//------------------------------// // Homework // Story: The Iron Horse: Human After All // by The Hat Man //------------------------------// The springtime warmth of the evening air felt like a blanket as she made her way down the path through the trees. Her heart gave a little jump at the sound of an owl, but still she pushed forward. The device in her hands ticked and crackled, and she paused, looking nervously around as she hugged herself. She had a flashlight, but the shadows it cast throughout the underbrush and the occasional glow of an animal’s eyes before it scurried away into the darkness made her question why she’d ever bothered to venture out so late at night. It will be worth it… I’m so close! She turned, and the device let out a squeal. The Geiger-counter-like sound was the strongest she’d heard all night. She stepped off the trail, making her way down a small hill as she tromped through the leaves and growth on the forest floor. She continued in that direction until she spotted the glow. It wasn’t far now. She squinted her eyes and saw the hollow trunk of a long-dead and broken tree. Inside it, she spied the wispy glowing ball she’d been seeking. She reached behind her and removed another device from her backpack. It had a cone at one end and it was attached to a hose that snaked back into her bag. There was a spiderweb blocking the hollow cavity of the tree. She shuddered and felt her flesh crawl as she swiped it away with her bare hand, so eager was she to get at her prize. She held the device in front of the glowing ball and turned it on. With a loud whoosh, the ball was sucked into the cone and up the hose. She heard a beep that told her that she’d successfully contained it. She set down the bag and reached into it. She pulled out a glass canister and held it aloft. The glowing ball was suspended within. “Pure magic,” she whispered. The glow from it illuminated her tight, giddy smile. She let out a delirious giggle. “I’m one step closer…” *** Twilight Sparkle sipped her tea as she sat across from her friend. “I’m sorry to hear that things have been difficult for you, Turing Test,” she said. “But I want you to know that you have everyone in Ponyville supporting you. And not just here! All across Equestria, ponies are still talking about you: the robot who saved Canterlot!” Turing Test bowed her head. “That is kind of you to say, Twilight Sparkle,” she said in her calm, synthetic voice. “Still, I wish that some of my colleagues would show me the same goodwill. It seems that gaining the trust of the ponies of Canterlot is an even greater challenge than it was to do so in Ponyville.” She raised her hoof, looking at it in contemplation. She was indeed the robot that saved Canterlot but a robot nonetheless. Her titanium hull shined under the lights of the chandelier in Twilight’s dining room. Her LED eyes glowed violet as she examined her own reflection in her brass-colored hoof. Her ears moved up and down on their hinges and she even held up a coiled strand of her off-white polymer mane. The whirr of her servos was audible with each minute movement. “Turing, just remember where you came from.” Twilight placed a hoof on Turing’s, patting it gently. “When we found you damaged and broken in Applejack’s orchard, none of us knew what to make of you.” “A robot, of course,” Turing said. “What else could one make of me? Though, now that I think of it, I suppose my components could be utilized for a variety of other devices. I would make a lovely refrigerator.” “I meant that none of us knew how to behave toward you,” Twilight said as she rolled her eyes. “But still, after I gave you the directive to make friends, you did just that. You made friends with me, with my friends, and then with almost everyone you met. You even managed to win over your father when nopony else could convince him that you were sapient and had real thoughts and feelings!” Turing’s LED eyes made it look as though she was raising an eyebrow. “I am aware of that, Twilight Sparkle. As I have often stated, my memory is flawless.” Twilight sighed. “What I mean is that you should be more confident in your ability to make friends,” she said. “It will just take some time and patience.” Turing affected a mechanical sigh. “As of late, that seems to be my primary struggle. Everything I work for proceeds slower than I desire.” Twilight frowned. “Tell me about it, Turing,” she said quietly. “I’m listening.” Turing nodded. “The incident which brought my frustrations to a head occurred quite recently. I was at the Royal Council’s meeting, and my latest proposal had once again met with heavy resistance…” “I tell you the farmers won’t stand for it! You’d understand that if you were a real pony!” Turing Test, Equestria’s Minister of Technology, sat there as Barnstormer, the Minister of Agriculture, berated her. Her metal face was expressionless, and she simply sat impassively as he railed and pounded his hoof on the table. At the head of the long table, Princess Celestia cleared her throat. “Minister Barnstormer,” she said, her voice calm but firm, “I believe I have told you before that I will not tolerate discriminatory language in my council room and certainly not toward one of my other Ministers.” Barnstormer adjusted his tie and bowed to her as he sat back down. “My apologies, Your Majesty,” he said. “I only meant that Minister Turing is not an organic pony.” “You should address your apology to her, then, rather than me,” Celestia said, turning to look at Turing Test. Barnstormer grumbled. “Very well,” he said. “I’m sorry, Minister Turing.” Turing gave him a small nod. “It is all right, Minister,” she said, her synthetic voice calm and precise. “I understand that many farmers may object to the government acquiring even a small portion of their land, but it will be necessary to construct a connected network of telephone lines. They will, of course, be compensated generously for their land and for any disruption caused by construction teams erecting the telephone poles.” “Personally, I just shudder to think of our beautiful cities marred by all those telephone poles and wires,” said Sleepy Eyes, the Minister of Urban Development, in her usual laconic tone. “Why can’t we bury them like we did with the telegraph lines?” “As I have stated several times before,” Turing said, “the cost and inconvenience of digging routes for underground lines to run under every street and home in Canterlot or Manehattan would be both costly and extremely disruptive.” “I would just like to point out,” said Red Letter, the Postmaster General, “that there’s no need to have a national phone network in Equestria anyway. Why, we already have letters for long communiques between ponies - and who can deny the eloquence of a well-penned letter from a distant friend - and the telegraph for more urgent messages. All this business about blabbing off the top of your head on a telephone is… well, it’s uncivilized!” Turing Test maintained her calm demeanor, but placed her brass-colored hooves on the table with an audible clanking sound as she looked at the aging Postmaster General. “That has also been discussed before,” she said. “Her Majesty ruled that there was value in ponies being able to speak to distant friends and relatives instantaneously.” “Ah, that’s right,” he muttered as he trailed off. “Er, I mean, yes! But… well, I still wished to state my objection!” “So noted,” Celestia said. She wore her usual smile, but Turing noted an almost imperceptible twitch of her eye, and her ears detected the Princess’s heart rate quickening ever so slightly. “There’s more to this issue than all that,” Barnstormer said as he heaved a sigh. “Many of the farmers I’ve talked to about this are concerned. They wonder if having electrical phone lines running across their lands will have consequences for their health. They worry that if they speak too loudly around them, ponies on their telephones will hear them speaking and eavesdrop.” Turing’s eyes shifted, making it look like she was narrowing them. “In the first place, such health concerns are unfounded: there is no evidence that proximity to telephone lines has any negative effects on ponies. In the second place, telephones do not work that way. Nopony would be able to listen to their conversations.” “But the point is that many farmers think they can!” Barnstormer yelled. “You’re ignoring their concerns!” “That is because they are ridiculous.” “Why you cold, insensitive—” Celestia rapped her hoof on the table. “That’s enough,” she said, and the room fell silent. “Minister Turing Test has more than made her case for this project to move forward. I have decided that we will proceed to construct this nationwide network of telephone lines. The benefit of connecting ponies all across Equestria is worth facing the potential consequences. Whenever possible, we will have phone lines run adjacent to train tracks. When needed, we will purchase land from farmers at double the estimated cost. Care will be taken to make this construction as minimally invasive as possible. However, it will proceed.” The Ministers all bowed their heads. “Now then, if there are no other matters?” Everypony was silent. “Then I hereby adjourn this meeting,” she said and stood, flaring her wings. The Ministers all stood and began moving toward the door, many of them already gabbing about their next golf game, but Celestia cleared her throat and said “Ministers Turing Test and Barnstormer? A word, if I may?” Turing and Barnstormer stayed as the others left, shutting the door to the large meeting room behind them. “How can we assist you, Your Majesty?” Barnstormer asked. “Actually, I would like to assist both of you,” Celestia said with a smile. Barnstormer gulped. As usual, Turing Test only stood there in silence, her expression implacable. “Barnstormer, I appreciate you advocating for the farmers under your jurisdiction,” she said. “You have served me for the last ten years, and I am grateful for your assistance. However, such prestige does not entitle you to belittle another of my ministers.” Barnstormer raised his head, standing ramrod straight. “I did not mean to offend you, Your Majesty,” he said. “Again, it is not me that you should be apologizing to,” she said, looking over at Turing Test. “Minister Turing Test has endured similar insults to her nature as a robot on at least three occasions—” “Four, actually,” Turing said. “The first of which was—” “The specifics are not necessary, Minister Turing,” Celestia said as she raised a hoof. “Minister Barnstormer, you registered your complaints against my decision to allow democratic elections of ministers and Turing Test’s eligibility as a candidate many months ago. I would have thought that you would respect her position by now. However, Turing Test has been the Minister of Technology for the last three months, and yet you still intimate that she is somehow less than worthy of her position by virtue of her status as an artificially-created being. I am very disappointed by this.” Barnstormer shut his eyes, lowering his head. “I am sorry to have disappointed you, Your Majesty,” he said quietly. “Then please treat Minister Turing Test as you would any other Minister,” she said. “She is, in fact, a ‘real’ pony, regardless of being a robot. Do I make myself clear?” He nodded. “Yes,” he replied. He turned to Turing Test and said, “I’m very sorry, Minister Turing Test. I suppose I’m just entrenched in my way of thinking.” “You are forgiven, Minister Barnstormer,” Turing said. “For my entire existence, I have encountered ponies that found it difficult to accept me as a sapient being. Many of them are now my friends. I hope that our work together will likewise improve our relations.” He gave a quick nod and turned back to Celestia. “Is that all, Your Majesty?” he asked. Celestia nodded back and said “Yes, Minister. You are dismissed.” Barnstormer left, leaving only Turing Test and Celestia. “I appreciate you intervening on my behalf, Princess Celestia,” Turing said. “You’re welcome, Turing,” Celestia replied. “However, I still have some feedback for you.” “Of course,” she said. “Has my performance been less than satisfactory?” “Not at all. You’re doing a wonderful job! However, I think you are being too dismissive of the farmers’ concerns that Barnstormer brought up.” Turing tilted her head. “But the concerns he mentioned were inconsequential.” Celestia frowned. “Not to the farmers, they aren’t,” she said. Turing Test simply stared back at her. “Turing Test, I acknowledge that part of the reason for Equestria’s resistance to technological advancements is my own history of resistance to them,” Celestia said. “And I am grateful to you and Twilight, among others, for helping me overcome it. But that does not change the fact that many ponies need some reassurance that their world will not be uprooted by the innovations you champion. I suggest that you find ways to address these concerns, groundless or not. You will find that there is far more to being a Royal Minister than just policy.” Turing Test bowed her head, her eyes shifting to look like they were shut in reverence. “I understand,” she said. “I will consider how to allay their fears.” Celestia smiled. “I’m glad to hear that,” she said. “You are dismissed, Turing.” Turing left the meeting hall, closing the doors behind her. She walked alone into the empty palace hallway, the whirring sound of her servos echoing in the cavernous expanse. She made her way outside to the streets of Canterlot as the sun set and began her trek home. She reached her home, a small but pleasant ivory-colored house in a historic neighborhood, and walked in the door. She switched to U-Mode and her unicorn horn slid into place. She used her magic to remove the elegant crossover tie she wore at work as she stepped into the sparsely-decorated home. She had some furniture that she rarely used, keepsakes from Ponyville on a shelf, and pictures on the wall. She went over to one of the photographs, a simple image of an unsmiling gray mare with a purple mane. She took it off the shelf and held it to her chest. “I wish you were not so busy with your thesis as of late, Maud Pie,” she whispered. “I want to see you so badly right now.” She replaced the photograph and went to her bedroom, which contained no bed but instead housed her charging alcove. It was powered by a windmill that extended over her house, and it stored power until Turing was ready to charge herself. It wasn’t even late, but Turing simply found that there was nothing to do, so she connected herself to her charging alcove and went into sleep mode. Twilight frowned. “I see what you mean,” she said. “Your new position has been challenging for you, hasn’t it?” Turing nodded. “More than I thought it would be,” she replied. “I feel as though I am making very little progress with my fellow ministers. They do not seem to regard me as their equal and comrade despite my attempts to bond with them.” “That describes a lot of Canterlot ponies, unfortunately,” Twilight said as she heaved a sigh. “Still, I’m confident that you will get through to them in time!” “Still, I remain frustrated with the slow rate of progress I have made. Even with Celestia’s support, ponies are reluctant to adopt and support new technology. My only goal in becoming the Minister of Technology has been to improve their lives. “I wanted to fulfill my father’s dream of a more advanced and enlightened nation. I took pride in being the first Royal Minister to be democratically elected. I was proud to be accepted as a leader despite my status as a robot. I hoped that I might ‘blaze a trail’ for future robots like myself. “I thought that I was prepared for the challenges ahead.” She lowered her head. “Perhaps I was incorrect.” Twilight went to her and gave her a tight hug. “I’m sorry that you are feeling unsure of yourself, Turing Test,” she said quietly. “Even so, you should give yourself more credit. In less than a year, you’ve gone from just being a scientific curiosity to becoming Equestria’s first democratically-elected national figure and one of Celestia’s most trusted advisors. “Besides, thanks to you, ponies will soon be able to communicate across vast distances like never before! If nothing else, think about how great it will be to call and talk to everypony whenever you want! You should really be proud of yourself, Turing!” Turing raised her head. “I suppose that is true,” she said. “I simply wish that things would advance more quickly.” Twilight chuckled. “Canterlot wasn’t built in a day, Turing,” she said. “Just be patient.” “I will try,” Turing said. “Perhaps I can formulate a solution to my dilemma. Thank you once again for your advice and for listening to my troubles, Twilight Spa—” She paused, her ears twitching. “Turing?” Twilight asked. “What is it?” “I am not certain,” she replied. “I detect a strange vibrating sound coming from somewhere in the castle. Your room, if I am not mistaken. What could be producing it?” Twilight rubbed her chin. “Nothing that I know—oh! Of course!” She teleported away in a flash before returning again. She held a book in her hoof. “I was right! Sunset Shimmer is sending me a message again!” Twilight opened the book and Turing watched as she read from the page. “A strange artifact,” Turing said. “I detect some strange magical energies emanating from that book. What is it?” “Oh, it’s a book that sends messages between my friend Sunset Shimmer and me. When one of us writes in it, words appear in the other’s book!” “Ah. I wonder if such technology could one day replace the telegraph…” Twilight shook her head. “No way. These books only communicate between two ponies. And they’re hard and expensive to make.” She looked back down at the book and chuckled at what Sunset had written. “Is something amusing?” “Oh, just that Rainbow Dash sat on Sunset’s smartphone again and broke it, but Sunset’s actually happy because that means she can get a new one!” Turing blinked, her LED eyes becoming thin lines for a split second. “Please confirm: Rainbow Dash sat on Sunset Shimmer’s ‘smartphone?’” Twilight waved a hoof as she continued reading. “The other Rainbow Dash, not the one you know,” she said casually. Turing stared back at her. “There is another Rainbow Dash?!” Twilight stiffened and snapped the book shut. “Uhhhhhh…” “And what exactly is a smartphone?” Twilight gulped. “Okay, but this is going to be kind of a long story…” *** When Twilight had finished regaling Turing Test with all her dealings at Canterlot High, Turing was still and oddly quiet. “So, um… any questions, Turing?” Twilight asked. “Quite a few,” Turing said, “but rather than exhaust you with them all, I will limit myself to one.” “And that is…?” “You knew of a place with highly advanced technology beyond anything that Equestria has seen and did not think to tell me?!” Twilight chuckled, rubbing the back of her head. “Wellll, it wasn’t a conscious decision, Turing,” she said. “I just tend to think of the two worlds as separate entities.” “You exchange communications with this world and make frequent visits to it.” “Well, not really frequent,” Twilight said, waving her hoof dismissively. “Though the last time I was there, I did meet their world’s version of me.” Turing’s pupils shrank. “There is another Twilight Sparkle? Is she also the Princess of Friendship? Ah… is there another me?!” “Whoa, whoa, Turing!” Twilight cried. “Slow down! First of all, she’s not a princess at all! She’s a high school student. And from what I understand, a pretty good scientist. Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure there’s no version of you over there. Honestly, I’m not even sure if they have robots at all.” Turing sank, her eyes downcast. “Oh.” Twilight frowned. “Hang on, let me ask Sunset.” She found a quill and began writing in the book. A moment later, she had her answer. Sure we have robots! the text in the book read. Twilight has built a few, actually. The other you, not you you. Twilight and Turing Test exchanged an awed look. Twilight quickly wrote a response: Oh my gosh! What are they like? My friend Turing would love to know! The response came a few moments later: Turing Test? That’s the friend of yours you were teaching friendship, right? Is she into science and technology? “Tell her that I am science and technology!” Turing said excitedly. “Easy, Turing, I’m writing as fast as I can,” Twilight replied. She continued writing: Turing Test’s interested. She is a robot, after all. There was a pause, followed by a single word that appeared in Twilight’s book: WHAT. Twilight glanced over at Turing Test. Her robotic friend was narrowing her eyes. “You did not tell her that I was a robot, did you?” “I, uh… I’m sure I did!” Twilight said. She began flipping through the pages. “Let’s see, I must have mentioned it somewhere—” Turing Test seized the book and flipped through it rapidly, scanning it visually. “Analysis complete: you did not. Also, I agree, Pinkie Pie should, as you stated, ‘Lay off all the cupcakes.’ It is not healthy.” “Turing!” Twilight shouted, snatching the book back. “Don’t just read my correspondence with Sunset without asking!” Turing bowed her head. “My apologies, Twilight Sparkle. Still, I cannot believe how little you told Sunset Shimmer about me, given our history together.” Twilight bit her lip. “I guess maybe I should have told her more. But I guess we usually just talk about what’s going on in her world instead of ours.” They then noticed that the book was glowing and vibrating again. Twilight opened it and read the text inside: You never told me your friend was an actual robot! That’s so cool! Turing raised her head, putting a hoof to her chest. “She is right. I am, in fact, cool.” Twilight rolled her eyes and continued reading. Could she come visit us in this world? Sunset asked. I’d love to meet her! And we have robots, but, honestly, none of them are smart enough to make friends with. Twilight frowned. “I’m not so sure…” “Oh, please, Twilight Sparkle!” Turing shouted as she seized her by the shoulders. “It would be an excellent opportunity to learn more about technological advancements in other worlds.” As the same time, Sunset wrote, Please say yes! It would be a great opportunity to learn about friendship! Turing looked at the text and then back to Twilight. Her LED eyes did their best to look large and like that of puppy dogs as she knelt at Twilight’s hooves. Twilight shut her eyes. “I… that is…” She heaved a sigh. “Oh, all right.” Turing leaped to her hooves and embraced her. “Oh, thank you, Twilight Sparkle! I will not waste this opportunity!” Twilight began writing to Sunset: All right. It looks like you’re both interested in the opportunity, and since there’s no version of Turing Test in your world, I guess it couldn’t do any harm. Just the same, you might need to find a way to explain Turing’s appearance, since I’m pretty sure not even a magic mirror transformation will change the fact that she’s a robot. Sunset wrote back: Great! I’m sure I’ll figure something out! When can we meet up? “Tell her that I can leave immediately, if necessary,” Turing said. Twilight shook her head. “No, Turing,” she said. “She’ll need more time to plan. And you’re going to need to notify Princess Celestia that you’re going to be doing some research related to your position.” “And if she denies me permission?” Turing asked. Twilight chuckled. “She won’t. Celestia believes in letting ponies learn on their own,” she said. “Trust me, she knows the value of homework.” *** Turing Test stood next to Twilight. The mirror before them was oval-shaped, but it was hooked up to various kinds of machinery and Twilight’s magic book. “Y-you’re sure you’re ready?” Twilight asked. Turing nodded. “I believe that I am prepared.” “You don’t need a snack?” “I do not eat.” “Well, do you need a notebook to document your research?” “I remember everything that I see, read, or hear with perfect accuracy. A notebook is not necessary.” “Right, right…” Twilight gulped as she glanced over at the mirror. “Twilight Sparkle, it will be all right,” Turing said. “Are you certain that you do not wish to accompany me?” Twilight sighed. “No, I shouldn’t. I should probably limit my visits now that I know there’s another me. Besides, I have to help Starlight Glimmer with her own friendship studies today.” At the sound of her name, Starlight glanced up from the magazine she was reading. “Hi, Turing,” she said. “Hello,” Turing replied. “Besides,” Twilight said, “I’m sure that Sunset will be able to help you in any way that you need.” She hugged Turing, laying her head on her shoulder. “Good luck, Turing Test,” she said. Turing returned the hug. “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle,” she said. “I promise that I will do my best for you and Equestria.” Twilight nodded and stepped over to the machinery. She pulled a lever, and it activated. A moment later, the mirror’s reflective image disappeared, and a vortex appeared in its place. Turing Test stepped forward. Without hesitation, she stepped into the swirling portal. The pull became irresistible, and she was drawn into the spiral of energy. She heard the sound of metal connecting with the ground, and her sensors came alive with new feedback. Her eyes adjusted to the light and she looked up. A… creature of some sort was standing there. It was bipedal, with yellow skin, a red and yellow mane, and aqua eyes. It was wearing clothes of some kind as well: a black jacket, a shirt with the image of the sun on it, a skirt, and boots. It smiled and held out its hand. “Hi there,” she said. “I’m Sunset Shimmer. You must be Turing Test.” Turing Test stared back at her. “Ah,” she said. “Twilight Sparkle mentioned that you were a pony but that the mirror transformed you into a biped of some kind. However, my conjectures were inaccurate. You do not look as I had imagined.” Sunset’s smile became strained. “That’s not a bad thing… is it?” Turing shook her head. “It is not. I am also happy to meet you, though I ask your indulgence while I adjust. I am getting some strange readings from my limbs. The pressure sensors in my hooves, for example, are—” She held up a hoof. It was not a hoof. Where the blunt, brass shape of her hoof should have been, there were five spindly appendages at the end of her foreleg. Each individual joint was visible and covered with black rubber, just as the joints of her legs had been. She wiggled them, observing how they moved. Then she glanced down and saw that she was wearing some sort of black shirt. She pulled it out and saw that it was emblazoned with the image of a… toaster? “Umm, are you okay?” Sunset asked. Turing looked back up. “Ah. Yes, I am fine. Thank you.” She took Sunset’s hand with her own and stood to her full height on two legs. Her new perspective was odd, but her body seemed to have been reconfigured sufficiently. It took less than a second to rebalance herself. “I know it takes a little getting used to,” Sunset Shimmer said. “But don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it. Anyway—” “Whoaaa!” They turned and saw another biped - a human as Twilight called them - staring at her nearby. This human wore a hat and had a green mane that looked like thick strands of yarn. “Is that a robot, Sunset?!” he asked. Turing nodded. “Affirmative. I am a robot and—” “It’s a great cosplay, isn’t it, Sandalwood?” Sunset said hurriedly, draping her arm over Turing’s shoulders. “She’s a pro!” “Ohhh, that explains it,” the boy said as he relaxed. “Niiice job, dude,” he said, giving Turing a thumbs up. Turing held out her hand and imitated the gesture. “Thank you. I am quite proficient at this ‘cosplay’ you speak of.” Sandalwood laughed. “Oh man, she’s super good. Well, catch ya later, Sunset!” he said as he walked off. Sunset breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, at least we know people will buy our story.” Turing held up her hands, examining them. “My apologies, Sunset Shimmer,” she said, “but if it is possible, could you direct me to a mirror? I wish to examine my own appearance.” Sunset Shimmer grinned. “Sure!” she said. “Come on inside the school. The bathroom mirror should do the trick!” *** Turing Test stood before the mirror. She stared back at the creature before her, and her mouth dropped open. And she realized that, for the first time, she actually had a mouth. “I… I have a face!” Turing cried, watching her mouth move in awe as she spoke. “Well, I mean, everyone has a face, right?” Sunset asked. “But as a pony, my face lacked the ability to show expressions! I had no mouth, and therefore I had no ability to smile or frown or produce any other similar expression. But now I look completely different!” She gaped at the image before her as she held up her hands. Her awed expression changed to one of pure joy. Her face was the same metallic color as her ‘skin,’ but it was made of some sort of synthetic, pliable material that allowed her to change her expression as easily as any organic being. “Observe, I have a tongue! Blehlehlehlehleh!” She waggled her tongue in the mirror, trying it out. “Ha ha! I love you, new tongue! I love you, new face! I love you, new me!” Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle, but she covered her mouth politely. “Yeah, it’s pretty neat, all right.” “You understate the experience, Sunset Shimmer. This is truly incredible!” she cried. “The only thing that could make this better is if I…” She frowned, her eyes closing halfway. Then she suddenly stiffened. Her LED eyes became star-shaped. “Eyelids!” she shrieked. Sunset raised an eyebrow. “Um… what about them? What’s so special about—whoa!” she cried as Turing embraced her. “I have eyelids!” she cried. “Oh, this is so wonderful! I cannot believe that I did not come here sooner! I can finally express my emotions as I wish to!” Sunset gasped. “Too… hard!” Turing released her immediately. “Oh, my apologies, Sunset Shimmer!” she said. “It appears that even in this form, my strength is notable. I will be more careful in the future.” Sunset patted her on the shoulder. “It’s fine, Turing,” she said with a smile. “I’m just glad I could be here to help you. So, Twilight tells me you have a few days to do your research. What do you want to learn about first?” Turing Test clenched her fists together and grinned as she brimmed with excitement. She leaped into the air with elation. “Everything!” she shouted. To be continued...