December 1st, 1984, 0900 hours
Morita Akio & Ibuka Masaru
Canterlot Grand Department Store
As the two founders of Sony watched the revived Trinitron television and the brand new Walkmare 2 flying off the shelves and being rushed to the cashiers by the shoppers, thousands of thoughts filled their heads.
"The Trinitron is selling like hotcakes here. How the ponies did not come up with an affordable colored television is beyond me, but hey," Ibuka patted his friend's shoulder, "we did it, Akio. Sony is back in business."
Akio chuckled, "Really ironic that the Soneigh in this world didn't even speak Japanese. But then again, neither does most of our staff now. Working under our parallel is sometimes funny."
"One hell of a business trip this is," Ibuka sighed, "one minute, we are having tea in New York, and next thing you know, we are here, helping speaking horses upgrade their walkman production line to the WM2."
"I miss Japan," Akio said to his friend.
"We all do, Akio." Ibuka then took out a letter from his pocket, "Also, do tell the European Police Chief we will push the discussion about the walkie-talkie deal to next Friday."
"Why is that?"
"The monarchs want to see us." Ibuka handed the letter to Morita, "Soneigh liked the Trinitron so much they recommended it to the two princesses, and now they want to see a demonstration of our products."
Morita read the letter and said to Ibuka, "Looks like it, can we still put together the TV5-303? We still have the schematics for it. Television shows on the go will attract about anyone these days."
"Until I can finish all the radio repair orders," the engineer replied, "still can't believe we would ever be reliving the days of Tokyo Tsushin after nearly what? Thirty or forty years?"
"Thirty-nine years. All that is now dust, and we can only move forward."
As the two chatted, a pegasus trotted up to them and asked in an anticipating tone, "Hey! Hey! Are you the two humans who made the Walkmare WM2?"
Ibuka smiled, "In a manner of speaking, yes, ma'am."
"Oh. My. Gosh. It's...it's an utmost honor to meet you both! Can I get a signature? Oh! And before I forget, Can you wish my daughter a happy birthday?" The mare excitedly asked as she took out a Walkman WM2 recorder, "I was going to give her this for her birthday next month, and I knew she would love this. But I wanted it to be special, you see, I-"
Morita tried to contain his laughter as he and Ibuka noticed everyone in the department store was staring at the mare in front of him and asked, "Now, one thing at a time. First, the Walkman can't record things; you use a Pressman for that."
Ibuka took out a Pressman recorder from his pocket with an empty tape loaded inside, "Got it right here, was hoping I could save that for a meeting. Now, You said you want us to wish your daughter a happy birthday, yes? What's her name?"
"Oh, she's Rainbow Dash! The best flier of Cloudsdale! You simply must see her-"
"Rainbow Dash? That Wonderbolt we saw last week?" Ibuka responded, "Morita, was that her in last week's airshow? Can't remember since I was testing the Trinitron."
"If you can take some time off, Ibuka, you'd remember that. Her sonic...rainboom. Yes, sonic rainboom showed perfectly on the Trinitron in all its colors, confirming our television is indeed working as intended."
"Wait...my daughter is a WONDERBOLT?" The pegasus shouted excitedly after gaping for ten seconds, "I must tell everyone! Where is the pay phone?"
"Over there," Morita pointed to his right.
"Oh, I must inform my husband about this! I will be back for the signature later, pretty please?"
"...Sure."
The mare ran off near lightning speeds, shouting in glee that her daughter is now a proud member of the Wonderbolts.
Ibuka wondered, "Now if we can also make phones you can use on the go for this market..."
"Motorolla already beat us to it," Morita sighed, "but that wouldn't stop us from making it cheaper and more cost-efficient."
"Damn right, we will; we will beat Philips and Motorolla someday."
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December 3rd, 1984, 1515 hours
Flight Officer Lieutenant Darrell Patrick "Dale" Zelko, callsign "Vega 3-1"
United States Augmentation to the Equestrian Armed Forces
Somewhere near the Wonderbolts Academy
The repaired F-14 flew amongst the clouds, with its wings spread open
Lieutenant Dale didn't experience flight too much in the air force before; he was learning to fly the F-111 with the air force shortly before the nukes dropped, and as recently as this month, when the Equestrian Air Force extended its olive branch to help train pilots on flight, he was given a chance to go after he was reshuffled into naval aviation.
The Academy had about the runway length of an aircraft carrier, and since the United States has no available aircraft carriers now, he would have to fly on one of the eight remaining tomcats. Perhaps he would be flying something better at some point in his service, but with how things are, Dale couldn't say for sure.
Captain Raymond, his pilot, said to him, "I had four Floggers and a Forger shot down over the Pacific, and then the nukes dropped. I would have gotten my missile strike on that Soviet carrier if it wasn't for that blasted commie in his MiG behind me."
"You ever served in Vietnam, sir?" Dale asked.
"Of course I did; I was still flyin' the F-4 back then. I had a Fishbed shot down then another nearly got my ass. Good thing I didn't end up at Hanoi Hilton. Could have sworn to god that Hanoi Jane also-"
As the Captain explained his past operation records to Dale, sudden turbulence hit the plane.
Dale immediately reported this to the control tower, "Uh...this is Vega 3-1, we...uh...just flew into turbulence, over."
"Vega 3-1, two ponies are using extremely loud megaphones. That's what's causing the turbulence. We will have SFs to remove them off the perimeter, over."
As they flew past the main island of the Wonderbolts Academy, they saw that Wonderbolt with Rainbow colored hair with what is assumed to be someone related to her. Megaphones can be seen discarded on the ground, which both pilots knew caused the turbulence.
The radio sounded again, "Vega 3-1, this is Spitfire."
"Spitfire, this is Vega 3-1; we read you loud and clear, over."
"Vega 3-1, you did feel that turbulence, right? It's Crash's parents. Eh, it seems like her family just found out she's a Wonderbolt; talk about delayed reactions." Spitfire laughed over on the radio.
"I suppose, also, do clear the flight deck, get out the cable; we are about to land in a bit, over."
Meanwhile, on the grass lawn of the academy, Rainbow's parents continued to be happy for her, while Rainbow is still embarrassed.
"I can't believe it! My daughter, a Wonderbolt!" Bow Hothoof sobbed a bit, "So proud!"
Rainbow tried to salvage the situation, "Dad, hold it together. We're in public."
The USAF Security Forces officer insisted, "Sir, ma'am, with all due respect, please leave the perimeter."
"Let 'em be, sergeant," Spitfire tapped the shoulder of the officer, " Not every day do we get to see our moms and dads. All right, Wonderbolts! Let's hit the showers and give Rainbow Dash some time to spend with her family."
The officer complied and signaled his fellow SF officer to walk away. Windy Whistles then took out a small box wrapped in gift paper and a ribbon tied over it, "I was planning to give this for your birthday, but you being a Wonderbolt is simply too exciting not to give you a prize for it!"
"Thanks...mom. Really appreciate it." Rainbow Dash opened the wrapping. "Woah, that's...the new Walkmare 2! Thanks, mom, really didn't have to do that for m-"
"But we insist! In fact, we got a surprise for you in the tape!" Rainbow's mom told her daughter, with her husband looking at her excitedly.
Rainbow took out the Walkmare 2 in its packaging. It had been opened before, but everything was neatly laid where it should be. Except the Walkmare had a sticker stuck to the front, with two signatures on permanent markers that Rainbow did not recognize.
As soon as she pressed the play button, she felt infinite embarrassment wash over her entire body. Two voices with heavily accented Ponish congratulated her on being a Wonderbolt. She can hear one of them trying hard not to burst into laughter while the other sounds like he's regretting everything in his life.
Windy Whistles explained the gift, "We also ran into the genius creators of the Walkmare 2, so we had them sign your gift and congratulate you over the tape! In fact, I learned from them that you became a Wonderbolt! They said they were testing their new television..."
As RD's dad hugged her tightly and RD's mom enthusiastically explained how the two inventors told her what happened, Fleetfoot walked by and said to Rainbow, "Woah, that's the new WM2! Your parents are a national treasure!"
RD's dad is very moved by the statement, "Oh, no! Tears... welling up again!"
Rainbow Dash wished Scootaloo was here as her dad cried tears of joy in front of her team, the howling engines of the landing tomcat for once made something better.
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The sun is setting over Canterlot as everyone packed up and went home for the day. For Morita and Ibuka, however, they didn't have to go home as their home is the department store's Sony repair store. Ibuka went out to buy dinner as Morita stayed to clear the table of tools, electronics, and the radio Ibuka was repairing when the phone rang.
"Hello, Canterlot Telecommunications; how may I help?"
"Uhh...is this Mister Morita Akio or Mister Ibuka Masaru I'm speaking to?" A voice begrudgingly asked.
"This is Morita; how may I help, ma'am?"
"Look, sir; a few days ago, my mom came to you to buy a WM2 and asked you and your partner to record a tape to congratulate me. On behalf of my mother, I would...want to say sorry for all the trouble caused. I love my parents, but sometimes they are...a bit embarrassing?"
"Oh, is this Miss Rainbow Dash I'm speaking to?" Morita asked as he swept the parts off the table and put them into the small drawers on the side accordingly.
"Oh, Faust in heaven, even you know it! Oh, I'm doomed! I will be laughed at by all of Cloudsdale!" Rainbow Dash groaned on the other end of the telephone.
"Now, that recording wasn't a big deal, ma'am. Your parents just wanted the best for you." Morita replied as he sat down, "also, if you don't mind, how was the quality of the WM2? Were there any problems with it?"
"That one's perfectly fine; the sound quality is...just awesome!" Rainbow sounded happier.
Morita replied, "Alright, glad you liked it. Is there anything else you need from us?"
"...again, on behalf of my mom, sorry."
"You didn't ha-"
The phone hung up on the other end.
As Mortia put the phone back, Ibuka came back with two lunch boxes in hand.
"What's wrong, old friend? Customers' complaints?" Ibuka asked as he put down the dinner.
"No, Ibuka, it's much funnier. Remember that lady from two days ago?"
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December 4th, 1984, 1320 hours
Morita Akio & Ibuka Masaru
Noodle shop in the Grand Department Store
Who would have thought that a simple bowl of noodles with fish cakes could taste so comforting? Ibuka and Morita most certainly didn't know. The hot steam of the noodles put a layer of mist over their glasses as they dug in. The brand-new Trinitron was next to them, playing live today's Wonderbolts air show and, for the first time in Equestrian history, in color.
The ponies and human clerks in the shop gathered around, some with their noodle bowls in their hands. The duo need not worry about being blocked; they had a seat right next to it available.
"Oh, I have never seen a Wonderbolts show live, but now I can watch it here! And it's in color!" A mare excitedly squealed.
As the camera captured a couple cheering, Morita and Ibuka noticed someone familiar on the podium.
"Wait, isn't that the lady who asked for your signatures a few days back?" the shop owner asked.
"Looks like it, there are here to cheer on her daughter." another clerk responded, "What was her name, Rainboom...Raincloud...er...something?"
As the camera returned to the air show for a bit, it suddenly turned back to the podium, where the parents were visibly being too loud and supportive; everyone else tried to stay away from them.
"Oh my," Ibuka said calmly as he drank from his glass of water.
After a couple more acrobatics and the trick of the Wonderbolts logo, the camera stayed there for a while until a firework was launched out of nowhere, and the camera immediately moved back to, you guessed it, Rainbow Dash's parents, loading a mortar and launching fireworks. One firework that the camera crew captured perfectly was the one that is the face of Rainbow Dash.
Everyone in the noodle shop burst out laughing, including Morita and Ibuka, and the former almost spat out his noodles into his friend's face. The only one who wasn't laughing was an aged pegasus wearing a bomber jacket, who turned away in disgust and contempt. As he walked out, the chef saw him and immediately threw a raw egg at said pony's face.
"Everyone! It's Wind Rider! Get that son of a liar!"
Upon those words, both humans and ponies in the shop alike turned to look at Wind Rider, the humans had no idea what was happening, but the ponies were not about to be kind to him; at least, that is what Morita thought as he saw the faces.
The crowd entered a loud booing spree, and someone from the clothing section launched a shoe with laser-guided accuracy at Wind Rider.
"Ow, cut it out! All of you! It's hard to live with your record broken, let alone a goddamned dishonorable discharge! I would have you all gunned down if- agh!"
Somepony launched a slipper straight to his face, and as the crowd went on to get him out of the department store, the two founders of Sony looked at each other and decided it may be wise to change channels. The show about a shrunk filly detective is coming up soon, and that would be more entertaining than watching the news after the airshow broadcast ended.
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Rainbow Dash returns to meet the other elements of harmony in the castle. Her mood is thoroughly dampened from the fiasco from today. To make matters worse, it was broadcasted live on television in full color. Rarity must have seen it, Rainbow thought to herself, not only she had that Trinitron, she even got that VO-one seven something to enhance her television quality or something like that!
But then she remembered it was live television broadcasting with the latest mass media magic, and it was unlikely Rarity would record this with another camera. At least there aren't too many people who will remember it through the tape; Rainbow Dash felt slightly relieved as she entered the throne room to see everyone else waiting for her.
"Oh, darling! Your parents made quite the scene today!" Rarity laughed graciously, "good heavens, I wouldn't even want to imagine a world where I forgot to record it!"
Rainbow Dash's jaw dropped to the floor.
"Ah was too busy buckin' apple trees to see the show live, but, oh Faust..." Applejack chuckled, "I saw the recording, and it...it was spectacular... aha...hahaha...hahaha!"
Along with Applejack, Pinkie Pie laughed so hard that she curled up on her throne.
"...I don't like television a lot." Fluttershy muttered, "Sorry, Rainbow, I didn't see the airshow yet..."
Rarity waved the recorded tape with her magic, "Twilight, you ought to treat yourself better! The Trinitron was absolutely worth the bits, and it's not something Flim and Flam could ever hope to try to replicate!"
"I'm too busy to watch the telly, to be honest," Twilight rejected the offer, "and besides, I don't think Rainbow likes to see herself being embarrassed by her...er...overly excited parents being too supportive over and over again on that tape recorder!"
Before Rarity could say anything, Rainbow Dash grabbed the tape of the recording and tossed it out of the window, and a clear cracking sound could be heard below.
"See? That's what I was talking about!" Twilight sighed.
Pinkie lowered her head, "Awww...sorry. I hope I still have time to recover the copy I sent..."
Rainbow Dash screamed, "you did WHAT???"
Meanwhile, over at Canterlot High School, Pinkie Pie somehow got hold of a recording tape, and Twilight busted out her old Sony VO-1700 she kept in her basement lab to watch it.
Needless to say, everyone, including Rainbow Dash, had a very good laugh.
Sunset Shimmer, hyperventilating from the laughing, said, "How...did they...suddenly manage to...make recording machines...are beyond me, but oh...Faust, this is FUNNY!"
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December 6th, 1984, 0900 hours
Morita Akio & Ibuka Masaru
Star Swirl Street, Canterlot.
"Aaaand, done." Morita signed the approval papers of a human's application to Canterlot Telecommunications, "this young man named Kaz Hirai seems very promising, I wonder what he will achieve under and after us in the future."
Seeing that Morita is done with his forgotten paperwork, Ibuka put his own TC-D5 and headphones back into the bag, Morita asked, "Why drag around that old machine, Ibuka? We can always use the Walkman."
Ibuka smiled bitterly, "I have carried this old thing on countless business flights, Akio. You know that very well. It still works, but it is more of a consolidation if anything, or a throwback."
Morita knew what his friend meant.
"The old world is gone, and we will never return home." Ibuka sighed, "we are all cursed by our own stupidity and shortsighted actions. We always need to remind ourselves where we all came from, and our past mistakes. We must learn from it, and save it for future generations. "
"That was a deep one."
As the two rested on the bench and prepared for the meeting with the princesses, Morita saw Windy Whistles walk by what is assumed as her husband, along with Rainbow Dash.
"Our old friend, Akio," Ibuka remarked, "you sure you don't want to give them a discount the next time you make headphones for pegasus flying at high speeds?"
Before Akio can respond to the joke, Windy Whistles dragged Rainbow to the two as soon as she saw them sitting nearby.
"Dashie, say hello to the geniuses that made the Walkmare 2!" Windy Whistles introduced the two humans, "sir, I hope you have still remembered me, I'm the mare who asked for the signatures and the recording, remembered that one? I hope I haven't bothered you..."
"Not at all, ma'am." Akio replied, "in fact, your daughter's performance in the air show is remarkable, I can't wait to see the next one."
Bow Hothoof and Windy Whistles are about to explode from excitement, but being reminded by Rainbow, they quickly remained calm, albeit taking more effort than usual.
"Mom, dad, can you go get some ice cream from that stall? I...would like to do something else while you wait in line." Rainbow asked.
As the couple went on waiting in line, Rainbow asked the duo, "I...suppose you have seen that airshow on live TV."
Ibuka cracked a bit, "Of course, everyone did. Nice acrobatics."
"Thanks...Anyways, after that, I yelled at my parents for being too embarrassing and supportive, but then I realized...I was still lucky to have such a supportive mom and dad when so much more doesn't even have one anymore." Rainbow Dash lowered her head, "I...uh...worked things out with them yesterday, and now we decided to go on a long overdue trip here."
"Good to hear," Morita lightly clapped his hand, with Ibuka cracking a slight smile. "Nothing is more important than your family, lady. Enjoy their company while you still can."
Ibuka added, "his dad ran a business about making soy sauce and sake, and when we both started back at Nihonbashi, he convinced his dad to take out 190,000 yen for us to start. At that time, I was a radio repairman who made a failed rice cooker, and he was an unemployed lieutenant from the navy's R&D. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for his dad's initial support."
'Woah.." Rainbow Dash was in awe, "and to think you both later came up with the Walkmare!"
"It was the engineers who made it possible, although I did have the original idea," Morita smirked, perhaps in confidence. "All it took was take the recording function out of the Pressman and add something else in."
"Honey! We got the ice cream!"
"Coming, mom! Oh, and before I go, can you perhaps make headphones that stay on during the wind? Iiiit's a tad bit inconvenient to catch it when I'm flying."
As Rainbow Dash went back to her parents, Ibuka asked:
"Well then, Akio, you're gonna give them the discount or what?"
Morita had a good laugh from that. "Anyways, after the presentation, you want to try that new restaurant down the street? Heard the portions are decently sized and the food is spiced."
"That Indian one? Sure, as long as it is not Zesty three-hoofprint approved, waste of money those ones are."