> Chronicles of Luna: Future Past Equation
>  by Pony of Science
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: Unknown Factors
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 1: Unknown Factors

Tall Tale, A rather recent and modern addition to Equestria’s landscape of cities; not the near overwhelming metropolis Manehattan was, nor the sprawl of Los Pegasus, it distinguished itself through its modernity. 

This was the city that Princess Luna found herself, along side a couple dozen-earth ponies, awaiting transport. 

The station they all waited at was a touch strange; no train tracks, no taxi carriages, no obvious signs of what would be carrying the passengers to the destination.

Luna’s final destination, alongside the other ponies, was outside of the city, and required special transport afterward that would be waiting to deliver her. 

Equestria Science and Technology, that was the name of the where she was going. It came as no surprise that she hadn’t heard of it, much of Equestria hadn’t either. 

This fact was the point of it being in a relatively out of the way place; it allowed the ponies to work on scientific endeavors in peace. 

But this privacy did have a major caveat; Namely the Royal Canterlot Scientific Commission, which over saw the facility closely. No project was approved without the Commission’s approval.

Over the past year, the Commission had been receiving reports of strange activity, or as the EST staff saw it, stranger activity within the facility.

Celestia, with the information she had available, had in turn relayed what she knew to Luna, and that this was a matter she had the skills to handle personally. 

Beside Luna was her saddlebag containing the reports, documents, and pictures that caused concern enough to warrant royal intervention. 

While Twilight Sparkle was indeed a princess, if newly minted, Celestia had decided that Luna would be a much better candidate for this assignment.

Along with the dossier, included was a mobile wireless earpiece and high-level security pass. 

The headset was easy enough to understand; Luna may have been imprisoned for 1000 years, but there was a tremendous difference between being vastly out of touch and being incompetent. 

The security pass was another matter, being royalty should be more than enough clearance anywhere. 

One of the members of he Science Commission had attempted explain that the Badge had advanced technology that was important when she was in the facility; such as location and vital monitors, and that the clearance level was needed to establish safety due to the kinds of work done at the facility, but Luna was still a touch confused, and a little insulted.

Most of the ponies headed to the EST facility were dressed in lab coats and slip proof shoes, aside from Luna and four other ponies. Two pairs it seemed. 

One pair was easily recognizable, primarily due to the bouncing pink pony chattering non-stop on the platform. 

Luna had run into her multiple times since she had been freed from her dark alter ego, Nightmare Moon; more recently Twilight’s coronation ceremony, alongside her other Ponyville friends. 

Pinkie Pie, her usual energetic self, had traveled by train along with which who she had repeatedly related to as her sister, who was taking no interest in the bubbly banter.

The young gray mare, her mane equally gray, her cutie mark a split geode, which had been going over the letter she had received from EST a week ago.  Suddenly Pinkie was beside her again and started by saying.

“Hey Inkie, do you think there’s a gift shop? Oooh, a sciencey gift shop maybe? With beaker hats and talking postcards and snow globes with real snow?  I think the girls would really like a nice gift since the couldn’t join us, Oh oh oh, I wonder if Rarity could add some style to the lab coats, I should ask her about that.” Pinkie went on like this, while her sister continued on closely studying the letter. 

The other pair Luna hadn’t seen before.

They were older mares, easily more than a couple decades than most the other ponies. One was light yellow, with an orange and yellow mane, and green eyes; her cutie mark a golden sunflower. 

The other was a baby blue, with a shining gray mane, and dark blue eyes; the cutie mark she bore was a silvery fully bloomed rose. 

Both looked rather concerned, and intermittently whispered to each other. 

Luna had caught an accent from the duo, it reminded her of another of Twilight’s friends; Applejack. 

Their parentage clearly included residents from around Haysead swamp.

“ VTOL carrier approaching, all passengers please stand behind yellow line. All Equestria Science and Technology employees and visitors please observe all safety rules.”  The voice on the loud speaker informed.

Luna glanced downward; she wasn’t past the aforementioned line. There were actually two lines, the first was yellow, and a couple feet further up was a red line, before the platform stopped. 

She had seen various forms of transportation since her return to Canterlot; balloons, airships, trains, yachts, even a drill-tank; but this was new. 

“What a funny name. Not as funny as kumquat though. It…” Pinkie was interrupted by the first words Inkie had said since approaching the platform.

” It’s an acronym, Pinkamena. Vertical Take off and Landing. It was set up when the original airship system kept running into weather trouble.”  As Inkie said this, she placed her letter back into her saddlebag.

That answered half the questions Luna had, the sound from the northwest signaled that the other half was about to be. 

Shortly afterward a form began to appear in the sky. Large and boxy, with oddly shaped wings, the increasing sound of whirring announcing it’s approach. A moment later it stopped at the platform, and slowly touched down, the turbines slowly halting. 

When the doors on the side of the carrier opened, the loud speaker again informed the passengers ” Please watch your step, do not crowd other passengers while entering the carrier, keep all personal items with you at all times during travel. “ 

Without a word, everypony who was on the platform began to enter the transport, Luna included. Already this assignment was proving to be full of surprises, and she hadn’t even reached where she was going.

> Chapter 2: Cold Reception
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2: Cold Reception

Over half an hour later, the transport approached the airspace of EST. The light of the setting sun was reflecting off of the glass of the massive building, following an unhindered trail along the line of travel and sight to the passengers and pilots of the craft. 

The building itself resembled the mountains standing behind it, but constructed, manufactured from glass and metal, rather than from eons by time and weather. Luna had to note, as she observed the encroaching facility from one of the windows, was how uninviting it was.

The solitude of the facility itself added to this feeling, as if to say to anypony not working there that they shouldn’t be around, that they shouldn’t even know this place existed.  

Another, less foreboding note, was how Pinkie managed to stay in relatively one place the entire trip, but considering the small amount of space one had to move, plus the very scenic window, made this much less surprising.

It didn’t make the trip with her any quieter, however, far from it. The entire trip had been filled with Pinkie’s trademark excitable, random banter.

`“Please remain seated until the transport has land and come to a complete stop.” The intercoms politely, if unenthusiastically, informed the passengers, as the transport made it’s decent onto the landing bay.

A cadre of ponies stood at either end, guiding the transport to a safe landing. 

The touchdown, while significantly cushioned by the large shocks, was a touch jarring for those not used to the landing. Shortly after the doors opened, the ponies aboard poured out and headed toward the main entrance. 

Pinkie, being Pinkie, bounded toward the entrance, while Inkie kept pace with the rest of the passengers, shortly behind Luna. 

More glass and metal, but at least Luna could see occupants inside, or at least the security officers, busily checking IDs. 

Of interest were the two groups outside the building; one where headed to landing platform, which was being refueled and checked for repairs, the other, smaller group seemed to be employees on break, standing a short distance from the entrance itself. 

Luna recognized two of the staff members, they’re photos were in the dossier, and who she would be working with during her stay at the facility. 

One of them was an older stallion, navy blue with graying mane and gray eyes, his cutie mark a series of mobius strips linked into an infinity symbol. The current head of the facility: Mobius Chain.

The other was a young mare, dark tan with purple mane and eyes, her own cutie mark a pair of sultry eyes. Her name: Velvet Violet, a research psychologist with a rather “Specialized” field of study.  

She had attained a touch of fame self-publishing carefully edited volumes of her research, rewritten for the public. Celestia had a copy of one of her books hidden underneath her pillows on her bed.

Luna approached the two, who had been from the look of it, having a familiar conversation. “ He brought this to himself long ago, and no matter what he says, he Does deserve to spend the rest of his career mopping up the whole of this facility.” Mobius Chain said emphatically. 

Velvet responded, “I’m not doubting that, what I don’t get why wasn’t fired long ago. You’re in charge, how hard could it be to get a disciplinary review underway with the RCSC?” 

“It’s not a matter of getting it together, it’s the same reason I don’t have all administrative access to the facility. The same reason why many of us old timers still believe she’s still alive.” Mobius’ tone shifted soberly as he finished his answer.

Velvet bit her bottom lip as her attitude shifted to a very nervous demeanor, even she didn’t like it when “She” was mentioned. Being Her niece, Velvet could be in just as much trouble for numerous violations to RCSC protocol. 

Mobius and Velvet both caught sight of Luna, calmly and intently heading toward them. The simple fact that one of the Princesses was even here meant that the RCSC wanted answers, answers they couldn’t provide. 

Out of the corner of Velvet’s eye, thought he saw two familiar old mares head into EST, but now wasn’t the time to look into that. After a polite, compulsory bow, Mobius and Velvet greeted Luna. 

After the trio went through security, Luna started asking questions. “The report said that bizarre incidents began a year ago, but by Staff standards, unexplained incidents have been occurring much longer, several decades in fact, following an emergency lockdown to part of the facility that no one has been able to unlock, Correct?” 

The depth of information shouldn’t have surprised Mobius, the reports had been coming in about as many years. 

“That sounds right, did the dossier mention anything about the nature of the recent incidents?” 

“ Remotely accessed confidential information from the inside. All incidents involve highest-level access, using password of an Administrator that had been missing the same time as the lockdown.” 

About the only thing missing from that was a name, a name that caused many who worked there to look behind them, and never said too loudly. Platinum Gladiola. 

Luna, not getting a verbal response from the duo immediately, waited briefly before continuing. “Since this all starts at the Locked down part of the facility, we should start at that point. Is it far from here?” 

Velvet spoke up” We need to take an elevator to the floor where the locked-down part of the Facility is. Right this way, Princess.” 

As they traversed through the facility, Luna couldn’t help but feel a clear sense of cold precision and plain function over form. 

The same florescent lighting, same white walls with automated doors, same linoleum flooring; were it not for the writing on the doors, one would get the impression of going in circles. 

It would be rather easy to get lost if one didn’t know whom to ask, or to have a map, especially given the vastness of the place.

A short time later, the trio approached the aforementioned area. 

Luna saw the two older mares from the carrier platform, talking quietly to who looked like one of the staff janitors.

None of them looked happy, especially when the Janitor saw the other two staff members heading their direction. 

“Don’t you have a mess to clean up in the motion sickness ward, Quark?” Mobius unpleasantly called out to the Janitor. Quark immediately head up to Mobius to start arguing with the executive staff member. 

Velvet headed up to the older mares, a look of confusion on her face. “Auntie Sunflower, Auntie Rose, what are doing here? Because I know one of you Definitely has no room to talk me about my work.” 
Rose looked at her blushing sister, a sly smile on her face, and then turned her attention to Velvet. “ So clearly, this isn’t ah practical joke, Violet.” Rose said as she hoofed over the letter from her saddlebag over to Velvet. 

While Quark and Mobius continued arguing, and Velvet read the letter, Luna proceeded over to an old bulkhead door, the five interlocked, bladed turbine symbol of the EST facility etched onto it.

Luna had seen the symbol on various items and staff uniforms through the facility; even her ID card had one. 

As she stood in front of massive entry way, locked for decades, an question entered her mind: Was it committee or egotism that gave this place the same mark as it’s missing head of staff? 

She’d have to have that question answered later. Her attention turned to the prattling, prancing pink pony and her gray sister.

“ Aww, can’t we at least try to find the gift shop, Inkie? This place is no fun at all. Nopony has time to even talk, let alone play, and I can’t understand what ponies are saying when they do talk to us.”

“Points I don’t think anypopny bothered considering when they created this establishment, Pinkamena. Here’s the right Department section, but this is quite peculiar.” Inkie examined the long unopened door, and continued, ”Then again, one more mystery among the growing pile makes little difference, I suppose.” 

“Meaning what exactly?” Luna asked Inkie. Her previous absorption in her papers shown that she was reading much more into them then simply what was written.

Inkie had noticed Princess Luna on the platform, but since she was just a face in the crowd, she didn’t think beyond the requisite bow, but now here she was again, and apparently on a similar trail of questions.

Inkie began her to list her observations by removing her letter from her bag ” This paper style was discontinued after becoming obsolete twenty years ago when they switched to single sheet printing. It’s perforated, along all sides, meaning a gear feed system. The ink is even stranger, you can tell from the variation of each line, along with the ink line created between that it’s a from a ribbon printer, which stopped being made fifteen years ago, when they started making cartridges. Next there’s the program this was written with; the type style is from a very early typing program, about…” 

“Thirty years old, yes?” Luna finished. Inkie gave Luna a curious look; Pinkie gave a similar look to her sister and began.

“Is that why you were looking at that thing so much? I mean sure, it’s neat that you got a letter from here, but you must really be special if you get one like that. And…” 

“Ha! You were a coattail riding fraud then, and the only thing that’s kept you employed here is a lack of evidence!” Mobius and Quark’s fight had just turned into a shouting match, and clearly wasn’t going to end soon.

“Che! Look who’s talking, you’ve spent the last thirty years like some lovesick puppy waiting for your master to return! You couldn’t make a decision if the entire building was falling on you!”

“Once I get the proof that you were responsible for the lockdown, the RCSC would applaud your termination, I might even get a raise for it, and would be the ONLY contribution you’d have made in your entire career!” 

While this ugly scene continued, Velvet spoke with her aunts. “ It can’t be a coincidence that you two happen to stop by just to talk to Quark, at the same place he’s been accused of locking down long ago. Not to mention the fact that one of the royal sisters shows up with an admin badge, asking questions, with a clear knowledge of the same event, provided by RCSC itself.” 

Silver Rose again was the first to talk. ”It would certainly explain why She’s been sweating evah since she got that lettah.” 

Velvet had examined what was apparently a letter to Sunflower in requesting her return for the attendance to the old mental and physical acuity testing track. 

Velvet also noticed, confirming with Inkie’s observations the letter she received, was written on the same paper, and with the same typing program mentioned by the younger gray pony.

Gold Sunflower spoke up “ Ah have not been sweating, Rose. It has to be ah computer glitch, that’s all.” 

“Ya’ll been saying that since we left Fillydelphia, Sunflower. Not that ah blame ya’ll for thinking that way.” Rose commented. 

“What’s that supposed tuh mean?” Sunflower said, slightly offended.

The two conversations and one argument immediately stopped when the sound of a bulkhead lock unlatching, followed by the long sealed door slowly opening mechanically. 

Personnel who had been observing the scene by the door suddenly rushed either to or away from the doorway. 

The lights on the other side of the doorway slowly and methodically began to turn on, revealing the lobby corridor long unseen for decades.

Sunflower and Quark bore a similar expression of dismay, while Mobius, Velvet, Inkie, Rose and Luna had various looks of surprise.  

Pinkie, on the other hand, was quite pleased with the turn of events. “Wheee, The doors opened, does that mean we can find the gift shop now?” 

Inkie did respond, but not to her sister ”My, my, curiouser and curiouser

> Chapter 3: Reunion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3: Reunion

Within thirty minutes, a vast number of staff members had poured onto the lobby floor of the once sealed area, including security and additional executive staff. 

It was clear that the interior design reflected a long outmoded sense of style; the fake wood trim along the upper and lower walls, the vinyl seating and glass and metal table, the stamped metal reception desk, Luna found hard to believe this was ever popular, it was almost as devoid of taste as the current set up of the facility. 

Mobius directed the staff traffic to observe and catalog the long warded off part of the facility. 

Another senior member had informed Mobius that the RCSC had been notified, and were on the way, but likely wouldn’t be there until late in the evening.

Inkie had noted to him an odd thing, it was easy to miss if you didn’t know to look for it: no dust. 

Historians who had been summoned had to agree, even with the facilities air filtration system, which had been active even in the sealed part of EST, dust can get in, and needed to be cleaned off. So how can a place sealed off for 30 years be mostly as free of dust as most the rest of the facility? 

(Excluding the specially made dust free rooms for electronics production). 

Pinkie had been whisked off to the antigravity wing in Applied Physics after Inkie had a chance to talk to Mobius. 

Mobius had gone over the letter Inkie had received, and was surprised. He had seen a report for interview letter; he had sent enough out himself over the years, especially for recent College graduates.

It was the easiest way to attain and keep the multitude of scientific minds for the Facility.

“So, Geological mineralogy in relation to magical and composite materials. Hardly an electrifying field. ”Mobius noted.

“ When you grow up on a rock farm, it gives you time to think. I started to wonder what rocks were made of, what they could make, and have made. It’s far more than just gemstones and crystals; a surprising amount of our modern world is made from what’s in rocks. ” Inkie responded.

“Well, good to meet you, Ms. Inkabeth Lucrecia Pie, and when this is sorted out, we’ll have a talk with the head of the archeology department. “ Suggested Mobius “Much appreciated, sir”

Luna’s attention had been drawn to an old picture of the executive staff, two ponies she noted in the center, one she had met; a much younger version of Mobius Strip, under his name the title of Assistant Facility Director. 

The other she had only seen in photographs, her name Luna only ever read, the pony no one had heard or seen, and supposedly been locked on the inside for so long. 

While no one in the old photo looked exactly enthused, Her expression, particularly in her eyes, was devoid of any sort of emotion, a living mechanical extension of the facility. 

In the time Luna took examining the photo, Mobius and Velvet had flanked her on both sides, their attention turned to the photo as well.

Photos were all Velvet knew of her aunt Gladiola, along with the divergent stories of her life: on one side, the professional and academic superstar of science. 

On the other: her painful and disastrous personal life, thanks in part to her oldest sister. Some of the family had made a long running debate as to whether or not She was touched in the head, or her heart was broken beyond repair. Nobody knew for sure. 

What Velvet did know, is that both of Gladiola’s sisters, Sunflower and Rose, were here, now, with what was apparently a letter from Gladiola herself to come here, Velvet had to wonder, if indeed She was alive, how bad a mood would she be in?

Sunflower had wanted to leave the moment those doors opened. 

She didn’t want to believe that the ghost of her past that haunted her had called her back, that it was just a clerical error, or a joke. 

Rose had made her stay, for whatever reason. Rose had been acting odd since she read the letter. Like she had her own reasons, which made a touch of sense. But if that were true, Rose didn’t need her, right? 

Sunflower was becoming uncomfortable with all the cameras round, like each of them were watching her with the same cold, unfeeling stare of her youngest sister. 

Sunflower was very sure of one thing however: going into previously sealed area wasn’t in her best interest. 

Velvet appeared to have no such compunction, but then again she was staff, and scientific curiosity and advancement was to MO of the place.  

Primary Mental and Physical acuity test track, Earth pony: Novice-Expert: Entrance. That was what was embossed on the door in front of Silver Rose. 

She had seen footage of similar tracks built after this one. The tracks lived up to their namesakes, while in a controlled and safely regulated environment. 

One of the main purposes of the tracks was to establish testing baselines for experiment volunteers, without bias. 

At least that’s what Gladiola said long ago.  There were also tracks made for fillies and colts to check physical fitness and educational standards, but how much use those got is something of a mystery, at least where Rose was concerned. 

But perhaps she was just trying to keep her mind off the fact that Sunflower had turned a scaredy pony since the doors opened. 

The staff had turned this into a momentous occasion, a sort of archeological examination of it’s own past.  

Rose was pulled quickly from her thoughts by the sound of her screaming and charging older sister, then tackling her.

“SHE’S HEAH! SHE’S HEAH! I HEARD HUH! SHE WAS RIGHT BEHIND ME!” Sunflower shouted in a panic as she scrambled and hid behind Rose. 

Rose angrily and painfully got up, with the help of Mobius. 

“What are ya’ll going on about, Sunflower?! Has ya’ll haystack molded, or what!” Rose chastised. Wild eyed and scared, Sunflower answered, if disjointedly. 

“No, No, it’s true! Gladiola was right there! She said it had been a long time, and my name! Right in my eah!” 

Rose held the bridge of her nose against her hoof, eyes closed, as she responded. “Which eah, Sunflower?” 

She was about to give a verbal response as she touched her ear, and noticed an important item: the earpiece. 

It was a this point Sunflower noticed the entirety of the staff looking at her, looks of concern spread across the whole of the personnel. 

Velvet had approached her aunts, about to say something, when she heard somepony talking into her earpiece ” My my, how you’ve grown. Amazing what a guilty conscience can do to one’s nerves, right Vevi?” 

Velvet looked around, finding only the staff returning to there work. Then she looked at one of the old cameras.

“Could it be?” She thought, the fact that she had never heard the voice before, yet knew her fillyhood nickname, which only her family members were privy too.  

Velvet’s attention turned to Luna, who had continued to watch the scene unfold. 

The whole of why Luna was here had just spoken to Velvet, after apparently taunting her sister. 

Then Velvet thought of the context of what was said, and became unsure about going forward to Luna.

It was clear that Velvet’s concerns were valid; Gladiola knew about her violating RCSC conduct protocol, and clearly, if she held a grudge for what happened over 30 years ago, Velvet was in big trouble as well.

Again the antiquated part of the facility descended into chaos, but there was a much more tangible reason for concern. 

Quark had let out yelp, followed by numerous demands that he be let go.  The testing track entrance doors opened, while from the other entrance numerous automated floor sweepers were carrying Quark off, the destination clear. 

As the staff tried to make sense or impede the simple robots, Sunflower found herself in a similar predicament, several sweepers sliding under her hooves and carrying her off as well. 

Mobius and Velvet quickly followed the pair and the robots through the entryway, Luna, Rose and Inkie in tow.

“ I take it your aunt isn’t quite the ghost some think her to be?” Luna asked Velvet as she chased the group through the test track entrance. 

It became clear that things weren’t going to get any better when the doors closed behind them, and Sunflower and Quark were dumped off the robots and the sweepers scurried off. 

After a quick check on the duo, Mobius started up with the questions.” I suppose your going to tell me that this was just a coincidence?” 

Sunflower simply ran to the once again sealed door in a panic, insisting it open while she banged upon it with her front hooves. 

“ You seem to be rather unwilling to reunite with your sister. Anything you’d care to say, or should I get the story from her?” Luna asked. 

“ Yes, do tell, Sunflower.” The voice didn’t come from the earpiece, but the loud speaker.

“Gladiola” Sunflower fearfully whispered. 

“ How have you been? It’s good to see that the years have been kind to some of you.” Gladiola’s voice, while cold, had a clear under tone of anger. She continued, ” Mobius, I do apologize for my prolonged absence, good to see you’ve held up so well, and you’ve kept my facility is such good order. Velvet, You and I are going to have long talk later about your behavior. “

This elicited an audible gulp from the younger pony. 

“And one of the royal sisters, this is a surprise. The RCSC must have finally paid attention when I started reviewing project reports without sending them to the commission office. They must have called in some big favors to get Royalty involved. I’d love to stay and chat, however…” 

It was then that the ponies noticed the opening in the ceiling, two claws, one grabbing hold of Quark, the other Sunflower, and spirited them off. “ These two are long over do with some important business.” 

Luna was sure of two things as she chased after the duo: That they were somehow responsible for the events that caused Gladiola’s disappearance, and she meant to repay them for their betrayal. 

Quark had gone up through the ceiling partition, presumably to where Gladiola was holed up.

Luna instead followed Sunflower through the test track entrance.  

Gladiola’s castigation of her oldest sister continued, despite Sunflower’s protests and attempts to escape “You really should be thanking me. For once in your life, you’re going to make a contribution. You may have absolved yourself from your long running series of transgressions, but I, among others I’m sure, have not. Think should give you plenty of time to reflect on that.” 

Sunflower and Luna had passed through long empty security gates to a trio of elevators. 

The claw had bowled Sunflower through the one in the middle when had gone up, causing Luna to take the one on the right, which instead went down.


> Chapter 4: Baseline
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4: Baseline

A moment later, the elevator Luna took stopped one floor down. Gladiola addressed Luna through the loud speaker, her voice calmer, more professional.

“ I do apologize, Princess, but I’m afraid your assistance would drastically alter the data. I’m sure you understand.” 

Luna addressed Gladiola, as best she could without seeing her.

“ I am Princess Luna, Princess of the Night. What I understand, is that two ponies are locked, against their wills, in the same part of this building as you have been for decades, because of your selfish need to settle a long standing vendetta against them, quite possibly deserved due to past transgressions. I may not know why, but whatever you’re planning is not the proper way to solve your problems. I would think the Head of this Facility would have much more respect for procedure and order.” Luna waited a moment for a response, and then continued. “ Now, if you would bring the elevator back down, we can begin the work to sort this long unsolved mystery out.” 

With that, Gladiola responded. “I’m afraid that isn’t an option. Ms. Gold Sunflower is under contractual obligation to complete one full test track set, a contract she signed, and I personally intend for her to honor. And unfortunately by entering the elevator, you have volunteered to complete a test track yourself. Unless an emergency occurs, you are unable to leave the test track until you finish.”

A look of unpleasant surprise had come across Luna’s face, with an accompanying agape mouth. 

“If it’s any consolation, it shouldn’t pose much of a challenge. Since these tracks were created and calibrated for Earth ponies. While we have tracks made for Unicorns and Pegasi, you have a rather exceptional advantage of both wings and magic, especially on these tracks. This will be a momentous learning experience for both of us.”

Luna couldn’t help but fell that as Gladiola finished her speech, and sense of satisfaction could be heard in her voice. 

As Luna walked past the sign signifying that she was entering test chamber 1 of 19, her earpiece rang out with a voice other than Gladiola’s.   “Princess Luna, Do you read me?” “Mobius Chain? Yes, I can hear you. Are all the other ponies that followed in here well?”

After a moment Luna got a response from Velvet. “ Yes, yes, we’re fine. How are you?” 

“ I am well, but it appears I’ve been pressed into the service of scientific testing. And from the sound of things, the matter is not up for negotiation.” Luna answered.
“ Oh wow, She must have had this planned for some time if she’s willing to press-test royalty.” Velvet answered. 

Mobius spoke up again.” It looks like Sunflower’s on test track 2, about three up from where you are now. I can’t get a fix on Gladiola, which complicates things.” 

Luna interjected “The fact that Platinum Gladiola appears to have complete control of the Facility is of no help either. One part does concern me; it had been mentioned that the test tracks could be modified?”

“Modular test rooms, yes. That applies to the tracks made long after the ones your currently in, the idea didn’t even occur until a decade ago. It would take considerable effort to retrofit these tracks for it to be viable.” Mobius replied. 

Luna added, “I certainly hope you are correct on that matter.”

Velvet continued with the situation breakdown “ Well, We’ve managed to access the loudspeaker system, so we can at least hear what’s going on over at track 2. All video camera access seems to be password protected, and with none of us being computer hackers, that won’t be an option. The Ponies on the outside have been attempting to communicate to us, using either the loudspeaker and personnel earpiece, but they seem to be having trouble. All we seem to get is garbled and fragmented.” 

“ In any event, I shall endeavor with the task of completing this test track, keep me informed on any development with the sisters.” Luna affirmed. 

Inkie finally responded ” Of course Princess. Should we also patch you through if either Princess Celestia or The RCSC call?”

“ That would be exceptional, Ms. Inkabeth Pie. ” Luna gratefully expessed.

Velvet piped up again “Okay, I’ll patch through to your earpiece, Princess.” 

“Perfect, And Ms. Violet, Ms Rose, since you both are Family to the both of them, I will need explanations as to what will most likely be, a series of unpleasant trips down the lane of memories” 

Luna reflected briefly on the fact she didn’t get that phrase right. Reading Twilight’s letter had given her a much better grasp of the modern vernacular, alongside her nightly observations on the dreams of Equeastria, but every once in a while, Luna tripped up. 

Then Gladiola’s voice started up on the loudspeaker on track 2.

“ Come now, Sunflower, standing in that elevator isn’t going to make this go any faster. What did mother say? ‘Always go forward, smiling’? While I’m sure you won’t be doing the later, going forward is mandatory.” Gladiola droned with a hint of spite.

“Come on, Gladiola, isn’t this a bit much? Couldn’t ya’ll just have sent ah nasty letter, or fought it out in mall lobby like everyone else?” Sunflower whined.

Gladiola continued, “The simple fact that you’ve had that happen more than once stands as proof that it wouldn’t work.  Besides, this gives us ample time for you to explain.”

“Explain, Explain what?!” Sunflower was starting to get worried. It could be quite a long time if Gladiola meant for her to explain every single rotten thing she did in her lifetime, or just what she did to Gladiola personally. 

Gladiola went on “ Why you thought dropping that cake on me was funny.” 

“Ooooh, this is going to be a long night.” Velvet Violet responded. 

Luna, Having solved the puzzle of the room by placing a cube upon a rather large button, which caused the door at the end to open, inquired. “What do you mean? Is this one of the transgressions Gladiola mentioned? “ 

Rose told the story, since she had a first hand account “ It was Platinum Gladiola’s sixth birthday.  Mother had gotten a three tiuh yellow cake with butter cream frosting, for being a good filly; Huh party is three hours away, Mother was setting up the decorations. Sunflower invites Gladiola to the Kitchen to look at her cake; Next thing anypony knows, Sunflower is laughing huh flank off, and Gladiola is covered in huh cake, not crying, yelling, trying to hit Sunflower, nothing.  She simply goes to her room and stays there the rest of the weekend. The party is a disastuh since no one can convince Gladiola to come down. Sunflower is grounded for three months, which didn’t do much good, as you can imagine Princess Luna. Gladiola herself began to spend as little time at home as possible.” 

“And at age seven, attains her cutie mark, and proves the existence of the Fillydephia Chimera by bringing a living one to a science fair in a massive treaded cage, starting her path into the field of equestrian science.” Luna Finished. 

“But, I imagine, she bore injuries to her soul, rather than her body as a result? Ones that may not have healed?” 

Velvet responded to Luna’s inquiry, having studied Gladiola’s psyche evaluation. “ Yes, to start, a significant lack of emotional output, near quasi-mechanical personality, and strict adherence to rules and regulations. Almost no personal relationships, one failed engagement, little communication with family, but that’s no surprise. Less severe points include an unwillingness to celebrate her own birthday, and a general aversion to cake.”

“If the opportunity presents itself, I will have to inform Pinkamena of this, it wouldn’t sit well if my sister decides to host a celebration to which Ms. Gladiola is invited.” Inkie thought.

Luna was about to ask another question, when Gladiola spoke through the loudspeaker to her.

” Well, well, if this first chamber is any indication, you’ll be done with this track faster than the leading earth pony. But then that’s no surprise, is it? Still, it will provide valuable data on the alicorn species.”

“You are not the only one learning valuable information, Platinum Gladiola.” Luna answered. “ Your sister’s actions on your birthday are inexcusable, but…” 

“But. That is of no concern to yew. “ Gladiola’s tone had taken a unpleasant tone, as well as hint of an accent, similar to that of her sisters. That fact that she had it wasn’t as surprising as the fact she had managed to suppress it up to this point. “What is important is completing the test track, and dredging up my past isn’t going to make that happen any faster.”  

Luna responded with authority. “But it may stop you from what torment you have planned for your Sister.” 

“ It’s nothing worse than what I’ve endured of the course of my life. But I’m certain you’ll hear all about that.” Then the audio cut out on the loudspeaker, announcing that Gladiola was done with the conversation, regardless of Luna.

Luna was starting to get a headache; solving this whole situation was becoming more of a debacle the longer it went on. The length of time Gladiola clearly had to plan this outweighed the small amount of information and time the RCSC had available.  

There were some other questions that could be answered right now, however. “Silver Rose, Mobius Chain, I have noticed something strange regarding Gladiola.”

“If it’s about the accent, Ah don’t know where she learned to talk without it. Ah just know that aftuh she got back from college, in the brief time she spent at home before she moved to Tall Tale, she was talkin’ like that. It weren’t no big surprise, She’d been losin’ huh accent bit by bit every taime she’ wus visitin’ from college.” Silver Rose responded.

“While that does explain an interesting point, there is another point about her voice I wish to ask. Does something seem to be missing from her voice? “ 

There was a moment of silence, as the trio who had the question posed pondered. Silver Rose finally spoke up with an answer “Age, that’s it.”

“That’s right, if she’s been locked in here for thirty years, wouldn’t it be reflected in her voice?” Mobius concluded.

“Yes, and more than likely, Ms. Sunflower and Mr. Quark both had a hoof in Platinum Gladiola’s disappearance, and that lack of age may play a part.”

“Of course, Cryogenics lab six.” Mobius deduced.

“Pardon?” asked Luna. “

There’s a cryogenic freezing test lab at this part of the facility, specializing in cyro-stasis, if she was trapped in one of the chambers, that explains a great deal.” Mobius explained. 

“It poses numerous additional questions as well. However they will have to wait. In the event RCSC calls, they should be informed of this development. “ And with that statement, Luna continued with the test chamber.

RCSC Land Transport 1:

Information was still being forwarded to the transport via onboard email, but the debate over the events of the evening we’re being examined by the committee. 

Twelve older mares and stallions sat in the main seating area, talking over what information they had. 

“Blast, looks like I’m out twenty bits.” 

“ Long odds are easy to bet against. Her return to the land of the living was such a long shot, were it not for the constant data middle-ponying, no one would ever begin to imagine otherwise.” 

“ With the fact that Princess Luna was asked to look into EST Tall Tale facility personally, clearly Princess Celestia believes that Gladiola would need a voice of reason other than herself.” 

“I have to wonder if that will be enough, this is the ‘ice queen of science’ we’re talking about.”

“ Fair enough; apparently the decades she’s spent being imprisoned in her own facility, she went from being the ‘scary science pony’ to being the ‘ scary omnipotent science cyber pony’.” 

“Regardless, this situation could become a serious crisis if neither we or Princess Luna can figure out how to fix this.” 

“How soon until we can establish audio contact with EST Tall Tale? “ 

“Thirty minutes until contact can be established. Three hours until arrival at the facility.” The attention then turned to the pony that hadn’t added to the conversation. 

“It hasn’t occurred to any of you that, since Gladiola is still around, what her stance of our proposition might be? Yes, it’s been over thirty years, but if she’s willing to hold on to a grudge with her sister of this long, that would be equally fresh in her mind as well?”

“I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

> Chapter 5: Variables
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5: Variables 

Chamber 12 of 19; Luna had been solving the chambers at a brisk pace, and had gotten to this point in an hour.

Part of Luna wondered how much scientific progress could be made from an Alicorn completing a series of tests intended for earth ponies 30 years ago, but then another part was just happy Gladiola didn’t arbitrarily change the course she was on. 

That fact, more than likely, was due to the fact Gladiola’s attention had been primarily focused on chastising and browbeating her sister.  

Luna had to wonder how much of what she overheard sounded like her before, or even during, her transformation into Nightmare Moon.

It seemed with each test chamber Sunflower successfully passed; she was simply castigated, while Luna received if anything a compulsory recognition that she even achieved the goal.

“ Yeesh, It’s amazing how much trouble two sisters can cause another, especially for ones who’ve been separated for so long.” Velvet Violet responded, listening intently. 

“ If ya’ll caught the live show, ahmazin’ wouldn’t quite be the word for it.” Silver Rose answered. 

“ We aren’t now?” Luna asked as she walked toward the mechanical springboard, like the ones she’d encountered from the last test chamber.

Neither Rose nor Velvet had an answer for the question, so Luna simply jumped onto the springboard to begin the sequential chain.

True, she could have simply used her wings, but Luna thought that wouldn’t be in the spirit of the test; plus that might further upset Gladiola, and that would be unwise under the circumstances. It was also rather fun soaring through the room without her wings.

After crossing to the end platform, Luna’s earpiece gave the now familiar incoming call ring. “Princess Luna, This is Lead Balloon, Head of the Royal Canterlot Science Commission. I hope your well?” 

“ About as well as one can be, though I don’t find the fact that I’ve been drafted into the service of science very pleasant. Fortunately I’m not the focus of Platinum Gladiola’s wrath. Not yet anyway.” 

Lead Balloon responded to Luna“ Ah, I see you’ve been catching up on the family drama, and unfortunately, that may just be the beginning of our problems.I’ll be frank: If this can’t be resolved, the whole of Equestria science, if not Equestria itself, could be in jeopardy. As much as I hate to impose, I’m afraid that task is up to you. As the only outside party involved in this, you’re our best chance to stop Gladiola and keep this from escalating.” 

Luna took a moment before responding. “ I understand that keeping Platinum Gladiola from exacting her revenge is in the best interest of herself, her family, and the staff; but what do you mean by escalating the situation?” 

Lead Balloon explained, a tone of concern clearly in his voice. “ Gladiola’s long unresolved emotional and personal issues, coupled with what seems to be the decades of wrongful imprisonment in her own facility, clearly hasn’t done her disposition any good. If she truly is as powerful in that facility as we theorize, she quite likely isn’t going to stop with Quark and her sister. We have to consider the possibility that her sanity may begin to fall apart due to the long period of solitary confinement. All of Equestria could be forced to experience her pain as a result. This unfortunate turn of events could be the beginning. ” 

After a long pause, Luna started up the conversation again “Ms. Velvet Violet, Ms. Silver Rose, would that be an accurate guess?”  

Velvet cued up a response first. “ Based on my experience and research, many ponies can suffer from severe mental issues due to long periods of confinement and isolation. While I can guess how she’s managed to keep herself in a functioning mental state, how long she can remain so without help or intervention is completely unknown.”  

Rose spoke up next” Ah may not have my niece’s expertise, but one thing I know about Gladiola: She haides everything.  Her work, her life, her emotions; even before all this, we had little to no clue about it. If ya’ll want to stop her, ya’ll have to get her to open up, no matter how much she may not want to, no matter how much it may hurt.”

“Ah ha, that explains it, have we been having a nice chat?” Gladiola’s voice interrupted, to the surprise and dismay of all those involved.” I had been wondering why my star test subject had suddenly stopped after making such excellent progress. I take it Lead Balloon has been doing his ‘worst case scenario’ spiel.”

“Can you honestly say that it isn’t unwarranted? I haven’t exactly seen anything of your current behavior that would prove otherwise. Speaking of proof; what exactly do you hope to accomplish by dragooning an old, scared mare from your past to testing on old track? “ Luna responded. 

She was taking was Rose had said the most to heart, and by trying to get Gladiola to use hers, she may be able to get her to stop. Granted, Luna did so with unmistakable Royal authority. 

“ Ah realize….I realize that, despite my earlier statement every pony is your royal duty to keep all the residents of Equestria safe, but her test is much more about personal obligation and responsibility on her part; a fact that, while she might not appreciate my methods, are within my legal capacity. And despite how it may appear, she is in no danger of personal harm. She may get her feelings hurt, due to criticism, but that’s not entire undeserved.”   

Luna noted that the accent had crept back more noticeably, if briefly. Perhaps exposure to her sisters had a hoof in that. 

Another point, one perhaps more telling, was Gladiola’s more cooperative nature. Most likely she had listened in on the conversation regarding her psychological state, and acted accordingly. 

Luna had to wonder if Gladiola’s technological omniscience would be as easy to relinquish; would she be able to stop being an entity with such power and influence, to go back to being who she was so long ago, even with all the help she could receive?

“ Speaking of undeserved and hurt feelings, Gossamer Shield, how many more nicknames have you come up with in my absence?” Gladiola continued, clearly taking the opportunity to air additional grievances. 

Unfortunately, Sunflower decided that it was her turn to do the same. “Ahll right Gladiola, ah’ve had just enough of your harangue; ah admit that mah behavior was bad, but…” 

“But bad doesn’t even begin to cover it.” Gladiola retorted.  

But Sunflower continued, despite what a obviously poor decision it was. 

“Yer being unfair, sure the cake thing was an awful thing to do, but what could ah have done that could stand out to deserve this.” Rose and Velvet could practically feel the answer coming. 

“Ball.Point.” Was all Gladiola said.

“I’m going to take a guess, the ex fiancée?” Luna asked. 

Rose added, grimly “And Sunflowers ex-husband.”

Luna could feel a headache coming again after that information was relayed. “Yes, that would be enough for any pony” Luna replied. 

Sunflower continued to defend her actions “ Y,ya’ll said it didn’t matter. Ah admit it was wrong to steal him from ya, but ya’ll said…”

“ I said I knew you couldn’t stop yourself. You could never let me have something you can’t. You did it to try t hurt me again, and I knew it. I said You didn’t matter.” Gladiola corrected.

Offended, Sunflower attempted to answer her sister’s cold reassessment. “ Ah, Ah… That is completely… You. ..Ah’ll have ya’ll know that it only lasted three years. He said ah was a fraud, his lawyer made me look like a liar and a stupid fool.” 

“ And I’d say he was right on the bits with that. I have to wonder, which promise did you fail to deliver at that finally drove him away?” Gladiola wasn’t surprised by the fact that her marriage didn’t last, but even a stallion like Ball Point had a limit to his patience and understanding. 

Sunflower was at the point of tears. “ Ya’ll are the worst pony evuh, Gladiola. Ah can’t believe ya’ll could be that heartless.”

“Pot and the Kettle, Dear. And what are you on about? I haven’t exactly been in the loop, thanks in part to you after all. Or did the past three decades erode what’s left of your mind” Gladiola had clearly touched a nerve.

“ Ah didn’t know, how could ah have known. Everything ah tried fell apart, but ah thought I could make it work. Our mothuh nevah had a marriage that lasted, all four ended in divorce. Rose  wus lucky, at least in that respect. Ah happy marriage, loving husband, two foals, successful career. Then there’s you; the smart one, the prodigy. Where does that leave me? Failed marriage, failed career, faded looks, no…no… Ya’ll don’t know what it’s like! Mothuh put everything she hoped for herself into mah head, and ah could nevah make it work.” Sunflower clearly was on a roll with her rant.

Gladiola wasn’t sure were this was going, but when Sunflower got like this, she had a nasty tendency to say things she’d regret. 

“ And now, here ah am, forced to participate in this twisted game because of another mistake, one that wasn’t even mah idea, so that ya’ll can air every grievance since foalhood. Ya’ll know what, ah ain’t doin’ it anymore. And If ya’ll don’t like it, too bad, cuz there ain’t nuthin’ ya’ll can do about it, Gladicake!”


> Chapter 6: Isolation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 6: Isolation

Meanwhile, as the drama unfolded in the warded off part of the facility, the whole of the EST staff had heard what had happened at the previously sealed off area over the past hour, and the news of the RCSC’s approach was spreading. 

Less interesting news involved a silly pink pony that was visiting the facility, currently in the applied physics wing, rather concerned about finding a gift shop. 

The news of the old labs and testing tracks finally out of lockdown got many of the older ponies buzzing with an equally old rumor. 

The name of the long missing facility director hadn’t been uttered above a whisper for close to 30 years, and now, while the tone hadn’t rose much in volume, the amount of it being said had increased exponentially.

The fact that one of the royal sisters was now trapped within one of the testing tracks along side several staff members, including the acting director, did sour the news considerably. 

Another, more baffling fact, was despite having some the best minds in Equestria communications, no pony was able to get in touch with them, not for an extended period of time anyway. 

The bits and pieces that did come through were confusing and unsettling. 

Things about Platinum Gladiola’s return, her sisters, their issues, and the long unsolved mystery of her disappearance. 

This ongoing drama, despite being played out just out of sight, was one of the most entertaining things to happen in the facility in years. 

Everypony seemed more interested in the drama than their work, which left the custodial staff to ensure nothing hazardous developed. 

The computer security techs had been working on disengaging the lockdown and reestablishing communications with individuals trapped inside. They were having considerable trouble in this task, as if somepony had a firmer grasp of advanced security protocols than they did. 

This added speculation among the senior staff members, first with who saw what was happening with the security, and quietly spread. 

As bizarre as the whole situation was, nopony was that concerned for their safety. As far as anypony knew, the only ones in any danger were inside the lockdown; also was the fact that due to the scientific equipment and experiments conducted within the EST walls, safety took on a very different meaning. 

Security had been running routine check of the intranet when something strange happened; they lost communications to the main office, followed shortly by all departments and wings. 

As the security officers exited their office, several maintenance personnel had been looking over the facility schematic, and looked very concern as several areas had gone black.

Following  this, the lights began to go out, section by section, along with the lab equipment shutting down in each and every sector and wing. Emergency lighting came on shortly afterward, along side a recorded message.

“Attention all personnel, Class 3 power failure. All non- essential facility areas, non-ventilation systems shutting down. Switching to emergency power. Remain calm and evacuate in an orderly fashion. All emergency exits active, all ramps, slides, and ladders active, all elevators deactivated. Please proceed to the closest emergency exit.”

The message repeated over the whole of EST through the loud speaker, relayed through an automated voice replicating Celestia’s own.

“Hell, the Main reactor is shutting down. The replacement of the PGR 6 cables three months ago were properly embedded, and fully operational. Plus the reactor itself was working within low point tolerance range, what is going on? “ Gladiola thought.  

She had to work furiously to get as much info as she could, to make sure the reactor wasn’t headed toward a meltdown.

“Venting; fully operational. Auxiliary power lines: viable for switch over, begining process. Main core; power at 10%, 90% shut down, 2% chance of meltdown.  Running at emergency capacity, following to Class F power output until repairs are made. More than enough for what I need. Now, if emergency protocol is running properly, the lockdown should be overridden, releasing all doors, and the emergency exits should be activating right about, now. ”

Her attention then turned to her other captive, Quark, being held in a Plexiglas cell on the observation deck along the face of the facility.

“ Are we comfortable?” she asked over the intercom installed in the cell. 

”Don’t care much for the view.” Quark responded nervously. Unfortunately for him, he had issues with heights. “

“Oh? But I thought you enjoyed looking down on everypony.” Gladiola answered. 

Quark did see, in the brief glimpses downward, that everypony was evacuating the facility due to the power failure.

” But, since things have taken a turn, you’re going to have to be moved down.”  Gladiola continued

Quark briefly felt hopeful due to this prospect, then he saw two of the claws that had delivered him into his cage clasp the metal handles along the sides as the cargo doors on the floor opened. As his cell moved along the railing to the cargo door, Quark suddenly had a distressing thought “ Uh, you did recalibrate these for lowering fragile materials, right?”

“And why would I need to do that?” Gladiola answered shortly before the cell plummeted down the cargo chute, Quark’s surprised cry following on the way down.

Sunflower had been quite surprised when the lights went out. 

She took a moment to make sure she hadn’t had something horrible happened to her. 

After a brief check that she wasn’t hurt, she saw a green sign to her left, along with a small row of lights leading through the now revealed exit.

A long pause and a look around assured Sunflower that this wasn’t a ploy by Gladiola to prove her wrong about her previous statement.

Her behavior alone had been enough to get her into trouble, but no, she had to add the cherry on top with ‘the name’.

She was fairly certain for a moment, after the power went out, that Gladiola had terminated her existence in some incredibly quick but horrible manner.

But no, in that moments passing, no audio, no movement from the test track, just the sound of the ventilation system quietly pouring air into the room.

It was almost as if Gladiola had vanished completely.

Sunflower did have to take her time initially making her way out; going from a near over lit test track to small emergency lights to a fair amount of adjustment. 

“Once Ah get out of here, Ah am moving to someplace Gladiola ain’t evah gonna find me. Ah heah Dodge Junction is nice, and there’s a cherry farm that seems to need help on a regular basis. “ Sunflower thought out loud. 

The prospect of spending the rest of her life toiling on a farm, as opposed to facing her baby sister’s wrath one more minute was looking pretty good. 

Luna wasn’t sure what the best path to back track to reunite the other ponies in the observation room. 

Luna was numerous floors lower than the point when she started, but would the point where she could exit be near that they would be, was an estimate at best. 

It was possible too, that Mobius and the other staff members had already evacuated. 

Another concern was that Sunflower would be trying to escape as well, and Gladiola would do everything in her power to prevent that. 

Even with the power out, it was likely that Gladiola still had quite a few options; she did apparently have the entire facility at her disposal at the time.

“ I must remember to speak with my sister after this. It can’t be coincidence that everything shuts off shortly after Sunflower utters a name clearly meant to hurt her sister.” Luna thought as she slowly flew upward. 

Steadily, the floor numbers that had been labeled with the ‘sub’ prefix climbed to 1, then a rather important pair of doors marked ‘ground floor’ presented themselves to Luna. 

It was strange; Velvet had never seen the facility like this. No staff, no work labs active, very few lights. 

No staff, no labs active, little sound, few lights. Mobius might have seen it this way, long ago during the construction, but now, this was different, as if a disaster had happened and no pony told them.

Inkie and Rose had simply followed Velvet and Mobius through the emergency exit, neither one having any knowledge of where to egress in the most timely fashion. 

No pony really wanted to talk about the fact that everything just shut down the second Sunflower uttered a name that probably should have gotten her sent to the great beyond.

Velvet’s thoughts shifted to Inkie; she had a family member somewhere in the facility.

“ Inkabeth, Do you think your sister was evacuated safely?” Velvet asked, genuinely curious, al least as far as Inkie’s response.

“ Pinkamena is capable of handling herself. She has a tendency to… achieve the unexplainable. Additionally, as she is one of the Elements of Harmony, Pinkamena has been in far more perilous situations.” 

Velvet was satisfied with Inkie’s answer, she had wondered if the it was the same Pinkie Pie she had heard about in recent years. 

“Lost communications?” Lead Balloon asked, rather surprised.

“Yes sir, we’re receiving a message about a facility wide power failure, the staff is being evacuated. No word about the possibility of a meltdown, fire or other dangerous situation.”

“Curious. Will we still be able to land?” Lead Balloon inquired. The pilot answered

” We’ll get there fine, but the landing’s going to be a little rough without landing lights or platforms.”

“ If that’s we have to worry about, we’re doing pretty good. Alright, everypony make sure to buckle in; things are about to get bumpy.”

Luna had quite a surprise when she opened the ground floor doors. 

The chances of the two of them meeting after the evacuation of the whole facility were improbable, but then again; Pinkie Pie had a talent of altering laws of probability, and at times, physics. 

And, there she was, practically waiting for Luna. 

Luna wasn’t about to complain; after the previous events of the evening, seeing the perpetually smiling face of the silliest pony she had met was a welcome change. 

“Hiiiieee, Princess Luna, Have you been looking for the gift shop too? No pony seems to be around to show me where it was, not that they seemed all that eager to show me where it was before all the lights went out. I mean I know that the voice on the intercom said it was a power failure, but why would everyone need to leave the place without alarms sounding.” Pinkie continued on her ever-altering train of thought, but Luna had stopped listening upon Pinkie’s off-hoofed remark concerning the current circumstances. 

She was even more assured of the possibility that her Sister had planned for a reunion like this happening, and acted without the staffs’ knowledge to cause a situation such as the shutdown.  

“I shall inquire to her on this matter, but later.” Luna thought, right now she had to ensure the safety on the ponies that had been caught along with her in the old, previously sealed facility area.

“Heah we ah, Ground Flooah.” Sunflower said, relieved that this insanity was almost over.

“Just follow the laights, that awll ah have to do, just keep followin’ the laights.” Sunflower wasn’t concerned about Luna or the other staff members, not even her other sister Rose. 

The only thing that worried her was getting out of the facility and as far away as possible, ensuring that she didn’t attract the attention of Gladiola ever again. 

Velvet kept an eye on her aunt, Silver Rose, as she rested.

Mobius had been concerned that Rose wasn’t up for this much physical exertion, and it appeared that now that concern was founded. 

True, He and Rose had passed their youths, but that wasn’t the issue. He was easily over two decades older than her, so he knew that wasn’t it. 

No, her problem had been a long time an unfortunate development. 

The reason why her face wore such a sad expression when she thought no one was looking. 

Slowly, Silver Rose got back up; Velvet in turn offered if She needed more time.

“Thank ya’ll kindly, but Ah’ve taken long enough. Ah have what ah need to know; Platinum Gladiola is alaive, but clearly now isn’t the taime to talk. Ah imagine, between Princess Luna and both Ya’ll, that she and Ah can set up an accord to discuss the mattuh latuh. Now please, enough with the invalid routine. Ah still have plenty ah taime before all that, and we still need to leave this now.” 

“So that is why she’s here.” Mobius thought as they continued making their exit. 

Inkie had been keeping point ahead of the trio, but it was hard not to hear the conversation.  

She hazarded a guess that whatever was the matter with Silver Rose was most likely a private matter, and prying wouldn’t be appreciated. 

“ Ah thank ya’ll for bein’ patient Ms. Pie, it’s been a long taime since ah’ve had to handle sumthin’ as stressful as this. And as ya’ll can guess, my health ain’t the best eithuh.” Rose said, clarifying any questions Inkie might have. Inkie simply nodded before the foursome continued.

> Chapter 7: Repeating Sequence
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 7: Repeating Sequence

Three thoughts had gone through Luna’s head as she and Pinkie Pie made their way out of the facility: One, the more obvious, was how effectively and safely everypony was exiting as they were.

The second; was there a cafeteria on this floor. 

Even Pinkie was showing signs of slowing down due to hunger. 

And the emergency lights were only good at finding and exit, not much else.  The final thought concerned Gladiola, rather her control over the building. 

The power failure, or whatever it was, had clearly severed a majority of the facilities functions and capabilities, but what remained? 

Was it enough to continue her on her path of retribution against her sister? 

And what new form would such action take?

Luna then noticed Pinkies rather concerned look on her face as she observed the princess.

“ Is there something wrong, Princess Luna? You look kinda upset?” Pinkie asked. 

Luna replied, with a heavy sigh “ It is become an increasingly long story. One that it’s ending is going to be a long time coming. But I assure you, that while I may look perturbed, the reasons have nothing to do with you or my Sister.” 

That seemed to satisfy Pinkie’s inquiry, and she bounced off toward the exit. 

********

Lead Balloon and the rest of the RCSC had, ever since they landed, tried to make sense of what was going on. 

Almost the whole staff wasn’t aware of the fact that Luna was even at the facility.

Those who saw her quickly became more interested in investigating the previously sealed area.

Aside from the patchwork of information gleaned from Mobius and Velvet about what had happened while locked in the old test track, nopony was sure what happened after the shutdown. 
But the fact remained, that a hoofful of ponies were still inside; the Princess of the Night and the Old Facility Supervisor among them.

“ So it was a Class 3 power failure? That can’t be right.  Class 3’s are essentially what’s used during construction during a major power short of a wing, not evacuating a whole facility.” Lead Balloon thought out loud.  

*******

Main Office; that was what the sign said, along side a directional arrow point a different route than the emergency lights lead. 

Sunflower had been staring at the sign, illuminated by the normal central lighting, the corridor lit similarly every three or four meters leading to the alleged location. 

She had also been debating with herself as the likelihood that this was a set-up. It couldn’t be that easy to get to her. 

But perhaps even Gladiola could make a mistake as obvious as this. 

Pinkie noticed her sister at the intersecting hallway first. 

A rocket like sprint by Pinkie followed this shortly to her sibling.

Luna, having witnessed Pinkie report that the other members of the staff who had been sealed with her were nearby, increased her stride. 

Mobius and Velvet were quite happy to she the Princess safe and sound; even if her only company had been the silly, hyperactive pink pony that was currently smothering her relative with affection and endless blithe conversation. 

Mobius spoke first to Luna “ Ah princess, good to see that we’ve all made it out this far so quickly.” 

“Not quite all of us, Mobius Chain. Gold Sunflower is still unaccounted for.” Luna responded.

“ You mean the yellow pony from the transport, ‘cause she’s headed down that hallway.” Pinkie said, pointing down the intermittently lit hall, said pony galloping down.

“ I thought it was strange that this other side of the hallway was light, now see why?’ Inkie explained. 

Luna shortly gave chase, stopping to pick up the sign that had fallen to the floor shortly after Sunflower sped off.

The fact it had simply been taped to the wall make it clear the Gladiola had taken matters into her own hooves. 

Luna looked behind her and asked, her voice filled with authority. 

” How far away is the exit?” Mobius answered, a clear idea as to what Luna had intended.

” A little ways up. We’ll be able to connect with the RCSC and let them know what’s going on. “ Luna nodded and headed down the hallway Sunflower had just gone down.

“Princess Luna wait.” Pinkie exclaimed, giving chase. “The exits not that way!”

Luna had, over the time trapped at the old test track, been made clear the fact that Sunflower was prone to poor decision making, but this was about to top them all. 

Pinkie’s oblivious rational wasn’t strange enough, anypony else would have known that following Luna wasn’t the best idea; but there she was, a couple meters behind. 

Any of the other elements of harmony would have done the same, but as to how helpful any one of them could be in this was rather up in the air. 

Sunflower could see the doorway to the main office up ahead, and soon, she would face her baby sister. 

This insanity needed to end, and no matter what Gladiola said, this was ending up in a hoof fight.

“Gold Sunflower, Stop!” The voice came from behind her, But not just from anypony. This was Princess Luna’s full, Traditional Royal Canterlot Voice. 

And it was no suggestion, not a request; this was a Royal order. 

And a very effective one it was, aside from the slide she did due to the shined and wax floor, Sunflower stopped shortly before the doors would open. 

Unfortunately, that was close enough. 

The walls had mechanically closed up behind her, causing the sign that had previous stated “Administration: Main Office”, to fall to the floor. 

“Test Track Complex: Main” was the sign that had been hidden, a look of tremendous dismay crossed Sunflowers face as backed up to the enclosed walls. 

“ I honestly, truly didn’t think you’d fall for that.”  Gladiola said over the reactivated intercom. “ I had a much more complex trap for when you got past this simple one. If I’d known how easy you’d get captured, I’ll had have dangled a bunch of carrots from a rope on the ceiling. “  

The walls had started moving Sunflower toward the test track doors. “ I think you’ve had enough of a break. And since it’s clear that the previous track was not engaging enough, we’re going to try one of the newest tracks. “  

Sunflower whined in protest “Can’t we talk about this?” 

The answer was obvious and unsympathetic. “No”, and was pushed through the doorway. 

The frustration on Luna’s face was easily traced.

Pinkie was confused; not having been a witness to the events previous, what she just saw was rather bizarre and a little scary.

Then the walls returned to the original position, the doors to the complex opened and ready to receive the duo.  

Luna then turned to Pinkie, and spoke frankly “ Pinkie, I have to follow into there and get the pony you just saw out, as well as evacuate the pony who put her there. This will not be an easy task, and I am unsure at to what she has planned to impede me. You have faced great danger and extraordinary situations before, but you will not have the assistance of the other Elements of Harmony. It will be just you and I. I would not blame you for not wanting to go in. “ 

Pinkie took a moment to think, clearly Luna had made her case. 

Not since Pinkie Pie meet Twilight Sparkle, had such amazing things happen in her presence. 

The return of the vengeful queen of night, who now stood before her in her original form; the defeat and redemption of the embodiment of chaos; the final resolution of a thousand year curse a wicked king; and most recently, the evolution and ascension of a princess, one of her bets friends. 
Now, however, was something else. 

Pinkie didn’t even really understand what was going on. 

She just wanted to find the gift shop, bring some neat stuff back to Ponyville. 

Now, here she was, with Princess Luna, in an empty mountain of science, about to face something unknown. 

“Princess Luna, I’ve never not helped a friend, and I won’t start now. Whatever you need, I’m here.” Pinkie wasn’t famously known for her serious attitude, so her look of determination was somewhat surprising for Luna. 

But also, it was a welcome response. 

Not just in that Pinkie was willing to help, but once again hear that Luna was her friend.

It was then that the walls moved back to the original position, and the doors opened once again, waiting patiently for the duo to cross the threshold. 

“Well then, let’s not keep Gladiola waiting. And don’t worry, I imagine there will be plenty of time to explain.” Luna told Pinkie as they entered the main test area. 

Unlike the old track lobby, the technology and décor was a clear reflection of the advances and change of tastes over the last 30 years. 

Though this time, no pony was rushing in to scour over the area. 

But this place at least showed signs that life had been there recently: cups with now cold coffee and tea sat at desks with computer monitors showing various screen savers. “Wow, this place is even more unfriendly when noponies around.” Pinkie commented.

“Almost nopony. “ Luna said. The soft sound of an elevator stopping at their floor made it clear what their next move was expected to be.

After a glance toward each other, Luna and Pinkie entered, and were escorted to what was to be their designated test track. 

“This Gladiola isn’t very talkative.” Pinkie said.

“At the moment, no. After the surprise she has in store is revealed, I imagine that she’ll be more willing to talk then.” Luna replied. 

The stop had been as soft and subtle as the trip, and the opening doors gave no indication of what was in store.

It wasn’t until the both reached the top of the stairs that that Luna was sure what was up ahead; the depth and field of their ordeal. 

The sign that lit up at they approached it: Alicorn track 1, room 1 of 22. 

Pinkie spoke up after a moment. “That’s not a nice surprise.”

Luna had to agree. “No, no it is not.”

> Chapter 8: Correlation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 8:  Correlation  

“Woooow” Pinkie exclaimed, wide eyed.

Luna herself was less enthused but equally impressed. 

Clearly this had been in the works for some time, but likely haven’t had an Alicorn available, not until Luna that is, to fine-tune the track.  

Compared to old track Luna had been previously, the stark white and gray walls, with accompanying white flooring, all dust free and nearly over lit, gave the all too apparent impression of the newest in testing the abilities of the extremely rare Alicorn species.

“ Alright, Platinum Gladiola, you have my complete and undivided attention.” Luna announced, not needing confirmation of Gladiola’s electronic presence. 

She received it anyway.

“ Good, then I should be able to get clear and viable data on this inaugural test run. Oh, I’ve had a fair idea on the physical and magical capabilities of Alicorns, but you are proving to be most helpful in piecing together…” 

“I Solved It!” Pinkie exclaimed from the other side of the test chamber. 

And sure enough, she had. All the proper checkpoints had been cleared, allowing the exit door to open. 

Luna smiled, realizing, and remembering, exactly what she had. 

“Gladiola, I don’t think you two have been properly introduced. She is Pinkamena Diane Pie, baker and party pony, Element of Laughter for the Elements of Harmony, and unfortunately for you, an unparalleled external influence of the data you wish to collect. A defiance and deviation to every logical process you hold close. And the kind of friend I need in a situation like this.” 

Pinkie took Luna’s speech in stride.

After frustrating Twilight’s endeavors to scientifically understand Her Pinkie sense, the fact that other ponies have had to accept her unique capabilities came to the forefront of Pinkie’s attention. 

Well for a week anyway. 

Now, however, the very thing that made many ponies think she was a silly, and weird, pony was now proving extremely useful to Princess Luna. 

Pinkie had to be happy about that, but it was clear she would have to talk to the princess about what happened earlier. 

*****

This was unacceptable. 

That was the primary thought going through Gladiola’s mind. 

Standard deviation was one thing, but that pink pony was ruining any viable data. 

Never mind that her sister being forced into continuing the testing on the new track, which was a personal matter. 

The possibility of attaining full scientific testing data on Alicorns had just gone out the window. 

The baseline data Gladiola got from earlier may have given a far clearer estimate as to their abilities, but with only four to choose from, this would have been a monumental achievement for the scientific community. 

This Pinkamena Pie, regardless of what she was, would be no easy problem to solve. 

Inkabeth and herself would have to have a long conversation over her sister when this was over. 

****

“Okay, it looks like power’s up to 20%, sir. That restores a majority of internal communications, certain modular wall hydraulics, some lights. Most of that revolves around the current main test track, alongside ventilation, and primary power functions.”  One of the maintenance staff relayed to Lead Balloon, via the facilities external analytics network. 

The hundreds of ponies evacuated from the complex had slowly been leaving for their homes; it was apparent that nothing was going to be figured out until tomorrow morning. 

It did help quell the massive number of rumors that had accumulated since the alarm and order to evacuate had been given. 

The drama concerning Gladiola, her sister, and Princess Luna, had continued with out their tuning in, but developments weren’t forthcoming, with no communications outside the complex walls.

As he reflected on this, a new commotion started with the staff. 

After clearing out the crowd he saw what it was all about: Mobius Chain, Velvet Violet, and two differently aged gray mares exiting through the main doors. 

Notably absent was Princess Luna, signifying nothing hopeful. 
*****

Pinkie was having a grand ol’ time with Princess Luna.

Between the two of them these rooms were getting done lickety split. 

They were already on the seventh Test track.

That Gladiola pony hadn’t said a word to them after Luna’s speech, but Pinkie knew she was watching; she could feel her eyes in every camera, and she wasn’t happy. 

It was too bad really; these test cambers thingies really pretty fun.

About the only thing that would have made them better was if they had a snack cart in between the tracks, She was really starting to get hungry. 

Luna looked like she could use a serious snack as well, her eyes had a drawn out look to them. 

Not helping was the time; Luna was probably used to staying up all night, and Pinkie had spent numerous nights partying and playing until the sun came up, but this was very different. There was punch and cookies and cake and dancing and games all those other times. 

*****

Sunflower’s progress had been more brisk this time around. 

She really didn’t have any choice in the matter; Gladiola had made sure that she kept pace this time around. 

Between the modular floor and wall paneling pushing her forward, and her sister’s severe goading and browbeating infuriating her, it was clear that Sunflower wasn’t going to talk her way out of this. 

Gladiola’s previous crack about Sunflower being worse than a shark as she entered her most recent test chamber had really upset her.  

It had helped push Sunflower into finishing the room as fast as possible, but it was clear she was slowing down.

As she pushed the cube onto another large button on the floor, her vision was starting to blur, a sign she needed to be asleep long ago.

Sunflower wasn’t sure exactly what hour it was, or even how much time had passed since this all started. 

She would have to hide between the test track exit and elevator and hope Gladiola wouldn’t notice long enough for her to get some much needed rest.

*****

Luna had been taken by surprise when Pinkie had simply fallen over and went to sleep. 

Luna hadn’t realized immediately but should have at least suspected, that even a pony like Pinkie Pie had to stop sometime. 

Stopping at this point was the only option for either of them; a much-needed break was in order. 

Luna also had the inkling that Gladiola was very near the same point, if not asleep already: she may have the mannerisms of a machine, but she was still a living, breathing pony like so many others. 

Besides, there was so much more Luna could do at this point: She did after all have the ability, and duty, to enter the dreams of ponies throughout all of Equestria, and as such could make her argument much more convincingly; when she had the capacity to interpret a ponies dreams and make them face their problems in a clear fashion. 

Scootaloo had been one of the more recent, and surprisingly easy examples. It did Luna good to know that the outcome of her intervention had come with such positive results.

Hopefully similar results would occur.

Luna closed her eyes, summoned the spell with her mind as her horn glowed, and prepared to enter the realm of dreams.

> Chapter 9: Unifying Principle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 9: Unifying Principle

Despite the fact that she knew she would not be able to stay up the entire night, Princess Celestia still made the effort. 

But now, while she was asleep, it was not a sound one. 

Celestia, being thousands of years old, has had her share of such nights, so this one shouldn’t be any different. 

But it was; this time it was her sister in potential danger instead of her. The fact that she was dreaming wasn’t entirely clear until she saw her sister beside her. 

“My dear sister Luna, I’ve been worried. Since we’re talking like this, I take your mission has not gone smoothly?” 

Luna started, a clear tone of disappointment in her voice. “ No, it has not. There have been a great number of complications in this endeavor.” 

Luna then proceeded to relay the events of the evening.  

A short time later….

“There had been many ideas and theories of what had happened to the head of the facility, one of which, I imagine, you already considered as a possibility.”  

“Platinum Gladiola, yes.” Celestia began “ After her disappearance decades ago, it only made sense that she was trapped within the facility itself.”

“ And it appears she has used that time to her advantage. But it’s strange. For all her time, she seems only concern is pressing her sister, and to an extent myself, into completing her tests. No mention of any other ambition has been forthcoming, only the advancement of science. ” Luna continued.

Surprise crossed Celestia’s face upon hearing that Luna was being the unwilling participant in Gladiola’s scientific testing.  

“Are you alright, Luna?” Was Celestia’s only question and concern; EST testing tracks, while not know for being outright hazards, did have the potential for harm if unprepared. 

“Hmm, yes, I am perfectly fine. The test track I was on previously was from the old facility, and made for earth ponies. It wasn’t exactly an intellectual drain, which was helpful considering I was alone in the endeavor. “

“But apparently her observation of me was enough to fine-tune something special; a track specifically for Alicorns. However, due to circumstances I don’t pretend to understand, Ms. Pinkamena Pie felt the overwhelming need to accompany me, a fact that has changed the dynamic entirely; The track has become equally solvable as the old one, but Gladiola has become entirely silent. Though I must say, I played a part in that when introducing my companion”

Celestia took a moment before answering. “ Twilight had mentioned that Pinkie is a rather, unique pony. Her commonplace behavior and capabilities tend to astound many. Gladiola, above all else, is a pony of Science, and having her data rendered unusable can’t sit well with her.” 

“Which is another odd point; one would think that if retribution were her goal, that safety and harm to other would be no concern to her.  Yet it appears she has taken great care to ensure the test tracks remained unchanged for the sake of consistent scientific research data. It’s as if she took great care to create an illusion of innocuousness and standard procedure. But she’s not the only one using such tactics, is she?” 

Celestia raised an eyebrow, but wasn’t fazed by her sisters question.

Luna continued, clearly hitting her mark with her questioning. 

“When Gold Sunflower acted out in defiance against her sister, she said a name clearly meant to hurt her. Shortly after that, power to almost the entire complex shutdown. I don’t exactly think that was a coincidence.”  Celestia smiled, Luna was getting very good at deciphering her subtle contingency plans.

“ Good, the emergency reactor reboot does work, unfortunately it’s only temporary. It will take a long time, but they said power will be at 100% after 10 hours. But that will deny Gladiola access to things that could cause serious harm, like the incinerator. Hopefully, you can find her before then.”  

“ Before that, in speaking with the RCSC, it seems that ponies are very concerned with what Gladiola might do, rather that what she is doing; they don’t even seemed concerned as to what she’d had to do survive for the time she’s been free.” Luna exposited.

“ That’s because they’re all afraid. Afraid of her, and the potential of what Gladiola’s capable of doing as a result of her being imprisoned in her own complex for so long. Even without magic, one single earth pony, whose whole life before now has been cold, dispassionate reason and painful heartache, is quietly bringing fear and uncertainty to the whole of the royal scientific community solely due to her return. You may be the only sentient entity that can have any chance of reaching her on an intellectual and possibly emotional level. You have made one point very clear, and now I know for sure of it; you, dear sister, are the only one capable of saving Platinum Gladiola from herself. “ 

Luna took a moment to absorb what a great responsibility had been laid upon her. 

“ Two things confound me, Sister. If you had the inkling that Gladiola was trapped within her own facility, couldn’t you use magic to overcome any of the locks to free her, instead of leaving her second in command in charge?” 

“Unfortunately, that kind of magic doesn’t work on the kind of electronics they use. I was hoping that Twilight would be able to adapt such magic to change that. Until then, that’s why you have the security ID card. Plus, Mobius Chain has, for lack of a better term, significantly better Pony skills. He also tends to be far more forthcoming when inquired.” 

Celestia knew how that last part sounded, but couldn’t help that. The disappointed look on Luna’s face was bad enough; it wasn’t as if she couldn’t agree with her, she had only known Gladiola a single night and already had a fair idea of how unnerving she could be. 

“You had another concern, dear sister?” 

Luna look didn’t change, but continued with her questions. Celestia’s response was rather unintentionally harsh, but accurate.

“ I can understand how Gladiola was able to establish control of the whole complex over the course of the year she escaped her icy prison, but it’s clear she’s had control for a long time preceding that. How could she have done that with the technology of the time?” 

“ If anyone would know that, it would be Gladiola herself. “ That was all Celestia could say on the matter, she was rather curious about that herself.  

With that, Luna nodded and faded from Celestia’s dream, leaving the Princess of the Sun to wonder where here sister was headed next.

******

Silver Rose hadn’t noticed she had nodded off until she noticed Princess Luna approaching her alone. 

Well, that and the fact Rose was wearing a sombrero made of Chocolate. 

Headwear aside, Luna clearly had to talk to Rose, and she had a fair idea what it would be about.

“Princess Luna, good tuh see ya’ll are holding up. Ah take it ya’ll need tuh know more on my families history?”

Luna nodded.” Since it appears my stay will be an extensive one, and much of this ordeal is tied to your sister’s collective past. While I have some idea as to the depth and magnitude of their divide from Gladiola’s constant harangue, I need a more complete picture.” 

“Where would ya’ll like tuh start?”  Rose replied.

“ Gold Sunflower and Ball Point, what can you tell me about that?” Luna inquired. 

“ Ooh deuh, that one. That was an ugly situation, some family members are still divided over that, and thuh marriage has been over fer decades. Ya’ll be surprised how many ponies in thuh family were on Gladiola’s side on that one. But Ah’m gettin’ off track.  It wus durin’ one of Gladiola’s visits from College in tuh Summuh, She an’ Ball Point had been steady fer some taime, so seein’ him alongside hur was nothin’ to an event out of. Sunflower wus jealous, of course, but no pony paid no mind to hur. No Pony evuh could figure what she saw in him, he wus about the same age as Sunflower, but He and Gladiola were to graduate at the same taime. But that ain’t a big surprise, she’d been so far ahead in hur learnin’, Gladiola had graduated high school while Sunflower wus still failin’ middle school. Anyway, The engagement wasn’t official or anythin’ like that, she wus still some taime off from being of marryin’ age, wouldn’t have been proper otherwaise.” 

“ Wasn’t Gladiola already part of the EST at that point?” Luna asked, for clarification.

Rose nodded “ Gladiola wus officially an intern until she got huh degree, but huh work had been so big she was set to be the head of any one of the facilities by that taime that happened, Tall tale wus the first opening. Sunflower, on thuh othuh hoof, wus workin’ at a hay fry shack, goin’ nowhere with huh laife, partyin’ every naight. But that visit, somethin’ happened between Sunflower and Ball Point. Ah don’t pretend to be naïve, so ah  can only guess whut she said to him, it wus enough to make him think things differently. About a yeuh later, surprise, surprise, he’s got the ring for Sunflower, and Galdiola wus running the Tall Tale complex. “

“Which was when Gladiola said Sunflower didn’t matter.” Luna added. 

“Raight, but as ya’ll know, Sunflower and Ball Point didn’t last long. Last Ah heard, Ball Point moved to Las Pegasus, found some nice mare, and had themselves a family.” Rose didn’t feel she needed to add the fact that after the divorce Sunflower ended up her problem, there was enough publication about that during her time as a model, alongside Sunflowers numerous indiscretions, of which Rose was fairly certain Luna didn’t want to hear about. Rose also didn’t mention her own marriage, which was still continuing strong.

Luna took a moment, then began with another question “ And some where before the divorce, Gladiola disappeared, correct?”  

“Whah yes, now that ya’ll mention it. Wait, Ya’ll think Sunflower had somethin’ to do with that?” 

“ Gladiola seems to think so, and if I had to guess, so did that Quark pony. It seems secrets and hidden agendas follow this situation like ghosts. Much like Gladiola Herself:  a ghost of the past, come back to haunt those who wronged her.”

Luna gave a glance at Rose, and then changed the subject. “Thank you, Silver Rose, you have been most helpful. It seems the Puzzle of your youngest sister is finally coming together. Now, for somepony who is likely to be much less helpful.” Luna concluded, and as before, faded from the dream.

*******

Luna had to admit, she had an idea of what she’d be walking into when she entered the dreams of Gold Sunflower, but this was somehow more bizarre than she anticipated. 

Sunflower was in a small room, running at top speed on a gigantic hamster wheel, looking rather frantic, while countless EST cameras covered the walls, with yellow lenses, surrounding the wheel, watching her silently, almost accusingly. 

It could almost be a metaphor for her life. 

A small part of her wanted to leave Sunflower like this; by all accounts it’s what Gladiola had in mind in the real world. 

But Luna had questions, and it was time for answers. 

Sunflower didn’t notice Luna walking up the side of the wheel holding it up. 

After a brief shake, Luna flank checked the frame holding up the wheel. Luna had to admit, she learned this move from the rather forceful sport of roller derby; the principle of the sport was not that dissimilar from gladiatorial combat, only far less grim. 

And sure enough, the hit threw her Sunflower off her pace, and shortly tumbled out of the wheel. 

After a moment of gathering herself and examining the room, Sunflower found herself in a room with no cameras or wheel, only a very authoritative looking Princess Luna. 

Clearly, from the look on Luna’s face, this wasn’t a social call.

“P,p,princess Luna, good to see ya’ll.” Sunflower nervously responded, but Luna wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries. 

“ There are a lot of unanswered questions about what happened to your sister thirty years ago, and it’s clear you, and the stallion Quark, know about it. You can talk to me now, or you and he can confess your guilt of conspiracy and harm in the royal courts. Do you understand?”

Sunflower expression looked, and she emotionally felt, like a filly being chastised her parents again. 

But she understood perfectly enough; her options were slim, and neither one benefited her.

On the other hoof, she really didn’t have any other options available, and if any pony could live up to her word, it was the Princess. 

Sunflower simply shook her head yes to answer the Princess’ questions. 

Luna began probing the past with questions. “ The events of thirty years ago coincide with the divorce proceedings of both you and Ball Point, yes? ” 

The grimace on Sunflower’s face showed that the question was cutting closer than she would like. 

But silent another shake of her head yes proved a sufficient answer. 

“ Did Quark convince you that by causing Gladiola to disappear, that would change?” Luna continued.

“ Not quaite. He knew that Ah had stole him away from Huh, an’ Ah wus afraid Ball Point maight go back an’ beg huh forgiveness, tuh take him back. Ah couldn’t staynd it. Quark said  If ah never saw huh again, mah laife would get easier without huh overshadowin’ me.That uh mare’s praide is worth preserving, and nopony had tuh know what happened, nopony would really miss huh.” Sunflower’s demeanor was starting to break; the long buried negative emotions bubbling to the forefront.

“But that never even happened, did it?” Luna quizzed.

“Nuhuh, that weren’t even a thang. Ball Point didn’t even try. Ah don’t know whut Quark wus to gain, but he didn’t escape Gladiola’s wrath. Even from the confines of the chambuh, Gladiola found a way to punish Quark for all this taime.”

Luna wasn’t happy with that. 

Quark clearly had masterminded the disappearance, but the fact that he was able to manipulate Sunflower so easily, well it was no surprise he was scrubbing floors for the past thirty years. 

But what was he trying to accomplish? And did Quark truly come up with the plan himself?

Clearly Sunflower didn’t know. 

One thing She did know, however, would explain a great deal. 

“ The reason Ball Point decided to leave, the final straw for him, it’s because your barren, isn’t it?”  Luna had asked the question carefully, but had found it, the one question that hit Sunflower right in her heart. 

Sunflower started crying, attempting to answer. “ Ah…had…Ah tried for…once in mah laife…to live up to mah promises. But no mattuh…what ah did…ah failed. Then, when ah…came back…from the doctuh…with that…that…” That was it, Sunflower couldn’t continue.

Luna had heard enough. 

She had what she needed. 

The picture was coming together, and wasn’t pretty. 

Luna knew there was no consoling Sunflower after that point, and to a degree Luna wasn’t really in the mindset for affording her solace. 

A small part of Luna had to wonder how much she sounded like Sunflower before her transformation into Nightmare Moon. 

Not liking where her thoughts were headed, Luna left Sunflower to her pain and self-pity. 

> Chapter 10: Solving for X
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 10: Solving for X 

When Princess Luna exited her dream travels, she was welcomed to the sound of crunching and slurping. 

A quick look around revealed several old looking, hermitically sealed, labeled pouches, some opened; and Pinkie Pie, her companion, busily eating, a look of dissatisfaction and distaste on her face.

Luna raised some of the pouches to her face with her magic, and sure enough was indeed food and water, preserved and sterilized for long-term storage. 

But based on the look on Pinkie’s face, taste had clearly not been considered as a factor in the process of creating them.

With trepidation, Luna opened one of the water pouches, and took a drink.

Luna instantly regretted it; the chemicals used to preserve and prevent spoilage were bitter and astringent, the water in the Manehattan municipal pool tasted better. 

“Sorry Princess Luna, I didn’t see you were awake, or it would have warned you about the water ones. There really, really, super duper, extra bad” Pinkie offered, having finished the pouch of what had once been carrots.

After her fit of coughing ended, Luna responded “ No, Miss Pie. The fault is mine. I hadn’t listened to my first instinct. I take it these were here after you had awoke?”

Pinkie continued, happy that Luna wasn’t upset with her. ”Uh huh, but these look really old. I’ve had freeze-dried carrots before at a fair, and these were so icky.”

“Clearly, the technique has been significantly refined, as well as improved since the time these were made. “ Luna commented.

Pinkie brought up an obvious question.” If these things showed up when we where asleep, doesn’t that mean that Gladiola mare was here? And if that’s true, why would she leave these old things for us?” 

Luna took a moment to think before answering. “ It would certainly imply that Gladiola had been here at first glance. Equally likely is the possibility she had sent these through the modular walls, so she didn’t have to leave her current location. As for these, I rather hope to be true, as strange as it sounds, may have been from Gladiola’s personal cache, instead of the facility cafeteria.”

“But if Gladiola got out a year ago, like you said, why would she eat this icky stuff?” Pinkie asked. 

Pinkie had been paying some attention to Luna’s relay of events during their stay on the various test tracks. 

“The staff would have a much better idea about that. If I had to guess, it’s some how connected to her long stay in cryo-stasis.” 

Then, Luna received an incoming call tone on her headset.

“Princess Luna, are you there?” the voice came from the earpiece, which had been silent since the shutdown. “Princess Luna, do you copy?”

“Administrator Mobius Chain? Yes, yes, I hear you. Did you and your party evacuate? And when were communications restored?” Luna asked.

“When power was restored to 35%. But that’s the least of our concerns. And yes, we’ve gotten out just fine. We’ve been talking with the RCSC, and we’ve all been quite concerned.  What’s been going on since you followed Sunflower?” 

“ Unfortunately, Sunflower got herself captured by Gladiola again in the main test track area, we’ve had no choice but to follow. Gladiola’s castigation of her sister has since taken a more personal, and far more insulting bent. At the same time, Pinkamena and I have been given the privilege of testing the facilities recently completed Alicorn track. “ Luna related, matter-of-factly.

“Alicorn.Track?” Not just Mobius Chain, but my multiple members of the RCSC repeated these words as well. 

This was far more serious than they thought. 

Not only had Gladiola cut out the Commission in approving facility proposals, she had apparently been creating her own projects.

In conjunction with that they’ve managed to figure out She’d been using her administrative capacity subtly for decades, it was becoming obvious as to how far she was capable of going, without oversight. 

She seemed to be answering the question they had long been wondering, and it wasn’t one they wanted.

“Lead Balloon, Mobius Chain, I have several questions, and you and the Commission may be able to piece together what information I have for answers.” Luna broke the collective silence of the science ponies on the outside. 

“Of course Princess Luna, What did you need to know?” Mobius Chain replied. 

“ When I read through the dossier before arriving here, one of the odd occurrences was a missing suit?” Luna began.

After a moment, Mobius Chain had pulled up the report to the item in question on his tablet. “ Ah, yes, here it is: One EST Heavy Exposure Hazardous Environment Suit. Missing and unaccounted for, no evidence of theft. This was the second unexplained disappearance of EST property that month, and to some the first real evidence Gladiola had rejoined the world of the living.” 

Lead Balloon took over, understanding where the conversation was going. “ The Freon Coil/Agar Culture Theory. After such a long period in stasis, her immune system wouldn’t be able to handle today’s mutated germs and bacteria.”

“ That also explains the multiple immunization vials that had gone missing. But why wouldn’t Gladiola at least try to contact the staff after acquiring the suit? Would revenge be her only motivation for hiding this long?” Mobius inquired.

“ Perhaps not entirely. The report mentioned that at the time Platinum Gladiola was in charge, there was an aggressive competitor, as well as a major corporation that was challenging both the EST and the Rich Corporation.”  Luna responded.

“Tyranus Advancements, and Origin Corporation. She wouldn’t have known what had happened to them, not at first anyway. I could see how she’d want to keep her return a secret from them at first.” Lead Balloon answered. 

“But both ended up being victims of their own ambition and criminal activities, correct?” Luna questioned.

“Mostly. TA ended up completely dissolved after its company head supposed perished in an explosion during a stand off with royal justice officers and guards at Manehattan. The entirety of its work, or rather, that which wasn’t seized by the courts, was transferred to EST. Origin is still mired in litigation for illegal experimentation, corruption, bribery, and other nastiness. Most of its main officials are still in special royal investigative custody after all these years. A vast majority of its shares were sold off, along with a vast amount of the companies assets, ironically to the Rich Corporation.” Lead Balloon exposited. 

The RCSC had kept close tabs on both Companies, especially after Gladiola disappeared. Some of them had a suspicion that one if not both played a hoof in instigating the circumstances of her imprisonment.

“ Tryanus Noir; I read that he was attempting to build a military for a coup de tat with the weapons they were developing in secret.” Luna completed. 

Luna, having access to the royal archives, had a fair amount of reading on the history of Equestria since her absence. 

The Tyranus Advancements scandal had been the most recent of such attempted coups. 

The “allegedly perished”, mentioned by Lead Balloon, was due to the fact that while it was supremely unlikely Tyranus Noir survived the building explosion, his body was never found.

At least not enough of it to prove it was Tyranus.

“That’s right, Princess Luna. You think those companies got their hooks into Quark?” Mobius asked.

“ It makes sense; Quark does not seem the type to machinate such a plan on his own.”

Mobius chimed in. “ My guess is that eliminating the EST executive staff was part of the plan, then the RCSC.  After that, acquiring EST would most likely be simple, and whoever owned it would monopolize the field of science, and use it for their own purposes, with Quark as their lapdog. Guess they didn’t plan the disciplinary review of Quark’s previous actions, along side his demotion and denial of all further involvement in any project. They even erased Quark from all past projects, as if he’d always been cleaning staff.”

“Ironic then, that EST ended up the monopoly.” Luna commented.

“Only on the face of it. The RCSC, and to some extent, I imagine, Gladiola herself, have taken great efforts to ensure that EST is never in the mindset of being the sole provider of scientific research and development for Equestria.” 

Lead Balloon had that speech in his back pocket whenever ponies asked about that fact. 

And a majority of that was true: Another important fact was that they had to report to Princess Celestia directly, and there’s nothing quite like having the ruler of the whole of equestrian species to help you keep perspective. 
“Well then, that answers a good deal about the past. Now on to another point: the sealed off part of the facility had reserves of preserved food and water, correct?” Luna continued, eager to ascertain another unusual matter, one much more recent. 

“Yes, there were emergency provisions, early versions of extended period preservation, stored in that area. But they were, rough, to put it mildly. The Emergency Provision packs within the facility were replaced by far superior ones once they got a full understanding of technique and compatible foodstuffs. The water pouches from were the worst; the only reason you’d drink those is if you had no viable choice.” Mobius relayed to the Princess. “Why do you ask?”

“Because it appears Platinum Gladiola took no chances with her fellow scientists theory regarding long cyro-stasis.  I believe She has been sustained herself on these sub-standard provisions during her time out of the chamber, of which Ms. Pinkamena Pie and I have had the misfortune of experiencing. “

“Oh wow.” That was all Mobius chain could think to say. 

Luna continued. “ These facts have been very informative, but something escapes me. The other missing artifact: The Shield of Damascus Heart. What is it and would Gladiola need it? “

Lead Balloon began. “ Oh yes, you weren’t there during that war. Well, the Shield, as the name suggests, belonged to one of the Knights of Canterlot. It was recently confirmed to have magically properties. Specifically, it allows the bearer of the shield to withstand injuries or circumstances that would be lethal otherwise. Considering that Cyro-stasis still isn’t a two way journey as of yet, She most likely used it so that reversing the process wouldn’t be lethal.” 

“Fascinating. All this effort and planning on Gladiola’s part. I believe I understand why she took the tact she did.” Luna answered.

“ Pardon, understand what?” Lead Balloon asked.

“Why Gladiola set out to prove that EST doesn’t need The Commission anymore.” Luna started, The RCSC stunned. “That is why you called for royal intervention on this matter.  None of you could afford the embarrassment of your lost Savior Prodigy returning to shutter the Counsel, Correct? “ 

It took some time before anypony answered. “ The rumbles of us being outmoded have been around for at least seven years now. We had hoped that Gladiola would have contacted us after her escape. If anypony could have silenced the rumors, it would be her.  We had also hoped that, even after all this time, that Gladiola would accept our offer for her to join the Commission.” 

Luna interrupted, this revelation surprising her. “ Wait, You wanted to make Gladiola a member of the Commission?”

Lead Balloon answered. “Yes, of course. Gladiola’s life had been one of solitude and intellect. She sped through school at such a pace nopony could get close. Sunflower didn’t help with that, especially after she stole Gladiola’s fiancé. When she began as the head of this facility, EST was at it’s most endangered. She got EST on solid ground, and ahead of our competitors. By the time she ended up in that Cyro-chamber, Tyranus Advancements and Origin Corp. were drowning in legal woes. A place at the Commission as thanks for all her work was a start, but it was something she needed more than that.” 

“Peers.” Luna looked over at Pinkie, who was playing with opened package of gelatinized peach cubes to build confectionary ponies. “Friends. A voice other than her own to help her to grow and heal.”

“After her engagement was broken off, Gladiola became even more distant. We had hoped after she became head of this facility, being around so many ponies, she would start to open up. We had to change our plan when it was clear that while she was changing, the cracks in her faced were starting to show. Everypony knows the intellect of Platinum Gladiola, but almost no pony has any inkling about who she is as an individual; even her ex may not even have had a real clue. ” Gossamer Shield related. 

Luna thought back to what Celestia had said earlier. “ Then perhaps it is time to find out. This matter will be a point of discussion when this is over. Now, if you will excuse us, we have the matter of a new test track to complete.” Luna replied, and turned to Pinkie Pie. 

“Princess Luna?” Pinkie started to ask. “ If Gladiola has so much control over this place, wouldn’t that mean she’d have been listening to that whole conversation?”

“That’s exactly what it would mean.” Luna answered, a sly smile spreading across her face.

A look of surprise filled Pinkies expression; not really understanding, but the fact that Princess Luna had a plan was enough to fulfill her curiosity.

> Chapter 11: Correlation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 11: Correlation

Gladiola had a massive amount of new information to process. 

The commission had wanted to help her by having her join them; but employed The Princess when their fears of obsolescence and her emotional problems had been demonstrated by her own actions.  

That may have changed matters between her and the commission, aside from some personal issues that she’d address personally, but it didn’t affect the circumstances of Sunflower and Quarks fate. 

If anything, it only made what she had planned for them all the more appropriate.

Speaking of Princess Luna, what was she playing at? It wasn’t coincidence that her line of questioning lead to this revelation. Clearly Luna knew that She’d be listening to the whole conversation. 

Something else she had almost overlooked: Silver Rose. 

Rose’s behavior, from what Gladiola had observed form the cameras, showed clear signs of illness. Mobius and Velvet knew what affliction was affecting her, but that knowledge was outside the EST Tall tale database. Perhaps that information lay in the medical database, at Manehattan. 

On the other side of Equestria.

That brought up another point: find a way to connect all the EST facility databases across Equestria. If Gladiola could figure out how to free herself from a supposedly impossibly irreversible process, such a task couldn’t be that difficult.

Gladiola needed time to figure this out, as well as create a to-do list for when all this is over, which was starting to become a long list.

Unfortunately, due that little pink probability skew tagging along with Luna,  Gladiola wouldn’t have to opportunity to talk one on one with her. And separating the two would be a venture more troublesome and complicated than it was worth. 

Luckily, that was balancing out, due to the two of them having a difficult time making it through the test chambers thanks to the new variable:  Activity Ball Turrets.


*****

This was insanity. 

If Luna hadn’t know better, it was almost as if Gladiola had modified the track out of retaliation. 

True, there were plenty of hiding spots from the balls, but any progress they had made had been brought to a halt.

Pinkie had been trying to have fun my antagonizing the turrets, to what end wasn’t clear, but it was apparent she was becoming less enthused by the second.

What they needed was a way to disable the turrets, find a way a round so they wouldn’t be in front of them. 

Ding.

The look on Luna’s face showed that she had figured out how to resolve their predicament. 

“What is it, Princess Luna?” Pinkie asked. She was just as eager to leave as Luna.

“ We may not be able to get behind those turrets, but once the turrets themselves are turned around…” Luna began.

“ We can tip them over and pour ice cream on them, dancing on sombreros while they say the understand?” Pinkie answered.

Luna stared blankly at Pinkie Pie for a moment, before responding. Despite being partnered with Pinkie for most of the night, Luna hadn’t been prepared for that particular response.

“No. We can then sneak past them with ease, completing this area.” Luna gave the answer she anticipated.

Pinkie started to ramble in her typical fashion as Luna used her magic to turn the turrets around; very glad they weren’t pinned down anymore. 

“More time lost, there has to be a way to bypass all of this to find Gladiola and her captors before her plan is implemented.” Luna thought as the pair passed by the duo of turrets and through the exit. 

*****

Velvet Violet had been watching the screen showing the power grid of the facility creep up slowly for the past hour, between watching over Silver Rose sleep soundly. 

“ At least someone’s able to get some rest while this ugly situation plays out. I don’t thing Aunt Sunflower is getting too much rest in there.” Violet thought.

But that wasn’t what was really concerning Violet, or the RCSC staff for that matter. 

The big issue con everyponies mind was what would happen when the facilities power was enough to allow it to be fully operational. 

It wasn’t so much they were all short of ideas; it was that there were a massive amount of options to choose from, where would one begin?

A buzzing on Violet’s tablet devise interrupted her train of thought.

“1 new message” the screen informed her, but who could be up at this hour that would have access to her work tablet? 

Unless…

Violet looked at the username of who sent the message. “AdministratorTT001”, it made for a fairly easy guess as to whom that could mean.

Opening the message, Violet couldn’t first understood revenge against her eldest sister wasn’t Gladiola’s only motivation.

“ Medical status of Silver Rose. Behavior indicates long running and serious illness.”  The message read.

Violet wasn’t as surprised as she wanted to be over the fact that Aunt Gladiola had been watching through the security cameras after all, but there were bigger issues at hoof. 

Violet typed the full medical diagnosis of Silver Rose; fairly confident Her Aunt understood Medical jargon. 

“Arosomatitis, stage 2.”  Better known to the general public as Arosoma Poisoning; the name comes from the story of an ill-fated town in the Pre-Equestria days.

“Transmission vector linked to continuous exposure to product removed from market “Wowie Chews”, of which subject Silver Rose was the Spokespony.”  No point leaving that out, Rose was just as much a victim as the consumers who bought the product.

A thought then occurred to Violet; could the same technology that had imprisoned Gladiola be used to save Rose? The possibility was certainly there, and with a few adjustments, a ready means of communications could be established, avoiding the isolation and misfortune that had occurred earlier.

“Hopefully that’s what Aunt Gladiola was thinking” Violet thought.

********
Sunflower had nothing left.

No more emotions, no more excuses, no more energy, no more ideas.

Sunflower had been spending the last ten minutes, hiding as best she could from the cameras, crying.

The sound of Sunflower’s sobs could easily be heard through out the test chamber; and while to others this might have brought a feeling of vicious sense of pride and accomplishment, to her sister, this meant nothing.

About the only thing worse than what was happening now, was what as to come.

One of two fates awaited Sunflower, neither of which meant her future would be a happy one for her.

The first was whatever vengeance Gladiola had planned for her and Quark. Undoubtedly an ugly fate was in store, and more than likely had a touch of irony.

The second was facing the royal courts in the instance that Princess Luna manages to rescue the two of them. Not a much better prospect, but the possibility of mercy was much higher.

Of course, that would only be possible if she threw Quark under the cart, but under the circumstances, that wasn’t a problem.

*******

Quark really hoped he wasn’t where he thought he was.

He had been moved down from the observation for some time, but about an hour ago, he’d been moved up again. 

To here, worryingly. 

If this were what Gladiola had planned for him and Sunflower, it would almost be worth being sent to royal prison, instead of this.

******
It had taken Pinkie a couple seconds to notice that Princess Luna had stopped, another look of realization on her face.

“Hey, Princess Luna, what’s the matter, is that water giving you tummy trouble? Do you feel sick?” Pinkie started.

“No Pinkamena, a fact just occurred to me, something I had read earlier in my report, but didn’t give much thought to until recently. “ Luna answered.

A look of pleasant surprise crossed Pinkie’s face as she responded to Luna’s revelation. “Ooooh, what is it, what is it?”

Luna smiled as her companions’ eager reaction. “Something that will put the odds into or favor. I’ll show you at the next chamber.”

> Chapter 12: Deviation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 12: Deviation

Power Level: 45%, it wouldn’t be long now. The power restore had taken most of the night, but soon all the delays wouldn’t matter.

The final stage would happen about sunrise; that should make an interesting surprise for early risers and the Canterlot royal guards. 

Maybe even Celestia Herself would catch sight of it. 

But, potentially, any difficult part lay afterward: Justifying her actions to the Royal Courts. 

But logic would most likely prevail on that end; Gladiola had yet to meet an individual who could contest her on the logic front. It would take a miracle, nothing short of her own return, for find any pony, judge or jury, which would convict her.

Which in part, was why Gladiola planned it out the way she had. No direct involvement, no intentional injuries.  Minimal consequences.

About the only part that had fallen through was the involvement of the guilty party. 

Royal involvement RCSC’s only solution to the fact they knew she had returned, they just didn’t want to admit it. Luna had proven that, not only that; but exposed them for the old, lost, fearful bunch of hypocrites they are. 

The fact the only thing they could offer her is a place at their table was almost insulting. 

“They can only slow me down, while they try to keep me under a microscope, afraid of what I’ll would do next. “ Gladiola thought. “I don’t need oversight, I need progress. The whole of EST needs progress.”

Another point Gladiola had to consider: Silver Rose.

It was obvious now that Rose had ulterior motives for her accompanying Sunflower here.

They having no animosity, Rose would easily be able to ask to be placed in cyro-stasis until her level of illness could be effectively cured.

It would be an interesting conversation, but a pleasant one. Gladiola was looking forward to it. 

Finally, there had been Princess Luna’s involvement, which while unfortunate, was a beneficial circumstance.  

Gladiola now had a scientifically significant baseline established for Alicorns, and the Alicorn track was proving to be an effective test platform, even if she had to run the whole course again with a different princess. 

“Perhaps the latest addition to the pantheon, Princess Twilight Sparkle, would suffice? She did study under Celestia personally, and she does seem the studious type, I’m certain she’d be happy to help” Gladiola mused.

Speaking of Princess’s, Princess Luna seemed rather pleased about this surprise she had come up with; what could she have in store? 

******
Luna’s sly smile had disappeared upon entering the chamber. 

Admittedly, the fact that she would be facing exponentially more turrets had already been expected; it was the culmination of every additional test aspect from the previous chambers along side the turrets, made the situation most perturbing. 

Luna began to address her unseen yet omnipresent host.

“Platinum Gladiola, I must say, this whole experience has been most enlightening. But now, I must bring this all to a close. “

“Oh, and just how will you be achieving that goal?” Gladiola responded over the intercom.

Taking a moment, Luna drew a deep breath, and once again used the Royal Canterlot Speaking Voice.

“Royal Command Override Alpha One Two One Six. Authorization: Princess La Luna Mystique De Nocturne.” 

A jovial automated Stallions voice responded. “ Override accepted, Princess Luna. Royal proximity security override activated. Facility lockdown overridden, all doors opened for exit. Power level 46%, freight and large scale staff elevators active for evacuation. Have a nice day, and hope to see you again.” 

Gangplanks and catwalks appeared out of the walls directly to the exit. Turrets and other test implements powered down. And additional lights turned on to highlight all means of taking leave available.

“Your. Kidding. Me.” Gladiola said, rather surprised. 

“Woohoo! Way to go, Princess Luna!” Pinkie pie announced enthusiastically. Pinkie was quite pleased with Luna’s surprise, it definitely was a big change from Gladiola’s brain bending, unfun, unfair ones.

“Thank you, Pinkie, but this just affords us a more even hoofing with Gladiola. And right now, we should be running.” Luna said, and then started to bolt toward the exit. 

“Princess Luna? Wait!” Pinkie shouted as she galloped to catch up.

“My apologies, Pinkie, but there’s still much to do before this is over, and I can’t imagine Gladiola is going to just let us find her or her captives without incident. Every door may open for me now, but Gladiola still has control of the rest, and as she demonstrated.” 

******* 

“Okay, fine then.” Gladiola thought. “ Computer, MAOBL launch capacity charge, protocol Gamma. Authorization Code: Zero One Zero Five.” She ordered shortly after.

The same automated voice, which answered Luna before, responded. “ Code Accepted, Director Platinum Gladiola. Estimated time of full charge: 35 Minutes.” 

“ Had the lockdown not happened, it would only take six minutes.“ Gladiola thought sourly.

“Calculate launch trajectory Four Beta. Open canopy five minutes prior to full charge. “

“Acknowledged. Reminder: Royal command override affects all other commands from Non-Royal entities within 10 meters.” The automated voice offered.

“Not going to be an issue.” Gladiola thought as she summoned the freshly sterilized HEHE Suit. 

“Now, to go get my sister. She and Quark have a flight to catch.”

****** 

“Whoa.  Sir, you should really see this.”  One of the Techs said to Lead Balloon. 

Curious, Lead Balloon headed over, and immediately saw the problem. It was a read out of the facilities power grid. 

He knew there was only one thing that could cause that large a shift to spike the gird. 

“Princess Luna? Are you there? Princess Luna, please respond.” As he called out to Luna on the comm., the rest of the RCSC gazed at the screen, various expressions of shock and fear over their faces. 

“If this is the final step in her plan, well, it would be very impressive, if it weren’t completely terrifying.” Lead Balloon thought, waiting for Princess Luna to answer.

****** 

The sound of Lead Balloon in Luna’s earpiece wasn’t so much a surprise, as a distraction. Hopefully he had good news; she could really use a large portion of that.

“This is Luna, Lead Balloon. What is happening?” She asked.

“Princess Luna, our technicians have noticed a very large power fluctuation within the facility. Unfortunately, only one machine is capable of creating such a fluctuation: The Magnetically Assisted Orbital Break Launcher.

Luna took a deep breath before asking, rather certain she was in for a lengthy explanation. “ And that is?”

“ The MAOBL, as we call it, is the primary component of the Equestria
space exploration and discovery program. This facility houses one of the four across Equestria. “

“Yes?” Luna responded.

“We use this one mostly for deep space satellite launches. The Space program is still undergoing safety restructuring after the incident with major Tom Foolery to allow ponies into space again.” Lead Balloon finished solemnly.

“I take it then, that this information is being relayed to me because you believe that Gladiola, once her two prisoners are reunited, are intended to launched into deep space?” Luna asked.

“Precisely. And if had to hazard an additional guess, Cyro-stasis chambers are likely to play a part in this plan.”

Luna paused a moment. “Cryogenically freezing those who conspired against her, then launch them into the void of space. Thorough.”

Pinkies face had a notable expression of surprise upon hearing Luna’s assessment 

“ How long do We have before launch. I would have to believe that the shutdown slowed down the timeframe?” Luna continued

“Yes, that’s the good news. Estimates place the launch time at around 30 plus minutes. And since the MAOBL is at the peak of the facility, finding it is relatively easy.”

“Provided they aren’t frozen yet, this is the most promising information I’ve heard all night. “ Luna affirmed, spreading her wings after finding another stairway, Pinkie holding firm on her back.

****** 

Sunflower ran behind a wall when she heard the exit door open and the stairway activate. 

Carefully, she looked around the corner; Nothing. 

“Maybe she got tired of hearing my bawling?” Sunflower thought. 

Carefully, Sunflower stepped toward the exit; she didn’t a repeat of Gladiola’s earlier deception.

Shortly, Sunflower had made her way through the exit, toward the elevator.

“Luna might have found Gladiola too. Maybe Luna’s taken control?” Sunflower then thought hopefully, as the elevator shaft hummed with life, bringing the car up.

That thought quickly went out the window when a large clamp grabbed hold of Sunflower’s midsection, followed shortly by the vision of a pony in some kind of science-armor.

Fear then crossed Sunflower’s face as Gladiola’s voice came from the armor. “ Good news, You’re finally going to be leaving here very soon, though you won’t be going home. And if the last Pony is any indication, this will definitely be a one way trip.” 

> Chapter 13: Countdown
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 13: Countdown

The trip upward to wherever they were headed had been, as far as Sunflower was concerned, the most uncomfortable and unsettling of all that had happened tonight. 

The fact that Gladiola hadn’t said a word to her after meeting in the test chamber had been equally unpleasant.

Sunflower also couldn’t tell what expression her sister had on her face due to the mask, though she could take a guess.

“Ah ain’t supposin’ apologisin’ ’ill make a difference?” Sunflower asked trepidatiously. 

“The time for such action passed so long ago, it could literally be a lifetime. Fortunately, I’ve found a solution that will prevent any, and all, future incidents.” Gladiola responded, her tone filled with calculated malice.

This information prompted Sunflower to try and wriggle free from the armature that had hold of her by the abdomen, to no avail.

“Oh come awn, Gladioluh. Cain’t we jus’ settle this in court, laike rational horses?” Sunflower was starting to panic.

“Yes, because rational and maturity are hallmarks of your personality.” Gladiola’s answer was sarcastic, and cutting.

Floor panels opened up around Sunflower as the elevator slowed down, signaling they had reached their destination.

“Twenty five minutes to launch. Cryo-stasis launch module prepped and ready. Subjects Quark and Gold Sunflower logged for mission. “ The intercom announced.

Sunflowers attention, naturally, started to focus on the large science cannon in the center of the room. Clearly, this was Gladiola’s solution to the decades old vendetta.

A quick glance and Sunflower found Quark, imprisoned in what looked like a glass case. Quark himself was looking up at Sunflower, a look of worry mirroring hers.

The top of the case opened up, depositing Sunflower within, preventing either pony from making any sort of escape.

As the duo slammed their hooves against the case, Gladiola said something that chilled them to the core. 

“You two should be thanking me. Up until now, only one pony has ever seen what lies beyond Equestria’s moon. The both of you will not only provide that long overdue information, but will finally be contributing to society, and science.”

*******

Luna and Pinkie seemed to be at equal hoof with Gladiola now, which was helpful considering they now had to keep pace with constant changes around them. For every door they opened, a wall obstructed them. Each Turret bypassed, another was placed in the way. About the only relief was that Gladiola hadn’t started to resort to more lethal solutions. 

“ If the girls were here, we would have gotten through this lickety split.” Pinkie commented, dodging through the hydraulics of the wall panel.

“Indeed. I also imagine that, if my sister were here, this might not even be occurring.” Luna responded, weaving past moving wall and roof panels. “Alas, that is not how this night has played out. It is up to us.”

“ Hey, that reminds me; what are you going to do when we get to Gladiola? I mean, sure you’re going to stop her from launching the two ponies who stuck her in that freezy thing, but how are you gonna do that? Magic? Royal Authority? Giant hammer? “  Pinkie mused.

“ Ah, no, Pinkie. I will be using the one tactic that has had the most effect, the one Gladiola herself has been using.” Luna responded. 

Pinkie was a touch confused, but still kept pace with Luna. “Wait a sec, hasn’t she been using her big brain to just super think this whole thing?”

“In a manner, yes. But I have found the flaws in her logic, I now know what can truly make her cease her plan.” Luna answered, intently.

“Oooh, I can’t wait to see what it is. By the way, the elevator is the other way, Princess Luna.” Pinkie pointed in the opposite direction from where the duo was headed.

“ Yes, it is, but that is too easily controlled by Gladiola, where as the stairway is completely without automation, and therefore beyond her control. Just as important, I can fly through the shaft, expediting this drawn out contest.”  Luna was mostly sure about her assessment of the stairwell. The probability of the stairway walls being hydraulic was low, but there was only one-way to certain of that; and that was to reach the area.

Hopefully, her plan for when they actually reached the MAOBL chamber would be as effective as she anticipated.

******

Canterlot Castle; Grand Foyer.

Dawn was fast approaching; soon the princess of the sun, long since awake, would perform her duty and raise the sun once more. 

The question Princess Celestia had, which went unvoiced was a simple one: would the sound of a magnetic launch echo through the early morning of Equestria, followed by a massive shaft of light from the west? 

Or, as Celestia hoped, would her sister be able to quell the long delayed wrath of the so-called ”Queen of Science.”

“Of course, if you, Cadence, or Twilight had gone with Luna in the first place, this would have been over hours ago.” Celestia chided to herself. 

But Cadence wasn’t available this short of notice, and Twilight was still getting used to her wings. 

And like it or not, Celestia trusted Luna to handle this, and she did have help. Granted, it was from the most hyperactive pony she had ever met, but even that had an advantage against a logical, methodical pony like Gladiola.

******

Outside EST Tall tale:

Inkie had been observing the EST staff grow increasingly more panicked as the launch time grew closer. 

Pinkie Pie was somewhere inside still, alongside Princess Luna, trying to find and stop a pony that, for all intent and purpose, was unstoppable.

Inkie wondered what would Maud do in this situation. It wasn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility that; with Maud’s tediously vast knowledge of mineralogy, coupled with her profoundly plain personality, Gladiola might find a friend. 

Or was that wishful thinking on Inkie’s part, finding distraction to avert from the seriousness of the situation.

Inkie also noticed Velvet Violet had been watching her tablet intently after receiving a message a short time ago. What could that be about?

******

“Flaw in her Logic.” These were the words Gladiola had been stewing over since Princess Luna said them minutes ago. 

Just what exactly could Princess Luna find fault with in her logic that she herself could not?

“Twenty minutes to launch.” The computer announced. “ Checking integrity and calibration of magnetic rails.”

Gladiola registered the automated equipment check, but she had bigger matters to attend to. 

“Computer, Status of Solar panel array.” Gladiola commanded.

“Solar panel array at 77% functionality. Available solar light not viable for expediting charge to MAOBL.”

Gladiola let out an exasperated sigh; this was becoming problematic. But the same could be said for the current circumstance as a whole.

Unfortunately, Luna was right about the stairway not having modular walls. Primarily a safety concern, it was, up until now, been considered unnecessary to use such mechanics.

But there were ways to work around that; they did have to make it to the stairwell in the first place. Additionally, they had to make it to this point of the facility. 

And Gladiola had plenty of ways keep that from happening.

“ Magnetic rail Check complete: integrity and calibration at 100%. Checking Launch Trajectory calculations” the computer cheerfully assessed.

******

Spitfire had to admit, when she and the Wonderbolts got the call out to Tall Tale, the reason why was fairly new to her. Sure, she had read about the Major Tom incident, but only retired Wonderbolt members had seen it the MAOBL in action, let alone the pony who was using it again. 

“Mothballed technology, being reactivated by a ghost, all for revenge. This is one for the record books.” Spitfire thought.

Soarin was, predictably, hungry and concerned over the mission. But he had point; how exactly were they going to stop an object, launched at super-sonic speeds, from going into space?

Perhaps it was the simple fact Spitfire didn’t want that kind of failure on her, or for that matter, the Wonderbolts, record.

*****

This was the most excited Pinkie had seen Princess Luna since she discovered fun last Nightmare Night.

The time Luna had spent since then had clearly not just gone into learning about the modern world; Luna had also used the time to better defend herself, a cue more than likely offered by Princess Celestia, after Luna had slept through the entire Changling invasion.

The distance between them and the main stairwell was shortening quickly, despite Gladiola’s efforts. 

Good thing the had plenty of time, if they had only a short time, they’d probably have to get really serious, and that’s never fun.

*****

“Ah, there it is. This ought to get things back on track.” Gladiola thought out loud.  Her memory had served her right

It took some searching, but there it was, Protocol 10280. Instituted six months after she’d been placed in cryo-stasis. 

The power Gladiola needed to vastly speed the charge process for the MAOBL, but at a severe trade off: the modular system, along with almost all the automation she used with her administrative authorization, would be off line.

“ First let’s make sure I have everything in order, I just have to delay the princess until launch protocol is past the abort threshold, then she’ll need a to generate her own gravitational pull, and I seriously doubt Princess Twilight has thought of anything like that.”  Gladiola coldly thought, making her final prep for when Princess Luna made her way to the floor.
Gladiola briefly glanced at her soon to be voyagers, and wondered if the expression on their faces would be the ones they’d have when put into cyro-stasis. 

This thought elicited a chilling chuckle from Gladiola.

******

Princess Luna had only been somewhat worried about reaching the doorway to the stairwell when the very walls and floor impeded her. 

Suddenly, all that stopped. The wall panels had returned to their locations, and the floor panels were all uniform and flat. 

This unconsciously caused both Luna and Pinkie to stop as well, looks of confusion on the pair. 

Luna remembered a line from a movie she’d seen recently. “The guns, they’ve stopped.” 

And like the movie, she didn’t imagine that meant her opponent had simply surrendered.

“Do you think Gladiola got a headache from doing too much at once?” Pinkie asked, her tone suggesting she’d had enough of Gladiola’s technological lording over.

Luna’s instinct was proven correct when a rather panicked Mobius Chain called her via earpiece. “Princess Luna!”

Luna immediately responded “How much time do I have?” Semantics and explanations weren’t necessary.

“About Five minutes, Fifteen seconds and counting. Whatever your plan is, you’ve only got one shot for it to work.” Mobius said worriedly. 

Luna simply and quickly used her magic to lift Pinkie up off the floor and charged toward the stairwell door. 

Pinkie, while rather surprised, could tell from the look on Luna face that everything had changed. 

It was a look that Twilight had on her face many times in their brief but very eventful time together. 

“ Things have changed, Pinkamena, we haven’t any time to lose. I don’t know what Gladiola has done, but she is very close to achieving her goal. “ Luna explained hurriedly. 

Pinkie stretched her fore and hind legs to a flying position to better accommodate Luna. “ Then let’s go!” Pinkie exclaimed as the doors to the stairway swung open with Luna’s magic.

***********


Velvet’s suspicion that she was being watched had been quickly confirmed by the sight of Inkie standing behind her, a rather un-amused look on her face. 

“Can I help you with something, Miss?”  Velvet attempted using her most authoritative tone at the end. She may not have been her aunt, but Velvet could do her best to make most other ponies walk away so she didn’t have to answer questions.

Unfortunately, Inkie wasn’t most ponies. When you have sister’s like Maud and Pinkie, intimidation is never a concern. The love and strength of her family taught her plenty, more than enough to deal with ponies who would try tricks like the ones Velvet was using.

“ You seem to be helping enough already, Velvet Violet. The question is, what are you trying to accomplish?” Inkie started. “ From what I understand of your family, Golden Sunflower may be the black sheep of your family, but it’s very clear life has punished her properly enough. You do honestly believe helping settle your aunt’s quarrel will exempt you from…” Inkie was quickly interrupted by Velvet, her composure quickly eroded by Inkie’s unflinching assessment.”

“THIS is not about me, or them.” Velvet hissed. “ We have been looking for a solution for Silver Rose’s illness for years. We are finally making breakthroughs at the beginning stages, but She will be long gone by the time we get to curing advanced stage Arsomatitis, Gladiola may have the best solution for keeping her alive until we reach that point. Galdiola is living proof that long term cryostatis is survivable, even reversible. Once we replicate the process, the number of lives we can save will, will…” Velvet’s composure had cracked. 

Velvet had seen no change in Inkie’s face that indicated that she was making her case that her actions were any more justified. Tears started to run down her face.

The reality however, was that Inkie understood completely.

If Inkie had been given the opportunity to save a member of her family, what would she be willing to risk?