10. I Rove, Therefore I am
*** Mission Log: Sol 5169 ***
*** PanCAM: Sample detected ***
*** IDD: Extending Instrument Deployment Device ***
*** MI: Beginning Microscopic Imaging ***
*** MI – ERROR: undefined ***
*** MI: Beginning Microscopic Imaging ***
*** MI – ERROR: undefined ***
*** MI: Beginning Microscopic Imaging ***
*** MI: Imaging underway ***
*** Spectrographic Analysis Queued ***
*** APXS – WARNING: Radioisotope source decaying, additional processing time required ***
*** MB – WARNING: Radioisotope source decayed, instrument offline due to command override ***
*** MTES – WARNING: Mirror obstruction detected, instrument offline due to command override***
*** Attempting to contact DSN ***
*** Connection Not Found ***
*** Attempting to contact MRO-Direct ***
*** Connection Not Found ***
*** Attempting to contact Earth-Direct ***
*** Connection Not Found ***
*** Logging science data for later upload ***
*** PanCAM: Reacquiring Position ***
The blue jay that had spent the last several minutes perched atop Opportunity’s head, while the rover had studied a rock, trilled loudly as the movement beneath its feet interrupted its sunbathing.
Opportunity followed the small bird with its camera as it retreated towards the fountain in the plaza where others of its kind were cooling themselves down in the water. The rover snapped a picture of the frolicking avians, including the one currently giving it a stink eye, and added it to the growing backlog of things to send back home if and when a connection could be established.
It drove on, finding another interesting specimen to look at, a brown and white crumb of irregular shape.
*** AOS – BSN ***
*** Message Received (Source: unknown): Hmmpf! ***
Opportunity looked up to see a donkey giving it an annoyed look. “Do you mind? You’re making them skittish.” The donkey rustled around in a bag that was sitting next to him on the wooden park bench and threw a couple more crumbs out in front of him before looking towards a nearby tree.
A couple of pigeons had taken refuge in its shade. Only one stirred at the movement, eyeing both the bread crumbs and the donkey lazily, before giving a unenthused coo and burying its head beneath its wing.
“Bunch of ingrates,” the donkey mumbled under his breath.
The rover drove closer to the donkey, raising its instrument arm in greeting. “Hello,” it said. “Opportunity,” it added, indicating itself with its instrument arm. It had found those combined actions to be useful when encountering the residents of Ponyville, most of which tended to stare with wide eyes, and one particular group of three even having fainted.
“Hm, I know who you are,” the donkey replied, looking the rover up and down far more calmly than most did in this situation. “Doodle,” he replied shortly.
“Doodle?”
“Yes, Cranky Doodle. That’s my name.”
Opportunity was silent for a moment, going through its logs to identify the species. “Cranky Doodle … Donkey?”
The response came only in the form of a snort, not that Cranky wasn’t used to this reaction when introducing himself.
The instrument arm on the rover moved to indicate the bread crumbs. “Experiment. Study.”
Cranky looked around the plaza on the outskirts of Ponyville, which was deserted except for the two and the critters. That was hardly surprising, despite the warm summer day, given that it was the early afternoon on a Wednesday, and most inhabitants of Ponyville were either at work or school. He gave all the surrounding birds a final, indignant look before answering. “Knock yourself out, I guess. Looks like they all got sick of me coming here every day and feeding them.”
“Thank you,” Opportunity made sure to add before extending its arm and resuming the study of the initial bread crumb. Again, the only answer came in the form of a non-committal grunt.
For a few minutes, the rover continued with its study. “Nice weather we’re having.” Opportunity had long since reasoned that climate studies were almost as important to ponies as they were to its creators, seeing as that particular phrase almost inevitably seemed to creep into any conversation it had ever observed.
There was no immediate response, but when Opportunity turned back towards Cranky, it saw him sniffing the air. “For now, rain coming later today.”
Opportunity turned its main camera towards the sky. Comparing the latest pictures of the sky, the rover agreed. “Projected time until full cloud coverage about 2 hours 30 minutes.”
Predicting weather here was far harder than it had been on Mars. Many times the rover had been surprised by sporadic and unpredictable patterns. It didn’t seem to make sense, though the most anomalous readings always seemed to occur when Pegasus ponies were in the vicinity. Then again, the Sol 5111 dust storm on Mars had been entirely unpredictable as well.
“Hah, not bad,” Cranky said with some amusement creeping into his voice. “That’s one of the Everfree storms blowing in. Most ponies would just look at ya funny and reply that there was no rain on the weather schedule. How’d you know?”
“Experience,” Opportunity replied.
“Hm, outdoors a lot, huh?”
The rover nodded its PanCam up and down. “Opportunity go many places last fifteen years. Eagle Crater, Endurance Crater, Heat Shield Rock, Purgatory Dune, Erebus, Marathon Valley. Now here, keep going.”
Cranky sighed and began staring off into the distance with a complicated expression. “I used to be like that, always on the move, up and down the country. I’ve been to many places in my time: Appleloosa, the Crystal Mountains, the Badlands, the Riverlands, going from Las Pegasus in the West to Manehattan in the East … I miss it.”
Opportunity stopped in the process of analyzing another sample and looked at all the paths leading from the plaza. “Why no travel anymore?” It indicated a certain direction. “That one look interesting. Opportunity always directed to most interesting looking place. So now Opportunity try pick most interesting place to go by self.”
The donkey did a double take when he realized what lay in that direction. “The Everfree?” A smile tugged at his lips and he actually looked amused for a moment. “I suppose that one is always an adventure, yes. But no. My traveling days are behind me. You see, I was looking for something, someone. I found her, even married her.” He went quiet again.
“But Cranky say miss exploring.”
The donkey nodded. “I do. But I’d miss my wife a lot more if I went away. I don’t need to travel anymore, I found what I was looking for. And yet, I seem to have forgotten how to stay put. I don’t know how to be … retired. I come here every day, and even the birds have gotten sick of me. And I just wonder …” He once again drifted back into silence.
“What beyond that hill?”
Cranky was startled, wondering if the strange robot was somehow a mind reader. Whenever he saw a feature he’d not been to, that was exactly what he asked himself.
Opportunity looked at him while still pointing with its arm at the horizon. “What beyond that hill? Cranky been?”
He chuckled, realizing that this wasn’t the invasion of the mind-reading robots from outer space after all. Oppy had asked a far more practical question. Scratching his ear, he squinted into the distance. “Not much that way. It flattens out on the other side into rolling grasslands. The occasional herd of cows grazes there.”
Opportunity nodded and pointed next at the stream that was gently flowing out of town. “What that way?”
“Oh, that takes a sharp bend into the Everfree for a bit, then it widens out and flows South. Perfect for making your way down towards Somnambula on a raft.” He smiled fondly at an old memory. “I met my best friend on that river.”
“Opportunity like to see. Opportunity meet many friends while traveling.” Again, it pointed in a random direction. “What over there?”
“Oh, that path will take you to the Royal Highway. Lots of places to go from there. Baltimare, Trottingham, Manehattan … marvelous city Manehattan. Bit on the crowded side, though.” With every word, the old donkey seemed to get more animated. “I much prefer the smaller settlements, like Ponyville. Or Canter Creek! Lovely little town. Ever been?”
Opportunity moved its camera side to side to indicate no.
Cranky leaned back on the bench and sighed. “Well, let me tell you a story about it. There I was, a stranger in his never-ending search coming to this little hamlet out West …”
“… and that’s how Eastwood Ravine got its name,” Cranky finished expansively. He sighed fondly at the memory. “Of course, Kevin could never show his face in town again after that little escapade. At least not that particular face,” he guffawed. When his laughter died down again, he added. “You know, if it wasn’t for Mathilda, I might have married that filly from the ranch. Probably be a saloon owner out West now.”
He looked around and realized that the sun was actually starting to set. The rover had sat perfectly still through the entire story and its related tangents, only rarely interrupting to ask for clarification on something.
Patting the rover on the head with one hoof, he said: “You’re a good listener, kid. Keep exploring. It’s all about the journey, and the stories you can tell afterwards.”
“Cranky?” They both turned to see another donkey coming up to them, outlined by the setting sun in a vision that caught Cranky’s breath due to its sheer beauty.
“Hello. Opportunity,” the rover introduced itself politely.
Mathilda smiled at the rover. “Yes, you certainly are, dear.” Turning to her husband, she said: “Did you have fun today, Cranky?”
“I actually reckon I did,” he replied.
“I’m glad. But why don’t you come home now? Dinner’s ready.”
Cranky nodded and got up off the bench. He lingered a moment as she led the way and winked at the rover. “Well, I suppose it’s not just about the journey. It’s also about sharing your adventures with someone once you make it to your destination. You have someone like that, kid?”
“Oppy!” Starlight seemed slightly out of breath as she trotted into view, even though she wasn’t going that fast. “There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you. It’s time to go home.”
Opportunity looked at Starlight, then back at Cranky. “Opportunity think so,” it said as it waved the donkey goodbye and joined up with the unicorn.
“Where have you been all day? I was starting to get worried.”
“Exploring,” Opportunity replied simply.
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Aww, that's so heartwarming. Oppy made friends with Cranky!
Yay, Cranky! Always nice to see more of him, and this was very nice. They do have a lot in common don't they?
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Oppy, become the person. You can do it. Go Oppy, on the road of true sapience!
Cranky finds something to live for.
The story.
Now this was a nice bit of sugar for my day, thanks for the cute chapter.
And suddenly, Opportunity/Starlight ship. I have no idea how to feel about that.
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Embrace it
Now we come into a true fundamental problem...
Does Equestria have radioactive particles?
Aww...Such a good chapter. I don't think I have read many stories with Cranky talking about his love of exploring.
Oppy is best rover!
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*Torpedoes are loaded into tubes* Go ahead an try and sail that ship I dare ya.
I feel this video is relevant to this chapter, since its about Oppy's explorations
Oh. How I hope he can somehow send all these pictures home. Pictures of Starlight labeled as mare friend.
Be like 'What the he**.'
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idk if you're serious, but: I'm fairly certain Opportunity has no idea what a romantic relationship even is. If the ship does happen, it will take a lot more of Oppy's mysterious evolution first. Starlight is its first and best friend, so she absolutely fits Cranky's descriptions.
I admit it would be a great crack spinoff though.
It's so wonderful seeing opportunity grow and evolve as he makes new friends and hears of new places where no rover has gone before.
Eastwood Ravine. (snerk!!)
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So Cranky is Doc and Kevin is Marty?
AwwwwWwwwwwwWwwWwWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!
This is SUCH a sweet chapter. It could practically stand on its own as a one-shot. Great food for thought, plus giving an old explorer a chance to relive his glory days. Thanks for a lovely chapter. ^^
First time I saw this I decided to pass on it.
Now that I've given it a read, twice in fact, I wish I read it sooner!
You're making me tear up! Stop making me tear up!!
What is this Black magic!?
Nice, very well written and sweet too :) keep it up buddy :)
______
_________
A spirit renews
Rising to heavenly view
Electronic kiss
Ok, this was just too heartwarming for words. I had a feeling Magic might begin to Give Oppy sentience, or at least the beginnings of it. And now with this wonderful chapter with Cranky...Gods I just love everything about this story but especially this chapter!! It made me smile when i needed one so bad. And honestly? I'd be ok with a ship with him and Starlight, but even if that's just a silly thought, the fact they are good friends and are just so cute!! I love this so much, thank you!!
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Hahaha! This ship is an airship! Your topedos mean nothing to me!
Onward Captain Celaeno!
Aww.
Ah, a good, nice heartwarming reminiscing.
Sweet chapter.
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1kg=2.2 lbs
So half a kilo of minced meat is just over 1lb, a third would be .73lbs
You're welcome
Daw. I have the feels.
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*Calls in for a cruiser* Go ahead and try.
media1.tenor.com/images/e0cb7e6a71710790fea998bd723f85a9/tenor.gif?itemid=4402273
...wait, does that make Kevin the pony version of McFly?
images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/359fa84c-4492-4ffc-a3fe-cca85d9f8cd3/d6tca9g-a2eeddc7-eeb9-45ae-89b9-8199a72b013b.png/v1/fill/w_1179,h_678,q_70,strp/bug_to_the_future_by_ultrathehedgetoaster_d6tca9g-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzcyIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvMzU5ZmE4NGMtNDQ5Mi00ZmZjLWEzZmUtY2NhODVkOWY4Y2QzXC9kNnRjYTlnLWEyZWVkZGM3LWVlYjktNDVhZS04OWI5LTgxOTlhNzJiMDEzYi5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTM0MiJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.PAqjDna1fmkr6kxlOOHmh-Opn1Lm0rRmd3KtYv8GWpQ
sorry about the long link, but its perfect. Maybe we can get Cranky to tell us that story!
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It should, they're pretty much everywhere unless the pony universe doesn't have supernovas which create those heavy elements when they explode.
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Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you
*Space Yamato loads all wave motion guns*
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I LOVE that series.
Oppy was exploring the past of Doodle. That still counts as exploring I think.
Also what happened to that rain that was supposed to show up? Seemed like it never did.
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The weather team came in and broke up the clouds, giving Oppy yet another confusing data point to add to his study of unusual climate in Equestria.
Don't worry. I'm sure at some point RD will sit down and give Oppy the talk about where clouds come from.
Nice Back to the Future shout-out, there. :D A very cute chapter.
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Full Speed Ahead!
pics.me.me/come-on-you-apes-you-wanna-live-forever-memes-com-14005848.png
Rainbow Dash: Ya see kid, when a mommy and daddy pony...or griffon, I guess, love each other very much, they have a baby pony...or griffon...creature...whatever. And then that baby grows up, goes to flight school, gets a job at the weather factory, and pushes all sorts of complicated buttons and levers and stuff, and a buncha water travels through some pipes, and then a cloud is born. Ta-da! Net, huh?
That was unreasonably adorable. Thank you for some wonderful friendshipping between a space probe and a donkey.
I love this fandom.
It seems Oppy might be becoming self aware. Why can’t I help but envision Johnny Five now? I hope I’m not wrong.
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*Alteran City-ship of Atlantis* Shields to maximum power! Arm all drone pods and have the Aurora class ships stand by for covering fire! Send a signal to the Asgard and Furling that we might need assistance! Make sure nothing gets through, that ship will break through even if we have to detonate the Potentia to do it!. Engage!
vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/stargate/images/7/72/AsuranCity-ship.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20101124055228
Nice to see Opportunity and Cranky bonding over exploring and travelling!
Nice BTTF reference!
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Imagine if we saw in the video was true the one about 14 years and 28 miles ? I mean about the story the perfect reading
The use of Cranky Doodle's names seems off. He introduces himself first as Doodle, while Matilda calls him Cranky. Which is backwards compared to A Friend in Deed: "Nopony calls me Doodle!" "Nopony... but Matilda."
But I think that's less an actual complaint than me trying to show off my knowledge on the internet. In regards that matter, the story thus far is excellent.
man, i usually tune out when cranky gets used/mentioned.
but this was such a good scene
we all get old someday.
Well then, this wasn`t cranky at all! This was really good!
Always love a good reference to Kevin