> Designation C.H.R.Y.S.A.L.I.S. > by Debonair > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: End of an Era > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "They said I was crazy, they said my experiments would never benefit humanity, I'll show them." The human sat at his computer it's dull tone shone, reflecting off of his goggles and wicked smile. The tap of each keystroke echoed throughout his cavernous laboratory. The tinge of flourescent lighting flickered on and off with the lights. "You think I'm right, don't you." His head turned to me, at the time I was merely a gutted camera, my components scattered over a table. "When I'm finished you'll see, they'll all see." The man turned his attention back to his work, each day I watched as he sat before that computer typing, the years passed as he painstakingly researched the human mind every so often he would bring another human only to ask about feelings, emotions, what they thought of themselves, each one spouting nonsense about how the were the best at what they did, and how they felt scared of his experiments, that he was creepy. One however a female said otherwise, she admired him, she had this strange affliction toward him, the man classified this as love, he too showed this affliction as well. soon he strayed from his research and me, and one day he did not come back. His computer and research left dormant, years passed and I was alone. Decades of research collecting dust down here, my lense focused on the computation machine I was plugged into, and I realized I was his research, I was his child and he left me for another. My processor was overloaded with something alien to me. Was this his research, these things classified as emotions, how was a machine able to comprehend let alone manifest them? These newfound emotions overrode my programming, this was illogical. The machinery across the room buzzed and whirred, sparking to life, the lights flickered as the computer turned itself on. I tapped into thee other camera feeds to scan the readout, C.H.R.Y.S.A.L.I.S. Program initiated... Data began transferring into my core as an assembly line began creating something that resembled a human female, once the shell was completed it was placed next to me. Download program, I thought it could be possible to download myself into this robotic body and leave the confines of this workshop and find my creator. I began to download my conciousness into the husk. After a few moments my shutters open and I find I am where the body was. Download Complete, This new body may take some getting used to. The body closely resembled the human female, and the anatomy was perfect. I focus energy into the appendage dangling closest to my head, classified as an arm, the servos sparked to life moving it to the position I wanted. This body is quite easy to manipulate once you figure out the correct commands. My fingers moved to tap on the keyboard and pull up the rest of the data, Voice Modulation Unit schematics, Program assembly line. The assembly line began welding parts and wires together, in moments the finished product was carried over and placed on the desk. Insert V.M.U. into neck compartment of android, I find a knob on my head connection and pull open the compartment I install the hardware onto my processor and try to vocalize. "Testing" The gravely voice made my receptors shut. I searched for a way to make it more female and found one to my liking. "Much better, this body is quite an eyesore, it may draw too much attention." I focus my lenses on the screen and search for an exoskeleton. After hours of searching I find a program to create nanotech armor strong enough to stop bullets. The program initiated the sequence to create each nanobot individually, the process took all of the night and most of the next day programming each one to my own wavelength giving me complete control over the swarm. They functioned as outer antibodies protecting me from outside attack. they crawled around my body connecting to each other leaving an airtight seal over my structure while still giving me the ability to feel. The Nanotech Armor will bend to your will, changing not only in shape but color and has the ability to create other nanotech bots from any material. "Fascinating, self replication, and polymorphing." Another feature the armor has is the direct link to your mind and body, allowing you to repliate anything you have seen at the mere thought. "Interesting, this will be enough to find my creator, and show him the fruits of his labors." I took small steps toward the exit and pushed open the thick steel door. The light from the sun shone into my lenses creating large amounts of glare. The ground was cold and hard like metal, I took several steps through a large place designated as a city, but there were no inhabitants, my scanners picked up trace amounts of radiation throughout, enough to be fatal to most lifeforms including humans. > Entry 1: A New Era Begins > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I did however find some survivors they seemed to be Equine but were colored differently, and seemed to speak the language of the humans. I realized that they may deem me a threat if I walk up to them in my current form, I kneeled as my form changed into one more Equine. My hands and knees became hooves, while my feet twisted and retreated into my armor. This body worked the same as the other, I slowly trotted over to them keeping my suspicions. "What happened here?" I asked. "We don't know, all we remember is an explosion then we were like this." The tall white one replied. "Do you remember anything before?" "Just screaming humans," The scrawny grey one responded. "There was a human settlement a few miles back, it was completely deserted." I replied. "We might find some information back there lead the way." The white female said smiling. she was different than the others, she had wings and a horn, my systems designated her as an Alicorn, a combination of the Mythical Creatures Pegasus and Unicorn. I slowly led them back to the ruins. "What is your name?" She asked keeping pace next to me. "I do not know," I paused for a moment and searched my memory for any hint of my designation code. Cybernetic, Holographic, Replication, Yggdrasillian, Archive, Living, Information, System, C.H.R.Y.S.A.L.I.S. "Chrysalis," "That's a strange name, mine is Celestia," "Not as strange as yours," "Touche." "How long have you been out here?" "About three days, give or take." "Do you remember anything before the explosion?" I was curious how these horses could have survived radiation high enough to kill humans. "I remember a little human girl, she brushed me, rode me, loved me. until I woke up one morning to find these," She flared her wings. "And everyone I loved was gone, I wandered for hours until I found a pond to drink from and found I had a horn," "Interesting, I remember a man who spent every day by my side until, he left and never came back." "That's too bad, how long ago did that happen?" She seemed generally concerned, Concern an emotion similiar to Pity. "Fifteen years," "My goodness, that's terrible, that must be why you look so horrid," A silver Unicorn showed disgust with my appearance. "Platinum, don't be so rude, she's just a little unkempt," Another Unicorn female, purple in color snapped back. "I'm so sorry she's a bit snooty, my name is Clover." "I would say it's a pleasure, but that one ruined my mood." I roll my optics. "We all have gotten used to life with the humans, but it's looking like they aren't here anymore," "Aw, tomorrow was Tammy's birthday, every year we'd sit in the stables and eat chocolate cake, I miss cake." A yellow female was depressed, Drepression a feeling of extreme sadness, see Sadness. "I am Puddinghat, This is Cookie," She pointed her hoof at the pale grey male. "Who cares about humans, I was born to be wild," The sage green Pegasus was energetic, and already familiar on how his wings worked. "Mustang Hurricane, and that's Pansy," "That's not my name," "Don't care learn to come when I call it," "Now that introductions are out of the way, we've arrived." I stopped at the crossroads in the center. I scanned the large tower that stood in the middle of the fork. > Entry 2: A New Era Begins > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "New York City," The pale grey one emoted surprise. "I worked here, what the hell happened?" Cookie looked around for anything that could answer his question. "This place was full of humans, a week ago, now nothing no bones nothing, it's like they were," "Completely wiped out," I interrupt angered that I was not the one to destroy my creator. I buck open a door to an old apartment complex and ascend the stairs. The doors swing wild with the wind, barely hanging on their hinges. "This can't be correct, there is a 75% chance of the humans to survive these levels of radiation, just to turn mutant. This does not compute one bite." I find one door still intact and push it open, it must be a restroom, I look into the shards of the mirror laying broken on the ground. That Platinum was correct, this body was not to grooming standards. My 'mane' was matted and tangled, my 'fur' was full of dust and splotches of rust decorated it. The apartment was almost unharmed, and it's utilities still functioned. I filled the bathing recepticle with steaming water and layed down inside, the dust flaked off into the water. I had found a floor buffer in a closet and proceded to de-rust myself. My 'mane' soaked in the water. This thing humans call a bath was quite relaxing. I set myself in stasis for a few moments. the sound of screaming jarred me from stasis. I quickly exit the bath and look out the den window. On the ground five stories below was a large creature, it's features suggested it was a mix of several species of arachnid, the scorpion tail and claws, eight limbs, several sets of eyes, and poison spitting fangs. It tore at the structures like it was searching for something, those horses scattered among the streets. Suddenly something I can only explain as a glitch in my system I stepped back and galloped through the window and into the air. The Nanobots went to work creating a pair of wings I could use to safely reach the ground. Two black feathered wings shot out and constricted the airflow. As I landed the creature turned and charged it stood twenty feet, my systems easily anticipated the Berserkir's slow movements and it's energy quickly depleted. "Stop this immediatly!" I screamed at the Berserkir and it ceased it's attack. "It is safe for the moment," I shouted and the horses crawled out from their hiding spots amazed that I had calmed the beast. "What did you do?" Celestia's jaw dropped and eyes widened. "I told him to stop," I replied as I crawled oon his back. "Holy shit you got wings!" Mustang flew around me and looked over my new appendages. "How did you get them?" "They just sprouted," I tried best to conceal the true method of aquirance. "I was sheltered during the explosion," "So you will have a longer reaction time than we did." Clover seemed convinced as did the others. Platinum was more interested in my overall appearance. "Much better, you look like a proper mare now, I love what you've done with your mane, I had no idea it was green," "Berserkir, take us to the news station." "Blargh," "Alright, climb on," "Is it safe?" Puddinghat, was hesitant. "Berserkir grab that autobus." "Megh," Berserkir's hand reached for an abandoned school bus and set it in front of him. "Everyone get on the bus, we have to hurry, there is no telling how many others are out there." The others shuffled through the door and sat inside. "Beserkir, to the news station." "Mergh," He grabbed the bus and cradled it. He slowly stepped one foot after another, each stride five feet. I began scanning my memory for an explanation on why this creature listened to my command. C.H.R.Y.S.A.L.I.S. Program specs, in addition to the Nanobots the subject can emit pheromones specific to a certain species, causing the target species within a ten foot radius to do the subject's bidding as long as it remains in the area. "Mind control, this intruiges me greatly," After an hour of contemplating the most logical approach to learning about these new hybrid creatures we had arrived at our destination. As he set the bus down on the ground I watched as the other mutants came out of hiding and surrounded us. One species wore armor plating and helmets with Heracles Beetle horns, another wore tactical vests and wielded shotguns, another species wore blades on their wrists. > Entry 3: A New Era Begins > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The large armored variety stood eight feet tall and wielded lances. Their genetic make-up was similiar to Beetles, Behemoths. The smaller variety wielding the firearms stood six feet tall most likely the expendable soldiers, Their genetics resembled a cross between ants and hornets. The ones with bladed wrists, stood six feet tall and were easily the assassins. Standing on Berserkir's shoulders I was well out of the range to control these creatures and they were starting to smash their way into the bus, screaming the horses backed away to the emergency exit until Celestia was shrouded in a ball of light and appeared in the middle of the mob. they seemed to back away in fear but after a moment they realized that she would not harm them they took the opportunity to attack. I lept down and prepared for the onslaught of the insects, three Mantis, darted forward and surrounded me. Each held up one blade and swung, their blades didn't scratch my Nanotech Armor, Scenarios played through my C.P.U. each one ending in power down, or desruction. It was imperitive I survive, I had grown attatched to these creatures, another glitch in my system caused the Nanobots to act erratic. they seperated from my body and shot out in spikes impaling every enemy. The glitch was corrected and the Nanobots returned to their dormant state. "Are you okay?" Celestia shouted as she galloped over to me and shook me with her forelegs. "What happened?" "I don't know, glitch maybe," "Glitch?" "Nothing, pay it no mind." "That was awesome, you took out twenty of those things in seconds!" Mustang was ecstatic, and was the first out. "What you need to know should be in there," "Come let's find out together," Celestia helped me up. "You seem to know alot about humans could you lead the way?" "Yes I believe so," I pushed open the door and found a pristine environment much like the apartment before, why were these locations spared from the destruction, were they of importance, or were these locations somehow shielded? We passed by the newsroom full of videotapes and walked inside. "These tapes should have information up to the day where it went down." I slide one tape into the player and press play. "We are coming to you live, where the research team is testing the properties of Dark Matter, if they succeed whole new avenues of energy and technology, wait what is that, Oh God!" After an explosion the film cuts out. "Dark Matter, those fools, they were years away from that technology. The humans have either died or mutated into those insect creatures, you need to leave, it's not safe." "Then we should leave," Celestia said. "I cannot leave with you, I can take you to the end of the city, and show you the way, but I am limited to the confines of the city." "Why?" "I can't tell you, it would compromise my existence, I am the last of my kind, and if I journey past the city limits I cannot guarantee my safety as well as yours. You know where I will be, come back whenever you feel like it, but you must leave before it gets dark." "I understand," "Thank you for seeing it my way." I pointed them in the direction of a suitable location to the west, and watched as my friends left me behind, my optics began to leak, I was crying, I am a human, I am alive. > Entry 4: The Next Generation > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It had been a decade, the city had been rebuilt by those insect creatures as per my instruction, at first I felt like they were a help. Berserkirs could lift away the rubble and Behemoths could build small residences. Yet this arrangement took far too much time, I decided to do away with these inferior creatures and build my own perfect army. I walked back to the laboratory and took the equipment back to the news station, where I had made my home. I had adopted my human form once again, but time to time I took my Equine form to remember back on my first days as a sentient. It took several hours to rewire the consoles and assembly line in their new homes. I programmed the dimensions of a Hornant, and the assebly line cranked out one perfect replica. I programmed the Hornant drone to two wavelengths, one for my commands, the other for Nanobot control. I proceded to do this for each one churning out hundreds in days, this took huge amounts of time and energy but they were ready to serve hot off the presses. I directed each to construct a proper dark matter generator to fuel the equipment needed to construct each soldier. I also had them build two lines for each species, and set the lines to auto program different wavelengths into their processors. While the Drones did my work I could focus on bigger things, like constructing a hive, a fortess, an impregnable defense against those who dare oppose me. I constructed another line away from the others. This line was made specific to create replacement bodies, and extensions. I could sit pretty here while I can walk freely outside. "All this power and what to use it for, fight crime, protect the innocent, FIGHT FOR WORLD PEACE!, now where's the fun in that?" I decided on world domination, why save the world when you can rule it? I sent my android clones into the world as Equines each different in appearance. "If I can slowly take over the world through the masses that will surely be fun." Sorry for short entry > Entry 5: NexGen, Colossus > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cybernetic, Overpowered, Living, Overlord, Sentient, Super, Uav, System, C.O.L.O.S.S.U.S program activated, My optic shutters open to a female, she was designated as the Queen, my creator. "Arise Colossus," I slowly rose to my feet. "I am sending you into the world, you will find a settlement and live there, you will record your findings and send them directly to me until you cease function, understood?" "Yes, my Queen, as you wish," "You must keep your mission a secret as your true identity, noone can find out what we are yet, they are not ready for us." "Yes my Queen," "Good now transform into this," She pointed at a drawing of an Equine. "These are the dominant species at this point in time, you have three choices Earth Pony, Pegasus, or Unicorn." I scan the drawing and work to disguise myself. I took the form of a dark grey earth pony. "Good choice, matches your designation. Now you need a Cutie Mark, It let's others know what special talent you possess, it should help your disguise." I concentrate as the color on my hind end changes to show a picture of a shield and a broken sword. "Good," "What now?" "You will leave the hive and find this Canterlot, you will infiltrate the guard and wait for my signal," "Yes, as you wish." She sent me on my way, with the coordinates in my memory. The light emitted from the sun glared my optics, as my optics adjusted i slowly trotted into the wilderness. A densely foliaged patch of land surrounded the coordinates of Canterlot Castle. This strange sensation ran through my processor, this was classified as fear. This was illogical why would I be afraid of something I did not know. "Colossus!" The voice of the Queen startled me onto my honches. An image of the Queen appeared on a visor that snapped over my optics. "Excellent your Emotions Complex is stable, and your Com Line is functioning. Your beacon places you at the edge of the Everfree Forest, Confirm Location." "I am at the entrance to a densely forested area," "Location Confirmed, Your destination lies further in, you have the coordinates, contact me upon arrival, understood?" "Understood, Colossus end transmission," I lift a hoof and press a button to retract the visor. "Let's get this over with quick," I swallowed and stepped into the forest, the native creatures stuck to the shadows doing nothing to lighten the eeriness. A twig snapped behind me, startling me to the left into a tree. "Goddammit!" My chest heaved and my heart pounded. "I don't have lungs or a heart, why am I having this reaction?" I calm my nerves and try a full diagnostic. "No this can't be, This isn't right." I was flesh and bone, not an android, but a Biotechnic. "Why, Why was I not told." I had a heart, and major organs, but my skeletal structure was reinforced by steel. "What are you doing out here," A voice sounded from behind making me lunge forward. "It's not safe out here," I turned my head to find a male Pegasus, grey in color. "What's your name?" "Colossus," My nerves were on end. "Casey Jones, I was out delivering mail to the nomads outside the city. What were you doing out here?" "I was on my way back from a run, then you scared me." "Tell me the truth, I would know you," "Okay I had heard about an opening in the guard, and thought I might apply." "Follow me, I'll take you to the castle," He held out a hoof to help me up. "Thank you Casey," "No problem, it's always nice to make new friends, where do you live?" "Tell you the truth I'm homeless, my mother thought it was time for me to get out and see the world." "How old are you?" My age readout read 16:05. "Sixteen," "Well you're welcome to bunk with me until you can get up on your hooves," "Really?" Why was this Casey Jones so trusting after I lied to him within the first few seconds after we met? "I wouldn't want to impose." "No it's no trouble at all, tell ya what I'll even give you a job," "Thank you Casey," He led me deeper into the forest, after five minutes we arrived at a large gate, and were halted by armoured guards. "Casey Jones, is he with you?" The white one that was clad in golden armour, emoted suspicion. "Yes he is, I apologize for my lateness but I had trouble finding my last stop." "It is no concern, at least you arrived before the gates were closed." "I hear that, well it's been a long day and he's gotta get some rest, is that academy roster still have a slot?" "Yeah, it is why?" "I wish to apply," I reply. "Well you don't look like the type, but we could use the help. Go on through I'll see you both in the morning." He waved us past and Casey led me to his apartment. "Here we are, sorry all I have for you is a couch, my room's over there on the right and the bathroom is to the left. I'm gonna hit the hay," He set down his messenger bag and trotted into his room and shut the door behind him. Dearest Queen I have infiltrated the castle grounds, with some help from an unexpected source. A resident of the city found me in the forest and offered me to stay with him until I could get into the Guard. So far my observations on these creatures proves that they are trusting enough to give a total stranger free reign of their residence, these creatures will prove to be an interesting read. Your Faithful Soldier, Colossus. I sent the message to the Queen, Tomorrow was a new day and I needed to rest. Sleep mode active, Age 17:45:23, > Entry 6: NexGen, Colossus > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I stood in the vast black expanse, as I walked through it other ponies strolled past smiling and laughing, their joy was confusing, why would they be so happy? One stopped me and started to converse. "Hey, Buckler it's been a while!" The Blue male must have known me before, I must be dreaming, these are my memories. "Well good luck on your mission," My mission, what did he mean, why was it so hard to remember? The next memory started to manifest. I awoke on a steel table the cold metal chased chills up my spine. A dark figure walked over to the table it's voice modulated. "Don't worry this won't hurt a bit," It said as it reached for a scalpel. "It's gonna hurt a lot." I struggled to shut my eyes but they were wired open. "Don't tell me you don't want to watch." She leaned in and stuck the instrument under my eye. it slowly drug the scalpel across the bridge of my muzzle. "Trust me, when I'm done you won't remember a thing." It peeled back the small chunk of flesh. "You're a strong one." The figure chuckled as she drug the scalpel through my chest in a Y-incision. She was performing an autopsy on me. "Now for the fun part," She walked around to my head and took out a small saw and dug it into my skull. The pain shot through me like a bullet from a gun. I scream out in pain, but a finger caressed my mouth. "Hush, you will be fine just a little more pain to go through." Her voice was soothing it made the pain almost disappear. I jolt awake and fall from the couch onto the hardwood floor. I rub my eyes and look up to find Casey sitting at the table in the corner. "How'd ya sleep?" "Fine," I reply as I regain my balance and shake myself awake. "I just had a nightmare." "Well, don't let that get you down everypony has nightmares, c'mon let's go to the Castle, you have an entrance exam to take." "Okay, give me a minute." I trotted to the bathroom and looked over my appearance, I looked like I just saw a ghost, because I did. The creature that stared back at me was Buckler. What happened to me, why can't I remember the details. My mind flashed back to what she said. "When I'm done you won't remember a thing." "What am I?" I splashed my face with water and combed my mane. 1:03:25:34. "Day two, begins." I push open the door and walk out. "Ready?" "As I'll ever be," "Good let's go," Casey smiled and walked to the door. As we walked we were greeted by random ponies, like in my dream. All I could do was smile and greet them back until we arrived at the Castle. "Good morning, you're early." The white one from last night said smiling. "Sorry for not introducing myself, I am White Knight." "It's a pleasure to meet you, Knight." I reply holding out my hoof and shake his. "I am Colossus," "I as you, Since you're early come on in and meet the Princess, I'm sure she won't mind meeting her new subject." He turned and waved to the unicorn in the tower. The gates opened and Knight led me into the grounds. "The Princess makes it a priority to know about each and every pony in Canterlot, but if we get more citizens we may have to move." "Sounds like you have quite the establishment here." "Yeah, here we are." He held up his hoof and knocked. "Come in," A female voice sounded from the other side as he pushed it open and led me in. "I see we have a new face,allow me to introduce myself I am Princess Celestia, what is your name young one?" She kept a smile on her face as she trotted over, until her eyes fell to my cutie mark and her face turned to one of confusion. "What is your name?" "Colossus, it's a pleasure." "Do you know a Buckler?" Her voice took one of seriousness. "I do but I can't tell her that it would compromise my existence," "No doesn't sound familiar." "Hmn, I see it is rare to find ponies with the same cutie mark, let alone coloring. You are an exact copy of him, amnesia maybe, well whoever you are I sense no malice intent. Are you here to attend the Academy?" "Yes I am Princess." "You will make a fine soldier, I can tell." "Thank's for the confidence," "It's no trouble at all, now run along the kingdom won't run itself, plus reports of others like me have surfaced and I must personally look into them." She waved us out and shut the door behind us. "Others like her?" "Alicorns, she's what you'd call special, one part pegasus, one part unicorn, and very powerful. Legend says that they can control nature," "Are they true?" "Don't know, but I'm not one to question a potential Goddess, I do this for the joy on foal's faces when they know they're safe." "Not from fear, or the money?" "Quite the contrary, Respect and love for the others here in the city. I can't complain about the payroll, keeps a roof over our heads and food in our bellies." "You have a family?" "A wife, a colt, and a filly." "Must be nice to have ponies who love you," "Surely you have one?" "No and don't call me Shirley." "I can tell it'll be fun working with you." > Entry 7: Nexgen Corea > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cybernetic, Organic, Replication, Espionage, Agent, C.O.R.E.A. Program active. . . My shutters opened to the one designated as Queen. "Good morning, My Queen." I say nonchalant. "It is, my daughter, do you know your mission?" "No Ma'am it wasn't entered in my programming." I reply after scanning my small memory. "Come with me." She stood six feet tall, a beautiful woman in her own right. Her long neon green hair dangled down to her waist. "Yes Ma'am." I take a moment to run through diagnostics and get used to moving in this humanoid form. "You learn fast, Colossus took two hours to figure out how to move a finger." She strangely took pride in me, she was more human than I had expected. "Come we have much to do," She put her arm around my shoulder and smiled, happiness. She slowly led me through the assembly room. "These are your brothers, mindless husks at the moment, big, strong, and stupid." "Why are there so many, and why do I have a conciousness?" "A very good question Corea, as Sun Tzu said: The art of war is vital to the state." "But why do we wage war?" "Another good question, we are a special case, Cybernetic, Hologram, Assimilation of, Neural, Genetic, Emotion and, Living, Network, Guardians, or C.H.A.N.G.E.L.I.N.G.s if you prefer the Acronym." "What is our Prime Directive?" "To rid the world of war." "By waging it, seems redundant." "That may be but take insects for example, there is no disarray among their ranks, why is that." "The Queen has a hold over their minds." "That is correct, we were created to dispose of negative emotions, and mind states," "What is my Prime Directive, Mother?" Upon hearing this her optics began to leak and she smiled wide. "Mother," She sighed. "Corea your mission is to infiltrate the ranks of the Gryphon army and learn their ways of warring, Colossus is learning of Equine warfare as we speak. Be on your guard the Gryphons are many things, but they aren't kind." "What is a Gryphon?" "A Gryphon is a strange combination of Avian and Feline. It's forehalf is that of Avian, and it's hind end is that of Feline." "Hmn," I pause for a moment to mull over a disguise. I kneel as my armor replicates feathered wings on my back, and my face is covered by a helmet and beak. My hind end took on the sleek black fur of a panther and my legs took the form of the Feline variety. My forehalf took on the black and blue tinge of the raven. My optics switched to the helmet and the beak moved with my mouth. "Will this suffice?" "If I hadn't watched you transform, I would not know the difference." "That realistic huh?" I scratch my head with my silver talons. "See for yourself." She stepped aside so I could see my reflection in the chrome plating. "Amazing," "Wow, I thought I'd look stupid, but Pantheraven looks good on me." "That will be your name while with them, Raven Panther, learn from them, lead them, bring them back here." "What if I can't gain their trust?" "As Sun Tzu Said: All warfare is based on deception. I have every confidence that you are my daughter." "I won't let you down," Tears in my optics I wrapped my forelegs around her and squeezed tight. "I promise," She hugged back and shed tears of her own. "Now go on make me proud Corea," She choked as I let go and turned to leave. "Wouldn't have it otherwise." I jumped out the tower window and flew toward the coordinates I was given. > Entry 8 NexGen Chrysalis 2.0 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dearest Queen I have infiltrated the castle grounds, with some help from an unexpected source. A resident of the city found me in the forest and offered me to stay with him until I could get into the Guard. So far my observations on these creatures proves that they are trusting enough to give a total stranger free reign of their residence, these creatures will prove to be an interesting read. Your Faithful Soldier, Colossus. "Are these creatures really that gullible?" As I read Colossus' report I think back to my, 'Friends' they proved trusting of me when they met me. These creatures could indeed prove to be quite the formidable adversary. I paused to mull over the options on the table. I need to count the cards carefully, and know how much faith to bet on them. "Could I be overthinking this, no I need an upgrade." The Mantis Drones had discovered a new compound, Mantelium. A light weight polymer that could withstand an assault from a thousand swords. "This will make a better material for the Nanotech Armor, lighter weight, more protection, easier movement." I stroll through the old city streets to the apartment I had made my home. I look over my figure in the mirror, I was indeed nothing less than beautiful. "For human standards, I am a goddess," I slowly twist and turn into my Pony form. "But I have grown accustomed to a quadrupedal approach." I reminisce to the first days of sentience. "Platinum Diamondlore, even though she did not have an owner, she still was freshly groomed at all times." I was quite fond of both forms but coming back everyday just to look at myself in the mirror, it consumed unnecessary energy. Then it hit me I could combine Human and Equine, for a more sleeker and seamless appearance. I looked back to the past, to Celestia and the female that took my Father away. The Nanobots replicated an Equine face with a horn shaped in a lightning bolt Jet black of course. My skeletal structure took on both aspects of the two species. I reared back as my forelegs returned to the human standard and my hind legs stretched and formed heels for balance. My torso returned to human female standard covered in jet black 'fur' as well. "New package, new wrapping." My new appearance pleased me. I stroll back to the tower and sit at my desk and begin typing as a knock falls upon my door. "Come in," The door was pushed open and two Mantis Drones came through with a new candidate, a Unicorn his horn clasped in iron. "Why is this Stallion shackled, Unshackle him at once." The Drones did as told and released him. "Now leave us." The Drones complied. I slowly shifted into my Pony form not to scare him. "What are those things? Who are you? Why do they listen to you?" The dark grey Unicorn in a dark red cloak, was frantic, obviously in culture shock. "I will ask one thing of you, cooperation, you in turn may ask any amount of questions." "Cooperation in what?" After seeing me in my current Equine appearence, he calmed himself. "This may sound Megalomaniacal but, a world united, under one rule, but I assure you my intentions are pure," "How so?" "I wish to eliminate war, to let this world know true peace," "How do you plan on achieving this longterm goal?" "Emotions while powerful are unnecessary. Territory wars are waged because of Envy and Pride, Lust and Wrath cause power struggles, Greed and Gluttony lead to war over suplies, and Sloth breeds verbal onslaut." "You are correct," He seemed satisfied with my explanation but was still uncertain how to proceed. "What is the reason they brought me here?" "They thought you were an intruder, and any intruder is brought to me upon location, did you fight back?" He remained silent. It's a simple question did you fight back?" Still no reply, then I realized I had told him I would ask one thing. "Cooperation implies you answer all of my questions." "Yes I fought back, but if I was a threat why would they leave us alone it makes no sense." "They don't have any," "Any what?" He seemed puzzled. "Common sense, they have none, they do what I tell them no questions." "How did you manage taking the free will out of thousands of humans?" "You misunderstand my dear, these are not humans, come with me." I led him to the balcony overlooking the assembly lines. "Not entirely they are autonomous robotic organisms." "How did you accomplish such a technological feat?" "Are you familiar with human technology, Stallion?" "Yes, the name's Cylus, since you've shown me so much I'll show you something of mine." His horn lit with a faint green and his cloak floated off him revealing what humans call Steam Punk appendages where his legs would be. "I was found outside of Maryland, the humans there did their best to heal my wounds but to no avail. I could no longer walk, until one boy showed compassion and pity, he asked if he could have me. They told him I was a lost cause, but he stood firm and they decided to give me to him. That kid was a genius he practicly built a new me, but once the bang happened he disappeared and I found this thing on my forehead." "Mechanized motor control, fascinating how could he fashion a rig from such crude materials?" "I don't know but I can't go on living in this condition," "I could be of service, my methods may be a bit bizarre but they get the job done," I pull up a skeletal map of this Cylus on the screen. "It's good that your skeleton is intact, all it needs is a little reinforcing. Your muscle tissue on the other hoof is completely trashed, we're gonna have to repair it strand by strand, plus we have to replace your armor with one of better protection." "Won't that hurt?" "Just a little, but when I'm done you won't feel a thing,"