Prologue: Messages Between Friends
Recording #01
Date: 01/09/2720
Dear Director.
With the war over, and our brave men and women coming home, we at the Investigation Sub Committee have been starting to look into several of the projects that were used to help win the war, mostly to see which ones were the most successful, but also to make sure there wasn’t anything…illegal going on.
As such your project, Project Harmony to be specific, falls under our scrutiny. I know it was the project that won us the war, but we seem to have no records of what went on during the project, nor the methods you used in regards to your…creations.
And yes, I am aware that this project had the backing of the god’s themselves, but even they are not free from our scrutiny, especially when it comes to the wellbeing of our people. Of course, Celestia can be quite intimidating, and so can her sister, but that just makes me believe that this project had a lot more going on behind the scenes then what has been shown.
Do to this; I am requesting access to all files on Project Harmony, as well as any files on the subjects and their respective Artificial Intelligences. I will be expecting these files as soon as possible, preferably within a weeks’ time.
Sincerely, the Chairman of the Investigation Sub Committee
Fancy Pants
Recording #02
Date: 01/13/2720
Dear Chairman.
How have you been old friend, it has been a long while since we last spoke hasn’t it, honestly I didn’t want it to be like this.
I have long been aware that something like this might happen, especially in regards to my own project, so needless to say your letter was expected, in fact it was…shall we say anticipated. Because of this anticipation, I am afraid I am going to have to deny your request for information on my project.
Now please understand; this isn’t because I have anything to hide, because I do not, but this is because I want to protect the interests of those who came out of this project, especially the six who saved us from destruction.
You see, these individuals want to keep the lives they have managed to create for themselves, and investigations of this nature have a tendency to ruin such fragile things. If I let this investigation happen, it would be breaking the promise I made when they became part of this project, that I would make sure they could have peaceful lives after the war was done, lives no longer dictated by the government or anyone else for that matter.
So once again, I am afraid I am going to have to refuse your request for information, however, I do wish you good health, as well as good health to your wife and child, I hope they are doing well.
Sincerely, the Director of Project Harmony
Nightlight Sparkle
Recording #03
Date: 01/17/2720
Dear Director.
…You seem to have taken my request as face value, instead of a kindness extended by a friend for old time’s sake. I am afraid that it wasn’t a request; I require those files as soon as possible, for your project has enjoyed an air of mystery for far too long.
Though, then again, maybe not all of it was kept under wraps. After all, as our investigation has already unearthed, there have been some frightening rumors coming out about your projects dealings.
There are many rumors that I shall not be touching upon here, but a few key ones I do feel are worth mentioning. Experimentation upon A.I. Units, binding of questionable technology permanently to test subjects, use of untested and unsanctioned technology in testing grounds as well as on the battle field, and my personal favorite, use of subjects considered too young to be in any kind of military program.
Look my friend, I am hoping only half of these rumors are true, and I especially hope the ones I listed are untrue, for if they are you will be facing more than just charges of obstructing a federal investigation. So please Night, I implore you, please see reason and send me those files, there’s more at stake here then a meaningless promise.
Sincerely, the Chairman of the Investigation Sub Committee
Fancy Pants
Recording #04
Date: 01/21/2720
Dear Chairman.
*sigh* You know, somehow I knew this would be how you reacted to my denial, but then again you always were the predictable one of our little group, even when we were kids.
*sigh* You know, sometimes I really miss those times. Back then, if seemed like it was just you, me and Velvet against the world, nothing able to touch us as long as we stood together side by side. But as we both know, life didn’t let us stay together, you went on to do your thing, I joined the research division of the military, and Velvet…well, we both know what happened to her.
I will admit; it’s because of her that Project Harmony even exists, and it was her I made that promise to, the one you seem to be asking me to toss aside. So no, you will not be getting a damn thing from me Fancy, especially nothing relating to the subjects or their A.I. units, for I will not let you or the military get their greedy claws on them, no matter what it costs me.
Sincerely, the Director of Project Harmony
Nightlight Sparkle
Recording #05
Date: 01/30/2720
Dear Director.
I know it’s been a while since your last message to me, but what you said in it kind of…stung, after all, you know I loved Velvet just as much as you did, even if she chose you in the end. And while I am not surprised, I should have known Velvet was behind this project; after all she has been behind everything you ever did, ever since you two married.
However I digress, I did not star recording this to speak of old matters. While I have been silent, I have been busy digging up what I could about your project, and what I refuse to believe that Velvet would have any part in what you let go on.
Illegal raids on U.E.M. facilities, accessing of restricted information from the Pre-Reformation Era, as well as the use of several Pre-Reformation technologies which were deemed unethical by the Hazardous Technologies Sub-Committee. These are all offences that can land you serious jail time if you don’t co-operate old friend, so please, I implore you, send me those files, at least that way we can lower your sentence…and hopefully keep you out of jail.
Sincerely, the Chairman of the Investigation Sub Committee
Fancy Pants
Recording #06
Date: 02/03/2720
Dear Chairman.
…You know old friend, you win, so I will give you those files, but only under these conditions.
One, I only give them to you alone and in person, which means coming down to my lab. Two, when I give you these files, I expect you to listen to me when I explain to you about them, because I am not letting you leave my lab to form your own theories till you’ve heard the whole story behind Project Harmony.
I’ll be expecting you soon old friend, then we can finally settle this matter, and hopefully we will never have to speak again. Till then, I await your answer.
Sincerely, the Director of Project Harmony
Nightlight Sparkle
Date: 02/06/2720
Present Day
Nightlight sat in his office, sipping at a glass of bourbon as he waited for some kind of response from Fancy Pants. He knew his request was a long shot, for Fancy was a man who liked to hold grudges, especially when he didn’t get things his way.
But he had to do it, for if nothing else, it would by his staff, the test subjects, and their families’ time to run and get as far away from Fancy and his organization.
“Velvet,” he said, turning his chair as the holographic projection of the facilities controlling A.I. appeared before him, its image mimicking his wife perfectly.
“Yes Director?”
“Call Dr. Brightfall, I need to speak with him.”
“At once Director.”
He turned his chair back around, facing the lone screen as it let up and formed an image, displaying the image of Project Harmony’s second lab, as well as a startled Sombra Brightfall.
“Director Sparkle, wh…what do I…?”
“Save the chatter Sombra,” said Nightlight, letting his eyes wander over what he could see of the other lab before looking back at the man. “I can assume by the fact that you are in lab that you are still working on your pet project, how is it going?”
“It’s coming along quite well Director,” said Sombra with a smile, his oddly colored eyes seeming to glow with excitement as he turned toward the tanks behind him. “The subjects are almost fully formed, and once they have, I will be able to start running some tests.”
“Good,” said Nightlight, “now, I need you to move that project to the fall back facility.”
“What…but why?”
“Fancy’s coming.”
Sombra’s eyes widened, then he cursed as he began moving around the lab, “I’ll get right on it, it will take me some time though.”
“Then hopefully I can by you enough,” said Nightlight; before ending the call as Velvet appeared by his shoulder.
“Director, you have a message from the Chairman.”
“Put it on.”
The A.I. nodded, then vanished as Fancy’s message played, the shortest message that had passed between them to date.
“I’m on my way.”
