Prologue: Begin the Operation

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Within the boundaries of a deep dark forest, near where the remains of an old castle now sits in ruin, something was disturbing the old woodlands. It was like a very deep, rumbling vibration was rattling the very air itself, while the ground trembled as if a stampede of buffalo's was roaming the forest. Then out of the ether, a large blue square like, thing, just popped into existence. It’s surface looks like it was made out of water, that has neon lights set in its depths. The surface of the watery square then started to ripple, foaming bubbles starting to form as something emerges from the depths of the vertical wall of water.

Emerging out the wall of water was some kind of machine. In appearance it looks like a tall four-limbed animal, something like a jungle cat in overall design, its body looking lean but covered in some bulky looking armor plating. But the mechanical beast wasn’t alone. It’s body was being held by some large carrier unit, it’s hulking form rolling out of the wall of water with four well armored bipedal beings flanking its sides, while another was operating the carrier unit. Once everyone had fully emerged from the pool, the four bipeds escorting the carrier began to patrol the area, weapons held in their hands ready to be used if something came up.

“This is Frontier Bravo 1; area is secure professor. No hostiles located.” The soldier closest to the carrier unit said into his helmet’s intercom, while the other three members of his squad kept an eye out, while the carrier unit operator waited for instructs.

“Copy that Bravo 1, we’ll begin initiating activation of the R.O.V.E.R unit.” An older sounding male voice said on the other side of the intercom, followed by more people shuffling around.

“Alright everybody get ready.” The soldier says to the other three. “Once this thing is up and running, we’re returning back to Home Base.”

“Roger!” the other three members said in unison as they stayed close to the carrier.

The leader of the small squad remained on stand by as he stood next to the hulking machine, head slowly turning as his eyes examine the area, noting the ruins that was behind the wall of water. The reason why the soldiers, and the machinery was here, on a different world, was for research and discovery. Ever since the human race has developed trans-dimensional travel—having only one machine capable of such a feat—humanity has spent the next three years searching for new worlds, either it was for colonization, scientific research, or whatever strikes humanities particular fancy. But in order to do so, the humans needed something to explore the world they do manage to find, that is where the reliable Remote. Operated. Vehicle. of Environmental. Reconnaissance., or R.O.V.E.R for short, unit comes in.

“So Rick, what do you think old R.O.V.E.R here will find this time?” a Latino man asked the leader as he was studying the structure.

“Not sure Adam.” Rick says as he readjust the rifle in his hands as he gestures to the structure before them. “But if this is of any indication, we might actually find other life forms.” Adam turned his head to face the ruins, and just gave the collapsed structure a once over, before looking back at Rick.

“Hopefully, whatever lived here isn’t something we would have to fight. not exactly thrilled of killing little green men.” Both men chuckled at the thought of fighting tiny little aliens with ray guns. “But in all seriousness, if there is life here, that’s just as smart as us…what do you think will happen?” Rick hummed as he tapped a finger against the side of his gun.

“I don’t know Adam. If there is intelligent life here, hopefully we can meet them as friends, and not enemies that turns into a war.”

The sound of the carrier unit moving snapped the two men out of their little chat, as the operator started to lower the mechanical beast as it’s body started to activate. Once the machine was lowered, it’s singular eye glowed bright blue for a second, before dulling out as it’s head started to survey its location. The mechanical animal released itself from the carriers clamps, and began to check its operating systems, and its bodily features, while the carrier and the four soldiers left it alone as they headed back through the wall of water.

“Good luck R.O.V.E.R, hopefully you turn something up really good this time.” Rick said to the machine as he stepped through the portal, leaving the machine all by itself to begin its assigned mission.

The R.O.V.E.R unit finished it’s internal, and external check-up, all of its systems and functions were fully operational. Once the mechanical beast was fully operational it made its way over to the ruins. As the mechanical animal walks up the small steps, it’s specialized padded feet trotting on the dusty stone surface, its singular camera lenses eye began scanning everything it sees, feeding both footage and pictures back to home base. This new world that the humans discovered a few months ago, was only the fourth world they managed to find, BUT it was the first to show any signs of having any form of inhabitants.

Entering what looks like a large ceremony hall, the R.O.V.E.R unit’s eye focused on large tapestry, that looked to be in surprisingly good condition. Upon closer examination the tapestry seems to be depicting something that looks like a white winged unicorn, standing on top of what could be the sun. As to what it means, that’s up for the researchers back on Earth to theorize. The R.O.V.E.R unit then used it’s long prehensile tail to reach up to the tapestry, increasing it’s length by stretching it out, while the tip has three thin foot long cable-like digits extended out, and plucked a single strand from the tapestry. Where it was stored on one of the two capsules on its hind legs.

After taking a sample the mechanical animal continued its exploration of the ruins, scouring every nook and cranny it could travel to, and reach and continuing to store one or two samples in the capsule storage units. And after an hour or so into its search the machine came across quite possibly, the most significant sighting it could possibly come across. A large library that looked to be in rather good condition! Walking into the library, the R.O.V.E.R used it’s tail to carefully grab one book after another, and used its tails ‘fingers’ to turn the pages, allowing it to take photos of each one and sending them to researchers. Who were practically foaming at the mouth, wishing they could be authorized to venture to this world, and study the tomes personally.

But unfortunately, they would have to wait for a minimum of two months, after the R.O.V.E.R unit has studied a good amount of the world, before the higher ups allowed for personal to travel to the world and do further on-sight study.

Three hours later after roaming the ruins, and finding more and more evidence of a past civilization, the R.O.V.E.R unit emerges from the decrepit structure, where a small blue circle formed in the air. The machine then grabbed its two storage capsules with its tail and slipped them through the hole, where people in hazmat suits took them to a quarantined area for study, while a new pair of storage capsules were given to the machine. Once the mechanical animal has it’s new units, it made it’s way over to the…unstable looking bridge that seems to be the only way over the steep ravine. Stepping away from the rickety bridge, the R.O.V.E.R looked for another way to cross the ravine, and after a little searching the mechanical beast found a tall and robust fallen tree.

Reaching the end of the make-shift bridge, the mechanical beast made its way into the forest and began its worldwide exploration for the next two months.

~~~~~

Today was just a lovely day in Ponyville. The weather was perfectly monitored, no stray clouds, or any unexpected weather activities. Birds were creating a beautiful ballad, and ponies were going about their day, whether it was work related or just simply enjoying their day. And for one particular group of mares, they were all trying to wind down from quite the adventure they just had in the north, as it was quite the harrowing and yet thrilling escapade.

Twilight Sparkle was reading a book on magical applications of color theory, in the upper floors of the Golden Oaks library, with a nice cup of tea and a plate of cookies beside her. Todays been a rather peaceful one, especially after the whole incident in the Crystal Empire, that was certainly a grueling task. Not as bad as dealing with Discord, but so far, it comes as a very close second. As the unicorn was reading her book, the pitter patter of feet on wood caught her attention, and when she turned away from her book she saw her assistant Spike coming towards her. a scroll in claw.

“What’s going on Spike?” the unicorn asked as the baby dragon slid to a stop, ending just a foot from his caretaker.

“I just got a message from the princess; I haven’t read it yet.” Spike said as he offered the scroll to Twilight, who took it in her magical aura and began to read it.

Dear Twilight

I’m sorry for disturbing your afternoon, after the incident you and your friends had in the Crystal Empire not just yesterday. Now before I ramble on, I’m writing to you because I felt, something, I don’t know what it is. But I do know it’s something unusual. So far, I only know that the disturbance came from the Everfree Forest, near or around both mine and Luna’s old castle.

I’ll be looking into this matter, but if you discover anything unusual, please write back to me. However I urge you not to go looking into this matter, until I know what it is.

Hope to see you again my student.
Your mentor, and friend ~ Celestia.

“So…what does it say?” Spike questioned.

“It sounds like something bad might be ahoof.” Twilight says as she rolls the scroll up. “But she want’s us to stay out of this until she figures out what this unknown danger is.”

“Should we tell the others?” Twilight tapped her chin for a moment before speaking up.

“No. let’s keep this between us. We don’t need any pony, especially Rainbow who I bet would go off to look for threat herself and try to fight it.” Spike nodded his head in agreement.

With that Spike left his caretaker, and headed back downstairs. Where the mare saw soon saw him wander off into the distance. Twilight tried to go back to reading her book, but Celestia’s message continues to re-read in her head, and the unicorn couldn’t help but wonder what this unknown danger the princess is unsure of is. Closing her book and walking to the library’s balcony, the unicorn looked in the general direction of where the forest was, and even though the princess told her to not get involved until she knows for certain what this threat is, the unicorn’s own genuine curiosity got the better of her.

Probably against her better judgment, and against Celestia’s warning, the unicorn prepped her saddle bags and readies to set off. As she does so, she continuously thinks to herself ‘If I find whatever is bothering the princess, maybe I can help her’. The princess might be miffed with her decision, but, if Twilight does this right the princess might praise her. And show the princess everything she’s learned up to this point. Once her saddlebags were prepared, the unicorn focused her magic and teleported all the way from the library, to the entrance of the forest.

“Okay, let’s see what’s going on in there.” Twilight mutters to herself, before she trots into the forest. Not sure what she might find, but is prepared to face it head on.

Chapter 1: the Discoveries For the Ages

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It was now close to high noon, and the R.O.V.E.R was still at work in documenting everything it sees, and stores samples of various plants and soil in its carrier capsules. And aside from footage and pictures, and samples of plant life, the R.O.V.E.R unit has also taken photographs of small terrestrial animals that it’s come across, which strangely and bizarrely, look like the same type of animals back on Earth. However, there were some clear distinctions between the animals of this new world, and those of Earth.

For example, the rabbits that passed by the R.O.V.E.R all have heads that were the same size as their bodies, which were very tiny even for a small creature like a rabbit, in all honest it looked like it shouldn’t be able to move at all, without great complications. And yet the four rabbits that passed by the mechanical beast, seemed to have no trouble in moving what so ever. Other animals that the R.O.V.E.R has come across also shared some odd body portions, while others seemed to resemble very close to those on Earth.

As the machine was making its rounds around the forest, a few birds got a little curious and flown down from their tree branches, and started to circle around the mechanical beast. Some even landed on the R.O.V.E.R and decided to have a nice ride.

But when they landed on the machine, the long prehensile tail of the R.O.V.E.R coiled up like a snake, and the ocular lenses on the tip started to examine the birds, causing a few to fly away because of the sudden action, while others just watched the tail in curiosity. A few minutes after the birds have perched on the mechanical beast, the R.O.V.E.R unit found a sizable pond in a small clearing and began examining the area, while it’s tail entered the water and use its magnifying scope to examine the micro-organisms that live in it. But as the R.O.V.E.R continued with its surveillance; something was picked up by its motion monitor as the birds riding the machine flew off. Turning its head unit up to look across the pond, the R.O.V.E.R came face to face with something that shocked it’s operators on the other side of its camera.

Standing a mere eight feet from the mechanical beast, was something that could only be described as unnatural…a trio of wolves…that were made of wooden material!

The three arbor lupines made their way around the pond, and flanked the R.O.V.E.R from both sides, their wooden maws snarling with what looked like sap drooling from between their teeth. These creates were no bigger than Canadian timber wolf, so to the R.O.V.E.R—which is twice the size of an African male lion—these were fairly small creatures. But since their an unknown life form, the R.O.V.E.R was taking precautions to insure that it wasn’t damaged to much, so as the wooden wolves closed in on the machine, side panels on its upper body slide open and a small ocular tube extend outward.

The wolf on the machines right lowered its body, as if reading itself to lunge at the R.O.V.E.R. but the machines right ocular tube was pointed at the wooden beast, and a thin beam of red light was fired at the ground a foot from the wolf’s head, causing a small impact sound…but creating a foot n’half size hole that was smoking. The wolf yipped as it hopped back a few paces. The other two wolves took the distraction as an opportunity to leap at the R.O.V.E.R, but the other laser projector blasted back one of the two, while the other was snagged by the tail and flung back to the other side of the pond. The frighten wolf regained it’s confidence and leapt onto the R.O.V.E.R, and clamped its jaws down on the back of the neck…but its wooden teeth broke on the reinforced steel armor, causing the wolf to howl in pain, before the tail of the mechanical beast wrapped around the wolfs body and slung it off itself.

After the scuffle was over with, the two wolves that were flung away recovered from their toss, and ran off with their tails between their legs. As for the third wolf…the laser blast to it’s chest created a gapping hole, with a mixture of sap and a thin looking lime green fluid oozed out onto the grassy terrain. With the threat now gone, the R.O.V.E.R trotted over to the corpse of the dead wolf, and began examining the wooden creature.

The R.O.V.E.R’s tail cam began to slither into the cavity no in the wolf’s chest, examine the interior, and instead of finding organs, the R.O.V.E.R’s tail camera only found vines and small wooden constructs that look like a heart made out of bark. While the machines tail was examining the insides, the mechanical beasts head camera shifted through its various settings, scanning for body temperatures—which came up negative—to other types of lenses as it examined the body. A few minutes later and the machine finished its autopsy of the corpse, the R.O.V.E.R cleaned its tail of any fluids, and continued to traverse through the woods. Re-entering the forest the mechanical beast was plunged into darkness, as the trees were more denser, and the canopy was preventing the sun to even pierce through.

Thankfully, the R.O.V.E.R unit is equipped with a night-vision so it’s able to move through the darkness of the woods fairly easy.

Maneuvering through the trees and the underbrush, the R.O.V.E.R began searching for more interesting subjects, and with the presence of the wooden wolves the mechanical beast was bound to find more interesting life forms. A small rustle from a dense wall of bushes caught the R.O.V.E.R’s audio receptors, and motion monitor. But what really caught the machines attention was a dim purple glow coming from the other side of the bushes. The mechanical beast made it’s way over to the bushes to investigate the source of the rustling, and the purple light, but as it approached the bushes something came popping out of the dense shrubbery…and it would forever be marked as one of mankind’s greatest discovery!

~~Twilight~~

So far the trudge through the Everfree Forest was uneventful, which was perfectly fine by the unicorn, as she didn’t feel like tangling with timberwolves, manticores or whatever type of monstrous creatures that reside in the forest. The only thing that was hampering her progress through the forest, was trying to remember the path to the old castle, as she’s only ventured to the ruins only once.

“I probably should’ve looked for any sort of map—OW!” Twilight groaned as a bent twig snapped back, striking her on the flank as she moves through a thick brush.

“It would have made this a lot easier.” The unicorn comment as she trudges onward, even if leaves and small twigs get snagged into her mane and tail, and her coat gets matted. “Well in any case, I should be very—OOF!”

Twilight came crashing into something, hard. Bringing a hoof to her muzzle the little unicorn rubbed her sore muzzle, afterwards she turned to look at what she bumped into. But what she saw…it was indescribable.

The, thing, in front of her…Twilight wasn’t sure how to describe what she is looking at. The only thing she could say is that the thing before her is like nothing else she’s read or seen in a book. It was bigger than a manticore, at least two times bigger, and its body looks like it was covered in armor. But the main thing that Twilight was focus on, was the large singular eye that was staring into her own eyes, never blinking. From what she could see of the creature, it’s body was lean in appearance, but looked to be covered in metallic armor.

The creature then trudged through the bushes, it’s oddly shaped feet pressing down on the bushes, and started to slowly circle around the little unicorn, who was shaking like a leaf as she watches the large creature encircle her. As the creature continues to circle around the pony, Twilight noticed that the tail of the creature was raised and coiled up, like a snake as the tip was trained on her…before three slender grey appendages emerged from the tip of the tail! And began to reach down towards her! The little pony flinched and scuttled back away from the tail, but ended bumping into the front legs of the creature, and feeling a slight chilling sensation along her flanks and lower.

Looking up Twilight was once again meet with the cyclopean eye of the creature, as it shifts from one odd tinge of color to the next. Twilight then looked away from the creatures sole eye, and watched as the creatures tail reaches out for her. the slender grey tendrils flexing and un-curling as they inched closer to her.

“NO!” In that moment, Twilight’s horn lit up with magic—and she teleported back to the boundary of the forest, where she laid collapsed on the floor, while her breathing became heavy as the mare was in a slight state of panic.

“Wha—what was that thing?” the unicorn muttered as she thought back to that singular eye…that tail with those tendrils…a shutter ran down the mare’s back as the image of the tail came to her mind. “Maybe Celestia was right…I should let her handle this.”

Once she’s recovered from the teleport, and the fright she just had, the unicorn made her way back to the library. And as she trots along the path, her mind keeps going back to that, thing in the forest. It was so unusual, so bizarre looking, she’s certain that no book in the library would have anything on that creature.

“I just hope whatever that thing is, it stays in the forest.”

~~R.O.V.E.R~~

The mechanical beast was scanning the area where it came in contact with the unicorn, while the humans back at Home Base were frantically looking at the footage the R.O.V.E.R took. So far this was the most incredible discovery that the humans have ever documented, especially when they repeatedly replay the part where the unicorn just, vanished in a flash of violet light!

After the scientist and researches stopped gushing over the footage, they then instructed the R.O.V.E.R unit to search the forest for that unicorn, and carefully observe it from a far. As well as search for other unicorns if they were in the area. The R.O.V.E.R stopped searching the immediate area, and began to follow the trail that the unicorn left behind. It would probably go un-noticed by any non-expert tracker, but the R.O.V.E.R was able to scan the slight disturbances made into foliage. As the mechanical beast followed the tracks it eventually came to a more worn out path, and after following the path for just a few minutes, the R.O.V.E.R unit came upon a connection point, with three other paths worn into the ground.

Each of the paths has various amounts hoof prints patted onto them, but one path certainly has more hoof prints on it than the others. After a brief deliberation, the R.O.V.E.R started to walk along the trail with the most prints, which suggested to the humans back at Home Base that a large herd of unicorns must use it, and quite frequently.

Twenty or so minutes of walking down the trail, the mechanical beast merged from the dark forest, and found itself surrounded by apple trees. Trotting into the columns of apple trees, the R.O.V.E.R’s head slowly scanned over each and everyone of the trees, noting that the apples looked very ripe.

As the R.O.V.E.R traverses further into the orchard of apple tree, the machine continues to scan for signs of life, but so far, it wasn’t picking up anything. But as the machine continues its search, it did come across another interesting sight. A small, rather cutesy looking tree house. Approaching the tree the R.O.V.E.R unit scanned the area, and finding various amounts of smaller hoof prints from the main trail, scattered around the tree. Standing up on its hind legs, and prompting itself up on the tree houses balcony with its front paws, the R.O.V.E.R unit was able to see into the structure.

There wasn’t much inside the structure itself, aside from a small table, a very tiny podium, and a simple later that leads to the upper part. As the machine scanned the small tree house, the R.O.V.E.R unit pushed itself off the tree and went back to standing on all fours, but as the machine re-oriented itself…a couple of sharp gasp caught the machines attention…before it spotted three new subjects of interest. Which caused all the people at Home Base, to go slack jaw.

Chapter 2: The Three Little Fillies & the Big Metal Dog

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So far the day has been a pretty rough one for the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Today they tried being assistants to both Aloe & Lotus, and they were actually doing pretty well, and surprisingly they actually didn’t break or ruin anything! But at the end of their brief work period they still didn’t earn their Cutie Marks. Both spa sisters were sad for the fillies and thought that they would have made excellent spa ponies, to congratulate the three for doing an excellent work; both sisters gave a good amount of bits to the three.

“Well that was another bust.” Scootaloo moped as she slowly propelled herself on her scooter.

“Don’t worry Scootaloo; well find out what were good at. Some day.” Sweetie said as she trotted next to her friend.

“Maybe we can try something else.” Apple Bloom said trying to bring her friends spirits up. That’s when all three of their stomachs grumbled.

“But first let’s get our lunch boxes from the clubhouse, and take a break.” The other two fillies agreed with Apple Bloom as they continued on their journey.

When the Crusaders have reached their clubhouse they found something that was completely out of this world! standing a mere eight feet from the trio of fillies was…was some kind of large, strange-looking, creature? It’s body looked odd, like it was made out of nothing but metal, even its head was unusual as it looked like a ball with a camera lens. The creature just kept it’s one eye trained on the three fillies, as they looked back at it with faces showing great confusion and dumbfounded expressions, with agape jaws.

“What is that?!” Scootaloo whispered as she continued to look at the large metal creature, as it just stood there, its sole eye feeling like it was peering right into their very souls.

“Ah don’t know! Ah’ve never seen anything like it.” Apple Bloom said as she looks the creature over, a sense of fear slowly growing in the pit of her stomach.

The fillies gasped in surprise when the large metal creature came trotting over to them, showing just how large--no--how MASSIVE it was when compared to them. In fact, when the creature was now only a foot from them, the fillies barely passed its forelegs wrist. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle took a step back as the creature lowered its head, the fillies now getting a closer look at its singular eye, even seeing their reflections. As the imposing creature continued to look at the fillies, Sweetie Belle slowly raised a hoof to reach out to touch the creature, which didn’t move as it just continued to stare at the foals. The unicorns hoof eventually reached the creatures head, and gently tapped it, causing a soft ‘ping’ to echo among the small clearing.

After the filly has tapped the metal head of the creature, the fillies saw the creatures long slender tail reach over its body and slithered over to the foals, where they saw three slender grey tendrils emerge from the tip. Naturally, this unusual action caused the fillies to cringe slightly, but when the tail tendrils were a foot from them the fillies, they took another step back out of uncertain fear.

“That’s f-far enough f-fella!” Scootaloo said as she spread her wings, trying to look intimidating. But the creatures tail just kept moving towards them.

The fillies all curled up into little balls as they huddled up, now scared witless as they could now only lay there on the ground. But instead of feeling what they thought would be claws or teeth ripping into them, the three foals felt like somepony was, petting their heads. They all looked up at the towering creature, and saw each of its tail tendrils petting their heads. The fillies were actually surprised, they though this thing was going to eat them, but instead, it was being very…nice. The tail was then pulled back a bit, and the tendrils booped each of the fillies on the snout.

“Hey!” they all said in unison as they rubbed their scrunched up noses, but the fillies then started to giggle as they looked up at the giant creature as it tilted its round head.

“Guess you’re not a bad critter aren’t ya?” Apple Bloom said as she raised a hoof, and gently petted the creature's metal head. the creature’s body still didn’t move an inch, but it’s tail was wagging a little.

“I still want to know what it is.” Sweetie said as she walked around, and under the creature, seeing what looked like cables and other pieces of machinery attached to its body.

“Maybe it’s some very rare animal that came from the Everfree?” Scootaloo said as the creature began to move, keeping its eye on the three fillies, while also trying to watch it’s steps around the fillies as they began trotting around, and under the giant creature.

~~R.O.V.E.R~~

While the very small equine foals continue to trot about, the R.O.V.E.R tries to keep them in the range of its eye and tail camera, continuously recording the three alien equines which was causing the Home Base personal staff to just marvel at the sight. Aside from the equines adorable appearance, their bizarre horse-like nickering, neigh, and whinnies were almost some type of…rhythmic pattern instead of unintelligible animal sounds. It’s almost as if they were, talking. Even if the R.O.V.E.R is unable to transmits sounds itself, it is able to record noises with its specially crafted microphone in its head.

As the fillies circled and began interacting with one another, the mechanical beast started to scan the three equines, compiling data for the researcher’s to study. The scans of each of the foals has been giving the R.O.V.E.R interesting data to send back, after all, unicorns and pegasi are supposedly nothing more than mythological creatures.

And yet, there are two foals of said mystic equines in front of the machine, and the Home Base personal was really interested to study the data, and the creatures up close.

The R.O.V.E.R continuous to scan the three foals with its eye, the little foals seemed to be talking to the machine, they seemed to be trying to emulate something, but since the foals speech is nothing but equine noises in a set pattern the R.O.V.E.R and the Home Base staff is unable to comprehend it. The three fillies then ran off to, somewhere, leaving the mechanical beast in the clearing. The R.O.V.E.R then started to leave the clearing, following the path that the foals took, as it was instructed to follow them and see if it can locate any more equines.

Traversing through more and more apple trees, the mechanical beast eventually came across a road, and actual patted out dirt road. The R.O.V.E.R’s eye scanned over the road, noting several dozen hoof prints, and narrow wheel tracks. After looking over the road for a minute, the mechanical beast began traveling down the left side of the road, following the tracks and wheel marks. However, as it was traveling down the path, its audio receptors picked something up. The sound was like something was flying at great speeds. The R.O.V.E.R unit zoned in on where the sound was originating from, so when it turned its head skyward, it found the source of the sound.

And it was heading right for it.

~~Cutie Mark Crusaders~~

The Cutie Mark Crusaders were absolutely over the moon! After all there was a giant unknown creature, a friendly one at that, at their clubhouse! But of course no pony would believe them, if they went to town and told ponies about it, but they just had to tell somepony, that’s when they decided to go and tell Applejack. However when they told Applejack what they saw…

“Apple Bloom for the last time, there is no such thing as a giant metal…dog thing.” Applejack said for fourth time to her little sister, although to the mare it feels more like a hundred times, but that’s beside the point.

“But we’re telling you the truth Applejack!” Apple said frantically before Sweetie Belle continued.

“Yeah! It’s really, really, REALLY real Applejack!” Sweetie Belle squealed as Scootaloo then continued, and try to convince the older pony.

“And it’s at our tree house, we can show you right now!” the apple farmer just gives a tired sigh as she heaves the basket of apples off her back.

“Alright fine!” Applejack grumbled. “Take me to see this giant metal dog of yours.”

The fillies cheered that they managed to persuade Applejack, and began galloping as fast as their little legs can go, while Applejack followed after them at a brisk pace, while Applejack was inclined to believe that her little sister wouldn’t lie to her. It was hard for the older sister to believe that filly, and her friends, came across a giant cat or dog creature that has metal skin. But just as the group of ponies left passed through the front gate, the four ponies saw something like a thin red line shot into the air. After seeing the light—which fired off into the sky two more times—the four ponies then heard a painful scream, which caused them to go into a full gallop.

As they galloped down the path and came to where the red lights were being shot into the air, and when Applejack saw what was firing the red lights…she, and the three foals stopped dead in their tracks. Towering over a pinned Rainbow Dash, behind held down by a large paw, Applejack saw what looked like some kind of giant, metal armored dog or cat! Applejack gritted her teeth as she was ready to charge at the giant creature.

“Let mah friend go!” Applejack bellowed as she scoffs at the ground, while the giant creature’s singular eye stared her down as it glowed with a faint blue glow.

“Wait Applejack don’t attack it! That’s the creature we were talking.” Applejack turned to her little sister after hearing those words.

“This is the thing you wanted me to see!” Sweetie Belle quickly butted in before Applejack got to much of a bad impression.

“We swear it’s a nice creature Applejack, we promise.” Before any pony else could say anything, Rainbow Dash spoke up.

“I saw this thing going towards Ponyville, and I tried to stop it!” the mare said as her injured wing fidgeted. “Or...at least, I tried to stop it. But this thing is as hard as a rock, and it can somehow shot magic blasts like how Twilight can.”

All the ponies then watched as the creatures tail snaked it’s way down to the pinned mare. This caused Applejack and Rainbow Dash to fidget, the pegasus more so, while the apple farmer was ready to charge at the creature…but Applejack quickly got a dumbfounded expression on her face, when the creature’s tail gently petted Rainbows head and removed its paw. Rainbow was greatly confused on what was going, and when she looked over her shoulder to peer at the creature, she was carefully brought up to her hooves by the creatures tail.

“See.” Scootaloo said as she, and her friends, trot over to the creature. “It’s a friendly creature, you just have to not attack it.” the adult ponies were still baffled at what is going on, especially when the creatures tail patted the fillies heads.

“Okay…I guess I may have—OW!” Rainbow groaned as she reflexively flapped her wings, and having a jolt of pain course through her back. Applejack rushed over to her friend, and got a good look at her injured wing, luckily it wasn’t too bad, but it was still in rough shape.

“Alright here’s what we’re going to do. Ah’m going to take RD to the hospital, to make sure her wing gets treatment. While you three—” Applejack said as she looked at the trio of fillies, while she leans up against Rainbow Dash, who leaned back into the mare. “Try and keep that thing here, last thing we need is to have it follow us and cause a panic.”

The three fillies nodded, and try to get the large metal creature to follow them, and after some doing, the creature followed the trio as they lead it back to their clubhouse. While the fillies were leading their massive, friend, back into the orchard, Applejack helped Rainbow Dash to the hospital to have her wing taken care of. After which, the apple farmer would gather up her friends, and maybe try and get in contact with the princesses, so they can figure out what this unusual looking creature was…and what to do with it.

Chapter 3: End of the First Day.

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An hour has gone by since The R.O.V.E.R unit has come in contact with the trio of very small foals, and the two adult equines, and at the moment the mechanical animal is laying in the small clearing where the tree house, with the three foals keeping an eye on it.

The pegasus was playing around with the R.O.V.E.R’s tail, the normal equine along with the unicorn are simply laying between the machines forelegs, while it’s singular eye carefully watches and records them as they, talk. While the two foals continued to neigh and whinny, and occasionally nickering to one another, the R.O.V.E.R’s audio receiver recorded everything and continuous to send the data back to Home Base. While it was recording the foals, the R.O.V.E.R’s internal A.I has been going over the data about the blue pegasus. from the images it has managed to record and take off the equine, the equine was only twice the size of the foals, and measuring around a normal Earth pony height. One key point of interest of the pegasus was its mane, as it was an odd miss-mash of colors that formed a rainbow like pattern.

A moment later, the R.O.V.E.R’s A.I switched from the pegasus to the orange equine, as it had a subject of interest. Which was the hat it was wearing. Even if it was a small piece of clothing, this new source of data was all the more compelling, as it signifies that whatever these alien equines are…they seem to have a great level of intelligence in order to make even a basic article of clothing. Or more accurately, an accessory.

As the sun was starting to make its descent across the horizon, the R.O.V.E.R unit’s motion tracker detected several objects, seven in total, moving in its general direction.

Standing to its full height the mechanical beast turned to face the direction of where the objects were coming from, and with its eye zoom-in function the R.O.V.E.R unit saw the two adult ponies from earlier coming its way. Traveling along with the pair, the machine noticed the same lavender unicorn it has encountered before, but before the mechanical beast could study the trio, something can zipping over to the machine before it’s camera was filled with nothing but pink and yellow. The R.O.V.E.R’s vision was cleared up as the pink and yellow object removed itself from machine, revealing a lean pegasus with a pale yellow coat, almost butterscotch, with long flowing mane and tail of bright pink. The pegasus was neighing and nickering excitedly, as it flew around the R.O.V.E.R.

But the winged-equine’s observation of the mechanical beast was interrupted by an alerted whinny.

The R.O.V.E.R unit turned to face the origin of the whinny, and found a pure white unicorn, easily as tall as a fully grown horse staring at it with what looks to be a worried look. But the machine’s attention was not focus on the horse itself, no, the R.O.V.E.R’s processors were solely focused on the waving mane and tail of the equine! Before the pegasus flew back over to the rest of the herd, the R.O.V.E.R briskly made its way over to the herd, who all tensed up and began nickering and whining, but the machine ignored them as its eye and tail camera began to examine the white unicorn. But as it did so, the machine noted that this unicorn also has a pair of wings, it’s body portions seemed, off-balance, and has a strange sun emblem branded on both its haunches.

As for the unicorn itself, it seemed startled, but it didn’t back away, and just seemed to allow the machine to examine it. The mechanical beast’s tail reached out for the unicorns, mystifying, mane with its appendages. It seemed to have the same compound as the foals, and the blue pegasus own mane. It was also scanning the follicles of hair for any signs of energy, and to the machines internal instruments, the mane does seem to have some sort of energy pulsating through it. But it wasn’t matching up with any types of energy in its memory banks.

The white unicorn gave a startled jolt and whinny when the R.O.V.E.R plucked a single strand of hair, but when the machine brought it into view of its main eye, the machine recorded the multi-colored strand turn a complete almost faded pink color. Designating the strand as a subject of great interest, the R.O.V.E.R stored the hair strand in its storage units before turning its attention the other equines, not only noticing their various expressions but also they’re variety in appearance.

Such as a very bright pink pony, to another white unicorn –smaller than the horse-sized one—with a styled navy blue mane and tail, which instantly caught the R.O.V.E.R’s attention and causing it to study the pony up close. Although it would seems the unicorn wasn’t interested in being studied, and quickly hid behind the lavender unicorn.

While the R.O.V.E.R continuous to try and study the unicorns, its audio receptors picked up more equine noises. But generally ignored them, not fully—as it was still recording the sounds it hears—and just tries to examine the equines. But during it’s examination of the small herd of equines, the R.O.V.E.R noticed that these specimens are all females. After the mechanical beast was finished examining, creating full profiles of each of the ponies and the horse, it was about to leave the small herd of mares to continue its mission, but was stopped by the large unicorn galloping in front of it. And appears to be trying to interact with the R.O.V.E.R…which only tilted its head as it recorded the newest pattern of noises.

~~Ponies~~

After Rainbow Dash was brought to the hospital, a doctor began examining her injured wing. Which was thankfully not to badly injured, just a bad burn, but it will take some time for it heal properly so the pegasus was told not fly around for a few days. Of course a few days being grounded for a pegasus like Rainbow Dash, might as well be a whole year. Once everything at the hospital was over with, the two friends were on their way to the library, where they would tell Twilight what the Crusaders found.

“Still can’t believe I’m stuck being on the ground for three days.” Rainbow grumbled as she and Applejack make their way to the towns library.

“Ah still can’t believe you tried to fight that thing Dash! What were you thinking?!” Applejack jargoned.

“Hey, I thought I could take that thing—”

“Yeah and look what it got ya.” Applejack retorts as she points at Rainbow’s bandaged wing.

The pegasus grumbles some more as the pair make their way to the library, but when they finally reached their intended destination, the pair saw two royal guards stationed at the door. When they approached the two armored pegasi, they gave the two mares a once over before letting them in, where Twilight and the rest of their friends stood. Along with princess Celestia. And from what little of the conversation they managed to catch, something was amidst.

“—It was definitely big princess, bigger than you. and it’s body it was…I’m not sure it looked like it was made of metal, while covered in metal.” Twilight says as she paces around, while the other ponies watch her. “And it’s head is round with a singular blue eye, and it looked like it has an eye on its tail—oh my stars its tail, it-it—it can grow these grey spindly, things.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked at each as they continued to listen to Twilight, prattling on about what she’s seen. But as the two continued to listen to the unicorn, everything that she’s saying…sounded a little too familiar.

“Twilight…while I admire your determination to show me how much you’ve grown, you disobeyed my request to stay here until we've learned what caused this disturbance.” Celestia says like a scolding mother, to which Twilight nodded in apology. “But now that we know what it is that caused the disturbance, we might be able to contain this. We just need to find this creature.”

“…actually princess…” Applejack said getting the others attention. “Ah know where this, creature, is.” Celestia approached the earth pony with a concern and stern expression.

“And where is it?” Applejack told the princess where the metal creature was, as well as what happened just a little while ago…and who it is keeping an eye on it.

The group of seven ponies left the library, and began making their way to Sweet Apple Acers, with he two pegasi guards following behind them. but the two were instructed to keep out of sight by riding on a cloud. After the group have left Ponyville behind and traveled down the dirt road, the princess began asking Applejack and Rainbow Dash of what they know about the creature, however neither mare could really say anything, except for Rainbow. The only thing she could say about the creature is that its capable of firing magical blasts like Twilight can, and is incredibly strong.

“We should be close to the crusaders clubhouse, and we should be able to—”

Applejack stopped in mid-sentence, as a shining glint caught her eye…that’s where she and the other ponies saw the head of the creature. It’s eye staring right at him. to the farmer, seeing that eye look at her with such, intensity, Applejack felt like the creature was staring right through her. it was actually kind of unsettling.

“Oh my goodness!” Fluttershy said, rather excitedly at that, as she zips past the others—catching the others off-guard—as she flies to creature. “Fluttershy!” the group said unison but the pegasus didn’t seem to hear them.

“This is incredible! I never a creature like you before!” Fluttershy says as she flies around the creature, looking at every part of it. “Do you have a name? what kind of creature you, and are there more of you?”

“Fluttershy!” the pegasus ‘eep!’ as Celestia calls out to her. “We don’t know what this creature is capable of, so please come back.”

“I’m sorry princess, I didn’t—EEP!”

The butterscotch mare gave a startled yelp as the creature brushed past her, and made it’s way over towards Celestia. The guards were about to move in, but the princess singled with a wing to stay put as the creature stopped a foot from the princess, whose entire bulk was nearly twice Celestia’s own heigh. She was already around six feet in height…and yet this creature made her look like she was just a teenager, as it was easily twice her size.

“Don’t worry princess!” Apple Bloom said as she and her friends meet up with the other ponies. “It isn’t going to hurt you, it’s just curious.”

The princess simply stood still and allowed the creature to look her over, but as it does so, the princess takes the opportunity to look the creature herself. It’s body was so unusual. Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow described it to being a creature with metallic like skin, but upon closer examination it looks like this creature is, purely machine. But it couldn’t be, nothing in the world should allow a machine to move and walk around like an actual creature, and yet this large thing is moving around like it was like any other animal. The princess flinched a little when the metal creature’s tail inched closer and closer to her, watching the strange limb come closer, before the tail began brushing through her mane.

“See princess, it’s not dangerous.” Sweetie Belle said as she pattered the creatures leg. “It’s just very curious.”

“I see that.” Celestia says as she feels those slender tendrils thrift through her mane, feeling each one move independently.

“It’s such an odd creature though, you’d think it’s nothing but bones just by looking at it.” Rarity said as she looked at the creature.

“Oh maybe we can feed it something, so it doesn’t look so skinny.” Pinkie says as she begins bouncing around, not really disturbed by the beast, then again, the pink pony is rarely bothered by anything.

Just as the ponies were starting to feel, somewhat less scared, of the creature, Celestia gave out a startled yelp as she felt a strand of her mane be plucked from her head. the ponies then watched as the tail of the creature removed itself from Celestia mane, while its tendrils were holding a single strand of Celestia’s hair. Celestia brought a hoof to her head to rub the general spot of where the strand was plucked from, while she and the other ponies watch the creature play with the strand, before it stuffed it in a pouch located on its hindlegs.

“Looks like it really liked your mane princess.” Pinkie commented with a little giggle, which caused the creature to look directly at her. “OH! I can see myself in its eye, cool.” As the pink pony looked herself in the eye of the creature, it turned its attention to Rarity who flinched when she noticed the creature was looking at her, and then made it’s way over to her.

“Okay now mr…miss…whatever it is you are, that’s far enough now.” Rarity says as she scuttles back, before hiding behind Twilight.

“So princess, what are you going to do with the creature?” Fluttershy asked as she watches the creature look over the pair of unicorns.

“I’m not sure.” Celestia says to the butterscotch mare. “I don’t think it will be a good idea to bring the creature to Canterlot, as I’m not sure if it harm any pony. Or that any pony might try something to harm it.”

“Well we can’t let it just wonder around; it’ll scare the towns ponies to death.” Rainbow remarked as kept a watchful eye on the creature, making sure it didn’t try anything. But that’s when the creature seemed to lose interest with the unicorns, and began to wonder off. “Hey, get back here!”

the ponies were about to chase after the creature, the guards on the lone cloud were about to dive at the creature, but Celestia flew to the front of the creature and stopped it from leaving the clearing.

“Creature can you understand me at all?” the alicorn said to the creature, hoping that it shared the same level of sentience as most other animals in Equestria have. But the creature just tilted its round head to the side. “Fluttershy, can you assist me. This is your area of expertise.”

“Of course.” Fluttershy said as she flew over to the alicorn, and looked the creature in the eye.

“Hello there, my name is Fluttershy. I’m sorry to say that you can’t leave, at least not until we figure out what to do with you.” the creature continued to tilt its head to the side, before it looked around itself, then back at Fluttershy and sits down on its haunches. “Thank you for understanding.” The pegasus said sweetly before giving the creature a pat on the head, creating some gentle pings and clanks, and feeling how cool its body was.

“So now what?” Applejack asked. “Ah mean, Ah honestly don’t feel comfortable having this creature here in the orchard.”

“Oh come on Applejack, we keep telling you that the creature is nice.” Apple Bloom retorted.

“I have to agree with your sister though Apple Bloom.” Celestia said to the little foal. “Until we know what this creature truly is, we need to keep it in a secure location.”

“But where princess?” Twilight asked. That’s when Fluttershy spoke up, and proposed something that honestly her friends wouldn’t think she’d say. Then again, she was a dotting caretaker to all creatures, no matter what they look like.

“I’ll be willing to take the creature in.”

Home Base Files - #01: First Day of Discoveries

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Once Rick and the rest of Frontier Bravo return to their side of the portal, the massive machine powering down, the soldiers and the Carrier unit’s operator were making their way to the barracks. While the researchers and scientist of Home Base, along with other personal of the compound watch the main screen monitor as R.O.V.E.R finishes its system check. But before the soldiers headed off, they gave the lead research a brief report, telling her about the surrounding location and that everything proceeded without difficulty. Once the brief report was made, the soldiers left the researchers to watch what the R.O.V.E.R might discover.

“So what do you propose ol’ R.O.V.E.R will find this time?” an older woman with a southern accent asked her colleagues, as she watches the mechanical beast scan its surroundings, before it turned to look at what looks like ruins.

“Well look at that!” a younger man said as his eyes widen. “We might actually have found a world with sapient life!” a taller African man placed a hand on the younger members shoulder.

“Calm down now. We don’t know if whatever created these is still around.” He said with a deep voice as everyone watches the R.O.V.E.R enter the ruins.

The ten or so people sitting at a large table continued to watch the large flat screen, watching the R.O.V.E.R scan everything it can see, while little blips pop up every now and then, and quickly scan anything that the machine focuses on whatever the on-board A.I decides is a prime subject. Soon enough the researchers saw the mechanical beast approach a large tapestry, or banner, that’s hanging on the wall. Despite its surroundings and the state it is in, the large piece of fabric actually looked to be in fairly good condition.

“Interesting.” One of the researchers said, a young ginger head woman says as she studies the image on the fabric. “It almost looks like a white unicorn, but with wings, standing on…the sun?”

“What do you suppose it means?” a very elderly man questions.

“It could be a coat of arms.” Another woman suggested.

“Possibly. Or it could be a family insignia, or the national flag.” A middle age man hypothesized as many ideas were running through his head.

The ten research continued to banter about the image, before they all noticed that the R.O.V.E.R was leaving the tapestry, and continue to explore the ruins. As the machine ventures through the ruins the staff observe everything it finds, so far the machine has come across a room that looks like a music hall, with some really rusted over instruments. The machine has also discovered what looks to be a kitchen, as well as several other rooms that appear to be living quarters which seemed to be to most run-down areas of the ruins. But along its travels through the ruins, the researches started to notice a few things, such as pieces of armor laying about, which all seem to be constructed for horses.

“Seems who ever lived in these ruins really adore their horses, with all the armor and pictures floating around.” The ginger haired woman says.

“Or…possibly, the ones who used to live in these ruins were…equine.” One of the researches suggested, causing the room to go silent for a bit.

“…it’s possible.” The elderly gentle says as he strokes his beard. “This is after all an alternate dimensional world we’ve uncovered, so who can say what lives there…the inhabitants could possibly be equine like.”

“He has a point.” A Hispanic woman said as she fiddles with her long black hair. “We can’t expect to find other intelligent life to be like us, bodily design that is.” Other members of the table nodded in agreement as they continue to watch the live feed.

After the large machine manages to clamber up a flight of stairs, which were too small for the machine to climb, the R.O.V.E.R unit comes across a large wooden door. Its twin laying on the ground beside it. When the machine looked through the door, every member of the table rose quickly in surprise, as they saw mountains of books, all seem to be in excellent condition. The lead researcher made her way from the head of the table, to the R.O.V.E.R units control system, and took manual control before making the mechanical beast approach one of the towering shelves, and used the R.O.V.E.R’s tail to grab a book and began flipping through its pages.

“Interesting. It almost hieroglyphic in structure.” One of the researchers commented as he looks at the pages contents that were being scanned, and uploaded to a different server monitor.

“We might be able to transcribe it if we run it through an algorithm.” A blonde woman says mostly to herself as she runs various programs and hieroglyphic dialects in her head.

“Miss Aynesworth…” the blonde woman jolts up as the head researchers voice, which was level and composed as she continuous to scan through the book. “How long can you get those algorithm’s prepared?”

“Umm…maybe within an hour, or so. But even with the program, I’ll have to design an encryption algorithm to try and decipher what we’ve scanned from the books.” The head research grabbed another book, and began scanning its contents as well.

“Then please begin work on it immediately. I want to know what this world has to offer to Mankind…and if it’s safe for us.” The blonde woman gives the head researcher a nod, before walking off to a different part of the large room, before sitting down at a table with four computers and began working on the program.

Several hours go by, and the head researcher has had the R.O.V.E.R scan every last book that was in the library, but the encryption program was barely scratching the surface of the mountain of data that was uploaded to the main server.

Once the business in the library was over with, the head researcher and the others returned to their seats, and continued to watch the R.O.V.E.R explore the ruins, but by the time it was high noon the mechanical beast has searched every inch of the ruins, at least, as much of the places that were intact. Leaving the ruins behind it, the R.O.V.E.R made its way into the forest and began documenting the various flora and fauna, some of the researchers were intrigued by the animals that they were getting to see.

Some were amused in how some of the animals looked, some were even amused on seeing a few birds actually riding the R.O.V.E.R from the machine’s tail camera. But when it came to the wildlife…the wooden wolves were certainly the highlight so far. When they came out of the woods, each one of the researchers were trying to get a better look at them.

“Look at them! Those things look like they’re actually made out of wood!” the African man said with enthusiasm, his mind bustling with questions.

“But are they really living creatures, or are they some kind of forest construct, or golem? Like in a video game?” an Italian woman mumbled to herself as she tries to study the wooden wolves.

“Or it could be that the wolves are actually wearing the plant life as armor?” one of the middle-age men said as he strokes his chin.

The researchers continued to ask questions, as they watch the three wooden wolves began to close in on the R.O.V.E.R, which was priming its own weapons. While the R.O.V.E.R is mostly meant for field exploration, it is capable of being a deadly weapon if it has to be. The researchers then watched as two of the wooden wolves were tossed aside, like little ragdolls, while the third one was blasted in the chest, showing the researchers that it was indeed completely made out of wood.

“Incredible…it is completely made out of forest material.” The Latino woman said as the R.O.V.E.R’s tail camera starts searching the wolves insides, seeing noting but vines, bark, branches, and a lot of tree sap. And some strange green ooze.

“There is some kind of strange energy signature coming from the body, what do you think it could be?” the southern accented woman asked as she looks at the screen EM reader.

“Not sure, we’ll have to run the data through an in-depth analyzer.” The Hispanic man said as he walks over to a single computer at a nearby terminal, and actually starts to analysis the energy data.

While the excitement of seeing indigenous life was dying down, the group watched as the R.O.V.E.R re-entered the forest to continue its mission. But as soon as the machine delved into the thicket of trees, the motion tracker picked something coming its way, but the researchers were more focused on the violet light that was being captured by the tail camera.

“What in the world is that?” the middle aged man mused as he looked at the odd light.

“Maybe it’s a will-o-wisp, like from folk lore.” The ginger head woman says.

Before any of the other researchers could say a word, something came out of the bushes and bumping into the R.O.V.E.R, and like with the wooden wolves the researchers all balked at what they saw. Staring at the R.O.V.E.R, with a bright light emitting from the top of its head, and dawning a look of pure shock and horror on its oddly human-like face…was a small lavender coated…unicorn! The creature was so small, the scan from the mechanical beast showed the researchers that it was around 4ft tall, and has a rather plush stout body, almost looking like a stuffed animal. The light emitting from its horn was drawing many of the research to theorize, and wonder how it is doing that…however the jovial moment was interrupted by brilliant flash of light, and watch as the small unicorn just…VANISHED!

“It vanished!” the Lantin man half-shouted. “How did it do that?”

“It’s not showing up on the R.O.V.E.R’s motion detector, so it didn’t run away.” The elderly man said as he looks at a monitor tied to the machines system.

“So…it, teleported?” one of the researchers said unsurely.

“It must’ve, otherwise the R.O.V.E.R would’ve picked the unicorns movements on its monitor.” The African man said.

The researchers continued to banter back and forth, more and more question being asked with very little actual answers rising up to answer them. as the researchers continued to banter, they all started to feel hunger and thirst drift in as they haven’t had a decent breakfast today, as they were too excited to get a glimpse of the new world. So the men and woman of the room left the Home Base main chamber for lunch, but the only one that remained in the chamber was the head researcher, she continued to sit in her chair and kept her dull green eyes on the screen.

Her face remaining perfectly neutral as the R.O.V.E.R continues to explore. Even when it came across a small children’s tree house, and even came across a trio of foals. Although, when the R.O.V.E.R began examining the foals, the head research actually leaned forward in her chair and her gaze seemed to have intense slightly, her eyes looking over the foals as she takes in every detail they had.

“…whatever these creatures are, they certainly are an unusual species.” The head researcher mutters to herself as she watches the foals run off.

The middle-age woman fiddles with her long brown hair as she watches the R.O.V.E.R leaving the clearing, tracking where the foals have gallivanted off to find them and maybe their herd. But after some time the machine came across a road, and as it was just about to travel down the path, the R.O.V.E.R was attacked by one of the equines. The fight wasn’t as spectacular as what one would see in a sci-fi action movie, but the head researcher was still amused at seeing a blue pegasus try to attack the mechanical beast, but ended up being pinned to the ground. after the little tussle, the woman found the trio of foals with another adult, this one was wearing a cowboy hat, and was about ready to attack the R.O.V.E.R. but it seemed that the foals managed to stop the adult.

“Shame I still can’t understand them…if they even have an actual language.” The woman says as she watches the pegasus be taken away, while the R.O.V.E.R was being lead back to the club house.

For the next hour, the woman just watched the foals play with each other, and trying to get the R.O.V.E.R to play with them. but their efforts were in vain. The silence of the chamber, and the head researchers viewing was disturbed when the doors to the room opened. But instead of the other researchers returning from their long lunch period, a tall slender woman wearing a sharp suit came strutting in, a clipboard in her arm as she made her way to the large table.

“Miss. Augustine.” The woman said to the head researcher with a very leveled tone of voice.

“Yes Miss. Burner. What is it?” the brown-haired woman says to the taller woman, who re-adjusted he glasses as she spoke.

“The prime minister is waiting for an update on the World Exploration committees latest escapade.” Augustine sighed as she rose from her chair as the R.O.V.E.R unit caught the sight of several new equines, one in particular being far more intriguing than anything she’s seen so far.

“Let’s get this over then.” The head researcher said as she turns to leave the room, with Miss. Burner following her after taking a quick glance at the main screen, and seeing a large white unicorn with a mane like a living aurora borealis.

“Otherwise that man won’t stop pestering me until I report to him.” With that the two woman left the room, and what it is that the R.O.V.E.R unit is documenting, as the doors to the chamber closes behind them.

Chapter 4: Continued Exploration

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The sun was just rising over the vast horizon and on the outskirts of Ponyville, in a little cottage built into a small hill the owner of the little cottage was waking up. Fluttershy was slowly waking from her peaceful slumber. Sitting up in bed, the pegasus stretches out her body as she gives off a small yawn. After the little stretching out session, and giving her wings a few flaps, Fluttershy slips out of her bed and starts to clean it up by straightening the blanket and fluffing up her pillows.

“Alright that takes care of that.”

The little pegasus mare says to herself as she leaves her room, and heads to the bathroom to, relive herself, before taking her morning shower. As the hot water cascades down the mare’s body, mane, and tail, Fluttershy started to think back to yesterday evening.

When the ponies were brought to where the crusaders club house, and found the strange metal bodied creature, Fluttershy was certainly enamored by it. The creature was unlike anything that Fluttershy has seen out in fields, forest, meadows or in any wildlife books that she owns. To her, the creature’s body structure resembled that a very lean feline, like a cheetah but the odd bits that were sticking out of various spots of its body were, unusual and slightly disturbing but the pegasus figured this creature just has some odd protrusions, like a horn or something.

After initial meeting of the creature, the group of ponies talked about where the creature should be kept, until princess Celestia comes to a solid conclusion on what to with it, that’s when Fluttershy said she would keep an eye on the creature.

Once the matter of where the creature would be kept was done with, Fluttershy guided the creature to her cottage, luckily there was a way through the forest that leads to her cottage. So no pony else could see it and panic. But as the pegasus was leading the creature to her cottage, she’s tried several times to try and communicate with it but the creature either remained silent, or was just seemed incapable of communicating. In fact, the creature seemed more interested in observing everything around itself. And when they finally reached the cottage it started to examine every one of Fluttershy’s animal friends, which was easy to do since all of Fluttershy’s animals were curious about it as well.

Finishing with her shower and drying herself off, Fluttershy made her way to the first floor of the cottage she flew into her kitchen to grab food for her animals. As she entered the kitchen she glanced out the window to see the lovely morning, but she also noticed…that the creature was gone! Fluttershy immediately flew out into her backyard, and began to look around for the creature, but it was nowhere in sight.

“Where did it go!” Fluttershy muttered to herself as she flies all over her home. flying down to her backyard, Fluttershy flew over to her bear friend, Harry, hoping that he’s seen the creature.

“Good morning Harry, I’m sorry to pester you before breakfast but, um, have you seen where the one-eyed creature went off to?” but before the bear could even say anything, the pegasus heard distant screams, and other types of cries of worries…coming from Ponyville.

“Oh no!”

~~R.O.V.E.R~~

The sun has barely risen, the stars still lightning up the night of this world, and the R.O.V.E.R unit was still exploring.

After being brought to the small pegasus dwellings, the mechanical animal began studying all the animals around the property, and like the ones from the forest, these animals share both similarities and obvious differences between their Earthen counterparts. Aside from examining and documenting the animals, the R.O.V.E.R ventured around the area, examining the pegasus’s home exterior and the other small animal houses around it. Unfortunately, the machine was too big for to fit through the door, but it was able to document the interior with its tail camera, and found the hill-like structure to be like any human household.

Once night had settled the pegasus has tried numerous to try and feed the R.O.V.E.R, but the machine just powered itself down to make the pegasus leave it alone, while also diverting its main processors to study all of the data it has compiled for the day.

Once the R.O.V.E.R had finished going over the data it had gathered thus far and powered back up, the robotic creature went back to its scheduled exploration. Even when it was night time, the machine ventured forth into the world, until it came upon a fascinating find. A small five to six minute walk from the pegasus dwellings, the R.O.V.E.R came upon what appears to be a medieval European town, or a pre-Columbian settlement that’s roughly the same expanse of a small to mid-size US town.

Venturing into the settlement, the machine began searching every single building that it came across, or at least tried to as much as the reach of its tail camera is capable of. While the majority of the buildings were simple thatch roofed, or wood panel, there were some really odd building amongst them. There were also several dozen of what appears to be, stalls, or large tents pitched up. Most them seemed to only to comprise of mostly vegetables, and fruits, one stall seemed to be stocked with nothing but pots and bushels of flowers. One of the more larger tents that was pitched up was stocked with, board games and other types of toys and puzzles. The R.O.V.E.R unit used it’s tail to grab a single board game, the cover being of a volcano and two depictions of two dragons. Placing the board game back down, the machine continued with its investigation of the towns structures and layout.

One of the more interesting buildings that the mechanical beast came across was like the pegasus home, a tree that’s been hollowed out and converted into a building. It was certainly bigger than any of the other buildings it’s found so far, but the door was still as small as the other buildings. However the R.O.V.E.R managed to enter the tree structure, by scrunching itself up as tightly as its body allows, and passes through the door with some careful movements. When the mechanical beast got inside the tree structure, it began to sift through the various books that were lining the shelves, which appeared to be grafted or carved into the very tree itself.

Like the books from the ruins, these books also had the strange hieroglyphic writing, but unlike those books, these ones seemed to have a more refined text to it.

As the R.O.V.E.R was scanning, and copying the information, its audio receptive picked something coming from the upper floor. Turning away from books, the mechanical beast investigated, but after scaling the small set of stairs and its head was in the upper floor, the machine examined the area which looked like a living room like area. But that wasn’t all that the R.O.V.E.R discovered.

In the upper floor, staring in the eye of the mechanical beast, is a small purple scaled, pudgy bipedal reptilian creature.

The little pudgy reptile was measured out to be no bigger than 2’ft tall, has a lime green underbelly, purple top have with a frill comprised of half-foot long dark green spines. The R.O.V.E.R managed to squeeze its upper body through the stairway so it can better examine, and observe the little reptile as it slowly walks backwards. Just as the machine started to examine the reptile, the R.O.V.E.R’s attention was interrupted from frantic equine whinnying and nickering, and when the machine looked to where the noise emanated from the R.O.V.E.R unit found the same lavender unicorn from the day prior.

The unicorn quickly rushed over to the reptile, seemingly protecting it from the R.O.V.E.R, which further intrigued the machines inquisitive AI programming.

Aside from documenting wild life, vegetation, and the world itself, the R.O.V.E.R is also programmed to study the behavioral patterns and actions of a new worlds living organisms, so having a small quadrupedal herbivore act protective of a small possibly carnivores reptilian creature was, fascinating.

~~Fluttershy~~

Fluttershy was flying over Ponyville as she follows her ears in the direction of the panicked cries, which was coming from the Golden Oaks library. Flying to the treebrary, the pegasus landed softly on the dirt road, and opened the door to find the hind legs and tail of the creature, wedged in the stairwell that leads to the library’s living quarters!

“What is that thing Twilight?!” the voice of Spike cried out.

“It’s the creature I told you about, but what’s it doing here?” Fluttershy quickly flew back outside of the library, and made her way to the upper section where through a window, she could see Twilight with Spike under her, as they backed away from the creature.

“Oh no!” Fluttershy quickly opened the window, and dove into the room and slid to stop in front of the creature. Before giving it a very disappointed look. “No! bad creature, no scaring Twilight and poor Spike.”

The pegasus says disapprovingly. But the creature seemed to ignore her, as it managed to bring the rest of its body up to the top floor, and continued to inch closer to the frighten pair. The weight of the creature making the wooden floor give a very slight, creaking sound.

“Fluttershy do something!” Twilight says frightfully, feeling very uncomfortable as the creature’s un-blinking gaze kept focused on them.

“Please Mr. Creature stop, your scaring my friends!” the butterscotch mare says to try and stop the beast, but it still ignores her. the pegasus gives a defeated sigh as she hovers in front of the creature, looking it directly into its eye.

“You leave me no choice Mr. Creature; I’m just going to have to give you…” Fluttershy closed her eyes as she continues. “the, STARE!”

The pegasus then opened her eyes as wide as she could, while furrowing her brow slightly as she really gives the creature the most disapproving hard stare any pony can give anything…and yet! The creature is not even fazed by it! Surprised that the creature was not even affected by her Stare, Fluttershy actually ceased using it, and just hobbled off to the side as she just watched the creature slink its tail towards the pair.

“The…the Stare, didn’t work?!” Fluttershy bulked as the creature continued to stare at Twilight and Spike, while its tail just swivels around the startled pair.

“Why is it just, staring at us?” Spike asked as he’s no longer frighten of the creature, just sort of, weirded out. “It’s starting to be really unsettling.”

“I think it’s just curious Spike, but I still don’t like that it just came into the library.” Twilight says annoyedly as the creature stops its creepily observation, and makes its way back downstairs, albeit awkwardly, but the creature managed to squirm back down the stairs.

“I’m sorry Twilight, I—”

“It’s fine Fluttershy, but…if you can’t keep it confined at your cottage, I’m afraid princess Celestia is going to have to imprison it.”

“No!” Fluttershy quickly says to her friends words. “I can keep it at my cottage, it’s just, going to take some time to learn its behaviors.”

As the two ponies continued to talk about, whether or not Fluttershy is capable of keeping an eye on the creature, Spike walked over to the stairs and peeked down to see what the creature was doing. And watched it as it going through book, after book, seemingly readying them.

“I don’t why…but something tells me this thing is just, bad news.” Spike says more to himself as he watches the creature re-shelf one book, before grabbing a new book and began flipping through its pages.

“Well first things first—” Twilight said as she and Fluttershy trot past Spike, and headed down stairs, but stopped as they watched the creature read through the books. “Wait! It can…read?!” The unicorn balked as she hurried down the steps, and made her way over to the creature, and watched it flip through pages.

“I certainly didn’t expect this.” Fluttershy said as she joined the unicorn and watched the creature finish one book, before grabbing another.

“Maybe the princess should know about this.” Twilight mused as she trotted over to desk, and began writing out a message, while still keeping an eye on the creature as it reads. ‘Whatever this thing is, it’s no simple animal.’

Chapter 5: Things to Come.

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R.O.V.E.R was still at work in scanning each page of every book that was in this tree library that the ponies have constructed, continuously adding to the storage of data in its memory banks, in fact the amount of data that R.O.V.E.R has currently on its memory banks was already close to being full. Downloading all the information from the books of the ruins, along with the scans of the various endemic fauna, and now the new stores of information being scanned from the books of the library, has the machines memory banks more than half-way full.

As the machine was scanning and logging the contents of the books, it’s tail camera was trained on the two ponies and small reptile in the room, conversing in their unique language.

Interestingly enough, the R.O.V.E.R unit noted that despite the reptiles snarls, hisses, and bizarre cackle-like noises, the two mares seemed to understand it perfectly, and vice versa.

During the conversation, the metal beast watched as the unicorn levitated a small rolled up scroll to the reptile…where it puffed out a gust of green fire and the scroll turned to smoke and went flying out the door! This whole event and bizarre interaction caught the R.O.V.E.R’s attention, to where it abandon the books, and marched outside the door—nearly breaking the entrance—as it scanned for the wisp of smoke. After finding it, the machine watched it fly off into the distance, leading to a tall narrow looking mountain some miles away from the settlement, where a large structure sat on the side of the mountain.

As the mechanical beast watched the wisp of smoke, that is now a spec on the horizon, it’s audio receptors picked up more panicked neighing and knickers from multiple other equines, but the machine ignored them and continued to just stand there like a statue as the R.O.V.E.R unit was awaiting for advice from the research team back at Home Base. It was waiting to see whether or not the research team would have the mechanical animal follow the smoky wisp, or remain in its current location and continue to study the settlement, and everything in it until further notice.

After a brief moment, the machine’s posture laxed as it went back into the library, where it continued to study the books. But as the machine goes about documenting the books, the R.O.V.E.R’s tail continues to scan the creatures of its surrounds, in case if it picks up other types of unusual happenings.

Not more than three minutes after the machine went back to studying the books, that another strange occurrence happened. The tail noted that two flashes of light—a golden yellow and a light blue—occurred just outside of the tree, and the tail snaked out through the door way, the previously documented white winged unicorn now stood along with the lavender unicorn, and the butterscotch pegasus and reptile. But there was a new winged unicorn among the small group. This winged unicorn was midnight blue in color, it’s mane and tail also free flowing like its larger counterpart, but instead of an aurora this unicorns mane and tail was more like a night sky. And unlike the alabaster winged unicorn’s golden accessory, the other unicorn was sporting more silver accessories, complementing its nightly colored scheme.

As the white unicorn and the lavender one were, conversing, the blue unicorn noticed R.O.V.E.R’s tail camera looking in their direction, and began trotting over to the tail which coiled up like a snake as its tendril feelers emerged from their sockets.

The unicorn seemed startled by this and flared its wings while furrowing its brow, but what the R.O.V.E.R found interesting wasn’t the simple threatening display the unicorn was giving, no, the machine was more interested in how the unicorn was acting. The way the unicorn was positioning itself, and the look of caution on its face as well as its natural equine dialect, greatly showed the machine that these equines are indeed capable of expressing a wide range of emotion.

Just like, humans.

~~~~~

Yesterday Luna was told by her sister that a strange creature came to Ponyville, a creature that even Celestia hasn’t seen in her thousand years of governing the country. It was said to have a lean, almost gangly body with various parts of it sticking or hanging out, while its body looks like it was made out of metal. While also having an odd dark green skin color. At first Luna didn’t put much thought into her sisters little story about the creature, thinking that somepony in Ponyville must’ve just found a rare exotic Everfree creature, but when that letter from Twilight came flying into the dining room and spoke about the same unusual creature that Celestia was talking about, Luna’s curiosity about the creature was peaked.

And when Luna saw the creature herself, it was certainly a sight like no other.

When she and her sister arrived in front of the library that Twilight resides at, Luna looked for the creature to see if it is as stunningly unusual as she was told. And her expectations were not shafted. Upon noticing only the tail of the creature, peeking out of the library door, the lunar princess made her way to the building to investigate. And when she saw the creature the alicorn was astonished. It’s body truly did look gangly, almost to the point of being merely skeletal in nature.

As the night princess was studying the creatures back, her attention was pulled away when the beast’s tail slither it’s way to her. the midnight princess took a cautious step back as the slender limb inches towards her, its unblinking eye staring her down…and as three slivery grey tendrils emerge from sockets around the eye, and wriggle around like worms. Overall the sight was quite disturbing, and if Luna was truthful, was also very unsettling. The feeling of unease only grew as the unsettling limb further slinks over to her, causing the princess to take another step back, flare her wings and giving a warning glare to the beast.

“Stay where you are beast, do not come any closer!” Luna said as she said commandingly to the serpentine appendage.

“Easy Luna, there’s no need to cause an incident.” Celestia says as she trots to her sisters side, calming her down before Luna does anything, reckless. “The creature is merely curious about newcomers.”

“Forgive me sister, its just…this creature…” Luna mutters as she glances at the appendage, watching it linger in the air, its tendrils looking like they wish to touch her causing the princess to shutter.

“I know it’s a bit unusual sister, but the creature won’t harm you unless provoked.”

Luna gives a relaxed sigh as she nods to her sisters words, her posture relaxing as her wings fold against her side. Once Luna was calmed the ponies ventured into the library, after brushing past the observing tail eye, the two princesses as well as Fluttershy, Spike and Twilight stood at the creatures side and watch it read through another book.

“So this creature is capable of reading?” Luna questions as she looks more at the perfect spherical head of the creature.

“Yeah it really shocked us to see it do so, but so far we haven't been able to talk to it.” Twilight says to the princess as the creature returns the book to its proper place on the shelf, before grabbing another via its tail tendrils. Celestia then made her way to the front of the creature, where she tried to grab its attention before it began reading its new book.

“Excuse me, creature.” Celestia says politely but the creature ignores her, and goes about reading its new book. Clearing her throat Celestia tries again to garner the creatures attention. “Excuse me creature, but could I have a word please?”

Again the creature seems to be ignoring the solar princess, and seems far more interested in reading the book. While Celestia seemed to be a little annoyed that the creature was unresponsive to her, Luna however was more lived as this creature is blatantly ignoring her sister.

“Creature!” Luna bellowed, causing the machine to look up from its book and look directly at midnight alicorn. “When our sister speaks to you, you will give her your upmost—”

“Luna, enough!” Celestia says harshly, causing the other alicorn to flinch at the sudden outburst from her sister. “Communication with the creature is difficult, there is no need to raise your voice at it.”

“Apologies sister, I…did not know.” Luna says regrettably.

“It’s fine Luna.” Celestia reassures her sister with a more calmed tone of voice. “Though admittedly this is going to be a, difficult challenge. If the creature is indeed intelligent, but is un-able to speak modern Ponish…then we can’t ascertain what it is, or where it came from.”

“Or why its here.” Luna commented as she gives the cyclopean creature a suspicious look as it goes back to reading the book.

~~???~~

Elsewhere in Equestria, far off to the West in desolate remote land dubbed, the Badlands, something was stirring. Jutting out of the expanse of sandy dunes, dried landscape, a massive black stone structure like a insect hive stands like an ominous shadow. In this mound at the utmost peak in a ill-lit room, Queen Chrysalis stands atop her dark throne as her changelings gather around her, their pale blue eyes shimmering in the dark as their chitter and buzzing wings fill the air. Once all members of the changeling hive were present, Chrysalis raises a hoof to silence the chittering and the buzzing, sending the room into an ambient silence. A silence that was short lived as the queen began to speak to her hive.

“We…failed!” the hive chittered and hissing for a bit before going silent as Chrysalis continues.

“We had the city of Canterlot within our very hooves, and yet we LOST IT!” the queens frustration was emphasized by a stomp from her right hoof, causing a loud thunderous ‘thud’ to echo through the chamber. “And the reason for our foil, was that accursed Twilight Sparkle and her now sister-in-law!” Chrysalis snarled as simply saying those names tasted like bile in her mouth.

“And in the wake of their, victory, we were scattered about Equestria. Beaten—” several changelings hissed.

“Bruised—” others snarled as their wings buzzed furiously.

“And bloodied as we were tossed against the very land itself like garbage!” changelings baring injuries of various kinds all gave crackling snarls as they stomped their hooves.

“But don’t worry my subjects.” Chrysalis says as she spreads her wings, a wicked smile growing on her muzzle. “We will have our vengeance on those ponies.” The queen then looked off to the side of the chamber, where three sets of eyes could be seen from the shadow of a small hole.

From the hole in the wall a trio of pegasi came trotting out. One was a black stallion with a grey mohawk mane, while the other two were mares, the one on the left was blueish grey with a long blonde mane and tail, while the other was white with a neatly trimmed mane and tail of green with bright pink highlights. After emerging from the hole the ponies reverted to their true changeling forms, as crackling green flames enveloped them.

“Thanks to our spies we learned where Twilight Sparkle, and her friends reside. And with this bit of information, I will devise a plan that will allow us to get our revenge on those mares who disrupted our plans. Who knows…” Chrysalis says with a little bit of mirth in her distorted voice.

“Perhaps we can use them to get at Princess Cadence, and her colt toy husband.” The hive erupted in sinister cackling and hissing, as the changelings cheered as their hooves waved in the air, ready to enact their vengeance now. Again Chrysalis raises a hoof to silence the hive as she continues speaking.

“But for the time being, we will gather our strength, or spies will continue to keep tabs on them. And once I have come up with a plan of attack…we will act!”

The changelings gave one last cheer to their queen as they slowly quieted down, before leaving the throne chamber and to different sections of the hive to rest. As for the queen, she took to the air and flew off to her own personal chamber to rest, and begin plotting on how to get her vengeance on that accursed unicorn. Even thinking about the adolescent mare was enough to make the queens blood to boil, but despite her frustration the queen brushed it off and focused on her current agenda and plans.

Chapter 6: R.O.V.E.R Discovers....CLOTHES!

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Another hour goes by as Celestia and her sister Luna just basically watch the giant metal beast read book, after book, while occasionally trying to see if they can communicate with the creature. But the beast still didn’t seem interested in speaking to them. that is until Twilight Sparkle had an idea, after writing down ‘Hello’ on a piece of paper, and slipping it in front of the creature they actually got a reaction. The creature seemed to study the page, and looked up to the ponies making them think it was going to say something…but it just went back to reading after looking at the ponies for a few seconds.

After their tenth or eleventh try, the princesses had to return to the castle as they still had royal duties to up hold, but before they left they cautioned the Twilight, Fluttershy and Spike to be careful around the creature as they keep an eye on it. The two mares and little dragon nodded as the princesses teleported back to Canterlot, the action getting the attention of the creatures tail.

Once the princesses left the library and Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy went back to watching over the creature. But after another ten or so minutes, the creature had read every single book in the library, a feat that Twilight respected as it would take her a few days to ready a library’s worth of books.

Now the two mares and baby dragon were following the creature around town, watching it scare ponies as it browses around stalls and tents, or a shop that it found an interest in. Course Twilight and Fluttershy had to calm down the ponies that got scared of the creature, and reassures them that it’s harmless and its just curious. Still didn’t stop them from totally freaking out after seeing a one-eyed metal skinned thing glare down at them, as if it was staring right into their souls.

“Twilight I think we should try and get the creature back to Fluttershy’s cottage; I don’t think the town can handle all the panic this thing is causing.” Spike suggested as he rides on top of his caretaker, flinching as the creatures tail eye closes in on them.

“Plus it’s really freaking me out as its second head just stares at me!”

“I know it’s a little unsettling Spike, but like we keep telling the ponies, it’s just curious.” Twilight reaffirms her little assistant. “Think of it this way. You might be the first dragon its ever seen, so its probably finds you very fascinating.” Spike looks up to the creature, seeing it nose around the flower stand, scaring the daylights out of Roseluck and her sisters.

“Still doesn’t make its scrutinizing gaze any less unsettling.” Spike grumbled as he watches Fluttershy apologize for the creature scaring the three sisters, while it continues to venture around the town.

The trio continued to follow the creature around town, which was now venturing around the central area around town, and investigating the more interesting buildings. Like the joke shop, which really caught the creatures attention as it circled around the building, before trying wedge its way through the door, but only able to get its tail in to have a look around. The creature did this a few more times at a few other stores, scaring the ponies while also trying to enter the buildings. And of course Twilight and her fellow creature watchers had to apologize for the creatures antics.

The latest victim to be subjected to the creatures curiosity was the poor Quills and Sofas store, where the owner was helping a customer move a couch to a wagon parked outside, and of course the creature gave the two ponies the fright of their lives as well as nearly breaking the couch while it used its tail to hold it, and turn it around as it looked it over. After its little investigation of the furniture, and the shop, Twilight and her two friends again played peace maker as they had to say sorry for what could be the twentieth time, in the past thirty minutes.

“Maybe Spike is right Twilight, we should try to get it back to my cottage.” Fluttershy said after help the Quills and Sofas owner fix the sign above the door.

“It’s probably for the—wait!” Twilight said as she looked around as she helps a pony lift a couch they just bought, which was the target of the creatures attention. “Where did the creature go?!”

Both Spike and Fluttershy turned away from what they were doing to help the shop, and the ponies that got the fright of their life today, and noticed that the creature was gone!

“…for a big metal animal, it really knows how to sneak away doesn’t it?” Spike commented as he was lifted up and placed onto Twilight’s back, before the trio began searching for the creature.

~~R.O.V.E.R~~

The R.O.V.E.R unit was certainly gaining a treasure trove of information from the pony settlement, not just from the equines themselves in their diversity in colors, body structures and species they seem to come in. But also in the economy of the ponies. From what the R.O.V.E.R can analyze of the ponies social structure, these equines seem to be like that of a mod-industrial era town, but also still retaining some pre-Columbian town markets. All in all, these ponies seem to have a mixing pot of different economical formats.

As the machine ventures to the northern district from what could be the main market square, the R.O.V.E.R continues its investigation of the town by scanning more of the equines and towns.

Speaking of the equines, the machines A.I has documented that the majority of ponies that appear to be adults, all have some kind of branding mark on their haunches. When the mechanical beast noticed this, it began scanning the ponies more closely especially around their haunches, and documenting each mark it finds. And noting that each of these equines has a unique mark, some do seem to share similar marks, but upon closer examination the R.O.V.E.R unit has noted one or few differences between the marks. Whether it was because of an added detail to the image or even a small change to it. The only ponies that didn’t seem to have a branding mark were could be documented as foals, as the few that the machine has come across were markless. Now as to what the marks means, the A.I of the machine couldn’t tell, a conclusion on a subject like this requires human intelligence.

The mechanical beast continues to explore the town as the day goes into mid-afternoon, and as it explored something catches its attention…a flurry of green light coming from an alleyway.

Making its way over to the alley the R.O.V.E.R didn’t find anything other than a trio of pegasi, who as the others have, whinnied in panicked before flying off. Leaving the alleyway behind as there was nothing of interest left the machine continues its venture and documentation of the town and its residence.

A few minutes go by and the machine comes across another unusual building that’s seemed out of place among the more rural buildings. The building was probably the tallest in structural design, and the machine noted that this building has a very more elaborate image than the others in the town. As the machine examined the building it noticed the door opening and saw a grey coated pony walk out, wearing a purple dress! The machine instantly found this interesting, and began making its way over to the pony, who upon noticing the mechanical beast coming towards it whinnied in a panic and galloped off, preventing the metal beast from examining the outfit it was wearing.

But the R.O.V.E.R concluded that the pony must’ve received its outfit from the building it came out of. So, it lowered its head and began scanning the interior through the windows, and sure enough, the building was filled with clothes.

Making its way to the door of the building, the R.O.V.E.R used its tail to open it and began to try and wedge its way into the building to get a better look at the clothes inside. Thankfully, the door was big and wide enough for it enter. But just as the machine managed to wiggle itself through the door, more panicked whining and nickering were picked up on its audio receptors, and found a pristine white unicorn at the other end of the store.

Turning its attention away from the pony, the R.O.V.E.R unit started to examine the clothes of the shop. Each one looking like gowns and dresses, whether they were expertly made or not is loss on the machine, as it has no context of style, or craftsmanship. But nevertheless the machine began to examine each one, however as it used its tail to hold the dresses the machine noticed that something was banging against its leg, and when it turned to see what was striking it, the R.O.V.E.R unit found the same white unicorn wielding some kind roll in a blue arura. The same aura that was emitting from the unicorns horn.

~~Pony~~

Rarity was having a pretty good day so far, especially since she’s managed to make three full dresses for her new spring collection. Not to mention she just finished a special to made dress for Octavia, Ponyville’s own famous celloist. Who also plays in the Canterlot Royal orchestra when she, and the other members are called to the castle to perform. But as she was halfway up the stairs, after bidding Octavia farewell when the celloist came for her dress, the mare heard somepony screaming outside. A moment later after hearing the pony outside screaming, Rarity heard something enter her store when the doors bell rung.

“Looks like I got another customer.” Rarity said to herself as she headed back down the stairs. “Welcome to Rarity’s Boutique, where everything is—AGH!”

Rarity let out a wailing cry as she watches the large creature her sister and her friends found, wiggle its way into her store. she remembered the creature was big, but seeing it try to enter her store/house the creature was really massive in size. as the creature manages to wriggle inside the building. Rarity noticed how the creatures skin was shining in the light of the sun, and while Rarity wasn't a fan of deep green, she had to admit the creatures hide was rather stunning in the light…but as she stares at the creature she noticed its singular eye was searching around her store.

‘Why is this thing in my shop?’ Rarity thought to herself as she just stood by the stairs and watched the creature 'Actually, why is the creature wondering around on its own! i thought Fluttershy was supposed to be watching it.' . Rarity internally questioned as she watches the creature wonder around the store...until it started rummaging around with her dresses.

“AGH! NO, NOT MY DRESSES!”

Rarity wailed as she watches the creatures tail slither through the dresses on the racks, where slithering tendrils emerge from the end of the tail and begin roughly handling them. quickly running up the stairs the fashionista searched for something to ward the beast off, but the only thing she could find was an bare fabric roll, which was better than nothing. Grasping her weapon in her aura the unicorn ran back down stairs, and gave another cry as she saw a few of her dresses all wrinkled up and laying on the ground.

“Un-hoof that dress monster! And leave my shop!” Rarity shouted as she swatted at the thing with her fabric roll, trying to get the massive thing out of her store.

“Go on you, you…you cur, get out of my shop!” The creature just continued to just glare down at her, it’s cyclopean eye staring into the unicorns own blue eyes, causing her to just stand there shaking like a leaf.

“Rarity!” the unicorn looked away from creature, and found Twilight, Fluttershy and Spike on the other side of the large beast. Spike rushed through the creatures legs, and skid to a stop in front of Rarity. While Fluttershy flies up to the creature.

“Rarity are you okay?” Twilight asked her friend.

“I’m fine but this thing is rummage through all of my dresses, just look!” Rarity said as she pointed at the few dresses the creature has already handled. “Just look at my poor dresses, they’re covered in creeses.” The unicorn and the dragon looked at the dresses, and indeed saw the gowns in such wrinkled state.

“Sorry Rarity we’ve tried to keep it under control, but it somehow managed to get away from us.” Twilight explained while Fluttershy tries to herd the creature out of Rarity’s store, but the task was proving a little difficult.

The ponies tried again and again to get the creature to leave, and poor Rarity could only stand there and watch as all of her lovely dresses get roughed hoofed. As for the creature it just continued to browse through the clothes, and just ignore the ponies, even with Fluttershy pushing against its side.

“Please Mr. Creature leave my friends shop, your ruining all of her clothes.” Fluttershy said as she tries to get the creature to leave. But eventually the creature finally moved away from the rack of dress, but it has one of Rarity’s dresses in its tails tendrils.

“And where do you think your going with that dress you fiend!” Rarity shouted as she brushes past Spike and Twilight and trotted after the creature.

The creature then wriggled through the door of the boutique still holding onto one of Rarity’s dresses, and one of the more expensive looking ones. Following the creature out of the boutique, so they could try to get the dress away from it, however when they caught up to the creature they all stopped in their tracks as something happened. The three ponies and small dragon watched as a small blue hole just appeared out of thin air, a hole where the creature slipped the dress through.

“Wha…what!” all three ponies plus Spike said in unison.

“…Twilight…” Spike warbled as he watches the hole close, and the creature wonder off again.

“Yeah Spike.” The unicorn said as she and the others simply stood, and watched the creature continue its curious voyage of the town. “…now we really need to keep an eye on this creature.”

Home Base Files - #02: Research and Future Troubles Ahead

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“It’s done!” Aynesworth said with great joy as she raised her hands up like a little girl getting a present. “The algorithm to decipher the ponies written language is done!”

“Excellent work Miss. Aynesworth, now can you begin working on de-coding what text the R.O.V.E.R has documented thus far?” the head researcher, Augustine, said to her fellow scientist.

“I’m already putting the data through the program, but it will take some time to get some information out of it.” Aynesworth says as she watches the data transfer from the R.O.V.E.R’s memory banks, and into the monitor she’s using.

With that Augustine left Aynesworth to her work, and headed back over to the main table of the room, watching R.O.V.E.R go about exploring the settlement it was in. As well as give the poor equines a fright. A few of the other researchers at the table were also watching the main monitor, examining everything that was on screen. All except the elderly man at the table, as he was holding a tablet in his hand and examining the pony images from the R.O.V.E.R’s memory bank.

“How peculiar.”

“What is Mr. Adam?” Augustine asked as she turned away from the flat screen.

“These ponies.” The old man said as he switches to a new pony image. “There bodies are so scrunched up, and small I’m surprised that their internal organs can even function. And their eyes are so big that they must take up a good amount of space in their skull, their brains must pretty small.”

“I have to agree with Mr. Adam on this.” The African American man said as looks at the ponies on the main screen, watching them run away. “They appear to have evolved to appear more cuter and plush like, rather than practical like animals of our world. they must not have any natural enemies.”

“I suppose you have a point there Charles.” The southern accented woman said the man’s conclusion. “Not only that, but why are they so colorful. Honestly, the amount of color they have is hurting my eyes.”

“When we’re able to understand their written language, you can probably ask them why they’re so colorful Mrs. Jules.” Augustine said to the woman as she leans back into her chair. “Although I’m more interested in how their world works, like their social structure.” The other three members of the table looked towards the woman as she adjusted her glasses.

“From what I can grasp from footage alone, those two winged unicorns adorned in that fancy jewelry, they must be part of this worlds ruling class.”

“Interesting theory Ms. Augustine.” Adam said as he looked away from the tablet, and up to the main screen.

The researchers continued to watch the R.O.V.E.R explore the town, and seemed to be making itself a nuisance of the town. One such incident was when the mechanical animal scared two ponies carrying a couch, and to the rescue the R.O.V.E.R’s watchers seemed to be pleading in forgiveness with the ponies the machine scares, while the robotic animal continues to just wonder around and study the area.

“Maybe we should order the R.O.V.E.R to take it easy on its investigation, especially on the ponies places of residence and business.” Jules said as she runs a hand through her hair.

“Or we can have the R.O.V.E.R return to exploring the wilds of this world, like its supposed to.” Charles suggested as he looked at his fellow scientist. “We could send in a different robot to investigate the town, one that is less of a troubling sight, and so large to scare these poor creatures.” Augustine pondered on the idea as the places a hand to her chin.

“We could possibly request the Manufacture Department to make a more smaller scouting drone.” The woman says as she spoke up. “Aside from the R.O.V.E.R unit, I doubt we could use the other two units.”

“We could use the L.A.RC unit. It is more optimal for worldwide cartography—”

“Yes, but it is an air-based unit, it can’t do much on the ground, so it won’t be able to gather any information on the floral or fauna. Plus, its bird-eye view can’t see everything.” Augustine said to the group. “It is only deployed when the R.O.V.E.R has finished its own mission, and use it to map out the world so we have a full lay of the land.”

“What was that?”

Augustine and the others looked to Jules as she spoke up, before turning to look at the monitor, where they saw a brief flash of green light. When the R.O.V.E.R reached the alleyway that the light came from, but when the machine looked inside the alleyway there was only three pegasi, and upon seeing the machine they of coursed freaked out and flew off.

“Perhaps we should ask the Manufacture Department to make a more, friendlier size reconnaissance robot. And one outfitted with a speaker so that it might be able to converse with the ponies, once we got their language down.” Augustine said to the group which they all nodded in agreement. Charles then stood up from the table, and began to make their way towards the rooms door.

“I’ll head to the workshop to put in a request to create a smaller recon robot.”

“And remember Charles, emphasize on ‘not to threatening’.” The man nodded to Augustine’s word’s before leaving the room.

As the dark skinned man left the room, the remaining researchers watched as the R.O.V.E.R unit continued on its search. Eventually the machine came upon another unusual building, this one however looks more like a little girls playhouse set, but the researchers attention was take away from the building and instead towards a pony exiting it. However what the pony was wearing was what really got the researchers attention.

“Is that a dress?” Adam said as he looked at the grey pony with wearing a purple dress.

“Strange, I didn’t think these equines would have anything like clothes.” Jules said as she looked closely at the pony, before it ran away in fright. “But how would these equines even make clothing with their hooves?”

“As we’ve seen the unicorns can manipulate things with that aura they generate.” Augustine says as the R.O.V.E.R starts inspecting the building. “With that in mind, it’s not impossible that one would use their ESP ability to creature clothing.”

“True. But why would equines need clothes for?” Adam says as the R.O.V.E.R tries to enter the building. “All of the equines are naked, so modesty and nudity isn’t as crucial to their society.”

“Maybe it’s simply for ceremony or parties?”

The three research kept going back and forth with their reasoning why ponies needed clothes, while the R.O.V.E.R unit starts to rummage through the clothes in the building once it managed to enter. The researchers eventually put their discussion about the reasoning for ponies needing clothes to the side, and went back to observe what the R.O.V.E.R was up to, only to see it messing around with the clothes on the racks. And apparently being threated by a white unicorn. But the designated R.O.V.E.R ‘watchers’ of the ponies appeared, and both tried to calm the white unicorn down, plus trying to get the mechanical animal out of the store.

“Okay I think that the R.O.V.E.R has caused enough troubles for the day.” Augustine says as she walks over to the machines main Hud screen, and gave it orders to leave the shop, and only observe buildings from the outside. “That should take care of that.” The woman says as she walks back to the table.

“Ugh, Miss. Augustine, did you forget to tell the R.O.V.E.R to leave the clothes behind?” Adam says to the woman before she got too far.

The head researcher turned to look at the screen…and saw the R.O.V.E.R requesting a portal to open, so it can deliver some valuable cargo! Before Augustine could reach the Hud monitor the portal had already opened, and the dress that the machine was holding was already stuffed through. the three researchers ran out the Observation room, and headed down a small flight of stairs to the Gate Platform Chamber, where the saw the portal crew shutting the machine down…and one of them holding the dress in her hand.

“Quickly re-open the portal at the last coordinates of the R.O.V.E.R.” Augustine said to the crew.

“But why Miss. and, where did this dress come from.”

“Just do it.” the woman said worriedly. “The last thing we need is the inhabitants of that world the R.O.V.E.R is in to think we’re thieves. No open the blasted portal, and shove the dress back in!”

“Yes Ma’am!”

The crew scrambled to get the Gate’s power units powered up, and once subtle energy was build up for a small portal, they activated the machine. The portal was no bigger than a basketball, and was high enough for the female worker to toss the dress in. Once the gown was back on its side, the machine was shut down again, and the three researchers gave a sigh of relief.

“Perhaps we should also instruct the robot to NOT steal things from the ponies while it investigates.” The head researcher says as she and her companions trek back up the stairs, as the two said in unison. “Agreed.”

~~~~~

As the researchers headed back to the Observation Room, in another part of the Compound where the Gate Platform was held, something was stirring. In one chamber that was as big as a large animal encloser, filled with various forms of planet life both native to Earth and samples from the other three worlds, something was skulking through the makeshift foliage. And on the monitor of a overlooking observation deck, two guards and one other research watched as the only creature in the enclosure was moving about.

“Sir do you think it was wise to bring that creature here, without the higher ups permission?” one of the guards asked as they watched the creature move through the brush, before pouncing on a large pile of meat that was on a remote control buggy.

“Those people do not need to know about this.” The researcher, a middle-aged Lantin man with a smoothed back head of black hair said, as he watches the creature feast. “This creature has some intriguing capabilities, and if I can re-create those abilities, we could develop a new line of arms and weapons.”

“Still sir…” a female guard said as she watches the creature eat, before using its long tail to grab a slab of meat…and electrocute it to the point of being cooked well-done. “This creature is dangerous. Remember, it was the reason for the 2^nd R.O.V.E.R unit to be destroyed.”

“True, but with the A.P.E unit we were able to capture the creature.” The researcher says as he continues to watch the creature feed, cooking more meat with its electrical abilities. “Besides, we also have the A.P.E unit on stand-by, in case things do get, hostile.”

The two guards gave each other a concerned look before they looked back towards the screen, where the beast ate half of the food on the transport buggy, before grabbing a good amount of beef in its tail, and slinking off into the brush. Even with the tight security, and the assurance of the A.P.E on stand-by, they still felt nervous being around the same vicinity of the creature.

Chapter 7: End of the Second Day

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About an hour or so has gone by after the creature has thrifted a dress from Rarity, who got it back a minute later when it was shot out of a small portal in the air, and since then it continued to wander around the town. During the creatures travels, Twilight and her fellow creature watchers meet up with their other friends, who were curious as to why the creature was wondering around town. Eventually the group found themselves taking a break from apologizing to ponies, due to them getting scared by the creature, or when the creature disrupts the busy day of ponies, and were all taking a small break in Ponyville Park.

“It looks like the critter is done terrorizing the town.” Applejack said as she and her circle of friends rested, as the large metal-skinned creature jut laid in the grass, and seems to be just staring off into space.

“Good because I was starting to get tired of saying sorry for its screw ups.” Rainbow Dash grumbled as she laid on her back.

“Yeah will at least it stopped.” Pinkie said as she reached into her mane and pulled out a cupcake. “I’m also glad that Rarity got her dress back.”

“I’m still upset that it stole the dress in the first place. And for ruffing up all my other dresses.” Rarity said in a rather miffed tone of voice.

“But…where did the creature send the dress to?” Fluttershy said getting everypony’s attention.

“I’m more curious in where the creature came from.” Twilight says as she keeps her eyes on the creature.

“We don’t know where this creature came from, or even why it’s here.” Twilight’s eyes narrowed as she focused hard on the metal beast. “Not only that…but the way it was going around town, and seemingly acting like it was studying everything and everypony…” the other five ponies and one dragon looked towards the creature, now with an air of uncertainty.

“You think, its some kind of spy? Or something?” Spike suspected as he looked at the creature with a quirked brow. Twilight gave a small nod.

“It’s possible, plus, something about the creature puts me on edge. And I don’t know why.”

The ponies conversation was interrupted when the creature stood up suddenly, and began making its way out of the park where the six mare’s and Spike followed after it. As the creature continues to walk, the group noticed that they were not just leaving the park, but were exiting the town in general, and were heading out into one of the open fields that surround the town.

Several minutes of walking has gone by and the ponies and Spike watched as the creature stopped by the main lake outside of Ponyville, where the creature walks over to the largest tree and laid back down. Moving to the front of its body the ponies watched as the creatures head recoils further into its neck’s carapace, while its eyes finally seems to close same as the tails eye as the long limb coils around the creature’s body. As the creature lays down, the six mare’s and lone dragon watched from a safe distance, before they trotted over to the creature as it started to go still.

“…is it, sleeping?” Pinkie Pie asked as Fluttershy trots to the creature, and got as close to its head as possible.

“I think so.” The pegasus says as trots back to her friends. “What do you think we should do now?” the group as a whole turned to look at Twilight, which has the unicorn look at her friends with questioning expression.

“Why are you all looking at me?” Twilight questioned as she looked at her friends with a raised brow.

“Well sugarcube, you usually have a plan or a suggestion on what to do in situations, like this.” Applejack comments as she taps the ground with a hoof for emphasis.

“Applejack is right darling; you always seem to know what to do at times like this.” Rarity said to her friend.

The lavender unicorn then started to ponder on what to do next for a moment, before walking over to the creature and igniting her horn. Before any of friends could say anything, especially a warning as they thought that Twilight was going to assault the creature, the unicorn creates a dome of energy around the creature.

“This is a Ward Charm.” Twilight said as her horn ends its violet glow. “If the creature moves out of the range of the dome, it will send out a magical signal to alert me, that way I can teleport to the creature before it gets too far so I can keep an eye on it.”

“Well that sounds as a good of plan as ever, I’ll see you girls—and dragon—later.” With that farewell Rainbow left the group to do who knows what, though her friends were certain it was either going to be flight practice, or napping. Probably napping.

As for the rest of the group, they all headed back to Ponyville and ready to put such an exhausting day behind them. But as the group left the lake, Fluttershy casted a quick glance over her shoulder to look at the creature, seeing it lay perfectly motionless in the shade of the tree. After looking at the creature for a moment the pegasus unfurled her wings, and flew her way back to her cottage, hopefully her neglected animal friends aren’t to miffed with her for forgetting breakfast and lunch.

But as the mare’s departed the lake, and made their way back to town, a trio of pegasi flew down from a stray cloud and landed right in front of the creature. They began to examine the creature, while not touching the dome of violet energy surrounding it. none of these ponies have ever seen such a creature before, and all three of them wonder where it came from.

“Just what is this thing?” the black stallion asked as he hovered over the dome, looking the creature over from above.

“Whatever it is, it sure ain’t pretty.” The white coated mare said. “Do you think this thing will hinder the queens future plans?”

“Not sure. But we should report this to Queen Chrysalis, now.” The light grey coated mare said, before all three ponies flew off into the South-East.

~~Badlands Hive~~

Chrysalis was sitting on top her dark throne, looking over her hive of changelings as they funnel into the throne chamber, all of them chittering and buzzing with curiosity. Mere hours ago the queen of the changelings retired to her private chamber, where she’s spent the next few hours plotting and scheming, coming up with plan after plan on how to get back at those ponies that foiled her plans. Eventually the queen came up with a plan, one that would trounce her previous attempt to conquer the ponies! Raising a hoof to silence the hive, Chrysalis began to speak.

“My loyal subjects, earlier today I told you that I would be coming up with a plan on getting our revenge on the ponies. Well my subjects, I have come up with a plan that makes our last attempt to rule the ponies look like foals play.” The changelings chittered as they wondered what their queens newest plan was.

“We thought to small last time, we only aimed to take over a city…what we should’ve have done was take over the whole country.” Chrysalis said with a sly smirk on her muzzle. “Last time we only tried to take over Canterlot, and I was trying to take over the simple life of a love-struck stallion.”

“What we should’ve done is to try and take over the entire country as a whole.” The hive buzzed with curiosity as they wished to learn what their queen means.

“Listen well my changelings, for the plan ahead will take expert care and preparation.” The queen says as the members of the hive perked their ears and listened closely.

“What we shall do is replace not only three alicorn princesses, but we will also replace those most closets to Twilight Sparkle.”

“But your majesty, what would be the point?” one of the changelings questioned. “Impersonating the princesses is one thing, but…why should we bother with the unicorn? Wouldn’t it be easier to just imprison her and the others?”

“For one thing, if we even take our eyes off that meddling unicorn she’ll no doubt try and stop us.” Chrysalis said to the changeling as she looks directly at him.

“But, if we impersonate her friends and key ponies of the community of the town she lives in, we can keep her occupied and out of the way of any future plans I come up with.” The changelings chittered amongst themselves, thinking that this plan might actually work.

“So for keeping the unicorn under surveillance, I will need five of our best Saboteurs.” The queen looked over the swarm of changelings as she spoke out five names. “Chiton, Vale, Shroud, Clips and Hollow.” Five female changelings stepped out of the swarm, and stood before their queen.

“You five will take the places of the five ponies closest to Twilight Sparkle, and ensure that she does nothing to interrupt any plans of mine.”

“It shouldn’t be a problem your majesty, but it would be difficult to switch places with these mare’s, especially if there so tightly knit.” One of the five changelings said to the queen.

“Which is why we will stage a small attack on Ponyville.”

the hive was now in a buzz after hearing this, even the five female changelings were dumbfounded. The queen of the changelings was brash and short to anger, and delighted in the offensive. It’s what makes her feel powerful. But even the hive admits that this, random attack on a town, would cause more harm for the hive than aid them.

“Not a full scale attack with the whole hive of course, but enough of a force to cause enough of a commotion so that you may swap places with her friends, while they’re brought here. And while they’re here…feel free to indulge yourselves to them.”

The chittering in the chamber has calmed down a bit now that the hive now know what their queen was thinking, while other changelings chuckled at the idea of using the mares to satisfy their hungers. But among the swarm, most of the changelings still think that this might be to reckless, even for the queen. Chrysalis loomed over the edge of her throne; wings spread as she spoke aloud. Her distorted voice ringing with authority.

“Commander Cassar—” a large male changeling dawned in obsidian armor stepped forth and stood beside the five mares.

“Gather enough troops to create sizable attack force, while the attack will mostly be staged…we should have a little fun in the process.” The changelings snickered and chortled as the queen hovered down from her throne, and stood before the six changelings.

“Once you’ve gathered up enough of an attack force, meet up with us in my chamber Cassar. I will give you more precise details of the attack, and what I shall be doing on my end of the WHOLE plan.”

“Yes my queen!”

The stallion then returned to the swarm and began picking out changelings for the attacking swarm, while Chrysalis and her five Saboteurs flew up to her private chambers. A few minutes later, and Cassar has joined the five Saboteurs and his queen, where they began discussing finer details of the attack, and points on what the five changeling mares should do while in disguise, and how they need to fully act like the ponies they are impersonating.

“Do you all understand everything?” the changelings nodded in unison. “You better have, because if your part of the plan goes awry, then my infiltration of Canterlot castle and taking Celestia and Luna out of the picture would go up in flames.”

“We will not fail you my queen!” all six changelings said in unison.

“Good. Now, prepare the swarm…the attack begins, tomorrow!”

Home Base Files - #03: Research Concluded.

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Sunday’s are a usually lax day at the compound, even when new discoveries are around every corner, a scientist still needs their rest. But even on a day of rest, Augustine was still at the compound, currently following a pair of guards who were leading her to the Garden, the facility with the compound that houses floral from across the world—and worlds beyond the Gate when permitted from the higher ups—all for the purpose of study of course. But the reason for her venturing to the Garden was because the guards were concern about a potential safety hazard.

“So tell me about this safety hazard that you’re concerned about.” Augustine asked the two guards as they entered the Garden’s facility.

“Well Miss. Augustine, as we’ve said before, Mr. Gabriel has been studying a creature he’s secretly brought from the second world.” the female guard said as the trio made their way to the observation deck. As they ascended the stairs Augustine gave a tired sigh as she shakes her head.

“The board of directors should’ve just sacked that man already, especially since he always pulled these stunts. Never caring how much his actions affect the entire Researchers Association with the Gate Project.” Augustine muttered mostly to herself as they reached the top of the steps.

Opening the door the guards let the woman enter the observation deck, where a tall Latino man stood by several monitors, while fiddling with a tablet in his hands. Looking to the monitors herself, Augustine didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. Turning her attention back to the man, the woman marches over to Gabriel who was engrossed in whatever he was working on, that he doesn’t even noticed that Augustine was now right next to him.

“Good morning Gabriel.” The woman said to the man, who only turned to look at her.

“Oh. Hello Augustine, what brings you here today?” the man asked, not even sounding surprised as he gives a polite smile. Augustine points to the two guards behind her who were just hanging by door. “So it seems I’ve been squealed on.”

“You know the rules that we have to abide by Gabriel. Until further study has been concluded on the other worlds, no life forms may come to Earth. In case they prove to be a danger.” Augustine warned the man, who just went back to working on his tablet. “I don’t know what’s going on through that bald head of yours, but whatever creature you’ve brought—”

The woman was cut off when something on one of the monitors came up. looking up to the center screen, Augustine saw a large buggy driving around, with an unusually large amount of raw meat on it’s back. just then something came bursting out of a thicket of bushes and landed on the buggy. And to the woman’s surprise, it was quite the unusual creature. It was big, easily half a size bigger than a full grown grizzly bear, but the creature appeared to be reptilian. Its hide is grey in color, with a black hood along its head and neck, and red markings along the bottom of its neck and its back. Speaking of its back, the head researcher saw a long tail thrashing about jutting our from between the shoulder blades.

“What is that thing?” Augustine questioned as kept looking at the creature, her mind buzzing with so many questions.

“I haven’t named the species yet, but I’ve been calling this specimen Hilda.” Gabriel says as he continues to fiddle with his tablet, which Augustine could see has what looks like diagrams, and formulas on it. “She’s an excellent hunter, and has some very interesting abilities.”

“As fascinating as your creature is, we need to send her back to her home world before she causes problems.” Augustine says to the man.

“If your concern about the staff’s safety, I already have a countermeasure in place.”

“And that would be?” Augustine questioned as she gives a not very amused look to the man.

“I have the A.P.E unit on standby.” Gabriel simply said as he goes back to watching, Hilda, feed on the meat on the buggy. Gulping each slab down, and even coiling her tail around some slabs…and electrocuting them to cook them, before tearing into them. “Should anything go awry, I will have the A.P.E unit take care of it.”

“Explains why the unit is not in its usual station.” Augustine said as she watches the creature eat raw and cooked meat. “So, what exactly are you even doing with the creature Gabriel. Biological research is not usually your forte.”

“True. But Hilda is a treasure trove of new weapons, defensive tool, and even medical possibilities!” Gabriel says with an air of excitement as he hands the tablet over to Augustine, who took it and looked at the notes on its screen. “As you saw during her feeding, the creature is able to circulate an electric current, measuring out enough energy to kill an elephant in a few seconds. And her genes show explosive muscular regeneration, she’ll be able to re-grow limbs if she ever needs to.”

“All of this is as stated before, very interesting…but all of these notes of yours about genetic modification to soldiers, giving them the abilities that Hilda has.”

“Indeed, so why do you sound so—”

“Gabriel, the Genevie Convection has outlawed all forms of biological weapons, including turning people into hybrid creatures.” Augustine flat out stated as she places the tablet on the counter next to the monitors…which was showing the buggy driving back to the Gardens entrance. And Hilda was following it.

“I’m afraid whatever kind of research you plan to do won’t even touch a desk, as you’ll be tossed in prison—”

“You seem to forget Miss. Augustine…those in politics are usually easily swayed on such matters, when the promise of money and profit is to be had.”

“You think you can bribe people into signing—”

“I already have a few brokers who are willing to fund my experiments.” Gabriel cut-off, neither noticing that Hilda was approaching the entrance.

“Not only that, they’ve promised to keep all our dealings expertly hush-hush.” Gabriel then gives a cocky smile to the head research, who was looking none too pleased. “So even if you try to stop me, even brining the Board of Directors of the Gate Project into this, they can’t do anything.”

The two researchers were brought out of their discussion on biological ethics, when the alarms of the garden started to blare out. Causing a big ruckus that everyone in the observation deck looked to the monitors, and saw Hilda on the loose, chasing a few of the staff workers that attends to the Garden facility. Augustine and the two guards rushed out of the observation deck, and headed to where the creature was, thinking they might be able to distract it so the staff could get away. But as for Gabriel, we he returned to his calm and collected self, reached into his coat pocket, and pulled out something that looks like a pair of headphones with a speaker on it.

Reaching to where Hilda was spotted on screen, Augustine and the two guards found the creature, a poor gardener woman pinned under her claw. Jaw slowly opening as its inched closer to the woman.

“Get its attention, we have to make sure it doesn’t eat anyone!” Augustine commanded to the two guards, who drew their modified M16 Rifles, and fired a quick burst of bullets at the creature.

Hilda hissed and snarled as the bullets scared her scaled hide, causing the creature to lift its claw, and allowing the gardener to scramble out from under it and ran over to Augustine. The creature recovered from its scare and focused on Augustine and the guards, who still had their weapons at the ready. The creature snarled as it tried to circle the group, tail flicking about like a cat ready to pounce, as its yellow eyes narrowed as it stared the humans down.

Just when Hilda was about to pounce on the four people, a metal hand reached out from behind the creature, grasping Hilda by the neck and lifting her off the ground. the reptilian creature hissed and wailed as it thrashed about, her tail actually splitting in two as they spark with electricity as they lash out. But the sound of bone snapping, and sudden cry of pain caused the guards and Augustine and the Gardner facility staff member watch as Hilda’s body go limp, and just hang suspended in the air. Looking beyond the now dead creature, the group saw the A.P.E unit standing proud and tall, gripping the broken neck of the hanging creature as it stood there like statue. The groups attention then turned from the giant robot, to Gabriel who came walking out from behind the metal giant with a smug expression on his face.

“As I’ve said before Miss. Augustine…I have everything under control.” The man then turned to look up at the giant robot before speaking into the headphone speaker, while he fiddles with his tablet again.

“Take the body to the Gate Platform chamber, and toss it through the portal.” The robot did as instructed and left for the Gate Platform, dragging the dead creatures body against the ground as it stomped its way out of the Garden facility. Removing the headset Gabriel looked over to group, only to have Augustine snatch the headphones out of his hand.

“This whole incident isn’t over with Gabriel, mark my words.” The man just gave the woman a gentle pat on the cheek before turning his back on her and walking off.

“Do as you want Miss. Augustine. Noting you do can touch me at the moment.”

“…we’ll see about that.” The head research was pulled out of her mild anger when her phone started to buzz. Reaching into her jacket, where the woman pulled out a black smartphone and brought to her ear without checking the caller ID. “This better be—”

‘Miss. Augustine, we have a situation!’ the voice of Charles shouted from the other end of the phone.

‘Great! Another problem that I’ll have to deal with today. This better not be a running theme for the day.’ Augustine mentally groaned before replying. “What is it Charles?”

‘The R.O.V.E.R unit’s been damaged!’ the woman nearly balked when she heard that.

“What?! Did the ponies decide to attack it?!”

‘No ma’am! A swarm of, I’m not sure what they are, but a swarm of creatures came out of nowhere and started to attack the settlement!’ Augustine then started to briskly walk out of the Garden facility, and headed back to the Observation Room while putting the headset on.

“I’m on my way to the observation room, take manual control over the R.O.V.E.R and keep it safe, we can’t afford to build a new one right now.”

‘Understood!’ Charles said before hanging up, while Augustine used her phone to contact the Gate Platform.

“This is Augustine Evergreen, is the A.P.E unit with you?” the woman heard a man confirmed her question about the robot, and how it tossed the corpse of a creature through a portal that was hailed down from Gabriel. “Open a new portal world 4, and open it at the coordinates of the R.O.V.E.R, we have a situation!”

Chapter 8: Conflict

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The sun was already high up in the sky when the R.O.V.E.R unit finished powering up, ready to begin its task of documenting the world its in, and leave the investigation of the equine settlement to a new unit that would document the ponies better than it. But as the machine was finished powering up the R.O.V.E.R’s A.I noticed a dome of an almost transparent energy surrounding it, which of course has the mechanical beast trying to analyze it by using both its eyes to scan the strange dome. The machine even used its tails tendrils to see if the dome has a physical form, or if its just a screen of light bending around the machine.

But just as the robot was about to touch the dome, it shattered like glass, causing the tail to pull back. Acting like it was startled and surprised.

Once the shattered remains of the dome vanished into thin air, the R.O.V.E.R stood up and looked around itself looking for any remnants of the dome, the A.I still fixated in studying the dome’s unique energy. However there wasn’t a trace of the dome around anymore, so the machine switched to going back to its prime directive. Venturing away from the lake, the mechanical beast clambered up a nearby hill to get a better look of the land, but as it reached the top of the hill and scanned the area the machine noticed something above settlement.

Above the town the R.O.V.E.R unit saw what looked like a fairly large black cloud was hovering over it. Using the zoom function in its head camera, the R.O.V.E.R unit saw that the cloud was actually a collection of new creatures that the robot has yet to document. Zooming in as much as its eye could allow, the mechanical beast could see what the new creatures looked like, although the distance still made it difficult to see them in perfect clarity.

Returning its eye visibility back to normal the R.O.V.E.R made it sway down the hill, and towards the town so that it could get a better look at the new creatures.

After a quick trot, the mechanical animal enters the town, via the park, and as it entered the towns boundary the R.O.V.E.R was able to see the new creatures that made up the black cloud. And seeing them attack the equines of the town.

As the chaos of the situation happens around it, the R.O.V.E.R unit takes the opportunity to study the new creatures better. They appeared to also be equine in nature as well, but they have a great amount of insect like qualities about them that were greatly intriguing, such as having what appeared to be carapace covered bodies and insect like wings. A rather unusual thing that the machine’s A.I has noticed, is the series of holes along the creatures legs, which should make them un-useable and yet the R.O.V.E.R clearly sees a few specimens galloping about, chasing the equines that inhabit the town with no issues. Another interesting thing that the machine has discerned from these, insectoid-equines, were the sounds they made, which sounded like high-pitched chittering and chattering.

One of the insectoid-equines leapt at one of the normal ponies, appearing to try and catch it like a cat would do with a mouse, but the equine was able to escape it’s would be assailant. Zooming in on the insectoid-equine as it gave a defying screech, the machine saw that its mouth has two long fangs protruding from its mouth, with a series of smaller predatory-style teeth running along the inside of its mouth.

The R.O.V.E.R’s A.I has concluded that these insectoid-equines must be predators, and that this is a swarm that was on the hunt for their next meal.

While still studying the creatures, the machine’s body jerked slightly as something collided with it. Using its tail camera, the R.O.V.E.R sees what appears to be a viscous green slime ball sticking to its back, just bellow its radio antenna. A few more of the sticky globs strike the mechanical beast, hitting it with the force of a baseball bat. Looking away from its back the robot looked for the source of the green slime, and found a small pack of seven insectoid-equines hovering above it, and were spitting the green slime globs at from their mouths. They appear to be trying to subdue the R.O.V.E.R so they could feed on it.

Looking up to the sky where the insectoid-equines were, ready to launch another barrage of green globes, the R.O.V.E.R’s camera lens widened as much as it could before releasing a blinding flash of light! The screeching cries of the insectoid-equines were so potent that the microphones in the R.O.V.E.R’s head nearly spiked as they reached such a high pitch!

Taking the opportunity it had created, the mechanical animal made a run for it, as it’s second main directive of self-preservation kicked into its systems. But as it made an escape attempt the machine’s eye camera saw a new pack of the insectoid-equines give chase after it.

Galloping through the town, the R.O.V.E.R ran past many of the quines that were either captured by the invading swarm, or were still being chased by the predators much like itself. Reaching the town’s central district the machine skidded to a halt, and took off to the left but stopped as another pack of the insectoid-equines cornered it. now with two packs of the creatures perusing it, and no possible way to escape, the R.O.V.E.R’s side hatches on its shoulders opened where its laser muzzles emerged from. The tendrils in its tail also emerged as the machine prepared itself to defend itself.

The first pack of predators began their assault by lobbing more globs at the R.O.V.E.R, but its lasers reduced them to smoldering goop as they were shot out of the air. The pack tried again to attack the machine, but again the green globs were shot out of the air and dropped to the ground in smoking chars. One of the insectoid-equines gave off a piercing screeching hiss which caused the microphones in the R.O.V.E.R to spike again, the machine fired its lasers at the creatures managing to shoot down a few of them, but two members of the pack managed to close in on the machine. half of the creatures tackled the machine doing little damage, but the collective weight was enough to rock the machine, almost causing it to lose its footing.

The R.O.V.E.R began to wildly stomp its feet at the creatures, not to kill them but to make them back away from it, while also using its tail to swat the creatures away. And while it seemed to have worked, the R.O.V.E.R was caught off guard as several bodies slam down onto its back causing it to buckle slightly. The tail camera slinked up to look over its body to see what crashed down onto it, which were five of the insectoid-equines. The creatures began drool the green slime from their mouths, and seem to be coating the machine with it, but the R.O.V.E.R slung the creatures off its body as the tail snatched each on up, and tossed them aside.

As the robot flung the creatures off its body, the robot saw one of the creatures flying straight at it, mouth wide open ready to bite down on it. But before the creature could reach the robot, it was knocked out of the air by a violet energy projectile. Turning to see where the projectile came from, the R.O.V.E.R saw the lavender unicorn and its herd mates galloping towards it, but its vision of the ponies were cut off when a glob of slime collided with its head and the end of its tail! Now blinded the robot began to thrash about widely, knocking over the stalls and other objects in its surroundings, but all of its thrashing about made it easier for the two packs of predators to combine their efforts, and slam into the machine with enough force to knock it on its side.

The fall caused some of its systems to short-circuit, and collision with the swarm and the ground bruised up some of its parts and armor plating. Sensing that it was in danger of being destroyed, the R.O.V.E.R unit sent out a distress signal back to Home Base for retrieval.

And after a minute of sending the signal, the robot received a signal to shut itself down to reserve power, and send all of its data to the Home Base’s main computer in case it was destroyed before help could arrive. Luckily though, the R.O.V.E.R was about to be rescued as a large portal opened up just a few feet from it, and its rescuer steps out.

~~Twilight Sparkle~~

Today started out like any other day for Twilight. She woke up at seven am sharp, as always, and once she has awaken began to tidy up her bed as well as herself before starting the day. Once her own self maintenance was done with, the unicorn ventured down to the living area where she meandered to the kitchen for breakfast, which by the smell of food being made was pancakes, eggs, and some lightly cooked hay.

“Good morning Spike.” Twilight greeted the little dragon as he finishes cooking up the last bit of hay.

“Morning Twilight.” The little dragon greeted back as he placed the plate of hay on the table. “Breakfast is all made, and ready to eat.” The unicorn gave her dutiful assistant a pat on the head, and a quick peck on the cheek for a job well done.

“So Twilight what’s on the list for today?” Spike questioned as they both sat down, and began making their plates of breakfast.

But as they made their plates, Spike noticed that his caretaker/sister figure looked a little, uncertain. Like something was troubling her as she thought over Spike’s question. After a few brief moments Spike seemed to grasp why Twilight was being silent.

“Are you still wondering about that creature from yesterday?” the unicorn gave a small nod as she fiddles with the hay and eggs on her plate with a fork.

“I’ve scoured through all the books of the library last night, even the ones from my personal collection I brought from Canterlot. And there’s NOTHING like it in any of them!” Twilight’s frustration was emphasized as her fork struck her plate, hard enough for it to break the plate by accident. “Ponyfeathers!” Spike shook his head as he watches Twilight get a new plate, and place her food on it.

“Twilight I know your freaked out by this creature, heck! I’m freaked out by it, but all of this worrying is making you so, antsy.” Spike said as he scarfed down one whole pancake into his mouth, nosily chewing it before swallowing. “Maybe you should take a break from trying to figure out what the creature is, and study something else.” The mare gives out a tired sigh before giving a small nod.

“Maybe your right Spike.” Twilight admitted. “I guess seeing a metal creature that can creature portals, and apparently can fire magical blasts…”

As Twilight finishes off her statement of the unknown beast, which Pinkie has started calling Gleam because of how its body shines in any source of light, the unicorn and dragon went about to actually eating their breakfast. Before everything got to cold.

Several minutes have gone by and in between bites of food, the pair talked about what they’ll be doing for the day. Twilight decided to try and study up on some new magical spells that she’s been meaning to study, but with the incident in the Crystal Empire and the days following Gleam’s arrival, she’s hasn’t gotten a chance to even read a single page. As for Spike, no surprise came to the unicorn when she heard him say he’ll visit Rarity and see if she, needs some dragon muscle or assistance. While Twilight found Spikes crush on Rarity cute at first, lately its been, eye rolling. And the fact that Rarity either seems to be blind by the dragons ‘not-so-perfectly-hidden-gestures’ of affection, or is leading the poor guy along has been making the unicorn a little irritated.

‘Maybe I should talk this over with Rarity, and get her to let down Spike easily, and GENTLY!’ Twilight internally monologued to herself, actually thinking of doing it first before Spike get’s a chance and before she reads. And considering Spike takes an hour to buff his scales to look more, dashing, she would have plenty of time.

‘Actually I should probably—wait.’ Twilight stopped in mid bite as she noticed something out the kitchen window.

“Twilight, what’s up? You look like your staring something down?” Spike questioned.

“Spike, do you know if its suppose to be cloudy, or rainy today?” the little dragon tapped a clawed digit to his chin as he thought for a sec.

“No. at least, I don’t think so. Why?”

Twilight got up from her seat and made her way over to the window, with Spike following behind her. reaching the window the pair looked out…and on the horizon they could see what looks like a large storm cloud. But the black mass wasn’t moving like any cloud they’ve seen. As the pair continued to watch the odd cloud close in on the town, Twilight squinted her eyes a bit as if she was trying to see something microscopic, but almost immediately her eyes went wide as she saw something else. And the shocked expression on her face caused the little dragon to develop a worried look.

“Twilight?” Spike said before Twilight shouted in high tone.

“CHANGELIGNS!”

Sure enough, the black cloud wasn’t a storm cloud or any kind of weather production. It was a swarm of changelings! Both Twilight and Spike then watched as members of the swarm began divebombing into the town, their bodies covered in green flames as they barreled down onto the towns ponies, stalls, tents, and buildings. Causing all the ponies to scream and shout in shock and awe! the same went to the pair in the library, when a rouge changeling came crashing through the library’s roof, and snarled and hissed at the pair.

Twilight immediately placed Spike on her back, and prepared to tangle with the changeling. Which came in the form of a swift pounce from the buggy equine, fangs bared, and forelegs outstretched! The unicorn used her magic to teleport the both of them outside the library, where they heard a dull and painful thud against the trees interior wall.

“What are the changelings doing back?!” Spike squawked in panic as Twilight began galloping as more changelings came crashing down around the library. “I thought Cadence and Shining Armor got rid of them!”

“They must be remnants of Chrysalis hive!” Twilight shouted over the screaming and shouting ponies, and the hissing and snarling changelings. The two even heard one changeling cry out. ‘Revenge for our fallen queen!’ before flying off after a pair of mares.

“And it looks like they want revenge for their fallen queen!”

“Twilight!” the unicorn heard the voice of her farm pony friend cry out, and seeing Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash making their way towards her and Spike.

“Girls! is everypony—LOOK OUT!” the group ducked as a changeling came rocketing over the three mares, before being hit in the face by a magical blast from Twilight. “Girls!” Twilight shouted as she galloped to her friends.

“Are you three okay?!”

“Yeah we’re fine.” Rainbow said as she picked herself up. “We were on our way to Sugarcube corner, see if Pinkie and the Cakes were alright.”

“Then let’s not waste time!”

The group made a made dash through the town, passing by fellow towns ponies were either running and hiding, or trying to stand up to any changelings that corned them. as the quartet of mares and one dragon made it to Sugarcube Corner, they saw the doors burst open by a trio of changelings covered in, cake batter? They then saw a rarely not so happy Pinkie Pie, party cannon in hoof along with Fluttershy.

“NO PARTY CRASHERS ALLOWED!” the pink mare shouted as she fired another blast of cake batter.

“Glad to see you two are safe.” Twilight said to the two ponies who trotted over to them.

“Twilight, do you, or any pony knows what’s going on?” Fluttershy asked worriedly, poor mare looked like she was about ready to have a heart attack.

“I think their from Chrysalis’s hive, and by the sound of it they want to take revenge for their queen.”

“Let them try!” Rainbow Dash said as she flapped her wings, still unable to fully fly because of the nasty burn she got from Gleam. “If they want to mess with Ponyville, I’ll show them—” The ponies were cut off when a sharp whizzing sound echoed through the town, and quick flash of red light came from just beyond the end of the street.

“Talk later, save Ponyville now!”

Pinkie all but galloped down the road, wailing a battle cry as she drags her cannon with her by means of her tail. the others quickly followed after their pink friend, as they went about helping out any pony they came across, and knocking down any changeling that got in their way. As the group continued on their rescuing crusade, they eventually reach town square, where they saw Gleam being attacked by twelve changelings, one was lunging at the creatures face ready to dig its fangs into the creature. Acting on instincts, Twilight fired a blast of magic towards the changeling, knocking it out of the air and tumbling onto the ground.

“Quick, Gleam run!” Fluttershy shouted to the creature, but the poor thing was tackled by a dozen changelings, knocking it down to the floor. “Gleam!”

“Quickly, cocoon the beast before it causes any trouble!” one of the changelings barked as he, and five others began spreading a green slime over the creature.

“Let him go!” Twilight shouted as she, and her friends galloped to the creatures rescue.

But them, and the changelings, were all stopped in mid-action…when a large rectangular shape portal just, appeared not five feet from where Gleam was. And what came stomping out of the hole in space…no creature would ever forget.

If the ponies thought Gleam was a giant creature compared to them, then this new creature was a titan! Its towering form was at least 18ft tall, or perhaps even more. Its body was broad and muscular, and has an upright frame, its skin like Gleam looked as if it was made of metal. But while Gleam was comprised of green, greys and blacks, this titan was dark blue with silver grey, except for its one eye. Which was thin as a tail, and shimmering brilliant red. As the titan fully emerged from the portal, the rift closed behind it as the towering creature scanned the area, its one eye giving everything a menacing piercing red glare. Even the changelings were shaking at the sight of it. as for Twilight and her friends, they were simply dumbstruck at seeing the creature, so much so that they all fell right onto their flanks as they looked up at the titan.

The titan then looked down at Gleam, seeing it partially covered in green slime, with the changelings still standing on it. A very low and DEEP groaning sound emitted from the titan, as it took heavy ground shaking steps towards Gleam, the deep rumbling movements causing the changelings to shake themselves out of their stupor.

“We’ll take that beast down like we did this one!” one of the changelings shouted as he bolted into the air. “Prepare to—”

Before he could finish his sentence the changeling was swatted out of the sky, the titan’s right claw smacking down on top of him and sending him crashing to the ground…where bones and carapace broke and green blood erupted from the wounds and mouth. The rest of the changelings, as well as the ponies, all shuttered as they just watched the titan effortlessly kill the bug stallion, like he was a common house fly. The remaining eleven changelings practically, and literally wet themselves as they looked upon the dead body of their fellow hive mate, but a thunderous step from the titan caused them look up at it…and see its red eye peering down at them as it growled a deep growl.

“Let’s get out of here!” a female changeling screeched as she took to the air, and was quickly followed by the other ten. As the small pack flew off, a larger changeling covered in obsidian armor entered the town square with a larger portion of the swarm behind him.

“So that’s the beast you spoke of, it’s bigger than I thought.” The obsidian armored stallion said. Before a skinner changeling shook its head.

“No that’s a different beast.” He said.

“It matters not, let’s restrain it and continue with the attack!” the swarm behind the armored changeling hissed and cheered as they all took the air, and all thirty changelings charged at the titan. As the changeling flew towards the titan, Twilight watched the behemoth turn to face the swarm, its eye glowing brighter as it raised its left claw.

“NO WAIT!” Twilight cried out as she was going to try and stop the changelings—but was too late.

The ponies watched as the creatures arm sucked in a large quantity of air, creating sharp whizzing sounds in the process. Then from the palm of the titan, a burst of air shot out with such force that the backlash actually knocked away anything within ten feet of it, including Twilight Sparkle and her friends. As for the changelings, the moment that the rushing air came in contact with them, they were battered and pulverized, their carapaces being crushed and their organs being smooshed like fruit as blood erupted from their brutally crushed forms, as they were sent flying. While the dirt brown roads were painted lime green.

The rest of the changelings that were either nearby to see the effortless massacre, or close enough to see the destroyed bodies fly about, they all screeched in horror before flying away. Looks of horror and fear etched on their faces as they flee.

When she recovered from her violent brush off, Twilight simply stared at the titan as it watched the changelings fly for their lives, before watching it tend to Gleam. Ripping the green slime off its body before firmly grasping the downed beast, while another portal opened up close to the titan. All of the ponies of the town emerged from their hiding places, or recovering from their tussles with the changelings, they all watched as the titan drags Gleam through the portal. Disappearing from their world as the rift closes shut, leaving everypony dumbfounded…and still wrought with fear. Not just because of the changeling hive that attacked them, but of the now clearly otherworldly creatures that can appear and disappear on a whim.

“T-Twilight…” Spike warbled as he clung to his caretaker, still rattled at seeing a good amount of changelings just, killed, with little effort.

“W-we…” Twilight tried to speak, but her nerves were all rattled from what has transpired this morning. However her senses have returned to her after a moment of her trying to re-collect herself. “We need to tell Celestia, a-and Luna about this.”

Home Base Files - #04: the Next Move

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The portal was re-opened upon Augustine’s confirmation that the A.P.E unit has the R.O.V.E.R unit safe in its hands, and soon the large blue colored robot came lumbering into the Gate Chamber, hauling the R.O.V.E.R behind it. the operators of the Gate Platform looked upon the poor mechanical beast, seeing it covered in chunks and globs of green, something.

“Get the engineers in here, and have them give the R.O.V.E.R a look over. We don’t know what kind of damage those creatures could’ve caused.”

“Yes ma'am!” the staff in the Gate Platform chamber said before running around to perform tasks, while making way for the A.P.E to bring the R.O.V.E.R to an empty space in the chamber.

“Damn! I didn’t think we had to resort to this, now the ponies will think we’re otherworldly monsters. Which will make studying them even more difficult.” Augustine said to herself as she roughly scratches her head of brown hair.

“Well it’s not like we could let those creatures capture, or destroy the R.O.V.E.R unit.” Charles says as he meets up with Augustine in the chamber, watching as a team of engineers enter the chamber and began checking the machine over.

“True. And maybe I’m over thinking this situation.” The woman says as she watches the A.P.E unit stomp off to its station.

“So, what are we going to do now?” Charles asked Augustine. The woman tapped a finger against her head, thinking of a response.

With how everything things went into the town, from the invading swarm of predatory insect-like equines, to showing the A.P.E unit just demolishing a good chunk of the swarm. Which from the peaceful life style she and her fellow researchers had seen of the ponies, probably traumatized a good number of them, and probably would make them wary if another robotic unit would just, appear, in their town.

“I think for the time being, we’ll let things on World 4 settle down and leave the ponies alone. And once the Manufacture Department has finished with the new unit, and have at least a good amount of the ponies language de-coded will we try and further our study on them before actually make first hand contact, without robots.” Augustine finally concluded. “How is the new unit coming along?”

“They’ve just finished the skeleton and base frame, and are starting to craft the body and write up the A.I code and systems.” Charles said as he and Augustine went back to the Observation Room, where a Aynesworth and the elderly researcher Adam were. and watching the footage from both the R.O.V.E.R and A.P.E units. “Good to see you guys join us.” The dark skinned man said to his compatriots.

“And it appears we missed quite a bit.” Adam says as he continues to watch the footage, which just got to the A.P.E unit smacking the lone insectoid-equine…and making it pretty much a crushed grape on the floor. “Do you know what these creatures are Augustine?” Adam asked the woman as she sat down at the table.

“Unfortunately, no.” the woman said with a tired sigh. “But right now, we may have a bigger problem.”

“And what would that be Miss. Augustine?” Aynesworth asked.

“It would seem Gabriel is trying to develop some bio-weapon formulas for weapons develop, and soldier enhancements.” The other three researchers looked at each other with bewilderment, and surprise.

“But the Geneva Convention—”

“I know Adam, and I’ve said this to Gabriel. But he brushed me and my complaint aside, and saying that he some brokers who are backing his research up.” the other members either groaned, sighed in annoyance, or just rubbed the bridge of their nose.

“Who does the Board of Directors keep that man around, ever since he’s joined this project he’s been nothing but a major pain to deal with.” Aynesworth groans as she slumps into a chair. “Especially when WE have to take the falls for his failed projects, and researches.”

“Well don’t worry, I think this is the final straw to finally sack him.” Augustine says as she gets up from the table while she speaks to the others. “Miss. Aynesworth, please continue your work on de-coding the ponies written langue—” the blonde woman nodded as she rolls her chair to a nearby computer. “Charles, see if you can give the Manufacture Department a hand in finishing the new unit.” The dark skin man nodded as he left the room.

“Adam.” The old man looked towards the woman. “I want you to launch the L.A.R.C unit into world 4.” The old looked puzzle.

“But Miss. Augustine, the L.A.R.C is supposed to be sent in after the R.O.V.E.R, once its finished with its initial surveillance of the land.” The woman nodded as she turns to head for the door.

“Normally, yes that is the basic protocol. However—” Augustine looked out the window of the Observation Room, and down into the Gate Chamber platform chamber, where the mechanical animal was still being worked on.

“The R.O.V.E.R is currently going under maintenance, to make sure nothing was damaged. So we’ll just have to use other means of surveillance the world, but make sure to instruct the machine to avoid any settlements or areas with a large population of the equines.”

“And where are you going Miss. Augustine?” Adam asked as the woman opened the doors.

“I’m going to the Board of Directors, and putting an end to Gabriel’s little projects…and ensure that not even a high school won’t even hire him.” with that the woman stepped through the doors, which closed with a ominously silent swoosh rather than the usual clang.

“She really can be frightening when she wants to huh?” Aynesworth said as she looked at Adam who was fiddling with one of the other monitors.

“That she can.” He simply replied as finished whatever it was he was doing at the computer screen.

~~World 4~~

Out in the fields that surrounded the settlement that was just attacked by the insectoid-equines, a portal was ripped open and a carrier unit came rolling out of the rift in space. But un-like the one that first brought the R.O.V.E.R unit into the world, this one didn’t have clamps, it instead was holding up a large circular platform…with a new type of robot sitting on it.

“The location is clear of any prying eyes, and the L.A.R.C unit is clear for takeoff.” the carrier operator said into his headset.

“Roger that, prepare for launch.” Adam’s voice says from the other end.

A moment later after the operator was given confirmation, the machine on the platform began to come online. The units long wings folded down from their upright position, the propellers begin to twirl as the thrusters burst to life as hot air started to waft over the field, and the carrier operator. After coming to life the aircraft unit slowly ascended into the air, and as it did so, its long cable like neck slithered out of its body, making the round one-eyed head look towards the operator who gave a small wave before driving back through the portal. While the machine withdrew its neck back into its body—

Before flying high into the sky at the speed of a fighter jet! the thrusters creating a resounding screeching sound, as the machine disappears into the great blue beyond.

Home Base Files - #05: The Investigation is Back On!

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Several hours have gone since the R.O.V.E.R unit has been brought back home to Earth, after its encounter with the swarm of black insectoid-equines. Thankfully, the creatures haven’t done significant damage to it, or its operating systems so it should be ready to return to its duties. But since the engineers had the machine in their hands, they figured they’d might as well give the poor outdated robot an much needed upgrade, after all, this model of the robot is nearly seven years old. So the R.O.V.E.R was going under improvement before it was released back into World 4.

As the R.O.V.E.R unit was being worked on, the head research of the Gate Project, Augustine Brown, was currently in a meeting with the board of directors. Discussing the fate of one of the researchers at the Gate compound, and his work on illegal human experimentations in regards to genetic alterations. There was also the issue of Gabriel disregarding safety protocol in bring in a creature from one of the other three worlds, running tests on it while keeping it in one of the less secure places of the facility as a whole…and then killing the creature rather than return it to its home world un-harmed.

“So with all this evidence in hand, as well as the action the Geneva Convention will undoubtedly bring down on him, as well as you gentlemen. As you are Gabriel’s current employers, he could say that you ordered him to take on this research making all of you take the fall, and leaving him untouched.”

The three men that were sitting in chairs across from Augustine, each donning an expensive suit, and going over the information that Augustine has copied from Gabriel’s own computer. Which as normally is left fairly vulnerable for anyone to gain access to if they so choose. After a minute of going over the date, as well as evidence of Gabriel bringing an un-authorized creature to the Home Base, the three men gave each other concluded looks as they all came to a decision.

“In light of evidence you have before us Miss. Brown; we agree that Mr. Avenarius must be dealt with.” The center director says as he clasps his hands. “However, even with this proof of his disregard for illegal of genetic modification, and bringing a possibly dangerous creature to the facility, we will also need to know who these benefactors are.”

“Indeed.” The director on the right says as he continuous to sift through the date Augustine provided. “If Mr. Avenarius has people that he has confidence in for protection, even from us, we will need to know who they are. Only then will we be able to come up with a plan to bring them in.”

“Until then Miss. Brown, keep a watchful eye on Mr. Avenarius. We will handle the rest.” The third man said to the woman who nodded in response. “Now, other than Mr. Avenarius backroom dealings, what have you learned from World 4 thus far?”

“Well sir from my last report, this world seems to hold great interest. Most of which comes from the inhabitants.”

“Ah yes the, intelligent equines.” The right director said. “Have you been able to communicate with them yet?” the woman shook her head, brushing a few locks of her hair out of her face before speaking.

“Not yet sir, but Miss. Aynesworth has finished with a cipher that’s been working to decode the equines written language, however she’s told me yesterday that only 5% of the language as been decoded to words that we know.” the three men nodded in understanding to the progress the Gate researchers have made thus far.

The meeting continued on for a bit longer, mostly it was just Augustine giving more updates about World 4, and what the Gate personnel have somewhat learned of the ponies. As well as give the men an update on the R.O.V.E.R’s progress. Once the meeting was over with the directors left the conference room, while Augustine headed back to her own duties. But before she did she wanted to check up on R.O.V.E.R’s redesign, and see how the oldest robot of the Gate Project was faring.

“Miss. Augustine!” a deep voice called out to the woman, causing her to turn to face the owner, who was a tall man wearing heavy clothing.

“Hello Rodger, what’s going on?” the woman asked the man as he slowed down from his jab.

“We’ve just finished the new unit you requested.”

“Already?!” Augustine asked in utter shock. After all, the request for a new robot was only put it in, two days ago! Rodger gave a small chuckle as he catches his breath before talking.

“Well when you asked us to build you a new robot unit, we were already building a scouting robot for the military. But we decided to put that project on the backburner, and use what we’ve build so far to make the new unit you’ve requested.”

“Oh. Well then, let’s see what the new robot looks like.”

Rodger agreed and began to lead Augustine to the Gate Platform chamber, rather than the Workshop. The researcher did question why they weren’t going to the construction chamber, to which the crafter to inform the woman that once the robot was done with, they brought it to the Gate Chamber as they assumed that the researchers would want to send it to the new world. upon reaching where the Gate machine was Rodger gestured to the new robot, which was being checked over by a few engineers and a few members of the work shoppers, seemingly checking to see if the robot was operating probably.

Augustine made her way over to the robot, where its head stretched out from its body to meet the woman half way. The woman and the machine just stared at each other for a little bit, before the machine’s head was pulled back into its body by one of the engineers.

“Well. What do you think?” Rodger asked as he stood beside the woman, a small smirk on his face.

“Not bad, defiantly less intimidating…but…why is it, purple?” Augustine asked as she tilted her head slightly.

“We thought it made it cuter, after all, from what Charles has said about World 4 the inhabitants are basically walking plush toys. We thought we not only make it look more friendly, but also colored to be more inviting.”

“…that’s fair.” The woman replied. “Is it capable of being deployed now?” Augustine asked the crew that were messing with the robot.

“Just another minute to make sure its systems are running 100%, and it should be ready for deployment.” A shorter man holding a tablet said as he works on said system.

Another minute or two went by, and once the crew was done, the new robot was now fully operational and ready to venture beyond the portal. As the machine primed itself to open the portal, Augustine headed back up to the Observation room to see what will occur when it crossed the threshold. Entering the room Augustine sees Charles, Adam and Aynesworth, and the southern woman Jessy and the youngest member of the group Richard, a Caucasian man were looking down at the new robot as it stood before the portal that just opened up.

“You think it will be okay?” Aynesworth said as the robot walked through the portal.

“Only one way to find out.” Augustine said as she took a seat, and watched as the new robots camera turned on…and showed the familiar group of ponies from the first few days. “Well…this is going to be strange first meeting.”

~~Equestria~~

Ponyville was still in a very tense state after the small surprised changeling attack, and from the scare that the ponies got when a titanic blue skinned giant came stomping out of a large portal, in fact the giant was so heavy that it left deep engraved footprints in the road. After emerging from the portal, the giant went about in rescue its fallen friend from the changelings…while also killing around thirty of them with little to no effort whatsoever. Course when the princesses learned of this attack, via Spike sending a message from Twilight, they came down to investigate. Luckily, no structural damage—aside from twelve stalls and a few tents—and no pony was hurt to bad, a few scratches, minor bruises, but nothing to substantial.

“It is clear what this was sister, it was an attack meant for revenge from casting Chrysalis out of Canterlot during Cadences wedding.” Luna said to her sister as she, Celestia, and Twilight plus her friends make sure everypony was alright as they made their way to main square.

“I agree Luna, and if Chrysalis intends to make more attempts such as this, we’ll have to post guards at key points of the town.” Celestia said as the group made it to the town square, where she stopped and looked at the footprints pressed into the ground. “Twilight…exactly what did this new creature look like, your message didn’t give any details.”

“Well Princess it was huge! Far bigger than the other creature—”

“Which I decided to call, Gleam!” Pinkie butted in before being pulled back by Rarity, who began scolding her for interrupting Twilight.

“Yea, it was far bigger than Gleam was.” Twilight repeated as she thought back to the titans appearance. “It’s skin was just as shiny as Gleam’s, and looked to be made out of metal as well and, I’m not sure how it did it but. The new creature was somehow able to create a shockwave from its claw…”

“Which, killed, the thirty changelings the guards had to bury, yes?” Celestia said to which the unicorn, and her friends nodded.

The conversation between the mares was interrupted when a large rectangular portal opened, causing any of the nearby towns ponies to see it run away in screaming terror. As for the group of mares, the alicorns stood before the element bearers, who half cowered behind the two rulers and half prepared to deal with whatever would emerge from the portal! But as the ponies kept their eyesight high up, expecting a large foreboding creature to have emerged…what came out of the portal was however…not what they expected.

Chapter 9: Another Strange Creature

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In the past few days, heck, in the last few hours Twilight, Twilight Sparkle has seen some of the most unusual creatures she’ll probably ever see. From a giant metal-skinned feline creature, to a towering metal giant. And now she is face to face with a creature that’s no bigger than princess Luna.

The new creature was pretty, round—at least from the front—and bulky, it also has the metallic looking skin like the last two creatures, but the face to this new smaller creature was different. Unlike Gleam’s singular eye, or that giant has a narrow red eye, this creature actually has an actual face. It’s head looked like a rounded snake head, with two big shiny black eyes with what looked like little eyebrows. As for the creatures posture, it reminds Twilight and the other ponies of some sort-of ape. Aside from the creature itself, the ponies also noticed that a small, thing, was flying around its back, it looked like beetle with three dully lit yellow limbs slowly spinning under its body.

After the creature stepped through the portal, it quickly closed on itself with a resounding pop sound, leaving the new creature with the ponies. Once the portal closed the new creature gave its surroundings a quick overlook before it focused in on the ponies, who were just a few feet from it. Twilight dared to approach the smaller creature, taking hesitate steps as she does so, but as she got closer to the creature it lowered its body and seems to be huddling in on itself. When Twilight was just a foot from the creature, the two just stared at each other.

“Twilight be careful!” Rarity cautioned as she, and the rest of the group trotted up to the unicorn, but the sudden movement of the group caused the creature roll up and coil its limbs around its body. Now the creature was a large lumpy ball that wobbled in place for a bit, before coming to standstill.

“Wait everypony stay back, I think your scaring it.” Twilight says as she looks over her shoulder to the group, feeling a little worried for the creature.

“We can’t take any chances Twilight Sparkle; this creature could be a threat like the blue titan one you spoke of!”

Luna says as she makes her way over to the creature, but the alicorn was stopped by the flying insect that accompanied the creature. It began to buzz around the princesses head, twirling its three limbs about and causing the small spike on its bottom to glow red.

“Shoo! Away with you, you little gnat!” Luna grumbled as she tries to swat the bug with hoof or wing.

“Luna if you distance yourself from the creature, the bug might leave you alone.” Celestia suggested to her sister, who did backed away from the creature. The little bug kept buzzing around Luna, annoying her, but once the alicorn rejoined the group the bug then flew over to Twilight. “Twilight you might want to rejoin us as well.”

Celestia cautioned as the bug flittered around the unicorn, not buzzing around her like it did Luna, but it was still a minor annoyance. Twilight then trotted back to the group while the bug went back to hovering above the creature. It gave one last shrilling buzz as its abdomen glowed bright red, and its legs spun faster for a bit.

“Looks like this new creature’s got itself a little protector. And a feisty one at that.” Applejack commented as Luna readjust his tiara, which got tossed about in her mane as the bug zoomed around her.

Once the lavender unicorn has rejoined the group, Fluttershy separated from the small herd and approached the creature, and its little defender. The group called her back to them, but the pegasus paid them no mind and continued to trot up towards the pair, where the bug zoomed in front of her and spun its legs and made a horrible buzzing sound. But Fluttershy remained calm and stood still.

The bug continued to buzz loudly for a few more seconds, before stopping and hovering around the pony, its flashing red spike on its underside no longer glowing. After feeling she’s proved to be no threat to the bug, the little pegasus made her way towards the creature, the bug still hovering around her as they approached the still rolled up creature. Who upon hearing Fluttershy trotting up to it, moved its big paws to allow its shimmering black eyes to look up at the mare, before hiding back behind them when Fluttershy knelt down.

“It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you. no pony is.” The mare said sweetly as she slowly reached out a hoof, and began petting the creatures large paws. Like with Gleam, the creatures skin was smooth, and cold.

The creature moved its paws out from its face, allowing one of its eyes to look at the mare. The pegasus gave a small smile to the creature, hopefully showing that she’s friendly, and means no harm. The purple creature slowly un-curled itself from its ball form and stood to its full height, and as expected on all fours the creature was just as tall as Luna, if not bigger by a few inches.

“See. We’re not going to hurt you.” the pegasus says as she patted the creatures paw.

“Fluttershy are you sure this things safe to be around?” Rainbow asked her friend as the creature nuzzled up to the pegasus.

“Sure looks like it.” Pinkie says as she trots up to the creature, but the bug stopped her by flying in front of her and buzzing like crazy. “Whoa there Buzzer, I’m a friend, just like Fluttershy is.” The pink pony said as she gestured to the butterscotch mare. The bug seems to understand this as it stops its loud buzzing, and flies back over to the pair.

“Sister I hope you don’t plan on leaving this creature here in town, do you?” Luna asked the older pony, making Fluttershy and the others look at the midnight alicorn.

“What do you mean princess?” Fluttershy asked.

“As I stated when the first creature was here, we don’t know what these beings are capable of.” Luna said as she looks past the pink earth pony and slim pegasus, and looks straight at the new creature who just tilts its head. “This creature may look and act innocent, but we don’t KNOW what its capable of. Or even why its here.”

“Luna I know your on edge because of the changelings attack, but remember, they attacked the creature that was here before. So they can’t be in league with one another.”

“Even so sister, we shouldn’t let this creature remain here un-supervised.” Fluttershy actually looked offended by Luna’s accusation of not be a proper supervisor. “No offense dear Fluttershy, but if Twilight said in her letter about the former creature running around town, without heeding your words, then we can’t let the creature stay here.”

“Then what are you going to do with it princess Luna?” Twilight asked the midnight alicorn.

“We should take it back to Canterlot—”

“And then what Luna?” Celestia questioned. “The gardens where our own animals reside aren’t big enough for a creature like this, plus the nobles would most assuredly try and toy with the creature which could cause it to be frighten.”

Luna stayed silent as she ran what Celestia just told her, and she was right. bringing an unknown creature to the capital especially the castle, where nobles and delegates could easily see the creature and attempt to attempt something involving the creature.

“For the time being I will allow for the creature to remain in Ponyville, but Fluttershy—” the pegasus stood up straight as Celestia spoke to her.

“To ensure that the creature is kept not only safe, but out of trouble, I will be placing a guard on surveillance of it. And if this guard reports of anything unusual about the creature, or it show aggressive behavior, we will have to place it under strict security. Do you understand Fluttershy.”

“Yes, princess Celestia.” The pegasus says as she gives a small nod.

“With all that settled, let’s finish looking around the town to ensure nothing was damaged, and no pony was harmed.” The princess then looked at Fluttershy again, and seeing the creature play with Pinkie’s tail, while the flying beetle buzzed every time the mare made a buzzing sound back. “Fluttershy, why don’t you and Pinkie take the creature to your cottage and make it doesn’t do anything to startle any pony.”

“Yes princess!” both mares said as the princess, and the rest of the group trotted off. all except Twilight who stayed behind.

“Okay then come on Grapefruit, lets go!” Pinkie said as she hopped off.

“Grapefruit?” both Twilight and Fluttershy said in unison.

“Yeah, that’s what I decided to call it.” the pink mare said as squeaky sound leave her as she smiled.

As the two mares watched Pinkie bounce away, they watched as the creature, Grapefruit, follow the mare with the beetle in tow. Twilight and Fluttershy soon followed after the trio, and as they made their way through the town, several of the towns ponies did give startled yelps or out right faint when they saw Grapefruit, one stallion even dove into a giant jar of strawberry jam for safety. It didn’t take to long for the group to make it to the outskirts of Ponyville, and as they made their way to Fluttershy’s cottage, Twilight kept looking the creature over. Studying it, and having dozens of questions just flood into her mind.

‘Just what are these strange metal creatures, where do they come from, and how are they able to create portals?’ Twilight internally questioned as then watched Pinkie jump on top of Grapefruits back, riding as Pinkie went back to making buzzing sounds with the beetle. Which she started to call Buzzard.

‘Well whatever these creatures are, they don’t appear to be hostile…unless provoked and not being attacked.’

As Twilight thought that statement, her mind went back to image of thirty challenging being crushed by wall of wind, being fired by the blue titan that came to Gleams rescue.

“Twilight?” the unicorn was brought out of her private thoughts as Fluttershy called out her name, and gently shook her.

“What? What is it Fluttershy?” the unicorn asked her friend.

“I asked who you’d think the princesses would send to keep an eye on Grapefruit?” the pegasus questioned her friend.

“I’m not sure. The royal guard isn’t exactly trained for, this.” Twilight gestured with her head towards the creature, who stopped at the little bridge in front of Fluttershy’s cottage, and was looking at some of the animals that were wandering around the property.

“Whoever Celestia and Luna pick better not be a jumpy pony that thinks even a sneeze is a cause to send Grapefruit to, well, wherever it is the princesses will take it.”

“I hope so.” Fluttershy said as she watches one of her otter friends sniff Grapefruit as the creature lowers its head to get a better look. “If we can understand and learn what Grapefruit and the other creatures, then maybe we can learn how to befriend them, and maybe understand them.” Twilight developed a small smile as she continued to watch the creature interact with the animals.

“That would be nice.”

~~Badlands Hive~~

“WHAT!”

A piercing scream of rage and anger echoes throughout the Badlands, the towering changeling hive acting as a make-shift horn enhancing the resounding scream. While the changelings inside the hive covered their ears with their hooves, as the swarm that attacked Ponyville returned to the hive…and told their queen who was just about to leave to begin her own mission, about what happened int the small town. So now the queen of the changelings is pacing in her private chambers, as her spies from Ponyville who had just finished explaining what has transpired are cowering in the corner of the room. Hoping that their queen won’t take her rage out on them.

“How could my plan fail again!” Chrysalis shrieked as she stomped the ground, creating a sizable spiderweb crack on the floor.

“T-to be frank y-your majesty it wasn’t your f-fault.” One of the two mares out of the three spies said, getting the queens attention as she glares at the trio, fangs bared as she snarls. “It was only because of that giant that we told you about, its what caused the mission to fail.” The queen turns to face the three spies fully, her eyes glowing green as she approaches them.

“And what was this creature like?”

The female changeling began to describe the giant creature that fought against the swarm, and the other creature that they saw step out from what looks to be a portal of some kind, and use the wind to kill a good number of the swarm. Killing is almost unheard of in this land of Equestria, in fact, as far as the queen knows killing of any kind is virtually none-existence in the world. So for the queen to hear of a creature walking out of a portal, and just kill creatures without any form of hesitation, makes her carapace shiver with dread. Even Chrysalis wouldn’t resort to killing anything, subjugation is more practical, and beneficial in her eyes.

“What should we do now your majesty?” the stallion of the spy trio asked as the trots to her bed before collapsing onto it.

“Go back to Ponyville, and keep an eye on things till I come up with a new plan.” The queen mumbled out as she laid on her bed head sinking into her pillows. “And I want you all to keep an eye on those creatures, if they’re still there.”

“You want us to go back there?” the other mare of the trio asked, only to get a glare from the queen.

“Yes!” she hissed with a bone chilling tone.

The three spies dawned their pony disguises and left the queen in her private chamber, and made their way out of the hive and off towards the pony town. As for the queen, she remained laying in her bed, staring at her ceiling mind racing to come up with a new plan. One that won’t be thwarted by unknown, creatures.

Chapter 10: Getting Back into the Action

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Fluttershy awoke with a small yawn as she stretches her body, as the birds outside were in the midst of their morning chorus. Emerging from her bed, and then making it, the pegasus trotted to her bedroom window and looked out into her backyard. As the pegasus looked out into the yard she saw her newest friend, another unknown creature from beyond a mysterious portal, standing at its full quadrupedal height and looking down at the royal guard that was assigned to keep an eye on it. It’s been a few days since the pair have made themselves at home at Fluttershy’s cottage, and the mare was pretty happy to have new residences at her little home.

The guard was a pegasus mare named Soft Breeze, and surprisingly like Fluttershy, was just like her in some aspects. The mare was lean in build to where her armor looked more like it was just hanging on her body, her coat was a pale pink color while her mid-length mane and tail were bright sky blue with a few high lights of white. When the guardmare came to Fluttershy’s cottage and introduced herself, she was kind and polite, and seemed to be very respectable, and from what Fluttershy could see of the mare right now was that she was calm and patient.

“Good morning Miss. Breeze.” Fluttershy said after she opened her window and waved at the mare. The guard looked up and gave an equally happy smile and wave, even the creature that Pinkie called, Grapefruit, looked up at her…and waved its claw.

“Morning Fluttershy.” The guard pegasus said. “Did you sleep well?” Fluttershy nodded.

“How did you sleep Miss. Breeze? Was the guest room alright?”

“It was fine Fluttershy.” Soft Breeze said before looking back to the creature.

Fluttershy then made her way out of her room and began her usual morning routines. Once she has the pegasus made her way down to her lower floor, where all of her little animals were either awake, or just waking up and were looking for food. Approaching a hallway closet Fluttershy pulls out a bag of animal feed, some biscuits, and a few other foods that animals can eat. Flying around the cottage the pegasus began to pass out food to her many animals, both inside the cottage and outside it, and as she worked Soft Breeze accompanied her in passing out the food, like a good guest should do for their host.

When the pair made their way to the backyard where the more exotic animals live, Fluttershy and Breeze began to give each animal their food but as they did so, they kept looking over to where Grapefruit was. Which was currently with Harry, Fluttershy’s bear friend, and the bear was gently rolling Grapefruit around as it was curled up in a large ball. The odd little bug that Pinkie as had named, which was Buzzard because of its loud buzzing sounds, was flying closely by as it never strayed to far from its larger companion.

“Alright Harry I think that’s enough playing, time for breakfast.” Fluttershy said sweetly as she placed an empty beehive at the entrance of a make-shift cave just outside her backyard. The bear growled before stop playing with the rolled up creature, and made his way over to his cave. As the bear left the creature both pegasi watched as unusual armored creature un-curled itself.

“Sorry about Harry rolling you around like that.” Fluttershy said to the creature, who just shook its body and gave the mare a very neutral expression. Even after a few days of housing Grapefruit, the pegasus was still unable to understand it, as it displays of emotions seemed limited, but thankfully Fluttershy was able to tell how the creature was by its action.

“So Fluttershy, what does Grapefruit eat exactly? I don’t think I’ve seen it eat anything.” Soft Breeze asked her fellow pegasus as the creature lumbers off to a different part of the yard, as Fluttershy starts pouring chicken feed for her chickens.

“I’m not sure actually.” The butterscotch pony said. “I tried fruits and vegetables when it came around lunch time the first day it came to Equestria, but it didn’t eat anything. I then tried fish and animal food, but it didn’t eat them either.”

“Then, what does it eat?” the guard asked as she looked towards the creature, and watch it lay in a nice patch of sunlight, its metal hide gleaming in the light.

“I think it actually eats sunlight.”

“Sunlight?” the guard mimicked as she looked over to her fellow creature observer.

“After resting in direct sunlight for a few minutes, Grapefruit seems to be fine and full of energy.”

Fluttershy then looked over to the creature, watching it sun bathe for a few moments. Both mares sat down and continued to just watch the purple beast soak up the rays of the sun, and just as Fluttershy said, a few minutes later and the creature bolted to its feet and trotted about in an energetic fashion. It even curled up into a ball and rolled about for a few seconds.

“Well how about that.” Breeze said as she kept watching the creature roll about the yard, its little bug friend keeping pace. “Say, whatever happened to the first creature that came to Ponyville? Did it ever come back?”

“I don’t think so.” Fluttershy said. “From what Twilight guesses, these creatures can go through portals anywhere they want, so its hard to tell when one shows up or disappears.” A small frown came to the yellow mare as the sight of the first creature being tackled by the changelings made her feel worried about it.

“I do hope Gleam is doing alright, wherever it is.” Breeze gave a comforting pat to the caretakers back, while giving her a small smile.

“I’m sure, Gleam, is doing fine wherever it may be right now.”

Fluttershy gave her new houseguest a warm smile back as she thanked her for trying to make her feel better. The mare was then surprised to have Grapefruit roll up to her, and give her a soft nuzzle, its skin being very cool to the touch as it did so. The mare hugged the creatures head as she nuzzled back, and saying thanks to it in the process.

~~Home Base~~

Back at the researchers facility, Augustine and her team were watching the footage being played of their newest robot unit, acting like an actual caring animal as it comforts the little pegasus. The head researcher actually admitted she was surprised to see the robot be so, interactive this way, the Manufacturers really did good work with this unit.

“I gotta say, this working out really well.” Charles says as he then watches the two pegasus fly off, with the S.E.A unit rolling after them. “These ponies seem to be at ease with this new unit being around.”

“Well considering its not a lumbering giant metal cat, I’m not at all surprised.” Adam said as he stood up from the table and stretched. “I’m off to get a troll of coffee, does anyone want me to bring any specific treats?”

The group of people around the table began giving the old man a list of foods they would like, along with their coffee. The old man then left the room to fetch everyone’s desired treats, the group continued to watch the footage being played, while Aynesworth continues to fine tune the decoding of the ponies language, and trying to come up with a program to actually speak to the equines. But that task is proving to be a little harder than it would seem. As for the other two members at the table, Charles was still studying the endemic wildlife that the S.E.A unit has been compiling, along with the previous data that the R.O.V.E.R unit gathered, while Augustine just kept watch on the screen. That is until the phone in her coat pocket rang.

“Hello?”

“Miss. Augustine its Rodger from Manufacturing.”

“Greetings Rodger, is there a problem with something?”

“No ma’am. In fact I’ve got some good news. R.O.V.E.R is back up, and ready to deploy.” Rodger said with excitement over the phone.

“That is good news, deploy the old boy whenever you’re ready.”

“Will do ma’am, but before we do come and have a look at the bot, we’ve given it a few upgrades that you might want to see for yourself.”

Augustine then hanged up her phone, and proceeded to head out of the Observation Deck and made her way to the Workshop. As walked down the steps from the room she was in, the woman looked over to A.P.E as it stood in its station, and as she walks past it the memory of its creation—or more accurately the reason for its creation—came to the forefront of her mind. The image of the large robot wrestling with what was essentially a t-rex gorilla on World 2, while the research party huddled in tall trees waiting for the robot to come out the victor.

“Glad our expeditions on World 2 is over with, cause I really don’t want to go back there.” a shiver then ran down the woman’s spine as the thought of the 3^rd World came to her.

“…or World 3. NO THANK YOU!” the woman said pretty loudly as she continuous down the hall, reaching the Workshop within a few more minutes of walking.

Upon entering the large chamber the familiar sounds of machinery at work, and people talking over it. but after entering the Workshop, the sight of R.O.V.E.R walking about in the large open space in front of the entrance, with its more obvious changes caught the woman’s eye.

“AH! Miss. Augustine glad you could make it, check it out!” Rodger said as he gestured to the robotic beast. “You like the changes we’ve made?”

“Not bad, the old bot needed an upgrade or two.” Augustine said as the R.O.V.E.R looked over at her with both its eye units.

“We’ve swapped out its leg units so it can be a bit more efficient.” A female workshoper said as she approached the mechanical beast. “The front legs allow not only better traversal, but the digits allow it to grip the ground better, especially the back legs! Now it will be harder to knock the poor thing over, and if it gets into fights, its able to stand its ground better.”

“And I assume the new drones are for added surveillance?” the team nodded, that’s when a stout man with a pair of goggles on spoke up.

“Like the S.E.A unit, these drones act not only as a second pair of eyes, but as mobile aerial assist units. So now the R.O.V.E.R has four laser armaments, but we’ve also added a little something extra.”

“And what’s that?” Augustine asked.

“We’ve added two smoke screen chambers under the main laser ports. So the unit is able to use it to escape much easier.” The head researcher stood there as the R.O.V.E.R walked over to her, lowering its head where the woman petted the robots head.

“Is it ready to be put back in action?” the group of engineers nodded in unison. “Then let us head to the Gate Chamber.” The group of engineers followed Augustine, and the robotic creature, out of the Workshop and down the corridor to the Gate Platform Chamber.

~~~~~

Back at the old ruins, where the R.O.V.E.R unit was first deployed, a large portal opened up where the mechanical beast emerged from. As it strolled out of the portal the machine’s twin drones zoomed out, flying all over the place scanning the area for signs of danger, but their were no signs of any enemy threats and returned to hovering around the main unit. Once the R.O.V.E.R unit has fully emerged into the world, the portal behind it snapped shut, leaving the newly upgraded mechanical beast alone in the new world. And before the metal beast did anything, it reared its head unit up as high as it could…and unleashed a roar that was reminiscent of a lions roar, but so loud that it echoed throughout the forest, announcing its return to the new world.

Project New World

by NinjaMare

Prologue: Begin the Operation

Chapter 1: the Discoveries For the Ages

Chapter 2: The Three Little Fillies & the Big Metal Dog

Chapter 3: End of the First Day.

Home Base Files - #01: First Day of Discoveries

Chapter 4: Continued Exploration

Chapter 5: Things to Come.

Chapter 6: R.O.V.E.R Discovers....CLOTHES!

Home Base Files - #02: Research and Future Troubles Ahead

Chapter 7: End of the Second Day

Home Base Files - #03: Research Concluded.

Chapter 8: Conflict

Home Base Files - #04: the Next Move

Home Base Files - #05: The Investigation is Back On!

Chapter 9: Another Strange Creature

Chapter 10: Getting Back into the Action