Celestia stood at the front of a large, metal door, that read 'Political Prisoner' on it's front. Behind it was Equestria's only human, Ian Mulbac. Today seemed as any other did. The day of weekly interrogation was here, and Celestia was usually up to the task, ready to dive into the same boring questions she would always ask. However, today seemed different. She didn't know why, but that didn't stop the strange feeling crawling up her back.

She bowed her head before allowing her magic to unlock the door, swinging it open just enough for her to walk in, before closing it behind her. She sighed, before letting her head come up, and meet the eye's of a man sitting on his bed. His eye's stared at her with unknown intentions, and they didn't blink. She glanced over to the left, where a table sat with a coffeemaker, one of the few luxuries that he was allowed to have.

She noticed that there wasn't any coffee inside.

"Ian, did you run out of coffee?" She asked casually, walking over to the table, viewing the coffeemaker up close. There were definitely no coffee beans inside, and it seemed like it hadn't been turned on at all. In fact, the recent coffee bean package that they had given him sat against the wall on the table, unopened.

"No. I just didn't feel like having any today, is all."

His voice was casual back. His voice wasn't unique in the slightest. It wasn't overly deep, yet it wasn't high pitched either. It was adequate, and it used to scare Celestia. The fact that such a normal person could be capable of such things that he was charged with, was quite troubling to her. Dealing with Villains in Equestria was quite easy to her, as they were able to stand-out. Yet, the only way that Ian stood out was the difference of species. Other then that, he was simply on the middle line.

Celestia turned to face him again, scanning him. He was dressed in the same clothes he usually was. A white shirt, with jeans. It was quite difficult to get anyone in Equestria to make him brand new clothes, but after pestering Rarity enough, he was finally able to get some. The best part about it, is the cleanliness spell put onto them, allowing them to be washed way less than usual.

She took a seat on the floor. Though, due to her height, she now matched his own height. Being such a tall Alicorn was something that intimidated most ponies, but Ian, after his first few encounters with her, had become quite comfortable with the size difference. She never felt like she ever really scared him all that much. Well, atleast after the first few encounters.

Ian gave a frown towards the floor, diverting his eyes downwards at the tiled floor. He clasped his hands together, his right leg occasionally lifting, his heel raising slightly before bring it back down. It held a rhythm, strangely enough. "I've heard that the science-center has finished putting the simulation tech together."

"You've heard right." Celestia said, not taking her eyes off of him.

"Do I need to repeat what I've said previously about it?"

"Ian, I understand your concerns. However, there have been no recorded incidents of what you claim has occurred during your time with the technology on Earth, and even if there was, the rest of the nobles and scientists would refuse to listen to you because of your... ahehm, reputation."

Ian shook his head, not taking his view away from the floor. "Your messing with dangerous stuff. All you have is a user manual for the damn thing, and you're trying to run it like you've worked with it for years. That machine is alive, despite not having a beating heart. I swear it's true."

Celestia could spot the seriousness on his face. Even if he was convincing her with his looks, she wasn't completely sold. "As I've said, according to the research that the Terra Colonies have handed over, there has been no recorded incident of this 'A.I' taking over the thousands of tests that have been conducted on Earth. And, let's say what you say is true, there are plenty of safety systems in place."

Ian looked up at her, staring her directly in the eyes. She stared back, feeling the weight of his brown eyes on her own. "Tell me this, Celestia. What happens when you try to force someone out of the chamber during a simulation? You must've read that part of the information they gave you."

"Well, yes, but-"

"And what did it say, Celestia."

Celestia sighed, closing her eyes for a moment before opening them back up. "The information given to the science-center stated that forced removal from the chamber before the simulation is over results in severe brain damage. They say that it's because the brain begins to fuse the virtual world with the real world, resulting in hysteria and mass delusion."

"And none of that worries you?"

Celestia thought about it for a moment. She knew the risks, she knew the problems with believing in something one hundred percent, and she was definitely worried somewhat about the whole ordeal. However, she had already gone so far in letting the science-center do what they wish with the technology, that she couldn't turn back.

"No."

Ian got up, heading straight past her and to the table with the coffeemaker, opening the lid and pouring the beans inside it. "Now I feel like having some coffee.." He said, closing the lid and turning it on, letting the machine do its magic. Ian then looked over at Celestia, letting himself rest against the table.

"The tests are going to happen in three days."

"Well, I hope that no unlucky soldier gets caught in the hellscape that that machine can produce."

Celestia paused, knowing that what she says next would not calm him. "It's not going to be with soldiers."

"Then with who?"

"..."

Ian stood up straight. "Celestia. Who."

"The School of Magic and Friendship was given the opportunity to allow its students to participate in its first test."

Ian looked up, his right leg now twitching more than usual. "Are you kidding me?"

"No, I'm not."

"You're insane. Not only are you allowing a machine that's capable of trapping hundreds into your world, now you're allowing students, kids, to be the first ones. Not any volunteer's for testing, not any safety tests first, just straightup sending little timmy in to get fucked. Wow..."

Celestia shook her head, standing up. "I must be going. I hope you enjoy your coffee, Ian."

"And, I hope you have a fun time managing the shit-show that's about to be caused."

"Until next week." Celestia said, before giving him a nod and allowing herself out of the room. Once the door slammed shut behind her that wasn't from her magic, she gave a big sigh. The tension in that room was almost palpable, and now Celestia understood why.

She felt like she should be listening, but it wasn't her decision alone to make. Her sister, the other nobles, the council, and the countless scientists at the head of the science-center were all in the decision making process. Ian claims that he had prior testing with the simulation machine, and claims to know the inner-workings of the machine very well. Yet his reputation strips him of all believability, despite him claiming he was innocent. In recent times, he seems to have stopped saying that.

"Princess Celestia?" A familiar voice called out from behind her. Celestia turned around, only to be met with the eye's of her own student. That being Twilight Sparkle, someone that she hadn't had the luxury of speaking to in the last two or so weeks. Trade-deals with the Terra Colonies was quite difficult, and involved a lot of back and forth, each world carefully stepping on thin ice, as to not cause anything troublesome.

"Twilight, what brings you here?"

Celestia didn't want to sound rude, but she was quite honestly curious. She wouldn't have questioned it if Twilight had found her in the throne room, or during lunch, but this hallway was different. It was locked on either side with heavy steel doors, each with a guard posted outside. Inside the hallway, was one single door. The door that held Ian Mulbac.

"Oh, just.. Nothing- I was wondering if you'd like to talk during up-coming lunch? I wanted to talk more about the class, and who's signed up for the test. I hope that wouldn't be a bother... would it?"

Celestia shook her head with a smile. "No no, of course not. Meet me for lunch at about, say twelve-fifteen?"

Twilight nodded her head, ready to turn back to the way she came from before pausing, her eye catching on the door. Her eyes read 'Political Prisoner' over and over, before turning to Celestia. "Is this where he is kept?" She asked in a whisper, as if to try to keep it a secret.

Celestia nodded. "As much as I trust you, I'll have to ask that you do not come down this hallway ever again, dear Twilight. This hallway carries too much importance. I'm sure you felt the countless spells place upon this room when you entered."

"I did. There's hundreds."

"There is good reason for that. I'll meet you for lunch soon enough, Twilight. It was nice to speak to you after these past two stressful weeks, and I look forward to talking more later in the way." Celestia said before nodding her head at Twilight, and turning away from her, going to the end of the hallway and out the steel door.

Twilight watched her mentor walk out the hallway, before her eyes turned to the big steel door. She wondered what he looked like behind it after all these months, and whether or not he still remembered her. She could feel something emanate from the door, though it wasn't anything nice. It gave her chills down her spine.

She shook her head, trying to ignore all the past memories. She couldn't focus on those, especially not right now. Instead, she had to go and meet with her brother. She was dying to see him after all, or atleast that's what she claimed to herself. With a shake of her head and a smile now on her face, she headed right out the opposite door that Celestia came from.

"Twily!"

Twilight hugged the warm coat of her older brother, the smell and feel of his armor's defense spells giving her a calmed feeling, before pulling away from him. She looked him up and down, examining her brother as if she hadn't seen him in years. It had only been a month. "You look a little different."

"Grew out the mane. I'm trying something new."

"Aren't the soldiers supposed to keep their manes short?"

"I told them I'd give them an exception. It's only fair. Anyways, what's school and all that been like? I've gotten all the news about the up-coming trip you and your students are taking. The science-center, right? I've got to say, I'm a little jealous that I'm not the first group."

Twilight chuckled. "Yeah. A lot of the students are excited for it. Though it hasn't come with it's fair share of complaints from parents. Plenty of parents have yelled at us for allowing their child into the program, but since a lot of the students are seniors and of legal age, they don't need their parents permission."

"It sounds to me that some of those parents are jealous."

"Maybe." Twilight said with a smile, before shrugging. "Applejack isn't too happy either with it though. Applebloom and the other two crusaders are going along with the trip. Applebloom's a legal adult, and that means Applejack doesn't have parental permission over her no more. She's not exactly happy about it.."

Shining Armor began to walk slowly down the hallway, Twilight following beside him. "Why is she upset?"

Twilight sighed. "With Applebloom gone for a couple weeks, Applejack won't have the extra help during one of their harvest weeks. It means it'll be mainly Applejack and Big Mac doing the work. Alone."

Shining smirked. "Big Mac's a big stallion. I'm sure they'd be able to do it no problem."

"Yeah, say that to them when they need to harvest another thousand or so tree's."

"Ouch... Nevermind."

They both rounded the corner, coming into a hallway with a chandelier hanging above, and countless stained glass window's with past events painted on, acting as a quick history lesson of sorts for whomever decided to look at them as they passed by.

"Did you talk to Celestia yet?" Shining asked, to which Twilight nodded her head.

"I did. I actually met her in that really secure hallway at the far back of the castle."

"They let you in there?"

Twilight shrugged. "I'm guessing they saw the wings and horn and assumed I was safe."

"I've gotta' talk to those guys... Security like that isn't good. You didn't go in the room, did you-"

"Celestia was there too. She told me I was no longer allowed in there, so you don't have to worry about anything."

Shining nodded with a sigh of relief. "Alright, that's good. I'll still have to lay into those guys later though.." He said with slight disdain in his voice. He knew that Changelings were hardly a threat anymore, and with the spells inside the containment hallway it would certainly counter-act their disguise. However, they still had to be as careful as possible, especially with dealing with a political prisoner such as Ian. One injury, or even death, and they'd be at a legal battle with the Terra Colonies.

The Terra Colonies, although lacking in magic, still held brutal technology.

"How is he?"

"Huh?" Shining asked, glancing over at Twilight with a slightly confused face.

"How is he. I haven't seen him in a long time, and..."

"He's okay." Shining said, keeping his head straight. "He still claims innocence."

"Does he talk about me or the others?"

Shining sighed. "Twilight, I don't get why-"

"Just answer the question!"

Shining shook his head before giving yet another sigh. "He used to talk about you and the others. Especially you. However, in recent weeks, he's stopped. Anytime we questioned him about the change of attitude, he would say that things aren't going to change for him, and reminding himself of the few friends he did have, and how he lost them, would only make him hurt."

Twilight's face turned from one of interest and hope, to sadness. Shining saw the change, and got slightly angered. "Twilight, I don't get why you'd even care about him. You've heard what he's done-"

"What everyone say's he's done. What proof is there?"

"Enough proof has been shown, Twilight. He's not a good human. He's not a good friend."

"Like you'd know... You refused to be friends with him even when he first got here."

"Yeah, and I'd say that I was right about my suspicions."

Silence overtook the both of them only moments after.

"Look.." Shining said, stopping. "I've got to go handle some things in the barracks. I'll talk to you later." Without waiting for a response back, or even a look of any understandable emotion on Twilight's face, he turned and headed down the opposite end of the hallway, disappearing around the corner seconds after.

Twilight groaned, obviously upset. Trying to get her mind off of what just happened, she searched for the nearest clock, reading it's time. "Eleven... Time is moving way too bucking slow."

Dorm life was quite fun for the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

The three of them were closer than ever, and made even more friends outside their small group. It was fun to finally be apart of a group bigger than just three ponies. They've heard countless times of how other big groups of friends had drama and boy and girl trouble, with some scandalous acts being had. Yet they only ever experienced any of that once they moved into the dorms.

Two years of living on campus made it seem like home to them, despite being really close to Ponyville still.

"I seriously can't wait for this trip. I mean, virtual whatever-it-is stuff sounds pretty awesome." Scootaloo said whilst laying on her back, staring up at the ceiling, kicking a ball up towards the air with her hooves. Being Athletic was her specialty, despite her not having functional wings.

"Yea, but I'm a little nervous." Applebloom responded, currently sitting on her own bed.

"And why's that?" Sweetie Belle asked, who was currently in the kitchen making herself an avocado sandwich. "Don't tell me it's-"

"Applejack."

"-applejack... Look, Applebloom. You're an adult now. So are we. You don't have to consult Applejack on every little thing you do, especially something this cool. Being an adult means that you've got to realize that you're your own guardian now, right?"

"I suppose so.." Applebloom said, not all that convinced. "I just... She's real upset, but she's hiding it. I know she's been pestering Twilight about it, and she tries to get me to not go by talking about how hard it'll be without me there. She doesn't want to say it to my face, but I can tell... y'know?"

"Oh I know how that feels." Scootaloo chimed in, accidentally missing a kick on the ball she was messing with, which allowed it to hit her in the face, forcing an 'oof' out of her. She shook her head before sitting up. "Rainbow has a hard time with telling me what she really feels a lot of the time. So, she tries to say what she feels without saying it. Like, 'oh, going to the next wonderbolt show alone is going to suck.' Like, I get that she wants me to go, but all the wonderbolts remind me of now is the fact that I can't be them."

"I'd honestly rather have that then what Rarity does. She just says what she thinks, but sometimes it can be blunt and rude. It's not fun when somebody comes up to your face and tells you that 'you look absolutely hideous' in a dress you were about to go out in."

"I would've paid to see your reaction to that." Scootaloo said with a smile. "And, did you look hideous?"

"I don't think so..."

"I'm just messing with you Sweetie."

Applebloom sighed, letting her head lay on the bed. "I suppose I'll just ignore what A.J say's for now.."

"Yeah-" Scootaloo got off her bed, making her way over to Appleblooms before putting a hoof on her head. "-focus on having fun. It's going to be weird and different, but so cool at the same time. What's it for again, Sweetie?"

"Survival Skill training, Societal Impa-"

"Yeah yeah- Survival Skill stuff. Like chopping down tree's and all that. Think of it like a camping trip!"

"I guess." Applebloom said with yet another sigh. "I suppose that would be fun. But the others are coming with us, right? Tiara and Spoon? Wait- they said they couldn't come because they're going out of town during it, right? So it would really just be us."

"Did you forget we have other friends other than those two? What about Feathers, or Cog?"

Scootaloo chuckled. "You mean the two idiots?"

"You only call them idiots because they're guys."

"Isn't that basically the same thing?"

"Don't get mad just because you haven't had a boyfriend yet, Scoots-"

"Hey!" Scootaloo groaned. "That isn't the reason. I swear..."

"Just messing with you, Scoots."

"Hmph..."

Author's Note

New Story, completely original.

My stories that have done well are all based off of games, and this is the one that I've come up with all my own! I hope it does well, because I'm willing to put a whole lot of effort into this one.