Chapter 1: The Introduction
Author's Note
No clop in this chapter.
But you better read it anyways because I say so.
Chapter 1: The Introduction
“What do you think it is, Angel?” Fluttershy asked, staring down the pony-sized parcel in her living room. Delivered just moments ago, the large box was a complete surprise. An imposing notice had been plastered across the side, warning the recipient: “CONTAINS HUMAN TECHNOLOGY.” Just below that was Rainbow Dash’s hoof writing, which read, “Just a little gift for you Flutters! Enjoy ;)”
Angel Bunny was thoroughly unimpressed. This obnoxious package had drawn Fluttershy away from completing his super deluxe royal carrot salad. He glared at his distracted chef and impatiently prodded the picture in the recipe book.
Fluttershy took no notice of the bratty bunny as she re-read Rainbow Dash’s note. Contrary to the shy pegasus’s own timidness, her friend had been fairly accepting of the strange devices that the humans brought to Equestria. Apropos, Fluttershy had no absolutely idea what kind of gift she was about to unbox.
“I hope it isn’t, umm, scary,” she whispered with a slight shiver. Yet, no matter if it was a colorful, flashing rectangle or beeping brick of sorts, Fluttershy knew that Rainbow Dash, Ms. Element of Loyalty, would have sent her something she could enjoy.
“O-okay,” Fluttershy took a deep, assertive breath and pulled the lid of the box open.
Half-buried in a blob of packing peanuts was a colorful sheet of paper. Fluttershy fished it out and read aloud, “Um, welcome to your new multipurpose computer!” She blinked in confusion. “What’s a computer?”
From the nearby table, Angel Bunny rolled his eyes with the utmost exasperation. Certainly, he knew all about the thing those funny humans called a “computer.”
“Oh, well, um, I suppose it’s part of the gift,” Fluttershy continued. “Okay, um… multipurpose computer! This product has been enhanced with pony magic for a hands-free (or hooves-free) installation.” Fluttershy smiled a little at that. How very considerate of Rainbow Dash! Only those blessed with horns were able to easily interact with the all the human stuff.
“To begin your installation, just say: ‘Friendship is Magic!’” No sooner had the magical words left Fluttershy’s mouth when a shimmering, magical glow enveloped the entire box, lifting it from the ground.
“Eeep!” Fluttershy dropped the paper and sprung back in surprise, bumping into the table supporting Angel and his food. Effectively tossed into his incomplete salad, Angel glowered at the ruined dish and scampered away.
Several strange objects floated out from the box, orbiting Fluttershy’s living room as the stunned pony watched on. One at a time, the various shapes set themselves down on the handily cleared table. Just when Fluttershy thought the performance was finished, the largest piece began to glow.
Hello! The simple greeting appeared on the object’s illuminated surface.
Fluttershy crept up to the device, her widened eyes fixated on the displayed word.
“Um, hello?” she spoke softly, unsure if the glowing thing could see or hear her.
A gentle ping sound came from the object and the text changed.
Your new multipurpose computer is ready to use. Please speak your name to create an account for the pre-configured first launch program.
“Um, well, I’m Fluttershy…” the pegasus trailed off, still rather impartial about revealing her name, especially to a weird human creation.
The ping sounded again, along with new text.
Welcome, Flutters!
“Oh, my,” Fluttershy turned a little red. How did this computer thing know Rainbow’s favorite nickname for her? “Um, pleased to, uh, meet you, too.”
Preparing first launch program. Please wait.
“O-okay, I’ll wait,” Fluttershy said, sitting much more comfortably in front of her foreign gift now that they had exchanged greetings.
With Fluttershy’s attention focused squarely on her new acquaintance, she missed the final section of the forgotten introduction paper: “This computer has been pre-configured for: webcam-based video streaming on chatnclop.com, adults only.”
