Queen Abraxo Interlude

>In a sinister laboratory in the Hoof

Security’s invasion of the Abraxo Kingdom had failed. Her armies, broken and demoralized, scuttled back into the shadows to lick their wounds. The Security Mare herself was left a mangled mess of flesh and metal, left to die out in the Wasteland. Soon Queen Abraxo’s army would march on to conquer the armies of General Sparkle~Cola, and the rest of the wasteland afterward. Now, it seemed as if the Equestrian Wasteland had written its final chapter.

But Security did not die.      

Indeed, whatever force that drove Blackjack refused to let her pass. Agents of the Hoof retrieved the fallen queen and brought her back home. She was rushed to an underground complex where Hoofington doctors struggled to bring their leader back to life. Their work was overseen by a grey pegasus mare dressed in Enclave attire. The pegasus scientist, Morning Glory, was the brains behind Security’s operation in the Hoof. Now it fell to her to bring their leader back from the brink of death. And she had developed a drastic, devious plot to reach that goal.

“Miss Glory,” an assistant inquired, “I’ve reviewed your plans regarding Blackjack’s operation, and…well, are you certain you wish to go through with this?” “Positive,” the scientist replied, “Security must live, for she is the only one who can defeat that wretched Queen.” She glared at the terrified assistant. “Do not fail me, Gadget.” Gadget gulped nervously and nodded. “Then get on with it. We’ve wasted enough time!”

The operation began. Physicians, technicians and all manner of medical and technical professionals worked around Blackjack as directed by Glory. Much of the cyborg’s damaged organs and implants were replaced and transplanted into a new armored body. The body glistened marble white, like its occupant’s old coat. It stood on four powerful limbs, each one capable of separating in two and ending in powerful clawed hooves. Her face resembled a pale skull, her cybernetic eyes gleamed blood red. A magical projection rod extended from her forehead, resembling a unicorn’s horn. All that remained of her original body was her mess of red and black mane. A queen and ace, her old cutie mark, was emblazoned upon her flank plates.

Her memories and personality were selectively purged and modified to Glory’s specifications. Though Glory had assured the crew that the modifications were harmless, what she did not tell them was that the result of the alterations would shape Blackjack into a merciless killing machine, subservient only to her. Since Blackjack was no longer fit to lead the Hoof anymore, Glory would take her place as their leader. And with Security backing her, no force in the Wasteland could stop her from achieving that goal.

“Look, she’s coming around!” one of the doctor’s quipped, “Welcome back, Security! We were afraid we los-GACK!” Before he could finish his sentence, a clawed hoof went over his throat. The cyborg’s eyes burned with anger as her grip grew tighter. “Sedate her! Quick!” a crewpony shouted. “With what?! A cattle prod?!” another replied. The cyborg let the doctor go and he dropped to the floor, dead. “Get help! Where’s Glory?!” The crewponies panicked and scrambled for the door. But the vicious cyborg was upon them, and in seconds they were reduced to a mess of blood and gore.

“Glory! Where’s Glory?!” the abomination shrieked. The door slid open, revealing the small grey Pegasus. “You’re awake, Blackjack! Excellent!” she said with mirth, “I was worried you didn’t make it.” Blackjack stared at her coldly. “Glory….The Abraxo Queen…she still lives,” she rasped. “That’s right, Blackjack. And only you have the strength to defeat her. Soon, her armies will leave to destroy the armies of Sparkle~Cola.” She fixed a firm look on her. “Here are my instructions for you…”

“I answer to no pony!” Blackjack screeched, bringing a hoof up over the little Pegasus. Before she could strike her down, a burst of pain shot through her. She recoiled, clutching her head in agony. “Gah! Rgh!” she grunted through the pain, “What have you done to me?!” Glory looked at her softly. “I only did what was necessary, Blackjack. I gave you the means to kill Queen Abraxo. However, you, and the Hoof, belong to me now. As long as my control probe remains in your head, you will answer to me.” Blackjack just stared at her.

“I’ll take your silence as acceptance. Now, my instructions. When Queen Abraxo leaves to confront General Sparkle~Cola, you are to go to her palace and abduct these two from her harem.” She held up two photos depicting a charcoal-black unicorn mare with a white and yellow-red striped mane and a grey unicorn mare with a wild blue mane. “She favors these two, and with them in our possession, she will have no choice but to answer our demands. When she comes to rescue them, we will destroy her once and for all. Now go, and do not return without those two in your company.” The cyberpony nodded in agreement and walked out.

Glory smirked. The plan had gone perfectly, and now Hoofington was good as hers. Once Blackjack has destroyed Queen Abraxo, there will be nothing to stop them from conquering the rest of the wasteland. With the new and improved Security leading their armies, nothing and no pony would stand in their way. She stopped for a moment. “Hold on, Blackjack,” she called after her. The cyberpony looked back. “What now?!” she snapped. “Before you go…You need a new name. “Security” doesn’t exactly fit a being as vicious as you….how about…”

“…The Griever.”