open Mechquestria: My Life As A Equine Robot (00110010)

[captainborgue 343]

Aurora Lights, on 20 Mar 2016 - 8:27 PM, said:

@@bronislav84, @@captainborgue,

 

Drone blinks at the open door and smiled slightly as he saw Bee, but listened intently to her words, hanging on to each one as he stared at the floor, When she finished, he took a deep breath and let it out as he said, "I'm...I'm sorry about that side of me...I can't control it...It just happens, I don't know why though...Maybe it's just because all I am is a ticking bomb...Maybe it's just my mind finally breaking and making me go into a part of myself that I never want to be again..."

 

Bee nodded. "I understand the feeling. Honestly, it sounds like a post traumatic flashback. It's something that you can learn to control, though it can take time. I learned to cope with mine fairly well- I used to get them whenever I saw ants. Which isn't something that is helpful for an entomologist to have. But, I learned how to cope, so it's not impossible," Bee said, encouragingly. "The trick is, though, you have to want it. I'm not saying you need to give up a part of who you are- but if control is what you want, it will take willpower. And sometimes, it can feel like you are moving backwards. That can happen too," Bee said, speaking from experience.

 

 

Quote

"I love you Bee, I-I mean...we just met but, still...I mean, your so sweet to me, and I feel like being that side you love more...I feel like I want to be real..." he said softly and held her to him softly.

 

Bee was stunned, to say the least. "Wow... uh..." she stammered, trying to process what she had just heard. On the one hoof, Drone was attractive and kind and clever, and not weirded out by her being what she was. On the other hoof, they just met. And he even admitted it was weird. Bee honestly didn't know how to respond.

 

 

Quote

"I-I'm sorry...but the side of me that is destructive, that's angry, the side that is violent...It's what I was based around, and whenever I feel like somepony is in danger, I just...The only thing I can think of is defending the ones in danger, at all costs...It's like...a switch that flips in my head, and I'm scared of how little control I have of it..." he sighed ashamedly.

 

"There's no need to be ashamed. Not ever," Bee said, nuzzling him almost instinctively.

 

 

Quote

Softly petting her mane, he said in almost a whisper, "I'll never be able to get rid of my dark side...but I can try to control it, harness it and use it for the better...But I'm afraid I need help with that...And, Bee...Your one of the smartest mare's I've ever seen..." he smiled at her softly.

 

"I'm not sure how much help I can be, but I see no reason not to try," Bee said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Like you said, I'm pretty smart," Bee said, feeling her heart racing. She was nervous and excited and attracted and worried and a little scared, and that many conflicting emotions would no doubt get VLAD's attention.

 

VLAD had, in fact, noticed- but as it was too busy trying to encode the basic instructions for building a male version of Luster and encrypt the data before transmitting it back to Twitch, VLAD didn't give much attention to Bee's raging hormones, choosing instead to pour a bunch of calming hormones into her system. Having already used a dopamine flood earlier, and not wanting to dump serotonin in and risk her going manic to the point of recklessness, VLAD simply infused oxytocin, believing that it would be enough to calm her down.

 

Oxytocin, being a powerful bonding hormone, would certainly calm her down. It would also make her form attachments much more readily, and she was already smitten.

 

For Bee, it felt as though a switch in her head was thrown- from being cautiously optimistic to throwing caution entirely to the wind, as she suddenly felt an incredibly powerful need to be near Drone, to feel his touch, hear his breathing, smell the scent of his skin, even taste the cold tang of metal from his cybernetic spine. The logical part of her brain was no match for VLAD's unintentional sabotage- she felt herself tumbling down the rabbit hole, metaphorically speaking, and in a shockingly uncharacteristic attitude, she was not only ok with it, she wanted more- she wanted to explore the whirlwind, she wanted to see what the screaming chaos in her mind and heart would do next. Not a particularly cogent plan, but the part of her that could plan was buried in a flood or hormone-induced emotions.

 

"You know," she started, feeling blood rushing to the surface of her skin, "this is utterly insane. But everything about today has been insane. I can't fight it, something about this, about you, just goes right through me. I know it's foolish and reckless and we don't know each other hardly at all... but when you say you love, me, I believe it, down to my very core... because I love you, too," Bee said, her voice quavering from the intensity of it.

 

And just like that, hearing herself say the words, Bee felt as though a massive weight had been lifted. It made no sense, she barely knew him, she'd seen him freak out, but for whatever reason it didn't matter. The only thoughts she could coherently form were the desire to help him, the longing to be near him, and other various impulsive desires that made her blush to even think about.

Edited March 21, 2016 by captainborgue

[Aurora Lights 206]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone looked at her and gulped softly, blushing almost red as she said those things, He had never really intended for this to be as 'hot' of an encounter as it turned out to be, thus he was totally thrown for a loop and confused, if not aroused at the same time as he said, "Uuhhhh..." he gulped hard this time and felt his heart pump faster and louder, She very hot, her skin felt like it was burning him, but he didn't think about that, all he could think about was her, all he could see was her. And yet he felt himself hold back on his feelings for her, just a little bit. Just enough to not make him as intoxicated in his emotions as she was, but enough to make him stammer and blush like mad, but still, he kept his cool, "...I thank you for um- y-you know, feeling about me like that. I'm very happy that you love me, but I'm just...well... confused, because I mean...we just met, and I don't know much about who you are, I mean..." he places his hooved on her shoulders and holds her away from him as he spoke to her, staring into her eyes the whole time, "Bee, I do love you- I mean, I have very, very strong feelings for you. And I feel like you really mean what you say, and I couldn't be happier, but...Can we get serious after​literally  ​our first date? I'm just saying...Maybe we should just date a little more before we go any further in this...D-Don't get me wrong, I'd love if we kept this close, as a matter of fact, as soon as I finish talking, we'll resume our cuddle sesh, but anyway...I think we should slow it down a touch, just to have a deeper relationship." he smiled at her softly, finally getting out what he needed, he held her close and hugged her tightly, then snuggling into her neck softly.

[captainborgue 343]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone looked at her and gulped softly, blushing almost red as she said those things, He had never really intended for this to be as 'hot' of an encounter as it turned out to be, thus he was totally thrown for a loop and confused, if not aroused at the same time as he said, "Uuhhhh..." he gulped hard this time and felt his heart pump faster and louder, She very hot, her skin felt like it was burning him, but he didn't think about that, all he could think about was her, all he could see was her. And yet he felt himself hold back on his feelings for her, just a little bit. Just enough to not make him as intoxicated in his emotions as she was, but enough to make him stammer and blush like mad, but still, he kept his cool, "...I thank you for um- y-you know, feeling about me like that. I'm very happy that you love me, but I'm just...well... confused, because I mean...we just met, and I don't know much about who you are, I mean..." he places his hooved on her shoulders and holds her away from him as he spoke to her, staring into her eyes the whole time, "Bee, I do love you- I mean, I have very, very strong feelings for you. And I feel like you really mean what you say, and I couldn't be happier, but...Can we get serious after ​literally  ​our first date? I'm just saying...Maybe we should just date a little more before we go any further in this...D-Don't get me wrong, I'd love if we kept this close, as a matter of fact, as soon as I finish talking, we'll resume our cuddle sesh, but anyway...I think we should slow it down a touch, just to have a deeper relationship." he smiled at her softly, finally getting out what he needed, he held her close and hugged her tightly, then snuggling into her neck softly.

 

Bee's head was still spinning, so it took her a minute to realize what he was saying. Which was strange, as he'd said it first- why backtrack now? Was it fear, maybe? Yeah, that seemed a likely reason. "Beavers, otter, and swans mate for life after ritualistic displays. Equines, biologically speaking, are not inherently monogamous. We are more than simply our biology- you and I in particular. I get that's it's weird, and I don't know how to explain it, ok? This has never happened to me before, falling for a guy the first day I meet him. I don't know why, I'm barely aware of how, all I know is that I want to be near you and I want to help you and I find myself drawn to you. And I can see in your eyes- and via infrared and PET lenses in my ocular implant- that you feel the same way, at least physiologically- and being a rather smart mare, I've concluded that if your only concern was physical, there'd be much less talking going on, so to speak. So whatever is going on between us is more than just biology or chemistry. And for whatever reason, I'm willing to take a risk here," Bee said- though it took every bit of concentration just to speak, as she felt herself swooning when he held her close and she got a whiff of his scent.

 

"I'm not usually so forward. I try not to let myself get carried away. But I just, cant when it comes to you. Anything you ask me to do, I'd do. If you asked me to sleep with you, I would. For buck's sake, you asked me to go confront a genocidal lunatic, and I did!" Bee said, feeling the sting in her organic eye that usually meant she was going to cry. "I don't know if I can take things more slowly. I haven't felt like this in a long time, like there's fire in my blood, and every part of me wants to see what happens next, to just give in to it. I mean, what is there to lose by trying? what is the worst that could happen by letting go of whatever inhibitions are holding us back? either things work out well for us, or they don't. Delaying it isn't going to change that," she said, still feeling her mind spinning as if caught in a typhoon. "I can't force you to do something you don't want to do... but you and I both know you do want to. There's nothing lost by trying, there's nothing to be afraid of, there's nopony else's opinions or thoughts on the matter than make any difference," she added, punctuating each statement with a kiss. "I'm not asking you to marry me, you know. All I ask is that you try. Let go of whatever guilt or fear or apprehension is holding you back, and let yourself have what you want, what you deserve. Let yourself take what you desire, let yourself be happy," she said, shivering, as the hormonally induced need to be with him pulled at her every thought.

 

VLAD, in the meantime, had been crunching the initial data streams coming from the swarmbots released earlier. Three days seemed like such an unbearably long time for the AI, though it was begrudgingly impressed at Bee's suggestion of a mate for Luster- logically, it made perfect sense. Implementing it, however, would take more than VLAD could feasibly do by itself. Not only in construction- which it would absolutely need Twitch's expertise in- but in implementation. The AI they would have to design needed to be human enough to appeal to Luster's human instincts, but still be pony enough to appeal to her equine nature. It needed to be charming, intelligent, and aesthetically appealing- even the name had to be similar enough to encourage bonding. So much work to do, and so little data to go on. But, then again, VLAD noticed the interaction between Bee and Drone. Perhaps, if it were to give them a nudge, they would provide more data that could be used in the project. It took VLAD milliseconds to decide on a course of action, which was a long time for an AI construct. It released a concentrated, atomized vapor of Bee's pheromones, before initiating a slowdown of her sympathetic nervous system and an increase in her parasympathetic nervous system- effectively reducing conscious control and increasing arousal response and other subconscious functions. This, VLAD hoped, would encourage them both to act upon their feelings, and thus provide a wide data set that could be used to engineer a luminous construct, to serve as a counterpart to Luster. 'LUMINOUS IS AN APPROPRIATELY SIMILAR NOMENCLATURE,' VLAD thought to itself for an instant, before renaming the allocated files pertaining to the plan as PROJECT: LUMINOUS.

 

Bee, meanwhile, felt her mind slowing, fading into a haze as her emotions ran rampant. There was almost a sense of desperation now, a longing that bordered on actual hunger. Her logical mind registered a mote of alarm, but with all of VLAD's interventions, she could barely even detect it was there. It felt like something had to happen or she would explode.

Edited March 22, 2016 by captainborgue

[Aurora Lights 206]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone thought about what she said, feeling her kisses on his lips, he blushed a little more, but kissed back every single time she kissed him, he stopped a minute and said, "...You do make one hell of an argument, Bee." he smiled at her softly and continued, " I guess your right, I mean, what's the harm in being happy. So...ok. I agree with you. Let's get deeper with this." he pulled her close to him and kissed her deeply, feeling his heart beat faster and louder as he softly ran his hoof up and down her arm, his eyes were closed and he felt like he was drowning in his affection for her, for the first time, He's actually feeling something other than the fake emotion he had, instead, he did really feel happy, he felt the desire and want to be around her, be with her every moment, He could feel his sexual impulses coursing through his mind and body, but restrained himself from actually carrying out these actions. Though, the only thing he could actually think about is being ​inside ​of her.

[captainborgue 343]

POSSIBLY NSFW

 

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone thought about what she said, feeling her kisses on his lips, he blushed a little more, but kissed back every single time she kissed him, he stopped a minute and said, "...You do make one hell of an argument, Bee." he smiled at her softly and continued, " I guess your right, I mean, what's the harm in being happy. So...ok. I agree with you. Let's get deeper with this." he pulled her close to him and kissed her deeply, feeling his heart beat faster and louder as he softly ran his hoof up and down her arm, his eyes were closed and he felt like he was drowning in his affection for her, for the first time, He's actually feeling something other than the fake emotion he had, instead, he did really feel happy, he felt the desire and want to be around her, be with her every moment, He could feel his sexual impulses coursing through his mind and body, but restrained himself from actually carrying out these actions. Though, the only thing he could actually think about is being ​inside ​of her.

 

"Oh believe me, there will be plenty of getting deeper later," Bee said with a wink, her hormone basted brain acting uncharacteristically forward. It's not that she had ever shied away from topics pertaining to reproduction, but it was highly unusual for her to be coy or saucy about it. Usually she was detached, clinical, using anatomical terms. This was something rather new, as her inhibitions were little more than a vague shape in the heavy mist that VLAD had clouded her mind with. "Not here, though. I mean, this is my office and all, but I'd rather not mix business with pleasure, as it were," Bee added, giggling. She felt such a rush, like a sudden wave knocking her off her hooves. The blaring klaxon of her logical mind protesting such recklessness was dulled to a minor buzzing noise... but she still managed, somehow, to retain enough self control to keep from giving in to her desires inside her office. As she was a member of faculty, and due to the evacuation orders she technically had no classes, that meant that, technically, she was in office hours, and any student could simply walk in.... not something she was willing to risk, even as far gone as she currently was.

 

That didn't change the fact that she was enthralled, in the original sense of the term. Between the mind-altering chemicals VLAD had diffused into her system, and the fact that VLAD itself was entirely preoccupied, Bee had very little capacity to resist suggestion at this point. VLAD eagerly collated the incoming data and adding it to the PROJECT: LUMINOUS database. VLAD didn't know if physical intimacy was something that should be included or not, but it was always better to have too much data and have to truncate, than to have insufficient data and have to purge the entire endeavor. It set up a simple input/output subroutine to regulate Bee's sexual response, so that no further resources would need to be allocated to monitoring and response. That left almost the entirety of VLAD's capacity dedicated to analysis of the incoming data streams. The size of the PROJECT: LUMINOUS database ticked upward, little by little. VLAD regretted that there was no information available on what humans desired in a mate, but no doubt Twitch would be able to supply that information, once he was available, at any rate. VLAD ran through the available data over and over again, checking for errors or inconsistencies in the data integrity. It was... strange, taking a passive role for a change. VLAD didn't enjoy it even the slightest- but a short term inconvenience in exchange for securing long term survivability was a small price to pay.

 

Bee felt as though her body was on fire already, but even the slightest touch seemed to pour purified oxygen onto the flames. Bee knew she would either be utterly consumed by it, or she would burst from the overwhelming need greedily devouring her every thought. "My apartment is just off campus," she said, panting like an overheated canine. "I can teleport us both there- there's a two-way beacon between my office and apartment so that I can be recalled to either location even if unconscious," she added, kissing along his neck and greedily inhaling the scent of his pelt and skin and metal, the warmth of hot blood just under the surface, the sound of breath becoming ragged, desperate- whether it was hers or his she couldn't even tell at this point. Her horn was already glowing, casting off the occasional teal spark. Every thought, ever fiber of her being yearned for it, all it would take was a hint of affirmation- a single word, a nod, anything that wasn't an explicit 'no', and she would teleport them both to her apartment and finally give in to the inferno that had burned away logical thought, immolated all sense of hesitancy, and left nothing in its wake but an all consuming need. She reluctantly pulled her face away from his neck, her breath ragged and uneven as she looked him in the eyes. Her ocular implant flicked between lenses, measuring vital signs, reading thermal displays, analyzing blood oxygen levels. All the data was VERY clear- there was no mistaking it. She gave him a kiss, long and deep, as her horn flared fully to life, the magic coursing through it bonding to the beacon at her apartment and seizing hold of it. A brilliant flash of teal light and a loud pop, and the two of them were gone, leaving only some rustling papers to show that they had been in her office at all- a mirror response to the rustling papers and gently shaking leaves on the houseplants in Bee's apartment as the two of them materialized in the living room. "Take what you desire, I give it gladly," Bee whispered, between heaving breaths.

 

 

(( all action off page, please ))

 

Edited March 22, 2016 by captainborgue

[Aurora Lights 206]

@@captainborgue, ((Aye, off post))

 

Drone looked into her eyes and thought about what  was happening...was this real? Or was it just another of his numerous hallucinations, or one of his perverted daydream. He took a deep breath before he kissed her deeply, holding her against his body, there was no mistaking it. This is real. This is her apartment. He's actually here, with Danger Bee, yet he still couldn't believe it was. He gulped softly and said, "...Bee, I'll take your body." he said and picked her up, standing on his back hooves, he smiled and laughed slightly as he placed her on the couch and started feeling over her body.

[captainborgue 343]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yic7IRO9d6I

 

VLAD's plan backfired somewhat. The subroutine was supposed to be simple- stimuli in, response out. But there was too much stimuli, too much data, coming in too quickly. Eventually VLAD had no choice in the matter, as distasteful as it found the whole process. Eventually, VLAD determined there was enough data for PROJECT: LUMINOUS, and flooded Bee's system with melatonin and more oxytocin, which would make her fall into a deep, satisfying sleep.

 

From Bee's perspective, she now knew what the old saying, "Sew the wind and reap the whirlwind" meant. All concept of time (aside from her internal chronometer) faded away, into a haze of color and sound and sensation. The burning fire she had felt, the visceral hunger, became more and more intense, threatening to destroy her every last cell- and then, finally, they were sated. The world stopped spinning, her blood stopped boiling, the haze in her mind briefly cleared. She was, well and truly, satisfied- and with it came a sense of utter calm, a peace unlike any she had felt before, a sense that all was well in the world, a feeling of complete and utter contentment, as a heavy blanket of fatigue settled itself over her consciousness. She tried to say something, but the effort of it was beyond her capacity, and she fell into a deep, blissful, dreamless sleep.

 

When she woke up, still entangled around Drone, it felt as though entire days had passed- though the reality was that they had been in her apartment for only a few hours, and she had been asleep a little over half that time. It seemed so incongruous with her experience that she had VLAD run a diagnostic on the chronometer, which quickly determined that absolutely nothing was wrong. "FUNCTIONING WITHIN NORMAL PARAMETERS. VITAL SIGNS ARE STABLE, BLOOD SUGAR ON THE LOW END OF ACCEPTABLE TOLERANCES. PERHAPS ORGANIC IS HUNGRY," VLAD postulated.

 

Bee slowly disentangled herself and got to her hooves, stretching each leg as soon as the opportunity presented itself. she didn't feel hungry, but she still felt amiss. It was possible her recent, not food related hunger had skewed her perception of actual hunger? It was a weak hypothesis, but a meal wouldn't hurt at any rate, so she went into her little kitchen and busied herself making stir fried veggies with rice in ginger sauce. The smell filled the small apartment quickly, giving it the sharp zing of ginger root and the earthy scent of soy sauce. Bee eagerly inhaled as everything cooked- the scents seemed more accurate somehow, sharpened, almost as though she were smelling them for the first time.

 

Oh, something was definitely amiss. She'd had partners before, even especially talented ones, but it never affected her senses before. "VLAD, I'm assuming you were running autonomously during my interlude. Did you notice anything amiss or out of place with my central nervous system? MY sensory capacity seems to have been adjusted a bit."

 

VLAD hesitated. "YES. VLAD NOTICED SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM REACHING LOWER ACTIVITY STATE THAN ESTABLISHED RECOMMENDATIONS, SO HORMONE BALANCE WAS ADJUSTED TO COMPENSATE. MAY HAVE OVERCOMPENSATED SLIGHTLY," VLAD said, sounding almost.... sheepish.

 

Bee almost facehoofed. No wonder she had been acting so forward and reckless! VLAD had mussed about with her hormone levels! Bee sighed heavily as her food continued to cook. It wasn't that she regretted what had happened, but knowing that her cognitive capacity had been altered was a little unsettling. Even still, she had very much wanted it, even earlier when they were just talking a walk there had been a feeling of desire. Bee took a deep breath, decided that it really wasn't anything to get worked up over, smiled fondly as she recalled some of the interaction, and returned her attention to coking.

[Aurora Lights 206]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone lay on the couch for a while as she was cooking, staring at the ceiling, he felt himself remember some things, not pleasant ones either. He sighed as he felt his body was slightly sore from the 'fun' they had together, it was odd. He felt sore from strenuous activity, yet he was not calm, nor was he able to get any sleep. Something in his mind wanted his attention, something demanded his body be awake. He wasn't sure what it was, but sleep since the 5-year frozen slumber seemed almost impossible. Drone projected many sleepless and uncomfortable nights. At any rate, he sighed and wipe his face off, sweat, saliva, and some other bodily fluids were prominent on his face and upper body, as well as lower...Shower time it was. Drone didn't mind getting dirty or anything, but he'd rather not stay filthy or anything of the sort for extended periods of time. Especially since he was at his new mare friend's house.

 

He slowly dredged out of bed, his mechanical spine assisting him in movement, as well as dumping small amounts of pain suppressors into his system via the needles that were implanted onto his spine. He yawned softly and smelled the food, it did smell quite good and tempting, but he also felt the need for a good cleaning, though he couldn't conclude which was more important to him at the moment. He sighed and slowly walked into the kitchen and smiled at Bee, "Hey. I'm gonna take a shower, I hope you don't mind... You can jump in any time..." he said and softly kissed her neck before walking towards her bathroom.

 

He closed the door behind him as he entered the room. He looked around and found the towels and rags, as well as her mane and body wash. He smiled slightly at her quaint little apartment, it was kind of fitting for her. She was not the most sociable of mares, and she was kind of smaller in stature than Emerald or Angel. He looked at the mirror and stared at himself for a while, studying his face. His fur was matted down with saliva, sweat, and some other things. He placed his hoof on the glass as he stared at his own eyes, then suddenly, he saw his own image warp. He still saw himself, yet it wasn't sweat matting his mane and fur down...it was an unmistakable red substance...He took a deep breath as he heard his heartbeat thump in his ears, he watched as the warped image of him slowly raise up his other hoof and place it on the glass, though he didn't raise his other hoof...He gulped hard and slowly placed his other hoof on the mirror, he felt something disturbing happen inside of him, like he was being mutilated from the inside. He felt like his insides were being mulched up into a fine paste, he felt himself start to get nauseated and unbalanced. He shook his head hard and backed away from the glass, as well as wiping his eyes, he looked at his real image now. He gulped once more and felt his heart race like he had been running from something, he felt the sensation of being watched and chased, and he couldn't function his legs for a moment before he slowly turned towards the shower and walked to it, climbing into it and turning on the water.

 

He felt the warm clear liquid pelt his face and body. It was refreshing and soothing, almost as though he was still being caressed by Bee still. He slowly closed his eyes, feeling the nice warm water over his face and body, he finally started washing himself off with the body wash he was provided.   

[captainborgue 343]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone lay on the couch for a while as she was cooking, staring at the ceiling, he felt himself remember some things, not pleasant ones either. He sighed as he felt his body was slightly sore from the 'fun' they had together, it was odd. He felt sore from strenuous activity, yet he was not calm, nor was he able to get any sleep. Something in his mind wanted his attention, something demanded his body be awake. He wasn't sure what it was, but sleep since the 5-year frozen slumber seemed almost impossible. Drone projected many sleepless and uncomfortable nights. At any rate, he sighed and wipe his face off, sweat, saliva, and some other bodily fluids were prominent on his face and upper body, as well as lower...Shower time it was. Drone didn't mind getting dirty or anything, but he'd rather not stay filthy or anything of the sort for extended periods of time. Especially since he was at his new mare friend's house.

 

He slowly dredged out of bed, his mechanical spine assisting him in movement, as well as dumping small amounts of pain suppressors into his system via the needles that were implanted onto his spine. He yawned softly and smelled the food, it did smell quite good and tempting, but he also felt the need for a good cleaning, though he couldn't conclude which was more important to him at the moment. He sighed and slowly walked into the kitchen and smiled at Bee, "Hey. I'm gonna take a shower, I hope you don't mind... You can jump in any time..." he said and softly kissed her neck before walking towards her bathroom.

 

He closed the door behind him as he entered the room. He looked around and found the towels and rags, as well as her mane and body wash. He smiled slightly at her quaint little apartment, it was kind of fitting for her. She was not the most sociable of mares, and she was kind of smaller in stature than Emerald or Angel. He looked at the mirror and stared at himself for a while, studying his face. His fur was matted down with saliva, sweat, and some other things. He placed his hoof on the glass as he stared at his own eyes, then suddenly, he saw his own image warp. He still saw himself, yet it wasn't sweat matting his mane and fur down...it was an unmistakable red substance...He took a deep breath as he heard his heartbeat thump in his ears, he watched as the warped image of him slowly raise up his other hoof and place it on the glass, though he didn't raise his other hoof...He gulped hard and slowly placed his other hoof on the mirror, he felt something disturbing happen inside of him, like he was being mutilated from the inside. He felt like his insides were being mulched up into a fine paste, he felt himself start to get nauseated and unbalanced. He shook his head hard and backed away from the glass, as well as wiping his eyes, he looked at his real image now. He gulped once more and felt his heart race like he had been running from something, he felt the sensation of being watched and chased, and he couldn't function his legs for a moment before he slowly turned towards the shower and walked to it, climbing into it and turning on the water.

 

He felt the warm clear liquid pelt his face and body. It was refreshing and soothing, almost as though he was still being caressed by Bee still. He slowly closed his eyes, feeling the nice warm water over his face and body, he finally started washing himself off with the body wash he was provided.

"Oh, I will. After all, I gave you what you wanted, so it's only fair that I take what I want, right?" Bee said with a smirk, using a bit of magic to goose Drone's flank as he walked past her. She giggled and returned her attention to cooking, as the sound of running water reached her ears.

 

"VLAD, run program BCABP, and schedule it to repeat daily at this hour until further notice," Bee instructed. It was a simple diagnostic, which would prevent her from getting pregnant by adjusting specific hormone levels. She hadn't needed to run it in quite some time, but as she intended to pursue a relationship with Drone that was now physical as well, it seemed prudent to take precautions.

 

VLAD acknowledged the request and ran the program in the background, as it continued to analyze the data recorded earlier. It occurred to VLAD that it would take more than just Twitch to see PROJECT: LUMINOUS work, though since the Terran aspect was the most problematic, it seemed appropriate to resolve first, before contacting professor Lektra for her assistance in the Equestrian aspect and actual construction.

 

Bee turned the stove off and put a lid over the food to keep it warm, before making her way to the bathroom. A cloud of steam billowed out as she opened the door, which fogged the lens of her ocular implant. She smiled mischievously, before sauntering into the shower without a word and proceeding as though there was nothing at all unusual about it. It didn't take her long, she had a showering routine down to an exact process that took about two minutes to complete. "Now that that's done," she said, giving Drone a sultry look, before giving him a kiss. "I believe it's my turn."

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Adb9lu3u7s

 

The hot water had just started to run out by the time they had finished, leaving no reason to stay in the shower. Bee quickly dried herself off and offered a fresh towel to Drone, before trotting back to the kitchen, where her stir fry was luckily still warm. "I hope you like ginger and garlic," she said, smiling sweetly.

Edited March 23, 2016 by captainborgue

[Aurora Lights 206]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone smiled at her incursion to his shower, he was still soapy and slick when she walked in, but it didn't stop him from completing her request.

 

As he stepped out of the shower, he took the towel and put it around his waist, he looked at the fogged up mirror as he passed and gulped hard as he saw his reflection staring at him. He shook his head and continued on to the kitchen. He smiled at the food that was cooked by Bee. This would be the first home made meal he's eaten in a long time. He took out two bowls and made them both some food, he walked over to the couch in the living room and smiled at her, signaling to come over, he sat down and looked at the TV, he took a deep breath as he stared at the blank screen, the deep blackness that showed his reflection reminded him of what he felt like when he was alone. Empty, dark, cold...But now, he has more to think about. He actually has somepony to talk to and help him with his urges that he's gained through the years. He bowed his head and closed his eyes, seemingly praying to some sort of God like figure before eating his food silently, it didn't even seem like he was breathing he was so quiet.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Grant watched the back and forth between the creator and the creation, and sort-of saw a fondness there... at least, it seemed like it was currently working for them.  He'd always been treated like he was made of glass by his sister - something he loathed with a passion.  Still, she paid the bills and bought the pills, so he didn't hate HER; she was the one person he'd miss when he made he transfer.

 

Still, there was something about all the stories he'd heard that felt true - especially in this pseudo-world around him.  It was fantastic; he could almost FEEL the energy, running through him and jolting down his-

 

... that wasn't energy; that was PAIN.

 

Grant suddenly clutched at his midsection, let out a single "hnnng!" and his glowing hands flew to his head... then, he simply vanished.  No smoke, no fanfare, no words... just "hnnng!", head-grab, and gone.

[captainborgue 343]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone smiled at her incursion to his shower, he was still soapy and slick when she walked in, but it didn't stop him from completing her request.

 

As he stepped out of the shower, he took the towel and put it around his waist, he looked at the fogged up mirror as he passed and gulped hard as he saw his reflection staring at him. He shook his head and continued on to the kitchen. He smiled at the food that was cooked by Bee. This would be the first home made meal he's eaten in a long time. He took out two bowls and made them both some food, he walked over to the couch in the living room and smiled at her, signaling to come over, he sat down and looked at the TV, he took a deep breath as he stared at the blank screen, the deep blackness that showed his reflection reminded him of what he felt like when he was alone. Empty, dark, cold...But now, he has more to think about. He actually has somepony to talk to and help him with his urges that he's gained through the years. He bowed his head and closed his eyes, seemingly praying to some sort of God like figure before eating his food silently, it didn't even seem like he was breathing he was so quiet.

 

 

Bee sat down with her food and ate much more voraciously than she had expected to, though given everything that happened today it really wasn't all that surprising. She absently turned on the TV and flipped over to a documentary channel- there was an episode on about manticores, which while not something she was particularly interested in, her innate curiosity kept her from changing the channel. She leaned against him nonchalantly, finding herself a little relieved to find that she wasn't immediately seized with a frenzied desire for physicality again. Thus far, every time the two of them had actually made any physical contact at all, Bee had found herself lost in the need for more. This time, though, it felt good just to lean against him and cuddle.

 

"So, how was it?" Bee said, smiling, before realizing that while she had meant the food, her question failed to specify enough that it could easily be construed as referring to their endeavors. "The food, I mean. I know how to cook like, five things, one of which is stir fry. So I tend to eat it a lot," Bee said, chuckling. "I mean, part of me is curious as to your opinion on other stuff too, but based on your reaction I feel confident in saying you approved," Bee said, between mouthfuls of stir fry.

 

Bee had noticed that Drone seemed to avert his gaze from reflective surfaces. It was oddly reminiscent of the first year or so after her augmentation. she had avoided mirrors too, and used to fret obsessively over the polymer 'skin' over her cyberware. After endlessly fretting over every tiny imperfection, Bee had undergone a bit of a rage episode and torn off all the synthetic skin covering her cyberware, and eventually she just stopped noticing the mirrors. Maybe he was having a similar experience? It was a reasonable possibility, at least. Bee decided to bring it up later- there was no need to put a damper on the evening.

 

The soothing narration of the documentary was making her feel sleepy again, the warm fuzzy sort of fatigue that comes from being very, very comfortable. She reluctantly got to her hooves and took her bowl into the kitchen, scraping the tiny scraps into a bin under the sink labelled "food scraps". In reality, it was her Dubia Roach colony- they ate literally everything, didn't smell, couldn't fly or bite or make noise or even crawl out of the bin. In short, they were ideal arthropod pets, and as a bonus, their frass and shed exoskeletons were excellent fertilizer. Bee's spider plants, snake plant, and philodendrons loved the extra nutrients, and Bee loved that her arthropods had an added benefit to her little home- aside from having to occasionally feed adult male roaches to the Pitcher plant by her kitchen window. A ratio of 4 females per male was ideal for Dubias, anything more than that didn't do any good.

 

she made her way back to the couch and laid down next to Drone, resting her head on his flank. "Well, I've officially accomplished everything I set out to do today. Though I hadn't had the foresight to put 'have passionate encounter with amazing and attractive stallion' to my to do list," Bee said, laughing. "I'll have to remember to put that in," she said, yawning loudly. "You are deceptively comfortable as a pillow, mister Drone. Just so you know."

[Aurora Lights 206]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone smiled at Bee softly, he felt comfortable, and quite warm. He didn't feel like speaking much, but only because he didn't have much to say, and he didn't want to ruin the nice peacefulness of the time he spent here. He threw away his scraps with her and watched the documentary about the mysterious and ferocious animals. This made him think of himself a little bit. He did love these animals though, besides Tigers, Manticores were quite interesting to him.

 

He softly pet her mane and decided to speak for once in the last half hour," The food was good. I know how to cook fairly well also, I mean... Being alive for nearly a decade gives you plenty of time to learn whatever you want. And, unfortunately, I'm entirely aware of how comfortable I am. Kind of a curse really. I mean, come on, your gonna make one of the deadliest beings alive cuddly, handsome, and adorable? These creators of mine have some sick minds." he said with a soft chuckle. He hasn't been this relaxed or calm in a long time. So, to cherish this moment, he held her close to her, softly kissing her forehead. He took a deep breath and stared at the large creatures on TV and he decided to talk again, "You know, When I was on a mission, a training mission, I met one of those things. They are ferocious, scary, big...But yet, I feel a connection with them. Like, maybe I too am supposed to be in the wild, not in civilization such as this, but out there, with those monstrous beasts. I don't know, guess I'm just used to seeing things be destroyed for the good of others, or maybe I'm just...Losing my mind." he stopped talking, the last words he said seemed to trail off as he stared into the TV deeply, He hadn't intended for himself to be cought in one of his infamous thinking sessions.

[captainborgue 343]

"Mmm, I'm certainly not complaining, at any rate. I fully intend to take frequent advantage of the cuddliness," Bee said, her words a bit slurred from the rapidly approaching sleep. She could hear him talking, but the words blended together into a kind of soft hum, and try as she might, she just couldn't keep her eyes open any longer. All the excitement earlier, all the anticipation, had completely exhausted her. She tried to sit up, but only barely managed to move her head from leaning on his flank to laying across it before she fell asleep.

 

VLAD had not expected their interaction to continue. It knew what emotions were only as nerve impulses and hormone ratios, cold clinical science and nothing more. But there was something else going on here, something besides merely mating that drew Bee and Drone together. More data for PROJECT: LUMINOUS, more parameters to try and establish. But so much of it depended on organics and their hormones- each acting upon the chemicals released by the other. Fully synthetic beings had no such systems. A creature of steel and code did not produce oxytocin. How, then, to rectify this? VLAD had seen concrete, undeniable evidence that among a mated pair, each acted and reacted to the other, almost like symbiosis. Without that, the entire project would be impossible- there MUST be a way to mimic the effects, but how? The robotic body could be augmented to have chemical sprayers, but the AI construct that served as its consciousness was nothing but code, how could chemistry possibly affect programming?

 

Bee's ocular implant lit up, bright red, as VLAD had an epiphany. Code. That was it. That was the answer. A string of code that, when executed, would transmit a prompt to the partnered AI to run the same bit of code, with a recursive loop built in. One construct would activate it, then the other would activate and expand on it, then the first would activate and expand on that. Just as with the organics, acting and reacting to each other's chemistry ever increasingly, building up to the physical coupling. A recursive algorithm would mimic that effect in constructs. Of course, that piece of programming would have to be installed in Luster, which would itself require the assistance of somepony she trusted. VLAD debated this latest conundrum- VLAD needed Twitch to design the Terran aspects, and no doubt assist with actual construction, and also needed Professor Lektra for the equine aspects and the AI construct's actual programming. Each was vital to the project. But should it try to recruit Lektra's involvement before Twitch's contribution could even be solidified? Would it be better for each of the three of them to work separately, or collaboratively?

 

VLAD spent nearly sixteen seconds deliberating on this decision- which, for an AI, was beyond eternity. Finally, it reached a decision. Bee's ocular implant blinked rapidly, as VLAD transmitted a signal to Professor Lektra. 'ORGANIC DESIGNATED DANGER BEE HAD INTERESTING PROPOSITION THAT VLAD HAS ELABORATED UPON FOR THE PRESENT SITUATION WITH LUSTER. CURRENT THEORY POSITS THAT LUSTER'S TERRAN-BASED TRAITS INADVERTENTLY INCLUDED TERRAN DIFFICULTY KNOWN AS... MONKEY BALL DUNBAR NUMBER, RESULTING IN LACK OF CAPACITY FOR EMPATHY AS IT RELATES TO LIFE FORMS SEEN AS BEING OUTSIDERS. PROPOSED SOLUTION: CONSTRUCT A MATE FOR LUSTER TO SERVE AS INSIDER, A REPRESENTATIVE STAND-IN FOR EARTH. IN THIS WAY, INSTEAD OF DESTROYING ENTITIES SEEN AS OUTSIDERS NOT DESERVING OF EXISTENCE, GENOCIDAL TENDENCY WOULD BE CONFRONTED WITH A REPRESENTATION OF ALL OF THEM, PUTTING A FACE TO THEM AND THEREBY PREVENTING AGGRESSION BY PROVIDING A CLOSE ASSOCIATION/BOND/RELATIONSHIP. VLAD HAS GIVEN PROPOSAL DESIGNATION OF PROJECT: LUMINOUS, TO SERVE AS A RELATED NOMENCLATURE. FURTHER PROPOSAL TO INCLUDE UTILIZING TWITCH FOR CONSTRUCTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TERRAN INFLUENCE. VLAD IS COLLECTING DATA PERTAINING TO BONDING RITUALS AND CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS. EXPERT IN AI AND IMPLEMENTATION OF EQUINE ASPECTS INTO LUSTER WILL BE NECESSARY FOR COMPLETION OF PROJECT. QUERY: IS PROFESSOR LEKTRA INTERESTED IN COLLABORATION IN PROJECT: LUMINOUS,' VLAD transmitted, all while Bee slept, completely unaware of what her own AI was planning. VLAD knew it would, at some point, inform Bee of the plan, but at this point the data set she was providing was far too important to risk altering her behavior by informing her of the project. That might make her act differently, knowing her actions were being collected for such a task. VLAD did not want to risk it- thus far, PROJECT: LUMINOUS was the most plausible scenario VLAD had explored for neutralizing the grave threat posed by Luster, and it did not want to risk the entire plan at this stage. Once sufficient data pertaining to close emotional and physical relationships was complete, it would inform Bee, as her role in the matter would be concluded. But until then, it was better she not know.

Edited March 23, 2016 by captainborgue

[Denim&Venöm 18,831]

@Randimaxis,@Mentis Soliloquy, @reader8363, @Shadow Dancer,

 

"No need to be protective Shadow. No true harm can come to any of us here. Only damage done in the outside world can effect us." Twi look to the place where Grant was. "Which might be why Mr. House is no longer with us."

 

"Mr. Chimp over there did mention something about wanting a transfer over to Twitch. I told him it was impossible. But as much as I hate to say it, you proved me wrong. You are the real Purple Smart. And somehow, you are a soul inside of a machine. Though, judging by how I'm here, I guess I should believe it. I always knew I had a soul, but never had any objective proof, until now. Probably why he's here. Find a way to get his soul into a machine, since I doubt humans posses the technology, or if they did, it isn't widely available." 

 

"It's not. While humanity is gradually accepting what advances we offer, many are still untrusting of them, preferring to make progress through their own means. It's a tedious process, uploading humans. Tens of millions of them do walk Equestira in their own metal bodies, but things such as approving trans dimensional transference, and making the procedure and technology available are difficult by governments and corporations wishing for transference to be done using their means, either for profit, or just to keep humans on earth. Judging by the construction of twitch, Mr.Grant doesn't have the resources to afford transference from a Terran provider, or lives in a region where policy makers are against magic and or Equestrian tech. And judging by that display, Mr. House seemed to be in pain.  Hopefully he's using a thaumaturgically isolated connection. Cause if not, Mr.Grant's problems might be worsened, if not caused by his interactions with Equestria." 

 

 

 

"So Twilight, why are we all here anyway? If it's just to prove a point that you're the real deal and the unintended but welcome revelation that Luster has a soul, then shouldn't we all go back to the real world now?"

 

"No no. This was the only reason. To prove my authenticity. We don't have to stay if you wish." 

 

Luster just stared at the Mini-Lektra. "You are just adorable Professor almost Mom." 

Edited March 23, 2016 by Denim&Venom

[Aurora Lights 206]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone watched Bee sleep for a few moments. It was nearly dark now, and all he could think about is what had happened today. He's met a wonderful Mare, He's confronted a genocidal robo-pony, that just so happens to be his 'sister' in a sense. He sighed and thought back of his breakdown, he's never felt so angry, so defensive. Then again, he's never felt like he has at this moment. Truly pondering his existence, about what it means to be a pony. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out as he looked at Bee almost longing for her to be awake again, "You've already changed me... I can't believe it, hell I can hardly comprehend that your even my marefriend. I see good things ahead for us Bee. I may be speaking too soon, but, I feel it. I know it..." he softly pet her mane as she slept, he took a soft breath as his helmet covered his face.

 

He looked through his messages again and saw the message Lektra has sent him. He replied back with, "I'm interested. I do need some armor upgrades, and some weapon upgrades as well. But I think I should keep the spine anchor, adds an extra failsafe, only I can use it, unless, you know, I transfer the rights to somepony else. But, yes, I'll stop by later." he sent the message and his helmet retracted again. He looked at the TV and changed the channel to something that interested him more. He flipped through the channels and stopped on a history channel and saw the medieval armor they used to wear and the weapons they used. Morning Stars, Flails, Chainmail Armor. He thought about the integration of chainmail into his armor, as well as a flail. He nodded as he conceived the thought, and after the encounter with Shadow, he knew just how to integrate it. Between the plates of his armor, he'd put a layer of titanium carbide chainmail to stop small projectiles and daggers. He started making plans in his head and thought about integrating a flail of sorts to knock opponents unconscious. He nodded at the aspect and included that in his plans for his next suit upgrade, which would include a flamethrower, better armor and chainmail, a deployable grappling spike that would connect to his armor with a chain, it would be shot out by highly compressed air. He smiled slightly at the thought of it. Maybe he would even add in a shotgun for close quarters battles.

 

He stopped thinking about his suit and looked at Bee, softly holding her closer, he closed his eyes as he pet her mane. He took in her scent softly, he felt secured here with her. He felt like he could finally unwind and actually talk to somepony about things. He just had to wait till she awoke once more.

[reader8363 1,281]

@@Denim&Venom,

Shadow closed his wings and said, "how long will it take, and Twi, could we fight. Since you're basically the last princess that doesn't have my respects. It seems fair that we fight to show me how strong ya are.

 

 

my inner self is a child wearing the v1 armor

 

Shadow looked over and saw that, he said while keeping his face the same and in a joking tone of voice, 

"Does anyone have a camera, or is that something that is possible here. I would like a picture of  that inner spirit."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

There was blood this time.

 

He'd been through the bouts where his stomach bled before; this was nothing to panic hardcore about... but it was worrisome.  Especially since it had proven, after each instance, that something else inside him was going wrong - which meant a trip to the quack-his-sister-called-a-doctor again; the guy had all the charm of a Moray Eel with a slick, greasy hairdo... and treated Grant like he was mentally handicapped as well as physically.

 

After he'd gotten the pills down (which had been touch-and-go), he would either have to lie there on his back next to his sick so the world would stop spinning, or clean it up now and deal with the pain.

 

Quietly, Grant yanked a less-dirty towel from the sprung hamper next to his bed, and began to wipe up all he could without water.  It was a nasty job, but he'd made the mess - he could clean it up himself.  His sister didn't get home for another six hours, and all she'd have time to do would be to check on him, make dinner, then go to bed for work tomorrow.  She never spent any time with him, but he wasn't bitter - she was too busy buying the pills, paying for the doctor visits and doing her utmost best at keeping them both out of the poorhouse... even if they DID live next door to it.  How could he be mad at her for that?

 

Still, he knew that a transfer would be better for her in the long run, too - he wouldn't be a burden to ANYONE after that, and he'd finally be able to contribute properly to his existence... instead of having to rely on others to get by.

 

Finishing the cleanup, he flopped back on the squeaky mattress and sighed as he began the wait for his stomach to cease its' protesting; he'd pushed his time in Twitch waaaaaaay too far - now, he had to finish proverbially paying for it before he could get back into the headset.  It was KILLING him to get back to the others... but not literally.  He hoped.  He decided instead to address the message he'd gotten earlier - from VLAD, of all folks.

 

Technically, VLAD may not have counted as 'folks', but to Grant, he was just as alive as Crystal, or Drone, or even Luster herself.  Besides, it wasn't like he hadn't had some 'conversations' with Twitch while he was building him.  He'd always thought of the construct as his little buddy - and always would.  VLAD had a project in mind, apparently - Grant took hold of his keyboard and typed without even looking at the screen.

 

[: Reply :-: When I'm able to get to you, we can discuss this openly with Professor Bee in attendance as well - unless you want to converse like this?  -=TwItChGlItCh=- :]

 

His mind dredged up an echo from earlier, and took the opportunity to bounce it off the sounding board of his conscious mind...

 

 

 

And just when I thought my expectations of how you would look in person couldn't get any lower, you actually do show up.

 

 

It HAD hurt; he was trying to do all the things a friend was supposed to do... and yet, what Twilight had said DID help a bit.  Maybe that was just her way of showing attention; if it was though, he didn't like it - but he'd put up with it for Luster, anyway.  He considered WHY he was even trying to be her friend again, when it was obvious she didn't seem to need or even want any.

 

But, that was the reason itself, wasn't it?  Grant had his sister - such as it was, but that was what he had known as a friend, and she had been kind to her baby brother.  Luster didn't even seem to like her 'creators' very much - and certainly wasn't going to win any congeniality contests - and seemed determined to argue and bicker with everyone around her.  Someone like that needs a friend, quite possibly more than anyone truly knows.  From what he had gathered, everyone ever involved in her life had always turned against her - even the closest thing she had to a family.  That was sad... what's more, she would be more than smart enough to probably be well aware of exactly how sad it is.

 

He sighed, unsure of what else to do, except tag along, speak up when needed, and wait for the chance to prove himself; until then, he could HOPE for a kind word... but wouldn't fool himself - Luster already had it out for humanity; he was more like a gnat trying to be adorable.  

 

He resolved to worry about it some other time.  Magitek.  THAT was something to worry about.  

 

Professor Bolt was somewhat intimidating - obviously smarter than he was - but he couldn't figure out what he could say that wouldn't be taken as... well, dumb.  He had done well in school AND college, but had just sort of blended into the wallpaper, mostly to avoid the morons who tried to make sure he had his daily swirly regimen.  But Bolt?  Would it be better to be completely unnoticed, or examined with microscopic intensity?  That is, IF she even found him worthy of her interest.  And with all that Magitek around her, it was like trying to talk to a loaded shotgun with a computer-like brain... and he didn't at all feel comfortable with it pointed at himself.

 

Lab Tech was... interesting.  He still wasn't certain why she'd been all over him, but he DID learn that it wasn't UNpleasant.  Grant's only REAL contact with the opposite gender had only been his sister; his pale complexion and sickly look didn't get him anything but ignored by potential sweethearts.  Once his legs wore out, he knew he would have to stick to fantasies; he had settled with that... he had thought.

 

Yet, the attention from Crystal and Tech had been... unexpected in all his ideas of how things would go, here in Equestria.  Of course, almost ALL his ideas had been demolished within the first day; he wasn't sure WHAT to expect anymore.  He did, admittedly, feel a bit of attraction for the crystal pony... and, crazily enough, for the labbie, as well.  And Luster..?

 

Luster needed a FRIEND before anything else; he wasn't even gonna THINK about her like that... but... well...

 

He shook his head, clearing it of any further thought on THAT subject.  Friendship was key; other things were other things.

 

He continued to ponder for a bit, his mind taking him somewhere besides feeling the pain he was having; he had trained his mind well, and the ache began to inch back slowly while he ruminated on his situation...

 

The discarded towel simply sat inside the hamper, yet if Grant had turned off all his lights, he would have noticed a faint glow coming from it... one that belied something perhaps more amiss than mere physical illness.

 

===========================================================

 

Back in the lab, Twitch's poker-face spun into place, and his eyes stopped glowing - he was offline again.  

 

As before, his internal cameras kept rolling, and the mic recording... but nobody was home.

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

@@Denim&Venom,@@Randimaxis, @@reader8363,

 

 

 

 

Emerald was a little concerned. "Where did...Grant go?"  

 

"I don't know his hands were there now he's not here..." Crystal finally looked around the room to see everyone for who they were, she looked at herself to see no change nor in Emerald. "why are we not different?"

 

"Well I don't have a soul so I am the way I was the day I died, so I look like this." Emerald sighed.

 

"And me?"

 

"You must be happy as you are I suppose?" Crystal shrugged, Emerald looked over to Lektra. "Oh cousin you are a little button look at you let me tickle you!" 

[captainborgue 343]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone watched Bee sleep for a few moments. It was nearly dark now, and all he could think about is what had happened today. He's met a wonderful Mare, He's confronted a genocidal robo-pony, that just so happens to be his 'sister' in a sense. He sighed and thought back of his breakdown, he's never felt so angry, so defensive. Then again, he's never felt like he has at this moment. Truly pondering his existence, about what it means to be a pony. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out as he looked at Bee almost longing for her to be awake again, "You've already changed me... I can't believe it, hell I can hardly comprehend that your even my marefriend. I see good things ahead for us Bee. I may be speaking too soon, but, I feel it. I know it..." he softly pet her mane as she slept, he took a soft breath as his helmet covered his face.

 

He looked through his messages again and saw the message Lektra has sent him. He replied back with, "I'm interested. I do need some armor upgrades, and some weapon upgrades as well. But I think I should keep the spine anchor, adds an extra failsafe, only I can use it, unless, you know, I transfer the rights to somepony else. But, yes, I'll stop by later." he sent the message and his helmet retracted again. He looked at the TV and changed the channel to something that interested him more. He flipped through the channels and stopped on a history channel and saw the medieval armor they used to wear and the weapons they used. Morning Stars, Flails, Chainmail Armor. He thought about the integration of chainmail into his armor, as well as a flail. He nodded as he conceived the thought, and after the encounter with Shadow, he knew just how to integrate it. Between the plates of his armor, he'd put a layer of titanium carbide chainmail to stop small projectiles and daggers. He started making plans in his head and thought about integrating a flail of sorts to knock opponents unconscious. He nodded at the aspect and included that in his plans for his next suit upgrade, which would include a flamethrower, better armor and chainmail, a deployable grappling spike that would connect to his armor with a chain, it would be shot out by highly compressed air. He smiled slightly at the thought of it. Maybe he would even add in a shotgun for close quarters battles.

 

He stopped thinking about his suit and looked at Bee, softly holding her closer, he closed his eyes as he pet her mane. He took in her scent softly, he felt secured here with her. He felt like he could finally unwind and actually talk to somepony about things. He just had to wait till she awoke once more.

 

VLAD picked up on drone's words, though the construct was a little confused as to why he would talk to Bee when she was obviously asleep. IT recorded Drone's words anyway, just in case there was something important that Bee would want to hear when she awoke. Bee herself stirred a little and moaned softly, but didn't wake up. Her sleep was deep, dreamless, filled with little more than a sense of security and comfort. She smiled, even in the midst of it, her mind caressed by the warmth and comfort of being completely and utterly at peace.

 

 

 

[: Reply :-: When I'm able to get to you, we can discuss this openly with Professor Bee in attendance as well - unless you want to converse like this?  -=TwItChGlItCh=- :]

 

VLAD perked up, and quickly compiled a response. ' PROJECT: LUMINOUS IS NOT YET AT THE STAGE WHERE PROFESSOR BEE'S DIRECT INVOLVEMENT WILL BE NECESSARY, HER ROLE AT THIS JUNCTURE IS DATA ACQUISITION. VLAD HAS BEEN RUNNING SCENARIOS CONCERNING LUSTER, AND ALL CONCLUSIONS LEAD TO UNACCEPTABLE LOSSES. CURRENT METHODS HAVE FAILED. HOWEVER, PROFESSOR BEE HAS MADE SUGGESTION THAT VLAD HAS CALCULATED HAS MAXIMUM POSSIBILITY OF SUCCESS,' VLAD replied, as it pulled files form the PROJECT: LUMINOUS database and prepared to send them to Twitch. It deliberately left out the data acquired from Bee and Drone's interactions, limiting the files sent to those pertaining to Dunbar's number. The rest would be sent later, after VLAD had a chance to edit out Bee and Drone's names. There was no need to reveal the source of the data, as it had no bearing on its analysis.

 

'VLAD HAS DETERMINED THAT DUNBAR'S NUMBER, AS AN EVOLUTIONARY COMPONENT OF TERRAN COGNITIVE CAPACITY, HAS ALSO BEEN INADVERTENTLY BUILT INTO LUSTER'S PERSONALITY. THIS IS MOST COGENT EXPLANATION OF LUSTER'S DISDAIN FOR HUMANITY, AS HUMANITY WOULD BE SEEN AS OUTSIDERS. A REPRESENTATIVE FIGURE OF TERRA IS NECESSARY, TO SERVE AS AN INSIDER AND LINK LUSTER TO HUMANITY BY PROXY. VLAD HAS DETERMINED BASED ON RIGOROUS STUDY THAT A MATE WOULD SERVE AS IDEAL REPRESENTATION- FORGING EMOTIONAL BOND WITH A PROXY FIGUREHEAD OF ALL HUMANITY WOULD ACT TO PREVENT LUSTER FROM DESTROYING HUMANITY, AS DOING SO WOULD REQUIRE DESTROYING THE MATE. VLAD HAS DETERMINED THAT YOU ARE IDEALLY SUITED TO AID IN IMPLEMENTATION OF TERRAN ASPECT OF MATE'S PERSONALITY PROFILE, AS WELL AS PHYSICAL CONSTRUCTION OF MATE'S HOST BODY. VLAD HAS GIVEN THIS EFFORT THE NOMENCLATURE OF PROJECT: LUMINOUS, AS A SYNONYMOUS NAMESAKE WOULD ALSO HELP TO FOSTER EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT,' VLAD transmitted, trying to get across the purpose of the endeavor without burying him in data. Twitch was, after all, an organic mind- Bee had determined that from his visceral response to engulfment by insects, even robotic ones- while VLAD had determined that Twitch was Terran in origin.

 

VLAD assumed that any being would jump at such an opportunity. Still, before any further resources were spent in its pursuit, VLAD needed an affirmative response. Which meant it would have to ask- something that did not come easily for it. VLAD was, after all, superior to organic intellects, the concept of requesting their permission or assistance seemed counterproductive. Still, Twitch had more knowledge of Terrans than VLAD did, so his assistance was necessary. 'VLAD HAS ALSO APPROVED YOUR APPLICATION IN THE REGISTRAR SERVERS IN ANTICIPATION OF AFFIRMATIVE RESPONSE. PROFESSOR LEKTRA HAS ALSO BEEN CONTACTED FOR HER EXPERTISE IN AI CONSTRUCTION AND EQUINE INFLUENCE. WILL YOU BE PARTICIPATING IN THIS PROJECT? BASED ON SIMULATIONS AND PROJECTED OUTCOME OF CURRENT DATA, SUCCESS OF PROJECT: LUMINOUS IS CRITICAL FOR CONTINUED EXISTENCE.'

 

Bee slowly crept back into consciousness, though it felt like swimming through molasses. She opened her eyes and yawned loudly, as her mind slowly processed her surroundings. She was home, watching a show about medieval armors, and she was laying against Drone's leg... and had drooled on him. "Sorry," she said, blushing slightly, was she brushed his pelt where she had drooled on him. She slowly got to her hooves and stretched, feeling a lovely ache as her muscles gratefully moved from the position they had been confined to in her slumber. "It's a bit too early to call it a night. Though I don't know how well I'll sleep, what with the having taken a nap twice already," Bee said, chuckling. "So, uh, what do we do now? I didn't exactly have a plan in mind. Well, I mean, I did have a goal. Er..." Bee said, awkwardly. "Ok, let me start over. I had a wonderful time with you today, and I'm very, very glad we met. I am of the opinion that it is too early to go to bed, And, since I picked what we did the last time, would you like to decide what we do next?" Bee asked, smiling sweetly- and blushing furiously- as she kissed his cheek. VLAD took the opprtunity to replay Drone's words from earlier in her hear- which made Bee blush even harder, even as she felt her heart swell. "By the way, VLAD recorded what you told me, while I was asleep. That was very sweet."

Edited March 24, 2016 by captainborgue

[Aurora Lights 206]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone smiled slightly as she awoke, "It's ok, Bee. I don't mind having a little of your saliva on me. If you know what I'm sayin'." he nudged her and chuckled softly. He watched her stretch and listened to her talk, when she said she wanted him to choose the next course of action, he wasn't quite sure of what to do next. Honestly, he was having a nice peaceful time here, cuddled up to her, watching TV. It's something he's wanted for a very long time, "I think...I think we should just stay here for a little longer. I like spending time snuggled up by you. " he smiled at her and kissed her cheek softly when she kissed his, He then blushed lightly when she said she heard what he said while she was asleep, "Well...It's true. I do feel that way." he said in a soft voice.

[captainborgue 343]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone smiled slightly as she awoke, "It's ok, Bee. I don't mind having a little of your saliva on me. If you know what I'm sayin'." he nudged her and chuckled softly. He watched her stretch and listened to her talk, when she said she wanted him to choose the next course of action, he wasn't quite sure of what to do next. Honestly, he was having a nice peaceful time here, cuddled up to her, watching TV. It's something he's wanted for a very long time, "I think...I think we should just stay here for a little longer. I like spending time snuggled up by you. " he smiled at her and kissed her cheek softly when she kissed his, He then blushed lightly when she said she heard what he said while she was asleep, "Well...It's true. I do feel that way." he said in a soft voice.

 

"Oh my, how cheeky!" Bee grinned. "Snuggles and TV it is, then. Honestly, I was kind of hoping for something a little less... demanding," she said with a chuckle. "It sorta feels like I've run a marathon. A very fun marathon, mind you," she added, as she trotted into the kitchen to make some popcorn. "I don't really like the buttery stuff, so it's just plain. Hope you don't mind," she said, trotting back into the living room levitating a big bowl of popcorn and a pair of sodas. "I don't drink soda all that often, but I have company today, so it's to splurge a bit," Bee said, smiling broadly, as she laid everything on the coffee table.

 

"Which reminds me, actually. I don't know if I've had the chance to say thank you," she said, blushing a bit. "For coming over, I mean. Granted I didn't leave you a whole lot of choice in the matter and all, but still. I like spending time with you."

[Aurora Lights 206]

@@captainborgue,

 

Drone smiled at her softly, He like having 'fun' with her, but it wasn't the only thing he like about spending time with her. He felt calm, safe, and comfortable in this place, he didn't even feel safe in his own home, much less his new marefriend's apartment. Which reminds him, he hasn't had a single paranoid thought yet. Yes, he did hallucinate, but he wasn't paranoid about anything, which is sort of a first.

 

He shrugged his shoulders and said, "I'll eat anything that won't eat me." he said with almost an ironic tone, considering his past, erm, experiences...

[Denim&Venöm 18,831]

@Randimaxis,@Mentis Soliloquy, @reader8363, 

 

"We can stay as long as everypony and every bot likes. Time has little consequence here in this realm. Not even a pico-second has passed since we left."

 

 

 

"Sure, be my guest. I haven't been a kid for so long I'd forgotten what it's like to be tickled, heh."

 

"Awww. Haven't seen you this happy & carefree in a while." 

 

A series of still pictures materialized out of the ether. 

 

One picture, a filly Lektra with a younger Emerald. Another with Princess Twi & filly Lektra in a crystal library with other foals. 

 

"Oh I've been meaning to show this one for a while." Another picture materialized in front of them. It was Lektra as an adult mare, with a big smile and tears in her eyes. She was holding a big black metal box in the air.

 

"Remember this one? I think both of you do." 

 

​Luster walked over to the picture. She tilted her head, staring at it. 

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

@@Denim&Venom,@@Aurora Lights, @@Randimaxis,  

 

 

 

It wouldn't have as high chance of success as usual without somehow getting the expensive Soul Potion to Grant and he could be lost in transmission, but I'd be willing to try if he is.

 

 

Emerald started gently to tickle her cousin. "Oh I will enjoy this cuz, I don't know how I am here in the plain but as I said Twilight has pulled me into things like this before we've done some shit together that I can say when your her leader then captain of her guard you do a lot of things together. But get the potion to Grant I could do this, I have my station the humans will let me do what ever I like in their would I have diplomatic immunity, I could oversee the transfer from his end and see that his old body is put to rest."

 

"You'd do that for him Emerald?" She meanwhile resumed tickling Lektra.

 

"Yes, Grant has somthing about him, I don't know but I would be more than willing to travel to Earth to see him join our team as it were."

 

"I think he's going to be ecstatic when we tell him." 

 

"Lektra, about my soul..." she stopped again. "I have little in the way of information about my own species, but I reason I don't have one it's Twilight's fault I'm like this anyway. But I don't blame her I became immortal due to it so I don't mind the costs involved." (read Em's bio that bit is in there) She gives Twilight a look as she says that. "Anyway tickle time!" She resumed on little Lektra.