Utopia

	Terminal velocity used to be too slow for B – 17. But now that was the fastest he could go in any direction whether it be longitude, latitude, or altitude. For Most planes getting old meant retirement and eventually death, but for B – 17 it meant a lot more. Retirement is not a viable option for this stubborn individual. In fact Boeing considered retirement an early grave and death to be something much much worse. His worn propellers gave off a 'batabatabata' as Boeing ran through his morning routines. Before sunrise he was up every morning on the dot. 4 AM. Boeing would then exercise for approximately one hour before starting his civilian job. Mail pony. Before the Great War he was a to deliver all packages within the county before 10 AM. Now The old plane to accomplish his job for noon.

	Most of the townsfolk of Waterloo knew him before and after the massive conflict between continents. The exchange pleasantries with the plane whenever he dropped by, but deep down they worried. Boeing came back damaged. Ponies were not sure if it was mental but they knew for sure he was now physically impaired.

	"How are doing today Mrs. bolt?" His voice was gruff and form large. He stood approximately 5 1/2 feet tall, much larger than your common earth pony.

	"Oh, I'm doing fine. I take it you need me to sign for a package?" She asked, adjusting her sun hat. Boeing nodded and passed the clipboard to her which she then promptly signed and exchanged back for her package. This was the majority of B – 17s day, every day.

	Most days Boeing was too fatigued to do much of anything else after his packages were delivered. Today was one of those days. It seems there were not as many parcels to deliver. Boeing stretched his forelegs and gave the yawn. "Seems I'm done for the day. Might as well in a bank statement, see how much I've saved up."

	The flight to the bank was just as slow and exhausting this year expected. Once of the main entrance he had to shimmy his way through the narrow passageway. Narrow for him at least, Boeings wingspan was not something he could retract. Unlike Pegasus ponies. Once inside Boeing observed the customer service ponies typing away on specialized keyboards and wearing their ridiculous HUD's. Unicorn magic was one thing. Boeing had great respect for those able to manipulate the weave and fabric of time and space. Technology on the other hand, was the opposite in his mind. "Any idiot can overcomplicate a simple action. Just write the stupid transactions down." He grumbled.

	"Hello and good afternoon, identification please." The receptionist's voice was almost robotic sounding. Boeing could not even tell if the pony was looking at him through that visor she wore.

	"Can't you tell who I am? I'm in here every other week not to mention their are almost no planes here."

	She gave an irritated sigh "Your identification card has crucial information I required to access your account."  Though Boeing could not see her eyes, he assumed she had rolled them when addressing him.

	"Fine, here you go." Boeing retrieved his ID and place the card on the counter. The mare picked up the ID for a moment before putting it back down on the counter.

	"Excellent. What can we do for you today here at Unity Bank" Boeing absolutely despised the evenness of her voice. Absolutely monotone.

	"All I need is a savings summary." The receptionist typed a few things on a keyboard before the slip of paper was printed out and handed to Boeing.

	"Have a nice day Mr. Boeing." He withheld the grown and promptly left the building with his statement. Once outside he inspected the banknote closely.

	"3,337 bits. It's decent. A third of the way to a nice plot of land." Boeing's one and only dream was to settle down, have a family, and until one day he drops dead. But to do that he needed first have a house and a few acres. In the meantime he stayed in a small apartment in the center of town. He had been there long enough now that the ponies stared at him, despite him being social and physical abnormality.

	After placing his bank statement and a saddlebag strapped to his tail end, Boeing attempted to take off only to find out his wings were not working. His prop remain stationary. "Wait what?" After a few failed attempts he began to panic. A tightness in his chest made it hard for him to breathe. His face began to feel funny and his legs week. Before he knew it, Boeings vision was narrowing and getting darker. Soon he felt nothing and everything faded to black.

	The next thing Boeing knew, he was staring up at a hospital ceiling. The bed they placed him in was a wee bit too small. A White pony with a brown mane approached Boeing. The stallion held a clipboard "Try not to panic, can you tell me your name?"

	Boeing looked around the room in a state of confusion "Uh, Boeing sir. Am I in the hospital?"

	"Waterloo's to be more specific. You fainted and were unconscious for some time. Three hours to be specific. Can you tell me what happened?" The male prepared to take notes.

	"Well, I was on my way home the bank. I tried to take off but… I couldn't. I just, couldn't fly" Boeing's tone became lower as the realization set in.

	"The see. I assume you blacked out. Correct?" Boeing gave a nod. "I called over a specialist who did some x-rays while you were out. Your insurance completely covers it so no worrys." The doctor put his clipboard down. "The specialist and myself will be back once the results are in. Just try your best to relax." With that said the doctor left the room.

	At first he worried but then came to the grim realization that he may not be able to fly again. Boeing had been having issues with performance for some time he never thought would come to this. For the next two hours B – 17 was left to his own thoughts.

	After that time had passed return with the specialist in tow. A plane pony of course, helicopter to be more specific. "May I introduce EC 145--"

	The specialist cut in "Please, call me Airbus. That is your where I took some x-rays while you are sleeping. Going to be completely honest, they don't look promising. Three of your four engines are completely shot. Not to mention numerous other internal issues. I also took the liberty of inspecting your service record. Honorably discharged after injuries to relate to the x-rays I just took. Why did you never get this taken care of?"

	"I did not get myself fixed up because it was not that big of an issue…"

	Airbus's eyes narrowed "This level prop vibration over an extended amount of time is bad. This, coupled with the fall you took back in the war, has left you an ill state of disrepair. To be honest I think some of this is just not repairable. Have you contacted the VA about getting replacement parts?"

	Boeing could feel his stomach churn at this situation "I tried a few months ago. Turns out they don't make parts for me no more. So I just figured I let things be."

	"All this is not something you can just 'let be' Boeing. Whether you like it or not your parts are failing. I can recommend you to a transplant specialist. Your insurance should take care of most of the cost but the co-pay made the expensive--" Boeing cut in right there, sitting up quickly in the bad.

	"Not gonna happen, there's no way of getting any fancy tech. At stuff this is fancy candy wrappers and plastic. It just be a waste of money."

	Airbus's is tail rotor spun slightly in irritation. "It's not, that's not how it works. You're going to need new engines completely not to mention a few internal replacements. They will probably also need to run some circuitry through your body and install a microcontroller somewhere in the back of your neck." Boeing's eyes widened at the prospect.

	"Sorry Doc, I just ain't going to happen."

	"One sorry Boeing but there are many options left. Right now it would be a miracle if you are even able to lift off the ground. I'm sure you could glide fairly well, but flying is no longer an option for you. Your body will no longer work like that."

	Boeing quickly jumped out of bed and took an aggressive stance, glaring Airbus down "just what are you telling me Doc, he said I can't fly anymore!?"

	Airbus took a step back "What I am saying is your body will not fly anymore. It's too damaged. Im sorry Boeing but, your grounded." Words hit this  B – 17 like a ton of bricks.  his whole world spun around him in a dizzying flurry. Before Boeing knew it is back in the hospital bed once again. From the look on Dr. cross' face, the earth pony who had tended to his person earlier, Airbus was long gone.

	"Well could've gone better." The pony stated "Airbus left you that recommendation. If I were you I would just go get a consultation and see where that leads you. After all doing nothing is what got you in this situation." Dr. cross close the distance between the two ponies and offered him the written note. Apprehensively, Boeing took note and inspected it. "As you can see you have a large distance to cover. As you can see the office he wanted you to go to is located in trottingham. I recommend the train."

	Boeing couldn't figure out what idea sickened him more. The idea of having scientists mutilate and tinker with his perfectly good body. Where the idea of never being able to fly again. The same idea that involves him quitting his job. Which would ultimately bankrupt him and kill his dream. Letting out a sigh B – 14 solemnly responded "Yeah, I guess. Looks like not to take the next couple of days off?"

	Dr. cross gave Boeing a soft smile "I'm sure Waterloo can handle a temporary mail pony."

	The next few days were troubling to say the least. Boeing found out the train ride take approximately 6 to 7 hours meaning he would have to reserve a hotel somewhere in trotting him near the research and development facility. The time it would take greatly irritated the stallion considering he could have easily flown there in a couple hours. After packing his saddle bag full of his necessaries, Boeing set out for the train. Something he never thought he would ever do the entirety of his life. The loading dock for the magnetized train was just as depressing as he imagined. Not only were there no planes but there was not a Pegasus in sight. Not to mention all the fools and fillies in the area would constantly stare at him, it became such an issue that parents had to intervene. "This is officially the start of the worst week in my entire life..." He grumbled. On the bright side Boeing was too large for normal coach seats so they upgraded his ticket to the first-class area at the front of the train. From the ponies he observed, Boeing deduced that the unicorns and Earth ponies that surrounded him in first class for mostly state officials going to Trottingham for business.

	When he made it to Trottingham, Boeing made his way towards the small hotel he had made a reservation at. As the plane trotted his way down the street after street he would occasionally see a Pegasus Raven another plane fly overhead. This only served to sink him into a deeper state of depression. Once at his hotel, Boeing made a beeline for the reception's desk. All that walking after the train ride was killing his hooves. Something he was not use to it all. Once at the desk he discovered the mare who was working had an 'oh so lovely' visor covering her face. "Identification please." That statement alone caused Boeings eyes twitch slightly. Shortly after complying he received his room and made his way to the cubicle like area. This did not bother him much, Boeing was more concerned about saving his money. Once he set an alarm and sprawled out on the bed did not take long for him to drift off to sleep. Morning came faster than he would've liked. His legs and who still ached from all the walking he did the day before, he did not envy anyone who shared this feeling.

	Once fully awake, Boeing gathered up his personal effects and set off for the research and development institution. "Fancy name for hospital, probably run by a bunch a heads make money off over complicating things" he thought to himself.

	After a long trot through Trottingham, Boeing reached the Institute for research and development. A toll class building it was at least 20 stories tall. I looked like more of a corporation than any sort of hospital he seen. This only furthered his apprehension with the whole subject. The B – 17 took in the building for some time. From what he seen, not many ponies entered or exited the building at all. This was strange to him. Boeing played with the idea of just going back home, losing his job, becoming a homeless plane and eventually dying of sickness or bodily failure.

	Throwing caution to the wind he put his stubborn nature to the side and entered the rotating glass doors. The entrance was in fact a hallway that led to an open waiting room. The walk through the hall was the strangest thing Boeing had ever experienced. He could've sworn the hall was pulsating like a heartbeat. At first he was pleased to see the receptionist didn't have one of those ridiculous HUD displays covering her face. She is a tan mare with blue eyes and a brown mane. "How can we help you today sir?"

	She gave the mare a smile and responded promptly "Yes, hello. I was recommended to come here by a medical specialist I have this note right here." He took the slip of paper out from his backpack and set it down on the counter.

	"Ah, you must be Mr. Boeing. EC 145 called in shortly after seeing you. If you would please have a seat we will be with you shortly." Boeing thanked the mare and had a seat in one of the many vacant chairs. After about 10 minutes of looking around he noticed thin wires dangling from the ceiling above the receptionist. After taking a closer look he noticed that they were in fact leading into the back of her head like some sort of hook up. At this moment he considered leaving. As he stood up to a call to him. "The specialist will see you now. "

	"If you would please follow me show you Dr. Maschine's office." The mare rose from her desk and ushered Boeing to follow. Once he began moving in her general direction, the wires attached to the back of her skull seamlessly detached themselves. He moved in front of Boeing and began to lead him.

The stallions curiosity got the best of him rather quickly as he followed the mare. "So thats wierd."

	"yes, the architecture can be disorientating." The mare said, motioning to the large and don't like room they had been in the past 10 minutes. Boeing could not help but notice the seductive sway this particular earth pony had when she walked.

	"Not that, I mean the wires that were just plugged into your head. That's not a normal thing right?" The mare gave a chuckle as the two passed through a doorway to the right of her sleek desk.

	"Oh yeah, forget they are there sometimes. It's a prototype so I guess it may be a little weird." Two of them made small talk this the receptionist led Boeing through hall after, then up an elevator, then through one more hall until they reached a large double door. "Dr. Maschine is right through those doors. Good luck and hopefully we see more of each other soon." With that said the receptionist took her leave and Boeing turned towards the two massive black doors.

	Once inside Boeing found a single chair that faced out the window planted near the center of this small room. It was vacant. The rest of the room was full of miniature waterfalls and all sorts of other floral life. It was strange to see such a thing considering the window did not the setting or rising of the sun. "Go ahead and have a seat." The voice came from an intercom that Boeing cannot pinpoint. So naturally he took a seat.

	Once seated, the room began to dim. This included the once transparent window. Soon the room was dark enough that Boeing couldn't see his own hoof in front his face. Face appeared in the once see-through window as if it were some TV now, it startled the stallion a bit. "Hello and welcome to mine office. This is Dr. Maschine speaking. I apologize for not being there in person. I'm currently in saddle Arabia requiring some technical documents. I have received and reviewed EC 145's report. It seems as if you would be a perfect fit for this program if you so wish it. I'm sure you have questions so feel free to ask." Dr. Maschine's coat was a light brown his made a fading gray. He wore an eye patch over his left eye.

	Boeing shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He didn't like how softly the doctor smiled. "Well, was under the impression that I was coming to see a doctor. A more traditional doctor, that is."

	Surprisingly, Dr. Maschine did not take any sort of offense. "Yes, traditional doctors treat clients. I cure patients by removing imperfections and replacing them."

	"So how much of me to plan on replacing?"

	Dr. Maschine, scoffed a bit. "The pieces of you that have stopped working are no longer part of your greater self. If you to put pressure on a hoof and it refuses to hold your weight, it is no longer helping the organism. When a tool breaks it must be replaced."

	'Well that sounds accurate' Boeing thought to himself. "So let's assume I go through with this. How much is it going to cost me and how long is it going to take for me to recover?"

	"Your insurance will cover 90% of all costs. So we are looking at a leftover of 4000 bits. We can set up a payment plan for that. No need to ruin your savings all in one year." Boeing was relieved to hear about payment plans and his face showed it. "As for completion and recovery time, that is up to you. For my estimates we will need at least three surgeries to fix every issue with a minimum recovery time of two weeks after the first. Then if you feel up to it we can start the second surgery. The third is going to be the most invasive considering the engine issues but we will come to bridge later. Any more questions?"

	Boeing let out a sigh "Yes, when can we start?"

	The doctor clopped his hoof together. "Excellent. I will be on the next flight to Trottingham so expect me tomorrow night. That's when we can meet and sign some papers. In the meantime the upper level of this facility is dedicated to patients undergoing surgery. If you wish it so we can have the room ready for you within the hour. You will be staying there during the operations so that we may observe you and intervene any issues or complications occur."

	Though Boeing was scared, he was dedicated. These ponies seem to know what they were doing it without them he was dead anyways. "I have what few things I need, I'm ready for the room whenever"

	Dr. Maschine smiled. "That I will see you tomorrow night. Ms. Spell, the receptionist, be up momentarily to show you where you will be staying. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised that what facility has to offer. Until we meet, this is good day." As Dr. Maschine's face vanished the room lit back up.

	It took Boeing a few minutes to recompose himself after his conversation with Dr. Maschine. Despite his slight disfigurement, Boeing found the good doctor quite charismatic. "Welp, no going back now. Or at least no going back once I sign my life away tomorrow night." The B – 14 rose from the chair and proceeded out large twin doors. Eagerly awaiting outside the door was a smiling, tan coated mare, Ms. Spell.

	"I'm glad to see that you decided on staying. I will show you upstairs were a room is located." Hesitantly the stallion followed. It was just a short walk to the elevator he had used to arrive his current floor. Boeing notice that she pushed a button the red for 21. He found this rather interesting.

	Once at the top floor the door open to a very white area. The architecture reminded him of something he would find near the beach, they even had small palm trees growing out of planter pots as well as a lot of open ceiling and a small pool. It seems as if this home away from home was actually the secret vacation spot located on top of the research building. It was a very strange thing. Taking a look around he noticed there were not very many ponies and all other than one sunbathing in the chair and another that looked identical to the receptionist that had let him to the roof. In fact the two were now staring at him that's when Boeing realized he had been awkwardly staring at them. "Apologies, everything is just so new to me here."

The other mare, still tan with a brown mane but green eyes, chuckled a bit. "It is no problem. I am Spell's twin sister Hex. I will be your nurse in the weeks to come!" She stated with glee. "Have a quick look around and I will be with you shortly."

Boeing wandered about the area for some time. The patient area was basically a massive rectangle. An L-shaped structure hugged the corner of the roof. Doors lined that structure and were evenly spaced. He counted seven rooms. Boeing assumed that was where he was he saying. Well him, and the other pony he avoided like the plague. It caught a few glimpses of the sunbathing pony while wandering the premises and discovered it was in fact another plane. A F – 22 to be more precise. Those wide wings were the telltale sign. "There is no way I'm going to explain to him or her why I can't fly. They would probably make fun of my props anyways."

"Boeing!" Hex shouted while simultaneously putting a hoof on Boeings blank. This caused him to jump. "Looks like your reflexes are fine." She giggled.

Boeing turned quickly to face the mayor and gave his best effort not to blush. "Well I can see this is going to be an interesting few months."

"You can say that again!" She attempted to Boop Boeing on the nose but he skillfully evaded the hoof. "Awh, no fun. Anyways you'll be staying in room three for the time being. I noticed you avoiding the other pony. I suggest you make friends otherwise it's going to be a very lonely stay. Besides she is a really nice."

Boeing raised an eyebrow. "We will see. Do I need a room key?"

Hex gave a smile. "Nope! It's unlocked for the most part. You can lock it from the inside if it makes you feel more comfortable. If you ever lock yourself out come and find me, I get you in a jiffy. Before I read your file I can nosy Nancy, what you in here for?"

Boeing gave a sigh. "I can't fly. I just can't. Engine issues or some nonsense like that. In all honesty I just feel a bit tired. That's all." He was tempted to ask her about her facial scar but he decided that was a talk for another day.

"Well I'll just leave you to get acquainted with your future plane friend. There are other patients as well but there currently in recovery and should not be walking around this point in time. Also! Before I forget there is a food card inside your room. He fill it out at the end of each day and I come collect it before 9 PM. That will determine what meals you will be served during the next day. Super important you don't forget. Otherwise you might not get what you want."

"Yes, super important." He said in a flat tone.

"I mean it! You really don't want to miss out on the apple pie. Now go! Shoo!" Hex waved her roof back and forth in front of Boeing's face and made a buzzing noise before quickly turning trotting back towards the elevator.

"What a strange mare..." He muttered. Boeing remain stationary for some time debating whether or not he should take her advice and talk to the plane or retreat to his room for the night.

"Well you're awkward." I feminine voice stated from the folded out lawnchair.

"I-i'm just out of my element. That's all." Boeing retorted.

"Will come over here and let me get a look at ya. Or are you going to make me get up?" Her tone was slightly demanding. Boeing was inclined to follow directions considering all bets were off at this point. His incognito disguise was completely blown. Quickly, he shuffled over to her proximity. The mare remained on her belly but turned her head to look at him. Boeing could see an eyebrow raise from behind her shades. "While you're a lot older than you look."

"uh, thanks?" Boeing said, shifting uncomfortably.

"It wasn't a compliment but you're welcome." The mare rested her head back down. "So what are you in here for?" Boeing flinched at the question.

"Well..." He stalled

"Well what? Spit it out."

"I can't fly anymore. The combination of internal and external issues." He looked down in shame.

"Interesting. You prop models tend to lose your ability to fly in later years."

"Well, what are you here for? Your wings and engines look just fine." He stated defensively.

"My legs were blown off. All four of them right at the ankles and elbows. Munitions malfunction. I accepted my disfigured and lonely life. Then Cyberdyne contacted me and gave me these integrated prosthetics." She stretched a fore hoof out. Other than the slight scarring that he now noticed near her knee, he would've never noticed. "I would've been released by now with these fancy new limbs but I've developed an oxygen issue. More specifically my cells aren't transporting oxygen as efficiently as they use to." Her story in general made Boeing feel like shit in comparison. He was thoroughly impressed at the prosthetics though. It looked as if she had full range of movement.

"Well shoot, sounds like you had a pretty rough."

"Life is as rough as you make it grandpa. Like I said I was fine. I accepted who I was. I also wasn't stuck in this damn facility." She said with spite.

"While I think I'm gonna head off to bed now. I'm sure I'll see you around. The name is Boeing." He said with a extended foreleg, expecting a hoofshake. The mare just sighed.

"I don't have any issues with my hearing. You may go now." A bit baffled, Boeing left the mare to her own devices. In this case sunbathing. "The name is Raptor FYI." As Boeing entered his room a thought occurred. If Raptor heard hex and himself talking. Why did she make him talk about his issues again? Was she attempting to get a rise?

	Boeing's room was modest to say the least. The room had a small closet we could store any personal belongings. The flat rectangular bed with a matching pillow, firm. A nightstand. In the door that led to a small bathroom and shower. To normal pony this would be average. For Boeings large form, everything was a bit smaller. "Why yes I can't complain. At least the bed is decent." After taking a picture frame out of the saddlebag and place it on the nightstand, Boeing Place the rest of his personal effects in the closet sprawled out on the bed. "Actually, this bed is pretty comfy." He glanced out the window that was adjacent to the bed. It looks like there's still a few hours of daylight left.

	Next thing he knew, Boeing was startled awake by someone pounding on the door with both of their hooves in a loud and repetitive manner. "Open uuuuuuup~" Boeing dashed  from the bed and quickly open the door, heart racing. "I'm here to collect your food card." Hex said with a smile. "You do have the right?"

	Rubbing the sleep from his eyes Boeing respond. "I don't think I ever received a food card." Before he could say another word hex had slipped by him and made her way to the nightstand. "Sure come right in hex, thanks for asking." Opening the nightstand hex revealed the stack of food cards and even a pen with which to write with.

	"I see you did not take the time to look around. Were you sleeping?" Hex quickly stepped into Boeing's personal space and began inspecting his face for any signs of bed wrinkles. "It's always hard to tell with you planes. You don't have any manes so bed head is not really an occurrence." Boeing attempted to back up a for each step he took back hex took another one forward. Wasn't long before he was backed into a wall, the mare's face inches away from his own.

	"Y-yes I was sleeping! Geez women!"

	Hex gave a smile and nod "I knew it! Quit napping and fill out that food card, or you get nothing but nasty spinach all day tomorrow."

He really did not mind spinach, Boeing followed her directions. Quickly he filled in bubble after bubble. “There, happy now?” After a quick inspection Hex gave a smile and a nod.

“Acceptable tastes. Well i’ll get this down to the Cooks.” She said with a wink. This made Boeing uncomfortable. “Well I’ll see you in the morning~” With that said she left, not closing the door behind her. This irritated Boeing. He was not sure if he liked this Nurse. Before long, Boeing found himself in bed once again, drifting off to dreamland. Morning came too early for Boeing, yet again. He awoke to a familiar pounding on his door.

“Oh god why...” He moaned. Shaking the grogginess from his mind, Boeing guessed it was hex. He was half right. Hex AND Spell stood in his doorway. Hex with breakfast and Spell with some paper work.

“Good morning!” The said in unison, rather loudly.

“Here is your soup and sandwich!” Hex said barging in. She set the meal down on his nightstand, knocking his framed photo over, before promptly leaving.

“You will need to excuse my sister. She tends to be busy most of the time. I don’t think she can stand being still to be honest. I have some papers you should look over. That way when the Dr. gets here you will have any and all questions prepared.”

	"Actually… I have a question for you." Boeing said, shifting in place.

	"Oh yeah? And what might that be?" She inquired, placing the minor stack of documents on Boeing's provisional bed. Spell then took a seat on that very same bed.

	"How did your sister get that scar on her forehead?"

	Boeing seen a flicker in spell's eyes for the mare quickl rose to her hooves. "Well, that's a question you will have to ask her yourself. I need to get back down to the office so I will see you later big guy. You should probably go hang around the pool and make some friends. Dr. Maschine won't be here before 6 PM. And even you can't sleep all day." Boeing felt inclined to disagree with that sleeping comment but she wasn't entirely wrong about the 'making friends to kill time' suggestion.

	"That's not a bad idea. Right after I finish my breakfast and read through these papers, I'll get right on that." He said giving her a nod. With all that said and done the mare gave him a smile and left the room with her trademarked flank sway. It is and that Boeing noticed scarring on both sides of her up near the shoulders. He made a mental note to ask about that later. Boeing moved over to the now downcast picture frame and started back up. It was of him and a smaller B – 17. The next few hours of Boeing's time was intensely focused on reading through all the legal and technical documents spell had left for him. He also greatly enjoyed the sandwich and soup hex had left for him as well.

	Boeing didn't quite understand all of the documents but he filled out and signed the sections that required him to. Personal information such as address, mother, father, purse number, etc. By the time Boeing had finished it was already 11 AM. "Well, I guess it is time to mingle with the other patients." He mumbled to himself.

	Once outside Boeing took a look around the massive area. Now that he was more awake and not in any sort of rush he would be able to fully explore this strange building. Or at least the roof. Before he made it 10 steps out of his door he heard a very familiar voice call his name. "Oye, Boeing start being a creep and come meet the others." It was that one jet. The F – 22. Looks like she had some company. A dark gray, almost black, Pegasus the light gray mane and a plane. A model he was unfamiliar with but it was definitely a newer generation of drone. The F – 22 and Pegasus both lay in separate chairs, soaking up the sun. The drone however stood underneath the patio umbrella.

	After a short trot, Boeing greeted them with a smile. "Hello there, as you know my name is Boeing. What's yours?" The F – 22 flat out ignored the question and Boeing could not tell if the drone was even paying attention. The majority of his face was a single plate and all we could see was the mouth.

	The Pegasus however eagerly responded. "The name is Riptide Brah. "Totally awesome to meet you dude." Riptide rushed over to Boeing and enthusiastically shook his who. Boeing dreaded every second of this experience and regretted not going back to sleep. "So this radical lady over here told us that you can't fly anymore, that's a real bummer." He said motioning over to the rather smug looking jet. Boeing shot her a glare even though she wasn't looking. "I was struck by lightning some time ago but now I'm developing some, something-or-another-disorder. I forgot what it's called but basically I can't drink water or do other stuff unless I am a really high. And I mean really high man."

	“That’s, uh, good to hear?” Boeing choked out.

	"Righteous wingspan, man." Pegasus stated. Is clear to Boeing that he had already taken his 'medication'  for the morning. He glanced over to the drone who was statuesque.

	"Yeah, thanks." Boeing motioned to the drone. "Hey, is this all right?"

	"Yeah he's a cool guy." Riptide stated, going back to his lawnchair. Boeing gave the Pegasus a flat look.

	"No, I mean is he feeling all right. He doesn't seem to be moving much. Or talking."

	Riptide stared at the sky with a vacant look in his eyes for some time before responding. "That he's fine."

	The F-22 was becoming increasingly annoyed. A telltale sign, her compressing brow, was showing despite her attempts to ignore the two. She had regretted even calling Boeing over. Her attempt to annoy have had reversed and now she was the one being annoyed. "He's obviously a mute, you idiots. Now can you please be quiet!" The F-22 said with a growl.

	"If I remember correctly you are the one who called me over, Missy" Boeing said with a slight attitude.

	The F-22's nostrils flared in agitation. "You really are starting to get to me Gramps. I tell you buzz off but, that I remembered he can't fly." She scoffed.

	Defensively, and slightly hurt by the comment, Boeing retorted without hesitation. "Yeah, and I'd tell you to take a walk but I guess that only works when you have your fancy crutches on." Before he could realize what he said, the F-22's eyes shot open. Her pupils were like pinpricks. That's when it hit him. What he said.

	"Well played…" The mare mumbled under her breath. In slow but jolting movements, the F-22 made her way to room number two where she slammed the door behind her. At this moment Boeing felt like a complete dick. He knew he would be paying for this for some time. Cleansing over to the two spectators he looked for any sort of reaction to his response. Riptide was belly up, still amazed at the skies basic movements. The drone on the other side seemed to be a statuesque observer.

	"Well, it was nice meeting you too but I think I have had enough excitement for today." Boeing said with a slightly sarcastic tone. "I think I'll just-" before he had time to finish his sentence hex came dashing towards them with the food card, piping hot steam bellowing from the top.

	"All right, for riptide we have three hay burgers and a hay shake." She said, setting up a small table next to him before laying out the miniature feast. The stallion drooled in anticipation.

	"Tubular man." Boeing assumed that that was riptide's way of thinking hex for the food. She then promptly served the silent drone. She laid out yet another small, fold up, table before setting two large drinks down. The liquid was thick but also came with a long swizzle straw. He gave a small nod in her general direction. This marks the first time he actually seen the little guy acknowledging another pony. Hex the set out one last table, for Boeing, before laying down his food. A large bowl of vegetable stew with a hay shake.

	"Soup again, hu?" Boeing asked.

	"I told you. Fill out your food card seriously or else you may not get what you want. And when you're stuck in here for as long as some of these other ponies, the only thing you have to look forward to is a change in culinary taste." Hex said rather matter-of-factly. "Also, spell told me that you had a question you wanted to ask." Boeing froze. "Give me about 30 minutes and I will have some time to chat, all right?" Boeing gave stiff nod and with that the mare set off. Boeing was stuck between a rock and a hard place. At this rate he would probably be shunned by staff and patients alike before the doctor even arrived. Six more hours until Dr. Maschine arrived. Boeing wondered if he could possibly get his own private quarters away from else. Then again Boeing would still have to talk to hex whenever she stopped by to give him food. Boeing took a small bite of his food and was pleasantly surprised.

	"Well, at least the food isn't half bad. I will have to put some actual effort into the food card." As Boeing ate with the others, he wondered if the drone was actually a mute. Perhaps the drone just desired to be left alone while being in the company of others.


	First one to finish his meal was riptide. He was done and only a few short minutes. Let the others know with a loud belch. "Oh man, now that hit the spot." The drone didn't pay much attention but Boeing was slightly irritated at the stallion's lack of manners.

	"You do realize we are still eating, right?" Boeing said in annoyance.

	"I know." Riptide said, lounging back in his chair. "If you have anything left over let me know. I'll take care of it." He said with a hint of pride. The next hour went by with nothing eventful happening. Boeing had even located another lawnchair and set it up next to the drone. The B-17 had almost fall asleep when a very familiar voice beckoned him back from dreamland.

	"Boeing wake up!" Hex stated, poking his cheek with her hoof. "I am on lunch so, spit it out." Rubbed the sleep from his eyes and looked up to the mare that was looming over. First thing he noticed was that scar center way through her forehead. That's when he realized what was going on. Quickly, Boeing looked around only to see hex, the drone, and himself. He figured he might as well just ask.

	Boeing cleared his throat with a bit of apprehension. "Ahem, yes. I was curious about how you got that scar." He tried his best to remain confident despite the slightly offensive question.

	Hex rolled her eyes and gave a huff.  "Of course you would want to know. Everyone wants to know how I got THAT. Not my favorite color. Not my favorite movie. Nor my favorite food. But I guess that's why were all here right?" Hex gave a sigh. "It was stupid. I was in a really bad cart accident. I was relatively fine until my magic stopped working." Boeing's ears perked up as he gained more and more interest in the story. "Turns out I had a hairline fracture in my horn that had got infected. At first I thought it was just residual pain from the asked and but it turns out I had osteomyelitis in my horn. So to prevent the infection from spreading to my skull they removed the entire thing..."

	Hex looked up at where her horn would've been and gave her scar a light rub with the back of her hoof. "Sometimes I still feel it, my horn. It's a strange burning sensation. I thought about getting a prosthetic but it would be pointless."

	"Why would it be pointless?" Boeing inquired.

	"Well I would still have the same magical inabilities. When it comes to magic, there is no replacement. I'll let you get back to your nap. I'll be sure to come and get you once the doctor arrives." The story saddened Boeing a bit. Hex gave the B-17 a pat on his smooth head for trotting off. Something he found odd. Laying his head back down Boeing close his eyes and drifted off to dreamland.

	Much to his surprise Boeing was jostled awake by a slightly irritated hex. "I have no idea how you can sleep so much. It's almost 6. Get ready to see the doctor and to read a a LOT of paperwork." In an attempt to shake the drowsiness from his head, Boeing leapt to his four hooves. The abrupt action almost knocked hex over. She was forced to take a few steps back. "Sweet Celestia, if I knew you were going to be such a spaz I would've spritzed you with a water bottle. At least I would have a bit of distance than." Hex was correct though, the time was nearing 6 o'clock. Boeing could tell from his internal clock, more like him observing the sun.

	"Sorry, not used to all of this interaction. I mostly like to keep to myself." Boeing admitted, rubbing the back of his smooth head with a hoof.

	"Yes, yes. That's all well and good but we need to get going ASAP. After all the doctor did fly all this way just to get you enrolled. The least you could do is be there on time." Before Boeing knew it hex was shoving him in the direction of the elevator hub.

	"Don't I need to bring anything?" Boeing said in protest.

	"First off, you don't have anything to bring. Second, you don't need to bring anything other than yourself. And last but not least, thank goodness you don't have to bring anything because I know he would forget." Hex complained as she shoved the struggling plane into the elevator.

	Boeing gave the mare flat look as Hex mashed one of the buttons furiously. "You don't have a very high opinion of me do you?"

	The mare shook her head lightly. "I tend to not have high opinions of anyone unless they have done something to deserve it. Should I have a high opinion of you?"

	Boeing gave a shrug as the elevator stopped. "I guess not. I'm nothing special." He said nonchalantly. His attempt at modesty.

	"You're really not." Hex said with a flat tone before giving the stallion a shove out the opening doors. His wings nearly missing the sides of the narrow entrance. "I don't know why you planes always insist on having your wings on full display. I know you can all fold them up to some degree."

	Boeing scoffed at the heresy. "Yeah, okay. That's like asking a Pegasus to walk around with their wings fully extended all day long. Or better yet! This like asking a unicorn to invert their horn." The stallion cringed a bit and glanced back at hex.

	The mare rolled her eyes before giving him another push forward through yet another hallway. "I'm not even a unicorn anymore you idiot. Don't get me wrong, I'm not offended that you attempted to relate me to the situation. I'm offended that you think of me as unicorn. I'm not. I got over that a long time ago." The mare picked up her pace, taking the lead. Boeing followed. "Maybe you should be a big boy and get over it as well." Hex said with a hint of sarcasm.

	"Well, maybe I will!" Boeing responded, slightly panicked.

	Hex just gave a sigh. "Riiight. Just try not to forget how to sign your own name." Before Boeing had a chance to respond the two came to an abrupt stop at an average looking door. The mare quickly open the door, crammed Boeing through the doorway with no regard for his outstretched wings, then closed the door behind him. Boeing was met with an even plainer room. Small and white walled, there was a rectangular desk center room. The chair located in the center of that. Dr. Maschine sat with folded forearms. That's why the table was a literal stack of paper. At least half a meter high.

	The doctor gave a smile. "Hello there. Nice to finally meet you face-to-face. Have a seat." As the doctor said that the floor opened up and gave way to a sheet white seat that was perfect for a plane with a tail.

	"Ah, about time. It's so hard to find a place with decent seating." Boeing said while trotting over to the chair. He then firmly planted his hindquarters in said chair.

	Dr. Maschine took the top page from the stack and placed it in front of Boeing. "Let us get this paperwork out of the way first. Please read and then sign." Boeing began to scan the page with his eyes only to find that a majority of the words used were far out of his vocabulary.

	"What do you mean by 'immediate indictment upon attempted or successful extraction of patient and or relative disruption of procedures.' "Boeing inquired, pointing to the section in question.

	"Oh, that just means that friends or family are not allowed to remove you from our care until you have fully recovered. We have had some unfortunate situations happen due to the fact we were unable to observe the patient." After about five minutes Boeing finished reading and signed the piece of paper.

The good doctor then moved to that single document to the side before taking the next piece of paper from the pile and placing it in front of Boeing. "Please read and sign."

	Boeing looked up at the doctor with a slight sense of confusion. "A-are you serious? Is this entire stack of papers for me to read and sign!?"

	Dr. Maschine's smile remain steady and strong. "You are correct Boeing. It may take you a while to get through but I promise you the outcome is worth it."

	After about the second hour Boeing had began signing on command. Of course the doctor would ask him to read the document first but Boeing did not have the patience. He would just look for the spot market for his signature, then sign.

	By the time the two finished all the paperwork it was approximately 9 PM. Well after sunset. "You are quite the reader Mr. Boeing." Dr. Maschine said as he straightened out the papers. "That was good time he made Boeing. In a few months you will be making good time to your destinations." This single statement sparked Boeings hopes despite nothing working out so far.

	"Thank you so much for this doc. I look forward to working with you." Boeing said with a cheerful smile.

	"Yes. And I look forward to working on you!" Dr. Maschine said with a loud laugh. "Surgeon humor Boeing, surgeon humor." He said in a reassuring tone. After shaking hooves with the doctor, Boeing left the room where he met up with hex.

	"Were you waiting the whole time?" Boeing inquired

	"Does it look like I've been waiting here!?" She huffed. Bits of her fur were damp from perspiration. Boeing guessed that she had been jogging the halls out of boredom. Hex almost immediately picked up that he had no idea so she decided to clarify. "I literally sprinted here when the doctor paged me that you were finished."

	"I was with him the whole time. He never paged anyone."

	Hex gave a sigh. "You will figure it out eventually. As for now it's get you to your room. I'm sure you're exhausted." She was not entirely wrong though. The whole ordeal had worn Boeing out despite the lack of physical activity. He gave her small nod and with that the two Made Their Way back up to the top floor.

As the two reached the apex of Cyberdyne tower, hex spoke up. "After food in your room. Good thing in order soup, sandwiches only get stale after a long time. I also noticed that you didn't fill out your food card yet again."

	Boeing rubbed the back of his neck with a hoof. "I thought I had. But I guess not."

	"Lucky for you I took the liberty of copying the previous card." Hex said while giving Boeing an irritated look. "I expect a hoof rub later." Boeing gave a nervous laugh. The mare simply turned, flicking her tail, and trotted off.

	"She's serious you know." This voice was familiar to Boeing. It was that F-22. "Hex never jokes when it comes to hoof rubs. Boeing apprehensively trotted over to the standing mare.

	"You're not mad at me… Are you?"

	The mare in question gave a dismissive wave with her hoof. "Pfft no. You caught me off guard is all. All that changed was my perception of you. I just assumed you're going to rollover and submit to your superior. I was mistaken." Boeing breathe a sigh of relief, he then seen the mare's eyes narrow to a glare. "Make no mistake, my mistake was that I thought you knew your place. Clearly and I'll have to show you." With that last statement, the F-22 made her way back to her room.

	Boeing wasn't sure what she meant by that but if she tried anything funny he was prepared to crush her emotionally or physically if necessary. It wasn't an idea he particularly enjoyed but self-preservation came first. After all that is why he is here. At first Boeing didn't notice the drone off in the distance, only a silhouette in the darkness. Throwing caution to the wind, at this point, Boeing trotted over with the hopes of having a conversation with the little guy.

		After short walk over to the drone, Boeing noticed that the smaller plane was looking up at the now visible stars. "Stargazing Huh? I used to do that when I was a little colt. My brother and I use to fly as high as we could just to touch them. It was only later that we found out we can't actually do that." Boeing said with a chuckle. The drone didn't seem to responded all too Boeings one-sided conversation. Boeing reached out with a hoof to touch the pony, making sure he was okay. Right before Boeing was able to touch the other the drone took a step back, it's head snapped down and focused on Boeing.

	The drone held a hoof out, the frog pointed skywards. This gesture genuinely confused the B-17. A short red laser appeared to seem to make a circular motion at incredibly high speeds. Soon text began forming, almost like a hologram. Most likely a hologram. The text read 'Don't touch.'

	"Ah, so you do talk. Well kind of." Boeing gave the drone his space. "So what's your story?" Boeing inquired.

	Another small sample text came up that read. 'Access denied.' After a series of questions and answers, the answers being access denied, Boeing but if the drone good night. When he got to his room he discovered that hex had not only knocked over his photograph but placed the plate of food atop the framed picture. This irritated Boeing to some extent. His meal for the night was a large sandwich with a salad for a side.

	The next morning Boeing was woken up sudden opening of his door. It was hex, coming to collect her hoof rub no doubt. "Boeing get up! It's time for your physical."

		"Now turn your head and cough." Boeing followed directions despite how awkward it felt. He admired their swiftness in getting to his medical needs, but he would at least like to meet the pony that would be performing the physical if you hour prior. That way Boeing would at least know who would be fondling his junk and taking his temperature. It wouldn't be as bad except hex took the liberty of making sure Boeing went through with the physical. She wasn't wrong either, there were a few times Boeing thought about getting up and walking out but, with the mare blocking the door there was no escape.

	"How long is this going to take?" Boeing inpatients was showing at this point. The fact he had not eaten yet was not helping his attitude.

	"Almost, I just need to take an accurate temperature reading." The doctor stated, pulling out a bigger than normal thermometer. Boeing opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue. The doctor gave a chuckle. "No no, Oral temperature readings are often incorrect. We must do Anal insertion. Exact temperature every time." Boeings eyes widened a bit.

	"No. Nononononono. Noooo way is that going to happen. Nope!" Boeing began to stand but a pare of hooves came up from behind gently held him down. It was hex.

	"Shhhh, its ok. Just relax." Boeing tried to stand but hex held him down, a little firmer this time. "Boeing, its ok. Just let him take your temperature. If you keep struggling I will call the male nurses to restrain you. You’re making a big deal out of nothing." Boeing thought about it for a moment before speaking.

	"J-just make it quick, alright doc?" Boeing closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, prepared for the worst. The stallions scream could be heard halls away.

	The F-22 snickered at the site of hex leading a rather distressed looking Boeing to his room. His ears were slicked back as he waddled awkwardly behind hex. "Awh, what's the matter? Is the doctor too big for you?" She began laughing uncontrollably after she finished speaking. Riptide didn't seem to be paying attention in the drone remain statuesque. Any other time Boeing would've had to go at the F-22, verbally of course, but at this point time he just felt violated. And that feeling wasn't entirely unwarranted.

	"Don't worry Boeing, everyone goes through the same process. There's nothing to be ashamed about." Hex assured him as she ushered him into his room. "Your breakfast may be a little cold but you can always heat it up in the microwave." Boeing gave a weak nod. He looked shellshocked, hex couldn't help but feel sorry for the guy. "I'll check up on you later. If not me it'll be my sister Spell." For the next few hours Boeing fidgeted and squirmed restlessly in his bed. Despite his best efforts is not able to get comfortable and that 'feeling' not only on to the recesses of his mind but remained in its lower end. His door slowly creaked open as Spell entered the room.

	"Feeling any better Boeing?" Spell inquired, closing the door behind her. Though the room was dim she could clearly see the had not been able to sleep. The covers of the bed were to one side while the pillows were pushed to the other.

	"Not really, no." Boeing admitted. "It still feels like… Well you know." With a bit of caution Spell trotted up and sat on the edge of Boeing's bed.

	"It's just a necessary part of the screening process. We need to know everything about your body before we do anything. That way we have data to compare any results with." Spell put a hoof near the stallion. Looking into her deep blue eyes, Boeing couldn't help but feel slightly comforted by her compassion. Whether it be genuine or false. "Any discomfort your body may be experiencing should subside within a few hours. If you need anything don't hesitate to come get hex or myself. All right?"