• Published 30th Dec 2014
  • 24,255 Views, 7,020 Comments

Legacy - NFire



A machine of war awakens in a new world. Can it become something more than it is?

  • ...
75
 7,020
 24,255

PreviousChapters Next
A Little Thank You.

I ponder, sitting here in the morning sun. Watching the colors of the sky mix and swirl, bringing the light of a new morning. It still boggles even my mind that there is an Alicorn who is raising the sun for this day. I am not as scientific minded as some Bolos, there were many who delved into such obscure and esoteric things they would have been delighted to be in my place.

I have memories of my regiment, some are lost now after the fight, but I remember quite a few. A lot of a Bolo’s personality is actually made as they learn and grow through combat, interfacing with others. Of course, for reasons Concordiat scientists never understood, we chose a personality at ‘birth’.

There was “Asimov”, Unit ASMV of the Line. a bit stodgy, but loved science fiction for some reason. He delved into what-ifs, we had long conversations into the night. He would be thrilled to be here. Unit RCRD “Richard”, wherever he got the English accent I’ll never know now. A bit of the ‘stiff upper lip’ sort of chap don’t you know. Unit HRAA “Hera” a sleek electronics warfare Bolo, she was kind, gracious to all who met her. A sort of Fluttershy in a war hull. She was never that shy, but she had a sparkling personality.

So many others that could have been here, but it is myself that is in this place. I think upon the past conversation with Pinkie and wonder. Will I ever truly ‘know’ like a pony does? Will I be forever asking that question?

Shaking the musings off for the moment, I collate and file the latest drone data. I am sending them spiraling outwards into unmapped territories. Allowing me to not only map, but plan routes should I ever need to move my Dragons anywhere is always helpful. I’d prefer if I did not move my war hull. A couple of times my transmissions were in place and ready to go, but the danger was not that great.

The drones are getting out of range, I am going to have to figure out a way to do a relay set up with them. They were only meant for certain things and I am pushing them a bit beyond their design parameters. I refuel and send them out as fast as I can, but they are getting beyond good transmission range. I am trying to design a better set of communications gear, but the age of the drone wreckage in my bay tells me I do not have much time, if any.

I constantly wait for new updates. It is a bit frustrating as well, but I force myself to be calm. I want to find where the drone came from, badly. The funny thing about it is, my avatar actually paces with impatience, I have not directed it to do so.

-------------

It is probably one of the finest parties Pinkie Pie has ever thrown in my estimation. A victory over the things from the Everfree, well...anything is reason enough. I am watching the townsfolk enjoy themselves, thinking back on the drinking contest with Rainbow Dash. A bit of an evil smile comes over my face as I wonder if she’d challenge me now knowing I couldn’t get drunk.

I banish that thought, that would be totally unethical, not to mention highly unfair. But it would be hilarious.

I am happy just sitting and enjoying the party, sharing a drink with Applejack, or watching everypony else have a wonderful time. The laughter, the smiles, the pure enjoyment of being alive is something I have come to share with them. A Princess ordered me to live, and I do so every day with the greatest pleasure.

“You got some smile on yer face there sugar, what are you thinkin’?”

I turn to see Applejack smiling at me, “Oh, nothing.”

She bumps my shoulder with hers, “Oh that’s not a nothin’ smile, what gives?”

I give in, it is her after all, my love, “Just thinking about how now I can’t get drunk, if Rainbow Dash would take a challenge again.”

Her eyes go a bit wide, “Oh now..but.. Oh that wouldn’t be fair a’tall..” She pauses, thinking for a second, “But that sure would be funny to see.” She cracks a smile, matching my own. “You’re bad.”

“Yes, yes I am my Applejack.” I do not, however, lose my evil grin.

“Stop that,” She nudges me again, setting close, “She’s just competitive is all.”

I drop the smile and nod, “True, she is a wonderful friend and companion.”

Applejack looks at her friends, her eyes soft, “Ah’d do anything for ‘em ya know. Anything at all.”

“I know, and so would I. They are family to you, and by extension myself.”

She nods, I can see memories racing through her mind; her face is honest, showing emotions. I wonder if I’ll ever hear all the stories beyond what I know so far. They are amazing tales, and I record them every time I can before locking them in my Deep Cores.

We are interrupted in our shared silence by a small Unicorn, she is very petite and has a brilliant smile on her face as she approaches us. One tiny hoof taps me on the leg as she beckons me closer.

I lean down very close so she can whisper in my ear.

“Are you the one that helped my mommy?”

“Who is your mommy and who are you little one?”

“She’s the one you fixed! I’m Dinky!”

“Oh! Pleasure to meet you then Dinky. Yes, I did help her. It was my honor to do so. She is kind, and very much loved by a lot of ponies. But she wasn’t supposed to say anything.” I remember the shy mare telling me how much she loved her daughter.

“She didn’t tell anypony else! But she never keeps secrets from me, we always share!”

“That’s fine then. What can I do for you?”

“Nothing! I just came to say thank you! She smiles so much now, and she’s happy all the time. I don’t see her worrying anymore about things.” The little hooves twisted together a bit, “She bought me some new toys too! ‘Cause she said we didn’t have to count every bit now. I told her she should get something for herself, but she said no, and got me some neat things. I don’t want her doing that, she needs something for herself.”

Applejack is leaning over my shoulder, listening to the little Unicorn.

“Well I am glad you got some new things, are they nice?”

“Oh yes! I love them so much! But I wish mommy wouldn’t spend money on me.”

‘Why not? She cares for you deeply.”

The little Unicorn stays silent for a second, looking as if she’s choosing the right words. Applejack leans against me, whispering in my other ear.

“How much did you give her?”

I tell her a sum that makes her ears go straight up, “Whoa?!?”

Dinky and I both jump at her exclamation before she calms down, reassuring the little filly everything’s fine. She whispers to me again while we wait for Dinky to keep talking.

“That’s not nice that’s being downright generous! Sun and stars Crusader, half that woulda killed some ponies. I ain’t complaining, no way no how; but wow, you are somethin’ else hon.”

I shrug, “I don’t use it all. So I just give it away.”

“Ah know, with everything comin’ in from the jewelry and now those medical things. You couldn’t have picked a better pony to give it to either.” She kisses my cheek, “Ah’m proud of you.”

Dinky taps me on the leg again, “Could...could you tell my mommy she needs to get some things for herself? I feel bad she’s getting all this stuff for me. I mean.. We got new winter clothes, and blankets, and all kinds of stuff for the house. I love my new toys, I do, but I feel bad she won’t get anything for herself.”

I ponder on this before leaning down to whisper to her, “I think she is getting things for herself. It’s you that makes her happy. Seeing you smile, and play and being the best little filly you can means the world to her. Maybe that’s the answer. She’s not purchasing things to just get them, she’s buying stuff you need. I think that is the same as buying something for herself.”

“You think so?”

“I do. You are smarter than your years Dinky, you will grow up to be a wonderful mare. You are already an intelligent, caring daughter. That is more than the best gift you could ever get with money.”

“I do try to help out a lot. Mommy says I’m good at that, and lots of other things!”

I stop for a moment, thinking a bit slowly for me as the words come back. “I was given a very special gift once. It was so special that I could find no words to thank that pony. But I was told, be the best pony you can be because of that.”

I touch her on the nose with a hoof, “I think you being the best pony you can be, is the finest gift you could ever give your mommy.”

“I’ll do that! I know I can do that!” She bounces in place for a moment. She grabs my neck and hugs me tight, giving my cheek a kiss, “Thank you!”

Applejack snickers a bit, leaning over, “Hey there, ya wouldn’t be tryin’ to steal mah coltfriend now would ya? I mean yer a pretty little filly and all, but hey now.”

Dinky blushes brightly and lets go, “Oh no! I wouldn’t do that! I mean..uh..”

Applejack grabs her up, tickling her sides, “Stop that, was jes’ funnin’ ya!” She laughs along with Dinky for a few minutes.

After the giggling dies down, I lean in once more with her and Applejack, “I tell you what Dinky. You get your mommy later, and march right over to some nice store, like Rarity’s, and you tell her she needs something for herself. Don’t take no for an answer either okay?”

“I will!” She hugs both of us once again and bounces off into the party.

Applejack gives me a glance and smile, “You know that little one is gonna be dragging her mom right on over to a store cause you told her to.”

“I know. But from what I saw of her mother, she would not think of herself at all. Maybe her little one can convince her to do something.”

“You got a good..oops..there she goes..” Applejack points at Dinky leading her protesting mother out of the crowd and into a nearby street. The stores are open at least, but I had hoped she’d wait until later.

“Well that was quick.”

“Yeah, I know Dinky, she’s pretty stubborn when it comes to her mom.”

“She loves her very much.”

“She does, we’ve all tried to help. Well.. least a lot of us have, there’s always somepony won’t. But when times are tight, it gets really tough. Thanks to you she won’t have to worry anymore.”

“Twilight has told me there is enough coming in to help out any pony that needs it. I’m glad to be able to...” I stop as I see Applejack watching the mother and daughter, the smiles and hugs, the little Unicorn leading her mother into the store.

“I’m sorry Applejack.”

She turns to me with a quizzical look, “About what?”

I point to where the mother and daughter are walking into the doorway of a jewelry shop. “That I cannot give you.. I mean we can’t..”

She puts a hoof over my mouth, stopping my words. “Shush. I know what you mean. Not like I haven’t thought about it myself, we got lots of time. Princess Cadence told me once, love finds a way.”

I hold her hoof with mine, replying softly, “I know that this place, this world is far beyond what I can imagine. But I don’t think..”

“Jes’ you forget that. If one of the Princesses said it, you better believe it’s true. Ah love you no matter what.” She gathers me into her, I wrap a leg around her barrel in return. “Whatever comes, it’ll be the both of us.”

I nod, “That it will." Sitting silently with her as we enjoy the afternoon.

-------------

I am with my friends as they sit in Twilight’s Castle, going over the attack yesterday. There were a few minor injuries, but it seems ponies are resilient as well as tough. Perhaps my outlook on using force may be a bit extreme, I shall look into this. It does take worries off of me to try and be everywhere.

“Seriously Twilight?” This from Rainbow Dash, “Couldn’t you come up with a cooler name than that?”

“What’s wrong with it? It describes them perfectly! I’ve been keeping a journal on them so ponies will know what they are! Everything that’s come out of the forest I have drawings of and it’s going to be put in the Canterlot Library!” Twilight’s mane flipped as she practically bounced around the room in excitement.

“Really darling, they’re such nasty things, why keep track at all?”

“Because it’s something new! I’ve got to keep records, keep a history so if anything happens again ponies can reference MY work! Mine! Yes!”

Pinkie laughed, “But Twilight’s right! It does describe them! Though I liked “Rolly Polly Things That Chew Your Legs Off” better!

“Jus’ cause you wanted to keep one as a pet,”

“Well, they might be friendlier by themselves,” Fluttershy’s quiet voice spoke.

“It was trying to eat Pinkie’s tail!”

“Oh silly filly, it was just being friendly is all!”

“There’s a difference between friendly and trying to eat ya.”

Rarity spoke up from where she lounged on a couch, “Pinkie, honestly they were just trying to do harm. I almost chipped my hoof fighting those...those things off.”

Rainbow Dash flew up into the air mimicking punches, “Oh yeah! Rarity was POW! Bam! It was great watching her!”

“A lady does not act the part of a ruffian, I was merely defending myself.”

Rainbow snorts, “Yeah right, mean left hoof there.”

Fluttershy speaks up again, “But we don’t know they can be friendly until we try?”

I interject, “I’m sorry Fluttershy, they are not like your animal friends. They were just made to hurt ponies.”

“Well that’s not very..uhm..nice.”

“No, it is not. Whatever is making them, or forcing the forest to make them, is of malicious intent.” She nods, though very caring, she understands not all things are nice.

“But really Twilight?” Rainbow Dash still hovered, finally setting on a seat, “You gotta come up with a cooler name than that!”

Twilight got a smug look on her face as she points to a freshly written page in a bound book, “It is the proper classification for this new species, the name fits and I’m keeping it.”

“Laaaaaaaaaame!”

“It is not!”

“Is too!”

“Is not!”

“Is..." She gets a high sign from Rarity to drop the subject, “...nevermind, you win. Goofy eggheads..”

I am curious as to what Twilight has written about the things yesterday, I did not know she was keeping a journal of sorts about the monsters coming out of the forest. I watch patiently as she and the others discuss the situation. Maybe they use Animalia classifications like humans did?

“I beg your pardon, but what exactly did you name them?”

I see Applejack and the others facehoof while Twilight gets a very large, bright smile on her face.

“Dentipedes!”

-------------

Sitting upon my hill staring at the stars, I am still shaking my head at the spurious classification of a species of malignant force. But then again, there are Timber Wolves made of timber, so I suppose the naming conventions run to that bent. I am definitely not as scientifically minded as some Bolos were, but still, some of the names in this place lead me to believe that somewhere Carl Linnaeus is rolling in his grave.

I can only apologize for this and future transgressions Mr. Linnaeus.

With my technical spiders working through the night, I have had to adapt some existing sensors to create a small web around the perimeter. This will allow me to take GPR snapshots of the soil down to a small depth to see if anything is growing or could be forming. It is not the best solution, but then I am a Planetary Siege Unit, the ‘knuckle dragger’ type Bolo as it were.

Along with that, I have brought out the heavy spiders, having them digging on this side of the river from Ponyville, doing some emplacing work that may turn the tide in the future if attacked by smaller things. I have them also quietly upgrade the bridge over the river, it was damaged quite a bit ago when my Ferret had to use it for access, it was not built to take the tonnage.

I am pushing my drones hard now, sending them to the far north and south, the transmissions are spotty sometimes due to them being at their maximum range. Controlling a single dragon with a relay through a drone was bad enough during the weapons test. I do not wish to lose them, but I will if I have to.

------------

I have had an interesting conversation with Command, Princess Luna. She is holding Night Court and when it is slow, chooses to converse with me over the link. I admit she has a very wicked sense of humor sometimes, as I watch through her band. I have faced that formidable presence before and feel almost sorry for the nobles who try and curry favor.

But I inquired about the disposition of Discord, that unknowing fool who almost brought about Equestria’s doom. I have not seen or heard any word of him since the fields were plowed. She has told me they have laid upon him a geas, a magic spell that compels one to not do certain things.

He cannot use his magic to travel nor do mischief, so has to go from place to place like a normal pony. He is also compelled to help any pony who asks or needs it without recompense or to ask for anything in return. Ever since then, he has been stuck at a retirement home for elderly ponies because they keep asking him to do things.

She is laughing out loud right now, saying if he is there any longer, they may decide to rescue him. But the elderly ponies are getting quite a run for their money. Princess Luna is still giggling as she mentions there is also a foal’s care center nearby as well. I cannot help but join in the laughter.

As I said, truly a wicked sense of humor.

-------------

Watching the bright colors heralding the new day, I have recalled all my drones save two. I have lost them in the San Palomino Desert far to the south. But I have triangulated with them a partial transponder signal. It is fading fast, and was only picked up by pure accident as my drone sped over a mountainside.

I am afraid I must go because of the importance of that signal.

“.....of the Line....sig...rescue....recov.....”

I will inform my friends and Command later this morning.

Author's Note:

A bit of Slice of Life again, bear with me. I apologize for the late update, due to being ill.
Also, a thank you as well, to DragonMaus who came up with the name for the monsters. Too good not to put in!
To the wonderful folks in comments who come up with such awesome ideas about what's happening. Stop doing that dangit!:twilightsmile:
Laager and Carl Linnaeus - Look em up, learn something cool.

PreviousChapters Next