Veggie VBS

It was time for ADA to introduce the Mane Six and Spike to the next segment. "This second segment is titled The Gourds Must Be Crazy."

"Oooh," said Pinkie Pie, "does it involve a soda bottle falling from an airplane into an African village?"

"What the hay, Pinkie Pie?" responded Rainbow Dash with a raised eyebrow.

"No," answered ADA, "that is only a title parody. You will see later what this segment is actually parodying, but first, it's time to return to Junior's bedroom."

The Mane Six and Spike later found themselves on the staircase of the Asparagus family residence and discovered family photos. The first photo showed Junior and his mother, Lisa, on a beach.

"Oh look," said Rarity, "it's the same deserted island we crashed on in the last video."

"Aww," said Fluttershy, "Junior looks cute posing in that octopus photo stand-in."

The following photo was a simple family portrait of Junior and his parents standing in front of a yellow background.

"From what I know," said Twilight Sparkle, "this isn't the same family portrait from the first time we visited Junior."

"Let's just hope this one doesn't make Junior imagine himself and his parents making menacing faces at him," joked Spike.

The third photo showed Junior looking in awe at a Christmas tree set up.

"Hold on," said Applejack, "I don't reckon that the veggies here celebrate Hearthswarming Eve."

"Oh, they celebrate a similar holiday called Christmas," informed Pinkie Pie. "It originates with the birth of Jesus Christ."

"Yes," said Twilight, "I learned all about it in Canterlot High."

Then, the ponies and Spike overheard Mike Aspargus's voice asking Junior a question. "So, is there anyone else you would like to invite to your birthday party?"

Junior answered, "Um... let's see. Don't forget Louie! Oh, and Marsha. I think that's it."

Pinkie Pie's eyes widened joyfully, then yelled out. "Did someone say birthday party?!"

Pinkie Pie rushed from the top of the stairs into Junior's bedroom.

"Pinkie Pie, wait!" Twilight called out.

"Oh geez," said Rainbow Dash with an eye roll, "here we go again."

Pinkie Pie entered Junior's bedroom, got out her party cannon, and blasted some confetti.

"Pinkie Pie?" Junior wondered. "What are you doing here, and where are the rest of the ponies and Spike?"

"You ponies show up in the most unexpected ways," commented Mike as he smiled.

The rest of the Mane Six and Spike entered Junior's bedroom and caught up with Pinkie Pie.

"Well," said Applejack, "it looks like Pinkie Pie's excitement got the best of her and blasted confetti all over the place."

"Sorry for coming in so sudden and unexpected," said Pinkie Pie, "but I get so excited about birthday parties, or any party for that matter! I'm a party planner by profession."

"No problem," said Mike, "you seven are always welcome in my house and around my son."

"We couldn't thank you enough for your hospitality, Mr. Asparagus," said Rarity.

"My Dad is right," said Junior. "You are seven of the greatest friends I've ever got to know."

"Awe, that's lovely, Junior," said Fluttershy.

"So what's this talk about birthday party invitations?" asked Spike.

"Well," said Mike, "I asked Junior which local children he would like to invite to his sixth birthday party."

"Yep," said Junior, "I'm confident I named everyone I'd like to come for my party."

"Are you forgetting anyone else?" asked Mike.

"Nope," said Junior. "I don't think so."

"What about Fernando?" asked Mike. "I bet he'd like to come."

"No, not Fernando," answered Junior.

"Why not?" asked Mike.

"Well, he just moved here," said Junior. "So I don't know him very well. Besides, he talks kind of funny."

"Now, Junior," responded Mike. "He doesn't talk funny. He just talks different. His family's from another country."

"Correct," said Twilight. "You see, Junior, I need to familiarize myself with the geography of your world. However, I know that different regions across the globe have different accents, dialects, and languages. When somepony is born there, they adopt the manner of speaking there."

"That's right," said Rarity. "What is normal for you here could be considered bizarre in a foreign land."

"I know," said Junior. "It still sounds funny."

"Well, that explanation was in vain," said Rainbow Dash.

"You know Junior," Mike explained. "God wants us to love everybody, not just the people that are like us. So, we need to accept others just the way they are. Besides, we can learn a lot from people who are different from us."

"I couldn't have set it better myself," said Applejack. "What yer father is trying to say, Junior. The world would be dull if we all looked and sounded alike."

"Just take a look at me, Junior," said Spike. "Even though I'm a dragon, the ponies still treat me no different than if I were one of their species."

"Uh-huh," said Pinkie Pie. "In Equestria, we have a diverse selection of species, including ponies, dragons, griffins, hippogriffs, yaks, changelings, donkeys, zebras, mules, bison, cats, dogs, parrots, breezies, centaurs, gargoyles..."

"Alright, Pinkie Pie..." said Rainbow Dash, "we get the point."

"Overall, Junior," said Fluttershy. "We'd all treat you with the same love and care regardless of whether you were an asparagus or not."

"Yeah," responded Junior as he tucked into his bed, "I suppose."

"I'll tell you what," said Mike. "You think about it, and in the morning, we'll talk some more, and maybe your pony and dragon friends can give you more advice, okay?"

"Okay," said Junior with a smile on his face.

"Good night, Junior."

"Good night, Dad."

Mike shut the door as Junior was about to sleep to the sound of crickets chirping. Suddenly, a series of bright green and purple lights engulfed the bedroom, with the sound of engines whirring.

"What the hay is going on," wondered Rainbow Dash.

Then, a tiny purple spaceship entered and flew into the window of Junior's bedroom.

"Oooh," said Pinkie Pie, "could this adventure involve us being abducted by aliens."

"Aaaalien abbbductions?" asked Fluttershy nervously.

"Oh yes," said Pinkie Pie, "or maybe the aliens are going to shove probes up our flanks as a form of scientific research."

"Disgusting!" exclaimed Rarity, "where do you even get these ideas Pinkie Pie?"

The spaceship then flew closer to Junior's bed with flame jets blasting from its rear end and bottom. Then, the spacecraft flew down to the floor as Spike looked closer into the cockpit. "Those aren't aliens," said Spike. "It's just Bob and Larry."

The spaceship opened its glass dome, and two green energy beams flashed as the spacecraft landed on the ground, causing Junior, the Mane Six, and Spike to close their eyes. Then, the energy beams teleported regular-sized Bob and Larry in space helmets into Junior's bedroom.

"Aah!" Junior exclaimed, "who are you?!

"I'm Bob, I'm a tomato, and I need your help!" Bob then noticed the Mane Six and Spike. "In fact, I could use all of your help!"

"Wow," said Junior, "deja vu."

"Deja vu?" wondered Rainbow Dash. "Uh..Junior, you recognized us easily, and I know this isn't the first time you've seen Bob and Larry. Remember when we crashed through your ceiling to teach you not to be afraid?"

"What do you mean, Rainbow Dash?" asked Junior.

"Oh, never mind," Rainbow Dash said as she shook her head.

Junior then noticed Larry with a chocolate bar stuck to his space helmet. "Um... What's he got on his space helmet?"

"Larry," said Rarity. "How do you expect to look fashionable with that candy stuck on you."

"Huh? What do you mean?" asked Bob, who then noticed the chocolate bar. "Larry!" Bob scolded.

"What?" responded Larry.

"How many times have I told you not to eat while wearing your helmet!?"

"Oh, sorry," Larry apologized. Larry then attempted to shake the candy bar off and even tried to see if he could bite off a little nibble.

"Seriously, Larry," said Rainbow Dash bluntly, "you think you can actually eat that chocolate through your glass helmet?"

"That's weird," Pinkie Pie observed, "I didn't know Larry had a bottom tooth."

Larry threw the candy bar off his helmet with one firm and final effort.

Bob then cleared his throat. "We need your help, Junior. We also would be okay with your help, Mane Six and Spike."

"We're all hooves and claws; what seems to be the problem," said Spike as he ate the discarded chocolate bar.

"Spike!" reprimanded Twilight Sparkle, "that candy is not yours. You can't just eat food without asking."

"What?" said Spike, "Larry threw it away, so I thought he didn't want it anymore."

"It's find Twilight," said Larry, "I got plenty more chocolate bars."

"As I was saying," Bob continued as he displayed a hologram of the giant starship from which he and Larry had flown. "Our starship, the USS Applepies, is in great danger!"

"Outer space is full of the most deadly forms of danger," observed Twilight.

"Oh, really?" said Junior with bewilderment. "Tell me more!"

"In just eight minutes," Bob explained, "the ship and its crew will be smashed to bits by a giant meteor!"

"Oh no!" worried Fluttershy, "everyone on board must be traumatized!"

"Good heavens!" exclaimed Junior. "Well, can't you just move the ship out of the way?"

"That's just it," said Bob. "The Applepies is completely without power! Dead in the water! She can't budge an inch!"

"She's stuck," Larry repeated for emphasis.

"Talk about being in the wrong place, at the wrong time," commented Applejack.

"Oh dear," worried Junior. "Well, gee, how can we help?"

"Didn't you, Junior, minor in aerospace technology at the Happy Tots Preschool?" asked Bob.

"Why yes," answered Junior, "yes, I did!"

"Why on earth would preschoolers need to learn advanced fields such as that?" Rainbow Dash wondered. "Oh well, it sounds fun and interesting anyway."

"And you, Twilight Sparkle!" said Bob. "Didn't you major in astronomy at Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns?"

"Indeed," Twilight responded, "that was my favorite subject."

"What did you major in Junior?" asked Larry.

"That's not important, now," said Bob.

"Play-Doh," answered Junior.

"Me too," responded Larry.

"Play-Doh sure is softer and funner than Plastacine," commented Pinkie Pie.

"I think we shouldn't digress," said Fluttershy.

"What did you minor in Twilight?" asked Larry.

"Nothing, Larry," said Twilight, "I got straight-As in every class. I was the top student, after all."

"No time for chit-chat!" shouted Bob. "Junior, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Spike, only you can save the Applepies. Lieutenant Larry, the shrinker beam!"

"Aye-aye, Captain Bob!" Larry said.

The green energy beams teleported the three vegetables, six ponies, and the dragon into the cockpit of the little purple spaceship, but they were all packed in like sardines.

"Don't worry; I got it," said Twilight as she expanded the interior's size slightly with her magic. The eight recruits were given complimentary helmets, but Junior and Spike were having trouble with theirs.

"Um, I think my helmet's on backwards," said Junior.

"I think mine is too," said Spike.

Rarity then used her magical aura to turn the helmets the right way. "There we go," she said, "we need to look our best before we save a starship."

"This is a dream come true," said Twilight with excitement. "I've studied outer space my whole life, and I can't wait to enter there and see all the stars."

Then, the little purple spacecraft flew beyond the night sky into the vast vacuum of the cosmos.

Bob and Larry's spacecraft then returned to their starship.

"There it is," said Bob. "The USS Applepies."

"Oh, this is a Star Trek parody," observed Pinkie Pie. And that ship is based on the USS Enterprise. Uh... Applejack, why are you crying? You usually only cry on the outside."

"It's just that there ship, reminds me of the cutie mark of Granny Smith. I feel it represents her looking down at us from heaven."

"That's beautiful," said Fluttershy.

"You know another way you could interpret it, Applejack, is our family bond, biological or not. The apple represents your family, and the pie represents my family. The rest of the ship represents Grand Pear."

"How so?" asked Applejack.

"Well, the main character of Star Trek is Captain Kirk, portrayed by actor William Shatner, who is also the voice of..."

Pinkie Pie, that fourth wall break is too complicated; try toning it down slightly.

"Sure thing, Mr. Narrator."

"When we get on board," Bob explained, " you'll be greeted by the ship's engineer, Scooter, and then you can all get to work fixing the power."

"Okay," answered Junior.

"I can't wait to see how this ship works," said Twilight Sparkle.

The ship then arrived at the landing dock of the USS Applepies.

Bob, Larry, Junior, and the Equestrian Gang took an elevator into the ship's bridge, where upbeat instrumental music played inside.

"Hey, this is the music from the Forgive-o-Matic segment's last video," commented Pinkie Pie. "Sure makes the elevator ride more fun."

"How ironic," said Larry. "I don't mind it at first, but it can drive you crazy to listen to it every day."

The elevator door then opened, revealing an elderly carrot with a grey mustache, bushy eyebrows, kilt, and tam o'shanter who spoke with a Scottish accent—the ship's engineer Scooter.

"Oh," said Pinkie Pie, "Scooter is based on the elderly version of James Doohan, yet is skinny like the younger Scotty."

"Ah, Captain!" Scooter addressed Bob. "You've returned!"

"Hello, Scooter," asked Bob. "Any luck?"

"I'm afraid not, Captain. The engines have got no power. And we've only five minutes until the meteor smashes us to bits."

"You seem quite calm stating that information," commented Applejack.

"I'm panicking on the inside, lass. But I've got to pull myself together for the sake of our crew."

Fluttershy began to take great breaths to calm herself as Rarity rubbed her hoof on her back to help with that effort. "Don't worry, Fluttershy, we've never been defeated, and this time is no exception."

Twilight and Junior walked over to Scooter as Twilight introduced herself. "My name is Twilight Sparkle. I'm a master of astronomy, and if you need any advice on that scientific study, I'm more than happy to answer."

"Thanks, lass. For now, I'd like ye to take a look at the control panel behind me. There is a manual behind it. Only push a button if yer certain."

"I'm on it, sir."

"Geez," Rainbow Dash muttered to Applejack. "Twilight sure is quite the egghead tonight, am I right."

Applejack glared at Rainbow Dash with one of her trademark eyebrow raisings.

As Twilight got to work, Junior asked Scooter a question. "How many people are on this ship?"

"364," answered Scooter.

"And how many escape pods are there?" asked Junior.

"Two," Scooter answered again.

"Seriously!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "You only have two escape pods for emergencies!"

"Blame the budget cuts," said Bob.

"And I thought the Titanic was ill-prepared," commented Pinkie Pie.

"Drat," responded Junior, who then began to ask. "How much do you know about this meteor?"

"Funny you should mention it, " Scooter said. "Our sensors just determined that the meteor is made entirely out of..."

"What?" asked Bob desperately, "out of what?"

"Popcorn!" declared Scooter.

Bob, Larry, Junior, and the Equestrians, sans Twilight (busy at the control panel), gasped, expressing emotions ranging from fear to astonishment.

"A popcorn ball meteor," wondered Junior.

"The worse kind," said Bob
.
"Yeah, right," said Spike, "I'm no astronomy expert, but I'm sure a meteor made of rock and metal is far more deadly than popcorn."

"Um," wondered Larry. "Would that be caramel or cheese? Because I don't like that cheese stuff very much. It gets stuck to my tooth."

"Larry," answered Rarity. "I don't like getting food stuck in my teeth as the next pony. But I know this meteor would do far more damage to our anatomies than just our incisors and molars!"

"What the lassie said!" Scooter shouted, "It makes precious little difference when it hits ye at 5,000 miles an hour!"

"Ah, good points," responded Larry.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes at Larry's admiration for such mundane answers.

Bob, Larry, Junior, and the Equestrian Gang then noticed two gourds. An orange one, shorter and fatter, and a yellow one, taller and skinnier, sat at the control panel with headphones on their ears, singing the song Meet Me in St. Louis.

"Hey, who are those guys?" asked Junior.

"Yeah," said Spike, "from the look of things, they have no idea about the popcorn meteor."

"Oh, never mind them," answered Scooter. "They're the new guys."

As they continued to sing, Pinkie Pie admired the song. "Oh yes, their song choice was made for a world's fair in 1904 St. Louis. Forty years later, it was adapted into a movie starring Judy Garland." She then began to join in their singing.

"Well, maybe they have some ideas," suggested Junior.

"They'd probably be more useful if you'd allow them to help in this meteor madness," said Spike.

"What?" responded Scooter. "Not the new guys! They don't know anything! All they do is sing and eat, eat and sing! Between you and me, I think they're crazy!

"Oh," said Junior and Spike simultaneously.

The gourds continued to sing as Pinkie Pie stood closer to them to sing along, as Junior and Spike walked over to introduce themselves. The three of them spoke up as the gourds finished their song.

"Hi, I'm Junior."

"Hello, my name is Spike."

"Greetings and salutations. I'm Pinkie Pie, and it's an honor to make your acquaintance. Nice singing, by the way."
The gourds turned their swivel chairs to come face-to-face with them.

"I'm Jimmy Gourd."

"I'm Jerry Gourd."

"We're the new guys," said Jimmy, "and thanks for the compliment, my pink pal."

"So, why do you sing all the time?" asked Junior.

"Why don't you?" asked Jimmy.

"Cause it's weird," said Junior.

"Uh-uh, Junior," said Spike with a smile and raised brow. "What did your father say to you?"

"I mean different," said Junior, embarrassed.

"You know," said Jimmy. "Sometimes, differences can be good if we just take the time to get to know each other."

"You hit the nail on the head, Jimmy," said Pinkie Pie, "by the way, are you two brothers?"

"Uh-huh," said Jerry, "we may not be twins, but we are quite inseparable."

"I've just noticed how alike you two are personality-wise. My family is a whole other story. My parents are stern and humorless. I have three sisters who are polar opposites. I have a shy sister, a grouchy sister, and a sister who lacks the show of emotion. But I still love them nonetheless and wouldn't ask for another family. I'd find it boring if they were exactly like me all the time.

"Yeah, maybe," said Junior.

"Pinkie Pie is right. Even Jerry and I are not exactly alike. I'm more outgoing, and he is more laid-back."

"So, why do you eat so much?" asked Junior.

"We're hungry, I guess," said Jimmy.

"It's our metabolism or something," said Jerry.

"I concur," said Pinkie Pie. "I work in a bakery, making cake, pie, and other desserts of different flavors. Getting to taste them all is paradise."

"Delicious," said Jimmy, licking his lips. "I'd like to visit your bakery if I have the time."

"My favorite cakes are the ones that have gems in them," said Spike. "A dragon's favorite snack."

"That sounds delectable, Spike," said Jimmy, licking his lips again."I always thought that gems looked like candy to me. You know, sometimes I think I could eat a whole bus!"

"Yeah? said Jerry. "Well sometimes, I think I could eat a whole spaceship."

"But those aren't even edible," said Spike, giggling.

"Not unless they were made of cake," said Pinkie Pie. "Because sometimes I think I could eat a whole castle."

"Oh yeah?" said Jimmy. "Well, sometimes I could eat a whole planet!"

The last word echoed in Junior's mind as he devised an idea, and everyone on the bridge went wide-eyed at the realization.

"Of course," Spike said to Junior, "why didn't we formulate this several seconds ago? Let's get Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and myself to help."

Jerry continued the competition, "I could eat a rooster, a refrigerator, and Mars!"

"Oh really," said Pinkie Pie, "I could eat Jupiter with a side dish of a nebula and a garnish of a comet."

"Scooter, how many escape pods did you say there were?" asked Junior.

"Two," Scooter repeated.

"Jimmy," said Junior. "Did you mean what you said about eating a whole planet?"

"Well, sure, but..."

"How would you guys like to save the ship?"

"Gosh, that'd be swell!"

Junior then yelled out a command to everyone on the bridge. "GRAB THE GOURDS!!!"

As Twilight continued to search for malfunctions on the control panel, everyone else rushed down one of the starship's corridors to the escape pod hatches. Scooter, Junior, and Applejack carried Jerry, as Bob, Larry, and Rainbow Dash carried Jimmy. Fluttershy followed close behind as Jerry and Jimmy were placed into the hatches, and Fluttershy briefly inserted her hooves into both escape pods to add something or someone extra. As the hatches closed, Jimmy wondered what their motivation was.

"So then, we'll just stay here?"

However, Jerry and Jimmy were blasted out of the starship into little pink and green escape pods that they barely fit in.

"Hey, it's kind of like a field trip or something," commented Jerry.

"Oh, this isn't your average everyday field trip at school," said a mysterious squeaky voice from Jimmy's escape pod.

"Huh, who's there?" asked Jimmy.

"Surprise!" Pinkie Pie revealed herself in Jimmy's escape pod and was shrunken to the size of a breezie.

"Pinkie Pie!" exclaimed Jimmy, "how did you get in here, and why are you so small."

"It was my idea," said Spike, who was also shrunken and squeaky-voiced inside Jerry's escape pod.

"Spike!" exclaimed Jerry, "you shrunk yourself and Pinkie Pie?"

"No, I did," said Rarity inside Jerry's escape pod with Spike. "Since Twilight is busy with the starship's mainframe, I used the shrinking spell she taught me via the magic of my horn. Then we had Fluttershy grab us and place us in her gently. Since I'm the only unicorn on board, I must be brave and exit my comfort zone."

"Don't worry, Rarity," said Spike, "you've got your Spikey-Wikey to keep you safe from harm."

"Spike-Wikey?" asked Jerry.

"Oh, that's Rarity's term of endearment for Spike since he has a mad crush on her."

"Awe, that's adorable," admired Jimmy as Rarity and Spike blushed.

"So why are you three with us in the first place?" asked Jimmy.

"Well, Jimmy," said Pinkie Pie, "the five of us are on a rescue mission. When we reach our destination, Rarity will return us to our regular size. It will require Rarity's magical blast, Spike's dragon fire, and our ability to devour large quantities."

"That sure sounds exciting," said Jerry.

Back on the bridge, Bob, Larry, Junior, Scooter, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy stared at the countdown clock.
"Only two minutes left," said Bob, "I sure hope this works!"

"Don't worry, Bob," said Rainbow Dash. "With our awesome teamwork, we can accomplish anything."

As the escape pods traveled further into outer space, Jimmy and Jerry began singing The Muffin Man to pass the time, and even Pinkie Pie sang along.

"Is this really the most appropriate time to start singing?" Spike whispered to Rarity.

"Well, Spike, this may be their way of warming up their jawbones, or it's a way of calming themselves without having a panicking fit."

"I guess so," said Spike, "this is a life-or-death mission after all."

As the lights on the escape pods began flickering, Jimmy, Jerry, and Pinkie Pie had another round of who-could-eat-what.
"I bet I could eat all his muffins," said Jerry.

"Oh," responded Jimmy. "Well, I bet I could eat all his muffins, and his house. Yeah.

"Oh yeah," said Pinkie Pie. "I bet I could eat all his muffins, house, and automobile."

The escape pods then approached the giant popcorn meteor.

"Hey, look," said Jerry. "Some kind of a planet or something! Hey! Maybe that's where the Muffin Man lives!"

"Uh no, Jerry," said Jimmy. "He lives on Drury Lane."

"Yeah, silly," said Pinkie Pie, giggling. "Drury Lane is located in London, England, back on the planet of Earth."

"Oh yeah," said Jerry.

"Besides," said Rarity. "Where we're going has a different food product in mind."

The escape pods landed on the popcorn meteor's surface. They all exited, and Rarity grew Pinkie Pie, Spike, and herself back to regular size. Then Jimmy began to notice its material.

"Hey, what is this stuff? It's popcorn!"

"Yep," said Pinkie Pie, "an extra-large king-size serving, butter not included."

"LET'S EAT IT!!!" shouted Jimmy, Jerry, and Pinkie Pie right before they began to munch.

"Alright, Rarity," said Spike, "you blast, and I'll flame."

"Be gone, you maize menace!" Rarity declared as they all got to work.

Back on the bridge, everybody and everypony began to look worried.

"Do you think it's possible?" asked Scooter.

"I honestly think we still should have hope," said Applejack.

"If anyone can do it, they can!" said Junior.

"I hope will all be safe," prayed Fluttershy.

As the two gourds, earth pony, unicorn, and dragon, reduced the size of the popcorn meteor, the remaining veggies and ponies stared into space literally and worried over the possible dreaded outcome. Fluttershy even hid under the control panel with the veggies, as Twilight did her best not to allow distractions to catch her off-guard. Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood defiantly behind the bridge window in case they needed to use brute force as a last resort.

"Only ten seconds left," said Bob as he read the countdown clock, "I sure hope those gourds and Pinkie Pie were hungry."

"I also hope that Rarity and Spike didn't run out of magic and fire energy," said Fluttershy.

Bob then began to countdown when only five seconds were left.

"5...4...3...2...1...INCOMING!"
Bob, Larry, Junior, Scooter, and Fluttershy attempted to brace themselves as Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood confidently preparing to defend themselves and their friends. Jimmy, Jerry, Pinkie Pie, Spike, and Rarity, who was desperately holding her breath, flew onto the window.

"No more for me, thanks; I'm full," said Jimmy, who belched, "Excuse me." This caused Rarity to hold her breath even harder.

"Boy," said Spike, "I shouldn't have tried to eat so much in one sitting after my fire breath gave out. I'm going to vomit if I hear the word "popcorn."

"Get them in here!" shouted Bob.

"Beam us up, Scooter!" said Pinkie Pie.

As the Scooter got Jimmy, Jerry, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Spike back onto the bridge, Twilight Sparkle popped her head out from behind the control panel.

"My goodness, according to the manual, the mainframe should be working fine, but I still haven't gotten this blasted thing to function!"

Everybody else just gave awkward looks.

"Huh?" she wondered, confused, "what did I miss?"

Soon after, a celebration occurred: confetti was thrown, and everyone cheered for Jimmy, Jerry, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Spike.

"You saved the ship!" declared Bob.

"You saved all our lives!" proclaimed Fluttershy.

"Oh, it was nothing," said Jimmy.

"Nothing?" asked Scooter confused. "Yer telling me saving 364 lives by rapidly consuming 14,000 metric tons of popcorn is nothing?"

"That's how big the meteor was?" wondered Spike as he fainted, as Rarity helped get him back on his feet.

"I think Jimmy is just trying to be humble," said Applejack, "that is a personality trait to be proud of."

"But Jimmy, you deserve to bask in the glory; we're all heroes," said Rarity.

"Well, I guess maybe it's a little something," responded Jimmy.

"And to think I couldn't be your friend because you're different," said Scooter as he got emotional in a contagious matter.

"Why, if you weren't different, none of us would be here right now."

"Jimmy and Jerry," said Rainbow Dash, "you both are unusual, but that makes you awesome!"

Jimmy smiled at the praise and compliments he received as his brother noticed something peculiar.

"Hey guys, look at this! Well, Pinkie Pie and I got a little bit hungry, so we were just snacking on this end table."

"Pinkie Pie and Jerry," said Rarity, disgusted, "it's not polite to eat furniture; I mean, tables are not even edible. How can you still be hungry after scarfing down that popcorn meteor?"

"Yeah," said Twilight, "don't you remember what I said about not eating something that doesn't belong to you without asking."

"I know," said Pinkie Pie, "but the savory taste of the popcorn made us crave something sweet, and this table tasted like an Oreo cookie. I told you, you can use edible ingredients to make anything."

"Yep," said Jerry, "and we discovered this."

Everyone gasped as they noticed a loose plug.

"It's some kind of electrical plug or something," said Jerry.

Twilight Sparkle put her hoof to her face in a frustrated matter. "Ugh, that's why the control panel wasn't working; there was the unplugged cord. I thought it was the cord to the lamp on the end table."

"Plug it in!" shouted Junior.

Jerry placed the plug in the outlight as the bridge lit up to cheers all around.

"Why didn't I think of that?" wondered Scooter. "You guys are something else."

"It looks like we solved our first friendship problem in outer space," said Fluttershy.

"You know," said Jimmy, "it kind of reminds me of a song. Hit it, boys!"

Bob and Larry flew Junior, The Mane Six, and Spike in the little purple spaceship back to Junior's bedroom. As the spacecraft left, Fluttershy felt a little worried.

"I hope Junior's dad is not worried about where he was this whole time."

"It's alright, Fluttershy," said Twilight. "Time moves at a different pace in outer space. In fact, Junior, why don't you tell your father what you learned?"

"Dad! Dad! Come quick!"

"What is it?" Mike said as he entered, concerned. "Is something wrong?"

"Not at all, Mr. Asparagus," said Spike, "Junior just wanted to share some values he understands now."

"I just wanted to tell you that I'm going to invite Fernando to my party after all."

"Really? That was quick. What made you change your mind?"

Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that Mike wouldn't worry about Junior missing.

"Well, you know, being different can be good. Like maybe if my party is about to be smashed by a giant popcorn ball meteor, Fernando could eat it! Or maybe if the slime monster shows up and squirts all over from us, Fernando could maybe blast it with his x-ray eyes."

This caused the Mane Six and Spike to laugh.

"Now, Junior," said Applejack, "when we talk about Fernando being different, I think that is quite a stretch."

"Applejack is right, son; I don't think Fernando can do those kinds of things. But I bet you could teach about his country, and show you the kind of foods he likes to eat. Who knows, you might like it."

"Yeah, that sounds fun!" said Junior.

"Oh yes," said Pinkie Pie. "I'm sure Fernando would love tacos, nachos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas..."

Oh, sure, Pinkie Pie. You assume a Latino kid would love Mexican food. You don't even know where Fernando is from.

"Since when did you get so PC, Mr. Narrator," said Pinkie Pie.

"Uh," wondered Mike, "who is Pinkie Pie talking to?"

"It's Pinkie Pie," said Rainbow Dash. Don't ask. But don't feel uncomfortable, either. That's why we love unusual friends."

"I'm sure I'm proud of you for making the right decision, Junior. I'm also proud of your friends for advising you on this topic. But now it's time for sleeping. I love you, little mister."

"I love you, big mister."

"See you tomorrow," said Mike as he kissed his son on the head.

"Okay," responded Junior.

"Awe, they have such an adorable way of telling good night to each other," admired Fluttershy.

As Mike turned off the lights and shut the door, the little purple spacecraft flew into Junior's bedroom.

"Hmm," wondered Rarity, "what do Bob and Larry need this time?"

The spaceship flew right in front of Junior's face as he acted confused.

"What," Junior wondered, "what is it now?"

"Um, well, Lieutenant Larry here dropped our map right out of the spaceship."

"Sorry."

"That's alright, Larry," said Twilight, "everybody makes mistakes."

"And um," continued Bob. "We were wondering if you could just give us directions to the freeway? I think we can make it from there."

"Out the window, down the street, left at Mr. Slushy," instructed Junior.

"Great," said Bob. "Thanks"

"Wait," Pinkie Pie wondered, "couldn't Bob and Larry just fly over the freeway?"

Larry then began to argue with Bob about directions
.
"That's what I said. I said left at Mr. Slushy."

"Oh no, you said right. I distinctly remembering you saying right at Mr. Slushy!"

"Why would I say that? That'd be... that'd be crazy! I'm kind of thirsty. Can we stop at Mr. Slushy?"

"No! We need that money for tolls!"

The segment was about to end when.
..
"WAIT!!!!!! STOP THE ENDING MUSIC!" yelled out Pinkie Pie.

"Pinkie Pie?" Rainbow Dash asked with a raised eyebrow. "What the hay are you doing?"

"BOB AND LARRY COMEBACK!!!!"

"Please make it quick, Pinkie Pie," said Junior. "I need to get to sleep so I can prepare for my birthday party."

The little purple spacecraft flew back in front of Pinkie Pie's face.

"After eating up all that popcorn, with a dessert of Oreo side table. I feel thirsty and would like to check out Mr. Slushy. I got ample golden bits in my mane for everypony, so you don't have to worry about tolls. Which is confusing since you're not driving on the ground."

"Yeah," begged Larry, "please, Bob, my mouth more parched than the Sahara Desert."

Bob sighed, "All right, we'll make a quick stop. What are friends for anyway."

The little purple spaceship flew to the slushy shop, a convenience store with over fifty beverage flavors. When the group of nine entered, the jalapeno pepper clerk greeted everyone.

"Hola amigos," he said, "my name is Jose Jalapeno, and welcome to Mr. Slushy, home of the fifty frosty flavors of the fifty states."

"Hello, Jose," said Twilight, "it's nice to make your acquaintance."

"I am a first-generation immigrant from Cancun; I love living here in the great U.S.A. I moved with my wife and son, Fernando."

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!" said Pinkie Pie excitedly. "You're Fernando's father. Let's just say that he will soon make a new friend and be invited to a birthday party!"

"Oh, mios," said Jose, "my hijo is being embraced by the Americanos."

"See, I knew it, Mr. Narrator. Fernando is Mexican."

Alright, Pinkie Pie, you don't have to rub it in.

So Bob, Larry, The Mane Six, and Spike chose their flavors:

Bob: Ohio Orange

Larry: Georgia Grape

Twilight Sparkle: Wisconsin Watermelon

Applejack: Texas Tutti Fruitti

Rainbow Dash: Pennsylvania Pineapple

Rarity: California Cherry

Fluttershy: Louisiana Lime

Pinkie Pie: Michigan Mango

Spike: Delaware Dragonfruit

Pinkie Pie paid Jose for the beverages with her bits.

"Gracias caballo, these oodles of oros are more than enough."

Bob, Larry, The Mane Six, and Spike sipped their slushies, and when the last millimeter was swallowed, the Equestrian Gang transitioned back to the countertop to conclude the adventure.

Bob and Larry stood before QWERTY as Larry had something to say to Pinkie Pie.

"Thank you very much, Pinkie Pie, for buying us all slushies. You know what loving your neighbor is."

"You're welcome, Larry. There isn't a neighbor I wouldn't love to make happy."

Bob then spoke up and said, "We're over here by QWERTY to talk about what we learned today."

Bob had it up to there, with the "What We Have Learned" song interrupting him, and walked away from QWERTY to smash some music machinery on which the song was playing, causing one of the gears to roll away.

(Pause Music at 0:08)

"Come on now, Bob," said Fluttershy softly. There's no need to lose your temper and get destructive."

"Drastic actions done out of anger are quickly followed by regret," said Applejack. "Rainbow Dash knows that more than anypony here."

"What do you mean!" snapped Rainbow Dash. "Oops, sorry, Applejack."

"You just proven my point," Applejack deadpanned.

Bob walked back with a smile and said. "As I was saying..."

(Resume Music)

Bob began to scowl like he was about to blow his top.

"Don't worry, Bob; you'll get used to it," said Pinkie Pie. I think it's a lovely little melody to conclude our adventure."
Bob cleared his throat and finally got the chance to speak up.

"Ahem! In The Story of Flibber-o-Loo, we learned that loving your neighbor means helping people, even when we don't really feel like it."

"I think we also learned that those different from us like foreigners. Can even be more friendly than those who are more alike, such as our local mayor or doctor," said Twilight.

"In space," said Larry. "We learned that loving your neighbor means we can be friends with everybody."

"Yep," said Bob—even kids who are really different from us.

"We might even learn from them, too," added Larry.

"We also learn that peculiar personality traits can save lives," said Rarity. "Who knows when the next popcorn meteor could crush us to bits."

"If it's a meteor made out of gems, you can count on me to save the day," said Spike.

This statement made everybody laugh.

"Let's see if QWERTY has a verse for us today," said Bob.

QWERTY displayed the verse on its monitor as Bob read it out loud.

"Love your neighbor as yourself. Leviticus 19:18. Now, that means we should treat others just as we want to be treated."

"That's the golden rule!" declared Pinkie Pie.

"Oh, look at the time!" said Larry as his eyes noticed a clock off-screen.

"Well, that's all for now," said Bob. "Until next time, remember. God made you special, and he loves you very much. Bye!"

"Bye!" said Larry as they both hopped off the countertop to conclude.

The Mane Six and Spike exited the VR simulator as Bob and Larry exited the monitoring booth. They all noticed Professor Borlaug and Dr. Mendel in the basement about to present their newest invention.

"Bob and Larry," said Borlaug, "we've finished that creation you commissioned."

"Thanks, Borlaug and Mendel," said Larry, "what can you not invent."

"Hey, anything for the creators and host of the best direct-to-video Christian children's video series of all time," said Mendel.

"Great," said Bob, "now we can start our second program with this new invention."

"What would that be?" asked Twilight.

"Well," said Bob, "I'm proud of our efforts to convert Cozy Glow to Christ and for her rekindling her friendship with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Young Six."

"Uh-huh," said Larry, "so we decided to film a new series in Equestria with the ten of them. We can sell copies of the video series and even have them available for rent at our church library."

"That is just awesome!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash. "I can't wait to see what you guys have in store."

"Does that invention have to do with this new video program?" asked Spike.

"Correct, my dragon friend," said Mendel. "Many of the Christian children's video programs have a puppet character. Who is usually a bumbling sidekick for comic relief and is often depicted as an animal or a food product."

"This is because the video series have live-action human children," said Borlaug. "However, since we're going to have animals as the cast, we decided to create a wise human puppet and the voice of reason."

Borlaug and Mendel then walked over to a workbench in the basement with a tarp, and they announced simultaneously while pulling the tarp back.

"Presenting, Buzz-Saw Louie!"

Borlaug and Mendel revealed a little animatronic as a human boy with white skin and brown hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt, blue overalls, and a matching baseball cap.

"Awe, he's a cute little guy," admired Fluttershy.

"Hello friends, my name is Buzz-Saw Louie. I'm a sentient robotic boy who is an expert in carpentry."

"You are just a delightful darling," complimented Rarity.

"Thank you, madam. The reason for my name is because I have a buzzsaw built into my right arm; it benefits my carpentry business." Buzz-Saw Louie then began to show off his electronic cutting device.

"Is it wise you interact with the young uns with that deadly device in yer hand?" asked Applejack.

"Don't worry," said Louie. "I know better than to expose this bad boy next to vulnerable children. After all, I know every word about the Bible and live according to its principles. I took up carpentry just like Jesus did in his young life."

"Wow," said Pinkie Pie, "you're like if Pinnochio was the ideal son for Geppetto."

"Yep," said Louie, "and just like Pinnochio, I have a significant nose. If you press it, my voice box will give you a memory verse."

"Ooh," said Pinkie Pie with excitement, "let me try!"

Pinkie Pie pushed Louie's nose and a bible verse was spoken.

"John 3:16: God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son. Whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life."

"That's what the Apostle John said to Nicodemus," observed Twilight.

"Yep, it's the most famous verse of the Bible. If I'm correct, you've all got a wedding to plan. I hope to help decorate the wedding venue with my woodworking skills.

"I'm sure Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst would be more than welcome to have a handsome dude like you help," said Spike.

"Well, come on, everyone," said Rainbow Dash. "We've got a wonderful wedding to plan!"