//------------------------------//
// The Lionhearted, Part 2 
// Story: The Iron Horse: Everything's Better With Robots! 
// by The Hat Man 
//------------------------------//

Cobbler slammed the radio down on its holder as he let out a final snarl. He felt lightheaded and his legs buckled, so leaned against the console to steady himself.

“Mr. President!” Commander Hiker shouted, going to his side. “Are you all right?!”

“I’m fine!” he shouted, pushing Hiker away roughly as he forced himself to stand. He took a breath, and in a calmer tone, repeated, “I’m fine, Mr. Hiker. Just a little woozy.”

Hiker looked around. Cobbler wasn’t the only one on the bridge who looked ‘woozy.’ Several members of the crew were in a cold sweat. A few were gasping for air. Still others were massaging their temples in pain.

Even he had to admit that he felt nauseous. There was a strange taste in his mouth, too, and a strange feeling he couldn’t shake…

“No… no!”

All eyes turned toward the helmsmare. She was shaking her head and sobbing uncontrollably.

“Helm!” Hiker cried, going over to her side. “Are you all right?”

“I… I don’t know,” she managed to say. “I just f-felt this… this awful feeling like… like something horrible was about to happen… I…”

“Sir, I recommend the helmsmare report to sickbay immediately,” he said, turning to Cobbler.

To his surprise, Cobbler had returned to the captain’s chair and had leaned back in it. He was taking deep breaths, not paying any attention to him.

“Sir!” Hiker shouted.

Cobbler sat bolt upright. “What?” he asked, looking around. His eyes looked glassy and unfocused for a moment, until he locked his eyes on Hiker as he helped the helmsmare to her hooves. “Ah… yes, of course. Call for the relief helmspony.”

“Aye, sir!” the communications officer said, picking up the radio transmitter. “Sickbay, the helmsmare is on her way. She’s reporting strange feelings--”

“Well, she’s not the only one!” the ship’s doctor barked back. “I’ve got ponies all over the ship reporting in with all kinds of symptoms. Some have vertigo, some are hallucinating and hearing voices, and a few of them have splitting headaches.”

Hiker frowned and went over to the communications officer, taking the radio from her. “Doctor, did all this start right after we used the Harmonic Drive?”

“Seems that way,” he replied.

“I see,” Hiker said grimly. “Well, keep treating the crew. We’ll keep you posted.”

He gave the radio back to the communications officer so she could call for the replacement helmspony. He then looked to the security chief, who seemed to be staring out into space.

“Chief, are you all right?” he asked.

“Huh? Oh… oh, I…” He shook his head. “Yes, sir, I… sir! Mr. President!”

Cobbler came over to him alongside Hiker. “Yes, Chief, what is it?” Cobbler asked.

“Sir, these readings on the Harmonic Drive don’t look good!” he said, pointing at a dial on the console. “I’m reading a 20% impurity rate, and it’s climbing!”

“What?!” Cobbler shouted. “That’s impossible!”

“I… I don’t think the instruments are malfunctioning, sir.”

“Well, call Engineering and have them perform a maintenance check!” Cobbler bellowed.

Hiker frowned. He went over to the column which contained the controls for the Harmonic Drive. The thaumatrium vials inside it were still there, still glowing. But now there were strange swirls of discoloration, and they looked like they were glowing brighter than before. That strange feeling was coming back.

“Sir,” Hiker said, turning to look at Cobbler, who was still hunched over the chief of security’s controls, “I think we should take the Harmonic Drive offline.”

Cobbler whirled around. “Out of the question!” he shouted.

“Mr. President,” he said, planting his hooves, “we experienced minor physical problems when we used the Harmonic Drive on the Elements. We received even worse effects after we used it on Discord. And those readings? I believe further use of the device would be unsafe!”

Cobbler’s eye twitched, and he slowly approached Hiker, baring his teeth like a wild animal. “You want us to just turn off our greatest weapon?” he asked through his gritted teeth. “Right when we are so close to victory?!”

He is in the way.

Hiker swallowed, but kept his eyes locked on Cobbler. “Sir, please,” he said softly. “For the safety of the crew…”

Cobbler paused a moment, his grimace melting away. “I… well, perhaps…”

No.

Cobbler’s voice caught in his throat. “I…”

Don’t let them. Only one way...

Cobbler shut his eyes, pain momentarily radiating out from his forehead and then across his whole body. He broke out into a cold sweat, but even as he did, that feeling of euphoric intensity again returned. All of a sudden, he felt like he could do anything…

“Sir?” Hiker asked.

Cobbler opened his eyes and smiled at him. “I understand your concern, Mr. Hiker,” he said, “but we’re within acceptable limits. And besides, we will most certainly need this weapon should Celestia have something else in store. But if all goes well, we won’t need it at all.”

“Even so, sir--”

Tell him.

Cobbler locked eyes with Hiker, placing his hoof on the commander’s shoulder. “Everything will be fine,” he said, a strange quality to his voice. “Everything will be fine.”

Hiker relaxed, his limbs feeling strangely numb, and his jaw went slack. All around them, the rest of the crew became similarly numb and docile.

“Understood, sir,” Hiker replied airily. “We will not deactivate the Harmonic Drive. Everything will be fine.”

Cobbler nodded. “Very good,” he said. “Now, have somepony address the public regarding how we defeated Discord. If nothing else, this was a chance to demonstrate just how much power we have. In the meantime, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to my quarters for a few moments. You have the bridge, Mr. Hiker.”

“Aye...sir,” Hiker replied. He shook his head groggily, stumbling over to the captain’s chair as Cobbler exited through the back, making his way down the hall to his cabin.

With even Discord helpless against us, Cobbler thought, the ponies below will realize our might. And once they realize their opportunity, they will gladly join our cause!

He raised his head, a proud smile on his face.

No.

The smile vanished.

Only one way.

Cobbler’s sight grew dim, and his head felt heavy again all of a sudden. “What… who…”

They will see.

Cobbler raised his head. Swirls of colors swam before his eyes.

 Soon… soon...

“Soon.”


***


The citizens of Canterlot had all seen what had happened when Discord momentarily took over the New Dawn, transforming it. But they had also seen the burst of rainbow-colored energy and the sight of him turned to stone. Even as some began to realize what had happened, the radio drones crackled and a voice echoed out over the streets:

“Citizens of Canterlot! We apologize for that rude interruption by the repeat offender known as Discord. However, as you can see, even one of the most powerful beings in Equestria is no match for the power of science and technology! Allow us to explain…

“Through our mastery of magic-based technology, we have successfully created a device which can emulate the Elements of Harmony. Yes, the greatest power our world has ever seen is something we have claimed for ourselves. We have no desire to use this weapon to attack, but we will use it at will to defend ourselves.

“In short, combined with our other defenses, we cannot be defeated. Though we have forgiven this assault by Discord, further attacks will force our hooves. We hope you will all understand and accept our offer of liberation so we can end this conflict peacefully.”

The transmission ended. Blustery talk of how any minute now the Princesses, the Guard, and the Elements would take the TechQuestrians down evaporated.


***


Celestia and Luna turned from the windows, having heard the latest broadcast as well. The delegates were squabbling all around them. Twilight stood nearby, Spike and Turing Test next to her, while the others were still comforting Fluttershy.

The worry on each and every face was plain to see.

Celestia took a deep breath and rose into the air. All eyes turned to her.

“Everypony, please,” she said, her voice loud and clear, but still calm. “I know you are all afraid. I realize this is a tense situation, but we still have our duties to perform. I need to consult with my sister, Princess Twilight, and our guests, so I will leave you to continue your deliberations. If you need us, please inform the guard. For now, I ask you to please give this matter your full consideration, and think of what’s best for our beloved nation.”

Hearing the calm in her voice, the delegates all put their fears behind them and bowed to her.

Satisfied, Celestia led Twilight and the others from the ballroom, down the hall to a private chamber in the castle.

“Twilight,” Celestia said, turning to her, “I think we have a lot to discuss. First of all, who are your guests?”

Right on cue, Sergeant Sea Hawk stepped forward, kneeling before Celestia and Luna. His three subordinates lined up behind him and did the same. “We are the Royal Guard regiment from the Mustangia Outpost, Your Majesties,” Sea Hawk said. “I regret that we failed to detect this terrorist state hiding below our hooves. Furthermore, we let ourselves be captured and mind-controlled. Were it not for Princess Twilight and her friends, we would still be serving them. As the commanding office of my regiment, I take full responsibility for our failure.”

Celestia and Luna exchanged a look.

“The Night Guard are my responsibility, sister,” Luna said. “I believe this is your decision.”

“Celestia,” Twilight said, “what happened wasn’t their fault. TechQuestria was way more prepared than we ever expected. As soon as they were broken of their mind control, they did their best to fight alongside us.”

Celestia nodded, and then gave Sea Hawk a warm smile. She put his hoof to his chin. “Rise, Sergeant,” she said, bidding him to stand. “You and your guards have done your duty. And right now, we need all the help we can get. Please take your guards and see the captain. He’ll send you where you’re needed.”

The guards all saluted, raising their heads proudly. “Yes, Your Majesty!” the all said in unison.

Sea Hawk turned to the others, a proud smile on his face. “You heard the Princess,” he said. “Buttercup, Violet Wisp, Orange Slice… let’s do our duty, and be honored to do so.”

“Sir, yes sir!” they all barked back, all mirroring his smile.

Sea Hawk turned to Twilight as he led them out. He bowed his head slightly, and she did the same as he left.

“That just leaves these two,” Celestia said, turning to Gadget and Umahara.

“Well, this is Gadgette Giroux, or just ‘Gadget,’” Twilight said, pointing to the young mare.

“Oh!” Celestia said. “So this is Cornelius Vanderbull’s assistant. He and my sister have both spoken of you. It’s an honor to meet you.”

Gadget’s eyes went wide, and she fell to her knees, bowing so low that she squished her muzzle into the ground.

“Oh n-no!” Gadget said. “The honor is all mine Your Highness! I mean, ‘Your Majesty!’ Wait, which is it…? Ohhhh jeez, I’m sorry, I--”

This was interrupted by Luna bursting out laughing. “There’s no need prostrate yourself so, young Gadget,” Luna said, going over to her. “I assure you, my sister does not bite.”

001 looked to Turing Test. “My sissa bite?” she asked.

Turing shook her head. “No, 001,” she replied. “Unlike you, I do not possess a mouth.”

001 raised her head. “Me bite,” she whispered proudly.

Gadget, meanwhile, had risen to her hooves, but was still blushing and flustered as she stood before Celestia.

“I’ve heard a lot about your cleverness and your gift for invention,” Celestia said, peering at her mechanical arms. “It seems I was not misinformed.”

Gadget giggled, shuffling her hooves. “Th-thank you, Your… um, Princess!” she said, settling on the safest term. “Mr. Vanderbull always said nice things about you, too!”

“Well, it will be good to have an expert on technology on hoof,” Celestia said.

“Not just one!” Gadget said, using one of her mechanical hands to grab Umahara by the jacket and yank him over to her. “He’s an inventor too!”

“Oh?” Celestia said, looking to him. “And you are…?”

“My name,” he said, narrowing his eyes, “is Champ Umahara.”

Celestia’s smile faded. “Umahara,” she said, repeating the name. “Are you--”

“I’m Dr. Dosanko Umahara’s son,” he said. “The pony you stripped of his license for helping Professor Mustang. The pony whose career you ruined.”

The room went utterly silent.

“Awk-warrrd,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“I see,” Celestia said. “Then what are you doing here, Mr. Umahara?” she asked.

“I’m here as a former member of TechQuestria,” he said. “I’m also in favor of a democracy in Equestria, but I realized that their methods were too extreme. I decided to help Gadget and the others, so I guess that means I’m on your side, but I need you to know where I stand.”

Celestia nodded. “Very well,” she said. “I would be glad to discuss what happened to your father at a later time, but for now I’m glad to have you with us.”

“For starters,” Luna said, “can you give us some insight into any weaknesses the New Dawn might possess?”

Umahara rubbed his chin. “Weaknesses?” he said. “Nothing I can think of. The ship was designed to be nearly impossible to bring down.”

“What about the levitation pads on the sides of the ship?” Twilight asked.

“Hey yeah!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “If we took those out, the ship would come crashing down!”

“Um, wouldn’t that mean it would crash on top of Canterlot?” Fluttershy asked.

“I estimate that the damage from such a crash,” Turing Test said, “would result in widespread casualties on both sides. Most likely hundreds would die immediately, if not thousands, as well as a great number of injuries.”

“You could take down just a few of them to force a slow descent,” Umahara said, “but those pads also produce a low-level magical shield around them. They’re not as vulnerable as they look. And that’s assuming you got past the anti-air defenses, like the lightning turrets.”

“We’ve already seen them in action,” Celestia said. “An aerial assault failed completely.”

“Couldn’t y’all just teleport some unicorns up there?” Applejack asked.

“Relatively few guards possess that level of magical ability,” Twilight answered. “And teleporting up that high onto a moving target would be tough even for me!”

“And once they spotted you,” Umahara said, “they have anti-boarding turrets hidden below the surface of the top deck. And they’d summon security crews to deal with you. The ship could conceivably be taken down from the inside, but getting in there would be next to impossible, especially with all the spell cards in their possession.”

“Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said, “could you and your friends not just use the power of the Elements to attack?”

“We tried that once,” Twilight said, “and they can counter it. We’d be stopped before they even tried. And besides… I’m not sure I want to risk them using the Harmonic Drive again.”

“It is pretty powerful,” Gadget said. “I wouldn’t want to get zapped with it either!”

“That’s not what I mean,” Twilight said, shaking her head. “The Elements are not something anypony should toy with. I’ve seen what happens to those who abuse their power before… and it’s not pretty.”

“That might explain what I experienced,” Turing added. “I detected a strange signal, like a voice, when I witnessed Twilight Sparkle and the others use their power. However, I detected a different signal, more dissonant than the first, when the TechQuestrians used their Harmonic Drive. And upon witnessing their second use of the weapon against Discord, I again detected a signal. It has grown in intensity and it now sounds more like a voice.”

“And what does the voice say, Turing Test?” Celestia asked, leaning down to look at her with interest.

Turing shook her head. “It does not say anything,” she replied. “It sounds like somepony screaming.”

They all went silent at that. Twilight swallowed.

“That can’t be good,” she said. “All the more reason to avoid causing them to use the weapon again.”

“You’re forgetting something else,” Umahara said, heaving a sigh. “If you attack, they won’t hesitate to start attacking the castle. They’ve got heavy artillery guns that can shell the castle ramparts, enough guards to teleport in and overrun the guards you’ve got left, and they can use the Harmonic Drive as an offensive weapon. They’ve been using its defensive function so far, but they can fire the energy as a concentrated beam from the front of the ship. Even I don’t know how much destructive power it’ll put out… but no matter what, it sounds like it would be bad for all of us.”

“Then… there isn’t anything we can do?” Gadget asked, hugging herself as she lowered her head.

“I have a suggestion,” Turing Test said, raising her hoof. “Allow me to address my father.”

They all gawked at her.

“Your… father?” Celestia asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Affirmative,” she said. “Professor Cobbler Mustang is responsible for my creation, as well as that of my siblings, such as 001.”

“Not Da,” 001 murmured. “He say Not Da.”

“I am aware that he is unwilling to accept that designation,” Turing said, placing her hoof on 001’s shoulder, “but he is my father nonetheless. Perhaps if I am able to speak with him, I will be able to convince him to cease this attack.”

Celestia sighed. “Turing Test,” she said quietly, “while I am sorry about your difficulties with your family, and while I do understand your desire to connect with him, I do not believe Cobbler Mustang would listen.”

“He spoke of you like nothing more than a common tool!” Luna spat. “That stallion has no appreciation for what you really are.”

“Perhaps, but--”

“There’s one more thing,” Umahara said, cutting her off. “He might not realize that we’re here. He only mentioned Discord and he thought that Celestia sent him. If he doesn’t know Twilight and the others escaped Mustangia, then that’s at least one surprise he won’t be expecting. But if you contact him, Turing Test, he’ll know we’re all here.”

Turing looked to her friends, one after another, but saw them nodding in agreement. Applejack was looking at her sadly, but she kept silent.

“I see,” Turing said, bowing her head, her ears squeaking on their hinges as they drooped.

“I’m sorry, Turing,” Twilight said, going to her. “But Umahara’s right… and for now, we need to think of what else we can do.”

“There is one thing you could do,” Umahara said, “but I doubt you’ll like it.”

Twilight frowned. “We’re not surrendering,” she growled. The others likewise shot him dirty looks.

“Listen, I opposed this attack,” he said, holding up his hooves defensively. “But now that it’s here, you all have the power to make a decision. If you refuse, a war starts. And even with all the damage we did back in TechQuestria, they’re still better armed and prepared to fight. Most of the guards we faced were relatively inexperienced, and they didn’t have spell cards. The forces we’d be facing would be TechQuestria’s best and carrying spell cards that would put them on equal footing with your best unicorn mages. Not only that, but TechQuestria also has the better propaganda, so they could win more and more ponies to their side. Win or lose, this war could drag out and cost a lot of ponies their lives.

“But if you surrender, just give in, you might just avoid a war altogether. Even if you could beat them, and I’m not sure you could, the cost would be much worse than if you just accept defeat.” He looked up at Celestia, locking eyes with her. “Think about the ponies of Equestria… you two would get to continue raising the sun and moon, you’d get to retire from all this work after a thousand years, and you’d even get to live free!”

“In exile,” Luna snarled.

“Yes, in the Crystal Empire!” Umahara groaned. “Don’t act like you’d be marooned on a barren island or sent to Tartarus.”

He felt a tug at his jacket and turned to see Gadget looking up at him. “Maybe you’re right,” she said, “but think about the way they treat ponies under their control now. They treated Spike like an animal… they were going to torture me and steal my invention… they brainwashed the guards… and, to top it all off, they’d treat sentient beings like Turing Test and her kind as slaves!”

“That is also one of my fears,” Turing said. “If they are allowed to thrive with the mindset they currently possess, they will no doubt create other robots like myself. They will not be given a chance to have a life, as I was. They will be forced to act as servants, like my sister, or combatants, like my brother. Generations of machines like myself will suffer. I cannot allow that.”

Umahara swallowed. “Turing, I… I’m sorry, I didn’t think about that.”

Turing shook her head. “It is all right,” she said. “If you and other TechQuestrians we met are sympathetic to me, then perhaps there is still hope. I, at least, am hopeful.”

“But we are still left with the question of what to do,” Celestia said. “And I confess that I am no closer to an answer than I was before.”

“Nor am I,” Luna said. “It seems that no matter what decision we make, we will put somepony at great risk.”

Just then there was a knock at the door to the chamber.

“Enter!” Celestia called.

The door opened, and the captain of the guard entered. Following him were three ponies: Fancy Pants, Mayor Mare, and the Mayor of Manehatten.

“Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesties,” the captain said, saluting them. “But the delegates wished to speak with you.”

“Not at all,” Celestia said. “I hope they have some advice or insight into our situation.”

“Actually,” Mayor Mare said, “we’ve come up with a unique proposal, and we hope you’ll accept it.”

Celestia and Luna exchanged a look.

“And what proposal is that?” Luna asked.

“Well,” Fancy Pants said, “we realized that TechQuestria considers the delegates as a kind of makeshift Parliament. They respect us because we were elected to these positions democratically. Perhaps we should make our decision based on that principle.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “I’m… not certain I follow you.”

“He means we wanna take a vote,” the Mayor of Manehatten said. “All the delegates will get together, talk it out, and then we’ll vote on what to do.”

Celestia blinked.

“Er, what we mean,” Mayor Mare said, “is that we’re asking you to let us make the decision. We take a vote and all of us, including you, agree to abide by it.”

Luna bristled, but kept quiet as she looked to her sister. Celestia’s face was calm, stoic, and impossible to read.

“You realize that you must accept the consequences either way?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, Your Majesties,” they all said.

Celestia shut her eyes. “Then I think we should do as you suggest,” she said. She cracked a smile. “Utilizing democracy to address the topic of democracy… it seems appropriate.”

“But Celestia!” Luna cried. “You… you would just give up the decision?”

“Not give it up,” she said, “but entrust it to the ponies who represent all our subjects. Even if it means that we must give up our thrones.”

Luna stammered for a moment more, but then sighed in resignation. “Very well… I will also abide by your decision, honored delegates.”

Mayor Mare turned to Twilight. “We need your approval too, Princess Twilight,” she said.

Twilight smiled. “You’ve got it,” she said. “The only thing I ask is that you make an honest, informed decision. I’d like to speak before you to tell you all about my experiences in TechQuestria. And I’d like Mr. Umahara to come as well.”

Umahara jerked his head back. “Me?!” he exclaimed.

“You know more about what TechQuestria is capable of than anypony,” Twilight said. “And that includes all the positive advancements they’ve made. If we’re going to make this truly a fair decision, the delegates deserve to know everything.”

Mayor Mare smiled. “That sounds like a wonderful idea,” she said.

“Yes, quite!” Fancy Pants said.

“Well, then let’s stop talkin’ about it and get down to business!” the Mayor of Manehatten said, turning to go.

Twilight, Umahara, and Mayor Mare went with him, but Fancy Pants stayed a moment longer, going over to Turing Test.

“I am of course relieved to see Princess Twilight and you all unharmed,” he said, glancing over to the others. “But I am most happy to see you in one piece again, Miss Turing. I was quite shaken by the news from Ponyville when you were abducted.”

“It is good to see you as well, Fancy Pants,” Turing said. “However, I do wish the circumstances of our reunion were different.”

“As do I,” he said sadly. “I’m afraid I’m needed, but please do remember that I owe you a favor for your aid back in the mountains. I haven’t forgotten it. Indeed, I will never forget it.”

He then turned and followed the others. They had a lot to discuss.


***


The New Dawn circled around overhead. As it turned, ponies on the east side of Canterlot got a full view of it, including the screen that once again came to life.

This section of Canterlot contained the Coliseum, numerous businesses and museums, and even a few residences for some of the less rich among Canterlot’s citizenry. There was also the Royal Canterlot Hospital. Patients with beds near the windows peered outside, as did their doctors, watching as another film began.

“Hello again, everypony!” said Sprocket Rocket’s as he appeared on the screen. The camera zoomed out to show him wearing a doctor’s white coat as he stood next to an empty hospital bed.. “Our next topic is something that affects all of us: our health.”

The screen transitioned to a title card that read, simply, “MEDICAL SCIENCE.”

“Yes, we’ve all had our cuts and bruises,” Sprocket went on to say as cartoon figures were shown of ponies with bumps on their head or bandages on their forelegs. “And quite a few of us have ended up in the hospital for one thing or another…” Here the cartoon showed a pony in a hospital bed with a broken hind leg in traction. “Nopony wants to think about getting sick, but as we all get older, the odds of needing to go to the hospital for something serious go up dramatically. Why, even at middle age, 1 in 10 ponies will need serious medical care!”

The ponies below all watched this with growing interest, especially the patients and doctors watching from the hospital windows.

“Under Celestia’s rule, medical trials are tightly restricted,” Sprocket Rocket said. “We won’t bore you with the details, but fewer than 5% of all new treatments per year make it through the rigorous testing process. And believe me, we here in TechQuestria are all for being careful… but just the same, we think there’s such a thing as being too careful. That’s why we’ve done our own testing on new medicines that we felt the Ministry of Health never gave a fair chance, in addition to running our own. What did we find?”

The screen showed footage of test tubes and syringes being filled and doctors examining x-rays. Over this montage, a list began to scroll upward on the screen as Sprocket narrated.

“We’ve discovered cures for Bucker’s Hips, ulcers, and meningitis. We’ve found ways to remove kidney stones without the need for surgery, along with some innovations to reduce the invasiveness of others. We’ve even got vaccines for the ponypox and some kinds of the flu! But one of our greatest breakthroughs led to the founding of TechQuestria in the first place…”

The screen showed a picture of Georgia Peach wearing an elegant dress, her mane done up in her signature curls.

“This is Georgia Peach, the daughter of Cobbler Mustang,” Sprocket Rocket said solemnly. “She was a vivacious, kind-hearted young mare, loved by all who knew her.”

The screen then showed montage of images showing her as a filly, playing with friends, digging in her garden, having tea parties, and sleeping soundly in her bed.

“What I’m about to tell you,” Sprocket said, “is the tale of a father and a scientist who tried to save her, and the Princess and royal ministers who stood in his way. You’ll hear about a wonderful invention that could have saved countless lives, but has instead been pushed aside. Fillies and gentlecolts, we’ll tell you how Georgia Peach lived, and also why she died…”

The ponies below all watched as the story unfolded. The ponies in the hospital in particular watched with great interest. When it was over, Sprocket Rocket left the audience with his usual words condemning Celestia and urging the ponies to embrace the new future they were offering, all while playing a montage of Georgia’s life from a filly, to her days of illness, to her temporary recovery with the artificial heart, to her final months.

As the screen went dark and the transmission ended, some ponies below began to discuss the story they’d just heard. Some said this was all just a revenge plot and all the political talk was a ruse. Others felt their hearts go out for the young girl who’d died and the father who’d tried to save her. But many others, those who’d been sick or seen relatives fall ill, began to wonder what had been held back and what could have been.

In the hospital, a doctor standing at the window heard a small voice behind him.

“Doctor?” the girl asked as he went over to her bedside. “Do you think it’s true? I mean,” she said, placing a hoof on her chest, “could they really give me a new heart? I know you said I’m almost at the top of the list, but…”

The doctor swallowed a lump in his throat as he patted her hoof. “I’m not certain,” he said. “But I promise you I will look into it, no matter what else happens, okay?”

The little filly smiled and pulled up the covers as she tried to go back to sleep. Her doctor went back to the window. He, like many other doctors throughout the hospital, were wondering what other treatments their ailing patients were missing out on. They wondered how they might have alleviated their suffering…


***


The group of them, save for Twilight and Umahara, stood on the small balcony, watching as the transmission came to an end. Though the New Dawn was now on the other side of Canterlot, the screen had been big enough to still see the images clearly, and the drones floating around the castle had broadcasted the message loud and clear.

Celestia heaved a sigh as she went back inside. Luna came alongside her as the others parted to make a path for her.

“I never heard the whole truth,” Applejack said. “Just the little bit I heard from Valentine about 001.”

“Whoa whoa whoa,” Rainbow Dash said, rubbing her head. “Hang on… I mean, all that stuff isn’t really true, is it?”

They all looked to Celestia, who still had her back to them. She didn’t respond.

“Surely it’s at least a bit of an exaggeration!” Rarity offered hopefully. “Princess Celestia, I’m sure that--”

“What that film stated was an oversimplification,” Celestia said quietly, “but it is true. I held back Professor Mustang’s invention.”

“Well, it wasn’t you, really,” Fluttershy said, taking to the air to hover before Celestia, giving her a kind smile. “It was your ministers, like they said!”

“Yes, exactly!” Luna said, nodding her head emphatically. “Sister, you mustn’t blame yourself for the decisions--”

“Luna, you know as well as I do, that we are at least partly responsible for the decisions of the advisors we choose,” Celestia said. “And ultimately, the decisions made against Cobbler and Dr. Umahara were mine.”

There were quiet for a moment. Then Applejack broke the silence, asking, “So, where are those two advisors now?”

“Medicine Hat retired a few years ago,” Celestia said. “Noble Gas, however, I personally dismissed not long after Georgia Peach’s passing. I discovered that he was very likely taking money and favors from ponies who asked him for favors in return. Among them were the ponies who produce medicines used in heart treatments. When I discovered that, I revisited Professor Mustang’s case and realized that he was probably right not to trust his invention in Noble Gas’s hooves. There wasn’t enough evidence to be conclusive, so he was not charged with any crime. Nonetheless, I’ve seen to it that he holds no position of leadership in Equestria.”

She made a sour face. “I was a fool…”

“No, sister!” Luna cried. “You still did what you thought would best serve the public good! You would not let ponies risk their lives just to test his invention!”

“I would not let ponies,” Celestia echoed, a rueful laugh escaping her. “Even the way you say it shows the truth: I was afraid to let ponies make that choice. I have always tried to give my subjects the freedom to choose, to make their own decisions in life… and yet I still fear the loss of a life, even when it’s their own life to choose. Perhaps I should have been more open-minded.”

She turned to Gadget, who’d been silent the whole time. “Cornelius Vanderbull told you that story about me, didn’t he?” she asked. “The one about the trains and the circus.”

“Oh!” Gadget said, her ears perking up. “Y-yes, he did!”

“I think back on how little I thought about those machines,” she said, “and how important they eventually became. Yet I was too blind to see until he made them personal for me. By giving them my approval, overnight they became a force to be reckoned with. I should have known from then how much weight my word carried.

“When I appointed those ministers, I chose ponies I thought would suit the job. But now I wonder… perhaps, rather than making up their own minds, they simply acted in a way that they thought would please me. That would explain why Medicine Hat thought I would approve of euthanizing those test subjects.”

“W-what?!” Fluttershy gasped.

Celestia heaved a sigh, meeting her gaze. “That is how Professor Mustang tested his artificial heart,” she said. “He tested his device on animals. Pigs, to be exact. Many died in the process. When his experiments were discovered, Medicine Hat believed it to be kinder to euthanize the rest.”

“But… but why?!” Fluttershy shouted, bursting into tears. “Why would he use poor, innocent animals in his--”

“Because the data he was gathering would help him anticipate complications in his daughter’s heart,” Celestia said. “And without them, he was unable to anticipate the blood clotting that eventually killed her.”

Fluttershy gawked at her, her mouth hanging open. “I… but…”

She swallowed, lowering her head as she turned, a distraught look in her eyes. “I need a moment,” she said quietly, and began to walk away.

Rainbow Dash watched her go and turned to the others. “Hey, I’ll keep an eye on her too, okay?” she said. “Don’t worry about us, we’ll catch up with you later.”

Rainbow flew after Fluttershy, leaving the others to themselves.

“Turing Test,” Celestia said suddenly, her head staying in place as she glanced over at the mechanical mare. “You’ve been rather quiet about all this. Do you have any thoughts you’d like to share?”

Turing Test’s eyes momentarily constricted as she looked up at Celestia. “You wish to know my opinion?” she asked.

Celestia turned and nodded.

“I am not certain that I am qualified to make any sort of judgment about your actions,” Turing said.

Celestia smiled. “Of course you are, Turing,” she said.

“I agree,” Luna said. “In the time I’ve known you, I’ve found you to be an intelligent and thoughtful pony. Despite your despicable creator, you are something truly special. With your keen mechanical mind, surely there must be some thoughts you can share with us!”

Turing lowered her head. “I have thoughts,” she replied. “I have so many thoughts. There are questions I have about the nature of freedom, the nature of grief, the nature of regret, and safety, and technology, and so many other things. I wish I had no part in it.

“I wish… I sometimes wish that I had not been born a robot,” she whispered. “I wish I had been a normal organic pony, that my father and my sisters and brother all had happy lives, and that I could simply return home with my friends. I only wish for peace and happiness for myself and my friends and family.

“And yet, despite these wishes, I am involved.” She turned to look out the window at the airship looming in the distance. “Were it not for Georgia Peach’s death, I would not be here. My whole existence is tied to my father’s plan.”

“What do you mean, Rinny?” Pinkie asked.

“She means,” Applejack sighed, pulling down the brim of her hat, “that she an’ all the other robots are based on Cobbler’s daughter. They did somethin’ with tryin’ to preserve her mind in a mechanical body. That’s how they got all the robots, startin’ with 001!”

The others gasped, their eyes turning to Turing Test. But behind her, they heard a small voice.

“Not Joja,” 001 said, quietly. She shook her head. “Me not Joja. Not Joja!”

Turing reached for her. “001, it is--”

“Not Joja!” 001 screamed, and she turned, taking off to run down the hall.

“001, come back!” Applejack shouted, reaching for her to no avail. She looked to Turing Test. “Ah jeez, Turing Test, I’m sorry! I didn’t know she’d--”

“It is all right,” Turing said, walking away. “I will be able to catch up to her. You should consider potential avenues to protect Canterlot. I will tend to my sister and join you later.”

They watched as she dashed away, her body a silver blur and the sound of her hooves a rapidly diminishing staccato before she vanished around a corner.


***


Along the wall between watchtowers, the TechQuestrian guards patrolled, keeping an eye out for any counterattacks by the Royal Guard or for any citizens who decided to do something heroic.

A pegasus mare guard was passing an earth pony stallion guard when they heard a sound coming from below.

“Check that noise,” the earth pony guard said to the pegasus.

“I’m on it!” she said, priming her stun baton and pulling down her gas mask. She took to the air and flew down to the base of the guard tower where there was a flight of steps leading to an underground storage area. “I’m going in. Notify HQ, please.”

The earth pony guard placed his hoof to his radio earpiece. “HQ, this is guard tower 8. We’re checking out a possible disturbance. Please stand by in case we need reinforcements.”

“Copy that.”

The pegasus mare went down the steps into the storeroom. The earth pony watched as she disappeared through the door. There were a few moments of silence and he began to tense up, but then the pegasus mare reemerged from the store room.

“Sir, there’s a raccoon down here,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Can you help me herd it out? It’s just going to cause more trouble if we let it roam free.”

He let out a sigh of relief. “Sure,” he replied, and climbed the ladder down from the wall, following her into the storeroom.

“All right, so where is this raccoon?” he asked as he walked past her.

“Over in the corner,” she said. “I’ll prime my stun baton in case it runs out into the open.”

The earth pony guard moved to the corner, gingerly moving a wooden crate, on his guard in case the raccoon turned to bite back.

When he moved the box, he froze. What he saw was not a raccoon, but the pegasus mare lying unconscious, deprived of her stun baton and gas mask.

“What--” was all he managed to say before the pegasus mare behind him shocked him as well, knocking him out.

As he dropped to the ground, the “mare” behind him shifted his shape back into his familiar form.

“That’s a few more,” Idol Hooves said, dragging the guard into the corner as he prepared to tie them both up. Then he heard a sound from the earth pony guard’s radio earpiece. He changed form, assuming the earth pony guard’s shape as he plucked out the earpiece.

“Tower 8, I repeat, report in. Is everything all right? Do you need help?”

“Negative,” Idol said in the earth pony guard’s voice. “It was only a raccoon.” He grinned; being a changeling held some distinct advantages.

“A raccoon?”

“Yes. It was making noise so we used our electrical weapons to kill it. However, the storeroom wherein we exterminated it now smells of burnt animal fur. It is quite distasteful. I would not recommend going in there if I could avoid it, but--”

“Okay, yes, I get it. Carry on with your patrol.”

Idol confiscated the other weapons as he bound the guards, gagging them. Hopefully it would take some time before they were noticed to be missing. In the meantime, he would deliver the things he’d confiscated to the Princesses.


***


“...you’ve heard about my experience in TechQuestria,” Twilight said, standing at the podium before the gathered crowd of delegates as they sat in the large meeting hall, “and you’ve heard from Mr. Umahara as well. You now know the harm they’ve done and can do, as well as the good things they might bring. I know many of you may be tempted to make a decision based on your anger or your fears, but I’d urge you all to make a decision based on a simple question: What’s best for Equestria?

“Along with that, please consider the questions that go along with it. Do you think the country really would be better as a democracy? Is the prospect of war better or worse than facing an occupation by TechQuestria? For the first time in Equestria’s history, the fate of the entire nation is in the hooves of ponies chosen by the citizens. I believe you are worthy of this trust, and now you will decide if this is the sort of government you want Equestria to have from now on, or if it should stay under royal rule. I have sworn to abide by your decision, as have the other princesses, so please decide based on your loyalty to the country, not to myself or any other princess. Thank you all.”

As she stepped from the podium, the sound of a pony applauding was heard from crowd. She looked to see Mayor Mare standing and clapping her hooves. A moment later she was joined by other delegates around her. A moment after that, the entire hall echoed with applause.

Twilight choked back tears, placing her hoof to her chest as she bowed to them. She turned to go, Umahara right beside her.

“You know,” Umahara whispered as they walked to the exit, “I should apologize.”

Twilight was about to agree, but then she realized she didn’t actually know what he meant, so she only looked to him with a quizzical expression.

“I once thought you were unworthy to be a ruler. I thought you gave up your old role as a scholar to take on the title of Princess because Celestia assigned it to you. When I was a spy in Ponyville, still calling myself Fine Print, I thought you were a joke. But seeing what you accomplished with 003-- er, with Turing Test, and hearing you speak just now… I was wrong. You are a leader, and you deserve the trust that’s been placed in you.”

Twilight smiled. “That’s good of you to say,” she said. “But now it’s time to step aside and let other ponies make the decision. It’s out of my hooves now.”

“Well, you know,” Umahara said, raising an eyebrow as they went through the exit, shutting the doors behind them, “if they vote for a democracy, you could tell Cobbler that you’re interested in being the President after all.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “I think that giant, metal airship has sailed,” she said. “Maybe you should think about running!”

“Me?” he asked, furrowing his brow. “I doubt I could win. I mean, I betrayed two different sides, and I’ll be lucky to get out of this without being charged with treason by at least one of them. Nopony’d vote for me!”

“Stabbing both sides in the back?” Twilight asked with a smirk. “Sounds like a politician to me!”

Umahara snorted as he broke into a laugh. “Well… let’s hope you’re wrong about politicians. Right now, a room full of them are going to make the decision of a lifetime for us.”


***


Cobbler’s head was pounding. He’d taken some aspirin, but it wasn’t helping. He’d even been tempted to pour himself a glass from the bottle of peach brandy he’d stored in his quarters, but he’d abstained, knowing that he’d need all his mental faculties for the work ahead. Perhaps after the constitution had been signed, a small glass to celebrate…

They won’t sign.

He clutched his head, shutting his eyes.

“Sir.”

They will never sign.

The pressure behind his eyes increased, and he sharply drew in a deep breath.

“Sir?”

You know how to solve this. You know. Only one way...

“Sir!”

“What?!” Cobbler roared.

He was face to face with Hill Hiker. He was still sitting in his chair, commanding the New Dawn. All of the bridge crew had turned their heads and were staring at him.

“Ah,” Cobbler said, smoothing down his jacket. “Yes, Mr. Hiker?”

“I was just letting you know that the Wonderbolts have been sighted at the edge of the barrier around the city,” Hiker said. “They obviously can’t penetrate the barrier, but Commander Spitfire has been briefed on the situation.”

“I see,” Cobbler said. “And…?”

“Well, they seem to be standing by. Well, not ‘standing,’ more ‘flying in circles,’ but they appear to just be monitoring the situation.”

“I see,” he said. “Any other reports? Everything all right on the ground? Or any word from the palace?”

“No complications reported by the ground forces,” Hiker replied. “And no word from the palace, either. But they do have just under an hour left to respond.”

“Hmm. I see,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “Carry on, then.”

“Aye, sir.”

Silence settled in over the cabin for a few moments, but then Hiker leaned over to Cobbler.

“Mr. President?” HIker asked.

“Yes, Mr. Hiker?” Cobbler asked back, raising his eyebrow, a flash of annoyance crossing his face.

“Sir, you really seem like you’re not feeling well,” Hiker said. “Why don’t you go and rest? If need be, I will be glad to handle the situation until you’re feeling better.”

Cobbler narrowed his eyes and turned with excruciating slowness toward Hiker.

“Mr. Hiker, will you please see me in my cabin?” Cobbler asked.

Hiker nodded and followed Cobbler from the bridge to the small cabin.

“Mr. Hiker,” Cobbler began, his back to Hiker as he looked out the small portal window at Canterlot below, “do you remember how you felt when you received your cutie mark?”

Hiker puffed out his chest. “Yes, sir,” he said, smiling at the memory.

“As do I,” he said. “I believe most ponies do. We talk around it a lot, I suppose, but it all boils down to that feeling of discovering one’s destiny. Do you know what I mean?”

“I do,” Hiker said.

“I’m still not certain such a thing exists,” he said, “but the idea of finding that one perfect thing in your life that gives you meaning, that gives you purpose, still feels powerful. It seems as though every pony, no matter who they are, has a purpose for their lives.

“So then,” Cobbler asked, his voice growing quieter, “what was Georgia’s purpose?”

Hiker froze. “I… I mean, her cutie mark--”

“I’m aware of her skills in horticulture,” Cobbler said. “I mean that she received her cutie mark, she did her best to pursue it despite her condition, and was in the prime of her life, finally studying her passion at one of the most prestigious schools in Equestria.

“And then she died,” he whispered. “She died without ever seeing her dreams come true. As if none of it ever mattered. As if she’d been cheated out of her destiny. She died for absolutely no reason at all.”

Hiker swallowed. “I’m… not sure what to say, sir.”

“Mr. Hiker, there’s nothing you need to say,” Cobbler said, his back still turned to him. “You simply need to understand my position. My sweet baby died without realizing her destiny, but in doing so she has motivated me to give Equestria a brighter future, one where no other child has to suffer like she did. At long last, I will give her death some meaning, and perhaps she can rest more peacefully. For ten long years I’ve been striving to create a better nation and get some justice for the child I could not save. I want to be there to see it to the end. You wouldn’t deny an old stallion that much, would you?”

Hiker bowed his head. “No,” he said. “Forgive me, sir. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize--”

“Water under the bridge, Mr. Hiker,” Cobbler said, raising a hoof, his back still turned to Hiker. “Now then, please return to the bridge. I shall join you there momentarily.”

Hiker clicked his hooves and saluted, exiting the quarters and leaving Cobbler alone.

The older stallion, now that he was by himself, wiped his eyes. He hadn’t wanted Hiker to see him cry, but just the same it was becoming increasingly hard to talk about Georgia without tearing up.

Then the pain seized him again, and he lurched forward, bracing himself against the wall with his forehooves.

“W-what,” he gasped, “is this?!”

You have the power. Take what you want.

“I… I don’t understand!”

Only one way. They won’t listen. Only one way. They don’t understand. They don’t understand...

Again a sudden sense of euphoria broke through the pain, and he gulped down a deep breath.

“Yes,” he whispered, his gaze transfixed on the sight of Canterlot Castle through the portal, “I’ll make them understand…”


***


001 ran through the halls of Canterlot Castle. She turned corner after corner, up a flight of stairs, down another, and right past groups of Royal Guards who were too confused and slow to stop the nimble robot from simply sprinting around them.

She didn’t stop until she slammed headfirst into a glowing magical shield that suddenly appeared right in front of her.

She stumbled back, awkwardly kicking her legs without coordination as she scrambled to her hooves, finally right herself. It was then that she saw Turing Test standing before her. Her younger sister was now in U-Mode, having projected the shield to finally stop her.

“Turry Tess?” 001 asked quietly.

“I am here, 001,” she said. “Please do not run. I will simply catch you again.”

001 lowered her head. “Tag, me it,” she said mirthlessly.

Turing retracted her horn, returning to neutral mode as she approached her sister, realizing she wasn’t going to run again. The shield dissipated .

“Are you all right, 001?” Turing asked. “Do you wish to talk about it?”

001 shook her head. “No talk,” she said. “No raisin no talk. Me not Joja.”

Turing turned her head, glancing out the tall, ornate window at the end of the hallway. The New Dawn was still there, still circling overhead like a great bird of prey. She walked to the window and rested her hooves on the window sill.

“No, 001, you are not Georgia Peach,” she said. “But that is not important.”

001 went to her and stood in the same position, putting her hooves on the window sill, taking care to imitate her.

“Im-por-tant,” 001 said. “If me Joja, Not Dada be Dada again. But me not Joja. You not Joja. We no good.” She began to shake her head. “No good, no good. We no good, we junk heaps, we--”

Turing placed her hoof on 001’s shoulder, causing her to lock eyes with her.

“Do not say that again, 001,” Turing said, her voice calm, but stern. “We were each created for a purpose, and I once desired to know what that purpose was. But discovering the truth brought me no answers. It only brought distress. The organics would call it ‘heartache,’ though we possess neither hearts, nor the ability to ache.”

001’s ears twitched. “Turry Tess talky talk,” she muttered.

“Ah. I apologize,” Turing said. “What I am attempting to convey is that I have recognized my significance and value for what I am, not what I was created for. 002 told me that existence was meaningless, and perhaps that is so. However, even if life has no inherent meaning, I have found meaning in my own life through my interactions with my friends. The emotions I have experienced, including the joy of understanding them and the pain of not being able to, has strengthened me. What I am saying is that we are not ‘junk heaps.’ It does not matter that we are not Georgia Peach. We must take pride in what we are. Do you understand?”

001 tapped her head, producing a metallic ringing sound. “Me not Joja… but that okay?”

Turing nodded. “Affirmative. You are 001, and I like you very much for being 001. I hope that we will have a long and fulfilling friendship as sisters.”

001 moved closer to Turing. She put her head on Turing’s shoulder. “Me like Turry Tess too,” she whispered.

Turing Test put her foreleg over 001’s shoulders. The two of them stayed like that, staring up at the ship.

“Why we like dis?” 001 asked.

“Like… this?” Turing asked.

“We rowboats,” 001 said, tapping her head again. “Why we rowboats?”

“Ah. I understand,” Turing said. “I do not know why we were born as robots. I admit that understanding organic ponies is often difficult. When I was first activated, I cared nothing for myself, and only wished to please my end user, Twilight Sparkle. But by carrying out my directive of making friends, I began to understand my own worth. Being robots does not signify inferiority. It only signifies that we are different. And in being different, we are special.”

001 nodded. “We special,” she said.

Turing Test’s ears squeaked on their hinges. “Is that what you wished for me to learn, Twilight Sparkle?”



She turned around, 001 doing the same. Twilight and Applejack were both standing just a short distance away, watching them from behind the tall pillars in the castle hallway..

“I’d say you’ve learned a lot, Turing,” Twilight said, laughing as she wiped away the tears that were forming.

“Hi, Tailai! Hi, Appajack!” 001 said, bounding over to them.

“Hey there, Sugarcube,” Applejack said, hugging 001 and ruffling her mane. “Heh heh… I guess you heard us when we first showed up, didn’t ya, Turing?”

“Affirmative,” Turing said, giving a short nod. “But I saw no point in mentioning it. If 001 did not notice you and you did not wish to intrude, then it was logical to let you continue monitoring us.”

“Well, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop,” Twilight said, blushing slightly.

“But since we did,” Applejack said, smiling warmly at Turing, “I want you to know somethin’: yer a good sister, Turing Test.”

Turing bowed to her. “Thank you, Applejack,” she said. “That means a lot to me coming from you. Despite all the other awful things that have happened, I at last know that I have a family of my own, and it truly is wonderful. If I am indeed a good sister, then it is only because I learned from one of the best.”

Applejack wore a proud grin, but even she couldn’t keep the blush from her cheeks. “Lan’ sakes, Turing,” she said. “If you keep talkin’ like that,  you'll get me blubberin’ again.”

“Ah, I did not wish to be the cause of any blubbering,” Turing said. “Did you require my assistance? Or did you come in search of my sister?”

“Well, Applejack said she didn’t really feel like talking about military strategies with Celestia and Luna,” Twilight said, “so when I found her looking for you two, I decided to join her. And that’s when we found you both here.”

“Understood,” Turing said. “Have the delegates reached a decision yet regarding the TechQuestrian constitution?”

Twilight shook her head. “No, but they will soon,” Twilight replied. “The guards are keeping them posted about the time.”

“According to my internal chronometer, they have 36 minutes left to reach a decision,” Turing said.

Twilight’s smile faded. “It’s… strange to think about Equestria’s fate being decided so quickly.” She sighed. “Well… the others are probably waiting for us. Should we head back?”

Turing Test glanced over her shoulder, looking out the window at the New Dawn as it continued to circle overhead with an almost eerie silence.

“Before we do,” Turing replied, “I have come to a few conclusions regarding our current situation. I wish to share them with you, if you have a few minutes to spare.”

Twilight and Applejack looked to each other, then back to Turing Test. All the while, 001 continued nuzzling Applejack’s neck.

“Sure. What’s on your mind, Turing?” Twilight asked.

“Firstly, I have decided that I cannot accept a war,” she said. “I have so many friends in Ponyville, including both of you and our mutual acquaintances. A war would most likely disrupt their lives, keeping them from the things they love. Our home may be engulfed in battle. Ponies we care about may be exiled. They may even be killed. And that is something I cannot accept.

“Every life is precious to me. That is what I truly came to understand when I was rescued from the crevasse in the Everfree Forest. Due to my mechanical nature, I will remember every pony I have ever met. Every moment with every friend, or even every stranger, will be preserved in my mind for as long as I am able to remain operational. After all my experiences, I have concluded that every life is important, and the loss of even one is totally unacceptable.

“And yet some ponies on both sides are willing to go to war,” she said, shaking her head. “I cannot understand it.”

Twilight bowed her head, shutting her eyes. “I know how you feel,” she said. “It’s… complicated.”

“Perhaps so,” she said. “But that leads me to my next conclusion: I believe this can be resolved through the things you’ve taught me me, Twilight Sparkle. I believe this conflict has its origins in negative feelings, and that extending friendship can end it.”

“Heh,” Applejack chuckled. “She’s yer student all right, Twilight.” Then, growing serious, she said, “But, uh, just the same… I’m not sure this is somethin’ we can solve like a run o’ the mill friendship problem.”

Turing tapped her chin. “Celestia once feared technology due to her experience with automata,” she said. “Her attitude toward technology was the genesis of all of this. And yet our friendship overcame Celestia’s fear, and now she and I are also friends. She once considered me so expendable that she was willing to have me destroyed or confined. Now she has granted me full rights as a citizen, no different from any organic pony.”

Twilight smiled. “You’re right, Turing,” she said. “You overcame a hundred years of fear and mistrust when nopony else could.”

“And that is why I believe the end of this conflict may also lie in extending my friendship to another,” she said. “My father.”

Twilight’s smile faded. “I… Turing, that’s…” She trailed off, averting her eyes.

“I understand your misgivings, Twilight Sparkle,” Turing said, holding up a hoof. “But if Cobbler Mustang’s desire for a revolution was born out of his grief for Georgia Peach and bitterness toward Celestia, then perhaps those emotions can also be supplanted by friendship. If my father’s loss could be eased by seeing what he has gained, if he could see me and my siblings as his children, then perhaps his heart would soften.”

Twilight let out a long sigh. “Turing, I would love to tell you that I agree,” she said. “But some ponies… Cobbler’s filled with so much hatred. Even after everything that’s happened, he still thinks of you and the others as simple machines. You can’t really--”

“I think she’s right,” Applejack said, cutting her off.

Twilight whipped her head around, staring at Applejack. “Applejack? You?! After seeing what he did to us all? After seeing how he treated 001?!”

001 lowered her head, but Applejack put her foreleg around her, holding her close.

“It’s true that I don’t think too highly about that smooth talkin’ snake in the grass,” she said. “He’s done a lot o’ bad things. But we’ve given a lots o’ ponies second chances even when they didn’t deserve ‘em. An’ it don’t really matter what I think. What matters is what Turing thinks.”

She smiled at Turing and the robot’s ears perked up.

“You just want yer daddy back,” she said, smiling at Turing. “Ain’t that right? If I had a chance to have my daddy back… if I could make my family whole again… well, I know I’d move mountains to make it happen. That’s how ya feel, ain’t it?”

Turing Test bowed her head. “Affirmative,” she said softly. “If I can ease my father’s pain, if I can make him remember the kind pony and caring father he once was… perhaps we can end this peacefully.”

She raised her head, meeting Twilight’s gaze. “Twilight Sparkle, I want to speak to him.”

Twilight opened her mouth to speak.

“Hey!” shouted a new voice. They all turned to see Rainbow Dash. “There you guys are! The delegates are back! They’re gonna message TechQuestria in just a few minutes! We’ve gotta get back there right now!”


***


They arrived amid the chaos of all the other delegates entering the ballroom. They quickly spotted Celestia and Luna, who were flanked by the Royal Guards, along with Gadget, Spike, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy.

“Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed, galloping over to her side. “What did they decide?”

“To tell the truth, Twilight, I’m not certain,” she replied. Then she smiled. “However, I’ve heard that your presentation to the delegates was very informative. You and Umahara seem to have given them all the information that they needed.”

Twilight returned the smile as Turing Test, 001, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack arrived behind her.

“I see you are back,” Celestia said. “Thank you for finding them, Rainbow Dash.”

“No problem!” Rainbow Dash said.

“And are you feeling better, 001?” Celestia asked, leaning down and speaking to her like a filly.

“Me okay,” 001 said. “Turry Tess good sissa.”

Celestia chuckled, looking to Turing. “Indeed she is.”

Perhaps we will see if I can also be a good daughter, Turing added mentally.

The crowd of delegates grew quiet, and Fancy Pants, their chosen representative, came forward. Celestia, Luna, and Twilight all turned to meet him by the golden messenger drone, which was still sitting by the doors of the ballroom.

“You’ve reached a decision?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, Your Majesties,” Fancy Pants said, bowing.

“And what did you decide?” Luna asked.

“Well… with all due respect,” Fancy Pants said, “We decided that I should announce it to you and to the TechQuestrians at the same time. We feel that running it by you for your approval first may taint their perception of it.”

The three princesses all exchanged a look.

“It sounds like you think that we won’t like it,” Twilight said quietly.

“You may not,” Fancy Pants said, raising his chin and standing firm. “But we think this is the optimal solution.”

Celestia bowed her head. “In that case, you may contact TechQuestria when ready. We all await your decision.”

Fancy Pants bowed in return and went to the messenger, pressing the red button to signal TechQuestria.

“Attention New Dawn,” he said. “This is Fancy Pants, and I am speaking to you on behalf of the delegates of the Equestrian National Conference. Can you hear me?”

The communications officer’s voice came through the speaker. “We read you. Please stand by for the President.”

A moment later, Cobbler’s voice was heard. “This is Professor Mustang speaking. I must say, I’m pleased that you arrived at a decision before your time expired. I was afraid y’all might keep us waiting until the last minute.

“So… what is the news? Have the Princesses abdicated? How many delegates have signed the constitution?”

Fancy Pants cleared his throat. “That’s… not exactly what was decided.”

There was a notable pause on the other end. “Oh really?” Cobbler asked, an edge to his voice. “Well now… I await hearing what you did decide with great interest.”

“It’s quite simple, really,” Fancy Pants said. “You and your comrades want democracy. You want us to act as the first congress of your new republic. We decided to act in that capacity and took a vote, with the princesses all declaring that we had the authority to decide how to proceed. Our decision is the first democratically decided bit of national policy in Equestrian history. We wanted you to know that.”

Another notable pause. “I must say,” Cobbler breathed, “that is not what we expected. Very well then… what did you decide?”

Fancy Pants withdrew a few sheets of parchment from his coat and unfolded them. “I hold in my hoof a proposal. A treaty, you might say,” he said, “which would allow TechQuestria to secede and become its own legally-recognized nation.”

Celestia’s eyes widened. Luna’s jaw dropped. Both, however, kept silent.

“We will even be glad to work out where you might establish your new republic,” Fancy Pants said. “Perhaps something in your native Mustangia? Or perhaps a large island? We’d be more than willing to discuss it and decide on something fair. You and your scientists can retain all ownership of your inventions, which, after today’s demonstrations, may prove quite popular in Equestria. We will even provide the funds to help you get started and forgive any outstanding debts you may have… after all, that ship of yours looks quite expensive.”

There was muffled speech from Cobbler’s side.

“All we ask is that we end this without violence,” Fancy Pants said. “Sir, the Mustangian delegate spoke of you as a kind and generous gentlecolt of your home region. I urge you to consider what is best for both sides. Let us live in peace, and we will grant you the same dignity.”

Fancy Pants looked over to the princesses. At first, there was no reaction on any of their faces. But after exchanging mutual looks, Celestia gave a short nod. She stepped forward.

“What Fancy Pants said is true, Professor Mustang,” she said. “We gave our word that we would honor what the delegates voted on. If their decision is to let you secede to your own nation, then we will abide by that.”

There was silence. Then it was followed by a chuckle which grew into scornful laughter.

“Your only decision was to accept surrender or not,” Cobbler said. “We came here to offer freedom to Equestria, not to establish a new colony! We will not step aside while you all languish under-- what? That’s…”

There was more muffled speech from the other side. It sounded like an argument held just out of earshot. A moment later, Cobbler returned.

“As I was saying,” Cobbler continued. “Freedom is an imperative, and so is technology. Equestria will accept both, whether you cooperate or not. You have less than half an hour left, so I suggest you get back to deciding whether to sign the constitution or not. I consider myself a patient pony, but I will not wait any longer than that, and I will not tolerate any more of these ridiculous distractions.

“Good luck with your deliberations,” he said. “We’ll be in touch.”

The transmission ended, leaving the ballroom in silence.


To be continued…