//------------------------------// // Just a Call Away: 8 // Story: Streaming, Unintended! // by Ponyess //------------------------------// . Since we need a few more Ponies, it was my job to acquire them. Just the small detail with the problem, they couldn't be found in the stores. Now, what to do? The one obvious reaction, call the supplier. With that, I had to call the Customer Support at Hasbro, simple as that. Considering that Hasbro does put effort in selling the Dolls, just as well as producing the show we love to see. I may be here for the research, but why would that prevent me, or stop me from enjoying a well thought through and animated show? Finding the number to call wasn't all that hard, it was actually supplied in the package of each and every individually sold Pony, or other product. With that, I set out to call them. Maybe I shouldn't be all that surprised, when the cheerful voice on the other side of the line replied. “Custom Services, Hasbro. How may I help you? The girl chirped. “Hi. I just have a slight problem. I can't find the dolls I hoped to find!” I responded hopefully in response to the chirp. “Which doll or dolls are you currently missing in your collection?” she chirped on in response. “Dr. Whooves, Nurse Redheart. DJ Pon-3 aka Vinyl Scratch, the Mayor, and a Carpenter. These would be great!” I put forth, still positively optimistic. “The DJ, the nurse and Dr. Whooves are fairly easy. The Mayer should be no problem. Though the Carpenter isn't on the top of our list here. I could send them by mail, for a small additional fee for postage, and for development on the Carpenter. Is it okey if I mail them to the address registered to this phone?” she enquired. “Ah yeah, that would be perfectly fine. The standard size would be just fine. I may consider ordering further Ponies later, if it isn't a problem!” I continued. “All except the last of your request could be with you within a week, I can't promise an exact date on a special order, sadly!” she explained. “I guess we will just have to make due. Hope there is no problem with making an exhibition with a small scene for them!” I then enquired. “So long as it isn't public or for profit, I can see no problems there!” she chirped in renewed joy. “I see, that is just fine. I can't foresee any profit from the exhibition and it isn't supposed to be public. I would have the first group in about a week?” I responded. “That is great, and yes. About a week is what it will take!” she chirped. “Then I will not take more of your time. Good day!” I responded. “Thanks, and a good day to you as well!” she chirped as I hung up, thus concluding the deal. Looking around at the small office at the University. Just the wooden desk with a phone and computer screen on. I had not had the time to make it my own, so it remains spartan, devoid of all personal effects. The chair is fairly comfortable. I couldn't exactly complain, now could I. Printer and all such extra equipment is available in the main office section. I had little to no use of any of all these expensive devices. I don't even know for exactly how long I was to work as secretary for this highly unorthodox and unusual project. I guess I am merely happy for each and every day at this point. The job is paid, it is fun to take part in the project, so I enjoy it as much as I dare. Now, what was I to do. I had made my call, I had the response and the promise of the Dolls I had initially asked for, even if one was to be delayed. That couldn't be helped, apparently, even though it was the most critical of all the Ponies. I guess we will just have to sit tight and wait for the Carpenter? In the end, I switched the sign on the door from Busy to Open. The next moment the door goes up, she had been waiting for my call to be finished. I should have known, it is after all her project. “How did it go, they did answer, right?” she enquired eagerly. “Answered? Not only that, the first group will be here in about a week, she promised. She was quite eager, the way I see it!” I responded. “That is promising, I guess I could say, then? First group? You were not asking or all that many, did you? What Ponies are on the second group?” she then enquired further. “On the second group, only the Carpenter. Which incidentally is the one we were most eager to have, wasn't it!” I continued. "Exactly. So, which Ponies do we get now? There is no third group, is there?” she responded. “Dr. Whooves, Nurse Redheart and DJ Pone-3. They should give our Ponies some fun and comfort, but I would have preferred the Carpenter. I guess health and entertainment would be an asset for them, at least, I interjected. “Did you say Dr. Whooves is with the first shipment?” she responded. “Yes, that is curious. Then I guess we will see just how much our Ponies are capable of. If they are limited to standard physics, such as we know it, or if they would have any further capabilities. Not that it was part of the original experiment, but it may prove as important if not more so than the project. If only we could prove it and tap into what they are capable of?” I put forth. “If this comes out, we may as well order more Ponies. I may need the entire set here. I am considering what we're about to do here. There may be far-reaching consequences to where we are about to launch ourselves here. Aside from grants much greater than what I had initially anticipated!” she exclaimed. “Do you suggest I bring in additional assistants on this segment of research, or look into what further grants may fall within the border of the Project, such as it may turn out with the latest development?” I enquired eagerly. “I do not know who Dr. Whooves is, but if he is anything the likes of a Dr. Who, it may be wise to enlist further help on the project. I have little to no interest or experience of the field on which we are about to trample. My main interest is to explore the effects I exposed my Sister. Not to say I mind furthering the Project, just to see what turns up behind the next bend on the road!” she put forth. “Good thing I have a week, before we need to worry about who our latest Ponies like Dr. Whooves is!” I expressed. “For once, I guess I am thankful for how long Packaging and Postage takes. Though I would ask you to find a Physics assistant, for a short time position, for starters. If something turns up, the job may be prolonged for as long as required!” she pointed out. “I'm on it. I'll be looking out for further assistants, test subjects and what ever you deem required at the time!” I responded, with a widening grin on my face. “My little Project is growing out of proportion. It is growing out of my hands here. I sure could use the help!” she stated. “It was a good and interesting little project, for as long as that lasted. Now it may turn out to become something more and potentially infinitely more serious. I just hope we can enjoy our little corner of this Project!” I pronounced. “Me too!” she agreed as she walked out of the small room with a strange smile fleeting on her lips. With that, she had left me alone. Her little Pet project had grown into a circus, then turned into a Monster about to become a Monstrosity. She had given me the soul responsibility to help her out, maintaining it levelled and manageable here. Should I mind? I feel honoured in some ways, considering the responsibilities and the joy it is to see the little Ponies. I am keeping them happy, with what little I could provide, for now.