Anon Means Business

>Be Anonymous, the Human
>You've been in Equestria for a few months now, after Twilight pulled you through a portal during one of her experiments.
>She spent quite a while trying to find a way to send you home, but she's been having no such luck.
>Not wanting to impose, you began doing work around Ponyville.
>Odd jobs really; help pick apples at a local farm, sort books on high shelves in Twilight's personal library, etc.
>Mostly stuff that being a tall biped lends itself to.
>That kind of work didn't really suit you, though.
>You wanted a challenge of the mind, something you had to focus on and solve.
>That's when you met "The Doctor"
---
>"Oh, marvelous! I don't get too many visitors interested in my work" He said, trotting into his home and makeshift workshop.
>You followed him in, ducking under the short doorway. Damn tiny horses.
>"It's also exceptionally rare to have a non-pony interested in the sciences. You wouldn't BELIEVE how many griffons and deer think I'm casting some short of 'magic'" He continues.
>"At any rate, take a look around! Feel free to ask questions about any of the devices here"
>You kind of feel bad for his isolation as a stallion of science in a magical world, reminds you a little of yourself.
>Looking around the room, you spy a number of inventions in states you have only seen in history books; a lightning ball, Tesla coil, even a mock up of an early flying machine!
>Walking up to the coil, a question popped into your head.
"So how do you generate the power needed for your electric devices here? This Tesla Coil would need quite the charge to get going."
>Doc's ears perked up in excitement, he wasn't expecting such an advanced question from his strange guest.
>"Ah yes, astute observation my friend! When I need to power these devices, I employ a good pegasus from down at the gym to use this"
>he points at a stationary bicycle with a generator hooked up to the drive chain.
>"I then use wire to run a current into the coils! I noticed you're familiar with the static generating coil, though I've never heard of this 'Tesla' bloke."
"He was one of the great inventors of the last century in my home world. He never did get the full recognition for his contributions to modern science"
>Damn Westinghouse
>"Interesting... hold on a second. Did you say 'last century'?"
"Oh yes, it's been over 120 years since he invented it. The device was later used in devices that transmitted radio signals over the air to communicate over large distances"
>at this point, the good doctor had begin scribbling notes into a small book. You guess he would try something similar now that he has the idea in his head.
>While you were having fun with this, unfortunately you notice the sun through the nearby window. Crap, you're running out of daylight.
"I'm sorry, this has been great, but I have to run. I'm going to the local shops to see if they have some temp work"
>"TEMP WORK?! Bah, somepony with your species' history and your interest in science needs a more engaging line of work. Have you ever considered opening a shop of your own? You could sell some of those human inventions you have seen from your home world! I would ask you to be my assistant but I don't really have the money to pay my own bills, let alone yours."
>Opening a shop to sell human tech curios? not a bad idea...
"That does sound far more interesting than working an orchard... I'll have to get on that"
>"You will be a fine shopkeep, I'm sure. Let me know when you have your grand opening, I'll be your first customer!"
>you began to walk out when you realized something.
"Oh! I've never really learned your name, doctor. What was it?"
>"Just 'Doctor' is fine. Now go, you have a lot of work ahead of you!"
>and with that you begin to walk out, heading toward the local bank to take out a loan. You now had a plan for your new life here and things were looking up for you.
---
>It's finally done.
>Your shop is finally built and ready for business after 3 long months.
>You paid the builder with most of your loan and moved what few personal possessions you had into your new apartment, set on the floor above the storefront.
>There wasn't much capital left after paying for the construction an all the accompanying paperwork, you'd have to start earning some serious money soon to pay it all back.
>during the construction, you busied yourself with preparing some simple inventions; a chemical battery, some electric heating coils, mostly things made with the tools found in the Doctor's workshop. You offered to pay for using them, but he simply denied it, saying he enjoyed the company. Once you have the money, you should buy your own tools...
>Anyway, you figure that these items might interest SOMEPONY to show up, and they might have a problem some other invention could solve, adding to your potential inventory.
>You can also offer repair services to clocks and whatnot to supplant your income.
>all you need is to build a reputation
>shouldn't be too hard
>...

OPENING DAY

>Not one pony showed up to the ribbon cutting ceremony
>Not. One.
>The Mayor offered apologies, saying there might be an event in another part of town
>"I'm sure that you'll be swarming with customers soon enough, buying your... what are you selling again?"
>Yeeeeeah, she didn't inspire much confidence, and you were pretty sure that not much in the way of events was happening on a Tuesday at 8 AM.
>After you saw off the Mayor, you cleaned up the ribbon and walked inside.
>You slumped into a chair behind the counter and began brooding
>Stupid ponies and their magic, you'd think at least earth ponies would be interested in your stuff!
>And you even put up fliers all over town the week before!
"I don't get it..."
>"Get what Anonymous?"
>you jumped at the sound of the voice before noticing it was the good Doctor coming to pay a visit
>"Oh, sorry! Didn't mean to sneak up on you like that. I was just popping in to see how sales were going... where IS everyone?"
"That's what I'd like to know. Not a single customer, and no ponies at the opening ceremony, either."
>"Hmmm, how did you advertise the store opening anyway, other than the posters you plastered all over Ponyville" He looks out the shop window, pointing at the town notice board covered in your posters.
>You might have over done it a bit, but what were you supposed to do with all those extra posters!?
"Just the fliers, really. I thought I could draw in a few ponies from pure curiosity and work from there."
>"Well THERE'S your problem, my good man! You need to SHOW these ponies what your inventions can do. Bring the curiosity to THEM."
"So... you mean like a show?"
>"In a way, yes. Have you ever heard of the Flim Flam Brothers?"
"Not much, Nothing good about them anyway."
>"Ah yes, well, they do have a habit of stretching the truth, but that's not what I'm talking about. You need to demonstrate your curios to the masses, entice them!"
"That's not a bad idea at all, thanks Doc!"
>"Not a problem at all,  I want you to succeed as much as you do! I'm quite excited to see what inventions you bring to the masses. Please inform me when you plan on doing the show, I wouldn't miss it!"
>And with that he began to walk to the door to leave, before pausing.
>"OH, I almost forgot. I came here to pick up some of those 'batteries' of yours."
>You smile, knowing you made both a good friend and customer.
"Sure thing, Doc. You want a few of the big ones for extra capacity, right?"

1 Week Later

>You're setting up on stage in the town square, ready to show this world what you are made of.
>...or at least what you're selling.
>You're putting the finishing touches on your demonstration, again using some borrowed tools from the Doctor.
>You will have to pay him back sooner rather than later.
>Ponies begin to stop in front of the stage, both to take a break from their shopping and to see what the hairless monkey was up to.
>As a crowd forms around the stage, you decide now's a better time than any to begin.
>you place the needle onto the record player you brought out and it begins to play a festive street fair tune
"WELCOME everypony! I trust you're all having a wonderful day?"
>Most of them smile and nod, though Bon Bon scowls at you like always. What Lyra sees in her you'll never know...
"Great! But have you ever gotten tired of lighting your lanterns? breaking matches, burning hooves? Why not try my new electric start lantern!"
>You pull out what looks like a normal Kerosene lantern, but with a button at the base.
"Just press the button aaaaand"
>you push the button in, allowing the circuit to complete. the electricity arches across the two metal sticks in the lantern, lighting the gas filled wick instantly
>oohs and aahs are heard from the crowd, you got them hooked
"'But how does it work?', you ask your good friend Anonymous. Surely this is some kind of magic that only a unicorn could possess!"
>the ponies confusedly nod, not sure where you're going with this. Why would you sell them an item only unicorns could use?
"I'll tell you how, WITH SCIENCE! I have gathered electricity, the common ingredient found in lightning, through various means. I use it to charge these devices called 'batteries'! They're safe to handle, and provide a safe and reliable stream of energy for all sorts of devices! Why, the l lantern I just showed you contained one of these."
>you open the bottom compartment of the lantern, revealing the small cylinder.
>you hold it up to the crowd
"THIS, my friends, is the revolution in technology you've been waiting for! Why wind a clock when you can have a motor do it for you? Why deal with the soot left overs from a winter fire when you can use an electric heater?"
>the crowd was getting very excited, cheering and clapping as well as a pony can. You had them now.
"Well, just around the corner is my shop where I sell these and many more amazing devices! I hope to see you all there tomorrow!"
>You tossed yet more fliers into the crowd, watching as ponies eagerly snatched them up to get the store's address. Derpy made way too many of those things anyway.
>as the crowd was satisfied with your performance, they dispersed, going back to their daily routine
>You began to clean up when you noticed something
>Didn't the Doctor say he was going to show up?
---
>You've been sweeping up the fliers that weren't take by the crowd for about an hour now.
>You don't want to leave a bad impression with the town or the mayor, after all.
>You take a break for a moment when you hear galloping heading in your direction
>"Anonymous! Glad to see that the event has yet to start. Do you need a hand setting up?"
"Uhhh, Doc? You kinda missed it a while ago."
>"What?!"
>He checks is watch on his foreleg.
>"Heavens! I lost track of time again! I really need to keep a better eye on these things. I was just..."
>He's rambling again
>You glance at his cutie mark, wondering what an hourglass could mean if he isn't punctual.
>Time saving inventions, perhaps?
>"...and how was I supposed to know how to bowl? I mean really, I just was looking for a tailor!... I might have gone off on a few tangents for a moment there. At any rate, how did the event go in my absence?"
"I don't think it could have gone better if I tried. These ponies seem very easily excitable. A lantern that can light itself and a power source and they all freak out"
>"I think you don't quite understand the impact you're about to make on this town- no, this world. You have a chance to usher in a new era of technology after centuries of stagnation, and I couldn't be more excited to see it become reality."
>You never thought about it like that, your "inspirational speech" was more of a marketing technique than anything in your eyes. Perhaps changing their world, your world, for the better is your role here.
"I didn't think that. I'll keep it in mind moving forward, though."
>"I think it would be best that way, wouldn't want you losing sight of the thrill of science for a few Bits. Well, if you don't need anything else, I'll be heading back to my workshop. Best of luck!"
>And with that he began trotting away...
>Wait. You forgot to ask him something.
"Doctor!"
>He quickly stops and turns to you.
>"Hmm? What is it?"
"Where did you get all of your tools? I'd like to operate my business independent from your personal workspace."
>"Oh, I've picked them up from a few shops in town, but mostly I had to make trips to Manehattan. You can't get everything from the main street of a village, after all."
>Makes sense, you didn't think anyone here besides the general store even carried tools.
"Could I could get some addresses to the Manehattan shops? I'd really appreciate it."
>"Certainly! I'll have Derpy send a note to your shop first thing tomorrow. If that's everything, I'll be heading back now."
>And just like before, he left in the direction of his work.
>You spent a few more minutes cleaning up the stage and grounds nearby, then began to head back to the shop. After seeing how eager the crowd was to use your products, you will have to accommodate their demands quickly.
---
>You yawned, not the best night sleep.
>A combination of not yet being used to sleeping in your new apartment above the store, and impatience to begin sales after yesterday's show.
>Finishing breakfast, you got yourself cleaned up and dressed.
>Nothing fancy, just a solid color shirt, jeans, and a sturdy apron to go over them.
>You figured the general store/ smith look would be best, given the nature of your shop.
>Moving down the stairs, you flicked on the light switch. An incandescent glow fills the shopfront.
>You didn't have the tools to mass produce lightbulbs yet, but you figured your shop would have that extra "store of the future" kick with them.
>Pulling out your keys, you unlock the front door and flip the sign to "OPEN"
>You don't even make it behind the counter when 3 ponies come walking in.
>"Umm, this is the place that sells those automatic lamps, yes?"
>moving behind the counter and settling in, you smile at the mare.
"You would be correct, miss. I'll get some from the backroom now. Why not check some of the other items while you wait."
>"Oh, thank you."
>She turns to look at some of your more advanced products on the shelves.
>You move into the back of the store to get a box full of lanterns, taking your time.
>Your plan is to lead them into exploring other items while you retrieve their order.
>While they may be interested in the more advanced items, they will have to come at a premium for now. You will have them make orders for them, and you will make them on request. That's the plan until you can get your own tooling set up in the back room.
>Box retrieved, you head back to the counter in the front. While you were gone, two more ponies arrived and began looking around.
>First, you want to deal with the first customer request before moving on to help the others.
"Here's the lanterns, miss. How many would you like?"
>"Well, how much do they cost? I wouldn't want to spend too much just to have a fancy light."
"Each lamp is 15 Bits. The batteries cost 2 Bits each, or 10 for 15 bits. The batteries should last about a month worth of relighting the lantern."
>"I'll take two then, and a battery for each."
>You make the exchange and bag the items for her.
>As she walks out smiling, you look in your hands. 34 Bits are now yours, and at the cost of only about 20 in materials. You place them in the cash register and move toward the next customers.
>Looks like this business is going to succeed after all.
---
>A few hours have passed since opening, and business is finally slowing down.
>You managed to rack up a few thousand bits, with profits alone nearly reaching a thousand.
>Not bad at all for a first day.
>With the storefront currently empty of customers, you were organizing the shelves that had become a mess from the day's business.
>That would have to wait, however, as you heard the bell hanging from the entrance ring.
>You turn to the door to find that Purple Smart is paying you a visit.
"Well well, The Princess of Friendship herself. Didn't expect you to stop by my humble shop, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
>She was looking around the store and not directly at you.
>"Hello Anonymous, I see you've been... quite busy."
"That I have, opening a shop and producing items to sell is no small feat."
>"I can imagine, Pinkie spends quite a lot of her day working at Sugarcube Corner, and she doesn't even own it. How have you been these last few weeks?"
>Ah, there it is. She's here to check up on my friendship status.
>You were a loner by nature, something that Twilight always saw as a problem. Is it so wrong to just live and let live?
>She's been doing the checkups every few weeks since you settled down in Ponyville and often tried to push you to do out in public more.
"I've been well actually, the shop is keeping me fairly busy. I've made good friends with The Doctor since we last met, as well."
>"Doctor? You spent time at the hospital? What happened?"
"No, not that kind. The earth pony with the bow tie, seems to be somehow related to Derpy."
>"Oh, him."
>The tone in her voice didn't sound good.
"Is something wrong with being friends with him?"
>"No, no. He just has a habit of setting fire to his and his neighbors' houses every now and again."
"Ah, must be his experiments going wrong every now and again. He means well, but sometimes can be at bit lost in his work."
>"Is that what you're doing here? Selling his experiments?"
"Not quite. I used his tools to make these, as I don't have my own, but they're inventions of my homeworld. As you know, humans lack any sort of magic, even the kind that earth ponies possess to achieve their strength."
>"I can recall you telling me this, but that does that have to do with these inventions?"
"Well, humans are also weaker creatures than most you find in the wild, so we adapted. We invented tools to defend ourselves, and advanced our species far beyond what any other animal had achieved."
"We invented machines to light cities at night, structures stretching many hundreds of feet tall, flying machines to take us anywhere in the world in less than a day. As my people say, nessessity is the mother of invention."
>Twilight was just staring at you silently, mouth agape. You didn't think she would be THAT impressed.
>"...are you OK, Anon?"
"What do you mean?"
>She suddenly become interested in the floor.
>"Well, I don't see how any of that is possible without some kind of magic. I know lacking magic in this world might be stressful, but you don't have to lie to impress me. You're a good friend, with or without magic."
>Wait, what? She thought you were lying?
"I'm from an alien world, is it too hard to understand that we can have far more advanced technology? I can assure you I am telling the truth."
>"But even these inventions of yours, they must contain some sort of magic! How else could you contain the power of lightning?"
>So your little speech had reached her, had it? Let's give her some proof.
"Look, it's not ACTUALLY lightning, that was how I was explaining electricity to the crowd. If you want to see for yourself, I can give you something."
>walking behind the counter, you reach into a box and pull out a small battery.
"Here, this is the 'magic container' you claim I have. You can have it for free and experiment on it, but I assure you won't find a drop of magic in it."
>Placing the item into a bag and holding it out for her, she still has a skeptical expression.
>"Alright Anon, I'll take your little piece of 'technology'. But when I uncover what kind of magic is inside, I expect a full apology to everypony you lied to."
"I'll be waiting, Princess."
>You bend down into a deep bow as she trots out of the store in a huff. You can't wait to see the look on her face.
---
>The rest of the work day went off without any further accusations or major events.
>You elected to close the shop early because you has some errands of your own to run in town.
>Not yet ready to afford a trip to Manehattan, you head to Ponyville's General store to pick up what tools they did have. This was also a good opportunity to talk shop with another local business owner.
>Walking in, you get the attention of an older, gruff looking pony.
>"Well hello, not often I see somthin' that looks like you come in to mah establishment. What can I get 'cha?"
"I'm looking for some tools, things to work with glass and metal."
>"Anythin' specific?"
"Not really, I don't have much in the way of tools at all, I need whatever you have."
>"Starting fresh, eh? I'll see what I can do."
>He then disappears into the back room for quite a while. You take the opportunity to look around a bit. Nothing fancy, just looks like a stereotypical general store from an old western boomtown.
>Eventually, he returns with an invoice in hoof.
>"I don't have much, but I packed 'em into boxes around back."
>he paused for a moment
>"Say, aren't you that Anon fella who set up shop down the street? You made quite the hubbub yesterday."
"Heh, yeah. I wasn't getting any customers showing up, so I had a little demonstration in town. Turned out really well."
>"Glad ta see another entrepreneur in this town, too many o'these ponies ignore the shops and just trade amongst themselves."
>You and him have a quick laugh before you hand him a bag of bits to pay for your items.
>You then take a walk around to the back of the shop to pick up your tools. Waving to the old earth pony, you head back to your own business.
>It might be a good idea to make friends with the other shop owners in town, as well. You didn't want to look hostile to their livelihood, and perhaps you could all benefit from it.
>Back in the rear of your store, you assemble your new equipment. Some basic tools for blowing glass, some smithing tools and other small hand operated doodads.
>This should be enough to make your products for the near future, but you still need to establish a more reliable source of materials.
>Once that's out of the way, you can move on to more advanced items. But that's for another day.
>Tired from a long day of work, you move back upstairs to your apartment. One day at a time, your business will grow.
>Laying in bed, you nod off to sleep, another day of hard work ahead of you.
---
>Be Twilight Sparkle
>You just left his store, with the strange device he gave you.
>Why is he so defensive about using magical items? Is it some sort of inferiority complex?
>He's a very stubborn creature, the only way you can fix this is to catch him in his lie.
>Entering your castle, the guards at the front door nod to you. You finally got them to stop bowing and saluting to you, but they still wanted to acknowledge your presence in some way.
>Old habits die hard, you suppose.
>Moving into the "map room", you look around for your assistant.
"Spike? You around here?"
>Hearing hurried foot steps, your little friend comes scurrying into the room.
>"Hey, Twilight. Something going on? Did the map call you somewhere?"
"No, Spike, but I am working on a friendship problem of sorts."
>"'Of sorts?' What do you mean?"
"Remember Anon?"
>"How could I forget? A 6 foot tall hairless monkey appearing in your library isn't a common thing, even for us."
"Well, Anon has opened a shop in town, and he's selling magical items claiming they are doing their tasks without magic at all!"
>"That doesn't make sense. How would something magical work without magic?"
"Exactly, Spike. I think he's down on himself for not having any magic of his own, so he's making up this lie to look like he isn't reliant on magic."
>"Sooo, you don't like him lying?"
"Not just that. I think he is using the lie to hide from his emotions, rather than simple telling a friend his problems. That can't possibly be healthy."
>"Alright, I think I understand. But what can we do about it?"
"Anon made a mistake in his lie, he gave me this."
>You hold up the "battery" as he calls it.
"This is the power source for his inventions, it apparently is able to contain the power of lightning! He gave it to me with the intention of me not being able to find the magic inside, to 'prove' he isn't lying to me."
>"But you think you can uncover this hidden magic in this?"
"Precisely."
>"How does this help Anon's emotional problems again?"
"Simple. If I break his web of lies, he will finally have nothing to hide behind and tell me how he is really feeling."
>"This sounds kind of like he's not going to be happy about it, though."
"Sometimes you have to undergo hardship to better yourself, Spike. I'm just... giving him a push."
>"Alright, if that's your plan."
>Spike takes the opportunity to take the battery out of your hoof to inspect it himself.
>"So, what are you gonna do with this? And what do you need me to do?"
"I'm going to run a bunch of tests to see if I can detect the magic inside. If that doesn't work, I'll have to take it apart and continue from there. I need you to send food to the library for me, this might take a while. You will also help me by keeping me notified if anything odd happens involving Anon in town."
>Spike Raises a claw in salute
>"You got it, Twilight! You can count on me."
"Thanks, Spike. We can get started on that tomorrow. For now, lets go get some dinner. Anything you'd like?"
>"... you want to go out to get hayburgers again, don't you?"
"No! I-I was just trying to suggest..."
>His deadpan expression told you all you needed to know about what he was thinking.
"OK, yes. Do you mind?"
>He sighs.
>"Not at all, but you can't eat it all the time, you know."
"Yeah, yeah. Let's get some food!"
>You both step outside the castle, heading to the restaurant.
>That battery thing will be uncovered soon enough, but not on an empty stomach!
---
>Be Anon
>Another day, another dollar. Or Bit, whatever.
>Business settled into a decent and reliable pace in the few days since Princess Sparklebutt grilled you about your intentions.
>Whatever, she'll come around eventually.
>With the tools you picked up the other day, you can now make the lanterns yourself. You still need to buy supplies regularly from the General Store, but you will rectify that issue soon enough.
>Ponies have been returning to your store after buying the lamps, saying they're very happy with the purchase. Some of them are also coming to you with requests now, too.
>You've taken to repairing a few clocks and other mechanical items the ponies have managed to produce on their own, as well as hearing out their requests for new items to complete daily tasks they want simplified.
>It all keeps you happily busy, you enjoy working with your hands while improving their lives.
>The profit isn't a bad incentive either.
>Currently wiping the counter clean with a rag, you hear the all too familiar bell at the front of the shop ring.
>Looks like another friendship horse is here, this time Applejack.
"Well, hello Applejack! Haven't seen you in here before, need anything?"
>She looks sort of ashamed to be here. I guess a borderline workaholic would feel that way if she wants to buy something to make her life easier.
>"Umm, yeah... I heard you were taking requests to make automated stuff?"
"You heard right. Need something to speed up work at the farm?"
>"Kinda. You see, Big Mac broke one of his legs while pulling the apple cart to the train station to ship off to Canterlot. Dang Gophers dug a hole in the road and he tripped."
"Sorry to hear that, is he alright?"
>"He'll be fine in a few weeks, but it brought up a problem I hadn't thought of before. If Big Mac is ever unable to work, I need to take time out of apple bucking to move the cart into town. And on top of that, I don't have the raw strength he has to pull the plow in the fields."
"I think I see where this is going. You were wondering if there was a machine I could make to pull a cart as well as a plow."
>"Exactly. It would be a mighty big help. Any ideas in that brain of yours?"
>You got to thinking. What she's asking for is basically a tractor, but you don't have the tools to make an engine yet, and you have not idea how to get the oil processed into the fuel needed for it with your current supplies.
>Think, Anon. She needs to get the cart to the train station... Trains, that's it!
"I think I have a solution, but it will take a while to build. Also it's the first time I'm making this sort of thing, so it might be a bit... big."
>"That's fine, luckily it's a slow season for crops, so we don't need it right away. And don't you worry about the bits, us apples have a decent amount set aside in cases like these."
>So she thinks ahead, good on her.
"Alright, I'll be back to you in a few days with some plans and a price. I'm sure you'll love it!"
>"If all the hype from the ponies in town about a darn lamp is anything to go by, I'll take your word for it. See you around, Anon!"
>And off she goes.
>You have quite the task ahead of you, but you should be able to do it with minimal help. You just need to have a chat with the train's engineer...
---
>It wasn't your most advanced invention by far, but it certainly was the biggest.
>Lacking gasoline engines, and the energy density in your batteries to reliably move a tractor, you opted for adapting their existing tech.
>Sitting atop 4 massive iron wheels, a boiler sat, connected to a piston driving a heavy flywheel. The wheel engaged with a simple transmission, allowing the tractor to propel itself using nothing more than coal and water.
>You got a ton of experience building this, it will help a lot with future mechanical designs.
>Checking your watch, you realize it's time to warm up the boiler and get to delivering this beast.
---
>Be Applejack
>You just got back outside after checking the time. Where is he?
>Big Mac hobbles up to you, his leg should be fully healed in a week or two.
"I wonder what's taking him with this machine, you think something happened?"
>"Nope."
>Big Mac points to the road leading from town. Steam and smoke are rising from behind some buildings. It also sounded like the Train was passing by, but you didn't recall anything in the schedule saying it was stopping in town today.
>That's when IT came out from behind the buildings and turned down the road to the farm.
>Anon was riding this strange... Trackless train?... waving as he approached.
>As he arrived in front of the house, the sound was deafening. The hisses of steam filled your ears, and the machine came to a halt.
"Anon, what in tarnation did you build?!"
>"I have here, your new Tractor!"
"'Tractor'? Looks like a train mashed into a wagon!"
>"You're not far off, actually. I remembered an old invention my world had before more advanced transportation was made. Basically I took a scaled down train, and gave it a method to steer without rails. Not very fast, but it can pull about as much as a comparable locomotive can."
"Well now, this could be the saving grace for your legs, Big Mac!"
>Mac is looking at the engine in deep thought.
>"Hmmmmmm... eeeyup."
>Anon continued with his explanation.
>"I have a hook attached to the rear of the tractor, so you can hook your carts or plow up to it. Want to see a demonstration?"
"Why sure, we got a small patch of untilled soil on one of the fields to try it out."
---
>With the plow hooked up to the back of this 'Tractor', Anon goes over with Mac how to start and run it.
>"We're up to temperature, if you're ready, Applejack!"
"Go on, then. Let's see what your machine can do"
>The Flywheel begins to spin, and the tractor lurches forward, yanking the plow through the dirt.
>In only a few minutes, Big Mac plows the whole field without breaking a sweat! It would take at least a whole day for him to do it before.
>After they shut down the engine, you walk back up to them.
"Mac, you look like you enjoy your new toy."
>He nods happily.
>"Uh-huh, uh-huh!"
"Well Anon, I have to hand it to you. It's not everyday someone impresses Big Mac like this."
>He smiles as he hops off the machine.
>"Glad to be of service, it was pretty interesting making something this different, I admit."
"Well lets hope you keep impressing ponies like this. Your business is going places."
>"Coming from you, I take that as a great compliment! Well, I'm off to my shop, be sure to stop by next time you need something!"
>And with a wave, he began walking down the road to town. Looking back at the massive machine, you realize something.
"Uh, Mac?"
>"Eeyup?"
"We're going to need a bigger barn."
>"...Yup."
---
>Be Twilight
>You've spent weeks holed up in your study, trying to find out how the heck this darn thing works!
>You have to buy another one after the first one stopped working, Anon said it depletes its charge in about a month.
>Then another when you tried to take it apart. It was filled with acid! Why would acid be inside this thing, anyway?!
>Anon sure did a good job hiding wherever he keeps the magic in this thing.
>Suddenly the doors to the study burst open
>"Twilight! You would not BELIEVE what I just saw!"
"What's going on, Spike?"
>"It's Anon, he made this... this THING. He rode it out of his shop and towards Sweet Apple Acres!"
"What? What is this thing, a monster, a demon?"
>"No, it was some kind of... machine thing. I looked sort of like a train, but it was running on the streets!"
"I've never heard of a train running intentionally without rails before, are you sure?"
>"I think so... he made the thing turn somehow, too."
>Ok, there's no way he got a train to do that, he must be using that same magic he's abusing to make those products of his!
"Alright Spike, we have to go. Applejack could need our help!"
>You spread your wings as spike grabs on tight. You soar into the air and out the nearest window, heading toward the Apple residence.
---
>Be Anon, walking home after delivering the tractor.
>What's that flying overhead?
>You squint to try and focus on it, but to no avail.
>Whatever, bet it's some kind of purple bird. Equestria is weird.
---
>Be Applejack
>Until you get the new barn built, you'll have to store the tractor outside.
>while you honestly didn't expect it to be this large, it seems to more than make up for it with its power and endurance.
>Big Mac was inside the now much smaller looking barn, looking for a tarp to cover the machine.
>Suddenly, you hear a loud THUD from behind the tractor.
>"OUCH! What the heck is this thing made of?!"
>"I TOLD you it looked like a train. It's probably made of iron."
>Sounds like Twi and Spike. You run around to the other side of the machine to see if they're alright.
"You all ok? That was quite the hit, from the sound of it."
>Twilight was looking at her horn, apparently she ran head first into the tractor.
>"I think I'm fine, but what about you? What did anon do here with this... machine?"
"Oh this? I paid him to build our farm something to pull the carts and plow after Big Mac broke his leg. Calls it a 'Tractor'"
>"How do you even use this? it seems pretty unwieldy."
"I don't know much more than the basics, but it runs off of water and coal to make steam, like the trains. Big Mac knows more than me, Anon trained him how to use the thing."
>You stick your head into the barn, but he's nowhere to be seen. Might be hiding behind some hay, looking for that tarp.
"HEY MAC, TWI'S HERE. WANTS TO SEE THE TRACTOR RUN."
>A head pokes out of a bale of hay, with a tarp on top.
>"Eeyup."
"Alright, Big Mac is gonna get it started and show you what's what."
>Big Mac is already in the seat on the tractor, wearing a train Engineer's cap. He certainly is having fun with this.
>Once it heats up, Mac gets to work.
>After a few turns of some knobs and pulling a lever, the machine begins to move. That huge smile on his face in unforgettable, he's living one of his childhood dreams of operating a train.
>He spins a big wheel, and the chains connected to the front wheels pull them in the intended direction.
>After a few figure 8s, he drives it back next to the barn and turns it off.
"See Twilight? This thing is gonna save us a bunch of time here on the farm, not to mention Big Mac's back and hooves."
>Spike speaks up.
>"I guess nothing is wrong with this, maybe we should trust Anon more, Twilight."
>Twilight wouldn't hear it.
>"I still can't see how he's pulling off some of his inventions. Come on Spike, we have more work to do."
>Spike grabs on to twilight as she spreads her wings.
>"Don't use that thing, Applejack, it may work like a train, but who knows what magic Anon used to make it!"
"What? Well hold on a seco-"
>Aaaaand she's gone.
"What the heck was that all about? Any idea, Big Mac?"
>He just shrugs.
>"Nnope."
---
>Be Twilight.
>Flying back to the castle, you needed to find out Anon's secret more than ever.
>"What's the big deal? It looks like he's just making stuff with parts ponies already have."
"It's not just that, spike. We don't know what he's doing with his other inventions, so how can we trust a new one?"
>"If you say so..."
"Let's head back to my study, I think I have some new ideas for finding magic in that battery thing."
>He might be fooling everyone else, but not you. It wouldn't be the first time everyone thought you were wrong and yet saved the day in the end.
>If you can't figure this out soon, one of those things could backfire on their non-magic users!
>With a renewed drive, you head home to continue your work.
---
>Be Anon.
>You've made the decision. It's time to hire employees. You want to head into Manehattan to pick up more advanced tools and supplies, but without anypony to run the shop, you're stuck here. The Doctor can be a decent manager, but he doesn't have the flair for business.
>Next to the front door, you place a "HELP WANTED" sign in the shop window.
>Another day of work ahead of you, you hope to get at least a few applicants. Maybe some ponies will be drawn in by curiosity and want to work here to learn more.
>No matter the case, you need to go get those tools if you hope to expand the business beyond simple batteries and sparking mechanisms.
---
>About half the day has passed since opening, you've received a few resumes from ponies looking for work.
>Not many of them have technical experience, but you might have to settle for more of a business-oriented employee. You'd like to have at least two workers, both under the temporary supervision of the Doctor.
>Looking over the paperwork, you hear someone enter the shop.
>"Hi, I see you have an opening for an employee?"
>Interesting. You didn't expect a unicorn to show up here, let alone wanting employment.
"Ah, yes. I just need you to give me your resume, and to fill out this application."
>As she takes to the task, you look her over. Brownish-red mare with a metallic open wrench cutie mark. Let's see if this is as good as it sounds.
>She finished filling out the form quickly, partly because of her excitement, and partly due to her magic making writing easier than most ponies.
>"I really hope I can work here, thanks for your time!"
>She then ran off with a big smile on her face. Taking a look at her credentials, your smile matches hers. 'Silver Spanner', eh?
>One Down, one to go.
>You opt for a few younger applicants for the other spot, planning to offer them part time positions.
>You will have some letters for Derpy to deliver today, then hopefully some job training when they respond.
>The remaining applications are placed into a folder rather than the trash, you newer know when you might be looking for another hand.
>You didn't think you'd be taking down your help wanted sign so quickly, but your new potential employees seem more than capable to 'Man The Fort'
>Now that you think about it, you should inform the Doctor about this latest development as well.
---
>Be Derpy.
>Anon had you deliver some letters today, which is odd. All but one went to ponies that weren't the Doctor, and you didn't think Anon talked to anyone else.
>That said, all you had left to deliver was the mentioned letter to the Doctor. It's always fun to visit him, he always has such fun doodads.
>Landing in front of his front door, you knock. Doc quickly answers.
>"Oh, hello Derpy! To what occasion do I owe your visit?"
>you shove your head into your saddlebag, pulling out Anon's letter.
"Anon sent you a note, said it was important."
>"I think I have an idea of what the contents are. Would you like to come in? If I remember, you enjoyed my inventions last time you were here."
"CAN TOUCH THE ZAPPY BALL?"
>"*sigh* YES, you can touch the zappy ball."
>You flutter your wings in excitement as you walk in. You can see why Anon is friends with the Doctor, he's so fun!
---
>Be Anon.
>A few days had passed since you got replies from your new employees, and today was their first day of on-the-job training. Doc should be here soon as well, he will want to go over the finer points about managing the shop.
>Ah, here they are now.
>Four ponies entered your shop, ranging from mildly interested to ecstatic to be at their first day of work.
"Hey, ponies. Welcome to Mundane Marvels. I'm sure you know, but I'm Anon. I don't want to seem like a boss, so much as a co-worker you really don't want to disappoint."
>The two little ones snickered. Let's hope the two adults you leave here can keep them in line.
"Before we begin, I want to introduce you to your new fellow employees."
>Pointing at the Doctor, you continue.
"This is the Doctor, he will be your manager."
>The lanky colt spoke up.
>"Doctor 'who'? Aren't you the pony who burned down his own house?"
>The Doctor frowns, he doesn't really like questioning his name.
>"Well, yes. But I assure you, I haven't had a fire in months!"
"Ahem."
>Not helping your case, Doc. Moving on, you hold a hand out in the direction of Spanner.
"This is Silver Spanner. She will be working with the doctor in the back room, filling ponies orders. If her resume is anything to go by, you can all trust in her."
>She blushes, bringing a hoof to scratch the back of her head.
"And these two-"
>You point at the colts.
"-are Snips and Snails. They, under Doc's guidance, will operate the storefront."
>You turn to them.
"I trust you two can avoid breaking enough things to justify a paycheck?"
>"I dunno..."
>Snails bops him in the side of his head.
>"Doofus! We need this job to pay for our Hoofball gear to practice for tryouts, remember? We can't mess this up."
>Hoofball? These Two?
"Ah well, it's good to have goals."
>After the introductions, you get to showing your new employees the ropes.
---
>A few hours pass, and the work day is done. It seems they all took to their jobs pretty easily.
>Snips runs the register, and Snails cleans the shelves and keeps the inventory looking neat.
>Spanner picked up using the tools very quickly with the Doctor's help, and Doc himself was taught a few things about keeping employees under control, courtesy of Snips and Snails' antics.
>After you close up and they are all done cleaning, you send your employees home.
>Now that the store can 'run itself', you can finally use the stores profits to pay for the rather expensive trip to Manehattan to gather the specialty tools you've been wanting.
>Locking the door to the shop, you walk back upstairs and head to bed.
---
>Walking out of Grand Central Terminal, you take a deep breath.
>Yup, even the horse version of Manhattan smells like piss, only with hay smell add in.
>Making a mental note to never do that again, you take a look at your map. A few circles are crudely drawn over buildings, marking the shops the Doctor recommended.
>After comparing them to your current location, you choose your first stop: Precise Principles.
>Heading in that direction, you notice you're not gathering the stares you got when arriving at Ponyville. Guess they're as jaded as their human counterparts. You'll have to keep that in mind.
>A few blocks later you arrive at the building in question. Though part of a large building, the shop sat on the first floor, with a small window out front.
>It makes your business in Ponyville look huge, but you can guarantee this store makes far more in a day than a month for your shop.
>Moving inside, you see that this isn't quite what you had thought of the shop when you were heading here. Beakers, test tubes, books covered in some strange language.
>A blue unicorn walks over from the back room.
>"Well hello, uh... Sir."
"I'm Anonymous, a human."
>"Hue-mahn, you say? Interesting, never heard of them."
"I doubt you would, I'm not really of this world. Princess Twilight brought me here during a failed spell."
>"Fascinating... Oh, I almost forgot! You must be here to purchase something. What can the finest alchemist supplier in all of Manehattan do for a creature such as yourself?"
>Alchemy? Well I admit, the Doc has... creative sources.
"Actually, I am in the need tools. Do you have anything for cutting metals accurately, by chance?"
>He points at the doorway leading to the back room.
>"Hmmm, I think I have something for you. Come with me."
>Following him, you pass through the threshold. You see many ingredients stored on rows of shelves, along with more stock of items you saw out front.
>Continuing the walk to the location of these tools, the Unicorn turns his head to look back toward you.
>"I must say, I can't sense a drop of magic coming from you. Are your people passive users of magic, rather than storing your own energy?"
"Heh, not quite. Humans have never really possessed any magic. We have gotten by for many years with wit alone."
>You didn't want to explain the human world to him, lest he go all Twilight on you for daring to challenge his magical worldviews.
>"Interesting, your people must be quite intelligent to survive like that. Even the run of the mill Earth Pony possesses some limited magic potential."
>Why couldn't Twilight be this easy?
>"Ah, here we are. Would these machines be of use to you?"
>It's perfect, better than you thought you'd find here. A lathe and mill were sitting in the corner, and they look well made.
>"Now I have to warn you, I've only powered these machines using magic. You'll have to find a way to make them run some other way, but you seem like a smart one. What do you say, would you like them?"
"I'll take them both, but can I get them taken to the train station to be shipped? I'm bringing these back to Ponyville."
>"They are quite heavy, it will cost a few Bits more to have one of my staff move them for you."
>Holding out a rather large bag filled with Bits, you take one out and toss it to him.
"I'll be more than happy to."
>The stallion holds up the Bit, then looks at the bag. You could practically see the Bits in his eyes.
>"Splendid! Let's go back out front to fill out the invoice."
---
>Waving at the owner as you walked out you pull out your map again.
>With basic metal machining tools out of the way, you can move onto supplies. The Doctor circled a location he said was good for supplies, looks like the docks.
>After a rather long walk to the other end of town, you reached the shop. It was fairly small again, but this time you weren't so sure. It didn't look like this place would have the storage space to hold a decent amount of material.
>It wouldn't do any harm to check, though. Pushing the door open, you step inside.
>As it turns out, it is less of a shop and more of a small office with a desk at the front.
>Walking up to it, you are greeted by a chipper earth pony mare.
>"Well hello, sir! Welcome to Manehattan Depot. Are you looking to purchase bulk materials for your business?"
"Yes, exactly that. How did you figure that out?"
>"Everypony comes here for that! We only work in bulk orders, so almost all of our customers are store owners themselves. So, what would you like to request delivery of?"
>You take out a piece of paper, listing the different materials you need. She takes a quick look, then begins looking in a series of filing cabinets.
>After a few minutes, she returns to the desk.
>"I'm sorry, we only have some of these supplies in our local inventory. If you would like the rest though, our sister location in Hayboken can ship them to us, and we will pass them on to you."
"That sounds fine, how long will that take?"
>"An extra 2 weeks. Is that alright?"
>Two WEEKS? Looks like you'll have to make something to speed up shipping, too.
"I suppose I don't have a choice. Is there anything I need to sign for this?"
>"Yes, right here."
>She pulls out a clipboard with some forms.
>"Just write the quantity of each item you want as well as your address. Then sign at the bottom.">Waving at the owner as you walked out you pull out your map again.
>With basic metal machining tools out of the way, you can move onto supplies. The Doctor circled a location he said was good for supplies, looks like the docks.
>After a rather long walk to the other end of town, you reached the shop. It was fairly small again, but this time you weren't so sure. It didn't look like this place would have the storage space to hold a decent amount of material.
>It wouldn't do any harm to check, though. Pushing the door open, you step inside.
>As it turns out, it is less of a shop and more of a small office with a desk at the front.
>Walking up to it, you are greeted by a chipper earth pony mare.
>"Well hello, sir! Welcome to Manehattan Depot. Are you looking to purchase bulk materials for your business?"
"Yes, exactly that. How did you figure that out?"
>"Everypony comes here for that! We only work in bulk orders, so almost all of our customers are store owners themselves. So, what would you like to request delivery of?"
>You take out a piece of paper, listing the different materials you need. She takes a quick look, then begins looking in a series of filing cabinets.
>After a few minutes, she returns to the desk.
>"I'm sorry, we only have some of these supplies in our local inventory. If you would like the rest though, our sister location in Hayboken can ship them to us, and we will pass them on to you."
"That sounds fine, how long will that take?"
>"An extra 2 weeks. Is that alright?"
>Two WEEKS? Looks like you'll have to make something to speed up shipping, too.
"I suppose I don't have a choice. Is there anything I need to sign for this?"
>"Yes, right here."
>She pulls out a clipboard with some forms.
>"Just write the quantity of each item you want as well as your address. Then sign at the bottom."
---
>After finalizing the shipping details of your materials, you left the office.
>You honestly didn't expect to find everything within a few hours, so you decide to see the sites.
>You wonder how your shop is doing right now...