Prelude: No Emotion
They say friendship never changes, but do you know what else never changes.
War.
Every now and then, Equestria my home is always under threat, it is not everyday ponies can take a break from running away in fear. Allowing the ministry mares to save the day with the magic of friendship, but friendship as much as we like to think that it never changes, sadly it does when the ministry mares became too overwhelmed with their new duties within this war against the zebra empire.
Friendship became the last thing on their minds as they shut themselves away only questioning what was truly to end this catastrophic war.
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Though Twilight Sparkle's ministry, the ministry of arcane sciences were working on something far greater than any source of magic Twilight Sparkle could ever possess.
Deep below Twilight Sparkle's castle holds a mysterious scientific industry in hopes to improve pony kind and to redefine Equestria's future -- not only to save it but to better it.
It was her scientists among the facility who were privileged to be apart of the ministry of arcane sciences developing new wonders in the name of technology with science and magic that will redefine tomorrow.
Or though as weapons were more technologically a great advantage to win the war something else which proved far greater. The development of synthetic ponanoids or androids as they were truly mentioned.
But in order to make this dream a reality, this project was in need of a powerful unicorn or alicorn's DNA for the construction. Every pony in the facility wanted, Twilight to volunteer with the androids with her DNA within them she could leave on and Equestria would have an outstanding force of androids with greater strengths and abilities.
But to their disappointment, she refused selfishly saying she couldn't allow herself to be used like that not too mention the effect it could have.
But to her student Starlight Glimmer was nominated by her teacher, though she refused Twilight willingly convinced her otherwise -- saying it's for the greatness of pony kind. Not to disappoint her mentor and close friend she finally agreed but little did she know the devastation it caused to her health and well being.
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Partnership with Stable-Tec allowed Twilight and the scientists to locate suitable candidates, ponies who will give their lives and wake up in a new and improved body.
One such candidate was a former school teacher by the of Comet Sharp a young stallion earth pony residing in Baltimare had been accepted into one of Stable-Tec Stables.
Stable 82 was pacifically nominated as one of Stable-Tec's personal experiments as they only wanted to best and brightest, which included leaders, scholars, ponies with significant skills of learning and teaching.
Though going through Comet's file the scientists uncovered a slight error -- Stable 82 was only for singles who would put work before family ties, and Comet married after registering so his marriage would go undetected until now.
But to his relief Stable-Tec had not sent him a warning notice so they were completely blind. The scientists had to get Comet to the facility before Stable-Tec find out, though unfortunately his wife and two daughters will be nothing but collateral damage -- and will only be nothing but a burden to Comet and his new destiny that awaits him.
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Meanwhile in Baltimare around late afternoon -- in the center of town was the schoolhouse that was still open with only one teacher remaining inside. Comet Sharp not long sent three of his students home from detention and instead of going straight home to his wife and daughters he opened the left side of his desk and pulled a sheet of paper that showed the Stable-Tec logo and a medium-sized bottle filled with Appleloosa's famous apple cider.
"Why am I worrying so much," I said to myself staring aimlessly at my Stable-Tec acceptance letter while taking sips from my bottle.
"What you still doing here," said the janitor with his grizzled western accent, while leaning on his broom with a left foreleg.
Sweep always cheered me up whenever I had my depression moments, and for an old stallion like himself he always had the best advice. I didn't know my real father But Sweep was more of a father figure to me, ever since I was a young colt starting kindergarten in this exact same school.
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A few hours had passed as I drank all of my cider, my eyes began to feel heavy as I struggled to keep them open, my mane was messy instead of straightly combed.
Sweep offered to walk me safely home but I declined and continued walking out. I stumbled drunkenly out of the school, the pegasi from Cloudsdale had set up clouds in the sky ready for the rainstorm -- and no sooner all the clouds were placed the rain started to pour and my mane began to sag down from becoming drenched.
While walking down the street two gentle colts in dark blue suits and stern looks on their faces started walking towards me and soon as they reached me, they halted -- stopping in my tracks as I stared in great confusion. That wasn't until I realised the badges on their jackets.
"Stable-Tec" I whispered in shock as my eyes opened widely though I in my drunken state I politely ordered them to move out of my way so I could get home. The two stallions refused to move an inch which began to frustrate me and I stormed past them but was stopped again as they moved in front of me again.
"What do you want?!!" I questioned while I sounded the tone of annoyance in my voice.
"Step aside gentle colts I'll take it from here," said the famine voice aside from me.
"Who are you?... Are you with Stable-Tec?" I questioned sounding more confused than annoyed.
Before the mare could answer my question she wavered the stallions to leave. At first, they refused but to they're surprised the mysterious mare pulled out a ministry of an arcane sciences identification badge and before they left they glanced at one-another worryingly but nonetheless they agreed and began to leave.
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After the Stable-Tec suits left, the mare lifted up her left foreleg to her small pip-buck looking device strapped onto her leg and before I could react -- a bright light had overwhelmed my vision as I froze like a statue, clenching my eyes tightly shut too afraid to move as the light continued to beam brighter than Celestia's sun.
After the light dimmed down I slowly opened my eyes and what was revealed seemed to be a highly advanced scientific-technological facility.
"Welcome professor Sharp, I trust my teleportation didn't harm you in any way," Said the mare who brought me here.
"Wha?! Where am I?... What is this place?..." I worrisomely questioned as I glanced in every direction until I laid all my attention on the mare.
"You are in the main headquarters of the ministry of arcane sciences, deeply hidden beneath Princess Twilight Sparkle's castle in Ponyville.
"The Ministry of Arcane Sciences" I whispered confusingly, I quickly gained my attention back to the mare "Why did you bring me here?".
"You must understand that not many ponies get the honor to be here, but you were chosen -- so you can make a difference in Equestria's future" the mare exclaimed as she placed her right foreleg on my shoulder.
I managed to compose myself as I was never one to make a scene, I continued to question my reason for being here -- why I was chosen as they said.
But they also told me about the war against the zebra empire -- I immediately thought they were gonna enlist me to fight but I was no fighter. The mare instantly continued saying I won't fight in the war since this war is to be lost, and the future of Equestria will be in need of aid.
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I followed the mare to the meeting room in this facility, I then was introduced to the scientists in the room as well as Starlight Glimmer and the one and only princess Twilight Sparkle. I never met the princess of friendship before but I've read many newspaper articles about her and her friends.
Though she acted rather strange when she examined me, I felt strangely uncomfortable still confused to why I was brought here.
"What do you want with me," I asked and Twilight instantly paused her examination.
"Trixie! You may leave this room" Starlight Glimmer ordered the mare that brought me here to leave the meeting room so they could explain the reasoning for me being here.
"Ever since I founded this Ministry of Arcane Sciences, I have aimed to create a highly technological organization that specializes in science and magic -- within this facility, we aim to bring high advantages against our enemies and make Equestria a better and safer place." Twilight explained until she continued my reason for being here.
"Thanks to my student and good friend Starlight Glimmer who has been nominated in sharing her DNA for our pony synthetic project" I then abruptly interrupted her.
"Pony synthetic project!?..." I said looking rather shocked, "Does this have something to with me" I questioned sounding rather concerned.
"I admire your intelligence Mr Sharp and you are absolutely correct, you will be let's say upgraded," Twilight said while Starlight admired this stallion for his intellect, and she wasn't only one who was intrigued with Comet.
I listened to both Twilight and Starlight's explanation of this synthetic project and what I was needed to do though I wasn't completely sold on this whole idea being 'upgraded' as Twilight put it -- as the only thing that was on my mind was of what was to become of my wife and daughters.
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"What is to become of my family" I seriously spoke with a hint of concern as I waited for a reply.
Every pony looked at one another nervously that this issue was far more serious, and that they were lucky to get him to the facility before Stable-Tec had the chance.
"Well!... What is to become of my family!... Please, I need to know!..." I said sounding desperate for an answer as I felt my emotions overwhelming me for the love of my wife and daughters.
"I'm truly sorry Mr Sharp but they'll be nothing but collateral damage, plus it's not like you'll remember them" one of the scientists explained.
I completely lost all sense of control as I went to charge at them until I was restrained by Twilight's magic, I struggled to break free from her magical restraints as she walked towards me and I glared into her violet eyes.
I felt disappointed in the princess of friendship she was not like what the newspaper says about her, so much for 'never meet your idols'.
"Don't worry Mr Sharp, on behalf of the ministry of arcane sciences we'll send your family your best wishes" Twilight said reassuringly as she let me go.
I tripped down off my hooves when she released me, I turned towards her.
"Princess Twilight!!.. Wait!!.." I said holding out my left foreleg, she then turned to me when I spoke out her name.
"You can do whatever want with me, but please let see my family one last time, please!" I begged, as much as I looked absolutely stupid begging at royalty, I felt helpless and pathetic -- but I'd do anything for my family even if it meant stooping down to the lowest of the low.
Twilight thought for a second, and she could tell this stallion truly loved and cherished his family but for the good of the project and the future of Equestria. Letting him see his family one last time was something she couldn't let him fore fill.
So instead she turned around and walked away feeling guilty as she refused to look at the stallion in the eye.
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After the scientists left the meeting room along with Starlight Glimmer they left me to grieve as I curled onto the floor crying out for my wife and daughters, I could only imagine the worrisome look on their faces as they probably wonder where I am -- I then broke down into tears as I covered my face into forehooves gently whispering their names.
"Willow, Sky, Lily" I repeated their names several times, my mind constantly thinking of my wife Willow as I only wished to hold her in my forelegs for the last -- when my attention came to my daughters Lily and Sky, my heart began to ache never being able to hold them, kiss them goodnight.
Like any parent, it pained me not seeing my foals ever again and with this war going on, the thought of losing them made my heartbreak like delicate glass beginning to shatter at every thought was on them.
It wasn't long until that unicorn mare that brought me here Trixie -- she knelt down towards me as she comforted me in my distressed state, it wasn't until I looked her in the eye and quickly pushed her away as I blamed her for bringing me here. So I pushed her away from as I shouted to her to go away and leave me alone.
"It is time for you to meet your destiny" Trixie spoke calmly, at first I refused since I was still distraught to go anywhere.
"Please, Mr Sharp you must come with me, at once" Trixie spoke with a firm serious tone in her voice.
I quickly caught a glimpse of Miss Trixie, and without any hesitation, I slowly got up and followed the unicorn mare -- I felt incredibly numb like I had cried all my emotions away. Not being able to see my family ever again made feel like I had nothing left to live for and that maybe I should embrace my chance here and become what they want me to become.
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When we made our way to the robotics division, my reality was looking more clearer and the holograms of my new identity and what I would become felt surprisingly welcoming now -- not being able to feel any emotion, no pain, no suffering, no attachments holding me back.
"Is this it?" I questioned no emotion in my voice.
"Yes Mr. Sharp, this detailed holographic schematic shows your new metallic skeleton along with replacement biocomponents for your vital organs, your body will be total redesigned" Trixie explained while I stayed deep gazing down the holographic schematic as my breathing started to rapidly increase from fear of what I will become.
"I understand this is overwhelming, I can escort you to a private room to collect your bearings," Trixie said showing sympathy for the young stallion.
I couldn't turn away from the schematic, both with fear and anger knowing I was chosen for this not even a cutie mark can predict such a destiny. I then turned to miss Trixie as I wore a frown on my face -- the type of frown that says I will threaten you with my bare forehooves if you don't do as I say as I demanded one request.
"Let me see my family one last time," I said holding back my anger, which I felt that I could not hold onto any longer.
"I'm sorry Mr Sharp, but I'm afraid I can't let you -- orders are orders after all" Trixie said trying to evade his request.
I grew more frustrated, why they kept evading my request -- all I wanted was to see my family one last time so I can feel contempt with myself before I undergo this procedure. When I asked for a second time and the same answer was still the same. After I composed myself I requested to be taken to a private room which miss Trixie gladly accepted and gestured for me to follow.
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Once we made it to the private room I swiftly bucked the door closed and shoved Trixie against the wall, choking her by my forehooves, as I demanded again to see my family -- while gasping for air she still refused which led me to even more angry as I applied more pressure from my forehooves too her neck, making it impossible for her to breath.
"I suppose you do as I say -- if you want me to undergo this project, you will accept my request" I spoke with a scowl as my voice became deep in my attempt to be threatening.
Nearly on the verge of passing out Trixie finally accepted his demand and when he let her go, she fell to the ground gasping for every breath she could. After getting her breath back she finally got up and handed the stallion a prototype synthetic unicorn horn fitted with a teleportation microchip which allows pegasi and earth ponies to teleport the same way a unicorn and an alicorn can.
"You have one hour, and don't worry I'll say you need a moment in private" Trixie said with sympathy in her voice as she smiled at the stallion.
I wasted no time after she showed me how it worked, I quickly thought of the destination where I wanted it to take me and a blink of a flash I was in front of my house in Baltimare.
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I wasted no time and galloped to the door and as I opened it I was welcomed by my wife Willow as I didn't give her the chance to react as I embraced and kissed her passionately on her lips.
"What's gotten into you Comet" Willow said after releasing herself from his grip.
"I can't say, but somethings come up" I paused for second thinking about what to say.
"Comet!... What is it, I thought we didn't keep secrets from each other" Willow spoke looking rather concerned. As placed a gentle hoof on her husband's shoulder.
I didn't know what to say, meaning I couldn't say anything -- my emotions were all overwhelmed from fear to disappointment. I felt lost when I finally turned to face Willow her emerald-colored eyes glistened like diamonds as she looked concern awaiting my answer.
"Again I'm truly sorry, but I can't say -- but just know I love both you and our daughters, and wherever I'll end up just know you'll always be in my heart" I spoke seriously as I stared emotionless in her eyes as she wrapped her forehooves around me for the last time.
Once we let go of each other, I gently placed my left forehoof on Willow's cheek and gently leaned towards her and kissed her on her cheek above my hoof.
I leaned back and slightly smiled as tears began to fill up in her eyes, I then proceeded to walk out of the house I turned to my wife a final time as she spoke her last words to me.
"I love you" she blurted out as tears were flowing down her cheeks, hearing her say those words made tears that filled up in my eyes as I smiled gratefully at her.
"I know" I replied until I slowly walked further and further away, I slowly pulled out the prototype synthetic unicorn horn and teleported back to the ministry of arcane sciences private room.
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What I wasn't expecting, when I got back into the private room I was jumped by two cyborg looking royal guards who pinned me to the ground and just before they knocked me out, I caught a glimpse of Twilight looking down at me until my vision became blurred as I lost consciousness.
About 3 hours I awoke on a cold metal plate, all four of my hooves were strapped tight as I began to panic while I struggled but to no avail. It wasn't until I electrocuted as punishment.
I then noticed Twilight walking towards me with a disappointed look on her face.
"I didn't know earth ponies had manipulating abilities," she said sounding curious.
"Let me guess, Trixie ratted me out" I constantly frowned at the princess of friendship while also struggling to get loose from my restraints.
"No, silly. This place is monitored 24/7 even the private room, and so when Trixie left the room, I sent our cyborg guards in to wait for you" she said as robotic arms were activated to begin the procedure.
But before it started, Trixie requested to speak to me -- which made me angry since she never told me the private room was under surveillance.
After Twilight left the room she entered.
"Mr. Sharp, I." I quickly turned away as I didn't want to even acknowledge her presence in the room -- my blood pressure spiked when she extended her hoof to touch my left forehoof.
"Don't touch me" I growled as I continued to look away, as much as she tried to talk I still blanked her existence within my vision.
I had no sympathy left -- not for her -- the anger inside me was flaring, every vein was throbbing until I turned to look at her in the eye glaring intensely at her.
"Get out!." I spoke with no emotion in my voice but my expression on my face showed pure hatred.
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Once Trixie left, the procedure continued as I was sedated while they replaced my vital organs with synthetic biocomponents, my brain was fitted with synthetics components that would enhance my abilities and allow me to think like a supercomputer. The scientists also fitted an artificial intelligence, an interface copy of Trixie that will reside within my mind which will scan for any unknown anomalies, like viruses and update me on current and new objectives.
So if I would be compromised and go, rogue, from my programming, she will hack into my programming and restore me to my original programming.
6 Months later, Comet had become a true android -- his past life became nothing but a blur -- he sensed no emotion within him. Instead, he became completely empty, with no emotional attachments, he awoke to a whole new perspective on life, his vision had a slight blue tint as he scanned and analyzed his surroundings.
While processing, the scientists put him through an introduction test -- the test included the function of his movements from walking to full sprint galloping, then jumping and leaping long distances.
The scientists were quite impressed but now they tested his speech functions like speaking other languages like griffin and zebra.
They also tested the vocal mechanism within his new speech functions, after they handed over a tablet of famous equestrian popstars -- after scanning to look at the popstars profiles, he simply picked the first that appeared on the screen.
The new hit single by none other than Sapphire Shores -- the song was rather popular due to the number of views, favorites, and shares that were shown on the review list.
It was called 'I'm a soldier's trophy', Sapphire Shores' lyrics talk about a mare waiting for her husband to come back from the zebra and also encourages Equestria to fight against its foreign aggressors.
Once I copied Sapphire Shores vocals into my new vocal mechanism, after the processing was complete, I stared blankly while my lips moved serious showing no effort in my speaking.
Once the symphonic strings played, followed by a popping beat -- Sapphire Shore's voice came out.
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After the vocal singing test, the scientists ordered me to follow them to the combat arena to test out my new abilities. As I followed behind my optical sensors analyzed every sector of the arcane sciences facility.
Past the android retention bureau -- were giant widened doors that led to the combat arena, the scientists in front of me cleared the way as I walked through and was greeted by the voice of Starlight Glimmer over the speakers explaining my combat training.
In front of me were four cyborg enhanced royal guards, glaring at me rather sinister like -- waiting for the command to take me down. Once Starlight explained the combat training she then ordered it to begin, and the cyborg guards wasted no time to charge right at me.
I analyzed their calculated movements, so I was able to swiftly dodge their attacks and counter them with my own.
First I swiftly kicked the one on the left to knock him down first and wrapped my left foreleg around the guard's neck and maneuvered myself as I snapped his neck and delivered a hardened buck to the guard on the right and was able to break his jaw.
"Bucking androids!!!" said the guard who I kicked first as he leaped onto my back and gripped my tightly as he tried to crush my neck: I stood up onto my hind legs and began to stumble back towards the wall to ram the guard to get off me but he was driven by his hatred to stop me, so I relinquished my right foreleg and was able to jab him in his stomach which relinquished my left foreleg as I reached for his laser pistol from his holster and maneuvered my forelegs around my head as I targeted the guards head from behind.
"Well done Comet!... Well done" Spoke a very familiar alicorn who escorted me out.
"Why thank you, Princess Twilight. I must say my abilities seem to be at top-notch potential, I assure you I'm at much highest compacity and plenty capable of anything" I replied confidently as I walked with pride with Princess Twilight Sparkle.
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Unannounced to me, I was led to a synthetic chamber filled with sleeping pods; I then curiously asked what are these for and Twilight explained thoroughly. That an android will be preserved within this pod until they are needed, in this case with the war -- it will be guaranteed that Equestria will be lost as the dark magic and hellfire will be brought down upon on everypony above around. From Ponyville to Canterlot, to the Crytal Empire to even Appleloosa.
"Comet. You shall be awaken 200 years later by these facilites descendants, who will be left instructions on how to deal with your function, and know that whatever happens. Just remember your mission will always come first" Twilight spoke firm, but I immediately sensed a hint of affection within her voice as she gently placed a gentle hoof on my shoulder.
"What happens to you" I responded sounding rather concerned.
Just as I was ordered to lie in the pod, Twilight then responded to my answer. "Don't worry about me Comet, like I said to remain focus on your task and obey every command" I nodded at her answer as I was strapped in and the lid to the pod closed and I was sealed a light purple liquid known as vlasma filled up in the pod in order for me to be kept preserved for centuries later.
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While in my pod, the end of Equestria was beginning with ponies above screaming and rushing to the nearest Stable-Tec Stable. As for Comet's family, Willow with her two daughters on her back rushed towards Stable 82, and without Comet the guards turned her and her daughters away as Stable-Tec strictly wanted Comet.
Willow was determined she didn't want her daughters to die so she offered for Sky and Lily to be taken in and although this was a shock to the guards they finally agreed.
She quickly had her moment to embrace her daughters individually as she spoke her final goodbyes to them.
First, she started with the oldest Sky.
"Whatever happens Sky, be sure too take good care of not only your sister but too yourself and just know that I love you so very dearly and that your father would have wanted the same. Just remember that I and your father will always be with you" Willow spoke amongst the crying as she finally embraces Sky tightly.
"I promise mom, I'll always love you and dad" Sky muttered as she buried her face within her mother's shoulder until she let go and Willow said her goodbyes to Lily who was crying so much from fear as the tears blurred her vision that she couldn't see her mother properly.
"Mommy! I'm so scared" Lily cried out as she held her mother tightly with her small forelegs, as she was too afraid to let go.
"I know sweetie, I know but you must be brave for me, all that matters that you and your sister will be safe and you'll be together. That's all that matters, but just know that I love you so much Lily; remember that mommy and daddy will always love you -- no matter where they will be. -- " Willow was then interrupted as the guard took Sky and Lily inside the Stable.
Lily screamed as she fought to get to her mother but Sky held her tightly as she tried to smile at her mother but the tears overwhelmed her as she cried along with her sister as they continued to look at their mother while the door to Stable 82 was closing forever.
Willow knew her daughters were finally safe, as she stumbled out of the thick wooden to the cave entrance to the stable and faced the inevitable as she gladly welcomed the fate that awaited outside.
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Equestria a land that was filled with color, peace, and friendship was soon vaporized by the dark magic and hellfire that consumed it in nuclear fire and radiation. The world was plunged into in the abyse as ponies who were not fortunate to get into a Stable turned into nothing but ash and mutants that would roam this new world that would become the prologue to a new chapter of pony kind.