//------------------------------// // Chapter 12 Past and cost part 9 // Story: Night-Mares in Steel // by Bronycommander //------------------------------// Chapter 12 Past and cost part 9 This time, the ponies saw a Spanish style villa, with a group of men in camouflage fatigues getting out of a jeep and entered the building. Inside, Nazi paraphernalia and old scrolls were scattered on a table. At first, it looked like the work of a collector of historical relics, who wanted to find originals with the swastika on it. And yet, it looked way too organized for a collector. More like someone that admired it, and using it to look for something, being inspired by it. Dinky, the siblings, Patch, Wagensroll and knights instantly realized those were neo-Nazis, a look of disgust formed on their faces. A young man worked at a computer as a record player played a song, Ride of the Valkyries Fletcher and Wagensroll recognized before the screen displayed some information. Landing Location, Windsor, Grid Ref: 74W 32N, November 23, 1988. On a balcony, a silver haired man with blue eyes picked up a modern bow to shoot a macaw in a nearby tree, but before he could do, the young man called out “Herr De Flores. Herr De Flores. Wonderful news.” Seeing the young man smile, De Flores went inside. He entered the main room to the men in camouflage fatigues, who have been given small glasses of drink as he addressed them. “Gentlemen. I wonder if even you can fully appreciate what this moment means. You're standing now at the turning point of history. The day of fulfillment of our mighty destiny is about to dawn. Fifty years ago, I stood at the side of the Fuehrer himself when he ordered the first giant step to greatness, just as now the moment approaches for the second and final one. It will be decisive, for this time, this time we must not fail. Gentlemen, I give you the Fourth Reich.” He proudly announced, his German accent strong as he raised a glass, the others did too. “The Fourth Reich.” The young man informed him then, “Herr De Flores, the aircraft is ready.” “We leave at once.” The elderly man went to a glass display case and removed a silver bow, then placed it in a metal carrying case. Blinking, the ponies found themselves next to a barn, looking up to see a meteorite crashing next to it. Police sirens ringed in their ears moments later and a few officers arrived to secure the crash side, with one using his radio, “Three one eight to base. Hey look, there's someone inside.” He pointed to the meteoroid and faintly, there was the shape of a human visible but the smoke from the fire made it impossible to truly tell. One of them tried to start the car a few times, without success, getting commented by a fellow officer, “Don't bother trying again, it looks like the battery's dead.” He then tried out his radio. “Hello? Hello?” They were unaware of several silver periscopes pushing up through the soil. Gas released from then and the policemen coughed before collapsing. A short moment later, a van arrived and the Neo-Nazis stepped out to secure the area, with their leader now wearing an army uniform. “Herr De Flores, I don't understand how the police have already been overcome.” The young man wondered as they found the fallen policemen, only for his leader to state, “That is of no importance. All that matters is the Nemesis is safe.” With that, his soldier placed the box on the meteorite and opened it. The bow throbbed with energy, and so did something inside the rock. “Your strength returns. Soon you will be completely restored. But where's the arrow? The arrow, where is it?” The leader of the group wondered. “Er, don't be afraid. We won't harm you.” A new voice called out and the soldiers turned around to face a man with a woman. The former was dressed in single breasted ivory safari-styled jacket with a red paisley handkerchief in his left pocket, a crimson/black tartan scarf under his lapels, with a yellow pullover adorned with cherry question marks and turquoise zigzag patterns, with sand-beige tweed plaid trousers and a pair of burgundy braces tucked under the pullover. Under the pullover, he wore a white shirt with a scarlet paisley necktie, and completed his outfit with a pair of two-tone white and brown brogued spectator shoes. A battered cream colonial-styled Panama hat with an identical paisley handkerchief folded into a hatband and an upturned brim was on his head. Also, he had a watch on his right wrist and a black umbrella in his left hand. The woman looked very young, like she was in her teenage years, blonde hair and green eyes, wearing a bomber jacket with several different patches on it. With a warning tone in his voice, the man revealed that the bow and arrow would give the validium metal critical mass and asked the leader of the group if he had observed the advanced technology, which has been used to attack the policemen, and the power blackouts that had been occurring over the last few days. Yet De Flores had nothing of it. “Tell me where the arrow is. I want you to tell me where to find the arrow!” He yelled in a slightly angry, threatening tone, yet the other man stayed completely calm. “I'm glad to say I can't.” “Then we will shoot her.” With that, his men took aim at the woman. However, before they could do anything, they noticed a large spacecraft landing near the crash site, it was the same model Tyson and his soldiers had used. A squad of Cybermen stepped out, the same appearance as Tyson and his lieutenants, the onlookers watched them with surprise as the Cyber-Leader was the last one to get out. “So, Doctor, a new appearance, otherwise our anticipation of your presence has proved entirely accurate.” He said as he looked at the man with umbrella and the ponies gasped as they recognized the voice. This leader was Tyson himself. One of De Flores' men started shooting at a Cyberman next to Tyson with his SMG. He flinched at the bullets, the hits causing sparks but seemed to have no effect on him, before Tyson made a gesture to move. “Eradicate them.” The cyborg that got hit, returned fire and a battle broke out between the two factions, with the Doctor and woman diving into the crater made by the Nemesis. The men gave their best, but as their weapons had no effect, the Cybermen easily gained the upper hand, killing more and more of the Neo-Nazis. Suddenly, one Cybermen got hit into the chest by an armor getting slightly thrown back. He screamed as it exploded in a shower of sparks, killing him. A second arrow hit the ground near where De Flores was hiding behind an old car. He examined it carefully as more of his men were slaughtered. A second Cybermen got hit by an arrow and died in a shower of sparks. During the battle, the police car exploded, causing one of the killed Cyberman to topple into the crater, with the Doctor looking confused at it. “A Cyberman killed with an arrow?” But that's ludicrous, unless-“ He spotted the arrow and examined it. Of course, the head's made of gold.” “That's real gold?” His companion asked surprised and he nodded. “Yes. The only substance to which they're vulnerable.” “Classy.” She attempted to grab the arrow but he pushed her off. “Ah! Gold dipped in poison. Lady Peinforte's calling card.” He warned her. Who Lady Peinforte was, the ponies had no idea but something told them they would know soon. Watching the battle with worry, the leader of the Neo-Nazis said to the young man, he had called Karl earlier, “We must retreat. It's our only chance.” “And leave the statue?” Karl asked in disbelief. “The statue alone is useless to them. The bow is ours. Get it.” Doing as told, dodging fire and explosions, the young man retrieved the box. “Bring the bow at once.” Tyson ordered after all hostiles were defeated, and a fellow cyborg reported, “The Doctor and the female have escaped with it, Leader.” It was Almar. “And that one?” Tyson pointed to the Cyberman with thein its chest. “Terminated by another human female, using gold.” “This must be the Lady Peinforte.” Tyson concluded, clenching his fist. He and the other cyborgs then brought the Nemesis into a large warehouse or aircraft hangar by its crash site, and are cutting into the rock surrounding it, with him ordering, “Cut the statue free and take it into the craft.” The ponies watched puzzled how the Cybermen then carried the Nemesis, still in some rock, into their spacecraft, then took off. Yet, they couldn't understand. Why Tyson and his fellow officers did this, if they had still their emotions? What did they hope to achieve with this? They could only wait and see as they watched how the ship landed in the park of Windsor, with the former humans bringing the Nemesis into a crypt. On the wall behind the large stone sarcophagus was the inscription “Death Is But A Door”. The Nemesis is starting to break out of her rock prison, the face of a human female becoming slowly visible as Almar reported, “The remaining validium approaches, Leader.” “As predicted. Activate communications unit.” Tyson ordered, only for his second-in command to point out, “But the Doctor and Peinforte are still to be destroyed.” “Our victory is inevitable. The Doctor will come to us, and Peinforte is a simple savage accompanied by a terrified peasant.” He assured. Again, it sounded very unlikely him, let alone to use such insults. They build up a small beacon, looking similar to the one the Cybermen on the freighter had used, as Tyson gave the order. “Commence transmission.” “Leader, I must repeat the objection to the transmission of incorrect information. Our forces do not yet hold all three units of validium.” His friend warned, only to be told by him, “You are outside your function.” Suddenly, the communications globe glowed and Almar took a look. “Interference, origin unknown.” “Open the monitor channel.” Tyson replied and as his lieutenant pushed a button, Jazz music blared out, causing both to look at each other in what appeared to be confusion. Despite this, they walked outside to see two humans in what appeared to be very old clothing, several centuries old. Due to keeping at a distance, the ponies couldn’t see much detail except it was a man and woman, both had blonde hair, armed with bow and arrow. Their clothes looked like Early Modern period. Something told the ponies that this was the Lady Peinforte. “Now our plan begins to operate. She will find that her crypt has weathered with age. The fact of her death will drive her insane.” Tyson explained and tented his fingers, sounding confident as the woman looked for something “This is your tomb?” The man asked and the woman replied frustrated, “Rather fine, is it not? But where is the statue of Nemesis? Where is it? Where?” “Is this the human condition of madness, Leader?” Almar asked his commander, who made a gesture to move. “It is. Kill them.” Obeying, his soldiers moved in before an arrow landed next to them. One of the cyborgs scanned it with what looked like a detector. “Gold!” He exclaimed before hit with an arrow to the chest, dying with a scream as it shot sparks. “Destroy them. Destroy them!” Tyson yelled, sounding slightly frustrated as his troops fired, with his friend advising him. “We cannot sustain these losses, Leader. We must withdraw.” “No. We must hold the statue and retrieve the arrow from them.” His commander protested but he stayed calm. “If we are overcome, the entire strategy fails. The Cyber race will cease to exist.” “Your logic is correct. Their supply of gold is limited. Retreat.” Ordered Tyson and they did all as told. With awe, the ponies saw was how the shuttle of the cyborgs was guarded by two headphone wearing men, their expressions were empty. It was clear whatever the Cybermen had done to them, they were already no longer alive. The Doctor emerged from the hedgerow and called out to the two men, tipping his head in a greeting gesture. “Hello, I'm the Doctor! I believe you want to kill me.” He started to run and the two men followed. In response, the young woman ran up to the shuttle and threw a backpack in before retreating to a safe distance. It was destroyed in a gigantic fireball. Tyson and his soldiers just arrived to witness the explosion, facing the two men. “Betrayal. Kill them.” He ordered, his soldiers shot the two humans without hesitation. They then traveled to a clearing as the elderly man caught up to them. “We want to talk to you. I don't know if you're familiar with Wagner's Ring das Nibelungen. Now we, we are the supermen, but you, you are the giants. They are wonderful creatures.” He started, only for Tyson to counter, “Of course, but why should we form an alliance with you?” In response, De Flores explained, “We had a leader once. He predicted your coming. Now together we shall fulfill his vision and reign over this world.” “Together? The Cyber race requires no help from humans.” Tyson stated, not interested at all. “But a woman who is almost less that human now holds the statue, “Karl added to the conversation and his commander pointed out, “And she's armed with the most primitive toys.” This seemed slightly to anger Tyson, as he pointed at them, slightly raising his voice. “You insult us.” “Of course not. Whatever your unfortunate vulnerability doesn't affect us. We can remove her for you.” The Neo-Nazi leader offered and the former human commander thought about it. “We accept. Destroy the woman and her servant, and we will divide the planet into your slave groups and ours.” The rouge Cyber-leader made a suiting gesture with his hands. “Good.” The elderly man agreed and Tyson warned him, “But remember, betrayal will be fatal. We are invincible to your weapons.” As the two natis walked away, he told his soldiers, “Once they have the arrow and the statue, destroy them.” De Flores and his only remaining soldier entered the crypt to control the Lady and her servant, the latter panicked upon held at gunpoint. “You want the statue, master? Here, take it. Take it.” He snatched the bow from her. “No!” She yelled in protest with a look of anger. “Give her the arrow. See!” He threw it into the sarcophagus. “Forgive me, my lady.” “Unhand me now!” She yelled before dragged out another door, yet the ponies could get a quick glance. Lady Peinforte’s hair was curly, so was that of her assistant, both had green eyes. She looked somehow elegant but they could tell she wasn’t of a goodwill, with the Hooves family suppressing a whine of disgust as she reminded them of a certain mare they all would rather forget. Karl fired a few shots but missed, with his leader waving a hand. “No matter, Karl, no matter. They are of no importance. We have the statue, the arrow, and the bow.” To the surprise and fascination of the ponies, the hand of the statue moved, grabbing the arrow. “And the Cybermen?” Karl asked concerned but his commander assured him, “Gold overcomes them. We have no such weakness. See how it prepares for life. Your first task must be to take control of the extraterrestrials.” Both were unaware of Tyson walking up behind him. “Unfortunately, that will not be possible.” Determined with no sign of fear, De Flores warned, “Keep away. I possess the entire statue of Nemesis. All power is mine. The life and death of everything in existence is in my hands.” In response, Tyson calmly wanted to know, “Then where is the bow?” as if he had expected this. And De Flores opened the case. His eyes went wide in surprise to that it was empty. Then the scene switched to the Doctor in the woods, looking with the woman at a hologram above a tape deck. He told his young friend that every time the Nemesis comet approached Earth in its 25 year orbit, it caused destruction: in 1913, the eve of the First World War; 1938, Hitler annexed Austria; 1963 Kennedy assassinated, and now it was 1988. He then saw a lizard emerge from hiding and weakly smiled. “Of course. It's so simple. They're shrouded. ”You what?” His friend asked confused raising an eyebrow “Shrouded. They don't show up. But we must try and force them into revealing themselves.” He explained and tipped on the tape deck, turning dials. “Treble. Bass. Please let me be right. Is anyone listening? Balance.” Then the hologram showed several arrow-shaped ships, too many to count, with both humans looking in surprise at the image. “What are they?” The teenager was puzzled and the doctor replied in dismay, “Cyber warships. Thousands of them. They were invisible.” Then it changed back to Tyson, with the Neo-Nazi leader showing signs of being nervous as he tried to explain. “Surely we, er, we can negotiate this er, this misunderstanding?” “Our understanding is perfect. You thought you had all three components of the statue, and naturally wished to destroy us.” Tyson pointed out as Almar joined him, only for Karl to reply, “You are completely mistaken.” “Silence.” The Cyber-leader yelled as his lieutenant gave a report. “Validium activity indicates proximity of the bow, Leader.” “Excellent. Kill them.” Before Almar could obey the order, the elderly man threw gold dust into Tyson’s face. He let out an almost human near cry of pain as he staggered, allowing the two humans to get out, with Almar close in pursuit. Karl gave his leader a grin as he spoke up, “Herr De Flores. Your day is over.” “You betray me? Have I taught you nothing?” De Flores asked him in disbelief as Almar caught up to them, grabbing him by the arm. “Everything. Which is why we now part company. I'm afraid you failed to understand history in addition to Wagner.” Karl stated, much to the confusion of his leader. “I?” “Supermen are all very well, but the giants are the master race.” The young man explained with fascination as Tyson came outside, turning towards him. “Here he is. Now make me one of you.” “You show potential. Very well. Have them programmed at once.” Tyson ordered and 2 Cybermen brought the humans back inside as he turned to Almar. “We must complete the statue immediately. Locate the bow. Destroy the Doctor and his young friend.” Inside the crypt, the two men got outfitted with headphones, their expression neutral as Almar checked the communication. “The Cyberfleet are still not receiving our transmission, Leader.” “Is there any pattern to the jamming signal?” Tyson asked and his friend turned it on, only for Jazz music to sound. Suddenly, the light went on again and Almar reported, “Communication channels to the Cyberfleet are clear again, Leader.” “Excellent. Their arrival is imminent.” It pleased Tyson but De Flores had doubts. “You fool. Without the bow the statue's power is nothing.” “We will shortly obtain the bow.” He got assured by the Cyber-leader- “From the Doctor? Don't delude yourself. He is no common adversary. Do you think he'll simply walk in here and hand it over?” In that moment, the middle-aged man walked in, tipping his hat with a friendly smile “Good afternoon.” Tyson turned around in slight surprise. “Doctor.” “Yes, here we are. I'm sorry we couldn't have been here earlier, but we were held up on the way. I don't believe you've met my friend Ace.” The man gently pushed the young woman forward, she had an neutral expression before the former human pushed her aside. “Give me the bow.” Tyson demanded, only for the man to comment, “Cyberleader moves pawn to discover check.” “Ace replies by neatly castling with the bow.” She held up said weapon, causing the Tyson to try to grab it but she dodged his attempts. “Give me the bow.” “Doctor en passant behind Cyberleader.” The Doctor announced as he moved around Tyson, who became slightly frustrated. “Give me the bow!” He exclaimed before the Doctor grabbed it with his umbrella. “Doctor supports combination gambit.” “Take the bow from him.” Tyson ordered, with the Doctor announcing, “Middle game element with Cybermen.” He danced in a pirouette like manner around the cyborgs, putting his hat over one of their guns as he reached the statue, much to Tyson’s dismay. “Kill him!” “End game. Illegal move, but checkmate!” The man exclaimed as he gave the bow to Nemesis. “That seems to be in order.” He added as it reached a hand for it but he took it back and started to run outside with Ace, not forgetting his hat. In awe, the watchers saw how the glowing silver statue stood up, with small explosions around her. It looked identical to Lady Peinforte, having a very majestic appearance. A piercing scream split the air as fire blew out of the windows of the tower, causing the ponies to cover their ears. Tyson looked at the destroyed window before saying, “The Doctor must not lead the statue back to the rocket sleds. We will stop him.” At the warehouse, the Doctor climbed into the rocket sled with the bow. The statue arrived shortly after, floating in beside him. “Now, ah yes, the bow. The bow. The bow is essential. You shall have the bow.” He stretched his arm out, offering it and she took it gladly. He then started to program the rocket sled, Ace walked up to look at the statue in awe. “I am beautiful, am I not?” Nemesis asked in a echoing, yet human like voice. “Yes. You're very beautiful.” The young human replied. “It is only my present form. I have had others which would horrify you. I shall have those again. You are surprised I speak?” The statue wanted to know. “I know you're living metal.” Ace admitted. “I am whatever I am made to be. This time Lady Peinforte called me Nemesis, so I am retribution.” The statue concluded, Forming a smile, Ace then said, “Catch you later.” She ran towards the doorway and Nemesis lied down in the rocket sled. As the teenager reached the doorway, a Cyberman entered and opened fired, yet missed. She ran up the steps to a landing outside an office, and pulled out a slingshot with gold coins. Taking aim, she fired at the Cyberman’s chest, he screamed in pain as it exploded in a shower of sparks. Tyson and the others then walked in, spotting their dead comrade. “Destroy the human female. Find and destroy her!” He ordered. One of them tried to intercept Ace on the upper floor but she ducked to avoid his fire, then destroyed with too with a well-aimed shot. She then dodged the fire of another, coming to small spiral stone staircase and waited. As the cyborg came into view, she fired. With sparks and a scream, this one got destroyed as well. However, a fourth Cyberman came through the door and fired, forcing her to go up the stairs, having to leave her bag of ammo behind. She made her way along a catwalk up in the roof space, seeing the Tardis down below her. Then a Cyberman appeared up in front of, with Tyson on the adjoining catwalk, holding up a hand in a stop gesture. “Hold!” “Why? You're going to kill me anyway.” She taunted, not showing any fear, a determined expression “We detect only one more piece of gold.” “Correct. So who'll be next, and who'll be lucky?” She switched aim between them, before a third Cyberman boxed her in from the rear. “Kill her.” Tyson ordered before she fired at him, he screamed in pain and fell over the railing, landing lifeless on the ground. She then ducked, causing both cyborgs to shoot each other. One of them let out a feminine scream. A gasp of horror escaped the ponies to realize this Cyberman had been Vicky. The Doctor then finished programming, taking the bow as he spoke to himself, “Things are still imperfect.” Two Cybermen approached him as Ace ran in. They turned around guns raised. “Stop! Harm her in the slightest, and I will destroy this bow!” The Doctor threatened yet the cyborgs were not impressed. “Give us the bow, Doctor.” “No.” He refused and the Cyberman stated, “We shall simply take it and kill you both. In any case, your threat was meaningless. How could you have destroyed the bow?” “Well, actually, I would have arranged to have the bow neatly placed in front of the rocket sled.” The Doctor explained calmly as he lied the bow down, then walked towards them. “Then I would have arranged the rockets to test fire at a pre-arranged time. By the way, Ace, what is the time?” He asked, completely off topic. Still, Ace checked her watch. “Well, it's almost-“ She couldn’t finish as the Doctor hooked her arm with his umbrella and pulled back behind the rocket motors just before they burst into life, incinerating the Cybermen, who screamed in pain. They were unaware that Tyson twitched, removing the bent gold coin from his chest unit. “Is that it, Doctor?” Ace asked before her expression became of one of disgust. “Oh no, not you again.” It were the two Neo-Nazis, the Doctor had a neutral expression as Karl picked up the bow and handled it to his leader, who was most pleased. “We have both succeeded in deceiving the Cybermen.” “They made the mistake of assuming all human beings to be weak, corruptible. We, however, are loyal to the death.” Karl bragged as his leader took the bow to Nemesis. “The long journey is over. You will be worshipped forever.” He said to her, becoming confused to hear no answer. “Doesn't she speak?” “Not to the likes of you.” The Doctor pointed out with slight disgust in his voice but De Flores wasn’t fazed. “She will. Well, Doctor, we must part. And thank you for removing the Cybermen. Now the Nemesis is finally mine.” He raised a hand in triumph. But quick as lighting, Tyson shot him and Karl before they could react. “Give me the bow, or I will kill her.” The former human threated. At this point, Peinforte and her servant arrived. Demanding the bow for herself, she asked Ace who the Doctor is, and whether she knew where he came from. Ace replied that nobody knows who the Doctor is, but Peinforte said that she did. As Ace asked how, Peinforte replied that the Nemesis told her. The Doctor asked what would happen if he gave her the bow, to which Peinforte replied his power would be hers, but his secrets remain his own. He thought for a moment, then looked at is friend. “It's all over, Ace. My battle, all my battles, I've lost. I can only surrender.” “Yes.” Lady Peinforte nodded, holding out her hand, only for the Doctor to add, “But not to you. The Cybermen will have the Nemesis.” He handled it to Tyson, much to the surprise of everyone, save for the cyborg, as he commented “This is most rational, Doctor.” Axe looked shocked at this, Peinforte was angry about this, threatening to reveal his secrets, but Tyson stated, “The secrets of the Time Lords mean nothing to us.” “Exactly. Thank you for coming to the twentieth century and giving me assistance. Thank you for bringing the arrow. You may go now.” The Doctor smiled at the Lady, who couldn’t understand. “What?” “You had the right game, but the wrong pawn. Check.” He taunted as the Cyber-leader gave back the bow. “Enough, Doctor. Cancel the statue's destructive capability.” “Do you understand the Cyberleader's instructions?” The man asked as he placed the bow to the statue, “Perfectly.” It replied, with Ace looking at her friend, a pleading expression on her face “Please don't surrender, Doctor.” But her friend said nothing. “Prepare it for launching to liaise with our fleet. You have the position from this device.” Tyson held up a tape. “A new and final era begins, Doctor. Imagination, thought, freedom, pleasure, all will end.” He pronounced, crushing the tape. “The Earth will be transformed into our base planet, the new Mondas. Before I kill you all, you may watch the arrival of our fleet. Launch the Nemesis.” “Let them kill me, Doctor. Don't surrender.” Ace pleaded, grabbing him, only to gently push her aside as he warned with a neutral expression, “Stand back. She's ready for launching.” Everyone slightly startled as Lady Peinforte screamed, grabbing the bow and threw herself on top of the Nemesis. It writhed as it absorbed her, then the rocket sled blasted out of the warehouse entrance and up into the sky. “Nice rocket technology, Doctor.” The woman commented slightly suppressed as Tyson ordered, “We will watch its progress.” “Certainly.” The Doctor assured, turning on the tape deck scanner. The Nemesis flew into the heart of the Cyberfleet, which was stationed by the moon. It exploded, destroying the entire fleet, much to the shock of the former man. “This is impossible. You gave my instructions to the statue.” “Yes, I gave your instructions to the Nemesis, and it understood them. It understood them, and disobeyed them, and destroyed the Cyberfleet.” The Doctor corrected him. In response, the leader aimed at him. “Then you will join them.” “It's worth it.” The Doctor replied calmly, not afraid to die. They all didn’t notice how Peinforte’s assistant saw a gold tipped arrow stuck in the Tardis' door. He grabbed it and charged at Tyson thrusting it into his chest. With painful screams, the cyborg fell to the ground, his chest shooting sparks, writhing around before not moving anymore. With a grateful expression, the Doctor patted the man on the back. “That seems to be that. Thank you.” “It was nothing, Doctor. I wish I could have saved my lady, too, but she was one with your statue. How shall I live now, stranded, a stranger in this time?” The assistant wondered, receiving a sympathetic smile by the other man “I know how you feel. However-“ “He'll give you a lift.” Ace finished for her friend, who asked, “Back to 1638?” In confusion, the assistant opened his mouth. “It's possible?” “Anything's possible.” The Doctor assured and all entered the Tardis. With shock and confusion, the ponies watched how the Tardis vanished. If Tyson and his two friends died here, with the ship destroyed, how could it be that they were still alive and crash-landed in Equestria? The sound of an engine greeted their ears and they turned around. Another shuttle was landing, its engine slightly smoking. As the door opened, a group of Cybermats came out, the same kind that had been used at Voga. They moved towards the three fallen cyborgs and climbed on their chest, sparks came from it as they seemed to do repairs on them. With each blinking, time seemed to pass as the sun moved, about to go down before the three started to twitch. Each of them stood slowly up, limping towards the craft. Once inside, the three moved to alcoves, standing inside of it as a powering-up sound followed. Again, time passed with every blink until it was snowy, then spring, summer and autumn again. It was there where the three former humans stirred and walked out of the alcoves. “Our recovery is complete. What is the status?” Tyron asked and Almar looked on a console. “Our recovery took a year, it’s late September 1989 now. And while our ship was able to escape the blast of Nemesis in time, the Hyperdrive got damaged. Also, I am detecting a signal of our own near London.” “That must be our fellow soldiers who survive the Invasion in 1970.” Tyson, concluded, “Set a course, we use the night as cover.” “Yes, commander.” And so, the shuttle took off as it became dark, flying through the landscape undetected until it landed near a junkyard near the outskirts of London. Landing and getting out, the six Cybermen came between the junk piles, saluting them. “Commander Tybalt, we have waited for you.” “At ease, comrades. We are a long journey before us.” The commander replied and turned to his make lieutenant. “Have you searched for a way to repair the hyperdrive?” “Yes, sir. According to scans, there is a Private Military Company called Harmonious Guard, which may store technology that could help us. Unfortunately, the base with such technology is located in Atlanta, USA.” “Okay then, let’s go.” Staying low to avoid radar, using again the cover of the night, the cyborgs flew towards the USA and the base they needed to go. They landed on a small hill as they arrived in the evening, overlooking the base. It consisted of a few guard towers with searchlights and a few warehouses. “Vicky, scout the base out.” The commander ordered and she nodded. She moved carefully towards it, having little trouble to avoid the search lights, stopping at a corner as four men moved past her. Two of them wore camouflaged uniforms with body armor, one an officer uniform and one civilian clothes. The knights and Dinky recognized the officer, it was James, with Kyle and his mother looking at the civilian in awe. He had the same hair and eye color as Kyle. Dad? William? “I must say, James, I still can’t believe that you managed to create this all.” William looked around in fascination and James chuckled. “Wasn’t easy, but as you see, I managed to do it.” William was so distracted that he didn’t watched where he was going, bumping into someone. “Oof! Sorry.” He looked up to see that he had bumped into a man with long, silky, white hair under a field cap. Noticeable was he had an eyepatch over his right eye with a cloth, only his other brown eye was visible. “It’s okay.” He replied in an English voice with a slight Asian accent, giving a weak smile before saluting James. “General.” “At ease, Choi. I just show my guest around, William Schaeffer.” James introduced and the Asian man gave the guest a handshake. “Pleased to meet you.” “Same.” The two then moved on and Blue could swear in the shadow, she saw for a second 2 red eyes watching William and James before the latter excused himself into an office. “Sorry, be right back, William.” “Okay.” Kyle’s father waited patiently outside for a few minutes before James came out. “Okay, that is settled. Come, I give you a ride home.” The German-American led him to a large warehouse and opened the door, William’s eyes went wide in awe. “Wow…” There was a collection of cars of all types, from muscle to sports cars and even some classic cars from the early age of automobiles. “How could you afford all this?” In response, James crossed his arms with a smile. “The contracts I was hired for paid very well. I may be simple, but there’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself once in a while.” He explained as his guest inspected the cars, his eyes falling on a red sports car with a flat, arrow-like design. “Is this a Lamborghini Countach? I only saw it once on TV but never saw one in real life.” “Yes, it is, a Lamborghini Countach 5000QV.” James smiled proudly at it before his guest spotted a dark blue sedan. “And that is… an Oldsmobile Delta 88?” “Indeed, with Diesel engine. Make your choice, which car you want to be driven home in?” For William, it was clear. “The Oldsmobile.” “Alright then, hop in. “James nodded, taking the driver seat, his visitor the passenger seat, while the 2 soldiers followed them in another car. Then Choi came past Vicky’s position. “Huh?” He stopped and she tried to stay in cover as good as she could as he looked into her direction. The ponies could swear they saw his eye glowing red for a second. “Just my imagination.” He mumbled and walked on. Then Almar reported in. “We detected the technology we need in the warehouse next to the garage, we come to assist you, can you open a path?” Vicky looked around, seeing that searchlights were in the way, plus guards. But she spotted a power generator on the corner of the base, just a short way from her position. She sneaked over and pressed the button. With a powering down sound, the base became pitch black. “All fire teams, this is CP. A set of lights has gone out. Looks like a problem with the power supply. Whoever’s closest, go check on the power system.” The three Cyborgs used this short window to lock pick the door and get it. Inside where a few canisters were, veil canisters Fletcher, Dinky and the siblings realized. Almar and Vicky grabbed one each, while Tyson grabbed two buckets of paint, getting out as they spotted Choi reaching for a radio. “CP, this is Delta 2. Will investigate, ASAP.” He walked over to the generator. “Have arrived at scene. Beginning check.” “Watch for anything suspicious.” The CP warned as he did his check and reported in. “Took a look, but there’s nothing going on here.” “Understood. Return to your post.” Just as the power went back on, the cyborgs reached their ship, connecting the canisters to the engines, with Almar doing a check on the screen. “The veil technology is compatible as suspected, our hyperdrive should be repaired shortly.” “Excellent. Once the repairs are done, set a course to our hideout.” Tyson acknowledged. After a short while, the ship took off, as it became night, with the three applying the paint to their handlebars. Upon getting out of Earth’s orbit and jumping to Warp, the ship flew for some time until it came out of Warp, nearing what looked like an icy-white planet. It landed what looked like an opened Cyber-tomb, the rouge Cybermen entering it. Inside, the ponies saw it was completely abandoned, except for Glenn and his soldiers, frozen. The other cyborgs entered the tombs to freeze themselves as well. With the time, the survivors from the Moonbase arrived, also freezing themselves, followed by the survivors of the wheel, freighter and Telos as well. As the survivors of Nova arrived, they unfroze the others, saluting. “Commander, what shall we do now, since we are all reunited?” Glenn asked Tyson. “We do what Elizabeth would have wanted: Keep her honor alive, helping others in need.” All his fellow soldiers saluted in agreement before boarding the shuttle and flew away. They seemed to travel aimlessly through the galaxy for what seemed like an eternity until a light blinked on the console, with Almar taking a look. “We receiving a distress call from a human colony, they are under attack by Sontarans.” “Set a course to the colony, we will help them” Tyson ordered and his fellow officer acknowledged. “Yes, commander.” With that, the ship took course towards a planet that looked similar to earth and entered it’s atmosphere. Smoke was visible in the distance as they closed in, landing on a hill, overlooking a damaged city. With slight shock, the ponies saw corpses of soldiers scattered around, children and woman were terrified, rounded up by humanoids in blue armor and helmets, looking short and stocky. One of them had no helmet, revealing a grey-brown large, bulbous head. It was clear for the watchers those were those Sontarans Almar had mentioned. “What shall we do with them?” He got asked by one of the soldiers. “Kill them. They are of no use for us.” “Pl-please…mercy!” One of the women pleaded, hugging one of the children as the soldiers took aim with their weapons. Suddenly, there was an explosion, killing some of the humanoids and the leader of them looked around him in surprise. The ear muff-like Cybermen fired their guns from the left side, the helmet ones from the right, flanking the soldiers effectively. Having no time to react, the Sontarans got killed quickly until only the leader and a handful of his troops was left, seeing the three officers with the other cyborgs advancing straight towards them, firing. The leader seemed to be delighted at this. “The honor of battle. The glory!” He fired at the cyborgs, who simply took cover by walls. Some got grazed but it didn’t affect them in the slightest, Yet as he tried to advance, his troops got engaged into hand to hand combat by Glenn and his soldiers, together with the hatch and tear-eye Cybermen. Tyson used this to charge at him, tackling the gun out of his hand, only for him to draw a sword. The former human simply dodged his strikes with ease, showing he was experienced in this. “Quite a feisty one, aren’t you?” The Sontaran officer said slightly impressed before punched into the face, stumbling. “Not bad!” He commented before he groaned at a sharp, stinging feeling in his chest. Looking down, he saw that Tyson had impaled him with his own sword. Green liquid came out of the wound as he collapsed. “At last…an honorable death…” “No, it is not honorable to kill unharmed civilians but a disgrace!” Tyson sounded disgusted before finishing the leader with a blow to the head. His soldiers had finished off the other humanoids. He then walked towards the woman, offering her a hand as she stared terrified at him. “We mean you no harm, Miss.” Hesitating, she slowly took his hand, getting helped up by him. “Th-thank you. But why?” “Because it’s the right thing to do.” The former human replied, helping with his troops to treat injuries and bury the dead, also helping to repair damage as good as it was possible. “How can we repay you for all the help?” One of the survivors asked as the cyborgs turned to leave, with Tyson answering. “No need, your safety is enough for us. Call us the Mondas Honor Guard.” He gave a salute, which some of the children returned playfully. The former humans then spent what looked like years of traveling, saving planets, and helping those they came across. None of the ponies could tell how much time had passed before they saw the ship flying through what looked like a thunderstorm, except it looked more like white mist with lightning bolts. It was clear this was the ion storm Tyson had mentioned. “The Ion storm disabled our ship.” Vicky reported. “Try to restore power, we are drifting.” Tyson ordered in return. The ship was drifting aimlessly through space and at some point, got close to what looked like a whirling hole. A Wormhole they realized as the ship got sucked in. As it drifted out of the other side, they saw a planet that looked almost identical to earth, with the ship drifting towards it. It dawned quickly on the ponies that this was their home. Then the white void filled the scene and Luna concluded, “This is all. Fascinating though. They went through all this, yet tried to make the best out of it.” “Indeed, though, there are a few things the memory didn’t show, like how they managed to keep their emotions, or how all those different Cybermen came to be.” Midnight pointed out, only for Time Turner to raise his hoof. “Well, as we have seen all memories, we can ask them now.” “Yes, we should do that.” Patch agreed and Luna nodded, lighting up her horn to bring them back to reality. Art Strings breathed heavily as she found herself back in Canterlot, not used to this and Dinky, together with her friends gave her a calming hug, which she appreciated with a weak smile. Tyson and the others were in a kneeling position, as if they showed respect to royalty getting slowly up, “So, I assumed you got your answers?” He asked Luna, who nodded. “Yes, but can you answer us some questions your memory didn’t answer? It’s okay if it’s too uncomfortable for you.” In response, Tyson held up a hand. “No, it’s fair you should know. We managed to keep our emotions due to our strong devotion to our duty and Elizabeth.” He started, as if he had sensed her question. “As for how all our different designs came to be, it’s a long story. Shortly before our Queen had to “join” the Central Committee, she wanted us to seek out an alternative planet to live on if Mondas couldn’t be saved. But the others that should join us on Committee orders, saw it differently. Upon discovering Planet 14, they saw greater logic in fully embracing cybernetics. They called themselves the Faction, also called CyberFaction. Those were the ones attacking Earth in 1970 and the Wheel a century later.” And the others?” Wagensroll asked. “Well, those who attacked the Moonbase, were a splinter group of the faction, seeking out another planet, which became Telos, called CyberTelosians. And the Cyberman who attacked Voga, those were yet another group that broke away from the faction, calling themselves CyberNomads. They were also responsible for the next subspecies,” Tyson pointed to his soldiers that were bulky like him but still silver. “The CyberNeomorph, created by a surviving group of CyberNomads that discovered Telos, having combined their technology with that of the CyberTelosians. However…” He paused for a moment. “The attempt to travel into the past and avoid the destruction of Mondas left us stranded, being called CyberIsomorph.” “Sounds like you have been through a lot.” Dinky said with pity in her voice. “But, how could you support them?” As response, the former human officer looked down, letting out a sigh. “It wasn’t easy. We all knew the ‘normal” Cybermen’ wouldn’t be up to anything good, so we all tried to keep an eye on them, sabotaging them whenever we could, looking for an opportunity to escape to our hideout, which was a tomb that got abandoned shortly after it was finished.” “So, you?” “Yes, we just played the part, blending in; I never meant to be rude to Almar. Lady Peinforte though, she was a cavalier of Windsor in 1638, as well as a sorceress and poisoner.” He sounded slightly disgusted. “And De Flores, as he was a Neo-Nazi, the world was better with him dead, you know yourself how those people were.” The young unicorn shivered slightly at the memories before she asked, “Still, did you know what the Nemesis would do?” He let out a chuckle. “Of course I did. It was originally created by Peinforte as she found the validium, shaping it into a statue of herself holding a bow and arrow. The Doctor, he knew its power, so he launched it on the rocket-sled into space to draw us in, so he could finish us off. Quite an ingenuous plan.” “But why did you still pretended to kill him after the fleet was destroyed?” Supernova did not understand. “It was simple for me, the fleet monitored us, and I doubted he would believe a Cyberman can regain emotions, so I assumed it was better he believed we would be dead.” “But in return…” Midnight tried to conclude and the rouge Cyber-leader nodded. “Yes, we are possible the last ones of our Species. As the Doctor said on Nova: A bunch of tin soldiers skulking about the galaxy in an ancient spaceship. Elizabeth only wanted the best for Mondas, giving hope to people. We carry on that attitude of her. Is she hadn’t died from the disbelief her fellow rulers showed, if the Committee hadn’t been so stubborn to favor conversion over saving the planet, maybe it hadn’t been destroyed, that Earth and Mondas could have existed peacefully together.” Now, he sounded sad about it. “But what happens, happened, we can’t change it. Only try to adapt and make the best out of it.” “Still, how did you manage to secure your escape?” Patch asked into the round, “And how did you get access to that time vessel?” “Oh, we secretly fitted out a shuttle with an autopilot, which we summoned once communications were online again. The time vessel, it originated from a planet called Hatre Sedtry, resembling earth in size, geological and meteorological terms, inhibited by a race of sentient humanoids, externally identical to earth humans. But, they differed in culture as well as technology, which was many thousands of years ahead of Earth. Their advanced skills enabled them to proceed well beyond the incipient stages of developing a ship which could travel through the time-space continuum. Bates and Stratton were part of the crew as it crashed on Telos, resulting in their capture.” The cyborg explained to them. “Interesting…” Dawnwind mumbled. “Yes, just like Mondas was. Elisabeth was very sympathetic, and selfless, always putting the people above all else. She would have wanted it so, that we help others. As to how we shrugged off the Sontaran weapons, when half the galaxy keeps trying to shoot you on sight, you learn how to protect yourself.” “Very good attitude.” Celestia praised him with a weak smile. “Now, I think we should all get some rest, this was very exciting after all.” Everyone agreed on and they went their respective ways home, having dinner and hit the way as it had become evening. During the night, Art Strings woke up at faint weeping sound. Rubbing her eyes, her ears twitched as she heard a scared, female voice. “N-no…H-help…” It was her grandmother, weeping in her sleep, turning around frantically. Realizing she had a bad dream, the young filly climbed out of bed and have the elderly mare a calming hug, “Shh, I am here, grandma.” It had the desired effect as Jan calmed down. With a yawn, Jan awoke to notice something warm around her, seeing se was hugged by her granddaughter in her sleep, smiling warmly at the sight. She cares for me deeply. But that dream…I still can’t believe I left him behind like that… Yawning, the little filly awoke, looking at her with a smile. “Good morning!” “Good morning, dear.” Jan forced a smile before they all breakfasted. Upon finishing, a somepony knocked on the door and Art-Strings opened, delighted to see Apple Bloom. “Hi, what brings you so early in the morning?” “Fine morning to ya, me and the others thought we could spend this fine morning in the meadow outside Ponyville, would you like to come too?” The yellow earth pony asked in returned and her new friend nodded. “Sure, why not.” With that, the two climbed into a wagon, pulled by Scootaloo on her Scooter. “So, what could we do today?” Kyle asked his hosts and Lyra gave him a smile. “I’d suggest doing walk, enjoying the beautiful weather today.” “Good idea.” And so, they all did a walk through the town together, getting greeted by the other, returning it. During this, they spotted Derpy during her routine work of delivering the mail. “Fine morning to you.” “Morning, Derpy. Anything new?” Lyra asked the Pegasus. “Not much but Patch, Wagensroll and Dawnwind discovered something this morning between Ponyville and Canterlot, they just work on the excavation.” “Interesting, I am eager what they will find.” At the dig side, made into a crater, Patch was excited as he helped out with the digging. “I wonder what we will find, there’s so much we could learn about the past!” “Careful. You remember what we saw last time?” Dawnwind remarked shuddering, only for Patch to give her a puzzled look. “You’re still upset about that with-“ “I just feel…unclean whenever I have to see any of this.” The deer mumbled before noticing that the green stallion seemed unease, slightly shivering as he worked with a shovel. “Something wrong?” “I just have a bad feeling about this. Like this is something that shouldn’t be discovered." “Relax, Wagensroll, we did this many times before. Besides, we got Flash and Blitzer watching out for us.” Patch pointed to the two Pegasus guards patrolling on a cat walk. Blitzer was a dark blue stallion with matching mane and green eyes. His Cutie Mark, small sparks of lightning, was hidden by the armor. “I just feel like something bad is about to happen.” “So, how’s Moonlight doing?” Flash Sentry asked his fellow guard, who smiled. “She’s doing well. And had any luck with Sunset, yet?” Now, the orange young pony blushed. “Well, given she’s was one of Celestia’s best students, I don’t want to risk to upset the princess, Midnight.” Blitzer’s full name was Midnight Blitzer but Flash preferred to use Blitzer to avoid confusion with Midnight Blade, which the blue stallion understood completely. In response, the blue Pegasus gave him a pat on the back. “Relax, I am sure you get your chance to ask her out eventually. Stay positive.” “Thanks, buddy.” Flash gave a smile in return before their patrol reached a dead end, hearing a metal clang. “What was that?” He looked around, yet saw something silver glancing on the wall, brushing a hoof over it to reveal what looked like a silver wall. “I am pretty sure it’s not supposed to end here.” “I am more wondering what this silver thing is supposed to be.” Blitzer inspected it, it looked like a door. “Part of whatever Patch and the others try to dig out,” Flash suspected, “Hang on, I'll check out our patrol route.” As Flash Sentry walked away, Blitzer pulled out a map and looked on it. “It should be correct, the metal wasn’t just considered.” He said and looked up, only to find his partner gone. With a slight look of worry, he looked for him, calling out, “Flash? Flash! Flash? You all right? Flash Sentry!” His ears perked up at a strange sound, turning around to make out a silhouette. “Buddy, is that you?” He asked before he screamed as he got zapped and fell knocked out to the ground. As the purple historian continued to dig, his shovel made a clang sound as he hit something. “I think I found something!” He then attempted to remove some of the dirt with a hoof, revealing a silver metal structure. “What is that?” Wagensroll looked at it in surprise. “Looks like its part of something bigger, like of a structure” Dawnwind suspected. Then, suddenly she felt something ticklish on her left hindleg. She looked down. Her mouth opened in a terrified scream. “Get it off me!” Patch and Wagensroll turned around to see a metal-like snake throwing her over, trying to bite her neck as she struggled. “Hang on!” Wagensroll picked up the shovel in an attempt to throw it off the terrified deer. But before he could do so, he got zapped by something and fell screaming to the ground. A scared expression, breathing rapidly, panicking, Patch turned around to get help, only to face a Neomorph. He screamed.