//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Batteries // Story: Knight of the Pony // by Mush //------------------------------// Mush: Yeah, this one is shorter and not very eventful, but It has Applejack in it. It more sets up the next few chapters so its kinda important. Knight of the Pony (Sweet Apple Acres) “Well, that about does it fer this mornin’.” Applejack said to her-self, exhausted after kicking various trees to gain some apples. “Ah better go ‘n’ see how Appleboom an’ ‘er friends are doin’. They’ve been awful quiet.” Applejack headed to where she last saw the CMC playing a game of ‘head-butt the beachball’, she rounded the corner of the barn however to meet a completely different sight. A low black and grey thing with a flashing yellow light was swerving between her apple trees at incredible speeds. It seemed to be headed for the housing part of the farm and showed no signs of slowing down. Applejack realised her home was in peril and set off at full gallop toward the house. “BIG MAC! GET OVER HERE!” She yelled at the top of her voice, still galloping as fast as she could. Without question, as it was obviously an emergency, Big Mac ran up to her side awaiting instructions. “Protect the house from that... thing! Ah’ll go and get granny out ‘n’ keep ‘er safe!” Applejack commanded. With only a nod in reply, Big Mac changed course to intercept KARR. Big Mac was galloping as fast as he could toward KARR, hoping that his presence alone would deter it, if it was alive at all. His plan seemed to work as he missed the front of the vehicle by merely a foot and sent it slightly off course, into a tree. Big Mac heard the crash and thought it was over and turned around expecting to see a wrecked whatever-it-was. He instead was greeted by the site of a tree that had been pushed over as if it was not even there, and the black thing was still headed toward the house at incredible speed. Inside KARR, Applebloom was still trying to get KARR to slow down by frantically yelling at him. “Please slow down! Ah don’t want to hurt anypony or anymore of mah sister’s trees!” “Negative Applebloom, according to your directions we are nearly at your destination. To slow down now would be pointless.” KARR responded in the same monotone voice as always. KARR sped around some more trees and narrowly missed another. He then slammed on the breaks and came to a stop just a few feet from the side of the house. “You are at your destination, Applebloom. You may get out now if you wish.” KARR opened his doors and the trio exited as quick as possible, not even looking back to say thanks. “They just have a free ride in the prototype of the car of the future and do not say thank you. I should’ve just flattened them. Very well, I will file this experience under ‘Hindsight’ and find a power source.” KARR complained to himself. Inside the cabin, a small bar filled with lights with a small beep effect. “It seems my scanners have picked up another life form. Another unintelligent pony, no doubt. “Just who are y’all calling unintelligent! You’re the one who nearly destroyed mah home!” Applejack yelled from behind KARR. “Stop giving your species bad examples. I evidently did not destroy your ‘home’, as you can see, I am not touching it.” KARR retorted. “From the southern drawl and familiar tone, you must be the sister of the ungrateful Applebloom.” KARR backed up toward Applejack and started to make a three point turn to face her. “Yes, Ah’m her sister, if y’all should know. And just what in tarnation are you?” Applejack asked, still furious about the black thing missing her house, but only just. “I am the Knight Automated Roving Robot. KARR if you prefer. I am the prototype of the car of the future.” KARR reeled off his stock speech to Applejack, who was still frowning. “Well ‘KARR’ you nearly gone killed mah sister, what you gun’ say to that?” Applejack accused. “Your sister was perfectly safe.” “Ah see. And you brought ‘er home ‘cause...” “I brought her here because she knew how to get into the forest where I was dumped. If she knew how to get in, she knew how to get out. I did not help her. I used her to help me.” “Ah see. Makes sense. Ah can’t hold grudges an’ all. ‘Specially if there’s nothin’ to hold a grudge about. Ah’m Applejack by tha way.” Applejack introduced herself, at the same time relaxing ‘KARR didn’t do anything wrong, I just assumed he did is all’. “Hello Applejack. Applebloom informed me, as your sister, that you will not harm me. Is this correct?” KARR wanted confirmation he was safe. After the collision with KITT, his ‘molecular bonded shell’ was weakened significantly. “Ah won't harm you none if you don’t harm me or mah family”. Applejack responded. Still keeping distance from KARR, not trusting him one bit. “I see. The information that the Apple family is a neutral party has been inserted into my databanks. I will not harm you.” KARR responded. “I am going to have to charge my batteries soon. Is there any place I can go where there is sun but no chance of harm coming to me?” KARR’s T-top started revealing a small Solar panel. It wasn’t very big, but it would keep him alive until he finds, and destroys, his nemesis. Applejack pointed to a hill far away that was not covered by many apple trees. “Y’all can go over there, nopony there to harm you.” ‘Or you to harm them’. She added subconsciously. Without another word, KARR rolled off toward the hill, passing Big Macintosh who had been watching the whole thing. He slowly walked up to Applejack and motioned her to step out of the sight of KARR “Ah know what yer thinkin, Big Mac. And Ah’m not sure Ah can trust it. That’s why Ah sent it over there, to be far away from any pony folk. Was that a good move?” Applejack asked for re-assurance. “Eyyup.” Big Mac replied. --- “So, let’s see if I have categorised the data you have given me.” KITT said to Lyra and Bon-Bon, who were sitting on his bonnet (‘hood’ for you Americans) enjoying the mid-day sun. “Go for it KITT. I’ll correct you if need be.” Lyra responded. “Here goes. We are in Equestria.” KITT started. “Yep.” “Capital of which is Canterlot.” “Yep” “That small town there is Ponyville” “Yep” “And the other town names you have given me are; Canterbury, Buckston, Bucksted, Fillydelphia, Mustanglia, Stalliongrad, Manechester, Manehatten, Trottingham, Las Haygas, Haywood, Sydneigh, Hoofington, Appleoosa, Dodge Junction, Bridleway and Foalshatten. Is that it?” “You forgot Neightherway.” Bon-Bon chipped in. Lyra looked at her oddly. “I have never heard of Neightherway. Where is it?” Lyra asked. “It’s a small town where my parents grew up. Kinda between Canterlot and Manehatten.” Bon-Bon said, waving a hoof in roughly the right direction. “Anyway, apart from that, KITT, it seems you are completely up to date on most of the important things about Equestria.” “And I am thankful for that. I have had enough bad horse puns to drown out Michael’s lame attempts at ‘getting to know’ a certain female.” At this, Lyra and Bon-Bon blushed slightly. “Now, if you two do not mind, I need to shut off until dark. I do not want to deplete my batteries unnecessarily. I will leave my doors open if you wish to come in should it rain.” And with that, KITT powered down for the next few hours. His scanner stopped pinging the light across and his dash went dark. “So... Sugarcube corner?” Lyra offered. “Are my sweets not good enough for you or something!” Bon-Bon joked. The pair then headed off toward the little sweet shop.