"So let me get this straight," Luna said. "The ponies who created Circuit were illegally using funds from the SAE to construct him, and refused to reveal him to any authorities. Their sentence was revoking their licenses, memberships, and a bail of a quarter million each. One is currently held in the dungeons, a second in the mental health hospital, and two more that have gone rogue and have foal-napped the last one who's spent the past two decades finishing the project a.k.a. Circuit. More than that, these two rogues are planning some kind of revolution, but we don't know what exactly. Is that right?"
Celestia sighed and took a sip from a mug of coffee. The three of them--Luna, Celestia and Circuit--had been spent the past hour in a conference room behind the throne room attempting to bring each other (primarily Luna) up to speed with current events. Circuit was the only one who could give an accurate account of everything that had transpired; it was a story that Transistor had encoded as deeply into its data as could be done. Celestia's knowledge was limited only to what had transpired during the trial all that time ago, but knew more of the background details.
"In short, yes. That is an excellent summary," Circuit said, hardly having moved from the position it had first sat in.
"And why did we never learn of Circuit until just now?"
"Because neither I nor the detectives could find any leads that took us anywhere meaningful," Celestia said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "The closest we ever got was the office their mail was delivered to."
"I have little data detailing my construction process," Circuit began. "However, it is most logical that many of my parts were constructed separately in different locations, so as to avoid detection from local authorities. Beyond that the accuracy of speculation drops to below seven percent."
"Circuit, I apologize for being rude, but none of that is actually helpful," Celestia said. She seemed very distraught over the situation, but Circuit could not determine what part specifically.
"I am slow to offend, Princess," it said. "But with what do you require help?"
Luna's eyes flashed at that. "Because whatever these two... rogues are doing, they plan to ultimately change everything we've ever known, according to your account. I don't know how they plan on doing it, but I have a feeling that there will be no small amount of conflict over it. We need some way to stop them before they do anything too damaging."
Circuit thought about that. Luna was correct; this was far greater in scope than simply rescuing Transistor. Regardless, that was still the number one item on Circuit's list of priorities. After spending a few seconds in thought, Circuit determined the best option under the circumstances.
"You wish to stop or slow their progress. I wish to rescue Doctor Transistor from their control," said Circuit, getting the undivided attention of the princesses. "He is a factor they require for their plans. Logically, cooperation furthers mutual goals."
The princesses exchanged a glance, mild surprise etched on their faces.
"You wish to assist us in this?" Luna asked.
"Yes. My immediate priority is to recover Doctor Transistor. Consequently, this will aid you in your goals. However, when this is done, I will continue to assist you barring future complications."
"Why?" came the simultaneous response.
"Because I wish to find a solution that is best for both parties."
"So... you don't necessarily want to eliminate them?" Celestia asked, clearly confused by Circuit's response. "Even after foal-napping Transistor?"
Circuit paused. For some reason it was apprehensive about answering this question. "The best solution also involves proper justice. However, if their goals are to further improve the world, then it is illogical to allow their ideas to be completely crushed."
"That is... surprisingly merciful of you, Circuit," Luna said. "But you keep speaking from a solely logical perspective. As incredible as it is, I know you can feel emotion, so I ask you: How do you feel about this?"
"I..." Circuit's stuttered response surprised itself. It had never been unable to answer a question, solve a problem, or analyze a scenario presented to it. But as Luna stated, Circuit had been thinking completely logically in those situations. Now, trying to find a solution with emotion, a function it had written off as being little more than a nuisance, caused it to have trouble formulating an option. Whether it was running through the extensive algorithms or if emotional responses were truly that complex, or some combination thereof, it was taking Circuit much, much longer to answer this question, and when it finally did, it had difficulty speaking it.
"I feel like breaking every bone in their bodies. I feel like burning everything they have done to the ground. And I feel that you are the one responsible for all of this as a result of convicting them twenty years ago," Circuit said, pointing one of its digits at Celestia, who promptly recoiled in shock. "Of course, I understand that you made the only valid decision. I cannot hold that against you."
Celestia let out a sigh of relief. "I... Thank you, Circuit. I... I was afraid I might have forever made an enemy of you for that."
"I believe the correct phrase is 'Water under the bridge'."
"So it would seem," said Luna with an amused expression, which quickly faded. "But we do not know where Hydronia and Airfoil are residing. And if they truly are outside the country, they could be under the protection of another. I would much prefer not starting a war over this."
"I tracked their carriage as it was leaving with a bearing of 315. According to my data, that direction leads to a, quote, 'No mare's land', unquote."
The princesses cocked their eyebrows at that. "'No mare's land'?" Celestia asked. "I know of what you speak, but it is less a 'No mare's land' as it is a region that has yet to be claimed by any nation. I suppose I should have expected that they would have gone there to seek refuge. The laws of the surrounding nations, that is to say, Griffonia, the Minotaurian Empire, and Equestria, do not extend into this region. And as there is no government, no laws of its own exist, save those kept by its inhabitants."
Circuit locked eyes with Celestia as it processed this information. There was nothing in it's data banks that held any of this information. "Why is this region unclaimed?" it asked.
Celestia's expression seemed to darken. "The region is filled with outlaws, criminals and renegades. Equestria has no desire for a land containing great numbers of those. As for the Griffins and Minotaurs, there was a time when they fought each other over it. It changed hooves dozens of times over a few centuries, until eventually they signed a peace treaty that stated neither side would lay claim to it again, effectively creating a 'No mare's land' as you called it."
"I see," Circuit said, considering the implications. "If Equestria were to deploy forces to search the region, it would likely spark hostilities with both the Griffins and Minotaurs."
"Very astute of you, Circuit," Celestia said with a smile. "And you are quite right. We cannot simply deploy a battalion of troops so close to foreign borders."
"I believe this will take quite some time to properly coordinate," said Luna, who had been listening intently given the fact that all this was also new to her.
Celestia sighed. "Yes, indeed it will. This is a delicate matter that could easily make a turn for the worse if handled improperly. And, for the record, I do not believe it would be wise for you to go at it alone. As powerful as you are, Airfoil and Hydronia no doubt have some tricks up their sleeves to use against you." The princess shifted, wincing as a joint popped from having stayed stationary for so long. "I have no idea how long it will take to devise a good plan for this, and I'm sure you would not appreciate sitting around waiting until we do, would you?"
"Correct. I would prefer to remain productive."
"I thought so. For now, I think it best that you go to Ponyville, where you will be in the capable hooves of the Elements of Harmony and Princess Twilight Sparkle. Before you ask why, it is because I believe you will best learn and prepare yourself for whatever may come in the future. Do you both agree?" Celestia asked.
For the briefest of moments, Circuit saw a flash of irritation in Luna's eyes, if Circuit's analyses of facial expressions were accurate. However, it was quickly extinguished before she responded with a forced smile, saying, "Of course. Perhaps Circuit may also better hone his sense of humor there." Circuit made a note to query her on her true thoughts later. Celestia also appeared to have similar thoughts as a look of concern crossed her face momentarily.
Having been trying and failing to devise a proper course of action itself, Circuit had to agree with Celestia's. "I will put faith in your experience, if this is your best plan, and go to Ponyville."
"Wonderful, I will have the stewards arrange everything for your trip there, as well as send a letter to Princess Twilight detailing your arrival at a more reasonable time in the morning," Celestia said, looking at Luna as she emphasized this last part, who gave a sheepish grin in response. "With that in mind," she continued, "I think we should retire. I still need to sleep, and night court has been put on hold for long enough." With that, the three stood up. A few stiff joints popped in the process.
"Where would be the most ideal location for me to remain?" Circuit asked.
"Come with me," Celestia said. "You can stay in one of our dignitary suites."
Celestia exited the conference room with Circuit in tow, and Luna not far behind. The first thing they saw upon passing through the door was the search party from before back in the throne room. The largest guard had the still unconscious thief slung across his back.
"I believe this is where I leave you two," Luna said as she broke off and made her way to the throne, a somewhat disappointed look crossing her face as she saw the ragdoll of a pony.
Circuit followed the Solar Princess to another door in the side of the throne room, presumably one that lead to the dignitary suites. Before it passed the threshold it looked back and locked eyes with the jittery rookie guardsmare. They exchanged a short nod before Circuit continued through. Beyond the door was a short hallway with a stairwell at the end. Paintings depicting various different landscapes adorned the walls, which Circuit made sure to record them all in detail.
As they made their way to the stairs, Circuit asked, "What do you think Princess Luna will do to the suspect? The guards said that she would be responsible for his reprimand."
Celestia smirked. "'Reprimand' would be putting it lightly, I think. Knowing Luna, I almost feel bad for him, though I know she won't do anything too horrific. It is probably for the best that the thief is still unconscious, that way he'll be saved being subjected to the Royal Canterlot Voice. I know she was looking forward to having a good reason to use it again."
The android cocked its head. "What is the 'Royal Canterlot Voice'?"
"THIS!" Celestia bellowed, whipping around to face Circuit as she did so.
The sheer force of the shout caused Circuit to be blasted backwards. It did a complete backflip as it flew not-so majestically through the air, and landed flat on its belly with its legs spread-eagle.
Celestia put a hoof to her mouth, trying to suppress a giggle. "Oh dear, I'm sorry. Are you alrght?"
Without much difficulty, Circuit got back on its hooves. "That was unanticipated, and also uncalled for," it said in its usual monotone, although quite a bit louder for some reason. "But to answer your question, I am undamaged."
"Why are you talking loudly then?"
"I need to recalibrate my auditory units now."
The pair continued on their way to the stairs, which Circuit found to be of a spiral design. They went up one level and exited the stairwell into another hallway, about as long as the previous one. Rather than paintings, the walls were lined with four ornate oak doors, each stained a deep, rich brown. Celestia opened the first door on their left and guided Circuit inside. The room inside was rather spacious, easily having the same floor area as the entire apartment Circuit had originated in. A large bed with a red and gold quilt sat against one wall with a pair of nightstands on either side. On the wall opposite the bed was a large wardrobe with a dresser next to it, along with a door that presumably led to the bathroom. A large window overlooking the countryside sat on the wall furthest from the door.
"As we said, we will come retrieve you later, after everything is prepared," Celestia said as Circuit surveyed the room.
"This seems unnecessarily excessive."
"Why? Were you expecting us to stick you in a broom closet somewhere?"
"That would have been the most efficient choice. In addition, the apartment I lived in before was smaller than this."
"It will not be said that the royal family did provide anything less than ideal for our guests," Celestia said. With a small chuckle she added, "And you would not believe how many college students I have heard make similar remarks."
If Circuit found the joke amusing, it did not show it, rather it continued on topic. "Regardless, the quarters are appreciated. I will be busy recalibrating my systems and reviewing today's progress until you return."
Celestia turned to leave. "You are very welcome Circuit. I assure you, we will find a way to get Transistor back."
Luna eyed the thief where he now lay slumped on the floor of the throne room, a bit of drool pooling on the carpet from his open mouth.
"Where did you find him?" she asked.
"In an alley, flank deep in a trash can, just like that robot thing said, your highness," said Captain Iron Spear.
The Lunar Princess nudged the thief's shoulder with her hoof. Other than being pushed by the contact, the thief remained unconscious.
"It does not look like he will be awake soon, does it?" Luna asked rhetorically. "Lock him up in the dungeon, and make sure his cell is guarded. Notify me or my sister, whoever may be on the throne, in the event he wakes up, understand?"
"Crystal clear, your highness," the officer said with a salute. "Sergeant, if you would be so kind?"
"On it, sir," said the large earth-pony stallion who had hauled the thief in earlier. He slung the limp pony across his back once more and followed the Captain as the squad turned to leave for the dungeons.
As the squad made their way past her, Luna noticed the newly recruited guardsmare at the rear of the formation. An idea cropping up in her mind, she pulled the new blood aside.
"What is your name, guard?" she asked more softly than usual so as not to terrify the nervous guard.
With a shaky salute, the mare responded with, "P- Private Vigilant Eye, your highness."
"Private Vigilant, we are going to need somepony to escort Circuit to Ponyville. For some reason, he seemed to notice you above everypony else just now, which is why I'm asking you if you are willing to take the job. If not, I'm sure I could find another guard."
The rookie stood there silently for a moment, eyes wide in both bewilderment and confusion. "Circuit? The robot? I'll... Yeah I'll do it, but... why me, your highness?"
"As I said, Private, for some reason he took special notice in you. It may be for the best if he is with somepony he can identify with. Also, your Captain may not have noticed it as well as I, but you seemed to have a remarkable ability to observe important details. That will be a valuable skill for your new task.
"On that note, it would be for the best if you went to sleep now. Wouldn't want you to be falling asleep on the job, now would we?"
"Understood, your highness!" Vigilant said with more confidence than before as she saluted and left to go to the barracks.
As she left, Luna laughed a bit to herself. Despite her nervousness and inexperience, she seemed intelligent and talented from what she'd seen. She was confident that Vigilant would take her new task like a duck to water.
The throne room now empty save for Luna and the statue-like guards, the princess went back to the throne. Sitting on the cushion was a small piece of parchment, which read that there was now a small line of ponies for night court. Smiling to herself, she seized the opportunity she had been waiting for all night.
"NEXT!" she roared in the Royal Canterlot Voice, causing the stain-glass windows to rattle in their panes and the throne guards to be knocked forward onto their faces, from which they easily recovered with stunned looks on their faces. The palace door slowly cracked open and a jittery noble mare stepped in.
This should be fun, Luna thought, hiding her devious thoughts behind a smile.
