Inside the Canterlot University an Old Man with grey hair and dark blue skin named Dr Artifice was holding a public seminar on Mechatronics. Several people, as well as a few Griffons, Minotaurs and Dragons were there as well were sitting on wooden desk in rows as the Doctor stood at his desk in front of a magical projector.

Dr Artificer smiled “Now many consider that all Mechas have the three laws programmed into them. Now that is false, they are designed on a case by case by case basis but most need to have an official reason to have the First Law in particular removed. Combat models fit into that category.”

One of the human in the crowd frowned “But isn’t that dangerous, we don’t want Mechas to take control of our society do we?”

Dr Artificer frowned “As one of the leading members into the Mechatronics field I have learned that Mechas aren’t that different from humans. Take away the three laws and many are just like us, a few of the recovered Rogues that were take down due to excessive violence shown intensive signs of self evolution. Sunset Shimmer one of the longest active Rogue Mechas has shown that with enough time they even capable of reproduction.”

One of Griffons grimaced “Isn’t it a bit too dangerous to allow such an entity live? What if she attacks us, Mechas are supposed to serve us are they not?”

Dr Artificer grimaced “That is a foolish notion, the grand dream is create life. Besides Sunset Shimmer is happy with her life as it is, she is married and has two kids. Are we willing to risk her ire of something so minor.”

A dragon raised an eyebrow “I’m curious how Mechas use magic? I always thought only living beings can use magic.”

Dr Artificer smiled “Well that is one of the determining factors whether a Mecha is truly alive. While many Mechas have magic channels, only a few have the actual magic to fill those channels. Simply put if they have a magic there is a soul in there that allows them to draw on magic, if they can’t they are not truly alive.”

He then pointed to the boards “Mecha construction is a complicated topic and most require intensive study. Even then study is no substitute for experience, Sunset Shimmer as much of marvel as she is, the first Rogue to achieve reproduction she was ultimately an accident.”

One of the humans frowned “How to avoid such a incident? We should not have accidents like this.”

Dr Artificer laughed “Most science is an accident Moondancer, Trial and Error is basically waiting for happy accidents to happen. We have to repeat that experiment to see if that happy accident always happens if we do the same thing.” Moondancer frowned at his words but said nothing.

Dr Artificer continued “Mechas need a powerful mainframe if they are to continue complex interactions with others. This is why building Mechas for certain tasks takes a lot of resources and makes them very expensive.”

One human raised a hand “Can one build a Mecha without the three laws installed?”

Dr Artificer frowned “To do it legally they need to be registered, if they are not registered they are declared Rogue and some are even put on a hunt list depending on the threat level. Sunset Shimmer is not registered thus is a Rogue, still registration is incredibly difficult because many nobles oppose it entirely. They don’t want Mechas to be free, still one could very easily make a Mecha indistinguishable from a human.”

Several Dragons growled “Those pathetic fools, they have no honour! To enslave intelligent minds is dishonourable!”

Several Griffons look at them “Really, even for Treasure. Don’t think we don’t about the hoards you Dragon’s keep!”

The Dragons snapped “We are no that greedy, yes we collect treasure but we will give up a portion of our hoard to preserve our honour! A dragon always honours a deal, it’s our way! Those who don’t follow that become outcasts!”

Dr Artficer’s hands glowed with magic “ENOUGH!” They all looked at him, he frowned “I will not have you cause an diplomatic incident in my lecture! You can save the jabs for later.”

A voice came from the back, a pale white Strider with short dark blue hair sat at the back “Agreed.” The Strider then stood up glowing with golden light revealing Princess Celestia in all her glory, she smiled as everyone whether they be Human, Dragon, Griffon or Minotaur had their eyes widen in shock at her presence.

Her tone then grew serious “I was here to keep an eye on events, the Minotaurs have their own versions of Mechas. They have always been one step ahead of us in technology, the Dragons meanwhile have sworn an Honour Pact with us so they can start developing their own Mecha program as for the Griffons I was hoping that they could see past their greed so we could work together.”

Dr Artificer nodded “This was supposed to show our allies what we had come up with. It is why I was hoping to have a few days before there was an incident like this but I was foolish to hold onto that hope it seems.”

One of the Minotaurs smiled “Princess, I must admit I’m glad your kind have taken our advice. I was sceptical of your request for knowledge in designing Cybers but these Mechas of yours are mighty impressive.”

Celestia turned with a grin to looked a t the large Minotaur, his dark brown body was chiselled like a statue of old “Prince Ironfist, I must admit I was not expecting your delegation to be here for months.”

Ironfist laughed “My delegation is back home, this is personal interest. I am just as adept with a smith’s hammer as I am with a battleaxe.” Artificer chuckled as the two leaders left the room while he continued his lecture on Mechas.

Author's Note

Now next chapter be on the history of the world and will be the last chapter before we return to the main plot for a while.