At Canterlot Heights

Chapter 2: Mission Irrational
February 12th, 1252 – OLYMPIAN 'Uno' A001, SpecOps Sector 3 - Office of Pony Intelligence
The Royal Palace of Canterlot, Equestria

"NOOO!" screamed the young stallion as he sprung awake to the chiming of his twin-bell alarm clock. His eyes darted around the room. Nopony there... he had been having that dream again. The frustration within his heart amounted to greater heights with each occurrence. It was remarkable how clear and vivid his memory of that fateful day was. He would never forget her… well, not completely at any rate… after his session of “augmentation,” which resulted in his incredible strength, endurance, reflexes and mental prowess, his mind was left devoid of plausibly what was the vast majority of his memory (his superior officers never explained in detail what they did to him). The stallion, merely an adolescent colt at the time, was almost certain at a time that they had brainwashed him, left him an empty shell of whatever and whoever he had been in his childhood soon to be lost. However, the other subjects of the OLYMPIAN Project who he had mingled with when it was permissible or easy to get away with remembered their former lives perfectly, as if rehearsed – a mystery the colt never revealed the answer to… a good soldier never asked questions, or so the overseer had said. In fact, he didn’t remember his name, and the OPI staff agents who requested his original names for records became angry and subsequently shocked upon realizing that he wasn’t just toying with them – that he had in fact completely, forgot his name. Which was just as well, because every foal (each of which was kidnapped) participating in the project was thereafter informed that their identities were to be destroyed, that their new lives began there and then, and that they would each receive a number designation according to their company and several other unmentioned factors. For example, the young stallion being discussed, happening to be the 1st subject of OLYMPIAN Company Alpha, received the designation ‘A001’. The overseer later mentioned that although they would be officially recognized by number designation, call signs and nicknames among units and even companies was entirely permissible. OLYMPIAN A001 was promptly given the call sign ‘Uno’. Uno didn’t complain given the fact that OLYMPIAN A002 was given the call sign ‘Cheeseball’.

However, if they had brainwashed him… they had done so poorly and incompletely. He didn’t remember everything – but he also remembered several things about his pre-augmentation life… but there were gaps, enormous impending voids, as if someone had poked countless holes in his memory, until they outnumbered the area covered by the memory left intact. For example, he remembered her – he could not name her, and in a strange way, he wasn’t exactly sure what she looked like – all he remembered for sure was that she had lovely dark violet eyes, but nevertheless, he was confident that he would recognize her in an instant if he ever saw her again.

But of course, chances were that they would never, ever meet again – but hypothetically, Uno would muse, what if they did? But would she even remember him? She had a life, whatever that was like, and perhaps she… had moved on? Nothing was certain, and Uno knew so little about life outside of the palace. What could he guarantee to be true or false? Nowadays, he had so little to trust, and even less to confide in. He was an "Olympian," whatever it meant to anypony, that much he would buy, but everything beyond that was in the gray area. He didn't trust anypony - not even himself.

Nightmares and reflections aside, Uno awoke to his everyday routine. At precisely 0500 hours, the diligent stallion sprang from his cot in the barracks - empty besides himself - and onto the floor, where he proceeded to do two-hundred of both sit-ups, and pushups. He proceeded to do several backflips – not because it was necessary but because it was one of the few things he could do for fun. He then jogged the pathway up to the royal gardens where he ran fifty laps around the perimeter, before returning to the barracks (still jogging) to wash up, brush his teeth, and slip on his jumpsuit and his armor on top. According to OLYMPIAN code of conduct, wearing the THUND3RBOLT Mk IV Powered Assault Armor outside of immediate battle situations was not required, but his overseer, the rough and gruff Colonel Maner advised that he wear it as frequently as possible to get used to the extra weight and the feel of it. Uno admitted (albeit only to himself) that he enjoyed the sense of power within the top shelf equipment. His only complaints (again, to himself) were the lack of energy shielding (he was sure they had the technology available), and the complications that needing to use the bathroom in an airtight suit of unwieldy armor introduced. Plus, Uno believed that including a health bar in the Heads-Up Display on his helmet was stupid. Why the hell would he need a beeping, flashing, bright red bar displaying, “WARNING” in bold letters to convey to him that he’s dying?

Prior to equipping the armor (only a special machine in the armory could put it on or take it off properly), Uno made sure to observe his own appearance to make sure nothing was out of place. The colonel would have nothing pleasant for Uno if he screwed up on the minutest detail. He wasn't exactly dashing, but it wasn't as If the royalty cared about his appearance – if it was a prettyboy they were after, they didn't need to go out and gather them up in rucksacks now did they? No – they would care about his performance – how many heads he brought home on a stick, he mused. He had never seen combat in fact – most Olympians hadn’t – in more ways than one, Uno wasn’t sure he could bring himself to be the mindless, unstoppable killing machine OPI had reared him to be. But somewhere in his heart, he knew someday he would have to abide to the call of duty. Hence the Olympian motto – “In Sacrifice, Find Glory.”

He duly noted his appearance - everything seemed to be in order. His dark indigo mane with a white stripe in his bangs, trimmed to regulation three inches, with his horn poking out, polished to a glowing finish. His silvery figure was in exquisite shape in reflection of years’ worth of strict exercise and dietary supplement - nothing special for a soldier, but still an absolute must. He didn't have bulging pectorals or broad thick limbs, but the Olympian Program didn't want super soldiers who attracted anypony's eye in particular. It was a well-established maxim that appearances could be deceiving. In relation to that very saying, ignorance could be a fatal mistake for anypony. And of course, there was the issue of his cutie mark - or, rather, his lack of a cutie mark. Uno was well aware that by his, age, most ponies had found their calling in life, but he didn't give a buck - he had been reared for one purpose, for one country, his destiny be damned... but then again, that wasn't exactly true. Deep down, he wanted to realize what his life could be if he were free to find his purpose in life... settle down with a filly and have a family... but Uno knew better, and knew that given the circumstances, his lack of a cutie mark was only a metaphor for his equally egregious lack of freedom, individuality, and ultimately, even his happiness. But no matter how miserable, life goes on. Even for a practically enslaved super soldier.

As Uno emerged from the armory, assault armor and all, he promptly reported to Colonel Maner’s office for further instruction – which was in fact the usual routine as of the last few months or so. For reasons which he was apparently not entitled to know, he had been excluded from the normal guard routines he usually followed along with a detachment of royal guards. Not that Uno minded the sudden separation of course – the guards treated him as most ponies other than fellow Olympians did – like a machine. He supposed he fit the bill well enough, as they only saw him in his armor and he was particularly well disciplined – and, hey, he could hold up half of the detachment on his left hoof in the air… indefinitely… maybe that was what got their goose.

Colonel Maner, gruff looking and weathered, but somehow, a friendly sight was sitting in front of his desk, reading something. Uno peered at the text… some kind of urgent report from… Appleoosa? Why from there? The most exciting thing around there is a rogue tumbleweed… what could possibly…

“You don’t have clearance to read that soldier…” Maner grumbled at Uno with a lowered right eyebrow. How could Uno forget? Maner had been his overseer as far as he could remember since the augmentations – he knew everything about Uno – probably things he didn’t have clearance to know about himself. He knew that Uno, like all Olympians had eyes comparable to an eagle. He knew that Uno would have no trouble reading the fine print on the forms of his dossier from where he was standing at the edge of the room. The colonel promptly put away the forms in a drawer in his desk and turned his attention to Uno.

“Now, now son, you know you can’t slip that by me, now don’t you?”

“Sir yes sir! My mistake sir!”

“Damn right it is – now you keep to yer’ business, soldier, and speakin’ of which… take a seat Uno…” Maner opened another drawer, his hoof emerging from the drawer with another dossier – he slid it over the desk into Uno’s waiting hooves.

“You’re assignment – read it, memorize it as a matter o’ fact, and pass it back here. That’ll be all for the time being and uh…” The Colonel paused and let out a sigh. “Now son, listen… yer’ being reassigned.”

“WHAT? Err, I mean, beg your pardon sir?” Uno nearly sprang onto all fours out of his seat

“You heard me – now hear me out – as you may or may not have noticed, some kind of trouble’s brewin’ in this country. Now as you may expect, I haven’t been cleared to inform you on anything you don’t need to know immediately. However, I can tell you this…” Maner leaned his neck over the desk as if he needed to ensure that Uno heard his every word. This wasn’t necessary anyways because Uno would never miss a rare opportunity to be informed about something.

“No guarantees, but I’ve seen the reports, I’ve done some inferring of my own – the brass looks like it’s mobilizing for war. I’ll say it again – no guarantees, and they sure as hell haven’t made anything official, but that’s what it’s looking like… if that happens we’re gonna need soldiers like you son.” He made the last statement prodding Uno’s armor clad chest with his hoof. Uno wondered whether to take Maner’s words as a compliment or not.

“Sir… thanks you… I think…. Permission to inquire freely?” Maner bit his lip. Contrary to what Uno may believe, Maner didn’t despise or dislike him at all – in fact, Maner was in many ways the closest thing Uno would ever have to a father or guardian – discipline and rank aside, they understood each other. This was perhaps the only reason why Maner didn’t reprimand him for being curious.

“Just the one soldier.”

“Are there more soldiers like me, sir? That is to say, alive?” Maner’s gruff disposition suddenly made way for something else. For a moment, it seemed to Uno, that Maner appeared… sad, not quite disappointed, but… was it sorrow he saw on his face?

“Yes… but not nearly enough son… not nearly enough…”

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Uno was given orders to come without armor or clothing of any sort (back to the armory to remove this damn suit then), with pre-packed provisions for about a week's sojourn, along with essential equipment (sleeping bag, toothbrush, etc.), and any personal belongings he wished to take. Deciding what a week's provisions were was up to him - the only constraint was how much he could carry. Nothing more than he could carry could be taken. The one twist in this case, was that he was told to pack only about half of what he could support. Colonel Maner, had not told him why. Uno had his ideas, but refrained from sharing as usual. The gruff colonel only said to follow his orders to the letter, and be as presentable as possible - for his mission briefing was being given by none other than the alicorn monarch herself, Saturday morning, at 8:00 AM sharp and no later – which happened to be today.

Uno had packed what he needed within the hour - food, water, equipment... personal belongings? He had scoffed at the last group of items listed in his orders. Nothing was personal if he didn't actively hide it from Colonel Maner. Uno lifted his bed with one hoof, to retrieve the one thing he held of personal value to him… his teddy bear, Steve. As previously mentioned, Uno’s memory was impaired to say the least. But yet another thing she remembered about her, his one best friend, was that Steve had been given to him as a gift from her… he couldn’t remember precisely why… perhaps for his birthday, but he didn’t remember when his birthday was anyways. Anypony would’ve laughed at him for keeping the things at his age if he had been caught in service with Steve. But to Uno, it wasn’t just a silly stuffed old bear – it was the last tangible connection he had to his life before he had been foalnapped on that dreadful day in autumn. Even before that, Uno remembered, the bear had been with him since birth, and of everything in his rucksack, which the OPI agents had confiscated and presumably destroyed, Uno had refused with every fiber of his being to let go of the bear. They had overpowered him and taken it, of course, but he, being the stubborn little colt he was, only agreed to co-operate with the Olympian Program if they gave the bear back. Considering the circumstances, the offer was very reasonable, and he had made quite the ruckus until they agreed. A bear, for his life’s allegiance - Steve meant that much to him. Uno, to this day, talked to his stuffed bear whenever he was alone – that is, the vast majority of his waking day.

Uno would always carry Steve around. As far as he was concerned, Steve was as alive as anypony he had ever met, and ten times as important. He was a bear of few words, but he did a damn good job of listening, and that was what Uno liked best about him. Everypony he had met since he had been taken here by the Office of Pony Intelligence, always told him what to do, how to do it, but they never listened. No questions asked, and no answers were given if they weren’t already given in Uno’s briefing and training. Not Steve – he would always be there to comfort Uno, which was great, because from what Uno could tell, nopony would be there to do a better job. Uno always carried Steve around if it could be helped. Not for his vigorous morning exercise, and the similar training routines scheduled daily of course. Steve could get hurt or dropped, and Uno wouldn’t stand for that crap. Colonel Maner and the other OPI agents who served as Uno’s overseers could make him do all sorts of things, but they couldn’t separate bear and pony against their will without serious drawbacks, if they could accomplish that feat at all. Besides, if the bear kept Uno content, and better yet, sane to a degree, what harm was done? Steve eventually became accepted as Uno’s companion, and the only reason Uno had to hide him, was because he still had a deep-seated fear that Maner or somepony would steal him. After all, Uno didn’t trust anypony – remember?

Well, Uno thought… Everything set nothing out of place… time to move! And with a content sigh, he effortlessly levitated his two large saddlebags off the floor and onto his back. Not a moment later he mounted Steve onto himself, gave him a rare smile, and marched out the barracks door. He headed up the trail bound for the royal hall where he expected to find Colonel Maner waiting. After about a three minute trot, Uno arrived at the hall’s entrance to find… nopony.

“Well, orders are orders – he didn’t say he’d be present for your debriefing you know?” Steve informed Uno from atop his back. His British accent always sounded odd to Uno - he simply didn't expect a bear to speak as such.

“Yes… I know, but it’s so… unusual, and I’ve never been debriefed by the Princess herself… this is obviously something big…”

“Then why be late for your big day? Let the adventure begin!”

Uno groaned. “Eeesh, alright, alright, here I go…” he stepped to open the enormous doors but a guard had opened it halfway already.

“Uhh…” The guard looked at him as with a stern half-lidded gaze. “Who are you talking to?”

“Steve – the bear on my back??”

“Uhhhh…” The guard leaned to the side to see a stuffed bear on the Olympians back. Celestia, he thought. This is too rich… “Riiiight...” The two soldiers held an awkward silence before Uno gave the guard an irritated look. After all, this loony guard was going to make him late. The guard proceeded to open the doors for him to come in.

He stepped into the royal hall. In an instant, Uno recognized Princess Celestia and her sibling Princess Luna sitting at the end of the otherwise vacant hallway, in their thrones. He could tell, even from across the hall, that they were having a chat of sorts, and they hadn’t seemed to notice him yet… they looked concerned. Uno, hoping to hear a bit of their conversation, advanced to the end of the hallway quietly, at a deliberately slow pace.

“Now sister… as of late, I have heard about Appleoosa and… cut off from the rest of…

I know what you’re thinking… but why cut off com-links… only serves to attract attention”

“Yes Luna… I’m afraid the rumors have been… I’m not sure if… thus far, I have decided against it… it may very well pose a threat… may be that they are… perhaps attempting intimidation… ”

“I see… but surely they have a right to know… *sigh* dear sister, you know I want what’s best… don’t you think… a bit of an over-reaction?”

“Perhaps but… I must ensure… that this is nothing out of the ordinary… an uncharted species perhaps… a recon team will be sent tonight… if all goes well, they will reveal… that’s the end of it…”

“But why… you really think… you can handle everything while I’m… no, I don’t really think the event is all that important as a matter a fact, but… well, if it helps... ”

The two princesses abruptly brought their conversation to a halt and exchanged a nervous look… how good were an Olympian’s hearing supposed to be? No, he couldn’t have heard. In any case, Uno had never left the palace since he had been brought here, although that fact was about to change. Celestia immediately rearranged her concerned expression to her better known trademark smile. Luna however, did nothing to hide her restless worry as she took a furtive glance at Uno before moving her gaze back to her sister. Uno made a mechanical salute before making his introductory statement in an exaggeratedly loud and firm voice.

“Olympian-A001, Office of Pony Intelligence, Special Operations Section Three, reporting for duty ma’am,” He said to Celestia. Uno then turned to Luna and gave her a salute as well. Luna scrutinized his appearance – mostly for his lack of… well, a terrifying appearance, and the possession of… is that a teddy bear on his back? Honestly, she expected something more rough and ready appearing soldier out of the OLYMPIAN Program. She afforded herself a skeptical glance at her sister – Celestia only winked back and continued her lovely princess smile.

“Uno,” Celestia said carefully, wondering how the Olympian reacted to the use of his call sign, as opposed to his numeric designation – he visibly flinched. “May I call you that? I can always use your number designation if it makes you uncomfortable.” Uno was genuinely surprised at his sovereign’s considerate attitude. Furthermore, he wasn’t sure how to react as nopony ever gave him a choice in any matter. Had his kidnappers asked, “Is it okay if we stuff you in this sack and take you away to be our guinea pig?” Uno did his best to understand why Celestia, and her new-found cohort took such drastic measures, he really did. But as far as he could see, the entire program was useless and in vain – not a failure perhaps, but what had it achieved thus far? The bulk of Uno's companions had... not made it. And the remainder had been separated from him. The brass had evidently decided that with such small numbers, they shouldn't commit the Zero's (a nickname for the Olympians based off of the “zero identity” clause which rendered them nonexistent in society) into one super-unit, for fear that all of them would be loss in a single engagement gone wrong. Uno could only speculate as to what unit they were serving in, and if they were even still alive, let alone well.

“Uno is just fine ma'am. But number designation is just as well. By all means ma'am, call me what suits your fancy,” Uno stated swiftly and carefully.

“Well, excellent. Now, let us begin, Uno. Firstly, you may have noticed that there is nopony present other than those who need be – in other words, just Luna, you, and myself. As such, you may also conclude that what you are about to be briefed on is to be treated with paramount confidentiality, and if this treatment is upheld properly, nopony but us will be the wiser.” Celestia, finishing her first point took another moment to glance about the hallway. Her gaze darted about the hallway, before her horn glowed and seconds after projected a glowing, nearly transparent screen around the space immediately outside of the two thrones and Uno standing nearby. Hoofin' horseapples, thought an ever intrigued Uno. So this was important after all? Celestia, finally convinced they were alone and safe with the empty hallway and the soundproof barrier, continued.

“On the second of February, two days ago, contact with the Appleoosa communications relay near the outskirts of Equestria was lost. It is the only major relay in the region, and prior to losing contact, we have had some difficulties with some unruly parties within the area. Additionally, some of the larger political parties have threatened us with what I have feared for over a decade. They have threatened to secede, as they believe that the government is proving too... Tyrannical. Over time, and they think it's time the colonies on the borders of Equestria stand up and fend for themselves. What they're insinuating is quite simply, that they will overthrow me, the "Rich, arrogant, overlord" so that they may become better rich arrogant overlords. It seems obvious that they are the culprits we are looking for, and worst of all... if they are, they are likely seeking to make good their threat.” Celestia's voice had gradually become louder, and as the last word echoed throughout the hallway, she glanced about once more looking for a subject of suspicion. “We cannot allow this fledgling rebellion to succeed!” Celestia exclaimed with an authoritative stamp of a golden hoof. “The region is a valuable breadbasket for all of Equestria, and furthermore, if they do succeed, other radicals may follow suit, and the stability of our entire nation will be at stake. The stability of your nation will be at stake.” Uno was getting where this was going – or so he thought.

“So ma'am, my guess is you intend to insert me along with a strike force to reclaim and secure Appleoosa and the surrounding territory?” Uno guessed carefully. Celestia was pensive for but a moment before her response. Somepony had thought through this all too well.

“I have... considered it. However, a recon group has been sent to establish as fact that it is indeed the rebellious faction which is responsible for the offline array. They're due for arrival in 24 hours and 32 minutes as of now, without any unforeseen obstruction that is. I believe the deployment of even one Olympian at this point, would be risky and an egregious misallocation of resources, given how many of your breed remain in service. Instead, I am assigning you as a traveling bodyguard for my sister, on her journey to Ponyville.” Celestia said the last statement gesturing towards a still indifferent looking Princess Luna. “A discreet bodyguard I might add. We have agreed it is best to travel to Ponyville in secret, as letting anypony know that Luna is outside the palace and relatively unprotected on a sizable journey to Ponyville could... attract undesirable attention.”

Uno agreed for the most part, thought he pretended to concur with all of it. He was however, inwardly upset. For a moment, it seemed as if he would get to show all the unbelievers at OPI what he could do – and prove to himself that the surrender of his personal life was worth the lives he could save. But no – here he was, being consigned to escort for the pony that needed it least. Why didn't they just assign a royal guard? If it was window dressing Celestia wanted, they were the best stuff around! In any case, what should Luna be doing this town Uno had never heard of?

“If you are wondering, and I expect you are,” Celestia said noting Uno's face deep in thought. “ Luna is to take part in a military parade next week. In the face of these recent and unprecedented events, we have come to the conclusion that the combined presence of a monarch and a large military force will deter any further rebellious behavior. And if need be.” Celestia paused and bit her lip. Before she could finish, Uno, rather candidly made his response. "Only keep in mind, 'Uno', that the parade is a potentially double edged sword. There will no doubt be those few dissidents who will opt to take advantage of Luna's public appearance and..." Celestia took a stern glance of Luna... mingled with fear for her sister's wellbeing. She broke away and stared at the floor, unhappy to say the least. The royal sisters clearly understood the risks the operation would perpetrate.

“Ma'am... I realize that such threats to your rule have never been made by your own people but... do you really think?”

“I do. I've thought it for every waking day for the past millennium, and those thoughts only intensify with every passing minute. That is why you are here. You do know why you are here, Uno?”

“... No ma'am. I'm afraid I don't,” concluded Uno.

“You are here because I thought. I thought you could help. Was I wrong?”