//------------------------------// // Chapter 23: False Freedom // Story: The Koprulu Sector // by TheKopruluSectorUnion //------------------------------// So far her search had proven fruitless, but Sweetie Belle wasn't going to let herself become discouraged. It had only been a day since Sovereign disappeared, so the trail probably wasn't cold yet. She just needed to find the trail first. The mare did a good job of covering up her tracks. Sweetie Belle assumed a dropship would have show up to take him away, or an armored prison transport; something conspicuous. Instead she just slipped out without a trace. For all Sweetie Belle knew, she just loaded him into a van and drove away. Simply put, there as wan entire planet to search, and he could be anywhere. Sweetie Belle was on her way back to the academy. If he was already there, then it was too late anyway, so it made sense to check there first. Under normal circumstances the academy it was the last place she'd ever want to return to, but it's the only place she could think of looking at the moment. Despite what happened before, she was once again on a bus. It was the only way she would be able to cover that distance unless she felt like stealing a vehicle, which would only attract unwanted attention. Hello Sweetie said a familiar voice. This wasn't good. She feared there was about to be a repeat of the last incident she had while riding a bus. What do you want? asked Sweetie Belle. I'm here to help you Sweetie said the voice of Twilight Sparkle. I don't need help from you. You're the reason I'm in this situation in the first place, remember? replied Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle, I know you think I've been a bad big sister, but believe me when I say everything I've done has been for you. said Twilight. You're not my sister! And I doubt you've done anything at all to help me! You're the reason Sovereign is gone! replied Sweetie Belle. I'm the only reason you ever met Sovereign in the first place Sweetie Belle. In fact, I'm the only reason you weren't captured weeks ago. said Twilight. Why should I believe that? asked Sweetie Belle. Twilight went on to describe all of Sweetie Belle and Sovereign's activities over the past couple of months in great detail. Sweetie Belle didn't want to believe it, but Twilight had been watching her the whole time. As you can see Sweetie, if DI wanted you back, they would have come after you long ago. I was the only thing stopping them. Why tell me this now? asked Sweetie Belle. Because I can't stop them anymore. answered Twilight. They're coming after you. I recommend getting off that bus right now. I don't mean at the next stop, I mean right now! Sweetie Belle looked ahead of the bus to see an armored vehicle waiting at the end of the street approaching the bus. It wasn't labeled K-Sec, but instead was labeled Marines. The military was finally involved. Sweetie Belle looked outside the bus and performed a quick teleport. She exited the bus rolling and received a few bruises as she hit the ground. Once again the voice of Twilight entered her head. There is an alley to your left with a man hole. You'll need to get into the sewers, it's one of the few places there aren't any cameras. Sweetie Belle was hardly the neat freak her sister was, but the idea of wading through sewage wasn't very appealing. But seeing as how the entire city seemed to have cameras on the surface, she didn't have much of a choice. Sweetie Belle did as she was instructed. She removed the cover, made her way underground, then placed the cover back. Twilight, what's going on? Why are they after me now? How have you been following us? asked Sweetie Belle. Twilight didn't answer the question, and instead continued to give instructions. I can't see you anymore, so if you get lost, I won't be able to give directions. That said, listen very carefully. Go in the direction facing away from the street you just came from. Turn right on the third turn, left on the fifth, head straight until you get to the end of the wall. Look for a small grill on the wall and remove it. The bolts have already been loosened. Inside you'll find a small device in a plastic wrapping, along with an envelope. Tell me when you find it. Move quickly, you are still being tracked. Sweetie Belle took off as fast as she could, following the exact details of Twilight's directions. Just as she said, there was a small grill with the bolts loosened. Sweetie Belle found said device inside, which had the appearance of a large stun gun. I found it, what is this thing? asked Sweetie Belle. Again, Twilight did not answer her question, instead giving further directions. Press it hard against the back of your neck and squeeze the trigger. This will be very painful, try not to scream. What!? said Sweetie Belle. This time Twilight gave her the finer details. There is a tracking device embedded in your spine. That device will disable it. Keep in mind they are still coming, so I'd move fast if I were you. said Twilight. Sweetie Belle tried to get some more answers, but it seemed Twilight wasn't willing to listen. Not knowing what else to do, and taking Twilight's word seriously about being tracked, Sweetie Belle did as she was told. She closed her eyes, pressed it down hard, and pulled the trigger. The device sent a painful sensation throughout her entire spine. She was unable to contain the scream, and fell limp on the ground. She could hear footsteps in the distance, most likely attracted by her screaming. She did the best she could to get back on all fours and wobbled her way into one of the tunnels in hopes of losing her pursuers. The city's sewers system was a rather complex network, so it wasn't difficult to get away. Again Twilight's voice entered her mind. Good job. You are now free mare. she said. Slicing my brain open to put I that stupid inhibitor wasn't enough? You had to mess with my spine as well? Are there any other implants I need to know about?! asked Sweetie Belle. "Any other desecrated vital organs I should know about?" Don't worry, that's the only other standard issue implant. replied Twilight. Why do you do this to people? asked Sweetie Belle. Don't act like you're the only one. said Twilight. I said it was standard issue, which means every operative has to have one. At least your friend was able to turn off yours inhibitor for you. I can't get rid of mine. What's the matter? Scared of a little shock? asked Sweetie Belle mockingly. The inhibitor picks up on most types of tampering. It'll send a lethal neural shock if I try to disable my spinal tracker. And the inhibitor itself is embedded to deep for any external shock to safely disable. I'd say I did you a favor just now. I don't suppose your friend would be willing to disable mine for me with that fancy void magic of his? asked Twilight. Screw you! replied Sweetie Belle as she continued making her way through the sewers. Considering I just helped you, you could be more grateful. Especially since I'm going to help you find Sovereign as well. said Twilight. Sweetie Belle almost couldn't believe what she had just heard. I thought that would get your attention. He hasn't been taken back to either DI head quarters or the ghost academy. We believe the agent who captured him has gone rogue. The Dominion is working on tracking her, and I'm leading the investigation. As soon as I have her location, I'll let you know. I want you to kill her and free Sovereign before the rest of DI can find you two. They'll want to question her, but I'm certain you just want her dead. Why are you helping me? asked Sweetie Belle. What do you get out of all of this? Because that's what a good big sister does Sweetie Belle. I just want to see you reach your full potential. You won't be able to do that if I let DI erase your memories and remove all the progress you've made. Now keep in mind that since we can't track you anymore, I won't be able to reestablish contact with you at my convenience. said Twilight. Free of DI and of you. Today just gets better and better doesn't it? asked Sweetie Belle. Twilight let the comment slide and continued. That device I gave you has a red light on the side. When its time for me to contact you, it'll light up and make a buzzing sound. That envelope has an address of where we will meet when I have Sovereign's location. Until then, just lay low and let me take care of the rest. Try to take a shower while you're at it. Don't worry, I'll run interference and help keep DI off your back. Sweetie Belle wanted to ask about the rogue agent, but Twilight severed the connection. All she could do now was wait for Twilight's next message. Hawkens would surely be suspicious about the sudden deactivation of Sweetie Belle's tracking device, but he had no proof of Twilight's involvement. Twilight had other friends in high places, so Hawkens couldn't touch her without absolute evidence. She took the liberty of altering the logs of her own whereabouts, so no one would ever know she was in the sewers that day. Rain Sight was the only loose end, and Twilight was confident Sweetie Belle would deal with Rain Sight for her when the time came, thus allowing Twilight to avoid any direct involvement. Unlike Hawkens, Twilight still had a means to keep track of Sweetie Belle to a degree. She wasn't lying when she told Sweetie Belle that she had disabled all the standard issue implants, but Twilight took of liberty of adding a few extra modifications. Naturally she and the doctor, who had met a recent unfortunate end, were the only ones who knew about them. Twilight added ocular implants placed in Sweeties Belle's eyes while she was under the knife, allowing Twilight to see anything Sweetie Belle saw. While they had no direct tracking capabilities, it would give her an idea of her locations surroundings, which is more than Hawkens had at the moment. As added measure, Sweetie Belle also had a kill switch next to her heart. With the neural inhibitor off line, Twilight now had sole control of Sweeties Belle's remaining kill switch. And a good thing too, Sweetie Belle was far too valuable of an asset to simple let go of, especially if she successfully went rogue after unlocking her full potential. Of course Sweetie Belle didn't need to know about it. Twilight figured it was best not to let Sweetie Belle know she could still track her movements to a degree, and kill her with the push a button; there was no point in tipping her hand yet. If anything it would make it easier to control her if Sweetie Belle at least thought she was safe. For now Twilight's role was over. All she could do now was wait for Rain Sight to come through, and pray Sweetie Belle could keep a low profile until then. "I just don't get it." said Sovereign as he, Rain Sight and Karn watched one of Rain Sights old Terran films. "Why do they have acid for blood? And how do they see if they don't have any eye balls?" "I don't get it either. But for some reason my wife couldn't get enough of these." replied Karn. "Don't get me wrong, I loved Rain Drop, she meant the world to me. But damn it, I could only sit down and watch so many of these with her before I just want to smash the damn screen open." "Would you two just shut up and enjoy it! We're getting to the part with the robot fight!" said Rain Sight. She knew taking ones significant other to a movie was a common means for a date. Unfortunately since she couldn't risk turning off the collar, they would have to watch a movie in the living room." "I know what you mean. When I was staying at the hotel with Sweetie Belle, she had me sit through at least two of these things a night. The things you put up with for a mare." said Sovereign. "A mare? You and her dating or something? I can't see why else any self respecting Khalai would sit through one of these things. Seriously how do they see without eye balls?!" asked Karn. "They probably have really good hearing. Maybe they're like bats and use sonar instead of visual sight?" suggested Rain Sight. "They don't have ears either." said Sovereign. Rain Sight was going to suggest all the holes on the side of the head were ears, but she quickly realized this wasn't working. She just couldn't understand what the hell Khalai did for entertainment. The apple pie she was baking was just about ready, so perhaps it was best to move on to dinner. "Well since neither of you have any sense of good taste in movies, how about we eat now?" suggested Rain Sight. "Sounds good to me" said Sovereign. The three ponies made their way to the kitchen while Rain Sight removed the pie. Seeing as how she didn't have any fingers, Sovereign decided to be the gentleman and sliced the pieces for her, passing her the first plate. He then pulled out the chair for Rain Sight so she could sit down. It wasn't out of any romantic gesture, but Sweetie Belle had conditioned him during the last few weeks to behave a certain way. A certain way being how her older sister Rarity believes all stallions to behave. "So let me ask you Sovereign, what did you do for fun growing up?" asked Rain Sight. Perhaps sparking a conversation would be the best way to get things moving? "I understand people don't like being under house arrest, but it's not like there is nothing to do. You however don't like TV or movies, you don't enjoy video games, and you don't seem to enjoy any music I have. I'm surprised you haven't tried to break out of the house yet out of sheer boredom." "I'm actually not bored." said Sovereign. "This isn't too different from my childhood. Since I was a preserver at an early age, I was taken away from home, and spent around fifteen years inside of a special nexus. It was sort of like a temple. I was never allowed to leave, because the rush of memories could have driven me insane unless I had the proper mental preparation." "So you just spent all day indoors doing... what exactly?" asked Rain Sight? "Meditating and practicing my magic mostly. Ironic I know." he said pointing to his severed horn. "There were hundreds of mental conditioning exercises I was suppose to study. Considering current circumstances, I suppose that was a waste of time as well." said Sovereign. "That sounds... mind numbingly boring. Did you make any friends at least?" asked Rain Sight. "I spent a lot of time with my master Zamara. I was her student, but she pretty much raised me as her own son. It's not too uncommon for a senior preserver to grow attached to his or her student considering how much time they have to spend together." said Sovereign. "Mothers don't count kid." said Karn. "Well there was another. When I was only about eight, I found a filly around my age who was hiding inside the nexus. She ran away from home, and this was the only place where she could hide from the Khala. Apparently she didn't like being connected." said Sovereign. "Not everyone does." said Karn. "So what happened to her?" asked Rain Sight. "Well at first she was really scared when I found her. I didn't know what to do at first. I knew I was supposed to tell Zamara, but at the same time I never got to spend anytime with other kids my age. The only ponies who were ever in the Temple were Zamara, or the other preservers training me whenever she wasn't available. There were the honor guards as well, but they had explicit orders to never speak on duty," explained Sovereign. "I introduced myself, got her some food, and we started to talk. I had a big room, so I shared it with her. Her name was Seeker, and since she was a unicorn like I was, we spent a lot of time with me practicing the spells Zamara had taught me. Though she seemed like she was more into socializing that studying her magic." "No one noticed you were hiding a filly inside of your room?" asked Rain Sight. "She was really good at sneaking around. The only reason I found her the first time was because she got desperate for food. After I started bringing her meals, staying hidden was an easy task for her," explained Sovereign. "Damn kid, you work fast. You had a filly in your bed at eight years old?" said Karn. "Did they ever find her?" "Well it was a really big bed, so I didn't mind," said Sovereign. The innuendo had gone completely over his head. "They found her eventually. It was actually my fault. I messed up a spell and blew out a wall with a psionic storm. Guards rushed inside and found me and her together in my room," said Sovereign. "What happened to her?" asked Rain Sight. "Well Zamara was going to send her home but... I begged and threw a tantrum like a little kid saying I wanted a friend," admitted Sovereign. "I guess she realized it wasn't healthy for me to be alone with no other kids my age, so she let her off the hook. In fact she was so impressed that Seeker managed to stay hidden for so long, Zamara recommended her for Dark Templar training. Since Seeker didn't like staying connected in the Khala, it was pretty much a dream come true for her. She still visited me constantly, and we stayed very close friends even after we both completed our training. She even acted as my personal shadow for a while." said Sovereign. "A shadow?" asked Rain Sight. "It's a special kind of Dark Templar body guard," explained Karn. "Basically they hide in the shadows watching over you for any threats. And they were also expected to perform... other favors now and then." Rain Sight understood what he meant, but again Sovereign had no clue what he was talking about. "I take it she was the one who gave you that warp blade then?" asked Rain Sight. She could tell Sovereign was upset by her question. "She gave it to me as a memento right before we... parted ways. When we said our farewells, she wanted to make sure I had something to remember her by," said Sovereign. "Sounds like you two were really close," commented Rain Sight. Sovereign sighed heavily when she said that. "Yeah... we really were."