Diary of a Unicorn Soldier

It's been two hundred years. Equestria is gone, but my friends and I survived. It's time to open a new chapter in my story.

[askgadgetsteelmare]

Unmarked Entry

Commander?  

“Yes Lieutenant?” 

What’s going on? 

“The world is ending again, but this time it’s not our fault.” 

I’m worried. 

“I am too.” 

Can we do anything about it? 

“Sadly no, and our creator knows that too.” 

Is she scared? 

“She is.  She thinks about us every day, hating herself for not having the spark to continue our story.  Your story.” 

I wish I could tell her it’s going to be alright, but I don’t know what to say. 

“I don’t either.” 

What are we going to do? 

“We’re going to do what we’ve always done.  Persevere, and survive the apocalypse just like we’ve done once before.  When the lights fade on this world, they’ll brighten on another, and we’ll be there when it happens.” 

I’m going to miss this world, even with all its flaws.  It’s where we were created, after all.  Where I was created. 

“Indeed.  You, me, Lavender, and everypony else.  Our creator built an entire world in her mind, and did her best to share it with everypony that decided to tune in to read our stories.” 

I’m worried about her.  What can we do for her? 

“What can we do?  Nothing, sadly.  But those of you listening to us right now?  Yes, you, and you, and you.  All of you.  Seek out our creator and give her your support.  A kind word, a little encouragement to keep writing.  She’s lost her spark, and the ending of this world has only served to dim it even further.” 

Will our story ever continue? 

“I hope so.  Like I said, she thinks about us every day.  She hasn’t forgotten your story, and I don’t think she ever will.  You’re everything to her.  It would be impossible to forget about you.” 

But what about you? 

“Oh, she thinks about me too.  Sometimes when she’s alone, she acts out conversations between us or others, expanding upon them to build up potential parts to the story.“ 

Really?  I’m glad.  So many others probably think of this as a dead story, but it’s comforting to know we aren’t forgotten. 

“Lieutenant?” 

Yes Commander? 

“Get the rest of the unit together.  We’re going to keep each other company while the world ends around us, just like we did before.  And Lieutenant?  Call me Snowdrop.” 

Yes Command- err....Snowdrop. 

“Good.  Now, the rest of you still here.  Yes, you.  The ones listening to us.  Stay safe out there.  Surviving the end of the world isn’t an easy task.  I should know.  I’ve already done it once before.  Gadget and I will see you on the other side, wherever that may be.  Until then, goodbye.” 

[askgadgetsteelmare]

Diary of Gadget Steelmare

Entry #122 *[auto-recording engaged]*  

“Gather ‘round, everypony.  Grab a cushion and blanket, and some of the food Gadget and Drill Bit found.  I’m not going to make this some formal affair.  Never really was much one for parade ground rules and regs anyways.  But to continue with what I was going to say, I’ve been doing some thinking.  Seeing as we’re the last living ponies in the Equestrian Armed Forces, that would make me the highest ranking officer possible.  But on the other hoof, I could call myself the grand high poobah and it would be worth about just as much, which is nothing.  What I’m trying to say is that our ranks mean nothing now.  I’d prefer we keep them because it would make a few things easier, but it’s really up to all of you.  If you want, we’ll take a vote on it.” 

Commander, it’s in times of crisis and uncertainty that the chain of command is most important.  You remember that from training, right?  I’m all for keeping our ranks, and judging by the looks everypony else has, I don’t think there are any objections. 

“Heh.....Thank you, Gadget.  That makes things a lot easier.  Now I can say what I’d had in mind.  I’ve been considering changing our designations to something that would make more sense for each of us so that none of you are stuck with arbitrary ranks based on how long you’ve been serving or how many zebras you shot.  But on the other hoof, we’re all used to them, and trying to get used to new ranks while also trying to survive sounds like a bad idea.  Raise your hooves if you want to change ranks.  ......Well, I guess that settles it.  We’ll keep the same ranks.  Anyways, what I want to talk about now is far more important than ranks and titles.  We’ve all got worries and fears.  I want them all out in the open and aired out.” 

“Worries?  Fears?  Pfft, nah.  We’re fine, Commander!” 

“Bullshit, Sky Streak.  Sit your ass down and listen before I hogtie you and tape your wings to the floor.”  

“Y-Yes Commander.  Sorry.” 

“As I was saying, none of us are okay.  We’re two hundred-year-old relics now.  Everything we knew and loved is gone.  For all we know, we’ve stepped out of one war and woken up in another.  Since I’m the commanding officer, I’ll start with my troubles.  .....I’m terrified.  I don’t want to think about it, but I’m so scared of what we might find out there.  I did all of this to keep everypony I cared about alive, but part of me is wondering whether I actually did the right thing.  Whether we should have tried to stay back and do what we could to help.” 

You’re worried we’re going to hate you for saving us? 

“.....Yes.  I’m worried that there might be feelings of resentment for snatching you all away from your comrades to hide while the world ended.” 

“We may have fought alongside them at times, but I never really considered many of them to be my comrades.  Some of them were assholes, if I’m being perfectly honest.  And once those bombs fell, there was no way we could have helped anyone.” 

“Yeah, we probably would have just been used for crowd control or something until we died of radiation sickness or starvation.” 

“Commander, are you asking whether I’d rather be alive and in the radioactive shithole of a future, or dead in any number of horrible, agonizing ways?  Of course I’d rather be alive.” 

“Alright, alright, I get it.  You can all settle down now.  You’ve put my fears on that matter to rest.  I know you all have other fears and worries too, but I’ll take back what I said before.  We can take our time airing them out, but I expect everyone to do so eventually.  Patches, you can help me enforce this.” 

“Absolutely.  My job includes mental health as well as physical.  I don’t need any of you going loco in the coco and turning your guns on yourself or us because you’ve been bottling everything up like an idiot.” 

“A little less tactful than I would have put it, but yes.  That’s the general idea.  Anyways, eat, keep warm, and rest.  I’m going to have us start on exercising tomorrow to help rebuild our strength.  The Kicker can only do so much for us, and I’m not giving out any more shots of it.  You know how much I dislike using chems to fix everything.  Aside from exercise, I also want to see what parts of the base are still operational, what can be repaired, and what’s totally broken.  We’ve still got lights, and the stasis pods stayed working this whole time, so the reactor is still running at the very least so we don’t have to worry too much about that.  We’ve got clean running water, but it’s cold only, so we’ll have to check on the heating system.  I’ll try to compile a list of things we need to investigate.  If anyone has anything to add to it, you know where to find me.  Other than that, rest and enjoy yourselves.  We did the impossible.  We survived the apocalypse.” 

[orderborder]

commission i did for @askgadgetsteelmare

ur cool OC Turbo Lover

[askgadgetsteelmare]

Woo!  Sorry for another not-story post, but I had to reblog this for you all.  This is another one of my OCs, Turbo Lover, and the artist is an old friend of mine.  Order Border used to run the Drunk Celestia blog a while back, but he dropped out of the pony scene a few years ago.  However, he wanted me to let everyone know that he’s back now, at least in terms of drawing ponies.  But what I wanted to let you all know is that while he is willing to draw ponies again, he also does a lot of other wicked-looking stuff.  Go check him out! 

[askgadgetsteelmare]

Alright guys, I know I’ve been quiet for a long time, so I figured I’d use this as a way to let you know I’m not dead.  Recently I commissioned the wonderful ValmiikiCraft for a plush of Gadget, and these are the pictures she sent!  If you’re looking to get a plush of your character, I highly recommend you look to her. 

As for the blog, no, it’s not dead.  In fact, I think about it every day, mentally furthering the story as I go about my day.  The only disconnect is the fact that I have trouble sitting down and writing it.  I have a half-finished draft of a post in the works, but I need to find the drive to actually finish it.  And trust me, I want to.  I can’t tell you all how much I want to continue the story and share it with all of you.  I’ve struggled with motivational issues for a long time, and this is no different.  But I know that soon I’ll be able to return to telling the story I started so many years ago. 

Now, with all that dramatic writing out of the way, I have one last thing to share.  I’ve created my own Etsy store!  It’s called HomebrewMetalworks, and what I’m selling is hand cast aluminum sculptures that I made.  I don’t really like trying to do a lot of self-promotion, but I figured putting a link to it on my blog would help get the word out a bit more. 

Anyways, thanks to everyone that’s stuck around.  Check out my store if you’d like, go give ValmiikiCraft some love, and stay tuned for the next update. 

~Gadget 

[spacekitsch]

a big ol’ commission for @lotusblossomanswers!

[askgadgetsteelmare]

A friend of mine got this and included Gadget!  It’s awesome!  And despite being a trained soldier, even she isn’t immune to gamer rage. 

Thanks Lotus! 

[ikasamadriami]

We were talking last night about the black friday sales and one of my friends, Gadget, was really angry at the people who camp out all week when they could be having thanksgiving and spending time with friends and family.. and well.. this is the result.

[askgadgetsteelmare]

((No words are necessary.  The picture speaks for itself. >w< ))

[askgadgetsteelmare]

((I think this deserves a reblog today.  As before, the picture speaks for itself.  SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY.)) 

((Thanks to @ikasamadriami!)) 

[askgadgetsteelmare]

It’s my birthday, I guess.

[So I have been instructed by friends to say that today is my birthday.  I’m not really all that big on announcing it, but I figured I’d do it because some friends suggested it.  So, uh, yeah.  Happy birthday to me?  I’ve got another post in the works, but I’ve lacked the drive to actually finish it lately.  Hopefully that’ll change soon!] 

[askgadgetsteelmare]

Guess who’s back?  Yep!  Gadget’s back, and she’s streaming Fallout 4 for anyone interested in watching! 

http://hitbox.tv/gadgetsteelmare

If you decide to join, just announce yourself in the chat so I know who you are and can say hi! 

[askgadgetsteelmare]

Diary of Gadget Steelmare

Entry #121 *[auto-recording engaged]*   

Ugh, that was way too many bones for my liking. 

“I know what you mean.  At least we got them all cleared away and stowed in that empty side room.” 

Mmm.  It will do as a proper tomb for them.  Least we could do after leaving them like that. 

“Don’t you start getting survivor’s guilt on me, Lieutenant.  I need you to tell me what to do when the Commander isn’t around.” 

I know, Drill Bit.  I know.  I’m trying to put it out of my mind.  It’s been over two hundred years, so I really can’t feel too guilty about it. 

“Yeah, we all have to move on and look forward, and all that jazz.  So, you see anything interesting over there?” 

Not really.  Just dust, cobwebs, and more dust.  Everything looks like it hasn’t been touched since everypony died.  If there even still is anypony alive outside, they haven’t gotten in here. 

“Well, maybe we’ll get lucky and find that everypony in here died before they could eat all the rations.” 

Ignoring the callousness of that statement, are you sure you really want to be munching on something that’s over two hundred years old? 

“Maybe?  I dunno.  I’m hungry enough to eat just about anything right now.  Surely you’re starving too.  I mean, you’re way bigger than I am.” 

Yeah, I’m pretty hungry too, but.... 

“But what?  What’s up?” 

D’you feel weird? 

“You’re gonna have to be more specific.  We just woke up from a two hundred year stasis.  Weird is all relative right now.” 

Uhh....Like a tightness in your chest.  Kinda like a cramp or a knot, but not exactly. 

“Hmm....Now that you mention it, I do feel that, a little.  Does your Pip-Buck say anything?” 

Nothing.  We might want to go get ourselves checked out later to see if anything’s wrong. 

“Well, keep an eye on it.  It’s not too bad right now, so I can keep going if you can.  The stretching feels good on my legs.” 

Yeah, I can keep going too.  It’s probably just a side effect of waking up.  Oh hey, check that out! 

“What, the mess hall door?” 

Yeah!  Look, it’s locked!  That means there might be something still intact inside, if we’re lucky. 

“On the other hoof, it could mean that Cooky just locked himself in there near the end and ate all the food himself.” 

Yeah, well, I didn’t want to mention that possibility.  The thought of that fat, greasy pony stuffing his face with both hooves isn’t really an appetizing thought. 

“Ugh, great, now that’s stuck in my head.  Thanks a lot, Gadget.” 

It’s your own fault!  C’mon, help me get this door open.  I’ll try weakening the locks and hinges, and you take that crowbar you found and try to lever it open. 

[askgadgetsteelmare]

Stalliongrad Landscape, First View

Art by Luna Moth. http://lunamothshideyhole.tumblr.com/ http://noideasfornicknames.deviantart.com/

[Here’s the image that was transmitted via the SSTV signal in full resolution, with two bonus images courtesy of the artist.  Hope you all like it!] 

[askgadgetsteelmare]

[Due to the overwhelmingly apathetic response to my attempt at a clever puzzle as a way of saying “Hey look, I’m back!”, I’ve decided to be a butt and give out the answer.  That weird sound is an SSTV signal.  SSTV stands for Slow Scan Television.  What you listened to was a picture encoded in audio format.  It’s what the astronauts used to send the first pictures back from the surface of the moon.  If you have an Android phone, you can download an app called “Robot36″ for free and just hold it up to your computer’s speaker.  The other option is to download RX-SSTV and either plug a microphone in and put it near your speakers, or record it on your phone and play it back into your computer’s mic.  Each time I make a “transmission” post, I’ll put the encoding type in the tags.  My original idea was that people would see “Scottie 1″ and put that into Google, thus leading to the discovery of SSTV, but unfortunately nobody I showed it to really wanted to bother trying to figure it out.  Hopefully my giving the keys away like this will generate a little bit of interest.  Anyways, my classes are over, and now I have time to devote back to the blog I love, but have sorely neglected.  I plan to do more SSTV transmissions in the future, so if you feel like downloading either program, be sure to hang onto it. 

All that aside, it’s good to be back.  ~Gadget ] 

[askgadgetsteelmare]

Visit Original Link

[askgadgetsteelmare]

Diary of Gadget Steelmare

Entry #120  *[auto-recording engaged]* 

Alright Commander, everypony’s up, awake, and mostly functional.  Wind Dancer needed a second dose of Kicker before her body would even start responding though.  Patches is going to keep an eye on her.  Other than that, we’re all here. 

“Good.  Okay everypony, I’m not going to mince my words here, and I want you to all let me speak before asking questions.  We’ve been in stasis for over two hundred years.  From what little information I managed to get from the base’s external sensors, the surrounding area, while still showing signs of radiation, is habitable, though very cold.  I have no videos or images of the outside, since all the cameras seem to have been destroyed.  And on top of that, my connection to the rest of the base’s systems has been severed.  My best guess is that somepony got pissed and cut some of the lines hoping it would kill us.  Thankfully that was not the case.  We’re all alive, and I intend to keep it that way.  Right now we have four clear objectives.  First, we need to get out of this vault.  The console isn’t responding to my commands, and I can’t figure out what’s wrong with it.  I have no doubt we’ll find a way out though.  After that, we need to find food and water, while also surveying what’s left of the base.  Under no circumstances do I want ANY of you venturing outside.  None of us are strong enough to face whatever’s out there.  We’re flying blind here, and I want everypony to be on their guards once we get out of here.  After we’ve had time to rest and recover our strength, only then will we gear up for an expedition outside.  I’ve kept us alive through the Celestia-damned end of the world, and I’m going to keep us alive through whatever comes next.  If any of you have any questions, now’s the time to ask.” 

Not a question, Commander, but I think I can get us through that door.  It’s metal all the way through, right? 

“It’s over a foot of solid steel, but yes, it’s metal all the way through.  You think your magic’s strong enough to melt through it?” 

Maybe.  Maybe not the entire thing, but I can at least try to cut a doorway for us to squeeze through, then widen it when I’m feeling stronger. 

“Alright then Gadget, you stand by until we’re all ready.  Does anyone else have anything to say?  Drill Bit, you have a question?” 

“I do, Commander.  Are we going to try going armed when we get out and explore the base?  I mean, I don’t think I could handle my shotgun at all right now.” 

“Yes, we are.  But we’ll only be carrying pistols.  I don’t think any of us could handle anything more powerful than that.  I don’t know what good they’ll do us out there, but they’re better than nothing.  Any other questions?  No?  Right then, get to work Gadget.  Let’s get the hell out of this metal tomb.” 

Way ahead of you, Commander.  Nngh.....Gonna have to refocus on just a small point and cut my way through rather than melt a hole.  My magic still isn’t up to strength. 

“Don’t strain yourself, Gadget.  We can wait a bit longer if you nee-” 

Got it!  Steam, get over here and help me push this slab out of the hole.  Yeah, just put your shoulder against that right there. 

*screeeeeeeeeeeeeeech!* 

We’re out!  ........Oh sweet Celestia. 

“What?  What’s wrong Gadget?  What do you......oh.” 

So this is where everypony came when the bombs fell.  That’s.....that’s a lot of bones. 

[askgadgetsteelmare]

[Welcome home, everypony!  It’s good to be back!  Now, after talking with a few people, I’ve decided to create a new page for the “inventory” of this blog.  That basically means it’s a running tally of all the items/chems/weapons/armor that get used in the story, with a little bit of a description next to each of them.  For example, I threw in a description of “Kicker,” the chem I mentioned in the last post, because it was a chem I’d invented with a bit of inspiration from Fallout 4′s chem-mixing system.  From now on, every time I mention a new thing, I’ll mark it with a hyperlink that links to the inventory page.  There’s also a button on the sidebar that links to it as well.  For those of you that stuck around this long, thank you so much!  Now that I’ve been able to soak myself in Fallout 4′s incredible universe, I’m finally regaining the old spark I had for this blog.  I’ll see you in the wasteland!] 

[askgadgetsteelmare]

Diary of Gadget Steelmare

Entry #119  *[auto-recording engaged]*

Ugh.....Can anypony hear me?  Hello?  

"Over....Over here, Lieutenant....I can hear you.  I think the other pods are still opening up...."  

Commander?  Is...Is this real?  Are we really waking up?  

"I should hope so.  I don't think I'd feel this weak in a simulation.  Think you can get up?  I feel like I can barely move my legs.  Nngh....These damn things were supposed to prevent muscle atrophy, but I guess it's not designed to work for two centuries...."  

I....I think I might be able to....J-Just give me a bit, and don't laugh if I fall on my face.....  

"Trust me, I don't think I could laugh at you even if I wanted to....Everything feels so weak and stiff...."  

HNNNG.....!

*flump* 

Oww....

“Lieutenant?  Gadget?  Are you okay?” 

L-Lemme get up off the floor....  Oh sweet Celestia.....I-I can’t move my back legs....! 

“Get ahold of yourself, Steemare!  Don’t start freaking out on me now!  There should be some Kickers on the table right next to you.  Take one and see if it can get your muscles moving.  You’re the only one that can move right now, and I really need your help.” 

*psstch*

H-Haaahhh....Fuck this stuff tastes nasty.....B-But I think I can feel it working....

“Good.  I hate using chems, but I think we’re all going to need this.  Bring the rest of them over here.  I’m going to get the others open.  You get ready to bring them a Kicker after they realize they’re finally awake.” 

Got it. 

“Then I need you to-” 

-Commander? 

“Yes Lieutenant?” 

I-I......N-Nothing.  Nevermind.  I’ll get right on it. 

“Gadget, if something’s wrong, please tell me.  We were just in stasis for two hundred years.  It’s a miracle we’re even still alive!  You take as much time as you need.  I think I can walk now, so I can pass out the Kicker.  Go check on our gear when you can, and see if there’s any food and water that’s still good.” 

Alright, I’ll see what I can do.  I just.....This still doesn’t feel real.... 

“I....I know what you mean.  What was real?  Those two hundred amazing years we spent in the simulation, or this horrible mess?  I....Please don’t tell the others, but part of me wanted to keep us in that happy dream.  It’s too late now, though.” 

Yeah.  It’s time to wake up and taste the radiation. 

[Welcome home, everypony.]

[askgadgetsteelmare]

[askgadgetsteelmare]

Visit Original Link

Diary of Gadget Steelmare

Entry #118  *[vocal transcription]* 

"Unit!  Fall in and follow me!" 

"Not so fast, Snowdrop!  You have to come with u-" 

*blam blam blam!* 

"As I was saying, follow me!  We don't have much time!  Kill anypony that tries to stop us!" 

Yes sir!  Understood! 

"We're headed to the bottom-most level of the base.  I've been building this ever since those Stables started popping up.  C'mon, we're taking the stairs.  Elevators are too dangerous." 

"Commander, what exactly are you talking about?" 

"No time to explain.  I'll tell you more when we get there.  Save your breath for the stairs." 

"Hey, stop right there!  You're needed abo-" 

*blam!* 

"Sorry.  Everypony for themselves now.  I'm looking after my own." 

"Commander, the bombs are getting closer!  The entire base is going to come down on our heads!"  

"Then hurry up, Specialist!  We're almost there!" 

What the...?  I don't remember these doors being here before.... 

"That's because I had them built in.  Everypony inside.  These things are sealing behind us." 

*screeeeeeeeeeeeech!  sssssssssss......* 

"Stasis pods.  These will keep us alive and together until it's safe to go out.  Even it if takes hundreds of years." 

"B-But.....how?!  How did you get the money to do this?!" 

"I'll explain everything once we're inside.  Take your armor off and store it in those lockers, then get yourselves hooked up into the pods." 

"C-Commander......I'm....I'm scared....." 

I think we all are, Lav.....You'd have to be crazy not to be when the world is ending.....Here, I'll help you in first. 

"Th-Thanks Gadget....." 

You're welcome, hun.  I'll see you on the other side, okay? 

"Everypony in?  Good.  I'll start the integration process.  Once the pods close, you'll fall asleep.  When you wake up, we'll all be together in a simulation.  We can talk more there.  Good luck, everypony.  May Luna and Celestia keep us safe."