//------------------------------// // Chapter 12 // Story: Inheritance // by Azuras //------------------------------// "Well! Finally done!” Twilight proclaims smiling as she looks over her seventeen theories regarding the possibility of more structures, all ranging in order of most scientifically plausible to most unlikely. She looks to the her candle, seeing that it's barely a stub before glancing out the window noticing it's well into the night. “Well, I guess I best head to bed” Twilight chuckles to herself as she stands from her desk before blowing out the stub of a candle. As the room is bathed in darkness, Twilight is momentarily blinded as she stumbles towards her bed. Her hoof catches on something, causing her to trip and land head first upon a rug with a yelp. After a moment of silence to insure she didn't wake anypony she stands and blinks her eyes as they focus to the darkness. Looking towards the object that tripped her she sees a faint glow, almost invisible. “Wonder what that is” She murmurs to herself as she levitates the object up to get a better look. She quickly realizes that it's one of the journals which she got from the vault. Twilight peers at it for a moment trying to find where the glow is coming from. After a visual investigation she walks to her desk slowly and sets it down before scanning the journal for any magic which could be the cause of the glow. “Wow” Twilight says as her eyes widen in shock at the amount of spells engraved into the journal. One spell sticking out more than any other, some form of anchor or link which connects to another journal. Following the link Twilight levitates another journal over and sits it down on the desk. She scans it as well finding two links upon it, one to the previous journal and one to another. “It's some sort of pattern” She says allowed quietly before moving the next journal over and finding the same as before. After a moment she has each of the six journals laid out in order, she lights her horn to get a better look and notices that they are not in numerical order. Instead being six, one, three, two, five and four. Twilight looks over the journals and ponders the meaning behind the ordering thinking it to be some sort of code or combination. Unable to think of a place which the code or combination could be, she shakes her head and heads to her bed to dwell on the new information and to get a good night's rest before trying to solve the latest mystery. Twilight wakes with a long yawn, her internal clock seeming it appropriate to wake. She climbs out of bed and rubs her eyes with a hoof taking in her surroundings noticing that Spike is nowhere to be found and that the journal are still laid out upon her desk. She pauses and walks to her desk and looks at the first journal, after a moment of hesitation she opens it revealing a blank page. Frowning she flips to the next page finding the same as the last. Flipping through multiple pages shows the same trend of them being blank. She sighs deeply closing the journal before preparing for her day. She takes a quick cool shower to fully wake herself before using a simple spell to brush out her mane and prune her wings. With these done she brushes her teeth, gets her saddle bags and walks out of the room finding both Arrow and Knight standing guard at her doorway. Knight nods his head in greeting. “Morning Princess” He states before moving to her right flank as Twilight heads to the dining hall. “Morning Knight, morning Arrow” Twilight greets her two guards smiling. Before long the trio make their way to the dining hall, Twilight finding Shining eating some oatmeal while Spike enjoys a bowl of cereal. Neither noticing her as she enters. “Morning you two” She states happily before pulling up a seat next to Spike. “I take it you had a productive night Twi?” Shining asks, as he pauses eating his food. “More or less, I've come up with multiple theories, most being supported by small amounts of evidence” Twilight says brightly. “Oh, and I think I found some sort of clue about Sombra’s Journals” Twilight exclaims. “They were all connected in a specific pattern by a complex spell, which was acting as an anchor of sort, resulting in a specific combination of sorts” Twilight says before sighing. “Unfortunately I haven't seen or heard of a six digit lock in the palace or in Sombra’s possession” Twilight finishes with a frown as a bowl of cereal is placed in front of her. She looks at the maid as she walks off unable to give her thanks. “Well. I'll have a look around for you Twi, we know that there's plenty of hidden rooms all throughout the palace. So one is bound to have something that can help you out in that regard” Shining says with a smile. “If you want Twilight I can look for it” Spike says swiftly. “So I can help out” “Alright Spike” Twilight says patting Spike’s head, giving him a good reason to not come with her to the structure. She then looks at Shining and gives him an apologetic smile. “Sorry about teleporting out of dinner like that. I was in a hurry” “It's no problem Twi” Shining says waving his hoof dismissing the problem. “We both know how you are” He finishes with a chuckle as he finishes his bowl. Twilight laughs hesitantly as she rubs the back of her head in embarrassment. “I had a good theory, pop up” Twilight states before looking at her brother. “Anyways. I should probably head to the Cathedral to insure I'm not late” Twilight says with a smile as she pushes her half emptied bowl away. Shining rolls his eyes before speaking. “If you insist Twilight, I'll watch Spike” “Thanks Shining” Twilight says with a smile as she swiftly stands and trots out of the dining hall followed by her two guards. A short walk later, Twilight finds herself flanked by Shield as her other two guards fall in behind Arrow and Knight. “Good morning Shield” Twilight stats happily as they turn down a corridor headed to the main exit. “Morning Princess” Shield nods as they continue forward. As they continue on there way, another group walks towards them to the left side of the corridor. A familiar gleaming grey pony in the front of the group, his head held high and his mane styled to flow behind his head. Something Rarity would call ‘marvelous’, if she didn’t know anything about this Sir Crust.. Behind him where two younger ponies dressed similarly to him wearing tailored suits and sharing the same colouration. And behind them where three crystal guards which bore no marks of the Empire. The two groups neared and Twilight manages to get a better view of the three guards, each has a crest on their chest plating showing a stalk of grain, each guard seemed to be armed with a blade strapped to their side. Suddenly, Sir Crust’s croup stops as he turns to face Twilight and looks down towards her being taller. “Why, if it isn’t the Emperor's dear sister. Princess Twilight Sparkle” He says with a hate filled tone, his eyes gleaming with ill intent. Shield steps forward causing Sir Crust to move his focus from Twilight to Shield. “Ah, and her personal guards. How Lovely” He states with mild amusement. Twilight glares at the noble before replying in a neutral tone “And what exactly are you here for, Sir Crust” The stallion flashes her a smile which makes her back crawl, “Just an audience with your brother Princess. Nothing to concern your pretty little head over” He then pushes past Shield and his party follows, one of the younger stallions breaking his cold gaze to give Twilight an apologetic smile. Twilight watches them round the corner which she had come from and huffs before walking forward, resuming towards the main entrance. “The nerve of that stallion” Twilight huffs. “I understand that I’m a new princess, and i may not even want to be bowed to. But that doesn’t mean he can just walk around as if he owns the place” She states with a stomp of her hoof. “It’s alright Princess. Sir Crust is one of those nobles which your brother spoke of. I’m sure he’ll be sorted out soon” Shield stats as the other members of the party voice their agreement. “I just wish it was Shield” Twilight begins with a heavy sigh “From what little I’ve read, when things like this happen. Princess Celestia would end it with a simple discussion. But she isn’t here. And Shinning is needing an army to help” She pauses to collect her thoughts for a moment as they turn again coming to the main hallway and towards the gate. “Equestria hasn’t have an armed conflict for over five hundred years! The closest thing to a conflict being the changeling invasion But that was ended within a day!” She exclaims before hanging her head in frustration. After a long moment of silence and the palaces gleaming floors turning to the more rough cobbled crystal paths, Shield speaks up. “I’m not surprised you would think that way Princess” Shield begins. “But what the majority of the public doesn't know, is that equestria while not in a war for centuries has had its fair share of conflict. Primarily with feral dragons and diamond dog tribes. But there has been several large skirmishes. And after the changeling invasion. There has been far more activity along our borders with the bad lands. To say the least Princess. While most ponies do not know this things, there is conflict in equestria, however it’s kept to a minimum” Shield finishes looking at Twilight. “If there is so much conflict, why doesn’t anypony know about?” Twilight asks after a moment of silence. “Simple. It would provoke fear from the citizens. Especially when there's no need for it.” Shield stats indifferently. “Ponies are happier thinking that everything is going well. Hence why your brother assigned us to you. Unlike normal guards we are combat trained and tested” She pauses as they past a trio of crystal guards bearing crests of some noble. “And from what little we know. The Crystal ponies are no stranger to warfare” Twilight nods her head as she takes in the information. “That makes sense. Judging from my experience in Ponyville when Zecoria came to town the first time, i would think that most ponies would faint if they heard of armed combat” Twilight states. The group walks in relative silence as they take the main road towards the cathedral. There’s a fair amount of crystal guards walking about as well as Solar guards. All of them armed with some sort of polearm, weather a spear or a halberd. A new sight for Twilight, seeing all of the armed guard walking about. Finally, she turns to speak to Shield once more. “Do you think there's going to be a revolt?” Twilight asks, causing Shield’s face to harden as she clearly thinks. “Hopefully not” Shield stats after a moment, avoiding the answer. “That's not a very good answer” Twilight says slowly as to not sound irritated or displeased with Shield. Shield sighs deeply before speaking “If you truly want the answer Princess. You just need to look around you” She gestures to the various guards about the streets. “Both sides are out in force, your brother’s guards and the Nobles soldiers. And all it takes is one action to light a fire” Shield states solemnly. Nodding her head sadly, Twilight puts on a smile to hide the tell tale signs of depression. “Thank you for trying Shield, but i think i understand what all of this means” She chuckles sadly “I have read a lot of books after all, more than one about some of the other races history. And some of Equestria's as well” Twilight says before growing silent. The group walked in silence the remainder of the trip, as they approached the Cathedral. It became apparent that it was now under heavy guard and certainly a hot topic for news ponies. A dozen or more Solar Guards stood at attention keeping the crowd of news ponies away, multiple cameras flashing and a babble of voices making it impossible to tell what was being said. “Maybe a different route?” Arrow suggests earning a nod from Shield and Twilight's other guards. “A good plan private” Shield stats as she turns to Twilight waiting for her opinion on the subject. Twilight meanwhile looks over the crowd before shaking her head firmly. “No, there just reporters” She begins firmly as she walks forward with purpose. “We'll have to deal with them eventually. And better now then later” Shield falls in next to Twilight “Very well Princess. We'll do it your way qy” Shield states as the other guards maneuver into their correct positions. The group approaches the mass of ponies and a few griffins all trying to get the latest scoop of information. The babel of shouts becomes understanding, primarily the reporters questioning the heavy presence of guards in the area. One of the Solar guards notices Twilight and shouts behind him to his commanding officer. A Sergeant from what Twilight can tell. The Sergeant turns his gaze towards Twilight and her escort before stepping forward. He seemingly puffs up his chest before shouting with a thunderous voice “You shall all maintain a professional level in front the Princess! If you continue to violate the laws of Equestria, you shall be arrested!” The effect is emiddient, nearly every reporter stops speaking and turns towards Twilight. The Sergeant then steps back and calls over his shoulder, the Cathedral doors open and several more guards come trotting out to push the reporters apart making a path for Twilight. Twilight and her guards walks through the silent reporters, all that can be heard are quills on parchment and hoof steps. She makes it to the top of the Cathedral steps and turns to address the reporters after giving the Sargent a smile. Twilight takes a breath to calm herself before beginning, “Hello Everypony and Everygriffon. As you all should know. I am Princess Twilight Sparkle. And I would request that you all leave these good guardponies alone. And in return I'll answer three questions. As my day is fairly busy” She finishes with a smile being as truthful as she can be with the crowd. The crowd of reporters stare at Twilight silently for a moment before barraging her with questions and frantic hoof and claw waving to get her attention. Looking through the crowd she chooses a random reporter and sounds of disappointment are heard as they grow silent. The reporter chosen is a brown earth pony stallion with grey mane and a simple jacket. He holds are small notepad in one hoof. He smiles are speaks up so all the reporters can hear. “Princess Twilight. What is it that could possibly require so many guards and your presence? And cause you to avoid the press at every turn?” Many of the reporters present nod there heads in approval of the questions, while all ready themselves for the answer. Twilight smiles at the questions “That was two questions but, I'll allow” She begins. “The reason for all of this is because I'm doing a private project with several other historians. And, the guards are because my brother. Prince Shining Armor is still as protective as ever” She giggles slightly earning few chuckles from the crowd. “He even went as far to have several personal guards assigned to me” Twilight states earning multiple cynical stares and dozens of camera flashes. Shield all the while stands like a statue next to her. To any onlooker it would appear that she is calm like all the other guards present. But Twilight can hear the distinct sound of grinding teeth. She pushes multiple thoughts to the side and speaks once more. “And the reason for avoiding you fine reporters is due to the fact that I have been quite busy as of late and don't want to be distracted” The reporters quickly jot down what little information they can before looking for attention once again. A particularly large Griffon taking to the air as to stand out more shouting Princess repeatedly. After a moment the large Griffon is pointed at and the others groan but settle down. The Griffon is clearly male and has dark brown feathers with black tips and golden fur, a camera is slung around his neck, he holds a quill in one claw and note pad in the other. The Griffon clears his throat before speaking with a rough voice “Princess Sparkle, if it isn't a bother, could you explain to us just what this project of yours is?” Twilight smiles at the large griffin before replying. “Well. As I said before it is private project. And as I am not the head of the project it wouldn't be my place to state much about it” She gives the Griffon and the crowd an apologetic smile before continuing. “However I can indulge you all in a little information. The team is being lead by the famous Professor Tombs and we are currently searching through an ancient excavation site” This earns multiple looks of surprise as the many reporters write down the new information. Some heading off back towards the center of such town. Then the frenzy of asking the last question begins. The reporters practically jumping over each other to be acknowledged and in few cases doing just that. After a moment a thought Twilight points to teal unicorn mare with a light blue and white mane. Earning more groans from the others as they quiet down. The mare steps forward and with as large grin begins with a thick manehattan accent. “Minty Press here from the Manehattan Times, Princess. Now if you don't mind. Would you mind sharing information regarding the Increase of guards from both Solar Guard and Crystal Guard present in the city, as well as multiple trains coming in dropping off even more guards into the city?” The crowd of reporters suddenly grow completely quiet. Not even the sound of writing can be heard as the reporter's look at Twilight eagerly. Twilight puts on her best ‘Princess’ face which is meant to show a calm and collected leader. But Twilight has yet to master the face, she begins thinking of all the possible scenarios involving this knowing her next actions can affect many things. “Well Princess?” the reporter Minty Press asks expectantly. Pushing her anxiety to the side Twilight begins to speak, forcing herself to not stutter. “Well. In regards to that. I know little about that. As I have been focusing on this project of mine. And other. Private matter” She states with a forced smile before slowly backing towards the door. “Now. I must be going. So have a good day” Twilight states before making a quick retreat inside the Cathedral followed by her guards. Just as the large Cathedral doors close with a thud she can hear the shouts of the reporters. Just as bad as before, if not worst. Sighing deeply she looks around the room spotting a clearly irritated Shield giving hush orders to other guards. “Don't worry about it Princess” A guard stallion says to her left. “From what I know, the Lieutenant means well. She's just well…” He trails off for a moment. “You know” Twilight looks to the guard noting that his Enchantment is currently activated making him look like all the other solar guards. “Thank you…” Twilight begins. “Oh! Private Maple Wood your highness” He says with a smile and a quick bow. “Well. Thank you Private. It's good to know that others understand Lieutenant Shield” Twilight starts with a smile before Maple looks up and puts on a stoic look and giving a crisp salute. “Return to your post Private” Shield states with a harsh tone before looking towards Twilight and giving a quick bow as Maple Wood heads off without a peep. “We are prep to move out Princess. The Guards up here have the situation under control” Twilight gives her a small smile. “Very well. Let's meet up with the professor then. Shouldn't keep him waiting much longer” Twilight says before walking towards the excavation site. Being down the main hallway to the left. Quickly they find themselves in the bland hallway as before and then walk into the excavation room finding a pacing Professor Blade and the rest of the team minus Gem Cutter Cutter and the two blacksmiths. “Ah! Princess! Glad you made it” Tombs shouts happily causing the clearly troubled Professor Blade and the others to look towards her. “Take it the rabble outside slowed you down yea?” Tombs asks pleasantly. “Yea, but nothing I couldn't handle” Twilight states with a smile before thinking over the events and giving a deep sigh. “Unfortunately, i had to tell the reporters something otherwise they wouldn’t leave. And I happened to mention that you were leading the team” She says with an apologetic smile. Tombs shrugs indifferently to the news while the rest of the team simply return to their work. Professor Blade however continues to pace grumbling something. “It's no biggy Twilight, they were bound to catch wind of this. And that's why we got Dusty here. He’s both an experienced historian and he has a way with the crowds” Tombs chuckles lightly before looking at Dusty who’s reading a book at the back of the room. “Ain’t that right Dusty?!” Tombs shouts at him earning a glare and an odd gesture of Dusty raising a foreleg and then crossing it with his other standing on his hind legs for a moment. Earning a laugh from Tombs and the others. “Yea, Dusty has it covered Princess, don’t you worry” He then gestures her to follow him as he heads towards one of the tables with multiple charts. “Anyways, come along Twilight” He states as Twilight follows next to him. “Your tardiness is actually a stroke of luck on your part, as just a few minutes ago the Stroke lad came in with the first of many reports regarding the metal they extracted from the structure. And you are just in time to look it over, rather than having to wait around if you were on time” He chuckles as he stops at the table propping himself up as he moves a sheet of paper with a table into view. The table shows multiple natural metal compounds along with a percentage for each compound. What is most not worthy is how the vast majority appears to be simply iron with another large percentage being tungsten. However, a quarter of the metal remains unknown. “Quick Stroke says his father believes that this is some sort of steel, however something which is centuries more advanced than anything we have access to. He thinks the reason why it's lasted so long is due to the process which was used in making it, but he hasn’t the slightest clue about how it was made. Hence why the Stroke’s are not with us” Tombs explains calmly before sliding another paper into view. “Now, this is what I wanted you to see Princess” Tombs states seriously. “It's the first test result from samples taken from the damaged bits of the Structures.” Twilight pulls the report into view and begins to read it in relative silence. Metal Slag Sample #1 Researcher Silent Charm I shall be using an Arcane Extractor to process the metal slag we have recovered from the damaged areas the structure to give us a more clear image of what has occurred. From initial readings from the extractor there is multiple unknown components which it cannot read which was to be expected, however the device seems to be encountering multiple problems with the extraction of data. Almost as if this metal is resistant to magic. I shall decrease the speed and increase power in hope this will help. I’ve seem to find the correct amount of power to use and the device is working efficiently once more. However the readings are showing that there is air bubbles within the metal slag, and that it may be these pockets which hold the source of the problem. After slowing the device even more I have determined that when the extractor breaches one of these pockets, the device begins to lose power as if the matter inside the pockets absorbs the magic. After further testing I believe this to be the case. However I do not believe this to be intentional. It would appear that when when the metal was melted some sort of matter in the air was trapped inside the pockets. I believe this due to the fact that the non damaged sample has no such problems and that. The device just broke down. It would appear that whatever was inside those pockets proved too much for the device to handle. From this point forward it is advised to be careful when near or within the structures and report if one's natural magic is affected. Researcher Silent Charm After reading the small report Twilight frowns in thought unsure what to make of this information. After several moments she looks to Tombs and speaks. “Was there anything else?” “Nothing besides the fact that when the structures were damaged something in the air was locked away and it absorbs magic or neglects it completely” Tombs replies. “I think we should ask Hope about that when we meet with her again” Twilight nods her head in agreement “Could you bring one of the samples with us?” Twilight asks. “Of course” Tombs replies with a smile as Professor Blade walks towards them with a huff. “Can we get a move on. I want to have a look at this ‘Unmare Armor’ of yours and speak with that machine” He says with clear annoyance. “Why of court Professor” Tombs says with an exaggerated smile before walking past Professor Blade and calling out to the others “Alrighty everypony. We've got everything on the ground via the crane. And now that the Princess is here we can get a move on!” The team quickly pack up what they are doing and head down the stairwell to begin the day of historical finds. It became apparent to the ponies as soon as they came into view of the structures that things were amissed. Small beings moved about building multiple structures, connecting slabs of metal with a bright light. Larger beings moved in and out of the structures carrying large boxes and crates which the smaller beings quickly converged upon. As they got closer they found that these strange begins where not so strange after all. But resembling the ‘Drone’ and ‘Bots’ as they performed their tasks. It was clear that a wall was being built as well as support beams which came from the ground to the cavern ceiling. And finally hundreds of lights lit up the entire area. Twilight finds herself looking over the many different types of machines. There are two main small machines, one being like the drone which floats above the ground but having two arms. One to look hold things and arms out her which creates the bright light. The other small machines being bipedal and having a scrawny looking body which was almost skeletal and a flat dome shaped head with a single eye like area. They seemed to be used as carriers moving the smaller supplies about. Both being close to the size of a pony. Then there where the large machines which were also bipedal but seemed to be slow and precise and able to carry large amounts of weight. They looked identical to the small bipedal machines but larger and bulkier. These machines were easily the size of a small single story building. As the group approached the machines paid them no mind and even machines around the group to not hinder their progress. The ponies gawked at the sheer amount of work being done and all the machines moving about without any problem. Suddenly Strong Hoof shouts in annoyance drawing everypony to look at him. Finding one of the larger machines trying to look pick up the cart which held all of the team's equipment. “You leave this alone” He states glaring the ‘eye’ of the machine. The group seems to tense up. But after a moment the machine let's go of the cart and heads off to perform another task. Strong Hoof grunts and heads forward again. “What are all of you gawking at?” He questions with a glare earning a chuckle from Tombs as the group moved on. As they entered the main structure noting that the door was now wide open, the same being for the other structures. The inside was cleaned and all the lights on. The side hallway was cleared of the skeletons and the place seemed pristine. Even though the colors were bland and nothing shined. “Well. Looks like they cleaned everything up” Tombs says casually earning multiple looks of ‘You think?’, “My only question is why?” “I don't care why! I want to know who!” Professor Blade exclaims. “They are removing historical data!” He shouts earning a few glares which he ignores. “Now, now Professor. You need to remember. None of this is ours. It's not like it's some abandoned city. There clearly someone living here” Tombs explains to Professor Blade as if he were a colt. “Don't paintranize me Tombs. I'm the most experienced historian here. And this is outrageous. This machine know why we are here. And should have left everything be! And now it's off building something as we speak as well as desecrating historical data!” Professor Blade shouts angrily before stomping off deeper into the structure. “Shouldn't we make sure he doesn't do anything?” Strong Hoof asks. “He'll be alright Strong. And if he does anything I'm sure Hope can stop him” Tombs replies with a smile before moving on. The group heads deeper into the structure passing machines and finding much of the same. Inside the warehouse they find the place in a frenzy of organized chaos. Machines of all types zipped about carrying parts and boxes. While bigger machines moved crates to different areas our outside. As the group looks about two bipedal machines approach them looking similar to the creatures in the videos. But more angular, as well as having heads as if they were a helm. Each appeared as if they wore armor, and yet they still moved without problem. They stopped in front of the group and one spoke something in there natural language. Earning confused looks from the equestrians. One of the machines then gestures with its hand as if to follow them. The group wordlessly follow the two machines back to the center of the warehouse where they find the computer and then Hope as she appears in front of them once more giving them a warm smile. As warm a picture can give that is. “Hello Everyone. And welcome” Hope begins “I hope that the activities are of no problem?” She asks. “Well. No problems. Just curious as to why. And why you cleaned up all skeletons and basically everything else” Tombs says. Hope looks at him and nods. “I am constructing the staging area as I'm instructed to do so. It's a primary building which will protect all of the bunkers and act as a control center” She begins calmly. “As to removing the Skeletal remains. It seems like the proper thing to do according to my data banks” Tombs nods slowly “I understand. However you've mentioned ‘data banks’ several times now and I'm wondering what those are” He asks pleasantly. “Data Banks are where all the information which my creator have given me. All of the information of humanity. From their darkest actions to their most brilliant achievements” Hope replies neutrally. “So. Everything about ‘Humanity’ is in your data banks?” Tombs asks slowly, earning a nod from Hope. “Alright. What's this about following instructions all about?” Hope smiles somewhat “I have a list to follow after my activation. My first task is to construct a secure complex and get all defenses online. From this point I will activate the farming complexes as well as manufacture to begin proper production. Then I will assert the Next. However due to my connection with all the automated systems. I can perform all of these tasks at the same time” She explains. “Now. That's quite a large amount of work you have to do. Mind if I ask why you need to get defensives up and running?” Tombs asks pleasantly. Hope seems to look bashful for a moment before adopting a calm expression once more. “The list advices this as one of the primary objectives to do. And from what I gather. My creator enjoy the saying ‘Better safe than sorry’ and I believe this is the best course of action” Hope explains earning a nod from Tombs. Twilight steps forward and smiles at Hope. “If you don't mind I have a few more questions for you. Before we start with the lessons you had planned for us” Twilight says. “Very well” Hope says simply. Twilight smiles and looks behind her levitating a container housing one of the metal samples from the damaged structures. “We were running our tests and found that there is some sort of matter in the air pockets which caused our equipment to malfunction. Is it possible you could tell us what it is?” Twilight ask with an enthusiastic smile. Hope nods “Please remove it from the container and place it on the ground infront of you” She says as Twilight does as instructed. A hum then fills the air as Hope closes her eyes as if in thought. After a moment she opens her eyes and speaks calmly. “The matter in the pockets is condensed radioactive particles, however it appears to be more stable then normal which is the only explanation for how the matter to still exist” “Radioactive particles?” Twilight asks slowly clearly confused and curious as she levitates her notepad to take notes. Hope looks at her for a moment as if debating sharing the information. After a moment she sighs and begins. “The quick version is that radiation is a by product of two atoms fusing together. And if you do not know what atoms are, It'll take to long to explain” Twilight nods slowly wanting to know more but respecting what Hope said. “Alright. So. Can we begin with those lessons?” Twilight asks enthusiastically. Hope smiles and nods her head “of course. It'll take some time but I'll be here to help you if need be” She states as several drones hover over dropping off large stacks of paper, enough for each pony present. “We shall begin with the translation of sounds and move on from there” Hope states earning a very un-princess like squeal of excitement from Twilight and looks of shock from the others. Twilight leans over the console peering at the screen as she slowly types having mastered the basics of the ‘English’ language. Now able to read and write most words and having the ability to just find the definition of a word new instantly thanks to the ‘Computer’. The others for the most part seem to be progressing at a steady pace. Mostly thanks to most of them having knowledge in ancient pony languages and access to translation spells. Unfortunately. All of them had difficulty pronouncing the sounds needed for the various letters in the human alphabet. Making speaking it nearly impossible. Hope meanwhile sits by the console looking over the group of ponies trying to learn a language they can't even speak. “How is it you were able to grasp English so well Princess?” Hope asks sounding interested. “Well. I've always been one to seek new knowledge. And once i figured the base rules of the language and how sentence structure works. I was able to accurately predict the meaning of the words and how to use the ‘Computer’ allowing me to easily find new words and more information” Twilight states proudly as she levitates her note book jotting down more notes. “And I take it you are translating the online data banks of the English dictionary to Equestrian?” Hope ask earning nod and more button pressing. “Since I understand the basics. I may as well try and help the others. And this feels like the best method” Twilight states before pausing in her quest to look at Hope. “How goes your understanding of the Equestrian language?” Twilight asks pleasantly having given hope several foal teaching aids and an equestrian dictionary for when she understood enough to move on. “I've mastered your language and created a English to Equestrian dictionary and currently I am working on other translations of well” Hope says indifferently as Twilight look at Hope bewildered. “But. How. I'm not even close to being finished and I've been at this for an hour!” Twilight exclaims. “I have greater proceeding capabilities then you” Hope says simply as if saying that the sky is blue. Twilight sputters for a minute before removing herself from the ‘Computer’, planting her hooves upon the ground and huffing. “Well in that case. Could you please give some copies to the others” Hope frowns for a moment before nodding “Very well Princess. Is there anything else I can help you with?” Hope asks somewhat neutrally. Twilight gives her a small smile before replying “No thank you. I think I'll continue to make my own dictionary” “If that's what you want” Hope states before slowly standing. “I'll return in a moment. If you need me ask” She states before vanishing, the domes that project her dulling. “By Celestia! This Language doesn't make any sense!” Tombs suddenly shouts in frustration as he sets on his hind legs and crosses his fore legs huffing. Several hours and many frustrated outburst later, the group calls it a day and heads back out. They said their farewells to Hope and met with Professor Blade and Strong Hoof by the entrance to the structure. Blade looking quite pleased with himself, despite his earlier remarks. Strong notices the group first and gives a relieved smile before calling out to them. “Good day I take it? You lot look more worn out then us” “You don't know the half of it” Lyra moans out as she slumps along. “Tough day?” Strong asks with a chuckle. “Tough is one word for it, Hope forced us to master her native language in a day” Tomb says with a tired sigh. “Knowledge overload. Plus the fact that the language makes no sense. All the rules that break each other and some words having the same spelling but different meaning. It's horrible” Tomb states earning mutters of agreement and a laugh from Strong. “Well. We had a good day. The Professor managed to track down where the machine’s remains where and was able to inspect it. And I was able to collect multiple medical supplies and catalog different machines for you Silent” He says with good humor to the unicorn. “But that's not the best part. Just look at all the work those things did in the span of time” As the group looks about, it seems as if they have entered a new building. Made out of the same material but a completely new addition. The stepped into a hallway which leads to another set of large doors currently open which lead to a T section. “You two been through here yet?” Twilight asks suddenly. “No, we’ve been waiting here for the rest of you” Strong says over the sound of machines in the distance. “Well, best just head forward then” Tombs states proudly before walking forward taking the right corridor, his hooves making loud clops upon the metal flooring. The others follow him passing several doorways along the way, all thick doors which have no obvious method of opening. Before long the group reaches a rounded corner leading to another long corridor almost identical to the last. “You’d think they would at least change things up” Tombs remarks as he heads forward. “I don’t think this place is supposed to be pretty, but instead functional” Twilight states as she overlooks the large doors and the multiple supporting arches throughout the corridor. “Right you are Princess” Professor blade state's cutting off Tombs before he could even respond. “From what I’ve gathered these people were heavily reliant on efficiency and order. Which explains why there machines are made to be so orderly. They build what's needed not what's wanted” He finishes with a smile of sorts. “But” Tombs begins as he moves to walk beside Professor Blade, “This is a Military Complex. And Order is apart of any military. We can’t use one place of reference to determine the entire race” Tombs finished as if explaining an obvious answer. Professor Blade scuffs as a hovering machine fly's by them giving off a slight hum, “And this facility proves they were an orderly and militaristic people. Why else would they build shelters like this? If not because they were a warning people” He states back with certainty. Twilight meanwhile frowns in thought as if mewling over something that the Professors said. After a moment of thought she takes out her notepad from her saddle bags as well as a quill and begins to jot down her thoughts. “Perhaps you are both right” Twilight states as the group pauses at another T section, this one having a way forward and to the right. Professor Blade looks as if he wishes to argue for a moment before smiling at Twilight, “Alright, go on then Princess” He states earning a slight nod from Tombs in agreement. “Well, from what the recording we found told us” Twilight begins as she turns right figuring it's a way out.”These facilities were made to save their people. From a great war and a plague of sorts. It leads me to believe that these people started off as something like ourselves or any other nation. But where drove to become a militant people to combat many threats” Twilight states as they walks towards a great door much like the one which the original facility has. As they get closer it begins to open an alarm goes off causing the group to flatten their ears from the horrid sound. While a flashing orange light above the door at the center seems to spin so the light moves along the walls and ground. Before long the door opens half way and the alarm ceases allowing the ponies sensitive ears to recover. Looking through the wide gap they can see the nearly fully illuminated cave which the facility resides in, as well as multiple machines going about their tasks. “A decent guess as any Princess” Professor Blade states as he passes Twilight taking point, the rest of the group following behind him as they returned to the surface for a much needed break.