Drone Pony 7: Market Mayhem

You step out of Sugarcube Corner with a smile, waving back at the cheerful pink pony that quickly turns to the line of customers at her counter after giving you a heart-warming goodbye.

As the door swings shut, you stretch, rising onto your toes and putting your arms up above your head as you let out a soft grunt of satisfaction. A day out on the town was just what you needed to get feeling better after a couple nights of rough sleep. All the friendly ponies really go a long way to improve a sour mood.

Moving along to the town's market square, you take in the smell of fresh fruits mingling with the warm breeze that comes from the west. A delightful citrus and spice scent that makes you shiver slightly despite the heat.

"Hey there, mister!"

You turn as one of the mares running a fruit stand calls out to you happily. She waves her hoof invitingly, and you smile as you recognize Applejack.

"How're things?" she asks warmly when you meander over, "Haven't seen you in town for a few weeks it seems. Everything alright?"

You smile and assure her you're fine. Just been busy is all.

"I hear you got a....friend, living with you," she says matter-of-factly, picking up an apple and polishing it against her chest, "That true?"

A bolt of apprehension runs through you. So she knows about PQ-1. Who would've told her before you? Parcel? The pony PQ-1 chased off?
Questions running through your head, you smile and nod.

"Well, what's she like? How come you haven't introduced me to your little lady friend? Must be pretty serious if you're living together."

Applejack laughs as your jaw drops.

"Just teasin'! Couldn't help myself. Though if you really are...."

"It's not like that," you say, raising your hands defensively as your cheeks redden. At least, you think it's not like that. PQ-1's a robot, after all, so...

You're struggling to decide what to say when a soft set of words on the breeze catch your attention.

"Rifle! Danger close!"

Cursing under your breath you look up at the sky, before looking across the apple-pony's stand to look at Applejack apologetically.

"What's with that-"

Before she can finish the question, you're across the stand, knocking her off her hooves as you grab her in a protective embrace as she hollers at you in surprise.
There's a heavy thump on your back and a loud pop as the water balloon you expected breaks on you, dousing you in ice cold water and making you clench your teeth at the shock the sharp contrast causes in your body.
Letting AJ go, you pull yourself up to your knees as she puts her hat back on and stands up, whistling slowly at the sight of you half soaked.

"Now what in tarnation-"

"COMMANDER!"

A softly growing buzzing sound comes from above, accompanied by an ungraceful thump at your side as PQ-1 lands unceremoniously beside you, sending the stand rattling with the force of her landing and nearly scaring AJ out of her skin. No sooner has the drone landed than she's at your side, front hooves clinging to your arm pleadingly.

"Commander! I'm sorry, so sorry!" she turns to Applejack, voice frantic, "Medic! Please, help the Commander!"

You try to stifle a sneeze, but can't hold it back, giving a loud "Aachoo!" and sniffling while PQ-1 pleads with Applejack to get you a doctor. You sigh softly, which draws the attention of your drone, before raising your arm and patting her softly on the head.

"It's just water, PQ."

"But Commander!"

"I'll be fine."

She whirrs intently, showing the first signs of disobedience you've seen in her as she puffs her cheeks out indignantly, no doubt wanting to argue the point of your health more. Eventually, her programming or her respect for your wishes wins out, and she begins to quiet down as her expression normalizes.

"As you wish, Commander."

"Good," you say, rising to your feet again and stretching out a bit again, "Now then; Apologize to Applejack."

PQ-1 turns slowly with her head bowed to AJ.

"I apologize for trying to neutralize you. I thought you were making the Commander uncomfortable so...."

Applejack just blinks a few times, before looking from PQ-1 to you.

"So this is your lady friend?"

You shrug, "Something like that. She's the one living with me, if that's what you mean."

"Well. Wasn't expecting that," she says flatly, before looking at PQ-1 with a somewhat shocked looking grin, "Well then, uh, 'PQ', apology accepted. And a pleasure to meet you."

"Commander, is this pony part of the Chain of Command?"

"No, PQ, she's a friend. Please treat her as such."

"Greetings, Applejack, friend of the Commander. I shall cease any future attempts to neutralize you should I see you and the Commander together, unless safety parameters dictate otherwise."

Applejack laughs heartily as you sigh.

"I like her! She's got spirit!" AJ says happily, walking to stand beside PQ-1 and thumps her gently on the back, "Never known a pony like you before. Take good care of my friend here, you hear?"

"That is my primary directive, Applejack."

Applejack laughs and looks back at you with a sly grin.

"I'm sure it is! Believe me, he needs the help. Now then, how about you help me clean up the stand a bit while 'the Commander' goes and dries out his shirt. Unless he WANTS to tease some of the more naive mares in the marketplace."

"Hey!" you say, wringing the bottom of your shirt out a bit.

Applejack just laughs, when a subtle noise catches your attention and makes AJ stop.
PQ-1 laughs, mouth open and lips curled up into a smile, in a soft staccato of melodic laughter.