As I hastily move down the long corridor towards the observation room. The surrounding walls are still dull gray but, it matters not. Passing several doors along the way, I finally reached my destination at the end of the corridor. Upon arrival, I saw two double steel doors, at least two ponies high. The label above the door read ‘Observation Room’. One push of a button on the right side allowed me access to the room, still in the process of the doors opening, one sliding into the wall on its left while the other to its right. As I took a step inside I noticed the room was dark.
“Ugh…” shrugging my shoulders, “why are the lights off?” as I mumbled to myself, standing inside the room.
“Lights!” I shouted impatiently.
Upon command the lights flickered to life. The room was nothing special. It was a large square room with a circular arch desk in the center, medium sized, facing away the steel doors. Eight medium size monitors positioned in the center covering most of the back wall. Finally, with no time to waste I dashed to the desk, taking a seat as I began to activate the terminal. Damn thing! It's taking forever to turn on. Leaning my head against my hoof I stared blankly at the terminal still booting up.
Observing my desk, I spotted unfinished documents on the left side of the terminal. Picking up the documents, scanning them over, and deeming them unimportant, I tossed them in the trash under the desk.
Looking back towards the terminal, its still booting up. Really? “Computer, status on stasis pods in sector C" I commanded.
“Stasis pods 1, 2, and 3 are vacant, one inhabitant in stasis pod 4, all system functional.’ It said with a lifeless drone.
‘‘Do you have any other request Director?’’ the computer asked.
“No” I responded.
I sighed, “war, it never changes does it.” In a sorrowful tone. This whole conflict over resources, to be honest, I think they’re just fighting out of hate now, forgetting the reason behind it. Truly saddening, I mean this land was once peaceful but, it’s no longer redeemable now. The first bale-fire bomb dropped on Clouds-dale, then like a domino effect, others went off one after another. Nobody is going to win at this rate. Hopefully, yhese stables built by stable-tech does its job to protect civilians from the fallout. Unfortunately, I was not selected-though I guess it’s due to the nature of this job. However, I’m not staying here. Even though this place should technically be safe from the bombs, I REFUSE to remain here and watch the world burn. If I’m going to die; I’m taking my chances outside.
A slight tremor shook the facility. Once the shock wave died the alarm blared.
“Warning! Warning! Level 1 Radiation Detected.” The computer warned.
The sudden alarms made me jolt to my hooves. “What!?!? Location-now computer!” I demanded. Radiation couldn’t have gotten inside the facility, could it?
Responding to my order. “The computer reported, low levels detected in outer perimeter of the facility”
I sighed in relief. Thought the radiation got in, must have worked its way up the mountain. Assuming this facility wasn’t damage, I glanced back at the terminal to see it loaded. Relaxing a bit, I began typing the message for when he/she wakes up. Just then another quake, stronger this time, shook the facility. Caught off guard, the cold floor welcomed me with open arms.
Groaning in frustration, I steadied myself to my hooves shaking off dizziness. Returning my hooves back over the terminal, I finished the message. “Computer” I said calmly.
Responding lifelessly with, “Yes Director?”
“Once the inhabitant wakes, put him/her in charge of the facility.” I responded, leaving the terminal on before heading towards the exit
“You will no longer be in charged once inhabitant awakens. Confirm Command?” the computer responded.
Stopping instantly, looking up at the security camera. “Yes, Confirm Order”
“Reason for sudden resignation?” it asked.
I simply responded “Retiring early”
Shame, I had to disable most of the AI Functions, can’t have her messing with the facility while being in charge. Also, it makes her more cooperative. Shutting the door behind me after exiting the Observation Room, I trotted towards the exit.
x-----------------x
My eyes slowly crept open to the darkness. Once fully open, I couldn’t see my surroundings. Feeling around, I noticed I was trapped in some sort of tube. Unable to remember how I got here, I began to panic, able to move enough for me to lift up my hooves, I began banging on what sounded like glass. Unable to scream, my hooves fruitlessly failing to break the glass which I assumed was reinforced. Feeling anxiety levels rising, I began to think, why am I here? Did I do something wrong? Was I a prisoner? More questions poured into me like a rip tide in a river. Suddenly, a slight hissing could be heard, my barrage of thoughts halted. Scared to death, I looked to see where the sound was coming from-though that didn’t help in the slightest. Additionally, the hissing has faded and a lifting sound and a lifting sound could be heard. Slowly, the small tube like prison hatch rose, revealing a larger room, still lying down, I tried observing my surroundings. Failing in doing so, I was hesitant to get up. Scared, and not knowing what to expect, I willed myself to slowly rise up in a sitting position. For some reason I felt cold. Trying to ignore that feeling, I began look around to get a better look at the room I was in. Hearing a loud snap, my neck throbbed in pain which faded quickly. Grunting I thought why is my neck so stiff? I spotted in what looked like a step stool to enter the tube. Using this, I slowly stood up and worked my way down, hearing cracking sound with every step I took.
Forget my neck, my whole body was stiff! Before moving on, I loosened the rest of my body, feeling slightly relieved. Taking deep breaths, I began walking towards the other end of the room. Being afraid of the dark does not help, the room I was in was a rectangular room, dull gray, medium sized, also it’s at least three ponies high. I assumed this was due to the wires I faintly saw attached to ceiling. Even creepier is that there are three other tubes just like mine lined up next to each other, except, they were all empty. More so, what happen to them? Fear levels increasing, I reached the end of the room. In front of me was a single steel door, on the right was bright red button, even in the dark you can’t miss that. Pushing that button showed access to a corridor splitting in two directions, left and right. Gulping, I nervously stepped out into the corridor. The door slid shut, echoing a bang sound. EEP! Escaping my voice, I plopped to the ground cowering in fear. Not wanting to move I hoped it was just a bad dream, which I’ll wake up to a nice warm lit room. However, that was not the case. I didn’t even realize I was hyperventilating. Reminding myself to take nice calm slow breaths-I began to calm down. Did I mention that I REALLY hate the dark? With tremors wracking my body, I rose to my hooves. You can do this! Just push through and hope to escape this dark corridor. Giving myself more encouragement, I relaxed slightly. Relying on instinct at this point, I went right. With each step I took, I constantly checked my vicinity-passing door by door, unable to read labels. Where is every-pony? mentally asking myself. Am I alone? hate being alone. This is not helping my anxiety. In fact, it’s making WORSE. I halted my advance, almost walking into a wall. Now that I stopped, I never noticed how spacious this hallway was. A lot of ponies can walk up and down without running into each other. Still alone, I looked to the left noticing a pair of staircases leading upwards. Preparing myself mentally for the encroaching darkness that ascends up the lonely staircase. Pivoting my body to the left, I move with caution towards the stairs. Stopping, I examined the staircase. It’s a solid, slightly narrow staircase in between the walls escalating upwards. Cautiously, I placed one hoof on the staircase. Sighing, I carefully ascended trying not to think about all the wrong things that could happen. My mind wandered, I could fall down and break my neck or a giant shadow monster could appear and attack ME! or WORSE… A GIANT SHADOW MONSTER CAN ATTACK ME, MAKING ME FALL DOWN THE STAIRS, and THEN I BREAK MY NECK! I stood paralyzed in fear at thought. Dreading the moment, I used the remaining of my mental strength to shove that thought into the back of my mind, down an endless hole. Then cover the hole with plywood because my mind lacked the mental strength for anything better. Keeping myself from dying of fear if that eve… Oh Shit! I forgot nails! Retreating back into my mind I mentally nailed down the plywood covering the hole. Snapping back to reality, I pushed forward, continuing up the steps. After a while of me not trying to break down, I reached the top floor, which read ‘Sector A’. Instantly spotting another door on the left, I turned to face it. Staring at the door unwilling to move forward due to the fact that I hate the unknown. But, I made it this far, no need to stop now. Besides, this place is abandoned… yeah abandoned, as unsure as that sounds. Approaching the door, I pushed the button. Tension started gripping my body as the door slid open; I let out a sigh of relief. Just another corridor, seriously, my paranoia is ridiculous. Stepping through, the doors shut behind me.
Turning right, I progressed cautiously down a similar corridor I was just in. So similar, I swear it looks like I didn’t make any progress at all. Even if there was detail, it was shrouded in darkness. Passing door by door, everything was consumed in darkness. What if I get consumed by it too never moving again? I don’t want die, especially ALONE. It’s so silent, except for the sounds of my hooves clopping against the steel, and my breath inhaling and exhaling. It’s… frightening, to say the least. Distracted by my thoughts, I bumped into double steel doors. Double? All other doors were singular, so this door must have been important. Examining the door, I barely spotted a label above the door; it read ‘Observation Room.’ Of course the button is one the right. I raised my hoof over the button then stopped before pressing it. Observation Room? Asking myself. What on earth could some pony be observing? To my shock I came to realize, lowering my hoof gently. Were they watching me? Looking around frantically, trying to spot a camera or something that gave a hint if I was truly being watched. Looking up, I saw it. A camera looking directly at me. Paralyzed in fear, still looking at the camera. I shifted to the left, the camera following my movement. Slowly cocking my head towards the door, I thought, yep it’s watching me. My body was shaking uncontrollably, slowly backing away from the steel questioning myself, should I open it? Even if I did who knows what would be waiting for me on the other side. I could turn around, runaway, find an alternative way out. But, if I enter, maybe I could get answers for some of my questions. Perhaps this is why I seen no one else around, they were just watching me, in this room. Mustering my courage, I stepped in front of button, raising my hoof over the button. Even though, with my hoof right there, I hesitated for a moment. Taking slow breaths I pushed the button. Quickly placing my hoof down and moving in front. Quickly placing my hoof down and moving in front of the door-I prepared myself for the worse. The doors slid open showing me access to another empty dark room. For some reason my fearful expectations turned to depression. Perhaps it’s because deep down inside I wanted contact with another being, even if they meant to do me harm. At least I would know I wasn’t alone in this place. Focusing back to the situation at hand, I walked forward into the dark large room. Great it’s bigger and darker in here. Scanning my surroundings, I couldn’t spot much; mostly everything is obscured in blackness. Except, Yes! saying aloud, I spotted a faint green light in the center of the darkness. Trotting forward in delight, I realized it was a terminal on top of a circular arch desk. However, my hope didn’t fade; maybe this terminal will give me answers. As I got close the terminal illuminating the surrounding area showed it was covered in dust. It looks like this terminal hasn’t been touched in ages. As strange as that was, I wanted to know why I was here. Halting in front of the terminal, I wiped the layers of dust off the screen. Thankfully, the screen brightened and I noticed a chair near the desk. Pulling it up I sat down in front of the terminal. Using my hooves to type was difficult but I managed, scrolling down I read over a list of options, such as defenses, AI command, whatever that is. Other unimportant options that won’t help me, pausing my scrolling I spotted one saved written log, all others were deleted. Although weird, I opened it up hoping to find it useful. It read,
Dear, Mr. or Miss. Inhabitant. Inhabitant is not my name, its… well I don’t quite remember but, I do know it’s not Inhabitant.
If you are reading this, that means you finally woken. I apologize for not knowing whom I’m addressing to but I won’t be here when you read this. Obviously I regret to inform you that the world as you once knew has ended, I take no joy in telling you this sorrowful news. What!? Ended!? Am I truly alone now? Before I began my mental breakdown I convinced myself to finish the message, hopefully, there’s a bright side. For some reason I hear something banging on wood, however, I don’t recall ever passing word. Pushing that thought aside I continued. Fear not, stable tech built stables to protect those from the fall, basically an impregnable underground facility meant to maintain life safe from radiation and aftermath of the falling. Who had the money and power to afford such vaults is beyond me. Moving that aside I suppose you want to know where you are. Yes. The facility you’re in is an Observation facility and it purpose is to monitor the region of Amalon. I don’t know why it was constructed to do so but what is observed varies upon new directors. Please note there is no other facility’s like this according to old records. You’ve may have noticed already there’s no one else around. "Yeah and I hate It," mumbling at the message. There is a reason a reason for that, see whoever constructed this place before The Fallout only allows one Director to be stationed at all time. Though it’s impossible to run the entire facility alone, so, an AI short for Artificial Intelligence has been built into the place. So, that what the option meant, interesting. Sadly I had to disable most of its functions, even her personality. Her? The unlock code is DMC965L. This is all I got to say because I’m leaving this place. Any unanswered questions you may have which no doubt you do, ask the AI. Hope this message was helpful.
Sincerely,
The Director
That’s it?!? Ugh… well better than nothing. Also, what kind of functions did the previous Director disable? Something caught my attention in the corner of my vision. Pivoting towards the door I saw a red glimmer. Squinting my eyes trying to see what it was, my eyes widen in shock when I saw a red horizontal laser coming right towards my head! Dodging the laser by ducking, it missed, vanishing shortly after.
Nervously getting up I began to panic. Again, I’m already afraid of the dark as it is but putting lasers on top of that, yeah no way. Before I could think of a plan more lasers appeared.
“Oh Come On!” I shouted.
One of the lasers was coming from the left, this time lower to the ground. Instinctively I jumped over the laser then ducked immediately after to dodge the laser coming to the right. It didn’t stop there, looking up I spotted another laser coming down vertically from the ceiling. When I rolled to left I bumped into the chair that was at the desk. Dodging all this while still at the desk, Was I always this agile? Barely dodging the ceiling laser I noticed something. The laser didn’t cut through the desk; maybe it only targets organic material. Once they faded, I remained low to the ground expecting more. None appearing, I stood up to carefully scan my surroundings. My panicked feelings gripping my heart, I don’t think I can take much more of this. Just then the lasers came back with a final vengeful solution. The lasers created a grid like box that surrounded me head to hoof. As the lasers got close, I was looking around frantically for an escape route. However, the lasers made it to me before I could. With everything black my collapsed to the floor.
“THE PAIN!” I shouted, clutching to myself on the floor with my body squirming frantically. My demise must have been quick because I didn’t feel anything. Slowly opening my, I found myself squirming on the floor pointlessly. Stopping, I stood up and found myself still alive by the desk. Shocked, I took a moment to realize how stupid I must have looked. Good thing no one was recording that. A voiced boomed through the room. I heard the sound of wood snapping instantly shouting out loud, “IT’S THE SHADOW MONSTER! AND ITS COMING TO BREAK MY NECK!” quickly I dove under the desk quivering in fear. Not a coward just I get scared easily.
“Scan Complete, Race: Earth Pony, Mare.” A voice said all monotones like. “Unable to spot directive, initiating lights”
Suddenly, the room brightly lit up. My eyes burned due to the sudden change in the lighting and tried to adjust. With my eyes squinted, I crawled out my hiding place and looked around. Standing up next to the terminal the voice continued.
“Directive located, please state your name for identification.” Dumbfounded by the sudden change of events, I responded with “Uh…”
“User identified as ‘Uh’ is this correct?” it asked dully.
Snapping back into focus I quickly responded with, “What!? No!” Which I stated unreasonably loud. For a moment it went silent, “My apologies madam, please restate your name clearly.” Well at least it was polite, even if it was in a monotone voice. However, now that she mentioned it. What is my name? Trying to rack my brain for answers, I finally decided to hit my head with my hoof. In a painful flash it occurred to me.
Clearing my throat, I stated, “My name is Starry.” Now that I am no longer surrounded by darkness, my fear decreased dramatically. ON the other hand, my worries began to surface. How many more memories am I missing? Also do I even have a purpose? Ugh, being alone sucks.
Finally it responded “New director Registered.” New Director? More questions to the list.
“How may I help you today Director Starry?” it asked.
Err… first thing first. “Why am I labeled as the new Director?”
It responded quickly, “Upon the last orders I was instructed to make you the new director.” Uh huh.
Well that was vague but I have more important concerns. For instance, “Do you have a name?”
“Social Functions disabled, if you wish to reactivate primary functions, please do so via terminal.” It informed me. Pulling the chair in front of the terminal, I took a seat and started using my hooves to scroll through the options. Passing several command options I finally stumbled upon the one that read ‘AI Command’ clicking it brought me to a new screen.
Do you wish to reactivate primary functions?
Y/N
Y
Please enter password.
‘DMC569L’ I believe that was it.
Password accepted.
Please wait, this may take a moment.
Rebooting…
Initiating AI Programing Feature Solstice
Warning Data Corrupted
Repairing… Repair Complete
All system functioning.
Have a Nice day!
Well that wasn’t too difficult. Looking away from the terminal I saw eight medium sized monitors along the back wall. Were they always there? Shortly after it spoke again but, sounded different.
“Good afternoon Director Starry, my name is Solstice; I wish to thank you for reactivating my programming.” She said thoughtfully. To my surprise, she actually had personality. YES! No more dull monotone voice. Afterward she started giggling.
Questioningly I asked. “Um… Solstice, why are you giggling?” Her giggling turned to mad laugher. Okay… I’m starting to get a bit nervous here. “Solstice?” she sounds like she trying to compose herself now.
“Sorry Director” she said still giggling. “You’re too funny.” She began composing herself a bit better. I raised an eyebrow, “Funny? I didn’t do anything” soon after that statement, the monitors on the back wall came to life. My eyes widen in shock to what I saw.
She viewed me not so long ago. “This is comedy gold!” She said as she busted out laughing again. I watched myself having in what looks like a spasm on the ground. She continued showing another clip. “Especially when you said, ‘IT’S THE SHADOW MONSTER! AND IT’S COMING TO BREAK MY NECK!’ seriously I lost it. Thought my processors were going ot overheat.” Her laughter died down to slight giggling.
Even though she turned off the monitors I still sat there shocked. Processing what I just saw, I snapped back into reality. “Delete the videos!” I ordered in embarrassment.
She calmly responded, Director Starry, please state password in order to delete video files.” Password? I don’t remember placing a password.
In an agitated tone I said, “I don’t remember it, just tell me.” This is suspicious, the videos were just recorded. How can a password be placed on them? Wait…
“Sorry Director, I’m unable to find the password in my memory banks.” She said clearly.
Groaning with my hooves on my face, “You did this on purpose. Didn’t you?” I said mumbling to her. Clear in a suspicious response, “No…”
Frustrated, I dropped the topic. Getting back on track, “Previous director said this facility was designed to observe Amalon, so, how am I supposed to observe anything?
Without a missing a beat, she responded “With the sprite bots purchased from the Ministry of Morale or MoM for short. The Sprite bots broadcast live video feed on these monitors which are recorded and stored. Status Update: Sprite bots 1-20 were recalled and now waiting for orders in storage bay sector C, Sprite bots 21-31 ceased functioning, Sprite bots 32-65 still operational and in the field. However, due to the loss of the main communication tower, broadcasting is limited.” She finished instructively. Interesting…
Hope rose in me, “Can we broadcast a message to whomever out there? I mean, if we had a main tower we must have a backup for communications.”
“I’m unsure Director Starry; give me a moment to think.” Solstice is unsure? Well I suppose that can happen, I mean I barely know her. “Perhaps, but the message will have to be short and transmitted in Morse code. Please note Director, the likelihood of someone discovering this message is slim.” Better than not trying at all.
What is there to lose anyway? “Send a message of our coordinates.” I ordered. With that I assumed she is beginning to broadcast the message. Finally having time to think, my questions from earlier began to surface. Why am I here? Better yet why am I having a hard time remembering my past in general? I must have been lucky to remember my name.
Solstice, “how come I’m having trouble remembering my past?” I asked worryingly. I really hope I don’t have brain damage or something. Judging by the sound of her voice it doesn’t sound good.
“Judging by the scan from earlier, I believe you have a case of amnesia” she said. If I assume correctly, “Amnesia is a case of memory loss right? If so, is there a way to regain my lost memory?” I asked sheepishly. Getting a better response than I expected. “Uncertain, you would need a unicorn who specialize in memory manipulation. “She said in a instructively. Well that’s unlikely, still I wonder… “What caused it?”
In a calm voice she said, “Most probable cause is due to the time you spent in the stasis pod.” Stasis pod? Oh she must mean that horrible tube. “Safety limitations for any occupant are 50 years, any longer will have uncertain side effects.” In my case amnesia. “Judging by the logs, you been in stasis for approximately, seventy three thousand and forty eight point four days.” She probably saw my ‘What?’ face on one of her security cameras. Sighing, she said, “In simple terms, two hundred years.”
I think my heart finally killed me because everything went black. No wait, I fainted.
Thump!
Footnote: Level Up! Meh why not it’s only level 1.
New Perk: Night Vision (1): Well not really, when in darkness your vision improves by 10% with every level.
Quest Perk Added: Amnesia: I’m pretty sure you're supposed to get something, don’t worry I’m pretty sure it’ll come back eventually.
Author's Note
Hello, this is my first time writing a story. With the prologue I sorta experimented to try things which I hope it came out well. I know it's not perfect but I do hope I'll improve my writing and would appreciate any constructive criticism. One more thing I may have put more detail than necessary, if that so please tell me.
Also, I know Amnesia is cliche but you won't have to worry about it after this. I put it in there because I refuse to believe that anyone put in Cryo State for very long period of time would wake up with no effects. So I picked amnesia.
Editors:
-Mom
-Sister
-Friend
