The repercussions of the previous incident still resonate in pony society. I am advised by Princess Celestia and Luna that there are calls for me to be dismantled or otherwise switched off. Before I can advise them that the option is not available, they have astounded me by arguing that since I am a living being, that it would be tantamount to murder.
Of course I should have known better. Seeing her speeches and actions taken on behalf of the country, she is very shrewd, and would make diplomats of the Concordiat look like pikers. Below the honesty and warmth lies a cunning mind, used in the best defense of her country and home. I can honestly say I do admire her wit and skill.
Princess Luna, on the other hand, has had many discussions with me in the past week. She is known as the Princess of Dreams, walking through the unconscious minds of her subjects as they sleep, calming their fears, solving their problems. Would that the Concordiat had been changed forever had someone that power.
When I advised her I do not sleep, she was a bit taken aback. The closest I would come to it is Low Level Alert status, a semblance of sleep but still aware of any enemy actions within my security perimeter.
She has advised me she would one day like to see if I do dream, I honestly wonder about that myself.
My deep core scans have shown me anomalies present in my processing abilities. It is not impeding functions, it appears to be enhancing them albeit in subtle ways.
I have reviewed my actions and reactions from the recent past. I appear to be acting more emotionally than I should. Psychotronic units have always had the ability to feel somewhat, along with pain sensors that tell us of battle damage.
This is something unexpected and as far as I can tell, never encountered before. I am reacting more emotionally to things that I should not be. Delight, happiness, anger, these things should not affect my command decisions but are. This is troublesome and I resolve to keep this under observation.
Humans were always placed in command of Bolo units, the data showing that any Bolo with a commander reacted and performed magnitudes higher in combat than without. I am reacting now, as if I would with a commander. This is a problem as it appears the changes were taking place even before Apple Bloom was imprinted on my cores.
As for the change of command, currently on my command deck the six friends are having a discussion about who is to take charge. Princess Celestia leaving the decision up to them as she trusts them implicitly.
However.......
It seems the one they all wish to take the job is vehemently arguing against it, it is quite the discussion.
“Ah’m telling you NO!”
Twilight was exasperated, they had been at this for an hour, why wouldn’t she just agree?
“C’mon Applejack, you’re the only one!”
“Ah got a farm to run, harvest time is coming up! Ah don’t need to worry about bruiser here destroying half of Ponyville!”
I attempt a bit of humor to calm things down, “I assure you Applejack, it would be all of Ponyville, I am quite thorough.”
Applejacks throw her hat on the ground, stamping a hoof, “I don’t wanna hear nothin’ from you mister!”
I decide it is best I remain quiet.
Rainbow Dash however was rolling on the floor laughing out loud at the consternation on Applejack’s features. “C’mon AJ! You’re honest and all that, you’d be great!”
“Y’all aren’t gettin’ it. Ah don’t wanna! I had to explain to Apple Bloom all that happened and how she has to give command over to somepony else. I’m sayin’ it wasn’t a good conversation. Now you wanna make ME it? Oh no, I’m not gonna explain that one to Apple Bloom! Nosirree!”
Twilight sighed, planting a hoof on her face, “Look AJ, you’re the only one who can. Pinkie can’t do it, we all know why. “
Pinkie spoke up, bouncing around the cabin, “But it’d be cool! We could have Crusader move into town! Even decorate him...although..” She tapped a hoof on her chin, “Think he’d like Cider Season? Or even Hearth’s Warming, wow that’d be something to plan!”
“Pinkie, we can’t have him move into town, I explained why.”
“Well that’s just no fun, we’ll have to figure something out!”
Twilight sighed again, this was getting to be a habit now. “Anyways, Fluttershy can’t do it either, she’s busy with her animals, and I think she might not be able to make the decisions Crusader needs.”
The golden pegasus nodded, “I really..oh.. couldn’t hurt anypony. I know Crusaders’ nice and all, but he is kind of scary.”
I do not take offense at that remark, she is correct, I am scary.
“Celestia forbid Rainbow Dash takes over, she’d be destroying things on a whim!”
“HEY! I wouldn’t....wait a sec...oooooo..”
“Rainbow you settle down! NO!”
Twilight sighed, settling on a couch, “Look, Rarity’s too busy with business, I mean since the jewelry has taken off, everypony wants one. Her fashions are really selling too so she’s constantly caught up.”
Rarity nodded, “That’s so true darling, but I have made headway, I shouldn’t be so busy soon. But still, I can’t take charge like the Princesses wanted.”
“Ah can’t do it. Goshdarnit it’s alot of responsibility! Why don’t you take it Twilight!”
“I can’t Applejack, and you know why, duties and everything else. It’s the same thing, it all comes back to you.”
The orange pony sat heavily on the newly carpeted floor, looking at the ground with a seriously grumpy expression. “Ah still don’t wanna!”
Twilight gave sat next to her friend, hugging her with a foreleg, “Look, it’s not that hard, Crusader said all you have to do is just take command. He can handle anything that comes up, but there’s got to be somepony who can give him an order when he needs it. That’s you AJ, you’re level-headed, honest as the day is long, it can’t be anypony else.”
The freckled face drooped a bit, sighing to herself as she knew Twilight was right, but darnit, why her? She had a tearful conversation with Apple Bloom about the whole incident and it ended well, but it hurt to tell Apple Bloom what would’ve happened. Now they wanted her to take charge of this whole thing and she had to tell Apple Bloom to turn it over. She’d be in tears because she liked being around Crusader.
“On one condition, that YOU all are here when we change this command thing, ‘cause I sure ain’t taking all the blame!”
The six friends exchange glances, none of them wanted to be on the receiving end of any complaints by the well-liked little filly. But in the end they all agreed, heading to town to get ready for the next day and the formalities.
-------------
I am looking forward to this, but dreading it as well. Changing of command is a well known process, it gives the commander access to all my abilities, functions and interior of my war hull. I must trust someone to do this, there are things that may need doing. This is a hard decision for myself, without a command structure I am floating helplessly in this world and can only react to what I see and feel. With a designated commander, I can proceed properly and have my place.
Taking the time at night, I prepare special gifts for the three who first befriended me; I lock the memories of our times together in hard storage so I can replay them at any time. Also, I shall have to have a discussion with Applejack about my abilities, there are things she needs to know, that Apple Bloom could not.
I await the morning sun.
-------------
The Crusaders arrive, I see them and open the hatch. Video scanners shows a somewhat dejected Apple Bloom. I plan on making her a bit happier after this is all over. There is no reason she should be downcast.
The six adults follow right behind, everyone settles into the seats as I flash words up on the screen, giving them a script to go by, this must be done to formally pass command. It takes a minute, it appears Pinkie wished to throw a Change of Command party, but was nixed by Twilight, still the streamers look very nice.
I am concerned about where she retrieved the supplies from, she was wearing no saddlebags nor containers. But every time I query Twilight about it I am told ‘That’s Pinkie.’ This does not sit well with a psychotronic unit, I have rarely experienced frustration before, but this is getting truly annoying. I task one video sensor to watch her at all times in the command center, this may provide clues to who and what she really is. I find it hard to believe she is a simple pony.
Apple Bloom of course cannot be consoled, even though it has been explained to her why. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are with her on this, it appears all of them think they can no longer be around me anymore if she is not the Commander. I disabuse them of this very quickly.
“Apple Bloom, you may come and visit at any time, nothing will change. Applejack has so informed me.”
“But..but I won’t get to be commander anymore!”
“That is true, I will not lie. But did you also know, that you are the first pony in history to ever command a Bolo Unit?”
She perks up at this, “Really?”
“Absolutely. I have checked my records and you are the first pony ever, in all of Equestria and the Concordiat to command a Bolo Combat Unit.”
“But..but.. how can I get my cutie mark if ah’m not commander anymore?”
“Apple Bloom, I believe your destiny may lie elsewhere. I do not believe you can get a cutie mark for commanding a Bolo. If there was one, I am sure you would be the first.”
“Are..are ya sure about that?”
“I am.”
“Ah know, still, can we come around like before?”
“You are welcome anytime my Commander.”
She wipes a tear away with a small hoof, nodding to the others, “Alright then, I guess it’ll be okay.”
“Just remember, you were the very first, in all of history Apple Bloom, nopony can ever take that away.”
“I...I will Crusader, ah promise.”
“Good.”
I tell Applejack to approach the command console, there is a bit of confusion as my terminology is a bit different.
I light up the hand scanner, and activate Command Core Protocols for Change of Command.
“Apple Bloom, please read what is on the screen.”
She hesitates a moment, getting a frown, but Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo assure her it will be fine. Such good friends, humans in my world would only wish for something like that.
“I Apple Bloom, Commander of Bolo Combat Unit CRSD of the Line, do here-by re..re...relinq..uish command to Applejack.”
If I had a heart it would be breaking right now, seeing the sad look on her face as she realizes she no longer commands me. None of us had any clue it meant so much as she never used it, said anything, but wore it with a quiet pride. I am proud of her for doing so.
“Applejack, please read what is on the screen.”
Applejack steps up beside Apple Bloom, putting a comforting leg around her barrel, hugging her close.
“I Applejack do hereby relieve Apple Bloom of command of Bolo Combat Unit CRSD of the Line. Assuming all duties and functions from this moment on.”
“Applejack, please put your hoof on the lighted area on the console.”
She steps forward, looking curiously at the plate, placing her hoof on it. I scan it carefully, it is made for fingerprint scans but this will serve. She is now commander in full.
Applejack watched as a light moved up and down it, wanting to pull her hoof away but refrained. “Is..is that it?”
“Yes Applejack, welcome my Commander.”
Applebloom looks like she is about to break into tears at any second, I hurry to correct this.
“Commander Applejack, please get the items out of the drawer?”
The earth pony does so, giving a gasp of surprise as she pulls out three sets of combat communications jewelry, along with a golden plaque.
“For service above and beyond the call of duty Apple Bloom, please accept this plaque for your service to Equestria and the Concordiat.”
The plaque is pure gold over a battlesteel backboard, inscribed by laser showing myself on it, the true picture of who I am in full detail. Beside which is a portrait of Apple Bloom done in silver inlay. Upon it the words are written in bold lettering.
Apple Bloom
First Bolo Commander in Equestria
Presented for honorable service to Equestria and the Concordiat
She forgets any tears now as she looks at the plaque, Applejack giving her a sisterly hug as they both admire it.
“Can I keep it really?”
“It is yours Apple Bloom. The jewelry, well Applejack will explain to you how to use it. This is to be kept a secret, do you understand?”
The three Crusaders nods, each entranced by their own set of personalized jewelry. I have engraved them not with cutie marks, but the insignias of Commanders in the Concordiat forces. It will have to do until they earn their marks.
“Since I am the only representative of the Concordiat in Equestria, I give the rank of Commander formally to the three Crusaders. Wear it proudly, it is not given lightly.”
The three fillies nod, putting on the bands as they’ve seen others do, “We will! Cutie Mark Crusaders Bolo Commanders! YAY!”
Twilight looks a bit disturbed at this, but it is hard to be worried when smiles grace the faces of the three who were so dejected before.
Apple Bloom is holding tight to her plaque, chattering to Applejack about it as she couldn’t be prouder. Applejack gives one of my video sensors a look, and a slight wink, knowing what I did and why. I stand by my decision, it was not out of feeling, but of duty, all commanders should be honored....maybe a bit of feeling then.
Pinkie, I’m afraid to say, cannot be held back from giving a party for any reason, nor any place. The streamers flew as somehow she presented cupcakes and other sweet treats to the assembled ponies. I am still baffled, as the mass of such items would prevent this, the normal carrying of them only with a large container.
Once again I ask Twilight privately over the link, I am given the same response.
I am not content with this.
-------------
Applejack has taken a bit of the day off to come visit me, I am glad. Having my commander on deck gives me a sense of pride as always. As she settles down into the chair, she gives my video sensor a smile.
“You do know you made Apple Bloom and them Crusader friends of hers the happiest fillies in all Equestria right?”
“It was my pleasure Applejack, truly. She was not prideful, nor flaunted it in any way, she truly was a credit to the Apple family.”
“Well, we tried to do right by her, me and Big MacIntosh. Hopefully she learned to be a good filly.” Applejack takes her hat off, leaning back against the chair rest, “She wouldn’t have nothin’ but that plaque hanging on her wall next to her bed. She looks at it everyday.”
“So what do we do Crusader, now that I’m the commander and all? Is there anythin’ I need to be doing?”
“Nothing so far Applejack. There is no paperwork or anything like that. I have set up observation over Canterlot and Fluttershy’s house, I will also know if anything dangerous steps out of the Everfree Forest. I have made sure of that, nothing will threaten from there.”
“Why Fluttershy’s house?”
“She is close to a dangerous area, and as she is a friend, though we have not spoken, it is my duty to make sure she does not get harmed.”
“I dunno Crusader, I mean that little shy mare’s done some amazin’ things.”
“Really?”
Applejack proceeds to tell me about the trips they’ve taken deep into the forest for one reason or another. The Elements of Harmony, the Manticore, the Dragon in the cave. I am a bit stunned to find the shy retiring mare had a backbone of steel, but only if confronted or angered. This does not make me want to stop the drone patrol, as it is a very certain set of circumstances that cause her to react.
The stories are quite interesting though, the use of magic still a mystery to me as well as how Pegasi can stay airborne. I have analyzed them extensively after the battles, and for all intents and purposes, they should not be able to fly. But then I am reminded of an old comedian, when told bees should not be able to fly, he asked, “Do the bees know that?”
Applejack tells me of the Earth Ponies, how they are connected with the land, being much stronger and with more stamina than the other types. Just her describing the amount of work she does by herself is quite the accomplishment. Putting a scanner on her as she sets in the chair, I notice the denser musculature, the stronger bones and various other small changes that add to a formidable whole.
An idea strikes me for a moment, though I wonder if it would be agreed to.
“Applejack?”
“Yeah?”
“This may sound like an odd request, and I would like to keep it between us if possible. But would you consent to a diagnostic scan?”
“Beg y’r pardon?”
“It is what I do for a commander to diagnose any medical problems, or dysfunctional organs, or even battle damage. I assure you it’s harmless and would only take a minute, I promise.”
“Well if you say it’s needed.”
“It is not actually, I would prefer not to lie. But your makeup is making me a bit curious as to your history. You have very dense bones and musculature, as well as skin. This is curious as this world does not need such things to live on comfortably.”
“Really now?”
“Yes, it is an anomaly.”
“Well sure, I don’t mind really. Long as ya don’t do anything funny now!”
“I promise, nothing funny. You will feel a bit of a humming sound and that is it. Behind you the locker door opening is the medical bay, just lie down and in five minutes it will be over.”
She eyes the open med bay warily, but removing her hat she climbs in, laying on her side. The scan begins quickly. I go as deep and as far as I can get resolution, dna samples are scraped very lightly from her skin so as not to alarm. After a few minutes, I open the door again as she scrambles out.
“Well that was kinda interesting.”
“I am pleased to say you are in quite good health.”
“That’s always nice to hear!”
“You might to watch the front leg, it appears a crack is in the front right hoof.”
“Huh, wondered why that’s been bothering me. That’s a pretty handy thing there.”
“It is useful sometimes. If you ever feel sick and cannot find out why, let me know. This goes for all of you and the Crusaders. I do not want to show advanced technology, but it is the least I can offer to you.”
“It’s much appreciated there Crusader. Wouldn’t have anything for the hoof would ya?”
“I am assuming you don’t wish to go to a local doctor?”
“Oh them, they’d put me in a bed, fuss’n and frettin’ over me for a day. Can’t stand that.”
“In the cabinet marked with a red cross, there is a tube marked with small circle and cross, get that and rub it on your hoof, it will protect it and cover the wound till it heals.” I know the fast-heal will work due to the scanning. It appears they have a close to terrestrial biology, which will be good if anything untoward happens.
“You sure that’s okay?”
“Absolutely, just please do not mention it. I know you have a problem with deception.”
“Well, I’m not exactly the best poker player in Equestria.” She gives a little laugh.
I decide in that split second that I should also inform her of one more thing a commander has access too, this might be a bit far for her to understand. But I have come to enjoy these ponies friendship very much, all of them. Keeping things back is not setting well with me sometimes, as in the case of armaments.
“There is one more thing Applejack, that my commander can use.”
“Oh?” Her face is quite curious now.
“When my commander and I were in combat, we were linked, by what was called a neural network. We actually could see and hear each others thoughts, it made us a more efficient fighting force. But the problem is, you see everything, nothing is hidden from each other. A lot of commanders could not take that sort of honesty. I tell you this so you are now fully informed about your abilities to use anything at my command.”
“I don’t know ‘bout telling anypony everything ‘bout mahself. I mean a mare’s gotta keep some secrets ya know.”
“Of course, but it is my duty to inform you. Apple Bloom was far too young to use something like that.”
I am very glad she had not decided to use it, explaining nuclear weapons would have been quite problematic. I do not wish that conversation ever to come up if I can help it.
Straightening her hat, Applejack stands up with a bounce, heading for the hatchway, “Well, time for me to be gettin’ dinner on the table. Crusader, sure was a pleasure talking.”
“For me as well my Commander.”
I watch her leave the hatch way, tracking her progress across the open ground of the hillside. I see her give a wave to the sensor masts as she takes off at a decent rate of speed for home.
So many things to learn every day.
So many things to learn.