Cheerilee blinked. “Oh,” she said flatly before giving Turing Test a smile. “I’m sorry, I just didn’t think you’d accept right away like that.”

“Neither did I,” Twilight said, raising an eyebrow. “Um, Turing, are you sure that you want to just blindly agree to a role in Cheerilee’s play like that?”

Turing cocked her head to the side. “I do not understand your confusion,” she replied. “Both of you seemed to find the idea of me performing in a play to be acceptable. If you did not think such a thing was wise, why did you offer me a role?”

“Well, it’s just, um,” Twilight said, scratching her head, “usually actors want to know the role they’re taking, first.”

“It is my understanding that actors in a play must perform certain scripted actions and recite pre-written lines. Such a task would be very simple for me to do. Therefore, I believe I will be up to the task. Also,” she said, looking to Cheerilee, “this is the first time that a member of the community outside of our central group of friends has deliberately sought my assistance or participation, Twilight Sparkle. As my primary directive is to make friends, this is a unique opportunity to prove myself a friendly and helpful member of this community. I see no reason to deny Cheerilee’s request.”

“Oh!” Cheerilee said, her smile broadening. “That’s so sweet! I’m glad you’ll help us!”

Twilight sighed and smiled as well. “I suppose you’re right when you put it like that, Turing,” she said. Then she turned to Cheerilee. “So, um, what kind of play is this, anyway?”

Cheerilee opened her mouth to answer. “It’s a--”

“Oh, wait, is this a classic drama by Shakey Pear?” Twilight asked eagerly, her wings spreading in excitement. “That would be wonderful! Maybe Turing could play the lead in Hooflet! Or Shy Rock in The Merchant of Veneighs!”

“No, no, nothing like that,” Cheerilee said, shaking her head, “it’s--”

“Or maybe a musical review of The Tundra Book? I remember seeing that back in Canterlot right before Shining Armor graduated basic training for the Royal Guard and I was just singing those songs for days--”

“A-hem,” Cheerilee said, clearing her throat and giving Twilight a soft yet pointed look she’d perfected on her students.

“Oh, of course, sorry,” Twilight said, blushing slightly. “You were saying?”

“I was saying,” Cheerilee said, turning back to Turing Test, “that it’s a science fiction story that takes place in an alternate Equestria. It’s about a space pony that travels to our planet.”

“An interesting premise,” Turing said, giving an approving nod. “Then, do you wish for me to play this alien?”

Cheerilee’s smile became slightly more strained, and she looked away. “A-actually, Turing Test, we were hoping you’d play the part of the alien’s, um… r-robot companion.”

There was silence in the crystalline hall of Twilight’s castle. Twilight’s eye twitched.

“I am curious, Cheerilee,” Turing said, breaking the silence between the three of them. “Is this what is sometimes known as ‘typecasting?’”

“Or maybe just ‘stereotyping!’” Twilight exclaimed, scowling at Cheerilee.

“N-now, please, hear me out!” Cheerilee said, holding up her hooves. “I know what you must think, but I have a good reason for asking Turing Test this! You see, the character - originally called an ‘automaton’ in the play - is actually one of the most iconic characters from it. The character is supposed to be silent and strong and intimidating, so we, uh, cast Big Mac in the role.”

Twilight chuckled. “I can see why that would work.”

“Yes, but, unfortunately, he’s very good at the ‘silent’ and ‘strong’ parts. The ‘intimidating’ part… well, he certainly tries, but no matter what we do, he just doesn’t seem threatening or scary enough.”

Turing’s ears twitched. “You are offering me the role because you think I am scary?”

Cheerilee shook her head. “No, we’re offering you the role because you, well, actually look like a robot. Don’t think of it as stereotyping so much as, well, playing to your strengths! After all, we don’t ask earth ponies to play roles meant for pegasi! We figured that since you’re a real robot, maybe you could bring something else to the performance. Besides, even if you aren’t scary in real life, they call it ‘acting’ for a reason!”

Turing tapped her chin. “Then this will be the first time a fictional automaton has been played by a real one? And I would have to adapt to the role for an accurate portrayal?”

Cheerilee nodded. “Yes, exactly!”

Turing was quiet for a moment, then replied, “Very well. I accept the role.”

“Oh thank you, thank you!” Cheerilee exclaimed, taking Turing by the metallic hoof. “Practice is this afternoon at 4 pm. We open in a week, but you should be able to learn your part in no time!”

After some more expressions of thanks and a few more details about the rehearsal schedule, Cheerilee happily galloped out of the castle, eager to continue preparations for the play.

Twilight had stood by quietly the whole time, watching with a placid smile as Cheerilee and Turing Test had discussed the finer points of the play.

“You are still not entirely certain that I should have accepted,” Turing said, looking directly at Twilight once Cheerilee had gone.

“I… oh, what the hay, I won’t deny it,” Twilight sighed. She began walking up the hallway, heading toward the library with Turing Test trailing her. “It’s not that I think Cheerilee means anything by it, and I understand your logic in accepting the role, but… I just wish you were playing a friendly role! You know, something that will show the audience how kind and sweet you are!”

“That had occurred to me as well,” Turing said, “but if ponies are capable of acting as characters with different personalities from their own and are sometimes praised for their ability to do so, then perhaps I should attempt this as well. I find the idea of portraying a fictional character for a public display of fantasy to be a strange concept, but nonetheless an intriguing one.”

Twilight paused and raised her eyebrow. “Strange? What do you mean?”

“With a film or a play, the audience is aware of the fact that the ponies they are seeing are not truly the characters they pretend to be. The locations, situations, and lines of dialogue are all planned, and virtually nothing is spontaneous. Yet audience members are able to somehow accept that and enjoy reveling in the fantasy, even knowing it is not real.”

“Ah,” Twilight said, nodding, “you mean suspension of disbelief.”

“If that is the term, then yes.” She held up her hoof, glancing at her reflection in it. “I have had difficulty suspending my own disbelief as an audience member, as when I recently watched a film with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and made various comments pointing out the weakness of the portrayal. I am curious to learn if participating as a performer, rather than an audience member, will help me understand more about the phenomenon.”

Twilight rubbed her chin. “Hmm. I have to admit, now I’m curious as well! Well, you’ve got no shortage of good reasons to do this play, Turing, and I respect your right to make your own decisions. You have my permission and my blessing to do this play.”

Turing bowed her head. “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. I look forward to the experience. Also, will you attend my performance?”

Twilight laughed. “How could I miss it?”

Turing’s ears twitched. “By not coming, of course,” she replied.

Twilight groaned. “I meant yes, of course I’ll come!” She heaved a sigh. “Now come on, Turing. Before you break into show business, we’ve got some more magic practice today!”

At exactly 4 pm, Turing Test walked through the front doors of the Ponyville Theater Center. The building had stood in Ponyville for decades, getting renovations every once in a while, but Turing noticed pictures on the wall in the lobby that showed how the building looked ages ago. There were also pictures, most in black and white, from past performances. Turing paused to glance at the labels beneath them. One was of a young filly with her mane in curls looking up at a stallion in a fancy business suit.

The caption read “Young Mary Mare as the lead in Little Orphan Appy with Mr. Strike-It Rich as Daddy Morebucks.”

“Turing Test, you’re here!”

Turing Test turned to see Cheerilee standing at the doors that led from the lobby and into the main part of the theater.

“Hello, Cheerilee. I apologize if I am tardy. I delayed slightly to examine the pictures on the wall.”

“Oh, no, you’re fine,” Cheerilee said, smiling sweetly. She went over to one of the pictures on the wall and put her hoof next to it. “Wonderful, aren’t they? They really show you the history of this community. And that’s why I’ve been performing in the local theater ever since I was a filly. I’m really excited to be directing this year’s production, too! It seems that everypony has developed an interest in science fiction lately. I wonder,” she said, giving a sly, sideways glance over at Turing Test, “what or who could have spurred on that kind of interest?”

Turing was quiet for a moment, then replied, “Ah. You are implying that it is me.”

Cheerilee laughed and rolled her eyes. “Yes, I am. It seems that all the recent commotion you’ve caused since you arrived a few months ago has really affected this town.” She smiled again, laying her hoof on Turing’s shoulder. “And I think in a good way.”

“That is good to know,” Turing replied. “Shall we begin our rehearsal?”

“Well, first,” Cheerilee said, beckoning her to enter the theater, “come meet everypony working on the production! I think they’ll all be excited to see you!”

Turing followed Cheerilee into the theater. The large room was lined with seats and there was an aisle down the middle, as well as two on the sides. There were also stairs on either side of the stage, which was adorned with a prodigious red curtain. There was also a small orchestra pit in front of the stage, though it was empty at the moment. On the stage, a few dozen ponies were holding up their scripts, going over their lines or reciting them from memory.

“Good afternoon, everypony!” Cheerilee said loudly, getting their attention.

The group all looked up and greeted her back in a cacophony of voices which only grew once they saw Turing Test behind her.

“Oh, wow, Turing’s here!” came a familiar voice. Turing recognized it in an instant and located the speaker as she bounded off the stage.

“Hello, Bon Bon,” Turing said as she came over to them. “Are you also a performer in this play?”

“You’re looking at the female lead!” she said, putting a hoof to her chest proudly. She then turned to Cheerilee. “So, does this mean what I think it does, Cheerilee?”

“It sure does!” Cheerilee exclaimed, looking up at the others. “Turing Test has agreed to be our new Gert!”

The ponies gathered all cheered.

Turing looked to Cheerilee. “‘Gert?’ I do not know this term.”

“That’s the name of the character you’ll be playing, Turing,” Cheerilee said.

“Ah, then I suppose I can stop trying to fix this costume,” said another familiar voice from stage right.

Turing looked up and saw Rarity standing there, her mane out of place and looking frazzled.

“That’s right, Rarity,” Cheerilee said, walking up onto the stage, Turing following her. “Now you can focus on the other costumes instead.”

“Thank Celestia,” Rarity sighed. “No offense, Big Mac, but getting your costume right has been quite trying!”

Big Mac poked his head out from behind the curtain. “Eeyup,” he said, nodding in agreement. He stepped out into view, and they saw he was wearing silver boots and a glittering tank top that looked far too small for him, as well as some bits of tin foil.

“Ah,” Turing Test said, her ears going straight. She looked from Cheerilee to Big Mac and back again. “Cheerilee, did you inform Big Mac that you offered me his role?” She looked up at Big Mac, her eyes shrinking as she backed away. “I did not intend to take your part from you without your knowledge.”

But Cheerilee and Big Mac just chuckled.

“No, no, Turing,” Cheerilee said, putting her foreleg around Turing’s shoulders. “Big Mac was just getting into costume in case… well, we weren’t certain that Twilight was totally on board for this idea, and we didn’t want to be left unprepared if she decided not to give you permission.”

“And I didn’t really care anyway,” Big Mac said, smiling back at Turing. “I only agreed to help out Miss Cheerilee. She said I can still be an extra in a crowd scene. Right, Miss Cheerilee?”

Cheerilee nodded. “Eeyup!” she replied, causing them both to break into laughter.

“Well, now that that’s settled,” Rarity said, “I can focus on the rest of the wardrobe, including your dress, Bon Bon.”

“Great, Rarity!” Bon Bon said, trotting up the stage to stand next to her. “I can’t wait to try it on.”

“Yes, I believe I’ve captured the old-fashioned feel of the time the play was written in! The style is a bit dated, but there is a bit of a charm in it, just the same!”

“Any other problems, Rarity?” Cheerilee asked.

“Just a few,” Rarity replied. “I have to let out a certain gentlecolt’s lab coat by a few centimeters.” She shot a glare across the stage. Turing followed her gaze and saw the Doctor standing there.

The Doctor blushed as they all looked at him. “Ah, well, yes… I suppose I have been sneaking in a few extra jelly babies here and there…”

“Hello, Doctor,” Turing Test said, waving to him.

“Hello, Miss Turing! I see you’ve been bitten by the acting bug as well!”

She was about to comment on that but realized he was using another idiom and simply replied, “Affirmative.”

“Okay, everypony, we’re going to do a full runthrough in just a few minutes!” Cheerilee said, clapping her hooves together to get everypony’s attention. “Don’t forget, dress rehearsal is Friday and opening night is Saturday, so be sure to prepare and practice! We want this play to operate like a well-oiled machine!”

“Like me,” Turing added, which got a round of laughter from the rest of the cast.

As everyone scrambled to get in place and prepare for their scenes, Cheerilee came up to Turing Test, holding a script in her hoof.

“Turing, this is a script for the play,” she said, passing it to her. “Please try to familiarize yourself with it.”

“Understood.” She opened the script, flipping through the pages rapidly as she scanned them. She then gave it back to Cheerilee. “I am now sufficiently familiarized with the script.”

Cheerilee gawked at her. Once she regained her composure, she said, “Remind me to give you a speaking role sometime.” Turning away and muttering to herself, she added, “It would be nice to have an actor that had no trouble memorizing their lines, next time.”

Celestia and Luna looked down at the documents spread before them. They both stood in a private room of their castle with several officials from the Royal Guard and the Night Guard positioned around the broad, circular table.

“Still no leads to their whereabouts, I see,” Celestia said.

“Correct, Your Majesty,” said one of the Royal Guard.

“And you’re sure,” Luna said, breaking the silence, “that you can find no evidence linking any of the suspects on Gadget’s list to these traitors?”

A mare thestral, the head Night Guard representative, stepped forward, bowing and lowering her batlike wings. “No, Your Majesty,” she said. “We have examined each of these individuals, sending our best ponies to gather information and working in close conjunction with the Royal Guard to investigate each one.”

“But after months,” the Royal Guard, a stallion, said, “we haven’t found anything conclusive.”

Celestia glanced down at the list, examining each of the pictures taken to see if there was anything that leapt out at her. Unfortunately, nothing did.

After months of investigating, any leads they’d originally possessed had dried up. Turing’s creators, the ones who had sent Fine Print, Blue Blazer, and Burrojangles, had vanished with nary a trace. They’d found scraps of evidence here and there - a warehouse in Manehattan, a bunker in Fillydelphia, and even an entire train car’s worth of materials that had been reported missing by an industrial company - but nothing conclusive.

Celestia re-examined the list of names that Gadget had compiled. They included the family from Mustangia that had originally created the farming automaton now displayed in the Manehattan museum, a Manehattan steel tycoon with ample access to factories and raw materials, a Trottingham banking magnate, an oil baron based out of Fillydelphia, and several automaton enthusiasts. Each one, the guards now reported, was apparently uninvolved. Some of them had practices Celestia found personally distasteful, though not technically illegal, but none appeared to be part of anything more sinister than that.

“If I may, Your Majesties,” the Royal Guardspony began, “it’s possible that our efforts have driven this group underground. We have put our best ponies on the job and interrogated dozens of suspects, all to no avail.”

Celestia frowned, rubbing her chin. “Is it possible they could have simply disbanded?”

The Royal Guardspony frowned. “That is possible. But… not likely.”

Luna glanced at the Night Guardspony. “Do you also believe this is so, Agent? Do you believe the group has not disbanded and is still active?”

The Night Guard shut her yellow eyes and shook her head. “Yes, Your Majesty. Though it is possible that they’ve broken up, my experience tells me that this group has indeed gone underground but remains active. A group so organized and dedicated that it would create something like the automaton Turing Test is unlikely to simply fall apart under pressure, especially when we haven’t found out anything truly substantial about it.”

“If that is the case,” Celestia said, “then I suppose we have no choice but to continue the investigation. Please continue monitoring all suspects and use any methods at your disposal within the bounds of the law to find these culprits.”

Luna nodded her assent.

Then Celestia and Luna both spread their wings, simultaneously saying “Dismissed!”

Both the Royal and Night Guardsponies saluted. “Yes, Your Majesties!” they said in unison.

Once they’d gone, Celestia heaved a sigh.

“I know how you feel,” Luna said, resting her head on her elder sister’s shoulder. “Even with all the resources we have at our disposal, to be no closer to finding these criminals is…” She trailed off, also heaving a sigh.

“Yes, Luna, but we must get to the bottom of this. I fear this group will strike again and we will not be prepared for them.” She bit her lip, furrowing her brow.

“Do not trouble yourself so much,” Luna said, nuzzling her lightly. “You know, perhaps we should do something amusing to take our minds off this dreadful business.”

Celestia raised her head, considering this. “Perhaps…”

Just then, a wisp of green magic coalesced in the air before producing a scroll which Celestia promptly snatched up with her magic before it fell to the ground.

“Ah ha!” Luna said, peering over Celestia’s shoulder. “A letter from Twilight Sparkle, is it?”

Celestia unfurled the scroll and began reading it. A smile came to her face. “Actually, no.” She levitated the letter over to Luna, letting her read it more clearly.

“Oh my!” Luna exclaimed, her smile matching Celestia’s. “Tia, shall we? It sounds like this could be just the thing!”

“I’m inclined to agree, Luna,” Celestia said, giving a nod. “I’ll go write a reply immediately, and then we’ll have to clear our schedules!”

Twilight and Spike strode up to the theater alongside several other residents of Ponyville. It was opening night for Turing’s play, and the theater was lit up proudly as ponies bought their tickets and filed in.

Above the ticket booth, a sign proudly proclaimed the title of the play:

“Hey, Twilight! Spike!” came a familiar voice from overhead.

Twilight and Spike turned to see Rainbow Dash hovering above them, her wings gently flapping to keep her airborne.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight exclaimed. “Are you here for the play too?”

“Heck yeah!” she said, landing next to her. “Rarity’s doing the costumes, Tee’s acting, and I hear Pinkie’s doing some of the music! How could I miss it?”

“By not coming, of course,” Twilight said, imitating Turing’s voice and speech mannerisms.

“Huh?” Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Never mind,” Twilight said innocently, rolling her eyes as Spike chuckled.

“Oh hey!” the little dragon said, pointing at somepony else in the crowd. “Fluttershy’s here too!”

They looked and saw that indeed Fluttershy had also arrived. She smiled when she saw them and trotted over.

“Good evening, everypony!” she said, smiling sweetly. She was wearing a simple yet elegant green dress. “Oh… um, did I overdress?”

“Nah,” Rainbow Dash said, waving a hoof dismissively. “Some ponies like to get all dressed up for the theater. Me, I keep it simple so I can eat all the popcorn I want without worrying about it getting it all over me.”

“With table manners like that,” said another familiar voice, “ya’d think it was you who was raised in a barn!”

They turned at the voice.

“Applejack!” they all exclaimed.

“Howdy!” she said, trotting up to them. “Y’all buy yer tickets yet?”

“Not yet,” Twilight replied, shaking her head.

“Well, ya best get in there if ya wanna sit together,” she said, grinning slyly. “Plus, uh, hate to be the one to tell ya this, but they don’t allow popcorn in the theater. It ain’t a movie, it’s a play.”

“Aww man!” Rainbow Dash and Spike said in unison.

Now that they were all together, they quickly bought their tickets and found their seats.

The crowd was still chattering away, and the red curtain was closed over the stage. They each held a simple printing of the show’s program which included some history of the play, an advertisement for Barnyard Bargains, the sponsor of the play, and a listing of the cast and crew. Twilight eagerly examined the listing.

Cast
Caramel as The Visitor
Bon Bon as Helen Buckson
Featherweight as Bobby Buckson
Thunderlane as Trot Steeler
The Doctor as Professor Barn Heart
Cup Cake as Mrs. Barley
Turing Test as Gert
Davenport as The Mayor’s Secretary

Twilight smiled when she saw Turing’s name on the cast list, even if she knew that she didn’t have a speaking part. There was a list of extras and other unnamed cast members, including Big Mac, she noted, and then she read the list of the crew, including the musicians:

Musicians
Piano - Noteworthy
Violin - Octavia Melody
Theremin - Pinkamena Diane Pie

There was a sudden clamor at the back of the theater which drew their attention, though the cause remained a mystery. Then Twilight spotted a few of the Royal Guard enter and take up positions at the back of the theater.

“Could it be?” Twilight breathed.

Just then, Cheerilee emerged from the curtain at the front of the stage. “Excuse me, everypony!” she hollered, raising a hoof to get everypony’s attention.

The audience all looked to her and quieted down.

“Everypony, I’m very delighted to say that our little community performance has some very special guests tonight! In addition to our own local Princess, Twilight Sparkle, tonight we are honored to have in the house… Their Royal Highnesses, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!”

The crowd all gasped and followed her hoof as she gestured up to the box seat just above and to the left of the stage. Sure enough, Celestia and Luna emerged, waving regally to the crowd.

The audience, clamoring excitedly, all broke out into applause.

“Um, girls, would you excuse me?” Twilight asked. Without another word, she took to the air, flying up to the box seat.

Applejack noticed that Spike had folded his arms and was wearing a sly grin.

“Hey there, Spike,” she said, leaning in close, “I don’t suppose ya know somethin’ about this, do ya?”

“Mmmaybe,” he replied, raising an eyebrow.

Up in the box seat, Twilight hovered just before the railing before Celestia and Luna.

“Celestia, Luna! I… I mean, I’m glad you’re here, b-but…”

“You want to know why?” Celestia surmised, grinning at her expectantly.

Twilight nodded. Celestia stepped back so Twilight could land in the seat rather than having a conversation with her hovering over the audience.

“Well, actually, Twilight,” Celestia said, “we were invited to come.”

“Oh? By who?” she asked.

“Your friend Turing Test, of course,” Luna said, looking to her sister. “Celestia received the invitation from her, sent by Spike at her request.”

Twilight blinked and then whipped her head around to stare down at Spike, who was smugly waving up at her.

“W-why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I… I could have made arrangements, made sure you were comfortable, I could have--”

Celestia put a hoof to Twilight’s lips. “No need for that, Twilight,” Celestia said gently. “Turing Test wanted to surprise you and predicted that you’d concern yourself with preparing for our arrival rather than just enjoying the play. It seems she was right.”

“Indeed!” Luna said, nodding her head. “You should go back and be with your friends. We intend to enjoy this performance the same as you.”

“R… right, haha, of course!” Twilight said, forcing herself to smile. “I’ll… I’ll do that! Enjoy! The play, I mean!”

Twilight returned to her seat, smiling up at the two Princesses one more time as her friends all looked to her worriedly.

“Um, Twilight?” Rainbow asked. “What’s the big deal? What are you freaking out about this time?”

“I… I just,” she swallowed. “It’s this play. I don’t know much about the story, but the character Turing Test plays is actually kind of, well, dangerous and threatening. I was already worried about how this portrayal might make other ponies judge her, but now I have to worry about how Celestia and Luna will view this as well!”

She felt a hoof on her shoulder and looked over to see that it was Applejack. She was smiling at her gently.

“Now don’t fret about that, sugarcube,” she said. “Listen: if Turing Test managed to get on my good side, an’ if she’s already on good enough terms with Celestia an’ Luna to get ‘em to come here, I doubt one silly ol’ play’s gonna change anything. I’m pretty sure they can tell the difference between a play an’ reality, after all.”

“That’s…” Twilight let out a sigh, and the tension slowly drained from her. She looked up and patted Applejack’s hoof. “You’re right. Okay, I’ll just stay calm and try to enjoy the show.”

“All right, all right, everypony!” Cheerilee cried, bouncing on her hooves like a filly while the rest of the cast, now in costume, got into position. “Don’t even think about the Princesses being in the audience! Just do your best as usual! Now, come on, places, places!”

Turing Test came up alongside Caramel, who was wearing a silvery, futuristic suit. They both took their positions behind a large, spraypainted cardboard flying saucer.

“Your heart rate has increased slightly, Caramel,” Turing whispered.

“Yeah, but don’t worry, it’s just normal tension before the show starts. I won’t forget my lines.”

“That is good. I will not forget mine, either.”

Caramel blinked before smirking and pointing both of his forehooves at her, giving her a wink. “Ahhhhh!” he said.

She mimicked the action, pointing her forehooves at him as well. “Ahhhhh.”

The house lights went down, and the audience fell into a hush.

From behind the curtain, Cheerilee’s voice suddenly rang out as she began to say the opening lines of the play.

“Submitted for your approval,” she began, “an Equestria very different from our own! The year is 951 of the New Solar Calendar, and rather than being one unified nation, Equestria is divided into many city-states, each with its own interests and politics, without any Princesses to rule and guide them. Wars have come and gone, but an uneasy tension hangs over the land, as the threat of a new war is ever present! It is in this place that our story begins. Specifically, in the city of Manehattan!”

The curtain opened to reveal a cardboard backdrop of the Manehattan skyline. A stallion holding a newspaper suddenly appeared.

“Extra! Extra!” he shouted. “Astronomers sight strange object flying in the sky! Object is of unknown origin!”

More ponies began to walk onstage, their passing conversations all about the flying object.

“I hear it’s a new device from Canterlot!”

“I bet it’s actually from those dastardly Fillydelphians!”

“But they all say it’s not!”

“That’s what they want us to believe! Hmph!”

“The astronomers say it must be from another world!”

“Impossible!”

Then one pony, Big Mac in a suit and tie and fedora, pointed up at the sky. “Wait, what’s that?!” he yelled.

Twilight noted Applejack wore a grin, seeing her brother on stage.

Just then, hanging from a mostly invisible wire, a flying saucer began to float over the “buildings” in the background, creating the illusion that the thing was massive.

From the orchestra pit, eerie theremin music began to play.

The ponies on stage all began to scream and panic. The stage lights dimmed, and the curtain shut as the sound of the set being moved around was heard. When it lifted again, the scene was now in front of the flying saucer, now landed, as smoke billowed mysteriously around it. Several civilians and reporters stood by, but they were held back by ponies dressed in soldiers’ uniforms.

“General!” one of the reporters cried to the head of the military gathered there. “Do you have any comment on this situation? Do you know why the flying object landed here in Manehattan Park? Is this truly from another world, or is it a new attack by one of the other city-states?”

“Keep back and keep quiet!” the General barked. “You’re lucky we even let you reporters near this thing!”

Then, with a discordant violin note, the door of the spaceship slid open, and a pony dressed in a silvery suit with a helmet covering his entire face stepped out. Several ponies, mostly the fillies and colts in the audience, gasped in fear.

The pony in the suit, the Visitor, came down a ramp and looked around at all the ponies gathered. “We have come to visit you in peace!” he declared loudly, holding out a hoof to them. “And with good will!” He reached into the pocket of his suit and drew out a strange metallic cylinder. He began to open it.

“He’s got a weapon!” one young unicorn soldier screamed, then cast an attack spell (really just a light spell) and blasted the Visitor with it. He fell to the ground with a loud groan, dropping the cylinder in the process.

At the sound of his scream, a new figure appeared at the open door of the spaceship.

Twilight’s heart skipped a beat. It was Turing Test.

The robot pony glanced at the soldiers, who all began to fire more blasts at her, but her eyes suddenly glowed red, and the stage lights began to flash in different colors.

“Argh!” one of the soldiers cried. “My magic! My magic’s been disabled!” All the other ponies began to do the same.

With loud, heavy steps, the robot stomped down the ramp and toward the soldiers menacingly. It reared up on its hind legs, ready to attack.

“Stop, Gert!” the Visitor shouted, waving his foreleg at her. “That’s enough!”

The robot, Gert, froze instantly, its eyes going back to their usual violet color. It retreated to stand in front of the ship before its eyes went dark, as the door to the ship closed.

The General went over to the Visitor, pulling off his helmet (revealing Caramel’s face for the first time). “You… you’re a pony?”

“A creature like you,” the Visitor said, wincing in pain. “That cylinder was not a weapon. It was meant for your Mayor,” he grunted, “to study life on other planets.”

“Get a doctor over here!” the General shouted. “We’ve got to get him to a hospital!”

The curtain went down again and the ponies in the audience applauded the scene, including Celestia and Luna.

Twilight, meanwhile, sank in her seat.

“Is… something wrong?” Fluttershy asked her.

“I just wish that the first time a robot was playing a robot, it wasn’t a scary, dangerous robot like that!” Twilight groaned.

“Oh, well,” Fluttershy began, “she sure was scary, but… we all know that’s not how she is in real life!”

“Yeah, but,” Twilight sighed, “will the rest of the audience get that?”

The play continued. The Visitor was taken to a hospital but used a salve he brought with him to heal himself. The military was unable to get inside the saucer, so the Mayor sent a secretary to talk to the Visitor.

The Visitor asked to talk to all the leaders of the city-states simultaneously, but the secretary told him that it was impossible with the tensions running high between all the different governments. The Visitor asked to go out and see how the ponies in the city lived to understand their suspicions, but the secretary denied his request and left him under guard.

However, the Visitor soon escaped, stealing a jumpsuit in the process. The name on the jumpsuit was “Wood Cutter,” so he took the name and located a boarding house run by Mrs. Barley (played by Mrs. Cake) to stay at. He also met a widow mare named Helen Buckson (Bon Bon) and her son Bobby (Featherweight).

While Helen and her boyfriend Trot Steeler (played by Thunderlane) went on a date, she reluctantly left her son with the Visitor. Bobby then showed “Mr. Wood Cutter” around Manehattan, eventually taking him to a graveyard.

“This place is strange,” the Visitor said, looking around the graves. “Why have you come here?”

“Well, Mr. Wood Cutter, I like to come here to visit my dad!” He knelt by a grave, bowing his head slightly.

The Visitor looked down at the grave. “The pony buried here is your father? I’m sorry, but… how did he die?”

“Oh, well, um, he died in the Great War when I was little,” Bobby replied, heaving a sigh. “A lot of the ponies in this graveyard died in wars.”

“Really!” the Visitor cried. “And ponies-- er, and we have many wars?”

“Gee whiz, Mister, of course! I hear adults talking about how there could be a war any day now! It scares me sometimes, but… well, shucks, there’s not much I can do about it, is there?”

“Hmm,” the Visitor said gravely.

“Just the same, Mr. Wood Cutter, I sure wish we lived in an Equestria where we didn’t have to worry about war so much!”

“I think that sounds like a fine idea, Bobby,” the Visitor said, smiling at him. “Hey, what do you say we go sneak a look at the spaceship in Manehattan Park?”

“Oh, I don’t know… I’d like to, but… well, just don’t tell my mom, okay?”

“It’s a promise!”

After seeing his spaceship with Bobby, the Visitor went to visit a great local scientist, Professor Barn Heart (played by the Doctor wearing a false gray mustache and a wiry gray wig). The Visitor instantly solved one of the complex theoretical equations on the blackboard of the aging professor, impressing him. After sending Bobby away temporarily, the Visitor revealed his identity to the professor.

“You’ve come all this way to visit us,” the Professor said. “But nopony seems to know why!”

“The truth is, I am a representative of a great number of beings from many different planets. And we have watched your planet with growing concern. As you advance your technology, the possibility of you one day taking to the stars means that you may one day pose a threat. I have a message for all the ponies of this planet and, I’m sorry to say, if it is ignored, then this planet will be destroyed.”

“Destroyed?! Oh my word!” the Professor cried. “Please, is there any way I can assist you?”

“I wished to deliver my message to the leaders of your world, but that now seems impossible. These politics of yours have divided you.”

“Perhaps, but… ah ha!” he exclaimed. “What if instead of the leaders of the world, I assembled the greatest scientists in Equestria? The academics, the chemists, the physicists, the engineers! Among ponies of science, the one great motivator is knowledge and truth! I have colleagues from other city states, and I’m certain I could gather them all here!”

“Your scientists?” The Visitor rubbed his chin. “Yes… yes, that’s a fine idea! They might be the best minds to hear the message and then tell it to your leaders. Very well, then. Tell them to come to my spaceship in two days’ time! I will deliver my message that evening.”

“Yes, but… ah, perhaps there is something you could do to convince the leaders of the seriousness of the situation? Some demonstration of your power?”

“Are you asking me to harm somepony?”

“No! Oh, good heavens, no!” the Professor exclaimed. “But perhaps you could show your power without harming or killing anypony?”

The Visitor smiled. “I see. Perhaps you are right, Professor Barn Heart. Very well. Tomorrow night, I will demonstrate what I can do.”

“How will we know that it’s you?” the Professor asked.

“Oh,” the Visitor chuckled, “you’ll know.”

The play continued. Bobby eventually saw the Visitor enter his ship under cover of night and told his mother Helen and Trot Steeler. Trot Steeler reported the Visitor to the military, which attempted to apprehend him as Helen found herself confronting the Visitor in her office building.

“Just who are you, and just what do you want?” Helen demanded, stomping her hoof.

“I am here because now that you know my secret, perhaps you may be able to help me!”

“Why should I help you? What are you planning?”

“I’m going to deliver a message to your planet’s great scientists,” the Visitor replied. “And I am going to give a demonstration of my power, so your leaders will know to take it seriously.”

“Demonstration? What demonstration?” Helen cried fearfully.

“You’ll see. In fact, you’ll see it in just a few moments.”

Out the window of the office, the night sky suddenly shifted, the moon moving away and the sun rapidly rising to the top of the sky.

“What?! But how!” Helen stammered. “The sun is up at this time of evening!”

“Yes. The unicorns in Canterlot normally control that, but they will be powerless to override what I’ve done. I have commanded the machines in my ship to hold the sun in the night sky, and it will stay there for half an hour. Then all ponies will know that what I say must be taken seriously.”

“I… how can I help?”

“Listen carefully to me. I will tell you my plan, and what must be done if I am hurt or captured again.”

After being betrayed by Trot Steeler, Helen broke up with him and went to aid the Visitor to help get him back to his ship in time for his speech, even as the various city-states panicked.

Unfortunately, the Visitor was attacked by the military and killed before he could reach his ship. With his dying words, he told Helen to go to the ship and relay some words to Gert.

However, when she arrived, she found that Gert had become active again, and the robot had used her powers to disintegrate two of the sentries standing guard (they were made to disappear with lights and trap doors, of course).

Helen watched this as Gert suddenly turned to face her, its eyes glowing bright red again. Helen backed away in fear and stumbled over her back hooves, falling to the ground and letting out a cry of terror as Gert approached her.

Twilight held her breath and watched as Turing, playing Gert, stomped across the stage, her burning red eyes staring down at Bon Bon’s character emotionlessly. Her steps were slow and deliberate, yet inexorable and powerful. Her heavy hoofsteps echoed throughout the theater. One could feel the tension as Helen shrank from the mechanical monster, the music from the orchestra pit building in intensity.

Gert’s eyes began to glow even more intensely.

Then Helen swallowed, steeling herself as she found her voice.

“Gert, listen to me,” she said to the robot. “I have a message.”

The robot had no reaction, only continuing to stare at her.

She took a deep breath and recited the words that the Visitor had told her to say.

“Gert… Cloptu berada nikto.”

The robot stopped, its red eyes dimming and becoming purple. It stooped and picked up Helen, taking her into the ship.

After mostly standing around for the whole play, the next few scenes showed Turing Test, as Gert, getting past the military guards easily, breaking the Visitor’s body out of the morgue by smashing right through a brick wall, and bringing him back to the ship, reviving him just in time to give his final message to the gathered scientists of Equestria (including a few ponies dressed not-too-convincingly as griffons).

“Scientists of this planet,” the Visitor said, standing in front of his spaceship before the gathered scientists, Gert standing behind him, “you will forgive me if I speak bluntly. The universe grows smaller every day. And the threat of aggression by any group, anywhere, can no longer be tolerated. There must be security for all, or there cannot be security for anyone. This does not mean giving up any freedom, except the freedom to act irresponsibly! We have an organization for the mutual protection of all planets and for the complete elimination of aggression. The test of any such system is, of course, the police force that supports it. For our police, we created a race of robots.”

He gestured back at Gert, who stood there, as always, silent and still as a statue.

“Their function,” the Visitor continued, “is to patrol the planets in spaceships like this one and preserve the peace. At the first sign of violence, they act immediately against the aggressor. The penalty for this is too terrible to risk. And so, we live in peace without weapons or armies. We do not pretend to have achieved perfection… but we have a system, and it works. I came here to give you these facts. It is no concern of ours how you run your own planet… but if you threaten to extend the violence and disunity you have on your planet to the other worlds,” and here, his expression turned more grave, and stoney, “this planet of yours will be reduced to a burned out cinder.”

The gathered scientists all chattered uneasily.

“So, I say,” the Visitor continued, “you can either join us and live in peace… or you can continue to fight amongst yourselves, divided, and face obliteration. We shall be waiting for your answer. The decision rests with you.”

With a final smile at Helen and Professor Barn Heart, the Visitor went back to the ship.

“Gert, beringa!” he said, causing the robot to follow him into the ship. With that and a final fanfare, the ship closed and so did the curtain.

There was a tense moment in the air as the play ended.

And then the audience erupted into wild applause, cheering, and stomping of hooves.

The curtain opened again, and the cast came out bit by bit for their curtain call. It began with the minor cast members, but then came the major players, including the Doctor and Bon Bon (who both got some loud cheers and whistles from Derpy and Lyra, respectively), followed by Turing Test and, lastly, Caramel.

When Turing trotted out and gave her final bow, Twilight wondered what would happen. Despite her friends’ reassurances, she thought perhaps some would still be disturbed, or that the younger fillies and colts would still be afraid.

But instead, the applause and cheers grew even greater in intensity, practically thunderous, and were second only to the applause Caramel got when he stepped out a moment later.

The cast gestured in unison to the orchestra pit, from which Noteworthy, Octavia, and Pinkie all stood and took a bow. They then gestured to the lighting crew, and finally Cheerilee stepped out, her eyes filled with tears as the audience rose to their hooves to applaud the play’s director.

When the applause finally died down, Cheerilee said, “Ah, well… oh my goodness, thank you everypony! We’re glad you enjoyed tonight’s performance of The Day the Sun Stood Still, and we hope you’ll come to the reception area on the bottom floor of the theater for refreshments and a chance to talk to the cast!”

Another cheer went up, and the audience filed out.

Twilight simply stood there, dumbfounded.

“You coming, Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked, tapping her on the shoulder.

“Oh, yes, I…”

“Something wrong, Twilight?” Spike asked.

“No, I… wow, I just… I guess you were all right. I really didn’t have anything to worry about!”

She looked up at the box seat, but it was now empty. The Princesses had gone, as had the Royal Guards at the back of the theater.

She put that out of mind and followed the crowd out into the lobby, down the stairs, and to the bottom floor, where a table with punch and cookies and several other snacks was placed. The cast was already there, greeting the audience. Lyra was laughing and hugging Bon Bon, Derpy was teasing the Doctor by wearing his fake mustache, and it seemed just about every cast member was getting mobbed by members of the audience.

At last, Twilight spotted Turing Test. To her amazement, she saw she was surrounded by a large group of children, some of whom were begging her for an autograph.

“You were awesome Miss Robot!”

“You were so scary, Gert! My sister kept covering her eyes!”

“Nuh uh! She wasn’t that scary! She was cool!”

“Gert, can you turn your eyes red again?”

“My name is Turing Test,” she replied. “‘Gert’ is only the name of my character. However, I am capable of turning my eyes red. I simply adapted the function from my self-defense mode.”

With that, she turned her eyes red again, causing the fillies to squeal with delight and mock fear.

“Turing Test!” Twilight said, galloping over to her. “You did great!”

“Thank you, Twilight Sparkle,” she said, bowing slightly. “It was not difficult to act as a robot, though I did require assistance from Cheerilee on how to appear more intimidating. It seems that her advice was sound. Still, I am glad that you enjoyed my performance.”

“As did we,” said Luna, coming over to her, Celestia next to her.

Turing Test bowed to them. “Thank you for accepting my invitation.”

“Well, it’s not every day that we receive an invitation to a community theater performance like this,” Celestia said, “but it was refreshing after all the stuffy affairs in Canterlot. And while I’m not certain that I agree with all the playwright’s ideas, I did nonetheless enjoy the performance and the message about a need for harmony among all citizens of Equestria.”

“I did too,” Twilight said. “And what did you think, Princess Luna?”

“Twas-- um, it was most enjoyable, Twilight Sparkle,” she replied. “Forgive me, but I did some research on the play. It seems it was written at a time of widespread distrust between different regions of Equestria, and apparently called for greater unity under my sister,” she said, looking to Celestia with a smile, “and greater appreciation for scientists. A positive message, do you not agree?”

Celestia raised an eyebrow at that, giving Luna a sideways glance.

“In truth, I am not certain that the original playwright was correct to assume that a police force of robots would be ideal,” Turing said, looking up to them both. “Speaking as a robot, I often realize that I lack experience or intuition that organic ponies use to make sound judgments. Furthermore, the robot Gert lacked the ability to communicate or interact in a meaningful way, which seems a major weakness in one who would serve as a protector and fair enforcer of the law.”

Celestia blinked. “That’s… actually just what I was thinking, Turing Test.” She chuckled. “However, if a robot like you were to serve as a Royal Guard or a police officer… I might not object to that.”

Turing bowed again as Twilight broke into a beaming smile.

“I appreciate your esteem, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia and Luna both laughed but then winced as they each put a hoof to their forehead.

“Your Majesties,” said a Royal Guard, standing just behind them. “Are you well?”

“Yes,” Celestia said, rubbing her temple.

“It is strange, but we both developed a headache a few minutes ago. We are not certain of the cause--”

There was a sudden scream, and a mare ran down the stairs from the lobby.

“Everypony!” she shouted. “There’s… Princesses, please, come quick!”

Celestia, Luna, and Twilight all looked to each other and bolted for the stairs. The rest of Twilight’s friends were right behind them, and Turing Test and the rest of the crowd followed.

When they got to the lobby, they immediately saw what the screaming was about.

“No,” Celestia breathed, “it can’t be…”

“This… this was not my doing!” Luna cried. “Celestia?!”

“Not mine either, Luna,” Celestia said. The both of them stepped out, dumbfounded, as the crowd followed behind.

The sun shone above them. As if to confirm what they already knew, many ponies glanced at the clocktower, visible a short distance away.

“Great whickering stallions!” the Doctor exclaimed. “It’s… it’s just turned 10 PM!”

It was. It was ten in the evening, and yet the sun was high overhead, as though it were noon. Ponies were gathered in the streets, gasping and shielding their eyes as they stared up at the impossible sight.

“Luna!” Celestia cried. “We must set this right!”

Luna nodded, and they both took to the air, horns glowing.

A moment later, the sun rapidly set, the moon rising with equal speed to take its rightful place in the sky.

As night returned again, the crowd of ponies all cheered for their Princesses and breathed thankful sighs of relief.

“This...” Celestia hissed, gritting her teeth, “is this somepony’s idea of a joke?!”

“Who could have done this?” Luna asked, whispering to Celestia. “Perhaps… Discord?”

She shook her head. “Though he is capable, I doubt it. I’ve obtained a promise from Discord to never again interfere with the sun and moon, and I believe that he is sincere.”

Luna hesitated, then nodded. “Then, in that case… who?”

“Your Highnesses,” the Royal Guard said. “Shall we return to Canterlot?”

“Yes, we must return immediately,” Celestia said sternly. She turned to Twilight, who was looking up at her with wide, concerned eyes.

“Twilight, I apologize for cutting our visit short, but--”

“No, of course,” Twilight said, nodding to her. “Should I come with you?”

“That may be best,” Luna said. “Though I am not certain what the cause of this is, we may need your assistance as well.”

“I agree,” Celestia said. “Please, we must hurry.”

“Right!” Twilight said. She turned to her friends. “Girls, please try to keep Ponyville calm. Let them all know that things are fine for now and that the other Princesses and I are going to get to the bottom of this.”

“Right!” they all said in unison.

As they departed and the crowd began to disperse, Pinkie noticed Turing was watching them go with her ears drooping low.

“Aw, don’t worry, Rinny,” she said, “I’m sure everypony will still remember the play, even after this!”

“That is not my concern,” Turing replied. “I am more concerned about who may be responsible for this phenomenon. I suspect that they are the same ponies who are responsible for me.”

Umahara looked up at the huge machine before him and all the others gathered. The dome-shaped building housing the machine resembled an observatory, and even the machine itself bore a strong resemblance to a massive telescope the likes of which could be seen in universities around Equestria, especially the way it was angled up and aimed through a wide slit in the ceiling.

This machine, however, was no telescope. Its wide and cylindrical body terminated in a round, golden sphere with several slowly rotating rings around its circumference. As the machine powered down, the rings came to a stop. Through the slit in the ceiling, they could see as the sunlit sky returned to its normal nighttime darkness.

“Fillies and gentlecolts!” the operator called out. “Our test of the Sun Sphere is a success! And it looks like the Royals have already taken notice!”

The ponies all around Umahara erupted into cheers, including the mare sitting next to him.

“You should look happier, Umahara,” Blue Blazer said, leaning over to whisper to him. The both of them were seated along with many other high-ranking officials of their group in a makeshift observation area in a half-circle around the Sun Sphere.

“I know,” Umahara sighed, “I just…”

“After all, with this we are totally independent of Celestia and Luna’s powers over the sun and moon!”

“Yes, I… I guess I’m just nervous.” He furrowed his brow. “This is our first big, public move. This could bring more heat down on us. If we’re discovered now…”

“We won’t be,” Blue Blazer said, shaking a hoof dismissively. “We gave the Royal Guard and the Night Guard the slip, and there’s simply no possible way they’ll uncover our operation now.”

The slit in the ceiling rumbled loudly as its cover mechanically slid back into place. Ponies began to move about, scurrying along to different stations to read the data they’d collected off of printouts, or else return to whatever tasks they’d been busy with.

“You’re probably just tired,” Blue Blazer said, patting him on the back. “Maybe you should go to bed early. After all, we’ve both got our meeting with the President tomorrow morning.”

At the mention of the word ‘President,’ Umahara looked up at the observation area above the Sun Sphere. He could barely make out the silhouettes behind the glass, but the President was clearly among them.

“You’re right,” Umahara said, giving her a weak smile. “I guess seeing this project completed, and with how close we’re getting to our other projects’ releases… I’m just a little too tense.”

“Then like I said,” Blue Blazer said, taking to the air, “go get some shuteye, Umahara! Have sweet dreams about the bright future we’re building! It’s just around the corner!”

Umahara smiled and waved to her, bidding her goodnight as he walked down the hallway, back toward the main facility.

What Blue Blazer said was true. The projects they’d spent the last few months working tirelessly on were nearing completion. Some more testing, a few tweaks and improvements, and they could move forward.

Just the same, he wasn’t sure he agreed with the decision to move up the testing of the Sun Sphere to coincide with the night Celestia was supposedly seeing a production of The Day the Sun Stood Still. It felt somehow more confrontational, more personal than he would have liked.

As he rounded a corner, he saw a single glowing yellow light shining in his face from the shadows of the darkened hallway.

“Master Umahara…”

“Gah!” he shouted, rearing up on his hind legs in fear before clutching his chest. “Jeez, you scared me!”

“Apologies. I only wished to inform you that your team has reported an error in the latest production of spell card #26.”

He made a face, not just because of the bad news, but because of the grating, dissonant whisper of the voice of the figure before him, especially the way it dragged out each word a little too long.

“I understand,” he sighed. “I’ll handle it tomorrow.”

The figure stood silent.

“I said tomorrow,” he growled. “I’m too tired to do anything about it now.”

“It is unfortunate you require sleep, Master Umahara. I, however, do not.”

“Well, I do, and there’s plenty of time to fix the problem.” He narrowed his eyes. “So I’m going to bed.”

There was a pause. “Understood, Master Umahara.” The figure lowered its head. “Sleep well, and pleasant dreams. Please do not forget.”

“I won’t,” he snapped, sidestepping the thing before him. “See you tomorrow, 002.”

Author's Notes:

This was a really fun chapter to write, especially since I got a chance to reference my experienced acting in community theater and one of my favorite classic sci-fi movies.

References:

-Obviously, the biggest one is the prolonged homage to The Day the Earth Stood Still. The plot, the character names, and even Bon Bon's wardrobe are all drawn from the 1951 film. (And not the 2008 abomination.) Also, you have no idea how long I was waiting to make that stupid "Cloptu berada nikto" joke.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NZXmq-E2tM

-The obvious reference to Shakespeare is one I'd bet most, if not all of you got.

-However, the mention of "The Tundra Book," is a bit more obscure. It's actually a reference to a reference! The original reference is "The Jungle Book," but I can't take credit for it. It's actually a joke from The Changeling of the Guard, one of my absolute favorite stories on the site. The joke appeared in the most recent chapter to come out as of this writing. Consider it a little nod to one of my favorite works.

See you next time, folks!