//-------------------------------------------------------// Stranger In Equestria -by Choosingzero- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// The Drop. //-------------------------------------------------------// The Drop. “Sir we have all systems online.” Comes the female voice in the dark room. “Warp portal accurate. Systems confirm we made a successful entry.” The voice is electronic and friendly, its call causing a figure to shift in the dark. He wears a special armor that automatically blends to whatever is nearby, or as he chooses. He finds it unnecessary and annoying right now so he switches it off, he realizes he must have forgotten to earlier. “What's our location?” Asks a male voice, rather deep and odd, he sits up in his suit of reactive armor “We are now orbiting our target location....” Replies the Voice. “Name it for me.....” Retorts the man in the armor. The voice sighs “Equestria...” The man nods approvingly “Activate the lights.” “Yes sir.” Replies the voice. The ceiling flickers for a moment and then a bright light illuminates the room. The man stands up from his queen sized bed, the typical modern room for his race, a desk a TV and a large bed. Yet there are no windows. A blue screen takes over the wide screen television and a pale woman with long brown hair and red eyes. Her face very elven in appearance, very elegant and beautiful. The man regards not her face, instead he looks in the mirror regarding his now gray sleek padded armor. A glass slit down down his oval shaped helmet, the torso small and slender, perfect for stealth but also just strong enough to take a blow from any asylum demon..... He stands looking for any age, not even bothering to remove his helmet for he knows his race shows no sign of aging past 25 until he they die. He is happy to note no dust, dry rot {Not that there ever was} or even a musk from extended travel. “Short trip huh Eve?” He comments wiping the glass down his helmet, damn glass always manages to get something or another over it. He looks to the mirror his vision much clearer. Yet still no signs of prolonged sleep. “Yes sir, total time.... processing........ two weeks.” Replies Eve. “Since when do you process?” Replies the man. “I just woke up myself you know...” replies Eve with a smile. The man looks to the friendly face, his companion, his partner, his friend. The sentient machine infused with the soul of another assigned to him specificity to meet his needs and abilities. It is common for Atronachs like her, and their assigned partners to develop a sub relationship “Tell me about Equestria.” The man asks lifting his helmet, he reaches into a hidden pouch right below his shoulder blade pulling out an old fashioned cigar. He lifts a gloved hand tensing a hand muscle, the motion creates a little flare of fire that he uses to light it. He places the cigar near his bearded face, biting onto to it before inhaling. As soon as he does he heaves forward coughing painfully. “You do know that is an original right?” Asks Eve to the now red faced man who heaves the cigar away. “I thought I said a cerulean cigar!” he hollers his lungs burning with the tarnish nicotine The woman on the screen recoils, its rare for her to be yelled at, it frightens her. Her mood changes into an apologetic senser “Oh I thought you said.... never mind I'm so sorry Vincent.” She begs. Vincent looks to her with his green eyes, slit down the middle as all of his race. He sees he has scared his friend, he knows she is terrified of him, as all Atronachs are of humanity when they are first assigned to them. He calms his nerves “It's okay just give me the Cerulean and a hypo servonic stem please, before I pass out.” He calmly asks, trying his hardest to remain calm as he had just breathed something he is allergic to. “Of course sir right away.” Stammers Eve. Suddenly the wooden floor slides open and out comes a metal box, it opens up and inside it contains a small syringe containing a pink liquid. Along with a small box reading Cerulean's finest on the side. The man reaches for the box his hands quivering as he opens the carton, he pulls out a finely tied cigar, green in color. He lights it and pops it in his mouth. “Priorities first.....” Comments Eve. Vincent chuckles as he lights the cigar, taking in the pure smock, unlike old cigars these are actually good for you to smoke. He smiles feeling his little addiction subside before he reaches for the hypo. He quickly jams the needle into the main artery in his neck grunting slightly as he pushes down the plunger. He then pulls the now empty syringe before laying his shaking head back on to the side of his bed. A moment of silence and deep breathes as he allows the toxins in his body to be eradicated as the servonic germ eats all the dangerous residue from a two week sleep out of his body. A sudden tightening in his stomach identifies that it has indeed finished its job. “Bag.” He manages to choke out. “Already next to you.” Answers Eve, in truth he sees a little mechanical arm retract back under his bed, leaving a small brown paper bag in its leave. The man greedily takes it into his gloved hands before unleashing a small ball of black bile into it. He spits into it making sure all toxins have been removed before calmly laying his head restfully back onto the bed. 'You know if I were an old-style human I would be dead right now.” He comments looking to Eve who watches in caution at her newly assigned partner. “If you were an old-style human you would have been dead long ago.” She tells him scanning his age. He smiles back with a toothy grin “You calling me an old man?” He feigns being offended while taking another drag from his cigar, the grin never leaving his face. “Hardly, if my scans are correct you are only 300 years old.” She replies with sarcasm. “Oh so I’m a child now?” Vincent hisses back. “I didn't mean... I... I'm sorry sir.” Replies Eve with a worried expression. {What is it with Atronachs?} He thinks to himself giving Eve a look through the screen {They always think I am about to kill them} His mind gripes. Atronachs live only a 8th of a human's prolonged life span. This is his first one, and this is also his first world along with his first job as a beholder. “So tell me of this world.” He asks getting up from his restful position, taking to a old-style desk computer and sitting in his work space chair. He rolls it across the wooden floor and sits a respectful distance away from Eve's image. “Didn’t you read the report you were given on the planet? I'm sure it was given to you during your briefing.” Eve asks. “Pfft....” smirks Vincent “Reading everything about a planet just makes it no fun, I just want to know where I'm landing.” Replies Vincent Eve once again sighs a small screen with a view of the location, Vincent jumps to cover the smaller screen with his hand. “Ah ah no pictures I want to discover it for myself, just tell me the basics.” He demands with a warm smile. Eve rolls her eyes, disabling the smaller screen. “You are landing in rather hostile forest now as the.... EverFree Forest right outside of a town named....” Her expression faltered, showing a small amount of disbelief “You’re going to love this.... Ponyville.” Answers Eve with a grin. Vincent's expression drops into a face of  ‘oh god what?’ “I'm sorry could you repeat that?” He asks, it sounds absolutely retarded. “Yes sir, Ponyville in a continent named after the planet. Ruled by two.... scanning.... hmm interesting.” Eve muses looking across a data screen invisible to any naked eye. “What?” Asks Vincent, it must be something good for an Atronach to even really become interested or confused. “Sir you better come look at this.” Replies Eve Vincent takes emergency and begins to head towards the door., “I'll be down in a minute.” He says looking back to Eve. Eve just simply nods. Vincent opens the dark wooden door, outside it is something completely different. A metal hall, white and sterile, like something you would see aboard an alien space ship. Vincent just simply turns and shuts the wooden door. The change in scenery is all but abnormal to the man as he has enjoyed it for a few years now. He turns back to the well lit hall, whistling as he walks down it. A fork comes at the end, one simply reading 'Cabin' and the other on the left reading 'Central Atronach core' . He takes a left. Heading down the metal stairs his padded armored feet making no a single sound as the are made for. A metal door slides out of the way at the bottom, revealing yet another large room, this one containing large computer equipment and various other scientific equipment. He walks to the robotic woman, her skin white and separated in slits of armored limbs shaped that of a human. Various cords a wires attach the super AI to the massive machine. “Good morning Vincent.” Says Eve with a smile. “Morning.” He replies his exuberant mood now simply quiet contentment. Eve opens her hand a simple black mug builds from nothing in her hands, in a second it fills just below the brim with a hot creamy liquid. She places it onto of a table covered in old scrolls and books. “Creamer and sugar, two teaspoons of each, just how you like.” Eve kindly tells Vincent pointing to the mug. “Oh thank you.... God know’s I need caffeine.” he takes the mug into his hand and gingerly takes a sip of the correctly temperatures drink.” He looks surprised to Eve, the coffee is absolutely perfect in every way. “How did you...” He stammers in question, he seriously just met this woman. 'Unlike you I read reports.” She replies bringing a hand in front of her, a small screen appears from thin air in front of her. “Master Vincent, human, age 300 and 40 days old. Likes.... meh its a long list.” Eve comments lazily motioning her hand across the screen making it close up and disappear. Vincent gives her an appraising look before deciding he likes her... “Well that’s all good then, now what did you want me to see?” He asks narrowing his gaze to the scrolls. He takes a rather large one into his hands opening it. Oddly enough he finds it in English But something prevents him from reading what it actually says, it blocks his mind. He growls placing it back on the table “Magic....” He grumbles. “Yes sir indeed, this world utilizes magic, scans indicate, this world uses....” Vincent motions his hand in a swipe.. “Nope! No spoilers.” He snarls. “But sir I...” Eve pleads Vincent merely glares at her. “Very well, but this information I have to give you.” Her voice slightly agitated. Now its Vincent's turn to roll his eyes “Fine what is so important? I wish to drop soon.” “This....” Eve responds motioning her hand. Vincent reacts to a screen appearing now in front of his face, the screen covered in words simply scrolls down quickly barely obtainable by normal means, but Vincent's smile grows in interest as his mind picks the words out with ease. “Celestia?” He wonders. “A goddess..hmm now since there is only one god that must mean she is a....” He asks looking to Eve, waiting for her to confirm his suspicion. She nods with a happy smile. Vincent clasps his hands together “Oh that is fantastic!” He shouts motioning the screen away. “I can't believe a watcher of god is here and I have the honor of meeting her! Oh this is just great, I must be dropped at once!” He shouts in excitement nearly hopping in joy.     “As you wish Vincent, head towards the bay, I already have all of your equipment, including your weapons and other special needs.” Replies Eve. “Good I’ll head there now.” Replies Vincent as he heads out the door. “Humans....” Discourages Eve as she sits back unto her metal chair, readying her mind fro transport. She connects her systems to the entire ship “I’ll be back in a while girl okay?” She whispers to her ship who only gives silence in reply. She closes her eyes. Vincent doesn’t bother to take in the repetitive details of the maze in this damn vessel. He has been through and through dozens of times aboard this empty ship. He runs up to a large square red door. A sign that reads. :Warning vacuum present engage vita suit: Vincent simply clicks his helmets mask down again, once again letting a black sheet of smooth glass cover his face from the outside. He looks to his wrist twitching his forearm at a 90 degree angle. A light blue screen pops up, “Vitals.” Vincent says to the device. The screen has a little blue line going across it now as Vincent patiently waits for it to scan. Suddenly the line disappears and out comes a whole array of data. Heart beat, blood pressure, blood toxicity... .all reads normal. He turns his arm clenching his fist, causing the screen to return back to nothing. “Eve I’m all set.” He calls out to the door, looking to the weird oval camera hanging by a metal arm, it focuses on him, its orange lens making a whirring sound as it turns. “Okay, looks good.” She tells him, the camera whirring back away from him, now just going back to its boring sway. “Are you ready?” Vincent asks statistically “Hmp... one moment a girl needs her time.” Snaps back Eve. Vincent puts his hands up in a defensive gesture “Sorry... just tell me when you’re ready.” He apologizes. A few moments go by, Vincent shifting now impatient “Are you always this impatient.” Asks Eve, the camera apparently having being watching him. He simply grunts in reply. “Okay I'm all ready, the drop pod will be dropping in three minutes.” Eve finally tells Vincent “Please pick my key mainframe and slide it into the ignition slot when inside.” “Okay hurry and open up.” Vincent growls. The square door slams open immediately. Making Vincent jump a little “Smart ass.” He mutters walking in. “Be careful what you wish for, the mainframe is right by the...” Eve starts but Vincent inevitably interrupts him. “Yea I see ya...” He grunts lifting the clear metal box, inside the box is an entire array of circuits, millions in fact. One of these boxes {They are made to transport Atronaches} can carry nearly infinite data, its value equivalent in that of the cost of eight whole worlds of resources. Of course humans no longer care for money, they're tiny race barely consisting of a hundred, noe of these needs are an economy. they only have a central command. Vincent carefully hands the box and looks to the huge drop pod. It stands at around 20 feet in the air, its body is red and inflamed with pink hues along the rims. Its cylinder shape arched down into a drill head meant to borrow through literally anything, it is a gift of the asylum.... A large panel lowers “Drop in T minus 2 minutes and 30 seconds All passengers board now.” Demands a male and very unfriendly voice. Vincent ignores it, calmly walking up the rigid ramp, and into the interior. “Damn....” He thinks aloud looking at the wall of machinery, “May I ask what half this crap is?” Asks Vincent who now looks to the box in his hands. “2 and half minutes Vincent.....” Reminds Eve. “Meh alright...” He simply walks up to the square hole in the wall, the lights being off obscures all the electronic equipment. He gently slides the cube inside the slot and immediately the drop pod lights up. Vincent looks up, the cigar barely hanging from his mouth. “Damn... that’s a lot of equipment...” He says looking rows upon rows of various machines, varying from eccentric and very devastating weaponry to top of the line medical equipment an shield boosters all very retro. “Well you want to be with the best when being shot down to a class five...” Replies Eve, a row of small blue lines go across the circuity lighting up the pod even more. Vincent catches the cigar “Class 5 eh?” He wonders. “Isn't class 7 the max level?” He asks the powering Atronach. “Yes sir, there is no time for discussion just now, you should have read the report.....” Comments Eve, now she manages the ordinates “Mark V Class 5 ultra, know for magic, Demi gods, and really pissed off indigenous lifeforms. Many are truthfully magnificent for they are actually just like a lot of the creatures of legend from mankind’s history.” Eve adds while checking all systems, Vincent just stands there knowing it is very dangerous to attempt to touch any of this tech before it is properly scanned. “Is that so? Hmm how is the culture of this place?” He asks blowing clear smoke into the air. Eve stops what she is doing, “I thought you said you didn't want any spoilers.” She asks with aggravated curiosity Vincent turns around, the room lights up and thankfully there is a chair just waiting for him. He takes a seat relaxing in the rubber seat. “Well I thought it would be something below a class 5, the people here must be viscous to even reach class 4.” He comments laying his head back. “Actually its the exact opposite.” Eve says in surprise “There is absolutely no war between any of the races on this planet whatsoever. A few disagreements and other such things but war is nearly unheard of.” “Then why the hell is it a class 5?” Eve sighs “Dropping in 10... 9.... you might want to hold on to something.” She says continuing the countdown. “Already have it HOLY CRAP!” He shouts at the sudden down force, the ship above orbit flashes for a moment before something the size of a flea ejects from its main port. After the shot is fired the ship reverts to its cloaked form before being spotted by the planets inhabitants. Meanwhile in PonyVille a purple unicorn just so happens to be looking through a telescope right as a red ball of fire rains from the sky. She watches in awe as the hellfire object drops down without making a single sound. After a moment she pushes the telescope out of the way, it is no longer needed as whatever is coming. The object has entered the atmosphere, and its big. Twilight Sparkle watches wide eyed as it lands somewhere off in the Everfree forest. “Spike! Spike!” She calls out trying to remember exactly the strange object has landed A little green dragon walks into her library rubbing his eyes in exhaustion “What is it Twilight?” He asks before yawning, he then looks to the ticking clock on the wall “It's 6:00 in the morning.” “I know Spike an I’m sorry to wake you up so early but this is an emergency!” Twilight says her voice upping a few octaves in excitement Spike gives her a certain look “Please don't tell me you forgot to send another letter....” He asks. “No no Spike, this is something different a comet has landed in the Everfree Forest!” Twilight exclaims before giving Spike a menacing stare “And also I thought I told you I am over that incident.” . The news perks Spike up a bit “A comet?” Really?” “Yes Spike, I need you to take a letter.” Twilight instructs to her little friend,Twilight’s horn lights up, she uses her purple magic to lift a scroll and quill to Spike who eagerly takes the items. “A comet huh... that would be awesome” He says opening up the blank scroll before nodding to Twilight. “Eh hem...” The mare readies her voice “Dear Princess Celestia, I have wonderful news! Just moments ago a ball of red fire fell from the sky. I am unsure of its origins or what it may contain but it seems to have been some sort of strange comet that I have never seen before. It landed due northeast of my home, I would like to know if me and my friends should investigate it or if you would want to handle the matter yourself. Your faithful Student Twilight Sparkle.” She finishes the letter. Spike closes the scroll placing a small seal in the middle, after the seal is emplaced he breaths his green fire sending the note away. “There we go, now what do we do now?” “Well we should wait for....” Spike burps out a gust of green flame a scroll with the royal crest. “Well that was fast...” Comments Spike as he picks up the scroll. Twilight’s eyes light up in excitement “What does it say?” Spike clears his throat and reads. To my Dearest Faithful Student Twilight Sparkle. I have quickly noted on this new discovery and I am happy you sent this report. I haven't heard of any comet landing in equestria in ages and I am curious to what secrets it may behold. I believe it would be a fantastic idea for you and your friends to explore this alien thing. Who better could I ask for to scout out such an event! But please be cautious, if anything is to happen or appear that you and your friends can't handle you are to call me at once.I will be there immediately. Otherwise have fun and please report any abnormalities you may find. Spike closes the letter “What could possible come from a ball of fire that could possible be dangerous?” Asks spike as he places the note on the table. Twilight rolls her eyes, using her magic to place it on one of the top shelfs with a few others. “I honestly don't know spike, I haven't read anything on any sort of comets landing in Equestria like this.” “Now that is a surprise.” Remarks Spike under his breath. “What was that?” Asks Twilight wondering what sly comment the baby dragon might have said. “Oh nothing...” Spike replies quickly before changing back subjects “Now about this comet, when do you think we should investigate it?” Twilight looks out her window with a determined expression “As soon as possible." About a mile away from the stargazing mare lies a crater with a sizable metal drill directly in the center. A limping man walks out in a full suit of his gray armor, its camo unactivated at the moment so its perfectly visible “Just a couple of G's they said, barely any force they said.....” He grumbles while clambering out of the pit. “Oh quit your complaining.” Mocks Eve from inside his helmet. “Atronachs aren't annoying they said....” Vincent continues. “Hey!” Vincent chuckles “What's the air toxicity here anyway?” He asks standing over the pit, he looks back, even though the pit is meters deep, the drop pod pokes a few meters out of the hole. Making a temple like appearance. “Why don't you take off your helmet and find out?” Retorts Eve. “Touchy.... but seriously whats the air toxicity?” He demands this time. Eve sighs scanning the air. “Hmm actually its very much similar to earth, slightly higher oxygen levels but thats more helpful than harmful really, you can actually take off your helmet if you want.” Vincent unlatches his connecting pieces from the lower links of his helmet, air pressure spews from the small venting ports along the ridged line going down his spine, releasing the filtered air as he removes the inner tubing. He lets his long black hair drop freely as he slides the metal and glass helmet of his head, taking in a deep breath of the fresh air. He notices now, how the forest around him looks very much like earth's trees... very much like them..... it appears to him that it may be fall or something considering the similarities of plant life and that the trees all have different colored leaves ranging from brown to gold. This is indeed a beautiful forest to be standing in. He takes another deep breath of what would be nice cool air if not for the steaming and grinding machinery behind him, but he still gets a whiff of a fresh breeze containing a comforting smell of fresh fallen leaves and clear air. “Smells like fall to me...” He thinks aloud. Eve scans the area “Hmm this world is puzzling, I am picking up many similarities to earth, plantlife wise anyway, there are a few unidentified species of insects and other plant life mixed in with plants nearly identical with that of earths.” Vincent pops a cigar from his shoulder pocket, but this time he thinks about it. He rather enjoys the air here, not stale and boring like on the ship. He puts the cigar back into its quiver and walks to a tree.He sighed tiredly, his aching body racks with stress from the sudden change in scenery and the aches from a bad drop. “Sorry about the rough drop, the atmosphere here has a lot more resistance than my scans picked up.” Says Eve. Vincent nods “Yeah I understand, no ones perfect I suppose.” He replies watching the leaves sway in the wind, ignoring the machines that are now cutting a segment of them out of his line of sight. The pods automated systems have started to kick in, now they devour a small amount of the large and strange trees, cutting them for wood and forming furniture to Vincent's liking. The machines use mechanical arms and saws to cut and bend perfectly cut planks of wood winch a single processing until can make 40 planks in a matter of seconds. Then it uses the wood to form an appropriate homestead {With built in mechanic hidden throughout the entire thing of course} to the area. The crater the pod created on impact is sizable enough for a decent basement {For starters} That will allow all the machines to story and spread out, allowing the self automated machinery to build a proper home for Eve as quickly as possible. The machine work hard and quick scanning the area for any abnormalities such as large rocks {which will be made into stone furnishings or outlines if need be} or any drops or escalations. Luckily this area is completely flat and easy to work with. Allowing the machines to go ahead and start building immediately. This house is just for starters, a two storied building ranging in size of 30k square feet. A beautiful Victorian architecture fitted to Vincent's taste and design, is designed and formed on a set of schematics ordered by the machines themselves based on the area. Wooden just and pillars are placed in a set and cleared area before lines of ever ready wiring and machines take their places along the walls of the structure Systems ready to poke from the seemingly simple walls at any time Vincent may be in need, or some idiot triggers a defense system {Which are mostly non lethal} Vincent rest his head listening to the grinding and sawing of the machines, appreciating this truly unnecessary task the machines perform. “I thank you for this...” He comments not bothering to watch the machines,he knows he will be please with the results. Eve takes little notice of Vincent, for she is very busy, but she does respond “Oh its nothing Vincent, I know you humans have your taste and needs, without them you wouldn't be able to do your job very well now could you?” She replies. Vincent smiles “No I suppose not. Hey got anything in food storage that wouldn't be bothersome to toss?” He asks. A whistling noise comes towards him, he lifts an open hand and catches a red apple from mid flight. “Thank you.” He says taking a bite from the sweet fruit. “Mm hmm.” Replies Eve as she refocuses back on the task at hand. Vincent feels cozy in this spot under a large dark wood tree, “Would it be alright if this particular tree is left alone?” He asks his eyes borrowing “Of course it is quite a specimen to be so bold.” Eve says looking at the great tree, it would be nice to have such a thing in the yard. “How long will this take?” Vincent simply asks still looking at the golden leaves, he hasn't seen nature like this in well over 20 years.... he finds it difficult to not stare. “These things require two hours at minimum be patient.” Replies Eve. “There is no rush I was just curious, one final question.” He asks. Eve twitches for a second, but this being the final question is quite uplifting. “Yes?” “What time is it?” “Scans tell that by this planets time it is 6:30 why?” Eve answers. “I just want to know, wake me when the jobs done.” Replies the odd man who now restfully lies at the bottom of a great tree, the mesmerizing sound of the machines offering a near lullaby which puts him sound to sleep. Eve smiles through her spirit “Sweet dreams my dear Vincent." She whispers under her breath before returning to the job at hand. Back in Ponyville....... “Alright girls yall ready?” Twilight stands at the village square, or the market really with her group of friends. “Yep...” an Orange Pony with a very southern accent replies. “Oh am I. I wonder if such a thing will contain anything gem like,ah maybe a new kind of gem!” Reacts an excited White unicorn. “Yep I’m all set here.” squeals an annoyingly cute pink pony, who for some odd reason has decided to wear a full set of mining gear complete with a hard hat with a flashlight. Only god knows where she got that from. “Hey wait where 's Fluttershy?” Pinkie asks looking around, the others turn their heads aiding Pinkie in a search for the cream colored mar, but there's no sign of her. “Huh she said she would be here with Rainbow Dash at this time.” Comments Twilight sparkle. “That's what I reckoned to.” Adds Apple Jack. Rarity listens carefully while searching the sky, the gibbering crowd in the town square makes it hopeless for any chance to listen for any flapping wings. “Okay every pony I think they might have gotten caught up with something, Celestia is expecting a report very soon.” Twilight says looking to the large clock that now reads 8:30. “I wonder what could possibly have gotten in there way.” Wonders Rarity, it is odd for either of them to simply not show up. AJ smile “Dash is probably having to drag the scared mare outa her house to get her here. Y’all know how Fluttershy can be.” AJ comments in light hearted humor. Twilight and Rarity nod in agreement. Pinkie has been surprisingly quiet for the last couple of seconds, the other mares find it odd how she hasn’t made anything impossible happen. “Pinkie do you have anything to say?” Asks Twilight. Pinkie looks up to her, her expression seeming to show sadness or worry “Oh we can't just go with out them Twi it wouldn't be fair.” She says with a puppy dogs expression. Twilight agrees, she would rather wait for them, but Celestia must know of this phenomenon ASAP and Twilight does not wish to keep her waiting. “I know Pinkie, hey I will leave a note just in case okay?” She answers Pinkie hoping to lift her spirits a little. “Yea that way they will know what happened and they will know where to go right Twilight?” Asks AJ taking Pinkie in her arm. “Mm hmm that's right all right we all set?” “Yep.” The mares reply.