“GOOD MORNING PONYVILLE!!” The loud but friendly voice of the radio host stirred the sleeping unicorn from her dreams. “Wakey-wakey, everypony. This is your all-time favorite pony, DJ-ST4RDU5T, fashionably late as usual to get your lazy flanks up and ready to start the day!” The unicorn groaned at the radio, mumbling something unintelligibly. “That means you, Summer. Up.”
Summer Star’s ear twitched, and she sighed. “Darnit Amethyst… I told you not to call me by name on air…” The DJ didn’t hear her of course, and went on to start doing the morning news. Glancing over to her clock, the time read 8:02AM. Well at least she wasn’t wrong about being fashionably late. “Ugh, gotta get up I guess…”
Sitting up, she flicked on a monitor that connected to her radio, letting her watch the news broadcast. The display lit up to reveal the face of DJ-ST4RDU5T, her good friend Amethyst Pitch. She was a purple crystal pegasus with a long blue mane that hung over one eye. She wore her favorite custom purple visor, based off of a famous historical DJ. Record Tape or something.
“...In more serious news, another Monochrome safehouse has been found, and after a flawless raid by our very own PVPD the place was cleared out, leaving Ponyville a little safer. That’s what it says on the script, at least.” She paused, chuckling. “Though really, if you heard that explosion last day, it’d be pretty obvious to you that there were a few hiccups. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries and all members of Monochrome present were apprehended. One captive was even rescued, a mare by the name of Rain Dancer.” The display changed to show a picture of a light blue pegasus with a blue mane. Both of her wings had been replaced with cybernetic versions - old models, Summer noted - and though she couldn’t see it, Summer knew a military-grade neural implant was also installed. “The modifications done to her weren’t very extensive, but if you see her, please treat her well. Nopony should have to go through that.”
“Amen to that…” Summer found herself saying quietly, looking down at her own legs, covered in fluffy pink socks - a gift from her grandmother. What I wouldn’t give to feel their warmth again...
Shaking her head to clear those thoughts away, she reached out with her magic and, carefully so she didn’t break it again, grasped her own visor and put it on. Her view tinted blue, and a synthetic jingle played in her ears as it turned on.
Initializing…
ArcanaTech VGear v3.2…
New user, please identify yourself...
Neural Link detected.
Welcome, Summer Star.
Please adjust your preferences in the Settings menu before continuing.
“Well enough about the news,” Amethyst continued as Summer messed with her Gear, “I’m sure you’re more interested in the music! I’ve got a good selection lined up for the next hour; some of my best hits as well as a few new ones. So I’ll leave you to that, and as always thank you for tuning in to Ponyville Radio. Showcasing the best local talent our small town has to offer.”
With her new Gear set up Summer finally got out of bed, her usually heavy hoofsteps softened by her socks. She opened the planner app and checked the event she had scheduled. “Stargazing at 10 AM. Oh right, that’s today…”
As she entered the bathroom, thoughts of showering crossed her mind, but she decided against it. She’d likely just get dirty again. Maybe just a brushing then. She turned to the mirror and marveled at the fact that she could get such horrible bedhead. Her black and white mane, usually neatly separated in two stripes, were so messed up her mane just looked grey. She stared at her mane incredulously. “Seriously, how. I look like my grandma.” Summer grabbed her brush with her magic and tidied up her mane. When she was finished, she took a good long look at her mane, at the two long stripes of black and white, and sighed. “Maybe I should get it dyed…” Looking behind her, her tail was in just as bad of a shape, so around came the brush again to fix that.
When she was done in the bathroom, it was time for breakfast. Entering the kitchen, she considered making scrambled eggs for her and her father. The sink was empty, so he was either still asleep or hadn’t had anything to eat yet. Probably the latter. Summer opened the fridge to find it disappointingly barren. “Dammit Dad, you were supposed to get groceries yesterday…” At least there was milk, so she could make herself something.
As she poured herself a bowl of cereal, she heard sounds coming from the garage, followed by muffled cursing. Her father was awake, and working on that Spectra-forsaken project of his. She sighed and went to the living room to eat her breakfast.
Her ear twitched as the door separating the living room from the garage opened and her father, Northern Star, walked in. “I smell…” He started cheerfully, but paused as he realized there was no breakfast smell, only his sweat and engine grease. “I smell myself, really.” He started towards the hall, but looked back at Summer. “You didn’t use the hot water, right?” He asked.
Summer shook her head. “No, Dad. There should be plenty for you.”
“Sweet. Be right back.” Summer rolled her eyes as her father trotted into the bathroom. Her ear flicked at the sound of running water in the bathroom. She took a bite of cereal and…
“AHHH! COLD COLD COLD!” The sudden shrieking made Summer jump, almost knocking her bowl over. Her father came barreling back, his coat slightly dripping. “You said you didn’t use the hot water!”
“I didn’t. Maybe this is what happens when you put more effort into your pet project than keeping this house in one piece. Maybe it’s even divine intervention telling you to spend some time out of the garage.” Summer remarked with a smirk. “Though I have to thank you for finding out the water heater was busted first.”
North sighed. “Fine, I’ll take a look at it today and order any parts I need to fix it.” At seeing his daughter’s questioning look, he shook his head. “No, I’m not calling a repairpony. I can fix a water heater easily.”
“Uh huh…” Came Summer’s unenthused reply. “Just like you ‘fixed’ the fridge last month?”
“How was I supposed to know the ice machine would turn into an ice machinegun?”
“That’s what happens when you add a high speed motor to it.” Finishing her breakfast, she levitated the bowl into the sink and stood up, facing her father. “Now then, I’m going out and getting the groceries you forgot to get. There’s still some time before I gotta gather the gang and head out to the Everfree. It’s stargazing day. When I get back, I expect to see a repair van in our driveway or...” The sound of a camera shutter came from her Gear and the message Image Saved appeared in the corner of her vision. “I’m sharing this with Grandma.”
His eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t dare…”
“Try me.”
The two engaged in a brief staring contest before he finally hung his head in defeat. “Fine, I’ll call a repairpony. You just stay out of trouble.”
“No promises.” Summer passed by North, going back to her room and swapping her socks out for a warm jacket. Strapping on her saddlebags, she made for the front door. “I’ll be back in an hour, maybe two if there’s a line.”
As she stepped out however, she nearly bumped into another pony. She was a black pegasus with bright red and yellow flames painted on the side of her shiny metallic body. She quickly jumped back upon seeing Summer leave. “Oh, terribly sorry,” she said in a raspy, synthetic voice, “I hate to bother you, but is Doctor Star in today?”
Summer eyed the mare up and down, taking note of the scratches on her side and a mangled wing. “Not right now. Dad’s dealing with a busted water heater, or should I say he’s calling somepony to fix it!” She shouted back into the house.
“I heard you the first time!” Came the reply from inside.
“Right… Anyway, I can book you an appointment for later. I’m going to assume that is alright, since if you walked to us your condition isn’t serious.” Summer opened up a notebook app on her Gear. “Name and model please.”
“Supernova, Gen Two Equidroid. Model #1468575-P.”
“Nice name,” Summer said as she mentally wrote down the information and sent it to her dad, “come back in about three hours, or you can wait in the garage. Though it will probably get pretty loud soon.”
Sure enough, when she got back, there was a repair van in their driveway, and muffled shouts could be heard inside the house. Most likely one of them yelling at their other to get out of their way so they can work. She paid it no mind as she entered and put away the groceries, grabbed her telescope, and left again to gather her friends, the ever present light of the streetlamps and the always comforting moon above guiding her to her first stop.
The Granny Smith Apartments lay near the edge of the city, close to Sweet Apple Acres. Apparently the apartment complex was named after the Acres’ founder, and one of the founders of Ponyville itself. Despite the mare getting an entire apartment complex named after her - as well as a street, a park, and a kind of apple, though Summer was sure it was the other way around with that one - Summer couldn’t help but feel the mare herself would resent being connected with this dump. The dumpsters out front always seemed to be overstuffed despite the garbage crews emptying them regularly. Graffiti littered the walls, though fittingly most of them were apple-themed.
Making her way up to her friend’s apartment, Summer noted the boxes stacked just outside the door. She gave them a nudge to find they slid by without resistance; they were empty. After moving the boxes a bit more out of the way, she knocked on the door. Some crashing was heard from inside, then hooves scrambling, followed by the door opening to reveal a very irate midnight black thestral with piercing blue eyes. “I FUCKING TOLD YOU I DON’T WANT TO HEAR ANY OF YOUR MOON-DAMNED GOOD-morning Summer, how’s it going?” She beamed, her face doing a complete one-eighty when she realized who was at the door.
Summer blinked. Of all the greetings she expected, that was pretty far down the list. “Um… Morning, Corona… Someone been bugging you?”
Moonlight Corona’s smile immediately left her muzzle, replaced by a scowl. “Some cult called the Celestials. Third time this week. They’ve been pestering me constantly,” she held a hoof over her snout and started speaking in a mocking tone, “‘oh, would you like to hear the good news?’ And then they start spouting shit like ancient prophecies and something about a ‘sun.’ What even is a sun anyway?” She asked, tossing a bit of her messy blue mane aside.
“It’s what they call a star that orbits around a planet. Legends say we used to have one and Princess Spectra’s predecessor moved it around before she bit it. Maybe somepony found evidence of that.”
“Or they’re looking to make some easy bits off suckers,” Corona scoffed, “prophecies my plot. I love my urban legends, but that’s a pretty tired legend to build a cult around. I prefer the more interesting ones, like the elusive Everfree Dragon and the legendary Dry Bus Seat.”
Summer chuckled. “Yeah… Hey, wait a minute, I’ve never had issues finding a dry bus seat.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I had no idea I was in the presence of the Chosen One.” Corona gave a very exaggerated bow, then hopped back up, giggling. “Now what brings you to my doorstep? Here to see the new digs, or wanna help me finish moving in?”
Summer shook her head. “It's stargazing day, did you forget?”
“Shit, that’s today? Gimme a sec, then I’ll be ready.” Corona dashed back into her apartment, calling out to her friend. “Get those boxes in here, would you? I ain’t leaving them out there in this shithole.”
Summer rolled her eyes before gently levitating the empty boxes inside, setting them in the corner. “Why’d you even move here in the first place if you hate it?”
Corona came back to the door, wearing a gray hoodie and black stockings to match her equally dark coat, as well as a red-tinted Gear. “I had to get away from my pops, and this was the only apartment cheap enough in the city. Hopefully I only need to be here for a year or two while I save up for a nicer place.” She said, shutting and locking her door.
“Why not try the Harmony District? I’ve heard it’s pretty cheap there.”
“Yeah. It’s also stuck a millennium in the past. They don’t have the infrastructure I need.”
“Fair enough. So how’s work been?” Summer asked as they left the apartment behind and walked towards the streets.
Corona grinned. “It’s been great! Helped a pony down the road get out of a bind, so to speak, and they gave me some contacts I can use to get a merch shop going for the channel. Gonna be hitting five digits soon, so this could be my big break.”
“That’s great. I’ll be first in line.”
Corona wrapped a hoof around Summer’s neck and pulled herself in close briefly. “Sweet, many thanks friendo.”
Summer chuckled as her friend let go. “No problem. Winter will be here soon, so I need something warm.”
“What happened to your other hoodie, anyway?”
Summer gave a nervous chuckle and motioned to her horn. “Haven’t quite mastered power control yet. Magic builds up sometimes. Then things break.”
“Ooooooh yeah. That explains the new Gear. Looks good on you.”
“Thanks. Here’s hoping I can keep it intact this time. I’m getting better, I just need to deal with the magic build-up.” Summer gave an upward glance at her horn, the gleaming metallic tip reflecting the light of the streetlamps.
“Hey, you’ll get the hang of it. No need to worry.” Corona said as the pair reached a bus stop. “By the way, is Amethyst joining us?”
Summer nodded. “Yeah, once her shift is done, she’ll meet us there,” she paused a bit before asking, “should we grab something at the market real quick?”
“Dunno,” Corona answered with a shrug, “I didn’t get much for breakfast. Let’s see if we can stop by Sugarcube Corner, grab a donut or something.”
Agreeing with the prospect of fresh donuts, Summer and Corona boarded the first bus to pass by. As Summer took a seat, she could hear the groan of her friend behind her, and she giggled. “Still can’t find one?”
“No! It’s always damp! How do you keep on finding the one dry seat in existence?” Came Corona’s exasperated reply.
Summer didn’t answer, instead turning to the window and watching as the city lights passed by. Carriages hovered by, ponies went about their business, and Amethyst was flying up to the bu- “Fuck!”
Summer jumped back with a start as a shiny purple pegasus slammed into the side of the bus and pressed her face against the window. “Hi Summer!” She said, her words and voice muffled by the glass.
The bus stopped shortly after and Amethyst peeled herself off the side to join her friends. “I thought you were gonna meet us there,” Summer said as her shiny friend sat beside her.
“My show ended early. Got some new talent who wanted to show off. Didja catch my bit at least?” She asked.
“How could I not? You’ve been a good alarm for three months straight now.”
“At least somepony can get your iron rump out of bed.” Corona said, grinning.
Summer let out a noise that could only be described as a harrumph. “My rump is still flesh and bone, thank you,” she said.
The three continued making small talk as the bus left the city and crossed into Ponyville’s historic Harmony District, where neon lights and polished manasteel gave way to oil lamps and thatched roofs. The group departed and started walking, returning the friendly waves ponies gave them as they passed by. When the gingerbread-looking bakery came into sight, Amethyst made a beeline for the doors with Corona and Summer following slowly behind.
“Yo, Meringue! Gimme a double order of the regular!” Amethyst shouted, causing most of the ponies inside to look in her direction. A couple ducked their heads when they recognized her.
The pony behind the counter rolled her eyes and set down a platter of donuts. “Double order today, eh? They starving you at work or something?”
“I need my energy. Never know what the stars could throw at us today.”
“Right, because the stars are going to reach out and attack you,” Summer said as she entered, “they’re stars, Amethyst. They aren’t going anywhere.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do, actually,” Summer said, pointing at the telescope sitting in her saddlebag. “I have a detailed star chart on my computer back home, and a printed copy in my bags. It helps me keep track of them.”
“What are you, their foalsitter?” Amethyst asked.
“No, but sometimes I feel like yours.”
“She’s gotcha there, Pitchy.” Corona chimed in.
Amethyst groaned. “Just grab your donuts or whatever and let’s go.”
“Sure,” Summer said, stepping up to the counter, “we’ll need a to-go basket too.”
Initiating probe startup…
Scanning for anomalous reports…
Report found. Coordinates: 60.885833, 101.894444
Initiating investigatory functions…
WARNING: Anomaly reported in a restricted zone. Requesting Admin Override…
Query: Request Admin permission to activate personality module.
WARNING: Right thruster malfunctioning. Recommend immediate maint-
Full Override Granted. Personality activation denied. Proceeding with investigation...