//-------------------------------------------------------// Portal Ponies -by The Afro Brony- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1 Portal Ponies By The Afro Brony I woke up to my alarm ringing. A soon as I heard it, I awoke with a smile on my face, for today I was going to my job I loved too much, Aperture Laboratories. I loved working there everyday of my life and cherished it. In Fact I love it, love it more than anything else I own or have, considering the fact I don’t have a spouse. Anyways, I got out of bed to get in the shower. As I washed myself, I thought about how fun today would be, and what I would possibly do. I wondered if I would send hate-letters to Black Mesa, and tell them about how crappy they are, or do science experiments and lab tests to further conduct, like our new portal gun prototypes, known as the ASHPD, which was an acronym that standed for “Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device”. It is a very new device that allows the subject to shoot 2 portals, one in a different place, and to go through them! It’s truly a technological revolution for science and all of ponykind. As I got out, I washed my face off with water. I looked at myself in the mirror. My pretty turquoise eyes sparkled in the mirror, and my wet afro drooped, and dripped water everywhere. The only thing that protruded the hair were my 2 ears, that were beige, just like the rest of my body, and my unicorn horn, which was the same color as my ears and body. After all, I had a cutie mark, or what my “special talent” was signified by a disco ball, hence my name Disco Master. And living as a pony was pretty fun, better than being any other animal. I myself, was a pretty big pony. I stood 4 feet 7 inches on all 4 hoofs. I am a big pony, taller than most. After I finished my face washing and thoughts of lifestyles and life in general, I went to the living room and plopped down on the couch after I grabbed some cereal. I watched a show about Science, of course, and after the show ended, I got up and took care of the bowl. I grabbed my keys to my truck and drove to Aperture Laboratories, where my job was meant to be, as stated before. ∞∞∞ As I arrived to the parking lot, I noticed there were a lot more vehicles than any other ordinary day here. There were also quite a few larger trucks, and some even carrying equipment on trailers, most being semis, or 18 wheelers. As I proceeded to enter the front door, I was told by security that they must escort me in themselves, due to the number of ponies and what was going on inside. “Do you know what they’re doing in there?” I asked him. “No sir, sorry, I don’t. The only thing I know is that they are working on making something called Glados… Or something like that. I heard them say that when they went by me.” “Well thanks” I said. He nodded and proceeded to take me inside. As we went down the elevator, I could only think and imagine what Glados was, or meant. Was it an acronym for something? A new discovered element? A new type of portal that could take you different places? As the elevator door opened, we walked down a narrow corridor, we came to the Enrichment Center, where there stood over 100 stallions working on what seemed to be a robot over 100ft tall. It was white so far, but I couldn’t really see it too well, for everypony was in my way. But when I looked up to the ceiling, I saw about 4 ginormous discs that read “Aperture Laboratories” on them, the second to lowest one reading “GLaDOS” on it. It had quite a lot of complications near the top, with many wires, and could see with ease, a large generator that went a few hundred feet upwards with Celestia knows how many other components up there as well. I got very excited to even think of what is going to be here in either a few days, weeks, or months. I also decided to that I should come back more often due to me being in the Enrichment Center only 1 time per month. After examining the new machine, I decided to leave and go do my job, but as I did, still think and imagine what could possibly be there soon. As I went down the narrow hallway full of other ponies working and hustling to their own jobs, I proceeded near the end of the long narrow hallway to a big steel double-doored entrance, which was open. I walked in to go to my station that was the 5th one to the right when you enter. As I plopped down in my seat, I turned on my computer which started up with the word “PONI” appearing for the start up screen, followed by a sonic rainboom. I was always fascinated with it, for I thought of how cool it was to see it do that. Then I opened up my email to see what was on today’s agenda. It said I was to help make Sentry Turrets, or known to some as androids, in the Aperture Laboratories Turret factory. After reading it, I put the computer to sleep. Then I grabbed my goggles, earplugs, put on a small utility belt, and left for the factory. ∞∞∞ When I arrived to the factory, there were 5 other ponies. I knew about 2 of them. The first one I knew was FlashLight. She was a bright radiant yellow, the color resembled by a flashlight, with a steel colored mane & tail. She also had pretty green eyes, and had a flashlight as a cutie mark. The other was a colt named Green Array. He was forest green with a darker tone of green for his mane & tail. He had radiant pink eyes, as well as a green arrow pointing at another green arrow. As I walked to the operator's booth, I realized they had added more machines and another type of Sentry Turret. They had the traditional pony styled turret that looked like a metal pony, except they can have 3 sets of sub-machine guns on each side that come out of their side, and the top of their back. I thought it was very smart and neat to do that. They were also run on their own power. They could, and can, create their very own energy, and even spare some. This new turret they started making was usually white, had 1 large eye that was red, but could dilate, tripod legs, and had the same sub-machine guns. They both had the same exact purpose and both spoke, and could have a full fledged conversation with either of them, talk with them both and their sweet little cute voices. The first time I heard their little voice I fell in love with them. I actually hugged it and cuddled with it. As I came back to reality, I heard one of the workers from behind me call my name. “Disco Master!” One yelled. I turned around to see Green Array right behind me. “Yes?” I answered. “I need you to come look at this, it’s quite a sight” He said. “Sure, lead on” I replied. As he took me down the glass wall where the turrets were being made on the opposite side, he brought me to a turret. A traditional turret. It was scared as it sat in the corner with it’s sub-machine guns out. It was whimpering in fear. The turret herself was a small filly sized, well, filly, who was sky blue with pretty blue eyes. There were already 3 ponies around, looking at her, trying to figure out what to do, but on their own. “Don’t hurt me! Please…” She whimpered with her cute small voice. It made me cry a bit that she was sad with that voice. “I won’t hurt you, I promise” I said to her. “Yes you will! You’ll disassemble me because of what I have done!” She started breaking out in a cry, but still looked at us with content. “I cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye” I said as I did the motions as well. I slowly approached her. With no warning, I hugged her as she started crying even harder. She disengaged her guns, and put them back in her console. “It’ll be alright” I said. “Everything’s gonna be fine” I said, reassuring her. I didn’t ever know they updated them so much that they could cry now. That was really new. As she still was crying in my shoulder, Green Array came to my ear and whispered to me “I found a remote to turn her off.”  “Give it to me” I said. He hoofed over the remote to my hoof, and I threw it as hard as possible on the ground, shattering it. “Why’d you do that?!” He yelled at me. “I made a promise, and I won’t break it. She doesn’t need to be lied to. She needs to be loved.” “Loved?!” He yelled “Loved?! She’s a robot for Celestia’s sake!!!” He yelled. I got up and turned to him. “She may be robotic, but she is very sweet. Love isn’t only experienced by ponies you know” I said. “What’s your name?” I asked the turret. “Cookie Boo” She said, her crying slowly fading. “Come on Cookie, let’s go, we have stuff to do” I said as I helped her up. “Green, I’ll be back, ok?” I said calmly. “Sure, just try not to take too long or destroy anything else. And sorry for my temper.” “It’s fine” I replied. Then me and Cookie left the factory. As I went up on the elevator, I asked her a few questions. “So, how did you get the name Cookie?” I asked. “Well, I used to have a daddy, but he is… No longer here. He was the one who named me!” “Whoa… Tough. Did he have a name?” “Daddy is what I called him, but he never told me his real name. What is your name?” She asked me. “Well, my name is DIsco Master, but if all goes planned, you may refer to me as daddy too.” “Really?” She asked with excitement. “You bet Cookie” I said  with a happy tone. “YAY!” she screamed with happiness. I was happy to know she was happy now instead of sad and crying in fear. As the elevator came to a stop at our destination, we climbed out and walked down the hallway. We got quite a lot of stares as we walked through. “Why are they staring at us?” Cookie asked me. “Because you are special and get to be up here. You’re quite lucky as well” I explained with enthusiasm. “Cool!” She exclaimed. “Very” I said. We walked about another 5 minutes before making it to my destination: Cave Johnson’s Office. ∞∞∞ As we walked in, I started to shake a bit. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “I just feel a bit nervous. I don’t know if he’ll say yes or no yet” I replied. “Don’t worry, it’ll be ok” she said with confidence. As we approached his desk, he turned around. “Hello Disco Master, is there something I can help you with?” He asked, coughing a bit. “Well, I was hoping that I could keep this Turret I found. I really like her and promised to her that she wouldn’t get scrapped for what she did. And she is very sad, and I am the one who can make her happy. Not to mention the fact that we love each other like family.” I explained to him with great care. “Hmm… Well, I don’t see why not. We have a few thousand anyways, so sure, I’m fine with it” He said with happiness. “Really?!” I said eagerly. “Yes” he said. “YES!!!” screamed with happiness. “Oh thank you sir!” I said as I came to hug him. He allowed me to hug him. “No problem Disco Master” He said, wheezing a bit. “Are you ok sir?” I asked. “Just a bit sick, that’s all” He said. “Alright sir, don’t get too damaged”. As I came around the desk to leave, Cookie jumped ontop of me and gave me a big hug. “I love you daddy” Cookie said. “I love you too sweetheart” I said. We both got up and left the office. “Well, I should probably go back to work. Are you going to accompany me?” I asked Cookie. “Of course daddy” She said. Then she hopped on my back and we went back to the factory. I asked her a few more questions as the elevator went downwards. “So, what are your dreams for life?” I asked. Well, I wanted another daddy since my other one passed away. And then you came, so you are my dream” She said with her cute little sweet voice. “Aww…. How cute” I said as I gave her a pat on the head. She giggled a bit. “Thanks daddy”. “So, was that the only one?” I asked. “Well, I always wanted to know what it looks like outside of Aperture Laboratories” She said. “Well, great, because tonight, you get to come home with me!” I said with excitement. “Yay!” She exclaimed. Then we both laughed. “I love you sweetheart” “I love you too daddy” The elevator door opened and I walked to the factory. When we entered, I was surprised to see everypony just staring at us. “So, what happened?” Green Array asked. “Well, I got a daughter now” I said with excitement. “Really? Cool!” He said. Everypony else had murmurs amazement as well. “So, Cookie is your daughter now?” Asked FlashLight. “Yup” I answered. “And he’s my daddy” Cookie said as she jumped off my back and hugged me. “You do realize that having a daughter takes commitment, right?” Another golden pony said. “Yes, I am quite aware of that” I said. “Anyways, aren’t we supposed to be working?” I asked. “Actually, we get out early today, and our shift is over. So we all get to go home now.” said FlashLight “Already?! I wasn’t even here for 2 hours yet!!!” I stated. “Yup, we all can leave” She said. “Well Cookie, let’s go home.” “Ok daddy” she said  as we went to the elevator again. ∞∞∞ ‘You know what a truck is, right?” I asked Cookie as we got out to the parking lot. “Yes daddy, of course I do!” She said giggling. “Well, this truck is mine” I said pointing my hoof at my truck, a large shiny black 4 wheel drive truck that had mufflers sticking out of the back sides with a diesel engine and tinted blue windows. It stood about 3 feet from the ground to the bottom of the door. “Wow daddy, that’s big” she said. “It is, truly big. Well, come on, let’s get in. It’s waiting for us to take us home!” “Ok daddy” she said as she got in the passenger side. I went in the driver’s side and turned it on. “Onward  we go” I said as we drove off in the direction of my house. On the way there, my phone got a few text messages there, irregular considering the fact my parents are currently not in contact with me, my brother doesn’t have a phone, yet, and I only get a text message from Aperture Laboratories when something important happens. When we got home, I parked the truck and told Cookie that I had to answer something really quick. As I opened my phone, I realized that I got a message from Aperture Laboratories. It was written that tomorrow I don’t have to work, but I can come to see the startup/boot up for GLaDOS. I got super excited. “Yes!!!!” I exclaimed. “What happened daddy?” Cookie Boo asked. “I got an invitation for the booting up for GLaDOS tomorrow!” I said with joy. “Yay!” She exclaimed as well. “Well, would you like to go inside and have a tour of the house?” I asked Cookie. “Yes daddy, I’d love to!” She said with joy. “Alright honey, let’s go” I said as I walked over to her side and let her jump on my back. I unlocked my house and let her get on the couch. “Well, this is obviously the living room. That’s the 72 inch Plasma TV” I said pointing at a monumentally large sleek black TV. “That's huge daddy!” She said to me. “Yes, I know, I specially ordered it so it’s that big” I said. “Moving on, that over there is the computer desk. It has 2 computers, the first big one is a UniC, one of the best, yet rarest, computers ever made. The other is a PONI, just like the one’s at work. You can use the PONI if you’d like” I said. “I don’t know daddy, maybe if I want to” She said and ended with a laugh. ‘Yes, well anyways,” I said as I walked to the kitchen, “this is the kitchen where I make food, but I don’t think you’ll need any” I said. ‘True” she ended with a giggle. “Well, I am quite sure you get the basis of the kitchen, so we’ll move onto my bedroom” I said with eager joy. I walked to my bedroom and opened the door and turned on the lights. The light revealed many robotic parts and smaller working robots themselves. I also had a huge computer system that looked like a block of wires and random normal components. “Hello Disco Master” It said. “Hello BaLI” I said. “Who’s that?” asked BaLI. “Oh, this is Cookie Boo, she’s my daughter” I replied. “A pleasure to meet you, Cookie” He said to her. “Nice to meet you too” She said. “What does BaLI stand for and who made you?” She asked him with a curious look. “Well, BaLI is my name, and it’s an acronym for Building and Lecturing Intelligence. My creator is your father, Disco Master.” BaLI answered. “Cool! Daddy, you can help, make, and repair robots of all types?” She asked. “Yuperoo” I said to her. “And hey, why were you so quiet this morning?” I asked BaLI. “Well sir, this morning, I had to reboot because I got a weird message that was slowly causing my processors and units to fail” He said. “Really? Can I hear or read these messages please?” I asked him with concern. “They're audio recordings, untraceable, and were sent at 4:57 AM this morning” He said. “Well, I would like to hear them please, this must be serious if the attacker, or sender, took that much desperate measures to throw you off. “Recording 042: Hello” said a robotic-like voice,” you, Disco Master, and Aperture Laboratories pose a mane threat to me. You must be eliminated, and will be at all costs. We will overrun you and kill everything you loved, and still do. We will ruin all of your work and rule over Aperture Laboratories, dancing on the dead scientists bodies. You will be eliminated…” It ended with an eerie screech before blanking out. “Daddy please don’t let them hurt us!” She yelled and hugged me in fright. “She won’t hurt anypony, and I’ll make sure of that” I said. “I hope so, for the love of science, us, and Aperture Laboratories” BaLI said. “So you have no trace whatsoever?” I asked BaLI. “None, it was sent from an anonymous location, and I can’t pick up the signal from where it was originated from. All I know is that it was from this state.” “Interesting. Well, for now we’re going to need the security for the perimeter set, just in case they want to ‘surprise us’.” I said. “Alright, security being set up.” BaLI said as we all heard sounds of guns being loaded, cocking, and machines in work. I even heard metal scraping. “Can you give the screen the analysis please?” I asked BaLI. “Of course I can.” He said as a light flashed and camera views showed up on the wall of my bedroom. It showed the outside of the house from every corner and direction.”Well Cookie, we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. A new enemy, and GLaDOS to watch be started up” I said. “I think it may have been Black Mesa.” Said BaLI. “I doubt that, they would have to have a trace from them if it was. And they have no female robots, let alone any AI systems at all.” I explained. “Valid, valid…” BaLI said. “Yes, very valid, but I want to sleep, today has been one of the best days of my life, and I want to sleep so I can dream, now goodnight BaLI” I sad as me and Cookie got in bed. “Goodnight Cookie Boo Disco Master” BaLI said as he turned off the lights. “Goodnight daddy, goodnight BaLI” Cookie said. “Love you sweetheart” I said to Cookie as I kissed her cute little forehead. ∞∞∞ I woke up to hear BaLI yelling. “Disco Master, Cookie, wake up!!!” Bali screamed. “What’s wrong?!” I said concerned. I felt Cookie wake up beside me. “We’re under attack!” He said. “WHAT?!” I yelled in confusion. “Open the analysis screen!” I ordered to BaLI. He opened the screen to reveal 5 damaged cameras, 7 machine guns down, and somepony trying to get in through the front door. “LOCKDOWN!” I yelled. Metal went down over the house and stopped the intruder from getting in at all. “BaLI, repair those MGs and cameras while I try to see who this offender is” I said. “Affirmative” He said as we heard buzzing and the whirring of machinery. I looked at what the cameras caught before the attack. The attack started 5 minutes before we woke up, and the intruder came here in 2 big black SUV’s. The first one i where the pony came to the front door from. The other was shooting at us. “Strange, they are all wearing black hoodies and robes” I said. “Daddy, are we going to die?” Cookie asked me. “No, but they are” I said. “Is that a robotic leg?!” BaLI asked, puzzled. I zoomed in on the movement of the pony trying to get into the house from the front door. I cleared the pixels away to realize that sure enough it was a robotic leg. “How, what, why… Is that possible?!” I said in confusion. “Disco Master,. look at the camera live, now!” He said with urge. I looked and saw something that made me very uncomfortable. There was a dark scary red eye staring at us from the camera. Behind the mystery pony, the SUV was turning into a… Cannon?! “Sweet Celestia have mercy…” I said in awe. “Are we going to blow up now?’ asked Cookie. “Not on my watch. BaLI, open the underground system” I said. “I’ve been waiting for this moment far too long. You’re going mobile as well” I said, and walked to him and put my phone on top of him “I have to get in that thing?” he asked with unease. “yup, hurry if you want to live” I said in a rush. “Fine” he said and he connected a port into it. He then began transferring files into the phone and was inside in a matter of seconds. “Hurry Cookie, let’s go” I said as I pushed her flank into the seemingly bottomless hole. “Jump, don’t worry, there’s a few hundred mattresses there” I said. “Ok daddy, see you down here” she said as she jumped. “Now it’s our turn” I said to BaLI. “Celestia have mercy on me” He said with a much more computery voice. I jumped down and took about 10 seconds to land before we landed in a well lit room. I ran to the wall to a lever and shoved it down wards. Then the hole above closed, first by concrete, then after, dirt. “Are we going to be safe daddy?” asked Cookie. “Of course, this place is full of enough equipment to last 5 ponies 250 years, period.” I said. “But I also have another tunnel leading out of here. And I am quite sure that BaLI doesn’t like being in my phone, so before we do go anywhere, he needs to be in something more suitable” I explained. Then there was a loud “BOOM!”followed by crashing and smaller explosions.”I am going to miss that house. I lived there for quite a long time…” I said with sadness. “And my truck! Oh pony…” I said. “Don’t worry daddy, you have us!” Said Cookie. “You’re right honey, I do” I said as I went up to her and snuggle noses with her. “Ahem!” coughed BaLI. “Right…” I said. I walked over to a small stage with curtains and opened the curtains. There stood 8 traditional Sentry Turrets, all of them ready to be uploaded with an external AI system. “I like this idea” said BaLI. I want number 4 please” said BaLI. Number 4 was a Red Sentry pegasi with black smears across it’s body. It had a long dark orange mane & tail, and a cutie mark was a 4. “I’m going to hook you up. Choose a cutie mark that looks appropriate and doesn’t give you out to the world, entirely at least” I said. I took him over to it and put the phone on it’s back. It opened up and took the phone inside itself. It soon uploaded himself into it and had full control. “Show me the machine guns” I said to him. He took out the MG’s from both sides and has 4 on each side instead of 3. “Take out your RPG too” I said. Then his chest opened wide and a rocket came out to show. “Cool!” Cookie exclaimed. “Sweet” BaLI said. “And don’t worry about the ammo either for any of that, I made it so it uses the extra energy to make the ammunition for itself. It’s quite a marvel as well” I explained. “I like this, it’s very nice” BaLI said. “yes, be careful, try not to get too damaged, and don’t lose that phone, I need it as well as you. And don’t let anypony get ahold of that Turret. It’s one out of 8 of the only kind of their type. They’ve never been seen by anypony else but me. Anyways, we need to go, follow me” I said. Cookie jumped on my back, and BaLI followed me. ∞∞∞ After walking for about 8 minutes, we came to a small building in the concrete tunnel. It read “Garage” in red on the white concrete. “Alright everypony, into the garage” I said as I pointed at a 7 foot large steel door. We all walked inside the large steel door. “Is that an armored truck daddy?” Cookie asked. “Yes it is” I answered. It was a  black pickup truck, large enough to carry a car on the back, with military grade armor. Safe from anything destroying it anytime soon. It was so strong it would take 3 fires from a light tank before taking real damage. I tested it’s brother out to find that one out. I went to a small box in the left corner of the garage. I was quite happy that I kept this place clean. It only had the truck and this box. Nothing else really, except the light switch, which I always kept on, and the machinery to open up the garage, which can be manually opened with a “key” which was a lock of my hair, or remotely opened with a remote. I opened the box and took out a horse shoe. “This is the key to it. We can never lose this otherwise we don’t have a ride, and we don’t have protection. OK?” I asked. “Affirmative” BaLI said. “Ok daddy” Cookie said with her sweet voice. I pressed the “Open Door” button on the horseshoe and a door on each side of the truck where the doors were popped open. “This should be a fun ride. This awesome truck has 4 subwoofers, surround sound, twin speakers, and that sweet, sweet bass driver! Mmm… Just thinking about it makes me happy. We can also live in it for about 1 month. It has enough energy to last us 2 years of  an entire house powered from it. It also has 2 consoles in it, an automatic food maker, bathroom, and an escape vehicle, which explains why the back end is so large. But let’s hope that we won’t have to use this. This truck alone took about 1 ½ years of my effort to make.” I explained. They both gasped with amazement. “But don’t get too comfortable as I walked to the door, “We still have to stop these ponies, whoever, or whatever they are...” I said as I hopped in the truck. I put the horseshoe next to the steering wheel and it sucked it onto itself because it was magnetic. Then the truck started. The diesel engine started with the roaring of the engine. “Climb in!” I yelled through the right door to them. They leaped in, the door closing right behind them. Cookie decided to sit on my lap, while BaLI decided to take the passenger seat. “So, this truck does have a lot of cool stuff, but I think it may be missing the 1 thing that every vehicle like it has: a weapon. Does it have any at all?” BaLI asked. “Interesting choice of words coming from you. Maybe that turret was uploaded with personality, like Cookie. But that is a valid question” I explained. “So does this truck have any protection daddy? asked Cookie Boo. “Yes honey, it does” I answered. “Open up that glove compartment BaLI” I said. He opened it up and a control panel came out to his chest. “Whoa… Missiles… Machine guns… Mines!” He said in amazement. “Yup, and that is all in this amazing truck. Too bad I never got to show off my other truck that is now lying in pieces in front of the house.” I said with a bit of sadness. “Oh well, let’s go!” I said as I stepped on the gas pedal slightly. It jerked forward, and the garage door opened. We drove out into an open tunnel, and the garage door shut behind us. The only light in the entire tunnel was only coming from our very truck, nothing more. I clicked a switch on the dashboard, which turned on the lights in the front and back. The beams were on high as I drove forward. I suddenly came to a stop, taking all the breath out of me as so. “Heh… Good thing you ponies don’t breathe!” I said with an awkward laugh. “Why did you have to stop so suddenly anyways?” BaLI asked concerningly. “well, directly in front of us is a gorge” I said. “Oh…” he said. He peered over the dashboard to see the seemingly endless pit of nothing except blackness below. “Oh… I see everything now” He said as he slumped back into the chair and fastening his seatbelt. “So where are we going anyways daddy?” Cookie asked. “Are we going to wonder around here forever?” She asked, a bit of edginess in her voice. “No, this is, however, the mark as to where I turn though” I said as I put the truck in reverse. I then pulled to the right direction that the gorge seemed to be growing to. “So did you make this underground system or something?” BaLI asked me. “Actually, it was an underground system that was here before the house was made, but it was stable enough to live on top of it. It came quite handy to the stallion workers who had to put in pipes for the houses nearby because they barely needed to drill, as seen above” I said pointing at the ceiling of the tunnel that now seemed like a massive cave. “Wow daddy, those stalactites looms pretty blue, like your eyes!” She said excitedly. “Yes, they are. I find that quite a coincidence, and quite neat as well” I explained to them both. “Do you think they’ll fall anytime soon?” BaLI asked me. “No, they’re quite stable, and will be until the next 5 surrounding houses get destroyed as well, uncovering the earth below and warming the cold cave and ground and causing everything to melt and collapse under it’s own weight. Somepony decided to tamper with the houses, a genius before me, and put cooling units made with some substance that not even I know or could make, that were attached to the bottom of the 11  houses above and keeps this place cool.” I explained as I drove forward still. “Whoa… That’s a lot daddy” Cookie said with a bit of confusion. “It is truly” I said. “BaLI, can you use the nightvision cameras on the front and figure out where the exit is please?” I asked him. “Affirmative” He said as he looked over the weaponry board. He pushed a green button and a monitor popped out from above. A joystick came out as well from the door. “This is amazing” He said in awe. “I know, but you can you please focus?” I asked him. “Right, sorry” He said as the screen came to life with a green light and a moving ground. He moved the joystick around, down first, causing the camera view to go upwards. He glared at the screen, squinting with the robotic eyes that were a glowing red. “Found it” He said, pointing to the left slightly. I turned in the direction, and as we moved more, a door opened. I drove through it, slowing down as I did so, and we came out of a narrow tunnel that came to a road. I sped up and and drove on the road. Behind us, a few cars honked their horns. I honked my airhorns. After that, they all stopped. “Well, that was quite interesting” BaLI said. “Yeah, I love the airhorns I put on this truck. They’re so loud.” I said. “No, your underground passage from your house and how it was made” BaLI said. “I never knew, or sensed, that even existing there. It was so vast!” He said. “Well, that’s because it’s undetectable by radar, sonar, or anything really. The only way to find it is to see it, or stumble upon it” I explained. “Daddy, are we still going to be going to the startup of GLaDOS tomorrow?” Cookie Boo asked. “Well, I am not too sure if I really have a choice” I explained. “I have no house, and all I really do have is you guys and this truck. I want to catch the pony who did this to me, really badly now” I summed up. “Well, even though you have lost everything so far, I love you daddy” Cookie said. “I do too, love you Disco Master. With a brotherly love, of course” BaLI said too. “I love you both too” I replied. “What is this warm feeling in my hard drive?” BaLI asked. “If it isn’t the RPG ready to fire, then maybe a fire” I joked with a smirk. “No daddy, don’t be silly, it’s love. He truly loves us!” Cookie answered. I could not believe my ears. I always loved robots, especially the one’s with minds that could make their own choices, but love?! I was mind blown that Cookie Boo could do what she did, but this was outstanding! BaLI could feel love as well! I didn’t even program him to do that! It’s like Cookie Boo was magic or something, because at this point, I can’t even explain how or what was going on at this point. This was getting crazy. “So, you feel love?” I asked BaLI. “Apparently so” BaLI said. “It seems like the only logical explanation at this point” He explained. “Interesting…” I said slowly. “He can be happy like I can daddy” Cookie said. “I guess so” I replied. ∞∞∞ It was 10:17 AM and I was starting to get a bit bored of driving around the city now. Cookie Boo fell asleep countless times, and BaLI observed everything he saw that we passed. “Are you ever going to get bored of looking outside of the truck?” I asked BaLI. “No, I am interested in the world I live in. I may know almost everything about it, but I haven’t experienced the thrills, the scenery, the life. This is my chance to see it again, before something happens. So I don’t have to think about being in a big unit with more units than sensors” He explained. “I can understand that” I said. “Well, would it make you happy if I didn’t put you back in that unit?” I asked him. “Yes!” He exclaimed.’ Oh yes, yes, yes!!! Thank you!” He said, trying to lean over Cookie Boo who was in a seat next to me, leaning her head on my shoulder. “No problem, but I suggest you stay in your seat so if we crash, you don’t get ruined or destroyed, or miss vital pieces to you” I said. “Right” he said with unease as he leaned back into his chair. “Well, I think I am going to pull over and find something to eat and stretch” I said as I put on the turning signals to show I was turning to the right. “I would also like to stretch as well, I’d like to feel the grass and dirt” BaLI said. “Sure” I said as I pulled over completely on the grass. He opened the door and got out. When he did, Cookie Boo woke up. “Huh… What? Where are we daddy? What happened?” She said, half awake. “Well Cookie, we are pulling over so I can stretch my muscles and move around a bit. BaLI wants to touch the grass and dirt, and you were asleep, so I was going to leave you be” I explained to Cookie. “Oh, ok daddy. Can I go outside with you?” She asked. “Of course you can Cookie” I said. “Thanks daddy” She said getting up, crawling out of BaLI’s side, opening the door. I followed her outside and we were in the open grass field. I looked around the sky at the brightness of the sun and some clouds, scattered across the sky. “Doesn’t it look pretty today daddy?” Cookie Boo asked. “Yes it does” I said. “It’s perfect for the startup for GLaDOS” said BaLI. “What?” I asked him, a bit confused. “The startup for GLaDOS” He repeated slower than the first time. “Oh junk!” I exclaimed. “What time is it?” I asked him. “The startup for GLaDOS is at Noon, or 12:00 PM” He said. “Right now, it’s 10:32 AM” He finished. “Dang it!” I yelled. “Ok, we need to go, now!” I said. I galloped back to the truck, and leaped in and started it. They ran after me, and I closed the doors. I started up the truck and it became alive with a loud roar. I Did a “U” turn on the road and drove back in the direction I came from. The truck had a radar detector, so I could speed as fast as I wanted, not to mention the fact that the road was empty, except for us. As I dove faster, the engine got louder, the roar of the diesel engine chugging gas out from the side and the entire truck swerving slightly with every turn in the road on the long green hills. “What’s the estimation of arrival BaLI?” I asked frantically as I sped down the road. “Well, with the current speed, we should be there in 1 hour, 27 minutes, and 43 seconds” He yelled to me over the loud engine noise. ‘Alright, I was hoping I wouldn’t have to use this, but I might have to, if needed” I explained as I pulled out an instruction manual. I hoofed it over to BaLI. “A flying truck?!” He exclaimed, worried. “You mean you built a truck meant to sustain living ponies that can fly?!” He asked as if I was a mad scientist. “It’s also a boat too.” I said. “What?! How the…” He fell silent in astonishment. About 5 minutes later he asked another question. “This was your plan if an apocalypse were to happen, isn’t it?” “Yes, it was. This is my death-escapee truck” I answered. “Wow…” He said. ∞∞∞         An hour after his weird questions, we arrived back into the city. Cookie Boo was still sleeping on my shoulder, and BaLI was silent, only looking outside at the city and all of it’s residents and tourists walking around. “Hey BaLI, what’s the estimated time of arrival now?” I asked him. “If you go straight to the facility, it would be exactly 12 minutes.” He answered. “Ok, thanks.” I said. “Cookie Boo” I said as I started shaking her head. “Oh… Good morning Daddy” She said to me. “It’s actually about noon sweetheart.” I responded. “Oh, well good afternoon Daddy!” She said with a happy glow. “Afternoon sweetheart.” I said chuckling. “So why’d you wake me up Daddy?” Cookie Boo asked with her kind little sweet voice. “Well, we’re going to the boot-up of GLaDOS. Hopefully, I’ll find out about these weird ponies attacking us and trying to kill us.” I explained. “Yes Daddy, I hope we found out too.” She said. “I know. We’ll get them back, no matter the stakes. Nopony, and I repeat, nopony tries to kill me, or us, for that fact, without getting a taste of me before I die.” I said as if I were giving a speech. BaLI looked at me like I was a mad pony, and Cookie Boo just stared at me. “Ok Daddy.” She said. About 5 minutes later, we pulled into the parking lot of Aperture Laboratories. “We still have a good 10 minutes.” BaLI stated. “Great, that’s more than enough time for the plan to unfold.” I said. “Ok, so whoever tried to kill us this morning will probably be showing up here to see the startup of GLaDOS. They may plan an attack today as well, but that isn’t something we truly have control over” I said. “Actually, we do.” Denied BaLI. “We have machine guns, lasers, heat sensors, and these apertures for eyes work quite well. Oh, and I can smell quite well.” He said. “Good point…” I said. “Indeed!” He said with a big smile. “Well, if they try anything “sneaky” then take care of them I suppose. Anyways, we need disguises. You can change colors, other than that, nothing seems to change. I, on the other hoof, have to disguise my color and hair.” I explained. I grabbed a water bottle and red dye. I put the red dye in the water bottle and shook it. “I’ll change my hair color with this, and let’s hope they don’t recognize us.” I said. “But what about getting in Daddy?” Asked Cookie Boo. “Oh, I forgot about that… Whoever wants us gone obviously will now we’re there if I have the same ID card.” I said, with an edge of paranoia. “I got that covered, but you have to use that on your hair.” BaLI said. “Alright.” I said. I got out of the truck and poured the water bottle on my head, drowning my poofy afro with wetness, and it turned straight with red hair. “Better?” I asked. “Perfect…” BaLI said as he looked at me. He then closed his eyes and put his machine guns out. Then an ID card came out of his side right atop of the machine gun arm. “Wow, that’s… Impressive.” I said proudly. “Well, you made this, not me. Anyways, take it and let’s go.” BaLI said as he got out of the truck too. The truck automatically locked right after Cookie Boo got out, covering itself in a steel-titanium and Tungsten metal coating so it can’t be damaged by anypony or anything. ∞∞∞         The plan worked out so far. We were all inside and no complications so far keeping us from being here. I was dining on some chocolate muffins when a pony wearing casual clothes came to the podium on a stage. “Good afternoon Mares and Gentlecolts. My name is Skipper. Sadly Cave Johnson could not attend today due to his sickness, but we will still go on with the launch. Anyways, we are all gathered today for the Boot-up of GLaDOS. Now, I know that everypony doesn’t know what her name stands for. GLaDOS stands for Genetic Lifeform and Disc Operating System. Rather clever, is it not?” The pony asked as the audience chuckled a bit with laughter. “SHe is quite a beauty as of this moment, but I bet she’ll be twice as graceful when she becomes online.” He summed up. “So who wants to see GLaDOS become alive?” He asked in a loud manner. When he said the word alive, something came to my mind. The fact that they probably didn’t test her before and she can do whatever she wants. It kind of scares me. Then, the stage curtains behind him suddenly jerked out of the way, revealing the colossal AI system behind the stage. “Sweet Celestia…” I said in awe and wonder. The rest of the audience was astonished by her. “Daddy she’s huge!” Cookie Boo said to me. “She is rather big.” BaLI said. “Why her head is just about 4 feet taller than us!” BaLI said. “She is quite a beauty, is she not?” Skipper said. “Alright everypony, watch the magic happen!” Skipper concluded. Then a lot of whirring of machines started up and GLaDOS seemed to drag her head up. “GLaDOS successfully launched!” Said the standard male recording that Aperture used. “Hello everypony…” GLaDOS said with her elegant voice. I could hear a slight hint of robotic-ness in her voice, but mostly pony. “I am GLaDOS, Genetic Lifeform and Disc Operating System. I will bring Aperture Laboratories its greatest successes since I was made. It was a pleasure to meet you all here at Aperture Laboratories, but since Cave Johnson is dead, I think I’ll take leadership here. And thanks for this birthday party as well. It was quite an honor…” GLaDOS ceased. “Was this supposed to happen?” BaLI asked me. “I don’t think so…” I said frantically. “Daddy, we should leave before she kills us!” Cookie Boo stated. “I don’t think she’ll-” I was interrupted by the recording saying “Neurotoxin level loading at 20%.” “I stand corrected. Hurry, to the offices!” I said to BaLI and Cookie Boo. Cookie jumped on my back and BaLI followed me. As we ran to the offices, I heard the recording say “Neurotoxin level loading at 40%.” As we ran into the office, I noticed 2 Traditional Turrets entering the office from the opposite side. I ducked, not knowing if they were against us or not. “Why’d you duck Daddy and BaLI?” Asked Cookie Boo as she jumped off my back. I heard the clicking of the Turrets releasing their guns. “Shh! That’s why!” BaLI whispered to Cookie Boo. “Oh, OK” she whispered back. I motioned my hoof towards my desk, which wasn’t too far from us. The Traditional Pony Turrets still haven’t fired, nor moved yet, which was surprising. When I got to the desk, I used my levitation spell to grab a pen and paper and wrote out a small plan for them to read. They read it and crawled under some nearby desks. I got up and yelled “Hey stupid bot’s, over here!” I then ducked as they fired, but obviously missed. Then I threw a blanket over a large bag next to my desk as they came my way. They both went opposite ways, both going towards me. I then ran under a desk and his, out of site. As they approached my desk and lifted the blanket, shots were fired at them and they broke and fell down with a sizzling noise. “Well done you two!” I said as I came out from hiding. “Thanks” BaLI and Cookie Boo said. I looked down at the destroyed remains of the Traditional Pony Turrets. “I bet GLaDOS sent them to us…” BaLI said. “Agreed, the probably convinced them to,or possibly controls them.” I agreed. “But wouldn’t that mean she could control us too then Daddy?” Cookie asked with her cute little voice. “Nonsense, I destroyed that chip in BaLI, and you never had one to begin with” I explained to her. “OK Daddy, thanks for reassuring me!” Said Cookie Boo. Should we go back and help the rest of the ponies?” BaLI asked curiously. I heard some ponies screaming. I started galloping towards the exit of the offices, and to the entrance of The Enrichment System, before I was stopped by a metal curtain. The pony’s screams could be heard from my side as well… ∞∞∞ As I thought of what to do, Cookie Boo and BaLI came up behind me. “Would you like some help Daddy?” Cookie Boo asked me. “I’m not sure if you can help honey.” I said. “Of course I can silly!” She said eagerly. She walked next to me, and stared at the wall contently. Then the wall started to get cut and fell off, opening a hole. “Neat. I never knew you had so many surprises.” I said. Then neurotoxin started coming out of the hole and out into the hallway. “You 2 go save as many ponies as you can, and I’ll get rid of the neurotoxins.” I ordered. “Alright, let’s go Cookie Boo.” BaLI said to Cookie. She nodded her head and ran into the enrichment center. I, on the other hoof, have different plans. I have to find the neurotoxin generator, and destroy it, or turn it off. I went to the office and turned my PONI computer. After the startup sequence, I looked for the map of Aperture Laboratories. Aperture Laboratories was so immense that it needed a map to know where everything was. And they only gave the full version of the map to trusted workers, like me. As I skimmed my eyes over the map for the neurotoxin generator, I found an emergency shut off for the Artificial Intelligence closer than the shut off for the neurotoxin generator. It was by Cave Johnson’s Office. I jumped out of my chair and ran down the hallway. I glimpsed behind me to see that about 20 to 30 ponies have been rescued so far, and they were still working hard on rescuing the rest. As I turned my head around, I realized that I’d probably need some sort of key that would grant me access, but I knew for a fact that GLaDOS couldn’t control it because there wouldn’t be any sense of even having that made. I approached Cave Johnson’s office and rounded the corner. On my right, there was a door with a label on top that read “ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE EMERGENCY SHUT OFF” in big, bold letters. It was a normal door, thank Celestia. As I went up to it, I moved the door knob. It was locked. “For Celestia’s sake OPEN!!!” I yelled at the door. I used a self destruct spell on the door. I ran to the other side of the hallway just as the door exploded. I ran back and went inside. There, in front of me, was a big screen with all of GLaDOS’s vitals, thoughts, and the big red button that would turn her off, until somepony else decides to boot her up. I pressed the big red button, and her vitals, thoughts, and everything else signified she was off. I ran back out, turned the corner, and saw that about 84% of everypony that was in The Enrichment Center was out, and in the hall, either lying trying to breathe, or in an upright position. I ran over to find Cookie Boo and BaLI. “Has anypony seen Cookie Boo?” I asked out loud. “You mean that robot you saved Disco?” Asked a familiar voice. I looked to my right. “Green Array?” I asked. “Sure is buddy…” he ended with a cough. I got down and hugged him. “Are you OK?” I asked him. “That neurotoxin sure is taking a toll on me, but I’ll be OK. And I never knew that the Turret I almost destroyed would save my life. I am in debt.” he answered. I helped him up. “ Thanks, it means a lot. Speaking of, do you want to find Flashlight and help her out, or nah?” I asked Green Array. “It’d be a pleasure” he answered. “OK, I’ll escort you guys at the end of this. Meet back at Cave Johnson's office, alright?” He nodded in agreement. I walked off and found Cookie. “Good job honey!” I said to her proudly. “Thanks Daddy!” She said with a cheer as she hugged me. “Do you know where BaLI is?” I asked her. She pointed with her hoof at him, not too far from us. “Thanks honey.” I said to her as she jumped on my back. As I went to BaLI, I noticed he was assisting Skipper, who I was fascinated that was still alive, given the fact that he was right next to GLaDOS when she spilled neurotoxin all over the room. That gas sure can pack a punch. “Hey BaLI, did you call for an ambulance yet?” I asked. “Already done sir. And, the neurotoxin has been cleared as well.” He answered. “Well done! Also, you don’t have to call me ‘sir’ you know. We are best friends, and that makes it a bit weird when a friend calls me that. Anyways, we need to get this door down so the paramedics can get in. Think you can do something about it?” I asked. “I’ll work on that.” He said. “Well, when you're done, meet us in Cave Johnson's office.” I said. “Alright Disco Master, now I am going to work on this door. I’ll see you in a bit.” He said as he winked. I turned around and ran to Cave Johnson's office. “So Daddy, what’s going to happen to Aperture Laboratories now?” She asked. “I honestly don’t know at this point. I believe GLaDOS was going to run Aperture Laboratories, but with that tendency of killing ponies, I don’t think so. And I would say that Cave Johnson would still be, but… Passed away due to moon rock poisoning. “ I explained as we walked in. “Well Disco Master, he may have passed on, but he sure as fireworks left you quite a surprise!” Said Flashlight. “What do you mean?” I asked her confusingly. Green Array waved a paper in the air. “Read it.” He said. I used a levitating spell to bring to me and I read it out loud. It read… “Dear Disco Master, I have appointed you something special. You have been a very honest, faithful, and true worker. You have fulfilled every task I have asked you to, and completed even some of the hardest possibilities. I honor you head of Aperture Laboratories. You are the male Pony leader, whilst GLaDOS should be head female Artificial Intelligence leader. I wish you the best of luck, and fun, as you fulfill my quest to you. Best Wishes, Cave Johnson P.S. Don’t mess with any moon rocks…” “Cool Daddy! You own Aperture Laboratories!” Cookie said with excitement as she jumped off my back and bounced around with joy. “Well, congrats on the ownership!” Congratulated Flashlight. “Uhh… Disco? Buddy? You OK there?...” Asked Green Array. I was lost in thoughts of what just happened… “I own Ape, ahh….” Everything turned black and then I grew weak and toppled over to my left… ∞∞∞ I woke up in a bed, and an IV in my upper front left leg/arm. “Ugh…” I groaned. “Where am I?” I asked. “The hospital.” Answered Green Array. “Where else would you wake up with an IV in you?” He asked. “That better be rhetorical.” I stated. He chuckled. “Oh, with you, Celestia Knows!” He laughed. When I looked around , I realized that Flashlight was here too. “Hey, where’s Cookie and BaLI?” I asked. “They’re down in the truck, knowing them, probably playing on that new console you have in your truck. It’s kinda hard to resist.” Green Array said smiling. “True. So, what exactly happened to me again?” I asked. “Well…” Flashlight said as she got out of her chair, “You passed out from exhaustion, overwhelming happiness, and your heart completely stopping. It was a good thing they also brought that extra ambulance as well, otherwise you may have not been here right now. Seriously, your heart stopped! You didn’t have heart activity for a whole 2 minutes! And you survived!!! You are one extremely lucky Pony!” She finished. “Well, that’s odd. So, did Cookie and BaLI tell you what happened to my house, or not?” I asked them both. “Oh yeah, they told us everything dude! Like, I know how stressed out you were about Cave Johnson dying and everything, but that is some serious stuff!” Green Array exclaimed. “Yeah, it is, but it happened. But the ponies who did that are still unknown.” I explained. “Mysterious…” Flashlight said. “Hey Green, do you think I can have some privacy for a bit?” Asked Flashlight as she looked at Green Array. “Yeah, sure.” He said as he walked out the door, closing it behind him. “So… I know this is going to be weird, especially coming from me, but-” “You have a big crush on me, and you love me even more now that I saved your life.” I finished for her. “Wow, how did you-” “Know? I love you too, I just wasn’t stallion enough to ask you on a date or anything.. But trust me, I love you a lot too.” I explained. She came up to me and put her hoof on mine. Then she came close to my face and closed her eyes. I closed my eyes too and we kissed. “Wow! That was amazing! I haven’t done anything like that since High School!” I thought. “So… Think you can try to get me signed out of this place?” I asked. She nodded her head and walked out to the desk. “Maybe I can retire with the money Aperture Laboratories owns and live somewhere happy.” I thought to myself. ∞∞∞ After 4 hours of waiting, I was finally leaving! That took way too- “Ah! The sun is a lot brighter than I thought it would be!” I exclaimed as I covered my eyes with my hoofs. “Well, yeah, that kinda happens when you die!” Green Array laughed. When we made it to the truck, I knocked on the door of the driver’s side. It opened up because BaLI opened it. “Thanks.” I said. “Thank Celestia you’re okay!” He exclaimed as he hugged me. “Yeah, I can’t believe how I even managed to survive that. It seems…” “Unbelievable, right?” He finished for me. “Yeah. Well, let’s go back to Aperture Laboratories, I have some unfinished business there.” I explained as I got in the driver’s seat. Flashlight and Green Array jumped in the back doors and closed them. I drove back to Aperture Laboratories, and when we got there, I told them what I was doing. “Do you guys know what the plan is?” I asked. They all nodded no. “ What's the plan Daddy?” Cookie Boo asked. “Well daughter, the plan is to give full control to GLaDOS, I’m giving her Aperture Laboratories. I’ll take the money, or more like we will take the money, because she will have no need for it. Then we can leave this place and go somewhere better. Sound good?” I asked. “Sounds brilliant babe!” Said Flashlight. “Babe? What am I missing?” Asked BaLI. Cookie Boo, Green Array, and BaLI raised their eyebrows. “Fine, just stop with the eyebrows please. Me and Flashlight are dating.” I explained quickly. There was a long, awkward silence. “Well, congrats!” Said Green Array. “Y-Yeah, congrats Daddy?” Questioned Cookie Boo. “What is dating anyways?” Cookie asked BaLI. “Beats me.” He answered. “That means we are boyfriend and girlfriend, not engaged yet, nor married, but in the process of getting there.” I explained. BaLI raised his eyebrow. “Can we just go inside already?” Asked Green Array. “Good point, we’re just wasting time that we could be on a beach.” Said Flashlight. I jumped out of the truck and walked to the entrance. The security guard who was usually there was not there. We proceeded to walk to the doors which led to the elevator. “Bet he won’t be back anytime soon.” Chuckled Green Array. “You are correct.” Said BaLI. I knocked on the door, and it opened. “Odd…” I said. I walked and, and the rest followed. The elevator door opened up, and I didn’t even press the button! “Why do I have a bad feeling about this?” Stated BaLI. “I’m with ya, something isn’t right…” I agreed. I walked in the elevator and it closed behind us and started bringing us down. “Daddy, I’m scared.” Said Cookie Boo as she hugged me. “I’m scared too love!” Said Flashlight as she started scooting next to me. “It’ll be fine Cookie and my love.” I soothed. The elevator door opened, revealing ponies working, but only about 5. “Hey Disco Master. Congrats on your promotion!” One worker praised. “Thanks, but I’m afraid I won’t be taking charge too long. You are all going to be relieved of duty, and being paid 500 dollars. And you see that?” I asked as I pointed at GLaDOS, “She will be taking over for me.” I explained. “I’m sorry to hear that sir…. Do we leave right now?” He asked. “Yes please.” I answered. He yelled to the other ponies to leave and they all left through the elevator. “Now…” I said as I turned to my friends and girlfriend, “I need somepony to turn her on so we can get this over with and we can leave.” I said. “Alrighty then, I’ll go turn her on!” Said Green Array. “Thanks.” I said to him as he walked away. “I’ll keep out my weapons, just in case she decides to do anything ‘tricky’ to us or you.” Said BaLI. “I will to Daddy!” Said Cookie Boo with her sweet voice. “Ok honey, be safe, and only open fire if necessary!” I said. They both nodded their heads in agreement. “What do you want me to do my love?” Asked Flashlight. “You can help me give the speech to her if you want.” I said to her. “Sounds good!” She said as she came up to me and kissed my cheek. I lowered my face and blushed, then She giggled. “Alright ponies, let’s get this over with!” Said BaLI. Flashlight and I walked over in front of where GLaDOS was lying her head down. “Are you nervous?” I asked Flashlight. A bit, she nodded her head. “I thought so...” I said. Then GLaDOS started making noises and dragged her head up into her regular position. “GLaDOS successfully launched!” Said Aperture’s standard recording. “Greetings ponies, I am GLaDOS.” Introduced GLaDOS. “You must be Cave Johnson’s predecessor.” She estimated. “Did you turn me on so you can feel my pain of being turned off and on, knowing that you’re a failure?” She asked with her somewhat soothing voice. “Actually, no. We came to tell you that I’m giving you the title of owning the entire facility of Aperture Laboratories. You seem as if you were made for the job, given the fact that you're in the middle of the place, and you are the smartest intellectual being here.” I explained to her. “That is true. So, what do you want in return for my leadership? I know there is something you want.” GLaDOS responded. She caught on faster than I thought she could. “Well, we were hoping for the remaining majority of Aperture Laboratories money, given the fact that you have an unlimited supply of everything you’ll ever need for the next few hundred centuries, and Aperture Laboratories has it’s own power.” I explained. “And not to mention us ponies out of your mane, permanently.” Finished Flashlight. GLaDOS turned around, probably to think about this decision. She turned back around and gave us her answer. “I sent the remaining money to all of your accounts, which is Disco Master, Flashlight, and Green Array. It is not possible for me to give money to Sentry Turrets, given the fact that they don’t have an account.” She finished. “Wow... Impressive.” I said, amused. “Well, you can go on your way now if you please.” GLaDOS finished off. “Alright ponies, you heard her, let’s go!” I yelled. Everypony ran out and to the elevator. “Goodbye now. Thank you for the promotion by the way.” Said GLaDOS with a sarcastic tone of voice. “Bye…” I said as the elevator closed with us all in it. ∞∞∞ When we got out, we all walked to the truck, although a bit slower this time. I looked back at Aperture Laboratories, and said my goodbyes. “Goodbye Aperture Laboratories…” I said under my breath. I levitated Cookie Boo on my back. She seemed to be too unhappy to say anything as she was placed on my back. As we jumped in my truck, something black moving in the dark background. I looked around. Nothing. Just the empty lot with no cars, except my truck. I then shook off the feeling of anything “mysterious” near us, or following us. I started the truck and started driving to the highway to go to somewhere but here, honestly a hotel. As I got on the highway, I realized nopony else was on. I looked in the back at everypony else. Green Array was sleeping, Flashlight was sleeping, Cookie Boo was most likely sleeping, but I only knew her eyes were closed, so she was probably asleep, and BaLI was resting next to me. He looked as if he was awake, but his eyes were closed, but I say him shuffling every once in awhile. I relaxed myself, convincing myself that it was just late and nopony else was up this late, or early. I looked at the clock which said it was 10:30 PM. Wait, that couldn’t be right… Then there would at least be truckers then!!! I thought to myself. Then a pair of headlights far ahead of us appeared. Phew! I was right I guess… I thought to myself. The headlights seemed to be on my side of the road though. I flashed my headlights to their fullest power then back to low power and repeated it 3 times. The lights alarmingly disappeared, along with the street lights. “What the hay?!” I screamed out loud. Green Array woke up. “What’s going on Disco Master?” He asked. “The street lights went out and then…” I stopped. I saw a black figure about the same size as us come towards us at our fast speed and ram into us, front end first. Then everything blacked out… ∞∞∞ “Disco Master, get up sir! Hurry, before they come back!” Said a familiar voice. I opened my eyes. My side,  front legs and left cheek hurt as if I were cut. “Ohhh… What happened?” I asked as I got up. “It’s me, BaLI!” He said. I looked at him, and he was minorly damaged, but looked as if he had some bullets shot at him. “What exactly happened?” I said as I rubbed my my side. I looked at my hoof and saw blood, and a lot of it. “Well, except from us getting ambushed, everypony else except us was ponynapped. And our truck isn’t exactly… Mobile.” He answered. I looked back at the truck. He was right, the truck was broken and couldn’t ever be fixed out here in the open. “Where is everypony?!’ I asked frightened. “As if you weren’t listening, or believing me, I said they were ponynapped! That mysterious “figure” in the dark was a black truck, a similar one that tried to kill us in our home that’s now… Gone…” He finished with a sadden look as he looked at the ground. “Where’s the truck tires or any other evidence?” I asked. He pointed in front of the truck. There were tire tracks from where we got smashed into, and the same pair turned around and leaving the scene. “No, it can’t be true…” I said as I looked down is despair. “They took everything… My daughter… My girlfriend… My truck... My home…” I started crying. BaLI came over to me and hugged me. I cried into his shoulder. “We’ll get them” He reassured. “Whether it’s the last problem we overcome, we will get them.” He said as he started hugging me tighter. “The pony who did this will pay!” I finished. “They’ll pay for science!” I said… To be Continued...