A towering skyscraper. One that has been built long after the incident that has thrown the land into nothing but a world of hate, vengeance, death and misery. The tower itself, a giant Conditioning Antenna that spreads as far as the still flowing Neighagra Falls and Canterlot. Below, a haven for denizens of all kinds. A utopia built under one nation and rule. All are welcome. And a lone figure, a dark unicorn stallion with a wavy black mane and tail and obsidian eyes, looked down on top of the tower’s balcony. A suite that has been specially tailored for the pony.

Everyday clothing you would see during the pre-war era. However, modified to withstand the harmful rays and overbearing cold of the weather. He watched below, the denizens moving to and fro about their days. Indeed, life was simplistic here in this utopia his ancestors had created. The dangers of the Wasteland covered up and out of sight with a sturdy wall said to withstand even a sand wyrm’s advance. And if to expect an attack from above, Luridium ballistae lined the tops. The wall itself, a sixty kilometer block constructed of non-rustic materials and a sturdy sleek design.

The utopia expanded far as the stallion could see. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in himself at the sight.

A step forward into a better future.

He had remembered what his great grandfather had said on the day of his passing. The young colt, clueless to the world around him, found meaning in his life when he had taken over the company. Ruling an empire and a utopia was more than he had bargained for. And at the young age of ten, the colt found it difficult to handle the adults arguing over the long expansive table. However, being guided by his caring android servants and having the best security one can have, the colt felt no danger to his position. And when it fell to him to quall the argument, he had simply stated:

“And I’m the colt here?” the table grew silent, each pony throwing him judging looks. The colt, sitting on a stack of books thanks to his android maid standing beside his chair on his left, kicked his hind legs casually under the table. One of the ponies cleared her throat and adjusted her glasses.

“Apologies, Master Macarole. But it is has come to our attention that this situation has yet to be handled.” Macarole swayed slightly, humming softly in thought. “And do forgive us for… being hesitant. But to discuss matters to such a mind of your age, I believe that I speak for all of us here that your grandfather must have found a… err… mature heir?” Macarole frowned at this.

“I’m mature enough to know that adults arguing like foals over a toy block is annoying.” He said. This caught the mare by surprise at the response, but she maintained her composure. It was another that had blurted out.

“By the late Goddesses, your grandfather was a fool!” The table grew silent again and looked at the middle aged buck who had slammed his hoof down onto the table. “Correct me if I am wrong, but having a child take over the company and rule over Artellia is incomprehensible!” Macarole eyed the buck. One of the other bucks from further down called out.

“While the sudden outburst is unnecessary, I have to agree. A child taking the position as Emperor is just… uncanny.” Another spoke up.

“I second that!” murmurs erupted. Macarole, however, looked bored at the adults and clicked his tongue.

‘Typical adults. Always looking down on their superiors.’ He then looked to his right. Another android. However, her design was sleek black and her long neon green mane and irises made her an intimidating figure. In fact, if he could remember exactly, this android is captain to his ancestor’s company of security. A battle android built with everything meant for combat. Ruthless, quick and nimble. And more surprisingly enough, this android had been deemed unique by his grandfather.

“She is the next line of security for this company. A B-D55 model. Designed for combat and equipped with a smart AI and personality that will make her seem like a normal pony. The first of her kind and probably the only guardian Zillex needs.”

Of course, Macarole found it hard to call her by her model ID. Instead, he had found a different name for her. He had remembered stumbling into the archives in his studies on hospitality and found a file dubbed: Astrology’s Science.

Curiosity hit him and reading upon paragraph after paragraph, he found it fascinating to think that they had gone so far as to almost achieve space flight. And yet, there was one section that he found even more interesting than the science behind comets and stars. A spectacle that had long been extinct. A phenomena that was called the “Northern Lights”. Or back then, just simply called Aurora Borealis. And it was the perfect name for her.

“Borealis.” Macarole whispered over the arguing adults. The android shifted slightly, signaling to him that she was listening. “I’m bored. Can we hurry this up? I want to get back into finishing up the next chapter to Particle Mare.” Borealis, the sleek black android mare, smirked.

“If you insist, Master.” She said. She then held up her forehoof and taking her other hoof, opened a panel on her leg and tapped a few buttons with a claw stub. With a quick swipe of her claw tip, a small beeping sound emitted and both Macarole and Borealis looked back to see the chairs the adults were sitting at suddenly spring to life with claws.

“W-what in the?” the buck that had blurted out was suddenly bucked back into the chair and the claws kept him in place. The same thing happened to the rest. Macarole smiled. He had always enjoyed the show Borealis put on when disposing of annoyances.

“What is the meaning of this!?” another called out. The android mare maid had rolled up a cart with a steaming pot of tea and began pouring it into a cup. She stepped back and bowed as Macarole took the cup and blew on the top of it before taking a sip. Sweet and hot just the way he liked it. Borealis spoke up.

“The matter of deciding who should be the next Emperor has long been decided. If you do not wish to accept this, then please file a complaint.” A compartment in front of the ponies opened up and a blank touch screen tablet was brought up. It had one sentence on it:

Awaiting Voice Complaint

The ponies looked nervously at one another before looking to the child and his servants. Macarole took another sip of tea and the androids remained stoic.

“Y-you can’t do this to us! We are the only ponies keeping this company alive!” the buck called out. Borealis shook her head.

“Correction. You are just liabilities that have aided this company greatly. However, we have heard about a recent… new management that has taken over.” The buck suddenly looked surprised at the mare.

“W-what!? H-how can you…?” Borealis remained stoic as she tapped another button on her leg panel. The tablet in front of them changed.

Voice Complaint Recorded. One moment while we process your complaint…

Complaint deleted. Thank you for taking the time to use Zillex services. A fee will be charged to your account and any further complaints will result in further use of your fee increase. Thank you and have a nice day.

The buck was baffled and looked to see the android smile.

“Ciao.” Borealis said before tapping another button. A panel behind the chairs opened up, revealing a sleek slide. Without a moment of hesitation, the chairs suddenly leaned back and the claws let go of the ponies. All that was heard before the compartments closed were the screams that quickly turned into echoes. Macarole finished his tea and placed it on the cart. He then turned the chair and hopped off of it before happily trotting out of the room with his two servants and hummed a tune from the recently new Particle Mare digital audio book.

“Would Master Macarole allow us to set up a dinner in bed?” the maid android asked. Macarole shook his head.

“Not this time. In fact, have all my appointments rescheduled for next week.” He looked to Borealis, beaming at the android mare. “It’s a Particle Mare-athon going on! C’mon, Borealis! You have to stay up and listen with me!” Borealis remained stoic as she responded.

“A tempting offer. But I have to remain on duty to our security.” She said. Macarole frowned.

“Can’t you let the SCP run it for a while? A week without you won’t be a disaster waiting to happen.” Borealis glanced at the young colt. Her thought program registering amusement.

‘Give him time.’ She had thought. She then brought up a memory file of a task long ago. A buck, almost similar to the young colt if he were older, looked at Borealis with kind eyes.

“My grandson will rule this land with an open mind and heart. He has everything we need for the next step into the future. Combat Unit B-D55. You are tasked in making sure that no harm comes to him until he is old and unwilling to walk. You will protect him as if your life depended on it. This is a command that cannot be overwritten. Do you understand?”

A slight garble was followed. The buck smiled.

“In time he will learn what it means to grow up. But for now, let him live his childhood for a bit longer.”

Borealis blinked and then smiled at the colt.

“Very well. I will send a command to the SCP.” Macarole laughed and hugged her foreleg.

“You’re the best!” he cheered. He then broke into a gallop down the hall, entering into a spacious room that looked complexed and vintage. Borealis watched the colt take off and smiled slightly.

“Pardon me, mistress.” The maid android spoke up. Borealis turned to the Service Unit. “I fear that the actions that were taken upon them may have cost us valuable resources.” Borealis looked unamused by this.

“And this concerns a servant android because?” The maid bowed.

“I mean no disrespect, mistress. I apologize for my sudden opinion. I will take the necessary actions as to not have it happen again.” Borealis sighed quietly before tapping a claw stub on the sleek tiled floor. The stallion’s thoughts was soon interrupted when the sliding door leading into his office opened and in walked the very same sleek black android accompanied by androids that bore no unique designs. The only thing different about them were the ID’s given to them on their flanks.

“Master Macarole. I do believe I have something that you will want to look at.” Borealis said with a stoic expression. Macarole nodded and smiled.

“You are always welcome to share it, Borealis.” Borealis nodded to one of the generic androids and it stepped forward. Its eyes suddenly displayed footages of a certain ruined Luridium factory.

“One of our sprite-drones had picked up on activity in this vicinity.” The footage changed to display images of skull themed suited ponies gathering by the edges of the ruined buildings. Macarole rubbed his chin.

“Isn’t this the supposed place where this ‘Deadeye’ had taken refuge in?” he asked. Borealis nodded.

“Yes sir. We have confirmed reports from one of our scouts that has went undercover report back with intel relating to Deadeye’s whereabouts.” Macarole smiled.

“Splendid! And did he accept my offer?” he asked. Borealis shook her head.

“Negative. The gang turned down our offer. However…” she seemed to hesitate. Something that was very rare for her. And Macarole knew her better than any Zillex property in Artellia. He smiled.

“Do not be afraid to speak your mind, Borealis.” He said. The soothing voice of the stallion made the android ease a little. She then nodded to the android displaying the footage. It rearranged the images until another image showed up. One that Macarole couldn’t make head or tails of. It was an image of a black silhouette zipping by the sprite-drone. Not too close, but close enough. The android then brought up another footage. This one showed a blurred image of something tan and white climbing up the side of a building. The last image showed a figure that was down next to a motor chariot, taking cover behind it as colorful beams seem to pelt the vehicle.

“Err… What exactly am I looking at?” Macarole asked. Borealis frowned and trotted over to the android. With a quick slap of her claw hoof on the back of the android’s head, the android suddenly spurred to life and clicked once. The images had been filtered to high quality. Macarole looked on at the images with awe. Even Borealis had to do a little double take.

The images showed three ponies. The one hiding behind the motor chariot appeared to be a zebra mare. She was looking down the scope of a Solarium rifle and firing back. The next image showed an android who had a strikingly similar look to Borealis, however with a different color. And the last one was a pony in a suite. And not just any pony in a suite. This suite had wings protruding from it.

“Is… that…” Macarole asked. Borealis studied the images, furrowing her brows. “A pegasus?” Indeed, there was no doubt. The wings weren’t modified metal or scrap. It had flesh and actual feathers. The two were in awe at these images. Macarole broke the silence. “A pegasus… this far out from Sanctuary?” Borealis rubbed her chin with a claw stub. She then started scanning her database on the particular images of the ponies.

Her screen flashed with errors:

Unknown Individual. Require further analysis.

“Sir. It appears these three do not appear in any records of any kind.” Borealis said. Macarole rubbed his chin.

“Really? What about the wings? Scan the wings and see where they originate.” Macarole found himself being a kid again. To think that a pegasus was this far out. This is indeed a rare find. Borealis did her best to use every scanning program she had available to her at the moment. But again, nothing came up. However, it did pick up small traces of soil.

“We have picked up nothing relevant other than fresh soil that can only be found underground.” Borealis stated. And then, she blinked in realization. Macarole eyed her patiently as her mind ran through files after files that date during the start of the post-war. “Master. It can be assumed this pony came from underground.” Macarole arched a brow.

“Underground?” he asked. Borealis lifted up a foreleg and tapped on the buttons.

“Correct. Years ago, after the incident that lead up to the phenomena dubbed “The Big Bang”, a part of Equestria had escaped underground to avoid conflict. Over half the denizens that escaped the war lived for a hundred years underground until they decided to brave the outside. Which is where we are today. However, those accustomed to the underground remained that way in seclusion.” Macarole trotted over to his desk and sat in it, propping his hooves out in front of him in thought.

“So, this pegasus is from the underground. Why is it flying around a place that Deadeye deems a safe haven?” Borealis looked to the generic android and flicked its ear. The images changed to inside the facility. It showed a skull helmeted pegasus, in which Macarole assumed was the same one, skillfully caught in a still frame of what appeared to be a fighting stance. Interestingly enough, the pegasus was standing on the hind hooves.

Even Borealis found this intriguing. Her eyes copying the data into her own memory bank. The image then switched to the zebra mare using a Luridium Saber against a spiked pony, using the same stance as the pegasus.

“And what about this one? Is she a part of any of the clans or is she a black sheep?” Borealis scanned, only to frown in annoyance at the error that was brought up.

“Unknown. However, once again, traces of underground soil on the fur depicts she is also a resident of the underground.” The android stated.

“Two?” Macarole said, but not in the form of a question. Two underground ponies duking it out with Deadeye’s gang? He then eyed the third image. A sleek white android that strikingly looked similar to Borealis. He narrowed his eyes and enhanced the image. “What about the android? What is her ID? Is she another lost Zillex relic? Or is she one of the local androids of the lesser towns?” Borealis scanned again. The cursor moved to the flank, enlarging the blue heart with a barcode striking through it.

Deciphering the code, it read the ID.

“Sir. This android does have an ID. However, it is unaffiliated with Zillex or any known android in the lesser towns.” Borealis said. She then balked as the ID was displayed on her screen. Macarole also found this a rare sight and his interest rose.

“What? What is it?” he asked, feeling his inner child sing with joy.

“I-I… I can’t believe this…” Borealis said. She remembers why she was named Borealis to the stallion. But to think that this android… “Her ID states her as a breeding model. However, it appears she has been modified with combat programs and a self-aware personality chip. And her ID is…” Macarole tapped his hooves eagerly. The anticipation was killing him.

“Speak, Borealis! Do not be afraid!” Macarole demanded. The sudden outburst made her hesitate even more. But she sucked it up and took a deep breath.

“Her ID number is 4U120124. Simplifying the code brings up the name…”

“Aurora…” Macarole finished. What coincidence. To think that this android, who is strikingly similar to Borealis, would be also named Aurora. Macarole grinned wider than he had thought. He then stood up and cleared his throat. “Borealis. This is rare find and a bigger coincidence if I have ever had the chance to look upon! We must strike at once! Find these individuals and bring them to Artellia. I want to have a personal discussion with them.” Borealis didn’t know how to respond to this command. But the memory of the old buck replayed in her head and she sighed before bowing.

“It shall be carried out.” She said. The android turned and trotted out of the room, dismissing the rest of the androids. Macarole chuckled softly before turning to face the window looking out to Artellia.

‘The underground is very much alive? Then they must know about it.’

The factory remained still. As if every activity that was once a part of it had ceased entirely. Only the sound of boiling Luridium could be heard from the vats that lined under the catwalks, each connected to a tube that appeared to be heading underground. Zelori winced as she limped over to Candlejack, who had lightly kicked the corpse of one of the bandits. His expression displayed confusion, causing Zelori to look at him and then to the corpse.

The corpse before them had oil spilling from the head and spurting out of where Zelori had pierced through the helm. She looked around, seeing to her surprise that the bandits weren’t even ponies. Metal wires, bolts, gears, everything machine like was strewn about. They didn’t realize it, but every bandit they had slaughtered was made to look like a pony.

The siblings looked up from their confusion and over to Aurora, who was dragging her hooves tiredly over to them. Her energy had been half charged when the attack happened. She was surprised that she was able to fulfill her own revenge with hardly any scratches. But the amount of energy that the program consumed was beyond expectation. She could feel her joints delaying with each step she took. She stopped and looked down at her hooves, seeing the bandana that Deadeye had on him. Next to it was the very weapon used in murdering her father. Aurora picked the gun up with her claw hoof and looked over to the two siblings.

“You neglected to mention that neither of these ponies were… ponies.” Candlejack said with a frown as he lightly kicked the dead corpse next to him. Aurora slumped a little.

“I was uncertain whether he had ponies aiding him or machine.” She said. Zelori rubbed her chin.

“And yet, these aren’t androids either. Are you saying we took out a gang of robots?” she asked. Aurora nodded.

“It appears so.” She said. Candlejack couldn’t help but feel relieved. He had seen too many in his times of expeditions. But then again, he couldn’t help but feel… conflicted. He wasn’t sure where the feeling came from, but in any case, he now had the android’s full attention.

“So, now that we repaid the debt, I think it’s time you repaid yours.” He said. The android sat down on her haunches and nodded.

“Very well. I will answer to the best of my knowledge.” Zelori eyed her brother. Candlejack took a deep breath.

“This facility… do you know what it is?” he asked. Aurora started scanning through the network for any information the stallion had asked for. Her optic HUD brought up many pages and images. She frowned and made a swiping motion with one of her claw stubs to delete the unnecessary info. When the text stopped scrolling and enlarged an image and an article, the android mare began reading:

“This facility, in particular, is a minor power plant that houses Luridium energy. This facility dates back to pre-war as a means to power energy to Detrot and its’ outer living societies.” She said. The two listened intently, trying to test their brains to lock down as much info needed. It made some sense at first to them. But eventually, the android began giving side information that wasn’t necessary to what they had intended. Candlejack found himself drifting away from the android’s words and began scanning the area. Despite the mix of oil and parts that consumed the air they breathed currently, he found himself itching all over. This place was giving him bad vibes for sure. But they came here for another reason.

When Aurora finished up her “long-story short” explanation of the facility, she noticed the stallion itching himself as he looked over to the vat Deadeye fell in. Her scanners started showing the sibling’s health signs being slightly unstable.

“Perhaps we should leave this place.” She turned to the vat of bubbling Luridium. “While a viable power source, it has been known to cause unusual side effects on both machine and ponies if exposed long enough to it.” Zelori looked to her brother.

“Jack, we still don’t-.” she began.

“I know, I know.” He looked to Aurora. “Is this place currently shut down?” Aurora frowned, her scanners not picking up much of anything.

“I am afraid I do not know.” She frowned a little more. “I will correct this missing info error post haste.” The two watched silently as the android stiffened and remained motionless. They waited a good amount of time to see if anything would happen. Unfortunately, the blank look the android was giving made them assumed she had “crashed.”

“Welp, she’s been a good source of info. Wanna’ activate this place?” Candlejack asked Zelori while stretching his wings. The two split up. Zelori taking the low ground while Candlejack took the high ground. The bubbling Luridium underneath the stallion made him itch all over. He imagined himself accidentally falling into the vat, his skin and fur melting away from him. He shivered at the thought and pressed on. He eventually reached an open doorway that lead into what looked like a control room. A bulky set up of dials, lights and buttons remained silent and still.

Candlejack scanned the panels. Catching site of a button behind a glass case, he beamed and opened it, ignoring the warning displayed over the case. Down below, Zelori made her way over to a door that seemed to lead into the offices. She moved through the cubicles, keeping an eye out for anything of interest. She turned the corner and furrowed her brows, seeing what appeared to be a metallic corpse. The unmoving robot appeared to be dressed in torn and tattered pre-war clothing. The terminal it was sitting at hummed idly awake.

‘How can things like this still be active?’ she asked herself. She moved aside the robot, letting it clatter to the floor before looking over the terminal. The screen blinked on and a text wrote itself out:

>I cannot wait to return to my loving wife and child. It feels like so long since I have seen them.

Zelori arched a brow and scrolled through the files. It appeared to be a personal terminal. One that belonged to a Mr. Calico Wright. Zelori found the name odd as well as her curiosity piquing. She scrolled through the personal memos, starting from the first one that seemed to have been made centuries back:

>The wife was reluctant to see me off. She stated: “Calico. If you miss our daughter’s recital at the end of the week, don’t expect any dinner on the table.” Of course, she was only teasing. Fourteen years of marriage is more than enough to know that I am not like the others. That I truly belong here with everypony else.

Zelori scrolled down more.

>It was a harrowing first week here at the plant. The ponies worked effortlessly to keep Sundew happy. A tough mare. But one that I know will lead our team to be Zillex’s best and brightest. I just hope my dear Orchid Field is faring better.

Another entry.

>It’s been six months now and I’ve been hearing that Zillex has taken a strange turn of events. The Princesses have confronted the sole creator of Zillex and tried to shut him down. We haven’t heard much, other than that he was arrested for unlicensed activity with Neighpon. However, Sundew seemed more stressed than my own personality chip can process. I hope this means we can finally take the long needed vacations that seem lack here in the plant.

Zelori furrowed her brows and looked at the mechanical corpse. Was this the robot’s terminal? But that wasn’t all that seemed bizarre to her. She scrolled through more.

>I’ve had one of our employees come up to me and asked: “Calico, why are you the only one that seems to care about this place? You’ve already reached shift leader. There is not much a robot like yourself can do.” I could pick up small traces of alcohol on his breath. I just told him: “Metallic hooves are the same as flesh. I am just like you and all the rest.” That didn’t seem to sit well with him. And ever since, I’ve been finding myself glancing over my back and seeing the others shoot glares. Oh, my dear Orchid. How I long to return to you.

She scrolled through more. The memos left behind depicted more than just employee jealousy. It eventually got to the point where the zebra mare began questioning. ‘In all sense, this pony… reminds me a lot of DD.’ She scrolled to the last entry:

>It seems this is the last day the plant remains active. Everypony seemed ready to return home. And I know I am eager to await the embrace of my wife. I’ve been receiving letters from her by an unusual pegasus courier. She seems harmless enough. All that’s left is receiving the word of leave. I cannot wait to return to my loving wife and child. It feels like so long since I’ve seen them.

She noticed a strange looking paper clip symbol on this memo. Opening it, it was another memo that belonged to the robot.

>I don’t understand. I’ve been disconnected from the network I was assigned too. This would worry me if I wasn’t more worried about the sudden rumors of sabotage at the Weather Factory. I tried contacting a friend of mine who worked there, but I received no response. And not only that, it seems that there is also a rumor of another possible sabotage right here in this very plant. I’ll be putting in my resignaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

The message ends there. Zelori rubbed her head in confusion. What had happened here? Zelori took a quick moment to glance around. The eerie lighting and destroyed cubicles gave off an all too familiar vibe. Suddenly, a loud blaring noise rang through her ears. Zelori balked at the sudden noise and quickly rushed back out to where Aurora had been standing. The android seemed able to move as she turned to the zebra before looking up to the bubbling vats of Luridium.

“What is happening!?” Zelori asked, her voice being partially drowned out by the alarm.

“A meltdown.” Aurora said without any hint of worry. Zelori frowned.

“Then we need to get out of here. Where’s Jack?” Aurora looked over to the upper catwalks and noticed the stallion rushing out of a doorway. He looked down and shrugged at them before noticing the Luridium vats beginning to bubble.

‘Well, that can’t be good.’ He thought. Candlejack flew down to the two while Zelori and Aurora galloped towards the exit. Making their way outside, they rushed past the broken buildings and debris. A siren could be heard in the distance. Aurora took the drivers side of the auto chariot while Zelori took the passenger, leaving Candlejack to hop onto the side and hang on while Aurora brought the machine to life and floored it. With a loud screech and a roar, they took off away from the facility, the alarm echoing in the distance. Candlejack looked back to the facility as they sped away.

He couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. He had thought that doing that would activate the facility, not cause it to meltdown.

‘Apocalyptice isn’t going to be happy about this.’ he thought with a frown.

They had made it. Arriving at Detrot, they had already noticed a big difference. The residents stood outside, looking around to pinpoint the distant siren. When they saw the auto chariot pull up in front of the workshop, Aurora narrowed her eyes as she saw ponies inside the house. Not only that, ponies were gathered when they had pulled up. The three hopped out the chariot and made their way through the crowd. Aurora was the first to make it at the front door. However, she was immediately stopped by a pony in a high tech looking suite.

“Let me through.” She said. The pony shook his head.

“Restricted area. Please move on or I will be forced to detain you.” He said.

“I live here with my father, Troffleton.” She said. The pony narrowed his eyes through his visor.

“Are you saying you’re the daughter of Chief?” he asked. Aurora nodded, registering a sad look. “I’m sorry. But right now is not the best time. You see, the chief is…” the pony hesitated to find the right words. But Aurora knew already.

“I know. Deadeye killed him.” She said. She withdrew the revolver she had and showed it to the pony. He immediately balked.

“What?! Are you saying you… you killed... Deadeye?” he asked. Candlejack and Zelori remained in the front of the crowd, but the murmurs erupted, causing them to overhear some.

“How in the hell did she pull that off??” one asked another.

“Deadeye is really dead?”

“But Deadeye always had plans for attacks.”

“I don’t buy it!” one voice shouted out. Everypony turned and stepped aside as two ponies walked through the crowd. One appeared to be a middle aged unicorn buck. The other, a younger looking earth stallion with wavy orange mane with blue highlights and a grey coat. He looked worriedly over to Aurora, who seemed unimpressed.

“Aurora! I heard what happened. Are you alright?” the stallion asked as he made his way over to her and held her hoof into his. Aurora blinked once in confusion.

“All functions are working as expected to performance.” She responded, frowning slightly at the small warning symbol that had popped up on her HUD stating that she had come into contact with minor Luradiation. The stallion sighed and smiled.

“I’m glad you are okay. But the chief…” he bowed his head. “I’m sorry. I heard the noise, but I didn’t expect Troffelton to be caught up in it.” Aurora pat the stallions hoof in reassurance and smiled.

“I appreciate the gesture, Pastel.” She then returned to her stoicism and looked back at the pony guarding the door. “Can I please go in? I want to…” she found herself faltering. The pony shook his head.

“I’m sorry, but by order of the NDS, I cannot allow a civilian to enter the scene.” He said. Zelori narrowed her eyes at the pony. She remembered asking about the NDS.

They are Detrot’s security! Always “lookin’ out for ta’ people” and wot not. Really, they be jus’ nuisances dat’ stick their muzzles where ‘e don’ belong. Bes’ ta’ keep out o’ trouble with the loiks o’ ‘em.

Candlejack, however, had a different impression.

‘Figures that the ETG kept their above ground secret.’ He growled slightly. He glanced at Aurora, seeing the sad look she was registering. He hummed quietly to himself in thought. Despite being the very thing he made a habit of killing, he couldn’t help but think that she acted all too closely like an actual pony. His conflicted thoughts came back when an image of DD flashed through his head. He nodded to himself before taking a step forward.

“And by what right do you have in keeping a relative from seeing the deceased?” he said, suddenly catching the attention of the crowd. Some were surprised gasps while others were nervous glances. He wasn’t sure why everypony was suddenly on edge, but he was more focused on the guard. Aurora studied the stallion as the guard arched a brow.

“Are you new to this town?” the guard asked. Candlejack smirked.

“Yup, just rose from the ground.” He said. The pony was confused but pressed on.

“Then I must ask you please refrain from any more outbursts. Go about your business.” he said with a dismissal wave of his hoof. Candlejack shook his head.

“Sorry, but I need more convincing than that.” Zelori bit her lip worriedly.

‘Jack, please don’t.’ she thought. The guard seemed unimpressed.

“If you do not comply, I will be forced to detain you.” He said. Again, Candlejack remained unmoved.

“So you are just going to turn away the daughter of the very pony that is keeping your society alive from the weather.”

“It’s for her own good. And something street rats need to stay out of.” Zelori sighed. Candlejack just couldn’t refuse to butt heads with authority. She was about to step forward to break it up, when she noticed the guard’s visor suddenly light up, causing the pony to look surprised before turning into a small grin.

“So, where did you get that suite?” he asked. Candlejack blinked in confusion.

“Huh? I plucked it off of one of Deadeye’s ponies.” He said. The pony chuckled.

“Really? Cus’ the network is saying something entirely different.” Candlejack arched a brow. Suddenly, he found himself being surrounded by NDS. Each one holding a weapon at him. This took the crowd by surprise. Candlejack furrowed his brows. “Candlejack. Age twenty-two. Race is pegasus.” The crowd erupted into more murmurs.

“He’s a pegasus!?”

“What’s a pegasus doing this far out from Sanctuary?”

“Damn pure-wing!”

“Quit hogging the weather you pure-wing!”

Candlejack was utterly baffled at the sudden out roar. Zelori quickly moved forward, only to suddenly be pushed aside as the crowd began swarming in on him. Candlejack was surrounded by both guards and the citizens.

“I bet he was the one that killed the chief!” one shouted.

“Murderer!”

“Saboteur! Stay away from our Condition Antenna!”

“Cut his wings!”

Candlejack felt something hard strike him across the helm. The helm fell off, revealing a very confused looking stallion.

‘What the hell is going on?’ Candlejack thought. Aurora darted her eyes worriedly at the crowd. She glanced at Pastel, seeing the same spiteful look. The guard continued.

“Wanted for crimes against authority. Murder. Vandalism. Theft. Rape and abuse of power.” Candlejack balked at the charges.

“What the buck are you talking about!? I’ve would never do any of that!!” He then blinked once. “Well, I’ll give you the vandalism and theft. But everything else is just false charges!!” Zelori face hoofed.

‘You idiot.’ Before she could attempt anything, Candlejack was suddenly piled on by the guards. Before he knew it, he was suddenly tied and constricted by a beam like tether. He couldn’t move his hooves or his wings. And despite the amount of struggle he was putting in, the guard picked him up and started dragging him away.

“This is abuse of power!! I’m innocent!! Let me go!!” Candlejack shouted.

“Get out of here, pure-wing!”

“Let this be a lesson to never buck with us again!”

“Murderer! Rapist! Thief!”

The crowd started chanting this as the stallion was being dragged away. Aurora felt Pastel put a hoof around her shoulders in comfort.

“Did that pony do anything to you? If he did, I swear by the late goddesses.” He said, the anger clear in his eyes. Aurora remained stoic and shook her head.

“Negative. In fact, the pegasus’s aid was a big help and he…” she felt herself smiling. “He stood up for me.” She whispered this, causing Pastel to look worriedly at her.

“You must be exhausted. You can rest at my place. I’m sure this is all too much for you.” Aurora ignored the pony and looked over to Zelori, who seemed to be struggling with her thoughts. She walked over to the zebra mare and put a reassuring hoof on her shoulder.

“Zelori.” She said. The mare looked at her, looking exhausted. “We will help him clear this up. But for now, we must rest if we are to do so.” She found herself scanning through multiple scenarios. “We will free him. Besides…” she smiled at her. “I owe him more than my gratitude.” Zelori sighed and rubbed her muzzle.

“Very well. But whatever it is you are planning, I want in.” she said. The android mare looked at her stoically. “I’ve already lost somepony important. I don’t want to lose another.” Aurora smiled and looked over to the auto chariot.

“Then I have an idea.”

Candlejack gave a bored sigh. ‘I never thought I would be arrested above ground as well. Life really does have it out for me, doesn’t it?’ he thought. He looked through the metal bars. The NDS were using a pre-war jail cell that seemed to be in surprisingly good condition, considering the cell he was in looked like somepony had a field day with their bowels.

He looked past the metal bars and saw one of the guards that had tossed him in the cell playing with a small panel on his suite’s gauntlet. He could hear small arcade like beeping and tunes. Curious as to what he was doing, Candlejack tapped on the bars.

“Errr… what are you doing?” he asked. The guard ignored him. Candlejack frowned. “Err… excuse me?” The guard didn’t seem to acknowledge him. But he continued. “I was wondering if maybe I can go to the bathroom?” The guard chuckled and looked over his shoulder.

“You’re in it.” He said before going back to the small panel on his gauntlet. Candlejack groaned a little.

“Then perhaps you would fill me in on why I am really being charged with.” The guard looked over to him, the earth pony growling.

“How about shut yer’ trap and wait until you are picked up?” he snapped. Candlejack arched a challenging brow.

“Picked up, eh? Let me guess… Brilliant Mane?” The guard returned him a confused gesture.

“I don’t know any Brilliant Mane. Now shut it! I’m in the middle of a raid.” Candlejack rubbed his chin as the pony went back to what he was doing.

‘There has to be a way I can get him to talk.’ However, the amount of thinking Candlejack did didn’t help him at all. He leaned against the bars and sighed, looking out of the small window. The sun had just appeared over the horizon. The stallion stared at the wall, imagining himself suddenly running at the wall and punching it so hard and without much effort. The wall crumbling away. The sense of freedom in his hooves. Not to mention, seeing Zelori on the other side and smiling at him. He then blinked once out of his trance.

“Wait, Zelori?” he asked, seeing his sister move away from the window. He could hear the sound of something heavy clamping on the other side of the wall. And with a loud roar of an auto chariot, Candlejack balked when the wall suddenly began to crumble.

“Hey, I told you to shut up!” the guard shouted from the other side. On the other side of the wall, Zelori made sure the metallic clamp was fastened again and nodded to Aurora, who quickly floored the auto chariot. With the sound of screeching metal and cement, the wall gave away. This got the guard to suddenly turn in annoyance, only to have it quickly change to surprise.

“What in the…” Candlejack smiled and turned to the guard.

“Well, it’s been fun. Tell Brilliant Mane that he needs better guards on his payroll.” To rub it in, Candlejack gave the ETG salute before turning and bounding up the pile of cement and sand. Candlejack hopped onto the chariot and grinned victoriously. Zelori quickly took the passenger side and nodded to Aurora. The android floored it again and they quickly sped down the road.

“Shit!” the guard held up his hoof gauntlet. “We have a rat out of the hole. I repeat. A rat is out of the hole. Suspect taking off on an auto chariot. Requesting Jumpers!”

Down the road, Candlejack laughed and pat Aurora on the back.

“I never thought an android would go against the law.” He said. Aurora shook her head.

“I must apologize, but we are not out of the woods just yet.” She said. Zelori arched a brow. “While now we are considered criminals, I still have one task that I need to do before I can officially… leave.” Candlejack and Zelori exchanged glances. “In the meantime, I want you both to keep the unwanted company off of us.” Zelori furrowed her brows before peeking out of the passenger seat. Aurora had picked up the warning on her HUD. And when the siblings looked behind them as they sped down the barren road, they could see some of the areas behind them distort.

With a sound of thunder and a quick flash, they were suddenly being chased by four more auto chariots. However, these seemed to be in different design. Candlejack could make out a unicorn at the top of the vehicle and sitting behind what appeared to be an all too familiar weapon. The image of the strange android in Heaven’s workshop came back to him.

“What the hell are those!?” Candlejack shouted over the rushing wind.

“They are a part of the Artellia Security Service. Most ponies refer to them as ‘Jumpers’.” Candlejack couldn’t help but stifle a chuckle.

“She said ass.” He said to himself with a childish smile. Zelori cocked the Solarium rifle and aimed.

“Focus, Jack. Here they come!” she said. Candlejack wiped a tear from his eye before looking to Aurora.

“Have anything heavy?” he asked. Aurora nodded and pressed a button on the panel. Candlejack felt himself suddenly being grasped by a claw as the auto chariot began to change shape. A similar weapon rose from inside the chariot along with a seat that the claw placed Candlejack in. Aurora peeked over to see Candlejack give the same victorious smile and cracked his neck.

“Alright, buckers. Show me what ya’ got!” he shouted.

Author's Notes:

I apologize for the delay. I found myself getting behind schedule with this and I am really cracking down on myself to get these out in a more daily and professional matter. In any case, here are two chapters ready to go.