Today was the day. I left my bed for the last time and cleaned up before heading for the door. I look behind me at the apartment I called home for years. If things go well I will be among the last to use this place. At least that was my hope. With a final nod I closed the door and headed for the cab. As the cab drove to my destination I looked out the window watching those outside. Most were walking from one location to another. A couple of pegasi flying together chatting. Just a normal day for them but the last such day for me. At least that was the likely outcome. For the good of everyone this had to be my last normal day. Soon I was in the building and headed straight for the medical lab. There the staff prepped me for what I was about to do. First I was stripped naked so to get all my vitals and likely easier to connect to the core. Then I saw the laser shavers. “What are those for?” I asked.

“We want to be sure of connection so no fur.” I sighed and let them strip me of my fur. After a few minutes I had no fur or even mane left. For the first time in my life I shivered. Soon I was walking the hallways trying to not cover myself. Many beings I know will soon see me in my birthday suit so better not get embarrassed. Soon I was in the core’s room with the core itself was open and waiting for me. I looked up at the control room and some looked down at me. Some quickly turned away while others blush. Well, at least I am sexy. I step into the core and walked to the center. As we prepared for this day we believe we found the program to get this all started.

“Let’s do this.” I said aloud since I know they could hear me.

“Activating.” Soon the core closed and I saw the core begin fill with the gel. Where the gel comes from? Magic. No seriously, the core had magic in it so likely a pocket dimension that stores the stuff. Then I felt sharp pain on my neck and back. In front of me the screen lit up. Assimilation commencing. And the next thing I knew I was seeing data fly in front of my eyes. Or at least that what it felt like. So much data entering my mind….it was so much. So much. Then everything went black.

When I came to I was floating in the gel. It felt warm and inviting.

“Assimilation complete.” A female voice said in her mind. “Hello organic processor.”

“Uh, hello. Um status?”

“The merging of this core and you organic processor has completed its early phase. Connections stable and we are ready for insertion into a ship.”

“Well we don’t really have a ship for us right now. Can I speak to the control room.”

“One moment…….Yes you can speak to them.”

“Then let me.”

“Done.”

“Hey guys, I am awake.”

“CARE!? By Celestia you has us worried. Are you okay?”

“So far Sand, I need to check things out but I figured let you know I am awake. I will get back to you after I check things out.”

“Got, good luck Care.” With a nod the core ended the connection for me.

“Now then, first question. Can I separate of I wanted to?”

“As of right now, yes. However the more time connected to the core the more your body becomes reliant on the core’s systems to function. In time separating would be fatal for you.” I looked down..well that was it then.

“Understood. The core’s status?”

“Fully operational, minus some memory files. Those are corrupted beyond repair.”

“Anything critical missing as a result?”

“Negative, seems likely the corrupted files were records this core personally recorded then any key operating files.”

“alright let me look over your files.”

“Granted.” Soon screens appeared before me and I started my work.

* * * * *

A day later I called a meeting of the staff to the conference room. When the staff arrived I made an image of myself on the screen. “Hello all.”

“Dr. Sager, how did you access this screen?” My boss asked. I smirked at him.

“You never revoked my clearance and the core is connected to our systems so it was easy. And don’t worry I have control of the core so no virus. I am still me at the end.”

“Okay, what do you have to report?” I gave him a smile.

“I managed to do a quick scan of the core’s files and while some are damaged beyond repair and those were mainly ship logs. So we don’t why we ended up on this planet. However many files are completely intact. Including these.” I adjusted the image so my avatar shrank and moved to the side to reveal blue prints. “These are blueprints for various ship systems. With these we can cut down on R&D and build our own ships sooner.” I saw smiles all around the table.

“So we can just build a fleet and explore.” I frowned.

“Not quite that easy I am afraid.” They looked at me curiously as I continued. “The reason the core and others like it were built is that standard computers take a long time to calculate a small jump for just one ship. While a fully functioning core which we now have can do it in fraction of the time and more energy efficiency.”

“So we can't have an escort fleet for the Mothership.” One of staff members commented. I shook my head.

“Not correct. As a core I can do calculations for a whole fleet its a big reason why we only found one in the wreckage. You only needed one and likely the cost of having one is high. It cost you a ponies life. But heck a trade off right?” They all looked around sad. What this cost me was now in their minds. “But moving on with this and other tech we can have a fleet done earlier then expect giving us more time to find Equus or a more suitable home for us all.” They cheered up a tad and I shared the knowledge I have gained from the core.

* * * * * *

That night I called my cousin. In a couple minutes she answered in her pjs.

“Care?”

“Hey Cloud.” I replied smiling with my avatar. “Told you I would keep in contact if I could.”

“So I guess it worked.”

“Better then we thought. It was all worth Cloud. It has cut time by years.”

“I guess that is good.”

“Please don’t be sad Cloud. I am saving our family by doing this. As long as our family survives the price is worth it.”

“If you are sure?” I nodded.

“I am, so tell me about your day?” The next two hours we chatted about her day. It was good.

* * * * *

It's been five years since I merged with the core. It was now my home since I could no longer leave the core without dying. Its been….interesting. I discovered I didn’t need to sleep. I tried a couple of times but was in the end useless. I just wasn’t mentally tired anymore. So I worked on things. Adapting the plans stored in my core, oversee the construction of our scout fleet and the construction of the Hope ofMarack. And today was a big day the Hope was completed enough that my core can be installed. Right now I was on a shuttle to my new home. With the wireless connection I had I could view the approach to the Hope from the various sensors or cameras. The Hope of Marack was in the shape of a horseshoe with two engine banks on the arms. Most of the arms was engineering and factory sectors. With the main curve housing the cryo areas, crew quarters and of course me. Right now only the crew area was nearly complete thus my move in so I can oversee the rest of the construction of what will be in essence my body. As we approached I played the latest addition of my song.

“I still don’t understand your fascination with this music.” The core commented.

“Because I like it and it fits the mood.” I swear I could feel an eye roll from the core. I watched on with my music play. The shuttle approaches a special docking port. One made solely for my core. The shuttle shifted and the cargo area where I was contained was opened. On the other side I saw the docking area open and I saw the inside of my ship for the first time. Granted it was only the corridor filled blast doors to protect me from potential fire. Two soldiers in space suits directed my core through the corridor. As we pass by a door it closed and sealed behind us. After a few minutes of this the last blast door sealed behind me and they connected large thick cables to my core and soon display screen appeared around her organic body. Many displayed no signal screens which was expected. But several did have signals And I checked their readings before I was ready to talked to the captain. This will be the first time I use the new hologram emitters. One was by the captain. I soon activated it and looked at him. He was a pegasus stallion. “Hello Captain.” He glanced my way and had a shocked look.

“Doctor Sager! What is this!?” I tilted my head which was mimicked by my avatar.

“What is it captain?”

“You’re naked!”

“I am always naked now. Your point?”

“Why is your avatar naked?” I sighed and glared at him.

“Oh I don’t know. Maybe it’s the fact that I am permanently merged with an ancient object. That my only interactions with anyone is through screens or holograms. That maybe I like to have some choice in my life since I am now more or less your main computer. Tartarus, I will never touch another being again or be touched by them so excuse me that I might want to choose my appearance!” He at least looked uncomfortable after my rant. I kept glaring at him for a bit. Admittedly it might be the influence of the core but I just don’t see the use of clothes, especially for me.

“System status?” He asked. I dropped since he seemed to.

“All completed systems are fully operational and running smoothly. And will be more efficient under my care.”

“Understood doctor.”

And thus my life began its next stage.

Author's Note

and here's the music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCHWZ8LviWs