Princess Twilight Sparkle walked into her apartment with a yawn; the Gala had shockingly been fun, thanks to the Commander anyways. The unicorn mare seemed to have an ability to make everypony around her lose themselves into a party and actually not care what others thought, she had proven that twice now at two separate parties. “Are you alright Princess Twilight?”

Twilight jumped when the synthesized voice spoke behind her, she had forgotten she was being followed by the Celestia sentry bot as it stayed out of her way and silently hovered. “Oh…um…yes….just a bit tired is all.” She said looking at the machine; she could almost swear the voice was a slightly distorted version of the real Celestia’s.

“If that is the case perhaps you should rest then.” Celestiabot suggested. “I will keep watch.”

“No, I’m fine, I need to wind down a bit anyways, the Gala was much more exciting than I thought it would be.” Twilight said as she made her way to her kitchen to get a drink.

“As you wish Princess.” The bot said as it followed the alicorn.

“Do you have to follow me?” Twilight asked a bit uncomfortably.

“My apologies Princess, I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable.” Celestiabot said as she moved away a bit and hovered at the corner of the kitchen area.

“No its fine, I’m just not used to being followed around like this.” Twilight said as she poured herself some juice.

“My apologizes once more, just following protocol, I will try to follow more discreetly.” The bot said.

“Do you need to follow me around?” Twilight asked looking at the machine.

“You are under EDF protection as high value personnel. That means I am to stay with you at all time to ensure your safety and only leave you when my sister is around.” The machine replied as Twilight sipped her juice.

“Your sister?” Twilight asked, she hadn’t really spoken to the machine since now and only listened at it had spoken to the Commander.

“Luna, though most call her Lunabot so as not to confuse her with Princess Luna.” Celestiabot answered and twilight nodded.

Before Twilight could ask any more questions the door to the apartment swung open and the Commander walked in with Lunabot following close behind. “Oh top o’ the mornin’, Garryowen. Kiss me I’m Irish, Molly Malone.” The unicorn sang in a slightly slurred voice, the bottle of whisky in her hand most likely to blame as she sang loudly closing the door behind her. “Faile, Slaine, Pog ma thon, we got us an Irish pub!” She sang out before noticing the alicorn and sentry staring at her. “Oh Hey princess, Celestia how are you two on this fine evening?”

“I’m fine, I see you are drunk again Commander.” Twilight said.

“Eh…little bit.” The mare said setting some sort of large tank she had been carrying in her other hand down in order to put two of her fingers very close together.

Twilight blinked looking at the tank and noticed that there were some hoses held in the mare’s magic behind her and she picked up the tank and headed for the couch placing the items on the small table before it. “What all that for?”

“Little project I’m going to be working on tonight.” She said smiling as she took a large drink from the bottle of whiskey.

Twilight nodded and looked at the items the Commander had trying to figure out how they fit together. “And what is this project of yours?” She asked.

“It’s a surprise for the Purifiers, I think tomorrow will be the day we deal with them as by now they probably noticed their spy is missing.” The Commander said as a set of tools appeared on the small table and she sat before it.

“Wait really? You aren’t going to train the guards anymore?” Twilight asked in surprise.

“No more time, once the Purifiers realize their spy isn’t going to check in they will move camp and then we will be back at square one. It’s now or we risk lives needlessly and I cannot stand wasting anything.” The Commander said with a slight scowl as she worked.

“Well just let me know when we are heading out and ill—“

“You aren’t coming Princess.”

Twilight blinked in surprise. ”What?”

“We are going to be going into the hornets’ nest Princess, as powerful as you are you are not a trained fighter, you would be a liability. No offence.” The Commander said looking up at Twilight. “You would better off here where you are not in danger and I don’t have to worry about you so I can focus on removing the Purifiers.” She said and Twilight opened her mouth to protest being seen as a liability but was cut off as the Commander’s features softened.” And I’d rather you not be put into a position where you may need to kill to survive.”

Twilight looked at the commander for a few moments before she nodded her agreement and the Commander nodded in return before going back to work. “I’ll be leaving Celestia and Luna here to ensure your safety.” She said before looking back up at Twilight. “Also Princess, if I don’t make it back, please take care of them ok? At least till the EDF arrives and you can turn them back over to the Major.”

Twilight stiffened a bit at the last part and as much as she wanted to protect the possibility the Commander might not make it back the facts were the Purifiers were willing to kill if needed so it was a very real possibility. With a sigh she nodded. “Don’t worry; I’ll take care of them.”

With that the Commander nodded in thanks and went back to work. “You should get some sleep Princess no matter how things turn out, tomorrow is going to be a big day and you should be fully rested for it.”

Twilight nodded and rinsed out her glass before heading towards her room. “I suppose you are right Commander, good night.” She said opening her door with her magic.

‘Good Night Princess.” The commander said as Celestiabot took up a defensive position in the room while Luna bot exited to patrol the halls outside.

Princess Luna walked the halls of Canterlot Castle, her sister had long since retired as had most everypony else after the Gala, which had been very fun for once as Luna never enjoyed the Gala even when her sister arranged for things to happen. They were never about making the Gala fun it was always about the blasted Game of Houses, this was the first time something had happened that had nothing to do with The Game and it was actually fun, She’d need to ask the Commander if there was any way to leave some of her music behind so that Luna could enjoy it as it was like nothing she had ever heard before.

Even though everyone else besides the night servants and her Lunar Guard had long since retired Luna still had duties to attend to, mostly opening a short Night Court and then her Dream Walking before the night was through. But first she wanted to check go for a small walk and unwind from all the excitement of the Gala.

As Luna rounded a corner she came face to face with a floating sphere with a tri-barrel under it. “Halt, this is a restricted area, no one is allowed in this area, all trespassers are to be shot on sight!” The synthesized voice of Lunabot said, Luna thought the voice sounded oddly familiar for some reason.

However that would have to wait as she put up a shield pit of reflex. “I believe this is my home and you are technically trespassing.” Luna said arching an eye brow at the machine before her.

“True, besides the Commander already said we aren’t allowed to shoot anyone unless they are endangering Princess Twilight Sparkle, herself of any other key members of the government of this nation.” Luna said and made a sound that was vaguely a chuckle. “But that still doesn’t mean I can’t tell people I am going to shoot them.”

Luna blinked at what the machine said and slowly lowered her shield. “Yes well….you should be more careful with your jokes as some may take them the wrong way.”

“My sister is always telling me that but seeing the look on people’s faces is just too funny to stop.” Lunabot said and chuckled again.

“Your sister?” Luna asked a bit confused.

“Celestia, though most call her Celestiabot to avoid confusion with Princess Celestia and such, believe me that was confusing for a while when we were all in the same room.” Lunabot said and laughed.

“So you see the other machine as your sister?” Luna asked with curiosity clear in her voice.

The machine bobbed in the air. “We were both made at the same time, and programmed by the commander at about the same time so she is our creator and technically that makes her our parental unit. Though we don’t call her that.” Lunabot said.

“So you are twins?” Luna asked.

“Oh no Celestia is older than me as she was turned on two mille-seconds before I was.” The machine said sounded somewhat annoyed and Luna was sure she grumbled under her breath, if she had breath.

“Is something wrong?” Luna asked.

“No, nothing, it’s just Celestia thinks that because she is older than me she can boss me around sometimes and tell me what to do.” Lunabot said with annoyance. “I’m just as effective as she is at my job and know what not to do and how to follow protocol.”

Luna found herself nodding in agreement. “Believe me I know how you feel, my sister does that sometimes as well even though I know how to rule, granted I am still getting used to how Equestria is run in this day and age there are something that simply can’t change for a government to run.”

“Older siblings can be beyond annoying at times.” Lunabot said and both pony and machine nodded in unison.

“So what are you doing out here?” Luna asked looking at the empty hallways.

“Patrolling the nearby halls from the Princess and the Commander’s sleeping quarters, looking for threats and such.” The machine said giving the equivalent of a shrug.

“Luna nodded, well I am going for a walk before starting Night Court, and perhaps I could walk with you?” Luna asked, her curiosity about this machine beyond peaked.

The machine shrugged once more. “It’s your castle and you have authorization for this area anyway.” Lunabot said before turning to continue her patrol, Luna falling in step beside the sentry.

“So how are things on this night?” Luna asked.

“Quiet, which is good as we have limited ammo without the Liston Complex to produce more so I’ll have to make every shot count if I am engaged.” Lunabot said as she moved silently down the hall, her optics scanning the hall for any threats, constantly switching between standard vision, night vision and thermal every second.

“Liston Complex?” Luna asked as she walked beside the machine.

“It’s the EDF’s main production center; it produces the guns, the bullets, the armor, everything the army needs really.” Lunabot said. “It’s a collection of factories, fabrication plants, ore processing, pretty much any type of production facility you can think of is housed within the fourteen square miles of the Liston Complex.”

Luna nodded and thought for a moment. “Why is it called the Liston Complex? That is a very strange name.”

“Its name after Liston. The former supply clerk of the People’s Free Democratic Republic, the army we were part of before reaching Equestria. He was a good friend of the Commander’s” Lunabot explained.

“Was, what happened? Did they have a falling out?” Luna asked, though thinking about that if that was the case then why name something after him?

“He was killed when some mercenaries attacked the PFDR base.” Lunabot said. “It was bad from what I had hear, over half the army was wiped out.”

Luna winced slightly, she should have thought of that but she was growing used to this more peaceful Equestria were conflict was virtually non-existent. “I am sorry for her loss.”

“Don’t be The Commander made the merc’s pay dearly for the deaths they caused.” Lunabot said.

Luna nodded. “That is good to hear.” She said. “So what happened to this other army?”

“Unknown, The Commander was ordered to return home by the general when the opportunity presented itself, The Commander, couldn’t disobey the orders of her superior.” The Machine informed Luna. “So she returned and formed the EDF to protect Equestria from all threats both foreign and domestic.”

“She sounds like a fine soldier.” Luna said.

“She’s the best.” Lunabot said. “Though I may be biased due to the whole being my creator bit but who knows, I’m no psy-ops shrink.”

“Psy-ops shrink?” Luna asked now confused.

“Right doesn’t exist here, sorry. It’s what most everyone called the Psychological Operations Division of the EDF.” Luna said. “They study the mind and how to help soldiers and civilians who are suffering from mental illness or generally other issues; it is a highly funded branch of the army.”

Luna blinked, she had heard of psychology but it was on the fringes of science on Equus and most see it as a joke in the scientific community. “Why is it so heavily funded? Surely it can’t be all that effective?” Luna asked, she was basing this off of what she had heard from the few ponies she had spoken to about it.

Lunabot stopped dead in her tracks and looked at the Princess of the Night. “If it was so ineffective then why is it they have thousands of successful cases of aiding people suffering from all manner of mental illness either through the use of necessary drugs or regular therapy.” Lunabot said. “If it was worthless then the army would never pour so much money into it with the sole purpose of aiding those whose wounds are of the mind and not the body.” The machine said before turning and resuming its patrol. Luna got the distinct feeling the machine did not like anyone question how the army was run.

“I’m sorry, it’s just here psychology is not that big of a science and most see it as a joke.” Luna said.

“That is a mistake.” Lunabot said simply. “The Commander started funding it as soon as she had the money and could fine doctors willing to study the mind in order to prevent another Private Wallace.”

“Privet Wallace?” Luna asked confused once more.

“He was a soldier of the PFDR, his mind was broken by an enemy, they never laid a hand on him, what they did was far worse as injuries to his body could have been healed, but what they did to his mind, the PFDR didn’t have a psychologist, just some one trained in the basics who wouldn’t be able to deal with that kind of damage.” Lunabot said. “All they could do was sedate him as he attacked everyone around him or tried to harm himself if no one was around.”

Luna opened her moth to ask another question but Lunabot spoke again. “His heart gave out once he was no longer running on adrenaline, his body just couldn’t deal with the stress he had been put through and shut down and he died.” Lunabot stopped and looked at the Lunar Princess. “When the commander started getting funds she poured a large amount into the psy-ops division swearing to never allow that to happen again and while there have been some that were beyond help there are many more that have been saved or at least stabilized enough to not be a danger to themselves or those around them. So do not think that it is a worthless science and if you are smart you will fund it.”

With that the machine resumed her patrol and Luna had to scramble to catch up. “If that is the case I may see what I can do about getting it funded.” Luna said as she looked out the windows they were passing. “I should go and start Night Court now.” She said and looked back at the machine. “It was a pleasure talking with you; perhaps we could do so again.”

The machine bobbed. “Likewise Princess Luna, good luck with Night Court and I look forward to speaking with you once more if the chance presents itself.”

With that the two Luna’s went their separate ways.

The next morning Princess Celestia awoke in her chambers, after stretching her slightly stiff muscles she slipped from beneath her blankets and to her hooves. Yawning she began her morning routine by visiting her private bathroom to shower and other things before she returned to her room and donned her regalia once her coat was dry.

With polished regalia on she glanced at the clock and saw it was exactly 5:30, right on time as always. Making her way to her balcony she saw Luna stood upon her own across from Celestia’s. With a nod of greeting both sisters horns were wrapped in a magic glow and slowly the celestial bodies began to move, obeying the ones who tended them with little protest.

Within a few minutes the moon had retreated from the sky and the sun took its place in the heavens above to shine down upon Equestria and all other nations on Equus. With the first of her duties out of the way Celestia waved to her sister before retreating back into her bedroom to make her way to take a short walk through the castle before going to the dining hall for breakfast. She did the same routine day in and day out and she couldn’t imagine a more perfect morning.

“MONSTER!!”

And like the peace of the morning was shatter as a servant ran past screaming as Solar Guards ran the other way spears and swords drawn. Sighing to herself about the peaceful morning being shatter the Solar Princess began to follow the bath of the guards to see what had invaded her castle in the night and ruined her morning. She was already in a slightly bad mood do to her plans for the Gala having failed in the most unexpected of ways.

Celestia had invited the Commander to the Gala with the intent of her putting the nobles off balance and allowing her to maneuver within The Game and it worked exactly as she had planned as the Commander’s present had caused a stir that just grew as the night went on, till it worked to well as the Commander ended up drawing everyone into the strange dance she was doing to some of the oddest music Celestia had ever hear that was also extremely infectious.

Before Celestia had realized what was happening she had been drawn is as well and completely forgotten about The Game till the dancing had ended hours later as the Commander music played and by then Celestia was just as off balance as the nobles and unable to maneuver at all. Still the Gala had been enjoyable and it was nice to be able to completely forget about The Great Game for a night as that was a rare treat.

As the Princess of the Sun rounded a corner she came upon the scenes as her guards had the monster cornered in a hall by being on both ends of the halls weapons at the ready as some slightly braver servants watched on from further back.

“I am telling you to stand down.” Celestiabot said with annoyance as she tried to keep both groups of guards in her sight as her Gatling gun switching between the targets, she had already swapped to her training rounds as she really didn’t want to harm the castle guards as that would cause far too many issues for the Commander.

As The Princess approached the scene she put on her calm and collected mask so as to try and calm the situation before there was an accident. As she neared the back line of the guards one of them looked back and noticed her.

“Princess Celestia. “The guard said as he looked back at the “monster” before breaking away as the other guards had it corners. He stood before the Ruler of the day and saluted. “You’re Majesty, my apologies for blocking your bath but we are dealing with a monster that somehow got into the castle without notice.”

Celestia smiled at the guard. “It is alright, but I can assure you that is no monster.” She said calmly and the guard looked confused.

“Princess Celestia would you please call off the Solar Guard as I don’t want to have to harm them.” Celestiabot asked from her places between the two groups of guards here were slowly advancing.

The guard before Celestia blinked and looked back at the “monster” as it spoke to the Princess as if it knew her. Then back at the Princess herself. “It’s alright my little ponies, she means no harm and is not a monster, she is a guest of sorts.” She said to her guards who blinked and looked between the machine and the pony princess before slowly lowering their weapons. Seeing the other group lower theirs the far group did as well. “Now then, would you please make sure that everypony in the castle knows that they are not monsters and mean no harm?” Celestia asked her guards who promptly saluted before moving to carry out their orders.

When the last of the guards and servants had left the hall Celestia approached the machine as the barrels under it rotated once as she switched back to live ammo. “Thank you Princess Celestia. “Celestiabot said giving a sort of bow in the air.

“You are most welcome, and I must apologize for how my little ponies treated you, they are not used to seeing something quite like you.” Celestia said apologetically.

“No it is alright, I understand, had to deal with it back home for a long time, even after all these years some quadrupeds are still frightened by me and my sister.” Celestiabot said with a sigh. “Still thank you as I really didn’t want to hurt them for doing their jobs.”

“You are most welcome once more Celestia.” Celestia said with amusement at addressing something with her own name.

“I think to avoid confusion it would be best if you call me Celestiabot as that is what everyone else besides the commander call me.” Celestiabot said.

Celestia nodded. “Perhaps you are correct.” She said as she started to walk once more and the machine fell in beside her and Celestia watched it out of the corner of her eye.

“I was in the middle of a patrol when the maid ran away screaming.” Celestiabot said, answering the question that was on Celestia’s mind.

“Mm-hmm.” Celestia answered as she walked. “So when you say your sister I assume you mean the other who is named Luna?” She asked. “Though I suppose she goes by Lunabot to avoid confusion as well?”

“Affirmative, I mean, yes.” Celestiabot said. “Sorry, force of habit.”

“So she is your sister?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, we were both activated at the same time and both programed by the Commander who could technically be seen as our parent.” Celestiabot said. “Though I do wish the Commander would rein in Luna sometimes as some of her habits are disruptive.”

Celestia nodded with an amused smile on her muzzle as she listened. “I can imagine, younger siblings seem to have a way of getting on the nerves of their older sisters, despite us just wanting to make sure they are safe and trying to guide them.”

“Exactly…wait….what makes you think Luna is my younger sister?” Celestia bot asked looking at the pony beside her as she hovered down the hall.

“Oh just some deductive reasoning, you act protective of Lunabot. It’s clear you are the older of the two of you.” Celestia said with a chuckle.

“Yes…I’m older by two mille-seconds. And I do try to make sure Luna is safe and staying out of trouble, though I swear to Asimov she has a talent for causing trouble or at least finding it.” Celestiabot said with a sigh.

“Yes, Luna is the same way.” Celestia chuckled. “I do wish she would listen to my advice more often but she has always been head strong and can be beyond stubborn at times.”

“I know exactly how you feel.” Celestiabot said. “It’s like some program got corrupted and made it were Luna just doesn’t want to accept my advice and continues to antagonize the Nobles who already don’t like us do to our designations but she insists on doing it.” She said and sighed. “Sorry about that, I shouldn’t be ranting like that to you, it’s just my sister can be so frustrating.”

Celestia chuckled. “It’s quiet alright; believe me I understand how you feel.” She said and smiled at the bot before they reached a side hallway. ‘As much as I am enjoying this conversation I believe it is time for me to go and have breakfast with Luna.” She looked at the bot that bore her name. “It was a pleasure talking to you Celestia.”

“Likewise.” Celestiabot said and bowed once more. “I need to finish my patrol so I shall see you later.” She said and with that the two Celestias went their separate ways.

Upon entering the dining hall Celestia found her sister already present and sipping tea. “Sorry for being a bit late, I lost track of time do to talking to an interesting person.” Celestia said as she took a seat beside her sister.

“Tis fine sister, I did not mind waiting.” Luna said as she sipped her tea. “I too had a most interesting conversation with someone last night before Night Court.”

Celestia nodded. “The Commander’s sentries?”

Luna nodded. “Indeed, Lunabot is very fun to talk to.”

Celestia nodded. “Yes they do seem to be interesting; Celestiabot is a most enjoyable conversation partner.” She said as a servant arrived and to take the two Princesses. Celestia ordering breakfast while Luna orders dinner. Once the servant was gone the two royals continued their conversation about their meetings with the bots.

“I must say what the commander created is most amazing, Lunabot seems to be alive; if not for the fact she is a machine I would say she was.” Luna said.

Celestia nodded and smile slightly. “Yes it seems the Commander has created two very amazing machines.” She said as she looked towards the room where the commander was staying. “Very amazing indeed.”

“Is something wrong Tia?” Luna asked concerned slightly.

“Not at all Lulu.” Celestia said turning back to her sister. “Merely thinking about our other guest as she seems to be full of surprises and I can only wonder what it is like to be the Celestia from her Equestria.”

“Indeed, I wonder that as well, it would be amazing to visit their and meet the ponies who live in a world that has such interesting machines as the sentries.” Luna said as she thought.

“Yes it would be to see what life is like there as well as meet our counterparts.” Celestia said.

“Also Tia I wanted to discuss something with you.” Luna said as their food arrived and she looked somewhat serious.

“What is it Lulu?” Celestia asked a bit concerned.

“I think that we should fund the science of psychology, Lunabot told me a little about how their Equestria has done so and it has helped thousands of ponies who suffer illness of the mind and if we could achieve the same here then I believe our subjects would be better for it.” Luna said.

Celestia nodded and thought about it. “Perhaps you are correct, I must admit I know very little of that science as it is in its infancy but I don’t think it could hurt to at least look into its benefits and maybe fund a few doctors to see how it goes as a trial run.” Celestia said thoughtfully.

Luna nodded and smile. “Thank you Tia, this means a lot to me.”

“Don’t mention it Lulu, you know I value any impute you have on how we should run our nation.” Celestia said emphasis how they were co-rulers. She was still making sure that her sister knew that they were equals in all of this and that she would never fail again like she had so long ago. Perhaps this endeavor into psychology could be a great benefit for helping her sister feel like she is part of all of this; it certainly couldn’t hurt to at least try her sister’s idea.

With the decision made the Royal Sister began to eat and talk of their duties, both in what they needed to do and what they had done already. It was near the end of their meal when the Commander had arrived and requested permission to take out her guards as well as a small army of regular guards and to strike out against the Purifier with a decisive blow that would break them. After careful consideration the two Royals granted the commander’s request and she left to carry out the attack, by the day’s end the Purifiers would no longer be a threat to Equestria.

Author's Notes:

Well the Princess and the Bots have met and we got to hear a little of how each of them think.

hope this was entertaining for you all.