2482 = LOVEby Starlight CrusadirChaptersPart 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5Part 7 - FinalPart 6Part 12482 = LOVE by Jeremy M. Thayer All characters and places mentioned and their derivatives (with the exception of "Clunky") are property of Hasbro Inc. “Robot probe 2482… do you copy?” Command Central called with a hint of urgency “Yes I copy… I am at 100% functionality” The weather-worn space probe returned. Its decades of flight into the unknown, still had not affected its abilities. “I am 139054.2121 nautical earth miles in passing away planet of Neptune.” The robot sounded with broken English, as it always has. This was because many of the programmers that built it could not speak English very well. They basically created its speech module with no real knowledge of the English language. “Good probe 2482. Be advised… Central is picking up a high voltage anomaly in your vicinity. Take proper maneuvers.” Command told the far-space probe. “Copy… Turning 1.4444 degrees, due NW away from highvol. Over.” the robot said in its electronic voice. Robotic deep-space probe 2482 was one of the only robots left searching for new life. At one time Command had over a thousand probes, soaring throughout the heavens. However, over the decades many of them were victim to design flaws or stray space junk slamming into them. Even though many had met their demise, they were all far advanced for the time. Each one had the ability to land upon and launch from planets. They could take samples and pictures of everything they came in contact with. Also, with new (for the time) technology they could use logic, deduction, and reason; along with expression and voice. Probe 2482 had already landed upon every major planet past Earth in our solar system. Neptune was its last stop and now it was onward to the dwarfs of Pluto and Eris. Because of this, the probe became a kind of mascot for all of Command Central. “Is you doing well?” The robot said. It was preprogrammed with many human-like expressions like these. However, hearing them repeated often was very annoying. “Yes 2482.” Someone at Command central returned with sarcasm. “Good. Over.” The robot said. After a few minutes, Command again called with annoyance. “Robot probe 2482… the high voltage anomaly is getting closer. Deviate flight path now… copy?” The dispatcher said with a tone of authority. “Copy… Deviation of flight path NW 14.8462 degrees… Thrust at 24% for 2.843 seconds. Deviation completed. over.” The probe returned. “Excellent 2482. Good job… over.” The dispatcher said in release. Even though their probe was considered an antique by technological standards, Command Central certainly did not want to lose another one. “How is family?” The robot said. “Good… 2482” the radio operator said with a sigh. “Good to hear… over.” The robot said. Within a few minutes of time, many of the operators and scientists at Command Central started to stir with a sense of panic. Suddenly, the Chief Commander appeared and gave the countersign to start High Alert. Sirens blared throughout the complex, as hundreds stopped everything. They dashed and quickly converged upon the control room. “Probe 2482… This is Chief Commander. Initiate Emergency Alpha course 4545! Alpha Stat Alpha! Collision with anomaly is imminent!” The Chief Commander of Command Central shouted into the microphone. The robot was heading directly on a collision course with the unknown! “Copy… Initiating Emergency Alpha Stat Alpha 4545. All thrusters firing at 100% Course Correctio… 34… 8… r…” The robot sounded with screeches and static. Everyone in the control room held their breath, as Probe 2482 fell silent. “Probe 2482… This is Chief Commander. Do you copy?” “Probe 2482… This is Command Central. Do you copy?” “Probe 2482… Do you copy?” “Probe 2482…” “DANG!!! We lost another one!!!” The Chief Commander shouted as he threw the microphone hard, smashing it on the ground. He walked away shaking his head in disgust. There was a feeling of dread that overwhelmed everyone, as more worked furiously around-the-clock to reclaim contact. Part 2“Look at the thing… it’s covered in ice! I say it’s a metal flavored Popsicle!” “That’s silly! Anyone can see… it’s a whatsmathingey doey!” “A Whatsma… whatever you said. No! It’s a metal flavored Popsicle!” “No! A whatsmathingey doey!” “POPSICLE!” “DOEY!” “Girls! Girls! Enough!” Twilight Sparkle shouted. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were arguing back and forth about the heap that had landed in the middle of the apple orchard. It was certainly something that no pony had ever seen before. “I hope all of that drippin’ icy water ain’t contaminated! It will hurt our apple trees!” Applejack said with concern. “That’s just it… I don’t know what it is?! This is something that goes far beyond all the books I’ve read.” Twilight said in bewilderment. “Cool! That looks just like the mechaoid in Pony Raiders issue #14! Awesome!” Spike exclaimed with excitement as he appeared in the orchard. “I hardly think we can find our answers… in comic books!” Twilight said rolling her eyes. “I don’t know… this looks awful alien spooky crazy gonzo to me! I’m with Spike on this one!” Pinkie Pie said. She quickly grabbed Spike from behind, and pushed him in front of her. As the Equestrian sun continued to beat down, the ice started to fall off of the heap in large chunks. “Oh… this is gonna’ hurt my trees! I just know it!” Applejack said almost to the point of crying. Suddenly, everyone ran in fright as its thrusters fired with intensity. “MY TREES!” Applejack shouted. Twilight quickly used her magic to uproot and move the trees away from the probe. She moved them just in time before they became roasted apple kindling. “Nice save… Twilight!” Spike said, slapping her on the flank. “Whew! I’m much obliged to ya Twilight.” Applejack said in relief. All at once, everyone was again filled with fright as the thrusters stopped firing. “Emergency Alpha Stat Alpha 4545 Completed.” The robot said. “Wh… wha… what did it say?!” Pinkie Pie said stammering in fear. Spike quickly jumped behind Pinkie in terror. Twilight could only gaze in wonder as the mystery spoke yet again. “Freeze warning. Deicing sequence malfunction… malfunction. Anomaly detected… 12485.667 kilowatts. Overload detected. Emergency shutdown. Rebooting…” The robot relayed. It seemed as if it were giving a recap of events. “I’m gonna buck this thing back to where it came from!” Applejack said in a panic, as she started to run towards the metal probe. “Applejack… NO! STOP RIGHT THERE!” Twilight demanded with authority. “But… But…” Applejack stammered as she stopped running. “NO! That’s an order of the Princess! Let’s see what it wants!” Twilight said pulling rank. “AW Shucks!” Applejack said kicking the dirt. The probe clicked and whirred louder and louder. With a puff of smoke, it suddenly split into two parts. “Ground explorer detachment… completed.” the robot said. It revealed a set of moving treds that scurried across the ground. “Collection sequence… initiate.” The robot sounded as it seemingly began to explore the orchard. “Hel… Hello. Hi.” Twilight nervously said. The droid stopped its motion and quickly turned into the direction of Twilight’s voice. “Voice pattern detected… Life form detected… scanning…” The probe called as a greenish beam surrounded Twilight. “Hey! What is this?” Twilight said in fear. “Life form known… Class Mammalia… Genus Equus… species unknown… threat... negative.” The mechanized thing said as the light disappeared. “My name is Twilight Sparkle… I am a pony.” Twilight slowly said, trying to make contact with the strange object. “Po knee? Copy?” The robot said as it sat motionless. “These are my friends and you are at Sweet Apple acres, outside of Ponyville. Who are you? How did you get here?” Twilight said in wonder. “Po knee? Copy?” The robot again said. “I don’t understand what it wants?” Twilight said in frustration. “Maybe it wants some cupcakes?” Pinkie Pie said. “I hardly think this thing eats cupcakes!” Twilight said in agitation. “Well… this ‘Po Knee’ wants a cupcake!” Pinkie Pie said bouncing up and down as usual. “Why don’t you pipe down your stomach, before it meets my po… knee! Ya’ dig!” Applejack said to Pinkie with a glare of anger. Pinkie suddenly stopped being “Pinkie” with a whimper. “Po knee? Copy?” The robot suddenly said yet again. Twilight could only shake her head in frustration. “Twilight… let me give it a try.” Spike said as he approached the probe. “Sure Spike… I’m sure that your ‘Pony Raiders’ and other goofy comics you read can solve this one!” Twilight said sarcastically. “Twilight… please.” Spike said. “Fine. Have at it. Be my guest.” Twilight said as she sidestepped out of the way. “Po knee? Copy?” the probe said again. “Um… Pony. Roger… over and out.” Spike said as he cleared his throat. “I’m sure that helped Spike.” Twilight said as she rolled her eyes. Suddenly, the robot turned into Spike’s direction. “Life form… species Po-ny Twilight Sparkle. Noted.” The robot said. Then it beamed its light at Spike, Pinkie, and Applejack. “Two lifeforms… species Po-ny Twilight Sparkle. Life form… Spike… species unknown.” The probe echoed. “Naw now… my name is Applejack and this here is Pinkie Pie. We’re ponies and all, but there’s only one Twilight Sparkle… thankfully.” Applejack stated with a grin. “Hey!” Twilight huffed at her statement. “Lifeforms… Species pony Applejack… Species pony Pinkie Pie… noted.” The robot said. “Amazing! Whatever this is… it has the ability to learn!” Twilight said in excitement. “Just like the Mechaoid in Pony Raiders…” Spike said with a hint of I-told-you-so. “You were right… I’m sorry Spike.” Twilight said in consolation. Spike suddenly got even closer to the robot. “Hi… my name is Spike! I am… er…. species dragon. I live in Ponyville. This however is an apple farm. Over and out and stuff.” Spike said awkwardly. The robot paused for several minutes without a motion or sound. “Did you uh… break it…? Spike” Twilight said with a bit of nervousness. “I didn’t even touch it!” Spike said trying to make his defense. “Spike broke the whatsmathingey!” Pinkie Pie said as she started bouncing again. “IT’S A POPSICLE!” Applejack shouted, reclaiming their argument. All of a sudden, the robot turned and started traveling away from the group. “Radar terrain scan completed. Exploring Apple Farm… exploring Sweat Apple acres… exploring Ponyville.” The probe said as picked up speed. “It said ‘Sweat’ Apple Acres! HA HA HA!” Pinkie Pie said rolling on the ground. “I’m gonna show you ‘Sweat acres’ with my hoof upside your head, if we don’t catch that thing!” Applejack yelled as she quickly ran trying to stop the robot. “Come on! We have to stop it before it causes every pony in Ponyville to panic!” Twilight said as she too ran after. Spike quickly grabbed Applejack’s lasso that was sitting beneath one of the apple trees. “Applejack… here!” Spike yelled. Suddenly, she turned aside and grabbed it from Spike’s claw. “Got it! Yee Haw!” Applejack exclaimed. She twirled it in the air, as she ran faster and faster to catch up to the runaway. Suddenly, with great skill she flung the lasso in the air and looped the robot. “HELP! I can’t hold this thing!” Applejack cried. Twilight caught up to her, and she too grabbed the rope. The robot’s pace began to slow. Pinkie also made it to hold the rope. All of a sudden the robot stopped its forward motion. “Movement malfunction… anti-trac alert… Life forms pony Twilight sparkle… Applejack… Pinkie Pie… stop progress. Dilemma… need logic. copy?” The probe said. “What was all that clunky gibberish for?” Applejack said trying to re-catch her breath. “I think… I think it’s trying to understand… why we stopped it.” Twilight said as she too was out of breath from all the running around. “I still think it wants some cupcakes.” Pinkie said as she strangely was not tired from the ordeal. “PINKIE!” Applejack and Twilight shouted in unison. After a few moments of hard breathing, Twilight thought hard about everything. Suddenly, she had a radical idea. “I’ve been going about this the wrong way. Whatever this is… it is all about exploring and logic…” Twilight said. “So… whaddya getting at Twilight?” Applejack said with a puzzled look. “Where’s the best place that it can explore and get logic… without tearing up stuff or scaring every pony?” Twilight said with a smile. “Um… a dark, lonely cave?” “No… Spike.” “Oooh! Oooh! Sugar Cube Corner?” “No… Pinkie.” “I love Sugar Cube Corner!” “I know Pinkie!” “They have only the best cakes and pies!” “I KNOW PINKIE!” “Um… at your castle library?” Applejack said. “Finally! Yes… the library!” Twilight said with a huff. “And just how do you expect we get this bucket of bolts through town and to the library, without scarin’ half the town, half to death? There’s ponies in the streets all day and night!” Applejack said with sarcastic doubt. “Through logic and organization!” Twilight said enthusiastically. “Oh this is gonna’ be great…” Applejack said covering her face with her hat. “But first we need some help…” Twilight said. Part 3“You want me to make what… for WHAT?!” Rarity shouted as she nervously peered at the mechanical explorer. It was sitting next to Spike in the back of the barn. “Yes… a costume for Clunky. Applejack gave us the idea for the name earlier.” Twilight said. “You mean… you gave IT a name? IT has a name?! How absolutely dreadful!” Rarity said scoffing at the probe dramatically. “Rarity… we can’t lead it out of the barn and through town looking like this! Day or night, every pony would go crazy regardless! I just need to get it to the castle library.” Twilight said pleading with her friend. “Can’t you just make a royal decree or something?” Rarity said like a brat child. “That would cause even MORE suspicion and buzz! Even my magic can’t stop an angry, crazy mob of ponies!” Twilight said with a stomp. “Oh… I suppose you’re right. We can’t have STRANGERS cluttering up Ponyville and making CHAOS can we?” Rarity said thinking about everything. “So… you’ll do it?” Twilight held her breath. “Of course… but there is just no way that I can do it in my studio! Sapphire Shores has already requested an entire wardrobe change and I’ve already started!” Rarity said with more dramatics. “Uh… Granny Smith has a sewing machine and I can get some material from all our apple sacks. It don’t hafta be fancy.” Applejack said with a stern look at Rarity. “For once I agree with Applejack. Quick and to the point will suffice… Just gather up everything, I’ll be back later to disguise your Clunky… whatever.” Rarity said as she started walking out the barn door. “OK you heard her! Let’s get busy!” Twilight said as she suddenly jumped into organization mode. Everyone jumped to attention and started gathering materials. Several Hours later… Princess Luna raised the moon and all of Equestria fell dark. “Where is that prissy pony pants?! It’s been hours!” Applejack said with a snort. “I don’t know but if she doesn’t show soon… we’ll have to try doing this ourselves.” Twilight said with a hint of doubt. “Eeyup… I can sew a little bit.” Big McIntosh said. In the hours that followed, he was filled in on the entire situation. “Big Mac… you can’t sew! Yer just funnin’!” Applejack said with a snicker. “Eeyup I can… Granny Smith taught me. Who do ya think made ya that blanket for yer birthday? It was me!” Big Mac said with pride. “Well, if that don’t beat all… I am impressed.” Applejack said with a look of awe. “Eeyup!” Big McIntosh said. “I’m sorry I am late every pony. Creativity calls you know…” Rarity said as she bounded through the door. “Nnope!” Big Mac said in frowning disappointment. “What’s wrong with him?” Rarity said as she watched Big Mac leave with his head hung low. “Never mind him… let’s just get this over with.” Applejack huffed. “Agreed.” Rarity said as she made her way to the robot for measurements. As Rarity approached, the robot scanned her. After a few moments of thinking… it spoke. “Pony Rarity… seamstress.” The probe said. “Seamstress?! Hardly! I am an ARTIST!” Rarity scoffed “Amazing! In just the short time it has been with us, it has already learned our names and adapted to our conversation style!” Twilight said. “Well it obviously cannot tell the difference between a… common… button stitcher, and a true talent!” “Oh… get off your ‘high horse’ Rarity! And… let your talkin’ do some sewin’!” Applejack said with aggravation at Rarity’s bragging. “EEYUP!” Big McIntosh said loudly from outside of the barn. “FINE!” Rarity huffed as she started slinging apple sacks through the sewing machine. As Rarity sewed with Applejack as the material girl, Twilight thought it best to try to re-communicate with Clunky. “Hello… It’s me again pony Twilight Sparkle.” “Why does drag-on Spike make that sound? Logic requested.” Clunky asked. “Oh… Spike… Well he’s a baby dragon and he needs his rest. Spike is asleep.” “Baby dragon Spike asleep?” Clunky said. “Yes.” Twilight said with a smile. “Noted…” The robot returned. “Where did you come from?” Twilight questioned. “Command Central interstellar deep-space probe 2482… Firmware 34.233… commissioned June 16, 2009.” Clunky said. “No… not when you were made or who you work for… where did you come from? How did you get here?” Clunky paused for a long time as it pondered this question. “Freeze warning. Malfunction. Anomaly 12485.667 kilowatts. Apple farm. No known logic. Logic requested pony Twilight Sparkle.” The robot said with an odd look upon its robotic face. “So… you don’t know?” Twilight said “Negative.” Clunky said. “I’m trying to understand… what’s a kilowatt?” Twilight said as she thought hard. “Kilowatt… a unit of electrical power. One kilowatt is equal to 1000 watts.” Clunky said. “I know all about weather and that sounds like a big bolt of lightning… which would be awesome and cool of course!” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “Rainbow Dash, where did you come from?” Twilight said bewildered. “The door of course! Duh! I came looking for you because you skipped out on our book club! You know missing out on Daring Do is uncool!” Rainbow said with a frown. “I’m sorry I missed it… but as you can see we have more pressing matters at hand!” Twilight said as she pointed at Clunky. “Yeah… I saw this bucket of bolts drop from the sky, into the apple orchard earlier…” Twilight said with a yawn. “…AND YOU DIDN’T COME HELP US!?” Twilight yelled. “Hey! It was my scheduled nap time! Making weather is so tiring.” Rainbow Dash said with a stretch. Twilight could only shake her head in disgust. “Pony Rainbow Dash… noted.” Clunky said. Suddenly, Twilight had a radical thought. “Electricity… lightning… power… that sounds a lot like Equestrian magic!” Twilight exclaimed. “Whataya gettin’ at Twilight?” Applejack said, rejoining the conversation. “I… I… don’t know. Whatever this ‘anomaly’ thing was, it had a lot of energy.” Twilight said. Applejack paused for a moment, and then smiled. “Remember how you told us them stories about going through that mirror and seeing all those strange things you call ‘humans?’” Applejack asked. “Yes. Whataya gettin’ at Applejack” Twilight said with a laugh. “Well… maybe this here ‘nomolee’ is some kind of lightnin’ powered ‘spacey mirror’ that Clunky went through all icy and out of control, and brought it here.” Applejack said, unsure of herself. “Applejack, you’re a Genius!” Twillight hollered. “Logic acquired. Anomaly 12485.667 kilowatts confirmed Einstein-Rosen Bridge… wormhole… portal… noted.” The robot said putting all of their conversation together. “Wormhole… hey that makes sense! A wormy goes in one side of an apple all chompin’ and chompin’ and comes out the other side. Clunky went in on the spacey side and came out on the pony side!” Applejack said with a proud smile. “Good job Applejack! You’re smarter than you look.” Rainbow Dash said giggling. “Hey!” Applejack said with a huff. Clunky peered at Rarity with a puzzled look, as it approached. “What is pony Rarity doing? Logic Requested…” the robot meekly said. “I am sewing… trying to make you a large… ghastly… ugly costume. When this is done, please don’t say who made it… OK?” Rarity said with her usual drama. “Can Clunky sew… Pony Rarity?” The robot said. “Oh… Ha. I should like to see this! Please be my guest…” Rarity said as she backed away from the sewing machine. The robot picked up two applesacks and scanned them intensely. It then laid the material on the sewing machine and began to rock the large pedal back and forth. “Amazing! A perfect chain stitch on this old thing! Well… I certainly misjudged you. You have some STYLE in you somewhere! Unlike… some ponies.” Rarity said glaring directly at Applejack. Rarity then reached around Clunky and squeezed it tightly. “I’ll take over from here… Thank you.” Rarity said as she motioned to reclaim her seating. Clunky backed away, but had a very confused look upon its electronic face. “Pony Rarity… What is… is… pressure? Logic requested.” Clunky said. “I don’t understand…” Rarity said as she stopped sewing. “What is pressure? Hold? Logic requested.” Clunky repeated. “Oh! That is what we ponies call a ‘hug.’ It is a form of greeting and friendship. It is also something done when you really care about someone.” Rarity clarified as she started sewing once again. Clunky looked hard at its own two robotic arm-like appendages. “Hug… greeting. Hug… friendship. Hug… care. noted.” The robot pondered. Suddenly, Clunky grabbed Rarity from behind and squeezed her. She was so startled that she messed up one of her stitches. “Hug Pony Rarity… care friendship greeting? Copy?” Clunky said. “Awwww It looks like you made a new friend Rarity.” Twilight Sparkle said smiling. “Yes… wonderful… all of that.” Rarity said to Clunky with a hint of sarcasm. Clunky released its grip and then quickly grabbed Applejack. “Hug pony Applejack?” the robot questioned. “It looks like ya’ already did little feller.” Applejack smiled. Twilight Sparkle extended her hooves towards Clunky. “OK I guess I’ll ride on this love train also… come here you!” She said. Clunky turned and slowly moved into Twilight’s grip. “Hug Clunky… care friendship…” Twilight said in her best robot voice. As they embraced, Clunky’s electronic face turned from a dull orange color to bright neon green. “Emotional paradigm upgrade completed… 1.2 to 3.0.” The robot said, but in a different pre-recorded voice. “What just happened?” Twilight said as she released. “I think you just went up a level…” Rainbow Dash added in wonder. “HUH?!” Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack said in unison. “Oh Come on! Don’t you ever play VIDEO GAMES!? Back in the day, I was the BEST in Cloudsdale at ‘Griffon Invaders!’” Rainbow Dash said with pride. The trio could only stare, still not knowing what it even was that she was talking about. “Uh… you ground ponies don’t get out much… do ya?!” Rainbow nervously said. All of a sudden, Spike started to stir awake. “Wh… What did I miss?” Spike said slowly. “Clunky went through a space mirror, learned how to hug, and went up a level! Isn’t that wonderful!?” Twilight said to Spike in excitement. Spike blinked a few times and then went back to sleep. “I think that came out wrong…” Twilight said with a laugh. All of a sudden, Clunky produced a small, spinning antenna. “Pony Pinkie Pie… approaching… slowly.” The robot said. After a few moments, Pinkie Pie slowly trotted through the door. “Pony Pinkie Pie… mass increase 2.9984 percent.” Clunky said. “What have you been doing Pinkie?!” Rarity said with a gasp. “I don’t feel so good…” Pinkie said with her head low. “Pinkie… no stories. Just tell me how many CUPCAKES you ate?!” Twilight said with great concern. “…oh …oh …47! Oh…” Pinkie said sickly as she held her expanded belly. “Hey… NEW RECORD! AWESOME!” Rainbow Dash said with enthusiasm. “RAINBOW!” Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity sharply said in unison. As the moments slowly ticked away, The group watched Pinkie writhe in agony on the barn floor as Rarity continued her task. After several minutes, Rarity spoke. “FINALLY! Now I can go back to better… more important things!” Rarity blared with arrogance as she held up the completed costume. Clunky looked puzzled at her statement with an electronic frown. “Pony Rarity… hug… care… friend… better? more important? Logic needed.” The robot said with a lower tone. “You hurt Clunky’s feelings! You prissy… high falootin’… snobby-snob!” Applejack hollered at Rarity. “Well I Never! I was merely stating that… that…” Rarity said with a stammer. “What?” Twilight said with a raised eyebrow. “That… I was going to assist Clunky to the library… of course!” Rarity said nervously. “Right… sure you were.” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically. Rarity could only stand there with a nervous giggle. “Spike… Spike wake up! We have work to do!” Twilight said to Spike with a shove. “Ghhhaaaa! What is that thing?!” Spike said startled. “That ‘thing’ is Clunky’s costume… and we need to get him to the library… tonight!” Twilight said. “Come on every pony… the sooner when can get Clunky to the library, the sooner we can all get some shut eye.” Applejack said with a yawn. “I deeply agree as I already said. Yoo-hoo Clunky thing! Come over here and let me slip this on you.” Rarity said holding the costume. Clunky moved slowly towards Rarity’s hooves. She carefully slipped the costume over its mechanized frame. “Perfect fit… of course.” Rarity said admiring her work. It had a unicorn’s head and a scruffy mane and tail. The pale brown color made it have the appearance of old leathery skin. There were two small slits in the front so Clunky could see. Overall its look was very unkempt, as if it had not bathed or combed its mane in weeks. “Looks like Cousin Braeburn after visitin’ a few days.” Applejack said with a giggle. “Eeyup!” Big McIntosh said seemingly appearing from thin air. “Or Twilight… when she goes crazy before a test.” Spike chimed in with a laugh. “Spike! Applejack! You too Big Mac! Every pony listen! Now here’s the plan… we surround Clunky as we walk together through Ponyville. If anyone sees it and asks, we say something like ‘our dearest cousin has become ill… we need to get him home.’ Ok?” Twilight Sparkle said as the group huddled together. Everyone nodded in agreement. “Pony Twilight Sparkle… travel to lyebarry? Copy?” “Yes… we travel to the library!” Twilight said enthusiastically. Little did they know… it was going to be much harder than they thought. Part 4The group surrounded Clunky and slowly led it out of Sweet Apple Acres without incident. “Ponyville is just ahead… here is where it gets sticky. Keep your eyes wide open for any pony!” Twilight said giving instruction. “Remember Clunky… not a single word, even if ponies ask you questions. We’ll do all the talkin’ for ya.” Applejack said reminding Clunky of the plan. “Noted.” The robot said. Soon, they reached their first hurdle… the creek bridge. As they approached the bridge, they could clearly see an Equestrian guard making their nightly post. “Stay cool everyone…” Rainbow Dash whispered. As they approached closer, the guard quickly snapped to attention. “Halt! State your business…” The guard shouted with a sharp spear in his hand. “At ease Private!” Twilight said with an outstretched hoof. “Prin… Princess Twilight! I am honored!” the guard stuttered. “Yes… my entourage is escorting me to the castle. Continue your post Private!” Twilight said as they passed by. The guard again snapped to attention and resumed his post with a big smile on his face. “Whew! that was close…” Applejack said as they walked out of the guard’s earshot. “Hopefully, that’s all we see…” Twilight said in careful release. “Sugar Cube Corner is just ahead… I’m sure you’re glad to see that Pinkie… HA!” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically with a laugh. “Oh… oh… don’t remind me.” Pinkie said still woozy from her Cupcake over-over-over-indulgence. “Quiet you two… I think I hear something ahead.” Twilight said sharply. “I think… I think I hear it too. It don’t sound good.” Big McIntosh said quietly with a sense of fear. As they walked, the sound grew and grew. As it got louder, everyone began to walk slower and slower. “We’re gonna’ get caught… I just know it Twilight… I just know it!” Applejack said to Twilight, as she trembled in fear. “I’m getting some bad Pinkie tingles…” Pinkie Pie said in fright. Suddenly a darkened figure leaped in front of the group. It made everyone jump in fright with stifled screams. “Hello every pony!” Fluttershy said. “Fluttershy!” The group gasped in unison. “I think it is so wonderful that you are all here for the celebration!” Fluttershy said in glee. “Oh… that bird… um… star flying thing… you were telling me about?” Rainbow Dash said scratching her head. “Yes! The annual watch of the Night Starling!” Fluttershy said in excitement. She then turned and looked up at the night sky. Twilight quickly kicked Rainbow Dash hard in the flank. “YOU KNEW ABOUT THIS AND DIDN’T TELL US!” Twilight said with anger, still trying to be quiet. “Heh… heh… I uh… kinda forgot.” Rainbow said nervously, wanting to crawl under a rock. “Yes! When the Night Starlings return from Vanhoover each year, they always greet everyone with beautiful music! I can’t wait! Come follow me… I know where the best place is to watch!” Fluttershy said ahead of the group, motioning them to follow. “Oh this aughta be great!” Applejack said with a snort. “I gotta a baaad feeling about this!” Pinkie Pie said. “Hey… we could always run!” Spike said to Twilight nervously. “Let’s just see what she wants and visit for a little while and leave… OK.” Twilight said trying to assess the situation. As the group rounded the corner, they could suddenly see the source of the noise they had heard. Surrounding the gazebo in the center of town was at least 200 ponies! Many of them were dressed like birds, as well as wore organic materials. Several of the ponies had musical instruments, and wore beads and necklaces. Everyone was filled with happiness and looked to the sky in anticipation. However, the group’s eyes suddenly swelled to the maximum, as they were now at the point of panic. “Threat detected…” Clunky said. “You ain’t kiddin’!” Applejack returned as she gazed upon the crowd. “Oh… Hello there! Who’s your new friend?” Fluttershy said meekly, looking at Clunky’s costume unaware. “Er… Um… That… That’s my cousin Snap… uh… Snapple Apple! He’s here from Appleloosa! Yeah…” Applejack said almost tripping over herself. “Oh… hello there Snapple Apple sir. Welcome to Ponyville! Are you looking forward to the Starlings?” Flutter said with enthusiasm. “Um… he doesn’t talk. I mean his voice is all messed up right now on account of hollering at Granny Smith. You… you know how ornery she can get. Heh… Heh…” Rainbow Dash said nervously. “That… that’s why we are escorting him to the castle. So Twilight here can mix up a remedy… isn’t that right Twilight?” Rarity said nudging Twilight. “Correct. Good old Twilight here is going to mix up some brew… and treat the sick.” Twilight said with a crooked smile. “Oh… such a pity that you won’t see the Night Starlings. They are just wonderful!” Fluttershy said as she once again turned seemingly entranced, looking at the sky. All of a sudden, other ponies surrounding them must have been privy to their conversation. “The starlings return means that there will be peace in our valleys of life… man.” One of the ponies dressed like a bird said, as he reached for Rarity’s hoof. Rarity instantly backed away with a shriek. “The starling knows what every pony needs… The starling is our oracle!” another pony said, trying to put their hooves around Rainbow Dash. “HEY! BACK OFF PAL!” Rainbow said also with a shriek. A pony with a tambourine grabbed Pinkie Pie and said, “Play a song for the Starlings… man!” “Ummmm… NO!!!” Pinkie screamed as she quickly ran away in fright. Another pony reached up to Spike as he clung to Twilight’s back. He had some sort of crude instrument. “Play the love harmony beads and please the Starling kind!” The pony said. “TWILIGHT! GET ME OUT OF HERE!” Spike said scared out of his mind. Applejack and Big McIntosh were poised to strike as the ponies kept trying to touch them. “Now ya’ll just back away and you won’t get hurt!” Applejack said nervously, trying to act tough. “Uh… Eeyup! I hope…” Big Mac said with a shake. “Don’t fight it man! Feel the love of the Starling! It loves you man!” several of the ponies repeated as they came closer to Applejack and Big Mac. Suddenly… the night sky was filled with birds flying across. “THE NIGHT STARLINGS! LET US PLEASE THEM!” Every pony suddenly turned and shouted towards the sky. They started walking closer to the gazebo, and singing, and playing their instruments. With the crowd’s attention diverted the group quickly dashed away to safety, far from the crowd. “OK! OK! THAT WAS JUST INSANE!” Pinkie Pie said trying to find her composure. “EWWWWW! ONE OF THEM TOUCHED ME!” Rarity said almost jumping. “THEY GRABBED ME TOO! UNCOOL! UNCOOL!” Rainbow Dash squealed. “I THOUGHT I WAS GOIN’ TO WAR OR SOMETHIN’! THAT WAS A NIGHTMARE!” Applejack hollered. “NNOPE! NNOPE! NNOPE! NNOPE! NNOPE! NNOPE! NNOPE!” Big Mac kept repeating. Spike could only cry uncontrollably without a word, and Twilight tried her best to console him. “VERY STRANGE… VERY, VERY STRANGE…” Clunky said trying to make sense of it all. After a few moments of release, everyone slowly returned to normal. “Should we go back and fill Fluttershy in about all that’s happened?” Twilight whispered with concern. “Leave her to her birds and her bird-brained friends. Fluttershy has always been one WEIRD pony.” Rainbow Dash said quietly. “…and she can sure pick some weirdos.” Applejack said hushed with a giggle. “… and I thought that our metal friend here was strange. I never knew ponies LIKE THAT existed!” Rarity said softly with her eyes as large as saucers. “Hippie dippie weirdy ponies… ha ha ha!” Big McIntosh said with a bellowing, mocking laugh. “Pipe down Big Mac! We don’t need any of those strange fellers following us…” Applejack said nervously as she began to walk faster. “I think Applejack has the right idea…” Twilight said as she too began to walk faster, with Spike tightly clinging to her back. Soon… the entire group was standing in sight of Twilight’s castle. “Whew! We made it! This has been absolutely dreadful!” Rarity said brushing her mane. “For once I agree… that was plum nonsense!” Applejack said. “Eeyup! And plum preposterous too!” Big Mac said. “Now where in tarnation did you hear such a big word like that?” Applejack said with a snicker. “Cause I can read… an I read about as much as Twilight does!” Big Mac said with agitation. “You don’t neither!” Applejack hollered. “I do too!” Big Mac returned. “You don’t neither!” Applejack again hollered. “I DO TOO!” Big Mac said raising his voice. “ENOUGH!!!” Twilight yelled, breaking up their fight. “I didn’t come this far, so you could wake up every pony with your SILLY SQUABBLES!” Twilight said, stomping her hooves on the ground. “Yeah… this is pretty childish! In fact to settle this… I see Big Macintosh all the time from the clouds, under the apple trees with a book in his hands. You take him for a DUMB pony, but he can surprise you… that is of course, if you would only quit flapping your gums and LISTEN!” Rainbow Dash said to Applejack with a snarky attitude. “Oh Really!” Applejack said getting up in Rainbow’s face. “Yeah! REALLY!” Rainbow said almost an inch from Applejack’s face. “Hmm… I think I want a cupcake.” Pinkie Pie said butting in on their confrontation. “PINKIE!!!” They yelled with mean looks upon their faces. “Halt! Halt! Quarrel is counter-productive! Ponies need rest. Copy?” Clunky said loudly, trying to make sense of everything. “Clunky is right! Everyone needs to get in the castle and get some SLEEP! I know ALL about sleep, and you are ALL CRANKY!” Spike said with a breath of fire, while standing on Twilight’s back. Every pony nodded and started walking without a word, knowing that Spike was absolutely right. Soon… they crossed the threshold of the enormous castle gate. And with a few more steps they were all inside the shut and locked castle. “Made it…” Twilight said in tired release, with her eyes drooping closed as she bolted the door. The entire group was visibly frazzled and exhausted from their ordeal. “Ok Clunky… you can take your costume off! We’re safe now. Over there is the library and down there is my bed.” Twilight said pointing the way and fighting off the urge to sleep. After a few moments, Applejack’s face turned from a stern look into a tired look of regret. “I’m uh… sorry Big Mac and every pony else for being rude.” Applejack said with her head hung low. “…and I’m sorry too for being the same. That was very unladylike of me.” Rarity said looking at Clunky. “I’m sorry guys… for being a butt.” Rainbow Dash said. “…and I’m sorry for yelling at every pony.” Twilight said with tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry for not being neighborly.” Big Macintosh said crying. “…and I’m sorry for WANTING CUPCAKES!” Pinkie cried out as great tears dropped from her eyes. Now… the entire group was crying, holding each other, and apologizing. After a few moments, Spike yelled with a disgusted look. “EVERY PONY GET SOME SLEEP!!! YOUR LACK OF SLEEP HAS MADE YOU INTO A BUNCH OF WHINING, CRYING BABIES!!!” Spike could only throw up his hands as he walked down the hallway towards the bedroom. “…and they call me ‘baby’ …Sheesh!” Spike huffed as he went into the bedroom. The entire group suddenly quit crying and awkwardly broke their release. “Heh… Heh… that was cute.” Rainbow dash said sarcastically. “That little whipper snapper is a hoot.” Applejack said with a laugh. “Yes… I think Spike is right. We have had a loooong day and need some sleep. You all know where the spare bedrooms are. Goodnight.” Twilight said with a yawn, as she too trotted up the hallway towards her bed. The rest of the group, slowly did the same. And, one by one they collapsed into each snuggly bed on a sleep journey to meet Luna. Clunky could only stand in the entrance hall observing quietly, trying to understand all of their strange ritual. Part 5Celestia’s dawn danced upon the stained glass window in Twilight’s bedroom. The light from the window shone into Twilight’s sleeping eyes. “Morning!? Already!?” Twilight said seemingly mad at the sun. She tried to turn over and drift back to sleep, but the damage had been done. “Fine… I’ll get up!” Twilight said with a child-like whine. As she walked across the bedroom floor, she suddenly remembered last night’s ordeal. “Clunky! I forgot!” She said snapping awake. She quietly strolled down the hallway towards the library. “Clunky… Clunky… CLUNKY!” she said whispered trying not to wake anyone else. “Where are you?” she said to herself. The library looked untouched. Nothing had been moved or was out of place throughout. “Huh?! I guess you’re not here.” Twilight shrugged. Then she began a search throughout the castle, still trying to be quiet. As she looked, suddenly there was a faint smell in the air. Whatever it was, it smelled surprisingly good. “Clunky?” Twilight said as she decided to follow her nose. As she walked the scent got stronger and stronger, leading her to the kitchen. “Clunky?! What are you doing?” Twilight said with bewilderment as she entered. The robot was standing over the stove with several pots and pans, all firing with various concoctions. “Hello Twilight Sparkle! I am making an omelette du fromage coupled with pain au chocolat and espresso to drink for your morning consuming and enjoyment.” Clunky said with proper speech. “Wow! You sure have been reading a lot! But… but the library looked untouched!” Twilight said in amazement as she took a seat at the kitchen table. She could not help but sit there and watch Clunky work so skillfully. “In fact, I have integrated every piece of media in your library… and did not disturb your system of cataloging in the process.” The robot said as it continued cooking. Twilight’s jaw seemingly dropped to the floor. “You… You mean… you read EVERY BOOK in my library?” Twilight said gasping. “Yes… all 16,748 volumes of hardbound matter and 47,682 scrolls and letters. As well as observed 14,621 painted and photographed images, 478 film reels, 212 maps, and 167 comic books. I must say that ‘Pony on Sunnymeadow farm’ was my highest rated hardbound matter. ‘Introductions to Pegasus potty training’ was my least highest rated.” Clunky said as he was plating Twilight’s cooked morning feast. The robot sat it all down in front of her on the table, and quickly returned to the stove. “Bon Appetit… Enjoy.” it said. Twilight smiled with delight as started to eat her special meal. While she was eating, Clunky paused from cooking with a look of extreme contemplation. “Tell me Twilight Sparkle… Equestria has much history, yet there is much repeating. Why do many perform evil, when good is much better? Good has no sorrow, no punishment, and no tragedy. There is no bad in good. Why do not ponies and peoples learn?” Clunky said, turning from the stove. “I don’t know… If you can answer that one, you would be the smartest in all of Equestria.” Twilight said with her mouth full of pain au chocolat. “Noted.” Clunky said as it returned to cooking. Just then, a groggy Spike rounded the corner into the kitchen. “Hey! No one told me today was ‘buffet day!’” Spike grumbled. “It isn’t… Clunky made me breakfast. Isn’t it wonderful?!” Twilight said with chocolate smeared on her lips. “I did not forget about you Spike… Here is Yogurt Gems Jubilee with an Emerald garnish.” Clunky produced from a small refrigerator, under the counter. Spike suddenly shot awake in excitement. “Alright! You know just how to treat a dragon!” Spike said as he seemingly ran to take his place at the table. “Yes I do… I have mentally digested 72 volumes on the subject.” Clunky said setting the breakfast parfait on the table. Spike happily began eating and after a few moments paused in bewilderment. “Hey wait… where did you get the gems?! Rob the Ponyville bank? Ha!” Spike said joking. “No… I found them myself at the base of Foal Mountain after I integrated ‘Gemology and Unicorns – an explorer’s guide’” Clunky said still cooking something else. “You mean… YOU MEAN… YOU LEFT THE CASTLE?!?!?!” Twilight said in fear. “Not before also integrating ‘How to be a Horse Ninja: Secrets of Ponjitsu.’ No one could hear or see me…” Clunky turned with a bow and its mechanical hands pressed together—“Namaste.” Twilight was visibly startled at such vast knowledge. “OK… but how did you make it all the way to Foal Mountain and back in time to make breakfast?” Spike said, seemingly trying to find a flaw in Clunky’s story. “A Letter- ‘A lesson in teleportation by T. Sparkle… written to Princess C.’” The robot said, still cooking. “MY OLD HOMEWORK ESSAY! I WROTE THAT 6 YEARS AGO!” Twilight shrieked. She then thought hard about the essay. “Wait… you mean… YOU CAN USE MAGIC?!” Twilight questioned. “Yes… but not very much. Your spell could only make me move forward a few hundred feet at a time. However, it did increase my travel speed by 187.994 percent.” Clunky answered without stopping. Twilight’s jaw seemingly dropped again to the floor. All of a sudden, Rarity appeared through the doorway. Her mixed-up mane was a sight to see. “Rough night?” Twilight said with a smile. “Don’t tell me! Rainbow would not STOP snoring! Whatever you are having… give me something STRONG.” Rarity demanded. Clunky quickly turned to see Rarity, and suddenly put its spatula down. “Rarity… tsk… tsk… tsk… this will never do.” Clunky said as it moved from the stove in front of Rarity. Suddenly with lightning speed, it started manipulating Rarity’s mane. “Hey… what are you doing?!” Rarity said with attitude. After a few seconds, her mane looked as if she had spent all day at the salon. “That is much more stylish. Does this please Rarity?” Clunky said as he produced a mirror. “That’s it! That is it! I am firing my hairdresser! YOU Clunky thing… are simply DIVINE!” Rarity said with a gasp, as she gazed at herself in the mirror. “Where did you learn that one?” Twilight asked Clunky. “Styles and profiles – Today’s hottest looks for the mare on the go. 15th edition.” Clunky said, as it returned to its cooking. “I forgot about that one…” Spike said without looking up from his gem delight. “Hey wait a minute… where did it learn to style manes? Or cook breakfast for that matter?” Rarity said puzzled Clunky suddenly sat a plate in front of Rarity on the kitchen table. It had many fancy foods, along with a tall mug of black coffee on the side. “Or… know what I like! This… this is amazing!” Rarity exclaimed. “Clunky read my entire library while we were sleeping! With all the books… plus all the letters we wrote to Princess Celestia over the years, it probably knows more about us than we do!” Twilight said. Rarity began eating her frou-frou and stopped with a frown. “To think about it… this is really scary! What if it starts telling things… you know... EMBARASSING things to every pony. Think of it! Remember that whole ‘Gabby Gums’ fiasco? This could be that TIMES TEN! This Clunky could be DEVASTATING to all of us!” Rarity said with her usual drama. Clunky suddenly ceased everything and turned to confront Rarity. “Telling secrets and failures to embarrass or hurt someone is bad. What I have integrated, along with my programming tells me that bad is wrong. Bad is evil. I am against BAD.” Clunky said with strong emphasis. “I seemed to have struck an electronic nerve… I meant no offence.” Rarity said with great concern. Without a word, Clunky returned to its cooking. “See Rarity… everything is OK. You have nothing to worry about. Clunky wouldn’t hurt anyone.” Twilight said. “If you say so, Twilight.” Rarity returned with nervousness. Just then… Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Big Macintosh bounded through the doorway. “Hey! Where’s our grub?” Applejack said. “Yeah… we’re hungry too!” Rainbow Dash and Pinkie said in unison to Twilight. “Uh… Why is Clunky doing the cooking?” Big Mac asked. “Take a seat you four… there is much to explain.” Twilight said with an outstretched hoof “Just don’t question Clunky’s integrity… it gets rather testy if you do.” Rarity said quietly. Part 7 - FinalTwilight sat being consoled by Spike as the minutes ticked away. She could not let go of the costume and kept squeezing it, like it was still filled with her newly found friend. “Maybe Clunky just had to do something… and it will be back later.” Spike said with a somber tone, caressing Twilight. “No Spike… I don’t think so…” Twilight said trying to fight back her tears. All of a sudden, there was a knock at the door. Twilight quickly turned, wishing for a glimmer of hope. She quickly reverted back to her state of sorrow, as there was another knock upon the door. This time it was a crazy Pinkie-knock. “Go let her in, Spike… she deserves to know the truth.” Twilight said with a great sigh. Spike slowly walked to the door. “Who is it?” Spike said downtrodden. “Hey… Is Clunky around?” Pinkie said trying to whisper. “No.” Spike said with his head hung low. “Then let us in…” Pinkie said. Spike unbolted the door and went back to sit with Twilight. When he did, the doors shot forth with surprise. Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Big Mac, Rarity, and even Fluttershy bounded through the door. They were holding presents and balloons, Cakes and pies, streamers and noise-makers stacked upon their hooves. “Good! It ain’t around! We all got together and thought it was best if we gave Clunky a might neighborly welcomin’ surprise party, without any other ponies around… except for Fluttershy of course. It was Pinkie’s idea.” Applejack said with a smile. Twilight and Spike kept their back turned and did not move at all. “Yeah! I thought that if we wanted to show Clunky we cared we should show it in the best way possible… but on Clunky’s terms, not ours. Besides… what else am I gonna use all these cakes and pies for?” Pinkie Pie said with enthusiasm. Still, Twilight and Spike did not move. “Are you two OK? We didn’t give you a shock from surprise, did we!?” Rainbow Dash said with a hint of nervousness. Every pony sat all of the party stuff down on a table, and returned with an air of discontent. “Are you girls ready to party? Yay.” Fluttershy said with her usual meekness. “That’s just it! There’s not going to be any party!” Twilight said as she finally turned around. Everyone could tell from Twilight’s red eyes that she had been crying for a long time. “Oh Dear! What happened darling?!” Rarity said in a panic. “Clunky left us…” Spike said trying to be tough for her best friend. “The anomaly returned above your farm, Applejack… and it just… left.” Twilight said as her tears began to break forth once again. “So… That’s why we seen it in the orchard before we left! It was getting’ its fire makin’ thingy’s to fly away! I figured it was just getting’ something it needed, and was coming back to the castle…” Applejack said removing her hat. “Well… you were wrong. And I don’t want to talk right now…” Twilight said as she started crying again. She clung to the costume even tighter, as now she knew for sure that Clunky wasn’t coming back. “Commander! We regained contact with probe 2482!” the chief scientist said with excitement. “Excellent…” The leader said as he stood to his feet. “Here is its latest transmission…” The scientist said as he handed over a folder of pictures What is this junk?! Sparkle Ponies!? Did our probe become a Princess also!? The commander yelled sarcastically, as he threw the photographs on his desk. The scientist swallowed hard with nervousness. “Um… Our scientists believe that the high voltage anomaly made the probe pick up a television satellite for a brief moment… and this was the result.” The scientist stated with a tremble. “Hmm… Makes sense… Give me a status report.” The commander said thinking about the situation. “I can report that the probe’s photo transmit and sample collection abilities are at 100% As well as its land/launch capabilities…” The scientist said with a pause. “Go on…” The commander said as his eyes widened in anticipation. “I however must regrettably inform you that its logic, reason, scanners, and voice controls are non-functional. They were obviously destroyed by the sudden high electricity spike. We are completely on manual operation only.” The Chief scientist said in fear. As the commander paused to think, the scientist looked like they were about to pass out. “Well… at least the thing finally SHUT UP! HA!” The commander said with a bellowing laugh, slapping him on the back. “Yes sir.” The scientist said trying to regain his composure and blood flow. Meanwhile in Equestria, there was no laughter to be found in Twilight’s castle. “We were all so bad Twilight… and I never got a chance to tell Clunky how sorry I was.” Rainbow Dash said with tears falling from her eyes. “When Clunky hugged me, I felt such love that… I don’t… I don’t know how I’m going to live with myself for what I did!” Pinkie said bawling. “Clunky was so sweet and caring… and fashionable! I have never seen anyone in my life that cared so much… even though we acted so terrible!” Rarity said wiping her tears. “I feel so heartbroken about everything. I thought of only using the little feller for what I wanted. Clunky only thought of doin’ good things. I wish I could be just like him… or her… or it.” Applejack said swiping every tear with a hankie. Twilight had to fight her emotions hard to even get a word out. She felt as if some pony had kicked her hard in the chest and she couldn’t breathe. “Clunky was my friend that I loved! I feel… I feel like as if it would feel… if one of you had DIED!” Twilight said crying profusely, and collapsing into Spike’s arms. This horrible thought made everyone else cry even harder than before. “I just wish… I wish… I wish that somehow Clunky could understand how much I loved it.” Twilight said still in Spike’s arms. “I love you too Twilight Sparkle.” “I know you love me Spike…” Twilight said not wanting to be consoled. “I didn’t say that, Twilight.” Spike said with a confused look. “What?” Twilight questioned. “I love you too Twilight Sparkle.” All of a sudden, the group turned towards the kitchen. Twilight stood to her feet and walked slowly towards the kitchen. Suddenly, she could smell something that she liked. “Hello Twilight Sparkle! Would you like Coquilles St-Jacques for your evening consumption or perhaps something lighter like a ‘hay burger?’” Clunky said holding a spatula. “CLUNKY!!!” Twilight screamed! She ran as fast as she could and grabbed Clunky away from the stove. “I THOUGHT I LOST YOU FOREVER! I THOUGHT YOU LEFT US!” Twilight said squeezing it as hard as she could. After a few moments, she resumed crying profusely. “Please don’t cry Twilight Sparkle…” Clunky said wiping away her tears. Clunky quickly turned off the stove and set the spatula down. “Come Twilight… I have much to tell you and our friends.” Clunky said with a glowing green smile as he led Twilight back into the entrance hall. Immediately as they turned the corner, it was followed by screams and everyone rushing forward. “Please… Please resume your seating. I have a lot to tell you.” Clunky said motioning for everyone to sit back down. Everyone could only stare at Clunky incessantly, with tears still falling from their eyes. “How?! I saw you get your rocket thingys!” Applejack said with an outburst. Clunky smiled and stood motionless. Suddenly… it began speaking in its former robot voice. “Explorer module reattached. Thrusters firing at 100 percent. Target lock Anomaly 12485.667 kilowatts. Anomaly in vicinity, altitude at 45716.122 feet … Logic Dilemma… waiting… waiting… Dilemma solved.” Clunky said, and then paused. Every pony was suddenly on the edge of their seat. “So… so… what did you do?” Twilight said trying to calm her emotions. “Detach.” Clunky said with an even brighter neon green smile. “Fly explorer module on course through anomaly. Explorer module gone… completed. Make Control Chief Commander happy… over.” “Detach from Explorer module before impact and fall to ground. Leave Clunky hug/love module in Equestria. Love/hug module stationary… completed. Make equine ponies happy… over.” Suddenly, Clunky’s electronic face changed from a bright green to an even brighter pink. “Emotional paradigm upgrade completed… 3.0 to 6.5” Clunky said in a pre-recorded voice. Suddenly… everyone surrounded Clunky and began hugging, apologizing, and crying. After a few moments of time, Clunky spoke again. “Emotional paradigm upgrade completed… 6.5 to 9.9. Final upgrade completed.” The voice said. “I guess we won, Rainbow Dash.” Applejack said. “No Clunky won… our hearts…” Rainbow said trying not to cry. Suddenly, she broke free with a radical thought. “Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Wait a minute! With your high altitude, weight, and your lack of aerodynamics. How did you not crash land without your boosters in roughly 52 seconds, and smash into a million pieces, making a crater at least 22 feet deep?” Rainbow Dash questioned with authority. Every pony could only stare at Rainbow Dash puzzled. “What?! I know all about velocity and thrust. Wonderbolts academy… DUH!” She said sarcastically. “Twilight’s teleportation spell. It slowed my descent by 486.24 percent making me travel a paltry .0264 miles per hour, or to you… only 2 percent of 1 wing power.” Clunky answered with a scholarly tone. “Awesome and cool? Copy?” Clunky said with an outstretched hand. “Awesome and Cool!” Rainbow Dash said smiling with a hoof bump. “But wait… how did you get in the kitchen without us knowing?” Rarity asked. “Ponjitsu… Duh!” Clunky said with sarcasm. The entire group laughed in emotional release. Their friend, that had crash landed into their hearts had returned. Everyone realized that Clunky was much more than any machine or oddity to look at. Clunky had a heart. And with such an enormous heart it had more than enough love to give to every pony. And, every pony in the room realized that Clunky deserved their hearts as well. “Wait a minute… you said you LOVED me?” Twilight said looking at Clunky. “You were right Twilight.” Clunky said. “Right about what?” Twilight questioned. “I found my missing part. It was when I was flying towards the anomaly.” Clunky said in a caring tone. “It was?!” Twilight said choking back her tears. “Yes. I suddenly realized that I could never leave you.” Clunky said as it grabbed Twilight Sparkle and hugged her tightly. If it were possible for a robot to shed tears, this would be the moment in time for miracles. “Or… any of you. I love you all.” Clunky said as a clear fluid dripped from its electronic eyes. “Clunky, you’re crying!” Twilight said as she wiped its eyes. Everyone felt overwhelmed with passion towards their new friend, and huddled around it. “This is love.” Clunky said looking at everyone. “Noted!” Everyone said together with a smile, through their tears of joy. The End. “Hey! This can’t end yet! We haven’t PARTIED yet!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Ok Pinkie… we can party now.” Twilight said with a smile. Part 6Soon… every pony in the kitchen had their own personal, exceptional Clunky-cooked meal set before them. While they ate, Twilight told about everything that had happened and answered all their questions. And as they finished, they all had one prevailing, nagging question for Twilight. “When are you going to show Clunky to every pony?” Applejack questioned. “Yeah… you can’t keep this metal wonder cooped up in your castle forever.” Rarity added. “Princess Celestia really needs to know about this one, Twilight.” Big Macintosh said with concern. “We need to have a party for Clunky and invite every pony!” Pinkie said with glee. “Come on Twilight! Think of how cool this would be!” Rainbow Dash said putting her two bits in. “Yes… yes. I understand your concerns. I’m sure that deep down every pony in Equestria would love to meet Clunky. But… the real question is; does Clunky want to meet them? Has anyone asked how he/she/it feels about the situation? Does Clunky WANT to be the center of attention… or DO YOU?” Twilight Sparkle said like a true princess. No one could answer her, because they have not given the robot’s point of view much thought at all. “I say we give it another day so Clunky can think ALONE, and in the end we let CLUNKY decide!” Twilight demanded. “COME ON!” Rainbow Dash grumbled. The rest of the ponies mumbled under their breath. “And… in the meantime, you tell NO PONY about ANYTHING that has happened… or I’ll have you arrested.” Twilight continued with a regal pomp that had nuances of Celestia thrown in. “Arrested? Seriously?!” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically. “SERIOUSLY!” Twilight said sternly, putting her hoof down. Every pony could tell that she was beginning to be VERY upset with the whole situation. “Well then… I have LOADS of work to do in my studio and I must be off!” Rarity said nervously as she pranced out of the kitchen. “Yeah… well farmin’ is a job that’s never done.” Applejack said timidly as she trotted out the door. Big Mac quickly followed after her. “Heh… the weather is always waiting.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew out in a rush. “What about you, Pinkie?” Twilight said. “Oh… I’m good.” Pinkie said, still sitting at the table. “Don’t you have some pies to bake or cakes to deliver?” Twilight said with great agitation. “I did all that yesterday.” Pinkie said. “I would suggest that you leave quickly to your Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie Pie. Twilight’s adrenal flow has increased dramatically in the last few moments.” Clunky said, trying to make Pinkie leave. “Ok.” Pinkie said with a shoulder shrug, and bounced out the door. “It’s alright now Twilight… just breathe.” Spike said trying to calm Twilight back down. “I’M GONNA HURT EVERY PONY! I MEAN IT!” Twilight screamed in a seething rage. “WHAT ABOUT CLUNKY? WHAT ABOUT CLUNKY? YOU MEAN… WHAT ABOUT YOURSELVES!!!” Twilight yelled loudly with great sarcasm. She was so mad because no pony thought about how Clunky would feel, being an attraction for every pony to gawk at. “OOOOOH! IF I LEFT IT UP TO THEM, THEY WOULD HAVE YOU AS A SIDESHOW! A CARNIVAL FREAK! A CIRCUS CLOWN!” Twilight hollered looking directly at Clunky. Clunky quickly grabbed Twilight and hugged her tightly. As they hugged, Twilight greatly calmed down. “What… What was that for?” Twilight said puzzled. “A hug is something done when you really care about someone.” Clunky said, repeating what Rarity said in the barn. Twilight’s eyes filled with tears as she embraced yet again. “I do care for you Clunky, and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” Twilight said crying in emotional release. “I care for you too Twilight Sparkle.” Clunky said with an electronic smile. The two stood there embracing as Spike watched. “Now… you’re making ME cry!” Spike said. “Come here… we care for you too Spike.” Twilight said as they included him in their hugfest. After they released, Clunky’s smile disappeared as it thought hard about a question. “Something confuses me Twilight… what is LOVE? I know that it is good and all should show it… but what is it? Logic needed.” Clunky said in confusion. “Well… caring is a big part of it. The other part though, you have to figure out on your own.” Twilight said as she wiped her eyes. “Noted.” Clunky said. After a few moments, Clunky’s neon green smile returned. “I would like to look today at Ponyville in my costume. I would like to observe more ponies and what they do. I would also like to see where they live.” Clunky said. “Ok… but that isn’t a very good costume. Night… yes. But, I don’t know how ‘covert’ you can be in the daylight.” Twilight said with concern. “I know… that is why I improved upon it before you awoke. Flame brushed and textured polyester looks almost like pony skin. I learned the technique from ‘Fabrics, Textiles, and you – A craftpony’s guide.’” Clunky said almost beaming. “That is amazing! Hey… wait. Where did you get the material?” Twilight said confused. “There is a large alcove with sliding doors, near your bedroom.” The robot said. “MY CLOSETS! Well… Rarity can ALWAYS make more dresses.” Twilight said with a giggle. Twilight then realized something. “I’m so sorry… You have been SO nice to every pony… even though they probably don’t deserve it… but what about you? Do you want something to eat? I’ll make you anything, if of course you can eat. Um… can you eat… anything at all?!” Twilight said awkwardly, feeling like not a very good host. “I can eat. Foodstuffs and organics are broken down in my system and are vaporized, then converted into simple energy. However, I am fine. I also gain energy via solar. Your Equestrian sun has been more than efficient to me.” Clunky said revealing another antenna that was hidden in its frame. “It’s settled then… whenever you want to go explore, just tell me… I’ll be there. Just give me a little time to freshen up OK.” Twilight said with a smile. “Noted.” Clunky said. After a few hours had passed, Clunky decided that the time was right. So, Twilight helped put on Clunky’s improved costume and they strolled into Ponyville together… with Spike trailing behind. “Come on Spike! We’re gonna leave you in the dust!” Twilight said jokingly. “I know… I know…” Spike said downtrodden. He was walking much slower than usual because he had missed his nappy time. “Well, this is it Clunky… the glorious Sugar Cube Corner!” Twilight said with outstretched hoof like a tour guide. “Do you want to go inside?” She continued. “Yes… very much.” Clunky spoke. As they entered, the air was filled with the alluring scents of cinnamon and vanilla. There were cakes and pies stacked up everywhere. The sight of all the goodies quickly snapped Spike out of his funk. “Wow Pinkie Pie! You sure have been busy!” Spike exclaimed almost slobbering. Pinkie Pie was standing behind the counter with a mixing bowl in hand. She however didn’t look very Pinkie-like. “Oh… It’s you.” Pinkie said with a rude accent, glaring at Twilight. “I’ve been making pies and cakes ALL DAY to deliver them…” She continued. “I thought you said you did your deliveries yesterday?!” Twilight spoke bewildered. “I did. And now I’m gonna’ just throw these on pony’s doorsteps… whether they want them or not.” Pinkie said with a hateful tone. “PINKIE! I understand that you’re mad at me… but I just want what’s BEST for Clunky! If you can’t understand that… then FINE!” Twilight said in a huff. “Well FINE!” Pinkie hatefully returned. “Fine then… come along Clunky, we’ll go where we are MORE APPRECIATED!” Twilight said prancing towards the door. Clunky could only stand motionless. “Aren’t you coming?!” Twilight said turning back. Clunky quickly moved behind the counter and grabbed Pinkie Pie. “Hey!” Pinkie shouted. The robot hugged her for several seconds and then released without a word. As they left, Pinkie was visibly shook up and put down her mixing bowl with tears in her eyes. “OK then… Where would you like to go next?” Twilight said with a sigh. “I was wanting to observe something more natural.” Clunky said. “Well… Fluttershy is about as ‘natural’ as you can get, and at least SHE’S not mad at me… so off to Fluttershy’s we go!” Twilight said trying to regain her good mood. “Weirdy ponies?!” Clunky said stopping, with a tone of concern. “Oh no! All of those strange ponies went back home… to wherever they go. They only come into town on weird… er… ‘Special’ occasions.” Twilight said with a snicker. “Noted.” Clunky said. Soon, they were standing in front of Fluttershy’s cottage, on the edge of the Everfree forest. Fluttershy was standing outside, tending to several woodland creatures. “Oh hello Twilight and Snapple Apple sir. You look so much better now! It is always sad when a pony is sick. I am glad that Twilight was able to help you!” Fluttershy said with a smile. “Thank you kindly ma’am. Twilight here is a might powerful nurse pony, I must say.” Clunky said in a country pony accent, with its mechanized hand using the costume’s face as a puppet. Twilight’s eyes swelled as she was startled in amazement. “Yes… Yes… I… I fixed him right up and… and everything is great now!” Twilight said almost stuttering. Suddenly, the cottage door opened quickly and Rainbow Dash stepped out. “As I was saying Fluttershy… I….” Rainbow said stopping mid-sentence. She could only stare at the three with a look of disgust. “OH! that’s OK Fluttershy… I was JUST LEAVING!” Rainbow Dash said with a snarky sour tone. She greatly wound up to dash away as fast as she could. Suddenly, she took off… Amazingly, Clunky grabbed her in mid-flight before she had time to gain altitude! “HEY! WHAT GIVES!?” Rainbow Dash shouted. Clunky hugged her tightly, and after several seconds released. Then… Clunky, Twilight, and Spike turned to walk away without a single word. “Hey! Why are you so… so huggy?!” Rainbow Dash questioned with sarcasm. “It’s probably because Clunky is trying to teach you, that it has FEELINGS TOO!” Twilight said, as the trio continued to walk away. “Clunky?!” Fluttershy said in confusion. “We’ll talk later Fluttershy…” Twilight said in passing. Rainbow could only stand there motionless, looking at the ground as they left her sight. After a few moments down the road Twilight stopped, still in shock. “Ok… you have to tell me. Where did you learn that one?!” Twilight eagerly questioned. “The face was from ‘Power Pegasi Puppetry for young foals’” Clunky said. “The voice was from ‘Appaloosan folk – An oral history.’” it continued. “I like the pictures in that one…” Spike said with a snort. “There were no pictures!?” Clunky said puzzled. “I know!” Spike said laughing. “It was a joke, Clunky.” Twilight said also laughing. “Noted.” Clunky said. After a few more minutes travel down the pathway leading away from Fluttershy’s, Twilight again spoke. “Ok Clunky… where would you like to go now? We’ll go wherever you’d like.” Twilight said with a smile. “I would like to see more of Sweet Apple Acres.” Clunky said. “Ok… but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t start some sort of feudin’” Twilight said with a laugh. “Ok partner… we’ll mosey over yonder.” Clunky said with an even brighter smile. The light of which, Twilight could see through the costume. The greenish glow warmed Twilight’s heart to the point of tears. “Do I make Twilight Sparkle cry?” Clunky said with tenderness. “It’s not that type of cry.” Twilight said with a smile. “Noted.” Clunky said. After a short journey through the countryside, soon they could see the striking features of many apple trees. As they passed into the orchard, they were suddenly greeted by a familiar sound. “Hello Twilight, Spike, and Clunky!” Big Macintosh said with kindness. “Hello Big Mac!” Twilight and Clunky said in unison. Spike walked over and gave a customary claw-hoof bump. “Hey! I see you upgraded your duds! Textured Polyester isn’t it?” Big Mac questioned. “Why yes it is.” Clunky said. “That’s an old play actor’s trick to look like pony skin. Great job!” Big Mac said to Clunky with a smile. “You really DO read a lot!” Twilight said gleefully. “Eeyup!” Big Mac said with a wink. “I would talk to ya’ll for a long while but… I think there’s someone else that urgently wants to talk to you…” He said looking at one of the apple trees. Applejack could be seen watching, trying to use it as camouflage. It didn’t work very well. “I think you have somethin’ to say Applejack… Don’t ya?!” Big Macintosh said, shoving her sister in the side out of her hiding place. With her cover blown, Applejack slowly trotted over to where Clunky and Twilight were standing. She could hardly look at them, with her head hung low. “Is there something you want to say?” Twilight said. “Uh… I’ve been thinkin’ a lot about all what you said at breakfast, Twilight. And you’re right… I was only thinkin’ about myself and how much attention it would bring to our Apple farm. I even had the silly thought of using Clunky as a spokesperson, and puttin’ his picture on every box and bag. That was very wrong of me.” Applejack said as she dropped her head even lower. “Sometimes something new comes along, and it’s easy to lose your head over it. And, get so caught up in it that you forget what’s right. I’m awful sorry Twilight and sorry to you too Clunky. I hope ya’ll forgive me…” Applejack continued with a solemn tone. After a minute, Clunky moved and grabbed Applejack. “Forgiveness is good. I forgive you Applejack.” Clunky said as he hugged her. “And… I forgive you too.” Twilight said as she joined in. After a minute or two they released. “Oh… now see an what you done. You got me all teary-eyed!” Applejack said fighting back her emotions. “I’ve got so much work to do… I’ll see you all later!” Applejack continued, as she rushed off to cry somewhere… alone. As they watched her run away, Clunky spoke. “I would like to see studio next.” Clunky said looking at Twilight. “I had a feeling that you might say that.” Twilight said with a beaming smile. “Jump on… Spike! We’re going back to Ponyville!” She said, motioning for Spike. “How many times can one Dragon cry in a day? You guys are killing me!” Spike said as he got on Twilight’s back. “I have a good intuition that we’re almost done, Spike.” Twilight said as they started walking. The long trek back to Ponyville seemed like mere minutes. As they went, the three chatted back and forth like good companions of old. It felt more and more to Twilight with each passing step, that Clunky was far less of a machine and much more of a friend. In those moments, Twilight realized that she was very happy that Clunky had crash landed into her life. She thought about all the time before, when she felt that friends were silly and unneeded. And then suddenly by Celestia’s prodding, she had five of the best that any pony could ever have. Now, she had a new friend that did nothing but remind her just how important and needed they all were in her life. At that moment, she could not help but blurt it out. “I love you Clunky.” Twilight said with a big hug. “You found your missing part?” Clunky questioned. “Yes. And soon you’ll find yours too.” Twilight said with a shimmer of tears. “Oh Come on! You just keep making me cry!” Spike said wiping his eyes. “I love you too Spike.” Twilight said as she grabbed and hugged her number one assistant. After a few minutes, they could see Ponyville and Rarity’s studio in plain sight. “We’re almost there.” Twilight said. “Good. All this fuzzy feeling stuff has done nothing but make me hungry! I hope Rarity has some Gems… I can… borrow.” Spike said with optimism. “Oh Spike!” Twilight said rolling her eyes. Within moments, the trio was standing in front of the Carousel Boutique’s entrance door. However… something was not right. “CLOSED! Rarity never closes early! Even when she’s away at her fashion shows, someone is ALWAYS running her boutique… she would keep it open 24/7 if she could get away with it!” Twilight said agitated. “This is your Spikey Wikey… please open your doory Honey Bunny!” Spike said as he gently knocked on the door. “Spike?” Twilight said with a raised eyebrow. “What! She loves that kind of stuff…” Spike said with a shudder. “GO AWAY!” Rarity screamed from behind the door. Twilight decided to take a more assertive approach. “Rarity open up! This is the Princess! Don’t make me have to bring guards to make you come out!” Twilight said with a huff. “DANG! You are becoming MORE like CELESTIA all the time!” Spike said with a laugh. “SPIKE!” Twilight shouted. After a few moments, the voice returned. “I SAID GO AWAY!” Rarity yelled again. “Let me try… Twilight.” Clunky said. With a sigh, Twilight nodded and moved back. “Rareté... je sais que vous ne voulez pas de nous cacher. Mais, vous avez honte de la façon dont vous avez agi. Nous ne sommes pas ici pour vous faire du mal ou de crier à vous. Nous sommes ici parce que nous nous soucions pour vous. S'il vous plaît... Rareté sortir.” Clunky said in a different language. (Translation: “Rarity… I know that you do not want to hide from us. But, you feel ashamed for the way you acted. We are not here to hurt you or to yell at you. We are here because we care for you. Please… come out Rarity.”) Suddenly, the door cracked open. “How… How did you know?” Rarity said with tears dropping from her eyes. “Introductions dans la couture française par Rareté.” Clunky said. (Translation: Introductions into French dressmaking by Rarity) “My old textbook I wrote?! No one ever bought that old thing!” Rarity scoffed. “I bought a copy. I never could read a single word of it, but I bought it just the same.” Twilight said. “Why would you do that?” Rarity said crying. “Because you’re my friend and I love you.” Twilight said with tears dropping from her eyes. “Oh I love you too!” Rarity said as she hugged her friend. They cried and cried as they embraced. “Oh Twilight! I’m so sorry! I’ve been such a selfish fool! I don’t want to hurt anyone!” Rarity burst with sorrow. After a few moments, Twilight let go with tears still dropping from her eyes. Clunky then moved in and grabbed Rarity. “I’m so sorry to you too! All I could see is what I could get from you… not who you are!” Rarity howled. “I forgive you Rarity.” Clunky said as they hugged. After a few minutes, the girls stopped their tears. However, there was a sound of sorrow just behind the door. “Spike?!” Rarity said as she opened the door all the way. “YOU GUYS ARE KILLING ME!” Spike said holding a wet bowl of gems. They were now saturated with dragon tears. “Awww my Spikey Wikey!” Rarity said as she grabbed Spike and hugged him as well. They both smiled together and began laughing. Twillight however stood puzzled. “How in the world did you get inside, Spike?!” Twilight questioned. “I used the back door.” Spike said. “Now… why didn’t I think of that!” Twilight said hitting her head with her hoof. The three laughed and visited for over an hour. Clunky talked at length about what it did to the costume, and the techniques that were used. Rarity showed Clunky all of her studio and what she had been working on for Sapphire Shores. Clunky made several suggestions to her design and Rarity surprisingly loved each one of them. Rarity too suddenly felt like Clunky was one of the group. She looked upon it no more as a mechanized oddity, but rather as good friend that had seemingly always been there. “It’s getting late and we really need to get back to the castle.” Twilight said with a slight yawn. “Oh! Must you rush off?” Rarity said with disappointment in her voice. “Yes… Clunky still has a big decision to make tomorrow. ‘Costume or no costume.’ He still needs time to contemplate everything.” Twilight said like a Princess. “You are correct, Twilight.” Clunky said. “Well… Come on Spike. We have some more walking to do.” Twilight said with a smile. “Farewell my love…” Spike said to Rarity with a bow. Rarity made a fake swoon and then laughed smiling. “Goodbye Rarity.” Clunky said as he shut the door behind them. The three slowly traveled back towards the castle, and soon they were safely inside. “Ok Now tell me the truth… you went to all those locations today not because you wanted to ‘explore.’ It was because you wanted to hug everyone… and you knew that by hugging them, it would make them think… didn’t you?” Twilight questioned as she bolted the door. “Well… My scanners ARE fully functional. They could have influenced me in where to go the TINIEST little bit.” Clunky said almost sarcastically. “That sounded like a joke!” Spike said with a laugh. “Maybe…” Clunky said with a smile as it pulled off its costume. All of a sudden, Clunky stopped everything and stood motionless. “What’s wrong, Clunky?!” Twilight said with great concern. Quickly, Clunky produced a spinning antenna from its frame. “Anomaly 12485.667 kilowatts detected.” Clunky said in a more robotic voice. “You mean… you mean what brought you here… has returned!?” Twilight said with a shriek in her voice. “Yes. At altitude 45894.2225 feet above Sweet Apple Acres.” Clunky said. Suddenly, the neon green smile that Clunky wore left. “Dilemma.” Clunky said. “What?” Twilight asked. “Dilemma. Logic needed.” Clunky repeated “What DILEMMA?!” Twilight questioned. “Dilemma found. Command Central Explorer probe 2482 or Clunky… Ponyville… hug… friends? Logic needed, Twilight Sparkle.” Clunky said with a look of bewilderment. “I can’t answer that! That is something you have to decide for yourself!” Twilight said in fear. After a few minutes of non-movement from extreme contemplation, Clunky suddenly spoke. “I have to go.” Clunky said as it unbolted the door and moved with great unseen speed away from the castle. As Clunky left, Twilight’s heart began to break as she picked up the costume from the floor and embraced it tightly.
Part 12482 = LOVE by Jeremy M. Thayer All characters and places mentioned and their derivatives (with the exception of "Clunky") are property of Hasbro Inc. “Robot probe 2482… do you copy?” Command Central called with a hint of urgency “Yes I copy… I am at 100% functionality” The weather-worn space probe returned. Its decades of flight into the unknown, still had not affected its abilities. “I am 139054.2121 nautical earth miles in passing away planet of Neptune.” The robot sounded with broken English, as it always has. This was because many of the programmers that built it could not speak English very well. They basically created its speech module with no real knowledge of the English language. “Good probe 2482. Be advised… Central is picking up a high voltage anomaly in your vicinity. Take proper maneuvers.” Command told the far-space probe. “Copy… Turning 1.4444 degrees, due NW away from highvol. Over.” the robot said in its electronic voice. Robotic deep-space probe 2482 was one of the only robots left searching for new life. At one time Command had over a thousand probes, soaring throughout the heavens. However, over the decades many of them were victim to design flaws or stray space junk slamming into them. Even though many had met their demise, they were all far advanced for the time. Each one had the ability to land upon and launch from planets. They could take samples and pictures of everything they came in contact with. Also, with new (for the time) technology they could use logic, deduction, and reason; along with expression and voice. Probe 2482 had already landed upon every major planet past Earth in our solar system. Neptune was its last stop and now it was onward to the dwarfs of Pluto and Eris. Because of this, the probe became a kind of mascot for all of Command Central. “Is you doing well?” The robot said. It was preprogrammed with many human-like expressions like these. However, hearing them repeated often was very annoying. “Yes 2482.” Someone at Command central returned with sarcasm. “Good. Over.” The robot said. After a few minutes, Command again called with annoyance. “Robot probe 2482… the high voltage anomaly is getting closer. Deviate flight path now… copy?” The dispatcher said with a tone of authority. “Copy… Deviation of flight path NW 14.8462 degrees… Thrust at 24% for 2.843 seconds. Deviation completed. over.” The probe returned. “Excellent 2482. Good job… over.” The dispatcher said in release. Even though their probe was considered an antique by technological standards, Command Central certainly did not want to lose another one. “How is family?” The robot said. “Good… 2482” the radio operator said with a sigh. “Good to hear… over.” The robot said. Within a few minutes of time, many of the operators and scientists at Command Central started to stir with a sense of panic. Suddenly, the Chief Commander appeared and gave the countersign to start High Alert. Sirens blared throughout the complex, as hundreds stopped everything. They dashed and quickly converged upon the control room. “Probe 2482… This is Chief Commander. Initiate Emergency Alpha course 4545! Alpha Stat Alpha! Collision with anomaly is imminent!” The Chief Commander of Command Central shouted into the microphone. The robot was heading directly on a collision course with the unknown! “Copy… Initiating Emergency Alpha Stat Alpha 4545. All thrusters firing at 100% Course Correctio… 34… 8… r…” The robot sounded with screeches and static. Everyone in the control room held their breath, as Probe 2482 fell silent. “Probe 2482… This is Chief Commander. Do you copy?” “Probe 2482… This is Command Central. Do you copy?” “Probe 2482… Do you copy?” “Probe 2482…” “DANG!!! We lost another one!!!” The Chief Commander shouted as he threw the microphone hard, smashing it on the ground. He walked away shaking his head in disgust. There was a feeling of dread that overwhelmed everyone, as more worked furiously around-the-clock to reclaim contact.
Part 2“Look at the thing… it’s covered in ice! I say it’s a metal flavored Popsicle!” “That’s silly! Anyone can see… it’s a whatsmathingey doey!” “A Whatsma… whatever you said. No! It’s a metal flavored Popsicle!” “No! A whatsmathingey doey!” “POPSICLE!” “DOEY!” “Girls! Girls! Enough!” Twilight Sparkle shouted. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were arguing back and forth about the heap that had landed in the middle of the apple orchard. It was certainly something that no pony had ever seen before. “I hope all of that drippin’ icy water ain’t contaminated! It will hurt our apple trees!” Applejack said with concern. “That’s just it… I don’t know what it is?! This is something that goes far beyond all the books I’ve read.” Twilight said in bewilderment. “Cool! That looks just like the mechaoid in Pony Raiders issue #14! Awesome!” Spike exclaimed with excitement as he appeared in the orchard. “I hardly think we can find our answers… in comic books!” Twilight said rolling her eyes. “I don’t know… this looks awful alien spooky crazy gonzo to me! I’m with Spike on this one!” Pinkie Pie said. She quickly grabbed Spike from behind, and pushed him in front of her. As the Equestrian sun continued to beat down, the ice started to fall off of the heap in large chunks. “Oh… this is gonna’ hurt my trees! I just know it!” Applejack said almost to the point of crying. Suddenly, everyone ran in fright as its thrusters fired with intensity. “MY TREES!” Applejack shouted. Twilight quickly used her magic to uproot and move the trees away from the probe. She moved them just in time before they became roasted apple kindling. “Nice save… Twilight!” Spike said, slapping her on the flank. “Whew! I’m much obliged to ya Twilight.” Applejack said in relief. All at once, everyone was again filled with fright as the thrusters stopped firing. “Emergency Alpha Stat Alpha 4545 Completed.” The robot said. “Wh… wha… what did it say?!” Pinkie Pie said stammering in fear. Spike quickly jumped behind Pinkie in terror. Twilight could only gaze in wonder as the mystery spoke yet again. “Freeze warning. Deicing sequence malfunction… malfunction. Anomaly detected… 12485.667 kilowatts. Overload detected. Emergency shutdown. Rebooting…” The robot relayed. It seemed as if it were giving a recap of events. “I’m gonna buck this thing back to where it came from!” Applejack said in a panic, as she started to run towards the metal probe. “Applejack… NO! STOP RIGHT THERE!” Twilight demanded with authority. “But… But…” Applejack stammered as she stopped running. “NO! That’s an order of the Princess! Let’s see what it wants!” Twilight said pulling rank. “AW Shucks!” Applejack said kicking the dirt. The probe clicked and whirred louder and louder. With a puff of smoke, it suddenly split into two parts. “Ground explorer detachment… completed.” the robot said. It revealed a set of moving treds that scurried across the ground. “Collection sequence… initiate.” The robot sounded as it seemingly began to explore the orchard. “Hel… Hello. Hi.” Twilight nervously said. The droid stopped its motion and quickly turned into the direction of Twilight’s voice. “Voice pattern detected… Life form detected… scanning…” The probe called as a greenish beam surrounded Twilight. “Hey! What is this?” Twilight said in fear. “Life form known… Class Mammalia… Genus Equus… species unknown… threat... negative.” The mechanized thing said as the light disappeared. “My name is Twilight Sparkle… I am a pony.” Twilight slowly said, trying to make contact with the strange object. “Po knee? Copy?” The robot said as it sat motionless. “These are my friends and you are at Sweet Apple acres, outside of Ponyville. Who are you? How did you get here?” Twilight said in wonder. “Po knee? Copy?” The robot again said. “I don’t understand what it wants?” Twilight said in frustration. “Maybe it wants some cupcakes?” Pinkie Pie said. “I hardly think this thing eats cupcakes!” Twilight said in agitation. “Well… this ‘Po Knee’ wants a cupcake!” Pinkie Pie said bouncing up and down as usual. “Why don’t you pipe down your stomach, before it meets my po… knee! Ya’ dig!” Applejack said to Pinkie with a glare of anger. Pinkie suddenly stopped being “Pinkie” with a whimper. “Po knee? Copy?” The robot suddenly said yet again. Twilight could only shake her head in frustration. “Twilight… let me give it a try.” Spike said as he approached the probe. “Sure Spike… I’m sure that your ‘Pony Raiders’ and other goofy comics you read can solve this one!” Twilight said sarcastically. “Twilight… please.” Spike said. “Fine. Have at it. Be my guest.” Twilight said as she sidestepped out of the way. “Po knee? Copy?” the probe said again. “Um… Pony. Roger… over and out.” Spike said as he cleared his throat. “I’m sure that helped Spike.” Twilight said as she rolled her eyes. Suddenly, the robot turned into Spike’s direction. “Life form… species Po-ny Twilight Sparkle. Noted.” The robot said. Then it beamed its light at Spike, Pinkie, and Applejack. “Two lifeforms… species Po-ny Twilight Sparkle. Life form… Spike… species unknown.” The probe echoed. “Naw now… my name is Applejack and this here is Pinkie Pie. We’re ponies and all, but there’s only one Twilight Sparkle… thankfully.” Applejack stated with a grin. “Hey!” Twilight huffed at her statement. “Lifeforms… Species pony Applejack… Species pony Pinkie Pie… noted.” The robot said. “Amazing! Whatever this is… it has the ability to learn!” Twilight said in excitement. “Just like the Mechaoid in Pony Raiders…” Spike said with a hint of I-told-you-so. “You were right… I’m sorry Spike.” Twilight said in consolation. Spike suddenly got even closer to the robot. “Hi… my name is Spike! I am… er…. species dragon. I live in Ponyville. This however is an apple farm. Over and out and stuff.” Spike said awkwardly. The robot paused for several minutes without a motion or sound. “Did you uh… break it…? Spike” Twilight said with a bit of nervousness. “I didn’t even touch it!” Spike said trying to make his defense. “Spike broke the whatsmathingey!” Pinkie Pie said as she started bouncing again. “IT’S A POPSICLE!” Applejack shouted, reclaiming their argument. All of a sudden, the robot turned and started traveling away from the group. “Radar terrain scan completed. Exploring Apple Farm… exploring Sweat Apple acres… exploring Ponyville.” The probe said as picked up speed. “It said ‘Sweat’ Apple Acres! HA HA HA!” Pinkie Pie said rolling on the ground. “I’m gonna show you ‘Sweat acres’ with my hoof upside your head, if we don’t catch that thing!” Applejack yelled as she quickly ran trying to stop the robot. “Come on! We have to stop it before it causes every pony in Ponyville to panic!” Twilight said as she too ran after. Spike quickly grabbed Applejack’s lasso that was sitting beneath one of the apple trees. “Applejack… here!” Spike yelled. Suddenly, she turned aside and grabbed it from Spike’s claw. “Got it! Yee Haw!” Applejack exclaimed. She twirled it in the air, as she ran faster and faster to catch up to the runaway. Suddenly, with great skill she flung the lasso in the air and looped the robot. “HELP! I can’t hold this thing!” Applejack cried. Twilight caught up to her, and she too grabbed the rope. The robot’s pace began to slow. Pinkie also made it to hold the rope. All of a sudden the robot stopped its forward motion. “Movement malfunction… anti-trac alert… Life forms pony Twilight sparkle… Applejack… Pinkie Pie… stop progress. Dilemma… need logic. copy?” The probe said. “What was all that clunky gibberish for?” Applejack said trying to re-catch her breath. “I think… I think it’s trying to understand… why we stopped it.” Twilight said as she too was out of breath from all the running around. “I still think it wants some cupcakes.” Pinkie said as she strangely was not tired from the ordeal. “PINKIE!” Applejack and Twilight shouted in unison. After a few moments of hard breathing, Twilight thought hard about everything. Suddenly, she had a radical idea. “I’ve been going about this the wrong way. Whatever this is… it is all about exploring and logic…” Twilight said. “So… whaddya getting at Twilight?” Applejack said with a puzzled look. “Where’s the best place that it can explore and get logic… without tearing up stuff or scaring every pony?” Twilight said with a smile. “Um… a dark, lonely cave?” “No… Spike.” “Oooh! Oooh! Sugar Cube Corner?” “No… Pinkie.” “I love Sugar Cube Corner!” “I know Pinkie!” “They have only the best cakes and pies!” “I KNOW PINKIE!” “Um… at your castle library?” Applejack said. “Finally! Yes… the library!” Twilight said with a huff. “And just how do you expect we get this bucket of bolts through town and to the library, without scarin’ half the town, half to death? There’s ponies in the streets all day and night!” Applejack said with sarcastic doubt. “Through logic and organization!” Twilight said enthusiastically. “Oh this is gonna’ be great…” Applejack said covering her face with her hat. “But first we need some help…” Twilight said.
Part 3“You want me to make what… for WHAT?!” Rarity shouted as she nervously peered at the mechanical explorer. It was sitting next to Spike in the back of the barn. “Yes… a costume for Clunky. Applejack gave us the idea for the name earlier.” Twilight said. “You mean… you gave IT a name? IT has a name?! How absolutely dreadful!” Rarity said scoffing at the probe dramatically. “Rarity… we can’t lead it out of the barn and through town looking like this! Day or night, every pony would go crazy regardless! I just need to get it to the castle library.” Twilight said pleading with her friend. “Can’t you just make a royal decree or something?” Rarity said like a brat child. “That would cause even MORE suspicion and buzz! Even my magic can’t stop an angry, crazy mob of ponies!” Twilight said with a stomp. “Oh… I suppose you’re right. We can’t have STRANGERS cluttering up Ponyville and making CHAOS can we?” Rarity said thinking about everything. “So… you’ll do it?” Twilight held her breath. “Of course… but there is just no way that I can do it in my studio! Sapphire Shores has already requested an entire wardrobe change and I’ve already started!” Rarity said with more dramatics. “Uh… Granny Smith has a sewing machine and I can get some material from all our apple sacks. It don’t hafta be fancy.” Applejack said with a stern look at Rarity. “For once I agree with Applejack. Quick and to the point will suffice… Just gather up everything, I’ll be back later to disguise your Clunky… whatever.” Rarity said as she started walking out the barn door. “OK you heard her! Let’s get busy!” Twilight said as she suddenly jumped into organization mode. Everyone jumped to attention and started gathering materials. Several Hours later… Princess Luna raised the moon and all of Equestria fell dark. “Where is that prissy pony pants?! It’s been hours!” Applejack said with a snort. “I don’t know but if she doesn’t show soon… we’ll have to try doing this ourselves.” Twilight said with a hint of doubt. “Eeyup… I can sew a little bit.” Big McIntosh said. In the hours that followed, he was filled in on the entire situation. “Big Mac… you can’t sew! Yer just funnin’!” Applejack said with a snicker. “Eeyup I can… Granny Smith taught me. Who do ya think made ya that blanket for yer birthday? It was me!” Big Mac said with pride. “Well, if that don’t beat all… I am impressed.” Applejack said with a look of awe. “Eeyup!” Big McIntosh said. “I’m sorry I am late every pony. Creativity calls you know…” Rarity said as she bounded through the door. “Nnope!” Big Mac said in frowning disappointment. “What’s wrong with him?” Rarity said as she watched Big Mac leave with his head hung low. “Never mind him… let’s just get this over with.” Applejack huffed. “Agreed.” Rarity said as she made her way to the robot for measurements. As Rarity approached, the robot scanned her. After a few moments of thinking… it spoke. “Pony Rarity… seamstress.” The probe said. “Seamstress?! Hardly! I am an ARTIST!” Rarity scoffed “Amazing! In just the short time it has been with us, it has already learned our names and adapted to our conversation style!” Twilight said. “Well it obviously cannot tell the difference between a… common… button stitcher, and a true talent!” “Oh… get off your ‘high horse’ Rarity! And… let your talkin’ do some sewin’!” Applejack said with aggravation at Rarity’s bragging. “EEYUP!” Big McIntosh said loudly from outside of the barn. “FINE!” Rarity huffed as she started slinging apple sacks through the sewing machine. As Rarity sewed with Applejack as the material girl, Twilight thought it best to try to re-communicate with Clunky. “Hello… It’s me again pony Twilight Sparkle.” “Why does drag-on Spike make that sound? Logic requested.” Clunky asked. “Oh… Spike… Well he’s a baby dragon and he needs his rest. Spike is asleep.” “Baby dragon Spike asleep?” Clunky said. “Yes.” Twilight said with a smile. “Noted…” The robot returned. “Where did you come from?” Twilight questioned. “Command Central interstellar deep-space probe 2482… Firmware 34.233… commissioned June 16, 2009.” Clunky said. “No… not when you were made or who you work for… where did you come from? How did you get here?” Clunky paused for a long time as it pondered this question. “Freeze warning. Malfunction. Anomaly 12485.667 kilowatts. Apple farm. No known logic. Logic requested pony Twilight Sparkle.” The robot said with an odd look upon its robotic face. “So… you don’t know?” Twilight said “Negative.” Clunky said. “I’m trying to understand… what’s a kilowatt?” Twilight said as she thought hard. “Kilowatt… a unit of electrical power. One kilowatt is equal to 1000 watts.” Clunky said. “I know all about weather and that sounds like a big bolt of lightning… which would be awesome and cool of course!” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “Rainbow Dash, where did you come from?” Twilight said bewildered. “The door of course! Duh! I came looking for you because you skipped out on our book club! You know missing out on Daring Do is uncool!” Rainbow said with a frown. “I’m sorry I missed it… but as you can see we have more pressing matters at hand!” Twilight said as she pointed at Clunky. “Yeah… I saw this bucket of bolts drop from the sky, into the apple orchard earlier…” Twilight said with a yawn. “…AND YOU DIDN’T COME HELP US!?” Twilight yelled. “Hey! It was my scheduled nap time! Making weather is so tiring.” Rainbow Dash said with a stretch. Twilight could only shake her head in disgust. “Pony Rainbow Dash… noted.” Clunky said. Suddenly, Twilight had a radical thought. “Electricity… lightning… power… that sounds a lot like Equestrian magic!” Twilight exclaimed. “Whataya gettin’ at Twilight?” Applejack said, rejoining the conversation. “I… I… don’t know. Whatever this ‘anomaly’ thing was, it had a lot of energy.” Twilight said. Applejack paused for a moment, and then smiled. “Remember how you told us them stories about going through that mirror and seeing all those strange things you call ‘humans?’” Applejack asked. “Yes. Whataya gettin’ at Applejack” Twilight said with a laugh. “Well… maybe this here ‘nomolee’ is some kind of lightnin’ powered ‘spacey mirror’ that Clunky went through all icy and out of control, and brought it here.” Applejack said, unsure of herself. “Applejack, you’re a Genius!” Twillight hollered. “Logic acquired. Anomaly 12485.667 kilowatts confirmed Einstein-Rosen Bridge… wormhole… portal… noted.” The robot said putting all of their conversation together. “Wormhole… hey that makes sense! A wormy goes in one side of an apple all chompin’ and chompin’ and comes out the other side. Clunky went in on the spacey side and came out on the pony side!” Applejack said with a proud smile. “Good job Applejack! You’re smarter than you look.” Rainbow Dash said giggling. “Hey!” Applejack said with a huff. Clunky peered at Rarity with a puzzled look, as it approached. “What is pony Rarity doing? Logic Requested…” the robot meekly said. “I am sewing… trying to make you a large… ghastly… ugly costume. When this is done, please don’t say who made it… OK?” Rarity said with her usual drama. “Can Clunky sew… Pony Rarity?” The robot said. “Oh… Ha. I should like to see this! Please be my guest…” Rarity said as she backed away from the sewing machine. The robot picked up two applesacks and scanned them intensely. It then laid the material on the sewing machine and began to rock the large pedal back and forth. “Amazing! A perfect chain stitch on this old thing! Well… I certainly misjudged you. You have some STYLE in you somewhere! Unlike… some ponies.” Rarity said glaring directly at Applejack. Rarity then reached around Clunky and squeezed it tightly. “I’ll take over from here… Thank you.” Rarity said as she motioned to reclaim her seating. Clunky backed away, but had a very confused look upon its electronic face. “Pony Rarity… What is… is… pressure? Logic requested.” Clunky said. “I don’t understand…” Rarity said as she stopped sewing. “What is pressure? Hold? Logic requested.” Clunky repeated. “Oh! That is what we ponies call a ‘hug.’ It is a form of greeting and friendship. It is also something done when you really care about someone.” Rarity clarified as she started sewing once again. Clunky looked hard at its own two robotic arm-like appendages. “Hug… greeting. Hug… friendship. Hug… care. noted.” The robot pondered. Suddenly, Clunky grabbed Rarity from behind and squeezed her. She was so startled that she messed up one of her stitches. “Hug Pony Rarity… care friendship greeting? Copy?” Clunky said. “Awwww It looks like you made a new friend Rarity.” Twilight Sparkle said smiling. “Yes… wonderful… all of that.” Rarity said to Clunky with a hint of sarcasm. Clunky released its grip and then quickly grabbed Applejack. “Hug pony Applejack?” the robot questioned. “It looks like ya’ already did little feller.” Applejack smiled. Twilight Sparkle extended her hooves towards Clunky. “OK I guess I’ll ride on this love train also… come here you!” She said. Clunky turned and slowly moved into Twilight’s grip. “Hug Clunky… care friendship…” Twilight said in her best robot voice. As they embraced, Clunky’s electronic face turned from a dull orange color to bright neon green. “Emotional paradigm upgrade completed… 1.2 to 3.0.” The robot said, but in a different pre-recorded voice. “What just happened?” Twilight said as she released. “I think you just went up a level…” Rainbow Dash added in wonder. “HUH?!” Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack said in unison. “Oh Come on! Don’t you ever play VIDEO GAMES!? Back in the day, I was the BEST in Cloudsdale at ‘Griffon Invaders!’” Rainbow Dash said with pride. The trio could only stare, still not knowing what it even was that she was talking about. “Uh… you ground ponies don’t get out much… do ya?!” Rainbow nervously said. All of a sudden, Spike started to stir awake. “Wh… What did I miss?” Spike said slowly. “Clunky went through a space mirror, learned how to hug, and went up a level! Isn’t that wonderful!?” Twilight said to Spike in excitement. Spike blinked a few times and then went back to sleep. “I think that came out wrong…” Twilight said with a laugh. All of a sudden, Clunky produced a small, spinning antenna. “Pony Pinkie Pie… approaching… slowly.” The robot said. After a few moments, Pinkie Pie slowly trotted through the door. “Pony Pinkie Pie… mass increase 2.9984 percent.” Clunky said. “What have you been doing Pinkie?!” Rarity said with a gasp. “I don’t feel so good…” Pinkie said with her head low. “Pinkie… no stories. Just tell me how many CUPCAKES you ate?!” Twilight said with great concern. “…oh …oh …47! Oh…” Pinkie said sickly as she held her expanded belly. “Hey… NEW RECORD! AWESOME!” Rainbow Dash said with enthusiasm. “RAINBOW!” Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity sharply said in unison. As the moments slowly ticked away, The group watched Pinkie writhe in agony on the barn floor as Rarity continued her task. After several minutes, Rarity spoke. “FINALLY! Now I can go back to better… more important things!” Rarity blared with arrogance as she held up the completed costume. Clunky looked puzzled at her statement with an electronic frown. “Pony Rarity… hug… care… friend… better? more important? Logic needed.” The robot said with a lower tone. “You hurt Clunky’s feelings! You prissy… high falootin’… snobby-snob!” Applejack hollered at Rarity. “Well I Never! I was merely stating that… that…” Rarity said with a stammer. “What?” Twilight said with a raised eyebrow. “That… I was going to assist Clunky to the library… of course!” Rarity said nervously. “Right… sure you were.” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically. Rarity could only stand there with a nervous giggle. “Spike… Spike wake up! We have work to do!” Twilight said to Spike with a shove. “Ghhhaaaa! What is that thing?!” Spike said startled. “That ‘thing’ is Clunky’s costume… and we need to get him to the library… tonight!” Twilight said. “Come on every pony… the sooner when can get Clunky to the library, the sooner we can all get some shut eye.” Applejack said with a yawn. “I deeply agree as I already said. Yoo-hoo Clunky thing! Come over here and let me slip this on you.” Rarity said holding the costume. Clunky moved slowly towards Rarity’s hooves. She carefully slipped the costume over its mechanized frame. “Perfect fit… of course.” Rarity said admiring her work. It had a unicorn’s head and a scruffy mane and tail. The pale brown color made it have the appearance of old leathery skin. There were two small slits in the front so Clunky could see. Overall its look was very unkempt, as if it had not bathed or combed its mane in weeks. “Looks like Cousin Braeburn after visitin’ a few days.” Applejack said with a giggle. “Eeyup!” Big McIntosh said seemingly appearing from thin air. “Or Twilight… when she goes crazy before a test.” Spike chimed in with a laugh. “Spike! Applejack! You too Big Mac! Every pony listen! Now here’s the plan… we surround Clunky as we walk together through Ponyville. If anyone sees it and asks, we say something like ‘our dearest cousin has become ill… we need to get him home.’ Ok?” Twilight Sparkle said as the group huddled together. Everyone nodded in agreement. “Pony Twilight Sparkle… travel to lyebarry? Copy?” “Yes… we travel to the library!” Twilight said enthusiastically. Little did they know… it was going to be much harder than they thought.
Part 4The group surrounded Clunky and slowly led it out of Sweet Apple Acres without incident. “Ponyville is just ahead… here is where it gets sticky. Keep your eyes wide open for any pony!” Twilight said giving instruction. “Remember Clunky… not a single word, even if ponies ask you questions. We’ll do all the talkin’ for ya.” Applejack said reminding Clunky of the plan. “Noted.” The robot said. Soon, they reached their first hurdle… the creek bridge. As they approached the bridge, they could clearly see an Equestrian guard making their nightly post. “Stay cool everyone…” Rainbow Dash whispered. As they approached closer, the guard quickly snapped to attention. “Halt! State your business…” The guard shouted with a sharp spear in his hand. “At ease Private!” Twilight said with an outstretched hoof. “Prin… Princess Twilight! I am honored!” the guard stuttered. “Yes… my entourage is escorting me to the castle. Continue your post Private!” Twilight said as they passed by. The guard again snapped to attention and resumed his post with a big smile on his face. “Whew! that was close…” Applejack said as they walked out of the guard’s earshot. “Hopefully, that’s all we see…” Twilight said in careful release. “Sugar Cube Corner is just ahead… I’m sure you’re glad to see that Pinkie… HA!” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically with a laugh. “Oh… oh… don’t remind me.” Pinkie said still woozy from her Cupcake over-over-over-indulgence. “Quiet you two… I think I hear something ahead.” Twilight said sharply. “I think… I think I hear it too. It don’t sound good.” Big McIntosh said quietly with a sense of fear. As they walked, the sound grew and grew. As it got louder, everyone began to walk slower and slower. “We’re gonna’ get caught… I just know it Twilight… I just know it!” Applejack said to Twilight, as she trembled in fear. “I’m getting some bad Pinkie tingles…” Pinkie Pie said in fright. Suddenly a darkened figure leaped in front of the group. It made everyone jump in fright with stifled screams. “Hello every pony!” Fluttershy said. “Fluttershy!” The group gasped in unison. “I think it is so wonderful that you are all here for the celebration!” Fluttershy said in glee. “Oh… that bird… um… star flying thing… you were telling me about?” Rainbow Dash said scratching her head. “Yes! The annual watch of the Night Starling!” Fluttershy said in excitement. She then turned and looked up at the night sky. Twilight quickly kicked Rainbow Dash hard in the flank. “YOU KNEW ABOUT THIS AND DIDN’T TELL US!” Twilight said with anger, still trying to be quiet. “Heh… heh… I uh… kinda forgot.” Rainbow said nervously, wanting to crawl under a rock. “Yes! When the Night Starlings return from Vanhoover each year, they always greet everyone with beautiful music! I can’t wait! Come follow me… I know where the best place is to watch!” Fluttershy said ahead of the group, motioning them to follow. “Oh this aughta be great!” Applejack said with a snort. “I gotta a baaad feeling about this!” Pinkie Pie said. “Hey… we could always run!” Spike said to Twilight nervously. “Let’s just see what she wants and visit for a little while and leave… OK.” Twilight said trying to assess the situation. As the group rounded the corner, they could suddenly see the source of the noise they had heard. Surrounding the gazebo in the center of town was at least 200 ponies! Many of them were dressed like birds, as well as wore organic materials. Several of the ponies had musical instruments, and wore beads and necklaces. Everyone was filled with happiness and looked to the sky in anticipation. However, the group’s eyes suddenly swelled to the maximum, as they were now at the point of panic. “Threat detected…” Clunky said. “You ain’t kiddin’!” Applejack returned as she gazed upon the crowd. “Oh… Hello there! Who’s your new friend?” Fluttershy said meekly, looking at Clunky’s costume unaware. “Er… Um… That… That’s my cousin Snap… uh… Snapple Apple! He’s here from Appleloosa! Yeah…” Applejack said almost tripping over herself. “Oh… hello there Snapple Apple sir. Welcome to Ponyville! Are you looking forward to the Starlings?” Flutter said with enthusiasm. “Um… he doesn’t talk. I mean his voice is all messed up right now on account of hollering at Granny Smith. You… you know how ornery she can get. Heh… Heh…” Rainbow Dash said nervously. “That… that’s why we are escorting him to the castle. So Twilight here can mix up a remedy… isn’t that right Twilight?” Rarity said nudging Twilight. “Correct. Good old Twilight here is going to mix up some brew… and treat the sick.” Twilight said with a crooked smile. “Oh… such a pity that you won’t see the Night Starlings. They are just wonderful!” Fluttershy said as she once again turned seemingly entranced, looking at the sky. All of a sudden, other ponies surrounding them must have been privy to their conversation. “The starlings return means that there will be peace in our valleys of life… man.” One of the ponies dressed like a bird said, as he reached for Rarity’s hoof. Rarity instantly backed away with a shriek. “The starling knows what every pony needs… The starling is our oracle!” another pony said, trying to put their hooves around Rainbow Dash. “HEY! BACK OFF PAL!” Rainbow said also with a shriek. A pony with a tambourine grabbed Pinkie Pie and said, “Play a song for the Starlings… man!” “Ummmm… NO!!!” Pinkie screamed as she quickly ran away in fright. Another pony reached up to Spike as he clung to Twilight’s back. He had some sort of crude instrument. “Play the love harmony beads and please the Starling kind!” The pony said. “TWILIGHT! GET ME OUT OF HERE!” Spike said scared out of his mind. Applejack and Big McIntosh were poised to strike as the ponies kept trying to touch them. “Now ya’ll just back away and you won’t get hurt!” Applejack said nervously, trying to act tough. “Uh… Eeyup! I hope…” Big Mac said with a shake. “Don’t fight it man! Feel the love of the Starling! It loves you man!” several of the ponies repeated as they came closer to Applejack and Big Mac. Suddenly… the night sky was filled with birds flying across. “THE NIGHT STARLINGS! LET US PLEASE THEM!” Every pony suddenly turned and shouted towards the sky. They started walking closer to the gazebo, and singing, and playing their instruments. With the crowd’s attention diverted the group quickly dashed away to safety, far from the crowd. “OK! OK! THAT WAS JUST INSANE!” Pinkie Pie said trying to find her composure. “EWWWWW! ONE OF THEM TOUCHED ME!” Rarity said almost jumping. “THEY GRABBED ME TOO! UNCOOL! UNCOOL!” Rainbow Dash squealed. “I THOUGHT I WAS GOIN’ TO WAR OR SOMETHIN’! THAT WAS A NIGHTMARE!” Applejack hollered. “NNOPE! NNOPE! NNOPE! NNOPE! NNOPE! NNOPE! NNOPE!” Big Mac kept repeating. Spike could only cry uncontrollably without a word, and Twilight tried her best to console him. “VERY STRANGE… VERY, VERY STRANGE…” Clunky said trying to make sense of it all. After a few moments of release, everyone slowly returned to normal. “Should we go back and fill Fluttershy in about all that’s happened?” Twilight whispered with concern. “Leave her to her birds and her bird-brained friends. Fluttershy has always been one WEIRD pony.” Rainbow Dash said quietly. “…and she can sure pick some weirdos.” Applejack said hushed with a giggle. “… and I thought that our metal friend here was strange. I never knew ponies LIKE THAT existed!” Rarity said softly with her eyes as large as saucers. “Hippie dippie weirdy ponies… ha ha ha!” Big McIntosh said with a bellowing, mocking laugh. “Pipe down Big Mac! We don’t need any of those strange fellers following us…” Applejack said nervously as she began to walk faster. “I think Applejack has the right idea…” Twilight said as she too began to walk faster, with Spike tightly clinging to her back. Soon… the entire group was standing in sight of Twilight’s castle. “Whew! We made it! This has been absolutely dreadful!” Rarity said brushing her mane. “For once I agree… that was plum nonsense!” Applejack said. “Eeyup! And plum preposterous too!” Big Mac said. “Now where in tarnation did you hear such a big word like that?” Applejack said with a snicker. “Cause I can read… an I read about as much as Twilight does!” Big Mac said with agitation. “You don’t neither!” Applejack hollered. “I do too!” Big Mac returned. “You don’t neither!” Applejack again hollered. “I DO TOO!” Big Mac said raising his voice. “ENOUGH!!!” Twilight yelled, breaking up their fight. “I didn’t come this far, so you could wake up every pony with your SILLY SQUABBLES!” Twilight said, stomping her hooves on the ground. “Yeah… this is pretty childish! In fact to settle this… I see Big Macintosh all the time from the clouds, under the apple trees with a book in his hands. You take him for a DUMB pony, but he can surprise you… that is of course, if you would only quit flapping your gums and LISTEN!” Rainbow Dash said to Applejack with a snarky attitude. “Oh Really!” Applejack said getting up in Rainbow’s face. “Yeah! REALLY!” Rainbow said almost an inch from Applejack’s face. “Hmm… I think I want a cupcake.” Pinkie Pie said butting in on their confrontation. “PINKIE!!!” They yelled with mean looks upon their faces. “Halt! Halt! Quarrel is counter-productive! Ponies need rest. Copy?” Clunky said loudly, trying to make sense of everything. “Clunky is right! Everyone needs to get in the castle and get some SLEEP! I know ALL about sleep, and you are ALL CRANKY!” Spike said with a breath of fire, while standing on Twilight’s back. Every pony nodded and started walking without a word, knowing that Spike was absolutely right. Soon… they crossed the threshold of the enormous castle gate. And with a few more steps they were all inside the shut and locked castle. “Made it…” Twilight said in tired release, with her eyes drooping closed as she bolted the door. The entire group was visibly frazzled and exhausted from their ordeal. “Ok Clunky… you can take your costume off! We’re safe now. Over there is the library and down there is my bed.” Twilight said pointing the way and fighting off the urge to sleep. After a few moments, Applejack’s face turned from a stern look into a tired look of regret. “I’m uh… sorry Big Mac and every pony else for being rude.” Applejack said with her head hung low. “…and I’m sorry too for being the same. That was very unladylike of me.” Rarity said looking at Clunky. “I’m sorry guys… for being a butt.” Rainbow Dash said. “…and I’m sorry for yelling at every pony.” Twilight said with tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry for not being neighborly.” Big Macintosh said crying. “…and I’m sorry for WANTING CUPCAKES!” Pinkie cried out as great tears dropped from her eyes. Now… the entire group was crying, holding each other, and apologizing. After a few moments, Spike yelled with a disgusted look. “EVERY PONY GET SOME SLEEP!!! YOUR LACK OF SLEEP HAS MADE YOU INTO A BUNCH OF WHINING, CRYING BABIES!!!” Spike could only throw up his hands as he walked down the hallway towards the bedroom. “…and they call me ‘baby’ …Sheesh!” Spike huffed as he went into the bedroom. The entire group suddenly quit crying and awkwardly broke their release. “Heh… Heh… that was cute.” Rainbow dash said sarcastically. “That little whipper snapper is a hoot.” Applejack said with a laugh. “Yes… I think Spike is right. We have had a loooong day and need some sleep. You all know where the spare bedrooms are. Goodnight.” Twilight said with a yawn, as she too trotted up the hallway towards her bed. The rest of the group, slowly did the same. And, one by one they collapsed into each snuggly bed on a sleep journey to meet Luna. Clunky could only stand in the entrance hall observing quietly, trying to understand all of their strange ritual.
Part 5Celestia’s dawn danced upon the stained glass window in Twilight’s bedroom. The light from the window shone into Twilight’s sleeping eyes. “Morning!? Already!?” Twilight said seemingly mad at the sun. She tried to turn over and drift back to sleep, but the damage had been done. “Fine… I’ll get up!” Twilight said with a child-like whine. As she walked across the bedroom floor, she suddenly remembered last night’s ordeal. “Clunky! I forgot!” She said snapping awake. She quietly strolled down the hallway towards the library. “Clunky… Clunky… CLUNKY!” she said whispered trying not to wake anyone else. “Where are you?” she said to herself. The library looked untouched. Nothing had been moved or was out of place throughout. “Huh?! I guess you’re not here.” Twilight shrugged. Then she began a search throughout the castle, still trying to be quiet. As she looked, suddenly there was a faint smell in the air. Whatever it was, it smelled surprisingly good. “Clunky?” Twilight said as she decided to follow her nose. As she walked the scent got stronger and stronger, leading her to the kitchen. “Clunky?! What are you doing?” Twilight said with bewilderment as she entered. The robot was standing over the stove with several pots and pans, all firing with various concoctions. “Hello Twilight Sparkle! I am making an omelette du fromage coupled with pain au chocolat and espresso to drink for your morning consuming and enjoyment.” Clunky said with proper speech. “Wow! You sure have been reading a lot! But… but the library looked untouched!” Twilight said in amazement as she took a seat at the kitchen table. She could not help but sit there and watch Clunky work so skillfully. “In fact, I have integrated every piece of media in your library… and did not disturb your system of cataloging in the process.” The robot said as it continued cooking. Twilight’s jaw seemingly dropped to the floor. “You… You mean… you read EVERY BOOK in my library?” Twilight said gasping. “Yes… all 16,748 volumes of hardbound matter and 47,682 scrolls and letters. As well as observed 14,621 painted and photographed images, 478 film reels, 212 maps, and 167 comic books. I must say that ‘Pony on Sunnymeadow farm’ was my highest rated hardbound matter. ‘Introductions to Pegasus potty training’ was my least highest rated.” Clunky said as he was plating Twilight’s cooked morning feast. The robot sat it all down in front of her on the table, and quickly returned to the stove. “Bon Appetit… Enjoy.” it said. Twilight smiled with delight as started to eat her special meal. While she was eating, Clunky paused from cooking with a look of extreme contemplation. “Tell me Twilight Sparkle… Equestria has much history, yet there is much repeating. Why do many perform evil, when good is much better? Good has no sorrow, no punishment, and no tragedy. There is no bad in good. Why do not ponies and peoples learn?” Clunky said, turning from the stove. “I don’t know… If you can answer that one, you would be the smartest in all of Equestria.” Twilight said with her mouth full of pain au chocolat. “Noted.” Clunky said as it returned to cooking. Just then, a groggy Spike rounded the corner into the kitchen. “Hey! No one told me today was ‘buffet day!’” Spike grumbled. “It isn’t… Clunky made me breakfast. Isn’t it wonderful?!” Twilight said with chocolate smeared on her lips. “I did not forget about you Spike… Here is Yogurt Gems Jubilee with an Emerald garnish.” Clunky produced from a small refrigerator, under the counter. Spike suddenly shot awake in excitement. “Alright! You know just how to treat a dragon!” Spike said as he seemingly ran to take his place at the table. “Yes I do… I have mentally digested 72 volumes on the subject.” Clunky said setting the breakfast parfait on the table. Spike happily began eating and after a few moments paused in bewilderment. “Hey wait… where did you get the gems?! Rob the Ponyville bank? Ha!” Spike said joking. “No… I found them myself at the base of Foal Mountain after I integrated ‘Gemology and Unicorns – an explorer’s guide’” Clunky said still cooking something else. “You mean… YOU MEAN… YOU LEFT THE CASTLE?!?!?!” Twilight said in fear. “Not before also integrating ‘How to be a Horse Ninja: Secrets of Ponjitsu.’ No one could hear or see me…” Clunky turned with a bow and its mechanical hands pressed together—“Namaste.” Twilight was visibly startled at such vast knowledge. “OK… but how did you make it all the way to Foal Mountain and back in time to make breakfast?” Spike said, seemingly trying to find a flaw in Clunky’s story. “A Letter- ‘A lesson in teleportation by T. Sparkle… written to Princess C.’” The robot said, still cooking. “MY OLD HOMEWORK ESSAY! I WROTE THAT 6 YEARS AGO!” Twilight shrieked. She then thought hard about the essay. “Wait… you mean… YOU CAN USE MAGIC?!” Twilight questioned. “Yes… but not very much. Your spell could only make me move forward a few hundred feet at a time. However, it did increase my travel speed by 187.994 percent.” Clunky answered without stopping. Twilight’s jaw seemingly dropped again to the floor. All of a sudden, Rarity appeared through the doorway. Her mixed-up mane was a sight to see. “Rough night?” Twilight said with a smile. “Don’t tell me! Rainbow would not STOP snoring! Whatever you are having… give me something STRONG.” Rarity demanded. Clunky quickly turned to see Rarity, and suddenly put its spatula down. “Rarity… tsk… tsk… tsk… this will never do.” Clunky said as it moved from the stove in front of Rarity. Suddenly with lightning speed, it started manipulating Rarity’s mane. “Hey… what are you doing?!” Rarity said with attitude. After a few seconds, her mane looked as if she had spent all day at the salon. “That is much more stylish. Does this please Rarity?” Clunky said as he produced a mirror. “That’s it! That is it! I am firing my hairdresser! YOU Clunky thing… are simply DIVINE!” Rarity said with a gasp, as she gazed at herself in the mirror. “Where did you learn that one?” Twilight asked Clunky. “Styles and profiles – Today’s hottest looks for the mare on the go. 15th edition.” Clunky said, as it returned to its cooking. “I forgot about that one…” Spike said without looking up from his gem delight. “Hey wait a minute… where did it learn to style manes? Or cook breakfast for that matter?” Rarity said puzzled Clunky suddenly sat a plate in front of Rarity on the kitchen table. It had many fancy foods, along with a tall mug of black coffee on the side. “Or… know what I like! This… this is amazing!” Rarity exclaimed. “Clunky read my entire library while we were sleeping! With all the books… plus all the letters we wrote to Princess Celestia over the years, it probably knows more about us than we do!” Twilight said. Rarity began eating her frou-frou and stopped with a frown. “To think about it… this is really scary! What if it starts telling things… you know... EMBARASSING things to every pony. Think of it! Remember that whole ‘Gabby Gums’ fiasco? This could be that TIMES TEN! This Clunky could be DEVASTATING to all of us!” Rarity said with her usual drama. Clunky suddenly ceased everything and turned to confront Rarity. “Telling secrets and failures to embarrass or hurt someone is bad. What I have integrated, along with my programming tells me that bad is wrong. Bad is evil. I am against BAD.” Clunky said with strong emphasis. “I seemed to have struck an electronic nerve… I meant no offence.” Rarity said with great concern. Without a word, Clunky returned to its cooking. “See Rarity… everything is OK. You have nothing to worry about. Clunky wouldn’t hurt anyone.” Twilight said. “If you say so, Twilight.” Rarity returned with nervousness. Just then… Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Big Macintosh bounded through the doorway. “Hey! Where’s our grub?” Applejack said. “Yeah… we’re hungry too!” Rainbow Dash and Pinkie said in unison to Twilight. “Uh… Why is Clunky doing the cooking?” Big Mac asked. “Take a seat you four… there is much to explain.” Twilight said with an outstretched hoof “Just don’t question Clunky’s integrity… it gets rather testy if you do.” Rarity said quietly.
Part 7 - FinalTwilight sat being consoled by Spike as the minutes ticked away. She could not let go of the costume and kept squeezing it, like it was still filled with her newly found friend. “Maybe Clunky just had to do something… and it will be back later.” Spike said with a somber tone, caressing Twilight. “No Spike… I don’t think so…” Twilight said trying to fight back her tears. All of a sudden, there was a knock at the door. Twilight quickly turned, wishing for a glimmer of hope. She quickly reverted back to her state of sorrow, as there was another knock upon the door. This time it was a crazy Pinkie-knock. “Go let her in, Spike… she deserves to know the truth.” Twilight said with a great sigh. Spike slowly walked to the door. “Who is it?” Spike said downtrodden. “Hey… Is Clunky around?” Pinkie said trying to whisper. “No.” Spike said with his head hung low. “Then let us in…” Pinkie said. Spike unbolted the door and went back to sit with Twilight. When he did, the doors shot forth with surprise. Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Big Mac, Rarity, and even Fluttershy bounded through the door. They were holding presents and balloons, Cakes and pies, streamers and noise-makers stacked upon their hooves. “Good! It ain’t around! We all got together and thought it was best if we gave Clunky a might neighborly welcomin’ surprise party, without any other ponies around… except for Fluttershy of course. It was Pinkie’s idea.” Applejack said with a smile. Twilight and Spike kept their back turned and did not move at all. “Yeah! I thought that if we wanted to show Clunky we cared we should show it in the best way possible… but on Clunky’s terms, not ours. Besides… what else am I gonna use all these cakes and pies for?” Pinkie Pie said with enthusiasm. Still, Twilight and Spike did not move. “Are you two OK? We didn’t give you a shock from surprise, did we!?” Rainbow Dash said with a hint of nervousness. Every pony sat all of the party stuff down on a table, and returned with an air of discontent. “Are you girls ready to party? Yay.” Fluttershy said with her usual meekness. “That’s just it! There’s not going to be any party!” Twilight said as she finally turned around. Everyone could tell from Twilight’s red eyes that she had been crying for a long time. “Oh Dear! What happened darling?!” Rarity said in a panic. “Clunky left us…” Spike said trying to be tough for her best friend. “The anomaly returned above your farm, Applejack… and it just… left.” Twilight said as her tears began to break forth once again. “So… That’s why we seen it in the orchard before we left! It was getting’ its fire makin’ thingy’s to fly away! I figured it was just getting’ something it needed, and was coming back to the castle…” Applejack said removing her hat. “Well… you were wrong. And I don’t want to talk right now…” Twilight said as she started crying again. She clung to the costume even tighter, as now she knew for sure that Clunky wasn’t coming back. “Commander! We regained contact with probe 2482!” the chief scientist said with excitement. “Excellent…” The leader said as he stood to his feet. “Here is its latest transmission…” The scientist said as he handed over a folder of pictures What is this junk?! Sparkle Ponies!? Did our probe become a Princess also!? The commander yelled sarcastically, as he threw the photographs on his desk. The scientist swallowed hard with nervousness. “Um… Our scientists believe that the high voltage anomaly made the probe pick up a television satellite for a brief moment… and this was the result.” The scientist stated with a tremble. “Hmm… Makes sense… Give me a status report.” The commander said thinking about the situation. “I can report that the probe’s photo transmit and sample collection abilities are at 100% As well as its land/launch capabilities…” The scientist said with a pause. “Go on…” The commander said as his eyes widened in anticipation. “I however must regrettably inform you that its logic, reason, scanners, and voice controls are non-functional. They were obviously destroyed by the sudden high electricity spike. We are completely on manual operation only.” The Chief scientist said in fear. As the commander paused to think, the scientist looked like they were about to pass out. “Well… at least the thing finally SHUT UP! HA!” The commander said with a bellowing laugh, slapping him on the back. “Yes sir.” The scientist said trying to regain his composure and blood flow. Meanwhile in Equestria, there was no laughter to be found in Twilight’s castle. “We were all so bad Twilight… and I never got a chance to tell Clunky how sorry I was.” Rainbow Dash said with tears falling from her eyes. “When Clunky hugged me, I felt such love that… I don’t… I don’t know how I’m going to live with myself for what I did!” Pinkie said bawling. “Clunky was so sweet and caring… and fashionable! I have never seen anyone in my life that cared so much… even though we acted so terrible!” Rarity said wiping her tears. “I feel so heartbroken about everything. I thought of only using the little feller for what I wanted. Clunky only thought of doin’ good things. I wish I could be just like him… or her… or it.” Applejack said swiping every tear with a hankie. Twilight had to fight her emotions hard to even get a word out. She felt as if some pony had kicked her hard in the chest and she couldn’t breathe. “Clunky was my friend that I loved! I feel… I feel like as if it would feel… if one of you had DIED!” Twilight said crying profusely, and collapsing into Spike’s arms. This horrible thought made everyone else cry even harder than before. “I just wish… I wish… I wish that somehow Clunky could understand how much I loved it.” Twilight said still in Spike’s arms. “I love you too Twilight Sparkle.” “I know you love me Spike…” Twilight said not wanting to be consoled. “I didn’t say that, Twilight.” Spike said with a confused look. “What?” Twilight questioned. “I love you too Twilight Sparkle.” All of a sudden, the group turned towards the kitchen. Twilight stood to her feet and walked slowly towards the kitchen. Suddenly, she could smell something that she liked. “Hello Twilight Sparkle! Would you like Coquilles St-Jacques for your evening consumption or perhaps something lighter like a ‘hay burger?’” Clunky said holding a spatula. “CLUNKY!!!” Twilight screamed! She ran as fast as she could and grabbed Clunky away from the stove. “I THOUGHT I LOST YOU FOREVER! I THOUGHT YOU LEFT US!” Twilight said squeezing it as hard as she could. After a few moments, she resumed crying profusely. “Please don’t cry Twilight Sparkle…” Clunky said wiping away her tears. Clunky quickly turned off the stove and set the spatula down. “Come Twilight… I have much to tell you and our friends.” Clunky said with a glowing green smile as he led Twilight back into the entrance hall. Immediately as they turned the corner, it was followed by screams and everyone rushing forward. “Please… Please resume your seating. I have a lot to tell you.” Clunky said motioning for everyone to sit back down. Everyone could only stare at Clunky incessantly, with tears still falling from their eyes. “How?! I saw you get your rocket thingys!” Applejack said with an outburst. Clunky smiled and stood motionless. Suddenly… it began speaking in its former robot voice. “Explorer module reattached. Thrusters firing at 100 percent. Target lock Anomaly 12485.667 kilowatts. Anomaly in vicinity, altitude at 45716.122 feet … Logic Dilemma… waiting… waiting… Dilemma solved.” Clunky said, and then paused. Every pony was suddenly on the edge of their seat. “So… so… what did you do?” Twilight said trying to calm her emotions. “Detach.” Clunky said with an even brighter neon green smile. “Fly explorer module on course through anomaly. Explorer module gone… completed. Make Control Chief Commander happy… over.” “Detach from Explorer module before impact and fall to ground. Leave Clunky hug/love module in Equestria. Love/hug module stationary… completed. Make equine ponies happy… over.” Suddenly, Clunky’s electronic face changed from a bright green to an even brighter pink. “Emotional paradigm upgrade completed… 3.0 to 6.5” Clunky said in a pre-recorded voice. Suddenly… everyone surrounded Clunky and began hugging, apologizing, and crying. After a few moments of time, Clunky spoke again. “Emotional paradigm upgrade completed… 6.5 to 9.9. Final upgrade completed.” The voice said. “I guess we won, Rainbow Dash.” Applejack said. “No Clunky won… our hearts…” Rainbow said trying not to cry. Suddenly, she broke free with a radical thought. “Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Wait a minute! With your high altitude, weight, and your lack of aerodynamics. How did you not crash land without your boosters in roughly 52 seconds, and smash into a million pieces, making a crater at least 22 feet deep?” Rainbow Dash questioned with authority. Every pony could only stare at Rainbow Dash puzzled. “What?! I know all about velocity and thrust. Wonderbolts academy… DUH!” She said sarcastically. “Twilight’s teleportation spell. It slowed my descent by 486.24 percent making me travel a paltry .0264 miles per hour, or to you… only 2 percent of 1 wing power.” Clunky answered with a scholarly tone. “Awesome and cool? Copy?” Clunky said with an outstretched hand. “Awesome and Cool!” Rainbow Dash said smiling with a hoof bump. “But wait… how did you get in the kitchen without us knowing?” Rarity asked. “Ponjitsu… Duh!” Clunky said with sarcasm. The entire group laughed in emotional release. Their friend, that had crash landed into their hearts had returned. Everyone realized that Clunky was much more than any machine or oddity to look at. Clunky had a heart. And with such an enormous heart it had more than enough love to give to every pony. And, every pony in the room realized that Clunky deserved their hearts as well. “Wait a minute… you said you LOVED me?” Twilight said looking at Clunky. “You were right Twilight.” Clunky said. “Right about what?” Twilight questioned. “I found my missing part. It was when I was flying towards the anomaly.” Clunky said in a caring tone. “It was?!” Twilight said choking back her tears. “Yes. I suddenly realized that I could never leave you.” Clunky said as it grabbed Twilight Sparkle and hugged her tightly. If it were possible for a robot to shed tears, this would be the moment in time for miracles. “Or… any of you. I love you all.” Clunky said as a clear fluid dripped from its electronic eyes. “Clunky, you’re crying!” Twilight said as she wiped its eyes. Everyone felt overwhelmed with passion towards their new friend, and huddled around it. “This is love.” Clunky said looking at everyone. “Noted!” Everyone said together with a smile, through their tears of joy. The End. “Hey! This can’t end yet! We haven’t PARTIED yet!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Ok Pinkie… we can party now.” Twilight said with a smile.
Part 6Soon… every pony in the kitchen had their own personal, exceptional Clunky-cooked meal set before them. While they ate, Twilight told about everything that had happened and answered all their questions. And as they finished, they all had one prevailing, nagging question for Twilight. “When are you going to show Clunky to every pony?” Applejack questioned. “Yeah… you can’t keep this metal wonder cooped up in your castle forever.” Rarity added. “Princess Celestia really needs to know about this one, Twilight.” Big Macintosh said with concern. “We need to have a party for Clunky and invite every pony!” Pinkie said with glee. “Come on Twilight! Think of how cool this would be!” Rainbow Dash said putting her two bits in. “Yes… yes. I understand your concerns. I’m sure that deep down every pony in Equestria would love to meet Clunky. But… the real question is; does Clunky want to meet them? Has anyone asked how he/she/it feels about the situation? Does Clunky WANT to be the center of attention… or DO YOU?” Twilight Sparkle said like a true princess. No one could answer her, because they have not given the robot’s point of view much thought at all. “I say we give it another day so Clunky can think ALONE, and in the end we let CLUNKY decide!” Twilight demanded. “COME ON!” Rainbow Dash grumbled. The rest of the ponies mumbled under their breath. “And… in the meantime, you tell NO PONY about ANYTHING that has happened… or I’ll have you arrested.” Twilight continued with a regal pomp that had nuances of Celestia thrown in. “Arrested? Seriously?!” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically. “SERIOUSLY!” Twilight said sternly, putting her hoof down. Every pony could tell that she was beginning to be VERY upset with the whole situation. “Well then… I have LOADS of work to do in my studio and I must be off!” Rarity said nervously as she pranced out of the kitchen. “Yeah… well farmin’ is a job that’s never done.” Applejack said timidly as she trotted out the door. Big Mac quickly followed after her. “Heh… the weather is always waiting.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew out in a rush. “What about you, Pinkie?” Twilight said. “Oh… I’m good.” Pinkie said, still sitting at the table. “Don’t you have some pies to bake or cakes to deliver?” Twilight said with great agitation. “I did all that yesterday.” Pinkie said. “I would suggest that you leave quickly to your Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie Pie. Twilight’s adrenal flow has increased dramatically in the last few moments.” Clunky said, trying to make Pinkie leave. “Ok.” Pinkie said with a shoulder shrug, and bounced out the door. “It’s alright now Twilight… just breathe.” Spike said trying to calm Twilight back down. “I’M GONNA HURT EVERY PONY! I MEAN IT!” Twilight screamed in a seething rage. “WHAT ABOUT CLUNKY? WHAT ABOUT CLUNKY? YOU MEAN… WHAT ABOUT YOURSELVES!!!” Twilight yelled loudly with great sarcasm. She was so mad because no pony thought about how Clunky would feel, being an attraction for every pony to gawk at. “OOOOOH! IF I LEFT IT UP TO THEM, THEY WOULD HAVE YOU AS A SIDESHOW! A CARNIVAL FREAK! A CIRCUS CLOWN!” Twilight hollered looking directly at Clunky. Clunky quickly grabbed Twilight and hugged her tightly. As they hugged, Twilight greatly calmed down. “What… What was that for?” Twilight said puzzled. “A hug is something done when you really care about someone.” Clunky said, repeating what Rarity said in the barn. Twilight’s eyes filled with tears as she embraced yet again. “I do care for you Clunky, and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” Twilight said crying in emotional release. “I care for you too Twilight Sparkle.” Clunky said with an electronic smile. The two stood there embracing as Spike watched. “Now… you’re making ME cry!” Spike said. “Come here… we care for you too Spike.” Twilight said as they included him in their hugfest. After they released, Clunky’s smile disappeared as it thought hard about a question. “Something confuses me Twilight… what is LOVE? I know that it is good and all should show it… but what is it? Logic needed.” Clunky said in confusion. “Well… caring is a big part of it. The other part though, you have to figure out on your own.” Twilight said as she wiped her eyes. “Noted.” Clunky said. After a few moments, Clunky’s neon green smile returned. “I would like to look today at Ponyville in my costume. I would like to observe more ponies and what they do. I would also like to see where they live.” Clunky said. “Ok… but that isn’t a very good costume. Night… yes. But, I don’t know how ‘covert’ you can be in the daylight.” Twilight said with concern. “I know… that is why I improved upon it before you awoke. Flame brushed and textured polyester looks almost like pony skin. I learned the technique from ‘Fabrics, Textiles, and you – A craftpony’s guide.’” Clunky said almost beaming. “That is amazing! Hey… wait. Where did you get the material?” Twilight said confused. “There is a large alcove with sliding doors, near your bedroom.” The robot said. “MY CLOSETS! Well… Rarity can ALWAYS make more dresses.” Twilight said with a giggle. Twilight then realized something. “I’m so sorry… You have been SO nice to every pony… even though they probably don’t deserve it… but what about you? Do you want something to eat? I’ll make you anything, if of course you can eat. Um… can you eat… anything at all?!” Twilight said awkwardly, feeling like not a very good host. “I can eat. Foodstuffs and organics are broken down in my system and are vaporized, then converted into simple energy. However, I am fine. I also gain energy via solar. Your Equestrian sun has been more than efficient to me.” Clunky said revealing another antenna that was hidden in its frame. “It’s settled then… whenever you want to go explore, just tell me… I’ll be there. Just give me a little time to freshen up OK.” Twilight said with a smile. “Noted.” Clunky said. After a few hours had passed, Clunky decided that the time was right. So, Twilight helped put on Clunky’s improved costume and they strolled into Ponyville together… with Spike trailing behind. “Come on Spike! We’re gonna leave you in the dust!” Twilight said jokingly. “I know… I know…” Spike said downtrodden. He was walking much slower than usual because he had missed his nappy time. “Well, this is it Clunky… the glorious Sugar Cube Corner!” Twilight said with outstretched hoof like a tour guide. “Do you want to go inside?” She continued. “Yes… very much.” Clunky spoke. As they entered, the air was filled with the alluring scents of cinnamon and vanilla. There were cakes and pies stacked up everywhere. The sight of all the goodies quickly snapped Spike out of his funk. “Wow Pinkie Pie! You sure have been busy!” Spike exclaimed almost slobbering. Pinkie Pie was standing behind the counter with a mixing bowl in hand. She however didn’t look very Pinkie-like. “Oh… It’s you.” Pinkie said with a rude accent, glaring at Twilight. “I’ve been making pies and cakes ALL DAY to deliver them…” She continued. “I thought you said you did your deliveries yesterday?!” Twilight spoke bewildered. “I did. And now I’m gonna’ just throw these on pony’s doorsteps… whether they want them or not.” Pinkie said with a hateful tone. “PINKIE! I understand that you’re mad at me… but I just want what’s BEST for Clunky! If you can’t understand that… then FINE!” Twilight said in a huff. “Well FINE!” Pinkie hatefully returned. “Fine then… come along Clunky, we’ll go where we are MORE APPRECIATED!” Twilight said prancing towards the door. Clunky could only stand motionless. “Aren’t you coming?!” Twilight said turning back. Clunky quickly moved behind the counter and grabbed Pinkie Pie. “Hey!” Pinkie shouted. The robot hugged her for several seconds and then released without a word. As they left, Pinkie was visibly shook up and put down her mixing bowl with tears in her eyes. “OK then… Where would you like to go next?” Twilight said with a sigh. “I was wanting to observe something more natural.” Clunky said. “Well… Fluttershy is about as ‘natural’ as you can get, and at least SHE’S not mad at me… so off to Fluttershy’s we go!” Twilight said trying to regain her good mood. “Weirdy ponies?!” Clunky said stopping, with a tone of concern. “Oh no! All of those strange ponies went back home… to wherever they go. They only come into town on weird… er… ‘Special’ occasions.” Twilight said with a snicker. “Noted.” Clunky said. Soon, they were standing in front of Fluttershy’s cottage, on the edge of the Everfree forest. Fluttershy was standing outside, tending to several woodland creatures. “Oh hello Twilight and Snapple Apple sir. You look so much better now! It is always sad when a pony is sick. I am glad that Twilight was able to help you!” Fluttershy said with a smile. “Thank you kindly ma’am. Twilight here is a might powerful nurse pony, I must say.” Clunky said in a country pony accent, with its mechanized hand using the costume’s face as a puppet. Twilight’s eyes swelled as she was startled in amazement. “Yes… Yes… I… I fixed him right up and… and everything is great now!” Twilight said almost stuttering. Suddenly, the cottage door opened quickly and Rainbow Dash stepped out. “As I was saying Fluttershy… I….” Rainbow said stopping mid-sentence. She could only stare at the three with a look of disgust. “OH! that’s OK Fluttershy… I was JUST LEAVING!” Rainbow Dash said with a snarky sour tone. She greatly wound up to dash away as fast as she could. Suddenly, she took off… Amazingly, Clunky grabbed her in mid-flight before she had time to gain altitude! “HEY! WHAT GIVES!?” Rainbow Dash shouted. Clunky hugged her tightly, and after several seconds released. Then… Clunky, Twilight, and Spike turned to walk away without a single word. “Hey! Why are you so… so huggy?!” Rainbow Dash questioned with sarcasm. “It’s probably because Clunky is trying to teach you, that it has FEELINGS TOO!” Twilight said, as the trio continued to walk away. “Clunky?!” Fluttershy said in confusion. “We’ll talk later Fluttershy…” Twilight said in passing. Rainbow could only stand there motionless, looking at the ground as they left her sight. After a few moments down the road Twilight stopped, still in shock. “Ok… you have to tell me. Where did you learn that one?!” Twilight eagerly questioned. “The face was from ‘Power Pegasi Puppetry for young foals’” Clunky said. “The voice was from ‘Appaloosan folk – An oral history.’” it continued. “I like the pictures in that one…” Spike said with a snort. “There were no pictures!?” Clunky said puzzled. “I know!” Spike said laughing. “It was a joke, Clunky.” Twilight said also laughing. “Noted.” Clunky said. After a few more minutes travel down the pathway leading away from Fluttershy’s, Twilight again spoke. “Ok Clunky… where would you like to go now? We’ll go wherever you’d like.” Twilight said with a smile. “I would like to see more of Sweet Apple Acres.” Clunky said. “Ok… but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t start some sort of feudin’” Twilight said with a laugh. “Ok partner… we’ll mosey over yonder.” Clunky said with an even brighter smile. The light of which, Twilight could see through the costume. The greenish glow warmed Twilight’s heart to the point of tears. “Do I make Twilight Sparkle cry?” Clunky said with tenderness. “It’s not that type of cry.” Twilight said with a smile. “Noted.” Clunky said. After a short journey through the countryside, soon they could see the striking features of many apple trees. As they passed into the orchard, they were suddenly greeted by a familiar sound. “Hello Twilight, Spike, and Clunky!” Big Macintosh said with kindness. “Hello Big Mac!” Twilight and Clunky said in unison. Spike walked over and gave a customary claw-hoof bump. “Hey! I see you upgraded your duds! Textured Polyester isn’t it?” Big Mac questioned. “Why yes it is.” Clunky said. “That’s an old play actor’s trick to look like pony skin. Great job!” Big Mac said to Clunky with a smile. “You really DO read a lot!” Twilight said gleefully. “Eeyup!” Big Mac said with a wink. “I would talk to ya’ll for a long while but… I think there’s someone else that urgently wants to talk to you…” He said looking at one of the apple trees. Applejack could be seen watching, trying to use it as camouflage. It didn’t work very well. “I think you have somethin’ to say Applejack… Don’t ya?!” Big Macintosh said, shoving her sister in the side out of her hiding place. With her cover blown, Applejack slowly trotted over to where Clunky and Twilight were standing. She could hardly look at them, with her head hung low. “Is there something you want to say?” Twilight said. “Uh… I’ve been thinkin’ a lot about all what you said at breakfast, Twilight. And you’re right… I was only thinkin’ about myself and how much attention it would bring to our Apple farm. I even had the silly thought of using Clunky as a spokesperson, and puttin’ his picture on every box and bag. That was very wrong of me.” Applejack said as she dropped her head even lower. “Sometimes something new comes along, and it’s easy to lose your head over it. And, get so caught up in it that you forget what’s right. I’m awful sorry Twilight and sorry to you too Clunky. I hope ya’ll forgive me…” Applejack continued with a solemn tone. After a minute, Clunky moved and grabbed Applejack. “Forgiveness is good. I forgive you Applejack.” Clunky said as he hugged her. “And… I forgive you too.” Twilight said as she joined in. After a minute or two they released. “Oh… now see an what you done. You got me all teary-eyed!” Applejack said fighting back her emotions. “I’ve got so much work to do… I’ll see you all later!” Applejack continued, as she rushed off to cry somewhere… alone. As they watched her run away, Clunky spoke. “I would like to see studio next.” Clunky said looking at Twilight. “I had a feeling that you might say that.” Twilight said with a beaming smile. “Jump on… Spike! We’re going back to Ponyville!” She said, motioning for Spike. “How many times can one Dragon cry in a day? You guys are killing me!” Spike said as he got on Twilight’s back. “I have a good intuition that we’re almost done, Spike.” Twilight said as they started walking. The long trek back to Ponyville seemed like mere minutes. As they went, the three chatted back and forth like good companions of old. It felt more and more to Twilight with each passing step, that Clunky was far less of a machine and much more of a friend. In those moments, Twilight realized that she was very happy that Clunky had crash landed into her life. She thought about all the time before, when she felt that friends were silly and unneeded. And then suddenly by Celestia’s prodding, she had five of the best that any pony could ever have. Now, she had a new friend that did nothing but remind her just how important and needed they all were in her life. At that moment, she could not help but blurt it out. “I love you Clunky.” Twilight said with a big hug. “You found your missing part?” Clunky questioned. “Yes. And soon you’ll find yours too.” Twilight said with a shimmer of tears. “Oh Come on! You just keep making me cry!” Spike said wiping his eyes. “I love you too Spike.” Twilight said as she grabbed and hugged her number one assistant. After a few minutes, they could see Ponyville and Rarity’s studio in plain sight. “We’re almost there.” Twilight said. “Good. All this fuzzy feeling stuff has done nothing but make me hungry! I hope Rarity has some Gems… I can… borrow.” Spike said with optimism. “Oh Spike!” Twilight said rolling her eyes. Within moments, the trio was standing in front of the Carousel Boutique’s entrance door. However… something was not right. “CLOSED! Rarity never closes early! Even when she’s away at her fashion shows, someone is ALWAYS running her boutique… she would keep it open 24/7 if she could get away with it!” Twilight said agitated. “This is your Spikey Wikey… please open your doory Honey Bunny!” Spike said as he gently knocked on the door. “Spike?” Twilight said with a raised eyebrow. “What! She loves that kind of stuff…” Spike said with a shudder. “GO AWAY!” Rarity screamed from behind the door. Twilight decided to take a more assertive approach. “Rarity open up! This is the Princess! Don’t make me have to bring guards to make you come out!” Twilight said with a huff. “DANG! You are becoming MORE like CELESTIA all the time!” Spike said with a laugh. “SPIKE!” Twilight shouted. After a few moments, the voice returned. “I SAID GO AWAY!” Rarity yelled again. “Let me try… Twilight.” Clunky said. With a sigh, Twilight nodded and moved back. “Rareté... je sais que vous ne voulez pas de nous cacher. Mais, vous avez honte de la façon dont vous avez agi. Nous ne sommes pas ici pour vous faire du mal ou de crier à vous. Nous sommes ici parce que nous nous soucions pour vous. S'il vous plaît... Rareté sortir.” Clunky said in a different language. (Translation: “Rarity… I know that you do not want to hide from us. But, you feel ashamed for the way you acted. We are not here to hurt you or to yell at you. We are here because we care for you. Please… come out Rarity.”) Suddenly, the door cracked open. “How… How did you know?” Rarity said with tears dropping from her eyes. “Introductions dans la couture française par Rareté.” Clunky said. (Translation: Introductions into French dressmaking by Rarity) “My old textbook I wrote?! No one ever bought that old thing!” Rarity scoffed. “I bought a copy. I never could read a single word of it, but I bought it just the same.” Twilight said. “Why would you do that?” Rarity said crying. “Because you’re my friend and I love you.” Twilight said with tears dropping from her eyes. “Oh I love you too!” Rarity said as she hugged her friend. They cried and cried as they embraced. “Oh Twilight! I’m so sorry! I’ve been such a selfish fool! I don’t want to hurt anyone!” Rarity burst with sorrow. After a few moments, Twilight let go with tears still dropping from her eyes. Clunky then moved in and grabbed Rarity. “I’m so sorry to you too! All I could see is what I could get from you… not who you are!” Rarity howled. “I forgive you Rarity.” Clunky said as they hugged. After a few minutes, the girls stopped their tears. However, there was a sound of sorrow just behind the door. “Spike?!” Rarity said as she opened the door all the way. “YOU GUYS ARE KILLING ME!” Spike said holding a wet bowl of gems. They were now saturated with dragon tears. “Awww my Spikey Wikey!” Rarity said as she grabbed Spike and hugged him as well. They both smiled together and began laughing. Twillight however stood puzzled. “How in the world did you get inside, Spike?!” Twilight questioned. “I used the back door.” Spike said. “Now… why didn’t I think of that!” Twilight said hitting her head with her hoof. The three laughed and visited for over an hour. Clunky talked at length about what it did to the costume, and the techniques that were used. Rarity showed Clunky all of her studio and what she had been working on for Sapphire Shores. Clunky made several suggestions to her design and Rarity surprisingly loved each one of them. Rarity too suddenly felt like Clunky was one of the group. She looked upon it no more as a mechanized oddity, but rather as good friend that had seemingly always been there. “It’s getting late and we really need to get back to the castle.” Twilight said with a slight yawn. “Oh! Must you rush off?” Rarity said with disappointment in her voice. “Yes… Clunky still has a big decision to make tomorrow. ‘Costume or no costume.’ He still needs time to contemplate everything.” Twilight said like a Princess. “You are correct, Twilight.” Clunky said. “Well… Come on Spike. We have some more walking to do.” Twilight said with a smile. “Farewell my love…” Spike said to Rarity with a bow. Rarity made a fake swoon and then laughed smiling. “Goodbye Rarity.” Clunky said as he shut the door behind them. The three slowly traveled back towards the castle, and soon they were safely inside. “Ok Now tell me the truth… you went to all those locations today not because you wanted to ‘explore.’ It was because you wanted to hug everyone… and you knew that by hugging them, it would make them think… didn’t you?” Twilight questioned as she bolted the door. “Well… My scanners ARE fully functional. They could have influenced me in where to go the TINIEST little bit.” Clunky said almost sarcastically. “That sounded like a joke!” Spike said with a laugh. “Maybe…” Clunky said with a smile as it pulled off its costume. All of a sudden, Clunky stopped everything and stood motionless. “What’s wrong, Clunky?!” Twilight said with great concern. Quickly, Clunky produced a spinning antenna from its frame. “Anomaly 12485.667 kilowatts detected.” Clunky said in a more robotic voice. “You mean… you mean what brought you here… has returned!?” Twilight said with a shriek in her voice. “Yes. At altitude 45894.2225 feet above Sweet Apple Acres.” Clunky said. Suddenly, the neon green smile that Clunky wore left. “Dilemma.” Clunky said. “What?” Twilight asked. “Dilemma. Logic needed.” Clunky repeated “What DILEMMA?!” Twilight questioned. “Dilemma found. Command Central Explorer probe 2482 or Clunky… Ponyville… hug… friends? Logic needed, Twilight Sparkle.” Clunky said with a look of bewilderment. “I can’t answer that! That is something you have to decide for yourself!” Twilight said in fear. After a few minutes of non-movement from extreme contemplation, Clunky suddenly spoke. “I have to go.” Clunky said as it unbolted the door and moved with great unseen speed away from the castle. As Clunky left, Twilight’s heart began to break as she picked up the costume from the floor and embraced it tightly.
