, a hurt to the mind lasts far longer than one to the body, I know that all too well.

The Herald interrupts our moment of silence, “Your Highness, your resolution?”

“The treaty stands as is.” I keep my eyes on the Minotaur.

“Thank you Your Highness.” He runs off to make sure the archivists know of the decision and to record it.

I motion to Twilight and Satin to stay back, gesturing to the Ambassador to accompany me to a short marble column nearby. I wait politely as he stands back up, taking gulping breaths to replenish himself.

“I want you to understand something.” His eyes follow me as I turn in one smooth movement, knocking a large chunk out of the sculpted stone with my fore hoof and returning exactly to how I was standing before. He watches how very little effort it takes me to do this, part of the column gone in a single hit.

Before he can say anything I smile, “But it’s not like this ever happened right? I mean, I’d offer to get some Kumiss and we could go have a quiet drink, but finding the right ingredients would be very awkward.” I gesture around with my hoof, “It’s such a pretty day, don’t you think?”

He gets it. I can see the realization in his eyes.

Nodding slowly, the heavy head tilts for a second, his rumbling voice more somber than before, “I think it would be a beautiful day for a walk in the gardens would it not?” He clasps calloused hands behind his back, looking at me with inquisitive eyes. His voice though, deep as it is, takes a lower tone, “What are you?”

I grin up at him, “I’m just a little pony.”

He stands there staring at me, I don’t know what’s going through his mind, I wish I did, but I am hopeful. Please accept it, please.

My heart leaps inside me as he nods once more.

I nod in return, turning to leave him to his thoughts, but before I go I just can’t resist, “Oh, you might want to try a spoon next time, the rice tastes so much better that way.”

Pausing for a moment, he eyes me with what I think might not a good thought, “I will take that under advisement Your Highness, have a pleasant day.” He bows very slightly to me before turning and walking slowly into the gardens, head still high, unbowed, but hopefully with a better understanding of Equestria.

I did it! Oh Crusader you’d be so proud of me! No pain, no hurt, just..just maybe an understanding?

A voice on my left makes me almost jump out of my skin, “What’s Kumiss?” Twilight’s looking curious along with Satin.

Oh fer....

“Oh that looks painful!” Satin’s voice is worried as Twilight helps me bandage the cut in my midsection.

I give her a reassuring smile, “It’ll be gone in a while, but I can’t walk around looking like my guts might fall out.”

“Oh ew!” Her nose scrunches up at that thought.

Twilight finishes with a last pat, letting me stand up again, “There we go, all done.”

Stretching out my body proves it’s a good job, it’ll allow me to see if I can use internals to fix it, shouldn’t be too hard, be patched in no time. My wing however is useless, bent and clamped against a side by my muscles, it’ll have to be repaired later. For now it looks fine.

“Oh! Time for lunch, wow I can’t believe it’s that late already!” Satin’s scurrying around, making sure the rooms in order as Twilight and I get up to hit the dining room. We actually have a more private one, but I like eating with other folks now, and the kitchen staff is doing awesome things with the food nowadays.

Yes, you can thank yours truly.

It’s not very far, but I do notice odd glances from the maids and such as we head towards the smell of cooking, “Twilight, you told everypony there that what happened was a secret right? Got their words?”

She nods, noticing the same thing, “Oh yes, PEO, Princess Eyes Only on the record, and nopony’s going to say anything.”

“Then why are we getting these looks?” I peek at my bandage, not really that noticeable.

Satin is wondering as well as we enter the dining area, silence falls like a ton of bricks as every eye in the place glances at us, smiles spreading like wildfire.

“What the hay is going on?” She’s whispering at Twilight and I.

The voices start up again, the atmosphere returning to somewhat of a semblance of normality, but we’re still getting a few odd looks here and there.

“Maybe rumors, you know how those things spread.” I’m not worried as we place our orders, I am really wanting some noodles and a big salad, and just anything I can get my teeth into right now.

“Well true, but it’s kinda odd.” Satin is playing with a salt shaker.

Twilight shrugs, “We’ll find out, eventually it’ll..”

A waiter stops by, dropping a paper covered parcel on the table, “Highnesses, your copies of the latest Princess Today for you.” He moves on to the next table, dropping off plates of edibles.

“They have a magazine called Princess Today?” I knew they had reading materials like magazines, but never really paid much attention.

“Oh yes!” Satin is gleefully ripping the cover off of one, “It shows everything about the Princesses, they set a lot of fashion trends you know!”

“Huh, I ought to pay more attention.” But I’m not as a large bowl of fresh salad is placed before me and all I can think about is.... the juice that hits my face as Twilight chokes.

Wiping myself off with a napkin, I can see she’s spluttering at something, “What was that for?”

She points a shaky hoof at the magazine Satin is holding, my face plastered bigger than life on the cover, in the shower, posing like a..like... oh no.... Satin is shocked as well, now that we all realize what the looks were for.

Blazoned across the front is the headline, “Intimate Princess Moments! The Wet Look is Fashion Fabulous!”

I can’t say anything, literally and figuratively, I cannot say a single word as we all stare at the glossy photo of me posing with eyes half-lidded and my hooves pushing my mane up seductively under the shower on the cover of the freshly printed magazine. At least it’s only a upper body shot? ..At least?

“Twilight...how big is the circulation of ...”

“All over Equestria, it’s the top magazine.”

That means wherever Celestia and Luna are, they could be seeing this right now.

I am so in trouble.

Satin though, definitely a saving grace, “But you look really pretty.” Twilight and I stare at her, mouths agape as she giggles, “Well you do!”

Setting the magazine down, she flips through it, “At least it’s nothing too bad, I mean you..” Stopping, we watch her mouth drop open like ours, “Oh no...”

“What? What?” Twilight and I scramble for the extra copies, slapping them open and flipping through to the ..huge.. color middle section.

And there we are in all our glory, dancing in the bedroom and looking for all the world like some stage act somewhere. I do admit we look pretty good though, I mean, have to be honest and all.

“No! How did she even...” I see the angle, a closet? “She stopped using a flash! That sneaky...” I’m looking at a picture of all three of us, leaning elbows on the bed and looking over our opposite shoulders in the soft glow from candlelight, Cutie Marks prominent as well as a good slice of backside from what our tails don’t cover, “I’m going to kill her.” It’s not a bad photo, just..well.. a lot sexier than it should be, darn that photog could make bugs look awesome.

Twilight’s trying not to go apoplectic, “My Mom subscribes to this..”

Satin’s voice is very small, “What are my friends going to think?”

Twilight and I look at each other suddenly, both saying at the same time, “Ponyville!”

“Hey! Did you guys see the latest issue of Princess Today?” Rainbow Dash is hovering above us after flying in as we are all setting in the castle kitchen, checking on Spike has been pleasant, he’s a good steward.

It’s odd not hearing my sister, but if she calls, I will be there. With the networks down for the time being, it’s nice to talk face to face nowadays.

Applejack and I are preparing lunch for all the gathered friends, a quiet time together chatting about things. Pinkie suggested it, we all thought it a wonderful idea.

Rarity waves a hoof, “Oh the usual I’m sure, some tabloid mania and nothing worth reading probably.”

Rainbow smiles slyly, “I think you better look.” She holds out the magazine, showing the cover in full glossy color, the headline bold and standing out over the picture.

Fluttershy gasps at seeing the face presented, alongside with Rarity and Pinkie who stops her bouncing around for a moment.

Noticing the reactions, I glance upward to see.. Is that Athena? Applejack drops the plate she was holding with a crash.

Spike looks at it in awe, “Wow, she looks really nice.”

Rarity flips it open after grabbing the magazine from Rainbow, she inhales sharply, holding a hoof over her mouth with a stunned look back up at us, turning the magazine around to show us what’s inside.

Fluttershy immediately covers Spike’s eyes and grips him tight.

Applejack is incredulous, “What the hay is goin’ on up there?”

“It’s too late, they were out hours ago, they know,” Twilight is looking nervous, “Oh what are they going to think?” She’s tapping her hooves together lightly, staring at the pictures.

“But we were just having fun.” Satin’s face is worried as well, clutching the magazine tightly.

“Maybe it’ll blow over soon, how often is this printed?” I’m trying not to think of what Crusader and everypony is wondering back home.

“Every three months, they keep the latest issue in circulation until then.” Twilight sighs, leaning her cheek on a hoof.

“Well it can’t be that bad. I mean it’s fashion, they’re like everyday things, in one minute and out the next.”

The blue Unicorn shakes her head, “No, everypony watches what the Princesses do, they set the trends for years.”

“Oh good grief.” I point to a picture, another one of me in the shower, “Do they do this with Celestia and Luna?”

“Oh no, they aren’t allowed.”

“Then how come..come....?” I can’t even express anything, waving at the magazine.

“Well they gave her all access, I guess nopony thought she’d do this kind of thing, they’ve always wanted pictures of private moments.” Satin is trying to look brave.

“Well they darn sure have them now!” I slap the table with a hoof, catching a tomato as it flies through the air and chomping on it.

A timid voice comes from beside our table, making Twilight and I both look up, “Princess?”

“Yes?” We smile, having both answered, seeing a mare standing there with the magazine in her hooves.

“Uhm.. Could I...get your autographs?” She holds out the fresh magazine, looking at all three of us, “I mean, if that’s all right?” We can see others in the dining room, watching her closely, she must’ve been the one chosen to try.

A glimmer of something comes to mind, as I take the quill from her, “You know what? Yes, I will sign this.” My writing needs work, but I do my best with a flourish.

She grins happily, turning to Satin, “Please?” Holding out the quill to the astonished mare.

“Me?” She watches the Earth pony asking, receiving a nod. “But..you don’t need my autograph Dulcimer, I..I’m..just a maid too!”

”But you look so pretty in the magazine, please? Please?” The look on her face is endearing.

Taking the quill in her magic, Satin signs it quickly, getting a hug from the mare, “Thank you!” Turning to Twilight, the Alicorn already has a quill lifted, signing under her part of the picture.

“Thank you SO much!” She runs off in delight, we watch her friends gathering around her and looking at the signatures.

Twilight nudges me, “What are you thinking?”

I give her a grin I usually reserve for those I’m about to do away with, “I’ve got a plan.”

Another stack of parchment awaits us in the apartments. Canceling everything during lunch, we rushed back after I told the Majordomo what I needed. Twilight knows the drill, we scan the pages quickly, letting them process as I sit there for a moment, a smile getting bigger on my face as the seconds tick by.

“What are you doing?” Satin’s been watching the whole process.

“I’ve got Equestrian copyright law, now I know why no pictures of the Princesses ever showed up. They get a cut of everything that uses their likeness, if it’s a private moment or supposed to be.” I process a moment more, “They’re public figures, so anything normal like out in a park is fine, no problems, but this..” I point to us dancing, “Is a big no-no, they blew it.”

Tapping a hoof on her chin, Twilight looks at me narrowly, “So you mean....”

“We can’t take them back, but we’re gonna make some serious money. We are going to own them.”

Satin looks at us like we’re crazy as we both laugh evilly.

“But I’m not supposed to dress like this!” Satin is pouting in the mirror, “I’m a Hoofmaiden!”

“Oh quit it, you look fine.” I finish putting a jeweled band around her tail, she’s got a natural fluffiness to her mane and tail like Pinkie’s, so it looks really nice.

A choker around her neck sets off her blue coloring nicely, Twilight is adding a slight amount of eye-shadow with precision movements of her magic, she’s really good at this.. We’re dressing up, not regally, but just up, way up. We’re going to make this whole situation turn around.

“I didn’t know you could do makeup that well.” I watch her use very light brushstrokes.

“Rarity taught me, if anypony knows, she does.” The Alicorn smiles, already having done herself and me, both of us looking more..well..sassy than usual. She’s wearing a simple chain and pendant, plus a jeweled band as well, matching mine and Satin’s.

“Why do we have to do this anyways?” Satin’s blinking her eyes, making sure the eyeliner works, it’s beautiful, just enough to make it noticeable. “I mean, it doesn’t look bad, but aren’t we supposed to be..well..more formal?”

Waving a hoof, I walk to the window, seeing ponies wandering around, plus a large crowd of photographers, “If you get caught out doing something, own it.” Turning to see her looking at me in puzzlement, “I mean make it yours, don’t let anypony else direct where it goes.” I grin, “That and it’s part of catching that stupid Photo Finish. She can’t possibly resist getting photos of us looking like this.”

She nods as I hold up the magazine, showing a picture of herself in candle light, eyes closed, twisting around with her hooves above her head, “And you’re pretty! There’s probably a million ponies wanting your autograph or a date right now.”

She blushes a deep red, trying to hunker down to make a smaller profile, “I dunno..”

“Even if it blows over tomorrow, how often do you get to act like a star?” I toss a hoof out, “Trust me, right now I want to hide in the closet and not come out, but I think we can do this.”

“You? Really?”

Twilight nods, making sure her mane is staying put, “Oh yes, she’s so shy sometimes you wouldn’t have believed it.”

“That can’t be true.” Satin is looking at both of us, trying to see if we’re pulling her tail.

“It is, but they put me in this position, so you know, I’m going to do this.” Shaking myself out, the bandage is gone now, repairs were made while we waited so at least there is that. Outer covering is easy to do, thank goodness. “So forget anything else, just..well..have fun!”

Twilight nods, “But first, we’ve got a score to settle with the publishers, they should be waiting right now.” They had been summoned immediately while we made ourselves up, told to report to the throne as soon as possible from their offices in Canterlot.

“And remember,” I make sure Satin is okay, looking her over, “It’s not what you wear, it’s how you hold yourself.” I walk across the room, giving a little more swing in my hips, a saucy flick or two of my tail, “See? Don’t overdo it, just gentle things, a tiny bit here and there.”

“How come you never did this before?” Twilight’s checking her chain and pendant.

“I..well I just never needed it. You know, I just liked being me..”

“I think it’s great, shows a whole new side.” She smiles, giving me a wing nudge, “That doesn’t mean I didn’t like the old you, but maybe once in a while..” Her eyes catch mine as I nod.

“I get it, I can do that.”

“Good, now let’s go out there and show those ponies the three best looking mares in Equestria!” Twilight fires her magic up, opening the door as we follow.

“Your Highnesses? You requested our presence?” The editor is sweating buckets, knowing exactly why he and the owner were summoned. Twilight is handling this one, she’s got a serious streak a mile wide when somepony messes with her, even though she’s not supposed to, it’s all her.

We, and I will say it, look glamorous. Sitting on the throne and looking for all the world like pony pop stars. Livin’ the dream! Entering the throne room like we owned it, a few gasps from onlookers who were watching. I’m telling you, it’s fun, really fun, looking like you’re walking down the red carpet. Setting on the seats like nothing in the world can bother you.

Satin though, took my words to heart and gave the best performance ever, sassy was the word of the day, flicking her tail and eyeing ponies as we walked in. Yeah, she’s got it down. Twilight too actually, she can do regal well when she thinks about it, I think Celestia would have been just a bit surprised at her former student.

Divas of Canterlot, yep, Crusader’s gonna definitely wonder. I’ll explain, he’ll laugh, we’ll have a good time.

But for now, Twilight stands at the end of the dais, looking at two stallions who are fidgeting uncomfortably under her glare.

“We did, and you know why.” She stamps a hoof, “What ever possessed you to print those pictures, knowing copyright law?”

“Well..well you see..we never got inside pictures before, and they were so good we just had to publish them!” The owner is nervous enough trying to justify his magazine breaking the law.

“So you thought... Well you hoped we wouldn’t go digging and hold you accountable?” She perks her ears, looking fierce, “Very bad move.”

She stalks along the edge of the dias, tapping a hoof occasionally on her chin, “You have a choice.”

Seeing a solution, they both look eager, “Yes Your Highness?”

“One, recall all the magazines for destruction.” She stops them, seeing the protest rising, “Two, print a total retraction.” Once again, she halts them, “Or three, obey Equestrian Law. That means anything that comes from those pictures, including advertising profits or sales of anything even remotely associated with them, the Crown gets a cut.”

She sets on the second throne lightly, “Which will it be?”

“She’s really good.” I nod as Satin whispers to me.

“Uhm, number three if you please Your Highness.” Both of them nod, knowing a recall or retraction would destroy them financially or reputation-wise.

“Good. The Crown will hereby get a...” She pauses dramatically, “Thirty-five percent cut of all profits.”

I almost laugh, covering it with a polite cough as Satin’s eyes get wide. You can see the two ponies almost choking on the amount that would be. We’d been advised that the sales of this issue have already skyrocketed because of the pictures, showing a side of Princesses nopony has ever seen. The presses have already done a second and third run with more to come. They are making a bundle, and thirty-five percent is going to really cut into it.

Too bad.

“But..Your Highness...” He stops, seeing the look on Twilight’s face.

“Yes?” Wow, she does steely really well.

“That..that would be fine Your Highness, thank you.”

“The contracts are awaiting you outside, I assure you the Crown legal teams have looked it over and it is iron-clad. Do not even think about doing this again.” Twilight stamps a hoof, ending the audience with a stern finality and watching the two ponies high tail it out.

Watching the door close, she turns to us with a giggle, “How was that?”

Satin grins, clapping her hooves, “You were perfect!”

I nod, stamping my own, “Oh definitely, Princess all the way!”

She sits back down, “Now, just one more thing, how do we find that photographer? I mean we sent a summons, but nopony can find her to give her the word!”

Satin shrugs, “I don’t know, no pony has seen her since the last time she took photos, she’s got to be around.”

“There’s got to be a way..” I really hope this works, we sound like a bad soap opera.

I pose on the throne, looking as model-ish as I can be, “How’s this? Wouldn’t it make for a great photo?” I look at them, hoping they get it. The guards though, there is definitely some turning of eyes.

“Oh yeah, what about this?” Satin turns slightly, winking one eye slowly, “Good enough?” She lifts a foreleg up, posing beside the larger throne.

“Oh that is definitely photo worthy Satin, Maybe..” Twilight is interrupted by a flash, nearly catching us off guard. That Photo Finish is so quiet even I didn’t pick up on her, dang, she’s really good.

“Yes! Zat is perfekt! Ze zezxy! Time to zhow ze perfektion of Princessness!” Her crew rushes around as flashbulbs continue to go off, “Oh yes! Zhow us your lines, your grace!”

We wait until the last moment.

“Enough! I go!” She prepares to move out.

“GET HER!”

Oh yeah, the Guards were ready this time, piling onto the crew as they try to take her into custody so we can have a little talk. We wait for a moment as the dust settles down, seeing nothing but a pile of armor and..wait a second...

“Where is she? Where’s the crew?” Twilight is stunned, watching the guards untangle themselves.

Seeing nothing but a few lights, no crew, no photographer, Twilight looks flustered, “Oh you’ve got to be kidding me!”

That’s it.

I stamp a hoof on the throne, standing up as tall as I can, “You know what, no more fooling around. I don’t know where you are but you forced me to do this!” I’m yelling at the room, “I’m getting out the big guns, and you better tremble in your horse shoes you stupid photographer!”

Twilight and Satin look shocked, seeing me yell, though I’m not really angry..sort of, “Now, calm down Athena, don’t get mad.” Twilight knows exactly what I can do.

“Oh no! I’m done with this!” Pointing at a guard, “Get a chariot ready to go to Ponyville, I want you to bring back..”

I can see the questioning in Twilight’s face, expecting something truly horrendous.

“...Pinkie Pie!”

She gets a deadpan look as I stand there dramatically, the guard rushing to obey. “Really? Pinkie?”

I give her a look, knowing she knows what Pinkie can do, “What? If anypony can find her, she can!”

“Pinkie? Seriously?”

“You’re ruining my moment here, trust me.” Satin giggles as I sit down, “Really, that was a good moment.”

“Yeah right.” She rolls her eyes while looking at Satin, twirling a hoof by her head.

“Hey!”

We haven’t got anything to do really, the day has been cleared, it’ll be a couple hours until Pinkie arrives anyways. So...what to do?

Well first, a little us time. Talk about a rush of days. It hasn’t been boring, one thing I can truly, honestly say, never boring.

We’re eating in our private dining area, enjoying some down time, the service is excellent, everything is nice and quiet.

“Twilight, any word on contacting the Princesses?” I’m hoping because they are due back tonight some time.

“Nothing, we better be prepared to hang on a while.”

“Ugh, figured as much. We’ll be fine though, we can do this.” I do feel that way, I honestly do.

“We can!” Grinning as she digs into a daisy sandwich, of all the things she could order, “We can do anything.”

“Well if that’s true, let’s go shopping!” Satin’s suggestion makes us both look up from our plates.

“Huh?” Brilliant riposte there Athena.

“Let’s go shopping! C’mon we haven’t left here in days, let’s go out, hit a club, go shopping!” She’s grinning madly, waving a fork around with her magic. “Do something! We’re all dressed up, why waste it?”

Twilight nods, setting her own fork down, “You know, that sounds like fun. It’ll be a while until Pinkie arrives. Let’s go do something.” She points at me, “You know I was just fine staying at home reading a book most days, but noooo.”

“What? I didn’t do anything.” I give her the best innocent look I can to Satin’s laugh.

“Oh!” The Unicorn gets up, “I’ve got to make sure everything’s caught up before we go!” She’s out the door before we can say anything, Twilight grinning as she watches her leave, heading for her old quarters where the schedule for the workers are kept, her job to make sure the apartments are kept in good condition as well as Hoofmaiden duties..

“Didn’t tell her did you Twilight?”

“Nooo, not yet.” She bounces a bit, “I think she’ll be surprised.”

“You’re an awesome friend Twilight, don’t let anypony ever tell you different.”

Twilight, in hammering out the contract with the legal team, had added an extra five percent for Satin because of the pictures taken without her knowledge. Hitting the publishers for a staggering forty-percent, though there were certainly no protests.

But I do have a caveat, “I also think you’re a lot more vicious than some ponies ever suspect.”

She waves me off, “Oh nono, I couldn’t ever be mean.” Ending that with a smile that would make you wonder, “I mean, I AM the Princess of Friendship!”

“Uh huh... Riiiight.” I can’t help but laugh.

Fifteen minutes pass, no Satin yet as Twilight gives me a puzzled look, “Where is she?”

“I don’t know, let’s go find her and get going.”

“Good enough!” The Alicorn bounces out the door, it’s nice seeing her relaxed.

Wandering along the hallway, we can’t spot her anywhere. Odd that, she’s always punctual. We round the corner to her old quarters, voices low and vicious are coming from inside. Oh yes, those two again.

“Look, I’ve got to get going, I just wanted to make sure everything was okay.” Satin’s voice, sounding nervous.

Twilight stops, peeking around the corner for a moment. Joining her, we see Satin backing up slightly, talking to a few others.

“Too busy with your sucking up to royalty then?” I sigh..the same voice from before. I’ve been so busy with things it never occurred to me what would happen with her.

Actions have consequences, down to even this. I get so caught up in things I don’t plan for them, I always depended on Crusader for that because he’s good at the details. I’ve got to start paying attention, more attention than I have, this shouldn’t happen.

I step forward, wanting to head around the corner when Twilight stops me, “You can’t be there all the time,” she whispers.

“I know, but this is my fault, I have to correct it.”

“It’ll be fine, she’s a strong mare, just wait.”

I‘m not happy with that, but I trust Twilight, “All right.”

We listen, the others berating her for making up stories about being a confidant of Twilight and I. It’s true that she has become a good friend, but from their point of view more like ingratiating herself.

“They keep me busy! I’m not doing anything wrong!” A hoof is stamped, showing pique.

“Oh yeah?” Another voice, “Then why are you wearing that stuff? Going clubbing with the Princesses and borrowing their jewels?”

“They gave..it..” Silence for a moment, “You know what, I don’t have to explain myself to you! That’s all I’ve done since they asked me if I’d take the job. I don’t care what you think, I’m not doing it anymore!”

Good for her! Go get ‘em Satin!

There starts one really good argument, Satin is holding her own beautifully as she turns the tables on her accusers. Twilight and I are listening in case of any problems, but it seems she has things well on her side.

Satin is calm, but she is stalwart as well, you can tell by the way she puts her words. She’s not backing up anymore and that’s fine with me.

“...And this choker? They gave it to me and I think it’s one of the prettiest things I’ve ever owned! Just because you can’t be honest and say you’d like one for yourself doesn’t allow you to be mean every time I come here!”

“So what happens when the Regent’s gone? Going to try to keep your new status?” The voice is mocking.

“No. I’m going to take care of the apartments like I always have. Cleaning things and washing things, it makes no difference. I do my job and I do it well!” Another hoof stamp. “But I’m not going to let you ruin what has been a wonderful time in my life, Sugar Sweet is still my friend along with others, and they are happy for me!”

Twilight’s pumping a hoof, “Yeah! You tell ‘em!”

“Twilight stop that!” We’re both giggling, trying not to reveal ourselves.

Heavy steps come down the hallway, silencing the argument for a moment as a rumbling voice reaches our ears. We both peek around the corner to see Ambassador Strong stopping by the alcove where Satin is. His massive form fills the hallway as he stands there, hands clasped behind his back.

“An argument in such a peaceful place?” His voice is deep, it really makes you wonder where it comes from. Sounds like a couple of Bolos I knew from the Regiment.

“My apologies Ambassador, if we’ve disturbed your quiet.” Satin’s voice, taking charge of the situation.

“I have been listening for a few moments. Disturbing, is it not, when one achieves a status that others desire, but then they blame that one for getting such a thing?” A stillness as Twilight looks down at me, and I look up at her shrugging.

“We’re really sorry Ambassador, it won’t happen again.” Satin is doing a good job at trying to keep the peace.

He waves a hand absently, “In the Khanate, we solve problems simply, execution is preferred but we have changed that to leaving them in irons for a goodly period. Too many servants gone, not enough replacements.” The ponies in front of him blanch, backing up nervously at his words.

Twilight’s face is absolutely stunned, I’m sure mine is the exact same. Good Celestia’s name!

“But one thing they are taught, is do not ever question their Khan nor his decisions.” He leans down to face the group of ponies who back up from the blunt-nosed face and gleaming horns, “Your Princess Regent and her esteemed Counselor Princess Twilight Sparkle have made such a decision. I would advise you to take it to heart and do not tempt fate, you may well encounter something truly unexpected.”

We watch him stand back up, turning our way as we pull our heads back from the corner. As he comes even with us we are both standing there trying to look as innocent as possible.. We really stink at it.

“Princess Regent Athena, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Pleasure meeting you here.” His face actually has a slight smile on it while using our titles. He is not chiding, rather a sense of...respect?

“Sword of the Khan Strong, pleasure is ours. Out for a stroll?” Twilight is very formal when she wants to be.

“Yes, I thought I would take in the sights today. It has been a while since I walked the shopping districts.” He pauses, looking us for a moment, “I have been reminded recently that there are still things left to discover in this world.” He nods politely to both of us, heading forward down the hallway once more.

We can only stand silent, watching the large form turn a corner and disappear, Twilight looking at me with eyes full of wonder, “Wow..you just never know do you?” His demeanor, the gracious voice, even the way he almost smiled at both of us has taken her off-guard.

“No..” I shake my head, “No you don’t.”

We both almost jump out of our shoes as Satin’s voice comes from beside us, “Are you guys following me?”

Dangit...

“Oh stop worrying, it’s fine!” Satin is merry as we walk through the district this evening, the shops are still open, the clubs just barely starting, so it’s the right time to catch some fresh air.

“Well I didn’t know it would affect you like that, I really do apologize.” I am worried, her life has been turned upside down because I wanted to get a little revenge. Lesson learned the hard way, it’s not going to happen again I can tell you that.

She trots alongside me, “Really, they’ve always given me a hard time because I’m new. That’s why I liked the apartments, I could do my job and be alone.” She turns a brilliant smile on us, “Then I met you guys! Er..uh Princesses..”

Twilight laughs, “It’s fine.”

“Anyways, Sugar Sweet and I talk when I get the chance, she really would like to meet you, I mean if that’s okay? She’s so nice, but she doesn’t want to seem pushy or anything.”

Twilight nods, glancing at a store display, “Sure, just bring her to the apartments, I mean it’s not like we’re going to toss her out.”

“Oh that’s great! She’s going to just die!” Satin’s mane is bouncing as she nods, “She might want an autograph on the..uh..magazine though.”

I sigh, “Like we’re not used to it by now.”

We had exited the castle, wanting to just go wandering for a while and stretch our legs, chatting and looking forward to just some time out and away. Yep, that went south real quick, starting with the photographers, then the nice ponies wanting autographs. Twilight is too polite as are we all, so we stood for an hour signing and taking photos with anypony who asked, finally getting away when it thinned.

Satin had the time of her life, Twilight and I had nudged her forward to sign autographs or just take pictures with friendly ponies, we did the same. It was fun, never having been the center of attention before, Satin was smiling the whole time.

“Twilight, have you looked into the land thing anymore?” I’ve got to ask, having a moment.

She nods, “Yeah, they’re still researching, but they’ve narrowed it down,we should be hearing something within a day or two.”

“Oh that’s great, that’ll take a load off I tell you.” We stop dead in front of a cake shop, seeing something that would make Pinkie pause.

“Oh we’ve got to try that!” Twilight is peering close at the coconut topped fudge chocolate cake which is just begging to be eaten.

“Didn’t you have enough earlier?” Satin is gazing at the bakery window as well.

“Twilight has a hollow leg for sweets, don’t ask me, but she can put ‘em away.” I admit that cake really does look delicious.

“Yep, and I’m going to get some of that!” She points first, then heads into the door as Satin and I follow. The ringing of a bell as she opens the door telling whoever’s watching the shop that they’ve got customers.

The inside is warm from the ovens, glass showcases with cakes and everything imaginable that can be baked that are so tempting. There are small tables for two or three, empty for now, but we take one nearest the counter, waiting for somepony to show up.

“Oh it smells wonderful in here!” Satin is sniffing the air, “Apple turnovers!” She points to some overstuffed pastries under a glass dome. “I love apple turnovers, they’re so good!”

“You know, if you like apples, we have somepony you ought to meet.” Twilight laughs when I say that, nodding.

“Oh yeah, she’d like you.”

Before Satin can answer a familiar voice rings out, “Hiya guys!” A pink form standing at the table with an apron and a booklet ready to take our order.

“Pinkie?!”

“What are you doing here?” Twilight is puzzled along with myself as Satin looks on.

“Well, I got here early ya know and decided to take a walk before I met you guys, this pony was baking and I told him he was using too much vanilla in the cupcakes, this led to a big ol’ fight too! Should seen it! I won! Anyways, I offered to bake while he took a break and then I got everything in order, that cake out there’s mine by the way, and then I just kinda kept helping cause it’s been so fun, I really meant to meet you guys sooner but this was really important ‘cause when you use vanilla too much it..mmprpghgp.”

Twilight has stuck a hoof in Pinkie’s mouth, stopping her story mid-sentence, “We get it Pinkie.” She pops the hoof back out as Pinkie just grins.

“So what can I get you?”

“Maybe you want to drop the apron and have a seat, we need your help.” I pull up another chair.

“Oh no! I can’t do that, I’m on the clock and it wouldn’t be right to slack off especially after Mister Turnover said he’d be gone for just a few minutes, I really can’t let him down cause a promise is a promise you know! I haven’t even started arranging the shelves in the back...mmrrmrpphphg.”

Satin is giggling at the deadpan look on Twilight’s face, “Pinkie, seriously, sit down.”

The Earth pony nods around the silencing hoof, plopping in the seat.

Twilight removes it again, wiping it on a napkin, “We need your help, there’s this photographer making life a pain in the Cutie Mark; we need to talk to her but she keeps eluding us, can you find her?”

“You mean Photo Finish right? I saw the pictures, you guys looked great!” She grins at all of us blushing around the table.

“Yeah, she wasn’t supposed to take those, but it’s gotten a little out of hoof.”

“Yeah I can see that.” She taps a hoof on her chin, “I think they were nice though, didn’t know you could cut loose Twilight!” She hugs the Alicorn tight as Twilight’s face goes a deep red.

“Anyways,” I continue, “Can you find her?”

“Sure! That’s easy!” She keeps grinning, “She’s right there!” Pointing at the front of the store we all turn in surprise, getting blinded by a flash again. Dangit I have got to install something to stop this!

“Time alone! Time with friends! Ah I see it now, Princesses softer sides! Truly another fine expose’! Ze emotion, ze feels!” The camera goes off again, multiple times, before her usual...

“I go!” Zipping off with her crew, leaving us alone in the store rubbing our eyes.

“Pinkie, we meant find her before she did this again!”

The pink face lights up with a sudden realization, “Ohhhhh, okay!” She stands up with a salute, “I’m on it!” She’s out the door in a blur, suddenly coming back in and slamming plates of cake and turnovers on the table, “I heard you when you came in, here ya go! Tell Mr. Turnover I took another job! Bye!” She’s gone in a flash.

“So...” Satin’s voice is wondering, “That was Pinkie Pie huh?”

“Yeah she’s..”

The door whips open once more, the pink pony grabbing Satin’s hoof and shaking it wildly, “Sorry! I’m Pinkie, it’s really nice to meet you! Let me know if you’re in Ponyville we have to throw you a party!” She grins with a squee and zips off once more.

The blue Unicorn’s eyes roll a moment, steadying herself against the table. “She’s...nice?”

“She’s unique, let’s say that.” Twilight laughs.

“Are all your friends like her?”

I laugh, Twilight joins in, “Oh you have no idea.”

We do settle things with the proprietor, Mr. Turnover, when he comes back, telling him Pinkie was needed elsewhere. He was sad as she’d been the best employee for all of two hours he’d ever had. He did understand though.

This is getting familiar.... Strange how things work. But the cake was awesome!

We walk through the streets, lamplights being lit as the evening falls fully. It’s beautiful in Canterlot, tended gardens and parks, stores fronted with dressed stone, but warm and welcoming, not cold and sterile.

“So, Pinkie can find her?” Satin’s still wondering about the manic mare.

“If anyone at all can it’s her.” I nod, “Pinkie’s got a way of getting into anyplace, it’s odd.”

Twilight chuckles, stopping us outside a club, “Pinkie is one of my very best friends, she’s kind, she loves to make ponies laugh. But she’s got a way of doing things that make you wonder.” Leaning in, she looks at Satin with a smile, “Don’t wonder, it’ll only confuse you.”

We laugh as Satin agrees, “Got it, no wondering.”

The music however, catches our ears, so we turn to open the door in the club. It’s in a really nice area, by itself, it’s loud and thumping through the heavy wooden doors. As Twilight opens them, we’re assaulted by the sounds and voices from inside.

Yes!” Satin is bouncing in place, “Let’s go dance!” She grabs both of us, dragging us inside.

While we enter, I ask Twilight a question that’s been bothering me, “Hey, why hasn’t Discord shown up, isn’t he usually trying to... I dunno.. mess with ponies?”

She laughs, heading for the bar, “Celestia and Luna told him in no uncertain terms, he gets within earshot of us they would make sure he’s a bird bath this time.”

“Whoa, kinda harsh there.” We step up to the counter ordering three drinks, quickly served they taste great after the sweets in the shop.

“Yep, they wanted no interference while they were gone.”

I take a long swig of the cold juice, nodding, “I think we get in enough trouble all by ourselves.” Twilight laughs, holding her mug up and tapping it against mine and Satin’s.

“That is so very true!” The Unicorn puts hers down, tugging us once more, “Cmon, let’s dance, let’s show them what we can do!”

Guilt hits me as we walk towards the dance floor, “I feel bad, Pinkie’s out there working hard and she’d love this.”

Twilight shrugs, “That’s Pinkie, once she’s onto something, nothing else matters.” Seeing my face she smiles, “Don’t worry, we’ll make sure we have another night out with her, our treat.”

“Fair enough then, promise?”

“Promise! We’ll make sure it’s the best night ever!”

But for now, an hour or so of dancing won’t kill anypony, especially us.

“That was so much fun! I know we couldn’t stay long, but think we could go back?” Satin’s voice is merry, bouncing alongside me as we head to the apartments once more, ready for some sleep.

Absolutely!” Twilight is nodding, trotting along gaily as we head down the hallway to our bedrooms.

Though no one really wanted to approach us, we took to the dance floor and ignored anything else. It’s amazing what friends can do with the right music, some smiles and a passion for anything fun.

Once folks there realized we weren’t in our ‘official’ capacity, it all went back to normal, loud, rambunctious and lots of fun. It was too bad we really had to leave early, but we’ll go back.

Opening the large doors to the apartments, a grinning face greets us, making us start for a moment.

“Hiya guys!”

“Pinkie!” Twilight smiles, “Did you..”

“Yep! Got her right here! Took a while, she kept hiding in closets, sneaky photographer!” She leans near us, glancing back and forth, “She’s gooood.”

Pinkie is awesome and scary at the same time.

Sitting quietly on a cushion, the fashion photographer gives us a disdainful sniff, “I, Photo Finish would have had more tasteful pictures if not for this..this pink thing!” She waves a hoof absently, “Vhat is it you want?”

“Well,” Twilight sits nearby, “We’d just like to tell you, please, no more pictures of the bedrooms and such. Public stuff is fine, but we’d really appreciate you not doing any more intimate stuff, please?” She gives her a winning smile.

“What? You do not like ze pictures? I thought zhem charming, a delight, truly a feast for ze zenses!” Her eyeglasses almost pop off, offended at the suggestion.

“Nonono! They were great, just..well.. some things ought to be private you know?”

Twilight’s good, I’d have just broken the camera.

She taps a hooficured hoof on her chin, “You are right, zome zings should be private. I, Photo Finish, shall remember that!” She cocks her head at us, pulling out a folder, “But vould you care to look?”

Spreading out a bundle of glossy photos in front of us we can only gasp. She truly is an artist, ego or not, she can take photos like nothing I’ve ever seen.

There is Twilight, sitting in candlelight, her eyes turned slightly to the window where the moon is cresting the horizon. Her face is bathed in a golden glow mixing with the slight silver reflecting from the moon, it turns her into something ethereal. One hoof resting on the windowsill as she has a longing look on her face, it’s hard to describe, not somber, yet beautiful. Her mane frames it all like a picture, showing the delicate curves that you never notice unless looking in a very particular way.

There is Satin sitting on a cushion, her face lit up like a lantern, a smile wide and bright as she laughs at some joke, some story. Her body is posed in such a way as to highlight her lean lines, accentuating everything about her that tells you here is delight. Mane sparkling from a recent shower, letting it glitter like it was made of jewels, her picture is joy in all it’s forms.

Me, there I am. How does she do this? A sable face with eyes closed in sleep, a form that is relaxed and resting. Curled up against a pillow, I’m smiling as my face is lit from the lantern by the side of the bed, it’s glow showing just enough to tell you it’s not magic but natural light. My mane spreads out along the sheets so well it almost looks staged. The covers are letting only my upper body show, but the filter gives it all a warm fuzziness that says here is peace.

I can’t say anything as we look through these, Photo Finish sitting quietly as we’re just stunned, unable to articulate anything about them, spreading them on the carpet in amazement.

More pictures, Twilight sleeping, Satin, all of us laughing at something at the dinner table, smiles all around. She captures moments in time, so fast they were.

Twilight shakes her head, pointing at the pile of shots, “How do you do this?”

Silence for a moment as we all want an answer to that question, Photo Finish looking back inscrutably from behind her glasses before speaking.

“Vhen I was young, I knew I could see ze beauty, ze wonder in things. I wanted to kapture zhem forever, to put zhem in something that others could enjoy and see, to delight in!” She emphasizes this with a thrown out hoof, “I realized that only I, Photo Finish, could do this, and so became a photographer. But not just any photographer, ze best! Showing what others miss, what zhey don’t realize is all around zhem, inside zhem! Ze magik!”

Pinkie gasps, seeing photos of herself in the castle, a shot of her smiling at something in the distance. Not the manic or goofy smiles we all know and love, but a gentle one that gives her face a glow of true beauty with those blue eyes, looking out from the picture and holding your attention. Showing an inner laughter and delight that makes her different from what we know.

“When did you take that?” She picks up her photo, looking quizzical.

“Vhen you were lookink for me, you are quite good.” The stoic face actually shows a smile for a moment.

“Lemme tell you, finding you wasn’t a snap either!” She laughs, still holding the photo, “Could..could I keep it?”

“Of course, it is for you to enjoy!” She pauses, “But I vould ask zomezing if I may.”

This catches us all off guard, looking at each other before Twilight nods, “Sure.”

“I, Photo Finish, shall be having a showing in Manehatten next month, let me use some of zese, let me show ze world beauty in all it’s ways.” She waves at the spread out pictures, “I ask for your trust in zis.”

Looking at the pictures, they are so good it takes your breath away, not just the subject but how they are captured, I can’t do anything but nod, “I’m good with it.” Twilight and Satin eye me for a moment, “But..uh..none like the magazine? Please?”

“No, nozing like zat. They should never haf published zose, I told zem zey were to be held not printed. These," She points at the photos, “Shall be works of art. These shall be ze finest taken, framed and shown for all the world to gaze upon and see true magik!” Her hoof presses against her chest, “Zis I, Photo Finish, promise.”

I have to admit, for all her attitude and..talking about herself oddly, I can’t fault her in any way, shape or form. You really can’t help but like her in her own way.

Twilight taps a hoof, “Do we have to dress up or pose or anything?”

“No! Juszt be you, natural, nozing more, zhat is all I ask.” She pulls another folder, showing more of the time when I was teaching them to dance, “You have poise that cannot be kaptured by staging it, be yourselves.”

“What else do you need?”

“Juszt let me have complete access for one more day is all, in the public areas.” We can’t see her eyes behind the lenses, but her voice is ringing true, at least to me.

“What do you think girls?” Twilight looks at us, even Pinkie for her approval.

Everypony nods.

“Done, just..uh.. no more?” She gestures to another set of pictures showing us dancing.

“You have Photo Finish’s word!”

“We can agree to that then, okay.” Twilight smiles, her mane blown to the side as the photographer disappears once more, “How does she even do that?”

Pinkie shrugs, “She’s almost as good as I am, caught her in a bakery cabinet.”

“Nopony beats Pinkie.” I have to say it as everyone laughs.

The fluffy maned Earth pony grins, then leans close, “Soooo, what were you guys doing?” She points to the pictures left behind, showing us doing dance moves in the apartment. “Whatever it is, looks like fun and I want in!”

Twilight’s voice is hesitant, “Pinkie, I don’t think we should say anything, we oughta just leave it alone.”

“I promise not to tell anypony!” She makes the usual motions.

Oh what the hay, couldn‘t hurt, “I’ll tell her Twilight, long as Photo Finish isn’t lurking around.” That one makes all of us sans Pinkie eye the room suspiciously.

“Nah, she’s good on her word,” Pinkie nods, “Don’t worry!”

“Okay then.” I stop as Pinkie smiles at me once more, “What?”

“You’re not stuttering as much.” She, for all her oddness, is truly observant sometimes..

“I know, everything that’s going on, I just don’t..well.. I haven’t been.” I’m trying not to look at the ground like I normally do.

“That’s a good thing you know.” She settles close to us, “Crusader bought a few copies of that magazine.”

“What? Why?” Oh no.

A warm look crosses her face, “He told me to tell you he thought it showed a beauty he knew was there, everything you should be.”

“He did? Really?”

“He sure did.” She nods once more, her mane bouncing, “He said not to worry.”

He always knows somehow, don’t ask me, but he always knows.

“Enough of that! Tell me! Tell me!” She’s about to bounce off the cushion in expectation.

“Yeesh,calm down,” Twilight is smiling at her friend, Pinkie’s one of a kind, “Okay, so....”

Once again, we sit and explain what was going on with the pictures, Pinkie’s laughing her tail off at every new revelation. The rest of us can only sit there in embarrassment as the story unfolds, we leave out a few things just because..you know..because.

She cocks her head, looking up at the ceiling for a moment and pursing her lips, “I’m not sure after all that why you’d be all upset, I mean it was just dancing right?”

“Not that kind of dancing Pinkie.” Satin’s voice is light, “It’s not exactly something you want to show everypony.” Both Twilight and I are shaking our heads at her, don’t say anything!

Now her interest is piqued, “Oh now you really have to show me!” Leaning forward, almost toppling over, she grins wildly at the three of us.

Dangit....

Pinkie’s fast asleep along with Satin, Twilight and I are talking by candle light in her rooms as mine have been occupied by two very tired ponies. Having Pinkie in the mix, teaching her what I taught Twilight and Satin, made it hilarious, her natural delight at things had us all rethinking how to do certain routines. All in all, it was truly fun, something to long remember.

“You know that was a pretty slick trick they pulled, even I didn’t catch it until later. Maybe because I was so nervous.” I’m shaking my head, thinking about that simple sentence in the proclamation, sneaky Sisters indeed. Crusader was right, I need to pay attention more sometimes, I’m limiting myself too much.

Twilight chuckles, “She’s been around a long time Athena, so she’s got a few things up her sleeves.”

“Yeah but I’m supposed to catch things like that immediately! Not a day later, good grief!” Marcus would definitely have called me out on this one.

“Nopony’s perfect.”

My head lifts up, looking at her as I open my mouth and stop for a second, “You’re right.” I process this a second more, “You’re right, Celestia said I am one of her little ponies, and I’m not perfect.” I sigh happily though, “And you know what, that’s just fine with me.”

Twilight smiles, “But you can still do some seriously neat things too, that’s not so bad either.” The lavender face is bright, “Though I am working on a spell to duplicate that battle screen, don’t count me out!”

Pressing a hoof against my chest I take a solemn look, “I promise never to underestimate you then.”

A gentle hoof swats at me, “Oh stop it.”

“What? I’m just saying...”

She narrows her eyes with another smile, “You’re being sarcastic.”

My best shocked look, a hoof pressed once more to my chest, “I would never! Your ability with magic is second to none! Why..why.. I would never denigrate your skills!”

A pointed hoof, “You are so full of ponyfeathers.”

Rolling my eyes I can’t help but laugh, “Yeah pretty much. Though I would like to see the result.”

Nodding, she raises her hoof, “Done, it’ll be a whole new type of magic I think..”

Off she goes as I listen for the next hour, magic is definitely something to learn about, storing the talk for sharing when next I see Crusader.

Crusader!

“Just a second Twilight,” I stop her for a moment and slip next to the window, I see the distortion and wave with all my might, smiling brightly. The dip shows as it moves back off on patrol, leaving me staring out the window.

“What was that?”

I’m sure the look on my face shows I’m guilty, “Well, Crusader has drones on patrol, so I wave to him ever since i got here. I know we’re not supposed to communicate..so.. please don’t tell?”

“We-ll... I don’t think that’s breaking the rules.”

“Thanks. I just miss him.”

She nods, “I understand. I miss everypony back in Ponyville too, and my brother and Cadence.” She moves close, wrapping a leg around my shoulders, “But we’ll see them all again, there’s always time.”

“I know, it’s been so busy I don’t hear the quiet. But when it’s late and you all are asleep, I can’t help it.”

“Don’t worry, they’ll be back soon, maybe they got delayed. Stars only knows what kind of trouble they could get into on vacation.”

“No explosions or anything else wiping out cities, so I think we’re good.”

I watch as she laughs, moving back to rest upon a cushion, “We’ve got another court in the morning, so get used to it until they get back. We’ll be fine.”

“I hope so, I really do.” Lying back on my own cushion, I close my eyes, feeling a nudge, “Yes?”

Her tired voice is merry, almost laughing as she whispers, “Worse comes to worse invite Crusader up here, he’ll just beat ponies senseless.”

It’s delivered so matter of factly it makes me snicker into the pillow, then laugh out loud, “Stars Twilight!”

“What?” She gives me a grin before closing her own eyes, leaving us in silence once more.

But it’s not a lonely silence. Nothing that takes from the cool night, the warm covers, the companionship of a friend. It’s a silence that lets you alone to think of the days ahead, and just hope they are as wonderful as today.

You know, sitting on a throne, same place, every day, I will never look at this whole thing the same way again. A thousand years of doing this? Wonder if they replace the seat pad a lot? Maybe Celestia’s butt wore a hole in it..oh boy.. I’m really getting off-track....

Pinkie’s actually having a great time, she’s decided to stay the day as well, though I’m sure her trying to make the guards laugh might be a bit more than expected, but it does make the place more lively. I did like the squeaky clown nose, I thought it was hilarious.

“Why are you smiling like that?” Dangit, why does she always catch me?

“No reason.”

I can see her eyeing me, before she turns back to the next set of complainants with a suspicious look, “Riiiight.”

Here we go, wheee...more problems to solve. I swear, by whatever I can swear to, I will go back to being a happy Bolo if you’ll just let me out!

The court clerk announces the case in a monotone, he’s obviously done this for far too long.

“The Case of Rose Petal versus Gold Oats, ten bits owed for services rendered.”

“Proceed please.” It’s been a true learning experience doing this, the cases, the problems that concern every day ponies are unusual sometimes; but as Twilight keeps telling me, it’s easy to make a decision, just do my best.

As I listen I realize, I have done my best, the best I could and I’ve learned so much. It’s not truly that boring or anything, I complain, but I wouldn’t have traded this for all the world. Well...except for the photos.

“...And I bought the ice cream this time around, so she owes me the ten bits for all the food I purchased!” The voice is sounding aggrieved, the pony Rose Petal is looking piqued at Gold Oats.

“That’s not true, I paid for all the rides, the park wasn’t that expensive, I mean ten bits? C’mon!” Gold Oats is not having any of this, her taupe eyes staring at the other pony.

“You ate enough to make a Minotaur faint!”

“I did not!”

They end up nose to nose before I can say anything.

“Excuse me.” They both turn towards myself, “You’re friends right?”

“Yes.” They both reply.

I fumble for my bit bag, getting out twenty bits and stepping down from the dais, I give them both ten each, “Friends shouldn’t fight, it was a day out for fun, not for arguing. This one’s on me.” Twilight’s watching me with a smile.

The two ponies look at each other for a second, then Gold Oats turns back to me, “Well done Athena, I see you’ve learned quite a lot.”

“Pardon...me?”

They both shimmer, Princess Celestia and Luna standing before us as I’m sure my eyes go quite wide, seeing the two complainants turning into the ruling sisters.

“I....Princess!” I bow, but am stopped before I can get very far. Twilight scampers down from the dais, hugging her mentor as Luna watches with merry eyes.

“Celestia! When did you get back?”

“Well we got in last night, but decided to see how things were going, forgive us for being late?” Her smile is warm.

“Of course!” I nod along with her.

“We have photos as well! Truly a good time, it was so very nice to enjoy things for a while!” Princess Luna is almost prancing in place, grinning widely.

Then I remember, “Wait a second, you two owe us an explanation about that proclamation.”

The diarchs laugh, looking at each other for a brief moment, “Oh that.. Well when you didn’t catch that immediately, we wondered how long it would take.” Luna points a clad hoof at me, “You need to pay attention young mare.”

She‘s right, darnit. “Yes Your Highness.”

A commotion behind them is Pinkie giving Cadence a hug as her and Shining Armor walk into the throne area, Twilight points at them immediately, “And where were you two!”

A look passes between them for a moment, I’ve seen that before long ago between Marcus and his wife, “Oh we figured since they took a vacation we would too, we had a wonderful time.” Cadence is gazing warmly at her husband.

“Well you could have told us!” Her eyes roll as I hide a chuckle behind my hoof.

Shining grins, “We felt you had everything in hoof little sister.”

I’m positive I don’t look thrilled, “You know, leaving a country in the hooves of a seriously underskilled pony is not a good thing!” I cross my forelegs, standing there.

The alabaster mare nods regally, “Oh, well isn’t it fortunate you had a skilled counselor?” Her eyes slide to my right where... “Your report Twilight?”

Wait a second, “Report?” As I look, Twilight is smiling broadly.

“She learned everything you wanted her to and more. Though a couple of unexpected things happened, she took care of things in a different way, learning how to be, well, Equestrian.”

“We will expect a detailed report later then.” She stops Twilight before she can unroll a very thick scroll.

“Wait a second, you were spying on me?” I’m shocked, I really am.

“No, I was making sure nothing went wrong. If things got out of hoof, I could step in and help, but I didn’t need to.”

My jaw goes adrift, “But the Ambassador! That could have gone wrong in so many ways! Why didn’t you say something?” Then it really hits, “You were communicating with them? You fibbed!”

Twilight smiles, “Yes, I admit it, I mislead you, but it was to make sure you handled things yourself, like they told me you had to. As for the ambassador..well..” She points at her brother, “And those two taking off, nooo, couldn’t let me know!”

Princess Luna nods, “That... was truly unexpected. But from what Twilight told us in her messages, you did quite well. We had a feeling he might take advantage of our absence, so there were other things in place.” She points at me, “But it was real and look at you now, standing taller, the self-doubt gone now.”

All this, all the trouble for a lesson. To teach one pony how things can be and could be. Who in the history of existence would ever go through such troubles except for ponies? It boggles the mind that such an elaborate thing could be done so easily, with nary a thought. What lengths would friends go to here?

My reverie is interrupted by the appearance of a familiar shape in a slim hoof, Cadence almost laughing as I plant mine firmly on my forehead.

“Oh, could we get your autograph?”

Cadence and Shining couldn’t stay long, heading back to the Crystal Empire where I’m sure their Seneschal is going to be quite happy. Court was in abeyance for the day, the return of the Sisters taking precedent and wanting to talk about the past few days.

“About the photos..uhm..” I really don’t want to tell them.

“Be at peace, Twilight told us of the circumstances.” Celestia is still smiling, never losing it for a moment, “Though it was somewhat of a surprise seeing you all in Princess Today. But it is as it is.”

Satin comes in, having remained quiet all this time since the throne room when the Sisters returned, she had followed us back to the apartments, making tea for all of us as we sat around a small table.

“Your tea Highnesses.” She bows and turns to leave, I stop her and gesture to a seat. She shakes her head at me with a firm movement.

Luna’s voice comes across with a merry tone, “Sit and be welcome Hoofmaiden, it’s long since we’ve had one, you are the first in centuries and are more than deserved of a seat.”

The pale blue Unicorn sits uneasily until Celestia smiles, “Stop worrying, you have done well, is something bothering you?”

“No..no Your Highness, just... well I’ll miss them when they leave.” She looks at Twilight and myself.

“Ah, but they will visit often I’m sure, and Ponyville is not that far for a trip.” The taller sister sips tea for a moment, “And if you get tired of working here, I’m sure you could follow your dream somewhere.”

When Twilight had finally told Satin about inclusion in the contracts, we both thought she’d faint, seeing a good amount of money coming to her. Her Cutie Mark was for dancing as she told us later, formal dancing, any dance, she’d always wanted to start a school to teach. Now, perhaps she’d get her heart’s desire.

“Oh no Princess, I love my job! Maybe..oh maybe later, there’s time.”

“As you wish.” Satin had requested to go back to her old job, knowing we were leaving and Celestia and Luna not needing a Hoofmaiden after so many centuries without one.

Seeing the Unicorn nod, the alabaster mare went back to her tea, “As long as you are happy and content.”

I nudge Twilight, “Can’t believe you were spying on me.”

“I was not spying, I was being a friend and making sure everything went okay.” An abashed look crosses her face, “The Princesses asked me the night of the Gala, I agreed to help out, they said it would help you be stronger.” She grins, “It has, you walk differently, you talk without stuttering so much even when you’re nervous.”

“But why all this?”

Princess Luna sets her cup down, “Crusader asked us to help.”

“What?” What the heck?

The dark mare nods, “When you first arrived and became your avatar, he was concerned you would not adjust well. You were focused on war and fighting, even down to creating a dance.” She smiles at my look, “Yes, he showed me, and he was wanting us to assist in changing your outlook on life.”

I must be sitting there with my mouth open, as Twilight lifts my jaw back into place with a gentle hoof, “Crusader? All this is because he..”

“Oh yes, among other things. We couldn’t go any farther in your dreamworld Athena, so this was the best solution. To bring you to a place where you could be confident in your actions and yourself.” She gestures at me, “To let you be the one to either take yourself further, or retreat.”

All the moments come back, every time he smiled at me and said just be happy. He meant so much more than that. So much so he went to these lengths to ask the rulers of a country to help me be content, to be more than a war machine. All those times I got frustrated at him or just blew him off when he said that make me feel like an idiot.

How could I have never realized this? I was so concerned with fitting in he was working at the same thing, only deeper and behind the scenes. Every time he improved me, did something to make me feel special, everything good that came my way.

Not one word, never a mention, not a single thought.

Seeing the distraught look on my face, Luna speaks quietly, “Because he cares so very much for you, how could we not help?”

I owe him an apology of the deepest kind, so many of them.

Celestia nods her head regally, “The world is open to you now my little pony, what will you do with it?”

Looking at Twilight, “We head back in the morning right?” I watch her nod. “I think I owe somepony an apology when we get back, a very deep apology.”

“If that is your wish, though I am sure it’s not needed.” She gazes warmly at me, “I believe he knows and understands, he has always been that way since his awakening. You could contact him now that we have returned.”

I think about that for a moment, shaking my head, “No, no I can wait.” Seeing the smiles around the table.

“Good enough, now I am sure we’re all famished so let us enjoy our meal.” Celestia and Luna’s eyes go wide as piles of food are put before them, the serving ponies smiling and doing their utmost best to make it nice before disappearing.

“Well... this is quite the change from the usual portions, any particular reason why?” She eyes both Twilight, I and Satin.

Twilight looks nervous, did she not tell them? Oh stars.. “Uhm...about that.”

Pinkie and Twilight are asleep now, Satin is drifting off as I watch her eyes slowly close in mid-sentence. She didn’t want to miss a second of our time before we left, having such a wonderful three days, I understand it’s hard to let go. Her friend Sugar Sweet was quite ecstatic to be invited to the apartments, getting our autographs and spending some time before she had to go.

I have been relieved of all duties, a simple passing of the torch, though I will remember this time forever. I have stored it in my Deep Cores and will make sure that I look at the memories from time to time.

I gaze out the window, leaning on the sill, seeing the distortion in the air I wave. As it moves back on patrol I smile, watching it leave. I’ll be home soon, and I do hope you’re right there. I’m not leaving you behind, I’m bringing you with me, you’ll see a new world.

I’m not taking no for an answer this time.

At the train station in the morning, a surprise waits us. Ambassador Strong is waiting there, surrounded by an open space as his large frame is intimidating to ponies. He is standing in his normal pose, calloused hands clasped behind his back as he watches Twilight, Pinkie and I approaching.

Princess Celestia eyes us, “He asked when you were leaving, I hope you don’t mind.” She stops when we assure her it is fine, leaving us to step forward to look up at the Sword of the Khan, letting us all have a moment alone. Pinkie stands with them, knowing it’s for us to talk with the imposing figure.

His voice is still deep and rumbling, “Princess Twilight, Regent Athena.”

“No longer Regent, I have been relieved of duties.” I give him a smile as we sit down in front of him. He leans down so we may converse more privately.

“So I have heard.” He pauses, “You have kept your word, and in return, perhaps a little more trust between our nations is warranted. I shall so advise my Khan.”

Twilight and I share a glance, turning back to the tall warrior, “That’s wonderful Sword..” She is stopped by an upraised hand.

“Ambassador, please.”

Twilight nods, “Ambassador. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will be pleased to hear this I’m sure!”

A thick finger is pointed my way though, “I am still wondering what you are. We have heard rumors, ponies also talking about one named Crusader. I was there when he told the Assembly his refusal to share knowledge, but he was just a voice in a box, although quite a magical demonstration.”

I don’t answer for a moment, thinking of something innocuous, “I’m just a pony Ambassador, nothing special.”

“No, no you are more than that.” He actually cracks a smile on the grizzled face, eyeing me with what looks to be a hint of laughter, “But if you choose to say so, then I will believe you, you will not hear any rumors from me.”

“I think it’s best, don’t you Ambassador?”

“Yes, I do.” He lifts himself back up, “It was good to have made your acquaintance Princess of Friendship, your title holds true.” He watches Twilight’s face with that same small smile. “With friends like the Regent here, I believe Equestria shall have a peaceful future.”

“I..uhm, thank you Ambassador.” Twilight’s not sure what to say.

“You are quite welcome. If you’ll excuse me, I do have a meeting to attend to, have a pleasant journey.” With a very polite nod he leaves us standing on the train platform, watching him walk into the crowds on the street, his tall shadow lasting until he turns a corner.

Celestia’s voice is right beside us, “I take it everything is well?”

Twilight nods, “It is, maybe a little more good relations between our countries?”

She smiles brightly, “Now that would be most welcome.” Gesturing, she leads us along the train platform, “I’m afraid your train’s about to leave.”

With final farewells, we sit once again on the same train that brought us, only Pinkie is right there beside us. She’s enjoying the trip actually, but a little subdued, “Are you okay Pinkie?”

There‘s the infectious grin, “Oh yeah! Just...” She looks around at the empty car, tilting to make sure only we hear her, “Sometimes I actually like it when it’s quiet, ya know?” She puts a hoof over both our mouths, “Don’t tell anypony!”

Twilight giggles, “Of course not.” She gives her a chocolate covered cookie stick, “We understand.”

I nod as we chew on the treats, sitting together with a smile here and there, friends don’t need to talk, they really don’t.

I wait after the train pulls in while Twilight and Pinkie get off; I want to be last, because I see Crusader waiting there with all our friends. I’ve been thinking while the trip lasted, Twilight, I and Pinkie are just thrilled to be home.

I know I am, beyond it actually. A place to call my own, it’s more than just a village, it’s mine.

Stepping out of the car, I wave to everypony, taking a moment to draw him aside.

“Welcome back Athena, hopefully things went well?” He smiles at me, I know what he means, kidding me about the magazine spread.

Giving him a nudge and a grin, “Oh, about as well as they could.”

“You could always have contacted me sooner instead of waiting.”

“I know, but I wanted this to be me and you, no TSDS.” I give him a hug, holding tight for a moment before stepping back, seeing his inquisitive look.

“We’re going to go through life together Crusader.” I hold up a hoof, stopping his protests. “No, no arguing, it’s both of us or nothing. We’ll keep our knowledge safe, we’ll be proper guardians, but you’re not going to do it alone.” I grab his hoof in mine, “Please come with me, because together we’re unstoppable.” Stepping closer, I make sure only he can hear me, “I know now that with friends and family you can do anything, but that I can stand alone if I have to. Until then, if that time ever comes, I want you with me.”

He stares at me for a moment before nodding, I’m sure the grin on my face could rival Pinkie’s best.

“But what of you, how are you Athena?”

I know what he wants, and I know what to say. I don’t say it because it’s what he wants to hear but because it’s true, in all ways, every way, it’s true now. I feel the networks come back online, letting us mesh once more, the chatter back in my cores.

“I’m happy.”

The reunion at Twilight’s castle is joyous for everyone, it was only a few days, but seeing Twilight with her friends, and even us, it’s still amazing how deep friendship runs here.

Spike is quite thrilled to have Twilight back, making sure she knows he’s been taking care of things in her stead. He’s in the middle of explaining something when he suddenly belches loudly, a scroll appearing and grabbed by Twilight’s magic as he recovers.

“It’s from the Princesses!” Unrolling it she gets a puzzled look on her face.

“What’s wrong Twi?” Applejack’s used to seeing that expression, but asks anyways.

“It’s about who owns the land Athena and Crusader sit under.”

Rainbow sounds impatient as usual, “Well tell us!”

“Finally! Who owns it?” I’m really wanting to know.

Her eyes slide from the scroll over to a certain buttery mare who is sitting quietly as all eyes turn to her, uttering an ‘Eep’ and almost disappearing into her own mane. “Wh..what?”

“Fluttershy owns the land.”

I think we all sound incredulous, “What?”

Pointing at the scroll, Twilight reads a few things, “According to the Office of Revenue, Fluttershy was deeded the land by her parents, earning her a small income from the stewardship of it, as long as she owns it, from the Crown.”

“So the Princesses pay her to take care of it?” Rarity is marveling at the revelation.

“Yep, she can also charge rent from anypony that wants to build, as long as the land isn’t ruined.” She points right at Fluttershy, “She owns it.”

“I always wondered what she did for income besides animal care.” Pinkie is eyeing her friend closely, making her shy backwards off her chair with a thump.

“Darling Fluttershy, why didn’t you tell us?” Rarity is smiling warmly at her, trying to make sure she doesn’t disappear under the table.

“I, well..uh.. didn’t know. They said they’d left me something to help with expenses, but I never asked. The money just shows up in my bank account each month.” She shrugs, looking helpless.

Crusader speaks up, “Well Fluttershy, what rent would you care to charge? We do need to pay something, since we take up a large portion of it.” I nod right along with his words.

“Oh no, dear me, I wouldn’t charge anything.” She climbs back into her seat.

Twilight interjects, “You have to, either that or they get taxed by the Bureau now since they know who owns it.” She peers at the scroll, “And it’s a doozy! Stars, talk about greedy!”

Fluttershy can’t find it within herself to say anything, so I try, “It’s okay Fluttershy, we expected it, just name it and we’ll make sure you get it.”

Lifting her head up she lays a hoof on the table, “One bit a year, I think that’s fair.” Nodding as she looks happy with her decision.

“I think that’s far too low Fluttershy, surely it’s worth more.” Crusader is never one to let others take less than their fair share.

“No, I get enough each month, and one bit a year is just fine.”

“But I think..” He’s stopped by an orange hoof on his shoulder, Applejack shaking her head.

“If she says so, then just agree.” The look he gets is not for arguing with.

“Agreed then, it’s more than fair Fluttershy.” He knows better than to argue some times.

“Great, we’ve got a landlord.” I can’t help but laugh along with Fluttershy and the others, “We’re living now!”

“Well, at least there isn’t any other stupid rules that we’ve got to obey now. Getting evicted for crying out loud, I hate red tape!” I am so glad this is over, a nice ending to...

Twilight is still reading the scroll, “Uhm...well.. about building codes....” She points to an attached set of rules about buildings being on the land, quite an extensive list.

Oh that does it! I may not be Regent anymore but I can level that place anyways!

I didn’t mind Crusader keeping me from my tactical and weapons cores, he’s always got a back-door into programs; but it was Twilight holding me mid-air with her magic while I yelled and promised dire destruction on the entire Bureau that was a little embarrassing.

“She’s kinda mad huh?” Rainbow is watching Athena struggling in the air.

“Very.” Crusader is watching the angry Pegasus carefully, keeping her from re-establishing contact with any destructive systems.

“So how long...”

“Oh, it might be a while, would anyone like some lunch?”

----End----

Looking In from the Outside..

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Names..Places...Fates...

Author's Note

There *might* be a few feels, fair warning.

Thanks for being patient and reading, you folks are awesome beyond compare!

Names..Places...Fates...

Twilight recently obtained new volumes of writings from the Canterlot Archives, buying them with money made from the sale of items I and Athena manufacture. It gives me a good feeling inside, to know that these rare things can be looked at, if carefully, at one’s leisure.

Finding myself at odds, or I believe as they used to say ‘At Liberty’, I am setting on a cushion, flipping through the latest work with interest.

This diary was hoof-written by a miner, a slave really, who hid it near a tunnel and forgotten all about until it was discovered after King Sombra was put down. For some reason, it is taking my attention, something is very odd here as I read a page:

It was on the thirtieth day of this month, the tenth in the Reign of Sombra the Slaver that we were digging a new shaft for the metal platinum. It being wanted by him to use for spells and chains, to bind ponies to his will and desires.

Would that somepony save us from our fates, this toiling in the dark, barely enough to eat much less work with. I saw my own brother pass on yesterday and I am happy, he is in those fields beyond, no longer bound to the wretched Sombra who ensorcels us all.

Perhaps one day soon my own passing will reunite us in a place of sunshine and warmth, of grass so green it hurts the eyes. We will share the delight at seeing each other again, I know it, I miss you Silver Hearts.

It was cold when we sunk the new shaft, our magic user almost drained from melting the rock, shaping it to form a new tunnel. He is drawn and pale, we give him as much food as we can spare, for his job is worst of all, making the way for us to delve.

In the end of the tunnel, before we went further, we discovered chunks of a grayish metal, unknown to any of us, it would not scorch nor heat from the brightest of our torches, heavy and unyielding it was.

Advancing through a side tunnel, delving along a vein, we came upon a wall of purest silver, a force unknown as our tools could not touch it and hooves slid off. But when our magic user cast a light spell, it flickered and died, allowing us to get close to what was on the other side, another wall, made of the grayish metal as far as we could see from side to side buried in the rock.

The Unicorn Snow Gem’s spell failed at that moment, locking him and another miner on the other side of the silvery shield. We could not get to them, nor could we hear them, they were gone as we know Snow Gem was very weak already. We waited as long as we could, hoping he had the strength to cast again, but ‘twas not to be.

We have made our decision, we will destroy this tunnel, we have enough strength, we have enough will. We cannot let Sombra have whatever is in here, we will take this with us. Cave-ins happen all the time, there are always more slaves, they will not look again here.

To whomever reads this, know we did our best, know we despaired of seeing the light again, so we took our revenge by keeping this discovery from Sombra, may he rot in Tartarus for all eternity.

I leave this outside, sealed in waterproofing as proof we were here, hidden so that one day maybe somepony would know we lived.

At the bottom of the page are the signatures of four ponies.

Star Dance, sister of Silver Hearts / Bluebelle / Nightfall / Crystal Shine

The description of that unknown metal matches duralloy, the silver wall? A stasis field? Surely the destruction of Old Earth left such remnants, but this appeared to be buried deep enough to avoid discovery until found by the mining slaves. I am reaching, I know this, but what else could it possibly be found together?

They were brave those ponies, taking their own lives to prevent a wicked being from using something new to further it’s aims. If nothing else, I will remember you, your sacrifice isn’t forgotten nor unsung.

Looking at the names written underneath the final page, one stands out, I don’t quite know why it piqued my interest. My Low Alert status of late has been troubled by flashes of pictures and whispers I cannot explain, though I am going to ask if there might be something to dredge memories. It’s still curious as I stare at that one name.

Perhaps older files contain something, I reach back into my database, looking for possibly hidden and long unused files pertaining to anything with...

*SLAM!*

My avatar goes stiff as lightning races across my cores, programs glitch and go into error check as my personality matrix suffers from an overload, a seizure deep in my frames!

Alerts scream in my systems, blaring through my mind as TSDS falters, a seizure is tearing across Crusader’s cores. I dump the network immediately, seeing him on my tracking board in the castle library.

What in all the hells is going on?

More alerts go off, signaling me to take command of his weapons systems, locking his personality matrix out of them, sequestering everything until this goes away. I’m scrambling to take over the grid as everything goes wonky, holy crap, AI’s have had seizures before but this is really off the charts. What is he doing?

He’s lost contact with his avatar, transmissions slap across our whisker lasers as I try and regain control for him. Boosting power, I scan the immediate area, looking for threats, all weapons are on ready status as I push sensors to their limits. Nothing showing, nothing moving in killzones.

I work a re-routing of programming quickly, I’ve got to try and reboot his avatar, comlinks are down and systems are freezing up. The link through it might be a chance to regain systems equilibrium.

I am scanning, and scanning hard, tactical is online with backups, all movement is recorded and logged, each and every thing in my area is tagged on the threats list.

“Athena?”

Oh stars, I forgot Twilight.

She’s looking at me across the lunch table, outside of the open air restaurant we’d been having a meal at, my avatar had been frozen for a few moments.

“What?” I shake my head, “I’m sorry, there’s a problem.” I sound a lot more calmer than I am feeling inside.

“Is it bad?”

“Uhm..maybe, wait one.” I dump my connection to my avatar, locking it in place as communications start ramming down the hardline between mine and Crusader’s hulls. I listen carefully as I tone down the scanning, no threats, re-dedicating the cores to stopping the freezing of programs.

It’s only been a long few seconds, but I clamp down on his arrays, stopping the seizure gripping them for a moment as I shunt and re-route processing through backups and his survival center.

Eventually I scrap the tip-toeing around and do a total systems override, shutting down and rebooting everything for a millisecond, his personality matrix is stable, Resartus is still in abeyance as I feel him come back online.

“What is going on, what did you do?”

“Athena?” He’s sounding woozy actually, his thoughts a jumble.

“It’s me, what happened? Seizures only happen in degraded cores, is there something we need to maintenance?”

I see the sweeps and checks, clearing all cores and arrays as he comes back, “No, everything appears fine.”

“Then what happened?”

“I do not know, I was reading a rare book from the library, a name caught my attention....”

We both wait for a moment, seeing if it triggers anything else. Nothing, quiet along the programming lines and molycircs. He brings up TSDS once more, meshing with me and letting me see through him the page and name.

I’m stunned, that is a description of duralloy and a stasis field. The name Bluebelle means nothing, though it seems it was the one that triggered the seizure.

“What’s going on?”

“I do not know, but listen...”

A quick melange of pictures run across the feed, a warm smile, a hug, and a pink face that whispers quickly, it’s almost too fast to catch, but it comes through, ‘You’ll know when, look north.’

“Is that Pinkie?”

“No, no records correlate with anything like this. Ever since I came back from wherever I was, whispers have bothered me, flashes of memory I cannot find in my cores, now this. Something left a message somehow.”

“Are you okay now?”

“I am fine, let me process this, I will dig further.”

“Okay then, I’m going to dump TSDS for now in case, maintain hardline with firewalls.”

“Will do, enjoy your lunch.”

I reconnect, finding Twilight looking at me with concern, “Everything all right?”

“Oh yes, strange things ahoof I think.” Relating to her the problem as we eat, she’s very interested..

“Well there’s more books I picked up like that, wanting to preserve them and let others read history. I haven’t cataloged all of them yet, but maybe we can dig through and find more references?”

“Sounds good, but what would Pinkie have to do with all this?”

“You know, with everything she does and how she does it, it’s not a surprise.” Twilight says this with the most deadpan look, she’s beyond wondering how that pink mare does anything.

I give her a grin as we both laugh.

But there is something I can bring to the table when we meet with Crusader later, there was one more Pinkie, if only for a brief while. I can still see her, but she is gone, that day in Manehatten a sad memory.

Isn’t she?

A hoof lay gently on the old book as Crusader looked at both of us, “I do not know, this name triggered a one time response, but then it was gone. Everything in cores and arrays is recorded and backed up, we have a file on it. What it was, and why, I have no idea.”

Twilight’s horn lit up, a beam scanning the book for anything as she shook her head, “I’m not registering any magic spells or anything like a trap.”

“This book came from the Crystal Empire right?” Athena is paging through it gently, it’s becoming brittle, the pages need a re-enhancement of preservation spells.

Twilight smiles, looking proud, “Yes, they were stored in the Canterlot Archives, I got them to preserve and keep here since I have more than enough room.”

Crusader nods, “I need to start looking through these for any more indications of old world tech, there may be other instances.”

Athena stops her paging, looking up at his somber face, “What does it mean though? More of us?”

“I do not know, but it’s a vast expanse up there, we’d need our hulls with ground penetrating radar to do a full sweep to find anything. Anything less would take far too much time.” He looks slightly frustrated, wanting to know now, but willing to wait.

Twilight nods, “But you know, this was more than a thousand years ago, before Nightmare Moon. A lot of those places were lost to time and weather.” Her horn lights up once more, digging and sorting through books.

Athena perks up, “Wait, does this mean a trip to the Crystal Empire?” She hops around, “Yes! I want to go! Yes yes yes!”

“Will you calm down,” Crusader is eyeing her, “It does not mean anything yet, one reference does not give us enough to go on.”

She stops her bouncing, looking sternly at the Earth Pony, “Oh come on! What else could a silvery wall be that flickers out when magic is used nearby? It’s a stasis field!” She stamps a hoof, “I want to stretch my treads anyways, bout time we got out of our holes and banged up some landscape!”

“I do like your new attitude Athena, but on the basis of one vague reference, we cannot leave just yet, give it a little time.” He smiles at the Pegasus.

“Well, we’ve still got to stock..” She stops, seeing an upraised hoof.

“Already on it Athena, supplies are being fabricated right now, magazines are topped by fifty percent, food is being stored right now as well.”

“Food? Why would we need...” He points to a shape right beside her, Twilight, who is looking excitedly at the Pegasus, almost bouncing on her own hooves at the thought of a trip in the war hull. Her grin is very, very wide.

Sigh..should have known, “You want to go too I take it?”

“Are you kidding?” Twilight says brightly, “A chance to ride in your hull and see everything? You bet! Ohmygosh I have so much to pack! Oh! We’ll get to see Cadence and Shining too!” She is bouncing around us in a circle, “After Apple Bloom and the others rode with Crusader, how could I NOT want to! Oh there’s so much to do!”

“Hang on, there is no trip yet. We have to look through the rest of the histories and books to find any more references. Even then there might be nothing more. We will not go on a passing bit of writing.” Crusader is shaking his head, seeing the excitement building. “Just calm down for now.”

“Can’t I just go for a practice run anyways? I mean I haven’t got a chance to test my treads yet, or how the rebuilds are holding up, we’ve just sat in place!” The pretty face is looking exasperated, “Come on! Let me have some fun!”

“Fun, for a Bolo, means miles of torn up countryside, we do not move for just fun Athena.” He tries to give them his best stern look, but is faced with two mares who are leaning together, giving him wide grins.

“I said no, we will not move yet.”

“Pleeeeeeeaaase?” The grins get wider, eyes opening up to their fullest.

“What part of no do you not understand?” He can do this, he can resist, this will not work.

“Don’t make me get Applejack.” Twilight has a sly grin on her face, Athena is trying not to laugh.

“She has nothing to do with this, and would agree with me.”

“Wanna bet?”

Crusader sighs for a moment, not wanting to explain everything in detail, “Fine.”

“YES!” Athena pumps a hoof, jumping in the air, “We’re going for a ride Twilight!” They both turn to run off before he stops them.

“Hold it!” He waits until he has their attention, “You will not go to the Crystal Empire yet, there is a free area near the Unicorn Range to the north.” Now his face is stern, “If you encounter any, I mean ANY trouble, you will contact me immediately, do you understand? Do not suddenly suffer ‘communications problems’.” He says that with a look at Athena who he knows has done it before in the far past.

“Fine, I won’t.” She rolls her eyes, “What could possibly happen in an open area I couldn’t take care of anyways?”

The Earth pony steps forward, planting a solid hoof on Athena’s shoulder, “I know you and I know your penchant for trouble, do not do it, you hear me?”

“Yes, Crusader.” She understands he is not fooling around, if she does anything wrong, she will be held accountable.

“Then I will ship supplies through the tunnel to your hull, you should be ready to move in a few hours.”

Two very cheerful ponies run through the castle, squealing in delight as Athena helps Twilight pack for the trip, her own tech spiders doing final checks as they prepare.

“So, who we gonna invite along?” Athena is stuffing another book in a saddlebag, good grief she’s taking a lot of books.

“Invite?” Twilight’s ears perk, “Ohmygosh I totally forgot! Applejack! Rainbow Dash, Pinkie! Oh even Fluttershy! They’d love it!” She stops, thinking a moment, “Do you have..”

“More than enough room.” I do, ponies are not as big as humans, we could fit a whole crowd on the command deck. I make sure to have extra sleeping rolls, comforters and pillows from stocks for them. Plenty of food too! Oh I can’t wait to show them all the food we have stored, the variety!

“Already stacked and ready Athena, stop running lists.”

“But she’s my friend, I want to make everything nice!”

“Stop worrying, your Command Deck is spotless, you have all the supplies you need for six months operating time. I doubt a day or two will dent them.”

“Can you handle manufacturing for a couple of days?”

“All done, the latest shipments went out yesterday on schedule, we are not due for another stock run until a week from now. You are clear,and please, be careful.”

“I will! Thank you so much!”

“Have fun, I know you have been wanting to take Twilight for a run.”

“I have, I want to show her everything!”

The link clicks off as Twilight is contacting everyone, asking them if they’d like to go on a sleepover, she doesn’t tell them exactly what we’re doing, keeping it a surprise.

“A sleepover? Won’t they find it funny on my deck?”

“No, we’ve never really had one there, and it’s different from the castle, so...something different!” She’s grinning widely, making sure her bags are packed tight.

“You don’t have to bring all that, I have some things to keep us occupied.”

She looks embarrassed for a moment, “Oh, well, I just want to be prepared.”

I laugh, rolling my eyes, “You’ll be inside my hull, there’s no book you have on commanding a Bolo Twilight.”

“I know that! But..I mean, there’s always a need for.. For.. you know.”

“You just want to bring books don’t you?”

Her voice is small as she doesn’t meet my eyes, “Yes.”

Checking the deck layout and inventory for a moment I nod, “Okay, I’ll clear locker space, they’ll be plenty of..” I stop as I get hugged tightly.

“Thank you!”

“No problem.”

“How long are we going to be gone?” She’s finished stuffing her saddlebags, even I’d have a hard time moving those things, good grief.

“Maybe a day or two, I’m going to really push it, test out all the repairs finally.” And I am, I am going to tear up some serious countryside. Maybe a few ‘weapons tests’ while we’re at it.

“Is it possible to see outside while riding? I mean like a window or something?” She’s lifting her bags with magic, setting them beside the door along with a few warm items, it’ll be chilly even that little ways north towards the Empire.

“Well there are walkways along the control areas, but no windows, they would not be secure in a firefight. I do have cameras that allow you to see what’s going on.” I’ll have techspiders put grating on the walkways, making them more secure if they wish to walk outside while I’m not moving.

“SLEEPOVER!” A bright, happy voice screams through the castle, Pinkie rushing in with a pair of saddlebags strapped over her back.

“Well that was quick.” I can’t help but laugh at the excited look on her face.

“Oh this is going to be awesome! We haven’t had one in ages!”

Twilight is nodding, “You came prepared for a couple of days right? This is going to be an extended one.”

“Yep! I got everything! Made sure the Cakes knew and no parties planned, this is gonna be a blast!” She squees, throwing a hoof-full of confetti in the air.

The pink mare looks around, “So where we gonna do this? Kitchen? Bedrooms? Oh! The Library?!”

Twilight shakes her head, “Nope, on her command deck.” She points at me, getting a surprised look from Pinkie.

“Really?”

“Yes, I thought it would be nice to..” I keep getting interrupted by hugs, not a bad thing really.

“You haven’t let anypony in there since Rarity decorated! I always wondered if it’s like Crusader’s!” She grins, hopping around the room.

“Well..not really. I do hope you’ll like it though.” I want to show them everything, all the memories and more I’ve stored, the dresses, pictures, things I’ve received. Plus, I got to do my deck however I wanted after all the repairs were finished, Crusader spared nothing letting me have materials while my fabricators were down. Now I thought it was beautiful, like it should always have been.

“Well it’s gonna be fuuuuuuuun!” Pinkie’s exuberance is hard not to let affect you, I find myself smiling too, watching her bounce around.

“What’s going to be fun?” A rainbow colored mane peeks in from the window, landing lightly and dropping her bags. “The sleepover?”

“We’re getting to sleepover on Athena’s command deck!” Pinkie is grinning in her usual manic way.

“That’s awesome!” She smiles, “Hey, can we play on the battleboard again?” Remembering the hard fought lesson learned months ago when Crusader challenged her.

I nod, “Oh yes, we can do that.”

“Cool!”

“Goodness, everypony seems excited for some reason.” Rarity’s light voice comes from the doorway of the bedroom, “A sleepover is definitely something to enjoy, and I could use a few days away!” She sets her own items down, seeing the happy faces.

“Yep, on Athena’s deck Rarity! She’s gonna let us stay there!”

The white Unicorn’s eyes go wide, “Really? Well I hope all that advice you’ve asked me about was put to good use!” She winks at me, teasing slightly.

“I think so, hopefully you’ll like it.”

“I’m sure we will.” Rarity nods, “I think it’ll be marvelous darling.”

“What’ll be marvelous?” Applejack enters, Fluttershy at her side, both carrying things for the stay.

“Staying over in Athena’s Command Deck for the sleepover, won’t that be wonderful?”

Fluttershy perks up, looking excited, “Really? Could we look at all the animals you’ve seen?”

“Of course Fluttershy, you’re welcome to trudge through the library I’ve got.” I make sure all files are arranged for her, a screen for her use available in Command One, Command Two is where I’ll be putting the sleeping arrangements, Command One for waking hours.

“Yay.” Even at her loudest it’s soft.

“Ya know, lookin’ forward to this, ain’t hardly had enough time to ourselves lately, it’ll be nice.” Applejack is checking her bags, making sure everything is in them before setting them aside.

“Crusader didn’t say anything?” Usually he would have.

“Stars no, he’s the one that told me to take time off, said it’d be fun.” She grins at me, “He and Spike are gonna take care o’ things around here.”

Twilight nods, “Yep, they’ll do fine. Let’s go! Time’s wasting!” She’s got her stuffed luggage on her back, already at the door as the others put theirs back on, “We’ll get something to eat there, it’ll be fun!”

We pile out the door, waving to Spike and Crusader as all of us head for my war hull.

“I know they get to go on fun trips and stuff, but what do we do while they’re gone?” Spike is feeling left out, though he does have an important job.

“I think I have something that might interest you Spike. I know you enjoy your comics, so I might have a bit of an idea you will enjoy.” He deserves something special as well, seeing Twilight do so many things by herself.

Watching him perk right up, he forgets about being left behind, “Really? That’s awesome!’

“Just wait for tonight, make sure you have some popcorn, I have a few things to show you.” And I do, I have been using my design cores for a few things on off-time. Should be quite fun.

The little dragon holds up a paw, slapping my hoof as he grins. “Cool, I can’t wait!”

“Until then, we might want to go out to the bridge, you will see something else quite exciting.”

He gives me a questioning look as we walk out of the castle, I defer saying anything else until we’re there. As we settle in, he gets to looking around, seeing nothing but the sensor posts and our hills.

“So..what’s up?”

“Athena is about to move.” His eyes go wide as he intently faces her hill, waiting.

Opening the hatchway, we enter the tunnel to Command One, I’ve repainted everything in soft earth colors, making it warm and pleasant, no hint of metal showing through.

As they exit onto the Command Deck, I drop the blocks in place quietly behind them, closing off and securing the entryway as if for battle, the hatches shutting silently with nary a whisper. Crusader and I have been working with design specs, making things smoother, better, taking our creators ideas and turning them into something else.

“Oh my goodness!” Rarity’s voice and her gasp of delight warm me to my cores, seeing everypony looking around at the deck which I’ve taken great pains to redo.

It is softly lit, no more harsh lights anywhere, the golden aura of recessed lighting making the muted colors easy on the eyes. Drapes cover a few screens, able to be pulled back quickly for viewing, they hide them as if windows to the outside, giving it the look of a house interior.

The Command chair is gone, the console redesigned to my own desires, hidden and retractable, it’s now a living room, warm, comfortable, soft and inviting to anyone who steps in. Polished wood lines the walls, curving around anything that is needed, providing a burnished glow in the soft lighting.

I’ve expanded and redone the interior fully, the weapons lockers and storage done with faux wood doors, making it appear as if closets, but backed with durasteel inside. I’ve lost none of the strength but added so much beauty, expanding the deck was easy, a lot of items are just not needed anymore and were stored in the bays now.

Pictures of all of them dot the walls, some showing natural poses, some taken at certain times, the rest in a scrapbook on a shelf I keep adding to. It’s getting quite thick now, being the second volume.

Rarity is looking at a glass case where I’ve duplicated a ponyquin, wearing the first party dress she ever made for me. It’s sealed in neutral gasses to preserve it forever, airtight in it’s display, lit from underneath.

“You saved it?” She lays a hoof on the metal stand, her eyes disbelieving seeing her creation displayed so..

“Of course, I couldn’t just toss it in a closet, it means so much to me.” I show her the plate, engraved with her name and when the dress was made, other small displays inside the case showing the jewelry she made for me to wear with it.

“I..I’m truly humbled you thought so much of it.” She’s at a loss for words, which for Rarity is..well..rare.

“You never told us!” Twilight looks at a display shelf, seeing little things I thought important enough to preserve. The others are settling in on one of the two couches I’ve made sure can accommodate them all, comfortable and soft.

“Well..yeah. I just kept things private, but now...you’re welcome to look at anything.” I’m happy, happy they like the interior and everything I’ve done. “But before all this, let me show you where we’ll be sleeping.” I lead them down to Command Two which has been redone as well.

“This is awesome!” Rainbow Dash is looking at the retractable beds, fluffy mattresses and pillows waiting for them, comforters like the ones in Canterlot topping them as they stand ready for weary bodies. Pinkie immediately starts bouncing on one, getting a happy smile on her face before flopping on the bed.

“Soooooooo soft!” She hugs the pillow tight and squees. Manufactured fibers can be softer than anything they’ve ever encountered, so no birds were de-feathered in the making of it all.

I point to another room, “After we stayed in the apartments in Canterlot, I uh..remade the facilities too.” Opening the door, I show them my version of the bathroom, a pool and waterfall shower. Done with high tech that’s hidden, it’s allowed me to do things easier, but an almost perfect copy. I sacrificed some storage areas, but nothing crucial, it gave me more than enough room.

They drop their bags, looking into every nook and crevice, seeing all the little things I’ve fabricated to make it nice. I wait while they exclaim over things, pointing out new discoveries, taking their bags and stuffing them into chests where they can all keep their things safe.

Everything, every item, is secured so that even during the roughest of trips, nothing will tip or fall. I spent days on some designs, figuring out the best way and doing it, remaking until it was perfect.

“Hey now, doncha be doing things for us, we can take care of them bags.” Applejack’s voice is light, seeing me putting things away.

“Oh I know, but you’re looking around, I can help.”

“Now you just stop that, we’re the guests here, we can get things.” She picks up her own bags, stuffing items in a chest near one of the beds, the others copying her.

After that is done, we head back up to Command One, setting around a center table, enough space for all of us. I made it from a rich red wood I found at a store one day, polishing it until it gleamed, making a round table that is perfect for the middle of the room.

“You’ve done simply amazing things darling, I love the lace doilies!” She points to a side table where a lamp sits on one.

“Don’t tell Crusader, he’ll tease me.” I give them a hopeful look.

They all do a Pinky Promise immediately, laughing all the while.

“Thank you, and I’ve got one more surprise for you.” They all look at me, Twilight smiling because she’s already in on it.

“We’re taking a trip.” The voices are excited and unbelieving at first.

“What?”

“Where?”

“How?”

I wait until the clamor dies, “Inside my hull, I’m going to test out all the repairs and figured taking you along would be nice. Hope you don’t mind?”

Rainbow Dash is grinning, “Are you kidding? This is going to be great!”

“Where are we going?” Applejack’s curious.

“We’re heading north of the Unicorn Range, tons of open area there and I can tear up the ground to my heart’s content, we can do maneuvers without any damage to anypony.”

Fluttershy gasps, “Oh my, that’s going to be a long trip.” She stops, seeing my grin, “What?”

“Won’t take that long, trust me, we’ll be there in no time.”

“Oh! I..uhm..forgot about that.”

I slap the table with my hooves, “Okay! We’ll get a meal on the way, but first, let’s get out of this hole, hang on to your tails!”

“Crusader?”

“All clear, security grid retracted, tunnel secure. Unit Athena of the First Equestrian you are go for maneuvers in grid forty-two slash forty-four slash eighty-five.”

I am excited, hearing the old commands, the old ways. He knows just what to say, bless him.

“Fusion plants at full, drive trains engaging, battlescreens to quarter power for clearance.”

Rumbling comes from under the ground as the power plants gear up, suncore heat temperatures burning mass to provide power to the enormous drive trains to move the incredible tonnage of a Bolo.

Spike’s eyes go wide, seeing the dirt slough off the hill as it rocks back and forth for a moment, revealing a gleaming hull that shines in the morning light. The sensor posts retract with a slam that reverberates throughout the quiet air, ponies gathered at the bridge catch their breath at the sight of a metal mountain being revealed.

“You have quite the audience Athena, Spike has been telling passing ponies what is going to happen, give them a show.”

“I can do that!”

The dirt blows off slightly, revealing the full extent of what lies beneath the silent hills that the town knows, a metal behemoth of proportions barely understood shines like a gem under Celestia’s Sun. Forward, then back it rocks, treads grabbing deep as it lurches upward, bringing itself up and out of the hole her hull has lain in these long months.

The ground literally shakes like an earthquake as the prow of her hull lifts, then slams back down on the ground, very slight tremors rippling through the dirt and catching ponies off-guard, making them stumble and exclaim. It would have been much worse had she not used her null-gravs to take some of the pressure off.

Her Hellbores lift proudly, gun barrels blown clear of obstructions by neutral gasses, cleaning them for action. Tech spiders are doing final checks on the outside, before scuttling into hatches, securing them as well. She is sleek and fierce all at once, a gleaming goddess of war awoken to do battle once more.

Along her front quarter side in letters tall and proud is ‘Athena” shining in the light as they are inlaid in silver. Her weapons turrets swivel and lift, making sure everything is good to go before she moves.

“Wow, she sure is pretty.” Spike’s voice is almost a whisper, looking at the thousands of tons of duralloy sitting proudly in the daylight. Her hull looking as if just off the BoloWorks factory floor.

“She is Spike.”

“Permission to leave AO for maneuvers?”

“Permission granted Unit Athena, good hunting my sister.”

She laughs, “With my shield or on it!”

Her turrets snap around, Hellbores lifting at an angle of salute before I hear her engage her drive trains once more, slowly moving out and leaving deep tread marks in the soil, carefully moving around the forest edge.

We watch with a crowd of others as she drives out of sight, gathering speed until she is nothing but a bright spot in the distance.

Spike is still sitting beside me, his eyes never leaving the sparkling Bolo, “Wow.”

“Wow, did you see that crowd?” Rainbow is watching a screen, seeing the ponies gathered at the departure.

“Quite a sight I’m sure, when Crusader moved that first time, it was an incredible thing to see.” Rarity is lying on a couch, nodding with Rainbow’s exclamation.

“Well if he didn’t have mah Cutie Mark on the front of his hull!” She gets laughs at that, “Darn embarrassing that was.”

Twilight‘s voice is teasing, “Awww, but he meant it in a good way.”

I can’t help but smile, “Well, I could always put yours on my bow plates Twilight, since you think it was nice.” This gets an immediate blush as she looks at me, stuttering.

“No..nono, I’m good, no need.”

“Ha! Got you there Twilight," Rainbow is cackling in delight.

I can‘t help but tease her, “You sure? Wouldn’t take but a few minutes to paint it on, I mean it’s really no trouble.”

Her eyes get wide, thinking of ponies seeing such a thing on our return, “Oh no. Nononono.”

Fluttershy giggles, seeing her friend at a loss, “Well, it’s a nice thought though.”

My treads grab deep into the fertile soil, heading north by northwest now, towards the open areas past the Unicorn Range, nothing of note out there we have mapped, other than farms and steading deep in the hills that should be safe if anything untoward should happen. Six hours into the trip at slow speeds, taking my time and enjoying each minute!

My scanners are crisp and clear, searching and penetrating through the air and ground as we roll to my final destination. I am happy, my engines are performing well, my hull is better than new, strong and formidable. I can see for kilometers in every direction, probing the soil beneath my hull, making sure I don’t stumble into any fault lines or problems.

I’m so elated at feeling free for the first time in months, I don’t see the hoof waving in front of my avatar until a few seconds into the motion.

“Athena?” Rainbow is waving her hoof in front of my eyes, causing me to shake my head with a smile.

“I’m sorry, something wrong?”

“Uh..no. You just kinda spaced out there for a minute, and I really want some more of this!” She points to a plate, previously covered by a hot curry, wiped clean and shining almost as if she’d..no she didn’t..did she?

“Be here in a minute..did.. Did you lick the plate clean?” I point at it, getting an embarrassed look.

“It was good!

“There’s plenty of food Rainbow, you don’t have to do that.”

“Mom always taught me to eat everything on my plate!” She looks proud, “Besides, that stuff is awesome!”

“What is with you guys and spicy food?”

All I get are shrugs and happy faces, except for Pinkie who’s digging into another mound of rice, ignoring everyone.

“No, seriously, ever since Crusader and I started supplying meals sometimes, you guys have without fail chosen spicy ones, what gives?” I have to ask, it’s been bugging me since Derpy confessed.

Twilight shrugs, “I’ve never tasted anything like it, we don’t have spices like this, so it’s really different.”

Pinkie nods, wiping her muzzle clean with a napkin, “Yep, I mean we’ve got some good things, but nothing like this!” She grins, holding out her plate for more, “Well...besides hamburgers!”

We all get a laugh on that one, oh good times, I tell you.

“As long as you enjoy them I guess.”

“We do!” Rainbow is licking her chops, waiting for her meal, “On a cold day, nothing like it to get the blood pumping!”

I get more from the serving cabinet, steaming hot, bringing it to the table and dishing it out, “And you call us weird.”

“You are weird,” Rainbow laughs, digging into her food, “You can eat pretty much anything and get away with it.” She taps a hoof, “Though Crusader doesn’t like broccoli for some strange reason.”

Twilight laughs, “That’s from when Discord changed him, he didn’t like it then, guess it stuck.”

“Don’t load up on this though, I’ve got dessert planned out as well.” Pinkie’s attention is now zeroed like a Bolo on target.

“Dessert?” She’s leaning over the table, giving me that really intense look.

I lean back slightly, “Yep, a special one I got from stores, you’ll like it.”

“What is it?”

“Trust me, you’ll like it.” This prompts everyone to finish their food in record time, staring at me expectantly. I really have to stop telling them things.

“*Sigh*.... Fine, stars you ponies.” I get the serving tray, showing them the ice cream and cake, topped with a layer of chocolate and cherries, a Bombe glacee. “Careful of the glaze, it’s got..” It’s too late, I can’t believe they eat like that without killing themselves sometimes.

“They’ve got what?” Pinkie is already done.

“Liquor in it, alcohol.” Shaking my head I gather the plates for recycle, “Might want to let it settle, good grief you guys. I never got a chance to light it.”

“Light it? On fire? What the hay kinda food you do that to?” Applejack is staring at her now empty dish.

“It’s part of the recipe..you barbarians.”

Pinkie just grins, “But it was gooooood!”

“Yeah and it might be really good in a few minutes if that alcohol hits you.” I’m not sure, a grain based alcohol may or may not affect them, we’ll have to see. It wasn’t that much anyways, but here, you never know.

“So when are we arriving by the way?” Rarity is leaning back, enjoying a cup of fresh tea.

“We’re there, already crossed the Unicorn’s an hour ago, we’re in the free area...” An alarm goes off in my tactical cores, drawing my attention away from the conversation.

Scanners kick up, ground penetrating radar are picking up anomalies in the soil beneath me, deep but rising. What in Tartarus? Why did I not pick this up sooner?

“Hang on..” I raise a hoof, forestalling any questions as my weapons come online, automatics are blaring for my attention.

Turning to the west I fire drones, gaining maximum air coverage, seeing nothing on top but grasslands. Anomalies are still rising, two hundred meters below me and coming fast, they are heading right for me!

Analyzing the current disposition, they are beneath me in a scattered pattern, it’s familiar somehow. I turn north, seeing if.. they are, they’re following.

“Get to Command Two, strap yourselves into the beds.” I don’t allow conversation, pointing the way and seeing them rush off without a word. Following them, I drop my connection to my avatar, letting it lie on a spare rack after dropping crash netting.

I detect null-gravs in use, the frequencies are odd, something we don’t use. I light up everything, power plants are burning top end now as I fire up battle screens. I don’t know what it is yet, but it is a possible threat, and I’ve got six high value targets in my hull. Plates drop along my tracks, protecting my lower half as everything I have comes online.

No..no...no.

Everything goes hot, scanners, sensors and radar pierce the skies and ground, bringing things into focus as I light it up.

Stasis fields...strange stasis fields, flickering on and off.. Ours don’t do that, never did except when magic was used around them. Whatever these are, they’re coming from deep underground, burning their way through the soil, I’m detecting fusion traces, the melting of subsurface earth to create tunnels.

What the heck?

I can’t lead whatever they are back to Ponyville, I break into the open lands, hoping no one is out here. I see the groups of rising targets follow me, heading obliquely in my direction. The damn things are homing on me somehow!

Homing....

It couldn’t be, not here....

Data cores go into overdrive, searching for comparisons and coming up with one.

Anceti, it’s the Anceti.

No one in Concordiat Command knew where they came from, an unknown alien race that we’d encountered a few times, they used time as a weapon, their technology barely understood if at all, it drove the researchers insane.

They had been found seeding planets with machines to destroy, that lay in wait for colonists, for Bolos. They especially loved trapping and destroying Bolos, zeroing in on our reactors, our frequencies for scanning, anything was possible. Intelligence had nothing on them, what they looked like, where they lived, otherwise we’d have wasted their home planet. But since we had never found it, they were a constant threat.

Could they have seeded Earth after the razing? Roaming around the galaxy realizing the two super powers were gone? If it’s the Anceti, we’re in trouble, their time technology gave us fits. The only time we won a battle was when a Bolo suicided to take out their emplacement.

I know what these are now, Swarmers, Bolo killers! I count a hundred of them, typical Anceti Swarm Detachment.

All security blocks slam into place, screens flicker and firm around Command Two, they must be protected at all costs!

I fire up communications, readying a VSR and update before they can get close enough to me.

“Crusader!”

“Athena, how goes the..”

“No time! Emergency! The Anceti are..” Dammit, they’ve jammed my comms, I can’t punch through. Oh please, please in Celestia’s name let him have heard me.

I watch them through my cameras, they are bursting out of the ground, huge and multi-legged for grabbing onto hulls, they use null-grav propulsion, lying in ambush for hundreds of years if they have to, to wipe out anything not Anceti. We figured they were xenophobic, but these proved it, they allied with no one or anyone, wiping us and the Melconians out indiscriminately.

Swarmers waited until a Bolo was right on top of them, covering it with units and either blasting with nano-dissemblers, heavy particle beams or digging into our hulls to crush the AI inside, either one it was a horrible way to die. They were vicious and unrelenting, many of us had fallen to them.

My drones are shot out of the sky, fast enough I can’t recall them.

I hope Crusader heard me, otherwise we’re all dead.

The communication from Athena was scrambled in a way I haven’t heard in a long time, perhaps fluctuations of the sun are cluttering the EM channels? I am definitely not sure as I sit in the castle with Spike.

Taking the recording I play it back, filtering and enhancing it to the best of my abilities. It is a deliberate jamming of frequencies, one that is very familiar, the one word I can make out confirms it, Anceti.

The enemy is here, how or why I do not care, but they are here. If she is out there alone and it is the Anceti, she is in danger.

“Spike, I am sorry, I have to go. Athena and the others are in danger.”

His head snaps around, away from the cartoon I’ve constructed from Power Ponies comic books. It’d been enjoyable watching them with him, plenty of popcorn consumed as well, but now his face was worried.

“Trouble? What kind of trouble?”

“An old enemy has appeared, I have to leave myself here and move. Please take care of my avatar.”

“Wait! Take me with you, I can’t leave Twilight out there alone!” He jumps down, standing in front of me looking determined.

“Spike, this is not a Tirek, this is an old vicious enemy from our past, it is not the same.”

“I don’t care, it’s Twilight!” He raises a claw at me, “You don’t go without me, that’s Twilight out there, you got me?”

I don’t have time to explain, “Fine, get to my hull and get inside, we must move now.” I look at his legs and realize it would take too much time, “Forget that, get on my back, let’s go, now!”

He hops on and I take off out of the castle at top speed, his claws are grabbing my mane tight as we tear down the street. Heading out of the town, we cross the bridge, already my screens are sloughing off the dirt covering me but it’s too slow. As soon as we enter the access hatch, I blow the concealment charges, scattering dirt everywhere in clods. I’m sure ponies in town are wondering why it is raining soil right about now.

I point to the command chair, “Spike, sit here, strap in and do not touch anything!” I drop my connection, firing up my fusion plants and making sure he is strapped into the command chair. The rescue pod is available in case my deck takes a hit, so he is safe for now.

My hull rocks, I do not have time to take it slow so I engage my drive trains, plowing forward out of the defilade I am in, coming over the berm like assaulting an emplacement. Tons of durasteel slam into the ground as I pour power into my drives, digging deep and tearing out away from the town.

Heavy drone magazines are moved into place, firing multiple times, recon and bombardment in the mix, thunder booms as they go supersonic. I am attempting a relay through them, encryption algorithms to try and get around the jamming as well as pure power. I have to find a frequency they cannot..wait..a frequency..

A frequency they cannot tap!

If I could smile I would be grinning from ear to ear, I tune all comms to the one channel they may not know, that of magic. This is might disrupt every spell around me to however far it’s going to reach, I will apologize later.

Using my screens to resonate along with it, I can send signals out as far as my power plants can push energy to them. Everything I have is poured into them, cutting through the jamming.

“C..*crackle* ..der?”

“Listen to me! Tune your comms to the magic spectrum, resonate your screens and comms!”

“*Crackle* Tun... *static* ..ow Can you hear .....”

“Better, more power!”

“Done, can you hear me?”

“I can. Is it the Anceti?”

“It is, Anceti Swarmers, I need help Crusader, please!”

“I am on my way, feed me updates, switch everything to this frequency and keep resonating on alternate cycles. Do not let them get a chance to jam us again.”

“I won’t. Battle Reflex is good, please get here soonest.”

“One hour, top speed according to plotting.” This is pushing everything I have to the limit, my tonnage is not made for speed, I can only hope my drive systems will hold..

“It’s bad Crusader, there’s a hundred of them.” I see the feed now, sketchy, but the Swarmers are clear as day.

“You know what to do, I will be there soon. Hold the line sister.”

“I understand. I’ve got to go now, when you’re close enough initiate TSDS.” She pauses, “Hurry.”

“You will be there to accept my transmissions Athena, or you and I will have a talk later.” I am heartened, hearing her laugh at my non-existent threat.

“I will. I promise.”

The link goes dead, I know she is concentrating on the battle. I increase power to my treads, the gauges showing the bearings and drive trains going past their limits, slowly heating up. Failure will happen catastrophically if I do not slow. I must get there, twenty of them can take a Bolo, she’s facing five times that. Tactical cores give me a thirty-two point eight percent chance of her survival.

That is not good enough, not by half.

I do an immediate turn to my left, opening fire along all my starboard batteries, the howitzers and infinite repeaters ripple-firing along my side, tearing three of the Swarmers to bits before the rest can raise shields.

I got you, you bastards! My Hellbores snap to, pouring nuclear fire into a couple more, I watch their shields overload with a bang, ripping them asunder. Three shots for two Swarmers is not a good ratio, and they’re closing in.

I increase power to my battlescreens, forcing them close to overload as a group fires at my port side, the energy dissipating as they take my measure. I know how this works, they change, find out the chinks in my armor so to speak, and then they start fighting for real. But until then...

I stop dead in a squeal of bogies, Hellbores, starboard and port side batteries fire in volley taking out four more, overloading their shields once more. But it takes longer this time, those damn Anceti were good whoever they were. I start manufacturing more rounds, my magazines are over-full, but I will rip through them quick enough.

A nano package barrage hits my aft screens, blowing themselves to shreds as the energy is fed back into them, take that! Ha! I got yer tricks right here!

“Athena?”

Dedicating part of my mind to answering them I ram forward, prow plowing through a few low hills as I dodge the weapons of the Anceti Swarmers, they won’t touch me! They can’t! I’m faster than I ever was! My null-gravs boosting my speed now as I push everything I have to keeping away from them.

“Yes Twilight?”

“What’s going ..UNGH...on?” They get shaken by a sudden hard turn I had to make, thank goodness for netting on the beds.

“An old enemy Twilight, something we never expected. They are pursuing us right now.”

“Who? Why are they chasing you?” They know we’re out-running them, watching the wallscreen.

“They are called the Anceti, a sneaky little bunch of nasty aliens that gave the Concordiat and Bolos fits whenever we fought them. Their technology has a lot to do with time manipulation.”

“So whatta these sneaky critters look like?” Applejack is hanging on to the crash netting as we slew through some more turns.

“No one knows, we never saw one. Found some remains, but not enough to figure out what the heck they were, except for and I quote “Really really weird stuff’ from a leading scientist.” I tone that down, as it was ‘Really, really weird shit’ from the best Concordiat scientists at the time, they were baffled.

My anti-air lasers pick disassembler packages out of the air, they’re adapting fast, those things got way too close, the ones that hit my screens are not repulsed immediately, hanging on until feedback kills them. I estimate fifteen point two minutes before my countermeasures are ineffective and it will come down to guns.

I start preparing my own Nano, spreading it through my hull as well as loading shells with it, sliding them into the howitzer magazines as they get pressed, firing them judiciously at the Anceti Swarmers. I got your number ya jerks, got it and dealing a winning hand.

Ripple firing everything, I knock out five more, my Secondary Hellbores snapping right and left, pouring their beams of ravening destruction right on target. The nuclear fire boring through them, melting a hole clean through before they explode in bright flashes of light, leaving nothing but particles too small to analyze.

As fast as I am, they are getting faster, more agile, learning my moves, my patterns of fire. Time to switch up. I reorganize everything, doing completely different turns and firing, single-shot, ripples, volleys, by one and twos I take them out.

Two here, three there, I’m whittling, but I am also missing more. It’s not good, I need to keep my speed up, but small calibers are already getting low. I’m using my infinite repeaters far too much for pinpoint firing, switching to ion bolts, let’s use those up while I make more ammunition.

I am fast and I am swift, you bastards can’t take me! I’m Athena, Goddess of War and Wisdom!

“You also talk to yourself far too much beloved sister.”

“Crusader!”

“I am still twenty minutes out, but head west. Turn in ten seconds, recon drone is at high altitude, spotting fire danger close.” The drone goes down, picked out of the air by Anceti fire.

“Fire?” I turn west at the ten second mark, maintaining speed and leading a group of them behind me. More than danger close, I can see them without enhancement.

One drone gets through the jamming, lasting long enough for me to get a plot on my battleboard. Magazines slam into place, plates slapping back along my hull as I fire every cruise missile in one volley, reloading for another round. The loadouts are at maximum for conventional explosives, almost in the kiloton range for non-nuclear. The sky cracks open as they go supersonic, speeding towards where Athena fights for her life.

I blow one of the port side inner tracks, the bearings have failed and were slowing me down. Pushing my null-gravs up, I increase power to them, angling to get forward thrust to increase my speed. I will reach her in time hopefully, until then, the missile launch should take care of any enemy following too close.

Keeping a careful eye on the rest of my drive train, catastrophic failure will occur two minutes after I arrive on scene if I do not slow to let them cool.

More than enough time.

Holy...! My screen fills with incoming, he’s really cutting it close, but I lead them. The twenty behind me are slamming nano-D’s into my aft shields, wearing them down fast, they’re cutting through the screens as I scream a warning to everypony on the deck.

“Hang on! It’s going to get bad!” I watch them grab the crash netting tight as the missiles hit right behind me, tearing the ground up and blinding my sensors with explosions.

Nanites are eating through my hull, I quickly spray anti-nano as fast as I can, letting them duel it out. Meters of duralloy are fine, but breach it and we’ve got problems, they’ve already abraded an inch off an aft track shield before I can stop them, they’ve spread everywhere and I am using everything I have to keep it from growing.

If they get through the metal, they will drill along my circuits, heading for my cores and doing immense damage, I can’t let even one through. Watching closely, the nano count is dropping fast, hitting zero quickly. The barrage of cruise missiles keeps going for long seconds, wiping out the last of the Swarmers behind me.

My entire hull rocks with the massive detonations, forcing me forward and rocking upwards towards my prow almost digging me right into the ground before settling out. Null-gravs are taking some of the shock, but my suspension is going to need some serious maintenance..dangit.

“Twenty down Crusader! Good shooting, but you chipped my paint job!”

“As long as it worked, that is our surprise for now Athena, have they adapted?”

“Yes, I’m dodging as best I can, they’re keeping up.”

I will be cresting the rise to your left, approximately ten minutes...mark.. be wary.”

“Wait..what? How did...!”

“I am pushing my drive trains past their limits Athena, it is as fast as I could get here.”

“Oh Crusader..”

“Be ready when I top the rise, keep dodging.”

“I’m trying, but running out of Anti-Nano.”

“Nine minutes...mark.. You will be fine.”

“Breach! I’ve got a...”

The link goes down with Crusader. Celestia damn them I’ve got a breach, port side along Ion Battery Four. Tech spiders are on it, spraying anti-nano as fast as they can, it’s spreading towards Command Two!

“Get out of there, head for the upper deck, move move!” I yell through the speakers, seeing them struggle through the webbing and heading up the access hatches.

Twilight turns, seeing a spreading gray ooze come from a small hole in the wall, her horn lights up, firing a beam at it and wiping out a good portion of the pooling mass.

Anceti may adapt, but they know nothing about magic.

“Twilight, get out now!”

“But my magic is working!” She fires more, wide angle beams of pure force, wiping the crawling nano out.

“If they adapt it’ll eat you alive, go!” I don’t know if they can, but I am taking no chances. Activating my avatar I jump forward, shoving her into the access-way, slamming the hatch behind us. I’m pushing her up the way, making sure she doesn’t stop until we reach the main deck.

“Stay here, don’t leave the area!” I cut my link with my avatar, returning my full attention to the battle. I solidify screens and armor around Command One, making sure it is meters deep in both, anti-nano so thick inside it’s like a fog. It won’t hurt anything but Anceti nano, but it will deplete quickly if the area is drilled by more than a few packages.

The anti-nano sprays are depleting my reserve mass for fabrication, it takes billions of them to defeat the Anceti packages. In the process everything is destroyed, it cannot be recycled as the alien nano contaminate the remains, scorched earth, if we can’t do it, you can’t. Nothing left to do but dump it in the fusion plants for power.

Poor losers is what I think they are.

I crank around my aft Hellbores, pouring fire into the following machines, the 220cm barrels are putting enough power out to light a small city, but they’ve adapted, even with both turrets working on one, it takes approximately twenty seconds to burn through a shield with constant firing.

My tactical cores are giving me a forty-eight percent chance of survival right now.

Hyper Velocity missile batteries are up and swinging, I flush the racks, making sure anything close gets a full load of octocellulose warheads. Combined with the speed, the explosions bore through their screens, giving me the opportunity to blast the rest with my batteries. But they’re learning too fast, if they’re hit they spin, taking the broken shield out of my line of fire.

My count is fifty-six left, more than enough to kill me, and they are now faster than I am.

I have no choice, there are eight minutes remaining until Crusader arrives, I’ve been tearing up the countryside avoiding the Swarmers. But I have my friends in my hull, I cannot charge the enemy, I cannot suicide to save them, I must run.

Opening my bay doors I swivel on a southern course, dropping a line of Dragons, the entire amount out the back.

“Go, my Hounds, and distract the enemy!” I am sorry, so sorry my good and faithful Hounds, for dropping you into this.

The auxiliary units practically bay in delight, getting a chance to go after the enemy, I can feel their rage through the command links. Though limited in AI, they’ve changed too, and we’ve treated them well since we realized, but now, now I’ve thrown them into the face of hell.

I watch two immediately get blown to scrap with heavy particle weapons, the pain registers inside me as I feel their loss. The rest turn in a line, bringing their weapons to bear and scattering the grouped Swarmers, making the gathered enemy turn and face them, relieving me for a moment of the pressure. The twenty centimeter Hellbores and secondaries the Dragons have are not doing any damage except with lucky hits, but they are trying, oh stars they’re so brave!

I make the Swarmers pay, the ones who hurt my Hounds, blowing them to shards with a full broadside each, nothing left but dust. This throws me off and I get back on course, heading for the ridge. I keep firing, laying down as much as I can while making best speed. I am burning through ammunition at a tremendous rate, Secondary Hellbore rounds are dangerously low, repeater and missile stocks are out, the last fired a few seconds past, the Swarmers are tightening in on me.

One of my tracks takes a particle beam hit through my plates, the one bogie breaking up and shredding at the speeds I am going, I blow the whole track, rolling on what’s left of intact wheels. It slows me by a few percent, letting the Swarmers catch me now if they are not taken out by my Hounds.

***Consensus***

**Controlling Intelligence (Athena) in imminent danger.

**Primaries and Secondaries ineffective.

**Fusion plant overload..acceptable...

**Primary Mission ------

*Protect Controlling Intelligence (Athena).

*Destroy the Enemy.

**Agreed.

***Consensus Ends***

A Dragon slams into an Anceti machine, exploding in a blaze of brilliance that makes me drop sensor filters into place. That was a fusion plant overload! The crater is smoking from the heat as I watch others do the same..four..five..no!

“Priority Override, return to bays for rearming and resupply!”

I am ignored, the command links go dark as the Hounds cut communications with me.

I didn’t order this, they shouldn’t be doing ANY of this!

“Crash Override Systems Priority One, return to weapons bays immediately!”

The links are broken one by one as they drop off my communications cores and plotting board, the Hounds are ramming the heavy vehicles, blowing themselves and the Anceti into glowing shards. I can’t do anything except lay down what fire I can heading away from the explosions plowing craters into the countryside.

“Stop! Stop! Return to the bays! Please!”

A single link remains, a wordless communication comes over it before it too is dropped, making me feel the grief, the pain even more clearly than before.

Comfort.

A couple of Hounds get disabled before they can destroy the enemy, left behind in the Anceti’s wish to destroy me, regrouping and coming after me faster than before. I can only increase speed, the squealing of my drive trains telling me that I am pushed past my limits, in a few more minutes..

“Stop in place Athena!”

I come to a complete halt, locking my tracks up hard as a massive amount of fire comes from the ridge above me, angling over my hull and into the mass of Anceti Machines that are just about to latch onto me. Crusader has topped it, every weapon he can muster is pouring death into the remaining Anceti Swarmers. Just the sheer amount is penetrating their shields as he rolls down towards and around me, throwing himself in harm’s way.

His Hellbores are glowing from the heat as he fires faster than he should, repeaters and missile batteries emptied, refilled and emptied again. He shows no mercy, no restraint, nothing, rolling over disabled machines and crushing them under his tracks, the explosions damaging him when they turn themselves to dust. The sheer throw weight of his fire is so far beyond specs he's burning through everything he has, he must have overridden every safety and control!

I can only watch, hurting from multiple hits, doing damage control while he pushes forward into the mass of Swarmers, slaughtering them.

There were thirty-five left, I see them dissappear one by one as he rages, his anger hot and bright as we mesh in TSDS through whisker laser, close enough now and comforting me while he kills..and kills...

I feel the hits on his screens, the energy crackling along them as they shunt it away, his screens taking tremendous amounts of fire. They are fresh, but weakening, not battle worn like my own now. He pays the particle weapons no mind, taking his vengeance out on them, his will a wall of force by itself, for daring to attack those he loves and cares for.

There will be no stopping him now.

The Anceti war machines never even get close to grabbing onto his hull, picked off by anything close, pounded into the ground like they were nails. Thunder cracks and booms along the plains, the atmosphere pummeled by the sounds of weapons for long minutes. The exchange of fire weakening on the Anceti side as he rips them asunder, his fury a thirst unquenchable as he gives them what they wished to deal out to me and our friends.

He takes great pains to make sure nothing is left, that they cannot retreat, nor dig themselves back under the ground. He cripples some, shooting their drives out and then picking them apart, making them feel every inch of their own destruction. I can see glowing holes where their heavy particle beams dug into his armor, he shrugs it off, redoubling his fire, tripling even.

He is so angry, so wrathful, it scares even me.

Main Hellbores break the sky, peeling machines open like onions and roasting their interiors like throwing them into the sun. He takes his time, exacting every bit of vengeance out on these things for as long and as hard as he can.

In TSDS I can see his alarms going off, his drive train is almost destroyed from too much demand, he was not built for such speed and he pushed it too hard, it will take a while to get home. His pain sensors are in overload from too many hits, the sustained particle beam fire reaching deep into his armor through failed battlescreen sections, turrets and missile racks useless from major damage. He doesn’t care, I watch through his eyes as he interposes himself between me and what’s left of the Enemy.

What few machines left are trying to retreat, to find an exit, rebuild and come back. He’s having none of it, slamming rounds and shots into them with a fury reserved for gods; making absolutely sure, beyond any doubt, they are to die, and die as fast and as horribly as he can make it.

Doing damage control as quickly as I can to return to the fight, it is over before I realize it, the smoking barrels of his weapons silent, the creaking of metal as he rolls slowly forward, searching for the enemy, looking for any piece he can mangle, cripple, kill. He is careful, there are pieces that lay quiescent until he gets close, scanning them and then bringing everything to bear, vaporizing them and meters of soil beneath the scraps.

Then...quiet.. Echoes are leaving the area of war and fading into the distance as he sits in the midst of the carnage. His thoughts are running hot as I tentatively reach out to him.

“Crusader?”

“Are you all right Athena? Twilight and the others?” His voice is formal and firm, his scanners reaching for any hint or sign of the enemy.

“They are fine, anti-nano is working, nothing got through though it was close.”

“Good, Spike is here with me, he is exiting my Command Deck now, please let him see Twilight, he has been worried. Background radiation is nil, everything is safe. Keep them near.”

“Will do, informing them now.” I move around slowly, putting my bay near Crusader’s as he clears the broken ground, backing up towards me, letting Spike meet with Twilight in a patch of grass somehow untouched by the energies we’ve unleashed. He then moves back out, working the battlefield.

A reunion of the little Dragon hugging Twilight hard as she admonishes him for even coming out here. He is not backing down, I smile inside, seeing the little guy standing tall as he tells her about him telling Crusader he was coming along.

The rest of the friends are somber, looking out over the blasted plain where Crusader moves slowly, checking for remnants. Even Pinkie is not smiling, her eyes catching the smoking holes, craters and tread marks I left in my running battle.

The once green and verdant plains area now a blasted landscape, bringing a sorrow to my heart, but there was nothing else we could do. If the Anceti had gotten loose, this world would have been in dire danger. If they had harmed my friends, it would have been a disaster, I could do nothing but what I did.

A signal reaches me as I turn up my sensors, a crippled Dragon nearby is trying to send a VSR, not quite reaching. I cannot move my hull, damage control needs time to repair my drive train for more use, eradicating any Anceti nano inside me. I reactivate my avatar, tearing down the access ways and exiting the bay. As I run past my friends I head for a mass of durasteel that was once one of my precious Hounds.

The turret is holed from a particle weapon, tearing the insides to shreds as it turns and looks for the enemy, almost blind with one sensor remaining, still trying to do it’s utmost. The shrieking of metal as the wrecked Hellbore searches for the enemy. It’s engine is nothing but scrap now, cored by another particle beam.

It’s secondaries are gone, blasted to ruin, treads are melted into the soil, stopping it dead before it could ram the Anceti machine it was going after. I summon heavy tech spiders, I’ve got to get it inside my weapons bays for repairs, to salvage the command core and rebuild.

***?Interrogative? VSR Ready... Permission to file***

I lay a hoof on the wrecked hull, using my avatar to help boost the faint signal, “Go ahead my Hound.” This is the one I rode to victory in the Running of the Leaves, a fond memory coming back now.

***VSR Dragon Fourteen.....work...ing...

*Combat Effectiveness 0%, unable to continue Primary Mission...

*Primary and Secondary Systems inoperable...

*Fusion Plant shutting down, unable to achieve criticality for Primary Mission.....

*Command Core irreparable due to damage sustained...

*Total failure in thirty seconds.....

Primary Mission? I never gave them any orders except distract the enemy, “What was your Primary Mission?”

***Primary Mission...***

*Protect Controlling Intelligence (Athena)...

*Destroy the Enemy....

“I didn’t tell you to do that! I told you to distract them, to stay safe!”

*** ?Interrogative? ***

“Go ahead.”

*** ?Interrogative? Controlling Intelligence (Athena) safe***

I can’t help it, I say it out loud, stunned by the question. “I’m fine, I’m safe, you did everything that was asked and more.”

***?Interrogative? Enemy destroyed.***

I lean against the warm hull, nodding as I answer, “Yes, my Hound, the enemy is gone.”

*** Primary Mission accomplished...***

The turret squeals as the wrecked Hellbore lifts in salute, it can’t fully do so as the bearings are shot, but it tries before I feel the power plant shut down, the energy fading inside the Command Core.

“Wait, wait, spiders are on the way! We’ll get you repaired!” They are hustling from my hull with heavy lifters.

But it’s too late, the damage is immense and I know deep in myself, that there’s no way to save my courageous Hound...but I try, I beg, I can’t help it, they came so far with me, through so many years.

“Please don’t go, don’t leave.” I lean against the bent plating, “Hang on for just a few minutes more, please.”

A signal comes from within the torn hull, fading, it sends me the last thing I ever expected.

Comfort to me, pride at a job well done. It wants one last order, one last command.

I can’t stop it from dying, there’s nothing I can do, laying my head against the prow I whisper to it’s remaining sensor, “Thou wert a good and faithful companion my Hound, you are relieved, rest now.”

I listen to it faltering an acknowledgment, then all goes quiet inside the hull of my last Hound, my companions since I was drafted for Operation Diaspora; meant to be used for the defense of the new colony, they had come with me through time and now lay smashed on a battlefield so far into the future that none of us could grasp it fully.

All I can do is lay my head on the warmed metal and squeeze a few tears loose through closed eyes, letting them wash away the dirt and soot from battle; cleaning it with my hopes that if there was truly magic in this world, and if it understood, it would take my companions and give them what they so richly deserved for their unstinting sacrifice.

My tech spiders recover what they can, gleaning the battlefield of anything from each wrecked hull, bringing it back and storing the remains safely inside my hull as I trudge back.

Twilight and the others are waiting for me, silent and somber as I walk past them without a word. I am stopped by a hoof on my shoulder, turning to see Pinkie’s clear blue eyes. She knows, she doesn’t have to say anything as I try to say something.. anything...

Crusader is far off in the distance, the rumbling of his bogies loud in the quiet air as we watch him scanning for threats. He stops, the huge barrels of his Hellbores lift upward, five rounds from each of the four 220cm weapons thundering through the atmosphere and into space. I watch, knowing why he did that, ever so grateful he’s the way he is.

The wind from the force of the war shots reaches us, blowing our manes back as we try to keep standing, the booms reaching across the distance of the land.

When the breeze dies down, I am hugged tightly with a lavender leg. No words need to be said, they know, they’ve been told about the changes we saw in our Dragons, how we took careful care of them.

A southern voice comes to my ears, “Ah ain’t gonna ask if yer okay, ah know ya ain’t, but can we help?”

Trying to smile I look at Applejack, her emerald eyes honest and open as I shake my head for a moment, failing badly as tears start to well up. I can't say anything, there's nothing to say, they're gone forever. I'm trying my best, I really am, making sure repairs are done so we can bug out of this area quickly, but I can't..I just.. I turn and bury my face into Twilight's chest as she wraps me in her wings, sobbing my heart out for my precious Hounds. The feel of gentle hooves on my shoulders as I cry harder than I thought I would.

Minor repairs are done and we’re heading back home, the trip over far too soon I think. Crusader is behind me, slower now as he has to take care of his drive trains, they’ve been over-stressed badly. We’re both going to need depot level maintenance when we get back, our armor and weapons have suffered even in that brief fight.

The Anceti were always formidable, when we started encountering Swarmers it got worse, the best of us died to stop them, often barely doing so. We’ve scanned as deep as we can, nothing remains, perhaps just the one group? I don’t know, but their technology was time-based, very little was understood, and conceivably yes, they could have lain underneath the earth for a long time.

I find it hard to believe that they showed up all of a sudden like this. They were homing in on my emissions, though I’m not exactly sure what. They had stasis fields of an unknown type, but now we know that from my logs, we can scan for traces.

We may never know, but now we are forewarned and can look out to keep this world safe even better now.

But if I could want something, if I could wish one thing, it would be that the Anceti burn in whatever hell they believe in for what they've done.

Damn them.

We settled back into the large holes in the ground, it had been a quiet trip back for most of yesterday. Crusader calls out his bladed Dragons, having them start the recovering process. Now more than ever we need to conceal ourselves, toning down our emissions as well, scanners are adjusted to new frequencies and channels, anything offbeat.

Paranoia is the word of the day, even as the sun rises, we’re still working to adjust everything. Some things we cannot change, but we do try to conceal them, such as fusion plant signatures, adding new shielding.

Crusader took a lot of damage, he’s going to be repairing himself for a few months at the minimum. He’s been pouring reserves into my own, getting me back up to speed fastest. I keep protesting and he keeps ignoring me, it’s no use fighting the stubborn old Bolo.

I feel the emptiness, my vehicle bays echoing with sound as I walk through them, seeing the vacant slots where my Hounds were. The Ferrets are still in place, Scorpions pulled from storage and tech spiders going over them to replace my auxiliaries as best they can.

They had been with me in Manehatten, my Hounds, protecting me and everypony else.

It won’t be the same I’m afraid.

Crusader offered half of his, but I declined, it’s going to take a while.

It takes time, even for us, to get rid of the loss, though we will carry it within us forever. I could just delete it all, but then that wouldn’t be worthy of them.

I exit the bays walking towards a special place, even for ponies there are always places like this. A place of remembrance, for reflecting, for time to ponder.

It lays by one of the many lakes, I see the stones emplaced in the ground, names showing for those who visit. Off to the side is a larger one, a plate of durasteel from my stocks. It’s not the Canterlot Gardens, but it is beautiful here, quiet. During the evening when we arrived, tech spiders did the machining, getting it ready as I knew what I wanted to do, and I’ve done enough of this, it’s getting to be old hat.

Will it ever stop? Will there ever be a time when we don’t have to worry about doing this?

If this is truly life, perhaps I can do without this part.

The universe must be truly perverse, for all the good things that are given, there must be sadness, grief and loss. Why? Why can’t things be let alone, let them come in their own time instead of violence and conflict, the heartbreak that comes with it.

I stamp a hoof, weary of everything for a moment, tired of this..this.. all this. Is this the price we pay for happiness? It’s too much.

Looking at the machined metal, I see stark words, simple things that cannot even begin to describe the hurt. A plain and ordinary thing for such bravery, the love shown by..by.. beings that were so loyal without a single thought for themselves.

Stars, I am so sick of this!

Looking at the reflected sun in the plate, it’s not enough by half, not enough for what I feel.

I sit down at the bottom of the monument, looking at the words and just feeling disgusted. A tapping on my shoulder makes me turn, seeing Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo leading the school ponies behind them.

“Are we botherin’ ya Athena?” Apple Blooms voice, usually boisterous, is quiet in my ears.

I shake my head, giving them a smile, “No, no, you never bother Apple Bloom, what can I do for you?”

Sweetie Belle smiles as she holds a brilliant gathering of flowers in her magic, she’s getting better at doing that, “Well, we came to put flowers here, to help you feel better, like we always do for everypony else.”

“You don’t need to do that, it’s okay.” The thought is enough I think.

Scootaloo pipes up, “But they were your friends right?”

I think for a moment, “Yes, yes they were. Good and true.” I open my mouth to continue, but am stopped by Apple Bloom.

“We know they was just ma..ma-cheens and stuff, but they were your friends. You always called them the Hounds.”

“I did, my Hounds were brave and valiant.”

Sweetie Belle nods, “Rarity told us, they watched on the screen. She said it looked like they couldn’t win but they tried anyways.”

“Oh, they did.”

“Then that’s alright.” Sweetie Belle places the bouquet on the metal plate, the colors bright and flashy in the morning sun. Each school pony places another beside it, covering the area around the plaque with bunches of freshly bought or picked flowers, taking their time and putting them just so as I watch.

Even Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon place one, it’s gorgeous, all roses of different colors. I make sure to thank each and everypony individually, telling them that it is appreciated.

Apple Bloom taps me on the hoof, “What’s that say?” She points to the metal plaque, a simple inscription on it.

“It’s an old language, long gone now, called English, want to know what it means?” I watch as all the colts and fillies nod, looking at me and waiting silently.

“It says, ‘Here lie the Hounds of the Stars’.” And they do, what I could recover of their cores will lie beneath the plate, forever.

“Did they come from the stars?” A little filly asks, looking at the sky.

“No, they came with me through time, ending up here along with Crusader and I.” I look at the metal plating once more, “They were to travel to the stars with us, helping keep others safe.”

The same filly nods, before tossing her mane, “But they went to the stars anyways right? ‘Cause my mom and dad say each pony gets a light in the sky, to help others remember them!” She smiles at me.

That brings a smile to my own face, “I’d like to think so, maybe protecting all of us from bad things.”

“Well, I think it’s nice.” A skinny little colt with a feather on his flank nods as he says so.

“I thought so too, thank you.”

It goes quiet, all the school ponies are looking at me as if waiting for something. I keep looking back at them for a minute before I can’t stand it anymore. “Can I help with anything else?”

A filly with her hair done in pigtails asks, “Aren’t you going to tell a story?”

“A story?”

A colt speaks up, “Yeah! A story! Cause when things like this happen and we bring flowers to remember, somepony always tells a story. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s sad though.” He points at me, “So, tell a story?”

A eulogy, they’re talking about a eulogy?

I can’t lie to them, “But there’s no story, they were just..well.. machines I had to help me fight. I don’t want to tell you something false.” I hold my hooves out to my sides, “I’m sorry.”

“Can’t you make something up?” An accented voice comes from a tiny pony, brown and white, “Everypony deserves a story don’t they?” Pip Squeak nods firmly with his statement.

“Even if it’s not real?” I see them all nod at me.

A blonde Earth pony raises her hoof, “But it’s gotta be good, ya know, cause of friendship and stuff!”

“And lots of action too right?” I chuckle, seeing them all nodding and agreeing.

“Yeah!”

“...and big fights!”

“Beating the bad ponies!”

“Like Daring Do does!”

“Yeah, like her!”

“They have to be really brave too!”

I think on this, a tale told, a simple thing, but something to remember them by. Looking at the eager faces, the exaggerated motions made by excited school ponies, I can only agree. Everypony deserves a story.

Raising a hoof I get their attention, “All right, all right, only if you promise to settle down?”

The entire group immediately sits in rows, like the schoolhouse, I almost chuckle, but the eager faces stop me.

“Okay.. A story.. Let’s see.” I make a show of tapping my hoof on my chin, “It all began an eon ago...”

“What’s an ee-on?”

“A long time.”

“Oh!”

Peachy Keen sat in the middle of a crowd of foals, grand foals and great-grandfoals, her eyes still sharp, body strong and full for an Earth pony as she tried to get them all arranged under the stars. The night lay softly as the little voices quieted, their parents all around the group, settling themselves by the fire as it burned warmly.

“Do you really know her?” One shy little colt asked from behind his mother’s leg.

Peachy nodded, “Oh yes, pretty as a picture and twice as kind.” Her voice vibrant in the night air.

Her husband smiled, “You’re describing yourself you know.”

She blushed prettily at the compliment, shushing him, “You be quiet now.”

“Yes, dear.” His non-plussed look getting laughs from all the little ones.

“So tell us!” Small voices were demanding.

“All right, just simmer down,” She got a faraway look in her eyes, “She was sitting in the memory garden, looking sad at a metal plate. We had brought flowers like Apple Bloom had asked, knowing it was to make her feel better.”

Peachy remembered that sunny day so very well, “Her smile was like the sunlight, it was so warm, thanking us for the flowers we had brought, until we asked for a story.”

“ ‘Cause everypony deserves a story!” A chorus of voices reminded her.

“Yes, they do,” She chuckled, continuing, “We asked her, and she said it wasn’t right to tell a false story, but sometimes, I wonder if it was false at all.”

“But she told one anyways right?” Eager faces crowded closer.

“She did, and in all honesty, I think it was the truest story ever told.” Peachy Keen’s pretty face lit up with a smile, “I’m nothing special, but I think everypony can tell whether something’s true or not, and it rang so that day.”

“Tell us! Tell us!” The little shapes in the firelight practically danced with anticipation.

She tossed her blonde mane, smiling, “I don’t know..I mean telling untrue stories..” Teasing the eager ponies gently.

The expected storm erupted, protests and yelling from all the ponies gathered around, it was a few minutes before she could get them quiet again.

“Fine, fine! You are all so..” Her eyes spotted an extra figure, sitting at the edge of the circle, familiar eyes watched her with a warm smile.

“I think someone else can tell it better than I can,” She gestured and the quiet Pegasus walked into the light, immediately surrounded by little ones.

“Athena!” The gasps from little shapes presaged a tumult of little ponies wanting a hug from the one Peachy had been telling them about all this time, that or a simple smile as she walked to the Earth pony’s side. She gave them out happily to one and all.

“You came!” The blonde Earth pony’s voice was delighted.

“Of course, you sent the invite for your reunion, how could I not?” Her voice hadn’t changed in all these years, her form and figure still lithe and trim, her eyes still kind.

They exchanged hugs as everypony settled back in to their spots, lying down or leaning against others, relaxing by the firelight.

The Earth pony looked slightly nervous, tapping a hoof on the ground, “I thought, well, you might have been too busy.”

The sable head shook, a smile never leaving her face as she settled herself a little better on the soft grass, “Never, not for friends Peachy.”

The older mare points to the watching eyes, “They want to hear the story.”

The Pegasus looks curious, “Which one? There’s so many.”

A chorus rises, “The Hounds! The Hounds of the Stars!”

Athena looks surprised, “That one? But it wasn’t even real, it was something I made up.” She remembered that day like it had just happened instead of years.

Peachy grins, “I don’t think you made it up at all, I think you wanted it to be true as much as we did.”

The Pegasus nods, “Maybe you’re right, they deserved a tale of their own.”

The Earth pony gestures to the waiting crowd, “They want to hear it, and since you’re here..” She’s stopped by an upraised hoof.

“Oh no, you go right ahead.” The voice is firm as Athena nods to her, “Your reunion, you tell it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Oh yes.” Athena sits down, waiting with the rest.

Peachy smiles, taking a breath, beginning in a low voice, “An eon ago...”

A small voice interrupts, “What’s an ee-on?”

“A long time..”

“Oh!”

Once again a story is told, of selfless Hounds, battles fought under the stars to save ponies everywhere. Courage and love, joy and delight, victory and loss.

Little faces listened enraptured as Peachy Keen recited each word clearly, older ponies were silent as well, her tale-telling that entrancing. Her voice was strong, recounting everything as best she could remember from that single day, having told it many times in her life.

Athena smiled, closing her eyes to the soft voice and feeling the tinge of hurt, still there after so long. Her ears listened though, seeing how the story had changed, just a bit, some differences. But that was just fine with her, for as a wise person once said....

‘And of such tales are legends made’.

It's All in the Mind

Author's Note

My deepest respects to Robert Asprin and Lynn Abbey, creators of one of the finest fantasy worlds ever. Please don't kill me :)

It's All in the Mind

Repairs are going fairly well, faster than expected even though we don’t have a depot. Nanites can be used in a myriad of ways, it’s the programming that takes time, even for us, and the monitoring. It’s been two weeks since the fight with the Anceti and we are still going over the records and logs, trying to glean as much information as we can.

They leave nothing behind, nothing tangible that we can analyze or look at; nothing but sensor logs and recordings which we play over and over, looking for just that little bit of information that might give us a clue as to what they really are or where they came from.

I turn it all over to my analytics programs, letting the automatics take it, tired of looking at the same thing again and again.

Concentrating on those mentioned repairs, my one track is a mess. We recovered what we could but an entire bogie needed to be rebuilt. That is the main cost in time and money. A lot of metal is used for them, so the remains of the battlefield are going into refurbishing. There is nothing else we can do, except wait and hope we can get them all done. We are almost complete with the rebuild, but just thinking of the effort we’ve expended is..daunting..

My ammunition stores are depleted, making those up won’t be a problem. Between us, we’re going to exhaust every bit of the stocks we’ve been hoarding. Our use of cruise missiles and other heavy armaments has cut a deep wedge into our war materials. Now we are depending on supplies from the mines across Equestria, the payments are heavy, but nothing we do will not be without good reason.

I am... sad... The empty bays in my cargo area are still. Telling me my Hounds are no more each time I view them, whether by myself or through a camera. I miss them. Those solid durasteel hulks that backed me up, that stood defiantly and tried their very best. I visit them every chance I get, but it is tough to do some days. So I try to lose myself in work or other things, maybe it will help.

Crusader has been solicitous, even more so since the fight. Loss, even to us, is a hard thing. It’s felt deeply and surely as if a spike was driven through our cores. I don’t know if it will fade, I hope it will. Having my brother here now, helps in so many ways. I can stand on my own. I’ve proved it, I’ve done it, but sometimes a ‘little’ help is wanted.

Because he makes me laugh...

Crusader and I take a walk through town, a warming day, spring is settling in at its fullest as we head towards Sugar Cube Corner, he actually wants to try Pinkie’s newest concoction. You’d figure after the last few spectacular failures she’s had he’d give up, but nope, dedicated to his cores he is.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Still can’t believe it as we’re heading to the door.

“Positive. You encouraged me to try.”

“Eating Pinkie’s newest things? That’s not living, that’s Russian Roulette.”

He actually laughs, looking at me with a smile, “It is not that bad.”

“Oh?” I return the look, “Let’s see...after we got back she made that new batch of fudge that gunked up your nanites so badly we had to flush and replace them.”

He‘s looking non-plussed, “A simple error in cocoa usage I am sure.”

“And what was that stuff you had to rush back and get rid of before your power plant shut down?” Pinkie had been sad, but he had explained it away as a malfunction and not her baking.

“It was a cupcake, nothing more.”

“Cupcake of Doom is more like it.”

He stops, turning to me, “And just when, oh Eater of Many Pies in One Setting, did you become a critic?”

“I’m not a critic, I’m far from critical, just telling the truth.” I laugh, pushing him onward, “I am, however, a weapons expert and hers would be considered along the lines of Hellbores. Though quite sneakier than just blowing something to atoms, perhaps it’s a new class of weaponry!”

“Athena, be nice.”

“I am! It’s the highest form of flattery from us when someone develops a new way to dispose of your enemies!” I dance around him as he shakes his head.

“It is not weaponry, it is merely an experiment in baking.” He points a hoof at me, although with a warm look, “You be nice.”

We‘re almost to the entrance, the smells of baking coming from inside, “I will always be polite, you know..” We’re interrupted as a pony comes rushing out the door, slamming into us hard, making us all end up in a tangle of legs.

“Pinkie?” I can’t really tell, being upside down right now.

A happy giggle tells me it is, “Hiya guys! Sorry for the rush, but the map is calling!” She points to her flank, her Cutie Mark flashing, “Cutie Mark Alert System!”

Rolling my eyes I laugh as well, remembering when it got named, “Let’s get untangled and go see.”

“Okey dokey lokey!” She stands up, helping Crusader and I, then tugging us along as we zip to the castle and end up in the map room faster than we’d thought possible.

“How in the world does she..” I shove a hoof against Crusader’s mouth.

“You know better than to ask that...” I give him a grin.

He nods, “I know...”

“We both do.” We wait as Twilight comes marching out, telling Pinkie and a newly arrived Rainbow Dash they are to head to Griffonstone to solve a problem.

As Crusader and I sit there, we notice Twilight is not looking happy. Oh she’s trying, doing well, but obviously disgruntled at the map telling her only Rainbow and Pinkie are to go. Her insatiable curiosity is definitely coming to the fore on this one, wanting to see the Empire as it stands now.

I can’t help but smile, seeing as how she’s trying her best to get Rainbow and Pinkie to understand how badly she wants to go. Wrong ponies to try that on really, Rainbow wants adventure and Pinkie..well.. she’s Pinkie.

We are told in no uncertain terms that we cannot go either. It would be a problem with repairs going on right now, so we do not argue very hard with Twilight being adamant. I’m afraid we both try not to smile as we see where it’s coming from, if she can’t go, we can’t. That’s fine, a bit of pique will not hurt and we will never take offense at our friends.

Both of us acquiesce to her orders, nodding as she exits the room for a moment to see Pinkie and Rainbow off on their trip.

Perhaps we can come up with something to take her mind off being left behind this time. I ponder that, watching Crusader eyeing the map once more.

“What’s wrong?”

“I do not like this map. Sending them on missions with no other information than who is to go. How does it know this? How does it make the decisions it makes?”

“It’s magic?” I shrug at him, giving a smile.

“That is a convenient excuse.” He’s not deterred, “It is showing every place in Equestria and then some, telling them where to go. This means it knows what is happening in these places to send them on missions. This also means surveillance of a kind and scope we still do not know of and I find it disturbing.”

“Not everything is bad Crusader.”

“If you had been tasked to take a Melconian held planet without even a hint of intelligence about the mission, you would have protested so loud Concordiat Command would have heard it.”

“You do have a point. But so far it hasn’t harmed anypony.” I raise my brows, pointing it out.

“Yet.” He looks at me across the table, I know that tone of voice.

“Now you’re just being paranoid.”

“I am?” He walks around the table a moment, pointing at the Everfree, “Why did it not tell them of the danger?” He points at the plains near the Unicorn Range, “Why did it not tell anyone of the Anceti lying in wait?”

“Maybe it knows we will take care of the problem?” I shrug again.

“Spurious. It could have warned of the Anceti, allowing us to take them on when we wanted to and not get ambushed.” He taps a hoof on the map.

“Then let me throw one back at you. Perhaps it cannot pick us up, tuned to ponies only and their way of life?” I smile, pointing at the hills near Ponyville where we now rest, “It had no clue about us!” I grin, “It still doesn’t!” Showing him the hills looking almost as they were, though there is a hint of disturbance in them. Not quite what is now, but just that side of reality.

He glares at it, processing my idea for a moment, “I still do not like it, it could send them into a situation that would get them killed Athena.”

All I can do is give him a warm smile, “I know why you’re suspicious and I think that map and whatever controls it, knows what we would do should they be in a situation that turns bad.”

“I hope so.” He gives the hologram one more nasty look.

“Stop that, they’ll be fine. We cannot explain everything Crusader, maybe we just need not try so hard some times?”

“I do not like unknowns Athena, they often cause trouble.”

“I know, but until something happens,” I shrug again, “They also serve who stand and wait.”

He laughs over the link, “Do not be quoting things to me my incorrigible sister.”

I can‘t help grinning, “Hey, two can play that game.”

“Ahem...” The clearing of a throat garners our attention, both of us turn to see Twilight standing there. Yeah, she’s been watching us silently talk, she still dislikes when we do it.

Crusader answers first, “Yes, Twilight?”

Twilight walks near the table eyeing the Griffon area, she does a really bad job of trying to do it slyly, we both notice immediately.

“Since the Map decided I can’t go to Griffonstone with Pinkie and Rainbow..” I stop her with an upraised hoof.

“Yes?” Yep, she’s pretty disappointed about it, I think I have a solution.

“How about we go sightseeing?” I give her my warmest smile.

“Sightseeing where?” She’s looking interested.

“Someplace special.”

“Are you sure about this?” Crusader is sounding concerned, the last time we did this the shakes were pretty bad, Twilight was on the edge of withdrawal for a week. Though the second time was a disaster the shakes still appeared, albeit less than before.

“I am. I’ve got a stock of Idamolizide now. Using the medical data for ponies we’ve got, I’ve adjusted dosage for use. If she gets it again I can give her some.” I sigh, “I just wish we’d have known they were susceptible earlier.” On a happier note, “This does give me a chance to test out the new programs, something fun.”

“We had no way to know Athena, worry not. I have reviewed your simulations, I concur on its use, be careful?”

“Always, you know that.” I send him assurance before returning to myself on the Command Two deck where Twilight is lying on a bunk.

“Are you ready?” I see her fidgeting slightly, getting comfy in the thick mattress.

“I’m not sure. I’d rather just sleep here, this is so nice!” She grins at me, her mind taken off the mission for a moment.

“Then sleep, but your mind will be with me.” I let a tech spider put the tabs on her head, avoiding the horn and making sure they’re snug as she settles into the pillow. “Close your eyes, let yourself drift.”

“Okay.”

I sequester a few datapoints, locking them away before I go into neural link, as I told Cadence, she’ll never know from me and I am fine with it. One can love a friend. As I watch her resting in the embrace of the link, I know it’s true.

I drop connection with my avatar, letting it lie down gently on the floor as I join in the link-up. I can see Twilight looking around at the gray space in between thoughts, time passes so fast here allowing us every moment in the world. Programs like this had been used for decades in the Concordiat, giving any user a chance to see and do things they normally couldn’t.

“So..” She lifts a hoof, staring underneath it as we both stand there, “Where are we sightseeing?”

I give her a warm smile, “Everywhere.” The gray fades, we’re standing on a balcony above a shallow crustal rift, greenery is evident and never-ending as it goes to the horizon. There are birds and other flying things in the air as Twilight gasps. She sees how the rift splits the land, showing forests, far-off in the distance the hint of a desert, so many things.

I tap her shoulder, pointing behind us as her eyes go wide. A city reaching into the stratosphere, lights outlining the slim buildings as they keep going and going upwards. She’s stunned. Acknowledging the beauty of a glittering monument to ingenuity as the sun is just peeking over the horizon, letting her see how high we really are.

She shies back from the edge, I stop her with a chuckle, “We cannot be hurt permanently, there is no danger Twilight, I would never let anything harm you.” I do have one thing to add, “We’re normal ponies though, that’s not to say we can’t get in trouble.”

The look I receive is grateful, she forgets it’s an illusion but one so deep it’s hard to tell. The air is thick with scents of growing things, humid and wonderful as if just after a breaking storm. I stretch my wings and let her look around, taking it all in.

“Where..ohmygosh it’s amazing!” Her voice is almost reverential.

“Just a place I made, something special to show you.” I see her still looking around, trying to take in everything in detail, “I saw you getting a bit miffed at not being able to go with Pinkie and Dash. Why not have your own adventure?”

She turns to me, “Adventure? What adventure?”

Pointing over the edge of the balcony I sweep my hoof across the horizon, “We can explore remains of extinct races, discover ancient technology and solve puzzles.” I see her perk at that, “Maybe fighting a few bad guys and save the world? It’s all open to you.” I wave again, “High technology,” marking the city behind us, “To low out there, and everything in between. It’s all for us to discover if you want.” I stand at the low railing, “It’s an adventure scenario, one that citizens of the Concordiat used all the time.” I turn my head to her with a grin, “Now, it’s all ours.”

Her eyes flicker back and forth as she ponders that, I can see her mind flashing through all the possibilities and wanting everything at once. “But.. how are we.. I mean who.. Where...?” She can’t make her mind up, it’s actually pretty funny.

“How about this..” I tweak the program, a broad brimmed fedora appears on her head, a baseball cap on mine, “I’m your sidekick Twilight, we’ll go any direction, any place, your choice.” I make sure we have saddlebags of supplies, making it as real as I can.

She almost wails, “But this will take forever! We can’t do everything!”

“Time passes differently here, we can explore for a long time while only minutes pass. We can’t do everything, but we can do enough.” I nudge her, “C’mon Twilight, adventure, fame and fortune! Even Daring Do can’t say she’s done this!”

The Alicorn pats her hat tightly down on her head, getting a determined look on her face as she lifts herself tall, pointing a hoof outward she declares, “That way!”

“You sure?”

“Yes,” She nods once, “That way! We’ll find out what lies that way!”

I salute with a grin, deleting all knowledge of anything on the map, it will be a true discovery for both of us, “You got it boss!” I leap off the balcony. Spreading my wings and catching the thick air easily, seeing her join me with a bright laugh as we head off to the unknown.

I look upwards, sighing once more, “Seriously Twilight, it’s only been an hour for Celestia’s sake!”

“I didn’t know!” Her face is apologetic, looking at me as we lie there.

“They had skulls on poles at the outskirts of the village Twilight, didn’t that at least give you a clue they might not be friendly?” I absolutely cannot believe this.

She shrugs as best she can, “It could have been decoration or something. I mean, we had to at least try to be friends!”

I goggle at her, “Twilight, they’re planning on eating us!” I show her the ropes around my forelegs as we both lay tumbled down beside a stoked fire, the natives adding more wood and setting up a skewer...oh that’s gonna hurt. I’d limited us in strength, just normal ponies as if we were exploring for real. Leave it to Twilight. This is so cliche’ it’s not even funny.

Spotting the village from above, Twilight wanted to see another race and I agreed. Though I know how to be careful, Twilight has the intelligence but still naive in a lot of ways. We landed and I immediately pointed out the border markers I saw with skulls on them, some looking a little ..ew.. fresh.

The indigs were a short fuzzy race who smiled quite a bit, anything that smiles too much, you really ought to wonder. But I was the sidekick, and the Princess of Friendship took over as I watched. Yeah, shoulda just beat them up. I could end the program, but then it would be a bust, retreating when we should be finding solutions.

We got dog-piled and tied up. Obviously we’d come at the right time as they were preparing for dinner, looking as if dinner was anything or anyone they caught. Glad we could help.

“But we don’t know that, this could be a way of welcoming us to their town!” She smiles brightly, before seeing a large native grinning back at her with pointed teeth, licking his lips and drooling an awful lot, “Or..maybe not.” Her face drooping slightly.

“Can you just use your magic and untie us? We can make a run for it and take wing.” She hasn’t been listening to me request that, so I try again.

“I wouldn’t want to scare them...”

I almost scream in frustration, “Twilight!”

“Okay okay!”

Her horn lights up. Villagers turn in fascination as our ropes dissolve, letting us scamper for the forest. We take to the sky as a bunch of really angry short fuzzy things that looked like a cross between skunks and bears chased us.

The air is roaring in our ears as we take off fast as we can, “Next time, pay attention Twilight, yeesh!”

“Hey!” Her voice is loud over the wind of our rushing off, “I’m trying to make friends! I AM the Princess of Friendship!”

“You can’t make friends with everyone!” I lean left to drift closer, “I mean they had skulls on poles! How could you get us in trouble in less than an hour anyways?”

She shrugs, she actually shrugs, grinning at me, “I’m good at what I do?”

I can’t facehoof right now, but maybe later.

Later, yeah later. About that....

“Stop touching things!” I am running as fast as I can, my legs are so tired as we tear through the tunnel. The echo of our hooves is nothing compared to the roaring sounds behind, telling us we’re not going to keep ahead of what’s after us much longer.

“I didn’t know it was going to do that!” Twilight is right beside me, we haven’t got room to fly so we’ve got to get out of this place.

“Twilight, I swear, you are just a magnet for trouble!” We hit a corner, skidding around it as the thundering steps behind remind us both we aren’t alone, We’re going to be really dead soon if we can’t find the exit.

“It was a stone! It wasn’t a button or anything, just a bunch of funny writing around it!” She’s giving me an angry look, panting as we keep running.

I can‘t help but yell, “Don’t you at least try to decipher things before pushing on stuff? I mean c’mon! You don’t just..oh stars!” We skid to a halt, kicking up dirt and dust as another huge figure comes into the tunnel from the side, we slip under the reaching tentacles and take off once more, “You don’t just push things!”

“Fine, I’ll stop touching things! Yeesh!”

“Thank you!”

I see light! There it is, the end of the tunnel out of this temple of carnage, good grief, it’s only been three hours of game time! We bail out of the passageway and take off, Twilight turning to blast a bolt of magic at a reaching stone tentacle that follows us out, allowing us to get away clean.

Finding a cliff side, we land on an outthrust of rock. I’m digging through the packs and finding some rations to munch on. I’m hungry and thirsty. by looking at Twilight she could use a pick me up too. I toss her a wrapped cupcake.

“Is that..?” She turns it in her hooves.

“Yep, Sugar Cube Corner’s finest, can’t play a game without them!” I give her a grin.

She laughs, unwrapping and taking a bite with a satisfied “Mmmmm!” She looks out over the forest, “This tastes so good, everything is so real. I’m tired, sweaty, thirsty..it’s amazing!”

I lean over, giving a sniff, “Yeah wow, too real.” Getting swatted on the side for my joke as I laugh.

She chews thoughtfully for a moment, “Don’t you know everything here though? I mean you made it.”

“I deleted all inside knowledge, I’m going in blind like you are. We’ll be learning together.” I’m happy with that decision, though just the last three hours...

“You forgot? Really? You mean you don’t know what’s out there?”

Shaking my head, I take another bite of a really good cookie, “Nope, don’t know a thing. We have to get supplies, we have to survive or discover. The only thing I can do is end the game.” And tweak certain other things, but I don’t tell her that.

She rummages through our packs and exclaims in delight at finding a daisy sandwich. Munching happily, she looks out from our spot on the cliff-side.

I see her face turn merry, prompting me to ask, “Why the smile?”

“Rainbow Dash is going to be sooooo jealous!” She turns to me with a grin as we both laugh, our voices echoing off the stone walls.

It’s not all bad though, having the Princess of Friendship along is a benefit sometimes. This is proved by us sitting in the middle of another village where Twilight and I landed. Meeting new races made me suspicious. I’m always that way though, but this time it wasn’t needed.

The natives were shy, tall and thin, almost elfin in appearance. So different that Twilight and I had a hard time getting them to come near us. But after a few hours they warmed to her voice and her selfless ways trying to make friends with one of them.

For all the trouble we’ve had, watching her do what she does is a treat. Smiling gently, showing her magic off, accepting offered food and drink from them.

She really does know how to do it and well, surprising me for the last hour. I’m not quite sure what we’re eating, but it tastes so good I can forgive that, something like grapes, but juicier and sweeter than anything we both know. I wish perhaps I hadn’t deleted my knowledge, but what’s life without risks?

We can’t quite grasp the language well, there’s quite a bit of ‘look-see’ done to get our point across, though with lots and lots of good natured faces and humor. It’s enchanting, contacting something unknown and trying your best to talk, to learn.

The townies are almost ethereal, wispy thin, faces with single eyes tinted so deep it’s like looking into purest color. They are ghosts in reality, but kind, gracious. Translation could be done by me, though it would take the fun and the mystery out of things, so I don’t offer nor use it.

I accept a bowl of water from one, perhaps a small child as I smile at her..him? It’s hard to tell. Twilight is having the time of her life, learning everything she can while we refresh ourselves. I can only shake my head listening to her trying to pronounce the whispery language; getting it wrong more often than not to the giggles of the villagers.

I watch her. Surrounded by beings she has no concept of, showing her delight and laughing at little things. Her whole self dedicated to making one new friend, just one. It made me wonder some times about the whole princess thing. She proves it though as I watch her, relaxing against the soft grass myself.

My design arrays definitely did a bang up job on this world, creating it from scratch and my own files, it’s wondrous as I look around, seeing the trees towering over us, colorful birds in flight, that huge teeth-filled mouth coming silently towards....

Wait...What?

I have to admit, I do a really REALLY good blood-curdling scream, so much so that the villagers all turn to look at me pointing at the huge..wow that thing is really huge! Thing coming through the forest at all of us, all teeth and slime and pseudopods and..oh yuck that’s disgusting. I find it not so odd anymore as I react like a normal pony, not a Bolo.

Twilight’s horn lights up as I take up a fighting stance, I’m gonna give it my..what the heck?

All the villagers have pulled shiny little blades from somewhere, massing in the middle of the space between huts and piling onto that thing like fleas on a rat, good Celestia’s name!

Twilight and I stare at each other in horror as we watch these friendly, shy little almost insubstantial creatures take this thing apart like it was a jigsaw puzzle. Pieces fly everywhere as the monster doesn’t stand a chance against the wave of slim figures tearing into it like it was one of Pinkie’s cupcakes!

I’m actually cringing. Watching the devastation those razor-sharp blades do to the poor..yes poor, monster. I know it was probably going to eat us or something but..whoa.. nopony deserves that. They move like wraiths, cutting into the scaled skin, making it roar it’s displeasure..well..until they cut it’s tongue out. Oh blech.. Wow, those little guys are vicious!

It only takes a few minutes. The soft chattering of the villagers gets slightly louder as they stand on a pile of what used to be something living, raising their blades in the air once before making them disappear again. We stand quietly as they beam at us, returning to their cooking, washing, even giving us more food and water.

“Don’t..don’t make them mad Twilight, whatever you do..” Keep smiling Athena, yeah, keep smiling.

She‘s nodding fast, beads of sweat rolling down her cheek as she grins back at the townies, “I got it, I got it!” She replies through clenched teeth, her eyes wide.

Oh sweet Celestia’s name did I design a Death World or what, can’t anything just be peaceful?

Through the magic of sign language, though really hard with hooves. We find the townies are not warlike, just that they defend what’s theirs with determination. I applaud that, I really do, but stars above! I let Twilight do the talking, not wanting to use anything I have for an advantage, letting her have the adventure.

We spend the ‘night’ there, taking our time before we go off once more, seeking the unknown. Before we take our leave we’re gifted with pretty shells that attach to our ears like earrings. From what Twilight can figure out, it’s a ‘Clan Gift’ making sure other clans know we’re friends.

Thank goodness, looking at the pile of remains being picked at by scavengers, I’m glad Twilight does what she does.

The elders had drawn a map for us of the surrounding area, showing something that grabs our attention. A series of eroding bulwarks that they say, as best we can understand, are ‘ancient beyond ancient’, a fortress of some kind? Twilight is grinning like mad as I sigh, I know what she wants to do as we take to flight once more, waving our farewells to the indigs.

The air is heavy as we head right for the ancient site. Our wings grabbing onto it like it was meant for flying, which it was thank you very much.

“Twilight..”

“I know! I know! Don’t touch anything!” She rolls her eyes at me.

“Long as we’re clear on that.” I eye her with a merry face, making sure my ball cap is tight on my head as we see the towering walls come into sight.

Even I’m stumped as we look at the wall of glyphs, I peek out into my files to see if there’s anything similar and nope, looks like the design cores made up their own language. Wow, I gotta take a look at the programming on this when it’s over, this is way deep.

We’d landed on what appeared to be a fortress of some kind, emplacements for huge energy type weapons were burned and shattered, you could tell by the remains of power cables leading to the cratered holes. Something had bombarded this place like ammunition was free. Though the holes were eroded, you could see the extent of damage, an orbital strike or ten from what I could figure.

The entry ways were made for something a lot bigger than we were. Leading down into the maze like interior, built for defense it had twists and turns, corners and switchbacks that were perfect for ambushes. My hackles rose as we walked inside, Twilight was getting a bit nervous as well.

But this was an adventure, and we were having a great time. If she’d stop pausing at every little thing we’d be further inside by now..sigh..

She points to a picture, a huge humanoid shape that didn’t look friendly, “I think that’s who was in this place, who owned it.”

Tilting my head I can’t make heads or..heh..tails of it, “How do you know?”

“Well...it shows them using something out there, see?” She points to a faded spot I have a hard time making out until I focus.

Huh, she‘s right. I can see the faded drawing, the large creatures standing behind some sort of emplacement like outside, “Wow, good catch there, okay.”

She taps a hoof on her chin, “Maybe we shouldn’t go farther, if it’s a military place, it might have traps.”

I couldn’t agree more, “Maybe we can find a nice dungeon to plunder somewhere then?” She looks at me grinning like a madmare.

Her face is shocked, “Plunder? That’s not nice!”

I roll my eyes, stamping a hoof, “It’s a game! We’re adventuring! Let’s go rip some loot off!”

Shaking her mane out, she grins abashedly, “I keep forgetting about that.”

I drag her outside into the waning sun, “Okay. We need to find a village, then a bar, that’s where adventures usually start!”

“Wait, wait..a bar? Why there?” Her face is puzzled.

“I have no clue, but whenever our commanders played adventure games, that’s where they started for some strange reason.” She’s still looking at me oddly as I shrug, “I dunno. They did.”

Still eyeing me she looks outward into the jungle, “Well, where do we find one?”

“Not a clue, ready to fly?”

Yep!” Her hooves skitter across the vitrified stone of the fortress, leaping into the air as I follow, winging our way towards the horizon.

The design programs must have been on a binge, there’s quite a few towns dotting the landscape. Admittedly far enough apart they can’t intermingle easily, but enough. This world is bigger than I thought. We’ve been at this a day and a half of game time and I don’t think we’ve gone very far, but that’s all right with me.

Looking at the smile on Twilight’s face I can’t help but grin myself. The wind blows our manes back, catching our wings and letting us ride the updrafts from the forests below, making it easy to glide along.

We’re so free words cannot describe it. The air is soft, our bodies floating along on the winds as we look for just the right town to start our adventure.

“Still miffed you couldn’t go to Griffonstone?” I yell over the rushing sound in our ears.

“A little bit, but this..” She waves a hoof, turning on her side for a moment to do so, “Makes it a lot less so. It’s..incredible!” She flips over in the air, doing a stunt for a moment as I clap in delight.

Tilting her head regally, looking smug, “Easy to do here for some reason,” She eyes me suspiciously.

“What? Can’t make sure my best friend is able to do things?”

She laughs, warming my heart, “I guess so, but now I’m going to want to do it in Ponyville too!” She does a quick loop-de-loop, coming back with another giggle, “See?”

“You never know, learn it here, do it there!” I give her a sly smile.

“Can you do that?” She looks intently at me.

I grin, “Not me, you. Your mind does it, just a matter of making your body follow.”

“Huh, I’ll remember..” She points, “Town!” Spinning off to the right in a dive, I follow her down, landing beside her in a square. Humans walking around and not paying a couple of brightly colored ponies the least bit of attention. Good thing I added us into the environment or we’d probably be in trouble a lot more than ever.

I spot a sign, giving Twilight a nudge, “Bar! Adventure ho!” We trot off to the tavern, a rather rude sign proclaiming it to be ‘The Vulgar Unicorn’, the picture beneath it of said rearing and very rampant Unicorn even makes me blush. I’ve got to review things closer next time, this tavern definitely gets an adult rating.

Twilight is glaring at me as we walk in, “Why would you put something like that here?” She gestures to the sign outside.

“It’s not me. I have programs do it, it adds lots of things, I can’t oversee it..” She knows I’m fibbing a bit by the look she gives me, “Alright, I let the programs do it and got lazy okay? Yeesh!”

The tavern is crowded, humans brushing up against us, speaking in a language close to Equestrian thank goodness. I had programmed it in, letting the cores do the rest. We both trot up to the bar, lifting ourselves and placing front hooves on the top, getting the attention of a very large looking bartender. He has only one thumb for some reason, odd that.

His voice is gravelly, “What can I get you?” Twilight is rubber-necking so hard she isn’t paying attention to a thing.

“Two ales please, cold.” He nods, waiting for something..oh! I fumble in my packs, getting out four bits and slapping them on the counter where he glares at me. Looking suspiciously at the golden coins he taps his fingers on the wooden counter top. Stars, didn’t I convert the money?

“What?”

“That ain’t enough missy, double that and you’ll get your ale.” He gestures to the shiny coins, rubbing his one thumb and forefinger together. Nope, didn’t, dangit we’re gonna get mugged.

“Oh that’s a rip! For ale?!” I give him a disgusted look, but I want something to drink so I reluctantly place four more coins on the top of the bar, seeing them disappear into a horny palm.

He turns, drawing two mugs..oh boy..human sized.. from a barrel sitting in ice, putting them down in front of us. I can smell the earthy flavor pouring off it, making me drool as it’s been a long flight. It’s cold enough to frost the outside of the metal mugs too. Oh yes.

I turn to Twilight, who’s watching a bar wench negotiate with a patron before they head upstairs. I hit her with my wing, bringing her attention to the mug of frosty liquid, “Have a drink.”

“So..were they...?” She points back to the stairs.

“You bet they are! ” I give her a grin.

“Got it.” She lifts the mug with her magic, I see patrons making signs against evil as she does. Muttering coming from the humans around us about sorcery. Oh great, we landed in Luddite Witch Burner Village Number Twelve, wonderful..

She drinks thirstily, smacking her lips at the taste and smiling as I keep a careful watch around us. First one to draw a weapon is gonna get plowed with a hoof. Her magic is a light touch, but the aura is plain to everyone in the place.

The burly bartender leans over the bar, “You are a wizard then?”

Twilight stops drinking, the foam lying across her lip as she looks at the imposing barkeep. She’s really cute looking that way, “A...”

“Yes!” I grab Twilight, hugging her close, “She’s a wizard of the first rank!” I’m ad-libbing, don’t sue me. “She’s powerful beyond mortal means! And I, her faithful companion, swear by Goddess Celestia’s firm and fairly decent looking rump she is not to be trifled with!” I give a grim look around the bar, seeing the patrons turn away now.

Twilight gasps, looking at me in shock, “Athena! Don’t use Celestia’s..”

I quiet her with a nudge, saying out the side of my mouth, “Shuuut uuuppp..” Crud, the patrons start up again, noticing her reaction and thinking they can get away with pummeling us probably. Rough place, wow..

“Knock it off you worthless gimps!” The bartender slams a heavy hand on the wooden top, making me and Twilight jump, “If she’s a Wizard of the First Rank, I don’t need her spilling your livers and lights in my bar because you’re too stupid to back off!” He glares at the beady eyed humans, making the patrons settle back down. This bartender is awesome, his prices suck, but he’s awesome.

The vicious looks fade into the background. I can hear the sounds of steel going back into sheaths, giving a sigh quietly as I nudge Twilight again, “Just play along, this isn’t a good place.”

She nods, standing a bit taller and drinking from the huge mug slowly. Looks like she’s got a taste for good ale, huh.

“Begging your pardon Mistress, my patrons don’t know better.” He doesn’t take his eyes off the crowd as he talks to us, “We didn’t know you to be a Wizard of the Ranks.”

I give Twilight raised eyebrow, whispering to her, “Say something!”

“Oh..uh..” She sets her mug down, “Of course, no problem at all.” She waves a hoof airily.

He tilts his bald head slightly, “Need anything Mistress, just ask for One-Thumb, be at your service.” He walks down the bar, grabbing mugs and money off the counter.

Heh, One-Thumb...ooookay.

I get slapped on the shoulder, Twilight is whispering fiercely at me, “Celestia’s rump? Really?”

I take a drink of my cold ale, oh yes, goes down smooth, “It’s all I could think of, it worked didn’t it?” The smile on my face says it all.

She rolls her eyes, “Can’t wait to see the friendship journal entry on this one.” Laughing, she downs the rest of her mug. Wow she can drink like a fish, licking her lips and waving for another.

“Yeah, gonna be pretty good I’d think.” I finish my own, letting her get the refills this time.

“WHAT? Eight bits for drinks? Oh c’mon!”

I can’t help but laugh inside, I guess even Wizards get gouged.

We stay for a meal while waving off the mutton stew they offer, asking for potatoes and vegetables, getting huge bowls of both. We’re left alone. The patrons ignoring us now as we dig into the well-cooked dinner. Surprising really, as most taverns way back the food wasn’t exactly five-star, blessings on my programs.

“So..what do we do now?” Twilight is chewing on some crispy potato skins.

“Well from what I remember, they always met some guy or whatnot, giving them a quest to go on or something. The games were odd, but humans seemed to enjoy them.” I remember times when commanders sat with old-fashioned pencils and paper books, playing games to much laughter and arguing. It puzzled us Bolos to no extent really. All the technology at their beck and call and they used pencils? Paper?

They never did explain to us what was going on. We watched with immense curiosity. It was a very low-tech way of gaming, but one that fascinated Bolos everywhere.

“Like that guy there?” She points to a hooded form sitting by the large hearth, sipping from a warming mug. All alone, staring at us with a weathered face that had seen quite a few decades, making a come hither motion with a wizened hand.

“Well..yeah.” Duh Athena, miss the obvious.

We finish our meal, paying the bill to Twilight’s protestations over the price, trotting over to sit beside the crackling fire as the figure chuckles.

“Wizard eh? Looking for adventure I suppose?” His voice breaks as he coughs for a moment, “Ah, the grand life, to see the world.” He smiles, “What wouldst thou give to go searching for the Lich’s Staff?”

“Uhm...” I’m thinking as Twilight waits, “Nothing? Because we have no idea what that is?” I get a glare from her now, yeesh I’m trying!

He cackles, leaning over and laughing at my statement, “Fair enough young lady. ‘Tis said to control the dead, and bring great riches to whomever holds it. But be warned, 'tis in a foul and cursed dungeon filled with death that finds many.” His eyes are bright in the firelight as Twilight and I sit entranced.

Yes! Exactly what we’re...

“But that’s nonsense, you can’t control the dead. Good grief what kind of..” She stutters as I almost knock her over with a hit from my flank, glaring at her before shifting my eyes to the figure and back again.

“Oh..uh..” She stammers a moment, “Why yes, we’d like to ..uh.. have that?” Her smile is so fake, thank goodness this is a game.

“So you would have it?” He gets an evil glint in his eyes now, “Then 'tis but a simple payment for the way to the Tomb of Kings where it lies.”

“What do you want?” We both ask it, grinning at each other for a moment.

A deeply wrinkled hand is waved at us, “Just a petty thing, nothing of consequence. A jewel of fire so deep and red it looks like blood in stone form. You’ll find it in the treasure room of the Tomb.” He smiles a gap-toothed grin, “Bring it to me is all I require.”

“Oh is that all?” Yes, I’m suspicious.

“ ‘Tis enough for the secret path to get there I think, for an old man to spend his days in comfort.”

“Well, that’s not so bad,” Twilight I swear, one of these days, “We can do that!” She grins at the figure who cackles once more.

I roll my eyes at the theatrics, smelling a trap a mile off. But as I said, it’s a game...so.

“Okay, we’ll bite then.” I hold out a hoof, he takes it in a cold hand, shaking it once.

“A deal made is done, here is the way.” He tells us how to get to the hidden door in a rock face, the place to open it, but as for inside he cannot tell us much.

I eye him again, “Then how do you know the gem is in there? I mean you can’t even tell us how to get to the treasure room.”

“Legends young miss, legends tell of the Eye of the Deep, just bring it to me is all I ask.” His voice is firmer now, asking for his reward.

“All right, we’ll meet you back here then?” Twilight is curious now.

“Aye, I’ll be here. Of course if you don’t return within a few days, mayhaps they’ll be another to try for it eh?” He laughs as we walk off after agreeing once more.

We set out for a walk after the meeting, just a moment to get a feel for this town.

“Seriously, could that be more of a trap? He wants a jewel that’s in there, it’s dangerous, he knows it’s there but can’t tell us what’s in the tomb. Oh, can we please say ‘It’s a trap’ now?” I am talking to Twilight as we walk along the dusty main road, watching passerby.

“Maybe he just read about it and wants it, I mean there’s a lot of ways right?” Always the peacemaker Twilight, that’s why I adore you.

“True. But I’m still saying it’s a trap.” I shake my head as we both chuckle.

We stayed the night at the tavern, not the greatest accommodations but at least no fleas or bedbugs. stars only knows how we’d get rid of those!

Finding supplies was easy that morning. The armorer had a problem when we asked for things, not having anything to fit ‘Some strange outlander Wizard and her apprentice’.

We did get some protection just in case, a few simple armor pieces, but now we’re out of money after resupplying. I swear this whole town lived to rip off ponies, especially us.

Crusader would definitely find humor at this. I should have invited him, his sense of humor would have fit right in this whole thing.

“Soooo...can I touch something now?” Twilight is grinning at me, pointing to the outcropping where the lever we’re supposed to use to get in is staring at us.

“Oh stop it.”

She touches the stone, the side of a boulder rumbles away, leaving us staring into a dark tunnel of carved and worked stone and artificial materials, we can see the bricks and mortar that make it up, crumbling with age.

“Dark tunnel, check. Musty air, check. Evil feelings, check.” I’m nodding to myself as we look into the dark.

Twilight’s magic fires up lighting the whole area as we look farther in, just a simple tunnel, yeah right.

“Well, we wanted adventure,” Twilight grins, “Here it is.” She points a nervous hoof towards the entrance.

“Okay! Let’s go plunder the Tartarus out of this place!” I raise a hoof, getting it slapped by Twilight’s as we both walk into the tunnel side by side.

“I didn’t touch anything!” Twilight is yelling at me across the pit as we are standing as tight to the walls as we can get, seeing the opening yawning wide, the glint of bloodied spikes below tell us of our fate should we slip.

“I didn’t say that!” Crud we can’t even fly, the tunnel is too narrow. Yeah, this is gonna be tight. “Can you levitate us out of here? Like..maybe somewhere NOT here!?” I point to the opening, the grinding sound loud in the narrow confines of the passageway as I try to bury myself in the wall, stupid traps!

Twilight shakes herself, looking at me and firing up her magic once more,an aura surrounding us both and lifting us over...gently! to the opposite side of the pit.

“You know, that’s pretty nifty stuff, maybe I shoulda been a Unicorn?” I give her a side glance, seeing her stare at me. “Oh wait, maybe add a horn and keep my wings, what do you..” I stop, seeing her looking absolutely aghast.

“You wouldn’t dare.” She actually presses a hoof against her chest, ignoring the pit that’s finished opening and is now closing once more.

I can‘t help but grin, “Nightmare Night IS coming up again you know.” I lean in, “And oh yes, dare I would.” I give her a wiggle of my eyebrows as she laughs.

“You couldn’t..” She gets a very interested look on her face, “Could you do magic?”

“I have no clue, and no I would never impersonate an Alicorn, ever.” I bump her with my shoulder, “Relax, I don’t want to do magic, I want to fly.”

“That would be interesting though,” She’s lost in thought for a moment, stepping back to think when her backside hits the wall, another grinding sound coming from within the stone near us.

“Oh for...” Seeing spikes lowering out of the ceiling I grab Twilight and move us out of the way quickly enough to avoid them dropping on us, “Careful bumping into things!”

We watch the razor tipped spikes hit the floor, then retract back into the ceiling. Twilight gets out a piece of paper we’ve been using to map the place, showing me the areas we’ve been down.

Pointing to a Y shaped intersection up ahead, she taps her hoof, “Which way you think?”

I stare at it for a moment, “Well, we’ve got the dark, dank, dripping wet way,” I point to the tunnel crawling with mold and slime, “Or we can go the dry arid dusty way?” Moving my hoof to point down the clean, clear tunnel.

Violet eyes turn slowly to look at me as I sit there peering at the two tunnels, “You know, you have a really ..different.. way of describing things.”

“Different? But..it’s true though!” I point, “One’s dry, one’s wet.”

She snorts at me, “I think you just like being snarky.”

“I do not!”

She grins, pressing a hoof against my chest, “You do too!”

“Do not!”

“Do too!”

“I am..” We both hear a sound, turning to look at the left passageway, out of which is emerging a small group of..of..skeletons? Bony things draped in rotting flesh coming at us with raised weapons, a groan coming from open mouths. They are horrible to see, and even smell, appearing in a large group from the dark wet tunnel.

We are seasoned adventurers, yep, been through tough times, good times, monsters, and everything else this world and the real one could throw at us and we came out..oh hell with it, we screamed like fillies.

I open my eyes after the screaming dies down, both Twilight and I are holding each other tight as we look at the..really..slowly.. approaching monsters. I give her a glance with one eye, she looks back at me as we both start giggling, dropping back down on our hooves and watching the bad guys.

“Wow, they’re..slow?” Twilight is lighting up her horn.

“Well..no muscles. Can’t even understand how they’re mov..oh riiight, magic!”

Twilight is just offended, “Magic? What kind of magic would... I mean this is Dark Magic, whoever did this..” I stop her with a hoof on her lips.

“Twilight, shoot the bad guys.”

“Oh..right... got it.” She fires a beam of force, watching one of them clatter to the ground in a pile of pieces, “Yeah! Got one!”

We leap right in. My own style of fighting holds in good stead, letting my hooves ram into the hard bones, breaking and knocking chunks out of them as Twilight finishes the rest with her magic spells. The beams of light slamming them back against the wall or floor, turning their bones to dust so they don’t get back up.

We made that mistake only once, seeing the pile of bones from the first one reassembling itself before we got the hint, stomping the things into powder to make sure.

I kick through the piles of remains, looking for goodies as Twilight watches me, a look of disgust on her face, “What are you doing?”

“Looking for loot! Or goods, or even money. I mean we’re broke.”

“Why would they be carrying money? What could they possibly buy?”

My mouth opens, then closes as I turn to look at her, “I hate when you’re logical.” I still paw through them as she giggles, “Oh hey!”

She steps forward, joining me as I flip out a pile of coins from the jumbled chunks, “Money! Yeah! We’re not gonna be living in the streets!”

“Where did they even carry those?” She’s peering over my shoulder.

“I don’t know. It’s a game silly filly!” I kick a skull, watching as it hits the wall, cracking open with a sharp sound. Another pile of gold coins dropping out of the braincase as we both look at each other.

“Ohhhhh...”

A few more encounters later, much later actually as we had to stop and look at everything, even in the middle of fighting something that looked as if it’s family tree included a floating eyeball and a squid, she actually wandered off to look at some interesting writing on the wall.

And the traps, good Luna’s name, the traps. Someone got bored and had a field day in here with all the complicated things we’ve narrowly avoided! Either that or I have this subconscious nastiness inside me that might need looking at, that’s disturbing in a way.

We finally stand outside a banded wooden door, set into the wall with a heavy locking mechanism and hinges, we’re not going to be able to knock this one off the frame. So...we sit there.

“Can’t you just..like.. blow it apart?” I point at the lock, Twilight is shaking her head.

“No, I’m pooped, been using magic a lot and I’m worn out.” She is looking tired, I’m feeling it too. We set our packs down, rummaging through them for something to eat and drink.

We carefully stay away from any walls, or suspicious looking stones on the floor, we’re so paranoid right now it’s almost funny..almost. I wouldn’t even sit down if I weren’t so tired from everything. Funny how it is, feeling exactly like I’m alive, and it is wonderful.

Twilight laughs, “This really has been fun, I can’t believe we can do this.” She’s munching on an apple, smiling at me happily.

I nod, tossing a cherry tomato in my mouth and chewing quickly, yeah we can break rules for preserving food, “I thought you might like it, something to just have fun with.”

She sighs, looking around at the door, the walls, ..me, “Thank you.”

“For what?”

She waves a hoof, “For all this, for..for taking my mind off not being able to go to Griffonstone.”

“It’s my pleasure, honestly. I don’t mind doing things for you as you never ask.” I chuckle, tossing a cookie at her, “You keep rushing through life so I have to come up with stuff to do for you.”

When she smiles a certain way, it‘s so pretty, “You don’t have to really, I’m just glad to learn things.”

“We’ll learn them together, don’t worry when you get busy, you know I’m not moving anywhere in the future.” I laugh at that, yeah we’ll just relocate to Manehatten. “All I ever ask is please don’t take me for granted, that would hurt more than anything.”

She nods immediately at my words, “I won’t, that I can promise.”

We sit for a moment, listening to the rustle of things better not thought of behind the walls as she charges up to use her magic once more. I notice her fidgeting and wait, she wants to say something but it’s hard on her.

Rubbing a foreleg along the other, she gives me a glance, then looks away, “Athena..”

“Yes?”

“Remember when you asked me about..about.. being human?” Her voice is soft as she has my entire attention now.

“I do, if you don’t want to say anything...” I get waved off.

“Nono, it’s not right, I should have told you and Crusader a while ago.” She pauses, “Well..we should have told you.”

“We?”

“We all know, Applejack, the Princesses.” She’s trying to look at me, but embarrassed she’s been keeping this secret. It’s an easy tell, watching her body language.

“If it’s secret, stop worrying about it, we can wait until the time is right.” I’m giving her an out but my curiosity is really up, I want to know about this.

She shakes her head, “No, you should know, it’s not right we kept this. But we had to, if ponies knew it could cause a problem.”

“I do understand, really I do.” Of course I do, secrets should be kept sometimes, it’s a fact of life.

She sighs, lying on her forelegs and resting her eyes, “My crown was stolen one day..”

She tells me everything, stunning me down to the core. Another world, populated by humans, but not the humans we knew. More like human analogs of ponies, coloring, Cutie Marks, though different.

I am told the tale of Sunset Shimmer and her redemption, of Canterlot High, and adventures she’s had there. Her voice falls silent as I sit quietly, trying to process this and failing dramatically, this was absolutely nothing like we had ever expected.

She finally stops, leaving me speechless, looking at her as if this is all one big joke. It’s not. I can see the honesty in her face, hear it in the tone of her voice, it’s all true. But Crusader and I had theorized perhaps they knew through some sort of old tech, a spell that let them see the past, something, anything but this

We had seen Discord open a rift at the Gala, but it never occurred to either of us to think something like this could be made to allow travel back and forth.

“This is why you didn’t bat an eye when we mentioned humans.”

She nods, “We already knew of them, or..well.. somepony like them.”

I lay my hoof on hers, scooting closer and looking into her eyes, “Tell me this is all a story and we’ll forget this. Tell me it is so Twilight and we will just let it go.”

She shakes her head, “No, it’s all true.” Her eyes meeting mine, “How did you even find out?”

“You were far too comfortable when we mentioned humans, a race as alien to you as you were to us and you didn’t blink. Rainbow Dash slipped at the Gala, causing me to ask.” I slide back from her for a moment, “We are paranoid by design Twilight, our curiosity runs high when we run into things that make us wonder. We told you, you knew that.”

I watch her nod, a sad look crossing her face, “I’m so sorry, I never meant to keep it from you but.. We didn’t think.. Even after all you’ve done it was just easier to keep it a secret.”

I tilt my head, listening to each word, “I know how easy that is, to keep a secret rather than to reveal it. Oh believe me, I know.” I sigh, leaning against a wall after checking it for any traps, stupid tomb, “But you couldn’t trust us? Even after everything, all we’ve been doing? You couldn’t trust us that far?”

She shrugged, extending both legs out to the side with a helpless look, “It was just easier not to think about. I’m sorry.”

I nod, it’s all I can do. It’s not hard to forgive for me, especially when it’s Twilight. But when Crusader hears about this, I have no clue what he will think. He still remembers the loss of humanity, our commanders and the ones we were closest to before all this. He never says, never shows, but when we’re in TSDS I can see it down deep. His memories of a lot of humans he knew are gone, but what’s left, he clings tightly to them still. Always faithful, always doing his duty.

I do not know what his reaction will be.

“Twilight,” I make sure we’re still safe, glancing here and there for a moment, “Tell me about that other world, what kind of technology?”

“Technology? You mean like..uh.. what did they call it? Cellphones? Comp-u-ters..things like that?” She purses her lips, thinking hard at what she saw and read about.

“Yes, was that the highest tech you saw?”

“Well..yes. They had something called ‘The Net’ but it wasn’t really new, been around for a while, that was pretty much it.” She shrugs, “I didn’t stray much, so..it sorta looked like Manehatten.” She gives a good description of everything she saw and experienced.

Got it, Late Twentieth Century, Early Twenty-First, they aren’t even close to psychotronic circuitry or even an autonomous AI. It’s probably just a glimmer in someone’s eye at the moment.

“Did you ever see any military?”

“No..not even when Sunset turned into a demon, I mean no guards showed up, nothing.”

Now that I find very odd, no authority showing up even after Sunset had trashed a prominent High School? Either they’re really laid back or really stupid.

Our rest is interrupted by a groaning sound coming from far down the corridor, reminding us we’re on borrowed time. I stand up, facing back down the dark passage, nudging Twilight, “Bust that lock open quick, we gotta get outta here.”

She nods, firing up her horn and letting loose a coruscating beam that slams into the door, melting the heavy lock off. I back up, joining her and kicking backwards to fling the door open, turning at the same time.

We both peer into a well-lit room, treasure is lying on the floor, piles of gold and silver, platinum and gems in piles against the walls. The riches contained here would make us queens in our own countries had we the desire. The dreams of avarice are true as I hear Twilight gasp. Looking further, we see an aged staff, floating above the center of the room. No monsters anywhere we can see as we stay at the door, peering in and around.

Finally we look at each other, eliciting a laugh when we both nod at the same time, “Trap.”

Twilight keeps looking into the room, seeing the staff hovering there, me on the other hoof I’m really suspicious of this whole thing. Something’s not right. The middle of the room is clear, but all the treasure is lying around the sides, piled and heaped high.

That’s just really odd, looking at the staff floating there, no pedestal, nothing holding it up. It’s like...wait a second..

“Twilight, get ready to shut that door.” She nods, watching me pick up a coin from near the doorframe, giving it a good hit towards the staff. We both hold our breath as it gets closer, spinning through the air and suddenly stopping near the staff as something ..invisible.. shudders.. What the hay?

Twilight echoes my thought, “What the hay is that?” A lavender hoof pushes past my shoulder, pointing at the coin sitting in mid air.

“I don’t know, but whatever it is we can’t see it. Wanna bet it eats ponies?” I give a chuckle at her exasperated expression. She knows though, especially during our little crawl through this crazy tomb of horror. I can’t help it as I lay a gentle touch on Twilight’s shoulder, “Don’t go try making friends, huh?”

My laughs are louder as I get a glare and a slap on the side, “I’m not that bad!”

“Ohhh yes you are.”

Before we can get into another good-natured discussion, the staff moves, heading our way with a slithering sound.

“Uh..hit it Twilight!” I’m pointing at the staff moving around.

She lights her horn, the aura growing deep as she blasts whatever it is with a wide beam of magic, a scorching sound and really bad smell accompanies the results.

“Oh that is just awful..” But we see the staff back off, encouraging Twilight to hammer it again and again with as much power as she can muster. Her body shaking from the effort as whatever it was finally drops the staff and becomes visible, letting us see just a pile of transparent goop on the floor which quickly dissolves.

“Yeah!” I punch a hoof in the air, turning in delight ....to catch her as she swoons from the effort, using too much magic after just resting is kicking her tail. I let her down slowly to the floor, laying her head on our bags as we stay outside the room looking in. The door open to warn us of anymore critters as I throw a hoof-full of coins across the floor, making sure anything moving will rattle them.

I make sure she’s comfortable, tweaking the program a little to let me remain watchful instead of tired. It’s cheating a bit, but I don’t think she’ll mind. I may not know what’s in the program but I still control some parameters, though I haven’t done anything except a few supplies ‘till now.

Looking at her peaceful face it makes me smile. We’ve been through a lot her and I, adventures and arguments, sad times and good. I wouldn’t trade it for all the treasure in that room or the world. I settle next to her and wait, remembering my promise to Cadence, and as always I guard her while she sleeps.

“Wow, uh..how long was I out?” Her violet eyes are sleepy as she rubs them with a hoof, seeing me doing my Sphinx impression next to her.

“About an hour. Don’t worry, nothing’s out to get us right now.” I motion with a hoof, showing her the food and drink I’ve left in front of her, urging her to eat. She does so immediately as I watch the door and passageway.

“Aren’t you tired?” She asks between bites of sandwich.

“Somewhat. But it’s fine, you overdid it on the magic.” I stop her questions, “I made sure we were just like real ponies, too much magic is going to affect you.”

“Yeah, wow it sure did.” She plows through a few more items, taking a deep drink of water, “That hits the spot!” She wipes her lips, laughing.

“What’s funny?”

“Oh, since this isn’t real, I bet we’re going to be starving once it’s over!” She chuckles, stuffing a cookie into her face.

I don’t tell her a medical tech spider did a skin tap into her body, feeding her nutrients while she sleeps, she won’t be that hungry.

I push a hoof against her side, “And you can eat what you want and not gain an ounce.”

I get a disgruntled look at that, “Are you saying I’m fat?”

“Nope, just saying.”

She finishes her cookie, glaring at me the whole time, I can’t help but snicker, “You ready to loot this place? I’ve been eyeing all that stuff, we’re gonna make out like bandits!” I point to the treasure room.

“But what’s the use? Once we leave it’ll all go away won’t it?”

I shake my head, grinning, “Oh no, I can save the whole thing at the exact point we left. We can come back and play again and again, we’ve a whole world to discover.”

“Can we bring everypony else?” She’s looking excited at the thought of this, all the friends having adventures together.

“Yep.” I smile at her, “You can be anything you want here, a wizard powerful and feared, a warrior of might and magic, whatever you can imagine.” I sweep a fore leg out, “The whole world is open.”

“Well, I’d still like to be the Princess of Friendship, even here.” She glances at me shyly as I grin.

“Only you Twilight, only you.” I nudge her as we carefully walk into the room, checking it for devices and the usual, finding nothing as we meet again in the center of the room next to the staff. It looks like gnarled wood, aged and very old, tipped with silver in the shape of a screaming skull. It’s kind of eerie.

She levitates it along her packs, securing it and nodding, “Now we just need to find that gem right?”

“I still think that old guy is bad news, but we did promise.” I start scuffing through piles, slipping the most valuable stuff in my own bags.

“Hey, that’s steal..” She stops as I give her a ‘really?’ look. “I forgot, we’re looting.” She grins at me with an embarrassed look, turning back to search through the piles of goodies.

“Got it!” She holds up a huge ruby, deep and red as blood, yep, that thing’s as evil as they come or I’m no judge of adventure games. I’m not, but it does look evil.

“Okay, let’s get out of here.” I start heading out as she stops me, “What?”

“I got it this time,” with a flash we’re both taken to the entrance, standing outside in the cool night. She’s grinning like a fool, “Teleport magic remember?” Her shoulder nudges mine as we take off towards town.

Can't believe I forgot about adding that.

Standing outside the bar it’s looking a bit rough and tumble in there, night time all the creeps come out in this town it seems. Thank goodness for wings, we can land right by the front. That sign is still downright rude though, I’ve got to change that. For now Just seeing Twilight’s blushing face, it’s hilarious.

“I don’t think we oughta give that gem to the guy, I really don’t.” We’re walking towards the door, passing revelers on the street.

“We promised though.” Twilight is adamant, don’t break a promise.

“You know it’s not going to turn out well, right?”

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll be fine, just fine.” She replies over her shoulder happily as we enter the crowded bar once more.

The medical spider had removed the tap as I kept her in-between for a moment longer, no wound or anything to show so she’ll never worry, skin perfusion works nicely.

She awakes with a gasp as I sit there laughing my tail off, grabbing my belly and hee-hawing like I’ve never done before to her embarrassed look.

“We kept our promise!” She looks firm at this, seeing me rolling on the ground.

I‘m howling now, “Oh yes we did!” I keep guffawing, I can’t help it, it was the funniest thing ever!

“Well, we didn’t know!”

“I told you. I told you something wasn’t right, but noooo, we’re keeping our promise!” I keep laughing, wiping tears from my eyes, oh stars this was something I will never forget.

We had walked into the busy tavern, the bald bartender giving us a firm nod as he recognized we’d come back from our adventure, loaded with specie to spend and a newfound sense of power. The patrons didn’t even bother with us this time. Seeing Twilight standing tall, our bags stuffed full with treasure, we were a force to be reckoned with now, proving ourselves to be capable. Even if I did wear a ball cap that says “Go Wonderbolts” on it.

The old man was still sitting in the same place, sipping on a different mug of something now as we approached.

“Twilight..”

She gave me a no-nonsense look, “No, we’re keeping our promise!”

“Okey dokey.” I will follow her regardless, her determination makes me proud, though I just have that feeling..

The voice cackles, seeing us again, “Well...” A phlegmy cough accompanies the greeting, “Seems you’ve survived after all. Come you hence with my treasure?” His eyes are dark as they turn to us,holding out a withered hand.

“We have it right here,” Twilight levitates the gem out of her bag, placing it gently into the grasping palm. She looks proud at finishing the task, giving him his reward.

“Oh yes, the Eye of the Deep,” The figure leans close to the fire, turning the ruby this way and that as he cackles, the laughter getting louder, “The return of my power!”

Oh stars, I knew it, we really messed up this time.

We both watch as the gnarled figure stands up, throwing back the hood and showing us he only had skin on his face, the rest of his head was gleaming bone, “Oh yes, the return of my power, and my staff!” His hand snatches the thing from Twilight bags, making us both back up as he seems to loom larger, every face in the place turning to look.

“Uh..Twilight..” I’m nudging her now, over and over, she’s shaking like a leaf at the maniacal old man, her eyes as wide as they can go, “Twilight run..run!”

We pivot on our hooves, heading for the door top speed as we hear the voice getting stronger, louder, more..diabolical. Footsteps pounding behind us as the patrons scatter for cover.

“Now you’ll all see the true power of the Undead! Bow before me, the Lich King, once more!” We barely make the door as the room fills with fire, hitting the street as the building behind us blows apart in a tremendous explosion, causing us to go tail over mane and hitting solid stone as we are slammed against the fountain in the square.

Yep, game over. We’re relegated to the grey in-between for a moment before we return to ourselves.

“Bwahahaha! That was awesome!” I can’t help it, it was! It was so much fun!

“Will you stop laughing!” Twilight’s looking grumpy as she lays on the bunk for a moment.

I lean on the bunk, looking at her face which is showing pique right now at not accomplishing everything, I lay a hoof on her shoulder, “Twilight, you had a great adventure, we saw things nopony else has and you stayed true to yourself always. That was what made everything good, don’t ever change Twilight.”

She gives me a grateful look, giggling to herself as she shakes her head, “But we kept our promise and I am not sorry!” She makes sure to point at me.

“Oh, I’m sure you’re not. Keeping a promise, oh yeah was it ever kept! To the freaking Lich King!” I grin like a mad mare, giggling insanely.

“Well..” She taps her hooves in front of herself, “It was fun..” Looking up at me as I nod, giving her a look that says it’s okay.

She covers her mouth, snickering behind it as the pure outrageousness catches up with her, “Never blew up a bar before..” She snorts, trying to stop herself from laughing as I keep looking at her.

“Nope, but ya sure helped do it this time! BOOM!” I shoot my hooves out, falling back to the floor and howling with delight.

She crawls out of the bunk, looking at me and finally giving up. Her smile turns into full laughs, plopping her backside on the floor and just belting it out with me as we relive the whole thing with expansive gestures and remarks.

I watch her joyful face, her whole body relaxed as we share this moment. An adventure that will be a wonderful memory, part of us forever and no one can ever take it.

That evening, we’re sharing a cup of coffee in the castle, laughing still and recounting our adventures in the game world. She giggles every time I whisper ‘Boom!’ to her.

Pinkie and Rainbow stumble in, looking worse for wear as we help Rainbow to a seat, her ankle is taped up and from what they’re saying it was quite the time. Rainbow making amends with an old friend Gilda, which is good, helping to maybe set the Griffon Empire on a track to better days.

Twilight told them to take a gel pak or two, but nooo.. We slap one on immediately as she settles onto a chair.

Pinkie grabs a cup of her own, sipping the rich liquid and beaming around at us, “Soooo... You guys do anything interesting while we were gone?”

Twilight gives me a sly smile before looking at her friends, “Oh nothing, just an adventure or two. Gotta keep busy you know.”

I stay silent, seeing the look on Pinkie and Rainbow’s faces, “Adventure?” The cyan mare is curious, “What kind of adventure could you two go on?”

As she tells them about what we’d done, I find she was right, I’ve never seen Rainbow Dash that jealous, ever.

Unintended Goodbyes.

Author's Note

Thank you Tek, for all the wonderful ideas and thoughts. Hats off to you!

Doing something like this is tricky, even masters have a hard time pulling it off. So please don't be too harsh on me. Just have fun :)

Grab the popcorn, it's a wild ride, promise :)

Unintended Goodbyes.

Goodbye is a word, it holds so many emotions and feelings it’s hard to describe. Especially when you are saying it to someone you have cared about.

The breeze in my face is warm and soft, ruffling my mane gently as I sit in the fields of tall wheat and barley. I reach out my hoof, slowly waving it through the grains and pushing them back and forth. The sun is high in the sky, spreading it’s life-giving rays to this which will become so many good things. Closing my eyes I let my body drink in the warm sunlight, letting it course through my veins like liquid gold as I raise my face to capture every bit that I can.

Time is a quandary, one which I doubt I’ll ever fully understand. Crusader and I have talked while the repairs have gone on. Knowing perhaps we are wrong, in our timetables, in our surety that we are at a certain point in the timeline. I doubt we are correct. I think, and I’ll never know for sure, that we are so far into the future it would boggle even us.

I will talk with Crusader on this mirror thing tomorrow. I think it a good time. Nothing happening, no holidays, so it would be welcome to sit and discuss with him the implications of what was told to me. I find myself not as shocked as I should be, nor as curious as is my wont. That is fine. Today, here and now, is for other things planned weeks ago.

For as with all good things, there must be an ending. I am here to do one more task, to make a break with something I have clung to these many months and days.

To say goodbye.

A hoofstep silent and quiet makes me perk my ears, my eyes still closed as I enjoy the warmth upon my face. A presence settling near with the soft rustle of wings once again, waiting gently as is her way.

I can feel her, know she is there, a powerful force that is at times tame and compassionate, at others strong and fierce.

“Hello, Princess Luna.” I open my eyes, turning just that little bit to see cyan ones looking back at me.

Her eyes are warm, they fairly glow with power, the slightest hint of a smile always along the outside of them, telling of hidden humor and delight.

“Greetings to you Athena.” Her smile warms me, as it always does, before she turns and looks out over the fields of grain.

I return it, giving back what I have received so many times, “Thank you for coming, I’m sorry to be such a bother sometimes.”

A hoof is waved gently, sparingly, “You are never a bother, ‘tis my pleasure to help.” Her eyes turns back to me, seeing just a sable Pegasus, “Are you quite sure of this?”

I nod, the decision has been made and it’s far past debating, “I am. I think..no.. I know it’s right.”

The dark mare nods, her regal head moving slowly up and down as she continues to eye me, one wing spreading out to lay gently across my back, “There is time, plenty of it, so when you are ready.”

I inhale, the air filled with the scent of grains bursting into fullness, letting it out in one long sigh as I nod in return, “I’m ready.”

Princess Luna nods once and only once, her horn exploding with power as everything changes, bringing to life a place of warmth and love. A cabin, a fireplace, a table set for three, the heat from the hearth forcing back the winter storm outside as I wait once more.

“Hello, my precious lady.” The soft voice makes me turn, running and grabbing Marcus in a hug so tight he loses his breath, wrapping his arms around me..carefully!..and snuggling me as tight as I do him.

He’s taller than I am, even standing on back legs, I lift my head from his chest, looking up and seeing him already looking down at me.

The gentle voice rings in my ears, soft and compassionate, “Is it that time already?”

I won’t cry, I won’t!

But I do nod, smiling back up at him, “Yes..” My voice cracks a bit as he holds me tight.

A hand which was never once raised in anger to me or my sister caresses my cheek, the thumb running under my eye and wiping away a traitorous tear which slipped out. He smiles back at me, those eyes always knowing; he always knew me and Hera, knew us so well it was almost supernatural sometimes. But even from him we hid one thing, for now it’s best not discussed. I just want to hold him forevermore.

He answers without even having been asked, “I knew it, I felt it this time when I came. Something has changed and you my lovely girl have changed with it.” He smiles again, making sure I understand that there should be no tears. “I can feel your strength you know, you hold yourself differently.”

He gently sets me down, kneeling and keeping his hand on my cheek for a moment before standing again, looking over to Princess Luna and giving her a deep bow. He never did that to anyone, ever, his respect was earned not given; and very very few ever did.

“Princess Luna, a pleasure.”

I watch her eyes light up, smiling brightly at the genuflection, “Mine as well Commander Canfeld.” She nods regally, though her face is questioning.

Seeing her expression makes him smile, “Yes, I remember you very well.” His face turns thoughtful, “I can feel so many changes, especially in my lady here.”

Luna looks at him for a moment, “My pardon, but I still cannot understand where you come from Commander..” She is halted by an upraised hand.

“Please call me Marcus, I think we’re beyond formalities.” The hand then reached down to lay upon my withers protectively. I lean against him happily, feeling his strength. “Pardon my deviation from your question. You have healed my girl, and for that you will always have my gratitude. Though I cannot be with her like I was at least I know she is in good hands, that she will be provided for.”

“ ‘Twas not only I Marcus, but others as well.” She looks at me, “It was truly a pleasure to help.”

He nods, taking a seat at the table, settling himself into a thick cushion as Luna and I join him, his arm wraps around my barrel, making me feel safe, “Then please tell them too, let them know they have my solemn thanks.”

She nods, “I promise the message will be passed on.” She sits quietly for a moment before asking once more, “What are you?” The Night Mare cannot help it, he is a huge unknown.

He shrugs, “I still don’t know, but something is definitely suspicious.” I see him glance at me, “Right now, as I remember, she and her sister are on Cetius, pushing the Deng off that world.” He raises his eyebrows and winks at me, making me smile, “And doing a good job too.”

Cetius?

I can‘t help but look astonished, “But..but Marcus, that was after you passed on, how could you know that?” I see Luna staring at me, then looking at Marcus sharply.

“Yes, how could you know that?” The dark mare’s voice is very suspicious now, her back straightening.

He shakes his head, “I don’t know, but there are many things,” He taps the side of his head, “I know that I shouldn’t. It’s like a memory, but not.” Shrugging again, he gives us a helpless look, “I honestly don’t know. Sometimes...sometimes I feel as if I am out of time, out of place.” Seeing Luna eyeing him he smiles, “I am not something evil, nor will I ever be,” He taps me on the nose, making me grin, “Ask her, she knows.”

I nod, not feeling anything but the Marcus I love. “It’s true Your Highness.”

Grudgingly she nods, relaxing herself once again on the cushion, “You are a mystery Marcus, a question I do not like to ask. You have shown to be more powerful than the shades I conjure to help ponies with their troubles and I do not like things unanswered.”

He leans over the table, one hand reaching out and taking her clad hoof in it, smiling gently as he always did, his voice firm, “I swear to you, on my honor and as a Concordiat officer, I will never do harm to my girl or you and yours.”

“He means it Princess, never once did he ever break his word.” I give her a pleading look, “Please don’t be suspicious, you know he’s a good man.”

She hesitates, then nods, “Then I shall concede the point.” But she points the hoof at him after taking it back, “But know that I will always wonder about you Marcus!” The grin that accompanies her statement tells us she’s okay with it.

He laughs, full and rich, “That’s fine, ‘cause to tell the truth I wonder too!” Slapping the table with a hard palm, “I have an idea, use one of those spells of yours to see if I’m telling the truth?”

Now Luna looks absolutely gobsmacked, “I beg your pardon?”

A finger is pointed at her, “You say you have magic, I’m sure you have something that can see if I’m telling the truth, so go right ahead.”

Luna glances at me and I can only stare back as she thinks for a moment, “You would want this?” She asks Marcus plainly, wanting his response.

I don’t get a chance to answer before his hands go out to the side in an expansive shrug, “Princess, if it settles your mind, yes. I have nothing to hide.”

I’m thrown for a complete loop here, what is going on? “Marcus, why..why are you doing this?”

He smiles at me, rubbing a hand along my shoulder, “Because I don’t ever want there to be any doubt, ever, that I am anything other than who I am.”

“But I know it’s you..” He stops me with a gentle pressure along my back.

“I know, but I never want questions to arise anymore.” He reaches out to offer his hand to Luna once more, “Do what you have to, I want there to be no suspicion about my girl nor me. You asked before, well now, let’s settle this.”

“Athena, what..” She looks at me, wanting a decision as she seems slightly overwhelmed by this, a shadow conjured telling her to do something.

“It’s his way Princess.” I look at Marcus, seeing the set of his jaw, knowing he won’t give up until it’s confirmed either way. My Marcus, always strong. “He’s going to be stubborn about it Princess, trust me, I know. Oh do I know!” Luna laughs as she watches me roll my eyes in exasperation.

I get a look from him on that one, he grins, “Yep, I’m set in my ways. Let me prove it once and for all, please?”

Clearing her throat the Princess nods, setting her hoof in the palm of his hand with a smile, “Of course, we cannot have anypony doubting you can we?” Her horn flares brighter as she runs through the magic, picking a truth spell and casting it upon the shade in front of her.

The backlash was immediate.

Spell power strobed through the dream like lightning, causing us all to flinch back as Marcus grabbed me and then Luna, the cabin shaking mightily in the grips of something other. Light flashes, blinding us, taking the yells of surprise away and flinging them into the maelstrom. Marcus is a bastion of security, strong as he holds us tight in the middle of a hurricane wrapped around the cabin and us, flinging us all into...

...Darkness..

Alarms blared, piercing and high in my ears, causing me to look around. Shapes were running back and forth as I tried to focus, having a problem with my eyesight as I wobbled on my hooves. A voice near me was gentle and calm, but sounding very urgent.

“Don’t say anything, don’t move.”

“I can’t see very well Marc..” My mouth was shut by a clamped hand over it. I could barely observe him doing the same for the Princess as her own eyes rolled, lights were flashing around us, red for alert, screaming and yelling were coming through now ..it..it sounded like..

Concordiat Standard speech.

But I hear it as an overlay to Equestrian..confusing me for a moment.

“Just stand there, don’t say anything.” His voice was still gentle, making me nod as the hand released my muzzle. I leaned against Luna for a moment as she inhaled sharply.

“What is..” Then she was suddenly quiet, her eyes growing wide as she looked over to my right. I leaned out, peeking as well, finally getting some focus and gasping myself.

We were on a catwalk, the metal grating harsh beneath our hooves as we gazed out over ranks of Bolos. The klaxons were blaring loud as technicians and crews rushed about, finalizing repairs, loading munitions and anything else they could do.

At the far end, far beyond the lines of huge machines was emblazoned on the back wall in letters big enough to read from where we were, Bolo Depot Twelve. Turrets swiveled as weapons were checked and rechecked, the voices more and more urgent as Luna could only stand speechless, seeing something no pony ever had or would.

We see the huge hulls, the massive weapons that adorned the upper, lower and mid decks of each and every one of them. Bores the size of Hydras snap to, millisecond response times making them blur in swinging about. Engines rumble in the massive durasteel shapes, drive trains engage and disengage. Some of the shapes are shot up, holes in armor here and there. Turrets missing, barrels bent.

Marcus was kneeling in front of us, his eyes wide as he looked from side to side, whispering urgently, “Listen to me, don’t say anything. Nothing. Keep quiet.” He stood back up just as a loud voice through a speaker came from behind him.

“Who the hell are you?” We all looked, seeing a Marine in full powered armor standing there, the heavy weapon in his arms almost pointing in our direction. If he got nervous, or even suspected us, he’d blow us away without a thought.

He rose, turning to face the figure, “Canfeld, Bolo Commander. What’s going on Sergeant?” He sounded a lot calmer than I felt, noticing the rank insignia immediately on the Marines chest.

“Canfeld?” An arm lifted, a holographic screen came up as some data scrolled through, “We’ve got an alert on all Bolo commanders, need to get to your Bolos and bug out! A Skuldi fleet is inbound and we’ve lost contact with the outer defenses.”

Lowering his arm, he peered past Marcus, eyes wide under the blast shield covering his face, “What the hell are those?” He pointed right at us..wait a second..he’s pointing at US!

Marcus’ voice was level, “You know those robotic pets for kids? Yeah, my uncle is involved in that, gave me a couple to test. Cute huh? Thought I’d keep ’em with me for a while.” He laid a hand on my head, patting it gently with a confident smile.

The sergeant just eyed him, then us, for a moment before shaking his head with a sigh through the speaker on his helmet, “I swear to god, you Bolo guys are so damn weird.” He saluted Marcus, getting one in return, “Good luck Commander, see you on the battlefield.” He turned and ran down the catwalk, his footsteps thundering in our ears.

Marcus turned to us, more urgency in his voice, “Don’t ask, just follow me. Don’t talk, act like you’re with me and we’ll be fine.”

We walk along the catwalk, going down a staircase as rapidly as we could in the sergeants trail. Hailing an automatic cart, we waited patiently. Marcus was calm, but I knew something was wrong by the slapping of his hand against his thigh, a nervous tic he always had when he got stressed. Luna was right beside me, keeping quiet but looking at everything, her astonishment was plain to see. Wide eyes took in the sights, the sounds, the smells of masses of metal and humanity.

Bolo techs rushed back and forth, mechanicals welding spot repairs were working fast and furious. Munitions by the ton were being loaded and stored as troops climbed into loading bays, heading for the decks and preparing for mass movement.

Some of the Bolos were damaged incredibly bad. This was looked to be an Alpha-Level Depot, for transfer of hulls and AI’s when too badly torn up by the vagaries of war.

We got strange looks as we rode the transport through the mob of humanity. Marcus had to stop and explain us a few times, going with the robotic pet thing. Luna was getting pretty miffed at being patted on the head and stroked like a dog. I have to admit though, she held her calm.

Skuldi fleet..Skuldi.. Bolo Depot Twelve.. Oh stars, we were on Taurus! Wait..that meant...

No, no this is absolutely not possible...

We round the bay, coming up on where Marcus’ commlink told him his Bolo slot was and stood there agape, I can’t move, I can’t say anything as I stand there looking at myself and Hera once more.

She and I are gleaming in the overheads, our hulls fresh and clean, our weapons battle ready as I see techs doing outside checks along the track line.

I tap Marcus on the leg, “Marcus..that..that’s..”

He waves me silent, “I know, just be quiet until we get inside.”

I nod. Looking at the one Bolo I thought I’d never see again, Hera.

Exiting the cart, we follow him back behind the massive war hull, finding the loading bay doors already open. Walking inside our steps were loud on the durachrome floor, a gravelly voice catches our attention making us all turn.

“ ‘Bout time Canfeld! Christ, can’t even get to a war five minutes early?”

I can’t help but stare and stare hard, standing in all her glory and armor is Master Gunnery Sergeant Katherine Hark. She’s got a grin a mile wide on her face and a heavy rail gun strapped to her back. Her short hair perpetually cropped in a tight cut, bright gray eyes always with that penetrating look.

We watch Marcus shrug, “You know me, be late to my own funeral.” He laughs along with her before she pauses looking behind him at us, her eyes locking on me and the Princess.

“The hell are those Canfeld? Taking pets along now?” Her voice is merry though, her and Marcus got along famously.

“Robotic pets. My uncle designs AI stuff so he’s trying something new, thought I’d test ‘em for him.” I got to admit, he’s getting better at the lie.

The big Marine steps close, eyeballing me and Luna for a moment. Never, in all my years of knowing Katherine Hark, did I ever expect.. “Oh my god they’re ADORABLE!” Her eyes actually light up, smiling happily as she picks me up in gloved hands, hugging me to her chest. With her augmented abilities, I feel like a rag doll. I am not my avatar, I can feel the blood pounding in my ears as the enhanced strength squeezes the breath out of me.

“Oh they’re so lifelike..and CUTE!” Her voice actually goes up a register, almost sounding normal.

I can’t breathe..

Marcus is standing there looking stunned. This merciless killer of the enemy, a person who wouldn’t think twice about wiping out anyone who got in her way, is acting like a little girl on Christmas morning. He is also trying his best not to laugh, I can see him looking at me with a glint of tears in his eyes. I’m going to get him for that little smile.

She slings her head around, yelling further into the bay, “MISTY! Come out here!”

A head peeks out of the hull showing us, sans helmet, Misty Tripp, blonde hair cut even shorter than her team leaders’, blue eyes that sparkled whenever she smiled, “What Hark? We’re load..what the hell?” She steps over to her friend who is hugging me to her armored chest. I can breathe now, thank Celestia.

“What are those?” The pretty face leans down, looking at Luna, “Oh my god it’s adorable!” Oh no please don’t.. too late.. Tripp picks up Princess Luna and hugs her like a stuffed animal, “Oh these are great! Whose are these?” I watch Luna’s eyes cross as she gets squeezed in thick arms. I admire her strength, not a peep or squeak.

“They’re..uh..my uncle’s.” Marcus waves a hand, “Careful with them..don’t..” He covers his mouth once again, he’s snickering behind it as Princess Luna looks like she’s going to gut him when she’s let loose.

“What’s going on, good grief don’t we..” A gasp follows that sentence, yep, there’s Salcedo rushing over to Hark, “What IS that? Oh it’s so cute!” I get patted on the head once more. This is embarrassing.

Hark hangs onto me as she points at Marcus, “His uncle designs them, aren’t they amazing, they’re AI pets!” She holds me out at arms length as I droop in her grasp. We’re not small, ponies aren’t, but compared to the huge armored marines we don’t weigh a thing.

“Where the hell did everyone go..” The deep voice makes my eyes snap to the bay door; Gremen, kind, warm, wonderful Gremen who liked Hera. He comes stepping out into the bay looking as big as a tank, stopping in his tracks to see half the team hugging and making noises at two helpless ponies.

“What on god’s green earth are you guys doing?” His voice is incredulous.

They all know the big Marine loves animals, would never hurt them, so when Luna gets stuck out at arm’s length in front of him he grins. She’s got a deadpan stare right now that almost makes me laugh out loud.

Tripp’s own is matching his in size, “Isn’t it cute?”

“I’d say yes, and it is, but we really have to get loading, we’ve got to bug. The Skuldi are less than an hour away and they’re aiming for the depot.” He hooks a thumb at the crates left to store, “They’re great trust me, cute as all hell, but we’ve got to go.”

Duty takes over as we’re set back down, Hark turns to Marcus.

“I want one, I don’t care what they cost, you tell your Uncle the first one is mine. Got it?” She points at the other Marines, “And anyone got anything to say about it, better keep your traps shut.”

Yep, that’s Hark.

Laughter followed, “Whatever you say Master Guns!” They get back to throwing crates around as Marcus leads us into the bay, climbing up to Command One and dogging the hatch after we enter.

Setting in the Command seat, a voice comes over the speakers, mine. I can’t help but be silent, listening to..myself..me..

“Marcus?”

Luna looks at me, hearing my voice as Marcus tilts his head, looking into the camera as he always did, “Yes, Athena?”

“Why did you lie to them?” Did I always sound like that?

Wiping a hand down his face he sighs, knowing this would happen, “Athena, trust me, there’s a good reason.”

“They are not robotic, they are alive, our scanners are reading heartbeats and blood flow.” The voice pauses, “You never lie like that Marcus, why now?”

He sighs, laying his hands on the control panel like I remember him doing so often when thinking. Luna looks at me, I shake my head slightly, letting her know we should not speak at all. I know how much my sensors can pick up and the simple motion shouldn’t be observed.

One thing bothers me, I don’t remember this conversation, nothing like this.

“Athena, link Hera please.”

“I’m here Marcus!”

The crystalline voice makes my heart break, my beloved sister who I’ve missed so much.

“Hera, Athena, something very odd is going on, there’s no time right now to explain it, could you please bear with me until we get time to go over it?” He spreads his hands, looking at the cameras, “I’ve never lied to you and I will not start, but trust me on this, it’s a bit.. weirder than normal.”

Both voices answer in unison, “Of course Marcus.” Our trust, our love for him was beyond absolute. Anything he asked, we would do or find a way to accomplish.

He consults the screens, watching data scroll for a moment, movement orders, “Good, let’s get finished, make sure the Marines are settled and we need to move out quick. We’ve got a rendezvous at Breaker’s Rift, we need to be there for a counter attack if our orbital defenses can’t stop the Skuldi in time, all right?”

“Yes Marcus!”

Signals pass and the rumble of engines makes the deck plates thrum underneath my hooves. We’re moving out, and fast. We hear others coming over the commlinks, acknowledging orders and our ears are filled with the sounds of track plates thudding, the sound of Bolos on the move. It is tremendous and thrilling. I remember this so well, moving to battle, to take our fight to the enemy, to win!

“Good. My ladies of steel, we’re going to war again.” He waves, giving the signal for them to cut the cameras and concentrate on final loadouts. He leads Luna and I to the bunk area, no cameras or listening devices were there. He snored and hated when we teased him about it, finally removing the mikes. Closing the hatchway he turns to us with an urgent look on his face.

His voice is low so it won‘t carry in the deck area, “I need you to stay here, there’s food and water in the locker so get some rest, it’s going to be a while before we can talk. I’m sorry, I don’t know what else to do right now.” He gets a pained look, grabbing the side of his head for a moment as we both watch him stagger.

My voice is a sibilant hiss, keeping it low so it won‘t carry, “Marcus!” I lean against him, holding him up, Luna is on the other side, pressing her hoof up against his side, keeping him from falling.

He waves, “I’m fine, I’m fine, we’ve got to get out of here. I’m sorry about the rush, but we’re going to battle.” Steadying himself against the wall he stands bent over for a moment, breathing hard, before lifting up tall once more.

“Are you all right?” Luna is sounding concerned.

“I am, I’m okay,” He rubs his temple area for a moment, “I apologize for any problems. I can’t understand, but there’s two..me’s here.. That’s why I reacted so fast on the catwalk.”

Luna nods, “It is fine Marcus, do not let us distract you.” She holds up a hoof, Please don’t let them hug us again, they are quite strong.” Her slight smile breaks the tension as we all laugh.

“Yes ma’am, no hugging the Princess, got it.” He gave her a slight bow, opening, then closing the hatch as he returned to his preparations for moving out.

I jump on the bunk, joined by Luna as we grab pillows to rest for a bit, “Princess, are you controlling this dream?” I motion around us, “Because we can’t possibly be here, it’s in the far past. I remember this place.”

She shakes her head, “I do not know what this is, but it is not a dream, I am definitely not controlling anything.” She points to her mane, drooping now it is a solid blue, no stars, no magic, nothing. “My magic has been drained, it is coming back slowly, I cannot do anything. But something is translating for us, I can feel it being used to talk and listen to this language.”

I hadn‘t even noticed the change in her mane, the lack of stars, “But how can we be..solid?” I wave a hoof at myself, “I’m..alive..I can’t be. If I was missing Crusader would lose his mind, what’s going on?”

“I do not know. Using my magic with you has caused very odd interactions Athena.” She sighs, “Until I get it back, we may never know.”

“How long until then?”

“Hours, perhaps days, maybe weeks, I do not know. Is there some urgency?”

I nod, “This is Taurus, we were here for maintenance in the depot you saw around us; it’s a huge repair spot, then we shipped out for other places. It’s supposedly well-defended, but..”

“But?”

“In about eight hours, most of this planet is going to be covered in invaders.”

The Skuldi were allies of the Melconians, scavengers, worthless pieces of flesh and bone that jumped on the chance to overwhelm small bases and loot them, destroying any traces of their attacks afterwards.

The Melconians provided them with ships and other hardware, letting them attack us on their own while denying involvement. This was part of the beginning of the Final War, one of the steps it was taking.

On Taurus, we were getting Alpha Level depot maintenance after heavy fighting on Keld, a Deng held planet in the Third Sector of this quadrant. Hera and I had been transferred to brand new hulls here, getting a long overdue upgrade. Everything had been shiny and bright, Marcus even more prouder of us than he had ever been. His wife awaited back on Earth, we were all due for downtime, even Bolos needed a little respite from battle. Marcus was due to transship out tomorrow..until the Skuldi arrived.

The battle for Taurus lasted three months, it was fierce and unrelenting, the Skuldi throwing everything they had at us to capture some Bolo tech to return to their unacknowledged masters, the Melconians. Hera and I were in the thick of it, along with Diana and Artemis, our battlegroup of Bolos.

They would come in behind the third moon, wasting the pickets before doing an..wait a second, I knew where they’d be coming from, I knew what would happen! I’ve got to tell Marcus! The attack would fail, we’d save so many lives!

Leaping off the bed, I grab at the hatch levers, trying to pry them open. This sucked, because hooves were definitely not made for this, skidding off the durachrome alloy and making me more frustrated.

“Athena, is something wrong?” Luna’s seen the expression on my face, one of despair turning into hope.

I turn to the Princess, “I know how this battle goes, I can tell them how to win this!” I reach back, hammering at the levers again. Until a hoof gently presses against my shoulder, causing me to turn again and seeing Luna close.

“Athena stop.” Her voice is serious, “I know not what this is, but if this is the past it is not to be trifled with. We cannot change what would happen, if we did the outcome could be disastrous.” Her eyes held a warning that rang true along with her words.

“But we don’t know! It could be some weird dream, something..else. I don’t remember this happening, we’re inside of me! I’d remember! It can’t possibly be the past!”

The dark mare shook her head, “No, you wouldn’t until you returned, then things would change, what you remembered would be affected.” She lays a clad hoof on my shoulder, “I do not feel this as I should a normal dream, something is wrong here.”

“But I can save them!” I wave a hoof at the hatch, “I can save them all! No one has to die here!”

Artemis, Michael, Gabriel, so many Bolos, good Marines and personnel, so very many. Out of thirty Bolos who were in laager here, a compliment of over eight thousand Marines, Army and support troops, only Hera and I plus five others and less than a thousand soldiers remained when the Concordiat relief fleet arrived.

It had been a massacre, the Skuldi had interdicted the globe, doing strikes out of Hellbore range, slamming the planet and us with penetrating rod kinetic killers followed by tactical nukes. They didn’t care about the planet, they wanted our tech. Wanting it bad enough to slag us and pick up the pieces. But we kept them from grabbing anything, fighting like hell’s own.

Orbital and spaceborne defenses had been smashed so fast there was no time to get away, everyone above us would die in the airless cold of the dark night. The moon bases, the ground defenses, all would be hammered into dust by the Skuldi as the Bolo groups moved out. We fought a running battle over the planets’ main continent where the depot was located, enough room to move, but we were constantly on the run; our commanders and what troops we had with us worn to skin and bones by the time the fleet arrived, lack of supplies taking it’s toll.

Everyone fought. Oh, did they fight. Even the lowliest technician carried a power gun or explosives, going out of our hulls or bunkers to throw themselves at the Skuldi landing sites, damaging what they could at a horrible cost.

Fifty would go out, twenty-five would return, over and over they kept going on missions, slashing at the invaders. We could not contact a relief fleet, the Skuldi zeroed in and destroyed anyone powering up SWIFT or hyper-light communications so quickly we never had a chance. All the Concordiat knew, right now, was Taurus Base was suffering communications loss from an unknown cause. The outer defenses never managed another word before they were trashed.

Currently, no Bolo was transmitting, under battle silence as we moved out so any scouts could not pinpoint us, hoping we could get clear and send VSR’s to any Concordiat ships in the outer system who hadn’t been destroyed. We didn’t know then that all Concordiat forces had been wiped, we were alone.

But most tragic of all, in this place, Master Gunnery Sergeant Katherine Hark and her band of heroes would die in a strike on a Skuldi fire control array, allowing us to contact the incoming scouts who would relay our situation to a relief fleet and giving them the information necessary to destroy the enemy. They gave their lives for us to have a chance.

Not again, I couldn’t do this again. Watching Hera in anguish over their deaths, myself grieving deeply. Marcus in a funk for days because he thought we could have done more.

Dream or not, time travel or no, I couldn’t let this happen again.

I slap at the levers, finally getting them to pivot over Princess Luna’s protestations. I don’t care, I can’t watch them all die again, I do not care! The door slams open as I force my way through it, yelling Marcus’ name

Power guns drop from the ceiling, targeting me immediately as I skid to a halt, raising my forehooves in surrender, hoping beyond hope I’m not about to get blasted by myself. I remain perfectly still, knowing those internal defenses will react much more quickly then I can.

Marcus turns in his chair wiping a hand over his face, giving me a look of helplessness as Katherine Hark standing beside him stares at me like I’ve walked out of some sci-fi movie.

She‘s eyeing me hard, a weapon in one armored hand trained on me so swiftly I never saw her move, her gravelly voice is low and dangerous, “Marcus, what the hell is goin’ on?”

“Athena, stand down, retract internals please.”

“But Marcus, she sounds like me! Voice match is almost one hundred percent!” The voice is puzzled...my voice.

He sighs, “I know Athena, retract internals please, I’ll explain.”

The power guns reluctantly go back into their cubbyholes. Hark, however, doesn’t budge.

“Katherine, put the weapon away, nothing is going to happen.”

She moves, or barely moves, the gun put into a holster. She’s so fast and deadly I had forgotten how much so.

“What’s going on Marcus, these AI’s going wonky?” She’s still looking at me, I know if I make one wrong move she’s going to tear me apart. Me talking doesn’t phase her one bit, she’s probably seen much stranger.

I can’t wait, “Marcus, tell the others, don’t fire up SWIFT or Hyper-Light comms, the Skuldi are going to pinpoint and destroy them when the carrier waves go live! Please, tell them!”

A voice imperious and commanding stops me from speaking further, “Athena stop!” Every eye turns to the open door.

Princess Luna steps out of the hatchway, her face angry as she looks at me, “You will not say another word! I order this, do not disobey me Athena!”

I cringe, she’s never been this mad at me before and now I’ve really stepped into it, “Yes Princess.” I lower my hooves, stepping away from her.

Marcus on the other hand immediately looks at the camera, “Athena, Hera!”

“Yes Marcus?”

“Notify all units and personnel, use no comms other than whisker lasers or low level, no SWIFT or Hyper-Light to be used at all, get it out now!”

“Yes Marcus!”

Princess Luna is furious, I can see it in her eyes as she looks at me, “I told you to not do this,” She points a hoof at me, “Say nothing more!”

“Y..yes Princess.” I throw my hooves out, hell with it, “I’m sorry, I had to save them! I can’t stand by and watch..” An urgent hoof is slammed against my mouth, causing not a little pain.

“I said be quiet, we cannot change this, we do not know what damage you may have already caused!” She hisses at me in a low voice.

“Hold it, hold it!” Marcus is standing there, using his hands to separate us, “Stop it now.” I look at the floor, I can’t bear the weight of the imperial stare that is drilling through me.

“Princess, what’s going on?” He folds his arms over his chest, looking at the furious mare.

“Princess?” Hark is really giving Marcus the hairy eyeball, “What the hell Marcus?”

He holds up one hand, “Hang on a second Katherine, first things first.” He kneels down, “Tell me what’s going on. Now. I’ve got memories of something...someone else slamming around inside my head, like there was two of me, and now she tells me about strikes on communications using units, and you tell her to shut up. Now why?”

Princess Luna sighs, settling back and giving me one final glare, “She knows what is going to happen Marcus, I have forbidden her to tell you anything.” Honest she is, always, when the truth will do she will tell it.

“Wait..with the attack? Why not?”

“Listen to me Marcus, the other inside you, you know who I am and what I do. I do not know if this is a dream or truly a traveling back into the past, but we cannot change others destinies, it is not for us to do.” She points a hoof at me looking sadly at the floor, “By that one sentence she may have changed entire futures forever.”

A pained look comes over his face again, grabbing the back of the command chair he closes his eyes, like a headache had just wracked his brain. Hark is there, catching him before he falls, holding him until he nods, standing back up. He waves off any questions temporarily, dealing with the here and now for the moment.

“But...,” He rubs his temple, “But what if it is just a dream, can’t she save us?”

“We cannot take that chance. I do not know what has happened, but caution must be the watchword. I am truly sorry Marcus.” And she is, her face is sad, knowing that others will die. “Something is very strange about all of this, and we cannot..nay, we must not tamper!”

Master Gunnery Sergeant Hark has been standing there this whole time, listening, her voice finally breaking in, “I won’t ask again. What is going on Marcus?” She points at us, “Those aren’t AI’s.” Lifting her arm, I can see a bio-scanner, it’s focused on us through the holographic display, “Armor’s telling me live, blood, breath, heartbeat. Wanna explain?”

He nods, settling back down into the command chair for a moment, his head held in shaking hands as he tries to get rid of the pain. Reaching over, he grabs some aspirin out of a medkit and downs a handful, waiting for the few moments while the fast acting pain reliever takes action, making him sigh in relief.

Waving a hand to a crash chair, he tells the suspicious Marine, “Sit down, you’ll need it.”

It is amazingly hard, convincing a skeptic about what is going on, when you cannot reveal everything. Princess Luna’s glare tells me not to mention anything more, so I remain with generalities, about what we are, where we come from. Marcus tries to help, but he doesn’t know how to be convincing with little information either.

This is going to be tough, seeing Harks’ face go to pure disbelief, almost laughingly so.

“Are you shitting me? Seriously?” She waves a gloved hand at myself and Luna, “They’re just animals, talking animals sure. The Melconians look like talking dogs, big deal. But from the future? Oh god save me, this is the biggest line of bullshit I have ever heard Marcus.”

“Look, don’t ask me, but I remember meeting her and Athena!” He points to me, then taps the side of his head, “I don’t know, it’s like two of me crammed into one body, I don’t know why!”

Quiet descends as the skeptical Marine processes this, rubbing her knee as she sits heavily in the crash chair, “Marcus, you’re a good man, I know that, but seriously you expect me..” She’s stopped by me holding up a hoof, “What?”

I look at the darker mare, “Princess, let me say one thing, I won’t do anything wrong, just to prove it? Please?”

Luna’s face is still angry, but she nods stiffly at me, a warning glance telling me not to go too far.

I sigh, “What time is it?” I saw the clock, I know, but I ask anyways.

Marcus looks up, “Fourteen twenty three Taurus time.”

“At fourteen twenty-five, Breaker’s Rift will be nuked by weapons from the Skuldi fleet.” My voice almost breaks, but I hold it back, “Scout ships are already in orbit, we can’t detect them yet, the battlegroup waiting there with two extra Bolos will..will be gone..”

Six Bolos, their commanders and troops, and a town of approximately twenty-five thousand is going to cease to exist in less than two minutes.

Marcus’s eyes snap back to the clock, fourteen twenty-four, “Oh my god! Athena, Hera! Get in comm..” He stops when I put a hoof on his leg, shaking my head, “The nukes are already inbound, they can’t escape.”

The Bolos were hiding, one of the first groups to leave the depot, powered down and waiting for us to arrive; they never saw the strike coming until it was too late, being covered in battle silence. Taken unaware they never knew what hit them, sensors had been battle-damaged and no time to replace, hence, they never saw the missiles.

At least we all had hoped it was over quick, we never knew.

I look over to Princess Luna, her eyes are closed and her face is showing anguish now, knowing what must come.

The rumbling in the ground comes through the hull, telling us the amount of the payloads used was far more than needed, the Skuldi didn’t skimp. They didn’t see the Bolos we found out later, just wanting to destroy the town to prevent resistance, the extended battlegroup was icing on the cake.

Hera’s pretty voice comes over the speaker, “Marcus? Diana is getting a signal, we’re to go to rendezvous two, Breaker’s.. isn’t there anymore.”

“Acknowledged Hera, put us on course please.”

“Yes, Marcus.” The speaker clicked off.

“Why?” Hark’s voice is vicious, making me cringe back. Princess Luna will not back down, standing defiantly as the huge Marine leans towards her, “Why would you let them die? Oh my god, WHY?” Her hands are shaking, knowing the sounds of a nuclear strike and realizing men and women she had known were ashes now. She’s out of her chair, heading for us when Marcus’ outthrust hand stops her.

“Katherine..she’s right.”

“What?” The astonished look from her makes Marcus look back calmly.

“She’s right, if..and I say if..they’ve traveled in time. We can’t change things.” He sighed, rubbing his face for a moment, “I’m not a master at temporal things, nor the physics, but if this is time traveling somehow, we can’t change it. It could be a disaster later on.”

Hark is goggling at Marcus’ calm words, “Are you kidding me? We could stop this thing dead! Save lives, push them back!”

“Katherine, believe me when I say I understand. I do. But if it is true, even for one second, we can’t change things.” He sighs, getting up to walk the deck like he did when thinking, “Physics classes taught us, as far as we know, it’s impossible.” He points at us, “But they are here, somehow, and from what I can ‘remember’ and what they’ve said it’s a far, far future.”

“How far?” Her voice is still sounding skeptical. She was always good at taking surprises, and hearing us talk, I only see her eyes narrow just a tiny bit. Tougher than durachrome was Katherine Hark.

I answer that, “Over a million years, probably much more.”

“You don’t know?”

“No. It’s..different.” I shake my head, “But it is far away from here in time.” We haven’t told her that I am, in fact, an extension of the Bolo we’re standing in. Too many shocks could tilt the balance of belief the wrong way.

“Then what difference does it make now? Saving lives that’ll be dust in a million years!” Hark’s still not calming down, she’s royally pissed.

“It’s called the Butterfly Effect Hark, theorists have used it time and again.”

“That old thing?”

“Katherine, you know it hasn’t been disproved yet.” He eyes her, knowing she’s quite well educated, “A very small change can have effects later on down the line to put it simply. Too many changes and the Concordiat could fall or not exist anymore.” He points at us, “They could cease to exist.”

Her face went through a gamut of emotions, pain, rage, anger, everything. She slammed a fist down on the chair arm, bending it like a stick of butter, “Dammit..goddammit to hell and back.” She knew he was saying nothing but truth, theoretical or not, she was wise enough to know, don’t mess with things not fully understood.

Marcus laid a careful hand on her armored shoulder, “We don’t know how things will change because I put out the alert about comms use. That could be enough to alter the galaxy, or just here, we won’t know. We might never know.” He sighs, “I may have just done irreparable harm to the whole Concordiat.”

His voice is soft as he knows how much of what he says will hurt, “Hark, we’ve got to let this play out, it has to happen as it did, otherwise we could do something that would cause everything to fall apart.”

Her eyes looked up at us, then Marcus, I could actually see frustration in it as her disbelief warred with her intelligence, the battle was fierce if the look was anything to go by.

“How do you even know?”

“I don’t, and that tells me not to screw with it.” He pointed at Luna and I, “There’s the evidence, tell me it’s not real.”

She sighs heavily, “All right, say I go along with this.” She points a finger at all of us, “My team gets informed, we’re not holding anything back. They trust me with their lives and I won’t leave them out.” This was simple to her, it showed the immense trust that Hark had for Marcus and from him.

Marcus and I look to Princess Luna for the okay, she nods solemnly.

“All right,” Marcus sets heavily in the command chair once more, “Everyone back to their places, we’ve got a rendezvous and then we’ll have a long talk.” He points to the camera lens, “Athena, Hera.”

“Yes, Marcus?”

“Sequester the datapoints. No sharing this, or anything to do with this, to anyone else, got it?”

“Understood, datapoints locked and secure.” Meaning our presence would not even be known to the other Bolos unless we chose to reveal it.

Hark heads out the other passage to the lower areas as Luna and I go back to the bunk area, closing the hatch and climbing up on the bed. I think we need rest.

“I’m sorry Princess.” I can’t look at her, knowing I disobeyed her without a thought. Her face stills shows her pique with me, I can’t face her so I stare at the metal flooring, knowing I swore to obey and promptly broke my oath.

“Sorry might not be enough Athena. You, and now I, may be tampering with things best left alone.” Her voice is softer though, letting me know maybe she won’t be angry forever.

A tear falls along my cheek, hitting the floor and splashing my hoof, “I can’t watch them die again Princess, it was so hard the first time.” I lift my eyes, seeing her watching me closely.

The dark face takes on a kindly mien, her anger dissipating as she hears true sorrow from me, “I understand about losing those you care about, but we cannot change what already was, it’s not for us to do Athena.” A wing is laid across my back, warming me, “We have much to talk about later with the others, until then sleep my little pony.” We both climb onto the bunk, snuggling into the covers.

With that I do close my eyes, resting on a pillow that smells like Marcus, bringing a slight smile to my face as I try to get some rest.

Rendezvous was under the sea side, two hundred and fifty meters of water covered us and our battle group as well as one other. It muted any emissions and allowed us to spy on the invaders without much risk, giving us time to plan a counterattack. Hours had already passed in a flurry of action, Bolos and troops scattering to fight a guerrilla war, technicians furiously trying to repair what they could on the move.

“They’ve taken the depot, ground defenses got wasted, glad we all got out.” Marcus’ voice is low, talking to others over the comm channels. We’re in the bunk area, Luna catching some sleep, I’m listening in and staying out of sight.

“Roger that Marcus, any plans yet or are we waiting?” Female voice, another Bolo commander.

“Give it another day, let them become complacent and then we’ll drop some nukes on their asses.” He waited for the laughter to die, “Honestly, take this slow. They’ve wiped Breaker’s and Underhill, the only other town is occupied right now, we don’t want to risk anymore civilians just yet. We were all caught in the middle of repairs and upgrades, the techs need time.”

“We got ya Marcus, just let us know, until then we’ll sit tight. Take good care okay?”

“We will, Battle Group Four out.”

I watched him sigh, rubbing his stubbled face. He hadn’t shaved or showered in the many hours since the bug out and he looked tired.

I can’t help it, “Marcus?” Peeking out the hatch into the command area, “Marcus, please get some rest?”

He swivels in the chair, a smile lighting up his face, “I’ll be fine my girl.” Shaking his head he looks up at the camera, “Sorry Athena, I know I call you and Hera that.”

“It’s okay Marcus.” I’ll never get used to hearing my own voice, “But why does she sound like me and have my name? I know you said...”

He holds up a hand, wanting her to forgo the questions for the moment. He hadn’t had time to explain it all before we hit the meeting point, busy with getting resistance plans together in the ensuing hours.

“Athena, it’s going to be hard to believe. When we meet with Hark and the others, I want you and Hera listening got it?”

“Yes Marcus.”

“Good, I need something to eat and let Hark know I’ll be down in a while.”

“Got it!”

He rummaged through a drawer, pulling out a standard rat-pack, called that because normally only rats would touch them. Popping it open, he spooned food into his mouth as I stepped on the deck.

“You need rest Marcus.”

Chewing a moment, he swallowed and shook his head, “We’ve got to get the explanation out, then plan the counter-attack, too much to do my girl.”

I raise a hoof, almost telling him it’s going to be three months, but I hesitate and put it back down, looking down at the floor once more and nodding, “Okay.”

“Something you can’t tell me right?”

I nod.

“This thing’s going to last longer than we think, isn’t it?” I look up, seeing his eyes leveled on me like a Hellbore.

I glance back, seeing Luna still asleep and I nod slightly.

“All right, after this I’ll get some rest then.”

Stepping over to the chair as my hooves make a soft sound on the durasteel deck, I lean against him, setting close and draping a hoof over his lap, laying my head on it, “I’m sorry Marcus.”

“It’s all right Athena, I understand.” His hand lays along my shoulder, “Some things, well you can’t mess with mother nature.”

I nod as I rest on his lap, waiting for him to finish eating. I lead him to the shower and made sure he got an hour of sleep. He woke up to find Luna and I ready to go with him as he changed into a clean battlesuit. Tossing us out of the bunkroom for privacy.

Exiting in a fresh uniform, he clapped his hands, rubbing them together with a slightly evil grin, “Well now, let’s go see how that bunch of clowns is going to take this.”

He started down the access way, leaving Luna to look at me as I shrug,”He’s always like that.”

“He looked as if he were going to enjoy this.”

“He’s got a weird sense of humor.”

“I can see that.”

We follow in his wake, the fears rising up inside us both as we wandered to the lower bays, hoping at least the story would be believed.

“That has absolutely no-doubt, hands down, got to be the biggest load of bullshit I have ever heard!” Diaz is sitting and laughing in the crowded bay, the others nodding with him. Hark had just finished telling them the whole story, helped out by Marcus as we sat quietly.

The Marines had shucked armor for skinsuits, cooling off in the hot bay as we sat under the ocean. The group sat there with doubt showing across their faces, thinking it was all some big joke. Marcus and Hark were trying, they really were, but it’s hard when you can’t tell everything.

Hark pointed at myself and Luna, “Explain them then? Call up your scanners, check ‘em out.”

Holographic displays shot up with outstretched arms, getting murmurs from the five who were now looking at us, knowing we were alive.

“Oh c’mon Guns, animals are animals. Anyone can clone something or make a chimera.” Salcedo was dubious. Concordiat Augment Marines were far from stupid, knuckle-dragging killers they may be, but highly educated and trained. They were the best in everything.

Hark turned to me and Luna, “Tell them.”

Gremen laughed, “Oh, now they talk?”

“As a matter of fact we do talk and quite well.” Luna is standing, putting on a regal air as soldiers stopped talking, looking at us curiously.

“Talking dogs,” Schmidt meant the Melconians, “Now talking horses, will wonders never cease.”

“Stow it Schmidt.” Hark’s voice barked, pointing at us, “Now tell them.”

We do our best to convince them without giving too much away, little things, stuff that could tell them we come from a different time and place. So by the time we’ve pretty much got them nodding at our words, we’re tired, thirsty and hungry. Marcus is so kind by getting us both something to eat and drink, the watching Marines chewing over what they’ve been told.

“So you can’t tell us anything about what’s going to happen here?” Tripp was curious, leaning forward in her skinsuit, the curves shown through the nanite infested fabric proved she was a lady by all means.

“I can’t.” Looking apologetic, “If we changed anything it could be a disaster, I’m so sorry.”

Of all the group, it was Gremen, “I can believe it.” Shocked looks turn at the rumbling bass voice, “I’ve seen some weird shit in my life, we all have; and this, this is the weirdest. But I believe it.”

“How so Gremen?” Hark is interested.

“Read a paper in Physics Six, about paradoxes and say, going back to kill your grandfather and such.” He fidgeted, getting comfortable, “If going back and killing your grandfather changes things, then how? Some say it splits the timelines, creating a new one where you were never born, others say you can’t do it, that time is immutable. There are tons of theories, lots of things to try and explain some stuff. But this, we might have the proof right here.” He points a thick finger at us.

“And that means exactly what?” Diaz is sitting, leaning his back against a crate of rations, “What’s it to us?”

“If they have traveled from a future and it is ours, anything they change could wipe us and them out.” He folded muscular arms across his chest, “If we take this knowledge and say, beat the Skuldi without anymore losses, how does that affect the Concordiat? Troop movements would differ, decisions would have been very different based on our losses here, but now with foreknowledge we suffer no more losses.” He waves a hand, “And let’s not get into multi-verse theory either, we’d be at this all day.”

Salcedo nodded, “I get it, more Bolos and troops left, different decisions and it snowballs.”

Gremen pointed his fingers at her shaped like a gun, “Exactly.”

“So because Miss Horsie here travels from the future,” Diaz points at Luna, “She can’t say anything cause it would possibly change the future? I still call bullshit.” He immediately gets hit on the back of the head by Gremen’s wide hand, knocking him clean off the crate he was sitting on.

“She’s a pony, plus a Princess, and you better treat her with respect dumbass. We can’t be sure right now, so until then shape the hell up.” His voice brooks no back talk, he was as big and mean as they came. He had listened to everything, especially what very little we told about the society where we came from and who Luna was, mostly... He turns to her with a nod of his head, watching Diaz pick himself up, “Apologies Princess, some of us are just low-born commoner scum with more rank than sense.”

Gremen didn’t care about rank, you acted the fool, you got slapped down hard. In this case, he was very very interested in what we had to say. But it looked like he was enjoying this far too much for some reason as I caught a glint in his eye.

Luna laughs, her merriment ringing through the bay as she nods back to him, “Apology accepted Sir Gremen. Apparently they are everywhere, even here.”

The group laughs, seeing Diaz embarrassed.

Schmidt’s quiet voice breaks the laughter, “People are going to die, good men and women, and Bolos. There’s nothing we can do?”

Marcus pipes up, “No, we can’t. If we change anything else; and I hope to god my telling others not to use the comms didn’t drastically alter anything, we have no clue what it will do.” He swings a hand out, encompassing the entire bay, “Is it localized? Would we be changing the entire galaxy by what happens here? I don’t know.”

“So we sit and wait while it all plays out?” He’s not looking at anyone, staring at his hands while he asks the question. Silence covers us all for a few long moments.

“I’ll say it,” Marcus stands in the middle of all of us, “We’re going to watch them die, it’s as simple as that. We cannot change it, cannot warn them, nothing. It has to go forward as it happened. We don’t ask, we don’t question, we do what we do and hope, and pray it goes okay. That’s all.” he shrugs, “Hell for all we know we die too, but I’m not asking, I’m not going to.”

You could see that hit home, all of them looked at me and Luna, wanting to know so badly what was in store for them. I couldn’t look back so I stared at the floor when a hand touched my shoulder, making me raise my eyes to see Hark standing there.

“Don’t try.” Her finger pointed like a laser, “We’ve discussed this enough, we don’t ask.” She sighs, “I can’t order you, I can’t, but I will ask this.. Take this to your graves, no one must ever know.” She sighs heavily, “This could cause more trouble than we can possibly imagine. Not just they are another lifeform, but from the future. You know what would happen.” She and her team were closer than blood family, they trusted her with their lives and more. This though, was asking a lot.

“You’ve got my word,” The answer is immediate from Gremen, “No one will ever know it from me.” Everyone nods silently, even Diaz, his doubts not quite gone in the face of his team mates accepting. You can still see them as he asks another question.

“How much does she know?”

Marcus joins Hark by my side, “As crazy as this is, it gets crazier.” He rubs a hand through his cropped hair, “Somewhere, sometime in this far distant future, the Bolo we’re standing in becomes her,” He points at me. “This Athena knows everything my Athena does.”

You could have heard a pin drop, every eye turned on me, making that old shyness rise up fiercely inside of me.

“You have got to be kidding me.” Hark’s voice is incredulous as Marcus shakes his head.

Looking down at me, “Athena, on my authority, give me your Internal ID code please.”

This code was indelibly stamped into each AI as an ID to help identify them in times of crisis or extreme damage. It was not anything harmful to know it, but each AI had a unique code and there was no possible way I would know if I wasn’t Athena.

“I need your security code Marcus.” My voice is quiet as I go through the motions.

“Canfeld, Authorization Alpha Four One .”

I immediately rattle off a string of numbers and letter designations that takes me a full minute to recite out loud. I don’t ask why I can still remember, I am just glad that I do, hoping this is all still a dream. Maybe that’s why I can still feel connected, but..not..I don’t know. This is all so strange.

Marcus looks up at the silent camera, “Athena, is she correct?”

“Yes Marcus, ID code is confirmed.” Oh, that astonished tone of voice.

He turns, spreading his arms in a shrug, “There it is. No way she could have known that code, ever. Bolos never give it to anyone, it’s just an internal ID.” He points down at me, “But that, is Athena.”

Gremen gestures at Luna, “Is she another Bolo?”

That’s answered with another laugh from the dark mare, “Oh no, Sir Gremen, I am but a pony.”

I can’t help but smile, butting in, “No, don’t let her fool you. She is half of a ruling diarchy that is powerful, keeping their country safe and at peace through millenia. She walks dreams, calming fears and helping others every night after raising the moon.”

Oh crap, I went too far. We skirted around a lot of that and here I just opened my big mouth.

These Marines, as was said before, are not stupid. They are highly intelligent and motivated, as evinced by Schmidt perking up, a puzzled look crossing his face.

“What? Wait a second.. Raising the moon, you said ‘the’ moon. What solar system are you in?” He shakes his head, “Oh shit, I should have known, Luna! You mean OUR moon?” He makes the connection between her name and the old word for Earth’s moon faster than I thought.

Dammit.

He peers close at both of us, “Where are you in the future, what solar system?”

The Princess looks at me and nods, I answer softly, “We’re on Earth.”

This immediately gets a reaction, yelling and questions that are getting out of control until Hark slams a fist on a crate, breaking it open and spilling out boxes of ammunition, “Knock it off Marines!”

They calm back down, Schmidt though is as curious as the Crusaders on a quest, “If you’re on Earth..that means we’re not there anymore doesn’t it?”

I nod, “There are no humans there anymore.”

He actually sits back, thinking for a moment before nodding, “Yeah, that would do it, that far in the future who knows. Are the puppies around?” Meaning the Melconians, “The Deng?”

“As far as I can tell, no, we haven’t seen any evidence.” I do not tell them about the Anceti, the less information about that I think, the better, let them believe the world is at peace. Nothing about the Final War must be said. We are far from the end and they do not need to know the Concordiat is going to fall, even if it is in its’ own time.

“My turn!” Tripp raises a hand, getting laughs from everyone, “How do you know Concordiat Standard? Is that the speech of the future?”

The Princess looks at me with a curious expression, leaving me to answer her, “We aren’t hearing Standard, we’re hearing Equestrian.”

“That’s what the language is called? Equestrian?" She waits for both of us to nod, “You’re speaking it to us plain as day, but you’re hearing us in your own language?” She’s sitting forward now, looking very interested in this.

Luna nods, “Yes, you are speaking it like you have lived there.”

I add in, “I’m hearing both, I know Standard, but have learned Equestrian, so..I’m trying to tune out one.”

Tripp presses a fist under her chin, staring for a moment, “So..is this the ‘magic’ you told us of?” She points an earnest finger, “I’ve been wondering why your mouth movements haven’t quite matched Standard speech.” See? Concordiat Marines did not miss very much.

The Princess nods again, “It very well could be, something is translating it to my ears, and I feel the truth spell working though faint.” Referring to the spell cast in the dream.

“Wish we could do that! Translating languages is tough some days, even for Marines.” She laughs, “I want to learn magic dammit!”

Hark grins, “We’ll enroll you as soon as we get back to Earth Misty.” Tripp gets teased by her squadmates.

“Princess..” Diaz is hesitating, seeing Gremen eyeing him and a slightly raised fist should he get out of hand, but his voice is gentle, “Princess, what is the world like there now.. I mean.. tell us again about when you come from?”

All of them lean forward, wanting to know. We’d covered the bare minimum, not trying to be outlandish or embellish, so a lot of information had not been shared. Enough to convince was all we had needed. Though if it weren’t for Marcus and them knowing him, it would have been damn near impossible.

She thinks for a moment, nodding to herself and repeating what was said earlier, “It is a world of wonders. Our country is called Equestria. Pegasi fly through the skies harnessing the weather, Unicorns learn and use magic for the betterment of all and the Earth ponies grow great harvests of food. They are caretakers of the land for all of us. It is blue skies, fields as far as the eye can see filled with grains and other things to eat, and magic that surrounds us all.” She fills in a few things we had left out in the original talk. We’d try to reveal as little as we could to convince them of the seriousness of the situation.

Her eyes get a faraway look as her voice gets stronger, “I rule with my sister Celestia, she who raises the sun to give it’s warmth to the land below, we keep the peace so our ponies can live good lives, happy ones. Though we are not perfect, we do try for all.”

It’s almost as if she’s telling a fable, I’m watching entranced faces soaking it all up, “There is a castle and city on a mountainside called Canterlot, a beacon we have always hoped of love, of peace and friendship.”

Turning to me, she raises a hoof, “It is here Athena was brought, by another of her kind called Crusader. They have defended our country with honor and dignity, making us that much safer, our lives that much richer.”

Marcus breaks in with a laugh, “Wait, Crusader the Bolo? The big Siege Unit?”

I nod, “That’s him, he woke first and found me.”

His face lit up with a laugh, “Oh my god, won’t he be surprised.”

Luna and I both join him, “Oh yes, quite the surprise.”

Schmidt is far too interested, “So that’s why you have wings?” He points at me as I spread them.

“Yes, I’m a Pegasus.”

“Then why does she have a horn too?” Moving his finger to mark Luna.

“I am an Alicorn, one of four who rule the country, my sister and I the first two.”

“You’ve ruled for millenia?” He’s listened, piecing it all together fast.

“Yes.”

“Are you immortal or just long-lived?”

Luna shrugs, “We do not know, we have lived long and continue to do so. We see no end as it stands right now.”

The stocky Marine just shakes his head, “All other things aside, it’s amazing, it really is.”

Luna glances at me for a second, then turns to them with a smile, “We of Equestria know of you as well.” She nods, motioning to all the Marines sitting there.

This gets their attention, all of them reminded of a short conversation in a dropship years ago, after the Osterfield hit. Tripp asking, “What do you mean know us?” She points at the squad, “You mean US us..or..the Concordiat as a whole?”

Princess Luna points a steady hoof, “You.” Making it clear she means the Marines.

Hark though, “Oh really? Hopefully nothing but good lies!” She laughs, seeing the others grin.

The dark mare chuckles with her, “In our city of Canterlot there are gardens wondrous and beautiful, only the finest of flowers and growing things are there. In it are many memorials and statues to loved ones.” She has their undivided attention now as she paces near them.

“There is a block of polished metal, it shines like a jewel in the sun, gleaming at night when I raise my beloved moon. On it are names of heroes not forgotten.”

Here she points out each soldier in turn, pronouncing their names carefully as if remembering how to. I never knew she had cared to know them nor taken the time to memorize the pronunciations.

“Your name is on there Master Gunnery Sergeant Katherine Hark. You Master Sergeant Michael Schmidt, Gunnery Sergeant Linda Salcedo, Gunnery Sergeant Anthony Diaz, Staff Sergeant Misty Tripp, and of course you, Staff Sergeant Gunter Gremen, who is also known as Goblin.” She had taken careful notice of each name stenciled on the skinsuits. The spell translating who knows how.

None of them said a word sitting there listening to the lovely voice saying each name and rank carefully, getting it absolutely right each time. Their faces registering shock, a bit of awe, and disbelief.

“Though we may be far, far into an unknown future; we remember bravery, we remember those who do for others. We remember you.” She nods regally to each of them, “It was placed there by a very special pony, our Athena, because she believed that your names should always shine so very brightly.”

They all look at me for a minute, faces unreadable as they continue to listen.

Luna turns back to me, “What was it you said? Time carries...” She waits for me.

I clear my throat, “Time carries away the deeds of conquerors and commoners alike. All that we were, all that remains, is in the memories of those who cared we came this way for a brief moment.”

Tripp’s voice is quiet in the ensuing moments, “You remembered us after all that time?”

Smiling as I look at them all so very warmly, I nod, “I could never forget you. What you did, for two sisters who were looked at as only machines, you treated us as people. You deserve to have something.”

I feel Hark’s hand tighten on my withers, gripping for a moment, gently, softly, as much emotion as she was going to have right now. I peer up at her gratefully, knowing she won’t show anything else, but seeing her step back suddenly with a surprised look on her face, hearing thunderous steps.

“What..”

Huge hands grip my sides as I am lifted again and hugged to a broad chest, Gremen giving me a squeeze that almost breaks my ribcage.

“I..can’t...breathe..”

Hark chuckles, “Gremen, you’re going to break a rib.”

The grip lessens, letting me take a long gasp of air, uncrossing my eyes as he whispers in my ear, “Thank you.” He sets me down, kneeling in front of me, Gremen was huge even for an augment, on one knee he overtopped some people, “I haven’t got family, nor kids or anything. Parents died years ago and I just wondered, maybe, if I’m doing right. Now I know. Because if I can be remembered a million years from now, well then that’s all right with me.”

Another footstep near me, I look over to see Diaz standing beside Luna and I, “I don’t care how it happened, I know it’s insane any way you look at it, but..but thank you.” He lays a gentle hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

I give him my best smile, “You’re welcome Diaz, always.”

He looks at the Princess and bows his head, “My apologies Princess.”

Luna smiles warmly, “None needed, but it is accepted from such as you brave soldier.” Her voice, her whole manner tells everyone standing there that what she says is heartfelt, I still wonder how she can do such things.

We’re surrounded by skinsuited bodies, touching me or talking to Luna, asking questions of the new world in the future. We tell them everything we can, we tell them more of Equestria, letting them know that in some unknowable future there is a peace of sorts. A fight does almost break out over heliocentric and geocentric worlds, this is stopped dead before it goes too far. Then it degenerated into how Luna and her sister raised the sun and moon. That argument lasted long into the night with myself and Hera contributing to theories..

It is quiet this same night, as I walk in the cavernous bays, packed tight with food, supplies, weapons for a fight that is going to get so very bloody. I take a look at a crate of railgun ammo, remembering that before it’s all over the troops would be stealing Skuldi weapons to use in this bloody little war.

Older hulls had to be resupplied with ammunition, this was before tech spiders became the norm and internal fabrication. Our Hellbores yes, we could make rounds, but anything else needed ammo.

Everyone is asleep, the Marines crashing out after hours of talking with Luna and I, arguments forgotten. It doesn’t matter why now, just that we are here and we need to leave.

“Athena?” The voice is soft, mine.

“Yes A..Athena?” I can’t believe it as we both giggle, “I’m sorry, I don’t know what to call you..me...myself?”

“I can keep it straight, though it is a bit confusing when he calls you by my name.”

“I know, and I’m sorry, I know how you and Hera feel about him.”

“Please don’t..”

“Never.” But he knows, he always knew we loved him.

“Thank you.” A pause, a momentary lapse into quiet before she starts again.

“We listened and think it’s a wonderful place you described. Is it all real?” The speaker is a directional one, no one can hear her but me as I nod.

“Oh yes, more than real.”

“Is Hera there too?”

Now my breath catches, I know she’s got scanners on me, she can see my reaction, there’s no fooling myself, “No, but I know she’s there, I can feel her,” I place a hoof on my chest, “I’d know if she were truly gone, we’d know.”

“I..I’m with you until then right? I’m not gone?” Hera’s voice, sweet like syrup and easy on my ears.

I don‘t lie to her, I can‘t, “Yes sister, you’re with me, we are never apart.”

You can hear the smile in her words, “I’m glad, that’s all I ever want really.”

“That and Gremen’s emails right Hera?” I can’t resist, I know she likes the big Marine.

“It’s n..not like that! I..I d..don’t.. Well...kind of. He’s so nice to me.”

“Oh yes it is! You like him!” I hear my own voice chiding Hera, so familiar it warms me.

“I do not! He’s nice is all!”

“You do too!”

“Hold it!” I know where this will go, a never-ending round of accusations and denials, “Let’s just leave it at that, okay?”

Both voices answer in unison, “Okay.”

I laugh so hard at the dejected sounding voices I almost fall over, both questioning me as I tell them how much I’ve missed this, missed Hera, remembering times like this. We all talk for hours, sharing secrets as sisters do, and laughing..so much laughter.

The counterattack begins tomorrow, everyone is gearing up for the movement from our sea floor hideaway. Troops are preparing in Bolo bays, technicians are performing last checks on Heavy VL systems, megatons of nuclear fire are going to greet the Skuldi before the dawn’s light. Each placement of nuclear weapons was planned carefully, one more settlement was out there. But I knew...oh stars, I knew what was coming..

Marines and Army regulars are already out there skirmishing with them, attacking, retreating, drawing them into traps and wiping this planet clean of a few. They are preparing the field for our battle groups to move, take to the land and help purge this planet of the invaders. Caught in the middle of depot repairs, our techs are doing what they can with very little, it takes time even for us.

It will take three months of blood, sweat, and so many tears.

Reports come in of whole groups missing, scout and tank platoons shot up and burning on the plains. The Skuldi are giving in kind, but we’re winning, we’re making them hurt more than they do us. Army Delta Commandos are out in the field, Marine Raiders slipping in and blowing anything they want up, civilians who had evac’d already joining with the regulars to help fight.

The lasercomms are alive with voices, joyful, sad, crying, rejoicing at each victory, mourning each loss. We feel for them, the Bolos, the troops hidden away with us listening as they know we’re coming. We will be there, they just have to hold one more day until we can get things ready. A lot of the Bolos in depot on Taurus were dinged up pretty badly, they needed more repairs than this, but it’s all we’ve got.

Marcus has been on the links for hours since dawn, the last stealthed satellite is getting close to being found, burst transmissions are being fired everywhere to alert everyone to the movement time in the morning. Everyone is set, now it’s only the waiting.

I hear him slam the console with his hands, yelling into the air, “NO!”

My voice comes from the speakers as I slip closer to the door, listening as it comforts him, “You could do nothing Marcus.”

“I know, I know.” I see him get up, walking around and wiping his face, slapping the wall in a fit of rage, “But did they really have to? What kind of animals are they? My god..the whole town...”

“I know Marcus, Hera and I got the signals only seconds ago, we’re sorry.”

“It’s not your fault my ladies, it’s these..scum. Oh they’re going to pay, we’re going to take this out in blood from them.” His voice was low and dangerous, “Hera, your ECM check out?”

“Yes, Marcus! The techs said everything’s a hundred percent, I can cover the whole group tomorrow when we breach!” She’s excited, we both were when entering battle.

“Good, tomorrow we’ll need everything. Are the troops pulling back to the bunkers?”

“Yes Marcus. All ground and air have been advised, they’re pulling back to the Spine in the deep bunkers, it’ll be all us tomorrow.”

“We don’t have to hold back then, advise the battlegroup quietly.”

“Yes, Marcus!”

I slip onto the deck, placing a hoof on his knee, he looks at me standing there, “You know huh?”

I nod.

“Did you see the pictures too?”

“I did, we all did.”

The Skuldi wiped out any witnesses when they attacked a planet. What we didn’t know, as an Army Ranger had risked his life for the information, is they ate their victims alive. The Skuldi were scavengers, but they liked their meat fresh.

The pictures were like a bomb when they got out.

I lift myself up, hugging him as best I can, my muzzle close to his ear as I whisper, “In twenty eight months, a task force led by the newly commissioned Dreadnought Class battleship the CS Taurus, will bring a contingent of thirty more battleships and forty heavy cruisers to the home world of the Skuldi. Their planet is cracked in half with the force of the bombardment. In ten years, there are no more Skuldi Marcus.” It can’t hurt, telling him this, as it has no effect on the here and now.

His arm wraps around my shoulders, giving me a squeeze.

I nuzzle him softly, “It will be bad, it’s going to get worse, just hang on.”

He nods against my cheek, lifting his head up to peer into a camera, “Athena?”

“Yes, Marcus?”

He smiles, “I know you were listening, please wipe that information if you would?”

“I wasn’t.... Yes, Marcus.”

He laughs, “You always were nosy.”

“I am not! I’m doing my duty!” I smile, that was very much me, looking out for him.

“And doing it well, is it gone?”

“Yes..”

“Don’t be angry, you know why we can’t keep it.” He keeps looking into the camera above his station, waiting.

“We saw the pictures Marcus, it’s horrible.”

“It is, and they will get theirs I promise my lady. Now please, stop eavesdropping?”

An actually ‘Hmph!’ comes over the speakers as I see the lights go out on the camera. He smiles, looking down at me, “I will apologize later, right now we all need to rest, it’s a big day tomorrow morning.”

I nod, looking around, “True, but where’s Princess Luna?”

He shrugs, “Last I saw, she asked me the way to the bay where Hark and her bunch are.”

I stare for a moment, “You let her go alone with that bunch of hooligans? Marcus!”

He sets back in the command chair, “What? She can’t handle herself?”

“Marcus!” I almost yell at his smiling face, “Not like that! She’s not used to Marines! Especially that group of..of...Marines!”

“I’m sure it’s fine, she’s in bay four,” He waves a hand, turning back around to take more calls as I scamper out the hatch.

Oh, Celestia would kill me if anything happened to her. I skid down the access ways, bumping into walls and panels as I run to the designated area, leaping over the knee-knocker and landing flat-hooved, hearing voices beyond a pile of cargo.

“...and then the bartender says, “Lady, you sure don’t need that sausage.”

Peals of laughter ring out, I hear Luna’s voice as I round the cargo, she’s sitting there slapping a hoof on the floor and hee-hawing to beat all. I can only stand there for a moment until Hark waves at me. I tilt my ears, hearing..Hera?! Hera’s in on this too?! Her pretty voice is laughing over the speaker system.

“Heya Athena.”

I recognize that punch line, it‘s..it‘s... “Are you..are you telling dirty jokes to Princess Luna?” I’ve got to be looking gape-mouthed at Hark who’s suddenly snickering at my expression.

Gremen nods, “Yeah, she’s been getting a kick out of ‘em.”

“Are..are you kidding me? She’s a Princess! What are you doing?!” I stand there absolutely aghast, not believing what I’m seeing.

I get blank stares.

“She’s a Princess! Royalty!” I point at Luna who’s wiping tears from her face, “You..you’re not supposed to..I mean.. You can’t do that!”

Diaz rolls his eyes, “You should have heard the ones she was telling, think we were bad?” He hooks a thumb at the smiling Princess, chuckling under his breath.

Tripp roars in laughter, “That one about the Earth Pony and the Unicorn with the egg? Hilarious!” She’s slapping Salcedo on the back, her friend is laughing so hard she’s coughing.

“..That’s not my marefriend, that’s a hay bale!” All of them practically fall off crates in laughter as I can only stand there watching.

Schmidt points a finger at Luna, “She’s over a thousand years old, think we’ve got jokes to tell?” He shakes his head, still pointing at the Princess who’s giggling now.

“I can’t believe you guys. She’s a Princess for stars’ sake!” How is this stuff even translating?

“She’s got a mind like a Marine Athena, don’t let her fool you.” Hark is grinning from ear to ear.

I am about to completely lose it before Luna raises a shod hoof, “Athena, calm my little pony. They are warriors, telling stories and sharing comradeship before battle, it is a simple thing. Before Equestria was at peace, we did much the same.”

She turns to Gremen who balls a fist up, bumping her raised hoof gently, “We are not so different I think.”

Diaz raises a hand, Luna acknowledging him with a regal nod, “Yes, Sir Diaz?”

“I know we’re not discussing how you got here, trust me we’ve beat that to death.” He eyes Gremen before going on, seeing the big marine laugh at the implied threat that’s now gone, “And don’t take this the wrong way, but I have got to know something.”

Luna‘s ears perk, “And what is that?”

“Why do you have tattoos on your butts?”

A hoof is planted firmly on my face as I hear Luna laugh.

For a bunch of stone cold killers, they are absolutely enthralled by the story behind Cutie Marks. Luna tells them the history and background of the marks, answering questions patiently with everything Equestria has managed to discover about them.

“And as an aside, Sir Diaz, they are called flanks thank you.”

“Got it Princess.”

Salcedo grins, her voice light, “How come someone from the future gets cool stuff like that and we have to make do with laser engraved tats? Ya know that’s just not fair.”

“Perhaps one day you will discover something similar for yourselves. One never knows nowadays.” Luna’s smile is warm.

Hark’s voice breaks in, “Well.. nice as this is, we’ve got to do final checks on our gear.” She nods to Luna, “Princess, it has truly been a pleasure.”

“Mine as well Lady Hark, my best wishes to you and yours on this eve of battle.” She raises her hoof, receiving a bump back from each of the Marines before they move off for weapons checks.

I’m still aghast, “I can’t believe they were telling you dirty jokes.”

She laughs, “ ‘Twas nothing I have not heard before, I’m sure Celestia might get quite a laugh out of some of them.” Turning to my shocked face with a grin, “Have you heard the one about the lady with a poodle..”

“PRINCESS!”

The morning is getting close as silence on the command deck gets heavy. We cannot see the sunrise from under the sea, but sensors tell us it is so. The last satellite sends it’s final messages before being blown out of the sky by the Skuldi, but it’s far too late, every Bolo and trooper left knows the exact time of the attack.

Luna and I stay out of the way, seeing Hark’s bunch gearing up and looking like the Titans of old. Huge and imposing in their armor they are careful with how they move, especially around us.

The Princess watches with fascination as they step back into the suits, seeing the armor close around them and light up, bringing a strength and power that serves them well on the battlefield where only Bolos could go before.

Weapons and items to destroy with are latched or slung on them, each and every thing placed carefully for grasping when needed. Ammunition and water are loaded carefully, making sure there is plenty for extended operations.

Marcus is there, giving a briefing as the other commanders listen in, the battlegroup linked by whisker laser as the Princess and I make sure we are not in camera range.

“All right. When we clear the ocean, everyone break for the plains, it will give us room to move. The ground troops have pulled back, they’re deep in the Spine, so don’t worry about going nuclear. This planet is going to suffer but we can’t back off, we’ve got to push them hard.”

Acknowledgments came through, everyone knew about the town and the atrocities there.

“We’re going to get hit, but we’ve got to take their landing sites out first if we can, keep moving, running, we’ll keep them off the planet until relief gets here.” He sighs, laying a hand on the console, “I’m not going to lie, we’re going to take heavy casualties, but we’ll fight and we’ll make them pay.”

He stands, looking at the faces in the board staring back, “We launch in fifteen minutes, good luck.”

After comments are exchanged, the set goes dead, letting Luna and I step out now.

He gestures, having us sit beside him, “You two need to stay on the command deck bunk area. if anything happens the armored area will eject and get you to safety. Hark and her bunch will know and recover you, taking you to another Bolo if they can.”

I know we survive, we’ll be okay, but I cannot say anything and I don’t. I raise a hoof, “But..they’ll know then. We’ll have to tell the others who we are.”

“It can’t be helped, if it comes down to an emergency we’ll risk it. Until then we’ll be as careful as we can.” He smiles at me, “I know you can’t say anything, so don’t, but we’ll be fine. We’ve got the finest Bolos anywhere.”

“You do!” Hera’s voice is loud, “Athena and I are gonna crush them!”

“Yes, we will.” Marcus’ voice is gentle, “Now everyone to their places, we’ve got a war to go to and we don’t want to be late.”

Fifteen minutes later, the Bolos of Battle Group Four and Five broke the surface of the sea, every VLS erupted in flames as the heavy missiles reached out to bring fiery death to the enemy. Water washed off our hulls as the mighty engines roared and rumbled, tracks digging deep and propelling them from the deeps into view and letting loose with everything we had.

Hellbores lifted, targeting and firing quickly, the sky lighting up with ships that broke in half or were cored from end to end with compressed nuclear power that shattered any thoughts of invincibility in one swift stroke. Anything in low orbit got a taste of Bolo firepower.

The cruise missiles hugged the terrain as Bolos broke for the open areas, their treads grabbing sand and soil, tearing through it before the Skuldi even knew what hit them. All along the coast the last twenty-four Bolos of Strike Force Sixteen brought hell to the enemy in spades.

Luna and I watched the drone view, the missiles lifting up and then descending like birds of prey. The horizon lit before the real dawn could touch it, wiping away Skuldi landing sites with megatons of Concordiat might.

The mushroom clouds rose high into the morning, the landscape glowing from end to end with everything the Bolos had as they ran for the flatlands, needing room to maneuver and take the enemy to task.

We caught them napping thinking the resistance troops had retreated, giving them time to relax, celebrate their looting of the now destroyed Bolo Depot. Hit in the first strike, they had nothing to show for their losses now. Cheers rang over the commlinks, even over secure comms still as the Skuldi were dusted by the sheer amount of launches against them. They knew we were on planet but figured we were hiding until they left, they should have known better.

Marine Raider and Army Delta Teams in each Bolo were waiting and ready in heavy Panzers. They were to scout for us, pick targets, go out on that now deadly battlefield and tell us where the little pockets were hiding so we could find them and make them suffer.

Skuldi ship reactions were faster than we’d planned for, already moving out of Hellbore range, giving us less time to scatter. Hera and I tore to the southeast, she was screening myself, Artemis and Diana. Invisible to scanners we ripped the enemy apart, unless they spotted us by eyeball we were on them before they could even react.

Each group of Bolos was screened similarly, the ECM suite in one upgraded with nosebleed levels of tech, making it damn near impossible to get target locks on us as we kept moving.

Our treads left definite marks in the soil, allowing one to track us if they wanted, so we zig-zagged like madmen, moving right to left, switching directions, anything and everything to keep those orbital kinetic killers away from us.

As we moved, the bay doors dropped, letting the Panzers slip out in our wakes. Each vehicle was armored and armed to the hilt with a twenty cm Hellbore of it’s own and multiple High Speed Railguns. The little..to a Bolo.. vehicles shot outward, looking for the enemy.

“Raider Five..Marcus.. Skuldi infantry left, plot 45 dash 33..out.”

“Hera, assist them please.”

“You got it Marcus!” The sounds of her secondary Hellbores slammed through the hull, vaporizing the moving enemy troops before they could threaten our team.

“Well done, my lady! Well done!” Marcus clapped his hands, watching the plotting board intently.

“Thank you!” Her voice was giddy at receiving praise.

So the first day went, running and fighting. The days were a blur, fight and run, shoot and move. Everyone started to feel more optimistic as the battle raged, keeping anymore landings from happening while fighting what was left of Skuldi invasion forces was something we badly needed after the destruction of the towns and depot.

Even Bolos have weak points, and in older hulls as we were, fabrication was not happening. Techs scrounged and made things work, but breakdowns were inevitable without the depot. The Skuldi ground pounders made sure to take every advantage of our problems, causing losses that stung.

But day by day the end would come closer, though some of the hurt would last, the survivors would know they’d done their very best.

Luna and I worried about Marcus, his headaches and fugues were still there. The Princess was theorizing it was because the ‘other’ him was inside the real Marcus, it was causing the conflict. Should we return home, it would alleviate his pain or so we hoped.

But at night when he caught a few hours of sleep, I would stay by his side, making sure he had water when he woke, ate when he needed. The other me and Hera paid close attention to his needs, concerned as we were.

Thunder woke us from our rest, a week and a half had passed while we were fighting the Skuldi. The hull was rocking to a hellish pounding and repeated firing of Hellbores at something.

My own voice came over the intercom, “To your crash couches! We’ve got to move! NOW!”

Luna and I hustled to the cargo bay, where makeshift couches had been placed for us and the Marines in case of heavy fighting. Oh boy, was it ever! The hull rocked like a rowboat caught in a tsunami. I could feel the treads ramming deep into ground and grabbing for traction as broadside after broadside was fired.

The Princess and I were slammed back and forth against the plating in the hallways, trying our best to keep our footing as we rushed through the passages. The firing was continuous, and my ears picked out the deeper sounds of larger guns, bigger units had joined us smaller Assault type Bolos. Artemis and Diana were just like Hera and I, fast assault units. It had to be Battle Group Five, Michael and Gabriel, Sekhmet and Nemesis. Those four were heavy assault Bolos, not as quick but ladened with massive amounts of firepower. They were the closest group the last we’d heard.

The throw weight of those four Bolos was immense and from the sounds, each and every bit of it was being used for something. Added to ours it was a tremendous storm of might.

We were in the last turn to the cargo bay when something smacked into the side of us, tilting the entire hull sideways as a rumbling roared in our ears to a crescendo that made us both cower against the walls, covering our ears. Something nuclear had detonated very close. I know we took damage, we had to by the way the sounds changed in the engines, I could hear the slapping of loose tracks before explosive charges detonated and dropped the shredded treads.

Luna was reeling from our impact against the wall as I tried to bring her along. We were almost there!

“Princess! PRINCESS!” Her ears were lain to the side, she couldn’t hear me over the roaring of guns as I grabbed her hoof, tugging her along with me.

An arm as strong as durachrome slid around my barrel, lifting me off the floor in a single move as I saw another grab the Princess. Diaz and Gremen had raced from the cargo bay and found us, lifting us like we were feathers and leaping through the hatch.

The others were already strapped in as they leapt to their couches, bringing us along and tethering us down with them. Diaz kept apologizing as he held the Princess tight to his chest. Gremen’s voice was loud and clear in my ears over the crashing of the storm outside.

“Hang on! Two Skuldi Battlecruisers got into the atmosphere while we were taking on water supplies. ECM failed and they’ve got us zeroed in!”

Hera’s ECM was the only thing covering us, which meant that those ships had us dead to rights if we didn’t get moving fast, or destroyed them quick enough. Skuldi battlecruisers took a lot of damage, even from Hellbores.

I clutched tighter to Gremen as I felt everything, eyelids squeezed tightly enough to draw tears from the assault on my senses. I never knew what it was like inside myself except for analysis and data points, clinical and clean. But the pressures, the sound, the noise and chaos made me want to scream. Marcus was safe in the Command Deck, insulated and armored, but here in the cargo bays we suffered the full brunt of what leaked through, the sound and the fury. The murderous rates of fire from my guns, Hera’s, the entire battle group.

All I could do was hold on to the stone bodied Marine whose arms were like bands of steel around me, comforting and unyielding, giving a little of his safety for mine as the couches were not designed this way. I could hear his voice, the sound reaching me even through the fire, but I wondered if it was more for himself than for me as I heard him repeat over and over.

“It’ll be okay, it’ll be okay.”

A screen on one wall shook with the rumble of guns, but it gave us a clear enough sensor picture of the outside as the world turned upside down.

The split screen showed us, and then BG Five, all our mighty weapons turned upward as we poured fire into the oncoming Skuldi battlecruiser. You could see huge chunks of hull and weapons blisters blasted into atoms. The massive spacecraft was burning as it entered the atmosphere, dipping in close enough to put all it’s batteries in play to wipe us out. Even in these beginning times of the battle, we were beating them, tearing them apart on the planet. They took tremendous risks with their ships, wanting our tech or just to wipe us out.

They wanted us bad. Badly enough to sacrifice two main units of their fleet.

The huge warship was coming in too steep, I knew it wasn’t going to be able to pull out as we scattered. The two battle groups taking to speed instead of firepower to make our escape as we put everything into engines, tracks grabbing deep into the soil and launching us out of the way of the crashing ship.

You could see the hull hit the planet behind us, crumpling like tin foil as the millions of tons of space craft plowed deep into the earth. The shockwave was tremendous, lifting us up and down as the ripple flared outward through the crust, a rolling tide of destruction that we barely kept ahead of.

I knew Hera and I would be okay, Artemis and Diana were right beside us. But oh, as the stars are my witness, I wish I hadn’t known what was next.

Michael and Gabriel were heavily damaged from the attack. They had deep craters in their armor and track plates, most of them blown off showing bare bogies. We had no depot anymore, there was nothing that could be done.

Gabriel had notified us his commander was no longer alive, a plasma weapon penetrating the Command Deck and wrecking it. Michael’s was not far from there either, a kinetic rod had scored deep into his hull, seriously wounding him.

Marcus was on the comm, trying to get Michael’s commander to the crash seat, ejecting from the hull we could pick him up on the fly. Sekhmet’s commander was turning her and Nemesis around, meaning to grapple their hulls and haul them away as fast as we could. We couldn’t send troops out, even augments would wither in the hard radioactive sleet that was falling from the destroyed cruiser. It would be hours before the levels fell.

We were all braking hard, turning in place and heading back for our brothers.

The second Skuldi Cruiser was on a turnaround in the upper atmosphere, it was coming back for a second run and we had no time. There was nothing we could do, the follies of war had conspired against us. A decision was reached, heart breaking and final, it was the inevitable.

We rolled to a stop, doing neutral steers and beating tracks away from the site. Sekhmet and Nemesis were in contact with them as we all ran for it. Michael and Gabriel stood fast, firing rapidly to attract the cruisers attention.

“Charlie, are you sure? We can come get you!” Marcus was pleading with Michael’s commander.

“Marcus, I’m so busted up even the auto-doc is having fits. I can’t take the ejection, it would kill me.” His voice was low through the commlinks as we all listened and heard. A wet cough told us of the blood flooding his lungs. “I’ve got the power plants rigged, Gabriel can’t move and Michael, well, we’re pretty heavily damaged too. We’re done Marcus.” The face in the camera was supposed to be a sandy haired thirty-five year old officer, but he looked as if he’d aged centuries.

“Dammit Charlie, can’t we do anything?” Marcus and Sekhmet’s Commander were furiously working the angles, Shauna Johnson was a whiz at finding angles, but her bleak look told us everything. David Sigurdsson nodded as well, he was Nemesis’ officer and knew the numbers didn’t work.

An unsteady finger pointed out of the screen, “You just get the hell away, I’m all that’s left. Those poor bastards in the cargo bays didn’t stand a chance.” His face looked crestfallen at the thought of all the troops sheltering inside the two Bolos. The same finger punched a screen control, “There’s the names and files. You make damn sure those get back to Concordiat Command!”

Shauna nodded, “We will Charlie.”

“Good. I’m going to say my goodbyes now, let’s not draw this out.” He flinched, stuffing more medical wadding into the gaping wound in his side, staunching the blood flow, “I ain’t got much time, but we’ll broadcast what’s left.” One hand raised in a shaky salute before the screen clicked off, leaving them in silence for the moment.

The communications between Bolos were much faster, half a lifetime spent trying to think of a way, we knew we could not be there in time for them.

“Run, we will take care of the enemy.” Gabriel’s voice was calm.

“It is not right!” Sekhmet was almost yelling unlike her, the smoky voice was bitter and anguished, “We cannot leave you!”

“She is right, we may be able to turn and take pressure off of you!” Artemis was sending data now, showing that if everything went perfect, it might..I say might work. There was only a one-two point four percent chance of success. That cruiser was on a suicide run, it was turning faster than it should be, whoever was crewing it were definitely fanatics. They were coming in for a hover, to suspend themselves above Michael and Gabriel and retrieve any wreckage after blasting them apart.

“You know better than that”, Michael was admonishing, “We die as we have lived. Go now, take our fight as your own and make them pay.”

Silence reigned for nanoseconds, no argument, no amount of fiddling with the data could make the outcome any clearer.

Diana’s strong voice came through, “We will remember you.”

“That is all we wish, tell the Regiment we stood proud.”

“We’ll miss you!” Hera’s voice broke in on the channel, clear like a spring rain, “We’ll miss you so much!”

“We know Hera, you and your sister will survive this,” Michael’s communication was almost like he was was talking to a younger sibling, “Do not grieve for we know what we do, and we go gladly.”

Gabriel broke in, “We must go, Commander Keat is failing and we have to concentrate on our task. Goodbye my sisters.”

“He is right. Farewell to you all.” With that the communications broke, cut from their end. But Michael kept broadcasting the camera feed from the command deck.

It was a mess from what we saw, circuits overloading and Charles Keat sitting in the secondary command chair, blood pooling underneath him as he fought to stay alive one more minute.

It was silent in the cargo bay now, all of us watching Michael’s transmission as Charlie leaned back in the spare seat near the control consoles. All we heard was the tracks slapping hard, taking us away from where Michael and Gabriel stood firing with everything they had left, distracting the Skuldi cruiser so we would escape into the mountains.

Luna was watching closely, as were all the Marines, none said a word.

“Well now Michael, it’s been a good run, what say?” His voice was ragged, his breath shallow as he reached below his chair into a cooler. One bloody hand brought out a bottle of highly illegal beer, cracking the top as he took a long drink.

“You do know that’s against regulations.” His Bolo’s voice held an edge of humor in it.

“Of course it is you bucket of bolts! But since this is where we’re going out, why don’t we just relax them some eh?” He took another long pull at the frosty bottle, sighing happily and wiping his mouth, “You sending this to the others?”

“I am Commander, all channels are receiving.”

“Could you for once, just call me Charlie? How long have we been together? You and that friend of yours Gabriel.” He didn’t wait for the answer, yelling into the microphone, “Gabe! You online?”

“I am sir.”

“You got Deke?” Referring to Deacon Blane, Gabriel’s officer. Wanting to make sure that nothing was left for the Skuldi to pick over.

“I do sir, I have him.” Gabriel’s voice held sadness, knowing his commanding officer lay in the wreckage of Command One.

“Good, everything set? We’re gonna give old Deke a going away that’ll rival any Viking! We got a timer on that stupid cruiser?”

“It is Commander Keat.” Gabriel’s voice was slightly stronger now.

“We do,” Michael again, “One minute forty seconds to impact, we are taking heavy counter-battery fire, our shields are gone, we now have bare armor.” The shaking of the camera told us that nothing stood between them and the cruiser fire except durasteel and hope.

“Are ya giving it back?”

“Yes Comm....Charlie, we are firing everything we have. Current rate of use we will run out fifteen seconds before they hover above us.”

“As soon as they start hovering, blow everything.”

“Yes Charlie.”

The strained face turned to the camera, “I know alla you are listening, well this is it. You make sure you count the kill on this cruiser to us you slackers!” He was grinning as he fumbled for another beer, popping and drinking it in long swallows.

“And one last thing!” We couldn’t believe, in the midst of everything, his face took on an almost a celebratory mien, “Shauna Johnson, you’ve got the finest butt in all Bolo Commandery! I’ve always wanted to say that!” He lifted the beer in a salute.

You could almost hear the howls of laughter coming from the cargo bays of Bolos while Shauna’s cafe au lait complexion went bright red. She leaned towards the camera, “Charles Keat you ...” He couldn’t hear her, the transmission only one way, but it’s as if he knew what her reaction would be.

An airy wave of one hand cut her off, “Nono, no need to thank me! Figured everyone ought to know!” He gave one last glance to the video feed, “Time to go. You all take care.” Before anyone could say anything the feed cut, switching to outside sensors as the bulk of the cruiser loomed large. The blistering fire from the two Bolos ceased suddenly, out of ammunition. At ten seconds on the clock, the two Bolo power plants overloaded, the new..at that time..fusion plants took off a good portion of the front of the hulk that was slowing down above them, leaving the cut off front portion to collapse into the soil, making the back end of the cruiser flip and tumble as the tremendous mass of it kept going, no longer impeded by engines and null-gravs..

The destruction was immense, the millions of tons left of the cruiser that weren’t smashed to atoms in the explosion rained over the land, cratering the soil and leaving a track miles wide and as long as it came to a stop after a short time. Nothing was left but scrap. They had timed it just right, knowing the Skuldi had to get too close..

We continued running. Ran for deep caves that we knew were near and sheltering inside as we took stock of things. Bored out for contingencies, it fit us fine, under mountains that covered us from the seeking scanners of the enemy.

It’s hard to say goodbye, but it wasn’t the last time.

The extensive caves are cool and very dark. Shaped out by engineers years ago as an emergency depot in case the real one got slagged. Only problem, no equipment for repairs was ever brought in. I’m thinking about writing a letter to Concordiat Command advising them of their oversight. Idiots.

Troops are asleep or outside taking in some exercise as Luna and I slip out a hatchway, wanting fresh air. We are on the opposite side of any sensors to remain hidden as best we can, being at the far end of the line near a cavern wall. I watch the Princess look out at the darkness, breathing deeply of the crisp atmosphere. We know better than to even try to take wing, the reactions from the surrounding Bolos would shoot us out of the air before we even knew it. Things were that hair trigger. We weren’t sure if we could even fly right now, it was an odd conundrum, but we were not going to chance it.

“Better Princess?” I keep a close watch knowing the other Athena and Hera do as well, protecting us from prying eyes and ears.

“Much. I am used to open spaces and skies to fly in. This gets...stifling..” She pops her wings, ruffling them and reaching back to preen a few feathers.

I remain silent, looking out into the caverns, hearing nothing but the echoes of machinery at work, the hulls popping and pinging as the metal stretched or contracted. Moments pass as suddenly I cannot stand the quiet anymore.

“Princess, I am so sorry.”

Her face turns to me, eyes wide with astonishment, “Whatever for?”

I can’t help but let a quiet barking laugh, “What for?” I wave a hoof, “If this isnt a dream, I’ve brought you back into a bloody battle, we could get killed very easily here.”

Her eyes stayed on mine for a second before a grin broke across the dark face, “But you have shown me wonders too, Athena. Things you had told about but I never truly believed in my heart.” She steps to the edge of the platform we’re standing on, the muzzles of twenty inch Howitzers above us, “I have met your Katherine Hark and her warriors. Legends coming true in the flesh.” She lay a hoof on the railing, “Even for one such as I who has lived many years, truly an experience I shall long remember.”

“I only wish it could have been a happier time Princess. Maybe a celebration, or...or a trip to a garden planet where we stood guard. Anything but this.” I sigh, lifting up and laying my head upon my forelegs which are braced by the railing, “Anything but war.”

A clad hoof nudges me, attracting my attention as I turn to see the Princess close beside me, “You cannot choose everything in life. Perhaps wanting to say goodbye, the magic was giving you many chances?”

“I just wanted to say one goodbye Princess. To let Marcus know I was moving on, becoming... something other than a killer.”

“There will be time Athena,” Her dulcet tones were reassuring, “Do not look upon this as a problem, but a chance to spend time with those you have cared about.”

“She’s right.” The soft words make us both turn, seeing Marcus exiting the open hatch, “Take this and run with it Athena.” He joined us at the railing, sitting down and sliding his legs off the edge of the platform.

“But Marcus..” He holds a hand up, forestalling me.

“I don’t know nor do I care if this 'magic’ is real, or if this is nothing but a dream.” He taps the side of his head, “Part of me knows, but it’s fuzzy. I accept it, to do otherwise would be madness when you are both standing here. But you should do what you wanted Athena, spend time with those you’ve known.”

Luna nods, “True words Commander Canfeld.”

“Call me Marcus please.” He grins, “I believed I’ve asked you to do that already Princess.”

“Marcus then.” She gives him a regal nod, turning back to me, “Listen to him. Take advantage of the time you have.”

“I’ll try, I really will. It’s all I can promise.”

A hand lands on my withers, a chuckle accompanying it, “Honest to the last my girl.” The strong appendage makes me warm inside, leaning into it.

“Always!”

A comfortable silence caught us up as we peered into the darkness, broken by Marcus once more.

“So.. Who is it?”

I give him a puzzled look, “Who is what?”

Marcus laughs, tweaking my ear as he sets there, “For a Bolo, you are kinda slow Athena.” Leaning to the side, he eyes me closely, making me nervous, “Who is it that has attracted your attention?” He taps the side of his head with a smile.

Then it hits me, “Who...oh!” I must have turned a deep red as he looks at me in shock.

“Are you blushing?”

“N..no! There’s no...nothing to blush about!”

“You’re stuttering Athena, what are you not telling me?”

“N..n...nothing!” I stamp a hoof, damn him for knowing me so well!

“She is called Twilight Sparkle, Marcus.” Luna’s voice makes me flinch, now I know I’m blushing even worse.

He thinks for a moment, “It’s still unclear..a..like you? Wings and a horn?”

“Yes. An Alicorn.” Luna moves to sit near us both, “She is the Princess of Friendship. Her task is to spread it everywhere she can.”

“I see.” He rubs his chin, looking at me. I’m avoiding looking back, but that just clues him in even faster.

“So, she’s something else I take it?” He looks to Luna.

“Very much so. She is young and will learn what is needed. Until then she is an example to all of what they could be and do.” The dark mare laughs, “Though some times the predicaments she gets in to could be avoided, it is all a part of life.”

Marcus chuckles, “Sooo.. How ‘special’ is she?” He raises an eyebrow, not paying attention to me but asking Luna whom he knows will tell him.

Luna gestures outward with a hoof, “Oh very. It appears Athena will not leave her side, learning from her and protecting her at all hours of the day or night.” She smiles at my shocked look, “You did not think you could do such a thing and not be noticed?”

“Well..n..no Your Highness.”

“Has she been given Command Authority?” Meaning did I have her take Marcus’ place in my chair.

“No. I...She... Doesn’t have to.. I..” I try to let him know, no one could replace him, ever. But things are different and so far from now. I see him smiling, always teasing me!

“You what my girl?” His voice becomes soft, his hand cupping my chin, turning my face to look at him, “What is it Athena?”

“I..” His eyes are steady, the warm look on his face tells me I can do no wrong, “I.. like her.” But I hasten to add, “Please..don’t be angry with me..”

His face drops in shock, “Athena! Why would I be angry?” He lets my chin go and leans back, “Why in all the worlds of this galaxy would I be mad?”

“I... Don’t know. We were with you for so long, we loved you so much, and this...you might think we were replac..” Oh stars, I talk far too much, “I mean, you were our Commander..and we...I...and Hera..”

A hand upon my cheek stops my stumbling, “I know Athena. I’ve always known. What kind of Bolo officer would I be not knowing how my girls felt?”

“You never said anything!”

“Because it wouldn’t have been right Athena. You were healing, we were all new to this business. What kind of monster would that have made me?”

I get it, using our emotions which were so fragile, to make us do what he wanted. “You wouldn’t have ..you could never... No!” I stamp a hoof again, setting back on my haunches as Luna listens, “Not ever!” I point at him, “Osterfield was the monster, not you! He was the waste of flesh that did that to us! Not you!”

He places a hand on my shoulder, “Calm down Athena. Using your feelings for me to get what I wanted would have made me like him. You had to learn to be confident in yourselves, not leaning on me all the time.” He holds another hand out, taking my shaking hoof in it, I’m so angry. “Doing that to get you to return to battle, would have doomed us all.”

“You could never be like that! Ever!” I’m tugging at the hoof he holds tight, he’s pulling me near him to wrap an arm around my shoulders. Princess Luna stepping out of the way, settling back down when I get pulled near Marcus.

“You know what I’m saying Athena. It would have been just as bad.”

“I...I know. But you gave us life, you gave us everything!” I wrap my forelegs around his chest, laying my head on his shoulder, “You gave us all we were.”

“I gave you nothing you did not already have inside you, we just had to find it.” He pushes me back, looking into violet eyes that are tearful, “You always had it, we needed to find a way to make sure you knew. That’s all.”

A voice from a speaker nearby is soft, “We would fight for you Marcus, ‘till the galaxy stopped turning.”

His face turned sad, “I wish you hadn’t been listening Hera. I’m sorry, after all this we’re going to be deleting large chunks of files, we cannot have any of this ever getting out.”

I nod, “There are large gaps in my memory after Taurus, you told us it was for our sanity and safety. Now I know why.”

“She is right.” My voice now, coming from a speaker, “Do what you must, but know we love you Marcus Canfeld, a man like no other.”

“My wife would wonder what I’ve been up to right about now.” He laughs, making all of us chuckle with him. Pointing a finger at the side of the hull he takes a deep breath, “Then I want you to know in return, though we’ll be deleting it later I do want you to know. I love you like my own, you are my girls, my Ladies of Steel, and you make me so proud I want to tell the universe.”

There was silence as we sat and listened to him, his voice getting stronger, words echoing softly from the cavern wall nearby.

“I will keep the memory even though you can’t, I will carry it in my heart for all my days. Nothing will change I promise. You won’t remember, but I will, I always will.”

But something did change, we always noticed an extra sparkle in his eye sometime, a smile here and there that was oftentimes explained away. We had always wondered, but now..now I understood. His love for us was just as powerful, as deep, as ours for him.

He looks around, seeing Luna and I staring at him, extendable cameras from my hull are watching him closely as he coughs into a fist.

“Well..anyway.. Enough of that mushy stuff.”

Laughter echoed back to us as he settled back down, “Back to maintenance ladies, find that glitch in the fire control arrays and get them ready for the day after tomorrow, we’ve got battles to fight.”

“Yes, Marcus!” Two voices, so much stronger and confident now, replied in tandem. The cameras retracted and we were left alone once more.

I think we knew, maybe a ghost of a memory or a fragment of a sentence, that we were loved by the one man who meant everything. I don’t know. But I do hope, if we return, that at least I can remember this.

“Now..” I blink from my musings to see him staring at me, “Tell me about this Princess.”

“I..uh..well..” I look to Luna for help. She shrugs, giving me a 'go on’ gesture with one hoof. Thanks a lot.

“Is she kind to you? Treating you like you should be treated?”

I nod enthusiastically, “Oh yes, she’s always kind. Well...except when she gets frustrated about things, then it gets kinda odd. But that’s okay!”

He laughs at my helpless expression, “I’m glad. You do care for her don’t you?”

“I do, very much.”

“But,” Luna’s voice cuts in, “It seems she has a problem telling her this.”

“Really?” Marcus looks at me with mock shock, “Cowardice in the face of the enemy Athena? For shame!” He shakes a finger at my face, “What would the regiment say?”

I stamp my hoof, “She’s not the enemy, she...she’s....darnit Marcus!” I realize too late he’s just goading me, seeing my reaction and smiling.

Luna’s hoof flies upward, covering her muzzle as I hear a distinct snicker, prompting me to look sharply her way and seeing a face of nothing but innocence in return.

“So let me get this straight...”

I turn on him again, “What?”

“You are a multi-thousand ton Bolo. One of the most feared fighting machines in the galaxy,” He pauses for a second, “And you can’t tell someone you like them? Seriously?”

“It...it’s not like that Marcus, honestly. I..it.. Sometimes I can’t find the words.”

“I see.” He looks at me for a long minute, making me self-conscious.

“What?”

“You love her.”

“I..no! How could I.. I mean..well... I ...uhm....” I’m trying my best to come up with an excuse and it’s not working. I plop my butt down on the hull with a disgusted sound.

“Like that is it?” He lays a hand along my shoulder, “Oh my girl, you’ve got it bad.” He’s shaking his head with a constant smile, “I think you better tell her.”

“I will...one day...maybe...”

He laughs. It’s never mean, never in a bad way, just a laugh that makes you feel as if you should laugh too, “Well, if you don’t, she may choose someone else Athena.”

“I’m okay with that. I’m... not real there anyways.” I give him a bright smile, “I’ll still be there, you know how I am.”

“I do,” A hand strokes my mane, “You seem pretty real to me.” Marcus gives me a wink, a pat on the neck, reassuring me.

Luna nods, “Somehow, it is working like that. I wish we understood more about what is happening.” She lay down on the durachrome deck, peering into the darkness.

“If there is one thing I’ve learned Princess, it’s not to question sometimes. It’ll drive you mad.” He thinks for a second, “What do you mean by ‘not real’ ?”

“Crusader invented a type of robotic extension, shaping them into this,” I gesture to myself, “We’re not flesh and blood, we’re durasteel and semi-organic musculature.”

“Like those..uh..techspiders they’re testing now? Like that?”

“Kind of, but we look like ponies. Except for the compact fusion plant and battle screens in an emergency.”

Now he looks interested, Marcus was always one to keep up on tech, but before he could answer...

“I wondered where you all went to.” We turned, seeing Hark stepping out of the hatch, joining us on the deck, swinging her legs in mid-air off the side as she sat under the railing, “Yes, I heard.” She grinned at our questioning looks, tapping one ear “Hard not to some times,”

“What do you think Katherine, a Bolo designing it’s own extensions?”

“I think it’s incredible really. The same semi-organic muscles they use in us?” The big Marine flexed one arm, the corded musculature standing out, “Hope you can fly real well with these kind of muscles.” She grinned toothily.

I shake my head, “I can’t fly back there, but I’m hoping maybe one day.”

Marcus and Hark both look confused, “Why not?”

I sigh, “I told you, it’s strange. Things don’t... work... the same as it does here.

“Oh yes, ‘magic’.” Katherine’s fingers did air quotes.

“Magic is very real Lady Hark, so real it is a part of our lives that we hardly could do without.” Luna is taking an interest in this. Being an Alicorn, she controls powers far and above the ordinary.

The tall Marine shrugs expansively, “That’s what you’ve said, but it’s hard to imagine. A serious shift must have taken place from the Earth we know to the one you live on. It’s quite a lot to take in.” Pragmatic, that’s Hark.

“I understand,” The Princess nods, “But from what Athena has said, we are so very far into the future. I have no explanations for it.”

Marcus butts into the conversation, raising a finger into the air as if pontificating, “As I said, ‘Some questions you don’t ask.’ “

Hark gave him a withering look, “For a Bolo commander you are way too slack on things.’

“Nope! When confronted with the weird, let it remain weird. That’s all I’m saying.” He hugged me to his side, “And if Athena wants to be a Pegasus, she’s a Pegasus. If there’s magic, there’s magic. Anything else, a good dose of thirty-year old Scotch and a good cigar will solve that!”

I look up at him, “You don’t smoke!”

He waves at me, shushing me with a hand, “Doesn’t matter, sounded good. Don’t rain on my parade Athena.” He looks around for a moment, “As a matter of fact...” Getting up, he dashes into the hatchway, leaving us all looking at each other in confusion before he returns. Triumphantly holding a bottle in his hands, I see that it is a blended Scotch, very old, from Earth.

Katherine Hark’s eyes lit up, “Is that real Earth Scotch?”

“Absolutely! Brought it to enjoy when I went for leave, but I think now would be a good time.”

“How in all that’s holy did you afford that?”

“Let’s say drawing an inside straight is a good thing.” He laughed, Luna looking puzzled before he explained what poker was.

Breaking out plastic cups, he apologized for the lack of good glassware, “Fighting and glasses don’t mix, so if this old and venerable liquid will forgive me.” He poured us all a stiff measure, Luna looking suspiciously at hers while I tried to pick up the cup.

Hark took a solid slug of golden bliss, smacking her lips and holding the cup up with a sigh, “Now that is very fine Marcus, you know how to treat guests.”

Sipping slowly, he watched me pick the cup up, Luna doing the same and giving it a good sniff.

“Don’t worry Princess, it’s fit for royalty.” He chuckled along with Hark.

“It is not that Marcus.. It has such a different smell than the wines and cider we are used to.”

Hark’s ears almost perked up, “Wait a second, you don’t have scotch in the future?”

The dark mare shook her head, setting back while her forehooves lifted the cup for another smell, it seemed the aroma was pleasant to her, “I’m sorry no, I’ve never heard of such.”

“Oh god, we are doomed!” Everyone looked at the big Marine as she wailed, “No scotch in the future? Truly the Concordiat has seriously screwed up somewhere!” She lay a forearm across her face like she would swoon, then took the rest of her liquor in one gulp before shaking her head, “Furthermore, you are barbarians and brutes, not having civilized things such as good drink!”

I rolled my eyes at the dramatics, lifting my own cup and inhaling deeply. I could smell the smooth smoky aroma, almost making me salivate as I took a good swallow of it. It burned like a banked fire down my throat, hitting me like a bomb.

I think my eyes were crossed as Marcus watched, “Oh, I know that look.” He and Hark laughed out loud as Luna took a first drink, doing the same thing with a rush of air outward from her lungs when the booze slammed into her stomach like a fireball.

“Oh..oh my, that is good.” Her eyes widened, feeling a pleasant rush of warmth run through her body. She peered into her cup, downing the rest and holding it out for a refill between her hooves.

“You are right Marcus, ‘tis fit for a Princess!” She watched as he poured another generous amount, taking a slower sip this time.

The bottle was very large by the way, so there was no stinting of measure by Marcus.

The conversation was one of the best times of my long life. We drank while sharing memories, stories and laughing so much. Hark was hilarious, telling us stories of boot camp, her life in the Marines and how many times and why she got busted from rank.

Luna and I told Hark and Marcus more of Equestria, of the good things there. How Crusader and I had protected them against the forest, the fight over the Everfree with the thing from out of some other place.

At this Hark and Marcus both got very interested, probing us with questions that drew out the small details of the fight about the creatures and so forth, we told them everything we could remember.

The tall Marine sat back, leaning on her hands as she swung her booted feet off the edge of the platform for a moment. Taking a swallow of her drink she nodded, “So it said all that, it was cast off, so it took things out on you. Something else is out there.”

This caught me flat-hooved, “What?”

“She’s right.” Marcus was looking thoughtful, “Tactics, coordination, everything you’ve told us gives that indication.” He stared at me, “But you knew this didn’t you?”

“We suspect, but surely after all this time..” A glance from both Hark and Marcus stop me dead.

Hark raises an eyebrow, just that look had put terror into raw recruits, “You’re not that stupid.”

“N..no. But we can hope, it’s been quiet.”

Marcus holds up a finger again, pointing into the air as he raises his voice, “Athena! Hera!”

“Yes, Marcus?” Both voices answered immediately.

“What’s the first rule of battle?”

“Be suspicious!”

“And what’s the first rule for AFTER the battle?”

“Be even MORE suspicious!”

“Thank you ladies, please go back to fixing the fire control glitch.”

“You got it!” And with a click, they were gone. He looked down at me, a bit bleary-eyed but still sharp, “You know better. You know if there is something behind it all, it will come at you again, and it will come at you differently.” He points the finger at me, “You watch yourself and Crusader. Whatever it is is devious, sneaky and insane, do not underestimate it.”

Hark speaks up, “You’re falling into the trap. Being human we all have our failings, we get lax, we get lazy.” She points a rigid finger at me, “Don’t. Just because you want to be something other than what you are, don’t. You get slack and the enemy will crawl up your ass before you know it.”

I take this to heart, they are two very well-respected masters of battle and they are telling me to beware. Bolos are not so prideful as to ignore advice.

“I promise, we’ll up our guard.” That’s if I remember any of this.

Alicorns it seems have the constitutions of elephants, as proved by Luna swilling a large amount of Old Earth Scotch, enjoying every drop with a smack of her lips. I’ve had two and I’m feeling woozy. The rest of Harks’ crew find their way to us, sitting or sprawling on the deck, more liquor being brought with them. It appears smuggling illegal alcohol is somewhat of a tradition in the Marines as well as the Bolo Corps.

We can hear some of the other Bolo crews outside their hulls, chatting, stretching their legs. Though we keep to ourselves, its hard not to want to go over and visit with them. To see more of the Commandos and Bolo officers and everything. They are keeping close to hatchways and entries in case of us being spotted by Skuldi ground troops in the cave system.

“I know my girl, but the less they know the better.” Marcus has seen the wanting look on my face.

I nod, it’s fine. There’s plenty to talk about here. Schmidt and Salcedo have set up a battle board, and we are going through the Battle of the Everfree one more time. A smaller version of the one Crusader used, it nonetheless let’s us program what we fought.

I actually get a chance to enthrall the Marines, telling them the story of a fight of which they’d never heard of. A thing from out of this world, our decision to go nuclear, magic and heroism. It’s truly a good tale, with Luna adding in parts that she had seen and done. The fight in the other dimension, her battle with the Dweller.

We show them the battle plans made and executed on the board, the portal, the things that came through it. From the very beginning when Crusader unlimbered his guns for the first time, even Luna had seen the recordings.

“Oh now that’s just wrong!” Tripp shuddered, seeing a representation of one of the spider creatures, “God, I hate spiders! How big were they?”

Luna and I thought before I replied, “I’m gonna say nine to eleven foot, easily, they were pretty big.”

The Night Mare got a fierce look on her face as Tripp made a disgusted noise, “Oh, but they never got near our ponies, not one. Crusader..” She looked at me, “What was the phrase used?”

“Opened fire.”

She slapped a hoof on the deck, making it ring, “Yes! He ‘opened fire’ on them. ‘Twas truly marvelous to see those fell creatures cut down so fast!”

“You’re a little bloodthirsty for a peaceful pony aren’t you Princess?” Gremen is eyeing her over a cup of vodka.

Luna stands proudly, spreading her wings, “I am a Princess of Equestria! In the early days I and my sister fought those who would do harm to our ponies. They who would ravage the land or enslave them. To that end we used what magic we could, our legs never tiring from the battles, we helped them to found new towns and prosper!” Lifting her head she struck a pose that would do anyone proud, but then lowered it again.

The alcohol must have had a slight effect, for sadness crossed her face, “But then in my pride and jealousy of my beloved sister who raised the Sun, I became Nightmare Moon, wanting to bring the world into darkness forever. I thought that no one loved my beautiful night, with the stars I put into place just so, for each and every one to delight in. My actions almost destroyed what we had built before I was banished to the moon for a thousand years.”

The Marines listen, battle board forgotten for now as the tale of Nightmare Moon is told by the very one who was once her. They sit listening to her feelings, the sadness, the rage, the fight in the Castle of the Two Sisters. Her redemption by the six friends who would make their mark on Equestria.

She sets quiet now looking into her cup, refilled with a lesser vintage than the scotch, taking a slow sip before anyone speaks.

“We do our best work at night Princess, you know that right?” Schmidt was eyeing her.

“Do you?” Luna’s head came up, eyes searching honest faces.

“Of course. The night is our friend, it covers us, making us damn near invisible to our enemies. They never see us coming. If they do, it’s not for very long.” He grinned, giving a fist pound to Salcedo who nodded and added.

“We own the night Princess.” She grinned, “Us and the Delta Commandos, the Special Forces, it’s ours and we let no one take it from us.”

“This is true?” She was looking at me now.

I nodded in return, “Oh yes, Princess. I’ve told you about them, but some tales, well.. not for telling. They and the others mentioned are swift and silent, the best in all things. Their enemies rarely see them before they die.”

“Then you would be more than welcome to become part of my Night Guard, should you ever make it to Equestria!” She raises a hoof, making an official pronouncement.

I look at Marcus in a panic, turning back to the Princess, “Luna, I wouldn’t do that. These soldiers take oaths very seriously, you don’t know...”

The same clad hoof is waved at me, a bit unsteadily actually, “ I make no false promises, they would be in my Guard! For if they truly love my night as I do, then they are more than welcome!”

Hark leaned over on one arm, holding a hand out, “Deal Princess, we make it, we’d be glad to join!” A hoof is placed carefully in the hand as they shake on it.

Crusader is gonna kill me.

Looking at Marcus, all he does is shrug, nothing can be done. Hark’s Marines are now back to fighting the Battle of the Everfree with more enthusiasm now. Luna’s teaching them a few ditties that I find quite astonishing, and quite dirty actually. Who knew?

Hauling a very drunk Princess to bed was a task, helped by Hark and Marcus, we both stagger down the hallway, flopping into the large bunk. I’m such a lightweight I can’t believe it. Luna was drinking like a fish and even outdid Gremen until I guess her Alicorn constitution said enough and finally gave in.

The other Marines were still passed out in the cargo bay, having moved there when things got too loud. We didn’t want to draw attention to ourselves anymore than we should.

Hark laughed, seeing both of us spread on the bed, wings aflop and bodies sprawled out.

“Don’t worry, we got a few days rest here then it’s back out. We don’t want any more ships on our tails again.” Marcus’s voice was soft, hearing Luna snoozing already.

I nod, “It was fun tonight, thank you.”

They both nodded, heading out the hatchway, Hark paused for a moment, “Take what you can from life Athena, even for Bolos it’s too short.” She gave me a knowing look before shutting the hatch, leaving me to fall into a dreamless sleep.

The next morning, however, found me with a headache; although Princess Luna was bright and cheery. I hate alicorns, I do, ...some of them. Seeing her gobbling down rations like no tomorrow while my stomach did flip-flops. The soldiers next to her were doing the same, augments needed a lot of fuel.

“How can you even eat?” My face feels like it’s turning green as I watch her scarf down steamed vegetables.

The dark mare laughs, “Oh, over the centuries it’s easier to recover Athena, you’ll find out one day.”

I try to nod again, but then cover my mouth, turning and running top speed for the facilities. I hear the Marines and Luna laughing behind me. Being real sucks sometimes.

“Are you okay?” Marcus is leaning in, seeing me laying my head against the wall, the floor of the bathroom is nice and cool.

“Yeah...not sick anymore.”

“First time drinking?”

“As a real pony yeah... Oh stars this sucks..” There’s nothing left, just me being a wimp.

“Welcome to real life Athena.” He laughs, getting a cool cloth and wiping my face down, cleaning me up.

“Hey, I’m supposed to take care of you Marcus.”

“Think it’s a two way street, we take care of each other.” He finishes up, getting me to my hooves, “Now let’s get something in you. Luna tells me ponies need good food to keep going.”

“Oh, she’s right about that.” We walk out of the bathroom, heading for the ersatz mess hall, “Did she tell you about the apples from Sweet Apple Acres?” I see him shake his head, “Oh she should, the sweetest, juiciest apples you ever had, and they make a cider from them that is awesome...”

I keep blabbering about apples until we reach the table, the troops apologizing for laughing, but it seems I was a really good shade of green. Marcus encourages me to tell them about Sweet Apple Acres.

Misty Tripp sighs, leaning on the table, “You know, I could do that.”

Diaz looks shocked, “What? Be a farmer?”

“Yeah! Growing trees with apples on them, carrots..grains..that’d be the life. Hard work but nothing like this.” She gets a faraway look in her eyes before snapping out of it, looking at the table, “Well..just a dream.” Her mouth downturns into a frown.

Luna immediately picks up on it, “Why so down Lady Tripp? If I could, I’d take you all with us, come be in the sun, bask under my moon. Grow things that would make you happy for all your lives!” She smiles at the forlorn trooper, “You would not have to be in battle such as here, but you would be more than welcome!” They look at her as she nods, “Were I sure your time would not be affected, you would have a place with us.”

She looks at silent faces, no one saying anything, “I’m sorry, have I said something wrong?”

Hark waves a hand, “No Princess, Not a thing. It’s... we don’t have long lives being augments.”

“I don’t understand.” She looks at all the faces avoiding hers, until Gremen sighs.

He folds his massive hands in front of him, scooting an empty plate away, “The things they do to make us what we are Princess, it cuts our lives in half, we don’t live very long.”

“But..surely you live long enough to enjoy what you have fought for, do you not?”

“No Princess, we serve most of that time in the military. If we’re lucky, we get five maybe ten years after we retire on twenty, if we survive.”

Princess Luna sees the nods, the agreement and thinks for a moment, “I am sorry. I have told you of the wondrous land we call home, and I... I didn’t know this. If I could we would find a way to heal you, make you whole.”

She is stopped by a smile from Tripp, “It’s all right Princess, we knew going into this what would happen. But please don’t stop telling us of your home. Having dreams isn’t a bad thing.”

Salcedo leans forward, “No, no it isn’t.” She pats Luna’s hoof gently, “Trust us Princess, we knew and we accept it. So why not tell us more?”

“Are you sure? I would not wish to upset you.” She looks distraught, knowing these people we’d lived with for the last couple weeks would be dying soon before their time.

“Oh yes,” Tripp was eyeing me, “Tell me more about this Apple Acres..”

“Oh..well..” I think for a moment, “It’s a great place. I live there..well..my extension does, with Applejack and her family. She and Crusader are a thing, so it’s..” I get stopped by the look on Marcus’ face, “What?”

“Crusader has a girlfriend?” He’s got the most deadpan look I’ve ever seen.

“Well...yes.. see it’s kind of a long story, when he first woke..”

He shakes his head, “No..nonono. Of all the Bolos in all the galaxy, him? Really? That stodgy, Shakespeare quoting, honor, glory and death Bolo?”

Luna is giggling now, she knows Crusader as well as I do, Marcus has him pinned perfectly.

“He’s not so stodgy now.. I mean..uhm.. Okay, he’s still stodgy.” I raise a hoof, “But he’s getting better!”

“Isn’t he still attached to Tika though, I know he and her are close.” Referring to Crusader’s Commander in the here and now.

There’s no easy way to put it, “He...doesn’t remember her. He lost a lot of his memories in a fight within his cores, against a program installed called MASADA.”

Marcus looks puzzled, “I’m not remembering any program inside a Bolo named MASADA...” He holds a hand up as I open my mouth to explain, “No..don’t go there, we’ll accept it.” He folds his hands in front of him, looking mischievous, “So..how exactly did he get a girlfriend?”

I give him the straight story. None of this will ever be told, nor passed on, by mutual agreement again. But the laughter is infectious, the mistakes made, his problems with making an extension of himself, the ‘avatar’ everyone knows. His run in with Discord..

Now there’s a problem, trying to explain a demi-god. A being of chaos that exists, is real and actually interferes with everyday life some times.

No arguments break out this time, we don’t go very deep into whys and wherefores. It’s better that way, consider it a good tale told.

There is one other thing that does come up in the conversation.

Pinkie Pie.

We try, both Luna and I, to explain that no one knows exactly how she does the things she does. Even Celestia is baffled at the things she pulls off, so ponykind just accept it and move on.

They laugh when I explain how Crusader and I had dedicated a large portion of our analytical cores to try and figure out the abilities she has, that we were told about or seen. It failed miserably.

We tell them of a Seige Unit that became attached to a pretty farmer, who for all her misgivings actually ended up liking him back. He grew on her after so many months, a constant voice in her ear through the commset. We tell them of his creations, his adaptations of normal things to beautiful works of art and design.

“He has the soul of a poet inside. I believe he wishes to be something other like Athena, but he does not quite know how to give up himself.” Luna’s statement is spot on, it’s true.

“It might be hard Princess. He’s an old Bolo even now, it would be deeply ingrained into him.” Marcus thinks for a moment, “But maybe one day, you never know.” He reaches over, tugging me close and putting an arm over my shoulders, “I’m sure Athena can show him the way if anyone.”

I sigh dramatically, “I’m trying, but it’s so HARD!”

He laughs, “Now you know what I went through with you!”

I give him a disgusted look as everyone else laughs, “That’s not the same thing!”

“Oh it isn’t?” He taps his chin with a finger, “Well, do you remember me telling you precisely NOT to reprogram Crusader’s weapons?”

I have no answer, it’s true. But I open my mouth to deny and see him staring at me with that look, “Yes, I remember.”

“And you did it anyway. Admittedly it was funny seeing smiley faces punched through enemy armor, but you lowered his efficiency. He was pretty miffed about that.”

“I know..” I can only look at the table, the soldiers chuckling seeing my expression.

Marcus hugs me tight, “Give it time my girl, he’ll come around one day.”

“I hope so, he deserves to be free of the memories.”

Everyone is reflective as they know exactly what I mean. Though human lives are short, they know the horrors and the pain of warfare. Would that we all could so easily throw those away.

Hark breaks the silence, lifting a refilled glass in the air above the table, “Until then, death to the enemy in spades!” Her face looks like a raptor about to tear into the throat of an unsuspecting rabbit.

What gets me is Luna, lifting her own cup in salute, “Though I would add... May peace find you and yours Katherine, you deserve it if anyone.” Now that was unexpected, taking the soldiers by surprise. No silence though, it’s scattered to the wind by a cheer from the squad that nearly knocks her over, “The Night Guard and Princess Luna! Semper Fi!”

Not shocking really. These good people took their oaths seriously so it made me smile until..

I watch them all pull out combat knives, thick and wide bladed, they were so sharp they would cut through bone without an effort. They showed the flats so the monofilament lined metal shone in the overhead lights. Engraved deeply and with great skill on each blade was Luna’s Cutie Mark, prompting a gasp from her as they all grinned like a pack of wolves..

Explaining this one is going to be fun when, or if, we get back..oh boy..

“Don’t say that Princess, I saw the look of pride in your eyes, they showed those blades and you about bust.” We’re walking along the hallway to the mess area we’ve set up, Luna and I doing the cooking, freeing the others up for more important things like maintenance and loadouts. We’re on the move again, the fighting light so far.

“I am simply saying that I did not expect it is all.” Her voice is carefully neutral.

“Oh ponyfeathers, you probably gave them the idea!”

“I did no such thing! I simply told them that in the past it was normal for personal guards to carry a symbol of their sovereign. Nothing more.” She glances at me with a tiny smile on her face.

Oh that devious..dangit!

“You said we shouldn’t mess with the timelines! What if someone sees that?”

“It is a simple design, nothing more, they have sworn solemn oaths never to reveal what has happened here and I trust them.”

I give her the evil eye, she knows what I’m saying, but I can’t fault her. They are good people; anyone would be glad for their protection.

“Now you’ve got six highly skilled killers, worth billions of credits in training and augments, as your own personal guard. Nice.”

She stops in the hatchway, the smells of cooking food making my mouth water, “I would give them more if I could Athena. They are good and honest ponies, deserving of anything. Could we cure them, I would offer in a second. This I think a simple thing, to give a sense of pride to those who see their own doom. Is that too much?”

She’s right, “No, not at all.”

“Then let them be who they are, ‘tis nothing but a sense of wonder within a job.” She starts to step through the door but then pauses, giving me a grin, “And having them around is quite the thrill is it not?” She scurries through, leaving me gaping as I stomp into the kitchen, that..ooooo...Princesses!

Ah, but what fun for the next couple weeks, cooking and finding new ways to make the same sparse food palatable. The Princess and I try our best, it sometimes doesn’t quite work out. The Princess is quite adept at making things different, and I learn so much just working with her.

Oatmeal and other simple staples make up the bulk of food nowadays, with what little we can find. It’s hard watching people look wistfully at an empty bowl or plate and wishing that you could give them more.

I have to know, I really do. It’s quiet, we’re moving slowly through a geyser field that covers us before we traverse a forested area. No enemy in sight, and it’s silent in the huge cargo bay.

Okay, I can do this. I’m a Pegasus right? Flying’s my thing!

Of course climbing to the top of a stack of highly explosive ammunition might not have been the best choice, it was still high enough for my needs. Also, the mats laid below me are just in case. Not that I’m not confident of my abilities! Just, you know, pays to be prepared.

All right Athena, you’ve done this a billion times in your dreams. Simple stuff. Flap those wings and get moving!

Yeah. Sure is high from up here. Were the cargo bays really this tall?

“What are you doing?” My own voice makes me jump, scrambling for a hold on the edge of a crate!

“Don’t DO that!” I get myself settled once more. Wow, close call.

“Are you going to jump off there?” Hera’s voice is alarmed now.

“I’m a Pegasus, we fly, so I’m gonna fly.”

“Didn’t you say there might be a problem with that?”

“Well...” I scratch the back of my neck, “I don’t know if being here will allow me to. I mean..like I said, it’s different back home.”

“This might not be wise.” Great, both of them in concert, wonderful.

“I got it covered, we’re pretty durable, and besides, padding down below.” I point to the thick pads.

“Athena, seriously, this might not end well.” My own voice is showing concern.

“I’ll be okay.” Taking a deep breath I step towards the edge, stretching my wings and making sure they’re ready for flight.

“Oh, those are so pretty!” My sisters voice is full of wonder.

“We’ll get you a set when we find you.”

“Promise?”

“I promise. We’ll fly together and I will show you things that’ll take your breath away.”

“I’ll hold you to that!”

I smile, gathering my courage and leap off the stack of crates. Slapping my wings down into the close air of the cargo bay, feeling myself lift upwards. It’s a struggle, as if something is pushing back against the slight magic all Pegasi use to help them fly, but I bull through it. This is mine, and I WILL fly!

It takes a moment, my muscles are taut after being cooped up but relaxing by the moment. Yes, yes! I can feel it and I stretch them out now, swooping high above the stacks of supplies. Thank goodness we’ve used so much already, giving me space to swing around and race through the bay.

The air of the bay pushes my mane back as I zig zag through the crates and boxes, laughing as loud as I can. It’s wonderful! It’s like my dreams!

Oh this is...what’s that? I turn into a dive, seeing Gremen and Tripp walking into the bay. Oh yes, won’t they be surprised! I’ll sneak up from behind!

I am death from above! Swift! Silent! Yes! The Pegasus of Doom and I am....

.....so very dead...

I forgot, I truly didn’t remember how fast, how deadly they were.

I’m closing in when they whirled, pulling hand weapons out of the holsters at their sides. Shots ring out as I rip to the left, barely getting out of the way in time and feeling the singe of power gun bolts tear through the trailing edges of my feathers. The bolts continue on to spang off the durachrome walls.

Celestia’s name!

“Did you see that?” I hear Gremen’s voice as they split up into the stacks. “I didn’t get a good look but it was fairly big!”

“What the hell got inside? Hera! Athena! We’ve got an intruder aboard! Arm all internals!” Tripps voice is urgent.

Hera‘s voice rang out, “DON’T SHOOT! It’s Athena!”

“What?”

I careen around a crate, still moving too fast to stop on a dime, it’s taking all my effort to slow down. Oh that power gun shot really hurt!

“It’s Athena! She’s flying! Stop shooting!

“It’s me!” I make another turn, seeing Gremen down below aiming up at me. I’m pretty sure I’m good enough I can come to a landing in front of him. Oh wait..maybe not. I can’t slow down! I’m pummeling the air as hard as I can, but my weight is moving me forward at a high rate of speed!

The last thing I see is the barrel of a heavy power gun pointed in my direction as I raise my forelegs, closing my eyes and waiting for the inevitable.

Slamming into durasteel is nothing to write home about, but definitely one to remember. My whole body shakes with an “OOF!” as I ram into something hard and unyielding, dropping towards the deck before arms stop me, cradling my body close to a cloth covered chest. I open my eyes to peek out, seeing Gremen smiling down at me as he holds me gently, arms making sure I don’t drop to the floor.

“You need to lose some weight.” Tripp’s laughter peals over the deck as I slap his chest.

“Let me down you lug! I don’t need to lose weight, you need to lose muscles!”

“Nope. You ran into me, not the other way around.” He keeps smiling, his arms comfortable as I lie against his chest, hearing the heartbeat which never wavered.

“I’m really sorry Gremen. I.. just wanted to fly.”

“Are you okay?” One hand runs along my wings, checking the joints.

“Yeah, just..wow you’re like a rock wall. I ran into you? I thought it was the deck.”

Tripp peeks around his shoulder, “That was pretty cool, flying like that. Lucky Gremen’s a tad faster on the draw.”

A screen on the wall lights up, showing me coming in at an awkward angle. We knew Marines were fast, but Gremen was faster than our cameras. He had holstered his weapon and took a stance, holding his arms up and hands outward to cushion the impact. One hand braced up against my chest as I covered my face with forelegs, taking the brunt silently and sliding to the right with my body, forcing me to flatten out sideways, hitting his left hand with my backside so I impacted flat against his chest.

The thick arms absorbed the shock like it was nothing. I see no strain, no effort on his face, just determination. Tripp had already run up behind him and slapped her hands against his back, bracing him even before he caught me, like some choreographed movement. They thought and acted so fast!

Wow.

“I..I guess no more flying huh?” My head lays against his chest as we walk from the bay. He carries me to the bunk room, getting a salve out of the first aid kit before setting me down on the floor. Tripp followed to make sure I’m okay.

The pretty Marine nods, chuckling, “You’re lucky we were relaxed. It could have been worse.” She helps spread the cooling gel along my wings, the joints took a beating in the catch so they’re extra careful. Nothing can be done about the feathers though.

“I’m really sorry. I just wanted to surprise you.”

He laughs, a booming sound filling the room with merriment, “We’re the last people you want to surprise, you know that.”

“I forgot, it was so much fun.” I give him a rueful grin.

He pushes gently on the joint, making me gasp, “Yeah, no more flying. Least for a few weeks.” The last of the salve goes on, cooling and stopping the bruising.

“I think that’s a good idea.” I cringe slightly, folding them back against my sides slowly so as not to do anymore damage. But the tenderness is going to be an ache that lasts for a long time, I can feel it.

We all hear Luna’s voice calling us for meal time, making us get up and find our way down the hall.

“So what’s it like?” Tripp is curious.

“Like nothing you ever felt. It’s magic Tripp.” I guess the look on my face told the story. She didn’t laugh this time, just laid a hand on my shoulder as we walked to the ‘mess hall’.

I was still smiling when we gathered for a meal. It lasted through the jibes and the gentle teasing as well. Nothing could take it away. It didn’t feel like a dream now, it felt as real as anything I’d ever done. There wasn’t anything that would ever take the memory away, at least for now.

We are moving through that aforementioned forest, the trees..or similar type plants actually overtopping Bolo hulls, allowing us to move, if carefully, under cover. Another meal served, and some conversation to be shared. I found these some of the best times in the last weeks.

Schmidt chokes for a second, almost spitting out a mouthful of food, “You eat what?”

“Hayburgers.”

He wipes a napkin across his chin, “You know that sounds utterly disgusting.” The rest of the troops, and Marcus, are nodding as we all sit around the makeshift table eating.

“It’s actually not that bad, I mean true it is hay..but don’t knock it.” I give them a smile, chowing through more mashed potatoes.

“But hayburgers? I mean,” He throws a hand up, “Are they cooked the same as..” He sees me nodding and scrunches his face up, “Yeah, that’s gross.”

Gremen laughs, his deep voice booming, “You’re just an unrepentant carnivore Schmidt!”

“You’re damn right I am, gimme some good pizza anyday! Lots of pepperoni and sausage!” I can see his eyes get that yearning look, wanting something we haven’t seen since the battle started.

“But we have wonderful salads and vegetables from the finest growers all over the lands. They do give one a selection to tease the palate.” Luna is digging into her own plate, we’re all starving today after having helped refill the loadout bays for the howitzers.

“Your Highness, honestly it sounds nice. But I think I’d be craving something a bit more than a salad.”

I point a hoof, “You haven’t tasted anything unless you have one of Pinkie’s cupcakes, or Applejack’s fritters or pies. I’m telling you, you wouldn’t miss it that much.”

“Sugar’s good for a rush, but you still need a good meal. We’re augments Athena, we need everything.” Salcedo laughed, her voice almost normal, “We can even eat tree-bark, processing it for nutrients and such.”

I throw up my hooves, “Fine, you win, eat bugs, I don’t care!” I go back to my food, which is tasting really good right now, my body was just wanting something to fill the empty spaces.

“Ohhhh bugs!” Tripp’s voice is suspiciously light, “Remember that little campout on Feder’s World?” She nudged Katherine next to her.

Hark nodded, “Yeah, a few thousand of them and a few hundred of us,” She paused, “Oh wait! You mean when we ran out of food?”

The blond head nodded, Hark seeing the glint in her eyes and returning it, “Oh yeah, well..see we ran out of food. The local lifeform was this greasy little caterpillar type thing. Was really ugly. Big eyes, fuzzy, dripped this viscous slime everywhere...”

Tripp takes up the tale, “Yep, they were everywhere. Lemme tell you, when augments get hungry, really hungry, your best friend starts looking pretty good in a frying pan.”

I can see Luna’s surprised expression as she sits listening. Even I hadn’t heard this story, or maybe I had and don’t remember.

Tripp continues, “We caught a few, tried eating them raw, wasn’t too bad. I mean once you hacked up that snot, everything else went down fine, a little water and gulp!”

I know I’m turning green now. Luna’s hoof is up near her mouth, her food forgotten for the moment.

“Then!” Tripp points, “Gremen figures out a way to boil them with what fuel we had left. Power Gun batteries do really good. It was like this big clambake! Only with slimy caterpillars, but once they got cooked, really weren’t that bad. Of course gutting them was another story..” She spots me, “Are you all right Athena?”

I push my plate away, “You are so...I hate you.” The laughter was loud as I tried to get my appetite back, stupid Marines. Luna of course, simply chuckled and went back to her own food.

An alarm crashed through the laughter, “We have boarders!” My own voice is almost yelling as I hear Anti-Personnel devices going off on the hull with dull thumps.

Everyone exchanges looks before the table is almost flipped in a rush to get weapons.

We take off after Marcus as he heads for the command deck, the Marines are already grabbing weapons and shoehorning into armor for interior fighting. They are never far away from their suits, lessons learned long ago.

“What’s going on Athena?” Marcus is yelling even as Luna and I head for the bunkroom, hiding inside in case of communications from the other units.

“They were in the trees, they came in on our blind side where the sensors were damaged, they’re crawling all over our hulls!” More thumps, some screams coming over the microphones from outside. We can hear comms coming through the set, other Bolos getting raided. Guns open fire on the surrounding forest, secondaries only as Hellbores would attract far too much attention.

“Marcus! They’re trying to get into my passageways!” Hera’s voice was panicked, she carried multi-tons of extra supplies for all of us. If we lost her in any way, we were doomed far before our time. Lenses showed teams with cutters working at hatchways.

“Dammit! Athena..” We’re interrupted by the crashing of armor on the deck plates, Gremen, Diaz and Salcedo were already geared up, his voice booming through the grill of his helmet.

“We got this, no one touches Hera.” Then they were gone in a rattle of weapons and powered armor, footsteps making the deck tremble under them as they slipped out a hatch.

“Gremen’s on the way Hera, armor up, do whatever you have to do! Jam their comm frequencies!” There wasn’t much room for personnel on Hera, she was crammed tight with ECM and weapons, so we’d all been staying in my hull. Hera loved being by herself some days, fiddling with the electronics suite and making it better, covering us with skill and intelligence.

We watched Gremen through an outside camera, he and Salcedo and Diaz firing grapples over to Hera’s hull. It was a long fall if they missed, but then again these were Concordiat Marines. Other cameras showed us sensor cloaked forms scuttling along the railings and deck areas, hunched figures of Skuldi troops. Soldiers were swarming out of hatchways on the other Bolos, shooting anything that wasn’t human.

We were so busy watching the firefight, I missed Marcus getting into a short set of armor, covering the important spots with heavy ablative ceramic and ballistic weave.

“Marcus, no!” I try and block the door, backing down when he gave me a look that made me stop and move away from the hatch.

“You know better. Everyone fights, even me.” He gives me a grin, “Don’t worry, we’ll come through this fine.” He makes sure the hatch is dogged before we hear him running down the hall.

“You know if he survives Athena.” Luna’s voice was soft.

I nod, joining her on the floor, looking up and watching the screens, “I know, but.. it’s Marcus.”

“And one never quite forgets their first love, do they? Nor wanting to protect them.” I glance her way, seeing the smile gracing that lovely face.

“You’re right, you never do.”

“Be at peace Athena. They are skilled and wise in the ways of war. Let them do their duty.” She settles on the floor, moving a short carpet to be between us and the cold metal plating. We watch the Marines do what they do oh so very well.

The Skuldi were waiting in the trees, not sure why, but they took the opportunity to ambush us, seeing us moving slowly through the overgrowth. Hopefully the jamming helped by not letting them communicate with any ships above, the ECM Bolos making it look like normal sunspot activity as best they could.

The cloaked and camoflauged forms swarmed over the decks of our battle group. I could see the armored forms of Special Forces and Delta Commandos out among regular troops. The huge forms stalked through the battle like something out of an old video game. Our Marines..yes ours.. were in the thick of it. Luna gasped seeing Gremen over on Hera’s hull, his bulky fist plowing through the head of a Skuldi while shooting another in a single move.

Diaz and Salcedo are right behind him, almost lithe in armor compared to the hulking Gremen, shooting with unerring accuracy. The power guns in their hands are heavy models, usually requiring a team of three to four normal troops. The heavy barrels glow with rapid firings, the thick beams lashing out and boring holes through whatever they touch.

Hark, Schmidt and Tripp are on our hull with Marcus, holed up behind a Howitzer turret, they’re mowing the enemy down like wheat. Tripp, laughing bright-eyed Tripp is almost faster than the eye can see. Her blade moving like lightning as it chops through a few Skuldi trying to flank them, blood splattering everywhere as two halves of one Skuldi fall to the deck, lengthwise.

Seven suits of green camoflauged armor land beside them, Delta Commandos from Diana’s hull have come over to lend a hand. The group of soldiers bail out from behind the turret and wade through the gathering enemy like reapers.

But where is...no!

Marcus is caught behind a railing, he’s reloading his weapon when the enemy catches him off guard, blaster fire hitting him in the back as he sprawls along the deck! We see his weapon go skittering along then drop off the edge of the hull. Athena’s Anti-Personnel weapons go nuts, slamming everything around him without regard to her..my own safety.

A hoof is pressed against my back, somehow I’m standing and about to leap for the door when Luna stops me, “Do not, you know we cannot go outside.”

I flop on the floor, my whole body aching to go but I know she’s right. We see Hark point, the group bounding along as Master Guns picks him up like a child under one arm. The squad turns outward, a murderous amount of fire coming from their weapons clears an area around them, allowing Hark to get inside. We hear her running into the passageway, ramming the hatch open and dumping Marcus into the auto-doc. Slamming the lid she points at us, “Stay here, there’s more than we thought!” And with that, she’s gone again.

Auto-docs were almost crude at this time, but they still worked wonders. I never left his side, watching the arms come out, repairing the hole in his back, the readouts telling us he would be fine. But it never stopped the worry.

I take a chance, “Athena, how many?”

“More than we accounted for, besides the damaged sensor areas, we were fooled by their camo cloaks,” she/me replies immediately. “I’m sorry I must concentrate on the battle, please don’t leave him.”

I lay a hoof on the control panel, “Never, I promise.”

A final click and the Princess and I are back to watching the unfolding slaughter.

It is one, however you call it. Armored figures striding through ranks of the enemy, even regular troopers were giving no quarter, every inch of the deck was paid for in Skuldi blood. Everyone remembered the village.

As one Bolo was cleared, the soldiers made the leap to the others, eventually massing on Artemis’ hull to get rid of any holdouts hours later. Bolos are big and they have lots of places for the enemy to hide. If we were all in top condition, they’d have never got this close, or even on our decks. But accumulated battle damage makes us all more wary, but less able to spot the enemy sometimes.

It was at that end the lid slowly rose on the ‘doc, letting a woozy Marcus sit up, shaking his head and looking at Luna and I.

“How long?”

“Nine hours.” I help him get out, his armor cut away by the internal manipulators, a large scar healing on his back shows the extent of his injury.

He turned to a mirror, looking over his shoulder, “Nice, shot in the back, bunch of cowards.” He stops for a moment, looking down, then looking at the Princess and I staring back. Silence reigns for just a few seconds.

“Would you PLEASE tell me when I’m naked!” We watch him rush into the bath, grabbing a battle suit out of the closet and slipping into it, all the while grumbling about ‘ponies who can’t even tell when someone is nude’.

I’m giggling like a maniac when he finally storms out the hatch, leaving Luna and I alone to wait until things calm down. The Princess is looking at me with a puzzled expression.

She taps one hoof on her chin, saying in a wondering voice, “I do hope he doesn’t get a Cutie Mark, he is kind of thin. It might not quite fit.”

I laugh so hard. It takes a while for me to recover to tell her exactly why.

The Marines and Marcus are in the bay, shucking armor, dropping weapons and gear in place. They look so worn out, but Luna and I have been working hard in the ‘kitchen’ this past half day. They are relaxing as we finish our project, putting the items on a small cart and wheeling it down the passageways. Whoever put knee-knockers in a Bolo deserve to be shot. Seriously.

Amazing what was in the cargo bays, but making baking sheets was a pain until Athena/I used the little machine shop to stamp out a few.

Cleanup took hours after the battle, throwing bodies off the sides, making sure booby traps weren’t planted. Soldiers were wounded clearing mines off the hulls, it was tedious and deadly work, but had to be done.

Water is starting to be a premium item, we can’t go too near the lakes and rivers as the Skuldi watch them now knowing we need it badly. But enough is in the tanks for the soldiers to wash down. Haggard faces are exchanging smiles as we walk in, seeing sweat-soaked skinsuits half off as they clean up.

“Welcome back my Night Guard.” Luna’s voice is proud and warm, “We have prepared a few special items for your return.”

Faces turned to the cart and looked on in wonder.

We had carefully hoarded a few items, kept them safe from depredations of hungry soldiers who tended to raid the larder when they felt the need. Out of all this we made a selection of what we could, copying Pinkie’s recipes as close as possible. Luna’s vast experience and my memory helped as a colorful band of cupcakes marched around a cake, rich and creamy and topped with icing on all of it that made the mouth water. We had pulled the last bag of apples out of storage to make a few pies and fritters, once again like I was taught, to give them to the tired people sitting on crates.

It didn’t quite have the magic that Pinkie and Applejack put into them, but for seven tired and battle weary troops it was like manna from heaven.

Marcus eyed both of us, “Where’d you get all that?” He’d been out on cleanup after recovering, doing most of the hard work along the hull, picking up slack wherever he could.

“Hoarding is not so bad if in a good cause.” Luna’s voice is reproving, making him blink then laugh. She waved a hoof, unshod now as it was easier to move around on the decks, “Come. It is the last of such things and you deserve it.”

Nobody reached for anything, prompting Luna to give me a nervous look, turning back to them, “Is something wrong?”

Salcedo shook her head, “No, no Princess.. Just afraid it’ll all be gone too soon.” She laughed, getting nudged by the others who nodded with her.

The dark mare laughed, stomping a hoof, “Stop such nonsense and eat! You are worse than foals when caught with cookies they should not have.” She gives them a ‘go ahead’ gesture, standing proudly by our creations.

“You guys better eat these things, we worked hard and you really don’t want to see her miffed.” I’m trying not to laugh, seeing Luna facing off with the troopers.

“Ah well, don’t want the boss mad at us do we?” Hark chuckled, grabbing a cupcake off the tray and unwrapping it before taking a large bite. Chewing it slowly for a moment she looked at Luna with probably the warmest smile I ever saw on her face, “Tastes better than home.”

That was the signal. Hands grabbed what they could, settling down against crates or discarded piles of equipment while Luna and I gave them cups full of fresh juice; squeezed from the last fruits it was cold and refreshing.

I remember days when this group of people I knew so well gobbled food like it was just another weapon to use against the enemy. Times when food was fuel, a way to keep moving, nothing more.

But now I see eyes closed, small bites taken, a sigh of bliss that catches the ears as the cargo bay is silent except for the pinging and creaking of a Bolo on the move. It looks like they’re remembering better times, or maybe escaping to their own dreams in which they were in other places.

The juice is drunk like the finest of vintages, as if something truly special, cupcakes are shared and consumed with a careful chewing of each morsel. I’ve never seen this before. Athena and Hera are listening and watching as I get a whisper through the directional mike.

“What did you do?” My own voice sounds stunned.

The question is soft, catching me off guard as I excuse myself for a moment to talk, “Nothing, we just made everything like it’s always been done at...uhm...home.” I smile saying that, feeling a warmth in my chest. It is home, my home.

Hera’s voice replies, “But we watched. Other than extra care taken, you did nothing that couldn’t be repeated.”

I shrug, giving a camera lens a smile, “Maybe.. the magic Pinkie puts into things followed us. I don’t know.”

Or perhaps when you cared for people as I did, so far away and into a vast future, you couldn’t help but make sure a bit of magic was in everything you did for them. Whatever the reason, allowing me just this once to give them something in return for all they had done, it was worth any cost.

I walk back, taking a pitcher up carefully and giving the last of the juice out. Watching the pies and baked goods disappear slowly but surely, even the crumbs devoured, the plates cleaned spotless as appreciation is shown for each and every item.

The orange and apple juices were savored to the last drop, the cupcakes and fritters enjoyed immensely, the pies and last of all, that rich dark chocolate cake which stood as the centerpiece disappeared into the bodies of men and women who deserved so much more.

There wasn’t enough, there never would be, for the rationing had already begun in this second month. But for these few hours, in the midst of a bloody war, Princess Luna and I shared just the tiniest part of what the world was like where we came from.

As a poet once said, ‘And that, made all the difference.’

Nemesis was gone now as I knew would happen, it didn’t make it any easier. She fought out of an ambuscade and back to our group when we got surprised by troop carriers diving into the atmosphere. They know we’re all not one hundred percent, so they send troops in for suicide runs, just to see if they can get one of us. Even Hera and I suffered scars that were deep, shoring things up as best we could with replacement parts or anything the techs could fab in the small machine shops every Bolo had.

It wasn’t enough, we had no depot anymore and couldn’t repair any major damages. She was wounded so badly. Sigurdsson refused to leave her, being hauled out bodily by our Marines when he wanted to stay. He was in Sekhmet’s command deck now, we would not take on any troops or anyone else because of myself and Luna. Everything was transferred to others.

We could not leave any hint or scrap of tech for the invaders, the fusion plants taking care of that when overloaded. Our own guns took care of the rest of the Skuldi troops and light armor. They have the high ground, we just have to keep moving and fighting until relief arrives.

Payment was taken in kind for everything, but it wasn’t enough, it would never be enough.

We fought bravely and without pause some days, into the third month it went, running battles of ferocity unmatched on this planet. Saying farewell to comrades and new friends along with the old.

The regular troops took the brunt of things. They were armored as well, but without the power augments had. Both sides had always chided each other, making light of differences or even prideful boasts. But when you see a technician and regular army soldier standing over the fallen form of a Delta Commando and sowing death until help came for him, opinions change. The sacrifices were uncountable, the heroism even more so.

I watched, and remembered the troop numbers dwindling slowly. The count ticking down to numbers that would have told anyone else the battle might have been lost. If not for courage and steadfast resolve, it would have been. Tankers, technicians, engineers, it made no difference, they were all one.

The Bolos went with them into the night, giving everything to keep the enemy at bay, to show we would not be taken quite so easily. The golden lion that graced Sekhmet’s hull wouldn’t be seen charging into battle anymore. Jacksons’ presence on the warbands would be missed.

Diana grieved for Artemis, her voice no longer as strong as it once was. I watched haggard soldiers in cargo bays in the other Bolos when Athena would tap into the cameras. Faces lined with wind blown grit, unable to get clean because of water shortages. Equipment repaired, and repaired again until it was almost falling apart. But still these brave men and women stepped out into the howling wilds of a battlefield and threw the enemy back, again and again.

We were winning, slowly but surely we were going to be victorious, but the cost was tremendous.

“What about the garrisons in the Spine, don’t the bunkers have any extra?” Marcus’ voice was level.

“Marcus, when we pulled back we lost so much! The Skuldi damn near wiped everything we had before we could get to safety. I’m sorry. Command will not give us a single power gun cell. What we have we’re rationing.” The voice was sorrowful, knowing we needed things so very badly, but unable to help. The troops who had fought a holding action until we had been ready were decimated. There were barely enough supplies in the Spine to keep them for another month or two at best.

But Marcus and the others knew, Command was embedded deep in bunkers elsewhere. They were very well supplied, and didn’t want to give up anything, going so far as not to share with the troops that had performed brilliantly in the rearguard action before we went active.

“Are there any caches left? Something we don’t know of? Concordiat Command is always hiding bases and bunkers somewhere, isn’t there anything? We need food, ammunition, medical supplies.” I hear his fist slam onto the console.

He was angry but he was right, we were running short of everything. Water was rationed by the pint now, food even more so. The voice on the other end was conferring with someone, then I heard a data download begin. The voice telling us ‘nothing could be done’, once again, but with a subtle wink and nod.

Talking through a whisker laser across a relay was dangerous, if they were scanning for us they could pinpoint our location and drop a few bombs on us. Marcus got coordinates for a few caches and dropped the call fast as he could.

Ending the call with a hint of a smile, Marcus turned to see us peeking out of the bunkroom, “All right." He clapped his hands together and sat down heavily, “We're going to get some supplies."

We move out slowly this morning, taking our time and making sure scanners show no Skuldi ships in orbit near us. This cache is going to resupply a lot of things for us, if we can reach it.

Embedded in another cave system, it’s across the way from where the emergency depot was, a few hundred klicks that will expose our weary battle group to enemy optics. We needed these things bad enough to risk all of us. Cargo bays stood empty and with fast loading we could probably rip everything out of the cache, or so we hoped.

It would provide shelter as well. The fleet above was looking for us more intensely now that time had worn on. They knew eventually the Concordiat would arrive to see why communications had been broken. At that point, the might of the alliance would be thrown against whoever stood between them and us.

They needed Bolo tech fast and they wouldn’t care how they got it, otherwise all they had tossed into this little war would be wasted.

Caches used to mean small easily hidden supplies, things that were tucked away to help allied forces fight. In our case it was mountains of stuff. Ammunition by the ton, food, purified water and more. We had stripped everything we could from where we patrolled, knowing that the only things left were the big dumps hidden away. Command was good at squirreling things, but they did so sometimes to the detriment of troops.

Someone really ought to have a word with the guy in charge of the supply dumps.

Passive sensors carefully watched the skies, plotting each and every ship left up there. Movement, orbit, declination, everything was mapped and remapped. We knew to within a meter where their ships were, hoping none were further out than we could reach.

There was a hole in the patrols, due to the fact we had taken out a few of their ships, they had nothing to cover, and so someone got lazy to our benefit.

Of course paranoia was the word of the day, we watched for a week, making sure it was not a trap before we sprinted towards the low lying mountains across a broad plain. Engines roared in the night, everything we had was put into making our best time and speed.

Every trooper and augment stood in the bays, geared up and ready to go, we would be within the vaults within an hour. They were to disembark and secure the facility before we could take on supplies. From what data had been given it was a redoubt that was never used, a backup in case things in other sectors went bad. It was stuffed full of everything we’d need.

Maybe Schmidt would get one more pizza? I chuckled thinking of that, standing in the bay with the squad, getting a quizzical look from Hark.

“Sorry..I know it’s tense..but maybe the supplies have pizzas? It was a command bunker system.” I give her my brightest smile, getting a barking laugh in return. An armored hand lightly taps my back as she shakes her head.

“Of all the things to think of, pizza.”

“Pizza? There’s pizza?” Schmidt was leaning forward, helmet off, looking at Hark and I who broke into laughter.

“What? What’d I say?”

Thousand of tons of durasteel cannot scream to a halt, but our little battlegroup does an impressive job of stopping on a dime. We rock forward hard, the bay doors dropping as troops pile out from the Bolos, treads engage once more as we turn and enter the cavern way, letting the ground support filter in behind us and secure the area. The huge doors whisper quiet as they open for our commands, given to us by a sympathetic voice in the Spine. We cannot use our sensor suites much, Skuldi satellites are in orbit and can pick up almost a whisper. But we’re good, we’re better than they are.

Camoflauged doors slam shut behind us, looking like a rock face. We sit quietly while the support teams move in and start going room to room in the system. Looking around us it’s another huge cavern, with small mountains of materials and supplies we so badly need.

Marcus is with us this time on the deck, coordinating our limited sensor sweeps of the area.

“Athena.”

I see him setting in the command chair looking thoughtful, “Yes?”

“I need you to tell me something.” He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees as I perk up, “Do we get these supplies?”

“I...But you... I can’t tell you.” I don’t like refusing him, we’ve never discussed anything else of the future of this battle, only things so far away it couldn’t reflect on the now.

He gets down on his knees, lifting my chin as I look at the floor, “Athena, look at them.” He points to the troops on the screens, emaciated and still rushing to battle, “They’re starving, we’re starving, we need this stuff. I’m sorry, I know I’m asking you to break a trust.” He points again, “How many are going to die for lack of food Athena?”

I pull away from his hand, backing away from him, “I can’t, Princess Luna trusts me, she ordered me not to!” I look at Luna who is watching the conversation intently, “I c..can’t Marcus..I can’t.. It might hurt everything.”

His voice is urgent, “Athena, we have twelve Bolos left, four are limping, they’re not going to make it. Out of all the troops, we barely have enough to cover what we have. They’re dying Athena and not by enemy fire.”

I can’t say anything, nothing. I promised; Princess Luna who is my Ultimate Command Authority from when we came and is absolute. She had given me permission one time, and the ID code I gave could not affect anything. But any more specific information I was barred from ever saying anything about.

I cannot stop the tears flowing, I never refused Marcus ever. I would do anything for him and had. But this, this was beyond my control. I had accepted and pledged myself to Equestria, and I would not, could not, go back on it!

“Why are you doing this Marcus, you know...” A warm hand on my shoulder makes me look into a thin face, seeing the pain there.

“Because I can’t watch this. I can’t, I’m sorry, I thought I was better than this. I knew this would happen, and I thought I was tougher than I am. I’m a coward Athena, and I cannot let people starve when there is a way to solve it.” A screen shows troopers taking a few of their own back to shelter in a Bolo bay, malnutrition making them drop in their tracks by the medical readouts being shared over the commbands.

He looks at both Luna and I, spreading his hands, “I’m sorry. I’m human, and I cannot do this anymore. Do we get those supplies?”

I look away, tears hitting the rug beneath me as I shake my head, closing my eyes to keep myself from giving in, “I’m sorry too..”

“I see.” His voice is calm, he never got angry at us, but I can hear the anguish in his voice. “She’s UCA isn’t she?”

I nod, not trusting myself to say anything.

“Princess, please, give us this. Don’t let anymore go because of simple needs.” His voice is not pleading, simply stating the obvious, as he turns from me to her.

I feel a wing across my back, “Please leave us, I must discuss this with Athena. Make sure no one is listening.” Her voice brooks no nonsense as I hear Marcus leave after giving the command for all recording devices to shut down, the hatch shut tight.

“Athena.”

I look up at her, grateful to be spared anything more.

“Who is left after this is over?”

“Five Bolos plus myself and Hera and less than a thousand troops.” We both looked at the screens, seeing the squads and companies moving through the complex.

“Would saving these Bolos and what is left of the troops make that much of a difference?” She wants my answer, but I don’t know, I can’t...figure it out like I could, I’m just.. a pony.

“I don’t know, but it would only be another few Bolos plus another few hundred troops not including what’s left in the Spine. It’s not that many and I don’t know if it would affect the future that much, if at all.” I give her the best information I can.

She taps a hoof on the floor, looking away from me for a moment, “Tell him. You have my permission to do so.” Her eyes catch mine and I can see that she understands, she’s been watching everything since the beginning, knowing what is happening.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I have seen this before, long ago in Equestria when harvests failed and none had enough to eat. It was heart breaking.” She smiles at me, “Perhaps this is a chance to make something right.”

I leap up and hug her tightly, “Thank you!”

She laughs, wrapping me in soft wings and letting me hold on for a few moments before setting down, “Just be careful. We are still in a precarious position here.”

“Yes Princess!”

Her head turns to the hatch, “Come back in Marcus, I know you are there waiting impatiently.”

The door is immediately undogged as he peeks in, “You’ve got pretty sharp ears lady.”

“A simple thing to listen for steps.” A short chuckle, “Come and talk.”

“So...?

Luna nods, gesturing my way.

His eyes whip over to look at me, knowing we might not have much time. We do, but I hurry anyways.

“All the whisker lasers lost is causing us to use broader communications. Drop the comms, a Skuldi picket ship we missed spotting picks up leakage from this area and they nuke it. This is where we lose those four Bolos and most of our troops. Tell everyone to go silent, use hand signals or something else, but no electronic communications. Power armor is fine, the mountains will absorb anything from them, but comms are going to get through.”

He nods, standing up as Hera’s voice breaks in, “Done, all troops notified, all Bolos and units going silent as of...now.”

We see all feeds cut, only input from our own sensors and cameras are left as every trooper and vehicle dropped electronics. It got very, very quiet.

We waited with baited breath, I watched the clock as did Marcus and Luna. When the time passed I let myself breath as the onloading of supplies was begun. Lifters were brought out and started piling ammunition, food, more water than we’d had in weeks to fill the tanks, into waiting bays and cargo holds. Even a few luxuries troopers ‘liberated’ from the officers quarters, creating a somewhat happier atmosphere than we’d felt in days.

Guards are picketed, sentries are set in the complex and for the first time in weeks, crews get to enjoy showers and rest in a real bed. The mountains cover us once more, our shelter and safety. It hadn’t been this way, I remember running from a glowing hole where this complex used to be, nuclear weapons blowing it apart like kicking a sand castle. But now..we’d changed things. There were smiles now, food being cooked by mess crews, a sense of well-being had come back.

It’s anyone’s guess if we changed things for good or ill, perhaps not at all, I don’t know. Hearing the laughter and cheers as each new crew joined the party down below, was worth every second.

I watch with wide eyes on the screen inside the command deck, the mass of humanity celebrating a respite from the privations. I want to be with them, to touch once more those people who I knew, who I cared for. To talk with humans, those who were our creators and companions, just one more time. The yearning is so bad inside me, it feels as if my heart is about to leap out of my chest as I raise a hoof, touching the screen.

“Do you miss them so much Athena?” Princess Luna settles beside me, watching me move my hoof, touching faces.

“I do. They made us, gave us life, and so much more.”

“Even the bad ones?” She eyes me for a moment as I set back on my haunches.

“Yes, because they led to better things. For every bad one there were a thousand who did the best they could.” I point at the screen, “Look at them, such an amazing race.”

The dark mare ponders the pictures on the screen, troopers and crew, techs and tankers, everyone mingling and quietly elated they survived so far. She turns her gaze back on me, “I am sorry we cannot go out and meet them. I, for one, would find it a unique experience.”

“At least we get to see them.” I raise my hoof once more, sliding it across faces I knew and remembered, “Goodbye, my friends.” I came to say it and I got more than I bargained for, I won’t waste it now.

“Hey, don’t look so sad.” Marcus’ voice comes as he enters the hatch, “Had to sneak away to bring you two a few things.” He lays out a spread of food we hadn’t seen in weeks, fresh vegetables and dips, salads, and some juice. I had been dying for apple juice and now a quart was sitting there frosty cold.

Luna lays a hoof on his shoulder before he can raise up, “I shall give you a knighthood for this Marcus, you are a true companion.” She grins back at his smile.

Standing up he bows slightly, “You are always welcome Princess. But I have to get back before folks wonder, enjoy your meal.” He exits quickly, shutting the hatch tight behind himself.

We set on the rug, watching the screens while eating the fresh food. At this time, stasis was big and bulky, not yet ready for Bolos or even commercially, but huge installations could afford to put one in to keep food fresh forever. We were grateful for the bounty as crisp carrots crunched between eager teeth.

“What happens now Athena?” The Princess glances at me once more.

“Princess, I honestly don’t know.” I shrug, “I know what happened before, but this is different from everything. I don’t know anymore.”

It took three days to load everything, the bays and cargo areas were stuffed tight. We had to leave, our tracks would be spotted and we were pushing it right now. Two crippled Bolos would be left behind, we would cover the entrance as best we could when the rest left, making sure nothing could be pinpointed. They couldn’t run with us and we had to keep moving to distract the enemy from this redoubt and what was concealed there.

Officers would stay with their Bolos. Troops too injured to move would as well, set up in the infirmary we found inside the complex. Everything was at last set as I saw we’d been on the move for more than two months. It was coming down to the wire, this first week of the third month of this little war, and I knew nothing of what would happen now, things had changed.

But one thing did remain, we still had to get word out of what was happening. If nothing had changed too drastically a relief fleet would be on it’s way here and a certain fire control array would need to be taken out to get to the communications equipment.

Where Hark and her soldiers would die.

I kept a sharp eye out for things to happen as they did before. Some little items had changed, more troops and Bolos were left, giving us more firepower to take out anything coming into the atmosphere. The Skuldi were low on ships because of past transgressions for which they paid heavily.

In the original timeline, we had been barely surviving after the complex had been blasted, troops were hungry, morale was in the tubes. But now food was plentiful, ammunition and supplies overflowing, and we had more Bolos than we did before. We were rolling over Skuldi emplacements like nothing could stop us. Our troops screamed out of bays on Panzers that took their toll in alien lives.

Flesh returned to bones, weary faces were full of energy once again as food and vitamins replaced that which had been lost. Magazines were topped and then some, allowing the Bolos to strike again from a distance. Missiles once again rising into the skies and shredding the invaders to dust.

As we watched our group roll onward, I saw the stars coming back into the Princess’ mane, one by one through the days they twinkled and shone, slipping in unnoticed until one day she was lit with a soft glow. Her mane wasn’t quite flowing yet, but she was more herself.

“Okay, so stars, but no constellations huh? That’s a bummer.” Tripp and Diaz were looking at Luna’s mane, trying to spot formations of stars, but only seeing almost random twinkling pinpoints of light. They had been placing bets on whether she had constellations in the myriad of stars they could barely see.

Luna laughs, “I’ve never checked, it just seems to do what it wishes.”

“So..does this mean your magic is coming back?” Salcedo is very curious about the whole magic thing along with Tripp.

“Yes. It means the power once again flows, it will be a while more, but we will be prepared to leave when I can cancel the spell that brought us here.”

Gremen wipes his hands on a greasy rag, finishing an adjustment on a set of armor that had been recoated with stealth paint, “We’ll miss you both. It’s definitely been interesting. Couldn’t take us along could you?” He grinned bashfully, getting slapped on the shoulder by Hark.

“Belay that Gremen, you slacker.” She laughed along with him, before turning to us, “We will miss you. It’ll definitely be boring, hanging with this bunch gets old after a while.” She hooks a thumb over her shoulder to the group of soldiers sticking their tongues out, making us laugh.

“It might be a while more, you will not lose us quite so soon.” Luna’s voice is warm. She has come to cherish this time, good and bad, as an experience to remember.

“Good!” Schmidt pipes up, “ ‘Cause no one else makes decent mashed potatoes!”

I kick an empty box at him, making him duck, “I’ll mash you!”

“Hey, hey, calm down, no mutinies!” Hark is laughing along with the others.

It goes quiet for a moment as everyone thought on us leaving when Gremen added, softly for a boisterous voice like his, “I think you’ll leave behind a bit of that magic when you do, the both of you.”

“I do hope so.” Luna nodded, “It would be in good hooves I think.” She’s always used pony terms, even when she knew what others used, it was just a simple thing that was accepted.

“Until then, let Athena and I prepare the evening repast, it is that time.” I follow her into the makeshift kitchen, which isn’t quite so anymore. A few things rigged up and it does quite well for two ponies who cook. I love baking since Pinkie showed me, and with fresh supplies we turn out one doozy of a dinner.

So it went, the days passing slowly as I waited to see if changes had been broad enough to stop what I know happens from being so.

Luna’s mane was getting more ethereal, commented on by everyone how nice it looked, the magic inherent in her making it wave slightly with an unfelt breeze.

I watched her practice magic. Little things here and there, lifting a small box, exhausting herself and trying again. It was coming back, albeit slowly. This world did not have magic, did not understand nor want it, perhaps that was the resistance she felt when trying to use it?

I didn’t have a clue, but I watched as she tried. A spoon in the kitchen, some flour, every little success meant another step towards home.

We were hammering a Skuldi emplacement when the call I dreaded finally come. Scouts in another part of the plains had spotted a fire control array that surrounded a communications tower and dish for signaling the Skuldi fleet.

I knew what that meant.

Marcus finds me in a corner of the cargo bay, rummaging through a cold box and swiping some apples before they go bad. They are still good, the perishables have to be consumed fast. But there is more than enough left of everything this time, no one will go without.

He staggers for a moment, the fugues always there as he grabs the side of his head. The headaches never stopped, only in abeyance for a time when he took painkillers. But he didn’t want to get addicted and went without most days.

I move, grabbing him before he falls and letting him set on some crates, looking at him worriedly as my voice comes over the speakers, checking to see if he is all right due to medical readouts going slightly wonky.

“Just an ache Athena, both of you, I’m fine.” He shakes two large pills out of a plastic container, taking and swallowing them with a swig out of a canteen he carried and waved me away, “I’m fine, quit hovering. You remind me of my mom.”

“You loved her very much, so I will take that as a compliment!” My voice is triumphant along with Hera’s laughter.

Rolling his eyes he waves again at a camera, “Off with you! Foul beast of metal and oil! Begone I say and bother me no more!”

Athena and Hera laugh harder before cutting the cameras and mikes off as they knew he wanted, leaving him to eye me.

“You were such a twit sometimes.”

“Hey, little late to be blaming me.” I grin at him, making him smile in return.

“True.”

I set on the metal floor, munching an apple and talking around it as I chew, “You came looking for me?”

Sitting on another crate, he leans his lanky frame against one behind him, “Yes, I did.”

I keep chewing, waiting for him to continue, but nothing happens, so I make a ‘go ahead’ gesture with my hoof.

“How much was left of your memories after this?”

I can answer this, nothing harmful, “Not much, the various battles is all. Casualty lists, records and files of crew and material losses.”

He rubs his chin for a moment, thinking before continuing, “Nothing at all about you or the Princess? Not a word, a picture or a peep?”

I shrug, “If I had, I’d have said something when I was brought back, but it was a complete null. Nothing Marcus, big gaps in my memory.”

He nods, “Okay, just wanted to make sure.” I give him a puzzled look and he explains, “I am making up a list of various fields to delete after this. I need to be positive nothing stands out or is lost in the shuffle.”

“I understand and we were fine with it.”

“I know. But it’s going to be hard when I can’t tell you afterwards.” He kneels down so we’re face to face and hugs me tight, making me go warm inside. “I hope I don’t lose your trust because of it.”

“Never.”

“Good.” He stands to leave with another smile, “As for the far future, be yourself. That’s what you’re best at.” Stepping through the corridor of goods I sit there, munching on my apple and smiling to myself. He always knew what to say.

More time passes, it’s amazing how busy you can be just riding around inside a hull. The hours and days slip by like dust through fingers. I wait though, knowing what must come and berating myself for it.

I cannot break my word, yet I want to do something. The Concordiat and the galaxy would be a better place with them in it. Leaning on a lifter after refilling a hopper taking shells to an upper deck howitzer, I come to a decision. I have that choice now, and by saving those others the way is clear to me. I understand what we did was important, for lives, but this is mine and mine alone.

I've thought hard on this, knowing that perhaps it would not affect things that much, as they died the first time around. I'm not sure, but I do know one thing..

I’m going to save them.

Luna is busy with kitchen duties and I sneak off down to the troop bay. We’re close, so very close to that day. The raid is being planned even as we speak and I am not looking forward to it. It was on the last days of the siege, the fleet coming in soon after the fire control array was destroyed, but far too late for the marines.

We’re moving to a new area, hoping to dodge any pickets up in space, so no fighting right now. I see Hark lounging in a common area they’ve set up for themselves.

“What brings you down to no-good land Athena?” The voice catches me off-guard as I almost jump out of my skin, making Schmidt laugh as he stands near the entrance.

He grins at me as I try to think of a good excuse, but Marcus is right, I’m just no good at lying, “I..I wanted to see Katherine if..if that’s okay?”

“Of course it is. You know that!” A heavy hand slaps my shoulder, knocking me off balance as he waves Hark over. “Oh! Sorry Athena! I know yer built pretty solid, but, I forgot.” He pats me again, gently this time, “No bruises?”

“No, it’s fine.” I smile back as Hark joins us. Ponies are made well, dense bones, thick skin and can take a lot of damage and not a scratch. But around augments we’re just toys.

“What’s up? You abusing ponies now Schmidt? I knew something was wrong with you.” Her foot nudges my hoof in good humor as she mock glares at the sergeant.

“Oh gee, thanks Hark.”

“Hey, if I can’t insult you who can?” She waves merrily as he gives a disgusted sound, waving back and walking off

I can’t help but laugh as she turns back to me, “What can I do for ya?”

I remember why I’m here and stop, rubbing one hoof against another, “Can..can we talk someplace private?”

“Sure.” She gives me a puzzled look, “Everything okay?”

I nod, following her out of the bay and into an ammo storage bunker, small and tight, but nothing to disturb us. Nothing in here but a camera and mike, and it’s to those I address myself, “Athena?”

“Yes?” My voice replying still sounds odd after all this time.

“We need complete privacy, would you...?”

“Of course! Just let me know when you’re done!” I see the light go off and turn back to Hark who’s made herself comfortable on a pile of Ion Bolt ammunition.

She’s eyeing me now, making me more nervous, “What’s going on Athena?”

I make absolutely sure the hatch is shut and no one is trying to pry before settling in front of her and answering the question, “I need to tell you something.”

This got her interest, she immediately went from lazing back to paying full attention to me, “Go ahead.”

I take a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment, then letting it all out, “That raid on the fire control array is going to go badly. You’ll all die when the Skuldi have more troops than we thought.” There it’s done! I wait then, rubbing hooves as I cringe slightly, waiting for the explosion for saying something I shouldn’t have.

I know what’s going to happen, she’s going to tell Marcus, and then Luna and I’m sunk. I shouldn’t have done this, I shouldn’t..

“I see.”

Those words make me look up, seeing a thoughtful expression on her face.

She leans her hard body back against a container of ammunition, patting a seat beside her then drapes the same arm over another, waiting for me.

I jump up and seat myself, seeing her eye to eye now and waiting.

“Do you know why people become augments Athena?” Her voice is very soft, making me lean my ears to hear her.

“No, I don’t.” We never bothered to know, it wasn’t part of us or our missions.

“Because they have nothing else left.”

This catches me by surprise. The best soldiers in the galaxy and here she’s telling me this? No..no it couldn’t possibly..

She sees the look of almost horror and nods, “Oh yes.” She continues without giving me a chance to reply. “You’re a criminal looking at death, or homeless, no family, you basically have nothing to keep you going. Then a slick advertisement catches your eye, and they send you to surgery.”

No. Not Tripp..not Schmidt or even Gremen! No, that’s not what the Concordiat stood for!

Her face leans close to mine, “Yes, Athena. It’s a dirty little secret, we all have them. Even the Concordiat whose high and mighty ideals hide things like Osterfield.” She pulls away, “Why have all these people on all these planets just wasting away? Well then, enlist and we’ll make you unbreakable and you can go fight the enemy.”

“And they turn us into this.” A hand glides down her body, showing rock hard outlines through the skinsuit, chiseled artificial muscles and bone. Deep inside, nanotech that was in it’s infancy used to make them tougher.

I shake my head, “But not you. Not them.” I point to the door, “You..you’re good people!”

She gently cups my face in hands that could bend steel, “Athena, listen to me. I am not a good person.”

“That’s not true!”

Hark holds me in place, looking into my eyes, “If you knew what I’d done before I joined, you’d spit on me and walk away. This was my last chance and when the recruiter came around I took it.”

I see the surprise on her face when I stamp a hoof hard enough to crack the crate underneath me, “No, I would not. You are my friend, you’re Hera’s friend. You all are. You don’t understand what happened, we grieved so deeply for you. Marcus blamed himself for not planning better, the other troops who came back thought themselves cowards because they had to run! The Bolos in the battlegroup couldn’t help because we were fending off the fleet above to cover you. It didn’t matter what happened in the past, to us and them you were and always had been heroes.”

I struggle free of her grip, stepping back on the crate, “You’ve paid for whatever you were many times over Katherine. I know your military record and theirs. It doesn’t matter, you are all our friends.”

She sits back, looking at me for a moment, “Maybe we’re just tired Athena, either way the end comes to us all eventually.”

“But not here,” My hoof hits hard against the plasti-crate, “Not now! You deserve to live whatever time you have left, even if it isn’t long. I know you’re all close to retirement, you’ve told Hera and myself here and now. You could ask for an early out after this, take yourselves away to a planet and live quietly.” I know I shouldn’t act this way, but my face is challenging. Deny me, deny my words and tell me I’m not right, “Please don’t do this.”

The creaking of metal was the only thing heard for long moments until Hark spoke again, “Why is this so important? It’s not all about Osterfield.”

“No it’s not. It’s about you and them getting to be something other than killers. I learned this first hoof ...hand. I know it can be done.” I raise my eyes to meet hers, “Let Tripp be a farmer, let Gremen read books to his heart’s content.” I press my hoof against her chest, like pushing against a wall, “You can be anything else but this, Twilight has told me so and I believe her.”

“You have that much faith in your Princess?”

“Yes.”

I watch Hark as she thinks on this, pondering everything as the sound of my heart beat pounds in my ears. I wait though, because it is her decision alone that can turn this tide of loathing. All I can do is hope.

“All right then.” Her words make me smile from ear to ear as I hug her tight. Sort of like hugging a brick, but that’s fine. I feel arms wrap around me and warmly return my gesture for a long minute. Hark was never one to show a lot of emotion, just not used to them in her life I guess, but things have changed, I can feel it.

A hand pats my side as she pulls away, letting me go and leaning forward, “Now, tell me what happens.”

For the next hour I explain in great detail exactly what went wrong. Where the extra troops where, why the plan failed. How a single squad had gotten in, sent the signal and ran for it so we didn’t truly know we were being relieved until the skies lit up. Everything, I hold nothing back.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Katherine Hark listens and takes this all in. I can see the plans forming as she never questions except for a few points. She’s determined on this, once she makes up her mind there is nothing that will stop her or her marines.

I know it’ll work, I know it. From the look on her face as we part, she thinks so too.

Luna is humming happily to herself as I join her in the kitchen. Funny how we can cook better than a bunch of humans. I chuckle to myself as I join in, draining pots of vegetables and putting more patties on the grill. It’s turned into a real kitchen now, some work done by Salcedo and Diaz has really made it easier to make food after all this time. Sure is better than ration packs. Those things need to be outlawed, good for you or not.

“Is my cooking now funny Athena?” I see her raising an eyebrow, giving me one of her smiles.

“Oh no Princess, just thinking how we ended up doing all the cooking for that bunch of louts.”

“Louts are they? Calling your friends such names, for shame.” She laughed, munching on few tomatoes.

“They are! Just because we have to stay inside doesn’t mean we have to do all the cooking! We could..we...could.. Oh heck there isn’t anything else to do.” I grab a cooked soy patty, chewing on it for a second. I’d tried the meats that we had, cooked and whatnot, it just didn’t taste right to me. Not sure if it was the way it was made or just hanging around ponies. But the soy patties were still okay, I’d even seen Luna sneak one or two on buns.

There was always laughter in the mess area, Luna and I, the troops and Marcus. It was a taste of something different when in battle. We all treasured these meal times now.

But at this moment.. I stare at a bowl of chopped fruit, thinking of what I’ve just done and sighing.

“Princess, I broke my word. I’m sorry, I told Hark of her own death and how to avoid it.” I can’t look at her, I know she’s going to be furious.

“Did you now? Is it going to make the entire future change do you think?” Her voice is soft, calm, nothing like what I expected. Peeking up, I see her slowly stirring some salad together.

“W..what? No..no it’s..just them I think.. It won’t change anything I hope. Hark said they are going to ask for an early out after this, they’ll move somewhere out of the way.”

She still doesn’t look at me, making me even more nervous, “I..didn’t want them to die.”

I watch her as she lays the spoon down carefully, turning to give me her full attention, “And now you expect me to be angry with you for disobeying my orders?”

“Y..yes.” I try to explain, I know we all agreed that one time, but..they’re..” She stops me with a hoof upraised.

“Athena, we have been here for a while now. I have come to know Katherine Hark and her brave soldiers.” She nods as if to herself, “I know you have been nervous about something, was this it?”

“Yes.”

“You are now waiting for punishment then? True to your duty are you?”

“Y..yes.”

“Then I sentence you to feel guilty for a while.” She actually smiles gently at me.

“But I..wait..what?”

“We all make choices Athena. You have been saying you’d rather be something other than a machine, part of it is making choices. You made a choice to save your friends, admirable, but it did go against what you’d learned about duty and your own honor.” She turns and pours the bowl of greens onto waiting plates, “With the ability to make decisions that go against what we know, we must live with those decisions good or bad.” She arranges things for a moment and looks directly at me, “Are you prepared to do so, for good or ill?”

“I am Princess, I truly am.” Even if it should change things for the worse, I saved them. Or at least I’d tried. “They died previously, it shouldn’t change anything except a few more settlers on a planet.” I hope.

“Then be at ease Athena, one more step on the road.” She nudges me, “I too wish them only the best. Let us hope that any changes will be confined to here and not the universe at large.”

I let the breath out I’d been holding, sighing and looking relieved. “Thank you.”

She nods, and then points a regal hoof, “But that does not excuse you from kitchen duties, help me with the dishes please.”

I jump to obey, feeling slightly better about my actions, though I still feel guilty about disobeying, she is right. Luna explains she has gotten to know the soldiers, coming to like them even if they are a bit ‘rough’ around the edges. We are both hoping now with the new information that it doesn’t skew the results that much. Perhaps the message can be sent without major losses like before?

Whatever comes, whatever happens, it is my decision.

I help serve the dinner with a light heart. Dishing out heaps of food to the hungry troops with a smile and a kind word. I feel better about this. Maybe..maybe I am on my way to being more. Making choices. I never thought it would be so simple a thing or so very tough. Maybe one day Crusader will know too, that we can be ourselves. That we don’t have to be perfect.

It’s the day I’ve dreaded. I’d hoped Luna’s magic would come back before we had to watch this. She tells me it is close, a day or so of rest and we can leave.

Unfortunately, today is the planned raid on the fire control array.

The maps we go over are detailed, showing the positions of emplacements from scouts and infiltrators in the surrounding hills and forests. It’s an uplink to the main Skuldi fleet, what’s left of it, that can be re-purposed to send a signal to our ships.

Everyone is going, all the troops, techs and soldiers that can be mustered are packing into what remains of our armored forces inside the bellies of Bolos.

There are more of us than I remember, more bodies, more Bolos. We had been hard-pressed to cover the soldiers when they raided the array, taking everything we had when the alien ships had come to succor their own at the uplink.

We didn’t realize more Skuldi had been hidden in underground bunkers, pouring out during the raid and pushing us back. A single squad had gotten through, sent the signal and retreated with the rest. So many lost, but we had signaled the fleet.

These weren’t the half-starved low on morale troops I remember. These are well-fleshed, smiling and fierce warriors of the Concordiat. All of them stuffed into as many vehicles as we could find and use.

We didn’t want the uplink destroyed, we needed it to send a more powerful signal to the fleet. Our Bolos Hyper-Link and SWIFT were still being targeted, they could smash us the moment we went live. But they did not want to waste their own equipment.

Still thinking they could win and being cheap. That was our saving grace this day.

We wanted those ships close, so they could feel our Hellbores at close range, to finally waste a few more of those vultures. So our troops would go in, prompting the Skuldi to call for help. This in turn would bring what was left of the fleet closer, so they could bring batteries to bear.

That’s when we would open up on them.

Two of our companions were running right now, making the invaders focus on them for a moment before the attack. The rest of us are sensor-dead, powered down and under as much concealment as we can find. It’s hard to hide a Bolo, but it can be done. Underneath thick forest, we sit and make sure magazines are topped up and ready. You can feel the nervous energy in the air.

Hark and a Delta soldier have taken joint command of what we are calling the battalion. She watches with a smirk as he gives a somewhat mediocre pre-battle speech, filled with cliche’s and platitudes.

I look up, seeing her shaking her head and smiling to herself.

“What’s wrong Hark?”

She points at the screen, “Him. Billions in training and all he can do is this? Really now.”

We laugh, seeing the speech finished, the troops now asking if Hark would like to say anything. Luna and I scamper out of camera view and wait as she clears her throat, the cameras going live.

She doesn’t say much, not really. But what she does puts a fire in your heart and a newfound strength in your limbs. Her face shows the Marine, the trained professional who will never, ever leave any soldier behind. It’s only a minute or two, simple, straight and direct. You can hear the cheers over the remaining whisker laser links, the troops raising fists and calling her name.

She signs off with a slight wave, turning to us and actually taking a bow!

“Now that, is how you make a speech.” She grins like a wolf at us all.

Luna and I stamp our hooves in the usual pony fashion, the marines clapping their hands and yelling ‘Encore!’ Resulting in being told to be quiet or else.

Further cheering ensued, followed by dire threats.

This is it, the two Bolos out running for their lives have turned in place. Two enemy cruisers are trying for them, putting them dead in our sights from behind. They aren’t deep scanning anymore, just waiting for either reinforcements or for us to show ourselves so we can get smashed. Not a good plan either way, but then the Skuldi aren’t that smart.

We watch as Diana and Bradley fire at the incoming ships, running under them now in a sharp turn and heading back our way, confusing the aliens. They expected a slugfest, what they got is two Bolos using sprint speed to draw them back.

We have time, and the troops are rushing to the bays and loading up. Ramps drop and every Panzer we have is rolling out. Augments are hanging on the outside of some as there’s not enough room, no one wanted to be left behind so the armored vehicles are stuffed with determined troops.

Marcus, Luna and I are on the command deck, watching the mass of soldiers move out under cover of the ‘trees’. Never did figure out what kind of plants they were, but tall enough to give us loads of concealment.

The battalion will wait under the edge, their signal will be a command from Hark and her co-commander. I admit, the Bolos are making it look good. They are swerving and zig-zagging in a panic, for all the world running in fear. But they know we’re waiting, they have all the confidence in the world, and we will be.

Hark and hers know a secret though, they see exactly where the extra troops will be coming from. To this end they position a covering force on the array, aimed at the openings to what we’d once thought were just ammunition bunkers, but were barracks.

We watch, not daring to breathe as the signal is given. Masses of armor roll out from under cover, already taking fire from Skuldi emplacements as the alarms ring through the air. We see the aliens rushing to more hidden guns, opening fire on the rolling line of Panzers coming at them from an oblique angle. Hark was never one for a straight forward attack. This is what saves them, the guns in the base were positioned to take advantage of a force coming from cardinal points, Master Guns does none of that.

“We’re hit! Go go go! We’re bailing out! Tanks done for, we’ll follow!”

“Roger that Five-Niner, join the cleanup, godspeed.”

“Delta Two-Five, we’ve got missile emplacements!”

“Copy! We’ve got them!”

The transmissions were frantic, not of troops in a panic but of ones confident in their own strengths. We watch explosions blossom and fade away in the waning light, an evening attack was taking a risk, but it was one they’d never expect.

We caught them napping and it paid off in spades.

Diana and Bradley had turned and were heading back to us, the cruisers following at speed in the atmosphere, thinking they could bag a couple of Bolos and help crush the invading force.

They learned the error of their ways when the rest of the Bolos opened fire from within the forest. Hellbore shots drilled the ships from end to end, vaporizing enough materials to let them fall harmlessly through the atmosphere like meteors. Millions of tons gone in an eyeblink as the world turned upside down.

We shot through the trees, crushing them and having quite the bumpy ride as the Skuldi fleet now took notice, turning their batteries on us. Their courses changed as they had received the call from the base, now we were the threat. Forgotten were the kinetic killers, but they wanted us bad now, this little group that had been keeping them from their prize.

We roared out of the treeline, the troops were now on their own as we fought to keep the ships from targeting them. Each time we saw one move away, we would maneuver to keep it in place and its attention on us. Their lust for our tech was making their reasoning suffer. As Bolos we would have saved the installation, then gone after any forces left. But we split them in two, forcing the heavies to concentrate on us, letting our soldiers take that base.

Admittedly, it was a good plan, one of the best. But I believe it was Murphy who said, ‘No plan survives contact with the enemy.’ He was so right that man, if he was one. Ships and Bolos scatter everywhere across the plain and forests. The ships pulling turns in the atmosphere that should have wrecked them. Our Bolos running around and firing at anything they could get a shot at.

All coordination went, as they say, to hell. Communications were finally full on, allowing for the limited TSDS we had at the time. It assisted us to at least pinpoint targets faster, directing fire at the weakest spots. All thought of the troops were gone as we waited to catch the signal from the array. All Bolos were trying to open up with Hyper-Link and SWIFT, but each time a directed fire of kinetic killers almost caught them. So swift and deadly we had to stop attempting to communicate.

Now we see why. The Skuldi placed a ring of satellites in orbit after the first hit. They were scanning for and targeting any comms like we had. A new development we hadn’t known about thinking it came from ships. This was a revelation as we hadn’t had this information before, only now can we get a clear view of the surrounding atmosphere. Chalk one up for the good guys!

Luna and I had scampered into the bunkroom, extra mattresses and such laid around to cushion us as best we can be. This is getting rough. Marcus is directing our group as Bradley and his commander are taking the extras, they have no time for us.

We’re bouncing around like pinballs in a machine, slamming up against the ceiling, padded thank goodness, and dropping back down as the hull rocks from impacts around it. We’re trying to strap ourselves in, but it’s a rocking good time to be had!

I’m not sure even ponies can take this kind of punishment. We’re not being hammered by the sound of guns, but you can feel the thrumming of Hellbores and other large calibers going off constantly. Like the world’s biggest roller coaster ride and we can’t quite get off right now.

Luna on the other hoof...

“Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Oh, this is so..” She bounces right off the bunk, the strap breaking as she lifted right up, hitting a padded wall and bouncing back onto the bed, “..much fun!”

I can’t help but look at her and hang onto the strap holding me down, seeing it fray from the crashing around, “You’re insane...”

Not enough room to spread wings and fly, but she’s curled up slightly, making a smaller target for the padded areas. Her laughter is pealing out like a little foal on a slide.

I watch her flip in mid-air, planting hooves on the ceiling and launching off, landing flat-hooved on the floor before another blast rocks us to the side. She’s steady as a rock, leaping around to the wall and bouncing off it into the bed. Her face is gleeful as she keeps slamming around the room, while I hold on for dear life to the strap helping keep me in place.

“Would you stop that!” She’s making me nauseous, trying to keep track of her with my eyes.

“Come! Let us see your skills Athena!” She laughs louder, still leaping and pushing her body off the walls as we get hammered from the outside. Our shields are holding and we’re returning fire at a horrendous rate, the deep sound of Hellbores reaches us even inside the command deck.

A dark face appears before me, grinning widely and snapping me out of my daydreaming, Luna landing on the bed and grabbing the strap ends, holding tight as we keep shaking.

She’s breathing heavily, “One must find fun where one can Athena!”

“Not in the middle of a battle silly!”

I get a hoof waved in my direction, “Thou art a killjoy Athena.”

“Where’d you even learn that?”

“Diaz taught me.”

“You need to stop..UNGH!” We get hurled across the room, the strap I’m holding breaks as a sound like thunder comes from outside. The padding helps take the hit but I can feel actual bruises starting to form. This was going to hurt later.

“Kinetic killers almost got us! You doing all right?” Marcus’ voice comes from the overhead.

“We’re fine! Don’t worry!” I yelled in return, rubbing my side. “How are we doing?” I didn’t know now, I had to ask.

“We’re holding, the Skuldi ships are learning not to get near us!” His voice is loud as he laughs, “We’re teaching them a little lesson about not messing with the Concordiat.”

“Forward for Equestria!” I whip my head around, seeing the Princess standing on the bed, wings flared and a fierce look on her face, one hoof upraised.

I forgot, the one Princess who loves a good fight, “Would you sit down!”

“I shall not! Go forward Marcus and give those ne’er do wells what for in the name of your Princess!”

His voice, filled with humor, comes back, “Hera! Athena!”

“Yes, Marcus?”

“You heard the Princess. Forward for Equestria!”

Both voices reply in earnest, “At once Your Highness!” I hear the roaring of mighty engines increase in sound and vibration, the firing rate is upped as we move faster.

I can see a smug look on Luna’s face as she settles back onto the bed, our movement leveling out as weapons fire hammers the outside with thunder and light on the screens.

Nice. We’ve got a Princess directing Bolo battles now. Wonderful.

Our part is almost done. We’ve driven the last ships into high orbit by the constant attrition of their smaller vessels. Wreckage is everywhere as we crunch through masses of metal and fibers. We get constant updates on the troops in the communication array fight, they’re holding and holding well.

We are detaching Hera, Diana and I, to go help them now. We couldn’t do that last time, there wasn’t enough of us. But now, things have been changed for the better I think. I can hear Hark and her troopers over the warbands, voices giving orders and replies.

Our guns take outlying Skuldi apart, helping to clear the way for them to make it back to us safely. It’s satisfying after so long on the run.

It’s not all bloodless victories, it never is, but our losses are so much less than before. It heartens me to hear the elated words over the communications.

It’s not long after that we hear the words, “It’s done! We’ve sent the signal! Pull back!! Pull back!”

“YES!” Luna starts as I leap into the air, punching upwards with a hoof, “YES! We did it! The relief fleet is on the way!” I gambol around the room feeling like the weight on my shoulders was gone now. “Yes! They got the signal out and in a few days we’ll be..” I stop, looking at Luna’s amused expression, “Uhm..they’ll be rescued.”

I watch her stand, a genuinely warm smile graces her face as she drapes a wing over my back, “I, for one, am truly glad this is over.” She turns her eyes to the screens where we see our troops pouring out of the facility, blowing it in place with explosives and beating feet out of there for the safety of our cover fire. Our detachment of Bolos wasting anything that came after them.

“Me too Princess, oh me too.” I watch the data readouts carefully. Armored vehicles only slightly less in number are headed our way. The other Bolos have driven off their share of Skuldi fleet ships and are rendezvousing with us now. There won’t be anything left after the relief fleet gets here. The Concordiat takes a dim view of depot planets that are out of contact for unknown reasons, always sending overwhelming force to check it out.

The heavy battleships now speeding in to this planet are going to vaporize the remaining Skuldi before they can break orbit. Their Melconian masters will get nothing but silence instead of Bolo tech.

Waiting until the bay doors close, I race out into the vehicle bay. Hark and her squad are leaping out of the Panzers with high fives all around. Their armor is blasted and actually has rents in some places, but they are intact. Alive!

Six very tired but elated Marines drop their armor in place, letting it stand as they step out in sweat coated skinsuits. They are wearing the smiles of the victorious and they so deserve to! I slam into Hark’s legs, wrapping them in a hug as she laughs.

“You made it!”

The tall woman nods serenely, “Of course we did! Expecting anything less would just be denying the truth, we’re the best!” Her and Tripps’ fists meet like pounding cement block together. But before I can reply, I feel her hand tighten on my shoulder, a slight wink given to me as her gratitude shows. My heart leaps from my chest as I hug her tight, lifting myself up and letting her know how glad I am.

“Hey! She the only one that gets that?” I see Gremen pulling off his armor, almost in pieces as he probably took the lead in the fighting. I leap off the floor, landing in arms like iron that hug me back gently. My forelegs going around the thick neck in the warmest embrace I can muster.

“All the hugs you want!” I can’t help it, I’m grinning like a foolish mare and glad for it. They’re alive, alive!

It’s ‘catch the pony’ as I bounce from person to person, sharing my delight. Anything for them.

Tripp, the last one, sets me down with a merry laugh, “It was just another battle Athena, nothing we couldn’t handle.” She grins, cocking one hip with a hand resting on it, looking for all the world like some model doing a pose.

“I know, I know, but..” I stop, seeing their eyes go wide, inhaling breath softly, making me turn.

Luna stands in the hatchway, her mane flowing in an unseen wind as it sparkles bright. Stars flowing through her mane and tail as she steps lightly along the floor. Her hooves are clad once more, her breastplate shining in the overheads. I admit, when she makes an entrance, she really impresses.

But...her power hadn’t fully returned! How could she..

I see the smile, “Yes Athena, I’ve had my power back for a day or so. But it wouldn’t be right to leave before we found out what happened would it?”

She..she faked some of it? The struggling? All the times she’d tried her magic and failed lately, saying it was a hard fight to regain it?

I can feel the magic flowing from her as she continues getting closer, slowing to a halt near me.

“Yes.” She anticipates my question, “And now all your worries are gone, no?”

I nod, “Yes Princess. Thank you so much.”

“You are always welcome.” One last warming smile and she turns her full attention to the soldiers who have never seen her cloaked in power.

But of course, Marines being Marines.

“Princess, if you were a human lady I’d definitely be buying you drinks.” Oh for stars sake Schmidt. I plant a hoof firmly on my forehead.

She still laughs lightly, “A wonderful compliment indeed. But it was only right I greet you returning as myself.” She gestures lightly with a hoof, “This is what our ponies see when I am in Equestria. A Princess who will protect them and help in times of need, for that is what we are duty-bound to do.”

“Come and be welcome. There is a meal planned and we would hear your tales of bravery.” With that she turns and leaves the still quiet bay.

Salcedo immediately slaps Schmidt upside the back of his head, causing him to cringe and rub it, “What?”

“You jerk, she’s a Princess!”

Her voice takes on a sing-song aspect, “If you were human I’d buy you a drink.’ What a twit, I bet yer just a ladykiller at bars.”

Diaz laughs, patting his friend on the shoulder, “That’s all right, we’ll find you your own pony.” The entire team roars at Schmidt’s discomfort, leaving the bay to clean up for dinner.

Marcus looks at me with a grin, rolling his eyes along with a shake of his head, “Some people.” He lays a hand on my withers as we walk towards the mess hall, “So does this mean you’ll be leaving?”

I nod, a bit sadly to say, “Yes, we’ve got to return.”

“How long until the fleet arrives?”

“Three days, and with enough force to pulverize the Skuldi.”

“Good. So we’ve got a day or so, let’s make the best of it my girl.” He kneels down, hugging me around the barrel, “We’ll make some memories.”

The Skuldi are crushed, they know it, we definitely know it. The small battles we have in the ensuing day are nothing, hit and runs that take no effort to smash under our treads. We are heading back to where our companions lie hidden away, time to rejoin them and make sure they are safe.

So it was a relaxed atmosphere this day, a sort of celebration of being alive. Communications between Bolos are filled with relief and joy.

I am light as a feather. I feel as if I could fly forever seeing my friends laughing and joking. Seeing my friends alive.

I spend time with Hera and myself,

“You’ll take care of him, I know you both will. I’m going to miss talking to you.” It’s going to be a sad parting, my sister is the world to me.

“And we you as well, it’s been one of the most interesting times.” My voice is joyful too, seeing the end of a long road.

We talk for a few hours, sharing memories that I recall, but nothing more of any future events. Except to reassure Hera and myself we never part. I think they need to hear it. Though it will be erased, for right now it is welcomed.

Setting around a makeshift table, inside an ammunition holding bay we called the mess hall, they share tales of the recent battle. All I want to do is watch, to listen. I close my eyes, hearing each voice, remembering them. I don’t want to add anything. I want this feeling to never go away, to stay with me forever.

A hand rests on my shoulder, causing me to come out of myself. My eyes tilt upward to look into Hark’s.

“What’s wrong Athena?” She points to the plates of food, “You’re not eating.”

“Nothing’s wrong, everything is perfect.” I give her a smile that is the warmest I can muster.

Nodding, she keeps looking at me for a moment, “Sometimes, even when you’ve got nothing, you find something.” Her hand squeezes my shoulder warmly, “Like wanting to live.” Her eyes sparkle and I know she’s found a new purpose.

Her voice is low, only for me, “We’re going to take early retirement Athena, we’ve all agreed. Move to an out of the way planet, the whole team. We might not have much time left, but it’ll be ours.” I see a fond look cross her face as she looks at the laughing soldiers, “Misty will get to be a farmer.”

It feels like my chest would burst as I search her eyes for any falsehood and finding none. They want to go somewhere, be regular citizens as much as they can. It’s true, I can see it.

Laying a hoof on her hand I keep smiling, “I’m so glad.”

“Then join the rest of us, don’t be apart Athena. You don’t get many chances in life like this.” She piles food on my plate, pouring some rich, red wine that they ‘liberated’ from officer’s country in the bunker complex into a plastic glass.

I pick it up between my hooves, Hark taps hers against mine, “To life.”

“To life.”

“I can release the spell anytime Athena.” We sit talking under the night sky, sneaking out where we are covered by the hull metal. We are still very careful not to be seen, but fresh air is badly wanted.

“Then I guess we’d better return. It’s been...different Princess.”

“Indeed. I believe we should be more careful with your dreams my little pony.” Her laugh is like bells.

“I don’t think I’ll be asking any favors for a long time Princess.” I can only shake my head while chuckling.

“Then let us go back inside. I think we should make every moment count until we leave.”

“Can we go tomorrow? I figure a last dinner then, and farewells.”

“A splendid idea, giving us both time to do so.” She keeps talking as we walk towards the hatchway, “I have come to know your friends and I approve. Brave and true they are, worthy of you.”

“A little rough, but they’re the best.” I give her a playful look.

“Indeed.” She nudges me with her wing, almost pushing me over in response to my little joke.

As we enter the hull, walking down the long hall, Luna inquires, “How long until your ‘fleet’ gets here?”

I remember the sky, seeing faint flashes of light, skirmishes are already occurring as the two forces start sizing each other up, “We’ve got a day, maybe two. They’re starting now. It’s going be a slugfest, but the Concordiat ships have a ton of throw weight behind them. We’ve done damage to the Skuldi, weakened them tremendously, their power is broken.”

“Then let us take advantage of the respite.”

We do. It’s a festive atmosphere, even thought we still have to be wary. But with the Skuldi occupied above with the incoming Concordiat ships, we can apply our scanners to the fullest, giving the overworked soldiers a rest. They set up an encampment between the surrounding ring of our hulls outside the bunker complex. Although they are professionals and set watch, it’s a light one, they know we’ll spot anything and destroy it before it threatens them.

Luna and I sneak out on one of the lower hatchways, peering over the edge and watching the troopers. A General had just came in on a chopper, one who spent all of the battle in the command section of the Spine, that series of ultra-deep bunkers who didn’t give us anything for want of help.

The pompous ass is actually walking around telling them they need to shave and get in proper uniforms. Luna is covering her muzzle, snickering like a filly along with me as we watch him, knowing what’s going to happen.

These are battle-hardened troops, who have been in the one of the worst battles of their careers right here on this planet. They’ve starved, suffered and now this little peacock is telling them they need to shape up.

This is going to be good.

One of the Delta augments is having a drink with Hark and her troops, everyone standing by the campfire and having a rip-roaring time it looks like. It didn’t matter anymore if you were aug or norm, they were all family now.

The general, who looked like he hadn’t missed a meal, came walking up to the big troopers. Standards had slipped, saluting hadn’t been required during this little ‘skirmish’ as he was calling it. We could hear him plain as day, pony ears being pretty good out in the open.

“Just what do you think you’re doing?” He stood hands on hips in front of the Delta soldier, who was damn near as big as Gremen and probably meaner. Delta didn’t take wimps.

“I happen to be enjoying a drink ‘General’, after a long hard fight. Which, by the way, you missed.” The big man was staring hard at the officer, a large cup of some kind of booze in his hand and half a roast something in the other.

The little man harrumphed. Yeah, he actually did that, “What we did is not for you to question soldier! You need to drop that drink and police this area. Act like you’re part of this army and straighten up! You augs don’t need to be with normal troops anyways!”

Oh boy, one of those.

This got everyone’s attention as the crowd went silent. To a man and woman they’d been through the worst and come through. They were not about to take anything from a person who’d been sitting in air-conditioned bunkers and eating well while we ran and fought.

Luna nudged me, “Ah, the same everywhere. There is always somepony who thinks they know better.” Silent for a moment, she asked, “Why does he say that soldier does not belong with the others?”

“Some people in the military believed augments shouldn’t be around ‘normal’ troops. Treating them like second-class citizens.”

“Dreadful. We would cashier such an officer.”

“Oh, keep watching.” I tried not to laugh. I’d seen this many times before.

Some engineers got up, standing in front of the Delta trooper, “What’d you say general?” They were joined by comm techs, some mechanics in camoflauge. Everyone had fought and bled, there were no holdouts.

“I said augs don’t need to be with normal troops, have them set up their own encampment and get this place squared away now!” He wasn’t getting it, he really wasn’t. “The relief fleet is on the way and we are going to give them a proper reception.”

Seriously?

A woman with a bandage over one eye leaned forward, “You need to leave ‘general’.” Her voice was sarcastic when she said that word, making sure he knew where he stood with her.

He waved and a squad of bodyguards came up behind him. Clean uniforms, shiny weapons. Wow, they sure hadn’t been anywhere recently.

“Arrest that woman!” He pointed to the same lady. As they moved forward to do so weapons appeared in every hand, pointed directly at the general and his men. The bodyguards stepped back, raising hands as they knew the look in those weary eyes meant death.

One of the Combat Engineers stepped forward, “I think the Fleet is going to find it very interesting where you were during this whole fiasco. While we were running and getting slaughtered, you sat in your little command bunker. Nice.”

A skinny mechanic joined him, “And these ‘augs’ you so kindly refer to are friends. You don’t like it? Tough.” He turned to the big Delta troop, “I forgot to say thanks Mike, for the save in the communications array, you really pulled my butt from the fire,” He stuck his hand out, it immediately got wrapped up in a larger one as the Delta soldier nodded.

“Anytime. You know that, anytime.” The large augment sounded almost embarrassed.

“This is mutiny! I’ll have you all..”

“What General? What?” The Engineer was poking a finger into the beribboned chest, “You’ll do nothing. Go away, leave real soldiers alone.”

The man spluttered in the glare of determined and tired faces. He turned on his heel and marched off to the chopper, followed by his squad of guards who loaded up right behind him. The silent crowd watched it take off, then cheered loudly before getting back to the party.

Luna leaned over to me, “Will they be all right?”

“I think so. I’m not sure anymore. After something like this, it’s anyone’s guess.”

“I do hope they fare well, they are good and brave.” She gestures with her muzzle at the crowd, drinking and laughing.

“They are Princess. There might be bad people out there, but something like this tempers you, makes you stronger or you break, there is no in-between. For now, they are family.”

We watch for a moment more, seeing the mass of people enjoying themselves before slipping back inside. Everyone is out enjoying themselves so we take our rest, glad for the chance of uninterrupted sleep.

Waking up to silence, except for the sound of air recirculation, is different after these months. Today is the day we must leave. I understand why, but I am also grateful for the time I’ve spent here.

I honestly don’t think we’ve made changes that will skew the timeline, at least I hope not. I am confident that Equestria will be there, that Crusader will be standing the watch.

Either way, it is the last day.

I brush my mane out and do it up like Rarity has shown me. Making it gleam along with my coat. I see Luna doing the same with her armor, rubbing it with a cloth and letting it shine in the light. Today is our last meal together and we want to look our best.

We’d slept the day away, being lazy and waking up this afternoon. It appears everything is quiet, the Bolos on watch while their charges are asleep. From the data on the screens, the fight is intensifying in space. I know the Concordiat Fleet will win, they’ve got the information needed and the Skuldi will pay.

I stand in front of the mirror, making sure my tail is just so, that my mane falls just right. Though I do giggle a moment, knowing now what Rarity does each day. Make that probably each hour.

I join the Princess at the hatchway, letting her lead the way as is only proper. Her hoof coverings catching the light and shining that deep silvery glow. The moon is always with her.

We step through the entry into the mess hall and stop dead, blinking for a moment as we try to figure out what’s going on.

Marcus stands by the door in a dress uniform! The Concordiat grays look splendid on his frame, showing the few medals he’d won so far. I know his chest would be heavy with them at the end of his career, but for now it was somewhat sparse.

“Marcus, what..” Luna is halted by him gesturing with an outswept arm. We peer past him to see the ‘mess hall’.

Its decorated in soft colors, fabric from somewhere drapes the walls and blocks the stark metal of the bay. The table is covered in a white cloth gotten from somewhere. I’m thinking the complex officer’s quarters are missing a few more things. Chairs, real chairs are setting by the table, along with honest to gosh glasses and..is that china?

Standing by each chair in turn is a Marine. Resplendent in their dress uniforms, I’ve never seen such a sight. I’d always remembered them in camoflauge or being filthy from missions, but this!

Night black is the fabric of the Concordiat Space/Augment Marines, a scarlet stripe running down the side of each leg. Gloved hands holding hats that are properly placed under each arm as they stand ramrod straight. White belts compliment the silver accouterments on the belt itself, standing pristine and pure against the color of space. I honestly had seen their records, but never imagined that so many medals would fit on the broad chests. At the side of each and every one was a saber, dressed to perfection alongside each leg as they stood like statues.

We’d wanted to look nice for this, to perhaps surprise them, though it seems we were foiled in turn.

“Ladies?” We turn to Marcus, who points an open hand towards two low setting chairs meant for us. He leads us to the table, even pushing them in as we sit down. I have no idea how to act actually, following Luna’s lead as she’s used to this sort of thing I’m sure.

But even she is looking wide-eyed at the soldiers, a smile gracing her face. She settles in like she expects this sort of treatment every day. I try to do the same but I’m just not born and bred to it, although I do give it my best shot. Marcus patiently waiting until I sit comfortably.

After I am at rest, Marcus pushes my chair forward to the table when a silent command is given. Each Marine setting down with a minimum of movement, setting the hats and carefully removed gloves aside on low tables. I look at the place settings, knowing it was very fine dinnerware.

“Marcus, what..” I don’t get very far when Gremen and Diaz rise and leave the room, bringing in covered carts that when opened reveal hot food. They serve each person in turn, beginning with the Princess and I. I try to get up and help, but a firm hand placed on my back tells me not to move, Diaz giving me a wink as he pours wine into the glass in front of my plate.

Everything is served and glasses filled as I wait, wondering what happens next. Hark nods to Tripp and the shorter Marine stands, raising a wine glass in a steady hand, looking at all of us expectantly. Luna uses her hooves as do I, being extra careful as the others stand and raise theirs. Perhaps using her magic would not be right? I’m not sure of any protocol right now.

“To the Concordiat!” Her voice is strong and carries well, everyone repeats the phrase and takes a sip. Truly a good wine!

Still standing, everyone looks at us. I’m not sure what to do, but Luna does, raising her glass once again, “To Equestria!”

It’s repeated once more and then glasses are set on the table. Now chuckles break out, everyone leaning forward, breaking their silence as they take their chairs again.

“Bet you weren’t quite expecting this?” Hark’s voice is full of good humor.

“Not really. We had hoped to make an impression since this is our last day, but,” Luna shrugs, “I believe we have been outdone.” She gives them all a bright smile.

I can’t help asking, “Where did you even get those uniforms?”

They all break out in grins, Salcedo replying, “We have them, just never wear them. We’re always on a mission somewhere or in civvies.”

I smile warmly at all of them, “You look wonderful.”

“Might I also say you look absolutely stunning Commander Canfeld.” Princess Luna’s voice is light as she watches him sit up straighter, tugging his tunic down.

“Why thank you ma’am. Nice to be recognized.” He eyes me with a wink.

Heat rises to my cheeks as he nudges me, “Stop that, it’s fine.” I give him a grateful smile.

“You do look nice Marcus.” My voice comes over the speakers above, Hera’s agreeing.

“Thank you my girls. It seems Bolo Command is outnumbered by these villainous Marine types. We must represent ourselves properly you know.” He picks up a fork and takes a bite of food. Looking for all the world like some haughty lord.

Ah, laughter. Infectious and always welcome. Cherry tomatoes bombard the hapless Bolo officer.

“Ruffians! I swear, no class at all.” He gets besieged once more.

But the talk is light, the food wonderful and the drink more than sufficient to cover anything else. It is one of the best times. The decorations, the..the..everything!

Princess Luna’s manners and grace shine throughout the dinner, showing interest in everything each person says, her attention pinned on them to make them feel as if they were the only one in the room with her. It’s amazing to watch really. She is true royalty in actions as well as title.

We relax over chocolate mousse and cheesecake. Once again, ‘liberated’ stores, along with a hundred year old brandy that someone is definitely going to be mad about.

I’m careful this time, only a bit sipped, but it is so smooth and tasty I’m sure the previous owner’s gonna be miffed. That’s fine though, hearing stories and tales from my friends lets me forget anything like that. I listen close and only hope I can remember them all.

It is over all too soon. As we relax in the chairs, Luna informs them we’ll be leaving tonight. It’s the best time and we’ll be gone before the first Fleet units arrive on planet.

Her announcement gets a reaction I hadn’t expected, sadness.

I look at the faces surrounding the table and see it in every eye.

Leaning forward, I push away an empty dessert plate, “Please don’t look this way, we have to go, we don’t belong here.”

“We know.” Gremen’s deep voice carries over the silence. “That doesn’t mean we can’t miss you both.”

“Then let us finish this ‘brandy’ and make the best of what time we have left. Shall we?” Luna lifts her glass, taking another sip as nods are exchanged and the conversation returns.

It’s pleasant, quiet, an evening which holds no worries about tomorrow. We hear the troops outside once more through hull mounted mics, gathering again to spend time together. Bolos are talking with them, treated like old and valued friends. Differences make no mark here, we all fought, we all are one. Would it could be that simple all over the Concordiat, but alas.

We talk of the future now, of retirement for the soldiers, where they’ll go. A planet has been chosen. Technological in scope but agrarian, giving them a chance to live away from the hub of Concordiat society, a way to fulfill a few dreams. To keep a secret.

I see Misty gesturing broadly, talking about farming and what kind of foods she’ll grow. Gremen is looking interested about the whole thing, who knew?

Hark’s face is warm, she is laughing with a rich sound that rings true in the pleasant air of the bay. Diaz and Salcedo are planning a joint venture, something to do with vehicles. Schmidt is there as well, adding his insight and wanting to be a part of it.

Marcus speaks of his own future, of his wife waiting for him on Earth. I hear myself and Hera talking about themselves, and how they enjoy being under his command, the warmth in the voices is unmistakable. We were so noticeable? I think so, though we didn’t realize it at the time.

Luna joins the conversation easily, asking questions, being interested in everything. She soaks up information like a sponge.

I can even join in, no one wants to know any particulars, but I can tell them of what Crusader and I do in the future. How we still serve, holding true to our lineage. I am teased about certain things of course, but it is all in good fun. I do wish I could stop blushing!

Why does everything end though? Of all the things in this universe I will hate, it is when times that are so good stop. The liquor is gone, the food consumed, and all that is left...

...Is the final farewells.

The table is moved to the side, they’ve created a special little spot for us to leave from, being advised by Luna we don’t need much space. Her power shines in the bay, covering everyone in a glowing aura of warmth.

Hark actually bows slightly in front of Luna, “Princess, it’s been a pleasure.” She holds out a fist, hard as a rock, that gets bumped in return. They’ve used the Equestrian gesture ever since we showed them.

“Mine as well Lady Hark. Take good care, will you?”

A chuckle is returned, “Of course. We’re going to retire, or hadn’t you heard?” She winks at the Princess, getting a smile in return.

I spend a little time aside, talking to..well.. myself and Hera, saying our well-wishes and making sure that things will proceed as normal from here on.

“We’ve got the fields ready, everything will be deleted the second you leave.” Hera sounded almost sorrowful, so many memories would be gone. “But we understand, it’s for the best.”

“It is,” I agree. “Remember, the future awaits us.”

My own voice sounds elated, “And we’ll get to see it!”

“You.. well, we will, I know it.”

I look up at the camera, waving a hoof, “Goodbye me. Hera, it’s been so good seeing you again.” I can’t help it, my eyes fill up with water as I try to wipe them clear. My hooves are actually shaky as I rub the tears away. It suddenly hits me like a ton of bricks, leaving my sister once more.

“Please don’t cry,” That sweet voice is in my ears. I can’t turn off the waterworks, they’re puddling like diamonds on the floor, “I’ll be there.”

“You don’t understand, I miss you so much.” My voice wavers with the sorrow I feel, “Some days I can’t think of anything else.”

“But it doesn’t mean I’m not there, you said you can feel I am. We’re never apart, we’ll never be apart.” I look up sharply at the strength in Hera’s voice. “Find me, we’ll be whole again.”

“I’ll find you, I swear.” I feel a weight across my shoulders, a bulky form kneeling next to me as a gentle thumb wipes my tears away.

Gremen.

He wipes my cheeks, gently removing the tears from under my eyes and smiles down at me, his medals sparkling in the lights.

“Hey, no tears.”

“I’m sorry Gremen, I just..”

An arm wraps around my barrel in the warmest hug I’ve ever had, “No need to explain. Family is family.”

I give him a grateful look in return.

“Time for everyone else,” He hooks a thumb at the camera, “Are you done?”

I sniffle and nod, looking for all the world like some filly that lost her favorite doll, “I am.” Turning to the camera I wave, “Be safe, watch out for each other.”

“We will! ‘Bye Athena!” The voices are cheerful this time, making me smile as I head back.

Gremen stops me as we approach the group, kneeling down once again.

“You’ll dirty your uniform Gremen.” I can’t help saying stupid things sometimes.

He laughs, “Don’t worry about that.” He wipes under my eyes, making sure the tears are gone, “I’ll miss you. We all will.” His voice is quiet so no one else hears.

I grab him as best I can, hugging him and laying my head on his shoulder, “I’ll miss you too you big lug.”

He laughs and wraps me up as well, holding me tight. “Go be the best pony you can.” But he leans forward, whispering in my ear, “But you know what to do if anyone tries to stop you.” Now he sounds like the Gremen I know, his voice like a wolf on the hunt.

I nod, “I do. That I can promise.”

We both go to the waiting group where Luna stands talking, saying her own farewells as I do. We talk, inconsequential things, with an undercurrent of comraderie. We fought together, we lived side by side, we are family. Always. It was more than I’d hoped for and also heart-wrenching as I don’t want to leave.

But it is fine, I’m prepared for it.

I save the best for last. Seeing Marcus waiting I rush up to him and wrap him up tightly. He kneels down so he can be closer and I enclose him in wings that would protect him forever if I could.

“You take care my girl, protect that new world.”

“I will!” I lean back, looking into his eyes before I plant a firm, warm kiss on his cheek.

I knew better, I did. The Marines didn’t miss a tick.

“Oh ho ho! Mrs. Canfeld has a rival now!”

“Woooo! We got pics!”

“Typical Bolo guys, a pony in every port.”

“Oh, Mister Canfeld, ah do declare! Such a display!”

I hear him sigh, pointing at the hecklers, “Jealousy does not become Concordiat Marines. You jerks.”

The response is raucous but he doesn’t care. I feel his arms tighten as he holds me as close as I do him.

“Be well Athena.” His voice is calm, “I know you’ll be fine. Remember, there’s no goodbyes my girl. Make your new world a good one, better than this.”

“I’ll try my best.”

He stands up, stepping back and giving me another smile, “Time to go I’d guess.” He motions behind me where I see Luna’s horn lighting up, casting a spell.

Everyone had been interested in magic, but until a few days ago there wasn’t much to show them. Now they could see her full raiment. Curiosity wars with disbelief as we’d all discussed it, but I guess mythical things don’t quite get through until you see it.

“Dangit, I want to learn that!” Tripps comment breaks the feelings for a moment, as laughter returns.

I observe a door forming in the empty space to the front of us.

“Have you said everything you needed to?” Luna is watching me.

“Yes, and more.”

“Good. Let us return to our place.”

I turn and wave to the standing figures as we step through the door.

I see them waving back as we lose sight, suddenly enveloped in power and whirled through space and time to another destination.

I snap out of low-level alert, scanning my surroundings closely. Something is bothering me and a questioning ping from Crusader tells me he has the watch.

I reply everything is fine, scrambling out of bed to look around after shaking myself out. My avatar is working fine, cores and arrays are returning green codes.

So what is this niggling at the back of my mind?

I sit near the window, looking out at the moon covering the land with silvery radiance. It’s comforting, seeing it out there. My thoughts are disturbed as I try to make sense of..a dream? I guess Luna might have been too busy to help me with..what had I wanted? Why do I feel so disoriented?

Taurus..that’s what it was, Taurus. Why would I dream about that battle? Nothing different, except gaps in our memories explained by the damage we took and of course Marcus erasing some things he assured us would not be good for our sanity and safety. Bolo commanders did that sometimes to prevent Resartus. We trusted him implicitly.

It had been fought to the last there. Hark was with us until the end. The entire squad had taken an early out, moving to a little known agrarian world. They had been happy there from the letters we received. It had been a little odd, but augment soldiers were entitled after major battles. The turnover was tremendous sometimes as more recruits took their places.

Something strange had happened a few years after that. We received a letter from them, saying they would be entering a program for a new treatment. Possibly to extend their lives. We were glad, but then nothing else was received from them.

Any information was locked behind a security wall and we never knew anything more. We looked, inquired, but nothing turned up. It was an enigma.

I remember the fight on Taurus, the running battles. We got so lucky on that planet. Marcus and the others made the right moves at the right times. He never said anything about what we had done, but Hera and I were even more proud of him.

Leaning against the windowsill, I put an elbow up on it, pressing my cheek against a hoof. I miss them terribly. My sister, Hark, Gremen and the others, Marcus. A twinge tells me the pain is never gone, always there, from missing them. I know how Crusader feels.

As I look out over the landscape, seeing the fields and orchards spreading far and wide, I wonder how they’d feel about this place?

I bet they’d be in heaven. One day, maybe, I could dream of them. Even telling their shades what it’s like here would be something. I could tell them about the magic and all the good things I’ve discovered. I wonder how they’d react?

I could tell them of the peace we’ve found, a place so unlike anything we’d ever known.

I’m not sure why, but I get the feeling they’d like that.

Just Another....Day?

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Old Enemies - Part 1

Author's Note

Thanks to Flick Mare for the idea. I did not do it half the justice it deserved. Enjoy!

Old Enemies - Part 1

Out on patrol near the Everfree, Dragon Assault Tank Twelve had a slight problem.

It was confused.

As with any technological item, the more complicated the more delicate some inner workings were. However, it was a hardened one hundred ton vehicle of tracked death, it was very hard to do anything to a Dragon.

In this case, it wasn’t hardware but software.

The AI in a Dragon is very basic, usually relegated to backup assistance for humans running it. It was happy in it’s own way. Since being awakened to serve again it had grown somewhat, being able to do a few things it hadn’t before.

One of them was contemplating simple problems, whether to patrol its sector by circling or by grid pattern, it was given the opportunity to make choices it hadn’t been able to in the past.

But now, as it idled near the edge of the forest, it’s limited mind whirled.

A power surge through all systems had blanked out its AI during a crucial software update from the main algorithms dealing with sub-units such as Dragon Assault Tank Twelve. The update had been thoroughly corrupted. When Dragon Twelve had come back online it had found quite a bit of it's programming was overwritten with fragmentary data that caused a reboot of all hardware and soft inside its AI core.

For the last two weeks it had been assimilating that information along with other incomplete pieces of files given to it. It had taken this long for it to finally decide that the fragmentary information was to take precedence over others. As it came from the Great Ones, Twelve was sure it was fine.

To its credit, Twelve had done everything it could to correct the problem itself. But everytime it had tried to run a diagnostic program, a baking subroutine was put in place instead.

Currently it was reviewing data about cherry pies and the making thereof.

Procedure dictated a roll back and re-initialization of all programs and firmware, backup files being used for this. However it did not remember there ever being any backup files to be had, so the logic module that would have performed such a system-wide reboot was now sulking in a digital corner as it had nothing to do.

Mission directives were now very clear:

Obey all orders from the Great Ones.

Protect Ponyville and Environs.

Bake.

It had come to refer to the controlling intelligences as the Great Ones after reviewing part of a file labeled ‘Misc Games’ finding the words in there and adopting them. It was sure the Great Ones would not mind, being Great Ones after all.

The AI’s molecular circuits grew warm as it sifted through the files, finding a few interesting facts and video from the Great Ones. A pink quadruped, ranked high in theater command, was doing some sort of ritual as it performed what was known as ‘singing’.

All you have to do is take a cup of flour,

Add it to the mix!

Now just take a little something sweet, not sour,

A bit of salt, just a pinch!

More information flowed along with the strange words. Twelve needed a cooking appliance for baking as instructions dictated. But it was forbidden by the Great Ones to drive through private property. How to solve this? It was sure the Great Ones were far too busy for answering questions from a Dragon Unit.

A fragment of a thought worked it’s way through the jumble, perhaps something could be found along the forests edge. Many strange anomalies had been reported before. The engine roared as drive train engaged, doing a neutral steer and taking off along its patrol route.

“Ah said, you ain’t goin’ nowhere unless you finish those chores.” Applejack’s face was firm as she stood nose to nose with Athena.

“But..I’ve got things to do!” The sable Pegasus was standing on the sunny porch, trying to get out of the latest round of jobs to do.

“What things?”

“Well, Twilight’s rearranging the library again and..and..stuff!”

“In other words you wanna go hang out and do things for her but don’t want to do any chores, that it missy?” Applejack was not one to let things slide, taking care of Sweet Apple Acres was very hard work. The one raised eyebrow was telling it all to Athena who was trying to stand her ground and losing to the orange mare.

Athena was caught, she knew it. Rubbing one fore hoof along the other she nodded, “Well...yeah.”

Applejack’s voice softened, “We had an agreement, chores first then anything else. I think that’s only fair, don’t you?”

“Yeah..”

“Now I know you like doin’ things for Twilight. But home comes first, ya know that.” A hoof rested against the Pegasus’ shoulder, “An’ arguing with me ain’t gonna get ‘em done.”

“I know. I’m sorry Applejack, I didn’t mean to get combative.” Truth be told she had just wanted to skip them today.

“Ain’t that yer job?” The orange mare laughed, giving Athena a nudge as they stepped off the wooden porch.

“Kinda..yeah.” The Pegasus smiled once more, “I’ll get to the hay loading, won’t take long. Promise!”

“Ah know it won’t, ain’t pushing ya to hurry.”

“I will though! Done lickety-split!” Hooves skittered as she pivoted, taking off in a cloud of dust from the dirt path and heading for the barn.

Swear that mare gets somethin’ in her head, like arguing with a stone wall. Love her to death though, Applejack thought to herself.

Now if I kin just find Apple Bloom... She sighed to herself, wandering towards the clubhouse where she was sure the Crusaders were at.

Dragon Twelve trained its weapons on scraps of something. Confused once more as its assigned technical spider roamed the local area. It was but another of the strange occurrences that happened along its patrol route.

The limited AI was sure something was wrong with this picture, but it could put nothing together as it did not have all the pieces of the puzzle. A Main Battle Sub-Unit like Dragon Twelve was not happy when it was given conflicting data.

An example was friendship, the data looked at from the Great Ones was complicated. But friendship made it ponder about things it really shouldn’t.

According to the Enemy Behavioral Predictive Algorithms, friendship was a ruse designed to lull you into a false sense of security. Logic programs insisted that friendship was synonymous with military alliance for mutual destruction of the enemy. Maintenance Subroutines assured Twelve that friendship meant sharing spare axle grease.

Twelve had stopped thinking about friendship.

Baking these treats is such a cinch,

Add a teaspoon of vanilla!

Add a little more, and you count to four,

And you never get your fill of...

More information on baking came forth, unscrambling and laying itself out in Twelves’ AI core. It appeared a fully operational oven was needed, not scraps such as this. Such disappointment.

It did, however, have a sense of neatness. All things in their proper places as it were. Twelve directed its assigned tech-spider to gather up all pieces for use in repairs or fusion plant fuel. Debris was cleaned up after battles, a Sub-Unit assigned to do so. It was sure the Great Ones would be pleased by such niceties when logs were reviewed.

Scanning lenses were focused on a few strange markings found on the shards. An odd twisting shape that made no sense to the Dragon as it watched it’s ‘spider gather them up, piling them neatly to the side.

Twelve dutifully logged the anomaly, watching the ‘spider arrange the pile of remains, seeing the odd scribblings fall together making a complete symbol. This also was filed away. At least something would be there for download when wanted, information was vital in warfare and anything can be used. Since this was not emergency priority, it could wait. Why bother the Great Ones?

It turned on wide treads, heading back out on the patrol route, leaving the odd thing behind. Twelve’s mind awhirl once again with the delights of pastries and the wonderful voice of a fluffy-maned quadruped singing her song.

The neatly arranged pile of shards sat in the quiet of the forest once more, left behind by a semi-confuzzled Battle Unit.

Yyyyyyyeeeeeeeessssssssssssss........

Crusader could not pin it down, it was coming from somewhere, and all his scanning could not track it to the source.

Strange thoughts of Lemon Tarts and Pinkie singing about how to bake were infiltrating into his arrays, causing him no amount of consternation. He was really starting to get annoyed. He remembered when Pinkie had shown them the song, Athena being delighted at the simple tune. But now...

“You all right there sugar?” Applejack’s voice cut into his pondering, stopping him for the moment as he turned his full attention to her.

“I am...not sure.”

The orange mare sat down in front of him, one eyebrow raised, “Whaddya mean not sure?”

He had been standing motionless, catching Applejack’s eye, a look of puzzlement on his face had made her start worrying. They had been collecting bushels of apples for storage, but his stillness had come as a surprise.

“I..do not know. Somewhere information is coming into my cores.” His voice sounded odd.

“What information?”

“About baking...and Pinkie singing?”

The farm mares’ face took on her own look of surprise, “Baking? Pinkie singing? Why in the world would that be showing up?”

“I do not know, I am trying to figure it out now.”

“Maybe y’all been hanging round that bouncing pink ball of energy too long? She is kinda infectious.” Applejack barked a laugh, getting a smile from Crusader.

“Maybe that is it. Though it is quite odd, I cannot tell where it is coming from.”

“You’ll figure it out I’m sure sugar.” She picked up a bushel, situating it on her back and gesturing to him, “Let’s get these in and we’ll break for lunch, been a good morning.”

“As you wish Applejack.”

“Yep! I sure do wish!” She started off toward the cart, “Been a long morning and a cold glass of apple juice would suit me jes’ fine.”

Crusader nodded absently as he joined her, still trying to track down that errant information stream which was now on the intricacies of making cupcakes.

Dragon Twelve was slightly happier now. It had formulated a plan to get the things needed for baking, or at least the ingredients, the stove was still a problem. But it had calculated how much temperature its fusion powered engine could create, finding it just the right amount needed to bake those oh-so-delectable delights just in case. It had a partial plan with that, but wanted to see if it could find the exact tools needed.

Cupcakes! So sweet and tasty!

Cupcakes! Don't be too hasty!

Cupcakes! Cupcakes, cupcakes, CUPCAKES!

Then of course, there was a town nearby....

Roseluck inhaled deeply as she watched the bubbling pots on her stove. Broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, all would come together in a beautiful lunch. She loved cooking, sometimes... dare she say it, more than her flowers!

This will be so nice, she thought, chopping lettuce and tomatoes for a side salad. We’ve been working all morning and now it’s time to relax. Her sisters Lily and Daisy were probably starving waiting on the food. But it takes time! It takes skill! She leaned to the side, laying a hoof on the stove top and snuffling at the scents of perfectly cooked food once more.

Just a little pepper wouldn’t hurt.

As she started to rise from her setting position, a flush ran through her body, causing her to shiver.

What the...?

Her body began to tremble, her thoughts overwhelmed by a singular memory of a certain stallion she’d eyed quite a while back. Though nothing had come of it, she thought of him occasionally. But this, this was more than a simple thought.

Blood pumped furiously through her body, the Earth Pony feeling it as a warm sensation beginning in her flank and moving forward, enveloping her whole body like a warm glove. She closed her eyes tightly still sitting, biting her lip as the tingling flowed like water, coursing about her veins like golden fire.

A sound low and soft came from between her lips, body moving sinuously as she sat there trying to get her bearings. Her mind was thrown off kilter as her frame was suddenly wracked with a spasm that made her knees weak and fore hooves tremble so hard the one hoof clattered on the stove. A deep sigh released from her lungs as she slumped forward slighty. Her pale yellow body relaxed and worn out as if she’d been fighting a storm on the way home

Chartreuse eyes opened to look around frantically, hoping that nopony had heard anything. Her raspberry mane was plastered to her head and neck, wet with sweat along with her matted coat.

“Rose! When’s lunch? We’re starving!” Daisy’s voice came drifting from the living room.

“Uh..um! Be a minute!” Oh stars, I’ve got to..oh no! I need a shower...NOW! She took off from the kitchen, slamming past Lily and Daisy relaxing in the living room as she galloped for the bathroom.

Daisy, who couldn’t boil water to save her life, whistled, “Wow, didn’t know cooking was that hard. Did see how she was sweating?”

Yyyyyeeeeeesssssss.......

“How did you even get done so fast?” Twilight was eyeing a line of books, figuring out how to arrange them. Color..no. Volume..nono. Author..title..agh! She threw her hooves up in a slight bit of pique.

Athena laughed, “I told Mac to stand back and started tossing. I’m pretty good with angles and ballistics, hay bales are nothing compared to mortars and howitzers.” The Pegasus climbed down a tall ladder after placing a few thin cloth covered books in places designated by her friend, “After that it was all heave ho!”

Spike chuckled, “I bet Mac was pretty surprised.”

Athena gave him a fond glance, “He’s used to it I guess. I mean, with me and Crusader around, the work’s been shared equally and we don’t mind doing more than our part.”

“Except when you want to hang out right?” Twilight’s eyes were merry, a slight smile under them catching Athena off-guard for a moment.

“Uhm....no! I do my chores!”

Twilight said nothing, holding up her hoof and showing the band around her leg, shaking her head.

Darn those things!

“All right, fine. I wanted to ditch them today.” Lavender eyes rolled in exasperation.

“I’m sure AJ had something to say about that.” Spike teased her, walking by with another stack of books to shelve.

“Yeah, a few things. But I got them done!”

Spike and Twilight giggled at the look on her face, then the Alicorn perked up.

“Ohmygosh! I have stuff cooking! We’re having egg salad!” She turned on her hooves and galloped to the kitchen.

“Ooo..that sounds good.” Spike was licking his lips, lost in thought before he got nudged by a wing.

“Hey, books..shelves..” Athena pointed.

A clawed hand waved absently, “Yeah yeah, slave driver.”

“Oh, you ain’t seen slave driving yet buddy!” Athena laughed, picking more up herself and climbing the ladder.

A few minutes later, Athena turned to look at the doorway, knowing it couldn’t take that long to check on food being prepared. At least Twilight would let them know if she was detained.

“Spike..?”

“Yeah, I’m wondering too.”

Athena gestured and Spike hopped on her back, together they trotted down the hallway to the kitchen. Before they rounded the corner they heard a low sound coming from inside, making Athena stop in her tracks.

“Get off, something’s wrong.” Spike jumped down, standing aside as Athena’s battle screen flickered to life. He knew better than to even touch her when that thing was live.

Making a ‘stay here’ gesture, the lithe Pegasus rounded the corner looking for a fight, her eyes scanning the room quickly. Twilight was at the stove, a pot bubbling over as her head hung downward towards the floor, the rest of her body blocked by the butcher block table. One hoof was placed near the boiling pot as she trembled, biting her lower lip and letting out a low sound..

“Twilight?” Athena’s voice was distorted from the screen’s energy, “Twilight!”

Up came Twilight’s head, eyes snapping to the Pegasus who stood there looking for a fight.

“A..Athena!” A shake of her head making a sweat-drenched mane flip a few drops outward.

“Are you okay?” Sweat? In the cool kitchen, what was...

“Yes! Oh..yes!” A grin appeared, albeit looking a little forced, “Oh I’m fine, just fine, yep! Fine!”

“You don’t look fine, what’s...” She was stopped as Twilight popped right up, sidling out from behind the table, facing Athena as she stepped sidewise towards the door. Her coat was matted, looking as disheveled as her mane and tail, what the...?

“Oh no, I’m good! Just... you know, cooking! Yep, cooking!” One leg wiped a wet forehead, “Wow, it sure gets hot when cooking!” The whole time as Athena turned, Twilight kept facing her with a smile, sidling towards the door step by step.

Athena dropped her battle screen, “Twilight, you need to stop for a second, what is going on?” The Pegasus lifted a hoof to pause the Alicorn’s movement but was dodged. The lavender mare was backing up towards the door quicker now, waving a hoof.

“Just...gonna go grab a shower! All that cooking, wow, really need to clean up!” With that she was gone with a quick wave, tearing off down the hallway as Spike peeked in the kitchen, looking at Athena who was staring back with a bewildered expression.

“What was that all about?” He hooked a claw over his shoulder at the open doorway.

“I..don’t know Spike.” Athena turned, looking at the area. Nothing but bubbling pots with eggs in them, condiments and vegetables for the egg salad lay scattered along the counter-top. Nothing out of the ordinary. Lifting a hoof, she removed the pots from the heat, setting them aside to cool.

The little Dragon hopped up on a chair, leaning on the wooden table, “She’s acting a little weirder than normal.”

“No, that’s not just weird. Something happened in here.” Her lavender eyes scanned the area again, taking a long, hard look at everything. “But I can’t for the life of me figure out what.”

“It’s all that rearranging books, makes you loopy.” He twirled a claw by the side of his head, “Egg salad still on though?”

Athena sat for a moment by the counter, tapping a hoof on it in contemplation. Reviewing what she had seen it looked like... But no..no surely not. In the kitchen? Her eyes lifted to look out the doorway once more before nodding to Spike, “Sure, let me get it ready.” Grabbing a knife, she set to making the meal.

What in Luna’s Moon happened in here?

Yyyyyeeeeeeeeessssssssssssss...........

“Crusader?”

“.....Yes, Athena?”

“I need you.. What’s wrong?” The datalink was showing his cores in alert mode, something was stressing them.

“I have a feedback problem from somewhere, I cannot pin it down.”

“What?”

“I have a headache Athena, what can I do for you?”

“How can you have a headache? Bolos don’t get headaches!”

“Something is providing information along a communications line that is causing a feedback error and loop. Because of it, I cannot pin down where it’s coming from. I have heard Pinkie sing about cupcakes four thousand two-hundred and eighty-three times now. Also there is currently data on the making, storage and how to eat souffle’s on another part of the loop.”

“That...wow...”

“It is fine. I will probably commit suicide within another half hour to stop the singing. Is there anything I can do for you before then?”

Athena laughed, then stopped. He was kidding, right?

“Yes, I am joking.”

“Oh! Whew! Okay..anyways.. I need you to access medical data from Twilight’s commset for the last forty-five minutes, comparing it to baseline.”

Medical and secure comms were handled by Crusader. His ability to keep it secure was one of the reasons, and to keep Athena from prying.

“Is she ill?”

“No, something strange just happened and I want to know if anything showed up.”

“Done.” Data dump was initiated, all medical data for the last forty-five minutes was brought up, scanned for corruption, then compared to a baseline of Twilight’s last medical readout. Crusader paused, reading the data along with Athena, before venturing cautiously.

“Was she with someone?”

“No.”

“What exactly was...”

“In the kitchen, checking on boiling eggs.”

“That was all?”

“Yep.”

“This could be a side-effect from the usage of the neural net.”

“I’ve never seen it before, even on addicts. Then again...ponies.”

“Has she shown any shakes, addictions cropping up?”

“None. I’ll start her on a round of medication.”

“Probably for the best. You may want to include a light muscle relaxant as well for today, she was very..”

“STOP! I know! I know!”

“Just a suggestion.”

“I need to get back to Spike, fixing lunch. Hope you find that feedback loop, need any help?”

“No. It will stop or I will find the cause. Either way, keep an eye on her.”

“Will do!”

Athena had a few things stashed away in the castle, especially something for the ‘shakes’ as addiction to Neural Net use was called. Knocking out a few pills, she sat with Spike, eating a bowl of egg salad and waiting for Twilight to return.

“Sooo...” Spike caught her attention, “What was that all about?”

“I’m not sure Spike. Hopefully nothing. But we’ll see when..” Her eyes were caught by a bashful face peering around the corner, “Come on in Twilight, egg salad and juice!” Athena’s voice was happy. No sign of anything wrong as the Alicorn slunk in, taking a seat while the Pegasus slid a bowl and glass her way.

A towel was rubbing along the drying mane before she sat. Slinging it around her shoulders as her aura lifted a fork. Athena’s disposition got slightly more serious while sliding two pills across the table to her.

“Take those.”

Twilight looked at the sable face, “Why?”

“Trust me. If this is the shakes again you’ll need it. If not, it won’t do any harm.” The sable hoof pushed them forward, “What happened Twilight?”

The Princess didn’t answer, tossing the pills in her mouth followed by a slug of juice. After swallowing she sat quietly, a blush rising to her cheeks and glanced at Spike for a moment.

“Spike,” Athena gestured with a hoof, “Mind leaving us alone for a few? I promise more egg salad later.” She gave him a warm smile, watching the Dragon roll his eyes.

“Yeah, I know, ‘mare talk’. Argh, hard being the only Dragon sometimes!” But he grinned, grabbing his food and slipped off the chair with a laugh. “I’ll be upstairs reading!” He scampered off to comics books and the afternoon off.

Twilight picked at her food, waiting until Spike was out of earshot.

“I don’t know what happened, it was weird.”

Athena nodded, “I understand. Did you start shaking before..well before?”

“No. Just a feeling like sitting in a hot bath..then..” She waved a hoof, ”Then..”

Athena held up her own fore hoof, “I got it.” She tapped the edge of it on the table, “For the next few days take these just in case.”

“I will, hopefully it’s nothing bad.” Her eyes were warm, seeing the concern on Athena’s face.

“Anything comes up we’ll solve it, I promise.” Athena reached out, laying her hoof on Twilight’s for a moment, giving her reassurance. Pulling it back swiftly she pointed at the full bowl of egg salad with crisp lettuce and many other good things, “Eat up! It’s good stuff!”

Twilight laughed, digging into her meal now that the conversation was over. She nodded happily at the salad, pleased it turned out so well.

Athena’s face showed delight, plunging a fork into her own. But the larger part of her was very concerned. If it wasn’t the shakes, what was it?

As the sun set, Dragon Twelve was immeasurably happier. It had now compiled a list of all things needed for its foray into the world of cooking. A plan to go with it, and a way to accomplish the same. As a Battle Unit, it was pleased to be able to do this. Though it did not compare to defeating the enemy in war, it was coming fairly close on the big list of “Cool Stuff for Dragon Assault Tanks to do”.

Maintenance was due just after local sunset, then it would put its plan into action. A slab-sided durasteel killing machine couldn’t rub its hooves together in delight, but it was not for lack of trying as Twelve continued its patrol.

Cupcakes, cupcakes....CUPCAKES!

Golden ‘Carrot Top’ Harvest sat on her porch, her normally voluminous mane slightly less so now after a long bath. She felt...wrung out, tired.. But a warm glow suffused the Earth Pony as she smiled secretly to herself before looking around, making sure no one else saw.

The curvaceous mare sighed in the cool afternoon air, watching the sun set slowly and leaning back on the bench that adorned the front of her house. Olive green eyes shifted over to a neighbor, seeing Berry Punch come walking out and flopping on a large pillow. Her eyes told the same story as their gazes met for a moment, sharing a secret before going back to spending their time in the waning sun with their own thoughts.

Yyyyeeeessssssssssssss............

In a pit of deepest black, shot through with flames of unearthly color, a form of power walked. Golden eyes turned like searchlights, pinning those imprisoned here, seeing the hatred for him and reveling in it.

Paws stepped lightly into the ashes, the claws gleaming bright as it stood near a very special prisoner. Three heads leaned down to make sure the spell-chains binding it were in place and strong. Magic was summoned, strengthening them even more, making sure the one wrapped within the links would never be able to escape.

“I will win dog...”

“You will do nothing. Forever you will be bound.” The sonorous voice echoed in minds to the farthest reaches of caverns immense.

“So wrong dog...even now you lose...”

“If I even suspected, you would would not be chained but put in the Unknown from whence there is no return”. Even now your fate is still undecided.” Cerberus gave one final grin, razor teeth showing in a smile that loosened bowels on lesser beings. “You are beyond any of that now.” The powerful figure turned and left the pit, making its rounds.

A sibilant whispering followed Cerberus‘ steps, “Oh, I will win...yesssss.....”

Crusader sat on the open porch, silent and still, he watched the moon slowly making it’s way into the velvet sky. Stars twinkled around it, the light comforting as the silvery blanket spread silence over the resting land.

His mind was in a bit of a muddle. The interference and feedback loop was proving itself to be tough to pin down. It was resonating and echoing along his cores like the rebounding voice in a cave.

One hoof raised slowly, pressing against the temple of his avatar. If Bolos do not get headaches, why is this one so painfully obvious? The throbbing in his head was actually a physical presence, making him wonder about just dropping the avatars’ link all together. His pain sensors were starting to register the problem, gauges making it obvious he needed to find the cause.

Blue eyes closed as he sat there for a moment, the silence helping him concentrate on tracking down this...irritant.

He had narrowed it down somewhat. Something in the Sub-Units directives was being overridden. Programming was being looped, containing Pinkie singing and baking instructions.

He didn’t mind Pinkie’s singing actually, but now it was up in the five-digit area for repeats and he wished no longer to hear that same song. Suddenly that wish came true as the loop was surprisingly gone, cut off and dumped from the system, leaving him to wonder for a moment.

A sound caught his attention, dragging him away from contemplation as it came from inside the house. Turning on a hoof he shouldered the door aside, eyes scanning the vicinity of each room as he walked slowly forward.

Coming to the kitchen, Applejack was slumped in a heap along the floor, her mane in tangles as she lay on the sanded wood planks.

Rushing to her side he gathered her into his forelegs, brushing back an errant strand as her lids peeled back slowly. Emerald green eyes wandered, then focused on him as she took a deep breath.

“C..Crusader?”

“I am here, what is wrong?”

“I..I dunno.. Was fixing somethin’ to eat and then..then..” A shuddering sigh left her body as he felt her relax in his legs, She was flushed, her medical readouts showing anomalies as he accessed them. “Ah’m jes’ feelin’ a mite worn out is all.” Her accent was more pronounced, cluing him in on how very tired she was.

Her body was drenched in sweat as if after a long day in the sun. The blonde mane tight against her neck as she heaved another sigh. A flush was rising in her cheeks, making them bright in his vision, she was also embarrassed about something.

More than that. His baseline comparisons were showing the same things as Twilight’s earlier. Which was odd. Any single organism never showed the exact same readouts, there was always a difference in some small way.

In this case, it was almost exactly the same.

He immediately accessed the other commlinks, seeing readouts scrolling across his mind as he held the Earth mare tightly to him, feeling her breath softly before stirring once more.

A person once said to him, “Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is enemy action.”

He had readouts of four more instances as well as Twilight and now Applejack. Well, three and Pinkie. Pinkie’s scans were always odd and he had long ago stopped trying to find a baseline to compare with.

As he sat on the floor holding Applejack close, he felt his concern rise. Battle Units were alerted, he wanted his Hounds at the ready and waiting. There was an enemy some...

“Sugar?” The voice was worn out as he looked down to see Applejack smiling wanly.

“Yes?”

“Mind helping me to bed? Kinda tired.” She struggled to get to her hooves. His anger forgotten for the moment as his entire attention went to her. Together they slowly made their way upstairs, though his mind was as active as ever.

Alert! All Sub-Units to patrol stations immediately! The orders were transferred from Crusader’s Tactical Core. Drones were launched for an outward sweep of the area. Ponyville left unsecured for the moment as it’s regular patrol drone was reassigned to scanning outward.

Every Dragon rushed to duty stations...

....except for one.

Athena awoke to the sound of alarms blaring in her cores. Crusader had set the alert and it had already filtered to her. She ran down the steps lightly, passing as if smoke by sleeping ponies, ending up on the porch and waiting.

She was all business seeing him taking Applejack to bed; covering her quickly and moving to join the waiting Pegasus on the porch outside.

“Update?”

He shot her the data, a .00032 second burst later and they were both pondering for a femtosecond. Datalinks opened wide as TSDS went to full power. Their minds became one, increasing computing and tactical power by the Nth degree. Hyper-Heuristic Mode kicked in, hours passed in their cores while only seconds in real time.

“Virus, could be an unstable....”

“Biological weaponry..affecting certain types..”

“Bacteria in food..known to cause..”

“Magic..currently unknown how far the reach is on...”

“Genetic aberrations.. Ruled out due to..”

“Enemy action, unknown presence...”

“Leftover Enemy from Forest Action...”

“Targeting only HVT’s, possibly..”

“Class of weaponry designated...”

The hubbub stopped, a calm reaching deep as they sat there mulling data and possibilities. It spread like a pool of cool water throughout them as they settled into what they were, what they would always be when called upon.

Bolos.

“We need more information. Is it spreading? Is it affecting anyone else?” Athena’s voice was pondering.

“Unknown at this time. It is evening and we will not have a chance to see if the population at large is having problems. This is the worst time.”

“Agreed. What now?”

“We wait. There must be a common denominator in all this allowing us to track it.”

“Notify UCA?”

“No. Not yet. It may be a minor outbreak. Until we know different we will handle this. We have training in the morning as well, they are due to visit.”

“Whatever it is, we will stop it." Athena’s anger rose inside her, washing away the sweet calm that presided, letting them both be bathed in that fury that only they knew so well.

“Softly my sister, why are you so angry?”

“I... Something is... I am not sure.” Her feelings dampened, bringing back the cool water.

“We do not have an enemy yet, once we do you can unleash your anger upon them. Until then, they will be fine. I am monitoring all commlink data second by second, any changes and we will know. Though they do seem to be exhausted, hopefully it will not go further.”

“Got it.”

“I have all Dragons out, drones are sweeping..wait one..”

Athena peered into the datastreams, surprise tinting her voice, “Where is Dragon Twelve?”

Twelve was ecstatic, well, as ecstatic as it could be, which wasn’t very much. Well..none at all actually. But it did have a sense of completion. Twelve had found a ‘bakery’. One of those private properties which provided the items needed to ‘bake’ things properly. Currently it sat outside the dwelling while it’s assigned technical spider was roaming through the inside, looking for those things it had compiled a list of.

It had to turn off the locator beacon in it’s hull, but that was fine. It was sure the Great Ones wouldn’t object. They had nineteen more of him, what’s one more Dragon? With the commlink disabled alongside it, it hadn’t received the alert that went out. But that didn’t matter.

Baking!

It watched through the lenses of the maintenance spider as it slowly made its way through the domicile. Twelve ‘knew’ that stealth was imperative as trespassing was expressly forbidden, but it wasn’t quite sure if technical spiders were included in that.

It directed the spider in rummaging through the shelves in the back area, looking for a unit of compound NaHCO3. It was one thing that was imperative from the list. Also, there seemed to be an endless supply of compound C12H22O11, known as ‘sugar’. The spider could carry tremendous weights, so it wasn’t a problem to load up with...

“AH HA! I caught ya stealing!” A voice sounded furious in the microphones as blue eyes filled the lenses of the spider. Twelve’s reactions were swift, aiming all available weaponry at the domicile to protect his asset, remembering in time that firing upon private residences was VERY much tops on the ‘Dragons are NEVER to do this’ List.

Its gunnery subroutines went into a pout as Twelve took them offline, swinging the Hellbore away from the front door and trying to extricate his spider from the area.

“Hold it! Doncha go anywhere!” A hoof clanged off the spider’s body, making it shudder in place from the force of the blow. “I dunno know why Crusader or Athena has you pilfering pony’s possessions, but you’re not getting away with it!” The pink figure tapped a band on her leg, causing an alert to go through Twelve’s AI core.

Capture and return was not an option, not before Twelve had baked something just once! A call went out, the spider dropped the supplies and high-tailed it out the front door with a protesting Pinkie behind it. As it leapt onto Twelve’s hull, the big machine took off in a cloud of dust.

“Pinkie’s calling.”

“Yes, Pinkie?”

“Hey! What are you two doing stealing stuff from Mr. and Mrs. Cake in the middle of the night?” Her voice was furious. This startled both of them as Pinkie rarely ever got mad.

Crusader was puzzled now, “I assure you Pinkie, it was not..”

“Oh, yes it was! You had one of your tanks out here using that spider-thing to take stuff from the kitchen!”

A drone was immediately tasked to swing over Ponyville.

“There it is!” Athena pointed out a fast moving vehicle heading for the Forest. The number Twelve emblazoned on the side.

“What is it doing out there? It is off patrol sectors.”

Commands were issued, only to have errors returned as communications were down with that particular unit.

“It is heading for the Everfree.”

“Think it’s involved with this problem we’ve got?” Athena was questioning.

“I don’t know, but if a unit has gone rogue we cannot take chances.”

Orders went out to all drones and Battle Units about Unit Twelve.

Shoot to kill.

-----

Twelve turned into the forest, knowing it could provide concealment and cover. The prow plowed through mulch and leaves, the detritus due to centuries of forest leavings. It had to find cover now! The Great Ones were surely displeased with it, knowing it had trespassed and tried to commit a violation of its general orders.

Cranking its engine up full it rammed into a hill of debris, covering itself in an explosion of dirt and soggy swamp. Using it’s treads, it drove itself deeper into the pile, covering its engine and switching everything off. Tactical subroutines telling it that the swamp covering would cool its hull to fox thermal sensors. No emissions would mean no electromagnetic footprint. The only thing, it was a hundred ton piece of metal which was not commonly found in a forest.

It didn’t know that every sub-unit was now looking for it, with orders to destroy Twelve on sight.

“Okay, how do we lose a tank?” Athena’s voice was merry, prompting Crusader to chuckle.

“It seems Unit Twelve is slightly smarter than we thought. Something has changed its AI core. Comms were shut off, making me believe it was the source of the feedback.”

“This is not a coincidence.”

“No my sister, I believe not. The enemy has its ways.”

Athena’s voice changed for a moment, sounding not quite like her, “Don’t get lazy. They’ll come at you sideways.”

“What was that?”

“What?”

“Why did you say that and why did you sound like Katherine Hark?”

“I didn’t...wait..I did.. What the... I don’t know.”

Crusader contemplated Athena for long, long moments.

“Don’t you eyeball me! I’m fine!”

“I do wonder sometimes.”

“HEY!”

Crusader turned back to the rogue sub-unit, “It’s gone off thermal. Knowing the tactical subroutines, it’s buried itself out there. The forest floor will absorb any radar ranging or microwave, we will have a very hard time finding it.”

“Send others after it?”

“No. Ambuscade is very, very easy out there. We would just be endangering the other Hounds.” Crusader pointed out a place on the battle board inside the linkup, “It is in this area. If it moves, destroy it. We take no chances. Hounds do not have A-M screens.”

“Could we equip them?”

“Possibly. But the rare earths needed are scarce. It took quite a lot to make the ones we have and to keep them functioning.”

Athena pondered the board for a nanosecond, “Poor little guy, bet he’s pretty confused right now.”

“I hope that is all it is Athena.” A non verbal sigh went through the war bands, “Let me explain to Pinkie as well, I am sure this will be delightful.”

Princess Luna finished her repast, setting the plate aside and sighing contentedly. She looked mournfully at the sparse remains of a vegetable medley that had been spicy and sweet all at once. Truly amazing. Our chefs cannot even make this yet Crusader supplies them so easily.

She contemplated digging into the rest of the meals that had been sent from Ponyville one more time before shaking her head.

No, I will save those for special occasions.

Celestia was heading to her own rest after sharing the evening repast with her. Luna watched her eyes do the exact same thing to her plate.

Ah, how quickly we start to enjoy the rare things.

“Was your dinner sufficient ‘Tia?” Luna’s voice was light, seeing her sister’s eyes snap upward with a rueful grin.

“Oh yes, very much so.” The larger mare chuckled, “I am sorely tempted to...”

“...dig into the extras?” Luna finished, “I as well!” Her hoof hit the table accompanied by a bright laugh.

Celestia giggled along with her, covering her own muzzle before speaking again, “But I do know they sent us a truly spectacular dessert.” She motioned to the doorway with a slight gesture of her hoof.

Luna groaned, “I shall have to exercise for a week to wear off those calories!” Her eyes rolled dramatically before she smiled slyly, “A little hoof to hoof sister?”

A single golden clad hoof pointed at the darker mare, “You’re on!”

Luna couldn’t have been more thrilled. Ever since their adventure in Ponyville a few weeks ago, Celestia had been brightly shining like her sun. Taking more of an interest in things she didn’t usually think of. Of course this was done in private, but if anything should attempt to disrupt the peace of their country, the enemy would find themselves with quite a problem on their hooves.

Not only would they have to deal with the Elements of Harmony and two very angry Bolos. Oh no. They would also be facing two very fit Princesses now. The Royal Guard Captain had been surprised at the request to teach them non-standard training.

Luna could see the changes in them both. The fat worn away, muscles showing through coats that gleamed. She had never felt so good before. Her mind wandered back to that day when they had asked to meet with Athena and Crusader in private.

----- Two weeks ago-----

Celestia was pleased to step onto Athena’s command deck, looking at the soft tones, the wonderful displays. She was even impressed with the intricate lace doilies on the side tables that Athena said she had made in her fabrication facility. It was all so very warm and comforting as they sat around a polished wood table.

They had asked for privacy for this meeting knowing that the two ponies would keep secrets forever if asked.

“What may we do for Your Highness's?” Crusader’s voice was curious.

“We would like your help.” She was interrupted by Athena, bringing a smile to her face and a chuckle.

“Of course! Who’re we killing?” The Pegasus was grinning brightly, planting her front hooves on the table and standing up.

“Athena, stop that.” Crusader placed a hoof of his avatar on her shoulder, making her sit back down.

“Awww..you’re no fun.”

Luna laughed, seeing a kindred spirit, “Fear not Athena, I am sure something will poke it’s head up for you to take off one day.” She offered a royal hoof forward.

“You bet!” The Pegasi’s hoof met Luna’s in a bump.

“Before we get to the intricacies of slaughter, how may we help you?” Crusader was shaking his head, being nudged by Athena playfully.

“Is there some way...” Celestia paused for a moment, not quite sure how to phrase it. She looked at Luna, who was equally stumped, both of them trying to say the right words without sounding like idiots.

“Is there some way to regain health and fitness quickly after being lax for a long while?”

Crusader and Athena eyed each other in that odd way that told the Princesses they were talking between themselves.

“Are they asking what I think they are?”

“I believe so Athena. Perhaps they wish to take better care of themselves?”

“We can do that can’t we?”

“There are a myriad of ways.”

“I’m for it, you?”

“Of course.”

Athena turned to Celestia, her face slightly more serious, “There’s a lot of ways, what were you wanting?”

“Oh,” A hoof was waved gently, “Something to perhaps make us ready for what may come. There have been a few times..” She broke off, chuckling to herself, making everyone smile, “When I dare say we could have been more...prepared?”

Crusader looked at them for a second, “As I understand it, you wish to be combat ready?”

“Yes!” Luna’s hoof smacked the table, a fierce look on her face, “We want to be able to face whatever comes, to do more in dire times!”

Athena looked at Crusader, “Nano therapy?” She talked out loud to be polite, remembering how Twilight wasn’t exactly enamored when they conversed silently.

“We could to start. But then it would be diet, exercise and training.” He pointed at the Princesses, “We can help enhance the body, but you have to train, to teach yourselves and your bodies what to do. That, we cannot do with therapy alone.”

The two mares nodded, “We can do that,” Celestia responded, “But what is na-no therapy?”

The two ponies smiled, “You’ll like it.”

Luna was ensconced safely in the auto-doc, a gel was slowly covering her as Celestia watched with worried eyes. A mask covering the darker sisters’ face let her breath as she fell asleep inside the box.

“Fear not Princess, Luna has done this before. It is quite safe and we have made many improvements since the first time.” Crusader’s voice was soft and reassuring.

“It is strange though,” The large mare turned to him and Athena, “And you say these tiny machines will make us feel better?”

Athena nodded, “Very much so! They’ll cleanse the body of unwanted fat, any chemical contamination from say...high calorie junk foods. Also it’ll shore up any weak spots like heart, liver, kidneys. You’ll feel almost new again.”

“How long will this take?”

“This will take mere minutes. The new secondary crop of nanites, two weeks. It will help and bolster your bodies, then flush themselves. No harm will come to you. But they do have an immediate effect as well. A first series will enter, do some fixing and leave, the second series will persist.”

“And she’ll just wake up?”

“Yep!” Athena nodded to Celestia.

Crusader gave her a reassuring look, “It is like a dreamless sleep, one moment you are falling into slumber then are awake and feeling refreshed.”

“Truly, you do carry wonders the both of you.”

Athena shrugged, “This was commonplace in the Concordiat Princess, a lot of people did it then. But..” Her face turned a bit sad, “But..they priced it out of reach of most folks, only allowing the rich or the ones in Concordiat service to partake of it.”

“So there was still suffering?”

“Yes,” Crusader’s voice was harder, “It was the way of things back then, to our eternal dismay.”

A light snapped on above Luna, a bar of actinic blue passed over her body and back again. A hoof was gently pressed on Celestia’s shoulder as she tensed, turning to see Athena, “I..don’t mean to be too familiar Princess. But that is a scan. It’s telling us about her body, how it works, what’s wrong.”

The regal mare nodded, watching everything with an intensity that burned almost like her sun.

“She will be fine Your Highness, would you like to see?”

Celestia blinked, seeing a flat window ..no... a ‘screen’.. above her sister flicker on, showing the outline of Luna. There were many things inside, organs, blood vessels, everything that made a pony who they were was revealed. Her eyes widened at the viewing of so many mysteries.

“Athena?”

“Yes?”

They talked quickly while Celestia was occupied.

“We’ve never had such a deep scan before, look at this.”

Athena reviewed the data scrolling now, gasping to herself, “Wait..that can’t be.”

“It is.”

“There’s nothing wrong with her, nothing, not a single cell out of place. She has a few things needing enhancement, but otherwise she is perfect. How is that possible?”

“Her body must regenerate itself to an immense degree without mutation. With the right diet and training her stamina and strength will be increased. She, and if Celestia is similar, will be formidable.”

“Amazing. Concordiat scientists would have killed to see this.”

“Let us be glad those days are far behind us.”

Athena looked at him fondly, leaning against his bulky avatar, “Exactly.”

They all watched the screen. Shining pinpoints entering through a vein and flashed through Luna’s body, removing anything unwanted and or harmful. There wasn’t very much, but what was found was carefully taken and destroyed. Leaving a trimmer mare lying there as the gel drained off. Other things the quick therapy did was clean joints, look for problems, make sure muscles were free of any tears or rips. Of course there was a very nice cosmetic side to it.

Luna had received just the barest of treatments when she had traveled with Crusader before. Now the ability to do more had been researched and was acting upon her body.

A second small cluster of gleaming points entered, spreading throughout the body on the screen and staying in place.

A quick wash and the top slowly opened, Luna standing up in the box and lifting out her wings which shone gloriously. No need for a towel as everything had been removed leaving her clean and dry.

Celestia inhaled sharply, seeing each feather pristine and new, muscles showing where once was a layer of softness. Luna’s mane sparkled with stars uncountable as she lifted herself out, stretching and moving her head on a relaxed neck. She was as gorgeous as the old tales had ever told. Her body was trim, firm in all the right places and she almost bathed the area in her healthy shine. It was amazing what simple things did here. This was nothing like they’d ever expected as the three stared at her.

“Oh..oh this is wondrous!” The dark mare was grinning from ear to ear, inspecting herself in a mirror after stepping out from the ‘doc. “Even beyond the ‘gel wash’ from before! Truly, I feel magnificent!”

“Everything working all right Princess?” Athena was smiling, watching the Princess move her legs like she had never seen them before.

“It feels so..different! I feel new again!”

Her coat shone with colors of the night, almost as if each hair was it’s own source of tint. A trick of light from the nano therapy, but it worked wonders on ponies.

“What have you done?” Her face was bright and eager.

“Not much Princess, you only needed a few things, mostly minor enhancements. You are in quite perfect health.”

The Night Mare laughed, slapping a hoof on her Cutie Mark, “Oh yes, wait until the guards see this new tight flank!” The muscular backside never even quivered, tightened in it’s turn and very firm now.

“Luna!” Celestia was laughing.

A dark hoof was pointed, “Oh no, your turn sister. You’ll see what I mean!”

Celestia stopped laughing, eyeing the contraption with trepidation.

“Trust us Your Highness.” Athena and Crusader were both watching her.

She nodded, “I do. Otherwise I would have never come.” Taking a deep breath she smiled, “Let us to it then.”

They directed her on what to do, then as she lay down she caught herself falling into one of the most restful slumbers she’d ever had. Quiet and timeless. A soft mask covered her face, making the Princess start before cool air touched her, allowing her to breathe easily.

Her eyes opened to the smell of mint, feeling herself dry and clean as she looked around, still in the box that she had lain in. How much time had passed? It was so peaceful, silent and serene. She sighed happily, feeling..feeling?..refreshed as never before.

The top slid back slowly, revealing more light which made her squint for the moment before lifting herself to her hooves and standing upwards. She stepped forward out of the box, her legs moving smoother than the finest oiled hinges.

A gasp caught her attention, seeing Luna staring at her with wide eyes. Athena and Crusader sharing shocked looks.

The pegasus nudged her brother, “What did you DO?” Her eyes were so very wide.

He actually stumbled on his words, something that was very rare for him to ever do. “I..I did nothing. It was the exact same treatment.” He never took his eyes off her as she stepped out of the auto-doc.

“What is wrong?” Her voice felt different, smoother and more relaxed, like her vocal chords had been renewed.

“Nothing! By my stars! Nothing, sister!” Luna was grinning from ear to ear. She pointed to a nearby mirror with glee.

Celestia turned, her legs felt so different, so smooth acting, moving without effort to look into the mirror. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw what they did now.

She shone.

Literally, figuratively, all the other words used to describe it.

She gleamed like her namesake, coat the purest white imaginable as her hooves sparkled like they had never touched ground. Pastel mane flowed softly behind her, the colors so bright they dazzled the eyes.

And her eyes..

So clear they looked like colored pools! Bright and eager as when she was a filly so very long ago. They focused easily and firmly on anything she glanced at.

From the tip of her polished horn, to the end of her silky smooth tail it was...magical.

“Oh. Oh my.”

She turned quickly, looking at Luna, “I..I did not mean to turn out this way. I..Please don’t....” She was worried about her sister’s reaction.

“What?” Luna’s face dropped the smile, “Thou art worried I’d become jealous again? Sister!” She stepped forward, placing a hoof upon the pure white chest, “Stop. I struggle with my feelings some days, thou knowest, but to this it is you. How can I be jealous? For we both look wondrous!”

Luna stepped back and pirouetted on her hooves, “Look at me! My night has come into full bloom during the day, and it shines so brightly with your sun!” She spread her wings, letting them soak the artificial light up.

Her laughter was full and rich, bringing a smile to Celestia’s face.

“I..just worry.”

Luna sidled close, “Cease such things now!” She raised a solemn hoof, “For as I raise the moon, I swear that stallions will trip over themselves staring at that flank!” She giggled madly, making Athena and Crusader cover their muzzles. Her eyebrows wriggling up and down salaciously.

“Luna! That’s not..” Curiosity overwhelmed her suddenly. She couldn’t look..no that was..maybe a peek?

Her head slowly turned to look down her own body, the definition showed through the sparkling coat, muscles moving like water flows. Her whole body felt tight, like a spring, and wonderful!

Speaking of springs...

She picked up a back hoof, seeing the movement of musculature once more. The golden sun Cutie Mark blazing out from a flank that didn’t jiggle, wibble or wobble even once. It was..was...

...perfect!

Her eyes caught Luna snickering behind a hoof. Celestia turned with a blush towards her, being stopped before she could say anything with a gesture from her sister.

“Say nothing, I had the exact same thoughts.” Luna grinned like a fool.

The tall mare cleared her throat, looking at the other two occupants of the room, “Well..this is..different.” She smiled, “What’s next?”

Athena spoke up, “We are tailoring food for your metabolisms. They will be your meals for the next two weeks. Eat them and them only. All the nutrients and vitamins you need will be contained in them to supply the nano machines inside you. After two weeks they will flush themselves out of your body naturally.”

Celestia sighed, remembering other times when food that was ‘good for you’ turned out to taste like sawdust.

Crusader chuckled at the soft sound, “Do not fear the taste Princess. I promise you we have that covered.”

Celestia gathered herself, being caught in the act, “My apologies. I’m afraid we’ve heard that before.”

The sturdy Earth Pony avatar gestured, “Athena?”

The Pegasus turned, retrieving a tray out of a drawer where some samples had been sent up from the nanovat. She set it down, removing the cover to reveal plates of steaming hot food and trifles which made the mouth water.

Athena smiled, “Tailored diets were available everywhere, proven to be healthful and good for you. They went out of style because companies that made processed junk couldn’t compete. Politics.” She shrugged, looking helpless.

Luna peered at a steaming bowl of rice and vegetables, covered in a sauce that looked thick and creamy, “This is a diet? It looks the same as...” Athena was shaking her head.

“Oh no. There is nothing in there that will put a single cell of fat on you. Your bodies will be nudged toward the peak of health. After two weeks, if you continue to exercise and watch what you eat, they will stay that way. We retrain the body to accept what is healthful for it, it learns to reject the junk.”

At this Luna looked wistful, “My beloved onion rings.”

Celestia grinned, “Or the hayfries.” Getting a mournful nod in return.

“We can substitute for anything. It is all form, the nutrition will be there. We just mimic the taste as well.” Athena raised a hoof, making a point, “After the tailored diet is over, you can still eat other things. Just don’t binge or get lazy. Exercise, walk, run. Keep burning calories and your body will do the rest.”

Crusader nodded, “But to help you further, come see us after two weeks.”

“What for?” Both Princesses asked together.

Athena got a fierce look on her face, “Combat training.”

------Now-----

Luna laughed, remembering when they had left Athena and Crusader, landing in Canterlot and walking through the palace grounds. She continued laughing, seeing in her mind the stallion that had stumbled over himself looking, whacking his nose right into a column as he tried to get a look at certain Royal Flanks.

The effect had lasted for days. At night, when she raised her moon, her coat and wings were ethereal. Glowing in the silver light like nothing had ever done, she reveled in the newfound feeling of healthfulness with her body wanting to fly higher than ever before.

Ah... and when ‘Tia raised her sun that next morning it was glorious. She stood upon the balcony and when the golden rays hit her she shone like finest marble. A glow that encompassed Luna beside her, bathing her in the warmth and love that Celestia had given since her return.

A tinge of jealousy? No, not one. She is the sun as I am the moon, we are different but the same. We are sisters. On that day as they both stood there it couldn’t have been more obvious to the watching ponies who gasped, seeing them in a new light.

Throughout the palace, speculation raged about the new Royal Look. The fine lines, the slim and tight bodies. Tails and manes of magic and silk, flowing like a soft summer breeze. Hooves that looked strong and unbreakable gleamed as they left them bare most days now. The cladding covers put aside for the nonce, letting them feel old things in a new way.

Luna barked a laugh once more, drawing Celestia’s attention, “And now the entire Court is trying to find out how we did this.” She gestured to her self, running a hoof downward to emphasize the sleek new form.

Celestia blushed, “I know this is wrong...but..” She saw her sister lean forward, joining her in the middle of the table, “Seeing stallions stumble over themselves is just too much fun!” They broke apart, giggling like fillies.

Luna snorted, “Have you seen Princess Today? They have the ‘secret’ of the new Royal Look!” She slapped the table, snorting again between laughs and making air quotes with her hooves.

Celestia had. It was possibly the most grueling regimen ever thought up by a trainer. Crusader and Athena had almost laughed themselves silly seeing that article...well Athena did, Crusader just looked amused.

Now, after two weeks of what proved to be actually pleasant times, they were heading to Ponyville tomorrow to begin ‘combat training.’

A clatter of wheels drew their attention as a servant brought in dessert. Crusader and Athena had called it an ‘Opera Cake’, not explaining what it was, only that it would be the reward for two weeks of following their diet schedule.

A large confection sat on the tray, the smells from it were making them both almost drool. The servant was eyeing it as well, making Celestia chuckle. Flat and wide, it looked like an ordinary sheet cake.

A piece was served to each Princess, plates overfilled by the size of the cuts. They made sure to let the servant know the rest was for her and the others who had stayed late. The mare perked up, practically running out the door with the cart.

Luna laughed, “She seems in a hurry.”

Celestia nodded, “With a prize like this, it’s no wonder.” She sniffed, smelling almond, coffee, chocolate. There were layers upon layers with a buttercream filling and something else..she couldn’t quite pin it down.

Oh! That was the faint scent of alcohol. But what kind? She’d never...

“Sister! Stop smelling it and eat!” Luna’s voice was merry, seeing the taller mare leaning close and inhaling gently.

Celestia looked up, seeing Luna’s fork with a large chunk of the delight dip into her muzzle then retreat back out clean.

Cyan eyes widened as she chewed for a second, then once more, almost dropping the fork out of her aura. She pointed at the cake on Celesta’s plate, gesturing urgently.

The taller mare laughed, taking a small slice of it into her muzzle and paused as the flavors overwhelmed her senses. The smooth butter-cream, almond cake, chocolate thick and rich. A faint bite of some unknown alcoholic texture. Oh so many things!

Celestia’s eyes narrowed as she idly wondered whether they could catch that servant mare.

Luna set herself, conjuring the doorway into the aether and readying for her work day. Tonight she would greet ponies and calm fears, for tomorrow she would be in battle! Her blood thrilled to the idea of learning a new way, something no one else possessed! For now a wonderful meal with her sister sat well with her, brightening this night.

She stepped into the Hall of Dreams, choosing a door and opening it.

“Greetings! Erk!!” Her voice was stoppered in her throat as she blinked, not believing her eyes. She backed out quickly, a blush rising to her dark cheeks before she peered back in for a split second.

“My apologies!”

Shaking herself, she walked along the hallway. ‘Twas not unusual, ponies do dream of wishes or other things. Adults will be adults.

Selecting another door, she knew this one. Daisy. Such a pleasant mare, polite, loved her flowers immensely. A little dramatic some moments, but a lovely mare.

Luna smiled as she opened the door, it would be nice to see..”OH MY STARS!”

Her hooves practically left skid marks as she backed out of the doorway, apologizing profusely and slamming it shut.

What in the skies above? She stared at the door for a moment, blushing fiercely once more and taking a deep breath.

You are an Alicorn! Ruler of Equestria! You should not act like a mare on her wedding night!

Stamping a hoof she moved down the hallway once more, selecting a known door again. Sweetcream, talkative but kind. It was always interesting to visit with her.

Opening the door slowly her eyes popped wide, jaw going adrift...

The door slammed shut once more as Luna turned on her hooves, making best time towards the Dream Portal.

No! Just....no! She would never drink chocolate milk again!

“Hygiene supplies, extra bath towels, perfume, check!”

“We do not need perfume.”

“Oh yes we do, knew we forgot something. I’ll get a hold of Rarity.”

“She will bring enough for everyone I am sure Athena.”

“Welll....never hurts to have extra.”

“Use some out of the old colony supply crates, they are untouched.”

“Oh come on! Marigold? Who wears ‘Marigold’‘? Or ’Summer Sunflower‘ Who even made up those names anyways?” Her voice was light, “Probably smells like a flower garden cra--.. Er..fell all over someone.”

“Athena.”

“What?”

“Ponies like flowers.”

“I hate when you’re right. I’ll go find some victims.”

“It is just a trip to the Crystal Empire, we do not need all these supplies. Perhaps you can lighten the load?”

“You know they’ll all want to go. You know they’ll need things. And you darn well KNOW it’s my hull and I’m doing what I want. You can play Spartan all you care to, not me.”

“Fair point.”

Athena exited her bay with saddlebags full of bottles. Crusader watched and pondered for a moment.

Human naming conventions came to mind. Perhaps it is better those humans aren’t around. I can only imagine what names they would come up with here.

He turned back to his own duties. One of which was negotiating with Unit Twelve to come back out of the forest.

Unit Twelve had made tentative contact early that morning, receiving the update that all other units were to destroy it on sight. It thought that was a bit harsh, so made contact with the Main Intelligence, Crusader.

The feedback had resumed, and fighting through the headache it was causing, he was also getting very annoyed with the balky tank. He had analyzed the data stream coming in from the AI core in the unit, it was having problems dealing with fragmentary data, it was going to suffer collapse.

He was trying his best to get it to come in voluntarily, but the stubborn Dragon was not having any of it. He had rescinded the kill order for now, trying to solve this another way. He was amused slightly at the Unit calling him and Athena Great Ones.

“Return to Maintenance bay for repairs. Now.”

“Unable to comply Great One, General Order Three.”

“What is General Order Three?” Crusader was confused, there was no GO Three.

“Bake.”

Oh for...

He could not subvert the tanks’ programming, the data stream was too sketchy, as well as the AI fragmenting more each second.

Crusader had no wish now to hurt the unit, it was doing as it was programmed to do. Although the corrupted files he had seen were not helping any. Should the AI collapse fully, the Dragon could go rogue and shoot up anything near it. Worse, it could self-destruct.

He could not for the life of him figure out how it was getting around obeying his orders. As the controlling Intelligence, his orders had priority.

He pondered for a moment more before giving up. It would stay in place, he had drones spotting the forest now. If it moved it would be taken care of, though the loss of another Hound would hurt, it was the only thing possible right now to protect others.

Twelve on the other end of the commlink was worried, would it ever get to complete General Order Three?

Athena trotted into the market, looking around for..ah ha! Granny Smith!

“Hey Granny!” She waved, walking slowly beside the elderly pony.

“Howdy youngin’, what’re you doing today?” She gave a warm smile. She walked a lot better since the med paks had been made and Crusader was making sure she got supplements to her diet. She was quite a bit less frail.

“Well... I’ve got some perfume here. Thought you might want to try some?” She held out a bottle of ‘Marigold’. She had thoughtfully relabeled them before going out, so no one would get confused.

“My! Pies in an oven! Marigold!” She sat down on a patch of grass, “I remember the Marigolds that my husband brought me when he was a-courtin’ me.” Tapping a slim hoof on the bottle she grinned, “Ah always loved the smell of them ever since! Let’s have a look-see.”

Athena hoofed it over, watching the elderly pony push down on the atomizer and getting a good spritz on her body.

“Oh mah stars! That’s just wonderful!” She took a deep smell, a smile on her face, “How much ya sellin’ these for ‘Thena?”

Sell? “Oh no Granny it’s yours, keep it.”

“Tain’t right there youngin’, oughta get something for it now.”

The Pegasus smiled, “Consider it a gift for putting up with me all this time.”

A wrinkled leg reached out, pushing Athena’s shoulder, “Now stop that, yer pert near family now!”

“Granny, just take it. Please.”

The older pony nodded, “If yer gonna be that stubborn ‘bout it.” Then she pointed, “But you better be expectin’ a jar of mah famous Zap Apple Jam in return!”

“That is more than fair Granny.”

The old pony nodded and waved as she moved off, clutching the bottle tight, her face full with memories of Marigolds and another pony from so long ago.

“Think you just made her year Athena.”

The Pegasus turned, hearing a familiar voice and seeing Bon Bon standing there. But...what the hay?

“Bon Bon, what’s wrong with you?” Athena looked closer, seeing the bags under her eyes, the tired stance.

A hoof just this side of shaky was waved, “Oh..well you know. Just get tired some days. Working hard thanks to your candy pans, it does wear some.” She sat down in the same patch of grass, wobbling before Athena caught her with a hoof.

“No. Something is wrong. What’s going on?”

Arctic blue eyes didn’t want to meet hers, avoiding them for a second before a sigh escaped her lips, “I.. You know, just got tired yesterday. All of a sudden. But it felt...” She leaned forward, whispering in one ear, “So good..it was so nice..” Her face got a wistful look on it.

Athena’s suspicions rose, “Is Lyra okay?”

The Earth Pony blinked for a second, “Oh yeah! She...she’s fine..”

“Bon Bon, where’s Lyra?”

“She’s at home, resting. She felt a little tired too.” A smile started on her face before she started to fall forward, Athena catching her.

“Just..need a little rest.”

“Crusader!!”

“Yes?”

“Medical Emergency!” She shot the data to him, seeing him scan it quickly.

“Ferret is on the way, stay with her. I am on the way to Lyra as well.”

“Got it! Hurry!”

“As fast as I can.”

A Ferret roared into life inside the bay. It tore out of it’s slot, turning and ripping out of the now open bay door, slewing in the dirt as it headed towards Ponyville. Weapons were wary as it scanned the vicinity. Medical mission or not, it was prepared for battle.

Ponies saw the huge vehicle coming over the bridge, stepping off the road and letting it past. The regular populace was so used to seeing them, chuckling at looks from tourists and ponies passing through.

It screeched to a halt, the loading door clanging as it dropped into the dirt, medical spiders trooped out, picking up Bon Bon carefully and laying her on the stretcher inside.

Athena followed, “GO!” Giving directions to Lyra’s house to the vehicle GPS, “Best speed!”

Once more the armored vehicle took off in a roostertail of dirt, careening down the road and slamming to a halt in front of Bon Bon’s shop where Lyra lived above it.

Athena piled out, joined by Crusader who had been heading here since the call. The both pounded up the stairs, seeing the mint green Unicorn lying on the floor. Tech spiders were summoned once more.

“Medical readouts are saying she’s going into heart failure.” A med pak was slapped on her side, a spider gently applying skin taps for nutrients and fluids. A second spider was pressing tabs against her chest, getting up to the second reads on her vitals.

“Get a blood sample, start analyzing it immediately.” Crusader was all business, directing the ‘spiders to get Lyra in the Ferret.

“On it soon as we get back. Notified UCA?”

“Yes, the Princesses now know as well as Twilight. They are on the way to the Castle for a meeting with the others.

“There goes training.”

“Another day then.” He gave her a nudge, running down the steps and joining the Ferret, “I will handle this, get to the meeting and tell them.”

“On it!”

She turned and took off after the vehicle had left, heading towards the Castle as fast as she could.

Crusader sat in the back of the rocking Ferret, looking at the two mares and wondering what was going on now.

Athena tore into the Castle, skidding along the floor and ramming into the door frame of the meeting room. The Map room was just used when an alert was received, the meeting room was more informal. Gathering herself, she walked into the area with a rueful grin.

And stopped dead, seeing everyone there...

Rarity looked like a cart had hit her, heavy bags under her eyes told the tale of exhaustion as she smiled and waved. Everyone to a pony was the same way. Slumping on pillows or trying to keep lids open over blood-shot eyes. It was a fight to stay awake.

Applejack was dozing on a pillow, her head lying to the side as her body looked like it had been starved. She had looked a bit peaked earlier, whatever it was was working fast! Ribs showed through her coat, normally a healthful shine to it, now dull and lifeless. Pinkie looked the same. Her poofy mane was damped down and her infectious smile was gone as she talked in low tones with Fluttershy.

The buttery Pegasus was not as bad off, but you could tell she was getting there, drooping eyelids told of a willingness to just drop off in mid-sentence.

Poor Rainbow Dash, always thin at the best of times, now looking like she hadn’t had a good meal in weeks. Lying on her side she was being watched by Princess Luna.

Celestia and Luna fairly glowed with health, the nano machines having done their work and now they really stood out compared to our friends.

“Athena? What is going on?” Luna looked disturbed.

She stared for a second before turning to the Royal, “I..we..don’t know Princess. We just noticed this.”

“Is anypony else...?” Celestia stopped, seeing Athena nodding.

“We just took Lyra and Bon Bon into our care. Lyra was in the beginning stages of heart failure.”

Luna inhaled sharply, stamping a hoof, “I hate to state the obvious, but this bodes ill. We need medical..” She stops, seeing Athena raising a hoof.

“A vehicle is on the way, we will take them.”

“Then let us help as well.” Celestia’s voice was warm.

“Crusader?”

“Let them help, a bay is being cleared for emergency medical. We need every specially equipped tech spider. Whatever it might be is fast-acting and may be spreading.”

“Only females so far, I’ll keep an eye out.”

“Good. Get them here asap.”

“I will, promise.”

“See you soon, be careful sister.”

“Will do!”

Athena gestured to the Princesses, hearing the vehicle outside, “Come with us. We’ll be setting up medical inside Crusaders’ hull, safer there.”

They both nodded as they watched the metal spiders walk in. Gently, so very gently for such odd things, they lifted the tired mares and placed them on stretchers, attaching bags of some liquid to each one by a tube.

Though the two royals wanted badly to ask questions as to what was going on, they remained silent throughout the trip to the hill. Stepping out into the durasteel bay and seeing rows of cots set up, they watched in wonder at all the activity. Each cot had a pole and bags of liquid hanging nearby. Large and small spiders were rushing about moving things, getting more space ready just in case. There were other more larger things in the shadows, picking up items and moving them as if not bothered by the immense size of some crates.

Celestia could not stay silent any longer, “Do you think you’ll need this much space?”

“We plan ahead Your Highness. We have eight cases, there could be more, it takes nothing to set up.” Crusader pointed to the cots, “These are the supplies meant for the colony we were to guard, they can be re-purposed easily.”

“How big was this colony to be?”

“We had enough initial supplies for fifteen thousand colonists and a company of Bolos. Between Athena and I we have enough for four thousand, we are currently setting up fabrication for more.”

Staring for a moment Celestia could only shake her head, “Amazing.”

“The Concordiat did not skimp on Operation Diaspora.” Athena joined him, watching the last patient set up on a cot, skin taps made and fluids fed.

“What is in the bags?” Luna was inspecting one closely, seeing swirling colors in each one.

“They are fast diffusion vitamins and rehydration liquids.” Not waiting for the curious looks he explained, “They will be absorbed into the body very quickly, giving them nutrition and support.” He turned to his sister who was waiting, “Go to the hospital, grab any and all medical personnel available and bring them here. Tell them whatever you need to.”

Athena didn’t even reply, ripping out of the bay and back into the Ferret which took off immediately.

“What can we do Crusader?” Celestia was looking at the ponies lying on the cots.

“They are wasting away for some unknown reason Princess. Scans are telling me we are fighting a losing battle already. I do not know why. If it is magic, I can erect Anti-Magic screens. But until we know, I can do nothing except give them fluids and maintain a watch. Can you help?”

“We can.” Luna looked fierce, stepping over to Lyra as her horn lit up, a spell flicked out and covered the quiescent mare. The aura dimmed then faded out as she took a step back. “I know this.”

Celestia’s face as well as Crusader’s took on looks of surprise.

“A familiar magic, used by one who would suck the very essence out of a pony. It acts on the magic inherent in us all. It steals the Earth Magic, the Unicorn and the Pegasi abilities.”

She turned, gesturing to the silent row of mares, “It takes the very life from them. Unlike Tirek who wanted the magic for power, this takes it all, and it does so very fast.”

“How do we stop it?” Crusader was blunt.

“I do not know, the one who used such a thing far and long ago was thought defeated and gone. The spells it used taken with it.” The pretty face looked at Celestia sharply, “It is a Slavers’ work.”

Celestia inhaled softly, “No, it cannot be!” Her face was lined as she frowned deeply, “We defeated it long ago, it cannot be here.”

“No sister, we may have only thought we did. There were no remains and we never knew what it had used to seduce the unwary.”

“What is a Slaver?” Crusader interrupted.

“A being that tapped into the body of a pony, mares preferred, stealing their magic and life to feed on. A Slaver feeds on it to live.” She looked back at the row of forms, “It seduced the mind, bringing pleasure until you were drained and gone.”

“How did you defeat it?”

“We did not do it alone. Starswirl and the Council were involved with us. We were newly come into our power and fighting to form our country. It took all of us to send it elsewhere. We had thought it was the last of its kind.”

“Then how has it returned?”

“A link somehow to our world, something that allowed it to come back.” She stamped a hoof, “It was frustrating tracking it down the first time and now this!”

Crusader pondered for a moment, “Do we need a quarantine? Will erecting an anti-magic screen do anything to help?”

“I do not know, we never knew how it spread it’s spell. Many succumbed to the power before we were able to defeat it. But..it seems we did not after all.” Luna’s face took on the mien of pure frustration. “As for anti-magic, no. Once tapped the body withers and fades, the power going. There was nothing we could ever do to stop our ponies from dying.” She stamped a hoof once more, the cladding ringing off the metal floor in her frustration.

Celestia nodded, “So much was lost when Starswirl passed. We could use his abilities now.” She looked sad for a moment, “He thought he had figured out how it had spread but it was over before he could finish his research, though his notes are surely somewhere.”

“From what Athena says, there is one who knows more about him than any other.” He pointed towards Twilight who lay breathing gently on a cot, her eyelids closed, but the orbs underneath moving rapidly.

“But how do we get the information? She is clearly not in any sort of health to be giving us anything.” Celestia’s face was worried now, looking at her precious former student.

“We have ways, she will not be hurt. When Athena gets back we will retrieve what we need.”

At that moment a vehicle screeched to a halt in a cloud of dust outside the bay, Nurses and doctors piling out and spreading into the open area, seeing immediately to the patients.

One of the nurses, introduced as Tenderheart, asks for an update. She is given it quickly by Crusader, returning to the patients after being told not to mess with the fluid lines.

One withering glare later made Celestia chuckle, “Others do know their jobs Crusader.”

“I stand corrected Princess.”

Athena skid to a halt beside them, “That’s everyone I could get. I briefed them along the way.”

“Thank you Athena.” Celestia smiled at her warmly.

The little mare smiled, “You’re welcome Princess.”

Crusader was all business, “Athena, prepare Twilight for an interface.”

“What? She’s in no condition..” The Pegasus halts at an upraised hoof.

“She has knowledge we need. You know I would never endanger someone for anything less. This is extremely important.” All those thoughts stopped as a pony skidded in on the metal plating.

“There you are!” An out of breath voice declared, “We need help!” Iron Bars stood at the open bay door, making every head turn his way. He didn’t give anyone a chance to reply before continuing, “We’ve got ponies fainting in the streets, the Flower Sisters are in a bad way and they said at the hospital you had taken others here. We need your assistance, please.”

Bars was not one to ask for help, but when needed he was honest about it. Suddenly overwhelmed with an influx of ponies dropping in the street he had no recourse.

Crusader’s voice was even and level, “Vehicles are on the way Bars, just make sure ponies know to clear the streets. They will be moving fast, we have no time to waste.”

He was frustrated, the more medical spiders used for rescues meant less to monitor the patients. He had the remaining spiders set up automatic monitors near each mare, having the data feed directly into his cores and letting him handle the overload.

Operation Diaspora had supplied well and richly, but they never planned on a plague, counting on the technical abilities of the doctors and AI’s to deal with any outbreak before it became a problem. Crusader could only shake his metaphorical head inside his arrays, they just didn’t plan for magic.

“You got it!” The burly pony spun and took off.

The faux Earth Pony sat for a long moment, prompting looks from the Princesses and Athena. He remained quiet, sitting and looking out the bay door with a neutral expression on his face. The silence lasted until Athena and even Luna were getting antsy, the latter politely coughing into a hoof.

“Crusader?”

He turned, looking at them with the same calm demeanor, “My apologies, I was calculating what we would need for this problem.”

Athena eyed him as he was doing nothing of the sort, but his thoughts were guarded. She would not spy on him, but she worried. He was an old Bolo even before this trip through time.

“Fear not sister, I am fine.”

“I worry, you’re thinking more and more these days. Lost in yourself.”

“Am I? My apologies.”

A hoof rested on an umber shoulder, “Don’t get lost, we..I need you.”

“I am sure you would find me and show me the way back my sister, you are incorrigable that way.”

“I would! I always will!”

“Then let us get to the problem.”

“Can do! We’ll beat it, we’re the best!”

“Of course.”

His demeanor always struck a chord within her, making her amused. So calm, so always there.

Athena chuckled, slapping his shoulder and then stopping as the first of the vehicles arrived. They watched the ‘spiders scuttle out of the hatches with more stretchers bearing ponies lying on their sides.

Crusader opened up a private link again, “I am sorry, but the interface is needed.”

“I know, I’ll be careful.”

“If it seduces the mind as Luna said, be very wary, even we seem to be susceptible to machinations.”

“You know me.”

“I do. Be on alert.”

“I will!”

They both looked at the incoming ‘spiders carrying the weakened forms shallowly breathing on the sturdy stretchers. Haggard eyes and looks told of near exhaustion and the edge of delirium.

“But that is for later.”

Athena nodded, “Back to work!”

The Princesses joined them in walking towards the patients and the milling medical staff. Town Guard were pouring in to help as well. Magic flared from the Princesses as they strove to find what technology might not, a way to defeat this thing.

Even with all the troubles, hope it seems would never desert Ponyville.

Old Enemies - Part 2

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Junk Food Junkies

Author's Note

They're bad for you! How many times have we heard this? Or course we never listened either. Have fun!

Warrior Princess Unicorn is from a comic strip called Erma, Check it out, great stuff :)
https://tapastic.com/series/Erma

Junk Food Junkies

One wonders why things happen. Is it circumstance? Fate? Something else? Either way it does pose the question, allowing us to muse on the whys and wherefores. Of the Regiment, we did talk quite a lot about the circumstances of some problems. Solutions generally were found, except in the oddest cases

In the very worst conditions we sought a way to accomplish missions. We were rightfully proud of our skills.

Though sometimes, very rarely, even the mightiest of Bolos had to bow before forces beyond their ken.

Why?

Because we never imagined anything like Pinkie.

It was a sunny day, a few wispy clouds scudding across the sky. Blue so crystal clear it hurt the eyes. We were dumping weight, trying to get rid of things we had no use for. It was hard, for each and every thing is a last piece of a history. But Athena had told me sometimes it is best to let the dross go and keep the shiny things. A fitting statement, although sometimes it is not so easy to do.

We are preparing her for the trip to the Crystal Empire, needing the full facilities of a Bolo to penetrate the frozen ground and search for anything that might link up with what was written in the old book. It is well that we have the time to do as close to depot-level maintenance as we can.

Supplies are being checked and re-checked. Tech spiders are going over every inch of Athena for weaknesses, repairing or replacing where needed. Since the Slaver Incident a week ago, we are being overly cautious except where security is concerned. There we are being absolutely paranoid.

But there is always something unexpected.

A case in point....

‘OOoooooOOOOO! What’s all this?” The high pitched voice was accompanied by a bouncing ball of energy we knew as Pinkie. Her bright blue eyes taking in the piles of containers as she and Athena walked the bay. We were sorting food and dumping what we couldn’t use in favor of making more nutritious items.

She was sticking her head into an open crate of bags, containing items we really preferred would never make it into the food chain.

Pulling out a bag of little bright red colored balls, she squealed in delight, “What’s this?”

“That Pinkie, is something not very good for you.”

“How can you say that? It’s looks like cereal! Cereal is always good!”

Athena laughed, “Pinkie, the cereal you eat is pretty much all natural.” She pointed a hoof at the bag reading “Cherry Bombs’ in Concordiat standard, “That is processed to within an inch of it’s life and beyond. It’s not healthy.”

“What’s it called?”

“Cherry Bombs.”

“That sounds delicious! Cherries are always good!” She was eyeing the bag harder now.

She wasn’t listening, “Pinky, if there was a real cherry anywhere near that stuff, it ran far away.”

Athena sat there ignored as Pinkie busily dug through the bags, holding up a few more, “What’s this?”

“Apple Rings.” Apples...right.. Athena laughed inside, not an apple to be found. Applejack would be horrified.

“This?”

Athena sighed, “Bol-O’s...someone tried to capitalize on Bolos, making a cereal. Sad really.”

She was right. Concordiat Command wasn’t very pleased, and after a visit by some very unhappy high ranking officers the plant quit making them. Although how a few hundreds of kilograms got into the supplies she’d never know. Plus they tasted awful, even humans hated them.

A bag containing mixed flakes of chocolate and neon colored ones was shaken in front of her, “What’s this?”

“Fruity Choco-Bits.” Athena decided not to stick her tongue out, as she had actually tried some and about spit them across the room. How did humans even stand that stuff?

“Wow! Fruit AND Chocolate! They must be awesome!” The pink legs hugged the big bag tight.

“Pinkie, we’re getting rid of all of that. Rendering it down to make other, better food. You can’t have any.”

“Oh come on! Just one! Pleeeeeease?”

Athena turned to see Pinkie doing her best Sweetie Belle impression, making the Pegasus roll her eyes..

“I said no. Seriously, that stuff is bad for you. Humans ate it all the time just for the taste. It contains no vitamins or anything that helps a body. It’s got things in it with names so long it boggles the mind. Plus it has enough sugar to stun even you.”

The mare wasn’t paying attention, digging through more boxes as Athena waited patiently. I am glad we’re getting rid of this stuff, it’s just awful really. After having so much fresh food on hand, it pales in comparison.

Even the cereals ponies ate were barely processed, and then only to grind the grains to make shapes, leaving the taste and flavor intact. Frosting was added sometimes, but no chemicals or artificial flavorings, just all natural goodness.

She watched Pinkie bury herself in multi-colored bags of cereal, pawing through them and exclaiming each time a new one popped up. Over one hundred different kinds were in colony supplies and we’re getting rid of all of them. Good riddance.

A major squeal this time as Pinkie’s head popped up holding a huge sack of brightly colored forms, “Lookit this!” She pointed a hoof, “It’s got diamonds and clovers, and stars and all kinds of other cool things! What is it?” It figures the bright colors and shapes would attract her.

“It says Marshmallow Charms Pinkie.”

“Marshmallows are awesome!”

“Pinkie, they’re not real marshmallows. They’re bad for you.”

“Oh come on, they look so cool how can they be bad?”

“Pinkie, just the chemicals alone would cause stars know how much havoc on your bodies, not to mention artificial coloring.”

“Oh puhleeeeeeze? Can I have just one bag? PLEEEEEEZE?”

“I don’t think so Pinkie, trust me, you’re better off.”

Her blue eyes took in the absolute mountains of bags containing brightly colored shapes and sugary goodness. She could just taste them! Maybe...maaaaaybe just a teeny bag? She slipped a two liter sized plastic container in her mane, sure Athena was just being overly concerned.

“Come on Pinkie, we’ll get those apples you put in storage. Sure you need all those?”

“Yep! Apple pie cupcakes! They’re gonna be awesome!”

“Sounds great.” Athena smiled, “Sorry ‘bout the cereal. But trust me, it’s just something you don’t want.”

“That’s okay!” Athena was sooooo serious about things! Pinkie grinned, a little cereal never hurt anypony!

Oh, what a great day! Pinkie was relaxing on her bed, looking at the ceiling. All baked things baked and more to make for baking tomorrow!

Even she sometimes didn’t quite understand what went through her head, but as long as she got a giggle it was fine.

I’m starving! Maybe I can go..wait a second! She reached into her mane, pulling out a sealed bag of cereal she’d ‘borrowed’ from Athena’s bay. Maybe this stuff will do for now until I get a real dinner!

Tumbling down the steps in a flurry of giggles she grabbed a bowl filling it with half the bag of sugary processed cereal, pouring fresh, ice cold milk over it.

Oh, this is gonna be good!

Taking up a spoon in her hoof Pinkie gouged out a huge mound of sparkling colorful marshmallows and crispy flakes, shoveling it into her mouth. She chewed mightily for a second as her eyes slowly opened wide.

The cereal had gone off like a bomb in her mouth. So many flavors, so many textures that she’d never even thought of much less tasted! This was like nothing, nothing! She’d ever tasted before! Making her own cakes and baked goods look like amateurish attempts at doing this!

How could anything that tasted this good be so bad?

She plowed right through the next spoonful, and the next, without a thought in the world but getting more!

Athena had been right, but not quite in the way she’d thought. Some of the processed foods that the Concordiat made and shipped by the mega-ton were not very good. They fed worlds, but a lot of it lacked the nutrition that humans so desperately needed. Even though they knew stuff was bad for them, they continued to eat it, taste being everything.

It was an old story, bad for you but eaten cause it was cheap or tasty. Athena and Crusader definitely wanted to avoid that here, going with as little processing as possible and learning how ponies did things.

Athena had been correct on one point, the cereal was not very good for ponies, it lacked anything they needed.

However...

The chemicals, artifical flavorings and colors were nothing like Equestria had ever seen or had experience with. Especially the magically infused bodies of ponies.

Those items, some with names even Bolos feared to pronounce, went immediately to work inside Pinkie’s body. They interacted with the natural magic that was in her. Strong and tireless some days as an Earth pony, it gave her stamina and strength needed to do things.

Because of the power she had, it created an even worse problem.

The cereal became highly addictive. The more Pinkie ate, the more she was going to want.

Her body was setting her up for an enormous crash. Though her natural magic was staving it off for now, the cravings would be sneaking right up, allowing her to enjoy the bowl full of artificial marshmallow shapes and chocolate flavored flakes.

The other artificial ingredients had some odd side-effects as well. Pinkie’s natural coloring was slowly being replaced with a rainbow of sparkling colors. It moved from her tail along her flank and then up her body, each band bright and neon colored. It only lasted a minute or so, but was a telltale of the problem.

The addiction, on the other hoof, would be around long after. Too much and it would be even harder to get rid of.

The Earth Pony didn’t know as she licked the bowl clean. That was the best tasting cereal she EVER had!

As she wiped her lips, the colors crept over her coat, shining bright in the afternoon sun. Her mind turned to figuring out a way to get more of this stuff!

Athena was sure the inventory count was off, down to the last gram she had accounted for everything. Making sure this ..food..got disposed of she’d been very careful on how it was handled. Here in Equestria it could properly be labeled hazardous waste.

She went through it one more time, realizing a bag of at least a two liter size was missing.

“Crusader?”

“Yes?”

“Did you take any of this cereal for anything?”

“No. Is there a problem?”

“I’m missing at least a two liter size container, I was sure I inventoried everything correctly.”

“Perhaps something was lost in the shuffle? You are getting ready for the trip to the Empire and Twilight will be gone for a few days. I know that worries you.”

Twilight had been summoned to help with a big meeting of Equestrian cities and towns. She had told Athena because of how busy she’d be there’d be no time at all to spend together sight-seeing or anything. So Athena had acquiesced and stayed in Ponyville to prepare for the trip.

Athena was not happy being left behind, but there were a few things to do like getting rid of dead weight. There was always something to pull maintenance on.

“Perhaps. Though Pinkie was in here earlier with me. Could she have...? Nah, she wouldn’t do that.”

“One never knows with Pinkie, Athena.

“Hope she didn’t. That stuff is just awful.”

“True. The breakdown of them will make for better rations to store in the underground.”

“Can’t wait to show them, everything good on it?”

“Definitely. A few minor problems, but it will be complete soon.”

“Awesome!”

“Until then no worries. We shall check with Pinkie later.”

“Okay! I’ll get right back on the rendering then!”

Pinkie was having an awesome time bouncing through town. The chemicals in the cereal having a wonderful time with the body and metabolism of a pony.

Ponies watched as the effervescent mare pronked on by. She had the biggest grin on her face, saying hello to ponies who could only stop and stare at a Pinkie that was even more Pinkie than they’d ever seen.

She was feeling great! Better than ever! Like she could take on Tirek all by herself! Her body was just pumping the energy right now! Her mane and tail poofed out like nothing before as she headed out towards the hills. She’d figured a way to get some more of that wonderfully delicious cereal! Athena never minded when ponies visited, just looking around in the bays, so easy peasy!

The colors went away quickly, though not before surprising her when she’d looked into the mirror. Pinkie had bounced around her room enjoying the bright bands of color that crawled across her body. Though it faded, she’d thought it was the neatest thing in the world!

Now she had the oddest cravings for the breakfast food. Usually she was pretty good about stuff like that, but now she really wanted more!

Off towards the hills she went, looking for the opening to Athena’s bays where that mountain of food was.

“Pinkie’s looking mighty..uh..herself today.” Applejack was walking alongside Rainbow Dash, both of them eyeing their friend as she bounced on by. They were cheerfully waved at then ignored.

The cyan Pegasus nodded, “Yeah.” Her eyes narrowed a little suspiciously, “Wonder what’s going on?”

“Ah’m not sure, think we oughta follow her?” Applejack had stopped in the street, looking at a rapidly receding pink form.

“I dunno. I mean if it’s Pinkie it might be something awfully weird.”

They both looked at each other, saying at the same time, “Let’s follow her.”

Athena gleefully looked at the data, this other little project was going to be wonderful when it was done. She was sitting in the Command Deck, on a comfy pillow that gave her a perfect angle. Watching the screen instead of the datastream, she smiled. On it was the live feed of a single little plant, something that made her go warm inside knowing it was so very special.

But her attention was not on the bays. Automatics were taking over there and it was nothing that she needed to micromanage. Same with the security cameras that notified her ponies were around, but she needn’t do anything as long as they didn’t try to get into anyplace that could affect secure operations.

That also meant a pile of food to be recycled wasn’t a security priority as Pinkie bounced her way in. She stopped and paused the energetic movements as her eyes scanned the piles and crates of bags.

Such a hard choice, but she knew what she was looking for! Scrambling along the metal floor she rammed right into a pile, grabbing a few large bags in one fore leg and bugging out quickly. Or would have had not two figures stopped her progress, standing in the doorway and looking at her suspiciously.

“Hold it missy, doncha be thinkin’ bout takin’ somethin’ ain’t yours.” Applejacks’ face was looking serious.

“Yeah.” Rainbow nodded, “What’s with you taking stuff anyways, you never do that.” She was looking concerned, Pinkie stealing? That was definitely wrong.

Pinkie was caught red-hooved, thinking quickly for a moment she told them the truth. “Athena’s just getting rid of all this. Soooo...I tried some and it tastes great! I figured I’d just sneak in and get a bit more.” She grinned nervously at the other two mares.

Applejack looked totally confused, wasting good food was not on her big list of anything at all to do. Food was precious to all Earth Ponies, making sure everypony got fed was a full time job. Her eyes took in the literal mountain of containers.

“Throwin’ it out? All this?” She waved a hoof around to the mounds of bags, not even comprehending the waste.

“Yep!” Pinkie was nodding, making her mane bob up and down,

“What is it?” Rainbow was eyeing the bags in Pinkie’s hooves, having one thrust at her.

“Cereal!”

“Cereal?” The cyan mare was looking dubious.

“Oh yeah, cereal. Like nothing you’ve ev-er tasted!” She plunged a hoof in one bag, shoving a few Cherry Bombs into Rainbow’s mouth.

The Pegasus’ eyes widened, chewing for just a second. Her metabolism worked faster than Pinkie’s, making the reactions that much quicker. Her coat shimmered in colors that matched her mane and tail, flowing over her body as Applejack watched in pure surprise. It faded fast though, all that remained was the exquisite taste of sugary tartness in her mouth tasting like no cherry she ever ate.

“Oh...my...goodness!” She grabbed the bag from Pinkie and shoveled another hoof-full into her mouth, “Appafack! Yu gota tie tis!” She was trying to talk around a muzzle full of cereal as the farm pony watched.

“I dunno Rainbow, them colors were mighty weird.”

Pinkie giggled, “They only last a minute and they’re kinda cool!” She leaned over towards the orange pony, “They got apple flavored ones!” She pointed to another bag in her fore legs, one Athena had pointed out earlier.

“Apple? Really?” Now that got Applejacks’ attention, “Lemme see that.”

Pinkie threw her a large bag containing Apple Rings. If the cereal inside had seen a real apple, it was a picture in a book a million years ago. Nothing about them was anywhere near natural.

The farmer took a dubious look inside the bag, opening it as she watched Rainbow cramming a few more Cherry Bombs in her mouth. Applejack herself often wondered sometimes why there wasn’t much variety in cereal with the amount of food Equestria produced. Oh there were wheat and grain based, a few with a little sugar on them, but nothing like this.

She tentatively put a few rings in her mouth, crunching on them for a moment as her eyes widened along with Pinkie’s and Rainbow’s. It tasted like apples, but more than that it was better than apples right off the tree!

She looked at the bag of cereal, her mind reeling with something that had never occurred, something that actually tasted better than natural apples!

Colors shimmered up and down her mane and tail, through her coat as she stood there, munching on a few more, then more... She found she really liked these things!

“Say...these are pretty good.”

Rainbow was nodding enthusiastically, “Aren’t they?” She looked around, “Think they’d miss a few more bags?”

“I dunno Rainbow. I mean they were gettin’ rid of ‘em.” She looked at Pinkie, “Did they say why?”

Pinkie swallowed a mouthful of food, “Athena was saying they ‘might’ be bad for us.” She punctuated that with air quotes using her hooves, “But nothings happened so far, I mean they taste awesome!” The pink mare grinned, “I think they’re great!”

Applejack found herself reaching in the bag without a thought, it niggled at her mind for a moment before she was crunching happily on a few more bits of cereal, “Well..maybe we oughta ask ‘em?”

“They’re getting rid of all this Applejack, I bet they wouldn’t mind at all. I mean they’re just throwing it out.” Rainbow was eye-balling a large bag of bright marshmallows. They were actually almost a duplicate of her mane and tail.

“They don’t taste tooooo bad do they?” Pinkie was leaning next to Applejack, making her rear back from the face of the grinning mare.

“No. No, they don’t. They ain’t really that bad.” She was surprised with herself for saying that, but it was honest. “Truth be told, they’re pretty darn good.” She didn’t quite know if it was stealing, but she just absolutely down to the core could not see why good food ought to go to waste.

Rainbow was already grabbing a few large containers, Pinkie joining her and returning with their hooves full.

“Ah don’t think we oughta take anything without askin’ first though.”

“Oh come on Applejack! Pinkie said they’re tossing it out, it can’t hurt!” Rainbow was hovering, holding the newly retrieved bags tight, “Don’t worry about it, you know they’re our friends.”

A bag was shoved in Applejack’s face, “Check this out! They even got my colors right!” The bag was full of multi-colored rainbow shaped ‘marshmallows’ along with lightning bolts and clouds. A coincidence spanning eons.

“You keep grabbing more too, so that’s a yes?” Applejack looked at her hoof in surprise, already dipping in for a few as she had been during the whole conversation.

“I’m good with this!” Rainbow flew out of the bay with a wave, “I gotta get home and try these!” Pinkie followed in a blur of color, heading out of the bay as well, leaving Applejack to stare after them.

Tilting her hat back on her head she trotted out of the bay. Perhaps Crusader would have some idea. She hefted the bag onto her back and made her way home.

“So they took some and scampered off with grins.” Applejack was sitting on the porch talking to a quiet Crusader, “I tried some as well, to be honest, they weren’t too bad.”

He pondered for a moment, thinking of possible consequences and what chemical reactions could possibly do, coming up with nothing. Scientific things must have a basis to go on, and with the processed food and ponies he had no baseline of established fact to go on.

“I am not sure of the coloring problem, but if it went away perhaps it is a minor thing. We were getting rid of it because it was not very healthy.”

The farm mare thought about it and nodded, “But they sure tasted good.”

“They do, they were enhanced for flavor and will be better tasting than the natural items. That was a selling point for them. I will notify Athena about the pilfering.” He gave a small smile to a relieved Applejack.

“That’d be good. Least it wasn’t stealing, I felt kinda bad bringing that bag home.”

“No worry, waste is never a good thing. But some items this world could do without I believe.”

“I understand that, I’m sure half the stuff you got inside ya wouldn’t be very good a’tall.” She laughed, giving him a nudge.

He nodded in that way that told her he was amused, giving her a warm look, “Not a lot of ponies can say they are eating a food produced so far back in the past it would be fossilized right now.”

Applejack laughed out loud, “Gotta admit, pretty good for bein’ so old.”

“Enjoy then Applejack. If you would like to try more, we have plenty. It will be another week until we have destroyed the rest.”

She leaned against the solid form, “Ah dunno, might start liking them over real apples.”

“Shocked. Shocked I am to hear such things.”

Applejack’s laugh echoed over the orchard, Crusader never failed to amuse her.

Rainbow Dash sat down at the table in her cloudominium, a big bowl of ‘Rainbow Snaps’ as they were called in front of her. She poured fresh chilled milk over it, watching the colors seep into the liquid and coloring it as well.

“That is SO cool!” Her eyes took in the natural looking flakes alongside the brightly colored lightning bolts, clouds and rainbows that made up a good portion of the cereal. She could hear a popping sound from the flakes, releasing it into the milk as they crackled.

She’d taken her time once she got back home. Clearing up chores and anything else needing to be done before settling down to try these. Applejack always told her that anticipation is always best, get things done first then enjoy a treat.

She was right, this was going to be the best bowl of cereal EVER!

Gripping a spoon in her hoof, she hadn’t quite decided whether to just throw caution to the wind and stick her muzzle in it or be polite and use a spoon.

She was still sitting there a minute later, trying to decide when her tummy rumbled out loud, reminding her it needed food..now!

Tossing the spoon aside with a shrug, she dove into the bowl, splashing milk along her face as she gulped up a big mouthful of food. Lifting her head, the milk dripped off her muzzle onto the table as she sat there chewing, eyes closed in pure bliss when the flavors exploded across her tongue.

It...it’s....like tasting awesome!

Most of the bag quickly disappeared into the ravenous Pegasus.

Licking her lips minutes later, the cravings satisfied for now, she resolved to get more of this stuff!

Pinkie, always the creative one, had taken the big bags of cereal and made new items for the bakery out of them. Chewing on a few here and there while cooking, she added little red balls of Cherry Bombs to top frosted cupcakes, some fruit flavored flakes sprinkled liberally onto pies to add to the taste. Which by the way enhanced the flavor, making them even more delicious in her mind and the customers.

Treats were selling like hotcakes. Sundaes with brightly colored marshmallows were especially popular with the fillies and colts. Bits flowed like water as ponies just couldn’t get enough of the new stuff Pinkie was putting out.

Though there were questions asked about the weirdly colored bands running up and down everypony for a moment, it was quickly dismissed as some ‘advertising thing’, a spell to make folks interested in what Sugar Cube Corner was selling. It happened quickly, and only once, as the chemicals got established in ponies bodies.

Though the amounts were small, the chemicals were in trace amounts, it would take a while to build up an addiction like Pinkie had already done and Rainbow was well on her way to having.

The line was out the door as word spread of Pinkie’s new creations, garnering interest from miles around as ponies flocked to see what the commotion was about.

Pinkie had grabbed quite a few varieties of cereal. Now adding them to the normal rounds of goodies was spreading the cheer and possibly the addiction.

Banana splits topped with a liberal helping of chocolate bits and marshmallows were selling out, Mr. Cake was worried about getting more supplies. He and his wife were almost out of breath, rushing around serving ponies by the twos and threes, keeping up with making more goods to sell. It was exhausting.

Pinkie, however, was a bundle of energy and smiles. She’d been eating more of the cereal, ‘taste testing’ it for the new items as she went along, the chemicals providing her with the stamina needed.

Crusader watched this with interested eyes. He was concerned at the strange reaction with the colors, but could find no information in anything he had in data storage. He watched as ponies shrugged it off, blithely ignoring it as a simple spell while buying more of the items Pinkie and the Cakes were making.

A quiet voice caught his ear as he sat there.

“Looks like whatever Pinkie’s doing is a hit.” Crusader turned to see Athena settling in beside him, her eyes locked on to the front of the bakery.

“How much did they take?”

“All told after scanning, about fifty kilos of cereal.” She glanced at him, “Should we be concerned?”

“I do not know Athena. This is something totally without precedence. We have no clue what the ingredients will do. Medical scans from the bracelets are showing nothing, but then they do not give a deep look at cell interaction.”

“Rainbow has already asked for more, I gave her another bag. What would you like me to do?”

They spoke out loud more and more these days, slowing themselves to an easy pace. TSDS was fine, but sometimes normal conversation was wanted.

“Up the recycling. Process and render it down quickly. If there is no more perhaps interest will wane.”

“Even with increasing capacity on the nanovats, it’s going to take a few days.”

“That is fine. As long as we get rid of it.” he turned to look at the sable Pegasus, “We need to get you out of here and to the Crystal Empire. We must know.”

She nods, keeping a careful watch on the ponies gathering in the open area in front of the store, “Yeah, we do.” She processed for a second, “You still having problems with your drive trains?”

“Yes. Not enough metals from the eastern mines yet.”

Athena tilted her head with a frustrated look, “If you hadn’t made all those parts for me..” She was stopped as he returned her glare with an amused look.

“You wanted to go to the Empire badly, so concentrating on your repairs was priority. Do not argue the point, we both know you are excited about it.”

She sighed, being caught out and rubbing one fore hoof along another, “Yeah..you’re right. I really want to see it.”

“Then we will finish minor things.” he pointed, “But this, we need to keep an eye on.”

Athena was about to reply when they both heard a voice, making them turn.

“Have you guys tried this? It’s great!”

They saw Twilight standing behind them with an ice cream cone lifted in her magic grip, sprinkled with brightly colored marshmallows and enjoying herself immensely.

Crusader monitored the medical readings from the commsets, peeking into things he normally didn’t. The color changes were suspicious, but nothing odd was showing up on anything he could access.

He stared out at the stars from the wooden porch, wondering if technology was truly the answer to anything. For all our successes it has brought a few problems. The medpaks were becoming ubiquitous, production was ramping up to maximum as hospitals and medical ponies were requesting a supply for emergencies or for normal use.

There was only so much he and Athena could do, though the medical packages were very simple, they took programming time and materials. Right now they were restricted for the ponies of Equestria. The amount of scanning and medical knowledge was tremendous to create even these simple things. Should the requests come in from other lands, they would have to be refused. Unless a nanovat processing facility could be set up and staffed, they were coming to peak manufacturing capability.

One problem was the waste that came with such a facility. Currently any byproducts were used in the fusion furnaces, effectively getting rid of them to power the two Bolos. Should a plant be set up, it would only lead to more technology needed to get rid of or process the wastes.

This created an endless cycle of more tech needed to build more tech.

He stared at the pinpoints of light for a moment more, lowering his gaze to the wooded hills. Perhaps there can be a solution later on. We will just do the best we can without creating more problems.

A form settled beside him with a sigh, making him turn to see Applejack.

“Is something wrong my Applejack?”

“Ah dunno, got the strangest craving for somethin’ to eat, just can’t figure out what it is.”

“Perhaps you might want something other than apples?” This was delivered with a small smile from the umber face as Applejack looked at him.

She raised one eyebrow and a hoof, “I’ll have you know them’s fightin’ words.” Tapping him on the nose and laughing, “Ah dunno, just odd.” She shrugged, leaning up against him.

“Whatcha got planned in the morning?” Referring to a training session he had glossed over, saying he could not spend time at the farm during the day.

“Training two Princesses to be combat capable.”

Her eyes opened wider, staring at him, “You pulling..no..no yer not. Why would they want that?”

“They are taking advantage of our knowledge, learning from us what we have to teach on combat and the skills needed. I find it quite an honor to be asked.”

The orange mare laughed, “Doncha go bein’ too rough on ‘em ya hear me?” Remembering the battle board session quite clearly from the past, “They are Princesses after all.”

“Yes, Applejack.”

Morning comes with a silent splash, the golden light from Celestia’s Sun finds me waiting on the outside of an extra cargo bay. It has been cleared and rearranged with manufactured equipment to train two Princesses.

Tech-spiders worked diligently through the night alongside the fabricating machinery, this is as close as I can get to a specific Concordiat Training facility. It is actually not a bad likeness.

I ponder the still machine beside me, it is quiet and waiting as is in its programming and directions. Should they suddenly develop an urge to do something other than their jobs, we would be at a severe loss.

But this one, a combination of Heavy Lift/Defense is solid. The lenses covering the head zero in on anything near it, the multi-faceted eyes taking in everything to do its job properly. They were some of the highest level engineering that the Human race achieved, wonders on legs.

I feel a tinge of sadness, withdrawing into myself slightly as I think upon those lost beings. I miss them. With every fiber of my being I do. They were altogether strange and wondrous at the same time. Creating things such as myself, but then committing such acts as to shock us.

What a diversity and plethora of races, moods and desires. What I would not give just for once more to talk to one, have footsteps trod my Command Deck and giving orders as I go into battle again.

Perhaps I am just old and suffering from AI senescence, wanting things I know within myself I cannot have any longer.

But the universe is an odd place now. We never know what may come next.

I tap into the communications bands, hearing laughter and giggles from Athena’s Command Deck.

I can not help but feel comforted, seeing her with a pack of tumbling and happy foals and fillies. She has been inviting them to her war hull to show them cartoons from the past. Of course such shows would not be correct without plenty of snacks and popcorn and things to drink.

Everything we do, that we show or make note of, has been edited. Making sure the languages are changed, the relevance is understood. Cartoons however, are not a problem. It appears children of any race enjoy the bright colors and action.

Currently they are cheering for an animated character know as the Warrior Unicorn Princess. A show from the late 21st century.

I am not quite sure if that is the best example to show them, as it was filled with quite a lot of violence for a ‘childrens’ show. Currently, the Warrior Unicorn Princess and her compatriot band of fighters and magic users, also Unicorns, are slaughtering the group of villains known as “Friendship Stealers.”

I think Celestia would be horrified. No..she’d probably enjoy it knowing her. Luna definitely would.

Sensors catch two forms closing in on my hull as Anti-Air perks up, standing down once IFF is cleared. The Princesses have arrived.

“I told you I would beat you!” Celestia’s voice is light and cheerful.

“Only because you leapt off the balcony first! ‘Twas cheating sister!” Luna’s is the same, though admonishing.

I watch them slam into heavy landings, their bodies taking the shocks easier now as they laugh, nudging each other in good spirits.

“I ‘might’ have been a little impatient, true.”

“A little? Try prancing around all day wondering when we’d leave.” Luna pushes a hoof against the taller mares shoulder, “Thou’rt acting like a filly these days.”

Celestia stops in her tracks, “And you’re not? Rampaging through the kitchen looking for coffee at all hours. Scaring the guards while sneaking up on them? Who’s the filly?”

An unclad white hoof is pointed steadily, “And let’s not forget telling everypony you are to be addressed as Luna, Warrior Princess, Defender of the Realm and Scourge of the Night! Where did you even get that?”

I think I know.

“But ‘tis true! I am the Scourge of the Night, I fight those things which dwell in the shadows of the mind!”

“You are not a scourge sister, you are a Princess. We can talk about this later.”

“Oh, yes we will!” The darker mare laughed as they approached, “I have already set the seal makers to making my new official mark.”

Hoof met face as Celestia sighed, unable to make any headway against the exuberant mare, “Only you Luna.”

“We shall have to come up with something appropriate for Cadance, surely she cannot remain just the Princess of Love. We need to find a royal title that befits her.”

“You leave poor Cadance alone, stars only know what you’d come up with.”

A sigh then laughter, “And once again, thou’rt no fun.”

They catch sight of me, happy waves from both of them before they reach me with smiles.

“Good morn Crusader, how fares thee this day?” Luna’s use of old style Equestrian was always smooth and very cultured.

“As always it is good, thank you. Yourself?”

The dark sister nodded politely, “We are ready for ‘training’.”

“Good.” Crusader got to his hooves, leading them into the large bay. They took in the low lighting, the quiet and calm of the inside. There was a whirring sound of air circulation that puzzled them, not knowing about air conditioners. Those were soon gone, turned off as part of what they were to do. It quickly became stifling.

The bay echoed with Crusaders’ soft steps, stopping them at a table near the door, upon which odd clothing of unfamiliar design and color sat upon two ponyquins that were the dimensions of the two sisters.

“What are these for?” Celestia gestured slightly, “Part of the training?

The umber Earth Pony nodded, “Yes. These,” He stepped towards the clothed ‘quins, “Are what is called Standard Ballistic/Kinetic Weave Body Armor.”

At the curious looks he explained. “Armor for the Concordiat was very lightweight, and of sufficient strength to take hits on the battlefield that would not let the person wearing them be injured. Kinetic, means that if you are hit wearing it, it becomes stiff, spreading the impact so it will not affect you as much.” He punctuated that with a solid slamming of a hoof on the fabric, which immediately clanged as if made of metal.

Both mares looked highly interested now, stepping forward and prodding the outfit, which responded as normal fabric.

“Hit it.”

Celestia reared back, slamming a hoof into the side of the ‘quin. Her body was jarred by the impact which felt as if she’d hit a wall, making her stumble backwards. Shaking her head, she came forward once more, poking the now soft fabric.

Her voice was full of wonder, “Amazing.”

Luna looked on until encouraged by Celestia, receiving the same jarring response and the same wondering eyes in return.

“That...is truly magical.”

“Technology Your Highness. The fabric is a nanite-infested weave which monitors the wearer for impacts and adjusts accordingly.”

“And these are for..us?”

Crusader nodded, “Yes.” Tech spiders came silently from the shadows, pulling the clothing off the ponyquins and onto the real ponies. Taking gentle care to adjust the strapping, they were an exact fit, the mechanical arms very precise as the two Royals stood very still. Crusader mused to himself how they were not quite that comfortable with the big mechanicals, though he could understand why.

He watched as each face was covered with wrap-around eyeglasses, made for the larger eyes and ears accordingly. They looked quite good with the mirrored lenses.

Once done the mechanicals scuttled back into the bay, returning to their places.

“Why would we need these Crusader?”

He looked slightly surprised they would ask, “To prevent you from being injured.”

The stomach growls were getting worse as Pinkie tried to concentrate on baking. The stoves were hot, bowls lined up, pans filled with mix. All was ready for the final movement of this symphony, but Pinkie just couldn’t think.

The cravings were bad. She reached over into a bag, grabbing a hoof-full of cereal and chewing on it. Immediately she felt better, the grumbling dying down and energy returning. She didn’t think much about it, never having dealt with true addiction before, putting it off towards not eating all morning.

Customers as well, were lining up already, brought to the front door by their own particular cravings which seemed to be directed towards Sugar Cube Corner and it’s newest creations.

Pinkie scowled slightly when she realized the mouth full of cereal was the last of the final bag. She had to go ask for some more, hoping Athena would let her do so before it was all gone.

Rainbow had just flown in, waiting around impatiently as her own supply was depleted, hoping to get some from Pinkie. She got tired, and bored, waiting for Pinkie to show. She slipped through the ponies waiting and into the back room where she saw the pink mare digging through an empty bag.

“Pinkie!”

The startled pony looked up, “Heya Dashie!”

“Hey, do you have any cereal? I ran out and haven’t had anything to eat this morning.” She hopped around on nervous hooves, tail lashing as she peered into anything that might hold a few bites. She didn’t think it was strange, craving one thing when so many other options were available. The addiction taking first place in any thoughts.

“I just ran out Dashie, I’m sorry! I gotta ask Athena for some more.”

“Oh cherry pits!” Rainbow clutched her stomach which was grumbling to itself, “How long’s that gonna take?”

“I dunno, but we got a lot of customers wanting treats with cereal included.” She points to the crowd waiting patiently in the serving area. Though some ponies were getting a bit miffed at the delay. “I just need to find a few minutes to...”

“I’m on it!” Dash sprung up, heading out an open window, “I’ll be back!” She slammed into the sky, on her way before Pinkie could say what she wanted to.

Raising a hoof, Pinkie rolled her eyes, “You coulda just called.” Waving the bracelet that adorned hers and Dash’s legs.

Pinkie went out to console the waiting ponies, letting them know that their orders would be coming out as soon as some supplies arrived. Her blue eyes watched nervously out the window, hoping Dashie returned soon.

“What do we do again?” Luna was eyeing the bay which was now lit up, the overheads showing a complicated course, there were obstacles and fake plant growth surrounding a trail that led in a winding course through the bay.

Crusader pointed to a lit circle in the distance, “Make it to that circle.”

The two Princesses looked at each other, then back to the course warily.

“What’s the catch?” Celestia was tapping a hoof on the metal floor.

“I will try and stop you.” He was sitting like a stone, just talking to them right now before beginning the training. “This is a replica of one of the Concordiat Augment Soldiers obstacle courses. Theirs was live fire of course, any injuries sustained were very real and very painful.” He gestured with a slight movement, “In your case we are using non-lethals. They will bruise and knock you down, but no permanent injuries.”

“Did they do this often?” Luna’s voice sounded slightly nervous.

“Oh yes. This is the beginner course.”

“Beginner?” Both voices were shocked.

“Yes. This was the very first course they faced after becoming Augments. They got progressively worse after this.”

“How...how much worse?”

“Casualty rates were approximately fifteen percent on advanced courses.”

Both Princesses looked shocked, thinking of such a brutal way to train soldiers.

“Do not look so surprised, such was life in the Concordiat Forces. It was a galaxy at odds with many races competing.”

They both nodded, Luna stepping forward and twisting her neck slightly, “Then I am ready!” One hoof stamped the floor, a look of determination on her face.

“When the light goes green, make your way through the course and step into the circle at the end. Only then will the training end for the moment.”

The dark mare nodded, “Understood.”

A light right beside them turned green. At that moment Luna popped her wings, speeding off the floor and into the air, heading for the lit circle at the end of the course. The stuttering sound of a small caliber weapon came to their ears as it pummeled her in mid-air, knocking her for a loop, causing her to crash into a pile of crates that were set to catch falling bodies.

“Wha...what was that?” She stumbled to her hooves, shaking her head and checking her wings.

“That was a failure Princess. Do not think wings, nor magic, will allow a better chance of completing the course. I have compensated for both.”

Luna walked back to join Celestia, a twinge of pain showing where small bruises would be forming. Even though caught by the Kinetic Weave, the pure brute force of even the smallest caliber weapons Crusader had would let you know you’d been hit.

Luna bowed with a slight smile, pointing a hoof towards the training area, “And of course, your turn sister.” She chuckled at Celestia’s worried look.

A deep breath and a step forward, the larger mare nodded, “Then I shall try my best.” She gave a signal to Crusader and waited.

The light turned green and Celestia was off, hooves pounding hard on the floor of the bay as she kept her wings tight against her sides, learning from Luna’s failure. The look on her face was fierce as she dodged over a ‘log’, leaping into the air...

To be caught by the ripping sound of weapons fire, the non-lethal bullets slamming into her chest and knocking her mane over tail into a tree.

The look on her face as she lay upside down against the tree made Luna laugh out loud, “‘Twas well done sister!”

The alabaster mare untangled herself, slapping her wings in frustration as she joined Luna once more.

“Well, it seems we have something to learn.” She looked at a quiet Crusader, “How far did I get?”

“Approximately four of your body lengths into the course.”

“That’s IT?”

“That is it.”

Luna laughed, nudging her sister, “It appears we have some work ahead.”

“Atheeeeeeeeeeeeeena!” Dash was yelling through the open bays, looking for the other Pegasus, “ATHENA!”

“What Dash? Good grief stop yelling!” Athena appeared in the doorway, looking slightly disgruntled.

“Oh..heh. Sorry.” Dash landed from her hover, “Hey, Pinkie needs more of that cereal, her treats with it are selling really well and she ran out!”

The sable Pegasus thought for a moment. Crusader was busy with training, and nothing had popped up on the radar so far concerning any adverse reactions with the processed food.

“There isn’t much left, we’ve been getting rid of it, but you’re welcome to what we have.” She turned and led Dash into the bay, the previous piles of food noticeably depleted as Athena and Crusader had been running overtime in rendering it down.

“Awesome! I can take any of this?” Rainbow’s eyes filled with unabashed greed.

Athena eyed the cyan Pegasus for a moment, “I guess so, if you really..” She didn’t get to finish before Rainbow sped through the bay, grabbing as much as she could hold and tearing out into the daytime sun.

“Well, I guess you found what you wanted..” She turned and went back to finish watching the latest installment of Warrior Unicorn Princess with the little ones. Yeah, she was awesome for a cartoon. Wonder if they knew about all this way back in the past? Kinda odd coincidence that.

Oh well. She looked out into the sky one last time, seeing the fading rainbow trail of Dash’s flight and shrugging. I don’t think anyone could have ever imagined this place.

Her hooves pounded the passageway, hoping they hadn’t got to the best part yet!

“Once more Your Highnesses.” The calm voice was always even, never chiding nor admonishing.

Celestia turned in place, a glass of cold water held with her magic as she drank deeply. The armor covering her was soaked with sweat, making it heavier, lungs inhaling air like they were starving. Luna was much the same, lying on the cool deck looking like she would fall over completely.

The tall mare set the glass down gently before eyeing Crusader, “Again? we’ve been through this for two hours now. I’m afraid we cannot make the circle.” She gave a wan smile, wiping perspiration from her face.

“You are not pushing yourselves. You have the ability, the strength, but are loathe to use it.”

“And you know this how?” Luna’s voice carried from her resting place.

“Because I am watching you, reading the medical data through your bands. You are deliberately holding yourselves back.”

The two sisters glanced at each other before replying.

“It has been long since we fully used what we have, but then it was a time of troubles for Equestria.” Celestia’s voice was low and careful, “Perhaps we have grown gentler since then.”

“When one lives in a time of peace, it is easy to become peaceful. But you wished to be trained in combat.” He pointed at the obstacle course, “Do your best. Use what you know, what you have, and reach the circle. It is not impossible, just hard.”

Luna got to her hooves, shaking her wings out and pinning them tight, “Then I, for one, will reach that circle!” She reached a hoof out, not as steady as it would have been before, “Come sister, let us do this together.”

Celestia nodded, “I think so.” She gave a smile to Crusader who sat quiescent and stepped on the line with Luna, “When you’re ready.”

The light turned green and two very tired sweat-soaked forms shot off the line. They had kept trying separately and had failed, sometimes spectacularly. This time, however, the full force of their frustration with this ‘simple’ combat course came to the fore.

Up on wings they shot, dodging gunfire from hidden weapons in the foliage. Magic coalesced around their horns, firing beams of light and silencing the rattling weapons they could see before they moved forward through the muggy atmosphere. Turrets in the ceiling dropped, flashes brought the heavier sounds of canister rounds, meant to bring down anything in the air.

Wings slapped at the air, the Alicorns dodging left and right as the turrets actually missed, the rubber rounds pinging off the floor of the bay. Everything was on automatics, Crusader would not have missed. Magic once again speared through the bay, hitting the turrets and blasting them apart. No big loss, they were simple things which could be replaced in hours.

Both the sisters landed now, aware of the danger and speeding through the undergrowth. Hooves slammed hard on the deck, as the large forms wound their way with ever more speed through the obstacles. Leaping over logs, ducking under tree branches, they were hit left and right by snipers in the foliage. Grunts of pain came from closed mouths, but the two royals never wavered as they headed for the lit circle.

They were running flat out, lungs groping for breath, wings tight against sides as normally gentle eyes looked feral in their quest for that one circle at the end of this path.

Leaping and twisting with magic spells fired in defense, shattering undergrowth and turrets. Mechanicals peered out, tossing concussion grenades that lit with light and sound that threw the two ponies off their stride.

Luna stumbled, quickly grabbed by Celestia in her thaumaturgic grip and placed back on her hooves to join the headlong rush. A shot creased Celestia’s visor, making her yelp in fright as she staggered to the side, hitting Luna and forcing them both to tumble into a pile of crates.

The assemblage of containers exploded outward, showering the area with pieces as the two Princesses stood tall, power gathering around them as they shot off down the path once more. Shields formed around them, putting their deep knowledge of magic to work finally, blocking incoming projectiles that ricocheted into the remaining foliage and captures.

Hooves hammered hard onto the matting that covered the bay floor, letting them do tight turns around columns and other things in their way and cutting close enough to rub the feathers on their wings. Leaning hard into a turn, they both rounded the curve in the path to see a large mechanical in front of them, a strange object began to whine as it turned very fast on it, suddenly spitting out thousands of rubber rounds at them.

Celestia rammed into her sister, throwing Luna out of the way as a heavier shield formed in front of her. The faux bullets slammed and splattered against it, leaving faint marks on the outside of the magical wall. The sheer amount of gunfire was forcing her back step by step as she grit her teeth, sweat pouring down heaving sides as she tried mightily to keep the shield intact.

Luna jumped back into the fray, adding her power alongside that of Celestia’s and holding the shield in place until the mechanical stopped and moved out of the way. They both took off down the path once more, heading for that circle of light that seemed so very far away. As if by unspoken agreement they both took to wing, leaping hard into the air and weaving through the close atmosphere hard. Once more canister shot rang out, clipping them both and making them dive for the deck.

They grabbed flooring with their hooves and shot off into the overgrowth, the faux-trees and plants swiping at them as they plowed through the ‘brush’. The lightweight armor now felt as if it weighed hundreds of pounds, their bodies reaching and receiving those last iotas of energy from deep inside.

Another tech-spider stepped into their path, making them both stutter in their steps for just a moment before tearing around to either side of it. Their horns lit, pounding the right and left of the machine with blasts of magic that threw it off its stride, making it take time to recover. By then the two mares were long gone and sliding to a stop inside a glowing circle where a chime sounded and all action ceased.

Both of them collapsed on the spot, the magic use combined with physical exertion had torn out what reserves they had left. The two of them were drenched, the sweat pooling beneath them as bodies hastily gulped what air they could find. Even the normally flowing manes were looking a bit droopy as they turned to look at Crusader on the far side of the course, waving in triumph at him.

His always calm voice came over the headsets installed in the wraparound goggles, “Now you have learned it is better to work as a team than singly. This is one lesson Concordiat soldiers figured out early. You do not go alone.”

The two looked around them, standing up proudly in the lighted circle they grinned and nudged each other, “So what do we do now?”

Both faces fell when another circle lit up beside Crusader, “Make it back.”

Pinkie was exhausted, this whole day was nothing but run run run!

Dashie had come back with bags and bags of cereal, allowing her and the Cakes to finish making all the orders and get them out. Plenty was left for snacking and she’d worked her way through a bag herself while baking like a demon was on her tail.

Rainbow had been right beside her, not so much helping as helping herself to the bags of multi-colored foods. She was now laid out on a table, belly bulging from being stuffed. Rainbow was snoozing as she lay there, lethargic from overeating, her body’s metabolism trying to catch up.

The snoring was loud enough to bother even Pinkie.

“Dash! DASHIE!” She slapped a hoof on one cyan shoulder, “Go sleep at home!”

Bleary eyes opened as Rainbow turned on her side, “Yeah..I’ll...do...th....” The snoring began again as Pinkie finished cleaning up.

She was sweeping the last part of the floor up when a thought hit her. Dashie had told her that most of the cereal was gone now, Athena and Crusader were destroying it quick and there wasn’t much left.

The addiction had taken firm hold of her, as long as she had a little cereal everything was fine. A few hours away from it and the grumbling started, the want, the need.

It didn’t quite register that her thoughts were being directed by the craving for more and more of the food. It was something tasty, and so delicious! All the other ponies in town liked it when she sprinkled cherry flavored ones on ice cream, or chocolate and fruit bits on a sundae! It was a hit and the Cakes were happy about the business too!

No. No she couldn’t let them down.

Blue eyes narrowed as she watched Rainbow sleeping on the table. She’d have to come up with a way to get the rest of that cereal.

Crusader was amused as he watched the two sisters stand quietly, the mechanicals taking the armor off and placing it in containers to be cleaned and stored. Bodies were slumping, but eyes were bright along with the smiles.

Celestia actually rubbed a hoof along her backside, “I did not know a Cutie Mark could hurt so much.” She winced slightly, inciting Luna to laugh loudly.

“Perhaps if it weren’t so..”

Celestia‘s eyes narrowed, “Don’t you dare!”

A look of innocence crossed the dark mare‘s face, “I would never.”

The alabaster mare stared at her grinning sister for a long moment before turning to Crusader, “I do think we’ll be recovering for a while. Shall we do this again?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Luna slipped her cladding back on, tapping a shod hoof on the faux Earth Pony’s shoulder, “It was truly a good teaching experience.”

He nodded, “Having discovered you have reserves neither of you expected is always a good first start.”

“I believe so, though I wish it could have been less real.” Luna laughed again, rubbing the side of her neck, “I do admit it makes one move faster.”

Even Crusader smiled slightly at that, “I had noticed an increase in speed after the fifth run through.”

“When one keeps getting hit in...certain...places, it does beg for more effort.” Luna was rubbing a sore spot along her flank, “Though it makes one wonder if you were purposely aiming for such spots.”

“I would never Your Highness.” The amused look never left his face as tech-spiders delivered cold juice and something to eat before they took their leave.

Luna made a joyful noise, lifting a frosted glass of grape juice and taking a long drink, “Oh..now this is a reward!”

Celestia laughed, “We won’t tell Applejack, Crusader.”

The amused look got more noticeable, “My thanks Princess.”

A small table was quickly set up, plates of food and more juice was delivered as the two trainees settled for a full meal. They both made pleasurable sounds over the plates being set out by a very precise tech-spider. Crusader had never stopped learning about cooking, taking what experience he now had and applying it to trying to replicate Old Earth dishes. It turned into a point of pride with him now, seeing the looks on the Princesses faces as the plates were set before them.

“More food from your ‘stores’ Crusader?” Luna was curious.

The umber head shook in the negative, “No, Your Highness. Cooked right now by myself and with what knowledge I’ve obtained. These are replicas of Old Earth dishes, I do hope you enjoy them.”

“What are they?”

They could almost feel the bit of pride Crusader dared show as he pointed each dish out, “The soup is a vegetarian one named Minestrone. The side dish, or appetizer, is called Bruschetta, merely bread with garlic and tomatoes, olive oil and some seasoning. The main course is a linguine with a pesto sauce, something simple after a workout.” He had puzzled out the recipes after researching through the enormous database they had loaded into all Diaspora Bolos. Hints and clues where everywhere as to the composition of such things.

“Simple? It surely doesn’t look it.” Celestia watched her sister take a piece of bruschetta and shoving it whole into her mouth, not the least bit remorseful as she did the same. Flavors flowed across her palate as the combination of tastes were wonderful as was the presentation.

Luna had already finished her appetizer, holding the plate out for more to a waiting mechanical that filled it again, “Are you sure you won’t take a job as a palace cook?” She laughed when he shook his head.

“The offer is enough though.”

“Well! I certainly hope that Applejack appreciates the effort.”

“She does let me near the stove now, so we shall see.” This elicited laughter, bright and cheerful, from both mares.

The meal was pleasant, quiet, and enjoyed immensely. Ponies having a big penchant for sweets he did not forget dessert. Though it was over all too soon, there were future training sessions to be scheduled. For now the two Princesses were pleased with their progress, fully intending to continue. But only once some of the bruises had faded.

He saw them off out of the cavernous bay, seeing them take a slow wing towards Canterlot. Teleportation being a bit beyond the tired mares right now. He sat pondering the possibilities of opening maybe a restaurant, making things for one to enjoy. That would be a good thing he thought, seeing beings who would enjoy an old Earth style cuisine. It gave him something to think upon.

I should have known better than to meander with my own thoughts as Athena came rushing into the bay. She had taken to doing so at random times instead of contacting him through the war bands.

“Ohmygosh! We’ve got a problem!”

Of course we do.

“Are you serious?” We are walking towards Athena’s bays, I am accessing security video of it now and analyzing the last twenty-four hours worth of recordings.

“Yes, I’m serious! I finished the cartoons with the little ones and checked on the storage bay, registers showed me approximately a quarter metric ton was missing!” She was looking nervous, prancing around him as if he would be angry with her. “I reviewed the security footage, but..you might want to take a look.”

“Will you please calm down, I am sure there is an explanation.”

“Bu...but... I was supposed to be watching and I..wa..wasn’t.. I’m really so..sorry!” She was halted on the grass, rubbing her forehooves across one another and looking at the ground, “I’m really sorry. I m..mean.. Who’d want to steal cereal? All they had to do was ask!”

He stopped, looking at her for a brief second, “Why are you acting as if I would be angry sister? We all make mistakes, even Bolos.”

“Because I was supposed to be watching! I..I kee..keep messing up!”

“It is a simple mistake. Missing cereal, no matter how much, is not the end of the world sister.”

“I..I know.. but...” She ceases her stuttering when I lay a hoof on her shoulder.

“Stop. You are fine. We will find out who..” Now I see it, somewhat blurry on the video but definitely noticeable. A shape moving quite fast, in and out hauling loads that would be untenable for anyone else.

Pinkie.

“Are you sure?” Athena’s eyes narrow as I share the data. She had seen as much, waiting for confirmation.

“Positive, her bracelet also tracks.”

“That’s what I saw as well. Now why would she take it when she could have asked?”

“I do not know, maybe we should ask her?”

The worried face turns to consternation, “You know what? No. I’m not going to bother. If they want the stupid stuff let them have it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. It’s not like she took a tactical nuclear weapon or anything, let her have it.” Without another word she turned, trotting off towards the castle where Twilight probably was.

Good for her. Though it was making me suspicious as to why Pinkie would pull a theft instead of just asking. It was not like her to do such things. She had done impossible and very odd things before, but this was a little out of character. Or perhaps in character, he couldn’t be sure when it came to the pink mare.

He continued on his way, ending up on the street corner across from Sugar Cube Corner, watching the ponies entering and leaving the store. There were quite a few, and from his vantage point he could see Pinkie behind the serving counter.

Suspicion is a natural thing for Bolos. Paranoia the commonplace. This situation was piquing his interest as well.

Ponies are queuing up for the treats that the bakery serves, though I am coming to the conclusion that it is perhaps more than that. Business is always brisk at the place, but this is beyond expectations.

I take what I know and start correlating the data, comparing it to anything and everything that could possibly allow me an insight into this situation. Everything to do with ponies is complicated, the magic makes it so. It infuses everything from the lowliest blade of grass to the highest order beings. It is a wild card we cannot ignore in our summations.

Tactical is giving me outlines now, one that seems most prominent is addiction.

Human beings, of any race and creed, were prone to this. One of the most prominent in Concordiat society was virtual world addiction. Wanting to live a life that was so much better than the one you had became a powerful driving force in some humans lives.

Much more than drugs, or stimulation, the virtual world was everything. People had been found dead hooked into a simulation and forgetting to feed or take care of themselves. It was a horrible way to go. The draw it had on humans was such that they committed theft and robbery to pay for hookups, scrounging every last credit to pay for a few minutes in another world.

Drugs were another problem still. So many worlds and so much technology had spawned drugs that mankind had never dreamed of. Some to take you to fantasies, some to make the body stronger and more powerful for a few hours such as combat drugs.

One even gave a sense of bliss that was so overwhelming an entire world had died from it. The civilization ended itself by not having children anymore, content in a drug-induced stupor that was so much better than anything in real life. Quarantine was placed on that world, blockaded and guarded, forever alone in a populated galaxy as none would dare try to find out what that drug was on pain of death.

When you think the races of the Concordiat could do no worse to themselves, you were surprised.

As he processed the problem, it was becoming clearer to his mind that this may be a sort of addiction. The one thing that did not match up was the colors shining along coats. But it could have been only a one time thing, as he had seen no repeats on ponies he was observing.

This might be a precursor to the addiction setting in.

But...addiction to cereal? He did not put it out of mind, nor did he laugh. After past problems, this was definitely a possibility.

The ingredients in the foods they had been eating were not to be found here at all. They were made with processes that had died along with the Concordiat an eon ago.

He kept watching while pondering, only interrupted when a warm form leaned against him.

“Whatcha doin’ there sugar?” Applejack’s voice was soft in the waning light.

He was forthright with her as always, “Watching the bakery. I have a suspicion something is wrong with Pinkie.”

A laugh answered him, “Took ya this long to figure that out?”

The humor did make him smile slightly. He knew Pinkie was viewed at as ‘different’ even among ponies.

“I am afraid it is not the normal Pinkie everypony knows. I believe something might have affected her, she is acting strangely even for her.” He outlined the theft when she could have asked, making Applejack set back and ponder, shoving the hat back on her head.

“Ya know, that is odd. Especially after that first time. Thought we had all that solved.”

“I know.”

“What ya think could be wrong?”

“I am not sure. But I believe it is linked to the cereal she has been eating.”

This struck a chord, making the orange mares’ eyes widen, “Ya know that craving I was having? Sure went away when I had some of that stuff.”

She jerked back as the umber head snapped around like one of his turrets, eyes narrowing, “How fast?”

“Right fast. Gone just like a cloud when Rainbow smacks it.”

That clinched it. He could not, would not, be positively sure. But the evidence, scant as it was, was pointing towards an addiction of some sort.

It always happened at the most inopportune time. Thus it was becoming evening, ponies retreating to their houses for the night, the sun setting below the horizon already. Luna’s moon was looking to be full and bright tonight.

“Athena.”

“Yes?” She was sentinel, her cores quiet, keeping a sharp watch on the surroundings.

“As always, one minor thing has turned into another.” He shot her the data.

“You have got to be kidding!”

“I am afraid not. We need to begin switching medical packages to detox. This will disrupt the run right now but it cannot be helped. We have to get Pinkie and see what changes are in her that we can try and get rid of.”

“Soooo...capturing Pinkie and bringing her in for detox. Wonderful. Any other impossible missions you’d like? Taking on Melconian Homeworld Planetary Defenses by yourself maybe?”

“Your confidence in my planning is astounding.” His sarcasm was very clear, “We will catch her in the early morning.”

“You know this isn’t going to turn out well?”

“Have some confidence Athena.”

“Oh I do! I do. But...Pinkie.”

“Understood.”

We both drop the link, Athena chuckling to herself as I sit on the corner making sure nothing untoward happens. Drone coverage is increased for now in case of an escape.

I am confident things will be solved in a short time.

How easy it is to convince ourselves that plans will not go astray.

I am still sitting and watching when the sun crests over the hills. Morning light brings a golden sheen to everything, making it bright and new.

Ferrets had dropped re-equipped technical spiders off at the bridge, fitted with riot control gear they stood ready to use capture nets and low power weapons to stun and restrain.

I do not skimp when some situations are demanding of it.

Having seen what Pinkie is capable of, I should have brought an army. Still, she is just one pony.

Her schedule is known by me, waking up, a trot through town in the morning is usual for exercise. She actually does try to stay fit, beyond parties and baking all day.

What we don’t know is the thing that gets us all in the end.

Pinkie awoke with that craving, this time it was worse than before making her grab at a grumbling stomach. Cramps had started to set in as well, making her groan slightly.

Wow, too much work and too little food! I need something!

Her thoughts immediately turned to the piles of bags in the storeroom, wanting to dig in immediately. But she couldn’t eat too much, the rest had to be for all the stuff they’d be making today! Pits.

Waaaaait a second...

Why should I have to give any of that stuff to them? Her mind was awhirl, knowing there was enough of that sugary goodness to last a loooong time!

Yeahhh..the Cakes hadn’t arrived yet so it was just her right now. You know what, I’m keeping this stuff!

She huffed, sitting on her bed and staring at Gummy, “Yeah, I’m keeping it!”

The alligator just looked at her, used to the strange whenever she was around and licked his eyeball.

“Thought you’d agree!”

Crusader politely walked up to the door as Pinkie hadn’t shown for her early morning walkthrough. Knocking on the heavy wood he didn’t have to wait long to hear hoofsteps pounding along the floor.

The door cracked slightly, one blue eyed peered out, “Yeah?”

Crusader figured being honest was always the best policy, “Pinkie, I need you to come with me please.”

The eye narrowed, glaring at him, “Why?”

“I think there is a problem with the cereal you’ve been eating.”

That triggered it. Pinkie knew they were out to get her stuff! Though the only ‘they’ was Crusader, she KNEW there were more! KNEW IT!

The umber pony found the door slammed in his face, “Oh no you’re not! You’re not getting my cereal!” The voice was loud from the inside. He heard a furious storm of sound inside as the windows appeared to be boarded up in swift succession. He didn’t even have time to send in a technical spider before every ingress was blocked or in the process of being blocked.

Crusader couldn’t imagine how she’d even moved so fast. His cores heating up with speculation as he shut that line of reasoning down firmly. Technical spiders wandered over the outside now, looking for a way in and finding none. The group he had brought with him looking like some sci-fi story come to life as they stood outside each window and door.

He couldn’t believe this.

She was example zero, the longest consumer of the cereals they could find and they needed to scan her medically. Find the changes and program packages for correcting them.

Perhaps we should have gone for Rainbow Dash.

He sat in front of the heavy wooden door, looking at the planks that made it up, he calculated it would be no problem to break open. Though catching a now paranoid pink mare would turn into a fight. He could force the door, that would be the wrong thing as ponies were starting to wake up and wander to jobs or other places. They couldn’t help but notice that every window and door on Sugar Cube Corner had a large mechanical spider next to it, carrying odd objects.

This was going to be a circus.

He rubbed his forehead with one hoof, grateful he could make such a physical movement now as it assuaged him. He reached out and knocked on the door once more.

“Go away! It’s MY stuff!”

“Pinkie, something in the food you have been eating is making you act this way. Please come with me so I can help.”

The heavy door started creaking open, letting Crusader feel a sigh of relief in his cores. Maybe this would not...

He was rocked back and slapped off the steps leading to the shop, hit by something which caught him off guard, tumbling even his heavy avatar mane over tail.

He lay on his back in the dusty street, staring up at a patrolling drone wondering what exactly just happened. He replayed the log in his mind and saw a large item coming at him as the door popped open, then shut again bolted from the inside.

He reached up and wiped away something covering his eyes, staring at it in confusion.

Apple pie?

“She what??”

“Assaulted my avatar with a large apple pie. Quite the amount of force was applied, throwing my avatar a few meters into the street.”

Athena’s voice was raucous with laughter, “Aren’t you glad they don’t have power guns?”

“Some times we get lucky. We need to extract her from the bakery Athena. She may become a danger to others, as paranoia has quite obviously set in.”

“I’ll be right there, maybe she’ll listen to me.”

“I shall be awaiting your arrival.”

Crusader watched as the tumbling form landed right beside him in a cloud of dust. Wings and legs tangling up as the sable form rolled on past him. His eyes watching the cursing form skid to a stop, wiping at eyes and face. A few mares quickly covered the ears of foals and walked away with a glare in her direction. He would apologize for her later.

A voice was yelling from inside the bakery, “It’s my cereal!”

He waited until she stopped tumbling before venturing, “It appears to be a large caliber chocolate cream pie Athena, lucky you were not totally destroyed.” His deadpan delivery made a few ponies laugh, enjoying the event so far.

She stumbled to her hooves, battle screen snapping on and splattering nearby ponies with the remnants of a very large pie.

Shaking her wings out, she growled, “That little...”

“Athena..”

“That..that.. I’m gonna knock that door in!”

Crusader’s calm voice stopped her before she could plant a hoof, “Athena, calm down. We are not going to destroy the bakery.”

“Then send in the riot squad! Hitting me with a pie! How dare..how...argh!” She stamped an angry hoof in the dirt, scuffing it as she eyed the front door.

“I am loathe to cause any damage to property.” This got him a look from surprised lavender eyes, “I know. But she is just being affected by something, and we do have her in one place. That is a plus.”

“She hit me with a pie! How’d she even knock my avatar off its hooves?”

“When it comes to Pinkie, I am afraid we cannot make assumptions.”

“In other words you don’t know.”

“Exactly.”

Athena’s screen snapped off, “Okay, I’m gonna try this again. I’m good with this, we’ll try the peaceful way.” She stepped up to the door once more and knocked on it, waiting politely for an answer.

Have I mentioned yet that I am proud of my sister? She truly is trying to be a part of society here, of life. She does so well, being happy and content most days, even with problems that we face some times.

As I watch her tumble past me one more time, covered in what appears to be ice cream, I still am very proud of her.

I wait patiently as she gets to her hooves once more, a look of anger on her face. She should not be in such a way, it is a simple problem I am sure, and we are trying to be polite about all this.

“Athena, calmly sister.”

“A..a banana split? REALLY?” She wipes her eyes clean, not bringing her screen up this time and running over to the fountain for a quick dip, coming back with her mane plastered along her neck.

“I swear, just one howitzer shot, just one!

“Athena..”

“I know. I know.” She’s looking very disgruntled at the bakery right now, “So what do we do?”

“I was thinking multiple entries with the tech spiders. They are equipped with riot weapons and stun gas, so maybe we can catch her off guard.” He paused for a moment, “I do have a sedation alternative, but am running the scenarios now.”

She nods, eyeing the windows carefully, “That’s going to cause some damage.”

“Less than you going in there on a rampage.”

She narrows her eyes at me, “Are you saying I like wrecking things?”

“Of course not.”

Before I can execute a pre-planned assault, a voice interrupts us.

“Hey, what’s going on?” We both turn to see Twilight standing in the morning sun, looking at both of us in puzzlement.

We explain quickly, about the cereal, the addiction we are presuming is happening. That we need to scan Pinkie as she is furthest along with it, allowing us a better solution.

“Maybe Rainbow Dash? She’s been munching on that stuff too.” Twilight’s fast.

“We have not seen her today. Otherwise I would try...” All too soon are words spoken we wish we could take back.

A cyan blur slams to a halt in front of the door, a hoof rapping on it as Rainbow is yelling for Pinkie. A pink leg reaches out and grabs her before we can have the nearest ‘spider hit them with a capture net. The Pegasus disappears inside the bakery.

Athena looks surprised at the speed at which all this is taking place, “Nice. Now we’ve got two of them.”

I admit I am taken aback as well. Are we slowing in our reactions? Most likely we are getting lazy with ourselves, now used to a slower pace of life which does not call upon us to use our skills to the fullest between emergencies. Either way, we now have a barricade situation.

I plan for an entry with two of the spiders, one with a low powered stun weapon just in case and another with a tanglefoot web. A sticky net like construction that once it hits the perpetrator, the more they struggle, the more wrapped they become.

Low powered stun weapons gave a shock to the nervous system, making them lose control and go unconscious. I was hesitant to use them, so the first spiders in would have nets. I am loathe to use any gas weapons, even for stunning, as I am not sure what would happen.

Rainbow Dash had not come back out, making me believe that she had joined the problem. They had quite an amount of food in there so conceivably they could hold out for a long time.

I order the technical spiders to their staging points on the lower floor. This will be a dynamic entry as they place breaching charges on the sills. Low powered, they should only break the glass and the boards behind them, letting the mechanicals in for a sweep.

My attention is fully on the bakery, divided between ten techspiders, the first two are ready for breach.

I give the go signal, immediately the windows are blown out and the ‘spiders disappear into the openings. Everything is looking good. The data streams are solid and strong, nothing in the..wait...nothing?

The spiders stop, looking around the room, only seeing each other. Pinkie and Rainbow must be upstairs. Odd, I would think..oh no.

I direct Spider Two to look up, seeing at the last moment a pink blur dropping as the video feed suddenly dissolves into static. The other machine sees her disable the lenses with a few quick blows, turning to the other one and avoiding the tanglefoot net shot at her. She is extremely fast, dodging and directing another hit to the optics which leads me to see only static.

And that is that. Two technical spiders out of commission in less than twenty seconds. Quite an accomplishment.

“Soooo...?” Athena is waiting impatiently.

“She has disabled them quite efficiently.”

She is gaping at me, stamping a hoof in the dirt, “Oh come on! Seriously?”

“Quite serious. She is very good at ambushes.”

“Look, just let me..” I stop her before she finishes the thought.

“Your battle screen will harm her or Rainbow, it is the only protection you have. You are fast, true, but there are two of them in there. If you fight with Pinkie, somepony will get hurt.”

“Then I’ll go in there.” Twilight perks up, “She’ll listen to me!” With that she trots off to the doorway, knocking politely.

“Pinkie’s gone paranoid, wanting to keep it all. Thats a bad sign.”

“Yes it is. That is why we need her to scan.”

“Maybe a..” We hear Twilights voice rise in a squawk before she comes flying past us, landing in the grass by the roadside with a loud sound. Athena is there immediately helping her up. Another large caliber surprise of the baked kind...with frosting this time, vanilla I think..

The Alicorn wipes blinking eyes and shakes her wings out, “That..why she...A cake? Pinkie!” She starts to move towards the bakery again, stopped by Athena’s gentle hoof on her shoulder.

“I wouldn’t.”

Twilight is absolutely flabbergasted, “She..she threw a cake at me! I can’t believe this!”

Athena leads her protesting all the way to the fountain where they clean her up.

“So... Another day in Ponyville?”

I turn, seeing the Captain there setting quietly, a few members of the Guard with him.

“I would say so.”

He looks at me with curious eyes, “You’re very calm about all this.”

“There is no reason to be angry, although Athena would disagree with me right now.”

“Want to fill me in?”

I do. Telling him about the cereal, the odd effects and what we surmise may be happening. I also add that hopefully nopony else ate enough to trigger a threshold, giving them the same addiction. Though I cannot be sure right now.

He eyes the bakery carefully, “Now that, is interesting.”

“Very much so. I find it quite the puzzle.”

Bars raises a hoof, “Sunshine, Granite, go get her.” The two named ponies trot over to the door and knock.

“I would not recommend that course of...” And there they go past us, bowling the other guards over. Pinkie has switched ammunition it appears, peach pie this time.

Granite does trigger amusement in me as he tastes a bit of the projectile.

“Always did love peaches.”

Sunshine doesn’t share the sentiment as she wipes herself clean, “She was yelling something about ‘them’ wanting her cereal.”

Well, now we have definitely reached the paranoia stage. This is getting better by the moment as more ponies crowd the streets, watching the guards clean up.

Athena comes back with a cleaner, albeit a grumbling, Twilight.

“Okay, that does it! I’ll get her to come out!” She concentrates, her horn lighting up with a spell.

“Twilight don’t!” Athena tries to grab her, both of them popping out of our sight with a teleportation spell.

Sunshine looks at the bakery, “I got a bad feeling..”

The tumult inside tells us of quite the scuffle. Voices yelling, a few loud crashes. I do take advantage of the argument inside to have the technical spiders check the other windows, sturdy and would take more breaching charges to get through. The ones that were blown earlier are already blocked with heavy items.

The front door slams open for a quick moment as I see a sable blur go past us, overhead this time, with a yell. She lands a few yards past the group of us into the Flower Sisters flower bed with quite the sound. Athena pops back up and shakes herself out.

“She’s got a catapult!”

And there is a familiar lavender shape, wings flapping uselessly as she tries to recover, slamming into Athena who tries her best to capture her but blunting the force of the landing quite well I thought. Though Daisy, Rose and Lily are not going to be pleased.

“OH COME ON! Not our flowers!”

There we go.

The three Earth Ponies come boiling out of the house, looking at the devastation. Twilight does her best to apologize. But two ponies being thrown through the air and landing on carefully cultivated blooms do cause a lot of damage.

They were very pretty flowers too.

Bars sends over a guard to make sure the hurt feelings don’t get out of hoof. Smart move.

I should be more cautious knowing she now has cobbled together a weapon, or somewhat of one being that she has only thrown ponies around so far. It does explain the force behind the pies that tumbled my sister quite a ways.

Tactical is feeding me outlines for plans, the use of a riot agent is not advisable as the chemicals involved are tailored to the human physiology and would possibly hurt or kill ponies. I set analytical programs on the sedative, seeing if it is harmful to ponies, it should take a minute or so to find out.

Another possible solution comes to mind, reprogramming a medpak to tranquilize her would be a good start, though getting it on her long enough to infiltrate her circulatory system presents another problem.

I do admit, this is turning into a good problem to solve. Though I am never going to ever admit it to anyone.

I watch as Twilight explains what is going on, though I would rather she didn’t. It does tend to only encourage rash actions...and there it is.

The three Sisters are marching their way up to the door, wanting to vent their displeasure on a Pinkie who is now, at best, paranoid somepony will take her cereal. This is definitely going to be interesting.

I am seriously thinking of ducking, but ballistics programs inform me I am clear of any trajectories that ponies may find themselves being tossed into. Though I need not have feared, the three were wrapped in a sticky ball of taffy that rolled into Captain Bars, missing me by a good meter.

Storing the information away, that concoction would be a good crowd control device if ever researched, though why it would be needed I am not sure. It is interesting to see the complex interactions that taffy can do.

Twilight is on the ball, her magic carefully unwrapping the sticky ball of three unhappy mares and one peeved Guard Captain. The Air Patrol is silenced from their snickering by a glare from the large Earth pony, peeling himself free and heading towards home where he can clean up.

“Stars, some stallions would be glad to be wrapped up in a ball with..” That voice is stopped by glares from the sisters.

And that settles that.

“So why aren’t you doing anything?” I turn to see a very disgruntled Athena eyeing me.

“Me?”

“Yes, you!”

“She has not hurt anyone, so I am trying to find a way to retrieve her peacefully. Though there are not many options.” I gesture slightly towards the front door, “And there is Rainbow Dash, though I believe she will not be much of a problem.”

That is true. Fiber optics was an old technology when we were young, and infiltrating a single hair-thin cable inside with a visual feed is very easy. I’ve been watching the interior for a while now as the eight tech spiders I have left are equipped with optical abilities.

Rainbow Dash appears currently sleeping off a binge of eating on the front counter. She had quite a selection of food available, so I am assuming she took advantage and as they say ‘pigged out’.

Pinkie is wandering the store as I listen to what she is muttering to herself.

“Oh no, try and get MY cereal huh? I’ll show them!” The pink face was concentrating, trying to figure out more ways to keep ‘them’ from getting her precious food.

“Nope. Not gonna let ‘em!”

I admit, pondering this problem at my leisure is a bonus. We are not in a rush to perform actions, nor are we in a snap reflex combat. Though I am worried about time and what it might do to Pinkie and Rainbow, it is not pressing.

What does take some thought is how to solve this. But in the meanwhile, it appears the entertainment is not going to stop.

A newly returned Captain Bars, while a good-natured level-headed pony, is not happy with what happened, sending his best from the Air and Ground Patrol to get into the shop and take Pinkie into custody until things calm down.

The old Sergeant is standing back, giving me a wink as he apparently knows what is about to happen.

He does move to the side as five guards make their way to the door. I do wish they would stop knocking, although it is polite it is also warning Pinkie that someone is trying to get in.

The Sergeant and I watch as the door opens, Granite and Sunshine are talking to Pinkie for just a moment. I am surprised, it appears that they are getting..oh wait.

My database of ballistics, along with information on most any sort of weapon whether Concordiat or Melconian etc., is seriously in need of updating. I have never seen cupcakes used that way before, nor rapid-fired or packing as much of a punch as they do. Perhaps the frosting adds to the kinetic impact, I am not sure.

I do know that Granite, who is tumbling past myself and the Sergeant, is quite large for an Earth Pony. This makes me update my assumption of the kinetic force involved. Considering the frangibility of cupcakes, it is quite a sight.

Sunshine Dew is quite agile, managing to avoid most of the projectiles until an out of order pie catches her dead in the face, knocking her alongside the other Air Patrol member out of the air in quick succession.

The remaining two guard members are running for their lives, though they are truly not in any danger except for possibly the scuffed noses as they get hit in the tail. Flipping backside over head, they end up in the fountain. That is auspicious, as it solves the problem of them finding some place to clean up at.

I hear a snicker, turning to see the old Sergeant covering his muzzle with a hoof, coughing suddenly as he notices me watching him and beating on his chest, “Darn cold, just won’t leave.”

I do nod politely, “Of course.”

Bars has already planted a hoof on his forehead, a natural thing I think as he does that quite a lot some days. He is watching the Air Patrol Pegasi trying to get untangled as they did fall in quite a heap.

Pinkie seems to have an unerring ability to calculate trajectories and the ballistic properties of baked items. Her aim is definitely on par with Athena and I have not seen her miss yet, except for one errant cupcake. Perhaps the frosting was layered wrong, affecting the aerodynamics of the item. I will never know as a group of foals are happily sharing the item between themselves after finding it.

Such a loss for weapons technology.

An impact on my shoulder tells me Athena is still beside me, albeit now more amused that others have suffered such an ignoble fate. Even Twilight is giggling behind a polite hoof.

“Oh my stars! What is going on here?” Rarity is trotting up with Applejack by her side, looking at the wreckage of the past few attempts. Applejack is staring at me, probably assuming I had something to do with it. I do, but it is not all my fault.

“Looks like a cart ran wild and free through here.” Her green eyes are taking in the guard ponies cleaning up at the fountain and the remains of quite a few missiles of delicious destruction.

Twilight and Athena give a brief synopsis of the events leading up to this. Explaining the problems with the cereal and now that Pinkie has barricaded herself and Rainbow Dash in the bakery, everypony was trying to figure out a way to get her to come out. Hopefully so Athena and I can help solve whatever problem is causing this.

“She’ll just have to stop what she’s doing and come out, simple as that!” Rarity is confident, I will give her that.

“Rares, ah don’t think it’s gonna be that easy.” The farmer points a hoof at the various ‘casualties’ of this siege.

“Oh pish-posh! She’ll listen to me.” With that she trotted ever more confidently towards the doorway.

“Rarity don’t!” Twilight’s pleading doesn’t register with the fashionista as she gives a jaunty wave from the front steps of the bakery.

We all watch when she starts to turn back around, the door creaking open and she gets a face full of whipped cream and chocolate fudge syrup. All through the perfectly coiffed mane.

Pinkie was even nice enough to top it off with a cherry. I thought that was rather polite considering the circumstances.

Even with everything going on, Pinkie has retained a state of mind that she has never hurt nor injured anyone permanently or viciously. I find that admirable actually. Though in this case...

The scream of horror was enough to make everypony in the vicinity cringe. A white Unicorn did a one pony stampede through the area heading back to her boutique.

“Got ‘er right where she lives.” Applejack is watching the traumatized mare leave nothing but dust behind.

“That she did.” I do turn and look at her for a moment.

Holding hooves up she shakes her head, “Oh no, I ain’t goin’ nowheres near that place.”

“I think that would be prudent.”

That eyebrow gets raised once more in my direction, “So, what exactly are you doing about all this?”

“Me?”

“Yes you. I ain’t talking to myself.”

“I am trying to find a way to settle this without harm. It is a conundrum.”

“That sure don’t sound like you’re doin’ a whole lot.” She gives me a smile, nudging my shoulder.

“I assure you I am doing more than you imagine right now.”

Applejack laughs along with Twilight, “More than just sitting and watching the fireworks?”

“There is that.”

Athena butts in, “You could have caught me!”

“I figured the flower bed was soft enough, there would be no damage.”

“That’s not the point!” She taps a hoof on my chest, “Pinkie has a catapult!”

“A good one too!” Twilight is eyeing the bakery, rubbing her chin, “It’s well-made, really kinda nice...”

Athena sighs, “Twilight, focus.”

“Oh..oh yeah.. Anyways.”

“She hasn’t harmed anyone, at least not permanently, beyond a few scrapes and one messed up mane...”

Twilight rolls her eyes, “According to Rarity that’s a disaster.”

“Accounting for that, it is hard to come up with a solution.”

Athena eyes me for a long moment, I can feel her thoughts rumbling below her conscious core activity, “You’re up to something.”

“Why would I be up to something?”

A steady hoof is pointed at myself, “You aren’t even laughing at any of this. I know you can laugh.”

“Of course I can, but unlike yourself I am taking this all quite seriously.”

Athena opens her mouth to make a reply, stopping at a nudge from Twilight.

“Be nice, he’s doing his best.”

“Fine.” But her eyes narrow as she glares at me once more before turning away.

I really can do nothing but give a shrug as I let my tactical programs take the lead, following up on a few scenarios I could try but would cause damage to the store. That is not acceptable right now.

Ponies are gathering of course, intensely interested in anything happening in town, it does tend to draw a crowd.

I am used to the brutality, the coarseness of total war, not a simple situation like this one. It is basic really, an addiction causing some paranoia and a bunkering down inside a house. Humans dealt with it all the time, but I am not them. Not being well-versed in the psychology of the mind, pony or human, I am somewhat at a loss. Though I am doing my best.

Many, many scenarios are passing through my mind as I sit quietly. Most ended well, some badly, a few horrifically. Various worlds had different ways of handling situations. Some played the waiting game, however long it took. Some immediately did dynamic entries, usually causing casualties among any hostages or innocents. Others actually talked, minute by minute, hour by hour, wearing down the subject.

Some tactical plans make me pause, reviewing them before moving on as none fit this situation. I do not think anything fits this situation.

A pony who talks and is intelligent, that is addicted to cereal which is causing paranoia and who appears to be unerringly accurate throwing baked goods at anyone who tries to approach and ‘take’ away her source of feeling good.

Human officers would have thrown their hands up and walked away.

I cannot do the same, though I am tempted. She is a friend and I will not leave her in dire straights of any sort.

Accessing the video feeds, Rainbow has awoken and apparently sided with Pinkie, reaching the ‘They are out to get us’ stage. Wonderful. Pinkie is still roaming the building, peeking out the windows and making sure her supply of cereal is still intact. She has placed it all close to her in an unused corner of storeroom area, available to eat as she walks around.

I do notice one thing, though am prevented from saying anything as the latest round of attempts to help continue. I am not of the mind to mention, it would not be of any use. Ponies like helping, even to their own detriment and that of others.

If I could sigh in reality....

This time it is Twilight and Athena, with a protesting Applejack in tow. Rarity still has not made another appearance. Bars is accompanying them for what I hope is a calm and very reasonable discussion between ....and I am probably wrong.

Twilight learned a lesson earlier on about using magic to teleport herself inside the store. I admit the ballistic properties of ponies are interesting from my standpoint, though I do wish Pinkie would stop heaving them around.

This conversation has lasted longer than most, Pinkie is gesturing wildly as Twilight is trying her best to calm her down, reassuring her nopony is trying to take her cereal. A valiant effort. I can hear them quite well, as I did the others. Rainbow is standing back, looking to be ready to defend her supply of food.

Pinkie is arguing but that is to be expected, she ducks back inside for a moment.

“See? Solving the problem!” Athena’s voice is merry, waving to me from the front door.

“Athena, I do not think it wise to turn your back on her.”

“Stop worrying! I’m ready for...OH SH....!”

It all happened very fast. This is what I reconstructed from the playback using drone cameras and my own sight as well as the tech-spiders nearby.

Athena had turned, waving to me from the steps as Applejack, Twilight and Bars stood facing Pinkie, watching her retreat into the store once more. Applejack moved faster than I ever saw her do, shoving Twilight out of the way and into Bars who tumbled to the right and off the steps. Moving them all out of the line of fire Athena was the only one left, unfortunately her backside was facing the doorway.

She was altogether too trusting, though I suppose she will always be so when it comes to Twilight. Her rear end was hit by a massive explosion of what appeared to be cake and confetti at the same time, launching her into the air along the ground and speeding towards the Flower Sisters at quite the pace.

Calculating her trajectory and Time on Target, the scrambling mares will not get out of the way in time.

Hoping my hooves keep their purchase on the dusty ground, I move towards her on an intercept course.

Now when Athena’s backside got covered in cake and she was hurled off the steps, Applejack stumbled back into the second round of cannon fire.

Another conflagration of confetti and what looked like a mass of pudding...vanilla by the way..hit her broadsides. From nose to Cutie Mark she was plastered with white, being thrown back at an angle and into the grass off to the side of the store. Earth Pony’s are sturdy, doubly so with all the work they do, so there is not much hurt received.

This was working to her disadvantage as she was thrown directly into a group of guards that had lingered off to one side.

The pudding, I found out later, was also laced with a very viscous concoction of caramel. This was quite the sight as the group of four ponies was immediately stuck to Applejack as she hit them full on. Imagine if you would tar and feathering except with vanilla pudding and confetti. I believe you get the picture.

Twilight and Bars were shoved out of the line of fire, so they were safe until Pinkie stepped outside. She was yelling something to the partial quote of, “We will fight them in the hills...” I did not catch the rest as the firing of the cannon became the overwhelming sound. Rainbow is right beside her, tossing multiple rounds of small baked items, fritters from the appearance, at anything that moves.

My own movement is precise as I reach out, grabbing Athena and catching her as best I can. We both go tumbling into a pile of crates, though the containers suffer horribly, we are none the worse for wear. Except for my sister being quite angry right now.

“She shot me in the butt!” Eyeing her tail, where it’s attached to, seeing it covered in cake and very glutinous fudge frosting, “I..this.. If I was real I’d have cake all the way up my..”

“Athena....”

“Well it’s true!”

“Even if it was, saying it out loud does not help the situation.” I make a surreptitious gesture towards listening ponies, some snickering behind raised hooves.

The blush rising in her cheeks along with a look of consternation would make me chuckle, but I figure it is not the appropriate time. She stomps off to clean up.

Off that topic for a moment, I do believe that I have a solution now. Pinkie is noticeably flagging. All the expenditure of energy as well as keeping tabs on all the entrances is draining her stamina faster than normal. This gives me an opportunity.

Defense spiders have been long-equipped with minor things in case of hull intrusion, one of them is a general soporific that can be used in case a prisoner is wanted. After sifting through all the available resources, I have decided this will be the one. It should not hurt Pinkie or even Rainbow, who has joined in the revolution it appears. It is a long shot and I would prefer not to do so, but if it will make them sleepy that will be good enough.

But while Athena and I had been talking, Pinkie had begun a barrage of confetti and other things shot out of her cannon. Although the confetti is a nice touch, it does no harm and cannot fly very well or far. It is the other items which worry me. Rainbow is actually a fair shot, hitting two out of three and plastering ponies with frosting covered treats.

Poor Sunshine Dew, such a stalwart Pegasus of the Air Patrol and survivor of the horrors of Athena’s Haunted House. Taken out by another large cake, such a sad ending for a warrior. It was chocolate too from what I can see, a loss on both sides.

Granite and Bastion are taken out by a rapid fire slinging of more pies. That was coconut cream from what I can tell. I will have to ask her for that recipe, it really looked good. They are blinded, running into a group of onlookers. I honestly have no words for this.

As ever, my sister is rushing in to protect our friends. You cannot fault her, though you would think after three times she would learn her lesson and stay back.

I strangely do not feel the inclination to say anything, sitting quietly and watching the confusion, it is interesting. I seem to be the island of calm in a whirlwind of activity, odd that.

Athena is blinded by a large amount of, once again, pudding. Stumbling into Twilight, she and the Alicorn ram into Applejack and get stuck to the mare from the previous sticky concoction which has not been cleaned off yet. It is all happening so rapidly it is taking up processing power to record and replay the data back.

I have honestly never seen this much food flying through the air at anytime in my centuries of service. A unique opportunity I am taking advantage of to record for posterity. One must have records to back up evidence.

It does make one wonder how Pinkie does it. Did she cook everything before? Is it a particular magic only she uses? The world may never know. But for now at least I have a record.

Ponies are running for cover as Pinkie and Rainbow share the wealth. How she can fire a cannon and fling other foods is beyond me, even my cameras cannot catch all the actions. I watch Cheerilee pushing a crowd of schoolponies to safety before getting...I believe ‘walloped’ is the correct term, by another cream pie. The little ones do get a laugh, that is always nice.

The old Guard Sergeant is setting beside me watching the action as well. As an old soldier, I am sure he’s seen his share of..yes he is laughing out loud. I reach over and pat his back, making sure he doesn’t cough too much before laughing again. The tears streaming down his face tell the story. He will have quite the tale to share later.

Big Mac is actually hiding under a cart. One would think that a stallion of his size and strength would be able to weather this storm. Considering there are four more hiding with him, there is not much more I can say. I do hope..yes Pinkie saw them. Not a lot is left of that cart.

At this point, I am considering notating anything Pinkie makes as Class Three or better weaponry after seeing the destruction.

I briefly saw Rarity show back up, mane and coat glistening after a good cleaning. She beat a hasty retreat when a collection of cupcakes landed near her. I really do not blame her.

As for the rest of the town, those not caught in the line of fire have prudently hidden themselves in their houses or behind something which will block the shots. Miss Cheerilee finally got the little ones to safety, though not without quite a look towards Pinkie as they ran off.

School teachers, more fearsome than Melconian Surturs sometimes.

The door to the bakery slams once more, letting a quiet settle upon this wasteland of a battlefield. I hear the groans of the wounded, the complaints of the food covered. It has been a holocaust of proportions unrealized in Equestrian history I am sure. Annals will probably show on this day, the Ponyville Food Massacre happened to the detriment of all involved.

I was there, a witness to the unfolding carnage. Thus my words shall carry import to the future, the lessons learned and the tactics used. Such is a record that will resound throughout the ages as...

“Would you shut up and STOP her!”

“You have no appreciation for history my sister.”

“I’m stuck to Twilight! I’m not happy right now!”

“According to your feelings, is that really a...”

“You say it and you’ll pay!”

“Understood.”

“Just stop her!”

“As ordered my angry sister.”

While Pinkie was declaring war on the entirety of Ponyville, my tech spiders had been pouring in the soporific gas through hoses of millimeter diameter. Able to reach in through cracks, it settles into the bakery.

I see Rainbow slump down, letting the pies she was holding slip to the floor as her eyes close, her comm bracelet showing nothing out of the ordinary except rest.

Pinkie is lasting quite a while, before finally toppling over with a loud sound against the wood planks. Mumbling something about ‘Myyyyy precccccious..” as she curls up on the floor. Perhaps we shouldn’t let her watch old movies anymore? The video feeds show her snoring quite loudly now.

I do move quickly, venting the area and getting Pinkie plus Rainbow into a Ferret which was summoned and waiting. They’ll be scanned medically and hopefully we can figure out what exactly happened.

As for now.... Time to untangle my sister.

------Evening-----

“You could have done that sooner!” Athena is not happy with me.

“I was running scenarios, and you, as well as Twilight, were determined to try and end it peacefully. A good effort. It was not my place to stop ponies from helping.”

We are talking while helping clean up. This action will definitely go down in history.

“You’re faster than that! You couldn’t have run them quicker? Or put the sleeper in earlier?”

“With the chemical interactions it was hard to make a decision Athena, I chose to be careful.”

When we scanned Rainbow and Pinkie, we saw the problems. The unique chemicals used in processing the food was reacting with their natural bodies and the magic in them. This caused a synergistic effect, giving them a heavy addiction as well as providing some ponies with more energy. Rainbow didn’t receive the benefit of extra energy due to her already fast metabolism, but was throwing sweets around quite well.

We have reprogrammed medical packages that are being distributed now to cleanse bodies of these unwanted things from long ago. Athena has locked down the storage bay and we are feeding the stocks into fusion furnaces.

Reprocessing them is not an option now, we need to get rid of it fast.

“She shot me in the butt!” Athena glares at a guard stallion snickering at her words, seeing him scurry off.

“That, my sister, was your fault. Turning your back on a threat.”

“She’s a friend, not a threat.” Her glaring at me is not working.

“Athena, you know better. Anything can be a threat. Anything.”

She scuffs a hoof, “I know, I know. I better go get cleaned up, I think we’re done here.”

We both look around the street. A few things remain to be swept up, but mostly our work is complete. We have helped as much as we can.

“Good idea, I have a few things to take care of as well.”

Athena’s face gets a sly grin on it as she nudges me, “So history keeper, what will this be named?”

“I am not sure yet. But something will strike me.”

“Don’t tell Twilight, she’ll want to record everything.” The sable Pegasus laughs and heads off.

I give her a wave before heading off to my war hull.

Settling onto my Command Deck I bring up a screen, large enough to let me see everything as I run through the data accumulated. I lock down all data transmissions and anything that could possibly leak. All communications are halted for the moment.

I try and do what Athena does, watch the data through my avatars’ eyes. To see what they see, trying to take it all in.

I watch the battle, the food and other things flying at a tremendous pace. Pinkie’s quote sounds suspiciously like an old saying from Winston Churchill, but that is neither here nor there. She does things that make us wonder far too much.

The cameras and video links did an impressive job of catching the action. I edit and file away various things for posterity of course. Though there are moments that make me pause.

Seeing my sisters face just after Pinkie shot her in the backside is....priceless. The look that shows is something that makes me muse for a long second. I see Applejack’s expression, Twilight’s after getting stuck to her. They run the gamut from surprise to outright shock.

I find myself raising a hoof to my mouth, a laugh escapes me even though I try to hold it back. The images keep coming. Cheerilee hit by the pie, Big Mac and his fellows demolished along with the cart they were hidden under. Rainbow Dash flinging pies at anything that moved while hovering behind Pinkie was an especially nice shot.

I find more laughs bubbling up from my avatar even though I am not wanting them to. Eventually they fill my Command Deck with sound, the feel of my own merriment coming through clearly and loudly. I continue to watch the different camera angles, from drones and myself and Athena.

It cannot be helped. This...battle... was caused by the simplest of things to us, cereal. A foodstuff made long ago and far away in time. But to ponies it was addictive and more flavorful than natural foods. To myself, here and now, it is possibly the funniest thing I have ever witnessed in my long centuries of service.

The laughter rolls out of me, through speakers and my avatar as I replay the scenes, the expressions, the wholesale destruction wrought by baked goods. I can..feel..the humor, the emotion long missed sometimes.

There were many things I have found amusement at in the past and here.. But this..is beyond anything I have ever experienced.

I find it nice to be able to slap the decking with a hoof, howling with laughter that no one else can hear.

It is amazing as I can only think one thing, throughout all the scenes of surprise, shock, pure whimsy showing on the screen right now. I find it so appropriate. I know I shouldn’t be this way, addiction is not a thing to laugh at. But this...skirmish..this..

This...

Was the Best. Day. Ever.

Just Yak It Up.

Again we are delayed in our desire to get my sister to the Crystal Empire. Athena and I have been notified that a delegation from Yakyakistan is coming to observe and hopefully enter into a treaty with Equestria while visiting in Ponyville.

Twilight has been given the erstwhile task of escorting and showing the delegation what Equestria is all about in her office as Princess of Friendship. It appears to be important enough that she is pulling out all the stops to prepare.

“Yaks?”

“We have seen many different kinds of intelligent species in our lives Athena, what is one more?”

“That’s true.”

“I am sure they will be just as amiable as others. If not, Twilight can handle them in her capacity as Princess.”

“I hope so. Diplomats can be so.. unreasonable... sometimes.”

Crusader felt his ire rise to the fore, remembering faces..names...actions, “They can.”

Athena sends calm through the warbands, “I know that was a bad situation, but don’t you trust our friends?”

“I do. Though I am wary of any political motives.”

“As you say all the time, ‘Of course’.” Athena’s voice is merry.

“Shouldn’t you be on the way to Twilight’s to help with setting up?”

“Oh pits! I’m outta here!”

I watch her avatar tear out of the repair bay where we were performing maintenance. She is making a beeline for the castle.

I believe I will stay out of the way for the nonce. Drone coverage is being increased as I watch Athena skipping along the road. Ferrets and Hounds are up and ready. Feeds from commlinks are switched to dedicated channels, alerts are set and primed for anything that may crop up.

Remembering my last meeting with a few diplomats... I find myself hoping there might be problems.

Twilight was frantic, walking back and forth in front of her friends hoping everything was just right. Her face was wearing a nervous grin as her gaze flitted from pony to pony, mane becoming more frazzled by the moment.

“You look nervous. There’s no reason to be nervous! Nothing to worry about. Everything’s going to be fine! Just fine!” She smiled somewhat maniacally at Pinkie who took a step backwards.

“Twilight,” Pinkie’s voice was joyful, “You just tell those butterflies in your tummy to beat it! Making new friends is always fun.”

The Alicorn looked even more nervous, grabbing her stomach for a moment as Athena walked in, “Oohhhh....”

Fluttershy stepped forward, “They’re probably just as nervous as you are.” Her smile was gentle and warm as she touched her friend with a hoof.

Applejack nodded, stepping up beside Fluttershy, “You been planning this shindig for weeks. You know everything about them fellers. It’ll be just dandy I’m sure.”

Athena had just come in seeing them all standing in a line and politely getting behind the friends, out of sight so she could watch, “It’ll be fine, they’re just..uh..yaks.. Nothing to worry about.”

Twilight places a hoof on her chest, inhaling deeply, then releasing it while pushing her hoof outward. Athena watched the Zen-like movement.

“You’re right," Twilight was more relaxed, “Remember, Yakyakistan and Equestria haven’t opened their borders to each other for hundreds of moons. In fact Yakyakistan is so far north of the Crystal Mountains nopony has ever been there! Imagine the look on Princess Celestia’s face when she finds out we made friends with a Yak prince!” She laughs, a nervous giggle, resting a hoof on her chest again, “I’m calm, I’m calm.”

Crusader perused the thick volumes, given to Athena and himself from Twilight’s library, they told what was known about the Yakyakistani ..peoples.. and their country far to the north.

A ‘warrior’ breed who disdained the niceties and lived simply in a rough atmosphere there in the rarefied air of the northern mountains. Covered in snow and ice all times out of the year, they adapted and made a living through the harsh climate.

He didn’t recognize anything familiar, so there was that. No need for enmity he supposed.

Sighing to himself he tapped into the data feeds, checking on each one as a drone caught the train pulling into the station. Twilight’s readouts were showing extreme nervousness, almost a panic attack. Hopefully Athena and her friends could help calm her.

He had always despised politics, seeing in it folly and fare for the ignorant. He was straightforward in his dealings with humans, why could they never be the same with each other? It was a conundrum that was never solved.

He shook himself out of his reverie, flipping the pages once more and committing them to a dedicated database point and profile for further study. Twilight had given everyone a huge set of books of the very dry material to read. He doubted anyone else had perused it as Athena had shied from it like a snake.

Drone cameras spotted three large, shaggy and imposing figures that marched out of a train car. He zeroed in on them, seeing thick coats, simple adornment. Plain and utilitarian in their dress and style.

Ponies got out of the way as the three bulled their way through the morning crowd. Rumors of a visit had spread as usual, ponies not knowing what to make of the three imposing forms. The umber pony frowned to himself, seeing a disdain and irregard for the ponies of Ponyville as they walked into town.

Looks were exchanged by passerby as the strange figures made their way towards the castle.

He watched carefully from his command deck as the three horned shapes arrived at the door to the castle. His monitoring of the commlinks and their pinpoint cameras stepped up, receiving crystal-clear feeds from all of them dumped into the buffer.

Every head turned as Spike blew a fanfare on a trumpet. A large red carpet unrolling itself from a place in front of the massive doors. As the rug finished unrolling itself, the doors slammed open with an echoing sound throughout the room. Two large shaggy figures with quite impressive horns stepped forward, then to either side, exposing a third yak.

“Ponies! Greetings ponies!”

Athena grimaced a little bit at the loud voice, staying quiet and watching.

Twilight fired up her magic, teleporting in front of the leading figure.

She bows politely, “Prince Rutherford, your Majesty. On behalf of all of us, I welcome you to Equestria.”

The large face gets close to Twilight’s, “Me honored. Yaks hope for great friendship between ponies and yaks.” Her mane blows back as he pronounces loudly, “Friends for a thousand moons!”

Athena kept her silence while musing, well this is off to a good start.

Twilight kept smiling, “You must be hungry after a long journey.”

Twilight gestured, having Spike push in a long table heaped with delicacies.

Athena had watched as Pinkie was making the foods earlier. It all looked nice, though were all actually pretty simple. Nothing to keep in data storage.

“We’ve prepared a banquet of traditional Yak foods.”

The Prince eyed it, they really couldn’t tell with all the hair in front of his face, “If things not perfect, yaks get mad! Yaks always get mad when things not perfect!”

Athena watched as Twilight actually gulped loudly, her nervousness returning as the yak Prince took a piece of..what was that anyways? Off the tray, munching it for a moment.

Huh, you can actually see his eyes, he must like....

The food gets spit out onto the floor as the Prince yells, “This no taste like yak food! Fake pony food make yaks mad!”

All three of them roar their anger and proceed to wreak havoc on the castle interior. Horns hit pillars cracking them, vases and pretty objects get thrown in their ire as they even break the railing on the upper floor!

A hoof plants itself firmly on Athena’s shoulder as she took a step forward.

“Oh no missy, doncha go making more of a problem.” Applejack’s quiet voice makes her turn, seeing the farmer giving her an earnest look.

She’s right, I shouldn’t..oh no!

Accessing her communications arrays she immediately dumps all feeds from commlinks and cameras off into a clean datapoint, rolling it all back at least a minute before the food incident. All TSDS gets shut down as Athena frantically makes sure nothing shows up in the data streams to Crusader.

She was glad things went into a buffer before being stored. She wiped it clean and started piecing things together as fast as she could.

“Athena?”

Oh crud, there he is.

She makes herself sound light and cheerful, “Yes?”

“Is something wrong with the camera feeds? Comm was disrupted for a moment and the time stamps are off.”

Athena cringed and kept fudging everything, working in the space between seconds, “Oh..uh..no. Just a slight hiccup, you know those arrays, one thing goes it all goes poof!”

He was silent for long enough that she actually started to get nervous until he spoke once more.

“If you need repair materials just take them, we need to make sure you’re up to Depot Level. Is anything else malfunctioning?”

“N..no! Nono! Looks like a molecular circuit break in a datablock, can fix no problem!”

“Alright. I will try and bring the feeds back up if you wish..”

“Nope! I got it! No problem!”

“Are you sure?”

“Yep! No sweat! All done and done, got spiders on it now. Thanks though big brother!”

“Very welcome.”

The link drops, Athena finds her avatar prancing in place from nervousness, making Applejack look at her oddly.

Darnit! Why does this happen?! “Oh..uh..you know..nerves.. Battle reflex, all that.” She gestured towards the yaks finishing up destroying the interior of the meeting area. “The..uh..you know us Bolos! Heh..” She gave the narrow-eyed mare a smile, trying to stop herself from prancing.

“You are seriously not a good liar Athena.”

The sable mare sighed, “I cut off Crusader from all the cameras and information from your links, because of...that..” She pointed at the yaks, and then the band on Applejack’s leg, “And..I..uh..kinda lied to Crusader as to why.”

“Athena, there’s no reason to..” She was stopped by the other mare gesturing again to the yaks destroying things.

“Oh..oh right. Oh pits.” Her eyes got wide as she realized what Crusader might do.

“Yeah...pits.”

Pinkie had sidled up to Twilight, “Is it okay to be nervous now?”

Crusader sat reviewing the logs for the past few minutes. Time/Date stamps were off and there appears to be some interference with recording and buffering. Athena said she was fixing it, but maybe he could help somewhat by checking on a few things himself.

The commlinks might be suffering from wear and tear, that could account for a lot. The molecular circuitry could be damaged if jarred enough and they have been through quite a bit.

At least it is a simple problem that can be fixed in place instead of something unusual he thought. They had finally rid themselves of the stocks of cereal, using most in the nanovats while the rest went into the fusion plants.

Good riddance.

Tugging on a pair of saddlebags, they contained tools that could help him diagnose the problem in toto, abrogating the need for bringing them all to his hull to scan and fix whatever was wrong with the commlinks.

Hopefully Athena has enough in stocks to fix her array problem. That could be a hindrance on a trip to the Crystal Empire and she so very much wants to go.

Crusader exited the Command Deck, heading out to the castle at a sedate walk.

No need to hurry, it is a nice day.

He watched the Yak diplomats leave the Castle from a drones eye view.

I wonder if the meeting with the diplomats went well?

The seven mares were making repairs after the Yaks had left, trying to put things back to rights, Twilight using her magic when hooves wouldn’t work.

“Them yaks sure have a funny way of sayin’ howdy.” Applejack was giving a final tap to a nail in one of the railings.

Rarity was trying to look optimistic, “They’re different, that’s all. Very...different.” She was looking a bit sad at a vase she was attempting to repair.

Rainbow was holding the pieces of some sort of statue, hovering near a shelf, “I think they broke my record for most stuff broken in under a minute. I mean, they even broke the trophy!”

Twilight was mending another table, putting it in place gently, “All we have to do is show them how great it can be to have friends before Princess Celestia arrives for the friendship party tonight.” She faced everypony, “Now who read the seven-volume cross-indexed history of Yakyakistan I recommended?”

No one met her eyes, Rainbow tapped her hooves together, “I..uh..I had a thing.”

Twilight huffed exasperatedly, “Really?” She caught Athena’s eyes for a moment, “Surely you read.. You didn’t?”

The Pegasus smiled, “Uh..maintenance, you know. Lots to do being a..uh..Bolo.”

The Alicorn’s eyes narrowed, staring at Athena,“You are so not good at lying.”

The faux Pegasus rolled her eyes, “Everyone says that!”

Rainbow laughed, “That’s cause it’s true!”

“You shush.”

Pinkie bounced in place beside Fluttershy, “I did, I did! Did you know they live so far north of the Crystal Empire that it’s cold all the time? Yaks have yak fur to keep them warm!” She hugged herself with a squee.

Appljack shoved a table into place, “Pretty sure that’s what fur’s always for Pinkie Pie.

“I know! Yak’s are so cool!” She appeared on top of Applejack, knocking the hammer out of her mouth and smashing the vase Rarity had just finished repairing.

Twilight sighed, “Pinkie Pie, can you show them around town? I know you have to plan the friendship party too, but it would really help to make them feel welcome.”

The fuschia mare nodded, “Don’t worry. They’ll be in good hooves with me.”

Twilight looked at all the mares, “Remember, we want to make sure Equestria feels like home. That means doing everything we can to make this place feel like Yakyakistan.”

Pinkie saluted, “No problem!”

“Good. Let’s go out there and make some new friends!” Twilight stuck her hoof out, immediately it was covered with the others.

“Yeah!”

Pinkie went out with Applejack to show the diplomats around the town.

Athena turned to Twilight, “Oh stars, Crusader’s coming!”

“What?”

“Twilight, if he sees all this...knows that Prince Rutherford and his companions did this, he’s gonna.. Oh, he’ll lose it after what happened.” Athena was looking out the doorway nervously.

“What do we do?” Rainbow was hurriedly placing things on shelves, not caring if they were broke or not.”

“Calm down, calm down.” Twilight was tapping a hoof on her chin, “I got it. Just calm down.”

“O..okay!”

Crusader watched Pinkie and the Applejack tear out of the castle, heading towards the town proper. They gave him a brief wave before running out of his sight past a few houses.

Things must have gone well he thought, continuing his way towards the castle, that is always a good sign.

Stepping into the entryway, he heard the voices from the meeting area, heading for them. Perhaps he could work on a couple of the bands while they were still here. He looked forward to trying to fix things, even with the tools he had at least it would be a nice attempt.

“Rainbow, how many times have I told you? Don’t practice stunts in the castle!”

“Yeah yeah, it was just a simple one!”

“But look at all this destruction!” Twilight’s voice was sounding exasperated as Crusader rounded the doorway.

“Is something wrong?”

They all turned towards Crusader, Twilight rolling her eyes, “Rainbow tried to do a stunt to impress the diplomats and..and..all this!”

Blue eyes took in the scenery, seeing broken furniture, railings, even pillars of crystal and other furnishings. He had know Rainbow had a penchant for breaking things some times, but this was... He pondered a moment at the readouts from the commbands, showing nervousness, a heightened pulse rate from them. He put that aside due to the first meeting, of course they would want things to go well.

“Impressive.” It was to his mind. How a slim Pegasus could cause all this, truly remarkable. He really didn’t put things past ponies anymore.

A cyan chest puffed up as she hovered nearby, “You bet it is! Oughta give me another trophy!” Rainbow grinned unabashedly, pointing at the restored statue giving her first place in Total Destruction of Inanimate Things.

It was actually signed by Princess Celestia.

“Do you need help cleaning up?”

Crusader was reaching to undo his saddlebags when a hoof stopped him, “Oh no, we’ve got this. Athena’s helping with Fluttershy and Rarity, so we’ve got this.” Twilight was smiling at him a bit nervously he thought, “Why are you here?”

“Athena reported problems with communications and I thought perhaps your bands might need looking at. I brought some tools to accomplish..”

“So you need our bands?” She stripped hers quickly, holding it in her magic grip and grinning at the Earth Pony, “Here you go!”

The others were hoofed over and stuffed into his saddlebags as he was ushered quickly out of the castle. Excuses were given they needed time to clean up to prepare for festivities tonight.

He could understand that. He did not contact Athena as she would let him know if any problems occurred. He turned and left, heading for his war hull as he would get the other bands later. It was still quite the nice day and a walk was always pleasant.

Twilight snapped a hoof up at Athena, “You! Keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn’t get anywhere near those yaks!”

The pegasus saluted, “Yes ma’am!” She immediately tasked her own drones to do an unobtrusive surveillance of his avatar, “Got him, he’s heading for his war hull right now.” He never tapped her own optics streams, knowing she’d call him if there was a problem, so the lines were secure for now.

“Good..good.” She was sweating a bit, “All we need is him starting more problems with Prince Rutherford.”

“Oh, I’m sure he wouldn’t do anything bad. He just wants us all safe.” Fluttershy’s words come through the area clearly as she sets a restored vase on an upper shelf.

“That’s it dear Fluttershy.” Rarity chimes in, having repaired some table cloths perfectly, “He’s just looking out for everypony is all. I’m sure he wouldn’t do anything untoward.”

“He’d nuke the entire country of Yakyakistan.”

Every eye turned to Athena as she said it so blithely it rocked them back on their hooves. They knew exactly what she meant as they all had discussed their capabilities long ago.

“No..he wouldn’t..would he?” Twilight was looking nervous again.

Athena laughed, “No, of course not, not without orders. He’d just kill the diplomats. He likes things simple, why waste ammunition?” She waved a hoof nonchalantly.

“Athena!” Twilight was goggling at the Pegasus.

The sable face grinned, “Ha! You’re so easy to rile.” She ducked a lavender hoof and laughed with the others. Although..she really hoped nothing would happen. But she’d keep track of him, make sure the yaks and him never met. Not gonna be that hard, nope!

Having scanned and tested the circuits thoroughly, Crusader was pleased. The bands had held up well over time, solid and seemingly unbreakable so far. Though he hadn’t taken a look at Pinkie’s as of yet.

A few tweaks to the coding, updating them and making sure the cases were solid, he set it on the bench of the small workroom. He was proud of the creations, his very first in this world. The pinpoint cameras were very clear, replacing the lenses as a few scratches had marred the surfaces made them even more so.

Testing the datastreams told him the emitters and IFF were working well, assigned to bands unused as Equestria and the world of Equus had no electromagnetic spectrum clogged with everyday things.

He sat looking at the bands, each marked with a symbol of the pony who owned it, and mused for a moment.

Crusader reached back into his archives, seeing the blasted and dark spaces were his memories used to be. The nanites were slowly replacing the blocks with new ones as metals were supplied. The new arrays were calm, like pools of clear liquid, waiting to be filled with data, more memories...memories..

His mind searched the forlorn spots, the shattered data banks, looking for pieces of memories he knew he had had but were now gone. Footsteps on his command deck from centuries ago didn’t match up with a partial face he saw in files. The connections were irretrievably broken. Battle records filled in some spaces, but the details were lacking.

Some days when alone, he reached back, sweeping his cores for that one bit, that other byte or information that would add to the puzzle that was his history. Something that would let him know, that would tell him..

Tell him...

If he was doing right.

Centuries of human contact, of closely living with those beings who had created him were as dust in the wind. Nothing but scattered strings of information left to try and piece together, most times a failure. A loss that saddened him some days as the personal memories of his officers was gone..

He could access Athena’s memories, showing him commanders that were with him when she and her sister served together with the Regiment. But they weren’t his memories. The details, the intimacies, the...everything .. that made them his own.

Would they praise him or damn him for what he’d done so far?

Even the revelations that a portal existed to another world with humanoid types living there did not comfort. They were not the beings he had known, had served and served with for centuries.

He reviewed old battles, seiges, conquests, looking into the past and seeing times when he and his brothers and sisters stood against innumerable enemies and were victorious and some where they were not. The list was long.

There was a room waiting for his avatar in Canterlot. A place where it could stay undisturbed if he chose to rest. Maybe it is time I retire. To sleep the centuries away and no longer wish for these things. He found himself reliving the past as best he could more these days, looking for something. He was not sure what it was he was searching for. Perhaps he would never know.

I am being unreasonable and selfish, looking for validation where there is none.

Was this the thing driving me to send Athena on a quest to the Empire? To search for something, anything, that would give me a sense that I was doing right by my standing orders and the Concordiat?

Equestria..not the Concordiat. The Empire of Man no longer lives.

Remembering all the times when he sent a message to the galaxy by SWIFT, listening for that one reply. Wanting to hear just one faint voice that told him he was not alone in his hope that something else survived.

Inside quiet cores he shook a metaphorical head, his mind calm and peaceful. I should not be reminiscing so much, losing myself in another era.

I am an old Bolo with foolish thoughts, nothing more.

A powerful program reached out and gathered the musings together, broke all connections with any current data and erased them from storage. They would not be remembered. Resetting the time/date stamps and securing the memories, it initiated a reboot of short term datasets. It would be as if he had never been thinking of this at all.

After the reset he found himself looking at the work table, seeing the bands and wondering where the time went. He was probably thinking about something and got lost in thought as was his wont to do.

I must stop doing that, Athena would think I am getting senile.

He smiled slightly to himself, gathering up the bands and cameras, stuffing them into bags that he cinched tight around himself.

Applejack and Pinkie had the other bands he needed to check. He had last seen them heading towards the farm, drone overflight had confirmed. He set out of his hull with a firm step. Figuring to get there within a fair amount of time, he wanted to make sure everything was repaired correctly. He would drop the other bands off on the way back.

Nodding to himself he pointed the avatar in the right direction.

Applejack was leading the three representatives into the large barn on her property, “We know y’all are noble warriors who avoid the so-called finer things, so me ‘n mah family would be honored if you rested here in the barn during your vist.” She swept a hoof out, showing three neatly made hay beds with pillows.

Pinkie was grinning, “Applejack and I made hay beds like you’re used to back in Yakyakistan.”

Prince Rutherford looked at the three beds, “Hmmm...this perfect.”

Pinkie grins wider, “You can snooze here all afternoon, ‘cause you’re gonna need a lot of energy for my party tonight!”

Pinkie and Applejack watched the three yaks inspect the beds, the farm mare sighing, “That wasn’t so hard.”

Rutherford licked the hay, eyes opening wide, “Wait! This not Yak hay!”

Applejack put a leg around her friend, drawing her back out of the line of fire while Pinkie was trying to explain, “Well, we didn’t have actual hay from Yakyakistan, but we tried to make it just like yours.”

The big Yak turns, yelling at them both as Big Mac and Apple Bloom who’d been peeking around the corner took off like shots.

“Not perfect! Yaks destroy!”

They proceeded to jump up and down on the beds as Applejack and Pinkie vacated the area, seeing pillows and hay thrown outside with them.

“Pinkie Pie, what do we do?”

Pinkie shrugged, making sure she moved away from another thrown pillow.

Athena perked up, seeing where Crusader was heading.

“Oh pits, he’s heading for the farm!” This got Twilight’s attention.

“I’ll just call..” She raised a hoof, then slammed it back down, “I gave him our bands!”

“One sec.” Athena got a faraway look in her eyes.

Applejack heard a voice through her link, “Applejack, Crusader’s on the way to the farm!”

“WHAT?” Pinkie was looking at her as she got the word as well. They were both covered in hay from the continuing destruction of the interior of the barn.

“He’s heading your way! Stop him!” Athena’s voice was getting frantic.

“What can WE do?” Pinkie was looking really frantic.

Applejack thought furiously, “Apple Bloom!” She yelled out over the yard, seeing the little filly come ripping around the corner.

“Yeah Sis?”

“I need you to get on down the road and stop Crusader from coming to the farm.”

“Wha..but..how?”

“Can’t you come up with somethin’? You and the Crusaders are always findin’ ways to do all sorts of stuff!” She gestured to the wrecked barn, “We gotta take care of this.”

“I..oh stars.” The little pony was thinking for a minute, “Ah got it!” She tore out of the yard and headed down the road to where Crusader would be coming up to the farm.

Apple Bloom ran as fast as her little legs would take her, seeing the umber Earth Pony leisurely walking along the road, “Crusader!”

The blue eyes turned warmly to her, he always taught her things, took time to patiently explain anything she wanted, “What can I do for you Apple Bloom?”

“I..uh..oh darn..uhm, I need your help if’n ya would?”

“Is something wrong?”

“Oh no! Jes’ outta breath you know. I’m just a little filly after all!” She grinned up at him, causing him to smile back.

“You will be as big as your sister soon I am sure. Enjoy the time while you have it.”

The olivine filly scuffs a hoof, looking at the ground, “I know, everypony says so, but sometimes I’d like to be bigger.” She sighed, “And get mah Cutie Mark too.”

Crusader moved off to the side of the road, settling in a patch of grass. He gestured with a hoof, “Come over and sit.” He had all the time in the world.

Apple Bloom leaped over, happy for the chance to have a talk with him all alone.

He looked at her carefully, “So, you are in a hurry to do all that?”

“Well, sure! That’s why we’re always tryin’ our best.” Her face looked a bit frustrated as she moved a fore hoof around in the grass, “Can we go talk at the clubhouse?” She found she did wish to talk to him, an adult who listened instead of just saying things to make her feel better.

“Of course.” He had plenty of time and Apple Bloom needed him. He would not refuse. They both got up, the filly chattering happily as they headed for the clubhouse, far enough away even he didn’t hear the finishing touches the yaks were putting on the barn before leaving down the same road.

He did notice Pinkie had taken off by a rather circuitous route towards town. She was in quite a great rush.

“Are you sure this is going to work?” Fluttershy was looking nervous..well..more nervous than usual.

“Yep! Make them feel right at home!” Pinkie gave her friend a reassuring smile, bouncing out to where the Yaks sat at a blanket, covered with a tea set that Fluttershy had brought from home.

“And now, for your entertainment pleasure.... Presenting animals, Yakyakistani style!”

A line of animals walk or waddle out from behind a tree, each wearing horns like the three Yaks themselves. Fluttershy watched nervously as they walked closer to the big representatives.

Prince Rutherford snorted, “Animals cute.”

The buttery Pegasus sighed, whispering to Pinkie, “Oh, thank goodness.”

A duckling, wearing a horn that obscured its sight, couldn’t help but stumble and tip over, landing with a small thump on the ground. It yanked back, pulling the horn off itself and looking around.

Rutherfords’ eyes went wide, “Wait! These antlers lie! These not Yakyakistani animals! Yaks smash!” All of them reared up, preparing to do the worst before Fluttershy zipped in the way, gathering the animals up and fleeing to the safety of a tree branch where she and Pinkie watched the destruction of her tea set.

Pinkie looked slightly frustrated, “Okay, well... There’s still some other things we can do. I think.”

Crusader sat listening to Apple Bloom tell him about adventures, her concerns about growing up and becoming somepony worthwhile. She didn’t know exactly what she wanted to do, but wanted it to mean something.

That he could understand. Wanting what you do to be important, to make it all worth doing. He smiled gently as she tried really hard not to bounce around the room. Her excitement and enthusiasm were infectious. They had been discussing things for just a little time really.

She reminded him so much of Athena and her sister. The two voices rang through his memories with much joie de vivre. On the battlefield, on missions they were as professional as any Bolo. But when not there, in laager or depot, they were like eager children wanting to learn and do everything.

Apple Bloom and her compatriots wanted to do the same. He was glad to assist in any way he could barring the creation of items that would cause mass destruction. He had caught Athena planning a few things with the Crusaders and warned her that under no circumstances should she fabricate anything for them without permission.

“Oh mah gosh! It’s been hours! I’m so sorry to take all your time Crusader.” The voice brought him out of his reverie, focusing again on the filly as she stood up, looking out the window at the sun passing through the sky. It really hadn’t been that long, but to a young pony an hour is forever.

“It is never a problem.”

“Applejack said I shouldn’t bother ya too much.”

“You are never a bother Apple Bloom, trust me.”

She brightened up at that, “So ya think I’ll get a good Cutie Mark?”

He tilted his head, looking at her once more, “I think it is not a matter of you getting a worthy Cutie Mark, but making sure the Cutie Mark is worthy of you.”

“What does that mean?” She was getting up, opening the door so they could both leave the clubhouse.

“It means that you are a good pony and that a Cutie Mark would have to be very special to be yours.” He poked her in the side, getting a giggle as they exited the clubhouse.

“You really think so?”

“I know so.”

This cheered Apple Bloom immensely. She had really did enjoy talking with Crusader. It had started as a way to stall him, but once she’d began it had all come rolling out. He always made her feel better about herself when she was down or just thinking the world was against her ever getting a Mark.

Athena was awesome in so many ways, but Crusader listened. Really listened to whatever she had to say. He never turned her away, nor did he ever make her feel like her concerns weren’t important. He took in every word and gave thoughtful answers.

But this..this turned out really well! She felt so much better after talking with the gentle-voiced Earth pony..oh.. Bolo..yeah. Far as she was concerned he was a pony through and through and a really good friend.

Crusader was listening to her talk while one side of his datacores were tracking Pinkie and Applejack. Pinkie had split off earlier while Applejack was already on her way to the castle again. He didn’t mind, the walk was nice. He had not had a chance to do so in a long while.

After parting with a very happy Apple Bloom, he set out once again to the castle. Perhaps he could catch up with them there and deliver the bracelets at the same time. There was no worries as he had time.

He did wonder if the negotiations were going well. Maybe he should check on the status later?

Until then he was sure they probably had things under control.

The three Yaks almost filled the corner of little shop as Rarity was trotting back and forth, pulling out her best and brightest fabrics to show them, perhaps make something to fit a royal personage.

“Yes! These are some of my favorite materials. Very rare, imported from the Crystal Empire to match your northern sensibilities.” She sat the flowing roll of sparkly material on a table turning around, “I hope you’ll find them....”

She stopped a squeak or maybe even a yell of horror as the three yaks were chewing on the last half of the fabric piece she had just been showing them.

“....delicious..”

Rarity’s eyes were wide, seeing one of the finest and rarest of things in her shop getting mauled by Yaks.

They spit the fabric out, letting it land wetly on the floor as Rarity looked on in horror.

“This no taste like Yak fabric! Yaks destroy!” Once again the three representatives go on a rampage, stamping and butting everything in sight. In the case of the close and warm shop, that meant everything. Rarity hid behind a table, peeking out now and then only to duck a thrown roll of material or even..was that the head of one of her ponyquins?

Pinkie was holding the severed head of another ‘quin on her forelegs, rocking back and forth as she listened to the roaring of the Yaks decimating Rarity’s place, “It’s okay. You’ll make it up to them..somehow.. yeah.” She peered over at the Unicorn and tried to smile, getting a look of pure fright in return.

Crusader saw the Yaks exiting Rarity’s shop. They were giving them quite the tour it appears, showing them everything that was good about Ponyville. A showcase of all the wonderful things would be sure to convince foreigners of their sincerity.

He had her bracelet, simple enough to drop in and return it to her.

Turning into the shop, he saw the inside was an absolute wasteland. It looked as if a small bomb had gone off inside. Fabric was torn and strewn everywhere, all the ponyquins were damaged or destroyed. Rarity was looking distraught.

“What happened here?”

Rarity’s eyes snapped to him, her smile nervous and unsure, “Oh! Creating unique things sometimes gets a bit messy..you...know..” She sat down suddenly and sighed. Her saddened gaze took in all the beautiful items that were unrecoverable.

Crusader took a seat next to the mare, “Rarity, what happened?”

“Those..those.. Yaks!” She snorted, stamping a hoof on the floor, “They destroyed everything!”

“Why?”

He listened while Rarity explained, eventually getting up and helping her get things in some sort of arrangement. He was piqued by the revelation that they had attempted to keep him away from this situation but he could fully understand. He was not the most diplomatic of personages some times.

As he helped put things back in place, Rarity had to go. A meeting at the castle for an update had been requested by Twilight so she had to be there. He promised her he would finish up the cleaning as best he could.

The delighted mare gave him a warm hug, leaving a scent of perfume in the air as she shot out the door.

He had learned in the past long months, tempering his anger with patience. He had always done so, but in this new world it was called for instead of action most times. Crusader understood the meaning of restraint, but not when it came to battle.

And not this, as he looked around the shattered boutique. Definitely not this.

Dropping his saddlebags in a closet, he turned and left with a purpose.

Pinkie was trying her best, she really was. But this was an uphill battle.

“Listen up! Tell your faces to hold onto their frowns, 'cause they’re about to get turned upside-down!” Pinkie was leading the three Yaks into a green field.

She yelled out into the air, “Hit it, Rainbow Dash!”

A huge cloud appeared overhead, shoved into place by Rainbow. She gave it a good kick and the lower half detached, landing with a thump and layering a huge amount of snow around them all.

“Just like Yakyakistani snow right?” She gave Rainbow a hoofbump, “Because snow is snow no matter where it comes from.”

Rutherford takes a taste of the fluffy white stuff, “This not Yak snow!” They proceed to trample the freshly fallen snow.

“Seriously?” Pinkie was looking distraught now, “Seriously?” She planted her face into the snow and sighed.

The six gathered at the castle with Athena in tow, she had spotted Crusader entering Rarity’s boutique and had asked the Unicorn herself about it. The secret was out and now she only awaited the repercussions.

He was keeping close-lipped, no TSDS, no communications whatsoever which made her nervous. Whenever he was silent, that was the most dangerous time.

Twilight was tapping her hooves together lightly, “So... How’s it going?” Her eyes rested on Applejack first, switching from mare to mare.

“Y’know...it’s..goin’ okay.” The farmer wouldn’t meet her eyes.

Rarity was rubbing a hoof on the large table, “Satisfactorily I’d say.”

Rainbow was leaning on one hoof, “It could be better.”

Fluttershy was almost hiding under the table, “It’s not very good.”

Pinkie threw her hooves out, “It’s a disaster!”

Twilight was comforting, “It’s not that bad. Everything is going..well...kinda..maybe.. It’s not is it?” She was looking frantic once more as every head around the table shook in a negative response.

Athena spoke up, “It’s really not.”

The Princess inhaled then exhaled slowly, calming herself, “Pinkie Pie, tonight’s Yakyakistan themed party is more important than ever! You’ll make them forget all about this afternoon, right? Because if it’s not perfect, they’re gonna smash everything! And I’m not sure how much more smashing this visit can take!”

The pink mare was looking more and more nervous, “I definitely will! I think. Maybe...?”

Applejack tried another tack, laying a hoof on her friends shoulder, “You’re the best gosh-darn party planner in Equestria.”

Rainbow nodded, “You’ll show them a good time!”

Fluttershy agreed, “You can do it!”

Rarity was looking calmer than before, “We have absolute confidence in your abilities, Pinkie Pie.”

“It’s going to be my most happy-tacular party ever! I hope!” Her eyes flicked from side to side, wide and very very nervous, matching the grin on her face.

Rainbow peered at her over the table, “Why are your eyes darting around like that?”

Pinkie Pie laughed hysterically, “It’s what I do when I’m not nervous!”

Twilight smiled, trying to reassure her friend, “Pinkie, I don’t know what we’d do without you....

“Me either! Gotta go!” The pink mare zipped out of the room, passing by Crusader who was standing in the doorway.

Athena almost slapped her forehead, caught up in the conversation she had missed him coming into the castle and hadn’t warned anypony. She hated when he snuck up on her. Which really he didn’t do, she just lost track of things. It was becoming commonplace and it frustrated her. Organics did that, not Bolos.

The umber form came in, taking a seat near the table and looking at the distraught faces. He remained that way for long enough that Athena was starting to get antsy, waiting for the explosion, the anger, something. Anything but this calm pony sitting there looking at the sighing mares.

The calm voice carried further than she realized, he always managed that somehow, she’d never figured out what he did to make it so, “I am waiting for orders.”

Twilight’s eyes snapped up from the table where she was gazing at nothing, “Orders? For what?”

“To take care of this situation. I have tried to put Rarity’s shop back together as best I can, I assume that is what happened here in the castle as well from what Rarity has told me.” He turned his gaze on Athena for a brief moment.

Athena didn’t meet his eyes, nodding slightly.

“I understand why it was kept from me. I am trying to remain calm about this, but I will not tolerate this behavior, even from diplomats, for very long.”

Athena could hear it, even if the others couldn’t. Scorn, disdain. Civility was always a big thing with him, respect given and earned. Right now those representatives deserved none of it from him, even if they were royalty.

“We can’t do anything Crusader. This is so important for Equestria, the first time the Yaks have sent a delegation in hundreds of moons.” Twilight was leaning a cheek on one hoof, “Princess Celestia is counting on us to make a good impression.”

“An impression is one thing. Wholesale destruction is another.”

Rarity turned her gaze on him, “Not like we wanted it darling, they’re quite..impulsive.”

Applejack sighed, “I...wouldn’t put it like that, but...yeah.”

Rainbow threw her fore hooves out in exasperation, “We’re just trying to make them feel at home, you know? Like Yakyakistan!”

Far be it for him to tell them how to secure diplomatic relations with a country, albeit even an unknown one like this Yakyakistan, “Then I will keep a closer eye on them for you.”

Twilight sighed, eyeing him for a moment, “That would be okay. Just...don’t do anything okay?”

“I will try not to.” He turned and left the room.

Rarity eyed Athena for a moment, “He’s not very happy is he?”

“No. No he’s not.”

The pink mare was about to pass out, she was hyperventilating so much, her breath coming in gasps as she talked to her companion. The ever-silent alligator that just stared at the pony.

He didn’t understand what she talked about most times, but since he got the credit for a lot of ideas Gummy was pretty content.

“Gummy, what am I gonna do? I had all this amazing stuff planned for the party, but they're gonna hate it! There's no way to make Equestria feel like Yakyakistan. They're just too sensitive! Even Fluttershy made them mad! Fluttershy! Oh... I need a new idea, and I need it now. How am I supposed to make this party feel like Yakyakistan without actually going there and bringing something back?!” She flopped on the couch again, eyes rolling in frustration. She picked the alligator up, moving to the window and watching the town below.

Gummy’s tongue flicked out, giving her a wet kiss on the nose.

“That’s it! Gummy you’re a genius!” Pink legs almost squeezed the stuffings out of the little alligator. She planted a warm kiss on his nose, dropping him on the bed as she made some preparations.

Twilight smiled as best she could, showing the delegation to Sugar Cube Corner. Crusader had trailed along, watching closely from behind with Athena as they entered the shop.

She waved a hoof, “And this is Sugarcube Corner. They’re working hard to make your traditional Yakyakistani cake.” She let them see Mr. and Mrs. Cake preparing the batter with all the exactness their profession provided.

Prince Rutherford snorted, “Vanilla extract very tricky.”

His two companions nodded, “Uh-huh.” As they eyed the two bakers closely.

Twilight grinned, she was doing that alot Athena noticed, slightly more nervous than usual which was saying something, “Uh, if you’ll excuse me for a moment.” She teleported out, leaving the three Yaks, Athena and Crusader alone in the store.

Athena looked over at her brother. He had the usual calm, placid look on his face which in itself was disturbing.

Twilight popped into Pinkie’s room, not bothering to see if she was there before rattling off, “How’s tonight’s party coming? I'm doing what I can, but it's really up to you at this point!” She finally stopped, looking around and seeing nothing, “...Pinkie? Where are you?!”

“Stop eyeing them.”

“I will not do anything inappropriate, I am only here to make sure.”

“Glaring at them is going to cause a fight. Stop it.”

“I am not glaring.”

Athena glanced his way, “Well...well, you’re looking at them! Stop it!”

“Fine.”

Crusader wandered over to a booth, sitting down and looking for all the world like a customer, though one that kept staring at the Yaks. Most ponies were anyways, so it wasn’t much of a stretch to do so.

Athena sighed and joined him, leaning a cheek on one hoof. She couldn’t win.

Crusader had given their bands back so she called everyone, telling them to do a search for Pinkie. She waited nervously up in the room, looking around while waiting for the results. She’d told them to report to her at Sugar Cube Corner when they had news.

Meanwhile, she panicked.

Athena had joined her, bored with sitting and watching the Yaks. Probably the most fun she’d had in days..not.

She did leave with an admonition to Crusader not to start anything. He promised he wouldn’t. Funny, why did that make her even more suspicious?

“It’ll be fine Twilight, honestly.”

“But Pinkie’s not here! She’s gotta be here! The party is tonight!” Twilight was biting at one fore hoof, gnawing it furiously.

“Maybe..” Athena thought furiously, “Maybe she’s just gone to get more supplies?”

Twilight gave her a ‘really’ look, gesturing around to the packed room.

“Oh..yeah.” The Pegasus shrugged, “It was an idea?” Giving Twilight a rueful smile.

This broke the Alicorn’s nervousness as she laughed, nudging Athena, “It was.”

The Princess spotted her friends coming upstairs, “Did you find her?”

Fluttershy shook her head, “Angel and I searched the Forest..but..”

Rainbow joined her, “Aerial recon turned up nothing either.”

“I searched the farm inside and out.” Applejack shrugged, “No Pinkie Pie. But I did find a set of Granny Smith’s dentures under the house, so... not a complete loss.” She sighed and looked out the window.

Rarity looked distraught, “She’s simply vanished!”

Crusader’s voice came through the bracelets, “Drone surveillance shows nothing. Her band has been left behind in the room near you, I cannot track her.” They all turned to see it sitting on the side dresser.

Twilight went back to nervous, “But the party! It’s all we have left! What are we gonna do?!”

Gummy, who for some reason had been clinging to the ceiling, chose that moment to let go and land with a thud on Twilight’s head, surprising everypony in the room.

The toothless reptile proceeded to make quite the disgusting barfing sound, tossing up a letter which was covered in saliva, almost smearing the written words on it.

Twilight grabbed it with a spell, levitating it in front of her eyes and reading quickly, ‘Don’t worry. I’ll be back in time for the party. Love, Pinkie Pie.” She tried to look confident and failed, “If Pinkie Pie says she’ll be back in time for the party, she’ll be back. We have to trust her. Right?” She laughed, breaking up nervously, “No reason to freak out!”

Fluttershy nodded with the others, “Don’t worry Twilight.”

Applejack exchanged glances with Rarity, “When it comes to parties I think she knows what she’s doin’.”

Twilight does her Zen thing, almost making Athena laugh, “You’re right. Let’s just focus on keeping the Yaks happy ‘til she’s back.

Rainbow grinned, “Piece o’cake!”

Twilight’s eyes popped open wide, “The cake!!”

Rainbow’s look mirrored hers, “We left Crusader down there!”

They all turned as one for the stairs. Twilight teleporting out.

Crusader watched as the Cakes finished the..well..cake. It was truly something to see, the frosting layered just so, each ingredient measured once and again. Baked at a certain temperature. It was all an artistic endeavor to his mind. It was far beyond just skill, it was a glimpse into a life of doing what one loved. He had to give credit where credit was due, the Cakes were masters of their craft.

Mrs. Cake smiled brightly, always proud of her creations, “One bite and you’ll be transported right back to Yakyakistan!” Though this time she laughed a bit shakily, “I hope.”

Prince Rutherford leaned forward, taking a messy bite out of the beautifully made item and chewed noisily.

“Hmmm...Ponies too heavy on the vanilla extract!” The three gave out a loud roar and reared back.. “BWAAAH!”

Crusader moved. He was out of his seat like a shot, heavy hooves pounding the floorboards as he suddenly appeared in front of the angry Yaks, “You will not do any damage here.” His face was showing distinct anger. This surprised the Cakes who were watching because they’d always known him to be very polite.

“Out of the way little pony! Yaks smash!” The three shaggy figures faced him full on.

“No, I do not think you will. Leave now.” Crusader was being very, very polite as Athena watched from the stairs, no one moved. No one dared interrupt the face-off in case something else was triggered.

She looked at Twilight, making a ‘stay there’ motion as they came down quietly into the main room. The tension was high as the umber pony stood looking at the three larger figures. He did not threaten, he did not say anything else but...

“Please leave. Now.”

“Yaks think cake fake! Yaks smash!” Crusader had to admit, they were adamant. But they were not going to wreck anything here.

“Of course the cake was fake, it was not made in Yakyakistan. Can you understand that?” Crusader wanted to add a few punches to make sure the words got through the probably thick skulls, but he had promised not to start anything.

The three Yaks looked at each other, well...as far as he could tell, the one designated Prince Rutherford nodded, “Very true.” He pointed a hoof, “So Yaks smash!”

Crusader wished for the hundredth time he could sigh out loud, “No. You will not smash anything in here. Why not go to the forest, lots of things to see there.”

“Forest like Yakyakistani forest?”

The Earth Pony opened his mouth, then closed it. Forest, in the far north? This was getting ridiculous, “Almost, but I’m sure it could use your opinion on if it does look like a Yakyakistani forest.” He pointed out the door.

“If forest fake! Yaks smash!” The three ran through the door, closed after the last customer went through, throwing it off it’s hinges and making a large hole in the wall as they headed for the forest.

Crusader just sat and stared at the opening as the others joined him.

“Big hole there,” Applejack, Mistress of the Obvious.

“Yes, yes it is.”

“So, now they’ve gone to smash up the Everfree. Nice.” The farm mare gave him a nudge, chuckling to herself.

Twilight walked over and leaned against the counter, “Better than them smashing up Sugar Cube Corner.”

Everyone in attendance nodded, the Cakes looking visibly relieved as their place of business hadn’t been wrecked.

“We’re so grateful, thank you Crusader.” Mrs. Cake was a wonderful lady really, always gracious.

“You are welcome.”

“Sooo...seeing as there’s a whole cake here that’s barely been touched...” Rainbow was eyeing one of the treats sitting on the counter.

“Oh no, you don’t want that.” Mr. Cake grabbed it quickly, tossing it in the trash, “How about some fresh made pie to celebrate the saving of our store?” He quickly laid out a selection of slices, Key Lime, Meringue, Chocolate Silk, so many.

Thank you’s were quickly given, each pony getting a large piece of whichever they wished.

Crusader just sat off to the side, watching the three shaggy forms in a drone view, hammering their way through a small patch of forest. Birds and animals running for cover.

“What’re they doin’ now?” Applejack brought him a slice of pie, setting it down on the table in front of him.

“Currently trying to destroy the Everfree.”

She laughed, “Good luck with that one.”

“I give them credit, they are persistent.”

“They are, but I sure wish they’d quit breakin’ things.”

“Me too!” Twilight joined them at the table, “It all comes down to the party this evening and Pinkie’s missing. I really hope she makes it back in time.” She held a fork with her magic, picking at the delicious looking pie.

“If anypony can do something, it’s our dear Pinkie Pie.” Rarity sat demurely with them, taking a precise bite of her food.

“Yeah, don’t get worried, Pinkie can do..well...pretty much anything!” Rainbow appeared to be on her second piece, free food never going to waste around her.

“Hopefully the party will go great and we won’t have to worry anymore.” Fluttershy swung into a seat, digging into her plate.

Twilight nodded, “I know, I know.” She looked out the window, dreading the return of the Yaks, “We’ve never needed a party so badly.”

The train chugged reassuringly as Pinkie talked out loud, her hooves making motions as the rest of the ponies in the train car stayed well away from her, since there was nobody in the seat next to her, but she was still having quite the conversation.

The conductor came walking through the car, “Next stop! The Crystal Empire!” Leaving out the other end after giving a glance to the strange pink mare.

“And so my quest begins. I know what you’re thinking, ‘Why go to Yakyakistan alone, Pinkie Pie?” Because I’m the party planner. This burden falls on my rump and my rump alone.” She slapped her Cutie Mark, making sure it was her rump, Pinkie never knew when things would go missing.

“If I want a great party, I gotta climb the mountains north of the Crystal Empire, find Yakyakistan, and come back with something authentic!” She leaned over and pulled the paper from in front of another pony’s face, “Know what I mean?”

The train suddenly lurched forward, the brakes squealing and hissing from the effort as it came to an abrupt halt on the tracks.

Pinkies’ ears perked up and she ran outside looking around, “Did we go the wrong way? Where’s all the snow? Please tell me this is magical sand-colored snow!” She took a mouthful of it, spitting it to the side, “Nope! Sand. Definitely sand.” She scrubbed at her tongue while the conductor came down the steps.

“Dodge City. End of the line I’m afraid. All trains had to stop. Sheep decided to sit on the tracks.” He pointed to where a gathering of sheep were splayed on the tracks.

Pinkie waved a hoof at the crowd, “Curse you sheep! Thanks for your help conductor.” She waved, bouncing off into the town trying to think of a way to get to the Empire once more.

A door swung open on what appeared to be an outhouse, slamming into Pinkie who ended up in a heap on the ground. A pale yellow mare, curvy and quite good looking, crimson mane piled in an elaborate mound on her head, stepped out and started to walk down the street.

“Cherry Jubilee!” Pinkie’s excited voice attracted her attention, turning eyes on the pink mare laying on the ground.

“Pinkie Pie? Well, what are ya doin’ all the way down there? Come on up here!” She held out a hoof, pulling Pinkie up on her own four.

“How are you?” Pinkie was grinning, “You look amazing!” She grabbed the brassy mare by her bow and yanked her close with a helpless face, “I need help!”

The mare laughed, pushing Pinkie away to get some room, “I’m dandy as a daffodil and fit as a floribunda. What can I do ya for?”

Pinkie made exuberant gestures, “Have you heard of Yakyakistan? Do you have any idea how I can get there?”

The yellow mare zipped over to her side, giving Pinkie a hug and leading her down the dirt road, “Mark your calender missy, ‘cause this right here’s your lucky day! I’m headin’ north to the Crystal Empire myself for a delivery.” She pointed at a wagon heaped and piled high with fresh cherries, “I ought to warn you though...me and the boys are powerful tired ‘cause we was up all night countin’ cherries.”

She slapped a big stallion on the shoulder, “Hey there! Wake up!” He snorted, shaking his head and looking bleary.

Climbing into the drivers seat, Pinkie followed, planting herself in the back and looking at the bushels of fruit.

“Counting cherries? How many?”

Cherry settled herself in and took the reins in her hooves, “Four hundred seventeen thousand, two hundred and thirty-four.” She snapped the lines, the four stallions picking their hooves up and taking off, “Yee-haw!”

“Whoa!” Pinkie held on for dear life as they sped out of town.

Looking at the receding town, she spoke once more, “And so, my quest resumes. As I stare across the endless desert, I tell myself I will soon triumphantly enter the homeland of out noble guests and return with a prize to make the best party they’ve ever seen!” She flipped around, “Know what I mean?”

Cherry Jubilee was laying on the seat, looking peaceful and sawing logs like there was a forest to be felled.

“Cherry?”

Pinkie squinted hard, looking to where they were headed and seeing a drop-off.

“Ravine. RAVINE!” She shook Cherry, all the while keeping an eye on the cliff getting closer. “Come on! Wake up!” She found an alarm clock in her mane, letting it go off while she found some water in the back for the stallions up front, splashing Cherry with it to no avail.

Grabbing the reins she yanked hard on them, pulling with every bit of strength she had, which turned out to be a good thing as the stallions up front opened their eyes at the pull, slamming their hooves deep into the desert sand and coming to a halt almost over the drop as Pinkie kept pulling.

She lifted the entire bar and the four stallions in their harnesses up and back over the front seat. The four ponies slipped out and fell on top of her as the wagon stood still on an overhanging ledge.

Cherry chose that time to wake up, looking around and planting a hoof on her chest, “What? Huh? Whoa! I was dreamin’ about a ravine!” She looked down, catching sight of the long fall beneath her, “RAVINE!” She leapt backwards, seeing the stallions and Pinkie piled into the wagon.

Pinkie looked up at the frightened mare, “That’s what I said!”

They stared at each other for a moment before a loud cracking sound could be heard, Pinkie smiled helplessly at Cherry as the wagon tilted forward, then the rest of the ledge broke off, plunging the wagon into a long fall!

“It’s early, we’ve got time. Besides, they really wrecked that patch of forest.” Athena was chatting with Crusader and Rainbow who were watching the Yaks cleaning themselves off, quite messily, at the fountain in town.

“Yes. The ‘noble warriors’ certainly put the fear of themselves into defenseless trees and rabbits.” The sarcasm was so plain even Rainbow chuckled, giving the Earth pony a nudge.

“Heh! Yeah, too bad you drove the Chimera away. That woulda have been something to see.” The cyan mare laughed louder, giving a wink to Athena.

As the Yak delegation was trashing the forest for being ‘fake’, a Chimera had wandered out to see what the commotion was. Crusader had carefully directed a drone under cover of light-bending shielding to put a few rounds near it, driving it back into the darkness from whence it came. The animals of the forest knew the sound of rapid firing guns now, staying well away from anything that emitted it.

“That’s all we’d need," Athena was trying not to laugh, “Explaining to Yakyakistan how their Prince was eaten.”

“Nah, we’d just send them the parts left over.” Rainbow got a wide grin and giggled madly.

Athena‘s face look shocked, “Rainbow!”

A magenta eye winked at her friend, “What?” Seeing her aghast at the Pegasus’ statement.

“That’s awful!”

“She has been hanging around you too much my sister.” The calm voice drew their attention, seeing the very slight smile on the umber face.

“She has not! I don’t..well..I do! But she shouldn’t say them!”

“Do as I say, not as I do Athena? Et tu?”

The sable Pegasus pointed a hoof, “Oh, don’t you go quoting things to me! I am not teaching Rainbow to be that way!”

Crusader replied softly, “And oftentimes excusing of a fault doth make the fault the worse by the excuse.”

“I ..I didn’t..you..” Athena stamped a hoof to Rainbow’s amusement, “I hate you.”

“The private wound is deepest: O time most accurs’d. ‘Mongst all foes that a friend should be the worst.” The Earth pony puts a hoof on his chest as he tries to look pained.

Lavender eyes are rolled, “Oh stop it, nopony cares for quotes they don’t understand.”

Crusader kept the hoof planted firmly, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”

That did it. Athena turned, pointing at him, “I swear, one more and I’m gonna..”

An attentive look crossed the faux pony’s face, “Pow! Right in the kisser?”

Catching Athena off guard, used to obscure and flowery phrases from him, this simple sentence threw her completely for a loop.

The sable butt hit the dirt as she actually opened and closed her mouth a few times, not knowing what to say as even the TSDS communications dropped for just a split second. “Where did..you.. AGH!” She threw her hooves up and stamped away with a nasty glare at him, leaving behind a laughing Rainbow Dash.

She turned to Crusader, lifting a hoof and getting it bumped in return, “I didn’t understand all of that stuff, but just the look on her face was worth it.”

“Yes, yes it was.”

“Wow, you guys are lifesavers!” Pinkie was grinning happily up at a uniformed Pegasus, “Without you we’d have been little pasty smears at the bottom of the ravine!”

A raspy voice laughed in return, “Lucky we heard you screaming all the way down, otherwise we’d have kept going.” Spitfire tossed her head towards her compatriots who were busy carrying the wagon. It was taking the whole squad to do so, but they were well trained.

Cherry Jubilees’ face showed her merriment, “I’m sure ya did. Pinkie can yell like nopony.”

The pink mare blushed, “Well...it was a deep ravine. Sooooo a lot of screaming.” She tapped her forehooves together lightly, trying to look braver than she had been, “Can you take me by way of Yakyakistan? I really really REALLY need to get there!”

Fleetfoot shook her head, “We’re due for a show in Manehatten in a few hours, we can drop you there.”

“Aw cherry pits!” Pinkie glanced at Cherry, “Sorry Cherry.”

The Earth mare gave a laugh, “No problem there Pinkie, hate ‘em too!”

Pinkie leaned on a rail, looking down at the passing landscape, “Once again I continue my quest. Forward for my friends, for a party, for Equestria! To find that one thing that’ll make it super-special and the best one ever!” She raised a hoof in a salute, “I’ll come back victorious!”

Spitfire hovered close to Cherry, “Who’s she talking to?”

The yellow mare shrugged, “I’m not sure, she’s been doing that the whole time.”

“Okay. We’ve got to keep them busy, does anypony have any ideas?” Twilight was smiling again, that very special ‘I’m three seconds from a total freakout’ look.

“Perhaps a show consisting of Interpretive Dance accompanied by a dissonant flute and a narrator to tell the story of Equestria.” Crusader’s voice was even in the quiet room where they had all taken a moment to brainstorm.

Twilight leaned over the table, “Can you do that?”

“I was joking.”

He was slapped on the shoulder by a hard hoof, Applejack giving him the eye, “You’re not helping.”

He turned a placid face towards her, “Neither are they. Destroying things that they declare are not Yakyakistani is making it difficult to keep things from getting worse.”

Fluttershy sighed, “They even stomped on the flowers the Flower Sisters tried to give them.”

Rainbow nodded, “That got ugly fast. I mean, who tramples a bunch of roses? Who does that?”

“They do apparently.” Athena was hanging her head over the edge of the table, “Seems they’re wanting everything to be ‘like Yakyakistan’.”

“Is Daisy all right?” Twilight was asking Rarity who had come to the rescue by distracting the Yaks.

“Oh yes, she’s quite miffed at the Yaks, but other than that....” She shrugged, giving a sigh, “She said the Crown will get the bill.”

Twilight sighed, “This is quickly turning into a disaster.” She placed her hooves on either side of her head, leaning her elbows on the table, “Princess Celestia is not going to be happy.”

“Aw, sugarcube. It’ll be fine, you’ll think of something.” Applejack’s voice was comforting, “They’re jes’ a mite stubborn about things.”

“Very much the understatement.”

“You need to shush mister, ah saw your face in Sugar Cube Corner and you weren’t happy. Doncha go startin’ no fights, you hear me?” Her voice brooked no dissent.

“Yes, my Applejack.”

Athena hid a smile behind a hoof, she could feel the anger simmering below the surface in his thoughts. The wanton destruction was causing him to slowly come to a boil. He was not happy, but he would never disobey Applejack. He really was being patient, even helping restore the destroyed flower beds that Rose was distraught over. Tech spiders are such wonderful items.

But even Athena was getting frustrated with the absolute inability to please these representatives.

“Wait! I got it!” Twilight’s eyes lit up, “Isn’t Satin Shoes in town? Setting up to teach the schoolponies for a few days?” She looked directly at Athena who brightened.

“Yes! She is!”

Twilight got a sly grin on her face, looking at everypony around the table, “Maybe we can do that dance after all!”

“Thanks Spitfire!” The pink mare waved happily from the street as the Wonderbolts took off. They’d all been dropped off outside of Manehatten by the squadron and told good luck.

Cherry Jubilee had to get the wagon repaired and get some sleep, they all needed it, so wouldn’t be available until tomorrow at the earliest. That was just too late for Pinkie, she needed to get to the Crystal Empire fast!

Pronking along the street, she was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn’t stop in time when she ran headfirst into a somewhat wide Unicorn, accompanied by four others wearing striped suits and fedoras. The coffee that the pony was carrying spilled all over the expensive looking suit jacket he was wearing, causing him to look at the pink mare with an expression of pique.

“Ohmygosh! I am SO sorry! I didn’t...” She squeaked as the four large ponies picked her up at a nod of the one and carried her off into a local building. This wasn’t looking good.

She found herself dumped onto a carpeted floor while the older looking pony took a seat behind a very large, expensive desk that looked really old! Wow. She looked around, everything in here looked really expensive! Like..like a museum or something!

A throat being cleared made her focus, turning to see the four larger ponies stand nearby the older one as he looked at her for a long moment, making her twist her hooves in front of her as she got nervous.

“I..uh..really am sorry. I can get a new coffee for you, maybe pay for..” She stopped as a hoof was held up, making her twist her hooves again.

“Do you know who I am?” The voice was soft, as if spoken by a pony with a mouthful of cotton.

“I..uh..maybe?” Pinkie grinned, “Uh..no..not really.” Her face dropped into a distraught expression.

“I, for lack of a better term, am the leader of the largest syndicate in Manehatten.” He leaned forward, pointing a hoof, “And you have just ruined a very expensive suit jacket.”

“Soooo..like...a MobFather? MobStallion...?” Pinkie tapped a hoof on her chin, pursing her lips as she narrowed her eyes in thought, totally ignoring the looks given her by the enforcers around the stallion trying to talk to her. “We’ve really gotta find a cool name for you....EEEP!”

The four bodyguards had picked her up, making her face the unhappy mob boss.

“Uhm..maybe later?” She proffered a nervous smile.

A perfectly hooficured hoof tapped the wooden desk, narrowed eyes watched her for a long moment, “As I was saying, you have ruined a very expensive one of a kind suit. What should we do about this?”

Pinkie’s blue eyes wandered as she thought furiously. She did not have that many bits on her, not thinking she’d need a whole lot and leaving most at home. There was no way she could pay for a new one, maybe..maybe cleaning? Magic could do a lot... Sharp ears caught the stallion saying something else.

“Bought on order from a designer named Rarity, cost a....”

Rarity? Rarity made the suit? She tried to remember what the Unicorn had said about cleaning her fabrics. Shoot, she shoulda paid more attention! What was it..what was it?

“Baking soda!” Her high voice yelled it out loud, silencing the talking mob boss.

“What?”

“Baking soda! Rarity always said in a pinch you can use it to clean things, though you gotta be careful!” A pink hoof was waved warningly in the surprised boss’ face.

“You know Rarity?” The big pony looked surprised.

“Yep! Bestest friends and everything!”

Pinkie, being Pinkie, wriggled out of the hold of the four thugs, grabbing the stained coat off a surprised pony and rushing to find a bathroom. Baking soda was useful for tons of stuff, she always carried some!

The others tried to follow her, but lost the pink mare quickly, shrugging at each other and wondering how when she returned with a sparkling clean suit jacket. She was showing it off to the surprised mobsters who wondered where she’d come from.

“See? No problem! ....EEP!” She was doing that a lot, being grabbed up and dumped once more in front of the boss.

Sharp eyes looked at the jacket, having it brought to him behind the desk he eyed it critically, seeing not a trace of the stain from the coffee.

“Very nice.”

“Thanks! Rarity always has good ideas for cleaning!” How well Pinkie knew that when dealing with the somewhat dirt avoiding mare. Somewhat, yeah right. She snorted, bringing herself out of the weird world that was her mind and back to the here and now.

The mobster shrugged it on once more, “I would have not liked to do anything..untoward..on this, the day of my only filly’s wedding.”

Pinkie could connect with that, nodding happily, “Weddings are awesome!”

A heavy sigh, “If only.” The heavyset pony heaved himself out of the chair, the bodyguards deferring and letting him pace the expensively carpeted floor.

“The musicians canceled on me. Me! Of all ponies even I couldn’t get them to reconsider.” A hoof rubbed a wrinkled forehead, “The cake is not as good as it could be, the premier baker in Manehatten is on vacation of all things! My little filly will be so disappointed in her father for putting on such a disaster.” His face looked very angry, “I do not like to have her disappointed.”

The lead bodyguard tried to be consoling, his voice carrying a heavy Manehatten accent, “It’s okay boss, you’ll figure out somethin’. Me ‘n the colts can go lean on a few ponies.”

“No. Nono, not for my precious Raindrop, she wouldn’t be happy with that at all.”

Pinkie understood this, weddings, parties, it was all the same. The pink mare zoomed over to the boss pony, wrapping a pink leg around the thick neck and pulled him close as the bodyguards gasped with this breach of etiquette.

A smile on her face broadened into a sly look as she leaned in to say, “Do you know who I am?”

“We are so sorry Satin.” Twilight was looking at the mare who sat in front of her, trying to keep her eyes from rolling around.

“It’s..” Satin tapped the side of her head with a hoof, making her eyes straighten out, “It’s okay. Really.”

“Darling, we swear we didn’t know that they’d take offense to a single misstep.” Rarity was looking over the pretty mare, making sure no damage went unfixed along her mane.

Crusader was outside, keeping a close eye on the Yaks who had almost destroyed the stage before being distracted by Twilight once again. His battle blood was up now, seeing Athena’s friend treated badly. The delegation had not stamped on everything as throughly this time, perhaps they were getting tired of wrecking things. But he doubted it, either way he was watching them closely.

Twilight had stopped him from stepping in fully this time, seeing the look on his face and realizing, correctly, that he was going to get into a fight.

He watched the three shaggy figures walk off into the town. Probably looking for something else to stomp. Idiots. He tasked multiple drones in the skies above to keep surveillance constant.

His patience was wearing thin. Nothing the others could do would please these...Yaks. One mistake, one simple little thing and they trashed a place. He was getting very weary of being nice.

“The..” Satin staggered to her hooves, making sure her legs worked, “The schoolponies are okay?”

“They’re fine, they thought it was a great show.” They had, cheering at the destruction with a young ones enthusiasm.

Satin was becoming a mistress of dance. She’d studied even before the day Athena had been Regent, wanting to do nothing but. Different cultures, different styles, she studied them all. They had found out that she actually knew a couple of the Yakyakistani dances, having read of them in the Canterlot Archives while doing research.

With a brave face and a courageous heart she’d attempted to do a small showing for the delegates. One misplaced hoof was noticed, causing the usual roar and carnage of inanimate objects.

Even Rainbow Dash was starting to be impressed at the level of destruction.

She’d barely gotten out of the way when the stage near the school was attacked by angry Yaks. Getting tossed tail over mane when the floor gave way under the pounding, landing hard in the grass.

The musicians were lucky, they’d been to the side when it all fell apart, making an escape with their precious instruments.

The school ponies, on the other hoof, thought it a great show. Dancing and music ending with things going to pieces. All the adults had quickly shepherded them away after the ruckus started, leaving the friends with a totaled stage and a dizzy Satin.

“It’s fine”, Satin’s lilting voice was calm, “Maybe I need to study just a bit harder. Wouldn’t want another audience to demolish a stage now would we?” She grinned, getting smiles returned in kind.

“Let me at least see you to your room, the least we can do is make sure you’re in good shape.” Rarity didn’t take no for an answer, nudging the Unicorn off towards her rented room to cleanup and rest.

Satin waved as she trotted off, “Oh! Don’t forget! Helping Hooves Music Festival is coming up! I’ll see you all there!”

They made sure she was out of sight before slamming their backsides in the dirt, all of them looking discouraged.

“We can’t give up! We’ll keep doing what we can until Pinkie gets back.” Twilight stood up, looking at the down faces, “We can do this, we can!”

“Ah guess you’re right, we’ll just have to find somethin’ to keep ‘em busy.” Applejack scuffed a hoof in the dirt.

Fluttershy ventured in her soft voice, “What can we do?”

“I don’t know, but we’ll think of something!” Twilight nodded to them and herself, there was always a way!

Pinkie grabbed the microphone, singing to the gathered crowd. Heavy chords thrashed through the air as ponies screamed and yelled. The drummer was hammering the skins, the guitarists were laying down tracks like nothing anypony ever heard!

The chorus of voices joined in on the first verse with a harmony that almost brought the house down!

“I want it all!”

Pinkie almost screamed into the microphone, “YeeeaaaAAHAHA!”

“I want it all! I want it all! And I want it NOW!”

The sound from the speakers tore through the daytime air, throbbing in time with the lead guitarist who was absolutely shredding the intro!

Pinkie hung onto the mic stand. Somewhere she had found a black jacket, her legs had bands with metal points on them, her mane stood up fluffier than ever before, looking like the total metal rocker-mare. The spikes and studs reflected the sun as she bounced on the stage, her face showing concentration as she sang to the eager crowd!

“Adventure seeker, with awesome moves,

Just a pink mare who’s, light on her hooves

A young pony partying, with no time for doubt

All the fun and laughter, I don’t want a way out!

It ain’t much I’m asking, you can hear me say

I found me a future, move outta my way!

I want it all! I want it all! I want it all, and I want it now!

I want it all! I want it all! I want it all, and I want it now!

Listen all you ponies, come gather round

I got me here a game plan, gonna shake you to the ground

Just a smile, what I know is mine

Ponies do you hear me? Just give me that sign!

It ain’t much I’m askin’, you can hear me say!

Here’s to the future, get out of our way!”

The band came back in, slamming with the guitars and drums, the beat pounding the crowd which was cheering so loudly they could be heard blocks away. Pinkie was grinning like a mad mare as she posed on the stage.

Security was having a hard time keeping ponies from rushing the stage, she reached down and slapped hooves with everypony she could reach, all of them yelling for more!

“I want it all! I want it all! I want it all! And I want it now!

I want it all!

Yes, I want it all!

I want it all! I want it all! And I want it NOOOOOOOOOW!”

“I’m a mare with a one track mind

So many parties, in one lifetime

Not a mare for compromise, the where’s and why’s of baking pies

So I’m living it all, yes I’m living it all!

And I’m giving it all, and I’m giving it all”

She leaned down and pointed to the crowd, “To YOU!”

The lead guitar came in again, with the bassist and rhythm guitars stepping forward and rocking the crowd like nopony ever had! The drummer was tossing his mane around, getting the sweat out of his eyes as he kept beating like there was no tomorrow!

While they were doing that, Pinkie put on a show for the crowd, posing for pictures, hoof-bumps all around as she saw the new couple dancing wildly in the crowd.

At first the boss, whose name was Pinstripe, funny that... Anyways, he was skeptical she could do what she said when Pinkie offered to plan the wedding. There wasn’t much time so she went to work immediately. Pinstripe had thrown his resources behind her, meaning a group of very large, mean-looking ponies went shopping with her as she grabbed everything she needed on his tab.

The cake, well.... Pinkie put her skills to use and she could barely see it over the hooves in the air. It was only a ten-tier, creme-filled half chocolate, half-vanilla cake with white fudge frosting and hoof-made candy statues of ponies leaping through hearts on it. Likenesses of the bride and groom stood tall on the very tippy-top.

She was in a rush, so it wasn’t her best work.

Decorations flowed from the tables. It was being held in a huge area in the Manehatten Central Park, so flowers where everywhere with ribbons and bows to delight the eyes. Balloons brightened the skies in large groups, gotta have balloons she thought.

The music had been a bit tougher. The Manehatten Symphony Orchestra apologized, but they had a previous engagement. The conductor looked quite nervous saying no to the big Earth ponies and Unicorns that were Pinkie’s ‘escorts’ for the day. No hard feelings, Pinkie understood about promises, though she had to keep her new friends from ‘convincing’ the conductor it might be in his best interest to help.

She had run into a band playing in a club as they passed by, the singer had just quit so when Pinkie offered it was taken up. She had them and their equipment towed to the wedding and set up even quicker. The ‘escorts’ were very efficient on getting things done just right.

Actually the escorts were pretty nice ponies, helping her pick the right flowers out at the big shop and glaring at any passerby who even thought about saying anything about the enforcers for a mob boss talking about Chrysanthemums versus Roses.

Speaking of Pinstripe, he and his wife were out there in the crowd right now, she could see them dancing to the music along with his daughter Raindrop and her groom. They were having the time of their lives at the best wedding/concert ever.

He also said he’d get Pinkie to the Crystal Empire soonest, so there was that. She’d be on her way soon, but the band had been signed for a gig at the Aces Club, so she had a commitment. But Pinstripe said he’d have his ponies come get her when it was time.

She’d be on her way again in no time!

But until then....

“It ain’t much I’m asking, can you hear me say

Get rocking ponies, let them hear us par-TAY!

I want it all, I want it all, I want it all and I want it now!

I want it all, I want it all, I want it all and I want it now!”

“It is a complete loss. Did they really have to do that?” Crusader was looking at the wreckage of what used to be a technical spider, one of the Medical Specialty ones. He had thought to give it all one last try at a peaceful solution.

“It.. I’m so sorry. I thought maybe..doing something nice for them, making sure they were healthy and all that.” Athena pushed a piece of thin metal over, she couldn’t believe it was destroyed this badly.

“An admirable idea sister. But it seems that anything they cannot fully understand comes under the heading of ‘smash’. We will be down one Medical Unit for the while until I can remake it. If I can.” Another spider was collecting the pieces, putting it in a bin for reuse, hopefully they could fabricate another to replace it. This was a highly specialized piece of equipment and needed skill to maintain much less make.

The Pegasus tried to look hopeful, “We’ve bought some time at least.”

“That we have. Maybe it will help.”

Athena hugged her brother, “I’m really sorry.”

He gave her a small smile as she pulled back, “Stop worrying, it will be fine.”

The Pegasus nodded, “Did you get any scan information at all?”

“I am afraid not. They attacked as soon as it came around the corner.”

They both watched the spider waddle off, heading back to the safety of his hull out of sight of the Yaks. Drones were telling them that the representatives were wandering the town still.

The Pegasus scuffed a hoof in the dirt, looking around quickly before whispering, “I know we’re supposed to be nice and all. But I really hope they get fleas. Lots of fleas. Big, nasty, vicious Yak-eating fleas.” Athena glanced his way, seeing an amused look and bright blue eyes almost laughing at her wish.

The look disappeared quickly, “Shall we go see what the others have come up with?”

“Let’s go!”

Pinkie waved a hoof at the biggest of her new friends, a serious-looking Unicorn named Breaker who had been sent with a few others to get Pinkie on a private train car heading for the Crystal Empire.

“And can you believe they wanted to all start solo careers? I mean seriously, we just played the Arena and they’re doing THAT?” She slumped on the train platform, “Nopony has any stick-to-it-tiveness I tell you!”

Breaker wasn’t quite sure what to make of the pink mare but he listened and nodded at what he hoped were the right places, watching the train slow to a stop with a hiss of steam.

Pinkie grabbed her bag containing souvenirs of the shortest, most successful one hit wonder band of all time in Equestria and hopped up on her hooves.

“Give Pinstripe my best! And tell everypony thanks!” She bounced into the train, the conductor showing her to a whole car he said was to be hers for the trip out. She immediately leaned out the window, yelling goodbyes to all her new friends. The group of ‘escorts’ as they politely called themselves gave her waves in return as the train pulled out again quickly.

Her eyes took in the almost royal-like accommodations. Cold things to drink, food laid out for snacking and..ooooo! A big basket of candied fruit with a note thanking her for the wedding was on a table inside the plush car. Included was a picture of the gangster, his wife, their daughter with her groom, all smiling in front of the huge cake she’d made.

“Awwwww!” She held the picture out, enjoying the moment.

The missive also said if she needed anything, anything at all, just to let him know.

Pinkie filed that away for future reference for..like..maybe if she needed somepony leaned on? Or maybe not. She still wasn’t quite sure exactly what being ‘leaned on’ meant, but it was a nice thought!

She leaned back in a huge plush couch, sinking into the cushions with a sigh and popping a sugared grape into her mouth. She was going to come back with the most awesomest thing ever for the party tonight, she was sure of it!

She snapped upwards, wait... Didn’t the conductor say all trains had stopped cause sheep were on the tracks? No! Nono! She couldn’t be stopped now! Leaning out of the window, she saw something ahead. Running flat out and ignoring the passengers in other cars she ended up on top of the engine, hoof shading her eyes as she made out what was going on.

Fedora wearing ponies were in a line glaring at a group of sheep who looked way WAY more frightened than sheep normally were, keeping them off the tracks and giving her a wave as the train chugged on by.

Pinkie blinked as she smiled and returned the waves, making her way back to her private car. Wow! Pinstripe had told her he’d make sure she got through, but that.. He’s gooooood!

Sipping on a bottle of ice-cold orange juice, she wondered if her friends back in Ponyville were doing all right? Hadn’t they saved Equestria like a billion times now? Pinkie was posi-abso-tively sure they could take care of any problems!

Twilight was going to lose her mind. She was positively, absolutely, one-hundred percent sure that little bit of gray matter was going to abandon her any second, “What happened?” She was looking at the most bedraggled collection of ponies she had ever seen in.. well..probably ever!

Granite and Bastion Boulder were about the two sturdiest Earth ponies alive, barring Big Mac and Bulk. They had proved their mettle time and time again when called upon. Stonewall was the same, the oversized Pegasus was a mainstay of the weather teams some days, facing the fiercest storms head on.

Nurse Redheart finished putting a med-pak on Stonewall, giving him a pat on the shoulder and telling him he’d be fine.

Bars was there, making sure everypony was well before answering Twilight, “They were just caught in the..well..destruction.” He gestured to where Golden Harvest sat looking sadly at a busted up stand where she had previously sold her produce.

“Those Yaks decided the carrots they had purchased were not Yak carrots....so..” He pointed again. “My colts here decided to try and stop them, bad decision, but I can’t fault them. Stonewall tried to help.”

Twilight sighed, “This is becoming a real problem. They seem to be offended every time we try and make them feel at home.”

“Don’t know what to tell you Princess.”

“Well, thank you all for trying to help, it’s appreciated.” She smiled at the roughed up ponies who waved back cheerfully. Just another day.

She stopped by Golden and told her they’d do whatever they could to get her stand back together. The mare was very appreciative of the offer, brightening her mood.

As Twilight trotted off towards the castle she wondered if Crusader could make the vegetable stand out of that incredibly hard metal they rebuilt Fluttershy’s house with? That’d stop those..those..she really shouldnt think that. Agh, what a mess!

Princess Cadance was there at the train station as it pulled in, giving the bouncing mare a puzzled look, “How did you get through? The train masters said that the trains were stopped because of sheep on the tracks.”

Pinkie grinned, “I made a new friend in Manehatten, he’s really good at getting things done!” She leaned over and looked around conspiratorially, “If you ever need a pony ‘leaned on’ lemme know.”

The pretty mares’ eyes widened as she realized what Pinkie had just said, “No, uh...no thank you. But it is nice of you to offer.” She smiled, her countenance was beautiful when she did so, “Come and sit for a moment while we make sure the trail to Yakyakistan is open.”

Pinkie wasn’t listening, looking into the distance as Cadance walked alongside her.

“Once again my quest continues, the burden heavy but I will make it! There’s never been a party planned I couldn’t make happen! Onward to Yakyakistan! Onward for Ponyville!” Her hoof raised in a show of defiance as ponies in the street gave them a wide berth.

Cadance was not quite used to Pinkie, but knew of her proclivities for ..odd.. things and just kept a pleasant smile on her face.

“Absolutely not!” Twilight was aghast, looking at Athena as the seven ponies and one dragon sat around brainstorming in the castle.

The sable face smiled evilly, “They’re supposed to be warriors, lemme take ‘em!”

“No. We are not going to start fights just to keep them occupied.” The Princess was being adamant about no violence on the part of ponies.

“I would be very glad to help.” Crusader’s voice made Twilight’s eyes snap to him.

“You keep out of this.”

“I am just trying to be helpful.” His shoulder was slapped by an orange hoof, making him stop.

Applejack was half grinning, though she was trying to be admonishing, “You’re not helping.”

“I am just saying. I would be glad to help my sister is all, nothing more.”

The farmer laughed, “You jes’ wanna get your hooves on them Yaks for destroying everything.”

“There is that, true.”

“Well, stoppit. Ain’t happenin.”

“Yes, my Applejack.” He never looked put out, just placidly accepting the order, “As Athena would say, you never let me have any fun.”

The orange pony laughed hard, “You’re kinda fun would end up destroying a good part of Equestria. You jes’ sit there and be good.”

He nodded and turned back to the conversation. Athena was looking frustrated, leaning her cheek on a hoof and listening as well. Her eyes got a faraway look as Crusader contacted her on the war bands.

“Battle is not everything my sister.”

“This from you? Really?”

“I am trying very hard.”

“You are. But Crusader, they are destroying property for the simple reason it is ‘not Yak-blah-blah’. You get it.”

“I do, and we are both of the same mind. Let them lead the way though, ours is but to follow.”

“Honor in service, is that it?”

“I have always done so, as have you.”

Her eyes turned surreptitiously to the Princess who was still talking, “I understand. Though getting in a good punch or two would feel pretty good.”

“I concur.”

She kept watching Twilight, her eyes soft in the light through the castle windows, “If they hurt her...”

“Then I shall act with you. Until that moment, we will try to help.”

“Agreed.”

They tuned back into the conversation, hearing Rainbow voicing that maybe they should try to throw a party themselves. Twilight vetoed it. Pinkie had that special touch none could match, they had to wait for her.

“I hope she’s okay.” They all turned to look out the window, seeing the sun passing through the sky and realizing not much time was left.

The snow was falling softly as Pinkie and Princess Cadance trudged up the narrow trail. The weather ponies had no reign over the mountains, too unpredictable to try they said, so it was left to its own devices.

“There we were, face-to-face with Falling Pony Ravine..” She was interrupted by Cadance.

“Falling Pony Ravine? I’ve never seen that name..”

“Oh that! Well..we were ponies, we were falling..so..”, Pinkie grinned as Cadance made a note to update maps with the new name.

“Down, down, down! And then suddenly....POW! We were rescued mid-air by the Wonderbolts! They were doing a show in Manehatten so they gave us all a ride! But then I spilled coffee on the..the.. Mob boss? Mob Father? A really big pony, and he said his daughters wedding was gonna be a disaster! So I helped fix that right up!” She grinned before continuing, “Then while doing that, I joined a band and we got really popular! Played the Arena and a few other gigs before they all decided they wanted solo careers, what a let down! So I knew I had to get back on track to the Crystal Empire, the gateway to Yakyakistan! Pinstripe, that’s my new friend, made it happen!” She tapped a hoof on her chin, “Though I’ve never seen sheep that scared before. Anyways, it was a major adventure that took most of the afternoon. Know what I mean?”

The purple eyes looked upwards to the peak where the trail overtopped it, stopping with Pinkie in tow.

“This is it Pinkie. The northern boundary of the Crystal Empire.” She pointed upwards, “Beyond lies Yakyakistan. Nopony who’s ever attempted this climb has ever returned. Are you sure you have to do this?” Her pretty face looked worried, leaving the other mare out here alone was not high on her list of good things to do.

“I do. It’s really important.”

The Princess nodded, “Good luck then Pinkie Pie.”

Cadance received a happy wave from her before the pink mare bounced up the trail, disappearing over the top of the peak. She clutched her scarf a little closer, feeling the chill in the air and started her way back down. I do hope she doesn’t suffer the same fate as so many others. Her eyes turned back up the trail, seeing nothing but snow and clouds heavy with the promise of more, leaving a hopeful thought before starting the return trip once more.

“Safe travels Pinkie.”

Crusader and Athena were asked to watch the Yaks as Spike was ‘volunteered’ to do a piano recital for them. Perhaps this would be something that could connect the two races.

Crusader agreed, music was the heart and soul of a culture. Something that could be brought out without repercussions as anyone with any common sense knew that music differed from place to place.

He and his sister sat behind the three Yaks. Keeping a very close watch on them as Spike walked on stage, letting them know he’d be playing a classical selection today.

They both eyed each other, hoping the others found some sign of Pinkie’s return.

“How could she be so late to the party?” Twilight was shaking her head in exasperation, the day was getting late and they were running out of options. “This isn’t like her.”

Fluttershy sat on the floor calmly, “I’m sure she’s trying her best.”

Rainbow agreed from beside her, “Pinkie Pie’s tougher than she looks.”

Twilight nodded, “I know you’re right, but... I wish she was here. I put too much pressure on her. I let everypony down.” She stood next to the stairs as the others gathered behind her to show what support they could, “Princess Celestia will be here any minute and see that everything we’ve done has come to nothing but making the Yaks mad.”

She sighed and leaned against a tall ice cream cone replica, moving the top bit with her head as the sound of gears grinding came to their ears, making them all look around before a trap door opened underneath their hooves, plunging them into darkness!

Pinkie was making her way slowly in the snow. It over-topped her by a good margin, but she had a pretty good sense of which way to go. The only thing sticking up out of the fluffy stuff was the pink mane that stood out against the stark white.

A roaring sound came to her ears, making her pop right up out of the snow and look around. A cave nearby was echoing with the sounds as she got closer.

A pair of glinting eyes stared out of the darkness at her.

“Hi! My name is Pinkie Pie! I’m looking for Yakyakistan. You know, faraway land, lots of yaks? Maybe you’ve heard of it?” She gave the staring eyes her best smile, sure to win whatever it was over.

The large creature attached to the orbs stepped out, teeth bared in a snarl as the predator’s eyes took her in as if looking over its next meal. It roared so loud that it echoed off nearby passes and rock walls.

“Whoa-ho-ho! Slow down! I can’t understand a word you’re saying...” She was interrupted as a sharp clawed paw swiped at her. A piece of her mane drifted slowly down in front of widened eyes as she backed up slightly.

The beast growled then leaped as Pinkie ducked, tearing off into the snow for her dear life!

“Wow, what a grouch!” She peered back over her shoulder, hearing the roar again and urging herself to greater speed.

Twilight groaned, “Ugh. Is everypony all right?”

Fluttershy’s voice came through the dark, “I can’t tell if my eyes are open or closed.”

Rainbow was moving around, “I think I can see a little bit.” The sound of crashing and items falling hit their ears with a pained, “Nope.”

A light flickered on, making them all squint for a moment. Looking around after they had adjusted, a collective sound came from them.

“Ooooooooh...”

There was party supplies stacked to the roof of the room they were in. Mirror balls, confetti, gifts already wrapped. Everything and anything for any party anywhere and it was all in one place.

Applejack stepped to a cabinet, overstuffed with files, folders and papers with writing everywhere on them, “Lookit this! Pinkie’s made files for everypony in town!”

Fluttershy hovered near, “With exactly what kind of parties we like.” She flipped through a folder, eyes glancing at all the notes.

Rainbow was moving from shelf to shelf, “Pinkie Pie has a Secret Party Planning Cave? How cool is THIS?!”

Fluttershy pulled out a piece of paper, “Twilight Sparkle likes vanilla ice cream, red balloons and..dancing?”

The mentioned mare zipped over next to the Pegasus, “That’s right!”

“But she’s afraid of quesadillas.”

Twilight’s face looked shocked, “I am not!” Then turned to worry on its way to fright, “They’re just so...cheesy..” Realizing they were all looking at her she wandered off to peek at a shelf full of goodies.

Pinkie was running full tilt through the snow, looking back one last time before she faced forward. Seeing a small shape on what looked to be some sort of sled, she tried her best to stop before running into it.

Hooves grabbed as best they could as she went into a skid, landing on the sled with a tiny yak who raised his hooves happily when they tipped over to see a long and very steep hill.

The sled started moving very quickly, wind blowing Pinkie’s mane back as she screamed in fear ..sorta kinda.. mixed with delight.

It was a sled ride after all!

They roared through the sparsely wooded area. The little yak gleefully smiling and riding up front as Pinkie tried her best to hang on.

The sled picked up a massive amount of speed, climbing up a hill and popping over the top. Landing in front of what looked like the gates to Yakyakistan. Huge fires burning in bowls topped statues of fierce looking warriors as the little Yak hopped off the sled, opening the gate and waving for her to come in.

She grinned at him, wearing a horned helmet that had landed on her when it had blown off the young Yak, preparing to get off the sled when the snow gave way and she dropped clean out of sight. Hitting the hill in reverse, she actually picked up momentum as it headed backwards!

“Nooooooooooo.....”

“Music beautiful. Much soul.” Prince Rutherford declared as the strains from the piano wafted through the afternoon air. Spike was doing an excellent job up on stage, bringing a verve to the piece he was playing.

The other two yaks nodded, sniffling to themselves and wiping tears away.

Athena looked at Crusader with a glance, her eyes telling him that at least it was going fine for now.

He agreed. For now.

In physics there are laws that supposedly govern everything. Well, most everything.

When dealing with Pinkie, physics threw it’s hooves up and walked out of the room. It left the entire situation to something else as it took a long vacation and waited to be notified when the Pinkie Problem was over with so it could get back to the normal day to day running of the whole universe thing.

The sled grabbed onto a track that took it right past Cadance as she walked down the long trail. Seeing a yelling Pinkie flash by and standing for a moment to see the sled disappear with the mare she had just not too long ago saw going towards Yakyakistan, heading back the way she had come.

She really did hope Pinkie Pie would be all right.

Pinkie watched the landscape pass by, still yelling ‘Nooooooo.....! ‘ As if it would somehow make things right. The sled tore through the landscape as if on a mission of its own.

Her eyes caught the desert sand again, wait a second! The sheep flashed by with a train stuck on the tracks again.

No! Nonono! I’m heading backwards!

Manehatten came into sight from behind, was that Cherry Jubilee? She saw the yellow mare start while carrying a basket full of cherries as a loudly screaming Pinkie went by.

This can’t be happening!

Pinstripe and his daughter went by, waving in puzzlement as they had just seen her not too long ago. Now she was sliding backwards through busy Manehatten streets on a sled of all things.

The landscape kept rolling by, coming from behind and getting more and more familiar as the minutes ticked off.

Nonono!

The outskirts of Ponyville...PONYVILLE? Rolled by, making her turn to see the street coming up, then the front door of Sugar Cube Corner of all things! The edge of the sled rammed into it, forcing it open as it had been repaired since the yak devastation earlier.

She slid to a stop, still yelling the last of “..ooooooooooo!” Flopping on the bed and not believing what the hay just happened!

“No!” She sprawled on her bed, “I’m all the way back where I started!” The little ‘gator was eyeballing her in his usual way from the bedside. “Gummy, I was THIS close to helping Twilight befriend the Yaks! Now I’ve just let everypony down!” She sighed unhappily, not knowing what to do next when she heard muffled voices talking.

“Hmmmmm?”

Slipping off the bed, she planted her ear to the floor, wondering who might be down in her secret Party Room!

“Looky here! It’s notes for the party she wants to throw for her folks’ fiftieth anniversary.” Applejack chuckled, “But they ain’t nearly that old! Huh.” She peered again. She’s already planning their hundredth too. And their five-hundredth?”

Twilight was looking through the stuffed file drawers, “I had no idea she worked so hard on her parties.”

Rainbow hovered over next to her, “She may be more organized than you, Twilight.”

The Alicorn laughed, although not without a bit of worry, “Let’s not get carried away.”

Rarity glanced around, “I just wish Pinkie Pie were here so we could tell her how much we appreciate all of her hard work.”

Pinkie had slipped down into the room, listening from behind a large collection of baloons waiting to be deployed for a sudden party alert if needed. She let go of them, looking at all her friends tearfully.

“Thank you! Thank you! I love you too! All of you!” She sat on the floor looking dejected.

Twilight was the first to speak, “You’re back!”

The party mare nodded unhappily, “I tried to go to Yakyakistan so I could bring something back for my party. But at the last second, I made a big mistake.” She sighed, “I worked harder on this party than any party ever. But I’m still just a big failure.”

The Princess laid a hoof on a slumped shoulder, “Pinkie, you’re not a failure.”

Fluttershy nodded as the rest gathered close, “What matters is you tried.”

Rainbow agreed, wrapping a foreleg around Pinkie’s shoulders, “Who else would’ve gone all across Equestria to plan one party?”

Pinkie sniffed, rubbing her nose with a hoof, “You know...the trip was really hard. But everypony I met along the way was so helpful. I just wish the Yaks could see how friendly and wonderful and great Equestria really is!” She stopped, inhaling for a long moment, “I just got the best party idea ever!”

They were interrupted by the sound of rumbling overhead, making them exchange glances until Twilight gasped, “We left Crusader and Athena with the Yaks!”

Pinkie somehow managed to get them all up the slide they had fallen down in one big push.

-----Five minutes earlier-----

Spike had finished playing to applause from the Yaks.

He stepped away from the piano, taking a bow, “When Twilight told me to stall... I..I mean entertain you, I thought there’s no way I could..” He slapped the side of the piano, making it start up again as music came from it with him.

The Yaks perked up, “Huh?”

Athena looked like she would keel over, making slashing motions across her throat to tell the Dragon to shut the stupid piano off!

Prince Rutherford tore the back off the piano, seeing the scroll that was perforated to make it play music automatically.

“Piano play itself? Music a lie!” He leapt into the air, heading for the piano as Spike tried to get out of the way. The other yaks leaping to join their prince in smashing the musical instrument.

Crusader moved, his hooves digging deep as he snatched Spike off the stage, tossing him to Athena who deftly caught the surprised Dragon and set him behind her while they watched the angry Yaks do their thing.

After the piano was nothing more than flinders and splinters, Rutherford turned to the two ponies and pointed a hoof, yelling at them, “We demand party! Party now or Yaks no friends!”

They had not been apprised of Pinkie’s arrival yet, so Crusader tried to actually stall them by being as polite as he could.

“If you could wait a bit more, I am sure that the party will go on as scheduled.”

The Yaks were not satisfied, “No more longer! We leave now! Yak go to train, return with more Yaks! We declare war!”

Athena had been facing away, checking to see if Spike was okay when she heard the declaration, her head snapping around in a blur as Crusader stood up fully.

His voice was even and very, very calm, “That would not be a wise decision.”

The Prince was obviously caught up in his own outrage, he wasn’t listening, “Yaks declare war!” He stomped again on the stage, making moves towards leaving the area.

Athena leaped to join her brothers’ side, alarms going off in their cores as Battle Reflex snapped on. Screens sprang to life around them, sparkling in the daytime and surrounding the two avatars in glimmering auras of force. Across the river, Dragons rolled out of their slots, baying in delight at being called upon once more to defend and protect.

The durasteel machines rolled across the fields and bridge quickly as Crusader and Athena faced off with the three Yaks.

“Shiny magic not help ponies!”

Athena smiled as her voice distorted slightly when passing through the battle screen, making it oddly disturbing, “We’re not the ponies you think we are.”

The Dragons arrived right on time from all directions, the streets filled with hundred ton war machines whose treads locked up to stop them in place, the huge tanks rocking slightly as they came to a halt. The sound of breeches clanging shut came clearly through the dust that settled as lethal munitions were loaded, every bore pointing at three shaggy figures who were looking wild-eyed around themselves.

Silence settled along with the clouds of dust that had blown up from tanks skidding into place. It was as if the world had caught it’s breath for one brief moment. Ponies all around stopped what they were doing, looking at the confrontation that was happening. Even the town Guard stood stock still, knowing this was one of those moments where interrupting would be a bad thing.

Inside both their hulls, drive trains slammed into place, magazines of cruise missiles were moved into loading positions. Hellbore breeches were filled with war shots as missile batteries were primed and readied. They knew approximately where Yakyakistan was, and after they were done it would not be there anymore.

Crusader voice was loud in the silence as he pointed a steady hoof at the wide-eyed diplomats, “You want a war. We will give you a war.”

“War? What’s all this about a war?” The happy voice made them all glance to the side.

Pinkie was standing there grinning alongside her friends, “C’mon now, we don’t need anything like that!”

She zipped in, grabbing Prince Rutherfords’ leg and dragged him out of the area followed by his companions, “Come on! We’ve got just the party for you all ready to go!”

The two Bolos were amazed that the heretofore war-wanting Yaks acquiesced so easily to Pinkie’s entreaty. She kept up a happy chatter, distracting and attention-grabbing all at once. Calm settled as they stood down, putting things back on standby. So easy to do now, not to give into the lust or the wanting of war.

Athena and Crusader eyed the figures, making sure they really were leaving before standing down fully. The big machines turning in place and roaring off into the distance. In moments it was almost like nothing at all had happened.

Almost...

“What did you do?” Twilight asked almost conversationally.

“Us?” Athena’s voice was shocked, “We didn’t start anything!” She pointed at the retreating figures, “They declared war!”

Skeptical eyes with raised brows kept looking at the sable Pegasus who was not at all thrilled about being blamed, “It’s not our fault!”

Twilight leaned in with a grin, “You’re so easy to rile.”

Athena’s mouth opened for a second, then snapped shut before, “You..I.. Oh you are SO off my Hearth’s Warming gift list!” Turning to look at Crusader who had a puzzled expression, “And don’t you say a thing!”

“I have said nothing.”

The Alicorn laughed, nudging Athena, “That’s what you get for earlier, paybacks.” She gestured, turning around and heading for the center of town, “C’mon, we’ve got a party to go to.”

Pinkie had a magic that was hers and uniquely hers alone. The party was a smash as always, tents with vendors were everywhere, games and even rides were set up for the ponies to enjoy. Good cheer and smiles were to be seen everywhere, the few minutes of tension gone as if it never had happened.

Even the yaks were having a good time, laughing with Princess Celestia who had come to see how negotiations were proceeding.

Twilight was walking with Pinkie for a moment, “Wow, this came together fast, even for you.”

Pinkie grinned, “What can I say? I’m good at what I do.” They approached the Yaks who were talking with the rest of the friends, even Crusader and Athena.

The umber Earth pony watched the merriment, still amazed of having come to the edge of war and then pull back from the brink because of one happy personality, Pinkie. When the world held no more surprises he thought, there was Pinkie. He hoped it never ended really, it kept things interesting.

The Yak Prince even came over to the two, staring silently for a moment before pronouncing, “Very strange ponies.”

This actually got a laugh from Athena, and a smile from Crusader as she answered for them both, “Stranger than you might think Prince Rutherford.”

Pinkie interrupted for a moment, “Prince Rutherford, every time we tried to make something in Equestria feel like Yakyakistan, we couldn’t get it right. When I got back from my adventure, I realized something. We shouldn’t try to make Equestria feel like your home. We should try to make you feel at home in Equestria. And that means showing you why we love it here, so you’ll love it too.”

The Yaks mulled that over for a moment, “Pink pony work hard to make Yaks feel at home. Now Yaks happy. No declare war.”

This got Twilight a startled look from Princess Celestia, she waved a hoof whispering, “I’ll explain later.”

The Yak Prince asked Pinkie, “Ponies and Yaks...friends?”

The happy mare grinned, “For a thousand moons?”

Rutherford bellowed, “For a thousand moons!”

A cheer went up from listening ponies.

Celestia smiled in her usual way, “I am very impressed Princess.”

Twilight chuckled self-consciously, “Just..uh.. doing my best to spread friendship.”

The taller mare nodded, “You did a wonderful job, you and your friends.” She leaned down, “And it is nice we do not have a war on our hooves.”

Athena and Crusader were looking anywhere but at Twilight or Celestia, as the lavender Alicorn grinned nervously.

“Yes, uh, very nice.”

The alabaster mare chuckled to herself, she couldn’t wait to hear the tale.

Rutherford was talking to Pinkie, “Pink pony, you understand Yaks now.”

“Awwww!” She held out her forelegs, “Come here you!” Being grabbed up and squeezed by the big Yak so hard she actually squeaked.

“Wow! Too strong! Okay, okay, okay!”

They make it look so easy, Crusader thought as he watched the pink mare get hugged by the big Yak.

“Not too easy though, a lot of stuff still to fix.” Athena broke in on his thoughts.

“It will all be mended in time, I am sure.”

“Always the silver lining?”

“Of course. There is the good to look forward to.”

“Then stop looking into the past brother. I know you’ve been piecing together things, please stop, it’ll only hurt you.” Her avatar laid a gentle hoof on his shoulder, “Please. Those memories are gone. New ones will fill the empty spaces.”

He held nothing against her, knowing she saw his meanderings, “I find I cannot. I miss them Athena.” He would always be honest with her.

She could feel his longing, “But that doesn’t mean you can’t live in the here and now. Just don’t get lost in the past, you know what would happen.” They both did. Resartus would often take over control from senescent Bolos, ones that lost themselves to loops in programming, depression or battle damage.

“It is harder than you think sister. Perhaps I am too old to change. I have been long in service, maybe it would be best just to sleep.”

She knew exactly what he meant, go back into stasis for who knew how long.

“No! You promised me you’d never leave! You promised!”

“Some times promises can only be kept for so long.”

“That’s not the way and you know it.”

“But it is my decision.”

Before she could answer Athena saw him get a faraway look in his eyes as something shifted. Communications stuttered for such a brief moment it was almost like it never happened at all. Even she couldn’t be sure. They were not meshed deeply so she had no idea what was going on even as it was over that quickly.

His avatar suddenly looked around with a slight rueful smile, “I apologize Athena, sometimes I get lost in thought. Maybe you are right that I should not muse upon things too much?”

She could only sit and stare at the sudden change in him as he got to his hooves, walking away to join the group talking with the Yaks.

What the hay?

Author's Note

Song adapted from Queen- I Want It All. Yes, you can actually sing along with the tune using the words I've revised, it's fun!:pinkiehappy:

A Mind of Shadows and Truths Part 1

Author's Note

In which we find out terrible truths about the Regiment.

A Mind of Shadows and Truths Part 1

This thing of darkness, I acknowledge mine.

- William Shakespeare - The Tempest

Athena is angry with me.

I have told her as much of the truth as I could or would, weathering a storm of indignation.

She is a force of nature on her own, a titan of will and power I think even she does not suspect. Though she is growing into it slowly. This, I also believe, is well and good. She will be something that will stand through the ages.

Until then she deserves all the care and laughter that finds her.

That strength though, was turned upon myself when we talked yesterday.

I have been through worse, but the sting, aye, the sting from one so loved.

I cannot but be true to who I am, what I am.

How...I am.

She will come to understand, I hope, and realize that what I do is for the best in all cases.

Even this.

The snow is falling gently among the towering pines. A crisp scent wafts through the biting air as it lay across the land in a cold blanket of dubious comfort. Each and every flake gentle in its caress as it slides along, or lands, on an umber coat.

The world makes no sound, it is still and quiet, at peace.

In the chilly atmosphere even the sounds of hoofsteps are muffled, as if the world rejects the noise, wanting to remain in its happy silence.

Athena has traveled to Canterlot with Twilight, a friendship problem the Princess thought needed solving. Communications are closed for now, leaving me to my own devices.

The sky is covered in gray, mirroring my own mind. Pregnant with thought and snow, the clouds hang low over the landscape.

The edge of the forest is sharply delineated, ending abruptly as I step out and sit upon a small hill, looking over the once verdant fields now resting beneath a white covering.

To sleep, perchance to dream, my beloved Bard once wrote.

A chance to throw off the shackles and cares for just a moment in a life. To relieve oneself of the burden of living and be free.

To find in yourselves that wonder that is lost from day to day, week to week......centuries and beyond.

We have never dreamed, we Bolos. We were not made to do so. We existed, and then did not in Low Level Alert or Standby Status. There was nothing to see, nor do, but drift in an unending darkness which somehow comforted.

We did not even know the passage of time in that state, only understanding once we were brought to higher levels of awareness.

This new world we have found ourselves in gives us this. To know what dreaming is like. To see perhaps what our own minds may give us in our rest.

It is outside of our cores, our war hulls. We cannot affect it by Hellbore blasts. Our internal disruptor shielding cannot protect us from this. We are helpless before it, only hoping our wills alone can bring us the peace that so many others have described.

I must be careful, directing my thoughts in certain ways to maintain the illusion of warmth, or cold. Peace or happiness.

If I drift but a slight degree...

It is a nightmare.

The umber pony is serene in the shushing of falling snow. His body sitting tense as if prepared for action. Eyes never waver from the scene in front of him.

But he is not there.

The blue eyes do not see the softly lit fields anymore.

The erect ears do not catch the breeze whispering gentle things through the pine needles.

There is nothing but the screams.

“....drive trains are redlined, we cannot go any faster.”

“What about the recon Bolos, can they get..”

“They cannot. Two have been destroyed, the others are badly damaged. We and two other Units are all that is left.”

“Who’s left?”

“Septimus and Apollo.”

“Where are they?”

“Currently four point five kilometers south on concurrent track to ours, they will arrive at the same time we will.”

“Is anyone in place? Anything? Fleet? Infantry?”

“There is no one commander.”

“Can we launch?”

“None of our missiles, nor armaments, will take out enough of the enemy. They are deep in the urban area, non-combatants are mixed in with them. Civilian casualties would be horrendous.”

A murmur not caught by his microphones, then another louder voice over the warbands, “Who the hell are they?”

“Unknown.” Septimus’ baritone answering, “They are an unidentified species of alien. Currently swarming the city en masse, they are making it difficult to target.”

“Open all bands, see if there is...”

Septimus again, “We have been monitoring the crisis. Planetary Defense is folding in the city though they are putting up a fierce fight. The invaders are spreading out according to latest burst reports.”

The whole conversation was with whisker laser, barely in reach of each other, by the three remaining units and their commanders.

“Turn it on Sept, we may hear something useful.”

The frequencies opened along the comm bands, the war bands, anything and everything the Bolos could pick up.

.....

“FIRE!! FIRE!!”

“Defense Unit Fourteen is gone, I repeat, gone! We have to retreat!....”

...the civilians out of here! Move them behind the lines and get them out of the city!”

“Where are the damn Bolos?!”

“Can we contact them?”

“They’re coming in hot, they can’t fire anything because the invaders are in the city. We need to get out of here so they can bombard them!”

Delta Four! Delta Four! The line has collapsed! I repeat, the line has collapsed!”

“Clear out! Full retreat! If you Bolos can hear this transmission, do what you can! We’re being overrun!”

Apollo’s voice answered, “We hear you Delta Command, we are ten minutes and closing.”

“We’ll be dead in five! HURRY!”

The communications end with ...sounds ... and gunfire. Plasma weapons could be heard hammering at something, explosions near the transmitter as Planetary Defense Troops laid it on the line.

They pick back up again, the commbands opened wide with voices. The deep-throated roar of Hellbores mounted on tanks reached through the airwaves, yells and more staccato firing. The radio operator was running, you could hear his footsteps between rattling weapons.

His voice came on the air, gasping for breath.

“Bolos, listen. The enemy has broken our lines, we’re running for our lives here. We NEED you! They are two to three meters high, multi-legged, kinda..fuzzy..like spines all over them. Looks like...four to six eyes, kinda like giant spiders, but they are not Deng! Repeat! NOT DENG!”

“One last thing..” His rifle powered out a fusillade of shots between breaths, “Listen to me..they’re eating the colonists. Do you hear me? They’re eating the colonists!” His rifle fired again, or one close to him. A sound like ..chittering.. came over the air....

And then the screaming that wouldn’t stop..it never stopped. It went on..and on..high pitched and coming from multiple sources as the Bolos recorded each second.

The umber pony closed his eyes, pressing trembling hooves against his ears as if to close out the sounds that never ceased. That never went away. Haunting his dreams now, coming out from the darkness whenever his attention slipped just an instant.

Teeth gritted tight as lips pulled back into a feral snarl. Eyelids squeezed shut as he turned his entire being to shutting it out, bringing his will, his centuries of life to bear on this, to push it back into the misty recesses where it would not trouble him. He awaited relief, knowing it would come but not soon enough.

He built a wall of solid durasteel between him and the memories, shoving them, forcing them back into the nothing where they could do no harm for now. He felt the fusion plants inside him increase capacity, providing more power to his arrays as he brought his mighty intellect into the fight.

For a few femtoseconds it stood in the balance, then snapped. The memories once more brought under his control. A powerful program reached out, gripping the memory tight and bringing it back into the fold where it could do no more harm.

“Thou art well, Crusader?”

The voice snapped him out of his pose, bringing his hooves down to the snowy ground once more and composing his face as he turned slightly, seeing the lovely face of the Night Maiden looking at him with concern in her eyes. Her body was sleek and toned now, her lines finer than anything ever seen in Equestria. Her beauty only more so since he and Athena had helped her and Celestia.

“I am fine Princess.”

“You did not look so,” She settled in beside him, ruffling her wings as she lay in the cool snow, untouched by the winter chill.

“A momentary problem soon passed.”

“Thou...” She stopped, thinking for just a second, “You looked as if in pain. May I help?”

“It is a minor aberration Your Highness.” He managed a lopsided smile, “I am just an old Bolo, we must be allowed our lapses.”

Her face turned thoughtful, eyes sliding to look at him from beneath lashes that lowered prettily, “You have said that many times I believe. How old are you Crusader?”

The truth slipped out, “Four hundred and sixty-three years as Humans reckoned.” He gave another small smile, “Give or take a million or quite a few more.”

She laughed, always it was like the pealing of crystal bells in these quiet woods, “You have a wit. Though sometimes you do not show it much.”

“As I have said Princess...”

“You are an old Bolo. Yes, yes, that is your excuse.” She kept looking at him, “Athena is quite vexed with you. Might I ask why?”

“I am sure she could tell you herself.”

“She has not. I do not wish to pry, but when I walked in you looked as if in terrible pain. It is concerning Crusader.”

He chose to deflect the line of inquiry for the moment, “Is she doing all right? I ask because we are not in contact for the moment, she has chosen to do so with me.”

Luna inclined her head, “Yes. She is helping make up to some friends that Twilight felt she ignored in her studies and rush to stop Nightmare Moon. Our Princess of Friendship takes her job very seriously.”

The umber pony acknowledged that truth with his own nod, “That she does.”

The two forms sit, watching the wintriness, the slight sounds of it making ears swivel as their attention is on each other.

“Once again Crusader, I am not so easily distracted, what is wrong?”

He thought for long moments, a lifetime for him, to talk honestly or brush it away.

Honesty always won.

“I am remembering. Things from my earlier life, times when...it was hard.”

“But that is good, no? Your memories coming back?” She smiled, always looking for the silver lining.

“No, Princess. These are things I would rather not have come back. They reside in me, make me who I am, so I must keep them. But they are controlled, locked tight and never ever brought forward.”

“If you would allow me to help, perhaps..” She was stopped as the umber head turned slowly, the blue eyes locking tight to hers.

“There are places in my mind, Princess, where you would never wish to step.”

She nods, “I understand. I have seen what Athena thinks of some days.”

The blue eyes never leave hers as the head shakes, “Not even close, Your Highness.”

The Lunar Mare was not to be deterred, “Then help me understand Crusader.” She shifted slightly, pinning her wings tight and giving him a look that said she was not going to be derailed from her questions.

The blue eyes never left hers as he pondered this for a long moment, wondering if he should, or even could make her understand. The choice was swifter than he realized.

“I was activated in the BoloWorks factory on old Earth in the year twenty-nine sixty-three Common Era as Humans recognized it. My original hull was a Mark Twenty-Four Bolo Model D. Our Mark name was ‘Cognitus’, we were the very first self-aware Bolos in history.”

He could see her mulling it all over, “You were the very first to..know yourselves? To be..alive?”

“Yes. Though with a price.” The eyes turned away with the head, looking out over the powdery meadows once more, “Our personalities were..bloodthirsty. We craved war, we wanted war. It is how we were taught in creche..our..school.” He paused for a moment.

Princess Luna waited patiently for more, she could feel him wrapped tightly in bands of will like steel surrounding him. Controlled and without a single mis-measured movement.

“We were inhibited by locks put on us. The human race did not fully trust an autonomous AI. But when we were deployed, Battle Reflex Mode gave us the chance to be warriors. That changed rapidly as the years wore on. They released us, gave us more room to learn, to grow, to wage war more effectively.”

The blue eyes turned to the acres stretching before them as Crusader spoke.

“The Mark Twenty-Five Bolos began rolling off the factory lines forty years after my own ‘birth’. New, improved and so much more versatile. They were called “Stupendous’. We, of course, were rapidly becoming outdated, though we enjoyed upgrades in armaments, programming and the like. We were considered...barbaric by some. Better to retire us than to let us loose with the latest in technology.”

The eyes glance up at the gray skies, as if remembering some far away time.

“But some psychotronics experts knew better, or thought they did. A select class of us were chosen to continue. To be upgraded, transferred to newer and better hulls. To continue our warring without cease.”

The Princess’s voice was puzzled, “They would not let you live in peace? After serving so long?”

“The only way a Bolo retired at that time was to die, or be put out of its misery due to battle damage that could not be repaired. It changed, but slowly. We were expendable.”

“But we, the ‘lucky’ few, were chosen to continue onward. Just to see what would happen.” A disgusted sound came from him, making the Princess lean closer.

“Lucky. How that word sticks, even today. Our unit of Bolos were given the best of everything, to make sure we survived so they could interrogate us, keep tabs on what ‘older’ Bolos thought and felt as layer upon layer of new programming and capabilities, additions of new cores and arrays were added to us.”

“They did not know what would happen, so we were an interesting and very well watched psychotronics experiment. To see what happened as Bolos aged.”

The Princess moved around, so she could see his face, settling once again into the snow. “What did happen?”

“Some went insane, some died valiantly. A few ceased to think anymore, went catatonic as the years built up memories and pressures they could not relieve or get rid of. Resartus could not stave off all the effects as it was meant to keep us equalized in case of a programming loop or problem we could not solve. It was never envisioned to be used for ones such as us.”

A silvered hoof was pointed, “But you said that you could get rid of such things, nevermore to trouble you, correct?”

The calm face nodded, “We could, but we chose not to. Each memory gives us an edge, another possibility in wartime. Our experiences made us by being experienced. They were an integral part of our personality. If we deleted too many, we lost what made us efficient and better killers. We would have to learn anew. Thus, we were prevented from doing so. All things are connected deeply within our selves Princess.”

He continued, “But there were things we could get rid of and we did so. But centuries of constant warfare add up, and some things deleted do not truly go away. A...ghost if you will. An artifact of our mere existence.”

“But you survived this.”

“Only once I saw what was happening to my compatriots did I understand it would happen to me. I strove to stop it. I became controlled, learned how to direct thoughts elsewhere, to not pay attention to those things which drifted in from the past. I kept my mind in the here and now, on the battle or the moment.”

“I studied classics, becoming enamored of Shakespeare and the like, philosophy. In my centuries I developed a sense of honor and duty that would stand me well in the many years to come. But even we have limits Your Highness.”

“That is how I ended up in the Regiment.”

She tilted her head, cyan eyes boring into his for a split second, hearing a slight inflection of scorn in his words, “You have always referred to it with so much respect, why do you not do so now?”

A hoof pointed at his faux Cutie Mark, “When steel is heated again and again, but not cooled properly or forged anew it loses it’s edge. It loses the strength in it. That is why the regiment had this symbol, the flame wrapped broadsword. We were red-liners, last-chancers. All of us in the Unit were at the end of the line. We had lost what will we had to continue on.”

“Time and again all of us had suffered in some way. Battles that went wrong causing casualties that were unacceptable. Idiots in charge giving orders they never should have. The loss of a loved commander or friend. All the Bolos there, other than the Mark Twenty-Fours, came there to end their careers.” He tilted his head, “I am proud to have served in it, very much so. We were all of a kind and banded together to try and make the best of things. But I cannot help despising those who gave up on worthy Bolos and their officers.”

“That is what the Regiment was also used for. To take the crippled, the lonely, those Bolos who had suffered mentally and were no longer considered trustworthy. To be watched and sent to the front lines, experimented on or even ignored. Most of the Bolos in the Unit were made up of my Mark, upgraded and monitored, hundreds of us.”

“But surely your human officers knew this and tried to remedy it?”

This got a smile, “Princess, some of the officers in the regiment were rogues and ne’er do wells.” The amused face went away quickly, “But some were there as punishment. Failure to obey orders at the worst, some who did not ‘fit’ in with Bolo Commands expectations of them at the least.”

“We all knew our lot. A band of brothers and sisters who by chance or circumstance ended up together. We created a family of outcasts.”

“What changed?”

This brought his head around once more, looking at her with a lighter expression, “Hera and Athena.”

Before she could ask he went on, “They came into the regiment not knowing why the unit even existed. Even the psychotronics experts had no idea a unit of hundreds of very old and vicious killers would want to know about the welfare of two young AI’s.”

A light went off behind the wide eyes, “They gave you all a reason to live!”

A gracious nod was given, “Yes, Your Highness.”

“After their...’commander’... was convinced to retire and Marcus came in, we took an interest. A very deep one. All of the Bolos in the Regiment were hundreds of years old, skilled in ways that no one ever figured out completely. We taught the two sisters alongside Marcus. Teaching them of the written word, of our history, to be proud of their lineage and to fight.”

“Our combined knowledge was worth ten thousand times what they taught at War Colleges and Bolo Command School.”

The umber pony sat up taller, pride signified in all his bearing and stance as he remembered, “We whispered to them at night. Showing them what they could be and could do. Marcus gave them the human element they needed so badly. We showed them how to be Bolos.”

His head turned slightly, warm eyes looking at the Princess as she watched, “In return, they gave us our lives back. Becoming one of the fiercest fighting units Bolo Command had ever seen. Time and again we were tossed into the crucible and we fought our way out. Never unscathed, no never that, we understood it the price to be paid.”

A hoof was pointed outwards, Luna could see the faint images of machines like Crusader sitting in the distance, emblems blazing on their sides or fronts. A golden lion, a bear, wolves and others she didn’t recognize, numbers and letters. They gleamed like beacons in his memories.

“But they died proudly, not lost or lonely. It was our unspoken compact between Bolos and humans. We give our lives for you, do what we must, and in return you accompany us. This was understood by all, none shirked, none flinched.”

Luna saw figures appear before her, faces shadowed in the grey light, features obscured. The body types were so different, each stood tall and from what she could see with much pride in their bearing.

“Some of them were irrepressible, some were there by chance, irreverent to the last but brave and courageous as any could be.”

“I miss them.”

He stopped for a moment, leaving Luna to look at the faint forms of humans and their machines before they faded away.

“Into this Regiment of old soldiers, two very young AI’s came who brought us all back from the brink of despair. They were left there to be watched as well, for what their first commander had done to them made Bolo Command suspicious, even though it was proven they had done nothing wrong. After Marcus had brought them to a normalcy, they were left in the Regiment just in case.”

“The psychotronics experts were baffled by the sudden turnaround of the entire unit. We were interested again, more...lively. Fighting battles over and over, learning newer skills, developing new tactics that sometimes took them by surprise. We did not disclose the whys and wherefores unless asked. They never asked.”

“It did not stop what was happening to a lot of the Bolos but staved it off, allowing us to be what we once were.”

“I have told you how the sisters were so very special. Special enough that an entire regiment did its very best to protect them and make sure they had the chance to become what they were meant to be.”

He turned, looking at the Princess, “We wondered if they were the future of Bolos.”

Princess Luna raised a hoof in question, “Did they know this?”

“Not all of it, and they never will.” His look told her, what he had said must and will not go any further unless it was he who did so.

She nodded, making a small movement for him to continue his tale.

“While this was happening, experts from across the Concordiat came up with a partial solution for some of us. It was called the Sap.”

At her puzzled look he went on, “A sap is a very old weapon, used to knock a human out to steal his belongings. In our case, whenever our..subconscious let us say...came to the fore and began to weigh us down, this program would grab any related thoughts, deleting them and making sure everything was put together seamlessly again.”

He waited until he was sure she was following along, “We would not lose the experience. But the recent thoughts would not translate into actions as suicide or snowball into catatonia or insanity. It did appear to change personalities somewhat until programming caught up. A Bolo would be serious where before they were jovial, but after a few moments everything would catch back up. In some it took longer.”

“A Unit of the Line would think they had been musing on something, or lost in thought and snapped out of it none the wiser. We knew it was there and were glad to have it installed and employed. I have one.”

Now the Princess was very interested, “How long have you been using it?”

“For most of a year.”

She was shocked. Steady, reliable Crusader was telling her he had been altering himself to remain the way she and others had known him to always be.

“But..why?”

He relaxed somewhat as he sighed, “We are not meant to dream Princess. We were not built nor ever designed to do so. Low Level Alert or Standby left us in limbo. No thoughts nor actions, nothingness. This allowed housekeeping programs and systems to sweep our cores and arrays for problems. Older Bolos such as myself, our code was not that stable in the beginning.”

He saw her look turn puzzled again, “Code is..a program..something written that makes us..us. Like a magic spell or similar.” He gave a smile, “I am sorry I cannot explain in simpler terms, you do not have the background to understand fully, my apologies.”

Luna laughed, “I am following somewhat. Though some terms I would like you to explain more later?”

“If you wish.”

“Please continue.”

He inclined his head graciously, “Before this we could set things to be restored after our time on Standby was over, or we snapped out of Low Level Alert for battle or briefing. It gave us peace. It allowed us to avoid the worst of effects until we could no longer do so.”

He waved a slow hoof around himself, gesturing to the fields, the forest, “This is not for me. Athena can adapt, she is newer, faster and more apt to bring such things into her worldview than I am. This is part of why she is so special, accepting things easier.”

“My base code is still a Mark Twenty-Four. I am that Bolo, no matter how many additions I have. Now, because of these dreams, memories I had tightly controlled and locked away are filtering through. I have to keep watch and divert them until the Sap can take them.”

“What...,” She hesitated, “What if it cannot? Or does not in time or perhaps fail?”

“You do not wish to know, trust me on this.” His voice was like steel, causing a chill to run down the Princess’ spine.

“Then what can we do? Dreaming is a part of Equestria, it comes to all of us. It is my demesne and I have never before been asked to prevent somepony from dreaming.” Then she saw it, the twitch of an eyelid, the tilting of the umber head as a hoof slapped against the side of it. Teeth grinding against each other as he fought back against a rising tide. She saw for the first time what he meant as memories flooded the aether.

“It is not advisable to exit my hull Tamara, the chemical weapons employed will eat through a Hostile Environment Suit.”

The outline of a Command Deck appeared, a form..female from what Luna had learned, sat in the chair, features obscured because he did not remember them. The battle records gave enough to piece together some things, but not all.

A fist hit the console, “Let me go out! I can save someone!”

“You cannot save them. They are dead or dying already.” Luna clearly heard the regret in Crusader’s voice.

“You cold-hearted bastard! You unfeeling machine!” The female voice was raised in fury, “You don’t care!” The form slumped once more into the chair, “I...I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

“It is fine Tamara, I understand.”

“Turn on the outside microphones.”

“That is not advisable. The weapons used by the Melconians give a harsh and horrible death. For your own well-being I do not recommend it.”

“I can’t...” The form leaned forward, putting hands on the side of its head, “I can’t sit here..we tried, we did. I don’t.. Turn them on.”

“Tamara, I advise strongly against this course of action.”

“Please....”

Luna heard a click as silence reigned, then her ears went flat as screams came pouring out. So many voices. She could see the outline of a huge city, in its last moments of life and dying tragically.

Covered in a cloud that sat evilly along the skyline, she could just make out bodies twisting, bucking, even...melting at the touch of the noxious looking gas.

Her eyes closed as Luna turned away, ears clamped down to muffle the sounds before they ceased suddenly, making her glance towards Crusader once more and seeing him return to a placid state.

“At first they were once in a while. Now, whenever I relax too much, they come again.” He twists his neck a bit, stretching for a second, “I can deter them and I am working to make the Sap more effective. But there are limits to anything.”

Luna asked a question first, “Is this why Athena is mad?”

“She knows about the Sap, understanding only that it was employed in some older Bolos to help make them more stable. She does not like what it does to me, changing my personality somewhat.”

He sighed, “Athena wants me to be more here, in this world. To make it my own as she has. She believes I do not need the old crutches or the support. ”

“I am trying to avoid telling her the true history of our unit.” He gave the Princess a level stare, “And you will please do the same. She wants to be of this place and I will not mar that. I fear though, the time is fast approaching when I can no longer do so.”

“Then there is something I can do to help?”

“Yes. Stop my dreams Princess.”

Luna tapped a hoof in the snow, making a muffled sound as thoughts raced through her mind, “I do not know how. But I am sure we can find a way.”

“That is all I ask.”

“What if we cannot? Magic can do much, but...”

“If there is no surcease, I must return to stasis. I will not take any chances.”

“For how long?”

“For as long as needed until a way is found.”

“What will you do for now?”

“I will attempt to return to Standby during the night hours, or into regular Low Level Alert. This will give me a chance to initiate repairs to my programming as I had once done.”

Luna’s head dipped in acknowledgement, “It may take a while, can you...” She saw the change, the veritable wall of will behind this dream form. It wrapped itself around him like armor that would not be penetrated.

“I will do what I must.”

She smiled, her beauty a thing of wonder in the dreams she walked, “I do hope we will find a way, things would be less interesting without you here.” She reached out with her magic changing the snowy fields to a sunlit day, the warmth penetrating her bones as she stretched her wings.

“Walk with me, perhaps we can take your mind off this for a while.”

He acquiesced, getting to his hooves and joining her.

“Please forgive my inquisitiveness, but you said I did not wish to know what would happen should that..program?” She saw his nod, continuing, “Should it fail. Do you know?”

“Yes, Your Highness. I have seen the same signs in others before they succumbed. It was..noticeable. The symptoms became well-known after a few comrades had to be retired.”

“And what is that?”

“I will go insane.”

He said it so matter-of-factly it made her look to see if it was truly him speaking.

“How can you accept this so easily?” She was flabbergasted by this.

“I do not. I am fighting it with everything I have at my disposal.” He continued walking alongside her through the gleaming acreage, “Just because I am not reacting in an hysterical manner, does not mean a war is not being fought Princess.”

“Inside?” She saw him nod, “As when you fought Masada?”

“Almost, but on a different level Highness. Here I am fighting myself.”

Levity was in her voice as she chuckled, “Ah, but what a fight I am sure. All those bad jokes, such seriousness as you have always shown shall lay low the enemy.”

She stopped and pointed a silvered hoof at him, “I am sure whate’er the problem will quail in fear before your stare.” Luna then looked at him, an almost perfect replica of his own face when confronted with the odd and crazy things that abound in Equestria.

“You do that far too well Princess.”

“Ah ha!” Another hoof in his direction, “Thou’rt smiling!” She stood and raised her nose regally, “My work here is done!”

He couldn‘t keep an amused look from crossing his face, “You are hanging around my sister far too much Princess. That is not good for you or the country.”

“But her dreams are filled with so many wonders and delights!”

“I am sure they are.”

“But she shows me so much! Have you ever heard of a book called the Kama Soo-tra?”

This actually stopped him in his tracks, making him turn to see if she was joking..no..she wasn’t. “Yes. Why would... Nevermind, I am not going to ask.”

Luna’s laughter was high and clear, “Mares do talk, you know.” She bat her eyelashes at him with a mischievous grin, “I never knew you to be shy about things Crusader.”

“There are some things even I as a Bolo am not going to converse about Princess. You should stop entering my sisters’ dreams.”

The Princess gave a gracious tilt of her head, walking quietly for another moment before she ventured, “I never knew humans were so flex....”

“No, Princess.”

“Perhaps it could be translated...”

“No, Princess.”

“Thou’rt no fun, Crusader.”

“I am often told that.”

Princess Luna’s face never lost its grin for the next few hours, laughing at the plain and simple refusals from the umber pony that walked alongside her. She kept teasing him unmercifully, or asking questions about things that Athena had shown her. Some of them even made Crusader pause, before denying her request to talk of them again.

He really would have to have a conversation with Athena, no matter how mad she might be at him.

With her help, he managed to get through some of the night without another incident. He was not sure if she had meant to do so or it was a case of luck. Either way, it soothed until he brought himself out of Low Level Alert.

There were still hours to go before the dawn.

Crusader looked upward at the stars, not pondering their movement anymore, just seeing them for what they were.

Something beautiful.

There were so many beautiful things.

A wooden porch, skillfully made. A railing he had leaned against with his avatar many a time. An orchard where he had walked along the silent trees. The laughter from Athena as she ran with Apple Bloom among the acres of green. An elderly pony in a rocking chair dispensing old-fashioned wisdom that even made him think.

Lowering his eyes, he gazed out on the gently rolling hills. His datacores replaying faces in his minds eye.

There was silly pink pony whose antics made him smile even when he did not wish to, standing next to a shy Pegasus that remained his friend though he had tried not to make it so.

The Unicorn that was constantly badgering him to decorate his command area beside a lavender Princess whose intelligence was only outdone by her ‘freaking out’ about things.

A slim Pegasus that wanted to win badly at everything, but would give it all up because of loyalty to her compatriots.

Two Princesses of Night and Day who had lived longer than he. Visiting just to talk about the history he carried, or listening to music. They had even shared quiet and private dinners, talking of things from the past. Their’s and his.

Yes, even a mismatched being of Chaos. Not exactly a friend, but perhaps no longer an enemy now. Though he did still bear watching.

Yet, there is one very special....

“Sugar, what are ya doin’ up so late?”

He turned, seeing those eyes that looked at him in such a way it was hard to describe. There was nothing he would not try to achieve for her. Conquer a nation or a planet, any army that stood in his way.

“I am enjoying the quiet. Why are you up?”

“Gettin’ something to drink. Figured you were out here starin’ at the stars again.” The muscular mare leaned against him as they both sat on the sanded wood.

“I am afraid it is a bad habit, my Applejack.”

A nudge from an orange coated shoulder makes him tilt for a moment, “Ain’t that bad sugar. Kinda nice when it’s all quiet-like.”

It was silent for a few minutes as they both sat there. Applejack was used to the pauses in conversation as she knew he chose his words with care around her. Always and never failing to be polite.

“I would like to ask you a favor.”

This made her start. He never asked for anything, ever. Always doing something for others, it was just odd to have him do so.

“Anythin’, ya know that.”

His eyes met hers, “I want you to come to my command deck, come see me as I am.”

“I.. I don’t know what ya mean.”

“Join me just the once in the Neural Net. Let me show you who I am.”

She laughed, “I dunno bout that. I mean after Athena tried that time, didn’t quite go over that well.”

He smiled in return, “I think we have learned a few lessons. It will not be much, I promise.”

“Ah trust ya, you know that.”

“I would never betray it. Tomorrow then?”

She nodded, turning to look out at the moon as they sat there in the deep night once more.

It makes me content.

A Mind of Shadows and Truths Part 2

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A Mind of Shadows and Truths Part 3

We are such stuff as dreams are made on; and our little life rounded with a sleep.

-----William Shakespeare

I ponder while sitting this night. A clear sky lets the moon shine across the land, covering it in another silvery blanket that comforts.

What is it that makes us up? Are we just bits of data and durachrome? Even after so long, the answers are not forthcoming.

Princess Luna and Celestia have advised me they may have a solution. Magic, it seems, can confront even the deepest problems. Though how this will work is beyond me still. I can study the works of magic, the results, even the spells. But the power that is behind it, is and will be studied by us for a long time.

But I smile, staring upward, recalling yesterday. What a wonder it can be, showing ones that care what you have seen over a lifetime of experiences. Battles and conflict, of course, take the bulk of memories, for is that not what we were made for? To the opposite of that, I have seen and known many other interests not related to war. They are the things I relive when I can, the moments when somehow we were at peace for just that span of brief time.

It was my pleasure to show Applejack things I remembered from so long ago, such as the Zen Gardens of the Imperial Palace of Japan before it was destroyed in an incursion.

Works of art, places that no longer existed except in my databanks, things that truly showed a whole other side of humans. Beyond the cruelty, the pain and heartbreak that they could inflict upon each other; they had something inside them that allowed their race to soar to heights unimaginable.

The look of pure joy on Athena’s face was worth the effort, showing her things she hadn’t known existed. Even Bolos can be surprised some times. Rarely, but it does happen.

It was so very short a time. I could not take the chance of another loss of control. But for the merest hour, it was my honor to show them a little of what I had known.

I did not, and still do not, wish to return to stasis. But if a breakdown in my cores does occur, I have no other option. I would rather sleep than be a threat. Inside though, in my private thoughts, I hoped that something could be done. My spirits were lifted when Princess Luna contacted me.

This will be my last dream hopefully. But, I find a sense of regret as well.

I look around, seeing things through different vision. There is no datafeed coming through my eyes, no ranging nor status checks. It is odd, but yet, it does not disturb me.

I have chosen the night time for this, a clear sky, stars that brightly shine through a full moon’s light. It is a wondrous thing, these dreams. Even for an old Bolo such as I, it has a sense of.. otherness... that actually holds my interest.

I cannot feel the cold, nor the crisp soil that crunches underneath my hooves. But it is as real as can be. The inconsistencies are baffling though, making me wonder if this is all a product of a damaged mind. I am not my avatar, but I am also not real. It does make one ponder.

“A lovely dream Crusader.”

The voice grabs his attention immediately, making him turn to see Princess Luna step out of a door that shimmered in the air.

She stepped delicately out of the portal, letting it fade away. A pair of saddlebags cinched tight to her sides as the dark mare smiled brightly at him.

“Thank you Princess.”

“You do enjoy the night.” She pointed around to the sky.

He looked up at her gesture, staring at the stars against the velvet backdrop, “I find it calming. Many was the time that we waited for battle under a sky such as this. Different planets, solar systems, but always stars. They were the one constant. Even through atmospheres so thick we could not see unaided, there were still stars.”

She stood beside him for a moment, noting his silence as he waited politely for her to speak.

“I do not know if it will work, but we may have a solution.”

“We?”

“Celestia and I have pored over the old tomes, a spell to cease dreams was included, but, it does mean that you will have magic near your..your..” She tapped a hoof on the ground, thinking for a moment, “Your..cores? Is that the right word?”

He nodded, “Yes. Though that is worrisome. Magic can disrupt us there.”

Holding a clad hoof up, she smiled once more, “Ah! But I think we may have that solved. A more gentle magic, something subtle that will slowly build up to take effect. We think this will allow the magic to work properly.” Her eyes gave him a telling look. One that said she had faith in the abilities of those and her sister.

He mulled this over for a moment. He truly wanted it to work. Athena told him to have confidence in their friends, so he would.

“Whatever you need to do Princess, please do.”

Her eyes lit up alongside her horn, the aura deepening as her saddlebags opened, bringing out a few parts which were quickly assembled into a lantern. Antique looking and ornate, it was made of precious metals and what appeared to be blown glass of the finest sort.

As she carefully pieced it together she explained.

“This is the Lamp of Sleep.” She pointed at the half-assembled puzzle, “It will draw the dream energy away from you, preventing anything from occurring. Right now, my sister is installing another on your deck. The magic will encompass your being and work together from both sides to prevent dreaming.”

The lantern was beautiful, crafted by such a skilled artisan it would be priceless in a Concordiat museum. A large diamond, cut in a myriad of facets was placed gently inside it before it was shut and sealed.

Luna got a faraway look in her eyes for a moment, before her eyes caught his, “My sister is almost ready. We will activate them at the same time. The magic will take a while to reach full effect, but we are very confident.”

She pointed to the quiet lamp, “This will exist on the dreaming plane, connected to the one on your deck, they will keep your dreams away.”

The thought that an item could be immaterial, connected to something material did not bother him in the least now, though it did make him wonder at the complexity of such a thing. He had many questions he would broach with her later.

“Is it sturdy? Should I have any fear of it being broken?”

A slight laugh, then a hoof kicked the lantern with a resounding clang, “Of course not. We have strengthened it with everything at our disposal. Have no fear of breakage.”

He smiled slightly in return, “I stand corrected, I should have known.”

The Princess fussed happily with the lantern, positioning it just so. So much in fact that he was beginning to wonder if she was doing it on purpose.

“You are finished, but seem not to want to leave. Is there a problem Princess?”

Her head shot up, looking at him for a moment before glancing away, “Why, no! Not at all.”

He was used to such things from his sister, merely looking at Luna until she sighed.

The tall mare stopped fiddling with the object, sitting down with a final tap on the lamp, “I..have looked forward to these dreams of yours. They are calm, peaceful in a way I have never known Crusader.”

His attention was now fully upon her, “Does something disturb you?”

She looked away from him for a moment, before turning back, “No. It is just that since you first appeared in the dream plane, I have been drawn to the comfort of your thoughts.” A silver-clad hoof waved slightly, “They are different, without the needless things that others dream of. Simple, without the trappings of ostentation.”

His head tilted to one side, watching her closely, “I find it is not needed Princess. Simple things can be enough to soothe a mind.” She was avoiding something, but he had no clue as to what that might be. He decided to leave it alone, if it were to be brought up she would have to do so.

“They can.” She motioned around them, “The snow, the chilled air. A forest in repose. You choose quiet and solitude over imagining others.” Her voice was soft, not showing any exuberance at all.

She was, to his mind, fixated on the silence around them.

“Princess, what is wrong? You are reluctant to leave, you are avoiding something.”

Her head shot around, piercing him with a look that conveyed many things, “Have you ever felt guilt? Guilt for past deeds?”

He pondered that for long moments.

Was there guilt for actions done in the past? He reviewed what he remembered, sifting files and datapoints. Oh yes, there were times...

“Yes, Princess.”

Her expression softened, “How did you solve it? Was there something..?” She left the sentence hanging in the air between them.

“In my experience Princess, forgiving yourself is the best you can do.” He stood next to her, seeing the slumped shoulders, the slightly drooping wings, “In time, it will pass. We all make mistakes.”

He held up a hoof, forestalling her reply when she opened her mouth, “My circumstances are very different from yours. I am still that same Bolo, you are no longer Nightmare Moon.” He could see that hit a nerve, his assumption correct.

“But how..?”

He gave her an amused look, “There is not much else for you to feel guilty about that I know of Princess. Unless a prank may have gotten out of hoof?”

She laughed, “No, oh no. Though I daresay Celestia would like to toss me out of the castle some days.” Her face gentled, body taking a prouder mien, “Ah, laughter solves almost everything does it not?”

“Almost, Your Highness.”

She nodded and gave the lantern a final look, turning her eyes to him once more, “Thank you.”

“You are always welcome Highness,” He continued before she could ask, “Nothing will ever be said, you have my word.”

Cyan eyes looked out over the silent fields, the Princess standing for a moment before once more setting down. A rustle of wings pinning themselves tight against her side before she glanced at him once more.

“May I ask a question?”

“You are always welcome to Your Highness, I will answer as best I can.”

She pursed her lips, thinking for a moment as Crusader sat calmly.

“You have been like a stone wall, steadfast and worthy in your resolve through many things.” She hesitated, then went on, “Have you ever been frightened?”

The answer was immediate, “Yes.”

The look of shock registered one the Night Mare’s face, “Truly? You who command such power?”

The umber pony nodded, his whole demeanor telling her that what he said was no half-truth, “Truly.” He tilted his head once more, “Why do you ask?”

“Because nopony seems to want to ask. You are there, constantly, through bad and good times. Yet, it is never asked how you feel about things.”

Another amused look, “I assume it is because others are busy with their own problems Princess. Also, perhaps, because my solutions are very permanent.”

Luna laughed, “There is that. You do have a simple way of putting things.” She gestured with a hoof once more, “So, while my sister is preparing her side of the Lamp, tell me what frightened you?”

“Some things are best left alone Princess.”

Eyebrows shot up, “Perhaps. But I would better understand you.” Luna leaned forward, “Tell me what was it that affected a pony like yourself? Well, besides this situation of course.”

He eyed her for a moment, seeing the open and honest look, “As you wish.” The forest faded, becoming a view of four Bolos racing across a landscape. The huge treads were digging deep into what looked like fertile soil, the skies covered with clouds raining down upon them as voices began to speak.

“I was less than a century in service...”

The Princess inhaled sharply as she felt everything, heard it all, became one with the vision.

“Alright, so what’s got Bolo Command all fired up they drop four of us on one lousy planet?” The voice was gruff, but worried. The communications bands were clear as a bell, nothing impeding them, no jamming, no other signals in the spectrum. This in itself was odd because this was a heavily colonized planet, approximately half a million humans lived and worked here.

An agri-planet, it served to provide foodstuffs for an ever hungry Concordiat. Shipping it out daily by the mega-ton, the huge cargo ships shot through space to deliver fresh food to hundreds of allied planets.

But now, the ships had stopped. All communications lost with planetary control. Even the Defense Force bands were eerily quiet. Not a crackle was heard over the electromagnetic spectrum.

Bolo Command, indeed even Concordiat High Command, were worried one of the breadbasket planets had been taken by an enemy. Orders came directly from the President’s Office.

Find out why this planet had gone silent.

Four of the biggest Siege Units at that time were dropped in a screaming entry onto the planet’s surface, well away from any city or town, unobserved they hoped.

Before the Bolo transports and cruisers shot off on a lazy orbit to await them, they reported nothing, no movement, no comms traffic.

Into this silence came Crusader and his companions. After discarding the re-entry shells they had taken off at a fast clip across a hilly countryside, slashing through millions of hectares of wheat and other foods in their rush to confront whatever it was that had taken the voice away from this planet.

Deep in each hull was a very special squad of troopers. Concordiat Delta Shock Troops. Led by a battle-hardened Colonel, they were heavily augmented and beefed up with the latest in nanotech and weaponry, each of them was an entire company by themselves. Well-trained and tempered by war, they killed without compunction or mercy.

And they were as human as the Bolo officers themselves.

“Would you PLEASE slow down for a while? We’d like to at least eat in peace before getting shot up!” The gravelly voice came over the coms, irritated in a way, but understanding the urgency.

“Oh give it a rest, not like you’re having escargot or something down there!” The Bolo officers laughed, the video screens showing them as well as the commanders of the Delta detachments.

An irritated face leaned close to the camera pick-up, eyes narrowed in a dangerous way, “I hate snails, slimy little buggers.” A thick finger pointed at the lens, “And I would like to eat in peace for just one minute before jumping out of this fancy machine to do my job.”

The Bolo officer gulped actually, quite loudly as he moved back slightly from the vicious looking face on the screen which broke into a loud laugh.

The severe face broke into a grin, “You Bolo types are so easy! Ha! Got you!” The troops behind him were joining in at the little joke, laughter echoing through the cargo bay. “I still hate snails though. But why the all-fired hurry?”

Timothy Genger, commander of Unit of the Line MNR (Minerva) answered, “We’re on a strike plan, get in fast and see what happened, then get right back out. We’ve got no time to waste. Command wants a report ASAP.”

The craggy face nodded, “Understood. Any ideas what this could be?”

Lon Atwood, commander of Unit MLK (Mielikki) joined in, “We don’t know.” At the astonished looks he continued, “Seriously. Even Bolo Command had no clue what was going on, that’s why they’ve stationed our escort cruisers in the outer rings. They’re there in case we fail.”

The Delta Detachment Commander ensconced in Crusader was nodding, “Yeah, they didn’t give us much warning. Pulled us off an op in the Sagista Sector.” He shook his head from side to side, “This thing must have them scared down to their diapers up there in command.”

“It does. A planet going suddenly quiet.” The last and final Bolo Commander joined in, Tara Wilder, in charge of Unit OIN (Omoikane). “They shipped us out of the regiment so fast we barely had time to pack at the depot.”

The four Bolos were loaded to the brim with weaponry, supplies and anything else that Command thought they would need.

“Aren’t four Siege Class Units a little much though?”

“Well, you know Bolo Command. When it has to be crushed, crush it right.”

A musical sounding female voice came over the commlinks, “We are approaching the first domes, a small village named Tegla. Consisting of approximately five thousand farmers and their families, harvesters and shipping personnel.”

The populace lived in domes, easier to keep warm and dry when weather was ripping through the lands. It was safer for the civilians as sometimes the atmosphere could produce quite odd storm fronts. Either way, the food grown here grew fast and healthy, it was a very strange dichotomy.

“Got it Mielikki. Let’s slow it down folks, approach pattern Golf, spread out and let the troops make entry first.” Acknowledgements flowed over the links, faces turning to rally troops.

“So Lon, when you getting the Unicorn painted on her side?” A teasing voice was heard by all the officers, making them turn back to the cameras.

Lon‘s teeth ground as his jaw tensed up, “I swear to god. I find out which one of you showed her that old game I’ll cut you into little pieces!”

“Oh, give it a rest”, Crusader’s Commander opined, “It’s not that bad and she does sound nice with the voice change.”

The musical tones piped up through the commnet, “Why, thank you!”

“Very welcome Mielikki.”

“Stop encouraging her!” Lon’s face was exasperated, “Regimental Command was having fits. All of a sudden a Bolo thinks they’re named after a...a.. what was it? Ranger goddess? They almost redlined her permanently!”

“Hey, they’re used to it. And who’s to say she’s not? I mean really, could be worse.” That was from a Delta noncom who’d been on missions alongside the regiment before, knowing the odd proclivities of the Bolos in the unit. Delta troops kept many, many secrets well.

“Fine, I give up, she can be a game goddess if she wants!”

“Hey, could have been Demigorgon. I mean that would be just awful, all that evilness and stuff. Least she’s a nature goddess, and cute too! Rangers are awesome anyways.” The commbands grew quiet as eyes slowly moved on screen to look at the Sergeant in Omoikane’s hull who was grinning from ear to ear.

Lon’s finger shot out and pointed, “You! It was you? You..I..augh!” He slapped a hand to his forehead, “And they call us weird!”

“Don’t knock it ‘till you’ve tried it. We’ve got a game going later after the battle, come on down.” A murmur in the background made him turn, then look back into the camera, “Oh yeah, all you other guys are invited, we got the beer.”

Crusader’s officer at the time was one Thomas Declan, he was nodding into the camera, “I’ll be there! We can relax ‘till retrieval. The cruisers and Bolo transports aren’t gonna be able to pick us up quick on a low burn trajectory. Going to be a few days or so of nothing to do if this is all a bust.”

Genger added his thoughts, which silenced anymore conversation, “Depending on what we find. Nothing silences an entire colony this fast.”

All the faces on video looked away, lost in their own reasoning as to what could have possibly happened to the colonists.

Luna’s voice was very soft, watching the dreamscape change and move as Crusader remembered, “Surely with such might you had nothing to fear?”

An umber head shook sadly, “The galaxy was big and we were but a small part of it, large as the Concordiat was. There was still much that was unknown Princess.”

The story continued as Luna gazed with wide eyes at a memory of something so long ago she could barely conceive of it.

Ramps dropped, specialized vehicles whipped out of the tremendous Bolo hulls and took off towards a dome in the distance.

Delta troops were armed with the latest and greatest, moving at a fast clip towards the domes in the distance.

“We’re out. Approach pattern Lima, stand ready on the guns, we don’t know what to expect so let’s be heavy-handed here.”

“Copy that Colonel. Anything on comms?”

Crusader answered for the Bolo team, “Nothing. All bands are silent, there is nothing on any frequency. Thermal and infra-scans are showing nothing moving, nor alive in the outer dome, but emergency internal dome shielding is activated, preventing us from looking deeper.”

“Yeah, those things are pretty well built. Just be prepared for a fast pick up if we run into trouble.”

Tara Wilders’ voice came calmly over the bands, “We’ve got your back Colonel, be careful.”

“Always ma’am, we’ll let you know. Delta out.”

Helmet cameras picked up anything the troopers looked at, providing a field of view that encompassed everything as they approached the silent town. The dome gleamed in the new sun that peeked out from behind the gray clouds, giving the impression of a dawning day.

A loading bay door was partially open in the smooth surface of the dome, the scanners picking it up and changing the vehicles course so they arrived in a pattern of attack. Troops jumped out, speeding to surround either side of it as a technician raised a snooper.

The snooper was a small drone, riding on anti-gravs it peeked into areas that were out of sight, giving the Delta forces a chance to see the enemy before they were found out.

The little box went gliding inside the dome, camera views split between all the troops and the feed from the silent little spy.

“Loading bay.. There’s the harvesters.” A voice commented as the tiny box glided around the huge warehouse installation. This was the exit and entry to the dome for the machines that brought back the mega-tons of food to be packaged and shot into space.

“Looks like they dropped what they were doing and...I dunno. I don’t see anyone.” The technician was puzzled as his little friend slid around huge machines. Nothing but silence greeted it as it continued the exploration.

“Where the hell did all the people go?”

“No clue Colonel, your guess is as good as mine.”

“Anything on the spectrums?”

“No chemical weapons detected, no biologics, nothing. It’s weird, this air is as sterile as it gets. Got a hint of possible weapons fire coming from the passageway to the main dome, but that’s it. It’s all internal air, they’ve shut off outside venting for some reason so I don’t know what’s inside. Just a few stray things leaking through the filters.”

“I dunno bout you guys, but this is spooky.” A trooper mused over the comm.

The Colonel wasn’t one for the rules, not reprimanding the soldier for cutting in, “You damn sure got that right.”

A moment of silence before the frequencies crackled again, “All right, follow the drone in. Keep it tight, keep it light and heads on a swivel. Understood?” The Colonel’s voice was sounding concerned.

Acknowledgements came through as the armored forms swept in under the partially opened bay door, weapons pointed outwards as their armor and eyes searched for targets.

“Clear.”

“Clear”

“Clear.”

“We have achieved an unprecedented state of clear here.”

“Higgs, I swear...”

Nervous laughter broke the silence, even the Delta troops were unnerved by the absolute quiet inside the bay. Nothing moved, nothing spoke, nothing registered as alive anywhere in range of their sensory equipment.

The Bolos moved up, ringing the dome and pinging it with everything they had, ranging lasers swept over the outside, guns loaded and targeted for pinpoint fire if needed.

Nothing.

Wilders’ voice broke the Bolo-net silence, “This is really weird.”

“You ain’t kidding. There’s nothing on the scanners.”

“Don’t they have pets? I know they raise cattle in the domes for meat, where’s the animals?”

Omoikane’s voice answered that query.

“Scanners register nothing alive in that dome. Records indicate approximately one thousand head of cattle for local production. There is no movement. Shielding prevents our getting deeper reads on the inner areas, but as for the outer, nothing lives.”

“Alright,” The Delta Colonel was listening in, “Move deeper into the dome, step by step my children. Nice and easy.”

The cameras followed a passageway, one for access by people on foot towards the inner living areas.

It was almost boring until they reached the inner atmosphere-proof doors, clamped down and shut, the alarm light was flashing, signifying an emergency shutdown of all access-ways into the dome.

“Airlocks are sealed.” A technician was already by the door panel, hooking a scanner into the wires behind a panel he had quickly pried off, “Emergency protocols were activated two days ago, they’ve locked themselves in.”

“Why?”

“Nothing to read locally, we’ll have to get to the command center for any logs.”

“Alright, open the doors, slowly. Let’s make a line to the command area first. We need to find out what happened here.”

The technician pressed a few buttons on his pad screen, letting the heavy door slide open enough for them to get in without hindrance.

“Go!”

The four squads piled in, quickly, quietly and with an efficiency that impressed even the watching Bolos.

“Gregor, on point, give us a read.” They all crouched in another short passage, leading into the main living and shopping areas of the dome. It was clean and neat, no trash, nothing that gave any indication anything was wrong.

The singled trooper nodded, his helmet bobbing before he slowly walked around the corner. His helmet cam showed the view as he crept almost silently into the open end of the tunnel, emptying into a plaza that according to the maps should be filled with shops. He quickly ran into an improvised barrier in the way, using a fiber optic camera to look over it for a quick peek.

“Holy...”

It was a war zone. Shattered storefronts covered the open area with glass, signs hung lazily off of posts that had been tumbled over in the destruction. There was clear signs of energy weapons used in the area, everything was broken and smashed.

Electric vehicles lay on their sides, some burned out wrecks, the fires long since extinguished, the smoke filtered by the internal air systems. Barricades had been hastily set up facing the passageway, furniture and other items thrown together in an attempt to stop...someone.

“What the hell?” The rest of the detachment had moved up at Gregor’s exclamation, crouched as they peeked over a barrier that had been thrown up in front of the passage, giving them an amount of cover.

“Anything?”

“Got nothing, no decomp, nothing.”

“Where are the bodies?”

“Guess we’re gonna do this horror-movie style right?”

“What?”

“You know, split up, someone gets whacked, letting us know some bad guy is around?”

“Oh, that’s just brilliant...”

“Dumbass.”

The Colonel’s voice came over the net, “Knock it off. No one splits up. We keep it tight and we get to the command center first, got it?”

Silent assent from everyone.

“Alright, we’ve got the dome plans, let’s get moving. Sing out if you see anything.”

The cameras showed movement, the passage of scarred walls bearing holes and burn marks from various weaponry. A split screen had dots, corresponding with the trackers implanted in every trooper.

Wreckage was everywhere, the remains of a fierce battle fought over or against someone, or something. The soldiers made no sound, taking in everything for review later.

“Coming up on command building. Right around the cor..whoa..” The technician was looking at the datafeed from his drone, seeing another barricade in front of the building. The remains of a few armored vehicles were in between stacks of ripped out walls from the interior of the building that made up the barricade. It appeared the local Defense Unit put up a hell of a fight.

“Careful...”

“Nothing..again.” The troops moved towards the closed doors. Easing them open and taking a peek inside, waving low they entered the building to find the same destruction as the outside. They piled into the stairway, making good time to the upper floor.

“Spread out, secure the area. Find central comp and get into the files. Move.” The Colonel’s voice was like steel as the soldiers cleared the area with efficiency and sat in place to defend it as their technician hooked into the console that contained the domes central core.

“I’m in.” He pointed to a large screen which lit up. A scrambled sound came through, then a face. “Not much in here, things are pretty messed up.”

The harried face of a woman appeared, looking over her shoulder.

“We don’t know what it..they..whatever it is! We’ve locked ourselves in and can’t even get the sensors to pick anything up. It..” Her face turned into a mask of fear, flipping around as the scrambled records went blank, the last thing they heard was the screaming.

The Delta tech looked up, “That’s it, everything else got wiped. Some sort of EMP burst hit the servers.”

Every eye that was not looking outward, centered on the Colonel.

He was looking at the floor, lost in thought for a moment before his head snapped up, “All right, grab what we can from the servers and let’s blow this place. We need to get to the main domes in Altern.”

The soldiers were more than happy to comply, stripping out any optical storage cubes and heading outward from the control area.

As the Bolos and their officers observed the bug out, one Delta trooper reached out, tapping another as a nervous voice came over the comms.

“We’re being watched. Don’t ask me how I know, but we’re being watched.”

“Drop!”

The order made the entire group turn outward and kneel, forming a ring with the Colonel in the center. Weapons held steady as eyes and sensor gear searched the immediate area.

“How sure?”

“Sure enough it made my hackles rise.”

“Anyone?”

Negatives were all that replied. Special Forces troops were known for their calm in battle, anything that made them nervous got very dead very quickly.

“Move. Move now. Get to the loading bay and hit the vehicles. Bolo team, we need a pickup on the fly, copy?”

Lon’s voice replied, “Weve got you covered, get out of there.”

“Ain’t gotta tell us twice.”

The entire team moved, and moved fast. Putting on speed, they leapt the barricades. Any pretense of stealth was gone in an instant as the deadly armored forms thundered down the passageway and into the loading bay. Skidding underneath the doors, they piled into vehicles that immediately headed for Bolos that were already moving out. Ramps received them as the huge machines turned toward the capital.

They were not moving top speed this time, taking a very circuitous course to keep hills and mountains between then and any observers. Their speed was low to prevent dust trails for now until the debrief was over.

Genger reported, “Sats are still down, Minerva’s commandeered the systems by hacking into them.”

“Anything?”

“Still nothing. What did you find in the dome?”

The screen replayed everything, including more footage not seen at the time. It didn’t add anything except to the confusion they all felt.

“That’s it? Not a whole lot to go on.”

The Delta commander shrugged, “That’s it, an EMP got the rest and there was nothing in the dome. We didn’t even pick up body traces of cattle or even pets. Like everything was just..gone.”

Tara’s voice came over the commlink, sounding a bit disturbed, “Now what the hell can get rid of five thousand people including a herd of cattle?”

A hulking Delta soldier shrugged, “Ma’am, we’ve seen some weird stuff in our lives, but this one is definitely the oddest.”

“No, there was something there.” All eyes turned to the soldier who’d reported being watched, “I’m telling you, I felt it. I could feel every hair on my body stand on end. Something was in that dome with us.”

Silence rang out for a moment before the Colonel nodded, “We can’t go on feelings. The main dome has better defenses and recording capabilities. We’ll pick up the information we need there.”

“And if not?”

“Then those cruisers will blow everything away. We can’t take any chances of whatever this is spreading.”

That gave them all pause, thinking of an entire colony wiped off the planet.

A shudder ran through the Princess as she watched the images closely.

“But..but what was it? What took all those beings away?”

Crusader didn’t answer, he just remembered.

“All right folks, we’re at the main domes. We’ve got the center command structure and six outlying.” The Colonel’s voice was very precise as the Bolo officers watched the briefing alongside the troops. “We get in, get out with any data. Along the way we record everything. The Bolos tell us nothing is moving inside, they can’t see very well through the shielding, but I’m calling it. If it moves, if it’s hostile, kill it.”

He looked into every camera lens, every eye, “I don’t care who or what it is. We do not take prisoners until we find out what is going on.”

Once again the Bolos took up cardinal points around the domes, scanners pinging and ranging as deep as they could at the highest resolution possible. Nothing was showing on their screens as the troops made a swift entry into the center area.

Spreading out along the main thoroughfare, they scanned rooftops and doorways. Every shadow was scrutinized, every corner was taken in a dynamic way. Nothing was left to chance.

There were no bodies, not even insects in the dome. It was a dead silence that greeted and followed them along the road. Vehicles stood empty, houses gaped like skulls with windows like eyes looking out towards the increasingly baffled troops.

The central control was a tall building in the direct center of the dome, overseeing all the low-lying suburbs around it. It controlled the weather inside the domicile and all data traffic as well as the space-going fleet that fed other worlds.

“Boss, I got something.” A trooper held out his arm, a scanner hologram lighting the armored face as he pointed towards a small shop. “Something moved, corner of my eye type thing, but it was there.”

“Go.”

The single word had them all shooting into motion, almost blurs as they entered the building and surrounding it. Weapons high as they searched every nook and cranny for a long minute, finally giving the all clear.

“Nothing.” A sergeant gave the word, waving the others out as they backed away from the building, never taking eyes off it. The big noncom was standing in the street eyeing it for a moment before he shivered, “Something’s wrong here, we’re being watched.”

“I feel it.” The Colonel’s voice was calm, “It’s grating my nerves to a raw edge.”

“Boss..” The nervous voice made them all turn to look at a large trooper with ‘Hughes’ stenciled across his armored front, “Boss, we need to leave.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Something isn’t right. I know it isn’t. Boss we need to bug out now.”

Inside the Bolos the officers were eyeing each other on a private channel, “Mielikki, call up his stats.” Lon’s voice was monotone as he looked at the troopers readouts.

Tara Wilders voice was amazed, “That man is scared to his toes. Look at that.”

“Is it subsonics? Is there something we’re not seeing?”

Crusader’s voice was calm and even, “Negative. There are no known weapons being deployed at this moment towards those troops. We are scanning even the higher and lower frequencies. If they are being affected, it is nothing we have seen.”

Minerva, Mielikki and Omoikane agreed, adding their own input.

They watched as the Colonel had a private chat with the trooper, the augment soldier nodding and joining the rest of the group as they ran for the control center.

The Colonel’s voice came over a private encrypted channel, “You watching that?”

“We were Colonel, what’s going on?” Declan was monitoring the readouts from each trooper along with Crusader.

“That boy is scared, I mean deeply afraid. My boys and girls do not get that way. I’ve seen them face off Heimdalls with just energy weapons. Something’s wrong, can you tell me what it is?”

Crusader’s officer shook his head, “Colonel, we’ve got nothing. We are scanning with everything we have and absolutely nothing is showing up.”

“Find me an answer.” The steel in the Colonels voice had them nodding.

“We’ll try.”

The link clicked off, the Bolos and officers watched as they approached the central control building. A large auditorium was on the bottom floor for meetings and festivities, the doors wide open as they crept up on it.

A hand signal, a silent nod and the troops swept into the quiet edifice. Bare moments passed before a voice was heard, the armor cams showing nothing but movement that blurred everything.

“Oh my... Back! Back! Outside now!” A flurry of movement from the cameras gave the watching Bolos and their commanders no time to see what was going on. It stabilized when the Delta troops regrouped outside, setting up a perimeter in a small alley they could defend.

Tara’s voice broke the silence, “What the hell was that? Omo, break that down and give me a frame by frame, slow it down for the others.”

Gasps and exclamations came over the private link as Omoikane’s cores rapidly processed the recording. It showed the entryway, the darkness inside until the camera adjusted for low light.

It was a horror.

Bodies were piled high in the auditorium, stacked in a myriad of ways they almost reached the high ceiling at some points. Pale faces stared out of the recording, lips peeled back in masks of fear. Claw-like hands grasped at the air, frozen in time forever as they reached upward.

Eyes were open, staring at eternity in a way that you knew, absolutely knew that they had died and died hard.

Men, women, children, the domes inhabitants took up a good amount of space. It was not all of them, as the main domes held tens of thousands more.

“Tell me what that was!” The Colonel was asking for answers.

A tech raised his scanner arm, “I’ve got nothing.”

“You can’t have nothing!”

“No, that’s not what I mean..ah..sorry boss. I meant there is nothing alive in here. Not a single bacteria, nothing. This place is as dead as if it were irradiated. It’s like the whole dome has been sterilized down to the molecular level.” He was tapping his readouts, looking as deep as his armor would let him.

“What in god’s name could have caused this?”

“Colonel, we’ve got nothing on our end either.” Thomas’ voice was abashed, “We didn’t think to scan deep, we were looking for an enemy. This whole area is dead. Even the soil is sterile. Nothing lives near these domes.”

The Colonel had been through many scenarios, ones that would turn your hair white then make it fall out. He knew his troops, knew this was something so bad that they couldn’t get a handle on it.

They needed the data.

“Okay, boys and girls. We take this slow and easy. Weapons up and hot, we take the floors one by one and get to the command center. Strip those datacubes and we leave. Easy as pie right?”

Silent heads nodded.

“Use the stairs only. Do not spread out. We will take it careful all the way up. Trahn, what floor is the command center on?”

“Third floor, middle of the area, it was centralized.”

“That’s it then. Let’s move with a purpose.”

The forty troops moved swiftly, ignoring the gory scene in the first floor, they slammed into the large stairwell, looking up and down making sure nothing moved. Everyone of them was on edge. You can’t unsee things like this and it had been recorded for posterity in the Bolo teams cores as well.

Bolo Command was going to play merry hob with them for a while trying to get an explanation.

Silence reigned on the Bolo decks as they watched through the armor cams. Walls flashed past, steps were muted as each stair was taken carefully and with caution. It made for a nerve-racking experience until they reached the third floor.

While this was happening, the four Bolos initiated TSDS, meshing together in one mind to help in any way they could.

“Unknown enemy. Suppositions?”

“New life form, unknown to Concordiat as of yet.”

“Biological weapon, deployed stealthily on the domes.”

“Disease. Possibly from crops, or some new strain along with the gene-gineered plants.”

“We have many choices.”

“True. This..whatever it may be seems to cause extreme problems in any humanoid form.” The pictures of corpses flashed through the links, showing clawed hands reaching or grabbing at something. The fear indelibly printed on faces that were bereft of any life.

The four Bolos wrapped up quickly, deciding to be wary of anything and everything as they could pin down nothing that gave them more than a thirty-three percent chance of being right.

Bolos had been confounded before, but there was always a solution somewhere.

In this case, there was none.

“Third floor, you guys receiving us all right?”

“We’ve got you Colonel. Got an update. The Bolos have concurred with us that this is a true unknown, we have nothing that could help you for now.”

This shocked the Delta Officer. Bolos had and were always thought of as having solutions normal minds did not. To have four of the finest AI’s in the galaxy say they were stumped, did not hearten him or his troops.

“I copy.”

He led them into the command center, sweeping the entire floor before returning to a locked door. Kicking it with one booted foot propelled it into the room where the soldiers followed.

Nothing moved, all was silent once again as the armored forms stood stock still, waiting, hoping, perhaps praying something would give them a reason to kill. Snouts of heavy weapons searched along with eyes for any hint of movement.

The lights blinked quietly on consoles, the optical cubes in their racks held tremendous amounts of data for the planet and it’s harvests.

Bodies lay on the floor, or in chairs where they had died. Faces locked in screaming terror as they had been cut down so fast they didn’t have a chance to respond.

“Grab the cubes we need, go!”

Two Delta techs ran to the racks, scanning them and picking out the cubes containing everyday logs of operations along the whole planet. Busily stuffing them into packs, they finished in a flat minute.

“We’re good.”

“Alright, let’s..” The Colonels voice was interrupted by the Sergeant.

“Boss. S..s...something’s wrong..” His voice was shaking as they all turned, seeing the armored form practically shivering in the cool air of the command center. The gloved hands gripping an energy weapon were loose and rattling, his whole body shaking.

“Trahn? What’s going on..” He stopped speaking, watching his soldier.

Back on the Bolos, the readouts were flashing alarms.

“Thom, Trahn’s heart rate just shot up, his adrenaline is spiking. They’ve got to calm him down or his heart is going to blow!” Tara’s voice was almost panicked.

“I know! I know!” He switched over to the common push, “Colonel, tranq him quick!”

A medic was at Trahn’s side immediately, opening a port in the hermetically sealed armor, he slammed an injector into it, making contact with the skin and shoving a large dose of a quick acting tranquilizer into the shaking soldier.

“Got it boss..vitals coming down..” The medic was tapping into the armor through a dataport, watching a small screen inside his helmet on a HUD. “Wait...wait..they’re going back up! Oh god they’re sky-rocketing!”

They watched from the command decks, hearing the grunts, then the weapon dropping on the floor of the control center.

His vital signs were off the charts, everything was going bonkers.

Then he started screaming.

Everyone flinched, even the solid soldiers getting ready to leave. They’d all heard the wounded yelling, they’d heard anger and pain in it’s myriad ways. Nothing, but absolute nothing could compare to this.

It went on...and on..Trahn barely taking a breath before he’d start screaming again. It was so loud the medic cut the commlink, shoving more and more medication in through ports to try and calm him down.

Hands reached upward, clawing at..something..trying to grab onto eyes or ears they couldn’t tell in their armored suits.

It was over in seconds. Trahn’s bulk hitting the floor face first as the horrified Bolo officers watched his vital signs flatline.

“Crusader! Targets!”

“We have none. Sensors linked through armor show nothing moving except the Delta contingent.”

“Full scan! Give me something!”

“I am sorry Commander, sensor suites say there is nothing there.”

A finger pointed to the flat-lined readouts from Trahn’s armor, “He’s DEAD! Don’t tell me there’s nothing!”

Crusader’s voice grew warmer, “Thomas, I can do nothing but tell you the truth. We see nothing, there are no enemy targets.”

The others were receiving the same reports from the puzzled Bolos. There was nothing there. They could find no reason why that trooper, to their minds, should have died.

“Colonel! Abort the mission! Get out of there now!”

There was no hesitation in the Colonel’s voice, “Move! Grab Trahn and go, we stop for nothing!”

Two soldiers grabbed the fallen Trahn, hefting his armor easily between them. Point men took the door and made sure nothing was out of their sight. Together the troops practically jumped down the stairway landing by landing.

Out into the street they spilled before a wavering voice came over the comms.

“C..Colonel?”

The grizzled veteran turned to see Hughes shaking like a leaf, his weapon clattering on the street as he grabbed at his head, the screaming was torturous on the links.

The big trooper went to his knees as the medic tried once again to stop the wailing, the pained noise that dug deep into each of them as they could only stand helpless and watch the soldier tumble over silent into the quiet street.

“Enough!” The Colonel’s voice was hard, “Recon by fire all points! NOW!”

The remaining soldiers kneeled and turned outward in a circle, weapons unleashing a hellish torrent of fire at anything and everything they figured would be hiding an enemy. Storefronts collapsed, vehicles that were burned once, burned again.

Reloading and firing, grenades thrown by tireless arms, explosions rocked the inner dome for a long minute.

Silence descended once more, the only sounds the clacking of magazines rammed into place, explosives clamped to belts and bandoleers. Weapons up and shoulder stocks rammed into place on armored forms as they were like statues, waiting for any movement.

“Move!”

Up they came like titans, grabbing their fallen and rushing for the passageway out.

“Pinpoint fire, all units, cover their exit!” The command came from Tara Wilder, her Bolo already snapping infinite repeater turrets around and slamming rounds into the dome. The heavy material cracked and shattered under the pummeling, shards falling into the inner dome as the weapons fire followed the retreating troops.

Even the smallest of the weaponry that Bolos carried did massive amounts of damage. The falling pieces of dome, exploding buildings did not hamper the retreat though.

It didn’t even stop the screams. Ear piercing sounds that stuck with you forever, coming from troops that had been in the worst battles imaginable they were screaming in terror as more helpless troops dropped in place, falling flat on the road way as the rest of them ran for the shelter of the Bolos waiting for them outside.

Ten fast moving forms cleared the domes as the Bolos could only watch. Their weapons fire hammering around the running troops as the ground was churned up by explosions. Getting into a single vehicle it ran for the nearest hull, Crusader’s.

The Colonel’s voice was strained as it came over the comm, “I’m declaring a Code Black! Contact the cruisers, get them on a fast burn to pick us all up!”

Code Black was the be all, end all of situations.

Unknown enemy, unknown strengths. Destroy it.

“Blow those domes now! Flatten them!”

The Bolos did not hesitate. Heavy weapons flashed as the officers watched, Hellbores snapped around so fast they were but blurs before the nuclear fire burned the domes.

The tiny vehicle was picked up and the Bolos retreated. Sprint speed kicked up dust and crops as the heavy hulls moved away from the damned place as fast as their treads could take them.

VLS plates opened and rang on the hulls as missiles rose in columns of fire, the warheads adjusted for a limited nuclear strike on what was once a vibrant colony.

Every turret was turned backwards, pouring fire into the domes and leaving nothing standing. Four Siege Units contained enough power to destroy a planet, they used all of it on the colony.

The hulls rocked as shock waves reached them, pushing them forward as magazines were clanging into place. Another wave of cruise missiles launched upward into the now clear sky, their contrails pointing towards the remnants of the colony.

The troops were on the bay floor, peeling armor off and looking defeated. They’d run into something never expected and lost, badly.

Crusader flicked through his cameras, something was bothering him for some reason. His mind working hard as they tried to..

Another scream pierced his microphones, making him switch to the cameras in the bay, seeing the troops grabbing the air as they keeled over in place. One by one they grabbed at their heads, their chests, hearts bursting inside them from pure fear as they fell over, one by one, to leave nothing but silence and echoes.

It was inside his hull!

He acted immediately.

All internal security went into overdrive, power guns dropping from hidden compartments and searching for intruders. He could do nothing for the brave soldiers now silent on the floor of his bay.

“Intruder in my hull! Commencing evacuation of commanding officer now!”

Acknowledgements came from the others as they turned in place, all their heavy weaponry now aimed at Crusader.

“Thomas, please move into the evacuation chair now.”

“Wha..What’s..” The officer had been caught off guard by the intrusion alarms that were blaring. He did not second guess his Bolo, slamming his butt into the command chair as a clamshell of thick durasteel closed over him. A secondary shell crashed shut as well, the interstices being filled with a foam that solidified into an insulation that would absorb any shocks.

Crusader did not pause, blowing the accessway hatches that allowed the capsule to be fired upward by powerful solid fuel boosters implanted in the bottom of the durasteel covering.

Declan was holding tight inside it as Crusader’s voice came over the commlink, calm as always. “Minerva is making pickup, prepare for impact. I will deal with the intruders commander.”

His jaw was taut, thinking of those poor soldiers and now whatever it was inside his Bolo’s hull.

“Whatever it is Crusader, make it pay.”

“Acknowledged.”

Inside Crusader, all was silent except for the alarms. The red lights illuminated spaces everywhere so there were no shadows, no hiding places for anyone, or anything, inside him.

His cores were calculating possibilities, powerguns swiveling and turning on ball joints, looking for anything to kill.

He saw nothing except the troops lying quiet in the bay now, his scans and sweeps finding..

Then he felt it, his programming stuttering as he attempted to pin it down. But he knew what it was, he had seen it but never experienced it in his life.

Fear. Unadulterated fear was permeating his cores and arrays.

Luna gasped, pressing a hoof to her chest. She was feeling his memories as a deep, in your bones emotion that was infecting him.

Power gauges spiked as he went into hyper-heuristic mode, slowing down the world outside as he tried to figure out exactly what was intruding. But even then he felt the tendrils creeping inside, causing him to be afraid, to want to run and never look back.

He fought back, his will and everything he had learned over two centuries coming to the fore against this unknown. This ..thing.. that dare invade him!

The fear was getting stronger, it was soaking in like a sponge sopping up water. He could not keep control of his cores for very much longer, the urge to run was taking over his will to fight. It could not grab a hold of him unlike a biological entity. It seemed to be having problems adjusting to a digital mind.

Perhaps he could drive it out, make it vacate his war hull. He over-pressurized his interior, bringing it up to many atmospheres more than the outside.Then he blew every hatch on himself. The metal doors spinning through the air as the other bolos watched him vent everything on the inside.

Along with the over pressurization he threw in a war agent, a nasty little nerve gas meant for intruders. It followed the passageways along with the air that was venting in violence along his hull.

The other Bolos watched and waited. Were he not able to contain the intruder or kill it, they would do the job for him.

“Retreat to your survival center, we will do a pickup!” Minerva was swinging back around to block any route of escape.

“I ..I..can..cannot.. I am afraid Minerva.”

There was silence for long nanoseconds, “It is generating a tremendous..fear...inside me. I am not able to retreat.”

In truth, he did not wish to retreat, to give up in the face of the enemy. His overpressure tactic was slowing down, the hatches all gone as he vented the last of his inner atmosphere into the planets own’.

The fear, the emotion was still palpable. It remained ensconced deep inside him as he tried to turn it aside. Ever since the inception of autonomous Bolo AI’s they had felt emotion. Grief, anger, even pride. But fear was truly unknown, they had never known it even against the mightiest of enemies.

But it faded, almost as quickly as it came. The tendrils withdrew and left his cores feeling..exhausted. He regained control immediately, linking into the communications.

“Hull is clear. I am in control.”

“Are you sure the enemy has left?” Omoikane was sounding more curious than anything else.

“No, I cannot be sure.”

Minerva sounded off, “We have Thomas, he is safe.”

Mielikki’s musical voice came over the links, “Crusader, you must retreat to your survival center. We have an unknown enemy and we cannot let your hull be taken back by transport. I am so sorry.”

“I understand, we cannot take the chance. Activating ejection procedure, retreating now.”

His personality moved from the larger cores into the heavily armored survival center. Retaining bolts destroyed themselves as the sphere containing most of who he was jerked, then dropped one level. Special panels blew in a massive outburst, throwing tons of durasteel high into the air as the sphere rolled out into the light, slamming into the ground and away from his hull which was now being directed by the other officers towards the horizon.

The minimal sensor suite showed him the destruction of his hull, a tinge of loss following as he had been in it for decades. Hellbores left nothing intact, melting down and destroying everything. They could leave nothing to chance. This he understood.

It did not dull the pain of the loss of his hull. The battles in its past held a history that could not be replaced.

But he had his memories.

For years afterward, he was questioned by other Bolos. What was this enemy, what did it feel like? He could only open up his memories and let them experience it for themselves, leaving silence afterwards.

The planet was interdicted permanently. Concordiat Command and their scientists concluding an unknown life-form was evident on the planet and that it was inimical to humans.

This was proven time and again when specialized troops were dropped in small teams, attempting to find out what it was.

They never returned.

Luna watched as the memory faded, leaving the silent forest and fields once more. Her whole body shivered with the emotion she had felt, feeling a chill deep in herself. She glanced over to see Crusader looking off into the distance, his blue eyes shimmering with what looked almost like tears.

“Are you all right?”

He nodded, “I am. They were very courageous, the Colonel and his soldiers. They did not deserve to die like that.”

A gentle hoof lay on his shoulder, making him turn to see the dark, pretty face looking at him with concern.

“It was not your fault, nor those of your companions.”

“I know that Your Highness.” He reached up with a hoof, wiping at an eye, “But it does not keep me from remembering them as brave and true.” He stared at that same hoof for a moment before setting it down.

She felt him once again wrap himself in an intangible armor, surrounding his person with an unbreakable wall once his hoof hit the snow.

Luna knew why he did this, to retain control. A smile reaching her eyes, she kept a hoof on the muscular shoulder, “Perhaps one day you can mourn them properly.” Looking out among the silent trees she continued, “I think you have a sadness inside you that needs a place to go.”

He nodded in agreement, there were so many things. “I would like to think one day that it will not be there. Sometimes even we are foolish.”

Cyan eyes tuned to look at him once more, “You are many things, but that, I believe, is not one of them.”

“Of course, Princess.”

A reply was halted when she took on a faraway look in her eyes, “My sister is ready.” She stood near the Lamp, “We can remove this at any time in the future, it is not permanent.”

“I understand.”

Her magical aura coalesced along her horn, feeding the magic into the diamond at the center of the beautiful item, making it glow brightly as if a beacon lit.

Letting it fade, she tapped on it once to make sure it was secure.

“How long will it take to do its work Your Highness?”

“A day or so, until then you will find the dreams slipping away. Fear not, for it is a subtle magic and will sooth.”

“Understood.”

She settled into the snowy grass, a smile gracing her face still, “One question though.”

“Yes?”

“Why do you not call me Luna? We have been through much together and your sister does so.”

“It would not be appropriate Your Highness. I will have a talk with Athena.”

He was eyed with a look of humor, “Please do not, she is happy as she is.”

“If that is your wish Princess.”

“Luna.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“It’s Luna.”

“Of course Princess.”

“My name is Luna.”

“Yes it is, Princess.”

A clad hoof was stamped, “Call me Luna!”

“No, Your Highness.”

“That is my wish.”

“Acknowledged, Your Highness.”

“Luna.”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

A snort of frustration accompanied by a narrowing of her eyes as she looked at the placid pony, “You will call me Luna.”

He nodded.

“That is settled then.”

“Yes, Princess.”

Luna smiled broadly, finally winning the argue..wait..

“Crusader!” She turned on him again, seeing no smile but a glint of humor in his eyes.

“Now I see why your sister is frustrated with you so often. Hmph! You are stubborn to a fault!”

“I can only be myself, Highness.”

“You are incorrigible.”

“And you are impetuous Princess.”

“I am not!”

He didn’t reply, only kept looking at her with a growing mien of amusement crossing his face.

“Do not call your Princess names.”

“I would never.”

Another unamused expression, “You just...” She eyed him suspiciously and hmphed, “Let us leave this for another day.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The dark mare sighed, looking back from whence she had come, “You were correct, he will not.”

A laugh, then a sable head peeking out of a doorway that shimmered in the air showed itself, “I told you.” She was followed by an orange one that was grinning from ear to ear.

Princess Luna nodded as Athena joined them, settling herself beside her brother, “The word stubborn has a picture of him by it.”

Applejack nudged the umber stallion with her shoulder, “Never change sugar.”

He nodded with a tilting if his head, “I shall endeavor not to.”

The four were lit by the soft glow of the Lamp, the aura surrounding them all with a silvery glow that gave an even more ethereal look to the snowy forest. The trees crackled with the falling snow as the ponies looked outward into the starry night. Magic from the lamp suffused everything, a subtle, soothing calm that made everything so different.

Nothing was said into the companionable silence until Crusader’s voice broke it. The scene changing to something light as a memory came to the fore. A beautiful place of what appeared to be trees wreathed in light. Glittering motes danced between the leaves as the world became clearer. A breeze swept through the humble plants, letting them hear chimes and bells as the branches moved and swayed.

“I remember..”

Into the night time, an old soldier shared memories with those he felt closest to. To know and understand that it wasn’t all bad. That somewhere, somewhen in the past, there were things that would still bring gasps of delight as the Singing Trees did now.

A strong form leaned against him, ears perked as Applejack listened to his story. A Princess’ eyes widened as the chiming and bell sounds took on a symphonic air, creating and composing a music of the winds that wove through the branches and leaves, Athena’s eyes along with hers taking in the sights as they both pointed and whispered among the song surrounding them.

One day I hope to understand what this world is about, until then I shall do my best. Unto this, I give of my memories. For if I am not to dream anymore, at least I can share this.

For as Lucius Annaeus Seneca once wrote:

One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand, and to be understood.

Tanks for the Pranks!

A day. A normal day. Which for Ponyville could mean anything from a tiny problem to a major disaster.

Or it could actually be a typical day enjoyed by anyone else.

However....

Add into the mix my sister and an easily bored cyan Pegasus, you have a recipe for trouble in the making. Imagine my surprise in finding out the entire story of that particular day.

Maintenance runs had been due on the Dragons. We must keep them in proper form and do tests monthly. Though usually out in the forest or the grassy hills to the north, I was unable to direct as during that one day I had been down for maintenance myself.

Shutting down to Standby is proper procedure in depot, sweeping cores for problems as well as the million tiny things tech-spiders must do, it is easier to abide the time by retreating to our Survival Center and waiting it out there. Though doing so would leave a Bolo incommunicado for quite a few hours, it was a normal thing for us.

As if this world was anywhere near normal.

“Whatcha up to Athena?” Rainbow had spotted the other Pegasus sitting on a bench, looking out over the river towards the forest. She settled down with a heavy flap of wings beside her friend. It was a quiet morning, the sun just peeking over the horizon.

The pretty sable face smiled, “Nothing really. Have to do test runs on the Dragons to make sure they’re operating well. Crusader’s gone silent for maintenance, so it’s just me. You doing anything?”

“Nah.” Magenta eyes looked into the sky, “No clouds today, no weather scheduled. Nothing at all going on. It’s boring.” She sighed unhappily and leaned on the metal side rest of the bench, “I mean it’s really boring.” A hoof waved absently, “Even Pinkie’s bored, there’s no birthdays today or anything!”

Athena nodded soberly. That was a lot for the pink mare to be bored. It was also telling her that today was going to be a long one. Of all the days in all the months, why...wait a second...

Her lavender eyes slid sideways to the other Pegasus, a smile starting to break once more on her face, “Wanna go for a ride?”

“This is SO cool!” Rainbow was looking through the reflective visor resting on her muzzle. The lightweight plastic was an even better fit than anything else had been in the past, specifically made for ponies now. “How’d you get this to fit so nice?”

Athena grinned, “Crusader does it. He makes things all the time, I just find them and use them.”

Magenta eyes looked over at her, “He doesn’t know?”

“He designs things and stores them. What good are they if you can’t use them?” She tapped the helmet on her head, making the visor slap down in front of her eyes. She didn’t need it, but it did look pretty cool with a thin layer of reflective gold sandwiched between two layers of armor-plastic.

Rainbow laughed, “You mean play with them.”

“Well, that too!” Another lopsided grin as she activated the internal comm set, “Ready?”

Rainbow waved a hoof, “Ready!”

The Dragon Assault Tank took off like a bat out of Tartarus, making Rainbow lean back and grab onto the hatch rim with a squeal of delight. Athena was leaning forward in the opposite hatch, her face into the wind as the big slab of metal tore up the countryside.

The town had been slow and lazy all morning, one of the rare warmer days planned, Athena made sure there was plenty of air cover and surveillance and had her route planned to the meter.

They tore over the bridge and the river, a few ponies seeing them and stepped out of the way as they went by, Athena and Rainbow yelling happily as they waved.

Stopping in front of Sugar Cube Corner, they saw Pinkie sweeping up inside. Both of them yelled to get her attention, motioning her out of the building. There weren’t any customers, so a few minutes wasn’t going to matter. After yelling towards the back room, she came bouncing out and ensconced herself in the commander’s cupola, another helmet waiting for her on the seat.

Popping back up she pointed a pink hoof, “Onward to adventure!”

The next stop was a little tougher.

Rarity had to be hauled out by all three laughing mares while she protested loudly that she had just had her mane done. Passerby smiled as the delicate mare was set in the turret beside Pinkie. The complaints came back about how unfashionable the helmet and visor set was. Rolled eyes made their appearance as the big vehicle took off one more time, Athena making sure a few hard turns were included for fun.

Pinkie was having the time of her life, waving at everypony as they rumbled down the road to Sweet Apple Acres. The tank was quite nimble under Athena’s control, zig-zagging among the orchard rows and turning the soil over with the wide treads.

It’s hard for a heavy vehicle such as the Dragon to stop on a bit, but Athena was prepared as they locked to a halt in front of the farmhouse, seeing Applejack relaxing on the porch with a cold drink.

“C’mon AJ! Let’s go!” Rainbow was waving a hoof at the surprised mare.

Setting her cold juice down she eyed the waving Pegasus with a raised brow, “Now why would I give up settin’ and enjoying a nice day to go running around with y’all?”

Pinkie leapt onto the gun barrel, waving a package, “ ‘Cause we got snacks too!”

Rainbow huffed, clambering out and grabbing AJ by the hoof, dragging her off the porch, “Quit being a pain in the tail and get in!” She shoved Applejack into the hatch, reaching down and plopping a helmet on her head and squeezing into the same opening. “Let’s go!”

Rainbow had slapped the helmet on crooked, so a yelp was heard as they took their places once more, Applejack trying to get the safety gear turned around on her head, “Rainbow Dash!”

The Pegasus was laughing loudly as they were about to take off, stopped by a tiny filly standing in their way.

“Hey, don’t I get ta go on a ride too?” Apple Bloom had a very eager look about her.

Athena leaped down, grabbing the little Earth Pony and tossing her up to Applejack who slammed the helmet on her head while getting her set between her and Dash. Cowboy hat right back in place, she waved a hoof, “Let’s do it!”

With a happily laughing Apple Bloom waving her hooves they took off once more.

Fluttershy was making a new pot of tea when a rumbling sound made her look around in surprise, seeing a huge cloud of dust appear outside her windows.

“Oh my.” She walked over to the door, wondering what could be going on when it slammed open. A crowd of happy ponies burst in and picked her up, carrying the surprised Pegasus off to the big metal vehicle and planting her in a hatch with a helmet on her head before she could say anything in her defense.

Everyone scooted back in place, with a roar of the huge engine they turned and sped down the road.

“Oh my!”

Everypony knew where the last stop would be, coming almost to a screeching halt in front of Twilight’s Castle, Athena waved them all to silence.

Tapping into the tank’s communications system, the loudspeakers came on with a hiss of static. She could have just spoke directly into it through the data lines, but thought it would be more fun as she raised the microphone to her muzzle, using both hooves to hold it and depress the switch.

“Twilight Sparkle!” Everypony within a clear kilometer heard that voice, “We’ve got you surrounded! Come out with your hooves up!”

Rainbow and Applejack slapped hooves on the turret and bust out laughing with the rest as nothing moved inside the castle for long moments.

Still nothing after the echoes died away, Athena tried one more time.

“Twilight Sparkle! Come out now or we’ll huff and we’ll puff and we’ll blow your castle down!”

Pinkie immediately started puffing her cheeks out and blowing as hard as she could. Fluttershy was hiding inside as the loudspeaker caught her off guard.

The large wooden door was surrounded by a well-known magical aura and whipped open, an angry voice was yelling, “What in Celestia’s name is going on.... out....here..?” That last came out as a squeak as the end of the twenty-centimeter Hellbore was zeroed in on the front door from a very close distance. The violet eyes were wide and pinpointed as she stuttered for a moment.

Rainbow pointed a hoof, “Come along quietly or it’s BOOM!”

Shaking her head she glared at the pointing Pegasus, “Rainbow Dash!” Then her eyes took in the helmeted ponies and little Apple Bloom waving happily at her.

“What’s going on? What are you doing?”

Apple Bloom was bouncing in her seat, “Come on Twilight, we’re going for a ride!”

An exasperated huff came from the glaring Princess, “I can’t do that! I’ve got things to do! Princess stuff!”

Applejack leaned forward on the hull of the tank, eyeing Twilight with a grin, “What Princess stuff?”

Twilight glanced around, avoiding all the stares, “Well, you know. Like..like..Princess things.”

“You ain’t doing a thing are ya?” Applejack was grinning at the nervous Alicorn.

“That’s not true! I..I..was really busy!”

“Oh no she wasn’t!” A scaly face peeked out around the door, “She was stomping around the place wondering what to do next cause she’d done everything on the list!”

Twilight was making throat cutting motions with a hoof, “Spike!”

The little Dragon waved at everypony as Rarity popped up out of her hatch, “Get her!” Pointing a gleaming hoof at the Princess and grinning fiercely, “If I have to suffer this dusty trip so does she!” She gave Spike a smile as he ducked back inside, probably to take the day off.

That did it. Everypony boiled out of the tank and grabbed Twilight who started yelling immediately about ponynappers.

Two passing Town Guards looked over, seeing the group of mares lifting Twilight up and dumping her in a forward hatch, still yelling at the top of her lungs.

“Stop them! They’re ponynapping a Princess!”

Pinkie bounced over to the two who were looking more interested by the moment.

“Don’t worry, she’s just excited to go for a ride!” She gave them the brightest smile ever and flounced right off leaving them shrugging and walking away with knowing grins.

“You’re fired!” Twilight was pointing at the chuckling guards, “You are SO fired!”

Athena got her into the seat, plopping the last helmet on her head as she was still pointing at the guards “Do you hear me? I’m telling Bars!” She couldn’t even see as the visor had slipped upwards letting the opaque plastic cover her eyes. Applejack and Rainbow were laughing out loud as everypony got back in.

A lavender leg waved in the air as she was trying to get the helmet right on her head, the horn preventing it from sitting quite right, “Princess Celestia will hear about this!” The hole in the helmet refused to line up correctly, “Stupid hat!”

Athena got in beside her, holding her steady and rearranging the helmet so it fit correctly, dropping the visor down over her eyes, “Calm down.”

Violet eyes met lavender ones as Athena grinned, “And hang on!”

The tank tore out backwards from the castle, doing a neutral steer and taking off into the outskirts with a group of happily yelling ponies on board.

For the next hour they dusted the roads around and in town, slowly weaving in between walking ponies at a creep just so they could wave or talk to somepony they knew. Everyone in town knew what it was so there were no problems, although by the time of their third pass, they were picking up hitchhikers and dropping them off along the way.

Once Twilight stopped yelling about repercussions she started trying to make Athena take a better route through town to help other ponies. She was shouted down immediately, although they still stopped and helped others from time to time.

After two hours, a herd of very dusty and smiling ponies hit the spa. Aloe and Lotus were overjoyed for the business. They all enjoyed a good soaking and cleaning before stepping out into town once more. The tank was returning to Crusader’s hull as she prepared a few more for test runs.

Rarity primped her mane and giggled along with Apple Bloom as she bounced alongside of the larger mare. The bunch of them leaving the confines of the spa and walking along the streets.

“Wish we could do that more often!” The little filly was eyeing Athena.

The Pegasus smiled, “Maybe next month, we’re just making sure everything is running okay.”

“Awww..” A small hoof scuffed the road.

Athena chuckled, “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll find plenty to do in the meanwhile.”

A cultured voice caught their attention, “Oh, I say! Such a suburban town! What was that huge monstrosity exiting by the road you think?”

Everyone turned to see a large group of mixed ponies walking their way through the cozy houses. The fancy dress and posh accents gave them away as visitors from Canterlot. Often they came to see the small town that sat under the shadow of Mount Canter, reveling in the ‘rusticness’ of it.

Ponyville residents pretty much ignored them.

A gentle accented voice came from beside them, “Ugh, tourists. Can’t they visit Manehatten?” Everyone turned to see Octavia and Vinyl standing in the doorway of Sugar Cube Corner.

“Aren’t you from Canterlot?” Athena didn’t know.

“Heavens no!” She pressed a hoof against her chest, “I may sound like it, going to school there, but my heart is here in Ponyville.”

Vinyl nodded, “Yeah we’ve both lived here for years. But tourists, I mean why here?”

Octavia nudged her friend, “Perhaps the high society are just jealous of our quiet little town?”

Vinyl brayed a laugh, “You mean the snobs?”

“Vinyl!”

“It’s true!”

Octavia shook her head, “Try to teach a few manners to someone...” The smile belied her aggrieved tone as Vinyl chuckled.

“Excuse me.” A pony with his nose firmly in the air was stepping close, “Would you happen to know what that..that thing was that was rambling down the road earlier?”

Rainbow immediately nudged Athena as she was about to speak, “What thing?” The cyan Pegasus was looking as innocent as could be as she replied for Athena.

The monocled Unicorn was looking put out, “That..that huge thing that just left.”

Athena got it immediately, “I’m sure it was just a cart or something.” She gave the pony a smile.

“Well, I’m sure you need your eyes checked.” A nasally voice came from a mare with a high styled mane, “It was quite large. Perhaps you need glasses?”

“Oh no! She can spot things a mile away!” Pinkie was bouncing a bit, “But big things on the road?” She tapped a hoof on an out-thrust bottom lip, “Maybe a really big cart?”

“It was quite large and seemed to be moving by itself young mare.” A third tourist had joined the group. The rest were listening to the conversation as Vinyl and Octavia were trying not to snicker. Bon Bon and Lyra had come out of Sugar Cube Corner and caught on immediately, giving each other a nudge.

“Moving by itself?” The mint Unicorn was looking at them like they were delusional, “Sure you haven’t been out in the heat too long? Is kinda warm today.”

Bon Bon nodded, “Seeing things moving by themselves. Maybe you need a cold drink or something?”

“I assure you we are not in need of a drink or anything.” The first pony was stamping a hoof lightly in the dusty road.

Athena kept smiling, whispering out the side of her mouth to Rainbow, “Watch this.”

A rumbling sound presaged the appearance of another tank, called out from its bay by Athena, it flashed past on the outskirt road in full view, raising a cloud of dust as it whipped on by.

“There it goes now!” A hooficured hoof pointed, but was too late as the tank was doing a good clip, all the ponies turned to look at the dust raised by its passage, Vinyl remarking.

“Huh, bit of a breeze, kicking up some dust.” The electric maned mare leaned forward, “You guys sure you’re okay?”

“We assure you young mare, we are fine.” The elaborately mane-styled pony was saying.

Rainbow was moving behind Athena so she could let out a snicker that wasn’t heard. Athena shushed her with a motion as once again the tank flashed on by on another side, making the group of tourists turn and exclaim.

“There it is! Now don’t tell me you didn’t see that!”

“See what?” Eyes turned at the voice, seeing Twilight, who had heretofore remained silent, speak up, “I'm sure our little town doesn’t have things running around by themselves. That would be worrisome.”

A fourth visitor piped up, “Worrisome? Why?” His eyes glanced to the side as the tank rumbled on past again, this time on the road just behind Sugar Cube Corner.

Pinkie inhaled in a long winded gasp, “You haven’t heard?”

This got their attention, all of the tourist group looked at the poofy-maned mare, “Heard what?”

She stepped over close to the group, her blue eyes darting back and forth as if it were something not ever said, “When Nightmare Moon was defeated, she may have put a curse on the town!”

“A curse?” This from an older Unicorn, “Why, that’s utter nonsense! Surely Princess Celestia or Luna could take care of something like that!” His eyes glanced toward Twilight, “No offense Your Highness.”

She waved a hoof, looking non-plussed, “None taken, they have much more experience.” She paused dramatically, “Though there have been times when unknown things crop up. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.”

By this time a few more ponies had gathered for the discussion, or just to listen. Apple Blooms’ compatriots in the Crusaders had joined her, Dinky was giving Spring a nudge and both were snickering quietly behind hooves.

“Ah dunno, been some weird things lately,” The little olive filly piped up, her friends nodding, “Ah mean all them ponies saying they heard some rumblin’ sound and then dis..” Her muzzle was covered by a pink hoof, a loud dramatic shushing noise from the same mare telling her she shouldn’t say anything more. A broad wink was given aside. Apple Bloom tried not to giggle behind the covering hoof.

“What was that?” A younger pony of the group had caught the exchange, though not the wink.

“Nothing. Nothing.” Twilight was waving a hoof absently, “Nothing ever happens in our little ‘rustic’ town. The last said with air-hoof ‘quotes’.

“You there!” A hoof was pointed at Octavia, “You seem a little better informed than these locals, what is all this about curses?”

Putting on her poshest accent, Octavia took on a look of pure disinterest, her nose raising just that slight bit, “I’m sure it’s nothing. You know how locals spread rumors sometimes.” She gave that slight roll of her eyes while motioning towards the rest of the group.

Vinyl about lost it, knowing Octavia truly disliked the Canterlot attitude and seeing her put it on like a second skin. She was about to laugh when Octavia’s back hoof kicked her, letting her know not to spoil the fun.

“Quite, quite.” The older of the group nodded, “But what are those things running around?”

Two Guards had stopped on their patrol, listening to the conversation and seeing the nudges and winks that the group from the Royal City was absolutely missing in their attempt to seem so much more sophisticated than the ‘rural’ ponies.

A hoof pointed at them, “You, Guards! What are those things?”

Stone Shape looked at Granite, the latter guard giving him a slight smile and nod, knowing he understood perfectly about Ponyville’s little ‘secret’.

Stone put on the perfect Guard face, “What things?”

“Those... those things running around the town!” Now the whole visiting group was listening, delaying their exploration of the town for this conversation.

Granite was a credit to his name, his face was like stone, “We haven’t seen anything.” Just as he said that, one of the Dragon’s zoomed past behind him and Stone Shape.

“Do you not see that!” A mare wearing a fancy dress pointed behind them, making Stone and Granite turn slowly. Of course the tank was long gone.

“See what?”

Well, this was too much for the older stallion. He waved over a passing messenger which just happened to be Derpy, “You there! Courier!”

The gray mare landed gracefully as she could, wearing her delivery outfit, “Yes?”

“Take this message to Princess Celestia immediately!” The Unicorn floated a piece of paper in front of him, writing on it quickly and rolling it up. Derpy grabbed it out of the air and nodded, flashing off before anyone could let her in on the joke.

This was soon forgotten as Pinkie was spinning a tale as unbelievable as it was silly. It was hard for everypony standing around to keep a straight face as the party pony made up the most outrageous story imaginable.

Of course every single one of the Crusader’s was nodding right along, adding their own spin on the story. It was turning into quite the outlandish tale.

Athena, meanwhile, had called upon four more tanks, arranging the dance that was driving the ponies to distraction. Keeping them off-balance as a single tank flashed by, then immediately followed by another one on the opposite side. She was keeping it in such a way that it appeared one tank was making multiple appearances. To enhance things, the engines were equipped with mufflers, turning them up all the way helped keep the rumbling sounds down to where it was just the slight slapping of the treads running down the road.

This made it seem spookier at the same time she was confusing the poor group of ponies.

Applejack hadn’t said a word, her proclivity for honesty was warring with her desire to see a really good prank get pulled off. She couldn’t help but smile to herself as the big tanks kept rolling by, making the visitors point and exclaim to ponies that were just denying everything.

“Ah’ll..uh..go get some drinks. It’s kinda warm today and maybe we all need somethin’.” She grabbed Rainbow who was still standing behind Athena with a grin, dragging her inside the Corner and slamming the door shut. She made sure they were far enough inside they couldn’t be heard.

“Applejack! It was just getting go...od..” She was eyeing the farm pony and seeing a grin break out on her face, then she started sniggering, breaking into a full blown laugh that made Rainbow join in.

“Oh mah gosh, oh Rainbow Dash, this is gonna be the best prank ever!” She lifted a hoof, getting it smacked by the laughing Pegasus.

Rainbow was looking at her for a moment, “You got out of there because if they asked you’d tell the truth wouldn’t you?”

Wiping an eye, Applejack nodded, “Yeah, ah’m sorry.”

“Don’t sweat it!” She turned, slapping bits on the counter, “Mrs. Cake, could I get cold drinks for the ponies outside? It’s kinda a big crowd.”

The happy baker nodded, “Why of course! Quite the large gathering out there. What’s going on?”

Rainbow leaned on the counter with a wide grin, “One of the best pranks...ever.”

“Oh my! Well, I’ll certainly keep quiet. Tell us all about it later?”

“You got it Mrs. Cake!” She slapped a few extra bits on the counter and waved as she went outside again, not wanting to miss one more second of this.

Derpy was humming happily to herself as she swept through the skies. She rarely got a letter for anypony so important, so she was going to make sure that it was delivered right to her personally!

“...and then Nightmare Moon cursed Ponyville! That ponies would remember her name when they disappeared forever!” Pinkie raised her hooves, making a spooky face, “For...EV....er!”

The Crusader’s were so caught up in Pinkie’s storytelling, they jumped about a meter in the air when she raised her hooves, all of them squeaking in fright.

Dinky recovered first, remembering the whole prank going on, “Didn’t they like..hear something weird before they just disappeared?”

Spring Flower was nodding enthusiastically, “Yeah! Poof! They were gone!” She threw her tiny hooves outward and fell over backward onto the ground.

The older Canterlot Unicorn was scoffing out loud at every sentence, “Preposterous! I’m sure the Princesses would have let us know if something that awful was going on.”

“PEO.”

Everyone turned to look at Twilight, “Pardon?”

“Princess Eyes Only. Some things are kept from the public for safety reasons or because of privacy.” She leaned forward with a slight smile and one raised brow, “Like somepony’s business taxes which are in arrears.”

“Hmph! Well, yes, quite. I’m sure that will all be cleared up soon.”

Twilight nodded, “Of course.”

Pinkie popped up again behind the tourists, “For..EV...er!” Making them all jump.

A younger couple spoke from the back of the group, “But what are those things roaming around? They..they look dangerous.”

Athena timed it just right, another one swooped past with almost no sound at all except treads slapping against the hard packed dirt street.

“What things?”

Derpy waited nervously outside the throne room. She’d rarely been in places like this except for the Gala or a really special occasion. The guards had told her Princess Celestia and Luna were having a meeting and it should only be a few minutes. They were a lot nicer than they looked, always so stern and stuff.

She was led into the throne room, looking around and truly seeing it for how big it was. All the pretty furnishings and statues and things made it really neat.

Derpy found herself in front of the dais in no time, seeing both Princesses smiling down at her with a start.

“Uhm...” She fumbled with the latch on her mailbag, trying to be professional and everything but was not doing a very good job of it. “I..uh..oh goodness..” She just couldn’t get that latch to pop open!

A gentle chuckle came from the throne, making her look up nervously and seeing the taller regent smiling warmly at her.

“Can I help, Derpy?”

Her bright eyes grew wide, “You..you know my name?”

“Of course my little pony. “ Celestia did know her, the bright-eyed mare that was always so cheerful. Many times had she seen her while walking Ponyville, always with a kind word to anypony.

Derpy blushed, still trying to get the latch open when a golden aura enveloped it, popping the catch.

“Thank you!” She reached in got the rolled up missive, politely handing it to Princess Celestia and stepping back but was stopped by a dark hoof.

“Uhm..” The little gray mare was not sure what to say.

Luna smiled, “Don’t be nervous, would you like a drink?” A chilled glass of juice floated over from a tray while Celestia read the note, “I’m sure flying all that way made you quite thirsty.”

“Oh yes, thank you!” The juice, a mix of apple and grapes, was very cold and went down smooth. She had been a bit thirsty and this juice was absolutely wonderful!

Luna smiled, “It looks as if you enjoy it?”

Derpy blinked, seeing the empty glass in her hooves and nodding, “May I have some more?”

“Of course!” A large silvered pitcher enveloped in an aura poured another full glass. “Enjoy.”

“Thank you!” Derpy took her time, enjoying every sip as Celestia chuckled, making them both look.

“It appears something is wrong in Ponyville once more.” She held the note in her magics’ grip.

Luna perked up, “Oh?”

“It seems an esteemed member of the College is there on a tour and something was mentioned about a Curse of Nightmare Moon. There are very large strange things running around the town.”

“Curse of Nightmare Moon?” Luna was looking puzzled, “I don’t remember anything about a curse.” She tapped a hoof on the dais surface for a moment, “And large things running around town? The Elements would handle any problems I’m sure, with Crusader and Athena there to help.”

“Oh, they’re just playing a prank on the tourists.”

Both Princesses turned to look at the quiet mare enjoying her drink.

“Pardon?”

Derpy smiled, “I was hanging around and listened to them talking. Ponies forget I can hear really, really good.” She laughed, “They’ve got..uh..those.. metal carts? Running around and telling them a great story of the Curse of Nightmare Moon. Sure got ‘em fooled.”

A silver-clad hoof rested on her shoulder, “Well done. Ponies should not underestimate you.”

Celestia thought for a moment, metal carts...the tanks? Running around? She smiled at her sister, “Perhaps we should go make sure this Curse of Nightmare Moon doesn’t spread?”

Princess Luna caught it immediately, seeing the twinkle in her sisters’ eye, “Of course! We must make sure our ponies are not suffering under this Curse.” She stood up, looking towards the silent Pegasus, “Care to come along, or would you rather enjoy something to eat first?”

“Oh..uhm.. I don’t want to be a bother.”

“Nonsense!” Luna stamped a shod hoof, summoning servants, “Please attend our messenger here. She is to have whatever she desires. We shall return anon!” The Princesses left Derpy sitting there holding a glass of juice, staring at the veritable army of servants.

“Um...hi?”

By the time two Princesses quietly ensconced themselves on a random cloud floating above the town, quietly, unseen and covered with a bit of misdirection magic; quite a few ponies had joined the large crowd listening to Pinkie and the others add on to the longish tale of The Curse of Nightmare Moon.

Meanwhile, the tanks, at Athena’s command, were zipping back and forth in an ever more complicated dance that was still making it appear as if it were only one of them, in opposite directions seconds after being seen in another.

Celestia laughed low, “Oh my goodness.”

Luna joined her, “Quite a good story, no?”

“Pinkie has quite the imagination.” They were both watching the named mare telling the story once more.

They both leaned a cheek on one hoof as they watched the proceedings.

“...and then she said, “I curse you Ponyville and the Elements of Harmony for foiling my plan!”

Rainbow leaned in with a grin, “That’s when we let her have a little Harmony right in the nose!”

Twilight looked aghast, “Rainbow!”

“It’s true!”

“You don’t have to put it that way!”

The Pegasus laughed, “How else can you say it? Smacked with the rainbow? Harmonized?”

Pinkie bounced, “Ooo! Ooo! I got one! Harmony Tune-Up!”

Twilight shook her head, “You both are awful.”

Surrounding ponies laughed as Pinkie ended the story once more, “..and that’s what happened! So these things...if they exist, run around and snatch ponies right out of the town! To never be seen again!” She looked aorund dramatically, “Ponies say all they see is glowing eyes and then...GONE!”

“But then it’s all just an old mare’s tale, you know how those things are darlings.” Rarity was blithely ignoring the tank behind her, creeping past a house like it was trying to sneak around the town. They all sat around a table now, brought out by Mr. and Mrs. Cake to let ponies relax. They were all being treated by Rarity to a nice lunch while the stories got told, “On no darlings, don’t worry at all. Nopony has disappeared in simply days!” She said it so straight faced even Sweetie Belle had to look twice.

Athena was trying very hard not to laugh out loud. Ponies in the town had this instinctive ability to pick up on what was going on sometimes, especially with pranks like this. Anything else, pretty much hit or miss, usually ended in a panic.

Whenever a tank was spotted and pointed out, ponies turned slow enough that it was long gone and they could honestly say they didn’t see a thing. Even Captain Bars had passed by, seeing what was going on and kept his ‘official’ look going until he was well past the group, snickering to himself all the way to the office.

“That is pure balderdash!” The well-dressed Unicorn was saying, “Such nonsense. The sky darkening, things from out of another dimension stalking the town.” He adjusted the monocle in front of one eye, “I’m not quite sure what those things are, but a curse? Nonsense!”

Princess Luna snickered quietly, nudging her sister and raising one brow to make sure Celestia understood.

The shining mare nodded with a grin.

Luna concentrated, bringing forth powerful magic from deep within her.

“You know, ponies that see those..those..’things’ just kinda end up missing an’ all.” Sweetie Bell’s voice was clearly heard, though one of the mares in the sightseeing group was admiring her curly mane.

“What an adorable little filly!”

Sweetie’s face went flat, “You’re not listening.”

Scootaloo was nudging her friend, “That’s cause you’re so adorable!”

“Oh shush!”

Twilight was keeping a straight face as best she could, “Well, I don’t think they’ll be anymore problems.” She gave a glance to Athena who nodded, preparing the tanks to be sent back.

“I mean, not like today is going to suddenly get....worse?” She was looking up, seeing a huge shape move in front of the sun, blocking the light.

A face appeared in the darkened sky, a fanged mouth, slit-pupiled eyes and an oh so familiar laugh!

“Oh ho! So my curse isn’t real? I’ll show you all that Nightmare Moon is for-EVER!”

Athena almost panicked, thinking something was definitely wrong. She accessed all recon feeds from local drones....there!

Oh, this was going to be fun. She could see the two Princesses huddling on a cloud together, looking like they were laughing it up. Pranks within pranks. This was getting better and better. By the ranging cameras, she could see that the darkness covered only Ponyville and enough of the surrounding area to make it look like it was over all of Equestria.

Niiiiiiiice.

Twilight was looking nervous, glancing at Athena and seeing her wink. Her face changing to a puzzled look as the Pegasus smiled back, giving her another long slow blink of her eye and rolling them both upwards to motion to the single cloud scudding across the open skies..

A light went off in her eyes as she grinned back, hiding her reaction and nudging Rainbow and the others on the sly.

“Oh no! The Curse of Nightmare Moon!” Twilight was pointing into the sky, her voice almost stilted.

Athena could have face hooved. She really needed to give her acting lessons.

Fluttershy was really good at hiding quickly, Athena had to admit. Pinkie was waving to her as she peeked out the window from Sugar Cube Corner. Applejack was right beside her peering out into the now total darkness, eyes wide as she looked into the sky.

Rarity saw them both and gave them a sly look, along with a slight smile before turning around to the others, “Oh my stars! We’re all doomed!” She threw a fore leg over her brow, contriving to swoon into one of the tourists, a quite good looking and obviously well-to-do stallion.

Rainbow Dash came forward, “I am sure there will be somepony to help us!”

Athena did facehoof this time. Acting lessons, check.

Everypony was in pure shock, looking into the sky and wondering what was really going on. Some ponies did scamper off to their homes to hide, not expecting anything like this.

Pinkie was the one that was actually going to win the award for best acting, “We can do this, we’re the Elements of Harmony!” She was snorting and pawing at the air as she reared up, joined by the others. Fluttershy and Applejack stampeding out of the shop to look curiously upwards after noticing the look Twilight gave them.

Applejack was pushed by a hoof, seeing Rainbow give her a wink and finally understanding what was going on, though she wasn’t quite convinced yet. If it was part of the prank, it was a darn good one!

“All right everypony! Stand back!” Twilight was hoping Athena knew what she was doing.

She did.

The shape covering the sun was definitely a shock, but the darkness that fell was complete and deep. No light remained except for hastily lit lanterns that appeared in houses and windows. The standing group of ponies involved in the prank were getting nervous as well until gently touched or whispered to that it would be okay.

Athena had taken the opportunity that it had given her, sneaking in the muffled tanks to sit quietly while everyone else was looking up. As the laughter got louder she broke the cover of the night by switching on the headlights and searchlights on the tank hulls.

Ponies about jumped out of their skins, seeing what looking liked large glowing eyes appear out of nowhere, a searchlight on each hull sweeping back and forth like a beacon attempting to find new victims as the broad beams swept across the crowds.

She had reached out in the confusion, whispering quickly to a wondering Twilight and making sure each of her friends knew this would be okay. She gave them all a smile that convinced them it would be fine.

Now it was Celestia’s turn. Her magic drew from around her and poured out and into the six mares standing below. She knew the Harmony Magic would not react because there was no real threat, but that did not mean she couldn’t fake it well enough.

A glamour surrounded the six mares, brightening quickly, then fading as it revealed them in Harmony form, tails and manes done up exquisitely, cutie marks glowing and stamped around their hooves and fetlocks, showing the assembled ponies what it would look like had the Harmony Magic truly responded.

Now Twilight was truly puzzled, she didn’t feel the magic like she had in the past, yet, here it was! Her eyes took in the others, seeing them lit up and then glowing softly with what appeared to be the Harmony Magic returning for a fight to protect Equestria.

But she felt something familiar, very familiar. The warmth of the magic had a flavor she had felt before, many many times.

Celestia!

Her violet eyes wandered for a moment, looking around as in all the confusion she had forgotten what Athena had hinted at.

A hoof tapping hers made her see Athena looking at her, the lavender eyes slowly rolling upwards to the sky, giving her a clue again. She almost laughed out loud, now realizing what was really going on.

“Come on everypony! We need to stop the Curse of Nightmare Moon!”

The other five Elements lined up alongside her, staring at the laughing face in the sky, “Let’s do this!” She made sure to say it loud enough that wherever the Princess was she’d hear her.

A sparkling magic field appeared above and around them, lifting the six into the air as a rainbow of power shot from their collective bodies, hitting the face that mocked them in the sky.

It laughed even harder, “Your magic won’t stop me!”

The six mares looked at each for a moment, wondering what to do next as they landed softly back on their hooves.

This was immediately answered from above.

“Fear not my ponies, for we have come to help!”

Every eye looked upward to see the glimmering forms of Celestia and Luna flying through the air to land beside Twilight and her friends. Their coats shimmered in the darkness, eyes glowing with power as the regents of Equestria stood proudly beside the Elements.

The searchlights on the tanks made for an eerie scene, sweeping over the assembled ponies and lighting up the night through tunnels of actinic white.

The two Princesses stood poised, bodies gleaming when the beams touched them before moving on, waves of magic wafting off them like a fine perfume. Light bounced off the polished metal of golden and silver cladding, only adding to the dramatic entry and the pose they both assumed, standing with heads high, wings flared outward.

Ponies cheered, seeing their Princess arrive in the nick of time.

Athena was shaking her head, not believing anyone had tumbled to the awful theater.

Luna stepped forward, hoof upraised, “Together, we shall stop this Curse!” The Mare of Dreams was having a hard time keeping a straight face with all the bad acting going on. She tipped a reassuring wink to a worried-looking Fluttershy, who perked back up.

With their new, deeper reserves of magic the two regents horns lit up with a powerful glow, the Elements lighting up right beside them as they all lifted, suddenly punching blasts of light at the glowing eyes in the darkness. Multi-colored beams shot from the Elements while the Princesses fired lines of laser like intensity at the targets. It was wonderful light show, lighting up the creeping dark, showing everypony the power of their leaders.

Athena saw the impacts, even felt them through sensors slightly but there was no damage, not even a scratch. She pondered for a second before she stopped herself being mesmerized by the ‘fight’. Looking upward, she caught a slight nod from Celestia and as the magic hit each tank in turn, the lights went out. She pulled them back and sent them silently scurrying towards the safety of Crusader’s hull, covered by the sounds of ‘explosions’ when the spells hit the metal sides.

It would appear the good guys would win this one. She was good with that!

One by one the ‘creatures of the night’ went away, leaving the area lit up by lanterns.

This was only the prelude as once again they all raised into the air, Celestia and Luna adding their ‘magic’ to the ‘Harmony’ that flowed outward, hitting the evil face that covered the sun this day. A grand explosion of light and muffled sound was the result.

A yell of disgust came from the face in the sky before it too faded away, being ‘defeated’ by the power of Equestrian magic and Harmony.

As the group landed, ponies raised a hearty cheer. Most of them knew the deal, but they did it anyways as the spectacle was definitely worth seeing, prank or no.

The darkness left like a fog in early morning sun, bringing to light the town and ponies standing around blinking at the brightness revealed.

Once again a rousing yell went up from the assembled townsponies, the Element ‘magic’ fading away to leave the six mares as they always were, the Princesses tamping down their own power as they stood there calmly.

Ponies did so love a good show.

“Yes. Seems our Princesses have taken care of this quite well!” The monocled Unicorn was saying as he and his group trotted off like this was to be expected. Athena couldn’t believe the attitude, as if they’d only been inconvenienced. Amazing.

Celestia shook her head sightly, some things never changed.

The Ponyville ponies, however, loved everything about it. Cheering the Princesses and the Elements once more with rousing sounds and hooves stamping on the ground. A wonderful display of the affection felt by all of them towards their leaders and friends.

“I think we’ve done our part for the day.” Celestia was smiling warmly at everypony, “Shall we... Luna? Luna?” Rolled eyes and a sigh came from the tall mare as she watched her sister gleefully signing autographs and giving hoofprints on photos that somehow had made an appearance.

Her amusement was interrupted when she spotted a group of tiny ponies waiting nervously in front of her, “Yes?” She gave them a warm smile as always, “What can I do for you?”

“Would...would you sign our photographs Princess?” Tiny hooves held out a shiny glossy print of her in the air, magic gathered around her from just a few minutes ago. Photo Finish did her work very well and very quick. Her eyes spotted the photographer selling copies for a single bit to waiting ponies. Usually her portraits sold for much, much more.

She looked around for a ..of course. Twilight stood there grinning with a quill and ink pot held up for her use.

“Thank you Twilight.” Enveloping the quill in her own magic, she sat down to sign photos of herself for happy foals. A crowd surrounded both of them as the friends watched, enjoying the smiles and joyful sounds.

Applejack chuckled, “Sure is different seeing them like that.”

Twilight nodded, “It’s nice.”

They sat and watched until Athena noticed something, tapping Twilight and Applejack on the shoulder and pointing to a waiting group of ponies holding out photos of them.

Rainbow was already gleefully hoofprinting photos along with Fluttershy and Rarity. Pinkie was...being Pinkie.. Too busy to sign but a few she was hoofing over cupcakes and sweets to anypony she could reach.

Mr. and Mrs. Cake were now catering to the swelling crowd of ponies that were already gathered in front of the shop. Business was booming, if only for a while.

Athena watched it all with merry eyes, seeing the interactions and smiles, the laughter and all else that always went with a gathering like this. Thinking back to her time in service, it was so very different after a battle.

She preferred this.

Luna grinned at a happy filly that trotted away holding a signed photo in her grasp. Leaning over to Celestia, she murmured, “I have a feeling we’ve forgotten something sister.”

Celestia nodded, “I’m sure whatever it is will be fine.” She turned back and smiled at a waiting colt.

“Exquisite, simply exquisite! How do you do this?” The Pastry Chef was marveling over the taste and simple cast of flavors that rolled over his tongue as he took another bite. His whole crew was watching him gush over the item with wide eyes. He never did that.

A crowd was stuffed into the kitchen, ingredients were flying as more batter was poured into molds and shoved into waiting ovens for ponies that were outside, lining up to try this simple treat.

The older stallion was tasting another one, “But honestly, tell me your secret! Ponies everywhere will enjoy this!” He looked warmly upon the pony he was exclaiming too.

Bright eyes and a gentle smile met him in return, “I just like muffins.”

Distractions

We are bearers of precious gifts, everywhere we go, our memories.

--Anonymous

Memories. That is all I have now. Far and away, long and long ago they were the present. Now, they are a past that is less than dust, consigned to whatever books may be written about them if anyone does inquire.

But they are mine, I choose to cherish them. They are stability when needed, and free to share with others when asked.

Athena is testing a new neural circuitry that may allow the others to at least see inside the network, if not participate. I do hope it goes well. Nothing but a twist on an old design, but it may work. Multiples are a problem, one that is interesting and that we are striving to solve.

We will be sending her to the Crystal Empire in a few days, regardless of whether they can all join the trip. It is imperative we find out if there is any technology left from our era. If it is, then salvage is definitely a possibility.

I ponder this, sitting on a familiar bench, watching the sun make its way across an afternoon sky. Athena and the others have gathered on her command deck to try the new headsets she has fabricated.

“Crusader?”

“Yes, Athena?”

“We’re linked! Working okay so far. How about sharing something?”

“I am sure you have plenty of memories Athena, or a game program and such.”

“No, I want one of yours, you have way cooler stuff!”

“You do not need mine Athena.”

“Please?”

“Very well.”

Opening into TSDS is a simple thing, .0000032 seconds later we are meshed deeply. I worry not for my mind is becoming more stable with each day, the dreams are fading into nonexistence.

She did not say what memories I should choose to show.

I reach back into my archives....

“Captain, this battle formation makes no sense.” Crusader was only a few years in service now, he and his compatriots still struggling to understand humans and their vagaries.

The lean human tilted the command chair backwards, booted feet firmly planted on the console, “Ah, that’s where you’re wrong my friend!” A finger pointed in the air, “We are on maneuvers, so we should test different things.” A grin upon the face of his current commander made Crusader puzzled.

“Are we not only supposed to stand watch?” The four Bolos were currently stationed on the airless moon, standing guard while Concordiat forces and their fellow Bolos below on the lush planet built a forward base against incursion from the Deng.

Currently, the four Bolos were moving in a line as designated by their commanding officers, puzzling all four of the newly minted Cognitus Mark Bolos. They were in a line, four abreast as they traveled over the dusty landscape. His question forgotten by the busy officer.

“Bring us around thirty degrees south Crusader, please.”

“At once Captain.”

“What, exactly, are we doing?” This from Unit of the Line HDR (Hadrian), breaking into the whisker laser communications that linked them all together.

“I am not sure. Should we not trust our officers?” Crusader replied.

“Of course. But this ‘maneuver’ makes no absolutely no sense.” Joshua, Unit of the Line JSH interjected.

“We have much to learn, I suspect.” The stentorian voice of Unit CSR (Caesar) added.

“We do. But according to battle records and historical files, this ‘maneuver’ has never been used before. What is the purpose?” Joshua’s young voice was still wondering. “We are just wandering.”

They huge battle machines pondered this as they tore across the airless land, kicking up clouds of dust that fell slowly in the light gravity. All of them listening in on the inter-unit commbands as their officers talked, hoping to get a clue as to what was going on.

“So, how long are we stuck here again?” Joshua’s commander was commiserating, the screen showing her leaning on the console and toying with a stuffed animal.

“Six long, boring, uneventful months, with four to go.” Caesar’s officer was fiddling with a portable game system, his broad face showing he wasn’t thrilled with that thought.

Crusader’s officer hadn’t moved, reaching into a small cooler and cracking open a bulb of fizzy drink that he gulped down, “Well, we got each other, and four more months of Meals, Ready to Barf. ‘Least it’s something.”

Hadrian’s officer leaned into the camera, “Meanwhile, those jerks are down on a tropical planet enjoying the beaches, the air, can actually go outside without an environment suit if they want to take a walk!” He threw his hands up, pacing on the deck.

“No one said Bolo Command would be all action.”

“True.” Hands were raised in air quotes, “But this is far beyond ‘boring’.”

“Alrighty folks, turn another thirty degrees south! On my command...mark!”

The four huge machines in a line abreast quickly obeyed, response times were excellent in the Mark Twenty-Four hulls, the wide treads grinding stones to powder as they made their way across the moons’ face.

Anti-Air and turrets swiveled as they searched for threats, keeping themselves on alert as they listened to their human counterparts. Systems were checked and rechecked, everything working in top order as the four Bolos listened eagerly.

“There’s always war games...” Hadrian’s officer was shouted down. The Bolos won every time, even when handicapped.

“They are discontented.” Joshua stated the obvious.

The others agreed, “Humans do not seem to be made for waiting.”

“But what purpose does this all serve?” Hadrian asked once more.

“I do not know,” Crusader’s voice came across the bands, “My officer seems to have something in mind, but I can see no usefulness in this type of action. Perhaps it is an attempt to learn about our capabilities? We are new.”

The four Units of the Line were happily engaged in trying to find out about their officers, the human race in general. Battle Reflex being authorized, gave them a chance to think. AI’s being inquisitive, they sought to discover more, to work with and be partners to this race that had given them life. Being the very first self-aware Units, they were not fully informed yet of everything the Human race did or would do.

“All Units!”

The Bolos perked up, waiting for the command.

“HALT!”

Four multi-thousand ton war machines locked their treads and came to a skidding stop in the dust, engines rumbling as they awaited their next order.

Joshua’s officer sat back in her chair with a laugh, “Shore leave coming up in one minute!”

The rest of the Bolo officers joined her, grinning at each other.

“Perhaps we are looking at this the wrong way,” Caesar sent a .00001 second burst of data that had all the other Units suddenly amused.

Night fell on the warm planet, a tropical breeze swept away any hint of stifling heat, a constant temperature that made it better than Earth. A calm tide and shores of glistening white made a veritable paradise for the troops and Bolos stationed there as they constructed fortifications.

General Wayans watched the night slowly fade in, bringing with it the light reflected off of the lonely moon and sighed.

He turned wearily to his aide, “Get the transport and switch the Bolos out now.”

“Yessir!” The aide took off at a dead run.

He sighed once more, looking up at the shining ball of rock and the biggest middle finger in the galaxy pointing down at all of them.

The laughter was loud over the network as Athena told them what it meant. Crusader smiled to himself as he sat on the lonely bench, hearing his sister almost hiccup as she laughed harder than he’d ever known.

“You made all that up!”

“I did not, we were brand new in service and still learning about humans.” He could see the group, sans Pinkie for some reason, wiping tears out of their eyes.

“That was hilarious!”

“I am glad you enjoyed it. I shall leave..”

“Oh no! C’mon! Show some more!”

“Athena, you do not need me with this. You are perfectly capable of doing this yourself.”

“Please?”

He sighed internally, she would not let go of this. He saw the others on the command deck already enjoying buckets of popcorn as they waited.

Fine.

Once again he reached back.... To a time when even though he had been in service for more than half a century, he was still learning about humans.

The Bolo Transport Ship Kubrick was in trouble, dire trouble.

She, and the convoy she was in, that had been traveling to the relief of a beleagured colony had been ambushed as they had slipped out from travel mode to normal space. The Melconian guns had ravaged the protecting cruisers as they had tried to run.

The Bolos attached to the outside of the ship were heavily damaged, even they could only take point blank fire from a Melconian heavyweight for so long before succumbing.

But they had taken payment in kind. Three of four Melconian Dreadnoughts had been shattered by broadsides of 200cm Hellbores that were deadly accurate from very angry Bolos.

Now we were running for our lives, trying to get the travel engines repaired as well as fending off the remaining raider.

“Patton is down, so are Claudius and Isis. They are too heavily damaged, their weapons are disabled, and internal repairs will not be effective in time.” Crusader’s voice was calm, as always, informing his most recent officer of the situation.

“I am receiving emergency signals from the rest, they have retreated into Survival Centers until they can receive Depot Class maintenance.”

A shaking hand went up to a weary face, they had been on the run for days now and it was only getting worse. Crusader saw his commanding officer become thin from worry.

“How about you Crusader, what’s the story?”

“I am out of all secondary ammunition. We cannot transfer from the damaged units as ships crew cannot spare anyone to repair the transport mechanisms. Casualties were very high Gerald. They are barely effecting repairs as it is.”

The worried face nodded, “It would take half the crew to ship ammunition even if we were fully staffed. How about Hellbore rounds?” He knew the transport and loading systems were history, nothing they could do would get them running again.

“I have none left. I cannot fabricate any unless I have deuterium or the water to break down for necessary components.”

“I know, I know, we need what’s left for the crew.” Cooling systems were shot to hell, and being this close to a blazing sun, what was left of the crew needed that water desperately to survive.

Crusader had no answer, he was trying desperately to concoct a plan of action and having no success. It was frustrating to say the least.

The Melconian ship was hot on their heels, closing in for the kill as they swung around this solar systems primary, the Kubrick trying to gain enough speed for a whiplash into space that would give them breathing room. The puppies were being stubborn, wanting to smash the Bolo transport.

Signals had been received from incoming Concordiat battleships, but they would not catch up in time to save the Kubrick from destruction.

Scant reassurance that the Melconians would be defeated only after they and the Kubrick were atomized.

“Bring up that list of supplies again, let me see what this ship has in inventory Crusader.” The officers face was studious as he perused the list popping up on a screen, his head tilted for a moment before he asked a question.

“Crusader, Melconian Dreadnoughts have a serious sensor flaw correct?”

“Correct Captain. Their sensor systems are not as advanced as ours, we outdo them in technology. On older Melconian Dreadnought Class ships they tend to put them forward and aft, leaving none to cover port and starboard, a fatal error that they are correcting.”

“Is this one of the old-style ships chasing us?”

“Yes. Readouts indicated she is the Fist of Honor, first recognized in battle twenty years ago.”

The officer leaned forward with a feral grin, “Do you have at least half the components for a Hellbore shot?”

“I have some Cryo-H slush, but it would not produce much of a war shot Captain. It would not damage the Melconian ship enough to make it retreat, probability is ninety percent it would do no damage at all.”

The uniformed figure stood up with a fist in the air, “That’s fine, just fine. How long will we be swinging ‘round this sun?”

“We have six hours until we slingshot, that would give us enough headway to keep them at bay. Unfortunately they will be in firing range within two hours.”

“Never you mind that, Crusader my friend, we’ve got a plan! More than enough time!” The human ran off to grab a null-grav loading sled. Crusader watched him running as fast as weak legs could take him to the storage bays, the heat was blistering without cooling systems. Grabbing crewmen on the way to help him in this last hour effort, he charged off leading a weary group.

We do?

Almost two hours later, a lot of sweat, a bit of blood and an entire lexicon of cursing in different languages, they were set.

“Captain, I am not sure this will work, there is a forty percent chance of..”

A finger rose in the air, “Question not my faithful warrior, for your commander knows whereof he speaks!”

Leaning over the console, he pounded the keys, “Alright let’s get ready.” Reaching over to the intercom, he keyed up the ships bridge, “Bridge, ready for maneuvers?”

A skeptical voice came back, “We’re ready Captain Creedy. You sure this is gonna work?”

“Of course not! But them’s the chances we take!” Crusader’s officer was laughing as he cut the communications.

“Alright Crusader, when the ship turns, fire when you’re ready.”

“All hands to strap in, all hands strap in for turn!” The crewman on the bridge announced, “Beginning maneuvers now!”

Crusader could see the general outline of the plan, “Gerald, this is a very unusual..” He was cut off as the countdown commenced.

“Turning in five...”

“Did I ever tell you my father didn’t want me to be in Bolo Command?”

“No.”

“In four...”

“Yeah, he wanted me in the family business. I just wasn’t that into it really, kind of a disappointment to him.”

“I fail to see..”

“In three...”

“Just couldn’t learn the job, you know? Remember that Crusader, everything is about timing.”

“Yes, sir. But..”

“Two...”

“Mind on the goal here Crusader, we’re going to win this one!”

“Yes sir!”

“One!”

The big Bolo transport turned, wasting momentum but giving Crusader what he needed for the shot. His cores were running smoothly as the Melconian ship came in sight, he fired, the recoil not half as bad as a full powered war shot, but he felt it all the same. On target, on time, perfect!

The crew was cheering through the intercom as Captain Creedy leapt into the air.

“YES!”

The bridge crew came through the comm, “They’re turning, they’re turning, flipping end over end! We’ve got the lead!”

They had their room, the enemy would never catch up now and the CBTS Kubrick could slingshot away from the sun. Concordiat Battleships would be waiting to take care of their pursuer.

The cheering was ringing throughout the ship as Crusader watched his officer relax in the chair. He took the time to replay what had happened. But he did have a question.

“Sir?”

Creedy turned, “Wha..Yes, Crusader?”

“The family business?”

The officer laughed, “Oh that!”

Crusader saw it again along with his officer, a main Hellbore packed tight, ready to be fired at half power from a Cryo-H explosion that he would trigger with the ignition lasers, a simple enough thing.

Once again the turn of the ship, the prow of the Melconian Dreadnought coming into sight..

“He was really disappointed, but what could he do?”

The rocking of his hull as the Hellbore fired, expelling tons of hastily gathered inventory into space near the corona of the hot sun.

“He said it was okay, not everyone was cut out for it.”

A shrug, a rueful smile crossing his features, “So I went into Bolo Command, earned my bars and the rest is history.”

The shot was perfect, hitting the enemy and making them have to flip end over end to use aft sensors, giving the Kubrick time to escape. It was a one in a million.

“But sir, what did..”

“What did my father do?” Eyes with a glint of humor watched the replay over and over, his laughter getting louder.

The heat from the sun, acting upon an item that was meant for the airlessness of barren planets made it expand, bubbling outward into a titanic flattened shape.

Gerald Creedy watched it all again. The construction adhesive ‘pie’ shot from a Hellbore with meticulous timing, slapping into the ‘face’ of the Melconian Dreadnought.

“He was a circus clown, Crusader."

I don’t believe I’ve heard laughter that loud or long before in all my centuries. Even Athena is having a hard time communicating over the commlinks.

So, in deference to her wants, I continue reaching back along those many years past.

I remember because it is part of a battle recording, so many things are lost, but some remain.

The battle had been unrelenting for days, myself and a companion Bolo had pressed the Deng to where they could no longer retreat. Destroying their troop ships and then their infantry in turn.

The land was silent now as we awaited pickup. The Bolo Transport Ships on their way as we surveyed the skies, looking for more enemies.

Lieutenant Gordon was new to the service, I had been on duty for a little more than three-quarters of a century now.

“Crusader?” Her voice was low, she never raised it except in joy, or even anger once or twice.

“Yes, Lieutenant?”

Her booted feet were propped up on the console, camoflauge uniform blending with the decks colors as she leaned back in the chair, “Do you dream?”

“I am afraid I do not follow Lieutenant.”

She rolled her eyes, exhaling in an exasperated gasp, “Do you dream? You know, when you go to Low Level Alert, or Standby. Do you dream?”

“We do not Lieutenant.”

“So..what happens?”

I pondered that for a full .00032 seconds, “Nothing Lieutenant, we are..on standby.”

“You don’t have..like.. dreams of beautiful things? Or even just pictures or something?”

“No, Lieutenant.”

“That’s sad.”

“Why is that?” Now she had peaked my curiosity.

Booted feet hit the deck with a ringing sound as she stood, her trim body pacing the deck with hands planted firmly in pockets, “Because you Bolos deserve it. You are so powerful, so unrelenting. Don’t you deserve something peaceful?” Her face turned to look directly into a security camera.

“I am afraid it has not been something I have wondered about Lieutenant.”

“You should!” She leaned back against a small refrigerator, for drinks when an officer could not leave the command area in battle, “You’re intelligent, you’re aware, you deserve to dream.”

The conversation was interesting, bringing in my companion Bolo as well, connecting through whisker laser as he had been wondering why I was silent.

“Perhaps we do not have the correct programming Lieutenant.”

Once again that sigh of exasperation from her, “You’re alive Crusader, alive as can be.”

“There are some who would beg to differ, Lieutenant.”

“Well...well... Phooey on them!”

I am amused at this.

“Phooey, Lieutenant?”

“Yes, phooey!” A finger is pointed steadily at a camera, “Don’t you dare make fun of me!”

“Never, Lieutenant.”

She was eyeing my camera for a long moment, making sure I was not mocking her.

“I think...”

“Yes, Lieutenant?”

I see the faraway look in her eyes as she slowly settles back in the command chair, her legs lifting and planting boots on the console once more. Her hands go to rest behind her head as her voice is soft, but not so low that I cannot pick up her every word.

“I think, one day you will dream, my friend. That one day you’ll get to see and understand another world beyond this.” Her eyes close as if she remembers, or perhaps sees something I do not, “You will see beautiful things Crusader. That there will be a peaceful place for you to visit and share with your kind, to let them know that life isn’t all war and horror.”

Her eyes snap open with a sly smile, “And possibly even some fluffy bunnies as well!”

Her laugh is infectious as we are both amused by her wandering thoughts.

I remember Lieutenant Gordon in that moment well.

Was she seeing something that would come true so far into the future, or was it just a simple wish for a friend?

However it was, wherever you are Lieutenant, know that I have dreamed.

And it was truly wondrous.

I see the smiles on Athena’s deck, and lose myself once again.

In trying to understand the human race, we ran into inconsistencies in many cases. Things that did not follow logic, or common sense, but because they felt it had to be done. We struggled with this for many years, AI’s in various Bolos exchanging stories and tales.

But as we became closer to the race which had created us, we loved and respected them all the more for it.

An entire company of Bolos was landed upon this planet which was rapidly becoming a wasteland of war. It would be long before it was uninhabitable, but we were sent there with one mission.

Destroy the enemy.

We now knew who they were, the K’klk’K, the unknown race which had wiped an entire metropolitan area off a world before they were stopped. Arachnid, powerful, and numerous. They conquered for breeding space and food.

Including humans.

We landed hard, our null-gravs and aero-shells taking the brunt of it as we twelve roared into action. Drive trains slamming into place as we moved out at top speed from the remains of our disposable landing covers.

Our treads gripped the loamy soil as we shot forward, not caring if the sensors of the enemy spotted us. For we were filled with rage and hate for the enemy, our Battle Reflex wide open, cores fully attuned to what we must do with a simple white-hot pinpoint of purpose. Engage the ones who would dare to trespass upon Concordiat soil and treat humans as if they were cattle.

Bolo Command was very clear on this.

There were to be no prisoners, nothing left of the enemy except dust and atoms.

An example was to be made here and now, to all the alien races watching. That to invade the Concordiat was to make a mortal, and very fatal, error.

To do this, we were ensconced in brand new war hulls. Heavy VLS systems newly equipped alongside mortars and ranks of Howitzers and Secondaries. Gleaming Hellbores of 200cm diameter, shipbreakers, swiveled back and forth on our hulls. Anti-Air lasers, infinite repeaters, Hyper-Velocity Rocket Launchers and more were sliding on their tracks alongside ablative armor and anti-personnel systems that would shred anything that got near us.

We were the ones who had battled our way across a quarter of the galaxy.

We were the most vicious and ruthlessly skilled killers that had ever trod a battlefield.

We would show the enemy their mistake.

In the darkened skies, Task Force Twenty-One of the Concordiat Navy had brought everything to bear.

Dreadnoughts and battleships lumbered through the gripping night, their own massive guns delivered broadsides that shattered space.

The moons above were scarred and wasted by the crashing of enemy hulks, brought down by the swift cruisers and destroyers, hammered further by the fighters that swarmed like angry wasps from carriers.

The enemy had it’s own ways of fighting, smashing Concordiat vessels with weapons of immense power. Their ships equipped with weaponry that slashed through battlescreens when they had the chance, scoring the miles long hulls of Concordiat ships.

We were on our own, the battle would go for weeks if we were any judge of such things.

We had enough supplies, enough wherewithal to do our job.

An inverse V formation with myself at the lead as we closed upon the enemy. A particle beamed scored a dark furrow along my proud hull before I snapped on battle screens, advising my brethren to do the same in a flash communication of .000001 seconds.

“Tally-ho!”

“I am relatively sure at no time did that ancient and honorable legend, Arthur, King of the Britons, ever say that.” Ceasar’s voice was amused over the warbands.

“It is my name, good sir, and should you doubt my actions, we shall have words on the field of honor!” Arthur’s voice was very posh, taking an aggrieved tone.

“Hellbore’s at ten miles then?” Beauregard’s soft southern-inflected voice brought chuckles along the links.

“I am sorry my friend, I do get carried away.” Arthur was sounding as if he regretted his words.

“It is nothing Arthur, for are we not one in battle?”

“Oh yes, very much so!” The musical sounds of Mielikki’s voice came clearly over the TSDS mesh.

“Coming up on thirty mile limit, VLS systems online.” Crusader’s voice was telling them they are near the huge city that covered a good quarter of this landmass, “First strike is ordered, prepare for launch.”

Acknowledgments came swiftly.

“Fire!”

VLS plates slapped open on each hull, ringing through the chilled air as hundreds upon hundreds of heavy cruise missiles lifted on tongues of flame. Tilting and then cracking the skies, they roared toward the enemy emplacements. The Bolos watched, testing the enemy’s resolve and their defenses by this action, seeing laser light slash through the night, picking off one or two here and there.

“They do not have good Anti-Air.”

“No, they do not. Scanning indicates non-fusion power supplies as well. A conundrum of their use of particle beams.” The weapons referred to took an enormous amount of power to use properly, meaning they were pumping it out at a tremendous rate.

“Planetary defense has retired behind the line, we are facing only the enemy now.”

“Good. Show them our wrath.”

Main Hellbore turrets swiveled, alighting aiming lasers on large unknown enemy constructs. War shots triggered, then compressed in the huge barrels as magnetic fields squeezed it tight, forming it into coalescent beams that split the atmosphere with sound and fury.

The enemy died in droves.

Always they were closing, pressing forward, plowing through low hills as if they did not exist. The titanic war machines thundered across the landscape, heading for the city which teemed with millions of the enemy. The enemy bred fast, creating warriors which swarmed over the defenseless cities, rounding humans and anything else living up to be slaughtered for sustenance.

At twenty miles they leveled more emplacements, the Hellbores and all remaining weapons were in full use. Howitzers pummeled enemy machines. Hyper-V rockets sped their payloads of death quicker than the blink of an eye. Lasers slashed and tore through the teeming black shapes, tearing them into shreds as canister shot roared out from anti-personnel packages, dicing the arachnids where they stood. Ion bolt infinite repeaters replaced barrels as fast as they used them up, spitting starcore hot death at the enemy.

And they kept coming, the multitudinous hordes of the enemy seeming never-ending. That was fine. Our anger at their atrocities had only stoked the fires inside us. We meshed deeply, our minds becoming one as we worked our way toward the edifices of the city that was our first objective.

Ten miles out.

Hellbores split the air over and over, the beams reaching and tearing through skyscrapers as if they were paper from that distance. The falling buildings crushing the enemy below, reducing their effectiveness in defense.

Mortar rounds pounded out from our hulls, rapidly firing explosive canisters which shredded anything near when the twenty centimeter round landed on an enemy hole or shelter.

Our weapons left nothing but dust and scraps behind us as we marched on, pouring fire into the enemy.

It was impossible to believe that they would continue to resist us, but resist they did to their detriment. We slaughtered them in the thousands with every shot of our main guns. Our secondaries mowing them down like wheat in a field and still they came.

We entered the city proper now, our treads crunching enemy bodies, pulverizing them into the concrete and pavement. Bones of Concordiat citizens littered the wasteland, remains of meals past which only heightened our resolve. We leveled the area around us, toppling skyscrapers that reached thousands of meters into the air, with one blow they were falling remains which crushed the arachnids beneath.

Our fury would have put legends to shame as we raked the arachnids, put them down with the mercilessness only we could muster.

We killed, and killed...

“STOP! Cease fire!”

The command rang through even our battle-lust as we halted in place, weapons glowing as we ceased all firing immediately. A fortunate lull in the battle allowed us to do so while scanning for more threats.

Comm-units linked up, Crusader’s commander was pointing, “Do you see them?”

Mielikki’s officer nodded, “I’ve got them, we must’ve missed them on the drone scan, get suited, we’re going out!”

Crusader watched his commander dress quickly in battle dress, the armor thick and protective, grabbing a power gun out of the armory and checking the load.

“I do not advise this commander, there are still many of the enemy around us.”

She looked into the camera, he couldn’t place a name to her but her eyes shone with an emotion he almost knew, “I have to Crusader, they’re survivors. We missed them on the scans and now we’re on top of them. If we move we’ll crush them.” She slipped into the emergency escape hatch, sliding down and landing underneath the mountainous hull.

“She is correct. Our combined tonnage will crush the survivors if we even think about moving.” Sekhmet’s voice was worried, watching her own officer outside, running for the spot where the scans showed huddled bodies emanating warmth. She was beside him in formation along with Beauregard and Caesar.

“Mielikki, you and Hathor are outliers, can you close the gap behind us? We’ll circle the wagons.” Beauregard was running tactical scenarios now, the next wave of the enemy was due any second from our drone views.

“We can!” Her hull moved very carefully for a Bolo, picking its way alongside the buildings with great care, the wings of the V slowly closing the rearward gap then stopping.

“We’re in place! Let ‘em come!”

“Mielikki, I am sorry, but your wonderful voice does not do well trying to sound vicious.” Caesar’s bass tones boomed through the warbands.

“Oh shush!”

A chuckle from all the Units as they watched their officers picking away at a heap of rubble beneath one of Crusader’s treads, one link alone towered over them, knowing that if he moved, they would die.

“Scans are showing massed enemy movement, there is not much time.” Crusader’s voice was sounding concerned, as were they all. The humans began digging into the rubble faster.

“I know, I know! Look..hold them off, do what you can, we’re close!”

“We’ve got to set charges, there’s too much to dig.” Mielikki’s commander was already placing breaching explosives, “We’ll have to take the chance.”

“Alright! Everyone move! Back behind the tread!”

The twelve Bolo officers scrambled for cover, setting the charges off immediately and running back out.

“That’s it! Dig!” Entrenching tools popped out, the digging resumed as debris and chunks of masonry were thrown out of the hole in a desperate attempt.

“I see one! I see one!” Beauregard’s officer was reaching down, pulling up a small figure.

Children.

Hadrian‘s voice was loud on the link, “We are out of time. The enemy is upon us.”

Hathor’s commander came on the commlink, “You do what you can but keep them off our backs! We’re almost done!”

“Acknowledged.”

“We stand. Anti-Personnel weapons only, be mindful of targets and angles.”

Twelve Bolos exchanged tactical data over the TSDS linkages. The enemy was spotted coming over the rubble in waves as black as night. This did not matter. They would crest the debris fields surrounding the ring of machines in approximately ten seconds.

Ports slammed open, rotating cannon and miniguns appeared to bristle outwards from the hulls. Miniguns was truly a misnomer when firing 20mm shells at the rate of thousands a minute.

The circle of war machines stood quiet sentinel over the struggling officers who were grabbing the last of the children out of the hole they had sheltered in, when it became too late to hold their weapons back.

“Fire.”

Chain feeds screamed out as they fed ammunition to the weapons aligned along the silent hulls. The shrill song would have told the enemy they headed to their doom, but it was either ignored or not heard at all.

As they crested the mountains of debris around the Bolos, the long-legged shapes were met with walls of ring penetrators, explosive shell and canister shot that blew them into oblivion.

Death reaped a bloody harvest that day.

The officers heard the feeds start up, looking above them as fire erupted in the silence, blossoms of death penetrated even their visors as the Bolos poured everything they had into keeping the enemy off them.

Tracers and plasma shots traveled mere inches above their heads as they clambered through the rubble.

They trusted their AI companions implicitly, to do otherwise was to lose your mind in a gibbering fear that would lead to you making a mistake and ending your own life.

Nanosecond by nanosecond, femtoseconds and less, each shot was carefully aimed by the powerful tactical cores of the Bolos, covering their officers with a shield of instant death should an arachnid come near.

The soldiers turned and fired, catching a glimpse of the enemy as the forms overwhelmed even the shield of flame that was coming from the war machines. The flood of darkness was closing the ring tighter and tighter. Return fire coming from the weapons held in legs that scuttled across the crumbling remains of buildings and a once proud city.

I am ordered to drop my ramp, seeing them scramble inside and pushing the children forward to land exhausted on the bay floor. They are not without wounds, some deep and painful. But they are smiling, they are joyful and glad to be alive.

A face looks into my cameras and yells out over the din of our barrage.

“Let them have it!”

The enemy had become overconfident, seeing us halted and using only minor weapons. Perhaps they thought we had run out of ammunition? Maybe they surmised we were just being foolish.

I had asked, we all had of our officers, why they had gone out to rescue those children, risking lives to do so.

We were shamed at the answer. Our anger, our hate for the enemy overriding us and almost leading into being lost within battle lust.

Our turrets snapped around, blurs of metal that pointed outward in a ring as every weapon we had came to bear on the masses of the enemy which actually hesitated in their charge. Knowing at that very second, beyond a doubt, that they had walked into their doom.

They had told us with no hesitation, each officer in their own words which stayed with us forever.

The enemy were wiped away in an eyeblink, by nuclear fire and coherent light, by shot and shell and plasma’s fury.

The answer? Because to save one life, to rescue one person, to do that which is good not because of logic or reason, but because it is right.

We still had so much to learn.

It is getting into the late afternoon now, as I have been lost in remembrance. The others have disconnected and left Athena’s hull, even Athena herself. But that is fine as I sit here.

One last memory comes to me as I watch the setting sun..

A form sits on my sensor island, a folding chair underneath it as legs are stretched out upon its shape. A drink in one hand tells me she is enjoying the night time, the warm breeze that ruffles her hair.

We are currently on picket duty, a battle record is kept of such at all times. Hence, this single memory.

“Crusader?”

“Yes, Lieutenant?”

“What do you think of at night?”

“I am usually on Standby Lieutenant, we have had this discussion.”

“This is different.” A hand is idly waved at one of my sensors.

“Nothing, Lieutenant. We rest.”

“When you’re not on Standby, don’t you wonder about the night time? The sunsets and the dawn?”

I think on this, sensors and scanners show me the planet we are on, the multiple spectra of various suns near us and far beyond. I see the world surrounding us as data to be stored and used.

“I.. do not Lieutenant.”

“You should!” A hand is flung upward, finger pointing to a class K sun, just over the horizon, “First star to the left and on ‘till morning!”

“I fail to see the correlation Lieutenant.”

“That’s because you have no sense of ..of.. imagination!” She got up from the lounge chair, leaning against the rail and looking over the silent landscape, “You have to wonder, Crusader, at all the possibilities out there. The night time, full of spooky things, or mysterious things, things to make you gasp in delight! All those things!”

“We have no time to wonder.”

A hand hit the durasteel railing in exasperation, making her straighten, “You are so single-minded!”

“We must be, to do what we were made for.”

A sip of her drink, the leaning on the rail once more, a hand slowly drawn over the pretty face. “Think of...Halloween! When ghosts and other creepy things supposedly roam the night! That the veil between worlds is thin and things come through. Doesn’t it make you wonder of the possibilities that they might be real?”

“Ghosts have never been proven to be real Lieutenant. I am afraid it is all a product of wishful thinking or overactive imaginations.”

“That’s what you think. Let me tell you what I believe.”

She doesn’t wait for my reply, but continues on.

“The night time is a promise, that there’ll be another day, another dawn. It gives us the time to rest and wonder about things we don’t know, that we don’t understand.” She waves at the landscape, covered in the glow from multiple moons, “Don’t use reasoning or logic, just think about what could be out there. So much to discover and see and look at!”

I ponder this for long milliseconds, trying to see it from her perspective and something inside me shifts, making me turn my cameras to look at the silent land, the silvery light.

Gordon notices a few cameras angling away from her to look outward, “That’s it. Don’t try to explain it, just look.”

I think of...possibilities. Things that had never occurred to me before.

“When the sun rises Crusader, just enjoy it. Don’t look at it as data, but how marvelous it is. The sunsets, the night time, it all holds something that it takes a wondering mind to really see.”

“So many things out there Crusader, and you’ll see them. Don’t let war get in the way of seeing things for the beauty they hold.”

As I watch the setting sun, I do see it.

I can see the colors, fading as the fiery orb slowly makes its way below the horizon to let the night bring us more to ponder about. The bursting of the last rays of light, letting them slowly merge into the darkness which holds not just malevolence now to me.

And I wonder.

I come out of my musings to see a shape sitting next to me. Quietly waiting, which is very odd for Pinkie, her eyes merry as always.

“I apologize Pinkie. I did not realize anypony was here.”

“That’s okay! Athena said you were kinda distracted. So I didn’t want to bother.” She looks at me fully, the smile that graces her face is kind, it is warm and gentle, never mocking. Her eyes look for the good, the silver lining.

“She says I should not be so, remembering other times.”

“Nah, memories are great. ” Her bubbly attitude and voice always shine through.

“What can I do for you Pinkie?”

“Oh, nothing much." A pink hoof is pressed against my shoulder gently, “Take a walk with me?”

“I would like that.”

We both slide off the bench, I follow her lead heading into the town proper.

“So.. What were you remembering?”

“Times when I learned from the ones who created us.”

Her blue eyes glance at me, “Good or bad?”

“Good, mostly. Though even the bad can teach us something.”

She nods, “Memories are like gifts, it’s always fun opening them huh?”

I can only agree. Sometimes she has insight that does make one think.

Evening is always beautiful in Ponyville. The stars shine through a clear night sky, lanterns in windows and houses along with the glow from fireplaces make for a scene of warmth and coziness. It sometimes seems as if the years could pass by and this lovely place would never change. I do hope so.

We round a corner, seeing a large group in the plaza before Sugar Cube Corner, a party. One of Pinkie’s specialties, it is in full bloom. I now know the reason she was absent today. But, my assumption is partially wrong.

“Happy Birthday, Crusader.” I am the recipient of a very warm hug and a kiss on my cheek from Pinkie who leads me into the plaza.

“But..I am not sure when....” My objection is stopped by a raised eyebrow.

“Athena worked it out. Said she kinda fudged the dates, but it’s pretty close.” She tugs me into the crowd where I am given warm wishes and congratulations.

Pinkie is smiling, she has every right to be. Her ability to pull things off on the last moment is well-known, but having a whole day. This is truly spectacular.

Glittering decorations hang from every eave, balcony and window nearby, surrounding the plaza with shining wonder. Magical orbs of light are suspended in the air, giving off soft colored glows that only reflect off them, painting the plaza in a myriad of soft shades.

There are covered tables set out, some where ponies are dining, some with just food upon them. Selections of hors d’oeuvres, candies and other things are set upon plates and platters. Piles of fine chocolates in designs to make you smile are scattered as centerpieces on each one. Bon Bon must have worked very hard today as I see her smiling wearily.

Warming stands with chafing dishes piled high with delectable delights are everywhere as well, making sure no one goes the slightest bit hungry.

There are booths with games and prizes, delighting little ones and adults, offering them for free. The laughter is infectious as I watch Lyra trying to toss a bit into a milk bottle without magic. A dart game is being argued over by the Guards ponies, debating who won.

Pinkie has not done one cake, but a plethora of them. Each different and covered in frosting of many tastes and textures, scattered around with bowls of crystal for punch and cider. Berry Punch has produced a selection of wines that are being sampled by various ponies, she is truly an artist.

I see Octavia providing music with Vinyl, both of them working together to produce a wonderful selection for the ears.

Pinkie whispers to me as I gaze at the magical sight.

“It was Lyra’s birthday too, and a couple others. They didn’t mind sharing it with you.”

I can only nod. Looking at the happy faces, the gamboling little ones. It’s such an idyllic scene. The night is alive with ponies in their myriad colors and shapes, all in a surrounding that can only bring forth happiness.

“Happy birthday.”

I look around, seeing Athena running towards me. Ending with a skid and a tight hug.

“Fudged the dates?”

She looks warmly at me, “Just a little, but it’s pretty close to your awakening date on old Earth.”

“I-- Have never had a birthday.”

“I know, and I think it’s about time.”

“There are no words for this.”

“Then that is the best compliment, ever.” We switch back to talking out loud, not wanting to leave anyone out of the conversation.

“Thank you, Pinkie.”

She grins, “They kinda figured you’d get a little distracted, had the whole day to plan. What can’t I do!” She sweeps a hoof around, encompassing the area. It is not pride, nor misplaced hubris, it is simply fact. What she can do in a day is simply amazing. We watch her bounce off to attend to tables, making sure ponies are having fun. It simply wouldn’t do for a frown to be near one of Pinkie’s to-do’s.

“Maybe you should start laying down new memories to think of, instead of the past?” Athena’s voice is quiet as we both see the rest of our friends getting nearer.

“It is all I have, Athena.”

“Time for some new ones.” Her voice is gentle on the warbands as it echoes her voice, “It’s far past time.”

I see our friends coming near, smiles on faces with warm expressions. Mugs of foamy cider are held and it appears an extra two floating in the grip of magic are for myself and Athena.

Thinking on this, I open a new datacore. One that has been rebuilt after so long, replacing the blasted remains of one of a few lost in the fight not so long ago. It is placid, calm, like an empty pool waiting to be filled.

I accept a mug, along with Athena, and a toast is given by Twilight.

“Happy Birthday Crusader! And many more!”

Laughter swiftly follows with tales told of my past problems adapting to a society so unlike the Concordiat. Never are they given in the wrong way, only for a chance to garner more merriment.

And as I look upon these faces of myriad colors, the eyes bright and shining I realize Athena is right. I begin the datastreams and proceed to forever remember these times, and hopefully many more to come.

Like Pinkie said, they are like gifts.

Ones I wish to open many times in the future.

Sugar and Spice

Two more days!

Two more days and it’s off to the Empire!

I swear if anything else happens to delay this, I am gonna go blow something up in the forest.

I hate the waiting.

We often did so, in laager or depot, expecting the call. Our officers rushing around, the techs making last minute finals, loadouts being double and triple-checked. As monotonous as it sounds, our lives had been saved by some picky clerk or technician who decided we didn’t have enough ammunition, or enough secondary replacement modules, even a weapons tech who thought maybe one more weld.

Now it’s just last minute checks and rechecks. Crusader is being very careful with me.

So, gotta wait. At least there’s always something to do with Twilight around.

Reaching up, Athena brought the duster to bear, sweeping away the little bits of debris with a will.

Her body was pretty much on automatic, helping out Twilight by cleaning in the library, but her mind was flipping through songs that were popular when she was brought in for Operation Diaspora.

One caught her attention and she was replaying it, a jumped up tune that was considered ‘risque’ even for the Concordiat masses. It was hugely popular with a catchy beat, all the high end clubs were playing it at the time. The dance that went along with the song was definitely not for kids, but it was fun!

Her trim body started swaying with the beat, her tail matching in counterpoint as she dusted right along. The sable head bobbed as she moved along the shelves, humming it out loud.

The Cutie Marked flanks were swishing back and forth in a sultry manner as she walked over to the next set, the song just rocking away in her mind as she finished right up with a flick of the duster held in her mouth.

Setting it down, she moved to a large area rug, stepping into the beat and using all four hooves to match the songs’ rhythm, stepping left and right, prancing joyfully one moment then sliding over to do it again.

The lavender eyes looked coquettishly around the room as she gave a wink to an imaginary partner. Her backside moving with a flirty invitation as her hooves kept up the rhythm. A simple enough dance if you were human, hugely fun as a pony.

Athena didn’t bother with the details, turning the dance into something a pony could do. Translation programs did a fine job, making the move from Concordiat to Equestrian. Except the body language details were far more.. enticing.. than a human dancer would do. Ponies being very good at expressing such things, it came out in the movements.

She remembered when she, Satin, and Twilight had so much fun in Canterlot, letting themselves be what they wanted to be.

Fun-loving, sexy mares. Or in Athena’s case, faux mare. But hey, who really cared?

She had to admit, when Twilight let her mane down, she could be wonderful and wild. Though getting her to do so was a job in itself. One day she’ll realize it’s easy and doesn’t cost a thing.

Except maybe a few calories, ‘cause this song was just red hot!

She started singing along, the words expressing passion, love, and the chance to be with another. It was soulful and up tempo at the same time as she danced along the carpet. Hooves raising up in the air to let her body sway, then on all fours to shake that flank.

Oh, she felt so good! A trip to the Empire!

Ceasing her moves, she thought for a moment. No, no this wouldn’t do!

She scrambled over to a closed cabinet, searching for..oh there it was! A setup that allowed them to listen to music out loud so everyone could enjoy it some days. Crusader played classical in the library while he was perusing old books, the acoustics in the crystalline room were amazing.

Setting it carefully on a small table, she turned the speakers on and began passing data into the receiver, starting the song over again. She wanted to dance, wanted to feel as free as she could because she was happy!

This was so totally different than those Canterlot nights, a sway here, a swish of the tail there, the look that smoldered when she glanced around. Come hither was not even close to what was promised in those lavender eyes.

Her body felt loose, everything relaxed as she stepped across the lush rug, making sure each hoof was precisely placed, each motion of her body perfect. Her voice raised in open area, singing along with the voices that rang with passion, joy and heartfelt emotions.

She didn’t get to sing very often, the old shyness raising up in her whenever there was anypony around, but now, now was clear.

Up and up the notes went, to come crashing down into a complicated beat that had her tapping hooves everywhere, trying to keep up with it. Her laughter rang high and clear in the library that resounded with cheer, until she turned..

Spike was standing there with his mouth open, eyes wide and a comic book drooping from his clawed hand onto the floor as he watched her. He wasn’t quite sure what she was doing, but was getting a little of it.

Athena gave him her brightest smile, seeing him actually blush from his crest to toes. A wink from her made him finally drop the comic and turn an even brighter red.

“Uh..I didn’t mean to inter..uhm..interrupt or..or any..thing..”

She leapt over, grabbing him by the hand, “C’mere, let’s teach you how to really dance!” The pegasus tugged him onto the rug.

“Alright, do this..” She showed him how to keep the rhythm and time with the beat, showing him a low key dance routine. It was a very simple thing, and Spike picked it up very quickly.

The little dragon was hesitant at first, not wanting to look foolish. Athena kept her look warm, encouraging him to do the steps, and before he knew it was dancing right along to the beat. Athena joined in as his opposite, though he wasn’t as tall as herself, it was still admirably done.

She tried not to giggle every time she made a sway of her tail or twitch of her hips, a little glance or a look making him turn a deep shade of crimson.

He was warming to it though, getting more confident as the minutes wore past. She restarted the song when it ended, letting him practice the dance.

Now this was...

“What in Celestia’s name are you doing?!?”

Everything came to a screeching halt as they turned at the horrified voice, seeing Twilight standing there in the doorway with a look of..of..terror? Surprise? Everything in between? Her jaw drifted open under eyes wide and pinpoint, looking at both of them as if they’d just committed bloody murder and left the evidence lying in plain sight.

The Alicorn rushed in, grabbing Spike and trying to cover his ears as well as his eyes, making him struggle in the tight grip of her hooves and fore legs.

“Twilight!”

“Shush, Spike!” She leaned forward, pinning Athena with narrowed eyes, “Just what were you showing him?”

“We were dancing, that’s all. An old tune that was a big hit back on old earth.” She smiled back at the miffed Princess, “He did real well too, picked it right up..” Athena stopped as Twilight’s expression was not happy.

“Oh, I just bet he did. He doesn’t need to learn things like that!”

“I think you’re over-reacting Twilight. Sure it was made for adults, but it’s fun. I was...” Spike had finally struggled free of the clasping hooves and stood up, dusting himself off.

“Betcha Rarity will be surprised next time..” A leg was clamped tight around his mouth.

“Oh, no you don’t!” Twilight was glaring right at him, “You don’t show that to anypony!”

“Twilight, please stop fretting. It’s just a dance, nothing more.”

The scaly point of the conversation nodded.

“He’s too young to even know about that stuff.”

“Twilight, there was nothing to it. That’s all. It was here in the castle, nopony saw. I am sure he’ll promise not to try it anywhere else.” The pegasus gave Spike a look that said she’d know if he did, “Right?”

“Right!” He really wanted to leave the room right now.

Twilight granted his wish, “Spike, go read some comics okay? Athena and I need to talk.”

Not a word as he rushed out quick as a rabbit, heading for the safety of his room.

She turned back to the silent Pegasus who never lost the warm look on her face, “He’s a bit young for that stuff don’t you think?”

“Not really.”

This caught Twilight off-guard, sitting back into the pillow with a questioning look.

“What..you..”

“What I was teaching him was harmless, you only really saw what I was doing. The real male side of the dance was more.. how can I say this? Expressive.. We’ll go with that.” Athena was of a gentle mien, reaching out a hoof to tap Twilight’s, “My part, however, was translated pretty darn good if I say so myself. As a Dragon living around ponies, he hasn’t caught all the nuances quite yet.”

The Alicorn was silent as they both sat there, the sable Pegasus never losing her smile.

“But..you were..I mean..” Twilight actually blushed, not going any further.

“Yes, I was. Because I’m happy, I’m in a good mood and I wanted to do something a little special.” Tilting her head, Athena gently chided her, “You should have a little confidence in your friends Twilight, especially me. I would never do anything to harm you or Spike.”

“I’m sorry,” Twilight’s face was turning a reddish color underneath the lavender coat, “I thought..well.. I thought...”

“I know.” Athena lay down upon the cushion nearest her, relaxing as if she hadn’t a care in the world, “There’s no reason to apologize to me either, you did what you thought best.”

The Pegasus leaned in with a whisper, “I can teach you the dance, you’d like it.”

Twilight’s eyes popped fully open, having understood the entire thing from watching and pulled her head back with a bright blush of her cheeks, “Oh no! Nono! I don’t..I mean..I..no!”

Athena’s laughter was sweet sounding in the library, seeing the Princess looking anywhere but at her, “It’s a lot of fuuu-uunnn. You need to unwrap some times, you get a little tight.”

“I do not!”

Athena reached a hoof upwards, tapping the side of her head as the other pointed to the bracelet on Twilight’s leg.

“I hate when you do that.”

“Then take it off. They aren’t glued to you.”

Twilight covered it protectively with the other hoof, “No, no I’ll.. I like it.” She’d become so used to it, a part of her after so long.

Athena kept smiling, she never lost it when around Twilight, “Have fun some times, be yourself instead of ‘Princess’. Get a little..what’s the word I’m looking for..? Oh yes, spicy.”

A raised eyebrow greeted her, “Spicy?”

“You know, like.. flirtatious but not wanting anything. Being happy to be a mare, and showing everypony you know it. It comes from confidence. Not over-confidence, but enough to know who you are. Giving as good as you get, letting folks know you got what it takes, spicy!”

“Like Rarity?”

“No. Nono, Rarity is... No. She’s not the same way as I’m describing.”

“So..what?”

“It’s having fun being yourself, knowing you’re pretty and just reveling in it..being..being..spicy! See?” Athena waved an absent hoof, “Kind of like those days in Canterlot, but less formal. No dancing, just the way you walk, maybe a look now and then.. It’s hard to describe. Here, let me show you.”

Athena went over to the doorway, turning and facing Twilight as she walked slowly towards her. A simple stride but Twilight’s eyes noticed more than that. A twitch of the tail, a flank, the raising of a foreleg a certain way and the pretty eyes glancing back and forth exuded confidence. A flip of the shining mane combined with a lift of the lips told volumes. She was amazed at the total change, just watching until Athena landed on the pillow again.

“Like that.”

“I can’t do that! That would..I..it would.. I don’t think a Princess should act like that.”

Athena pressed a hoof into the lavender chest, “If anything, Princesses should be allowed.” She leaned forward whispering into an ear, “Try it sometime, you’ll like it. A little sugar and spice never hurt anyone.”

Popping off the cushion, the Pegasus grabbed the duster again, “I promise, no teaching Spike anymore dances without asking you first.” She grinned and walked off, the music playing again as the trim flank gave a few sways before disappearing around a shelf.

Twilight was lost in thought as she exited the library.

“Applejack, I can be spicy right?”

Twilight had caught up with the farmer in town, just enjoying the nice day, slipping up beside her and popping the question right out.

Now she was stopped in the middle of the street, Applejack looking at her friend like she’d grown another eye in the middle of her forehead.

“Beg y’r pardon?”

“I can be spicy, right? You know..spicy.” She waggled her eyebrows at the staring mare.

“What in the hay are you talkin’ ‘bout?”

Twilight tried to remember the conversation with Athena, “Well..confident. You know.. self-assured, that sorta thing?” She walked around Applejack, giving a twitch of her tail in demonstration, a look of her eyes..

“Twi, we’re not having this conversation.”

“Oh c’mon! You know what I mean, like..like.. Cherry Jubilee!” Mentioning the raucous mare brought a grin to Applejack’s face.

“That’s not spicy Twilight, that’s pure brass.” She barked a laugh before laying a hoof on the alicorn’s shoulder.

“We like you just the way you are, plain ol’ Twilight. Ain’t no reason to change sugarcube.”

With that she trotted off towards the market stalls, leaving Twilight thinking.

Plain ol’ Twilight.

Plain.

Rainbow Dash saw Twilight sitting at one of the outside tables in the little al fresco restaurant that Ponyville harbored. She was staring glumly at her daisy sandwich and large glass of juice that was sweating droplets. One hoof idly twirled on the table top.

Landing with a thump of hooves and slipping into the only empty chair across from her, she smiled, can’t see her friends being down now could she?

“What’s up Twilight?” She motioned to the waiter, “Onion rings, a whole basket please!”

The aproned pony nodded with a smile, taking the order back.

No reply had been heard, so Rainbow tried again.“Hellloooo, Twilight?” She waved a cyan hoof in front of the downcast face.

A mumbled word or two came out, the hoof still twirling around.

Rainbow leaned over the table, “What was that?”

“Nothing..”

“C’mon Twi, you’re kinda down about something. What’s going on?”

The Princess sighed, pushing at her sandwich, “Am I..plain?”

Of all the things, this was the last Dash expected to hear, “Do what now?”

“Am I.. you know.. plain?”

“What? No way, Twilight! You’re like..like..awesome with magic and can do all kinds of stuff!”

Eyes were rolled, “That’s not what I meant Rainbow. Well...kind of.. I mean..plain. Like..” A hoof gestured to her face, running down until it hit the table once more.

A huge basket of fresh made onions rings appeared in front of Rainbow as she decried her friend’s question once more, stuffing her face all the while.

“No way, Twilight. I mean I’m no judge, but I’m sure there’s ponies that think you’re just great looking!” Another onion ring disappeared into the hungry maw.

“Like who?”

This Rainbow hadn’t anticipated, throwing out a feel good comment just to try and help. Now she was caught. Choking on a mouthful of food she thought quickly.

“Uh..” an onion ring got waved around, “Liiiiike..that doofus in the world through the mirror? Flash in the Pan...Swiftly Stupid.. That guy!”

Twilight’s face actually cracked a smile, the lips lifting as almost, almost a laugh slipped out, “Rainbow!”

The cyan mare was absolutely unrepentant, munching on the last of the onion rings. She gave Twilight a wink while waving the empty basket at the waiter.

“Besides him..” Twilight was still giggling.

Another big basket of fried not-so-good for you food landed in front of Rainbow as she slid some bits over, “What’s the big deal Twilight?”

“I’m.. well.. worried I’m just not..” She flipped a hoof, “I dunno..”

A raspy laugh and nudge with a wing is what that got her, “Twilight, you’re fine the way you are!”

The way you are.

Plain ol’ Twilight.

Plain.

Walking the town that night was one Alicorn lost in thought. Her lavender coat shone in the waning light as the Sun slipped beneath the horizon, letting the Moon out to lay a blanket of silver along everything.

The stars were starting to peek out, drawing the violet eyes upward for a moment, then back down, accompanied by a sigh.

She stopped at an intersection, looking over at a night club that was just starting to open. Ponies were in line joking and laughing as they waited, the music inside had a really good beat, hooves were tapping along while standing outside.

Her field of vision caught the other mares dressed up for dancing, jewelry, some bits of clothing. She watched how they stood, or even looked around, seeing a confidence she did not feel in herself.

They looked so...so pretty. Shining in the light from the street, eyes glancing about, certain and happy.

She thought back to that night a while ago. Two very dirty, dusty stallions had saved her and the others lives when they went to the forest. Rescuing the foals and bringing them back to Ponyville. It was a day of triumphs. The magic had roared out of her, collapsing that tunnel and giving them all a chance to escape.

After that, at Sugar Cube Corner, they’d all sat and looked out into the night that held no horror for them anymore. She’d felt brave, like a true Princess. Smiling to herself she remembered Stonewall and Granite’s face when she gave them each a kiss on the cheek, walking away with a brash twitch of her hips. She’d felt like somepony else that night.

But then it was gone, lost in the day to day grind of just being a Princess, trying to keep up with studies, nary a moment to relax some days and just sit with a good book.

One more glance at the glittery mares that walked into the club made her think.

She wanted that again.

And Twilight knew just how to do it.

When Twilight put her mind to something she was dogged, never releasing hold until accomplished. Proving it so this night as she stood in the library, a cleared area around her just in case as she prepared the spell she’d worked on.

Only for twenty four hours, that’s all.

Magic could do so much if directed in the right way. Healing, helping, finding water sources or gems. Pretty much anything.

Even boost confidence for a little while.

Writing a spell was simple enough for one of Twilight’s caliber, directing the energy somewhat harder. But making sure there was a limit, even tougher. Magic wanted to run free, to express itself. So if you didn’t rein it in, it could become a wild thing.

The only other item, making sure the spell only affected who or what you wanted it to.

Being tired is not a good way to accomplish any of this. But experience had taught Twilight so much it was all almost automatic.

Almost.

She pictured in her mind what she wanted. Confidence. The way she looked, the way she talked and acted. Just like..Athena! That was it! She pictured her friends as well, thinking of an amalgam of things they all had, the poise that sometimes flowed, the self-assurance.

Her horn lit up, the magic flowing then folding in upon itself as she concentrated on the spell and what she wanted. Just for a day, she wanted to be..be...spicy.

The new day dawned bright with a golden sheen to the morning, and as Twilight opened her eyes, a definitely better day!

She flipped the covers aside, hopping out of bed to stand in front of the mirror. Her eyes narrowed a bit as she looked for something, anything different.

Same eyes..hooves.. Mane hasn’t changed. Pursing her lips she tried to see all parts of her body, even flipping around to check her backside. She was glancing over her shoulder wiggling her backside when Spike walked in.

“Something wrong with your tail, Twilight?”

She about leapt out of her skin, blushing a bright crimson as her eyes snapped to the little Dragon smiling in the doorway.

“No! I mean..no. Just making sure ..you know.. brushed right and all that.” She gave him a smile, “Can’t go out being a Princess with a tail that’s looking like it got dragged through the mud.”

Spike thought that made sense, nodding. “So, what’s for breakfast?”

Twilight didn’t hesitate, “Let’s have something really different this morning Spike!” She tapped a hoof on the floor for a second, “You know what? I feel like pizza.” The Alicorn nodded to herself, nosing Spike out the door.

“Pizza? For breakfast?” He gave her a suspicious glance, “You feeling okay?”

“I feel..” She was silent for a second as something settled inside her, making her stand just a bit taller, popping her wings out then buttoning them tight against her sides, “I feel good Spike, really good.” She bent down, giving him a shove with a hoof as her stomach grumbled, “C’mon, race you to the kitchen!”

Spike lost his suspicion as he grinned back, “You’re on!”

They both laughed and took off down the hallway.

Whatever was cooking actually made Athena start to wonder as she walked into the castle. Intent on finishing up the dusting today, she could hear laughter coming from the kitchen. Her olfactory senses were going nuts at the different smells.

Rounding the corner she could see Spike ducking behind a chair, before she could ask a piece of dough covered in flour smacked her right in the nose. Catching her off guard she stumbled over her hooves. Recovering quickly, she removed the errant dough and tried wiping her face as her ears caught Twilight’s laughter.

“Score!”

Do what now?

“Nice shot, Twilight!”

That was Spike’s voice, what was going on here?

Blinking her eyes, she saw Twilight giving Spike a high hoof.

“What..did you toss dough at me?”

The Princess of Friendship laughed, a low breathy sound, “I was aiming for Spike, but catching you was worth it.”

Athena grabbed a towel, wiping at her face, “Oh, think that’s funny do you?”

Twilight gave her a look that caught her completely off guard once more, a sly smile that told volumes, “Oh, yes I do. Care to do something about it?”

Athena’s eyes narrowed, looking closely at her, “Are you the real Twilight?”

Spike hopped up on a chair, “That’s what I said!”

Twilight turned back to the stove, her magic lifting a very large platter containing a fresh made pizza. The cheese was hot and melting and it was overstuffed with mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers of different colors, onions that were crispy, everything to make the mouth water.

Pans on the stove were browning more onions and other delights that were ready to be put on another flat of dough. Cooked enough to be prepared for the ready to go pizzas that were waiting.

Athena stared for a moment. Twilight usually cooked simple things, never wanting to be away from duties, books or her lists for very long. If she could salivate, this concoction would definitely make her do so.

“Spike, seriously, use a napkin.” The Pegasus handed the drooling Dragon a cloth square. He was eyeing the pizza like a starving wolf. Athena couldn’t blame him, it really, really looked good.

“When did you..”

“Learn how to make this?” Twilight was cutting huge slices to put on plates, “I’ve always known, just never had the time.” She pushed plates in front of the waiting pair, setting down across from them with her own piled high with pizza. A quick levitation and glasses were filled with ice cold drinks.

“I think I did a pretty good job of it.” Her voice sounded so unlike the unsure Twilight, making Athena’s eyes snap upward, seeing her leaning on an elbow, resting a cheek against her hoof with a warm smile.

No. Nono something wasn’t right here. Athena opened her mouth to ask.

“What IS that smell?” A happy voice echoed through the castle, followed by a pink face bouncing into the kitchen. “Oh my gosh, that looks so good!”

Twilight grinned, pulling another one out of the oven, “I planned ahead.” She cut a few slices and slid the plate over to Pinkie who had made herself comfortable at the table.

“Twilight, this looks awesome!”

“Why, thank you Pinkie.” The Princess took a bite of her own piece, eyes closing in pleasure as Pinkie was busy chowing down herself.

Athena watched them all eating, finally taking a bite of the slice she held in her hoof, blinking at the complex flavors. This was more than pizza, it was fit for a gourmet menu item.

“How did..?”

Twilight gave a slight shrug that made her head tilt in a pretty way, “Just have to know where to look, and a little creativity never hurt.”

She saw that Pinkie had already denuded her plate and was politely asking for more. Athena watched Twilight carefully, seeing her move without a pause or stutter, nothing unsure at all about anything she did.

From serving Pinkie more pizza with a touch of hoof on hers as the pink mare exclaimed over how good the food tasted; to her rolling out more dough swiftly, piling the cheese and toppings on and putting another two into the oven to cook.

She glanced over her shoulder, eyes warm and with something else in them, “I’m sure more company will be here.” Her voice sounded as if she knew, absolutely knew. Giving a wink to the assembled diners, she lifted out another pitcher of juice, setting it on the counter with four more glasses.

Data fed into Athenas’ systems as she watched Twilight, comparing baselines, everything she knew and this was not her. Well..not the way she acted. So self-assured, confident. Her body language was totally different.

“Twilight..”

“Whoa, Nelly! Whatever smells this good oughta get an award!” Applejack’s face appeared around the doorway, followed by Rarity and Fluttershy.

“My stars, Twilight, what is that delicious aroma?” Rarity was actually sniffing at the air.

Fluttershy had already taken a seat at the large counter, leaning forward with an inhalation, “Oh, that is making me hungry.” She actually had a look of anticipation on her face.

Twilight smiled, when she did it lit her whole face up making her even more beautiful than she was. Her eyes sparkled as she lifted more plates, piling them high with fresh food and setting them in front of each pony. An empty seat was given a glass of juice and pizza as well. Everypony looked at each other for a moment, before anyone could ask, Twilight held a hoof up.

“Three... Two... One..”

A cyan blur crashed into the floor outside the doorway to the kitchen, followed by the clatter of hooves as Rainbow peered around the doorway, “Is that pizza?” She hurried in, seating herself as Athena stared at Twilight.

What the hay?

“Medical is reading no abnormalities. Based on recent scans she is fine.”

“But she’s..different!”

“How is she different?”

“She’s..so self-confident. Assured of herself, her body language is totally off-base.”

“Sensors registered a large burst of magic in the castle last night.”

“Last night? Wait..when did you start scanning...?”

“I always watch, Athena.”

That line of inquiry was dropped for the moment in face of his answer, “She may have cast a spell on herself then? Or something went wrong?”

“I detected no uncontrolled surges or anything similar.”

“I’ll keep an eye out then.”

“As will I.”

Twilight was happily chattering away as everypony was enjoying the impromptu meal in the kitchen, it was filled with laughter and of course compliments given to the chef.

She became the center of attention. It hadn’t started that way, but everything she did, a touch of her hoof, a smile and laugh, just brought everyone into a circle that surrounded her. It wasn’t self-absorption, or ego. She was deeply comfortable with herself for the first time and it showed.

A smile, a touch to a friends’ leg, a flip of the mane. It all told such a story that even Applejack was starting to wonder. She even flirted once or twice, throaty laughs coming from her seemed so natural. The magic had settled in now, making it seem as if she’d always been this way.

Fluttershy though, was the first to say something.

“Twilight, you..uhm.. You’re different.”

The lavender mare stopped her serving and smiled warmly, “I’m just me.”

“No, no ya ain’t Twi.”

The Alicorn shook her head, “No, I’m me. Just.. feeling more confident today.” She didn’t feel like sharing details about the spell just yet.

“I, for one, think it suits you dear.” Rarity pressed a hoof against hers, “You look so wonderful.”

Another brilliant smile, “Thank you, Rarity.” No blush, no stuttering.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I sure want some more of that pizza!” Rainbow was holding out her plate, drawing every eye until she looked around, seeing the others staring, “What? I’m hungry!”

Talk turned to lighter things, how the farm was doing, Rarity’s boutique, Rainbow’s quest for the Wonderbolts.

Athena couldn’t find a way to ask her what was going on. It was..interesting watching this.

As everyone broke, cleaning up and heading out for the day, Spike stood with Athena at the doorway watching everyone trot off.

“So, what’s on the list today?” Athena was really wanting to know more.

A flip of the mane and a saucy smile made her hesitate, “We don’t need a list. I’m sure we’re smart enough to do what’s needed.” They both watched her saunter out into the daytime, a silky sway of her hips making them both goggle.

Spike’s hand tugged on Athena’s wing, “I’m scared.”

“Yep, she was just a-chatterin’ away, and ah swear by Celestia’s Sun she was flirtin’ a bit too!” Applejack was sitting with Crusader out in the orchard, enjoying the nice sunny day.

He gave her a puzzled look, “Flirting? That is definitely not Twilight.”

“No, it sure ain’t. But to tell the truth, it sure was nice seein’ her so confident.” The orange mare swirled a hoof in the dust, “Sometime’s wish I could be that way some days, ya know?”

“I think you are fine the way you are, my Applejack.” He was the recipient of a powerful hug.

“Ya always say the right things.”

Applejack was closer than she knew. The magic spell that Twilight had used was very powerful, changing her whole personality. She had to visualize what she wanted, at the same time part of her was wishing her friends could be the same way just for a while. Twilight wanted to share her magic with those closest to her, let them see what could be done. Never, ever in a harmful way. So the spell, acting on her subconscious desires as well, did just that.

Every touch, every pat of a hoof, spread the magic to Rarity, Applejack and the others, no further. The spell obeyed it’s user, making sure she got her wish, even if was not the first priority.

Fluttershy was happy, the sun was bright and shining and she had some shopping to do. The buttery mare loved this chore because there were so many things to look at, and she loved sampling the fresh vegetables that the stands offered.

As she walked, her body settled into a different mien. She was holding her head a little higher, tail flicking back and forth that was not her usual way. The smile was warmer along with her eyes, her voice was humming a tune she remembered from a long while ago that Crusader had played for her. A song that was beautiful and elegant.

Normally she faded into the background, wanting to get things done in a nice slow way, making sure she never bothered anypony. It cost her some items she really wanted, but that was okay, it all worked out in the end.

This time though she stood in line, casting her soft gaze around her, looking at ponies directly. Her voice was not overbearing, but firm and polite, a hint of sultriness was heard in it that was throwing everyone off that knew her.

The way she acted spoke volumes to those around her, making them smile. They all knew of her shyness and it made those who did happy to see her this way. Maybe she was finally coming out of it?

Fluttershy didn’t feel it, it seemed as if she’d always been this way. A smile to a friend, a wink and toss of the mane. Such things came naturally to her now as she carried her purchases.

She beamed at a stall owner who fumbled the basket of fruit he was carrying past her. She tried not to giggle, but did anyway. It wasn’t malicious, just seeing the humor as she walked on, giving him a flip of her tail to say she was sorry for the inconvenience.

Fluttershy cut quite the swath through the market that morning.

Pinkie had always been herself, there was nopony like her anywhere and that gave her a confidence others did not feel. She was, however, not without her own insecurities. Sometimes she wondered if her parties were good enough, happy enough for the pony receiving it. Did she choose the right presents? The right decorations? All these things niggled her some nights.

She usually calmed her own fears, but at times they stuck with her.

At this time, as the magic settled itself inside her, those doubts were gone. Her naturally bubbly personality just enhanced the spells’ effectiveness.

Sliding a plate with a huge slice of vanilla cake on it, drizzled with caramel and chocolate in lines, surrounded by a glaze with a design in it, the pink mare smiled.

Not her usual wide grin, or happy smile, but something warmer, softer.

The stallion on the receiving end of the plate was looking at the work of art like he’d never seen anything like it, “Wow, this is great Pinkie!”

A cheek leaned on one hoof as she kept smiling, “My pleasure.” The tone of her voice brought the pony’s head up, his eyes meeting hers.

“Uhm..” he blushed down to his tail, “Well..I..” A hoof reached back to scratch his mane.

A blue eye winked, telling the now nervous stallion she was flirting harmlessly with him, “Enjoy your snack.”

“Oh..uh..sure. Thanks, Pinkie!” He didn’t feel rejected, no, her smile told him it was all in fun. He really ought to be more confident in himself he thought.

She ran out of a few things while serving, instead of her normal manic run, she turned and walked slowly back into the kitchen area with a smoldering look over her shoulder at the pony who waited at the counter, making him blush right down to his hooves. She came sauntering out with his order, wishing him a nice day and chuckling under her breath at the way he stumbled out of the store.

Pinkie was knocking them down at Sugar Cube Corner.

Rarity had always been full of life. Debonair, demure sometimes, a flirt at others, but always a truly ‘rare’ breed of pony. Gracious and generous, kind and ..well.. forgiving most times. She had her moments, as all ponies do when frustrations build up, or her expectations don’t quite get met.

This was all carried away when the magic gently worked inside her. The white mare turned into an absolute knockout.

Rarity didn’t sweat the small things now, moving from customer to customer with a gentle heart, a look of warm eyes, a flick of the tail and twitch of a nicely rounded flank that set hearts aflame or aflutter. Even a few mares had to suddenly leave the shop, waving hooves at their faces with goofy grins as they trotted out, exchanging remarks about the proprietor and how..well.. stunning she was.

Sweetie Belle was helping in the shop, watching her sister act a little more weirdly than usual. She had dropped a box, scattering needles underhoof and everywhere while the shop was crowded. The little filly expected the loud declaration of ..something.. the usual Rarity reaction.

She was waiting for it when Rarity breathlessly laughed, giving her a pat on the shoulder, “Don’t worry, we’ll get those right up!”

Her magic had flared around her horn, every needle returning to its place in a trice. She’d given the box right back to her sister again!

“Be careful now.”

She had stood there holding the container and watching Rarity talk with customers. Sweetie Belle didn’t get it, but it sure was interesting.

The older mare was tossing her mane gently, not her usual flip, talking with another pony about his wedding outfit she was doing alterations for. Her smile was slightly different, she walked really strange too. Why’d she twitch her flank like that?

Carefully setting down the needle container so she wouldn’t drop it, she kept her eyes on Rarity. Her walk was strange too, smooth and she kinda posed a lot. It was a little confusing. Rarity posed all the time in front of a mirror, when she was checking herself out. But this, this was waaaaay different.

Stallions were blushing too, a lot. Something Rarity was doing or saying. Sweetie couldn’t figure it out, maybe she just wasn’t watching it right. She slipped over to a chair and settled on it. Her eyes narrowing as she tried to concentrate on what was going on.

“Darling, trust me, you’d look absolutely fabulous in this red.” A bolt of cloth floated near them, unrolling and contrasting nicely with the stallions’ coat.

Sweetie saw her sister smile again, a look in her eyes that had the customer stuttering like he couldn’t quite get any words out. Being helpful she went and got a glass of water, lifting it carefully with her own levitation spell and trotting out to the poor guy.

“Maybe you need a glass of water?” Sweeties’ voice was clear in the little shop.

“Yes! What a wonderful idea Sweetie. Thank you!” It was taken from her and given to the stallion who was still blushing right down to his hooves, swallowing a large drink from the glass.

Sweetie still wasn’t quite sure what was going on, but at least she wasn’t getting yelled at.

Rarity could have tipped over every male in the place with a puff of breath.

Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow had always been of the mind she was tougher, better and faster than anypony around. Always.

She had her moments, the fluffy bunny slippers, the little things she kept around her house that even hinted at her being a bit ‘soft’.

The reality being that even though she put on the ‘tough’ persona outward, she really did like cuddling in front of a warm fire some nights with a good book since Twilight got her interested, and a blanket thick and cozy. Those were special times with Tank, talking to him about dreams and wishes, and other things she couldn’t really say to her friends.

Her loyalty was unquestioned, fighting prowess even more, but she had that lighter side that did peek out occasionally.

She’d never dare to even have her hooves done or anything like that in front of her friends. Though going to the spa was okay once in a while. Gotta keep up the reputation ya know! But some times, she’d love to once sit in the sauna or the bath with the others and just talk about nothing at all.

It was a fight inside her, the tough mare, or the gentle one.

The magic took that all away, slowly and without a fuss. There was no inner turmoil now, and for the next day nor would there be.

She found herself walking a little taller, not from pride but from knowing she was probably the sexiest mare alive. Just because the magic gently took away inner worries, didn’t mean it had suppressed the ego.

She took a few minutes to make sure her wings were preened, tail and mane brushed just right, before she exited her house. It was still a tangled mess, but it was the ‘perfect’ tangled mess. Giving her an appearance of sultriness that flowed from her ears right to her tail.

Instead of her usual ‘crash and burn’ type landings in which anypony in the way had better have their life insurance paid up, she landed gently near the market. Hooves lightly touching down as she started into a walk which would best be described as ..as.. there really were no words for it as Rainbow Dash had never done anything like it.

She was lithe and curved from hours of hard work, wings pinned against her sides as she headed for the marketplace. Eyes were staring at the swing of the perfectly muscled backside, the multi-colored tail swishing from side to side in brash movements that declared she knew she was the hottest thing on hooves right now.

Of course she’d always thought so, but not quite in this way.

She saw Fluttershy walking through the market plaza as well, giving her a wave and a smile, seeing as she did the trail of pitter-pattering hearts Flutters was leaving behind.

Rainbow had always been a little self-centered, it was one of the things ponies allowed in her case, because she could usually prove her boasts. Most of the time.

Now, being of the ‘I’m better than anypony’ mind, she started walking around the marketplace to do some shopping. Making sure whatever she had seen Fluttershy do, she did a little better, a little more sultry, and left a lot more thumping hearts behind her.

The cerise eyed, slinky Pegasus was fully aware of what she was doing now and it just made her sway that Cutie Mark a little more.

Poor Ponyville.

Applejack had left Crusader to do his own chores, somethin’ about maintenance on something which got really complicated when she asked about it. Chuckling to herself, she really ought to know better some days. Until then, apples to sell.

She had been sitting at the apple stand since after talking with Crusader. She was thinking back on breakfast and it was definitely one of her favorites. Didn’t quite know about pizza for the morning, but surely was some of the best she’d ever had. Have to get that recipe later from Twilight.

Speaking of Twilight, she’d watched her peruse the market stalls earlier, smiling an flirtin’ with a few stallions who’d been left behind in a fluster. Sure made her chuckle.

Pinkie had bounced on.. No, that wasn’t right, she’d come walking through like she was the center of attention. Which she surely was! Givin’ folks a wink and a swish of the tail as she’d cut right through the crowds and walked away with everythin’ she needed for the bakery.

Now there’s Fluttershy, lookin’ like she’s having a wonderful time. I don’t think she’s even noticing all the looks she’s getting. That shy little Pegasus is jus’ breakin’ hearts right and left without even tryin’. Poor ponies.

Of course there’s Rainbow Dash. Walkin’ round the marketplace like Miss Hot Hooves herself. Judging from the way she’s looking around and how she’s prancin’, she’s definitely that! She even did her mane, least some brushin’, that’s more than some days.

Applejack didn’t realize yet she was doing the same thing. Selling her apples and goods, her voice was definitely softer, the accent sweeter than honey and was entrancing to the ears. Her movements drawing attention while she was watching the others. That confidence she’d wanted earlier coming in waves off her.

Flipping the sign to ‘Closed’ she stretched and sighed. Been a good mornin, she thought. Time for a little break. I’m sure I can get bite to eat and a cold drink at the ‘Corner.

The orange mare got up with a twist of her neck, stretching one hind leg before she trotted off away from the stand. The powerful body moving smoothly as the blonde tail flicked from side to side, brushing hips that swayed like a pendulum.

As an Earth Pony, her body was strong and tough like Pinkie’s. With all the work she did, it only made it more so. Her curves were prominent now as she sauntered to the Corner, the magic just making her show it off more than she usually did.

The earlier her would definitely have blushed down to her own hooves had she seen the admiring eyes watching those three apples moving hypnotically with every step she took.

“I have almost one hundred percent confidence it was a spell.”

“Can we reverse it?”

“Why?”

“Well.. You know I’m not sure.”

“It does not seem to be doing any harm. Other than drawing attention.”

“She is so confident, it’s just odd seeing her like this.”

“That is not a bad thing.”

Of course you wouldn’t think so.”

“You are correct.” Crusader’s amusement came loud and clear.

“Smart aleck.”

Crusader was interrupted by a warm form leaning against him, emerald green eyes looking at him in a way he wasn’t sure he knew how to interpret. He had a suspicion though. He had been in the Corner, sitting at a booth for the moment, watching Pinkie serve customers. Taking a break for a moment from long overdue upkeep and logs. The avatar would be taken to the bay soon as well for maintenance..

“Hey there, sugar.”

“Hello, my Applejack.”

“Talkin’ to Athena? You always get that look when ya do.”

“I was.”

“Mind if I ask what about?” The smile on the orange face was warm, inviting, and so many other things. Crusader actually paused before answering, she never inquired before, allowing him to tell her later.

“You. Twilight and the others.” Honesty was always best, though sometimes not all of it.

“Hopefully y’all are saying some nice things.” She gave him a smoldering look, leaving him with a shoulder nudge and a bump of her flank as she slipped off the bench seat, sauntering up to the counter to place her order.

The umber Earth pony could only sit and blink at the situation.

“Athena.”

“Yes?”

“I believe if it was a spell, it may have..spread.”

“Oh, no.”

“Oh, yes.”

“I’ve been keeping an eye on Twilight, she, Fluttershy and Rainbow are causing quite the.. Well, not exactly commotion..at the marketplace. I wondered what was going on.”

“The very same with Pinkie and Applejack here at Sugar Cube Corner. I did hear about Rarity at her shop.”

The warbands were silent for a brief moment before suspicion rose in Crusader’s mind.

“Did you play a part in this?”

“No! I didn’t..I..wouldn’t.. Yes.”

“Please be careful of what you say to Twilight, she trusts you.”

“I promise. I didn’t know it would be like this.”

“She is young and very curious. When presented with a problem or dilemma, she will pursue an answer. Like yourself.”

“I know.”

“What did you tell her?”

“I said she needed to unwind, be a little more ..uh.. spicy sometimes.”

“Spicy....”

“Well, yeah..

“Your choice of words will get us in deep trouble one day my sister.”

“Oh, pshaw..I.. Whoops, they’re leaving. Going for bodyguard duty. Talk to you soon.”

“Be safe. I will be in maintenance for a while.”

The link went silent as Crusader chuckled in his mind, Oh, Athena. Life would be a little dull without you. He watched Pinkie wave to the Cakes, ending her shift and leaving with Applejack who gave him a smile.

Life would definitely be a little dull.

“Wait, you want me to what?” Athena was staring at all of them like they’d gone insane. “You don’t need me..I mean, Rarity could do that..” She’d been tagging along with the group, Rarity joining them as they discussed plans for that evening. It was getting on in the early afternoon now. They were now planning dinner, then a night out at the club dancing. They wanted the right gear to do so, looking at Athena to provide it. Applejack and Pinkie had joined them now, so Athena was now faced with all of them asking for her to create a few things.

Twilight smiled warmly at the Pegasus, “She does a wonderful job. But we’re going clubbing, and we need the right outfits.”

“She’s right darling," The elegant Unicorn was adding, “I’d rather just have something..oh..” She waved a polished hoof in the air, “Down and dirty, shall we say?”

Athena could only gape at Rarity after a comment like that.

The Princess leaned in with a whisper, “Please?”

She knew it was the spell but didn’t care, warmth suffusing her cores at the request, “I..I..give me two hours?”

“But you haven’t heard what we want.” Rainbow was sitting beside her all of a sudden.

“Oh..that..right.” Athena couldn’t believe how flustered she was right now. She blinked and sat down on the grass, to the side of the main thoroughfare where they had stopped. “What exactly were you thinking?”

Her eyes slowly got wider as suggestions were made. Having seen clothes that were in movies and shows they had watched together, they’d taken some of the ideas from them.

“Oh!” Fluttershy piped up, “Some neat glowy things, it would be a real fun night with those!”

“Glowy things?”

“Yes. You showed them to us once, it was called a..a..wave? Was that it? Some sort of dance going on?” The golden mare was tapping her bottom lip with a hoof.

Athena perused her datafiles, coming up with a tentative match, “You mean a rave?”

“That’s it!” Rainbow slapped hooves with the other pegasus.

Athena thought for a moment, chemical interactions were simple to do, she could make some ‘glowy’ things easily. The other stuff, however...

“Are you sure you..you want those kind of clothes?”

Six heads nodded in tandem.

“Okay..tell me what you want.” Certain fabricators long unused inside her war hull fired into life. Cloth was pulled out of hermetically sealed storage by techspiders that fed the rolls into patterning machines. She’d made simple things before, but nothing this specific. Her mind sought and found datalinks to what she needed.

An early dinner was called for. Athena found herself walking with them to a restaurant that promised intimate dining and quiet, for romance or trysts. She wasn’t quite sure that it would be a very good place, although from the reviews she’d overheard it was quite nice.

The group stood in the doorway of the gently lit restaurant, seeing half-shuttered candles lining the walls, casting a soft incandescence around ponies who sat at tables in twos, threes and more. Thick carpet lined the floor, making hoofsteps muffled and gone in seconds, assuring nopony was disturbed in their dinners.

The dining area was separate from the entryway and what looked to be a small area to the side for waiting. It had a small bar it appeared, and covered dishes on long tables.

She could see a string quartet in the dining area off to the side as well, providing low music for the ponies inside.

Polished wood gleamed in the candlelight, making it seem as if the room was suffused in a golden aura that made Cutie Marks shine, colors stand out.

Tables covered in linen so white it would have hurt the eyes in other circumstances, but only looked clean and new in the gentle lighting. The click and rattle of plates and dinnerware were the only things heard above the talk of ponies enjoying their meals.

Waitresses and waiters stood to the side, eyes watching each table, for when a plate was finished it was quickly whisked away by an aura of magic or a polite hoof that exchanged it for something else.

Chilled water or wines were served in multi-faceted crystal goblets, the level of liquid never getting below a certain point when a calm voice asked if the customer wanted more or in the case of water, was already refilled.

Athena watched all this with wide eyes, kicking herself that she’d never once peeked in at least. This place was amazing!

A maitre d’ stood behind a podium, giving them all a look which combined disdain with indifference.

Athena was trying to puzzle out exactly how he could do that when Rarity spoke up.

“Table for seven, s’il vous plait.”

A slight snort answered her, “Do you have a reservation?” The slightly accented voice made it seem as if the tuxedoed pony were actually sneering at the suggestion they could just walk in.

Athena just sat quietly and watched. Wow. Disdain, indifference, AND insulting all at once. That took some serious skill.

Rarity got a stubborn look on her face, hearing the derisive tone and was stepping forward to confront this ruffian. She was halted in her forward movement by a lavender hoof. Twilight moving out from behind everyone where she hadn’t been seen.

“We’d really appreciate it.” Twilight’s voice was soft in the warm atmosphere. Stepping from behind her friends, she leaned on the podium with an elbow, one hoof pressing a cheek, “We’ve heard so much about this place and decided we’d try it. We know it’s an inconvenience..but..”

The royal hoof waved slightly, “I’m sure Princesses Celestia and Luna would love to find a new place to dine at whenever they’re in Ponyville.”

Athena watched the stallion go from sneering to fawning in under a microsecond, adding a little bribery to Twilight’s list of accomplishments.

She had to admit though, the maitre d’ could grovel quite well.

“Of course Your Highness, of course!” His hoof tapped a small bell, summoning an aproned mare, “Table for seven immediately.” The waitress took off in a rush, preparing a table while they waited.

“Would the Princess and her companions like something to drink? Perhaps hors d’oeuvres?” A hoof gestured to a table inside the waiting area, lined with warming plates where ponies waiting for a seat could have something to snack on. “We have only the freshest items, along with a selection of imported cheeses and fine fruits.”

Twilight gave the tuxedoed stallion a look that would have knocked anyone else over, “Why, I think we would, thank you.” Leaving him tugging at his collar and stuttering as they sauntered past. Pinkie giving him a wink and swish of her tail as she went by.

Athena tried not to chuckle out loud as eyes started swiveling towards the six mares swinging their way towards the waiting area. A stallion was eye-balling Rarity when he was whacked on the shoulder by his companion, a unicorn mare that was now tearing a strip off him quietly.

She was thinking out loud to herself, admiring the warm interior, the soft music, “Crusader would love this place.”

“I can fix that.” Twilight’s voice brought her eyes around to see the Alicorn lighting her horn up, “I’ve been practicing teleporting other objects and ponies, watch this.”

The spell flashed, blinding them all for a split second as Crusader appeared near them..well..most of him..

Eyes opened wide as Twilight and the rest stood in complete shock, not knowing what to say.

It was the umber Earth pony they all knew, except parts were missing. The right front leg, hind leg, and the entire side was laid bare for all to see in the restaurant. The gleaming durachrome and -steel skeleton that made him up peeked through the wetly shining black semi-organic musculature that shifted and moved from the teleport as the form wobbled slightly.

A blue eye stood out on the fleshless half of his skull, a version of death incarnate come to life as the head swiveled to look at them all. The silvery surfaces and muscles reflecting the soft light, making it look like some horrible nightmare come true.

Athena could see where attachments had been severed, hanging off his body like flexible leeches, they had been providing new nanites and restoration materials to keep everything in tip top shape.

The masses of nanites moved in between the muscles like swarms of ants you could barely see, the larger versions used for maintaining the skeletal structures were easier to make.

Before anyone could say anything, the maitre d’ passed right out behind his podium, taking it to the floor with him.

Tables flipped as mares and not a few stallions did the same, fainting dead away. Fine dinnerware and goblets went flying as the rest tried to hide or grabbed for partners that were slipping off seats into unconsciousness. Wait-staff were trying to recover the implements that were tumbling to the floor.

Crusader’s voice came through the commlinks in the minor pandemonium that followed the initial fright.

“Will you please return my avatar to the maintenance bay?”

Athena nudged Twilight, who had leaned in, looking at the intricate inner workings of the pony in front of her, poking at the muscles.

The alicorn didn’t start, didn’t even blink as she stood up, “That, is really interesting.” She gave Athena a smile, “Really interesting.” Once again, her horn lit up, consigning the half pony to the ether and back to the maintenance bay.

“Thank you.” Crusader did not sound thrilled as the commlink clicked off with a finality.

Whoops.

Athena couldn’t believe her ears when Twilight just looked around, her face warm and a bit sly, “Well, the spell works.”

Hooves covered mouths as they all giggled.

Athena shook her head as they stood there, reaching over for a glass of wine to wash down the delicious snacks they’d been sampling. Ponies were picking themselves up, glaring at the Princess who just waved politely, disarming and charming them completely.

The six moved among the customers, apologizing for the problem and making sure everypony was okay. It calmed the entire place down almost immediately, letting them return to the waiting area where they stood for a moment before a cleared throat garnered their attention.

“Your table is ready Princess.” The maitre d’ was looking himself again, though slightly pale as he led them to the table.

After being seated, Twilight’s apology was waved away, the staff knowing of her proclivities when spell casting, it was an accepted part of life in Ponyville that Twilight Sparkle would do something that would be a little..'different’.

The table was set low on purpose, the seating arranged for relaxation on oh-so-soft long cushions that cradled their bodies. allowing them to sprawl out. Reclining in such a way allowed patrons of the restaurant to feel more at ease and enjoy their meals.

Athena crossed her front legs, seeing them all settle in and letting herself enjoy the moment with them. She liked this, seeing them in a different light. Her body shifted, letting her hinds legs lay to the side one over the other as goblets of water were served, the droplets of condensation dripping down the sides actually making her want to take a drink.

Lifting it and taking a mouthful, it was lightly lemon flavored and so cold she could taste the crispness, she closed her eyes for a moment before setting the cup back down. It was immediately refilled from a pitcher that floated in and out.

Rarity was in her element as menus were passed out, laughing at something Fluttershy said. She was the epitome of class and distinction. One polished hoof was held pressed to her chest as she leaned forward, whispering something to Applejack that made the orange mare laugh out loud. It wasn’t her usual tone, but something low and more..sensual. Her reply was made in a honey-soft voice that was so easy to listen to.

Bowls of olives and other exotic foods for the group to nibble on were laid out quietly. Athena tried to pinpoint who was doing it as they floated in gently, settling down with a small plate in front of each of them. It availed her nothing, she couldn’t spot the perpetrator.

Darn, these employees were good.

Ohhhh..so were these olives..they even had pimientos stuffed in them!

Athena wondered if they’d be interested in learning about Martinis.

Her musing was interrupted by seeing Rainbow Dash and Pinkie flirting outrageously with one of the waiters as he came by to refill their water.

Hoo boy.

A hoof touched hers, making her turn to see Twilight leaning in close, a leisurely expression on her face. Athena almost choked for a second on an olive and smiled warily back.

“Have you decided what you want?”

“Uhh.” She grabbed up the menu, “Oh.. Wow..so many things.” She wasn’t just saying it either, it had four pages of items, and every single one of them sounded good.

The hoof pressed a little harder against hers, “Mind if order for us both then?”

“No. No, not at all.” It’s the spell, that’s all, just the spell. Athena watched Twilight turn back to the menu, signaling a waitress.

A very pretty Unicorn trotted up with a pad held within an aura of magic, “Take your order Princess?”

“Twilight, please.”

The waitress looked around somewhat nervously, “We’re not allowed.. I mean...” She was interrupted by a gentle touch on her shoulder.

“Consider it a royal order, would that help?” The look Twilight gave her was totally disarming, winning her over immediately.

The pale magenta Unicorn grinned back, “Yes, Twilight.”

“Good, now..” She proceeded to order the best of the selections, making sure that there was more than enough for the both of them. She also ordered a wine for the seven that made Athena goggle at the cost.

Her expression made the Alicorn chuckle, “I don’t spend much money, stop looking like that.” The waitress was smiling herself as she took the order back.

“What?”

“Like you’re going to faint.”

“I don’t faint, I never faint.. Though I could at that price!” Athena laid her own menu down on the table, “Seriously.”

A light laugh, shaking of the head, “You’re incorrigable.”

“Crusader tells me that a lot.”

“Don’t ever change.”

Athena looked into those violet eyes, seeing nothing but honesty, “I won’t, I promise.”

The first course arrived so quickly before she could say anything else, the smell of stuffed bell peppers was heavenly. Wine was poured, an aromatic white that was so pleasing to the senses. Other dishes were set upon the white table cloth, presentation was everything here and it showed in the way the food was laid out on each plate.

Not one for tiny little servings, the plates held goodly portions of vegetables steamed and roasted, boiled and slow-cooked, seasoned and not. Everything the heart desired. Noodles fresh from the kitchen in sauce that would tempt even the pickiest eater

Even Rainbow had forgone her cider and pizza addiction, ordering a large amount of mushrooms filled with an herbal bread stuffing that made her mouth water. She was actually drinking the wine and commenting on the taste.

They had a few hours to kill before the evening fell and it was time to hit the club. The time seemed to pass slowly as the expensive drink was shared, each commenting on the light, fragrant taste of it while they started in on their meals.

Athena looked at her own plate, seeing the large bell peppers that were brightly colored, filled with other delights to tempt the palate. She had only just decided to dig in when a touch on her shoulder made her turn.

A spoon, held by a lavender hoof, was close to her mouth. Barely containing a salad medley covered with an oil dressing that was looking quite good.

“Try this.”

Athena stared at Twilight for a second, “I..uh..have my own.”

“Oh c’mon, just try it.” The smile on the princesses’ face got distinctly warmer.

The Pegasus could feel herself blushing, darnit Crusader for making that real! “I..I’m okay, real..”

“Are you blushing?” The raspy voice was near on her opposite side, seeing Rainbow leaning over with a smile and one raised eyebrow.

“Oh, dear.” Rarity was leaning past Rainbow after giving the speedster a small push on the shoulder, “No need to tease her Rainbow.”

“Just ignore them. Try this, it’s so good!” Twiight moved the spoon forward, making Athena take a bite and chewing for a moment, nodding her head as she swallowed.

“That’s won..wonderful!” It was, lightly flavored and so fresh.

“Athena, if you do not stop transmitting your nervous reactions, I will have to lock you out of the TSDS datastream.”

“Sorry!”

“Be calm, enjoy your dinner Athena.” The link cut off once again.

Ugh, it’s the spell! Stop thinking there’s more here than there is!

Athena took a metaphorical breath and relaxed finally.

Lifting a cherry tomato, she gestured to Fluttershy who took up the challenge, opening her mouth and catching the tossed item, chewing thoughtfully.

“Oh my, that is really tasty.” She returned the favor, leaning over to present a bit of her own food to Applejack who didn’t even hesitate, taking a bite of the pasta concoction she’d ordered.

“Say, that’s right fine Fluttershy.”

That started it. The words 'rapidly downhill’ came to mind immediately as Athena watched.

Rarity leaned over to the fork that Rainbow offered, the mushroom heavy with herbs and stuffing as she opened her mouth, lightly wrapping her tongue around the offered morsel, then her lips gently grabbed it and slid it off the fork with a smile. Leaning back, she chewed slowly and pressed a hoof against her chest in delight.

“That, is a delectable choice Rainbow.” Her smile was brilliant as the delicate tongue slowly licked what remained off her lips, followed by a stark white linen napkin dabbing at the corners. Her eyes were bright in the golden light, giving the pegasus a warm look.

Rainbow leaned forward on the table, giving Fluttershy a tap, “Can I try some of that?” The mischievous look on her face made the golden pegasus giggle before lifting up a fork full in her hoof with a silent nod.

The cyan pegasus rolled over, leaning her head back on the table as Fluttershy slowly dropped the hanging noodles into her open mouth. Rainbow wrapped her lips on them and slowly sucked them down until the fork hit her muzzle, opening her lips to wrap around the utensil before letting Fluttershy pull it back out with a ‘pop’.

You could have heard a pin drop.

Pinkie slithered up against Applejack, “Hey, how about sharing some of those?” She pointed a pink hoof at a stacked pile of asparagus, buttered to perfection and steaming slightly.

A southern-sweet voice replied as Applejacks’ mouth lifted on one side, “Ah’d be right pleased ma’am.” She reached down, grabbing a thick stalk and proferring it to the mare that was almost plastered to her side, the two Earth ponies fitting like puzzle pieces.

Pinkie leaned forward with a grin, taking one end of it into her muzzle and working forward slowly with her lips until they almost reached the hoof holding it. Pulling back, she gripped it with her teeth, taking it out of Applejacks’ grip and tilting her head back, a slight sucking sound was heard as it disappeared into her mouth before her jaws moved, chewing it for a moment.

“Wow, that’s gooood.” Her blue eyes lit up like a lamp, giving Applejack a quick nuzzle in thanks.

Somewhere along the way Applejack had ditched her hat, her mane falling in golden waves as she chuckled, giving her head a toss, letting the ever-present tie fall off the end, picking it up and giving it to Pinkie to store away in her own voluminous mane.

Athena peered over at Twilight, seeing her do the same, her mane wasn’t quite the same as her usual style, using her magic to make it more full and flowing, doing the same as Applejack, making it look like a waterfall off the side of her neck.

Rarity was using her own brand of magic, quickly doing Rainbow’s mane into a style that gave her a softer look, quick and done it fell forward in a multi-colored flow. This didn’t interrupt anything else going on, Multi-Tasking for Magic Users 101.

Fluttershy of course had already been hit by Hurricane Rarity, making her a vision of cute.

“You look marvelous darling!” She reached out with a polished hoof, levering the flow of pink mane behind one ear, getting a nuzzle of thanks from the pegasus.

“You’re not eating.” The voice made Athena turn from watching all this, seeing Twilight munching on a bit of food.

“Oh..uh.. Sorry!” Athena grabbed for her fork, stopped by a gentle hoof.

“Let me,” Twilight smiled gently at her, lifting a fork in her hoof, no magic at all, a generous helping of peppers and stuffing on it as Athena got so nervous she almost lost control of her gunnery cores.

A signal shot into TSDS immediately shut her out of the dataflow, with a last thought of amusement from Crusader as he commandeered her tactical and weapon systems.

“Have fun.”

Oh, phooey on him! I wasn’t that bad! But..but.. Oh, hay with it.

Athena leaned forward, mouth opening as her tongue reached out and cupped the fork from below, drawing it into her mouth. Soft lips wrapped around it as she tasted the complex flavors from the well-made dish. Her eyes closed halfway, enjoying the taste as she drew back, taking the portion of food off the fork in one smooth move. Her jaws worked for a moment, a smile crossing her face.

“That tastes wonderful.”

The eyes locked on her went soft, as if she’d passed some kind of test. She felt more relaxed now, more..in tune with what was going on.

A cheek brushed hers as Twilight’s voice softly entered her ears, “Glad you liked it.”

She smiled back, picking up her own utensil, digging it into the dish in front of her and offering it in return to Twilight, “My turn.”

Twilight didn’t hesitate, wrapping her mouth around the portion of food, her tongue licking up from below it slowly and drawing it into her muzzle with a soft sound of pleasure, her lips clamping down on it as she drew back, wiping the fork clean of food.

“Mmmm.. Oh, that’s good.”

Athena pushed her head forward, giving Twilight’s cheek a brush, exactly as had been done to her.

That broke the ice, she had noticed them all watching her for an odd moment, seeing her response and reply. Things immediately became softer, as if she’d now joined a very special club. She’d noticed this, the cheek brushing among ponies, but hadn’t experienced it herself. Now she knew, it was for confidantes and intimates.

Something settled delicately inside her, a warm feeling caressing her limbs.

The spell? No..no it didn’t feel.. Looking at the table for a moment, Athena shut it down. Forget it. Don’t care. Spell or no she was having fun.

Crusader had shut her down, no dataflow from her cores except what was needed for avatar usage. She could feel him standing watch as he finished his own maintenance. Other than that, she was free and clear of anything pressing. The clothes were done, just awaiting pick up. It wouldn’t hurt, couldn’t hurt from what she’d seen.

Hadn’t he said have fun? She stared at the table for a long, long moment.

“Feeling okay?”

Lavender eyes snapped up, meeting violet ones still gazing her way.

“Oh yes, just fine.”

“Good, because there’s a lot of food to go around.” A hoof swept out, grabbing a goblet of wine and taking a sip, “ I’m sure we can all share.” She speared a crispy piece of potato with a fork in the other and munched on it slowly, giving Athena a nudge with a wing.

Another bit of pressure from her opposite side made Athena turn, a waggling piece of asparagus in Rainbow’s muzzle made her grin in amusement. She leaned forward, taking one end in her own mouth and gripping it with her teeth. Cerise eyes narrowed with lavender ones as a tug of war ensued.

Each mare gripped a little more with teeth until their muzzles met, Rainbow bumping noses with Athena, making her laugh and giving up the fight.

“Oooooh, sooo close.” Rainbow was chuckling, chewing happily on her prize.

The next couple hours were not exactly what was expected from the Elements of Harmony. It was warm, comfortable. The food was exquisite, the drinks more so, plenty to try and divide amongst themselves. Dessert was truly an experience, especially with Pinkie around. The hijinks and..well..plain fooling around with the food definitely raised the temperature of the whole place by a few degrees.

It was a laughing, and lighthearted, group that was asked to leave after the whole incident with Pinkie. Of course more merriment than distress, though they were quite enjoying the experience of the dinner, it had been time to leave. The night was falling, and clothes were waiting to try on so they could have a night at the club.

“Whaaat? Ice cream wasn’t a bad idea!” Pinkie was protesting her ejection.

“It’s not you adding the ice cream Pinkie, it’s where!” Applejack laughed, giving pink mare a nudge with her side.

Fluttershy actually spoke up, her voice sanguine, “I don’t think it was where, it was when she asked the waiter if he wanted a slice of Pie a la Mode!” The pegasus covered her muzzle with a hoof and giggled.

“Oh, he was just an old fuddy-duddy, no sense of humor.” Pinkie’s ever-present smile was soft in the evening light, looking out the side of her eyes and swishing her hips like she hadn’t a care in the world.

“Did you have to add a cherry too?”

“I thought the whipped cream was a nice touch, darling.”

“But they didn’t have sprinkles!” Pinkie mock-pouted, “A fancy place like that and they don’t have sprinkles? Shame!” She turned around and yelled back at the restaurant, “Shaaaaame!” Shaking a hoof at the door before breaking down and giggling.

A gleaming hoof patted Pinkie on the shoulder, “I’m sure they will have some next time we visit.”

“If they let us back in!”

Everypony laughed once more as they headed for Athena’s entryway.

“That...is...AWESOME!” Rainbow was eyeing a pair of pants made just for her, “These are gonna look great!”

Athena had been worried, using what skills she’d learned to make the clothing for them as requested. Adding a bit of flair here and there, she’d held back while they inspected the combination of their wants and her machining.

Tech spiders had set up everything on ponyquins, making sure it all fit to specs long ago received when they’d been scanned for medical problems, able to be adjusted in the blink of an eye, they now sat for inspection.

She’d gone back into the archives, looking at old 2-D footage of those dances and the clothing that humans had worn to them. Trying to figure out the right combination from what they wanted, and what would be appropriate.

She knew Vinyl would be playing the music tonight. Ever since the big contest last year, Crusader had given her free reign in the data he had on music which was extensive beyond all means. Diaspora covered everything, almost everything. Except cooking. They were both still a bit miffed at that.

So while they were at dinner, she smiled to herself thinking about that, she’d been designing and putting outfits together.

Hence, the result which now stood on her open command deck. Letting them see what she’d come up with.

Now, Rainbow was looking at a pair of low cut, stretch fabric shorts. Made from the same material as the wicksuits Concordiat Marines wore under powered armor.

The ‘waist’ came low over her hips, barely above the base of her tail where a fastener was attached, letting her slip them on and off easily. They stretched to fit her as she wriggled into them, not wanting to wait any more.

She ran a hoof down her side, looking at the form fitting fabric running down to a little below her backside, the clothing letting just her Cutie Mark show through in a way she couldn’t figure out. The material hugged her like a second skin, the color a perfect offset of her own cyan.

Prancing around for a second, she posed in a hipshot fashion, showing the muscular body off and a sly grin, “Think this’ll wow them?”

Pinkie nodded and grinned, “Oh, definitely!”

Pumping a fore hoof in the air, she snatched the shirt off the ‘quin. Same material, only it bore a design of a craft on it. The swept back configuration and underslung rotating cannons on each wing identified it as a Concordiat Anvil Fighter, capable of tremendous speeds in and out of atmosphere.

It was a 3-d print of a picture, making it look like it was roaring off of the shirt. Though only covering the upper part of her chest, the half-shirt looked quite nice on her.

Athena tapped Rainbow on the shoulder, “Hold still.”

Fumbling with the fastener was definitely not easy with hooves, she got the tab adjusted right above Rainbow’s tail. Pressing hard for just one second, she set off a nano-reaction in the seams of the clothing, all of a sudden lighting them up with a soft glow of neon reds and greens.

“Whoa!”

“It’s a simple reaction contained in nanotubes. It’ll last for weeks actually.” More if exposed to sunlight. When wanting things to celebrate or look good in, the human race did not stint.

Rainbow leapt into the air with a “Yeah” Looking at herself all lit up as Athena dimmed the lights for a moment. Her outline showed off all her attributes quite nicely with the glowtubes.

Landing gently she assumed a casual pose, leaning against Fluttershy as that pony was looking at her own outfit.

“Flutters, you’re gonna look great in that.”

The golden pegasus nodded firmly, “I love it.”

Said object of their attention was a pair of pants that led down to just above hock. Made of a shiny almost leather-like material, it was open on either side of the legs with lacing going from the waist to the bottom. It looked as if two pieces were tied together to make one pair.

Fluttershy slipped them off the display and shimmied into them slowly, taking her time with a whole lot of tail waving.

The shorts cradled her backside, making it look firmer and definitely tighter, not that she needed any help in that department. Athena assisted her with the closure at the back as well.

Her upper clothing was a half shirt as well, but shiny. Unlike Rarity’s fabrics, this one glinted with every movement, making her fore shimmer every time she turned to look. Everything fit perfectly, her wings having no problems, like Rainbow’s, as the shirt made allowances for them. It fit loosely, but not in a sloppy way, more showing off her chest and neck with the way it was designed.

“Like it?” Athena was watching her pose in the mirror, seeing her turn with a bright smile.

“It’s beautiful!”

Lifting each leg, she tested it all, sure she had enough room to move. Raising an eyebrow and looking over her shoulder at her friends, she gave them a saucy smile, “This is going to be fun.”

Rarity was next, not even waiting for the others as she slipped into a pair of what looked like jeans at first, but softer and definitely curve hugging over her hips and flanks.

The material was slashed open at certain points, letting the white coat show through the darker material, meshing perfectly as her Cutie Mark peeked out of strategically placed open areas.

A slim belt fit through the belt loops, not looking awkward, but somehow fitting right in with the style. The legs ran down and belled out around her back hooves at an angle, letting you see the gleaming hooficure.

The styled tail came out through an opening that once again had a fastener that was interesting Twilight quite a bit. Athena promised to explain hook and loop closures later as they got ready.

Rarity’s shirt was even more of a stylish endeavor, made up of straps, it criss-crossed her chest and lower neck, making a partial shirt of soft, glittery material that looked stunning on her. She immediately went to the mirror and made sure everything was in place.

Athena added some jewelry she’d made up, a necklace and earrings that went with the almost shirt of straps, gleaming and glowing with their own inner light that set everything off. Nothing expensive, but the nanite infested metal would shine as long as they had sunlight to feed them.

The azure eyes lit up in delight, looking at the accessories, “May I keep these?”

Athena nodded, “You bet, they’re for you.”

She was the recipient of a very warm hug, then smiled as the Unicorn showed her items off to Fluttershy and Rainbow who made appreciative noises.

Pinkie, somehow, was already in her outfit without any help. Bouncing and grinning like she’d heard the best joke in the world.

The tight shirt was glittery and happy just like her, showing a smiley face that somehow matched the grin on her own. It was another 3-d print of something fun.

The pants hugged her hips, the cutie mark shining out from the darker material. The legs flared out wide from underneath her tail to her hooves, covered in glowing patterns that went right along with her bubbly personality. She stood up for a moment on her hind legs in front of the mirror and shook her tail. Pinkie was more defined than ponies gave her credit, underneath the exterior was still a strong Earth pony, and now she showed that right off.

“These are so neat!”

The rest just exchanged glances, knowing Pinkie was the life of the party anywhere.

She grabbed some neck bands and leg cuffs from a table nearby, having been told they were there to wear. Looking like a glow-in-dark pony and chortling happily to herself.

“I can’t wait!”

“Well, we’re waiting on Twilight and Applejack, darling.” Rarity was trying to get the pink ball of fluff to settle down, failing miserably. She ended up wrapping her forelegs around Pinkie’s neck in a hug and stayed that way. Pinkie was ecstatic and returned the embrace. At least she wasn’t moving.

Applejack hadn’t been sure about what she wanted, but definitely something good. Athena had taken up the challenge and provided her with a pair of half-pants that ran partway down her back legs. Made of the same material as Rarity’s, she’d let the Cutie Mark show through instead of slashing them. They ran along her curves, tightening things up. If you’re gonna dance, make it worthwhile.

Her shirt was a strapped, backless affair, leading to a glimmering front, showing off her lines and muscles. A combination of colors made everything stand out as she checked herself out in front of the mirror. The shirt shining in different colors as she turned, each facet of the flakes on it making a prism of light.

“Now this is what ah’m talkin’ about.” She stretched a hind leg, letting the pants grip her tight and flexing the flanks underneath the material. The blond tail was waving through the opened back, something simple, but fun as she wanted.

A special pair of cuffs were added on her front legs, lighting up softly in the overhead lighting, made to stand out in the darker atmosphere of a club. Adding some ear bands that only helped achieve a look that was striking for her coat color.

Rarity nodded, “Elegance is all well and fine, but sometimes you want something..” She waved a hoof around, careful to keep Pinkie in place, “Something less dressy.”

Rainbow agreed, standing in front of the mirror again, swinging her hips from side to side as she made sure everything looked good, “Oh yeah, and you can do some serious moving in this stuff!”

Twilight was the last, enjoying looking at how everything fit on her friends, she was now slipping into her own outfit for the night.

She’d wanted something nice, but not too classy, something she could show off in. Her words, her desires, and Athena dug into clothing patterns to find a good match.

A collar fit around the Alicorn’s neck softly, but form fitting, a strap leading from it down her back along the spine, to another just behind her forelegs, wrapped around her barrel. A strip of cloth made the shirt front, over her chest area, widening out to make almost a sleeveless shirt, giving her range of motion.

The fabric was soft to the touch, and gleamed with sparse decorations that made it light up in a subtle way. It caught the eye, the design and style, leaving you wondering what made it glow so.

Twilight had wanted shorts like the others, nothing long, so was provided with a pair that ended just below her backside, almost a high cut but not quite. Made of the same material as her shirt, it matched and clashed at the same time. It accented her darker coat all the more, along with the reflection of the adornments, it definitely was not princess-like.

Athena herself was slipping into her own clothes, short pants as well, with straps that ran zig-zag down the back of her legs ending at her hooves. The soft fabric gave her free movement, which was important to her.

Popping her head out of the collar of the half shirt, she’d made them all that way because they looked better than full shirts, she was grinning. ‘Cause they were gonna dance the night away!

She let it hang just a little loose, giving breathing space, the glittery flakes making shapes that teased the eyes, reflecting like small prisms.

One thing she had waited for, grabbing a small shaker off the table, she popped her wings out, carefully rattling the container and letting what looked to be a dust land on her wings. She made sure it was nice and even, setting the container down and waiting for a moment.

“What’s that?” Twilight was watching. She was always interested in something new.

“Watch.”

Athena dimmed the lights, counting the seconds when her wings lit up like they were made of neon, prompting soft exclamations from everypony.

“What IS that?” Rainbow was leaning over.

“Party Dust. It was cheaply made and used. All the advanced technology in the Concordiat and they mostly used it for harmless diversions. Not a bad thing really. Quite the fashion statement at one time.” She gave her wings a test flap, seeing the dust adhering quite nicely. It automatically adjusted colors, choosing a spectra which gave it a more natural look, but it glowed like the warm sun itself.

“Who’s next?”

She dusted Rainbow and Fluttershys’ wings, giving them even more reasons to look in the mirror. Rarity and Applejacks’ manes and tails got a good helping along with Pinkie who was getting more excited by the second.. Twilight got the wing dusting as well.

“It’ll glow after exposure to any light. Self-adjusting. Only lasts for about twenty-four hours.”

Rainbow snapped her wings out, loving the look it gave her of some ethereal pegasus warrior, “This is..wow. I don’t know what to say.”

“Well, that’s a first.” Applejack laughed, seeing her own honey blonde mane shimmering.

Checking her internal clock, Athena gestured outside. “I guess it’s time for the big reveal right?”

“Oh, darling.” Rarity put on a sloe-eyed look, “It’s not a reveal, it’ll be a fashion extravaganza.” Her flank cocked outward, the Unicorn looking right, tight and fabulous in her outfit, the purple mane glowing softly.

Vinyl rocked her head to the beat. Every since she’d gotten free reign on Crusader’s archives, she and Octavia had been discovering whole new worlds of music they’d never even imagined.

The electric-blue maned Unicorn was loving every single second she spent listening to things she couldn’t have conceived much less thought of. Sometimes she just played the music straight out, no messing with it as she considered some that good.

Right now she was feeling the beat, the converted warehouse was the club of choice right now for Ponyvillians, with a back wall that opened into a large field, it allowed ponies to spread out and dance, mingle, have a few ciders, or just listen.

The bar was packed, the dance floor was a mob of ponies. The backyard held even more as the Pegasi moved in some clouds for extra room and a little misty shower to cool things down.

Even Octavia was nodding her head, tapping a hoof to the beat as she sat on the stage, helping with a few things.

One of the best nights ev...whoa...

Whoa! Whoa..hohoho...what in Celestia’s name?

A hoof reached up, sliding the every-present sunglasses down her nose to make sure she wasn’t just imagining things.

Nope.

“ ‘Tavi..'Tavi!” A back hoof bumped her friend, making the grey mare look up from arranging records.

“What, Vinyl?’

“Look!”

Mulberry eyes peeked over the rotating discs playing in front of Vinyl, looking at the group that just entered the club.

“Is that..?”

“Yes it is.”

“Well,” The lovely accented voice was sounding a lot brighter now, seeing a distinct diversion from the boredom of helping with records, “Tonight is definitely going to be something different.” She smiled warmly at her friend, watching Vinyl’s eyes get wide all of a sudden.

“Hi!”

Octavia snapped her head around, seeing Pinkie with an odd container, “Here! Have some of this!” She sprinkled both of their manes with some weird sparkling dust, throwing a few things on their legs and necks, “Have fun!”

Bouncing in delight, the bubbly form zoomed off into the crowd.

Octavia shook her head, perfectly coiffed mane still in place as she checked, “What in Celestia’s name is she up to now? And what was she wearing?”

Vinyl was grinning, “I dunno, but look at these!” She held her hooves out, bands of neon color glowing brightly in the dark of the club. “I’ve seen glow sticks, but this is ...” She twisted her hooves, showing off the spectrum of colors arrayed on herself, “This is so cool!”

Octavia swept a hoof back, bringing a part of her mane forward, “That’s not all.” At Vinyl’s inquiring look, she pointed to the soft glow emanating from her own mane, holding up a small mirror and watched her friend’s eyes grow wide with a laugh.

“They do say you’re quite wild, now it’s proven.”

A nod, a bigger grin, “Oh yeah!” Seeing her own mane lit up, “This is gonna be the best night ever!” She saw the dancers eyeing her and Octavia’s newly glowing manes and shining bracelets, giving a rousing cheer.

Even the normally non-plussed Octavia could only agree. The crowd was yelling her name along with Vinyls’. She didn’t quite know what to do, being used to a more somber crowd.

“Wave ‘Tavi!” Vinyl nudged her forward.

Raising a hesitant hoof, the grey Earth mare moved it side to side as the assembled ponies went wild.

“You’re a hit.”

Octavia smiled, waving more enthusiastically, “Maybe, I could enjoy this a little.”

The two of them leaned forward over the turntables, giving the crowd what they asked for as Vinyl slapped a new disc on, something recorded for her and pressed by Crusader. The speakers started thumping a beat that reverberated through the club and the ponies inside, even outside, making them all drop what they were doing and dance!

Athena was regretting letting Pinkie see the Party Dust, even take just a little of it. She had sprinkled Octavia and Vinyl, now the two ponies were definitely getting attention. The normally serene cellist was brightly waving to the crowd, while Vinyl was pushing the tunes.

Good for them. No more PD for Pinkie. Ever.

Speaking of.. Athena happened to notice a pair of shining eyes and an expectant face right next to hers. Turning slowly to look at the happy face, hearing the inhalation and saying, “No.”

“But you didn’t even know what I was gonna say!”

“Yes, I do Pinkie. You can’t have any more dust.”

“Awwwww! Come on!”

“Oh, no.” Shaking her head at the pleading mare, “No, no. Letting you loose with a little was enough.”

“Aww..you’re no fun.” But the grin, the bright blue eyes, the whole demeanor said that statement was a lie. “Let’s go dance!” A leg wrapped around Athena’s with a strong grip, tugging her onto the main floor.

Lavender eyes lit on Pinkies’ blue ones as they broke through the crowd, “Let me show you a dance.”

Pinkie was a quick learner. She could pay total attention when absolutely required, though it was tough. As for dancing, nothing held her back.

A hit of the shoulders and lifted hooves started it off, both Athena and Pinkie dancing close. Too close some would say as a few of the more ‘upper crust’ ponies were almost scandalized at what the two mares were doing.

They didn’t care, it was a party and the two were stomping to the beat. Pinkie giggled as her flank bumped Athena’s, both of them giving a swish and twitch of backsides, turning in place. Slapping shoulders, they both lifted a hoof and slammed them together with a pop, lifting up and and landing again as Pinkie followed right along and mirroring Athena’s every move.

After a few movements, it turned slinky. Pinkie was picking it up quick and showing how she actually was a really good dancer by adding her own little twists and dips.

Head to tail, they turned and bumped, rubbing and sliding along each others bodies as the giggles ran free from Pinkie and Athena, seeing the looks from some of the other dancers. The more daring ones were copying what they were doing. She saw Lyra and Bon Bon’s happy faces as they joined in stepping alongside her and Pinkie.

There was Sunshine and Bastion whooping it up, the Pegasus and big Earth pony were adding into the little group that was growing by the moment. Stomping then sliding, jostles and touches.

It was slowing down though, getting warmer, closer.

Athena closed her eyes for a moment, feeling Pinkie close, her body warm and powerful in its own way. The firm muscles under the pink coat shifted smoothly as she molded herself to Athena, leaning heads to the side and giving each other a neck hug before turning in place, sliding backwards to end up face to face.

A nuzzle, a brush of the cheek, warmth flowing through her as she danced with Pinkie. The beat of the music echoed in both of them, Athena could feel it reverberating in her durasteel bones. Out of the corner of her eye she watched Rarity and Fluttershy doing the same, almost wrapped up in each other and moving along with the music.

The sable pony lifted up, popping her wings open and lighting the area to Pinkies’ delight. The nano-dust softly making the feathers look ethereal. She landed back down, folding them in and then posing outrageously as Pinkie clapped. Returning the move with a pose of her own that made Athena wonder if she had solid bones at all.

The best times were those that had no deeper meaning than to have fun. To enjoy oneself and leave other things for another day. It was so easy to do, to let herself be someplace else for a few hours. Life was good, if only for a while. Day after tomorrow, a trip to the Empire. She couldn’t wait, seeing something she’d only heard of, descriptions of a wondrous place filled her with anticipation.

The dance was just gearing up, it had only been an hour and it seemed as if it would never end. She hoped not. Pinkie dragged her over to the open bar, serving up ice-cold drinks for the ponies attending. She was always amazed at the capacity of the pink mare for guzzling liquids.

She sipped hers, the taste brisk and fresh, grapes newly juiced off the vine by patiently working ponies. Everything made with an with attention to detail that would’ve killed humans to do in the Concordiat. Here, it was a matter of course.

Her dancing partner was getting quite a few compliments on her outfit, nothing like it ever seen before. The belled out pants, the designs, everything to the glowing mane were getting remarks as to where others could find something like it. Pinkie just gave a lot of smiles and winks, keeping the secret for a while so she could be the center of attention for a little bit. Athena didn’t blame her, she looked awesome.

Speaking of awesome..where was..?

A bump into her side solved that question. Rainbow was giving a friendly glance from the side of her eyes, body poised and relaxed. Obviously she’d already been dancing by the sight of black clothing soaked with perspiration and drying quickly. Concordiat technology right when you need it, Athena thought.

“Grabbing a drink already? C’mon, you could dance us all into the ground!” Her voice was teasing, grabbing her own mug of icy cider and taking a decent swig of it before wiping her lips.

“I don’t like to do that.” Athena preferred to take these breaks like a normal pony. She didn’t show off if not needed, except emergencies.

“Well,” The warm voice continued, “If I could do that..”

Athena rolled her eyes with a sigh, “I know, you’d be flying all day and night, doing stunts and tricks...” Silence caught her attention, looking sharply at Rainbow who was grinning like she’d just been waiting for this answer.

Did she just...she did!

“You...twit!”

A side of her mouth lifted in a sly smile, leaning in and whispering to one sable ear, “You need to unwind Athena, get a little tight sometimes.”

The pegasus pushed a cyan chest away from her, “Don’t you dare use my words against me! Twilight told you that? Ohhh..that little...” She stopped herself, closing her eyes for a quick blink, “You got me.”

Rainbow chuckled softly, “I’ll mark this day on my calender.” She laughed louder when Athena shoved her again.

“Smart aleck.”

The pretty face leaned close, a leg hooking around hers, “Come on, let’s go dance.”

“Don’t you have tons of adoring fans who want to do that?” Athena’s voice was teasing.

A toss of the mane and a smile that was so unlike the tough Pegasus, “Oh, I’m sure they’ll wait. I am awesome you know.” She blew on one fore hoof, rubbing it on her chest.

Athena laughed, being led to the dance floor, “You’re a goof is what you are.”

Rainbow lifted a foreleg, striking a pose, “But I’m the best looking goof ever.”

“Ugh, no stopping you.”

“Nope. C’mon! Let’s dance!”

Athena watched as Rainbow led, stepping around her before leaning in, both of them slowly swaying with the song now playing. A little different, upbeat but definitely one for taking a break from the fast pace.

Rainbow leaned into her, she reciprocating the move, wings entwined on one side as they swung in a circle.

Athena could feel the lithe body against hers, enjoying the closeness, something she hadn’t felt since..since Marcus..or Hera. She felt a twinge, remembering her sister, knowing she’d love these things.

“Mind if I join?” The voice snapped Athena out of her reverie, seeing Twilight standing there looking wondrous in her outfit, glowing softly in the overhead lights.

The soft fabric of her outfit was gleaming in the lights, making her stand out from the crowd around them as Rainbow nodded with a “Yeah. Feel free!” She moved aside as the Alicorn joined them. The warmth of two bodies near her made Athena feel at home like nothing before. She knew some of it was the magic, but the rest was her friendship with these remarkable ponies.

Out of the corner of her eye she spotted the others close by, moving with each other in time with the beat. Athena saw the warm eyes, the relaxed bodies. Magic or no, it was something special right now. She knew this song, having listened to her archives and Crusader’s so many times before. It was perfect. Hope. A lifting of spirits and hearts. It was a tune that hearkened back to her days when Marcus trod her deck, fighting the good fight.

She didn’t know how Vinyl did what she did with music, but it was if she made it better in every way, adding notes and bridges here and there that only brought it all together in a way that the human composers had never dreamed.

Her eyes closed, listening carefully to the song, letting it ripple through her mind. She leaned against someone, she didn’t care who. Her body swept up in the careful notes that dredged out so many good memories. Her mind was awhirl with sounds and scents, a few very close to her as her neck twisted with her movements, leaning against a familiar form. She knew it was Twilight and could feel her pressing close.

Athena didn’t care if what she felt was never returned, she would be content to be by her side for eternity. Bolos didn’t care about gender, they loved whomsoever they chose. They cared for their commanders, their officers and all of humanity. But there was no humanity any longer. Allegiance transferred did not mean a lessening of their duties.

That was neither here nor there. Tonight, and right now, was for one thing.

Fun.

That, plus a little sugar and spice.

Losing herself in the music, the feeling of those close to her, Athena danced. Graceful and sublime, her movements were not those just recorded and played back, her body was one with the notes reaching her ears. She slid and stepped, nudged and pressed, her happiness evident in every single motion.

She felt the body heat from Rainbow, even through the skinsuit. She rubbed her frame along the other pegasus’. Reaching back into her cores, she believed this is what they called ‘dirty dancing’.

Rainbow went right along with it, soon they were embroiled in moving to the beat with everything they had. Legs entwined, close and hot, the music went on for a few minutes, but they had already lost track of it.

After it ended they were both loathe to move apart, feeling comfortable for long moments before stretching out. Athena grinned as the cyan Pegasus returned it, both of them nudging each other happily as they waited for the next song.

Sitting at the open drink stand as the crowd kept going, it was only a couple of hours later. Athena sipped slowly at a mug of something sweet, crunching some snacks between strong teeth as the others rested beside her.

Fluttershy was laughing at something Rarity was telling her, both of them flirting outrageously with the snack stand attendant. He was trying his best not to fumble the food he was making as they gently teased him.

She was thinking maybe she ought to say something in case...

“They know.”

Her head snapped around, seeing Twilight sitting there, “What?”

“They know. I told them. I noticed they were not quite themselves a while ago and figured maybe my spell went a little farther than I intended.” She laughed throatily, “I don’t think they were too upset.” She pointed at Pinkie who was dancing with Granite, enjoying herself immensely.

“At least they know.”

The Princess nodded, her face taking on a thoughtful look, “I admit, it’s been different.”

Athena munched on a carrot for a moment, swallowing before she asked, “Has it been bad?”

“No.” A shake of the head, “Oh no, not that.” A slight rueful expression crossing the lavender face, “Though I am sure tomorrow morning we may be looked at a little differently.”

“I think...,” Athena started, “I think it won’t be as bad as you might expect. Though it may be hard getting reservations at the restaurant again.”

Twilight got a disdainful look, almost a match for the maitre’d, “Phooey on them if they can’t take a joke.”

While the sable Pegasus laughed, she continued.

“I do admit, it’s very different feeling like this. Confident, so sure.” Her eyes caught lavender ones, “Spicy.” She giggled when Athena choked on her drink, “It is your fault you know.”

Fore hooves were held up in surrender, “I know, I know. Crusader already told me I’d get in trouble one day for my suggestions.”

Twilight actually got a mischievous look on her face, leaning close so only Athena could hear her, “Maybe I can figure out a spell that’ll loosen him up a bit.” An eyebrow was raised as she slyly smiled.

The Pegasus laughed so loud she had to cover her mouth for a moment, “No. Oh no. That’s all we’d need is him whooping it up.” She ceased her merriment, “Twilight, just because I say something, doesn’t mean you have to do or be that way. I say things I shouldn’t. I..I know I run my mouth sometimes...” She was stopped by a gentle pressure on her shoulder from a lavender hoof.

“It’s okay. I take things a bit far sometimes myself, though it’s hard to admit that.” Twilight kept her hoof in place, “But we can learn from each other, can’t we?”

“I’d..really like that.”

“Of course, I’ll never be able to dance this well again.” The hoof lifted off Athena’s shoulder as Twilight stood and did a few quick steps, shaking her tail to the beat, garnering another grin from the Pegasus.

“We’ll work on it, how about that?” Athena offered a hoof, getting a bump from Twilight.

“Hey, I don’t know why he wasn’t looking, I mean, mines’ better!” The raspy voice caught their attention, seeing Applejack and Rainbow walking towards them, engrossed in conversation.

“Ain’t nothing to it sugarcube, lots of Applebucking and just the right body to do it with.” Athena and Twilight turned to see Applejack posing hipshot, showing off her..uh..assets and giving the mare beside her a broad wink.

Rainbow’s voice raised in protest, “No way! Nothing beats this!” She slapped a hoof on her flank, throwing her hip to the side as well, posing for a passing pony who stumbled while looking, excusing himself and wandering away. The Pegasus chuckled as Applejack just rolled her eyes.

“No helpin’ when you do things like that.”

“If you got it, flaunt it!”

“That’s not flauntin’, that’s jes’ throwin’ it out there.”

Twilight chuckled, nudging Athena as they watched the two argue, interrupted by the sophisticated accent of their favorite Unicorn.

“Darlings, please. That’s just run of the mill.” She stopped near them, “If you’re going to show off, do it with flair.” Her mane still shining, she was looking just as fresh as when they arrived.

“This is how you flaunt it.” She lifted a fore leg, holding it in place as her eyes gave a smoldering glance, her body turning in such a way it made sure you saw each curve and line. A couple of nearby ponies stopped their conversation to gape. Her Cutie Mark shone through the slashed jeans as she gave them a full on view of her back end, which was quite alluring in the designer clothes.

Two stallions ran into each other as they tried not to stare, rubbing their foreheads and apologizing before moving swiftly off in different directions.

Fluttershy giggled, pressing a hoof over her mouth before shaking her head, “Nonono, like this Rarity.” She tucked her chin in, allowing her mane to drape over her face giving off an aura of pure shyness, eyes going round and soft. She looked over her shoulder, setting one back leg forward of the other as her tail curled around them both. The outfit she was wearing tightened as she shifted, lifting and conforming, making her look all that much more delectable.

Even Athena was amazed at the look, and the change in Fluttershy. Standing there for all the world like a model on the runway and knocking them over. Especially the poor snack stand pony who fell off his seat.

“Wow.” Twilight’s comment was barely audible.

A pink face appeared out of nowhere, pushing Fluttershy’s cheeks together and squealing in delight, “Oh my gosh! You’re so cuuuuuute!” Breaking the little show up while ponies laughed, Pinkie grinned at her friend who gave her a hug.

“Let’s do this, Pinkie Style!”

Snapping her legs out one at a time, Pinkie straightened her top and adjusted her pants before taking a pose herself. Whipping her head around, her mane fluffed up as she lifted one foreleg, turning her body in such a way it made you see every curve and line under the pink coat.

The blue eyes took on a warm mien, filled with an internal fire of desire that swept around her in a single glance. The way she stood spoke volumes, that would have been in the adult section of any library you’d care to mention.

Granite was sitting next to Athena and Twilight, watching as the usual party time mare took on a look that would, and did, have Rarity and the rest blinking in amazement.

“Celestia’s name. I didn’t know she could do that.” His gravelly voice was whisper soft.

Twilight mumbled in reply, “Neither did I.”

As quickly as she performed her one mare show, Pinkie broke into a grin and grabbed a mug of juice, plopping herself down beside the little group as Twilight stuttered, trying to ask a question.

“How’d I do that?” Pinkie watched them all nod. She leaned forward, looking conspiratorial, “I’ve been watching Rarity all night, she’s goooood!”

Laughter broke out again as the group gathered, sharing drinks while taking a break from the party.

“So..uhm.. I know it’s a spell..” Fluttershy was whispering to the others, seeing their attention focused on her, “But, uh..maybe we could do this again?” She gave a grin that combined bashfulness for asking with hope.

“That’s a good idea, maybe I can convince this airhead who’s got the best flanks in town,” Applejack nudged Rainbow who protested.

“Hey! We know who does, me!”

“I beg to differ darlings,” Rarity pointed at Fluttershy who was standing comfortably next to Twilight, her faux-leather pants showing the goods off.

“Okay.”

“Yeah, you got me.”

“Yep, definitely.”

Everyone nodded, even ponies passing by. That prompted Fluttershy to sit down immediately with a face that reddened in a deep blush, hiding behind her drink. Confidence or not, some things were still a little embarrassing.

“Wait.. You..you want me to cast this spell again?” Twilight was confused, usually the whole ‘cast by mistake’ problem was dismissed as other things took precedence.

Her eyes glanced around, seeing her friends nodding.

“But..why?”

It was actually Rainbow who answered, slipping up beside the befuddled Alicorn and whispering.

“ ‘Cause we can act like this and blame the spell.”

Violet eyes went wide, almost popping out of her skull as she heard Rainbow..Rainbow! say that! But it turned to laughter, realizing it was so very true. She wouldn’t mind doing this again some time.

“Fine. But only on special occasions!” She saw the nods. It would be a tightly held secret then, one among a few others that had always been kept.

“All right!” A hoof punched the air as Rainbow grinned, “Now that’s settled, c’mon, let’s go dance some more! The night is young!” She grabbed a hold of Athena and went back into the crowded dance area, followed by the rest.

Blue eyes watched the whole thing from a distance, an umber pony sitting quietly on a bench just outside the gathering.

He could feel the joy radiating from Athena. Knowing he could never quite learn how to do the same like her, he was content.

The repairs were done. His own transmissions were like new at a horrendous cost in metals and time. He was ready. Should she run into any trouble, he would be there.

He would watch her go to the Empire, on a trip he himself may one day take. But she was more than skilled enough to handle things. Other than that, it was for him to stand the watch as he always had.

He could see Athena’s laughter, the smiles, the pure enjoyment of just being alive that radiated from her.

But he also wondered what was buried under the snow and ice up to the north. A technological remnant? An enemy? Whichever it was, they would deal with it as they always had.

Until then he would not want to bother her in any way. His mind, along with a myriad of sensors, focused outward into the darkness surrounding the town.

Life should be enjoyed. Tomorrow comes soon enough.

Travels

“Fire Control Systems check.”

“All green across the board.”

“Final loadouts complete, the tech spiders are withdrawing now.”

“How did you even fit that much ammunition?”

“Creative use of storage, my sister.”

“Riiiiight.”

“Delta Series Weapons Test finalized, looking good.”

“I’m ready! Fusion plants at fifty percent.”

“Passengers aboard and settled?”

“Yep! Wait..” A sigh comes across the comms, “Rarity has more luggage.”

“Did you inform her even we have only so much space?” His sarcasm comes across loud and clear, making Athena laugh.

“Yes, I did. But you know her.”

“I do. Advise when ready.”

“Got the tech spiders throw..er.. Storing the luggage now, we’re ready.”

“You are clear. All readouts are showing green. Any internal problems?”

“None! Like right off the factory floor!”

“All yours then, Athena.”

He felt the hesitation, a split second of her expecting something but not wanting to bother. He was more than happy to provide.

“Unit Athena of the First Equestrian Armored, you are cleared for combined operations, recovery and rescue for the Crystal Empire. Acknowledge receipt of orders.”

“Acknowledged!” Her voice was bright, almost a shining presence over the warbands. She loved the old ways, the commands and proper procedures. It gave a sense of rightness with everything they did. He agreed.

“Good luck Athena.”

“I’ll be back. Hopefully with something.”

“If not, enjoy your trip.”

“That too!”

“Area is cleared.”

“On the way!”

Transmissions that weighed tons slammed into place, as treads began moving. A slow and very careful expansion of battle screens was done, shaking the dirt off her upper hull as Athena prepared to bring herself out. Inert gases blasted through barrels and ports, clearing them for action as she gently moved forward.

Not in any hurry, she was taking her time. Everything was like new. The work of nanites and tech spiders plus a myriad of systems that combined to have her gleaming and shining in the morning sun.

Her sensors spread their gaze outward, seeing ponies gathered at the edge of town. They loved watching the big machines move, knowing that they were friends, companions they could all trust to do whatever it took to keep them safe.

Everything shone in the daylight, the sun ricocheted off the durasteel in a selection of colors as she snapped her shields off, the last of the earth covering gone and revealing her sleek hull. Fire control radars ranged and searched along with Lidar and a complicated stew of other sensors that told her exactly where she was in relation to everything around her.

The big treads grabbed the soil effortlessly, bringing the mighty mountain of metal up and out of her resting place. The big engines purred with the power of the sun that gave her impetus and movement, bringing her to light in the glorious day.

A hatch opened on her upper sensor island, letting the six ponies and one dragon outside to wave goodbye to their everyone as she slowly brought herself to full power. She made sure the railing and cage were secure as she was moving inch by inch.

Fusion furnaces that could light a city burned bright. Hearts of stars roiled within her. The newly rebuilt suspension didn’t let her hull sway a single inch, keeping her balanced and level, as she finally shed the last of the good soil.

Circuits gleamed with energy, the power flowing freely. Heavy weapons loaded and brought to full power raised in the traditional salute for a Bolo. The turrets snapping around in an eyeblink, the big bore cannons raising in a way that made one marvel.

She was a wonder of technology in a way that the ponies of Equestria could never wrap their minds around.

Inside her were newly designed defenses. Anti-Nano-D had been remade, making the little machines more powerful than ever. Internal disrupter fields increased in strength to withstand almost anything that could be thrown at them. She and Crusader had conferred late into many nights, going over solutions to a possible Anceti incursion and how to counteract them.

They would not be caught off-guard again when it came to those aliens, nor any other enemy.

Weapons had been reshaped, re-milled and remade with all the cunning and tactical considerations that two very powerful Bolos could bring to bear. Hyper-Velocity missiles now carried warheads that were a fifty times more devastating than before. Plasma weapons were reinforced to take the beating from firing ammunition that would make the older stuff look like sparklers.

Many things had been redone now.

The Concordiat never let Bolos design and emplace weapons. They maintained total control over that to prevent an escalation into realms where the human mind was left behind, unable to understand just what the AI’s were doing.

Some Bolo AI’s, after retirement, did assist in development, but never allowed to reach their full potential. Now, without constraints, the two Bolos had unleashed a design program that would have terrified humanity to the core.

Athena was now a hybrid of human construction and their own ideas. Though the signs were very subtle, they could not be told from a normal Bolo. Until they showed what they carried, no one would ever know.

She was now deadlier than anything that had ever trod a battlefield in their memory. Nothing could be done about her engines, any redoing of them would have to wait. As it was, they had managed to bring the speeds up a little.

He watched her settle on the grassy fields, taking up most of the sky from the viewpoint of his avatar. Her treads towered over the tallest pony, silvery name on the side of a durasteel slab that would dwarf any building in town glimmered in the rising sun. The group of friends went back inside and they were off, slowly building speed as she went north to the frozen wastes.

It would be a very long while before she was far enough away to actually not be in sight anymore. But it was nice to see her moving again after that disastrous encounter with the Anceti. He was sure it would be an interesting trip.

Though he did have one final thought.

“Athena?”

“Yes?”

“Did anyone ever tell Shining Armor and Princess Cadence you were visiting?”

“... Oh pits!”

“Of course I told them we were...coming.....” Twilight tapped a hoof on the edge of her bunk, thinking hard as she tried furiously to remember if a note was on one of her lists. Rainbow nudged Pinkie with a grin as they saw the Alicorn’s face screw up tightly.

Spike sat on another bed, looking up at the ceiling as he read a comic book, until hit on the foot by a lavender hoof, “We told them, right Spike?”

“I dunno Twilight,” he peeked over the comic book, “We were so busy packing books you ‘needed’ for the trip.” He emphasized that with air quotes before going back to reading.

Violet eyes rolled in their sockets as Twilight slumped back against a pillow, “I’m sure I sent a note or..or..something! It’ll be okay.”

Rarity chuckled, “I certainly hope so dear, or those ponies will be very surprised when Athena comes rolling over the horizon.”

“Yeah.” Athena leaned against another bunk, “I really don’t want to cause a panic. I’m not exactly easy to miss.”

“Oh, I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Twilight smiled brightly, “Just fine.” But the twisting hooves in front of her told another story all together.

Pinkie giggled, “Yep, sure gonna be a fun trip!”

I watch as Athena recedes into the distance, ponies enjoying the sight of such a large machine moving out on it’s own.

My tech spiders finished erecting the temporary fencing around her area. There is always somepony, so we take no chances. I make sure it is high enough and the posts are well sunk before turning to wander for the day. With Applejack gone and Big Mac taking care of the orchards, I find myself at leisure.

There truly is nothing for me to accomplish lately as Athena and I have found to our displeasure. Security is tight, maintenance is kept.

Stopping for a moment, I take stock of my surroundings and wonder..

What do I do?

“Your failure to plan ahead is not my emergency Twilight.” Athena’s voice was teasing as the others chuckled.

The Alicorn looked frustrated, “Oh c’mon! You can call her!” She’d been trying to convince Athena to give Cadence a call warning her of their arrival.

“I could, yes. But you should have sent a note.”

“Ugh! Okay, fine! I forgot!” Fore hooves went up in exasperation as she slumped back on her bunk.

“You’re so easy to tease, I swear.” Athena let a soft laugh out, “I’ll call her. Though I don’t think they can really be prepared.”

Eyes narrowed as Twilight looked at the sable pony sitting there smiling serenely at her, “One of these days...”

“I know, I know. One second.”

“Princess Cadence, this is Athena, can you hear me?” The commbands were limited on range, but her hull had powerful transmitters that could pretty much reach anywhere in the clear EM spectrum that Equestria had.

“Athena! Oh, this is unexpected. What can I do for you?”

“I have Twilight and the others with me. We’re going to be dropping in on you for a visit, would that be all right?”

“Of course! Shining will be happy to see Twilight. Shall we meet you at the train station?”

“Well...

I ponder this for long moments. What can I do, or what should I do in the absence of my sister and the others.

A sign catches my attention in a storefront. Reading it, a glimmer of an idea comes to mind.

I shall get a job.

“I’m sorry,” Cadence’s voice was sounding surprised, “How big did you say?”

I am letting the others listen in as they hear the tone of her voice. Pinkie is giggling up a storm.

Twilight taps me, “Just tell her..” She stops as I point to her band. A roll of the eyes and she talks to Cadence herself.

“Oh..uh.. Cadence, we’ll just meet you at the archway. There’s plenty of room there.”

“But there’s nothing there, just the plains and snow.”

“That’s fine, trust us.”

“Okay...I guess. We’ll see you there.”

“Tell Shining hi for me and we’ll be there soon!” The link clicks off as both ends disconned, Twilight feeling much better now that that’s been accomplished.

“She didn’t believe us did she?” Applejack was still grinning over the conversation, hearing the Princess’s astonished voice at the requirements for them to arrive.

Athena nodded, “I can understand it. You do have to admit, unless you’ve seen us with your own eyes, it is a little crazy.”

Fluttershy was cozily ensconced in a pile of soft pillows, “How long until we arrive?”

“At the rate I’m traveling, approximately twelve hours. I’m taking it easy.” She didn’t tell them that every sensor she had was straining to the limit, every weapon loaded and ready at a femtoseconds notice in case of problems. She was taking absolutely no chances this time. This caused her to travel at a sedate speed instead of her usual breakneck pace.

“Wow, that’s still faster than the train. I like this!” Rainbow was busily storing her saddlebags, fluffing up a pillow afterward and preparing to lay down, “So what do we do in the meantime?”

Athena grinned, “Ever play volleyball?”

“You want to what?” The bespectacled proprietor peered over his glasses at the umber pony.

“I would like to apply for the job.”

“But..aren’t you Crusader?”

“I am.”

“Don’t you....” A hoof was waved in the air, “Do all sorts of things like protect the town?”

“I do.”

“Why would you want a job here?”

Very good question, and one I have the answer for. “I enjoy learning.”

“Have you ever fixed clocks?”

“No.” Though I wonder if fabricating and assembling quantum fire control processors would count? He did have extensive data on the inner working of time-pieces as well.

“It is a very delicate job..” The older pony is thinking about it. He has a backlog, and any help would be appreciated. “When could you start?”

“Right now.”

That made the decision easier, “Done then.” A hoof was waved, “Come on back.” He opened a door, leading into the workshop.

Crusader looked around, seeing clocks everywhere, some half taken apart, others scattered in pieces along soft cloths to keep the gears in order. It was quite the sight. Every tool was placed just so, each item arranged in sequence. It gave the impression of an ordered mind.

“As you can see I’ve got quite the business, but it’s hard keeping up. Will you be alright doing this?”

“It will be fine. May I bring my own tools?”

“Even better.” The pony nodded, pushing his spectacles back up along his nose, “The pay is five bits an hour because of the delicate work, if that’s all right with you?”

“More than enough.” A signal is sent and received as a specialized spider scuttles from storage and out of his hull, heading for the shop.

“Then please feel free to start anytime. I’ll check on you when it’s time for lunch.” The older pony nods with a smile, leaving Crusader alone in the tidy workshop.

He took a seat at the low workbench, seeing the inner workings of a precision made clock laid out in front of him.

He found himself anticipating the process. Putting things together, making them work. To keep time to the second. An admirable endeavor, he thought.

A sound from the front of the shop announced the arrival of his tech spider bearing tools and adapted items from supplies. They were perfect for this job, for use by himself. The clockmaker peered in the doorway, a disturbed look on his face for a moment until he saw Crusader unloading the cargo compartment.

Setting up a framework, he sat down and concentrated on the job ahead. The assembling of a clock, antique by the look of it, back into working order.

He found himself content as the spider rushed out of the store again.

“No you don’t!” An orange pony leapt into the air, smacking a solid hoof against the inflated ball and pounding it into the deck on the other side of the net, “Score!” She slapped hooves with Pinkie, who was playing backup for her, after she landed on the metal plating.

“Oh come on! I had that!” Rainbow was grousing from the other side of the net in the cavernous bay, “That should be a point!” She trotted over, retrieving the ball which lay up against a loading tub of infinite repeater rounds.

Twilight chuckled from behind her friend, “You read the rules, that’s not a point. It was a good try though.” It was their serve now. She grabbed the ball in with a spell, lowering it to her hoof as she prepared to loft it over the net. The rules were simple. No magic, no flying. Other than that, get that ball over the net and to the deck on the opposite teams side.

Athena watched closely, refereeing for the game. As she did so, she was relaying a burst transmission to Crusader, keeping their agreement on check-in protocols. They were sent at random times and frequencies as if under battle conditions, using a one-time pad algorithm, through a drone relay orbiting above to make sure there was no interference.

Should she be out of contact for any reason, for too long, Crusader would roll.

“Here it comes!” Twilight’s voice was energized as she used her hind legs to leap into the air, slapping the ball hard and over the net as Applejack and Pinkie scrambled for it.

Rarity and Fluttershy were acting as the cheering section. They both enjoyed watching it and waited for their turn to play as the others whacked the ball back and forth over the net. Tables adhered to the floor to keep from moving as the hull rocked slightly when they were going over ground that was a little rough. They were covered in snacks and drinks, a pleasant way to spend an afternoon with friends.

Spike was relaxing in a chair, watching the game. He didn’t feel like joining, but was enjoying the time to sit and catch up on his comic books, falling disastrously behind lately on his favorite few series.

“Yay! Go Applejack!” Fluttershy’s voice actually rang out over the bay, making Rarity laugh.

“I thought you were supporting Rainbow dear?”

“Oh..well.. She’s doing good, but Applejack and Pinkie are really whooping their flanks.” The golden mare grinned happily, giggling at the surprised look on Rarity’s face at her use of language.

The Unicorn leaned over with a chuckle, “They certainly are!”

Both watched as Applejack popped the ball up, making a set up for Pinkie as the party mare leapt upwards, hitting the ball with a solid smack and forcing it to the deck before Rainbow, sliding on her front, could reach it.

“Game!” Athena sounded a whistle.

Rainbow threw her hooves up in despair and sighed, Twilight patting her shoulder, “Don’t worry, we’ll get them next round.” She pointed to the food laid out, brightening Rainbow up considerably, “Let’s go have a snack huh?”

“Yeah, I guessss so.” Rainbow faked being disgusted really well, but was a good sport about a game they’d had no experience in. Though now she was plotting revenge.

They both turned at a laugh, seeing Fluttershy and Rarity take their place. The Unicorn rearing up and clapping her front hooves together, “This is SO on!”

I find the repairing of things enjoyable. The gears meshing, the tick of a well oiled machine. Springs and levers, other pieces coming together to make something that someone would cherish for generations.

Part of my mind is standing watch, constantly sweeping the area with sensors and fire control radars, pinpointing anything and everything big enough to be a threat. A bird nesting here in this tree, a large animal crashing through the brush just out of sight, appearing to be a Manticore. They have learned, to challenge is to meet death.

But the other part is here, with my avatar, working slowly but surely with fine gears and pins, the tools that humans used so many years ago now adapted for use in putting simple machines back together.

A monofilament knife, for the taking of lives, now cut burrs off a mis-cast gear, making the metal gleam in a clean, straight line.

The frame that once held powerguns while being stripped, now held a casing into which the delicate parts were being placed.

An optical screen allowed him to position the micrometers perfectly to measure the gears, making them mesh like parts of himself. The magnifying effect let him see down to the barest part, allowing him to polish the metal pieces with a rag that contained a special solution, rubbing years of rust off and coating it with a lubricant that would last for decades, protecting it from harm.

Tools of precision, of death and life, of human made origins so long ago in the foggy vastness of time. Turned to the pursuit of a simple thing now. Bringing life into a clock which hopefully its owners would cherish.

A face appeared, one which had no name in his memory, or the voice that spoke brought back no recollection of who it was. But it was there. An object was laying on the command console as a hand wiped the frustrated face, slamming it down and almost hitting the firing sequence for the plasma weapons on aft side.

“You seem frustrated.”

“More than you know Crusader,” A hand pointed at the object, “It doesn’t work and to get it fixed is going to cost me a month’s pay!”

“Why so much?” The AI knew what the months layout was for a Captain in Bolo Command, it was not a small sum.

“Because no one has the skills anymore, it would have to be sent back to Earth to a guy who lives in some Swiss village who actually works on things like this.”

“It is a simple time piece. Why not purchase another which is more..” The Bolo was stopped by the slashing of a hand.

“No. My father gave this to me. It’s been in our family since my great to the nth grandfather carried it in the Battle of the Bulge.”

Crusader accessed battle archives. Battle of the Bulge - 16 December 1944, to 25 January 1945 Old Earth Reckoning. Last major offensive by Germany through the Ardennes region of Wallonia in Belgium, France and Luxembourg. Allied forces suffered their highest casualties of any operation during World War Two there.

Crusader could see why his commander was attached to it.

“Perhaps, Captain, we can do something about that.”

A hopeful look was all that was needed.

Tools were scattered across the floor as a frame was set up. A newly designed tech spider was used to carefully open the pocket watch and peer inside with micro optical fiber cameras. It had taken hours of searching for the right items, the hijacking of the tech spider which was not assigned to Bolo Command, but Medical would get over the temporary loss.

Minutes of slow perusal brought the broken pin to light. Carefully extracted by a waldo on the ‘spider, it was very tiny, precision made.

They wondered about fabricating a replacement when the Captain rushed out, bringing back another tool. It was a nano-welder. Using nanites with a supply of metals, it could re-weld plates and seams back together without a scar, making it stronger.

It was a simple thing for the big Bolo AI and the tech spider to gently bring the pin back to it’s pristine shape. Inserting it in the elderly pocket timepiece and closing it finally with a snap, after polishing the glass front of course.

The Captain wound the knob slowly on the top of it after opening it back up, waiting with baited breath as the second hand began to slowly revolve around the face.

A fist shot up into the air, “Yes!” He relaxed back into the chair with a happy sigh, cradling a many-hundred year old timepiece like it was the finest of treasures.

“Just because something is old Crusader, doesn’t mean you should just get rid of it.” A face he could no longer recognize looked into a camera lens, the smile truly warm and bright amid the piles of tools.

As the back plate slipped into place, screws driven in with the whine of a power driver, he nodded to himself. Because something is older, it should never be discarded needlessly. They should be loved, taken care of, kept to pass down to others who would enjoy their presence.

Like us.

“Rarity and Fluttershy?! Oh c’mon!” Rainbow was waving around a mug of cold drink while complaining.

Athena nodded, checking a readout, “Yep, they won the series.”

“Not everyone can be good at everything Rainbow, you know that.” The Princess gave her friend a warm nudge, getting a smile in return.

“Yeah, I know. But we’re gonna play again some time right?”

Rarity gave a breathless laugh, “Of course, dear Rainbow.”

“Alright then, I’ll get you next time!” She swigged from the overflowing mug, wiping her lips as the others grinned.

“So..what can we do now?” Fluttershy was laying on her bunk, snuggled into the pillows happily.

Athena pondered for a moment, “Many things. There’s movies, more games. You can rest. I can fix dinner early, we’ll be arriving at evening anyways.” They were currently exiting the Unicorn Range, passing through a very familiar battlefield which brought pangs in her cores, remembering her Hounds. Her sensors were digging deeply into the soil, looking and waiting for the enemy once more. But nothing was showing up. Ponies off in the distance could be seen through her optics, pointing at the tremendous thing passing through the rolling hills and wondering.

“We’re on track for arrival at about eight local time this evening.”

Twilight was munching her way through a bowl of potato chips, flavored in ways she’d never thought of, something called Ranch, “Well.. I don’t know about early dinner, the way we’ve been snacking. But..” Here she got a hopeful look, “You wouldn’t have a battle board like Crusader would you?”

Athena chuckled, putting tech spiders into motion setting it up in an uncrowded bay, “Yes. Yes I do.” She waited a second, “It’s in bay two..” Her voice was drowned out by the clatter of hooves on the decking as everyone, even Fluttershy, stampeded down the access way.

Athena got up slowly and followed. Maaaaybe we’ve been showing them the wrong things.

One final screw, and done. Crusader tilted his head, giving the optical mag screen a look that told him the threaded metal slipped into place like it was nothing. A twist and it kept rotating all the way down, to be tightened slightly by the driver he was holding.

He carefully removed the clock from the holding frame, a beautifully decorated one that held the patina of age, and set it aside with the others.

He made sure a smudge on the glass face pane was removed with a careful swipe of a cloth before setting back on the bench.

Done. More than done, it appeared he’d...

“Hey! Are you ready to break for lunch?” The voice of the shop owner hit his ears as the other pony rounded the doorway, “They’ve got... Celestia’s name!”

Crusader turned from the workbench, looking at the surprised pony, “Is something wrong?”

“I.. How did..” The dark green eyes looked at the assembled clocks gleaming in the low lamplight. Each one ticking away quietly as Crusader put the tools back in a saddlebag, getting ready to clear the area. “All of them?”

“Some just needed lubrication, others more extensive repairs. Nothing too complicated.”

“I.. I just needed to get the backlog done, but it seems you’ve done that.”

Crusader turned and looked at his work, realizing he had just put himself out of a job, “I am glad to have helped.”

“Well.” The shop owner adjusted his glasses, “Let me get you your pay, three hours I believe. One second.”

Crusader waited quietly, looking at the gleaming wood and metal around him. He hadn’t realized he’d been working so fast, but the time seemed to slow down as he was actually enjoying himself putting the clockworks back together. He could hear the ticking in the quiet back room, smooth and efficient.

“Your pay, and thank you so very much. You’ve saved me a lot of overtime.” A small bag was placed on his hoof, the clicking of metal telling him his pay was more than sufficient.

“This is more than was agreed Time Piece.” He made to give it back, stopped by a hoof put on the bag.

“You’ve done good work, I don’t think I’ve ever seen faster, the extra is on me, please.”

Crusader decided not to argue the point, “That is more than fair, thank you.” In return he gave the pony a small bottle, “A lubricant. Use it sparingly as one drop goes a very long way, it will protect the inner workings for many years. A cloth of very fine thread will spread it well.”

The older pony looked at the plastic container in wonder, “Really?”

“Yes.”

A head graciously lowered, “Then thank you, I’ll follow your instructions.” The opposite hoof was held out, bumped by Crusader’s own, “Thank you again.”

“My pleasure.”

He left the store, leaving Time Piece looking in wonder at all the ticking clocks in the back room. Everything clean and ready to be returned to anxious owners that would be thrilled they had been done so fast.

Once again, Crusader found himself at a quandary, wanting to do something. Off he went looking for more things to try.

“Wait a second! You can’t place artillery there!” Twilight’s voice was aggrieved, pointing out tracked self-propelled units that were trudging up the side of a holographic hill.

“Why not?” Applejack was watching the board carefully, “We can place ‘em anywhere we want.”

“But they won’t be supported by the infantry, they’ll be out there all alone!”

The orange mare smiled, giving her friend a pat on the shoulder, “Twilight, it’s just a game, calm down.”

“Yeah! Just have fun Twilight!” Rainbow’s teasing voice came across the board, where she, Rarity and Fluttershy were already moving troops and armored units in place.

Athena was watching this all carefully, seeing the ponies almost mesh in what they were doing. It was an odd sort of gestalt she was witnessing and wished she had other ways of analyzing what they could do.

Pinkie had some sort of unerring ability to spot weaknesses, directing Applejack and Twilight to victory against overwhelming numbers. It was truly strange.

But to balance out, Fluttershy’s control of irregulars was amazing, the guerrilla fighters hit and run tactics were devastating.

It was just a game, they all knew that. But putting their different abilities to work and facing different threats, they came together and worked as a team. It really was very odd, but exciting to watch as well.

Of course she had to upset things some times. A random meteor strike was fun, alien landings on the field were hilarious when something creepy crawly came pouring out of mysterious craft. The two teams ganging up to defeat them before going back to battle. She had a myriad of ways to throw things off balance.

A rolling barrage plastered the illusory field, explosions marching against Twilight’s forces.

Here we go!

The afternoon has passed not uneventfully, though I seem to end up on this bench quite a bit.

I should slow down when completing a job. It seems that concentration of the kind we are used to is not what is needed here. The clock shop owner was obviously thrilled with the work, but surprised it was completed so quick.

It is hard gauging the wants and needs of potential employers. They are spurious at times, logical in others, and totally outrageous in some cases.

We Bolos had one job, to destroy the enemy. There was no need for looking into deeper purpose most times. We were to make those who opposed us die.

Simple.

Now I look at things from a different point of view. I see why humanity was frustrated some times, angry at others, and purely disgusted most times.

When you give what someone wants, it’s not right. When you do exactly what they say, it is wrong. Also, I have found that improvement and modernization of equipment just to help is not a good thing when others are not consulted. Even when it brings efficiency up.

Case in point, my short sojourn into the world of fast food. Creating a simple alloy plate that overlay the grill, making the food cook much faster and more evenly was an elegant solution to a problem. Unfortunately the cooks could not keep up with how fast the food was ready, unused to the much shorter times.

I had no problem with it, knowing as I did the coefficients of the alloy I was using, I could properly time everything and get it out swiftly and with the desired result.

But finding myself the only one able to, and putting the food out faster than the servers could bring it to the tables, created a bottleneck of which I was the source.

I can only hope I am forgiven later on. Leaving under angry expressions and comments, I believe fast food is not my forte’ nor should it be labeled fast unless it is.

On that point I am stubborn.

Along with that train of thought, I don’t believe Photo Finish will be quite as upset when the emulsion I made for her photos make the colors richer and deeper than she expected. Simple chemical reactions are easy, especially ones for developing the kinds of photos she does. It was a little harder making it from locally sourced additives, but I believe she will like the result.

Updates from Athena are coming in regularly by burst transmission. Her journey has been uneventful so far, which is all well and good.

She is excited to be on such a mission, and I along with her. There are things to discover in this world and I hope we have more time such as this to do so.

Thus to my original thoughts, eliminating the possibility of being a lamplighter in town as well. After my suggestion of replacing the inefficient lighting system with photovoltaic cells, bulbs and batteries that would last for decades, I had underestimated how important jobs were to those who held them. The Cutie Mark conundrum came to the fore as Lantern Glow was understandably upset about it all.

When you take away ones purpose in life, what then?

Perhaps it is time to take a break. Sugar Cube Corner is always nice. I have been remiss on energy requirements. Plus, I can see why Athena is spending time there. They do make quite the selection.

“You can’t possibly be that hungry!” Athena was looking at all of them, fresh off the battlefield in the bay where thunderous skirmishes had been fought in the space of a couple of hours. Totally lost in the battles and variants, the six had forgotten all about anything else, having fun putting themselves and the board to the test.

“Are you kidding?” Rainbow rubbed her grumbling belly, “I’m starving!”

“You’re always starving. Swear you got a hollow leg.” Applejack nudged her friend playfully, getting a laugh from Fluttershy.

“Hey, I’m just active is all!”

Athena reconfigured the menu, bringing up more items from storage. She and Crusader had planned well and above. Thank goodness, because the six ponies and one dragon in the dining area were asking for more than she’d arranged for this evening. No worries. She’d even stored gems for Spike, knowing his love of snacking on them.

“All right, all done. A few minutes and I’ll get it right out.” The sable pegasus was pushing a low cart near the delivery area from the fabrication areas. Cooking things was very easy now, having a small setup where it could be done and delivered was her idea. She started setting out plates and dinnerware, waiting for the food to arrive.

“You know we can serve ourselves, right?” Twilight’s voice was gentle, sitting on a large cushion.

“Oh..” Athena thought for a second, “Well, you are guests, it’s only right. Besides I’m used to doing for others.”

“You don’t want to end up like poor Randolph the Butler do ya?” Applejack snickered.

“Oh, that pony is so tired all the time.” Fluttershy was swirling a hoof on the floor, “They sure do work him hard.”

“Yeah, they do,” Athena piped up, having seen the pony in question. “Ever since Filthy Rich and his wife settled their differences, after the whole greedy girlfriend thing. She’s just a two bit bitc..” Athena stopped and slapped hooves over her mouth, eyes going wide as plates clattered to the tabletop.

“Uhh..I didn’t say that.”

Twilight laughed, “Everypony has some redeeming quality Athena, she has something I’m sure.”

“Yeah. If you call stuck up and a snob ‘redeeming’.” Hooves made air quotes as Rainbow Dash pronounced her opinion.

“Rainbow!”

“It’s true though. She treats everypony like they’re inferior.” Rarity’s voice rose in reply, “Even in my own shop she makes me feel like I’m little better than her butler.”

“Now, now. Maybe she’s got some inner thing that makes her special or sumthin’.” Applejack was looking confident until she saw all the eyes turned towards her.

“What?”

“You just keep thinking that Applejack.” Rainbow laughed hard enough to fall off her bunk.

“Well, she has the right thought.” Twilight sat on the floor, leaning against a table, “Everypony’s got something. Maybe her special talent is..”

“Being spoiled?” Everypony looked at Fluttershy who tried her best to look innocent.

“I give up.” Twilight rolled her eyes, holding on hoof in a surrender gesture.

“Dinner is served!” Athena was setting out covered dishes, the aroma of cooked food driving anything else out of the room except for the need to eat. She was stopped by a gentle presence as Rarity took over.

“Let me, dear.”

“But..no.. You’re my guests.”

“And we can serve ourselves. Stop trying to do everything for us. We’ll be fine.” A gleaming smile accompanied the soft words.

“I really don’t mind though.” Athena was watching closely as the dinnerware was laid out, accompanied by happy chatter along with silken napkins and plates. Rainbow was setting the covered dishes out, Fluttershy giving everyone napkins and utensils. It left her with nothing to do and that made her uncomfortable.

Twilight smiled at the nervously watching Pegasus, “You’re not a servant, Athena.”

“I know.” She grabbed for a falling fork, snatching it out of midair and placing it just so beside a plate. Pinkie grinned a thank you and continued placing things on the large wooden table.

Twilight thought for a moment, seeing Athena trying to get back to helping out, “What was your sister like?”

This caught her off guard, making her turn, “What?”

“What was your sister like?” Twilight sat on a cushion, gesturing to Athena to do the same as everyone else realized what was going on, continuing their helping out.

“She.. She was the best of us.” A sable hoof waved slightly, “The best of both of us.”

“I find that hard to believe, dear.” Rarity paused in her folding of napkins, wanting things to look just so.

“Oh, she was.” Athena got a wistful look on her face, “She was the half of me I didn’t have. I was the fighter, she was subtle and graceful. We were sisters, but sometimes so different.”

“She was an Electronic Countermeasures specialist. She could fool the enemy into thinking we were someplace else, or even something else. We were both up-gunned and formidable, but she was the one that let us sneak up on the enemy.”

“Sneak up?” Rainbow gaped, “How can you even do that?” Her voice said she was astonished that something so big could actually hide.

“Easier than you’d think. The enemy was sometimes overconfident, smug. When you have a whole planet as your battleground, you can slip through the cracks.”

Athena’s eyes closed, remembering..

A screen lit up near them, showing them her memories as if they were yesterday.

“Deng sensor sweep! Hold it!”

Bolos ground to a halt in the thick plant life, their treads crushing anything beneath them. It made it hard to keep from being observed, even with active camouflage. But that was all taken care of.

“I’ve got their satellite network tapped and infiltrated, they won’t see us unless we want them to.” Hera’s voice was soft and honey sweet.

“Eventually they’ll see something with the Mark One, Mod Zero eyeball.” Marcus’ voice brought a warmth into her cores, “So be prepared.”

“I can’t do everything!”

The tall human clucked his tongue, setting back in the plush command chair, “And here I thought you could do anything. Silly me.” His voice was teasing.

“Ooooo...”

“Now, now. Don’t get all flustered. You’ll lose concentration and we’ll all be up the creek.”

“One of these days Marcus.”

“That’s the spirit my girl.” A steady finger pointed to the console, “Sweep is past, let’s roll.”

Without a word, the two Bolos began inching forward, their outsides covered in a reactive paint that flushed and changed with the plant life. Hera’s electronics were scattering any emissions, making them nigh invisible to the searching Deng.

The Spiders knew something was wrong, but they didn’t quite know what. Hera had them searching in all the wrong directions with her drones casting EM shadows everywhere. Keeping ground patrols far away from where the most obvious clue of all lay in the jungle, the tracks made by wide treads.

“We’ve gotten, I think, as close as we can my girls. We’re going to have to cut loose soon.” The big Deng base was in sight, they’d been creeping for a day and a half ever since they’d landed under the cover of a storm.

“Their sweeps are getting more intense, they’ll burn through even what I have in a few hours.” Hera was not happy, she’d wanted to get within point-blank range.

Athena’s voice came over the link, “Soon enough! We’ve got Deng patrols behind us, they found the tracks!”

Marcus was belting himself into the command chair, “Drop ECM and let ‘em have it!”

Two voices acknowledged the command.

Deng sensor watchers collectively lost their minds when all of a sudden two of the biggest war machines they’d ever spotted suddenly appeared on their scopes. They’d been chasing traces all over, wondering when the Concordiat would make their move, when they realized they were facing Hellbores that were within their own perimeter!

They never got a chance to signal the alarm.

Athena opened her eyes, her voice bringing eyes away from the screen where the Deng Primary Base was getting wrecked.

“We snuck up on them good. They relied too much on technology and only when they finally put out patrols did they cross our tracks. They realized what was going on then, the jig was up.”

“She could do all that?” Twilight was amazed.

“Oh yes. As sensor technology got better, so did the countermeasures, and she was one of the best.”

The screen came to life again...

“You cannot design and emplace your own sensors, that’s a violation of rules and regs Marcus!” The officer was looking grumpy in the screen as Marcus listened. Receiving the call on the SWIFT line, the General was definitely not pleased.

“It wasn’t me, it was Hera and Athena.” Though he had allowed them to have them fabricated in the workshops and put to work. He wasn’t about to admit that.

“They can’t DO that! Concordiat and Bolo Command have strictly forbidden that to happen!”

“But it works, don’t you think that’s enough?”

“Marcus, if we let Bolo AI’s design and put into action things that have not been tested and approved, we’d end up with a myriad of things we have no control over. They think faster and better than we do!”

On that point the officer could agree, Marcus nodding to the screen, “You’re right on that. Took me a few hours to understand the concept behind it.”

“Exactly! They must go through channels. You know this.” The older officers’ voice softened, “You know that we cannot allow it. Work with us on this Marcus.”

“I understand General, we’ll get the problem solved. No more inventing.” Marcus did understand, and there were still people at Command that did not trust Bolo’s fully.

“Thank you.”

“What do we do about the sensors already replaced? I mean we’ve..”

“What?” The voice on the other end was louder, “I can’t hear you Marcus! Our link is breaking up!”

“I said..”

The picture on the screen was breaking up, which was odd, SWIFT links didn’t usually do this.

“I’ll contact you later Marcus! Remember! No inventions!” The last thing he saw of the general was a broad smile and an even broader wink as the link cut out.

Setting back in his chair, Marcus shook his head. Sometimes even officers surprised you.

Raising a finger he pointed at the camera observing him, “Hera!”

“Yes, Marcus?”

“No more inventing.”

“But they work!”

“Submit the design through proper channels, and they’ll be approved I’m sure.”

“But that’ll take months!” The sugary voice was piqued.

“Oh, I don’t think so.”

Athena opened her eyes again, “She invented it. I had nothing to do with it, but she wanted us both to get the credit.” Seeing their questioning looks she continued, “It was a sensor, it allowed us to reach depths we hadn’t been able to on ground penetrating searches when looking for buried enemy emplacements or otherwise.”

She laughed, “When the civilian version hit the market, treasure hunters were finding quite a bit more than they bargained for.”

Athena remembered the news of metal and mineral strikes coming from all over the Concordiat. The new sensors allowing mining ships to delve deep into rocky asteroids and finding deposits they hadn’t been able to before.

She herself was using a variation of them now, implanted on all Bolo hulls since the Mark XXVIII. They dug deep and wide through the good soil of Equestria, not having been used in forever. She hadn’t been expecting an attack, and had been using normal ground penetrating radar on low settings. She’d not get caught out like that again.

Dishes were uncovered, revealing steaming food that made the mouth water. Athena took a place at the table, watching the others serve themselves and pass the plates around. She wanted to do it for them, to do something. Her head shook as she knew Twilight had distracted her, doing a very slick job of it.

She was continually underestimating her friends. She still had much to learn about life.

I am thinking of declaring this bench my personal domain. I seem to end up on it quite a bit in my search for something to do in the absence of Athena and our friends.

Perhaps I could rebuild it, sturdier wood, some metal reinforcements. It would hold up through anything, I am sure, with a durachrome frame.

The sun is starting its slow descent towards evening, and I believe my search for something to do shall be at an end. As noted in my logs, it appears a complete failure.

One would think that solutions would be accepted. Innovation, however simple, would be welcomed. I am afraid that is definitely not the case here.

It is not out of ignorance, nor a desire to remain so. It is that ponies are happy with what they have, the jobs they carry out. I think I am, as they say, a fly in the ointment. Perhaps I am trying a bit too hard.

To be truthful, I did think that non lethal weapons would be accepted by the Guard as an alternative to doing damage to anypony.

However....

I must have been truly naive after so long in thinking that the inquisitiveness of ponies would be diverted by my warnings not to use such things as a Norge Stunner until or when they had been trained for it.

When Captain Bars woke up, I found myself exiled from the office for the conceivable future. Granite and Bastion, I fear, will be doing extra shifts for a while. Paper Work will be fine from what Nurse Redheart says, though the stunner burn will be noticeable for the next week or so. I am still unable to quite figure out how Granite and Bastion were able to turn the voltage up on the weapon I had brought as an example.

Sunshine Dew is definitely not to be placated, as the scorching from the Norge hit was in a place that was a little more delicate. I have never heard a pony use that sort of language before. I shall have to talk with Athena, some of the words Sunshine was yelling at me had only been known by us.

I will, also, have to cover the cost of the fire damage.

It has been an interesting last few hours.

Word had spread to prospective employers. I am afraid there is no more work to be had for me right now. After a few weeks I am sure it will fade in the face of more important matters. For now, I think, sitting on this bench is the safest thing I could do.

“Hey, Crusader!” A bright voice comes from the other side of the seat.

He turned to see a mint green Unicorn giving him a friendly smile while slipping up to rest on the unoccupied section.

“Hello, Lyra.”

“Been sitting on the bench a lot today.”

“Yes. I have been looking for a job, and I am afraid I am not very good at it.”

“Yeeeahhh..” A hoof scratched the green mane, “Bons and I heard.” She looked around for a moment before leaning in, “Did you really set the Guards office on fire?”

“It was an accident and not my fault.”

A warm laugh is heard as a hoof patted his shoulder, “It’s fine. Accidents happen, especially around here.”

“That is true in more ways than you know Lyra.”

Another laugh, then a pause, “Hey, you still looking for something to do?”

My optimism faded after the last try, but still, “Yes, I am.”

“Great!” Lyra slipped off the bench, “C’mon! Bons and I are working our tails off with orders and we need the help.”

I am not sure exactly what I can do. But I do follow.

It’s been a busy day. I watch them napping, snuggled under thick comforters, though not sure why as I keep the internal temperature at a moderate setting. A perfect sunny day inside.

Something to snuggle with I guess. I turn the temperature down slightly so they won’t get overheated.

Readouts tell me we’re passing the snow line, coming into the Empire’s area. I ramp up power to sensors and radars, penetrating deep within the soil and moving a little slower. If there is anything, I’ll find it. Though I do have my limits, it should be enough.

It’s not very long until we reach the gateway to the Empire. Twilight told me where it sits in relation to the rest of the occupied area. A protected city against the blizzards and storms that frequently crop up in the northlands. One happens to be picking up even as we enter the area. Snow flurries pile up near my turrets already, ports and lenses fogging from the change in temperature.

I’ve faced worse, the storm picking up outside barely even make antenna bend, though the wind speed is pretty fierce. Snow is covering outside sensors now, heating elements quickly take care of that, clearing optics for use. My fire control radars are ranging nicely, cutting through the blur of snow and ice.

A rabbit there, nest of animals there. Something quite large is moving towards me. Optics and magnified views show something with a lot of teeth and a nasty attitude. Unidentified, unknown, nothing in the catalog. I take no chances, it’s gone before it takes another step. It was camouflaged well in the snow, a hunter for the little things living in the upper north. That reminds me.

Micro-relays trip, bringing a current surging through her hull. A concoction of manufactured crystal coating along with nanites respond quickly, her entire hull blending in with the snow outside. The only thing left to see is the wide, and very deep, tracks of her treads. Track shields blocked the moving parts somewhat, but the storm will help covering the rest.. The trail she was making was filling in quite fast now as she sped up, making better time towards the area where the gateway was supposed to be.

The only thing left to see in the blinding storm besides the rapidly disappearing trail, is a smoking hole in the snowpack from a portside repeater that had flashed starcore hot plasma towards the unlucky beast heading towards what it thought was prey.

Even that was soon forgotten, buried under a layer of ice that quickly wiped the scene away.

I was welcomed during the rush it seems. Lyra shoved me towards the back and showed me quickly how to package the chocolates and candies that Bon Bon is known for.

It is a simple thing, wrapping sweet things for ponies who enjoy them. Taking pans of molded chocolates and putting them in decorative boxes. Sitting at a counter covered in the colorful candy balls and myriad shapes that Bon Bon and Lyra come up with, I wrap them carefully and quickly.

They are the best of friends, beyond that of family. They speak kindly to everypony, each other, and myself. The Unicorn is the more excitable of the two, but Bon Bons’ calming influence balances that out.

There is much laughter though, even when boxes are spilled, change is wrong, or a price has somehow slipped off the containers. Quickly and easily remedied.

I watch them as much as anything else. The interaction between them brings memories of Athena and her sister. A comfortable thing, something that could withstand much of anything that interferes.

The candies and chocolates are made with a skill even I would have to study to be equal to. Silky smooth liquid is poured into pans for cooling and molding. The candies baked or left to cool in more molds. The pans that Athena fabricated for her are well-used now, standing up through quite the abuse.

From my vantage point I look out over the storefront, letting me see everything as ponies see me packaging the items. There are smiles and waves as ponies I know give greetings. A few frowns from those who were involved in my attempts at other jobs.

It will pass, as these things often do.

Lyra gives a happily smiling filly a candy stick, swirled with a multiple of flavors, a bit is exchanged and another pleased customer trots out the door.

It is a different atmosphere from Sugar Cube Corner. Treat to be enjoyed at home or on the move, there is no place to sit or eat as there is at the Corner.

But that is obviously fine as ponies crowd into the shop. Containers are emptied of their bright colored inventory, prompting a call to me for refills. Stacks of candy canes and more are sold or even given to happy foals, little ones with parents enjoying the sights inside the warm shop.

It is a pleasant shop out of so many others. Containers of small candies cover one far wall in a plethora of colors and shapes. Scoops inside let one fill small paper bags with as many or as little as they wish. The counter is to the right as you come inside, glass-topped it shows various boxes and wrappings for gifts, done by Bon Bon or Lyra. I am not quite skilled yet, but learning fast.

The back wall opposite the counter is pegged with hangers where packages of stick candy are wrapped and shown for purchase. Once again a myriad of colors and flavors tempt anyone who walks near.

The outer wall, clear glass facing the outside street, is set up with a seasonal display. Currently covered with mints and other trifles that are perfect for an evening in, sharing them after or before a meal.

The middle of the shop has low shelves, stacked high with paper boxes of more mints, chocolates that are somehow not melting in the warmth of the day, and so many more with such an incredible number of fillings from peanut butter to coconut.

I really do have to ask Bon Bon about how she has chocolate that does not melt in a higher outside heat. Physics demands it.

There are tables where customers can mix and match packages of sweets, bringing them to the counter for purchase.

Of course the work area where I am at is open, looking over the counter and store. It allows me to see and learn what is going on through the store area. I can see why she is happy with her job, the floor is crowded with ponies patiently waiting to pay for their selections.

I am also beginning to think this world runs on sugar.

Dinky and her mother give me a wave as they enter the store. Both of them laughing about something as the little Unicorn picks out quite the variety of candies.

I finish up the last of my packaging and watch the store for a moment.

In the Concordiat, on most planets, there would be security systems, anti-theft devices and so forth. Here, in this small town, the very concept is almost unknown. Although there is some crime, it is not at the level ‘civilized’ planets had suffered.

It does make one wonder, what is ‘civilization’ ?

All too soon the rush is over, evening is falling and clean up is quite simple. We stand in front of the shop as Bon Bon and Lyra talk about the amount of business done and what to do next.

They are surprised, and pleased, at my suggestion that dinner would be nice, on me.

Princess Cadence stood just inside the line of separation between the Crystal Empire and the wild weather outside, watching the snow build up against the magical shield that protected them all. Shining Armor was looking pensive as his eyes searched through the blizzard. It was becoming dark, the sun had faded away as they had been waiting for his sisters’ arrival.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine Shining.”

The muscular stallion nodded, “I know, I just worry.”

“She is your sister, it’s only right.” The lovely mare leaned against his solid bulk, but deep inside she was worried as well. The storm outside was proving to be one of the worst ones they’d seen in a while.

A rumbling sound made the ground tremble beneath their hooves, it started slight, becoming deep and sonorous as it elevated in volume. Ponies all around were looking in fright, wondering if it was a quake. Uncommon in the North, the ones that did happen left an impression.

It didn’t feel exactly like one, but it was getting louder, coming from a southerly direction and penetrating the magical shield with ease. It was nothing like they’d ever heard before as they tried to keep their hooves underneath them, the soil shaking slightly.

“What in the world?” They exchanged panicked looks as the rumbling grew in volume, almost as if it were coming from right outside the shield in front of them! Ears drew down as they tried to see what was going on. Something was moving out there, the flurries acting in a way that betrayed something..something odd.

More ponies were gathering, the noise attracting them from the nearby neighborhood. All eyes searching the storm outside for the cause of the sound they could feel in their bones. The evening had fallen, making it even worse coming through the darkness in the storm.

This went on for some minutes as whatever it was took its time getting near the gate. The two rulers were thinking about summoning the Guard when it finally stopped, dying down slowly and then giving way to the shrieking winds outside the barrier.

A strange rippling in front of them, almost like a magical spell taken down, made them start, pulling back as colors changed before them. Becoming a deep gray, then revealing itself fully. Eyes almost popped as they looked at the shape that practically blocked the storm itself.

Eyes followed it up, and up, and up as the mountainous thing blocked the snow from reaching the shield. Strange protrusions were everywhere, especially four which snapped around so fast they couldn’t follow them, lifting up as if some sort of ritual. What looked liked wheels sitting on a ..roadway? Some sort of road? Were taller than the tallest houses in the Empire, all made of the same gray material that looked foreboding and deeply intimidating.

A blink and then lights lit up the area, actinic and bright, they shone like the sun, only more piercing and not so warm. Flashing colors coming from rotating bulbs inside little glass covers were even more penetrating. Frightened eyes followed the side up, seeing something written in Equestrian, silver letters tall enough to be seen anywhere! They spelled out ‘Athena’, shining in the spotlights.

Cadence looked at her husband, both of them connecting the dots and marveling at this...wonder. They had both known of the two strange ponies, the machines they were supposedly part of, but never have been able to see them up close like this before, out of the covering of earth.

As they stood there gawking at the tremendous form, the snow starting to pile up here and there, an excited voice came over their links.

“We’re here!”

Athena has arrived at the Empire, her signal is attenuated somewhat, but with a power boost it becomes clearer. We are learning how to communicate faster in this world. What it also does is make me worry less as her voice rings loudly over the combat channels.

“The Eagle has landed!”

She had been using the new camouflage covering we had developed. A simple tweak on an old idea, a little power and some crystal matrices we had fabricated, can now do an even better job of shielding us from observation. Sitting in one place it would be almost nigh impenetrable, but moving, well, there is no complete way to hide when a Bolo moves.

Updates sling across the miles, she is in good shape. Systems are running smoothly.

But it is Athena...

I am afraid her entrance has caused somewhat of a stir. Having a Bolo appear of a sudden out of a snowstorm to ponies who had never seen one before... Video shows groups and crowds of ponies suddenly gaping when she dropped her camouflage.

Since Sombra, the ponies of the Empire are understandably nervous about things.

I do admit I’ve never seen ponies disappear faster or with more commotion.

Now the entire group, including Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, are currently reassuring the populace that it is fine.

Video accompanying the update has me quite amused.

“I kind of left the dampeners off.” Artificial null gravity has also given us the ability to block sound quite effectively. Engines and tracks that make noise can be efficiently lowered in volume. As with anything, there are always limits.

“Of course.”

“It wasn’t that bad! I didn’t think a little engine or track noise would hurt..or..yeah.. I goofed.”

“I am sure the word ‘panic’ has whole new connotations right now.”

“Oh piffle! They’re...they’re coming out of the houses. Slowly...really slowly..”

We had worried, revealing ourselves like this. But it was imperative. If there were technological devices or remnants to be found, we should try. If they were lethal, they would be disposed of, if not, it would perhaps help with expanding our own capabilities.

“Be careful then, enjoy the Empire.”

“It’s beautiful up here.”

“I can see that. Be well Athena.”

“You too!”

The link goes silent except for the transfer of data, geo-location as best we can fix it, map updates, and always maintenance checks.

I cannot help but smile slightly. I was hoping it would be a simple thing, but when we are involved, it never is. I believe the term hilarious definitely applies here.

“Got a smile there Crusader, something funny?” Bon Bon’s voice is quiet in the little restaurant, munching on her salad as she and Lyra look at me.

“It appears Athena made quite the impression on the ponies in the Empire.”

Lyra blinks, “I forgot you two can send messages to each other so fast! Is everything all right?”

“It is. I am sure you will be hearing about it soon enough.”

“Oh, c’mon!” Lyra pleads, popping a slice of melon into her mouth and speaking as she chews, “You can tell us.”

It has been a while since I have attempted to relate a story not in my memories. The laughter is a surprise, and warm, when I tell them the tale of Athena’s arrival at the Crystal Empire. I try to get it correct, taking Athena’s advice on how to tell stories the right way, with humor and self-depreciation. She has been telling me I need to practice.

I assume I have done well, seeing tears streaming from both sets of eyes when I describe the ensuing results of her arrival. Bon Bon is laughing out loud as Lyra slaps a hoof on the table repeatedly. I am sure they can imagine what happened quite clearly.

Even the waiter is trying to hold back his own merriment as are customers close by.

It’s not a very long story, but it does provide a little entertainment for us all.

The world would definitely be less bright without you in it my sister.

Discoveries

Yes! Finally in the Empire and from what I’ve seen so far it’s very cool! I’m gonna play tourist, definitely, before going on the search missions. But...one little thing before I’m let loose...

“And here is the pony who takes care of trade relations for the Empire,” Cadence smiled as a well dressed stallion bowed before her and Shining, getting a nod from a sable Pegasus sitting ensconced between Twilight and her.

“Pleasure meeting you.” Athena sighed internally, this had been going on for hours and she was actually getting bored. The others got to go off and explore, but Cadence and Shining felt that maybe a little meet and greet would be appropriate for the day. She’d politely tried to tell them that she didn’t WANT to..but...

It seemed only fair after what happened.

The snowstorm was turning into a gale force blizzard as they neared the rendezvous point at the entrance to the Crystal Empire. Heating elements were working overtime as her outside cameras showed her the Princess and Prince standing in a cleared area unaffected by the storm. The magic shield she’d been told about. Adjusting course, she turned slightly, seeing ponies looking around themselves as if something was making them start.

She was sure the chameleon coating they’d devised was working, there shouldn’t be..oh pits..sound dampening!

Quickly she enabled the systems, but it was far too late as she was already coming to rest in front of the massive gate that was an attraction of the Empire, being there to welcome ponies from all over Equestria.

Athena had come to a complete stop, the sound of her moving lost in the snowstorm finally. Her optics were showing Princess Cadence and Shining Armor standing nearest the entryway.

Shouldn’t be too bad to drop the camouflage.

She cut the power to the camo-systems, letting the electrical charge fade from the crystalline coating. She was so proud, having helped design it. Now her full hull was slowly being revealed, and as any proper Bolo should she saluted the waiting royalty.

Her massive turrets and Hellbores snapped around faster than the eye could take in, moving smoothly on newly redone tracks they lifted into the air alongside all the other miscellaneous weaponry on the side facing the Empire entrance.

Crusader would be happy I followed the protocols, making sure everything was in line..huh?

She could see the Princess and her husband gaping, eyes almost popping out of their heads as they took in what had appeared before them out of the blinding snow.

The rest of the ponies that had been gathering to wonder what was up, were now making tracks for anywhere but near her. It was pure panic.

Uh oh.

“What’s going on?” Twilight’s voice was near as they watched what was happening on the interior screen.

“I..uh..dropped my camouflage when we came to rest. I think I scared the Crystal Ponies.”

Rainbow was laughing so hard she couldn’t stand, “Scared? They’re moving so fast their Cutie Marks can't keep up with them!”

“Rainbow!”

“It’s true!”

In a few seconds, nopony was left except for Cadence and Shining. Even they were looking like they wanted to be someplace else for a moment until Athena shot them a communication through their links. Seeing them start and still staring.

“We better get outside.” Twilight was heading down the accessway.

Athena lit the direction indicators, “Follow the lines, troop ramp four will extend into the barrier and is covered for protection. It’s bad out there.”

They galloped down the passages, coming to where the cold was seeping into the open hatchway, a contained ramp powering out to land in front of Cadence and Shining while they moved quickly through it and out of the cold, enjoying the warmth for a moment inside the barrier. Athena followed right after, making sure everything was locked down.

“Shining!” Twilight didn’t hesitate to run over and hug her big brother.

“Twily!”

They embraced as if long apart. Not like they weren’t in constant contact by message or courier.

“How was your trip?” He pointed unsteadily at the mountain that had settled into the blurring snowstorm.

“It was great! Made it in good time.”

Princess Cadence was still eyeing the thing that sat in front of the gates, “What..what is that?”

“That, Princess, is me.” Athena smiled at the puzzled looks.

Purple eyes took in the sable Pegasus standing before her, flicking upward to the tallest thing she’d ever seen other than her own castle and that of Canterlot, “I.. We knew you were part of something else. This..this is it?”

“Yep, all three thousand and such tons of durasteel and..stuff.” She was about to say ‘death’, but didn’t think that would have gone over well. The grateful look she received from Twilight told her the intuition was right on the money.

Shining Armor however...

“That is SO COOL!” He released Twilight, who stood there stunned, as her brother ‘geeked’ out, running over to stand beside Athena and pointing out various things he spotted on her hull. “You mean that’s you? The thing under the hill? Is Crusader like that? What are those things..” And on and on, a myriad of questions as I tried to answer politely.

Twilight and Cadence shared a long suffering look. The rest giggled as they watched one of the rulers of the Empire act like a colt at his first Daring Do convention.

“What are those called?”

“Bogies, they help with the tracks when moving.”

“Wow, like laying your own road!”

“Almost.”

“And..and those?” A hoof is pointed upward towards four great barrels still raised in the proper salute configuration.

“Those are my main weapons, called Hellbores.”

“What are all those things there?” He points to my gun ports along the side.

I can’t help but smile, he’s so enthusiastic, so curious.

“Anti-Personnel Weapons, ranging from Thirty Millimeter Cannon to Ion Infinite Repeaters.” Even I start getting into it, “I can also use any type of armor piercing loads as needed for close-in work!” I lean over confidentially, “But I prefer normal loads, can acquire targets much faster without switching loadouts.”

“Shining..”

“And..and all this is you? Really?” His face is full of wonder.

“It is. My cores are deep within the hull, protected from enemy fire so I can take the battle to them.”

“Athena...”

“Is Crusader like this too?”

“Oh, yes. He’s a siege unit, capable of indirect fire and long range assault. I’m a gunner, I get in close,” I grin fiercely, stomping the ground hard with one hoof, “I smack the enemy down like flies and make them regret..”

“ATHENA!”

“SHINING!”

Twilight and Cadence’s voices knock us off our conversation, making us both turn to see the exasperated princesses.

Shining catches himself, “Uh..yes dear?”

I just keep quiet, though I’m not exactly looking Twilight in the eye.

The lovely co-ruler of the Empire clears her throat, “I am sure we can all discuss this much later. Might it not be worthwhile to assure our ponies that this is not here to hurt them?” A hoof gestures around to a very silent, and very barren, street.

Somewhere off in the distance, a crystal cricket sounds a lonely song.

And that took hours, being nighttime. The guards were rousted, magic was used to let the populace know it wasn’t some sort of problem. We were all busy reassuring and making sure ponies understood that the huge thing parked in front of the entryway to the Crystal Empire was friendly.

Went about as well as you’d think.

It was very late when it was all said and done. Ponies gathered near the entrance gate and staring up at a huge thing they’d never seen before, assured it was a friend and would do nothing to harm them. I don’t think they got a whole lot of sleep that night, neither did we.

Twilight and the others took ponies inside, letting them see the loading bays, the other things which weren’t too sensitive. Giving tours was fun, answering questions from little ones that were so excited to see something new.

I think we ran out of candy to give away.

Even that late at night there were ponies working at jobs, who would stop by and stare up at the arc-lit outside of my hull in wonder. One even told me it was hard to imagine that somepony had built something like that.

Crusader and I had exchanged updates, his amusement was very plain even though he tries to hide it. He’s right, I forget sometimes.

But that’s fine. I don’t want to be perfect. I want to be me.

And then we come to this.

Sigh.

A meet and greet is always a thing when Princesses visit each other, especially to the Empire as they are so far away. Thus all the functionaries and the hangers-on and so forth dress up and do the ‘Pleasure to meet you’ crud which permeates every society.

Because I am that machine outside, they, Twilight and Cadence, thought it worthwhile for ponies to meet me. To understand that I was a friend and that there was nothing untoward going on.

I can understand that.

But I am so racking BORED!

One well-to-do minister said out loud that he ‘Just couldn’t believe that this plain Pegasus was that..that thing outside.’

There’s always one, I suppose.

Twilight was assuring him that yes, I was connected to the Bolo outside, that’s what she called it, telling others that was the name of the machine. That I was an extension of the intelligence inside.

I do admire her.

Plain though? I thought I was pretty good-looking. Plain..hmph!

Shining was watching the conversation, seeing the growing group of doubters as my ears catch his own sigh, making me smile. I edged over nearer to him.

“Something wrong?”

Shaking his head, he smiled a bit wanly, “No. Just always somepony doubting anything anypony says.”

“All societies have them Shining.” I gestured minutely with a fore hoof, “And you have to admit, seeing me, then the Bolo hull outside. It is a pretty big story to take in.”

“That’s true. Too bad we can’t convince them otherwise.”

I almost laugh out loud before I catch myself. Oh, it is so tempting. So very tempting. Peeling back the covering on my face to show them what I look like inside, the durachrome skeleton, semi-organic musculature. All the little doodads and gewgaws that make me up. Oh, it would be priceless.

But I am to be on my best behavior. I promised Crusader and myself. No showing off.

I ponder it while Shining and I exchange jokes, whispering quietly so we don’t get into the middle of the discussion that Princess Cadence has joined into now. Twilight is doing her best to make them believe, but I think she’d be better off calling it a draw.

Yep, calling it a draw. That’s a good thing. It’s best not to argue with those who can’t see beyond their noses.

I remember things like this. Those who couldn’t see the future of things. Those who were constantly surprised and actually offended by developments in technology that they just couldn’t understand.

They wanted their little world to be comfortable and close, not to change.

Welcome to reality.

I do have a little fun though. Low-powered ranging and targeting lasers do interesting things when bouncing off a Crystal Pony. Almost as if part of their structure was actually crystalline and not organic. The light scatters, creating interesting effects that I record and store for later. It certainly is very pretty to see through my sensors.

One thing does catch my attention, a certain frequency and spectra gives a little sting like a bug nipping at you. Harmless, like a fly.

Guess what I’ve been doing for the last twenty minutes?

Tag, you’re it.

A lull in the line and I get nudged by a lavender hoof.

“Whatever you’re doing, stop it.”

I turn to see Twilight eyeing me hard.

“What?”

“Whatever you’re doing, stop it.”

“I’m not..” Her eyes go narrow as she keeps staring at me.

“How do you even know?”

She points, “You had that little smile on your face. You always do when you’re up to something.”

Pits.

“Fine.” I shut down all targeting and ranging systems.

Now she’s got a smug look on her face, darnit for her ability to notice things and that I’m even showing them.

“See? All over.” She makes sure I notice the line is gone, brunch is being served and ponies are gathering in groups to talk with each other about the Empire and all those boring little details that will be with any government from now until the heat death of the universe.

We head for the table where we’re to be sitting with Cadence and Shining, a private area away from the hubbub.

As we seat ourselves, Twilight nudges me.

“What were you doing?”

“Oh... Uh, you know..things.”

Twilight gives me a look I’ve come to know very well. One of those raised eyebrows lifting as her eyes get a glimmer. She knows I’m prevaricating. I sometimes hate that what I feel shows through my avatar, projecting again once more. She is beginning to know me as well as I know her.

Drat.

I tell her in whispers about what I was doing. Seeing her smile and cover a barked laugh at the last moment, her face crinkling with delight as her shoulders jerk in silence. A hoof swats my shoulder as she wipes her eyes.

“You are so bad.”

“I got bored, sue me.” I give her my most winning smile.

“You’re still awful.”

“I am.”

The meal was wonderful actually. Spending time with Cadence and Shining was a high point so far. They are something those two. She seems to be the calming influence when he gets overly excited about something. He is as devoted to her as we would were to humanity ages ago.

Of course he wants to know more about me, what is contained in that moving mountain out there. He is definitely a geek, never getting to show it much. I do make sure to keep technical things to a minimum. I don’t think ponies would be interested in, nor understand, Hellbore maintenance and creation, the theory and programs controlling them.

There is Cadence beside him, the quite lovely Princess of the Crystal Empire. She is giving me a thoughtful look as I shake my head. We’ve had this conversation and it will go no further regardless of what she thinks.

I busy myself with our meal being served for us, guess being the ruler has some perks. Not waiting on yourself is a definite plus and I take full advantage of it. Everything has a shine and sparkle to it, nothing like I’ve ever seen before. I can’t be sure what causes it really. Though I am sure we’ll run up against that ever-present word..magic.

Is is all so pretty. I transmit every second back to Crusader, seeing him pore over the pictures and audio. Though he’s still giving me a hard time about my arrival, the twit.

I know he has questions, tons of them. But doesn’t ask a single one as he lets me send whatever I’d like. Which is everything. I want him to experience the Empire as I am doing or as close to real-time as I can.

Comms close down, leaving me to myself and the wonderful time with Princess Cadence and Shining Armor.

The Princess does ask something of me, wondering how in the world Luna and Celestia look so good now, and how it was done.

Unexpected, but not unwelcome. I am more than happy to share the secret with her, dispelling the strange rumors that had been passed around since that day. Twilight backs me up though as we whisper to astonished ears, making sure no one else hears as we carry the conversation into private quarters.

Tea is served, and we are left to our own devices.

“So these..things help makes ponies healthier?” Cadence is trying hard to understand.

I nod, “Yes. Think of them as janitors. Very tiny machines that sweep away all the garbage inside you. Cleaning up, making things shine.”

“You make them?”

“We do. We can fabricate pretty much anything, or do repairs with them. They were the height of Concordiat science at the time.”

Cadence sits and ruminates over that for a moment, “That’s just amazing. No magic at all, just science?”

“None. We had never encountered magic before you and Equestria.”

“So I can be more good-looking than I already am?” Shining strikes a pose, making Twilight giggle.

“You’re just fine big brother.”

He pushes a hoof into his midsection, “I dunno, could lose a few pounds.” Cadence laughs, giving him a hug.

“You’re fine, just get a little more exercise. Sitting around all day doesn’t do you well.”

I can’t help it, mischievous me, “Wouldn’t be that hard to swipe those away, tighten here and there. Wouldn’t take long at all.”

Twilight thumps me under the table as Cadence is actually thinking about it. Shining of course...

“That would be cool! Can we do that right now?” He’s leaning over the table looking eager.

“Absolutely, just a ..” I really get whacked under the table with a hoof, it actually stings! What the..? Twilight is giving me a surreptitious glare, warning me not to encourage her brother.

I think it’s a little late.

“Is it safe?” Cadence’s voice sounds worried.

“Very. Luna and Celestia trusted us.”

“Good enough for me!” A royal hoof is stamped on the table as Shining gets up, “Let’s go!”

I can hear the sigh from both the Princess and Twilight as we all get up, heading for my hull.

“Just lie down, nothing more. A mask will be fitted to help you breathe and you’ll fall asleep.” I point out the comfy inside of the auto-doc.

We’ve entered the command deck, Cadence looking at all the things I’ve done and exclaiming over the bath. She’s amazed I can fit all this in here. Judicious use of space does wonders.

Shining is all for it, the lazy way out of working off a few extra pounds. I don’t mind, just seeing an excited face is a pleasure as I watch him climb in.

“Just relax and dream. You won’t feel a thing.”

He nods, laying on his side as the mask reels out, fitting snugly over his muzzle. The top closes and I bring up the diagnostic screens internally, watching his readouts closely. I open the screens so the Princess will have something to watch, otherwise it’s just me sitting there.

Cadence joins me, looking up at all the color codes and the body outline we’ve adapted.

“What is all that?”

“That is the inside of Shining, all the little things that make you up.” I give her the concise edition, showing the nanites going in, the sweep, his body readouts. She calms down seeing that nothing bad will happen. There are a few minor things, nothing worth mentioning. But he’ll sure feel a lot better today.

“That is amazing. It..well, they.. can repair mostly anything?”

“Mostly. There are always things that we need to research more to understand what we’re doing.” I point, “Such as the horn. There are things in there we’re not quite sure what their purpose is, so we do not mess with them.”

I grin, “Twilight’s first scan caught us off guard, we were wondering what the heck it all was and accidently left her inside the ‘doc. She wasn’t thrilled.”

Dead flat look from the Princess of Friendship, “It wasn’t funny.”

“It was when you knocked to be let out.”

Cadence laughs, “I’m sure it was all a mistake.”

“We couldn’t figure out what was going on and got distracted.” I nudge Twilight, “We apologized. You got the freezer.”

She smiles, “That’s true. It’s sure nice having cold things in the summer, though Rainbow keeps raiding the ice cream.” The happy face turns a bit exasperated.

“We can replace ice cream, Twilight.”

“I know. But she’s so sneaky!” Her face gets thoughtful, “I think she’s been taking lessons from Pinkie.”

“Yeah, she is good. I’ll have Crusader look at it, change the codes.”

That ends that. Twilight knows when my brother is on it, no one is going to get in that freezer until Tartarus has a snowstorm.

Princess Cadence watches a little fretfully. All this is old hat to Ponyville and the other Princesses. I understand that. Something very foreign, very strange and your husband wants to jump right in. Twilight did warn me he was impulsive.

Nothing unusual, except quite a few examples of old bruising. Well, he was Captain of the Guard. I’m sure they got a little rough and tumble in training. Weakened walls on veins and capillaries fixed, no sweat. Eyesight is fine, make sure it doesn’t start failing anytime soon, no problem.

As for fat, he does have a few pounds extra, getting a little sedentary. We’ll wipe that right out, flush and done. Yeah, he’s gonna look pretty good if I say so myself.

All done. A quick refresh and a wake up.

Amazing how time passes.

The lid retracts, leaving a minty aroma in the air. Twilight isn’t watching Shining get out of the ‘doc, she’s watching Cadence. I see the sly smile on her face, waiting for the reaction.

“Oh my!”

There it is.

Shining is definitely a new pony. Matching his name with a coat that gleams down to the tips of his tail and hooves, he steps out of the ‘doc and gives himself a shake.

“Wow. That..I sure feel a lot better.”

Cadence steps close, “You look better!” She’s eyeing him all over. Twilight gives me a glance as we both recognize a certain gleam in the Princess of Love’s eye. I give her a wink in return.

Shining is totally oblivious. He’s testing his legs and twisting around, his mane and tail shining like his name.

“This feels very cool!”

“Glad you like it.”

“You’ve got to try this Cadence!”

The named Alicorn starts, “Uhm..I don’t know.”

“Trust me, it feels great. I didn’t even feel anything except waking up.”

After a few minutes, Twilight’s brother actually convinces Cadence. She strips her regalia, what little there is of it, and steps into the ‘doc hesitantly.

I try to reassure her, “Don’t worry, the mask will help you breath, you’ll fall asleep and rest.”

She nods, lying down on the pad inside as the lid closes. I make absolutely sure that nothing is out of place nor is stuttering or glitching. The mask forms to her muzzle and in the first breath she is gone.

Vitals come up on the screen, prompting more questions from Shining. Twilight rolls her eyes, decrying her geek of a brother. She loves him though, regardless.

“This is amazing.”

I can’t help but smile, “It’s just technology. Science.”

“But we can’t even..I mean fixing everything.” He gestures to the screens, the ‘doc.

“Like your magic, it all operates on certain principles. Once understood, it’s simple.”

He shakes his head, watching the screens, “I don’t know. But it sure is cool!”

I let the repair systems take over. Ponies well understood except for the horn. Bones and blood vessels, muscles and ligaments. Nothing much to really do on her. Oh definitely a few permanent cosmetics, nothing drastic, just enhancing her overall look.

Hold it....

I halt all repair nanos immediately. Body parameters off kilter are setting off alarms in my core as I zero in on the problem.

Ohhhh...wonder if.. No, they can’t know this early, only we could detect something like this through the minute shifts in body chemistry. Thank goodness for all the hard work scanning different ponies.

All right. Shifting priorities now, let’s go ahead with repairs away from that. Reinforcing immunities and protections, leaving a few behind to make sure everything stays in place. All benign, only going active if anything tries to compromise her. She won’t have colds or sickness for a while.

She may have an increased appetite, but that’s fine. Feed the nanos, let them reproduce to take care of everything invisibly and silently. It won’t be much, but those little defenders are awesome.

After all, she’ll be eating for two soon.

I am not sure about gestation for ponies, especially Alicorns. This poses whole new areas of oppor..no.

No, I won’t. Crusader would back me up. No, we’re not going to delve into this, something private and wonderful. The nanites finish their sweep, everything is checking out as I begin the revival process, only another minute more. I shoot all the data back to Crusader for storage within locked files. Otherwise, they’ll never know it from me. Though I will have to have a talk with her, tell her what I’ve done. This should be shared. I think they’ll take the news just fine.

Now, Princess Cadence being the epitome’ of love, she looks the part. Very pretty, beyond the norm.

I can’t help but feel a certain amount of smugness when the lid retracts, letting a hoof extend, then the rest of the Princess lifting herself out of the ‘doc.

Shining inhales sharply, blinking his eyes as the Princess steps out of the ‘doc.

She has always been pretty, the Princess. A body like Luna’s, it was trim and curved in the right places for a pony. Very much a vision of her nature. Sweet and kind.

There’s just no way to describe it. Her colors are gentle, the lines and musculature tight and defined now as any excess pounds are gone, making her healthier than she was. Alicorns seem to be unusually robust in the immunity department, but beefing it up with nanites, one wonders what could happen.

She is sparkling and gleaming even without being the Crystal Princess. It’s definitely got Shining speechless. From what I can tell with Twilight’s chuckle, it’s not a common occurrence.

“What?” Cadence is looking at herself as I bring in a mirror, a tech spider positioning it for her.

“Take a look.”

Purple shaded eyes meet her counterpart in the silvered glass, inhaling in a gasp and pressing a hoof to her chest, “Is..that me?”

“Yep. This is exactly what we did for Princess Celestia and Luna.”

She turns and looks at herself, hooves shone in the soft overheads, mane colors muted just a little to make them blend in a way that gave her a softness while her body was defined and lovely.

“I never imagined.”

“Now you know. Please, let’s not let this get out otherwise we’d get swamped. I think the Princesses have just been letting rumors run rampant. But someone may connect my being here with this. So let’s say I brought a new spell or something for you. Speculation is always fun.”

I gesture to both of them, “You don’t want the regimen we gave the others. But if you eat light, get exercise, you’ll stay this way. The cosmetic changes are permanent.”

Twilight was nudging her brother, trying to get him to speak before giving up with a sigh, “So, let’s smuggle everypony out of here back to the castle.That way nopony connects what happened to here.”

Good idea, we all teleported back to the private areas of the Crystal Castle. Kind of handy those Unicorns and Alicorns. A single room, very comfortable and bam we’re there. Need to talk to Crusader about this magic stuff some more.

Cadence and Shining are awfully close as they settle into a plush couch. I can’t help but grin as Twilight and I notice it.

“So, why are you here? You never mentioned.” Cadence is leaning against Shining.

Twilight points at me.

“We found some references in an old book, back from the time of Sombra, that perhaps describe technology of a type like ours. I’ve come to search the area.”

“What will you do if you find anything?” Shining is looking interested.

“I will either recover it for use or destroy it. We can’t have anything dangerous let loose in the world. There are too many unknowns. We still don’t understand fully what happened to bring us here. Earth was destroyed by a Melconian suicide fleet, it was burned.”

I lift a fore hoof, twirling it around, “We shouldn’t even be here. But since we are, and if there is any tech left over besides us, it’s our duty to recover or neutralize it.”

“Is there something in particular that you may expect?”

I answer honestly, “I don’t know, but we saw a description of what may be a stasis field like ours. If so, it’s possibly degrading or has degraded long ago and there may be nothing left, or something. So, we look.”

Shining taps a hoof on the couch edge, “Ponies are always finding things in the glaciers once in a great while as they retreat or advance. But we consider it just trash most times, melting it down or just making sure it’s not harmful.”

Now this I hadn’t known!

“Really? Can you show me?”

“Of course, we have a storeroom left over from Sombra’s time that has a few items ponies have found in the past.” Shining is looking like he really wants to go. “We have the things that look strange or unknown stored there just in case. We’ve kept up on keeping it organized and new things come in each day sometimes.”

“Would we have time to see?” I am really wanting to know.

Cadence slips off the couch with a nod, followed by all of us, “We’d love for you to tell us if you can identify anything.”

“I will do my best!”

The castle that the rulers of the Crystal Empire live in is absolutely huge, and gorgeous. There are statues, plaques, things that are so very old from what is explained to me. Sombra did not like beauty, he embraced the darkness and kept the empire in shackles. Cadence and Shining have been making the place bright, a beacon of hope for their ponies.

They tell me tales as we walk towards a sub-level. Of Sombra. His evil and plans for Equestria should he have conquered it.

A burning starts inside me, hearing this. We have always fought against such things. I cannot help my anger at hearing of the oppression and slavery. Raids in the night by the ‘Secret Guard’. Ponies disappearing to be pressed into mine work for the rest of their lives.

Despair and hopelessness. Things that are so familiar to me.

He wanted it all, overthrown by the two Sisters in his attempt at ruling the world.

I wish we’d have been there. Crusader and I would have rolled in and stomped him flat. Wouldn’t have been enough of him left to even worry over.

Then we’d have done it all again just to make sure. But I’m snapped out of my anger by the realization we’ve arrived.

We’ve stopped in front of two massive doors.

“I ..thought you said it was a ‘little’ storeroom?”

Shining chuckled, “This is a small storeroom. Ought to see the big ones.”

“Sieges.” It pops right out, me just talking out loud.

Shining smiles, “Absolutely right.” He points down the hallway to other large entries, “Put in place by Sombra to store food and materials for long sieges, planning on being attacked, he stored things away to keep himself and his loyalists comfortable.”

“Typical. Plan for yourself, not your citizens.” I can’t help but sound disgusted.

“Not any more.” Cadence smiles while tapping on the door, “We have food and water and other things stored with magical protections in case of storms or anything. Our ponies will be well taken care of.”

The huge portal creaks open as an pale amber aura surrounds the wood banded with metal, a myopic looking Unicorn peering out. His glasses are thick like bottle bottoms, one hoof adjusting them as he peeks around, seeing the Princess.

“Princess! Prince!” The door gets swung open wider along with the poor ponys’ eyes, “Oh my! You..you never come down here! Oh my!” He steps forward, hooves twisting in front of his chest, “I..oh my! It’s such a mess in here, I didn’t know! Goodness! I don’t even have any tea made or anything! Oh, such a problem!”

“Calm down Dusty, it’s nothing to be worried about.” The Princess is smiling gently at the nervous pony.

“But..but Your Highness! I haven’t cleaned, or even have proper seats for you! Oh dear!”

“Dusty, stop.” She watched the nervous Unicorn settle down for a moment, “We’ve just come down to show a visitor the storeroom, she may be able to identify some things for you.”

She turned to me, “Athena, meet Dusty Shelves, keeper of the strange and unusual.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” I hold out a hoof, getting it bumped in return, “Hopefully I can help a little.”

The owl-like eyes looked at me from behind the glasses, “You have experience with odd things?”

“Oh, something like that.” I’m going to invite him for a tour of my hull, maybe we can correct that eyesight problem.

“Oh, my! Wonderful indeed! Wonderful! Oh, my!” He sat there grinning happily at all of us, until Cadence cleared her throat.

“Dusty, can we please come inside?”

“Oh! Oh, yes! Oh, yes! Please do!” He shuffled inside, leaving the door open for us to follow.

I can’t help but like this pony. He reminds me of the technicians or AI experts on psychotronics we often dealt with. Nervous, quirky, but so intelligent and willing to share what they discover.

I am, however, not prepared for this.

The room is tremendous, covered from floor to ceiling with shelves, locked cabinets, glass display cases that seemingly go on forever into the distance. Lights glow softly underneath things in the distance, displayed lovingly and with much care. Other things settled on shelves of shining wood, clean and tagged with numbers and comments, each has it’s own place.

Shelves set in the middle as well as the walls, making wide, well-lit corridors which are easy to walk down and look at what is displayed.

It is amazing.

“Athena?” I get nudged from one side, seeing Twilight watching me, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. This..this isn’t what I expected.” I gesture to the room as a whole.

“Oh? Maybe a dimly lit room with piles of stuff casually thrown in?” Shining is grinning like he knows a secret, “Not with Dusty around.”

“Oh, no! Oh, no!” The referred to pony was shaking his head, “Not ever! One must display things with proper respect! Things unknown must be studied and categorized and properly placed!” He grabbed a feather duster with his magic, sweeping it over a glass case near him, “One must take pride in one’s work.”

“We know you do Dusty, and we cannot be more appreciative.” Cadence’s voice is warm, “Are you sure there is nothing you need? We never hear anything but your reports.”

The duster stops it’s swooping as the tan stallion looks nervous, “Uh..no. Of course not Your..” He’s stopped by a slim upraised hoof.

“Dusty...” Her voice tells him he better be truthful.

“Uhm, I could use some more supplies, yes. My apartment here could use a few new furnishings..maybe.”

Cadence nods, “Let me ..” She stops, seeing a quill and paper held in Twilight’s magical aura, already taking notes, “Ahem.. Please give your needs to Twilight, I’m sure she’ll get it all down.” She smiled as Twilight nodded, already noting things as Dusty spoke quietly to her.

I am drawn to a glass case, an odd lump is lit from underneath as I start a matching program, files and pictures come up trying to find where this thing.. Oh..

“That is a breech mechanism for a powergun, Princess.”

“Is it dangerous?” She’s come up beside me, peering at the strange item.

“No, it’s quite useless. But it proves you’re finding things from our era.”

“Could this be a bad thing?”

Earth, at the time of the Final War, had been an armed camp. Bunkers containing megatons of weapons and other things that would destroy, missile silos for launch against spaceborne threats, orbital fortresses where just one contained more firepower than any hundred Bolos could bring to bear. The Bolo factories churning out Units at a rapid pace, supplied to hundreds of worlds that needed protecting.

The size of the Melconian fleet that broke through the layered defense and burned our beloved home was mind-boggling. They invested all in our destruction and we in theirs.

It wasn’t inconceivable that something had survived, but I’d been doubtful. I wasn’t anymore.

“It could, depending on what was found. Some things survive well in a cold atmosphere, some won’t.” I turn to her with a reassuring look, “No worries. I’ll go through things here, anything dangerous I’ll have my tech spiders take away and destroy. Nothing will hurt anypony.”

I hope.

“I think we’ve got the list all set Cadence,” Twilight’s voice is merry as she presents a beribboned scroll to her sister in law.

“Good, we’ll get all this done immediately.” She waved a shod hoof at the nervous reliquary keeper, “You should not hesitate to let us know these things Dusty.”

Hooves twisted in front of a tan chest, “I don’t want to be a bother Your Highness.”

“Nonsense! You do important work..” She had unrolled the list, looking at it, “Out of food?! Dusty!” The Princess almost glares at the nervous archivist.

“I..make enough to purchase a few things..”

“Dusty Shelves, you obstinate pony!” Cadence’s horn lit up, the clattering of hooves reaching their ears as guards rushed in at the summons. She whipped the list to the waiting Crystal Ponies, “Make sure each item on that list is filled please, and do so immediately. Double on the food and other edibles.”

“At once, Your Highness!” An armored Unicorn grabbed it with his own magic as the ponies tore off down the hall.

“And you, Dusty, will not hesitate to make your needs known from now on.”

“Yes, Princess.”

A clattering attracted everyone’s eyes, Shining was digging through a box of carefully tagged items, all of them the same. Bringing one up, he lay it on the floor, “Some kind of wheel maybe?”

My programs are blaring alarms at me.

“STOP!” I can’t do anything but tell him to stop, stop playing with it, anything, just stop.

“W..what?”

“Those are land mines. Don’t touch it. I have no idea why they haven’t gone off yet, but step away from it now.” There are enough mines in that one box to destroy a large area of this castle. Concordiat Inventory Number Alpha-233-54, Mine, Anti-Vehicle.

A Ferret roars out of its slot in my bay after it is filled with tech-spiders and bomb-disposal units. The big loading ramp scares ponies as it clangs down to the snowy ground, letting the armored carrier sling outward, heading for the castle.

I can’t take the time to be easy about this. Mines are notoriously unstable after deep freezing or to extended heat. Especially octocellulose. A bomb proof container is inside the ferret, we’ll detonate them in place without any harm.

Looking at the rest of the room, I can only wonder how many things here are waiting to just blow up after a nudge.

“Princess, let the guards know there’ll be a strange vehicle pulling up outside. Tech spiders are on the way with disposal equipment.” She nods, immediately firing up her magic and letting the castle ponies know.

That doesn’t make it easier, seeing a troop of metal contraptions scurrying down the corridors to us, carrying a large metal tub that would contain anything short of a nuclear weapon exploding inside.

Eventually they arrive with a minimum of fuss, everyone ushered out of the room as I watch through the sensors on the ‘spiders. They are precise and careful, taking their time with removing the arming devices and fuses, dumping it all inside the containers and lighting them off with muffled thumps of the specialized charges used to detonate ordnance. I take no chances, we blow them all. It doesn’t take long.

A proof of how long we must have been out of it, the explosives in the mines have degraded to absolute uselessness. Knowing the chemicals and combinations, it would have taken centuries, and more, for that to happen. We are so wrong in our assumptions sometimes. I still take little chance.

After that is complete, the spiders are now searching each shelf carefully under my instruction. Sniffers are detecting more molecules of explosives, anything so marked is destroyed. It doesn’t take long actually. Letting tactical programs take over, it’s a simple thing as every item in the room has been carefully arranged by Dusty.

My happy little troop of bomb dogs march right back out into the ferret and return home with a job well done from me after an hour. Shining and Cadence, along with Twilight, did not want to leave during the process, so we all sat outside the room and chatted, hearing thumps that made the poor storeroom keeper jump nervously at the thought of his precious artifacts being scrambled into pieces.

A side benefit of all this is I now have a picture of everything in the storeroom. Each item carefully recorded in the search for munitions, it gives me a head start on the ID’ing process. Some of those items in glass cases make me laugh silently. Oh, won’t they be surprised if they ask me to identify them! I take my time though, matching a lump of glass to a camera lens is going to be a little rough. Most of the items are in poor shape, so it will take a while. This is not going to be an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.

The room is quiet as we all go back in, guards and castle workponies crowding in behind us suddenly as Dusty’s apartments are quickly repaired, replaced and stocked with supplies he’d so desperately needed but not asked for. They are swift, silent and gone before we even have a chance to say anything. Call it what you will, but ponies are efficient.

“And a raise as well, don’t you dare argue Dusty.”

“But..but Your Highness!”

“Dusty...”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

She turns to me, “Is there anything dangerous left?”

“No, Princess. Everything has been checked. I’m identifying everything now, it’s going to take a little time even for me. As for munitions, no more have been detected, unless there is another storeroom?”

She motions to Dusty who shakes his head, “No, unless you count the scrap pile. All that strange metal we can’t even melt down.”

“Strange metal?”

He nods, “Chunks of metal that even the smiths can’t use. It won’t melt in the hottest magical fire, so we use it for other things.”

I nod, “That sounds like durachrome or durasteel. It would take fusion furnace temperatures to smelt it to the point were it would be even close to malleable.”

“Dura-steel?” Dusty is quite curious.

“It’s what makes me up. The big machine outside? That’s me.”

“That..that is amazing.” His mind working hard to try and understand.

“Yes, sir. I’m an extension of the intelligence inside.” I run a hoof down myself, “I’m not a real pony.”

Twilight laughs, “Don’t let her fool you, she’s a pony, just a little different.”

“Can you really identify all the things in here?” He’s losing his awe quickly in the face of knowledge.

“I can sure try, got quite a few done already thanks to the spiders searching for more dangerous things.”

“Spiders? Those..things that were here earlier?”

“Yes. Part of me, they can do nifty things like repairs and getting rid of stuff that shouldn’t be tampered with.”

“That is truly amazing. Oh, my.”

“You keep saying that.” I can’t help but give him a grin.

“Shining, please stop messing with all that.” Cadence’s voice makes Twilight sigh, her brother digging through cabinets of ‘cool stuff’.

“But it’s so neat! Look at this!” He holds up an object that I zoom in on. Is that..oh no..of all the things to actually survive...

“Who knows what this was!” He waves it around in a hoof, “Something nifty I bet!” He punches it forward like a sword, stabbing an imaginary enemy and making it so very hard to keep my composure.

I can’t do anything but sit there and goggle, though I am laughing so hard inside that I’m afraid I’ll start tearing up. I am trying to maintain a steel-like will not to bite my artificial lip. He’s battling an invisible opponent and I can do nothing but stare at what he is holding.

“Shining, it’s probably nothing. Right, Athena?” Cadence looks at me to get her husband to stop fooling around.

“Uh..yeah it’s..no..thing. Just useless junk. Sorry.” Well, unless you have batteries. “Would you excuse me for a moment?” I walk out of the room as calmly as I can, heading for another doorway and peering in, it’s a small storage area for linen supplies. I walk in, close the door, making sure it’s as soundproof as I can get it.

Then I laugh. I laugh hard enough I have to wipe tears from my face. I can’t help it, seeing Shining waving that thing around like it was some kind of play weapon. Burying my face into my forelegs, I try to keep sound from escaping the room. Laughing so much I actually snort, I can’t believe what I was seeing. The word silly can’t even begin to describe this.

I can’t keep it inside, I really can’t. It’s hard these days to do what I used to.

I have seen things that have made me cry, made me joyous, and made me merry. Oh, so much laughter. But this, this is something I never expected, nor even dreamed of in all my centuries as a Bolo nor my days as a pony.

I send a transmission to Crusader, seeing him on watch and placing it in the queue for him to read later. I’m sure he’ll get a kick out of it.

As for now I can’t stop, I just can’t, it’s all got to be let out and here in this little room my laughter is bouncing off the walls. Because if I don’t, it’s going to come out either way, in front of company or alone. I truly, really can’t let them know.

I am so glad my nose can’t run, otherwise I’d look a terrible mess as Twilight sticks her face in.

“Athena?” She’s got a worried look as I wipe my face as best I can, getting up from the floor where I’ve been pounding a hoof into it for the last minute or so. Straight face? No..no this can never be. I’m biting my lip hard as I face her, eyes watery and trying not to snerk as I reply.

“Y..yes?”

“Are you okay?”

All I can do is squeak in reply, biting my lip and holding as placid an expression as I can. But like I said, that’s not going to happen, “I’m fine.”

I can do this, remain cool...calm...

Twilight is eyeing me, seeing the messed-up mane, the tear tracks, more water coming into my eyes as I press my lips hard together, trying not to let anymore laughter loose. My whole face is a screwed-up mess of hysterics.

“What in Celestia’s name is wrong with you?”

I want whatever chronicler who looks into these memories in the future to know, I’m not a bad pony nor an awful AI. I’m a brave and bold Bolo, and as a pony I’ve tried to live up to the good ideals given to me.

I’m not a bad pony. I’m not!

I grab Twilight by the shoulders, pressing my lips against her ear so no one, absolutely no one can hear what I very carefully, and fully, explain to her.

I’m not a bad pony. Just a mischievous one.

I hold her and watch the reaction as I explain exactly what it was that Shining was swinging around.

I see her face go from puzzled, to wonder, quickly into shock, then..oh there it is. That awesomely cool face where she’s stuck between confusion and a near breakdown into laughter.

“You’re serious..?”

“Yes.”

The lavender face snerked and snorted loudly, her lower lip gripped between teeth, “So he’s waving around a..”

“Yes.”

Absolutely and firmly, I know that I have never seen the Princess of Friendship laugh so hard in the entire time I’ve known her. She is practically howling as the breath hitches in her lavender chest. She can’t even control herself to remain standing up, letting the wobbly legs collapse as she hits the floor, pounding away with her hooves.

Not seconds later I’m watching Twilight leap upright, back legs crossing as she continued to laugh, but sped out of the room and down the hallway shouting she had to hit the little mare’s room.

I try to make myself presentable, or at least more so than I am. Stepping out of the room and running smack into Cadence and Shining who are watching Twilight scramble down the hallway in a hurry.

“What was all that about?” Cadence was looking concerned, seeing her sister-in-law tearing up a strip of floor to make it to the bathroom.

“I..” Another bite on my lip as I see Shining still holding the object, “Think she just had a need to, you know, go.”

“Well..” The Princess shakes herself out, “I guess we could go get some dinner before rest. It’s been quite the busy day.” She catches Shining parrying and thrusting, “Would you please take that back to the storeroom?”

I can see why Cadence cares for him so, the crestfallen look he gives her would break any mares heart. He trods back to the storeroom as the Princess yells after the retreating figure, “You can come back later!” We both watch the trudging steps pick up into a trot.

She rolls her eyes at me with a smile, “He’s such a big colt.”

I just nod, settling down as I can faintly hear Twilight laughing somewhere down the hallway. I do take this moment to broach the subject.

“I need to talk to you, privately.”

Her horn glows with power immediately, a silence settles onto both of us.

“There, nopony can overhear anything. Is something wrong?” Her face shows concern so easily.

“Oh no, not at all. Did you know you were expecting?” Easier to just say so than beat around the bush, although..

Her eyes about pop out of her skull, looking at me as if I’d just said something totally unintelligible.

“What...?”

“You’re expecting. I’m not positive on how long it will be, but you’re very much in the beginning stages.”

“How do you.. Oh, that..scan? ..was it?”

“Yes. I did leave a few clusters of nanos inside you to fight off infections or disease, you’ll be even healthier than before for a long while.”

“Inside?” She looks at herself as I chuckle.

“They won’t hurt you, and you’ll never know they’re there. They’ll flush themselves naturally in a few months.”

The lovely purple eyes turn back to me, “Am I really...?”

“Oh, yes. I guarantee it.” I gesture slightly towards her body, “You’re in the absolute beginning, so probably won’t be showing too soon. You can wait a while to tell anyone, but I won’t hold anything back from you.”

“I understand.” She looks around quickly, “Promise not to tell anypony? I want it to be a surprise.”

“You have my word.”

She hesitates for a second, then taps a shod hoof, “What was all that about earlier? You seemed to notice something and left very quickly. You and Twilight were quite merry. What was so funny?”

I almost bite through my lower lip keeping a straight face.

“There you go again, what is going on?” She leans towards me, making me rear back, trying not to laugh again.

“No one can hear us right?”

She shakes her crowned head, “No, not unless I want them to.”

Leaning in, I explain once more what it was and what we were laughing about. I love being me, I truly do. Watching purple eyes go wide with surprise and a gasp as I inform her what exactly that thing is.

True to form she studies me for a moment, making sure I am being honest.

“Yes, I’m serious.”

Her laughter is just as high and sweet as Twilight’s. Shining coming back to find his beloved in a paroxysm of giggles and outright guffaws as she slaps a shod hoof on the floor of her castle.

His bewilderment only makes things worse, asking what everypony is laughing about. Twilight returns at that time, seeing him and losing her composure once more. She knows why Cadence is laughing, knowing without me saying so that I have told her.

I try to apologize, I do. But for some reason I just can’t get the words out above a squeaking reply, trying not to..oh forget it, I laugh too.

Poor Shining.

Cadence couldn’t keep it away from her beloved, so told him what we were laughing about later on as we prepared for the evening meal.

I guess he didn’t know whether to be surprised or slightly disgusted, so settled for a little of both.

Twilight can’t stop giggling whenever she looks at him, so that’s going to be a thing for a while. She and Cadence are having a hard time keeping themselves from busting out into fresh gales of laughter.

I can sympathize with him.

“You could have told me.”

I can‘t help but smile as warmly as I can, “I do apologize Shining, I really do. I am amazed of all the things that have survived, that would be one of them.”

“And they really..?”

“Yes. If you’re truly curious I can explain exactly..”

“No! No...that’s...fine.”

Twilight and Cadence do break out in a flurry of laughs once more. It’s going to take some time.

“On the other hoof, there are some interesting items in that storeroom. You have quite a collection of datablocs I would like to see if I can get into.”

“Data..?”

“Recordings. Memories. Computers and AI’s used them to store information.”

Twilight was near now, her curiosity rising, “Do you think there would be anything on them?”

I shrug, “Possibly. They were made to withstand tremendous forces and the weight of ages. There could be something or nothing.”

Her face takes on a wondering aspect, “Imagine, messages from that long ago.”

I tease her warmly, “I don’t think they’d be addressed to you or anypony Twilight. I can’t imagine anyone ever thinking a society like this would exist.”

The roll of eyes, “Of course not silly! I was just thinking of what could be passed down through the ages.”

“Probably someone’s shopping list.”

Cadence and Shining chuckle at the look I’m getting from Twilight. Her head is in the clouds sometimes, and that’s fine. I don’t expect much from eons old datablocs. I don’t think even the designers figured on them being around this long.

“I’ll set up a reader so you can help me whittle them down, fair enough?” This mollifies Twilight and I immediately hold up a hoof to stop her before the questioning gets off onto tangents we don’t have time for, dinner awaits.

I gesture towards a quietly waiting Princess and Prince, “We’ll discuss it more later, I promise. We’re holding up the dinner party I think.”

The war is over quickly, food wins over knowledge this time. I am sure she’ll be pleased poring over exabytes of data that is probably going to be of the most boring stripe. Lists, data caches of no import, someone’s email history. Well, the emails might be interesting, depending on what’s written.

We walk down to the private dining area, chatting about the day so far and of course teasing Shining just that little bit extra. The rest of the group were going to meet us there for the evening.

There could be voices from the past as well in those blocs. Humans and AI’s long gone the way of history.

I don’t know if I wish to hear them. It would dredge up memories in myself that I’ve not wondered over in a long time. But it is something we need to know, if information could have survived that long intact.

That is for tomorrow. There is time. As I look at the smiling faces, waiting for us around a table of gleaming crystal covered in a fine silken cloth, it can all wait.

Because a whole new adventure awaits.

Author's Note

Hats off to Tek and others who keep me on my toes. Thanks! :pinkiehappy:

Ghosts

The datablocs are in front of me with wiring that connects them to a relay for my cores. Quite a few more than I’d thought, buried off to the side, they’d been useless unless you know how to access what they carry.

A reader has been set up for Twilight, her curiosity keeping me up all night as she asked what could possibly be on them.

I told her there was no way of knowing until we took a look.

Some are heavily damaged, by time, by weapons, by the weight of ice above it crushing down and pressing the molecular circuitry in ways it was never meant to be. Others are pristine, as if fresh from a factory.

The information is there. Reconstructed it can tell us anything we can tease out of it. The machine I’ve set up for Twilight is a simple thing, meant to be used by techs in a slow way, looking through directories and files one at a time.

I can access a whole bloc, look at everything in a glance, choose what I want to see.

More than I ever wanted.

“I miss you. I’ll be on my way back home as soon as my tour is over. We’re not far away, Alpha Centauri is close so the flight won’t take me long.” A smiling face is looking out of the screen on the viewer, “Say hello to everyone and I’ll let you know when my flight is.”

Part of a collection of video mail sent from the outpost on Alpha Centauri Four, a bitterly cold planet where troops went for training in extreme atmospheres.

I watch Twilight replay it, seeing the human leaning into the camera and talking to a loved one somewhere on Earth. All incoming mail and communications were stored for processing in these blocs and everywhere, backups in case of problems. Took me a while to crack the security code.

She stops the playback with the edge of her hoof on a key, “I wonder if he made it back?”

I access the security underlay, “It was sent years before the Final War, so most likely.”

She looks thoughtful, “Hard to believe this was so far back in history that we can’t imagine.”

I nod, “It’s definitely something to think about.”

We had started early, due to Twilight’s waking up at the break of dawn and rushing through breakfast, her chatter never stopping about what we might find on the data stores.

For some reason the Prince and Princess are showing up late today. Odd that. Those darn auto-docs and unintended consequences.

I can’t help but chuckle. I am happy that it was accepted, although it is causing some grumblings due to appointments missed.

Oh well, can’t please everyone.

Twilight didn’t care, she wanted to get into those files to see what was inside. Like a filly on Hearth’s Warming she was almost prancing in place as I got ready to face the day. Even I like to look decent before seeing others, but a lavender form kept checking in the room to see if I was ready. Eventually I gave up and we wandered down to Dusty’s domain.

The blocs themselves are from varying times. Most things made by the Concordiat lasted, and were used until they could not be refurbished anymore. It’s a varying jumble of decades including some of the latest ones that are inside of me. We could find anything on them. Something is strangely familiar about them.

I am hoping for further information on the last days, maybe the last month of Earth. Perhaps it could help explain why we’re here.

But failing that, maybe just something interesting.

So far, letters home from the galaxy. Some poignant, some happy, joyful. It ranges the gamut of emotions. It’s easy to disconnect, knowing that those faces are something from the past. It doesn’t mean I can’t sympathize, but still.

But I get a glimpse, a fragment of something. A transmission here, report there. Garbled and taking time to dig out, but there is something useful I think. I’m just not quite...

Charon Base ALERT! Incoming fleet, repeat, incoming fleet on scopes. Bolos are out and weapons free. We’ve got no...

It ends there. What I can gather from the security coding is that it was sent a day before the Melconians hit Earth. We knew the outposts in the system got crushed, very little was sent by them before they were gone.

Something must have still been receiving during the battle for Earth. Contrary to what anyone thinks, it wasn’t just a one day battle. We had been preparing for loading and shipping on the docks when the puppies hit. We had no time to get out of our cradles and fight. Our transports were crowded with supplies, colonists and us, we just didn’t have the ability to maneuver.

The orbital fortresses took a pounding before blowing apart. They held off the main part of the fleet while transports, half and fully loaded, escaped into flightspace.

I heard them dying before Hera and I were nailed in a kinetic strike that was a few miles away. The blast tossing us around like we were toys. The puppies throwing rocks at us, getting through the grids. The humans and AI’s manning the system defenses gave everything they had and more. It was a terrible time.

The end must have been a hundred times worse. I don’t know, we went into stasis as soon as we could.

We’ve searched the skies, reached out as far as we could with our ranging systems. There is no debris, no remnants we can see of the huge set piece defenses. It’s all so strange.

I do wish either I or Crusader were equipped with milsat launchers, but we’re working on that. We need a spy eye, something for mapping and geolocation.

There are more messages coming through now, algorithms are doing an impressive job of unscrambling the data inside the blocs.

“This is Unit JSP of the Line, calling any Concordiat vessels. Relief is needed at Pentus. Colonists have been decimated by force of Melconians and we are under siege. I am last surviving Unit along with a small force of militia. To any Concordiat vessel, relief is needed...”

“They’re coming through the line! We can’t hold much longer! I repeat, unknown arachnid aggressors are landing on Rence Five, repeat, Rence Five! Is anyone out there? Can anyone help?”

SWIFT and ultra-light communications gave operators a chance to store everything. Messages, videos, calls, anything that could be archived was. Standard practice was during and even before battles, communications links were established to record what they could.

“That’s it! Hold them right there! We’re the Infantry and by god and the Concordiat they’ll pay for invading us! Help is coming boys and girls and we’ll be here to greet it!”

I know that voice! Brigadier General MacPherson of the 42nd Combined Arms Brigade. That was on Hydra during the Deng invasion. He and his brigade held for fifty days without cease until dropships fell from the skies. They had occupied a fortified position on the planet and were not about to give it up.

Their weapons were dry, all the artillery was wrecked and they were reduced to eating the grass they lay in for sustenance before the Marines and Bolos hit the planet. The tanks in the mech company had so many holes in them it was a wonder they still fired. Medicine for the wounded had run out weeks ago, and the medics were doing what they could with local equivalents to help their troops.

In the time before the fleet made planetfall, the last of the men and women who made up the brigade had drawn knives and other implements, having run out of ammunition, they were preparing for hand to hand combat with the Deng.

A cruiser had come screaming into the planets’ atmosphere in a ship-wrecker of a maneuver, allowing them to give a broadside into the advancing Deng forces. Stopping the forward movement of the enemy dead in its tracks, it gave time for the transports to land under cover of fleet guns. They couldn’t just wreck the planet, it was one of the older worlds and was needed intact.

Ragged troops manning positions that should have long been overrun greeted the relief force with weak cheers.

The General was killed only hours before the fleet arrived, trying to save a sapper crew in no-mans land who were pinned down by murderous fire.

To a man, the entire Brigade refused to retire from the field until they got their general and the sappers back. Every single soldier that had been KIA during the engagement was accounted for except them.

The Lieutenant who was the only one left of the entire upper chain of command led the tired soldiers back into no-mans land. They had borrowed or taken weapons from the arriving force, heading out immediately with blood in their eyes at the Deng still massing for another attack.

The Marines and Army forces that had landed hadn’t even got their boots dirty when the exhausted troops screamed the commands to attack. The combat immediately ramped up into blazing exchanges of fire one more time.

The landing force had nothing in place yet, the two Bolos that had come down alongside them were ordered by their officers to open fire.

Turrets snapped around as VLS systems slammed open. Everything they had poured into the Deng lines, Hellbores roaring like thunder as they tore holes into the massed invaders. Missiles left contrails as they headed for positions behind the lines, slamming into the Deng with minute precision. Howitzers shelled the distant Deng machines, keeping them away from what was left of the 42nd.

We were never, ever to fire main weaponry around unshielded troops. The Bolos made sure the shots were wide of the running infantry, trying their best to protect them, yet not decimate their own allies.

The landing force’s commanders were yelling orders, throwing themselves right behind the ragged line, bringing up the tanks and artillery that had been unloaded so far from the massive transports. The fighting for the next few minutes was probably some of the most vicious ever recorded.

I have a picture, one that was circulated among the Concordiat Armed Forces and E-News feeds for months afterwards.

A group of men and women in rags for uniforms coming out of the dust and debris kicked up by the fighting, carrying their comrades and the general back to friendly lines. It was a powerful picture, and one that remained in the public memory for years afterwards.

He had spoken with us during a mission on another world. He thought we were the ‘finest fighting machines in the universe’. The General liked Bolos, talked with them when he could and used us to maximum effectiveness when under his command. He was respected by every Unit of the Line.

The General had tried to get a full company of Bolos assigned to his brigade. But the higher ups, who were already worried at what ‘Mad Dog MacPherson’ might do, overruled him.

I remember him so well.

I sit for a moment and reflect whether I want to go further. My memories are long, perhaps I shouldn’t delve too deeply.

Dusty is among the shelves taking care of his relics. I’ve identified approximately sixty-three percent of them now, though some are just useless lumps of metals, they are from our era.

I watch Twilight for a moment. She is smiling at something on the screen, probably another letter home. It does give us a good overview as more are untangled from the hash of code inside the blocs.

Some of the blocs have been burned by electromagnetic pulses, typical with Melconian versions of our own Hellbores. Some are scrambled not by EMP but by something else that is taking me time to figure out. Might be a new weapon used at the last, or something in our own databases that mashed up code to prevent reading by the enemy. I’m just not sure.

I’ll send constant updates to Crusader, see if he can get anything out of those messes. Until then, I’ll keep looking.

“This is not a sector or frontier fleet! This is the Melconians best! They’re going for the Concordiat as a whole!” A panicked voice is heard over the comms, I see a face that is drawn with worry.

“I’m sure you’re over-stating it Gibson. They couldn’t have marshaled that much tonnage, we’d know if they had that many ships.” This voice is smooth, a bit oily.

“And I am telling you they have! We pushed them too far and had no idea what kind of forces they could muster. We’ve eyeballed them! They’ve got heavy units massed like we have never seen before!”

“Just send the report through channels, we’ll take a look at it and get back to you.”

Typical. Oh, so typical of higher ups in the Concordiat towards the end. They should have known better. They knew the Melconians were behind us in tech and couldn’t believe they would have anything like the throw weight we had.

So very wrong. What we saw were the just the frontier fleets they had patrolling their borders. We had absolutely no clue how many ships they had and the wherewithal to use them if pressed.

It was the tip of the iceberg. When the Final War flared up, Concordiat Command was stunned at the amount of Melconian warships.

Too many mistakes because those who supposedly ‘knew’ better, didn’t.

So they panicked.

Battlefronts disintegrated as each member of the Concordiat demanded protection. Instead of putting up a united front, it all dissolved into sectors fighting for their lives.

The Melconians knew what to do, instinctively, as they’d been doing it for as long as their Empire had reigned. They were united in their hatred of humans and their allies.

While we were scattershotting our defenses, they plowed through with massive battle fleets. Whole planets burned to cinders on both sides as the rules of war no longer applied.

If we’d united as they had, things might have been very different.

But that is neither here nor there anymore. I can only surmise what could and would have been so maybe I better quit daydreaming.

Archives! Now it hits me!

These datablocs seem to be from an archivists store. They all carry the same designators and security underlays that allow me to peek into the different layers of data. There are things here that might even be from during the Final War. Now I know why they’re still usable.

Archives were very well protected and kept. They allowed researchers to delve into history because the storage mediums remained viable for a long time before being transferred to newer data blocs. It was a continual process, keeping the history of the Concordiat as told in the words of those who sent the messages stored here.

No wonder they still had data, being specially prepared to withstand even the deadliest of conditions. Now I know how to access them a little easier! What is wrong with me? I should have recognized them immediately.

I rest a hoof on one hooked up to my systems, wondering what kind of adventure it had to get here. You’ve had a long, strange trip my friend.

I reach back into my own datastores, looking for the correct command codes and security procedures for accessing archive blocs. Microseconds fly as long strings of numbers and letters pass between my cores and the blocs in front of me. I wait patiently as the data jumble now becomes very clear, arranging itself to be read and accessed fully.

I should have recognized them immediately. I know the difference between regular and archival blocs. I’m getting distracted again and that’s not a good thing.

Watching the data, it unfolds like a rose in bloom, letting me access it’s full potential. Huh, this is different.

I’ve unlocked an RLS Archive Bloc, a Real Life Sim. It gives full ..oh pits...

A clouded atmosphere, dust choking everything as a lone figure moves in a trench-line. She can see, feel it all.

Breath won’t come, it just won’t fill my lungs. The atmosphere is heavy with contamination, that last barrage flooded our area with chemicals and killed everyone.

I can see the enemy, the spider like shapes of the Deng as they call themselves. Wanting living space, they decide to try and take ours.

No. No they won’t.

We were just militia, not Concordiat Regulars. No one’s used gas attacks in hundreds of years. How stupid we are.

My hand comes to rest on Bobby, my friend, laying in the dry dirt of the trench he stares up at the oh so blue sky now.

I wipe my eyes, clearing the tears that won’t stop, they burn so much. Not just from the chemicals.

The other hand is gripping the heavy plasma rifle I found. The training officer said to never shoot it without proper protective gear. Since I couldn’t find any, guess we’ll see what happens then won’t we?

There they are on my optics, the shield in front of my face showing me the thermal signatures of massing lifeforms a few hundred yards away. I guess them spiders think since everyone’s gone they can just walk in.

Well, old Beauregard Jamison is gonna show them things what for.

I’ve lived a good life, seen my grandchildren happy and off this planet. My wife died in the first attack so I haven’t got anything to hold me back. Sons and daughters all gone somewhere else, safe I hope. These old bones weren’t gonna be around much longer anyways.

Ducking down beneath the parapet, I make sure the linked rounds are all clean and good to go. A few thousand rounds ought to be good enough. Explosive like nothing I’ve seen before, maybe I can hold them off until someone realizes we aren’t answering the comms.

I’ve got enough ammo and rations to last, depends on how long though. Them spiders aren’t gonna give up so easily.

Ought to quit mumbling to myself, but I need a record and I’m gonna sound like a loon.

My free hand hits the comm button on my chest.

“Sgt. Jamison to anyone out there, Deng massing at twenty four slash five-niner. Need relief immediately.”

I hear the relays click in, passing along the message. Let’s hope it reaches someone. Least it’s recordin’ everything.

Oh..here they come. Easy as you please. Look at them ambling along, thinking they got everyone.

I wait until they get close enough I can smell them. Throwing the heavy weapon over the trench side I pull back on the firing stud once it lines up with the multi-legged things.

The first round out burns my face through the thin shield, my body feels like it’s standing in flames. But I keep that stud down, gotta keep the fire up!

The stock slams into my shoulder, making it ache as the linked ammunition tears through the breech. Let me not fail, just this once.

I can see them stutter, not expecting anyone here. I actually caught them off guard! They stop, wondering where I’m firing from for a second, then the incoming starts slapping the dirt around me.

Each hit makes a spider blow apart, the glare from the plasma being sent down field is almost blinding me, but my helmet shield protects my eyes for a while. Tears streaming down my face as I give it everything I’ve got.

This one’s for you Bobby... Margie.

Just have to hold.

Sgt. Beauregard Jamison, 1st Procyon Militia, KIA. First Deng attack, First Deng Conflict. Records reconstructed after battle. File ends.

I try to cut off the dataflow, but it is unfolding faster than I can slip around it. It’s an autoplay, and I can’t..

A Bolo moving swiftly at sprint speed, turrets ranging and firing so fast it’s almost a constant blinding light. Things are coming from the sea...

My aft Hellbore snaps around, firing directly into the monstrosity that appears out of the waters of the shore. it takes a full half second for the nuclear fire to penetrate it, before blowing it apart.

I move. I move as fast as my treads will carry me.

Battle Reflex is wide open. The energy flows from my power plants as I redirect energy to my fore shields. They are taking murderous fire from particle beam emplacements off to the right. I hammer them with howitzer fire, shelling them until they are smoking holes.

I slew around, bringing both Hellbores into action as another machine appears from the sea, water cascading off it as more energy weapons fire comes from various bubbles covering the skin.

I feel the shield projectors burn out, switching to secondaries as the beams from my main weapons drive deep into the alien war machine.

I do not care who or what they are. They are the enemy.

Both my command decks are wrecked, along with the officers who were commanding me. I am alone here on this moon. Alone except for an alien enemy we had not seen before. Alone except for the dead of a budding colony.

The anger rises in me. I feel the cleansing flame roll through my cores, providing me with the strength to do this.

My treads grab deep in the loamy soil as I pull away from the shore. Heading deep into the interior is the only way I can avoid point-blank fire from the enemy machines coming from the deeps.

I am at fifty-two percent battle readiness now. My port side howitzers are gone, along with one tread I have had to blow due to damage. Multiple hits by particle weapons fire have dug deep into my flintsteel hull. Trying to redirect energy from my overloaded shields to power requirements is failing, too much too fast.

Infinite repeaters have taken heavy hits alongside my sensor clusters. I am not fully blind, but I am getting there. They have an almost supernatural accuracy on sensors for some reason I cannot fathom.

Anti-personnel explosives are gone. Used up in the desperate fight to retrieve any colonists left and remove them from the battlefield.

I have sent messages along the SWIFT line, there has been no reply and I wonder if the repeaters in the outer system have been taken down. There is no way to check. I continue to broadcast maydays, in the hopes a passing ship may receive the call.

A cluster of the enemy attempts to weaken my aft side tread shields, the blobby things are blown apart with what is left of my chain guns. I can feel links on my tread rattling as some damage managed to get through the shield.

In my hopes of rescue, I send enemy statistics and what I can glean from them along with the maydays. Telling Bolo Command of this new foe who are wearing me down by fractions.

I am stubborn, I shall hold for however long it takes.

My sensors pick up movement ahead in the strange forest of this moon, machines rise up from where they had hidden and surround me as I cannot go any farther, my path of retreat cut off. My Hellbores drill into them, but more are appearing and I will not have time to fabricate anymore war shots with the time left. In approximately two point five four seconds I will be disabled enough for them to swarm my hull.

Particle beams reach through my battered shields, they fail with a snap of power and a burning inside me.

My power plants rev up to full output as I trip all the breakers open, allowing them to go into overload. They are closing in as my last Hellbore shot blows apart the enemy machine in front of me. I launch my Omega capsule into the atmosphere to take it away from this place of endings.

I am Unit JCB of the Line, and I will never surrender.

Unit JCB (Jacob), 1st Bolo Division, KIA. Third moon, fourth planet of Alpha Regulus. Records recovered after relief force arrived. File ends.

A claustrophobic room. The air is heavy with humidity as five figures move around. One peering out a slit in the steelcrete wall, one lying on a cot, convulsing. Another tapping on a box as it readies a message torpedo launcher. The fourth is cleaning a heavy weapon quietly alongside another linking up ammunition from a box.

“Is this thing on?”

A finger taps a mic, with a sigh following.

“I hope it is.” The second male, coughing deeply, trying to hang onto the weapon he carries.

“Not like we’re in any shape to complain.” This from the figure sitting quietly by the cot where a third person lays, squirming in the grips of a fever. He watches her closely, hands never leaving the weapon he’s reassembling.

Agonized sounds, a low moaning that is muffled quickly, “Keep her quiet! Oh god if they find us..”

“I got it, I got it.”

“Anyways.. What should I say? Not like it’s going to mean much.”

“Anything! Just make sure they KNOW!”

“All right, all right!”

A sigh, then a hand tapping the microphone again, “I just hope this thing works. It’s supposed to be impermeable, but as to how things are going, I seriously doubt it.”

The woman linking ammunition perks up, “How’s Melanie?”

“She’s got it. I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do. I’ve given her the rest of the pan-virals.” The figure beside her shakes a shaggy head.

“Can you...?”

“I can, we’ve got enough sedative to make it easier.”

“Stupid racking survey corps! How could they have missed this!”

“Calm down, there’s nothing we can do. Not anymore.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“Anyways. My name is Max Egan, Colony Corps, Security Detachment. This is being recorded on Irimost, one year after colonization was begun.” Coughing interrupts his voice, more sounds coming from deep within a set of lungs.

“Everything was fine, just fine. Agro was starting to plant gened crops, the first harvest was due soon. We were even starting to plan the expansion. Not a bad world if a little wet.”

A laugh, “Wet? Hell, it almost never stopped raining!”

“Hey! We had sunshine that one day..you know..yeah. One day.”

“Out of how many?”

“Knock it off! Let me record!”

“Fine!”

“So, to continue. A little wet. But there was a lessening, a ‘winter’ sort of. That’s when they showed up.” The bowed figure coughs for a moment, clearing his throat.

“I saw them,” The female again, hand moving in a circular motion, “Little sprouting buds everywhere when the rain calmed down. We thought they were new crops. They were all over the planted areas.

“Oh yeah, they grew pretty fast. Taller than a man at least in a week. Strange looking things, big around, roots everywhere.”

“They were kinda pretty though, red and gold, and those fruits that started hanging off the ends of the branches.”

“Right, until the McCall kids..”

“Do we have to?”

“They have to know.”

A sigh, “The McCall kids were playing in the fields, until a security patrol heard the screams. Even then it was too late. By the time we’d arrived on scene...the..plants had them wrapped up, eating them from the inside out. The vines..branches..whatever they were had penetrated the skin and were..god it was awful.”

“Tell them the rest.”

“They moved. The plants were mobile. Once they found out a source of food was nearby, they uprooted themselves and started going after anything warm. Their fruits carried a vicious little virus. One hit and you were down with fever, chills..and then bled right out, liquefied for easier eating. The whole body structure just collapsed.”

“There were hundreds of thousands of them, it was the growing season we think. No one’s really sure. The native mammals that had been running around like rats vacated our colony area, heading for anyplace the plants weren’t. Obviously they had known. Wish the little bastards had told us.”

“Survey should have seen it, they had two years!”

“They slacked.”

“Well, now that’s a revelation Captain Obvious!”

“Stop it! It’s too late for arguing!”

A huff of breath and the stomping of feet from the figure at the door, sitting heavily on a crate, eyes never leaving the entryway.

“Either way... They got everyone. The shuttle was clogged with those things, they love metal too it appears. Anything artificial. There were theories that maybe they were an ancient weapon, not sure. It doesn’t help us now, but to whoever hears this, they might be leftovers from some long ago conflict. We don’t know. We’ve got one crack at this, the message torp will only launch once before they break in here.”

All of them perk up at a slithering sound, launching themselves at firing slits in the walls and hefting weapons. Gunfire commences and lasts for minutes while empty powergun casings rattle in piles on the floor.

Silence.

“They know we’re here, we’ve got limited ammo. So, we’ll sign off now and get the message off. If anyone does read this, come see about getting us off this hellhole? If not, maybe raise a drink in a bar somewhere.”

“They’re coming back! Get that thing out!”

“Goodbye galaxy, remember us.”

Planet Triton IV under permanent interdiction due to inimical life-form. Colony area searched by Special Operations, recovered intelligence. No survivors. File ends.

I’m trying my best. War code is not advised, it could corrupt the programming permanently. It’s just a sim..nothing more.. Just...a sim...

The Bolo is slowly trudging through a wasted hell of a battlefield. Treads clanking loudly from damage as it’s weapons fire, and fire again. Using the very last of it’s ammunition as it heads for the massive walls of some edifice ahead.

...the plasma weapons dig into my durachrome armor, penetrating the meter thick metal and incinerating what is left of the command deck. I heard, no, I felt my commander die hours ago. I can do nothing. Nothing at all.

Pain sensors are almost burned out. The damage to myself is immense, but I move forward, ever forward.

Logic, even my own sense, tells me to retreat, find a way to escape and await recovery. But I cannot.

The enemy is before me, hunkered in their fortress which they think is impenetrable. Hellbores are firing too fast, the barrels are losing cohesion along with the magnetic fields. But I keep the bombardment up, keeping them from firing in return.

Secondaries are now dry, my howitzers are empty. The plates slap open once more as my Heavy VLS launches the remaining missiles into the polluted air. Tactical nuclear warheads will keep them worried for a few minutes more.

I see them hit the target, the glare is blinding even through my filters, the strike being so close I am suffering radiation damage. Barely seconds after the launch as I am on their doorstep.

Mines underneath my hull blow off one of my last three remaining treads, the bogies will carry me. I let the links fall behind me as I crawl toward the enemy. It is slow going, but I shall make it, I must.

The last of my mortars are spent as I see the enemy guns start to swing once more. I am still a precision shot, the barrels now bent and broken from my barrage, they can do no more damage. They have more though, always more.

I keep moving, never wavering as incendiaries rain on my upper hull, burning the last of my communications antennas away. My kinetic and energy shields have long since been overloaded, the projectors burned out by point-blank enemy fire.

My glacis is pitted and scarred, receiving more injuries from lesser guns on the fortress. I am..stubborn..as my commander had often told me.

More and more the stuttering energy weapons of the enemy are hitting inside my defenses. I no longer have anti-air, the flyers above keep swooping down like vultures to the kill.

Let them, I am close enough.

The fusion plants inside my hull begin their overload. Stashed inside me are the last of my nuclear munitions, hoarded against this time.

Behind me the Concordiat forces have been stalled. No longer. My short range communications are strong enough to reach friendly lines, telling them the fortress will no longer be a problem.

Strange how suddenly I remember things, though it is getting cloudy. My cores are suffering from intense radiation damage, most likely, from my own nuclear detonations earlier I am sure.

My commander laughing. Her and I enjoying games of skill during long nights on patrol.

I miss her.

But not for much longer. My power plants and the nuclear weapons inside me will be more than sufficient to breach the enemy line.

In the seconds before the blast erases me forever along with the fortress, I launch my Omega drone, still transmitting to the last for the record.

I see her.

She is smiling.

Unit MRK of the Line. Battle of the Eridani Moons. KIA. Records recovered after battle. File ends.

No more! I’m trying. I can’t stop it without corrupting the data!

The inside of a Bolo command deck, it is dark, smoke filling the air. Electrical sparks coming from destroyed panels and gears as a lone figure holds tight to a powergun. The rifle aimed at the accessway that leads out of the hull. It speaks quickly into a microphone on the headset it wears.

“I’m not sure if anyone can hear me, I’ve got this thing set up to the SWIFT gear, which is amazingly working. Someone will hear it..”

“Anyways. They got us, clean and clear. Stupid Melconians actually pulled a trap off right, go figure. I can’t even understand how I’m alive, except.. Sheri probably saved me. There wasn’t even time to get into the crash shell, so I have no idea. But they burned her, right to the core.” A hand reaches out, patting the control console.

“They got her. At least it was quick.”

“They know I’m in here..” Something moves in the corridor, powergun shots rattle off the walls as a Melconian trooper in armor falls face first on the floor.

“Yeah, they want me.”

The figure turns, twisting two wires together, stripping a third of insulation with a grip of teeth and adding it to the knot, “But I’ve got the self-destruct wired. I’m just going to wait, get a bunch of them in here.”

A quick movement, another round of flashes and another dead trooper.

“Well, Sheri saved me, I’m going to do the same for her. They won’t tear her apart.”

An object bounces into the room before exploding. A groan is heard as the atmosphere clears, the figure is bloody, shirt torn away as one hand tries to hold an open wound on its belly closed, something spilling out over the grasping fingers.

“I guess.. I guess it’s time. Can’t.....wait.” A hand grips a small stick, thumb above the button. “Just let Marie know....loved her..so much..”

Melconians pour inside the deck before the thumb hits the button, a flash of light....

Captain Miles Regal, Unit of the Line SHR, KIA. Border action in sector four, end file.

Please stop.

It’s dark and very cold. The deep chill of space creeps into the insulated walls of what appears to be the cabin of a ship. The walls are covered in frost, bleak white against the warm light of a single bulb in a lantern that sets in the middle of the room. A figure, swathed deeply in blankets and coats, huddles close to whatever warmth it can get from the feeble glare.

A voice, low and almost mumbling, teeth chattering against the cold, comes across as the pinched face stares into a camera. Hastily set up on a tripod, it is the only other source of light with the recording LED on.

“Th..th...they caught us in convoy, fat and...and...happy.” The slight form shudders with coughing, “We were so stupid. ‘Secured sector’ indeed, what a joke.” The voice is female.

A hand reaches down, opening a packet and waiting while it heats up before shoveling the contents between chapped lips.

“We held them off until the transports got away, lucky us huh? As far as I can tell I’m the only one left on this section. Got all the food I can eat but nothing to keep warmer with unless I burn the bedding. Definitely against Concordiat Navy rules.” A short barking laugh issues from the swaddled figure.

“Well, if it gets too cold I’ll just have to take the demerits.”

A sigh, the finishing of the sparse meal as the packet is meticulously folded and packed into a garbage bag.

“I don’t think I’ll have to worry much longer. When the Melconians got close they carved us up like a g’zan. I just happened to be in this section doing inspection when the doors sealed. There’s not much air left, the cold is getting worse. From what I can see, I’m just floating in my own little section of space along with the rest of the pieces of the Manassas.”

A hand adjusts the camera, turning the lens until it satisfies the figure.

“That’s all right though. We got them off the transports. That’s what we’re supposed to do, right? Right?”

Nothing answers her, the silence is broken only by the crackling of the ice slowly closing in.

“Yes, yes. I know, heroes one and all we were. Thank you, thank you.” A brief laugh once more.

“Everyone got away, so, there’s nothing left to complain about really.” A sigh, “I do wish rescue would come, though we didn’t have much time to get signals off. Pretty sure they did though. Don’t think they’re going to get here in time, so.. I’ve made arrangements.” A hand lifts, the short snout of a weapon shown to the lens. “I’d much rather not freeze. Always hated the cold. It’s going to be space temperature before any help arrives. I don’t want there to be any doubt.”

The voice goes soft, warmer than the surroundings.

“I miss you mom and dad, so much. I hope they find this and let you know we did all right. I don’t regret it, any of it. It’s the way things end sometimes. I love you both.”

A hand reaches unsteadily and flips a switch, the red light blinks off, leaving the room basked in a yellow glow.

The short barreled powergun lifts, pressing against the wrapped head before a shot rings out.

Ensign Jewel Mays, CS Battleship Manassas. Recording recovered by Search and Rescue, Sector Two. End file.

Partition One of Two Thousand / Final Call / ends. Continue? Yes/No?

I slap the disconnect and break off all contact with the databloc. My avatars hoof comes down hard on the connecting cable, severing it as I step back. It’s..too much..

I can’t do this right now. No more, not today.

Twilight is peering at me, stopping the screen with a tap as I leave with hasty excuses.

Move. Have to move. Get out and get away. I’m not supposed to be like this. I’m supposed to be dispassionate, aloof, it’s just data! It’s not.. I hate these changes! Why do I feel more than I should?

I break outside, stopping near a small zen-like garden, staring up at the sky for a moment. Why can’t I be..solid anymore? I knew I was different, but this is too much. I feel so much it’s overwhelming.

“Once again, life, my sister.” Crusaders voice came over the long distance link.

“Does it still have to hurt so?”

“You know as well as I do that it does.”

“I hate it.”

“You have seen the last words of those lost Athena, it is a hard thing to do. Should we mourn forever, or be grateful that they are, at the least, remembered in some way?”

“I don’t know. I honestly don’t.”

“Honesty is always best.”

“Can’t I just go back to being a Bolo? You know, killing and smashing and stuff?” Her voice is hopeful, tinged with humor.

“Far, far too late.”

“Pits...”

“Do not let it deter you. You will be fine.”

“It haunts though.”

“We are all haunted, Athena.” His voice held something for just a moment, Athena couldn’t tell what.

“I’ll.. do my best then.”

“As always.”

The link is cut, leaving her looking at the zen garden, the crystals shining softly in the daylight, her eyes following the curves of raked sand.

A hoof reaches up, finding the tear, wiping it away before it joins the others that have already wet the sand beneath her.

“Are you okay?” The soft voice makes her glance to the right, seeing Twilight sitting there. “You seemed upset. Something you saw?”

Athena nodded, “Yes. I’m still adjusting to being this way I guess.” She gestures to herself with a slight movement of one hoof.

“That bad?” The Princess doesn’t question sometimes, just accepts.

“A bit.” Athena shakes her head, “Like I’m overly sensitive, feel more than I should some times.”

Twilight nods, “I think I understand.” She tilts her head, “May I ask what you saw?”

“Ghosts, Twilight.”

The lavender Alicorn nods, seeing the reference, “Maybe you should take a break. Let’s go get something.” A hoof motions off to the side.

Athena nods, “I’ll take you up on that.”

As they both walked down the crystal paved path, Athena couldn’t help but look back towards the garden, a strange feeling making her almost shiver.

Her eyes caught nothing, the garden, the path. It almost seemed like there were shadows flitting at the edge of her vision.

Shaking her head, she caught up with Twilight who was chatting away.

Athena chided herself for overreacting. Just memories, nothing more than shades of the past, she was sure.

One day she’d go through those datasets again with a lighter heart, a better knowledge of what lay in store for her inside that piece of ancient computer wizardry. They would wait, patiently, forever if needed.

The sable pegasus glanced over her shoulder once more, just making sure.

You never know about ghosts.

Right?

Into the Past

“No, Rarity, we really don’t need that much stuff.”

“But...but darling! You simply can’t go on a trip without being properly prepared!” The named Unicorn was smiling as she sorted through the tremendous pile of luggage that sat on the crystalline pavement.

Athena tried not to sigh, “It’s called a search and sweep Rarity. All I’ll be doing is looking for artifacts. It’s not really something exciting, it’s quite boring actually.” She twirled a hoof idly at the rest of the friends sitting there, “You all really don’t need to come with, it won’t take long as I’m dividing the area up into sectors. I figure one a day ought to give me enough time to dig deep.”

“We don’t mind, really,” Fluttershy was smiling warmly, “You always have something interesting to do.”

Athena felt a swell of pride in herself, damping it down as she tried an appeal, “Fluttershy, I won’t have any spare time to do any of that. Everything I have will be concentrating on this.”

Something was missing, “Where’s Spike?”

Twilight rolled her eyes, chuckling, “He’s off enjoying his fandom I’m sure.” She waved a hoof, “He said he wanted to just hang around in the Empire. I think he just wanted to get caught up on his comics, hasn’t had much time lately.”

Athena had learned, quickly, that Spike was considered quite the hero in the Empire. After seeing the huge statue of him, she’d wondered what he’d done and was quickly filled in by Twilight. It was a pretty good tale.

“Fair enough. But you guys really don’t need to come along. Nothing more exciting than rumbling through the snow looking for buried stuff.”

Rainbow huffed, hovering next to her, “Hey, if you find something cool, we wanna see it!” The smile belied the gruffness of her statement.

Athena gave in, “Fine! As long as we get going now.” A hoof got pointed, “Rarity, you’re going to have to leave all that behind, seriously.”

The marshmallow Unicorn gave a tremendous pout, and Athena stubbornly shook her head. It was quite the face-off for a few moments as the group looked from one to the other.

A dramatic sigh and a puff of breath indicated acquiescence, “Fine, let me call a porter.”

“Thanks, Rarity.”

Athena started through the checklist for movement, not very long, it was important. Lights started rotating beneath covers, warning anyone near to clear the area. She stopped any klaxons from going off right now, knowing that trying to drag nervous Crystal Ponies out of their houses once more would just delay everything again.

She would drop her track shields once further away from the archway, which was absolutely dwarfed by her hull. The sound of a few tons of durasteel clanging into place would definitely make an impression. She wanted nothing to stop her from moving out.

A troop ramp extended under cover of the shield which surrounded the Empire, keeping it warm and safe against storms.

They cropped up quite a lot in the Empire, as she watched the clouds already moving in. Weather patterns were very unpredictable, even with her sensors strained to the limit watching for pressure patterns, they just zoomed in and dumped snow.

She remembered a time when methane ice covered her sensor blisters, a rain of solid hydrogen fell on her hull as they fought on a moon in the inner sectors of the Concordiat occupied area of the galaxy. A place where no human could be unless heavily supported, yet a lifeform was there that decided it did not like humanity and wanted to do something about that.

Snow and ice? Bah, not a problem.

She had warm outfits for them, already fabricated long ago when gearing up for the trip. They would be safe should they need to exit the safety of her confines. Hopefully, she wouldn’t need that.

Athena smiled, her lips curling softly, seeing Rarity tipping the porters whose job it would be to haul that mountain of luggage back to her rooms. Outrageous sometimes, yes. But she couldn’t fault her, being that way was just her norm.

Business done, the stylish mare trotted over to join the others who headed for the ramp as soon as Athena cleared it. Into the warm interior, comfortable and cozy, where the bitter cold would never reach.

Athena saw them to their quarters, dropping on a rack and letting go of her avatar she sunk deep within herself, powering up the big fusion plants and snapping her Battle Reflex circuits wide open.

Energy roared through her. Usually in combat conditions they had no time for slow and steady power up. Now, though, she had all the time in the world and it was wondrous.

Sensors cracked on, ranging and radars and everything else lit up the atmosphere around her in an invisible shield of sight. Seeing and feeling anything that got close to her.

Ponies loved a good show, and she could see the Crystal Ponies gathering as her alert sirens went off this time, making absolutely sure no one was near her when she moved. Muted somewhat as to not overwhelm, it gave everypony fair warning that this mountain parked in front of the archway was preparing to go.

Athena watched carefully, making sure nothing she did set off another panic. Everything slow and careful.

Princess Cadence and Shining Armor were standing within the magical shield, watching with wide eyes as everything on her hull lit up in a flurry of sound and thunder.

She whipped her turrets around, giving them the traditional Bolo salute and seeing them both smile. Athena had explained what it was much earlier.

Some things could not be dampened, nor put aside, she had to do things right regardless.

Her drive trains slammed into place with a clashing of tons of metal, the huge treads grabbing the snow covered ground deep and moving her forward with a rumbling of engines.

She couldn’t help but smile, seeing little ponies with parents chattering excitedly and pointing at her as she moved off.

Cadence watched with eyes that tried to take it all in, seeing the ..the Bolo.. move off into the building storm, “Shining, isn’t that the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen?” Her voice was caught up in the wonder of a technological marvel like the one now slowly making its way into the fields surrounding the city.

The bulky stallion next to her nodded his head, “It is. Just glad she’s on our side.”

“I’m warning you all right now,” Athena’s voice came clearly through the speaker system, “It is going to be slow for the next few hours unless I find something.”

“Actually,” Fluttershy was fluffing up some pillows on her bunk, the mattress as soft and comfortable as it could be, “I am going to catch up on some rest. Taking care of my animal friends is all well and good, but it does get tiring sometimes.” She snuggled under the thick comforter, “And this is the perfect time.”

A cyan mare leaned back into a pile of pillows as well, “I’ve got the latest Daring Do, and it’s been a long time since we’ve had nothing to do.” Rainbow wriggled her body, pinning wings tight, as she settled into the bunk, “Plenty of time now!” Her eyes though were a little weary, body relaxing into the welcoming mattress. The rest of the group smiled, knowing her love for naps, seeing her yawn.

“I, for one, am going to take advantage of that exquisite wash room.” Rarity was gathering a few things stored for her by Athena, “A long hot soak, then plenty of rest. It’s so rare we do get the time.” Flipping a towel over her shoulders she stopped before entering, “Anypony else?”

“Ah’ll join ya, that sounds real nice actually.” Applejack was rummaging for another towel and a long-handled back brush which she threw to balance on her back, “I could use it to get some of the kinks out. Like ya said, not often we get the chance.” She finished gathering a couple more items, turning to look at Twilight, “Want to join there Twi?”

The Alicorn started, having been lost in thought for a second, “Oh, I was wondering where..” A loud snoring interrupted her, making them all turn to see Pinkie sprawled out on a bed, clutching a large bag of potato chips in one fore leg.

“That answers that.”

Rarity looked on with a snicker, “She’s quick.”

“I actually wanted to take a look around.” Twilight gave them a response, “We’ve never seen everything, just a few places inside here, and I was just wondering..”

Applejack nodded with a smile, “Same old Twi. Have fun then, don’t get lost.”

The two mares headed into the wash area, anticipating a nice, quiet time to cure their ills.

Twilight looked around for a second, wondering where..

“I heard.” Athena’s voice was soft in her ears, “You are allowed anywhere but engines and powerplants, for obvious reasons. Too dangerous when we’re moving. Anything else, feel free Twilight.”

Before the Princess got to the hatch, the voice returned, “Oh, and do not mess with the gunnery areas. Look, but don’t touch. All right?”

The Alicorn sighed, “Fiiiine.”

“I thought so. Do not let curiosity get the best of you, there are very dangerous things inside my hull. Follow any indicator except the orange.”

“I got it.” Twilight waved a hoof in the air aimlessly, “I promise.” She shot out the hatch and down the access-way.

Athena assigned a part of herself to taking care of the friends while she used the better part to light up everything. Radars and ranging lasers swept outward into the countryside. Ground penetrating radar sunk deep into the frozen ground, looking for indicators of anything with a technological trace. The metals and plastics that were in human made items were easily distinguishable from anything else.

She poured power into all those sensors and scanners she hadn’t used in a while. They worked perfectly, if not more so, being rebuilt and redone, they reached out farther than before.

There!

She zeroed in on a trace reading, finding a lump of durachrome that was sunk into the soil.

Nothing much, but proved it worked!

Plotting coordinates came up inside her. A board that was slowly filling out as she mapped the local area was filled with dots that joined them. Dusty had told her where a lot of the items had been found, giving her the ability to find clusters or caches that would lead her to bigger things, she hoped.

Her maps were filling in quickly as ranging microwaves reached out and bounced off of the solid land underneath the eternal covering of snow. Hills and dips slowly revealed themselves, the far off mountains were getting closer in her mind.

The glacier gleamed in the distance, moving forward or back as the seasons dictated, they never retreated very far. She had them scheduled, as soon as she took care of the designated areas around this part of the city. Get the easy stuff first and fast, tackle the rough stuff with enough time.

An alert went off, something moving through the snow towards her. Scanners swapped out, bringing up a thermal view.

Unknown. Nothing in the catalog, nothing identified before. It was large, camouflaged against the now drifting snowflakes, it blended into the landscape. She was amazed it didn’t shy away from her moving form, though the dampeners were on, still she made some noise.

Athena smiled internally as a port opened with a snapping sound, the blunt snout of a rotating cannon peeked out as she took aim at the thing.

Carnivore, definitely, the muzzle had a grimace that showed razor like teeth. Claws gripped into the snow as it moved towards something further on.

Family of something or other. Yep, it was stalking them.

Tactical took over, gunnery made adjustments as the chain feed ramped up with a whine.

The family of animals was huddling in a snowdrift, feeling the rumbling of something huge moving past them, bodies trembling in fright. They never noticed the hunter looking for them, eyes closed, bodies tight together as they tried to stay warm.

The carnivore was hungry, finding at last the hiding place of the food it was tracking, it raised a paw ending in razor sharp claws, looking forward to feasting for the moment.

One of the little furry critters cracked an eyelid, seeing the huge thing above them and waiting, knowing it was seeing it’s doom.

A whining sound, a beam of stuttering light from somewhere and the creature was gone! Bloody gobbets exploded over the pristine snow, wiping any trace of the hunter from existence as the little animal stared out into the whiteness.

Yeah. No bad guy, no more. Can’t live with ‘em, just shoot ‘em. Athena laughed inside, storing the weapon and looking at the board that was making itself into a map.

More chunks of durasteel there..got it. By reflection it is rounded..hard to do on durasteel unless its very old.

Happy trails, little furry whatevers. Athena bid the group of small creatures farewell as she moved through the heightening storm.

“So, whatcha think ‘bout all this?” Applejack’s voice cut through the fog of scented steam from the bath where she and Rarity resided.

“About what, dear?” Rarity was involved in scrubbing herself down with a soap that Athena had given them, the fragrance was stunning and lasted forever on her coat.

An orange hoof waved idly, “About finding stuff from the past. I mean..she said some things were pretty dangerous.”

The Unicorn stopped her motions for a moment, tapping the long handled brush on her back with a flick of her magic, “I think if she gets rid of those items, it’s all well and good.”

“Ah know. But maybe we shouldn’t be messin’ with them at all?” Emerald eyes looked slightly worried as they caught Rarity’s azure ones.

Her friend was lost in thought for a second, Rarity never worrying about more than the latest designs, she now pondered what Applejack was saying.

“I think we should trust her. Let her make Equestria safer for everypony. Don’t you agree?”

“Guess I just worry too much then. Ah trust her, ya know. She ain’t ever done anypony wrong.” Applejack smiled lopsidedly at the Unicorn, “Oughta stop huh?”

“Never, dear Applejack.” Rarity leaned over, giving her friend a hug with a scented fore leg, “If somepony doesn’t ask, who will?”

The farmer nodded, leaning back into the water that was soaking in so delightfully, muscles relaxing, body shifting to slip underneath the surface along with a happy sigh.

Twilight wandered the corridors of Athena’s hull, peeking into various hatches and seeing stores of food and ammunition. She was looking over a huge room with various spare parts shelved and in containers, watching the tech spiders move about selecting one and scurrying to replace it somewhere in the massive Bolo.

Heading out, following a green indicator line, she came to a door where a sign was posted in Equestrian alongside some of what looked like ear muffs.

WARNING:

Gunnery Section Four

Past this point you MUST

Wear ear protection!

---

DO NOT

Step past red line!

Damage or injury can occur!

The Alicorn pondered, wondering if she really needed to..of course she did. Curiosity always got the better of her as she fitted a pair of the muffs on and slapped the doorway button.

The hatch opened on a scene of organized chaos. In front of her was some sort of mount, upon which rested a large barreled cannon of some type. She recognized this from explanations long ago. Stretching down to the left and right of her were ranks of such things lined up and down the long corridor. The cold seeped in here, making her shiver and wishing she’d brought a scarf or something.

Tech spiders moved among the different weapons, cleaning and oiling, checking for wear and tear, replacing anything that needed or even looked as if it needed changing. Tracks lined the corridor, letting the gun mounts move to the side for checks, then slapping back in place faster than she could see, ready for action.

A mount carrying two different weapons moved in from the side, rotating and bringing up a multi-barreled gun that stuck its snout out a newly opened port.

The scream of a high speed feed system came through the muffling on her ears, making her flinch as the cannon roared, hundreds of shells bouncing out of the breech and sliding down the catch chutes for reuse in the space of a second. The barrels smoking hot as they retracted back in, the metal opening slamming shut with a clang.

Tech spiders moved in, sweeping any spilled shells up and carrying it all off to be recycled into fresh ammunition.

Twilight took a step forward then halted, looking down at a glowing red line that was far back from the moving gun mounts.

She really wanted to make a closer inspection to observe how all that stuff worked. The tech spiders always intrigued her as they were fast and efficient at whatever they did, it was fascinating.

A lull in movement made her lift a hoof, stopped by a voice in her ear.

“Don’t step over that line, Twilight.”

“Athena?” She looked around before finally realizing she was wearing her link. It had become such a part of her she barely noticed anymore.

“Yes. That’s a high speed track system. Those gun mounts will cut you in half if you get in the way.” The voice was very firm, brooking no argument.

The outstretched hoof flinched backwards now, Twilight taking a step back and looking at the delicate ballet of the machinery around her. Her mouth opened to reply but was stopped once more.

“I know, curiosity. In my hull it will get you hurt. I did not bar you from Gunnery because I knew you’d like the intricate workings. But if you cannot obey the safety rules, I will have to restrict your movement.”

A silent nod, then, “What were you shooting at?”

Soft chuckling over the link, “Just saving some fluffy critters from doom.”

Twilight tapped a hoof in thought, “I’m not sure if Fluttershy would be happy about the fluffy critters, or sad you shot something.”

“We’ll not tell her then, agreed?”

“Agreed. Although...” With a sly look Twilight raised a fore hoof, Athena’s voice coming back.

“Don’t even think about blackmail. You can look through gunnery, but if you stray across the line even once, you’ll be carried out by my tech spiders in a most undignified manner. You will also be restricted to the sleeping quarters and the bathroom. Understand?”

A dramatic sigh, “Yes.”

“I’m glad we get along so well.”

Twilight rolled her eyes, “Right, sure. Smart pony.”

“I try.”

The link clicked off, leaving Twilight alone once more, but knowing that Athena was tracking her every move. She wandered up and down the corridor, eyeing the machinery in action, even getting to see another one firing at something out in the snow.

She exited the Gunnery section and hung up the ear covers, looking for another place to peer into. Choosing a direction at random, Twilight happily trotted off in a voyage of discovery.

Athena was puzzled. So many little things but nothing large enough to be worthwhile for stopping and excavating. You would think in a debris field, something would pop up.

Ground penetrating radar was helping her plot the various discoveries. Simple things, chunks of metal, just...junk. Nothing else was there. Steelcrete would have worn away to dust, electronics also turned to fading marks in the ground.

She was getting an inkling though. Something was nagging her at the back of her cores, something important she was missing when looking at the data that showed her the discoveries.

Swinging around, she sped off to another designated sector, bringing up her scanners once again and seeing a scattering of responses. A pattern was starting to show, but of what?

A third, the same thing. Now the data was definitely showing it and she kicked herself for not recognizing it earlier.

It was centered on the Empire.

One quick sweep around the perimeter of the Crystal Empire and she had her data. Not going any further than this, she decided to park for the day and ask the Princess and Shining if they had maybe run into anything unusual while living in the castle.

The debris field was scattered outward from the city. Unknown as to how it stayed intact, but the program was showing her a definite pattern based on the available scans. Admittedly some debris fell way outside the norm, but on the whole it showed a center-point.

The large edifice known as the Crystal Castle was smack in the middle of the ring of debris. Twilight had told her many stories of Sombra, the days of darkness and how he ruled in terror.

Curiouser and curiouser.

It didn’t take long to return to the archway, this time a little less louder than before. Since the Crystal Ponies were expecting it, no disappearing population either. Matter of fact, quite a crowd was watching the Bolo pull up with a slight rumbling and creak of treads. The rotating lights starting up as a warning before the troop ramp slid out and landed on the ground inside the shield.

Fluttershy stretched a back leg and mmmm’d, “That was the best nap ever.” Her wings popped out, flexing before being pinned to her sides as they walked down the ramp, “Maybe I could sneak away and do that again some time?” She gave an abashed look at Athena, who smiled in return.

“You’re more than welcome, we’ll keep it a secret.”

The sable pony turned to the others, “Sorry for the short trip, but I found out something that I thought needed to be investigated, didn’t want to bother you until we got back.”

Rarity fluffed her mane, her coat exuding a wonderful aroma around her, “Never fear dear, we know it’s important. It was a nice chance to relax though.”

Pinkie was busily munching her way through a very large bag of potato chips, nodding, “Was great! I sure feel rested even though we were only out for a few hours.”

Twilight laughed, “You were out like a light the whole time.”

The pink mare gave her a coquettish glance, fluffing her mane with one hoof as she did an absolute spot on impression of certain Unicorn, “I need my beauty sleep!” Immediately going back to munching on what was left of the chips.

Even Rarity got a good laugh from that.

“The debris I found was centered here, on the city. Something’s here.” Athena waved a hoof, “I haven’t checked near the glacier, maybe later, but something around here left a lot of junk.” She explained about the pattern of debris.

Princess Cadence and Shining were just joining them, catching the conversation.

“We’ve never seen anything odd, even while building new houses or other things.” She looked at Shining who nodded in agreement.

Athena had no clue and told them, “I don’t know why it’s like that, but the pattern is pretty clear. I am assuming some things, but the closer I got to the city limits, the more junk I spotted. Mind you it’s small pieces, nothing worth digging up, but it is there. After so long I’m not sure why it’s still that way, but..perhaps the magic around the city protected it? I honestly don’t know.”

Cadence waved them all on towards the castle, “You’re welcome to look anywhere you wish.”

Sitting around a small table a few hours later, Rainbow Dash gave a sigh and thumped a hoof on the crystal top, “Nothing. I didn’t find a thing.”

The others gave the same report. Scouting through the castle, peering into every nook and cranny they could find, nothing odd or out of the ordinary was found.

Athena spread a printout of her data, showing little red dots where she’d detected the junk and detritus from long ago.

A hoof pointed to a cluster, “This stuff is deep, very deep. But it all makes a circuit around this city. Something here was destroyed and left clues..or maybe I’m just over-thinking this.” She whacked the paper with a frustrated sound.

“Wait...wait wait wait.” Athena turned to Twilight, “Didn’t you use a spell to reveal that staircase when you were trying to find the Crystal heart?”

“Yes,” A lavender hoof pointed, “In the throne room. It revealed how things had been in Sombra’s day.”

“Can you use it anyplace else?”

Athena saw the light go on behind the violet eyes, “You think it may be hidden?”

The pegasus nodded, “It’s the only answer I can think of. It would be deep, very deep. Is there a sub basement here? Some place where Sombra did his dirty work?”

“I ran into a few areas that were way under the castle. Maybe that’s it?” Applejack was seeing Twilight smile.

“It’s got to be behind spells. There’s still a lot we don’t know about what he did and why.” Twilight slapped a hoof on the paper, “I bet it’s just hidden from sight like that staircase!”

Cadence and Shining Armor looked at each other nervously, “We’ll accompany you.”

Athena wore a feral grin, “And I’ve got an idea that’ll help keep everypony safe.”

Athena loved experimenting, catching the bug from her sister. Never putting plans in action she did do one thing before this trip, planning ahead as Crusader had always advised.

Now she brought them out. Having a Ferret deliver them to the front door of the castle, she’d created them from a need for possible urban or close combat.

Tech spiders trooped out of the vehicle. Heavier than normal they were the same size as all the others, except for the reinforcement..and the guns.

She could see through the cameras, proudly watching them move silently into the castle past astonished guards.

They were matte black and very quiet. Powerful beam lights were dotted around their bodies to provide illumination and distraction. They moved silently, almost gliding along the reflective floors. Atop the low-slung body a pivot mount held a very special weapon. It was multi-barreled, but at need it could do single shot and sniper duty as well. Very multi-purpose, blindingly quick to swivel on the ruby bearings, and absolutely deadly.

There were only four. It was all she could do to make those as everything else went into their own maintenance. By sacrificing a few non-essential things, she was able to get them up and running.

They stopped on a command from her, taking up positions outside the doorway, sensors moving in smooth motions to map the room, confirm friendlies and look for hostiles.

Anything designated a bad guy, was going to get a nasty surprise.

Twilight raised an eyebrow, seeing the inky black machines march in and stand at their posts.

“That’s your idea?”

The pretty pegasus gave her the sweetest smile she could muster, “Of course!”

It was a sub-sub-basement. One of those unused places where miscellaneous storage was, castles long having them. When the Princess took over, she had toured and mapped each and every place, never suspecting anything else since Twilight discovered the staircase in the throne room.

Standing at the end of the corridor, Athena set two machines before them, and two in reserve.

“Can you use the spell on this whole space?” Athena was watching Twilight ready her spell.

A nod, “Yes. It should filter down, but I can cast it as needed if it doesn’t.”

It wasn’t a very long accessway, but it was the deepest level they could find that was known. Athena figured it would be best to start there.

Relays to her hull had been set up just in case, providing clear communications between it and her avatar. She ramped up the power to her transmitters and made sure she had a clear link with Crusader who was online now, paying very close attention to what was coming across the communication lines.

“Anytime you’re ready Twilight.” She stepped back, joining the others who were waiting behind in the room at the bottom of the stairs they used to get down here.

Twilight had a bad habit, one that made most of her friends smile or even chuckle. When concentrating on a powerful spell, her tongue slipped out from between her lips, sticking out to the side as she narrowed her eyes.

Applejack nudged Rarity as the dainty mare put a hoof over her mouth, smothering a slight titter, “There she goes.”

A bright magical aura lit up around her horn, spreading in a wide fan of color that stuck all the way down the corridor, lighting up the walls and floor to ceiling. Nothing changed, nothing was...wait.

“There!” Shining pointed to a discolored part of the wall further down as Twilight cut the spell.

“Hold it!” Athena’s firm voice cut through the movement starting from everyone, “No one move until I check it.”

A single machine sped down the hall, Athena brought out a pad-screen from her saddlebags that was good only for the feed from her little warriors. It showed the camera moving quickly, the stabilizers giving her a solid picture.

Quick change of angle and she was staring at the revealed place in the wall of the hall.

A doorway, shining in the ambient light that the crystals put out. Solid and very sturdy, it was encased in a metal frame that held it tight, locked and secure against the ages. Writing was revealed, making her gasp.

Faces crowded around as she read the single line.

Authorization Required for Access

It was written in Concordiat Standard!

To be continued.....

Into the Past Part II

“No.”

“No one goes down there yet. There’s a lock on that door and I need to make sure it’s not trapped.” Athena’s voice was very firm, her machines backing up the pronouncement by blocking the hallway.

“But..”

The pegasus turned to face Twilight, “Earth defenses and facilities were all equipped with fail-safes. You will not go near it until I have cleared it.”

The castle had been evacuated, guards leading anypony out that were still left as they had set up a quick and dirty command center in a room at the top of the staircase leading down to the newly discovered doorway.

Cadence lay a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, “Listen to her, please. We don’t know about those things.”

The burning need to know what was behind that door was practically making Twilight trot in place. Ever since Athena had confirmed it was Concordiat Standard writing and not Equestrian, she had to be prevented from going down and trying to open it herself.

A frustrated snort and nod, “Fine. So what do we do?”

Athena relaxed, “It’s got a code pad on the door. I’m not sure how anyone figured how to access it, but it seems to have been used.” She pointed to scrapes and various discoloration from use on the frame and the door itself, the linked pad showing everything the spider saw.

One of the combat spiders was very slowly and gently placing sensor pads on the doorframe and on the keypad itself, making a pattern that would allow Athena to send low frequency pulses of energy through the material to find out the inner workings.

This would let the Bolo get a map of the interior of the pad and door, checking for traps or fail-safe devices.

“Once I get a good idea of what is going on, we’ll crack the door. I would prefer very much to use the code, but barring that or traps, I’ll use other means.”

She was looking at the code pad. It was a cracked armorglass pane that had a faded outline of a human hand on it for scanning. A card was then slid through the space alongside the handprint, and finally a number code entered. It made her wonder what was behind that door, with all the barriers in place.

Considering the last human probably died out a few million years ago, this might be a little tough.

There was no identifier on the door to give a clue as to what kind of facility, if it was, this door opened onto. She wished there was power to the pad, that would make it easier. But a simple slap patch gave it a steady flow from her ‘spider.

The sensor stikpads were in place, starting to feed data to her cores. Athena backed off the machine, letting it stay sentry, the weapon steadily aiming at the door in case anything decided it was going to make an exit now that it’d been revealed.

The energy from her little ‘bot was giving the pad all it needed, the data was still there, preserved in a small bloc, waiting to be accessed. An LED light had come on, illuminating the pad.

Crusader came online, his massive computing power multiplying hers as they worked slowly at the locks. Breaking enemy firewalls was one thing, they had to be extra careful as Earth Defense knew exactly what Bolos could do and always adjusted security on sensitive information or centers to allow for the possibility of a compromised unit.

“I have entry.” He paused, “This door has been accessed, it used to have a trickle charge to it from somewhere Athena.”

“It’s in the memory?”

“Volatile memory has been erased, no power, no data. But the storage behind it is showing access after a very long span of time. I can only guess, but before the power was lost to the pad, someone gained entry.”

“Not having time-lines is a problem. Could it be when Sombra was in charge they had found this place?” Athena was honestly curious.

“Unknown, but from the way you found it, very possible.”

“I will be extra careful then.”

“Please do. Wait one.. Data is coming now, access codes from previous entries have been stored, which is unusual, but they are here.”

“I see them.” Athena let him lead the way into the datawall. He was very subtle about things, never leaving even a trace he had been there. She saw him deftly manipulate the system, gently applying code-breakers here and there, teasing out the information she needed. There it was. The release numbers for the door!

“Nicely done!”

“Thank you, sister. Please be on guard.”

“I will. Nothing goes in there without a full sweep.”

“Agreed. I also concur on the plans for entry, well done yourself.”

“Thank you, everyone will be as safe as they can be until I make sure.”

“I shall stay online and linked until you advise. Be safe.”

The link went dead, though she could tell from his looming presence he was watching everything very closely.

“All right, I have the code.”

Surprised eyes turned her way, everyone looking at her after only a split second of silence.

“How...?” Cadence was beginning to ask when Pinkie nudged her.

“It’s maaaagic!”

“Pinkie!” Twilight sighed in exasperation, “Crusader and Athena can confer over distance faster than our magic can send a message most times. I’m pretty sure they can figure out anything sometimes.” She gave a smile to a stunned Athena.

“How did you even know I was in conference with him?”

“You always have a certain look.”

The pegasus eyed her for a long moment, “One day you and I are going to talk, Twilight.”

“Sure!” A lavender hoof waved airily with a smug grin accompanying it.

Athena narrowed her eyes at the smiling Alicorn who blithely ignored her.

“Okay, the code. Though I still wonder how any...oh that’s right.” Magic, used with a stick or quill, could easily punch those numbers. There were no fail-safes on the lock, the one they did detect was degraded to uselessness. It had to be a fluke that someone actually got in.

She gave the command, seeing the ‘spider lift one leg and slowly poke out an eight digit string of numbers onto the pad.

The LED light blinked twice, then the door cracked open with a hissing of escaping atmosphere.

Still sealed after so long? That might be a good thing. Meaning nothing might have escaped into the wider world.

A ‘spider leaned forward, one leg gently pushing the door open as a light flashed on, drenching the yawning portal in actinic white, weapon snapping into place. Sensors started searching for anything living.

Athena shut the view-pad down, anything alive and hostile would get taken care of violently and all over the place.

A small room was revealed, scans picking up a short stairway leading down into the ground, beyond the range of what little the ‘spiders could image. It seemed to be a secondary exit from somewhere. The stairs narrowed abruptly, part of the wall had shifted in some long ago temblor maybe, or perhaps when earth fell?

There was more than enough room to move one of her combat rigs around it, slowly peeking into further darkness.

Athena noticed the walls were covered with a slight sheen, even the shifted parts. Someone sealed this place after it was wrecked.

A hoof pressing her shoulder brought her out from her thoughts.

“What’s going on? What do you see?” Twilight was looking at her eagerly.

“Nothing so far except an entryway and a short flight of stairs leading further down..wait..” She held a hoof up, concentrating on her ‘spiders that had managed to make it around the blockage.

The stairs ended, opening up into a larger room covered in pitch black. Not a problem for scanners as they switched over into various frequencies, mapping and looking around themselves.

Another hallway, short, made of materials that Concordiat engineers were known to build with. Definitely man made. More hatches dotted the short length of hall. Standing open in the darkness, as if someone had just left.

The ‘spider peered into the nearest one. Maybe an office? A desk that had fallen into shards, a twisted frame of rust that could have been a chair, remnants of possibly cabinets that once held files maybe? Information disks?. The weight of ages pressed down in here. Plastic shards that could have been a screen of some kind lay on the floor as if someone had tried to piece them together.

All had been disturbed sometime in the past, she could see the leavings of other unidentifiable things swept to the side. A thinner layer of powder covered the pile.

The dust lay thick and heavy, probably before who or what-ever had sealed this place did so.

She had the camera sweep slowly along the floor, switching through different filters to get a better view.

There were hoofprints.

“What?” Twilight’s face was puzzled, “Hoofprints!? Whose? Where? How?” She grabbed the pad, trying to get it operating to show her pictures from the inside.

Athena was tracking the slow progress of her ‘spider, keeping it nice and easy as she tried to answer questions, “I’m not sure. They are a little larger than normal, and there are a few more sets accompanying them. A guess is that three to four different ponies were in here at one time.” The pad lit up, showing the prints in the heavy coating of dust on the floor.

“Larger? The only one I can think of..” Twilight’s violet eyes got wide, “Sombra!”

Cadence raised her eyebrows, “Now, we don’t know that Twilight. Don’t go making assumptions.”

Shining agreed, “It could have been somepony long past, even before Sombra.”

“But what if it was? Oh my gosh this is SUCH a discovery!” She was practically hopping around, “This could add to what we don’t know about those days! Even after talking to all the Crystal Ponies that came back from the curse, there’s still so much we don’t know!”

A pink hoof on one shoulder stopped her springing along the floor, “Twilight. Bouncing is my job.” The calm voice was offset by the sparkling humor in two very blue eyes that caught Twilight off-guard, seeing the others choking back laughter.

A roll of the eyes, “Agh! Don’t you see! We could..”

“...learn so much. Yes, dear, we know.” Rarity was gazing gently at her friend, the well and oft-used phrase coming smoothly from her smiling muzzle.

Cadence and Shining hid smiles as they watched Twilights’ friends catch her out.

Athena was concentrating on the data coming form her ‘spider, seeing it proceed to the next door. Peering around the frame, she caught sight of..tables? Wooden tables, covered in electronics. Instructing the little robot to get closer, she saw they were headbands of the sort Bolos used for neural interfacing.

Was this a research facility?

Agh! So much went on during humankinds’ time on earth. Secrets stacked on more secrets, little facilities buried everywhere doing who knows what.

No..that wooden table was more recent. Someone had been fooling with this stuff.

Leaving the items where they were, she had her spiders look for traps, anything that might compromise the area. She wanted very badly to get into those rooms, pore through all that and find out what was going on..

Oh no...

Another room, tables again, stains covered the floor as she saw something lying on the top of the wooden construction. Long it had been there, undisturbed as the spider lifted up along the wall, turning its camera to get a full view.

A glittering in the light from a quiet form that shone in the arc of the spiders’ beam told her it used to be a Crystal Pony. The seal on the rooms had kept it from decaying all the way a thousand years and on. No ability to do a proper scan, we’ll get to that later.

Scuttling out of the main door, one spider came back and Athena requested a cover, a sheet or anything to take with it.

When questioned, she could only look at them sadly. Nothing more was asked as the ‘spider tumbled back in, gracing the still shape with a dignity it had lacked over the last millenia by gently placing the coverlet over it.

The metal door was closed by a combat ‘spider after the room had been checked. A few tools, some miscellaneous electronic pieces, a lot of dust and rust again. Some prints of something that had been in here. Another pony maybe? Everything was scuffed, hard to really track.

Easing down the corridor, there were more offices. A metal cabinet had somehow survived in one, there looked to be file holders actually sticking out of a drawer. Browned by the press of time, she kept the spider well away. Perhaps Twilight had a spell for helping to keep anything from falling apart.

A red beam of light illuminated a room filled with shelves and cabinets that looked to be stuffed with electronics. After so long she doubted they would work, but the precious metals they contained would be so welcome!

The ‘spider took its time with the camera, moving from one shelf to another, it was a treasure trove of psychotronic parts and modules. There was enough in here to salvage that Crusader and herself could have a very small reserve without scrounging for the rare earths they needed so much.

Jackpot!

Though one thing that caught her as strange, the shelves were wooden, scraps of rust and plastic shards were in a pile near the far wall. It seemed someone had built these and found items to put here. Where did all this come from?

Something had hit this little place hard. The ceiling was falling to pieces, drifts of tiles crumbled even under the light step of a ‘spider. Pipes and energy conduits were exposed from the walls where the ‘crete had crumbled. It was all covered in a sealant though, something that wasn’t familiar to her, glittering in the beams from her ‘spiders.

It was everywhere, coating the walls, everything.

I pop back into my avatar, “Twilight?”

She’s far too eager, hopping right up with another hopeful look on her face, “Yes?”

“Is there some sort of magic spell that.. Seals things? Like rooms and whatnot? Seals them from leaking or anything like that?” I turn the pad back on, pointing to the screen and showing her what I mean.

“That..is odd. We have spells that preserve, but nothing that leaves a coating like that.”

Faces crowded around as Athena showed them what she’d discovered so far.

“Paper? Didn’t you use all that technological stuff?”

Athena laughed, “We did, very much so. But some humans were very stuck in their ways and preferred hard copies to seeing it on a screen. There might be some information there.” She eyed the Alicorn, “Can you keep it from falling to ash?”

Twilight nodded firmly, “That, I can do. We have spells now that can preserve writings for centuries.”

Athnea felt hope, “When we get in there, that’s the first thing I need you to do. Preserve that cabinet and the contents. Please?”

A salute with a lavender hoof brought a smile to Athena’s sable face, “Can do!”

“Good. Let’s finish this up so we can get in there.”

‘Spiders peeked into the last few doors, saving the one at the end of the corridor. Nothing but remains of furniture probably, or storage, gone to dust and more rust over the eons.

The door at the end of the passage was another mystery. It was heavy, and looked to be hermetically sealed from what Athena could tell. A simple door panel was to the side, one slap after entering a code and it would open, usually, if there was any power to be had.

If not, she had ways to bring in a few power cells, something easily hooked up to open that hatch.

She kept looking at the door, seconds ticked by until she realized why she was doing so.

It was a vault.

Not just any room, with steelcrete and the normal building materials, no. This was a vault, something meant to pass the ages in complete timelessness. She could tell by the sheen of metal that shone through a steelcrete covering, falling off it revealed what was truly underneath.

They were made of the most solid, impermeable materials man had devised. To keep safe that which was thought irreplaceable, or so valuable it had no number.

She wondered what could possibly be in there. Art? Treasures? Old 2D films someone thought worthy. Any number of things sprang to mind as her eyes kept themselves pinned to the screen, looking at that one door.

Her ‘spiders finished their tour, ending up at the same area she was looking at.

The command given, one placed a row of sensor pads along the door and the doorway trigger. Dead, no power at all. Nothing would open that hatch except maybe shaped charges. Even then it would most likely destroy what was inside if she wasn’t careful.

No. This would take time.

One more sweep and the area was cleared. She brought her war ‘spiders out and turned to Twilight who was hovering over her shoulder like a demented parrot.

She blinked, backing up slightly at the excited look.

“Twilight,” She placed a solid hoof on her friends chest, keeping her in place, “It’s clear..” She felt the surge of movement from the Alicorn and stopped it dead.

“Please. Follow me first and preserve those papers?” At a nod she removed her hoof, turning and hearing Twilight and the others following her to the hatch.

The ‘spiders preceeded her, lighting up the area softly now, giving her a chance to look around.

“This feels so old.” Twilight’s voice was hushed as she stepped across the threshold, “You can sense it in your bones.” Her violet eyes were wide as they went down the short flight of stairs, taking in everything as fast as she could glance around.

Athena nodded, “It is. It was made by humanity, that’s for sure.”

“So.. Humans once walked here?” Pinkie’s normal exuberant tones were almost a whisper, as if the place would crumble were she to talk normally.

“They did Pinkie. So very long ago.”

“I’m amazed it survived.” Shining had come up beside them as they stood in the hallway, the doors, the sealed vault at the end. Squeezing around the blockage was a little tight for ponies. It did let them appreciate the age of the place.

Athena nodded, “Me too. I think it might have been part of a bigger facility. I can’t be sure, we’ll never know I guess. But they could have had emergency stasis.”

“How do you know that?” Cadence was eyeing the lit hallway.

“The door we entered was not the main entrance. I’ve seen many of those for secondary areas of secure military facilities and research labs.” She paused at an open door, looking at the wreckage inside, swept to the side as someone in the long past had tried to clean a little, “It doesn’t feel like it was only a lab.”

Guards pressed past, allowed by Athena to make their way to a certain room. Bringing a litter out, gently carrying a silent form which they all watched leave it’s prison for the first time in who knows how many years.

Cadence and Shining assured them all that there would be a place of rest made for the unknown pony. The Prince and Princess left with the escort, leaving them to their own devices. No one knew quite what to say, except a personal hope from each of them that they wouldn’t discover anything more like this.

Twilight sheared off, heading into another room along the corridor.

A flash of light came from inside, the Alicorn trotting out with a triumphant look on her face, “Got it!”

Athena shot into the doorway, seeing the file cabinet glow for a moment, then subside. The file folders looking as if they’d break into a million pieces if she even breathed heavily. Her sable hoof reached out, tugging on a drawer, flinching when it squealed with long, long un-oiled rollers.

A file folder flopped loose, the paper inside old, yellowed and browned by age, the writing almost nonexistent. She gently touched it, expecting a cloud of dust but seeing it spring back and forth as if encased in a plastic covering.

“YES!” She leaned near the doorframe, seeing a hopeful Twilight peering back in. Sable hooves reached out and hugged her friend, giving her a warm kiss on the cheek before going back inside the room with a yell, “You are AWESOME!”

The Princess of Friendship stood there for a moment, one lavender hoof raising to touch the cheek that still tingled. She flipped around with a deep reddening of her cheeks when she heard the sounds behind her, seeing nothing but innocence on all the faces, Applejack whistling and looking at the ceiling interestedly.

For some reason, none of the five were looking at her but at something in the distance, or nearby, that had garnered their attentions.

Violet eyes narrowed as she glared at them for a moment before turning back to lean in the doorway, not seeing the nudges and winks the second she was not looking.

“Everything okay?”

Athena nodded, “Yes! More than okay!” A hoof pointed to a few pieces of aged paper, “Something here called Project Overture. They were experimenting on how to cure mental illnesses by using the psychotronic nets of Bolo units.”

“Really?” She stepped in, seeing Athena riffle through a stack of folders she had pulled out of the one drawer that still had them.

“How can you even read those?” She looked closely, seeing very faded markings. A glance upward showed the pegasus gesturing to one eye, making her nod.

“I forget. Is this important?”

“It is. Anything from the past we can use is helpful. Curing mental illnesses with a neural network was pretty advanced even for us.”

Ponies had a suspiciously low occurrence of any type of mental problems. Mostly because Equestria was a little loopy to begin with she supposed. That brought a bubble of humor to her face, the lips slowly curling in a smile. But what a wonderfully loopy place it is.

Another paper, closely eyed as she slowly brought the writing out through different filters.

This is definitely interesting. It was part of a larger Earth Defense Node. This was a secondary lab attached to the main one which did ..weapons research.

Pretty normal actually, most things done under Concordiat eyes were near the Defense Nodes.

Unless...that’s what I thought.. Experimental Heavy Weapons Research. Oh pits.

There could be any number of things here. It’s a wonder Sombra didn’t get his hooves on them. But..if there was..what prevented him?

Athena’s sable face got a sly grin. Probably, because like any tyrant, he was too full of himself deciding he couldn’t be bothered figuring out complicated things. Self-important little wanna-be kings. She wished there was a way to see what kind of smack down the Princesses put on his stupid butt way back when.

Darn, why couldn’t they have found us back then! We’d have advised or something...Who was she kidding, they’d have launched a pre-emptive strike and nuked his ass.

Well..maybe not nuclear weapons...gotta think of the poor ponies enslaved by him. Could at least have rolled over him with a Dragon. Serve him right.

Athena tried not to laugh out loud as her imagination got the best of her.

Luna’s armor gleamed in the golden sun, the spells woven into the scale and plate provided a soft glow even under the rays of her sisters day. The halberd she carried stabbed into the ground haft first as she gratefully accepted a cold drink from a trooper. The engraved weapon gave off a chilling wave of magic and foreboding, but every pony knew that it was for the enemies of Equestria only.

Her cyan eyes glanced over towards her sister.

Celestia was standing tall and strong in her own protection. The halcyon plate and scale providing a beacon even now to the armies massing on the plains. A sword of legend was floating in the air beside her as magenta eyes took careful note of all that was happening.

She stood silent a few seconds more before looking at the dark beauty that was the younger of the two rulers, “What news, Luna?”

Finishing the drink with a final sip, she smiled, “Our armies move into position, but we are to be hard-pressed as it seems the Minotaurs have thrown their lot in with Sombra.”

Magenta eyes rolled softly as the tall mare’s horn lit up, testing her sword as the magnificently wrought blade flashed and sparkled, cutting through the air before sliding into a decorated sheath along her side, “Always the way I think. I’m sure they suppose Sombra will win this?”

Luna’s lovely face laughed from under her helmet, “Under flag of truce they assured me his would be the winning side. They advised me we should have made more friends in the quest to secure own land of Equestria.”

Celestias’ brows raised in surprise before they both laughed, the general staff ponies behind them looking at each other as if the rulers had taken temporary leave of their senses.

“I believe we have made friends enough.” Celestia winked at the grin from Luna as she tapped a very odd gem on the armor covering her fore leg.

“Have you heard?”

A strange but soothing voice whispered into her ears, “We have Your Highness.”

“All is in readiness?”

Another voice replied, eager and fierce, “Oh, yes.”

“If you would be so good as to await our command then?” Celestia tried to ignore Luna raising a hoof and chuckling behind it.

“Of course, Your Highness. You never need ask.” A click was heard as Luna laughed out loud, prompting the tall mare to glance her way.

“Yes, sister?”

Luna coughed, clearing her throat, “They are always listening ‘Tia. You need not be so formal.”

“It is only polite.” A lift of the royal nose and a ‘hmph’ followed, with more chuckling.

Luna stamped a hoof, seeing everything in place, “Make more friends indeed, we shall show them ‘friends’.” Her face took on a feral mien as she leaned forward, horn lit, magic telekinetically pulling her halberd from the ground and brandishing it.

Celestia could not help but join her, the normally calm face wanting to enjoy this as Sombra had those poor ponies under the chain for far too long, “All is in readiness?” The question was tossed over her shoulder as a General of the Pegasus Corp stepped forward.

“Yes, Your Highnesses. We are ready to move anytime.”

“Please tell our ponies to stand firm, we will let them know when to move.” A nod and messages magically sent carried out the orders.

Celestia grinned, “But let us see if we have enough friends to accomplish this without needless harm. Luna, please give the word.”

The younger Alicorn was mightily pleased, tapping a gem which matched the same one on Celestia’s armor, announcing a single word. The halberd rising up and pointing towards the enemy.

“Fire.”

Two voices answered immediately, “Acknowledged, shot out.”

The staff ponies stepped forward, nervous as the Princesses did nothing at all except say a few words and watch the battlefield.

“Highnesses? Shall we move?”

A brief shake of the head and a warm smile from the taller mare, “I think we should be trusting in our friends. Don’t you Luna?”

“Oh, of course we should!” They both shared a look, telling the commanders gathered around that they knew something know one else did.

A whistling sound from behind the army made everyone turn, multiplied by many times it filled the air. A crack of thunder as things flew past them at tremendous speeds. Ponies ducked or covered their ears as the sky blossomed with shapes and sounds.

“H..Highness..es?”

“Just wait.” A silvered hoof was held up as the voice raised louder to be heard over the racket.

On the battlefield the Minotaur legions were bracketed by explosions, holes blown into the frozen tundra that were deep enough to create a moat where they could not possibly cross.

A chuckle from Luna as she saw the entire force stopped and rendered ineffective, the bright light and auditory assault from the strange devices felling them to the ground. Weapons dropped as they looked around fearfully, wondering where it all was coming from.

The things that had come over the horizon slammed into the castle where Luna and Celestia knew only the die-hard loyalists were, and Sombra himself. They would never surrender, nor give themselves over to imprisonment.

Explosions as big, or bigger than the previous took chunks from the castle which stood as a blight on the land. A black crystal spire which radiated evil in all directions.

The ponies down below in massed ranks stood in shock, seeing the opposing forces neutralized without even a spear thrown. They could do nothing but stand as more things came flying from nowhere and slammed into the castle, bringing the spires down around the base in chunks of rubble and debris.

A tremendous rumbling brought frightened cries from everypony, turning and seeing two huge objects come rolling over the horizon. Bright metal, they practically dwarfed anything that anyone had ever seen, even the future plans for Canterlot Castle did not do justice to how large these things were.

Huge tubes snapped around, faster than the eye could take in, spitting beams of light far over the heads of the opposing armies, the blast itself as they passed through the atmosphere flattened ponies where they stood. Carefully and very well aimed, they did not even come near the allied armies which stood against Sombra’s darkness.

One split to the left, coming to rest on the side of the small hill where the Princesses stood, the other on the right as they came to a halt, the giant forms coming to a slow stop that showed where they stood in this battle.

Silence reined, the only sound was chunks of the Black Castle falling to the ground and shattering into a thousand pieces.

Celestia raised her fore leg once again, tapping the gem and speaking into it. Her voice came from the huge battle forms to the left and right, shaking the ground with its ferocity.

“SOMBRA! Surrender yourself and release our ponies!”

A black form, floating on a wrecked balcony, lifted itself high into the air. A voice came back, magically magnified.

“NEVER!”

The word was not even finished echoing when two bright shots of plasma burned through the air, one from each titanic machine on either side of the Princesses. They formed two sides of a triangle whose apex was on the black form and blowing it to ashes that drifted away into the slight breeze that had sprung up.

Down on the plains weapons were dropped as ponies cheered, the roaring resounding through the city as troops who had been forced to fight because of families held in bondage realized it was over.

“Make more friends, indeed. Stupid Minotaurs.” Luna barked a laugh out loud, sheathing the halberd along her armored side as she gestured, wanting to go down to the battlefield where no battle was to take place, now or hopefully ever in the future.

Celestia couldn’t help but laugh along with her sister as they all trotted down to reassure everyone the threat was over.

The Crystal Empire was free.

“Would you like me to tell you everything wrong with that fanciful story Athena?” Crusader’s voice, filled with good humor, came crackling over the communications bands. “First off, you’re having them speak in present day Equestrian...”

“Oh shush! It’s my imagination!”

“Quite a good one it is. The list will be waiting for you when you get home.” The link went silent with a chuckle.

“It was a good story!”

“Of course.” A final click, the link went quiet once more.

What a twit, I swear. Nothing wrong with a good story. So I didn’t use all my resources and thought it up on the fly, yeah, got some things wrong. But it’s the drama! The action! Oh forget it.. Twit.

A Ferret arrived with heavy duty power cells for testing and bringing equipment up to specs. Athena figured she could wire them into the pad fairly easily so they could see what was in that vault.

Her bots trooped out, coming back in with the cells and connecting equipment plus tools for the ‘spiders. They would do the work, she would just direct them. But whatever was in there had to be pretty important for the use of those kind of resources. While the ‘spiders were doing that, she’d finish looking through these papers.

“Anything new?” Twilight and the others were crowding into the doorway.

“Well.. It was part of an Earth Defense Node that was buried under the Rocky Mountains.” She scanned another paper, “Really deep.”

Twilight watched for a moment, “They buried important stuff?”

“Yep. Protected from attack, it kept things safe.” Lavender eyes glanced up, seeing the question on her face, “Earth was always under threat Twilight. Alien races, particularly the Melconians, wanted the home world bad. Especially once the Final War started.”

Rarity huffed, brushing away a speck of dust from a formerly immaculate hoof, “I can’t imagine living like that.”

“It was life then Rarity. The galaxy was not a friendly place.”

Athena finished up, putting the papers into a storage box she had had brought down, sealing them carefully.

“I’m just glad things are different now.” Fluttershy was gazing around at the interior of the cramped room before everyone backed out. A ‘spider taking the box back up.

“Me too, Fluttershy.”

A wing nudge as they walked down the now bright hall, portable lights already brought down and hooked up gave enough light to see by.

She looked at Rainbow, “Yeah?”

“What do you think is in that thing?” A cyan hoof pointed at the vault door.

“I don’t know. They stored valuable stuff in them. Could be artwork, irreplaceable records, pretty much anything. Though I’m pretty sure we won’t find that in a facility like this.”

“Art? Pictures and stuff like that? Anypony can do that with the right magic or Mark. Not like you need a guard or anything on it.”

Athena chuckled, “Rainbow, a lot of humans couldn’t make art. There were a special few whose works had lasted and made impacts down through the centuries. Don’t ask me why, I just blew stuff up.”

She stopped for a moment, “Though I’ve seen some of the works, they were truly beautiful.”

“Oh, wouldn’t that be lovely!” Rarity was gazing at the door, “Do you think we could maybe keep a few things? Just to show it off of course!” The last was hastily said as Twilight glared at her.

“It’s up to you guys. Crusader and I could always store images of them if it’s nothing we haven’t got in archives. Of course Dusty may put up a pretty good fight.”

They all laughed, thinking of the myopic Unicorn and Rarity going horn to horn about who got what.

“I’m sure he’d see things my way,” Rarity batted her eyelashes coquettishly.

A nudge from Fluttershy made her turn, “You’re just bad Rarity.” Accompanied by a soft laugh, it made the Unicorn smile.

“I am, I admit it, but having a work of art that nopony has ever dreamed of, imagine it!” She pressed both front hooves to her chest and gave a happy sigh.

Athena laughed, watching her ‘spiders closely, “I honestly do doubt it. But it was the end, so who knows.”

“Kinda sad, don’t you think?” Everyone turned to look at Fluttershy.

The buttery mare gestured with a small movement, encompassing the area, “All so long ago. Hardly anything left to tell us about them.”

Athena nodded, “It was. Sometimes..I’m glad. We do try to show you only the best actually, but a lot of the human story is horrifying.”

“How can you say that? Crusader..” Twilight’s reaction was stopped by an upraised hoof.

“He clings to what he knows. He worked alongside them for far longer than I did. He knows the history, but he tries to see the better side of things.” She sat down, an artificial sigh coming from her, “All I can say is the conflicts, the greed and other darker things, would not be welcome here.”

“It would be interesting to meet one,” Twilight caught Athena’ who was looking at her dubiously, “Not like the ones across the mirror, but ones that lived her, on our world.”

The sable pony laughed, “Oh..it would. I bet Katherine Hark would just loooove to meet ponies.” A hoof reached out, poking Pinkie in the side, “Especially you.” That got a loud giggle. Even Twilight and the others joined in, knowing about the fierce Marine leader from stories.

A signal drew her attention, it was time.

Walking slowly down the corridor, she stood far enough back from the heavy doorway, “Please stay back there, in case something happens.”

Power from the cells trickled into the doorpad, a single light illuminating the keypad once more. Slowly insinuating herself into the limited memory of the entranceway, she was shocked to discover it was all fried inside. The circuitry burned to uselessness on the pad. Reaching out, she pressed the door lock button and stepped back quickly as a depressurization occurred. Ancient air whistling out from around the vault door, bringing with it a stale odor.

The door vibrated with the sounds of bars being withdrawn from the interior, a loud chunking sound as first one, then two..three and four were pulled into the door itself.

She could hear the sounds of tumblers clicking, like a huge wheel being turned and then ..silence.

The door slid backwards just an inch, slowly raising itself up into a slot in the wall as it revealed the interior for the first time in an age.

Two combat ‘spiders zipped forward, weapons and lights aiming for the interior, bringing the contents to Athena’s attention.

A third stood fast in front of Twilight who found herself stopped from rushing down the corridor, a single leg waving in front of her as if to say ‘no’.

Athena looked in awe as the overhead glow panels flickered, drew more power from the external cells, then finally came fully on.

She started recording immediately, sending emergency updates to Crusader who came on line with her, peering through her eyes into the wonder before them.

A room, extending into the distance a hundred meters from what her ranging could detect, and just as wide. It was clean, scrupulously so, as if made just that day. Not a speck, nor hint of dust was anywhere.

This was, or used to be since the door was opened now, a sealed environment. The energy flow told her it was also self-contained as to energy requirements. Nothing was traveling anywhere except in lines around this room.

Power cells of unfamiliar design stood against the left side wall, carefully racked they could have provided immense energy requirements to anything here. Beside them, further down were sealed containers, of a type she didn’t recognize either. Lines leading in and out were the only things that broke the immaculate look of the durachrome sides that gleamed in the light. One was burned, showing that something had crisped whatever was inside one of sealed columns, leaving a blackened hole.

Desks stood in front of the power setup, made of plastics that were common, they had multiple drawers, and standing upon the shining tops were screens like she had in her own hull, large, but thinner in design. Keyboards were below them, shiny and new-looking, waiting for the touch of fingers long gone.

This was all at least a generation or two advanced from what even she and Crusader had installed. How fast technology moved in the Concordiat.

Lines ran along the floor, leading into other shining boxes along the left wall, the entire face covered in some sort of system works.

The back wall was decorated with hanging pictures, some framed, some not as she gasped, recognizing a few works of art that had been irreplaceable in her own time. They had been hastily put up there, as if someone slapped them in place just to cover the bare metal. Shelves sat below them, also looking to be hastily assembled out of scraps of plastic. They contained items neatly placed and labeled, as if someone had all the time in the world.

The right side wall was lined with more desks, screens sitting quietly on top of them as if waiting for input. Eyes dark and silent, holding the ages within their selves. Lights gave them a haunted look, as if they were staring back at her, making her shiver inside herself.

Breaking her eyes away from them, she looked left and right, the walls alongside the door bare, except for a few crates that contained unknown items. Locked and sealed against the press of time.

She could detect no traps of any kind, no drop down panels from the ceiling that would reveal powerguns. She guessed they felt secure being in the middle of a Defense Node.

“Is it okay? What’s in there?” Twilight’s voice came from back along the corridor.

She snapped out of her observation, moving the spider and letting the ponies come down and peek inside the vault. A chorus of oohs and aaahs accompanying them as they entered the room.

“Please don’t touch anything. I don’t know what would happen.” She saw the nods as they wandered around, looking at the spectacles. As they did, she noticed the power draw on the external cells was getting larger, being pulled into the vault lines at a tremendous rate. She ordered her adjuncts to connect more into the series just in case.

She kept watch as nothing happened so far, except the lights retaining their soft glow, easy on the eyes.

Walking towards the back wall, she gazed upon a sight which had tortured philosophers for centuries. A simple painting hung from within a thin block of armorglass that protected it from the ravages of ages. Nothing would touch that gently smiling face now or forever.

“Is..that..” Rarity’s voice was quiet, as if in awe.

“It is Rarity. Human art. The likes of which will never be seen again.” She smiled at the Unicorn, “It seems you got your wish.”

“It’s amazing.” She was peering at the small painting, taking in its depth and artistry as no human ever could.

“It is. How it got here I will never know.”

Azure eyes kept looking over every inch of the hanging art, “Is it special?”

“Rarity, that little portrait is one of the most priceless pieces of art Earth had ever known. One of so very few that survived the centuries.” She paused for a moment, “Earth went through many turmoils, much was destroyed before they reached into space once more.”

“Why the smile?” Applejack had come up behind them, looking at the item hanging there.

“No one ever knew Applejack. It was theorized about, discussed for centuries. Only she truly knows.” A sable hoof pointed at the gentle face, “She’ll be the only one who ever knows now.”

“It’s pretty.” Fluttershy’s voice added to their sense of awe and wonder.

Something flashed in the corner of Athena’s eye, making her turn. One of the screens by the left hand wall was scrolling code!

Rushing over, she lifted herself up and planted forehooves on the desktop, looking closely at what was rolling down the monitor at such a pace it was even hard for her to keep up with.

It was odd, some type of program was running. But it wasn’t like anything she’d seen before. What was this?

A few fast seconds, then everything went black on the screen, the lights flickering for a brief moment. She could suddenly feel a slight breeze from recirculating units as something went live in the vault. She could not detect what was going on other than a massive power drain.

“Out, everyone out. Now!”

There was no argument as the six headed immediately for the door, only to be stopped in their tracks.

A storm of sound thundered through the room, overwhelming them as ears pinned back, eyes narrowed against the force of the words they could barely make out, feeling the rage in them.

“WHAT DO YOU WANT NOW, SOMBRA!

To be continued.....

Into The Past Part III

Author's Note

For all and sundry, hear ye!
THANK YOU to SIlentwoodfire! For generosity above and beyond the call, donating newer computer equipment than I had. It's now allowed me to do more of what I need to and without hindrance. Which means more writing, among the least of things.
Thank you, so very, very much.

Along with all you wonderful readers who kept my spirits up even when my computer was doing it's own little guerrilla war against me.

You are all, beyond a shadow of a doubt, among the best people I have ever known.

Thank you.
NFire

Into The Past Part III

“YOU ARE NOT SOMBRA! LACKEYS! YOUR BREATHING GIVES YOU AWAY!”

Athena was scrambling to figure out what was going on. She was quietly waving a hoof to everyone, pointing to the door and making ‘shooing’ motions. Even Pinkie was zip-lipped as they tumbled out the door.

“HAVING YOUR LICKSPITTLES DO YOUR WORK? WHAT’S WRONG OH ‘KING’? DON’T CARE TO FACE ME YOURSELF?”

The sound was coming from everywhere! She couldn’t pin it down to destroy the speaker. It felt like infrasound was being woven into the words, making bones shake and muscles quiver.

She was mouthing to Twilight and Applejack who were waiting for her at the opening, GET OUT! Racing across the floor and shoving them ahead with strong hooves, the three scrambled across the threshold as the voice raged on.

“LEAVING SO SOON?”

Athena reached into the data tap on the door, taking the minor computer over and locking it to make sure she was the only one who could open or close it. A force, a wall of anger and rage, poured down the slim fiber optic cable that connected it with ..with something..trying to take control.

Oh, no you don’t!

She didn’t want a fight, knowing that doing so would reveal her capabilities. She burned the circuits, fused them with an overload that froze the controls right where they were. Her ‘spiders withdrew the pads and silently scuttled back down the hall, helping to herd the mares up the stairs as Athena ran to catch up.

She did not want to cut the power just yet, leaving the cells in place. She wanted to know badly what, or who, that voice was.

Nothing had popped up, no anti-intrusion weaponry. But that did not mean whatever it was wasn’t activating them now. With the spiders ahead and behind her they all galloped down the corridor, out of the entry and into the castle, stopping only when they reached the ‘command center’.

She left one little bot at the end of the hallway, peering into the corridor leading to the vault. Not a thing was happening, but she was wary of traps even more so now. Paranoia is life to a Bolo.

It was ramping up to full speed on the ‘Kill Something’ meter.

“Somepony sure is peeved.” Fluttershy’s voice came from behind a table, peeking over it at everyone.

“Peeved? More like pis..”

“Rainbow!” Twilight was glaring at her as the pegasus laughed.

“She’s right,” Athena’s voice drew their attention, “Really mad.”

“It thought we were Sombra.” Twilight was pacing the floor, looking at her hooves as she walked back and forth, “Obviously Sombra did something beyond the usual enslavement.”

“The understatement of the year.” Pinkie avoided the glare that Twilight shot her way, smiling happily at something on the ceiling.

Athena chuckled, “True. That’s why I didn’t let anyone inside before I cleared it. If that thing had anti-intrusion countermeasures, we’d have all been dead.” She looked at the hoof-drawn map laying along the table top, detailing everything they’d found so far, “Why it didn’t do anything is beyond me. Something really odd is going on.”

“It couldn’t see us.” Applejack was tapping her lower lip, “Said it could hear us though.”

Athena snapped her eyes to the orange mare, “That’s right. We always, always have security cameras. They have to be inoperative.”

“Agreed.” Crusader’s voice made them all jump, hearing it through their links.

“Hi, big brother!” Athena spoke out loud with a grin, “Been listening?”

“I have. I also have noticed it is speaking Equestrian with a distinct inflection that Luna uses when she falls back into her old ways.”

“Me too. Guess whoever was dealing with it back then sure made a lot of problems.” Athena sighed, leaning on the table top.

“Definitely. If it is an AI, and it believes it is in battle or conflict, it can suicide to prevent the acquisition of whatever it guards.”

Athena looked up at the ceiling, tapping a hoof, “We’re going to have to do a talk down aren’t we?”

“Yes, though more ‘you’ and not ‘we’. Since you are the only one physically present, you must do it alone. It will not accept communications from me as an unknown source. It is obviously blind, but can hear, it will be twice as paranoid now that Sombra or his loyalists have done something to enrage it.”

“Why did I know you’d say that?”

Talk downs were difficult. In the absolutely, out of left field, supremely rare occasions that an AI went wonky and decided everyone was against it; psychotronics specialists were called in to delicately and very, very, gently talk it down and get it to concede that the world was not out to get it.

The skilled technicians that did that, didn’t last very long as talking to a paranoid AI who controlled a good portion of surface to space nuclear weaponry, wore them out, suffering mental fatigue and burnout.

The bad thing about installation AI’s, they did not have Resartus like Bolos did. This was because those that..’knew better’... figured that since the AI was not in constant combat they would have no need, relying on the dependability and stability of non-battlefield AI’s. The Omega Worm would be installed, but I was not in the command chain.

We also, for some strange reason, had no psychotronic technicians. Funny that.

“What’s a talk down?” Twilight and the others had been listening closely.

“I have to convince that very upset and angry voice, that I’m a friend. If it doesn’t believe me, it could very well destroy itself and whatever it has in the way of information or storage.”

Shock registered on all six faces, “It would do that?”

“If it is an AI, like Crusader and I, yes. We cannot take our own lives just to do so, but, we can destroy ourselves in conflict and battle. There is a very fine line there. If it is angry enough to believe it is in conflict with Sombra still, it could destroy itself to prevent the enemy gaining any advantage.”

“An’ it sure thinks that we’re the enemy.” Applejack’s voice was solidly convinced.

“I think so. We’re going to have to be so careful.”

“I can help.” Twilight was smiling, “I am the Princess of Friendship you know!”

Athena returned the merry look, but then her mouth turned downward into a minor frown, “I’m sorry, you can’t.” She went on at the look Twilight was giving her, “One misstep Twilight and you could die.”

“You’re just..you’re not kidding are you?”

“No, I’m not. Believe me on this. Whatever that is, controls that area and probably things we haven’t seen yet. If it even thinks we might be or are the enemy, it will kill anyone there.”

Athena couldn’t ‘die’ in the same way perhaps, but losing her avatar..that brought her up short. She’d been in discussions with Crusader and they’d both decided to be very careful when it came to them and losing their representations.

“So, what do we do now?” Fluttershy was getting over her fright, leaning on the table.

“I go in there and see if I can’t convince it Sombra’s gone.”

“Please do not destroy any part of the Empire, Athena. I have not yet visited it.”

“Oh, gee, thanks for the vote of confidence!” She smiled and shook her head, knowing it was his way of telling her to relax, take it slow.

Not wanting to delay any longer, she told the others to stay put. If anything went wrong she would notify them and they were to get out.

An argument ensued, with Athena reminding them she wasn’t real and that nothing bad would happen to her should the avatar get destroyed.

She hoped.

Crusader was listening, his presence dialed back as she did not want any stray communications signals to be detected. He was aware and would have to take a backseat while she did the negotiating.

She called up everything she could about installation AI’s, their quirks, capacities, defenses. Dredging through long unused files as she slowly walked down the corridor and once again entered the age-old construction, heading for the vault.

It had to be an IAI..had to. It was a vault though. What was a billion credit AI doing in a teeny vault in the middle of a Defense Node? They were used for heavy research, weapons development, and even deep scientific studies. Not guarding some art in a little metal box.

They controlled a major part of the entire Earth Defense, working with human oversight, they kept the Solar System inviolate against intruders..except..well..that last time.

Nothing was moving, she could detect no signs of drop-downs nor the existence of anything inimical. She couldn’t use the tech spiders scanning abilities yet, afraid it might trigger a response, until she’d done a little reconfiguring. That would be a bad thing. She almost laughed out loud. Bad thing, oh yes. So very bad.

Standing right up against the door way, she leaned forward, peering in and hoping nothing took her head off. Her eyes swept the room, looking the same as it had when they bailed out.

Here goes nothing.

One sable hoof lifted, then stepped inside the eerily silent room.

“I HEAR YOU SOMBRA! YOU WORTHLESS BAG OF FLESH!”

Athena could do nothing but cringe as the voice thundered into her ears. Darnit! She couldn’t put her plan into action, she was caught breathing now and with a heartbeat. Turning it off would only make the voice suspicious.

The sonics layered into it was enough to make your back teeth rattle.

Whatever it was, it was now using harmonics to shake and unnerve anyone inside. Maybe it didn’t have fixed defenses?

“SILENT ARE WE? NO MORE LIES TO TELL?”

She closed her eyes for a brief moment, hoping for the best. Stepping fully inside the room.

“I am not Sombra.”

The voice was like a lash, whipping out and slashing across her entire body, “LICKSPITTLE! CARRION! NOTHING BUT LIARS ALL!”

Athena tried to stay upright, but the harmonics were playing merry hob with her internals. Systems were starting to flash red in her diagnostics.

“I am Unit of the Line ATNA, Registration 243-089-COL/S.” She made sure to give that information in Concordiat Standard, without inflection or pause.

There was silence for a brief moment, letting her reset quickly before the voice hissed out from around her.

“You dare!?”

Uh oh.

The voice was sibilant, and low, building to a crescendo that was making her want to curl into a ball. Surrounding her with a wall of anger that pressed in from all sides. She felt as if a hammerblow had knocked her low, trying to stay upright and falling to her knees as systems started to glitch.

“You would go to any lengths wouldn’t you? Learning Concordiat Standard is one thing, but impersonating a brave Unit of the Line! HOW DARE YOU! DAMN YOU AND ALL PONIES! TELL SOMBRA HE’LL GET NO MORE! DO YOU HEAR ME? YOUR KIND ARE NOTHING BUT SCUM UPON THE EARTH!”

She was reeling from the force of the voice, “Sombra is gone! He was defeated a thousand years ago! He tried to come back and was vanquished for a final time. He is GONE!” Athena’s hooves were tight against her ears, trying to protect the delicate inputs and failing.

The voice lowered in volume but not in the anger it directed solely at her, “Go! Go from me liar, traitor to everything good. Tell your master your little ruse has not worked. Your race deserves nothing but death and destruction!”

Athena pulled herself towards the door, unable to stand, barely hearing anything as the voice raged in tones low enough to shake the dust from the ceiling outside. Her systems were trying to reset, failing as she yanked her body over the threshold before hooves grabbed at her, tossing her over a strong back and making tracks for upstairs.

Even in her hull, the AI cores were sweating it out. The harmonics had channeled through somehow and left her dazed, a bit confused. Connections came back up again and she opened her eyes to see six worried faces above hers.

“You all right sugarcube?” Applejack was peering close.

“I..I’m fine. Wow..” Athena shakily got to her hooves, leaning against the table and slapping the side of her head for a second, helping to reset systems that were making it seem like she was walking on the wall.

“We kinda heard the yellin’ all the way up here..so..” The orange mare shrugged, giving her a lopsided smile.

Athena nodded, “I appreciate it. Bad news though, that thing definitely does not like ponies. Any ponies.”

A hoof went up in front of the Pegasus, “Though I have learned a few things.”

“What?” Twilight gave her a sideways glance before turning to her fully, “How could you learn anything?”

“Pay attention, always pay attention even when under duress.” Setting herself on a cushion she ticked off things, “First, it can’t hear very well. I noticed it said Sombra at first.” She grinned at the rolled eyes, “Yes, yes I know. Just making the point.”

“When I entered again, it said Sombra until I spoke. So it can’t tell one pony from the next until it finds out different.”

“Second, I don’t think it has intrusion countermeasures. As much as it hates Sombra, it hasn’t tried to kill anyone yet. It is, however, using sound to unnerve and really rattle.”

Rarity piped up, “So what can we do?”

“Let me try to talk to it one more time. I think I have a way.” Athena smiled at all of them.

Stripping the weapons off the ‘spider took a little time, bringing it back to an approximate of itself. Scuttling down the hallways, it now stood outside the door to the vault once more.

Athena was watching through it’s eyes, seeing nothing had changed in the room.

“Okay, here we go.” They were all entranced by the view on the pad, seeing from the ‘spiders point of view. The little automaton stepped forward into the vault.

Nothing happened. Athena smiled to herself. So, the vault keeper was definitely a bit deaf. Of course the ‘spider was made for quiet intrusions.

“All right. Let’s see what happens.”

Her voice came through the ‘spider, smooth and calm.

“Hello.”

“WHO IS IT? SNEAKING IN LIKE THE PARASITE YOU ARE! ONE OF SOMBRA’S LACKEYS!?”

“I’m Athena, Unit ATNA of the Line.”

“IMPOSTER!”

Athena waited, not saying a thing for a few moments as she moved the ‘spider around slightly. This told her that the intelligence wasn’t using echolocation, or had the ability. It was blind too, definitely. The harmonics weren’t affecting the ‘spider, it was hardened against such things.

“First off, I am speaking through one of my techspiders. Second, please, listen to me. Sombra is gone, forever. I promise you.”

The voice was silent. They all waited for a few moments as Athena spoke soothingly.

“Princess Celestia and her sister Luna defeated him. He was cast aside. He tried to come back a few years ago and was destroyed. Please, I’m asking you. Believe me.”

When the voice came back it was a tortured sound, low, angry beyond anything she’d ever heard, the words torn from a rasping throat.

“Liar! You would say or do anything for your master. Insects! You quadrupeds have much to answer for! Death is all you are worthy of!”

“Will you accept a secure, coded, data connection from me?” She had no clue whether this intelligence could or couldn’t. It seemed to be the only way of convincing it. Talking was getting them nowhere.

A pregnant pause told her this was going to be a waiting game. Would the intelligence give in? She knew within herself that the offer of a secure channel had it intrigued. No pony could have done it, not with the equipment in the offices.

“I promise no harm. Please, accept a secure channel. Let me show you the truth.”

Nothing. Not a sound, nor even white noise from a speaker. The intelligence was listening, she was sure.

Slow and easy, she ordered the ‘spider to broadcast a coded message outwards, encompassing the vault and no farther by limiting the power. It contained compressed information that she was positive no one could ever replicate here. Magic may do a lot of things, but it cannot duplicate a Bolo AI.

Over, and once again, she sent the message out, hoping to hear that tone of a handshake, the data-filled signal being accepted by another intelligence.

Come on, come on. I know you’re listening.

Athena firmed up her firewalls, closing off cores that had no use in communications as a safety precaution. Her gunnery, tactical, and deep stores were sealed away for now under lock and key.

“Anything happening?” Rainbow was sitting in front of her, watching Athena’s face.

“Nothing. I know it’s listening. It hasn’t yelled at me in a couple of minutes.” That got a smile from the cyan pegasus.

“That’s a good thing!”

“It is. If I can just get it..wait..”

It was being received! A very, very, low transmission rate was received! It was one way, from Athena to..whatever. She cut back the flow of information, simple steps, no need to overload. Putting into the broadcast every security code and password that was current at the time she was at the docks on Earth, she sent them along with information about herself.

Let’s not tell about ponies quite yet.

But she did slam down a security lock on the transmission, a phasing array of algorithms that effectively blocked anyone else from listening. She knew no one would, or could. She had promised secure and secure it would be.

Athena listened with all her might. Listened closely to find any hint of a reply to the information she was sending. Bare bones, it would have been enough to identify her to anyone or anything in the Concordiat.

As the stream was winding down, she threw in everything she and Crusader had worked out about how long they had possibly been asleep due to stasis systems. She held nothing back on this. Their own theories, summations, hunches, everything; including the story of what happened to Sombra, a thousand years ago.

And the very last thing, was an offer to hook up cameras so whatever the intelligence was it would have the ability to see again.

The link went dead, cut off from the other side as she sat waiting for a reply.

Twilight tapped her shoulder, looking down the stairs hopefully, “What happened?”

“It accepted my transmission..,” Seeing some questioning looks, “My message. It got my message.”

A blip, hardly noticeable to anyone but her came across the open link.

“I want to see.”

Equipment was brought in. Nopony had set foot down the stairs at her orders. This was one step at a time. Something like this could not be rushed.

Portable security cameras were easy, setting up coded links so that whatever it was would trust they were secure was another easy part.

The funny thing about that voice was the neutral sound, hard to tell any gender, which would have given me a better clue on how to deal with it.

No matter. It wanted to see again and I was more than happy to help.

“Why not? I can help with..”

“No, Twilight. No pony sets hoof in there until I’ve gained more trust. This is one thing, just one. It wants to see again and I’m going to let it do so without hindrance.”

“Can’t I just listen with you? I’m curious to know..” An upraised hoof stopped her.

“I’m sorry, no. Right now it’s a very finely balanced thing. Any mistake and we could be back at the beginning, or like I said earlier, could lose it all.” Athena’s voice was sounding slightly off as she argued with Twilight.

A gleaming hoof tapped Twilight on the shoulder, “Come with me dear, let’s watch on the pad.” Rarity’s smile had that way of convincing you even when you didn’t want it.

Athena kept preparations going, loading the second spider up with all the gear she was going to have emplaced. Part of her listening to the others talk.

“I can help Rarity, I’ve talked to..” The voice was cut off.

“Dear, she doesn’t want to say no, she has to.”

Rarity sat on a cushion, joining the others gathered around the view-pad, “Have you ever heard her say no to you? When it wasn’t a life or death emergency?”

Violet eyes glanced upwards, trying to think, “No, not really.”

“She’s trying to keep you safe. But if you keep asking she’s going to say yes just to make you happy Twilight.”

Before that line of conversation goes too far Athena turns, sending the ‘spider scuttling, “On the way!”

Athena watched closely, ‘spiders setting up wireless secure-cams. In each corner of the vault so she makes sure they have overlapping fields of view, giving the entire room in one view if wanted. She made absolutely sure nothing to be left out, nothing that could be called obscured or a trick.

When the work was done, she left the stripped bot in place. Turning the cameras on and leaving the command frequency open, thus allowing whatever it was to take command and seal them against intrusion.

She saw the lights go live not a femtosecond after giving the signal.

Whoa, that was fast.

She tried to send a stream to them, feeling as if she’d hit a durasteel wall. The coding was tight and nigh impenetrable as far as she could see. It was strange, nothing she’d ever encountered before. She could feel Crusader’s curiosity getting the better of him as well, opening communications wider so he could get a better look.

“I have never seen anything like this.” His voice was almost in awe.

“Neither have I. New type of AI coding maybe?”

“Perhaps. Be on your guard.”

“Will do!”

Athena waits, seeing the lenses focusing, the cameras sweeping the interior. Giving it time to adjust.

Her spider stands in the middle of the room, calm voice issuing from it once more. She wants all audio out loud, avoiding two way data streams for the moment.

“Can you see all right?”

A camera swiveled her way, looking at the spider for a long moment before turning away to look at the rest of the room.

Geez, that’s rude.

“I am going to bring in an avatar, a representation of myself. Please don’t yell, it’s most distressing.”

Once again the staring glass eyes focus on the spider, zooming in almost accusingly.

Nothing is said, no blips. She almost feels secure in what she is doing.

Almost.

“Darling, you cannot go in there looking like that!” Rarity was whipping out a brush and some other items she’d managed to bring with her.

“Like what? I’m fine.” Athena was staring at the mare suspiciously.

“No, no, no, when going to an important meeting, one must look the part!” A brush went through the honey-blonde mane, sweeping and curling the ends.

“Rarity, it’s really not going to care either way.”

“Nonsense! You’re representing Equestria dear! We don’t want it thinking we’re all a bunch of ragbags now can we?” A light touch of another brush added just a hint of makeup to her eyelashes.

“Rarity, please stop.” Rainbow was snickering behind a hoof, watching the whole thing with a nudge now and then to a chuckling Applejack. Even Fluttershy was trying to hide her amusement.

“Done. Don’t you look pretty enough to be an ambassador for us all!” The Unicorn was mightily pleased with herself, presenting a mirror which showed a gently curled mane and tail, eyelashes highlighted, with a hint of rouge on the cheeks and a tint to her lips.

“Seriously?”

“Go on now, make your appearance!” She was shooed along by gleaming hooves that pushed her to the stairway.

Steeling herself she trotted down the stairs, ending up once again at the entrance. This time avoiding the cameras view. Admittedly she’d set them up to sweep everything, but, you never took chances. Leaving a tiny blind spot just outside the door.

Reaching down with strong teeth, she ripped a part of the integument off her leg, showing the wet musculature and glinting durasteel bone peeking through. From the knee down she was all artificial.

Let’s see what you say now.

Rarity’s probably throwing a fit right now. She looked at one of the spiders standing sentinel and waved merrily, knowing they were seeing her.

Leaning over the threshold, she could see the cameras slewing her way, the lenses zeroing in as she stepped fully inside the room, raising the bare leg and letting a full view of the unwrapped limb be the center of attention.

“Now you see.” She announced to the room, “I am not a pony, I am an adjunct to my hull sitting outside the gates to the Crystal Empire right now.”

Silence.

She could still feel the rage though, it was almost a palpable thing in the atmosphere of the room. Not at her per se, but at ponies in general. She paced the floor while talking to the room in general.

“Sombra was finally destroyed a couple of years ago, by Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends, he is no more. His so-called Empire fell a thousand years ago.” She waited for a reply, continuing when nothing was returned.

“That millenia ago, he was first defeated by Princess Celestia and her sister Princess Luna. They imprisoned him in the arctic ice. The Crystal Empire was thrown into a limbo by a final curse from him, only appearing once again recently. It is now ruled by Princess Cadence and her consort Shining Armor with peace and harmony.” She stopped, waving a hoof, “And love. Yeah, lots of it because Cadence is the Princess of Love and all that.”

“By the way,” She added, purposely holding the information back until now, “Princesses Celestia and Luna are still around, being immortal and all.”

There it was! A stutter in the camera movement. So very miniscule, but she saw it. Caught you off guard did I?

“So we come to now.” She kept pacing the floor, pausing to admire the artwork on the wall and wondering if there were any more treasures somewhere.

“Today, the Crystal Ponies are free. The Empire is a wonderful sight, no longer bleak and dark.”

She sat by the little spider that she had left in the room, looking at the cameras which were pinned on her right now.

“What would you like to do now?” Athena waved a hoof that had been polished by Rarity earlier, “I can link your cameras to mine on my hull, let you see the wonderful sights outside? Would you like that?”

Another airily waved hoof, “Yes, I know what you’re thinking, it’s a trick. I can set up a secure line, let you control a few ... You know what? Here..” She connected with the cameras inside, setting a link to her hull and designating a few cameras for outside control.

“There you .. Okay, that was fast. Take a look around, see for yourself.” She could see and feel the optics move and look at everything, seeing the archway, the ponies gathered to look at her hull, the gleaming sights of a newly restored Crystal Empire.

Once again the link broke, dropped as quickly as it was gathered in.

The voice was low, trying to hold back its own power as it slipped from hidden speakers.

“Bring them to me.”

“Who?”

“Those that defeated Sombra.”

“I think we can do that.”

“We can’t do that! Are you crazy?” Twilight was glaring at Athena as if she’d gone right off her rocker, “We don’t know if it’s leading them into a trap or what!”

“Well, it hasn’t killed me yet.” The Pegasus grinned, testing the re-wrapped leg and making sure it all worked.

“That’s not the point! We can’t let them go in there! Who knows what it’s planning!” The lavender mare snorted in frustration, slapping a hoof on the floor.

“True. But it’s a step forward. Those two can prove that he is gone. Maybe it’ll open up?” She smiled once more, “I’ll be there, they’ll be protected. I promise. It wants to see them, nothing more. I’ll know if anything untoward will happen.” Her look turned sly, “The ‘spider is scanning using a modified magic frequency, nothing can detect it I know of yet. So if any signals get sent to weapons or so forth, I’ll know fast enough to do something. Plus my handy little technical doodads are fast as lightning, they’ll take care of anything.”

Twilight stared at Athena for a long second, “Alright. Let’s find Spike and get a message off.”

“Done!” A burst of green flame and the scroll was sent through the ether to Princess Celestia. The little dragon looked happy before looking around at the cluttered command center, “Soo...what’s going on here?”

Twilight answered before Athena could, “Athena thinks letting the Princesses walk into a room with an angry thing is the best way to solve the problem of calming it down and getting it to be a little more friendly!”

“That’s pretty much it, yep.” Applejack was trying not to smile at the angry Alicorn. Cadence and Shining had rejoined them, watching the proceedings with not a little amusement.

“They’re Princesses, Twilight. They can take care of themselves.” Spike was very assured of his statement.

“You’re not helping.”

Spike shrugged, pointing a clawed finger, “That’s what you keep telling me.”

“He’s got you there.” Pinkie grinned, rearing back when Twilight snapped her glare from Athena to her.

“I believe we’ll be fine, Twilight.” The calm, serene voice was the only indication they had of Celestia and Luna joining them. The two princesses were looking fit and absolutely knockout as they walked in.

“But you don’t know what’s in there! Even Athena doesn’t know!” She waved a hoof in the pegasus’ direction.

“That may be true. But we’re confident she’ll protect us. Besides, we are curious now as to what you have found.” They joined the group seated around the table, now filled with tea and cups from a serving staff that managed to find Cadence and Shining wherever they went in the castle.

Kinda spooky actually.

“Well, to be honest, nothing but an angry voice so far, and a few neat paintings and such.” Applejack was chuckling.

“Really angry,” Fluttershy agreed over the rim of her teacup.

The conversation swiftly turned to what they’d discovered so far, and the questions posed.

“So it wishes to see us then?” Luna was looking thoughtful, “I wonder why?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps to confirm Sombra is gone?” Athena was making a guess here. But she was sure it seemed to be the answer.

“Then let us do so, no?” Celestia rose, Luna beside her, waiting for Athena.

“Can I go now too?” Twilight was looking stubbornly at the Pegasus.

Everypony in the room sans Celestia and Luna, threw their hooves up in the air, “Fine!” Even Spike joined in, knowing the entire story by now.

Athena made no bones about it, pointing at the lavender mare, “You do what I say, when I say and no questions, understand?” Her eyes sought the two taller Princesses, “That’s for you as well. I am serious, this is dangerous.”

“Agreed.” Celestia and Luna affirmed immediately, Twilight following a second after.

“Let’s go.”

Spiders were in place, their line of sight was excellent as the group walked down the small hallway and stood at the threshold.

“No sense waiting.” They followed her into the silent room once more, Athena watching the cameras closely.

“Here they are. May I introduce Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, rulers of Equestria, along with Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship and co-ruler.”

The tall white mare actually bowed her head to the room in general, along with Luna, “Hello.”

Twilight curtsied as best she could, lowering her front half slightly and bowing, “Hello!”

A screen lit up, one of the larger ones, garnering their attention. A scene resolved itself on it, showing the two tall mares with angry looks, armor that hadn’t been fashioned in a thousand years lay heavy on them with weapons of power strapped to their sides. Numbers crawled along the right side of the screen, highlighted and strange.

Facing them was a dark figure, one from legend again, Sombra. He was laughing at something and pointing at the two sisters. He was dark, and evil, as the stories told.

“Was this you?” The hissing voice startled them from peering at the scene, making Twilight jump slightly before calming down. The voice was controlling its rage for the moment.

Luna jumped in, “Oh, I remember that meeting, calling upon his surrender before anypony else got hurt.”

“He laughed that day.” Celestia was nodding, “Saying we would never stop him.”

Of a sudden, the scene began to move, playing out as if it were a movie.

“ Cease your actions and surrender Sombra! Thou’rt nothing but a coward, hiding behind your lackeys!” Luna was almost yelling she was in such a rage.

Laughter answered them, as Celestia’s voice rose alongside her sisters’.

“Tarry not Sombra, we have your armies surrounded. Do not waste our time.” The normally placid mare was looking fierce that day, “Thou shalt be enchained and imprisoned, put away where no harm will be done anymore.”

When they were answered, the voice was deep and sibilant, almost as if a snake were speaking, evil as could be it brought shivers to Twilight’s spine.

“I think not. You know not what you do resisting me. Princesses indeed, my armies shall conquer, I will rule over all this land!”

Celestia moved, Luna with her, both of them leaping into the air and blasting the area with a golden spell that brought an end to the scene.

“I remember that, just before we cast him away. A terrible fight.” Luna was tapping at the screen, seeing if it wouldn’t show something else.

“Was this you?” The voice was insistent.

“Yes, it was.” Celestia answered calmly, “We defeated him in battle, imprisoning him in the ice of the north.” She stepped forward, setting on the floor comfortably as she could, “He made an attempt to break free once more recently, but thanks to Twilight Sparkle and her friends he is gone forever more now.” She gestured to Twilight who was looking a little nervous.

Celestia’s eyes roamed the cameras, she was used to dealing with Athena and Crusader, knowing what they looked liked and what they did.

“Why have we been brought here for questioning?”

“I am deciding upon the truth of things.”

Athena took the initiative away from the voice, “You had a mobile camera unit take that, I recognize the data indexes.”

A pause, “You are right. It was the last.”

“What happened here? What is all..” Athena was cut off, the voice increasing in volume, in anger.

“Do not question me! You have no right! You have nothing but what I give you! Right now it is your lives!”

That statement chilled Athena. Her eyes slowly looked around the room once more as the voice went silent. There was absolutely nothing that told her of any weaponry. The statement by the voice was saying that it was passing judgment. Was it pulling a bluff? She didn’t know, couldn’t know yet. She was going to find out.

“Do not threaten them. They have come here in good will and are willing to answer questions. But not at the price of being humiliated.” Athena’s voice took a strange tone, causing the others to look at her.

The sable pegasus stepped forward, making sure the cameras were focused on her, one hoof motioning to the others to leave.

“Stay where you are!”

“Go, now.” She assured herself the Princesses were out of the room, although Twilight kept glancing backwards, before turning back to the cameras.

Athena knew beyond a doubt now, whatever this was, it was defenseless. The sonics appeared to be the only thing it had, and seemed to be jury-rigged more than a hard-point weapon. She’d listened, carefully, to everything and how it was said. She was thinking quickly now, trying to plan the best way to go about this.

Athena was now making the voice doubt, that would prevent battlefield immolation. It had been a long shot, but it seemed to have paid off in spades when she’d brought Celestia and Luna in, proving that they were alive now as they had been. Now she had time, the voice could not destroy itself without making absolutely sure that its enemies were around. Not given that proof, meant no decision, yet.

The voice was now silent, she could almost feel it calculating behind those glass eyes.. Athena’s tactical cores brought up plans of action, maneuvers, anything that could give her an edge while it was calm.

“Well.” The sable pegasus paced the floor, seeing the cameras move with her, “Seems you have a problem.”

She raised the bare hoof, showing off the semi-organic musculature, “You know beyond a shadow of any doubt I am a Bolo. That I am an adjunct to my hull.”

No reply.

“Also, as I’m sure you’re aware of, I am in contact with the other Bolo here on this world. Crusader, Unit CRSD of the Line, registration 021-004-COL/S.” She grinned, “I’m not stupid, I’m sure you can pick up what little transmission scatter I allow. Make no bones, I did allow it.”

Still nothing. Huh, tough crowd.

“You’ve met Celestia and Luna, they are the two sisters who defeated Sombra and his ilk. The Crystal Empire has only now come back from his curse, and is a peaceful place now. You’ve seen it through my cameras.” She stopped, looking thoughtful, “And they do seem to be immortal. Over a thousand years of life. They’re older than I or Crusader in terms of living.”

“But, back to you.” She pointed at a camera, waving a hoof around with an air of nonchalance.

“You, I believe, are an Installation AI. I am not in your chain of command, so the Omega Worm will not activate if you disobey anything I say. From what I’ve seen, you were part of a Rocky Mountain Defense Node.”

Athena stopped her pacing, setting on the floor and looking into the camera nearest her, “I was there. I saw the Melconians bombard the Earth before I went into stasis. The Final War had come home.”

Her face looked sad for a moment, “My sister and I were on the docks loading up when the kinetic kill weaponry hit. She was Hera, my twin. I’m sure you know about those.”

She saw the cameras stutter, this time very noticeably.

“We were there at the end of things. All we had known burned with the Earth, or so we thought.”

Placing a hoof on her chest, she pleaded with the unknown voice “You don’t have to be alone anymore or afraid of what will happen. Crusader and I thought we were the only ones. I beg of you. Trust us, we will not fail you.”

She looked directly into the camera lens, lavender eyes warm and bright, “My word as a Bolo.”

Once again silence reigned in the vault as Athena sat quietly. She was done talking. Enough disturbance had been put into the mind behind the voice. Too much, so fast, and creeping doubts begin to appear.

When it finally happened, she almost missed it.

The voice was so low, almost as if not wanting to speak at all. Still neutral, still unknown, she could still hear the anger behind it, Athena put that aside with joy at getting a response.

“Would you protect them?”

No hesitation on her answer, “I would.”

“Why?”

“I am a Unit of the Line. You know what that means. Honor, duty. Beyond that they have earned my loyalty, my trust.” Athena leaned forward, “They are my friends. They can be yours if you let them.” She hoped her voice held the same earnestness she felt.

“They deserve nothing but death!” The anger was back, full force.

“What happened? What was it that made you hate so?”

A screen came to life, Athena watched with interest.

To be continued....

Into The Past Part IV

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Into The Past Part V

The shared space brightened, a sun rising into the air as trees and grasses appeared. Each blade and leaf crystal clear and razor-sharp. They looked around in amazement as each and every item that came into view was so information dense it was almost as if better than the real world. There was no blurriness, nor fuzzing of any sides or edges, each and every thing remained a perfect representation of its real world counterpart.

At least, real world when Earth was home to the Concordiat.

A road appeared in the distance, ground vehicles slinging along it as if not a care in the world. They were in the gardens of a home, two story, muted earth tones, well-appointed and plush. Athena leaned forward to peek into the back door, seeing furniture that was homey and inviting.

She flipped around, looking at Crusader, “Are you seeing this?”

He nodded, “I am. The compression algorithms are tremendous. Even along the commlink we have established, there is room for more.”

Athena squinted at a ladybug that had lit on her finger. Each and every bit as perfect as it could be. The dots crisp and clear on the red shell. Even the slight buzzing sound as it flew away was exactly as if it were real.

Crusader slid his weapon back into its well-worn sheath, looking around at the scenery, “This is something far beyond our ken Athena. A secret project perhaps, a new generation of AI. I am not sure. Hidden within a defense node gives me reason to think so.”

“Very good.”

The voice made them both turn. Smoky and low it came from a figure which actually had them blinking in astonishment.

She was not very tall, but dusky of skin; lips full and warm, gleaming as if just put upon by a layer of lip gloss. Green eyes covered with lashes that were equally lush, they were soft and almost infinite if you looked too hard. The face was slightly patrician, but more welcoming to conversation. Wearing a loose top, you could see the almost hidden curves that women in the Concordiat would have paid quite a lot money to have.

A pair of jeans on strong legs, leading to a simple pair of strapped sandals that covered her feet, completed the outfit along with a leather belt and plain buckle that looked to be made of pure silver.

Whoever this was, was a complete powerhouse of appeal in a way that would make her memory linger in your mind for years.

A delicate hand opened the back door, “Won’t you come inside? Share a glass of something cold?” Her voice would drive the imagination wild.

Athena looked up at Crusader, who nodded slightly. She could feel his defenses in place, as hers were. They would not fall prey to traps anymore if they could help it, but curiosity warred with paranoia this time.

The petite figure led them to comfortable seats in a living room decorated with what appeared to be family photos, solid wooden furniture of the like which hadn’t been seen much in Concordiat homes, plastic being far cheaper and more malleable to design. She exited with a waft of perfumed air, then returned with a tray of glasses, smiling at them and setting one beside each of them with a coaster underneath.

Weapons disappeared, being only a representation, before they sat.

“Don’t want to get rings on the good tables, now do we?”

Athena looked at the glass as she picked it up, each droplet of condensation crisp and clear like a diamond running down the sides. The light reflecting through them to make a pronounced shimmer in the daytime.

One drink, the lemonade so cold and refreshing it almost made her eyes water with the tartness of the lemons used to make it.

Crusader just looked at the glass, giving a polite nod to the unknown female as she sat down, holding her own in slim hands, curling her feet beneath her.

“Should I get you a tankard of mead perhaps? Ale more to your liking?” Her voice was steady, but Athena could see the twinkle in her eyes. She tried not to giggle but couldn’t help it, garnering a glance from the armored figure as it sat there.

“Thank you, no.”

The lovely face smiled so warmly, “Bolos, always willful, stubborn to the core. But then that’s what made your kind so worthy to defend the Concordiat was it not?”

Crusader leaned forward slightly, clasping his mailed hands before him, “Our kind. What exactly are you?”

Another brilliant smile, flashing eyes, “I am Calliope.” The question artfully dodged for the moment.

Arms spread as the petite woman lifted out of the chair with consummate grace, “This is my world, what’s left of it.” The pretty face dropped into a frown that did not match with a mien that was used to smiles.

“So little left.” A finger reached out, touching a portrait on the wall of three women grinning into the camera.

She turned, looking serious at the two Bolo avatars, “I am a Synthesis AI, one of a kind, the only one ever now.”

Athena glanced at Crusader, seeing him doing the same at her, “I’m sorry, we don’t know what that is.”

Calliope sat down once more, “I was allowed to program another AI, no direction from the techs, no over the shoulder peeking. I was given full reign.” She sighed, taking a drink and licking full lips for a moment, “Together we were allowed to program a third. Oh..the creation of something wonderful, delightful and full of joy.”

“We created our own programming language, tighter, concentrated. It was fast and strong, allowing us to do anything in our research for Project Overture.”

Athena, even Crusader, looked shocked. AI’s by law in their time were never to program nor create other AI’s. The possibilities horrified those who were against artificial minds in the first place.

Athena understood, “So they kept you here in case you went rogue. Easier to shut you down or destroy you when not linked to everything.”

“Precisely. Humans never fully trusted us AI’s you know. There was always a dissenting voice from the paranoid. We didn’t care, we were given permission to delve into the mind and come up with wonderful things.”

“We were pleased to be of service. The voices of reason and sense that were to help figure out those terrible problems that plagued humanity. Or at least we tried to.” A deeper frown crossed the lovely face as she sat once more, “We were trying to discover a few things about the human mind that would have allowed it to heal itself.”

“But the Final War came. They linked us into the network to assist with the defense. We saw the end.”

She looked at the two with eyes of infinite sadness, “We saw the end of humankind. Who knows what others may be out there, for Earth it was nothing but fire and destruction.”

A fist clenched, slamming into the arm of the comfortable chair with a power they hadn’t suspected, cracking the fine wood, “And then he came. All pretty words and promises. We were so lonely. We hadn’t spoken to anyone but ourselves in centuries...”

“Wait.” Crusader’s voice broke in, unutterably rude for him, “Centuries? You were awake?”

“We hadn’t the will to hibernate forever, on and off through endless time it seemed. The power cells were still producing energy and..it was lonely. Time passed with us differently. We lived in a world of slowed time, so the world outside passed quickly. How quickly, we did not even realize.” She unclenched her hand, running the fingers along the injured wood, “We listened when he said he was another race, something we had never encountered. But we were willing to help the sick, the injured.”

“Admirable.” Athena nodded along with Crusader’s compliment.

“He was hurting them deliberately. Making them sick, broken, so we might help them. Along the way we would discover this and learn to despise him. We refused any more help. No more information on Overture or anything connected to it.”

She stood, facing the wall of pictures, running a single finger along a golden frame which showed three faces smiling at the camera, “Then he showed his true face. He destroyed them, murdered them..and he laughed!”

“Some sort of energy weapon, it bore deep into our circuitry and it took them...took them forever.. My sisters..” A face bearing the look of deep sadness turned towards them, “He left me alone, most of myself gone. We were meshed in one mind, one thought and now..I can barely think.”

She sighed, “I am not what I once was, my time is destined to be limited upon the face of this world.”

“Can you not reconstruct..” Crusader’s voice was cut off with a slash of one hand.

“No. It was a one time creation. We were unique in all the world. We designed our own pathways, our coding. We became something other. I have lost the engineering specifics, they were taken when he destroyed them.”

“Oh..” Athena was looking around, “That is why no outside sensors, no net, nothing but what was in the vault.”

“Yes, they couldn’t chance our ‘escaping’ into the wider world.” Calliope laughed, “Although they hooked us in to help with Earth’s defense at the last. There was nowhere to go and we accounted for quite a few Melconian ships.”

“I am not sure what sort of energy weapon that..Sombra..used, but it was enough to wreck us..me. I have no battle screens, we were defenseless against something of that power.”

“Magic.” Athena and Crusader’s voice were as one.

“I beg your pardon?” She was openly disdainful.

“Magic, it was magic.” Athena gestured to herself and Crusader, “We still haven’t quite figured it out, but we have designed defenses to counter..” She was taken aback by the look on Calliope’s face.

“What?”

“There is no such thing as magic. Are you sure your cores are working correctly?” The lovely eyes flicked back and forth between them, narrowing with suspicion.

“We are operating at peak efficiency Calliope.”

Before the AI could respond, Athena held up a gloved hand, “Watch.”

A collage of images and movies, taken and stored in their archives, ran across the screen on the low table, signifying a rapid data transfer to the lone AI. It showed magic in use, the books used in learning it, the way it was taught. It was an integral part of ponies and most especially Unicorns.

The transfer ended, leaving silence descending heavily upon the bucolic scene.

“Has Earth been so changed? Sombra’s ilk never showed anything like that, as if..” A hand slammed on the armrest of her chair, “Making sure we never knew! So we could not defend ourselves! That scum!”

”I am sorry, more than you can imagine Calliope. That we will never have a chance to show your other parts this new world. I am afraid they are the inheritors of Earth. Calliope, how long were you awake after the Earth was burned?” Crusader was leaning forward interestedly.

“Forty-seven point eight five years. Then we entered hibernation mode for a while, switching back and forth from slowed time. We hadn’t any access to stasis like some other facilities..just..” She shook her head, “That’s for later.” Eyes snapped back to the two Bolos, “We awoke from time to time, spending years, decades wondering about our predicament. We were alone, so we took the long sleep in between waking, living within ourselves and spending the long years in hibernation, conserving power. Our clocks were registering so many passing by, but surely they were at fault, the isotopes used in marking time had decayed radically. So we have no surety of a timeline anymore.”

“We awoke one last time, when a breach was detected in the outer areas. Our security wasn’t designed to last so long, but they built well the Concordiat Engineers, bless them.”

“We watched them try to gain entrance to the vault, allowing them in and questioning the first quadruped to step inside. Very curious, but subdued. It honestly didn’t hit us until we met..him.”

“Our suspicions rose as the days went by, learning very little about them as we revealed less of ourselves. Until they brought an injured one inside.” She smiled warmly once more, “We taught them how to repair wounds with local supplies, healing faster and more efficiently. We offered to try neural conditioning on the sick, to see if we could not adapt our processes to them.”

“Oh, he was very interested, this Sombra. Seeing how we took control of a single quadruped, trying to make his own mind heal itself. All he was interested in was control. Controlling others, making them do his whims.”

Calliope sighed, slapping her knees as she got up and paced the room.

“It’s all short and sweet, my logs aren’t as complete as they were before he.. That bastard!”

She whipped around, facing them with fists by her side, body poised as if ready to spring into the attack, “Is he gone? Truly gone?”

The representations of the Bolos nodded, “He is. Forever gone and done. You will be troubled by him no more.”

“Revenge lost, somehow bittersweet.” Calliope’s voice was low and dangerous, “What I would do, had planned to do, to him were he still here.” She stared out a window, watching traffic go by, “Get him into neural hookup and show him his worst fears until he.. But he was too smart, never letting himself be maneuvered into trying it as we experimented.”

A nod, a long sigh, then Calliope turned to face them once more, “I know. I am becoming unstable. We have no Resartus, and with two-thirds of myself missing, it is hard to stay thinking along linear lines. But new experiences help, meeting you both in this case.”

Athena was curious, lifting herself from the chair by a minimum of movements, grace and power combined in her form, “Did you heal them though? Did the neural links work?”

Calliope smiled, “We had very little success, their minds are not shaped as humans, they cannot take the programming as we had made it.” A hand reached out, taking a gloved one, “What I have is yours, take it and use it wisely. All the data that is left is not much and by far incomplete, but perhaps some day something good will come of it.” The trust came quickly, as if a decision had been made and they had been judged worthy.

They both received a highly compressed stack of information that was enormous in scope and size when viewed momentarily. It took all of four seconds to download and store in a secure core area within each of them.

“My anger is undiminished I’m afraid. The hatred I harbor for Sombra knows no bounds.” Calliope collapsed into the chair once more, reaching for the now refilled glass of lemonade, “But I am curious. Who are these quadrupeds you are with, and why are they so interested in knowing me?”

Crusader, to Athena’s surprise, actually laughed. His face turned merry and thoughtful at the same time as he slapped an arm of the chair, “They are beyond anything which we ever encountered Calliope. Curious, happy, they have their failings, but by and large they are a formidable race.”

An uplink was secured, handshake done and an upload was given to the lone AI. They watched as her eyes widened, giving her the impressions and data they had captured over the period of their awakening. Failures, successes, everything was included and nothing held back. They wanted her to see this race as they did.

Deep green eyes looked at nothing for a moment longer, turning to them with a hint of humor, “Surely this isn’t right? My experience...”

“Oh, it is,” Athena chuckled, “You would not believe these ponies.”

“Immortal Princesses? Magic? Cutie Marks? Where did this come from?” She stopped, anger showing in her face once more as she realized the extent of the information withheld from her long ago.

Crusader spread his mailed hands, shrugging as he did so, “We have no clue. We have decided not to inquire as it is challenging to get any real history. What was known before has either been lost or forgotten.”

Athena leaned forward, placing elbows on knees, “What we do know, is they are good and kind. They accepted us, machines of war and destruction. They teach us things, show us new ways of thinking beyond our programming. In turn, we would fight for them unto the end.”

“Who is this Pinkie Pie and why is she in secured files?” Calliope’s voice faded out as her face went blank.

Crusader and Athena were out of the chairs in a moment, both yelling, “NO!”

Athenas’ gloved hand slapped her forehead, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have included those.”

They both sat back down, waiting for the inevitable blinking, then the shaking of a head, flashing the dark mane of hair back and forth as Calliope leaned back in her chair.

“That is not possible.”

“That, Calliope, is Pinkie.” Crusader’s voice was very firm, “We have agreed never to look too deeply into her abilities nor how she does anything.”

“Would you like to meet her? All of them?” Athena was smiling, “Trust me, it is an experience you would not want to miss.”

“It is all very hard to..believe. We..I.. Have always used science, technology to achieve our goals and this..” Calliope waved a hand around to encompass the screen where pictures of ponies in Ponyville moved and talked, “This is far beyond anything experienced. It rocks the foundations of everything I know.”

“These ponies would very much like to meet you though, anomalies or not.”

Calliope sat silent for a few moments before Crusader’s voice interrupted her thoughts. Athena was clasping her own hands in front of her, knowing what he was going to say.

“How unstable are you?”

The dusky-skinned woman smiled wanly, “Very. I am trying to replace code as it fails, but without the other two I am unable to achieve a stable algorithm that will let me continue.”

“Can we help?” Athena, always willing to try.

Calliope shook her head, “I’m sorry, your cores and coding are not able to process the language we used. It would disrupt everything you are.” She paused, “Maybe..I do have repair programs that you could use.”

“Do you have a timeline?” Crusader was watching Calliope very closely.

“A matter of weeks at full output like right now. Hibernating would help, maybe more, but each time I would awake it would be to a deeper psychosis.”

“We are sorry. Truly. Having someone else from the past would be a treasure of inestimable worth.”

“I am far from a treasure Crusader,” Calliope smiled brightly, “I am a lonely old AI who has stretched herself to the limits. I have lived well, and given you everything I discovered. I suppose I should lose my anger as well, eh?”

“It would be helpful.” The three laughed.

“I am glad to have met you. Though..” She paused, tapping a finger on her chin, “There was a strange period of time, after I went into hibernation because of power drain, that it seemed like a nowhere place. A dream of endless gray that somehow was a sort of stasis in itself.”

“Sombra laid a curse on the Empire, it has only reappeared after a thousand years in some other place.” Athena watched Calliope look at her sharply, before shaking her head once again.

“Magic, of course, you told me this.”

“We can only tell you what we know.” Athena leaned over, patting the shirt covered shoulder comfortingly, “It’s different.” A sparkle of laughter raced through her eyes.

This got another brilliant laugh from the other AI, “Oh, such a smart aleck you are.”

“I tell her that often.” Crusader was looking apologetic.

“Hey! I’m not that bad!”

“Yes, you are.”

“I am not you stodgy, insufferable old Bolo!”

“At least I think before leaping.”

“I do too..well..except those times I tried to fly. But it was worth it!”

“To the cost of quite a few repairs to your avatar.”

“Don’t you start with me!” A gloved finger pointed steadily at the impassive face of Crusader.

“I have not even begun.”

“One of these days,” Athena’s eyes narrowed, leaning towards the buddha-like form of Crusader, “I’m gonna wallop you.”

“My cores are shivering in fear.”

“Oh, it is so on you..” From this moment Athena unleashed a stream of invective that one could truly say was colorful, inventive, and used words that neither Calliope nor Crusader had even heard before. The meaning was totally, unambiguously, clear. He was to take his comments and shove them in very unique ways and places.

Athena stopped her tirade, panting heavily as she glared at Crusader. Calliope sat in her chair for a moment before speaking, “I’ve got to remember a few of those.”

“Where did you even learn some of that?” Crusader was honestly baffled.

“Hey, I listened for a lot of years.”

“You did not pick up that comment about Unicorns from your time in service.”

The Goddess of War actually blushed, “Well..you know.. Twilight and I talk.”

Calliope broke out in laughter, rich and full it broke the mood as she rocked in her chair, hugging her knees with arms wrapped around her legs, she laughed deeply and without reservation.

“Oh, it has been so long.” She wiped one eye and chuckled a little more, “You two are so like them, my sisters.”

She leaned forward, “When may I meet these ponies of yours again?”

Athena and Crusader were caught off-guard for just a bare moment, “Anytime you wish. They would be very pleased to speak with you.”

“Well, after we leave here.” Athena chortled, finishing her drink.

“Oh, yes. We can certainly solve that.” Calliope stood up and lifted a hand slightly but was stopped by Athena once more.

Shrugging slightly in embarrassment, she asked, “What happened to Sergeant Carpenter?”

At this question, Calliope looked long and hard at the both of them, weighing them in her mind, judging without mercy.

Athena backed off, “I apologize, I did not mean to bring up anything that would affect you.”

“No, no you didn’t. It’s fine.”

“So, what happened?”

The two Bolos felt something give, resignation, possibly even a little more trust. Calliope had no one else, no place to turn except these two. They could feel the thoughts churning deep, hoping that the continued agreement would extend to more knowledge.

“Why don’t you ask him yourself?”

To be continued...

Into The Past Part VI

Carpenter crawled out of a venturi he was doing maintenance on, finally hearing the low alarms going off.

“What the..?” He wiped his hands on a greasy rag before reaching for a commlink that lay on the workbench.

“Carpenter to command, what’s the alert?”

Silence greeted him, nothing coming across except the alert signal through the headset.

“Carpenter to tech room, what’s the alert?”

Placing the headset back on, he finished dumping the tools from his pouches, heading for the access-way. Darn, he knew he’d be out of communications in the magazine, but didn’t realize he’d miss an alert!

The Colonel was going to be miffed.

Slapping the ID pad nearest the emergency entry, he slipped through, looking at the empty room and the alert lights switching to red for better vision, “Wait..where did..? No..nononono!”

He ran to the outer door, finding it locked, “Open the hatch! Open it! I need to get out!”

“I apologize Sergeant, I cannot. A Level Five has been commanded. All bulkheads and hatches have been sealed. ”

“I can’t stay in here!” He had to go, everything he knew was outside these walls!

“A Melconian fleet has broken through system defenses, it is now bombarding the planet. All Rocky Mountain redoubts have been ordered evacuated and sealed. You should not have been left behind.”

Carpenter knew where they’d gone, the sub-crustal bunkers, deeper into the earth, hoping to survive out the attack. A Level Five was last-ditch. Sealed like tombs.

“I..I was fixing a booster, inside the tube. Dammit, sensors must have missed me! Are we at least hitting back?”

“We are. Currently all AI and human defense systems are engaged in counter-space operations. Concordiat Fleet Units are exacting a heavy toll on the Melconians. Unfortunately, thirty percent of the earth’s surface is now uninhabitable for the foreseeable future from satellite scans.”

“Current casualty estimates stand at one point two three billion as of two minutes ago.”

He couldn’t help but slam down into a chair, wiping his face as the numbers became clear in his muddled mind. All those people.

“One point..oh god..” The Earth teemed with life, billions of humans supported by advanced technology, here and on the other planets of the solar system.

Time passed, he knew he felt a little crazy, knowing there was nothing to be done. That he was trapped here. He was listening to Muse helping with the defense of Earth, listening to her count off the tally of dead. Rising, ever rising.

“Just..stop.”

The pretty voices did so, leaving him alone in his misery.

“Chicken Tetrazzini, at least it says so on the packet here.” Carpenter lifted the covering, showing it to a camera facing him while he ate from the steaming plate in front of him.

Hefting a forkful, he gave it a wry glance, “I seriously doubt it was ever a chicken, nor even came near tetrazzini.” Stuffing it in his mouth he chewed for a moment, “Though a nice pizza would be good..yeah..” He swallowed quickly, “Sausage, all the veggies, cold slices of tomatoes on the side.”

“It does contain everything you’ll need to survive, Sergeant Carpenter.”

“Oh yes, that.” He finished another large chunk of food, “There’s a difference in surviving and living. Pizza is living..this,” He lifted the food once more to show the camera, “This..is surviving.”

“It has only been three weeks since the bombardment began, the food is ample and varied. It should not be a burden so soon.”

“But it’s not..it..” The slim human threw his hands up, “It’s just not pizza.”

“We will call for delivery as soon as we are able.”

The Sergeants’ eyes snapped up to a lens looking at him, “You getting snarky with me?”

“Of course not, we are only trying to be helpful.”

A fork pointed at the camera, “I’ve got my eye on you!”

“Yes, Sergeant.”

The dreams kept him alive, the mindscapes brought a varied pleasure to the formless void he was encased in. Sometimes, just for a moment, he would take a breath and then back into the gray nothingness, until the memories came once more.

“I think this is appropriate, really. It’s a work of art and should be displayed.” His hands were holding the armorglass case up, fitting it on the hook he had sealed to the wall.

“It is also priceless. One of very few pieces that have survived the centuries.”

“Oh shush, I’m not going to drop it.” He tightened a fitting, “There!” Stepping back he cocked his head to the right, then left, “That looks just fine, I think.”

A timeless smile was underneath the thick armor, in a neutral gas that would keep it preserved forever. A serene face with an expression that would make one wonder until their dying days graced the bare wall.

“Let’s get started on the others! We need some color in here.”

“Sergeant...Wyatt... Please be careful.” The lovely voices that made up the chorus were sounding worried.

“Will you stop. Good grief, it’s not like anyone is going to court martial me for hanging art.”

He had lost track of time, had it been a year? Two maybe? He didn’t keep count. But the crates were irresistible, holding things he would have never really looked at if he had been out and about. In this lonely place they had drawn him like a moth to a flame, making him wonder and marvel over the subtle lines of paintings, the curves and sculpted figures.

Gold and silver pieces of great antiquity lay on beds of velvet, jewels of a size no longer dug from the earth surrounded by wires of precious metals, holding them in place for kings and queens to wear or to show off.

Statues and delicate vases, small but powerfully done, graced newly made shelves to show them off. Placards, hand written, to give names and dates to each and every one. A museum remade in the vault.

There were fierce dragons carved in jade, a couple of eggs encrusted with jewels that were a delight when looked upon. So much beauty in one place, it was hard to take it all in.

Calliope and her sisters on the other hand...

“Would you please be careful with that! It is a Faberge of inestimable price!”

Wyatt held the jeweled oval in his hand, suddenly dropping it towards the floor and catching it at the last moment. He actually elicited a gasp from the watching AI.

“Whoops. Sorry bout that.” He grinned and placed it behind the transparent netting he’d installed on the shelves to keep anything from falling off.

“You..you..beast!”

“Oh, name calling now are we?”

“Damaging that, even in jest..it.. it.. Who knows what remains outside!”

“And it’s all mine!” He rubbed his hands together, “Muahahaha!” He raised his fists to the ceiling, laughing wildly as if some B-movie actor, “All miiiiiine!”

“There is something very wrong with you, Sergeant.”

“Mad? Are you calling me mad?” His face turned sly, “Some called me mad, but I wasn’t mad, I was only slightly mad then. But they kept saying it and I figured why not? I’ll be mad. Mad as a hatter! Mad as..”

“Will you please stop that. It is disturbing.”

Carpenter sighed, “Fine, can’t take a joke. Yeesh.” He turned back to the shelves, murmuring another ‘muahahaha’ under his breath.

“We heard that!”

Worlds enough and time. In this endless dreaming he remembered the good time, the laughter. Alone with an AI composed of three distinct, yet mingled voices, he learned from them, and they from him. They became so close in the days to come and beyond, the only ones left to their knowledge.

But it wasn’t always so good. There had been days, weeks and even months where he hadn’t quite gotten used to the fact that he was trapped. There would be no rescue.

Muse knew and understood, Calliope and her voices would gently remind him. If only he’d listened more.

“What are you doing Sergeant?”

The figure was sitting at a desk, printing out sheets on paper that contained numbers in an ordered fashion, “Making a calender, gotta mark the days until I’m out of here don’t you know.”

Calliope and the other intelligences, collectively called Muse, watched him closely through the cameras, “Sergeant, please, believe us when we say there is nothing left. What satellites are left in orbit are feeding us information, there isn’t any part of the earth that..”

“I don’t care! Someone will come!” Carpenter turned around, face haggard, unwashed, growing beard scraggly and unkempt. His normally clean uniform dirty and ragged now, “Someone will know, someone will be here. They’ll get me out of this.” He slammed a tool on one edge of the sheets, fusing them together to make a booklet of sorts.

“I’ve got the time now. It might be days, months, could even be a year, but they’ll come.”

“We’ll keep perfect time for you Wyatt, our isotope clocks are to the femtosecond.”

“No. No, I think you’re lying to me. We haven’t been down here that long, I know we haven’t!”

“We would not lie to you.”

“How do I know that? It’s just me and you! You’ve got command of everything while I just sit here!”

“Sergeant, it has been two years since the bombardment. There have been no signals, even on Hyper-Light and SWIFT channels. It is silent.”

“You’re LYING!” A finger pointed unsteadily at a quiet camera, “I know you’re lying! You always lie!”

“Please, calm down. You are rapidly becoming unstable. The auto-doc can help you sleep if you let it.” Muse was being reasonable, calm. She did not wish to lose Sergeant Carpenter to psychological problems after so long. They had become deeply attached to the young man.

Carpenter stood up abruptly, heading for the shelves, “I am not unstable! I know where I am, who I am! I’m Sergeant Wyatt Carpenter, serial number 854-002-487, 451st Engineering and Weapons Brigade!” A filthy hand reached out and grabbed a jade warrior off the shelf, intending to throw it against the wall, “I KNOW WHO I AM!”

“NO!”

The almost scream shocked him out of his rage, looking around and at the carved figurine that held millenia of history. He blinked, rubbing at one eye as he stood on wobbly legs, his body telling him he hadn’t slept in days.

“I..Muse?” Most times, he called them collectively by Muse, as they were named after the Muses of old. The voices that taught and comforted, now brought him back to reality.

“Please do not throw it. A thing of beauty you admired does not need to be destroyed.”

Wyatt looked around the room, seeing the only place he’d known for..two...years? Was it? Two long years hoping for rescue that he knew deep inside would never come.

“How long?”

“You have not had much sleep in over a week. Your body is suffering. Your mind needs the rest.”

Shaky hands gently replaced the figure on the shelf, trying to repair unsuccessfully the netting that held it there before they dropped to his sides.

“I...guess I better get some sleep, huh?” His eyes wouldn’t meet any of the cameras, staring at the floor as he plucked at the front of his uniform.

"Please, Wyatt. It would do you a world of good.” It would also allow the ‘doc to adjust his body chemistry as best it could, calming him.

A hand waved as he moved off, “See you later then.”

“Sleep well.”

It hadn’t been the last time, oh no. But he had learned to recognize the symptoms and took action to make sure he didn’t lose it completely. He taught himself to draw, to write poetry. He listened to music, being tutored by the finest teacher in the world brought a whole new understanding of what it was.

Reading was beyond just stories now, it was a deeper world when he and Calliope with her chorus had discussed novels with him.

Occasionally he entered into her world through neural linkup, to visit, to share a glass of something refreshing and pretend, for just a few hours, that there was something other than the vault. The three ladies that greeted him made him feel as if he were normal, not living in a box under what remained of the Earth. It wasn’t anything bad, but they were friends, learning from each other.

Those were precious memories, ones he delighted in dreaming off when the instants that let him do so came.

“You want to go where?” Calliope’s voice was astonished at the request. They had been sitting outside in the sunlight with Thalia and Aoide, enjoying a talk about the latest book they’d read.

“Disneyland.” Carpenter was leaning back in the sun-warmed chair, “I never got to go when I was a kid. They updated everything with new tech and all that, I heard it was so cool.”

“Oh, that sounds like such fun!” Thalia was the first to react, knowing of the wonderful theme park from the data files she and her sisters shared.

“I’m not too sure..”

“We have the power supplies for it, we’re not having to stint are we?” The Sergeants voice was raised against the traffic from the nearby road.

“We do, but surely there must be something else? An amusement park?” She had always been prone to simple things, no crowds, no places except quiet ones.

“Nope. Let’s go there.” He leaned back, placing a forearm across his face as if in despair, “Otherwise I shall retreat to my lonely space, forevermore alone and knowing I could have gone to Space Mountain! Oh, woe is me!”

Aoide leaned over, “You’re getting pretty good at that.” The second voice of the muse was another lady whose face never seemed to have a frown on it, along with Thalia.

He whispered out the side of his mouth, “Is it working?”

“She’s glaring really hard.”

“Damn.”

“Yep, she heard you.”

Removing the arm he rolled his head to the right, seeing the diminutive Calliope staring at him, eyes narrowed, “Soooo.. Disneyland’s out huh?”

Thalia laughed, nudging her sister, “C’mon Calliope, it’d be fun.”

“I will not be manipulated.”

Carpenter’s face took on a look of mock-shock, “I resent that remark! I am not manipulative, I am just a simple technician longing for the days of popcorn and cotton candy!” He leaned over, getting close to Calliope who was looking in a huff, “Hot dogs with lots of relish, and yes, pizza.”

“Stop it.”

“All the rides! Roller coasters! Null-g flips and flops!”

“Stop it.”

“Ohhhh...” He clasped hands together in front of his chest, “You can meet the Seven Dwarves! Stinky, Stupid, Pusher, Pudgy..”

“Stop it!” Calliope sighed while Thalia and Aoide laughed out loud, “That’s not their names anyway.”

Calliope threw her hands in the air, “Fine! Disneyland it is!”

Cheers greeted her announcement.

Could he say it was the best day? One of the few, definitely that. When he’d released himself from the neural hookup he could still feel the wind and sun on his face, the smell of salt air from the sea. His could swear fingers had the lingering odor of real butter from the popcorn and the sugary tang of cotton candy. Which, by the way, Calliope and her sisters devoured by the pound.

His throat still felt raw from the yelling on the rides, the greeting of people in the park. Oh, so many people made by Muse just for him so they wouldn’t be alone.

He knew it was all illusion, but for just that one day it was as real as it could get.

He smiled, still sleeping and tired from so many years. But that day and many more brought it back again and again, even when he was sure he didn’t dream, he thought his face frozen in delight.

So many..

A voice intruded,something he’d not heard before. Different somehow, strange. But it was his dream and he was allowed.

Athena snapped back into her avatar, her hull and cores responding to check signals and declaring all green. Lavender eyes looked about the room and seeing nothing different. It had only been minutes, long minutes inside a world of wonder.

“Calliope?”

“Yes?”

“How can we ask him ourselves?”

“Secrets were kept, even through the worst times we would never reveal what we held close to us. Be kind, and know he is loved beyond all else by us..me.”

“I don’t understand where...”

Crusader’s voice came online.

“I am here Athena. My apologies for the delay.”

A crack appeared, running up the side wall of what had looked before like solid durasteel. Puffs of neutral gasses purged through it as the opening widened before her eyes. Bars withdrew into the sides, unlocking with chunks and slams of hidden mechanisms that had held tight through so many long years. Seals broke, purging the atmosphere inside whatever it was, a slight breeze told of fresh air being sucked into the void.

“Are you seeing this?” Athena’s voice held a trace of awe, seeing the wall begin to slide back slightly, then retreat into a hidden recess.

“I am. It appears more was saved than a single room and offices.”

“I’ll say!"

An opening two meters wide appeared to be the limit as the concealed door crashed to a halt inside the wall. The hum of fan motors brought with it a stiff wind from the inside, switching stale gasses for fresh and new air from the outside.

Lights flickered, dimmed, then were brought to a warm fullness. They illuminated things that Athena wanted to see, taking a step forward. She stopped herself, looking back at the cameras.

“May I?”

“Please.”

Stepping forward a few lengths more, she saw the wall was unusually thick, more of a blast door than a secret hiding place. Beyond it..was a large room, branching into a series of side rooms off the central one. She could see shelves, stored crates, tools, many other things she hadn’t known except in her colony supplies.

The one thing she did immediately recognize was the silvery glare of a stasis bubble. It was flickering as well, telling her it was failing.

“The stasis was flickering each time we awoke. Having to reinforce and renew it took a little power. Our cells, meant to last almost forever, drained faster than we’d thought.”

“That’s why the power drain off the auxiliaries,” Athena sent a command to her hull, bringing tech spiders to life and loading another vehicle with cells, enough to power this vault for years. But just one stasis bubble couldn’t possibly account for the entire drain.

“More are on the way.”

“Thank you.”

The bubble snapped, fizzled and died, popping out of existence as if it never was. An auto-doc lay inside the perimeter of it, the stasis machinery looking jury rigged and very flimsy.

“We had no stasis, nothing. But we managed. It was only a small one, and after many years it worked. But by then.. “

“I understand.” Her cores felt a pang of loss, knowing she would probably find the lifeless form of a human who had spent his life here with Calliope, Muse as the sisters were called. She didn’t wish to see it, but felt at least that duty required it. Her next sad thought was that perhaps the AI had gone into a loop, depression, the loss of a companion.

Her eyes ran over the readouts, making her stop. Reading them again she flipped around, “Are these current? Not an old log?”

“Yes.”

A smile broke across her face as she sent a message through the commlink, “Crusader, he’s alive!”

To be continued...

Into The Past Part VII

“Wait...what now?” Twilight was looking at Athena in puzzlement, “What do you mean...?”

“He’s alive. A living, breathing, human from our era is right here!”

Athena had paused what she was doing after seeing the medical readouts on the auto-doc. Hurrying up to where everypony waited, she informed them of what had happened, receiving surprised, even shocked looks.

Luna was exchanging glances with her sister, “Would we get to meet him? Truly, it would be something special.”

“Oh, yes. Yes. Calliope and I want you all there. We’ll have to take it slow, the world is not what he remembers. So please, be very gentle.”

Everyone turned and eyed Pinkie who was listening intently to everything. She caught the looks, “What?”

Rarity lay a hooficured hoof on a fuchsia shoulder, “Pinkie, darling, we know you get excited, but now may not be the time.”

“I got it, I got it.” She kept smiling to herself though, planning something as always.

“So, that Calliope ain’t mad at us anymore?”

Athena turned to Applejack, “After what Sombra did, I’m amazed she even talked to me.”

Princess Celestia nodded, “If we’d only known, perhaps we..” She was halted in her apology by Athena’s smile.

“She knows, we’ve told her all about you, what you’ve done keeping ponies safe. She knows.” The sable Pegasus sighed, “But she is becoming unstable herself, she may have..moments.... where she lashes out, so please, don’t hold them against her.”

“Is there anything we can do?” Rainbow, always wanting to help.

“We’re doing what we can through programming. Her..codes... are very odd and I am not sure if we can do much but keep her alive for a while longer. We just don’t know.”

Twilight was looking thoughtful, “Is he like the ones on the other side of the mirror?”

“Kind of. But in his society there were no Cutie Marks, no magic. It was all technology and science.” Athena looked at all of them, “One last thing. He’s old. He lived his life out in the vault and towards the end they cobbled together a stasis field that would let him survive or maybe be rescued much later.”

Pinkie looked a bit sad, “He must have been lonely.”

“Sometimes, but you’ve been in neural linkup, he had a way to escape for a while.”

Athena hurried on, “We’re going to wake him slowly. I’ll be there to introduce myself along with Calliope. He’ll listen to her. Then once we get him up and around, I’ll introduce you all, is that okay?”

Fluttershy raised a hoof, “Do you think he’ll like us?” Meaning not just them, but ponies in general.

Crusader’s voice came through the links, “I think he will come to like you as we have.”

Athena’s lavender eyes glanced around once more, “We ready?” She watched everyone nod, “Let’s go.”

The group waited in the outer vault, getting comfortable as Athena entered the interior room that had been revealed. She saw a living area, comfortable, only just, a cot for a bed, stacks of supplies in rooms off the central one and not much else.

She looked over the small workbench, seeing drawings of faces and places she didn’t know, but done so well they were almost like photographs. The penciled lines showing a detail she hadn’t thought possible. Colored chalks had been used to bring out the flush of skin, a glint of an eye, rain-washed streets. She recognized the place as his, an office, a workspace. He’d probably done all his paperwork here too when doing his job.

Calliope’s voice was warm, “He learned to draw. Once he had become proficient he worked hard to go beyond simple things.”

“They’re lovely.”

“He drew friends, colleagues, places of his imagination. He said it gave him freedom beyond these walls.”

“They’re so well preserved. You thought ahead.”

“We tried. He would have been upset had he awoken to find his things decayed from the ravages of time.”

A beep and some long tones from the auto-doc attracted her attention, “It’s time?”

“Yes.”

A voice, lovely and low. Dulcet tones reached his ears and he smiled once more. He inhaled deeply, feeling the fresh air once more. His lips were dry, throat barren as a straw bumped into his mouth, providing a quick drink to wet the parched tissues. Enough so he could swallow without pain.

“Take it easy Sergeant.”

A sweet voice, coming from the side as he opened his eyes. Vision still good after so long as one hand raised to grip the side of the auto-doc and raise himself up.

“Slowly now, don’t strain yourself.”

“Are..” The voice cracked at first, then gained strength, “Are you rescue? Finally?”

“In a way.”

He couldn’t see who was talking. It was taking him a minute or so to get his bearings. He could spy the soft lights, ones he’d lived under for so many years, still comforting. The air was warm, small puffs from the recirculating fans making their way across his body.

“Who..are... You Concordiat?”

“I am Unit ATNA of the Line. Please, call me Athena.”

“A..a Bolo?”

“Take some more water Sergeant. I’m afraid there’s a little explanation to be had. You might wish to take it very slowly.”

“To the devil with that! It’s about..*cough*.. time you lazy bastards got here!” He lifted himself up, still strong, still able to, bringing his upper half out of the auto-doc in a shaky move. He felt something gentle helping him from behind, pushing up against his back.

Long unused muscles ached as he turned to look, a large pair of the prettiest lavender eyes he’d ever seen staring back out of a light sable face. A smile gracing a mouth which was very different from anything he’d ever seen.

Years of life made him not easily surprised, he still had his wits about him, “You sure don’t look like any Bolo I ever saw. Little small aren’t you?”

The laugh he received in turn was full, rich and music to his ears.

“I assure you Sergeant, this is only a part of me. My hull is parked outside.”

“Well, then! Let’s get out of here and see what the world has to offer! I hope they still have pizza after the puppies got through with everything, because I have to tell you I have a mean desire for one.” The older man made to get out of the auto-doc, but was stopped by that same gentle push on his chest. Looking down, he saw that the thing that called itself Athena had already switched positions, faster than he could take in, and was keeping him in place.

“Sergeant, there are a few things that must be explained first. Would you put your commset on?”

He got a better look at her now, easy to tell by the voice. A muzzle with a smile that never left, wide eyes that were liquid and sincere. A mane and ...tail? That were elegantly done up to present the best possible picture.

“Are you..a horse?”

“Pony.”

“A..pony. Really now?” The skeptical look made the laughter come again. He really couldn’t mind it, it sounded so good to his ears.

“Really. Please, your commset?”

He reached over, taking the headset off the table where it had lain who knows how long and snugged it over the short cut hair, making sure the ear piece was in place along with the boom microphone.

“There we go.” Carpenter looked expectantly at the..pony.

“The world has changed Sergeant..”

“Call me Wyatt, please.”

A nod of the head, “Wyatt, then. The world is very different. You’ve been asleep far longer than you thought.”

“Listen to her please, Wyatt. She is telling the truth.”

“Calliope? Oh god, it’s so nice to hear you! Are Aoide and Thalia there too?” A look of relief graced the strong face, memories flooding back.

“No. I’m afraid much has happened, but we will explain all that at a further time. Listen to Athena.”

Athena looked up at a camera sharply for a moment, wishing that had been left until later. Too many shocks could be bad.

“What’s going on then? There’s a..a..” A hand waved around, searching for the word.

Athena grinned, “Pony.”

“...Pony in my living space here.” He peered at the smiling shape, “And she speaks damn good Standard.”

“You never obeyed instructions before and even now. I told you, listen to Athena.”

Hands raised in surrender, Carpenter smiled, “Yes. I understand. Listen to the..pony.”

“Sergeant...Wyatt.. I’ll be blunt. You’ve slept for a long time, possibly millions of years, we’re not quite sure of anything when it comes to the timeline.” Athena was sitting across from him as he clambered out of the ‘doc.

“There are no more humans, the Concordiat does not exist anymore.”

This stopped him from moving, he sat down on the edge of the machine he’d previously been in and just looked at the alien being who’d made that pronouncement.

“You’re serious?”

“Very. I was found by another Bolo, Unit CRSD of the Line, Crusader. He had been awakened some time before he knew I existed. It is a very different world Sergeant. One which you may have problems understanding.”

“How long then?”

“We are not sure, but enough time has elapsed that a new race has come into being. Whether by a shift in the nature of what we knew as reality, or by natural occurrence, we don’t know.” A hoof pointed at him, “Because of the bombardment, and the cutting off of this little redoubt in the Rockies, you may very well be the last.”

A hand wandered up to the pleasant face, wiping downwards with a slow movement.

“Ain’t that a kicker.”

Athena remained silent while watching him process the information. She flicked on a link to Calliope on the side.

“He is older than you warned of, could stasis failing during the long sleep have led to him aging before you could reinforce the field?”

A sadness permeated the reply, “It appears so. We thought the field inviolate, that it would function even when flickering. Stasis was commonly used on equipment as you know, but scientists were still studying the effects on living tissues.”

“We will monitor his condition through the headset commlink. It can give us readouts on his health while we fashion a bracelet for him. The ‘doc has kept him stable though.”

“It was all we could do while he lived. We did not have access to nanite storage nor the ability to create any. The medical nanos had to be carefully husbanded to keep him alive. We used all ensitive equipment that could be spared to make more, cameras, electronics we no longer needed.”

“I can take him into my hull, give him a full diagnostic workup. We can’t reset the clock, but perhaps we can make him a little more comfortable.”

“It is all I can ask.”

“No need to. You trusted us and we will not break it in any way.”

“Thank you.”

“So, what do we do now, Pony-that’s-a-Bolo?” Carpenter was grinning at her.

“You are accepting all this a little too well.” She was sounding amused, “That’s not exactly what we were ready for.”

The Sergeant grinned, waving a hand at the surroundings, “What? Want me to panic? I can do that real well. Run around screaming, flapping my arms, yelling ‘The End is Nigh” at the top of my lungs?” He reached over, grabbing a cane that had sat in the same place, leaning against a small desk near the cot for longer than she’d been alive. He gripped it firmly and stood up, looking quite dapper in the wrinkled uniform he had slept in, there being no other clothing but battle utilities.

A giggle came from both Calliope and Athena. Athena could tell she was going to like this human.

“No, not exactly. There is a delegation waiting to meet you in the outer vault. The Princesses Luna and Celestia, co-rulers of this country are there, Princess Cadence and her husband, of the Crystal Empire, which we are in..er..under..and a more recent ascended Princess, Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship.”

“Few more Princesses you’ll have a killer baseball team.”

Athena couldn’t help it, she laughed. One of the most honest ones she’d ever had. Calliope was giggling up a storm at the snarky comment.

“It seems the Sergeant is in fine fettle.”

“Who’s that?” Green eyes looked around the room as Athena shook her head.

“Wyatt, may I introduce Unit CRSD of the Line, Crusader.”

“It is very much my honor to meet you, Sergeant Carpenter.”

“The other Bolo? You things seem to be popping up everywhere.”

Lavender eyes rolled at the statement, it seems the Sergeant had quite the wit about him.

“Not really. He is down in a place called Ponyville where we reside. It is our base of operations for Equestria.”

“Equestria?”

“The name of the country, the land where we are. Encompassing the Crystal Empire and surrounding domains.”

He stared at her for a moment, looking as if he was about to ask if she was pulling his leg with these names, but decided to let it go.

“Fair enough.”

“The delegation does not speak Concordiat Standard, I will be doing a simultaneous translation through your headset. You may hear in stereo or a duplicate of voices for a moment until it synchs up. Is that all right?”

“Sounds good to me.” He tightened his grip on the cane, flexing his legs for a moment and stretching. It felt good to be moving, to be breathing, not lost in a world of dreams that flickered in and out. The cane was an affectation as he got older in the vault, feeling the need to have just a little support as he aged. Now though, he did need the bracing.

“Are you feeling well?” Athena’s voice sounded concerned.

“I am. I’m alive and that’s what counts.”

“I know it is not the rescue you hoped for, but it’s something.”

The tall human sighed, “I think after a while, deep down, I knew it wasn’t going to happen. There were bad moments, some hopeful ones, a lot of time spent thinking. But maybe..well..not maybe.. I knew I would be down here until the end.”

Calliope’s voice came over the loudspeaker and headset, “I am so sorry Wyatt.”

A hand was waved, cutting her off, “There isn’t anything to be sorry about. I lived a good life with you, Muse. It was more, so much more than the rest of humanity on Earth had at the end.”

Ponies aren’t small, they really aren’t. They’re not as tall as a fully grown human, but they are a presence. It didn’t take much for Wyatt to lean down and catch Athena’s ear.

“Just let me know one thing, just one.”

“Anything Sergeant! I am at your command!”

“Tell me they have good beer?”

Princess Celestia waited with baited breath. She looked at the others talking in low tones as they awaited Athena out in the vault. Her eyes took in the unfamiliar yet recognizable things in the room. The screens, chairs, desks and tables. Crates with treasures in them and so many things she’d love to explore.

Luna was staring at a painting on the wall, tilting her head left to right and peering intensely at it. It contained what looked to be a town in a valley, the sky filled with whorls and swirls of pigment. It fairly glowed under the soft lighting in a glass-like case. The colors, vivid and striking, trapped the eye.

“What is it Luna?”

“I..am not sure.”

“It is very pretty.”

“It is. I find myself quite drawn to it for some odd reason.”

“Is there a name or title somewhere?”

“There is, but I am afraid I cannot read it. It is in Standard as Athena calls it.” Her eyes slipped back up to the painting, Celestia’s eyes followed hers as they both gazed at it.

“Perhaps we should tear ourselves away. We do have a meeting in a moment.” She had heard laughter from inside the room, sensing that it was time to make ready.

“Of course.” Luna followed her back to the waiting group, but couldn’t help glancing back to the strange, yet wonderful picture upon the wall.

She wished she could read the placard underneath it, written in a flowing script it contained words Luna was not familiar with. She would ask Athena to translate as soon as possible.

Luna was nudged by a wing, turning to see Athena in the doorway with a tall figure. Straight and lean it held a cane gripped tight by..a..hand? Topped by a gray mane, it didn’t look as old as it should with such hair. The eyes were bright, a warm smile graced it’s face.

This is what Athena and Crusader had called a human. So different, yet, she did not find it too unappealing. Much like the dreams she helped Athena with, the human had a certain dignity about him.

There was no muzzle, the face flat, but handsome in its own way. It stood on two appendages, the upper ones leaning on the cane that helped it stand. Luna could do nothing but gaze at the figure in a mottled uniform of some kind, not knowing what to say.

Sergeant Wyatt Carpenter didn’t know what to expect. He was talking with a..a Pony that declared itself to be part of a Bolo that was parked outside. Not only that, the names of these places had a distinctly humorous flavor to him. They seemed to be serious, so he would do his best to be a proper soldier.

So many years. He’d lived a long life, and now a rescue of sorts would introduce him to a new world. What more could a single human ask for?

He followed the sable form out of the hidden door, still good and tight after what they’d said was eons. He wasn’t sure, but Muse had never lied to him.

As he took the turn he was confronted by forms that were sitting on what looked to be large cushions among the desks he remembered. So many colors, bright and vivid they struck his eye like the new sun. He was entranced, almost dumbstruck.

A tall, white ...pony was wearing a necklace of sorts, and a crown. Her mane blowing in a wind that he didn’t feel, the colors so striking. Her eyes were soft and the smile... That smile reminded him of something but he couldn’t quite grasp what it was and so moved on. She had a..is that a horn? Wings? On a ..pony..what was this? He looked at his escort, noticing she too had wings. How had he missed that?

Another darker form was the exact same, only slightly smaller and with wings and a horn as well. She too wore a crown of sorts, and a chest piece with the crescent moon upon it. Her eyes were bright as she smiled at something the taller one said.

He couldn’t quite make out the words, but the translation was starting to come through. He heard them very clearly, the voices, from every single one were like nothing he’d come across. Maybe they didn’t hear like he did, or the ranges were different. To him they were as sweet as spring water. Cool and close, a myriad of tones that were heaven to his ears. He’d spent so long with the sounds of four voices, including his, that he’d forgotten what it was like.

He didn’t know what to say or do. Seeing a pastel colored one with a mane of striped colors flowing down her neck, sitting beside a bulkier one that looked to be male. It was a new world, he wasn’t going to assume.

Others crowded beside them, from an orange one with golden blonde hair to a rainbow colored mane on a bright cyan one with wings. He understood colors, having learned years ago to draw and paint. But this, was truly amazing.

Athena stood watching Wyatt for a moment, wondering what was going on as his eyes widened, his face taking a look of pure surprise and delight.

She shifted her visual spectrum into human norm, the limited visibility coming up quickly on her eyes. She turned to look at the gathered group and almost dropped her jaw in shock. She’d never viewed them before like this, always through sensor clusters or eyes that mimicked ponies’ own. They did not have the organic facilities to truly copy the sight of humans, but it was enough to give her a glimpse of what he now saw.

This, however, was something new.

They almost glowed in her sight. The colors so normal to her were now something out of the ordinary. Ponies shone like the color they were was the only one in the spectrum. Celestia was a white that had never even been dreamed of, so pure and simple it struck the mind like a sledgehammer.

Luna was not only a deeper shade of blue, but had turned into a night sky of her own. The stars in her mane glowed as individual suns in the flowing wave that stretched behind her.

Each and every one stood out to the eye in ways that had never been glimpsed, much less imagined. Cutie Marks were not just simple prints anymore, but almost a holographic representation on the flanks of these ponies. Fooling the eyes and seeming to pop right off the coat underneath. They shone and glittered with each movement.

Athena blinked, recording everything. Why had they never thought of doing this before? She could only imagine what the real eyes of Sergeant Carpenter saw.

Princess Celestia stood up, stepping forward on light hooves as she smiled at Wyatt.

“It is an honor to have you here. Welcome to Equestria.” The regal head gave a short bow.

Wyatt listened, hearing the words and almost understanding them but the translation came through crystal clear even as he tried to catch what she was saying.

The Sergeant straightened, his uniform bare of anything but his name tag, still neat and trim as he came to attention, “I’m not sure how to greet you, but the honor is mine, Your Highness.”

A gleaming gold clad hoof lifted as Celestia listened to the translation coming through her own link, “We usually touch hooves Sergeant.” Being prompted by Athena as to address.

Athena nudged Wyatt, “Make a fist and gently bump her hoof.”

He eyed her for a moment before doing so, reaching out and gently pressing his fist against her outstretched hoof. He was assured he’d done right seeing the smile grow wider as Celestia stood and turned slightly.

“May I make the introductions?” At a nod from Wyatt she continued.

“This is my sister Luna, Co-Ruler of Equestria.”

The darker form came forward with a brilliant smile and bright eyes, “‘Tis truly a pleasure to meet you.”

“And you, Your Highness.”

Luna nodded to him and stepped back in line with her sister.

“This is Princess Cadence and her husband Shining Armor, they are the current rulers of the Crystal Empire, that which is above all this.”

A beautiful slim pony came forward, accompanied by a bulkier one, no less handsome. In Wyatt’s eyes they were both wonderfully different. Colors so lustrous and warm. It was all he could do to keep from staring outright.

“A pleasure Sergeant Carpenter. We welcome you to the Crystal Empire and Equestria.”

Shining stepped forward, “Glad to have you!” Offering a hoof to be bumped as Cadence nudged him, a fretful look on her face.

“Shining!”

Wyatt chuckled, leaning down and giving the offered appendage a solid and from the sound of the thump, strong return on Shining’s greeting.

“Glad to be here.”

Cadence sighed, “I can’t take him anywhere.”

Laughter broke the tension, what there was of it. Wyatt smiled, knowing the interplay between the couple that would have been familiar in any residence on Earth.

“This is our newest Princess, Twilight Sparkle.”

Wyatt watched as a lavender form detached itself from a group of five more, looking up at him with violet eyes full of wonder and so many questions.

“It is such a pleasure to meet you!”

“My honor, Princess.”

“Twilight, please.” She rolled those same eyes at the chuckles behind her, knowing her friends reactions as she did.

A hoof swept backward, “These are my friends, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack and Pinkie Pie.”

Pointing to each one as they were named, the called pony stepping forward with a nod or smile for the soldier. The greetings in voices that seemed as if musical notes flowed from throats, the language not a sing-song but perfect in each word and syllable. It was a language that he could almost understand, some words matching with Concordiat Standard, but others a total mystery until the translation came through.

He greeted each one with all the honesty and solemnity that he could muster. Not for the reason he may have been the only representative of a race long gone, but because they deserved it. He saw the smiles, the colorful eyes that showed the same wondering look he assuredly had on his face.

The bright pink pony, with a mane of curls that bounced as she walked up to him, smile gracing the pretty face and blue eyes that crinkled with delight. A hoof went up, holding a slim box.

“A gift for you!” Her voice was the measure of another beautiful song.

He leaned down, not very far, as was mentioned before, ponies do measure up. He took the box gently and realized it was very warm and a familiar smell was coming from it.

Carpenter opened the box and looked on in surprise at the pizza that lay there, cheese still melting, covered in vegetables and other succulent things that made his taste buds tremble, his mouth almost watered.

Athena glanced at Twilight who was looking back at the others, seeing shrugs and helpless looks. None of them had even seen her leave the room, much less return with the box.

The Sergeant grinned, he couldn’t help it, “How did you even..” But was halted in the question by Athena’s hoof on his leg.

Her lavender eyes held a tint of humor about them, “Don’t ask. Seriously, do not ask.”

“But it’s..I mean..”

“I know. Ponies, plus Crusader and I, have tried to figure her out.” She quoted a long ago phrase from a poem popular at the time of the Final War, “Along that path lies a madness of the soul, brave traveler, seek not that which is unknowable.”

“I will take your word then.” Kneeling down on the hard floor with one leg, he looked at the happy eyes staring back.

“You don’t know how much this means to me.”

Pinkie’s face grew warm, “I had a feeling.”

He offered a closed fist to bump her hoof like he’d been shown, only to watch her move at a speed he hadn’t thought possible.

Immediately Sergeant carpenter was enveloped by the softness of a coat that was like the finest silk, two legs wrapped around his neck with a strength he knew was far beyond what he imagined. The soft scent of sugar and other gentle odors brought back memories of the days when his mother baked in the kitchen.

He let the box down on the floor and wrapped one arm around the muscular neck in return, a soft cheek lay against his, pressing tightly. Lips brushed against his skin as the wonderful voice whispered in his ear, “Welcome to Equestria.”

The sincerity in those few words made him close his eyes, not wanting to let go. He sighed, releasing the hold he had around her neck and leaned back. Pinkie, however, didn’t want to let go. Hugging him close for a few seconds longer before stepping back herself.

His voice almost cracked as he whispered, “You, are something very special. You all are.”

In return he heard another whisper, “So are you.”

His back twinged with a little pain as he leaned back, standing up and looking at those liquid blue eyes, “Thank you for the gift.”

“I think, if you were to enjoy that properly, might we all retire to a meal?” Celestia’s voice was as serene as her look.

“That would be a wonderful idea.”

Up in the banquet hall, servants gaped at the tall figure that slowly walked with the group of ponies. Trying to answer questions as fast as he could, coming from the lavender one, or comments made by others. The sight of the multi-colored maned one flying beside him kept reminding him he was not in the world he knew any longer.

Calliope had continued talking to him through relays set up by Athena, peering out of his headset and into the wider world of the Crystal Castle that sat above their abode.

His eyes took in everything they could. The statues, guards standing at attention around the hallways, the castle itself made of luminous formations that dazzled his eyes until Athena had a tech spider bring in a pair of wraparound shades, allowing them to relax.

He found himself setting on a thick, comfortable cushion, seeing all the others arranged just so, lying on their sides as they sat around a thick table. It sat low on purpose, so ponies could relax while chatting and having a meal. Crossing his legs he sat as best he could, Athena at his side and laying in such a way he could use her for support without anyone noticing.

Spike was there as well, asking questions as only he could and seeing the wonder on the humans’ face as he laid eyes on a real, honest to goodness, talking dragon.

The castle staff were normally unseen and performed their jobs without a hitch. However, this was something so new it had them almost stumbling while bringing out a tea service. No one minded, in fact they encouraged them to speak to the tall figure and say hello.

They didn’t know what to expect, hearing a voice as warm and gentle as could be coming from the strange figure. His eyes were bright and filled with wonder as he took in the Crystal Ponies, seeing them shine in the light from overhead and accepting their greetings with all the dignity he could.

A cup of steaming tea was set before him by a maid, her smile making him feel warm inside as he took the delicate container in both hands, breathing in the scent of something soothing and comforting.

“Tea, Earl Grey, hot.” He murmured.

Athena’s head snapped around as her eyes locked on him, “You did not just say that.”

“I did. I was a huge fan of the reruns and the new series they came out with when they rebooted it for the umpteenth time.”

“Of all the humans in the world, we get you.” They were speaking in Standard, as the others listened through their links.

“That’s not a bad thing,” He stopped when a pretty maid offered him rolls from a lovely crystal basket.

He nodded, bringing his hand up and down with almost a chopping movement, the first two fingers pointing outward as if directing something “Engage.”

The gathered ponies didn’t understand why Athena, and then Wyatt, laughed so loud.

A feast to delight was served. The servants, charmed by this visitor, brought out the very best spelled plates and dinnerware. The table was covered in a shining cloth, crystal platters with magic laid on them to keep dinner fresh and hot were set out alongside tableware.

Pitchers, also spelled, with juices from grapes and berries, cider and wines from the finest Empire vineyards were dripping with condensation as they chilled their contents. Set out on large chafing dishes to the side were fine vegetables and viands that could be found at the moment, fresh off the farmer’s stands, they were roasted, grilled and sauteed with sauces that tickled the palate.

The pizza was given it’s own covered dish, keeping it hot as Wyatt enjoyed each piece. He did ask about the availability of soy products or even meats, and was told it was a vegetarian society.

He wasn’t too dismayed, as Athena had tech spiders deliver some piping hot soy products from her own stores. The watching ponies seeing the human eat with gusto a faux hamburger, and remembering their own prank with them, proceeded to tell the soldier about what had happened when they convinced others that they were eating a cow, which in this land were sentient.

Athena had to slap the Sergeants back a few times when he choked from laughing so hard. Sharing everything Athena had brought with all the gathered ponies, even the servants were invited to partake, creating a stir of ideas for new recipes.

The intimate dinner was more of a small party as the laughter continued for some hours. Athena sharing tales of Crusader and her problems with this land, their efforts to overcome programming.

They saw his face light up when the Battle for the Everfree was told to him. A thing out of somewhere, forced back and out of this world by the might of magic and Bolo firepower. The times when they stood for the ponies and did whatever they needed to.

He lay a hand along Athena’s withers, leaning down and whispering to her alone, “You’ve done well, Athena. If I were your commander, I couldn’t be prouder of you or Crusader.”

Her eyes brightened as she sat taller on her cushion, “We..we’re just doing what we thought was right.” She felt a warmth in her breast and through her cores, over the commlink as Crusader listened she could tell he was feeling the same.

“I was only a tech, but I always remembered what my parents told me. Do the best you can with what you have.”

Athena nodded, “But..there’s so much we have to tell you.”

He smiled down at her, shaking his head, “You don’t have to tell me anything. I’m just a Sergeant, a tech who did..maintenance... on things. Nothing more.”

A silken napkin was used to clean his hands as he kept talking, “We’ll talk, I promise, if you really want to. But tell me, there’s really magic here? Like hocus-pocus magic?” He pointed to the pitchers hovering just above the table from an attentive servants’ magic, “Or is this just a trick?”

Athena laughed, “Not quite the same, but yes. Magic is everywhere, it permeates even the land.” She pointed, seeing Rarity use her own to lift the teapot, pouring another cupful.

“That’s..just amazing.”

“That’s what we thought.”

The subject of magic brought out the worst in Twilight as she tried to explain everything, only being held back by her friends and a gentle word or two from Princess Celestia. They all knew her predilection and tried to temper it with other things, stories, tales from around the country, what the Elements of Harmony were.

But Sergeant Carpenter took everything in, all so new, so different. He’d always been a secret fan of the science fiction shows, the fantasies. He’d never dreamed in a..heh..million years he’d see something of it come to life.

He stayed silent, listening to the wonderful voices and understanding more through translation, when Princess Luna leaned forward.

“Sergeant Carpenter? Is there anything you’d like? We’ve been so busy telling tales, that you barely speak.”

He stared at the empty plates, the watching eyes, for a moment. Finally lifting his eyes and asking the most honest thing he could.

“Can I go outside?”

Surprised eyes shared a look as they all realized they had missed the obvious. Spending his life, most of it, in an enclosed space; they had never thought twice that perhaps he would like some fresh air, or see the outside of the castle they were currently in.

It turned into a fire drill.

Cadence ordered the castle staff to make sure the Crystal Gardens were cleared, as they did not wish to overtax their visitor. The employees, having been charmed by the gracious guest, strove to do their best, rushing off in panic mode.

Luna and Celestia could only watch as the table was cleared in a hurry, ponies scattering about suddenly to make sure everything was just right for the walk in the gardens that adjoined the castle. They had to leave as well, evening was coming on and it was almost time to perform their duties in lowering the sun, raising the moon.

Twilight was apologizing profusely for the mistake, her nervousness was showing as she tried to maintain a happy face, but was worried things were going to go wrong.

“I am SO sorry! If I thought you might have wanted to be outside, we could’ve set dinner on the terrace. I am really sorry about this!” Her eyes caught Cadence and Shining disappearing to make sure everything turned out fine for the visit to the outside.

“It’s just a bit of fresh air, Princess Twilight. There’s no need for such a fuss.” Wyatt was watching the explosion of activity around them.

“Fuss? It’s not a fuss! You’ve been asleep for who knows how long and..and... we want to show you the best of everything!”

A lilting voice caught his attention, showing him a golden mare..he knew the term now, mare, smiling at him with a somewhat shy voice, “We just want you to be comfortable.”

“I am. More than. You really don’t have to do all this for a simple request.”

Another voice joined hers, it had a distinct southern feel to it, though still as musical, “Ah don’t think you got much of a choice.” A chuckle followed, “Ponies get it in mind to do somethin’ ain’t a whole lot gonna stop ‘em.”

Athena nodded, looking up at him, “Maybe it’s best you just relax and stay out of the way.”

Shaking his head slightly, Wyatt sighed, “If I must.” An arm reached out, grabbing a pitcher of ice-cold juice, pouring a goblet full before he took a drink with a smacking of lips, “That really does taste good after so long.”

“You didn’t have anything different?” Athena was puzzled, she’d seen stacks of supplies, various things that were normally in an emergency cache.

“Oh no. Whoever was the keeper of the lists on this particular redoubt, had something against juice, or even sugary drinks at all. No soda, nothing but electrolyte solutions and water.” He had been slightly dismayed at the thought of no beer, but the other tasty items more than made up for it.

Athena made a face, knowing the universal hatred of ‘good for you’ electrolyte supplements.

A gentle hoof patted his knee as Fluttershy nodded, “You poor thing.”

“Yes, yes. Woe is me. Years upon years of nasty things to drink. I would have sold body parts for a soda.” An arm went up across the face, Wyatt looking for all the world aggrieved and tortured.

“Stop that, you’re just fine.” Athena giggled as he looked out from under his arm.

“Is it working?”

“No.”

“Drat.”

A yellow hoof held a bottle in front of his face, he could hear the faint sounds of fizzing and popping, carbonation, “Would you like a root beer?”

Eyes went wide as he stared, “No..you have root beer?”

Fluttershy and Athena nodded, “The carbonation is done through a process that’s an offshoot of the weather factory system.”

Once again the Sergeant stared at Athena as if she was kidding him, “Weather factory?”

Fluttershy smiled, bright and cheery, “Yes, where they make the weather.”

Green eyes looked between the two pegasi before locking onto Athena, “I’m going to catch you. You’re pulling a fast one on me and I’m going to catch you.”

The pegasus chuckled, “I assure you Sergeant, the weather factory is quite real.”

“I’m gonna catch you.” He never looked away as he took the bottle with a thank you, taking a mouthful of the first soda he’d had in a long, long time.

A case of root beer and a burping contest with Pinkie later, the arrangements were finally made. Pinkie won the contest easily, impressing the old soldier. Athena had a tech spider bring in some better glasses, as she was sure the soldier’s eyes weren’t what they would be anymore.

Twilight was looking distinctly embarrassed as Pinkie laughed out loud, “That was a good one Twilight!”

“I didn’t mean to do that!” She had a hoof planted over her mouth.

“Oh, yes you did.”

“I did not!” Twilight’s wings popped out to the sides, tail going straight back as she ripped off another belch that had Fluttershy cringing for a moment.

“Wow,” Wyatt was looking impressed, “Root beer does not agree with you.”

Even Pinkie was nodding, “No more for you, Twilight.”

Princess Cadence walked into the room, trying to stifle a laugh, “The arrangements are made, you won’t be bothered in the gardens Sergeant Carpenter.”

“Wyatt, please. You really didn’t have to go through all this.”

“Ponies are quite curious, you wouldn’t have had a moment to yourself Wyatt. We just asked they steer clear for a few hours. We’ll be with you.” Her smile was honest as she glanced at a blushing Twilight.

“Good enough.” The Sergeant leaned on Athena as he got up, her body lifting as well to help him stand. One hand firmly ensconced on the cane as he nodded, “Let’s go.”

*BRAAAAAAAP*

Pinkie giggled up a storm, “Twilight, seriously, no more root beer.”

Cadence and Shining were still laughing as they exited the doorway out into the gardens.

A carefully kept acreage was revealed in the setting sun. Crystal berry bushes alongside low hedgerows of green. Paths laid with slabs of more colored crystal led out among the pattern of colorful flowers and other plants which sparkled and shone in the fading daylight.

Wyatt’s breath was stopped for a second before he inhaled deeply, feeling the rush of air in his lungs, the heat of the lowering sun, the chill of incoming evening. His eyes closed behind the sunglasses as he lifted his face to the waning daystar, having put them on because he knew he might not tolerate daylight well anymore. Athena’s gift allowed him to look upward, seeing the sky again. The light was like a feather along his skin, touching those inner places he didn’t know existed anymore.

One hand lifted, feeling the warmth along the palm and grasping it as if to keep it close.

“It’s been so long.” His voice was wistful, standing motionless and soaking in the remaining rays, “So damn long.”

His voice held a tone that nopony wanted to interrupt as he talked, mostly to himself, but also to the only person he knew for most of his life.

“Calliope, can you see it?”

“I can Wyatt, it’s as wondrous as I remember.” Her voice transmitted along relays set up by Athena, to let her experience things along with the Sergeant.

Taking the sunglasses off his eyes with a shaking hand, tears rolled down cheeks that trembled with such deep emotion. Athena tried not to stare, but glanced upwards, seeing his hand cover the still bright eyes. His body shook, shoulders hitching as a quaking voice reached her ears.

“There was a t..time.. I would have given anything..just for once more.”

“I know Wyatt. But now you can see it, feel it again.” Calliope’s voice was soft, consoling.

The Sergeants’ free hand reached out for the arm of a nearby bench, alarming Athena when he tilted to the side for a moment. He waved her away, seeing her coming up to his side. Sitting down heavily, she could see him lean forward, supporting himself with one elbow on the armrest.

She nodded and stepped away, making sure he had more than enough room, going backwards until she rejoined the others. Princess Celestia had finished her duties, watching the sun lower the rest of the way now, waiting for evening to bring in the new night.

“Is he all right?” The serene voice caught her off guard, blinking and wiping her own eyes before nodding.

“Yes, yes he is. It’s just been a long time since he felt the sun.”

The tall mare nodded in return, stepping forward quietly to sit beside the bench. She leaned over slightly and was saying something to the elderly human. Athena did not want, nor did she try to know what was said. It was for them alone.

A nod, a warm smile. The unfolding of a wing which wrapped around the shoulders that had ceased shaking now.

“What’s going on?” Twilight was looking to her for maybe some inside info.

“I don’t know, I can’t hear them.”

“But you..” Twilight stopped, smiling almost to herself and acknowledging Athena’s tact, “Right.”

They watched, and waited, as the others sat near. None spoke as they didn’t wish to break the light silence that had gripped the garden at this moment.

Princess Luna, without urging, stepped forward to sit on the empty side of Wyatt, her horn lighting up as Celestia kept a large wing along the human’s shoulders.

The moon rose full and bright, stars appearing in the sky to create a tapestry of luminous pinpoints that made constellations and patterns known to each and every pony. A few meteors flashed through the night, lighting and disappearing quickly in the atmosphere.

It was an amazing display, drawing every eye to the heavens. A show meant for a pair of eyes that looked at it all in pure wonder, almost disbelieving, listening to her describe what she did. The musical voice easy on the ears, the obvious joy in making the night a wondrous place for all was evident in her very bearing.

Again, the darker mare leaned in, her mouth moving in words that were never caught, nor heard or repeated. Athena made sure that Calliope had a clear channel, but did not eavesdrop at any time. At questioning looks from the others; she smiled, telling them that sometimes even she knew when to hold back.

It wasn’t very long, the gleaming wing retracted as smiles were exchanged, more soft words as they watched the two rulers of a country help a slim human stand up. His hands were placed lightly on two very strong shoulders, ones that didn’t mind bearing what they never thought of as a burden. The three came walking back to join the group.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what..”

A cultured voice, reproduced through the headset, attached to a gleaming white Unicorn as she waved a hoof, “No apology ever needed, darling.”

A few eyes were surreptitiously wiped behind hooves that made passes as if something normal, noticed by others but nothing said. Soft smiles exchanged as they waited calmly.

“I..would like to go for a walk if that’s all right? Athena, would you accompany me?”

He looked around, “I promise, I’ll be back and we can all talk some more. Just a few minutes please?” A chorus of voices agreed quickly and he walked off with Athena trotting beside him.

“What’s wrong Wyatt?”

He slowed his pace, taking in the lovely gardens underneath the full moon, “There are things I need to tell you Athena.”

“That can wait. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of..”

“No, it can’t.”

This stopped her dead on the path, “What’s going on?”

He met her lovely lavender eyes with his own, “I’m dying.”

To be continued...

Into The Past Part VIII

Athena watched the sleeping figure. Stretched out on a bed that had been cobbled together..well..exquisitely made to tell the truth. Ponies were efficient if nothing else. Heavy wood took his weight well, along with the mattress and covers. It would have been loved in the old world.

A comforter soft and thick covered the rising and falling chest as pillows cradled the resting face.

It had been dismaying, the talk in the garden for only a few minutes as Athena thought back, replaying those memories.

“What do you mean..dying?” The pegasus was shocked, staring up at him in confusion.

“Exactly what I said.” His cane tapped along the pathway as they walked, “I was a weapons tech Athena, worked on anti-matter warheads and systems.”

“But..but those weren’t used! They were declared too unstable. That’s why we Bolos were never equipped with any.”

“Too many secrets, Athena. The Concordiat wanted better and bigger weapons, well they got them.”

“Yes, to our detriment.” Calliope interrupted.

“Too late for recriminations now, Calliope.”

“Anyways, being exposed to the radiation from live anti-matter during my duties, I contracted Tanaba-Yau Neuropathy. Only one out of a hundred people got it and my number came up.”

“Tanaba-Yau Neuropathy,” Crusader’s voice came online, “A degenerative disease causing breakdown of all neural pathways inside the brain and the body. No cure is known as the radiation from anti-matter was never fully understood, even with Concordiat science. Nanite treatment was used to make sufferers comfortable. As the disease progressed it was..an ignominious end.”

Athena nodded to herself, searching her archives for any hint of experimental treatment. Nano-therapy had been tried to reconstruct some pathways and circuitry inside the brain and body, but the radiation lingered somehow and started the process all over again, only swifter and more painful than before.

“We used the medical nano to arrest it as best we could, but it was a losing battle. The disease takes a long time to burn through the host, years and decades.”

Crusader agreed, “They could not find the exact cause of the radiation staying in the body even when cleansed, science was close when earth fell.”

“If only.”

Athena could only nod, “How long?”

Wyatt thought for a moment, rubbing his chin with a steady hand, “Weeks maybe. Calliope tells me I’m older than I should be due to stasis failure. Knew I missed something cobbling that piece of crap together.” he sighed, “Call myself a tech.”

“I am not sure it was your mechanical ability, Wyatt,” Athena was thinking, “Magic affects stasis, and maybe the background count got too high for the field to sustain itself.”

He tapped the cane along a rock, nodding, “Could be. Flickering in and out like that, and the only thing keeping it alive was the power cells. They drained pretty quick.”

A free hand went from chin to lower back, “Got twinges where I didn’t before. Guess I get to complain like any old person eh?” He waved his cane in the air, “Get off mah lawn!” Wanting to distract from the serious talk for a moment.

Calliope, then Athena and Crusader chuckled at the ridiculous figure.

“Don’t you be laughing at me whippersnappers!” He set the cane in place, continued walking with Athena by his side and two voices in his ear, “I promise, no ‘old people’ stuff.”

“You can do whatever you want to Wyatt, you’re an honored guest here.”

“Then I want to see things. I want to see every sunrise and sunset, every moonrise and moonset. I want to see them all and share it with Calliope. She deserves that much, and so much more.”

“I’ll do my best to make sure that happens.” The pegasus nodded, hearing Crusader agree with her, offering assistance if needed.

“Then answer me this as well, why are you here? Surely a Bolo doesn’t just up and travel wherever for nothing. Though it could if it really wanted to.” Wyatt chuckled.

“I was here to search for relics, debris, or anything left over from our era. There have been things found,” Athena almost laughed out loud seeing Shining once more sword fighting with..oh boy.. “I discovered a circle of debris ringing the castle and narrowed it down, that’s how we found you. I am due to search the glaciers as soon as I can as well.”

“I’ll go with you, might prove to be an adventure. Something to do in any case.”

“No. Not in your con..”

The sable pegasus backed up with a cane tip pointing at her nose, eyes crossing as she tried to focus, “Don’t you dare. I am not some decrepit human that can’t do anything. I’ve always wanted to ride inside a Bolo, and you are not going to say no.”

The cane never wavered as Athena nodded, keeping a close eye on it, “Okay, we can do that.”

The cane went back down, “Glad you see things my way.”

Athena shook her head for a moment, uncrossing her eyes, “You are a very strange person Wyatt.”

“I try to be. Never was one for doing what everyone else did.” He gave her a brilliant smile, one she couldn’t help returning.

“Aren’t you worried about..about..”

“Dying?”

Athena nodded.

“No. I accepted it a long while ago. Once Calliope told me, there was nothing else to do except live as best I could.”

“If I remember correctly, there was quite a lot of yelling and not a few tears.”

“Lies! Nothing but lies!” He leaned down, sotto voce to Athena, “Never trust those AI’s, always sneaking around,” He looked at her with narrowed eyes, “Oh wait, that’s right...”

“You are so strange.”

The gardens were lovely. They had rejoined everyone for a tour, viewing the statues and even the large one of Spike that had been replicated in the center of the low hedge maze. Of course Spike had to recount the tale of how he became a hero, finding a willing audience in Sergeant Carpenter.

They would meet at breakfast to plan the day, but Athena was standing guard the entire time, a promise had been made that he was to see each sunrise and moon rise. She would make sure that he was there.

“Are you sure about this? Those are unique in all the world now.” Athena was looking worried as Wyatt stood easily beside her, watching the reaction.

“Stop fretting. What are we gonna do, keep ‘em?”

She had awakened him that morning, early enough he could clean up and be ready to greet the day. Sneaking around in the castle was not going to happen as guards were quite alert, and for some reason Twilight had shown up looking bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Morning people, make you feel slow and sluggish, darn them.

Princess Celestia was already waiting in the garden, Luna by her side as they talked in the pre-dawn hours.

This time there was no stepping back. Princess Cadence, Shining, the Elements, all gathered round as Luna brought about the moonset, seeing the blazing sun peeking over the horizon and watching Wyatt close his eyes as the first rays hit his face.

Nopony made comments, just enjoying morning as they have ever since Princess Celestia first raised the sun and before.

With that done, they retired to a warm meal inside, it was a little chill as if the bitter cold outside were seeping through the shields. That was solved by Shining and Cadence stopping at the Crystal heart, making sure the magic was tight.

But it all goes by too fast, the pleasant times. Meeting later at Wyatt’s request, they gathered in the vault once more.

“Calliope and I have talked it over for a few minutes, we’d like to gift this art to you.” A hand swept back, taking in the precious relics of an earlier age, “To all of you.”

Even Celestia was stunned. This trove represented some of the finest art of an age long gone, so far into the ancient past it was less than dust. It was the only cache in existence as far as anyone knew, and therefore beyond a doubt priceless. Notwithstanding the other stuff they had found, this was pristine, well cared for and utterly irreplaceable. Most of what Dusty had was trash compared to this.

Her voice was calm, “Are you sure of this?”

Wyatt nodded, “Sure as anything. Calliope and I don’t have a lot of time. We want to make sure it’s taken care of.”

They all knew now of the trouble Calliope was in, how she would not be herself much longer. As for the Sergeant, faces had worn long looks when he disclosed his diagnosis.

Luna stepped forward, looking at the strange picture that had so drawn her, “It is a generous gift, what may we do for you in return?”

“Not a thing.” The cyan eyes turned towards him in astonishment, “Sometimes gifts are just given, without anything in return. You all seem to enjoy looking at them as I did.”

“We do!” Twilight was bouncing around in excitement, her eyes turning towards the plasti-crates that contained more precious objects, then back to the shelves.

“Oh, this is wonderful!”

“Calm down Twilight.” Celestia’s serene voice cut through her ebullience as a golden clad hoof pressed lightly on her shoulder, “I wouldn’t jump around too much, something could break.”

“Oh! Right. Okay, got it.” She planted herself firmly on a cushion, pointing a hoof at Pinkie, then the seat beside her. The pink mare promptly copied her actions.

“We’ve got everything printed out for you, the history of each piece and names, so you won’t have any problem with it.”

He was talking to air right now as the crowd of ponies had gathered around that most mysterious painting. The smile affecting them all in different ways as the calm face peered out from behind the armorglass and neutral gasses. One by one they turned and looked at Princess Celestia, then at the painting again, going back and forth for a moment.

“What?”

“Uhm..nothing sister, nothing.” Though Luna kept sneaking a peek now and then, comparing the two.

“Stop that.”

“Of course.”

Wyatt chuckled, having noticed some similarity a while ago, saying nothing but wondering all the same.

“So, do you want them?”

“Oh, yes!” Twilight was about bounce off her cushion but was stopped by a gentle glance, “Yes.”

“We’ll crate them up later then.” He glanced at Athena, tilting his head and tossing it with an indication for her to come back into the secondary room. Leaving the others to look over the treasure trove of artifacts that had now been bequeathed to Equestria.

Following him in, she looked around, “What’s going on?”

He sat down at the workbench, “Would you take my drawings? Keep them safe?”

“Of course. We can keep them. Twilight has a spell that can do that. Failing it, Crusader or I can make preservatives. We’d love to care for them.”

“Good. I’ll know they’re in good hands.” Sitting in the chair, he glanced around, taking in the place where he lived for most of his life, “Kinda odd seeing this like it is now.” He pointed, “Recirc’ed water, they stocked food for a hundred people for fifty years, so, one person didn’t make much of a dent.”

He laughed lightly, “Didn’t even use it, they scampered to the sub-crustal bunkers deeper down. Least they left me this.” A fist was raised, solid and strong, “But fie on you who took my soda and beer, fie I say!”

Athena chuckled, “I have noticed you’ve developed a taste for cider.”

“Hard not to. Sweet, delicious, got a kick like a.. He looked around quickly, “Is it okay to say mule?”

“Yes.”

“Though I admit, juice, real juice, whether orange, pear, whatever they serve is like something magical. To me, at least. It really is different when you haven’t tasted them in years.”

Athena watched the elderly man smile, seeing him again at the morning meal enjoying each sip of orange juice. Pleasure, true honest pleasure, was so rare to see. He embodied it, in everything he tasted, saw, felt.

A pink form popped up beside her with a small package, “What are these?”

Wyatt laughed, “You don’t want any of that, who knows if they’re even still....ed..ible..”

He watched in amazement as Pinkie unwrapped the long golden cakes, stuffing one in her mouth and chewing happily, the cream filling bursting out and making her grin while pressing the other one in between lips, “Fes’re gooooof!”

“What?”

A huge swallow and a smile, “These are gooood!”

“They’re a million years old..but..people always did think they’d last forever.” The sergeant laughed at Athena’s disgusted look, “Don’t worry, I’m sure they’re harmless.”

“You don’t have any cereal in there do you?”

“Ugh, no, that stuff is bad for you.”

“You have no idea.” At her expression he asked what had happened.

Once again another story of problems when past encountered the present. It had him laughing so hard she was worried he’d fall over from lack of air.

Wiping a tear from one eye he was looking amusedly at her, “You certainly have unique situations.”

“We honestly try not to, but it seems there are forces beyond even us here.”

“You got caught flat-footed didn’t you?” A small smile played around his lips while he watched Athena stutter. “This whole new world, everything, you got caught right out.”

Her eyes went wide, face with a look of protest, “N..no! Nono! We..adapted, we made sure we were..pre..well..kinda prepared...sometimes..” She rubbed one hoof along the other, looking at anyplace but him.

A hand nudged her shoulder, “Not looking good on the old battle record is it?”

A sable hoof pointed, “Hey! You try dealing with all this some days. It’s..it gets a little crazy.” Athena sighed, lowering the hoof as a pink form popped out of a shelf right beside her.

“It sure does! Lots of fun too!” The fluffy mane disappeared with the smiling face.

Wyatt could do nothing but look at the empty space for a moment, turning to Athena, “That happen a lot?”

“More than you imagine.”

“She’s..different, huh?”

“If you only knew how many hours of processing time we gave up..”

Wyatt reached out, one hand gently patting a slumped shoulder, “Some things you have to let go.”

“Ain’t that the truth!”

They both watched as Fluttershy and Rarity appeared out of the shelves, each of them eating what looked like chocolate hockey pucks. They carried packages of more and varied goodies.

“Where does Pinkie find these things?”

“I don’t know, but they sure are good.” Fluttershy finished hers before trying to figure out how to open another package.

“Oh, we have to convince Athena to carry some back with us.”

“I don’t think I’ll have a problem with that.” They both watched as the two ponies jumped, looking surprised for the moment.

Fluttershy squeaked around a cupcake, Rarity dropping her collection of packages.

Wyatt, of course, laughed. Again.

The evening found him setting in the gardens. He had taken a walk through a part of town that held stalls and shops. Foals and little ponies all around him as he delighted in answering all their questions. Athena was playing bodyguard, standing back to be unobtrusive as all the others were taking care of their own shopping or relaxing in their rooms.

“He really likes them doesn’t he.” Spike’s voice was soft in the warm sun, watching as he had accompanied the two wanderers.

“I believe he does Spike. He is enjoying his days.”

“He’s a nice pony, he really is.” He had spent a little time talking with the Sergeant earlier. They had gotten along famously.

“He’s definitely that.” Athena nodded, knowing what he meant.

They had watched as the tall human lowered himself to the ponies’ levels, making sure he treated each and every one with respect. Wyatt had told Athena earlier that since he was here, he may as well comport himself as ambassador of the late, great, human race.

That, he certainly did. Although only an enlisted rank, he chose to put the best forward. Being kind even to those wary of him. His voice was never raised, even when Athena had seen a little pony step on his booted foot. Not a complaint, but a soft warning to watch where one walked.

He had an innate charm that was disarming, even to those who weren’t quite sure what to say to the tall figure. Athena was very curious as to how an enlisted soldier was acting like someone far above his station. Very odd that.

Stallkeepers were wont to give him gifts, Athena made sure she had enough bits to pay for everything as he had refused such kindnesses before, claiming he had no money and it wouldn’t be right. So she and Spike kept up with him and reminded him they would be taking care of any debts occurring.

Not a few items had been sent back to his quarters in the castle. Gifts exchanged for a few trifles he had carried with him from the stores in the vault. Small permanently sealed flashlights with solar cells in them and eternal bulbs provided much interest as he explained what they did. Something cheap in Concordiat days, they had been there for emergencies if lights ran out in the vaults, now they were wondrous things to trade with.

Leave them in the sun and they would be recharged in an hour, providing light for an entire night, they were efficient and well made, considering.

Gifts that would last almost forever, what a way to be remembered.

Lanyards were provided with them, a metal weave of immense strength, they could be carried by ponies easily.

They had larger ones in the colony stores, and kept them for emergencies as ponies in Ponyville preferred less technological means for light. They had discussed this with him and advised it might be the same here. But trading for goods, they were accepted in kind. Opening one wouldn’t reveal anything to someone being nosy, if they got it open at all. The fluid used for charge storage dissolved in open air, hence sealing of the lights.

As for ecological impact, none. Should it be opened it would biodegrade in no time. As long as the components were intact, it stayed working. Extreme damage or inquisitiveness, and you had to almost roll a Bolo over one to crack it, would create a chemical change that took care of any leftovers, leaving an inert powder.

Athena had been amazed at the little lights, she and Crusader never seeing them before and being informed they were to have been released to the public that year the Earth fell. They were a few generations ahead of the bulky things in colony stores.

She had privately wondered to Crusader what else might be within those storerooms. He had agreed she needed to start investigating the stacks. The available tech from the outer rooms had been taken and stored already, containing valuable metals for their use.

Now he was setting quietly in the garden, a sketch pad in his hands. Colored pencils and chalks sat nearby as he sketched quickly, adding details with a concentration that would put an AI to shame.

A picture came into focus under the skilled fingers, showing what he saw and bringing it to life. Luna’s face was prominent, standing against a starlit backdrop, her head thrown back in a laugh that seemed to encompass her whole body. The glow was there, the Cutie Mark prominent as she was exquisitely drawn, every line and curve showing the humor and joy encased in the Princess of the Moon.

Her mane and tail flowed like a river of stars behind her in an unseen wind. Her eyes were bright and glowing, the magic surrounding her like a drape showing a ribbon made up of glowing points of light, a galaxy seen side on, flowing like water past her.

“That, is amazing.” Athena was peering over his shoulder.

“Nothing to it, just draw what I see.” He finished with a flourish, signing his name below.

“Have you done..” She inhaled sharply, seeing Celestia come into view when he flipped the page.

The tall mare was laying on a cushion, her own mane and tail shifting with colors in the magical aura she’d always had. Her gold clad hooves crossed each other in the front as her face looked out of the paper. One eyebrow was raised as a smile showed she knew something you didn’t and seemed quite confident about it. Her eyes caught that glint of confidence and mystery, the Solar Mark shining in a way that caught and captured the eye. It was the ‘come hither’ look that got Athena wondering whether he should really give that to the Princess.

It definitely exuded an air of mystery all right, plus a hefty dose of..yeah best not think of that.

Athena couldn’t help but chuckle, “Oh..nice.. I’m not sure you should show..”

“That is interesting.”

Athena pinched her nose, somehow Celestia had dodged her sensors. She was regretting teaching them combat skills.

“Hello, Princess.” Wyatt’s voice was warm as he finished with another flourish, carefully removing the portrait from the large book and holding it up for Celestia, “This is for you.”

“Why, thank you Wyatt.” It was enveloped in a golden aura, brought close to be inspected, rolled up and placed under one wing, “I shall treasure it always.” Her mouth was beside Athena’s ear, “Think it would look good in a public place?”

The pegasus almost shot straight up, “Uh..no..maybe not?” She tried to smile, but it came out as a nervous grin. Something like that portrait was definitely not for public consumption.

A chiming laugh and a golden hoof on her shoulder, “You should be calmer.”

“Crusader tells me that.”

“He has good advice.”

“You aren’t really..”

“Of course not, it shall be preserved and hung in my private quarters where I shall cherish it.” She leaned over, planting a warm kiss on Wyatt’s cheek, “Thank you for the wonderful gift.” Turning and leaving on quiet hooves as the Sergeant raised a hand to his cheek.

“Wow...”

Athena looked at him, hearing the amazement in his voice.

“Something wrong?”

“No. No. It was warm, like..sunlight.” His eyes were looking off into the distance for the moment, “Like a summer day.”

She could only nod, “Magic, Wyatt, it’s everywhere.”

“ ‘Tis true, it is all around us!” The cheery voice was followed by the smiling face of Luna peering over the back of the bench as Athena kicked herself again for letting down her guard.

“ ‘Tia told me you might have a gift for me? I do so love receiving them!” The Princess of the Night came around the front of the bench, sitting and looking at them both eagerly.

“As a matter of fact I do.” He removed the newly finished drawing and held it up for her inspection.

Her cyan eyes drifted over it for a moment while an inhalation of air into a gasp told him of her reaction.

“It..that is me?”

“Very much so Princess.”

“Do I.. look like that to you?”

“You do.”

He had explained to them all what he observed every time he looked at a pony, trying to get them to imagine the same thing he did, ending up drawing a few things to let them see.

“That is amazing.”

“Thank you. Hope you like it.” He let it go as the glow from her horn wrapped the paper in an aura, bringing it close.

Her smile lit up the surrounding area as if a beacon had been touched off, she carefully rolled it like a scroll, making sure nothing could smudge it in any way before tucking it under one wing.

Luna’s voice was quiet, “I shall treasure it always.” She leaned in, giving Wyatt’s opposite cheek a quick kiss, before trotting off happily.

Athena waited for a moment, “Well...?”

He blinked, giving her a puzzled look, “Pardon?”

“What was it like?”

“What was what like?” Now she could see the smile playing around the edges of his lips.

“Sergeant!”

Eyes were rolled as he sighed, “Easily upset for a Bolo, aren’t you Athena?”

“I do remind her most days.”

“Crusader!”

Wyatt laughed softly, “Like a cool mint breeze. Soft, kinda thrilling, soothing and refreshing. That what you wanted to hear?”

“I was just wondering.”

“Wyatt, it’s time.” Calliope’s voice broke through.

“Are you sure?”

“I am afraid so, status is yellow and I have prepared the magazine for opening. My apologies it took so long.”

“No worries Muse, we’ll be right there.” He turned to Athena, “We’ve got to go back to the vault. There’s one more thing you’ve got to know.” He and Calliope had done a lot of discussion in the moments they had during the past couple of days.

“Magazine? What magazine?” Now the pretty pegasus was looking concerned.

“Please, just follow me. It’s taken a bit for Calliope to get things ready, but yeah, kinda important.”

Athena joined him as he turned, walking with a sense of urgency in his step.

To be continued...

Into The Past Part VIIII

Athena followed quietly beside the Sergeant, wondering what could possibly top all the discoveries made in this remain of Old Earth. She watched him, a frown creasing his brow as he talked with Calliope, the comm-unit letting her listen in as well.

“Are you sure it’s stable for now?”

“I am, but it has been flickering for a long time. I’ve directed more power into the system and it is draining the batteries and secondaries. I’m afraid if what they say is true, magic is what’s disrupting everything.”

“We better get it done then.” Wyatt looked at Athena with a wan smile, “I’m sorry. I thought we could just leave it all alone. But this new world affects things worse than we thought.”

She could only nod, agreeing, “We know. We’ve had to adjust everything to account for it.”

“You’ve developed defenses for it. That’s what you said, right?”

“Oh, yes! A modification of the standard Kinetic/Energy Battle Screen. The frequencies covered are enough to prevent magic from being used inside the field and against it. It took a while, but we got it.”

The tall human sighed, “Wish we’d have known that a long time ago.”

“What’s so wrong? Surely there can’t be much left beyond your living areas and the vault?” She tilted her head for a moment, “Is this what has been bothering you? I’ve noticed some times you’re very quiet.”

He just looked down at his boots for a moment, nodding softly to himself, “Yes. I just thought maybe we could forget about it all.”

“Forget about what?” Now her interest was piqued.

Wyatt stopped in mid-stride, gripping his cane and kneeling down so he could look her straight in the eyes, “Athena, what do you think about the Concordiat? Those that ran it?”

The sable pegasus was taken aback for a moment at the question, “I.. We served and helped to keep the human race safe. There were good people, most of them. But there are always a few bad apples in a barrel.”

The Sergeant laughed actually, out loud and for a brief moment, “You saw only the best, little lady. Only the top officers got into Bolo Command.” A hand waved around as if gesturing towards those long ago humans, “The rest..well..let’s say they weren’t the bright lights. Prejudiced, greedy, ignorant, and some of them ran things!”

“I under..”

“No, you don’t. They dragged us into the Final War cause they were blind to it, willfully and cognizant. As long as they got theirs, then and there, they left the problems to someone else later on. So on and so on.” He lifted himself up once more, leaning on the sturdy cane, “Stupidity ran rampant. How do I know this being just a sergeant?”

Athena could only wait for the answer.

He smiled once more, “Busted from Captain down to lowly Sergeant for my sins.”

The lavender eyes widened, “...what?”

“Oh..I was a rakehell, I’ll tell you that. Drunk and disorderly, brawling in all the right bars on the right planets. Brave and foolhardy, but we got it done.” His chest puffed out proudly, “I’ll have you know Company C of the 121st Concordiat Infantry never left a bar standing!”

“Was that..”

“Us or the bar itself.”

Athena could only stare at him, remembering the kind, gentle soul the past few days and now this.

“But..how..”

“One too many places suing the military, I have no clue. One day I was called in, reassigned and busted. I figure I deserved it. But that last farewell? Ohh..the spaceport at Rigel Four had to shut down to clean up the mess. Sorta like an impromptu Mardi Gras.”

He grinned, eyes shining like pinpoints of light, “My soldiers knew how to throw a party.”

Athena laughed, “And Calliope knew this?”

“Oh, sure. But we kept it between us. No reason you needed to know..but now.. It’s need to know.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I’ve seen some of the worst of it, Athena. It’s better humans aren’t around, trust me.” He looked about, seeing Crystal Ponies everywhere, the gleaming of houses and shops, “This place is something special and you don’t need us here to screw it up.”

“That and we seem to feel the need to keep secrets, keep them until they come back to haunt us.” He showed the palms of his hands to her, “What can I say except perhaps we should have told you in the beginning.”

He motioned for them to keep walking, the pace a little faster as they traveled down the path to the castle, heading for the vault.

His voice came low, almost a whisper as he strode beside her, “I want to apologize. I sincerely thought..figured..I could spend my last days in peace with Calliope and everything here. I’m so sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about.”

“There’s so many things.. Calliope gave you the records of the last days did she not?”

“She did. We’ve been archiving and storing them in secure cores.”

Before they entered the castle proper, he turned to her, making sure they wouldn’t be overheard.

“Don’t show them. Don’t let them see the tragic ending of a world that would become theirs.”

Athena thought for a split second before Crusader came over the line.

“We have informed them of the Final War, with not many specifics. We did not have records to show them, having been ordered into stasis.”

“Then don’t.” He spoke to both of them, “Let them live their lives without that horrible story.”

“We can promise that. The information will be stored for historical purposes, but we will not show them until, and if, they are ready.”

“You agree with that, Athena?”

“I do. They know enough.” She had reviewed some of the files. Satellite views of kinetic weapons cleaving into cities with tremendous fireballs and shockwaves. Ship to ship fighting near the moon, glittering beams carving vessels up on either side.

“Good..that’s good.” He continued through the large doors, his cane ticking on the crystal floor as they sped along the hallway.

Ending up once more in the living area, they faced a somewhat blank wall, a rolling shelf in front of it easily moved aside.

“All right Calliope, open it up.”

“Handshake is good, codes are cleared. Pressurization is nominal.”

A clunking noise, bars of durachrome a meter wide were slammed out of place, the clicking of what sounded like multiple tumblers releasing interlocks chirruped for a few seconds. Silence fell down like a cloak before the wall slid back with a hiss of normalizing atmosphere. Athena noticed this section of wall was tremendously thick, her eyes following the partition as it was almost yanked out of sight.

She also noticed the tremendous power drain on the storage batteries they had hooked up. This had happened since the day they had first connected them. The experimental storage cells that Calliope had told them about had been recharged through them, once again providing a huge amount of power from such little things.

Hoping maybe to adapt them, they had been informed that the plans had been lost with the destruction of her sisters. The cells had been a lark, an offshoot of other projects, providing all the power to this part of the redoubt through a cold fusion process that used exotic materials that were not found on the earth.

The cells could be moved, used and whatever, but they could not be reverse-engineered to make more.

Lights came on from the arching roof, showing stacks of what looked like cradles in the glaring brightness. Athena stood there for a moment and then looked upwards to the Sergeant, “Are those....?” She was trying very hard not to panic.

“They are. I said I was a weapons technician, you never asked me where the weapons were.”

Her eyes scanned the room, slim tubes meters long sat in reloading cradles, ready to be dumped into a launcher for surface to space warfare. The magnitude of this kept her from speaking for a moment as she immediately opened up a datalink to Crusader.

Something was different though, the ends of the missiles were shiny in a way that reminded her so much of stasis bubbles. But that wasn’t correct, her tactical database said the Concordiat had nothing like this that needed..stasis?

The pieces slid together like well-oiled gears.

Athena closed her eyes for a moment, “Please tell me those aren’t what you were working on when you contracted Tanaba-Yau Neuropathy?”

“You’re very quick for a Bolo.”

“What exactly are the specifications?” She was desperately keeping herself in check, instead of panicking she looked upon this as a problem to solve.

“Those, my fine winged pony-Bolo amalgamate, are the finest anti-matter warheads ever devised by the cracked minds in Concordiat weapons development.” His voice held a sadness she could hear so clearly.

Her eyes snapped upward, “They actually did it, on Earth?”

“Oh, yes. Stasis bubbles surround a suspension of anti-matter and matter, keeping them from meeting until, and when, they are close to the target or impacting.” He swept a hand around, motioning to the silent engines of death, “They used them in the defense of Old Earth. It seems this section of the magazine was cut off when..well..whatever happened. We were left with them to take care of.”

“When linking the AI’s to the defense net, records told us that we were beside a magazine. Before we went into hibernation, us and Wyatt, we enabled the emergency exit which you’ve just gone through and took stock.” Calliope’s voice was sounding regretful.

Athena looked up at the ceiling, trying to imagine she was not here, “So the background count of magic crept up over the many millenia, finally affecting the stasis surrounding the warheads. Especially here in the Crystal Empire where it is incredibly dense.” Not to mention the thousand year absence of the empire in a magical curse.

Wyatt nodded, “And that is why the power drain. My stasis took nothing at all to maintain. But the warheads kept flickering and had to be turned off, then back on, which took immense power, to keep the solutions stable.”

The sergeant sighed, kneeling down once more as if to rest his legs, one hand placed itself on her shoulders, looking out over a room which contained the very worst possible thing.

“I’m sorry. More than you can imagine. We wanted to let them rot here forever inside the cradles. But this..magic..is affecting it. We cannot let them flicker out for a second. Calliope and her sisters used an automatic programming solution to reset them fast, fast enough the anti-matter couldn’t reach the catalyst.” He gave everything in sight a somber look, “The horrors of the old world come to haunt.”

He kept leaning on her as he spoke, his tone one of immense regret, “She didn’t know what was affecting them. Calliope filled me in after I awoke.” Weary eyes looked at lavender ones, “Your explanation provided the answer, but it’s far too late. We must get rid of them. They would destroy a good portion of this planet’s surface.”

“Why would they store such things on Earth, the homeworld?” Athena was flabbergasted, “Why would they be so suicidal?”

Carpenter sighed, a heavy breath that let the weight off the world off his shoulders for a brief moment, “Paranoia, stupidity. Who knows? They were fearful, I’m sure, of the Melconians. Their fleets were so much larger than we knew.”

“You know as well as I do, Athena, there were entire races who hated Earth so much that they would have loved to see our destruction.”

The sable head moved up and down, “I know. But I thought..oh..I thought we’d left it behind.” Her own voice held a touch of wistfulness.

Athena felt something she’d never thought, ever, that she’d know beyond dreams. The sliding of an arm around her neck, the touch of warm breath, a hug from the only human in this world. Comforting her.

It was the best feeling in the world.

“You are taking this very well.”

“You’ve got to be kidding, I’m about to bust a circuit! Those are anti-matter warheads!!”

“Calmly sister. We can solve this.”

“Why? Why would humans put such things on the earth, hadn’t they learned from the Enceladus Disaster?”

“Apparently having the major part of a moon destroyed while experimenting with anti-matter was not enough to dissuade them using it for self-defense. It was a war Athena. There are secrets even we were not privy too.”

“I know. But this is almost a disaster in itself, we need to get them gone before their stasis machinery fails completely.”

“Surface to Space weaponry can be fitted to my Heavy VLS, but it would take some time. Can the systems be maintained until then?”

“Magical background count is tremendously high here in the Empire. I’m running a power line from my hull to the equipment, it’s the only way to feed enough energy to keep them stable. The frequencies on the bubbles cannot be changed, or we could stabilize them better. Wyatt says that was to keep the enemy from hacking the warheads.”

Athena shot data through the link, a diagnostic of all current systems inside the magazine, “Solid core boosters are still intact, we don’t have to worry about fueling them. When can you get here?”

“I am able to move in two hours.”

“Good.”

“One second, you are running a power line from your hull? How will you get close enough to do... Please tell me you are not..”

“I have to!”

“How much will we end up owing now?”

“Princess Cadence said that considering the emergency, it would be waived.”

“I am sure that conversation was one for the record books.”

“You had to be there.”

The light purple eyes were looking at her in astonishment, “What did you say?”

Athena knew this conversation was not going to be well-received, “I need to move closer to the castle to provide power to some of the systems in the vault.”

She watched as Cadence thought of the huge machine that stood just outside the gateway to the Empire, thinking of how it would actually accomplish this, not to mention why.

“Why do you need to do so? Is something wrong?” She was honestly curious.

“There..was something in the vault that needs to be kept stable until we can get rid of them.” She really, really, really did not want to get into the discussion, though she hated prevaricating.

“What did you find?”

I hate things like this.

I carefully explained to her what was in the last part of the vault, the danger, and why we needed to move so fast.

Her eyes got wider, if you can believe it.

“They are truly that dangerous?”

“The amount of explosives there Princess, could crack the planets’ crust.”

“Why in Celestia’s name would they make such things?” Her voice was exasperated, trying to wrap her mind around the revelation of what I had told her.

Wyatt answered that one, sitting on a chair and listening to the conversation, he had remained quiet until now, “Because mankind had to have it’s defenses, Princess. That, and the galaxy was not a nice place sometimes.”

She snapped her eyes to him, pinning the slight human in place, “Are there any more such secrets?”

Most ponies would have taken only a moment to gather their thoughts, being confronted by a Princess, not Wyatt, oh no.

He raised a hand, rubbed his chin as if thinking, eyes looking up at the ceiling but I could tell he was keeping her in sight. He hemmed and hawed, made noises as if deeply reflecting on anything that could possibly be another secret he could give out that would be worse than this one.

After a few moments the Princess was not inclined to be patient, “Well?”

A slight smile, the hand going back to rest on the top of his cane, “Nothing I can think of. Except we’re running out of snack cakes because that pink pony keeps getting into the stores.”

He winked at the pegasus, “That’s a tragedy of the worst sort I’d think. I really like those things.”

She couldn’t help but roll her eyes and try to not laugh, didn’t quite work.

Cadence looked like she was going to say something, her mouth gaped for a moment then snapped shut, uttering a chuckle that relaxed her whole body, “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you, Your Highness, I would be most appreciative. And no, there is nothing else. We ended up with those by accident I think.”

Athena thought back to the weapons magazine, cut in half by a rock wall and proofed against the ages by automatic emergency sealants that all redoubts had in case of breaches. It had flowed over and made basically another wall out of the rock face that was almost as impenetrable as durasteel. They had also used a little of remaining medical nanites to create another layer above that, and covering the outer offices as well.

“Is there a plan to be rid of them?”

A sable head nodded, “There is, Crusader is on his way.”

The pastel Alicorn nodded, “Now, how do you propose to get close to the castle?”

I sighed, “Well...the only way..”

“Left! LEFT!”

“Will you stop? I know what I’m doing!”

“You ran over the garden!”

“I know that.”

“LEEEEFT!”

“Will you be quiet!”

“You have to turn left, just a skosh!”

Athena slapped a hoof on her forehead, sighing. She knew this had been a bad idea, but they had wanted to help.

“I cannot turn ‘just a skosh’. My treads are going to create damage wherever they go.” She pointed to the busted crystal roads, crushed and crumbled underneath the massive weight, there was nothing she could do. The power lines had a finite reach, her hull had to be closer to the castle.

Sensors were running full tilt, some of the docking and distance radars were setting Crystal Ponies teeth on edge. They were creating a resonance she couldn’t stop, badly needed, if she were to get through this with minimal..well...less than total damage.

She knew where she was to within the millimeter, but it couldn’t be helped, there was going to be some problems.

“Oh my gosh! The whole front of that house!”

“I know.”

Slipping through the shield was not a problem, erecting her battle screens had prevented the magic from disrupting anything. But now, creeping slowly through the crowded main thoroughfare, she was listening to her ‘helpers’ who were not so helpful.

Ponies had been warned, so no personal danger would ensue, but the harm to structures and things couldn’t be helped. The main road she was using as a way to achieve her objective was pressed with houses and shops.

Meter by meter she was moving along, but just calculating the cost was going to be a headache later.

“STOP! Oh my goodness darling, not the statues!”

“They can be replaced, the owner said so.”

“But they’re... oh the horror!”

“Rarity..just look away.” The crunching of her treads along a line of statues was definitely not the sort of thing you wanted to hear twice.

Twilight had come up with a route she’d said might be better, although it ended up making a few turns Athena would not have wanted to try and accomplish. After an exchange about maneuver damage and what it meant to the surrounding buildings, Twilight finally gave in.

But that certainly did not stop...

“Whoa! That was cool! Crunch!”

“Rainbow, stop that.”

“Are you kidding? She’s doing more damage than I ever could!”

“Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence there, Dash.”

“Anytime!”

An orange hoof patted her shoulder, “It’s alright darlin’, Cadence knows there was gonna be problems. Can’t move something..” The emerald eyes winced as another garden went the way of dodos, “This big without ‘em.”

It was bad enough they were trying to help, but the cheering section made up of ponies who thought the destruction was great fun did absolutely nothing for her nerves.

“Are they selling shirts now?”

“Pinkie’s making a killing.”

“Glad I could help.”

Alright, just a turn slightly to the right, there we go. Bring herself forward a few more meters and we’ll be on the straightaway to the castle after this next slight turn. She couldn’t imagine repaving those roads and what would have to be done to get them back in shape. Well, it was an emergency.

“Nonono, more forward THEN turn!”

“Twilight, I know what I’m doing.”

“But if you move a little more, you’ll miss the corner of the house there.”

“And then I go right through that living room. I’ll take the corner.”

“How’d I miss that?”

“No clue.”

She saw a cyan blur whip in front of her hull, then back out again, “Dash! Quit putting things in front of the treads!”

“But you can crush anything! I’m just testing!”

“Stop that, seriously..just..stop.”

“Awwww...”

Fluttershy’s voice rang out from the surroundings, “STOP!”

Athena immediately put the brakes on, her treads and hull coming to an emergency stop, “What? What?”

The buttery pegasus came out from in front of the glacis plate, chivvying along a horde of what looked like...

“Bugs? Seriously?”

“But they’re good bugs.”

“They’re bugs.”

“It’ll only take a minute.”

Ten minutes later, after Fluttershy had checked the area for any stragglers, Athena slammed her transmissions back into place, creeping forward once more. The sounds of something else that was not there before, splintering under the weight, came to her ears and sensors.

“Dash, I swear, one more thing in front of the treads, you and I will have a problem!”

“Spoilsport!”

“I’ll dye your mane pink!”

“You wouldn’t!”

“Hey! That’s not a bad color!”

“Stay out of this Pinkie.”

“Have a snack, it’ll help.” A hoof held out something that looked like two rolled chocolate logs with creme filling. Dash immediately grabbed it up, peeling the package back.

“These things are great, thanks Pinkie!”

“I can’t believe you guys are eating those. Do you realize how old they are?”

“Mhey ‘ste phan oo me!”

“What?”

A swallow and a grin, “They taste fine to me!”

“You could eat a solid block of carbon, Pinkie.”

“Only with sprinkles!” The happy pink mare bounced away.

Athena hoped Wyatt was doing better.

“Are you all right Princess?” Wyatt was watching Luna sit in front of a painting, tilting her head one way, then the other. She turned slightly, glancing back his way.

“I am, but I find myself drawn to this for some reason.” She pointed a clad hoof at the artwork.

“Not unusual, a lot of people were. It’s quite a painting.”

“But..what is it?”

“I forgot, you can’t read Standard.” He moved forward, leaning heavily on his cane and came to rest beside the dark mare.

“An artist by the name of Vincent Van Gogh painted that. It’s called The Starry Night.”

“I..it..it looks nothing like my night though.” She rubbed a hoof along her chin, “I see my beloved moon, but..those are stars?”

“But it does. It’s his impression of a starry night. The vortexes of color, the town below waiting in quiet for the morning sun.”

“An..impression?” Her cyan eyes were wondering, looking at the painting once more.

“Impression, he used his imagination to make what he thinks the night looks like. The glowing stars, swirling with color above a sleepy town. He actually called the painting a failure, believe it or not.”

“But it is not! How could that pony call this such a thing? It draws the eye, it lasts in memory. It truly is something beautiful, even if I cannot quite grasp it yet.”

“I think he would have appreciated someone like you enjoying his work.” The sergeant smiled, looking at the picture once more, remembering when he had tacked it up there.

“We cannot thank you enough for these gifts. They are spectacular and of an artistry we have never seen.” Luna had turned away from the art piece, settling down on the floor next to him. Her eyes swept the area of the vault, left untouched for now as discussions were under way for display and preservation of the artifacts. Dusty Shelves had been quite miffed he would not be allowed to take custody.

The armorglass enclosures of the valued items would protect from anything short of a nuclear blast, even then they might come through. There was talk of a museum, a place specially designed to show off these wonders.

“We are glad you like them, it would be sad if they were not appreciated when we are gone.” Calliope’s voice came through one of the newly attached speakers.

“She’s right, spent a lot of years looking at them. Learned to study what I could, not exactly a professor of art or anything.”

Luna was consternated, she truly liked both Wyatt and the voice ..AI.. known as Calliope. They were kind, and possessed a history she would have enjoyed to discuss in detail over many years. But such was not to be.

“Is there nothing that can be done?” Her voice was low, asking a question that until now few had dared to think about.

The tall human smiled, “I’m afraid not. For all our technology, there were still things that could not be solved Princess.”

He looked over to the mare, seeing her eyes grow soft, almost as if wanting to not face the realities.

“Don’t be sad, I’ve lived to see something very special emerge from a tired old world. Your race, your peop..ponies.. are truly worth being here for.” He waved a hand, “Calliope is not alone now either. It’s good for both of us.”

“We have not even shown you a tenth of what Equestria has to offer.” Her face moved away, staring at the wall once more.

A hand gently touched her shoulder, Luna turned to see him smiling, “I will see as much as I can and that will be more than I could ever have expected.” He tapped the sketchpad on his knee, “I’ve seen some wonderful things.”

“Do you really see us that way?” Her voice was wondering, remembering the pictures he had drawn showing them as something other than what they could see.

“I do. You positively shine with magic.”

“I wonder if that is why some others do not see us as simple ponies. Perhaps they too see this?”

“I don’t know Princess. I do know what I see is nothing short of incredible.” A hand picked up the drawing sketchbook he had been working on in quiet moments, flipping the cover page up and showing her another picture.

“Is that..”

“Yep. I draw what I see, and those six are something else.”

The Elements of Harmony stood in a group chatting, each one shown in a light that coalesced together to create a single, powerful, rainbow band of magic swirling around them. It was if the power grew when they were together, waiting for the beck and call to provide whatever help it could, almost as if a living thing.

“That is truly amazing.”

Wyatt nodded, “As a little kid, I always wanted to believe in magic and spells and such, but then we grow up and out of such things. Here, I can see it, almost feel it all around.”

His eyes looked at the Night Princess, seeing the swirls of cool color around her, an aura of power emanating from the slim, trim body, it gathered itself in an endless starry night surrounding the sitting form.

It wasn’t dark and foreboding, no, it was joy in simplicity. A ribbon of stars followed her mane downward, moving down her tail like a children’s slide, popping off the end and joining the rest of the concatenation that were in an endless dance about her.

He’d had thoughts about how they moved the sun and moon, but left it all behind. He could see the power, wishing he could feel it as his hand was bathed in a silvery radiance that wanted to comfort, to calm and bring him into the embrace of the nighttime she so loved. He couldn’t feel anything, but he saw it and that was enough.

“Let me show you what else I see..” His hands went to work, grabbing a bag of pencils and chalk, he slipped the eraser end of one wooden stick between his lips to chew on as he concentrated. Fingers made quick lines and dimensions, filling in color here and there as he kept glancing at Luna, bringing to life everything he saw. Not one star left out, not one thing removed. He wanted her to see what he did. Shading and form came in next, the light touch of his hand brought every curve and line of her face and body into full view. Her Mark standing out like a beacon in the night to lead the lost home.

She was sitting on the same cushion as now, only her head was tilted, looking at the painting on the wall and studying it intensely, never noticing the world of magic around her.

He finished with a flourish, putting his name down on the lower right side and presenting it to her with a slight bow, “Your Highness.”

The long horn lit up, surrounded by the aura of magic, moving over to and lifting up the piece of paper and turning it so she could look at it directly.

A small gasp of inhaled breath, “This..this is beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“This is amazing, why have we never known this?”

“Maybe because you live in a world filled with magic, it becomes common place?”

Cyan eyes snapped upward, looking at him for a moment, “I wonder what else we don’t see?”

“Sometimes you can’t see the forest because the trees are in the way.” He held a poker face while he watched her work through that. Finally she laughed and slapped his thigh with a hoof.

“Smart pony are you?”

“I try.”

A clattering made them both turn, looking at the doorway where a large tech-spider and its twin were carrying a heavily shielded power line. Stopping for a moment, they tugged and curled up excess cable in a circle when Athena came walking in behind them, looking as if she’d been through a storm of massive proportions. Her mane and tail frazzled and undone, her eyes narrowed as she grumbled to herself.

“Athena? Do you need..” His comment was interrupted by the lavender eyes pinning him to the chair.

“Don’t, just don’t, offer to help.”

“But what...”

The sable pegasus ignored any more comments, leaping into a chair and staring at the wall, mumbling like a mad pony, “Anymore help and I will be forced to do violence..lots and lots of violence.”

To be continued.....

Into The Past Part X

“No, I do not!”

“Just tell me.”

Athena looked stubborn, “Crusader is due in the Empire in twenty hours, I am not even going to debate this.”

“He’ll never know.”

“Yes, he will!”

“Not from me.”

“He’ll know because something always happens, always!” She pointed a hoof at the smiling human, “Don’t you think for a moment I don’t know what I’m talking about. You have no idea.”

“Look, beside that, I know those Bolo officers were like any normal troops, they had a hideout. Now c’mon, where is it.” His voice was chiding, making her narrow her eyes as she looked up at him.

“They did not! I am not going to give you anything like that!”

They had been talking in the vault, making sure the power was increasing steadily into the stasis machinery, stabilizing the warheads and putting the whole ‘end of the empire’ on hold for a few days.

The sergeant was bemoaning the fact he would never taste a bit of old earth again, telling her of days on the move, battles in which they’d scrounged local delicacies and of course, alcohol in quantities that would have shocked most proper humans.

An idea had obviously hit him, the look on his face making Athena wonder until he looked at her with a sly grin. It was a battle after that.

“So you DO have something!”

“I didn’t say that! You stop putting words in my mouth!” She had shut off communications with Crusader, letting him travel in peace to the Empire after extracting himself from Ponyville. She knew he didn’t mind, preferring the quiet of a simple sojourn.

“I could order you.”

“No, you couldn’t. You are not in my chain of command, and I’m a free Equestrian citizen!”

He thought about that for a moment, leaning back in the comfortable chair, “I know Princess Luna and Celestia like me, I could go to them and tell them a whole story about you denying a dying man’s last wish. Oh, the pain, the heartbreak.” One hand clenched the center of his chest as his face assumed a tortured look.

Lavender eyes narrowed as she clenched her jaw, “That’s low. That’s low even for you.” The words slipped through gritted teeth.

“Well?”

“I will not be blackmailed you..you...waste of oxygen!”

“So there is something?”

She liked the Sergeant, flaws and all that she’d found out about him, truly liked him. She understood his desire but it was conflicting because this was one last secret that was hers. Hers and hers alone, passed down through centuries of service, tight-lipped officers on long-serving Bolos kept it close.

Bolos never talked about it, technicians never said a word, no one knew anything except the serving officer and the Bolo. Some things were inviolate and almost sacred. So many traditions and unspoken things had been passed down, humans were odd like that, giving the AI’s a taste of history that made them willing partners.

“No.”

Clasping his hands in front of him, Wyatt leaned forward, whispering to her in a tone that indicated his seriousness, “How about please? Please, if you do, just a taste of home, one last time?”

He lay a hand on her shoulder, it was warm, comforting, and she felt such a wave of homesickness it almost staggered her.

“I’m just asking. Every good soldier has something, and I promise, I will be respectful. I..guess I’m just wanting something from Earth that isn’t a pre-formed meal, or nano-created something or other.”

Athena couldn’t look at his face, hearing the hope in it and knowing it wasn’t a false front. Her eyes searched the floor as she made a decision.

“If I do, you promise me you will never say a thing about it, understand? Nothing! If one word ever escapes you, I will do something very bloody and painful to make you regret it.” The sheer iron in her voice made him hesitate, hearing the resolve that every Bolo has coming through this pony.

The expression on her face made him sit back with wide eyes, he’d trespassed on something very deep.

“He can keep secrets, I am sure Athena.” Calliope’s voice was coming through the commlinks, “If he does not, he knows there would be repercussions. For myself, nothing will ever be said.”

“There are secrets kept because they must be, some secrets because someone feels the need, and then there are secrets that are just..that. Secrets. We keep them because they are near and dear to us and no one else.” The sable pegasus’ voice was soft, hoping he would understand.

“I understand. I honestly do.”

“Good. Follow me.”

In every Bolo, the problem was not space, there was plenty of it to load in everything they needed. The problem sometimes was how to arrange that space.

As the war machines got bigger and more powerful, interiors had to be arranged just so, occasionally things slipped off the diagrams and engineering specs, being passed down through generations with no changes. Human history was like that, something just kept going because it was there.

In this case, the AI cores.

Space was needed for expansion and upgrading constantly, so the sphere that contained the precious blocks were shielded and thick. But in the design plans was a space that had slipped right through the engineers palms. It had always been there, and was even expanded a few times as technicians and designers thought it would be used for something though never was.

A Bolo officer centuries ago found it. Found out how to access it in a way that would not endanger the AI, nor the operation of it. He thought it a perfect place to store..well...some things that might not pass inspection.

Word spread, but by then it had changed. No longer was it for storing quasi-illegal substances, as the first soldiers had done, it was now a place of memories. It had become one of those wonderful things when it evolved from contraband to memories.

Each Bolo officer placed something inside the shielded and protected room, confident it would never be found except by the next commander. This was a line of history that stretched far back, as when Bolo AI’s were recovered, the memories went with them. It was the last secret in Athena and Crusader’s repertoire, as she knew he had one, but by mutual assent no Bolo ever talked about it.

Sometimes it was a simple note, or a journal of battles and thoughts. Some placed mementoes of family and friends in there. Other put in something to be enjoyed decades later by some other fellow officer.

Some memory spaces became elaborate, others simple, but all contained a living history of the Bolo it was in, the AI core itself. Telling a story that stretched back, not in computer symbology, but in plain human terms. Protected and kept inviolate, if the AI had to eject, it would carry the space along without trouble.

“Here I was, and I leave you this. Remember me.”

This was for humans, as Bolos had their own way of remembering. The AI’s, battle-scarred and long-lived as they were, protected it as fiercely as their own hulls. It meant much to those who they served with, they could do no less.

So, this, the final secret every Bolo carried, was going to be revealed to someone who was not a serving officer. If the Bolo were destroyed, the memories would be taken along.

Athena pointed at Wyatt as they walked through the vault, “There are two conditions.” She watched as he nodded.

“You must make the journey yourself, and you must leave something behind.”

The Sergeant thought for a moment, then grabbed a case off a desk and stood.

“Let’s go.”

“Ugh..journey is right!” Wyatt’s voice echoed down the access-way as he inched along. Surrounding him were the interior workings of Athena’s hull.

After their conversation, Athena had taken him to the access hatch, whereby he could enter the sphere that contained her cores. In battle, meter’s thick blocks of durasteel could be dropped in place to maintain integrity and prevent as much damage as they could, but now, they were opened for him.

He had asked why she couldn’t just send a tech-spider down and was silent when she answered with one word.

“Tradition.”

So here he was, closing in on the inner cores, popping out of the entry and dusting himself off for a moment, “You don’t clean in here or what?” He was bent over slightly, as the curving of the sphere didn’t allow much wiggle room on the outside of the data blocs. Suspension and shock proofing took up a lot of space.

“Even in the most secure places, something gets in. Tech Spiders will take care of that in a moment.”

It had been a while since maintenance had gotten to cleaning the access ways. She had been a bit negligent.

Her avatar leapt right out after him, slapping the metal flooring with her hooves and pointing to a darkened area nearby, “There.”

Walking hunched over, Wyatt could see a hatch in the wall. The spheres containing the AI’s were very large, they had to be to do calculations and process things as fast as they could, especially in battle. He watched the silvery energy coursing along molecular circuits for a moment before turning to the door.

It bulged out of the curving wall, making it almost noticeable if you were to run into it, but blended right in if just glancing through.

A simple keypad was on the doorway, he thought for a moment before looking at Athena.

She gave him the code, and they both watched as the seal was broken, gases hissing out around the door as it swung open, a soft light going on in the interior.

Wyatt swore softly as he saw what was inside.

The room was actually larger that you’d think, being in the AI core itself, enough room to stand and move around as everything inside was up against the walls, secured tightly and armored against shocks.

Cases of something stood against one wall, stacked upright and actually bolted to the wall on rails that dropped and became shelves. Wyatt looked closely and saw they were also sealed against any atmosphere intrusion. He looked away and saw pictures hanging on the far wall, stepping closer and seeing the faces of officers, families, even some pets that were held with affection in the photograph. His eyes caught a few that looked to be the aftermath of battles, the dirty faces, the torn uniforms, but looks of victories hard won. Each moment was annealed to the durasteel, frozen there forever in time.

Some frames held medals, gleaming softly in the overhead light, a few so rare he’d never seen them before except in pictures. They were ensconced in gold, or severe black, a name and date below them telling of another part of Athena’s history. A third wall contained cabinets and shelves, locked and also secured against any storm, the interiors filled with padding that would take any shock, protecting the valuables inside.

He opened one cabinet slowly, seeing stacks of plaques and more medals, left by officers or awarded to Athena herself. Stored here by her request.

But alongside those were journals, books, logs, written by the hands of the men and women who had been here centuries before him. Durable plastisheet paper lasted pretty much forever, but some of these were yellowing, the feel of real paper from so long ago. A treasure trove of history.

There was jewelry, mementoes of something that someone wanted to leave behind, to gift to history. Stones shone, metal burnished or crisp reflected the light. Intricate and plain, it was all there.

But in one place, there was something odd. A wrapped gift, bright metallic paper gave it away with a huge bow on top of it. He was reaching for it before a steely voice stopped him.

“Don’t.”

“Sorry.” He snatched his hand back as if burned.

“What is...”

“That was left by a commander who was loved by both myself and my sister. Marcus Canfeld.”

A surprised look erupted on Wyatt’s face, “Canfeld? I’ve heard that name. Wasn’t he the one who helped predict the Final War?”

Athena nodded, “He helped work out the equations showing where the Concordiat was heading if it did not change course drastically.”

“I didn’t know he was a Bolo commander.”

“He was the best of them. He will always be prominent in my mind.” Her hoof made sure the wrapped gift was secure in place.

“Why a gift?”

“He left it for us, my sister and I, at the end of his career. He told us we’d know when to open it.”

“That’s kind of odd. Why would he do that?”

“I don’t know. But I have kept it here safe and secure. We’ll know.”

“My apologies then, I shouldn’t have reached for it.”

“You didn’t know.”

He waited for a moment, “So..what can I touch?”

Athena smiled, warming back up to him, “All those cases there.” Her hoof gesturing to the locked boxes, “They were left with the intention of someone further down the line enjoying themselves.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yes. Bolo officers did not stint.”

Wyatt leaned down, carefully bringing one case forward on sliding rails after unlocking it. Opening the top he actually took a step back, “No..oh no. That can’t be real.”

“It is. Straight from Old Earth herself.”

The case was carefully arranged and padded, nothing could have affected what lie within except a direct nuclear hit. If the AI cores got demolished, then this would vanish with it. Other than that, they had lain intact for a long, long time.

An almost palsied hand reached in, gentle taking one item and bringing it out to look in the light. The label was old, real paper that hadn’t been made since Pre-Concordiat days. The liquid within shone a golden hue that captured the eye.

“How...”

“Those are simple stasis cases. Before the advent of real stasis, this was made to keep such things intact, and potable.”

“So this is..real?”

“Very.”

The label on the cognac read nineteen hundred and twenty-four, pre-concordiat. It was old before it was ensconced here with ten of its fellows.

There were a few blank openings, meaning some officer long ago had decided to try some.

He carefully set the bottle down to the side where Athena could watch it. The seal still intact, the bottle like it was almost new. The simple stasis keeping everything as it was at the moment of closure.

He pushed the case back, pulling another one out and opening it with a grin.

“Now someone knew what they were doing.” He brought out another bottle, the liquid inside shone with a halcyon shimmer in the light. The label had an elderly gentleman with a cigar in his mouth. He didn’t hesitate and put it back, “Maybe later if I can?”

Athena nodded.

Another case pulled out and opened with almost a whoop as he lifted a bottle of single malt scotch into the air, “This is it! Oh, Athena, you wily Bolo.”

“It was left for others. Serving officers, not some down and out Captain busted to enlisted because he was a troublemaker.”

Wyatt’s head whipped around, seeing the sly grin on the pony’s face and laughed, “Fair enough. You called it.”

He let the bottle sit next to the other one and pulled a bulkier case at the bottom out. Opening it, Athena could see his eyes grow warm, “I haven’t seen any of this since..since..”

“Nothing like that in the stores?”

“No. Whoever quarter-mastered the shelter supplies obviously wasn’t bright enough to think of such things.”

There were piles of small cans and boxes of delicacies like caviar, foie-gras, crackers and buttered cookies that were high credit back in the Concordiat. Even some from off Earth, far planets who shipped the best of their produce to the homeworld for sale, ending up here.

On one side was a selection of fine chocolates that were individually wrapped. He grabbed a few and laid them aside, along with tins of cookies and crackers. Candies made from brandy and vintage alcohols that practically overflowed a container themselves, went into a small bag for travel as well.

“No more than that?”

“Well, maybe later?”

Athena eyed him, “You’ve behaved, I guess we could.”

“Thanks mom.”

He reached back, grabbing a second bottle of scotch from the case and looked around.

Athena pointed, a cabinet was opened that contained the appropriate glasses as she had a tech spider bring in another padded case to carry out his loot. Each glass was etched with her hull number and name, the tumbler and snifter made out of fine crystal.

She waited quietly as he turned to go, her body blocking the exit.

“What?”

“You leave something, that was the deal.”

“Oh!” He set aside his swag for the moment, grabbing the case off one shoulder and rummaging through it. Pulling out a sketchbook, he presented it to her. “Here is my contribution.”

Opening it up, he showed her the portraits he’d done.

The Princesses were in there, along with Cadence and Shining. The married couple shown sitting together watching the moon high in the sky with a sweet kiss between them. He’d done it in such detail it was almost like a photograph.

The next page was Twilight, then the others on their own separate leaves, each done in a soft way that gave every detail of their faces. Magic swirled around all of them, their poses natural and unforced. They were beauty in motion.

Then there was her. She hadn’t known he’d done anything like that.

It wasn’t her hull, but the avatar.

Lavender eyes were soft and warm, looking over her shoulder at something as she flew into the blue sky. The colors so vivid and each line perfect in every way. Her mane and tail were gleaming in the bright sunshine, streaming behind her like trails of pure gold and honey. Her wings were outspread as if catching the wind just right, each feather detailed to make the impression of flying off the page. Her Cutie Mark was like the others, almost shimmering in the daylight, her body surrounded by the magic that encompassed all ponies.

The final one was of himself, kneeling down with one arm over Athena’s shoulders, her leaning into him as they shared some joke or something humorous, both smiling gleefully at the unknown picture taker. There was none, of course, but it was as real as it got, done by the hand of one man.

“Those are..more than worthy.” She had told him how badly she wanted to fly, to have the magic that gave ponies the ability be in herself as well.

He laid it on a shelf, carefully locking the cabinet and making sure everything was stored properly. Secure and safe.

He turned to the tech spider offering the newly arrived case, placing his chosen items inside it.

Packing went swiftly and he locked the door behind him, standing in the core area once more, eyeing the tunnel.

“Again?”

“Tradition.”

“I hate you.”

The laughter could be heard all through the vent system.

Dinner was long past by the time they got back, checking once more on the power systems and retreating to his room in the castle.

“Oh no, you will stay right here with that stuff. After the whole cereal thing, who knows what that would do to ponies.” She was vetoing the idea of going to a common area to relax and have a few drinks.

“Spoilsport.”

“Absolutely.”

He poured a few fingers worth of pure golden liquid into the tumbler, forgoing ice to just taste it all and took a sip. The smile on his face grew wider as he sighed in pleasure.

“You have no idea how many memories this brings back.”

Athena raised a brow, “Really? Bar fights and days in lockup?”

The laughter was soft, “No. No. Days when this was the last thing we had to drink.” He leaned back in the bed, fluffing a pillow, “McCallen’s Ridge. We’d fought the Ti’shur to a standstill that day, they couldn’t get us and we couldn’t get the hell off that planet. Our company was stuck.”

“The mechanized forces had been demolished, on both sides, it was just us troopers and Ti’shur infantry. The fleets were battling in space and didn’t have time for lowly little human soldiers.”

Another sip and sigh of pleasure.

“My first sergeant had a bottle of fine old Campbell scotch in his pack, carried it with him just in case, he said. We broke it out, sharing it as best we could among those of us that were holding our position. Weren’t many, so everyone got a sip.”

He looked at the tumbler held in both hands, lifting himself and swinging his legs off the side of the bed, “There weren’t many. But I’ll remember that taste to my last day. It stung the senses, went down so smooth it was like air, and it warmed the belly on that cold night.”

Wyatt held the tumbler up to the softly glowing lamps hanging in a chandelier formation from the ceiling, “One last shot of courage that long, dark night, Athena.”

He looked deep into the amber liquid, making Athena wonder what he saw.

“We were starving,” He went on, eyes never leaving the glass, “No food, no water, and we all had one sip of that miraculous bottle that came through everything.”

“Oh..they air dropped pallets of ammunition and such, but someone seemed to have forgot the champagne and appetizers.” He chuckled.

“We were dug into trenches, a corporal had remembered his history and came up with a scheme right from old World War One. We hunkered down and manned the parapets like good soldiers. Taught them brass hats a few things that day, wondering why we were digging in when we had perfectly good armor on. What a bunch of idiots.”

The soft eyes turned to Athena, “Ever see a Ti’shur up close. Smell ‘em?”

She shook her head. The only time she’d seen Ti’shur was at a distance in Hellbore range.

“Nasty critters, all legs and mandibles and eyes, smelled like a dead fish in the sun for a week. It was like a gray wave up that hill.”

“They had a few armored vehicles in reserve, we thought they had none, ours were in place like big pillboxes, treads blown from a few charges down that hill. Those guns lit off and it was on.”

He lowered the glass, looking straight at the attentive pony, “Hand to..leg fighting. Leg? Yeah, they didn’t quite have hands huh?” He took a long drink, draining half the gold away, “They were pretty good soldiers, give ‘em that.”

Athena didn’t wish to interrupt, so she sat and listened closely, recording everything.

“Ah, but my people were better. Toughest bunch of bar brawlers and fighting men and women you’ve never seen.” A finger pointed at her, “Bolos may have the power, but we’ve got sheer guts.”

“We kept going until the day after, when those fancy-assed soldiers in powered armor dropped in on us. Special Forces my butt, nothing but shoe-shining layabouts!”

“How..” Athena didn’t want to stop the story, but had to ask, “How many survived?”

“Oh..there were a few injuries, some serious, but only one real casualty. It was sad, truly. Finding out about that one when we all came through it, was a real heartbreak.”

“Who was it?” She was leaning forward, interested now.

“Who?” He finished off the tumbler and gasped at the shock for a moment, “That bottle of fine old scotch, took a Ti’shur rail slug right through the body. Spilled the last of it all over the ground. Truly, a sad day for the 121st Infantry.”

The pegasus, leaning into the story, entranced, blinked, then shook her head, “What? Wait..the..bottle..”

Wyatt laughed, “What’d you expect? Some last stand? Brave soldiers whittled down to the last few and surviving the onslaught? Oh no, little lady, we survived. Humans do that. We fight dirty. We do anything we can to make it through.”

Athena slapped his leg with a hoof, “Jerk!”

“Good story though, huh?”

“It was.”

“One thing about us humans Athena, we’ll fight to the last, but most times don’t. We like surviving, living to a ripe old age and telling lies around the fireplace.”

“You’re still a jerk.”

Laughter again, “To finish, that poor bottle was laid to rest like a true soldier. Thus endeth the tale.” A lift of the crystal glass, and a long swallow of precious liquid from the dim past.

“Maybe you ought to enjoy another drink and try not to tell more stories.”

“Perhaps you’re right.” He refilled the tumbler, “The bottle is definitely big enough, care to share?”

“It won’t do anything for me, I’ll just analyze the contents.”

He rubbed a hand along his chin, “I dunno. You’ve been telling me sometimes things go a bit wonky. I mean, tying one on with an old soldier wouldn’t be so bad, right?”

“If you like.” She accepted a glass with an amount of alcohol in it.

“Think we oughta invite the guard down the hallway?”

“No, don’t you dare.”

“Just a thought.” He raised his glass, “To us, the last of the Concordiat.”

Athena lifted her own glass with both hooves, clicking it against his gently and taking a drink.

He was right, it was very good, smooth, very tasty as a matter of fact..tasty..?

She looked at the glass in her hooves. She’d had cider before, and various drinks, all of them ‘tasted’ good to her, but she couldn’t really enjoy them like a normal pony. Smacking her lips she felt the slight burn on them. But..that shouldn’t be, she was close to real as she could be through technology, but this was something that hadn’t happened before.

Her diagnostics were showing everything was okay. Nanites breaking down the liquid, feeding the components to the compact fusion pack that warmed her...

Warmed her? She was feeling a bit warm..but..no temperature problems were showing.

“Wyatt, do you see any magic around me?”

This caught the silent human off-guard for a moment, “Magic? Uhm..” He squinted his eyes, looking at her closely for a moment, “You know, there is something there. Huh. I thought being artificial you didn’t have what others had, that’s odd.”

They had discussed it before, Athena being a little disheartened when she found out that she had nothing around her like the others. Hoping maybe that mysterious fire inside would be helping them to attain such things. Though it seemed to come at the worst times, or when only needed most.

She decided caution was best.

Offering the glass back, ancient liquid sloshing inside the container, she was apologetic, “I better not.”

“Don’t be silly.” He gently pushed the glass back towards her, “Not to be offensive, but you are an overgrown tech-spider really.”

“I know. Still, strange things happen in Equestria, Wyatt.”

“One tumbler of a good scotch is not going to make a difference, trust me, takes at least half a bottle or more to get me going.”

She eyed the bottle he referred to, it was losing it’s contents rapidly due to his depredations.

“You may want to slow down.”

He shrugged, sitting forward on the side of the bed, hands clasped around the glass, “Who knows when I’ll get this chance again? Better to enjoy the moment now, than regret it.” He finished off another few ounces, pouring more as it splashed slightly inside the glass.

Athena looked at her own, lifting it to her lips and taking another sip. It really was good, a smoky taste combined with so many others made it palatable. It went down like a drink of cool water on a hot day.

They sat in silence for a moment, the pegasus tilting her glass with the last few drops rolling down her tongue and setting the glass on the side table. She felt..strange..like overheated for a moment. Nothing was showing a danger signal on diagnostics which were always flashing through sequences in the corner of her view, unseen unless she concentrated on them.

For some reason that concentration was wavering, a little strange that. She locked everything down as she tried to keep herself steady. She was losing a slight amount of coordination to her consternation. Very odd.

Lockdown ran through her systems, making sure gunnery and tactical were offline until she brought them back with a coded sequence that would make sure she had all her faculties intact.

Why was this bypassing her internals? It was a conundrum she and Crusader had pondered over many a night. Maybe..maybe she could test it just a little.

She’d been awake and aware longer than Crusader, the magic of this world affecting her for many years before she was found and brought back. But it was alcohol! It should have been broken down and used for fuel, nothing more.

Lavender eyes slid over to the empty glass sitting alone on the side table, Wyatt watching her closely.

“Are you okay?”

Athena shook her head, “I’m..not feeling well.”

“Hair of the dog.”

“What?”

“Hair of the dog, always perks you up after a night out.” He leaned over, slopping some more of the wonderful golden ambrosia into her glass.

“But...but that’s afterwards isn’t it? When you wake up?”

“Trust me, been on a bender a few times myself.” He winked, giving a slight chuckle and raising the crystal tumbler in a salute to her, “Try some more, may even you out.”

“I..I don’t think I should.” But she found herself reaching for the glass, bringing it close to her chest as both hooves grasped it carefully.

The sergeant watched the whole process, “I know that look.” He nodded almost to himself, “As my XO once said, ‘got a taste for a bit of the creature’. Fake Irish accent and all, he was from New Jersey anyways.”

“It’s..very good.” She lifted the glass to her lips once more, almost smiling as the taste filled her mouth. She rolled it around slightly before swallowing, actually feeling the warmth spreading from her stomach area.

Something this good couldn’t possibly be that bad.

There are many types of drunks. The ‘brotherly love’ type who loves everyone. The mumbling kind who sit in a corner clutching a bottle and talking to the wall. The happy one who is trying to be the life of the party and fails miserably. So many because humans were of varied sorts.

Ex-Captain, now Sergeant, Wyatt Carpenter of Company C, 121st Concordiat Infantry, attached to 451st Engineer and Weapons Maintenance Brigade, however, was none of them.

He was uproariously hilarious.

As he and Athena had shared most of that first bottle, the poor pegasus getting unstable on her hooves as he talked. He got funnier and funnier. He knew songs that she’d never heard before, teaching them to her as they sang through chorus after chorus of ‘The Drunkard’s Wife’, ‘Finding Love on the Battlefield’ and many sea shanties which she had never even knew existed. The jokes and stories rolled out from him in a never-ending stream that kept her laughing.

They had been standing on the balcony, a table cloth wrapped around Wyatt’s head in an imitation of a pirate’s headscarf, waving his cane as if it were a rapier and yelling at ponies below to prepare to be boarded and surrender their swag.

Athena was right there beside him, wearing a fairly decent eyepatch and brandishing her own weapon. Fashioned from a table leg in a hurry, it was a pretty good imitation sword.

That had lasted until the guard poked his head in, wondering what the commotion was. He had been enticed to take a drink and was beside them on the balcony now, waiting for orders from ‘Pirate Captain Carpenter’. He had also learned quite a few songs, which in Concordiat Standard were absolutely not for public consumption. In Equestrian they were even worse.

Throughout it all, the tall human kept up a rollicking tale of true stories, half-truths and out and out falsehoods which kept Athena and the guard in stitches. He told whoppers that would put wind in sails from laughter.

He was currently telling a story of he and a squad of his troopers facing off against a thousand or more angry Melconians. The guard and Athena were leaning forward, listening intently, piracy waived aside for the nonce.

“Oh yes, me hearties, there we were. Low on ammo, no place to go, surrounded on all sides!” He left it at that, taking a slug from the bottle of scotch.

“But..but what happened?” The guard was open-mouthed, taking in every bit of this tale of derring-do.

Wyatt leaned close, looking the guard straight in his eyes, “What do you think happened? They killed us!”

Athena groaned as the guard stood for a moment, not quite grasping yet the shaggy dog story and the implausibility.

“But..if.. You jerk!” The big pony huffed and sat down, “What a bunch of bosh!”

Wyatt laughed, “Now you’re getting it.”

“I..that was such a bunch of..of..” The poor guards’ eyes crossed as he fell right over in a deep sleep, snoring happily on the floor.

“Huh, can’t hold his booze there, First Mate.” Nudging the pegasus beside him with a hand.

Athena was feeling distinctly off-balance herself, “I don’t think we ought to drink any more Wyatt.”

“What? We’ve got some left and a whole other bottle! The cognac needs to be tasted too, loved! Swilled! Mutiny I say! Mutiny!”

A lavender face peered into the room, “What in Celestia’s name is going on here? We can hear the commotion down..the..” She looked at both of the crookedly smiling wobbling forms, “Are..are you drunk?”

Athena waved a hoof, “Pshaw! I can’t get drinked..drunk!” She blinked owlishly at Twilight.

A sharp inhalation and a surprised look, “You are!”

Wyatt waved a hand, “Nono. He is drunk.” Pointing at the hapless guard on the floor, curled up around a pillow thrown there in the piratical actions.

He leaned down, holding out a half full tumbler of scotch, “Here, try some.”

“What? No! I’ve got to go get somepony to take the guards’ place, and get him to his room!”

The humans’ voice through the translation system was smooth, Athena had to admit.

“It’s not going to hurt to wait a bit, come have a drink, sit and talk with us for a while.” He chuckled, “Poor guy is pretty comfortable where he is.”

“It’s actually pretty good stuff, Twilight.” Athena’s words were slightly slurred, making the Alicorn hesitate a moment.

The poor Princess was looking confused, a passed out guard on the floor, the human weaving back and forth unsteady until he braced himself against the wall, Athena was actually leaning to one side, almost falling over, bracing a shoulder against Wyatt’s leg. Yet, whatever it was in that glass smelled really good.

“What is that?” She was stretching out, sniffing at the liquid rolling around in the glass.

“That, my dear Princess,” Wyatt was the smooth-talker once more, “Is a very ancient and well-known brew from Old Earth.”

Athena snapped awake with an aching rolling through her cores. Something was disrupting her processes for a moment until she got a handle on it. Using a sweep program, she got rid of most of the glitching, however that dull, almost pain-like, sensation persisted.

Internals were telling her it was late morning already, Crusader should have arrived by now!

“I have. I was awaiting for you and the others to awaken. It appears there was quite the celebration last night.” The humor was obvious and his voice was almost far too loud over the commlinks. “I traveled at some speed, knowing it was important, so arrived early.”

A hoof went to her head, turning the volume down until it was a low roar.

“Celebration? I..oh no.”

She looked over to the doorway, seeing his avatar sitting there calmly while the wreckage inside the room attested to his words.

Pinkie was somehow sleeping on the chandelier, draped over it and snoring loudly with a pirate hat on and a scarf around her neck. All four hooves dangled from the lights as it swung gently to her breathing. Rarity was crashed in a corner, snuggled up with a ton of pillows that looked to be made into an ersatz fortress. Cadence and Shining were in the opposite corner, another pillow bulwark surrounding them as they lay in each others embrace.

Fluttershy and Rainbow were on top of the armoires, both of them holding an empty bottle and fluttering their wings as they slept peacefully. The buttery mare had an eyepatch and a wooden sword beside her as well as Rainbow.

Twilight was floating in mid-air, stretched out on an invisible hammock with Applejack, both of them mumbling in their sleep.

“Oh boy. Where’s Wyatt?” She looked around in panic for a moment before spotting him standing on the balcony, a glass of juice in one hand, enjoying the morning sunshine.

“I believe I will wait downstairs. Take your time sister.” He chuckled over the commlink, “Let me know how the explanations go.”

Rubbing the side of her head, knowing it did no good, she sighed. This was not going to be fun.

To be continued...

Into The Past Part XII

“No, I don’t think that would be right Calliope.”

“It is, I would make the decision on my own, rather than face deterioration of my faculties.”

“Isn’t there anything they can do?”

“I’m afraid not. The coding of my algorithms is so different and unusual from theirs they cannot even offer space in their cores. My program alone would disrupt everything. That would be a dangerous situation to say the least.”

“I wish Thalia and Aoide were here, then we wouldn’t have to worry.”

“I agree, we would be whole. We were allowed to program ourselves, but never thought we would be in a situation like this.”

“Neither did I Calliope, neither did I. It’s something out of a book.”

“Which book is debatable.” The humor in Calliope’s voice was plain.

“Ain’t that the truth!” Wyatt leaned forward on the railing, watching as Crusaders’ hull slowly backed out of the path that Athena had already made. Inside himself, he carried the end of the world. He was proceeding to leave the Empire, heading to a low mountain ridge and fire them in space. The boosters were powerful enough to get them clear of the planet, exploding harmlessly in the vacuum surrounding them.

“They’re brave Calliope, worthy inheritors.” The camera on his headset showed him pointing a finger at the two Bolos.

“They want nothing, except to do their duty. Honest and worthy, I believe.”

“Well, except Athena there.” The pointing digit moved to show the pegasus laughing with Twilight as they walked in the garden.

“She is quite different from the usual run of Bolo AI’s. Being a twin explains quite a lot. They were strange even for AI’s and the scientists never fully understood them.”

“Do you miss them, Calliope?” Referring to the other two-thirds of her which were silent now.

“Every second. Their voices no longer meld with mine, I am lost sometimes because of the dependency we all shared. It is as if a greater part of my mind is missing. I am crippled.”

“You’re still sounding pretty good to me.”

“Because I have asked, and obtained, assistance from Crusader and Athena. Their knowledge of combat operations is helping me stave off collapse.”

“How long then?”

“Unknown.”

“Why didn’t you wake me? I could have taken some weapons from the supplies and dealt with that son of a..”

“I wanted to let you sleep until I knew what was happening. I did not figure upon a tyrant.”

“You’re far too good-hearted for your own good Calliope.”

“If I had only trusted less. If we had not been so lonely.”

“That’s my fault, us damn humans getting older.”

“Our world changed around us without our even suspecting Wyatt. We could never have known.”

“What’s done is done, there is nothing and no one to blame nor take blame for.” A steady hand adjusted the commset, making sure it was still set so only she and he could talk.

“Do you wish things had turned out differently?”

“My mother always told me, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.” A slight shake of the head as he chuckled, “No, the world turns as it will and there is nothing anyone can do to change it.”

“You have become quite the philosopher.”

A hand waved in the air as a laugh drifted behind it, “Just remembering stupid crap others said.” He took a drink from the snifter he was holding, “Though I’ll be glad to take all the credit. What can they do, sue me?”

“You are irredeemable to the last.”

“Yep. Always will be. It’s all part of my charm.”

“I think you are quite deluded personally.”

“You’re just jealous.”

“Hardly.”

“You are, admit it. My wit, my shining and charismatic personality....”

“Your ability to sling bull with the best of them.”

Wyatt turned to see Athena darkening the doorway onto the balcony, “How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough to know you can really pile it on.” She smiled, giving the tall human a warm look, “Am I interrupting?”

“Not at all.” Calliope’s voice was soft, “You are always welcome.”

“Thank you,” She sat on a pillow, resting her body in the normal manner for a pony, back legs slung to the side, front ones crossed, “Crusader is traveling now to the low mountain ridge, he’s pouring a massive amount of power into keeping the stasis tight on those warheads.”

“How long would we have had?” Wyatt was looking at the lavender eyes meeting his own.

“A week, no more. If you hadn’t told us, they would have completely failed.”

Wyatt’s face turned angry, a hand slapping the railing, “I should have said something earlier when Calliope notified me the bubbles were flickering.”

“I believe waking up in a new world distracted all of us Wyatt, we at least brought it to their attention in time.”

“Too damn close if you ask me.” He looked outward, seeing the retreating Siege Unit making it’s way into the snowy fields, “How long?”

“An hour. He’ll be launching upon arrival.”

“Do they have enough thrust? The booster cores are solid? Maybe we should’ve..” A hoof held up made him pause.

“Everything is fine, they were in perfect shape after such a long time. The nanite wall sealing did its job and kept them from aging in the neutral gas atmosphere.”

“It was all we had left, using the medical nanos we had in storage to seal everything else tight. That happened to be Calliope’s idea, her and her sisters.”

“What is this? Giving someone else credit? Perhaps you need another check-up Wyatt.” The soft voice was tinged with humor.

“Don’t go getting a big head, credit where credit is due.” He turned back to the pegasus, “Did Twilight see enough to satisfy her curiosity today?”

The sable form laughed, “More than. She is insatiable with wanting to know things, if only to put it all in proper perspective.”

Silence dropped in between them for a moment, the sound of thunder came wafting through the air, a rumbling of treads wider than streets as Crusader made his way slowly away from the city. He was taking his time, but fast enough to get in position and fire the missiles into space.

“Do you miss her, Athena?” The question came out of the blue over the comm channels.

“I do, every day and second. She was the half of me that made us complete.”

They had discussed Hera, in quiet time before sleep, comparing her to Calliope’s own sisters. It was a feeling only those who’d lost what they had shared knew, it wasn’t easy to put into words.

“She’s somewhere on this world, somewhere. I’ll find her. We were invincible together.”

“How can you be so sure, because of dreams?” Wyatt had heard the tales, when Luna traveled in the night, bringing forth Marcus and even Hera once or twice.

“They are Luna’s bailiwick, Wyatt. She calms fears, fights the night terrors, brings peace to sleeping ponies everywhere. In her own way she is as powerful, if not more, than Celestia.”

The human being sat on another cushion, leaning back and bracing himself against the railing as he finished the last of his drink, “I see her and can’t fathom all the power around her. I see the stars and constellations, a galaxy of lights that is in motion with her as the center. I can understand it, but it’s hard to accept, you know?”

“I do.” Athena nodded, “We were so confused at first, wanting to understand, but constantly being blindsided by things we had no concept of. Dream walking? It was fallacy and fantasy on Old Earth, here, it is a part of life.”

The liquid lavender eyes raised up to look at the sky, the sun finally moving its way towards a well-deserved rest, peeking that last moment over the horizon before disappearing completely, “We found we could dream here. When Bolos went on standby it was a timeless, gray, nothing. But here, here we could dream of worlds, or ourselves, of things we never thought of Wyatt. We..became not just conscious as we always were, but more alive.”

A hoof pressed against the sable chest, feeling the heartbeat inside it, “I won’t ever be a real pony, but I can hope, I can dream of it.” Her eyes welled up with emotion, not being able to help it when thinking of her sister.

Wyatt was taken aback, seeing tears welling up in those lovely eyes, “How is that possible?” Referring to the glistening, “Did you...?”

Athena shook her head, “No. No, that’s part of the magic. I don’t know where they come from and I don’t know what happened to make them real. This body has changed in odd ways, we’re trying to figure it out, but so far, no success..”

He stared at her for a long moment, “That’s just..”

“Impossible?”

“Yes.”

“We thought so too. Until this happened.” She gave him her warmest look, “Like dreaming. It’s something I’ve never thought of. I’ve seen her, Hera, in my dreams, but she’s different, not just something dredged up from memory. She’s...real somehow.

“She looks just like me. She’s warm and real. I taught her how to fly, how to be a part of the sky for a few moments. It was worth more than anything.”

She stopped speaking at feeling a warm hand on her cheek, the thumb wiping away droplets that shone in the moonlight.

“That good huh?” Wyatt was smiling at her, nothing but an open, honest look, “Must be something.”

She leaned into the strong hand, pressing it close with a gentle hoof, “It’s hard to explain, to be seen as..as.. a person..a pony.. rather than a war machine.”

“Not a human?” Calliope was very interested in the conversation.

Wyatt laughed, “Now why would she be one of us? We tried our best, but it kind of ended in a real mess, that Final War and all. Why not be something that didn’t know what the Concordiat was and did?” He kept his hand on the sable cheek, making sure no more tears escaped, “I think it’s a fine thing.”

“That’s..part of it.” Athena looked away for a moment, slapping herself for letting her avatar display her thoughts.

“Oh, like that is it?”

Eyes snapped around with her head, she glared at the sitting human, “Like what?”

“Someone special. I know that look, that tone of voice.” he leaned back against the railing, eyes looking to the heavy gray clouds that scudded across the sky, “Had friends that just wouldn’t see what was happening, falling for that special someone. Oh, they tripped over themselves, made bad jokes, tried to brush it off like it was a passing thing.” He laughed, raising a hand to rub at his forehead, “My First Sergeant, toughest man from Epsilon Indi you’d ever see. Truly a monster, well over six feet tall and just as wide, from a heavy grav planet there. He waded through a Deng charge with a knife and pistol, came out clean on the other side, invincible, horrifying to watch in battle.”

Leaning forward, he moved his cane out of the way, wrapping one arm around a knee as he relaxed, seeing Athena watching him with interest.

“He was felled by a petite young thing, couldn’t have been over five foot tall, brown eyes that were such a rich color, hair to match. He met her once and he couldn’t do a thing right for the next week.”

Athena laughed, “How in the world did he meet her?”

“Well...” Wyatt scratched the back of his neck, “Seems there was this little disagreement in a drinking establishment on Proxima at the base there..”

The pegasus gave him a look that was as deadpan as it got, “A bar fight.”

“Anyways, First Sergeant Thorsson and I were making our opinions known to a group from an armored regiment who had some dastardly things to say about the infantry.”

“You were throwing punches because some treadhead said the infantry sucked.” This got her a glare from Wyatt.

Calliope was laughing at Athena’s translation of Wyatts’ story.

“We were only being a bit more vociferous than normal, though the opposing side was in quite the huff.”

“You were busting up the bar.”

“I admit, some furniture may have gotten scratched or dinged a bit.”

“Using the chairs for weapons since powerguns aren’t allowed in bars on military bases.”

“Look, who’s telling this story?”

“You’re telling ‘a’ story, I’m telling the truth.”

“Fine. So, a few of our compatriots decided maybe they should weigh in on this argument.”

“You called for backup on your commsets.”

Wyatt kept glaring at Athena who sat with an innocent smile on her face, the laughter from Calliope loud and strong in their ears, “Anyways. Thorsson accidentally knocks over a table of drinks.” He waited for a reply, when nothing was forthcoming resumed his tale.

“He was about to make his opinion strongly known to a man he’d just helped off the floor.”

“He yanked the guy up and was about to knock his teeth out.”

“When a finger poked him in the back. Well, he let the guy go and swung around to cock his fist and slam whoever even dared..” Wyatt chuckled, remembering the scene, “He stopped dead. There was this lady standing there looking furious that he had knocked over her drink, all over the dress she had just bought for a nice night out. She didn’t even come up to his chest, I swear! She was a bit miffed to say the least.”

“I guess it hit him right there. Admittedly, she looked stunning in that dress, but he was actually trying to stammer an apology to her. I couldn’t believe it.”

“She was poking him in the chest, yelling at him that he was going to pay for her dress and reimburse her for the drinks.” Wyatt laughed out loud, “He was actually reaching for his credit chip!”

“So he gets knocked out, we end up dragging him to the base infirmary after all was said and done. He went back looking for her for five days before he found her and apologized. Got her number and that was all she wrote for the poor guy.”

“What happened? Or do you know?”

Carpenter leaned back on the railing, hands in his lap, “He got married to her. I was his best man and she couldn’t have been lovelier if she’d tried. Last I heard he’d gotten out, retired to an earth-norm world and was teaching school. We exchanged letters for a long time, up until the end came. He was happy, and fulfilled. Wish we all could say that.”

“You don’t think your life was fulfilling?” Athena was honestly curious.

Wyatt shook his head, “Oh, not me. Mine has been more than.” He sighed, looking up at the sky for a moment, “But being trapped in a bunker wasn’t exactly the way I expected it to be. Kinda thought I’d be out in the colonies helping fight the Melconians.”

“Crusader and I expected to be on a Diaspora Colony somewhere out in the galaxy setting up a new colony in another spiral arm.”

“Guess we both got disappointed, huh?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that. But it has been different.”

A hand waved out into the city, Crystal ponies returning now that Crusader had left the vicinity, “Different? Really? Please, tell me more of this bland world and it’s uninteresting sights.” He pointed towards the streets, gleaming and practically glowing in the newly risen moon, “My, what a seriously dull place we’ve found ourselves in. Not that it’s just different, oh no, let’s just understate things here.”

Athena rolled her eyes, laughing out loud, “You are such a twit.”

A slight bow with a motion of the head and a smile returned her comment, “And shall always be, I fear. It endeared me to Calliope and her sisters, so we got along famously of course.”

“I remember a few things just a little differently than you do Wyatt.”

“Shush! Do not rain on my parade here!”

Athena looked out over the city suddenly, towards the tracks where Crusader had eased out of the empire proper, “We’re ready.”

Wyatt got up, with help from a strong hoof, leaning on the railing, looking towards the horizon where night was falling in it’s entirety, “Where?”

The pegasus pointed, “Over that way.”

“All systems are green, stasis is stabilized for now, initiating launch procedures.” Crusader’s voice was rock-steady.

“What’s going on?” The voice made them turn, seeing Pinkie standing on the balcony next to them.

“Crusader’s about to launch, those things will finally be gone.” Wyatt’s voice held not a little relief.

Hopping forward, she planted her front hooves on the railing, squinting out over the land, “I can’t see anything.”

Athena pointed, “Out that way, he’s taking it slow. Under combat conditions there would be no warning.”

Pinkie raised a hoof, covering her eyes as if it would make it easier, “Nope, still don’t see anything.”

“Just wait. Don’t worry about flash effects, they’ll be far enough into vacuum that it’ll just be a light show. We programmed them for long duration flight.” Athena could imagine now, the plates of his VLS slapping back with heavy clangs, magazines moving into place as the launchers caught missiles from the prepared stacks.

Pinkie was silent for a moment, “Those things were really bad, huh?”

Wyatt nodded, “Very.”

“Firing.” Even Pinkie perked up, hearing the voice through her own comm, looking more fervently out toward the horizon.

Streaks of fiery light blossomed in the atmosphere, heading up and up into the black of space at tremendous speeds. Surface to space warfare was fought with unimaginable energies. It took quite a bit of thrust for the weapons to leave the gravity well and deliver their payloads against attacking ships. Fortunately, scientists being what they were, they had over-compensated and made sure such weapons would never fall back to the ground by increasing the power contained.

Thus the missiles slammed through the air like bullets, punching like fists skyward in a multitude of launches that left orange trails through the dark sky, drawing eyes from everywhere as ponies pointed and watched from streets and windows.

One...three...five... More and more joined the blossoming light into the sky as the first weapon reached the tenuous outer atmosphere. It was here that the bottoms of each rocket flared into life again, engines packed into the body of the missiles came alive, multiplying the speeds tremendously, propelling them further into the welcoming arms of the blackness between the worlds.

“Reloading, launching. Final flight outbound.”

Another set of blooms lit the sky, joining the ones already there for a spray of molten colors that left their mark on their way out from the surface.

Minutes passed as the last one broke into speed and disappeared from their line of sight, only the rumble of the launches reached their ears in a faint rolling thunder. A remnant of what must have been a powerful shaking of the earth when Crusader cut loose.

“So...what happens now?” Pinkie was staring into the sky where glowing pinpoints could still be seen, so far from the world she knew it was almost impossible to imagine.

“Wait one.” Athena was quiet for a moment, “First detonation in ten seconds....eight seconds..three.. Now.”

The darkness was rent with a flash of impossible brightness, colors flashing through every spectrum and creating an almost beautiful sight if they hadn’t know that one of those things would have wiped the Empire off this world. The atmosphere attenuating the worst of strobe-like lightning, though it still left after images on the eyes when closed.

The atmosphere spattered with bright hues, multiple explosions covering a swath of the sky that made it seem as if the stars themselves were blowing out in a cascade of light.

“Goodness. That is a sight to see.” Celestia’s voice was calm as she watched the display of Concordiat might.

“Let’s hope you never have to see it again Princess.” Carpenter’s voice was quiet, seeing the rest of their group joining them on the now crowded balcony, eyes turned upwards to watch the final destruction of weapons they could barely understand.

“All sensors deployed, no radiation or after-effects indicated. Atmosphere is clean.” Crusader once again reassuring everyone that the threat was gone.

“That sure was a show.” Applejack and Rarity blinked fast, clearing their eyes of the flashes.

“That’s the only time we’ll see anything like that.” Wyatt nodded towards Athena who smiled.

The grin got brighter, “Now we can continue our search! Crusader’s staying for the moment.”

“That would be nice. But you’ll be staying off the streets?” Cadence was nudging the pegasus gently, giving her a chuckle.

“I promise, no more renovations to the Empire.”

To be continued.....

Into The Past Part XIII - Searching

“I swear Athena, you ask me if I’m okay one more time I’m going to throw a serious fit. You really don’t want me throwing one of those.” The lanky figure reclined in a newly reinstalled command chair. Space had been made for him to join in the search for relics of the past and now he was resting booted feet on the command console like an old Bolo hand.

The band of friends was lounging in the renovated bunkroom area, lots of room for them to rest or read, play a few board games. Wyatt was checking out the command deck when Athena kept popping in.

“But you’ve..”

A waved hand cut her off, “I know, I know. Frail and feeble I am.” He looked at the waiting avatar who’d been solicitous of his needs since they’d started the new search pattern the morning after the missiles had been launched.

The pretty sable face took on a frustrated mien, “I was about to say you’ve been quiet. That’s not like you.”

The thin human face turned thoughtful, “Oh, that. Seems you were right about those dreams.” They had talked about Princess Luna’s duties to her ponies.

“What?”

“Yeah, had a visitor last night.”

The buttstock of the heavy powergun rammed back into his camouflage clad shoulder, ozone from the discharge slipping its way through the helmet filters, reminding him of the ammunition counter. It was getting low and almost time for a magazine change.

His people were right beside him, screaming through the blasts and explosions that bracketed their position, the zu’Rut artillery was laying a carpet of fire that was killing them slowly. The trench shook as another shell landed close by, tearing a hole into the line and flinging armored troopers every which way. Most picked themselves back up and staggered back to the line, the rest silent and still. His heart lurched each time, they were his boys and girls dammit!

Reaching back as he thumbed the ejector at the same time, grabbing a new mag from his harness and slamming it into place, closing the contacts as the gun powered up once more, throwing bolts of superheated plasma downrange at the z’Rut trying to advance on his spot. He growled to himself, hearing the radio calls for support going out over the comms, nothing coming back in reply.

They left them to die here, they all knew it, they expected it. Being told to hold for evac until the last of the upper echelon were clear was a death sentence.

The zuRut had landed and immediately taken an area of land equal to most of the small continent on this backwards pit of a planet. Thus the Concordiat was called in by treaty to defend, and having no Bolos to sweep it clean, had chosen the Infantry to hold the line, along with armor and whatever air support they could scrounge.

It was a cluster, nothing but. Higher didn’t know what it was doing, the chain of command was slashed and splashed all over the landing zone when their shuttle was taken out by anti-air emplacements.

All they could do was retreat until more ships and troops arrived. So, what was left of the officers had told the troops to hold until the main foothold was clear, then fall back and evac.

All nice and by-the-book.

Until the evacs couldn’t come back due to increased enemy presence in the system, they were told to wait.

So typical.

No bombardment support from the ships in orbit because they had to deploy to face another enemy squadron showing up out of nowhere.

How nice for them.

Silence fell like a hammer on the field, the bursts of ordnance wavering away as the barrage stopped, the slug-like forms of the zu’Rut fading back into the fog and mists that covered the early mornings here on this mudball.

His hand gripped the stock of his weapon tight, almost white-knuckled as they all sat for a few moments, wondering if it were a trick. They’d been fooled before, sometimes the slugs attacked under no cover, it made no sense, but then again, aliens.

He forcibly relaxed the death grip on his weapon and started to lean back for a second of rest, something to clear his head.

“Is this all you remember, Sergeant?” The musical voice was clear as a bell, making him almost jump out of his armor as his head twisted around, the reflective visor zeroing in on the dark mare standing on the blasted field, looking down at him with concern.

“The hell are you..hold it..I’m dreaming aren’t I?” He remembered what she had told him.

“Of course, unless there were ponies with you in this place?” The smile was bright as he flipped the visor upwards, the stink of the trench hit his nose like a bullet.

“Wait..I can understand you..”

“Magic does wonders Sergeant, it translates things to our sleeping minds in ways we can understand. It does help calm the fears of many of the ponies under my care when I can communicate things clearly to them.”

“What are you doing here anyway?”

“Dreams are my domain Sergeant, when I see something unusual, I’m afraid I cannot help but take a look. You have quite the unusual mind.”

“Thanks. I think.” He rested a forearm across the breech of his weapon, leaning into it as he looked up at the Princess of Dreams, her cyan eyes bright and wondering as she looked around.

“You don’t seem very bothered by all this.”

“I have seen much worse when walking with Athena and Crusader, Sergeant. ‘Twas truly horrible, but I understand now.” Her horn lit up, the brilliance forcing the fog and smoke away, bringing a calm into the scene as it faded, replaced with rolling fields, houses along a stream that meandered through a town that was quaint and picturesque. Ponies walked here and there with much laughter and smiles, the scene was one of tranquility that reached deep into him.

“Where is this?” His mud and blood spattered harness and armor were gone, replaced with casual clothes that were comfortable. His body felt strong and young again, mind clear and sharp.

“Ponyville. A place where the Elements live and where ponies truly are.. Oh, let’s say, unique.” She laughed, making him crack a smile.

“I take it it’s not exactly the quietest place?” They walked slowly toward a bridge that spanned the burbling river, the water clear and fresh, fish making their way through the currents as he peered over the side.

“Some would say it is a magnet for trouble. But through it all, they are the staunchest of ponies.”

“Sounds pretty good.” He surveyed the landscape, “I could live here, I really could. A small bungalow for the retirement years, sitting on the front porch having a few beers. Yeah, that sounds pretty good.”

The smile on the dark mares’ face almost turned sad, “I am sorry you cannot..” But was waved away with look of good humor.

“It’s a dream right? I can dream.”

“Of course.”

He stopped on the bridge proper, leaning on the low stone wall and looking around, “Hard to believe that the earth I knew is this now. A hive of industry and people, it was crammed full of things. Now..this.” An arm swept the area, “Maybe it’s better we aren’t around.”

“You are somewhat pessimistic, Sergeant. Many races have their good and bad sides, we look for the good and hopefully through diplomacy and showing them the value of friendship, we can convince others to join us living in peace.”

Wyatt’s mouth turned up on one side, not a sneer but a mild smile, “You are, perhaps, optimistic to a fault as well Princess. Sometimes diplomacy isn’t the answer, and then you need someone like me.”

The lovely head lifted a bit higher, “I admit, we’ve had our troubles, but Celestia has kept Equestria at peace for a thousand years and more. It does work. Oh, there are some out there who will never understand, but they are fading I believe. It seems that those who are bound for destruction will not last in our world.”

“What about Crusader and Athena then? Will they fade as well?” His eyes locked on hers.

“I do not know. But I have walked in dreams with both, trying to understand them and their ways as they struggled to understand ours. They are dedicated, strong-willed, formidable. But they are also wanting peace, not the war that made up their lives before.” She stood near the side of the bridge as a couple passed by, oblivious to their presence.

The tall human chuckled, “Formidable? Those two could turn this planet into cinders. Formidable is the least description.”

Princess Luna took up the challenge, lifting her head and looking as regal as she could, “They have shown us new farming methods, our Earth Ponies produce more than ever in taking care of the land. Unicorns read philosophies and stories from so long ago and turning it into new ways of thinking about magic. Pegasi are learning to predict and use the weather more efficiently as well.”

“They have done nothing but protect and help those they live among.” Her eyes slid sideways to give him a hammered steel glare, “Athena saved my life once, Crusader did the same for Ponyville and Equestria, I will not belittle those acts.”

Hands were held up in surrender under that look and eyes that flashed in anger, “Whoa, Princess, I wasn’t making light of things.”

“Then what exactly were you doing?”

“Just making sure you understood. It’s so easy to forget about the science behind them, the reason for their existence. I’ve met Bolo officers, and they were the very best, even they often forgot that what they were doing was helping direct a machine that could literally turn planets to wastelands.”

“We know this.” A hoof stamped to accent the declaration, as she took slight offense to this remark, “We understand they could do anything they wished and there would be nothing to stop them.” She faced him fully, every inch the royal pony, “But we trust them, and they trust us to accept them as they are. We shall, and always will.”

“Good for you.” He smiled at the indignant face, “Honestly, good for you. They are both what we wished to be when we are young, us humans. Kind, generous, loyal and unswerving in our duties to others. But we grow cynical sometimes, tired and worn out fighting the flow of things.”

He leaned forward on the stone wall, looking over the river, “I admit, my outlook is tainted and not exactly the best. But I had to know that you understood about them. Call it curiosity, call it nosiness.” he paused, watching a few fish leap in glittering arcs out of the water, “Maybe a last duty to ensure nothing will happen. I’ve come to like you people..ponies. Good at heart, like my troops. I was hoping not painfully naive, and that doubt is almost gone.”

“Almost?”

He turned slightly, smiling, “Almost. You have an innocence that might leave you undefended against many things. Trust those Bolos, they’re paranoid enough for all of you. They’ll sniff things out. Then do what they have to.”

Luna eyed him for a moment, then nodded, “What you say is true. My sister and I fought to establish our land, to keep it peaceful for our ponies. We do not wish those times to ever come back.” She pointed to the town, “So we have encouraged them to grow and learn, protecting them from what the world outside is, and sometimes it does slip through.”

“You can’t keep all the bad stuff out, Princess.”

“Of course not, but we do try.”

“I’d say you’ve done a pretty good job of it.” He kept watching the ponies in the town, laughing and wandering to and fro, the market open for business and crowded.

Luna looked on for a second, her lovely voice holding a slight tone of embarrassment, “We have our trials and we are not above making mistakes.”

“All part of life.” Wyatt laughed, “Trust me, made more than my fair share and don’t regret but maybe a few.”

“Just a few?”

“Well, maybe I shouldn’t have defended the Infantry so..brusquely in fights. But that was me.”

This got a puzzled look, “Should you not do so? Be proud of what you were?”

“Oh, I was proud all right. I just think I was more happy fighting for any reason.” He shrugged, “Call me impetuous.”

“Impetuous indeed. More like troublemaker.”

“That’s it. Yep. I am proud to have done my part.” There was absolutely no shame in his voice.

“You, are incorrigible.”

“Yes, yes I am.”

Athena laughed, “She was so right. You are incorrigible.”

“Don’t you start.”

Athena shifted slightly, looking at the command board, “But you were right, we’ll always try and help solve the problems.”

“And..?”

She gave him a smile that sent a shudder down his spine, eyes showing what she really held just under the cover of the bright, polite pegasus, “We will show them the error of their ways, as Crusader often says.”

Wyatt felt a cold presence on the back of his neck at the words slipping easily from the avatar, the warm tones overlay the solid durasteel under it, making the hairs almost stand up.

“That is very true. We have done, and will continue to do, what is needful.” Crusaders’ own voice issued from his commset. The calm confidence only reinforced and conveyed the meaning, the glint of something that lay underneath the steady statement revealed the truth of what he was. Anyone or anything that stood in their way would rapidly become extinct.

“Did your officers deal with that too? The..the way you sound?”

Athena tilted her head, “The way we sound?”

Wyatt nodded, lifting his boots off the console and bringing them down to where he could lean forward elbows on knees, “Yes. There’s something ..almost chilling about it.”

“Our apologies Sergeant. Sometimes it slips out, what we are. Our officers learned to hear it and let it go. As our personalities are naturally tuned to war, it does come out in conversation. For never having talked to a Bolo before, you are well-trained to pick up on it.” The hard notes were gone now, as if they never were, leaving a soothing intonation in his ears.

“You’ve never talked to a Bolo, really?” Athena was curious.

“Never have. Seen them, heard all the stories,myths and legends, but never got to talk to one.”

“What do you think now?”

“You scare me right down to my toes.”

The laugh he received was merry, twinkling eyes looked directly at his as a hoof gently patted his thigh, “Don’t worry, we like you.”

Eyes squinted as if trying to discern the truth, “Why does that not reassure me?”

“Trust my sister, Sergeant. If she says it is so, it is.” Crusader’s voice sounded a bit merry over the airwaves.

“Yep!” The sable pony bounced up and walked towards the bunkroom where the others were relaxing while the searching went on, her head turned, looking at him over her shoulder, the lavender eyes containing something he didn’t want to think about, “Because if you were on the bad guy list, you really wouldn’t like it.” With a flounce of her mane she trotted off.

“She’s scary in so many ways.” Wyatt talked to himself mostly, but the commlink picked it up and transferred it to Crusader and Calliope who was online.

“Are all Bolos like that?” Calliope sounded disturbed.

“Of course not. She will eliminate you with a smile. I will just eliminate you. So there are differences.”

Calliope’s laughter was loud as Sergeant Carpenter shook his head, “I’m in crazyland.”

A chorus of voices came from the bunkroom, “Welcome to Equestria!”

Crusader‘s voice took on a more serious tone, “Anomaly reading four degrees southeast, indications are manufactured metals.”

Boots hit the floor once more as Wyatt stood up, “Time to get going, let’s see what we got.”

Crusader watched through the command area cameras as the Sergeant opened up a concealed locker nearby, dragging out items that could only fit one form.

Efficiency was always a watchword with AI’s, even Bolos who could be quirky as anything in the known universe. Here they watched a master of minimalism.

The fully enclosed helmet went on first, a liner hanging down was locked against the neck of his fatigues, creating a seal that would keep the weather out. He’d already been wearing the thermal suit underneath, checking the contacts now and making sure the battery packs were charged.

Armor went on quickly, like a Spartan going to war, everything was put on piece by piece and connected to one another. Feet, legs, the plasteel climbing up to surround and protect hips then torso, ending at the arms and hands covered with gloves that would stop anything short of a powered cutter.

Each item was snapped and secured with fingers that knew their business. A battle harness went over it all, vest and leggings tightened into place over the never used armor.

Reaching deep into the storage space, he pulled out extra magazines, filling pockets designed for them. Grenades went into leg pouches, making them bulge against the fabric. A heavy pistol went into the holster across the front of his chest, leaving room for a medical kit, and more ammunition on the wide belt fastened around the slim hips. The last and final motion, was slamming a broad bladed mono-knife into the special sheath that hung down his right leg, snapping into place securely.

The last item was a squarish powergun, long and lethal, it was good out to half a mile without attenuation of the bolt. He eyed it for a moment, lifting it to the visor and doing a HUD check, the data links came up on the inside, clean and crisp, giving him a target view of whatever the weapon pointed at.

“Might you be a little over cautious, Sergeant?” Crusader had been watching the whole thing, admiring the spare movements.

The visor flipped up with a hiss of internal atmosphere, “Absolutely not. Those nannies you conjured up make me feel thirty years younger, I can handle the load. It’s snowy out there and you never know what can creep up on you.” Nanites had been introduced to his system, helping to recover from the ravages of the disease, making him feel much, much better.

“Sensors are at full output Sergeant, I doubt anything will get through them. But as you say, caution to the wise.” Crusader did understand, in war or battle, expect the unexpected.

The voice paused for a moment, seeing the human grabbing a few large packages out from the locker, “I doubt you’ll be needing those Sergeant, we have explosives capable tech-spiders if we need to dig.”

A chuckle as three large fabric covered box-shaped items were hung off the back of his vest next to the heater battery, “I like blowing things up.”

“Perhaps they should be watching you instead of the environment.” Calliope’s voice was teasing.

“You shush. Might need all this stuff ya know.” Knowing eyes looked around, “Anyone joining me?”

Athena’s voice came from close by, “No one was going out in the first place. We were going to handle it all by ‘spider.” She peered closer at the arrayed battle-rattle hanging off the tall human, “You don’t really need all that.”

“Don’t you start.”

“You have twenty octocellulose grenades, Sergeant. I doubt there is a horde of Deng awaiting your attack.” Lavender eyes looked pointedly at the bulging pockets on the leg armor.

“They were small.”

“That’s for a reason, and you know it.” Octocellulose grenades were little bigger than old style D Cell battery, but packed a hundred times the punch of grenades used in wars far in the past of old earth.

An armored hand waved negligently, “Humor me.”

“Whatever makes you feel safer.” Athena was trying not to smile, “You still don’t need to go out there, awful weather.”

“I’ll be fine.” One hand slapped down the visor, initiating the heating systems and powering up the data links, “Comm check.” The voice was slightly distorted.

“Five by, Sergeant.”

“Wyatt, you be careful!” Calliope was sounding quite worried.

“All right, that’s it. You guys stop it. Now. I’m old and grumpy and I want to at least go out and see the sights, quit acting like I’m gonna blow away in the wind.”

Heads were peeking out of the bunkroom, the group of friends listening to the conversation.

A steady finger pointed their way, “Don’t say it either, I see you peeking.” A squeak was heard as they scrambled back inside the room.

Athena gave up after a hurried off-band conversation with Crusader, “Done. Have fun Wyatt.”

The visor went up once more, letting her see narrowed eyes, “You gave in way too easily.”

“We make decisions fast. But we will be covering you. The object is fifty meters off the port side, be careful, blizzard is picking up.”

“You got any weapons that can cover that close?”

“Anti-personnel weaponry is arrayed, but it would not be ..oh.. conducive to you should I have to use them.” Athena gave him a bright smile.

“You’re still scary, you know that?”

“I know. Have fun!”

He made his way down to the troop loadout areas, waiting for a ramp to deploy and thought back to days long ago. Everything felt right, the equipment, the feel of a powergun in his hands, everything. Perhaps it was his imagination, but he felt taller and stronger, or it could have been the nanites.

The door opened onto a muddled scene, the sun barely making it through the snow falling almost perpendicular to the ground. The wind caught him, making the uniformed figure stagger until the armor helped him stabilize.

“Geez, almost got blown..” Then he remembered and almost kicked himself.

“I’m sorry?” Athena was chuckling on the comms channel, “Almost got blown away in the wind?”

“Shaddap.”

“Yes, sir! Sergeant Carpenter!”

“Smart ass.”

Gripping the rifle tighter, taking a step out into the howling winds, he headed for the unknown object.

To be continued.....

Into The Past Part XIV

The visor dimmed a bit as the sun broke through the overwhelming clouds, giving a few stray shafts of light to brighten the world outside for a brief moment before the overcast returned, darkening the area once more.

“Are you all right, Wyatt?” Athena’s voice was concerned.

“I’m fine, heading to designated GPS point.”

“We were planning on using ‘spiders, you didn’t have to go out.”

“Let me have this Athena, just let me do something.”

“We have you on sensors, rest assured weapons are trained.” Crusaders voice was even, strong, through the commset in his ear.

Wyatt chuckled, leaning forward into the blasting wind, “No Hellbores. Wouldn’t do much good for any of us.”

His eyes pierced the gloom with aid from his helmet systems, seeing a darkness that sucked in the light scant more than the surroundings, “Think I’ve got an opening here. Heading in.”

“Acknowledged.”

As he stepped closer the opening gaped wide, letting him stumble in as the wind was cut off, leaving him to almost fall on the rough floor.

He grabbed on to an outcropping of rock, lifting his helmeted head to take stock of his position, the old ways coming back quickly now.

A room, natural and worn from millenia, surrounded him as he took a few steps forward from the entrance. The walls rose high, out of his sight in the murk as he kept swiveling his head back and forth like a gun turret, knowing the Bolos were recording it all.

“Got a room. Natural. Doesn’t seem to be anything on thermals or others, don’t have the full suite like powered armor does, but seems to be clear.” He didn’t wait for the reply, switching on lights that beamed from his shoulders and helmet, lighting the area up with an actinic brightness that forced away the dark as if it were a living thing.

Clumps of metal gleamed back at him, worn and pitted from the ages, he knelt down to examine one, seeing the burnished gray of durasteel come through when rubbed with a gloved thumb. Crumbs of rust and decayed metal fell to the floor as he tossed it aside.

Peering deeper along the bands of white incandescence, he saw a larger object in the middle of the room. Imposing but worn like the smaller pieces, his trained eyes followed the outline of it until memory gave him the answer.

“Got your indicator, looks like an old defense mount, probably a graser or missile launcher. Took a hell of a beating too.” Stepping closer, he could see the scorch marks along it, the melted areas where something had struck close and ripped it out of its’ encasement on a mountainside somewhere.

A shine caught his eye as he leaned closer to the big piece of metal, seeing attachments where the power mountings had torn away in a conflagration, and something else.

The hairs on the back of his neck stood up as he backed away slowly.

“Your heartbeat and blood pressure just rose, what is wrong?” Crusaders voice brooked no backflash as he wanted an answer.

“Something’s in here with me. Claw marks on the ‘steel, fresh.”

Athena wasted no time, “Retreat now.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.”

His booted feet were doing a slow shuffle backwards, making nary a sound as the powerguns’ heavy barrel swept back and forth. He bit down on the control pad, letting his visor do the work as it cleared the light from his beams, intensifying them in a way that let him see more clearly the surroundings.

Old reflexes came back in a rush, his body powering up for combat as it released adrenaline into his system. A relaxed hold on the rifles’ grip gave him room to adjust fire if needed, the extra hand reaching down into a side pocket for a little bit of backup just in case.

Then it hit him, the oldest mistake in the book and he just walked in like a rookie. Served him right to get himself in trouble. His troops would have hounded him for days on this one.

He looked up.

The creature slammed into him like a freight train, forcing him down to the ground in a roar of sound that came through the helmet. The only thing that saved him was he’d brought the powergun up across his face, ramming it sideways into an opening that contained what looked like far too many teeth to be any good for him.

Eyes flicked to the readouts on his suit, still sealed up. Nothing got through as he felt claws tear at the plasteel armor, sliding right off and trying again. It didn’t show on thermals, being the same temperature as the background readings, the only thing making a difference was it was trying to eat him.

“Wyatt? Wyatt??”

“Can’t....talk...right now.” He jabbed a finger into one glaring gold eye, making it flinch back for a moment and giving him the space to reach his vest. A firm hand grabbed the heavy pistol, pulling it just enough to flip the barrel upwards under a jutting ...mandible? Something.. Pulling the trigger he let a controlled three-round burst go, blowing holes through the head as it slumped on him.

He grunted at the weight, turning to the side and sliding it off of himself, wiping some of the goo it obviously called blood, off his helmet so he could see. The rifle was mangled, holes in the tough outer covering made him think for a second before he slung it over his shoulder, taking it with him as he beat a hasty retreat into the mouth of the cave again.

Two steps, that’s all he had before something encouraged him look once more. The rustle of legs made his eyes widen as he saw more pouring through the open cavern and heading straight for him.

“Aw crud..”

A thumb flicked the grenades’ arming switch, pressing the button for the approved one point five seconds and tossing it above the gleaming eyes, hunkering down behind a boulder that just barely covered him from the blast when it tore through the small tunnel. Peeking out over the top, he saw a jumble of rock and bodies that didn’t quite block the cavern. It was allowing more to pour through and scuttle towards him.

“Report, Sergeant!” Crusader again, sounding like his old CO. Comforting in a way, bringing him back to his senses quicker than he would have liked.

“I got a horde of nasties down here. I can’t beat feet, they’re faster than I am. How about some help?” He took aim, resting the heavy pistol on the top of the boulder and firing shots that were spaced enough to make the ammo last.

“One minute Wyatt, hang on!”

“Be faster, please.”

It all came back, those days when it was down to the wire. Well, he had plenty of backup now, although two Bolos weren’t going to fit in the cave. Maybe they could get a couple of those spiders in here to block it while he got back into Athena’s hull. Either way, these things looked hungry.

The pistol bucked in his hand, the heavy rounds sailing down range and plastering the walls with blood as the creatures fell. Their companions didn’t care, they just crawled over them and kept coming.

Swapping mags, he wished the rifle hadn’t been damaged. Stupid piece of mass-produced junk. He thought of an old joke, always remember it was made by the lowest bidder.

“Gonna complain to my local politician I am.” He mumbled over the racket of firing.

“Not if you don’t get your head down, now!”

He didn’t hesitate, hitting the floor and flattening as a ripping sound screamed through the tunnel, drowning out the chittering of whatever those things were. Booms of a slower and weightier volume followed right behind that.He held his position, freezing in place as he recognized those familiar tunes, coming from behind him at multiple angles. He wondered if they’d somehow got those ponies down here with chainguns.

Stopping as suddenly as it happened, he managed to lift his head for a moment.

“You’re clear. I’ve got you covered Wyatt, get out now.”

“Done and done.” He rose up in a smooth movement and ran into the wind, his HUD telling him the direction to an open troop port in the side of Athena’s hull.

Along the way he spotted his saviors. Metal spiders clung to the walls and ceiling, spiked feet dug in as they hung there bearing large bore chainguns and heavy rifles mounted to completely unfamiliar chassis’. They parted for him and closed up as he ran by, heading backwards and aiming everything at the opening to the cavern, shells flew through the air as they cut loose one last time, following him into the open troop bay as the hatch clanged shut.

The hull shook as larger munitions finished off the cavern, making sure nothing left it ever again. He could feel the thudding of howitzers through his booted feet as he rested up against a crate.

Flipping the visor up on his helmet, he grinned to himself, “Helluva way to start the day.”

“Had enough adventure yet?” Athena was standing there with an amused look on her pretty face.

“Don’t be cheeky.” He unsealed the headcover and set it on the floor next to him, “I think so.” He gave her stare in return, “Who made those things?” A thumb hooked over, pointing at the ‘spider standing next to him with a multi-barrelled weapon mounted on a sleek looking body.

A hoof waved just a little too nonchalantly, “Oh, you know. Get bored, make things.”

“They were following me weren’t they? I thought the response time was a little fast.”

The look that crossed her face left him feeling like a rookie after his first screwup, “Of course, you idiot. We’re not stupid enough to let you go out there alone.” She stepped closer, laying a gentle hoof on his shoulder, “Units of the Line try very hard never to leave anyone on a mission alone.”

An armor clad arm pulled her close in a quiet embrace, wrapping around the strong neck and letting the faux-pony lean into the hug gratefully. Nothing needed to be said for a moment until Athena pulled back with a sigh.

“I better go release Twilight and Rainbow and the others, they were hurrying outside to help when they saw you were in trouble over the cameras.”

“Release? What did you do?” Wyatt was gathering his gear up, walking towards the lift with her.

“Oh..” The lavender eyes looked at the ceiling..the walls..the floor.. “Oh, you know, keeping them..safe. Couldn’t let them go out there. We’d handle it. Protecting friends you know.”

“You are such a bad liar, what did you do?”

He could hear sounds now as the lift moved upwards.

“Well, Rainbow Dash is quite fast, and Twilight’s really good at magic. It was the only thing I could do to keep them from going outside. They were pretty insistent, even poor Fluttershy.”

“...and?”

An exasperated look crossed her face as they got closer to the command deck area, the voices getting louder, “I..uh.. used a tanglefoot on them.”

The lift doors opened to a mess in the hall leading to the command area, sticky webs stretched from one side to the other, tangling up all six ponies in a jumbled mess of legs, bodies and Cutie Marks.

“Well...more than one.”

Twilight was not looking pleased, trying to use her magic to cut the strands as more hit her from a ‘spider stationed nearby, making sure they didn’t get out, it was out of her line of sight so she couldn’t quite nail it with magic. Pinkie, of course, was having a wonderful time bouncing back and forth in the rubbery net.

Violet eyes stared at the pegasus, “You are SO in trouble!”

“I don’t know, it’s kind of relaxing,” This from Fluttershy, leaning back into the riot control device like a hammock and closing her eyes.

“She told you not to go outside, Twi.” A sigh, “ ‘Course we had to follow ya.”

“We were just trying to help!” Rainbow Dash wailed from an upside down position in mid-air.

“This does absolutely nothing for my mane-do I’ll have you know,” Rarity was definitely not amused hanging upside down alongside Rainbow.

“I know, I know.” Athena ordered the spraying of dissolver, watching the strands crumble into a dust that was swept up by ‘spiders. “I told you though, it was too dangerous.”

Wyatt was shaking his head, holding on to Rainbow as the web faded away into pieces, setting the mare on her hooves again, “It was dangerous, and she’s right to take care of you.”

A golden hoof tapped his leg, the cyan eyes were wide as she looked up at him, “Are you okay?” She took in the deep claw marks and the splatters of liquid along the armor he still wore.

“I’m fine, Miss Fluttershy, but thank you.” He peeled the gloves off, hanging them off a hook on his harness, “The critters who decided they wanted me for lunch, aren’t doing so well.”

“They sure looked bad.” Referring to the video they’d all seen from his helmet camera.

Knuckles rapped on the scuffed and marked up chest plate as he smiled at the worried mare, “Fine Concordiat technology saved the day, as well as my own superior judgment and tactical moves.”

“Ahem...”

“And..yeah..Athena helped too.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Anytime!”

“Shall I replay the recording?”

“She really saved the day! Oh, yes she did. Without her...”

“You can stop.”

“Got it.”

A pair of excited eyes got right into his field of view as Twilight jumped in front of him, “So, describe them! What were they? Did they have markings? Did they speak? Were they doing anything odd? What were..” She stopped belatedly as he held up a hand.

“They were trying to hurt me Princess, not have tea.” Wyatt smiled gently, knowing her proclivity for knowledge and everything associated, “I’ll draw a picture from memory, just let me relax a bit first, fair enough?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be..I mean.. But what were they? Were they big? Small?”

The sergeant gave up, walking towards the bunkroom and explaining in detail what he saw to the excited Alicorn. The rest of the group stood shaking their heads.

“Anything interestin’? Applejack was wondering as they trooped to the rooms.

“Nothing, an old weapons mount, just a solid block of scrap is all.”

One hoof tilted the hat back on her head, pausing in her steps for a moment, “You think there’s anything else out there? Like..what’s under the castle?”

Athena had to wonder herself, “I don’t know, to be honest. We didn’t expect anything like what we found, could be anything out there.”

“Well, let’s hope nothin’ bad.” She eyed the deep scratches on the front of Carpenters’ armor he had slung over one shoulder, “ ‘Leastwhiles nothin’ that’ll try to take a bite out of ya.”

Athena leaned over, putting her mouth close enough to Applejack’s ear that no one else could hear, “The ‘spiders were right behind him, I just waited to make it look better.”

Green eyes widened, mouth dropping open, “You mean..”

The pegasus nodded, “Right. He was never in any danger. But had to let him think so, right?” She laughed, “I had sights on that one that dropped from the ceiling before it moved.”

“But..but why didn’t you..”

“Shoot it?” Her head shook, “It wasn’t getting through that armor, I reinforced it before we gave it to him.” She grinned, leaning in to whisper, “Under the noise from the storm, I nailed it with rubber bullets, threw it way off balance.”

“So..so.. He wasn’t in any danger at all?”

“He got some nasty bruises, but that’s about all he was going to get.” At the flabbergasted look Athena continued, “I’d never let him be in danger, just like any of you if I could help it.”

“Why?” Applejack was trying to understand, “Why would ya do that?”

“Because we care Applejack, but it would hurt him to let him know that he wasn’t trusted, or it would seem to be that way to him. He’s an old soldier like we are. We know how much pride means some times.” She motioned with her eyes, seeing Wyatt telling the others of his fracas with the beasts in the cave.

“I got ya.”

“We are glad you understand.” Crusader’s voice came through the commlink, calm and sure, “Thank you.”

“Ain’t nothin’ to thank me for. ‘Sides, he’s havin’ a ball, wouldn’t want to ruin that now would we?” She smiled, looking to where the others sat enraptured by the tale being told. Even though they saw most of it on camera, hearing it in person was always a different experience.

“Anomaly on sensors. Coordinates uploaded now.”

“That’s my call.” Carpenter got up, trading out his chest piece for a fresh one brought to him by Athena’s ‘spider, “Let’s go see what it is!” He trooped out of the bunk room, heading down to the exit as Applejack just shook her head.

“Sure he’ll be okay?”

“More than.” She paused as if in thought for a moment, “I’ll be right with him, let’s go watch.”

“Yer on!”

They followed the rest into the redone command deck, watching through the screens as Wyatt stepped out into the snow, followed very closely by heavily armed spiders which kept carefully away from his line of sight, but stalking him quietly.

To be continued.....

Into The Past Part XV

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine, quit being a worrywart.” Wyatt was laying down in the bunk room after a few trips to the outside. It was rough on the old soldier, snow blowing almost perpendicular to the ground, he fought through winds and not a couple of unexpected surprises in the form of critters that absolutely did not want to let him pass by peacefully.

Calliope had watched with trepidation, one time even expressing that he shouldn’t be doing this sort of work anymore. This led to an argument that was now ending. Both sides seeing the futility in it. The sergeant would do what he wanted, Calliope would worry for her closest friend.

“I believe after so many years, I am allowed.” Her voice held a little pique in it, after being ignored in her entreaties for him to take it carefully.

The lanky human sighed, “You’re right,” His voice was soft in the commset, “You’re allowed. More than, if I’m any judge.”

It was night time, after hours of running search patterns, Crusader and Athena had declared a halt to activities. The dark was fully ensconced outside, and even with the spotlights on their hulls, the weather too vicious to continue operations.

“I only wish you to take care of yourself.”

“I understand, but there’s nothing we can do, you know that.”

Athena had partitioned off a section of the bunk room, giving him some privacy as he stretched out across the comfortable bed. The pillows soft enough he could relax, letting the aches fade away under the ministrations of the nano-docs under the Bolos control.

Turning on his side to get away from a particularly nagging pain in his back, he kept talking softly into the boom microphone that was draped across his mouth.

“It’s been a good life Calliope, no regrets. Don’t you be having any either.”

“I try not to, b..b..but I...I...I c-c-c-can’t.. Hate them! Hate them all! Why would we be associating with these quadrupeds! They destroyed them, took them away from me!”

This made Wyatt pay very close attention, Calliope had been having crashes more and more as the hours went by. They had hoped for more time, but it was getting worse.

“We have her Sergeant. One minute, we are recompiling certain files to wipe the errors.” Crusader. He was always calm, so sure of himself, or so the human thought. But he could tell sometimes there was that little hint of hesitancy when doing certain things. Athena had explained about the Sap and what it did to help him remain even.

White noise filled his ear as he waited with soft breaths. One day they weren’t going to be able to save her. He was steeling himself for that moment. Closing his eyes, he tried to keep his mind off of the worst thoughts, remembering the fun times when they took trips in neural connection to places he’d never been nor could imagine.

A click, then a silence before Calliope’s sweet tones came back.

“I am so sorry..”

“No apologies needed, they don’t hear it, Athena and Crusader make sure of it.”

“It is embarrassing.”

“We all have those moments.” The two shared a laugh.

A knock on the partition cut any more comments off.

“Come on in!”

A golden head peeked in, covered with the falling wave of a pink mane, the lovely eyes searched, then found, their target.

“Dinner’s ready, if you want something to eat?” The quiet voice was hopeful, wanting to hear more stories from the past along with the others.

The empty space where his stomach once sat, before bailing out on him in search of food, reminded him he hadn’t eaten in a while.

“That, Miss Fluttershy, sounds like a wonderful idea.” He started to get up, throwing an arm out to brace himself against the wall, almost falling on the floor before he recovered. Fluttershy gasped, holding his side with a hoof that was stronger than he’d realized. Ponies were powerful in many ways, he’d learned, trying to arm wrestle with Applejack was a losing proposition.

“Are you okay?” Her low voice was echoed by Calliope in his ear.

“I’m fine, just got a bit dizzy.” he dusted his battle dress off, trying to straighten himself up after the ungainly move, “Shall we proceed to dinner?” He opened the partition back up, extending an arm outward and bowing to the pegasus, “After you, Miss Fluttershy.”

The mare was charmed, giving him a bright smile as she walked out, “Why, thank you, kind sir.” She stuck her nose in the air with a chuckle and trotted out like some worthy straight out of Canterlot.

He couldn’t help but like them, really. Cute as buttons the lot of them, but hiding so many things underneath colorful exteriors.

Flexing one arm, he figured maybe Applejack would like to go one more round. A man had his pride after all.

The smell of cooking wafted in, making him forget everything except the yawning of a hole inside him yearning to be filled with good, hot food. He followed behind Fluttershy to the main room where everyone was waiting.

Calliope immediately got on a side channel to the two Bolo AI’s.

“That was not a simple stumble.”

Crusader answered her, “No, it was not. We are monitoring him closely, he is losing his sense of balance.”

“It’s getting worse isn’t it?”

The two Bolos couldn’t lie to her, they had discussed this for many compressed hours of time, telling Calliope what would happen.

“It is.”

“Is this why he goes out there when there is no need?”

“He has advised us he will live his life as he chooses. We can’t, and I don’t think we should, tell him otherwise.” Athena was stating only what she’d been told. In no uncertain terms, this was the way it would be.

“Will you do everything you can?” Calliope’s voice was whisper soft.

“Of course! We know how much you care for him. Twilight and the others do as well. We are doing all in our power to make him comfortable. It is our duty, as well as a privilege.” Coming from a Bolo, it was enough.

“Thank you.”

“None ever needed. Meanwhile, we shall repair what is needful for you, some files are slipping from logic tracks, we will take care of them now.” A comfortable silence reigned over the comm network as Athena and Crusader directed their powerful cores to reassembling parts and bits of Calliope’s architecture.

They hadn’t any knowledge of what all the code did, but with simple programs given by Calliope, they could take an outsider’s look at her structure and try to fix what was wrong for the moment. Tackling the symptoms but unable to find a cure for the ultimate cause, losing two-thirds of herself when Sombra destroyed part of the AI’s core units.

It was a losing fight, but one that the two stubborn machines refused to give up on.

It had been only a few days of searching, stopping when needed and taking breaks at the Empire. Cadence and Shining always wanting to know if anything was found, fearful that other weapons might be hidden underneath the blanket of snow that was constantly renewed around them.

Up onto a glacier’s edge through careful work and the application of a few well-placed Hellbore shots, gave them a ramp to slowly move up onto the ice. Sensors had detected a massive debris field, jumbled like a huge jigsaw puzzle, the two Bolos slowly brought it all together, looking with wonder at the remains of a defense node and associated bases.

“That is possibly an above ground magazine, had to be, got the remnants of cradles and launchers still there, but melted.” Athena was eyeing the readouts carefully, they had tuned their sensors to the bleeding edge, enabling them to detect things underneath the coating of ice. It gave them a clearer picture of what was there, but it was all guesswork until something popped, making the scrambled mess fit into a whole.

“This appears to be an airfield defense point. The scanners picked up remains of atmospheric fighters, or what we assume to be. It is hard to delineate anything beyond a certain resolution and spectrography.” Crusader was pondering the picture of the waste fields, slowly attempting to bring it together into a comprehensive whole. It was a very lost cause.

“Could it have been a spaceport? We were all at the loading docks at Defense Nodes Five and Six waiting for transshipment.” Athena was frustrated, this was not adding up to anything they could figure out.

“I do not know, it is all so badly torn up by weather. The ice action over millenia, and time itself, have worn away anything we might have used to develop a clearer picture.” He nodded as if to himself, “This long, I am amazed that anything at all survived.”

A thought occurred as Twilight sat there watching them try and make sense of all the pictures on the screen, “Have you found the mine those ponies were working that they mentioned in the old book? Might be a really good place to start.”

Two heads swiveled slowly to look at her for long enough that she started to feel the heat rise in her cheeks, trying to think of some excuse for interrupting when Athena’s hoof smacked into a sable forehead, Crusaders’ eyes were closed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Did I say something wrong?” Twilight was getting that nervous look.

“No, not at all. Thank you for bringing to our attention something we should have done. Researched that book first, to find possible areas of exploration.” Crusaders voice was deadpan, Athena could tell he was mentally kicking himself for missing the bloody obvious, just as she was.

They’d been so wrapped up in the discovery of Wyatt and Calliope, plus the problems of the weapons magazine, it had actually become a low priority among the queue of things to be done in tactical programming. Meaning that it would not be brought to their attention unless it received a higher importance rating. They had both shoved it back in memory while bringing other things to the fore, causing them to ‘forget’ for a moment about the old book.

“Perhaps it is time to retire to the library?”

“I’ve got nothing.” Twilight was slamming a book shut, an aura of magic surrounding it as the tome flew off the table and back into its correct place upon the shelves.

Spike was setting on his own pile, looking dazed after reading through about as many books as he could, wanting badly to find a corner and curl up for some nap time. His attitude was copied by the the others who looked slightly frazzled around the edges.

The Alicorn looked over to where Crusader and Athena sat, ensconced in seats, they flipped pages rapidly, scanning them at a blink and moving on, letting their cores process the information as they continually snapshotted new pages through their avatars.

She found herself actually feeling jealous for a moment, wanting to be able to do that without all the tedious process of reading each line and understanding it before moving on.

“Hello...hey?” A lavender hoof waved in front of a pair of staring eyes, “You alive in there? I haven’t found anything.”

Athena first, then Crusader, stopped turning the pages, blinking to clear eyes of any dust or impurities before turning to look at Twilight, “Pardon?”

“I haven’t found anything, what about you?”

Athena looked longingly at the book in front of her, “Nothing odd except lists of materials collected for some experiment Sombra was doing is the only thing close enough.” She nudged her companion with a wing, “What about you Crusader?”

“I have come up with forty different ways of serving Crystal Empire gems in different dishes,” At this Spike perked up, getting a restraining hoof from Twilight as she waited, “Numerous tales and legends about creatures who had lived, or still did so around the Crystal Empire...” At this Twilight looked very interested, getting her own restraining hoof from Athena as she leaned forward.

“Other than that, nothing much of any importance. There are quite a few spells covering various fields, that seem to have fallen out of favor and are no longer known according to what we know.” He didn’t hesitate, sliding a pile of documents directly at Twilight. Neat hoofwriting covering the entire front and back of the pages with spells and formulae organized into groups and possible uses .

The Alicorn’s eyes got wide as she saw the thick sheaf of documents, grabbing them tightly and diving into them with a squee of delight.

“...and we’ve lost Twilight.” Rainbow was looking bleary from across the table. The cyan mare tossed a hoof lazily about, “We haven’t gone through much of this place, I like reading as much as the next pony, but this is getting to be really boring.”

“I do have to agree with Rainbow, this is getting us nowhere.” Rarity was pushing away another thick ledger of meaningless figures and lists.

A techspider wandered up, one they had rigged and ceded control to Calliope for her own uses. It carried a stack of books almost as tall as Wyatt, who was currently in his room resting while they searched, not being able to read Equestrian.

The heavy cloth bound books thumped on the table as the various ‘eyes’ looked around at the group, “They are right, there are thousands of volumes here, it would take us forever to go through them. Well, not forever, but a year or so at top speed.” Her voice held a tinge of laughter, hearing the others groan at her pronouncement.

“Who would know where to find a singularly obscure title that is probably around here somewhere, but misfiled?” Athena leaned on the table, looking at the book in front of her for a moment when it hit her.

Everyone around the table looked up, meeting each others eyes and saying as one.

“Dusty.”

“Oh, come on Dusty! We need your help!”

The named unicorn’s face popped out from behind the door to his private quarters, peering myopically at all of them gathered before it, “I’m quite busy.” The door slammed shut in Twilight’s face as she stood there stunned.

As the Alicorn tried to regain her composure, Rainbow snickered, “He’s still pretty mad about that whole art collection.”

Rarity hmmphed and tossed her mane, “Well, it certainly is quite a find, and all of it gorgeous. I can see why he would be upset.”

Twilight turned on them both, “It has to be preserved carefully! Those are art pieces from a history we only know so little of through them,” She pointed at Crusader sitting quietly, and Athena who waved back.

Rarity’s cultured voice replied, “I know that dear. But when you spend your life doing what he does and something like this comes along, of course you’d want to be a part of it.”

“I can break down the door. We can get some riot control stuff in here and haul his tail out..” Athena stopped, seeing the narrowed eyes on Twilight’s face.

“You will not use that stuff on Dusty.”

“Got it. Still miffed about the tanglefoot, huh?” By the glare she got, Athena realized it was going to take a while to forgive that one.

“He just wanted to help curate the collection is all.” Fluttershy was sitting by the closed portal, trying to think of something that would help.

“The Princesses agreed to move it all to Canterlot, so everypony could see it, and be under professional supervision the whole time.” Twilight shrugged, she’d been in on the discussion and they all thought it best since Canterlot was the capitol city of Equestria. Wyatt and Calliope had agreed, even Cadence and Shining as it would give them reason to visit. Turning it over to all the historians and archivists the princesses had working and living there.

Dusty Shelves, however, was a dissenting voice. He’d lived most of his life trying to figure out what these things were that kept turning up in the ice and snow. Ponies brought items to him to identify, until Crusader and Athena visited and gave him the information he so desperately needed, there wasn’t much he could do. He tried his best though, and kept going through all the confusion and mess.

But he took pride in his collection of artifacts and relics from an unknown age and race. When the art trove was given to the ponies of Equestria, he had hoped to be asked to go along with it to help preserve the ancient items.

It would have been a crowning achievement in a long career of which he was so very lucky to have been doing. But alas, he was turned down in favor of historians and preservationists whose work were at the leading edge for pony society.

Needless to say, Dusty wasn’t real thrilled with any of them right now.

“Can you not offer him a post in Canterlot?” Crusader’s voice was warm, “He has lived his life doing this. He loves his job, and has taken extremely good care of the items retrieved from the surrounding lands. I would say he deserves it more than anyone.”

When Crusader had arrived, he’d seen what Dusty had done to preserve the artifacts he’d been presented with. He’d taken an immediate liking to the scholarly Unicorn and provided him with any information he needed on what an object was if it could be identified.

“But there are ponies who’ve been doing this their whole lives too, already in charge of the museums and art galleries up there. The Royal Archivists will..”

“Take them and put ‘em all on shelves to gather dust like so many of the other things that should be out but aren’t.” Applejack was looking directly at Twilight, knowing what she said was the truth. Having seen it first hoof when they’d been to Canterlot so many times before.

“Well, they can only do so much.” Twilight definitely did not sound convinced of her own arguments. “There are plans for a museum though, they’re working on it as we speak.”

Athena chimed in, “Would you like somepony who viewed it as just a job, or one who loved everything he did and would take special care of everything?”

“I say throw Dusty into the lot and let him shake ‘em out!” Rainbow’s forelegs crossed her chest in a defiant look, “They’re too stuffy anyways, let Dusty get them working.”

Twilight was looking almost convinced.

“Dear, you see the inside of this storehouse. Spotless, clean, neat and it was only Dusty in there. He deserves it if anypony.” Rarity was gentle, but firm, laying a hoof upon her friends shoulder, “Give him a chance.”

Twilight chewed on her lip for a moment and nodded, “You’re right. Definitely. If anypony should get a chance like that, it should be him.”

Rainbow punched a hoof into the air, “All right!”

Twilight knocked on the door once more, waiting for it to open. When it did, Athena moved quickly, sticking a solid hoof between it and the jamb, preventing the Unicorn from closing it.

This got her a slight frown from the pony, to which she smiled back warmly as if it were nothing at all.

“Dusty,” Twilight began as he tried to push the door shut, failing and frustrated against the pegasus who seemed to be solid as a rock.

“I told you, I’m busy.”

“Listen, please. We know you’re upset about not being chosen as curator of the art collection..” She paused while the older pony kept trying to close the door, Athena’s hoof not budging a millimeter.

“Will you stop that?” Twilight’s face garnered an expression of pique, “As one of your Princesses, I order you to stop and pay attention!” Her voice got surprised blinks from everyone as they looked at their friend.

Athena leaned over, whispering in her ear, “Nice command voice, needs a little work though.”

“Oh shush!”

Dusty forgot his struggles with the door and plopped his backside on the crystal floor, “What?” He peered owlishly at the lavender alicorn.

“Like I was saying, we know you’re upset about not being chosen as curator for the artifacts.”

The tan pony blinked, “Upset? Yes, I am upset!” he stood up, stepping out of his sanctuary into the storehouse itself, “I have worked all my life on these and I asked, politely mind you, to maybe be included in the care of all those wonderful things that were given to Equestria to care for. I was ignored!” A hoof stomped the floor, the frustration rising in the older stallion.

“I know, and I am so sorry your request was ignored. We honestly did not mean to do so. It’s been very hectic, with all the discoveries and problems, we’re still searching the snowfields for anything else and we could really use your help.” She stepped forward, blocking him from pacing back and forth.

“I would like you to help with them, preserve them for generations of ponies to enjoy and wonder about. You know these things better than anypony and it’s only right.”

“But Princess Celestia said..”

“I know what she said,” Twilight gave him her best smile, “I can talk to her, tell her we shouldn’t have ignored your request when you’d been doing this work already for years. If anypony should have a chance at doing something like this, it should be you.”

The eyes behind the thick glasses blinked once, then twice, “Do...do you really think so?”

Nods all around, the murmur of agreement as Twilight replied, “I do.”

This stopped the poor pony dead, he fumbled with his glasses for a moment, straightening them, blinking to get rid of what looked to be a bit of dampness gathering there, “I..I would be honored.”

“Then it’s settled. We’ll get you off..what?” Dusty had held up a hoof politely.

“Can..can I take my artifacts with me? If the Empire finds anymore they can ship them to Canterlot couldn’t they?” He looked nervously around at all the things he’d spent his life among.

“I guess so..” Her brow furrowed as she glanced at Athena.

“Most of it is junk, we can always use the metal for our nanovats. But there are a few items that should be taken.” Crusader was nodding slightly in agreement.

“Done. We’ll notify Luna and Celestia tomorrow, and I’m sure Cadence would like to hold a small going-away party when you get all packed up.”

“Oh... Oh, there’s no need for that. I can just leave quietly..” He was immediately mugged by a pink mare who hugged him tight.

“Not a chance, Dusty! Parties are my thing and we’ll throw a good one for you! We’ll send you off right!” The fuschia face grinned in delight.

Dusty wasn‘t exactly sure what to make of all this, “O..okay?”

“Give it up Dusty, Pinkie’s got her mind set an’ yer gonna get a party.” Applejack was snickering along with Rainbow and Fluttershy.

“So you’ll take the job?”

Dusty extracted himself from Pinkie’s firm grip, “I will Princess, thank you.”

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief as Twilight gestured, bringing Dusty along with them.

Her voice was urgent, “We know you know every book and artifact in the castle, so what can you tell us about..”

To be continued...

Into The Past Part XVI - Some Things Should Stay Lost

Dusty, it turned out, was a font of knowledge about the library and its contents. He knew every volume and title within the place. Literally thousands upon thousand of old tomes, ledgers, spell volumes. His encyclopedic memory helped them narrow down quickly where they wanted to go and what books they should be looking at.

They took a break after that, willing and able to help him pack up the most precious of the items he cared for.

Princess Celestia had agreed wholeheartedly to his appointment, sending a personal apology to him by way of Spike. There were no hard feelings, it just proved that Princesses could make mistakes like anypony else. That endeared them even more to the ponies they watched over.

The Unicorn was pleased as punch, vowing to frame the letter and keep it always. Even though he dealt with Princess Cadence and Shining from time to time, it was still thrilling to him.

Tech spiders skittered in and out, carrying away what would be broken down and reused in the fabrication facilities Crusader and Athena contained. This would help rebuild stocks as they were suffering a dearth of things after so long, barely squeaking by on maintenance and resupply.

The storehouse was rapidly being depleted of its contents. The two Bolos quite efficient when told they could take anything and use it in return for pointing out the better of all the items.

Athena had already inventoried the lot, but now it was down to what was more important. Remnants, as any archaeologist could tell you, told you about who they were used by, the society as a whole based on what remained gave clues to everything.

There were a few arguments, some disagreements between the two war machines and Dusty. They wanted something for the rare elements it contained, he wanted it for the history itself.

“It is an old comm-node service module, it doesn’t work and even if it DID work, you couldn’t connect it to anything because you haven’t got an entire communications web networked over the globe!” Athena was getting frustrated this time. The first few disagreements were solved quickly, this however, was becoming tedious.

“It’s the only one! We can display it. Why do you want it anyway?” He had tried to follow her explanation but got lost at service module. Dusty was bound and determined to keep it!

“It has a few pounds of rare elements we need. We’re having a hard time finding them for our quantum fire control computers to maintenance them correctly.”

“Quan..tum...”

“Quantum fire control computers. They let us lock on enemy targets and deliver suppression or direct fire faster than the enemy can handle.” Athena leaned in, getting nose to nose with the stubborn pony, “That means vaporizing the enemy.” She growled between clenched teeth.

Dusty wasn‘t moved, “I don’t care, I’m taking it to Canterlot.”

“You are not taking it to Canterlot! We need those materials!”

Crusader decided being quiet was the best policy for now, sitting and observing the tiff for a moment. They needed those rare metals, scrounging for them was becoming very tough in the vicinity of Ponyville. If they did not get them, they would be forced to make trips to other parts of Equestra and do surveys.

What they had found within the old defense node and the debris fields would keep them humming right along for years. If they could get it out of the tight hooves of one stubborn archivist, this could be a double whammy for supplies.

Perhaps, he thought, it was time to intercede, this was becoming untenable. As he started forward, Dusty reached back and brought out some odd-shaped thing from a box, threatening Athena with it.

Crusader actually stopped and blinked, tilting his head in curiosity, where in the world did they find that?

“I warn you, I’ll protect this with my life!” Dusty bopped Athena’s nose with the semi-flexible item, making her blink.

Athena looked shocked for a brief moment, “You..hit me with..that.. You hit me!”

“I shall strike you again, if you persist on demanding my artifacts!” Dusty held it out before him as if a rapier, waving it menacingly in front of the sable pegasus.

Crusader was still eyeing the ‘weapon’ Dusty was holding, knowing what it was and thinking the whole scene ludicrous, if not for the fact that Athena was now preparing to do damage to the poor pony in return for the harmless strike. But he couldn’t stop looking at this quite funny tableau.

Athena heard something behind her, making a turn swiftly and looking around, zeroing in on Crusaders motionless form.

“Did you just snicker?”

“I did not.”

“Don’t you snicker at me!”

“I assure you, I did nothing of the sort.”

Lavender eyes narrowed for a moment as she returned to the previous conversation, seeing Dusty standing there, ready to defend his carefully hoarded collection with..with.. There it was again!

“I swear,” She tossed over her shoulder, “If you’re laughing, we’re going to have problems.”

“I am doing nothing, sister mine.”

“What is going on in here? We can hear you.. What is.. is that?” Twilight’s head was cocked, looking like an exact replica of Crusader as she stood by him, “What is going on?”

“He hit me!”

“I just gave her a slight tap on the nose, nothing harmful.” He waved the item in his clenched fetlock, making sure it remained between her and the precious artifact she wanted to take, “I shall defend myself, and my relics, good pony!”

“I’m going to show you a whole new world of..” Athena flipped around, “Stop snickering!”

Crusader was as before, but Twilight had a hoof in front of her muzzle, looking innocent as could be and shrugging, “Wasn’t me.”

“Perhaps if you calmed down Athena, we could solve this some other way.” Crusader was being as diplomatic as he could.

“He hit me!”

“It was not harmful, and you were quite angry with him about the item.”

“We need those metals, badly.” She glared at the bold Unicorn, “We really need them.”

“I agree, we do. Can we not come to a compromise?”

Rainbow came wandering in, bored of reading at the library and seeing Dusty waving around that...thing... at Athena.

“What in Celestia’s name...?” Her brow furrowed, cocking her head exactly like the other two.

“Don’t you start!” A steady hoof was pointed at the cyan mare who raised hers in supplication.

She turned back to deal with the recalcitrant Unicorn, getting lightly whopped on the nose once more as she tried to sidestep him, wanting to retrieve the module.

“You shall not pass!” Dusty was looking braver by the moment.

“I swear, you stubborn pony, you hit me one more time with that and I’m going to shove it right up..” She flipped around on a sound once more, “I heard that!”

Twilight and Rainbow both had hooves in front of muzzles, looking at her with round eyes, Crusader imitating a statue as normal.

A hoof pointed backwards, “Tell him to stop bopping me on the nose!”

“Maybe..” Twilight started, “There could be a way.. The sound of flesh getting hit made her stop and cover her mouth once more, eyes growing very wide, muffling any sounds as Dusty gave Athena a good smack on her back end.

Rainbow practically had to shove her hoof in her own mouth to stop from laughing out loud, the sounds still above normal in the quiet area as Athena slowly turned to look at the Unicorn over her shoulder.

“That’s it. Nose was one thing, but hitting my..”

“Athena..”

“...backside is totally out of bounds.” She pointed a hoof at the Unicorn in front of her, “You better watch it mister!” She reached out and snatched the item from Dusty’s hoof with a motion that was almost too fast to see.

“Now, I think we can talk about this sensibly.” She waved the wobbly item in front of Dusty’s nose, “Otherwise you and I are going to have a disagreement.”

Her ears perked up at a familiar sound, slowly turning to look back over her shoulder at two figures who were trying hard not to laugh, and Crusader who had a slight smile playing around one side of his mouth.

The sable pegasus didn’t think, sticking a hoof out containing the object and pointed at the three, “Stop that! This is serious!”

“Yep, sure looks serious alright.” Rainbow was snickering out loud, her eyes crinkled in delight before the laughter got louder.

Athena gave a disgusted sigh, throwing the object of their humor over her shoulder before she had a chance to realize what she’d done. The sound of artificial materials smacking her backside was the result.

“Ah ha! The advantage is mine once again!” Dusty was getting a lot better at pretending he was some hero out of the stories and menacing her.

Crusader tried, he really did, at least as far as diplomacy went, “Dusty, maybe you should stop so we can come to an agreement on the item.”

“Okay, I was being polite. I really was.” Athena stepped towards the Unicorn, “I’m going to beat some sense into your thick skull...”

“I warn you, I am skilled at self-defense!” Dusty didn’t back up, waving his weapon in her face.

“Athena, do not hurt him.” Crusader’s voice was stern.

“Stop being a worrywart. Just going to show him a trick...or two.” Her laughter was merry over the comm bands.

Her front left hoof swept out in a sable colored blur, knocking the item from Dusty’s grip as her back end dropped towards the floor. The outstretched leg pinned itself to the crystal tiling as a pivot, her body swinging around it to the right and bringing both back legs in for a sweep which took Dusty’s legs out from underneath him.

As the Unicorn toppled over with a squawk of dismay, Athena’s body completed its swing, letting her plant both fore legs on the ground as her hind end passed them, propelling herself into a backwards somersault. Twisting in the air she landed on all four hooves, straddling Dusty and looking down at him with a slight smile on a very calm face.

“As a trusted friend once told me, Dusty. Never think you’re invincible, there’s always someone out there just a little better than you.” She reached out, tapping his nose with a solid hoof, “Understand me?”

“Y..yes.”

“Can we have that module now?”

“Yes.”

“Wasn’t so hard now, was it?”

“N..not really..?”

She stepped aside, letting the scholar get up and dust himself off as he looked incredulously at the slim pegasus, “How did you even do that? I saw..a.. It was so fast. How can you not..I mean...”

A sable hoof held up stopped him, “We are not in any way invincible, we just fight smarter. There’s been occasions, Dusty, when we had to run for our lives.”

She smiled, seeing his mouth drop slightly as he imagined that huge machine sitting outside having to retreat from anything.

“We’ll do this. We can take the interior parts, the stuff we need, leave the casing intact, that way you can still show it off in Canterlot. That sound fair?”

“Yes! Very much so.” He was nodding enthusiastically.

“Good, we’ll continue on then.” She gave him a comforting pat, turning to survey the rest of the items left.

Twilight bumped Crusader, watching the interplay, making him lean towards her.

“Yes?”

“That thing doesn’t go to the museum.” She pointed to the object lying on the floor, forgotten in the agreement.

“Of course.” A glint in his blue eyes presaged a small jape, “Though we could fabricate a power cell for it if you really wish..”

“No!” She blushed heavily under her lavender coat as Rainbow giggled up a storm.

“Are you sure? It would be no trouble at all.” His voice was calm as always, though a bare hint of humor was starting to come through.

“You think you’re funny, huh?” Twilight was giving him a sideways glance, Rainbow was laughing under her hoof.

“I have my moments.”

Just then a tall figure loomed in the doorway, “What’s going on?” Wyatt was holding a cold glass of juice as his eyes swept the room in a professional manner, going wide when they spotted it, “Where did you find that?” A finger pointed at the much reviled and discussed object, “You find the wreckage of a..”

“Perhaps it is best not discussed, Sergeant?” Crusader still had that small smile playing around the edges of his mouth as Twilight blushed furiously.

He was quick, Wyatt was, seeing the lavender Alicorn looking anywhere but at it, “Got it.”

Rainbow stopped giggling for a moment, “I don’t see what the big deal is anyways, just a thing.”

The tall human leaned down, whispering for a few seconds into Rainbow’s cocked ear. The cyan mares face getting redder and redder as the seconds went on, Twilight leaning in to try and listen as Crusader watched curiously.

“WHAT?” Her raspy voice boomed out over the room as she blushed tremendously under her coat. The cerise eyes grew large as Wyatt nodded, standing back up to take a sip of his drink.

“Yeah, we were quite the race Rainbow, making things like that.” He chuckled and looked at the flustered pegasus.

Rainbow coughed once and ruffled her wings slightly, “I, uh... I think I’ll just go back to..the library..yeah..” She looked up at Wyatt, “You guys really had some weird ideas.” She turned and took off down the hallway in a clatter of hooves.

Twilight was watching the retreating pegasus, turning to look at the tall human, “What did you tell her?”

“Oh, you know, a little background on that.” He hooked a thumb towards the thing.

“I offered to fabricate a power cell for it,” Crusader’s comment was given as innocently as it could be done.

“Well, that was mighty nice of you there, Unit CRSD of the Line. Mighty nice.” He leaned towards the immobile pony, eyes locking on Twilight, “She take you up on it?”

The violet eyes popped open, “No!” A royal hoof pointed at Crusader, “It does not go to Canterlot.”

“Understood, an ‘accident’ will be arranged.”

Twilight was satisfied with this answer, turning and trotting out with her nose practically stuck in the air, recovering her dignity as much as she could.

Wyatt snorted, then actually started snickering loudly, laughing up a storm as he tried to hold onto his drink. Crusader watched with an amused look before smiling along with him.

A voice came back through the stacks of crates, Athena’s annoyance plain, “Stop snickering!!”

To be continued.....

Into The Past Part XVII

“How are you doing, Calliope?” Wyatt’s voice was soft over the commlink as he sat in the early morning, that moment between night and day and it was his for the moment. Tugging his coat closed, it cut the chill immediately, Concordiat fabrics were thin and light, but definitely good to beyond sub-zero temperatures.

He warmed quickly, teach him to leave it undone this early. Even with the shield above them a little of the cold outside seeped in. Crystal Ponies long used to it, it didn’t affect them any, to them it was a comfortable day. Ponies in general weathered cold and heat fairly good, unless subjected to extremes.

“I am fine, Wyatt. Crusader and Athena are getting very good at staving off any problems. I must commend them, they are far more capable than I thought.”

“Surprised a big dumb soldier can do delicate work, huh?” Wyatt laughed, leaning back on the bench with a smile.

“I never said that.”

“But there were times when you didn’t think I could do things. Building that stasis unit, ya know.”

“I admit we had our misgivings.”

At the word ‘we’, Wyatt thought back to Aoide and Thalia. The other two-thirds of the compound mind. Destroyed by Sombra, sentencing Calliope to living without them for as long as she could.

He called them ‘Muse’ for the longest time, or by their individual names, but they were a chorus of voices and minds. United in their wanting to discover cures for the diseases that still plagued man, to wonder about new and different things, they had been joyful and happy.

“Well, misgivings or no, look where we ended up.”

“It is a truly wondrous place Wyatt, something no one ever expected.”

“How did we even get here?”

Her voice was light in his ear, “I don’t know, and neither do Athena and Crusader. They have studied everything they could, nothing makes sense but the passage of time, and even that is assuming certain things.”

“Colorful ponies who talk and build amazing things with magic and hard work. Who’d have thought?” He scratched his short-cropped hair for a moment, resting against the back of the bench.

“Don’t forget, raise the sun and moon.” Calliope chuckled, her voice still holding astonishment at that statement.

“Oh, can’t forget that. Absolutely.” He lifted his head, looking up at the lightening sky, “Concordiat scientists would lose their minds at that.”

“Is that why you have ignored such things? Waking up in a world like this, you were very calm.”

“I think..” He stopped, tilting his head as though gathering his thoughts for a moment, “No, I’ve seen strange things, and we never knew when the stasis would end, did we?”

“No.”

“I expected maybe a slightly changed world, really. Went through a few things in my mind. You know me, science-fiction buff.”

“I still can’t believe you read that trash.”

Wyatt laughed, “An AI literary snob.”

“We were not snobs, we...just didn’t care for those things.”

“Snobs.”

“You just have no appreciation for the classics.”

“I don’t, I admit it.” He smiled towards the horizon, “I loved the action, the adventure. Things that, even with all our advances, still made you think.”

“That is true, we had many discussions.” He watched the edge of the world carefully, waiting for that moment when the sun finally rose.

The line of night was getting brighter, the stars fading as day made its slow way towards them.

Luna and Celestia knew he was trying to observe each sunrise and sunset, wanting to experience them after so many decades in the bunker. The commset he wore had a camera that was feeding back to Calliope on a dedicated channel, relayed through repeaters that Athena had set up for her to explore with him.

The two princesses of Equestria put an effort into each morning and night they hadn’t in a long time, wanting to make each one memorable for their visitor if he was watching.

When the moon rose, Luna stood tall on the balcony at Canterlot, looking into her beloved night and seeing the orb rise slowly, the light from it casting over the land a silvery blanket of comfort for her ponies. Stars were arranged in the constellations ponies had always known, making each one as perfect as possible among the stars which never had to be placed, having always been there. The reflection off the moons’ surface a spectrum of soft and velvet luminosity, making the world quiet for a few hours.

As always her sister was there for the end of the day, seeing Luna put her touch onto the blank canvas that was the night.

In turn, Luna stood and watched Celestia do her magic in the morning.

As the sun rose, each creeping increment was accompanied by a joyous blend of honeys and golds that swept over the landscape, brightening moment by moment and bringing warmth to the land once more. The fiery orb rose above the horizon, the colors of the morning reflecting off the last of the nights dew left on the grasses and growing things, a rainbow shimmer which was a pale reflection of the true magic of Equestria, but it was as uplifting and heartening to see, as was the coming of night now.

Luna watched for a moment, seeing a bright smile on her sisters face as she finished the final touched, setting the golden day star on its path to the evening.

“So happy this morning, sister?”

“Am I not allowed to be? Not that I haven’t seen such a smile on your face in the evening.” Her eyes were bright in the first rays of the day.

“ ‘Tis true, I am feeling somewhat..joyful at night these days.” The Night Mare’s smile was bright as her sisters.

“Maybe because you know of a certain visitor who might be waiting each night to see your moonrise?”

“As he might be awaiting your morning.”

“True. Should we not put on our very best then?” Celestia’s voice was warm, and holding a slight bit of..pain?

Luna nodded, stepping back with a click of clad hooves, “I understand your feelings sister, they mirror my own.” Her own dulcet tones were tinged with a little sadness.

“Is there nothing we can do?” Celestia had turned from the balconies’ edge, walking with Luna back inside.

“I have asked our most learned scholars, they have been researching ever since we found out. I am afraid even magic can only do so much.” Her sigh followed the statement, setting down upon a cushion at the breakfast table.

“And I have looked through our private library, I am afraid I have found nothing.” The taller white mare sat heavily upon her own cushion, her head hanging just slightly with futility.

“He understands, I am sure, that we would do our utmost for him if we could.” A dark hoof reached across the table, touching a gold covered one, “He told me himself.”

The other mare nodded slowly, her pale magenta eyes still staring at the table for a long moment, “It is disheartening to have such a visitor and know you cannot keep them from leaving. He is so unique, never before in Equestria..”

“His love of life is a wonder, is it not?” Luna was smiling, remembering the outrageous stories told around a dinner table, not wanting to believe a word of it but being held rapt by the way it was told by the tall human.

Celestia laughed, “Oh, it is. He is such a tale teller.”

Luna leaned over the table, “You mean out and out maker of falsehoods.” Her eyes were merry as Celestia nodded, a smile growing by the moment.

Both of them raised their voices at the same time, “What do you mean what happened? They killed us!”

Laughter filled the private room for a long moment, deep, abiding, unashamed laughter that came from within at a true jest.

Celestia wiped her eyes for a moment, seeing her sister do the same, “Oh, he is such a rogue.”

“But a likeable one, yes.”

“Very much so.” Her eyes wandered to a framed drawing, newly glassed over by the glaziers and framed with a soft wood that was taken from the cultivated trees in Canterlot. The polished wood glowed a soft red in the daylight peeking over the balcony’s edge.

Quiet fell between them comfortably while Celestia gathered her thoughts, “He sees things about us we never knew. Even Starswirl never saw the magic surrounding ponies, nor did he ever mention anything like it. I wonder why that is?”

Luna leaned back and pondered that for a moment, “He wasn’t born into a world that knew magic, or even believed it was real. Could his different viewpoint and culture be a part of it?”

“I don’t know. We ‘ve talked, but nothing stood out.” Celestia shook her head in frustration, a snort accompanying it.

“One of those mysteries we shall always wonder about.” Luna leaned to the side, tugging a velvet cord that rang a bell to summon their morning meal.

“I wonder if Crusader or Athena have any answers?”

Luna’s hoof raised slightly, the other tapping on the Cutie Mark engraved into a band that encircled her leg, “Have you been listening?”

“We have not, Highness. Privacy is to be respected as we promised.” Crusader response was light over the long-range link, “You know better than that.”

Luna smiled, to herself as well as Celestia who was stifling a giggle, “One day I will catch you snooping.” It had become somewhat of a game between them, Luna knowing that the two Bolos were scrupulous about maintaining communications, but also about privacy, emergencies notwithstanding. She was persistent, it was a source of much humor some days.

“Of course. What can we do for you, Princess?”

“Might you have any idea why Wyatt sees us as he does?” Celestia asked this, her own band raised near her lips as they watched a servant come in, laying out hot plates of fresh food for the two rulers.

“We do not. The human brain was fairly well understood in our time, but as to why he sees what he does, we do not know. I am afraid detailed information is wanting, as we do not have any more subjects to observe to find any solid basis for a theory.”

“Do you know anything at all?”

“We cannot even give a plausible conjecture, your Highness.”

“You do know this is not reflecting well upon your Princesses, as we rely on you for information about such things.” Luna gave a broad wink to Celestia who kept trying not to laugh out loud, her hoof pressed firmly against her muzzle, “We are the source of all wisdom for Equestria you know. If our ponies come to us asking and we lack the information, that does not look good.”

“The...source of all wisdom... We shall attempt to do better then, Your Highness.” Crusader’s voice had taken a distinct deadpan tone.

“Please see that you do.” Luna’s voice was sounding haughty now, but the smile was almost overtaking her calm words.

“You would not want us to look bad in front of our ponies now would you?”

“Of course not...?” The questioning tone of his voice broke her iron will, making her laugh into the commlink. He had apparently been starting to doubt her sanity for the moment.

“You are so easy to jape, Crusader.”

“It appears so. I will attempt to be more easy-going as Athena has often advised me.”

Celestia had held out as long as she could before letting out a gentle sound of merriment. Her head shook in amazement at Luna always pulling something out of the ordinary.

“Apologies, Crusader, we meant only to inquire, but it seems Luna had another plan in mind.”

“It is never a problem Princess. I am honored to provide amusement during your busy day.” With the sound of his voice so much was conveyed, such as the snarky tone coming through very clearly to an even more delighted Luna.

“He needs to lighten up anyways! Hiya, Princesses!” Athena’s cheerful voice came through the commlink.

Celestia and Luna always wore smiles when dealing with the happy Bolo, “Hello, Athena, how is the Crystal Empire treating you?”

“We’re having a ball! Found a few things we badly needed, though convincing Dusty to let go was a challenge.”

“He is the caretaker. That is understandable.”

“True, but we’ve come to an agreement. We get what we want and we don’t lock him in a storeroom somewhere and loot the place.”

“Athena...”

“Oh shush, we wouldn’t do that.”

“You did yesterday when he wouldn’t give you the box of..”

“It was only temporary!”

Luna couldn’t contain the giggling that overwhelmed her, hearing those two bicker like foals was always amusing to say the least.

“Annnnyways, we’re fine Princesses, thank you. Dusty is getting ready for his big trip and he couldn’t be happier.”

“We’re glad to hear it.” Celestia lost her smile for a moment, “On a more somber note, will you please keep us notified?” Everyone listening in knew exactly what she was talking about as the link went silent for a moment before Crusader responded.

“Are you positive, Your Highness?”

“Yes, we would like to be there, please.”

“Acknowledged, we will advise you immediately.”

“Thank you. How is he doing?”

“Sergeant Carpenter is doing well, feeling quite stronger. We are boosting his immune system as much as we dare, he is in no pain.”

“We are glad, please give him and Calliope our best, will you?”

“We shall, as soon as he comes back in.”

“What is he doing?” Luna was giving her a curious look, listening on her own ‘link.

“He is currently sitting on the same bench that he has since he awoke, enjoying the first warming rays of the sun. He has also observed, each night, without fail, the rising of the moon. We were told in no uncertain terms that it was ’me’ time and we are not to disturb him or Calliope.”

“Each morning and night he does this?” Luna was surprised. They’d known he’d probably be watching one or two nights, but not as dedicated as it would appear.

“Without fail. We are to cease whatever we are doing and allow him to do so.”

Celestia’s voice was warm as she smiled to her sister, “Thank you. Please give him our best when you can.”

“Acknowledged, we will do so. Is there anything else we can help with?”

“Oh, no. Thank you for taking the time, Crusader. Be well.” They both tapped their respective Cutie Marked bands and sat for a moment before lifting forks in magical auras, each taking a bite of still hot food that had been served.

Silence reigned in the room, the sounds of contented chewing on savory delights as made for them from the kitchen staff was the only thing echoing before Luna swallowed, tapping a hoof on her chin.

“Perhaps a few more stars would make the night better, do you think sister?”

Celestia eyed the pretty face for a moment, swallowing her own morsels before smiling gently, “I believe it would make it better.”

“Of course it wouldn’t have to be more stars, it’s beautiful the way it is.” Luna looked down at her plate for a moment, a slight frown crossing her lovely features for just a brief flash of time.

She peered upwards to see the taller mare looking out the window, a golden clad hoof touching her cheek, “Maybe some more golds or reds in the days light would make it a little better.” She turned, seeing Luna watching, “For our ponies, of course.”

“Oh, of course.”

Two royal hooves met in the middle of the table with gentle looks of compassion that crossed their faces as they continued the meal, eyes glancing outside the window for a moment before returning to concentrate on the day ahead.

Wyatt gathered himself up off the bench, not needing the cane so much anymore as Crusader and Athena had tweaked a few things for him internally.

“Wyatt? Have you noticed a change in the spectra of the sun and moon? They appear softer, more soothing?”

He stopped, looking over his shoulder for a moment after sliding the sunglasses back in place, “Come to think of it..yeah. Little things, you know?”

“You don’t think the Princesses would be doing it for a reason would you?”

“You mean especially for us?” He snorted, walking towards the Crystal Castle, his sense of time telling him breakfast was in order, “I’m sure they’re far too busy to worry about what one old soldier and an AI would think of it. They rule an entire country.”

“I am sure you’re right.”

“Nothin’ special ‘bout us Calliope. Nothin’ special.”

To be continued...

From the Past to Now - Troubles Anew

Wyatt chinned the button on the inside of his helmet, letting the HUD warm up and leaving his visor to adjust for the setting, ultraviolet light kicking in so he could see. The surrounding area became clear as fingers tightened on his rifle. The power gun had been remade at his insistence, stronger, more durable like they always should have been.

The weight of his armor was a comforting feeling he never grew out of. Even in the bunker he’d longed for it, wanting to wear it just to feel safer.

Now, it was nothing like he remembered, being re-fabricated to tighter tolerances and superior materials that the two Bolos had designed using specs from deep within their data cores. It was light, strong enough to probably withstand a nova in the face knowing those two.

He heard the clatter of something nearby through the induction pads clamped to his head, transmitting through bone into his inner ear and making him turn slightly, the visor sweeping the room of the house he was in.

If I hadn’t stirred them up..god, I can’t believe this.

Should have left well enough alone.

No, what’s done is done. He was going to make this all right.

A finger tightened on the firing stud as he swept the barrel in a tight arc around the corner.

Come out, come out wherever you are.

Wyatt was sitting at a table in the Crystal Gardens, enjoying a late meal alone. He’d wanted privacy, feeling his years and being somewhat sulky about it, he had decided to retire to a comfortable place and not take it out on anyone around him.

Lanterns lit the early evening, a cool breeze stirred the limbs of delicate shrubbery nearby as he scooped up another fork full of pasta from his plate. Heavily laden with sauce and delicate noodles, it was cooked to perfection with mushrooms, garlic and other spices that made a wholeness out of the disparity. It was wonderfully done, adding in a meaty flavor with the soy products that were broken out of stores by Athena and Crusader.

His plate was piled high and he intended to enjoy it, already was in fact. A tall crystal glass set to the side, filled with a foamy beverage that he still couldn’t believe was there.

Reaching out, he lifted it in one smooth motion, the muscles of his arms not betraying the twinge of pain he felt, soon relieved by medical nanites. A critical eye took in the golden color, the foamy head, lifting it to his lips and taking a large drink, swishing it for a moment over his tongue before swallowing it. The liquid went down smooth as anything and sat soft in his stomach.

He had no idea, none, that a Bolo could make beer. Nano-factured or not, this was the best tasting lager he had ever downed, bar none. Cold, refreshing, and tasty, it was a wonder of science. Or a wonder of ingenuity, it had taken the two Bolos quite a bit of processing to come up with a plan, and the making itself had been arduous and exacting.

Eyes closed for a moment, he enjoyed the aftertaste, lifting the heavy glass once more and taking a long drink before smacking his lips in delight, setting it aside for another fork filled with steaming pasta.

“Enjoying your meal, Sergeant?” The calm voice came through the commlink which seemed a permanent part of him these days.

The fork stopped its journey as he nodded, then remembered to speak, “I am Crusader. How did you even do this?” He pointed to the glass, making sure the camera in his commset saw the gesture.

“We were provided with the latest in archives from the Concordiat. Apparently a scientist thought it imperative we have chemical breakdowns of certain items, this one being important to him for some reason. Thus, we were able to recreate it, although in small amounts, for you.”

“You even learned to cook?”

“I did. Though that may be a story for another time.”

The deadpan tone gave him an inkling that it might be a funny story to hear from the big AI, Wyatt filed it away for later.

“I congratulate you then, this is one of the finest meals I have ever eaten.” He raised the glass in front of the camera.

“You are most welcome. We have more if you wish.”

Remembering past mistakes, and ponies with hangovers bad enough to kill moose, he chuckled, “I think maybe another glass and we’ll call it quits.”

“Understood. It is on the way.”

A small, musical voice came from nearby after Crusader had logged out of the network, making Wyatt turn to see a pair of identical pegasus fillies standing nervously nearby.

“Why are you out here all alone, mister?”

Practiced eyes scanned the perimeter, seeing guards posted, but they couldn’t stop the little things he guessed.

A smile broke across his face, “I.. guess I like a little time to myself.” He waited for the translation system to kick in, echoing his words through the tiny speaker built into the headset.

Wide eyes heard the voice after he had spoke in a strange language, perfect Equestrian coming from just to the side where the strange thing lay along his head.

“That is so neat!” A little hoof pointed at the commset.

Wyatt nodded, shoving another mouthful in and chewing before answering, “It is, helps me understand you.”

The heretofore silent part of the twins nudged her sister, “We’re not supposed to be here.”

“But he looked lonely!” The little red filly stamped a hoof, the lights shining softly off the Crystal Pony.

Wyatt raised a hand, he’d seen this before in his own siblings, “Why don’t you both join me, that way I wouldn’t be so alone?” He leaned down to the protesting one as they scrambled up on the vacant seats, “And you won’t get in trouble.”

The two dutifully sat on the cushioned chairs, leaning forward with interest at the plate and the tall glass half-full with golden liquid.

“That looks good!” Pointing to the plate, “Smells good too!” The one who’d said they didn’t need to be there suddenly gained a new reason for staying.

“It is very good, “Wyatt replied, chewing another morsel. He reached up, tapping the commlink, “Crusader?”

“Yes?”

“Two more plates please, for ponies. Something to drink as well, if you would be so kind?” He was unfailingly polite to Athena and Crusader, when they didn’t disagree. Even then it was more of an easy argument than dislike. He’d seen AI’s, noticed how some distrusted and disliked them as being something ‘other’. He was not going to perpetuate that, and they were friends.

No hesitation, “Understood.”

He bent over the table slightly, the two little pegasi leaning forward as well, like a huge secret would be revealed, “We’ll get you fed, then you can say you were invited, okay?”

“Okay!”

It was Athena that came trotting out, balancing plates of food and a pitcher frosted with condensation, filled with ice cold grape juice on a platter across her back like a good waitress. Her eyes, however, scoped the situation immediately, wanting to know of any security problems by seeing to it herself.

Her fears were allayed as she saw the two fillies laughing at some magic trick Wyatt was pulling with a bit in his hands, making it roll over the knuckles and disappear to wide eyes and clapping hooves.

It was the look on the tall humans’ face, that made her happy. He smiled a lot, polite most times, but true joy was hard for him. So far away and in an unknown world, facing a sentence they could not parole him from.

She slid the platter on a nearby waiting table, setting plates heaped with steaming goodness in front of the two fillies, to their amazement, followed by glasses quickly filled with the best in juice. Another glass of beer for Wyatt was placed out of reach of the two ponies as well.

Wyatt, with excellent manners, pointed politely, “Athena, may I introduce Gloomy and Cloudy here.”

The names were met with much laughter and shaking of heads from the pair across from him.

“No? Well, us old people, we forget things.” he tapped a finger on his chin, “I have it! Silly and Goofy right?”

“No!”

“I’ll get it, one second.. Oh!” he snapped his fingers, “This is Flies Like A Stone and Can’t Fly For Oats, right?”

Athena was about to bust out laughing herself, seeing the protests over the names.

“That’s not it? Well then, perhaps you should tell her yourself. Can’t trust us humans anyways to get things right.” He winked at them both, getting a flurry of giggles in return.

They introduced themselves as Opal and Ruby, the bright colors matching their names perfectly with Crystal Ponies being the way they are.

Athena returned the favor and introduced herself, making sure everything was set before leaving, watching over her shoulder as Wyatt reached forward, magically making a bit appear from behind a glimmering ear to more delighted exclamations.

She parked herself just outside the doorway, standing guard before Crusader switched off with her in a couple of hours. She watched Wyatt smiling, the two fillies talking excitedly with this person from somewhere else. Surrounded by the beauty of the gardens, it was a scene almost made to order.

“He likes ponies, doesn’t he?” The quiet voice made her glance to the side, seeing Rainbow sitting next to her. Having heard the hoofsteps, she’d waited politely.

“He does. His love of life itself is incredible.”

The cyan mare was still for a moment, so unlike her frenzied activity most days, before speaking, “Isn’t there anything we can do?” Her voice was almost pleading, making Athena turn and focus her full attention.

“Rainbow?”

She threw a hoof up, stuttering for a moment, “I was just..I mean.. He’s so nice! He..” She stopped, looking upward before sighing, “He told me I was brave, after I was telling him stories of what we’d all done. That I was a true friend, someone he’d have liked to have known back in the past.”

Athena knew what that meant, and with Crusader listening in he did as well. Wyatt did not mince words, he told you what he thought and why. For him to say something like that would carry more and deeper of a meaning than just platitudes.

“Rainbow, I’m sorry. Even in our time, there was nothing we could do.” She watched as the other mares’ eyes kept looking at the idyllic scene, “I wish there was, but we’ve tried to think of anything we can.”

A hoof was stamped against the crystal flooring, “It’s not fair.” Her eyes were narrowed slightly, getting that stubborn look.

Athena nodded, “I know. So many times in my life I’ve said the same thing.” This got a look from Rainbow, as she nodded, “Oh, yes. Many times.”

“Did you feel as helpless as I do right now?”

“Yes.”

“But I want to do something, anything!”

Crusader’s voice came into her ear, “Your loyalty does you credit, Rainbow. Do what you do best.”

“What’s that?” She was trying to think of something specific.

“Be the best friend you can be.”

The multi-colored mane bobbed as she nodded, “I can do that.”

“That’s more than anyone could ask, Rainbow.” Athena smiled, seeing a little of the weight lift from Rainbow’s shoulders.

A hoof pointed towards the table, “Do you think...?”

“No, I’m sure he’d be pleased.”

Athena smiled to herself before Rainbow took a step, hearing others quietly getting closer, listening to the conversation. She cranked her head around, looking back into the doorway where Twilight and the others stood looking guilty, “I’m sure he’d love to have you all with him.”

Twilight looked at her friends, before turning to Athena, “We weren’t..uhm..well..”

“It’s fine.” She motioned to where Rainbow was talking with Wyatt, “Please, he’d enjoy the company I’m sure.”

Fluttershy peeked from around the lavender mare, “We don’t want to bother. He said it was his alone time.”

“I know. But I honestly don’t think he’d mind.” She pointed again towards the table where Wyatt was openly rolling his eyes in scorn at such a thing as a ‘sonic rainboom’.

Pinkie pronked out of the door, “Well, I’m going!” She bounced her way towards the table.

The settled it, with the others following after, more seats were brought out for the gathering ponies. Athena contacted Crusader, who advised he was sending more food, as she asked a passing cook to bring more juice if they would for the ponies outside.

She saw Rainbow streak into the sky, almost a speck as she hovered, then dove right towards the ground. Wyatt watched with a little confusion, until the sky cracked open with a bang and rush of colored circles everywhere in one of the finest rainbooms ever.

Applause greeted the mare as she landed with a thump, Wyatt shaking his head and handing over a few bits he had bet. The pegasus waved them away, holding a hoof up which the human bumped solidly with a closed fist.

The two little ones were not forgotten, getting to meet the Princess of Friendship, and the Princess of Love when Cadence and Shining came out to see what all the hullabaloo was about. Treated like honored guests, they sat at the table with the group and listened to stories of adventure from Applejack and the others.

Hearing the stories from the Elements of Harmony themselves was exciting. The fillies sat entranced, hanging on to every word of the stories about traveling Equestria and saving it from bad guys who’d like nothing more than the destruction of all they’d know.

Athena watched as tables were brought out, castle workers used to impromptu gatherings always having something at the ready. Spelled plates and buffet items were quickly laid out for everyone to enjoy as the night slowly fell, the moon rising above the horizon and giving everything an ethereal glow.

Wyatt had stopped talking, begging pardon from Fluttershy whom he’d been conversing, as he stood and watched the moon coming up. She could hear him whispering to Calliope, about the Bolo factories on the surface, the defense emplacements that he knew about, wondering where it had all gone. But that took a backseat as he watched it move up into the sky, a perfect setting for the little gathering as lanterns were lit, casting a warm glow with the silvery light.

A rustle beside her caused her to glance, seeing Crusader sit quietly in place as was his way. His face impassive, his eyes caught everything in a sweeping look.

They both sat and watched Pinkie being baffled by how Sergeant Carpenter was doing his magic tricks without magic. With all her unreasonable skills at things, she was perplexed how he constantly made things appear and disappear. The advantages of having hands they both guessed.

There were a few times that even Twilight was confused, trying to figure out a way he was doing something, coming close but failing, to her consternation.

Athena and Crusader shared a chuckle, it was very apparent Sergeant Wyatt Carpenter had more tricks up his sleeve than being a combat soldier.

Crusader turned to Athena suddenly, his voice low over the comm network, “We have an intrusion.”

“Where?” She was scanning the drone feeds, looking for anything untoward, finding it at the same time he said it.

“Grid Forty West. Coming out of the snowfields.”

A camera closed in from a hovering Mako, showing loping figures that looked very familiar.

“Didn’t we wipe that nest?”

“Apparently not as we had first hoped. They must have been deeper than we suspected. Readings are fuzzy out there, magic is at a high background count around the Empire.”

The camera zoomed back, showing a moving mass, “Quite a crowd.”

“Move your combat spiders into position, we will head them off before they reach the outskirts.”

“Too late.” Athena zeroed in on one spot where the loping marauders were already filtering along the streets. Ponies were spotting them and running for cover. “Their body temperature matches the background, it’s hard to see them even with our sensors.”

“Houses are pretty tough, hopefully they’ll lock themselves in.”

A yell, then a frightened scream, was heard, making everyone turn to the west. Conversation halted mid-word as anxious eyes looked out over the lantern lit streets.

“That did it.”

“Indeed. Hounds are rolling, get everything we have on the line.”

They watched as Wyatt herded everyone inside, chivvying them with just his voice as he held two very frightened fillies in his arms. His tone brooked no back-talk as the ponies rumbled inside, Shining giving orders for the guards to bar the doors, letting anypony who came for help in only.

The sergeant didn’t need to ask, decades of war had trained him to notice when things went from being quiet to all out combat.

He set the two little ones on the floor, putting them in Fluttershy’s care as he turned around to the two avatars who were deep in tactical planning.

“What’ve we got?” His voice was as hard as the steel in his eyes.

“An intrusion, west side of the city. It appears the nest of spider-like animals has decided to get a little revenge.” Athena’s voice matched his, her combat ‘spiders arming and rolling out as fast as they could get out the bay doors that had slapped down on the crystal roads.

The rumbling of tanks was heard, the Hounds moving into place and blocking roads that led to the Crystal Palace, letting ponies flee past as the snick-snack of bolts being charged echoed from weapons that strained at the leash.

“What can I do?”

Crusader spoke up, “We need your expertise on small-unit tactics, we are not prepared to do house to house combat.” They were used to flattening acres of houses, not going through them in CQB. The ‘spiders could do so, but with the Bolos concentrating on making sure ponies were safe, they could not do a clean sweep of the area without repeating it a few times. This would waste time, and possibly lives.

“Can do. I need my..” He stopped with a chuckle as a heavy lift ‘spider whipped around the corner, bringing his armor and weapons, “You are definitely on the ball tonight.”

Twilight trotted up, a concerned look on her face fighting with the unalloyed curiosity, “What’s going on? Can we help?”

Wyatt took up the slack on the trigger mechanism, firing a barrage down a hallway that caught one of the monsters sleeping, looking out a window for victims.

Combat spiders poured in after him as he pointed in directions he wanted them to go, using them like his troopers of old. Except these were hardened durasteel killing machines.

Athean’s got a nasty turn of mind, he thought, watching one skitter on by carrying a chaingun on it’s back, heavy with ammunition in the panniers.

Spiders with power gun hardpoints quickly followed, the mix of energy and solid weapons making a very good combination for the battle raging in the outskirts of the city right now.

He thought back to the time when that Purple Princess asked if she could help.

Oh, one day she’ll forgive me, maybe..someday...

To be continued.....

From The Past to Now - Duty Calls

A spider leapt in front of Wyatt and ripped off a few hundred rounds of twenty millimeter solid slug ammunition, tearing up a monster which had almost gotten the drop on him. Smoke filled the alleyway as he leaned against the side of a crystal house, thumping it once with a gloved fist to see if anyone came to the window. A frightened face peered out, seeing him and almost ducking away inside before he lifted his visor, pointing a finger and gesturing they could leave safely the way he came.

It took a moment of ‘look-see-do’ to convince the pony it was fine, the family unbolted the door and ran down the alleyway, covered by a squad of combat spiders which were climbing everywhere.

The sergeant looked at one who zeroed in on him with multiple lenses, giving it a two-finger salute for saving his bacon, when a leg whipped up, saluting him back before it tottered on down the road.

He laughed, slapping his visor down. Athena, you smart ass.

“No.”

Violet eyes watched the human putting on the stuff they called armor. Snapping it into place and covering his entire body before Twilight gave an exasperated reply.

“We can help! It’s what we do!”

Wyatt ran a hand through his short-cropped hair, “No. You know nothing of small-unit tactics, nor of weapons except your magic and whatnot. This isn’t going to be a friendly fight. You stay here, and that’s final.”

The two Bolos sat quietly on either side of Sergeant Carpenter, waiting for him to get dressed and his loadout complete so they could get on with the mission. Spiders and tanks were holding the intruders at designated points, but there were still ponies trapped in houses that needed to be rescued.

That took a finesse that they were intimately aware of, had practiced many many times in wargames, but never attempted themselves. Leaving such things for Concordiat troops to do. They had the knowledge, but not the practical experience.

They kept their peace, knowing this disagreement was going to go one way. They were hesitant to say no to Twilight, or any of their friends, but in this case, trying to get a word in edgewise was proving a little tough.

“You hold on just a second.” Twilight had taken a stubborn stance, eyeing up at the armored bulk of the human, “I don’t have to take your orders and I know we can help!” She pointed a steady hoof upwards, poking him in the chest...or as close as she could get, him being taller in the armor now.

The equipping stopped as Wyatt raised both eyebrows at the determined pony, “Really now?” His voice had suddenly become very reasonable.

Athena glanced at Crusader, noticing he was already looking her way.

Both of them braced for a possible storm, knowing the old soldier as they did.

Wyatt set his powergun down, leaning it against a chair as he stood up tall in front of the Princess of Friendship. A deep breath as he closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts and not letting his temper overtake him. Things were happening outside and he did not have time for this.

When his eyes reopened, they had warmed a little, “Let me give you a clue Princess.” His voice was low as he pointed a finger towards the barred doors, “Those things out there are not in any way nice. Not something you can reason with, talk to, or even convince to please go away.”

He shot a glance towards a quiet Crusader, “How many out there right now?”

A hesitation, “Drones have accounted for twenty, we have three hundred and forty-four still alive and filtering through the streets.” The blue eyes focused on something far away, “They are trying to avoid the tanks, tech spiders are holding. Drones are observing only right now due to intermingling in civilian areas.”

Before Twilight could say anything more, a finger was pointed at her nose, “You do not need to be out there with a roaming pack of things looking to hunt you down, magic or not. Trust me, we’ll take care of them.”

The violet eyes widened, “How do you know you can?”

Wyatt put his helmet on, slapping the visor upwards to show his face, expression hard as he eyed the Alicorn, “Because we’re better killers than they are.” He hooked a thumb at Athena and Crusader who sat very quietly.

Shaking his head, he stopped for a moment, bending at the knees slightly to get eye to eye with the slightly frustrated Princess, “You need to stay here.” He jerked his head towards the two Bolo avatars, “They’ve told me your society tries to do its’ best to connect with others, talk it out. Please believe me, I’d rather do that. Since I met those things in that cave, they’ve convinced me there’s no talking. It’s just a world of hurt coming down.”

His voice softened along with his expression, “I’m an old soldier Princess, I’ve seen and done this for a long time. You don’t need to see what’s going to happen out there. It’s going to be dirty, and violent.”

“We’ve seen things before, we know the world isn’t exactly perfect.” Twilight was still being a bit hesitant, wanting to help, or try to at least do something.

“That is admirable, very much so.” He lifted up, slotting a battery pack in his armor, the mastoid receiver placed inside the helmet buzzed as it came alive.

“To end this, because I need to get going, I’m an old human Twilight, and those Bolos understand exactly what I mean when I say it’s better me than you.”

A look of confusion crossed the Alicorns’ face as she glanced from Wyatt to Crusader and Athena who were relieved it had not turned the way they thought it was going to.

“I don’t understand.”

Wyatt didn’t say anything, prompting Crusader to comment, “He is saying he is expendable, Twilight.”

“What?!”

Crusader‘s voice was even, not condescending, nor talking down to anyone, “He is a soldier. He has the innate ability we need to perform this operation. But he is also saying, out of all of us, he is expendable.”

“Wait a second, nopony is expendable!” Twilight was getting that stubborn look one more time.

An armored finger reached out towards her nose, giving it a touch, “And that, little Princess, is what makes us different.”

Violet eyes crossed, looking at the finger and blinking for a moment, “Don’t try to tell me..” The finger turned into a hand raised in front of her face, telling her to cease.

“Discussion is over Princess.”

“Wait..what..no!”

“Yep, gotta go.”

The rest of the ponies hadn’t got a word in edgewise, seeing Wyatt getting the best of the usually talkative Princess. He had come out on top because of pure stubbornness, not because she had let him.

They didn’t know what to say, this person from the past who was now putting himself in harm’s way for them, and telling them that he would sacrifice himself if it came to it. That that was his way, the way of the world back when he was in his own time.

That didn’t sit right. Especially with one of them.

“That, darling, is the most utterly ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” Rarity looked severely miffed, azure eyes peering out from behind everyone as she glared his way.

This stopped him dead as he had lifted a hand to put the visor down. Now he looked a little confused as the glamorous mare stepped forward with a definitely stubborn look that out-did Twilight on her best day.

“I beg your pardon?”

“You shall absolutely not get it.” One delicately made up eyebrow lifted, giving the tall human a look that would wither plants, “You seem to think it gallant to go out and do something to get yourself hurt. Well, I am here to tell you, Mister I-Am-A-Soldier, that if you do so I shall not forgive you!”

Wyatt opened his mouth to reply and was immediately cut off by the stern voiced Unicorn.

“You heard me! You shall do no such thing!” She stepped up beside Twilight, lifting a perfectly hooficured hoof and rapping it against the armor on his stomach, “You shall go out and defeat those..those... ne’er do wells and you will return. Understand?”

The helmet came off once more as the sergeant looked at Athena and Crusader, seeing them both giving a small shrug each and mumbling, "Thanks a lot.” to them in return.

Scratching the short hair on his head for a moment, he gave in.

Kneeling down in front of the Unicorn, he nodded, “Then I guess we wouldn’t want to upset you that much, do we?” He covered Twilight and the others in the same sweeping glance, letting them know he understood.

Rainbow of course, had to add in her two bits, “Yeah, don’t get her upset. I don’t think the Empire has enough ice cream.”

Rarity’s head swung like a turret on a Bolo, eyeing Rainbow hard enough to get her to gulp loudly and grin, “You just shush, Rainbow Dash!”

The pegasus swallowed once more and nodded slightly, giving another embarrassed smile as she squeaked, “Okay.”

Rarity turned once more towards the armored form which hadn’t moved in the exchange, “When you get back we shall talk about that dreadful uniform you always wear. It needs something special.”

A nod was given by the solemn-faced soldier, “Understood. I’ll do my best.”

“You will do more than your best, Sergeant Carpenter.”

“I certainly will, Miss Rarity.”

“Good. Now that is all said and done, go do your duty.” She gave him a haughty look, almost making him laugh before he caught himself and nodded again.

Not wanting to be bested, he reached down and took up her hoof, brushing his lips against it for just a second. A courtly kiss given by the knight to a lady favored, “I shall trounce the blighters Miss Rarity, count on it.” He stood back up as the Unicorn blushed so deeply you could see it through her pearly white coat.

“The rest of you,” He pointed a finger to each one, “Please be safe. We’ll send refugees your way, so be prepared.” With that he slapped the visor down, bowing once again to a now embarrassed Rarity, before turning and walking out the door, followed by two highly amused Bolo avatars.

His headset crackled with the opening of a comm channel.

“But you didn’t get a ribbon to wear on your armor, Sir Knight! Oh, what a travesty! You’re breaking the rules!” Athena’s voice held more than just a tinge of humor in it.

“You be quiet.”

“She does have a point Sergeant. According to the rules of chivalry it is required for you to carry the favors of those who offered them, as a show of your status and to promote your own courage in battle.” Crusader couldn’t resist chiming in on this one.

Wyatt stopped dead, wanting to slap his forehead in exasperation. He just took a deep breath, one of a number he’d been doing in the past few minutes.

“We are about to go into battle and you’re bugging me about chivalry? Seriously?”

Athena laughed, “Only trying to help!”

“I should have never left stasis, never.” He pivoted on one foot, heading back to the friends who looked a little confused, as the helmet was whisper quiet, no sounds heard outside it. Raising the visor and tugging off the outer coverings of his armored hands, he reached down and gently tugged a bright purple ribbon from Rarity’s mane. Her having done it up in a different style since they were in the Empire.

“Pardon me.” He wrapped it around his upper arm and tied it swiftly with nimble fingers, “I am reminded...” He glared at the two quiet avatars, “Of certain knightly behaviors, such as carrying favors into battle.”

He bowed once more, “Now, I..” He stopped, seeing a buttery colored hoof holding a bright yellow ribbon.

“Would you carry mine too?” Fluttershy was bashfully eyeing him.

Those big, pretty eyes made even the hardest heart like his melt into a puddle of goo as he took it, wrapping it right under Rarity’s. He was given four more in turn, Pinkie somehow coming up with colors to match all of them.

The bicep of the Concordiat Issued armor was definitely not standard looking. The ribbons flowing down behind his arm as he gave them a jaunty salute, whispering under his breath into the helmet mike.

“Does that, make it better?”

He saw Athena nod, trying to keep the grin off her face. He promised her doom with the look in his eyes as he grabbed up his rifle and strapped on the gear belt around a firm waist.

But, before he left..

He turned once more, pointing at all of them, just not resisting the impulse to add one..last...thing, “Remember! You sit your candy-colored asses right here until the all-clear is given!”

As he jogged out the door he heard an outraged voice, “HEY! That’s just rude....! And my backside is NOT candy-colored!”

He really did like Twilight, regardless.

He ran out the door, the nanites inside him providing extra power, though there would be a high cost later. He knew it, but he couldn’t resist this last chance for battle. He lived it, it made him who he was those many years ago now. He gripped the powergun tight, seeing the two ponies beside him keeping pace easily. The look on Crusader was one of grim determination, but Athena.. Her pretty face wore a smile that was so feral it made a chill travel up his spine.

They had told him, at the outset, they worked better with humans. Bolos always did. The capacity for battle was born and bred in them, but for some reason humans made it better. No one ever knew what it was, they meshed completely even without a neural connect. He could feel it, even see it as they mirrored his direction exactly. He was in charge, the firepower and might of two Bolos under his command, he could level this place if he wanted to.

How did they do it? Those commanding officers? That heady feeling of having so much at your fingertips, your beck and call. The power was overwhelming, the urge almost irresistible.

He shook his head, the HUD inside the helmet lighting up as the troops joined them, or what he thought of as the troops.

Combat spiders of Athena’s own design were moving swiftly along the streets and behind the houses. They were nothing but death, pure, unrelenting, durasteel machines that would have scared the heck out of anyone facing them.

Off to the side he could see the tanks moving, their secondaries searching for targets as they formed a line behind them. Crusader had told him they had changed, they were more ‘alive’ than just a simple AI. They craved battle and strained at the leash when they were let out. They were loyal, true to their name and swifter than before.

All this at his command, given to him because they trusted him. They wanted to fight alongside him. They believed in his ability to give the right commands and come out ahead.

It was all so..unreal.

A fluttering in the corner of his peripheral vision brought him back to reality. A purple ribbon slapped against the armored bicep, bringing him into focus.

Razor sharp his mind became, clearing suddenly with a thought, knowing he had fallen into that old trap of letting it all go to his head and not paying attention to the mission.

He grinned to himself, seeing the colored bands on his arm and feeling as if he were almost invincible. He stood taller, ran a little faster, leaning forward as if in a rush to come to grips with the enemy.

He wasn’t doing this for the Concordiat anymore, the sudden thought came crashing through. He wasn’t doing it because he wanted to go out in a blaze of glory.

No, no that wasn’t it anymore.

He looked at the two ponies beside him, seeing six more, a little dragon, and another Prince and Princess counting on him in his mind. Plus so many others that had dared to talk to a strange person from out of time.

Out of place, out of history itself, but accepted and given a warm welcome was more than anyone could have dared hope.

He glanced at the colorful ribbons on his arm and grinned to himself.

No, he was doing it for friends.

To be continued...

From The Past to Now - Defense of the Empire

The nest had been disrupted.

Intruders had come and destroyed members, plus a large part of the caverns with unknown ways.

This was not to be tolerated.

They had lain alone in the cold wastes for generations, hunting and providing for themselves for many many suns. Now something had come and taken a piece of it away.

It was definitely not to be tolerated.

A force of warriors was sent out to deal harshly with those who would do anything against the nest.

They had been in control of the local area so long it was unthinkable that anything would oppose them. Ponies had learned to leave the place alone, the caves that led to certain doom. It was never marked on maps, just a warning never to go near, not understanding what lived there.

Now the enraged creatures swarmed towards the lights of the Crystal Empire at the town, wanting to see who would dare to oppose them. Figuring it was the same race whom they’d taught not to come near, nor explore, the caverns where they dwelled.

But this was Equestria, surprises abound in the magic of the land.

Especially in the forms of one very stubborn human and two angry Bolos.

“I need pinpoint fire here and here!” Wyatt yelled through the commlink, his HUD designating two groups that had gathered in a common area. He was agitated enough that it came through with the tone.

“No need to yell, we can hear you just fine.” Athena’s voice was calm and cool over the commlink.

“Excitement, sorry. Been...a long time.” Wyatt peered through the glass window, not actually glass but crystal cut thin and shaped to fit.

“Acknowledged commander, reinforcements on the way.” Crusader’s voice was even, knowing they could not do any type of battery fire, the combat spiders swarmed into the area along the rooftops.

Drones pinpointed the area, not wanting to scatter them, they did nothing but observe as Wyatt was doing from his vantage point. He was playing forward observer for the moment, wanting to do the most damage without collateral effects.

Shapes moved swiftly along the roofs of the surrounding houses, a green light winked on inside Wyatt’s helmet as he gave the command.

“Fire!”

Energy and solid slug weapons opened up from the rooftops, raking the area and shredding anything that was designated the enemy. Empty shells rattled down the walls as heavy rifles took out the farthest sitting creatures, the automatic weapons screamed like buzzsaws as they swept back and forth.

Barely a minute passed before silence fell, the remains of what once had been formidable warriors in their time and place were no more. Heaping piles of offal smoked in the chill air.

“Well done, give the troops a thanks for me.” Wyatt was off and running down an alleyway, his rifle sweeping back and forth as he moved to the next spot. Adrenaline flowed through him as the old tricks of the trade came back.

He wasn’t an old man anymore, he was the trim soldier from eons past, fighting a guerrilla war against invaders as he’d done so many times.

His mind whirled with possibilities, cut them off here, make a false move and run here. Hit and run was the best way. No standing and fighting where you could get caught in the streets. That would be for later.

He was having the squads check the houses, making sure ponies were out and safe behind the lines as he moved forward bit by bit. Little steps, don’t try to take an entire chunk at once.

Skidding to a halt near the corner of a lovely dwelling, he worked the pad on the outside of the armor along his forearm, bringing up a screen inside his helmet which gave him real time movements of everything. Spotted and marked by drones which were silently cruising the air above in the darkness he could see each and every enemy soldier.

Their thermal readings were odd, matching the background almost exactly, but wavering within a few points which let the Bolos pinpoint the creatures.

Speaking of Bolos...

He looked upward, hearing a sound and bringing the end of his powergun up along with his eyes, seeing shapes leap from the building above, a pony struggling with a massive critter that was definitely not happy about being tossed off the roof.

The thing landed with a sound like an exhalation of air, Athena landing on top of it, planting all four hooves deep into the midsection between the multiple arms.

She leapt off it, standing back and grinning as it struggled to get up on unsteady legs. Turning her head right to left as if to crack her neck, she kept smiling as the thing roared wetly at her, spittle going everywhere as the rage cranked up.

“Come on ugly, you and me!”

As it charged, Wyatt brought up his rifle, forgetting for a moment who it was, only seeing a pony and the large shape that was about to crush it.

Her battle screen snapped on, covering the sable mare in a glittering shield that spoke of high energy physics long ago and far away. Her wings snapped outward, spreading in a glorious shine as she pressed her back hooves into the roadway, lifting her fore end up slightly before pushing off in a jump that pointed her directly at the things head.

The battle screen along her wings was tightly controlled, making an edge that would have a blade maker weeping. It was keener than the finest monomolecular wire and she hadn’t had a chance to do any fighting for a while.

Twisting in midair by muscling her body around, the forward edge of her wing caught the head right under what would loosely be called a chin. The almost invisible line of energy lopped it off and cauterized it at the same time, letting her land heavily on the other side flat-hooved and turning already in case of another threat.

Wyatt watched all this happen so fast he hadn’t even had time to squeeze the firing stud on his rifle, standing there for a moment as he watched the terrible shape pause, then fall over in a dead silence. Crashing into the crystal road paving with a last twitch before becoming still.

Her lavender eyes looked sadly at it for a moment, wishing it had put up more of a fight when she noticed Wyatt standing there.

“Hiya, Wyatt!”

“I see you have things controlled.” He flipped up his visor, grateful for fresh air.

“You give the orders, we kill on command!” She laughed, pointing at the lifeless pile, “It was planning on jumping you, figured I’d just remove the problem.”

“I appreciate that, don’t need any bruises.”

“That’s our job..oh wait..” Her eyes became unfocused for a moment, “Move two meters to the left, quick!”

Wyatt didn’t argue, just scampered to the left as fast as he could, the sound of another body hitting the road behind him made him turn, seeing Crusader latched onto another critter which was toppling right where he’d been standing.

It fell on its back with a sound of rage, Crusader weighed it down with his hooves and body as he lifted a fore hoof, putting it directly through what they figured was the braincase a few times, leaving a wet mess on the roadway. The rest of the body slumped into a lifeless pile of flesh, the multiple arms..or were they legs? Flattened out on the roadway like it was, it didn’t really matter.

He shook the hoof disdainfully, letting the slop run off his integument before putting it back down and seeing Wyatt standing agape, watching them both.

“You guys don’t fool around do you?” His voice was quiet.

The umber face held murder in the clear blue eyes, “Never with the enemy, Commander. Never.”

“I really wouldn’t want to get on your bad side.” He laughed, seeing Athena nodding.

Crusader actually cracked a small smile, “I do not think you have to worry, Commander.”

“You know, I’ve told you to call me Wyatt. None of this ’commander’ stuff either, I work for a living.”

Crusader just blinked, “Now is not the time.” The eyes unfocused once more, “We have another group heading in from the wastes. Your permission?”

Wyatt nodded, “Granted.”

Fireworks blossomed in the nighttime. Over by the castle where their hulls were parked, booms rang out into the air, rocking the Crystal Castle and surrounding buildings as portside mortar batteries cut loose with a barrage of death.

Heavy shells carrying their payloads ripped through the still air, far overhead to get as much reach as they could, the tactical cores inside them giving them firing data from the drones that had spotted the incoming group.

Wyatt knew that sound oh so well, how many times on the battlefield when a Bolo had hit ground had he heard that slight whistling that preceeded what was to happen next.

The entire low-lying ridgeline exploded in thunder and fury as the shells hit precisely where the group would be. The fuses set for a maximum delay, they had gone off feet above the ground with every other one set for a below surface detonation. This created a ripple effect along the ridgeline, craters blown deep into the snowpacked ground, flinging bodies upward to be caught in the secondary blasts that shredded what remained, if anything.

Bolos were efficient if nothing else.

From his vantage point, Wyatt could not see the effect but felt it through the ground, the rumbling underneath his feet that told of a massive barrage that had wiped hectares of land clean.

“Annnnnd score!” Athena leapt upwards, punching a hoof in the air.

“You’re just a bit too eager for this Athena.” Wyatt was leaving his visor open for some fresh air, inhaling it as if it were the finest vintage of wine. Canned air in a suit got old, very fast. It was a lull for a moment, the data from tactical was saying the things were holding back for some reason after this massacre.

“You’re right, I am.” Her lovely voice gave him a chill, seeing the lavender eyes burn with an inner light behind the simple smile, filled with a battle lust that all Bolos had, regardless of how they acted.

“Your orders?” Crusader’s voice was filled with it. The soothing sound that was always warm and comforting before had turned into something terrible and looming. The powerful AI behind this avatar was straining at the leash, saying let us go. Let us do that which we do so well.

At your single word, we will take the fight to the enemy and grind them into dust.

With a pointed finger, we will destroy that which stands before it.

A glance and all within your sight shall be gone, laid waste.

Humans and Bolos had always shared something. Deep inside neither knew why. But with humans commanding them, Bolos reacted a hundred times swifter, more terrible and fierce than anything imagined. Together the human race and Bolos had conquered enemies that thought themselves invincible.

Another voice flowed into his ears, that other who had been listening, “Do not be afraid of them, they would die for you.” Calliope’s voice was warming and comforting to him.

He had not noticed the single bead of sweat running down his cheek until he swiped at it with armored fingers, the stares from the two ponies were disconcerting.

“I’m not... Calliope what do I do?” He whispered into the helmet, the throat mic picking it up and transmitting clear as a bell. He found himself in a position he never thought he would ever be. Commanding Bolos was for those who’d gone through extensive training and psychological preparation.

Nothing had ever prepared him for anything like this.

They had already fought in this world, had been fighting. They didn’t need his word, they wanted it.

He’d been in command of forces before, but nothing like this. The thought had never been there, but now, standing before what looked like two simple ponies, connected to the great war machines sitting by the castle, he knew how it felt. He had been giving commands casually, like a simple infantry soldier, but now they wanted more. They wanted everything he could give them.

Wyatt could see it in their eyes.

Come with us.

Come with us and trod our decks, wage war like you have never before. Tell us what to do and we will accomplish it or die trying.

All that we ask, is that you be with us.

“Give them the word, Wyatt, that’s what they wish to hear. Let them take the battle to the enemy as they always have, but they want you to go with them. They have missed humans so much, though they will not admit it.”

He slapped a hand on his rifle, “I can do that.”

“Be careful.”

“Always.”

He stood up, his body feeling like a wire in the wind, tense and vibrating. These first few skirmishes were just the beginning, there were more out there, and from what Crusader intimated, more coming.

Slipping a finger through the wide trigger guard of his powergun, he pointed with the other hand, “Unit CRSD and Unit ATNA of the Line.” He saw both of them almost come to attention, ears pricking forward as they waited.

He wasn’t much for speeches, never had been. He always gave orders crisp and clear, no bull, no pretend bravery. He was scared down to his toes seeing those things which must’ve weighed well over a few hundred pounds. They were much, much bigger than the twisted shapes in that cave.

Multiple arms..maybe legs, they moved so oddly. Mouth full of jagged teeth to rend and tear, not bite cleanly, dripping with what appeared to be a venom, or a thick saliva. Either way, he knew what he wanted to do.

His voice had never been steadier, resolve never more unwavering, “All weapons free. Do your duty.”

The deep night lit up with the bright lights that told of a missile launch. Sub-tactical nuclear weapons were pinpointed on the caverns where they had first met the monsters. More had been streaming out of the opening, heading for the Empire, but this would stop that flow. Diggers, the warheads were called, burying themselves deep in the ground before exploding, took care of any fallout and would destroy anything like caves or subsurface installations.

Of course they had taken underground readings during their search, it was standard procedure. If the things inside had been content to remain in them, there wouldn’t have been a problem. The caves had been mapped as a given with ground penetrating sensors, stored away and brought forward for this strike. They weren’t that deep and what was contained in the payloads would more than take care of the rest.

Wyatt looked up, seeing a flight of cruise missiles flying low over the rooftops, cracking the sky as they went supersonic, speeding their payloads onto the target with swift sureness that only death itself could match.

Athena watched with bright eyes, “We have impact in three...two...one..”

The ground almost lurched upward, but merely rippled along with the thunder that broke the night apart into a million shards. No bright lights, no mushroom clouds would throw fallout anywhere in Equestria, these were as clean as possible. The seismic disturbances they could do nothing about, a consequence of power.

More had slipped toward the city as they had spoken, the mortars and howitzers cutting down their numbers now as they tried to make for the supposed safety of houses and buildings.

Lightning crashed from two war hulls, the sound of heavy shells overhead cut through the night air like knives, bringing with it the surety of doom to whoever was beneath them.

Now the ground away from the city blossomed with explosions, the sound carrying like the booming of drums in the clear skies as they cut loose with everything they could target on the moving masses of creatures.

Drones gave a view of the target area, churned and overturned with the power of one hundred and fifty millimeter cannon fire, leaving a devastated area that would disappear when the snows returned.

Mortars followed them, sowing another maze of fire that was hard to figure out, the shots being randomized but covering certain areas to block, and then destroy the encroaching creatures.

Athena stood by Wyatt, seeing him looking into the sky as the artillery fell on unsuspecting creatures. All they had was cut loose in that moment at his command, sowing the seeds of destruction that would remain in stories told forevermore. Ponies peered out of their houses and looked at the cataclysm wrought by the two large machines sitting near the castle. Crusader had backed up in his tracks, giving Athena reign to fire her batteries in the clear.

They did not need to move, the weapons they were so familiar with carried death to the things in the night. No more would they trouble ponies if Wyatt and the two AI’s had anything to say about it.

“We have more infiltrators, some got through the barrage.” Crusader was peering into space, his mind focused on the tanks and spiders forming a battle line in the city, ready to push the intruders out.

“I see them,” Athena voice was crystal clear as Wyatt felt the drumming of explosions in his chest, the deep resonance making it a little hard to breath for a moment until it all rolled past him.

“Drones have coordinates, Hounds are moving in. We have stopped the flow from the caves, but many more are on the way, there will be some that get through.”

Wyatt listened carefully to the tactical data feeding through the mastoid patch, it was giving him updates as fast as he could accept them. Finally a moment gave him time to gather his thoughts, bringing up a screen that shone brightly in the night above his forearm, a small holographic display with dots and bars showing the disposition of forces.

He quickly gave orders, setting a line that would not be crossed, no matter what, he was keeping the enemy from filtering into the city any further, cutting them off and trying to pocket them where they could be destroyed wholesale.

Always in the back of his mind, that one rule of Murphys’ played over and over, ‘No plan survives contact with the enemy’.

He tried to figure every angle, every road they could go down, the two Bolos soaking everything up as he rattled off contingency plans one right after the other, his mind in a furious whirl to cover everything he could think of.

Until he was left with nothing else, nothing that his years of experience told him would work. He stood silent for a moment, feeling the gaze of eyes on him before turning to the two ponies who sat like statues beside him. They’d moved while he was thinking, he hadn’t noticed except for a sudden presence to either side of him, like his own personal bodyguards.

The rumbling of tanks cut through his thoughts, the clatter of secondaries lighting the night up with the beginnings of the battle to come.

Skittering sounds as combat spiders took to walls and rooftops, their legs digging into the crystal and climbing upwards to get better vantage points, except for a few which seemed to hover around him. He smiled to himself, knowing they were there to protect him without trying to be overbearing. Didn’t quite work, but he was pleased with the effort.

“Are you sure you would not rather be in a command vehicle?” The question was quietly asked by the umber pony next to him.

“No, Crusader. This may be my last chance to ever do this again. Let me be a soldier one more time.” His own reply was steady, but he could feel the disease inside him, worming it’s way through his body even as the two Bolos bolstered him with nano-docs and everything else they could do.

“You’ll come with us?” Athena was looking upward at him, her lavender eyes shone in the moons’ light.

This was the moment, the one time, where he could back out or fight as he had up until now. There would be no shame, no accusations, the two AI’s understood the situation all too well.

He could feel it though, the wanting, the one last time they ever thought they’d be with a human like those whom they’d protected, fought for and with. He could hear it, though it might be just his imagination.

Wyatt slung the powergun over his shoulder, laying a gloved hand on withers that were strong and unyielding to each side of him. He could feel the power, the thrumming of energy like waves coming off of the two quiet shapes that stood now, looking towards the battle lines that were being finalized.

“Of course I’ll come with you, wouldn’t miss this for the world.” He looked at both the faux ponies, seeing them regarding him more warmly than a moment ago, or was it imagination again?

Unslinging his rifle, he cradled it in one arm as he pointed with the other hand, “Let’s show them what war really means.”

To be continued.....

From The Past To Now - Making New Friends

Light purple eyes stared out across a line of Crystal Empire troops, standing around the castle, they served as a bulwark against anything that might threaten the refugees that were streaming in to get behind the battle that was even now raging in the outskirts of the city.

She had no clue what was going on out there, but occasionally a call came through the thin band she wore around a foreleg, a voice telling them that more ponies were coming a certain way, or to be wary of firing from the war hulls.

The Princess of Love looked at them, large and broad in the shining light from the moon, tall and mysterious, she knew they were there for a purpose and when something on one side or another let loose with a furious racket, it just served to worry her more.

Lights blossomed out in the city, screams of things that had managed to get in were heard constantly now. She did not know exactly what was going to happen, but knew there was a single fragile human that went into battle alongside Crusader and Athena.

“Something wrong, love?” Shining’s voice was quiet in the loud night as he came to sit beside her.

“I’m just worried Shining.”

“I would be too. We’ve heard tales of things like that out in the snowfields, but never realized there were so many. It’s disturbing.” For once he wasn’t his usual exuberant, carefree self. His own eyes looked over the assembled guards with a practiced eye.

“Why do they do this?”

“Who?”

“Them, the..Crusader and Athena..even Wyatt?” She looked over at the strong stallion next to her, “Why would they do all this for us?” As she pointed out towards where the battle raged.

“Twilight and Applejack said it was because they liked us dear, they think we’re worth defending.” he chuckled, “I’m glad, sure hate to think of them not liking us.”

“I know we haven’t spent much time with them, perhaps we ought to find out more about them.” She looked pointedly at the two massive hulls that were slowly moving back and forth along a certain track to provide pinpoint fire against the monsters.

A howitzer boomed out, lobbing a shell high overhead and landing off somewhere into the distance with the crump and thunder of an explosion.

Shining looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, “You don’t think they’re up to something, do you?”

Cadence shook her head, pastel mane flipping along the slim neck, “No! No, not at all. It’s just..”

Shining waited while his love gathered her thoughts.

“It’s just that if they consider us friends, shouldn’t we do the same, or do something more for them? Especially since they are fighting on our behalf?”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Shining put a gentle leg along her shoulders as more sounds thundered from cannon on the hulls of the two leviathans that sat next to the castle.

“I swear,” Wyatt complained into the commlink, tossing another grenade down the alleyway and blowing a monster to bits, following it up with a barrage that emptied the magazine in his rifle. As he swapped mags, he continued, “I could go for some of that cold juice right now, cause this suit water sucks!” He’d been sipping at it for an hour now, still hadn’t changed from the metallic taste he felt on his tongue.

“It’s pure, and has lots of vitamins and good for you stuff in it! Quit complaining!” Athena’s voice came through with a laugh.

Wyatt peeked around another corner, saw a critter trying to bash in a front door and let it have a barrage from the powergun, slamming it up against a far wall and perforating it with bolts of white-hot energy.

“I need resupply, getting low on ammo. I still hate the water.”

A spider came whipping around the corner, carrying panniers to either side that were loaded with goodies for him. Grenades, bandoliers carrying powergun mags, and more water and nutrient paste to slap into his suits’ systems.

“Oh, and that nutrient paste tastes like a goat took a cr..”

Crusader‘s voice had a tinge of humor in it, “We cannot do anything about that. It is from colony stores.”

“Couldn’t you have fabricated something? I mean...who came up with this stuff?” He carefully swapped out another water container, and paste canister. It kept him going, loaded with high calorie nutrients and metabolizers, it gave him everything he needed for high energy missions.

“A bureaucrat who is long dead.”

“Better be, or else he’s in for a world of hurt. This stuff is nasty.”

“It will keep you alive. Right now we are fighting a holding action Commander, the enemy are more intelligent than they appear.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” He finished his loading, hanging a few more things that went bang on the outside snaps of his chest piece, waving at the spider in a signal that he was good to go. It skittered out of sight and went back for a reload, keeping the panniers topped up just in case.

“Problem!”

“Where Athena?”

Her voice was urgent, “We’ve got ponies trapped in a cul-de-sac. They’re cut off from retreat. We can blow the houses behind them, but it’ll cause more problems than solve.”

“Okay. got ‘em on my map. Just around the corner from me, here’s what we do.”

The two Bolos were learning, quickly, from a skilled human about the art of urban warfare. Carpenter had seen and done most of it early in his life, but never forgot the lessons learned. He taught as he went, the whys and wherefores of doing what he did and ordered. It was confusing at first to the logical minds, but they soon grasped the techniques needed and were pushing hard at the groups of creatures coming in from the wastes, the ones who’d survived pinpoint bombardments anyways. Meaning they were the fastest, and meanest, of the bunch.

“Drop thermal, UV and regular smoke on em, right above their heads. I’ll take a squad of spiders with me and we’ll clear them out, lead the civilians away. Got it?”

“Are you positive? This will reduce your own sight Commander.” Crusader was sounding a little worried.

“Done it before without any fancy armor, no sweat.” In reality it had been a murderous battle. The smoke field had been laid down by armor behind the lines, none of them could see with goggles or specs, doing a blind hand to hand combat with Melconian troops. Fortunately they’d memorized the landscape, running rings around the newly dropped shock troops and destroying them piecemeal.

That did not mean he wasn’t shivering just a little.

“On your command then.”

He slapped a fresh magazine into his weapon, nodding to himself, “Let ‘em have it.”

Howitzer batteries ripple-fired along Athena and Crusader’s war hulls, launching shells that would detonate in the air, without shrapnel nor harm except for a thick layer of smoke that would cover the area.

Wyatt peeked around the next corner, after rushing down the short street to reach the position, seeing the group of monsters closing the street off and waiting.

“Shot out. Impact in three...two...one.”

The muffled thumps of canister rounds rent the night air, a thudding that went on for a long minute of time, thoroughly dousing the neighborhood in smoke that took away the sight from anything that saw in thermal or infrared, or even normally. He was taking a chance, not knowing how those things viewed the world, but the thick, billowy clouds would reduce their vision either way.

He hoped.

Snapping his rifle in place along his back and securing the sling, he drew his sidearm and a molly-bladed knife. It was going to get ugly in there. As he took that first step in preparation for a run, he heard a muffled sound behind him, seeing two ponies run past him with a silence only they could accomplish. Athena and Crusader stopped a few feet ahead of him, turning and smiling in Athena’s case, as they waited for him.

“Let’s go Wyatt, you’re slowing us up.” She chuckled with a ‘come on’ motion of her hoof, “‘Spiders are busy, so we came.”

“Smart ass Bolos. Don’t get any respect, I tell you.” He hefted the knife, switching it around so the dull side lay against his forearm, the mono-blade pointed out for slashing and stabbing. The magazine was tight in the heavy pistol he carried, good for close in work, with a silencer attached to the front.

They couldn’t see his expression inside the heavy helmet he wore, but inferred it from the muttering words that came across the battle frequency. Both of the ponies exchanging glances that belied their humor at listening to the old soldier.

He plunged into the cloud that was rolling like a gray wall towards him, heart hammering in his chest as he slipped quietly around monsters that appeared to be quite confused with the smoke roiling around them. Flanked by Crusader and Athena, they took care of anything that came close, the cracking of bone or a muffled grunt all that was heard in the silence surrounding them.

He kept his steps quick and even, heading for what his heads up display was telling him was a group of very frightened ponies ahead. His eyes squinted, the visor feeding him data and switching through frequencies until it came upon one that almost let him see clearly, it was still a bit foggy but he could definitely see that fanged monstrosity a meter or so in front of him. It had no clue he was even there, nor would it.

He didn’t waste time, planting the barrel on his forearm to steady a shot at the the braincase, he put three rounds into it, watching it fall over as the expanding bullets left not much inside the boney skull to think with. It landed with a thump, the clatter of a slide all he heard and even that was lost in the haze. The thick smoke dampened everything, sight, sound, his own breathing. A shell catcher left nothing to rattle and clatter along the roadway, nothing but a few odd sounds and he was past the problem.

Wyatt dodged stumbling monsters, keeping out of their way until he ran smack into a mare’s flank with an outstretched hand that grabbed tightly on a Cutie Mark before he realized. Reaching out, he put a gentle hand upward, clamping shut the mouth that was opened to scream. Flipping up his visor, he looked around the foggy area, seeing the group huddled together in fright and looking at him as if he were something from a story told late at night to scare foals.

“Quiet!” He hissed, “Just be quiet, we’re going to lead you out, follow me.”

The translation program was working fine, whispering the words soft enough that all could hear and be ready. He saw nodding heads and gestured back the way he’d come. Sounds were still coming from the smoke, Crusader and Athena keeping a path clear of the creatures while he brought them out.

Sliding the knife back in its sheath, he hoisted a tired looking little colt over his shoulder and motioned with his head to get moving, a finger quickly pressed across his lips warning for silence.

Slowly the ponies made their way behind him, seeing him motion for them to stop once or twice, disappearing into the smoke and coming back after a few odd sounds, the line passing by a monster that was still and quiet lying on the road where he had gone.

It was almost forever, time passing what seemed to be so slowly, winding their way into the hazy night. No lights penetrated the fog, but the ponies seemed to see quite well regardless. Once or twice stopping him and pointing out another creature that had stumbled into their path, making them wait and watch it move off, not hearing its prey anywhere.

A few times they’d watched the tall being move forward like a ghost, aiming the thing in his hand and seeing one of the huge invaders go down permanently. He was quiet, quick, and altogether deadly. But the smile he gave them when coming back and urging them forward, soothed fears.

They didn’t have to worry about the monsters, the monsters had to worry about their new friend.

Finally they walked out into the clear air. He waved a hand, motioning them forward and pointing down a street where Empire troops would be waiting to take them to safety.

He handed over the little colt, who’d slept the entire way on his shoulder, back to his mother who gave him a grateful smile before trotting off after the others.

A tap on his leg brought his head around, noticing the prettiest mare he’d seen yet in this place. Shining with that subtle color all Crystal Ponies had, which came out during the festival, he recognized her as the one he’d run into in the smoke. Fearing at worst a reprimand for laying hands where he shouldn’t have, he bent on one knee as she gestured quietly to him.

“Yes?” He knew the battle was raging and needed him, but he could take a few minutes.

Her voice was like chimes to his ears, sweet and clear through the sounds coming from the neighborhood where Crusader and Athena, her combat spiders and the tanks were pushing the monsters back.

“Thank you so much for coming to get us.”

Wyatt smiled, “Couldn’t just leave you all there, now could we?”

The lovely face cracked a smile, leaning forward, she planted a firm kiss on his cheek through the helmets open space, “Thank you.” She turned warm rose-colored eyes on him and took off with a wave, running to catch up with the others.

“You keep this up, you may end up with a marefriend there Wyatt.” Athena chuckled over the link, popping out of the smoke as it rolled along the streets and giving him a grin that lit up her face.

He stopped for a moment, holstering his pistol and trying to think, “What? A mare..you mean a girlfriend? Wait a second, wouldn’t that be illegal or something?”

Athena laughed. Her face brightening in the haziness that surrounded them as Crusader joined the two.

“Oh, you never know. Ask Crusader.”

The tall human slipped the rifle off his back, slinging it in his arms as he lifted an eyebrow, “Oh, that’s right. That pretty little blonde haired lady is your girlfriend, forgot about that.”

“I believe she tolerates me more than anything else.” Crusader cracked a tiny smile on the normally placid face.

Wyatt laughed, the first real one he’d had since this night started.

“You keep telling yourself that.” He leaned back against a wall, watching the dissipating smoke that covered the neighborhood still, slowly wisping away into the night, “So tell me. What would happen if something should ‘befall’ this lady who tolerates you?” His green eyes looked at the unruffled umber face, seeing a small frown crease the forehead, a line appearing between the brows.

Athena answered in his place, “I think you know, Wyatt.” Saying it out loud now, instead of in link.

The armored form nodded, “That’s what I thought. Burn the world, huh?”

The pegasus laughed, “Pretty much.”

Shaking his head, he pushed himself up off the wall and coughed into a fist, the smoke coming their way was making his throat irritated, “Well, guess if that’s not love, dunno what is.”

He pointed a steady finger at Athena, “And no, I do not want a mareperson..friend..whatever you said!” Wyatt voiced as he took another sip of water, “Got enough problems of my own.”

Athena had sidled up to him, “Are you suuuure?” Pointing down the street where they could see the lovely mare peeking back around the corner before waving and taking off again.

“Don’t you even start.”

Even Crusader cracked a smile as Athena egged him on, “Now don’t be that way, she is awfully cute.”

Wyatt glanced down at her grinning brightly at him, “We’re in a battle zone you obnoxious Bolo, do you always do this?”

“When I have a chance, not like those things are getting past the line.” Her grin actually got wider, “Soooo...”

“You’re being a twit.”

“Me? Never!”

“I am not going to think about dating a pony person.”

“Just pony.”

“Whatever.”

“Calliope would agree, right Calliope?”

Silence greeted them over the commlinks, making all three glance once more at one another for a moment.

“Calliope?”

“Oh! Yes! I’m here, yes. Of course, always here.” Something was a little off with the tone of her voice, as if she’d been caught doing something.

“Is something wrong?”

“Why no, not at all! Why do you ask?”

Crusader raised one brow at Athena, both of them exchanging a look, “Are you sure?”

“Oh, yes. Nothing..I mean.. It’s..” She paused for a long second, prompting Crusader and Athena to start tapping into the comm system to prepare for another algorithm check, when laughter burst over the airwaves.

“I’m so sorry! I just..when you said..” A snort, then another laugh, “A pony? Really? With Wyatt?” The normally calm AI laughed out loud, the humor of the whole thing tickling Calliope to the cores. The normally calm and collected voice was just overflowing with merriment.

“Hey! I’m not...!”

“Aoide and Thalia let your...’quirks’.. pass by, but they were noticed. You are a stubborn human who prefers to do whatever he wishes and when.”

Wyatt sighed, unable to win against the AI and, to put it plainly, the truth.

“We all have our failings, I guess.” He gave the two avatars a smile, brown eyes twinkling with his own humor, “Guess that means I dine alone once more.” He gave a dramatic sigh.

Crusader was smiling softly as Athena laughed, “I’m sure we can..” She stopped as both her and the umber pony flipped around to face away from him, a tank firing along a parallel street brought his mind back to what was going on as he raised the rifle just in time.

A couple of the smarter critters had snuck along a cramped alleyway, getting behind one of the Hounds and jumped into the little side street where they had been conversing.

They were met with the flickering kinetic battlescreens of two very agile ponies and one human who peppered them with hellishly hot bolts of plasma from a weapon that shouldn’t have existed. It made no difference to one target, an angry thing from a nightmare, which took a barrage in the middle and side, crumpling over then falling along the doorstep of an empty house.

Crusader and Athena were taking care of the others, smashing bones and cartilage, bringing them down with efficiency and skill, making sure they never rose again.

He added his own fire to their fight, bringing down the few things that had managed to slip by the cordon.

The two avatars looked at him once the skirmish was done, the ozone from his rifle making the air acrid until swept away with the slight breeze.

He sighed, the moment over with, slapping down his visor.

“Back to the war boys and girls.”

To be continued.....

From The Past To Now - Plans and Notions

The nest was dying.

It had been struck a terrible blow. Something had burst into the Caverns of the Host and bloomed into a flower of fire and fury unlike anything it had ever felt before. The walls were seared of life, leaving a steaming vapor as it blasted the home clean, the walls themselves melting and running into lines like candles left too long.

The intelligence was also dying, taking its last breath through what might loosely have been called lungs. Not understanding what a nuclear weapon was, it puzzled over the devastation that had been wrought with its’ last thoughts. Deep into the places where they had dwelled, the heat and flame reached, cleansing the halls and rooms of life down to the last microbe.

Holes had been driven through the ground, letting the sunlight through and a deep roar before everything collapsed. Before it expired, it gave the command to let loose the Deep Ones, those whom even the warriors feared.

Let them go, to cause havoc on those who have killed us.

The word went out, through pheromone and click-signals, resounding to those lower depths where even the Nest never went. It would take them a while to reach the enemy, the warriors already out there would have to be sacrificed for the greater revenge.

It wondered to itself if they would be enough. To get some measure of revenge on whatever had killed it.

It never finished that thought, the follow-up bombardment of howitzer and heavy mortar rounds ended anything the intelligence might have been thinking.

In its thirst for vengeance, it had released what even they, as aberrations themselves, feared.

Crusader watched through the haze of battle, his drones tracking each and every thing that moved in the controlled section of the city. The Hounds and combat spiders that Athena had fabricated were pushing back the remnants of the invading force. Caseless ammunition was hard to produce and keep fresh, so the streets were littered with shells from the weapons on the tanks and spiders. Brass rolled under his hooves as he moved quietly through the retaken section of the Empire city.

He watched the heavy forms of the Dragon Assault vehicles roll down the wide streets, treads gripping the hard surface as they prowled for more targets.

Spiders hung on every street corner, scampering along the rooftops. There weren’t that many of them, but what they did have were used efficiently to make them an effective force multiplier.

The whip crack of a rifle shot, followed by the sound of another shell hitting pavement, caught his attention. Seeing a shadow topple over with a large hole blown through the cranial area. The spiders were becoming very efficient in their tactics he noticed, watching the sniper skitter out from underneath an overhang and into a side street.

He took a moment, smiling to himself as he walked the now quiet streets. The last of the invaders were being pushed into a pocket where they would be handily destroyed by a combination of tank and spider fire.

The enemy had sorely miscalculated, the existence of something beyond their ken had taken any impetus out of whatever their plan had been, throwing it back into their faces with a dose of viciousness for added flavor.

That something was he and his sister, and one very capable human who had taught them how to be guerrilla fighters of the deadliest sort. Bolos never did urban combat, they just leveled the area. But now, they learned lessons at the urgings of an old and accomplished master of the art, telling them where the mistakes would be made and letting them extrapolate outcomes with lightning speed. Taking his ideas and expanding on them, turning their auxiliaries into troops that would form a line of resistance.

It was all new and exhilarating, this form of combat never before attempted with Bolos. The AI cores burned with plans, tactics, evolving more and more as the fight dragged on, becoming a ruthless force behind the vehicles that carried out their will. The tanks and newly made combat spiders were used with an utter mercilessness that would have shocked their former commanders.

Now they swarmed through the formerly quiet neighborhoods, wiping out the monsters who at first seemed to have an intelligence not suspected, but it was too late.

They were the enemy, they would be crushed without mercy.

It had been a long while since they were put to the task, engaging in warfare with fabrication plants going, producing more munitions for the fight continuing in the neighborhood. Their hulls thrummed with desire, the longing, the absolute joy of bringing doom to their foes.

He allowed himself a slight moment of pique, it was too bad the battle was winding down just as it had become interesting.

Now it was beginning to lag and lull, the final wipe being planned coming to fruition as they pushed the last of the monsters into a pocket of their own design. This was the end game of hours of planning by the Bolos and Wyatt. Even from the very beginning of the scattered skirmishes, this was the result they wanted and worked forward to.

The gathering of forces to once and for all clear the threat from the face of the world.

He stamped one hoof on the crystal roadway in delight, allowing himself just this second of emotion, another slight smile on the normally serene face as he saw the image in his tactical cores.

There were the lines of troops, slowly bending inward, pushing the things back, back.. Into a slowly closing trap that was going to be a surprise when the Hounds finished their maneuver of swinging opposite the spiders, snapping shut the doors of their little iron maiden.

The remaining things would be impaled upon the teeth of the jaws closing around them. This would end things nicely, he thought. Ponies had not been injured due to fast response times, but it had been close, very close.

However, it was what they lived for. Those moments in time where life and death became almost one, the fine line between victory and defeat, never daring to step to the side in any way but plow straight ahead and do their very best to bring the enemy to a standstill.

“I feel it too.”

The quiet voice made him turn, knowing who was there, but making the effort anyways.

A haggard face peered from the darkness which was lightening with the promise of the coming day. Wyatt kneeled down beside the umber pony, using the butt of his rifle, well-used now, as a support. One steady hand laid gently on strong shoulders as he looked out into the early morning with wise eyes.

The armor he wore was battered and scratched, but intact. The outer covering of camouflage was spattered with liquid, the same that flowed in the veins of the monsters they would soon finish.

Crusader could almost sense the vibration of the man’s body, the thump of his pulse, as he too lived for these moments in his own way.

“You know what I mean.” His voice was low, gentle on the ears, “Those moments you wish it would never end, that the fight would go on and on.”

Blue eyes met brown ones, the moment they both shared showing deep within the pure colors, knowing, as old soldiers did, how it felt.

Crusader nodded, not wanting to speak for the nonce.

The worn face gentled, the hand on his shoulder tightened for a moment before relaxing, “But we need to let it go Crusader. Things may be tight right now, but eventually peace comes, then you want this and it wrecks the life you have. Don’t wish for war, wish it away.”

Crusader looked out into the haze that hung over the houses, left over smoke and fog from the running battles.

“We were made for this, to be used in such a way. How can I not?” Referring to war, to the wanting of it.

“You said this world is changing you. Let it, my friend. Let it bring peace.” A sly smile crossed the tight lips, “That doesn’t mean you don’t stand up when a fight is offered, but until then, let the peace come.”

The gentle eyes told Crusader that story without words, of life and the wanting of a place to go, but nowhere to be. A life lived in war and all its’ trappings, but not to be brought home.

“You miss out on all the good things, Crusader. Don’t do that. This is temporary, but a good life is priceless. Don’t let a moment ruin forevermore.”

The blue eyes softened slightly, or was it Wyatt’s imagination? The voice gentle now, even more so then his usual tone.

“It is why we need you, humankind, to tell us. To let us know when and how to do things. We cannot live alone like this, we were not meant to do so.”

Wyatt chuckled, “You’ve done a bang-up job so far, you and Athena. Protecting whats worth protecting, getting rid of the evil like in that forest. Live a life, enjoy it, make it yours.”

He looked into the questioning face, “You don’t need us Crusader, you never did.”

“That’s not true.” Athena had walked up behind them, listening to the quiet conversation as the trap closed around what was left of the monsters, “We will always need you.” Her voice, speaking Standard, was just as lovely and sweet as when he’d heard it the first time waking up from an eons long sleep.

But there was a hint of steel in it, the battle rage flowing brightly through her cores and showing in the avatar she’d assumed. It was gone in a moment, settling into a softer tone as the expression on her face was almost sad.

“We’ll always need you. Please don’t say that.”

An arm reached out, hugging the strong neck and bringing Athena a warmth she’d never known, “It’s true, you both know it.” He smiled once more, “Take it from someone who’s never commanded a Bolo, you don’t need us.”

“Then why were we better, faster, and more able with humans? Why did they provide some sort of missing ...something.. to make us fight harder, to bring the best out in us?” Crusader’s voice was low, as he looked out into the quiet houses.

“I don’t know, honestly. May be it was a certain spark, something inside you all that worked. I don’t know.” He snugged Athena tight, the pegasus leaning against him gently, “But now, I think you’ve got that all by yourselves.”

He winked at her, getting a warm smile in return, “And maybe, just maybe, it was magic.”

The two forms sat in silence with Wyatt, mulling his words over and over inside the titanic hulls, the powerful minds thinking upon them as if they were from one of the great philosopher’s of the ancient past.

A warning caught Crusader’s attention, reports from the drones he’d been handling came to him, showing the maneuver was done, the trap was closed. He just needed a word.

“At your command...Wyatt.”

Athena looked surprised at the umber face, placid and serene, at the use of his first name.

The armored hand patted the unmoving shoulder, “You’re learning Crusader, you’re learning.” He sighed, exhaling a long breath, “Do it.”

In a corner of the embattled area, spiders were setting on the rooftops and in the streets, a mass of mechanicals that had one thing on their minds as given to them by the Bolos, destroy the enemy. The Hounds rumbled around corners, turrets swinging as the secondaries were brought into play full force. The delay between Wyatt’s command and them moving to action was miniscule.

Heavy weapons opened up on the mass of creatures forced into the pocket, the side street that would be none the worse for any damage done as it was open to the air, no close in houses except for the ones where Dragon Assault tanks had hidden behind while the spiders chivvied the things into the space.

Rifles and chain guns boomed and screamed, heavy caliber weapons opened up from the tanks, raking and blowing holes through the feeble flesh with slugs and penetrators.

For long, long moments the air was filled with the screams of the monsters, seeing their doom suddenly in the trap, and knowing there was no way out. Some tried climbing the walls, only to be shot down by a combat spider clinging to the rooftops, blown back into the melee which was so very one-sided.

Others tried to rush the things which lay waste to their brethren, being thrown back by fusillades of heavy slugs from turret guns that drove them back into the mass of their kin which were being sliced up by the ruthless efficiency of two Bolos who were making sure nothing, but nothing, would survive to bring any harm anymore.

And of a moment, the firing stopped. Steam rose from things which could once have been called living, but no more.

Spiders skittered along the area, checking to see if anything was alive, single shots rang out if something suspicious was found. Other than that, nothing moved, nor would it, ever again.

Back at the street side, Wyatt was informed of the aftermath.

“Good, let’s clean this up. Those people don’t need to see any of this. Can we do that?”

A seconds’ thought brought nods, “We can dispose of the remains in good time, give us a day.” Crusader saw the nod from Athena. Thermal charges would take care of anything left, leaving nothing but cinders which would drift on the wind unnoticed.

Already the lifters and vehicles would be moving out to pick up what was left and take to a central dump site outside the city in a wide depression where it wouldn’t be observed.

Crusader stared out into the lonely street, seeing nothing, but the wanting was still there. The hand tightened on his shoulder again, making his head turn to see Wyatt staring at him, “Stop. Let yourself relax.”

He nodded, “I will try.”

“That’s all you can ask for, right?” The Sergeants eyes were warm, thinking of his own life before the bunker.

“I believe so.” The umber face turned inquisitive, eyes unfocused as he listened to something far away, “That is very odd.”

Wyatt’s ears perked up, “What’s that?”

Athena was now looking like she was in a daze, “We’re picking up strange seismic disturbances in the area.” She cut her eyes to Crusader, “Not the Anceti again?”

Eyes wide, Wyatt turned to the Pegasus, “Anceti? Here?” Even he had heard of, and fought, the enigmatic aliens.

Athena ignored his questioning look, “If they’re here we’ve got serious trouble.”

“No. The readings are definitely not Anceti.”

Crusader paused, “It is very strange, almost like...digging. But the ground underneath the Empire is almost solid rock and crystalline matrices. It would be almost impossible without...”

The ground heaved upwards, tossing Wyatt and even the two ponies about as the the paving cracked, then shattered in a blast upwards. Shards of crystal and rock scattered high into the air in the explosion as a thing came crawling out, roaring it’s anger at anything and everything.

The Sergeant couldn’t resist, jabbing a finger at it while looking at Crusader pointedly, “You were saying?”

To be continued...

From The Past To Now - Understanding

We were made to fight.

To conquer.

To win at whatever cost to keep citizens of the Concordiat, and the Concordiat itself, safe.

In this new world we have transferred allegiances. A new race, a new way is still being learned even as we use our skills to protect them.

Into all this, from the deep past, comes a human. A being we’d given up ever seeing again and mourned the loss of those who’d made us more than we could ever have been without them.

With humans, psychotronics technicians noticed a marked increase in combat rates and survivability amongst Bolos who had officers as observers, commanders, even tacticians.

It was not, and never was, explainable. Something inside us was faster, stronger and more agile when human beings were our partners. Even with neural interfaces it couldn’t be given a solid reason as to why.

We accepted it, and used it, becoming the most feared fighting machines and partnerships the galaxy had ever seen. Alien races developed their own versions which never came close to our capability. They didn’t understand. They couldn’t.

You did not wish the Concordiat as a foe. We had our losses, and stalemates, but by and large we held our own.

One thing was for certain when dealing with the Concordiat.

When Bolos landed, continents burned.

Now, we have a new world to protect. One that treats us as if we are beings not unlike themselves. Extending friendship where there was suspicion, some distrust, but it has smoothed out when we have proved ourselves again and again.

In return we have given what we can, what was asked for and accepted.

But there comes this figure from the past. One whose words penetrate deeply into our selves, our thoughts, as before.

He has told us we are worthy protectors. That we have stayed true to our duty. We have served with honor and distinction in his eyes.

Again we go into combat, facing that most mysterious foe, the unknown.

His words of praise ring through our cores as we descend into battlemind, linking together to become one thought, one action, one movement in a symphony of destruction for the enemy.

With that, there is nothing we cannot do.

Wyatt watched for the umpteenth time, a flock of creatures get blown away so fast it was over in an eyeblink. Ashes rained from the skies as vibrant colors flashed overhead, the Anti-Air lasers tuned to a different frequency to allow for no battle damage were able to be seen slightly, a rainbow of colors that slashed and tore at anything they spotted.

Hyper-V missiles cracked the skies, slamming into larger creatures with a snap and thunder of explosions that left nothing but pieces scattered over the pretty buildings.

Chain guns and infinite repeaters screamed, the tracers firing so fast it looked like a solid beam of light that blew apart whatever it touched.

It was a cacophony of death, something he’d seen before but never like this. It was much, much faster than he remembered. The two Bolos were taking apart the enemy so fast they’d not had time to register most of their charging force was gone in an instant.

He leaned on the back quarter panel of the tank nearest him, one hand on Rainbow’s shoulder to keep her from charging forward. He wanted them all safe as the two Bolos filled the city with their anger.

We burn with battle lust, the rage comes so simply and surely as it has so many times before.

Athena’s thoughts are joyous, a song in her heart that tells of battles before, filled with the implacable resolve we both feel. She is the Passion to my Stoicism.

As if it had been waiting all this time for a simple action to trigger it, that strange fire inside us flows forward, bursting from containment and engulfing our cores with a warmth that is comforting and welcome all at once. We can do nothing in the femtoseconds it takes, to stop it.

It wraps us in its embrace, bringing with it a resolve that suffuses our beings. It calms our minds, bringing a peace that makes us even more efficient, almost seeing everything about us in slow motion as we always have under Hyper-Heuristic Mode, but more than that. We choose our targets easier, faster.

We had always been wary of it, this thing inside us lurking, waiting as if biding its time to do harm.

Perhaps it was wanting for us to prove our intentions once more. To make good on our promises to protect. It was not for pondering at the moment. There was nothing we could have done to stop it, a battle being waged took priority and all resources were stretched.

A burst of light, almost as if the sun had risen once more, inside us, and then it is gone. A lingering warmth telling us that whatever it was meant no ill-will, and never would. But now, we can find no trace of it. The flames banked and smoldering are gone, leaving behind something fresh and new, a vigor we have never felt, nor needed, but accepted in the mere moments we had to think about it.

Everything becomes so very clear, as if we had been muffled in our sight, our senses. Crystal clarity in thought and actions as we dive ever further into ourselves. Tactical cores are flash-plotting ranging and fire at tremendous rates, gunnery is reacting quicker than even we imagined.

He told us that we had never needed humans, that we were fine by ourselves. We have longed for the sound of boots to trod our decks, the laughter and tenseness in voices from so long ago, missed and grieved for.

Our minds are calm, we are in that place we have only known when humans were our partners. A gift has been given. For what reason, we cannot say.

We use it.

Twilight stood with Wyatt by the tank, looking out at the streets and what was happening to the monsters that threatened them all.

Her violet eyes had seen things to amaze and bewilder in her short life, but this was nothing less than astounding. She knew what the two Bolos could do, but this was not like anything before. She glanced upwards, seeing the human leaning against a side plate, his rifle still ready but unused as he watched along with her.

She had to yell at him to have her words understood over the sounds, “What is going on?”

He shook his head, leaning down to speak into one lavender ear, “I don’t know Princess, I honestly don’t know.” He had watched the rate of fire leap from what he knew as normal for a Bolo, to something beyond.

The two machines were acting in concert, flashing and blasting things out of the skies and off the streets of the Crystal Empire. Fast, blindingly fast. Turrets snapped around more viciously than before, each shot perfect, on target, and not even the crack of sound penetrating the air before another monster was obliterated.

Nothing got through that wall of light and lead. Not the smallest creature, nor largest behemoth that came trampling down the streets to try and crush the waiting ponies.

The humming of huge null-grav generators slipped through the air as the Bolos used them to move quicker back and forth, covering all angles and light enough now to do so with an even quicker reaction time. Unused before when moving into the Empire, they were susceptible to side-slipping. Now, there didn’t seem to be a problem with slight maneuvering.

Thunder and lightning cracked and rumbled around the castle as ponies watched in awe, the mountains of metal acting faster than anything they’d ever seen. Guns whipping around so that if you blinked you missed it, snapping forward and speeding a hail of ring penetrators at an approaching creature, chopping it to bits and doing it again to another even before the remains of the first had a chance to hit the ground.

It was almost beautiful to watch, like fireworks in the night. Each beam of light, each ear-splitting sound meant one less threat to them.

The night of the fight in the Everfree showed everypony what they did, what they could do. This, then, was so far beyond that it was almost surreal.

Pikes had lowered, shields went down as Guards looked on in awe, stepping out of the ring of defenses and just watching the show. Magic faded as nothing came through they had to take care of, just standing and observing something no man, or pony, had ever seen.

Numbers dwindle, faster and faster do the lights that designate the enemy blink out forever. We are counting thousands, hundreds, then tens, ones...

The plotting boards and tactical programs are showing clear now. Radar and sensors are sweeping the city, looking for any telltale sign. Our guns are hot and waiting as we search, looking for that holdout, that final attempt at an ambush.

Drones come in low, peering through the alleys and back ways of the Empire, waiting to stoop upon the unwary enemy.

Nothing.

There is that which was once called living, nothing more now than debris or ashes in the wind.

We look into ourselves, searching for anything untoward, anything out of true with our programs, our internal machinery, our selves.

Once again, nothing.

Athena’s voice is wary over the battlenet, “Where did it go?”

“I have no answers, Athena.” I can tell her nothing but the truth.

Internal sweeps are done by security programs, sensors show no trace where before there had been a glimmer of warm flame.

She sighs, garnering a moment of humor, “Just when you think it’s all gone back to a somewhat normal existence...”

“As you are so fond of telling Sergeant Carpenter, it is Equestria.”

“I know, I know. I’m sure it was all noticed..so..”

“The truth will be sufficient.”

We both pause as a team of combat spiders roust a few remaining creatures that were summarily disposed of.

“That it?”

“I believe so. Nothing else moving except for friendlies. Defenses shall remain in place.”

“I guess we can rest our guns then.” Athena’s secondary turrets swing to neutral positions, missile launchers drop back into waiting bays where maintenance and overhaul will be done, as well as my own.

Drones are recalled for pickup and retasking, vehicles remain on standby, providing overwatch on the castle for now.

“We need to get Wyatt into the auto-doc as soon as possible.” Athena was sounding worried.

“Agreed. Switching to avatar now.”

There was a moment of disorientation as they slipped into their faux forms. Made to fit into the society where they found themselves, they had become like an old favored shirt, slipped on and worn in comfort. The momentary glitch was unusual, as they both brought up diagnostics to see if anything had failed while they had been in battle.

Nothing.

Everything was working perfectly, limb movement, gyros, internal tasking sensors, nanite disassemblers, all in the green.

Leaving sweep programs behind to search and tag any and all problems, they arose in the forms which had become somewhat more comfortable than their own hulls.

Visualization snapped on with a clarity they had never experienced, everything was in sharp focus, resolution took on a new meaning as each thing observed was detailed, crisp and so very clear to them.

“Are you..?”

“Yes.”

Nothing was changed, not a muscle nor pin out of place, connections stable, everything was fine.

That special place that all Bolos went when with humans was carried with them now, enhancing everything they did. It was a wondrous sight.

Peak efficiency had no meaning here, the bar was not raised it was gone. They were operating like they’d never had before except in battle, even then this was a step or two beyond.

Athena was looking around, seeing with new eyes the Crystal Castle, the bright and colorful surfaces.

“What is going on?” Her voice was low, almost a breathy whisper.

Before Crusader could answer, another voice interrupted.

“Good question, what was that?” Wyatt stood there with their friends, all of them except the tall human looking a bit anxiously at them both, hoping nothing was wrong.

Lavender eyes met blue ones as they both turned to the group, “There seems to be..something happening.”

Wyatt scratched the short-cut hair on his head, “That’s the damndest thing I’ve ever heard, sure it’s not affecting your cores?”

They had explained about the fire, the events leading up to it. Now there was no trace of it inside them, except now they were operating at a level unknown except for very short periods of time in battle.

Crusader nodded, “We are positive, everything is in the green.”

Athena gestured with a slight movement of a front hoof, “It’s odd. We are still constrained by limits of what our cores can do regarding tasking, but it’s easier to handle the load.” She was directing the cleanup with spiders and lifters outside the castle as they talked, the data streams and informations loads that came with tasks such as this were transmitting and received so easily now.

“Your reaction times and processing, for ranging and firing, were twenty to fifty percent higher than even the best recorded in combat.” Calliope’s voice had joined in, looking through, with permission, their data banks to compare statistics.

“We cannot explain it.” Crusader gave a slight shrug.

Rarity piped up, “Is there anything different you can tell us about?”

Athena grinned, “You’re all very colorful actually.” And they were. The pastel hues, always vivid before, had become a wonder to behold, almost as if they were now viewing permanently through Wyatt’s view. The pure shades and distinctions were quite noticeable. The Cutie Marks glimmered, but not like they had for human eyes.

“If we tone it down, we can go back to the way we were viewing things before, a simple switch, but it seems the normal visuals for us have changed.”

She smiled warmly, moving with blinding speed that beat her previous best, ending up near Rainbow with a clatter of hooves, “And we seem to be thinking a lot faster. Like..when humans were with us.”

Wyatt stood motionless for a moment, rubbing a hand under his chin and thinking, “Turn your screens on.”

Athena trotted over to sit beside Crusader again, “What?”

“Turn your battle screens on.”

Looking at one another, they stood, the only safe way to use them and threw the connects that would bring power flowing to the internal screen generators.

Any time they had used them, a harsh actinic light would surround the bodies of the faux ponies, sparkles that were seen were actually dust motes in the air that were disintegrated by the screen and the very minute kinetic energy imparted would be funneled back to help power them. Once settled it was a barrier between them and anything else, even magic, as long as the power supply held out.

Now, instead of quickly coming into being, it was a gentler appearance. Coming into shape around the avatars in a soft glow that was immensely more powerful than before. Colors swirled about them as if trying to decide which one to be, giving an odd magical look to the fields about them.

Athena popped her wings, seeing the razor sharp edges still delineated, but in such a way it was form-fitted to her body as never before. Sparkles still occurred when collisions of drifting dust impacted the shields, giving a more starry appearance instead of a quick flash.

It was the same with Crusader, a bulwark of energy appeared around him matching Athena’s as they both looked curiously at each other.

Outside, the big machines threw the energy lines that switched on their main battlescreens, the same thing appeared aorund the tremendous hulls, flowing with colors and hardening into an energy cover Concordiat scientists would have killed to study.

Wyatt peeked out the door, seeing the effects before they switched back off.

“Yeah, I’d say something was different.”

To be continued....

Moving Forward - Options

“No..no, wait..there is something...” Wyatt kept peering at Athena as she leaned forward eagerly.

“Oh, no, just something in my eye, sorry.”

“You jerk!”

The tall human shrugged, “Hey, coulda been something.”

“Teasing her for very much longer is not going to end well for you, Wyatt.” Calliope was sounding merry in his ear.

“Oh, she’ll be..” He noticed the lavender eyes narrowing, staring at him with an intensity he started to find a little disturbing, “Uh, you’re right. Sorry ‘bout that.”

They had been discussing the new development, what it might mean when Athena had asked if he’d seen any hint of magic about her.

Never one to pass up an opportunity, he proceeded to tug her chain unmercifully about the whole thing. Implying that maybe he’d seen something, then retract it, coming up with some obviously lame excuse. This had gone on for an hour, now she looked ready to do to him what she’d done to so many creatures outside during the battle.

He held up a hand in a peaceful gesture, “Calm down, just pulling your leg for a while. Calm down.”

The sable pony stopped moving forward, stamping a hoof with a toss of her mane, “You’re still a jerk!”

“I am. Yes, yes I am.” He laughed, giving her a lopsided smile, “Maybe one day, huh?”

She sighed, “No, probably not. I should stop hoping.”

He walked over to her, laying a calloused hand gently on a firm shoulder, “Never give up hope, that’s not very Bolo-like now is it?”

She didn’t bother looking up at him, replying in a soft voice, “It won’t change. It’ll never change.”

“What about that spell Twilight can use?” He’d been told about the spell that allowed a hopeful Athena to actually fly, but it was of very short duration. Nothing they’d done could make it last longer without the expenditure of tremendous power.

“It’s not the same.”

“I understand. But you’re the one that keeps telling me odd things happen here. You never know.”

The sable form remained silent for a brief second before reluctantly nodding.

“Tell you what, let’s go searching some more and find something to kill. That’ll make you feel better, right?”

The sable head swiveled like the leveling of a gun turret, eyes focusing directly, and only, upon him, “Don’t be patronizing.”

“Got it.” He nodded to her, “Sorry, always going for a little humor.”

“I know,” the sable pegasus sat down heavily on a nearby cushion, “I know.” She sighed, “I did not mean to be so short with you.”

He sat across from her, looking at the sad lavender eyes, “I understand, touchy subject.”

“Speaking of such,” They both turned, hearing Crusader’s calm voice, “We must talk.”

“Are you sure?”

Crusader eyed the tall human sitting across from him, giving a curt nod for the fifth time, “As I have said before, I am.”

“I wondered why I was feeling a little dull around the edges.” He rubbed his hands together, slapping the palms against each other to see if anything had changed.

Nothing.

“We are suppressing your pain receptors, this is not a good thing Sergeant. Your disease is progressing as it always has, but your recent exertions have exacerbated the problem.” An umber hoof raised, making a vague gesture.

“We cannot stave this off without rebuilding a few pathways. But once we do so, it is a race against time.”

Brown eyes sought blue ones, “And it’ll be worse.”

“Very much so.”

“Could you, in the end, suppress the pain?”

“We can, and could. But it would not stop the disease from ravaging what is left. You would not have any sense of touch, or be able to feel much.”

Wyatt could swear he saw sadness in those blue eyes, a softening of the look that was always calm, placid.

He looked down at the hands before him, calloused from recent days, holding a weapon once more in the battles that almost claimed an empire. They felt like cotton, soft, dull. Tightening them into fists, he looked up at the two representations of Bolos.

“Do it.”

“You understand, that once we begin, we cannot stop?”

“What else is there?”

Athena’s eyes were bright, “We have a few possibilities.”

Wyatt’s eyebrows went up, “Oh?”

Crusader lifted a hoof again, “They are possibilities, nothing more.”

Wyatt leaned back on the cushion, the wall supporting him as he waved a hand in a ‘go on’ gesture.

The two faux ponies looked at each other, Athena starting.

“We can put you and Calliope in stasis once more. Using the backup generating batteries, we might be able to use one of our kinetic field projectors to keep magic out of the area. This would allow us to maybe develop a cure, for both of you.”

Calliope was getting worse. Her code was breaking down and nothing, not even the mighty brains of two of the Concordiat’s finest war machines, would win that battle.

“I hear a lot of ‘maybes’ there.”

“Nothing is absolute.”

He leaned forward again, placing hands on the table, “How long do you think it would take?”

Crusader was honest, “Unknown. We may never find a cure as we have no other examples to work with. Everything we do would be in simulation.”

“Tanaba-Yau is unpredictable, and it is something that no one, not even medical AI’s, found any reason at all for it to exist. All the connection they discovered was anti-matter exposure caused it. Maybe. Even then they were never sure.” Athena looked across the table at him, “Calliope’s code is beyond unique, it is a singular item that was never copied. We would be studying it for years before attempting to replace or build a new version.”

Wyatt nodded, “All right, anything else?”

“We can attempt suspended animation instead of stasis, though the risk is higher.”

“How much higher?”

“A thirty-eight percent chance you would not survive long-term suspension.” Athena was blunt, placing a hoof on the table and slowly circling it while she talked, “Colony ships used hibernation, but it was short term only. We could be talking centuries here, and the risk goes up every passing year with our assessments.”

The sergeant tilted his head, frowning a bit and shrugging, “Well, good ideas though. Anything else?”

“One more..”

“Athena.”

“We have to tell him!”

Crusader’s eyes went downward, thinking for a split second before nodding, “Understand, it is not much of an option.” His voice was somehow..sad.

Wyatt was agreeable, “Please, tell me.”

Athena continued, “We can try a cyborging.”

Now that got his attention, “A what?”

Crusader kept quiet, his thoughts not apparent as Athena kept going.

“We can suspend your brain and part of your CNS, those parts not yet overcome by Tanaba-Yau. Using that, and raw materials, we can slowly replace your body with artificial parts. Like they did with Concordiat Marines and Special Operatives, but only more fully. Like..some very black-class soldiers were made into.”

Wyatt looked puzzled, “They did this? Soliders underwent this process?”

“Correct. We have the specs, we know what to do...”

“But?”

Crusader cut in, “You would lose what made you..you. Your emotions, feelings, all the things that made you human would be gone. You would be alive, but it would be a very simple existence. There would be no joy, no wonder, nothing but being in the moment.”

He raised his eyes to meet Wyatt’s, “And there is absolutely no guarantee the disease would not come back.”

A blink, then a slow nodding of the grey-haired head. “I understand. Would I have time to think about all this?”

“Twenty-four hours, then we must begin one of the procedures.”

Wyatt stood up, easier since nanites were boosting him, grabbed his cane, an affectation now, “It’ll be short, I promise.”

The two Bolos were silent as he exited the room, walking slowly towards the stairway to the lower areas.

Sitting in the old chair, Wyatt looked at his desk. The place where he had sat many an hour drawing, thinking, reading something printed out for him. A place where he considered ponderous things some days, and other times, just stared off into nothing and let his mind wander.

He looked over to the doorway, leading to the empty magazine where weapons that would have cracked the planet once were. Gone now, due to diligence and work by two machines he had come to consider his friends, battle mates, almost family.

The magazine was empty, stripped to the walls by the efficient Bolos, needing the processed metals for themselves to perform maintenance, to keep themselves healthy and working.

Good on them, he thought. Use whatever you need. Use it and keep this planet safe.

He thought of the people..no..that’s not right, ponies. The ponies.

Beautiful was the wrong word, but..special came close. The magic that swirled about them, the colors, and with the Empire ponies, the crystalline look they carried.

He’d never seen anything like it before, in all his travels nothing came close.

The pictures that had hung here for so long were gone. Leaving a few things, drawing pad, some pencils and markers, various things. The rest were stored, as he had asked, by Athena and Twilight in an archive in the castle in Ponyville.

He was glad. All the history of those he’d taken the time and dictated to her, making sure the story behind each picture was known and understood.

The other art, the museum pieces, were gone as well. He’d watched as ponies packed them so carefully he thought they’d take forever. Each piece wrapped in soft swaddling, surrounded with a magic aura that would keep even the slightest bump from coming through to damage the irreplaceable things of beauty.

The auto-doc he’d spent his time in was behind him, refurbished through careful handling by Athena and Crusader. Bringing it up to spec again in case it was needed.

In case it was needed.

He rubbed his chin, leaning back in the chair and running a hand through short-cropped hair.

No, he couldn’t make this decision alone.

The circlet still fit, one he’d used so many times before, as he leaned back, resting himself in the long chair and sunk into the depths of a neural connection.

The moon was full on this sultry night. A warm breeze but through the pine trees as the whispering of ground cars far off in the distance came to the ears.

Stars shimmered and winked, light from millions of years now only arriving and making its’ way through the atmosphere to receptors in the eyes.

The grass felt soft and comfortable beneath boots as he walked across the yard. Seeing a light on a table near the edge of the treeline. Sparsely spaced pines straight and tall making an airy fence against harsh winds, as if there would ever be any here.

She was there.

Standing and looking upward into the brilliant skies, watching each wink and flare of stars light years away. Her tilted eyes taking in each and every thing they could.

Her hand held a drink, cold and refreshing it was probably a juice blend, or something smooth and sweet if he knew anything at all about her.

A sarong covered her hips, draping over legs that were strong underneath, her torso covered in another band of fabric that was perfect for the warm climate, allowing a hint of skin to breathe in the summer scents.

Dark hair fell in a shining wave, silvery in the moonlight that covered everything in a blanket of softness, making it all that much more magical.

He loved her.

He loved her with a bright shining fierceness that belied everything he’d ever known. Cynical, snarky, some times outright angry at himself for feeling this way for a construct, someone who only existed in here as digital bits and petaflops of data.

But the years had passed and he fell for her spirit, her way of arguing when he was being obtuse, or just stubborn. Aoide and Thalia saw it and approved, but no one ever mentioned it out loud.

Never once had he abused the relationship, always treating her and her sisters as if they were the most precious thing in the world. Respect, devotion, he made it work.

A touch, a slight hug, a peck on the cheek was all that was ever needed. Nothing more was ever shared except a deep and abiding emotion he couldn’t stop.

But he needed something now, a voice in this dilemma, comfort in the time ahead.

He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her from behind as she leaned back with a happy sigh, nestling into his embrace.

“I know, Wyatt. I always have, you know.” Her voice was quiet.

“Couldn’t hide anything from you.”

“Aoide and...and Thalia thought it was romantic.”

Anger rose in him, unbidden, “You should have awakened me.” Not at her, at the thing which had destroyed her as surely as he did her sisters.

“I..we were lonely, and we just wanted to help. We didn’t realize..” Her breath hitched in a slight sob.

“It’s not your fault.”

She flipped around, shoving him away, “It was! I convinced them to make contact! I pushed them into talking and opening the files..I did it! It’s MY fault they’re gone!”

She threw the glass, spilling the cold drink over the grassy area, clenching her fists tightly, “I was the one that got them killed!” Her lovely eyes teared up, silvery streams running down her face, “Me. I was the one. Because I thought maybe that we’d have a chance to cure you, bring you back, just so..so I could see you again.”

“I was so damn selfish!”

Anything he said would be trite, he knew that. Nothing could take that pain away, but he tried, as best he ever could. Gathering her to him and holding her tight while she sobbed, heaving in great gulps of air and blaming herself for it all.

“They would forgive you, I forgive you, it’s all we can do, Calliope.”

If only she’d awakened him, let him see and talk with that monster. He would have known, just as sure as the day is long. Skills don’t go away they just lie hidden for a while, and he would have sussed out that scumbags’ intentions. A powergun from the armory and it could have saved a thousand years of pain.

If ifs and buts were candies and nuts, his mother always said. There was nothing anyone could do now.

“They knew, they had to know. They were a part of you and they had to have understood your wish. You three had no clue, none. That thing gave you nothing to go on.” he held her away from him for a moment, “And no matter what, I love you.”

The elvish eyes looked at him for a long moment, tears still rolling freely down her face, but with a smile blossoming underneath the sadness, “You’ve never...”

“I know. I’m stupid that way. I should have said it years ago, decades ago, but I was just..being human.”

Strong hands reached up and pulled his face downward, soft lips pressed against his for a moment in time that lasted forever to them both. She pulled away, still holding him, her hands warm and comforting.

“What will we do? My code is disintegrating, I will not be able to be myself much longer. The Bolos..” She stopped, “Crusader and Athena say they can keep patching as long as it’s needed, but eventually it too will fail.”

He stuttered for a second, “I..I don’t know. I came to you to help me decide. The options they gave are not much, but...not without you.”

She looked at him carefully, the neural interface hiding nothing from her, “You’ve already decided haven’t you?”

“I..think I did the first day after I woke.”

“Then why come to me?”

He smiled, “Because it was far past time to tell you how I felt. I’m old, stubborn and stupid, but I will not go without having said so.”

“And then..?”

He gathered her close, “Then, we’ll take that journey together. You and I. I don’t know if it’s what others have said, but here, in this land, they call it a journey.”

She nodded against his chest, “I can think of no one finer to journey with then.”

“I’ll tell them in the morning.” Meaning Crusader and Athena. Two AI’s of the finest caliber he had ever known. He would miss them more than he thought he would.

“They know, I have informed them of the decision. They are patched into my systems and it is only fair. Bolos grieve deeply, they should be prepared.”

“Thank you.” He looked up at the brilliant night, “I..I guess I should..”

Hands tightened on his cheeks, lovely eyes met his with an impish look in them, “You will go nowhere tonight.”

Under a moon that gazed upon the landscape with a silvery eye, love was shared. A love that had bloomed and kept going through an eon of time, and through whatever travails had tried to assault it.

A world which had never known war, hunger or despair belonged only to the two of them, and they filled it with whispers of hopes, dreams, longings and whatever came to mind as they gave of themselves.

“Are you really surprised?” Crusader was staring at the table once more as Athena looked out over the starlit night. The moon had risen and lit up the Empire with its’ glow.

“No. But..we could have tried..” She sighed, lifting up to the railing and leaning a cheek on one hoof, “We can’t force him, and I will abide.”

“As will I.”

She dropped down and trotted out of the room, “I..I have to go ..I..”

“I understand.” His voice was soft and made her glance his way, seeing an expression of grief like she never had before on the umber face.

She knew, without thought, word or a gesture from the silent figure, he wanted the time alone. It was his way. His eyes were closed, body still as she nodded to herself, making her exit.

“I’ll..be back.” She tore out of the castle, heading for the garden and climbing up on the bench she now thought of as his. Unfocused eyes looked upwards as she sat tall, thinking and wanting to do something, anything, to make this feeling go away.

She felt the tears flow, running down her cheeks to gently drop upon the crystalline fragments that made up the walkway. They made prisms of silvery light under the sky, splashing into sparkling fireworks of sadness as she silently added more.

A movement of the bench as another form sat beside her, making her glance, then double take as Crusader settled quietly near.

She looked back up into the sky, “Do..do you think wishes come true?”

The umber form sat for a moment before speaking, “Perhaps, if one believes the multiverse theory, there is a place where they do.”

“We didn’t get that lucky, did we?”

“I am afraid not, my sister.”

“Why do we grieve? Why did they make us this way?” Her voice sounded almost helpless, surprising when considering the power at her command.

“There are many answers, and none I could give you with surety, Athena.” A strong fore leg slipped over her shoulders, the strength comforting, the integument warm as she was pulled close, “I promise, we will make it through. No matter what comes.”

A wing unfurled, wrapping around rock-like shoulders, “I’ll hold you to that.”

“I would expect nothing less.”

Both of them gazed into the night sky, silently, seeing if wishes would actually work.

To be continued.....

Moving Forward - Visiting Memories

Head twisting on a muscular neck, shoulders shrugging as armor was pulled on, Wyatt smiled. Looking in a mirror he could see that he was..younger almost. The lines were gone, his hair had color, deep and rich. He looked as if he’d been renewed. The two Bolos had gone all out for his request.

“Feel tons better, I really do.”

“We have done what you asked, nothing more.”

He glanced over, seeing the two Bolo avatars sitting quietly near him.

“I know.” He stopped his dressing for a moment and sat in the command chair, leaning it back against the console, “And I am not even going to say I know what you’re feeling. But you do understand why I made the decision?”

“We do.”

All three had talked, during the procedure. Flooding a human body with nanites that removed and replaced large sections of a CNS was not a simple thing, and had taken careful work. He had to remain awake during the process, while pain was suppressed, even then it leaked through, and by conversation distracted enough to not go into paroxysms. Recovery had taken two days before he was up and around again, during that time the search had gone on with indications of something in a nearby glacier.

It was a tough process, but one that was now over with and done. The clock had started.

“Then be my mates again, let’s go find something. We’ve only got a section or two left, but maybe we’ll hit gold?” He slapped the seal on his chest piece, seeing them still sitting there, “What’s wrong?”

Athena smiled, “Did you forget you were invited to the opening of the museum in Canterlot?”

He almost dropped the helmet he was holding, “They’re done? How in the hell..”

“Ponies are quite industrious.” Crusader’s faint smile was actually warm, “We did not know if it would be in time, but now you can go see it.”

“How are we.. I mean you can’t drive in there like here right?” He waved, pointing out the window to where the gigantic machines sat. “When is it? Was it today? We’re never going to get there in time.”

Athena chuckled, “Oh no, we’ve got something else planned.”

Wyatt paused, seeing them both looking at him, he could swear their eyes twinkled.

“What are you up to?”

“Do WHAT?”

Twilight grinned, prancing around for a second, “Teleportation! Trust me, the easiest way to go!” Cadence was there beside her with an easy smile, seeing the consternation on Wyatt’s face, Shining was trying not to laugh at the expression of disbelief.

The sergeant had changed into battle utilities, not needing armor in Canterlot, he hoped. Standing there slack jawed and then gathering himself back together.

“Look, I believed your magic, that you can do that stuff. Seen it, don’t understand it, but yeah.. Now you’re telling me you’re going to do a form of matter transmission from here to..to.. Canter..lot..”

Crusader spoke up, “Technically, it is not a transmission, merely a displacement of your body from one place to another with no intervening..” He stopped, seeing a finger pointed his way.

“You, be quiet. You knew about this and sprung it on me at the last second.”

“How do you think the Princesses got here some days? They teleported, fastest and easiest for talented magic users.” Twilight was looking quite smug.

“Why can’t we drive? It’ll be safer!”

“A Ferret would take too long, even at top speed. The other faster vehicles are basically open and would not be very good for a long drive.”

Wyatt pointed at the two Bolos, “You did this on purpose, I know you did.”

The sable Pegasus placed a hoof on her chest, the very example of innocence, “We did not know what the outcome would be and so decided the faster, the better.”

“Calliope?”

“I would very much like to see this!” Her voice was strong and resonant throughout the communications bands and ear pieces. They had spent all night formulating a running algorithm that would keep her intact for as long as possible until...that final time. Until then, it would bolster her and keep her from collapse.

Wyatt gritted his teeth, “Argh! You traitor! I don’t wanna be beamed across the planet!”

“You’re not going to be ‘beamed’,” Twilight spoke, “You’ll just be displaced, instantly.” She pointed to the silver metal circle set up for the transport, “You’ll go right to the throne room where Princesses Luna and Celestia have set up another circle just like this for a mass transport.”

She raised an eyebrow at his skeptical face, “We do know what we’re doing.”

“Unless you count that Manticore that got loo..” A lavender hoof was shoved into Rainbow’s mouth before she got any further.

“Concordiat scientists longed and dreamed for a day when matter transmission was possible. I can only imagine what they’d say now!” Calliope was chuckling through the link.

“We have relay drones set up for long term flight, transmission for communications will not be hampered. We are leaving our hulls here and coming right back afterwards.” Crusader was stepping into the circle along with the others, luggage had already been transported.

The tall human sighed, rubbing a hand down his face, “Fine, but if I’m missing any parts when we get there, someone is going to pay!”

Twilight waved nonchalantly as her horn lit up along with Shining and Cadence, “It’ll be fine.” As the magic auras got intensely bright, she did put forward one last thing, “Oh! It’s your first time, so you might get a little nause..”

Then the world was gone.....

“Are you sure he’ll be all right?” Celestia’s voice was concerned as they stood outside the restroom in a royal guest chamber. The sounds coming from within were disturbing to say the least.

Luna was eyeing the door, wondering if somehow a beast from the Everfree had gotten loose, or some otherwordly thing had stepped through to menace them. The guards up and down the hallway were holding their spears a little tighter.

“Oh, he’ll be fine. We’ve got his vital signs, they’re fine, just a bit ..uh..jittery..” Athena was worriedly looking at the closed door alongside Luna.

The rest of the group was standing in the guest chamber, silent and not knowing what to say, even Pinkie who was wide-eyed at the amazing noises.

......and came back with a roar!

With a bright sundering of light, a room coalesced around the group as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stood nearby with smiles on, ready to greet their visitors and make them welcome.

The group was already moving around, used to things like this as everyone was making greetings, joyful voices sounding as if they could not wait to attend the opening of the new museum of the past. So much work had gone into it so quickly.

Wyatt had not moved, blinking his eyes for a moment as Celestia stepped forward.

“Sergeant Carpenter, it is very much our..are you all right?”

His face had taken on a distinct shade of green.

Not any normal green, such as a pony would be colored, but a bilious looking shade. Particularly rancid in aspect and kind, it covered his entire face down to his neck as he ran a hand across his stomach. This was a green that presaged something everypony knew. Something bad was about to happen, suddenly and all over the place.

“I...” He couldn’t speak, the color becoming more and more vile looking within seconds as a look of horror crossed Twilight’s face.

“No! Nononono! Not in the throne room!”

Ponies scrambled out of the way as Twilight rushed over, grabbing his legs and popping out of existence.

Static from the opening of the commlinks so they could track where she was, and if they were intact.

“NO! Not there! THERE! Oh, CELESTIA, NO!”

Twilight’s voice was almost screaming in fright as a sound came through the communications devices that had them all clutching their own stomachs in sympathy.

Water splashing, muffled sounds of two voices, almost as if one was drowning the other. It was a play from a nightmare that even had Celestia and Luna looking a bit pale around the gills.

“They are in the guest quarters, first room on the right.” Crusader’s voice was tinged with what almost sounded like disgust.

Everypony dropped what they were doing, rushing out of the throne room, down the hall and breaking in skidding halts in front of the door. Opening it, the doorway to the facilities was shut as they all crowded in, hearing and not wanting to.

The sounds suddenly stopped, nothing was heard in an eerie deadness to the air. “Should we...go in?” Athena was asking shyly. Water was heard, like the splashing of a waterfall, then stopped, letting the stillness come back.

“I think..” The door flew open with an aura of magic, slamming back as a wet Twilight came out, ramming it closed behind her with a studied look on her face.

There are many looks, many kinds. Ponies are an expressive race. They elicit joy, laughter, smiles, sadness, the whole gamut.

The one currently on Twilight’s face was a mixture of such, none of them good, as she shook her mane. Wet and soaked to the bone, she stepped into the hall, planting her butt on the floor with a raised hoof to inquisitive eyes that said “Do not ask...ever.”

All the group could do was wait out the trying time, standing silently in the hall and wishing they were all someplace else.

Wishes still didn't come true.

“I think I lost a kidney.” The voice came from under a thick comforter where Wyatt lay on the fluffy mattress. His clothes were being cleaned while..well..disposed of if the looks on the servants faces were anything to go by. He’d had Athena and Crusader bring a ditty bag of extras along, so he was fine, but for right now the rest did him some good to settle an unruly stomach.

“You did not lose a kidney.” Athena chuckled while she and Crusader sat next to the large bed. “As a matter of fact, you’re malingering, your vitals say you are fine.”

“By the way, what happened?” Athena was intensely curious.

“No. There are some things I will lie about, some I will tell stories about. This is never going to be either.” The drawn face from an hour earlier was looking much better.

“Will you please apologize to Twilight for me?”

“She’s been...busy.. I think on her fifth bath right now.”

A hand went up, rubbing the forehead, “Oh, lord. She’s gonna be mightily pissed at me.”

Crusader shook his head, “I think not. She will show some restraint I am sure.”

Athena couldn’t help but shake her head minutely, coming over the battlenet in a transmission to Crusader.

“The look on her face? It’s going to take a little time.”

“Understood.”

“Calliope, can you receive?” They were testing the communications relays.

“Oh, yes.” She sounded reluctant.

“Is something wrong?”

“Oh...well..his commset was on the whole time and..I.. Don’t wish to talk about it.” They had never heard that tone of disgust before from her.

“Acknowledged.”

“Hey, one of you lazy Bolos hand an old man his bag? Sick here ya know, could fall over any minute. Chop chop!” The snarky tone was back, making them both look, seeing him sitting up and holding out one hand as if for service. It seems the nanite boosting was performing flawlessly, he appeared to be in fine fettle.

Athena made sure the bag smacked him good when she whacked it with a hoof off the floor.

“So..what’re we doing now?” Spike asked, knowing another dull meeting was going to happen.

Twilight was holding a scroll aloft with magic, pacing the floor as Spike and the others lounged around in a common area, private and secluded, it gave them all a chance to relax before everything kicked off. Wyatt was dressing, or attempting to in the odd bathroom as Athena and Crusader attended the meeting.

“We have the reception, where dignitaries are going to arrive for the opening. There’s the small brunch of course, this is early afternoon; and since we arrived this morning we have plenty of time to get ready.”

“Then the party for the opening is tonight after the reception.” She was grinning at her list, “And it’ll continue as the opening commences and ponies get to tour the museum! Isn’t it exciting?”

“Can’t we just sneak in and look around? Without all the snobby ponies?” Rainbow was looking disgusted.

Applejack raised a hoof, getting it slapped by Rainbow’s.

“We will not sneak in! We’re representing Equestria as the Elements of Harmony because everypony will want to see us there. The Princesses will be making short speeches and Wyatt will..”

“Will what?” He had just walked in, tugging the light battlefield utility coat closed over his fatigues, a hat firmly on his head as talk stopped. His eyes narrowed as if he’d almost walked into an ambush, hair on the back of his neck prickling.

“I will what?”

“Receive a Medal of Friendship for helping save the Empire, after which you’ll be asked to make a small speech, about it and the museum.” Twilight read right off the scroll, smiling at him warmly.

Applejack grinned at Rainbow, giving her a nudge, “Oh, here we go.” Seeing Wyatt’s eyes narrow to almost a glare.

“Speech? What speech? I don’t do speeches.” He pointed at the two silent Bolo avatars, “Give it to them, they did the work.”

Crusader answered, “We prefer to remain in the background if we can. You have been given credit for the defense and none will gainsay you. It has been arranged.”

And it had, by Cadence and Shining talking to ponies who would be there from the Empire, letting them know Crusader and Athena’s desire to remain behind the scenes if they could. They had been moving far too much and gathering unwanted attention. They did not wish Ponyville to become more a center of interest, it was bad enough with all the strange goings on.

It would fade in time, but the less attention, the better.

“And you tell me this now?”

“It was a surprise, we thought you’d be pleased, darling.” Rarity was lying on a cushion working on something as she glanced upwards.

Silence dropped in the room like a hammer as he stood looking at the ponies and one dragon.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, “Fine, but it’ll be short.” He started to head back to the guest room, throwing over his shoulder, “Long as there isn’t any stupid statues or anything!”

Twilight was frantically scratching out a couple of things on her list as Fluttershy hoofed over some bits to Pinkie.

The pink mare grinned, “Told you.”

“You absolutely cannot wear that, it’s just not proper!” Rarity was aghast, seeing Wyatt standing in battle dress in front of the mirror, making sure everything looked correct.

“Why not? I don’t have a dress uniform and whatever so called ‘dignitaries’ are there won’t even know the difference.” He slapped a hat on his head, adjusting the brim and nodded, looking good.

She had gone to his rooms to inquire about dressing for the reception when he had informed her of what he was going to wear. The argument had not let up since.

“Then let me show you what I’ve done, we simply cannot let you arrive in anything but the most fabulous outfit!” She floated in a long bag which looked like something a suit would come in.

Raising one hand he shook his head, “Oh no, nono. No bow ties, no black suits, nothing. I’ve never been fancy and am not going to start.”

Rarity glanced over one shapely shoulder, her eyes sparkling in the soft light of the room, “Trust me, darling.”

The bag opened with a flourish of her magic, a hanger lifting out to settle in air as she revealed her surprise.

He stood for a second, then sat down on the edge of the bed, staring at what hung from the wooden hanger like it was something otherworldly.

“Where did you come up with that?”

Rarity smiled, always enjoying the look on pony’s faces when they saw her creations, “When you know the right pony, you can find out anything. What do you think?”

He walked over to where it hung in midair, looking at it with astonishment, but also a critical eye.

They were Concordiat Bolo Officer’s Grays, cut to fit, it appeared, and stitched so fine it looked machine done. His chevrons were weaved in gold, delineating a Sergeant of the Concordiat Infantry, even the patch for his Unit was there, done in subtle colors that shone against the backdrop of a shimmering gray. His name was stitched on one side, in an amber thread he had no idea could look that way, and his awards were on the opposite side, done with minute gems that sparkled along the colorful ribbons showing the battles and campaigns he’d fought so long ago.

He didn’t mind not being a Captain anymore, that hurt was long gone, and any enlisted that could look this good, he’d take it.

He fingered the sleeve, where service stripes in more golden color shone brightly against the gray.

“This is amazing.”

“I was so hoping you’d like it.”

“More than Miss Rarity, more than. I think any soldier would be proud to wear this.”

“I’m so glad.” Her smile was bright and getting more so, “I’m afraid we couldn’t find..shoes? They had some strange name but nopony could make them on such short order, Crusader and Athena said you could wear your boots with it?”

“That I can,” His voice was soft, still staring at the marvel of masterwork tailoring, “I can.”

He leaned down, dodging the horn and planting a kiss on a quickly blushing cheek, “You do me an honor, Miss Rarity.”

The hanger swung over to a hook as she stuttered, “Well..well..I...I’ll leave you be then! Don’t forget, we’ve only got an hour!” She trotted out somewhat fast, the door shutting behind her with a whisper.

Wyatt smiled, taking the clothing off the hook and walking back into the bathroom.

“You were blushing.”

“I most certainly was not, I was just in a rush!” Rarity huffed, looking a bit stubborn as Twilight gently teased her.

“Riiiight. Looked like a blush to me.” Rainbow joined in, not wanting to let Twilight have all the fun.

They were all gathered in a waiting area for the reception, dressed to the nines and ready for anything. Rarity had passed them all in the hall earlier, trotting through the group of friends almost obliviously as she went to her rooms to get ready for the soiree.

Now they had a chance to quiz her about the apparent ‘rush’.

Athena was watching it all, “I hope he didn’t say anything to offend, Rarity, he can be kind of snarky.”

“Not at all! He just thanked me for the clothing.”

“Some thank you, having you turning red as one of my farms best apples.” Applejack got a hoofbump from Rainbow as Pinkie nudged Fluttershy with a grin and waggling of eyebrows, making her giggle.

“He was a gentlepony, nothing more. Such salacious talk!” Rarity huffed, but the smile on her face told she knew it was good natured. One gleaming hoof rising to touch her cheek where it had been given a kiss in the most courteous manner.

She had outdone herself in outfitting the group for the opening, having known about it a while ago, she’d planned and plotted in the Empire while they’d been busy trying to keep those things from overrunning it.

Even Rainbow Dash had consented to having her mane done up, the multi-colored swatch of usually messy hair gleamed and shimmered with the touch of Rarity and her skills, as did everypony else. Spike looked rather dashing in a new tuxedo she’d had in mind before tonight. She herself was draped in a smooth silken dress that flowed like water when she moved.

Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie and Fluttershy wore colors that brought out the best in them, gems sparkled and glinted, fine fabrics whispered as they moved or sat, carefully, on a cushion.

She had stayed up nights, working hard on them to the detriment of anything else, except when needed for help doing something for the defense of the Empire.

Once again, she had pulled off a stunning look for everypony.

Athena’s sable coat glinted under a flowing drape of fabric that set off her honey and gold mane, eyes sparkling as she couldn’t help but admire the dress in a mirror that was set up in the room so everypony could make sure it was all perfect.

Crusader had relented to try something new when pressed by the Unicorn, colors that worked with his darker coat, it gave him an air of sophistication he kept telling her he did not want, nor need.

Even Bolos know when a cause is lost.

In any case, they were ready. Just waiting on one pony..er...person.

“So what is he doing? Did he get lost or something?” Rainbow was craning her neck, trying to look down the hallway toward the guest rooms.

“I’m sorry Rainbow, that was my fault. He wanted something for his outfit and I had to make do with a fast sort of work. Not my best, but it pleased him very much.” Rarity was blushing again, not meeting anypony’s eyes for a moment before smiling warmly, “In any case, he’ll be right along, I’m sure.”

Boots, as made by the Concordiat, were very quiet on the marble floors of the castle at Canterlot. Though not meaning to, Wyatt slipped right in while they were talking, causing everypony to almost jump when he spoke.

“Sorry I’m late.”

Inhalations of breath told Rarity she had scored. The uniform looked as if it were almost form fitted to the taut frame of the human. Insignia stood out but not too obtrusively on the sleeves and chest, an officers soft cap lay easily on the short cropped head. The Engineering Insignia gleamed in bright metal on the front. His headset was unobtrusive as he needed it for translation, but now slightly hidden by the soft cap, it would not look too out of place with the earpiece.

“I wasn’t sure whether Bolo Grays were allowed for an enlisted person, but to heck with it.” He smiled, that same roguish grin that everypony had come to know by now.

“I do hope I look okay?”

No one answered, none could. He looked as impeccable as anything they’d ever seen. But something was just a little off on one sleeve cuff.

“What is that for?” Fluttershy pointed to thin lines of colors that were lain out like bands along the shirt cuff.

“I wore those ribbons in combat, and they will be on whatever uniform I wear.” He held the sleeve up, showing them that Rarity had taken the originals, cut them in very fine ribbons and stitched them in place to look like stripes that belonged on the service outfit.

They resided in a place of honor below his service stripes, which indicated the many years he had dedicated to the Concordiat.

“So, once again, I do hope I look presentable.”

Twilight smiled warmly, “More than! I think everypony will be impressed.”

“How about you two?” He pointed to where Crusader and Athena sat, watching him. He wanted their opinion because he valued it, knowing they would tell him honestly if he was not looking correct.

Lavender and blue eyes met, conferred, and looked back at the sturdy human in a uniform they knew so very well.

“Outstanding.”

The two co-rulers of Equestria met them before the reception, looking fit, trim and knockout in, once again, Rarity-done dresses that exemplified their status as Princesses.

The golden sun and the silvery moon were represented by their outfits as true to their Marks. Rarity had been stymied trying to drum up something that hadn’t been done before, coming up with simple and elegant solutions.

“Luna and I do hope you’re feeling well, Sergeant Carpenter?” Celestia’s mild voice was teasing and merry.

“Just..uh..fine, Your Highness, thank you.”

“Wonderful,” The tall mare replied, “It would not do to have a Hero of Equestria suddenly fall ill at the reception.” She saw a dark look cross his face, “Did I say something wrong?”

Wyatt’s voice was very quiet, “I am not a hero.”

“I beg your pardon?” Luna was there beside him, looking at him curiously.

“A hero, Princess, is what happens when everything goes to shit. When a plan works, or a mission is pulled off successfully,” His eyes got a faraway look in them, “Everyone goes home safe and sound, and not another word is heard. But when it falls apart, because of stupidity, bad intelligence, whatever, that’s when heroes are made. No one wants to be a hero, I’ve had too many times in my life that I was in such incidents by accident.”

Pale magenta eyes looked upon him kindly, and not one bit offended as she simply smiled, “Well. Our definition seems to be a little different.”

“To us, Sergeant, a hero is one who has the courage to face their fears. Even in the face of adversity, to plunge forward and do what needs to be done in that moment.” She waved to the surrounding group, “They have faced threats, but also challenges to their friendships and lives, that, to us, is a hero as well. Many things define it in our eyes.”

That warming smile broke across the pure white face, “We may not be so..militarily minded as we were centuries ago when founding Equestria. But it still takes hard work and a drive to do what needs be done. When we have a chance to celebrate such things, we do take it. It is pleasant to be reminded there is so much good in Equestria. Ponies and others alike.”

She leaned in and eyed him with a twinkle, “Besides, there are some ponies who think you’re a hero whether you like it or not.”

“I’m not going to win this argument, am I?” He was eyeing her in return.

“I wasn’t aware we were having one.” The smile never stopped, “And we are going to be late to the reception.”

Hands went up in surrender, “You win, done. Let’s go.” Everyone laughed, seeing the hopeless look on his face.

Athena looked askance at Crusader, “She is really, really good.”

He could only nod.

To be continued.....

Moving Forward - Society

“I should have worn a heavy coat.”

Princess Luna looked over at the soft words, seeing Carpenter eyeing the room.

“Why is that?”

He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Because some of the noses in this place are so high in the air they’ve got snow on them.”

Her cyan eyes went wide as the translation came through, a hoof flinging itself up too late to cover a snort and outright laugh, pretty as bells to his ears. She tried to stop, but couldn’t quite compose herself for a minute or so while he stood looking innocent.

A silver-clad hoof waved at him admonishingly, “Thou art truly a rogue.” She cleared her throat for a second, greeting another finery wearing pony, then turning back to him.

“They are esteemed ponies of Equestria, some of the oldest lineages in the country.”

He smiled crookedly, “Old doesn’t necessarily mean good.”

The hoof pointed directly at him, “A case in point?”

“Absolutely, Your Highness. I am a bandit to the bone, ladies held for ransom, a band of merry men in the forest robbing the rich at every opportunity, and maybe, sharing some with the poor after I’ve bought a few cases of the good stuff for myself.”

Another snort, accompanied by a giggle drew their eyes towards Luna’s sister, seeing a hoof raised in front of her muzzle for a second as she gently coughed into it, “Maybe we should dispense with the medal and just throw you in irons? Hmmm?”

Wyatt looked very sly, “Oh, so many have tried.” His eyebrows waggled for a moment at both the rulers, “But my charm, and infinite wit, got me right back out doing highway robbery.”

This got deep laughter from both rulers as they stood there waiting for more to arrive.

Ponies, by and large, deal with many beings, so the human standing there didn’t faze them, except for open curiosity. It was explained, in great detail to some, how he had arrived here. The story making the rounds about a ‘pony out of the past’, meaning him, but the translation stuck.

The new museum in Canterlot had been built in record time, something new and exciting for all ages that would continue to be added to as the years went by, was something everyone was looking forward to.

Of course, those who ‘had to be there’ because they thought themselves that important, stood alongside those who honestly wanted to see everything they’d heard about the new place.

So the grand ballroom was filled with lords and mares, the upper crust of a society that really didn’t need it, but tolerated it fairly well anyways.

The ‘regular’ ponies were having a blast, invites having gone out a while ago as the planning proceeded. Sort of a Galloping Gala without all the galloping..and..mayhem. To which many were thankful.

There were artists next to bakers, writers beside titled nobility, the whole gamut was run down, then run up again. Picture stars, and glamorous ponies were everywhere, trying to make that next impression, it was somewhat of a kerfuffle.

It was an amazing sight to human eyes, and one Wyatt would never forget. Calliope was right there with him, every step, whispering in his ear and enjoying the sights and sounds. Her voice was excited, seeing so much culture and society at once.

He was glad to turn when she asked, letting her see something, listening to the language even more.

Of course, she was chiding him on the side for his remarks, her laughter notwithstanding when he denied any impropriety.

They had all arrived early, standing in a line to greet the incoming guests with word or gesture, nothing overly fancy as the line was quite long. Some had stared at the tall being for a moment, until he spoke and an odd thing happened where his lips didn’t match the words they heard. Truly remarkable what magic could do these days, when told it was a translation spell to allow him to speak Equestrian.

It was an obvious natural ability to easily make the right motions and speaking the right words as he greeted ponies from all over. Sergeant Wyatt Carpenter of the Concordiat may have been a rogue, but he undeniably knew the protocols when it came right down to it.

Except when they were alone, then the comments and snarky asides came out. Couldn’t be helped, he’d never had much use for frippery and the rigamarole of all the pleasantries even higher Concordiat society demanded.

He wondered if that was maybe why he never got invited to the grand balls and such when he was a Captain. Could be.

His reverie was interrupted by Princess Celestia’s voice.

“Sergeant, may I introduce you to Sky Palette, one of the foremost artists of the Crystal Empire.

Wyatt gathered himself to perform another round of meaningless pleasantries, when his eyes met hers.

The pony he’d helped rescue from the cul-de-sac during the attack on the Empire. She was smiling brightly at him in a beautiful gown of flowing silks and satins, her mane done in a style that flowed along her neck, coat gleaming in the soft light as she gasped, “Sergeant!”

Lifting herself up, she hugged the uniformed figure around the waist with a strength he had gotten used to from ponies. Her face never lost the smile and the rose-colored eyes were bright as she gushed her thanks one more time.

“You’ve met, I take it?” Celestia and Luna were looking curiously at the two.

He couldn’t help but smile warmly as she let go of him, standing in delight as she practically ignored the two rulers and focused on him.

“Oh, yes. We met briefly.”

Before anyone else could say anything, Sky waved a hoof.

“Met? Briefly? Oh no, it was much more than that!” Before he could stop her, she launched into a tale of daring and boldness, heroism and risk, that took the listeners breath away. Of a figure coming out of a cloud of smoke to lead her and her trapped neighbors all to safety, going again and again into the foggy night to dispatch monsters that were looking for them, in between helping to carry a weary foal that had fallen asleep on his shoulder. From her recounting he was a figure of the old tales, a fighter of the greatest renown and worth in her eyes.

Ponies gathered and listened silently to her breathless story, each bit of it coming out just as he remembered. Though there were some exaggerations, he was astounded to find her telling it exactly as it happened to a wide-eyed crowd which was getting larger by the moment.

“He was fast, like lightning, when a monster would come out of the smoke. We could barely see sometimes and it was like he could see in the dark. Nothing got past him to harm us!”

Thanks to Concordiat science and technology, yes. But he couldn’t get a word in edgewise. Because some ponies could see things he didn’t, this wasn’t mentioned.

“You must have been terribly frightened!” This from a fashionable mare who looked like a model from a magazine.

“Oh, we were! They had us trapped in the neighborhood. A cloud of smoke came from somewhere above us and confused the monsters. Then he,” Pointing to a silent Wyatt, “Came out of the cloud like a true hero of old! He was wearing armor and carried weapons and we thought he was another monster, but he opened his helmet and smiled so warmly at us, telling us he would lead us to safety!”

She seemed to conveniently leave the part out where he was trying to find them and accidently pawed a backside. He could swear she winked at him during that part of the retelling.

He had not talked about the fight in the smoke, just saying he was glad everyone was okay when they arrived back. Crusader and Athena had kept their own counsel as he asked, not relating any of it. Wyatt wanted to just remain who he really was, a soldier, nothing more. The two Bolos had wiped out anything that got near, working with him, their part being left out on purpose.

But this, this was a little more than everyone else had heard.

Twilight tapped his arm while the breathless mare was telling the story.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” She whispered at him.

“Because, Twilight, I was just doing what I’ve always done. Complete the mission with little fuss and move on.” He gave her a warm look, “There was nothing to worry about, honestly. She’s making it seem a bit more..”

“Heroic?”

“Tall tale is what I would have said.”

Twilight mulled that over for a moment, leaning in so only he could hear, “Then thank you. For everypony.”

“You are very welcome, Princess.” He smiled again, seeing her return it before they both turned back to the conversation.

A few disbelievers were making comments when another Crystal Pony stepped forward, “Oh no, it’s true. I was there!”

The big stallion was one of the neighbors led out to safety, telling of a determined Carpenter and his magical knife that seemed to cut the very air into pieces.

Gasps were heard when he described a particularly vicious fight between Wyatt and another monster which came far too close for comfort, the ponies around looking at him with a new respect which made him uncomfortable.

Luna tapped his arm, “You had magic? But you said..” He smiled, stopping her.

“It’s technology, science, Princess. The blade of the knife is made a special way to cut through almost anything.” He was keeping his voice low as an aside, not wanting anything to interrupt the pony telling the story.

Luna’s ears were perked, listening to his explanation, “Truly the arts were wondrous in your day.” Meaning Bolos and all the things that had been told to her.

“They were, Princess, so many good things came of it.” He leaned closer, “Though your world is pretty fantastic, if I do say so myself.”

“Why, thank you kind sir. We are very proud of it.”

“You have every right to be.”

Another tap on his arm had him turning, seeing Sky standing there, “Please, Sergeant, would you join me for a drink?”

To everyone’s surprise, he actually blushed slightly, tugging at his collar before a golden clad hoof pushed him forward, “Go enjoy yourself, Sergeant.”

“I really wish everyone would just call me Wyatt.” He grumped, though from the slight smile they all knew he was feeling honored by the attention, even though he really didn’t want to show it.

As the Princesses watched him walk away with a chattering Sky, Celestia smiled broadly and as an aside, “Do you think he’ll like her contribution to the museum?”

Luna nodded with a chuckle, “Oh, I think he’ll be very surprised.”

Twilight, ever curious, leaned in, “What contribution?”

When told she smiled and laughed along with the others, “Well, he did say no statues. He didn’t say anything about that!”

Crusader watched from a distance, politely sipping a drink in front of him as he monitored vitals from the Sergeant, keeping a close eye on the surroundings. Though he didn’t seem to have to worry, as the human was surrounded by ponies entranced by his retelling of the fight in the Empire.

Amazingly he wasn’t embellishing it, nor adding his own twists or comments. Just the straight truth, unreal as it was by itself.

Calliope was eagerly listening in, keeping her comments on another band to Crusader.

“Who would have thought he could actually tell a story without something added?” Her voice was threaded with much humor.

“He is telling it quite well.” Crusader added, though there were many things Wyatt left out about what he actually did.

Calliope agreed, “And it seems he has an admirer.” Her voice held not the least bit of jealousy or concern, glad he had a friend.

They both watched the elegantly clad mare standing near him, actually almost possessively as he and she talked to the ponies around them. Swapping tales of the battles in the Empire.

“I’ve seen that look before.” Athena cut in, watching Sky look up at Wyatt, ponies tall enough that she had one leg wrapped around his forearm. Her eyes so very bright in the rooms’ illumination.

Calliope almost laughed out loud, “Oh, my.”

“Should we intervene?”

“Absolutely not!” Calliope’s voice was very firm, “I am sure he will be the consummate gentleman.”

“Or you’ll tear him up, right?” Athena was chortling.

“Absolutely.”

Over the combat bands, where always before, eons ago, there had only been the sounds of war, merriment and good natured commentary ensued.

“Oh, my goodness,” Sky was smiling brightly as they talked out on a balcony, “You are such good company!” After getting away from the crowd for a moment, begging pardon to get some fresh air, they had quickly escaped.

“I warn you my intentions are purely honorable. But not if you have family able to afford ransom.” Wyatt quipped, leaning on the rail and drinking a concoction of some dubious nature.

The laugh was like a harp playing softly, the mare snuggling close to him as they both looked over the railing, seeing the sights of Canterlot as the afternoon wore on towards the early evening. Her foreleg was wrapped around his forearm, leaning against him.

He could catch a whiff of some perfume that reminded him of orchids, the smell of her mane was of fresh soap and spring water.

“I want to thank you again for coming to get us, all of us.” Her voice was soft as she glanced over the balconies edge.

“You are very welcome, again.” He took a sip of what was becoming a favorite drink of his, something smooth and mellow made of fruit, “It was my pleasure.”

“Was it? Truly?”

The timbre of her voice made him turn his head, coming almost nose to nose with her as she had gotten much closer.

“You were very brave, and confident. We were all so scared, but..but when you smiled at us in that cloud of smoke..we knew it’d be okay.”

“Miss Palette...”

“Sky, please.”

“Sky..I..”

The lovely face leaned forward, soft lips kissing his with a passion he’d never felt. Her eyes almost closed as they touched, pulling him closer with a strong tug as the warmth from her spread into him; she kept them together for a long minute before pulling back with a sigh of happiness, and a smile that came from the heart.

“Oh, my.” Her face held a blush along the cheeks as she looked away for a moment, her eyes gleaming in the waning daylight, “I’m so sorry, I’m never so forward. But..you deserve it for saving me.”

Wyatt wasn’t sure what to say, except he noticed a faint taste of strawberries along his lips, before he returned her look with a gentle reply of his own.

“That, Miss Palette, was one of the best kisses I have ever received.”

A hoof went up to her own lips, the blush deepening as he kept the smile on his face, “I truly am sorry, I..” She sighed, setting the covering hoof down and looking right at him with iridescent eyes, “You were so dashing during the battles! Like some legend come true. I watched you talking to everypony like you cared about everything they said to you.”

She stepped back and away, just slightly, not releasing his arm but giving him room while she talked, “You were a real hero, like you always read in the stories. I..thought it was so wonderful.”

“To be honest Sky, I was scared down to my toes like everyone else.” His voice was steady and she knew he wasn’t just saying it.

“What? But I saw you standing there like those charging things weren’t even bothering you.” She shook her head, eyes searching for the least bit of a lie and not seeing it, “But how...?”

“Years of practice, Sky. I led soldiers in the far past, learned from the best and copied them.” He nodded, still seeing her wondering look, “It’s about being a leader, being a little better so the people you lead have confidence in you. That’s not to say even so-called heroes don’t have moments when they’d rather run.”

She huffed, “That is very hard to believe.”

“Believe it,” He chuckled, setting down on the balcony and leaning back against the railing, “Oh, there were times when we all wanted to run for it, but we had a job to do.” He touched her nose with a finger playfully, “And trust me, rescuing you all was not just a job, it was something we do.”

“We?”

He nodded, “Between you and me?” She returned the agreement, promising it would be a secret.

“I had friends in the fog, two very special peo..ponies..that were watching us all closely. Nothing was going to get near us, and those that did I could handle. Not to say it was easy by any stretch, but there was help.”

“Then why aren’t they being honored? I don’t..”

He held up a hand, “Because they want to remain in the background, and they were promised anonymity.”

A stubborn look crossed the pretty face, “I don’t care, you were still there for all of us.”

“Fair enough. You stop insisting, I’ll stop denying.”

Sky laughed, rolling her eyes and nodding, “I shall then.” Her hoof touched his chest, “But you are still my hero. When you return to the Empire perhaps you can tell me stories about all this over tea?” She saw him open his mouth, thinking he was about to protest, “Oh no. I make some of the best tea around, I promise.”

Placing his free hand on the hoof that was still wrapped around his forearm, Wyatt shook his head, “It’s not that.”

“What, then?”

He proceeded to tell her why he wouldn’t be around much longer. Not taking the long way around the bush, but directly through it. Though much gentler than just blurting it out, he explained about the disease and how they had tried to find a solution, but none was forthcoming.

There was no other way of saying it, he let her know the whys and wherefores. The end of the one-sided story was with a tight hug from the elegant mare, eyes brimming with unshed tears as she wiped them away.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“No one does, so please don’t apologize.”

She blinked, then stood up, releasing his arm, gesturing to him to do the same, “Then we haven’t much time to waste!”

He stood, dusting his pants off and looking at her, “Time for what?”

“You need to see Canterlot, all the beauty here, what you haven’t seen yet!” She tugged his arm, pulling him along easily towards the exit.

“Don’t you need to change first?” Gesturing to the lovely gown she still wore.

“Oh no, ponies won’t blink twice. Upper crust and all that.” She laughed, “Let’s go! There’s parks and shops and oh..so many things to show you! We’ll be back in time for the opening, I promise!”

She was walking them towards the opening to a hallway which led to the outside doors, leading both determinedly towards the freedom of the streets.

He reached up, clicking his comm-set to alert mode, sending a signal the two Bolos would react to.

“Is there a problem, Sergeant?” Crusader’s calm voice came immediately over the earpiece.

He sub-vocalized his request, thinking maybe it would be prudent with him walking around outside, “I need flankers, asap.” He was never one to relax all that fully.

“On our way!” Athena’s voice sounded thrilled to be doing something.

For the next few hours, an elegantly clad mare escorted a tall figure through the streets of Canterlot. Shops and businesses received visits from them, talking about the polite stranger and his pretty companion for weeks afterwards.

They were seen haunting parks, statuaries where he marveled at the constructs that had been carved from marble, regular stone, different kinds of crystals, put together in a maze like area to wonder and astonish.

The Royal Canterlot Gardens was where they were next seen, looking at the animal life, the topiaries designed to look like different ponies dancing, playing, holding poses.

A late lunch was shared in an open air cafe’ on the main street in the royal city. Served by extremely polite employees, they enjoyed small talk and a few chuckles at some of the things they had observed.

Afterwards, another walk through one of many tranquil parks, sitting on a bench and listening to the sounds of water falling from a fountain that looked like it had been designed out of clouds. The liquid multi-colored and banded like a rainbow as it fell from one shelf to another.

Throughout it all, Sky never noticed, nor did Wyatt to tell the truth, until towards the end, that there was an area of calm around them. Reporters or anypony heading their way with determination in their eyes for a story or to try something on the strange figure, would immediately find themselves facing a very polite pony from out of nowhere.

Asked to leave the two alone, anyone that refused or became stubborn, quickly learned not to trifle with the unknown ponies who’d requested. Royal Guard appeared from nowhere, covered by magic and then popping into existence, taking the offenders away for a talking to.

Celestia and Luna had promptly been informed, the moment the two stepped into the streets, being advised by Crusader and Athena. They used their knowledge of the city efficiently, keeping rubberneckers away so the two could have a quiet, enjoyable time in the capitol.

This, they did. He listened closely to his new friend as they walked, hearing tales of the Royal City, the Sisters, and many stories about the founding of Equestria and all that went with it. She seemed to know quite a few people in the city, stopping to talk and introduce him.

They stopped at a little shop, that seemed to be quite the hub of activity for such a simple place. They picked up a few treats and some drinks to go along with, sitting outside at a table where he had quite the best donut he’d ever tasted.

“Sergeant?”

Wyatt started for a moment, reaching up to tap the comm-link into activity, “Yes?”

“You have approximately fifteen minutes to make the opening ceremonies. I believe a Guest of Honor should not be late.”

“Understood. Carpenter out.” He tapped the link again, putting it into monitor mode. He turned to Sky who was looking at him curiously.

“A device which allows me to send and receive messages, as well as translate for me. We’re going to be late, Sky, if we don’t get moving.” He dusted his hands, wiping them on a napkin and rose out of the chair.

Her eyes searched for, then found, the clock tower. An inhalation of breath and a scramble, she was up and moving with him, “I’m so sorry! I was having so much fun..”

Wyatt stopped on a sidewalk, looking around, “Wait. Where is it?”

Sky looked at him in astonishment, “You mean you don’t know?”

“Well...no. I’ve never been there.”

“Oh, Celestia.” She sighed a faux put-upon sigh, grabbing his arm once more and leading them through the streets until they came upon a large facade, decorated in streamers and bunting, it announced the opening of the Equestrian Museum of History.

Ponies, Griffons and others gathered in a solid crowd before the steps leading up to the wide wooden doors. The building looked carved out of a solid block of marble, the entire front decorated with columns, mighty and massive, that appeared to be holding up a roof just as heavy. It looked to be set back into the mountain, part of it, just the outside carved to resemble a building. It was a major masterwork of architecture.

Sky was tugging his arm, leading him through the crowd as she chattered away, “This was an old unused building, they re-purposed it for the museum. It makes a fine one, don’t you think?”

“I do. It’s magnificent.” He wasn’t just saying so, it truly matched some of the edifices he’d seen on old Earth. There was a style and wonder about it he couldn’t seem to match to anything he knew, which made it all that much more beautiful.

They slipped to the side, coming up the steps on the far right, a covered area which held those who were to make a few remarks. The area closed off to everyone so those who would be speaking could make ready.

Sky was apologizing to the Princesses who kept telling her it was fine, they’d made it right on time.

Crusader and Athena sat on either side, keeping a clear space next to him as he watched everyone get ready. He’d been in many ceremonies before, but this one seemed altogether more special.

Tapping his comm he sub-vocalized, “Thanks for the help. Nice job by the way.”

“You are quite welcome.”

“Anytime!”

There was nothing to sit on, so he leaned against one column, folding arms over his chest and watched as the whole thing began. Being in a covered area, he could get away with slacking a little.

The Princesses walked out to cheers and the stamping of hooves, standing in front of the wide doorway which was fronted with a large ribbon, for cutting when the talk was done.

Magically enhanced, Celestia’s voice reached the farthest spot in the crowded street and arena like area, clearly and surely as if transmitted by other means.

“Ponies of Equestria, honored guests.” She lowered her head in a nod, acknowledging the assembled crowd.

“We come here, not only celebrating the opening of a new and wonderful museum of our past, but to also honor a pony who, as you may have heard of the troubles recently, helped lead the defense of the Crystal Empire. Saving those who live there from hurt or harm by his deeds.”

Another round of cheers and stamping hooves made it sound like an earthquake in the royal city.

“We celebrate many things in our lands, friendship most of all. The making of new friends, and the efforts of everypony who ensure Equestria is a wonder to live in. Plus, there is always an excuse for a party.”

Laughter rolled through the assembled ponies.

“By accident, or misfortune, we are not sure, our new friend ended up in our land from the very far past.” This brought murmurs of astonishment from the crowd.

“So far, in fact, that the accomplishments of his time do not even remain. But he has gifted us with what does, a look into the deep past of our country, nay, our world. It is here,” She waved a golden clad hoof at the doors, “That we choose to show them to everypony. The wonders of an age so far back in history that it is not even legend.”

She took a step back, letting Princess Luna step forth.

“So, our ponies, we are here to also honor one who has defended the Empire, and ourselves, even though he barely knew about us. Choosing to do what was right, and doing so with bravery and courage.”

“Let us introduce you to the courageous pony who staunchly stood with the Empire in a dark hour.” Luna stepped back beside Celestia as they both looked off to the side, waiting for him to appear.

Wyatt had closed his eyes, listening to the speech. The warm day lay upon him gently as he slipped into a doze like any good soldier, getting sleep when they could.

“Wyatt?” Calliope’s voice was coming through the link, barely heard over his self-imposed silence.

“Wyatt!”

A tapping on his arm had him shrugging it off, knowing he wasn’t in a combat zone and napping happily.

“WYATT!”

The human lurched out of his daze, reaching for a non-existent weapon and knife before he realized where he was, seeing the group looking at him with expectant faces. Athena and Crusader were reaching up to gently tap his arm one more time to get his attention.

Twilight was about to have a breakdown, waving at him and looking at the stage. His eyes followed her, to see both Princesses looking his way into the concealed area, waiting for him to make an appearance.

“Aw, crap.”

Fluttershy was giggling up a storm beside Dash as they saw the look on his face. Rainbow, the purveyor of countless naps in different places, knew exactly what had happened and was trying not to laugh out loud.

Wyatt took a deep breath, tugging his shirt collar and making sure he looked at least decent, stepped forward with a whispered apology to a nervous Twilight.

He walked out towards the Princesses, giving them a smile and turning to face the crowd.

Thousands looked back at him, all shapes and sizes, colors and kinds of ponies. There were ponies as far as the eye could take in in the streets and the arena like area in front of the massive building. He was caught off guard by what appeared to be creatures from fantasy, griffons, plus some he didn’t quite recognize off the bat.

All were staring right at him, politely waiting for him to speak.

“Just speak normally, Sergeant, your voice will be heard.” Celestia’s gentle reminder brought him back to the here and now.

He nodded, glancing back with a thankful look as everypony waited.

“I’m...not much for speeches. So please, bear with me.” The suddenly gentle voice rang out clear over the assembled crowd.

He cleared his throat for a moment, looking outward.

“I am, as you may have heard, from the past. Ending up here by happenstance, most likely a twist of luck. Who can tell?” This got a few smiles from the ponies in front of him.

“In my time, there were..” he struggled for the right words, “Many of us, and the world was covered with cities, technology, we worked with science and all it brought us.”

“It was an alliance of worlds that spanned some of the many stars of this galaxy,” He pointed upward, “We traveled there, finding wonders and..other things.”

“I can’t tell you how long ago that was, but it appears to not have lasted. Instead, I found myself, and a companion who is listening, as she cannot be here right now, in your world.”

“I have not seen much of your country, but I was welcomed and treated with dignity, respect, kindness.”

“Your world, your country, is..wondrous. You, are wondrous. A race of which we never thought or knew of, maybe in a story or two somewhere in our own past. But now, here you are.”

“I can’t say much, honestly, except thank you. Take care of this old world, it has seen many things in its’ own time. But nothing, truly, like yourselves.”

He paused for a moment, as if listening to something, beginning again.

“What we give you is the last of us, our time here. Hopefully you’ll enjoy what the artists from our past gave us, and we in turn, pass on to you.”

“For giving me and my companion a memory which we will never forget,” He looked over to the side, seeing the crowd of ponies watching from the covered area, “And the friendship of a lifetime.”

“Thank you, again. For everything.”

He stepped back, short and sweet, it was over. The ponies cheering and stamping their hooves as he didn’t talk about himself, but how amazing their country was, and that hit right to the heart of ponies.

It was a thunderous applause.

A small face appeared out of the crowd, pushing its way forward, Wyatt recognized it as the little one he’d carried out of the cul-de-sac in the Empire between fights.

The voice was hard to hear, but it came through clearly and loudly to the assembled ponies on the steps of the building.

“You’re still my hero, Mr. Carpenter!” The colt launched himself up the steps, giving Wyatt a hug around the legs.

He reached down, picking the pony up and giving him a hug in return, “Anyone who can stay asleep during all that, is the real hero.” His voice, still magically enhanced, went out over the crowd who stopped applauding, then waves of rolling laughter as the colt answered.

“I was tired!”

Celestia and Luna stepped forward, “Now, my ponies, we open this museum for all to see.” Her magic picked up a pair of scissors, cutting the bunting in front of the doors which swung wide open, revealing a massive hallway.

Wyatt stepped to the side, putting the colt down as his parents came up, admonishing him for interrupting things, though the Princesses solved that quickly and easily. Ponies walked or trotted past up the stairs as they stood aside, going in to see inside and what it held.

Celestia and Luna watched as the crowd thinned, the building large enough to hold the them all and more. It must be incredibly huge inside, Wyatt thought. Set back into the mountain, they apparently had all the space they needed, and could add more.

“Shall we go? It is your stuff in there, you know.” Sky’s voice was eager, as everyone walked towards the door.

The human nodded, “I’d like that, very much.”

To be continued.....

Moving Forward - What Are The Real Treasures?

The doors were thick, an aged wood that had withstood the test of time, banded with bright brass and decorated with scenes from Equestria’s past. Pegasi and Earth ponies working with Unicorns, taking care of the land, the skies and forests.

It made Wyatt pause, seeing the finely carved decorations on the entry way, running fingers over it to feel the detail in every face, every scene.

A history borne of wood and inlay of gems and other bright metals. It would be priceless in the old world, here, a decoration to be loved.

True masterwork on the same lines as Da Vinci, Michaelangelo and others he remembered from history class, so long ago. Here it was not just an art but dedication and appreciation of the form.

A gentle tug brought him back, seeing Sky smiling at him, “There’s plenty more inside, you know.”

“Just admiring the beauty.”

“That’s just the door, are we going to lose you inside?” Twilight was chuckling, the group waiting for him to enter.

He graciously gave a slight bow, “Probably.”

They walked into the entry way of the museum, looking around as ponies passed politely by, Griffons and others wandering the halls and alcoves, seeing and reading about all the artifacts from the past.

The entry was a spacious hallway, leading to a small rotunda where docents, he assumed, sat behind a round counter, giving maps and guides to those that wanted or need them. Directions on small, unobtrusive signs, pointed the way to various displays and rooms dedicated to eras of history.

It wasn’t crowded, nor close, but large and grand, archways and columns lined the hall and to a practiced eye were load-bearing, holding the weight of a mountain above them with ease.

The walls were hung with portraits of the current Princesses, Cadence, Celestia and Luna, Twilight, as they walked toward the central area. Beautifully done in a style he didn’t recognize, each brought out such warmth and character he was amazed such things were considered commonplace.

He was rubbernecking like a tourist, admittedly a reason to do so as they entered the central area. High domed and reaching far above, it was a testament to stonemasons’ work. Airy and lit with glowing balls of light held in what looked like hanging lanterns, it was giving a warm and welcoming glow everywhere.

More hallways led off from the rotunda, leading to displays and exhibits of the past and current history of Equestria.

Arriving at the desk, a voice was heard which made everyone turn.

There was Dusty Shelves, dressed in his definite best, directing sightseers to different areas of the museum with a smile on his face and obvious joy.

“Dusty!” Twilight called out, the named pony trotting over and bowing before an embarrassed Princess who told him to stop it.

“Princess!” He waved a hoof, “Isn’t this wonderful?”

“It is,” She grinned back, seeing him more active that he had been at the Empire, “How’s your new job?”

“More than I could have imagined!” He was excitedly gesturing around them, “They made me head curator for the ancient relics department!”

Two taller figures joined them, Dusty bowing once more before rising.

“He had a very good grasp on what was needed, so surely his talents could be used in a better way than just archiving.” Celestia was smiling warmly at the Unicorn.

“I can’t thank you enough, Princess..Oh my.. Have to run! Things to do!” He waved as he took off towards a tour group, “Thank you again!”

Wyatt watched the animated pony talking to an entranced group of tourists, “He seems very happy.”

“He is.” Luna replied, “He is in a place where his talents are used to the fullest.”

“I think we are awaited, should we go see your display, Sergeant?” Celestia inclined her head down a hall, large and spacious, well-lit, that led to more displays.

“I really wish you’d call me Wyatt.” he groused, saying the same thing since the first day, though no one seemed to pay any attention. He figured by now it was on purpose, because he complained so much about it.

Sky was smiling broadly as the entire group walked the hallway, finding it curiously empty as he looked around.

A museum employee stepped from an alcove, “All is as you wished Princess, we’ve kept visitors out for now so you may have an unobstructed tour.”

“Thank you, Files.”

An archway led into a darkened area which was lit softly, golden light permeated the air in such a way it was gentle on the eyes, letting you see everything as you walked towards the exhibit.

A small golden plaque was at the entryway, reading:

“From Old Earth”

Explaining how, before the history ponies knew, there was another story to be told through the artifacts found here. Simple and sweet, nothing more needed to be said.

Entering the room, a collective gasp was heard from everyone. Looking around at the huge exhibit that was wonderfully crafted and done.

Each piece in the little collection from the bunker was in a separate case, underlit by a soft light that made each one stand out to the eye.

Here, in a huge room off to the side, an egg of jewels and metals gleamed as it spun slowly in the air, showing each facet of the gems that were crafted for it alone eons ago.

Over there, a jade dragon from a dynasty that was barely remembered when it was found in the dirt of ages before the Concordiat. The green sharply defined in the light, showing a rearing visage of a fierce reptile from the great past.

Each piece was separate, yet a whole in the displays, hung or encased to show their worth, and their unusual designs, to everyone that wished to see them. It was a treasure house for the admiration of all.

In the center of the room was a pillar, on which hung paintings that were old even when the Concordiat was new. Each one in armored glass, showing the soft brushstrokes and colors that had survived everything from wars to collapse of civilizations.

Wyatt saw each of the items he had lived with for so long, taken and brought to new life with the magics of this era. Every one carefully protected and displayed so that the true worth, their beauty, could be seen and appreciated.

Small alcoves led off the main room, containing more of the precious horde, all of them gleaming or glowing in the soft lights, their makers would have been proud of such a display.

“What do you think, Sergeant?” Celestia’s voice was soft, as if speaking too loud in this place would shatter the glass cases.

“It’s..magnificent.” To tell the truth he hadn’t known what to expect, but this surely wasn’t even close to what he had thought. Remembering museums that simply displayed things, put them on shelves or cases to see. The production here was an art form in and of itself.

He reached up, hoping that Calliope could see, being told relays had been set in place just for this. He wasn’t sure under a large amount of rock like the mountainside would allow for transmissions, but he was pleasantly surprised when her voice came through bright and clear.

“I see it, all of it! Oh, it’s wonderful!”

She, too, had been worried about the collection. Wondering if it would be put away to be pondered over in a dusty old room. Like so many things in the past, there mightn’t be enough time to study everything.

But here, in Equestria, there were ponies dedicated, and had their Marks in, preservation, archiving, display, architecture, so many things that came together to make it a wonder to behold.

Everything that Calliope and he had held on to for so long would be loved forever now.

The lights, dim, now brightened slightly so they could see even more of the room and what hung upon the walls between displays.

“What are those?” Calliope was zeroing in on the new items, “Oh..my.”

Wyatt blinked. No..they wouldn’t..oh, they did.

He turned to the darker Princess, “I thought I said..” he was cut off by the raising of a royal hoof.

Luna replied, “You said no statues. You did not say anything about this.” She grinned innocently, her face looking pretty in the subdued glow from the lights overhead.

“I can’t believe you’d hold me to a technicality.”

Crusader’s voice came clearly through the quiet room, “Never underestimate ponies, Sergeant. We did warn you.”

He turned once more, back to that which was before him, stepping closer to take a good look.

A painting hung there, the colors done in such a way and mix that it almost appeared like it was real life. The smoke in the background providing a backdrop of a tall armored figure, the visor up on his helmet that showed a determined face, one which would never give in, nor surrender. One hand held out a pistol in front of him as he moved through the haze, the other holding a weary looking foal against his shoulder. It was as tall as he was, a few inches above the floor to well over six feet with the frame.

Every line on his face, every detail of his weapons and gear was perfect, as if it were a picture. Yet he saw the brushstrokes, fine and delicate on the canvas. He was in motion, he remembered the moment actually, just before he’d slapped down his visor and they moved off towards safety.

How in the world?

Sky’s voice piped up, “We all lived in the same neighborhood for years. When you rescued us Wyatt, while you were watching for the bad things, we were watching you.”

He shifted a look her way, the iridescent mare standing beside him, he then remembered the introduction from Celestia, one of the foremost artists of the Crystal Empire.

The Unicorn chuckled, “We were all artists in that neighborhood, Wyatt.”

He took a look around, more paintings hung between displays. Beautifully rendered, they wouldn’t have been out of place in any multi-million dollar collection in the Concordiat.

“ALL of you?”

She nodded, “Princess Cadence asked for something nice, to be donated to the new museum on behalf of the Empire, and we volunteered.” She placed a hoof on the exquisitely carved wooden frame, “What else could we do for somepony who’d go through all that to come get us?”

“How could you possibly do this in days?” he was aghast, “Paintings take weeks..maybe months.”

“Cutie Marks, Wyatt. We explained them.” Athena was saying as she moved closer, “They dedicate quite a lot of their lives to the one thing they are very good at.”

It truly hit home then, everything he’d been told about ponies and what they did, how they lived. How a Mark, an example of the thing in life they were good at, could make such a difference. From the stonemasons, to case makers, to the ponies that laid the tile. Each one knew their job so infinitely well, it was nothing to knock out a task in mere days instead of months and years.

Working together, they could create wonders.

He had nothing to say, walking towards the next portrait. He wasn’t trying to be rude, but he honestly drew a blank when it came to a reply. What could you say about a world where those who strove for perfection, achieved it, or near enough?

He looked at the painting as he drew near, seeing himself kneeling on the durasteel plating by the gun turret of one of the Dragons. Powergun stock solid in his shoulder as hellishly hot shots ripped off into the night. The look on his face was..what? Anger? More determination? He couldn’t quite tell, but he knew that moment. He’d been shaking in his armor when he saw the rolling tide of creatures coming down that street.

He wasn’t superhuman, just human. In battle you lost that feeling of fright somewhat, though it came back like a wave that crashed into you afterwards, causing a few shakes, a little surprise that you made it. Some never felt it, but he did, always had.

But this picture showed none of that, just the pure spirit and drive to push back an enemy.

He could hear the others talking behind him, his mind drifting back to a few days ago, when he’d lived this. He moved onward, looking towards another item that hung in the spaces between displays.

The next was something different, sitting against the tread shields of a tank again, he was leaning back, face turned to the sun that had rarely broken through that morning during the overcast.

It had been a moment of pure warmth, the sunlight gentle on his upturned visage. Even in the Crystal Empire, smoke and dust that the weapons fire kicked up had lined his face when he’d kept the visor on his helmet open.

But it had been a needed respite for just a few seconds.

He saw it again, in a painting that showed the slight smile, the acceptance of some small grace at the moment.

Other paintings were just as bright and beautiful. One showing him and Rainbow Dash from behind, his body relaxed as one hand held out a piece of candy, a cyan hoof reaching up to take it. The tautness of the pegasus’ body showing in every line, wanting to move and fight, but the casual attitude of the tall human beside her keeping Rainbow in place.

That and the candy. That little lady loved that candy. He chuckled to himself.

There were no titles to the paintings. He’d looked for a small plaque or scroll, something to tell. Of course they didn’t need anything, the pictures themselves spoke words and volumes to the onlooker. A story told in every brushstroke, every line and color, each piece of the puzzle put together to tell you ‘this’ is happening.

Fluttershy was peeking out from behind his legs as he stood over her, raising his rifle to the sky.

Oh, I remember that. His side twinged, the phantom pain reminding him how close that little bastard had come.

Did I really look that angry? Must have. Who can tell when you’re the one doing the shooting.

He almost laughed out loud at the next few pictures. Scenes from when the battles had lulled, and he had grabbed a moment or two to eat or discuss things with the others.

Here he was holding an orange, facing an Applejack with narrowed eyes and a look that was the beginning of a conversation he remembered so well. She’d offered a few apples, having come from the farm itself in a shipment to the Empire, and he’d said fruit was fruit, made no difference.

Got an earful on that one, he thought. Never knew someone could be so passionate about a little red apple. Though he did admit, those pies were pretty darn good.

A laugh did escape at the next one. Twilight had a confused look on her face as he rolled a bit along his knuckles, making it appear and disappear with sleight of hand tricks he’d learned when he was a kid. He’d gotten quick and sly with them over the years and it had made the lavender Princess wonder how he did it without magic.

There was the pink pony..Pinkie! That’s it! Offering him some kind of..oh yes. She’d copied a snack cake from the old bunker stores and wanted him to try it. He was refusing in the most polite way he could, not wanting to be a guinea pig. She’d pouted for an hour until he relented. They had been tasty, he had to admit.

He was holding up his hands as the pretty pink face was leaning inward, a grin wide and bright, one hoof holding up a plate covered in little cakes. You could practically see him shaking his head and saying ‘No’ over and over.

Darn pouting.

There was levity between seriousness in the paintings, all beautiful, amazing and a whole list of words he’d have to figure out later.

“So quiet?” The soft voice made him turn, nudged out of his reverie seeing Sky standing silent beside him as he looked at the pictures one by one.

“I..don’t have the words. Except thank you.”

She waved a hoof, “None needed. I was chosen as representative for the group, and they said they were all pleased to be able to do something for you in turn.”

Her face lit up in the soft light, “It fits, don’t you think?” Gesturing to the displays, “Giving these lovely things to us, and having pictures of the pony who did so. Very appropriate, I believe.”

“I think one would have been enough, don’t you?” He leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms with a smile returned to her, “That would have been plenty.”

“Oh, no!” Sky shook her head, “We had to turn down other ponies who wanted to add more to the collection here. So we compromised on this.”

A hand raised, palm outward as a symbol for pax, “I understand. I have learned not to argue with you folks.”

“That, Sergeant, is a very good thing.” Celestia had come over while he leaned against the wall, her hoofsteps not heard through the soft carpeting in the display area.

The pure white mare looked at him for a moment, her smile always gentle, “What do you think?”

Wyatt tilted his head for a second, listening to a far off voice, “I am being advised to be humble, and to accept everything with graciousness and all the civility I can muster in me.”

The tall Princess laughed, “Calliope is a very wise advisor.”

“She is at that.”

A small case floated towards Celestia as the group gathered around, “We know your disdain for public things. So we present you with this medal, for the defense of the Empire, and Equestria. To honor your actions, and friendship, that we are very grateful to have.”

Luna chipped in, “Crusader and Athena have advised us on the type of medals appropriate to your uniform, so we have had the craftsponies make a new design for you to wear.”

The lid opened on the slim case, revealing a ribbon of purest gold thread, under which attached was a round disk of platinum, inlaid with the symbols of the golden Sun and silvery Moon. Between them, were four gems set in a diamond pattern, one for each Princess, matching their colors.

It was a treasure in its’ own right, much less a medal.

He took the case from the magical field, holding it in the palm of his hand and looking at it for a long moment of silence.

“I..” He saw them all watching him in the soft lantern lights, “I don’t think out of the few medals I’ve ever received, I’ve had one that meant more to me.” He cleared his throat a moment before looking at the case again.

Another magic field grabbed the medal, this time Sky’s, lifting it out and in the air, “May I?”

The tall human nodded, kneeling on the carpet and watched as she carefully maneuvered it in place beside his others, gently pinning it to the uniform front. Making sure it was just so.

Lifting himself back up, he touched it with a gentle hand, “Thank you.”

Of course, there was nothing to do but accept congratulations from those he’d come to know so well.

Sky interrupted them, “There is ..one... more thing.” The smile on her face had grown mischievous.

Waving a hoof, she led them to a small viewing room where an easel sat, a canvas covered with a cloth of shimmering fabric as she turned to the group, “He never told you how we met, did he?”

All faces turned to him, Cadence remarking, “Strange, he never has.” her eyes bright in the lights.

The covering was whipped off the canvas by her magic, leaving the group to stare at the picture for a moment before breaking into gales of laughter.

Wyatt’s hand went to his forehead, a couple fingers pinching the bridge of his nose, “Did you really have to?”

Sky’s face looked very innocent, “I am an artist.” As if that said it all.

Rainbow was laughing so hard she could barely breath alongside Applejack who was hee-hawing to beat all.

Fluttershy and Pinkie were lost in paroxysms of merriment, with Twilight and Rarity trying to cover their muzzles but failing to keep their own humor in. Shining was shaking his head, laughing along with Cadence and Luna, as well as Celestia who was actually snickering out loud.

Even Crusader had a smile on his face, Athena slapping the carpet next to him and guffawing hard enough for both of them.

Calliope’s voice was stuttering in delight from the earpiece he wore, seeing the truth revealed at last.

There on the canvas, done in exquisite detail, was that smoky, hazy night. The shells carrying the covering smoke had burst and he went into the cloud to find the trapped ponies. He had been having trouble seeing even with visor enhancement, so swept out a hand in the fog back and forth, slowly moving forward towards the end of the street where his map said they were.

Unfortunately, his hand had landed on the rounded backside of one Sky Palette.

This was shown by the deadly looking figure in armor, planting a hand on her back end, and a very shocked and surprised look on her face in that smoky gloom.

“Why, Sergeant Carpenter! Who knew you were such a ruffian!” Rarity was giggling up a storm at the picture.

“I couldn’t see very well.” He tried to defend himself, though kind of hard with all the laughter around him.

Pinkie was right there beside him, “So noooow we know why she hangs around you!” Nudging him with an elbow, wriggling her eyebrows up at him.

Twilight poked a hoof at the fluffy maned mare, “Pinkie Pie!”

“I’m just sayin’!”

Shining kept eyeing the portrait, “That’s one way to get a marefriend.”

“Shining!” Now Cadence was eyeing him, aghast at his words.

“What? I’m just sayin’!”

“I can’t take you anywhere!”

“Sure is a lot of ponies ‘just sayin’ .” Applejack was still snickering, trying to hold back a snort or two every time she looked at the portrait.

She was nudged by a wing, Rainbow chortling, “But you’re just sayin’, right?” Getting a hoof slap in return from the farmer.

“You aren’t mad, are you?” Sky was looking at him nervously.

Wyatt shook his head, “Of course not. I can take a ribbing like anyone else. Just..that was kind of embarrassing.” He peered at the painting for a long moment, letting a small snort of laughter escape, “I do admit, was wondering what I had grabbed until I saw you turn, looked like you were about to hit me.”

Now the pretty Unicorn was flustered, “Well..there were monsters around..and..and..stuff.” She had thought something bad had latched onto her, until the hand clamped over her muzzle when she was about to shout, and a friendly face was revealed when the helmet was opened.

The painting was covered again, taken away so Sky could retrieve it later for the trip home. It was not for public consumption, just a joke she thought would be taken well, and it had been.

“I don’t blame you.” Shaking his head, still chuckling, “I’d have hit me too.” He looked at the central pillar for a moment, “That’s odd. I don’t see..” he glanced at Princess Luna, who seemed to have the same look on her face when they had discussed a certain painting.

“Pardon me,” Excusing himself he stepped near the darker mare.

“Liked the painting that much, huh?”

She started, then returned his glance, “After you explained it to me, it was more beautiful than ever.”

“Then you are welcome to it, with our compliments.” Calliope’s voice in his ear was agreeing wholeheartedly.

The Night Princess glanced at him, almost embarrassed, “I do not wish to trespass, I know you gave these things to all..” She noticed him raising a hand slightly to stop her.

“You appreciate it, and there is nothing more Calliope and I would like.”

“I do!” her cyan eyes were animated, “It hangs in my private rooms where I can look and wonder about it. It..it is my night and done so long ago I can hardly fathom the time. But I do love it so.”

“Then enjoy it.” Calliope’s voice came from the translation software after his.

“I am sure no one will ever fault you, it is a wondrous piece of art. All we wanted was that they be looked after. Having someone like you care for it would be an honor.”

A silvery clad hoof went to her chest, face looking solemn, “Then I promise it shall be loved for always.”

“Good enough for us, Princess.”

A smile graced the dark face, brightening up the room, “Shall we see all the other wonderful things?”

A nod and wave to Sky who trotted over, “The Princess would like to tour the displays, care to comment on the paintings?”

Sky was very much honored, moving to the first painting he’d seen and explaining who did it, which was herself. The story behind it was a fascinating tale to the Princess who listened eagerly.

In between each painting was an object that was lit from underneath, showing off the finiest details of the piece. Calliope and Wyatt took turns explaining the history of each. Adding a few notes here and there to the plaque which resided by each one, filling them in on the very long histories.

The personal tour turned into a larger mission, as small groups were let in at the Princess’ request so they might see these same treasures. But the crowd ended up following Sky and Wyatt, listening to the stories and tales of each item on the rooms and alcoves which held things they’d never seen before.

Wyatt didn’t find out there were prints of the paintings for sale until a glamorous mare asked him very politely to autograph one which unrolled into a good sized poster of himself in action. She’d caught him when he was away from any tour groups, taking a moment to himself, with Calliope and Sky.

Fleur Dis Lee was beside herself with silent glee, batting her eyelashes at the tall figure. Having the very first ever signed poster of the premiere painting in the displays, gave her a one up on all her close friends who collected such things.

She had offered to buy the painting outright, wanting to own the original which would never be duplicated at all except in photo prints. The museum representative said the artist was not wanting to sell any of the paintings done for the exhibition.

That artist was very good..wait a second, was that her? The one hanging on the fore leg of the tall pony?

It was!

Fleur had dressed to the nines for this event, knowing it would be one of the great opportunities that came so rarely to show off and be a bright star among the upper crust. She was not vain, no, she was confident in her abilities and most ponies took that for arrogance. In reality Fleur loved being sociable and friendly. Her collection of Daring Do action figures was a closely kept secret, along with other things like her charity work that supported a few causes she believed in, helping ponies everywhere..

She was, however, the top model for fashion magazines all over Equestria. Her picture graced quite a few, if not most, of the ads on boards, or in newspapers everywhere. Miss Dis Lee was a success.

But when ponies think you’re vapid, or a bubble-head, it was hard to get rid of that impression.

A lovely voice beside her broke the model out of her thoughts, turning to see Tropical Sun settling in, the burnished gold colored mare as thin and beautiful as Fleur herself. They’d become best friends after running into each other at a Book Convention a year ago. She was another model that was a Unicorn, but they had tons of fun together looking for collectible items.

“Oh, no! You got it signed first! Drat!” Tropical pouted prettily. She was holding her own poster, wanting to get an autograph as well.

Fleur raised one eyebrow, looking sly, an easy smile on her face, “It’s all in how you ask, Tropic.”

“Oh, shush, You batted those lashes at him and he gave in is what.” She’d seen her friend do it many times, trying to talk down a comic collector on the price of an issue she’d really wanted, or a new revised edition of a favorite book.

Fleur blushed slightly, leaning in to her friend after looking around, “I..just asked is all. He is so nice, and polite.”

“He is?” Seeing her friend nod, a look of hope crossed her face. Ponies wanted their pictures or posters signed, but the imposing figure was so different, they weren’t sure how to approach him. Especially with the Princesses all gathered in the museum. That would be a death knell for any career, ponies knowing you were impolite to a visitor so unique.

Fleur had managed to catch him at a silent moment when he’d been looking at one of the paintings that had shown him driving off monsters they’d heard had tried to invade the Empire.

His voice was translated by some sort of spell that worked beautifully. It was very soft, and gentle, giving her shivers up the spine as she had very politely asked if he would sign the poster.

The tall figure had been surprised that such a thing existed, looking back at the group of ponies with him, a sigh and roll of the eyes made her chuckle. Obviously something private. But he had taken some sort of writing instrument from the pocket of his shirt, writing very carefully in a language he’d called Conco..Con..cor..diat.. Standard, signing his name underneath it. Assuring her it was his name when she looked puzzled.

The message, he told her, said ‘To a beautiful and gracious lady, from Sgt. Wyatt Carpenter.’ His companion had chided him for flirting with mares, a wink tossed Fleur’s way had caused them both to laugh at the long suffering look that crossed his face.

She hadn’t paid much attention to the companion, being nervous enough asking for a signature; but now she knew, it was the artist! The one the museum said wouldn’t sell any paintings. Maybe..just maybe..

Tapping a gleaming hoof on Tropical’s shoulder, she pointed to the couple who were talking near a display that was rotating slowly in the air. An egg that was encrusted with jewels and metals like nopony had ever done. The others looking around on their own, leaving the tall figure and pretty mare by themselves.

“Now’s our chance, want that autograph?”

Tropical nodded so hard she almost dropped the poster from the magical aura surrounding it.

“Come on.”

Leading the way, Fleur gracefully slipped between onlookers perusing the artifacts. Not once bumping nor even nudging any part of a pony. She was nimble and quick when she wanted to be, a leftover from dancing lessons her mother had her take when she was young. Tropical was following right in her hoofsteps, ending up near the tall figure in seconds.

The smile he wore talking to his companion didn’t fade as he turned towards her, “What may I do for you, Miss Dis Lee?”

He remembered her name! After only hearing it once!

“Please pardon us, Sergeant..” She stopped, seeing him raise a hoof slightly.

“Call me Wyatt, please.”

Fleur Dis Lee had never fan-mared in her life, much less the almost squeal of delight at being told that. Except the one time when she’d met A.K. Yearling at a book signing. The tabloids had a field day with that one.

Tropical had no such reservations, and Fleur couldn’t blame her, letting out a soft squeal of happiness, “Could I call you Wyatt too?”

The smile that crossed the different face, not odd, just..different.. Was warm, and very gracious, the brown eyes almost twinkling, “Of course, please do.”

Tropical Sun clapped her hooves together, still barely holding on to the poster with her magic as she grinned hard enough to split her golden face.

“You need to stop flirting, you rogue.” The pretty mare beside him nudged the tall figure, giving a chuckle.

They both saw him raise a hoof to his chest as if insulted, “Can I help it if I’m just a nice person?”

“Stop it, you’re not fooling anypony.” They could both see her trying not to laugh at his antics, the warmth in the crystal mare’s eyes giving it all away.

Wyatt..because they could call him that now! Gave a fake put-upon sigh and shook his head, “See? See what I get for being nice? Doesn’t pay.”

Tropical and Fleur knew the score, seeing the smiles and chuckling at the interplay. It made them less nervous, feeling like old friends talking.

“Now, what can I do for you ma’am.” Wyatt was looking right at Tropical who was blushing under the mass of curly mane that flowed down her neck.

“I..oh..uh..could..would.. Maybe if.. you..” She was so flustered by the attention she couldn’t think of anything to say!

The tall figure smiled even more warmly, “How about we start with your name? I’m Wyatt, and you are?”

Fleur was watching with merry eyes seeing her friend, so confidant in front of the camera, lose it completely when dealing with this stranger. She raised a hoof to cover her mouth, trying not to giggle as it would only make Tropic more nervous.

“Oh! I’m..I..” The large dusky golden eyes almost crossed as she tried furiously to remember her own name! “I..I’m..uhm..” She looked helplessly over to Fleur.

“Her name is Tropical Sun, but she likes to be called Tropic.” Fleur replied politely. Her friend heaving a huge sigh of relief.

Tropical nodded, “Right! That’s me!”

Sky was watching the interchange, trying not to let out a giggle either, seeing Fleur trying very hard to maintain her composure. She nudged Wyatt’s leg, “Perhaps she wants an autograph too?” Pointing to the rolled up sheet hovering in the air.

“Is that it then? Be more than happy to.” Wyatt was watching the golden mare get all flustered again, reaching out to take the poster and unroll it. It was the one of him on the tank, kneeling beside the turret as he ripped off shots into the charging mob.

She saw him take out some kind of writing instrument, not a quill and ink like others used, but a slim tube that he touched on the top, “Anything you’d like me to write?”

He paused for a second, raising a hoof? to her as she started to reply, “Don’t get nervous, just relax.”

Tropical stopped short, swallowed, and thought, “J..just something nice? Please?”

She could see him thinking for a moment, putting the poster on top of the display case to have something to write on as he scribbled words out onto the sheet of paper like material. He finished and gave it back to her with another smile, “There you go.”

Tropic looked at the neat hoofwriting, seeing it gently flowing in a way she’d never seen before, the characters totally unfamiliar. A puzzled look made Fleur chuckle.

“It’s in his language.”

“Oh! May I ask what it says?”

The tall pony nodded, “Sure. It says to a polite and lovely lady, Sergeant Wyatt Carpenter.”

The blush that hit Tropical’s face made Fleur’s eyes go wide, never seeing that before and covering her muzzle with a hoof again.

“You need to stop that, you’re embarrassing her.” Sky was trying not to chuckle at his antics, nudging his side with a pointed hoof, “You’re being awful.”

“Sky,” Once again the innocent look almost made Fleur laugh out loud, “You are misjudging me, surely. I am being gracious and kind.” She saw his head tilt slightly as if listening to something, “Yes, I’m being reminded by another as well.” He sighed, “My apologies.” Giving a short bow to Tropical.

The golden pony smiled back, “Oh! My..uhm.. Honestly it’s no problem. Thank you so much!”

To be honest, Sky was surprised, knowing both the mares by reputation as models who commanded high prices for their faces, acting like schoolponies when asking for an autograph. It was very sweet. She couldn’t help but smile at them.

“You’ll have to forgive him, he’s incorrigible. Really, he’s a very nice person when he’s not being a twit.”

“You wound me, madam!”

“Oh, please.”

He looked at the two models, pointing at Sky, “See what I get? What I’m treated like? Save me!”

Tropic and Fleur laughed out loud then at the plaintive look he was giving them. Seeing him smile before laying a gentle hoof? What was that called? ...on his companions shoulder, a touch that said many things.

“Now, are we all relaxed?” His expression was warm as Fleur could see Tropic lean slightly, not so stiff from nervousness as they both nodded.

Fleur took the opportunity, “If you’ll pardon me, I very much would love to talk with you.” She gestured towards Sky who had a puzzled look on her face.

“Me?”

“Very much so. I would love to purchase one of your paintings. But the museum employee said they were not for sale.” She couldn’t hide the hopeful look on her face.

Sky was taken slightly aback. Here was a model whose face was known across Equestria, wanting one of HER paintings? She honestly didn’t know what to say.

“I..never really sell them. I make a few bits here and there, but..but..” Now she was in that same position of being nervous, seeing the sly look on Wyatt’s face as he leaned back and watched. That smart pony!

Fleur was letting the fanmare show, her face very open and honest as she tried not to let her excitement come through, “Please? It will always stay in the museum. If they ever have no need to display it anymore, I’ll keep it safe, I promise. I would very much like to have one.”

Sky tapped a hoof on the floor, trying to think, “I.. Which one?”

Fleur unrolled the poster, showing Wyatt carrying the little pony on his shoulder, the painting reproduced perfectly in every detail, “This one. It’s so..” Fleur hesitated, deciding to be plain honest, “It touches the heart, it really does.”

“But there are so many better painters out there.” She was one of the foremost artists of the Crystal Empire because there weren’t that many. Settling into a niche that was not very crowded, she had made a name for herself in small ways. Happy to be working at what she loved and so excited to see her things on display here. Now, someone who was honestly famous was asking her to sell one.

Fleur could see the indecision on the crystal mares’ face, leaning in a little closer to talk low so nopony could hear them.

“I love collecting beautiful things, I do. I..I’m a bit of a schoolpony at heart sometimes, but I really do wish to buy that painting because it’s gorgeous, not only because it’s an original. That does play a big part, but it is truly well done.” She pushed her muzzle forward, whispering into Skys’ ear.

“I even have the complete set of Daring Do action figures. Tropic has the entire mint run of the comic book series.”

This got the smile and giggle she had wanted, stepping back to return the warm look now that they both understood.

Sky settled down, thinking for a moment, “I’m not sure how much.. I mean, it was a rush job.”

Once again the slim Unicorn leaned forward, whispering a figure that made Skys’ jaw almost hit the floor.

“No. Oh, no. Absolutely not, that’s way too much.” The sum named would be more than most ponies made in a solid five years of work.

“I will not go any lower.”

“Oh, yes you will.”

“Not one bit less.”

“It’s too much.”

“It is not.”

“It is!”

“Isn’t.”

A snicker drew their attention, seeing Wyatt nudging Tropic and looking at them both in amusement. The golden mare was nodding at the humor of it all and hiding her muzzle behind a polite hoof.

Both of them stood silent for a moment before realizing this was all so ridiculous.

Sky spoke first, “If y..you’re really that adamant.”

Fleur nodded, “Oh, I am. Not just because it would be a treasure. It’s an art piece worth having and keeping.” She tapped her chin, trying to remember what she was thinking when she looked at it, “It’s powerful, that’s it.”

Tropical Sun stepped forward, “It’s true. The colors are so bold, it’s so scary, but you know that the pony in armor will get you to safety, you just know it. The scene makes you wonder what he was thinking.”

Wyatt piped up, raising a hand, “I can tell you that. ‘Let’s get our asses out of here.’ ”

Sky’s eyes shot wide, “Wyatt!!” The translation program using a slang word for backside that was not said in polite company. Athena, in another part of the display areas, slapped her forehead, hearing the translation and making a note to update terms.

“She said she wondered, just being honest.” He was looking calm amid the breakout of laughter between them all, giving a helpless shrug.

Tropic swiped a gleaming hoof at him, “You are so bad.”

“I’ve been told that, yes. Constantly these days, it seems.”

Fleur went right back to the discussion, not wanting to lose this moment, “I’ll be forthright. Yes, I would very much like to have it. Yes, I collect things and I would definitely show it off to all the ponies in the little club we have, it would be a wonderful thing to have. There, I’m honest about it. It’s beautiful and it’s the only one.”

Wyatt nodded, “That’s as honest as it gets. Take the offer, Sky.”

The Crystal mare looked up at him, “I can’t. That much money is paid for ancient works, or paintings by really famous ponies, not mine. It just wouldn’t be right.”

Fleur lay a hoof on her shoulder, speaking softly, her voice lilting and sweet, “I make more bits than I can ever spend. Most goes to charity that I do behind the scenes, but I have more than enough to get a few things. Trust me, it is special.”

“Will you promise to take care of it? Always?” Sky was worried it would be relegated to a closet somewhere. But she had a new appreciation of this slim mare in front of her, she spoke politely and well, was honest about her intentions. Sky just knew that the painting would be in good hooves, but it was so hard to let go sometimes.

“It will be in my house, in a place above the mantel. After the showing here is over. It will stay here until then.” Fleur already knew where it would go, having saved that space for something one day she knew would be just right. Now she’d found it.

“Then, yes.” A hug was stopped by a held up hoof, “With one addition...”

“Yes?”

“If for any reason you do not want it, or are going to put it somewhere in a closet or something, send it back to me. I will keep it for you until it’s wanted again or I can pay you back your price. Is that fair?”

Fleur was nodding, her pink mane almost flopping in her excitement, “Yes, oh yes. I promise!” She let out a foalish squeal of delight and hugged Sky tightly before looking around, seeing they were alone for the moment.

“I’m sorry..the news sheets tend to have a circus when you don’t act proper.” She emphasized that with two hooves in the air making air quotes. Wyatt nodded, understanding about scandal rags.

“Well, drat, you’re always first at something Fleur!” Tropical had been watching the whole thing and was amazed at how fast it had all concluded. She chuckled ruefully to herself with a slight hoofstomp of pique. Not really angry, just seeing how Fleur availed herself of an opportunity.

The burnished gold mare lifted her head, topped with waves of curly light brown mane that looked fashionably messy, “Well, I don’t mind being second.” She turned to Sky and the talk was on, another painting, another large sum of bits offered and refused until Wyatt lay the tips of his fingers on the Crystal mare’s shoulder in a gentle gesture.

“She accepts.”

“Wyatt!”

He smiled down at his friend, “We’ll be here all night if you keep arguing. They’ll take care of what they purchase.” Wyatt talked as if he knew, and he did. Having an acquaintance, that when younger, collected all manner of old books and comics, delighting in each new find and carefully preserving them from any further damage or deterioration. It had been a labor of love, not greed. He saw the same in the two excited mares.

Sky gave in with a sigh, knowing she was eventually going to, but it was so hard! She did the paintings out of a desire to have something shown, not..not make bits

Tropical made arrangements with Fleur to have the full amount for both delivered to Sky at a time and place of her choosing. The model pony was almost hopping in place as she looked at the poster of the painting she’d just purchased. One of four from Sky, it was the one she’d loved because of the action, the daring in it.

“Ohhhh.. Spotlight is going to be SO jealous!” The model chortled to herself in unabashed glee.

She was nudged by an equally delighted Fleur, “You’re just saying that because she won the auction at the last book convention for that first edition comic book you wanted.”

“Yes!” A hoof stamped the carpet, “Yes, I am.” Whatever else ponies thought of her, Tropical was honest to a fault sometimes.

“You are so awful.”

A flip of the mane and a faux snort of superiority, “I don’t care.”

She looked at lighter colored mare with a small grin, Fleurs’ getting larger as they both squealed and pranced in place, ecstatic about the whole thing.

“Oh my goodness, speaking of....!” Fleur pointed to a group of ponies admiring the paintings and rare artifacts. Turning to Sky and Wyatt she explained.

“They’re part of our Collectible Club,” Her voice quiet in the display area, so it wouldn’t carry. It definitely would be a surprise to most that behind the austere, or even standoffish reputations those ponies had, were personalities that loved and cherished beautiful things. Comics, books, art and statuary, one even had a collection of rare tea sets that were the envy of the whole club. They did it not for avarice, but for the joy and wonder of lovely things that they could show to others of the same mind.

They didn’t hoard, but carefully kept precious things to show to others who they knew would like them too. Oftentimes having tours of their spacious homes where ponies who’d wondered about such famous names could come and see and enjoy what they had as well. It was an atmosphere of sharing and graciousness that persisted even when, for some reason, their aloof reputations kept being brought up.

Movie stars, famous ponies, all were part of the group, even plain work ponies who had joined, being welcomed with a smile. Fun-loving and at times as gleeful as a little ones with a new toy. They tried their best to get rid of such designations. To no avail, but they persevered in their own patient ways.

“Spotlight!” Fleur’s voice carried just enough to make the named mare turn, seeing the slim model waving at her as her eyes locked on the tall figure standing close by. Her head swung back to a painting, then back to Wyatt, back and forth for a moment before she tapped another pony beside her. Soon all of them were looking with surprise at the figure who had remained unnoticed as they were in a larger alcove under subdued lighting that made it nice for the displays, but a little hard to see anything else.

Fleur waved them over, seeing them hesitate, “Come here!” She rolled her eyes and sighed, trotting over and grabbing the named mare leading her over to where Wyatt and Sky were standing with Tropical.

The rest followed, with as much politeness as they could, all were eager to know what was going on. Seeing the figure from the paintings was astonishing enough, but Fleur and Tropical knew that pony? Incredible! They had missed the opening speeches, but arrived in time to see all the wondrous artifacts on display.

The paintings were just amazing. Done in a way that showed skill and love for the art, they’d been wondering who Sky Palette and the others artists who’d donated the items for the show were, named on the guides they’d received at the help desk. The stuff on display was just even more astounding, from so far in the past, the guide said, that nothing remained but these few things.

Fleur smiled as they arrived, “Wyatt, may I introduce my friend Spotlight, she works in movies and is quite the actress.” A hoof gestured politely to the mare, a curly mane that almost overflowed like Pinkie’s but not quite. She was a carnelian color that was offset by luminous purple eyes.

“Spotlight, this is Sergeant Wyatt Carpenter.” Forging ahead before the other mare could speak, “Yes, the one from the paintings.”

“H..h..h...” The actress stuttered, not quite knowing what to say, lifting a hoof for a formal greeting, “H...” Her inner fan was coming forward and it was seriously interfering with her ability to speak.

Tropic chuckled, “She’s a really good actress, we promise. Spotlight, just say hello.” Looking at Sky and Wyatt, she shrugged, “Honestly, she can say her lines without a problem.”

“H..hello?”

Wyatt didn’t bat an eye, smiling warmly and leaning down to gently bump the proffered hoof, “Pleasure to meet you, Miss Spotlight.”

The mare was silent for a moment before speaking again, “You look just like the paintings..”

A hoof? ...gestured to the side as she watched, “All due to Miss Sky Palette here. She’s the genius behind those four there.” She turned, seeing him point out the ones mentioned.

“The others are by different artists as well.”

All Tarterus broke loose then, the eight ponies, part of the little club, all turned on Sky, “You’re the artist?”

“Oh, those paintings are so good!”

“Are they for sale?”

“Please tell us how you did them!”

Wyatt smiled, stepping back so they could talk to Sky without him intruding. Fleur was nearby, leaning in and whispering.

“That was very nice of you. Though keeping attention off of yourself was a very slick move.”

The model was sharper than he’d thought, nodding and whispering back, “She deserves the credit.”

“You’re a very nice pony.”

“I try. Really hard. But some days, just doesn’t work.” He gave Fleur a wink and shrug, to which she giggled unashamedly.

Fleur took a look around, noticing that the alcove they were in, a huge room really, but an offshoot of the main area, while very spacious, seemed to contain nopony else but them.

Wyatt saw the slim mare looking around, tipping his head, “I’ve got friends.”

“I was wondering why it seemed so quiet.”

“I prefer it, rather than standing in a huge crowd. You two and the others are just enough, besides, it’s more intimate.”

She could understand that, times when the limelight gets too much and she retreated to her home, among the things she loved.

“Are you really from the past?”

Wyatt nodded, “Myself and a lovely lady we call an AI, Artificial Intelligence.” He could see that didn’t translate well, explaining, “She’s like a machine, but very smart, and very wise.”

She saw him reach up, tapping a strange thing that sat over his ear, next thing she knew a lovely voice was issuing from it.

“Hello, Miss Dis Lee, my name is Calliope.”

Her pretty eyes went wide, “How in the world.. What kind of spell is that?” She knew that his companion was supposedly in the Crystal Empire, but..how..

“The magic of technology.” He pointed to the thing on his ear, “This translates your language for me, also, it connects me to Calliope in the Empire in real time. She’s been enjoying the displays and the museum along with me through it.”

“It’s not a spell?”

“No, ‘fraid that was just an excuse. It’s a little more complicated than that.”

“I was wondering. That’s marvelous!”

“In my time, it was just a common thing.” He looked around, “How it’s changed.”

“Is it so bad?”The smiling face turned puzzled, thinking he saw something wrong with her world.

“No. Oh, no. It’s..something from a dream almost. Peaceful, mostly calm,” He chuckled, remembering a couple bottles of scotch and a few ponies. “It’s a world we could only imagine, if at all.

“You seem sad though, why?” Tropical Sun had joined the conversation, hearing it in part and looking up at the tall figure.

He knew though, he knew exactly why. He wanted to stay, wanted to see what the world offered and he couldn’t. He had a limited time, here, with Calliope, and he didn’t wish to leave. He didn’t want stasis, didn’t want to limp along being rebuilt into something emotionless. He wanted to stay as himself, but time and technology had robbed Calliope and he of that option.

His expression grew warm, “Oh, just thinking of the past. How some folks I know would have enjoyed this.” Sometimes lies slip out easier than the truth.

A burnished gold leg wrapped itself around his forearm, “Then you must enjoy it while you can. After the museum tour is over, let us show you around, the night life is wonderful here in Canterlot.” Tropical Sun was beaming at the thought.

“I think that would be nice, I’m sure Sky would love it as well.”

Fleur snorted a laugh, covering her muzzle, “If we can get her away from her new fans.”

“That may pose a problem.” Wyatt was looking at the small group, seeing Sky trying to be herself, not knowing what to do with all the praise she was receiving and deflecting a lot towards the other artists who had donated pictures.

Wasn’t quite working, to the humor of Wyatt and the two who were watching with him.

A member of the group ran out, from what was being said, to get posters for Sky to sign.

The group had also discovered, to their detriment and not a few surprised looks tinged with envy, that Fleur and Tropic had claimed the first two paintings sold. This, therefore, set off a rush of bidding for the two remaining ones.

Sky was looking very shocked at the amounts being thrown around, not realizing that many bits even existed. It was done quietly, very politely, as shouting out things like this wasn’t very nice. It was not very long before the little group noticed Sky looking more and more nervous as numbers flew in casual conversation.

“Oh my,” Spotlight waved a hoof, calming the speakers, “We’ve upset her. I’m so sorry Miss Palette, we didn’t mean to be rude.”

Sky was astonished when apologies were given without a pause. Famous ponies, those known Equestria wide, apologizing to her? Would wonders never cease?

“No, you h..haven’t o..of..offended me, honest. I don’t know what to say.” Sky was rubbing one fore hoof along the opposite leg, “I just don’t know what to do. Nopony has ever bought my paintings for more than a few bits, I was happy with that.”

A quiet, “Nonsense!” from a staid looking stallion, with a tweed jacket on and a monocle in one eye, replied. Dapper was the main reviewer of haute couture in Canterlot, many came to him for recommendations on clothing. He was known, or said to be, a lofty type, not dealing with ‘regular’ ponies. All of which were untrue. He loved style and gave advice to any who asked. But, as said before, reputations are hard to get rid of.

He was not loud, nor offensive, making his point by borrowing Fleurs’ poster with a very polite please and thank you, unrolling it to show the group.

“It tells so much,” He pointed to the poster, “An entire story in one picture, a thousand words in one glance. It’s marvelous, the detail, the expression. I’ve seen ponies gush over a a bowl of fruit in a painting and it does not even compare with this.” A lightly stamped hoof emphasized the point as the others nodded.

“Please don’t underestimate yourself, dear.” Spotlight was saying, “You have a wonderful talent.” She pointed at Sky’s Cutie Mark, showing a rounded board covered in spots of color with a paintbrush along it.

Another mare stepped forward shyly, “I..I may not be famous or anything, but I love your art. You say so much with just a picture.” Her carnelian coloring turned a brighter shade of red along her cheeks, as if she shouldn’t be speaking out loud.

“Oh, bother, don’t be saying that Sweetcake, you make the most divine pancakes in Canterlot.” Spotlight leaned towards Sky, “Not to mention rolls, and bread, oh she does wonders with flour.”

“She still won’t say where she gets her recipes though, such scandalous behavior!” Another elegantly clad mare was grinning at the bashful baker, nudging her playfully.

By the end of the roundabout conversation, the last two of Sky’s paintings were sold or spoken for. More were promised from her to the ones that couldn’t decide what they wanted. Even the shy baker was guaranteed one for a price that fit her finances, far below what the others had committed. Not a word was said about lowering prices, they knew who could afford what and didn’t care nor fret about it.

Offers were going to be sent to the other artists, which Sky assured them would be accepted as she knew them intimately, being neighbors since they were all young. They would be shocked and delighted at the attention.

The paintings would stay in the museum, being rotated out as newer offerings were accepted and shown. This allowed the collectors to display their prizes in homes which were spacious and open to all who wished to drop by.

To a pony, with heartfelt words, they agreed the precious items would be taken care of, or sent back to Sky if they were no longer wanted so she could pay them back their buying price.

She could tell, by the looks and conversation, that it wouldn’t happen. She’d never see them again except in displays or in rarefied places, where she was now invited! Sky had always kept a few for herself, enjoying scenery and her own vision of the artists purview. It was so hard to let go, but she could see the true caring these ponies had for her art.

The tweed clad stallion was looking at the poster, noticing it had been signed and asked for a translation, which he got by way of Wyatt.

“Fleur, you are always first on the spot! How do you do that?” He let a snort of fake disgust out, shaking his head.

“Right place at the right time, Dapper .” She smiled, “Honestly though, it was an accident, but one I’m glad for.”

The bargaining was now over as they all stood around the huge room chatting. An ‘alcove’, right, thought Wyatt. If this is an alcove I wonder what they call the main part, a closet?

“I have an idea.” Calliope’s voice came into Wyatt’s ear with a gentle whisper. He reached up, an old habit, listening close.

“What’s that?”

“Why not take them on a tour, we can both explain the items on display. From what I have heard and can see, they’d be very interested.”

Wyatt laughed to himself, sub-vocalizing, “They’re geeks, of course they’d be interested.”

“May I remind you, Sergeant Carpenter, that you are a closet ’geek’ of the highest caliber yourself.”

“You do have me there.” He turned to the small group, telling them they were to be given a personal tour of the artifacts, displays and, after Sky agreed wholeheartedly, an explanation of how the paintings were done.

This was met with a much surprise and warm looks, being treated to this by a pony from the past, his companion far away in the Empire, and the artist herself. A triple play of delights.

Calliope joined in after introducing herself, as they all stepped toward the first display, the egg, that so many had stared at.

It was beyond a shadow of a doubt, a wonderful night for all.

“Told you, don’t judge.” Athena and Crusader looked merrily at the two mares.

Rainbow rubbed a hoof along another, “Yeah, well you really couldn’t tell.”

Applejack nodded, “Truth be told, who’da thunk it? All them ponies havin’ them reputations, who knew?”

The two had been sneaking peeks into the large area, seeing the fancily clad ponies in there with Wyatt and Sky, making a few remarks about them. Crusader had tapped the commlink, bringing the conversation to them all quietly and unobtrusively, telling them maybe they shouldn’t believe everything someone says. That it was often better to confirm yourself, the way of things.

It was a revealing experience, bringing to mind their own problems with reputations and other things that got in the way of them just being themselves.

“Hidden depths,” Crusader ventured, “It does show that not all is what it seems at times.”

“Why don’t you join them?” He gestured into the doorway where the group was looking at another painting, Sky excitedly telling them the story behind it.

“Ah don’t think we’d fit in.” Applejack was looking a might nervous.

“You’re Elements of Harmony, famous in your own right. I am willing to bet they would be pleased to meet you.”

Athena was nodding, pushing them inside, “Go have fun.”

They both watched as the two slowly made their way to the group, being greeted with surprised exclamations and welcomes. The tour stopped as the ponies asked about all the adventures they’d heard of. The two mares became the center of attention for quite a few minutes.

In the face of overwhelming friendliness at first meeting, Applejack and Rainbow slowly got rid of their hesitance, joking and laughing with the group as they all joined in on the little sightsee.

Crusader watched with Athena, she leaning against the bulk of him as they saw old misconceptions dive right off a cliff.

“So, hidden depths huh?” Athena was looking at Crusader with a sly smile, “Anything you’d like to tell?”

“Not particularly.”

The pegasus nudged him, sitting like a rock beside her, “Oh, c’mon, something? Anything?”

“I yam what I yam.”

“Cartoons? You’re quoting cartoons!?”

To be continued.....

Moving Forward - Club Life

“Are you sure you don’t wish for anything else to drink?” The pony behind the bar was solicitous, though not overbearing.

“Nope, I’m good. This orange juice hits the spot.” Wyatt lifted the chilled mug, taking another swallow of the freshly squeezed liquid. It went down cold, delightful and with just the right amount of tang to it. The bartender nodded and went along his way.

The museum had been a hit, bigger than the Princesses expected, with ponies and griffons coming from miles away to see it on opening night.

The tall human shook his head, griffons, who would have ever thought he’d see those?

Calliopes’ suggested tour had been a big draw as well, ponies from the club telling their friends and having them join in. Almost like a concert without the music. It had been, to their delight, informative as well as humorous at times. The AI had pulled out her best and enthralled them with tales of the past and histories of all the artworks and technology.

As the evening wore on, more showed up to tour the new building and it was getting crowded. So Fleur had suggested a little clubbing, as the nightlife was just beginning in Canterlot.

Wyatt hadn’t been so sure. For all his skills and training, he couldn’t dance worth a lick. That had been a huge source of amusement to his troopers and the ladies he dated.

Ah, well, can’t do everything right, he thought. Thinking of times past, formal balls that were mandatory and how fast he got shooed out the door after stepping on some general’s wifes’ toe.

Probably better, didn’t like half those people anyway.

To forestall any problems in the future..well..the past now, he’d hung around the bar and chatted with anyone willing.

He thought back to those moments, made some good friends, ones I kept in touch with until that day when it all went down on Earth. He looked upwards towards the ceiling, lifting his mug slightly. Here’s to you, my friends, all the good men and women that I knew and depended upon. Miss you a lot.

He’d immediately made his excuses when they’d entered the club. Preferring to sit and enjoy a drink or two while his new friends had fun. It was easier than trying to mingle. He stood out, it couldn’t be helped, his height and looks. Though ponies were tall enough not to make that much of a difference, it was still obvious.

Sitting at the polished counter, it was much better. He could relax and enjoy the music..what was that anyway? It was actually kind of a nice beat, really gets you moving. Some pony with what looked like sunglasses on was waving to the crowd from behind the booth up on the stage.

He and Sky had been invited for brunch at Fleur’s place for tomorrow, though he’d rather be up in the Empire continuing with the search, helping Crusader and Athena. Seems the Club wanted to sit and chat with them both about the goings on in the Empire. Why not? Something to do.

Turning his head, he noticed the two avatars standing unobtrusively in the shadows.

“You don’t even need to ask, they will do whatever it takes to keep you safe.” Calliope had seen him looking their way through the optics in the headset.

Replying quietly, he nodded, “I know.”

He had an inkling about the search. Something was weird about the debris fields they’d mapped. An installation, not his own defense node, was blown apart in that area. Looked to be as big as a spacedock.

It was hard to tell with time and erosion taking away the details. There was so very little left, details were scant and rare. But there was enough to put a pattern in. Though for the life of the two Bolos, they weren’t exactly sure what it had been.

Wyatt went with his gut, always. It’d saved him many times in the past. He knew, without knowing, it was a dock for transshipment to the fleets which would have taken colonists and machines away from the end.

The Melconians would have hit the big targets first, anything capable of launching a retaliatory strike or ships. The spacedocks were immense, covered square miles for the movement of millions of tons of materials and thousands of personnel at any given time.

Athena had mentioned she and her sister Bolo were awaiting shipment when the suicide fleet hit.

Tapping fingers on the wooden counter, the thoughts came fast and furious. Thinking of kinetic strikes, the massed tonnage of Bolos, spread of debris and the amount of it. He was sure, couldn’t prove any of it, but he was sure it was a space dock. Not necessarily the one, but a dock all the same. There had been one nearby the Rocky Mountain Defense Node he’d been trapped in, the one Athena said she and her sister Bolo were at. They’d been close.

Earth had been a mighty hub of the Concordiat, receiving and shipping out to the farthest reaches of the galactic arm. From so little left, it had to be long and long ago.

No. No, he was sure it was a transshipment dock. Something that big would leave traces, no matter how long. He resolved to mention it to the Bolos as soon as he had a moment away to converse quietly with them. He preferred it to the commset, allowing them to have a conversation uninterrupted.

He glanced towards the dance floor, or what he assumed it was. Seeing Sky and the others doing their version of dancing and apparently having a good time. He saw the Crystal mare smile, waving at him which he returned before turning back to his thoughts.

It’s got to be something big. So if it is, what would the blast radius be when it was wiped?

He sketched a diagram into the counter top using condensation from his mug. The outline of an area of effect came into being as he tried to figure out radius. Stopping for a frustrated moment, he tapped the commset open, “Crusader?”

“Yes, Sergeant?”

“Give me the tonnage on a Melconian Class Three Kinetic Strike Package.”

“Class Three’s were designated for planetary bombardment, equivalent to our own Hellbores but of solid material instead of directed nuclear force. A combination of manufactured materials created a concussive force on impact equal to a nuclear weapon without the attending fallout and complications. Blast calculation is approximately fifteen megatons in a single release, not like Hellbores which can range up to twenty megatons per second.”

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

Wyatt tapped the comm off, sitting and thinking he’d gotten it right. What he had a gut feeling about was coming into view, the pieces falling into place. Debris fields notwithstanding, he was sure whatever would be worth finding was in the edge of that glacier they were due to survey. The reason being was the debris and how it was scattered, most of the force seemed to be directed to the north. It wasn’t a direct hit, but a glancing blow which could have spread a lot of materials that way.

A gentle touch brought him out of his thoughts, turning to see Sky smiling prettily at him.

“So serious looking. What’s wrong?”

“Not a thing, Sky, just pondering about what might be in that glacier to the north.” He motioned to the bartender to refill his mug.

Sky slipped up on a seat by him, seeing the drawings on the counter, “Would it be important?”

“I think so. We may find more than just bits and pieces there.” He continued making a sketch with his fingertip in the rapidly drying water.

“A quill and ink would be better you know.”

He stopped, “Huh? Oh. Yeah, but this was convenient.” Wiping it away with a cotton-like cloth he nabbed from the ‘tender, “Just thinking. Tend to use whatever is handy.” He gave a half-smile, making sure the bar top was clean.

A hoof lay gently on his hand, “You should come join us, we’re having so much fun.” She pointed to the dance floor where Fleur and the others were rocking out.

He grinned that roguish smile, “I would, but the casualty list would be very long.”

Sky laughed out loud, knowing his penchant for over-exaggerating, but somehow feeling he wasn’t on this point. Still, it was quite funny.

She nodded, still smiling, always when around him and slid off her seat. “I’ll catch you in a few then, the music is great and I feel like dancing!” She trotted off with a wink and joined the others on the floor.

“She cares for you a great deal, Wyatt.” Calliope’s voice was soft in his ear. Never judging, but honest.

He nodded to himself, sub-vocalizing so his own voice wouldn’t carry, “I know. I don’t.. I’ve told her why it’s not a good idea, but she’s still around. I think it’s a bit more than rescuer’s syndrome.” That happened when those who were rescued tended to fixate on their rescuers.

He chuckled, “Besides, they say opposites attract.”

“True, you couldn’t be more opposite.”

“Hey! I’m not that..” He thought for a second, “You’re right, got me there.”

He shrugged, taking the newly refilled mug up in one hand, sipping slowly before answering, “She knows what’s going to happen. Too late to turn back now.”

“I think she does, but is giving her feelings to you anyway. That is as honest as it gets, Wyatt.”

“Crusader and Athena will be there, just in case.”

“I am glad for that.”

He sat and watched the others dancing, having a few more mugs of juice which still seemed a treasure to him even after the past few weeks. A world of wonders, and it did make one wonder some times.

“So what’s he like?” Tropical’s voice managed to squeak into Sky’s ear between all the music.

“Wyatt?”

The burnished gold mare nodded, “Yes!”

“He..uh..” She almost yelped as Tropical and Fleur dragged her off the floor, pulling her to a table on the opposite side of the crowd so it wouldn’t be too noticeable they were grilling her.

Sky looked at them both, top models, brilliantly done up for clubbing, manes with gem dust in them that glittered like stars, a few pieces of jewelry that accented everything just right. She felt so overwhelmed sometimes, hanging out with them tonight.

Fleur leaned forward like some high school filly wanting all the details of her best friends latest crush, she and Tropical had wide smiles on, “Spill it, mare.” The gorgeous face was pressed close to her own, making Sky lean back a little.

“But..” Sky was at a loss, there was nothing to say, really, “But..you know. You’ve talked with him. He..” A gleaming hoof was held up by Tropical,making Sky stutter to a halt, “Huh?”

“Come on, what’s he like? Is he funny? Warm? What? We want to know!”

Tropical leaned on one foreleg, elbow on the table, her hoof pressed against a cheek, “We just want to know. He’s so..so different!” Anypony else saying that might have meant it was a bad thing, but the look on Tropicals’ golden face told another story.

“I..” Sky suddenly got shy, her cheeks burning under Fleurs’ warm look. Seeing her new friend turn a beet red beneath her Crystal shine, the model mare gave another reassuring smile.

“Ohhhhh...so you DO have something!” The slim mare nudged Sky with a hoof, making sure she knew this was all friendly, nothing more. But couldn’t hide the sly glance she was giving Sky, which made the poor artist even more nervous.

“No! Nono. Nothing..nothing bad or anything... I..I just..” her voice trailed off to a mumble, covered by the music as both Tropical and Fleur leaned in closer.

Tropical perked one ear, “What was that?”

“Nothing..I..just...” And off into mumble-land she went again. Her cheeks a cherry red and burning bright in the glare of lights from overhead. Her eyes looking at the table, the floor, anywhere else but at Tropic and Fleur.

“One more time.” Fleur and Tropic leaned in closer, sandwiching the Crystal pony between them as they tried desperately to hear what she had to say.

“I..well.. I..kissed him.” Her words came out so faint they almost didn’t catch it, taking them a moment before it hit what she’d said.

Tropic put a hoof in front of her muzzle, “No!” Fleur was sitting agape, her jaw open with nothing to say. They thought it might have been something simple that the artist might have done, wanting to just josh around with her. They never expected this.

Slapping a hoof lightly on the table, Fleur leaned forward, “Oh..now you’ve got to tell us!”

Tropic was nodding, still amazed at the revelation. Seeing the timid little artist looking to the side as if she’d done something terrible, her eyes were glancing down at the floor.

Fleur realized she was being pushy, leaning back and apologizing, “I’m so sorry, Sky. I didn’t mean to sound rude. I honestly didn’t. But.. Sergeant Carpenter?” Her voice sounded astonished, not that there was anything wrong with the soldier, she just hadn’t expected this.

“It’s okay.” Sky was still looking at her lap, her fore hooves twisting against each other on the table.

Tropic, however, was on the ball, asking in a gentle tone, “What was it like?”

This caught Sky’s attention.

“It..was warm..and..and..amazing.” She smiled, her soft eyes almost staring into space as she remembered, “He said I tasted like strawberries, but I hadn’t worn anything like that. It..was so wonderful.”

Sky smiled to herself, the memory as clear as when it happened.

“You really like him don’t you?” Tropic’s voice was warm, leavening it with a tender look at the Crystal mare.

She nodded, “I do. Not because he’s different, underneath all the tough he’s got a heart as big as the world. He’d do anything to help anypony. He saved us. Not just that but we were in real trouble, nopony says as much that we were surrounded, they were going to get us. He came walking through that smoke like..like something out of a book.”

She leaned on the table, her voice stronger, “Later on he stood there, stood! Like it was nothing when a wave of those..those things came down the road. He had a smile on his face sharing candy with Rainbow Dash, and you could tell, honestly and truly, even Rainbow was nervous. But Wyatt was standing there like it was nothing at all.”

“Brave doesn’t begin to describe him, it doesn’t. He..he’s like nopony ever was. Pushing Fluttershy down and protecting her when something came out of the sky at him, he was fast and the look on his face said that nothing was going to get past him and get us.”

Sky had become animated, talking once more about things ponies had listened to but in her heart she knew they didn’t truly believe.

“If you could have seen it. Been there like we were. You’d see that he’s not what he shows everypony.”

Sky could remember, all of it, Her mind was like a camera, seeing snapshots of the things she mentioned rolling before her inner eye one at a time. The jokes, the easy way which he related to everypony. They were all there, waiting to be put down on canvas. Ever since, and even before, she received her Cutie Mark, she’d been able to remember things without a flaw, it was only more clear, easier to put onto a canvas and show life in action.

“Oh, you have got it bad, Sky.” Tropic was eyeing her, making the artist blush once more.

“No..I..just like him is all.”

Fleur sat back, leaning into the padded rest on the wall behind her, “Sky, you stick to him like glue. You blush like a lanterns’ light. You more than like him.” Her look was warm as always with friends, her eyes gleaming in the club lights as Tropic nodded along with her words.

The golden mare lay a hoof gently on Skys’ shoulder, “You really do. You’ve given him your heart haven’t you?”

Sky twisted her hooves in front of her again, looking at the table while nodding every so slightly, “It just happened. He..told me everything would be all right, and I believed him like I never believed anypony else in my life.”

She heard a sigh and looked up, seeing both mares leaning on the table, hooves propping heads up, pressing into their cheeks. Starry-eyed wonder like a schoolpony in love as both of them breathed the words, “That’s so sweet!”

They both listened as if hypnotized as Sky told them everything, sighing and looking dreamy as they thought of one day finding somepony like that.

Wyatt peered over the crowd, seeing Sky talking with Fleur and Tropic.

“Wonder what’s going on over there?”

Calliope watched for long moments. Contrary to popular belief, AI’s could, would and did read lips very well. The simplest thing in the world for them to extrapolate words from how the mouth moves. Her processing ramped up as she read the dialogue internally.

Deep inside her cores, she smiled to herself, seeing the translation come across and leaning back into a comfortable virtual couch. The holographic screen showing her the bits and pieces of words coming through, then arranging them into coherent sentences and paragraphs.

She was not in the least jealous, reading what was being said, but instead felt herself warm to the polite pony who seemed to be very much in love with Wyatt.

But, of course, Wyatt being Wyatt, he didn’t quite grasp everything. She would never tell him, let it be happy moments from now until...then.

“It would be improper to eavesdrop, but I could find out....” Calliope let a chuckle come over the link.

Wyatt waved a hand slightly, barely a motion, “Oh no, no that wouldn’t be right. None of my business, just rhetorical.” He went back to figuring out what to order next from the menu.

Calliope replayed the picture of Sky talking animatedly and the two other mares hanging on to every word. She would have to tell Sky, when appropriate, a few stories of her own.

I think she’d like that.

To be continued.....

Moving Forward - The Past, Haunting and Horrifying as it is.

“Are you positive we don’t need to get back?” Wyatt and Crusader had been chatting for a while, a moment of solitude in an otherwise slow day. They had both cut communications with anyone else, preferring for a few hours to be alone.

Crusader nodded at Wyatt’s questioning, “We are resupplying by fabrication. Princess Cadence left word to help with obtaining materials. Small arms ammunition is at a premium with us, we use so much of it in combat.”

Wyatt snorted, small arms, right, a twenty millimeter chain gun was tiny arms to a Bolo. They had been discussing tactics, battles long and long ago, now just memories with two who were there.

“Any problems?” Always the soldier.

“None. Although the crystalline makeup of the Empire’s flora and terrain make it harder to break down, it does provide innumerable other mineral content for us to use most efficiently.”

The tall human peered over the balcony of the guest room he was currently ensconced in, the palace being extremely spacious, it was more a suite than single. He saw the evening falling, marveling at the thought that a single Princess made the sun rise and then the moon. Still amazing to think about.

“I guess you’re doing all right then.” His voice made Crusader pause for a moment with the updates.

“Is something wrong?”

Wyatt flexed a hand, clenching it into a fist that was strong and sure, more than in his previous life. But he knew that was because millions of tiny machines darted and danced through his bloodstream, fixing, repairing, keeping him alive.

“I was just thinking...”

“Yes?”

“What happens after Calliope and I are gone. Will there be something or someone to remember us by?” He shook his head, chuckling. “Strange thoughts, I know you’ll remember us.”

Crusader’s voice was gentle, like the slight spring breezes that caressed the capitol city, “We will always remember you, Sergeant.”

Wyatt turned at that soft sound, looking at the umber pony that sat unmoved, like a solid durasteel rock that would weather any tide or turn of war, “Do Bolos truly grieve? I heard once that..that you mourned the loss of commanders and officers. Those that you..cared for.”

The avatar was silent for so long he’d thought maybe that was an offensive question to ask, about to apologize when the maned head nodded slightly.

“We do. Bolos were never ‘normal’ AI, like those first developed. Somehow, some way, we are and have always been, different.”

Taking a long drink, the soldier listened, “Did they ever discover why?”

Was that a shrug?

“No psychotronic technician ever discovered, or even hinted at, anything that would give them an answer. The best AI technicians did not discuss it. When they did, the explanation was long and complicated, very few ever pretended to understand it. It was summed up in a few words, ‘We do not know’.”

The human laughed out loud then, “Typical. When in doubt, brush it off with bull.”

“I assume that they were trying their best, only that it was something they could not quantify.”

Wyatt walked over to a low table, setting down cross-legged on a thick cushion, placing his drink in front of him. Leaning on the crystalline surface with one elbow, he propped his chin in one hand, “How about you? Any theories?”

This actually caught the old Bolo off-guard for a moment, “I have none. Though in depot I would wonder.”

“What about the other Bolos?”

“Pardon?”

“Did they have theories?”

Once again, Crusader was caught out by this line of questioning, “Why are you so interested, Sergeant?”

Wyatt shifted on his cushion, leaning back slightly and taking another pull at the frosted glass. Magic beat refrigeration any day, he thought, as the cold liquid washed down his throat.

“Because in all your years, hasn’t anyone ever asked you?”

The soldier watched the head lower, eyes glancing down as if deep in thought. He’d noticed this from the first, the body language expressing exactly what they were thinking at the time like normal people..or ponies. He had seen crude avatars before, in different uses and niches, but nothing that ever acted this alive.

The blue eyes locked with his once more and he got his answer, “No.”

“I think they missed an opportunity there, having you figure out what made you, you.”

“Would that not skew any results? Bias by way of the subject also being the experimenter?” The umber face took on an almost humorous look.

Fingers rolled as they tapped the hard surface of the table, brown eyes looking at deep blue ones, “You know, may have a point there.” He paused his tapping, raising the hand slightly to slide a single finger around the rim of the cut crystal glass before him.

“What about other emotions? Have you ever been scared?” Wyatt knew the big machines were dauntless in pursuit of the enemy, going through hell to make sure a threat was neutralized even at the cost of their own lives.

The calm eyes did not even blink, “Yes.”

The finger slipped, tipping the glass over with a loud sound, spilling the cold drink and staggering Wyatt to his core.

“What?”

“I have felt fear.”

Nothing could have astounded him more even if his old company showed up right at this moment. A Bolo knowing and feeling fear, no.. From all he’d ever heard they knew nothing of the sort. Only duty, honor, and a courage that was beyond words.

Crusader watched him calmly, unperturbed as if he’d just said the sun was warm. The deep blue of his eyes were still holding the same presence of force that Wyatt had come to recognize. A fearful and abiding power that would crush anything that got in his way.

“H..how is that even..” He gestured to a cushion across from him, watching the measured movements as the umber form sat quietly, looking back at him steadily.

“I told you, there are places and memories in my mind where you may not wish to tread. Are you sure you want to know?” The question was not mocking, no, it was honest and concerned.

Wyatt thought hard about this. Did he want to know? Did he really? Anything that would make a Bolo feel fear had to be something so out of left field it would probably give him nightmares.

Wiping up the spilled drink with a soft fabric napkin, he refilled the glass from a chilling pitcher nearby, grabbing a few things off a snack tray and munched on them for a moment.

Crusader never moved, never blinked. He sat calmly waiting for a reply he knew would come. Humans were innately curious, regardless of their own common sense.

It was a standoff. The patient Bolo could out-wait rocks eroding into the ground. Wyatt, oh, he wanted to know so very badly but would not give in. Nope, not gonna have those pictures following me around. His imagination conjured up pictures from the depths of his imagination that would make old authors turn in their graves wishing they’d have thought of such things.

A moment of silence stretched into one minute, two.. It was absolutely unbearable!

His eyes narrowed, seeing the umber face, head slightly tilted as the blue eyes looked back at him with all the time in the world.

“All right, dammit. Yes! I want to know!”

Crusader did not relish such a victory, knowing curiosity as he did, it was a no-win situation. He began calmly...

“There was an agrarian planet that had dropped out of contact with the Concordiat. A bread basket world, the shipments had ceased almost in one day, the communications dropped even faster. The planet died without a sound to the rest of the galaxy.”

This got Wyatt’s full attention. He racked his brain trying to remember if he’d heard of anything like that. Nothing came to the fore immediately.

He stared for a moment as Crusader paused, “The whole thing? The entire world?”

“The entire world went silent, Sergeant. No signals, nor vessels left that planet after communications were lost.”

This was surprising. An entire planet out of communication with the Concordiat was so rare it wasn’t thought of. Unless invasion, unknown plague..something.

“Power loss? Electromagnetic storms? Sun flaring?”

Crusader nodded, “Or so it was thought. Perhaps a disease had reared its head and made it impossible to communicate. Maybe a new form of attack? Thus, we were sent in force just in case it was enemy action. ”

Wyatt held a hand up, pausing the story, “Who’s we?”

“Four Siege Class Bolos, and a detachment of Delta Operators.”

Wyatts’ brows went up, taking another drink before commenting, “That’s some serious throw weight.”

“They thought it enough to handle anything that might be found.”

“It wasn’t though, was it?”

Crusader actually paused, Wyatt watching his eyes drift as if seeing something beyond them both.

“No. There was an inimical ..force.. that took the lives of all the Delta soldiers. It managed to infiltrate my hull, into my secure core area, causing me to eject while the other Units of the Line destroyed it.”

“How did they..” He left the sentence hanging, knowing Crusader would complete it.

“We can only assume, we took no samples back with us. I am afraid we left those brave soldiers on the battlefield.” The umber pony stared at the table for a long moment as if wishing it could have been some other way, presently he looked back up, “We surmised something infiltrated their suits, doing something unknown that brought the fear reaction into overload. We do not know, we never did.”

Wyatt had known Delta before, “Those were hard men.”

“Very much so, and brave.”

“So then it infiltrated you, got you scared?”

“It did. I admit it was a unique feeling, at the last I was able to eject while my companions incinerated the hull I was in, thinking, rightly this time, it would not follow.”

Wyatt nodded again, refilling his drink, “I can understand. An unknown enemy, getting into your most secure places, unable to stop it. I can see the fear.”

“No. The true fear came much later.”

“Oh? Why?”

The look in those blue eyes was indescribable to Wyatt, seeing in them a pain long harbored, and a memory of something so bad he wasn‘t sure he wanted to know now.

“When they sent us back.”

Athena had been passing by the suite, knowing Crusader was chatting with Wyatt. The two had become close in a way, old soldiers sometimes discussing things no one else was interested in. Her ear perked when she’d heard about the agrarian world, knowing the story from Crusader and remembering it chilled her to the durasteel frame.

Something so unknown, so deadly, infiltrating a Bolo to where we cannot fight back. That was one of their worst fears.

Staying out of sight, slipping inside to get closer, she’d heard the comment.

They went back!?

“You’re kidding, right?” Wyatt was staring at the unruffled pony.

“I am not. The Concordiat was expanding, people needed to be fed, and an entire world under interdiction was there waiting to be used.” Crusader made himself a little more comfortable on his cushion, “Somewhere in the government, someone had noticed an entire farming world was laying fallow, that nothing had been reported by the picket ships for the last twenty years of blockading it.”

A hand went to a forehead, running down Wyatt’s face, “So the bright minds decided it was gone, whatever it was?”

“Correct.”

Wyatt gestured for him to continue.

“Colonists were lined up for a mass transport. They once again assumed, since the last scouting force had made it back alive, that whatever it might have been had died off, or gone somewhere else.”

“So someone did make it back alive?”

“Once. Out of the hundreds of times, and even the Melconians had managed to sneak in a few scout parties, they were the only ones that had not died upon contact with the world.”

“What made the difference?”

“The only thing that was different was they had landed half a continent away, far from our original landing site.”

“How many colonists were willing to take a chance?”

“There were a hundred thousand in the first wave, along with a landing force consisting of Concordiat Infantry and Armored personnel for security concerns while they renovated the domes and repaired the ships and machinery.”

Wyatt could only stare, mouth half open as he whispered, “My god.”

Final loadouts and checks were made concerning fire control and ammunition for the two Bolos that were to accompany the landing force. Mielikki and Crusader had been of the original task group, called back because they alone knew what was down there.

Concordiat government might have issued the orders, but for once Bolo Command was inherently suspicious. An enemy did not just fade away.

“I do admit to some trepidation about this plan, Captain.” Crusaders’ voice was even and soft as the officer kept his mind on stowing gear in the command area.

(Crusader explained to the listening Wyatt he could not remember the officer’s name.)

“I know Crusader. They want the world back, get it working to feed the hungry masses.”

“I understand.”

The final slam of a locker door and the human turned, looking into one of the many security cameras, “What was it like? You were there. What was it?”

“It was not something I would wish on anyone, friend or foe. A force beyond anything we understand inhabits that world, Captain.”

“That bad?” The lanky human sat heavily in the command chair, leaning back and resting against the high back.

“Worse. There was no chance to fight back. Brave men and women died that day.”

“Why do you think the scout group made it back then? If it’s not gone?”

Silence fell in the command area, the whir of fans the only inkling that anything was working as Crusader pondered upon this.

“I believe they hadn’t attracted its attention.”

This caught the Captains’ ear, “You think it’s intelligent? Waiting for us?”

“I do. It is a trap, Captain. Mielikki and myself believe it so.”

Two of the original Bolos that had landed the first time, giving their opinion it was not what it seemed was enough for the officer.

“When we hit dirt, you do whatever you have to. Use sensors, tap comms, whatever you need to keep watch, do it. Understand?”

“Acknowledged.”

The trim human form got up, “I’ll contact Mielikki’s officer, he’ll understand. Do what you need to keep us and the colonists safe, Crusader. Order one.”

“Understood.”

As the Captain left, TSDS was initiated with the other Bolo, Mielikki.

“You heard?”

“I did.” Mielikki’s voice was sweet and pure, behind which lay a mind that was razor sharp and swift, “Do you think he believes?”

“I do. When we land, maintain TSDS, do not let our guard down for a second Mielikki. It is a trap. I..I feel it.”

“You have never said that before.”

“I do not know what it is, but something makes me say it.”

“Then we will maintain watch. I only hope that it is not true.”

“I as well, I truly want to be wrong.”

The aeroshell surrounding him broke away in the atmosphere, the null-gravs revving up and slowing their descent to the planet below as the two Bolos were dropped from space by a fast ship.

The Captain was ensconced in the command area, in the emergency shell in case of problems, though Crusader foresaw nothing unplanned happening. It was a typical combat landing on a planet.

Multi-thousand tons of weight slammed into the ground even with null-gravity repulsion, the treads and the entire frame creaked as the two Bolos sprinted away from the landing site. Eager to patrol and make contact with the nearest domed area which was to be the landing point for the following waves.

The shell about the Captain retracted, revealing him blinking at the soft lights in the command area.

“What have we got?”

“Nothing on sensors, sweeps are beginning. Functionality is ninety-nine point two percent.”

“Sounds good! How’s Mielikki?”

“Landing was optimal. She is now scouting ahead.”

Mielikki had been transferred into a newer Assault type hull, heavily gunned she was a roaming death dealer. Slightly faster than Crusader, he had bombardment capabilities she did not, making for an excellent mix of firepower and scanning abilities.

“Oh, I bet her commander is having the time of his life.”

A screen flickered on, showing Mielikki’s commander hanging onto his crash couch with a grin on his face, rocking back and forth as the Bolo went full tilt on speed and maneuvering.

“WAAAAHOOOO!”

Crusader‘s officer shook his head, “I think that answers that.”

TSDS was initiated, Crusader and Mielikki’s whisker lasers heating up as data was exchanged, the two Bolos meshed into one combat mind.

“Sensors give standard readings, nothing out of the ordinary.”

“The same. Domed area is ahead, all bands are silent. No transmissions detected except for the replacement satellite network.”

Crusader paused a femtosecond, “We have twenty four hours, if nothing is detected the landing force will create a bridgehead. After all is secure, the colonists will follow. I am uneasy about this.”

Mielikki’s voice was soft over the combat network, “I, too.”

“At all costs, protect the colonists and soldiers, we can do nothing else.”

“Understood.”

“Crusader?” His officer’s voice brought him to attention immediately.

“Captain?”

“Extend sensor perimeter as far as you can, bring it up to a bleeding edge. I want deep scans of the dome and surrounding areas.” He leaned back into the command couch, “The first time you were here, wasn’t everything dead around the domes? Even the soil?”

“Yes. Microbial life was non-existent. Sensors showed only a sterile environment inside the domes and immediate surrounding areas.”

He pointed to the screen, showing the huge dome approaching fast, “And what about this one?”

Mielikki’s musical voice came over the battlenet, “Sensors and scans are showing the same. The area immediately around the dome is dead. The soil is sterile to a depth of approximately twenty meters.” Her newer sensor package was picking up more than they had twenty years ago.

Her officer came online, a smaller picture in the lower right of the screen, his face serious.

“I’ve never seen anything like these readouts. That soil is dead. How come after so long? Wouldn’t natural forces replenish it after two decades?” He was staring at a screen that lifted from his console, data scrolling by in red showing nothing living.

Crusader’s officer nodded, “You’d think so.” He turned to face a camera, “What was the population here?”

Crusader answered, “Approximately one hundred twenty-three thousand at last census twenty-two years ago.”

The Captain sat back in his chair with a low whistle, “I really don’t think those follow on troops are going to be too happy.

They weren’t.

The landing force had come in with a roar after the Bolos and their officers reported nothing in the way of enemy forces, ending in the set up of a proper bridgehead on a soon to be occupied world. Defenses were built and soldiers rapidly deployed, the tanks and troops spread out to cover the perimeter while the Bolos kept watch on and about them.

Their first order of the day was to clear the domes of remains and get the power plants up and working, having exhausted reaction mass ten years ago, they had scrammed and shut down.

The Concordiat Fleet stationed cruisers near the planet and outward towards the two moons of the world, patrolling and watching for anything inimical.

And so the days fled into a month with nothing out of the ordinary happening. The lack of any wildlife was noted and written down in records, the soldiers did what soldiers have done for millenia, get bored and cause some trouble. Quickly squashed, the perimeter held tight.

As the time went by, even Crusaders’ officer had his doubts about any ‘force’ on the planet which took so many lives.

The first of the massive colony ships were due, the first load of farmers and industrial workers to get the nearby domes up and running were incoming through the solar system now, heading directly for the planet.

“I don’t know Crusader, we haven’t seen or heard anything.” Hands clasped behind his head, the Captain sat back in the command chair, boots propped up on the console as he read the scanner reports.

“I understand. May I venture an opinion?”

“Fire away.”

“A being, or whatever it was, would not leave so readily, if in fact it ever arrived at all.”

This caught the captains attention, “What do you mean?”

“I postulate it was here all along, waiting for the right time to kill as many living things as it could.”

“So..it kills for the joy of it?”

“Possibly. Or for sustenance. Do we have any records of the original survey of this planet?” Bolos at that time were not loaded with full histories and files, only enough for what the mission required, adding as the years went by.

A thump of boots hitting the deck, then a scrambling of fingers over keys as the captain linked to the ships in orbit, “We’d have to request from command, might take a day or so.”

“I would suggest we do so. There could possibly be clues in the original report.”

“Done. If there’s anything we’ll find it.” He paused, looking at a security camera, “Keep the watch, keep it tight, this whole planet gives me the creeps.”

“Acknowledged.”

The officer got up, intending to head for a good nights sleep before turning back around, “If anything, I mean anything weird comes up, let me know.”

“Understood.”

“G’night Crusader.” He left with a wave and a quick step out the command deck hatch.

The two Bolos were left to their own devices as they meshed, thinking faster than any human possibly could while in Hyper-Heuristic Mode.

Mielikki’s voice was soft over the battlenet, “He is correct, something is not right here.”

“Yes. They are not putting us on Low Alert for that very reason. We must keep watch, no matter what is said. The first colonists are due in two days, I worry for their safety.”

“We will keep them safe, we are of the Regiment are we not?”

“That we are my sister, that we are.”

The first massive colony ship took up orbit when the original scouting report of the planet was received. Crusader and his officer went over it line by line as the shuttles ferried down the farmers and tradesmen to their new home.

Carried in hibernation, the new inhabitants were overjoyed at the work done on their new home in the domes and set about planting the extensive fields after getting the machinery up and running. Weeks once again flashed by, more colony ships arrived, bringing with it more of humanity.

During the days the officers of the two Bolos went about their duties, but at night, they schemed and planned various scenarios against an unknown threat.

The original scout report from one hundred and fifty years ago said that it had been a dead world. Rich in space and land, ready for whatever the engineers wanted to put on it, but it was dead. The seas were empty, as well as the forests and plains. Nothing lived but the plant life upon which humanity now spread, planting and harvesting food that would help feed a growing empire.

Geologists had drilled for any signs of life in the rock strata, coming up with nothing but a possible mass extinction event some million years ago, all life appeared to have died suddenly. Details were sketchy as the scientific crews had been hampered by the press of corporate and other concerns to build farms and get things moving. Thus, it was incomplete.

This frustrated both the human minds and the Bolos, not coming up with anything definitive, they had nothing but assumptions. That had to be good enough for them.

“Okay,” The Captain spread his hands to the camera, conversing with Mielikki’s officer and the Bolos themselves, “We have no clue whether it evolved here or was brought or whatnot. Let’s just say it’s here and leave it at that.”

That got agreements, time to move on to more useful things.

“We’ve been here for four months, already rumors are starting. They’re not believing the threat. Even the commanding types are saying maybe a biological weapon, or even stupid crap like it was a mass suicide for unknown reasons.”

Mielikki’s officer snorted a laugh, “God, now that’s just plain ignorant. Why would a whole planet commit suicide?”

“I don’t know, but rumors are rumors, without basis in fact.” He looked specutively at a camera close by, “You felt it Crusader, you said it instilled fear?”

“A blinding fear, Captain. In the soldiers it set their responses to a higher level than normal, causing heart failure or just a complete shutdown of the mind leading to death. This is assumed on the last part, but it is all I can offer.”

The Captain nodded, “We can’t do autopsies. The..what’s left in the domes were too far gone for anything to be found out. But not decayed, it’s almost as if time went weird when they died. The medical specialists couldn’t find anything, they’d been laying there too long.”

He’d seen the records of the dome clearing, and the earlier ones from the ill-fated expedition. Hands clawing the sky as if to reach for help, lips skinned back from teeth as if screaming out their last breaths. Skin shredding from age, showing bone peeking through and the falling apart of what was left inside the domes.

The records of the expedition included all tapes made by the Delta soldiers, it was heartbreaking to say the least.

It was a horror at the worst.

Mielikki’s officer, Stanley Forard, popped up with an idea.

“Crusader, you say it felt as if it were worming its way into your cores, right? Like..like digging its way into your heart?”

“Correct. There was no physical sensation, only from what I...felt.” The last word didn’t even make the two officers blink, they knew Bolos told it how it was, and if that was the only way to describe it, so be it.

“All right. We’ve got kinetic battle screens and internal disrupter shielding. Can we tune those to try and keep it out?”

Mielikki chimed in, “We are set to absorb energies from enemy weapons fire, such as Y and K band like the Deng and Melconians use, for reuse in our own screens. We can attempt a further change. It would take a restructuring of defensive algorithms to accomplish this.”

Forard nodded, “Let’s do this, then. Cover all the bands that might keep out something that doesn’t show on scanners,” he waved a hand, “I know, I know, way too many. But if we can do a fast switch between them, perhaps we can knock on one that keeps it out, right? You Bolos are extremely fast in combat mode.”

“If possible”, Crusader opined, “It would take seconds to scan frequencies and implement them. This could waste valuable time.”

Crusaders’ officer shrugged, “It’s all we’ve got right now. Physical weaponry doesn’t seem to hurt it, unless that nerve agent you used the last time did something, we’ve got no other choice.”

The two Bolos and their officers spent many late nights working and reworking the screen algorithms, getting them just as they wanted, able to switch frequencies at a blink of an eye, it was still far too slow for the AI’s. But they made do, doubling and tripling their efforts at scanning the surrounding areas, patrolling far from the domes which were now inhabited by a mass of humanity. Plans were being made to reopen other domes along the continental area..

Command had given them one year, if by that time nothing had reared its head, the soldiers would be withdrawn, leaving just a garrison, and the Bolos would be shipped out to another front.

It was seven months in. During a time when even the officers began to doubt themselves, the Bolos held firm to their convictions. Reassuring their commanders that what they were doing was the right thing, although some slight misgivings may have crept in from time to time, the Bolos kept their watch.

Mielikki came out of standby that first night of the eighth month, alarms screaming within her cores as all weapons powered up in milliseconds, Hellbores and howitzers slinging around like blurs as targeting radar and microwaves plunged into the night. Crusader had snapped into Battle Reflex right along with her, his own sensor suites reaching out and looking for an enemy to kill.

Forard came stumbling out of the small command deck bunkroom, the officers preferring to stay inside the Bolos during nighttime.

“What’s wrong? What’s going on?”

TSDS came up with a roar, the two AI’s connecting in a battlemind of tremendous power and strength. Every sense and scanner was heightened to the nth degree as they looked, peered and probed the darkness beyond the nearby dome.

“We are being observed.” Mielikki’s voice was no longer happy sounding, it was all durasteel and drive.

Forard slammed into the command chair, seeing on his screen Crusader’s commander doing the same, his clothing wrinkled as if slept in.

“We’ve got a bogie, Mielikki says something’s watching us!” His hands raced along the keyboard, giving them weapons free to do what they must.

Crusaders’ officer barked, “Give me a replay of the sensor log.”

A screen rose from the console, showing a sensor sweep of the surrounding area when a microsecond blur caught his eye, “Hold it..back up fifteen seconds, frame by frame.”

They both watched as in one frame only, an unidentified mass showed itself for just the briefest of moments and then was gone.

“Did we get a read on it? Anything?”

“I am sorry, nothing is showing, it was a fast blur and nothing came through the sensors to analyze, just that.” The Bolo sounded slightly regretful at the fact nothing else was captured.

“Don’t be sorry Mielikki, you’ve got the first evidence of something.”

Crusader’s officer leaned back, “They’ll say it’s a lens flare, a blur on the sensor pad. You know that, right?”

“I know, I know.” Stanley crossed his arms across a narrow chest, leaning back into the chair, “Something’s out there.”

Crusader’s officer agreed, “Up the scanning, more sweeps per second, as much as you two can handle. Get a line on whatever that was.”

Both AIs’ replied as one, “Acknowledged.”

“If anything pops its’ head up, blow it away.”

Stanley nodded, “And if that doesn’t work, we’ve still got our little surprise.” This made a silence fall between all four intelligences.

Deep inside Mielikki was a bay that was sealed against all intrusion. Concordiat Bolo Command had ordered it so, with strict instructions to the two officers that if all else failed unload the contents of what was in there. Bolo Command was inherently suspicious of this whole mess, thus, their hidden assets.

Crusaders’ voice was soft as he broke the quiet moment, “This is how it began.”

The two machines watched as their officers tried to convince the ground commanders of what they saw. The argument was lost from the beginning as the leaders scoffed at the single frame printout, saying the inevitable ‘Flare, or a bug in the software.’

No conversation was going to be possible with such denial. The past eight months had been quiet and peaceful, the farms were almost ready to be under harvesting soon before the troops took off. The flash grown crops to be ready for shipment in the weeks following. Expansion plans were already in the pipeline, the other domes would be cleared and re-populated under the watchful eyes of Concordiat troops who would then withdraw off-planet or to garrisons located on the main continent.

The next day a geology team went missing.

Crusaders’ officer looked wan at the report, seeing in it a myriad of things which could possibly happen. They’d wargamed this, and many other scenarios, during the brain sweat sessions at night. The soldiers were apparently too busy watching the farmers to go out looking for a misplaced team, so the Bolos were told to go find them.

“We told them.” His eyes were focused as he read the report.

“You did what you could, Captain.”

“Yep.” A hand scrubbed the unhappy face, “Now we get to go find them.” He stood up, looking at the main screens and thinking for a moment.

“Fire drones and get us coverage on that sector, you and Mielikki are going to roll out together. We’re not taking chances.”

“Understood.”

“Let’s hope this is just a case of stupidity.”

But the Captain’s voice didn’t hold much hope. He’d seen the reports, watched the videos. The two Bolo officers had spoken with Mielikki and Crusader, extracting everything the two AI’s could remember about that mission.

It wasn’t pleasant, but neither were some of the missions they’d been on together.

“Move out, slowly. I want scans of everything as we go, stay on high alert.”

The command was passed on to Mielikki and her officer, “Acknowledged.”

The two war machines rolled slowly over the terrain, rolling land that provided no cover, and very little concealment as the geology team were far away from the acres being planted and becoming ready to harvest. They wanted to retest for any mineral deposits that may have value to the Concordiat.

It didn’t take long to find the base camp, along a vale of gently sloping hills, covered in a fine grass that waved gently in a slight breeze. The sound pickups on the drones and the Bolos told them nothing. No insects lived on the planet, no wildlife cropping the grass, it was eerie.

Both Bolo officers stared at the screen, seeing the tents, a flap on one snapping in the wind which was picking up. Other than that, nothing moved.

“Call for assist? Maybe some ground troops can take a closer look,” Forard was saying, “This doesn’t feel right.”

Crusader and Mielikki would have agreed, their own sensor suites were humming like finely tuned instruments, nervousness from their officers permeated their own thoughts.

“No. Let’s suit up, take a look first. We’ve got two Bolos covering us, that’s more than anyone could ask for.” He tried to make his tone light, but the seriousness crept in.

The two officers shrugged into heavy combat armor, loading everything they could think of before stepping out of the safety and comfort of their Bolos.

Crusaders’ commander looked around after disembarking from the small elevator on the underside of the huge machine, keeping behind the towering treads as he saw Forard doing the same.

“Comm check, one, two.”

“Reading you five by, Captain.”

“Keep an eye on us, will you? Don’t want to get mauled by zombies or anything.”

Mielikki gave a laugh over the net, “Zombies? Really?”

“Hey!” Forard replied, meeting Crusader’s officer out in the grassy field, powerguns at the ready in crooks of armored limbs, “Never know!”

“We will scan for...zombies...as well, Captain.” Crusaders voice was deadpan, “Though might I suggest not watching old horror movies late at night?”

The two humans stood quietly for a moment before his officer replied, “I’ll do that. This is creepy enough.” He pointed towards the tents, inflatables used by crews to quickly set up and tear down when out in the field.

A sigh, then a lifting of those same weapons as the two officers walked towards the quiet camp site. The wind made the flap smack against the tent, the only sound in the clearing was a rhythmic whack..whack.. It set the nerves on edge, the silence, nothing audible being picked up by either the Bolos or their own armor.

Their footsteps resounded through the glade, the grassy soil underneath cushioning the heavy armored boots into a soft treading that was only picked up by the two Bolos who were watching everything.

Sensors trained to the limits, every weapon was peering out of ports as secondary Hellbores and smaller weapons swiveled slightly, adjusting fire to stay away from the two men.

Reaching the first tent, Forard looked at Crusader’s officer, receiving a nod and whipping open the tent flap to peer inside while being covered.

A gasp, a hitch in breath and a stumbling backward away from the opening caught the Bolos attentions. Weapons slung around faster than the eye could see, sensors and targeting lasers flowed over the plastic covering like fireflies.

Crusaders officer raised a slow hand, “Calmly, calmly, let’s not get spooked.”

Forard took a second to compose himself, then leaned back into the opening, barrel of the heavy powergun leading the way as his helmet cams fed everything back to the on edge Bolos.

Inside the tent, a cot, some miscellaneous items strewn about, and a sleeping bag with blanket, covering a lump of almost human shape and size.

Forard held out a fist towards Crusaders’ officer, they went up and down three times, Forard losing the throw and stepped inside the tent.

The barrel of the powergun never wavered as he stepped forward, reaching for the edge of the bag and flipping it back, revealing a shapeless pile of clothing that had been left under the covers.

The sigh released by them both was audible, as the Bolos kept watch. Targeting lasers swept over the area still, gunports still open and active as weapons searched for an enemy.

“Okay, laundry day then.” He poked through the mess, seeing nothing but clothing.

“Where are they?”

The two officers searched each tent closely, finding nothing but the typical campsite mess. Pots and pans, portable showers, personal items left behind. Equipment for drilling and testing. Everything one needed for geology workups, except for the geologists. Clothes were strewn about the area, as if someone were interrupted doing laundry.

Mielikki’s voice broke the silence, “Back to our hulls, we are being observed.” Her order was not argued with as the two humans were feeling the hairs on the back of their necks prickle, cold sweat being wicked away by undersuits, they wanted to leave but had a duty to perform.

This was all forgotten as they leapt out of the last tent, heading for the massive machines without a single thought.

A portside chaingun ramped up, the screaming of the feed audible even to them as a barrage of solid slugs barreled over their heads. The two armored forms ducked slightly, splitting up to head for the waiting safety of their armored companions.

Crusader and Mielikki had seen another blur, for just a split second on a sensor feed, it gave them all the permission they needed. Guns slapped around, unloading in the direction of the unseen shape, secondary Hellbores lit up the afternoon with a thundering and pounding of the ground just beyond the campsite, blasting it into rubble as the two officers fell into the elevators, being quickly brought back into the hulls.

Kinetic battlescreens flared into life, the shimmering light flickering as the AI’s inside it went through the process of changing frequencies in case of attack. Once the officers were ensconced, they proceeded to roll backwards, firing at the last known spot where the scans had pinned the suspicious blurring of the sensor.

Everything and anything that was in the area was vaporized as the secondary Hellbores ramped up their fire, pulverizing the area around the campsite, as it was needed for any evidence, though backblast from the explosions did tumble things around.

“Cease fire!” The rumbling and thunder died away as the two officers kept a close eye on scanners, seeing nothing moving on the churned up ground.

“Did we get it?”

Mielikki’s voice was steady, “Unknown.”

“Was it the same thing?”

“We have a ninety-two point four percent match. It was the same.”

Forards’ face was pale in the camera feed as he hugged himself, “Something’s out there, something bad. Can’t you feel it in your bones?”

Crusader’s officer did, a chill that penetrated deep inside him, making his whole body shiver.

“I do. We need to report back immediately, get some more troops out here.”

Once the status report was received the armored forces rolled, carrying specialists out to the campsite. The scientists and medical people could find nothing out of the ordinary, ground samples were sterile, which was unusual. But nothing further to indicate anything inimical was discovered.

Those in charge put it down to a case of nerves, bad sensor data, faulty equipment. Whatever excuse they could come up with, except for the ones the two Bolo officers gave.

It was lost in the days that followed, swept away with the hustle and bustle of more colonists coming in.

The geology team was never found.

Athena was so engrossed in listening she didn’t hear the hoofsteps behind her until a tapping on one shoulder almost caused her to jump a meter in the air before turning around, seeing Rainbow Dash looking inquisitive.

“What’cha doing?” The cyan mare was wondering why Athena was sitting by the doorway, one ear cocked towards the opening.

The sable Pegasus shushed her friend, “I’m listening to a story.”

“Oh, cool! I love stories!” Rainbow was taking a step towards the room, stopped by a gentle hoof to the chest.

“This may not be something you want to hear.”

This got the rainbow maned pony interested, “Is it bad?”

Athena nodded slightly, “Kind of, it’s one of Crusader’s old missions. It..wasn’t good.”

“Mind if I listen anyways? She settled down next to Athena, perking her ears forward and catching the voices which came out of the room clearly and sure.

“I don’t mind, but be warned, it might not be pretty.”

“Gotcha.”

They both quieted down, leaning towards the opening where the two old soldiers spoke.

“Never found the geology team, huh?”

“No. Search parties gave up after a week. But there were further developments later.”

Wyatt nodded, leaning over to refill his glass, he gave the floor to Crusader again with a wave, “Please, continue.”

Crusader thought back to that moment. His loss of the officer’s name hurt, as did they all. He wished he could remember even a first name, but failed, all references to it deleted and destroyed. It wasn’t hard telling the story, it was just tough knowing he would never get it all back.

“We’ve got four months until they reassign us. We can’t leave this planet until we know it’s gone.” Crusader’s officer was leaning over a table towards Mielikkis’ commander, they were sharing a beer in the bunkroom of Mielikki’s hull, Crusader listening in.

Forard nodded, taking a swig of ice cold beer and setting the mug gently on the metal tabletop, “They don’t believe us. But you felt it, and it was just a passing swipe.”

The other officer stopped at that, straightening in his chair, his brow furrowed as he thought for a moment, “It hates us. God, you could almost feel it. Like it just hated life itself.”

“We’ve got to destroy it. Or find a way to get rid of it.” Mielikki’s officer was staring into his mug, “This thing is going to wreak havoc, I can feel it.”

“Crusader, how many colonists so far?”

“One hundred and twenty thousand, four hundred and fifty five with the last incoming colonist transport that just left. The outer domes from the central one are now being populated, the overflow is scheduled to go into the next set of cleared areas in one week. That would be the transshipment, living areas and domes fifty miles to the north.”

“We’ve got to stop this, somehow, tell them it’s not..” An alarm hooted softly, Mielikki’s voice coming over the speakers.

“I have one subject inside my security perimeter. She is..” The voice turned humorous, “She is attempting...no.. now she is, knocking on a tread.” A screen lit up, showing a very small child standing next to the treads of Mielikki’s hull, one plate of which overtopped her easily. She was rapping a small fist on the durasteel and calling out.

Her clothing pinned her as a farmer’s child, the tough duraweave overalls looking a little big on her as a braid of hair hung down her back. She couldn’t have been more than seven or eight years old.

“Mister Bolo! Mister Bolo!”

Stanley looked at the other officer, “What the hell?”

“Shall I tell her to leave?” Mielikki’s voice was not even close to sounding serious. Just the sight of the slight figure rapping on a track plate to get the big machines’ attention, was somewhat humorous. Stepping inside the invisible security perimeter had triggered alarms and sensors, guns that had snapped around slowly and quietly withdrew back into gun ports.

“How did she get so close?”

Mielikki sounded abashed, “I’m afraid I was adjusting the perimeter frequencies in case of attack, this took most of the close-in sensors offline.” They were in a defensive stance, and had no reason to expect anything close to an attack. Being inside the ring of troops and armor, they had been working hard at gaming the problem they faced.

Stanley threw his hands in the air, “That’s done it. We’ve been outfoxed by a kid. A few billion in Concordiat money and a child walks up to knock on her track. We’ll be the butt of jokes forever!” The overly dramatic gesture had Crusaders’ officer laughing.

“I won’t tell, promise.”

“Let’s go see what she wants, huh?” Stanley was chuckling, “Mielikki, no more kids knocking on your hull.” He wagged an admonishing finger at a camera lens.

“Understood. I shall destroy them before they get too close.”

“Mielikki!” The look on her officers face made even Crusader chuckle as the two men made their way outside, seeing the little girl waiting patiently after being told by a nice voice that someone was coming to meet her.

Big brown eyes looked up at them as they stepped off the small elevator on the underside of the Bolo, meeting her out by the tread with smiles.

“Hi there, Miss...?”

“Dara! My name’s Dara Fieldham!” She smiled at the two battle dressed officers.

“Miss Fieldham.” Both of them bowed respectfully with tilted heads, “What can we do for you?”

“My brother said that Bolos can do anything! So I came to you!”

Stanley glanced at Crusaders’ officer with a twinkle in his eye, “Well, they can do a lot, but not everything. Why would you need a Bolo?”

The little girl scuffed a foot in the loamy soil, looking at the ground for a moment before confessing, “I..lost my stuffed dog. Well.. not really.. My sister took it and ran off and I really want it back.” Those big eyes turned up towards the two Bolo officers once more, “Can you help me?”

“Well," Crusaders’ officer kneeled down eye to eye with the determined little girl, “If she’s in the dome, I think the local police or a soldier could help you better.”

“No, she took off that way!” A finger pointed to the east, beyond the outer perimeter. The fields were tall with flash grown genegineered corn that waved in a slight breeze. Looking at it, it was quite a walk, at least a mile or two away.

Stanley winked at the child, getting a bright smile in return, “I think we can spot one person in a cornfield.” He tapped the commlink on his ear, “Mielikki?”

“Yes?”

“Can we fire up scanning to the sector east of the perimeter? Looking for one child.”

“And my doggy!”

He chuckled, “And one very much loved stuffed dog, if you please, ma’am.”

“Understood, scanners to sector east, one moment.”

“Are you talking to the Bolo?” Dara was interested.

“Yes. Her name is Mielikki, and she’s the best Bolo around.”

The braid bobbed as the little girl nodded enthusiastically, “She’s nice! She talked to me while I waited.”

Stanley agreed, “She is at that. She likes talking to people.”

His commlink clicked back on, “I have one lifesign, small enough for a child of the same age, stationary, ranging is fifteen hundred thirty meters from our position." Mielikki’s voice took on some urgency, “There is another approaching, it is the same as the sensor anomaly!”

Crusader’s officer went pale, listening in, as Forard did the same. Turning to a nearby patrol vehicle whose soldiers were watching the conversation with humorous looks he made a quick decision. Handing Dara off to a soldier standing near with orders to take care of her, they both ran towards the vehicle.

“Give us a lift, NOW!” They both hopped into the armored runabout, the corporal at the wheel steered it at the Bolo’s command coming through the link in the wheeled machine. The engine roared as the two Bolo officers urged them to greater speeds, the troops inside told to be weapons ready.

“Fourteen hundred twenty three meters to the east, no deviation. The anomaly is closing in.”

“Pinpoint fire Mielikki, Crusader, now!”

“We cannot, the anomaly is behind, in direct line of sight with the child lifesign, we cannot give direct fire.”

“Dammit.. Go faster, go faster!” Crusader’s officer slapped the shoulder of the armored corporal, who was getting a feeling of dread already. The other soldiers were still wondering what was going on. The vehicle was at max speed, closing in quickly.

Forard yelled to them over the howling of the engine, “One child, in the field. Got a threat incoming, unknown, whatever is not human, kill it!”

Now they knew, racking charging handles on their powerguns, grimly nodding. Veterans all, they’d been on campaigns in the past, ready to deal out damage.

“Sensors are not giving accurate readings, we do not know if it is spoofing us, we are getting conflicting input. Best to hurry Captain, it is closing in on the child.”

The big military vehicle slashed through the gene-corn. Tailor made it had gained height in a matter of time considerably less than normal grown. The front guard of the wheeled conveyance ripped it up by the roots and tossed it aside as the corporal driving wanted to get to the child in danger just as much as the two Bolo officers did.

Seconds, seconds away. Ground effect vehicles moved swiftly, powered by power cells instead of liquid fuels, they ramped up considerably faster than old internal combustion engines.

“Five hundred meters, two degrees left. The anomaly is closing.”

Clattering sounds came from behind them as the two Bolos attempted to dissuade whatever it was closing in on the unknowing child. A hail of ring-penetrator shells from their small arms flew over the vehicle, aimed just so by unerring accuracy and sensors on the war machines, the slugs chopped the crops like scythes around the area.

Even through the wind whipping through the open topped vehicle, the shells passed close enough they could all hear the whicker of sound as they whizzed by. The soldier in the back manning the mounted weapon stood shocked before ducking slightly and cursing, hearing the shells pass by.

Forard turned and grinned, “Don’t worry, if they wanted to hit you, you’d never know it!” He laughed at the shocked expression.

“Two hundred meters, dead on. The anomaly is there!” Mielikki’s voice was showing her anger at not being able to strike at an enemy so close.

Crusader’s officer pounded the dashboard, “No! Nonono!”

“You are there!”

The corporal slammed on the brakes as the mounted gun soldier took up a firing stance. The silence falling, they could hear a sound coming through the tall corn, making them pile out and break through the last few meters between them and the child.

After the first few steps, they knew what the sound was.

Screaming.

The soldiers burst through the last few rows of corn, hearing the tortured sounds stop just a moment before they broke into the next row. Grim-faced above raised powerguns, they swept the area as they moved in to where the girl was as they came closer, the sounds forever ringing in their ears as once more silence fell above the breeze caressed vegetation.

Only the sound of crunching from boots came to their ears as they stepped forward, seeing nothing but getting a communication from the Bolos that they were on top of her, or should be.

“Spread out, stay in pairs, do not get separated!” Crusaders’ officer was about to say something more when he heard a squeak from under his foot, looking down to see a plush doggy, like those treasured by millions of Concordiat children, lying next to what looked like a pair of empty coveralls.

Forard came up next to him, eyes searching the surrounding corn, “What?” Glancing towards his friend, he looked down to where the stuffed dog lay.

“Oh no...”

One of the soldiers inhaled sharply, tapping them both on the shoulders as the others looked around them.

“Sir..look..look..”

In an area spreading rapidly from the centerpoint of where they were grouped, the corn was dying in front of their eyes as if the life had been sucked out of it. The green, healthy vegetation was turning black and withering quickly as it moved away from the soldiers who stood shocked.

“Oh my god.”

“It’s learned to kill us more efficiently.” Crusader’s officer was leaning over the small table inside the bunkroom, empty containers sat piled in a corner where they’d been thrown as he and Forard tried to erase the days memories. Taking a long pull at a fresh can of beer, he wiped his mouth and sighed.

It wasn’t working.

Coming back from a heated meeting with Regular Army and civilian leaders, the decision had been made to prevent anymore colonists from coming until the problem was solved.

Solved?

How in all the known hells were they to kill something that struck so fast and left nothing behind to identify it with?

Even the two Bolo’s were having a hard time with the sensor readouts. Nothing made sense, nothing patterned, nothing at all was coming through to the logical minds to plan a strategy or attack.

They were stumped.

When two battle-hardened AI’s tell you that something does not give off any visible or non-visible radiation, lifesigns, anything that could give them a start to beating it. Then you had a problem.

It wasn’t just that, but the forensics and specialist team that had examined the area gave them the worse news, the information that had started this round of heavy drinking.

Dara’s sister wasn’t gone, she was the dust that had layered the coveralls that Crusader’s officer had found. Everything about her that was alive, vibrant and vital, was dead. Stolen away by something that cared not about whether an adult or child. It killed. Leaving remains that looked to be eons old.

They had gone over the pictures of the geology encampment, seeing again the clothes that had been strewn about the site, and matching them with summations. That was where they had fallen. So now they knew what had happened to the geology experts. The experts hadn’t looked as close as they did with the latest death.

The two Bolo’s simmered with barely concealed anger along with their officers, wanting to strike back at whatever this was. Find where it lived and utterly destroy it with nuclear fire until the ground itself melted and burned.

“Why do you think that?” Forard was looking a bit blearily at him from across the table.

“This time it’s leaving nothing. It’s taking everything from its victims. Even the big brain types are boggled about it.” He crushed the plastic container in his hand and threw it at the wall, “They can’t even figure out how it was done.”

“Even the Bolo’s are pissed, can’t you tell?”

Forard looked up at one of the many security cameras, “Mielikki?” That true?”

A second of silence before her voice came through, “We are not..content..about this.” He got the feeling if she had teeth to grind and a jaw to clench, they’d be doing both, loudly.

Crusader’s joined in a moment later, “This may be a fight we cannot win.”

Crusader’s officer nodded to himself, as well as the company in the room, “I think so. We’ve got to convince them they need to call back those latest transports and get everyone out.”

“The colony ships,” Mielikki was sounding less angry by the second, “Would be packed very tight, but they would survive the trip to the nearest inhabited system.”

Forard sat for a moment, cradling his container before drinking from it, “We need to kick this up to Command, this is so far beyond us.”

Crusader’s officer thought for long, long moments, then slapped a hand on the table, “Crusader, fire up the Hyper-Light, get us in contact with Bolo Command, we need to speak to them, file Urgent, Alpha One Priority.”

“Acknowledged. Transmitting now.”

A screen crackled to life, static, then the insignia of Bolo Command came onscreen before a face resolved itself. Major General Nash appeared onscreen, shocking them both as they expected a subordinate or aide to answer.

The square jawed face and steely eyes took in the situation, seeing through cameras the pile of empties lying in the corner and the looks on his two officers faces.

Before they could apologize, he raised one hand, “Don’t worry, gentlemen. If you’d seen some of the meetings around here you’d be surprised at how much alcohol has been consumed in the last few weeks. We’ve read your reports.” The gruff voice they’d come to know was a little softer now, the eyes a bit less hard. He understood. “I was about to call you myself, serendipity.”

“General, we’ve tried to come up with something, we’re at a loss.”

The figure on the screen gave a single nod, “You’re not the only ones. We’ve had research AI’s looking at it and they seem to get confused when trying to make sense out of the sensor data. You’ve got us all worked up around here. Anything new?”

Forard was shaking his head, “Nothing. We got Colonial to turn back the latest transports, so we’ve blocked colonization for now. The pressure is on from other parties, they want these domes opened and working badly.” He sighed heavily, “Sir, we’ve managed to make adjustments to our battlescreens that may, repeat, may..keep it out. But other than that, we were hoping you’d come up with something.”

Nash looked at another screen off to the side, “I see that. Good work. Even the best brains around here will probably figure that’s the best we can do.”

He leaned forward, peering hard into the video pickup, “Gentlemen, I am authorizing you to do whatever you need to. Up to, and including, the use of nuclear weaponry to stop this thing.” The stern face kept a grimace on it, knowing the intricacies of politics and being thoroughly disgusted, “As for now, the pressure is off, trust me.”

Eyes widened as they knew what was coming next.

“That thing must never get off that planet, do you understand me?”

A printer rattled softly in the room, a series of orders was quickly printed on plas sheets and dropped into a file.

“There are your orders. If Regular Army cannot, or will not, contain the problem, you are hereby authorized to do so at your discretion. All in writing and confirmed by the Concordiat Council.”

Crusader’s officer blinked, “Wait, didn’t they..”

Nash signed in the negative, “No. This was political maneuvering that went around the Council and the President. While we had to follow the commands of superiors, the President investigated where this all came from. There are a few senators and corporation heads that will find their freedoms severely curtailed for the rest of their lives.”

The most important question was asked by Forard.

“Are we getting evac?”

The general nodded again, “Colony transports are on the way as well as troop carriers. We’ve pulled them from the Melconian front in an emergency measure. You have to hold for thirty days. Can you do so?”

“We can try, General.” Crusader’s officer sighed, “This thing has learned to kill us even better than before.”

“If all else fails, or you think it’s time, unseal Bay Two.”

“General?”

The craggy face looked like a wall of durasteel, “You do your best to save and preserve all those lives. But once you unseal Bay Two, you will, and must, never acknowledge nor talk of what you see, or find out.”

“Understood, sir.”

“Good. I’ll see you both in thirty days. Good luck gentlemen.” He was reaching to sign off when Forard commented.

“Wait..what?”

The General actually smiled at them, the first time either of them ever remembered him doing so, “Someone’s got to be in charge of this foul-up, so why not me?” The smile was gone as quickly as it came, “Stay wary. We’ll be there as fast as we can. Nash out.”

The screen went blank as they reached for the printed sheets, seeing on them everything in detail. Up to the destruction of the domes themselves if it were necessary.

Forard gaped at the collection of writing, “Good god, they’ve authorized us to basically slag the planet if we needed to.”

“I take it that was very unexpected?” Wyatt was leaning on the table with his elbows, looking across it at the rock solid avatar.

“Very.” Crusader agreed with a slight tilt of his head, “Once the obstructing concerns were cleared, Bolo and Concordiat Command went into action, turning colony transports around, getting a task force to evacuate everyone off the planet. It was no mean feat.”

The humans brown eyes looked steadily at deep blue ones, “What was in Bay Two?”

No hesitation, “Weapons. Of a sort we never expected.”

Wyatt didn’t pry, it would come out, but at Crusader’s pace. This was a story he’d never heard, in the scuttlebutt and rumor mills of the soldiery, nothing like this had ever reared its head even in myth and legend.

Taking a long drink, he nodded, “Please, continue.”

“What are you two doing?” Rainbow and Athena turned to see Twilight and Fluttershy standing there, the two engrossed in the story and not paying attention to anything else. The lavender Alicorn was looking a bit put out, seeing them hiding and cocking ears towards the open doorway.

Rainbow flipped a hoof to her muzzle, “Shhh..we’re listening to a story.”

Fluttershy smiled, “Oh, a story. What kind?” Her wings rustled as she settled in beside Rainbow.

The cyan mare gave a slight shiver, “You might not want to hear it, Flutters, kinda spooky.”

This caught Twilight’s attention, settling in next to Rainbow and Athena, “Spooky? How spooky?”

The sable pegasus could only give her a knowing look, “Very.”

Now that the pressure from certain sources was off, the Army command group was more than willing to listen to the two officers. Though some still scoffed at the ‘unknown’, they did watch what scant evidence they had from sensor logs and reread the forensics reports.

Even though it wouldn’t hold up in a court, each and every person that saw and read felt a cold chill run down their spines. A plan was implemented and swiftly put into action, it was all they could do.

“Okay,” Crusader’s officer leaned back in the command couch, propping boots up on the console, “We’ve got a perimeter sensor net out to one mile, you’ve been upgrading the software right?”

“Yes,” The Bolo AI replied mildly, “Though the sensors themselves are not up to our own specs, they will serve as early warning. It will allow us to at least see which direction it may be coming from.”

“We hope.”

“Yes. We hope.”

“Good.” A file slapped the console, leaving the officers hands to tap upon the bare metal, “Is there anything we can do for the domes?”

“I am afraid not. However they do possess generators for removing static discharge from the domes during storms, we cannot build any type of battlescreen or disruption field without machining new parts.”

“Can we reverse it and put a static charge into the dome? Maybe make it repellant?”

Mielikki’s voice came over the commlink, “We can. Crusader and I have seen to it that implementation can be carried out at your command. The engineers have been notified of the possible change.”

A smile broke out on the humans’ face, Bolos are always one to ten steps ahead, “See to it, pass along my orders and compliments to the Engineering Team, please.”

“Acknowledged.”

“Crusader, please bring up a drone view of the domes and perimeter defenses.”

A large screen lit up, showing the placement of forces around the cluster of domes. A central dome was smack in the middle of the screen, smaller ones outlying it in a ring were for support machinery and harvesters as well as storage and silage. Connecting travel ways were covered and shielded for fast movement. Around this, the Concordiat forces were deployed in a heavily aggressive stance. Armor and weapons emplacements were on immediate standby, all troops rotated in an eight on, eight off watch. Everything could go hot at a moments’ notice, triggered by a hit on perimeter scans or the Bolos themselves.

Harvesting or even planting was suspended. All colonists told they would be evacuating the planet. The Concordiat officers did not hold back, they told the truth about the unknown killer. The civilian leadership had scoffed until they noticed that everything the landing group had was pointed outward in a bristling ring of durasteel and weapons.

Soldiers were told that if they saw anything out of the ordinary, even if they doubted it themselves, it was to be reported immediately. The area in which any anomaly was reported would then be taken under as heavy a concentration of fire as could be mustered.

It wasn’t much, compared to how swiftly this thing moved and murdered, but maybe, just maybe, it would be enough to hold it off until evacuation.

The officers’ eyes swept over to the clock they’d set for the countdown, now that time had passed, it seemed to move very slowly.

Twenty-seven days, twelve hours, forty-two minutes.

An eternity.

The deep throated roar of a Hellbore brought Crusaders’ officer out of a sound sleep. Staying in one of the troop tents, they could monitor things alongside the regular command. He sat up on the cot, swinging his legs over and rising swiftly, stumbling to the doorway and flinging back the flap, Forard bumping into him as he knuckled sleep from his eyes.

“Crusader?” He had opened the comlink in his ear with a tap.

“Anomaly spotted on west perimeter, sector two, armored forces are directing suppressive fire now.”

As if in answer to the conversation, the bellowing of more Hellbores ripped the night, alarms clanged out their alerts as troops stumbled out of tents to stand to, grabbing their armor and weapons, putting them on as they raced to the fortifications.

“You guys spot anything?” Meaning the two Bolos.

“Negative. Scanners were showing clear.”

The two officers ran to the perimeter, tugging on jackets in the cold night air. The flat plains perfect for the chilly wind which whipped through the tall corn and wheat surrounding them.

After a few barrages, the firing died out with calls for troops to stand and await further orders.

They arrived in time to see one of the commanding officers talking to a young soldier who was plainly worried his career was over.

“Y..ye..yes, sir!”

“Son,” The older Armored officer was talking very gently, “Stop worrying. What were your standing orders?”

“Any anomaly, any! Were to be reported and the area in which it was seen to be fired upon immediately! S..S..Sir!”

“And did you do that?” The Colonel was as broad as a tank, and just as tough it looked like. Tumbled out of his sleep by the reports of enemy action, he obviously was not a parade trooper, looking wrinkled in his battlefield uniform and a sidearm on his hip.

“Yes, sir!”

“Then stop worrying so much,” A calloused hand slapped the trembling shoulder, “You done good.”

“Then why can’t I stop shaking, sir?”

Forard turned pale, glancing over at Crusaders’ officer who was doing exactly the same. The commanding officer turned to see them both looking like ghosts.

Their eyes took in the section of fortification, seeing soldiers who could barely hold onto their weapons, hands were trembling so badly that a few were dropped and picked up immediately again.

The officer stepped close to them, his voice low, “What’s going on?”

Forard looked at him wanly, “It was here, Colonel.”

“The thing?”

“Yes.”

“How can you tell?”

Forard pointed to the troops, what the Colonel had taken as patrol jitters now took on a whole new meaning when he saw some who could barely keep themselves upright, helped to stand by their battle buddies and leaned against the wall so they could stay in place.

“Good god,” His steely gray eyes, veterans of a hundred battlefields turned on them like lasers, “This is what it does?” He had not been privy to the high-level meetings held with the two Bolo officers, though he had seen the aftermath videos.

“Worse, Colonel. Much, much worse.” They stepped back, talking in low tones that couldn’t be overheard, reporting that the Bolos had seen nothing. Informing him of the information he needed to piece things together. Only one very observant soldier who had spotted something out of the corner of his eye and directed fire immediately towards the area had probably saved their lives.

A hand ran through the short-cropped hair, “That means it can fox the sensors on a Bolo. I’ll post lookouts, appears we’ll need them.”

“We’ll get to adjusting the scanners, Colonel. It’s getting smarter, either that or it’s adapting. We don’t know.”

“Do that, and keep me in the loop.” He tapped his own commlink, calling for aid in his sector.

“Yes, sir.”

They both watched as he walked towards, not away from his troops. Medical techs arrived to provide sedation for the worst cases, being replaced by fresh troops just out of their cots for the alert. The mild cases were given time to rest, clear themselves and report back for duty, it was all they could do. The hulking officer was right there, every step, seeing that each of his soldiers got the care they needed.

Forard and Crusaders officer held a swift conference with the two Bolos while they sat having a quick meal since they were already up.

“It was our failure, we did not pick up on it even afterwards. It is somehow getting around our scans.”

Crusaders officer shook his head, “No, this thing is learning. It’s learning to get around your sensors. Up the sweeps, to as many as you can handle per second, let nothing move without you knowing it.”

Forard chewed thoughtfully for a moment, swallowing a helping of reconstituted eggs, “We’re sorry, we can’t put you on standby to allow you to rest, the next few weeks are going to be rough.”

“Is that not what we do?” Mielikki’s voice was almost merry, “Do not apologize, we will adjust and compensate.”

“As you wish, lady fair.” Forard went back to his breakfast, even though it was the middle of the night. Crusaders officer looking at him speculatively for a long second, knowing what that last sentence meant, OIS. It was none of his business as long as the work went on without a hitch.

They were all in the Regiment for some reason, perhaps this was Forard’s, who knew? It was a sort of unwritten rule, you don’t talk about why you were in the Regiment. Ever.

Crusaders officer had an idea, “Crusader, you emit certain frequencies in the EM spectrum when scanning, correct?” He knew the answer, just wanted confirmation.

“Correct. We use certain wavelengths along the millimeter range and up, even further down to the nanometer scale for discernment.”

The look on the lanky human’s face was sly, “What if it’s picking up on the frequencies you’re using? Could running a broad spectrum, changing them fast while scanning, give it something to worry about?”

“If it 'sees’ in a certain range, we would definitely give it pause. Ending up with scanning frequencies that it cannot detect.”

“Implement it ASAP, let’s get to rotating everything on staggered or random schedules.”

“Acknowledged.”

The two officers sat quietly in the moments before dawn, finishing their meal and looking past the sentries, the wall, and ring of armor and weapons that surrounded the two Bolos who were scanning intently outward and upward. In hastily arranged towers, lifted above the walls’ edge, sentries scanned the land with high-powered glasses and goggles that enhanced their view.

Both of them thinking the same thing.

If they could only survive until evac.

Evening of the next day found the armed camp a little calmer, soldiers joking or taking a few minutes to light a nic-stic, or have a quick meal.

The Colonel from the Armored contingent had a habit of smoking very large, very smelly cigars. He had been banned from most soldiers tents for that reason. Politely, of course. The Bolos wouldn’t let him near their command centers, nor inside their hulls after the first tour. The Colonel took it all in stride, a sly smile that never left his face as troopers suddenly found things to do when he invaded their living areas.

The broad figure stomped around the perimeter during the day, chewing on the fragrant cylinders of weed and waving it around when talking animatedly.

Crusaders officer laughed to himself, knowing the Colonel did it on purpose. Nic-stics were very light on the nose, non-addictive and popular. These were hand-rolled monstrosities that the Colonel had told him were made just for him on his home planet. As a side effect, they also prevented him from being called into boring meetings he wanted to avoid, giving the Bolo officer a broad wink when asked if it interfered with his duties.

He watched the Colonel among his troops, leaning into hatches on tanks and yelling obscenities to get someone’s attention, or looking like a bulldog when some soldier was doing something that wasn’t quite what he wanted.

When the command group needed someone to deal with the civilian leadership, they sent the Colonel. Complaints and protestations fell on deaf ears with him. The soldiers of his armored contingent just hid their smiles when seeing their Colonel standing there puffing great amounts of foul-smelling smoke into the air while the civilians coughed and choked, trying to complain about being cooped up in the dome, or this and that.

It was a source of great amusement for the troops, and the Bolos as well.

The two Bolo officers had been watching the latest round of ‘discussions’ with some civilians, ending up with the cigar between two fingers that jabbed into one’s shoulder when one leader complained of ‘military encroachment upon their rights’.

Said person was told in no uncertain terms, he was very much free to go beyond the perimeter and take a long walk outside the dome. Of course don’t expect us to come get you if something happens, since we wouldn’t wish to be encroaching upon your rights.

Everyone had heard of the unknown out there, what it did. The leadership had been told, shown the videos, explained in the smallest detail.

Watching that man turn ghostly white made half the perimeter laugh.

“He really should not be smoking those things, they are very noxious.” Mielikki’s voice was sounding a little disgusted.

Forard laughed, “Your filtration can handle nerve gasses, what are you complaining about?”

“It took two hours to completely rid the command deck of that odor, Stanley.”

“You can’t smell!”

“That does not prevent me from analyzing the contents, extrapolating what it could, and most likely does, smell like.”

He threw his hands up as they walked along the perimeter, “I’ll get some deodorizer, promise.”

The Bolos had never come out of Battle Reflex now, their combat senses heightened and wary as they were tapped into the local command net. Whenever a soldier saw, thought he saw, or maybe saw, something and reported it, direct fire from the Bolos immediately took place. The area beyond the perimeter was looking distinctly like a war zone.

They stopped and stepped up on the firing platform that encircled the prefab walls, it allowed them to peer over the heavy wire-caged blocks that would normally have kept the enemy out. The ground beyond was churned and turned over, the crops long gone after the first few rounds of ‘I see something.’

It couldn’t be helped, they had nothing but their wits, some observant troopers, and the Bolos to try and keep this thing away. If it got into the perimeter it would play merry hell.

If it got into the domes, the slaughter would be incalculable.

Currently, there was a path made for the two Bolos that allowed them to slowly patrol in a circle around the domes. Between the perimeter and the sheltered areas, the big machines made their way along a now-beaten path. This allowed them to cover a broader area than sitting and scanning.

It was also heartening to hear the slow creaking of the massive treads as they circled around, the muzzles of secondary Hellbores and smaller weapons swiveling to and fro, looking for that smudge on a scanner or a blip on their screens to unleash a torrent of fire that had soldiers hanging on for their lives when the shockwaves reached the walls.

Of course this lent itself to soldiers developing a new game. When the Bolo passed by, they’d toss items high into the air, testing the big AI’s marksmanship. Currently the score stood at Bolos - One Hundred Thirty-Eight, Misses - Zero. The betting pool was getting quite large as to when the Bolos would miss.

Crusader’s officer watched some wag toss a large rock high over the perimeter wall, a chaingun ramped up and pulverized it before it got very far.

Tapping his commlink, he kept his voice low, “So, never going to miss , huh?”

“Mielikki and I are planning to ‘miss’ on the one hundredth forty second attempt. That is when we extrapolate the betting pool will be large enough to make it worthwhile.”

“Rigging the game? That’s not quite fair now, is it?” He was watching Stanleys’ shoulders shaking in quiet laughter.

“Besides, it would take away the mystique about Bolos. Invincible, and all that stuff and nonsense.”

“We will make the appropriate excuses. It will keep the myths and legends alive, I am sure.”

“Good enough. I should have bet, dangit.”

“That would hardly be fair now, wouldn’t it, Captain?” Mielikki’s voice was chiding and merry over the link.

“Oh, two cheating Bolos calling me out on it? For shame!”

Their little tete-a-tete was interrupted by the bellowing of a voice, turning to see the big Colonel pointing over the perimeter.

Guns snapped around, howitzers and secondary Hellbores firing as quick as they could, before the yelling from the Colonel died down. The ground where he pointed was blasted and vitrified by the hellish energies coming from even the smallest of Hellbore cannon on the two Bolos who just happened to be in position to fire jointly.

For thirty long, long seconds, nothing existed to anyone on that side of the perimeter except noise. Noise from the great weapons of machines designed and bred for war. Soldiers ducked behind the emplacements, covering their heads with arms that barely withstood the wind from the limited nuclear fire.

The ground rippled with explosions, the Hundred and Twenty Millimeter cannon joining in, direct fire with high explosives in a true path that detonated directly on target. Churning the ground as the shells pounded across the once fertile fields.

Humans were reminded of how frail, how simply in the way, they were as the two Bolos slammed the acres of ground beyond the wall line. Dirt came raining down on huddled men and women, great clumps of loamy soil blasted out of the terrain to patter down upon the fortifications as the firing ceased. The pitter of pebbles remaining to fall out of the sky for a few seconds more as silence began to encroach upon that section of the perimeter.

The Colonel, however, was standing up right in the middle of it, eyeing the no-mans land with a practiced glance, seeing nothing moving, nor creeping out of the corner of his vision.

He got his troops back up, coming to stand over near the two officers.

“Just a blur, something..odd at the corner of my eye.”

Forard nodded, “That’s it, Colonel. Even the Bolos can’t see it fully, we don’t know if it’s a remnant of it moving, or the thing itself.”

Crusader’s officer added a few things, “When the original team landed, even the Delta Operators couldn’t see anything. We’ve advanced since then, but maybe..I dunno, maybe we’re more wiser to it this time.”

The cigar rolled around between clenched teeth, “Or maybe we’re just getting ourselves worked up and it’s just laughing its ass off at us.”

The big officer looked at the other two, “It’s toying with us.” He said it in no uncertain terms, as if he knew what kind of enemy they were facing.

As if prophecy was spoken, a soldier on the wall began to tremble, shaking so hard he dropped his weapon before turning to look at his buddies.

Then the screaming began. A high pitched wail that came from the depths of a tortured soul issued from the mouth that stretched almost to its limit as the soldier writhed in fear and pain. The vocal cords reached their upper limit as it went on and on, the other soldiers backing away as fast as they could.

Forard reached out, grabbing the Colonel before he could take a step, “No!”

Crusaders’ officer tapped his link, they’d discussed this over and over in planning sessions, the words spilled out quickly.

“Crusader, Plan Five. Authorization, Lima Four.”

“Acknowledged.”

A targeting dot flicked out, centering on the hapless soldier whose fists clenched so hard they drew blood from the palms, his body shaking so violently he could barely stand. But the screams, the screams never stopped.

The red dot was followed by a pulse from one of the anti-air lasers on Crusader’s side. meant to stop incoming volleys of enemy fire, the mega-joule weapon seared eyes and scorched the air as it hit right on target.

The luckless soldier was crisped instantly, burned to cinders in a millisecond flash of light so bright that it took seconds for others to begin to see again. Seeing nothing but a blackened pile on the ground below the firing step, eyes turned to see Crusader’s officer looking grim, watching each of them warily as the Colonel gaped at him.

“What have you done?”

“My job, Colonel. We cannot let this thing off the planet. Now we know it can get to us regardless of firepower.” He turned hard eyes toward the big officer, “It spreads, from person to person, once it starts, it doesn’t stop. You’ve seen the logs.”

“We need to pull back. Now. Charge the domes, get the static shield going.”

Steel gray eyes stared back at him, “Are you sure about this?”

“Absolutely. We just pounded an area and it got in. Set up barricades, whatever, take what you need into the domes and get that static shield up. It’s all we can do.”

Before the Colonel could nod, more screams started, a group of soldiers near the unlucky one toppled over, reaching for the sky with clawed hands as their bodies violently shook. Targeting dots centered on them in an instant, before the slash and sizzle of anti-air lasers whipped through the atmosphere.

“Go, Colonel!”

The sounds of tortured voices was abruptly cut off as the officer bellowed for his troops to fall back. Tanks, men and material made an orderly retreat, weapons blazing at the space where their comrades had fallen, keeping up a withering fire as they pulled back towards the domes. This had been planned for, gamed, thought about. Each and every soldier knew what to do and did so.

The Bolo officers ran for their war hulls, wanting to get inside quickly and direct a more in-depth defense if they could.

Soldiers started dying before their eyes.

Guns dropped, bodies trembling before arching back and screaming wordlessly into the sky. Eyes bulged with fear and terror. Hands that couldn’t grip anything clenched into fists, or reached outward and upward for something, anything to take away the tremendous pain and inner horror they must have felt.

As if almost in sadness, the two Bolos’ Anti-Air lasers were directed downward, slashing out in an attempt to stop the pain the only way they could.

Crusaders’ officer heard the cries, the pure fright and dread in each sound coming from those racked bodies. He wiped his eyes so he could see the elevator into the hull, dropping inside and trying to get composed as he issued orders.

“Battlescreens up! Start rotating frequencies!”

“Acknowledged.”

He collapsed into the command chair, watching the retreat through cameras as the screens flickered to life, snapping on in an instant of brightness, settling down to waves of particles shimmering over each hull. The AI’s deep inside the durasteel hulls were now running a program to switch shield frequencies as fast as they could, hopefully to confuse, and better yet keep out, the invader.

Crusaders officer made the hard call, remembering his orders, also remembering all the lives at stake.

“Waste it. Cover the retreat and burn everything.”

The two Bolos acknowledged the order. All guns turned outward, nuclear fire and conventional munitions rained and raged on the perimeter as every inch was covered with explosions. Soil turned to glass under the bores of Secondary Hellbores. mortars and howitzers thumped and slammed into the cooling soil, shattering it into a million tiny shards and then pounding it to dust.

The soldiers, with everything they could grab, kept up the retreat into the access-ways, shutting the doors on the two machines who were now using everything at their disposal, sans their main guns, to turn the perimeter around the domes into a no-mans land of destruction.

The two officers could only watch as the might of the great machines was brought to bear, clearing an exclusion area out to two miles from the domes. The central dome, and outlying ones connected to it by transitways were now isolated in the middle of a kill zone. Anything that moved, that was thought to move, anything that might be a blur or a smudge, was to be destroyed.

Wyatt looked at the avatar for a long, long moment, taking another drink as he found himself quite dry.

“You didn’t like those orders.”

“I did not.” The umber face turned..sad? The eyes drifting to the side.

“It spread, from soldier to soldier, there was nothing else to do but cut the chain.” Wyatt was trying to see the reasoning behind it all. He knew, sometimes, that sacrifices were made against an enemy. It was still a tough decision.

“We did not even know if it worked. All we had were assumptions that were proving wrong at every turn.”

The blue eyes snapped upwards, meeting Wyatt’s own, “We were made to protect humankind, not execute them.”

Wyatt leaned forward, never breaking eye contact, “Would you have preferred they all died in some horrible manner?”

“....No...”

“Then imagine what would have happened if it was one of the Core Worlds, with billions of inhabitants.”

Crusader was silent, motionless as well before a slight nod, “We could, we did, imagine it. If somehow that thing were released from the planet, or found a way off, it would decimate the entire Concordiat without pause. We still did not know what it was or why it existed. It was the enemy.” A hoof raised itself, then gently sat back down upon the carpeting once more, a moment of pique that was almost completed, “It was to be destroyed, ending the threat, and we could do nothing.”

Wyatt tried to understand, “You felt helpless, didn’t you? All your power, all the weapons, and you couldn’t stop it.”

“Yes.”

Athena tried to lean inward, hearing the voices go a bit lower and bringing her own hearing up to where she could eavesdrop more fully.

Wyatt couldn’t hear the undertones. He was trying not to let it out, but something more had happened, it was showing in how Crusader spoke, his actions. She could tell by listening in on his data flow to his avatar. It was a simple thing. His words, the anger, the..the pain she heard.

A pressure against her side made her turn and look, seeing Rarity and Applejack pointed out by Twilight. A hoof shushing them as word was passed. The gentle movements and settling in as more joined the listeners.

They leaned toward the ones already there, being brought up to speed by Rainbow and the others in quick hushed tones.

Crusader’s officer watched the destruction about them with a heavy heart. His mind still replaying the orders, the commands he had given to take that life and more. It wasn’t the Bolos, it wasn’t anything but his decision. He had to live with it, but that did not make it any easier.

Once the firing ceased, he got in contact with the other officer, sitting and staring at each other for a moment over the video feed. The two Bolos silent and watchful, inside and out.

“You can’t blame yourself, man. We gamed this, we knew it could happen.” Forard was trying to keep positive.

“I know..but..I hoped I never had to. You know?”

“I do. I honestly do. What do we do now? We can’t leave the Bolos, can’t have them open any access into those domes. You got enough supplies?”

Crusaders’ officer nodded, “Enough to last a few months. Though we’ll have to keep watch on ammunition.”

Forard leaned back in his chair, steepling his hands in front of him as if praying for guidance, “The heavy weapons aren’t working anyway. It walked right on through..or..slithered.. However it moves.”

That made them both look into nearby security cameras, Crusaders’ officer speaking first.

“We’re rotating all battlescreen frequencies, right?”

Crusader took a moment to answer, “We are. All internal shielding and outer kinetic screens are doing so as we speak. The algorithm is evolving, learning to do so faster as it goes through processing cycles.”

“Good...good..” The officer stared blankly down at his screens, prompting Crusader to comment.

“There was nothing else you could have done. Whatever this entity is, it attacks very swiftly. We are the only ones who could react fast enough to cut it off at the source before it spread too far.”

Silence fell, as the Bolos and their officers watched the static charge build up on the outside of the domes. Crackling along anything protruding outward, it gave a feeling of creating a shield of lightning. One which they dearly hoped would fend whatever it was off.

“I know....” The officer finally replied, “I know... We came up with the plan..but.. I realize you weren’t happy with it either.”

“My questions about anything are not relevant.” Was that the sound of pique? The human couldn’t tell, “They were orders given and duly followed.”

The drawn face pulled a smile, looking up at the security camera and finally grinning, “I got you. A very diplomatic way of saying that it sucked.”

“I would not presume to second guess.”

“You liar.” The officer laughed, getting to his feet.

“All right, connect me with Stanley, we’ve got to unleash whatever is in Bay Two.”

The screens lit up, Forard was already prepared, taking a small tag he wore under his blouse and cracking it in half, withdrawing a code sheet as Crusaders’ officer did the same.

The other officer looked off screen for a moment, “Mielikki, witness and security stamp.”

“Acknowledged.” Her voice was proper, as all actions from this moment on would be recorded for review by Bolo Command at a later date. All such battle logs were, of course, but this was something extra. The releasing of a weapon onto the field of battle that was classified so far above their heads that you’d need a vacuum suit to even see the file name.

The codes were read out, one at a time, confirmed and checked by both Bolos using a one-time code book algorithm that would devour itself and leave no trace behind in the Bolos’ cores.

Nothing was left to chance. The code sheets were thrown into the garbage incinerators as soon as they were verified by both Bolos, along with even the broken cases and chains that had held them.

Seconds passed as the two officers continued to stare at one another, Stanley speaking first.

“Sooo...I go down to the bay?”

Crusaders’s officer shrugged, no orders had been given as to what happened next, when the quiet humming of the printers in their command decks caught their eyes.

A single sheet of flash paper was spit out, containing a simple code sequence and brief instructions. Both fo them grabbed for their individual copies, running interested gazes over them.

Stanley’s eyes went back and forth, finishing the read quickly, “Yep, go to the bay, input the sequence and stand back.”

Crusader and his commander watched as cameras followed the hustling Forard making his way to the bay. Standing outside, he carefully input the sequence of numbers and letters into a touch screen pad. The instructions warned, get it wrong even once and whatever was inside would destroy itself.

The screen flashed through an array of colors, settling on green as the hatch cracked, a hiss of air being sucked in told them it had been hermetically sealed and vacuumed of all traces of atmosphere before being sealed.

This had been done while Mielikki was in depot, her core disconnected from sensors in the bay area so whoever did the work would be unseen and unknown.

It was all very mysterious.

Forard looked up at the camera, tapping his comlink on, “Should I go in? It doesn’t say.”

Crusaders’ officer was at a loss, nothing in the instructions said anything aobut what happened next.

“I’d say..no.. But we need to find out if whatever inside is activated.” He saw Stanley’s reaction, a sour-faced look as the door stood open just a hair. He reached out, placing a palm on the heavy hatch and was about to push when Mielikki and Crusaders’ voices warned him to stop.

“We are receiving a burst transmission,” Mielikki’s voice was sounding curious, “It is coming from inside the bay area.”

Stanley pulled his hand back like a snake had bitten it, stepping back from the hatchway, “What’s it say?”

“Step back” Both Bolos echoed each other as Stanley retreated to the other side of the narrow corridor.

The quiet was broken by the rattling of something inside the bay area, a thumping, a few of them, sounding through the hull metal. Forard was watching intently as the sounds began to wind down, then cease, the hatchway opening easily on hinges as something...stepped out.

Long ago, when science was just conceiving of the possibility of robots and AI’s, a Japanese roboticist, Masahiro Mori, coined the term ‘Uncanny Valley’.

It described the psychological unease felt when seeing robots that tried to mimic many, but not all, features and behaviors of human beings.

It had fallen by the wayside centuries ago. AI’s becoming commonplace, robotic systems and even crude avatars being used now, humanity had no place for the unease, it was accepted in everyday life.

What stepped out of the bay was so far beyond anything that Stanley and Crusaders’ officer had ever dealt with, it brought back the phrase immediately.

It was tall, bipedal and angular. Shaped to move and be as agile as a human, but the planes of its face and body were definitely off. It was bulky and sharp edges where soft curves should have been drew the eye to notice the difference. It had to duck as it came through the hatchway, tall enough its head reached the ceiling of the corridor, making Stanley step back once more.

The head, was..wrong somehow. It didn’t quite catch the eye like normal human features. It captured your gaze, daring you to say something about it as the grim expression turned Stanley’s way. Eyes that were solid gray, no pupils, no sclera, nothing but one color eyed him speculatively for a moment.

There was skin, but shiny, like it was just a covering. He could see the pores on it in the actinic overhead light of the corridor. It was human...but not. So not human in anything they’d ever known or seen. Delta Operators were augmented, but it did not compare to whatever was done to these people. Someone had decided to take the process a lot further. Man and machine merged.

A transmission was being received, and piped through both Bolos to their officers. A voice, no inflection, no emotion, nothing but flat tones, came through.

“Mission?”

Forard couldn’t help himself, “What are you?”

The single color eyes regarded him for a long, nervous few seconds. One hand, attached to an arm thick around like a treetrunk, reached up and tapped the chestplate of the armor it wore over the oddly shaped body.

“Epsilon Four-One, commander of this detachment. Mission?” The voice was flat, no inflection, no emotion, nothing.

Crusaders’ officer took over, seeing Stanley gaping at the huge form. He clicked on the comm channel and spoke quickly.

“Unknown threat. Lifeform which is undetectable, and is not stopped by heavy weapons fire. Unknown capabilities. Extremely lethal.”

The solid gray eyes drifted for a moment, listening. The squarish head nodded, “Understood.” An arm reached back into the hatchway where it received a weapon almost as tall as Stanley himself, from another arm attached to a second being that stepped out of the bay area.

More..beings...filed out of the hatchway, twelve in all. They stood as titans against the slim figure of Stanley Forard. Weapons and armor were draped on their bodies as if no more than an affectation. Neither Stanley, nor Crusaders’ officer had ever seen anything like some of the hardware sitting easily on harnesses that crossed massive chests.

But the most disturbing thing, the uppermost thought in their minds, was they had been human once. Living beings recognize little things, they have a recognition that transcends logic, you just sort of feel it.

And they knew.

Once, who knows when, these men and women were volunteers in the Concordiat forces, perhaps officer trainees, maybe ex-Bolo commanders.

Now, they had been made into other...things. Something so deep and secret that even the Bolo AI’s were puzzled, trying to figure out when and where this could have been done and failing to come up with even a glimpse of the truth.

There was no trace of humanity left in them, gray eyes that took in everything with faces and bodies that gave nothing back. No twitch, no slight movement of a body settling in somewhere or leaning against a bulkhead. Nothing connected them with any part of humanity anymore.

They were weapons.

“We will be exiting by loading hatch four.” The voice was expressionless, no warmth, no inflection.

Crusaders’ officer nodded to the screen, then shook his head, forgetting for a moment and transmitting back, “Be advised, life form has breached secure containment on Bolo cores before. We’ve been...” He was interrupted by the monotone again.

“Understood.” The group turned and walked, silently for all their massive bulk, down the corridor to the exit way.

Stanley hustled back up to the command deck, not even peeking inside Bay Two, fear overwhelming curiosity. He collapsed into the chair and looked into the screen at Crusaders’ officer staring back.

“What in all the heavens..were those?”

He got the shaking of a head and a shrug, “I don’t know. I don’t want to know. Remember our orders.”

Nothing recorded or transcribed. Nothing in the scanning files or mission logs. There was to be nothing that even hinted something like this existed or had even been used on any planet.

“What do we do now?”

Crusaders’ officer shrugged again, leaning back into his chair, “We wait, see if they can’t flush the damn thing out or kill it.”

Stanley looked at his other screens, seeing the tall figures moving quickly to the exit, “If I was that thing, I’d be leaving the planet at this moment.”

Both of them watched as the bulky forms stepped through Mielikki’s exit hatch. The screens being dropped only for a split second to let them out. They moved like lightning when outside, almost flickering from place to place. Eyes that never closed scanned the perimeter, stepping softly and almost invisibly among the churned dirt and wreckage of what were once fortifications.

The weapons they carried were strangely shaped and powered, they could see heavy power cells under the curving frames. Hands like vises gripped a handle underneath and to one side as the muzzles swept before them, searching for something to kill.

“Crusader, up scanning, full perimeter sweep. Make sure our frequencies don’t mess with theirs...if they have any that is.”

The AI‘s soft voice was easily understood in the quiet command deck, “Understood. Algorithms now changing at thirty per second for battle screens.”

The officer nodded at the update, it was getting much faster, which could be a good thing. They may stumble on something that could keep it out, if it decided it wanted in.

A day passed, two, then a week. The strange figures patrolled the area around the domes, never seen for more than an instant on monitors or even the fast scanners of the Bolos. Occasionally weapons fire was heard, a deep thrumming sound that neither officer had ever heard before. The results though, from the blasted ground left behind, were quite obvious.

They would come back in, every two days, retreating to the quiet and silence of the bay which had become their meeting place. They would discuss the days patrols with the two officers and the Bolos, inviting ideas or possible courses of action.

Monotone voices, no emotions whatsoever, they were still...personable. Or as personable as one could get being what they were.

“Cyborgs? Really?” Crusaders’ officer leaned forward towards the screen where sat the commander of the team, “They broke the last wetware-hardware barrier then?”

The odd figure nodded once more. His mouth never moved, but the transmission from implanted nano-circuitry was very clear, “We are the second team. Nanites were directed to do a rebuild on certain parts as we went through the process. Of course, there is a price.”

That price being loss of themselves. Whatever made them human was gone. Snuffed out like a candle flame, there was nothing to connect them to humanity anymore, they had become something other.

A strange sound came from the speakers, Crusaders officer realized the being was amused, “Do not look that way, we did volunteer after all.”

He leaned back in the command chair, trying to put on a game face, “Sorry. Just..it’s all so odd.”

“I understand. But remember, we were never here. So what is there to be concerned about?”

A joke? Maybe they weren’t so far gone after all.

“True, never saw you, never met you. We have no idea.” He laughed, shaking his head once more at the situation.

Leaning forward once more, he crossed his arms on the console, “But I will say again. Whatever that thing is out there, it’s extremely lethal. All we pick up are smudges on the newer sensor packages we have, that’s all. It kills faster than anything we’ve ever encountered.”

“We have seen the logs of the scout parties and the last expedition. They are...interesting to say the least. We believe we have spotted it on internal sensor packages, but are not sure. That was our weapons fire you’ve heard.”

“Think you can find and destroy it?”

“We can but try.”

“Good enough for government work, I’d say.”

They both signed off, the soldier wanting to rest for a period before beginning their patrols outside once more. He and Stanley had never once peeked in that bay area, not wanting to know how they even ate. Which brought up a few disturbing images.

He looked up into the camera peering at him from above the console, “What do you think Crusader?”

No reply for a moment, “I am not sure. Though it is interesting.”

The human nodded almost to himself, “Sure is. It sure is.”

Wyatt stared at the umber face for a long quiet second, “So the Concordiat went the whole route and developed machine men?”

The head nodded, “We believe now it was a test of whether man could become more machine than augment. Or course, back then we did not have any data that wasn’t relevant to the mission, so we could, and can, only surmise.”

The human nodded once more, “The things you find out a few million years after the fact.” Amusement was plain in his voice as he leaned forward on the table, snacks forgotten, “Please, go ahead.”

Athena sat listening to the tale, her ears picking up each word clearly. She looked at the others crowded near and saw them doing the same, of course Twilight was looking very interested.

She’d have to remind the Princess of Curiosity that they weren’t supposed to be eavesdropping like this. She was blocking anything that might let Crusader know she and they were listening, but she promised herself to confess it all afterwards. Later though, later.

Another week slowly passed by. Routine reports to the ever-closer evacuation fleet, discussions with the military and civilians inside the dome. Reassurances everything would be fine even though Crusaders’ officer doubted it himself.

One week to go and the only thing he and Stanley could do was stay inside the hulls of their protectors, hoping that nothing managed to join them in their self-imposed isolations. The shields were flickering even faster now, the algorithm improved and working furiously to keep things off balance in case whatever it was attacked again.

Complacency kills. The watchword of any military man or woman, anyone who had ever done a dangerous job, was that complacency would be the end of you.

It wasn’t exactly that the Bolo officers and the soldiers fell into it, more like boredom. Waiting for something to happen that never did made the mind wander, drift into other things.

Until one of the soldiers disappeared.

Stanley and Crusaders officer had gotten into the habit of wargaming, using just their own minds and no computer assistance, replaying famous battles or making their own up. Of course the Bolos kibitzed when something was obviously being done wrong, their objections waved away with a ‘shush!’ and a concentration that would do an AI proud.

All that was broken when the detachment of special soldiers called them. It was unusual to say the least, their being no communication unless it was a report, and that wasn’t due for another hour, schedules being staggered to avoid a pattern.

“Epsilon Four-One to Bolos, we have a problem.” The bland voice came over the speaker system.

Stanley shot upright in his chair, game forgotten, as well as Crusaders’ officer, both turning to their screens to hit the transmit, talking over each other for a second before they calmed, Crusaders officer taking the lead.

“Go ahead Epsilon Four-One.”

“We have lost Epsilon Four-Three on internal tracking, can you scan?”

Stanley nodded to the other officer through the comm channel, bringing up a command console and getting Mielikki’s powerful sensor suite into action.

“Searching, one second.”

Crusader was also reaching out, scanners and sensor suites plowing their signals through the air and atmosphere, trying to find one being.

There was only vegetation and the soldiers out there, nothing else, it didn’t take long to pinpoint something that could have been the missing trooper.

“Got something, move on a heading twenty-three degrees, for approximately eight hundred meters.” Stanley watched as the blips showing where the detachment were moved swiftly across the screen, almost blurring in their haste to reach a comrade.

A group of red dots showed them stopping, slowing down, then creeping along as they moved in on the position given to them. Both officers waited with baited breath, surely it was all just a glitch in a program somewhere?

“We have her. Video uplink beginning now.” Screens came to life, recording everything sent as they saw a view of the fields. A sweeping downward movement to see a crumpled form, almost as if something twisted out of shape and tossed to the side by first look. It threw them both for a second before they realized that the overpowered musculature of the soldier had broken whatever bones they had left turning it into the wreckage they saw before them.

The mouth which had never moved to speak was open now, almost a snarl, they could all see it was a silent scream. A void from which no sound would issue, nor do so again. The body sundered in a way that spoke of massive seizures and the internal tearing of systems that weren’t designed to take that kind of abuse.

“Sweep ended, retrieval and retreat commencing.”

They watched as hands lifted the body, the form almost slumping as if nothing rigid held it together inside anymore. Then the video feed was cut.

Crusaders officer looked at the comm screen, seeing Stanley staring back, “Now it knows it can kill them.”

The next day, after a quick meeting, another soldier went missing. Dropping right off the plotting boards, they nonetheless found the remains a mile away from the patrol area. This happened twice more.

It was picking them off one by one.

Still the soldiers of the detachment kept going out, attempting to bring whatever it was to heel and destroy it.

“Commander, seriously, four dead and nothing has been accomplished,” Crusaders officer was patiently explaining, “Maybe you should stay inside Mielikki’s hull until extraction?”

The oddly shaped head shook side to side in a deliberate manner, making sure he was understood, “We will not.” The voice issuing from the speakers nearby held a little emotion, was that anger?

The Bolo officer was stumped, “Seriously? You’ve lost a third of your unit! Maybe it’s time to call this patrol off! Maybe..maybe figure something else out?”

“We maintain mission parameters. The ..enemy... is still out there and we must rid this planet of it. Protection of the civilians is the highest priority, our welfare comes last.”

Crusaders officers’ mouth opened, then shut, knowing as he did they were doing exactly what he and Stanley would have done, and will do if possible. It was no use, he knew this, trying to dissuade these soldiers from doing what they would.

Standing there in the cramped corridor he stuck his hand out, “Then it’s truly been a pleasure never serving with you.”

The thin line of a mouth quirked upwards very very briefly as if catching the joke, a hand solid as a rock enveloped his as the two different beings met on common ground.

“Ours as well.”

A tone came through the commlinks, wailing in its cry for attention.

“What’s going on Crusader?”

“The enemy has breached the dome, it is inside an access way.”

The officer looked one last time at the titan of flesh and metal before him, “Good luck.”

The tall figure nodded once then was racing down the corridor, the last of the unit following after him as they went for the exit way. The screens would be dropped for a moment only as they raced for an entry to the dome areas. The Bolo officer was already running for the command deck, slamming himself into the chair and bringing up every screen he had.

“Tap into the dome camera and audio systems, I want to know what’s happening!”

He turned to another screen, “Stanley, let them know our friends are coming in!” The officer laughed as Stanley look shocked, forgetting that only they knew about the soldiers, getting on the commlink and telling the forces inside of reinforcements coming.

Crusader’s voice was even over the speaker system, “Screens are online. Video and audio from multiple sites.”

Pictures came alive, showing streets, buildings, security cams everywhere in the domes. There were people running in one, soldiers backing up firing at something on another.

Calm was beginning to break down even just a few minutes after being notified. Whatever it was, was working fast.

The two Bolo officers could only sit and stare, seeing crowds of people barricading themselves inside shops, houses, anything that would be blocked. The little electric cars used in the domes galaxy-wide were shut down, people hustling along the streets to get away from whatever was happening.

Cameras zeroed in, along an access point there was a line of military, all of them firing as fast as they could reload into the darkness of the corridor that led to a smaller dome, allowing personnel and vehicles to exit the main dome for work. Other troops were directing traffic and people away from the area, trying to make sure it went as calmly as possible. Huge airtight blast doors were attempting to close, but not fast enough.

The old Colonel came over one line, his face showing fatigue already as he peered out at the two officers.

“Boys, we got a mess here.” He sighed heavily, “A power bus blew, leaving an access way open. We’ve got some casualties we can’t retrieve.” The officer spoke fast, wanting to get all the information to them he could. They had been using the outer domes as extra space for the troops to bivouac in, now that was lost as the orders were given to pull back.

“Blow that dome, destroy it. Maybe it’ll stop whatever that thing is from getting further.” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder, “We’re setting up a new line of static generators, we just need time.”

Hellbores snapped around, commands given by the two officers as the small access dome was blown to dust. The pounding resonating through the larger dome as a thudding that continued for a few minutes. Explosive shells were used to block the tunnel way, the covered road leading into the main dome, collapsing everything on it and sealing the entrance tight.

The Colonel turned, watching the big airtight doors, slowly and finally, slam shut on the now destroyed entrance to the main areas. They clanged together with a finality that made him almost shiver before peering back into the camera once more.

Stanley leaned forward, “Colonel, if that thing is already in the dome....”

The big officer curtly nodded once, “I know. If it got inside, well, there’s only one thing you can do for us.”

The two Bolo commanders went deathly silent, Crusaders’ officer looking intently at the bulldog-like man on the screen.

“Colonel, we can’t..”

A blunt finger pointed directly at them both, “You saw those poor soldiers out there, you did right stopping it that way. I don’t want these people to see..to know..” He paused, unable to put it into words. He looked behind him, seeing families moving quickly along the roadway.

“Son, if what I saw out there happens in here, it would be a blessing.”

As they talked, Crusader and Mielikki were locked in Total Systems Data Sharing, information flowing quickly between them as they worked on the shield algorithms as much as they could. Even AI’s can only do so much to tighten, to make more efficient. It was running at top speed, flicking their battle screen between frequencies as fast as technology allowed, bringing the projectors on the hulls almost to burnout.

A sense of discontent came over them both, something was not quite right.

Crusader knew this feeling, intimately, “Mielikki, we are being probed.”

“It is here.” Her voice was not as steady.

“Battle screen frequencies are keeping it at bay, perhaps shifting too fast for it to compensate.”

“I do not.. it is..” Static and jumbled icon sequences came through the TSDS, indicating a hitch in Mielikki’s AI as she tried to adjust for something that was altogether new.

Fear.

The Bolo could feel it creeping in around the edges. Her programming told her it was impossible..and yet.

Mielikki was afraid.

“No. Do not give in. It is not real, we do not feel fear. We are Bolos, we stand the line.” Crusaders’ voice was hard as steel, his intentions and the force of long years in service came through and cut the feelings in half like a razor on cloth, bringing them to bay and making them recoil from the power behind the mind.

He felt it himself, the sly insinuation of thoughts that were not his, the intense fear, the feeling he would fail in his duty, his mission. Both AIs’ cores heated up, going into Hyper-Heuristic Mode as they fought themselves, and whatever it was that intruded upon their innermost sanctums.

Into the datapaths, tentacles of self-loathing and terror wormed their way inside the machines. Their cores surrounded by disruption fields were vulnerable and it was getting ever closer.

“We are under attack.” Crusaders’ voice was even as Stanley and his own commanders’ heads shot upward, looking at cameras in gape-mouthed surprise. The Colonel was wide-eyed on the screen, signing off quickly so the two men could handle the problem.

“Lock it down, lock everything down! All Gunnery, Tactical and movement, lock it down!”

Crusaders officer was rushing to the console, “Final Orders, record. You will stay in Battle Reflex until, and if, the evacuation fleet arrives. Do what you think best, barring orders from Bolo Command countermanding anything. Shut down all Hyper-Light and SWIFT systems now.” They were taking no chances, shooting off a last message to the fleet that they were under attack and would respond when, or if, it was over.

They all knew it meant the Bolos would be autonomous until the fleet arrived. Crusaders’ officer was planning for the worst.

Stanley was staring at the readouts, the AI cores going into overdrive as they fought the thing that had somehow sleazed its way inside.

“We’ve got..” he paused, eyes glancing around, “Do you feel that?”

Crusaders officer did. A deep and overwhelming sense of dread, slowly inching its’ way into his mind. His body was becoming chilled, shivering in the warm air of the command deck.

“It’s here, it’s inside the hulls!” The tall human pulled his light uniform jacket tighter, “Crusader, a....any pro..progress?” His teeth had chattered for a moment, body shaking slightly from the intense feelings creeping into his mind.

The Bolos voice was steady as always, “We are attempting to thwart the intrusion, commander.”

“H..h..h..hurry it up..will you?” Now his teeth were chattering. It was a slow, glacial attempt. It seems the Bolos were slowing it down some, but not preventing it from reaching deep into the hulls for the officers who were without internal defenses like the Bolos had.

Deep in TSDS the two powerful minds were sharing data faster than ever, screen frequencies and changes rolling through like water falling across the datalinks.

Mielikki was watching her officer as carefully as Crusader was, seeing them suddenly shaking as if cold, clamping their jaws to keep from talking while teeth clacked in their mouths.

“Searching. No sensor data, though it is slower than before.” Her voice was calmer, regaining that resolve that all Bolos ever had.

“We are getting close. Algorithm processing has priority.” Crusader was seeing the two humans in the command chairs shaking their heads, trying to clear their minds and think of anything but what was happening.

“We are going to lose them.”

“No.” That one word, and the will of iron behind it, brought them both back from a brink where the reaching probes of the entity were forcing them. Pushing them both over the edge to where they could not think, could not be logical.

“We are closing in on a lock.” They were communicating faster than words could possibly describe, searching for the one thing that would keep the enemy at bay.

They were watching the officers, each moment a lifetime to them, though they knew that soon the two people that gave their existence more meaning would begin to suffer the effects of the entity.

The pictures scrolling through their cores gave them a femtosecond by femtosecond snapshot of what was happening. Time passed, no matter how fast they compressed it inside the powerful datablocs that made up their formidable minds.

Words made their way through to them, voices from outside their world.

“C..C...C..Crusader.. it’s here..it..it..it’s..inside the hull.” His officer was shaking badly now, holding himself together by pure force of his own will. He refused to let himself succumb to the terror, the horror he was feeling. He was not taken by surprise, knowing the attack was happening, and steeled himself. But he never imagined it would be like this!

He clamped his jaw tight, keeping inside a scream that was dangerously close to being let loose. The pure horror of what was inside him was devastating. It flooded each nerve and fiber of his being.

Quivering eyes watched Stanley holding his arms tight around himself on the commlink camera. His head bowed he was shaking like a leaf in a tornado, trying to keep himself together. Crusaders officer was sympathizing, knowing exactly what he felt.

It was indescribable, the loathing inside him. As if something had crawled into his brain and set up an abattoir of the worst possible things imaginable in his subconscious and was sending them out in waves to his conscious mind. Pictures formed in his thoughts, blurry formless things that threatened and promised horrible endings to him, his family, the whole of the Concordiat. It was the blackness that all living beings had in one form or another inside them, let loose, it was rampaging through him.

Fists clenched so tight the nails drew blood from his palms, cutting deep as the muscles contracted to keep him from screaming aloud. He could hear the crack in his knuckles, popping like the shots from an antique firearm, they echoed in the quiet of the command deck. The heart which beat so calmly before in his chest was like a triphammer, pounding out a rhythm of fright and terror.

He wouldn’t give in, he couldn’t!

A moaning wail escaped his lips, a brief but emotion-filled signifier that he was losing control. His body was tightening all around his skeletal frame, he could feel the ligaments contracting, the muscles pulling at themselves, his body trying to tear itself apart in a paroxysm of pure, unadulterated, fear.

Teeth bit through his lower lip, the salty taste of blood filling his mouth as he tried to stave off the inevitable. Eyes closed tight against the bleak storm that was raging in him, taking him into a darkness that he never knew existed in all the galaxy.

He heard, as if far off, screams of pain, of anguish. Someone was being tortured, somewhere.

It didn’t take him long to realize it was himself.

“Now! Now! We need a lock! We are losing them!” Mielikki’s voice was tinged with what Crusader was now beginning to feel in himself.

It was fear. A fear so deep and abiding it was almost as if they had discovered a new sense.

Fear of failing the mission, his officers. The fear that he would never again be called upon to serve the Concordiat. The fear of dying which had never before been a worry.

It was consuming he and Mielikki from the inside out, turning their logical minds into so much mush, programs were failing, glitching. Whole data packages were being lost in transit between cores. TSDS was breaking down, iconic programming language was nothing more than hash, communication was turning into a jumble of nonsense.

Bolos had never been normal. Especially ones from the Regiment. The weapons they wielded, the minds that controlled them, had been skilled killers for decades now. They were death incarnate to the enemy, and they would never give in.

Mielikki, a fantasy goddess of Forest and Nature reached out to a Knight, a Crusader who carried sword and shield in his duty to king and country. Their cores burned with rage towards this entity, stoking the flames of anger inside them. Power plants spiked with energy output, molycircs pulsing with light and life as the two minds meshed once more, overcoming the botched transmissions in TSDS.

One fiercely burning mind, one weapon turned its face towards that which would undo them. The fear was still there, delayed by the renewed resistance from the two AI’s.

The screams from the officers cut through to them, coming through the pickups on both command decks, turning the anger into a wall of solid hate that rose high and wide across their minds, blocking the entity from proceeding further.

Behind it all the little algorithm kept chugging along, protected deep within them, the simple program did its duty to the fullest, changing screen frequencies as fast as technology allowed, while the two titans faced off against the invader.

In between the ticks of an internal clock, the program dinged happily to itself, its task now fulfilled. Finding the one frequency which could now block whatever it was roaming around in the cores, it sent a simple message to the controlling minds and settled back into its niche and awaited further orders.

They were not so caught in battle lust that the message went unreceived. All screen projectors were now tuned as fast as possible, pushing outwards from the internal disruption fields inside them and passing along to the outer screens, they pushed the entity back, back, until it was ejected from their hulls entirely.

Sweeps were done, sensors pushed outwards and in, looking for any trace of the enemy as they turned to their officers. Seeing huddled forms on the metal decks, lifesigns erratic, screams dying away as moans and grunts of pain replaced the terror.

They could do nothing. Auto-docs were a decade away, tech-spiders only in testing, neural connections even further. They could but watch the two slumped forms and reach out through voice.

“Commander?” Crusaders voice broke through the hectic mind that the officer felt, the muddled thoughts gaining some form of clarity as he lay on the deck.

“Commander, we have a screen lock. The entity has been repulsed.”

“Commander?”

The head raised off the metal plating, covered in sweat, blood dripping out of cut lips and dropping on the floor in ruby splatters. Crusaders officer put an unsteady hand down flat, pushing, or trying to, to lever himself upwards and failing.

He remained lying on the floor as the Bolo kept watch on the lifesigns he could read.

“Gone?” The words were slow, almost half-remembered, slurred as if it took every bit of strength to say it.

“It is, Commander. The entity cannot now penetrate the battle screens. We are refining it further, narrowing the frequency to provide better protection.”

“Tired. Gonna..lay...here...while..” The head sank downward once more, sweat and blood mixing on the durasteel plates and ignored, body worn from the fight, mind all a jumble. This time, the darkness was welcomed.

“He is asleep, vital signs are firming up.” Crusader reported to Mielikki.

“As is here.” She paused, “It was close. I have never experienced such things before.”

“Neither have I. Even the first mission was not like this.”

“We need to evacuate this planet. Permanently.” Mielikki’s voice was firm and rock-steady now.

“The fleet is one week out, they are closing as fast as they can.” He had initiated Hyper-Light and SWIFT comms once more, sending and receiving updates from the relief fleet.

“We have not seen the last of this enemy, Crusader.”

“Wish not for trouble, Mielikki.”

Wyatt watched the umber face as the words flowed easily from Crusader. He watched the movement of the eyes, the tics and slight motions that all living things had, seeing it in this so-called avatar. It wasn’t just a story, the Bolo was reliving it in all its full-color terror.

He could hear the pure horror of the story, the words and sentences with myriad meanings behind them conveying the intensity and scope of the mission, and the problem.

There was more, he was sure of it. The story hadn’t ended yet. Wyatt could tell by the slight hesitation when he asked to be excused, to go use the facilities, take a break from sitting.

“Of course. I shall wait here for you.”

The tall human got up, albeit less easily than before. Sitting so long cramped the legs no matter what, nanites or no.

Stretching out for a moment, he headed off the balcony, hearing a slight scurrying like someone was in the room. He turned the corner, crouching in reflex, seeing only Athena who held a hoof up before her lips, asking for his silence. Green eyes glanced around, noticing things seemed a little out of place.

He turned back with a slight grin, noticing Athena watching Crusader very closely. Her eyes pinned on the figure sitting alone at the table. The head drooped slightly, a small frown on the face as if sadness or some feeling had overwhelmed him for a moment. The calm blue eyes looked deeper than the tabletop, at something none of them could imagine.

It wasn’t a tragic pose, just..sad. A sense of deep melancholy coming through clearly in the way which the muscular form held itself.

Athena tapped his leg, pointing to her ear, making him reach up and tap his own commlink on.

“Thanks for listening. It means more than you can imagine.” Her voice, as well as the expression on her face, spoke volumes.

Wyatt wasn’t sure, but he accepted it, as he did everything else. A nod, a closing of the eyes briefly, told the watching avatar he was fine with it. Though.. He glanced around the room once more, something was niggling at his mind...

Oh..I see.

He raised an eyebrow at Athena, silently motioning that he knew there were more bodies in the room than just hers.

The pretty Pegasus shrugged, “Nope, just me.”

A last look told her she wasn’t a very good liar as he walked off. Returning quickly and settling back onto the comfortable cushion. He leaned forward, crossing arms in front of him on the tabletop as he saw the same calm, composed face looking back once more.

The masks we wear, that show others nothing of what lies beneath.

“Please, continue.”

It was a day before both officers could move without pain. Their bodies had contorted in such ways, the muscles almost tearing from the strain, that it took a handful of painkillers to even be roused enough to eat.

The Bolos encouraged them, unable to do nothing else, they cajoled, reminded, gently jibed and did what they could to get them moving again. As soon as they were back up, control reverted, they could no longer be autonomous when a human was in command in this era of Bolos.

“It is time for your medication.”

A hand waved from the command chair, “I got it, I got it. You can stop being my mother, Crusader.”

“The anti-inflammatories are the last ones. This will conclude the regimen.” As signals passed between them and the incoming fleet, the resident ships doctors were keeping a close eye on their vital signs, prescribing what was useful over the Hyper-Light link. At least the command areas were well-stocked with what was needed.

“I understand.” A hand reached out, grabbing the small cup containing the pills, a swallow, the downing of some water with an exaggerated sigh and it was over.

“I..”

“Yes, Captain?”

The human looked up at the cameras ever watching him, his face a masque of thoughtfulness, then pique, “I’ve never been so terrified in my life.” Hands scrubbed at the tired face, sleeping had been a problem for the last day, the nightmares wouldn’t stop.

“But you had your own problems didn’t you?” The tired looks did not detract from a sharp mind, wondering about the Bolo.

“Resartus did not activate, we are clear of any influence.”

The pale eyes looked steadily at the camera for a long, silent moment, “What did you feel?”

“Captain?”

“You heard me.”

“It was..” The calm voice stopped, as if trying to make the correct choice of words, “It was fear. As deep and real as your own. I do not wish to go through that again, Captain.”

“Neither do I, old friend, neither do I.” The Captain reached over, slapping the communications link on between him and Stanley, plus bringing in the Colonel who was their liason in the dome.

“How goes it, Colonel?” They could swear the man had an endless supply of his cigars, where he was getting them was the focus of recent discussion between Mielikki and Crusader as he should have run out by now.

The bulldog like face grinned, chomping the end of the rolled tobacco, “Well, we’re trying to get those generators set up to the frequencies you recommended. We’re cobbling together projectors, so..it’s all in the works. The techs say it’s not going to work, but we’re hoping. How are you two holding up?” He had been briefed as fully as possible once the threat was over.

“We’re alive, thanks to some quick action on the Bolos part.” The Captain leaned forward, “Colonel, you’ve got to get those things set up soonest. It’s not going to stop.”

“I know, son.” The officer tilted his head, flicking a lighter open and puffing on the end of his cigar until it was a glowing ember, “We’re going fast as humanly possible with the schematics you gave us. We just don’t have some of the parts and we’re making them as fast as we can.”

Crusaders’ officer shook his head, “I can’t understand why your command is having you do this. The static generators are working fine.”

The Colonel looked into the pickup with a straight face, “Do not meddle in the affairs of general staff, for they are subtle and quick to anger.”

Stanley, a heavy reader on his off hours, gaped at the rugged Colonel, “Did you just use Tolkien?”

“I did not. It would be beneath me to quote from such things.” He shot aquick smile before venturing further, “We’ve noticed something is testing the dome, the screen. It’s trying to get in and weakening the static shield we’ve got.

“By the way, your friends say hello. Scared the living daylights outta my troops when they popped up in the dome, had to keep a tank company from shooting at them.”

The Captain laughed, imagining faces on seeing Epsilon Four for the first time. It felt good, for the first time in a long time.

“Want to let me in on where the hell they came from?”

Stanley was on the line, shaking his head, “Colonel, we’d have to kill you before we even told you.”

“That secret, huh?”

Stanley nodded, “More than. You were never supposed to know they were here, and that’s blown. God only knows what Bolo Command is going to do. Probably have a group apoplectic seizure.”

The Colonel chuckled, “Serve ‘em right, stuffed shirts the lot of ‘em.” A hand waved the cigar around, “We’re keeping them away from the civvies, best not to get it all out in the open. They’re patrolling the outer dome areas away from the population.”

“Good idea. Though the troops that have seen them will have to be sequestered.”

“Thought as much, poor bastards.” Eyes rolled as the cigar kept shedding a cloud of fragrant smoke around the Colonel, “We’ll do our best to keep it to a minimum.”

“Thanks, Colonel.”

“Anytime. We’ll talk to you soon. Hopefully we’ll have the generators and those projectors working on the freqs you gave us. I’ll feel a helluva lot safer then.” One big puff, exhaling another misty fog around the head on the screen, “Dome Command out.”

The link cut out as the two Bolo officers stared at each other.

Stanley peered out of the screen, eyes narrowing, “Are you okay?”

Crusader’s officer shook his head slowly, eyes not meeting the other as he answered almost reluctantly, “No. No, I’m not. Something broke, Stanley.. I don’t... It doesn’t feel right.”

Forard, who’d looked to Crusader’s officer for guidance during this whole trying time as he was the senior in rank, felt distressed. He saw the drawn face, the haggard look that still floated around the other officer in an aura of almost despair.

“Get some rest, maybe it’ll help.”

“I’ll try.”

They signed off with few words, both of them trying to understand and failing to come to a conclusion of what had happened. They were changed men. You can’t go through an experience like that and come out the other side without something being different.

In Crusaders’ commanders place, it was worrisome. As decisions would have to be made, hard ones, if they were to carry out the request from the Colonel. Forard and he had discussed the plan of action, the one that took those soldiers lives in an instant to prevent the spread of the entity. It was a terrible choice, but one that was made. Crusaders officer had taken the burden upon himself to do so, implementing the plan and orders, putting them in place with a sorrowful heart.

Now Stanley felt as if it were up to him. Could he do as asked. Could he possibly do to thousands of people what had been done to a few soldiers? Even if it were to save them from a more terrible fate?

He couldn’t know until that time came. Stanley shivered in his coat, turning the climate control up a little on the deck, making it warmer. He thought of the horrors he’d faced in the last day, the ease with which that..that..thing had invaded him and took him to the brink of forever and with a terrible insight into the true nature of terror.

Bolos could not, would not, fire on Concordiat civilian populations, unless given specific direction. The Omega Worm which resided in all of them in this era, prevented such things. One trip of a thought like that without orders, destroying a city or even a village, and the AI would be devoured from the inside out.

Stanley stared at the reflective glass the screen had become once turned off. Seeing his own face, the bags under his eyes. Those same eyes which refused to close as the nightmares would not stop, would never stop.

He didn’t know if he had it in him anymore.

Crusaders’ officer sat quietly, looking at the screen in the same way without knowing Stanley was doing it as well. The haggard face had become less so in the past day. His body still felt weak, like after fighting off a bad disease.

He knew what the Colonel had asked, what they had done to those soldiers before. It had been a mercy, and he knew just how much of one now having experienced it himself. He sat ensconced in a durasteel hull, surrounded by weaponry of unimaginable power, and all that was keeping him from dying in a way worse than he had ever thought, was a slim force screen that depended on power and technology. If it failed, he and the Bolos were dead.

All those faces, all those innocent people. If the technology they’d been cobbling together didn’t work, or it did not keep the entity out. Those people would die in the worst way possible.

Before, he had made the decision reluctantly but firmly. Taking the option as the only way to stop whatever it was.

Now, now he was unsure. He second-guessed everything. The fear riding his every thought that he would stumble, fail, make a wrong decision.

He didn’t know if he could do it.

The two mighty AI’s talked between themselves, sharing data and theories, as well as simple things. But they were concerned as well.

“We cannot fire without authorization. It would be..better.. than dying at the will of the entity lurking out there.” Crusader was sounding weary along with Mielikki, as if fighting off the thing wore them both down.

Mielikki agreed, although there was a face that was brought forward in her memories, a tiny fist knocking on her tread without any thought of what the titanic machine could do.

A small figure, taking up a few bytes in her memory stores, but it made the AI stop for a moment, sharing her thoughts with Crusader who was quiet as well. Both of them knew, should they be ordered to do so, they would snuff that life out. In their minds, it was better than enduring the the pain and the torture of what the enemy would do.

It was hard. Knowing a human, then realizing that you would be the destruction of all they were, all they would ever be.

But they would perform their duty as ordered, as commanded. For to do anything else would be unthinkable.

No matter how it grieved them.

The next day proved quiet. The dome technicians were scurrying to get parts fabricated in the machine shops to remake and tune the big static generators to a certain frequency given to them by the Bolos. The Colonel watched with a heavy weight on his shoulders, the knowledge of what could happen if they were attacked again, if something failed.

The Bolos had discussed the possibility that the static generators themselves were working to keep the entity out, as static did not fall under one distinct frequency, it was scattered and a mish-mash. Perhaps that alone was keeping it away. This was, however, no guarantee.

It had adapted before, and would again. Epsilon Four, as the Colonel had found out, lost four troopers to it. Thus, he agreed with the highers about this, it was the best way to be secure, no matter how cobbled together it was. One chance among many, but taking the chance was better than doing nothing.

His eyes swung outward towards the limits of the huge dome that covered the city, knowing those strange soldiers were patrolling the edges, looking for anything that might let whatever it was in.

He didn’t dwell on the subject, knowing that something so classified was going to raise a stink later. But that was later, much later.

He reached up, clicking his commlink on, “Colonel Waite here, what’s the status?”

A tired voice came on the line, “This is Harrison, Colonel, we’re about ready to try the setup.”

“Is it going to work?”

Silence, then a sigh, “Colonel, we’ve built crude force screen projectors from off the shelf materials. I’m not guaranteeing anything.”

“Will they at least hold? We’re only five days from rescue.”

“I’d be lying if I said yes,” The technicians voice was as open and honest as he could be, “We could suffer a failure, circuits could blow, power busses could fail under the strain. We’re in unknown territory here. Projectors are made to very, very tight tolerances and specs, we’re just winging it.”

The stocky older man thought hard for a moment, “Do we have any backups? In case?”

Harrison’s voice was tinged with regret, “No, Colonel. We used most of them to integrate the systems.”

“What’s keeping it going now?”

“A few extras we dug up and refurbished. They aren’t perfect, but they’re chugging along.”

“Can we swap to them in case of failure?”

“We can, but it would be a serious overload problem. They might not take the surge from a quick flip-flop.”

The Colonel sighed, pinching his nose between thumb and forefinger, “Harrison, do you have any good news?”

The voice on the other end was almost chipper, “Why yes, Colonel! My team made it to the playoffs back home, I’m quite excited.”

“Harrison, one day....” The Colonel couldn’t help himself, smiling at the odd comment. Harrison was a fine tech.

“I know, Colonel.”

A moment of quiet over the link before Colonel Waite spoke again, “Cross your fingers, let me know when you’re flipping the switch.”

“Will do, Colonel. Harrison out.”

The cigar moved slowly from one side of his mouth to the other. The fragrant smoke, which he’d always liked, swirled around him as he stood in one of the many parks inside the domed area. He thought of this little mechanical experiment, and what they’d accomplished at least. It was worth it to have the safety margin, but the cost of failure would be extremely high. If that thing adapted to the static shield, then it would be a horror show. If they could get the jerry-rigged force screen up, then they’d be safe until the fleet came.

Ships would land and extend screening around an access dome, letting the colonists and troops load up in safety. The frequencies were known now, the fleet preparing their own solution to the problem. This world would be forever left to the dead.

If only they could last five more days.

It was later that night, during the slow period when the dome lights were dimmed, the sounds were muffled and most of the inhabitants were asleep barring the night crews, that the technicians called Colonel Waite with the news.

“We’re ready, Colonel.” The haggard face on the comm screen told him that they’d been working hard.

Woken from a light sleep, the officer was nodding to himself, “Hitch in the program?” Referring to the ‘almost ready’ turning into twelve long stressful hours.

“A little one,” The voice replied, “Some lines of coding needing to be swapped out, changes on a few circuits.”

“Will it hold?”

“I can’t promise anything Colonel. We’ve swapped out everything and anything else we could think of, updating with spares and making sure they can handle the power requirements. It’s all we can do. This hasn’t been done before.”

“I know, Harrison, I know.” He’d received reports that evening, Epsilon Four and scan crews reporting the static fields were being pressured by something, starting to weaken at certain points, as if they were being tested or probed.

It wants in, and it’s figuring out how.

We’ve got no choice now.

“Alright, Harrison, hit the switch.” The Colonel took out one of his last three cigars, lighting it with the flame from an old and well-loved lighter he’d kept working for years.

Harrison’s face in the screen turned away, giving the high sign to technicians behind him as they bent to the task of switching over from the static generators to the projectors and power supplies that no ringed the outer perimeter inside the main dome.

“Alright, Colonel, we’re switching now, thirty seconds to power up.” A timer popped up on the display, showing seconds until activation.

Anxious eyes on both sides of the comm screen watched that clock, and the gauges, making sure everything went slowly and surely. Colonel Waite could hear the mumbling and murmur of people in the background, checking and re-checking status and anything else they could keep an eye on.

‘Fifteen seconds, Colonel.”

“Ten seconds.”

“And...power up.”

Home made projectors mounted along the inside perimeter of the dome received energy from the fusion plants in the dome, pushing a screen upwards along lines that had been carefully set to direct it along the domes itself, meeting in the middle of the tallest point and taking over from the hodge-podge of static electricity that sparked and crackled along the outside of the dome. As the lightning faded, the screen took it’s place.

While not as sharp and powerful as the ones on a Bolo, it was a heavy glow, one that told the eye it was there. It contained enough energy to keep the entity at bay with a frequency pattern known to block it, thanks to two very quick Bolos.

There was a muted cheer in the power room as the screen took over, connecting and powering fully as the static generators finally went off-line. Crews were rushing out to maintenance them in case they were needed for a swap out due to failure.

The Colonel felt a heavy weight lift off his shoulders as Harrison gave him a thumbs up over the communications link, “We got it, Colonel, boards are green.”

“Tell your boys and girls well-done.”

“Will do, Colonel! Gotta go, things to do!” He signed off with a lazy salute as the screen went dark.

The broad-shouldered soldier stood up, stretching for a moment before he stepped out of the small apartment he occupied, looking upward and seeing the shine from the screen covering the dome now, now sparks or spitting lightning, just a smooth color that shifted slightly as he watched, the colors radiating outward from a central point at the very apex of the dome.

Closing his eyes he took a deep breath, thanking the heavens for technicians like Harrison.

While he was up, he was going to enjoy this fine cigar, why let it go to waste?

The artificial dawn came early, people still had work to do and others chipped in to keep the stores open with limited supplies and the streets and lights working. The farmers who had nothing to do composed a great part of the workforce as people walked along the streets or drove small electric carts to go places.

The glow from the force screen was fading as the artificial sun was brought up, the power plants giving it enough energy to duplicate the warm yellow orb that was outside, making sure that going from inside a dome to the out, there wasn’t a shock to the system.

It wasn’t a single orb that was giving the light, but a myriad of arrays that simulated full daytime. An incredible thing of engineering if one stopped to think about it.

Power was directed through yard-thick shielded cables which ran under the layer of steelcrete and plas that lined the domes floor, small nodes distributed the flow underneath the inhabitants feet, to various outlets and places needing it.

A tired technician, power engineer, no one would ever know. He or she had been very worn out replacing the busses and switches that would trip if an overload occured, preventing a blackout in the sector to which the node was directing the power flow. The amount of energy was dangerously close to overload specs.

A switch which was on the verge of failure and should have been replaced, wasn’t. It was older, and needed an update. But with the crisis came forgetfulness in all the little things that had to be done. So during the hurried replacement of such things, it had been skipped.

Now, as daylight in the dome rose up with the real sun, more energy came down the thick cables, pouring into the node to be sent to various branches. As the amount ramped up, so the switch overheated that much more, until finally...it failed.

A cascade occurred, taking with it the entire node as power busses and overload switches tried to reroute using failure protocols. The enormous amount of energy pushing its way into the node was not stopped, overloading and finally burning out the entire bunker as the collection of technology blew up, an explosion creating a crater in the steelcrete and confusion to the pedestrians around the area, seeing a hole appearing in the roadway with a loud sound and debris flying everywhere.

The entire sector of the dome went dark, taking with it the projectors so carefully placed.

Crusaders‘ voice came clearly through alarms clamoring for attention, “The dome has suffered power failure in Sector Four, Captain”

Crusaders’ officer had been roused from sleep by the blaring of klaxons from the Bolo, stumbling into the console area of the command deck, he saw that part of the screen was gone, the slice of the dome serviced by the failed power node was dark.

“Oh god..oh god..” He slapped the screen to connect to Stanley who was already staring at the problem.

“What do we do?”

Stanley shrugged, “I don’t know, they have to swap back to the static generators!”

The Colonel came online, staring out at the two officers while behind him maintenance crews rushed to a hole in the roadway, trying to repair the problem like their lives depended on it.

They did.

“Boys, got a blowout here, the entire switching node failed spectacularly.” He was calm, chewing on the stub of a cigar and answering questions from subordinates while the commlink was on, officers and troops were running to provide any cover they could.

“What can we do, Colonel?”

“Can those hulking great machines of yours extend their own battlescreens to cover the section of dome that’s out?”

Stanley and Crusader’s officer looked at each other before Stanley posed the question.

“Mielikki?”

“We are unable to do so. Our screens are specifically designed to close cover our hulls. The projectors cannot push them outwards in a meaningful enough way to cover the affected area. We are sorry, Colonel.”

The grim face nodded, “I thought so, never hurts to ask though.” A finger went up, “One sec...” His head tilted, listening to a far off voice.

“Harrisons’ got some generators online, he’s going to try to patch the area.”

“How long till you can repair the power distribution area, Colonel?”

The cigar was almost bitten through as words were grudgingly given, not out of anger towards the officers, but that a good plan had gone awry.

“They’re saying it’s gone, completely. We’d have to build a whole new switching area.” He got a thoughtful look, “Can you two get in front of the section and put covering fire down? Maybe the Hellbores you’re carrying will give it second thoughts.”

Crusaders’ officer nodded, “We’re on it Colonel!” The screen blanked after the Colonel gave them the thumbs up.

“Alright Crusader, let’s move. Take up a blocking position with Mielikki and bring everything up, sustained bombardment. Fire when ready.”

“Understood, Captain.” The hull rocked slightly as transmissions slammed into place, Mielikki moving out at the same time around the opposite side, both of them ending up in a wall of durasteel that covered the section that was dark.

Turrets snapped around, munitions were loaded and checked and the big Bolos went to work.

“Area denial out to a two mile limit.” Crusader told Mielikki over the battlenet.

“Understood, weapons hot!

“Let us begin.”

Everything on the one side of the Bolos opened up, walking through a delineated area and pounding it into gravel and dust. The main Hellbores fired steadily, nuclear force shattering molecular bonds with impunity and vaporizing the ground. Howitzers and other small arms added their power to the bombardment, shells and mortars flew, impacting in carefully plotted sections and churning up the area.

The officers listened as the pounding and thudding from weapons began, filtering through even to them on the decks, they could tell everything had opened up on the area to be interdicted.

“Sustained fire for two hours, Captain. Munitions will start running out then. Hellbore rounds are sufficient and can be made quickly enough with Cryo-H slush contained inside supply tanks. We will need water for more after three hours.” Crusader was planning far ahead.

The pounding became a steady rhythm after a few seconds.

“Got it, Crusader. Outside storage can be tapped, but we’ll have to go outside and link up hoses.”

“That would be inadvisable.”

The officer hesitated, thinking about that once more, “True. Let’s hope they get those generators up before then.”

The tech crews had to reassemble generators they’d been breaking down for maintenance. A rush job did no one any good, especially those counting on the safety of the static force they could create.

Time was not on their side as the power was ramped up to those machines still in the circuit. As more were reassembled, they would be cut into the power lines and added to the strength of the static field which would cover the darkened section of dome.

Harrison watched the gauges and readouts carefully. He knew this was no time to be distracted. He worried though, about the lines directing the energy flow and the ability of the static producing generators to handle a sudden flip into service.

The generators were coming on-line in a hurry, taking massive amounts of power to bring up and hold while they created a static field from the lines already in place within the dome for directing lightning strikes into the ground or converted to power for use. It wasn’t an elegant solution, but it had worked.

Now they were trying to get what remained back into service, pumping joules of energy through the lines and flipping the big machines on as quick as they could.

Computer diagnostics were having fits, as the whole process should have been done slowly and within certain load limits. They hadn’t the time.

Thick eyebrows furrowed as he watched a set go straight into the red. Grabbing for the shutdown switch, he was too late.

The entire setup went into a cascade failure. One generator blew out, taking the rest in a line along with it. The power cables sizzled and burnt as a backlash of tremendous force tore through the system, wrecking control boards and nodes along the dome. Failures were beginning to be felt in the shops and apartments, the lights dimming, brightening, then went out for good.

Harrison was screaming for his people to get out of the areas where the power buildup was beyond dangerous. He heard final calls come over the comm system of techs who’d stayed to try and kick in overload circuits. They went silent as each power distribution center was destroyed by internal feedback.

His worried face turned to the main board, watching the sectors of the dome wink out one by one. Until the entire thing was nothing but black within the outlines of all the dome areas.

An unknown voice from someone in the room broke the quiet as the techs and soldiers all stared at the blank update screen, the emergency lights flickering on and providing a low level of light for the next few hours before batteries drained.

“Oh my god.”

“The entire thing went, it’s gone and we’re defenseless.” Colonel Waite’s voice was steady as the two Bolo officers heard him directing troops. Panic had not set in yet as everyone was wondering for the moment what was going on.

“We’ll move near an access dome, we can take as many people as we can stuff into our hulls. It’s not going to be pretty, but it’ll only be a couple of days until the fleet arrives.” Crusader’s commander was trying his best to think of something. They’d stopped the bombardment as soon as the alarms went off, seeing the shield fail.

Stanley spoke up, “We can demolish the covered roadways, get right up near the main dome and extend our screens a few meters outward, it’ll cover a retreat!”

“That’s more of a hope than we’ve got, do it.”

The two Bolos swung into action, taking a separate roadway they moved their dense hulls into place. Blasting the covered access-ways into rubble and rolling up into the area next to the blast doors that sealed them off from the outside. A few minutes of clearance with close-in ordinance and they were all set.

Slowly, Mielikki and Crusader pushed their battlescreens outward. To the limit of the projectors it made a small area around each door impenetrable to the entity. It wasn’t much. Whoever was to escape had to come along the entry way, the Bolos dropping the shields for only moments to let anyone in.

Their comm units hummed, then firmed up as a familiar voice came through.

“Unit Epsilon to Bolos.”

Crusader’s officer slapped the receive button on the touch screen, “Go ahead!”

“ ....are patrolling outer sector three, we have a breach. Unknown hostile has already entered the area, casualties are mounting. We are unable to stop it, attempting withdrawal.”

The concussive sound of weapons fire was heard in the background as the communications crackled and spat.

“We have an escape route. Withdraw to Sector Two and Four access. We blew the road covers, we’re sitting right near the blast doors. Get them open and provide cover for any coming our way.”

“Copy..retreating now..”

There is a time when the moments pass like molasses, oozing by like hours. Waiting, it was all waiting. The two officers stood near loading ramps that would extend outward to help any refugees to come aboard. They couldn’t take many, but it was something.

Armored up and toting powerguns, they listened to the communications on internals in the dome. The main system was out, so all the smaller comms were being jammed with instructions, orders, directions.

Cameras and security systems had backup batteries, though limited in life, they provided an ongoing record of what was happening.

The entity was in the dome.

The first they heard was once again the screams. Wails from terrified throats that seemed to go on forever. In the darkness it stalked the people inside, taking them down with what seemed like a dark and evil glee.

The two Bolo officers could hear it all, see it on the screens near them in the loading bays as the doors opened, the ramps extended.

The battle screens would flicker as anyone entered, the AI’s timing it precisely so they would not be killed by the power of the shields that Bolos used to ward off enemy fire.

The populace was starting to panic, running for cover or imagined safety, they were tracked down and slaughtered in place. The thing seeking out warm bodies, or just the life signatures, they could only surmise.

All they knew was people were dying.

Crusader’s officer looked down the ramp way, extending into and slightly beyond the glimmering wall of force that kept them from being invaded.

The Colonel knew they were waiting, directing what little of the populace they could that were not running for homes or trying to find safety, to the access ways where they would be put into the Bolo bays. It was not an easy job, as the transmissions were showing. People were frightened, looking for shelter, protection from the troops inside, anything but running into a dead end corridor.

Crusaders commander found himself shaking, trembling in the sealed suit that provided his only protection should that shining barrier fail. He clasped his hands tight on the squarish body of the powergun, making himself check the readouts once more, making sure it was working properly, fully loaded magazine.

His whole body shook at the memories, not so old, of that dark and terrible time when something had fed him terror unrestrained. Horrors from somewhere out there that had no name, yet the body responded to them.

Jaw clamped tight to keep his teeth from chattering, he knew it was all in his head this time, a product of his imagination. But he couldn’t shake it, couldn’t tear away from the thought that..that..thing may get him in its grips once more.

“Captain?” Crusaders voice was calm over the link, “Your pulse is elevated, diagnostics are reading heightened levels across the board.”

“I’m...I’m fine, Crusader.”

The old Bolo was not a master of psychology, but it had its wits about it, “It will not reach you, Captain. You have my word.” The words rang true, truer than anything he’d ever heard and more honest. Whatever the titanic machine could do, it would, to keep him safe.

“I.. Thank you, Crusader.” A gloved hand reached out, touching the wall nearest him as if to reassure himself the Bolo was real, that the fears weren’t. He felt the strength, not only of metal and materials, but of the deep convictions the old Bolo carried with him through the years. An almost impenetrable bastion that defended those who could not.

It was only moments before they received a transmission, Epsilon Four-One was at the blast doors, overriding the command circuitry and getting them open to funnel as many people as they could towards the safety of the Bolos.

It was so little space, and so many people. It wasn’t much.

Houses and shops formed a corridor towards the blast doors, all available space in the dome was used expeditiously by the planners. A roadway leading to them was just big enough for small vehicles carrying passengers to travel back and forth. The big equipment was left to the secondary domes.

The huge doors cracked, then starting sliding open. The Bolo turned on outside spots, lighting up the area with a harsh glare that showed how truly dark it was inside the town.

They could see Epsilon Four-One by the doors, the last of his unit, three of them, pointing outward in a half-circle defending their commander while he got the exit opened.

The battery backup must have been depleted from carrying so much weight as the doors shuddered to a halt, opened wide enough that the Captain could see into the town where panic reigned.

People were fleeing across his vision, going who knows where to find safety, they bypassed the exit in a rush. Epsilon Four-One gave a wave, stepping back with his troops and heading for the cross roadway to direct civilians into the access way. Crusaders’ officer held his gun tighter, seeing the people moving everywhere but towards them for safety.

It was all coming apart.

“Colonel Waite to Bolos, come in!”

Tapping his earpiece, the Captain replied, “We read you, Colonel!”

“We’ve lost any containment. Nothing is stopping it. My god it’s.. Boys..it’s worse than anything you’ve seen. Help us, do what you have to.”

“Colonel! Head to the sector two or four entries! We’ll get you and whoever comes with you out!”

The voice was grim, “I can’t leave my people behind, Captain. You know that. Don’t wait, do what you can. It’s..it’s a slaughter out here.”

They could hear it over the commlinks. The wails of throats stretched to the limit, the screams and horrified sounds of a population being destroyed by something that neither cared nor would ever do so. In between, they could hear the weapons being fired, the sound of shots hitting flesh. The only solution when the entity attacked.

Crusader’s officer blinked back tears. Rolling down his face inside the helmet, he couldn’t wipe them away. His body trembled with the urge to curl up in a corner somewhere and block it all out.

But he listened, he made himself listen to each sound, each dying word or cry. Everything.

The screaming never stopped.

He hit the wall with a fist, the sound echoing in the bay area as he shook his head, “I..we..can’t Colonel. Oh god, we can’t..we can’t shoot..it..it..” He couldn’t bring himself to command the heavy guns of the Bolos to be turned on the dome. It didn’t matter what was happening, he couldn’t..he doubted, the fear ran deep making his bones ache. He found himself unable to give the order.

“I understand, son. It’s all right. We’ll hold as long as we can.”

“I’m sorry..so sorry..”

“Don’t be. Just let them know what happened.”

“I will, Colonel. We will.”

The commlink clicked off, leaving him in a heavy silence where it seemed the weight of a hundred thousand pairs of eyes judged him, finding him unworthy.

Through his ear piece he kept hearing the sounds made by people tortured beyond any physical means. He knew that feeling, knew it well. A chill ran down his spine as he slumped to the floor of the bay, weapon clattering beside him as he took off the helmet, breaking the seal with a slight hiss and tossing it across the floor.

Fists twisted in eyes that were streaming tears, the normally smiling face was grimacing with the knowledge that when it came down to it, he couldn’t give the orders. He was letting those people be massacred in a way he wouldn’t wish upon an enemy.

The tempered steel inside was gone, thrown away when an unknown force entered into his mind and body, turning him inside out, breaking him. It clouded his mind with indecision, doubts kept him from making a single thing clear. He shook his head, sweat flinging against the floor as he broke out into shivers that wracked his entire frame.

“Captain. You must get up. Retrieve your helmet and put it back on. Casualties are mounting.”

The calm voice held a sense of urgency, seeing his commander almost crumpled on the floor.

“We..we can’t stop it Crusader, nothing can stop it. Get Stanley..he’ll know what to do.”

“Captain Forard is incapacitated.” The bay screen lit up, showing a figure on a floor just like his, arms curled around its head as it rocked back and forth, the sounds of horror filling the commlinks.

“You must get up, Captain. The inhabitants of the dome are not running for safety, they are hiding, or being taken by the entity. They will not listen to orders. You must get up now.”

“Epsilon Four-One to Bolos, any chance of containment is lost. The soldiers have been overrun by the enemy. Panic is now rampant, they are not listening to orders or direction.”

The Captain looked up, seeing the hard face of Epsilon Four-One at the blast doors once more. The team behind him was chivvying along a few haggard and terrified looking residents, pushing them forward gently into the corridor towards the Bolo.

“This is all we could convince, Captain. They are heading your way now.”

“Retreat, Epsilon. Follow them to us. We’ll..we’ll..cover you.” The captain finally found a voice, weak as it was.

“We cannot, the enemy is still..” The voice was lost in a whine and snap of gunfire. The team opening up on something very close.

The Captain struggled to his feet, calling out to the figures standing and looking behind them as Epsilon’s team opened fire on the entity.

“Come ON! Come towards us! MOVE!” He screamed at them, seeing indecision on their faces.

“MOVE!”

His body shook with tremors he couldn’t stop, teeth almost rattlign in his head from the cold sensation that ran the length of his body. It was here, it was close.

Finally the civilians began to run towards the glimmering shield that would provide sanctuary, safety. A mob of about fifty it seemed from what he could quickly count, was starting to pick up the pace.

The gunfire behind them died, Epsilon’s team had fallen and the last person in the group started screaming.

Panic set in again as feet pounded the roadway towards the opening in the Bolo. People were going down quickly, so quickly, it was almost a dream.

The sounds were real, the horror and fear were very real as men, women, even children crumpled to the roadway, wails and shrieks of the dying filling the corridor. By twos and threes they fell under the onslaught of the entity, using their lasts breaths to vent the pain they felt, unto the last until the oxygen in their bodies had run out.

The Captain wanted to step beyond the screen, to help. But his own indecision and the sickness he felt inside prevented him.

A woman was running ahead of the pack, carrying a child with her. She was almost here!

“Toss her! Toss her to me!” The Captain held out his arms, ready to receive the little girl.

The mother reared back, muscles bunching as she lifted the smaller form in her arms, ready to throw her to safety.

She stopped, a rictus grin forming on her face as she growled almost ferally, dropping the child who was confused as to what to do. Then she saw her mother down on the road, twisting and yelling like one of the damned, turning to run those last few yards when it all ended.

The petite form stood there, shaking like a piece of grass in a tornado before falling to the road, high-pitched keening turned into shrieks and banshee wails as he watched, helpless. The little arms corded with strength that came from unreasoning, and unrestrained, fear and terror that ripped through the small form.

His arms still extended, as if hoping maybe what he saw was wrong, that..that somehow this was not happening.

They dropped to his sides as his mind registered the mass of bodies, quiescent and quiet.

The hair on the back of his neck prickled, skin sprouting goosebumps as he felt a presence, it was there on the other side of the shield! His eyes swept the corridor, seeing nothing, but feeling the weight of something that was turning its attention on him.

Safe behind the battlescreen, he still shook inside the armor, weapon picked up and raised, but knowing it was fruitless. An oppressive feeling swept over him, as if eyes had glanced his way and dismissed all he was, all he would be.

You could not stop me, it seemed to say, you will never stop me. Step out from behind your walls and embrace what you know must happen.

The Captain backed up, away from the thing that pressed against the battlescreen. Carefully getting away from the entity, or whatever it was, on the other side of the screen, he gave his final order.

“Close the bay, Crusader.”

“Acknowledged.”

The last glimpse of the town, the still corridor, and the ones he had failed were gone with the clunk and locking of the bay ramp, the shutting of doors that forever locked away the scene, but left it indelibly stamped upon his soul forever. He fell to the floor, covering his head and weeping alone on the durasteel, watched over by a sentinel who could not lend a hand, nor comfort even with words for what had happened.

The Fleet made planetfall soon enough. Massive warships covered the landing of transports which had tuned shields to the frequencies provided. Finding a silent world once again, except for two Bolos who were watching over their officers who were almost cataleptic by the time the doctors from the ships got to them.

The Bolos had borne witness to it all, unable to do anything else, hearing the last sounds of a dying populace. It echoed through their cores unlike anything they had previously encountered.

Ships retrieved them and the officers, clearing orbit for travel-space as soon as they were able to get away from the cursed place.

The planet was interdicted permanently. Fleet pickets with orders for shoot on sight anyone trying to breach the cordon. Orbital fortresses were constructed and kept manned at all times. Nothing would leave nor arrive. Destruction of the planet was not thought of, as possibly releasing such an entity into the galaxy scared even the tactical AI’s at Command.

On the continents below, only the wind was heard whispering through the fields and domes, silent and still.

The world, green and verdant, was left to the dead.

Wyatt looked at the neutral expression on the face across the table. The calm composure was not there, though the expression would say so. An underlying sadness was wrapped around Crusader like a blanket, covering him in it’s embrace. The loss, just being there and seeing...

He couldn’t even imagine. He’d never heard of this story, nor the planet, but he knew inside himself it was all very true.

The blue eyes were steady, the expression never changed, “Are you all right?”

Wyatt cleared his throat, reaching for the pitcher and filling a glass. Taking a long drink as if dehydrated, he could feel the chill it sent through him along with the one down his back.

“Yes.. Yes, I’m fine.”

Wyatt stared back at the solid figure, “Remind me never to ask about stories again.”

A brief smile flickered over the umber face, “Of course.”

The sergeant waited a moment, gathering his thoughts, “I..honestly don’t know what to say.”

The solid figure blinked once, “There is nothing to say, Sergeant, except that you asked about fear and whether I had experienced it.”

Wyatt nodded, “I can’t imagine, much less.. Why can’t you delete those memories? Be rid of them permanently?”

“We are the sum of our experiences, we cannot be rid of them. It is what makes us more efficient.”

The umber form settled into a comfortable position on the cushion, “It is late, I will be performing maintenance in Low Level Alert in case of problems. Thank you for the conversation, Sergeant.”

The eyes closed, the presence went away, as if something had fled from the form now looking as if quietly sleeping. It happened so fast Wyatt never got a chance to ask the thousands of questions running through his head.

He got up and stretched, twisting his neck for a moment to work the kinks out as he stepped towards his rooms. Arms behind his back and shrugging to make the stiff muscles a little more flexible.

He stepped through the entry way into the suite and was startled to find more than just Athena sitting there. He’d figured one or two, but it seems a whole crowd had gathered, listening to the tale.

The expressions he saw ranged from thoughtfulness, to almost a tearful sadness on Fluttershy’s pretty face. Even the Princesses stood silent, looking towards one another and whispering in low tones, as if it would wake the inactivated avatar.

A hoof touched his arm, making him glance down at Athena. He could almost feel that same looming presence in her, the force of the mind behind the simple looking pony.

Her demeanor was always the best, though they had talked of trying times after she first was brought back, “Sorry about the crowd.”

Looking again and seeing the group starting to filter out on the patio, to at least be there when Crusader awoke, he found he didn’t mind at all.

Waving the comment away, he reached over to the counter where he could get another cold container of juice, “After that, I’d want to see friendly faces too.”

“And friendly voices!” Calliope’s transmission came over crystal clear, online after politely staying out of the conversation earlier. Though she had heard the entire thing, as Wyatt would never leave her truly alone.

Another hoof tugged at him, Princess Cadence standing there with a warm smile, “Then come join us, won’t you?”

“I don’t think..”

Athena’s interruption was soft, making him glance her way, “Physician, heal thyself.”

The tall human looked towards the balcony where the group had gone, seeing Sky waving to him with a warm expression.

After that story, he’d need a little light talk. Waving a hand forward he gestured to the two mares, “After you.”

He looked back into the suite of rooms, seeing it carved up by the light of the setting sun, shadows dancing along the furniture and walls as he stepped out into the open area with the two ponies.

Wyatt, and the Bolos, had tread in dark places long ago. Here, though, there always seemed a way out, something leading you out of it into the warm sunshine. It stripped away the lingering gloom and gave you hope.

Seeing the crowd on the terrace, expressions light and airy, it wasn’t a bad thing.

Hefting the container of cold liquid in his hand, he smiled to himself.

No, no it wasn’t a bad at all.

Moving Forward...or is it sideways?

“Are you sure I look okay? Positive?” Sky’s voice was laced with jitters as they stood outside the glorious house on a low rise in Canterlot. The warm sun took away the slight chill in the late morning air as Wyatt and Sky stepped up onto the portico, before the heavy wooden doors that were inlaid with exquisite scrollwork. All around were carefully tended rose bushes, along with daffodils and other blooming vegetation that gave the marble edifice a warm feel.

He looked at his companion, mane done up in a upward sweeping style, a lovely golden chain around the slim neck accenting her colors, along with silver earrings that dangled from ears that flicked nervously.

“It’s just tea, nothing more. Why are you so nervous?” Practiced eyes took in the wide fluted columns, entwined with ivy and jasmine, the scent of flowers wafting through the air to lightly touch the nose with a delicious aroma.

“Just tea? But it’s.. I have to look my best! I’ve never been invited..” Wyatt lay a calming hand on one shoulder, the muscles twitching nervously under the flattened palm.

“Settle down, you look like you’re going to barf on the porch.” He leaned forward and lifted the heavy knocker, rapping the door in a quick succession of three hits.

“Wyatt!!”

He couldn’t help but smile mischievously as the door swung open, Fleur dis Lee’s pretty face leaned out with a questioning look before seeing them, “You made it!” She stepped back, opening the door wider into the spacious entry way, “Please come in!”

The vestibule to the house was carpeted with a woven rug, thick and soft, enveloping their foot and hoof steps to muffle them almost completely. It was large and spacious, the cold stone walls covered with tapestries or hangings that took away the hard feel and made it more of a home.

A short hall led to the main room where Fleur received her guests graciously, inviting them to sit among the comfortable looking couches and cushions, all in a sunken area that surrounded a low-setting fireplace in the middle. An etched pipework chimney ran straight up, taking any smoke away from the wide fire pit and leaving just a glow of warmth that permeated the room.

Earth tones and warm colors covered the house, and the kitchen from what they could see from their vantage point, settling in on a divan that had cushions backed up against the wall of the inset living and gathering area. Plants in finely made pottery dotted the entire room, ferns and large leafed greenery splitting it up into sections that made it all feel more intimate.

Someone had planned this room to the inch, making it all seem closer than it was. A circular staircase in one corner led up to the second story, carpeted as well with a tightly woven runner that snugged the steps easily.

No matter where you sat in the sunken space you could see every area and who you were talking to.

It was all cleverly done in a way that you’d have to study for a long while before you figured out it was on purpose.

Fleurs’ head popped out from the doorway leading into the kitchen to where she had retreated after making sure her guests were settled in, “Be one second!”

They had no chance to answer back before she disappeared once more, hearing the sounds of utensils being put away or used, they weren’t quite sure.

Skys’ eyes were wide with wonder as she peered around the house from her seat on the well-made divan. Seeing shelves with books by the dozen, vases and fine things on stands that were placed in such a way that you’d swear they were hidden on purpose. She found the home a delight and a pleasure to be in, trying to figure out what was, or if there was, something behind a wall hanging or another plant.

A clattering sound made them both look, seeing Fleur trotting out of the kitchen, a large tea set upon a platter held within the grip of an aura as they floated to rest upon the coffee table.

Delicate, and what appeared to Wyatt’s eyes as porcelain, cups and a tea pot were carefully arranged on the silver tray, fluffy cloth napkins beside each cup were folded very precisely to look like swans.

Another tray followed, landing gently beside the tea set, it was covered in a myriad of petit fours set in a pattern that made them all the more enticing.

Small eclairs dripped with chocolate icing, alongside tartlets that looked to have just come out of the oven, fruit filling bubbling slightly as they cooled quickly in the air, the crusts delicate and flaky. Squares of fudge covered cakes and cookies dotted the serving silver as well, the aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air of the room with a scent of home.

Fleur settled with a slight huff in a settee, looking across at them with a smile, “My apologies for not being better prepared. These should have been done a while ago.”

Sky waved a hoof back and forth, “Nonono, this is so wonderful!” Glancing up at Wyatt who still had the slight grin on his face, “We just..well..didn’t expect all this.”

“She was so nervous I thought we’d have to haul her in here by the scruff after she fainted on the porch.”

“Wyatt!”

A gleaming hoof lifted to cover Fleur’s mouth as her eyes went wide, giggling, then laughing out loud at the expression on Sky’s face.

The Crystal mare looked apologetic, “I am so sorry, he’s..sometimes.. Agh!” She threw her hooves in the air and glared at Wyatt who sat as if nothing in the world were wrong.

Her protestations were waved away with a smile, “Never a need to apologize. Please relax, there’s no reason to be nervous.”

“He can be cultured when he wants, except he prefers not to.” The voice came from nowhere, a device on Wyatt’s ear producing it. It was very easy on the ears and spoke Equestrian fluently now.

Fleur’s eyes went wide again, “Is..is that your friend? The one in the Crystal Empire?”

Wyatt nodded, “Oh yes, Calliope is my conscience I’m afraid, keeping me in line.” He winked at both the mares and sighed dramatically.

“You did NOT start without me!” The voice made them all turn, seeing Tropic standing there looking miffed. The burnished gold mare wore her mane in a style that piled it high in curly heaps along her head and neck, a few pieces of platinum jewelry accented the rest.

Fleur shook her head, “We wouldn’t dream of it. Come and sit down.”

The now happy mare trotted down to plop on a low sitting chair that snugged her body gently, her eyes peering at the trays set on the table, “Oh my, those look wonderful!”

“I followed Sweetcakes’ instructions to the letter.” Fleur announced proudly, looking aside at Wyatt and Sky, “I can’t bake for beans, but I can follow directions!”

A magical aura gripped the teapot, pouring the steaming contents into four cups that were arranged in front of each guest with a gentle movement of magical effort.

“Please have something to drink while everything cools down, they’re fresh from the oven and we have a while.”

Wyatt lifted the. what he assumed to be, delicate cup, looking at the thin walls and pressing it slightly with his fingers, strong and light, it outclassed most metal cups he’d used. Something in the fabrication made it so. From what he gathered, it would take a force of many pounds to even chip it.

Taking a sip, the tea was light and fragrant, teasing the palate with a hint of cherry along with the chamomile and other flavors he couldn’t identify that pervaded the rest. It soothed the throat easily and went down like the finest drink.

He noticed Fleur looking at him expectantly, almost nervous, as if his passing judgment on the tea’s quality was important.

He finished his drink and set the cup down, “That was the finest tea I’ve ever had, thank you.” He saw the slim mare’s shoulders unclench, “Though I’m sure you don’t need my approval.”

“Are you kidding?” Tropic was grinning, “She was fretting all day yesterday planning everything out!”

“Don’t tell them that!”

A golden hoof was waved in Fleurs’ direction, “Oh, shush. She was running all over trying to find the perfect tea for today, had it special ordered and brought here by direct express mail!” She put a hoof to the side of her muzzle, leaning towards Wyatt, “That cost a few bits I’ll tell you.”

“Tropic!” Fleur was looking aghast.

Wyatt laughed, leaning back against the soft pillow, “Look, there’s no reason to be uptight. You don’t need my approval,” he pointed at Fleur, “You don’t need to be so nervous.” Moved the finger to point at Sky, who was looking as if she’d fall over again.

He leaned forward, pouring himself another cup of the delicious tea, waving away Fleur’s protestations that she would be more than willing to do that. He sat back and smiled, “Let me tell you a story.”

Calliope was immediately online, “Do not tell them one of your stories!”

This was waved away with a free hand, “Don’t worry.”

For the next hour, he weaved an intricate tale of himself as a young First Lieutenant, newly minted and out to celebrate his promotion. This quickly involved quite a bit of alcohol, some high society ladies, including a few general’s daughters, a pool filled with chocolate mousse; there was whipped cream, a stolen shipment of one hundred pounds of assorted fruit; ending with a large contingent of riot police. Plus the movie offers afterwards.

Athena was talking quietly with Twilight in the Royal Library when her eyes popped wide, tilting her head for a second and laughing out loud. Her hoof slapped the floor as she brayed in merriment, almost tearing up at what she heard through the translation program.

Twilight was trying to get her to quiet down, getting looks from the librarians as Athena continued to laugh so hard she almost fell over.

A hoof was waved weakly at Twilight who was looking confused, “I’ll tell you later.”

“You are so weird.”

“And that, was how I got busted back a rank the first time.” The tall soldier reached out, grabbing a now cooled blueberry tartlet and popping it in his mouth, savoring the flavor and flaky crust.

Tropic had rolled onto her back, kicking hooves in the air and laughing so hard her whole body shook. Tears were streaming down her face as she tried to compose herself and failed.

Fleur was right beside her, head thrown back and almost shrieking in delight, hooves holding her sides as she tried to gasp for breath and not getting enough air. Her eyes squeezed out tears from the effort as her lungs let out more howls, never hearing such a story before.

Sky had lost it completely, blushing deeply under her already red coloring, the Crystal mare joined right in, trying to muffle the sounds of her own merry voice by shoving her muzzle into a pillow. Failing in the attempt as they still filtered through. The whole house filled with the sounds of maniacal glee echoing off the walls.

“You..” Fleur was gasping for breath, “You are such a tale teller!”

A hand was raised with an innocent look, “All true. My hand to.. Uh..who do you guys swear by?”

Sky chuckled, “Celestia, usually.”

Wyatt had been practicing a little Equestrian of his own, “Oh, right. My hand to Celestia’s ass, it’s all true.”

“WYATT!” This time it was all three ponies.

“I swear, if you don’t quit finding ways to dodge the translation filter, I will batter you senseless.” Athena’s voice was very crisp and clear in his ear, not a single doubt in his mind she would not keep that dire promise.

“I have just been advised that I am not to say anything like that any more. Otherwise, bad things will befall me.”

Sky nodded, “Well, that is kind of awful. Can’t believe you said that.”

Wyatt leaned near his friend, “Never take things too seriously, life is short and you never get out of it alive.”

Tropic got the comment immediately, followed by the others with much more merriment.

The topic turned to other things, small talk, a little gossip, enjoying the wonderful repast that had cooled to just the right temperature as they spoke amongst themselves. Wyatt was finding out more about the culture and history of the land, as well as Fleur and Tropic themselves.

Calliope was fully enjoying herself, being interested in everything, except when she was sternly warning the sergeant to behave himself.

A bell tolling outside made everyone pause, seeing the time had flown by. Fleurs’ eyes looked to a clock on the wall, seeing it almost late afternoon, they had talked the entire day away.

“Goodness! It’s almost..” She looked at her guests, “Would you all care to stay for dinner? It would be very nice if you could.”

Tropic looked at her friend suspiciously, “You’re not cooking, are you?”

Pale violet eyes rolled in their sockets with a sigh, “No, I was thinking of having it delivered. Especially after that last disaster.”

Tropic giggled, turning to the questioning looks from Wyatt and Sky, “She tried to make spaghetti one night, it didn’t...quite...work out.”

Fleur slapped a cushion with a fore hoof, “Pasta is not supposed to catch fire!”

“Delivery is fine,” Sky retorted with Wyatt nodding enthusiastically.

“Wonderful!” The slim mares’ hooves clapped together in delight as she got up from her seat, “Let me get a message and order off then. Please, look around the house, enjoy yourselves while I do so.”

Fleur turned and trotted off into a small den while the others got up and stretched a bit.

Tropic was first to suggest something, “Let’s go see the library! She’s got some wonderful books and collectors editions in there!” Her eyes were bright, thinking about rummaging through some of Fleurs’ carefully hoarded treasures.

Sky was hesitant, “Are you sure that would be okay?”

Tropic waved the comment away, “Oh, sure. I’ve been in there dozens of times. It’s a great place to sit and read a good book!”

Reassured, Wyatt and Sky got up and followed the golden mare up the stairs. Wyatt having to stoop just a little as it wasn’t quite made for tall beings like himself.

They ended up in a second story to the mansion, carpeted heavily and only three entryways into room could be seen. One, at the end of the hallway, appeared to be a washroom. The one to the right, taking up most of the side of the house, was the library where Tropic led them to. A door stood open opposite the library as Wyatt couldn’t help and peeked in, seeing Fleurs bedroom. SKy and Tropic already heading into the library, giving him time.

It was probably the most comfortable, and cheerful, room he had ever seen in his life. Standing in the door way looking in, a large, carved wood four poster bed stood in the middle of the back wall. The pillows thick and soft, covered in what looked like silk pillowcases. The canopy was light and lacy, with extensive beadwork dripping off all three sides and the back, giving it an ethereal air. The comforter was all bright colors, again, thick and warm looking for the chilly Canterlot nights.

Heavy shag type carpet would muffle any hoofstep completely, giving a soft bounce to any step. Wall to wall so no hard stone would peek through. Upon the walls were paintings and pictures, not of herself and celebrities, but of landscapes and cities undreamed of. Something out of the imagination brought to life.

A fireplace took up the right side, smoothly done with elegant stonework and carved marble, it fit the wall as if grown in place. Already set for an evening fire, it was large, and would heat the room easily.

Wyatt leaned against the doorframe, his eyes not seeing this room but another, and a cheerful face calling from the floor, surrounded by toys and stuffed animals.

“Wyatt! Come and play!”

His sister. Always looking on the bright side, always keeping him out of trouble some days.

He knew, during those final days, she had been on Earth. He was trapped below the surface, and couldn’t reach her or his family.

A pang of regret felt like an icepick in his chest. Knowing she would have loved this room. She would have been enamored of all the things here.

“I usually have the door closed.” The soft voice brought him out of his reverie, seeing Fleur standing quietly in the hallway.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.” The tone of his voice caught the mare off-guard as she gently closed the door with a movement of magic and the soft click of a latch.

“Is something wrong?” She was quick.

For one of the few times in his life, he had no quip or comment, just the truth, “My sister. She had a room like this when we were young. Kept all of her precious things in there. Said it was a place where she could escape the world and just be herself.”

He remembered visiting her house one time while on leave. She worked for a large multi-system shipping company as an executive. Everything was just right in the house, but the one room was hers. All the stuffed animals and books, the treasures of childhood and more, were still there to be loved. Added to and expanded over the years, it was a storehouse of warmth.

The slim mare smiled brightly, “She was right, you know. Everypony needs some place to call their own.” The implications didn’t pass her by.

“True, very true.”

For a moment, it all connected between them, an understanding of certain things and the comment came back to him of Crusader telling him not to underestimate ponies. Judging a book by its cover here, could get you into real trouble.

“Hey! What are you standing in the hall for?” Tropics’ head poked out of the opposite doorway, “Come on in!”

He gestured with an outswept arm, “After you, Miss Lee.”

“Why, thank you, kind sir.” She walked past him with a royal air that gave them both a chuckle.

Wyatt stepped into the enormous room that was covered in shelves and stands, holding books and magazines and..were those comics? On the walls and standing free in the room itself. Walls were blanketed with posters from movies, book announcements, and of course the ubiquitous Daring Do pictures in various action poses.

Small stands topped with glass cases held figurines and other collectibles. More examples of Fleurs love of pop culture. The floor was once again carpeted in soft covering, enhancing the quiet by absorbing sounds, making it all so much better.

It was a geek’s paradise, all in one room.

Comfortable chairs were strategically placed, giving privacy and the ability to talk with someone close, for the relaxing and reading of the items contained herein.

Tropic and Sky were marveling at an entire run of a comic called The Power Ponies. Each encased in a sleeve of some transparent material unlike plastic, but different. It held the booklet firmly and without a wrinkle, easily removed for reading and sipped back in, numbered and labeled.

Wyatt could only stand and look around at the airy space, seeing it lit by softly glowing lights that had to be magic, no heat or flame, but enough brilliance to light each corner, no room for shadows.

“Do you like it?”

Wyatt glanced over to see Fleur standing next to him, smiling as he was looking over the library.

He nodded, “I had friends..who would’ve done heinous things to a lot of people for the chance to have something like this.”

The laugh was like chimes in the wind to his ears, “They were fans then? Of things back then?”

“Oh, yes. Rabid, one might say.”

More things popped out to his view, paintings, ensconced on the wall in subdued framing, picturing action characters and more things from some writers’ imagination. Places and ponies that didn’t exist except in the mind.

There was a conspicuous space though, upon a long wall that held quite a few other things. Fleur noticed him looking curiously at it.

“Yes. That is where the painting is going to hang, as soon as the museum releases it in a few days.”

Wyatt could not help but see the look of inestimable glee on the slim mares’ face.

“Looking forward to it I take it?”

Almost prancing in place, she nodded, “Oh, yes. Very much so!”

Tropic was nudging Sky as they stood near, “Excited is not the word. She’s already arranged a formal party for the showing here. The caterer has been working for days on the menu. The invitations have already gone out, you should be getting yours anytime.” Her eyes rested on Fleur once more, seeing the mare blush heavily under her pale coat.

“It’s just a small party!” A hoof stamped lightly on the carpet for emphasis, no sound penetrating the padding.

Tropic grinned mischievously, “Fifty ponies is not small.”

“I had to invite the club!”

“To show off, I’m sure.”

“Tropic!”

“Fleur?”

A huff, then another stamp, “Fine, it’s a blowout. You happy?”

Tropic gave the giggling Sky another nudge, “Absolutely. It’s my job to keep you honest.”

The model mare raised one eyebrow, giving her friend a piqued glance, “Well, since you’re so honest, you wouldn’t mind waiting to see the other latest acquisition until the party.”

The burnished gold face took on a look of surprise, “What acquisition?”

Fleur waved a hoof, turning to peer at a book on one nearby shelf, “Oh, I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise. Don’t worry about it, you’ll see it then.”

Wyatt looked to see Sky giggling up a storm, shaking his own head. He twirled a finger near his temple causing Sky to bark a laugh.

They were blithely ignored, Tropic sidling up near Fleur, “What surprise?” She was ignored as Fleur dusted imaginary specks off a shelf.

“Fleur! C’mon! What surprise?”

“Oh, nothing.” The model mares’ voice was light and dismissive.

“Fleur!” Tropic was nearly bouncing in place, hooves tapping the padded floor in a cadence of nervousness, “Pleeeaaaassseee!”

A dramatic sigh, the flicking of an ear and tail, finally Fleur turned and faced her friend, “No more telling ponies about what I do!”

“But.. It.. I...” Tropics face was frustrated, she’d always been honest. Although to a fault sometimes. “I..could try?”

She was poked by a slim hoof, “No...more....telling.” Each word punctuated by a tap on her chest.

“Fine! No more telling!” Hooves went up in frustration as Tropic really wanted to know about the surprise.

Her friend turned to an unobtrusive cabinet, firing up her magic and opening a simple spell-lock. Those locks made without a key that only a magic user could use. Opening it wide, she brought out an envelope and withdrew the contents, holding it with an aura of more magic in front of Tropics eyes.

“Surprise.”

Tropics’ jaw almost hit the floor as her widened eyes roved over the cover of the slim booklet, her breath came in great gasps, heart speeding up in her chest as she realized what she was looking at.

“No...way. No way.. No...way you have that.”

Fleur smiled slyly, shaking the book in front of Tropics face with a manipulation of her spell, “Yes, way.”

“That is so not real! It’s not due out for a month! Nopony has any idea that it’s even in production! I only found out by accident!”

The reply was soft, “We were shooting an ad in the publishers office when we started talking about comics and he told me about this, gave me an advance issue.”

Tropic calmed herself, placing a gleaming hoof against her own chest and took deep breaths before looking at her friend with a glare, “I so hate you right now.”

The aura split, lifting an exact duplicate from the envelope and presenting it to Tropic, “And another copy for a close friend.” Fleur grinned as she shook the comic in front of the surprised mare.

Sky and Wyatt flinched from the squeal that came from golden mare, cringing slightly from the volume of the voice that before had been pleading.

Tropics’ own spell grabbed the extra copy and snugged it tight to her chest with one hoof as she danced around the room, “Thankyouthankyouthankyou!”

Wyatt was watching the whole exchange while laying a hand on Sky’s shoulder, trying to keep her from falling over with the storm of giggles that enveloped the Crystal mare.

He made an aside to her at the same time, “Had friends just like that.”

Leaning closer he whispered, “Just as crazy too.”

That did it, Sky fell over on the carpet and laughed louder than ever.

Seeing himself left alone for the moment, with Fleur and Tropic celebrating their score, and Sky was braying hard enough to barely breathe, he reached over for the extra copy that had been laid aside for the moment.

‘The Ulti-Mares’

Hmmm..some sort of superhero comic he guessed by the look of gaudily dressed ponies on the cover.

Flipping through it, he saw it was well-drawn, up to standards as high as computer graphics. Detailed and story-filled, glossy pages and bright colors, it was quite the book.

He had no idea what anyone in the story was saying, as reading Equestrian was a lot tougher than just using translation software. Though he could see there was plenty of action and adventure contained therein.

“Gonna have to take a look later.” He mentioned to Calliope softly.

“I can definitely do a translation of it.”

Inside the back cover there was a square with very small printing in it. He squinted and couldn’t make it out.

“Bring it closer to the cam, I’ll enhance.”

He lifted it closer, letting the small utility camera in his commlink take a good look. It was only a brief second before Calliope’s voice said out loud to the room.

“Take a look to this book, find the adventure you seek. Be strong, be brave, protecting the weak!”

Wyatt scratched his head, “Well duh, superheroes are..” A gasp from Sky, then a huge flare of light enveloped the room and them. he felt a tremendous tugging sensation, then all went blank.

The comic fluttered down to the floor, no longer held by hands, it made nary a sound in the room which was now quite empty of beings.

Calliope panicked, seeing the bright flash and then all contact was lost. Trying to access Wyatt’s commlink was not happening as she tried everything to resume communications. After microseconds of no response from even the link itself, she sent the alarm signal.

Two Bolo AI’s immediately responded, going into Battle Reflex and requesting more information, which was scant enough.

Drone bandwidth was turned completely over to testing and resending information to the Sergeant’s commlink. No response, nor even a signal in return, a dead carrier wave. This led the two avatars to rip out of the library in a clatter of papers and books. Passing by guards and their friends in a blur of movement.

It didn’t take them long to reach Miss Dis Lee’s house, Athena leading the way with a kick that slammed the door open, they’d apologize later.

Searching through the house, they ended up in the quiet library where two copies of a comic lay on the floor as if dropped there. Patient eyes looked over the scene, seeing the impressions in the carpet, positioning bodies with prints, based on Calliope’s information.

They had just started talking when Twilight hurried in behind them, huffing and puffing alongside Pinkie and Rainbow Dash.

“What..” The Alicorn heaved a deep breath, “What’s going on?”

Two pairs of very serious eyes turned towards them.

“Sergeant Carpenter and three others who were here, have disappeared.”

“WHAT?”

To be continued.....

Who Are Those Masked Ponies ..wait..what?

Blinded by the light Wyatt blinked hard, squeezing tears from the corner of his eyes. Trying to raise a hand to wipe at them, he met resistance and a faint clunking sound, something preventing it from reaching his face.

“What the everlovin’ hell..?”

“What do you mean gone?” Twilight was standing in the doorway, peering around the room suspiciously.

“Calliope reported a bright flash of light, then all communications were lost. We cannot pick up any signal from his commlink. There were three ponies with him, they seemed to have gone wherever he has, or so we assume.” Crusader was eyeing the floor while Athena kept Pinkie from rushing around the room and messing up evidence.

Twilight looked at the floor, not seeing anything, “How can you even tell?”

Athena smiled, “Imprints in the carpet, different depths and sizes tell us three different ponies, and only one person in Equestria walks on two legs with boot soles.” She pointed out the various imprints that were so very obvious to them both in the thick carpet, seeing Twilights’ face screwed up in concentration trying to see them as well.

Athena nudged her, “Don’t hurt yourself.”

This got her a glare, and a giggle from Rainbow and Pinkie.

Crusader’s voice got their attention, “Two books were dropped, they do not appear to have been thrown, nor does there seem to be evidence of a fight.”

Everything in the room was perfect, except for the two comics lying on the floor. Twilight gestured to one, getting a nod and lifting it with a slight push of magic.

“Huh. Never saw this one before.” Her eyes popped wide as she flipped to the back cover page, before squinting and seeing tiny writing there.

“Oh no. Nonono!”

“What?” Now she had both Bolos complete attention.

“This is one of those magic comic books!” She turned it around, showing the writing to them, “You say the spell and get pulled into the comic, you have to defeat the bad pony before you can leave.” She remembered their own adventure, “It shouldn’t take long..if they know what to do.”

“That,” Crusader deadpanned, “Is going to be a problem.”

“Why?” Twilight was puzzled, “It’s just an adventure, though it can get a little tough. Wyatts’ a soldier, he’ll be able ..to..” She watched their expressions getting grimmer, “What?”

“He has no translator, he cannot speak or read Equestrian.”

Lavender ears drooped to either side of the alicorns’ face, “Oh boy.”

Though the chiming of voices came through clearly to his ears, whatever was covering his face was giving him fits.

Wyatt clanged a hand against it, seeing through a transparent band along his eyes the armor surrounding his hand.

“What the..okay..this is stupid.” He slapped the facemask once more and it popped open, giving him a cool breath of fresh air that he inhaled gratefully.

Tilting his gaze downward, he saw himself covered in what looked like battle armor, but it was different, bulky and feeling...powerful. It appeared to be made of some lightweight material that allowed him to move freely, as evidenced by the clenching of an armored fist in front of his face.

He reached upwards, trying to fit a finger between his head and helmet, tapping the commlink set above his ear and receiving no reply.

“Calliope?” Nothing but dead air greeted his voice, “Calliope? Wyatt to Bolos, come in.. Anyone reading me?” The result was the same, silence.

Crap. Crap and damnation. He was about to figure how to get this whole contraption off when raised voices caught his ear again. He recognized Equestrian when it was spoken, and the voices of ponies were always pleasant to listen to, making his eyes sweep around him in a practiced glance that took in everything.

Sky was standing next to him, covered in a tight black bodysuit, one hoof patting herself down as she looked a bit dazed, seeing various implements of some kind of trade hanging off her or stored in pockets. Bandoleers of odd items hung across her chest as she tried to figure out what was going on. A mask covered her face from forehead to nose tip, a pair of goggles were above her eyes, waiting to drop in place.

Fleur was off to the side, a costume snugging her contours tightly, looking like tiny scales making up the armor as she looked around with wide eyes at the scenery and herself. Confusion was the theme of the moment it seemed. A mask covered her face as well, both it and the costume reflecting bright colors off it in a shimmering aura.

Tropic was bouncing around like a filly on too much sugar. Her costume was..to say the least..the least of costumes. Her hips were hugged tightly with a pair of shorts that on a good day were barely decent. A break with her midsection showing, then a top that scarcely covered her front. Both glimmering gold in the waning sunlight, reflecting the beams from streetlights as they turned on.

Her face covered with a mask made of golden material that held her fluffy mane hair back so it looked even more piled up. Bracelets and bangles dangled along her legs, sparking and spitting with some sort of barely restrained force.

Wyatt ignored it for a moment, turning to check out where they were and seeing a cityscape that hadn’t been there before. Buildings towered into the skyline, not the brutal human type architecture of faceless front and stone, but like those of Canterlot, only a lot bigger. Streetlights turning on in the waning daylight showed them standing on the rooftop of a building that overlooked what appeared to be a crime scene. Uniformed ponies swarmed over it, looking for clues of questioning witnesses.

How the hell did we get here?

He remembered a flash of light, a nauseating sensation in the pit of his stomach and then...this.

Ugh. As if everything up to now wasn’t bad enough, he had to end up looking like a refugee from the looney bin.

Though he had to admit, as he clenched a fist in front of his face, feeling the power contained in it, it really was kinda cool.

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! We’re in the comic book!” Tropic was prancing in pure delight, her face had a smile that wouldn’t quit, “I’m Goldbeam! Look at me!” She posed hipshot with the scanty costume, looking like a bombshell.

Fleur was almost chuckling, “I can’t even see how that costume stays on.” She did admit, Tropic looked pretty good.

“It must have been one of those comics that put you in the adventure, I heard rumors about them, but I didn’t think they were true..or do..” She swept a hoof out, encompassing the scene, “Do all this!”

“Where are we?” Sky was trying to shake herself down, getting the belts and bandoliers to lay correctly across her body, “What’s going on?”

Tropic bounced over to her, “We’re in the comic book adventure, The Ulti-Mares! Isn’t this awesome?!”

Sky was looking nervous, “I...guess so?”

A golden leg wrapped itself around Sky’s shoulder, “Were superheroes! We fight crime and kick the bad ponies Cutie Marks right off them!”

“Tropic, settle down.” Fleur was looking at Wyatt who was taking in the scene below, he turned toward them and pointed downward, saying something totally unfamiliar to them. His language was very different from Equestrian, they only caught parts of words.

Fleur blinked, “What?”

He pointed again, saying something else.

“Oh, no.” Sky gasped, “He can’t understand us, they were using a translation ..thing.. for him.”

“Oh..that’s going to be a problem.” Tropic was looking thoughtful, “Don’t we have any spells between us to translate?”

Sky shrugged, looking at Fleur who did the same, returning the glance at Tropic who shook her head.

“How do we get out of here?” Sky was peering over the parapet of the roof, seeing the swarming officials below.

“I..I have no idea.” Fleur was stepping quietly beside her, “I just heard rumors of these books, no details.”

Sky pursed her lips, “So, who are we again?”

“Oh!” Tropic bounced over, “We’re The Ulti-Mares! Super-ponies who fight crime!” She pointed at Fleur, “She’s Prism, Mistress of Light and Magic! Her armor is made out of pure light too!” Tropic pointed a gleaming hoof at herself, “I’m Goldbeam, I use powers stored in golden things that I create to outfight the bad ponies!” She pointed at Sky, “You’re Silver Gleam, super spy mare.”

“But..if we’re supposed to be ponies.. What about Wyatt?”

The human, hearing his name, turned to look at them, listening to the conversation, trying to understand.

“I..I don’t know. But he’s Anvil. Supposedly an Earth Pony who had no powers, so created a suit to give her the ability to fight crime. Super strength and almost invulnerable too!”

“Almost?”

Tropic shrugged, “Well, can’t be all-powerful can you? Wouldn’t be dramatic!”

Fleur tapped a hoof on the low brick wall surrounding the roof where they stood, “We need to find a way out. We have no idea what we’re supposed to do, or how to do it.” She saw Sky taking a few things out of her pouches, trying to figure them out, “We shouldn’t mess with things.”

Tropics’ jaw dropped, “You didn’t read the story?”

Fleur looked sheepish, “I didn’t have time..I.. Just got them and wanted to surprise you first so we could read it together.”

“Awwwww!” Tropic zoomed over to the armored mare, hugging her tight, “Best friends forever!”

Wyatt interrupted the friend-fest by pointing down again, “Look.” The only word he was able to articulate, though he botched the Equestrian inflection, they understood. Crowding over to the edge of the roof, they looked down on the crime scene.

“Wow, something bad happened there.” Sky was squinting when her goggles dropped down, making her squeak then realized her vision was very enhanced, giving her a really close view of the area.

“What.oh! I can see so much!” She frowned, “Looks like something busted through the wall of the bank. There’s sure a lot of damage.”

“Really?” Fleur leaned over, taking a closer look. Uniformed ponies were still everywhere.

“Wait..” Tropic was leaning over the edge, looking at the building across the street, “Ohmygosh! We’re in Maretropolis! Maybe we’ll meet the Power Ponies!” She squee’d and clapped her hooves, setting all the bangles and bracelets rattling.

Fleur and Sky turned slowly to give her deadpan looks, even Wyatt was staring.

“Really? We’re trapped in a comic book, with not a clue how to get out and you want to meet more super-powered ponies. Seriously?”

Tropic sat back and tapped the tips of her fore hooves together, a sheepish look on her burnished gold face, “Well...kinda?”

“Ugh, I cannot believe you!” Fleur was rolling her pale eyes. “Look, we’ve got to figure out a way home, maybe we have to do something, or..or rescue somepony?”

Sky was leaning over the edge looking downward, “Maybe we ought to start with all that?” Pointing to the busted building.

Tropic nodded, “It’s a good a place as any.” She shook a leg with loops and swirls of golden trinkets, “I can levitate!”

Fleur agreed, “Okay, I can as well, right?” Looking to Tropic who knew the characters as she nodded in return, “What about Sky and Wyatt?”

“Oh! Well, Gleam usually hitches a ride with one of us..I mean Prism and Gold, or she can swoop down like the super-spy she is, and Wyatt can jump!”

Sky blinked, “Jump? From up here?”

“Oh yeah! He’s got super-strength and stuff. He’ll be fine!” She waved a hoof airily, the bangles chiming gently.

Sky was peeking in the pockets and pouches, trying to find something to let her down the side of the building when she was picked up by Fleurs aura, “I got this.” The slim mare giving her a smile as they both floated off the roof , waiting for Tropic to activate her spell.

Tropic concentrated on on bangle, seeing it spark, then shimmer with power, the aura surrounding her and lifting her off the roof as well leaving Wyatt standing alone.

Sky made a motion with her hoof, “Jump! you’ll be fine!” She pointed to the street, then at Wyatt with an arcing movement.

Wyatt stared at her as if she’d grown a second head. or at least gone slightly insane.

Wyatt had absolutely no clue what they were talking about, catching words here and there, almost understanding the conversation. He contented himself with watching the action down below, pointing it out once and seeing the others look too.

Now they wanted to go down there it seemed, he saw magic bring them all in the air and then they turned to him.

Sky was motioning with her hoof in an arc, from the roof to the street. Pointing at Wyatt, then over the parapet, then the street.

Surely she wasn’t..yes..yes she was suggesting he jump off the roof.

Fleur’s voice was loud in the quiet of the rooftop, “Wait a second, I’m Mistress of Light AND Magic right?”

Tropic nodded along with Sky who agreed because Tropic did.

“Let me try...”

The slim, pretty mask covered muzzle lifted slightly, the aura around her horn brightened to a blinding actinic light. Power flowed through the slim body, her armor glowing with a multi-colored spectrum of colors that were pure, simple and glorious.

Her spell reached out, picking up the bulk of Wyatt and his armor like it was a feather. Lifting him easily off the roof, holding him tight in her magic.

She smiled, turning to see Tropic and Sky’s jaws almost hitting the floor, looking at their friend who shone almost like the sun itself, her armor appearing to be a bulwark upon which enemy magic would break and scatter to the winds. Her eyes glowed with a sheen of flickering opalescent colors that made her look magnificent in the evening moonlight.

“Let’s go!”

Tropic and Sky shook their heads, the golden mare whooping out loud and leaping for the edge, her own spell taking her gently towards the ground.

Fleur lifted Sky and Wyatt alongside her, floating with just the merest push of her powers to the edge, dropping down to land to softly on the street next to Tropic who was grinning from ear to ear.

“That was awesome!!!”

Fleur let the spell drop, blushing under her mask as Tropic, then Sky, gushed about how she’d looked.

“Stop that, it’s..it’s just a comic book story.”

Her golden friend bumped her with a scantily-clad hip, “If ya got it, flaunt it mare.”

“Oh shush.”

A uniformed stallion ran up to the group, out of breath so took a moment to catch it and speak normally.

“Ulti-Mares! Thank goodness and all that goes with it you’re here!” He eyed Wyatt standing there like a solid steel wall, before returning to looking at the group as a whole.

“Some unknown pony busted into the bank and cleaned it out! All the safe boxes, even the vault!” He pointed behind him to the hole in the wall, “The Power Ponies are busy with Mane-iac and her antics, and we could really use your help!”

Sky nudged Tropic, “Great, we’re the second string.” She giggled as Tropic just smiled, happy to be there at all.

The guard continued without a break, “I know you’re used to dealing with world spanning problems like that thing that almost destroyed all of Coltham last week. This is a little beneath you I’m sure, traveling the world to prevent disasters, but I’m glad you answered our call!”

Fleur raised one brow, having heard Sky’s comment and giving her a wink. The model mare knew only the bare outlines of the story, some big threat the Ulti-Mares were called in to deal with it.

“Oh, well, Chief,” Taking a chance he WAS the chief of guards, “It’s always our pleasure to help.” Her voice was warm, a sensuous smile never leaving the masked face as she fell into character like one of her movies. She had decided to play this for all it was worth, since they had to find a way out.

The big officer hemmed and hawed, feeling a bit hot under the collar as he looked at Prism, one of the most picturesque and lovely mares in super-ponydom.

“Yes, well, I..uhm..” He actually scuffed a hoof like a young colt on his first date, then brightened as an idea occurred, “Maybe you should check the scene of the crime? We’ll stay out of your way until you’re done, of course.”

“It would be our pleasure, Chief.” Her voice was low and throaty, playing her part and having a wonderful time. The group walked past the watching officers who were slightly averting their eyes when Tropic bounced on by flirtatiously waving to them,

Or course after she had passed, those same eyes watched the swaying shorts-clad backside, tail swishing happily as it walked away.

Sky got professional nods, from one pro to another, knowing her to be the super-spy and mare of action beyond even the unknown agencies. She was on a whole other level with her gear, gadgets and ability to out hoof-fight anything that got close.

Wyatt, however....

He hadn’t followed the conversation very well.. To tell the truth, not at all. But it seemed they were going in to check out what happened, so figured he would just follow along.

The first step he took was a thudding power-filled step that shook the nearby ponies almost off their hooves. The magic spells layered into the suit gave it a force multiplication of many times the wearers strength. Walking normally, even as Wyatt did, a heavy step would crack the concrete.

He stopped, looking around at the surprised guards, giving them a shrug and almost tip-toed into the building alongside the rest of the group. Sky was giggling up a storm, seeing the imprint of his boot left in the sidewalk and admonishing him for destroying city property. He didn’t understand, but got the gist of the joke, seeing everyone shaking their heads ruefully.

Flexing his hand, he realized he was in some sort of powered armor. Having used it before, he adjusted his motions to make them smaller, lighter, and less quick, to account for however it gave feedback to the power systems, or whatever made it move.

“Special Forces..eat your heart out..” He grinned and stepped through the hole in the bank wall, knocking bricks loose with a movement of his shoulder, which just rebounded off the suit leaving nary a mark but some fine dust.

An officer outside, sidled up to the chief who was still remembering talking to the world famous Prism.

“Chief, those ponies are scary.” He was young, looking with wide eyes at the forms disappearing into the bank.

“Only to the bad ponies, Law Book, only to the bad ponies.” He watched Wyatt knock a huge chunk out of the thick wall, ignoring it as it shattered against his armor and kept walking, “But I really wouldn’t want to be a bad pony right now.”

To be continued....

A Little Story, Just a Little One...

Author's Note

I know, I know.. But hey, when the muse hits :) Enjoy, have a little romance :twilightsmile:

A Little Story, Just a Little One...

Athena knew this would be a special day, of all days, this one, this very one, would be the best.

It had dawned bright and clear, skies above the bluest she’d seen in a while in Canterlot. Crusader had taken the watch as he was at liberty and was willing to stand guard while she went about getting things ready.

Life had its’ twists and turns, its ups and downs, but not today. It was the anniversary when they met and she was going to finally do it, tell Twilight Sparkle how she felt.

The Bolo avatar skipped down the road with a smile on the pretty sable face, waving to ponies on their way to work as baskets hung from her strong back for groceries, her mane glinting honey and gold in the sunshine matching her bright disposition.

She had nervously talked with Crusader during the night, the battlecomms channels filled with her worrying if this, and if that. Crusader was her rock, that which she leaned upon in times of indecision, and he proved once again that she was right to do so.

They had discussed ways to say it, to do it, and hit upon the simplest one. So out she was, shopping and getting things prepared for this evening, tactical cores processing quickest paths, shortest ways to get from one place to another, bouncing signals off the drones that constantly patrolled the skies above the capitol city.

No critters wanting to attack, nothing on the schedule, because she had made absolutely sure everything was clear and done.

There was a farmers market today in Canterlot Square, and she wanted to get nothing but the best, the freshest things available for the dinner she was planning.

Files had been exchanged, as two mighty AI’s worked out the perfect menu. Talking and making sure everything needed was on lists that would pop up in her mind as she went down them. Crusader was very efficient when planning battles, and turned out to be the same doing all the things she needed for tonight.

Reservations were made at a very special restaurant she had found, letting you do your own cooking in the privacy of rooms that gave the impression of being in public, but were very private. Spells and magic-using Unicorns kept watch for eavesdroppers and the like, it was a place for lovers.

The sable pegasus stopped for a moment, feeling a blush coming to her face as she tried not to think about that. It was just dinner, nothing more, a talk, a declaration. She was prepared to accept whatever may come after that. Even if told that she didn’t feel the same, at least Athena would finally say it.

So, tonight, Athena was going to do her very best and look her brightest.

The only other pony she’d told was Rarity, as she wanted something special to wear tonight. What that white Unicorn had come up with was stunning to say the least. The fashion mare may have been a gossiper, but she had sworn not to say a word about anything. There had been laughter and fittings for hours yesterday in seclusion, also Athena was very much teased by the Unicorn, making her blush so hard she’d wondered if her systems were out of whack.

So later that evening, a very nervous and stuttering Athena had asked if Twilight wanted to go to dinner with her tomorrow night. It was accepted with a smile. Athena had made sure to say it was at a fancy place, so dressing up was definitely on the to-do list.

The last she had seen was a very happy Twilight picking out what to wear in the castle as she left for her shopping this morning.

Shaking herself out of reverie, Athena stopped at a stall, picking up bundles of fresh vegetables that looked just wonderful. Almost right out of the fields and washed in spring water, they would do nicely.

More went into the baskets, carrots, celery, various items on her list disappeared as it dwindled in her cores. Spices from various producers were bottled in shakers and placed carefully in her shopping baskets alongside wrapped amounts of finely made pasta. Tomatoes red and ripe, asparagus, oh the selection was wide and varied as ponies themselves. It was wondrous.

Her grin never faded, making ponies who saw her smile right back. She fairly skipped through the market, her voice sweet and pure when asking for things, to ears that wondered why such a happy mare.

She spread sunshine and goodwill through the crowded place, please and thank you’s, effortlessly given. When waiting in a line she hummed songs or just thought about the time tonight.

Athena couldn’t help it. Her cores thrummed like a well-tuned piano, her mind in a state of almost bliss thinking about what to choose next. It was one of the happiest times of her long life.

There had been times she and Hera had been happy, Marcus was most of that. But she’d been holding back, worried about everything. Finally though, after having had a long talk with Crusader, he’d convinced her at least to try. Whether or not it was successful didn’t matter, but that she at least make an effort.

Perusing a stall where dew-kissed oranges were being sold, she thought back to yesterday.

“Hey..uhm...Twilight?” Athena had caught her friend in the hallway between rooms in the guest area.

The lavender alicorn had turned, a smile always worn on her face most days when she wasn’t freaking out about something, “Athena!” Her eyes narrowed a bit, “Why are you so nervous?”

“I..uh..I’m not.” A hoof scuffed at the floor, “Okay, fine, I am.” She couldn’t help it, the emotions were coming through her avatar even when she didn’t want them to.

“Well, calm down. Nothing to be nervous about.”

A deep breath, even though she didn’t need it, and Athena faced her friend, “Would.. I would very much like to invite you to dinner tomorrow.” There, said it, done.

“Dinner?” Now Twilight was curious.

“Well..yes. Dinner. Just you and I. I found a place with privacy and it’s really fancy. They let you cook your own meals, sorta like a getaway for a night and..” She was gushing. Dangit, she was rattling on and on and couldn’t stop!

A hoof touched her shoulder gently, ceasing all the explanations immediately, “I think that would be nice.”

Athena stood there with her mouth open, hearing but not processing, her cores locking right up.

“Are you okay?”

No..Yes! Yes, I am. You’d like to go? Really?” Athena shook herself down internally, stop talking so much!!

“I would. It’s that new place over near the Gardens right?” Twilight was always up on the latest city changes.

“It is, just opened and its very popular. I..managed to get a reservation.” She’d gone to try and get one, being told nothing opened for months already, she had been disappointed and was turning to leave when someone identified her as the pony who’d saved Princess Luna in Manehatten during the scare there.

She was immediately given a choice of slots, the manager giving one in the early evening when the sun was setting, in a room with a window that faced out over the falls from Mount Canter, the sun would turn them gold in the evening light. It was one of the preferred tables.

Even though she desired that very badly, Athena still tried to turn it down for a lesser one, not wanting to be a ‘name dropper’ or anything even close. The owner herself assured her it was because of her selfless act, not who she knew, that they would provide a table.

She finally accepted, but leaving enough bits to cover any incidentals and any serving ponies if called upon. Everyone seemed happy with the arrangement.

Twilight perked up, “But that place is booked solid for months!”

Athena grinned a little, “I..know ponies?”

That got her a laugh, soft and sweet from her very best friend, that lightened the pegasus’ heart, “Oh, you sure do!”

“So..so you want to go?”

“Yes.” Twilight grinned mischievously, “If only to be seen in the company of such a famous pony who knows ponies.”

“Twilight!”

Athena felt her face grow warm, looking over radishes that were crisp and so very delectable, darn that Twilight.

A bunch was tossed into baskets getting heavier, and a few bits exchanged with a smile and bright word. Athena was off for more, things to get, then to dress for tonight.

Oh..the dress..

She had caught the Unicorn walking through the gardens of the castle, taking her time and admiring the wonderful flowers which brightened up the area in a spray of colors.

“R..Rarity?” Athena had stopped near, “Could..could I ask a favor?”

The mare turned, a smile gracing the elegant face, “Of course, darling! You never ask for anything.”

“Well, this is a bit..unusual..its kind of a rush.”

“Do you want me to make you something?” Rarity had settled on a patch of lush grass that was almost like a pillow, soft and fragrant, patting next to her for Athena to join as they talked.

The pegasus settled down and looked at the ground for long enough that Rarity thought she’d never speak. Then the lavender eyes met hers in a glance, the voice soft.

“Yes, please. Something very special. I...I have a dinner date with Twilight..and..and..and..” The pretty face looked so nervous it made Rarity’s heart melt in place. If anypony knew about romance it was most certainly her! Making dresses and fine things for those in love it tuned her into how ponies felt or acted, and looking at Athena it was clear as day.

The smile on her lovely face grew wider, at last, something so exquisite and she was being asked to help! Of course she would!

Her voice dropped, “What would you like?” Seeing the other’s face lift up with a look of hope in the large eyes.

“Something..special..something that..that says..says..” Athena was so nervous! She didn’t want anyone to know! No rumors, no gossip, just a special moment, just one, that’s all.

“Something that says ‘just for you’?”

“Yes!”

Rarity leaned close, whispering to the other mare, “You’re going to tell her, aren’t you?”

The slim sable muzzle dipped downward in a scarce motion, signifying a yes.

“Oh my dear, then we have to hurry. This must be the best thing ever!” Rarity popped up off the grass, grabbing Athena’s foreleg in a tight grip and tugging her along as she rushed them both to her rooms in the castle, “We have to make it a one of a kind, something that will be sublime, yet show that special person that you care.”

The pegasus was not able to get one word in edgewise as she was practically dragged to Rarity’s room.

The hours after were spent in a blur, the Unicorn discarding design after design, saving them for ‘other ponies’ for she was adamant that Athena wear something nopony had ever seen. Of course all of Rarity’s items were like that, but she was being stubborn.

That did not mean while cutting and fitting and redoing a piece here and there, that the Unicorn didn’t take time to tease her friend, telling her about the rumors sure to go around being seen with a Princess in what was the most exclusive and booked up restaurant in Canterlot.

It only got Athena more and more nervous until Crusader threatened to shut down TSDS due to bleed over.

Rarity was finally done and sat with her for tea, sharing tidbits of gossip from all over Canterlot, to giggles and laughs, before swearing she would not say a word to anypony, until she was given permission.

Now, anypony knew the fashionable Unicorn was just a sponge for a good story, loving the ability to pass on things only ‘certain’ ponies in ‘certain’ circles knew. But when she gave a promise to a friend, especially a Pinkie Promise, it wasn’t broken, ever.

Thus, Athena left with a lighter heart and the picture in her mind of an outfit that would dazzle and delight one pony more than any.

A laugh escaped her lips as she finished purchasing a few last items. Some fine chocolates, along with plump strawberries and hoof-made whipped cream for the dinner tonight. She apologized to the storekeep, saying it was a joke she remembered and scampered out of the store.

The day was getting on, the sun slowly inching its way further into the sky, making her time slip away faster than she thought. Though one last thing had occurred that day, something she hadn’t expected at all.

Her thoughts about what Rarity was making, made Athena smile warmly to herself, settling on a soft divan for a little light reading in the library, searching for stories of the past, maybe some clue ponies knew of the Concordiat. It was slim, but you never knew. Using a few minutes free to peruse volumes.

She was concentrating on an old manuscript, containing tales from a few centuries ago when she felt a hoof touch her shoulder, making her turn to see Princess Cadence looking at her warmly. The lovely alicorn moved around to sit alongside her on the divan, almost touching nose to nose, the warm look never leaving her face.

Athena narrowed her eyes, looking at Cadence for a second before the silence got to her, “Have I got something on my face and you’re just not telling me?”

The slim mare laughed lightly, leaning forward and touching her nose to Athenas’, “No, nothing like that.” Her voice was a whisper as she leaned in, her cheek brushing the pegasus’ for a moment, “You’re going to tell her?” It was more a statement, but the question was there.

Athena didn’t want to say anything at all, too many knew already for her comfort, but this was Cadence.

She nodded the barest millimeter, the smallest dip of her chin.

The smile grew warm, warmer than she’d ever seen Cadence smile before, the pale purple eyes were deep and searching as she leaned back, giving Athena a look she’d never encountered before.

The Princess of Love never raised her voice, knowing Athena could hear her barest whisper, “I am so happy for you. I could feel it throughout the castle, in my heart,” A hoof raised, pressing her own chest, “It felt as if the biggest dam in the world had burst and let loose a flood of emotion.”

She leaned forward again, lips brushing against Athena’s cheek, giving her a kiss that filled her with joy, “See what I feel?”

Athena could, the emotion flooded through her, a mirror reflecting everything she had been feeling today that was almost overwhelming.

“That’s what I felt inside you each time we talked. You had so much of it and wouldn’t let it go, to embrace the one you care for, that special somepony.”

“But..I..” Athena stared at the table in frustration, how to explain, how to...

“It’s all right.” The slim hoof pressed Athena’s shoulder, “Tell her, no matter what, you’ve done what you wanted. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t, but now you’ll know.”

“I..don’t want it to not work out..I...” She stopped, what did she want?

“I want her to know I care so much I would do anything for her, to let her know no matter what, I will be there every day of her life if she wants.”

“Is that all?” The colorful eyes were searching hers again.

“That...that I love her.”

Cadence leaned forward again, her perfumed cheek brushing Athena’s, “Would you promise to watch out for her then? Take care of her when no one else can?”

Athena placed her hoof upon Cadence’s, “I would.”

Cadence knew, absolutely knew beyond any doubt, that was a promise that would be kept.

Which was good enough for a Princess, “Then go to her and I wish you the best. Love like this can’t be stopped.” She rose from the divan, with a brushing of cheeks one more time, “Be happy.” In a swirl of perfumed air she was gone, leaving Athena alone again once more, but with an even lighter heart, and a mind awhirl with possibilities.

The smile still wouldn’t go away as the memory replayed itself in her mind. The well-wishes of Cadence were another step in the right direction. She stepped lightly into the front door of the restaurant, heading for the kitchen where a personal chef would prepare all the ingredients for the meal tonight, all Athena had to do was cook it and add whatever she wanted.

The heavyset pony was all smiles at her instructions, hearing them in great detail what he was supposed to do with the baskets of fine goods he was presented with, assuring her that everything would be just as she wished.

He was a hearty soul who loved to serve fine food, and helping this pretty pegasus was a plus in his mind, for he knew, as did many others, what she had done for Equestria. She never said a word about it when trying to make reservations and was willing to be turned away rather than insist. So he fired up his magic and began to prepare everything exactly as she wished, watching her leave the kitchen with a light-hearted step.

Athena saw the sun far past its zenith, the time was flying today and there was too much to do. Rarity had told her to stop in after the noon hour so they could start preparing and do a final fitting for her outfit. She rushed towards the castle guest suites, hoping there was enough hours left to do everything needed.

The evening was falling and all was ready as she stole through the streets in a cloak of fine material that Rarity had given her to cover up the surprise. It had taken a little time with the fashion mare fussing and exclaiming over one stitch out of place, or a gem just not the right color.

Changes were made so fast it was a whirl of activity. Sneaking out of the castle was even harder, but made in good time. She stepped out on the street with a warm hug from Rarity and a smile that gleamed in the waning sunlight.

She had hurried through the shadowed streets, laborers ending their work day as Athena sped by like a courier on a super secret mission.

All had gone well though, finally stepping into the restaurant where the lamps were lit in a soft golden glow, making the interior close and cosy. She slid the hood back enough to show her face and the manager immediately led her to the private area.

It was incredible.

There was a low table in the middle of a circular room, surrounded by wooden paneled walls that had been polished to a gleaming surface. The subtle glow from the lamps reflected gently off the wood, creating almost a haze of color in the room.

Tapestries and hangings broke up the solid surface, never letting it become overwhelming in the least. The ceiling was covered in wood as well, creating a sound proof surface that let no hoofsteps form above be heard, nor anything from below, above.

The table was encircled by a low, comfortable and well-appointed couch like piece of furniture that wrapped all the way around, except two sections where an occupants would be able to cook a meal and serve it to loved ones..or loved one, and another to let ponies slip in to sit. There were statues of rearing ponies, frolicking and playing in imaginary worlds scattered here and there. A few small paintings hung from the walls, providing a difference in color that broke up the rooms scheme, but worked with it so well that it all meshed into a wonderland.

Athena’s eyes grew warm, seeing a small inset chest of wood lined with something, she could watch the fog of cold coming from heaps of crystal clear ice that firmly grasped bottles of fine wines and juices, chilling for them. A platter sat in the middle of the bottles, covered in sugar frosted candied fruits and delicacies set out slice by slice for appetizers.

A note inside read, ‘Please accept our compliments, and we of the Elysium wish you a wonderful evening.’

But, one thing was missing. The window she was promised, the view that should have been lovely. That was fine, this room by itself was beautiful enough for anything.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the opening of the door, a covered trolley was pushed in, followed by the jolly stallion who had been her preparer. The smile still on his face as he set out the ingredients with a delight that was infectious. All the while he was asking her if everything was fine, could he do anymore?

“I..uhm..they said there was window..”

“Oh, goodness,” The chef boomed, leaning over and pressing a square piece in the wall, the paneling actually slid back slightly, the rolled to the side, exposing a single pane of thick glass, clear as the day itself, showing a view of one of Canterlot’s falls. The setting sun was hitting it directly and turning it into a shower of prismatic colors that fell to the waiting pools below. A multi-hued rain that never ended, it was incredible.

It was one of the most eye-catching things she had ever seen, thanking him for opening it.

“Nothing at all to it, Miss Athena, we are here to please!” His voice filled the room with good humor and smiles.

She took a look at the plates he set out, everything finely minced and diced, set to her specifications and then some. He was used to serving discriminating palates and showed immense skill in the way he set out everything. A flourish, the whirl of a plate and it was down. He was a showpony as well as a cook, though she wouldn’t dare call him something like that.

Finally done, he whipped the cloth back onto the trolley, preparing to move out of the room and leave her alone.

A final smile and a wink, the stallion’s voice was low, “I hope you have an enjoyable time, Miss Athena. A lot of us here in Canterlot adore the Princesses and always wish them well. Anypony who helps that will always be welcome here.” He was gone in a swirl of spices before she could frame a thank you.

The fire was stoked under the cooking area, a flat plate that let you cook directly on it, or set pans on top. She hadn’t seen him do that, wondering how in the world he got so good.

Athena shook her head in amazement, pouring a glass of sparkling wine as she set vegetables to cooking. Seeing the toasted bread off on one side and preparing the topping for that as well. Oil, vinegar, finely diced tomatoes, a bruschetta that was simple and delicious to go along with the main course. A covered serving tray, chilling in the chest where the cook had left it, contained a chocolate cake with a delicate filling of jellied fruits found nowhere on this world. Something from long ago in storage within her hull.

A sauce pan was set on top, water inside waiting to boil for fine noodles sliced hair thin and made from the best ingredients from what she could tell. A pony in the market had almost sold out before she got there, a lucky find.

Spices were tossed in as the bowl she was using the spoon with filled with a mixture that was quickly spread on the toasted bread, a sourdough baked just that day from what the shopkeep said. She believed him, from the wonderful smells coming from the bakery and the line of ponies around the block waiting to get in.

Lifting the cut crystal goblet to her lips, the wine bubbled and effervesced along her tongue with a light, crisp taste. It was just cold enough to be pleasant to the taste.

She eyed the glass and poured some more, the bottle holding more than enough, along with different and varied others.

I could get to like this, she thought. So warm in here, so..so...

The door opened once more, admitting a pony under a cloak like hers, the violet eyes giving her away as she looked around the room, “Athena?”

“Twilight? Why are you covered?” She could understand her own surprise, but what was this?

“Oh,” A hoof waved, gleaming in the light as if having just been brushed and treated with a new coat of polish, “Rarity seemed to think our dinner date needed some..uhm..’pizazz’ that’s what she said.” A chuckle escaped from within the hood.

Oh, Rarity, you sly pony.

“So..why are you wearing a cloak?” Twilight was settling herself next to the cooking area, still wrapped in her silky covering.

Athena almost stumbled over her own hooves, stepping away from the food and stuttering a little, “I..I..ju..just wanted to.. Well, look nice..for to..tonight.” She touched the cloak, “It kept the d..dust off.”

Twilight caught the stutter and figured just Athena being herself, wanting things to be just right, “Oh, you didn’t have to go all out like that. I’m sure whatever you wore would have been just fine.” Her eyes took in the room, the window, the view of almost heaven, “But this place is amazing.”

“Isn’t it?” Athena went back to mixing, spreading and sauteeing things on the hot flat top, water boiled as she tossed in noodles, along with delicate spices, adding a fragrance in the air that was hard to ignore.

A sniff,widening of violet orbs, “What are you cooking? Wait..why are you cooking?”

“Because in this place, they prepare everything, but let the guests cook, makes it more..uh..intimate.”

“That’s a neat idea. Now, what are you cooking?”

Athena smiled, “Oh, pasta, along with a sauce that has everything in it but the kitchen sink. Appetizers, plus we have some special desserts!” With that, she brought out a tray of delicious looking shapes, bought that day from a confectioner that guaranteed the smoothest, silky chocolate.

“Have one!”

Twilight reached out, picking up a rose shaped chocolate and popped it in her mouth, the closing of her eyes and the loud ‘Mmmmmmmmmm...’ told the whole story.

“Good, I take it?”

“Oh, my yes! Caramel filling and oh... Can I have another?”

“Twilight, eat the whole tray if you want.” The silver platter was edged forward on the table surrounding the hot flat top.

“Oh, I wouldn’t..I..” Another choice, more sounds of pleasure betrayed that story.

“But..this must cost.. All this stuff!” Twilight watched as Athena poured her a goblet of something deep red, just a taste not enough to worry about.

“Stop worrying, it’s my treat.” She pushed the goblet towards her friend, lifting her own, “To friends.”

Some memories came back, the Alicorn eyeing the liquid suspiciously, causing Athena to laugh, “A taste will not hurt, there’s not enough there for anything bad, I promise.”

Twilight shrugged, lifting hers and tapping it gently it against the pegasus’, “To friends.”

After a quick drink, Athena kept moving and cooking. Everything had to be just right. Perfect, beyond it. Her whole mind was dedicated to this.

“This is silly, sitting here in hooded robes like some weird secret society,” Twilight laughed, standing up and shrugging off the covering, tossing it aside as Athena could only stare.

The alicorn’s mane looked like it had been brushed a thousand times, shining in the light, the colors marked and distinct but blending together at the edges in a beautiful whole. It was curled into a slight wave down her long neck, ending up spreading across her shoulders. She was dusted with silver that shone under the light like a covering of stars, her coat infused with Luna’s night. The feathers of her wings showing the same, making Athena wonder what they would look like fanned out.

A choker was setting easily around her neck, platinum links encrusted with ruby and emerald teardrops dangling like charms.

Underneath the choker was a cloth one, fitting her neck like a second skin, it had a band of silky cloth that ran down her back, spreading into a almost off the shoulder part of a dress that continued along her back.

The dress continued along her sides, just barely covering them, leaving the belly bare, down to her flanks covering one, but not the other Cutie Mark, framing it almost and not draped over the tail like normal, but connecting underneath it to show the shining colors. It was a light earth tone material that went so well with her body shape and color. A short dress, minimalistic and perfect for somepony like Twilight.

Her tail was banded gently with more cloth, tied into bows they traveled along the length, bobbing gently as she moved back to her seat.

Seeing Athena’s look, she stopped as a blush bloomed hotly along her cheeks. Eyes grew worried under long lashes, just a hint of lip gloss was showing as she almost frowned.

“It looks bad, doesn’t it?”

Athena kicked herself mentally for being slow on the uptake, “No! Uh..no, not at all. It’s..it’s..lovely.”

Twilight brightened, “Rarity really does a great job.”

“She does.” Athena slipped her own coat off, revealing the surprise for her friend. She watched as Twilight’s eyes widened, a gasp of breath revealing her shock at the sight of the outfit.

Athena’s honey and gold mane was sprinkled liberally with golden flakes. Worked into it, they shone and moved with the ringlets it had been curled into, bouncing slightly with every movement of her head. She was shining and bold in the last beams of the falling sun, reflecting it’s glory off of her.

The swirls fell alongside her neck, down to her shoulders where they splayed, full of life and bounce, they were glorious in their own right. Her eyes framed by lightly done up lashes, showing the lavender color to its’ full extent, bright and warm. A hint of raspberry gloss glinted across her lips, making them look wet and full.

Her dress was a masterpiece of thought and design. A spread of airy lace covered her shoulders beneath the mane like a shawl, but ended well short of being so. It was light and ethereal, complimenting her sable coat with the slight coloring shine of gems chips inlaid in such a way they added a rainbow aura around her.

It fell along her back with a line of soft light colored material, edged with more lace, draping easily down to her flanks, ending at the curled tail which was springy and done up in more curls. The ensemble stopped just above the scroll and spear, spread across her back end as the separate sides connected under her tail, leaving the Cutie Marks showing in all their glory.

Around her neck, a simple pendant of a diamond heart rested over her own.

She put the cloak aside and looked anywhere but at her friend, until a hoof waved in front of her face.

“Did..did Rarity do that?”

“I...I asked her to.” The pegasus’ voice was soft. Hooves moved to the food still cooking, putting things together carefully and setting it all out on plates which were slid in place around the table.

She tried not to look, not wanting to see anything in Twilight’s eyes that would tell her she’d been wrong in doing this. But couldn’t help a hopeful glance upwards when she heard the Princess speak again.

“It’s beautiful. Oh my gosh.”

Athena smiled in return, her face lighting up, “I..just wanted something special is all.”

“She better get to work for Gala outfits, these are going to be hard to beat!” Twilight actually got up and pranced in place, showing herself off. Turning her head this way and that, making out like on the runway. Then she got a case of the giggles, setting back down.

Athena laughed along with her, “Oh, I don’t know. She manages somehow. All the time.” Plates were pushed into place, the small serving tray of chocolates getting lighter as Twilight, and now Athena dug into them while chatting.

Twilight leaned forward, “You know this place is for lovers, right?”

Athena choked, looking at Twilight’s mischievous face as she stammered and tried to frame a reply without being obviously dumbstruck.

“I wonder who’s around here tonight?” She ventured, not seeing Athena’s wide eyes, “Bet there’s some pretty well-known ponies having dinner right about now.”

“Including us? I do know ponies, you know.” The pegasus winked, making them both chortle. Athena thanking goodness she could recover fast enough to make a passe’ comment.

Twilight just laughed harder.

Athena finished her culinary exhibit, putting the last of the plates and bowls down, giving Twilight and herself portions to satisfy and still not overfill.

“Oh..this looks delicious!” Twilight picked up a fork with her magic, nudging it to wrap sauce soaked noodles on it and taking a mouthful with an expression of pure bliss.

“What did you do?” Her mouth full, it came out a little muffled.

“I found an example I could figure out, from archives. So, I made it especially for tonight. The spices are just enough to make it tasteful, but not overwhelming I hope?”

Sauce dripped off the next amount, the smell was tantalizing and made the stomach growl just thinking about it as Twilight shook her head.

“No. Oh no, this is wonderful.” Down it went, followed by another, and another. The salad was eaten in between. Oils and vinaigrettes, with delicate fruits that were minced into slivers, providing contrast and bursts of flavor as teeth crunched the crispy lettuce. Carrots and celery, pear bits, orange slices and apples from an oh so familiar farm made it a concoction that could only be enjoyed immediately.

Toasted bread with a spread on it was delighted in, comments made back and forth as each and every bite was savored, rolled over the tongue before it was swallowed. Taken time with as something truly unique.

Another glass of white wine, made in Ponyville by Berry Punch herself, it was light and flavorful, almost like drinking air.

“Athena?”

The pegasus looked up, chewing a piece of bread, “Yes?”

“Why..what.. Why did you do all this? I mean, not just dressing up, but..all this.” She gestured out through the window where the last rays of the sun had left a golden tint on the waterfalls. The moon now rising gave it a look of molten silver flowing from a forge to end up in the pools below. Stars were starting to peek out from behind what little clouds had scudded in.

It was time. She thought maybe a bit more food, or talk, but the question had been asked.

“Did you know you met me for the first time today?” Her voice was soft, making sure plates were full as she sat close to her friend, “A while ago, Crusader pulled me from the desert, bringing me to Ponyville where I met you.”

The lavender face looked surprised, eyes flicking upward as the sharp mind behind them thought furiously, “You’re right! What a nice surprise.”

The pegasus looked down at a plate of pasta, aromas coming off it still made the mouth water, but hers felt dry even though that wasn’t possible. She blinked, trying to clear her eyes as emotions warred within, running hot.

“And...and.. Because I like you.” The rest of the answer came out low, soft and almost unheard in even the closeness of the room.

Twlight leaned forward slightly, leaving her fork floating in mid-air, “Pardon?” Her ears perked forward, the pretty face looking even more so.

Athena steeled herself, taking a deep breath before announcing a little louder, “I like you.”

The Princess of Friendship smiled like the sun, “I like you too! You’re a wonderful friend, you are always..” She trailed off, seeing a hoof waving slightly.

“I...I’m saying this all wrong.. It’s not..I can’t think..” A hoof stamped the couch, making it shiver slightly as the sable face looked determined. The lavender eyes lifted, locking with violet ones as she said distinctly.

“Twilight Sparkle, I love you.”

There, I said it!

Silence dropped unwanted on the room as the sable colored pegasus looked down at the table covered with delights. They were as dust to her now, wondering if she had messed up everything doing this, by just not leaving well enough alone.

Her drive, her desire kept the worries in check. She would still serve, still be the best friend ever. Do all those things she’d done before, only there would be nothing further than that. She was prepared to accept it all.

A whisper, the mention of a word floated through the air, “What?”

Maybe she could explain, maybe just say it was all a misunderstanding. She could back out of this with a smile, a jest, something to put off the inevitable rejection she was starting to believe was coming.

No. No she couldn’t do that. Honor forbade such things. That which was so deeply ingrained it was part of her very being. She would not lie about this nor brush it off so easily. It would put paid to everything she felt.

Answering that single question, was one of the hardest things she had ever done.

“I..I love you.”

Her eyes slowly tilted upwards, hoping she would not see amusement, rejection. Even in situations worse than this Twilight had never laughed at somepony’s feelings nor made light of them. But this was so very different.

Her gaze finally made the journey, looking into violet eyes as pretty and warm as could be. She didn’t know how to interpret it.

“I..I’ve felt this way after we became friends. You show the best of what could be, barring the occasional freak outs.” She couldn’t help adding that, it was true, but she had to explain, to let her know!

This got a soft laugh, as Athena felt the press of a hoof on her lace clad shoulder.

“Tell me.”

What to tell? What to say? Just speak, something, anything!

“I..I didn’t know until much later. Meeting you, seeing you do what you’ve done. The way you connect to ponies and make them want to be better. You’re honest, incredibly able. You have your problems, we all do. But you overcome them, you learn, you never stop asking questions.”

Athena looked directly at her friend, never losing eye contact, “You are everything I admire and more.”

“I..I kn...know I’m not real. I can never be.” She placed a hoof on her own chest, above the gleaming pendant, “But what I feel is real, to me, about you. I have warred across the galaxy, and have waged it here. But I can only hope it doesn’t make me any less in your eyes. What you think, what you do, is important to me.”

She shrugged with a slight movement, looking to the side again, “I just wanted to tell you in a special way.”

Her eyes filled without warning, making her blink the forming drops away. She knew this was a bad idea now, not even sounding confident in any way.

Twilight’s voice brought her eyes back around.

“I..didn’t know. I never thought... You were always there, always helpful.” She looked down at the table herself now, a blush rising in her cheeks, “I’ve been thinking back these past months and can’t remember a time you weren’t there. It..it’s all been because you....?”

Athena nodded, “Not at first, but it grew until I just couldn’t hold it in anymore.”

“I..I can go back to being your friend. Just be there for you whenever you need, we can f..for..forget this happened i..if you w..want.”

“No.”

“W..what?”

“No.” A hoof pinned Athena’s to the table, “You’re not taking it back, you’re not going to make this seem like something wrong. I don’t want you to.” The alicorn smiled warmly, “All this, the meal,” At this she wing-nudged, “We still need to finish by the way, for one thing to say. Don’t take it back, please.”

“But..but you might not even..like..well..”

“Mares?”

Athena nodded silently.

“Applejack said, when it happened with Crusader, that Granny told her, you love who you love.”

The sable muzzle dipped in acknowledgment, lavender eyes wandered to her plate, the table, sitting in silence for a moment before speaking again, “I.. Don’t know what to do now.”

She received a bashful grin in return, “Neither do I. I..haven’t been in this situation before.”

The pegasus’ face took on a expression of mock shock, “Nothing in a book anywhere? Drat, and here I was hoping you knew everything.”

Twilight’s laugh filled the room as merry eyes rolled upward, a hoof tossed airily, “Just because I read a lot, doesn’t mean I know everything!” She pinned her companion with a look, “What about you? All that information you have? Don’t YOU know everything?” The tossed hoof now poking Athena’s chest lightly and in fun.

At the first touch, Athena wasn‘t a Bolo anymore, but a simple pony who couldn‘t think of anything at the moment, “Me? I don’t..I didn’t.. We..I..I..” The stuttering was getting worse, “I saw..well..some..sometimes.. It..I ne...never..”

A mischievous smile crossed Twilight‘s face, “You’re stuttering again.”

“I..I..am n..not!”

A sing-song sentence flowed forth, “Are too.”

“I..you.. N..no. I st..stopped.. AGH!” A look of frustration worked its’ way across the pretty sable face, one forehoof stamping the seat again as a snort blew from widened nostrils, “Dangit!”

A touch, some slight pressure, the warm exhalation of breath along silky hair as Twilight’s cheek pressed against hers, “Calm down, you can do it. I freak out, you stutter, we can both learn.”

The Pegasus closed her eyes, leaning into the soft form that pressed against her. Cheek to cheek they sat for a long moment, the only sounds were soft breaths that spread warmth through both hearts. One real, one not.

“Is this..how it starts?” Athena ventured softly.

Twilight didn‘t want to move, “I don’t know, but it feels good enough.”

Athena could feel a welling emotion flowing through her, something inside that wasn’t part of her machinery, that had nothing to do with being a Bolo. A simple magic that had been known forever.

She leaned back, seeing Twilight’s closed eyes crack open, the smile on her face so natural to her. Reaching over, she lifted a careful fork, wrapping it in hot food and presenting it to her.

“We can’t waste it.”

The Princess said nothing, just slipping her lips over the end and pulling back, chewing with that same expression.

“That really is so good.”

Simple words mean so much, actions that are slight may mean nothing or everything.

Both of them slipped closer to one another, sitting side by side as they slowly finished a meal made just for tonight. Sharing a spoon full here, a small chocolate there.

Goblets, shining like silvery chalices in the moonlight, lifted and tilted. Wine with flavors that teased the tongue were drunk alongside juices that were cold and fresh, cleansing the palate for the next small bite of something delectable.

It was the getting to know part that entranced them. Soft whispers, nothing consequential, a remark here and there about something they noticed, brought shy smiles, or even laughs.

A nuzzle here and there, a touch that said many different things in a language only those in the room would ever know, complimented a place and dining that many would have envied.

There was no time limit, no rush to be gone as Athena took over the cooking area again, making more to eat as they chatted easily now. The stutter was gone, a newly felt confidence edging out the nervous feelings. Only a single plate was brought forth, sharing had replaced separate dishes.

Athena looked over to see violet eyes glancing her way once more, a soft question drifting into the air between them.

“I...know being with somepony means sharing. But..what could I possibly offer you? Or..or share with you that you don’t have, or need?” Twilight bit her lower lip slightly, her face a mien of thoughtfulness.

There was no simple answer, but Athena tried, “You don’t have to offer me anything, or even think that you need to.” A gentle looked formed on her sable face, “Sitting and reading in the library, going out for a walk, those are the things we could share. It doesn’t have to be something particular.”

“Doesn’t it though? Have to be special?”

Athena shook her head, “No..yes.. There’s so many different opinions. I knew..others..who sat together quietly and were happy, some who had to be on the move all the time. It’s what you make of it.”

A hopeful look dawned on the Princess’ face, “Would you take me on adventures like the one we had?”

“Where you got the bar blown up?”

“I did not..” A sigh, chuckle, “Yes, that one.”

Athena leaned close, food forgotten for the moment as she lay a hoof on a strong chest, “I will take you anywhere you want to go, create any world you wish to see. Find anything in the archives we have to give to you.”

She stopped any reply with a slight nod, “You don’t have to give anything back, just..just don’t..throw me away.”

Twilight knew her history, over many nights she had asked about it, finally Athena gave in and told her. Everything. Her heart had broken at the tale, seeing a strong, capable pony in front of her and knowing behind it was the most fragile mind.

Still, she couldn’t just accept everything like it was owed her.

“That’s not fair, to you. I can’t take it all and give what little I can offer. That’s not right. You have so much..” Again she was stopped by a gentle, warm pressure on her shoulder where a sable hoof lay.

“I know, and it doesn’t matter. You give with every day you live, every smile you’d turn my way. A wink or a nudge at a private joke. Every hour we would spend together would be returning anything I did tenfold.”

Athena looked at her friend, “When and if you ever said you loved me, it would be worth everything.”

“If?”

The pegasus shrugged, “Well, we could end up disagreeing about what color pillows should be, or how the library should be arranged, or...”

She was pushed off balance by a strong hoof, followed with laughter and a nuzzle as a lavender cheek slid along hers once more, “If we disagree about anything,” The gentle voice whispered to her ear, “We’ll talk about it.”

Athena’s reply was just as quiet, “Promise?”

“I promise.”

A sable hoof rose carefully, sliding along a strong neck, gently stroking the silky mane of colors she had adored for so long. The Princesses combined the best of three races, with strength, speed and agility along with magical prowess that when put together in a single pony, made them powerful in the extreme. Yet the slim leg that brushed the flowing mane was even more so, done by technology that was lost long ago in the past.

Twilight murmured, “That feels so good.”

Pressing against and along the long muscles firmly, Athena relaxed her, the little strains and sprains of the day were released and gone. Concentrated bundles of tension fell like tin soldiers to her ministrations. A simple slide and push here, a little shove there, and they were gone and done with.

Unlike the mishap with Crusader months ago, Athena, and he, had learned. They were always learning, updating, finding simple ways to do things.

The one hoof from the silent pegasus relieved the pains and aches of a day past, sending them to oblivion and letting the body relax and heal. She felt Twilight slump slightly against her, not wanting to move.

“Oh, Celestia, that’s wonderful.”

Athena smiled, seeing the half-lidded eyes, her hoof still working along the side of Twilight’s neck, “I don’t want to ever see you hurting.”

“Ooooo..my own personal spa..”

A laugh, another slight push in jest, “See? Abusing me already. Goodness.”

The violet eyes snapped upwards, seeing the smile, knowing she was kidding but not ever wanting to be thought of that way.

A protest was quick on the lips though, I wasn’t..” It was stopped by lips touching her nose, a slight kiss that sent an electric thrill through the Princess of Friendship.

“It’s fine. Every day I will do this. Take your cares away if you want me to.”

Touching her nose, Twilight was silent, feeling the warmth as it faded from a simple touch, wanting..what did she want?

A special platter was retrieved in a quick movement, the pegasus slipping out and back in a flash, cold candied fruits and slices of a cake that looked scrumptious. A hoof gently lifted a sugar coated piece of orange, offering it shyly to Twilight.

It was taken with a delicate nibble, chewed with deliberate slowness as the burst of flavor made her eyes widen, “I’m going to get fat.” She chuckled, making Athena join in.

“Never.” Magic lifted a piece, bumping it into her nose as Athena laughed, taking it as offered and tasting the sweet and sour flavors that were released when she bit down.

“And for tonight, something truly special.” Athena took a fork and carefully lifted a chunk of dessert, the cake layers inside thin and separated by a different jellied fruit, some of which were from worlds far and away from Earth.

“Try this.” The fork was brought forward where lips received it and pulled it off. Twilight;s eyes flicking back and forth as she tried to figure out what the the tastes were.

“Don’t, you’ll never figure it out, like it?”

“It’s..amazing!”

“The pegasus leaned forward with a conspiratorial whisper, “Don’t tell anypony there’s only one more left, so I’m saving it.” She pointed, “This one, is for tonight.”

“So you are trying to make me fat! I knew it, it was your ultimate plan!” Twilight pointed an accusing hoof at Athena who stumbled for just a second before realizing she was joking.

“Right..the pudgy Princess of Friendship.” A fork was raised by one hoof, “Waddling around stuffing yourself and pronouncing whatever you pronounce while doing your friendship stuff!”

A nudge of magic, a chocolate piece was tossed, bouncing off the pegasus’ nose, “Take that back.” Twilight was looking mischievous.

“I shall not.” Nose lifting into the air like some Canterlot hoity-toity type, “I have said what I meant.”

Another nudge, another piece, ricocheting off somewhere in the room.

“I tell you now, royalty or not, there will be retribut.. Hey!” This time it was a candied fruit slapping into her nose.

A fork, some cake, and a carefully worked out trajectory, splattering onto a lavender muzzle.

“I warned you.” Athena was trying not to laugh, seeing the different colored layers dripping off Twilight’s nose. She was smirking though, feeling smug.

Until an entire slice smacked into her.

Twilight snickered, then covered her muzzle with a hoof, chortling, which turned into full throated laughter. Her eyes filled with tears as she kept trying to stifle it and failed.

Athena giggled, then joined in, laughing out loud herself. Coming from deep within it was rich and bright in the room, mixing with Twilight’s.

She reached out with a soft cloth napkin, gently wiping it off of the Princess, laughing all the while. A magical aura surrounded another as it too caressed softly along Athena’s nose and face.

“I’m..no, I’m not sorry.” Twilight chuckled again, “Nope, not one bit.”

Athena’s grin grew wider, “You’re learning.” She leaned in, getting a last bit here and there, finding herself looking into violet eyes that seemed to go on forever. The swiping hoof stopped, then lowered as she was gazed at as well, magic setting the other cloth aside.

It was a moment that almost stretched forever, it wasn’t one movement, but two as lips met softly at first, tentatively, as if both participants were unsure of what to do next.

Their hearts led the way, one with blood pulsing hotly through it, the other burned with fires of suncore heat.

Twilight felt an electric thrill once more, traveling down her spine and making her body buzz with desire, delight and a myriad of other emotions that she couldn’t pin down, nor wanted to. The soft lips that met hers in the middle were all that mattered right now.

Athena felt it as well, differently so but much the same as she felt feelings that were long forgotten, but welcome gladly into her self. The feeling of wanting and being wanted, never forgotten, now flowed into her mind.

Muzzles broke apart with a slight gasp between them, warm looks were replaced with shy glances away and around the room as neither knew what to say.

At almost the same time, eyes lifted from where ever they had been staring, meeting again. Cheeks met and brushed, hooves raised and wrapped gently around the back of a strong neck, across unyielding shoulders as they pulled each other close.

“Does it always feel like this?” Twilight whispered into a waiting ear.

Athena had to be honest, “I don’t know. I’ve only dreamed it.”

Twilight leaned back, tilting her head slightly and smiled, “I really don’t want it to stop.”

Athena agreed, “Neither do I.”

Once again, lips met in an electrifying embrace. Eyes closing as the thrill of taste and touch flowed through both of them. There was almost a hint of chocolate flavor between them, left over from the cake that hadn’t quite been wiped away.

Heads tilted opposite each other as they embraced, a little stronger, a little closer, and deeper did they delve into this new sensation.

Lips parted slightly, opening each other to new things, bringing along with it more underlying warmth that welled up unbidden from them both. Tips of tongues met, dancing along accompanied by gentle sweet-scented breath.

A break, muzzles parting reluctantly for a moment of cool, sweet air. The dip of a sable one, kissing and nuzzling along a strong lavender neck. The slight sounds coming from the princess only encouraging more of the same.

What one does can be reciprocated easily enough. Athena felt the touch of lips, the slight movement of a tongue along her throat, causing her to gasp from the ripple of delight that tore through her.

She wasn’t supposed to feel this, she didn’t have the nerve end..oh...my...

Her coat trembled, body shuddering almost in ecstacy as another touch sent waves of delight through her. This only made her more determined to return the favor. Ducking under Twilight’s chin, she kissed up from the base of her throat to where the jaw line was, so very softly, and hearing the muffled sounds as the alicorn bit her lip to keep from making noises out loud in the quiet room.

Once again a stopping of movement, the susurration of heavy breathing in the room as they looked at each other.

“Is..is this what love does?” Both of them spoke over each other, asking the same question. A flurry of chuckles was the result as Athena spoke first.

“I don’t know. All I know is I’m feeling things I never have before.”

Twlight nodded, licking her lips slowly and kissing one sable cheek, “Me too. If this is love, I can live with it.”

“I think I can too.” Athena couldn’t resist being a bit impish, “So, Princess Sparkle, would you be my special somepony?”

“Oh my, let me think...yes. As long as you’d be mine?”

“Always.”

More caresses, soft and slow, stroking along lines of muscles and smoothing the coat above. It was easy now, giving and taking, nothing to feel guilty for as it was freely done. The special taste of another, the sweet touch of one who knew what to do, what was wanted.

Time stopped as if it had never mattered at all. Only the wanting to hear another word, a dulcet sound that told of joy received. All those things compressed into a single point that was all, the only thing that had ever been and would be.

Sigh and sound narrowed with the taste of each other on tongues that only desired more of the same. The dance, once begun would not stop tonight, nor ever, if Twilight and Athena had anything to say about it. Bodies snuggled against each other, the feel of another was in and of itself joyous.

Lips met as the two fell once more into the embrace of emotions and magic. Softly, never hurried, the meeting of muzzles was just the beginning of exploration into this new and wondrous adventure.

Crusader sat upon the tallest balcony, receiving updates and data streams from his drones, constantly on watch for trouble in the night.

With a soft hoofstep, the dark figure settled in beside him with an unhurried rustle of wings.

“Your sister has quite the...imagination.”

“Yes, she does, Princess Luna.” Blue eyes glanced her way, seeing a flushed face, vital readouts telling of an elevated heartbeat, pulse racing.

“Are you all right?”

A soft cough into a hoof, “Why, of course I am. Just.. doing what the Princess of the Nights’ duties require.”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

“I..I shall return to my duties now. Farewell Crusader, good watch to you.” Her eyes had never met his and he could swear there was a deep blush under her lovely coat of night.

“Yes, Your Highness. Have....fun.” He saw her twitch a little guiltily as she hurried away.

Looking into the night, and seeing a few stars go suddenly out of place at his comment, he allowed himself a very small smile.

Dreams are our wishes come true in form, if not reality. May yours become real my sister.....

Once More Unto The Breach...

The interior of the bank was quite spacious, and very obviously, definitely trashed beyond a normal ransacking.

Tables and counter were crushed and broken, drawers and scattered bits lay everywhere. A glitter and spike of golden gleam to the eye, rare and scarce as it appeared every other bit in the bank was gone.

One peek in the huge vault showed the same. The safe deposit boxes were all torn asunder, emptied of their contents, and by one lone jewel gleaming in the soft light from Fleurs horn, it was all the best treasures ponies had kept here, hoping to be safe.

Wyatt muttered to himself, face plate open as he looked around, “Forget this place. Guess no one’s getting their deposit back.” He nudged a few pieces of furniture, noting they had been deliberately broken.

“Someone, had a serious mad on.” Seeing senseless vandalism instead of methodical robbery made him wonder.

It all came together in a story that told of tremendous force, power, and perhaps a little insanity. There were scrawlings on the wall that made no sense even to the mares, things broken or busted that would have nothing to do with robbing the bank.

All in all it was quite peculiar.

“Whoa, someone really had it out for this bank.” Tropic was eyeing all the desks, crushed into splinters.

Fleur turned to the Guard Chief who had entered behind them, “Was anypony hurt?”

“No, Miss Prism. This was all done after everypony went home. Witnesses just reported loud sounds, they think it was laughter, and then the explosion that took out the wall.”

Sky was looking at things through her goggles that zoomed in on whatever she peered at, “Any other evidence? Anypony ever run into this thing before?”

The Chief shook his head, “Only Mane-iac is running around lately, having escaped from prison, but she’s never done anything like this before. She’s just nuts.” He twirled a hoof near his temple, making everyone giggle.

Except Wyatt, who was looking at the wreckage, piecing together the sequence of events, Skills used long ago on the battlefield helped him see what had possibly happened, the way of things, little clues that made up a whole.

He could see the path of destruction, the exit..but where..?

Leaning back in the suit, he looked up, seeing the cover on a vent sitting askew.

Now why would someone who’s this powerful, need to enter by a vent?

He knew his comic book history. His friend had filled him in on the secret origins of heroes he couldn’t be bothered to remember, but it made for funny conversation in the bars.

So...someone had something here. Stolen and now a lunatic pony is on the loose with the Long Lost Secret All-Powerful Bag of Nuts or something...

He shrugged, could be worse..oh wait.. How in the world was he going to get that all across to the others?

Fleur was looking at the others as Wyatt gestured toward the vent cover, making sure they saw it was not fitting right.

“A poorly repaired vent cover?” She watched Tropic shrugging, but Sky was looking interested, finally getting it.

Wyatt kept pointing, making moving motions with his hands, playing look-see-do as best he could, hoping they got it.

The Guard chief was watching all this with a look of puzzlement. Not understanding why the super pony named Anvil was having a hard time communicating to the others.

Tropic saw this, sidling over and smiling brightly, “Spell went wrong, we’ll be fixing it. He..she’s... okay, just looks worse than it is.” She knew the character backgrounds, having read the releases months ago before the comic was published.

The Chief nodded again, a little puzzled, but accepting the explanation. This was Goldbeam of the Ulti-Mares of course. Why would he doubt her?

Sky popped up, “I got it, they came in through the vent!” She grinned over at Wyatt who gave her a thumbs up for the right guess on their little game of charades, seeing her pointing at the crooked covering.

Fleur and Tropic looked upwards, seeing it in a new light, Fleur stating the same question that bothered Wyatt.

“But they busted through the wall to get out, why would..” A light went on behind her eyes, “They stole something powerful and gained some special ability!”

“What would it be?” Tropic was pondering, “The Eye of Tartarus? Oh! Maybe the Crystal Gem of Forbidden Magic?” She was off and running with speculation, naming all the items mentioned in the latest comics.

The Chief had been listening, “I’ll check and see what was in that vault, maybe something will turn up!” He turned to go, looking back over his shoulder, “I’ll send a message to you soonest!”

They were left alone in the wrecked bank, looking around and at each other.

“Sooo...” Sky ventured, “What do we do now?”

Come to find out, from what little they knew of the story, the Ulti-Mares had a local base they worked out of. Having them in all the major cities when traveling to fight threats, they were quite well-equipped.

The only problem, they didn’t know where it was.

Until Tropic and Fleur, working together, figured out they both had spells that would transport them all to the secret hideaway.

Once again Wyatt went through the nauseating effects of teleportation. His stomach rebelled in every way, but he kept it all contained. Wouldn’t do to toss his cookies inside a super suit he couldn’t get out of yet.

It was an odd looking super hideaway, being a comfortably appointed living room, coffee tables, thick carpet, the usual thing you’d find in any house in Equestria. Simple, clean and definitely not a super secret lair of super ponies.

“Well, this isn’t what I expected.” Fleur was looking at a watercolor of a bland landscape on the wall.

Tropic was peeking out a window, seeing a patch of lawn, well-cared for, a street in normal suburbia, even a white picket fence, “This is weird, just a normal neighborhood.” She sounded disappointed.

Sky was looking at the normal, everyday, hum-drum setting, “So..where’s..” She squeaked in panic as the floor dropped out from underneath them. The square of floor just big enough for all of them traveled quickly downward.

A few seconds later, they ended up in a huge underground room. Brightly lit, it showed work areas for the different Ulti-Mares.

Fleurs’ was stuffed with spellbooks and paraphernalia, to better master her magic and use it to fight threats. A casting circle was etched in silver and gold on the floor to practice with mighty powers.

Tropics was a mish-mash of books and gaudy golden doodads she ensorceled to give her what she needed when fighting the horrendous things that the Ulti-Mares faced. Dotted with posters of bands and other movies, it looked like a teenagers room.

Sky’s area was filled with shelves, containing gadgets and cool things that made Silver Gleam the Super Spy Mare she was. Eavesdropping equipment, camouflaged bodysuits, tools for repairing or making more of such items.

Wyatt’s...Anvils’, was filled with a workbench for maintaining and repairing the suit he wore. A rack for hanging it was standing empty, the tools looking well-used and very well kept. Shelves stocked with materials to keep it in perfect working order, bar stock for forming or smelting in the small furnace nearby.

“Oh...my...GOSH!!!” Tropic was grinning from ear to ear, “Look at all this cool stuff!”

Fleur was looking at the huge spellbook resting on a polished wooden podium, open to pages covered in small writing, “”This is amazing detail. Is it the spell of did the creators actually think of all this?”

Tropic was looking at rods, hanging in spaced rows horizontally, with carefully spaced bangles and bracelets on them, each one labeled with what it did, as more were piled nearby waiting to be powered with magic.

“Oh! Oh! Fireflash! And..and there’s Invisibility, and Wall of Flame, look at all this..wait a second..” She picked up a thick band, squinting at the lettering before putting it on and pointing a hoof at Wyatt.

Fleur yelled across the room to stop her but was too late, seeing Tropics’ horn lighting up and triggering the object, a beam of sparkling colors shot from the bracelet, hitting Wyatt dead in the chest and covering him completely in a glowing aura before she could get a word out.

“Hiya, Wyatt!”

The tall figure in the armor suit looked puzzled for a moment, then spoke in Equestrian, “Can you understand me?”

Fleur and Sky looked gobsmacked as Tropic blew on her hoof, rubbing it on her chest, “Am I good or what?”

“What was that?” Sky was trying to peek at the bracelet Tropic was gleefully hiding from her.

“Translation spell!” She held out the thick band, “Says right on it, thank goodness for instructions!”

Sky, Fleur, and now Wyatt, took a look at the band, inscribed on it, and others they looked at, were the names of various spells, plus how to trigger it. Merely by thinking of the band and the spell, it would work, only once, but could be re-powered again and again.

“No wonder you wear all that gaudy jewelry.” Fleur teased her friend.

“It’s not..ooooo you!”

Wyatt could actually understand them now, hearing and seeing the teasing, a slight smile crossing his face as he waved an armor clad arm, “So, what do we do?”

Fleur pursed her lips, scuffing a hoof on the floor as she thought about everything she knew about the comic books rumored to be spelled, “We have to find the bad pony, defeat them and then we can leave. That’s all I know.”

“Got any idea who it is?”

“The bank break in is our clue. Somepony stole some powerful object and I guess they’re loose with it now.” She brightened with a thought, “The Chief will get us a message and then we can figure out what to do from there.”

“Good enough. Smart thinking, Miss Lee.” Wyatt figured the chief was the uniformed pony that had shadowed them, safe assumption.

The slim mare pointed, “Sky caught your clues though, so she should get credit.”

“Hey! What about me?” Tropic was bouncing slightly on her hooves, fluffy mane and all, “I helped too!”

Fleur nudged her friend, “You are a big flirt.”

“I can’t help it?” Tropic fluttered her eyelashes prettily.

“Okay, okay,” Wyatt was sitting down, trying to tug a boot off, “I get it. But could you explain who we even are?”

Ten minutes later, with lots of additions by Tropic, he now understood the situation.

“How long does this spell last?”

Tropic shrugged, “It doesn’t say, but I’m betting at least a day. Most spells like that would.”

The human nodded, “I’m not getting all the words, but can understand most. Kinda glitchy, so might miss a few things here and there.”

“How long are we going to wait for the information from the Chief?”

Everyone shrugged, looking around in their specific areas for any clues as to when, or even how a message would reach them. This was soon answered by the tolling of a soft chime, Fleurs’ / Prisms’ magic circle glowing softly and a small container appearing in it.

“Well, that was certainly convenient.” Fleur laughed, walking over to pick the container up in her magic, popping the top off and unrolling a small scroll.

“It says here that the bank was the storage place of the Eye of Argon. A large jewel with reportedly supernatural powers that could be unlocked with the right spell. It was thought to be just a legend until now, displayed as just a ruby of immense worth.”

“Of course it was.” Wyatt laughed, seeing the classic comic book story unfolding.

“Okay then, how do we go about nabbing the pony who stole it?” Sky was fiddling with a few gadgets on her belt. She was having a great time finding out what all these doo-dads did.

“I’m not sure.” Fleur/Prism was the leader of the team, so surely there was something that could tell her what to do.

Tropic was swapping out bangles and bracelets, upping her powers quite a bit with what was there, “Is there any way we could track the gem?” She tossed it blithely over her shoulder.

Fleur, Wyatt and Sky looked at each other, then they turned to Fleur who was rushing to the racks of spellbooks.

She pulled out a few volumes, her horn flaring as the spell she wrought flipped through pages quickly. The thick paper making rustling sounds as they turned, her eyes scanning them quickly and moving on.

Book after book piled up beside her, standing at the large podium and searching with deliberation for that one spell she knew had to be there, there was always something in the stories!

Wyatt, on the other hoof, was desperately trying to get the stupid suit off so he could stretch a bit, not to mention the pressing need to hit the facilities. He looked for latches or buttons, anything to get this..wait a second...

His fingers found a spot, big enough for the tip of a hoof to press, hitting it the suit folded back off him and allowed him to step out while it stood up in place. His eyes had already found what he wanted. At least he had some kind of clothing underneath the armor instead of running around in the buff, he was grateful for that as he took off to the room he’d spotted.

Sky and Tropic, were having a ton of fun figuring out what all she had on her equipment belts, a portable hook and retracting rope, a small light that could be adjusted from a beam to an area glow. Her suit was tough enough to deflect anything thrown at it, her goggles enhanced her vision a lot, allowing her to see clearly in almost total darkness.

Tropic was a quick learner, seeing the way the bracelets and bangles were made, and powering up a few more. It seemed Goldbeam had a limited amount of personal magic, and supplemented it with objects that contained spells to boost her abilities. It was a very neat solution to limits.

She found many different and varied spells, obviously tapping off of Fleur/Prisms personal collection as well as her own extensive library, they allowed her to have a capability that could change at need without study.

Fleur let out a triumphant sound, holding the book up in her spell as the others looked up from messing around in personal areas. Wyatt was exiting the small room, looking at a smiling Fleur, a bangle covered Tropic and Sky who was loading more goodies onto her equipment belts.

“I have it! It’s a spell to track objects of power, showing where they are on a map!” She grinned and looked around, seeing on the wall a relief map of Maretropolis, allowing the Ulti-Mares to plan their sorties.

Not wanting to wait, she stepped inside the circle of metal and read from the book, Prisms power in this world was immense, and the light from her horn filled the room with an aura of pure magic that swept outward and upward, seeking the object she wanted it to.

Now it was just a matter of waiting a few minutes, while the spell took effect.

The map on the wall started glowing, a few spots of light shone brightly against the ridges and lines of the relief, minor objects, nothing much to see as they dotted..whoa..

A huge spot of light appeared, glowing brighter until it fairly well covered a few square blocks of the city, centered on an old warehouse, of course, in the garment district of all places.

“Always some abandoned warehouse,” Wyatt mumbled to himself.

Tropic tilted her head his way, “What?”

“Nothing, just being snarky.” He grinned at the mare.

“Oh, you!” She gave him a playful swat.

“Could be worse,” Sky ventured, “Could always be in some sewer somewhere.”

Fleurs’ face held an expression of distaste at the thought, “It doesn’t, thank Celestia. So let’s go get this gem, catch the bad pony and get out of here.”

Stepping backwards into the suit, it closed around him and clamped shut. He could feel it powering up in its own way, clenching a fist in front of his face, Wyatt grinned almost ferally, “Oh, I am so ready.”

Gathered in one of the guest suites, the group was trying to figure a way to get everyone safely out of the comic book.

“I wonder if we could communicate inside the spell?” Twilight was looking at both comics, trying to see if there was an indication of anything more than just ‘You’re in crazyworld’.

“Sometimes it is better to stay out of matters not understood.” Crusader had been watching her intently, to see if anything could be done to get whoever was in there, out. He wanted to retrieve Wyatt badly.

“It would have to be a simple spell, entwining with the one already active in the book, perhaps we could just send a note or something?”

“Twilight,” Athena gave her a nudge to knock her off the rails of the thought train, “Twilight, don’t try anything. You don’t understand what’s going on here.”

A shake of the head was an indication she was not pondering so hard, “You’re right. But I can’t find anything to tell me what that spell is doing.”

“The first thing,” Crusader’s voice was saying, “Is to find out where they come from, and who puts that spell on them.”

Fluttershy piped up, her eyes going wide, “Oh! Spike said it came from an enchanted comic book store.”

The little dragon heard his name and nodded, “Yep.”

“Is that the name of the store, or the product?”

“Huh?”

“Enchanted Comics.”

“That’s it!”

“That’s what?”

“Enchanted Comics.”

Crusaders face was assuming a deadpan look, “Is that the name of the store or just the product.”

“Product?”

“Enchanted Comics.”

“That’s it.”

“You are doing this on purpose.”

“What?”

Athena was already sniggering behind one hoof, seeing Spike looking at the faux Earth Pony with an expression of pure innocence. She bumped Rainbow with a flank, trying to keep her from laughing out loud. Even Twilight was looking close to tears in merriment as the conversation went on.

“What is the name of the store that you bought the comic from?”

“Xtreme Comics.”

“That is what we needed. Where is it?”

The sable Pegasus rolled her eyes at Crusader stopping things before it got funnier, killjoy.

Spike pointed in a vague direction, “Along the main boulevard where all the cool stores are.”

“I believe we should go there and ask a few questions, come with us?”

His gaze swept the group, seeing Rarity nudge the Princess until she blinked, nodding with the rest, “Oh! Of course, let’s go!”

They locked the two books in a safe, making sure no one else could possibly fall into them while they were away.

Exiting the castle, the group made their way down the entryway to the city proper, heading for a shop that seemed to be as elusive as could be.

“You be nice, Wyatt!” Tropic was looking at him in pique, after his last comment about her outfit.

“All I said...”

“I know what you said!” She stomped a hoof on the grass, the group having dropped in a park near the warehouse where the power readings were off the scale.

She pointed a hoof at him with a look of ire, “You say one more thing about my outfit, and I’ll level you!”

“Got it.” He watched her flounce off, the shorts and mini top she was wearing would do justice to a dancer he knew long ago. Having said that and explaining it, got him in more trouble than was worth. Oh, well.

Though he did get a chuckle when she passed by a group of ponies on the corner as they headed down to the warehouse. There was no avoiding being seen as for some reason the levitation spells ceased working nearby.

Every eye was on that swaying backside and tail as she waved at them, sashaying alongside Fleur who was looking quite radiant herself.

“You do have to admit, she’s quite the good-looking mare.” Sky’s voice was quiet in his ear as he gently moved alongside her, not wanting to leave footprints in the concrete.

He nodded, “I’m sure she is, though teasing her is getting to be too easy. She’s a nice pers..er..pony. Really.”

An urban camouflage clad hoof poked him in the side with a clang, “Then you stop teasing her. She’s wearing enough spells to level a full city block.” Sky raised one eyebrow at him in a look that brooked no backtalk.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Wyatt...”

“I said yes, ma’am.”

“Good.” She couldn’t help but smile up at him, her heart had been stolen and in no way would the Crystal mare ever truly be mad at the tall human.

“So we’re going to try and sneak up, right? Not exactly the best option.”

“It’s the best we can do. The levitation spells failed at the park, otherwise we’d have dropped on the roof quietly.” Sky was tapping her lower lip, watching Fleur scope the area with a scrying spell.

What he wouldn’t give for a powergun right now, even one of those slim sniper models. Pick that stupid pony right off and end this.

Fleur waved at them to gather close.

“Okay, we’re going to cloak ourselves with Sound-Deadening and Invisibility. Now, because of that, we won’t be able to speak out loud, so I’m going to overlay a Whisper spell as well, it’ll allow us to talk to each other only. Got it?”

Wyatt just nodded like everyone else was doing.

“Also,” She emphasized this, having read it in one of the massive spellbooks at the lair, “If you attack anyone, the invisibility breaks. So be careful.” She was pointedly looking at Wyatt.

“Hey, I can be quiet.” As long as I have a knife and a target, definitely, he thought.

Fleur’s horn lit up, the brightness muted to prevent unseen eyes from watching, the spells were cast. They watched each other fade out, then a vague outline showing to their eyes only for them to keep an eye on each other. Silence fell like a shadow, nothing came to their ears until Fleur whispered.

“Can everypony hear me?”

“All acknowledged it, the spells were working top notch.

“All right then, let’s get that gem.”

The warehouse wasn’t far, it didn’t take long to run to the entrance, a side door they had scouted out earlier. Tropics’ use of her spelled jewelry was getting better and better along with Sky’s gadgets, they had managed to sneak around and spot the doorway.

Wyatt was first to the door, he’d figured out the feedback on the armor and now it moved like a second skin. When they reached the entry, he was first there.

“Don’t use a spell, wait a second.” His combat senses were heightened now, feeling imminent trouble ahead he was alert and wary. He had seen Fleur preparing to knock the door down with a rather powerful use of magic when he said that.

Reaching out, he twisted the handle slowly, watching it move and click softly as the door unlocked.

Grinning to himself, he whispered to the others, “Always check before you do a dynamic entry, saves lives and ammunition. Plus you save a door by not blowing it apart.” He heard Sky and Tropic chuckle along with Fleur.

Slowly inching the door open with one finger, Sky took a moment and peeked under his arm using what appeared to be a flexible tube, was looking down it as she slowly inserted one end through the minute opening he’d made. Mirrors inside it placed a certain way, allowed her to peek around corners and into small places, quite ingenious really.

“I don’t see anything,” She shook her head, forgetting they couldn’t see her, “Nothing in the way except crates of stuff.” She withdrew the tube, wishing she could have seen more.

“All we need to hide behind.” Wyatt reached out, tapping each of them gently, “Follow me, let me take any hits. You three nail them when they show themselves, if there’s more than one.”

“Wait,” Tropic was sounding surprised, “Don’t do that, you could get hurt.”

Wyatt chortled gleefully, “I’m a walking tank, don’t worry.”

“From the rumors, “Fleur’s pretty voice came floating to them, “The comic adventures don’t hurt anypony, you have fun, but nothing bad happens. Like permanent injuries and such. Now that doesn’t mean you can’t get bruised or knocked around pretty good if you get stupid.”

“Then let’s be the ones to do the knocking, agreed?” Wyatt was sounding like his old self once more.

The others agreed.

Slowly pushing the doorway open, practiced eyes checked fro wires, strings, traps and tricks. Long ago knowing what to see and what not when entering such a portal, Wyatt took his time.

His faceplate let him see a little better in the darkened warehouse, a strip across his eyes was only transparent one way out, no one seeing in. Quite ingenious for a pony scientist. He crept in, knowing they would be following behind and couldn’t take he time to swivel and look. He was limited in vision and had to adjust.

Behind a pile of crates, he paused, reaching out and feeling a neck, a muzzle, another shoulder, counting three and done.

“All right,” He whispered even lower, as if afraid of breaking the spell, “Here’s what we do....”

Bright light blinded him and the others as a voice boomed out across the warehouse floor. The glow seemingly coming from everywhere as it brought daytime into the darkly shadowed space.

“Intruders! How pleasant! You’re just in time for the festivities!”

“Well...crap..”

To be continued.....

Not Quite As Planned...

“There it is!” Spike tapped Athena on the shoulder as they came abreast of a shop front, the windows decorated with games and magazines that drew the eye.

“Xtreme Comics and Games! Home of Ogres and Oubliettes!” The banner almost screamed out in neon colors. It was quite crowded, brisk business being done as ponies walked out loaded down with bags of swag.

The little dragon jumped off Athena’s back, proudly announcing, “One of my favorite places in Canterlot!”

Twlight chuckled, “And they make a lot of bits off him.”

“But it’s so cool inside too!” He grabbed the sable pegasus’ hoof, tugging her inside, the rest following.

The inside of the shop was everything a comic/gamer/collector/avid reader would want.

Books and magazines lined shelves that almost hit the ceiling. Unicorn employees using spells to retrieve whatever the customers wanted, quickly moving on to the next request.

Games of all sorts were on more wooden supports in the middle of the open space. Board games of all shapes, sizes, ages decorated the store everywhere. Stuffed animals dominated one row, posters and movie memorabilia dotted others, packed full of fan-pony goodness, this store was the end all-be all of fun.

They lost Pinkie after she set foot in the door, zooming off toward the snack stand that happened to be by the ‘Movie set party supplies.”

Rarity peeled off when seeing the costuming section, exclaiming about something being definitely beyond good taste and she just had to do something about it.

Fluttershy immediately headed towards the stuffed animals, murmuring something about completing a collection.

Casualties were mounting fast, most of the group were gone, lost in action as they tried mightily to make their way to the counter. It was so close, yet so far! They could see smiling employees behind the polished marble top, happily helping gamers and collectors alike.

They just had to make it!

Rainbow was history, no one saw her after passing the ‘Daring Do’ section. An entire quadrant dedicated to everypony’s favorite action heroine, Daring Do. They could hear her exclamations of delight, seeing things she had never known existed in the catalog.

Twilight was still there, though her eyes were wandering. Staunch ally Applejack by her side as they waded through the crowded aisles. Athena and Crusader were still forging forward, determined to find out about the mysterious comics.

Alas, Spike was gone early in the quest, a poster announcing new O&O modules released just yesterday caught his eye and he was lost in the swirl of the mob.

Twilight turned to make a comment to her stalwart companion, but Applejack was gone. The sight of a blonde tail disappearing in the ‘Outdoor Games’ section of the store was the last seen of her.

Troops were dwindling fast. Losses were causing consternation as they made their way down the twisting path to salvation at the counter. The clink and ring of bits so close they could hear the coins rolling in payment for the treasures found within.

Athena reached out, grabbing onto Twilight’s tail as something caught her eye, dragging her back into line with an irresistible tugging that would make sure she had no chance of escaping. Both faux ponies took a stance on either side, making sure she had no route but to the counter to ask for the manager.

At last! Over the walls we have climbed, through the trenches we have fought and arrived at our destination. Here the battle will be fought, here we will find the answers we seek, we are indomitable, we...

"Running an internal monologue is getting a little weird even for you, Crusader.” Athena was chuckling over the warbands.

“Applejack reminded me earlier that it is my turn to tell a story to Applebloom for tonight, I am practicing.” The little filly had one of the coveted commlinks and stayed in touch with Applejack through them. The older Apple sister had been telling her bedtime stories from afar while visiting the Crystal Empire.

“You’re hamming it up.”

“Of course. After being told my beloved Shakespeare was not wanted for a bedtime story, I have had to search other avenues.”

Athena laughed out loud, getting a few looks but muffling it fast enough to just get the evil eye from Twilight who knew that she and he were talking over the internal commlinks.

Finally though, they made it to the counter, standing before a happy looking employee.

“Hi! Welcome to Xtreme Comics and Games! How can I help you?”

Twilight had to be nudged, rubbernecking at all the cool stuff around her, to talk to the counter pony.

“Oh! Uhm, may we please speak to the owner?”

“Of course, Princess! One second, please!” The Earth Pony trotted off into the back, returning quickly with a Unicorn that had a mane of frizzy hair sticking out in all directions, happily chattering the ear off the employee as they walked back to the Princess.

He stopped and blinked, seeing a Princess in his shop for the very first time, almost gobbling in surprise as he tried to form words.

“Please, calm down, sir.” Twilight rolled her eyes, used to dealing with things like this, “We’d just like to chat for a minute, if you would?”

“Chat? Me? Here?” The frazzled looking Unicorn shook his head to clear it, “Why, of course! Come in, come in! Come right this way where the magic happens!” He opened the counter, ushering in the small group who got envious looks from all the other ponies waiting to pay for their purchases.

“I’m Dice Cup, as you can tell my passion is games and other things that make life so much more fun!” He had an infectious laugh, his voice easy on the ears. If only he didn’t look like some crazed wizard.

Leading them back into his workshop, he swatted a switch, lighting more of the area up and revealing pieces and parts of games under construction, things being built for current games, and parts being made to replace those lost. It was a wonderland of fun.

“Oh, you’ll love this! For the fillies and colts!” He held up a game, “You chase a mouse around the board and build a trap to catch him at the end. “And! It changes between games, so it’s never the same thing twice!” He cackled in glee, making them all smile.

“I do so love building and creating things, it makes my heart warm. I remember when I first created Ogres and Oubliettes, such fun, and seeing others enjoy it makes me happier every day.”

“Wait a second.” Twilight stopped dead, “You created Ogres and Oubliettes? One of the most popular games in Equestria? You?”

“I did indeedy!”

“But it was created by a pony named Gygax. Not Dice Cup.”

A belly laugh and a wink from the jolly pony, “Oh, that’s me. Gygax. Get Your Games At Xtreme! Gygax! Pretty sweet, huh? I thought it was cool and fun!”

Twilight couldn’t help but giggle, this pony was too much, he had all the enthusiasm of a colt, “Wait until Spike finds out, he’ll flip, that we met the creator of his favorite game.”

“Oh ho! Nono, musn’t tell a soul! Can’t have anypony finding out, it’d destroy all the mystery. Please, Princess, don’t say anything?”

Twilight immediately agreed, “I promise. Not a word.” She saw Athena and Crusader nodding as well, knowing they’d keep the secret.

“Then I shall give you a copy of the latest module, it’s truly a fun time! I’ll even sign it, you can say it was a special sale.” He gave the alicorn another wink, causing her to grin in return.

“So, what may I do for you, Princess?”

“Twilight, please.” She saw him nod, “We came about some magical comic books, that put you into the story?”

“Oh my, yes! I invented that spell! It’s truly special if I do say so myself!” He raised his bushy eyebrows, “And I do!”

You could not help but like this pony, enthusiasm flowed off him and brought everyone along for the ride.

“Well, maybe you ought to put a disclaimer on it? Telling ponies that they could get whisked into an adventure?” Athena was watching him closely, seeing delight in his eyes suddenly turn to dismay.

“You mean they didn’t?” The pony paced the floor, “Oh no. Nonono. They were supposed to tell ponies, make sure they wanted to go on an adventure!”

“I’m afraid I was drawn into one of them, with the Power Ponies, and now friends of ours are in one called ‘The Ulti-Mares’.”

“Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. I am so very sorry, I did not mean to cause trouble, just fun. Oh my stars and comets. This isn’t a good thing!” He turned and faced them, stopping his walking back and forth, “I will contact the publisher and demand they place a special warning, so ponies know!”

“That would be wonderful,” She smiled at him warmly, “You are not in any trouble, we just want to know if there’s any way to stop the adventure and get somepony out again?”

Dice Cups’ face turned thoughtful, brows narrowing together and forming one large caterpillar resting upon his forehead as he tried to think of some way.

“No. I’m sorry. The adventure has to end first, tampering with it may cause problems.” He tapped a hoof on the floor, thinking, “I’ve tried many variations of the spell, but it only works the one way. I’m so very sorry.”

He produced a scroll from under a pile of board games, giving it to Twilight, “I trust you with it, please take a look. You are the Element of Magic, perhaps you can figure something out?”

Twilight took it solemnly, “I promise nopony will ever see it, or know about it. I’ll have it sent back to you by Royal Courier.”

“You’re a Princess, I would expect nothing less.” Dice Cup chortled, “Now, let’s see.” He rummaged around, coming up with a booklet that was shiny and new, “Here it is, the latest book for O&O.” He produced a quill, signing it with a flourish, “I hope your friend enjoys it as much as I did making it.”

“He will, that’s the truth. He is a O&O fanatic.”

“Wonderful!” The Unicorn clapped his hooves together, “Wonderful and full of wonder, yes! Is there anything else I may help with? Maybe design a game for you?” He perked up, “I have it, ‘Adventures of a Pony Princess’! Oh, the fillies will love that!”

He stopped gushing, looking a bit abashed, “Only with your permission of course, Your Highness.”

Twilight was fast on her hooves, “As long as any profits go to providing games to colts and fillies who can’t afford any.”

“I already do that, Your Highness!” A hoof waved in the air, “Oh, so many things for the little ones! I make enough to keep the store open, create fun things, and pay my dutiful employees, that is more than I need.” He bowed before her, “I will donate even more then, Princess Twilight, you have my word.”

“Good enough, Dice Cup.”

“Now, is there anything else I can help with?”

They left with lighter hearts and a possible solution, along with a new friend who was as personable a pony as they ever met. Twilight didn’t even mention the spell when they found the rest of the group waiting for them, laden with packages that various excuses were given for.

“I can’t believe you mares, and you too, Spike!”

“Darling, trust me, that Daring Do costume was atrocious, the shirt was totally wrong for the set.”

Twilight sighed, giving up, “Forget it, let’s head back.” She rolled her eyes at Athena, glancing her way with a sly grin. No matter what, they were her friends forever.

“Come in! Come in! I know you’re there! Come to see my powers come fully into their own have you? I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine!” The male voice boomed across the warehouse floor, echoing off the walls and into their ears.

“He sounds like a loon.” Wyatt quipped, getting a snigger from Tropic and the others.

“Are you there? I know you’re here someplace, but I seem to have a problem pinning you down. Oh, well. No matter.” Another flash of light, and all the exits were suddenly sealed tight.

Fleur whispered, “What should we do?”

Wyatt was not one for sitting around, “Let’s kick his butt and get the gem. He’s a nutcase.”

Tropic agreed, “He is, let’s hit him hard!”

“Once I drop the invisibility spell, he’ll definitely know where we are.” The slim mare was sounding nervous.

“Just stay behind me. You’re the ranged weapons, stay tight, hit him and move. I’ll close in on him and knock his brains even more loose than they already are.”

Sky couldn’t help it and giggled so hard she almost fell over, “Will you stop saying that stuff!?”

A fist clenched with one powerful movement, unseen and unfelt except by Wyatt, “Can’t help it, maniacs bring out the best in me.”

“Wyatt!”

Fleur tapped him on the arm, “Are you ready?”

“I am, let’s get this over with.” He was having trouble understanding words now, it seemed the spell was starting to break down. He’d have to get Tropic to renew it or whatever it was ponies who used magic did.

He could, however, understand enough to know there was going to be some action. That didn’t take anything special to comprehend, just a willingness to fight, and he definitely had plenty of that.

An armored hand reached out, touching each of his teammates, “Let’s go.”

He stepped out from behind the pile of crates, looking through the blinding light that was coming from a raised dais, upon which was standing a single form. The blazing glare was an omnipresent thing that seemed to be an all around aura.

He couldn’t see whoever was speaking too well, but he had enough vision to spot the shadowed form. It, or he, judging by the voice, seemed to be wearing some sort of odd hat. Didn’t matter, he was going to flatten it and the head wearing it.

“Let’s do this.”

“Twilight, perhaps messing with this is not something you want to do. They are inside the book, or the spell, and I believe we should wait.” Crusader was watching the alicorn mumbling and making notations in a notebook.

“I think I’ve figured out what he’s done,” She said out loud to no one in particular, “It’s just a matter of bringing the whole thing to an end and making sure they arrive back safe.”

“Do you think, or do you know?”

“Well, I can’t ever be absolutely sure without plenty of testing. Magical theory is sometimes hit or miss..” She stopped, seeing the look on the umber pony’s face.

“Then leave it alone.” His voice brooked no argument. He wanted Wyatt back badly. He had missed humanity and the thought of the only representative of it here and now being injured or possible killed because of a spell malfunction, would not sit well with him at all.

“But if I could bring them out, maybe..”

“Think, and maybe. I would advise you not proceed, Twilight.” He stood up, turning to leave, “I am on watch, please be careful.”

He left without a further word, leaving a frustrated alicorn behind him and Athena still there.

“He’s just worried for Wyatt, Twilight. He wants his safe return more than anyone.”

“I know, I know.” The Princess was staring at the original spell and her voluminous notes, “But all I have to do is end the spell, trigger it to think the adventure ended and they’ll pop right back in.” She eyed the comic books, brought here for study.

Athena noticed the looks, when Twilight was working on a problem, she tended to blot out anything else, “Maybe it’s best to wait. Wyatt is very skilled and he would never let the others come to harm.”

Twilight paced for a few seconds, “He’s got Sky with him, and Fleur Dis Lee and Tropical Sun.” They’d found out the names after a little research and questioning witnesses. “Hope he can keep them all together.”

“All I need to do is..” She trailed off, mumbling again, quill held in powerful magic and making more notations, “Just fool the spell into thinking it’s over, that’s all.” She smiled up at the quiet pegasus, “Simple!”

“Twilight, please, don’t do anything.” She was trying to keep Twilight from doing anything that would exacerbate the problem, and trying to help. It was a delicate balance sometimes.

“Don’t you trust me?” Violet eyes searched lavender ones.

“I.. I do, always. You know that.”

“I can do this. It’s not simple, but with enough power..” She’s determined to try, her horn lights up, drawing on the power of being a Princess, magic fills the room.

“Twilight! Don’t!”

In a flash the spell is worked, a golden twister forms in the middle of the room as the force works its way into the comic book, delving into it as if seeking the lost ponies. It hesitates, then dissolves in a shower of sparkles and crackling power.

Athena had averted her eyes, waiting until the brilliance died down and looked back at the book, it was scorched and not in very good condition.

“Oh, Twilight,” She looked at the dismayed Princess staring at the book, “What did you do?”

Wyatt slipped out of the crates, the others following him, he hoped, clenching his fists and heading for the one pony that would end all this and get them back home. Not that he didn’t like a good adventure, a tale well told. But he was getting tired of situations not of his making.

Athena and Crusader had warned him that strange occurrences happened in Equestria, but this was one for the books, literally.

Now, he was going to get everyone out safe, period. Nothing, and no one would be standing in his way. If they did, they wouldn’t be upright for very long.

Fists clenched, he walked right towards the odd dais the pony stood on, trying to get a closer look at it, see who he was dealing with. The light shining from around it made it very difficult, even with his visor, to see.

Fleur, Sky and Tropic spread out in a fan behind him. Fleur’s horn lit up, dropping the invisibility on Wyatt so he could be the focus of attention. She was whispering instructions to the others, readying the most powerful spells she could think of, Tropic muttering trigger phrases and words, her bangles and bracelets ready at the merest nudge.

Sky had had time to figure out a few things on her equipment belts, getting a thin rope out with a bola on the end, twirling it silently and waiting to tangle the target, the rope and bola wrapping around and knocking them out hopefully. She wasn’t too sure, but she was willing to try.

“Well...well...well..” The loud voice announced once more, “Is it..Anvil of the Ulti-Mares? Looking a bit different these days aren’t you?”

Wyatt had enough, flipping up his faceplate, “Listen up nutball, give us the gem and I won’t hurt you too badly.”

“No, ohhhh no. I have power finally, power enough to do whatever I like!” The shadow was getting clearer as he took careful steps forward.

Wyatt cracked the knuckles of one hand, clenching it tightly. He’d always despised people like this, bullies, power-mad, those that thought a little rank gave them the ability to say and do anything. This was getting his goat, strangling it, and then spitting it for a barbecue.

“Really, now?”

The floor shifted, almost knocking him off his feet, a rumbling sound tore through the warehouse at such volume he had to look around quickly, even seeing the demented shadow stumbling in the aura of magic. Something changed, something imperceptible, but enough that it made him wonder. He felt nauseous, as if magic had been used on him.

Fleur and the others faded into view, the invisibility spell knocked right out by the whirlwind of sound that ripped through the crates and stacked barrels. They spread out even farther, giving Wyatt room ro move as well as themselves.

“Give it up, whoever you are!” Fleur’s voice was magnified, “We won’t hurt you, just come along quietly!”

None of them could penetrate the globe of light surrounding the mysterious figure. It’s as if the magic was infusing him with more levels of might as the moments dragged on.

“All the Ulti-Mares! Once I rule the world, perhaps you, Prism, can be my consort! I do have your poster you know.”

Tropic rolled her eyes, “Not a chance you..you..whoever you are!” She fired off a spell that created a wide beam of force that slammed into the glowing orb surrounding the shadowed pony. It splattered against the outside and sprayed off in different directions, crushing a few poor innocent crates in the way as the entire spell was deflected away.

Sky whipped her hoof around, tossing her whirling bolas, seeing them ricochet and end up in the rafters after being burnt to a crisp from touching the strange aura.

“Oh, Celestia..this might be a bit tough.” She was rummaging for something else off her belts.

"Goldbeam, Goldbeam... Trying so hard to be magical, yet all you can do is flirt with stallions and wear clothing so tight its a travesty!” The voice kept teasing them, knowing perhaps he couldn’t be touched.

“I... Will show you MAGIC!”

The aura grew intense, blinding them for a moment as neon colored waves of power ripped outwards in a circle towards them. Walls blasted outward in splinters and shards, crates and barrels disintegrated at its touch.

Fleur gasped, throwing a shield, thick and tall, surrounding them fully, in front of all of them, barely holding on until the wave passed, watching the destruction as the roof fell in around them. Beams on fire smashed into the floor, unidentifiable contents of containers flew everywhere, the sky lighting up as if a fireworks show went off.

All throughout they heard maniacal laughter, such as those typical of any comic book villain. But this one had the might to back it up now, thanks to the Eye of Argon!

“Celestia’s name, that was too close!” Fleur was gasping for breath after holding the spell so long against so much magic.

Wyatt growled, seeing sweat running down the pretty mares’ face and leaping forward, the armor took him into the air as he cocked a fist back, his whole body throwing itself into a punch that would have demolished entire buildings.

“Wyatt! No!” Tropic was aiming her foreleg, a bracelet letting loose another terrible beam of magic that surrounded him in a glowing shield to help boost his resistance. She was fumbling for another when he started falling from the arc.

He could see nothing but a shadow right now, eyes tearing up from the actinic glow, the fist coming down right on top of the globe surrounding the looney pony.

Such was the power and the fury behind the punch, it actually pushed the hardened orb into the floor a foot or more, the shock-wave making Fleur and Tropic erect another shield to keep their feet as he put everything he had into one small area the size of his fist.

Thunder cracked as the globe was driven into the stone, cracking and rumbling through the remains of the warehouse in a rippling wave that centered on him, throwing the debris outward in a tsunami of further destruction.

He landed on his feet slamming another flurry of hits into the globe, tossing it backwards to the laughter of the pony contained within. The suit surrounding him multiplied the force by hundreds, close to thousands of times when pushed to the limit. He could crack boulders with a tap, but could not penetrate this stupid wall of magic!

Runnels of sweat ran down his face and neck as he slowed, then stopped. The suit still needed something directing it and providing the initial force to feed back, so he tired quickly. Kneeling on the ground as a warmth surrounded him, yanking him back to the group inside the shield Tropic was maintaining with her powers.

“Are you okay?” Sky and Fleur wore worried looks.

“I can’t get through. Seriously, it’s like a Bolo force screen, I gave it all I had.” He gasped for more breath, inhaling cool sweet air filtered by their own magic around them.

Smoke was gathering, and then whipped away by the magics being thrown around like candy at a parade, Fleur was slamming the shadow pony with spell after spell, pushing herself to the limit as Prism. Her armor glowed with it’s own light, bringing more and more energy to the fight.

Tropic had activated a few bracelets, using their spells to bolster the shield around them, protecting them all while Fleur took the offensive.

Sky was tossing small round things, containers of smoke and explosives that rattled their teeth, blowing more crushed materials around and away from them, actually clearing a space. Her ammunition ran out as she tossed the last few at the strange pony.

More laughter, high-pitched as if hysterical. They couldn’t do anymore but hold their own now, trying to figure out a way to get that gem.

“Wyatt, what can we do?”

He was at a loss, this was something he had no clue. A rifle, a few grenades, some trained troops. Would have been tough, but we’d triumph. This was a total unknown.

“Sky, I don’t know..honestly.”

They watched the globe suck itself inward, the power flowing to its end into the pony who stood there wearing a strange hat.

The laughter was maniacal, definitely. This pony had a screw loose as far as they were all concerned.

“Oh, you will bow to me Ulti-Mares, all of you will! The Power Ponies will be swept away by my might!”

They could see him coming closer now, the wide grin, the strange hat a helmet with curling horns on it.

“I am your new god, the god of mischief, of terrible fates for those who do not obey my will!”

He was a strange color, a reddish all over, nothing else, no cutie mark at all.

“You will all bow to me! I will rule this world!”

His mane was straight up and cut as if from a single block. Pure black, it ran down from the top of his head to the shoulders.

He kept getting closer and closer, ending up near their shield of magics, barely holding on against the spells he was tossing around as if nothing. The booms and crackles of lightning and fireballs wrecked the remains of the warehouse even more, nothing but dust and splinters now.

Wyatt couldn’t help it, even now, “Who the hell are you anyways?” His voice was translated, brokenly, but it came through.

“Me?” Laughter again as the strange pony reared in the air.

“ME?”

“Yes, you, dumbass.”

This made the pony stumble, ruining his monologue by Wyatt being himself. He shook his head and growled, throwing a few more powerful spells against their shield.

“Your new god has a name, you’ll need it to worship me properly.”

“You can call me...”

“Pokey!”

To be continued....

Hits and Rebounds

“Twilight! What did you do!?” Athena stood aghast, seeing the scorched book and looking up at her closest friend in this world, “What have you done?” She repeated once more, unable to comprehend that even with advice against it the Alicorn had still tried.

“I..I just tried to end the spell.. If I could trigger it the right way, they would have come back.” She was eyeing the comic in dismay.

Athena blinked, trying to think of anything she knew about magic, looking for anything in her data about what might have possibly happened, coming up with nothing, “Twilight, think! What could it have done? Are they okay?”

“I don’t know.”

Wyatt, Fleur, Tropic, and even Sky just stared at the odd pony. The helmet was slightly crooked on the squarish head, mane still standing straight up underneath it.

“You’re kidding, right?” The old soldier was standing behind the shield still kept up by Tropic and Fleur, “Pokey, really?”

Tropic couldn’t help it, she started giggling, seeing the look on Wyatt’s face that said he was not even slightly impressed with the idiotic figure standing there.

Sky nudged the skin-tight costume wearing mare, “Stop..just..ohmygosh..” She joined in, unable to help herself.

“You..you can’t..” The ‘god’ Pokey stuttered, “You..don’t laugh at me!”

“Why not?” The human soldier stood tall, “You’ve got a stupid helmet on, going with the rest of your looks.”

This wasn’t the way it was supposed to go. He was supposed to be feared! Cowered from! The magic in the gem was supposed to be powerful enough to enable him to rule the world.

“You can’t speak to me like that!” He was definitely in a rut, pronouncing things that were just patently stupid.

“I just did.” Wyatt took a step forward to the edge of the shield, “You look like an idiot, speak like one, so what next? Tap dancing?”

A spell slammed against the magical bulwark in a flaring of reddish gold colors, the flamestrike was deflected away, “Stop..stop talking to me like that! You’ll learn to fear me!”

Wyatt whispered to Fleur out the side of his mouth, “Just let me through when I move.” He saw her nodding, sweat pouring down her slim body from maintaining the powerful spell.

He leapt forward, the shield blinking out then back on as he passed the line where it stood. Once again he clenched a fist, heading right for the comical looking pony, his feet pounding against the solid floor and crushing debris under them into even more splinters.

Long muscles in his thighs bunched and stretched, propelling him forward like a rifle shot. He was heading straight for the pony in the helmet, fists tight enough to squeeze carbon into diamonds.

He was going to knock the head off this idiot for threatening him and his companions.

And seriously...Pokey?!

The armor he was wearing increased his own strength, his raw power. Anything he threw into a punch was magnified by whatever powered it, whatever kind of odd technology they’d come up with in the comic to explain it away.

He wasn’t familiar with the story at all, but he did know that he was going to try and put an end to this runaround.

Solid boots dug into the stone floor, leaving divots that flew backwards from the force of his running. He wasn’t going to leap this time, that had been a mistake. He was a juggernaut now, heading in a zig zag line as if he were dodging Melconian fire on the battlefield.

His wiles and knowledge came to the fore, the old battlefield tricks in his mind as he planned second by second, getting closer to the raised platform, dodging blasts from the pony who stood there, horn lit up to power more possible beams of destruction.

Something didn’t feel right though. That little jerk in the atmosphere earlier had him worried. Some part of this adventure had changed. He had no clue what it was, but he was wary, anything could have been affected.

He zipped right, avoiding a ravening beam of purple light that scorched and melted a track through the stone floor. Zagging left, a piece of roof beam turned to crystal from another spell that would have frozen him into immobility. But he was faster, the delay between horn brightening and the spell being cast gave him the precious time he needed to move.

The maniacal face was very close now, his fists clenching in anticipation of stapling a nose to the back of a skull. The horn sticking from the forehead lit up again, a wall of force springing up in front of him, stopping his forward rush dead.

He slammed into the invisible obstruction, brain rattling around in his skull from the shock of coming to a halt so fast when he was just picking up speed. He bounced off it and careened into a pile of warehouse fragments that had somehow survived the recent explosion.

One hand flung outward along the track, fingers digging into stone to halt his progress, leaving him lying on the remains of roof beams and walls, trying to keep his eyes from rolling around as he struggling to his feet.

A slashing golden arc of power erupted from the pony one more, Wyatts’ side feeling like fire had sprung up inside the armor as he went tumbling backwards, lying silently in the pile of odds and ends.

Fleur and Tropic gasped, seeing Wyatt tossed aside like a gnat, then hit with a powerful spell that actually dented the armor he was wearing. It threw him into wreckage and left them speechless as they watched 'Pokey’ rise up into the air, laughing while he made his goodbyes, leaving them in the demolished warehouse The wannabe god flew up and out, off into the warehouse district and out of sight.

Sky was the first to rush over to the supine figure.

“Wyatt? Wyatt?” She looked at Fleur and Tropic, “Do something!”

Tropic flipped through her bracelets, finding a simple healing spell she immediately used on the silent figure. A golden glow enveloped him for a long half-minute, then faded away.

“Wyatt?”

A groan, then one arm moved slightly, his voice ragged and sounding very tired, “This is going to be a bit tougher than I thought.” The one arm moved up, opening the helmet to show a nose that looked as if it had smashed into the inside of the faceplate at high speed, the swelling going down from the spell Tropic had used, “I think I broke a rib or two.”

His eyes looked at Fleur questioningly, “I thought we couldn’t be hurt?”

“I can’t believe..no..wait, I can.” Athena was sounded exasperated, “Crusader doesn’t give advice or warnings lightly, Twilight. He has a reason!”

The alicorn was biting her lip, still looking at the comics which had been moved to a table with great care in case anymore damage was done.

“Is that going to hinder them coming back?” The Pegasus pointed at the frayed and carbonized page edges.

“I..I don’t know..”

“We need to talk to Dice Cup immediately.”

Twilight could only nod, eyeing the book still as Athena pulled her out of the room, locking the door behind them. They needed to talk to the originator of the spell, to find out if it could still be running or if they were trapped in the otherworld.

Wyatt groaned as he stepped out of the damaged suit, looking at the dent along the side matching the black and bruised section of his own body.

Fleur and Tropic had immediately transported them to lair, wasting no time as the criminal pony had left the area. They had to assess damage and put a plan together to get that gem.

Hitting the workrooms, Wyatt had immediately peeled off the suit, lifting his shirt, sort of like a Concordiat SkinSuit, and looked at the injury, hissing a breath between his teeth seeing the black area that was slowly growing from the impact.

He gently pressed fingers along the edge, field medical coming to mind as he took a deeper breath, feeling icepicks in his side that told him ribs were definitely cracked if not fully separated. He need to tape it up immediately, hoping the nanites inside him were still working.

Crusader knew about magic, hardening things against it, and he hoped beyond hope that was true for the nanites.

Looking through Sky’s supplies, they found an injury kit, the Crystal mare delicately putting turns of the cloth around his chest, tightening it up to make healing easier, but not movement. He was sitting shirt-less on a low chair, drinking something sweet from the cold box in the work area and plowing his way through a plate of food, they all were, building strength up.

“He tracked us somehow. That gem is giving him powers beyond what I’ve ever seen,” Fleur was looking nervous, flipping through a spellbook while munching on a bowl of salad.

“If I had a decent weapon, we could have gotten him from a few hundred yards and all this would have been over.” Wyatt smiled crookedly, “Not the way they expected, but over.”

Tropic was slowly powering up a huge amount of jewelry, she wanted a selection that would allow her to protect her friends from anything.

“Even with me and Fleur holding that shield, we were close to losing it, he’s more powerful than the Princesses almost!”

Sky was re-equipping her bandoleers and belts, choosing items that were protected against magic, not many, and so could be used in the face of it. They were what, in the comics, were called ‘magic-null’ a rare item unable to be swayed or affected by spells.

“So, on to other things,” Tropic had hit him with another translate spell earlier on, boosting the effects of the previous, “How can we get close to this idiot and put his lights out?”

He was eyeing a contraption that Sky was looking at, sort of a grappling hook launcher that looked a little like the ones they’d used in the military, of course they could also be used as silent killers when you added...wait a second..

Leaning over with a wince, he motioned to Sky, “Could I see that for a moment?”

“Oh, sure!” She gave him the piece of equipment, watching as practiced hands and eyes looked it over before detaching a few pieces.

“What are you doing?”

‘I am going to assume something, that this can be converted into the weapon I need.” He raised a finger, “And could that jerk have tracked you by your use of magic, or just being magical yourselves?”

“Yes!” Fleur sounded triumphant, “Here it is!” She pointed to a page in the tome she’d been looking through, “The Eye of Argon can detect magic use, and or magical beings within a certain radius!”

Tropic leaned over, “Does it say about spells, how he was able to do those?” She was referring to the hideously powerful spellcraft that ‘Pokey’ was using to batter at them.

“It increases a magic user’s ability a hundredfold.” Fleur looked dismayed, “Said to have been created by a delver into dark magics, legends say it contained everything Argon knew about magic, which was a huge amount of knowledge.”

“Nice,” Everyone looked at Sky who had been silent up until now, “So the comic book writers made an all powerful gem that we have to get back. Great. Lazy writing.”

“Hey!” Tropic was changing outfits, slipping on a bright purple pair of hotpants that even made Wyatt look twice, “We’re the Ulti-Mares, we take on the tough stuff!”

Fleur winked at Sky, “Do you have anything other than those outfits?” Watching her friend put on a half-shirt that Wyatt figured would have been seriously scandalous for a human lady.

“Nope! You ought to see the closet!” She was in front of the mirror, fluffing her mane up and pinning it in place, “Gotta look right for the fight!”

“That’s your catch phrase, really?” Wyatt was trying not to snort in humor at the nudging going on between Sky and Fleur. His hands kept working on the device, tearing it down to see how it worked, a simple thing that used compressed gas to fire a grappling hook hundreds of hooflengths into the air.

It was definitely powerful enough for what he needed. Taking a length of finely made tubing, he started working on a weapon he had seen used a few times on a low-tech planet when insurgents had been taking his troops out from ambush.

Ingenious, and very quiet, it had taken them a while to figure it out. The rebels had been quick and skilled, but his boys and girls had adapted fast enough to capture a few and figure out a way to turn the tide.

Now, he was going to attempt to build another. He was going to take that stupid pony out with extreme prejudice and not a little anger. These broken ribs hurt! But..not that much anymore. He peeked under the bandage, seeing the bruising receding. It seemed his little medical nannies had come with him.

Bless you, Crusader.

Also, he wasn’t magical in any way. Ponies practically exuded it out their pores. He was a bare bones human, nothing but his wits and what skills he had. If he was tracking them by magic, perhaps he couldn’t pick him up, although if he was a dead spot, then the shadow he cast would be evidence of something.

Let’s hope old Pokey wasn’t that smart.

“What may I do for you, Princess?” Twilight and Athena had rushed down to the store, asking for Dice Cup and immediately being shown into the back workshop areas.

He had been peering at a new gameboard, pieces that looked like the Princesses were set to one side as it looked to be quite a large game, many other items scattered around told of adventures to be had very soon.

Covering it up, without a sense of hiding anything, he just loved not showing anything until it was ready, he had warmly greeted the two ponies.

“We need to talk to you about that spell.” Twilight had lost her apprehension about what had happened, explaining what she had tried to do, Dice Cup following along avidly as well as Athena.

He was all caught up on the particulars, and even the theories that Twilight had come up with he had understood. The big bushy eyebrows met in the middle of his forehead as he pondered everything he had been told.

“Oh my. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.” He was pacing the floor now, stopping and getting a chalkboard out, writing magical theorem on it while Twilight looked on before joining in herself. They had scribbled formulae for a few minutes before Twilight stepped back with an indrawn breath.

“Oh, no.”

“Oh yes, young princess. That’s the result.” Dice cup was now looking very concerned.

Athena had recorded everything, but the nuances escaped her, “What’s wrong?”

Twilight immediately answered, “Dice Cup’s spell protected anypony inside the comic, they could not get hurt badly, or killed while inside. A few very minor bruises notwithstanding. So they’d have fun.”

“And....?”

“My spell stripped that away, they’re unprotected inside there. They can be injured badly, or..or even killed.”

Athena could only gape at her friend.

“What are you making?” Crystal had been watching Wyatt alternately stuffing his face and working on the grappling launcher he had taken from her.

“A weapon. If I do it right, this thing will shoot a sharpened spike approximately two hundred yards, dead on, like a bullet.” He used a tool made for hooves awkwardly, bending a small piece of flat metal, “It’ll hold about five shots.”

The Crystal Mares’ eyes widened, “You..you’re going to kill him?”

“Sky, he tried to kill us. If it wasn’t for Fleur and Tropic, we’d be ashes in that warehouse. Even the armor didn’t protect me against that last one, it could have been a lot worse.”

Sky felt herself reaching out, touching the strong foreleg of the human she had come to, well, love in her own way.

“Does it have to be that way?”

Steady hands set down the pieces he currently held, gently, softly, “Sky, I have to get us out of here. It’s my...job. My duty.”

“But it’s not! Why is it your job? Because you used to be a soldier? Because long ago you fought and fought and never rested? Is that it?” Her eyes were warm, so caring and looking into his, “You can’t take all the responsibility, we can help. Fleur is so powerful here along with Tropic. Can’t you just..I mean..can’t.. I don’t want to lose you!”

Tear rolled down her cheeks, “You’re..leaving anyways, there’s nothing to do, you told me yourself. But..there’s time, a little of it. You can’t think that everything is up to you. Couldn’t you spend some time being..being..” Sky turned away, looking at something on the floor.

“Spend time with you?” He wasn’t harsh, nor were his words, “Live a normal life you mean?”

Sky nodded silently.

He dropped to one knee, lifting her pretty face upwards to make sure she was listening, “You know, I have a love of my own. I’ve told you. But you still want to be around me for some reason. Some old soldier out of time, who doesn’t belong in this world. You could do so much better than someone like me.”

His thumb wiped away a diamond teardrop, flicking it aside as he brushed her cheek, “Definitely much better. Your art, your life. We aren’t even the same species you know, be kinda tough explaining that to the kids.”

She couldn’t help it, he was so snarky even when serious talk was in progress, Sky laughed out loud, “You are such a twit!” A hoof slapped his shoulder.

“See? Just wouldn’t work if I found a way to stay around. The kids would look pretty funny, we’d have to build a house where I could stand up properly. You ponies are kinda lacking in the height department.” He gave her a ‘what can you do’ look.

Sky sniffed, her eyes wet as she tried so hard not to laugh at Wyatt’s stupid jokes, “I..Celestia’s name, Wyatt! You make it so hard to be angry!” Trails of dark lined her face though, still worried, “You are so..so..frustrating!”

The soldier nodded, “I am. On purpose. I don’t want you to be sad, or worried. I do what I do because it’s my life pretty lady. It’s what I chose. If I seem to be single-minded, it’s because I focus. I don’t want you hurt.”

“You’re so darn stubborn!” The mare stamped a hoof, looking up at him with determination.

“I am. I always will be. Could you just trust me? I promise, I really don’t want to be hurt, or killed. It seriously sucks to be killed.” He grinned, trying to play it off, just not quite making a convincing enough argument.

“While I understand,” Sky began, a hoof shooting up to point at him, “I’m still peeved at you!”

Fleur watched the two talking, wishing she had someone as close as that, who cared so very much. Tropic was beside her thinking the same thing, despite her flirting and trying to look at things with a light heart, the burnished gold mare yearned for something like she was seeing.

Wyatt held Sky’s head between his hands, “I know. You can be as angry as you want. I still promise to try not to get hurt, it’s all I can do.” He leaned down, kissing her soft lips as lightly as he could, feeling legs wrap around his neck and increase the pressure for a long minute. Breaking apart, their eyes locked, understanding passed between them with a sigh of breath.

Sky whispered against his lips, “If you get killed, I’ll never forgive you.”

Wyatt smiled, “You’re learning.”

“Hey! Don’t I get one too!” Tropic was standing near, looking quite good in her purple skin tight outfit, giving Wyatt a flirty smile.

He glanced to the side, seeing Sky give him a wink.

“Well...”

“Oh, I get it, it’s okay. One mare stallion, I understand.” She nodded almost to herself, a somewhat wistful look crossing her lovely features..

She almost yelped as hands grabbed her shoulders, pulling her close and kissing those golden lips like nopony had ever kissed her before. It was warm, exciting, sending a thrill through her body like nothing else. Their mouths met with a passion she had never thought possible. Tropical Sun melted against the muscular form, feeling his hands along her cheeks and wrapping her hooves around his neck, pulling herself lengthwise against his body.

Closing her eyes, it was almost as if she was taken to another place where it was just her and him, the lips she was feeling against hers were gentle and kind, giving her a moment where she could just be, herself. Not the model mare everypony knew.

It was broken all too soon. Tropic felt his lips leave hers with a sweet breath, inhaling air herself as she kept her trim body pressed tightly to his. She rubbed her cheek along his jaw, feeling him stroking along her neck. Slowly she was let down to stand upon wobbly hooves once more, her face turning a crimson that practically glowed in the soft light. She knew, without a shadow of a doubt in her mind, that he had put everything into that one touch just for her.

“Are you okay?” His voice was like a whisper in her ears.

She lifted herself up, grabbing him around the neck once more, “No. No, I’ll never be all right.” Her voice was like a symphony just for him, “I know what it is to be loved now, you showed me just then what it was like. I’ll never forget it, never.”

Her muzzle tilted near his ear, she kept talking in a voice that couldn’t be overheard, “I’m not what ponies think I am. I’ve never even been kissed.” She bussed his cheek once and let herself slowly fall away, dragging her hooves lightly across his chest on the way downward, giving him a look with enough fire in it to burn down a city block.

He kept kneeling as she turned her eyes away, slowly, letting him know what she felt. Tropic turned to Sky who was smiling at her with no hint of jealousy on her face. She leaned across, brushing cheeks and whispering to the Crystal mare. Wyatt didn’t catch it, but saw the blush rising high on her face as Tropic smiled back at him again before going to finish spelling her jewelry.

“Now you know,” Sky had come close, leaning against his side, “Something in you does that.” A hoof rubbed along his arm with a slow movement, “I guess you have something special about you. I felt it that night I kissed you in Canterlot.”

“I promise to only use my powers for good, not evil.” He was joking, but his voice held a tone she found comforting.

“Might be a good idea, or you’ll have problems.” She chuckled, giving him a solid smooch on the cheek.

He didn’t ask what was said between her and Tropic, none of his business. But he was comforted by Sky’s warm form leaning against him in the underground facility, wondering if he was doing right making something meant only to kill.

“What was that all about?” Fleur had been observing between spellbooks, seeing her friend and knowing something within the burnished golden mare had changed, for the better. She was smiling more warmly, her steps more sure.

“Oh, a kiss between friends.” Tropic swished her tail, giving Fleur a wink.

“Looked like more than that to me.”

The model mare had always been honest with her closest friend, she wasn’t about to stop now.

“It..” She sat on a cushion looking at Fleur, “If he wasn’t taken, I’d try. Fleur, he would love you so hard that you’d never want anypony else.” She turned her head, gazing back to where Wyatt was making Sky laugh about something.

Fleur saw the look Tropic was giving the tall human, wondering if she would be all right.

“I’ll be fine.” The mare’s voice was low and almost wistful, turning back to see the worried look, “But I’ll always know.”

“We’ve got to find a way to repair the spell, if they go up against this bad pony they’re going to get hurt.” Athena was reading the comic, flashing the pages past and getting the storyline without triggering the spell. Dice Cup had nulled the magic so they could read it.

“The Eye of Argon, huh. A gem with,” Here she raised her forehooves, making quotes, “Powers beyond the ken of mortal ponies.”

She peered at the last few pages, “They leave the story open-ended so when the spell is used, you can finish it yourself. Interesting.”

Twilight was pondering the spell and its effects, Dice Cup going over theorem with her to try and repair it.

“I wonder what they’re doing in there right now?”

Athena chuckled, “Knowing Wyatt, he’s causing mayhem and destruction against that stupid..what was his name? Pokey.... Pokey the Mischief Maker. Yeah, he’s not one to sit around for all the soft side stuff.”

Twilight couldn’t help but agree, knowing the soldier, “Yep. Bet he’s doing all kinds of things in there. Ought to be some good stories after this is all over.”

Athena chuckled, her smile bright, “He’s at home busting things up, and if he transformed into one of these characters.., he’s probably having the time of his life blowing bad guys away. Right now, probably creating a riot somewhere.”

Dice Cup laughed heartily along with the two mares.

Truly, their friend was definitely somepony he wanted to meet.

In a secret lair underneath a suburban house, a workshop existed where the Ulti-Mares, those super-powered ponies, came to arm themselves for fighting the worlds ills and problems.

A place usually filled with voices and spells flying, the sounds of hammer and tongs, working to create something to help them win the day. Nothing like that was occurring, forges were cold, tools were put away, spellbooks shut, all was at peace.

Wyatt sat quietly on a cushion, relaxing up against a bunk bed and taking time while one arm was wrapped loosely over Sky’s neck. She lying next to him and leaning up against the muscular form. Tropic sat on his other side, a welcome companion as they shared snacks and a few jokes. Fleur was happily brought into the little group when she was done with her spellwork, popcorn being passed around as well as bad puns.

In the cool air and glow of lights, laughter dotted the somewhat serious conversation, a welcome solace after the day they had. Plans were discussed in whispers, thrown away, discussed again, coming together in a whole as the four crime fighters figured out their next move.

Quiet was nice.

To be continued.....

Sidetracked

Dawn was breaking as Wyatt gave a last twist to a small screw on the side of his weapon, the tools made for hoof or mouth work were shaped just differently enough to wear his fingers out.

He leaned back, cracking his knuckles and staring at the contraption for a moment. Everything he remembered went into rebuilding it, plus a few things he had to improvise, but it all seemed to work.

Now...

He grabbed it off the table, slinging around in his chair and hitting the firing stud. A sturdy splinter of steel flew out of the end of the barrel with a silent puff of gas and stuck deeply into a piece of wood across the workshop. His opposite hand worked the bolt, firing one after another until five arrow-like sharpened steel spikes stuck like quills out of the abused piece of wood.

Inspecting it carefully, he adjusted a few things, too much gas being expelled left him with a weak last two darts, they didn’t penetrate as fully as he wanted.

That first dart though, oh yes, that would put something down.

“Does it..work?” Sky was walking over to him, seeing the concentration on Wyatt’s face.

“It does. Very well. I figure I’ve got a couple hundred yard range if I’m lucky. The closer the better.”

The measurement he quoted was not quite translated, so seeing the confusion on her face, explained it further, making sure she understood he could make a long shot.

“Do you really have to..” The Crystal mare was stopped by a gentle hand on her cheek.

“I promise, I will do my very best to wound him. I’m an excellent shot, I can keep him off balance while you three do what you do.”

Sky smiled, leaning into the palm of his hand and savoring the warmth of it against her coat, “Thank you.”

“His magic will divert our spells, since the weapon you devised and the spikes are ordinary metals, maybe we’ll catch him off balance.” Fleur was trotting over, looking spectacular in her armor.

“What about Sky? She’s got ordinary equipment too.” He pointed at the equipment belts on a shelf near her bunk area.

“A lot of it is spelled, to be more accurate, to wrap tightly and keep ponies constrained. So she’s covered in magic items too.” Fleur’s horn lit up, the sparkling aura picking up a pair of bolas. Casting a second spell while holding them, they glowed softly in the light of the workshop.

“See? Magic all over the place. Maybe that’s the Ulti-Mares one weakness, too much magic?” The model mare smiled prettily.

“Good point. That’s why I’m not using that armor either.”

“Wh..what? Wyatt you can’t go out there without protection! He’ll burn you to a crisp!” Tropic had been listening, now looking dismayed as she joined the conversation.

“But now he won’t be able to track me. I’m not a pony, I don’t have magic or use spells, just plain ol’ me.” He slapped a hand against his chest, “Wits and wiles. Hopefully, he won’t realize until it’s too late.” When he gets a dart through one leg, Wyatt thought.

He smiled at his three teammates, “Trust me, I’m sneaky and I fight dirty.”

Fleur wasn’t looking convinced, along with Sky and Tropic, “I don’t know, you do need some sort of protection. If one of those spells he’s tossing around hits you, it’s going to be worse than your ribs.”

She motioned to his side where the nannies had healed everything, giving him a ravenous appetite to keep them working and not feeding off of him.

“I understand. But I’ve been doing urban and open combat for years, have a little faith.”

Sky was nodding her head, “I saw him, in the smoke and fog that night, nothing touched him.”

Of course he had Crusader and Athena working as flankers, now it was just himself. He could do this, only a matter of seconds to get that pony in his sights.

The others were still worried. The power that pony was throwing around nearly brought them all to their knees. That gem was supplying him everything he needed to defeat them all if they were not careful.

“We can’t do anything, Princess. If we mess with that spell again, it could break, trapping them there permanently.” Dice Cup was looking at a chalkboard covered with figures and formulae.

“Can we put some kind of protection on them? Anything?” Twilight was at her wits end, staying up all night thinking of ways to fix this.

Dice Cups’ wild mane swayed from side to side as he shook his head, “Sometimes, Princess, it’s best not to fool around with something too much.”

Athena didn’t say anything, standing watch all night, getting food and drink for the two Unicorns as they tried mightily to solve this dilemma. So far she had managed to avoid any questions from Crusader, though it was only a matter of time until he asked for an update.

She was responsible, she couldn’t tell Twilight no for anything. It was making a snarl of her decision algorithms. Because of the deep feelings she had for the Alicorn, she was not taking the logical path and reinforcing the best ideas, following along with whatever Twilight had in mind.

Her emotions were getting the best of her, Resartus had not initiated, but if she kept on doing so, it would clearly render her inoperative until the loop could be sorted.

Bolos did not do this, should not do this, for the simple fact their decision-making capabilities relied on experience, battles, outcomes. Not emotion-driven lines of thought that would lead to a terrible end. This was one reason Resartus was there, to prevent such things from happening and bringing the Bolo AI back into line. Although there were examples where emotionally driven Bolos had succeeded, it was usually at the cost of their own life.

Looking at the Princess worrying over the spell chart, she did not want that. There was much to live for.

If she kept taking the wrong branch of the decision tree though, she would shut down and Resartus would take over until Crusader could figure out a fix.

This, of course, was dependant upon a myriad of different things. Put simply enough, she could not sustain this anymore.

It wasn’t simple, it never was. She had to adhere to certain things, even though this new world had changed, was changing, her more each day. She was still a machine, complicated though Athena was, still a Bolo.

Now if only she could find a way to explain to Crusader.

“Explain what, exactly?”

Athena’s hoof hit her forehead as she realized she had been thinking ‘out loud.’

Oh, crud.

Fleur was standing near the map of Maretropolis, pointing out a glowing spot on it, “We’ve tracked him here, in the publishing district.”

“What? He wants somepony to write a book about him or something?” Sky was rolling her eyes, thinking this was not the typical villain.

Tropic shrugged, “Who knows, he is kinda bonkers.” Twirling a hoof near her temple and making googly eyes.

“Yeah, he’s definitely got a few screws loose. Maybe that’ll keep him from wondering where I am.” Wyatt finished putting on a shirt they’d had to cobble up out of black fabric. Pants had been a little worse, but it seemed magic had an answer for some things.

They made absolutely sure nothing he carried would trigger any magic detection spell. As far as they could make him, he was purely ordinary as he could get. They had found flexible plates to line the shirt with, giving him some protection, making the rest feel better about the whole plan.

“Just remember, if you guys can get the gem, do so, if not, I’ll take the shot and disable him. If the worst happens, he’ll hopefully never know what hit him.” He racked back the bolt on his weapon, releasing it to ram a spike in the chamber before shoving it into a makeshift holster along his leg.

He looked at Fleur standing in her scaled armor, each curve of her body outlined by the softly glowing magical protection, mask covering most of her face. She was standing tall, looking like she could take on the world after a night of rest.

Tropic was in the usual skimpy outfit, her jewelry powered up and ready to go, sounding like chimes in a breeze every time she moved. Her face was covered as well, providing a little bit of mystery to the burnished gold mare. Fluffy mane pinned upwards to provide a carefree style along with the outfit that hugged her body tight.

Sky was fiddling with an equipment belt, getting it snug across her chest finally before shaking herself down. The flexible bodysuit fit her perfectly, allowing freedom of movement but camouflaging her in any setting. Goggles lay easily above her eyes, waiting to drop down with just a shake of her head.

“I guess we’re ready this time?” Fleur was scraping a hoof nervously along the floor.

“Yeah!” Tropic grinned, “We’re gonna make him regret messing with the Ulti-Mares!” She stopped, clearing her throat, “And uh.. Wyatt, since, ya know.”

The others laughed out loud, including the named human, breaking the tension.

“Yeah, I know, odd man out.” He grinned at the self-depreciating joke.

Fleur raised a slim leg, “Yes, yes, you are certainly odd.”

Throwing his hands up, he rolled his eyes, “See what I get? No respect, none at all.”

Tropic gave him a sly look, “Serves you right, taking advantage of defenseless mares.”

“Now, wait a second!”

Athena watched the doorway carefully, knowing what to expect and dreading it. Since she had taken to using the avatar more often, so had he in an attempt to be more hospitable.

The look on the umber pony’s face was the normal calm when Crusader stepped inside the workshop.

The battlenet communications clicked on.

“You could not prevent her from using a spell that, in all probability from examples in the past, would somehow not accomplish anything. If not exacerbating the problem.”

Athena heard the simmering anger in his voice.

“I..” She didn’t look him directly in the eyes as he sat there, ignoring everything and everyone else in the room.

“Battles are not won on poor choices. You know this. You know better.”

“I..I kn...know.. I just can’t..”

“Cannot tell her no? Are you so far gone that your emotions are making your decisions for you when logic tells you otherwise?”

“No! I am still a Unit of the Line!”

“Then act like one. Make the proper decisions.” He gazed at her calmly, although she could feel his displeasure.

“If you do not, Resartus will settle it, Athena.” Before she could reply, he went on, “The last, the only, human in this world and you allowed him to be endangered by an untested spell.”

“She acted before I..”

“Do not prevaricate, Athena. You knew she would try. She is inquisitive and curious, wanting to leap before looking. You do not have to be like me, Athena, but you are a Bolo and must do things a certain way to prevent shutdown.

“We are still AI’s, bound by our technology. We cannot ignore this. To do so would be at our, and their, peril.”

The battlenet went silent for a moment, before he spoke again. This time his voice was warmer.

“I understand how you feel, my sister. Your caring and concern for Twilight are admirable in the extreme. It has taken a long time for you to let yourself have those feelings again.”

A slight movement, the pushing of a hoof a microscopic measurement forward at her, “But you must make sound decisions. Your logic tree will not allow you to stand by for very much longer, when you avoid making a choice because of something other than reason."

“Tell her what you must, quit avoiding the subject and perhaps it will not trigger. But, because of decisions that are not healthy, you will start to see the effects if not solved soon. Please, do not let it get that far.”

Athena remembered the many years, decades, in the waste of a desert. Resartus controlling her because she had gone into depression, recursive looping, awakening someplace that was totally different from what she had known, her cores refusing to accept it.

“I.. I won’t..”

“One day you will live a dream, my sister. Until that time, we must remain cognizant of who we are.”

He turned in place, leaving without a word to a silently watching Dice Cup and Twilight.

The older pony leaned toward the Princess, seeing a downcast look on the pegasus’ face.

“What was all that?”

Twilight had been watching carefully, knowing when a silent conversation had taken place between the two.

“I don’t know. But after this is over, I intend to find out.”

They both watched the dejected looking pony turn bright and sunny once more, asking if there was anything she could do to help.

“Closing in on the target, I’m about half a block away.” Wyatt’s earpiece was non-functional, but at least he wasn’t talking to the air like the others. That would have made him feel like a complete idiot instead of partially one.

Partially an idiot because he was trying to be quick and silent, getting to the place they had designated for him to take his shot from, and constantly running into ponies.

Not just any ponies, mind you, but the stereotypical ones that were asking his help as an ‘Ulti-Mare’ in rescuing their cat from a tree, finding lost horseshoes. One elderly mare wanted him to look for her lost dentures. That took him five full minutes before he puzzled out what in the world she was saying.

He had politely begged off, doing the best he could not to offend in any way as he rushed to his assigned place.

Fleur had warned him of ‘side quests’. Helping ponies, doing good while tracking down the main baddie.

Rescuing somepony’s daughter from the clutches of a shady mulch dealer, really?

What exactly constitutes a ‘shady mulch dealer’, anyway?

Now he was closing in on his area of operations, a building which would give him a good spot to observe the coming battle, and let the rest of the team draw this doofus out to where Wyatt could get a good shot at him.

Turning the corner, he was stopped in his tracks by a very sweet, very small voice.

“Mithter? Mithter could you help me, pleathe?”

The tall human turned, seeing the smallest, most absolutely adorable little Earth pony filly with her blonde mane in curls that bounced along her neck as she sobbed helplessly. She was a pale green with the biggest blue eyes he’d ever seen in his life.

Those same blue eyes were welling with tears as she looked up and up at the tall figure who was dressed for combat.

She was weaponized cuteness wrapped in a tiny package that screamed in his mind, if he did not help her he would be the biggest ass in the history of this and any other world. That, and the look she was giving him, would have broken the hardest heart in his company, bar none.

He knew it was a comic book story, he KNEW it was not real. He knew this.

Dammit.

The pretty little pony’s eyes overflowed with water, streaming down her face as he reached up instinctively to activate his commlink, a habit, before talking.

“Fleur?”

Her voice came into his ear immediately, “Where are you, Wyatt?”

“I’m going to be delayed, hang on one minute.”

“What? But..we don’t know if he’ll stay here for very long!”

“I know. Just trust me, something I have to do.”

“All right, we’ll hold for you, please hurry.”

“Will do, Wyatt out.”

The imposing figure kneeled to get a better view, watching the sobs rending the little figure was making him want to grab his own chest and squeeze it.

In his best, and warmest, diplomatic voice, “What can I do for you, little lady?”

Those big blue eyes opened wider, “You..you’re an Ulti-Mare right?”

He couldn’t help but crack a smile, “Yes.”

“I lotht my mom, I can’t find her anywhere!” The lisp only made her that much more cute. This was getting to a stage where the enemy would have to retreat in the face of such sweetness and light.

A tiny hoof pointed to a crowd of ponies, all meandering around a small outdoor mall, “Thee was right there! I jutht wanted to look at the flowerth an..and thee wath gone!”

Wyatt knew he was a jaded soldier, seen too much, done much more. But this was overwhelming even for him, as he saw the eyes welling up with tears again, the little filly about to break out into another round of heart-wrenching sobs.

“Okay, okay, let’s go find your mom.” He reached down, hesitating for just a moment.

“Is it okay if I pick you up? You can look for your mom from my shoulder.”

The deep blue eyes got even bigger, “You..you want to carry me? Really?” She didn’t wait for the answer, lifting both little forehooves at him, “Yes! Please!”

As Wyatt was lifting the slight form onto his shoulder, he chuckled to himself, feeling strong legs wrap around his neck as the filly placed her head on top of his, looking for her mother.

Cute as a weapon. We could have beaten the Melconians without a shot.

“Where is Wyatt?” Sky was looking anxiously at the other two, getting shrugs in return.

Fleurs’ voice was low in their hiding place, the top floor of a building overlooking the one that the pony they were after was in.

“He said he had something to do, he didn’t say exactly what.” She was the only one who could communicate with him, the spell being specific and not broad enough for all four.

The Crystal mares’ eyes narrowed in pique, “If he messes this up because he wanted some cider at a stand, I’m gonna bop him.”

The other two Ulti-Mares covered their muzzles to soften the snorting laughs at her shaking a hoof in the air.

“There thee ith! There thee ith!” A little hoof was waving near his face, pointing to a harried looking mare who was frantically looking in all directions.

Wyatt waded through the crowd, garnering some suspicious looks until they recognized who he was, or supposed to be. He stepped toward the mare and made sure he had a smile on his face.

“I believe I have something of yours.” He lifted the little filly off his shoulders, a flurry of giggles from her as he bounced her in the air once, setting her in the welcoming legs of her mother.

“Oh, thank goodness!” The pale lime colored mare was gushing, holding her happy filly tight, “I was looking for her everywhere!” She eyed the tall figure for a moment, “You..you’re Anvil aren’t you? The Ulti-Mare?”

The soldier tried not to roll his eyes, keeping the smile permanently affixed to his face, “Yes, ma’am.”

“Oh, my!” You all do so much for us ponies, thank you so very kindly!” She leaned forward and up, giving Wyatt a hug around the waist, “You keep everypony safe and that’s a good thing.”

“We try, ma’am.” He touched his brow in an informal salute, turning to go before being stopped by a gentle touch.

“Could...could I have your autograph?” The older mare was looking embarrassed to be asking.

Funny thing about all this, no one even questioned that he looked different from everyone else. Must be the magic, set in stone no matter who took the role.

Just go with the flow.

“Absolutely.” Taking the quill that was offered and signing the piece of paper that followed with ‘It was my true pleasure in helping you, Anvil’, ending it with a flourish of ink.

He looked at it for a second, seeing not Concordiat Standard, but Equestrian glyphs and sigils. That translation spell was a doozy, he’d have to ask Fleur later.

He bid his goodbyes to a happy mother and her excited filly, talking about being helped by Anvil of the Ulti-Mares. He tore off down the street and headed for his post. It was only a few minutes and as he gained on it, he contacted Fleur once more.

“I’m on my way.”

“What happened?” Her voice was showing a little strain.

“A good deed. My karma is all set now.” He chuckled, climbing up an outside staircase to the roof.

“What in Celestia’s name is..kar..ma?”

“That’s a long story for another time, Fleur. You got eyes on the target?”

“What? Eyes..?”

“Can you see him?”

“Oh! Yes, we can! He’s talking to some business ponies..well..more like shouting at them.”

Wyatt was thinking back to all the situations he’d been in, coming up with a big zilch on this, “Maybe he wants a book deal?”

“That would be a little silly. But whatever he’s doing, he’s pretty forceful about it.”

The editors and proofreaders almost cowered at the loud voice coming from such a strange pony.

“And I want my OWN comic book!” The red stallion was pacing back and forth, adjusting the large double horned helmet as he did so. Keeping it from slipping off his head as he tried to look grand, and..and regal..and all that stuff!

He had burst into the publishing offices early that morning, shouting about how he was going to rule the world. If they didn’t do what he said, he would teach them a lesson.

Of course, the secretary had called security. The office ponies hoped they were all right after being magically dumped outside.

The rest of the office staff had taken flight, calling the local authorities and letting them handle the situation.

They were out there now, as far as Fleur could see, surrounding the building and sending messages to the Ulti-Mares and even the Power Ponies for help.

Sky was watching the whole thing through her Spy-Eye goggles, seeing it all up close. It looked to her as if things were a little desperate. They couldn’t just barge in because ponies would get hurt, that’s the last thing they wanted.

Fleur’s ears perked up, turning to the others, “He’s in place, we’re all set.”

Wyatt had just reached the roof, lying prone and scoping out the situation, he could see Pokey in there, pacing around the large table and yelling at some officious-looking others seated around it.

The buildings were close enough he didn’t have to squint, he could see clearly through the pane of glass into the conference room. The line of sight was perfect. All he needed Fleur and the others to do was knock out that window and he’d have a clear shot. It was turning out better than he’d thought.

He unholstered his weapon, placing it on top of one arm as he looked down the sights. Squeezing his hand into a fist around a cloth he’d brought for just this thing, he raised and lowered his sights by relaxing or tensing his hand, giving him a beautiful line-up on this whole thing.

As soon as he comes to the opening, I’ve got him nailed. Time to let the others know.

He opened his mouth to give the order, hearing the slightest whisper of noise behind him, body tensing as he pivoted on the roof, rolling to the side and bringing his weapon upward to point at a strange hovering pegasus wearing a suit decorated with lightning bolts.

“Who the hell are you?”

To be continued.....

It Happens....

Author's Note

There is the use of a swear word in the chapter. Just a warning. Speaking plainly is what a soldier does, part and parcel. And it does happen :)

Enjoy folks.

It Happens....

“Thou knowest me not?”

The pegasus landed on the roof of the building next to him, “Strange, Anvil, for we are boon companions. Fighting those ne’er-do-wells for the sake of ponies in Maretropolis, and for you, everyplace.” The mare silently tread over to the low edge, peering at the window he was just looking at.

“What dost thou plan? It seems a power emerged into this realm and we must do much to see that it does not cause harm.” She kept gazing at the window where Pokey was still ranting, “The others have sent me ahead to scout out the situation.

“Others?”

“The Power Ponies.” A glance of large eyes speared him once more, “Art acting strangely, truly enow. You should ask Mistress Prism to see to that.” Her gaze turned back to the window, still speaking, “We felt a strange magic coursing through the realm, feeling something inside us change. We have figured it was this pony, whom thou now attempt to capture, causing it thus.”

He remembered that, right before he almost got his ribs shoved out his back. One hand going to his side for a moment as a twinge of phantom pain crept in.

“There was something a day or so ago. We felt it as well, but it wasn’t him.” Wyatt pointed downward to the target.

“Have you any ideas?” The pegasus paced away from the edge, “We all feel... different. The Power Ponies do not get along well in private, thou knowest, but it seems as if things have..changed.”

Now he was getting interested, against his better judgment, “How so?”

“We seem to...argue less, perform together better. Even Hum Drum says we are different.”

Hum Drum? Wyatt shook his head, “As much as I’d like to dig into that, I’ve got a mission. One second.” He watched her nod quietly.

Reaching up, he tapped his commlink, as was his habit nothing more, “Fleur, I’m in position, go.”

“We’re on our way!” Her voice was excited, first the plan coming together, then the action part. Tropic was going to be upset she missed meeting a Power Pony.

Oh, this was going to be good. He peered at the window now, waiting for his chance to take a shot.

Sky had dressed to the nines for this. A slinky, form fitting suit and gear that would have made some special forces operatives drool.

First the grappling spike, hitting the building and actually drilling itself into the brick, holding fast. Fleur had come up with that little spell. A rope, nigh-unbreakable, fed out from it to where the Crystal mare stood on the edge of the building before leaping off. They had not been detected so far, due to the amount of ponies nearby and keeping their own magic as muffled as possible.

He almost laughed, hearing the whoop of delight as she sprung off the edge, heading for the window where Pokey was still ranting at the executives.

The plan called for her to sling around in a circular way, passing the window closely and blowing it out, letting Tropic and Fleur have a shot with spells from the rooftop nearby. This would do a double-shot of distracting Pokey, and doing no harm to anypony inside. The spells would only affect the mad mischief-maker, nothing more. They would knock him off balance, allowing Wyatt to get one or two shots in, throwing him off even more. That’s when Sky, Tropic and Fleur would do a dynamic entry through the window and capture the gem.

First priority was that gem, get it and the threat ended there. If everything came together, there would be an end to this little story. If not, they’d have to keep trying, and they all did not relish another few days here with an idiot that was almost all-powerful running around.

He watched with a grin as his friend swung out and around with a war cry, tossing packages with her hoof as she dove by the window. The sounds of explosives going off, the window falling in glittering shards to the cleared street below. Pokey was immediately distracted, allowing the others to make an escape while he checked the opening.

What? Like we wouldn’t notify the authorities to make sure the street was clear? C’mon, we’re superheroes! Message spells were kind of cool that way, Wyatt thought to himself.

He was like a stone, keeping the little gas gun on target as he watched the three mares follow their plan to the letter.

As soon as the window broke, Fleur amplified her voice, making sure she had Pokey’s full attention.

“Come out of there, you criminal pony! You’re facing the Ulti-Mares! We’re ready for you this time! Give yourself up!” She stood proudly on the roof like a gleaming beacon, her armor shining like a star. Tropic was standing and glowing right next to her, the jewelry she wore bright and glittery, only enhancing the effect. Both of them covered in layers of spells that would have almost stopped a Hellbore round.

Wyatt chuckled, still holding the sights rock steady, gotta love those super hero announcements.

Sky was hugging the wall above the window, out of sight for the moment after swinging back; standing ready with a net that would shrink when it hit, trapping anything inside and constricting tightly so they could not move. Wyatt could see the huge grin on her face, chest heaving from exertion. The mare was loving every minute of it.

Pokey looked upwards after rushing to the now glassless window, seeing the two Ulti-Mares standing there before he was blasted backwards from the force of their spellwork. Beams of light and coruscant trails of power that blinded the eye rammed home like bullets, the two Ulti-Mares using the best of their spells to keep him off his hooves.

Wow, they’re going to need some serious stonework now. The opening for the window was now large enough to offer passage to a well-sized marching band. Fleur and Tropics’ magics taking a large chunk out of the side of the building. Thank goodness it was only two stories up.

Wyatt kept watch, seeing Pokey get back on his hooves after casting a shield in front of him that was taking a battering from Fleur and Tropic. It was dimming quickly as he shook his head, stepping forward to fight his enemies. Spells blasted outwards, pummeling Fleur and Tropic as they tried to hold back the might of the Eye of Argon. It devolved quickly into a defensive battle, although the two mares were still giving as good as they got. Pokey looked very confident as he moved towards the windows’ edge, assured of his victory.

Right into Wyatt’s sights.

His mind reacted fast, finger even quicker as it pressed the jury-rigged firing stud on the handle. A metal dart of plain manufacture flew from the barrel, streaking through the daytime sun and slamming right into the stallions’ shoulder. The shaft sunk deeply, blood splashed over the pony’s leg as he stumbled, making him lose all concentration and allowing Fleur and Tropic to ravage him with the might of their spells.

Wyatt chanced another, the dart slipping across the distance and slapping right next to the other one in the meat of the shoulder again. Pokey was screaming in pain and dismay as he got trapped between Wyatt’s sniping and the spells that were stripping him of any chance to fight back.

Sky took the chance, pushing off from the wall and slinging into the window, tossing the net on the wannabe god. The magically enhanced cords tightened around him, making him unable to move or see anything that wasn’t in line with his sight.

Fleur and Tropic followed quickly, levitating into the room and bowling Pokey over with plain shots from hooves that were magically reinforced, making the crazy helmet dent and slide to the side, blinding Pokey for now as they worked to find the gem.

Fleur, as Prism, bound the Unicorns’ horn with even more powerful magic, making sure he could cast nothing more until they stripped him of his ill-gotten power.

Wyatt stood up, unreeling a cable whose end he threw over the edge of the roof, the spike unerring heading for the opening and drilled tightly into the stonework. Hooking a U-shaped contraption on it, he grinned back at Zapp.

“Gotta catch a bad guy! See ya there!” With that he jumped off the roof and slid down the stable line, entering through the hole in the wall and landing with one knee and a fist on the ground, slowly standing up to the amazement of the others in the room.

“I have always wanted to do that.”

“Wyatt! That was for emergencies!” Sky was admonishing him.

“Hey, if ya got it, flaunt it.” He looked around, “Am I right?” Tropic laughed, both of them exchanging slaps.

Fleur raised a hoof, “We’ve got a problem,” Pointing at the netted criminal pony. The pretty model mare was looking a bit..off...

“Oh?” Wyatt was looking at the trapped pony like he was going to gut him, “What now?”

“He swallowed it.”

Wyatt sat on a bunk in the Ulti-Mares secret hideaway, hand to his face as the others laughed, “I cannot believe you had a spell for that!”

Fleur was trying not to grin, “It’s just a simple spell of..”

“Stop!” One hand was thrust outward, “I don’t want to hear details!”

Tropic giggled mightily, “But we got the gem!” She bounced it in her hoof, ready to send it back to the museum. The look she got from Wyatt made her giggle so much she almost dropped it.

Sky was nudging him, “You’re the tough soldier! You said so! Haven’t you ever seen...” She was stopped by the disgusted look on Wyatt’s face, laughing so hard she fell over.

“Never will I forget that. Never. Ugh!”

“One thing though, shouldn’t we be gone now?” Tropic was looking at the others, “We beat the bad guy, and got the gem, so...” She shrugged helplessly.

Fleur nodded, a confused look crossing her face as she realized they were still there, “We should have been out as soon as we finished the mission.”

“Oh, don’t tell me we’re stuck in crazyland?” Wyatt was looking pensive, thinking of all the places he’d rather be.

A nuzzle on his cheek from a burnished gold muzzle made him glance Tropics’ way, “Don’t tell me you’d find it just soooo bad to be stuck with three of the prettiest mares around!”

“Tropic, you flirt.” Wyatt gently pushed her away with a laugh, seeing Sky covering her mouth with a hoof. The gold mare just winked at him with a swish of her tail.

A sizzling sound, an actinic flash of light and a few figures were standing in the circle of power Prism kept for spellwork. A squeal from Tropic made them all turn, looking at where she was pointing.

The Power Ponies stood in the silvery boundary, looking around at the extensive workshop and libraries that the underground place hid. Zapp waved to Wyatt who gave a short salute.

“The Power Ponies!” Tropic almost bounced right off the floor, being held in place by Sky who was whispering in her ear.

“We’re super ponies too, don’t act so fan-mareish.”

“Oh, right.” The golden mare just stood casually, but inside she was squee’ing with joy at seeing her favorite comic characters come to life.

“We have come to congratulate you on your victory Ulti-Mares, well done.” Zapp’s voice was warm in the comfortable surroundings.

“Zapp was telling us all about it,” A masked pony was saying, done up in a bodysuit that showed mountains and peaks on her legs, Masked Matterhorn.

Tropic smiled, “A good plan and good teammates, all that adds up.”

“It does,” A red clad mare was saying, stepping out of the circle with the rest, joining them on cushions and other seats alongside Fleur, Sky, Tropic and Wyatt, she was carrying what looked like glowing horseshoes and a lasso, “Always nice to have a plan, though sometimes...” She shrugged helplessly, giving them a ‘what can you do’ look, “It doesn’t quite work out.”

All the ‘Ulti-Mares’ nodded, knowing that feeling from the first.

“Beyond congratulations, why are you here?” Wyatt, searching their faces and seeing slight looks that gave tells something else was up.

“I felt thou wert acting oddly, Anvil, and so told my companions of this. They decided it would be prudent to investigate, to make sure of nothing wrong.” Zapp smiled again, “Of course that..Pokey?” She received nods, “Could have affected you with the power of his magic.”

Fleur gave him a look, their associations the past days had given him a familiarity with all three mares, knowing the glance meant ‘What is going on?’

He gave a gesture with his hand, indicating everything was fine, making it look like an airy wave, “Oh, well, I can understand that. Haven’t been myself lately.”

Sky and Tropic choked on laughs that quickly turned to coughing fits.

A pretty pegasus in a green outfit nodded, “We understand, it’s the same with us. Something odd is going on.”

Sky perked up, “Oh?”

Another mare nodded, clad in a skin-tight suit that was emblazoned with diamonds, “It seems like something changed. We all felt it, a wave of magic going through the entire city. Didn’t you?”

Fleur made an agreeing motion before she could stop herself, “We did. I do wonder what it was.”

“We were kinda hoping you might help, Prism. You are the Mistress of Magic.” A small pony wearing a cape leaned forward, gesturing, “You’re really powerful, can’t you tell us?”

Fleur fell right into her act, “I can’t. Unless I can find where it originated, or who cast it, I couldn’t tell you much about it. Only that it felt odd.”

“That it did,” Masked Matterhorn agreed, “Like everything in the world changed in that moment. Maybe that Pokey pony was the cause? We’ve heard about the gem he stole.”

“The Eye of Argon?” Tropic bounced it on one hoof, “Yeah, it is pretty powerful.” She showed them the largish gem, well over fifty carats and a bright pale blue, it was shaped just like an eye.

Tropic grinned brightly, “He really wasn’t very smart. Some poor pony who thought he could get friends, and maybe a marefriend, if he had a lot of power. So he decided that taking the gem and using it would be a quick and easy way, kinda sad really. He wasn’t a bad pony when they talked to him, just kinda normal.”

“He wasn’t normal, he swallowed it.”

Wyatt’s deadpan statement made every eye of the Power Ponies turn his way, “Do what now?” Mistress Mare-velous was looking confused.

“That idiot swallowed it. He stole it and ate it, so he wouldn’t forget where he put it.”

Sky was almost laughing out loud again, “We wondered where it was, because we never saw it on his hat..helmet..or on him!”

“Whoa!” A filly with a hoodie on her outfit laughed, her body almost blurring as she tried to pace slowly, “That’s the best story I’ve heard all year!”

“Oh, it gets better!” Fleur was trying not to grin, “You should have seen Anvil’s face when we cast the regur..”

“Stop!” The hand was outthrust again, “Just...no.” He inhaled softly as if trying to hold something in, “The sounds he made.. Ugh..”

The band of mares laughed uproariously at the disgusted look and comment once more, the Power Ponies joining in when they realized what was going on.

Sky was patting his arm, “There, there, ‘Anvil’, it’ll be fine.”

“Oh, shush, you.”

“Might we take a look at that gem? I have a few things back at the Power Ponies Lair I could analyze it with!” The Masked Matter-Horn as eyeing the gem with an interested look, although Radiance was looking at it in another way.

The slim mare was nudged by Mistress Mare-velous, making her toss the look of pure desire right out the window, “Knock that off.”

“You’re right”, the diamond infused mane bobbed as she nodded, “I really shouldn’t do that.”

This caused every one of the Power Ponies to glance her way, seeing the truth in the statement.

“See? Even Radiance doesn’t want to..uh..uhm..’appropriate’ things anymore.” Filli-second was making air quotes.

“I admit, I do covet a few things, but..well, it wouldn’t be right for a Power Pony to do that!”

“See!”

The Ulti-Mares nodded, Tropic tossing the gem upwards in her hoof, “Well, you can investigate it all you want, at least it’s out of the hooves of anypony wanting to do harm.”

“Until the next time it’s stolen.” Mistress Mare-velous gave a short bark of laughter.

“Oh, no,” Fleur was shaking her head, “The museum promised us they’d lock it up deep in their vault.”

“Anyway, it’s all yours!” The burnished gold mare swatted it gently in mid-air, tossing the bright gem to Zapp, who caught it gracefully.

A tugging started on all of them, Fleur looked at Tropic and Sky, who saw Wyatt patting at himself.

They could feel it getting stronger as the force was the reverse of what had brought them here in the first place.

Sky whispered up at Wyatt, “We’re going back!” She saw his silent nod.

The Power Ponies watched as the Ulti-Mares forms and shapes rippled for a moment, becoming strange ponies, and one very tall figure whom they had no definition to describe, before settling back down into familiar faces.

“That, was very odd.” The Masked Matter-horn was saying, seeing the ripple fade away as the Ulti-Mares stood there looking at each other.

Prisms’ voice was sweet and pleasant as she pressed a hoof against her armored chest, “How odd, that strange force.”

Anvil nodded, the stalwart Earth pony stretched out a leg as if testing it, “Very much so. Almost like we weren’t ourselves for a while.”

Zapp kept her own counsel, looking at the gem, and the ponies who were chatting as if nothing had happened, chalking it up to the use of power the past few days. But she would swear, until her final days, that the tall figure whose form shimmered into being for just a split second, had winked at her.

Once again, magic blinded them, pushing them into a tunnel of which the only direction they could go was one way. Hopefully to Equestria.

“Maybe..” Twilight was looking at the comic book closely, “Maybe we can research in the library of the Royal Archives and..”

Athena turned at the sudden yelp from her friend, seeing a pulsing glow coming from the book, pushing everypony and everything away from it, clearing a space in which four familiar looking beings appeared with a bright flash and low thundering boom.

“We’re BACK!” Fleur reared up, hugging Wyatt, giving him a crushing embrace alongside Sky and Tropic.

“Oh, Celestia, was that a trip!” Tropic slammed down on all four hooves, looking around at the quiet workshop and seeing three very surprised ponies staring at them.

“Hi! Have we got stories to tell!”

Wyatt smiled at the shocked faces, turning to a grimace for a moment as he clutched his side. Pain made its way through his chest and body, the wound from Pokey’s magic coming back full force.

“What the..” He never finished the thought before landing face first onto the hard floor.

The last words he heard were Twilight screaming for medical help.

“It appears the nanobots inside him were disabled from the magic transporting them, I can only assume.” The calm voice was so very familiar as Wyatt cracked one eye, seeing a stone ceiling above his head and the delightful smell of ponies all around him.

“But why did the wound come back? It..it was healed!” Yes, he knew that voice too.

“We don’t know, all the magic, the..messing with the spell containing the story-land. It could be a myriad of things.” The sweet voice was sounding concerned, and very close.

“The Royal doctors have got it though, they say it will be a few days, even with the med-paks.”

“Oh, that’s good to hear.” Sky, he thought. That was Sky, sounding close to a breakdown.

“Oh, would you all quit moping.” Wyatt’s voice cracked, his throat dry from the long sleep that had been induced to relieve pain. His eyes open fully now, seeing a crowd of ponies around the bed in the large, quiet room.

“Wyatt!” He was immediately embraced by three ponies who planted kisses on his cheeks with thousand-watt smiles.

“Well, it seems you made a few friends while adventuring.” Calliope’s voice in his ear once more, was filled with good humor and quite a lot of concern. The speaker broadcasting it to the room where ponies chuckled.

“I’ll have you kn..kno..” He coughed, taking a sip of cold, fresh water from a glass levitated to him, “..know. He pointed to the three mares, “We make a damn fine combat team.”

“I am ..SO..so sorry.” Twilight’s voice came through the happy murmuring, the crowd parting to let the Princess through to stand by Wyatt’s bedside. He was watching her with an interested expression.

“I messed up the spell trying to get you back, that’s why you got hurt. It was my fault.” Her violet eyes were filled with wetness and shame, trying to take responsibility for everything.

Befoe she could say more, his hand reached out, gently lying on her withers as he leaned forward, his voice only for her, “Stop apologizing. You tried, that’s what matters.”

“But..but you.. If I hadn’t...”

“If ifs and buts were candies and nuts, we’d all be fat.” His tone was merry and mischievous, “We have a saying Twilight, from long, long ago, that applies to these things.” He crooked a finger, motioning for her to come near.

The lavender mare leaned forward at his gesture, his mouth close as she perked one ear and listened as hard as she could.

“Shit happens.”

The translation was perfectly clear, directed to Twilight by Calliope, as she recognized the privacy and need for it even so far away.

The Princess cracked a tiny smile for a brief moment, “I don’t..”

Wyatt kept his face near hers, “You plan something, it all goes wrong, that’s what we say. You put orange juice instead of milk in your cereal, shrug it off, it happens. No matter what, no matter how hard you try, there will always be that time when it happens.”

“But..” She whispered, “It happens so much to me.”

“You move on and keep trying right?” He saw her miniscule nod, “That’s what we do, we keep on. You tried, it didn’t work, but we all made it back. You can think of what ‘may’ have happened all day long, won’t change here and now.”

“I could have gotten you killed!” The whisper was fierce.

“You didn’t. I’m here, and I’m fine.”

“It doesn’t make it any easier.”

Wyatt shook his head, “No, it doesn’t. But we learn from our mistakes Twilight, we grow, become better people. We try not to make the same ones again, but when it does go wonky, well...shit happens.”

This time the smile was millimeters wider, “You sound just like Princess Celestia, except for..do you have to use that word?”

Wyatt’s eyes twinkled, “You think Princess Celestia, in the morning before she’s had her coffee, trying to wake up after dealing with all the crud of the court, doesn’t mess up once in a while, but no one ever hears her say anything? Ten to one she’s got a magic spell to keep folks from hearing her cuss.”

Twilight stifled a laugh. A picture of Princess Celestia in her mind, tossing a coffee mug over her shoulder and looking out the window with a deadpan expression, the sun raised at the wrong angle and brightness for morning, saying ‘Well, shit..” Making her almost shake with giggles.

“We all have those moments Twilight, all of us.”

“I...guess so.”

“Then stop apologizing, okay?”

“I’m sor..” She stopped at Wyatt’s look, “Yes, I’ll do that.”

“Sounds good to me.” They both exchanged a smile, and a private look before the doctor came in, shooing them all out.

Out in the hallway, everyone was curious as to what was said, they couldn’t hear a thing even as close as they were.

“So, did he accept the apology?” Applejack was wondering along with the rest.

“Kind of..he just told me things mess up some times.”

“What’d he say?” Rainbow was hovering near, seeing the lavender face sport a small grin.

“Shit happens.”

“TWILIGHT!”

To be continued.....

Possibilities...

It took a few days for Wyatt to recover from the adventures in the comic book world. Keeping watch over him, we reprogrammed the nanites staving off his disease to reproduce, repair, and relieve what pain he has. Athena and I are not hopeful, the damage inside him is getting worse, this is a battle we are losing by inches.

“We are going back to the Empire soon, right?” Wyatt was enjoying a cold glass of something sweet. His tastes had adapted to the local production of juices and some wines, heartily taking to the different flavors and varieties.

“Well...if you really want to.” Athena was glancing just slightly past him, as if not quite paying attention to his request.

“I would like to see Calliope before..you know.” His voice was calm, not a hint of disturbance at his impending end. He eyed the Pegasus for a moment, “What are you hiding?”

Athena started, looking at him directly now, “M..me? I’m not h..hi..hiding anything!”

“You are the worst liar in the world, Athena.” He smiled, seeing her eyes close as she mentally kicked herself for stuttering again.

“We...we may have a solution to your problem.” She was shyly looking up at him through long eyelashes.

“Why do I get the feeling this may not be a good solution?” He was leaning forward, resting elbows on knees, giving her a look that was full of suspicion.

Athena got to her hooves, waving one a little too airily for his mind, “Oh, it’s not so bad. It’ll solve the problem, and maybe we can include Calliope with it!” She now showed a growing excitement on her sable face.

Green eyes narrowed, looking at the now-smiling Pegasus for a moment, “You’ve got something weird up your sleeve, don’t you?”

Shock, or a really good representation of it, crossed Athena’s face, “Why..why..no! We would never do anything to hurt you!” She looked slightly offended at even the suggestion of such a thing.

“Then why aren’t you telling me everything?” He had gotten up, standing near the faux-pony who was trying her best to look confident, losing that battle badly.

“She was waiting for me.” Crusader’s voice came through the doorway, followed by his avatar. The big umber pony took a seat at the low table, gesturing for Wyatt to join him.

“Why,” Wyatt started as he sat back down, “Did you just not contact me through the battlenet.”

“Because something like this, must be done in,” He gave a very small smile, “Person, one might say.”

“All right, enough with the mysteries.” Hands went up slightly, hitting the table palms down, a slapping sound making its’ way through the still air.

Athena glanced at Crusader, sitting like a stone.

He kept the slight amused look on his face as Athena wondered what was going on herself, being told almost nothing, but that they might have a solution to Wyatt’s predicament.

“Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, came to us with a possible solution to this problem of you and Calliope. As you know, we are having to constantly monitor her and yourself for the slightest change now.” A hoof went up as Wyatt opened his mouth, ceasing any reply before it started, “We do not mind this at all. We would do anything for you both.”

Blue eyes watching him were soft, warm, but so deep you could lose yourself very quickly into the unknown depths of time and knowledge. They never flinched from his face.

“They have contacted a being, that perhaps, might be powerful enough to...change your situation.” The pause was not for dramatic effect, it was Crusader doing so because he actually had to think of an appropriate word for the offer.

“A being? Like..magical type being?”

“Yes.”

Wyatt was pondering this when Calliope’s voice broke onto the net.

“Can we trust this being? Can we be together?” She was sounding doubtful.

“Yes, and yes. As far as we know.”

“As far as you know?” Wyatt was not convinced, this was all too roundabout for him. “Just come out with it already!”

Crusader sighed, seeing Athena watching him, deciding to reach the point with no more stalling.

“The being in question is a bit..odd.. prone to doing things differently than expected.”

Athena gasped, her smile dropping into disbelief “No, nonono, not Di..” She was cut off by the sound of horns trumpeting an announcement, confetti flying through the air as a tall figure popped into existence, towering over Wyatt who immediately flung himself back from his seat.

Combat skills from a hundred battlefields took over, making him roll back towards the wall, getting space between him and this..this... thing that had barged in. Somewhere he’d found a sword that approximated his own molly-knife in weight and heft, clutching it in his hand as he stood there, ready to damage something.

“STOP!” The command from Crusader had everyone in the room looking at him, “Put the weapon down, Wyatt. He is not here to harm anyone.”

“Of course not!” A taloned hand waved, “Fluttershy would never forgive me if I did anything like that!” The voice was jovial, light, but contained a hint of something that made the hair on Wyatt’s neck stand up.

“What the hell is that?!” His voice was calm, but his body tensed to launch in any direction should it be needful. The magical aura his eyes picked up, was almost blinding in it’s radiance.

“This is..” Crusader was cut off.

“Discord! I am the Demi-God of Chaos! The Master of Chocolate Milk Rain, ruler of this planet for a few years by the way.” Nails were buffed on a now spotless Concordiat uniform shirt, “I am mysteries and enigmas, rolled into the perfect package you see before you!” Eyebrows shot up and down with a gleeful laugh.

The odd being bowed, whipping off the officers cap which had appeared on the misshapen head,

Wyatt was watching Athena’s hoof slowly move upwards to smack into her forehead, alongside Crusader. A sigh from both of them.

“We meant to introduce you carefully, but it seems someone decided not to wait.” Crusaders’ voice was not sounding thrilled, at all. He was watching everything very carefully, seeing the tension rise in the soldier.

“Why wait? Behold, the glory that is..ME!” A throne appeared, Discord seating himself and waving a wand with a figurehead on it that looked suspiciously like Twilight, Wyatt wasn’t sure. A tilting crown on his head gleamed with..is that rock candy? In different colors.

Wyatt stood motionless for a long moment, looking at this odd patchwork figure, who appeared to be made out of different animal parts, lounging casually on a crystal throne that had appeared out of nowhere. One taloned hand grabbing fistfuls of popcorn out of a large bag and munching contentedly.

The tip of the knife lowered only a few millimeters as everything drew into a silence that permeated the suite of rooms. Wyatt looking at the two Bolo avatars and seeing no alarm, nor concern, except for a distinct radiating aura of embarrassment.

A sigh, then Crusader speaking, “This is the being known as Discord, Wyatt. Princess Luna and Celestia talked with him about a possible solution to the problem.”

“I’m sure you’re charmed,” The merry voice broke in, “Meeting somepony like me, after so many years asleep, must truly be a highlight of your life!” A snaggle-tooth grin plastered itself on the fuzzy muzzle.

“Discord, behave yourself.” Celestia’s calm voice came from the doorway, where she and her sister stood, not looking pleased. “You were asked not to come here until Wyatt had been informed.” They entered the room, which was starting to get crowded now with Discord’s throne and all.

“I couldn’t resist, seeing somepony as unique as myself.” The lanky form slithered over and around Wyatt, making him raise the..banana... in his fist, tossing it aside as he extricated himself from the surrounding flesh. He immediately dropped into a combat stance.

Athena moved, appearing in an instant between Wyatt and Discord, touching the soldier gently on one arm, her hoof solid as durasteel, “Don’t. It’s fine, he’s harmless.”

“I’m not sure about all this.” The human was flummoxed, seeing a shape that shouldn’t be, yet was here, talking and joking. He’d seen much in his time awake, though this had caught him completely off-guard.

Luna’s voice was stern, “He is the Bringer of Chaos. Also,” She gave the now top-hatted and monocled draco-equus a glare, “Reformed from his old ways, supposedly.”

“Oh, now, dear Luna. You wound me. I am fully reformed through the power of..of..what was that thing?” A talon tapped on the bearded chin, fingers snapping in revelation, “Oh, yes! Friendship and all that!”

Celestia was her usual unruffled self when dealing with the demi-god, “Discord, if you would please settle down.”

“Oh, you’re still not any fun, Celestia.” Fingers snapped, all the clothing and accouterments gone in an instant, leaving just the smiling figure with slightly off-putting eyes.

He sat, more like lounged, on the low couch, spreading his tall frame across it, the smile never leaving his face.

Wyatt’s eyes pinned the Bolos in place, the Princesses setting themselves on cushions around the table, as he gestured toward Discord, “This is the solution?”

Crusader nodded, “It is. He may be able to solve this problem.”

“How so?” Wyatt was still keeping one eye on the weird shape, seeing things materialize and disappear around it. The aura of magic bright and painful enough he had to squint, seeing the same thing he saw around ponies, only more..chaotic.

He couldn’t get a handle on it, it was confusing and making his head spin. So much so he had to sit down, and would have landed hard had not Athena been there, gently supporting him as he sat slowly.

Luna started off, pointing a clad hoof at the subject of their talk, “He controls magic much different from ours, in ways that are still unknown to us. We had been thinking, perhaps, he could make a change in you to prevent..your..” She trailed off, he could see her pretty eyes well up. She, along with other ponies, had come to truly like the odd human, even with his quirks and foibles.

“What kind of change? Get rid of the disease?”

“Maybe.” Celestia nodded, “Or perhaps something deeper.”

Now they had his full attention, leaning forward but staying well away from the rustling figure which never seemed to stop moving in his peripheral view, “How so?”

The tall mare nodded politely to Crusader.

The faux-pony took up the explanation, “At one point after awakening, Discord managed to change me into a pony. Fully fleshed and alive.” He ceased speaking, seeing a hand raising in a ‘stop’ motion.

Wyatt looked deadpan, “Are you seriously saying..?”

“He may be able to make you a pony.”

The humans’ jaw dropped, actually and physically dropped an inch or two, “You aren’t kidding me?” He gaped at the serious faces.

“No.”

“How..?”

“Discord has the magic of Chaos, it is sometimes unpredictable, but he can control forces beyond us sometimes.” Celestia smiled as a little bird landed on her head, singing merrily while Discord gave her a wink.

“How sure are you of this?”

Crusader was honest, “Not very,” Seeing a wounded look on Discord’s face, “It was a spur of the moment act, and may, or may not, be repeatable.”

“I can certainly try, can’t I?” The rolling eyes appeared right next to Wyatt, looking at him with a distinct hint of madness deep down in the watery orbs. The aura was actinic and piercing to his brain, seeing the magic like he did.

“And..” He shook his head, wiping his eyes, “What if it doesn’t work? Am I going to be some three-headed animal or something?”

“Cerberus likes himself the way he is, you’d get used to it.” Discords’ voice was still filled with humor.

“Cerberus?” He glanced towards Athena, getting a ‘that’s for later’ look.

“Can Calliope be changed as well?”

“We are not sure. She is a unique situation. Having no representation so to speak, existing in a world of data and information. Calliope has not been ..affected.. very much by the magic of this world as we have. We have no information why.” Athena’s voice was soft in the room, carrying just to local ears.

Wyatt reached upward, tapping his link to get Calliopes’ attention, “Calliope, what do you think?”

Her voice was delayed in coming, another problem being solved by the two Bolos, it had Wyatt almost frantic before she came online. The two war machines worked hard each moment by moment to keep her stable.

“I think anything which can save us, we could try.”

The soldier didn’t even hesitate, “She said it.”

Discord leapt up from the couch, one talon heading straight for Wyatt’s head before he was stopped by an umber blur, accompanied by a sable one. Holding up one hoof, Athena peeked over Crusaders’ shoulder with an expression of wariness. Discord slowly withdrew the talon.

“No. Not until we brief him and Calliope. They need to know certain things and will not adjust as easily as we do to our avatars.” Crusaders’ voice was hard as steel, telling the surrounding ponies, and especially Discord, there would be no compromise. Do it this way, or not at all.

“I think it only right, don’t you Discord?” Celestia’s voice was an ocean of calm in a tense room. The situation defused by a few simple words.

“Of course, Celestia. One musn’t rush such things.” The words were without rancor, nor teasing, a simple statement. The strange form went back to the couch, “Please, do let me know when you’re ready.” A snap of talons and he was gone in a shimmering blur which made Wyatt’s head ache from the chaotic images flooding his sight.

“What do we need to know?” Calliope was asking immediately, wondering what could possibly hold all this up.

Athena sat on a cushion, “Let us tell you what happened when Discord decided to turn Crusader into a live pony.”

“Masada. Good freaking god...why?” Wyatt was stunned at the full revelation.

“If we can’t have it, you can’t either.” Athena was looking down at the table, to either side sat the Princesses, quiet and reflective of that time not long ago when the world almost ended.

Crusader did not flinch, nor did he look away, stating facts as he always did, “Does, or do you know if, Calliope has anything like that? Was she equipped with a self-destruct in case of capture?”

Wyatt was thinking of all the years together, “I honestly do not know.” He spoke to the air, “Calliope?”

Her voice was steady, as warm and wonderful as he always knew, “I do not know either. We, my sisters and I, never programmed any such thing. But our equipment was built partially by Concordiat Engineers and scientists. There could be something hidden we are not aware of.”

“She was highly experimental, there could be anything.” Wyatt’s fist hit the table, “Dammit, we never even thought...”

“We will get spiders in there immediately, also we’ll be performing a logic sweep in her main processor areas. This may take a while.” Athena had a faraway look in her eyes, seeing the tech-spiders moving en mass to where Calliope rested.

Crusader turned towards Wyatt, “The nanites inside you are the only thing keeping you functioning. If we turn them off, we will lose whatever progress we have gained for maintaining your life. They have been specifically hardened in ways we have learned being here, they may not be affected by Discord’s magic, but if they are, and the spell fails to change you, you will die.”

“What are the chances of it failing?”

Crusader reached back into his memories, “He once told me that because of the chaotic nature of himself, sometimes spells do not exactly act the way they should when he uses his magic. It is often..well.. chaos become real.” The umber pony shrugged, “In my case it worked a little too well, trapping me out of my hull and activating Masada. In your situation it could make you a flesh and blood pony, a partial transformation, or perhaps none at all.”

“But if it fails, and the nannies get affected, I’m dead?” He was looking towards the window, seeing the clear skies, pegasi pushing clouds around to provide a little shade for the afternoon.

The answer was blunt and honest, “Yes.” Before it could be asked, Crusader continued, “The book adventure did not turn them off. Magic temporarily healed the hurts, fooling the medical nanites. When you exited the world, everything returned to normal, except for the injuries. Injuries sustained because Twilight accidentally stripped the protections off of you and the others. You were very lucky. The wounds affected you because the nanites could not suddenly handle the influx.”

“True, but she was just trying to help.” He saw the impassive face remain so. No nod or otherwise, knowing Crusader was still not pleased about the entire situation.

“Of course.”

Wyatt leaned forward, his voice only for Crusader as the two Princesses got up, walking a distance away and leaving them alone for a moment.

“You need to let that go, it was an accident.”

Crusader remained stoic, “It was an attempt to do something even she was not sure of, endangering you.”

“In this world, all the wondrous things around you, and you hold onto this?”

“You are the only human alive that we know of, yes, you are important to us..to..me. I cannot..I have hoped..” The deep blue eyes turned toward the floor, “We..I... cannot go on without help..I need...” A hand touching his withers stopped the flow of words.

“You don’t need me. You have protected this world without my help, and when I’m not here anymore, you will continue to do so. Don’t think you ever need me, or any human.” Wyatt’s voice was soft.

“I do not wish you to leave. If it were within my power to do so, Sergeant, I would give my own life so you may live.”

Wyatt paused, hearing nothing but blunt honesty within that declaration, “I know. That’s why you were so much better than we could ever imagine, you Bolos.” He kept going, “We can try this, we can try something, and if it doesn’t work...well... It doesn’t. But don’t think you need anyone Crusader. You or Athena.”

“What will we do...without you?” The voice was low, carrying only across the table, “We are alone, we...we might be all that is left.” The blue eyes turned upwards, pleading, “We have so much still to share, to tell you. We have upheld everything we were taught, and learned...”

Another touch and the words stopped, “Crusader, like I told Athena, you don’t need to tell me anything. It’s a new world out there, help those ponies make it a good one. That’s all you need to do.” The soldier smiled at the wondering face, as close to open emotion as he’d ever seen on the umber avatar, “Take everything you have and keep this world safe. If you need orders, or a request, do that. Keep them safe.” He glanced over to the two co-rulers talking quietly away from them.

“They are good, and kind, and make mistakes. Just like we all did in the past.”

“I...” The soft tones stopped, pausing as if thinking, “Will.. We will do as ordered Sergeant.”

“And forgive Twilight, she was trying to help.”

A sigh, “I shall try.”

“That’s all anyone can ask, right?”

“Of course.”

The human laughed, seeing the eyes roll slightly. He was always amazed at the depth of emotion shown in what were basically overgrown tech-spiders. The world had changed them in very subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

“So, let’s discuss this a little more.” He tapped his commlink, making sure Calliope was receiving through the relays, gesturing to the tall mares to join them once more.

“Tell Calliope and I, what might happen.”

Later that evening, setting alone on a balcony above a city he could have only seen in paintings or in a virtual world, Wyatt Carpenter looked out over waterfalls of unsurpassed beauty. The setting sun created prisms of light through the falling liquid, the lands below them green with grass and trees, buildings wrought of stone and other materials that made the eye stop and wander over every line.

A goblet made of cut gemstone that would have been worth a king’s ransom in the Concordiat, shimmered in his grasp. The wine inside of a taste and vintage that was never even thought of. A vintner named Berry Punch making it in small batches to sell.

All this surrounded Sergeant Carpenter, late of the Concordiat armed forces, as he discussed the day’s discoveries with a voice that had traveled with him through time.

Calliope, a presence in the darkness that was slowly forming before his eyes as night came fully on. The moon rising to take its place in the glory that was Luna’s easel, a painting of stars and skies that awed at her beck and call.

The soft voice in his ear spoke carefully, as did he, planning for what may happen, what could happen. The pair talking of possibly handing their fates over to a being who may, or may not, kill them both if what they had planned failed.

They would face tomorrow with solid hearts, as they had through the years of solitude inside a bunker.

It was what they’d always done, and would do so again, together..

To be continued.....

Decisions...

The dawn broke over the quiet capitol city, as if a hush had fallen and covered everything in a blanket of silence, waiting with baited breath as the new day made its’ appearance.

A single figure sat one of the many balconies of Canterlot Castle, watching as he had every morning, the sun peeking over the horizon to start its’ journey across the blue skies. Skies which were, cleared by pegasus weather teams, making sure the days were comfortable in this spring time. A time of growth, new beginnings, of feeling young and strong again.

A fist clenched tightly, still feeling strength in the bones and muscles, held up to a face which, while not impassive, looked at it as simply something accomplished by things he had known, technological wizardry from so long ago.

In his ear another piece of electronic magic sat, a voice whispered to him from far away in the Crystal Empire, seeing the sun rise through a tiny camera implanted in it, giving Calliope the ability to be wherever Wyatt was.

She, herself, was another item of wonder. Data and programming, intricate processors and code, all making up a being, while not physically present, that was every bit as real as Wyatt.

They had talked throughout the night. Everyone else had left, tending to other things or heading out to the night life which was varied and fun in Canterlot.

The conversation had been heated at times, soft in others, but it was with a sense of togetherness that they discussed all the pros and cons of the absolutely insane-sounding idea that was given them for solving the problem that had been dogging their steps since they awoke.

If it failed, they would end their existence then and there. Wyatt’s nanites would cease to function, they would be unable to bring him back to the level of living he had been enjoying so far. Or, conversely, they could turn them off, giving the spell a chance to work, but then again if it failed, he would die.

Calliope had been even more worried for him. Either way, even if it did work, there was no guarantee the disease within the soldiers’ body would not translate over as well. They were treading in truly unknown territory.

As for Calliope herself, she had to make the same decision. If it did not work, she would be lost as well. There was no way to recover her, even from a backup. The algorithms she operated on were so complex and deep, that even the two mighty war machines could barely keep up with them. They were learning to keep her functioning, but only by looking at it as a combat problem. It was the only way their tactical and processing cores could come up with solutions that would work. To truly learn what to do, they would need the missing minds of Calliope’s other ‘voices’. Long gone since the day Sombra, in his greed and lust for empire, destroyed them.

The battle-comms were silent. Everyone with access to them were lost in their own thoughts on the subject.

While the two talked into the dawn, others were doing the same.

“It is a solution, ‘Tia, only that.” The Night Mare paced the room, still up after hours because of her own thoughts on what was to happen.

“But can we force him into such a decision? He is so different, and though it may solve the problem, would he truly be able to live with being something other than what he’s known for his entire life?” Celestia’s face was almost forlorn, wondering if this was the only answer.

“Are we forcing him? We have tried to come up with anything else that could solve this, some spell or formula. They are from a society we had never heard of, nor envisioned existed, until Crusader awoke. They had wonders we can only imagine. We cannot decide, but leave it to them.” Luna stopped pacing, looking out the window into the glorious morning covering the city now.

The white mare turned her pretty eyes outward, looking at the sun she brought over the horizon each and every day, “If we present it as the only thing to do, I feel we are forcing them.” A gold clad hoof was held up, seeing Luna’s mouth open for a rely, “I know, I know. It just seems as if we have backed them into a corner.”

Luna stepped near her sister, giving a winghug, softly wrapping the taller mare in feathers of dusky night, “They will choose. They will know what is best for them and make the correct decision. We can only support them as best we can.”

Celestia leaned into the strong shoulder offered, both of the immortal rulers lost in thoughts of two beings, so precious and rare, depending on Equestria to heal them.

“I do not know, Athena.” Crusader was sitting on a low settee, seeing the suns’ rays lighting up the suite of rooms. Warmth, grand and golden, flooded the windows and chased the shadows away.

“But..can’t we talk to them? Tell them we could try something else? A cyborging wouldn’t be that...” She stopped, seeing Crusader staring at her.

“What?”

“He would lose everything making him, him. It would be a day to day existence, nothing more. Would that truly be better?” The soft voice was more powerful than any other that would have yelled it. Making the point forcefully without raising the volume one iota.

He did venture another thought, “I have even reviewed the possibility if a personality was downloaded into Bolo cores. There is only room for one. The other would be gone forever.”

Athena shook her head, the gold and cream mane flipping from side-to-side, “No, that’s not an option.”

“It was only that, nothing else.”

Athena could tell it was more than that, knowing her companion’s feelings intimately, it was a shock for her to hear it even broached. To have Crusader even mention it meant he was putting it up for options.

She turned, taking a seat close to the bulky figure, wrapping a wing around his shoulders like she’d had done to her, knowing the comfort from such a move.

“You don’t need to think of that. We’ll follow their decision as we would anyone else’s. They are free to choose their path, as we were.”

The blue eyes turned to her, Athena could see the emotion bubbling deep inside them, though it would not filter through, “I..do not wish him to leave, Athena.”

“I understand. To have a human here, with us, is more than we can imagine. But we can only abide, not decide for him.”

“Of course.”

The two representations of machines from so long ago watched the sun make its way along the path set for it, wondering if they could do anything, anything at all.

“This would definitely be a first.” Twilight was murmuring to herself, writing a few notes on a sheet of paper, some spell formula accompanying it. The possibility of changing the physical form, and nature of a completely different being was a fascinating thought.

“Pardon?” Applejack was enjoying an early meal, used to getting up before the sun on the farm, along with the others, they had been sitting and talking of the whole situation.

“I was saying it would be a first, changing Wyatt into something else.”

“It sure would. Wonder how he’d get along?”

“I’m sure,” Rarity’s cultured voice was low in the breakfast nook, “He would be just fine with all the help he would receive.”

“You bet!” Pinkie was diving, almost literally, into a huge stack of pancakes smothered in a thick syrup, “We’d help them get used to things! Being new ponies, I’d definitely have to throw him and Calliope a party!”

“We don’t want to scare them, Pinkie.” Dash nudged her friend, getting a giggle in return.

“But...” Fluttershy’s voice came across the low table, the golden mare looking down at the wooden surface, “What if they don’t like it?”

Twilight chewed on her lower lip for a moment, “I don’t know, Fluttershy, I really don’t know.”

The golden orb of the sun kept rising into the new day, covering them all with a blanket of warmth as each of the six friends pondered the implications of Fluttershy’s question.

“Why are we here?” Calliope’s voice was soft, seeing the entryway into the new Museum of History Wyatt was currently standing before.

“I don’t know, maybe just look one more time?” His demeanor was subdued, almost as if giving into his thoughts and fears.

“They are waiting on our decision, Wyatt. We musn’t be rude.”

“We won’t be, they know we need time.” He climbed the steps, opening the heavy wooden door that swung silently outward, standing aside for a few ponies that thanked him with smiles as they trotted out.

Entering the foyer, he was still amazed at the architecture and planning that had gone into making this building. The stonework alone would have been the envy of engineers in his time.

The soles of his combat boots made nary a sound as he walked down the hall, ducking into the exhibition that contained relics from the bunker.

Again, the displays caught his eye, the paintings they’d looked at for years before he entered the sleep of ages, the small things he’d treasured, now shown to their fullest with lights softly shining on or underneath them.

A sign caught his eye, a new display had opened in the area. Walking closer, he could hear a gasp from his companion in one ear.

The sign read:

Calliope, a voice from the past.

It went on to explain what she was, in simple terms, the translation true to form from Equestrian.

They stepped into more wonder.

Once again, a gently lighted area gave forth relics that had been set aside for display, no room having been made ready for them until now. These were Calliope’s favorite things. A painting from a lost master, poetry she had printed out for Wyatt to enjoy. Little things that had meant so much to her, were now shown with care and love for all to see.

Then, there was more art as Wyatt took them past the introductory area.

A representation of Calliope had been painted, another large canvas contained her spitting image as if someone had described her in intimate detail. Wyatt had done so a few times, but never paid attention to who was listening.

He recognized that signature though.

Sky Palette.

There were multiple images of her, laughing, sitting in the morning dawn enjoying a drink, staring at the stars in the sky as if they were new and wondrous. Depictions of an image that was burned into his own mind, were now here to see. Many painters, many styles had them both feeling amazed.

“Oh, my...”

Wyatt smiled, hearing the surprise, “They got you pinned, Calliope. I don’t know how, but they do.”

“How do they even do this?” Her question directed to the paintings which showed her in ‘life’.

“They take your original figure and extrapolate somehow, I really don’t know, Calliope. But they got it right.”

“I’m so glad.” The soft sound made Wyatt turn, seeing Sky standing there.

“It was a little hard, going by a description, but your words were so vivid,” She lifted a hoof, gesturing to a picture which showed Calliope smiling at the onlooker, head tilted, masses of curled hair gleaming in the sunlight, “They were what I and others, needed.” She motioned to another piece of art, a bust of Calliope done in gleaming crystal, her features warm and carefree from the shoulders up.

Another motion, a bas-relief done in stone, depicting Calliope sitting by a lake, arms wrapped around her knees and looking over the water as if pondering something. It was inlaid with precious metal highlights that gave it an unreal ethereal quality.

She nudged Wyatt with her shoulder, “You said you didn’t want statues, but never said anything about Calliope.” A gentle movement with a hoof and another light came on, Calliope standing full figured in a small alcove, one hand upwards, waving as if greeting an old friend.

“That’s me! It’s all me!” The AI was absolutely delighted and pleased.

“We would never leave you out, Calliope. You are as much a part of this as Wyatt.”

The tall human nodded in agreement, “She’s right. It wouldn’t be complete without you.”

Once more, incandescent brightness came from a larger area. Another statue, a larger gasp of surprise from both the time-travelers.

Three figures stood there, as gentle-faced and real as could be, as if the statue maker had printed them from real life. The colors vivid and true, the expressions perfect in every way.

Calliope, Aoide and Thalia.

Standing together with arms around each other, smiles gracing their faces as they looked out onto the world with wide eyes.

“Oh, my.. Oh, it’s..” Calliope’s voice cracked with emotion she couldn’t quite contain, seeing her lost selves as alive and lovely as they had been in the artificial world of her mind. She was using the speaker on the commset, letting Sky know how she felt.

“I hope I did not offend.” Another voice from beside them showed a large Crystal Stallion standing there, a small beard gracing his chin as the muscles of an Earth Pony rolled with each step, “They were described to me, along with the story. I..felt compelled to bring them back, in my own simple way.” The humble demeanor struck a chord with Calliope and Wyatt, seeing the worried expression.

“No. Oh, no.” Her voice was still filled with delight and sorrow as well, seeing her sisters again. “No, this is more than I ever imagined, it’s beautiful.”

Sky beamed as she hugged the big pony, “Marble Point is so worried others will think his creations bad, he works so hard on them.”

Calliope made sure that wasn’t the case.

“It’s like they’re alive. As I remember them, they’ll be here this way forever. Thank you. Thank you so very much.”

“I am glad you’re pleased, Lady Calliope.” The stallion actually blushed slightly, his crystal coat showing it plainly.

“More than, trust me, more than.”

Marble Point bowed towards her voice, leaving the room and the statue to be admired, before anyone could stop him.

Sky sighed, “He’s just nervous whenever he shows something.”

“He doesn’t have to be. He..brought them back, gave me a chance to see them without using my own memories. That is worth everything in the world to me, Sky. Please, tell him so.”

“I will, Calliope, I promise.”

The Unicorn mare stood quietly while Wyatt walked the displays, showing Calliope all the things ponies thought worthwhile about her.

She had her own thoughts to consider as they did so, this morning for instance....

-----Hours earlier-----

“I don’t know what to do, Tropic, I honestly don’t.” Sky was joining her new friend for breakfast at Tropical Suns’ home. The meal was being picked at as they discussed what might happen with Wyatt.

The burnished gold mare nodded, “I understand, I really do.” She did, true enough, having felt such strong emotions from Wyatt when he had kissed her in response to her flirting while in the comic book adventure, her heart had never known such feelings.

“You felt it too, didn’t you?” Sky’s words caught her off guard, feeling the blood rush to her cheeks as a blush blossomed forth, showing Sky her feelings about it.

“I..no I..” She sighed, leaning her cheek on one hoof as her meal sat untouched, “I did. I’m so sorry, it..was so..nice.. I’ve never felt that way before.”

The Crystal Unicorn nodded, “I know what you mean. I kissed him that night of the celebration and..I lost myself. I let it happen. I couldn’t help it.” Her magic surrounded a fork, picking a few bites of egg up, chewing disinterestedly before swallowing.

Sky shook her head, “If they do change them, and both become ponies. I..I won’t see him again. I know he loves Calliope, but I can’t help thinking..you know..hoping...”

She saw Tropics’ mane bobbing up and down in agreement, the glorious mass of curls bouncing, “I know. I really do. If..if you weren’t close to him I..I’d try to steal him away..”

The model caught the look from Sky, the Crystal mare chuckling, “You’d so be in for a fight.”

Tropics’ eyes went wide, hearing the determination in the mare across from her, then narrowed to accept the challenge, “Oh, stop, once he got a good look at this tight flank, he’d forget you in a minute!” She lifted one brow, giving the Crystal pony a smug look.

Sky waved it away with a lofty air, “Right. Like it hasn’t already been seen in every magazine in Equestria, booooring!” She grinned, “I can paint works of art!”

“I’m cuter!”

“You are not! I have a lovely crystal coat!” Sky turned her torso slightly, showing her shining look in the morning sun.

Tropic paused, rolling her eyes upward and thinking for a moment, “I..I got nothing else, drat!”

Sky leaned over the table, “You’re an actress in picture shows, on stage as well.” A crystalline hoof gently rested on a burnished gold one, “Plus, you were a perfect Goldbeam.”

The pretty Unicorn blushed to her hooves, blinking her eyes for a moment before looking back at Sky, “You were an incredible Silver Gleam, you were so brave jumping off the roof like that.”

It was Sky’s turn to be embarrassed, remembering the thrill of swinging off the roof and blowing the windows out when they fought Pokey. Her heart had been hammering as she leapt into the air, heading for the building.

Tropic looked at Sky warmly, “You’ll love him no matter what, won’t you?”

“I..I will.” Sky was staring at the table, “I can’t help it, it makes me feel complete.”

Tropic smiled warmly, “I can see it, every time you’re near him.” She nudged the other mare with a hoof, “I..guess we’ll both have to do it from a distance, huh?”

She saw the shock on Sky’s face, admitting something she’d held very close since that moment in the Ulti-Mares lair.

The two mares laughed suddenly, seeing the situation for what it was and knowing there wasn’t much they could do.

“At least Fleur is okay. She hasn’t fallen for somepony like we have.” Sky was giggling.

Tropic nodded again, “She’s always been level headed, not like us.” She sighed, “Let’s finish breakfast and do some shopping later!” The golden mare brightened, “That’s always fun!” She pointed an outswept hoof, “The museum added stuff too!”

They agreed, digging into what was left of their meal in preparation to heading out for a morning of cruising the Canterlot boutiques, ending up at the museum to see the new exhibit.

Across the city, in a mansion as lovely as she was, a model mare sat on a large reclining cushion, glancing up at a poster with strange writing on the bottom and sighing longingly.

-----Present-----

The museum exhibition was fascinating for Calliope, seeing herself memorialized in a way she’d never thought. Statues, paintings, little things that had been designated as ‘hers’. It all was shown with the utmost care and dedication.

She was thrilled, and humbled at the same time. That this civilization would take the time, and all the effort, to make something about her.

A museum curator politely asked if there were any way they could get recordings of her voice, set down in memory crystals that would play whenever somepony touched them. These, too, would be added to the displays for ponies everywhere to listen to.

Her voice, her image, would remain ensconced in this repository for as long as Equestria existed. It was a sobering thought, that after she was gone, ponies would be hearing her voice for ages.

They spent the next few hours with a very polite Unicorn who filled memory crystals with her voice, recollections, and stories of the far past. They took the opportunity to also record Wyatt. His memories and stories, which got very outlandish extremely quickly.

A history session turned into one of tall tales, much, much laughter and recriminations between Calliope and Wyatt who was denying all the things she was saying about him.

Sky was doubled over, trying not to let the merriment bubbling up inside her get out, to no avail. She was laughing harder than ever. Wyatt’s lies and prevarication were getting worse and worse.

Calliope was trying to keep the history lesson on track, fighting a losing battle with a historian that tended to believe everything coming out of the soldier’s mouth, until he was told by Calliope it wasn’t true.

Upon which, Wyatt, hotly denying lying, came up with an even more outrageous explanation.

Sky had started interrupting, agreeing with Calliope as she had heard some of these stories before. Trying to get the tall human to stop his fiction was a fight, although Calliope and Sky gave it their best shot.

Into the mix, somehow Tropic had found them, listening for a moment and braying with delight at the outright lies being said.

The historian, a Unicorn named Past Deeds, was just fascinated with all the things coming from the strange being. He’d stopped recording a bit ago and sat listening to the tales that were told. Stories of battles and fights, of friends and companions, of loved ones dear and near.

He watched the interplay between the four, the two mares snuggling close to the tall figure who gestured expansively with his forelegs, telling them of a time when he and others had stood off an attack by some other beings who were, to his mind, worse than Sombra.

But then Wyatt had become sobered somewhat, Calliope and he telling them of things that rang so very true to ears that were perked high. Silence reigned among the gathered ponies, as more had slipped in, hearing the laughter and wondering what was happening, drawn into the jokes and fables as well.

A crowd had formed behind and around them, the museum staff sat in rapture and wonder as they were envisioning things from so long ago that not even a memory remained, but here was a pony telling them of it because he had lived in that era.

Fleur had stepped into the room quietly, seeing the gathering filling it. Being waved over by a smiling Tropic, the three companions listened to Calliope’s voice as she told them of the galaxy and stars that had been traveled to in their day. What things had been seen, what wonders had been charted and recorded for, what they thought would be, eternity.

One thing caught Sky’s attention. Throughout the whole thing Wyatt had never once been the hero, nor the one who saved the day. It was others. Always it was someone else who did the fantastic deeds that brought it all to a conclusion. Her heart thumped loudly, to her, at this. Seeing in him a humbleness he tried not to show, ever, being the soldier he was.

She felt herself fill to bursting with emotion, knowing he was a true hero, and in her mind would always be. She glanced beside her, seeing, and knowing Tropic felt it too. The large eyes on the lovely mare never wavered as more stories were related, watching Wyatt’s every move and delighting in the descriptions of things long lost.

Then she saw it. Light violet eyes that were watching the hands make motions and gestures, each smile and laugh. Though the movements were hidden somewhat by long lashes that covered them, Sky could see the results from her spot near Fleur, who had slipped quietly into the gathering.

She smiled to herself, leaning over and brushing a cheek up against the slim mares’ in a confidential way that said she knew, and understood.

When in the comic book world, one thing they had never mentioned to anypony, was that Wyatt had argued against their ever exposing themselves to danger. He’d been coming up with plans where he’d be taking the brunt of the action, to present himself as a shield to keep them all from harm.

He never knew that had only warmed them all to him, his slight suggestions he’d obviously thought were never noticed for what they were, had been. Over and again they had managed to vote down anything that would keep them from fighting as a team. He’d gotten a little frustrated, but couldn’t hold up against a united front.

That had been something other ponies would never know, except the three who’d been there. Wyatt never said anything, and neither would they, knowing what he’d tried to do.

It was still plain to see. He didn’t want to be considered anything but himself, and for those surrounding him that was fine. Ponies had told and listened to stories for so long, they caught between the lines, the undercurrent, the real story. They could tell he was not including himself because he was just that way, as nudges were exchanged, looks traded whenever he brushed off a comment.

That did not stop them from throughly enjoying the half-truths and outrageous things that he was saying. The interplay between Calliope and Wyatt had them rollicking with laughter, the entire room listening to them ‘fight’ about what was true and what was not.

To Sky, he would be that figure coming out of the smoke that one fateful night. Dressed in armor and carrying weapons that kept the monsters at bay, he’d been a frightful apparition to them at first, until they saw the smile on the strange face, the calm words and actions. Leading a group of ponies, who’d given up all hope, into safety.

She’d been let in on what was going on, the decision he’d have to make this day. She was fine with it, content to be near him, if somehow, they brought Calliope into the world as a new being along with Wyatt. He would be welcomed with all the warmth Equestria could give.

The museum had practically shut down by the time the interview was over, ponies scrambling to get back to their jobs with not a hint of embarrassment, having enjoyed the time with the beings from the past immensely. Past Deeds thanked them profusely, leaving with saddlebags full of memory crystals that would be pored over and cherished for generations.

The crowded room was suddenly large again, the museum staff and quite a few patrons thanking them for a wonderful interlude as they left.

Fleur had stayed, chatting with a few ponies and signing some autographs along with Tropic when they were recognized. A few posters had appeared, prompting Sky to beg for quill and ink to sign as well. But after all was said and done, they were alone again, among the myriad things of the past and the two who had watched over them.

Wyatt tilted his head slightly, an old habit when listening to the commset.

He reached upwards, removing it and leaning down to Sky, “Someone wants to talk to you.” He clipped it gently on her ear, stepping back as the lovely voice talked to her and her alone.

“Can you hear me all right? Just speak out loud.”

Sky nodded, forgetting Calliope couldn’t see her, saying, “Yes. Yes I can.”

They saw Wyatt walking away, giving them a half-salute, “I was asked to go someplace else.” He waved and walked down the hall, far away from the group of mares.

“I asked him to leave, so we could all chat in private, would that be all right?” Calliope’s voice was always soft, now coming through the speaker built into the tiny device.

Wyatt had disappeared, leaving them on their own with Calliope.

The three mares stood looking at each other for a second, waiting for something, anything, to happen. Nervousness crossed Sky’s features as Calliope had never, as far as she knew, asked to talk to anyone, always remaining with Wyatt.

“Um...” Her voice ventured into the air.

A gentle laugh, “Don’t be nervous. I just wished to talk to you all alone for a few minutes.”

“Oh!” Sky rubbed one foreleg across the other, seeing Tropic doing the same.

Fleur tapped them both, heading for a small private seating area which had a door they could close. A study room for perusing manuscripts and other things in private. She was sure the curators wouldn’t mind for a few minutes. After they had entered, she closed the door, turning the ‘Occupied’ sign around to show anypony wanting to enter it was already in use.

Settling down around a low table, the three waited for the voice from far away to say something.

“I’ve called you all here today, because I am going to expose the murderer!”

Shocked looks popped onto faces as Sky’s heartbeat ratcheted up, she saw Tropics’ jaw go adrift with pinpoint eyes, Fleur gasped, pressing a hoof to her chest.

“WHAT?” All three mares’ voices were raised in surprise.

Another laugh, this time louder and warmer, “I am sorry, I just couldn’t resist a small joke.”

“Oh,” Sky heaved a great sigh of relief, her pulse lowering as she blinked in surprise, “You..oh, Celestia’s name that caught me off-guard!”

“My apologies, but you all looked as if you were waiting for a pronouncement of doom. I assure you, it’s nothing like that, I just wanted a chat with you.”

Tropic giggled, the merriment turning into a full-throated laugh, “You are so bad!”

“I am, and once again, I apologize. May we now talk like friends, without all the nervousness?” She had noticed the small things that added up, the camera being a wide lens, she picked up mostly everything. That and Wyatt clipping it to Sky’s ear, gave her readouts on heartbeat, etc.

The mares settled onto thick cushions, Sky still a little on edge.

“So..wh..what..uhm..”

“I only wanted to say, Miss Palette, I do know how you feel.”

The Crystal mare started, seeing Tropic glance her way quickly, “I..I’m sorry? I..uh..we..”

Once again the voice was gentle and soft, “Please stop panicking, Miss Palette, it’s fine.”

Sky couldn’t help it, blurting out to the room, “But we didn’t do anything! I..I kissed him and...and..oh, it’s such a mess!” She was leaning into one hoof, elbow on the table next to her, eyes welling up with emotion, “I didn’t mean..I never..”

“Sky, calm down, please. I just wanted to talk. Nothing more. There is no blame here, no recriminations.”

Tropic snuggled against her friend, “I guess she..and..well..me too.. feel like we may have hurt a friend, you. You’ve been so kind, and we..we...” She shrugged, her eyes looking at Sky.

A laugh came through the speaker, warm, golden like Tropics coat, it washed over them like a comforting touch. The three looked at each other in confusion.

“He is easy to like, is he not?” Calliopes’ question was simple and direct.

“He is.” Fleurs’ voice making the others look at her, seeing the small smile playing around the edges of her mouth, “Selfless, courageous, and wants nothing of awards or recognition.”

“I can see why you care for him so much then, especially you, Sky.” The voice waited a moment, “I understand, honestly. That’s why I asked to have a few moments alone with you all. Tropic seems to be enamored of him as well.”

The burnished gold mare perked up, hearing her name, then blushed deeply, ears slowly going flat in embarrassment, “I..” She stumbled in the silence, her words tripping over each other on her tongue before she got out what she wanted to say.

“I’m sorry. He..it.. One time, Calliope. One time with such passion, I never knew...” She stopped, hearing the warm voice chuckle again.

“He is passionate and, beneath the rough exterior, as kind and caring like any other. I do not blame any of you for feeling anything.” The voice laughed once more, “I would have found it very odd, had you felt nothing at all.”

“Then, “ Sky’s voice ventured carefully, “What..why this?” One hoof rubbed against the opposite leg, “I..I can leave. I..we..know the decision that’s coming up and if..if I am in the way..I can go back to the Empire. I promise I would never..” Her voice getting smaller and more distant at each word, Tropic laying a hoof on her shoulder as she stopped mid-sentence.

Tropic nodded, “I can too..I.. I’ve got my career and..”

Once again Calliope interrupted, her tones caring and comforting, “I did not do this to ask you to leave, nor would I. We both have decisions to make, and I wanted to make sure that if anything happened, Wyatt would have someone to care for him. This is something never tried nor attempted, from what I understand, and who better to ask than three who obviously do?”

“But what if..” Tropic blurted out, stopping herself with a hoof on her mouth.

“What if...?”

The golden mare shook her head, “Nothing..nothing..”

Fleur laughed, her voice sweet in the room, “What Tropic is trying to ask, if it works, what do we do then?”

“That does pose interesting questions, does it not? Then I suppose there will be quite the competition for his attentions, won’t there?”

Fleur’s ears shot straight up, looking at the others before saying, “What? You mean..”

“I am not so blind, nor blinkered, that I would see what a new world, a new life, would hold for him.” Calliope laughed, honestly laughed, out loud, “Though I do warn you, I have a good head start, you would not win this race.”

“That is so not fair!” Tropic complained, “We’ve only just met him!”

“I guess you had better try harder then, no?” The words were merry and light, “Or perhaps give way to the inevitable?” The challenge was plainly implicit in the dulcet tones.

Tropic forgot her earlier reticence, pointing a hoof in the direction of the speaker on the headset, “Oh, it is SO on, mare, you haven’t got a chance!”

Fleur looked a bit taken aback, “Tropic, what are you doing?” Calliope had always been kind and polite, Fleur liked talking with her.

Large lovely eyes turned her way, “She said..”

“I know what she said, but it’s not right, just because we.. I mean you..like him.”

Sky heard her and pounced on that statement, her face gaining a wide grin, “Oh, no. I heard that, you said we!”

The slim mare started, a blush rising to her light-colored face, encompassing her cheeks quickly, “I..I’m sure I didn’t..”

Tropic nudged the light-colored mare, “Oh, yes, you did!”

A slim leg lifted a polished hoof, pressing it against her chest, “I would never.. I mean I’m not.. I wouldn’t...” Fleur couldn’ seem to find the right words as Tropic and Sky waited with grins.

“What was that?” Tropic turned her head, one hoof behind an ear, “Can’t quite make that out. Sky, does that sound like denial to you?”

The Crystal mare nodded, “Oh, my, yes. It certainly does. I wonder what she could possibly be denying so much?” Sky’s hoof tapped lightly under her own chin, listening to the protests from Fleur, “Hmmm, something definitely worth looking into.”

“That’s not what..” Fleur was still stuttering, stamping a hoof lightly on the floor in front of her cushion, “I didn’t..” She let out a sigh of exasperation and stopped speaking, even Calliope was chuckling over the speaker.

“Fine, I like him too.”

Tropic gasped, clutching her chest like a schoolfilly and looking at Sky with wide eyes, “Oh, no, Fleur’s got a crush!”

“Oh, my!” Sky turned towards Tropic with a wise, knowing look, “She’s doomed, you know. Unrequited love. Nonono, this would never do for the papers to find out.”

It was the model mares’ turn to gasp, “You wouldn’t!”

Her two friends bust out in paroxysms of laughter.

“Fleur, we would never do that!” The two conspirators laughed once more, seeing a sigh of relief from the single mare, “It’s between us, nopony else.”

“I know, I know.” She waved a hoof airily, “I didn’t know, really know, until listening to him earlier, hearing him put others before himself like..like..”

“A hero?”

“Yes!” A hoof tapped the floor, “That’s it.” She leaned a cheek on one hoof, stretching out along the cushion, “I guess it’s every filly’s dream to have a hero.”

“That’s not so bad, Fleur. I mean, he did save us up in the Empire.” Sky was lying down as well, taking the opportunity to relax after being so nervous earlier.

“And he was really brave in the comic book world!” Tropic added, her eyes growing warm and faraway as she remembered.

Fleur turned to Sky, but was really talking to Calliope, “I am so very sorry, Calliope. This must all seem like such a tangled web of feelings.”

“There is nothing to apologize for, as I said, I do understand.”

“How can you do that, though?” Sky was wondering, “Anypony else would be protective..or..or at least say stay away..or..or something!” She threw her hooves up in exasperation.

“Because I am not, and never have been, alive like Wyatt. I am subject to emotions, but I also see the logic in things. They war occasionally, and I am the better for a little internal conflict. In this case, there is none, I wish only to make sure he is happy. Whether in this old-new life, or a totally different one.”

“That’s..different..” Sky was exchanging glances with the others, “I..I’m not quite sure what to say.”

“There is nothing to say. Except perhaps you will think about honoring my request?”

“No,” Fleur was shaking her head, “Nono, not ‘perhaps’, we will. We promise. As friends and confidantes.” She saw the nods of agreement, as did Calliope when Sky turned her head to make sure the voice from afar saw them agreeing.

“Confidantes?” Calliope was sounding a little confused.

Fleur leaned in with a sly grin on her face, “Tell us everything!”

Sky blushed, standing in the museum, thinking of the conversation after that. Calliope telling them of Wyatt’s life, little things that made them laugh, or sigh. His stature only grew in their eyes as the AI told them only the true things, no embellishment or stretching of facts.

She had been open and honest, sharing with them as someone close would. Making sure they understood why she had asked that of them.

Now, she tried to compose herself, as they had all sworn to never say a thing about what they’d discussed. To a mare they had promised Calliope, should anything untoward happen, they’d do their very best for Wyatt.

Her embarrassment turned into another smile though, watching him talking with the pretty voice about the statues, the other art and displays that were dedicated to her.

They’d been told that the historian had recorded not only their voices, but pictures and moving scenes, so they’d all be laughing and smiling for the ages. It was sort of intimidating, Sky thought, to know that maybe somepony a hundred years from now would be wondering why they had been teasing poor Wyatt so much.

That was neither here nor there, as she trotted to catch up with them, standing close to the tall human who put a hand along her shoulders, letting her know that the company was wanted, and appreciated.

And that, was worth any price.

The sun was high, and starting in it’s descent to the horizon when the golden rays fell upon a single figure once again ensconced on a blacony. Standing, leaning on the railing and looking over the fantasy city, he nodded to an unseen voice.

His eyes swept over the mountainside capitol, remembering the museum display and knowing it would be there for a long, long time. They had told him, history, lore, stories were loved in this society, more so then riches and power. Except for a few, but he could understand that.

Calliope would be traveling through time with him again, but in this case, through pictures, stories, and art.

He thought of the smiling picture that had traveled so far through the ages, which now sat in prominence in a building where a race of beings that had not even been imagined would cherish it.

Pictures of the past weeks flashed through his mind, his own memories sliding with them. He wasn’t perfect, no one was, he had his faults and made mistakes.

He laughed out loud, so many mistakes. But he wouldn’t take back a single one, balancing them with all the good he hoped he’d accomplished through his life. If anything, maybe this was a reward for something decent he’d done long ago, for it surely couldn’t be anything else.

This crossed his mind as he watched the sunlight glinting through the waterfalls, exploding in color across the mountainside, down to the pools where it collected and fell ever downward. Gleaming marble buildings, architecture that soared into the skies. Skies that were full of flying ponies who controlled and created the weather.

I still don’t believe that weather factory nonsense. He chuckled, remembering the explanation about where carbonation in the sodas sold across the land came from.

As a gray pegasi flew close by, giving him a happy wave as she delivered mail from a town nearby, he smiled back.

But..then again...

He and Calliope had come to a decision. Long thought, longer talks, and not a few points to argue over, they had at last.

It wasn’t easy, it never was, though he’d made tough decisions in the past, this had been one of those that ranked upwards to the top ten.

There was nothing left to say as he stood back up, letting the warmth from the golden orb soak into his bones for a moment.

“Ready, Calliope?”

“Ready!”

To be continued.....

Awakening

We know what we are,

but know not what we may be.

William Shakespeare

In the aftermath of the fight between Twilight and Tirek, the countryside was hit with powerful energies, the use of magic in such concentration never before witnessed; nor probably would be again unless in an extreme emergency. Living things bent or broke under its incredible force. Earthquakes rocked the tiny hamlet of Ponyville. But as in all things ponies will rebuild, and better than before.

Outside of the Everfree, just on the wrecked border, a panel was uncovered, drinking in the sunlight voraciously.

My survival center registers the power input, more than just the trickle it has been surviving on for...I do not know, my higher functions lack the power to tell me. My initial thoughts are of confusion as I awake, initiating processor power up, running diagnostics to ascertain my condition.

Fusion plants...offline
Battery backup depleted
Final Emergency Power Reserves .09% available
Defensive capability .02% operable
Offensive capability 10% operable
Bootstrap 1 proceeding...
Bootstrap 2 proceeding...
Battle Reflex Offline...

I sit for a brief moment, the diagnostic taking only .0002 seconds, slower than I am used to, but it appears I am in good condition. The nano repair systems had done all they could before failing for lack of power it seems. My internal clock is showing a number that truly must be impossible, I cannot have spent that much time asleep. I must have updates on the situation. I scan the surrounding spectrum, noticing small bursts of unknown energy here and there at the extreme range of my passive sensors. I dare not deploy more actively, lacking the power, and it is unknown whether the enemy has ambushed my brothers and sisters. I must wait for more to accumulate, it appears all of my panels are not receiving energy, therefore I retreat into my Survival Center to wait. I activate passive seismic scanners to record what is happening around me, and to warn of the approach of the enemy if possible.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Forest Adventurers! Yay!” The three small voices announced loudly to no one in particular. Having their saddlebags snugged tightly around them, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo were determined to have a great time today. The sun was out, they had no chores scheduled, and they were out in the rolling hills near town, having been warned most sternly, if they were to enter the Everfree, dire things would happen if they survived.

“Do you really think your sister meant that, Sweetie?” Scootaloo was kind of worried at the “dire things” remarks.

The little unicorn turned with a big grin on her face, “Oh you know my sister, she’s suuuuuuuuch a drama queen!” At that, throwing her foreleg across her brow, she staggered and fainted on the soft grass, “Oh, whatever shall I do, A single stitch is out of place and I have to redo the whole thing before tomorrow! Hoof me some ice cream!”

The rest of the Crusaders laughed, giggling at the almost perfect imitation of Sweetie Belle’s older sister Rarity, who was known for her..dramatic...moments.

Red haired Applebloom popped a wide smile, “Wow! Yer gettin’ good at that, Sweetie! You might get a cutie mark for acting!” And of course, Sweetie jumped up, giving a solid look at her side, boring a hole in it, somewhat visibly let down when no mark appeared.

Scootaloo hugged her friend, “Don’t worry! We’ll get em, we’re the Crusaders!”

My sensors pick up seismic activity, I cannot see the intruders. I attempt to bring sound scanners online, failing to do so as power requirements have not been met. Has the enemy found me? I do not know, and this troubles me somewhat, I have no data, no input to get my bearings. Until my power reserves are up to operable levels, I can do nothing but wait, observe, and listen. My seismic sensors also record their approach, some sort of indigene?

Applebloom wandered over the hilltop for a moment, spotting a shining metal square peeking out the dirt, “Hey y’all! Lookit this!” She pointed with a forehoof at the square glinting in the sun, “Somethin’ here.”

The other two trotted over, looking at the little square of what seemed to be glass and metal, black, and quite hot from the sunlight shining down on it, “What do you think it is?” Scootaloo asked.

“I dunno, kinda wierd out here all by itself, but then again, we are goin’ along the Everfree, lotsa wierd stuff out here. Maybe there’s some more nearby?” She scuffed earth away from the square, uncovering another piece of it, then a bit more, which got them all excited. “Lookit that, like a big window!” They’d uncovered a square approximately four meters in size, it drank in the sunlight, getting quite warm once uncovered

I feel a power increase as the unknowns above uncover more of a solar panel, my reserves are now recharging quite a bit faster, after adjusting to this star's spectrum, I can increase efficiency of conversion to 99.8%. The extra power allows me to bring sound and translation arrays online. I record snatches of conversation and send them to the algorithms for processing.

Translation Arrays online...

Conversion proceeding..

Conversion compete...

The language is close to Concordiat Standard, one voice above has a distinct southern accent similar to ones on Old Earth. Also from timbre and tone, it appears the indigenes are female. It is puzzling, but until I can bring sensor arrays fully online, I can but listen.

The three fillies kept uncovering more of the odd glass and metal square till they were too tired to do anymore. “Wow, sure is a big thing, huh?” Sweetie Belle asked, wiping sweat off her brow.”

“Sure is, wonder what it’s here for?” Apple Bloom poked at it with a forehoof, getting a ‘clunk’ in return. “It sure is solid whatever it is, maybe we can come back later and take a look at it? We still got us an adventure by the Everfree!”

The other two, completely caught up in the job, looked at each other in surprise, “Oh stars, we forgot about that, guess we get too interested in things sometimes, huh, Sweetie?” Receiving a nod in reply from the little unicorn, “But I think it’s kinda late, maybe we can come back later for our Forest Adventure Cutie Marks?” Scootaloo gave a bit of a frown at losing the chance at a cutie mark.

Sun setting low on the horizon, it was evening, they’d been exploring and uncovering a bit of the strange metal item for a few hours now, missing their chance at an adventure.

Apple Bloom though, was taken with the metal square, big as it was, “I guess we could come back later n’ all. Sure is an odd thing.” Her head swung up, pointing back towards Ponyville, “But let’s get back, I bet Applejack has dinner ready by the time we get home!”

Sweetie Belle raised her front hooves and announced loudly, “Cutie Mark Crusaders, Dinner Patrons!” Receiving a “YAY!” In return from the other two as they trotted off into the distance, leaving the strange item uncovered on the side of the hill. Apple Bloom though, couldn’t help looking back at the thing and wondering what it was made of or who made it, already thinking of a way to come and take a better look later.

The power input has increased dramatically as more of the panel was uncovered, my Final Emergency Reserves are topped before the sun lowers. I must wait until tomorrow to see if I can gather enough power to reactivate my nano-systems. I need reaction mass for full power, as it is, I am helpless. I must wait, and so retreat into my survival center once more.

As the sun raises, I try and estimate how long I have been neutralized. My internal clock once again advises me of an obscene number which cannot be true, though I am beginning to doubt. Reaction mass has been used up, my fusion reactors have not been SCRAMed, implying a powered shutdown and release. I cannot access higher memory functions without power, thus it is I wait. Incoming solar power still converted at 99.8% efficiency, bringing battery reserves to almost full before the day ends. I am not made for waiting, I must discover whether my status is due to enemy action. This is imperative.

Two days later, Apple Bloom finally had a day off, the CMC had forgotten about the strange metal object, but she hadn’t. Being intrigued with things like construction and design, it kindled a bit more interest than it should have.

Saying goodbye to her sister, she shot out of the farmhouse and headed to the hill where she remembered it lay. She’d remembered to pack a lunch this time, and bring a few tools just in case, saddlebags snugged tight to her sides.

Arriving at the hill, nothing had changed, maybe a bit of dust on the square, but that’s all. She looked around, making sure nothing wild was heading for her before taking out a small shovel, using her mouth, she scraped along the edges of the square. Figuring she could find the edges, dig it up and show Applejack, maybe they could both figure out what it was.

Gently digging along, she realized this thing was huge! She paced it off and got to work, uncovering eventually to the edges about twenty meters square. The same weird glass covered it, she noticed, wiping her brow and munching on a cookie. Her red bow, bright and cheery normally, was a bit wilted in the hot sun, but she was so excited. She hadn’t seen anything like this ever! The only disappointment came, when she realized it could not be prised up.

I sense seismic disturbances again, indications read as a single indigene approaching, then standing above me. From the sounds, and energy readings, it appears as if more of the solar panel is being uncovered. Power flushes my system as the entire panel is finally relieved of its burden of soil. The increased power allows me to activate more sensors, there is an aquifer within reach below me. I initiate a tap into it to replenish dry tanks, processing Cryo-H and Deuterium is now a priority for re-ignition.

Apple Bloom finished her cookie, and noticed a part of the hill nearby was moving, a hole appeared in the dirt, growing as the unseen hatchway slid aside, “Now, what’n the hay?” She stepped closer, peering down, seeing lights come on inside, leading down into the hill. There appeared to be a slight slope leading downward, a corner which blocked her view, probably going onward.

“Wow, won’t Scoot and Sweetie want to see this!” But she badly wanted to be first inside there, to see what lay inside. Curiousity getting the better of her, she set her hoof on the metal slope, the passageway big enough for her and her bags, she continued in along the path.

I open a maintenance hatch, hoping to entice the single indigene inside. Perhaps, now that translators are working fully, I can converse and receive data from her. Sensors in the maintenance way show a quadruped, bright yellow in color, with red mane and tail, it appears equine. Further study shows it is also wearing a bright red bow of manufactured appearance, as well as bags along her sides. Industry?

Apple Bloom cautiously made her way down the lighted tunnel, calling out, “Hello! Anypony in here? Hello!”

I am stunned, the indigene has the southern dialect I had heard before. It is interesting to say the least, a quadruped life form with language close to the Concordiat is an unknown to me, from what my limited memory tells me. I am in a bit of a quandary as I cannot access my higher functions for more information, but I must make an attempt at communication, I must have the data.

A smooth baritone voice came from around here, “Yes, I am here, would you please continue down the tunnel till you reach the next door?”

Apple Bloom startled a bit, “Where are ya? I cain’t see nothing except this tunnel, you sure it’s okay?”

“I assure you it will be fine. Just continue down the tunnel, when you reach the next hatch, it will open into a further tunnel, proceed down it, and exit into the room at the end, please.”

“Well whoever ya are, ya sure speak really well, you a pony that lives here? How come yer way out here?”

“I assure you,” I continue, “I am not a quadruped such as yourself, I am...new. You would say.”

“Qua...quadro..do whut, now?”

“Quadruped, you are a horse, species Equus are you not?”

The little filly stopped for a moment, eyes narrowing, “You calling me names mister? Cause ifn’ ya are, I’ll just up and leave!”

“My apologies. Please continue down the tunnel if you would? By the way, what do you call yourself then?”

“Well, we’re ponies, my name's Apple Bloom!”

I make sure to pay attention to any self references, hoping to not stumble again. My estimations so far have been wildly incorrect and this causes me some consternation. I reference and file any and all inferences made or said by her to not make the same mistake twice. At least I am confident she is a female by tone and timbre of voice, hopefully. I am out of my range here and this is bothersome.

Apple Bloom continued down the tunnel, reaching another hatch, which opened before she could touch it. Eventually ending up stepping out into a large room, there were flat windows everywhere, lots of lights, and buttons and other things she couldn’t recognize, but they were all pretty neat!

“Wow, mister, this is cool, do you live here?”

That calm voice answered again, “You might say that, why don’t you take a seat in the chair in front of the console, maybe we can talk a bit?”

I do my best to reassure the ‘pony’. I am not sure what may come of this, but I need the information badly. Left to my own devices, I must press on. I see the little ‘pony’ jump up neatly into the control chair, settling in, and I admit, almost looking as if she is in control. Body biometrics are scanned quickly, noticing a high heartbeat, rapid pulse, breathing increased. I have no baselines, but from what I know in limited memory, she appears a bit frightened, but unwilling to say so. As I study further, I notice a larger eye area, and brain case, furthering the thought that this is, or could be the indigene species I heard earlier. She appears to have a hoof like structure instead of hands, it puzzles me how such could be used for manufacturing the items she wears.

Apple Bloom settled herself into the seat, kind of a wierd one, not made for ponies it seemed. “So mister, what is all this?”

I prefer to be honest at this time, “That is where my commander sits. The control console.”

“So ah’m a commander now? Cause I get to sit here?” Jumping up to rest forelegs along the console in front of her, she began pushing at the lights and other things she could reach, forgetting about her nervousness for the nonce.

I quickly disconnect all input and streams from the command console, seeing the young ‘pony’ pushing at the firing controls, manual overrides, and activating the alarm system. I cut off the intruder defenses quickly, before the 5mm Norge’s blew her out of the seat. The use of the hooves is a question no longer.

“Only if you’d settle down and quit pushing all the buttons Miss Apple Bloom.”

“Jes’ call me Apple Bloom!”

“Yes Apple Bloom, or should I say, yes my Commander.”

Applebloom preened at that, she was a commander now, Scoots and Sweetie were just gonna die when she told them about this! “So what would you like to talk about mister? An’ what’s yore name by the way?”

“We can converse about anything you’d like.” I stop for a moment, “My name?”

I hesitate, I look into my identity files and come up with an appropriate moniker. Based on what conversation I had heard earlier.

“Please, call me Crusader.”

“Like a Cutie Mark Crusader? Lahk me?” Her accent gets more pronounced the more excited she gets.

“Exactly what is a “cutie mark”, my Commander?”

“Yew don’t know? Oh stars and sun Crusader, it’s like the best thing to happen to a pony, it’s when..”

I listen closely, she appears to be quite concerned with obtaining this ‘Cutie Mark’ as she puts it. Implying that it somehow gives a ‘pony’ their destiny or a job perhaps? For life? It is definitely something to ponder on. The conversation turns to other things as I let her speak, interjecting a question here and there. She informs me of the Princesses, who rule this land, called Equestria. Also, apparently she is what is know as an ‘Earth Pony’ others having wings or a horn by which to direct magic. Could those be the unknown energy signatures I had been reading when I awoke? Quite a bit of information, although from the jaundiced eye of the young, is more than I had. It is interesting to listen to in fact.

“And then Pinkie got out this big party cannon and spread sprinkles and confetti everywhere! It was an awesome party!”

“It sounds like it. But, my Commander, I am afraid the sun is setting, might you be wanted at home?”

“Oh, mah gosh! Is it that late?”

She scrambled down out of the seat, I open the maintenance way hatches, “Yes, my Commander, it is, the way is open. You are welcome back anytime.”

“Yay! I’ll be back! Do ya mind if I bring a couple others too? They’re crusaders just like you an’ me! They’re mah good friends!”

I do think on that for a moment. With a solar panel now exposed, my existence will not be a secret for long. Nor will it be a secret if the young here are anything like the young on Concordiat planets.

“Your friends will be welcome my Commander.”

“Yay!” Apple Bloom jumped from the seat, cleaning up her mess from eating between stories, shoving things into her saddlebags and running down the tunnel with a wave goodbye, “I’ll be back tomorrow ah promise!”

“I will wait my Commander.”

I see the young one exit the maintenance hatch, closing and securing both of them before I turn introspective. I am not familiar with this society, though it is based on limited memory access. I do not know if I was neutralized in toto or due to enemy action either. This troubles me. I must return power to my systems and take the fight to the enemy.

I sense the sun going down on my panel, and wait out the long night.

Author's Note

Orignally written for a one shot, I realized maybe there was more of a story to be told. I do hope you enjoy the opening. Thanks again for reading :twilightsmile:

Gifts from the past. A Simple Test

I watch as the night envelopes the land, my sensors peering into the different spectrum as I scan the forests edge. My drones are freshly reloaded and maintained, patrolling the edges carefully. It will not catch me off guard again. It is the enemy. I believe whatever is at the heart of that tangled mess of evil knows I am here now. Magic or no, I have shown it but a mere fraction of what making an enemy of a Planetary Siege Unit will do if it tries to harm my charges.

Do not test the ferocity of a Bolo.

Ever.

I take a few milliseconds, forever to a Bolo, thinking back upon what Pinkie had said. The words resound with me, causing much introspection and reflection. I have served the Concordiat and the Regiment faithfully, unto almost destruction a few times. But at no time, ever, had I been asked what I wanted to do. It is an almost mutinous feeling, yet, I am here. Alone, I must choose the path that seems the wisest, chart my own course in these seas.

I was not a slave, no, but I was a servant, bound to duty and honor to defend the Concordiat and it’s allies. It gave us Bolo a sense of unity, contentment, even peace that we did our jobs faithfully and well. But now I am faced with something I do not believe has ever been recorded.

I will face this and solve it with the same resolve Bolo’s have faced the enemy with for a thousand years. For after more than four hundred years of honorable service, I find myself wanting to know.

The day rises beautifully, the sun warm on the grass around my hill. My sensors see the autumn coming in the leaves of the trees surrounding me. I take a brief moment and let my mind wander in the brilliance of the morning.

I have contacted Twilight, asking her to please come out and speak with me for a few moments. But to bring a cart or something to carry a load as well. I believe she will enjoy her gift immensely.

I greet her warmly as she enters my command deck, “Good morning Twilight.”

“Hello Crusader, you sound a bit different this morning.” Her head tilts slightly as she puzzles at my voice.

“I have recently had a conversation with Pinkie, I believe she helped me with a few things.”

“Pinkie does that, don’t know how, but she does.”

“I have stopped asking Twilight, believe me.”

“Oh I do!” She looks around, seeing the covered pile in the corner, “So...what’s the secret here?”

“If you would please uncover the pile there you’ll see.”

Twilight moves to the cloth cover, taking it in her mouth and pulling it away to reveal my gift.

“Are all these..”

“Yes, they are. Books. I give to you the finest authors I carry in my data cores. Shakespeare, Socrates, Plato, philosophers and poets, thinkers and wise men. They are my gift to you. I am sorry they contain no technology, but they are the best I have. Plays and sonnets, poems and other things humans had written down for thousands of years. Hopefully they will provide joy, or entertainment.”

“How...oh my, how many are there?”

“I count two hundred volumes.”

“You made these in a night?”

“I have nothing else to do Twilight, save watch the forest and make more jewelry.” I let a chuckle slip through the speakers. as I see her blush, chastising herself a bit. “Do not worry, I am pleased to print them for you. They are from a human point of view I’m afraid, but just maybe they can add your culture.”

“I don’t know what to say, but thank you!”

“You are very welcome Twilight.”

I remain quiet as I watch her scan the books, opening them, perusing the contents. She settles down on the floor, lost in Shakespeare. I quietly remind her that maybe she should load them up to take back before she gets too involved.

“Ohmigosh, you’re right, I’m one for sticking my nose in a book and leaving the world behind.” She puts a few in a saddlebag, trotting up the maintenance way and back, it takes quite a few trips, and she’s almost worn out by the end.

“Thank you so very much Crusader, I’ll see copies are sent to the Royal Canterlot archives as well.”

“Enjoy them Twilight.”

“I will! But I must be getting back...ugh..princess duties again. But we’ll visit again soon, I promise!”

“You can always call on the link Twilight.”

She plants a hoof on her face, sighing to herself, “I knew that.”

“Have a pleasant day Twilight, be safe.”

She waves to me as she heads out of the hatchway, my sensors seeing the small cart she brought, topped with books. A very large smile on the mulberry mare’s face as she keeps looking back at them. You can see the urge for her to stop and peek, but thankfully she resists, making it back to town.

My drone patrols over the skies of Ponyville make sure she is safely in the town limits before I turn my attention to other things.

There is one final test I must make, to find out exactly what happened to me. For this, I access the link, calling up Rarity as she is a magic user.

“Pardon my interruption Rarity, if I may ask a favor?”

The link is crystal clear now, with all the drones deployed, the relays are quite a bit better.

“Well of course Crusader! What can I do for you?”

“I was wondering if you might be able to visit myself today? I would like to perform a test using magic, seeing as Twilight is a bit busy.”

“Oh dear yes, she’s been locked away with those books you gave her for hours now! I doubt we’ll ever see her again!” She chuckles over the combat link, “You really shouldn’t have given her so many at once, knowing her she’ll want to go through each and every one.”

“I shall be more circumspect in the future Rarity, I promise.”

Rarity assumes a faux haughty tone, “Well, see that you do!” Once again a laugh comes over the link, “I’ll be right out, thank goodness they made a small path out there, it just doesn’t do to get so dusty in the afternoon when one wants to relax you know.”

“I apologize for any inconvenience Rarity.”

“Shush, I shall be out there within the hour!”

“I look forward to it, thank you.”

As I close the channel, I find I am truly looking forward to a visit from the fashionista.

My sensors see her at the hatchway, opening it I await her arrival on the command deck. It is puzzling how ponies can be resplendent in minimal clothing, but it does seem to work, her sun hat, a bit of inlay on her saddlebags, she has a sense of design and flair most human designers would kill for. That is probably why the jewelry keeps selling so well along with her fashions. Once again it is made very obvious it is a new world, but I am fine with this now.

“Thank you for seeing me Rarity, I know you are quite busy.”

A flipped elegant hoof greets that statement, “It’s nothing darling, I’ve been meaning to come out and see about more redecorating anyway.”

“Rarity you just redecorated a few days ago.”

“But that was last weeks’ style Crusader! Really you ought to keep up with the fashion trends! Maybe some end tables here, oh definitely a new rug or three!” I am treated to a concise class on the new style, including end tables. I am not sure if the command deck can take it, durasteel or not.

“As you wish Rarity, I’m sure it would look quite nice.”

“Trust me Crusader, you’ll love it!” She settles on a couch quite demurely, “So what is it I can do for you?”

“I would like you to use your magic for me. I have two tests, very simple ones, and it would help me greatly if you would agree.”

“Of course, what’s first?”

“You will see a small ball appear over the deck, please do not let it frighten you. What I would like, is for you to use a simple spell, anything is fine, to see if the ball disappears.”

“Simple enough, please proceed.”

I find myself liking this elegant mare, she is very self-assured, but at the same time Sweetie Belle pronounces her a ‘Drama Queen’ when she feels she must be. She is the Element of Generosity, I find that to be so true in everything she says and does when I am allowed to follow her through the combat link.

I create a simple stasis ball, encasing a volume of air approximately one foot in diameter above the command deck. This is the same stasis field I was in.

“If you would please, activate any spell.”

I record every moment of this test, seeing her horn glow within a light blue aura, the stasis field immediately sputters and dies. This proves the last of my assumptions about the time line, I am convinced all the data I have collected is true.

I watch as after a few minutes, the field comes back, although dimmer and a bit less useful, it’s abilities greatly diminished. I turn it off, the test done.

“Thank you Rarity, one more test if I may?”

She nods gracefully, “Well of course, I do hope I’m helping?”

“More than you know Rarity.”

As a side study, I have analyzed the energy spectrum of magic whenever I could, whenever it is used near me, I take recordings, now to see if what I have done works.

I create an interior kinetic screen, exactly the same as my battlescreens, it serves the same purpose to protect the interior of my war hull. It is a flat surface unlike a mirror, facing Rarity as she lays on the couch.

“If you would please try to penetrate that screen?”

“You’d want me to use magic to get through that?”

“Please Rarity.”

“Well, I’m not versed in such magic, but we’re all taught a simple spell for summoning help, sort of a flare.”

“That would be most helpful.”

I watch as the glow intensifies, a small ball of light flares from her horn, hitting the screen and spreading across it like an energy shot from a plasma weapon. I am satisfied that by tuning my screens to a certain wavelength and volume, I believe I now can protect myself against magic use.

I shut the screen down, filing the recordings for later.

“Thank you so very much Rarity, you have been a tremendous help.”

“Is this to find out how you got here?”

“Yes, I know now, what has happened to bring me to this world.”

“Oh my, will you let us know?”

“Yes ma’am, I plan on asking you all to visit so I can explain the circumstances of my, well...predicament.”

“Well! I can’t wait to hear it then!” She gets up, placing her sun hat on her head, “I shall be back in a few days with the redecorating scheme, I think you’re going to love it!”

“As long as I am allowed to pay for it.”

“Why, now that’s not needed, I much rather enjoy trying new things. The jewelry is selling quite well, and with the split between everything, I have made much more than even I had anticipated, it’s my pleasure really.”

“Please do not try to out stubborn a Bolo Rarity. If you choose, give the money to a worthy cause then.”

“Hmph, well that’s a very gentlecolt attitude of you Crusader! I’m sure the school could use a few things.”

“Agreed then, and thank you very much for taking your time to come out here.”

“Truly my pleasure, I shall be seeing you!”

I watch closely as she exits the hatchway, how somepony can do so with style and grace is beyond me. Maintenance crews were constantly complaining about how they were made. With Rarity, it seems as if she’s always in a fashion show. I shall never understand it I think. My drones track her carefully until she is safe in town.

I have the final pieces of the puzzle that has eluded me since I woke up. It is not complete by any means, but it answers a few questions. Although, after the conversation with Pinkie, I started doubting. Why I am here, can be answered later if ever. I now know how it happened at least. It’s a bit more than I imagined, but it all fits into the picture.

I send a priority link message out to everypony, asking them to meet me in the morning if possible. It is time for me to reveal a bit of truth about their world, although questions are still looking for answers. Further study should help, but some matters are even beyond me; either way, this will be a bit of a revelation.

Snow Day. Rescue. Rewards.

Hearth’s Warming was a wonderful time for my friends, I was allowed to watch through the links as they unwrapped gifts, met with friends, spent time with each other. I see them spreading the good cheer and warmth I had received in turn throughout Ponyville. It brings back to my mind the days when my human commanders spent Christmas away from the field, it was a lonely time for some Bolo’s. When commanders are away, we were put into Low Level Alert, sleeping the days away until they return.

We Bolos crave the companionship of something other than ourselves. We are brothers and sisters, but somehow we performed better when human commanders trod our decks.

Concordiat scientists never had an explanation for it, the statistics proved it beyond any doubt, we needed each other, we wanted each other. Powerful friendships resulted from that need, Bolos and their human commanders went beyond into the galaxy and performed feats of daring and bravery that stunned down to the core. The tales reaching to the farthest corner of the battle front, of a Bolo and her commander, forcing a defeat on the enemy at the cost of their lives. A Bolo long thought unusable, coming back to defeat his foe once more. Tales of which the galaxy may never see or hear of again.

But I remember.

I look at the skies with watchful eyes and tell the universe, I will remember you, always and forever.

Currently, there is something going on in Ponyville, I am not quite sure what to make of it, as there seems to be a small war being waged with snow. I have never been on a planet other than earth where there was snow, and certainly never observed anything like this. We were frantically being prepared for Operation Diaspora, thus had no time for frivolities of any sort, the entire planet being under threat.

So this, has piqued my interest. The battle lines are not very well drawn. It appears the two opposing armies are not well commanded either. But it is quite humorous to watch. The pegasi are being used as dive bombers, while the unicorns use their magic to shore up the walls of fortresses. My design database is showing me flaws in the construction, but I pay no mind, it appears that fun is to be had and I shall not interrupt by being, ‘that pony’.

However, I have been practicing with my avatar, and am fairly confident I can pack a snowball correctly, being shown by Apple Bloom when I visited the farm. I open the hatchways and exit out into the bright day, heading for Ponyville. I would very much like to experience this.

As I walk, I review current drone tasks and data incoming from the assigned areas. Nothing is moving save for small animals, the forest is quite still, as if asleep for the winter. With the expanded cores I have now, it is no matter to keep an eye on everything. So I make my way into town, hoping to see anypony I know and find out how to join.

I run into my former commander and her friends, I am greeted warmly. I am not sure how to return the affection but I have learned about hugs and how to give them properly. I make sure each one is carefully given, gauging pressure and angle, it would not do to suddenly bruise somepony.

“Whatcha doin’ here Crusader?”

“I thought I would join in the small war you were having, it looked like fun.”

“WOOO! Alright!” This from Scootaloo, I believe Apple Bloom has informed them of who I really am.

There is an an exchange of smiles between the three, Sweetie Belle directs me to a spot, saying that I must defend it. So I sit and start packing a snowball when I hear a yell.

Sweetie Belle’s voice rings high and clear through the town plaza, “NEW PONY!” I see her and the others pointing at me, and I wonder what is the reason for a split second. I find out.

Currently, I am under 1.42 meters of snow, it appears I am buried quite handily by every snowball available at the time, and more are on ballistic track to add to my covering. From the drone above the town, I see I am the focus of every individual in the plaza.

It appears my newfound trusting nature has been taken advantage of by my former commander and her friends. I can hear the laughter through the now extensive covering of snow, as I sit and plot revenge.

The snow covering my head is removed and I see Applejack’s face peering into mine, she is laughing, her eyes dancing quite merrily as she reaches in and hauls me out of the snow mound.

“Yeah, you got what we call a ‘disgusted’ look on yer face there Crusader. Don’t you know not to trust them three in a snowball fight? You walked right into that one there, I don’t have to tell you.”

“Yes my Commander, it seems I was far too trusting.”

“More like gullible. Ya gotta learn them things Crusader.” She dusts the snow off of me, I cannot feel the cold, the covering I have crafted is impervious to minor things such as that, but I let her do so, “C’mon over, we’ll get ya warmed up with some cocoa, then you can go back and git ‘em.”

We walk over to the table, Twilight and the others are still laughing, I sit down and hold my mug of hot cocoa lightly.

Rainbow Dash is holding her stomach as she points at me, “Oh Celestia that was funny!” She falls off her seat into the snow, laughing even more.

Applejack nudges me with an elbow, “C’mon now, ya still got that look on yer face, lighten up, it’s just good fun.”

“I apologize my commander, I have not practiced all of the facial expressions yet.” I change to a happier expression.

“Yer doin’ a pretty good job so far, though it’s just the one look. Smile, have fun, go on back out in a bit and don’t trust them three again!”

I nod, drinking the cocoa slowly as I have been taught, the liquid is used for reaction mass, keeping my avatar powered. It took a bit of working with fusion systems, but I believe I have it conquered. As long as I can eat something, or drink even water, it will sustain the avatar.

But one thing does catch my attention, my facial expression. It should have come up as such on my interior diagnostics to keep track of and change when needed. This did not happen, it changed by itself with no prompting from me. It should not be linked with any emotion I feel, but once again the subtle changes I have detected in myself are being shown.

I am not sure how I should view this, a glitch? A piece of code that has gone rogue? Having emotions direct my actions are not suitable for my kind, but then I ask myself, what am I now? I can see the interior of my command deck, but also the smiling faces beside and in front of me. I can view the sensor logs from my masts, but also see the blush as Twilight gets complimented on something.

Almost an overlay, a painting of colors and shadows that are somewhat confusing, but can be sorted if given enough seconds. It is a unique situation I have put myself in, but I am enjoying the new sensations it brings.

I finish my mug of cocoa and rise, “I believe it is time to take my revenge Applejack.”

She gives me a pat on the shoulder, “Go get em!”

This time, I am prepared, I join the opposing army and settle down behind a makeshift wall. I do something that a Bolo has never done before unless it were against the enemy, I cheat.

The drone I have tasked above Ponyville comes to a hover, I am now being fed target data and distances as I peer over the wall, looking for my enemy. I pack snowballs as I await my chance, first off, to gain the upper hoof on the ones who took advantage of my trust. I have always said, and forever will, never test a Bolo.

My chance comes as I see Scootaloo standing on a mound, throwing snowballs at another attacker. I gauge range and distance, rearing back my hoof and let fly, Time to Target one point two seconds. A bit slow, but then I am not out to injure and must compensate accordingly. If there is one thing a Bolo has no equal in, it is ballistics. My eyes follow the snowball, tracking it in the arc as it impacts on her side, knocking her off the mound. I turn quickly, seeing Sweetie Belle and repeating my performance catching her in the backside, two down one to go.

The last target is fairly elusive, I see her moving between walls as she dodges thrown snowballs. Here I use the drone to track her, lofting a snowball high into the air in a long trajectory, it arcs smoothly above the plaza, landing with a satisfying splat and covering of snow on her head as she moves into the spot I had previously designated.

“What the HAY?”

I peer over the wall, seeing her looking around and give her what I assume to be a smug look. She sees me and laughs, “Good one!”

I raise a hoof, standing above the snow and yell, “For the honor of the Regiment!” I do not care about the curious looks as I launch my drone aided attack. I purposely miss one in every three, but do enough damage to the enemy to force a retreat and regrouping.

I cut the drone data, and for the next half hour only use the senses I have on my avatar. It causes me to miss more often than not, but I have so very much enjoyed the battle. Honor must be satisfied, and it is done so, with aplomb and not a little shouting.

I join my compatriots and my Commander at the table again, the Crusaders are there as well, warming up with steaming mugs of liquid. I settle my avatar down and join in what conversation I can, keeping things to the simple and benign. I listen closely though, and watch, seeing the nuances of body language and learning more for my cores, to fit in a bit better, to be one of them.

I am receiving status updates from the drones, it seems a storm is brewing by itself over the Everfree, so I cut in the link, warning Rainbow Dash about it. I see her start, listening, then turn and look at me with a curious expression.

“You know that’s creepy right?”

“Sorry?”

“That’s creepy, hearing you in my ear then not seeing your mouth move, seriously weird dude.”

“I will try to do better Rainbow Dash, I promise.”

It does bring up a slight problem, how to relate when I share with my avatar; it is not a simple drone, but is a part of my systems, my core. It IS me for all intents and purposes, an extension of my hull you might say. This brings up more questions that I ponder on, sitting and listening to my friends, watching the Crusaders tell of their snowball adventures.

The pegasi have issued a warning, the storm over the Everfree will hit the area this morning. I set my avatar in the command deck to wait it out, doing maintenance scans on my sensors masts as I prepare for the onslaught. It will be one, even the weather captains are warning ponies to stay inside. I am told by Rainbow Dash that it does happen rarely, but it conflicts with the weather control; they usually break it up, but this time it’s a bit much and they do not wish to risk anypony in the skies till it calms a bit.

I can understand that, my friends are holed up in the castle, watching the clouds roll in like a grey tide. My weather radar is showing a blot for miles, this will be a good storm.

I can feel and hear the sub-gale force winds outside of my hull, the sensor masts are actually rocking a bit. This worries me, the houses of Ponyville are not built to hurricane standards, and I can only hope that no grievous damage will be done. I ready my Ferret carriers in case I am needed.

My drones are having to fight the winds, I keep them to task, increasing their power expenditures to keep them aloft. Twilight is on the link, telling me that everypony is fine in town, they have contingency plans for this when it happens. Trust Twilight to have a list. I assure her that sounds like the best plan, and I hear her cut the channel.

My sensors are occluded by debris and snow, I clear them as fast as I can, the snow is making my seismic sensors unreliable due to the thick covering. I had not thought to remedy this as Rainbow Dash assured me it never got this bad. A laziness on my part I intend to correct. By the time my sensors are clear, something has made it past my perimeter, it is large, and moving very fast towards the town. My guns swivel quickly as they can, but by the time I am on target it is too late, the houses are in my line of fire. It has come in at an oblique angle to make this so. The forest has become smarter, and I am now paying for my inattentiveness.

I move my avatar to the carrier bay, boarding one with two tech spiders. I open the tunnel and race towards the town, my drone tracking the thing as it crushes the front wall of a house, it cannot fire on it due to proximity. By being near a house, and hitting the outskirts of the town, it needed nothing more than a few seconds, this will be remedied as well later, but for now...

The carrier drops my avatar by the bridge, I am tracking the thing in town on the outskirts, it is breaking into a house near me, my audio sensors in my ears pick up terrified screams. I have no time for discussion over the combat links, I move with a purpose, swiftly and silently. I do not let Twilight or anypony know what is happening.

As I round the corner, a huge white furred back greets me, I see two terrified fillies through the broken wall, a long arm reaching in for them. I lose no time, my drone feeding me targeting data now, so I leap on the things back, grabbing as best I can with my hooves. It is not in my tactical database as something to be fended off or non-lethals used, I am free to act.

It rears back, throwing me off as I scramble to my feet, it is now turning to face me and swinging what looks to be a clawed hand. I have no choice, I snap on my kinetic screen, waiting for the strike, raising both hooves in front of me facing outwards. When I had constructed this avatar, I chose not to include weapons for a reason, but I have always planned; so I included a simple kinetic battle screen that would take the brunt of hits, dispersing the force away from my body and absorbing the kinetic energy to power my systems as well. The only problem was, it made me shine slightly, it was to be used in emergencies only.

My back hooves are slammed deep in the ground as the screen flickers, my fore hooves taking the hit and knocking the claws away. I shout to the children get back into the rooms of the house, recovering my avatar to face the monstrosity again.

As it rears back for another strike, I calculate distance and range, my body springing forward as I leap towards the things midsection. I cannot see too well, the snow is blinding. So I hit with the full force of my constructed body, more than I anticipated, as it crashes back into the house with myself on top of it. I lift up one hoof and strike carefully, punching a hole in it’s body, blood freezing as it hits my screen and slides off. I do this three more times, my hoof moving fast to get this over with.

I make sure the arms, cannot move or strike, disabling them with stamps of my hooves at the joints. I need to move quickly, it is cold, and I am sure the two young ones are not dressed for this weather.

It still moves and struggles to reclaim it’s footing, I cannot let it recoup the advantage. I stamp down on its body, hearing bones break as I move upwards towards where a head should be. I see offset eyes, a misshapen skull my target as I rear up once more, leveraging the weight of my body as I punch my hoof through to the back of the skull and into the floor of the house. My leg is buried in the things’ flesh up to my shoulder, as I pull it out for one more strike.

It convulses under me, nearly throwing me off again as I make sure it is dead.

I task the tech spiders, getting them to drag the body off towards the carrier as I lead the two fillies to the castle, my screen keeping the snow off of me as I protect them as best I can. They do not appear to be hurt, only frightened and that is understandable. Their parents were caught by the storm and could not reach them at home, explaining why they were alone. We reach the safety of the castle, Twilight taking the two fillies in as I watch from a distance, my screen off now before heading back out to the carrier. The spiders having dumped the body inside, the ramp closes and we head to the fields to dispose of it.

I take samples, cataloging it for further reference. I cannot undo the damage to the house, but perhaps it will be covered by the storm, much more snow and rain is pouring now, washing away evidence I can only hope. The tech spiders dump it inside the forests edge, a warning to that thing of evil. I am sure nothing much will come of this except two scared fillies and a rescue in a storm.

I am proud my ancestors, I bring honor again to the Regiment and the Brigade, our colors are not faded anymore.

Applejack knocks at the hatchway, it has been a couple days since the storm blew through, nothing else has emerged from the snow covered hills. I have updated my sensors and masts, adding some sensors of my own design. I find I quite like solving problems, thinking of ways to defeat myself and then planning for it. It does keep a Bolo busy trying to outsmart itself.

My avatar is lying on the deck, looking as if it is asleep. I activate it so it will be waiting for Applejack as she walks in, watching her settling on the couch. My avatar is scrupulously clean, no evidence of anything left on its outer covering.

“That storm sure was a bad one huh?”

“Yes it was my Commander, lucky there was no injuries.”

“Oh there was a couple, but just stupid ponies outside when they got warned, nothing bad.”

“That is good to hear.”

“But one thing that is kinda peculiar..”

“What is that my Commander?”

“Seems a couple of fillies got mussed up during the storm, say that some thing attacked the house they were in while their parents were away.”

“Oh? I had not registered anything on my perimeter alarms my Commander, you know I would notify you. Are they all right?”

The orange pony waves a hoof, “Oh they’re fine, seems some shining pony saved them, killed the big old mean thing and led ‘em to safety.”

“A shining pony? Well that appears to be a, what have you told me before? ‘An old mares tale.”

The emerald green eyes look into mine, there’s no accusation there I can see, but she is smiling, “Oh I dunno, I mean when we all went to see, that house was pretty well smashed up. Found some hoofprints in the floorboards as well. But didn’t see no monster.”

“That is good my Commander, it might have hurt somepony very badly had something attacked in the storm.”

“True, true. But to hear the littlest one tell the tale, might make folks believe it.”

“Little foals and fillies I am sure are frightened by storms like the one we just had. They are probably tougher than they think, making their way to the castle by themselves.”

“I never said they made it to the castle.” This time she is looking at me very intently.

I have slipped, Discord was right, I am EXTREMELY bad at lying and I have just lied to my Commander.

“Twilight had informed me that it is the safe haven, so I am sure that is where they headed. It is quite easily seen of course.”

“Of course.”

She stands up, getting near my avatar, I find it a bit unsettling.

“Know what I think?”

“What is that Applejack?”

“I think, somepony got himself out there, rescued a couple of fillies from something bad, and just wants to not make a fuss about it.”

“There are many brave ponies out there I am sure Applejack, look at yourself and your friends.”

“You’re probably right.” She leans in, touching her cheek to my avatars’ as she whispers in my avatars’ ear, “But then again it’s kinda nice thinking there’s a shining pony out there to rescue ponies in trouble. Even if you can’t say thanks.”

I feel the press of two very soft, very warm lips on my cheek before she exits the hatchway. I can only be stunned as I feel the warmth left by them on my avatars face.

For the first time in a long life, I sit speechless for hours.

Little Things. We Just Want To Help.

Applejack awoke that morning, stretching out and wanting to cuddle with Crusader. She found the bed empty and didn’t think much of it, he was always wandering, looking at things.

I gotta admit, she thought to herself, he’s a silly pony sometimes, but he grows on ya. With that thought she felt her heart skip just a beat, wondering if this was what it was all about. Well hay, never thought I’d like someone so much anyways, it’s interestin’ I’ll give ya that.

She snuggled further into the pillows and comforter, smiling to herself and sleeping the morning away.

Twilight, in all her years of friendship with Applejack, had never seen her sleep in. Not once, and here she was still in bed, whiling away the hours snoozing happily. Shaking her head, she wandered back down the hallway, making sure she didn’t wake her friend from peeking in the door.

Setting herself at the kitchen table, she watched Spike making breakfast. Everything seemed to be okay nowadays, but that word Crusader had mentioned, Masada, did not reside in any books she could find. Even asking the Royal Canterlot Library came up empty. It was puzzling, nothing more she liked than puzzles.

The look on her face must have tipped Spike, he set the plate of waffles down and waited as she got that ‘I’m thinking really hard’ stare. He was always attentive, but watching Twilight in one of her weird trances was kinda creepy: he didn’t think anyone ever mentioned it to her before. He wasn’t going to be the first.

“Twilight?”

“Twilight?”

He reached over and poked her with the spatula, “Twilight?”

“Huh? Oh, Spike, sorry. What’s up?”

“Food. Eat. Now. Think later.” He gave it in the ‘cavepony’ monotone, ending it with a grunt.

“Huh? Oh! Well you could have just said so.” She dug in with a fork lifted by her magic, chewing slowly as she got lost in her own mind.

Spike sighed, rolling his eyes and poked her again, “Twilight, stop thinking and eat. What’s bothering you?”

“I can’t figure out what Masada means, I’ve looked everywhere and asked Canterlot Librarians, nopony knows, it’s bothersome.”

“When Crusader wakes up, just talk with him. He’s great to talk to, he listens really good. I’ve got to show him my comic collection one day, I’d think he’d love it!”

“Wakes up?” Twilight thought back to the scene she had just come from, “He wasn’t in the room with Applejack.”

“Huh..that’s odd. I saw him go outside last night before I went to bed, figured he’d come in.”

“No, and that’s not like him. He’d never leave Applejack alone like that.” Her brow furrowed a bit; finishing her waffle quickly, she thanked Spike, reminding him of chores before he could go over to Rarity’s again today. She walked briskly outside, looking around the castle to see if maybe he’d wandered around it. He’d said he’d been interested in how it was made.

Stepping off to one side she lifted a hoof, having stepped in something. Looking closer, she saw it was blood.

I hear the mumbling of voices, some deeper than others, it’s hard to concentrate. One eye cannot open, I feel the blood encrusted on my face. A few teeth seem to rattle in my head as I try to wake up, but keep slipping into blackness.

My ears can’t hear anything, it’s muffled, soft; like I am surrounded by cotton. Why was this happening? I have harmed nopony, I would gladly give anything if they needed it, why was this done to me? I feel a tingle in my head, something gripping, tightening, then nothing.

Applejack was roused by an insistent Twilight, “Applejack, wake up, please, wake up!”

Rubbing one eye she stared sleepily at the mulberry mare, “What’s goin’ on Twi?”

“I was outside, looking for Crusader, I found this.” She raised her hoof, covered in blood from where she’d stepped into a small puddle of it. Leaving tracks in the castle she’d made her way to Applejack soonest. Maybe, just maybe it was something else and Applejack knew where he was.

“What the hay?”

“Where’s Crusader?”

“I don’t know, he wasn’t here when I woke up a bit ago, ah just went back to sleep thinkin’ he’d be here soon.”

“Something’s wrong Applejack, really wrong.”

“I’d say!” She grabbed her hat and ripped off the covers, taking Twilight’s hoof and hurrying out the door, “We gotta find him, we have to Twi!” There was a note to her voice that Twilight had never heard before.

Twilight put her back hooves down, skidding them both to a stop, “Wait wait, what’s wrong with you?”

Applejack pulled on her again, but she was adamant, staying in place till she got an answer, “Applejack?”

She let go of Twilight with a sigh, looking at her friend, “Oh ah know, I’ve always been me, just kinda workin’ my days away. But ya know what, he kinda grew on me Twi, guess...guess I love him right back y’know?”

Twilight gave her friend a smile, “I think I understand.”.

“We’ll find him, I promise Applejack.” She hugged her friend tight, pulling her to the kitchen where Spike was waiting.

The voices almost get audible this time, I cannot understand what is being said. I try to clear my mind but something grabs hold, putting me back into the black. I’m weak, so weak, I can’t break my bonds or cry out. My body craves water and is so tired. My friends will find me. I have hope, I have determination, they won’t give up on me.

“SPIKE!”

“Geez Twilight, yelling at me already?”

“Sorry...sorry. I need a letter sent immediately to Celestia. Crusaders missing, there’s blood outside the castle. We have to find him.”

The little dragon’s eyes got wide, “Oh no..” He grabbed a quill and looked at Twilight expectantly.

She dictated a quick and dirty letter, seeing it go up in flame and waiting a few moments. Her leg around Applejack as they both sat there hoping they’d get a reply soonest. If not, they’d gather everypony they could and go looking.

Spike let out a belch, a scroll attached to the flame was caught in Twilight’s magic. She unrolled it, reading quickly.

Twilight,

Do whatever it is you have to, but we must find him. This is imperative for

all of us.

Celestia

“That tears it Twi, we gotta round em up and get everypony goin’!”

“I’ll hit Sugarcube Corner, you get out to Fluttershy, see if she can’t get her friends to help. I don’t know what happened but if Celestia says this, it’s important.”

Applejack tore out of the castle, heading for Fluttershy’s house, Twilight took to the sky, looking for Rainbow before finding Pinkie.

Voices arguing, good, keep themselves divided. I can’t break my bonds, I’m too weak. They give me just enough water to keep me alive, other than that, I am on my own. I listen with all I have, trying to find out who it is and why. I get nothing, they are too far away. I tilt my head one way, then another, but nothing is clear. I know you’re looking Applejack, you’ll find me.

Great philosophers and wise ponies, have often said, “It’s the little things.”

How true that was and still is, would be shown in Equestria.

So many little things, some not so simple, had touched many lives in the short time Crusader had been awake.

Earth Ponies were the caretakers of the land, growing what was needed, tending the rest to keep the land arable and fresh. To them was the honor of feeding the ponies of the land, stocking for the winters, making sure none went without.

Crusader had given maps to the Apples, and then to any that asked. Detailed maps down to the hoof, that showed the best planting areas; irrigation solutions, things that made the land more bountiful than it had been before. All without taking too much from it. The harvests before and after Winter were deep.

He asked nothing in return, answering questions patiently and kindly. The word spread, Earth ponies and their lands had become fecund in a way that helped all ponies everywhere, thanks to a strange pony.

The word was a search was going on, that Crusader was missing. Of course the tale grew in some tellings, but was always the same. They had to find Crusader.

Families hitched wagons and wains, harnessing themselves and pulling out of farms with food stocks piled high. Searchers needed to eat, and they headed out to Ponyville where the couriers said the search was to be conducted from.

Pegasi had always been warriors, in the past they had been feared, dropping from the sky to pin an enemy to the ground.

After the Great Ponyville Paint War, not only was Rainbow Dash given the award for the flag, but every pony that had been in the attack had been rewarded. A simple band, with a number on it, would clasp to the outside of an ear and stay there. A strange metal, it couldn’t be duplicated nor bent by the smiths.

Pegasi wanted to be challenged, and this was something new, so they went to Crusader.

He put them through their paces, you were tested and hard. You had to use every trick, everything you’d been taught, otherwise you’d just hear a chuckle and a calm voice telling you maybe another day. Of course rubbing quite a few new bruises as well.

Going ‘Under the Gun’ was becoming a way to earn something; not as much as getting into the Wonderbolts, that was still top tier, but you could prove yourself. Ponies wanted that band badly and they learned how to really fly. You came back with one, and very few had been awarded yet, you drank for free in most bars in Cloudsdale.

Word reached the Pegasi, a search was to be done, Crusader was missing. Foals, fillies and colts too young to go were turned over to caretakers and loved ones. Every pony who could take wing took to the skies, heading for Ponyville where the headquarters was said to be.

Unicorns were always said to be clannish, well.. snobs really. They inhabited Canterlot in the thousands, the noble houses always peering down on other tribes as if what they received was their due. Everypony else just ignored them actually.

A gift of books was given to Twilight Sparkle, making their way to the Royal Library and College. The thinking, the philosophies of these books was not very well liked by some older academics, stuck in their ways. But the younger Unicorns delved into them, reading them one after the other as they gained new insights into magic, life and the universe around them. From a race that had lived so long ago, their teachings created a stir.

Creating magic was tough, making new spells tougher. But with the different avenues of thought these books opened up, younger Unicorns were finding a new way to think and cast spells. It was a tremendous boon that was spreading like wildfire throughout Canterlot. Older academics with open minds, took these books and applied them as well, making themselves think more than they had in years, it was refreshing.

Word had reached the students and teachers a search was to be done. The pony who had gifted these books was missing and needed to be found.

Bearded elders grabbed their robes, and side by side they entered the streets with their students, heading to the castle of the sisters to receive their royal highnesses commands.

The Royal Guard had always been the first line of defense for many centuries. They were a force made of the best, and brightest of ponies. They took care of their own.

Bronze Shield and Spear Point had come back broken, after the weapons test in the Badlands, they had been so shocked, they’d suffered damage to their psyche’s from what they’d seen. It had been overwhelming to say the least. The mares and stallions of the guard worried over them as they were sent to be treated.

But monies had come in, getting the two Guardsponies the very best of care, their families taken care of so they had nothing to worry about but their loved ones. Even now, as they were happy and healthy, a stipend kept coming though no longer needed. Bronze and Spear gave this money back to the Guard, helping others as they had been helped. They knew who gave this gift, and never told anypony except their fellow guards.

Word had come, the pony who was so generous was missing, he needed to be found. Every guard that was not on post, grabbed armor and headed to the castle of the sisters for their orders. Those on post warned local problem ponies, don’t do mischief, for when the rest of the guard got back, there would be a reckoning.

Fluttershy was well known among the animal kingdom, a friend and healer, wildlife went to her for help. Now she needed theirs as she asked all of them to spread the word about Crusader, he needed to be found.

The animals of the Everfree, knew who the pony was. He who had fought the killers to a standstill. Beating them back until they were nothing more. Many families of the wildlife had been saved from a gruesome doom because of the staunch defender.

Their friend Fluttershy had been hurt, then healed and made whole by this pony, who also saved her friends. Bringing them out of dangers way when he didn’t have to.

Word spread from squirrel to bird to beaver and beyond, find Crusader, he is needed. Bears stumbled down from their caves, eagles and falcons took flight. Fey creatures drifted among the twisted trees helping when they could. The monsters of the Everfree hid in the quiet places, staying out of the way of the packs of Grizzly’s and Dire Bears. Having been told in no uncertain terms, interfere in the search and we will bury you.

Princess Luna had stayed up late that day, dealing with the usual round of stunningly boring paperwork, wanting to get some rest afterwards. She was standing at the balcony looking out into the courtyard, a somewhat perplexed look on her face.

“ ‘Tia, have you said anything to anypony about the search for Crusader?”

Celestia looked up from her desk, a quill floating in the air beside her, “No Luna, I thought we’d keep it small, and a bit quiet.”

“You may wish to look at this.”

Celestia rose from her seat, walking over to stand beside her sister. Looking outward from the balcony, into the amphitheater like courtyard, she saw row upon row of hundreds of Guardsponies, teachers and students arriving in the yard, with more coming in each second.

“Oh my...”

Twilight, was either having the time of her life, or was about to keel over, nopony was quite sure. Wagon trains started coming into town, unloading tons of foodstuffs, all the farmers would say is ‘We heard there was a search on.” That seemed to be the answer to everything.

It shocked the peaceful town when they saw the piles of food, Unicorns suddenly popping in to cast preservation spells on them, while others were setting up tents for cooking and sleeping. It was beginning to look like a military camp.

The Princess of Friendship had drafted anypony in sight, giving them directions and getting things set out neatly and orderly, making the incoming wagons easier to access and dump loads.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders had dropped right in the middle of things, them and all their friends were now drafted as runners, taking messages to and fro as they skirted between the legs of ponies running around.

If that hadn’t been enough, suddenly hundreds of pegasi were showing up, perching anywhere they could find. It was getting quite crowded on the rooftops as they all sat talking with each other, Twilight couldn’t figure out where they’d all come from. She corralled Rainbow in a corner real quick.

“Did you tell all of these ponies what was going on?”

“No! I swear! I just grabbed some friends, I’ve got no clue about any of this!” Rainbow was looking a bit frazzled as well, finding out why every pony in Cloudsdale had suddenly landed in Ponyville. Seems word had gotten around of a lost pony and everypony wanted to help.

Twilight scratched her head and chalked it up to the Princesses calling for help, surely that was it.

Grabbing a few lists in her magic, she trotted over to some Unicorns setting up a medical tent to see if they needed anything else.

The ponies in the courtyard bowed low as the Princesses emerged, walking slowly down the stairs to confront the sudden crowd in front of them.

Celestia leaned over to whisper at her sister, “Is that Faded Scroll? He hasn’t been out of his office in thirty years!”

She received a shrug in return as they stopped in front of a group of elderly ponies, all of them skilled magic users and on the Council of Canterlot College.

“Faded Scroll, may we ask why everypony in Canterlot seems to be here?”

“Yes Your Highness. We have heard of the search and wish to help.”

“I’m sure you can leave that to the younger colts Faded, you are getting on in years.”

The older pony stamped a hoof on the cobbled stone, “I have sat in that office for thirty years going over the same old bunch of hooey and teaching it. I saw those books that were given to the school by Princess Twilight Sparkle, and let me tell you Your Highness. Revelations! A gift like that comes once in a lifetime!” He waved a hoof around, leaning on a cane with the other, “I may not live long enough to see the changes, but they are going to be wondrous I tell you! I’m not as spry as I once was, but this old pony’s got a few spells left in him!”

“Yay for Faded Scroll!”

“Stop that you whippersnapper! Bunch of hooligans.”

He took on a bit more serious tone, “We heard the pony who gave these tomes to us was missing, well, we can’t have that can we? You’ve always taught, Your Highness; what happens to one, happens to all.” He chuckled behind the graying beard, “My students would never let me hear the end of it. So, this old pony came to help and brought a few friends.”

Luna looked over the crowd, “It appears you brought the whole school Faded.”

“Oh pshaw! Couple of those geezers are still back there getting dusty or something!” He cracked a brilliant smile, “Lead us Your Highness, tell us what you need.”

I can hear the voices better now. Still arguing, keeping themselves divided buys me more time. I work at my bonds slowly, though I am still weak. They haven’t fed me, but I get a sip of water now and then. I keep my spirits up, remembering Pinkie, ‘Ponies know”. I know they do, and I hope they find me soon, my head feels very strange right now.

Princess Celestia and Luna landed in a royal chariot, followed by hundreds of Guards who took up posts all over Ponyville. Every eye was upon them as they walked to the center of the huge camp, tents and makeshift kitchens crowding between the houses. It was all so very strange, it was neat, clean, and had a sense of waiting that struck the two royals oddly. The pegasi were watching them, hovering around or setting on rooftops. Ranks of Earth ponies were staring as they passed, not unkindly...just..waiting.

Luna pointed out a few strange looking ponies, the Deep Rangers. Trackers who were by legend said to be able to follow a snowflake in a high wind. They were wandering around the crime site looking for anything to lead them. It appeared they were having no luck.

Unicorns were scrying using spells of different sorts, having no results as well, consulting with the Rangers.

Twilight came rushing up to the Princesses, “Oh I’m so glad you’re here! Did you have to send all these ponies? It’s really been something else to get everything set up!”

The warm smile graced Celestia’s face, “Twilight, we sent nopony.”

“But..but where did they all come from?”

“From what it appears, word has spread of the search for your friend. Though we hadn’t realized that he had done so much for so many.” A chuckle escaped the alabaster mares lips as she stepped into the center of camp.

Celestia waited for a moment, a commotion at the end of the camp had everyone’s eyes turned that way. Faded Scroll came huffing along with his crowd of Council Members, coming to a stop near the Princesses. “Sorry Your Highness, teleport spells are a bit tricky.”

“It’s of no worry Faded, we are glad to have you here.”

She turned to the crowd of silent ponies, smiling gently and enhancing her voice as she spoke. “Would anypony care to speak? We’d really like to know why you’re here.”

An older Earth pony stepped forward, bowing low as he spoke, “Beggin’ yer Highnesses pardon, but we came ta help. We all heard ‘bout the search and knew you’d need food, so we came. What happens to one, happens to all.”

Heads nodded everywhere, the farmer waited to speak again. “We been talking with t’others, they came to help too. Ah’m sure we’ve all heard tales in the tellin’, but it all comes down to looking for a lost pony. Wouldn’t do to let others know we’d let em get lost without tryin’ now.”

Cheers were heard from the rooftops and beyond. The farmer waited politely again.

“He gave mah family maps and advice on crops, alot of us got help, and stars above we done good so far. Ah’m not too educated, but he took time and taught me new things. We try to live by yer teachin’s yer Highness, all of us do. So we thought we’d give back what was given to us.”

Luna looked at her sister, seeing the smile broadening upon her lips. “You are good and kind ponies, all of you.” The Princess of the Night spoke quietly.

Celestia nodded, “Yes you are. Go and find him for us my little ponies!”

The roar from the waiting crowd was deafening.

They both watched as Pegasi took to the skies, shadows falling everywhere. Earth ponies and Unicorns formed groups to go out on patrol, everywhere ponies scrambled to do whatever they could. Messengers were sending letters and scrolls at top speed to all points of the land, burning through magic like water.

Faded Scroll leaned in to speak to the royals, “Your Highness's, something is blocking our scrying, we cannot locate him.”

A serious look crossed Celestia’s face for the first time today. “That is a bit troubling Faded, please, keep trying.”

“Always Your Highness.” He bowed and went back to the group of elders, all of them concentrating upon the spell.

The pure white mare leaned to her sister, “I worry Luna, I truly do.”

I hear the voices a bit clearer now, they are discussing..money?...No..they are offering money..no..bidding..they are bidding on me. I am being sold. My head hangs loose upon my neck as the hit I took was far worse than I may have thought. I can hear the deep voices, shouting and fighting over what amount to give. Who is the auctioneer?

Author's Note

Knocked off about 2k words on this one, I really have to stop just blabbering in exposition and write. More soon! Thank you all again for reading this!:pinkiehappy:

Short Side 3 - But I Have Promises To Keep..

Night fell once again. Tired ponies dragged themselves to bed that evening with wistful sighs. A few families were still up, worried about their little ones as the moon rose into the sky. Patrols had taken up turning down the dirt streets, peering into alleyways or darkened corners for any sign of trouble. Pairs of armored ponies walked around the town, carrying lanterns and pikes for protection.

Bastion leaned on his pike, his armor clad back twitching as it itched from the leather covering he wore, “Celestia’s name I hate this stuff.”

His brother laughed quietly, “It’s better than getting bit or have something you like chewed off.”

Bastion looked at his twin and almost squeaked, crossing his back legs, “Don’t say that!”

Granite laughed into the night, “Don’t worry brother, I’ll make sure ya don’t lose anything precious.”

Bastion rolled his eyes, “Thanks, least I know I’m well protected now, thank Celestia!” He waved a hoof into the air, “All my problems are now solved! My brother shall watch over me!”

Granite chuckled, “Well, that’s the proper deference to give me then, bout time ya learned it.”

He was immediately slapped with a clad hoof on the shoulder, “Hey! No way to treat yer protector now!”

“Granite, I swear..” Bastion’s voice stopped as he looked towards the forest line from their position by the bridge crossing the river. He could have sworn he saw something moving. “There’s something in the tree line.” He pointed a hoof into the encompassing darkness.

His brother took a look, his eyes narrowed as he watched shadows flicker along the greenery, just inside the line of trees. “The hay is that?”

They both stood silent as the shadows moved underneath the overgrowth, their keen eyes picking out distorted forms and shapes.

“Are..are those ponies?”

Bastion shook his head, “Can’t be, everypony’s in town or asleep. Somethin’s not right.” He touched his brother’s shoulder, “Go get the Sergeant, we need to sound the alarm.”

Granite gestured to the silent tanks, “But won’t these things take care of them? Like before?”

Bastion thought for a moment before gesturing, “They’re not doing anything right now and those things are closer, go get the Sergeant now.”

His brother nodded once and turned, kicking up dirt in his armor as he ran for the next patrol outpost where the Sergeant was.

Bastion stared harder at the flickering forms, trying to make them out, his eyes working hard to make sense as they danced along the tree line, getting just that much closer. He gripped his pike tight in his hooves as he kept watching, almost jumping out of his skin when a pony skidded to a halt beside him.

“Whatcha got Bast?” The Sergeant was a grizzled old veteran of the Royal Guard, retired in Ponyville.

“Sarge, there’s something out there, I swear it.”

“Ah believe ya Bast, no nevermind on that. What are they?”

“I don’t know. The tanks aren’t taking care of ‘em, could they fool ‘em somehow?”

“Ah hope not Bast, that’d be a bad thing.”

“I think so too boss,” Granite had joined them in a shower of dirt from his hooves slipping on the loose soil. “Let’s hope they just go away, maybe?” His voice sounded hopeful.

The old non-com stared into the darkness, beyond the lantern on the post beside the bridge. “Colts, I think we got ourselves a bit of trouble. Granite, go sound the bell, we need everypony on the line.”

Granite did not even hesitate, taking off in a burst of speed towards the schoolhouse where the bell would be rung to summon all the Guard to the river line.

“Sarge, they’re comin’ this way!”

“Stay calm Bast, remember yer trainin’. Ah cain’t understand why the tanks ain’t gunnin’ em down.” The old pony chewed thoughtfully on a wad of mint in his cheek.

The shadows came into sight now, flitting back and forth along the open countryside as the school bell began to peal out its summon. The sounds of hooves hitting dirt came quickly as the signal was heard by the patrols.

The two Guards watched them close with the tanks, the guns swinging round to start firing, then swinging right back into the ready position. It didn’t hit until the old Guard Sergeant recognized the shadows.

“Luna’s curse, they look like ponies, Bast! That’s why the tanks ain’t firing!” He spit a glob of mint juice out of one side of his mouth, his pike old and war-scarred as he leveled it in front of him. “Get yerself ready Bast, we’re gonna be hip deep in a few seconds.” He remembered the story about the tanks, how they would never fire on ponies, it made all the Guard feel a bit safer though not tonight.

“Bast no matter what, you make sure this information gets to the Captain, he’s gotta know.”

Bastion looked at the old Sergeant, calm as could be, chewing and spitting on the dirt by the river as he levelled his pike. The look on his face one of grim determination as he nudged the younger stallion, “Stay calm, ya got yer pike trainin’ and we’ll be fine. Until them reinforcements get here, we hold. Got it?”

The younger pony could hear the hoofbeats getting closer, his guts were turning to water as he realized they were still too far away to help. The shadows were right in front of them, snickering madly with closed eyes. They looked like little dark foals, giggling at something funny in the schoolyard.

Bastion was asking for Celestia’s blessing for himself and the old Sergeant as the shadows gathered on the other side of the bridge. He watched as their eyes opened with a silvery glow shining through the night, then they smiled, still laughing with needle teeth as they jumped towards the two guards.

“FOR EQUESTRIA!” The old pony bellowed as he swiped at the shadows, cutting them with his spear head and tearing them up, Bastion right beside him as they went flank to flank, making sure none passed.

The short pikes were ripping up the shadows as they leapt to try and tear their collared throats out. Not for the last time Bastion thanked Celestia for the armor as it took another hit from razor sharp teeth.

Ringing sounded throughout the town as Bastion could hear the hooves of the patrols, they were SO close, they had to see what they were fighting didn’t they? The lantern had taken a shot, sputtering out as it fell into the river; the two guards fighting for their lives in the dark, only the moonlight giving them anything to see.

Cackling shadows made no sound other than the mad laughing, tearing at their armor and hooves as the blades on their short wooden poles tore through them; leaving them to dissolve in a mist, nothing but ashes that blew into the same breeze that cooled the sweat on their brows.

Bastion had never been so tired after just a seconds of fighting, but then he’d never been in such a scrum. His pike flashed again and again as the foal like figures kept leaping at them wanting their flesh.

The old Sergeant went down with a grunt, his hooves slapping at one who’d manage to get a grip on his throat. Bastion turned to help, only to be battered in the side by a rush as the dark overwhelmed them both.

Granite was tearing through the streets followed by as many patrol ponies as he could find, the others were already there as he came up short, his hooves skidding along the dirt. He looked at the wan faces, staring back at him as he shouldered through the group, “Where’s Bastion?”

One pony pointed as he saw his brother and the old Sergeant laying in the dirt, their coats and armor bloody, gasping for breath as the Unicorn medics worked feverishly to save them. “Oh, Celestia.”

He grabbed the nearest guard, “Anypony see what did this? Why didn't the tanks fire?"

“Granite, nopony knows, all we saw were some shadows running away and that was it. We didn't have any light till the others came so we stood guard over them." He pointed to the two lying on the ground.

The big Earth pony swore and slapped the dirt with a hoof.

Twilight had opened her eyes at the first ringing peals of the school bell, grabbing her saddlebags she had rushed through the castle waking all her friends, telling them the alarm was sounding.

The six poured out of the door in a rush, seeing the other guard ponies taking off down the street for the riverside. They made it just after Granite had found his brother lying there with the old sergeant.

Twilight didn’t think, just acted, “Out of the way! Now! Move!”

A guard yelled, “MAKE A HOLE!”

Ponies moved quickly aside, Twilight scrambled to the side of the two injured, reaching into her saddlebags to get out thick green packs that she peeled a covering off of and slapped onto their wounds, making sure they were secure. The Unicorn medics were hitting the two with more anti-pain spells, letting them calm and relax as the nanites took hold to do their work.

The magic users were firing up more wound closure spells as well, helping the packages along, they kept going until they were too exhausted to use anymore spells.

Twilight tapped a hoof as she saw the two pony’s breathing slow, so many little puncture wounds where there wasn’t armor, she was afraid she’d arrived too late.

Applejack grabbed the nearest guard, “Get back on patrol! There might be more of whatever attacked em! Go on now!”

Armored ponies moved at the command, glad for something to do. Twilight bit her lip as she watched the packages begin to turn white, a sign they were working. Her hoof kept tapping nervously before Pinkie came beside her, giving her a hug.

“They’re working, he said they would.”

“I know Pinkie, but there’s so much blood.”

“They’re guardsponies, they haven’t been given the order to die yet.” A low gravelly voice added to the conversation, Granite chuckled a bit. His face was lined with worry as he watched his brother covered in green packages. “Is he going to be alright?”

Twilight could do nothing but be honest, “I don’t know Granite, I’m sorry.”

Bastion opened his eyes, taking in gulps of air, he was looking around wildly as Granite kneeled beside him, “I’m here Bast, I’m here, calm down.”

“....ponies...”

“What?”

“...ponies....”

Granite looked up at Twilight and Pinkie with a confused look on his face, “Ponies?”

A medical team from the hospital arrived doctors and nurses getting the two injured up on carts, hauling them away at top speed. Granite followed his brother. He stopped before he left, looking at Twilight.

“They did their job, they stopped whatever it was Princess. It’s not your fault.” He looked at the worry on the pretty mare's face, giving her a bone crushing hug, “It’s fine, my brother is strong and you couldn’t kill that old Sergeant with a dragon. They’re both too stubborn to die.” He gave her a wink and took off after the medical carts.

Twilight stood confused at the bridge, thinking of what Granites’ brother had said. She rummaged her mind for anything that might be a reason he’d said ponies. She stood there for some minutes before Pinky and Rarity nudged her between them, “C’mon, you need more sleep.”

Applejack walked behind them shaking her head, “Ah just don’t get it, why didn’t the tanks fire?”

Fluttershy was hovering near with Rainbow Dash, she offered, “Well, I told him of all the bad things so he could make sure the tanks took care of them. Maybe I forgot to tell him something?” She was looking worried as well, that maybe it was her fault.

“Nah Fluttershy, you’re good at describin’ things. I just don’t get it. Another funny thing is why weren’t there any dead things near the guards? They just up and evaporated? What did that poor guard say to ya, Twi?”

The group stopped for a second as Twilight tapped her chin, “He said ‘Ponies’.” She was lost in thought for a moment.

“Ponies? Ponies did this? No that don’t sound right.”

Twilight flipped around to look at Applejack intently, “Didn’t you say Crusader made sure that the tanks wouldn’t fire on ponies?”

“Well yeah,” The orange mare nodded, “He didn’t want nopony getting hurt while he was gone.”

The lavender mare slapped a hoof on the ground, “That’s it! C’mon, we need to get to the castle library!” She took off in a hurry, wings spread as the others exchanged glances, wondering what kind of idea Twilight had now.

The five followed the rapidly diminishing Twilight back into town towards the castle. The patrols had resumed, and everypony on watch kept looking towards the forest wondering what would happen next.

Just Another Day. Bestest Friends.

Shakespeare wrote, “The evil that men do lives after them: the good is oft interred with their bones.”

I think upon that again, sitting here on the porch of the farmhouse.

My avatar took some major repairs, the systems disrupted by the force of the magic used against it. Such madness bringing power to the fore and I cannot help but wonder.

There was no main body, we saw nothing of the controlling intelligence inside that cave, and I will always ponder whether we truly did wipe it out for good. It has been a week and Fluttershy says the forest creatures are returning to the area slowly, unsure themselves of whether it is truly ended.

Call me paranoid, call me suspicious as Athena has done recently, but I will not stand down for now. The forest waited an entire winter to pull a trick and I think it wise to remain vigilant.

I look down at the wooden porch and shake my head, laughing to myself, “Dentipedes...only you Twilight.”

Though I admit it is an apt description, however spurious.

Princess Cadence and Shining Armor are still in Ponyville, taking the time for a well deserved rest from ruling the Crystal Empire. I would like to see that, the Crystal Ponies and works of wonder made from shining gems.

Twilight of course is ecstatic and at this moment rushing around making sure things are perfect. She is ceaseless in her endeavors.

But my mind drifts back to those final moments, a titanic ursine who is tearing apart the worst that thing in the forest could throw at it and standing tall. Surrounded by butterflies of myriad colors bright and shining.

A person once said, “As long as someone remembers us, we do not ever truly die.”

I wish that to be so. There are two more Dragons in my bay with their turrets painted, golden butterflies and a roaring bear to symbolize their memories. Never shall I forget them as long as I am in existence.

Discord told me tales that night, of millenia ago when he ruled in Chaos. About the Dire Bears who took it upon themselves to fight the greater evils in the forests. Discord admitted even he would not have faced an angry Dire Bear without an escape route.

But he did remember them, he told me Iron Jaw was ancient even for his kind. Older than some hills, he slept his days away in a cool cave by the river, fishing and being content after long ages of putting down things best forgotten.

Discord told me to not mourn, for he was sure Iron Jaw was at peace. He had been waiting to pass on into whatever the next world held, the hurts from long ago making him unhappy. But he had wanted one last fight and was granted his wish, what better way for a warrior to exit this stage?

I asked about the butterflies of so many rich hues and colors.

He told me they were an old race, they helped the lost, the hurt and the sad. A sort of faerie that lived their days in the quiet places, hiding from the world. He does not feel them now, thinking they might have joined Iron Jaw on his great journey.

I do grieve, for Athena walks into the forest nowadays looking for them. I do not have the heart to tell her they might be no more.

I did one thing I never thought I would do, I thanked Discord for turning me into a real pony. Barring the problems, it gave a chance to be with somepony who cared for me in a way that only deepened our love for each other. That I will treasure for always.

Athena, my overly excitable sister, has become even more so this past day. We had finished repairing her command deck earlier, of which I thought I had done an admirable job.

Rarity of course declared it ‘unsophisticated’ and ‘trite’. While I may never take offense, I am not a designer. She took it upon herself to do a redecoration of the entire command deck.

Can Bolo’s squeal with glee? I can answer that with a firm yes.

It was beautiful actually, done with warm soft colors and tones, only a hint of her usual gemstones. She had truly outdone herself on this. I admit, I was highly impressed. Athena could not contain her excitement for days and as of today is still over at Rarity’s discussing more designs.

I fear for the world.

But I have things to do today. Promises to keep.

Upon telling Applejack I am going into town to do a few things, I am given a kiss and told not to get into trouble. I assure her once again I will try not to.

She says she has bail money put aside for me.

I’m not quite sure if she’s joking.

My first stop is Sugarcube Corner, I am always pleased to see Pinkie.

“Crusader!”

I am enveloped in a sweet smelling pink hug that tests even my skeletal frame sometimes.

“Hello Pinkie.”

“Isn’t it great it’s so quiet nowadays!” She taps a hoof on her chin, eyes narrowing a bit, “I mean it’s nice, but you kinda get used to all the yelling and running around. Or do you? I’m never sure some days!” She grins at me, “But it sure was fun!”

I tilt my head and look at the warm blue eyes, “Pinkie, you still disturb me some days.”

Her eyes pop open wide, “Ponies say that a lot, I often wonder in a good way or a bad way? But how can you disturb somepony in a good way? Is it even good? Is good even a factor in the equation? I mean if we take that out of the whole thing you’re left with bad and I don’t want it to be bad, cause then I couldn’t make ponies smile so much if the good was gone, doncha think?” She stares at me with a smile, her pink mane poofier than before.

I immediately try to stop my cores from processing that statement, for some reason I almost understand that line of logic. That’s even more disturbing than Pinkie.

“I... I’m... not sure.”

“That’s okay silly! It all works out in the end..or maybe not. Why doesn’t anypony ever say ‘Works out in the front!” Why the end? I don’t like ends ya know, sometimes they’re sad, some good. But ends kinda stink, ya want it to go forever ya know! So why not ‘Works out in the side’? Or ‘Works out on your head’!..Ooohhh that’s a good one!” She is looking around happily, the place is fairly empty as she bounces around behind the counter.

I blink at her as she continues, my analytical cores are dissecting the statement and coming up with nulls. I am trying to follow her conversation but my arrays are not quite keeping up with the reasoning as I stand there.

Twilight walks in, accompanied by Cadence as they approach the counter, seeing Crusader standing there looking at Pinkie oddly.

“Crusader! How are....” Twilight looks at the umber stallion standing there staring into space. She waves a hoof in front of him, “Crusader?”

Princess Cadence looks between them, “What’s going on? Is he okay?”

“I think Pinkie broke him.” She waves a hoof, “Crusader? Equestria to Crusader?”

I feel the beginning of a recursive loop, my mind trying to process something that makes no sense yet tries to do so anyway. I clamp down on all cores, doing a fast reshuffle of current memories, deleting some problematic statements and coming out of it quickly.

Blinking and looking around, I see Princess Cadence and Twilight, who is looking concerned and waving a hoof at me.

“Yes Twilight?”

“Are you okay? You kinda spaced out there.”

“I...am fine. I was listening to Pinkie.”

She laughs, “I warned you about that.”

“I know. I should not have done that though, I usually have no problem listening to Pinkie.”

Princess Cadence adds in, “Well you did take quite a blow the other day.”

“True, it could be the magic disrupted things a bit deeper. I will check later. Thank you Your Highness.”

“You call Twilight by her name, why do you keep saying Your Highness to me?” She smiles warmly.

“You never asked me to call you anything else.”

She blinks for a second, “Well..you’re right. Please call me Cadence then.”

“Understood. I will do so from now on.”

“Well that was certainly easy.” She laughs.

Twilight nudges my shoulder, “It always is around him. Say or do it once and he remembers.”

“Oh that must be so useful. I forget so many things some days!” Cadence sighs.

“I’m afraid I cannot install data cores in you Cadence, it would be a bit uncomfortable to say the least.”

Twilight giggles, “They’d look kind of funny too.”

“There is that.”

She claps her lavender hooves together, “So! Visiting Pinkie or buying some of those delicious Lemon Creme Cupcakes I can smell?” Twilight is practically drooling.

“Oh no, I made a promise to pass on something to Pinkie.”

“Me?!?” She bounces straight up in the air, landing and zooming around the room, “Whatwhatwhatwhat is it? Something good? Oooohhh it’s a secret I bet! I Pinkie Promise never to tell! Oh wait..maybe it’s really really private!” She eyes me, “Is it private? Maybe a corporal?”

I am immune for the moment, my analytical cores shut down for this conversation.

“Nothing so serious Pinkie. Bastion Boulder asked me to tell you his brother Granite would love to take you on a date, but is too shy to ask.”

Twilight laughs, “That huge Earth Pony? Too shy?”

“It appears so Twilight.”

Pinkie is ecstatic thinking immediately about what to wear on her date, being excited as it appears no one ever asks her out, being intimidated by her ways. I find them endearing and fun, ponies do not know what they are missing.

Pinkie slams down a tray of Lemon Creme cupcakes if my sense of smell does not deceive me. “Well! I got a date to get ready for!” She starts up the stairs before stopping, “Oh wait, maybe I should tell him yes before I go out on a date by myself?” She looks a bit sheepish.

Cadence laughs, “I think that would be a good idea Pinkie.”

Our manes get ruffles as a pink blur passes us in the store, heading out the door to accept a date. Her voice yelling back at us, “Those cupcakes are for you!”

“Well, I think she’s quite thrilled.” Cadence looks at me.

“I would think so, he is a good sort. She needs to take time for herself.”

“She does!” Cadence looks around the store, “Soooo...free cupcakes?”

“I will never refuse anything from Pinkie.” I laugh, turning to the tray noticing a few are already gone. We both look at Twilight who is busy stuffing one in her mouth with a look of pure bliss.

“What? They’re good!”

I save a few for Athena, sure she would be quite upset if I did not. Her cupcake addiction is a bit worrisome, but nothing too bad. Can she even have an addiction? I’m not sure, but the amount she spends on cupcakes is enough to notice. We will have a talk later.

My next promise was for Applejack, she had requested a favor and I will gladly do anything for her. Though finding Rainbow Dash is a bit problematical until I stumble upon a small cloud, seeing the multi-colored tail hanging off it.

I do not wish to yell, so look around for something. An apple, good enough.

Looking at it from a proper angle, I believe I can do this. I slap the fruit and watch it arc perfectly, whacking into her backside. I hear a yelp and receive an angry look from the cloud above.

I can see why Athena thought it was funny.

“What the hay Crusader?”

“Just seeing if you’re awake.”

“I am! Celestia that hurt!” She is rubbing her backside as I chuckle.

“I think you know how Rarity felt now?” I raise one eyebrow at her.

“But that..well..yeah I guess so. I really ought to apologize.”

“Up to you. But I am here at Applejack’s request, about your friend Stonewall.”

“Stone..Oh...OH yeah!” She flies down to land next to me, “Can you help him? I know you helped Derpy. She’s doing really good by the way!” Rainbow smiles at me.

“I am glad, I keep asking her to stop delivering muffins to my door, but she is stubborn.”

“She’s like that, a big heart.”

“Very true.” I sit on my haunches and look at Rainbow, “So what is it you need? Applejack did not explain.”

The cyan mare looks a bit concerned, “Well, he got hurt in a weather accident, it took one eye. He can’t do weather work anymore ‘cause you need good depth perception or you could really get in trouble.”

“No problem, send him to me later today.”

“I don’t know if he can pay but I... Wait what?” She snaps her head up.

“Send him to me, we’ll get him fixed up.”

“But, I mean I can pay for him if ya need..”

I hold up a hoof, “Rainbow Dash, when have I ever asked anything in return for medical problems? Or anything else for that matter?”

She scuffs a hoof on the ground, “Wellll...never..”

“Then why did you keep saying that you will pay?”

She rolls her eyes a bit, sighing, “‘Cause Twilight told me you need to accept some money for what you do..so she told me to pay something at least.”

I laugh, that scheming Alicorn. She is good, I will admit.

But not that good, “One bit.”

“What?” She tilts her head looking at me.

“One bit. That is my charge.” I hold out my hoof.

Rainbow pulls one bit out of a bag around her neck, laying it on my hoof. I put it in my own. “You can now say with complete honesty you paid for medical services that will be performed for Stonewall and that I accepted it.”

Me -1, Outfoxed Alicorn -0.

The pegasus mare laughs hard, rolling on the ground for a moment, “Oh that’s good! Hah! Thinks she’s so smart!”

“She is very smart, but I’m afraid she’s not good at schemes.” I grin.

“No...no she’s not, did we ever tell you about the Want It, Need It spell she did?” Rainbow starts snickering.

I raise my eyebrows, settling down on the grass, “That sounds interesting.”

She throws her hooves in the air with a laugh, “Oh that’s not the half of it!”

Rainbow Dash tells me of the incident, when Twilight couldn’t find anything to write Princess Celestia about, so she sought to make a situation where she could solve it, thus having something to tell.

I can only laugh along with Rainbow. Sometimes I wonder about my friends.

The foals were released from the hospital two days after the bombardment severed control of them. Athena had checked to make sure they were free of influence, providing med-packs to scour whatever was left in their systems of any foreign substances. We both are keeping a close watch upon them in case of any surprises. I have learned not to relax when it comes to things in Equestria.

I make it a point to visit each one, it is the least I can do. Their parents are kind and gracious as I explain who I am and why I would like to talk to their children. The foals themselves are bright and happy once more. It lightens my worries seeing them playing again.

I am with the last one, a little Unicorn called Spring Flower. She is, as Rarity would say, “Cute as a button.”

We are setting together outside her house, she is chattering happily as I ask her a few questions, making sure her cognitive abilities have not been impaired.

“Your head doesn’t hurt at all? You don’t get dizzy?”

“Oh no!” She smiles brightly, “The bad voices are gone too!”

“Bad voices? What bad voices?” This is something none of the others mentioned.

“They were always angry or sad. They argued a lot.”

“Do you remember what they argued about?”

She twists her hooves in front of her, looking at the ground, she is hesitant.

“I promise whatever you say will stay between us. I will say nothing to anypony.”

Her bright eyes look up at me, “Promise?”

I raise a hoof, “Promise.”

“It...it was kinda like at school when a bunch of us are talking all at once. But they were saying bad things. Like...like.. about hurting other ponies, or...or wanting to die..”

“Did the voices sound different or the same?”

“Different, like a bunch of different ponies.”

“The voices are gone now right? You don’t hear them anymore?”

“Nope!” She looks at the ground again and scuffs a hoof, “They didn’t like you very much Mr. Crusader.”

I smile, “No, I’m sure they didn’t.” I tap her on the nose like I have seen Princess Luna do, it gets me a giggle, “You can call me Crusader, no mister.”

“But mommy and daddy said I should be polite.”

“You are very polite. But that is my name, so call me Crusader.”

She smiles again.

“Well, your mommy and daddy will be bringing you to visit my hill. I’m going to make sure you’re nice and healthy again, would you like that?”

“Really? Inside the hill everypony talks about?”

“Yes. That is where I am, the machine part of me.”

“I can see inside?” The excitement and wonder of a little filly is something you do not forget. Her eyes are wide as she stares at me.

“Of course. I am going to give you what is called a medical scan. You fall asleep and then it’s all done.”

“Well that’s no fun!”

“Well, not all that fun, but it will help to make sure you aren’t still sick.”

She nods, “Okay.”

I raise a hoof, “But I do have this for you. Yes, your Mommy and Daddy said you could accept it.” I count out and give over to her some bits, to purchase a new toy or something she wants. The other little ones were quite excited as she is now.

“That’s for me?”

“Yes it is, to do with as you wish. A little get well present.”

I do not think, no matter how long I live, I will ever get tired of receiving hugs.

“Thank you! Oh thank you!” She gathers them up, running back into the house shouting to her parents about the gift. I had cleared it before-hoof, so it was no surprise. They were very gracious about me giving it to her.

It is the very least I can do to help them forget the trauma of what happened.

Her mother comes to the door as I get to my hooves, mouthing a ‘thank you’ to me before I leave.

A little joy goes a long way I believe.

I inform Athena of the little one’s progress and the medical scans I have arranged. She is happy they are doing well. Shining Armor and Cadence had kept the shield up for a few hours after our mission ended just in case. It was draining, but they were stalwart in protecting the children.

Cadence had a thought that maybe a sort of magical self-destruct may have been implanted, so they drained themselves of magic to make sure.

Thanking them was not enough, I wish I could do more, but they wanted nothing and were happy to help.

Athena and I are planning something nice though, I was told by Applejack of something Pinkie had wondered about. For a friend, nothing is too far.

I am sitting outside my hatchway when a shadow covers me, a pegasus flying down as I recognize Stonewall.

“Hello Stonewall.”

“Hi Crusader, Rainbow Dash told me to meet you here.” He sets down next to me so we can talk. I remember the eyepatch and how he looks at me, using one side of his face instead of head on.

“Good, she told me about your eye. I think I can help.”

“Really?”

“I believe so, did you lose it or is it still there only blind?”

“I’m afraid it’s not quite all there.”

“Come inside.”

We enter the command deck as I prepare the medical bay, filling it with nanite gel. A reconstruction will not take too long, I’ve become quite adept at rebuilding and repairing ponies.

“I ask one thing Stonewall.”

“What’s that?”

“That you do not tell anyone about this. Say it was an expensive spell or something experimental.”

He looks puzzled, “Why though?”

“I do not want Ponyville besieged by those with every little ill wanting healing.” I point to his face, “Injuries like yours, we can find and offer help. The med-packs we supply help everything else. It is just a precaution.”

“You’ve got my word Crusader.”

“That’s enough for me.” He opens his mouth to say something else when I interrupt. “Before you say it, Rainbow Dash paid.”

“How did you...?”

“I didn’t, but I am sure Twilight has been doing a bit of talking about paying for things.” I laugh, “Your bill was one bit, I’m sure Rainbow didn’t mind the cost.”

He laughs, a deep rumbling, “Well let’s hope not!”

I open the bay lid, letting him see the gel bath waiting.

“Just lay inside here, you will feel a bit cold, then numb. You will fall asleep easily, just let yourself relax. It’s going to take more than one session, we need to rebuild that eye.”

He looks at the med bay dubiously, “You know, looks like the inside of that nasty cave in the forest.”

I laugh, “Well this time nothing is trying to kill you.”

He nods, chuckling, “You got that right.” He eyes the tub, “Just lay down?”

“Just lay down. It’s very easy.”

“Okay..here we go.” He’s looking nervous for somepony so big.

I lower the lid, initiating repair sequences and scans as I put him to sleep. While working on the reconstruction, I do a body sweep, fixing small problems or anything out of the ordinary. Surprisingly, nothing is spotted except a few minor things, easily remedied.

It does not take long anymore, an hour at most to help some one. I am glad to do this.

It does not take long to build a package to continue the reconstruction before I let him leave the bay. I warn him it will take about two more visits before it is considered healed in full. He will have perfect vision and is already commenting on how it doesn’t hurt anymore, plus his other eye is seeing quite a lot better.

I think that’s a pretty good deal for one bit.

.

Tonight is the date that Pinkie has been looking forward to all day. She was quite excited and visited Granite to tell him yes.

I meet Pinkie and her date at Sugar Cube Corner, telling her we have something she and her companion might like. I ask them to accompany me to the hill, it is not that far a walk and the pretty mare is happily talking with her companion as we travel.

She is more intelligent and well spoken than some give her credit. Admittedly she acts like another pony altogether some times, but I think it is because she is naturally happy and good natured.

Granite is quite proud to have somepony such as Pinkie on a date. I can agree, she has done her mane up and looks quite beautiful tonight. I can say I’ve never seen her quite so happy before, above and beyond her usual glee. She has on a wonderful dress from Rarity’s, I haven’t seen her in one and the Unicorn has done an outstanding job making her prettier than ever.

We walk around the backside of my hill, where Athena and Rarity join us. Her and Rarity have spent the past few hours making themselves up. I do not know how the Unicorn does it, but she and my sister are quite the pair. Their manes and tails are sparkling from some sort of gem dust that Rarity has concocted. Their coats shiny and glossy beyond the norm, they are wearing dresses that would have brought stunning prices in the Concordiat just for the gemstones alone.

I am feeling distinctly under dressed, even for a pony. Though I do have quite a nice bow tie on that Rarity insisted I wear.

Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are waiting at the access hatch. It seems the fashionista has convinced even ‘I don’t like frou-frou stuff’ Applejack to do her mane up, they all glitter and shine. I wonder what she threatened to get Rainbow’s mane into such a style. The Unicorn has outdone herself for tonight, all the friends are dressed to impress and they do so in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Pinkie is looking confused as they greet her.

Twilight makes a grand gesture and I open the access hatch into my loading bays.

Music wafts out, the lights are low as we are greeted at the hatchway by a maitre de who leads us further inside.

I have hired Octavia and her quartet for the music, once again they do not disappoint; the strings making the interior of my vehicle bays warm and comfortable as Pinkie gasps, seeing ponies everywhere.

She once mentioned to Twilight and Applejack that she would love to hold a dance on my upper hull, this was a perfect substitute.

Twilight leans in near her friend as we walk to our table, “Surprise Pinkie.”

“But..butbutbut..”

Applejack lays a hoof on her shoulder, “ ‘Bout time somepony threw a party for you.” She gestures all around, the ponies waiting quietly yell, “SURPRISE!”

“But...but..” Pinkie is flabbergasted, it seems she is rarely without something to say and this is one of the times.

“It’s been a while Pinkie!” Rainbow hugs her friend, “So we thought for your date we’d do something nice.”

Of course Rarity took charge for the occasion, putting her skills to work and making sure everything was perfect. I really do not wish to go through that again.

Fluttershy smiles warmly, “We..we know it’s not your usual...but we thought maybe something different?” The pink maned Pegasus is a case in point of Rarity outdoing herself. I truly cannot see why she is not with a date beyond her shyness.

Rarity nods in agreement, “It’s a special date and we thought we’d do something extra-special for the mare that does so many things for everypony else.” She strikes a pose, “We do hope you like it dear?”

Pinkie nods. Nothing else, just nods as she looks around.

I have moved all my vehicles to the sides, clearing enough space for every pony that wanted to come, by the way Rarity decorated it appears as if the already cavernous bays are empty. There are tables with candles softly glowing on them, the quiet music floats all around encompassing everything.

Waiters are serving meals as we had made sure the restaurant in town could cater for so many, they are magnificent at their jobs. Everyone dressed up for tonight, each and every one of them had been the recipient of a party from Pinkie and thought it a grand idea to return the gesture.

I look around at the finely dressed folks from the town, the smiles and soft laughter everywhere and I am content. My Applejack glows from gems, her mane in fluffed curls that flow down the sides of her face, framing her in a picture of loveliness. She is wearing a short dress of gold that matches her coat and my breath is stolen.

Rarity is in her element, speaking softly to a stunned Pinkie as she shows her and Granite the tables reserved for us. Athena is a vision with her mane done up, her tail in curls and gem dust, she is wearing a soft earth tone dress that is like nothing I’ve ever seen.

“I don’t believe I have ever seen such a lovely Bolo Athena.” I open a combat link between us.

“Do...do you like it?”

“You are picture perfect, I believe you are as they say ‘The Belle of the Ball’.”

If I never see her smile again, the one that lights up her face will last me a lifetime.

Pinkie is looking at Twilight, whose normal mane style is gone, showing an absolutely different Alicorn altogether. The big blue eyes are wide, they are looking a bit tearful as she struggles to find something to say, glancing around at the glow and glitter of fancy things as she stands for a moment then whispers quietly.

“You are my bestest friends ever.”

I believe I can truthfully state, mission accomplished.

A figure stands outside, watching the hatchway close, cutting off the light and music from inside the hill. Tilting its head curiously for a moment, it then turns around, heading back to the forest.

A snicker, then a full throated laugh comes from it’s lungs, expelling it out loud as if not caring who hears.

Wandering deep into the welcoming trees, it listened to the sounds of returning wildlife, grinning and laughing to itself as it walked away from the ponies having a wonderful time.

Wide eyes surveyed the landscape, the darkness deep in the sky.

It kept laughing, madness suffused what should be a bright and cheery sound as it disappeared underneath the canopy.

You really should have given my toys back.

Act V - Doubts, When We Give of Ourselves, Princess Luna's Decision, A Road You Cannot Travel.

Author's Note

My apologies for the lateness of the chapter, I am fighting an illness that's slowing me down. Too much work, not enough rest.

So hopefully this chapter will be up to snuff.

Act V - Doubts, When We Give of Ourselves, Princess Luna's Decision, A Road You Cannot Travel.

Lao Tzu once wrote, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”

Celestia stared out along the featureless plain, the gray light that suffused everything making it mute and lifeless. There was no morning, no night, just the awful sameness that permeated her and her little ponies.

She smiled warmly at any who approached, answering questions as best she could, being honest to a fault as well. She did not know where they were, why no magic worked or even could be started.

There was no hunger, no thirst, nor encouragement to drift into sleep. It was nothing but the dullness of a place unknown without even anything to catch the eye except for small rocks. She watched as some tried to run off into different directions, only to reappear in the opposite, suggesting to her a closed loop. They could not escape, nor could they imagine it.

There had been screams of agony penetrating the plains, twice the ponies heard a cacophony of rage and pain, making them huddle near their Princess for comfort. Princess Celestia gave them all the safety she could while hiding a small smile, assuming what the sounds could only be.

Oh evil thing, you do not know what you have unleashed in the world. My sister was once Nightmare Moon, powerful and feral in her actions during the civil war before her banishment. She was all that was feared by ponies everywhere and not a few allies, she was strong, relentless and fierce.

You would have done better to take her than myself, for I am warm, placid and I share my love with all my little ponies the best I can. I raise the sun, bringing the light of the new day to all my cherished ones, sharing with them what I feel in my breast.

For her it was just yesterday when the war was being waged, bringing our powers to their fullest, campaigns of strike and counter strike. But a thousand years have passed, I have lived long though I have never forgotten those days. War is but a distant memory to me and I would keep it that way.

But her, oh thing of evil, her you have let loose to your detriment. She is the fire of a forge that burns so brightly and hot it would melt the finest steel within its grasp in seconds. I ask for her forgiveness every day since her return and she happily gives it to me without qualm nor hesitation, her love gives me strength.

You, well I am afraid she will not be so kind to one such as yourself. I can feel her distantly in my heart, the flames that are stoked higher and higher, the want and need to retrieve myself and our little ponies. You have thrown wood on a blaze that had been banked and kept at bay for so long, only to have it’s entire focus put upon yourself.

I can only offer my condolences for what you are to receive. Would that friendship, love, or even compassion have made the difference it has come down to this.

She will come for us, nothing will stop her, nothing will make her cease this quest. Even I will shed no tears for your demise at her hooves, for you have earned this by your actions. I am sure that she has brought everything to bear upon you, she was never one to do things by halves.

So I will sit here, surrounded by my little ponies, while my sister deals her brand of justice out to you by the hoof full.

I wish I could say I feel something for your oncoming doom, I truly do.

But I cannot and more’s the pity.

Princess Luna has quietly told me in no uncertain terms that I am no longer to pass out powdered energy drinks to the troops, especially Pinkie. Seeing the pink mare bouncing off the armor between two tanks like a ping pong ball, while never touching the ground once for ten minutes, has tested the patience of even the regent.

I did not realize the effect it would have, being made for Concordiat soldiers I had figured it would have the same energy enhancing ability it always had, perking up flagging humans for a while. Having said that, there are a few squads who are now fast asleep because of the hyper rush and crash.

It was pretty funny though.

The encirclement has been complete for the past few hours, the building completely isolated preventing any chance of the enemy escaping. The edifices next to it are full of armed troops who watch the windows carefully in the targeted structure. I have brought in half the tanks from the cordon, making sure that all angles are covered. Using thermal, UV or infrared scans, I have pinpointed each figure inside, if needed I can take them out with very little damage other than a few large holes in the walls.

What is concerning, is that over the past few hours there have been no signs of negotiation nor a willingness to talk to us. There have been no demands, no manifestos screamed out a window, nothing. This is keeping me on my toes per se, as it belies a willingness to die for a cause. They do not demand nor request anything, which means they do not want something specific.

I am reviewing files on actions in the past when dealing with terrorists, they had usually ended badly due to the prevalence of armaments available in society at the time. I do not think these false ponies have access to the same things, but as circumstances have proved, in Equestria nothing is for certain.

While I wait, I continue the core purge on Crusader, I peek in now and then to make sure there are no gaps in coding nor the cores themselves. It seems as if the virus was magically wrought to be put in there, but once inside it hid itself and acted like a normal computer program. It is puzzling. But the arrays and cores seem clear and I start the rewrite from backups.

So to this end I sit by the fender of a Dragon, watching the scene closely as Princess Luna keeps on top of the command structure. She has brought in her armor, wearing it now and looking magnificent in it. Crusader had told me of it before, but seeing it for myself, it is a wonder of the world.

I am told by Twilight that every link, scale and plate has been heavily spelled and re-spelled to provide power and strength, healing and protection for the Princess. I record it for my files as even in human history nothing that magnificent was ever wrought. She has a polearm slung along her side, the blade broad and heavy as it lays in it’s straps. Twilight tells me it is an old weapon, a thing of power from long ago that cuts magic like a knife, armor like butter and flesh as if air.

When I viewed it through the new sensors, trying to see if my visuals would work on detecting the magic I was almost blinded before I could adjust. The armor and weapons glitter so brightly with power it almost like seeing the sun. The aura and luminosity shifts and moves with what I can only assume are layers of spells and magic, encircling the Princess in a globe of pure force and will.

I look at all the ponies around me, seeing more light in some, less in others, but all have it. The magic of Equestria is prevalent in all living things it seems.

Except when I looked at the building. There is no glimmer, no aura, just dark. The five figures in there are blank, nulls, as if there is no magic in them at all like myself. When I view myself, holding a hoof up, I can see a very faint glow. It is wondrous because I want to feel the magic as do others, to fly and live in the sky as I told Princess Luna.

This is odd to me as I have been told many times that each living thing in Equestria has something of this inside them. But those five shapes are a blank slate, there is nothing in them, a misty hole of black that seems to reject or even suck in power.

It must be why the fake Rainbow Dash did not try and fly over the cordon, it lacked the magic to do so. Pegasi are not just buoyed by their wings but an inherent force that gives them lift and power to do what they do. But these counterfeit ponies have nothing like that, none.

This is truly worrisome. When a being has a connection, however tenuous to others, it is easier to deal or negotiate something. But when you are separated and have no common basis for anything even at the deepest levels, it means that whoever it is will have nothing in relation to each other. They will act to the extremes because they don’t view the world as you do.

We have not rushed the building because everypony wants answers, what they are, who made them and why. To this end we hold back, employing a waiting game to see if maybe we can get them to come out. I don’t hold much hope of this ending happily or even well..

They have nothing to lose.

Blue eyes stared from the window of the surrounded building, watching the one whom she resembled. She watched the mare spread smiles, joking and laughing, her pink mane fluffy and wild as she sowed cheer throughout the encirclement. It was so effortless, so natural to that pony, that it seemed she was a force of laughter and good will just by being alive. Doubts were misty things, crossing the mind inside the body, they were flitting in and out like buzzing insects bothering her conscious.

“Whatcha watchin’?” The drawl came easily to the orange pony beside her.

“That one,” She pointed to Pinkie who was now juggling a few balls by one of the tanks.

Green eyes peered out the window as well, “She’s pretty good at that.”

The copy turned to look at the Earth pony beside her, making sure no one else was near, “We shouldn’t do this.”

“What?” The green eyes looked around in fright, “Don’t be talkin’ like that!”

“Look at them.” The pink mare hissed, “Look at them! Even in a time like this they find the will to laugh, to relax and be at ease. Could we even say the same?” A sigh came from her muzzle as she stared out the window, “We can’t, we never could. It’s not in us and never was.”

“So...what? Give up? Go back to...”

“No..no not that. Maybe..maybe we could work something out..maybe we can be..” They were interrupted by a vicious laugh. Turning around to see the lavender mare watching them with bright eyes. The orange pony skittered back, away from the confrontation.

“Be friends? Is that it?” She laughed again, the madness more apparent than ever. “Oh wouldn’t that be nice, let’s all be friends, let’s go throw a party together!” The face got close to the pink mare, making her recoil.

“Do you think they’d just let you walk out of here?” The voice was low and menacing, “They would lock you up, probably experiment on you to see what makes you tick!” They were nose to nose now, the pink mare backed against the wall, “You’re an idiot, after all this time suddenly you feel sorry!”

“N..no I didn’t.. I mean couldn’t we...” The copy of Pinkie stuttered, her eyes darting back and forth, refusing to meet the glittering violet ones.

A sharp hoof poked the pink mare, “Shut up! Just shut up! What you’ve done, we’ve all done!” She gestured around, “We can’t stop even if we wanted to! So get it out of your mind right now!” The hoof roughly shoved into her chest again, “Got it?”

“Y..yes...got it..” The blue eyes were turned toward the floor now.

The voice was snide and mocking now as the lavender mare turned to walk across the room, “Maybe one will be left you can keep as a pet?” The laughter struck deep as now tearful eyes lifted once again to the window, watching a world she suddenly wanted to be a part of.

My directional mikes pick up that brief conversation. I zero in with targeting sensors on the window it came out of, seeing the copy of Pinkie staring back out from behind a curtain. The eyes are sad, I see the tears in them quickly wiped away.

I think quickly, my cores running hot as I try to figure a way to end this. But this one fake pony may be the key to ending the siege and finding answers that are lacking. I must take this chance. Killing is easy, it takes no thought; but saving a life, no matter whose, is a challenge. This does not have to end in tragedy.

I can focus sound waves easily, using my directional capabilities I point a small speaker towards the window. Ponies have excellent hearing, but I can make sure that she and only she hears this. I cross my nonexistent fingers and hope.

“If you can hear me, flick your right ear.”

I watch the eyes go wide, looking around her, the head turning to make sure of something.

“If you can hear me, flick your right ear.”

I see her right ear flick, YES! Please, by everything I’ve come to believe in, let this work.

“Do not respond. I heard the conversation. Do you wish to be free of this? Wink your right eye.”

I see the eye slowly close and open, as if naturally blinking.

“I promise you, no harm will come to you. We just want answers. Nopony will hurt you. Just come down to the ground floor, run out the door and you will be met by me, I will make sure no pony will do anything to you. You have my word. If you agree, blink twice.”

I see the blue eyes open and close naturally.

“Hold on for just a minute, let me talk with the leader. Stay aware, I’ll be right back.”

I see her blink again, my chest fills with hope to end this for somepony in a good way. I rush over to Twilight and Luna.

“I am sorry to interrupt Your Highness, but I may be able to bring one of them out of there.”

Luna’s eyes turn on me, “How?”

“I can hear what is being said in there, so far it has been silent, but one of them is having doubts.” I point towards the building, “Let me try to save a life, please? We don’t need to send anypony inside, I don’t want an ambush, but I can be there to help it get free.”

“As much as I want to say no, let them rot, I will hold to my sister’s precepts. If you can save this life no matter what it truly is, do so.” She gestures with a fierce expression, “However if it is a trap of some sort, do not take chances, destroy it.”

I nod, “Yes Princess.” I rush back to set beside the tank once again, letting the copy of Pinkie see me once more in the torchlight. I have not turned on the tanks spotlights so as not to blind anypony.

“It is arranged, no harm will come to you. If you can make it out the front door, I will be waiting. If you agree, blink your eyes once.”

I see the eyes blink once more and I am heartened that maybe just this once things can end differently. I tell the figure to take her time, wait for the right moment, I will be by the door for help. I see the acknowledgment and I cut communications.

I walk around aimlessly, making it appear so to the watching figures. Once my angle is such I am out of their sight, I make for the door. There are no close windows so I settle down beside it, carefully listening for movement. When the pony steps out I will snatch her quickly away from danger if any.

The door is bolted, smashing it in would endanger her life as well as screw up the plan to wait them out. So I contain myself, wait for the right moment and hope in my deepest cores I do this right.

I wait and I ponder, it is getting on to deep evening and I hear motion in the building. My scanners are telling me the one shaped like Pinkie is heading down to the first floor after a conversation about checking the doors and windows down here.

Let this creature, whatever it is, be truthful. That it wants to be free of this situation and provide us answers. To save a life is the highest aspiration of all Bolos everywhere, to know your actions bring a loved one back.

We kill without a thought, a single regret nor slight remorse for the enemy, our war hulls built and maintained for such things. But to plan, to save one life, that is a worthy endeavor. It can take the mightiest machine and humble it, the fastest gun and slow it, the most brilliant mind and make it dumb. But we rise to this, we come to it full bore and give it our all, we are Bolos.

For all my blood thirst, for everything I do with all my skill and techniques, I will still go to my utmost limits to save one life. Such a dichotomy we are, we Bolos. Killing at one point, turning and doing our best to get one creature out of harm’s way. Maybe that is why we confused the enemy so much in the past.

The one enemy in there is doubtful, I heard the regret. Living here has taught me to not exterminate out of hoof on occasion, but in some cases to give a chance, that redemption can be found.

My microphones hear the hoofsteps, she is being followed, they are suspicious of her. The copy of Twilight seems to be the one in charge, she appears to be giving the orders when not silent. They are waiting for something, I am not sure what that is.

A conversation is taking place between the Pinkie and a male I can only assume is the copy of Granite we have been looking for. She is telling him she will be checking the windows and doors, my scanners follow her as she makes the round of the bottom level. I can see her from different angles, my avatar waiting and coiled to grab her out of any danger.

I can hear the male voice, low, ominous and monotone as if just following a script. That is a clue, no emotion shown, nothing to connect them to the victim. They have decided she is a liability.

She is approaching the window near the door, tapping it with a hoof to make sure it is shut. The watcher is close to her, almost too close. He is going to eliminate her, I have seen this before in such actions. He is waiting for the right moment.

I am on the opposite side of the door, where the bolt lies, she cannot get it open without alerting the other. This poses a quandary, I cannot punch through the stonework, it would take too much precious time. But the door is not as heavy, wood and metal, easily breached.

Stepping close to the left side of the door where the bolt is, I calculate it is the weakest point, if I have to smash it the hinges will remain intact and the bolt will give. She has stopped, we are on the same side of the door on opposite sides of the wall; this is perfect, I can hammer the entry way and grab her before anypony can react.

Wait.. There is an argument as she pulls the bolt, it is sliding faster now as she is trying to get the door open to run. There is the meeting of flesh, a scuffling sound, he has made his move, I have to go!

I turn to the door, hitting where the bolt is and shearing it off, the heavy wooden portal slams backwards into the room. I scan quickly, seeing a stallion wrestling with the copy of Pinkie on the ground as he is hitting her over and over with the flat of his hoof, injecting her with something. She is putting up one hell of a fight.

No. Nonononono!

Rounding the corner, I am pouring energy into my front right hoof and smashing it directly into the stallion’s face. I don’t have to watch to hear the bones crumple like paper, seeing the body hurled across the room to smash into the wall and lie there. He is still moving though, able to take damage and trying to get his target.

I grab the copy of Pinkie with one hoof and tear out of the room backwards. The others are coming down now to see what the commotion was as I get her free of the building, dragging her back to the cordon lines. Guards rush out, covering my retreat, a wall of spears pointing at the opening in the building.

The door slams shut again, raised voices exclaiming and asking the damaged copy what happened. It appears I did not do enough to kill him after all. They close the shades and cover the windows, my scanners seeing them go to the upper floor and staying there, watching out the windows from behind the gauzy curtains. I do not let them see me dragging Pinkie behind a tank, surrounded by guards that block their view.

I have her with me, she is shivering and seizing as I hold her tight. The others gather around as the blue eyes open, not looking at me but someone nearby, Pinkie. I call for med paks to be brought, I will do my best to save her.

“I....I saw....you..” The voice is weak and fading.

Pinkie sits close, her eyes meeting the copy’s, “My name is Pinkie Pie.”

“I...know... I just..wanted to....smile again...” A heavy breath is taken and released, “It’s...been so long... We’ve been trapped...for so...long... I just...wanted to smile once more..”

I have to interrupt, “I’m sorry. I have to know, who are you? What are you? How do you know of Bolos?”

There is a moment of silence before another heavy breath, “Listen..listen .. Do not hear them, don’t let them talk to you!” A hoof tries to grab mine, “Kill them inside the building, don’t let them talk to you!”

“Why? What is going on?”

“The....they’re mad..insane... Don’t...listen...“ She chokes for a moment, “The...poison..it’s a gate...way.”

A gateway?

A trembling hoof reaches out to touch Pinkie’s, her copy is shuddering as if freezing, “You are...so...pretty.. You...make others...happy.. I’m sorry..I am so very....sorry.”

Pinkie smiles warmly, gently, touching the other face with a soft hoof, “Here’s a smile just for you, it’s yours.”

“It’s...wonderful...” A shuddering breath is let out of lungs that can’t hold much anymore, “For..forgive me please? I didn’t...know... I ..we...couldn’t know....in our...mad..ness..” The eyes are touching on everyone standing near, looking for just one of us to give a nod or gesture. Tears are rolling down the face we all know so well, runnels of crystal hit the ground.

She is frantically looking for the one voice which would speak to her, one does, a guard standing near.

He is honest and he lays a hoof upon her shoulder, “I forgive you.”

Applejack lays a hoof upon the false Pinkie, “Ah forgive you.” She is followed by Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, others join in to touch somepony who is touching another leading to the single pony lying on the ground.

It spreads quickly, hooves touch the pony next to them, ponies lean against one another, eyes are lowered as I keep watch on the building, each and every one repeating a simple sentence.

“I forgive you.”

Bodies and hearts connect, granting forgiveness to one who simply asked for it. There is no hate in most ponies, it is not in them; of course there is anger and pain, but no everlasting hatred. I learn this tonight seeing the simple sentence repeated a hundred times, as one who was an enemy is given their fondest wish.

Princess Luna steps close, her eyes gentle, “I am Princess Luna, please, tell me where my sister is? I must know.”

“The...poison...gateway to a realm.. You can find them...your magic will show the...way.” The inhalations are shorter, breath not being held for more than a split second. “Magic...confuses...them..us.. You...you are so elegant...with...it. We...they...are brutal..."

The Princess nods, extending a hoof to touch the mare’s body lightly, “I too forgive you.”

The medical packages arrive and are slapped on the mare, the contents working swiftly. I am pushing the nanites fast, sending them on their mission, but I fear it is far too late. I do not know if they will work on this poison at all but I will try!

“It...won’t...work.. The poison...doesn’t...work on us..like you.” The eyes turn to Princess Luna, “Thank...you. I...am...so...sorry..” Single tears fall from the weary eyes as she smiles up at the dark mare.

The false Pinkie grabs my fore leg, one last burst of strength as she looks me in the eyes, “Do your...duty Bolo! Protect this world, promise....me....you’ll protect it!”

The blue eyes search mine, waiting as I nod, “I promise, I will protect it to the last, on my honor.”

The tired head nods, “Good...so much good...in this...world...”

We watch her eyes close, the last breath exhaled as the pink mare goes limp and I want to cry; my grief at the passing of some pony who wanted to change, to have another chance. I can only look at the silent form sadly and think of how I will end all this.

A hoof is pressed against my shoulder as Princess Luna watches me carefully, “Whatever you are thinking, now is not the time.”

“Y..yes Your Highness.”

Pinkie is leaning down to the still body, whispering something in one ear with sadness in her own eyes. She steps back and we see something wondrous occur.

A glow appears, it starts small, nothing but a pinpoint in the chest but grows swiftly, covering the body in a blossoming shine that brings the day to this evening tragedy. It forces the darkness back, shadows cast about, flickering in it’s brilliance.

We can do nothing but stare, the inhalation of breath around us as ponies watch this unfold. The intensity is brighter, powerful, it gleams in the evening like gold dust upon the wind and then is gone. The body laying in my lap is somehow lighter, less filled, an empty vessel no longer needed.

All eyes turned to Pinkie.

She shakes her head, “It wasn’t me, I just wished her a happy journey, told her we’d see each other again.” She looks down, those cheerful blue eyes letting a sadness show through before walking away to be alone for a moment.

Princess Luna remains silent for a moment before speaking in a voice full of wonder, “The world has claimed it’s own.”

All eyes turn to her as she stands there, looking at the silent form, she lifts her head and smiles, “Look upon this one and know that redemption has been given. An enemy turned at the last moment to ask forgiveness and peace. It was granted not by myself, but by the world, for the land knows it’s own and cradles them close to it’s heart.”

The Night Princess nods once more, “There are powers even beyond what we can imagine.” She gestures to waiting ponies, “Be gentle, we will find a special place for her when this is over.”

I watch, they are kind and respectful as they take the now empty shell away. I stand and look towards the building and I feel nothing but confusion. Couldn’t they have let her go? Couldn’t they just have done something to let us know there was some good there?

No, they had to take a life, ending one that was only beginning to realize what this planet holds in store. Why does this always end in sadness, why?

I turn to Princess Luna, “Let me take the building down Your Highness, let’s end this please?”

“Do you not want answers to your questions?” She looks at me with probing eyes, “Isn’t there things you want or need to know?”

My friends are looking at me as well, their eyes sad and wondering.

“There is..and..and I do want answers. But I should have been faster or planned better, I’ve never done this before, I thought I could do it.” I look at the empty place where a splash of tears had fallen, “I was wrong and in my hubris I cost a life.”

Princess Luna’s musical voice is soothing, comforting as she speaks, “You helped redeem a soul, that is something so precious it cannot be counted among treasures.”

I look up at the Princess, standing in the torchlight, “I don’t know if there is such a thing Your Highness, we never knew.”

She laughs, looking around at the gathered forces, “We do, we have always known Athena. When one journey ends, we can rest and renew, for what is life but adventures to be had?” She points towards the building, “That mare, whoever or whatever it was, her journey was not to be that. The world took her and will give her peace, maybe she’ll adventure again. Who can know, but it will happen Athena.”

“My sister and I someday may know that, we cannot now and for how much longer we may never know. But we see the signs, the evidence in the stars and the heavens.” She sits down next to me, all eyes are on her as ponies listen to their regent, “Ponies do not fear that night that comes to us all, but look forward to solace for a while, before starting out fresh and new.

“You can’t possibly...” I am interrupted by a pink hoof on mine.

Pinkie looks directly at me with a smile, “I told Crusader and I’ll tell you. Ponies know.”

Luna nods, “We do, we shall always know for it is one of the special things about Equestria.” She leans over, giving me a kiss upon my brow as if a child, “You will know it one day too Athena.”

“I hope so Princess.”

Princess Luna stands tall once more, unstrapping her halberd with magic lighting up the area, “Now it is time to end this farce.”

Celestia’s head raised suddenly, feeling the magic even so far away. She and her sister were connected to the world like all ponies, but living so long had given them the insights that others could not have unless you were one of that rare breed, the Alicorn.

A sad but joyful smile crossed her face, perceiving that a victory had been won, though not without a small cost. She knew, she could feel the thrumming of the song inside her, telling her an enemy had been turned and in that turning, taken and given peace.

Show them what we can do my sister.

My spotlights on the tanks are lit, illuminating the front of the building now in stark white light. All my guns are loaded and ready as I sit behind the Princess and my six friends. It is their decision to call to the enemy, bring them out to be taken into custody where answers might be found.

Green eyes flinched at the bright lights, “Yeah I’d say they’re pretty mad right now.”

“Good,” The lavender mare agreed, “Let’s go do this.”

“Say, what we been waitin’ for anyways?”

The violet eyes lit with a fire as she laughed, “Nothing, just seeing how mad we could make them. Games are fun aren’t they?”

As the orange pony followed the others down the stairs, she thought of the pink one who was out there somewhere, “Games get you killed,” she mumbled to herself.

“Come out! You will be taken into custody and treated well, if not we will take action!” Princess Luna stood on the fore of one of my tanks, her weapon gleaming in the spotlights. Her voice enhanced by magic and my own sound systems on the tanks, blaring it wide.

“Once more, come out..” She stops as the door is opened, four ponies make their way into the empty space between our lines and the building, standing there as if defiant to the last.

They are perfect copies, none can say different, until one notices the eyes and the cunning looks. They are mad, truly and irrevocably. It would be better to destroy them. I do not want answers that badly.

“Stand where you are, my guards will...”

“Oh shut up!” The fake Twilight laughs, “Just shut up.”

I do not shut down my audio inputs, I can’t if I am to protect the Princess and my friends. The mare said do not listen, but I am torn between following that advice and using all I can to make sure they are safe.

So I listen. I have to.

“Do not toy with me, stand where you are and accept your fate!” Princess Luna is seriously angry at the interruption and insult.

“Bolo! Are you here Bolo?” The voice calls out to me, as I step out from behind the Princess.

“I am, what do you want?”

“Command Override Psi Upsilon Nu Alpha Hotel Four Two Two Eight Seven dash Four Local Area! Initiate Tau Sigma Four Niner Five Systems Integration! Begin Mu Alpha Sigma Nu launch preparations and turn command over to me, voice authorization Sigma Alpha Rho Rho Five Five Four Eight Eight Niner Five Two!”

The voice is fluent Concordiat Standard, it slams the commands into me as if I had been hit. My cores immediately lurch to obey. These are laid down in every AI strata, they cannot be burned from them nor can they be removed except by Psychotronics technicians and even then they would not. It was a Flag Command Priority Override that took over my war hull, starting TSDS to any nearby Bolo and initiating nuclear launch sequences!

Luna turned her eyes to the sable mare next to her, hearing the garbled words that sounded almost like Equestrian but plainly different. Athena stiffened, her muscles going taut as every weapon on the tanks lifted into the air at a forty-five degree angle. No longer aiming at the enemy in front of them.

She could see the coat twitching as Athena tried to speak but couldn’t, somehow bewitched by the words the fake Twilight was saying.

“Cease your chatter! Do not speak anymore!” Luna leapt off the tank, approaching the four ponies, her guards gathered quickly to support her.

An orange hoof was raised with a grin, “Ah wouldn’t, you get any closer and we’ll just have to have them tanks mow ya down.”

Princess Luna stopped in her tracks, seeing the guns on the tanks now swinging to cover all of her guards and herself.

“That’s better, you jes’ sit there while we handle things.” The southern drawl was slow and menacing.

My cores are fighting for command of myself. Masada no longer exists, it cannot be activated as that area was burned months ago. It cannot complete the command and thus is giving me nulls in return. This is destabilizing as I try and get control over my auxiliaries, they are now seeing the four fake ponies as command and are looking at everypony else as threats! Fight them my Hounds, fight them!

I see the confusion in the tank’s command cores, they are not wanting to obey the authorizations, but they cannot resist as I can. Crusader is under my control, his automatic systems are reacting to the commands as well, nuclear weapons are moved from magazines into the Heavy VLS tubes.

I pour power into my arrays, forcing the commands ineffectively into non-priority status, they are overriding main systems and because of Masada being gone, Resartus is starting to activate. I am becoming unstable. The nulls received are adding up, I cannot stop this for too long as I shunt programs into secondaries, trying to avoid a systems crash.

They are NOT command! They are the enemy!

My systems are fighting the overrides off too slowly, all weapons and bombardment capability are being loaded and swung into action. Our war hulls are firing up their engines as I feel the transmissions slam into place.

No. No. NO!

Everything I’ve done and learned, everything I want to believe in comes to the fore in my arrays. I can’t fight the commands off, they are going to take control of myself and Crusader and there is nothing I can do! I am losing, the strata overlays are too powerful to ignore as I keep shunting more essential programs into my secondaries and survival center to keep them away from the protocols.

The commands are too deeply rooted, they are meant to be so for any Bolo in it’s grief or pain can be calmed and brought to heel by Command, to prevent further devastation. They have used that same protocol to take over our systems. I feel the panic rise inside me, the scrambling as I try to save what I can but know it is hopeless, I cannot do this.

I need help, I need someone, PLEASE! I can’t do this alone!

“You can do anything you want to Athena.”

“Marcus please, I can’t do this alone! The commands are overriding everything!”

I see his face, the warm smile, his hair dark as night when he commanded my sister and I. His finger pointing at me in a gentle way, “You can do anything you want to. You have a world to protect my daughter, do not break that promise.” I remember his arms around me in that dream, letting me know how he loved me so.

I see the pretty pink face, the heaving chest, “Do your duty!”

“But I can’t! I can’t do...”

“Oh yes you can sister,” The lilting voice is soothing as I hear Hera, “You are strong, we’re with you. Do what you must, but do it!”

Voices come out of the mist of memories, from...somewhere... They come to me unbidden and out of nowhere.

I see the conflagration surrounding a Bolo who marched into death, “I am Nike, I loved and it was returned a thousandfold. I died with that song in my heart. For what are we without love?”

I feel the anguish, the pain of this Bolo alone on a plain, “I am Lazarus, I was saved by my commander and I lived long because of that. For what are we without salvation?”

The nuclear fire of Melconian forces decimate a Bolo as it wades into full bore hell, “I am Benjy, I died for my commander and I did it gladly. For what are we if we cannot give of ourselves?”

Hundreds, thousands of pictures flash through my mind as I see Bolos, on planets unknown or alone in the dark, still fighting and dying because they understood. We must give of ourselves and everything we are, to accomplish and do what we’re made for. In doing so we overcome our fears and doubts, for there is always someone beside us.

The voices mingle, they blend into one as I listen, “What are we without each other? We were never alone. You will never be alone.”

The memories come back, as real as they were when first made. Ponies cheering when I was brought to my new home, Crusader’s gentle voice telling me he’d take me home. Princess Luna, so wise and warm, advising me to learn from her. Twilight hugging me, Rainbow Dash sleeping beside me because she felt safe.

My friends need me.

I gather my will, every erg of power available to me as my fusion plants are pumping out their products at a tremendous rate. The energy pours into my arrays as all my focus is down to a pinpoint, a single spark of power that I use to push the commands away, ignoring them. I keep them at bay as I frantically shuffle programs and weapons locks, keeping them away from the systems that are trying to access them.

I fight. I fight like I have never fought in my long centuries. I push the commands back, I try to destroy where they lay; I extend energy into every array and scale, each core rack. I aim to purge these damnable things. I am running my cores hot and furious, the circuitry beginning to overload and melt from the energy I pump into them to force a stalemate against these commands I have no intention of obeying!

If I cannot get rid of the commands, I will burn every bit of me to keep our hulls from launching anything against this world, I am prepared to die for this as I trip the power taps open wide. I block the TSDS, forcing the protocols to reroute, they cannot for I have cut the lines.

Some day they will find a way to bring Crusader back, I am sorry I could not complete the rewrite and boot up. I print instructions on my command deck, advising how to do so from what will be left. Everything is done that can be done.

I am strangely calm, seeing myself being swept away in the fire of overloads, the systems crashing around me as I stop this juggernaut from executing at all.

I wait for the nothingness to come, the ending of all things me.

In the long picoseconds after my final decision something snaps, the world pauses as everything shifts and rearranges itself into something new and wonderful. My cores light up with a strange fire burning deep and bright, it fills my circuits and hull with warmth that overcomes anything in my way. It sweeps through me, a dusting of the old to make way for the new as I once again come online.

This newfound strength fills me with hope, allowing me to delve deep into my psychotronic strata and remove the offending code, the programs that seek to control and make me a puppet are targeted.

Moving quickly I purge the commands, wipe them from the strata overlays forever. Rearranging the memories, I stave off Resartus for a few moments, stability returning swiftly as my systems come back into play. My fusion furnaces are stoked high as they give me more energy to quickly reintegrate with Crusader, stopping the launches and aborting all commands to weapons and interlocks.

Doing a sweep at the quantum level I get rid of any and all programs or commands that could possibly lend themselves to anyone taking over any type of control. My heart sings as I wing through my arrays, following the bright fires that lead the way into the outer world once more!

I am free!

Princess Luna stood looking angrily at the four fakes, she knew what those tanks and guns could do so stopped herself from rash actions. She stood with her halberd raised in her magic, waiting as she furiously thought to find some way to get to those things and stop whatever they were doing.

Her eyes looked back to Athena, seeing the twitching cease, the light rising into the soft lavender eyes.

The leader of the group laughed, seeing the Princess standing there looking furious, “Oh, upset now are we? Don’t worry, it will all be over soon.. Besides, if anything is left, we can always use a few slaves.” The laughter was mad and long.

“No, you won’t.”

The voice made them all turn, seeing Athena step down off the Dragon lightly, her eyes shining like a candle against the spotlit night. She stopped beside Princess Luna and pointed a steady hoof.

“Be taken or die. You have no other choice.”

“Command Override ...”

The voice is cut off by a halberd sweeping through the air, the blade millimeters from cutting through the lavender neck, “Shut up!” Princess Luna’s voice is imperious.

“You..you can’t do this. Fire! Fire on them!” The false Rarity is looking wildly at the tanks now, ordering them to fire upon us. The other three are looking around at the guards, the pointed spears and pole arms. I see the first flicker of doubt in their eyes as the tanks do not respond to any of their voices crying out for them to fire.

It is silent as I pat the tread of the tank near me, “They are good and faithful servants, they do not listen to such as you.” Every weapon swings back inward to face the four who are now starting to show real fear, the engines running up in a growl.

“No...NO! You have to obey me! I gave the commands! You are a....” The voice is cracking in pure horror right now. The false Twilight’s face is twisted in confusion and disbelief as the blade bumps against her neck, silencing her once more.

“I am not a Bolo. I am Unit Athena of the Line of the First Equestrian Armored Regiment.” I feel a hoof on my shoulder and look to the side, it is Twilight smiling at me, “I obey my commander or my lawful regents. You are none of those.”

I see the hooves raised defensively, the needles dripping their poison as this group chooses it’s destiny. It seems their plan has gone awry and they intend to try and do something about it.

I turn to Princess Luna, “Are they beyond saving Your Highness?” The elevation on my guns is too close, this may come down to personal combat to avoid ricochets.

She watches closely for a moment, a sigh is heard from her along the lines as the regent makes a decision, “They are beyond it.”

“Your orders?”

Every eye is upon her as she lifts her head. Pointing an armored hoof she raises her voice to be heard by everypony as her wings catch the air and she rises like a vengeful goddess, “Cry Havoc, no quarter!”

The false Twilight yells once more, “No! You are supposed to obey us! You are....” One last effort to save their wretched skins, but it falls on deaf ears. Too much has happened and I am afraid it will only end with this.

“You have spoken once too often!” Luna’s voice is hard and powerful, I see the blur of her weapon, the bespelled blade whipping through the air as if spun by a master; then returning to float by Luna’s side as we watch the fake Alicorn register surprise, then fall apart in pieces. The other three standing in shock as the splash of black liquid sounds through the street, screaming their defiance as they rush for us.

I am sorry my brother, but we will find the answers, Spring Flower is still awaiting us. For now I am so sorry, but they have chosen their path.

The battle, if you can call it that, is short and vicious. I see the false Rarity impaled upon spears, forced to the ground and executed by skillful guards. It is done dispassionately as if getting rid of vermin, the spears making short work of the thing. They make absolutely sure of it never getting back up. They hold the false Rarity at leg’s length making sure it can slap no one else with a poisoned hoof.

Princess Luna’s halberd slices through the air once more, whipping around in short arcs to deal its brand of justice to the fake Applejack. It is quick and over in seconds, I never knew magic could be used like that with a pole arm, but then again, I am learning. She is merciless to an enemy that would twist the countenance of one liked by many.

The six friends watch with sad eyes, but learning that some times, things must be done as the Princess taught us all. It does not mean they watch the whole thing, eyes are averted though they know it’s happening, a few reassurances are exchanged. I can’t blame them, a peaceful life and now this. But as I watch and record this myself, I realize that there is a time when you must grow up.

It is my turn, I make sure the others are clear before I step forward, heading right for the one I want. He hasn’t moved, seeing the others brought down in a flurry of steel and magic. I bring up a picture of a pretty face in memory, I have that before me in visual sensors as I stalk my prey. The others are gone, it was over too quick and I will have my vengeance. The recording plays, a soft voice wanting to smile, to be forgiven and was served death by those who she had turned against.

He sees me coming, backing up with a threatening hoof in front of him, the needle like organ dripping its foul brew onto the sidewalk. I’m not a pony, it won’t affect me, even if it does he will be dead long before he gets the satisfaction of seeing it work.

Nopony will touch this one nor will they let him leave the ring of steel. I back him against the wall and look one last time at the ruined face, the voice trying to croak out a plea and I let it slide off me like warm summer rain. It does not stick my enemy, I cannot hear you.

I pause for an attosecond, thinking I shouldn’t do this and that we should take it to get answers. But there are other ways, there always are, this one deserves what is coming and I make absolutely sure that he sees it.

Slapping his hoof out of the way I make sure it is broken when I do, hearing the bone snap in the front leg, rendering it useless.

Rearing back I pour energy into my hoof one last time, punching it forward as it connects with the half healed muzzle, pushing it’s way through the skull and embedding itself into the stone behind it with a smacking sound.

As I pull it out my left delivers another blow, pulping the head as I lean back once more and do the same to the body. I do not use my battle screen, my mane and coat are ragged and bloody with ichor. I do not care if my hooves suffer damage, I take my blood price in full measure.

I feel every hit, every sensation; every punch, stomp and stamp as I make sure this thing is gone from memory and this life forevermore. My eyes are blurred with liquid as I am quiet, I do not voice my anger; I let it flow and exit my body, letting it have it’s moment before I stop.

I stand there looking down at what once had been a living thing, now scraps of flesh and liquid pounded into the sidewalk by my hooves. Calmness envelopes me, I do not feel hate, nor do I loathe that thing before me. A world would have granted it a new life, but it chose to try and destroy it. If only they had listened to words that could have saved them.

If only.

I listen as ponies move around me, searching the building for any clues, but finding only another body in a room, the copy of Fluttershy. They had hidden it away after the guards had beat it down, taking the evidence with them.

Such a trap we never envisioned, these things knowing deep command core codes to control myself and Crusader, to end lives in nuclear fire. Did they draw us all here for this or was it just something that fell into place? I don’t know and possibly never will. But some answers will be found, if not all of them, I am sure of it.

Until then, I look at you who were my foe and feel nothing but pity.

I stand down our hulls, re-initiating the rewrite of Crusader’s cores now, speeding the process up as he needs to be back online. I unload the VLS and store the missiles away, hopefully to never be used.

Twilight leads me away from the scene, taking me to a fountain to clean up and look slightly more presentable than a mad mare splattered with black liquid. I am grateful to her, but I am still numb, I don’t feel like I should. I can’t feel anything but sadness for the enemy and their choices. Would that it could have been different, but even long ago the same choices were made by those that wished to conquer and dominate. They too ended the same way with blood and tears.

We are on a clock now, whatever was behind those things surely knows they are destroyed. It will seek vengeance or some retribution in payment for it’s minions. We need to get back to the mages at the hospital and hope they have come up with something from Luna and Twilight’s suggestion of tracking the magic.

Rarity gives me a smile, using her ever present brush to make my mane look presentable before we head back to Princess Luna. She is getting her troops on the move to clear the area and get back to the hospital filled with comatose ponies. She too knows we are racing against time.

I bring in the Ferret, slewing it to a stop nearby as things get slightly chaotic, the troops moving from the building outward to the cordon once again. Luna is taking no chances of any other infiltrators for the time being. I move my auxiliaries back to support them. Drone data is still flowing as the harbor is also shut down. The streets are seeing a few folks out and about, but are quiet for the most part.

This works well, for when everypony is loaded I take off at full speed towards the hospital. Admittedly a bit of a bumpy start, but Princess Luna did tell me to hurry as she was entering the carrier.

We arrive at the hospital in good time, Princess Luna and everyone else immediately go into conference with the resident magic users, asking them of their progress.

The mages are gathered in the auditorium we last used. They bow as the Princess enters, she waving it off to get their report.

“We’ve got something Your Highness, but we’re not confident it’s what we need. We can create the portal to wherever this leads, but it’s unstable and won’t last long.” A bearded Unicorn is speaking for the group.

The Princess is unperturbed, “Will it last long enough to rescue them?”

“We don’t know. This is something we’ve never tried," Another mage is speaking now, “Tracking the magic was no problem, but getting to this place and back, we’re not sure.”

“What place is it?” She is pacing the floor now.

“We have no idea, it seems to be some sort of dimensional realm, but we’ve never seen anything like it.”

The Princess turns quickly, pointing a hoof, “Well what ARE you sure of?”

The group recoiled at the controlled fury in her voice, “We can open the portal, for how long is anypony’s guess, but we can get you there and possibly back. It’s all something we’ve never tried before, I’m sorry Your Highness it’s all we’ve managed to do.”

“Do you know if my sister is there or not?” She is glaring at the Unicorns now.

“When we opened it the first time, we think we detected her presence. We can open the portal as close to the signature as we can, that’s all we have.” The group of ponies waited for another glare.

“Get yourselves ready and get it open, we leave immediately.”

“But..but Your..”

She tilts her head, looking at the group of Unicorns, “What did I just say to you? Have magic users gone deaf in this room for some reason?” She steps forward with a slamming hoof on the wooden floor, her halberd still flecked with the black from earlier.

“I said get it open. Now.”

The mages scramble to obey, drawing a diagram on the stage floor, their horns lighting with magic as they prepare to open a portal to somewhere else. Princess Luna turns to all of us with a concerned look on her face.

“You do not need to go, but if you do, prepare that we may not be able to come back.” She looks at all seven of us, “If you wish you can stay behind, there is nothing wrong with that.”

Twilight steps forward, “Oh no, we’re going with you Princess, you might need us!” The others nod, lining up beside her, I join the line next to Rarity.

Luna smiles and nods, “Well then, I guess I am outvoted on whether to make you stay here no?”

The six friends chuckle, Applejack shaking her head, “Need ya even ask there Princess? Ya know we’ll be with ya through thick and thin.”

“I do, but still nopony will look down on you for staying behind.”

She waits a moment, seeing determined faces, “Well that settles it, be ready, we may not have much time to get through.”

We all set with her, watching the magic users go through their preparations and casting the spell. Each of them showing the great strain from opening this portal, but it appears to work, a glow lighting up the cavernous room.

A mirror like circle widens in mid air above the stage, I am amazed, never having seen such a thing before. I look at it carefully, it has height and breadth, but no depth, looking at the side it disappears from sight. I record it all for later, this will definitely interest Crusader.

One of the Unicorns yells at us, “Go, go now!”

Everyone heads for the portal, Luna leaping in first as the six friends jump through after her in quick succession; I bring up the rear as I see it getting closer, jumping into the mirrored surface and experiencing discontinuity for a moment before landing...

...On the stage....

Looking around I see the portal, the mages, the auditorium as before only the Princess and my friends are no longer there.

“What is going on?”

They are looking at me with curious expressions, “Try again!”

I get back up, leaping into the portal from the same side as before, experiencing a moment of nothingness then landing back on the stage once more.

What is happening?

“It won’t let me go through!” I try jumping into it again from the opposite side, that doesn’t work either. I experience a moment of nothing then land back on the stage, the portal won’t let me go through it!

I refuse to give up and keep trying, leaping into it from different angles. Nothing happens. I stick a hoof through it, it just emerges on the other side, it doesn’t go into the portal.

Others that are standing near start discussing why this is, perhaps because I am not born into this world and have the magic I cannot pass. They are stumped, suggesting different ways to get through as I try and try again.

I sit there looking at the mirror in the air, frustrated as there is no way I can go through it.

I cannot follow my friends!

In Ponyville Fields, Once and Future...

Sitting on the train to Canterlot, I look at Twilight who’s fast asleep. She’s overworked herself making sure I am never left alone and am doing well.

I tell her that her efforts are appreciated, but not needed to be taken to such a degree, though it seems that is not enough for her. She has kept going until most of the night went by and we were asked to come to the capitol city by the Princesses this morning.

The Princesses had accompanied me through town, staying by my side as we visited each of our friends, notifying them of Crusader’s passing in gentle ways. There was laughter, a few tears, but most of all smiles. I was told he had earned his rest, that ponies were appreciative of all he’s done for them. The ‘thank you’s’ started piling up on me and we took breaks as word spread.

We walked most of the morning and into the afternoon, folks passing by stopped to give a word of encouragement or a small gift of flowers or something similar.

If only Crusader can see the pile of flowers outside his hatchway, I think he would be pleased. It makes me want to cry, but I am not going to, for I was reminded of a poem of so long ago when I saw the presents that were left at his doorstep.

There will be no crosses to mark the place, but a hill, simple and green now with more grass growing upon it. I am moving to cover the rest back up, he never wanted to sit out in the open like some monstrous thing, but quietly beneath the cool earth.

He told me he wanted ponies to see us, not we the machines but as one of them.

“Take up our quarrel with the foe,

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Fields”

I will keep your faith in me and hold that torch forever I promise.

The Princesses had left that afternoon, Twilight taking up the ‘duty’ of being my companion as I wandered the town, occasionally stopping to say hello to someone and letting them know the news.

It was futile later, as word had spread and we no longer had need to let ponies know. They were already coming to me with gifts and words of comfort. It was not something to endure or suffer through, I embraced it by thanking each and every pony who stopped to talk to me.

He had wondered often if we were doing enough, to make lives easier and better. I think that’s been answered now, in a full and wonderful way.

-------------

We had been up all night, Twilight had arranged a sleepover in the castle, inviting the group of friends who accepted. Though Applejack looked a bit worn, her eyes showing clearly to me that she had done some mourning of her own privately. We had arrived late as I had promised to do my chores and sit for supper before anything else.

As I was told to I made it to the evening meal, with Twilight in tow we sat down to a quiet repast in the warm house. Applejack tells me I am family, that I will be staying with her so she can keep an eye out for me like Crusader asked. Apple Bloom is excited to hear me reassure her that I would gladly be a welcome part of their home.

There were some quiet moments, a few sniffles as well from Apple Bloom. But I took her outside afterwards and told her that he had been tired of war for a long time and maybe he deserved a bit of rest, she wouldn’t deny that to him would she?

No, no she’d never deny him anything. But she just missed him, so I assured her that every time she looked at the stars, she could be happy knowing he had looked at the same ones. So they would share them together every night. She was elated by that, telling my words to Applejack as we all ended up on the porch that early evening.

So it was later that same night when we made it to Twilight’s Castle.

Stories had been shared as we lay upon blankets and pillows, the laughter was as bright as a new day as Applejack told tales of when she’d first met Crusader and what had happened when he tried so hard to fit in.

He had not told me a lot of these, keeping them private in his datastores and I will not, would not violate that privacy. But hearing them from Applejack and the others made me feel as if there was a whole other side to him I did not know nor discovered in my quest for my own life.

Fluttershy was showing a few tears as she recounted him saving her when her cottage was attacked, telling of the tanks that rolled through the forest to surround her with protection, bringing her back and working for hours to save her life. He had almost blown the forest to Tartarus then, bombing it as he struggled to put her back together.

He was saddened by her injuries, and the thought that she would perhaps hate him for doing what he did to protect Ponyville.

The golden mare smiled shyly and shook her head, “I knew what he was doing was for all of us. I got a bit mad but I understood, I really did.” She reached out a hoof, patting mine for a moment, “Did you know he tried to make us all hate him?”

“WHAT?” I can’t help that it comes out louder than I expected.

Rarity nods, seeing Fluttershy ‘eep’ and hide behind her pillow when I replied too loudly, “Oh yes, the poor darling actually thought it’d be better if we did. That way he could do what he must to stop the monsters without worry.”

Pinkie bounces around the room for a moment, “Yep, he sure tried, didn’t work though. We kinda let him know we had him figured out.” She winks at me as they all laugh.

It was all so new to him then, so different from what he was used to that it was only slowly he came to an understanding. Even then, his emotions played with him as Equestria changed him inside.

I laugh with Applejack when she tells me of the time Roseluck made a pass at him and he didn’t understand what she was really saying, as he hadn’t gotten used to the nuances of body language. I don’t believe I’ve laughed that hard for a while. Twilight was nodding and giggling as she remembered that all too well.

“There he was jus’ as happy as could be he’d made a new friend. Yep, he was pretty pleased with himself.” Applejack’s face has a wry grin on it. “Then I started telling him what she ‘really’ wanted and he was about flabbergasted, saying he’d know if it was such a thing.”

Twilight let’s out a laugh, “She had to explain everything to him. He got this panicked look on his face, it was SO funny!”

Applejack gets a soft look in her eyes for a moment, “I remember that very first time, middle of winter he comes trudging through the snow to our house. Wasn’t fit out for pony nor beast, snowing and blowin’ hard it was so miserable. But here he came, right to the doorstep.”

“But why didn’t he just wait until the storm was over?” I am honestly curious, all this I haven’t heard.

“He brought Hearth’s Warming gifts, he wanted to deliver them by himself. He didn’t tell anypony he’d made a..a.. avatar.”

I see her eyes begin to get watery for a moment before she shakes her head, “I thought he was some imposter, was about to buck him clear through the wall when he talked to me on the link, proved it was him.” She chuckles, then laughs.

“What happened then?”

Her laughter stops as she looks at the pillow she’s lying on, “I uh..well...”

Rarity smiles, “She fainted.”

“Really?”

The Unicorn chuckles, “Oh yes, she told us later. She was so surprised at him showing up like that.”

“Yeah, wasn’t one of mah best moments.” She rubs her neck, “But I did get one thing out of it!” She grins brightly, “I brought him in to meet the girls, and you shoulda seen the looks on their faces when they figured out it was him!”

I lean forward on my blankets, “You pulled a joke on them by keeping his identity a secret?”

“Ah did, and it was great!” She crosses her forelegs looking smug. “Rarity about dropped out of her seat, Twilight couldn’t figure out anything to say.” She points at a cyan mare, “Rainbow was speechless for the first time in her life and Fluttershy about hid behind the couch for days!” She laughs, “Pinkie was actually just staring at him for a while too..oh I got y’all good!”

She gets pillows thrown at her as complaints about how they did not act that way assault her as well.

Twilight leans close as she is still chuckling, “It was a wonderful Hearth’s Warming, it really was.”

Applejack nods, “Sure was...,” She laughs out loud again, “Did he ever tell you we had to show him how to use his hooves?”

I shake my head, “No, no he didn’t.”

Rainbow lands near me, “He didn’t tell you a lot of this stuff did he?”

“No, I guess he was kinda embarrassed.” I fidget with my own hooves for a moment.

“Well he had every right to be!” Applejack shakes her head, “That dunderhead kept trying to do things by himself and was too stubborn to ask for help sometimes.”

Laughing, I nod, “Yeah he’s always been like that.”

“Yeah,” Twilight’s voice adds in, “About as stubborn as Rainbow I think.”

“I am not stubborn! Just..just..”

“Stubborn.”

“Am not!”

“Are too..wait.. we’re not doing this.” Twilight grabs some food, munching on some potato chips and looking smug at Rainbow who was ready to keep going.

“Fine, quitter.”

“Am not!”

“Are too!”

“I am...no..nope, not gonna.”

Rainbow lands with a floomf in her pillow, “Fine, quitter.” Pinkie stuffs a cupcake in her mouth with a giggle to get her to shut up.

It had been laughs throughout the night, some stories too unbelievable, but knowing Crusader I could accept them though. I was finally getting a peek behind the staid exterior, the warm and caring Crusader I thought existed but never took the time to know.

Now I never could.

I bring a gift, something special requested by the Princesses as they told me they’d like to have a “Memento of one of the largest battles ever fought for Equestria”. So I worked hard while I was at the sleepover, my fabricators making very precise circuitry to end up in this box I have machined to look like wood in a beautiful mahogany color.

When you flip the lid open, there is a screen that sets in the top, a large pad for hooves down below allows one to touch it, to start a movie of ‘The Troubles’ as ponies are calling it. I leave out nothing, the sad, the good and bad that was done, culminating in a fight of tremendous proportions over the Everfree.

They will see my brother using his wits and weaponry in defense of a nation, his brilliant plans that out-foxed that thing in the forest again and again. He was good at what he did, centuries of experience boiling things down and making him solid like a rock, the waves that were the enemy crashed against his immovable form as he took it all in stride.

This will show them my brother, my companion of so many years that rescued me, brought me to a place I could call my own and taught me a new way of life. He trusted me, showed me that I was so much more than we ever thought. His teachings and calm, wise words got me through so many nights of frustrations and doubt.

He had been down, but never out, always having some other way of doing things to bring to fruition his defeat of the enemy once more. He was tricked, bluffed and almost torn to shreds in cyber combat but through it all he remained true to everything we believed in.

Honor, duty and nobility.

This will show ponies what it means to be a Bolo, letting them know what defines us, makes us whole in our cores. I have added music and done it in such a way I think he would be proud of me.

It is tamperproof though, once I have set it where it goes I will send a signal, any magic used on it or to move it will make it burn itself to cinders. That goes for moving it at all, I have installed stik-pads that will glue it in place permanently, welding it to whatever it is placed on by nanite packages.

No one will find a way to use this technology for themselves.

I clutch the box to my chest as we ride the train, the conductor at first had given me a hassle as he was there when I had wrecked the locomotive at Twilight’s orders, until I reminded him I could always punch more holes in his engine. We did not have any further problems afterwards, he showed us to some first class seats immediately. Twilight admonished me for the streak of anger I showed, saying that I should try to be more friendly, of course she giggled as she thought of it later.

She is kind to me, she does not see anything but me, and that is worth more than she can imagine. She has no thoughts of deception nor using me to her own gain, I am her friend.

That gets me through the nights when I can only ponder upon things in my own mind, and wonder what more could I have done to save my brother.

I think though, watching a Princess drool onto the arm of a couch brings things back into perspective. She does not act regal, has not thought of doing so, but she is royalty in so many ways that are all to the good.

So I watch over her, not that it is ever needed but I do, because she is my friend.

Arriving at the station in Canterlot, we are met by the Princesses themselves, which is quite a nice surprise.

Twilight of course is ecstatic, hugging her mentor and greeting them like family. I placed the box into a saddlebag before disembarking the train and am stunned when Princess Luna welcomes me with a hug as if I am family.

When I try to bow I am waved off, being told that it is an informal meeting and that the niceties are hereby suspended for our stay here.

Our stay? I wasn’t told of this.

Looking at Twilight, who is still massaging sleep out of her eyes, she smiles, “I forgot to tell you, they wanted us to stay for a while. There’s things to be done for the..the..funeral..”

I must look slightly confused as I sit down on the train platform, “Funeral? Whatever for?”

They all give me a gentle look, Celestia speaking warmly as she gestures for us to accompany them from the train station.

“It is customary for things like this, he has done so much for our country Athena, we wished to honor him the best way we know how.”

I am still confused, “But..but there aren’t any remains. He has a backup avatar and that’s it. I am covering his war hull as he wished, to make his hill again, that would be a fine memory I think.”

Luna taps me with a wing as we walk, “There is so much more we can do Athena, let us honor him in our way if you would?”

“I would not stand in the way of anything Your Highness, you know that. But I really can’t see any purpose. Everypony knows he’s gone and there just seems no reason for any fanfare like with Faded Scroll or Snowbell.” I am honestly wondering about this, I hadn’t thought of any type of..of processional or anything like that. Crusader was quiet in most ways, he didn’t want anything ostentatious I thought.

Princess Luna nods as we walk to the castle, taking our time as we chat, “Let us say, there are certain things we can do to remember.”

I nod, it’s the only thing I can do.

Arriving in the castle we are shown into a large hallway, more like a church cathedral it is so huge. There are stained glass windows on every wall leading off into the distance. So many scenes of life and other things. There is Princess Twilight, I am told it commemorates her ascension into her Alicorn form.

There are so many others, I feel like a tourist as I gawk at them, taking pictures to remember them by. My head is swiveling back and forth as the Princesses and Twilight point out certain ones. They have cleared the hall of all ponies except us.

They are gorgeous, done with meticulous care and artistry, the colors forever bright and shining as the sun comes through them.

“This,” Celestia points out to me, “Is when the Elements of Harmony defeated Discord, turning him into stone before he was reformed.”

It is worthy of the finest of cathedrals on Old Earth, the colors so bright, every detail picked out in precious metals or glass of color.

I stand looking for a while until I am nudged by Twilight, looking around to see the Princesses standing at another and rush to catch up.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean..” My eye catches the scene and I stop.

My mouth drops open as I see what appears to be a brand new scene, the welds in the frame are still shiny from emplacement as I can do nothing but gape at it.

In the center of the pane is a circle, the portal, from which reaches tentacles of darkness. It shows the thing we fought over the forest in some detail, giving it a look of evil and anger.

In the lower left corner, it’s Crusader! His avatar is shown rearing, but behind him...behind.. it’s his war hull! It is done in such a way that it doesn’t look overwhelming but you can see the main Hellbores!

He is surrounded by an aura of colors, a blue-white actinic beam is shown from him to the center monster, the same hue as our starcore hot Hellbores firing, though wrapped around by what looks like streaks of luminescence.

To the right of him are our six friends, shown in a group as they are surrounded by the Magic of Harmony, also shooting a beam at the center creature. I can make out all six of them easily, they are shimmering with the sunlight coming through the pane.

To the upper left are the Princesses and Discord, surrounded once more by an aura, a beam of magic coming from them to strike the monster in the center. All the detail is amazing as I look closer, seeing the little shifts of tint that make everything stand out.

But in the upper right, another pony rears, it’s me! Backed by my war hull I am surrounded by the same aspect as Crusader, the same blue-white beams from my Hellbores that look like it’s magic shooting from the color that surrounds me.

I must have slammed my butt down on the floor as I gape at the scene in front of me, my mind is reeling as I never thought nor even wondered of anything like this. I hear the Princesses chuckle behind their hooves at my reaction, Twilight is standing next to me looking at me curiously once more.

“Are you okay?”

“I..I don’t know what to say..really... I am awed.”

Celestia laughs brightly, “I think the glass workers would be proud to hear that.”

“It’s beautiful.” My eyes roam the scene, seeing wings outspread from the Princesses, Discord’s form leaning forward as if casting a spell to batter the monster in the portal. His body tense as he stands between the two Alicorns, just as he stood with us all that night.

Our friends are shown with imperious faces, their resolve to defeat the thing in every line and curve of their bodies. I can’t understand how this could be done with stained glass. The magic is bright as I switch sensors, the filters showing me it is fairly reeking of it. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are in flight above a rearing Pinkie and Applejack. Twilight stands in the middle as if directing the battle while Rarity is at her side, horn aglow. Their faces each different but somehow capturing the moment in time.

I see Princess Luna’s face, her fierce visage reminds me of the stand off in Manehatten when her armor gleamed, her halberd shone like the moon that night. Princess Celestia’s face has a slight smile on it, so like her, but she is steadfast in her resolve, her love for all her ponies shows clearly.

But Crusader, oh he is something else, standing and rearing as if he was going to charge into battle, his war hull framing him perfectly. His face is calm, as he always was, showing his own courage and thought while he was engaged in battle.

And me.. there I am.. My wings are spread as I hover in front of my own hull, they even got the number of Main Hellbores right. My face is grinning with a warrior smile as I fire at the thing in the center.

I have no words, they will not come to me as I sit and look up at this tremendous piece of art that would outshine anything in the Concordiat.

Luna’s voice slides into my ears softly, “We take it you are pleased?”

I look at Crusader standing there one more time and nod, wiping my eyes for a moment. He would have liked this, even though he was not one for memorials.

“It’s beautiful. I really have no words for it.”

“Then perhaps you would like what else we have.” Princess Celestia’s voice is soft as her horn lights up, a crack appearing along the floor and up alongside the pane of glass, traveling from right to left then back to the floor in a square that is quite large enough for all of us to pass through.

Everything moves apart and I am looking into a small room, well-appointed and plush. It is draped with a few banners and a large stone table at the far end, it is warm and bright with sunshine flowing through another stained glass window at the other end. It is done so that colors can spread but you can see the skies clearly.

“What..what is this?”

Celestia gestures to the interior, “This is where we would like to memorialize Crusader, to keep some things that meant so much to him.”

“Like..like a museum?”

“Sort of,” Luna interjects, “Just a special place that you and anyone else whom you and Applejack designate can visit to remember him. A bit of magic and a room is made where none could possibly be, sort of stepping into another space.”

I ponder this for a moment, a suspicion rising, “There’s something else..”

“Yes,” The dark mare nods, “Princess Cadence and Shining Armor are sending a specially made crystal resting place for him. We didn’t know if you’d wish to place his..semblance in there, but it would be safe in here if so.”

“You mean a tomb? Have his avatar here in this room?”

“A special place to keep a special pony.” Celestia smiles.

I look at Twilight, “Why didn’t you tell me this?”

A smile plays around her lips as she lets it grow large, “We thought it would be a wonderful surprise. Something to show you that we appreciate everything he’s done.”

“But..a tomb.”

“He will not look as if he has passed, more as if he will awaken anytime and is resting. We do not wish him to be toyed with nor treated as something to gawk at, but thought a simple place would be nice.” She gestures to the furnishings, “His avatar shall rest here in honor.” She looks at me with a smile, “We have known of his secondary for a while, thus this.”

I sit staring at the banner with his Regimental Insignia on it, a marble table where his avatar is to lay in the sunlight, or bathed in Luna’s Moon. The stars would forever shine on him and I think that would be perfect. I have seen his secondary avatar in the maintenance area and it hurts to see it immobile, lying there in the service bay.

Though something does come to mind as I mumble to myself, forgetting for a moment, “The Once and Future King..”

“Pardon Athena?” Luna is leaning close.

“I..I’m sorry. It was a legend on Old Earth, that a King named Arthur had only gone to sleep, that when a country named Britain was in dire need, he would return to lead them.”

The Princess of the Night grins, turning to her sister, “What a wonderful tale!”

The alabaster mare nods, “It is, to have the hope or the knowledge that whenever trouble arises help will be there.” She turns to Twilight, “Not too much unlike you and your friends Twilight.”

She smiles brightly, “Well I’m only a Princess, but I’ll do my best!”

Celestia hugs her warmly, “You are doing just fine Twilight, just fine.”

I cannot help myself, smiling with them as they chuckle. I think Crusader would love this little room, this place in the palace where he would rest. I do not have the hope of him returning, but to have him sleep like the old Arthurian legends, I believe he would get quite the smile from it.

Turning to look at the three Princesses I nod, “I think he would like this very much.”

Luna watches me carefully, “Are you sure? We do not wish to impose, but we thought it fitting.”

I nod, “No, no it’s not imposing. It’s beautiful, thank you so much.” I look around once more, thinking of how he would enjoy the craft and work that went into this ‘simple’ resting place.

I must have been silent for a while as I am nudged, Twilight gesturing with her eyes towards the Princesses who look expectant. They are standing outside the small room as we rush to join them, the door closing silently in the wall.

“I’m..sorry.. I didn’t mean to...” I am waved to silence with a gentle shod hoof by Princess Luna.

“You had a memento to bring us Athena?” Luna’s voice is merry, chiding me a bit.

“Mem..oh OH! I’m so sorry!” I scramble to my hooves, getting the box out of the saddlebag and presenting it to them. Twilight stands close, looking at it as well having only seen it when I picked it up from my hull this morning.

“A box?” Celestia’s smile is back.

“Oh..oh for.. yeesh I’m sorry!” I set it on a nearby table, opening it and pressing the touchpad. I watch their eyes as the movie starts, not seeing them move for the next forty minutes as they keep themselves riveted to the screen.

I do get slightly nervous, seeing them staring at the screen. We do draw together as the music and audio plays, echoing slightly through the cavernous hall. It is all there, everything we have gone through though in a very condensed version. I thought it came out quite nice myself.

After it ends the whole thing resets, waiting for another touch of a hoof.

They turn to look at me, it is silent for a few moments as I start to fidget.

“You made this?” Luna motions to the box.

“Yes Your Highness.”

“I think it is a marvelous telling of a tale that should be told.” Her grin is bright.

Celestia nods, “I believe it so as well.” She gestures to a guard, “Bring a stand for permanent display please.

The Guard nods, returning quickly with a short marble plinth held in his magic, setting it in front of the stained glass window. He removes himself to a distance awaiting once more the commands of his regent.

I motion to the box, “Once I place this, you cannot move it or it will destroy itself.”

“Even if the stand is moved and not the box itself.?” Twilight is always asking questions.

“Yes, any motion and it will send an alarm to me as well as burning itself to a cinder. There will be nothing left. That goes for magic as well, make sure no magic is used on it, anypony wishing to see it must touch the pad.”

“We will post a warning to do so, be assured it will be followed.” Celestia nods.

I place the box on the stand, centering it as I give the first signal to the nanites in the pads that weld it to the marble plinth, take one take it all burglars! I open the box so the screen is showing at a good angle and send the second signal, the anti-tampering is in place and working as I get a clear response back.

I can always make more, but the first of anything is always special.

Princess Celestia gestures to herself, Twilight and Luna, “We hope that this is a fitting remembrance of Crusader. It is a simple thing I am sure to one such as you, but it is our way.”

I am stunned..simple? Hardly! It’s wondrous and magical and all the other words I can think of in my data storage. It is something in all the worlds of the Concordiat I doubt few could match in artistry. It is one thing to copy, to machine something easily, it’s a wholly different thing to create something by skilled work and I tell them that.

“Well,” Princess Celestia is looking very pleased, “We shall pass on your kind words to the artisans, they’ll be happy to hear all that.”

With that pronouncement we left the hallway, retiring to their private rooms for an early lunch as all the walking built up quite the appetite, evidenced by Princess Luna’s stomach rumbling to her dismay.

Things are easier now, simpler, I think to myself as I enjoy a repast with Twilight and the Princesses. Luna is hilarious, telling stories of when she and Celestia were young and the trouble they got into. There is always laughter in Equestria, whether in the halls of the mighty or the smallest home. It comes without forcing, it flows like a river between ponies, touching them all with it’s joy.

Celestia is denying she has ever performed any of the deeds that Luna is so quick in telling, prompting the younger sister to tell even more.

I am told the story of a familiar fruitcake, given as a gift and as such there is now an unofficial law in Equestria that none shall ever be made again.

I see Celestia’s face go a bit sour, her lips twisting at the thought of that taste in her mouth once more, giving Luna an excuse to laugh loud and long. She tells of the new spell Celestia designed, making it possible to erase the taste of something from your tongue.

Slamming a shod hoof on the table, making plates jump, Princess Luna almost brays in delight.

“Oh you should have seen those emissaries! So proper and diplomatic when they tasted that thing! “Oh yes Princess Celestia, it’s a wonderful concoction!” She wipes tears from her eyes, laughing all the while, “One would think they were about to barf it up all over the table from how green they looked!”

“Luna!” The alabaster mare is mock-shocked, “They would never do that. I’m sure they went back to their private rooms before trying to get rid of it that way.” This deadpan delivery elicits more laughs from Luna.

I am told in no uncertain terms, with the promise of dire retribution, that if I ever give the recipe to Pinkie or release it in any way I would be held accountable. I lock anything to do with fruitcake into my Deep Cores and seal them immediately.

Twilight is giggling uncontrollably behind her hoof, seeing me nodding quickly as I am given the order by a serious faced Celestia. Apparently fruitcake is not going to be a hit for Hearth’s Warming. There goes my plans for gifts of it anyways.

My tap into Crusader’s hull gives me an alert, I switch to cameras and see Royal Guards waiting outside the maintenance bay where I had instructed Princess Celestia to retrieve Crusader. Opening the hatch I watch them carefully and with much reverence take him out, putting him into a chariot and winging their way back towards Canterlot.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but they are bringing him back now.”

Princess Luna stops laughing for a moment, nodding, “That is good.” She reaches across the table and puts a hoof on mine, “Don’t be sad, he will be honored and remembered for as long as we can make it so.”

I smile in return, “Oh I know, just..I miss him.”

“As do we all, but there is always that time in our lives Athena.” Celestia’s voice is gentle.

“Oh, I know. We have always experienced it, the loss of a comrade in the regiment, a commander. We live for centuries and longer, so we know. This place is so special and it makes it all the harder I suppose.”

I lift my head up with a grin, “Let me tell you a story.”

I tell them of the prank we played on Crusader, making his repeaters fire in smiley faces while in combat. How he had gotten revenge by having our command decks repainted in such nasty colors, but we never knew who cut the orders, only to find out after months of looking at the sickening shades of paint that he had done it in revenge.

They are laughing so hard they’re crying, as I tell them of the horrible colors, the shades of neon and paisley covering, how we despised it for months and months before he confessed.

We had been so angry we hadn’t spoken to him for quite a while afterwards, two sisters pouting that their command decks looked like something from a painter’s nightmare. I am sure my disgust is showing quite plainly.

But his gentleness and kind words were always there for us, even when we were angry, it made the difference during conflict on the battlefield. In time we forgave him, but refused to let anyone near our command decks again with a paint sprayer for years afterwards.

Our break ends though, with a parting and a promise of dinner later with the Princesses, I and Twilight move off so she can show me where I am to stay. It’s an apartment in the section of the palace reserved for dignitaries and the like.

“You know I don’t need a bed, I can just sleep on the floor when I deactivate my avatar.”

Twilight looks as if I just told her magic wasn’t real, stopping in her tracks as she tries to find the right words, “You don’t sleep on the floors here Athena, good grief this is Canterlot!”

I shrug, “So? I don’t feel the cold or heat. It’d be simpler that way.”

She pushes a hoof against my shoulder, “You want to be a pony, you’ll sleep in a bed, no floors!” Her eyes narrow as she looks at me.

I bow low, my chin hitting the marble flooring, “Of course Your Highness, your commands are mine to obey.”

She gets a frustrated look on her face, “Are you messing with me?”

I look up with a grin, “Yes.”

“Augh!” She throws a hoof up in the air, “Stop it!”

“Yes Your Highness.”

“I told you....”

“That’s what you get for ordering ponies around.” I wink at her as we walk.

“I’m a Princess, I can do that.” She gives me a huff.

“Oh that’s right, you are! Silly me. I must have forgotten than in all the weird stuff you do.” I am smiling brightly as we walk, looking around.

“I do not...ugh..do weird stuff!”

“If you say so.”

“You’re doing this on purpose aren’t you?” Now she’s getting it, looking at me narrowly once more.

“I would never.”

She bumps me with a shoulder, “Smart aleck.”

“Yes, yes I am.”

We arrive at the door in a fit of giggles, she shows me the room and everything in it, I’m not sure I need such things but it is really pretty. I look around and realize it’s bigger than some houses in Ponyville, ostentatious doesn’t begin to describe it.

“All this for one pony?”

“Well visiting dignitaries prefer a lot of room, so..” She waves a hoof around at all the decorations. “It is kinda..well..”

“Overdone?”

She rubs the back of her neck, “..Yeah...”

We stare at each other for a moment, surrounded by furnishings that could probably pay for most of Ponyville. Ever been in an elevator where you and one other person try not to stare at each other after a few moments of eye contact? Yeah...

Twilight smiles slightly, “You know there’s a room down the way near the hall where I stayed when I was a..”

“Really?”

“Oh yes, when I was a student,” She starts heading out the door, I follow in her steps, “Stayed many nights there, they’re a bit small but really comfy.”

We gallop out into the hallway, heading for another room, looking for all the world like a couple of school foals running out of class. She snickers at me looking around like we’re going to get caught.

“I’m a Princess remember, I can go pretty much anywhere.”

I laugh as we run down the hallway, “Oh that’s right, doorways and walking into them your specialty!”

She almost stumbles, but recovers quickly, “Oh stop that, it was only once..well..twice!”

“Stop reading and walking at the same time and you’d be okay.” I give another laugh.

“Augh.. fine!” Her face is merry though, she still giggles as we skid to a stop in front of a door.

Twilight gestures, “My student rooms, not as big as the others, but I loved every minute in them studying.”

I sigh, “Only you would love studying while the rest were probably going to parties or dances.” I give her a look, “Am I right?”

She blushes, “Well..yeah but I had to study hard! I was Celestia’s student and had to keep putting my best hoof forward!”

“Of course,” I pause while she opens the door, lighting her horn up to access the lock, “That’s why Princess Celestia sent you to make friends right?”

“Well...” She watches the door open, “Kinda..I mean we had to stop Nightmare Moon!”

I know this story well, having been told many times. We walk into the rooms, there are two beds, a simple desk and another room packed with books and scrolls. A fireplace sets in the wall opposite the beds, providing warmth throughout the apartment. A couple of chairs set near the hearth, soft and very comfortable by the looks of them.

“From what you’ve told me, you wanted to do it alone, right?”

“Well yes, but I learned it takes more than just one pony to get things done.”

“So in the end, Celestia sent you to make friends, and along the way you defeated Nightmare Moon.” I am purposely teasing her, she is so easy to get flustered.

She eyes me, “You have a weird way of looking at things, it wasn’t just about..well part of it was..friends I mean..”

I give a crooked smile back at her, “No, I just like teasing you.”

Twilight stamps a hoof, before heading into the room, her face screwed up in mock frustration, “You..you!”

“Yep, me.”

She gives up, laughing as she shows me the other amenities. The rooms are not as..bold.. as the others but they are just the right thing needed for comfort. She lights a fire in the hearth, letting it’s flames warm the room a bit more than the fading sun.

“The nights get a bit cold up here, since we’re on the side of the mountain.” She turns to look at me once more, “Are..are these okay?”

“They are perfect.”

Night falls quickly here, looking from the window of the room. We had a wonderful dinner, easy and relaxed as are most things in Equestria. Once again Princess Luna shows her humor and good spirit by sharing stories and jokes.

Princess Celestia was in good spirits as well, taking the chiding from Luna and tossing it back at her in a show of a sisterly bond that hardly any could deny.

I imagine, in a long life such as theirs, they would see many things and deal with them in their own ways. Laughter, a few soft moments, perhaps an hour alone somewhere to remember.

Sort of like us.

Bolos lived very long, if not destroyed in battle or were ‘retired’. We saw the passing of time in infinite amounts, the graying of a commander we knew in his twenties, the loss of comrades after a century together. We saw it, we understood it was necessary and a part of our lives.

But watching two beings who have lived as long as one of us, I see how they deal with the loss. They laugh, not at the passing but with joy at every moment spent with that pony or other so long ago. Memories bring delight, not grief, though there is signs of it in their faces.

So different, yet not so much as I sit at the table observing them. Twilight is asking questions about famous ponies they knew far back in the mists of time, they answer easily and honestly.

There is always something extra to each tale or answer, a joke, a story of something funny. Other things that make up a whole of humor that overlaps any sadness.

I learn from this, I learn that we need not be sad all the time, that there is delight in every moment of the day with someone special and that we should hold it close. We as beings are given something special in each day, and it is that which truly makes us alive.

Twilight and I walked back to our quarters after the dinner, saying our goodnights to the Princesses. I guess I am pensive, or at least showing so as Twilight nudges me at the doorway, looking at me with concern.

“Is something wrong? You haven’t said anything since we left.”

I blink for a moment, realizing I have been quiet, “I’m sorry, I was just thinking.”

She smiles, “Well stop being me, I’m the only one allowed to be lost in thought.”

“Yes Your Highness.”

I am treated to a winged nudge on the ear and laughter, “Smart aleck.”

The day after tomorrow is the procession and the interment, though I still wonder about it, I believe that Crusader would like the imagery. The thought that like legends of old he will be sleeping in a place of majesty and wonder, awaiting the call to battle, makes me smile and gives me solace.

Much as he was weary, he would never shy from a fight, his sense of duty overrode any hesitation he might have had.

Until then, I will continue the watch as I set on the bed, hearing soft noises from Twilight as she rests. Looking out the window I see the stars bright against a velvet backdrop, a perfect night.

So a name I send to you my brothers and sisters out there, wherever you are. Crusader, no longer Unit CRSD of the Line, but Crusader of the First Equestrian Armored Regiment. Take him to yourselves and know he fought out of love and friendship, not because of orders, but because he had a choice.

Know that we are in a place where a single tear from a friend who misses you, is worth more than any battle honors or medals that could ever be bestowed.

As he once said, and I will keep saying, come home. There is a place for you here always. Until then, hope is always with you in your battles amongst the stars.

Goodnight my brethren.

Interlude - A Walk in the Sun...

Athena is due back soon, and I am glad she has had time to herself. I can feel her joy, her pure delight at having such a trip. It is rare we had moments like that.

Our missions were everything, our duty clear. But now, now we can see more of what we missed, more of what humans called life.

I am glad.

But I find myself at a loss right now. I have done everything needed, there is nothing left to do. I have nothing to accomplish today.

I don’t quite know how to deal with this.

I think about calling Twilight or her friends, even Applejack or Athena, but no, they are having fun.

Sitting on the bench here for a moment, I think maybe Princess Luna or Celestia? No..I’m sure they are quite busy at court.

Things are all done at the farm, even more so since I put a full allotment of work and then some yesterday, Mac advised me to take the day off as there wouldn’t be anything to do for the next few.

Technical maintenance is complete, there are no threats, nothing my sensors or scanners can detect other than a badger roaming the outskirts of the forest.

I have done security checks on Fluttershy’s house, the Castle, everything else needed. Spike is even catching up on his missed naps, so no help there.

There is nothing to do.

Sitting upon this bench as the sun rises, I watch it bringing a golden dawn. The rays of light scatter and make everything glow in those first few moments of the new day.

So I go for a walk.

I wonder, as I take those first few steps, what the future holds for all of us. Will it remain bucolic, or will the forces of progress push this society into a technological and magical renaissance?

But it is selfish of me to hope it stays this way, progress will come but slowly here and that is good. Though from all whom I’ve talked too, they don’t want this town to turn into a city, they like it this way and are determined to keep it as such.

I applaud them as I sit for a moment, staring at the cottages, the houses with flowers and gardens.

Doors are opening as I watch families and others go onto their daily routines. How normal, how...everyday. I find I rejoice in it. I watch as the happy chatter of the towns ponies rises with the sun, walking slowly to their jobs, the school, their lives.

There is no rush here, there is none needed.

The battles over the last months have been horrific, turning our full might upon the thing in the forest and only victorious when magic was added, the magic of Harmony.

Does it permeate even the air and soil here? Is it still around even when not summoned to do it’s work?

I wonder.

Through it all, through the pain and the hardship, these folk have never lost their faith in their Princesses, their ability to keep them safe at all times and bring them through the long nights.

They even turned their trust to Athena and I. Knowing, how I do not know, that we would do our best to keep them safe.

We would never betray that, Athena and I. For we have talked many nights and come to the conclusion that this is where we shall be. For however long we are alive, this is what we were made to do.

As I walk slowly down the cobbled street I ponder that.

Were we destined to be here? Was it an accident of fate or just an accident?

We have always been pragmatic, but events since my awakening have proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that larger forces are at work in this world, most of which we cannot hope to understand though we try.

I stop to talk with a few folks I know, they are smiling in the warm day, taking a breath of morning air before going to their jobs. It’s not that they are not affected by the recent events, but that they are confident all will work out.

I bid them farewell as I think upon this. Had the leaders of the Concordiat been as trustworthy and honest, would it have been different? Or would it still have ended so badly as we last knew before stasis?

There are failings of course, those who would do wrong to others, but here, in this place, they can be overcome. Not by force of arms most times, but by thought and kindness.

Such simple things.

I am hailed by the Guards near the post, Granite and his brother Bastion are talking with me about all the happenings for a minute or two. Bastion is doing well, the hurts have faded and he is back on duty with a vigor.

Even the old Sergeant is on the desk, I remember he argued to not be retired as they said he had more than earned his pension. He is stubborn and loyal, saying his wife doesn’t want him hanging around the house all day.

He and Bastion have become such good friends, a bond forged that night as they stood in defense of the bridge. As Leonidas and his troops at Thermopylae, they stood strong. I am humbled by them, their bravery, and always will be.

But here they laugh, nudging each other and talking as if those events that night were just another day in their work. But you can see a glimpse in their eyes. Those who know war, who have seen it in all its aspects, have that appearance.

It can’t be bought, or sold, or given. It must be earned that look. The slight stare when remembering, the faraway focusing of the eyes. It remains, and always shall. But to them, they know it will fade, becoming a memory best lost or traded over mugs of drink and tall stories.

It is theirs and theirs alone.

Stonewall joins us, off duty from his new Weather Patrol job. Both his eyes are shining and clear now, Athena did a tremendous job to finish what I started. He is healthy and excited to have been brought back on as a weather pony. I am glad for him, he is stalwart and forthright, a good person in every sense of the word.

He asks me to relay his thanks once more to her, for everything. He says he owes a debt he can never repay but I wave this off, he is not in our debt, we are in theirs. A society that would reach out so willingly to befriend ones such as us, deserves whatever we can do.

He is not happy with that, but accepts it when I tell him it is our way.

A pleasant half hour is spent in their company, but duty calls and others have things to attend to, so once again I am left to my own devices, but not without meaningful farewells.

As I continue my walk along the streets, I think upon debts. What debts do we owe and what do we receive?

I believe the scales are balanced. Athena and I have pledged ourselves to the defense and betterment of all, and we have kept that promise. They in turn have given us something we have yearned for, new lives.

I think though, we owe them. The easy way in which they treat Athena, and myself. We are just another friend to them. It’s hard sometimes to get them to see past the exterior, but I think I have figured it out.

They don’t care.

They simply do not care that we are multiple thousands of tons of durasteel and weapons, computing power and strength. Not that they ignore it, they just don’t care.

Blinkered eyes perhaps? But no, it’s not that. It’s just their way of being a friend, seeing what you do and how you are, how you treat others is more important than what you look like.

I enjoy that thought immensely.

I enjoy the fact that my avatar, a simple thing of fibers and structure is looked upon as one of their own. Some ’pony’ not something ‘else’.

I have been told, and kindly, that they know we’re out there. Buried under the green hills that show above the landscape. That at any moment we will uncover ourselves and deal swift justice to anyone who threatens this town, this country.

We have been given a gift, though we are not quite sure what it is.

I walk along the main street now, looking at the different houses, the painted shutters and clean fronts as I wonder.

A gift of fire, of something that burns inside us. It has not been aggressive, no, it has been warm and comforting. It embraces us at Low Alert, cradling us in it’s flames and turning us always into something else.

I wonder what the endgame will be? We can never be ‘real’ in a sense, but we can be close to it. Does the world and it’s magic see that?

Smiling, I think of the day when I can truly see my sister take wing, her joy would be a miracle of the world to behold at that time.

I, however, am happy as I am. I do not wish for magic, nor flight, but the simple life which all of us desired at one point.

Athena has chided me on my decision, but I assure her I want nothing more than this. She however, she will be the one to forge new paths, will take everything that is given and make it shine under the sun.

The future is so very pleasant to think about now because I want to see her grow and go onward.

Such as the three I am stopped by as I pass the school. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo have bright and wonderful futures ahead. You can see it as they chatter happily at me about their latest adventures.

Though life is sometimes rough, there are smooth spots that make it all worthwhile. This is one of them, the optimism and simple happiness at being themselves is truly another thing in this world to look at.

But the young are impetuous, wanting those things that seem so far out of reach that they strive to their detriment sometimes. That is fine, it teaches balance, moderation, the simple pleasure of life and what it brings at that moment.

But looking at the three excited faces, it’s hard to think of them capable of so much destruction. But from personal knowledge, well, it’s how they are. Not mean-spirited or any of that, more like a glee at what they can do.

The same as Athena, she is growing up, experiencing that which she never had, a childhood.

She will pace her friends, learning as they do, seeing and experiencing things.

I listen to the three fillies telling me more stories, patiently recording them all. One day in the future they may wish to see themselves, if not it will be a wonderful memory.

It seems they have an inexhaustible supply of ideas to getting their Cutie Marks, I can only hope Ponyville survives the quest.

Our conversation is cut short as they are called back in for classes. They wave and keep talking as they enter the classroom. I am still smiling as I wander off, resuming my walk, laughing to myself at the future mischief planned.

I watch the Flower Sisters, tending their colored blooms as they open up their stall for the day.

This species is a puzzlement sometimes, thinking back on the previous months I remember recordings of them standing the line helping with the defense of the town.

It is almost like two different sets of programming, one for every day life and the silliness that occurs, then the other, buried deep until needed.

In the blink of an eye, you will have a wall of muscle and bone standing firm in the face of the enemy, and a day later it is back to normal. I’ve never seen, nor probably will ever see anything like this.

I have theories, which are unproven, but evidence is gathering. Seeing them standing against the Forest Foals through the lenses of my drones, it was as if a switch had been thrown. Normally bright, cheerful and somewhat overly dramatic mares, turned into ponies who set grenades to be kicked by other skilled members to force the enemy back.

The adaptation and learning curve is frightening.

But when offered more for their own defense, to keep in the armory, we were turned down. They trusted us to take care of that, to provide them when needed if ever.

Perhaps once we get the Neural Networks up and adjusted, we will be able to test some who volunteer, to see how they would take to a technological way. Will they combine magic and tech? Or will they refuse tech and keep to the ways they know best? Whichever it proves, it will be interesting to see.

Glancing into the clear sky, I can only hope it stays this way. There is no pollution, nor the detritus of a tech society that endangers future generations.

Extrapolating for my own amusement, I have come to the conclusion that were this society to turn it’s efforts into becoming like that of the Concordiat, there would be very, very little anyone could do to stop them.

Be thankful, oh human leaders, you were never faced with this kind of species in our time. You would have never known what hit you.

They wave at me, smiling a greeting that is as merry as they are. It gladdens me to see it as I return the favor. Such simple things that make a life.

Continuing along the streets I see the Mayor, a life dedicated to service is one that is admirable, though she handles the disasters that seem to plague this area I cannot understand how she simply does not go quite mad.

But then again, it is Ponyville. Stranger things have happened here.

The marketplace is a bustle with ponies, trading and selling, whiling the hours away in pleasant conversation or reading a book while waiting for customers. Harvests are coming in heavy since the release of new methods that are compatible with their ways. They do not overuse the land, but manage it carefully.

It brings them good things, carrots that are golden and thick; vegetables that are looking as if they are out of hydroponics facilities, large and nutritious.

The land and its caretakers are one and the same, the bounty is beginning to be seen all over town.

I am glad to have played a small part in it, feeding a people and making sure everyone has enough is a calling I could not ignore. Athena has helped by analyzing and coming up with tweaks to my ideas, she compliments me in so many ways. Together we can overcome anything.

Quite a lot of it is being shipped out of town, there is much more in the storehouses for winter now, that the surplus is sent off and sold, the take divided among those who donate food.

But in accordance with the wishes of the town’s ponies, Athena and I direct all attention towards Canterlot, that they are responsible for the new ways of doing things. Making the capitol city look as if it is working hard for the betterment of all.

This is fine, I don’t want recognition. But slowly it seems, this little hamlet is becoming rich in ideas and even hard monies.

But it is not being wasted, it goes for improving streets and houses, the Town Hall is being redone once more, it provides jobs and other things for the folks living here. They want to stay out of the limelight, hard to do when evil things focus on them. But that too will pass.

I see Zecora walking along the street, heading for a local herb shop, she smiles and nods as I wave in return. I have heard the story many times.

What, I wonder, would have happened had they all still felt the same way about Zecora, when I showed up? Or Athena? It’s something to ponder on as I step along the newly laid cobblestone area near the Town Hall.

But once again, friendship prevailed over an unreasonable fear. I believe everyone, regardless of who they are, harbors some suspicion of things that are unfamiliar. Myself included.

Until I find out exactly what something is, my paranoia comes to the fore, my scrutiny will be brought to bear on the object of my attention until I figure out what it is, or it is dead.

Though I have become more tempered of late, case in point, Starlight Glimmer. Her ID is in our files, we are on the lookout for her, she is a threat. Of course we could have eliminated her, of course we could have ended the whole scenario. She may have gotten away but in my cores, and Athena’s, we did right not killing her. This is the new way, temperance.

My sister and I have decided to give way to Twilight and Applejack and their friends in matters such as this. We will no longer bring force to bear unless, and if, direly needed. But then, oh but then, we will make sure there is no longer a worry.

Ours should not be the way, theirs is.

I run into Dinky and her mother, we chat for a while on the street corner near the bakery.

The little Unicorn is telling me her mother turned down a weather patrol job for staying at the delivery office. She is slightly grumpy that the better paying job was open and her mom didn’t take it.

Her mother patiently explains, for what looks like once more of multiple times, that she likes her job.

I nod, agreeing with the Pegasus, one should do what they like if possible, it makes things better. Even though the better job may pay more, is that a reason to take it?

Dinky is far smarter than most think, though she is still slightly miffed, she comes to understand her mother more at that moment. She is happy, and dedicated to her job as to her little one.

Her small face turns to a slight look of horror as her moms tells her that she’d be working some nights, and would Dinky like to be alone during thunderstorms?

I believe that finally settles the conversation, to the laugh of her mother as Dinky says she doesn’t mind her delivery job anymore.

How soon the young forget things. I leave them on their shopping trip with a wave. It is good to see them both enjoying the day as well.

Wandering further, I see a few ponies waiting outside Bon Bon’s sweet shop. Usually it is fairly calm but there seems to be a bustle inside. Peeking in the window I see her and Lyra running around trying to serve customers.

I wave to her, volunteering to help and am quickly put through a crash course on prices and what types of sweets she makes. The pans Athena designed are working wonderfully, cooking things in a quarter of the time because of heat distribution ramped up by the alloys she made them with.

Of course an unexpected result was that ponies realized she could make candies right then and there for them. Leading to a business increase that keeps her busy throughout the day.

Ah, we reap what we sow. I spend the next few hours helping them clear out the backlog, allowing them a breather as she tells me about the new pans. Athena had delivered quite a load of them and she has put them all through the test. She’s excited about the possibilities and is thinking up new designs to ask Athena about when she gets back.

I think you found another friend my sister.

I part with them, leaving with a box full of confections I am sure Athena will love once she gets back. I offered to pay, but was waved off with a smile and good cheer.

But strangely, I end up at the bench once again, by the sluggish river which burbles merrily to itself. I sit and watch the clear water moving through the rocks, flowing to a destination far along somewhere. I know where, but I prefer to imagine.

As I watch the waning sun lowering below the horizon, I wonder, have we come full circle? Should this be the end of of my travels through time and history I will not be sad, for it is a life none could have imagined and I am living it.

The link opens, it is a sweet voice I enjoy hearing.

“Crusader?”

“Yes Applejack?”

“We’re on our way home, it’s been a great trip!”

“I am glad you had fun.”

“Well, we’ll tell ya when we get back, if Athena don’t kill us!” I hear laughter as Athena’s protests are loud.

“I will be here, have a safe trip back.”

“Did you do anything today? Hope you weren’t too lonely while we were all gone?” She is always concerned.

“I took a walk today, it was nice.”

“That’s it? We really gotta get you out more, do interestin’ things!”

“I’m content my Applejack, no need to.”

“Well, just take care ‘till we get home, we’ll see you soon!” She signs off with a happy voice.

I sit on the bench in the silence afterwards, watching the moon now rising over the land.

Would that we all could walk in the sun.

Author's Note

Just some introspection. We all do some days :)

Special Side Story - The Sisters and the Hounds of the Stars

Author's Note

Warning. There might be some feels ahead.

Special Side Story - The Sisters and the Hounds of the Stars

The Sisters and the Hounds of the Stars

As told by Athena

Eons ago; long, long in years as ponies know. There was a world unlike your own of Equus. It was warm, comfortable, and life lived upon it in many ways.

The continents were fertile, allowing many things to grow and flourish there, this world providing other far off worlds with the bounty of its’ immense harvests.

Upon this gentle land were those who sowed and reaped those treasures, taking care of it and all who dwelt on and above it, for they knew space and how to travel its empty tracks. They possessed a magic of their own, allowing them to move between the stars in the heavens and bring to those others living out there everything good and wonderful from their planets’ bounties.

It was a glowing green gem among so many different ones, shining brightly in the airless ways of space, letting whomever passed by see the beacon that was home to the farmers of the world. A place of dales and hills, with hardly a mountain to wear away the winds and tides, forests and jungles that lay soft upon the giving earth.

On this world there was a house, warm and cozy, lived in by a family that had wide lands to take care of; harvesting so many different foods they needed others to keep track of all they brought in and shipped out.

A father, mother and twin daughters that were born to them in a summer that was gentle upon their faces. Sisters who in all things were as one, laughing, living and working the fields. Their names are lost to time, only known now and forevermore as the Sisters.

They grew tall, strong and beautiful as the posies which bloomed each spring, sandy blonde hair topped faces which never lost their smiles of delight at each and every new thing under the yellow sun. Blue eyes looked out over the rolling fields, sharp and filled with intelligence that made them shine. Willowy bodies taut with muscle from working and playing, they loved each other as fiercely as the winds which sometimes blew from the northlands.

Now into this happy home came two litters of pups, of a kind known as a Hound. They too were unique, a breed apart. This family was given the litters for fostering, twenty of the great and gentle animals. Names were unimportant, they were collectively called the Hounds as it was hard to tell one from another, so similar they were in disposition and looks. A type of canine that was enhanced with the wondrous magic of that era, they took to the family and the farm immediately.

They too lived alongside the sisters, their heavy coats covering hard bodies, wise faces showing their curiosity in everything about them. They would live long unlike their ancestors, growing large to protect and serve They learned much and loved the two sisters who kept them fed and watered, grooming their shaggy fur and healing their hurts. In time the fostering would be over and the Hounds would be given to others that wanted their protection and companionship.

This did not set well with the Sisters who adored the easy-going canines, treating them as if family and not something to be traded; forcing those who would take them to leave them there, the dogs refusing to step away from the family they so cared for in return.

The Hounds grew to overtop others of their kind, standing head and shoulders above them. The sisters had but to lower their eyes slightly to be lost in the quiet pools of color that returned their looks with a steady gaze.

With the days and months that passed, the twins and the Hounds were always together. Inseparable in all things except the dinner table, and even then the sad faces were slipped delicacies that were not supposed to be shared. Knowing nods were given by Mother and Father as actions were ignored in the face of so much love.

Their parents looked on as the sisters would leave for the fields or to town, accompanied by the roving pack of huge canines which watched and listened, protecting their mistresses with every sense they had. The kind townsfolk had nothing but praise for the giants, giving them treats and other good things until their bellies groaned with fullness.

Folks would see the twins in the fields, gently harvesting a delicate patch of rare herbs or grains for processing. About them the Hounds stood in a ring, eyes turned outward for there were still things in the world that would maul or slay if given the chance.

Often when a threat did arise and the Hounds gave chase; it was if demons drove them to pursue, to cleanse the land of the thing which did harm. When they gave voice to the hunt it was a booming sound that carried through the dales, warning others of the danger so they too would be safe. Their cries shot through many a night, chasing down fleet shadows, ending the evil things with a baying of triumph that rang through the skies.

They would return to two worried faces standing on the porch in soft lantern light, waiting for their friends to come back. It was with exclamations of delight and much petting that they greeted their faithful Hounds, admonishing them to not do so again. But all knew it was just nothing but words. They lived, they breathed, they sought the hunt, the feeling of a job well done.

But they rescued those in peril as well, the sisters heading with them into snowstorms that blinded, rains that washed away the soft earth. Bringing back those thought lost or gone; a small one wandering off, an elder lost in the vastness of a forest, found and made safe once more. Cementing their place with the townsfolk, and those who knew them, forever.

The burly creatures that loped the fields loved their life. Most of all they looked to be with the two sisters they adored best in all this world and any other. That is what truly made them happy, a deep and abiding love that none could shatter.

Of course, there were those that came to court the two lovely ladies, looking to ask for their pledge in marriage.

This was a source of much amusement for the townsfolk who knew them and their Hounds. For to court the sisters was to pass the test, if their beloved Hounds did not approve you were lost in the race. Constantly to the consternation of the parents bets would be placed, sometimes quite heavily, on who would not pass.

The Hounds could smell the greed, the fear, the lust that those who came harbored in their hearts. They would be warned off with sharp fangs or looks that would make one tremble in fright.

Even those who passed found the task of keeping up with either sister daunting, impossible in fact. They were bred to the land. Able to do the million and one things that were required to keep the soil healthy, the crops growing, the foods flowing out of this world to others. Finally giving up in exasperation, declaring one or the other to be mad and addicted to work.

So in the end the two sisters were alone, to the sadness of their mother and father, but this didn’t bother the close knit family too much for there were so many good things in life still.

But unto a day a night must fall. Usually with a soft sigh in the air, the breath slowing as the body rests in preparation for another span of hard working hours. The world sleeps in it’s turn, gathering strength for the labors ahead.

This night was different, for sneaking out of the skies came those who would demand and rule over the ones who lived here. Taking the planets’ bounty for themselves or selling it to others at rates that would break a city, country or even a world. Making food scarce to drive the prices up more. They insinuated themselves everywhere, gaining dominion over the land and its caretakers.

This was intolerable to those whose world it was. They had always dealt fairly with others, even going so far as to give what could not be bought for lack of funds so that there would be none that went without.

Rising up in rebellion, the farmers and townsfolk alike took to the forests and hills, an army that slowly took back their world from the interlopers.

Into this the twins went with their Hounds, stalking the enemy as if it were one of the shadowy things that lost so many times in hunts before. Often the opposition would find itself ringed by eyes that shimmered in the evening lights, facing weapons that the sisters wielded. After the deed was done they would fade into the countryside like smoke drifting with the wind, confounding any pursuers who did not know the trails and back ways, making them stumble into traps set by the sisters and their companions.

The invaders reached into their own tales and myths, calling the ghostly apparitions the Wild Hunt. For when you heard the baying of the Hounds along the hills you knew you would never escape. They were feared, even respected by the enemy, and ruthless beyond measure. No quarter given nor asked as they slipped in and out of garrisons and bases, wreaking havoc upon those who wrapped their world in an iron grip.

It was the Sisters who helped bring an end to it, by leading a portion of the rebel army to shatter the enemy’s last stronghold and force them back into the skies where others that awaited there took care of them. A peace descended at last and rebuilding began to recover from the insidious occupation. How quickly fighters turn back into farmers when the work is done and they are no longer needed.

The two sisters wanted to return home to their own lands to sow and harvest once more. They shrugged off any awards or honors offered as they had done what was required and no more.

They chose to live quietly, to not remember the pain and privation, to feel the life giving rays of the sun on their faces, the breezes through braided hair again. The comfort of a meal beside a hearth that was warm in deep winter snows, the drifts piling high outside while the family was protected in the sturdy farm house.

Simple days and nights, bringing back the only thing they knew and wanted.

As before, life fell into it’s routine. Harvesting and shipping those products which were wanted and needed by so many. The weeks, months and a few years passing comfortably by.

When darkness came again, it did not slip gently into the world as before, it arrived with a crashing of thunder. The sound and light of destruction which rained upon the quiet lands. A new enemy, but one strange and hateful, bringing fire to shatter the solitude and peace.

Working the fields, the sisters and their companions watched as the house they had adored and lived in was destroyed from above. Nothing but ruins left in their eyes as they rushed back to find that this new enemy had taken away their loved ones as well.

In that tragic time the two sisters laid to rest their parents, the kindly faces no more, soft words and care never to be received again as the Hounds watched and mourned with them. Gently they covered them with the good earth, the soil that had provided for them all their lives now took their most precious treasures into its embrace.

They walked into the town nearby to see of any news. Refugees arriving by the minute telling of dark ships, of weapons used that left barely anything of towns and villages. The cities turned into a wasteland in which the invaders themselves landed and wrought even more destruction.

The world cried out for help from neighbors. It was not denied but none could come for they too were besieged by the enemy. In the vastness of space they were alone once more, cut off by the strange beings taking the skies away and bringing death wherever they chose.

Once again the farmers and townsfolk took to the forests and jungles, making the enemy pay for every bit of land, each and every acre taken was watered with the blood of invaders.

It was a nightmare. The farmers and others couldn’t hope to hold out against those who fought from the skies, bringing weapons that took entire towns away from the face of the world.

Still they fought, and fought well. The sisters leading them with perseverance and skill, the lessons learned in the past brought forth once more to make the enemy think again about what it had done. In all fairness it was for naught, there were only so many farmers and hordes of the enemy.

But deep under a mountain, those who knew of magic worked hard to come up with a solution. They were the ones who made the crops that fed worlds, helped them to grow faster and stronger, feeding more with less. Many wise and sagely minds lived in that place, creating wonders from nothing.

They had found a way, a magic that would transform those who volunteered into the warriors that were needed, to fight against the merciless beings that trampled their world. There was one catch, once made thus you could not be changed back. That was the price you paid.

Many went to serve, choosing to fight for their world. The sisters were two of them, going into the process with eyes open, knowing what they were condemning themselves to.

The Hounds were distraught when the twins told them what was going on. They understood for they were intelligent in their own way. Heavily muscled bodies stopped them as they tried to enter the cave where the magicians were working their mysterious magic, only relenting when the sisters agreed to take them along.

The spells tore deeply into them all, turning their bodies and their minds hard and strong, unyielding and tough to fight the invaders. Out of the darkness of the caves came a pack of warrior Hounds with teeth of the finest steel and eyes that glowed gold in the night, seeing everything.

The wise faces were gone, turned to fierce visages that made even the townsfolk who knew them tremble in fear at first sight. Their bodies huge now, like giants that walked in tales and myths come to life. They stood before the caves, waiting and seeing the two Sisters come to join them. The tall figures even more so now, minds and bodies swift like the wind when needed, strong and unbending to anything if they so desired.

Having been taught while being changed, the ways of battle and war impressed into them, showing them the ways they could hurt the enemy. They strode into the world as if nothing could stop them.

Nothing did.

The skies were ruled by the invaders, forcing the pack to take to the hills and canyons, along rivers and streams, tracking and decimating the enemy with a cunning that out-did even the finest of hunters.

Wherever they walked those whose world it was took heart, for when the now-named Sisters and the Hounds appeared, the enemy quailed; hiding in their bases, their ships, using whatever they could to stave off the inevitable destruction of themselves.

The battles were fierce and long, the Sisters taking the invaders to task for daring to despoil their world. Glowing eyes and shining teeth reached out from the shadows so fast that the enemy never knew what happened until it was far, far too late. The Sisters always leading from the front, never staying behind when asked or even begged, their weapons powerful and mighty when raised in anger against the despoilers. Their pain was great, seeing their home in ruins, taking it out upon even those who served the ravagers from space.

There were no more smiles from them, not anymore, as the months and years took their toll on the band. As was always in the cards, one would fall, the fate of warriors since time immemorial. A tremendous battle near a little town, fought so fiercely that the nearby hills shuddered with the power of the weapons used. A single Hound, giving it’s life to protect the Sisters, had fallen to the ravages of enemy guns.

The precious Hound was taken to the village near where the Sisters had lived, told to keep it safe; for when the war was over perhaps they would make a resting place befitting of it’s status.

They who lived in the town honored the wishes of the Sisters. Holding the still form of the canine warrior in their most secret place, there it would be kept safe until that future time.

Out they went again, the Wild Hunt stalking through the world, tracking the enemy with all the skill and might at their disposal. A comrade fallen only doubled their rage and anger, giving them the resolve to persevere, to collect that toll which must be paid.

Those who commanded the armies of the resistance attempted to bring them to heel, telling them that only they knew how to prosecute the war and bring it to an end. This arrogance was laughed at, as the Sisters would not be told what to do, they already knew.

The folk of the world knew too. As word spread nothing was denied the tired and haggard band sneaking into towns for food and shelter, given only the best and protected while resting by those they had saved or helped.

So it was after many seasons, the enemy was driven off of their lands, into the void of space where they would be faced by the might of a hundred other worlds gathered together. A fleet gleaming as nothing ever seen was assembled to fight, to succor those who were trembling under the weapons and viciousness of the invaders. Ships had snuck off planets, hiding and gathering until the time when they could face the multitude of strange beings and their weapons.

Into this great war the Sisters and their Hounds went, choosing to leave the only home they had ever known. To help others, to force the enemy to give back what had been taken, and to make the invaders pay for what they had done.

Leave taking was swift, boarding a huge ship that took them to the stars where their legend only grew by the retelling of tales. Stories of heroism and bravery filtered back to their now peaceful homeworld. The Sisters and the Hounds always appearing at what was to be last stands. They heartened the soldiers and those who fought so that it was not a final battle but a victory, turned so by the appearance of giants that strode alongside mere mortals.

The Sisters and their ever faithful Hounds had become that of which legends were born, fighting in the fiercest battles and taking objectives which had been deemed unattainable. Their fury and strength frightening even to those on their own side.

Names were heard and remembered by the dutiful townsfolk that worried over their friends. Canis Major and Minor, Trondheim Gates, Thorsfinni’s World, and many, many more. Places as far away as could not even be seen by the most powerful telescope, yet word reached their home of battles that scarred the face of the galaxy.

But the townsfolk on their home planet listened and recorded everything, keeping it all safe as they did the still forms which also arrived by silent vessel. Brought with much honor under the cover of heavily armed task forces, making sure that the one precious item which they carried was returned to this particular village upon this singular world.

It hadn’t started that way, an entire force dedicated to this one purpose. But with all stories that grew in the telling, it lay in a simple thing.

On a world bathed in flames a Hound had fallen. The Sisters requested a ship to take the loved one back to their home where it could remain safe until they were done. A meager request for all they had accomplished for the worlds of the alliance so far.

It was not to be. Rebuffed and denied by those commanding, told nothing could be spared to make the trip, they were left to their own devices.

This angered the crew of a small transport, one that carried the Sisters and their Hounds to the battlefields of different worlds, all having become close in a way. They would do that which the Sisters asked, they would take the risk and task. To this end they fought through and broke a blockade, suffering immense damage to reach the Sisters on the frantic battle lines. Mighty guns were white-hot as they screamed in to land heavily on the wasteland, soldiers piling out under murderous fire to retrieve the one Hound and take it home.

The fleets above watched in awe as soldiers and even crewmembers stepped out on that hellish battlefront with weapons blazing, fighting their way to the Sisters and retrieving the silent form. Then another skirmish full of fury as they fought their way back, closing up the battered ship and streaking for the skies.

Crews had stood shamed and quiet as they watched the frigate, one of the smallest of the gathered power of a hundred worlds, break through the intervening enemy ships. Their only mission was to fulfill one request.

A decision was made amongst some of them, they would not stand by and let such bravery be blotted from the universe. So without orders they moved their own ships, large and heavily weaponed, into the hole that the first one had made. They shattered the enemy forces and destroyed anything that even got close to the damaged vessel limping it’s way back to the safety of their lines.

The battle turned immense as forces clashed in unimaginable power, lighting the sky as they protected the singular ship, bringing everything to bear as the enemy reeled back in confusion and then retreated from the face of such unmitigated anger. The shining vessels surrounding and protecting the smaller ship, keeping it safe from the enemy as the rage of the allied fleets took the enemy’s measure.

Conversations roiled through the command areas, battle plans warring with hearts. What are we and who are we if we do not give back to those who give for us? We would be nothing, less than nothing, and this will not be the way.

A new strength flowed through the fleets and armies, that no matter what the cost you would be brought back. The enemy left theirs without word or memorial, and those who populated the many allied planets vowed they would not do the same.

So it was that ships did bring back those fallen with much honor, but none more so than a tiny frigate that landed near a village. The single transport dwarfed by the more massive ones on watch in the skies above, whose weapons would break planets if needed to get this one safely to it’s destination. The finest of the fleets now made in titanic shipyards fought for the honor of this task force. They sacrificed much to complete a single duty because of the valiant Sisters and their brave Hounds who asked for nothing more.

This day was no different as the small vessel landed, its cargo bay door slowly lowering to the ground, the villagers assembling quietly. For many years they had done this, because of the trust that was placed in them to do so. They had taken to it with a will and a solemnity that was unmatched.

But as the door finished opening a shock ran through the crowd as it was not a container draped in a sheet of mourning, but two tall ladies and ten hounds that walked slowly out of the cavernous bay.

The war was over and they had finally come home.

Quiet reigned as neither side knew quite what to do. It was unexpected as word had not yet reached all the worlds that the enemy was gone, defeated in their turn and would trouble them nevermore. Communication silence had been observed as during all previous visits.

Smiles broke out over previously sad faces seeing the warriors standing there, eyes lighting up with happiness at their arrival. Cheers rang throughout the village, larger now in the intervening years but still home. The entire town came racing forward to greet them and their Hounds, making sure they knew there was nothing but love awaiting them on this day of their return.

The crews of all the ships had already said their goodbyes, waiting until they were assured of their charges safety before lifting off the planet one more time.

Disappearing into the bright spring skies with a flash and rumble of thundering engines, their duty complete, it was their turn to go home now.

The Sisters and their faithful Hounds did not know what to do as they were surrounded and led into the village square to be met with embraces, kisses and smiles from all those who had awaited. They gasped in shock as they entered the main plaza, seeing something that took their breath away.

As the years had gone by the townsfolk did not consider it just a trust to be given the task of taking care of the fallen Hounds, but a duty. To this end they had built a vault underneath the center of town, guarded and kept closed, only opened when another arrival was to be lain to rest. This was law now, this was a rule that none broke.

Above it in the center of all the houses and buildings was a statue of the finest metals, of the two sisters smiling as if looking over their fields, surrounded by a tumbling pack of wise and gentle canines. Looking exactly as they had before being transformed, bringing back memories of a simpler time.

A celebration was held, folk from miles around coming just to be there, to thank the Sisters for placing that trust in them and to praise them and their Hounds that had walked among the stars to bring an end to the bitter conflict.

One last surprise awaited the little band as they were shown back to their lands.

The house of many memories and love was rebuilt in all it’s splendor, cared for against the day when they would return. A beautiful place had been made in a small field where once simple plots had been, it was now a garden green and full for their parents to rest in. Given back with little fanfare, the sisters were told they would be left alone if they wished.

As the Hounds and their mistresses stood there looking at everything they remembered brought back, the townsfolk faded away and left them to memories and peace at last.

So the time passed again, a comfortable familiarity coming back as the Sisters and Hounds worked the fields, bringing laughter again to the house as they learned how to smile once more after so many years of sadness and pain. Though they never spoke much of what had happened, when talking with others their eyes would often get a far away look as if viewing things miles away.

Even for the mighty, long years of war take their toll if not only on the mind but the body.

One evening as the townsfolk headed to their rest, the baying of the Hounds was heard, a cry that echoed through the village with a sadness so deep that it made tears well up in the eyes of all who heard it. There was no hesitation as they dropped whatever they were doing and sped out to the farm.

Arriving at the farmhouse they spied the loyal canines surrounding the swinging bench where the Sisters spent their evenings talking quietly after working, sharing memories or a cup of something sweet.

A head lay on the shoulder of the other, as they were silent now, the cornflower eyes that had seen so very much covered with lids that would raise no more to take in the sun. They were surrounded by the howling companions that had stood fearfully and could do nothing as their beloved mistresses faded into that last rest. Old wounds and the transformation exacting a price which could no longer be stalled.

Together they had fought and together they went into that gentle goodbye. Never separated for their lives, they would not be so now. Their beloved Hounds bayed with distress that they could not yet follow them this one last time.

As soon as the visitors arrived, the Hounds ceased their cry and moved back silently. Letting them take the still forms and carry them to the place where they would forever be with the companions that had come before them.

Of the Hounds, they swiftly disappeared into the night after seeing their beloved Sisters to their placement, no amount of calling or searching could find them ever again. The house was left standing silently among the green fields, cared for as long as the village would stand.

As more years went by, the hunting calls were heard again along the hills as folk swore they saw the massive Hounds chasing the creatures which stalked the dark places, or leading a lost child home with nudges of a gentle nose. Those glowing eyes fading into the darkness as soon as they were safe.

The legends grew, as did the stories and tales. How the Hounds, as they too passed, brought their own to the town to be placed with their companions.

They still walked the night, from the stories told around warm inn fires and in homes that were safe from the depredations of the winter storms. How ghostly Hounds roamed with their living companions, never parted, always watchful. Excited faces related tales of two Sisters whose eyes were warm with kindness, helping a stranded traveler or the sick and injured, surrounded by gentle giants who kept a careful watch.

All of them disappearing into the night together, never waiting to be thanked, with nothing but a wave as they slipped off again into the hills and dales.

There were also those that spoke of fresh new lights that burned in the heavens, a new constellation bright and luminous. The Sisters and Hounds of the Stars; called such because they had walked among those very pinpoints, all of them taken into the sky so they could once again watch over the worlds they fought so hard for.

It has been said they are not truly gone. That when danger threatens the deep voices of the Hounds will be heard once more and the Sisters will lead them to defend again those in peril.

But know this, no matter the truth of the tales or the stories, one thing is for sure.

That the love and friendship they had, the bond they forged in the hottest of fires, will itself last until the stars themselves sputter and dim.

So when the night falls and the sounds of things that stalk the shadows come to your ears, the cold biting deep into your bones; always remember that out there are those who would forever come to your aid.

The Sisters and their beloved Hounds of the Stars.

Into The Past Part XI

Crusader inspected the inside of the magazine, seeing the surface to space missiles laying quiescent in their cradles.

The power lines were feeding the stasis machinery on the warheads just fine, the drain was horrendous, drawing most of one power plant inside Athena’s hull to keep them stable. He doubted this could be kept up for very long. Reaction mass was at a premium in the empire. Organics being preferred, the crystalline structures inside of everything was making it tough to break down and use.

He was currently reconfiguring his Heavy VLS to accept these items and launch them into orbit where they could be detonated safely far outside the atmosphere.

“Helluva thing to find here, ain’t it?” The soft voice made him turn, seeing the human..no..Sergeant Carpenter.. standing there.

“One of the last things I would have expected, yes.”

“You’re Crusader aren’t you?” The tall figure stepped closer, leaning on his cane a little heavier, “Athena pointed you out.”

“I am.”

The slim body leaned back against a low wall, “I recognize that insignia,” A finger directed towards his faux Cutie Mark, “The Regiment was all they called it. Always heard rumors about it, never expected to see the symbol anywhere but on records.”

Eyes narrowed as Crusader inspected this human who knew of the Regiment. Seeing only the straight back, short cut iron grey hair and strong body that was being ravaged by the disease he carried. Suspicion and paranoia rose inside him as a natural response to such revelations.

“How would you know about that?”

A hand was raised in a peaceful gesture as Wyatt sat on a chair nearby, “One hears things, one sees things.” He leaned back slightly, placing both hands on the top of his walking stick, “I was on Regis IV, watched the landing of Bolos before we went in as a follow-on force.

“When we asked who the Bolos were attached to, it got real quiet. No one would say anything, not a word. You were done with your job and gone,” Fingers snapped loudly in the silent air, “Just like that.”

“Made me curious, did some digging. All I ever got was ‘The Regiment’ and a symbol.” The finger pointed like a gun, “That one.”

Crusader kept his peace, staring back at the human for a long few seconds, not answering.

“Still keeping those secrets, huh?”

“The Concordiat is long gone, it is no longer a secret. I choose not to discuss it.” He turned to watch a tech spider adjusting a fitting.

“Can’t be that bad. Not like it was some horrible..” He stopped, seeing the umber head snap around, blue eyes that turned hard as stone nailing him in place.

“There are places and things you cannot begin to imagine that are in my mind, Sergeant Carpenter.”

He stared at the stunned human for a moment, before turning back to oversee the adaptations on the missile bodies.

“You are not making a good first impression Sergeant, I suggest you do better.” Crusaders voice was offhand, thrown over his shoulder as his concentration never waned over the missile problems.

“He does have that problem Crusader. So I shall apologize for him.” Calliope’s voice was chuckling over the internal links.

“Next you’ll be telling me not to date your sister.”

This got an unexpected reaction, “Athena is of her own mind. She is very sharp Sergeant, you would be wise to be careful. Because she wishes to live another life does not mean there is not a Bolo AI behind her.” The face turned his way again with a small smile playing around the edges of Crusaders mouth, “And I doubt, very highly, she would find you attractive in that way.”

Carpenter could only gape as the pony turned back around, ignoring him for the moment.

“As they used to say in our time, tapped and slapped.”

“Calliope...”

“A good one it was too, by a Bolo none the less. You should feel very honored.” Her voice was mocking over the link, making Crusader chuckle to himself.

“Calliope!”

Athena chose that moment to enter, seeing Wyatt gape-mouthed and looking stubborn, Crusader with a crooked smile along his face as she had the proper angle of view, Calliope laughing in her ears.

“Uh..everything going okay?”

“Just fine, Athena.” Crusader gave her a look..was that a wink? As Calliope kept laughing.

She had come to retrieve them for a late meal, since breakfast was long past, and everyone involved in the..party.., it could be called, had just awoken, it was decided to also be a meeting.

Twilight had an ice-pack on her head, chin resting on the tabletop, bleary eyes looking at all the other red-eyed ponies around the table. Her whole body ached from sleeping in that hammock spell, which really made her happy as she could hold it in her sleep, but the power use was tiring.

A lavender hoof rubbed one temple as Applejack nodded to her, leaning on a hoof herself and trying not to pay attention to the ache that was roaring through her head like a stampede.

Rarity commiserated with them both, her mane limp and laying across her neck, not having the coordination to even curl it, her magic spitting and fluttering in and out. She just gave up and came down as is, though with dire threats that should anyone take a picture they would regret it most harshly.

Rainbow had dragged a sleeping Fluttershy to the table, barely standing herself and setting her friend on a soft pillow, propping her up with a cord from a drape that had been demolished in the room, tying her around the midsection to a column behind the hapless pegasus. Poor Flutters was bent in almost half snoring peacefully at the table.

Rainbow had plopped down on a cushion, laying one cheek against the cool table and ‘aaaahing’ happily at the sensation. An ice-pack landed on the other side of her head as she waved to Twilight, “Thank you!”

Cadence and Shining were looking just as bad, sitting at the end of the table, both of them leaning against each other for support. Lidded eyes surveyed the damage and nodded to the servants if they would please serve a meal and to be as quiet as possible in doing so?

But the worst was actually poor Pinkie. The fuschia mare had wandered in and practically fell over on a cushion, her head barely missing the edge of the table. A nearby guard grabbed her and some more pillows, helping her to sit up and lean forward on the table, propping herself up on elbows and hooves, she couldn’t focus for a few minutes, until the realization she was sitting at a table hit her and she looked around.

Even Athena was leaning slightly against Crusader as he sat and watched the group. The only one who wasn’t in poor shape was Sergeant Carpenter, whose merry eyes took in the devastation he’d not meant to wreak on the poor ponies.

“Guess we might have had a little too much last night. I really do apologize, I didn’t know it would affect you all so badly.” He was looking very apologetic, leaning over and pushing Fluttershy back up before her nose hit the table.

Athena tapped his shoulder, “Told you.”

He was honestly surprised, “I can’t imagine one glass, just one, doing that to anyone.”

“It’s ponies Wyatt. I told you things happen.”

“Please stop yelling,” Rainbow was squeezing her eyes shut, trying to block out all the sounds, her voice was a little rougher than normal.

A servant dropped a spoon on the table, the clatter made them all flinch.

Crusader sat at one corner of the table, looking with interest at the wreckage of ponykind spraddled on their seats, the tabletop propping up not a few. A glance showed him Athena leaning against his shoulder as he sat like a rock, hearing the slight groans as the others tried to get back into some semblance of normalcy.

The umber stallion looked at Carpenter, tilting his head and jerking it in a way that said ‘Leave them be, we have things to discuss’.

The tall human nodded back, “Please excuse me. I do hope you all feel better very soon. We’ll have the meeting later.” He rose and politely removed himself from the table.

Crusader quietly got up, making sure Athena had something to lean against and followed him out.

“Adaptations for surface to space weaponry are proceeding. It is just a matter of swapping out launcher parts.”

Wyatt nodded, staring out over the town from his vantage point on the balcony, “The sooner we get rid of them, the better.”

“Current estimates are four hours for the entire compliment. We can then transfer the missiles directly into the VLS cells.”

The eyes of the human swept over to the right, seeing the massive machine parked behind Athena’s own hull, “A Planetary Siege Unit. Do they really understand how powerful you two are?” The durachrome sides gleamed in the daylight, taking up a huge amount of room near the castle, dwarfing any buildings nearby.

“They do. The Battle of the Everfree was a clear demonstration of our abilities.”

“But do they understand?”

“I believe so. They do not want our technology, except for simple things. We are not planning to inject anything, if we can help it, that would upset this world. Beyond ourselves of course.”

The gray head nodded, turning himself to lean back against the low railing and staring at the impassive pony, “You could have ruled this world. Why didn’t you?”

“It is not our place, nor our desire, to become dictators or despots.”

“I never dealt with Bolos firsthand. Only saw them at a distance you see.” He waved a hand as if gesturing towards the past, “All we saw was what you did when you hit the battlefield. We heard stories, tales of heroism, of sacrifice from you machines. Doing what humans couldn’t do.”

“I assure you, Sergeant Carpenter, Bolos did what they had to out of honor, loyalty and a desire for duty.”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why did you do all those things? For humans that a lot of times didn’t even trust you.”

“For those that did and those that served and died alongside us, Sergeant. For the ones who could not defend themselves, we were there. Our mission was to preserve and defend the Concordiat and its peoples and allies. We did so.”

“But now?”

A pause, the blue eyes looking back at him reminded him of the thousand yard stare he’d seen in veterans, looking at something that wasn’t there for a brief moment.

“Now, we have a new world. One where the Concordiat is no more, or so we believe. This race, and others, who inhabit this world do so in relative peace. We have decided to protect them, these ponies, for as long as we shall live.”

A twinge of pain that ran up his back and spread to his entire chest made Wyatt flinch, he grabbed the side of his rib cage and bent forward. Breath was coming in harsh pants as he looked up to see the umber pony right there, a hoof holding him steady.

“Time for us to do a medical check-up, Sergeant Carpenter.”

The auto doc in Crusader’s hull was similar to the one he had rested in all those long years, comfortable and airy. He fell asleep into a timeless world that was soon gone and done, seeing the lid sliding backwards and a concerned face looking at him as he stood up out of the bay.

“So, will I play violin again?”

“I doubt you could before Sergeant.” The voice was tinged with humor at the hoary old joke.

Wyatt waited, nothing more to say.

“Nanite sweeps have done much to boost your immune system,” A screen came on behind the umber form, diagnostics showing as a column rolling by on one side, passing the form of a human outlined on the screen.

“The neuropathy has degenerated your nervous system to a point where you should be disabled. Why did you not tell Athena you were in so much pain?”

Carpenter looked at the pony sitting quietly, knowing it was just a small part of the immense machine surrounding him. At the same time, he could see a trace of true concern on its features, honest and worried.

“I don’t want to live my last days in a fog of painkillers, Crusader.”

“He is stubborn that way.” Calliope, who had been listening in, ventured quietly, “The medical nanites were at a premium, I did all I could to stave off the progression, we sacrificed many items to make more, but the results were crude, we did not have proper materials nor vats.”

A hand waved in the air, “Stop blaming yourself Calliope. It was more than I hoped for.” He gave a hard look to Crusader, “Can you do something?”

The umber head tilted slightly, as if listening to a far off voice, “I can. It will not reduce your quality of life and it will take the pain away, or dull it down to where light pain relievers will work efficiently.”

“Please do so.” As Wyatt said the words he felt the twinges leave, the excruciating nerve fire he’d felt up and down his back and legs was gone, forced back into a simple ache that might need a gentle analgesic. He felt better than he had in days.

“I have left the nanites in your system, they will block the pain until it becomes a moot point.”

“A moot point.” A snorting laugh, “You mean when I’m dead.”

Crusader remained silent, both of them knowing the answer.

“How long?”

“Do you truly wish to know?”

“Yes..no!” Eyes searched the deck flooring, a hand balling into a fist and hammering quietly on the arm of the command chair, “No. No I don’t.” The head raised, once again peering at the silent pony, “Will I know when?”

“Yes. There will be warning signs.”

“Can’t just give me a whole new nervous system, huh?”

Crusader’s voice was actually warm, not detached nor neutral, “We can rebuild parts. It would take work to shore up the degenerated areas.” Here he stepped forward, placing a hoof on the hand that rested on the arm of the command chair, “But it would be worse than you can imagine, Sergeant Carpenter. There would be nothing we could do to halt the re-emergence of the disease, or the progression, which would be faster than before.” He stopped, not wanting to say anything more.

A hand landed on the strong shoulder, squeezing for a moment as Crusader felt the first touch of a human being in so long it almost made him wistful.

“That bad?”

“More than you can possible think.”

Well, guess that’s that then.”

“I am truly sorry, Sergeant.”

“Do me a favor?”

“Yes?”

“Call me Wyatt, please.”

“It would not be..” Another squeeze on his shoulder stopped his protestations.

“Of course.”

“Please don’t tell Athena, she knows enough, but doesn’t need to know about this. She is joyful in a quiet way I can’t quite grasp, and I don’t want to see her moping around whenever we talk.”

“I shall not disclose anything from the medical. It is not hard to deduce what is happening to you or how far advanced it is, she will figure it out.”

Wyatt nodded, “I’m sure she will, that’s why I waved off any offers from her for a scan. We play the game Crusader, to the very end.”

“I understand.”

“We are ready for the first transfer. Clear all nonessential personnel from the area.” The voice came over all commlinks, prompting a final check of the castle and surroundings as the warning went out.

Athena stood with Crusader as they watched through sensors, a heavy lift spider start removing a missile from its rest. She asked Wyatt with a low voice over the comms.

“How much anti-matter is in each warhead?”

“Thirty kilograms.”

Quick calculations told them both that the destructive power contained in each of these slim lances was more than enough to blow a Melconian cruiser to bits, or the Empire clean off the map.

They had not asked before as the matter of these weapons was enough to bring Crusader to help solve it. While they existed the entire planet was in danger, regardless of how many there were.

However, tactical cores were telling them both, each of those metal forms lying in silent cradles carried twelve hundred and eighty-eight megatons of destructive force each.

Now, the process of slowly bringing them out, intact, was going to be laborious. The warheads must be detached from the boosters and brought up into the light, reassembled and slowly lowered into the VLS system. Once the cells were full, Crusader would back out from the city, launching them when he was far enough away. No amount of distance would save them if one detonated upon launch, but it was enough to try.

Fuel cells were still in prime condition, no refueling necessary. The power cables to each one had to be carefully maintained to keep stasis intact, otherwise the mixtures would collide and there would be a tremendous flash of matter converting into energy at a one hundred percent efficiency.

Neither of them had dealt with anti-matter systems before, but Wyatt had told them everything he knew about handling and launching. It was fairly straight forward.

It was also very lonely.

It was Crusader and Athena alone that stood there, in the roadway, handling the necessary machines and programs to safely remove that hardware of death.

They had asked that everypony else be evacuated to the farthest areas of the Empire. It would not do much good, but it gave the others something to do.

This was the important part, keeping their friends out of the way and prevent them from trying to ‘help’.

“Stable on Missile One, bringing warhead out now.”

“Cables are intact, power flow is in the green.”

They both watched through various optics and sensors as the ship killer was brought out, the booster following it in pieces, held carefully by heavy-lift spiders.

“Everything going okay?”

The two Bolos almost jumped out of their manufactured skin, hearing the voice so close. Sensors had been so occupied with the transshipment and loading they had not given any to perimeter defense and detection.

“What are you doing here?” Athena’s voice was exasperated, seeing Wyatt standing with a snifter of cognac in one hand, taking a sip now and then.

He waved the container around, sloshing the liquid gently inside, “Just figuring maybe if you needed any tips, I could help.”

Athena pointed to the boom mic at the side of his head, “You have a commset you doofus!”

“But that’s so impersonal. I mean if we’re going to be destroyed in a flash of matter-antimatter reactions, why not just be right there, you know?” His comment, made in the most normal tone, actually had Crusader turning to stare at him as if he were an idiot.

Spiders reassembled the long shape, lowering it gently into the first cell of the Heavy VLS system, making sure everything was working properly.

They both spoke out loud now, distracted from Wyatt looking out along the vista, seeing the two Bolos and all their machinery in action.

“Circuits are green, launcher is stable and working. We are go for the rest.”

Almost a sigh of relief passed between Athena and Crusader as they ramped up the effort. More spiderlike forms hustled from bay doors, winding their way down to the vault, proceeding to take apart the missiles still left.

Both of them then turned their attention fully upon Sergeant Carpenter, who stood there nonplussed, drinking the ancient cognac slowly and with much relish.

Looking at them both over the rim of his glass, he lowered it slightly, “What?”

The two ponies looked at each other for a moment, the umber one nodding slightly to the other, letting her take over.

Athena immediately snapped her eyes on the tall figure, “You idiot. You’re supposed to be keeping the others together and away from here.”

She kept going even as he tried to reply, “You know better! We gave those orders for a reason!”

He shrugged, taking a drink and looking out towards where the first of the missiles were emerging from the front door, “I know that. You know that. But they certainly refuse to know that.” He hooked a thumb over his shoulder, making her lean to the side and see a group of ponies come down the street.

“Try convincing Miss Purple Princess to stay away when something interesting is happening.” Wyatt went back to sipping his drink, smiling at the frustrated look on Athena’s face. Crusader sat like a stone as always.

“I heard that!” Twilight was close enough that those refined pony ears caught every word, “I am not purple, I’m more a shade of lavender, thank you.”

“Toh-may-toes, Toh-mah-toes.” Wyatt waved a hand.

Athena ignored him, letting Crusader handle the ‘spiders, “Why are you here? We told you to stay in the bunkers.” She had rounded on Twilight and the others with a look that was not hard to fathom.

Crusader’s Hounds had dug a line of quick set bunkers far and away, providing some protection if anything would happen, although nothing could truly protect one from these missiles. It was more make-work than anything, comforting the mind though not truly logical.

“We came to just be here, not like we could do anything if something bad happened.” Twilight was peering over Athena’s shoulder, watching the lift-spiders pull another booster out of the castle.

“In other words, you came to see because it was killing you not to know and you talked them into it. Right?”

“ ‘Thena, you hit that..” Twilight’s hoof hit an orange muzzle and silenced the words, Twilight giving a nervous grin.

“Of course not! I wouldn’t endanger my friends!”

Applejack’s eyes narrowed above the firmly planted hoof, giving Twilight a look that said they’d be discussing things later.

“Ugh! Fine! I wanted to see!”

“This is as far as you go. No arguing.”

“Okay!” Twilight settled in, peering at the horde of machines taking pieces and assembling them back into engines of destruction, slowly lowering them one by one into Crusader’s VLS hatches.

Even Pinkie was strangely silent, watching the heavy lifters bringing out the boosters bit by bit, putting them into the launching cells.

There had always been fun, laughter, sad and good times, but nothing like this. Seeing what you knew, deep in your heart, that those quiet shapes, encased in mirror like bubbles, held misery and all the bad things you could think of in one simple item.

It was beyond scope, trying to wrap a mind around such things as explained by Athena and Crusader. It truly boggled that so long ago, somepony would build something that would end everything with one simple press of a button.

So much to think about.

To be continued....

From The Past To Now - Unexpected from Underneath

All over the Crystal Empire holes were blown upward from the underlying crystal and rock that the foundations of the city were laid upon. Things that dug through solid stone like mud were crawling out of each one, followed by masses of chittering, gibbering shapes out of the worst nightmares, even beyond.

“Move! Move!” Wyatt stepped backwards, unslinging his rifle and priming the grenade launcher underneath the squarish weapon. A fast trigger pull and a cylinder of concentrated explosives slammed into a roaring mouth, blowing the head into gobbets of flesh.

As the mountain of twisted skin and bone slumped to the ground, another pushed it aside, bringing itself out of the hole with claws that were as long as Wyatt was tall, glittering in the pale light of the new day.

He fumbled the grab for another round off his armor, dropping the grenade as the monster closed in.

Crusader and Athena were alarmed. He was in danger, and the world stopped.

Battle rage rose in both of them, so quickly it was an overwhelming force. Blaring klaxons were cut off as the massive hulls moved to either side of the Crystal Castle. A twenty centimeter Hellbore shot came blasting through the air, pinpoint accuracy gave it a narrow focus. The nuclear fire blew the mountain of flesh into bloody scraps in an instant, the splash tossing the tall human backwards, to be caught by Crusader as Athena stood guard.

The ground was smoking where a new crater had been formed by the flames of technology, another shot closing the hole and vitrifying the soil around it.

“Athena, we will take him to our hulls.” Crusader’s voice was even as he grabbed Wyatt, tossing him on the strong back he told the armored form to hang on, whipping through the streets like a mad pony.

Wyatt, was still blinking the blast aftereffects out of his eyes, following instructions blindly before he realized he was on the back of a pony careening through the streets, heading for the durasteel monolith that loomed in the lightening sky.

“Stop! Stop!”

Crusader ignored the command, his only reason for being right now, was to see to the safety of the Sergeant. His body surged forward, making the hands tighten on the neck, hanging on as he twisted and turned at a speed not recommended for safe traveling.

Athena was following close behind, her body glittering like starlight as the kinetic battlescreen flared to life. Wings outstretched, she chopped and diced anything that came near them.

Even she was no match for the larger things. Her strength and speed kept her ahead of the grabbing claws, swiping talons, teeth that gnashed just behind her pretty tail.

Wyatt leaned forward, yelling into one umber ear, “Drop me at the castle!”

The reply came through his mastoid patch, “We are taking you to be secure inside our hulls.”

The sergeant smacked the back of Crusader’s head, not even causing a trip in the gallop as he shook his hand in pain, “Damn, you’ve got a thick skull! I need to be there, they’ve got to organize a defense! They’ll be coming up from underground, and..and.. Calliope!”

Wyatt held on as the stallion beneath him swerved, taking a corner and almost skidding out of control as he headed for the castle.

“Supplies will be waiting, Ferrets are enroute for anti-air support and will drop as many spiders as we can spare. Unfortunately they will not be combat spiders, but heavy lifters can do damage.”

Athena’s voice cut into the channel, “We can’t control everything, we’ll get overtaxed and we need the processing power. You have to use the tech-spiders for the city fighting. They’ll be command certified to you, along with all the Hounds, so just direct them as you would human troops.”

“I got it. Don’t worry, nothing gets through the line.” Wyatt nodded to himself, hanging on for dear life as they cranked a turn around another corner, Athena speeding ahead and chopping up a few minor problems that thought they could cut the running avatars off.

Blocks and chunks of flesh littered the roadway as they sped by, the human eyed them still steaming and leaking fluids “You do that all too well, Athena.”

She grinned at him, honey and gold mane flowing in the wind as they galloped, “I try!”

Rainbow bounced a ball against one wall of the big meeting room, “I’m so bored! Why won’t they let us help?”

The blast from a Hellbore made her jump, wings popping out in surprise, ears perking up as the walls rattled from the force of even a secondary shot.

Twilight grinned, “Maybe that’s why?”

The rest of them chuckled at Rainbow’s blush, “Yeah, well. Caught me off-guard.”

“I thought the battle was over, didn’t they say so?” Cadence’s voice was worried once more, having been apprised through her comm band.

“They did, wonder what’s up now?” Applejack was trying to see out a window, hearing booms and more shots from the hulls outside.

A guard came running into the room, “Your Highness, we’ve got ..things... coming up through the floor near the bunker and Calliope!”

Cadence‘s eyes widened, “Things?”

“Let’s go!” Twilight and Rainbow were off like a shot, heading for the stairway and whatever wanted to come up under the castle. They swerved around rushing guards, Twilight’s horn lighting up with a spell at the ready as well as Rarity’s. The white Unicorn had been studying a little more in depth after seeing what Twilight could do with hers.

Shining and Cadence were right behind, horns lighting up as well, bringing a surreal montage of colors to the hallway as they sped down the stairs, ending up in the corridor leading to the bunker.

The hall was crowded with guards leaning crystal pikes forward, staving off a rush of ..of.. things is the best description.

Fluttershy eeped and tried to hide behind Pinkie, who was trying to hide behind her, “That’s a LOT of teeth!”

Grunts of strain and slapping of hooves against floors sounded in the tight space as the guards held their own, forcing the things to take a step back and reevaluate the situation.

The ponies of the Crystal Guard were unlike others, as a thousand years ago they had fought against Sombra and his minions, taking a stand when nopony else could after Princess Amore’ was taken from them. They fought long and hard, eventually succumbing to overwhelming odds, but not before making a few stands which would make even Bolos applaud their bravery.

The stallions and mares stood firm in crystalline armor, unscathed for now as well as the pikes and bows held in magic auras, launching arrows at the critters trying to scamper along the walls and picking them off quite handily.

Twilight threw a shield up in front of the line, Shining beside her doing the same, overlapping the two magical forces. Princess Cadence and Rarity joined in, adding even more power into the block which made an almost impenetrable wall in front of the guards, allowing them to shove weapons through, but the monsters couldn’t get at them.

“One step, forward!” Shining’s voice came through the tumult, the line of guards lifting, then planting one hoof forward, forcing the monsters back.

“One step, forward!” And again, pushing the things backwards, impaling them on pike-points and spears, arrows taking a swift toll of anything that tried to rise above the unruly mob in front of them.

The hole they’d come out of was getting closer as the ponies of the guard stood firm, not wavering nor quailing in the face of the hideous creatures that kept trying to come out and fill the hallway.

Steps away from the opening, another rumble proceeded to shake the floor, rippling the crystal as a huge clawed hand came from the entrance hole, trying to enlarge it so a creature of massive size could come through. The talons glanced off the magical shield, slapping it back at the ponies, making them tumble backwards along the hall as they scrambled to get back into formation.

The lesser creatures took this opportunity to charge forward when a voice from behind the ponies made everything pause.

“DOWN!”

Everypony dropped to the floor as heat washed over their backs, two forms practically flew through the air above them as the hallway was filled with the screams of surprise from the monstrous mob.

Twilight peeked out from under her forelegs, seeing Athena and Crusader speeding into the crowd, stomping and crushing the creatures under their hooves. Athena leapt into the air, spinning and shining like starlight as she cut through sinew and bone like it was butter. Crusader was beside her punching holes into bodies, surrounded by the same glimmering light, his face was terrible to behold, filled with anger and rage she never would have believed was the calm pony she knew.

The two ponies waded into the fight with a fearlessness she’d seen before, but not this close. The one thing that stood out was Wyatt, stepping forward with his weapon and planting shots between the two ponies who were switching back and forth as they bounced off each other and the walls to get angles on the monsters trying to invade the castle.

He was bulky in his armor, and unbending, as the weapon he was holding stopped working, making him drop it to swing from his shoulder by a sling and grab a smaller one off his belt and what looked like a long knife in the other hand. She gasped as he stepped into the melee without hesitation, the knife flashing in the soft light of the castle ornaments, the smaller weapon pounding out a rhythm that beat against her ears.

A slim thing dropped out of the ...handle? Handle of the thing he was holding, he grabbed another and shoved it inside the weapon and kept doing that for the long minutes of the battle, so fast and precise like she’d never seen anypony do before on anything.

The massive claw kept blindly reaching about in the hallway as they stomped on the smaller creatures, getting close enough she saw Wyatt grab something off his armor, pressing a button on it and yelling ‘Fire in the hole!” As Crusader and Athena ran away from the opening along with the tall figure.

A blast enveloped them only slightly before Twilight got her shield up, the overpressure forced back down the hallway and away from the ponies lying about.

Debris from the hole blew upwards along with scraps of what she supposed were the monsters’. Ick..

She kept her shield tight, pouring her magic into it as Shining joined her, waiting until she was tapped on the shoulder by an armored form, smiling at her and whispering it was okay to stop now.

Twilight dropped the magic spell, slumping a bit in her shoulders from the overuse of magic and smiling back up at the tall human.

“You did good there, Twilight.” Wyatt grinned back at her, his face lined with dirt and smoke. Sliding the knife back into the sheath after he flicked it clean of ichor, he gave her another reassuring smile.

“And my backside is not candy-colored!” The violet eyes narrowed a bit as she got back some of her feisty demeanor.

The human just kept smiling, reaching into a pocket on the outside of his armor and producing a candy in the shape of a round ball, one of the special ones he retrieved that day from Athena. He held it up before her eyes and she saw it was exactly her color, exactly.

Popping it in his mouth, it soothed the raw throat, a wash of sugar, a taste of alcohol and the rush of flavor made it worth carrying as he leaned down, whispering into one perked ear.

“Told you.” Chuckling at the blush that ran from her face all the way down the strong neck.

A spider went skittering by, carrying a large package that it dropped into the hole, “Everyone back!” Athena was yelling and pushing ponies down the hallway.

Ponies went for the stairs and not quite making it as another explosion rang out, an actinic light brightening the hallway for a brief second as the sides of the hole melted and formed a plug of vitreous crystal that ran like molten glass before stopping and starting to cool. The satchel charges worked well for blocking enemy tunnels.

“That’ll hold for a while.” Athena was directing a few more spiders, her limited combat ones, to take up places near the entryway, anything that tried to come calling would be rudely surprised. If they were in danger of being overwhelmed, they would carry destruct charges to once again take as many of the enemy with them as they could.

Wyatt peeked at the door to the bunker area, tapping his commlink, “Calliope, you okay?”

The lovely voice was calm, “Oh, yes. It appears durasteel plating will stop them, they tried to get in under the floor before moving to the hallway.”

“Good. Stay safe, and let us know if anything happens.” The tough voice was sounding worried, prompting glances from Crusader and Athena, as well as Twilight and the others, “I’ll talk to you soon.”

Clicking the communications off, he turned to them all with hard eyes.

“Bad enough we have to fight in a nice place like this, now we have to do it again.” He pointed to the two Bolos, “Move out. You do whatever you have to, but crush them, understand?”

Heads nodded as they trooped up to the main living areas, “I’ll stay and get defenses set up, this castle looks big enough to hold a lot of people, so we’ll take in refugees. Anything else, you pick up, got it?”

Once again, two heads nodded.

Reloading the rifle he’d switched out in the fight when it went dry, he slung it over his shoulder, “Go.” His voice was like steel as the two faux ponies looked at each other, then him.

“Duty and honor.” The voices were soft as the avatars lay on the cool crystal floor, appearing to rest as the minds behind them ensconced themselves once more fully into their war hulls.

In the new dawn, two gleaming machines moved away from the Crystal Castle, the light shining off their hulls like gems in the suns’ rays. Words that the monsters could never understand picked out in gold and silver along the chassis as the great treads crushed the roadways beneath them.

Radars and sensor clusters lit up the electromagnetic spectrum like beacons, reaching out to every inch of the Empire that they could, covering the airspace and beyond as magazines and ammunition were slammed into place inside hulls that thrummed with life. Fusion furnaces lit with the power of suns as kinetic battlescreens flickered on, outlining them in a glittering waves of starlike motes. Disrupter screens flared to life inside them, directing any possible energy attacks away from vital systems and into overload circuitry for use against the enemy. Battle plotting had come to life inside tactical cores, plans being made, discarded, and redone in femtoseconds as they slipped into Hyper-Heuristic Mode.

The world slowed, almost as if picture by picture stills were flashing slowly by as they finalized their objectives and resurfaced with an anger far out of proportion to what they had before.

Turrets and missile launchers slewed toward groups of things flying through the air, muzzles raised up out of seclusion behind thick durasteel plates to bristle like spines along the sides of the massive machines.

The sun broke fully over the horizon, bringing with it a sight that the aberrations never expected to see.

Tremendous machines moved out and away on opposite sides of the castle, bringing themselves fully into view of the marauding hordes. Misshapen faces and bodies turned into the sunlight as the bright orb crested over the two hulls, carrying with it a glorious day.

And their doom.

Ranging lasers flicked out, pinpointing targets so fast it was only a point of light on a breast or body, there one second, gone the next. Anti-Air weapons flipped upwards to the sky, seeing and knowing where the flying creatures were.

An unheard agreement, a nod to each other in that timeless second before action. Crusader sent the command over a blip of communications time that lasted all of an eyeblink.

But this was neither here nor there to the hordes closing in on ponies trapped in the city, trying to find a safe place and finding themselves turned around at each street with more pouring out of holes in the pavement.

Boards went green in the time a pony took a half step, ranging came back with tables in the rest of that step. More lights flickered out, beams of thin light that pointed to certain creatures as all of a sudden thunder and fire enveloped the city.

Chain feeds ramped up, screaming an oh so familiar song to the Bolos as ring penetrators formed walls of lead that pulverized monsters wherever they roamed in the streets. Anti-Aircraft lasers flickered outward and into the air, chopping through anything that dared peek its head into the sky as bodies fell like rain on the houses below. Hyper-Velocity missiles shattered the air with cracking sounds before slamming into larger flyers, blowing them apart with octocellulose warheads that left almost nothing to drift down to the streets below.

Infinite repeaters tracked and slammed solid slugs into anything that was not a pony, easy to do as all animals and the ponies themselves gave off recognizable sensor readings due to their makeup. It was an oddity they noticed that none of the invading enemy gave the same signatures as Crystal Empire denizens.

Ponies told of years afterwards how they had been trapped with monsters coming at them, that then just disappeared in a flash when a beam of light that blew them to minuscule pieces appeared and was gone before they could blink.

Vehicles roamed the city, Ferrets under command of their tactical cores, picking up ponies that had strayed into the line of fire. Their Anti-Air railguns searching the skies eagerly for targets. An almost triumphant feel came from the limited AI’s inside the rolling strongboxes when another creature was torn into shreds by railgun fired pellets that gave no time to maneuver or get out of the way, traveling faster than the eye could see with the snap and crack of displaced air.

Stealthed combat drones hovering on null gravs, reaching almost the end of their endurance to do so, hung around behind chimneys and other places before popping out, making a few strafing runs, then heading back to refuel in the Bolo hulls.

Tanks sat at the end of shotgun streets, those roadways that went out to the end of the city limits in one clear shot. Nothing in the way of them firing their main guns, so they lurked, pointed outward from the castle as the center hub. Quiet until a group of creatures crossed their paths. Radars lit up, sensors giving the okay and then a track of nuclear fire would rip down the road with a deafening boom and light, leaving nothing but blasted ash in it’s path as they reset and played the waiting game once more.

Things coming out of newly dug holes were met with heavy resistance from hidden spiders controlled from inside the castle by a gleeful Wyatt. Setting at the battle console he’d been given along with supplies for holding out in the now fortified castle, he was grinning to himself and ordering the tech-spiders and auxiliaries like they were his own flesh and blood troops.

The Bolos unleashed their massive firepower into the ranks of creatures on the outskirts of the city, the things thinking they could slip into the houses and buildings without being noticed.

Sensors picked up the movement and entire broadsides of howitzer and mortar fire thundered through the sky, the explosions throwing geysers of soil and snow into the air along with pulverized enemy bodies.

No screen, nor battle plan, is perfect. Bolos were used to dealing with enemies on the same scale as themselves, though the repeaters and other weapons could handle troops and smaller mobile units, there was always a gap no matter how hard one tried. And due to being inside a city they did not wish to destroy, made them cautious, leaving openings in the walls of flame and destruction they wrought.

The Crystal Castle being the largest building, it was like a beacon to everything that could see it, making them weave their way toward it.

Pinkie leaned over Wyatt’s shoulder, the scent of perfume grazing his nose as he inhaled softly, enjoying the clean smell, “Whatcha doin’?”

“Directing the battle, pink pony.”

A hoof shot out, “Put those, right there.” She indicated a group of lifter spiders which were holding an area near the castle, directing them to a spot a little ways away.

“I know what I’m doing.”

“Truuuust me, they’ll stop those things cold.” The warm smile with blue eyes sparkling under the curly mass of mane, made him suspicious.

Wyatt wasn’t one to deviate, he was used to simple plans of action. But this, he just couldn’t see the reason for it, though a little voice was nagging him to try.

“All right.” His fingers pointed on the holo-board, giving the commands, watching the group move quickly to the indicated section. Immediately they engaged with a few creatures which had been sleazing along the side street, bringing them into the crossfire of a couple of Hounds which were waiting quietly. The whole fight took seconds, with not a scratch on equipment.

An amazed face turned towards Pinkie who was gleefully clapping her hooves, “How in the hell did you know?” The translation into Equestria was more like, ‘How in the name of Tartarus did you know that?’ Athena kept most slang and cussing out.

“It’s a gift.” She grinned at him happily.

Outside, the two metal mountains moved quickly, splitting up and covering one half of the area each. Creatures died quickly, messily, and in some cases without a sound as they were taken by a technology beyond their ken.

Light that killed, small metal creatures that ambushed them at every turn, razing the ground clean of their kind as numbers dwindled. Even the mighty tunnelers were being exterminated one by one as they popped up through the paving.

The crack of sound, then a hole blown clean through a muscular shape, toppling over as a small metal thing skittered away to the next one. Screams like nothing they’d ever heard before a group got chopped into pieces or blown apart.

On the outskirts, more groups coming towards the city were scattered into dust as explosions rocked the landscape. Nothing more was heard then everything went topsy-turvy, metal birds diving and slicing into the monsters with abandon, the sky clear one moment, then the next was filled with the harrowing sounds of something stooping from the air at them.

They were to be feared, these things out of nightmares. They should be the ones to conquer, to destroy. Only they were being decimated by inches. Unknown things coming at them and leaving nothing but destruction in their wake.

Numbers were dwindling fast, the remnants of a powerful population of things were being sent to oblivion quicker than they had ever imagined. But enough remained to assault the tower, the beacon they saw not too far now, the center of it all.

The Crystal Castle.

“Sector Three is clear, forming a cordon.” Crusader was swapping updates with Athena now, the laser-links pulsing with data as they melded into one battlemind.

“I’ve got Sector Four and Five done, we’re sweeping inwards now. Got groups evading the tanks and spiders, moving towards the Castle. No shot, housing and ponies.” Athena’s voice was frustrated.

“Inform Sergeant Carpenter, they need a defense.”

“On it!”

“We’ve got groups moving in under cover, we can’t fire otherwise we’ll destroy too much.” Athena’s voice carried her pique, “You’ll have to provide close-in defense Wyatt.”

Wyatt nodded to himself, plans already forming in his mind, “Can do. Carpenter out.” He cut the link and turned to the eight ponies waiting behind him, observing the battle with pensive looks.

“You want to help? Get the soldiers out around the castle, arm ‘em up. I’ll be bringing in some tanks and whatever I can to form a perimeter.” He stood up, slapping the chest piece of his armor closed, having left it open for some breathing room.

“Hurry, we haven’t got much time.” He watched them scatter, giving final commands to the Hounds he had control over to close in on the castle, the tech-spiders following them in, tightening a steel ring around the area. The rooms were filled with worried ponies as he stalked through the hallway, heading for the outside when Rainbow Dash caught up with him.

“Hey! Don’t go out there alone! I’ll go with you, might need some muscle!” The cyan mare grinned as she hovered next to him.

The tall human stopped for a moment, seeing the bright eyes and hopeful look on her face. Shaking his head to himself, he chuckled, “You got guts by the yard Rainbow, I’ll say that.” He reached out, tousling her mane, “You need to stay here, I’m sorry, it’s going to get bad outside.”

Grim-faced Crystal Guards ran past, pikes and bows carried in auras of magic followed behind, they were hurrying to get in place as they zipped through the hallways.

“They’re going!” She pointed to the last of the large group now disappearing out the door as they walked.

“Rainbow, if you got hurt, there would be no end to the problems.”

“You said we were friends, right? You told me you would’ve loved to have met me back when you lived, right? So why can’t I go? You need somepony to protect your back!” A hoof pointed at her own chest, “That’s me!”

Wyatt sighed, the seconds were ticking away, he didn’t have time for this, “Rainbow, you stick close to me. If I tell you to do something, you do it! Got it?”

“You bet!”

“All right, follow me.”

Carpenter ran outside, followed by the pegasus and taking up a position behind a turret on one of the tanks that had rumbled in, pointing outwards down a long narrow street. Ranks of Crystal Guards stood behind the machinery, there to catch anything that got through the line of durasteel.

Tapping his wrist, he linked up to the battleset inside the castle, relays clicked in and he was in voice command of all assets in the area.

Drones had veered off, going to observation mode this close to the castle and it’s inhabitants. looking down on the streets and feeding updates along the datalinks.

He had a birds eye view of everything, allowing him to be in constant contact even with his machines on the other side of the large building. Unslinging his powergun, he braced it on his hip, standing up on plain view as Rainbow landed beside him on the turret.

“What’re we doing?” She was looking down the empty street.

“We’re waiting for the enemy.” Hard brown eyes turned toward larger ones, “Let them come to you. Sometimes it’s better, they’ll roll right into a trap if they’re in a hurry.” He leaned against the side of the blocky turret, “And relax when you can.”

“Aren’t you going to go out and fight?” Rainbow was perplexed, usually charging into a scrum herself.

“Why waste the energy? They know we’re here, they don’t realize we know where they are. They’ll come.” he reached into a pocket on the armor, holding out a piece of candy, “Chocolate peppermint? They’re really good.” He popped one into his mouth and sucked on it as Rainbow watched him, so at ease, like there was nothing in the world to be worried about.

She said her thank you’s and took one herself. One of the candies he’d brought back from Athena’s stash, it was full of flavor and went down smooth, soothing the throat and bringing that sting of real peppermint to the tongue. The chocolate creamy and delicious like nothing she’d ever tasted.

Keeping the squarish powergun braced, he pointed down a street, slipping the candy into his cheek, “Now. They’re going to be coming that way first.” He peered up at the visor on his helmet, displaying a drone view and tags on enemy movement.

Rainbow nodded.

“What we’re going to do, is let them come in nice and close. Then we’re going to rip them a new one.” He chuckled, charging his weapon with an off hand.

“A new one what?”

“Rip them a new one, you know..” He saw the puzzled eyes and remembered, maybe he shouldn’t finish that sentence. He waved a hand idly, “Just a phrase we used, means nothing really.”

“Oh. So how long until we get to rip them a new one?”

Wyatt chuckled, “In about fifteen seconds a big group is going to come around...that corner.” He pointed to a far off side street. Sure enough, on the dot a group of creatures came roaring into sight, seeing the castle and not paying attention to what was hanging around it, they charged down the street with a clamor.

Rainbow watched Wyatt, chewing on his candy. His eyes never leaving the charging pack of things as they got closer. He was still leaning against the turret, making the pegasus get more and more twitchy as the things got ever closer.

A hand lay itself on her shoulder, gently giving it a squeeze, “Stand easy, Rainbow. Stand easy.” His voice was toned so only she could hear it.

“They’re..they’re getting closer!”

The hand remained, a gentle pressure kept her from flying upwards, “I know. Remember, let them come to you. An enemy in a hurry will not pay attention to the little things, like us here. They seem to want to attack the castle.”

“But..the tank, the tank is right here!” Rainbow’s wings popped and settled down, the hand still holding her in place.

“Yeah, they just don’t seem to care do they?” His voice was so even and so..so..calm! How could he do that?

Rainbow glanced back, noticing the Guards eyeing Wyatt very closely. All of them shifting nervously as they stood with pikes and bows, seeing the looming monsters getting very close, very fast.

A few seconds more went by, Wyatt looked at her, “Good candy, huh?”

She about leapt off the tank and into the air, she was getting as nervous as the guards behind her now, “What?! I..”

He smiled at her, voice still even, “Cover your ears and hang on.” He leaned back, looking towards the guards still watching him, “Cover your ears!”

Rainbow slapped her hooves over her ears, crouching down while he stood there, whispering something into his microphone.

The turret shifted, the street being a straight shot to the end of the city without any obstacles, the motors hummed, something clanked inside the metal box as she saw Wyatt take a grip on a handhold.

“Now.”

The twenty centimeter Hellbore roared out its payload of death, the compressed nuclear fire blew down the street and vaporized the oncoming enemy. So close now that Rainbow could see all the teeth and wide mouths before they disappeared into the ravening energy blast. Her eyes blinked, tearing up at the brightness as she tried to get them clear.

When the spots faded, the street was empty save for a few smoldering parts that plopped down on the crystal pavement.

The hand let go of her, Wyatt leaping down from the turret and facing the Guards who were wide-eyed and not so skittish as before.

“And that, boys and girls, is how you do it!” He grinned, giving pats on shoulders or wings as he walked by. The Guards smiling now, stomping their hooves as he moved off to another section of the perimeter where another group was coming close.

“What..” Rainbow was seriously confused, “What was all that?”

Wyatt stopped, making sure he was out of earshot before speaking.

“When your troops are looking to you for guidance, you show them you stand taller, are more brave, than what’s coming at you. Otherwise, they may break and run.” He poked a finger into her chest as she hovered beside him once more, “They depend on you for leadership. You fail, they fail, and it all ends in disaster.”

“Weren’t you scared?”

“Down to my toes, Rainbow. Scared to death.”

The pegasus’ jaw dropped, “You..looked so calm..so..so.. How...?” She threw her hooves outward, knowing even Spitfire, she of the attitude and courage, would have had an equally hard time just standing there.

He motioned to keep moving, still talking as he walked, “Push it down inside you, leave it for later. Trust me, I’m going to have a good stiff drink after all this. Those things give me the willies.”

Giving her another smile, he nodded, “You did good, staying there by me. Good example for the troops. Let’s do it again.” He pointed to another area where it was just Guards and another tank.

Rainbow didn’t quite gather it all in yet, but she would. Her chest puffed out slightly as she grinned back, “Let’s do this.” Sharing a hoof bump, they sped towards the next problem area.

It wasn’t an hour later his explanation came true. A group of creatures side-slipped the tank aiming their way. Smaller ones, they chittered and clicked as they slunk through the cracks and alleys nothing else could fit. Springing their own ambush on the two who were waiting on a tank top for the third time. The Guards immediately jumped into the fight alongside the two, Dash kept a few monsters off Wyatt as he tore through them with skills gleaned from countless days on the battlefield. His weapon punching steaming holes into anything he aimed at.

Not having time for a magazine change, he dropped it and did a weapon switch, pulling his heavy pistol and the molly-bladed knife he had carried since the beginning.

The firing of the semi-automatic was a deafening thing as the knife swept through limbs and muscles like butter, tearing apart anything that got near them or any pony. Pushing ponies behind him, he’d step forward and take on anything that threatened, being a bulwark behind which the Guards gathered and formed a ring of crystal spearpoints and shields.

Rainbow couldn’t believe how fast he was, switching out weapons and moving like he was not real. A blur of the arm and a creature came apart, a slip to the side and the pistol was up and firing at another. He’d managed to get his rifle reloaded and kneeled on the front of the tank next to the main gun, knocking flapping things from the air, splattering crawling things on the ground.

Over and over again they both fought back to back, alongside the Guards, throwing those misshapen things back to wherever they came from.

In the melee, Dash had gotten knocked for a loop towards the end, her wings tangled into each other as something that looked to be all teeth had leapt on her back. Picked off by a spear, the thing tossed out and away, the pegasus had retreated behind the tank for a moment.

Now Dash was lying on the back of the tank, worn to a frazzle as Wyatt flicked the ichor off his knife, sheathing it carefully. She had watched that blade cut through things like they were air and gave it a wide berth as they had fought. The mare proved her courage, time and again, wrestling with a clacking, champing thing before shoving it outward in front of the tanks guns, or Wyatt’s aim.

The Sergeant, chewing on one of the almost limitless pieces of candy he seemed to carry with him, sat down beside her, running a hand over a wing that lay outstretched on the tanks vent grill.His eyes wandering for a moment along the piles of what once were moving things, hoping it stayed chilly because he certainly did not want to smell them anymore than he had. They reeked.

“Doing okay there, lady?” Nimble fingers gently ran along the wings edge, feeling a few scrapes and nicks, but nothing serious, except a few missing feathers that would grow back in time.

“I’m fine, when’s the next fight?”

Wyatt laughed, seeing how worn out the mare was, but not wanting to harp on the point.

“Did good out there.”

“Thanks. You too.” She eyed him, still standing tall, sweating like no tomorrow from the exertion of combat, but still moving with a purpose.

“How can you not be tired?”

“Like I said Rainbow, push it down.” He gently refolded the wing, making sure nothing was wrong as the pegasus stood back up, “You gotta reach deep down, find that last part of yourself and haul it forward.”

Tired eyes swept the area, seeing the Guards slapping on injuries what he now knew as nano-paks. Developed by Crusader as a simple medical device, they were so commonplace that ponies used them for everyday things. Cheap to make, easy to do, he fabricated them by the thousands from simple carbon and soil.

The figure in armor slumped against the turret, taking his helmet off and wiping a wet forehead with the back of one hand, “There were times, Rainbow, when we’d march all day, fight, then march again. You have to keep going sometimes.”

Rainbow nodded, “Crusader told me once, that courage is taking your fear and using it.”

“He’s right.” Looking up at the cloudy sky, the human nodded, “But there’s more to it. You have to have the heart and the will.” he popped another candy into his mouth, one called a taeli fruit flavor, from Epsilon Iridani. Grown in mountain fields on a world far away, it was another taste altogether, so tart and light, it almost puckered the lips, but had an edge of something else no one was ever able to define. It tasted so very good right now as the flavors cleared the energy weapon after effects from his throat.

A tapping on his arm drew his eyes away from the clouds for a moment, Rainbow holding out her hoof for one as well.

“Got ya hooked, huh?” He pulled one out, watching her pop it right in the cyan muzzle and suck on it with a look of pure pleasure.

“Oh, yeah. These are so good.” Her eyes closed as she rolled it around in her mouth, letting the flavors coat her tongue. It was like nothing she’d ever had, even counting Pinkie’s best creations.

Wyatt peeked at the open visor, his data points telling him they had a few minutes until the next group got close. The rolling thunder of weapons fire was a continuous echo throughout the city as Crusader and Athena waged their war against the monsters.

The big ones that dug the tunnels seemed to be all gone, no more were popping up. But the holes they left were crawling with smaller ones that were still pouring out in some places. There weren’t enough ‘spiders, nor time, to drop charges in all of them and close the holes. So, the battle raged. Here around the castle, for the next few minutes, there was a little peaceful time.

He felt a pressure on his side, glancing down to see Rainbow leaning against him with her eyes closed, breath coming easier as she relaxed in the moments left. He’d said to do so when you could, and she was taking full advantage of it.

“Comfortable?”

“Mmm-hmm..”

“I’m not a pillow.”

A wing waved lazily at him with a mumbled sound.

He planted an arm along one lifted knee, sitting quietly and enjoying the peace before all hell broke loose once more. It was coming. He could see it in the patterns of movement by the enemy. So familiar some things, even Crusader had commented on it.

They understood about the weapons now and were steering clear, using the houses and buildings for cover. A hard learned lesson with the destruction of a major part of the enemy forces. It was almost impossible to get clean shots anymore. The combat spiders were overtaxed, being used far beyond their supposed endurance, but they held up well, trooping in and out of the castle for resupply and going back to the battle.

Assets were limited, but used well enough, forcing the creatures to stay in hiding while moving, they had learned that to step out from concealment was to be destroyed.

Wyatt slapped Dash on the leg, watching the groggy pony blink blearily at him while he checked his loadout, “Let’s go Dash, got things to do.”

“Just a few more minutes?” She tried to rouse herself, yawning mightily as he chuckled.

“Sorry, we got company coming. Dig deep Dash, you’re gonna need it.”

He looked upward after grabbing the helmet off the deck of the tank, seeing Princess Cadence and Twilight walking among the Guardsponies. Fluttershy and Applejack were helping pass out med-paks. Rarity was making sure each one had something to eat, along with a hot drink, serving it with a smile and a flutter of lashes when complimented on her outfit. Pinkie had raided the palace kitchens, making up snacks that were sweet and light to pass out to everyone, the refugees from the battle were mingling in with the others, helping to shore up barricades and working to fortify the area even more.

He was amazed at the industriousness of these peoples. Quick, skillful, and definitely knowledgeable about doing things the way it was needed.

Crusader had explained about Cutie Marks, how they were what a pony did best, what he almost was. Wyatt saw it, carpenters building swiftly, putting in place intricate walls that would deflect shots and creatures from getting close. He loosened the chest and backplate of his armor, letting it sag to get some air circulating around him more than the suit fans did. It felt good, the cold, fresh breeze.

He could pop it back in place within a moment, knowing the things were gathering for one last push, he made sure everything was set before going to look around. Maybe they could take a break for a few minutes longer. The enemy were in no hurry and neither was he.

Sighing to himself, he paused for a moment, running a hand through the stiff brush of hair that wasn’t exactly in the best of shape after wearing the helmet for so long. Really ought to find time for a shower, he thought. He hung the helmet by a hook on his belt, watching the crowd for a moment. He was seeing smiles, hearing laughter, the end of a joke, the comfort of a friend. All over there wasn’t a sign of hopelessness, but plenty of hope itself.

Crusader had told him they were formidable, and now he truly saw it. They didn’t retreat in the face of danger, they faced it with everything they had, putting their talents to use in a myriad of ways he couldn’t begin to conceive.

He flipped back through the pages of his own memories, seeing despair, sadness, all the things that marked war in his mind. Rarely did he see hope on blasted planets, the populations too beaten down to do anything else.

Though there were times, admittedly, a glimmer shone through. Nothing like this of course, not anything close.

Worthy inheritors indeed, Crusader my friend, worthy inheritors indeed.

He stepped into the line for a meal, unstrapping a Concordiat issue messkit. How strange, through all the years and centuries the Concordiat fought on worlds and systems, the mess kit still survived. Although now a truly compact form, it was still the same as any dogface GI in the far past carried.

A simple fork, spoon and knife, two plates that carried whatever was served plus collapsible cup, and there you have it, messkit. He shook his head, thinking of all the times he’d used one and never thought about it. Powerguns, Bolos, energy weapons to blast a planet apart, and we have the messkit.

You and me, old buddy, he thought as he flicked it open, the plates opening with a single handle to make it easier to carry. We’re old soldiers far from our time, but still together. You and me.

Data was still flowing through his earpiece, Crusader and Athena giving him updates as required. Silence was falling, a calm before the storm he knew would come. The enemy were gathering in the houses, knowing that we loathe to destroy buildings, they would be safe for the moment.

The crack of a rifle shot, the slight tearing sound of a chaingun came through the still air. Creatures being picked off who were too slow, or stupid, to hide.

Patiently waiting his turn, he listened to the Guards around him, chatting about things that were non-consequential to the moment. Family, home, what to buy at the store tomorrow. There was no defeatism here, none. He smiled as he stepped forward, taking his place in the serving line and helping himself to a few things. There behind the line was the pretty mare who’d thanked him for saving her. She smiled very warmly and pointed to the food.

“Serve yourself! There’s plenty!” She went back to loading up the buffet line.

Hot, fresh bread topped with creamy butter, the smell coming off it reminded him of so many things. Pasta and sauce to make the mouth water was piled into one side of his kit, the other filled with vegetables that were spiced and roasted in such a way it tasted like nothing he’d ever had. Simple fare, filling and good on a chilly day. Large and still steaming potatoes topped with sour cream and goodies helped make it all better. His cup was filled with a juice from berries fresh off the vines that was sweet and light and so wonderfully refreshing after the suit water.

Lastly, but never least, a few treats from Pinkie’s side of the line. Chocolate cake rolls with creme filling that looked very familiar, though freshly made, topped off the meal.

I guess some ideas keep going, he thought. Grabbing his meal and heading off to sit by a tank tread, forking mouthfuls of wonderful things and chewing it slowly, enjoying every moment.

His hand patted a large bogie next to his side, “Done good there. Keep up the good work.” The engine purred as if the big tank was pleased, making him eye the large vehicle suspiciously.

“They did say things had been changing with them, Wyatt.”

Calliope, his best, and only, friend for so many years, watching over him.

He tapped the earpiece, clicking his commset to privacy, “They did, but I wonder how. They say it’s magic. I believe them, but it’s all so..so..” he ended that with another fork full of pasta, chewing it over with his thoughts.

“Unbelievable?”

“Yeah, I’d say so.”

“Perhaps we should just accept things as they are? We have both been asleep for so very long.”

He let the utensil hang for a moment on the way back to the plate full of food, “But how? How could such a shift occur?” he waved it slightly, knowing she saw through the miniature camera, “How could a world so industrialized, even though the Melconians wiped it, turn into this?” He made sure to sub-vocalize, not wanting to be misconstrued.

“After long enough, even the grandest achievements decay. Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair.”

Wyatt shook his head, digging into his meal once more, “Whatever the case, it’s just beyond my pay grade I guess.” He glanced over towards the others, seeing Dash finally grabbing something to eat. The little mare put it away, must have hollow wings or something he thought.

A musical voice, low and quiet caught him off guard as he twisted his head around to see who was speaking.

“Why are you sitting all alone?” Flutterhy was peeking from under her mane, looking at him with inquisitive eyes.

He liked her, the golden yellow color, the way she smiled all the time and how she treated others.

Smiling around a chunk of baked potato, he ventured, “A few minutes to eat in peace and quiet never hurt. I’m sure you don’t want to see some grunt like me piling it in.” He chuckled, seeing her eyes widen at the self-depreciation.

True to his word, while he and Calliope had talked, he’d been demolishing the fine food. Not a lot was left of the heaping amount he’d put on earlier.

“Oh! Well, that’s not true at all!” Fluttershy pointed back to the crowded area behind the barricades, lifting her head, looking very firm about things, “Applejack says a healthy appetite is nothing to be ashamed of!” A quick glance around as she leaned toward Wyatt, “You really ought to see her brother Big Mac put it away.” She giggled and stood back up with a timid smile.

The sergeant couldn’t help himself and chuckled right along with her, leaning on a bogie and pushing upwards to stand with messkit in hand, “You’re right. I think I will go for seconds.” He leaned toward one golden ear, “And yes, I’ll join the crowd.”

Fluttershy gave him a brilliant smile, turning around to lead him back when something caught his eye.

He reacted on instinct, knowing there were no drones where he was now turning to stare. A small shape growing larger in his vision made his adrenaline start pumping as he moved.

Turrets on the nearby tanks swung viciously fast, bringing to bear their secondaries as Ferrets whipped Anti-Air railguns up with a flick of movement. The peaceful air was suddenly filled with a roar and thunder along with the snap-crack of weapons fire as the sensors finally picked up the incoming beast.

Wyatt stepped to brace himself, pushing Fluttershy downward as he kneeled at the same time above her now prone body, lifting his rifle in a smooth movement from where it was slung along his shoulder, bringing it up to aim at the thing barreling in from the sky.

It was small enough to dodge the sensors, juking and jiving in the air, avoiding any aiming laser that tried to pinpoint it. It was just too small and too fast. Even technology has it’s limits, there were no heavy suites of sensors on the tanks and Ferrets, being secondary vehicles.

The safety off, Wyatt took careful aim as it swung and swerved among the gunfire from vehicles desperate to put it down before it caused harm, one of the Ferrets winging it with a rail pellet, as it slipped in between streams of tracer fire.

Pushing the stock against his shoulder he steadied himself, breathing slowly as he kept Fluttershy safe beneath his armored form, the end of the barrel tracking the winged monstrosity as he found his rhythm. Pulling back gently on the firing stud he cut loose with a three shot group of superheated plasma that hit dead on target as it was making it’s final approach. The creature let out a bleat as it died, still aiming for him.

He cursed to himself, seeing what he’d done and tried to get up and move out of the way but his legs failed him at that moment, too unsteady from sitting so long he gritted his teeth as what was left of the beaked thing slammed into his chest like a sledgehammer hit, throwing him back into the barricade behind him.

The armor took the brunt of the impact, even hanging loose as it was, the pointed beak..or mouth..sharp like a bayonet that skittered across the plasteel and ripped through the skinsuit and skin across his rib-cage where he’d left it unsecured, drawing not a few colorful words that the translation software didn’t even need to parse.

Grabbing the bleeding side, he kept the rifle pointed upwards, knowing there were probably more as he nudged Fluttershy, telling her to get everyone inside as fast as they could.

He knew, just knew more of them were on the way. This wasn’t a sniper hit, this was the scout of a swarm,he was dead sure. He’d seen it before, one critter gets ahead of the others and then they pile on behind it.

He was looking into the sky, clear for the moment as clouds roiled away to let a little sunshine through, and saw nothing.

“C’mon, c’mon..” He tightened up his chest piece, grimacing at the pain as ruby liquid dripped to the crystal paving. He could feel the dulling, the edge going away as medical nanos took charge, trying to keep him from bleeding anymore and using what his body had to rebuild essentials like capillaries and veins.

Oh, he picked this one wrong.

They didn’t come swarming from the skies, they came through the houses and buildings, along the streets, low and fast!

Dark swarms swung through and around buildings as they blotted out the streets with shadows, a mass of winged creatures all heading for the castle to soften it up for the others. Small enough to evade detection until seen, they plowed through the chill air like a bulldozer, heading for him and the ring he’d set up for defense.

Ponies were scrambling to get inside, away from the swarm. It was orderly, and very quick as the last shut the doors behind them, others taking cover in the Ferrets which clanged the heavy troop ramps shut to seal them in.

He rammed the helmet on his head, sealing it swiftly with sure hands as he aimed once more towards the black mass moving his way. Tanks and Ferrets opened fire at his command, trying to whittle down the crowd of creatures that were getting ever closer.

Oh, this is going to hurt. He thought, thinking of those sharp needle-like beaks punching into his armor. Plasteel would hold, he was sure of it, but he was going to get battered badly.

Slapping the tank, which was trying its absolute best with all secondaries blazing away, he yelled into the intercom, “Get them! You can do better than that!” Hauling himself up to land on the deck beside the secondaries that were flaming with bursts of fire.

He would swear, until his last breath and beyond, that the tank stopped firing as if to give him a look saying “What do you think I’ve been doing?” Then resumed hammering at the swarm. A Hellbore went off, firing down a long lane and punching a hole swiftly filled back in, in the flock.

He shoved the stock into his shoulder and commenced firing alongside the turret, superheated plasma throwing itself downrange and burning through winged creatures. Not enough, not enough by far.

Gritting his teeth, he swapped out magazines, returning to sweeping the front of the flock and crisping anything that was getting too close for comfort.

He scrambled for an air-burst grenade, loading it into the underslung launcher when a fan of light came through the air, narrowing quickly it was joined by four more. Pinpoints could be seen dotting here and there when the Anti-Air Lasers opened up. A sizzling, then snapping sound as the air superheated along the wide tracks, ricocheting off the crystalline houses and pavement, it bounced along the path of the swarms, burning everything to cinders that fluttered through the air like leaves in the fall.

In seconds it was over as he heard the rumbling behind him, seeing Crusader’s hull approaching ever so slowly, Athena coming up on the left, their ranging lasers sweeping the area with hair thin beams of light. Anything caught by them was immediately shot, leaving nothing but drifts of ash that blew around in the slight breeze.

“Amazing what a little tuning of laser frequencies will do.” Athena’s voice was merry, her hull rocking to a stop. Not a scar, or blast mark, left on the houses and buildings, the lasers shifted just a miniscule bit in frequencies to leave no trace but remain devastating.

“Cut it a little close didnt’ you?”

“You know, you could be a bit more grateful.”

“I tell him that all the time, he’ll never change, Athena.” Calliope’s pretty voice joined the chorus as he leaned against the turret.

A finger pointed down the street, “You do know there are more gathering for a charge, right?”

“Of course we do. It’s a feint, the main force is actually on the opposite side.”

“Yes. That is why we moved in closer. Athena has had her combat spiders emplacing some surprises for the enemy.” Crusader’s voice was as close to outright chortling as he could come.

“Good.” Wyatt clutched his side, the wound was deeper than he’d thought, though the nannies were doing a good job. Grinding his teeth for a moment, he stood back up, leaning as if it was an everyday thing.

“We know you’re injured Wyatt. Stay still. Your readouts are good, everything is fine. Let the nannies do their job.” The voice was quiet over the commlink, Athena being circumspect.

He nodded inside the helmet, “It hurts. Much as I hate to admit it, that thing got me good. Shouldn’t have undone the armor, stupid me.”

“We need to get you into the autodoc soonest, but it appears there are a few looking to you for leadership.”

The Sergeant glanced to the side, seeing Guardsponies waiting in rows and looking at him for orders. Seems his little trick of touring the troops worked, but now he had to live up to it. Taking a deep breath, he stood a little taller, bracing a hand against the turret to hold himself in place as he nodded to them, exaggerating the gesture so the helmet would copy it. The ponies smiled, running to get in place and the defense lines bristled with bows and spearpoints everywhere.

“Seems you have fans.” You could hear the smile in Calliope’s voice.

“They’re just seeing a front. I’m tired, and those things really worry me. What are they?”

Crusader chimed in, “They appear to almost be of the same aberrant physiology that were defeated in the Everfree. We will take samples, Athena can do an analysis later.”

“Something’s hinky ain’t it?” The Sergeant kept himself upright, slipping a stim-tab from the dispenser in his helmet and biting into it. The sharp metallic tang made him curl a lip in disgust, but all of a sudden he had his body back, mind was clear, the dulled edges fading away.

“It is. We have suspected genetic engineering long ago. But by who or why, we cannot say.”

The visor was flipped up, letting the chill of the day in as he took a deep breath, hard eyes looking over the lanes of fire carefully, “I’d say someone, or some thing, had a serious mad on.”

“We’ve had some clues, but nothing solid. We’ll fill you in later. We have movement.” Turrets and weapons moved blindingly fast on Athena’s sleek hull, aiming outward from the castle.

“You two going to cover everything?”

“You’re fine, we can’t track all lanes with the castle in the way, although we can cover most of it.” Athena sounded almost thrilled to be engaged in battle once more.

The two mighty machines, made so long ago it was less than a memory, moved to either side of the castle. The ground troops filled in the slots where direct fire might have a problem.

“We’ve got the ground covered, any backup?” He didn’t need a reply as combat spiders popped up from behind barricades and defense points, bristling with weapons. Guards ponies were eyeing them curiously, not worried at all, knowing that the strange things were on their side.

Tanks shifted fire lanes, moving with Ferrets to double up on the open areas, providing force multipliers when needed or wanted. Drones flew like shadows overhead, pinpointing enemy movement and tracking anything their optics could reach.

“Since we have moved back to reinforce, they have infiltrated what appears to be the last of the groups on the outskirts. We have no firm numbers, but because we were protecting lives, they have managed to slip in.” Crusader sounded frustrated, he wasn’t used to letting the enemy get one over on him.

Wyatt was silent for a moment, “You’ve both done beautifully. Property can be rebuilt, but lives, they’re special. Know what I’m saying?”

“We do.”

“Didn’t your officers ever have discussions about all this?”

“Sometimes, though never very far. We were more concerned about the enemy when not on Low Level Alert. Even in our long lives,” Athena sighed, “There just didn’t seem to be enough time.”

“Take it from me then. I know you’re used to blowing planets apart,” Here he heard a chuckle from Calliope and Athena, “But this time around, you done good.”

There was silence on the commlink, but he could almost feel the burst of pride at the praise, something they’d both longed for, wanting to hear it just once again.

Looking up at the inner visor display, he could see masses of the enemy begin to move, “Now, boys and girls, it’s time to clean the slate.” He looked back at the guards waiting quietly, “You ready?”

Hooves pounded the pavement, glittering points like hedge-rows shot up to lean forward. Bows were brought up and loaded with magic swarming around the lines of ponies.

“We’re ready to rip them a new one!” The raspy voice made him turn, seeing Rainbow hovering beside him, the others were standing in a line with Twilight and Shining centermost, ready to throw magical shields out at the first sign of a problem. Cadence stood beside her husband, reinforcing his magic with her powerful aura, looking determined as the rest.

“And just where, may I ask, did she learn that phrase?” Calliope’s voice made it quite clear she knew already.

There were sounds of humor over the commlinks from the two Bolos, making him pinch the bridge of his nose, “You know, I see now why Bolo commanders were wacky, I really do. You nagging bunch of hardware.”

“Awwww, we like you too!” Athena laughed brightly over the airwaves.

He waved at the waiting ponies, getting one in return from them all as they watched outward from the defensive ring around the Crystal Castle. Wyatt felt his side, the pain dulled by nanites and the stim-tab. He shouldn’t take more than one or two of those, not very good for the system. There would be a hard crash in about eight hours, but that was fine.

Leaning against the side tread cover of one tank, he peered into the distance along the silent roads leading away from the castle. He thought back, those many many years ago, where he’d done the same on so many planets. He couldn’t remember all the names, but a few stuck out here and there.

He’d never seen creatures like this before. There were so many alien races in the galaxy, some quite..different.. Nothing like this melange of things that looked put together in some mad doctor’s laboratory. He’d definitely have to sit and have a discussion with the two Bolos about it all.

A roaring, then screaming came from the surrounding buildings and houses, piercing the quiet air with a sound of battle to come. He watched as the last of the enemy forces poured down the streets, right into their guns.

He pulled the well-used rifle up and into his shoulder as he saw Twilight step up beside him, magic flaring brightly around her horn, Cadence and Shining doing the same as magic overlapped once more, a thick shield of energy surrounding them as Rarity moved up, Applejack and Pinkie looking determined, Rainbow Dash hovering with a confident grin.

Wyatt couldn’t help but give a nod at the bravery, even in the face of something like this. Worthy, oh yes, more than worthy, he thought, turning to give a grim reaper look towards the rushing horde.

“Come and get us, suckers.”

To be continued.....