The Iron Horse: Human After All

by The Hat Man

Teachers

Sunset Shimmer exited the restroom with Turing Test in tow. “Sorry to say, Turing,” she said, “but right now I can’t show you much of anything. I’ve got one more class before I get out for the weekend. You could walk around campus for a bit, I guess, but it might be best if you just join me for class.”

“I see,” Turing said as she tapped her chin.

Sunset noticed with some amusement that she was doing so with her whole fist as she held it similar to how a pony would hold their hoof.

“Hold on, Turing,” she said, lightly touching her wrist to get her attention. “I think you’re still in ‘pony-mode,’ so to speak. Here, try it like this…”

Sunset cradled her chin between her thumb and index finger, looking slightly up while pursing her lips. “Hmm,” she murmured, striking the perfect ‘thinking’ pose.

“Oh, that is very helpful, Sunset Shimmer,” Turing said. “Allow me to attempt to imitate you.”

She struck the same pose, even making the same “Hmm” noise as Sunset to complete the effect.

“Not bad!” Sunset said. “So, what’s your decision?”

Turing blinked. “Ah. I was focusing on the correct way of indicating thinking, not on the act of thinking itself. One moment more, please,” she said before immediately doing her ‘thinking pose’ yet again.

“Hmm,” Turing said, oblivious to Sunset trying not to laugh at the overwrought display. “I will join you for your class, Sunset Shimmer.”

“Great!” she said. “Normally, I’d have study hall at this hour, but they let me out to go pick up a friend from ‘out of town.’” She gave Turing a knowing wink.

“Ah. You are referring to me,” Turing said, pointing to herself with her fist before looking down at her hand and, making a frown, switching to using just one finger. She looked back up to Sunset and returned her wink.

“Great,” Sunset said. “Then let’s—”

“Oh, that was my first real wink!” Turing exclaimed, gleefully clapping her metallic hands together. “This new body is truly wonderful!”

“Okay, okay, Turing,” Sunset said, looking around nervously. “Now, let’s get to math class before—”

The bell rang. A moment later, the hallway filled with Canterlot High’s students. Though most of them were too busy chatting with friends or getting to class to notice Sunset’s new companion, a few slowed their pace or glanced up from their phones to look at the silver-skinned girl among them.

Turing, meanwhile, was utterly enthralled with the sight of so many humans around her and simply looked all around in wonder.

“Sunset Shimmer,” Turing said, “you did not inform me that there were so many humans here. They are all so different!”

“Turing…”

“And they are all wearing clothes!”

This last utterance attracted numerous stares from the other students until Sunset quickly seized Turing by the shoulders and practically dragged her to math class.

Sunset only breathed a sigh of relief once they reached the mostly empty classroom. She took Turing to a desk near the back of the classroom and they both took their seats. She groaned, sinking back into her chair. She shut her eyes and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

“Sunset Shimmer?” Turing asked quietly.

Sunset opened her eyes and looked over at Turing. The robot girl was frowning.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asked cautiously. “I did not mean to cause you any trouble.”

Sunset sat up and gave her a gentle smile. “No, not really,” she said. “It’s really not a big deal, Turing. I’m just trying to avoid causing too much of a scene. I mean, you being from Equestria isn’t such a big deal - at least not anymore - but being a robot might draw more attention than you want.”

Turing nodded. “I see. I will attempt to act in a way more befitting of an organic.”

Sunset forced herself to smile. “Great,” she said.

“Though I do have an inquiry, if it is all right,” Turing said.

“Sure. What is it, Turing?”

“Many of the humans seemed startled by my observation about wearing clothing. I simply assumed that humans were very fashionable. Was I incorrect?”

“Well, some are,” Sunset said. “But clothes aren’t really optional here. Everyone wears them.”

“Ah, I see,” Turing said. “Then it was fortuitous that the mirror granted me clothing upon entry to this world. Still, I do not understand the reasoning. Are the humans cold? Is it because, unlike ponies, they lack sufficient fur to keep warm?”

Sunset shook her head. “Humans are just kind of squeamish about… um… parts showing.”

Turing continued to stare at her, an expectant and completely oblivious smile on her face.

Sunset sighed. She looked around and then beckoned for Turing to lean in closer. She whispered something in her ear.

Turing tilted her head to the side after Sunset’s explanation. “How strange… ponies have the same parts, of course. Yet they see no need to cover them. I would not know of such urges, however, as I lack such anatomical features.”

Sunset kept silent as she tried to smile back politely. “O-oh yeah?”

Turing nodded. Then her eyes widened. “Oh! But as I now have other features that I previously lacked, perhaps I now have them. Commencing self diagnostic!” She began to remove her shirt.

“Turing, stop!” Sunset hissed through gritted teeth, grabbing Turing’s hands before she could get any further. A few students entering the room gave them an odd look on the way to their seats. “Do that kind of thing later, at least! Not in public!”

Turing nodded. “Understood, Sunset Shimmer,” she said, bowing to her. “I am fortunate to have your guidance in this world. I am not certain how I would cope otherwise.”

You’d either be in jail or a science lab, if I had to guess, Sunset thought. Aloud, she said, “You’re welcome, Turing. Now let’s just hope Mr. Cranky is in a good mood.”

“Mr. Cranky?”

“Yes?”

They both looked up. Mr. Cranky Doodle had just walked into the classroom as the bell in the hall rang. His features were definitely human, but Turing Test recognized his voice in an instant.

“Cranky Doodle!” Turing exclaimed as she stood up.

The students all froze. Cranky narrowed his eyes.

“Not sure who you are, young lady,” he said, “but around here it’s ‘Mr. Cranky’ to all concerned.”

Turing nodded, her mood apparently not dampened by his response. “Understood, Mr. Cranky.”

The older man went to his desk, keeping an eye on her. “Hm… you don’t look familiar. Are you new? A transfer student? It’s kind of late in the school year for that.”

Sunset stood up next to her. “She’s just a friend visiting me for the day, sir!” Sunset said. “I told her she could come to class with me today. Is that all right?”

Cranky shrugged. “As long as she doesn’t disturb today’s lesson, it’s fine by me,” he said as he took his seat. “On that note, what is she wearing? She looks like a robot or something.”

“It’s cosplay,” Sunset said quickly.

“Very cosplay,” Turing added.

“I have no idea what that is,” he said, taking a sip from his coffee mug (which read ‘I hate days that end in Y’). “But it sounds like it means you’re wearing a costume.”

Sunset opened her mouth to respond when another voice said “That’s correct, sir!”

They both looked to see that a boy in a yellow shirt with purple skin and glasses had taken a seat on the other side of Turing Test.

“But cosplay usually means that she’s dressed as a character from a TV show, comic book, movie, or something else.” He looked up at Turing. “It’s very realistic, too! You did a great job on your look!”

“Thank you,” she said. “Though much of my design came from my father.”

“Oh, he’s into cosplay too? That’s so cool! I wish my parents were more supportive of my geekier hobbies.”

“All right, all right!” Cranky snapped. “Everyone just take your seats and bring out your homework. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can start thinking about how to spend my weekend.”

“Are you planning to enjoy your free time with Matilda, Mr. Cranky?” Turing asked.

“What the… who told you my wife’s name?” Cranky demanded.

Turing blinked. “Sunset Shimmer told me about you, sir. She enjoys discussing her most favored teachers.”

Mr. Cranky gave a start, looking over at Sunset who sheepishly waved back, and cracked a smile. “Well… how about that? Didn’t know you felt that way, Sunset.”

“Oh, ha ha, well, um… you know…”

Cranky wore his grin as he went to the board to write something on the blackboard.

“I’m Microchips, by the way,” the boy whispered to Turing Test. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and offered her his hand. She looked down at it and then back at Sunset for help. She mimed shaking hands, so Turing Test turned back to Microchips and shook his hand.

“I am Turing Test,” she replied.

“Well, you sure seem committed to your part,” he said. “What character are you playing?”

“Ah… that is—”

“She’s from a book!” Sunset interjected. “It’s called… um…” She looked to Turing Test for help.

“It is called ‘The Iron Horse.’”

“The what?”

“Maiden!” Sunset said quickly. “Yep, ‘The Iron Maiden!’ She’s the title character.”

“Hm… I’ve never heard of it,” he said. “Is it good?”

“It’s decent but a little too long,” Sunset said hurriedly.

Microchips shrugged. “Well, anyway, it’s a really good cosplay, Turing Test.”

She smiled. “You truly think so?” she asked, pointing to herself. “Do you find my appearance attractive?”

The boy blushed profusely. He muttered something, chuckling nervously as he took out his homework.

After Cranky had collected everyone’s homework, he took a stack of papers out of his desk. “Okay, everyone… that homework should have helped you refine your skills in algebra. So, to make sure you’re ready for final exams, I’m giving you all a pop quiz.”

A groan went up from the whole class. “Grumble all you want, but one day you’ll be glad you learned these skills because of how useful they are in your daily life.”

“Mr. Cranky, is that true?” asked one girl near the front.

“Probably not, but a lot of college majors ask you to do it before you get a job at a place that can afford computers to do it for you. Now, enough questions, here are your quizzes.”

Cranky distributed the quizzes facedown and walked back up to the front of the room. “Turn over your quizzes and start. Raise your hand when you’re finished. You’ve got twenty-five minutes to finish. Good lu—”

Turing raised her hand.

“Yes?” Cranky asked. “Look, I know you’re not a student, but unless you want to just sit there in silence, you might as well try your hand at that quiz.”

“Understood, sir,” Turing said. “But I am raising my hand because I have finished.”

The entire room turned around to stare at her.

“What the… well, I’ll just see about that,” Cranky said, storming over to her and taking the quiz. “Now let’s see here…”

He read her answers. His eyes bulged. Every single answer was right. She had written the solution for every single one in under 10 seconds.

“W-what?!” he stammered. “How? Wait a minute, do you have a calculator?!”

“No,” Turing replied, shaking her head as she maintained her smile. “Though, in a manner of speaking, I am a calculator.”

“Well… well, you still need to show your work!” he said, putting it down on her desk.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“I mean you need to show me the steps you took to get the answer.”

She nodded. “Understood.”

The class went back to their quizzes as Cranky made his way back up the aisle.

“Done!”

The entire class turned back to her in shock. Cranky practically sprinted back to Turing’s desk and snatched the quiz from her desk. “Let me see that! Nobody’s that fast!”

He checked each answer. The class watched him with bated breath.

He stood in stunned silence. His fingers loosened and the paper fluttered to the floor. “P-perfect,” he whispered. “Absolutely perfect. Wow…”

His typical frown dissipated and a serene smile appeared on his face. He took on a faraway, dreamy look. “Huh… I never thought I’d live to see something like that.”

He walked back to his desk and began packing up his things. “You know what, kids? When you’re my age, not much surprises you anymore. But when it happens, it puts things in perspective. So, since it’s nearly the weekend, and I’m in too good a mood to spend mine grading your quizzes, class is dismissed early.”

The students looked at each other as Cranky got up and walked to the door.

“Sir, is this a joke?” Sunset asked.

“Nope! I’m going home early to spend time with my wife. See you all Monday!” he said, and with that, he was gone.

The class continued to sit in silence before erupting in cheers.

Sunset and Turing Test finally made it outside after getting away from the rest of the students, all of whom wanted to either thank Turing or ask her for tutoring.

“Well, that was an experience,” Sunset said.

“Is not everything an experience, Sunset Shimmer?” Turing asked.

“Fair point,” she said. Then she smiled. “Still, that was pretty cool! And I guess now that class is over, we can start your research!”

“That would be wonderful,” Turing said. “How shall we begin?”

“Well, I guess I could introduce you to the technology of this world, for one thing. Let’s see… oh, of course!”

She took Turing’s hand and led her to the front of the school, right up to the street.

Turing looked at the road, casting her eyes in either direction. She turned to face Sunset. “Sunset Shimmer, while I find the smoothness of this road to be impressive, it is nothing that could not be achieved in Equestria, should the need arise.”

“It’s not the road, Turing, it’s… oh, here we go.”

Turing saw something coming. A strange machine with glass windows and four round, black wheels swiftly approached, then passed them. Turing Test stared after it.

“A vehicle!” she exclaimed. “My father used such automated vehicles on his orchard, but they did not have such speed. That machine was traveling nearly 50 kilometers per hour, and most ponies can only achieve that speed at a gallop if they are athletic.”

“Honestly, if you think that’s impressive, I should take you to a highway,” Sunset said as she cracked a smile. “The speed limit there is 80 miles per hour.”

“Miles?”

“Oh, uh… let’s see… about 130 kilometers per hour.”

Turing’s eyes went wide. “For land speeds, that is quite fast. And these human vehicles travel such speeds commonly?”

Sunset nodded. “They sure do. We just call them ‘cars,’ though. Here, I’ll take you to the parking lot.”

She took Turing behind the school, where there was a strange area filled with these ‘cars.’

“Amazing!” Turing exclaimed. “And students are permitted to operate these vehicles?”

“They sure are,” Sunset said. She then heaved a sigh. “I guess I should get my license one of these days. Maybe this summer. Or maybe next year.”

“How do the cars work?” Turing asked.

“Oh, uh, they’re powered by internal combustion engines,” Sunset replied.

“Ah. My friend Gadget was experimenting with such devices.”

“Really? They didn’t have those in Equestria when I was there. At least not as far as I knew. Even so, you might want to be careful with them.”

“Oh? For what reason?”

Sunset sighed. “Honestly, machines that burn gasoline or other fossil fuels might be changing the climate.”

“They are? How?”

Sunset explained as Turing listened.

“I see,” she said. “If this is well known, then why do humans still use them?”

“Honestly, because our society pretty much depends on them,” Sunset said. “And right now, we don’t have better alternatives. At least not ones that are common, convenient, or affordable.”

“Then the issue is more complex than I had realized. Despite the advantages of this technology, there is a significant downside.” She gave a solemn nod. “Thank you for teaching me about this, Sunset Shimmer. Ponies would be wise to be cautious when adopting such technology.”

“You’re welcome,” Sunset said. “Well, Twilight said that you found out about all this because I got a new smartphone, so, since you were curious…”

She reached into her jacket and brought out her phone.

“I see… it does not look at all like the phones we have,” Turing said, peering closely at it. “What is the purpose of this glass on the front?”

“Oh, that’s the screen. Here, let me show you.” Sunset pressed a button and the screen lit up, displaying her home page. It displayed the time and weather as well as several icons.

“I see,” Turing said, narrowing her eyes at it. “But is this truly a phone? I do not see how it works.”

“It’s actually pretty easy,” Sunset said. “You just find the icon of the app you want, like this, see?” She used her finger to change screens as Turing watched in fascination. “Like, if I want to use a calculator, I just use this app.” She tapped the icon, bringing it up, and did a quick equation to show Turing. “Or if I want to take a picture…”

She held up the phone in front of Turing Test and pressed a button, startling her with a flash of light. She showed Turing the screen.

“You have taken a photograph of me!” Turing cried excitedly. “But the image is not printed. How was it produced?”

“Honestly, I’m not even sure,” Sunset replied. “But it works. And that’s not even close to all it can do. It can even play music if I want to.”

She moved her finger a few more times when, quite suddenly, music emanated from the phone.

“That’s one of the Rainbooms’ songs and—”

“How did you get a phonograph record inside such a small device?” she asked. “Or is it radio? That technology is being developed in Equestria as well.”

Sunset shook her head. “No, it’s just digital information. You know, stored electronically? After all, since you’re a robot, your head must be filled with that kind of stuff.”

“Yes, but the technology used to create me is based on magic,” Turing said. “Twilight Sparkle informed me that magic was fairly scarce in this world.”

“Well, humans found a way,” Sunset said with a shrug. “I’ve got lots of songs on here, if you want to hear something else.”

“How many songs do you have?”

Sunset shrugged. “I don’t know… a few hundred?”

Turing gawked at her. “A few hundred?! And you carry them all on such a tiny device?”

“Yep!” Sunset said. “Oh, and, of course, it’s still a phone. Speaking of which...”

She moved her finger a few more times and the sound of ringing was heard. A moment later, a familiar voice said “Helloooo!”

“Hi, Pinkie,” Sunset said, speaking into the phone.

“Ah, hello, human Pinkie Pie,” Turing said, recognizing the voice.

“Hi, strange voice I’ve never heard before! What are you and Sunset doing today?”

“Oh, nothing much,” Sunset said. “I’m just showing Turing Test here my phone. She’s from, um, ‘out of town.’”

“She’s another pony? Oh my gosh, I can’t wait to meet her!”

“In actuality, Pinkie Pie, I am not simply a pony,” she said, “I am also a robot.”

“Neat!”

“Why don’t you come out and meet us, Pinkie?” Sunset asked.

“I’d love to, but I’m still in class right now. I’m listening to Miss Cheerilee talk about stuff… oh, now she’s coming over here! And now she’s making a frowny face. And now she’s telling me to put the phone away because I’m still in class and shouldn’t be talking on my phone! And now she’s telling me to stop narrating everything that’s happening! Now she’s—”

“Miss Pie, hang up that phone or you’ll be continuing that conversation in detention!”

“Oops! Looks like I have to go. Are we still meeting you at the Tasty Treat later?”

“Uh, sure!”

“Great! I hope I can meet you and your new robot frie—”

“PINKIE, PUT THAT PHONE AWAY!”

The phone went silent.

“Well, that’s Pinkie Pie,” Sunset said. “I’ve never met the pony version of her, but Twilight says they’re pretty similar.”

“Indeed. Everything that exists has a specific nature. Each entity has characteristics that are part of what it is. A is A. And no matter what reality she calls home, Pinkie Pie is Pinkie Pie.”

“I… guess that’s one way to put it, sure.”

“It seems that we are joining your friends later as well, Sunset Shimmer. I look forward to meeting them as humans. In the meantime, can you explain to me how this ‘smartphone’ works?”

Sunset rubbed the back of her neck. “I hate to say this, Turing, but I don’t really know,” she said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m no slouch when it comes to technology, but a lot of stuff around here is just stuff I take for granted. But don’t worry, when we meet the others, Twilight will probably be able to explain it all! She loves this kind of thing! I bet she’ll be surprised to see you too!”

Later that afternoon, Sunset took Turing Test to a restaurant with an elephant on the front. They entered and took in the sight of the colorful interior before finding their friends already seated at a booth.

“Oh good, you’re here!” Sunset said as she approached them. “Hm, except for Twilight… where is she?”

“I’m afraid no one’s seen her since this morning,” Rarity said. “But I’m sure she’ll be along soon. We’ve all texted her, after all.”

“In the meantime,” Applejack said, “what’s this about a new friend from Equestria comin’ to visit?”

“I’m glad you asked,” Sunset said with a smile. “Turing Test, come on over and meet everyone!”

She waved Turing over. The robot girl came to the table and was greeted by wide-eyed stares.

“Greetings, everyone,” she said, folding her hands as she gave a small bow. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Turing Test. I am very pleased to meet you all.”

“Whoa,” Rainbow Dash said breathlessly. “She’s a robot? For real?!”

“Correct. I am a robot, Rainbow Dash,” she replied. “And I am indeed for real.”

Rainbow Dash grinned. “Awesome!”

“Eeee, listen to her voice!” Pinkie squealed, kicking her legs giddily. “It’s all echo-y and stuff! Say something else!”

“Very well,” Turing said. “What shall I say?”

“Ummm… say pickle barrel!”

“Pickle barrel.”

“Now say kumquat!”

“Kumquat?”

A flash of annoyance appeared on Applejack’s face. “Pinkie…”

“Now say them both three times!”

“Pickle barrel, kumquat. Pickle barrel, kumquat. Pickle—”

“All right, all right, sheesh!” Applejack snapped. “Maybe y’all should just sit down. Yer kinda causin’ a scene.”

Sunset noticed that Applejack was right; quite a few customers were starting to stare. They took their seats on opposite sides of the booth.

Turing saw she would be seated next to Fluttershy and hesitated. Fluttershy stiffened slightly and hid her face behind her hair as Turing looked at her.

“Is it all right if I sit next to you?” she asked. “I do not wish to disturb you. I can sit somewhere else if you wish.”

Fluttershy blinked, not expecting the strange girl before her to be so polite. She smiled. “No, it’s all right,” she said. “If you’re a friend of Sunset’s and Princess Twilight’s then, um, I guess it’s fine with me.”

Turing smiled and sat down as Fluttershy scooted over, making room for her.

“I am relieved to see that you are not frightened of me,” Turing Test said. “Regrettably, my first encounter with your counterpart in my world was less than ideal. She found me somewhat intimidating, though we eventually became friends.”

“Oh, I see,” Fluttershy said softly. “Well… you don’t seem like a scary robot to me. You actually seem really nice!” She gave Turing a smile, which Turing returned.

“Excuse me, ladies,” said a new voice. They turned to see an orange-colored young woman with large gold hooped earrings and voluminous hair the color of dark raspberries.

“Good afternoon, Saffron!” Rarity said. “So nice to see you again!”

“And you as well, my friends!” she said brightly. “And you have a new friend today!”

“Hello,” Turing said. “I am Turing Test. Ah, please forgive my appearance today… I am ‘cosplaying.’”

“And I am Saffron Masala,” she said, apparently nonplussed by Turing’s looks. “It is very nice to meet you as well.”

“Enough chit-chat!” Pinkie exclaimed. “I’m starving! How about some masala, Masala!”

Saffron chuckled. “Of course. And what else can I get you?”

They placed their orders for some naan, curry, samosas, and a few bowls of flat noodle soup. When the food arrived and they all began digging in, they noticed that Turing hadn’t ordered anything.

“What’s wrong, Turing?” Pinkie asked. “Don’t you want anything? It’s really yummy!”

Turing shook her head. “I am afraid that I cannot eat anything. I lack any sort of digestive organs, so eating is not possible.”

“Oh? But you have a mouth, dear,” Rarity said, furrowing her brow. “I mean, if you have a tongue, you must be able to at least taste it, don’t you think?” Rarity passed her plate over to her. “Here, try some!”

Turing stroked her chin. “Perhaps you are right. I will experiment.”

She took a samosa from Rarity’s plate and put it in her mouth, beginning to chew it.

The others leaned in, watching her intently.

Turing frowned. “Noffing,” she sighed. “It feems Ah still lack tafte buds even in dis fom.”

“Er, please don’t talk with your mouth full, darling,” Rarity said. “We get enough of that from Pinkie Pie.”

“Whaggya mean?” Pinkie asked, her cheeks bulging with food.

“My apologies,” Turing said. With that, she spat the samosa right back onto Rarity’s plate. “I was explaining that it seems that I still lack taste buds, despite my mouth’s relatively normal appearance.”

She cleaned her tongue with a napkin before passing the plate back over to Rarity, who made a face at the slightly chewed samosa and wrapped it up in a napkin, setting it aside.

“Hey, you’re not going to eat that?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Not after it’s been chewed!” Rarity exclaimed.

“You need not worry about contamination,” Turing said. “I lack salivary glands and I assure you that my mouth is quite sterile. Aside from being slightly damaged, that item should still be edible.”

“Yes, but it was in your mouth, darling!” Rarity protested, making a face. “Who would eat pre-chewed food?!”

“Yoink!” Rainbow Dash said, snatching the samosa from Rarity. She then unwrapped it and shoved it into her mouth.

“Ewww!” the other girls cried.

“You’re all too—” She paused, gulping. “—squeamish. It tasted fine!”

“An’ folks say I’m the one with no class,” Applejack muttered.

“So, Turing,” Pinkie began, but then she paused, scrunching her nose. “Actually, it feels like you ought to have a nickname. Umm…”

“Perhaps you could call me ‘Rinny?’” Turing asked with a knowing smile.

“Hey, that’s perfect!” Pinkie exclaimed. “So, Rinny, I was wondering… what’s it like to be a robot?”

Turing tilted her head. “What is it like? It is difficult to say. I have always been a robot. I did once have a vision of what it would be like to be an organic being. It felt so strange to have a body that was so… squishy. And I do not know how organic beings deal with having uncontrollable biological actions, such as laughing or crying or blushing.

“Still, the ability to process sensations like taste and touch were truly wonderful. I can only hope that one day I can reproduce such things in reality. It is my fondest dream.”

“Wow,” Fluttershy said. “I can’t imagine what it would be like to not be able to touch things.”

“Or taste them!” Pinkie added. “Can you feel things now that you’re a human, Rinny?”

Turing shook her head. “I regret to say that I cannot.” She extended her hand, spreading her fingers. “I am able to sense pressure and can easily tell the texture of something, but it is merely data. To say that I ‘feel’ it, however, would be misleading. One may consider it as the difference between reading an account of burning oneself while cooking and actually doing it.”

“Hmm,” Sunset said. “Interesting. Even so, I kind of wish I could understand… oh, wait, that’s right!”

She reached around her neck and drew out a necklace that bore the symbol of a red and yellow sun, similar to the one she wore on her shirt. She clutched it with one hand and then grasped Turing’s wrist with the other.

Her eyes momentarily flashed white before she released Turing’s wrist.

Magic detected, Turing’s sensors told her as she stared at Sunset’s necklace.

“Whoa! I just saw your memories of when Twilight was testing your strength, Turing!” Sunset said. “I had no idea you were so strong!”

Turing continued to stare at Sunset’s necklace. “How curious,” she said. “Twilight Sparkle explained some of the magic you have wielded before when playing music or embodying your respective elements, but she did not mention that you were in possession of magical artifacts. And yet I detect magic emanating from your necklace, Sunset Shimmer.”

“Oh, right, our geodes,” Sunset said. “We all got them at Camp Everfree. You see, it all began when a woman named Gloriosa Daisy—”

“They give us superpowers!” Pinkie shouted. “Rainbow’s fast, Twilight floats stuff, Rarity can make shields and stuff, AJ’s really strong, Sunset can read minds and memories, Fluttershy can talk to animals, and my power makes things explodey!”

Sunset sighed. “Yeah, that’s the gist of it. I guess I’ll give you the full story later, Turing,” she said.

“Very well,” Turing said. “In the meantime, I have an observation: unlike your pony counterparts, you all were very accepting of my status as a robot. The fact that the word ‘robot’ is so familiar to you is also surprising. Many ponies I encounter require an explanation of what I am, and a fairly large number are unfamiliar with the word ‘robot’ as well.”

“That's because we have robots in our world,” Rarity said. “They do all sorts of things for us, and they're just getting smarter and smarter.”

“Well, I don’t think we have any robots that act quite like you,” Rainbow Dash said. “I mean, not for real. There are a bunch of different robots in movies though.”

“There are?” Turing asked. “Fascinating. I would be very interested to see how humans view robots.”

“Oh my gosh, I just got a great idea!” Pinkie exclaimed. “We should have a sleepover at my house and have a robot movie marathon!”

The others quickly expressed their excitement at the idea.

Turing grinned. “That would be wonderful. I have only attended one other sleepover before with Twilight Sparkle and my friend Gadget, and it was quite an enjoyable experience.”

“Hey, speakin’ o’ Twilight,” Applejack said, “just where the heck is she? Wasn’t she supposed to be here by now?”

Sunset frowned. “Yeah… I wonder what happened to her?”

Sunset knocked on the door of the house. It opened a moment later and they were greeted by a white-skinned human male with blue hair and eyes.

“Oh, hi Sunset!” the man said.

Turing recognized his voice and realized who he was. “You are Shining Armor?” she asked.

“Huh? Uh, yes,” he said. “Have we met before?”

“Well, in a manner of speaking—”

“She means that I mentioned you and Twilight to her!” Sunset said hurriedly. “Anyway, sorry to come by unannounced, but is Twilight here? She hasn’t been responding to our texts.”

“Oh, that’s because Mom took her phone away so she could rest,” Shining Armor said.

“Rest? Why?”

“She caught a pretty nasty bug. Poor Twily’s been sick all day.”

“Oh no!” Sunset exclaimed. “But she really wanted to meet Turing Test!”

Just then, there was a commotion inside the house. A moment later, Twilight shoved Shining Armor aside.

“Sunset Shimmer! Is she here? Did you bring—”

She stared at Turing Test, her eye filling with tears. “It’s true… a real robot girl from Equestria… It’s so… I can’t…”

Sunset’s smile became forced. Twilight looked absolutely awful: her eyes were puffy and red, her voice was a harsh rasp, her nose was red and obviously runny if the tissues she had wadded in her hands were any indication. Her hair was matted down as well and she looked to be sweating. She took a step back.

“Hello, Twilight Sparkle,” Turing said, giving her a smile. “I am glad to finally meet you. I am sorry that you are not feeling well.”

“What, this? Pfft!” Twilight said, forcing herself to smile as she leaned against the doorframe. “It’s nothing! Come on, let’s go back to my workshop! I’d love to learn all about—”

She was interrupted by a severe coughing fit.

“Uh, maybe we should come back another time,” Sunset said as she backed away.

“W-what? And miss this opportunity?!”

Shining Armor sighed. “Sunset’s right, Twily,” he said. “I know you’re excited, but you’re just too sick right now.”

“N-no! I’m fine! I feel great! I’m ah… ah… achoo!”

She began sneezing into her wad of tissues before blowing her nose loudly.

“Come on, Twily, we’d better get you back to bed,” Shining Armor sighed, leading her away.

“No! Robots! Science from beyond! Don’t take this away from meeee!” Twilight screamed as she latched onto the doorframe, resisting Shining Armor’s efforts to drag her away.

Turing gently put her hand on Twilight’s, causing her to meet her eyes. “There is no need to worry, Twilight Sparkle,” Turing said quietly. “I am disappointed that you are not healthy enough to spend time with me, but I will be glad to visit again in the future. Your counterpart, after all, is my best friend, and I will look forward to getting to know you as well.”

Twilight relaxed. “All right,” she said. “I’ll see you soon, then, I suppose. It was nice meeting you, Turing Test.”

“Likewise, Twilight Sparkle.”

Shining Armor led Twilight back inside, leaving Turing and Sunset alone on the front porch. They turned to go, walking back up the lane to the house.

“Well, sorry this part of the plan didn’t work out, Turing,” Sunset said. “I was really hoping Twilight would be able to help you learn as much as possible about technology in this world. She was perfect for the job. I hope you’re not too disappointed.”

Turing shook her head. “Now that I know of the existence of this world, I will be able to come on other occasions to do more research, if need be. Furthermore, I am very much looking forward to this ‘robot movie marathon’ Pinkie Pie proposed. And, of course, befriending you and the others has been a very positive experience. Therefore, while I am disappointed that Twilight Sparkle is unavailable, this visit is still providing me with a wealth of information.”

“If you think the stuff I’ve shown you is neat, wait ‘til I show you the internet,” Sunset said.

“What is ‘the internet?’”

Sunset grinned. “I think I’ve got some time to show you a few things before the sleepover,” she said.

Turing Test sat in front of the device. It had a wide, flat screen and took up the majority of Sunset’s desk in her apartment. The  image on the screen was the word “Google” with an empty “search bar” (as Sunset called it) below.

“This is the ‘Internet?’” Turing asked as she stared at the image. “Forgive me, but you made it sound more intriguing than what we are viewing.”

Sunset chuckled. “No, Turing, this is just a search engine. So, remember how I told you that the Internet is just a bunch of interconnected computers and networks?”

Turing nodded.

“Well, this is a way to look for public information or media on any of those networks anywhere in the world. Just type in the things you want to look for and it will give you a list of different websites or images. It’s easy!”

Turing nodded. “I believe I understand. What should I search for?”

Sunset shrugged. “Anything you want. What do you want to know more about?”

Turing paused, stroking her chin in the way Sunset had shown her. Then she turned and looked up at Sunset with a smile. “I want to know more about humans,” she replied.

Sunset almost cooed. Sweet Celestia, she’s almost like a child. It’s adorable!

Out loud she said “Sure! Here, let me get you started!”

Sunset reached around Turing Test, showing her how to type on the keyboard, and simply typed “Humans.”

A moment later, a list of results came up. Sunset selected one page from something called “Wikipedia.”

“Here, Turing,” she said, relinquishing control of the computer. “This page has lots of information. You can take some time to read it and then—”

Turing scrolled through the page quickly, scanning it.

“Information assimilated,” she said. “However, many terms are unfamiliar to me. Shall we use the Google to research them?”

Sunset shook her head. “Actually, if you just click on a blue word, this website will teach you about it.”

“How may I ‘click’ on it?”

Sunset showed her how to use the mouse.

“Understood. This inorganic mouse is very helpful. It is very well suited for hands. I wonder if a similar device could be made practical for ponies.”

“Well, unless you need something else, you should be able to find anything else you need,” Sunset said. “If you want, Google has a section for just pictures, if that helps you understand better. I’m going to try to get a little homework done before we go to Pinkie’s house for the sleepover. Let me know if you need any help, okay?”

Turing nodded. “Affirmative,” she said. “Visual aids would be very helpful. Thank you, Sunset Shimmer.”

“No problem!” Sunset said and climbed the stairs to her loft. She sat down on her bed and began taking her books from her book bag. From the floor below, she heard Turing Test rapidly typing as she began her research on humans and human technology.

She sure learns fast, Sunset thought as she opened a notebook. Hopefully, she’ll be able to find what she wants to know. I wish I had known about the internet when I first came to this world; it would have answered so many questions. I had to learn so much about it just by figuring things out for myself or by making a bunch of dumb mistakes. But with all the things on the internet, she should… wait, there might be some things she’s not ready for. She might not know how to tell what’s true and what isn’t. And…

Her eyes went wide and she sat bolt upright. Oh sweet Celestia, did I turn on SafeSearch?!

“Turing?!” Sunset cried as she peered down from her loft.

“I found more images detailing human anatomy, Sunset Shimmer,” Turing said cheerfully. “They seem to be a very affectionate species. Look: everybody is hugging!”

Sunset cringed. Juuust great, she thought. Twilight’s going to kill me when she finds out I corrupted her robot friend.

The girl stepped down the stairs into her basement dwelling. She set her instruments and backpack on a chair. She reached into the bag and removed a jar that contained her latest acquisition: another glowing orb of magic.

The dimly-lit room was cluttered with various computer parts and homemade machinery, and numerous multi-colored wires crisscrossed the ceiling. Knickknacks and figurines and a variety of books - mostly a mishmash of engineering books, technical manuals, and manga - lined the shelves or were stacked haphazardly in towers along the floor. Posters and wall scrolls depicting robots, handsome swordsmen, or magical girls were on every wall.

She strolled over to her computer, which was already on, and checked the numbers on the programs she was running. It was connected to a mishmash of other machinery with another orb of magic contained within. She’d attached numerous sensors to the thing, including a thermometer, a multimeter, and a Geiger counter.

“Temperature seems normal… power output is still high… estimated power remaining? Ooh, impressive! Wish I could find a way to make it more consistent, though. Sample is still nonradioactive… mild electromagnetic output…”

She checked the status closely and then nodded with a grin. “My my my, you really are my most stable sample yet!” she said. “Much better than the one that made my hair come to life.”

She turned off the equipment and removed the jar, holding it close as she rubbed her cheek against it. “Mmm, such a good sample! Yes you are! Mama’s got big plans for you!”

She then took the newest sample and placed it into the machine, restarting the program on her computer as it began to take data. Once it was in place, she took the jar with the sample she’d just measured and wrote “#23” on top of the lid.

Her belly rumbled, so she patted it while making a face. “Ugh, I’ve been skipping too many meals. Toaster!”

There was a whirring noise, and a modified chrome toaster connected to some other machinery beeped. A stiff mechanical voice said “Ready.”

“Medium-dark with butter annnnd…” she paused, tapping the side of her chin as she pursed her lips “...marmalade.”

“Medium-dark. Butter-and-marmalade. Confirm?”

“Confirm!”

“Now-toasting.”

A compartment near the toaster opened, and tiny mechanical arms removed some bread, depositing two slices into the toaster, which began toasting them immediately.

While her automatic toaster began working, she took sample #23 over to a door. She opened it and stepped into the darkened room, which was not much bigger than a walk-in closet. It had once been a place where someone had kept tools or paint or perhaps used it as a cupboard to keep emergency canned food supplies in the 1950s. Either way, the room now served another purpose.

She reached up, standing on her tiptoes, and placed the jar of magic on a high shelf alongside nearly two dozen others on various other shelves.

“Soon I’ll have enough for a representative sample size,” she said as she rubbed her hands together. “And when my research gets published, it’ll be the first step toward a brand new world...”

She smiled, her face bathed in the soft glow emanating from all the magic she’d meticulously gathered from around the city. There was more power in this tiny room than anyone could possibly imagine.

She eyed one sample she’d labeled with a gold star. “I think you’re ready for greater things, #8,” she said, patting the lid of its jar like it was an obedient child. “Project Technomancer is just about ready for the testing phase… right after some Crunchyroll and a few hours of gaming.”

She heard a ding from the room behind her and the faint voice of her automatic toaster as it called her.

“Your-toast-is-ready. Please-enjoy, Gadget.”

Gadget turned, a grin on her face. It was going to be a good day to be a genius.