BEEEEP!

“Dr. Zero. You are needed at the Research Lab. Dr. Zero to the Research Lab.”

The speaker of an intercom spoke out above the wall, the sound of a mare in need my assistance as my sleepy ears picked up her words of appointments. Reluctantly, I slumped out of the bunk after hours of my last night’s recent experiments, barely losing my balance in the process. I quietly grumbled before trotting over to retrieve my lab coat, with the insignia ‘L-00’ on both sleeves, from the coat hanger, sliding my forelegs into the sleeves of my coat before exiting my room.

“Just another day.” I whispered to myself.

Looking left whilst making my way to the Research Lab consisted of other scientist ponies working on experiments, such as studying scrap metals and creating drug materials from different liquid substances with chemistry kits, protective goggles and all. Looking right I saw older scientists educating younger ponies concerning safety hazards and familiarizing with objects, some taking down notes to clipboards. I myself can’t seem to get at least a three-hour break. Its every scientist’s day.

I opened the door inside the Research Lab.

“Something you need, Olive Oil?”

I bluntly asked to the elder, olive yellow-coated mare. Unicorn, perhaps. I haven’t gotten much sleep from last night’s experimental studies. My overall mood affected as well before having to rub my hoof against my tired eyes to regain focus. I trotted over to the table she is sitting behind, waiting for her to wow me with the latest technology ponykind has made. Or just present me with the same invention as always. Olive Oil faced her attention to the drawer, focusing her magic to slide it open to retrieve the object. Same invention, I assume?

“Behold! The PipBuck 1000!” Olive beamed, floating up a compact-sized PipBuck.

I had mixed reactions from my tired gaze of the PipBuck 1000 she had shown. My mind was overjoyed at the sight of the unique device, but at the same time… it looks obsolete from its appearance. Past its prime, no less.

I stifled a yawn before asking the elder Olive. “PipBuck 1000? Is this our newest invention?” I asked.

“Indeed so, Dr. Zero! Our team found this in a state of disrepair during their research hunt in New Hampshore and it wasn’t able to normally function. Thankfully, we spent months repairing and restoring it to its former glory and there you have it; the PipBuck 1000!”

Hearing her explanation about the full restoration of a vintage PipBuck had me smiling a little, amid from my lack of proper rest. At least my team did a wonderful job at discovering our latest invention Lab-00 has offered us. Come to think of it, I wonder what the outside of this facility looked like? Surely they wouldn’t be travelling outside without safety and I’d feel bad if they weren’t back in one piece. It’s a wonder of what scientists are capable of. Me? I mostly reside in my bedroom, doing experimentations without interruptions…

...Which was short-lived. My rumbling stomach calls for breakfast as I gently pressed my hoof against it.

“Well, Olive. I thank you for presenting the PipBuck to me, so I’ll be--”

“Wait! Before you go, I want you to wear the PipBuck 1000, Dr. Zero.”

Olive interrupted me. A small spark fired up in my tired heart. I turned my head a bit to face her as I was heading for the door. The latest invention ever created, now a gift for me?

“For… me? Are you sure, Olive? I know I’ve done collaborative work for the team, but…”

I was at a loss of words.

“I’m sure. You’ve earned it.” She gave me a generous smile.

Turning around to face her the second time, it felt like a spark ignited with joy inside me before trotting to her. I extended my left hoof to her for the classic PipBuck to become attached around my hoof. I hear it hiss open before it was firmly placed onto my hoof, feeling it seal itself around me. My ears picked up beeping noises as the monitor is displayed, indicating my overall status and burden. I felt like a Stable Dweller already.

“Thank you very much, Olive Oil! It was appreciated!”

With optimism and excitement, the PipBuck 1000 is one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art ponykind has ever invented! Oh, how wonderful!

“I must head to the cafeteria now. My stomach’s becoming too weary for a proper meal. Again, thank you for the wonderful reward, Olive. It means a lot for you and our team.” I turn around to face the door as to make the exit from the Research Lab. I paused again before turning my head to face the elder mare for a second time.

“By the way. Just call me Zero.” It would’ve sounded rude, but the ‘Dr.’ name was getting a little silly for me. I’m a scientist, not a surgeon.

Nevertheless, Olive gave a heartwarming smile.

“Sure... Zero.”

Cafeteria. And the line was long. Longer than waiting for your next turn for a daily check-up with minutes ticking away. At least our team hadn’t protested regarding the unicorn chefs’ slow and steady cooking, but my rumbling stomach isn’t helping my patience, clutching my hoof around it in an attempt to silence it. Seeing other mares and stallions at the line I’m in, they were also clutching their hungry bellies, wondering if their meals are ready for consumption. Looking at a dining table, only a few number of them were eating fruits and vegetables. The bright yellow-coated, orange-colored mane, Solar Eclipse, is there having her meal. I had an envious look to the young, unicorn mare.

Goddess dammit, I should’ve been there first! My mind protested, ironically.

“Blueberry!”

My ears perked up and turn my head to the left to see the steel grey-colored, black, messed-up mane and tail, none other than Carbon Monoxide. I frowned from the word ‘Blueberry’.

“I’m Zero, not Blueberry, Carbon. My coat resembles nothing like a blueberry.” I reiterated to him to get his senses together. Either he hasn’t eaten like I have, or his hyperactive behavior clearly mislead me to either a different pony or a common fruit.

Carbon shrugged with a (failed) humorous chuckle, “Chillax, bro. I know its you. It’s just how I normally behave. Aside from a few mishaps back in chemistry class when we were foals.”

Not amused.

As the chef ponies goes to check the storage room to survey any available foods left over for our empty stomachs, Carbon took notice of my old, yet functioning PipBuck attached to my left hoof. “Yo, Zero. Is that a PipBuck? It looks old fashioned!” He was surprised at the sight. Old fashioned indeed. “Damn… I’m quite jealous of you! I wish I can get a PipBuck myself!” Carbon is now many silly fantasies over a PipBuck. I seriously doubt find a PipBuck for yourself would be easy. Much less invent them unless you have enough scraps of metal and electronics.

Nevertheless, I lightly chuckled to my fellow pegasus stallion. “One day, Carbon Monoxide. One day.”

One of the chefs in the kitchen informed us that there’s enough food inside for a good couple of weeks for us to maintain ourselves. The team stamp their hooves happily on the floor from hearing the good news. As the line went on smoothly and their dragon-like stomach rumbles lessened, the kitchen ponies announced their apologies for their inconveniences.

All was forgiven.

As the less-than-hungry ponies have their meals, normal conversation ensued inside the dining hall. Me and Carbon sat down on the dining table to finally have our normal breakfast, Carbon feasting on like a ferocious Cragadile; table manners are thrown out the window. Solar Eclipse, having finished eating herself, took notice on the stallion’s voracious eating habits. She approached us with a small smirk from her lips.

“Hello, boys.”

Her voice was a combination of Lightning Dust with Spitfire mashed together into one. Carbon was about to speak (with his mouth full) before she pressed her hoof against his food-covered lips, “Don’t talk with your mouth full, bucko.”

Carbon nodded insistently before swallowing up his chewed food. Solar turned her attention to me.

“Hey, Zero. Hope things are going well, amid having to hear thunderous sounds of rumbling bellies.” She lets out a soft giggle at her comment.

I calmly swallowed my food, “One of the chef ponies claimed that they’re having food shortages. We’re almost left to suffer from low amounts of foods for our daily breakfast. Glad that’s over with. Goddess only knows what would’ve happened.”

“All’s well that ends well.” She replied with assurance. As I continued to eat pieces of apples, I presented her my PipBuck 1000 attached to my hoof. Her reaction was, “Sweet Celestia! Is that the earliest version of the PipBuck?!”

“Yep. The team had worked months restoring this beauty back to its former glory. A classic, don’t you think? Olive Oil gave it to me as a gift.”

Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. I was expecting her jealousy be incited. What I got instead, was her forelegs wrapped around me, “Congratulations, Zero!”

Apart that I haven’t done any major contributions among Lab-00 or joining up with them in New Hampshore, I guess having recognition for my experience as a scientist has gotten everypony viewing me well. At least that’s what they’ve been saying. Speaking of, I wonder what New Hampshore is like?

I looked at the two, Carbon having finished his rather messy meal before asking them, “So, what are the plans this afternoon?”

Solar was the first to reply, “Starshooter will inform us later on to give us a mission regarding artifacts for research purposes in New Hampshore.. Should be simple enough, though its best that we would go in larger groups this time.”

Then Carbon, “With me around, I can kick Diamond Dogs’ asses and make th--”

“I’ll go with Solar’s explanation, Carbon. Thank you, regardless.” I interrupted. The last thing I’ll be hearing his latest fantasy story is rampaging squirrels. Carbon wasn’t amused of being interrupted, but it’ll teach him something before calling me Blueberry.

Back in my room now, I took a satisfied sigh onto the chair in front of my terminal on the desk, with my small chemistry set on the right and the bunk on the left. I began typing down current events from my journal with the tips of my forelegs.

Journal Entry #3

“Apart from my rude awakening today, I was given the oldest PipBuck in Equestria by a fellow scientist Olive Oil. Hard to believe it was still functional after months of renovation, and to top it off she gave me the PipBuck 1000 to me as a gift. Like an early birthday present, too! Besides the PipBuck 1000, Lab-00 has its pros and cons; its pros are providing ponies shelter and offer them work and studies to earn experience, with accommodations for them to reside. Furthermore, any objects in possession are used for research purposes. As for cons? Well, just today while at the cafeteria we had word about food shortages by the kitchen staff and that nearly brought hysteria within Lab-00. Thank goddess it was just a false alarm or hell would’ve broke loose already. At least things were calm and peaceful inside overall, apart from being called Blueberry by Carbon Monoxide. As funny as it sounded, I wasn’t amused at the slightest. Anyway, I received word regarding scavenging artifacts in New Hampshore, but larger groups this time. I wasn’t sure if there were dangers in New Hampshore; not that I’m aware of. I’ll see how this is going for my team.”

Journal done. And to my surprise, my PipBuck 1000 picked up the data of my written journal just as I had closed my terminal.

Neat! I re-opened the terminal for my device to pick up my two previous journals; the PipBuck did the job by acquiring both of my previous journals.

I leaned back against the chair, stretching my hooves as to finally earn my relaxation…

BEEEEP!

...Or not.

The voice of a deep-voiced stallion spoke via the speakers (and outside of my room).

“This is Starshooter, informing everypony for today’s important meeting. All scientists are required to meet at the Conference Room for the mission in ten minutes and await further instructions. I repeat, this is Starshooter, informing everypony for today’s important meeting. All scientists are required to meet at the Conference Room for the mission in ten minutes and await further instructions.”

Groan. Well, there goes my break. If this mission is more important than relaxing and letting my mind wander, so be it.

At least now my tired mind is awake and alert.

Making my exit from my room, ponies were already heading to the Conference Room. Seems I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t able to catch a break and they weren’t too satisfied from Starshooter’s announcement. Lab-00 had very little breaks, only four hours of sleep per day before having to wake up for eat and study for the purposes of discovering new inventions in Equestria. As rewarding as it looked, its purely demanding.

The posters taped on two front doors that lead to the Conference Room inside was ‘WORK HARD’ and pictures depict a gruff, male construction pony with yellow hard hats and orange vests. I guess this Lab has plenty more to offer us.

Once we were inside, me and other ponies took their seats facing in front of Starshooter standing on the podium. Despite his wrinkles from his silver coat and ragged sky blue mane and tail, he was still strong-hearted. His cutie mark depicted a shooting star on his flanks. Calm and collected, he awaited patiently until everypony are seated, the conversations becoming quiet now for him to make his speech regarding of our mission objective.

Starshooter cleared his throat to begin his speech.

“I thank you all for joining me for an important mission. We are gathered here today for the search of rare artifacts located within New Hampshore for the purpose of future research and developments. We’ve also gotten word about food shortages earlier today, but turned out to be a false alarm. Nevertheless, food shortages creates problems in Lab-00 so collecting food within New Hampshore is vital for our well-being. Furthermore, due to unprecedented events of one of my teams injured during the search, you will now be going in experienced groups this time. We cannot have our members coming back injured.”

The head scientist stallion displayed a black chalkboard consisting a map depicting New Hampshore.

“Blue Print, if you may.” Starshooter instructed the young, cyan mare. Her identity was mostly concealed due to her overall lab outfit, goggles and all as she floated up the chalk. I’d assume that her cutie mark would be a blueprint, hence her name.

He resumed his explanation, as she began drawing the details from the chalkboard.

“We will have three different groups from three to six different ponies, based on their experiences. These are; Recon, Scavenger, and Supplier. The Recon teams are responsible for monitoring any suspicious activity that is taking place outside of Lab-00. If this occurs, then danger must be deterred as for the two teams safely search and collect supplies and artifacts alike. Secondly, the Scavenger teams are responsible for search and retrieve any valuable artifacts in New Hampshore for experimental purposes. Lastly, the Supplier teams are tasked to retrieve food and medicine to ensure survivability of our team.”

As Starshooter finished explaining, he turned his attention to Carbon who fell asleep while giving out details regarding team groups. He stamped his hoof to the floor to wake the sleeping Carbons up, having grown weary of his constant laziness. Not to mention his cockiness that resulted in near-fatal accidents that could’ve resulted in more than a fire hazard in Lab-00. He told Carbon with a stern tone, “Mr. Carbon! I hope I had not bored you with the crucial details I’ve given to them regarding this important mission, or the last thing you’ll get is your license revoked.”

He was suddenly awoke by Starshooter after his unexpected nap. I worriedly looked on to him, fearing for his status to be ousted in Lab-00. Solar, on the other hoof, face-hooved. Even she couldn’t stand him just falling asleep during his explanation of the mission.

“S-Sorry, headmaster! Won’t happen again!”

His exaggerated smile would surely get him terminated on the spot. Starshooter let out a snort, “Very well, then. But know this will be your final warning, Carbon Monoxide.”

You’re better off working at a rock farm, Carbon. I thought.

“Yes sir! Won’t happen again, sir!”

Carbon did a hesitant salute to him, leaving him to a dismayed groan.

“Now before we conclude this meeting, we’ll be giving you weapons and headsets. These will allow you to ward off any danger you’ll encounter and to communicate with your teammates.”

He turned his attention to me, “Zero, you will lead the group under the Scavenger category. You’re with Solar Eclipse and Carbon Monoxide.”

Sweet! Even if Carbon is a slacker, I believe he’ll be a worthy team. He’ll even scout the area for us in the air! Me, Solar and Carbon hoof-bumped at each other.

“Well, Zero. You’ll be leading the way! You have your PipBuck 1000 in your hoof, don’t you think?” Solar giggled to me after commentating about my role as a leader. Normally, I wanted her to be the leader.

Carbon pumped his forelegs in the air with sheer determination.

“Aww yeah! I get to kick some ass in mid-air!”

Meanwhile, Starshooter listed out their names under two categories. We sat back and listened on. Afterwards, we were given weapons, medical kits and PipWalkers for our upcoming mission.

“Scientists! Its time for a lunchbreak. Once finished, we will be at the elevator shaft and proceed with your missions. Dismissed!” He concluded the meeting about the objectives we were instructed to do. We left the Conference Room and headed to the cafeteria for our quick lunch.

Starshooter and several staff ponies were awaiting our arrival. Me, Carbon Monoxide and Solar Eclipse were waiting as ponies from groups Recon and Supplier entered the open elevator shaft that leads up to New Hampshore. Up next is the Supplier team as the elevator shaft slowly descended; it was quite old and worn, but still functioned normally. Once the Supplier team got in, we were next to set out on our mission. Carbon was armed with a hunting rifle and a couple of ammo bags strapped around his torso, while Solar has her yellow medical bag stamped with three pink butterflies onto it. I myself am simply armed with my gifted PipBuck 1000 around my left hoof. Go figure.

The gate slid open once the rickety elevator shaft arrived, and us to make our way inside for our important mission: retrieve rare artifacts for the purpose of research and study.

“Best of luck to you, Scavenger team.” Starshooter gave us a salute. Me and Solar returning the gesture, with Carbon staring at an open shaft entrance.

I heed no mind to Carbon’s antics, and we made our way inside as the gate closed behind us. The elevator shaft let out a “whirrr” noise, crawling us up from Lab-00. I look at her with a soft smile and said, “I didn’t know you’re into tending the injured.”

Solar replied, “I’m not just a student. I learned a couple of instructions on treating wounds, be it major or minor. Let’s just say I was a book worm like you are, Zero.”

I was given a teasing gesture with a tongue stuck out from her lips. I laughed a little at her reply, not like Carbon’s forced humor while waiting at the line for our meal.

“Carbon, as your leader, you’ll have to set your humor aside and gear up. Starshooter gave us the objective, to retrieve artifacts and return to Lab-00 afterwards. Got it?”

Now I sound just like Sharpshooter. Calm and collected, but stern and enforced.

He gave us a (belated) salute, “Yes, sir!”

I smiled a bit from his burst of confidence. We turned to face the sealed doors as the shaft grinds to a halt. This is it. Our first mission. The automated doors swung open, revealing us the outside world curiosity had been poking in my head one-hundred times and counting. As the doors opened, we got a brief glare from the blinding sunlight and we covered our eyes with our hooves as to prevent damage from the goddess-damned solar rays. (Not referring to Solar Eclipse, of course.)

As we stepped out of Lab-00 from the elevator shaft, my PipBuck 1000 gave me a notification. I pulled up my hoof and took a glance at the screen.

New Hampshore.

Footnote: Level Up.
New Perk: Brown Muzzle -- You’ve learned how to suck up to your superiors. You get +1 Charisma and another +10 speech for reaction roles when dealing with authority figures for each rank of this perk.

Zero’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L.:

Strength - 3
Perception - 5
Endurance - 4
Charisma - 3
Intelligence - 8
Agility - 4
Luck - 2