[Visual] Getting Back to Business

[got_style]

[The scrolls opens on what appears to be Viceroy's room at the commune- though it's significantly creepier than one would expect. The windows are all blocked up, so most of the light comes from half-melted candles and glowing green vials and beakers. The floor is packed with stacks of books and loose papers, and the walls are covered in hanging blueprints and sketches. He's turned the room into a study!]

[He waves a hoof.]

Afternoon, everypony. Some of you have had the pleasure of meeting me already, but for those who haven't: The name's Viceroy. I just got here a few weeks ago, and I gotta say, this town's a lot more action-packed than I woulda thought! I can't help but notice we're all lacking some in terms of defense and technology.

Lucky for you, I can fix that.

[A small skull-faced device hovers behind him and casts a bright green flash of light. It projects the holographic images of a multitude of Viceroy's creations.] 




[It switches images periodically, occasionally showing a few gadgets and consumer goods. But for the most part, wow. That is a lot of robots.]


So I've got a proposition: If you can get me some supplies, I'll make you something in exchange. Anything. Granted, I'm still in the experimental stages right now.. I don't have the resources I had back home, but it looks like I've got a plethora of magic to make up for it! This offer I'm making isn't gonna last forever. I'll just need some backers to get me on my feet. Hooves.

Here's what I need the most: Some conductive metal, like copper. Though really, any kind of metal would be useful, even scrap. Armor would be best. And I'm gonna need a few monsters and animals. 

[He pauses.]

Preferably freshly-dead or alive.. but there's no need to go outta your way. It doesn't really make a difference to me.

Thanks in advance.

Comments

[Visual]

[kingofthetvworld]

[Wow, that sure is impressive in all ways terrifying. In fact, if he wasn't so dead set on making a point, he'd probably freak out about the holograms or the weird request for dead or not-so-dead monsters.

But no. This is Teddie. And he has to be a butt.]

Big whoop, but which one can help people put on pants!

[He can only hold this bluff for so long before he starts crying like a baby.]

[Visual]

[got_style]

[He should've known.]

I thought you were gonna build that. How was the power nap?

[Visual]

[kingofthetvworld]

I don't think you realize what a busy bear I am! I always have a huge schedule EVERY morning, like breakfast, and naps, and then a second breakfast! It takes a lot outta you, I'm surprised I'm even standing right now.

[He's only thankful that there's no Junes in Ponyville, or else he might die from actual work.]

And it was lovely, thank you.

[Visual]

[got_style]

Good! I'm GLAD. Your life sounds absolutely exhausting. How do you manage?

[Visual]

[kingofthetvworld]

I bear with it.

[IF YOU DID NOT SEE THAT COMING, SHAME ON YOU.]

[Visual]

[brightestspark]

[Woah. The mouse looks on in wonder but soon furrows his brows at the end of the broadcast.]

You... need animals?

[Visual]

[got_style]

[OH. Viceroy's eyes widen.]

Oh, no, hang on- I didn't mean it like that! You're fine. I'm looking more for... dangerous, non-sapient creatures. The kind that would attack ponies on their own.

[brightestspark]

[He shakes his head, frowning a little. Rung wasn't worry about himself. But...]

What do you use these animals for? I thought you focused on building robots...

[got_style]

Well yes, I do.. But not all of my robots are 100% inorganic. I also specialize in cyborgs.

[His holographic note-taker displays a few of his creations that are clearly amalgams of animal and robot, including McFist's prosthetic arm and the brain inside..]

Living tissue and technology mesh well when you know how they work. They can serve similar purposes.

[Visual]

[pirateponyprincess]

[Robots? That definitely pings this space pirate.]

Very interesting. Do answer me this, however: how do you plan to power them? Equestria isn't known to have a robust power grid.

[Visual]

[got_style]

Working on that. I've been trying to find out what I can about spells or potions, especially anything related to electricity.. I'm thinkin' of something like a magical battery? It's gonna be clunky to start off with, I can already tell.

[Visual]

[pirateponyprincess]

Converting magical energy to electrical energy is certainly an option; I have seen it done many times before. It will be quite a puzzle for you to figure out, but it is possible. I believe I may take you up on that offer to see what you can make of it.

[Visual]

[got_style]

Glad to hear it. Just let me know what you can get me, and I'll see what I can do in exchange.

This whole thing is gonna be a challenge, but I'm lookin' forward to it. I haven't had a chance to really experiment like this in a while...

[visual/dating this to post-mark plot]

[polyturtle]

Huh.

Well, looks like you and I have something in common.

[visual]

[got_style]

Really! I hope you're not competitive, 'cause you wouldn't stand a chance.

Re: [visual]

[polyturtle]

Are you kidding? Competition breeds innovation. Though making sentient robots isn't my specialty, so you might not have much of one there.

[visual]

[got_style]

I haven't had much of that in a looong time. Competition, I mean.

What is your specialty, then?

[bluesuit_hoofy]

You know, there is something you could help me with. It's a sort of electrical musical instrument -- a theremin. Have you heard of them?

[got_style]

I have! Haven't made one myself, but it shouldn't be too much trouble. I know the gist of it.

[He's kinda surprised that you're taking him up on this offer, honestly. What was that about not using his talents?]

[bluesuit_hoofy]

[He can't be that bad if he can make a musical instrument, right? And Andrew doesn't know anyone else who can....]

Brilliant! It's for the big slumber party; everypony's going to love it.

[got_style]

Bring the supplies over to the commune, then. It oughta be a piece of cake!

[robotfightclub]

[OH. OKAY. THAT'S, UM]

No.

[got_style]

..."No"? No, what?

[robotfightclub]

No robots, not here. Not happening.

[got_style]

Mmhm. And you're gonna be the one to stop me?