Project Apocalyptica: P.U.N.K.

Somnus Apocalyptica

        Candlejack frowned. When Brilliant Mane mentioned spelunking, he knew better than to have thought it would be life risking. And he was right. The gear they provided him was heavy and all around uncomfortable. The bulges under his suite depicted his wings as they moved and shifted uncomfortably under it. Not only that, the hoof gauntlets and boots they made him wear were bulky enough that he felt even more weighed by them than the chest plate.         And now that he took a good look, he noticed the others that had volunteered wore suites that were a bit lighter than the one he had. They lined up as they waited to be given their weapons for protection. A Solarium carbine as the primary, a Lunarium energy pistol and a solarium knife that had the blade no bigger than his hoof. Donning the helm, Candlejack waited patiently as the pony in front of him decided to go with the rifle instead of the carbine, which was odd to both him and the supplier. But the helmeted guard remained quiet as he went to stand next to the others ready to explore.        Candlejack counted no more than thirteen that had volunteered (making him the fourteenth to being forced volunteered). Being the last to acquire his gear, the supplier smirked and took away the carbine from him in mid-giving.        “Sorry, we appeared to have run out of carbines. But there are plenty more pistols and a knife for you.” Candlejack narrowed his eyes through the visor. Of course, why wouldn’t they? They all knew a prisoner was forced to partake. And they had heard he had lived in the junkyard. So why not torment the weak? But he digressed and holstered the pistol and knife. Being underprepared, he was ready to partake.        He looked to see that Brilliant Mane was watching from afar in a tent that housed a table and crates. Guards left and right meddled about the site. He then looked down to the tunnel, seeing a metallic door at the end. They were to descend into the depths and from there, find the ruin and retrieve whatever they could find valuable. Brilliant Mane then used his magic to project his voice over them.        “Attention! I do appreciate your valor and bravery in this expedition! I want you all to know that the moment you step in, you will lose all communications with the outside! But fear not! Let Celestia’s light shine your path and Luna’s shroud to protect you from the danger! When you return victorious, I will see to it that your pay will be doubled!” He darted his eyes sternly at the group. “This is a dangerous operation. And I know that some of you are afraid to find what is down there. But Equestria has never feared from danger. You will be cautious. You will be quick. And most of all, you will survive.”        Candlejack frowned again. Brilliant Mane put a hoof to his chest and shouted: “Long Live Equestria!” Twelve of the fourteen followed the gesture and repeated before a sound of a buzzer and a green light shone.        “Goddesses speed, gentle-colts. Do your nation proud.” And with that, Brilliant Mane watched the group turn and enter the tunnel. All except one. Candlejack narrowed his eyes judgingly at the stallion, who returned it. Candlejack then turned and trotted after the group. Entering the lift, the group shifted uncomfortably. Candlejack tapped his hoof patiently, hearing the small clunking his boots were making. He was told that the boots were designed to help them aim their carbines. Basically, almost making them stand on their hind hooves to take aim. It was considered a weight to steady them, but light enough to where they can strafe and move.        Such an uncommon occurrence this technology was. At least, to NE-10. The sections above NE-5 have a more common use of technology than those that rarely see it. The only technological thing Candlejack can think of was DD and the neon signs that advertised shops. Or the occasional Lunar and Solar guard that tended to patrol the section (due to either disobedience or slacking off). But the pegasus sighed quietly, watching as his visor displayed his suite in the top left corner with the words "OK" that lined the limbs, torso and head. On the far right top corner was a little compass stating that they were facing north east.        As the lift descended, Candlejack took the time to study his group. Some were eager to fight for their nation, while some shifted nervously. There was one, however, that he was unaware of, who was watching him from the back of the lift. The lift stopped suddenly, causing Candlejack’s insides to rise a little. With a loud metal screech, the door opened and their visor’s helmet lights kicked on. Holding their carbines above and to the side of their heads (except for Candlejack who remained without one) the group advanced.        Candlejack has never been outside of NE-10. And when they entered into another tunnel with green lights that marked the way, he was in awe at the sight. Gems and crystals left and right were imbedded into the walls. Some were protruding from the ceilings and walls. One of the guards whistled.        “I heard they found a crystal mine. But this is just incredible.” He said through their built in communication device in their helms.        “Stay focused. We don’t know what to expect down here.” The lead one said. Candlejack felt saddened. If the underground wasn’t such a dangerous place, he probably would have found more treasure outside of NE-10. And as they passed a colorful looking crystal, he stopped and leaned in to get a closer look. It sparkled brilliantly at him. He slowly raised a hoof to touch it, only to be startled at the sudden pat on his shoulder. He turned and noticed one of the volunteers shake his head at him. The pony then quickly trotted over to the group who were scanning the area with their carbines pointed out in every direction. Candlejack glanced back at the crystal before sighing and trotting after them.        What seemed like minutes turned to hours. The green lights seemed to go on for miles. And by the time they had reached the entrance to the ruins, most of the group was ready to call it quits. Candlejack found a good vantage point on top of a stalactite and scanned the horizon. The ruin was massive. Its block like metallic structure was illuminated by the vague light the crystals gave off.        “What is that?” one of the ponies below noticed.        “It seems to be a bunker.” Another stated. A bunker? A sudden feeling overcame the pegasus. It wasn’t what he had intended, but the sheer thought of it was exponential. And the little kid in him was dying to find out more. His fantasy of treasure and riches was abruptly cut off when the lead one barked.        “Alright, listen up. We had sent an expedition team inside before hoof. As it turns out, most of them didn’t come back. So, we are to back them up. Find any survivors you can and any valuables they have. Signal with your helms of your locations and we will try and get to you as quickly as possible.” He shifted his carbine and trotted down the slope. Candlejack watched the group slide down the slope, noticing that one of them was looking at the bunker just as cautiously as he was. Following suite, Candlejack felt himself shiver. As the block like structure loomed overhead, he found himself grinning.        “So, what exactly are we to expect, danger wise?” A mare asked. The lead went over to a panel and pressed a few buttons on it before the door suddenly screeched to life, alarms blaring.        “Something I hope we never have to see. Stick close and don’t lose sight of each other.” And with that, the group advanced, unaware to them that they were being carefully watched at every move.

~~~****~~~

      Candlejack was amazed at how sturdy the place was. When they had entered, it was almost what he had expected. Dark, gloomy and all around ready for exploration. Of course, that didn’t sway his mind of the possible dangers that this place might hold. The lead didn’t say it, but whatever had went down with the previous expedition team didn’t end so well. The group covered the bases before stating the all clear to move forward. Candlejack drew his Lunarium energy pistol and waved it left and right, testing it to see if it was going to be a nuisance or not. And while, not the most ideal protection, it did give him that sense of safety.

        And as they went further and further into the bunker, they found themselves in what appeared to be a lobby.        “What kind of bunker has a facility inside it?” one of the ponies asked as two of them went over to a humming terminal sitting on an oval desk. While they busily worked over it, Candlejack found himself trotting away from the group and over to a pile of metallic crates. Curious as to how these massive metal boxes had gotten in here, he couldn’t help but notice something sticking out of one of them. Curiosity had gotten the better of him. And as one of the ponies watched him carefully, unaware to him, Candlejack gave a good tug and a loud clatter of metal and debris sounded. He backed away when he saw something that made his heart race.        “Oi, prisoner! What the hell do you think you are doing?” one of the guards stated, marching over to him. Candlejack looked confusedly at the pony, who looked down at the pile. Spotting what made Candlejack’s heart race, he leaned in to get a closer look. The skeletal looking metallic figure remained lifeless. But it wasn’t only that that made him fearful. It was the fact that the lower half was mechanical and the upper half was that of a pony. “What the hell is that?” One of the ponies trotted over and pushed aside Candlejack, causing him to back away slightly.        “By the goddesses. That’s an android!” Candlejack cocked his head. ‘Android?’ “And from the looks of the design, this is pre-war!” Candlejack found this baffling. A pony that is machine and flesh? The thoughts of DD came back to him. He shook his head dismissively.        ‘I highly doubt DD is one.’ He thought. Besides, they said this was pre-war.        “Hey, Buck. You might want to take a look at this.” one of the mares over by the terminal spoke. The lead walked over and looked on in the terminal.        “A surveillance system?” He looked at the two. “Bring it up. The one that is more recent specifically.” Candlejack awkwardly made his way to look over their shoulders. He saw the terminal light up and a small box with a strange red blinking dot at the top next to the letters R-E-C displayed over a moving image.        “This is further into the bunker. Hall B-1.” The mare said. He watched as he saw two ponies enter the room. Both of them bearing the same expedition suites they wore. One was hunched over, catching his breath while the other quickly went to a panel and quickly pressed it. As the door was closing, it suddenly stopped, causing them both to back away and aim their carbines. Candlejack squinted his eyes. It was faint, but there. A hoof was stopping the door. Then another hoof. And then another hoof.        “What the hell…” one of the mares said in horror as the door was forcefully opened and in rushed what seemed to be a swarm of limbless ponies. The two fired on them, only to no avail as they were swarmed by the advancing creatures. One of them went down in a dog pile while the other was smacked straight into the camera, causing the feed to be lost. The lead stood up and pulled a small lever on his carbine, making it hum.        “Now we know what to expect.” He looked to the two who were still discussing the body of the mechanical pony. “Get ready to move out!” the two stiffened and saluted to him.        “A-are you sure about this, cap’n?” one of the mares asked. The lead nodded.        “We are in a pre-war bunker with what appears to be rogue androids. Keep an eye out. Don’t let your guard down. We have a new objective.” He trotted over to another metallic door. “Find whatever the expedition team before us failed to retrieve and bring it back to the top. I am having you paired in twos. Keep an eye on each other and don’t get separated.” He motioned for one of the mares to follow him while the rest buddied up. Candlejack awkwardly stood there, waiting to see if one of them would. Fortunately, it seemed that the silent pony walked towards him.        Without so much as an exchange of words, the pony nodded to him and held out a hoof. Candlejack arched a brow before hesitating to shake it. Partnered up and ready to move, the two followed the group as they traversed further. When they reached a four way hall, the lead pony motioned for them to split up, four down one hall, another four down another and leaving Candlejack and the other to take another hall. Making their way down the hall, they descended the steps at the end and found themselves in what appeared to Candlejack to be a living area. He looked at the panel and carefully pressed a big button that made the door hiss and open.        The stallion shivered again, not of fear, but of curiosity. What could he possibly find down here that nopony else thought existed? And as he stepped in, unsure of what awaited him, the lights in the room suddenly blinked on. Candlejack let out a silent gasp. The room was spacey. Much bigger than the living space in the junkyard. He rubbed his helmeted chin in thought, scanning the room.        The room had a long red velvet sofa that partially surrounded a destroyed glass table. The walls were bland and rusty. However, he did notice some posters here and there. One of them read:

Mind your manners! A friendly bunker is a successful bunker!

        On the poster was what appeared to be a pony with black eyes that seemed to have a piece of it missing while smiling and winking with an outstretched hoof with stubs. How strange. Why draw a pony with stubs that he only saw on DD? And now that he got a closer look, he noticed that the pony in the poster had a certain slit at the joint. Was this an android? Candlejack looked to see the silent pony scanning the room as well.

        “Do you have any idea what this place is?” Candlejack asked the pony. The pony shook his head in response. Candlejack continued his exploration. He found two doors. One that lead down a small hall way with four doors that lined both sides of the wall and another that lead to a strange small tiled room. He instantly recognized the sink. But it was the strange bowel that seemed planted into the wall that caught his interest.        If it wasn’t for the stains and the cracks, he probably would have guessed that it was kept cleaner than most things down here. Finding nothing else to sate his curiosity in the room, he went down and explored the small hall. The doors opened as he walked by, stopping to look in. Holes formed the walls with what appeared to be sheets and a strange white looking square. He went to the unusal designed holes and put a hoof on it, testing it. The texture was soft and silky. Going over to the white square. He picked it up and squeezed it. He cocked his head, feeling the texture to be soft and… fluffy. Perhaps a little too fluffy. So fluffy, in fact, the more he squeezed it, the more he found himself nuzzling it under his chin with a smile. So soft and comfortable.        He looked to see the silent pony eyed him questioningly, causing him to flush under his helm and put the fluffy square back on the sheets. As he did, the pony suddenly was on him, pushing against the wall and putting a foreleg on his neck.        “W-what the hell is you-“ The pony held up a hoof to the helm in a shushing motion. Candlejack arched a brow quizzically before he heard the sound. It sounded like hoof steps. And not just any steps. These hoof steps had a steady humming pace to them. The pony released his grip and the two quietly peeked out of the door. The door leading to the lobby was closed, yet, they could hear a distinct sound of clattering coming from the other side. The pony held up the carbine slowly, making it hum to life. Candlejack took out his pistol and pulled back on the top, making it hum quietly. The two sidled against the wall, making the door open with a hiss.        They peeked out and saw that the room was still untouched. But whatever was in here left a strange blue trail leading into the small tiled room. As much as his brain was sending him alerts, Candlejack was curious as to what was in there. And without thinking, he found himself slowly moving towards it, unaware of the pony trying to reach out to stop him. He could hear it as he got close. A gurgling sound and what also sounded like humming in movements. Peeking in, he saw the figure of a pony. But not just any pony. This pony was missing skin, revealing mechanical like wires and structures underneath. He noticed the head twitching slightly.        Candlejack narrowed his eyes and aimed the pistol at it. But, he couldn’t bring himself to pull the trigger. Not because this looked like a pony. No, he was curious if anything. What did it look like? What was it doing? Could it probably communicate? And before he could think anything else, the head turned, glaring at him with a red eye.        “I-i-i-intruder.” It suddenly spoke in a metallic stutter. “Security underway. P-p-please remain where you a-a-a-are.” It turned fully, making Candlejack back away. Another feeling overcame him. One that made him shiver. What could this place possibly house? And if this creature is only a fraction of what it has to offer, then what’s to say that nothing else isn’t worth of value? He looked to the couch. ‘Maybe I can find a way to get that back up to the junkyard.’ And as he thought this, he didn’t notice the pony suddenly aiming the carbine at him.        “Identity unknown. Preparing to remove from the facility.” It let out a screeching sound that made Candlejack’s bones rattle. And before he knew it, the creature was on him. The pony took aim, but found it difficult to line up the shot. Candlejack wrestled with the creature, finding that its’ strength greatly overpowered his. Fortunately, the suite’s bulky weight like boots on his hind legs kept him from being sent sailing across the room. Another feeling overcame him. Excitement. And without thinking, he quickly locked a hoof around the decrepit android’s skeletal hoof and twisted. He found it easy to turn. And with all his might, he pulled. The android went with the motion and sailed over the sofa. With a loud clang against the metal walls, the android sparked.        “Warning. Any more d-d-d-damages to Zillex and its’ properties is a crime and a-a-a-action must be taken.” Zillex? What’s Zillex? The name struck the stallion as odd. But more importantly, the creature actually responded to being damaged. His heart was aflutter. This place was just dying to be explored. However, his excitement was short lived when the silent pony fired a burst shot of solarium bullets into the android. It spluttered as white looking liquid splattered against the wall. It now remained lifeless. Another feeling overcame him that made him frown.        “Now why did you do that?” he asked the pony suddenly. The pony eyed him questioningly. Candlejack went over to the body and poked it with his pistol. “I wanted to hear what else it had to say.” His ears twitched again as he heard more sounds of steady humming. He peeked out of the doorway and saw down one side of the hall. Multiple red glowing eyes swayed in the darkness. And they were heading their way. Candlejack rubbed his chin and looked at the pony. “I wonder if they know what this Zillex is.” He said. The pony slumped before quickly galloping over to him and taking hold of his gauntlet hoof, forcing him to follow.        They raced down the hall, looking back to see that the red eyes were very much gaining on them. And what Candlejack saw baffled him. Skeletal androids that resembled ponies of all gender appeared to be clawing for them, echoing the same word over and over:        “Intruder. Intruder.” Candlejack and the pony turned down the hall. The pony then tipped over a locker to block off the advancing androids. They only managed to make it halfway down when the creatures turned and rammed into the locker, sending it sailing down the hall. Of course, as it did, some of the androids tripped over it, causing them to act like a living wave. The pony stopped and grabbed hold of Candlejack, tossing him into a room before jumping in after him. The pony took aim at the panel and fired off a burst round. The panel sparked and crackled as the door closed shut.        They took a moment to catch their breaths. Candlejack looked at the door, hearing the sounds of the passing androids. When the sounds faded, Candlejack brushed himself off before looking at the pony.        “That was… err… pretty quick thinking back there.” He said. The pony looked at him before going to remove his helm. Only, it wasn’t a he as Candlejack originally thought. In fact, he was surprised to see that the pony underneath wasn’t even affiliated to them. No, this pony was none other than his sister.        “Something you lack in.” Zelori said sternly. Candlejack balked.        “What the hell? Since when were you a part of the ETG?” he asked. Zelori rubbed her muzzle in frustration.        “I’m not a part of them, I just happened to...” she stopped and averted her eyes as she continued. “Acquire a suite.” Candlejack gave her a bored expression.        “And you say I’m a terrible liar.” He caught her stern look. Candlejack then sighed. “So, why are you here? I thought I was the only one that was forced to volunteer?” Zelori adjusted the carbine in her hoof before speaking.        “I’ve joined to make sure that you wouldn’t cause any trouble.” Candlejack arched a brow.        “So, you think acquiring a suite and disguising yourself as a volunteer is a form of making sure I’m not causing any trouble?” Candlejack smirked. “Then what about you and the method you used to acquire the suite? Wouldn’t that put you on the trouble list too?” Zelori frowned.        “Necessary risks are to be taken to ensure survival.” Candlejack nickered softly.        “So much for ancestral wisdom.” Zelori narrowed her eyes at him.        “And what was all that wanting to hear more?” she asked. Candlejack stopped and rubbed the back of his helmeted head.        “I was… errr… curious.” He said. Zelori shook her head.        “And you were well aware of the fact that it was a rogue machine?” Candlejack felt himself flush at this.        “I-I was well aware of it! I just wanted to… you know… see how it reacted.” Zelori sighed dejectedly.        “We were right about you being reckless. Which is why DD asked me to watch over you.” Candlejack arched a brow.        “DD asked you? Why?” Zelori eyed her adoptive brother judgingly.        “Perhaps you should ask DD yourself.” Candlejack frowned. ‘Way to be a helpful sis, sis.’ Zelori looked around the room. “We need to return to the others.” She put her helmet back on and trotted past him. He hadn’t noticed it, but the room they were in was surprisingly small. Fortunately, there was a tall blast door behind him. Trotting next to Zelori, the two stood in front of the door, eyeing it. Candlejack felt that feeling come back to him. It made him itch all over. Ignoring the scratchy feeling, Zelori pressed the button on the panel and the door hissed open.        The room was dark. Using their helmet lights, they scanned the area.        “This seems to haven’t been touched in centuries.” Zelori stated in awe. Candlejack eyed strange bulky terminals with blacked out screens and dials lining the wall. Zelori stopped to examine one of the terminals, carefully turning a dial once. When nothing happened, she went to the next one. Her curiosity as great as her brother’s. And as for Candlejack, he was still in awe at the abandoned technology when he suddenly clunked into a wall that made him back away and rub his helmet at the impact.        He couldn’t quite make it out as his helmet’s light shone back at him. But if that was the case, he could safely assume it was a mirror of some kind. Or… maybe not? When he put a hoof to his darkened reflection, it didn’t feel like a mirror surface. Zelori looked over to him, not realizing that her hoof had brushed a switch. When it clicked, the room around them suddenly hummed and the terminals blinked on. Zelori backed away, her carbine at the ready while Candlejack let out a small gasp. The surface he was touching wasn’t a mirror. It was a window. And when the dim light clicked on, he saw through the window something he had never dreamed that he would ever see.        On the other side of the window was a tall and wide cylindrical pod that seemed to bubble to life. Emitting a soft glowing green hue, the pod appeared to dispense into small little tubes that seemed to connect to a strange bulky device that had glowing colorful lights. Candlejack couldn’t make heads or tail of what tube goes to where. As the pod continued to dispense itself into the tubes, the terminal in front of Zelori blinked once and a symbol of a prism appeared.        “Greetings, adventurers. Are you the ones who reactivated me?” Candlejack and Zelori exchanged glances before Candlejack spoke.        “What… are you?” he asked. The prism seemed to blur when the metallic deep voice spoke.        “I am an artificial intelligence designed by my creator, Dr. Trottingheim. Designation ID 4-P0C-41YP7-IC4. Or as my creator commonly calls me, Apocalyptica.” Apocalyptica? What kind of name was that? Candlejack rubbed his chin in thought.        “What do you mean by that name?” Candlejack asked.        “I do not understand what you mean.” Apocalyptica responded. Zelori narrowed her eyes.        “Your name. Why does your creator call you that?” Candlejack reiterated.        “I am not sure what it means myself. But I can tell you that I am designed to keep records and ensure the export and import of Luridium is to be safely sought out and executed to the highest degree.” Candlejack arched a brow.        “Luridium?” He asked.        “Luridium. A material that was found as a solid, but can be malleable to form either a gas or liquid. It is more commonly used as energy supply for Zillex properties and its products. A safe, eco-friendly material used in conjunction with Solarium and Lunarium.” Candlejack narrowed his eyes.        ‘That name again.’ Zelori caught his look before taking her turn in speaking.        “Apocalyptica. You say you are an artificial intelligence. Are you really a robot?”         “Negative. I am a product of numeric codes and values. An idea spawned from the mind of my creator, Dr. Trottingheim.” Zelori arched a brow.        “So, did this pony used to live here?” she asked. Apocalyptica seemed to change its prism to a triangle.        “Negative. I am detecting that this is the last designation where I am stored. My files indicate that there are many more facilities, such as this one, scattered throughout the continent.” It seemed to turn into a question mark symbol. “Odd. My systems state I have been currently inactive for over one hundred and fifty-two thousand, five hundred and seventy years. Please, tell me what I have missed?” Again, the two siblings exchanged glances.        “For over four hundred years?” Zelori stated in bafflement. Candlejack arched a brow. Sometimes, Zelori scared him at how quick she is to figure most things out. The zebra mare rubbed her chin. “Apocalyptica. I have a question to ask.” The symbol turned to a prism again.        “I will be pleased to answer your questions.” It said. Zelori didn’t sugar coat it one bit.        “The androids that were housed in this bunker. Do you know what went wrong with them?” she looked around. “And more importantly, do you happen to know exactly what a previous team of ponies like us had found, but failed to retrieve?” It turned the prism into a strange line that made wave like motions before turning back into the prism.        “Answer. The androids that were employed here along with Zillex employees were powered by Luridium. My files have indicated that most of the androids here are offline and non-functional. However, it appears the security system has been activated for quite some time only recently. As for the recent expedition team, I have a recording dating back to two weeks before today showing a group of ponies in similar suites entering the facility.” It turned the symbol into a circle. “It appears that whatever happened to the androids that once were employed here have a corrupt program in their systems, causing them to go into uncontrollable violence.”        “What is a program?” Candlejack asked. Zelori shushed him.        “A program is a design that allows for AI, like myself, to run executable files that allow us to monitor specific objectives or execute any form of audio or media. However, most of the androids that are affiliated to Zillex Corporation have a personality chip that allows them to act and think like one of you.” Candlejack found this fascinating. He then looked to the pod and motioned to it.        “So, what exactly is that tube like thing in there?” Apocalytpica turned back into a prism.        “That is a vat of Luridium in its natural and pure state. The lines connecting to the vat run throughout this facility, giving power to it. And not only that, it also has a use to creating more powerful equipment than the ones you are carrying.” Candlejack arched a brow.        “Do you know where we can find them?” he asked. Zelori eyed her brother questioningly, making him respond with a shrug. “What? We were tasked with finding anything valuable and retrieve it.” Apocalyptica turned into a triangle again.        “Most of the facility has been locked down due to a quarantine. I will override the alarm and that should unlock the room where you will find your objective.” Candlejack smirked.        “Sounds like a plan then.” He said as he trotted over to the door.        “I do have one favor to ask. If you would take the time?” the AI suddenly spoke. Candlejack looked back to the terminal.        “Well, if you help me, I help you. Fair's fair.” He said, causing Zelori to arch a brow at him.        “It pleases me to hear that. I am downloading myself into a chip. If you can take me to the server room, I will grant access not only to your objective, but to the whole facility. I will also deactivate the androids currently roaming the facility. While they may be corrupted, the kill command is still on stand-by.” Candlejack cocked the pistol, making it hum to life.        “Well then, let’s go.”

~~~****~~~

        It was much worse than they had thought. Apocalyptica remained dormant inside of the helmet of Candlejack, being guided by the AI in the process, while firing back at the advancing androids. They kept echoing the same word over and over:

        “Intruder. Intruder.” Candlejack took aim and pressed the trigger. He only managed to fell three of them. ‘Out of a hundred to go.’ He swore quietly. When they rounded a corner, as per Apocalyptica’s instructions, Zelori turned, using her boots to help her stand and opened fired at the androids. She managed to fell five of them. But the rest continued to advance. Landing back on all three (her fourth holding her carbine above and to the side of her head) she quickly galloped after Candlejack, who was waiting for her through a doorway.        The androids were right on her tail. Candlejack fired on them, falling two that were about a hoof’s reach to Zelori. Zelori then dived in, rolling to her hooves before standing and firing at the panel. With a crack, the panel sparked and the door closed, catching one of the androids at the torso in the process. It metallically rasped a growl as it tried to claw at them with a skeletal hoof. Candlejack took aim and fired point blank into the android’s head. With a splatter of white looking liquid and the jolt of the android’s body, it remained lifeless and the door closed fully, cutting the creature in half. Taking a moment to catch their breath, Candlejack looked over to Zelori and they exchanged a small smile.        “We have arrived.” Apocalyptica said in Candlejack’s ear. He looked around, seeing that the room was filled with bulky looking machinery. “There should be a Master Terminal straight ahead. Plug me in and I will get to work.” Candlejack nodded and motioned for Zelori to follow. The two traversed through the room before reaching what looked to be an even more complex looking terminal. Candlejack reached back into his helm and pressed the little chip slot, making the chip Apocalyptica was in, pop out.        Taking the chip, Candlejack placed it into a slot that he thought looked similar to the slot his helmet had. The terminal blinked to life and the prism shimmered into view.        “Accessing facility Master Control Program. Requesting override.” There was a brief moment of silence. “Request granted. I have full access of this facility now. Oh my.” Zelori arched a brow.        “Oh my?” Zelori asked.        “I’m detecting a video feed that had recently been recorded thirty minutes ago. It appears that similar ponies in your suites are… well… no longer around.” The two exchanged glances.        “Put up a feed.” Candlejack said.        “As you wish.” The terminal brought up a box. This recording had audio. But they could see it. Four ponies rushing down a hall. The feed blinked, showing a different angel of them running down the hall. That was when one of the ponies had their helmet knocked off of their heads, revealing a mare. She had a fearful look in her eye. One of the ponies stopped and looked back. The mare held out a hoof.        “Help me!” she cried. The helmeted pony looked back quickly to the fleeing group before shaking his head.        “You’re on your own.” He said breathlessly. He took off.        “W-wait! Please! Don’t leave me here!” She turned and gaped. “N-no! Stay back! Stay back!”        “Intruder. Intruder.” Candlejack grit his teeth angrily. The mare was soon dog piled by a group of androids. It was hard to tell, but the way their hooves were moving, the poor mare was being ripped apart. All they could see out of the pile was the mare’s hoof twitch spastically before going limp. The camera feed blinked again, showing the remaining three running down the hall. They stopped inside a room, taking a moment to catch their breath.        “I think we lost them.” The one that had ditched the mare said tiredly.        “B-by the goddesses. What the hell is going on?” one of them stated. “I knew that we were going into something dangerous. B-but I thought that…” one of the ponies took off his helmet and tossed it aside before speaking.        “That what? That this mission would be easy? That we would go home scot free?” He then grit his teeth and angrily batted his helmet away. “Damn you, Brilliant Mane!” That was when they stopped. It was distinct, but there. The strange slurping sound. The stallion that batted his helmet away cocked his head.        “W-what is that?” he asked. Without any warning, Candlejack noticed something descend quickly from the ceiling. It latched around the stallion’s neck. He screamed as he was suddenly lifted up into the ceiling, struggling to break free. The slurping sound got louder as the other two made their way over to the door they had entered. Candlejack saw that whatever had gotten ahold of the stallion muffled his cries for help. He winced when he heard a bone sickening crunch and the stallion’s body stiffened before going limp. The slurping continued and they watched as the stallion’s body slowly ascend into the ceiling, bobbing slightly.        As for the other two. They quickly opened the door and found themselves backing away when the same androids they were being chased by entered the room.        “Intruder. Intruder.” The stallion fired off two shots before an android batted it away and extended a skeletal like claw hoof at his neck. The other pony decided to bolt in the opposite direction, only to have a similar long flesh like tongue descend onto the pony, knocking off her helmet and latching around her neck. She gasped for air desperately. But the androids didn’t like whatever had ahold of her get away. And when two of them gripped the hind legs of the mare, there was the sound of bone and flesh ripping and tearing.        Zelori looked grimly, her grip on her carbine tightening as the mare’s upper half ascended to the ceiling and the lower half of her was ripped apart by the androids. That left the strangled stallion. He did his best to kick away from the grip. But, with a quick little motion of her claw like hoof, another sound of bone crunching and the stallion went limp. Candle Jack waved his hoof.        “I’ve seen enough.” He said darkly. Apocalyptica canceled the feed.        “I am sorry to see you in such state at the site of your friends. But I will fulfill my part of the deal. Activating, kill code.” The terminal brought up a bar that filled up all the way in a blink of an eye. “Kill code active. You are free to walk through the facility without worry.”        “I don’t think the facility is all clear.” Zelori stated, clearly disgusted by what she saw. “There is something probably more dangerous than the androids in here. I’d rather you let us access the room so we can get out of here.”         “Of course. The room I directed you to is, in fact, just beyond this room. However, I am detecting an organic lifeform that has taken residence. I recommend caution.” Zelori cocked her carbine before nodding to Candlejack.        “Let’s be done with this.” Candlejack couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty. ‘And all because I had to use that bulk unit and steal Lunarium, only to have not known I had ran a pony over in the escape.’ Candlejack walked sadly after Zelori before Apocalyptica stopped him.        “Candlejack. I must thank you and your sister for reactivating me.” Candlejack looked tiredly at the terminal. “As a sign of gratitude, I will tell you about a certain project that my creator has left for me to instruct. And while, I have not seen it come to fruition, there is a way to start it up again.” Candlejack arched a brow.        “What project?” he responded.        “A project that my creator deemed ‘the last saving grace for equianity’. A project dedicated to not only saving your species, but a project that can bring Equestria back to what it originally once was.” Candlejack rubbed his chin.        “You mean, New Equestria? Whatever happened to the old Equestria?” Apocalyptica turned to a triangle.        “’Old’ Equestria, as you call it, was a land that once was a utopia for both flesh and machine. They lived together in peace through harmony. The very idea of my creation. But… it appears that my files indicate that the necessary facilities to activate the project have gone offline. If you ever find yourself above ground. Please. Activate the facilities. I will remain here in the meantime.” Candlejack rubbed the back of his helmeted head.        “I’ve… never really been to the outside.” Apocalyptica turned back into a prism.        “I can tell. However, if you return with the Luridium equipment in the next room over to your superiors, it would surely grant you a step to reaching the outside.” Candlejack sighed.        “You make it sound like it’s going to be a long and harrowing task.” He said.        “It is. But my calculations state that within four years of this very day, you will be granted access to the outside world. And when you do, please keep in mind my request?” Candlejack again rubbed his helmet.        “Err… sure? I don’t see why not.” Apocalyptica turned into a circle.        “It again pleases me to hear you say that. I will look forward to your endeavors, Candlejack. Your future is bright.” And with that, Candlejack trotted over into the room, giving a tired look to the waiting zebra mare by the door. Entering into the room, they looked on in awe at the room. It was small, but there were strange looking alien like devices with glowing green hues.        “These must be the Luridium equipment.” Candlejack said. His ears twitched again when he heard what sounded like contorted breathing. He took out his pistol and aimed over to his left, causing Zelori to follow suite. They stopped and lowered them, however, when they saw the very pony that had led them into this expedition. The stallion was bloodied from head to hoof in what looked like a mix of white and red stains.        “Damn androids…” he rasped heavily. He looked to the two and his eyes widened. “You… you think you have… the better of me?” He slowly stood up, using the wall for support. His pupils dilated and he donned a wide grin. “Hehe…heh… you are wrong… you are nothing but machines!” He reached back for his carbine and drew it up, aiming at them. Zelori immediately stepped in front of Candle Jack. “You think… you can get away… acting like us?” he slumped, still aiming the carbine. “Bullshit!” he then gave another raspy chuckle. “You’re not taking me… I have won… I have always won!” He laughed manically before suddenly turning the carbine into his mouth and pulled the trigger before they could react.        The stallion’s head exploded into giblets and a sickening sound followed after. The body fell to its’ side, leaving the two baffled ponies to process what they had just witnessed. Candlejack blinked and looked down at himself. He hadn’t realized that some of the blood from the stallion had splattered onto his suite. The two remained silent that time, quietly grabbing what they could of the Luridium equipment and exiting the room. Thankfully, the halls were clear of androids. And as they walked down the hall, passing the bloodied battle of the cornered ponies, they exited the bunker and followed the lights back to their home.