"Hey mandible. Do you still have those papers on drones Cutter, Tremor and Chrazzix"?
"Of course Scuttler, they're right here. Correct me if I'm wrong but arent these the newest group of changelings that vanished"?
"Vanished? Well that's one word considering that we don't know where they've gone. But I can tell you without a doubt that that renegade force Thorax wants found had to do with it. Just like they have with the other so called vanished". Scuttle gave a moment to let out a sigh. "So much for all our troubles disappearing after Chrysalis".
"Has Thorax or the council found out anything that may help us"?
"If by found out anything, you mean asked me to look into it, then yes. I did find something that may put a face and a name to the head of the renegade group".
"Ah, good then. So, who is it"?
"Checking the files of the changelings we know didn't transform, other than the infiltration group that escaped not so long ago, there are three names".
"Let's hear then".
"The first being Infiltration Leader Fang. He and his squad was the only infiltration group to escape capture after Chrysalis's plan failed. The changelings under his command are clearly loyal enough to him since none ever tried returning here".
"Who are the other two then"?
"Pharynx. Thorax's brother".
"Are you serious Scuttler? Pharynx? I get that he hasn't accepted the idea to openly share love but he's clearly loyal to Thorax. Even if he is a complete jerk to the rest of us".
"I thought that too at first, but considering that someling is recruiting our own from inside the hive, it may be safe to assume that Pharynx is trying to turn things back to the way they used to be. Either way it would be wise to keep an eye on him".
"Have you told Thorax that you suspect his brother"?
"No. Not yet at least. I may choose to hold off on that until I can back my theory up with some serious evidence".
"Good idea. And number three"?
"Swarm leader Abdonis. Immediatley after the rest of us turned to Thorax, he fled the hive to who knows where. Even knocked out poor Exo who tried stopping him. Considering the list we have in front of us, I'd say that he's the most likely suspect".
"And because of one of these three, we've had more than fifty changelings 'disappear' over the last month. King Thorax can't be too pleased".
Scuttler grumbled sourly. It hadn't been the most relaxing month. And the results proved that things were going to get worse for them. At this rate, the listed suspect would have himself a small army in no time. After that, who knows what could happen. Mandible put down the paper he had scribbled the name of each suspect on before checking on the files sitting on the table to his right.
"Just as well we made peace with the ponies". He murmured to himself. A ghost of a smile appearing on his face as he glanced over the papers on his desk. "These materials they've given us makes it so much easier to keep track of everything, as well as everyling".
Trade with the ponies had proven to be very beneficial when it came to new supplies such as paper and quills. Organisation had never been so easy.
Scuttler nodded in confirmation, even though he wasn't paying full attention. Instead he was focused on the list of suspects that Mandible had finished with. A rather big detail caught his eye.
"Mandible"?
"Hm"?
"There are only three suspects, right"?
"That's right. Why do you ask"?
"You seem to have written down a fourth name".
Mandible froze for a second before letting loose a heavy sigh. Turning back round, he used his magic to snatch the paper away from Scuttler and double checked what had been written down.
"Thought I crossed this one off". He muttered bitterly before using a nearby quill to scribble out the final name.
"I take it that's a suspect proven innocent"? Scuttler asked.
"Not exactly".
"Care to explain"?
"There's not exactly much to go by. His name is Toras. A changeling warrior who left the hive during Chrysalis's reign. He was... dangerous to say the least. I'd go into detail about him but... I'd really rather not".
"Seems he left an impression, hm"?
"Indeed. Not everyling knew of him, as you've unintentionally proven". Mandible paused for a moment. "Perhaps we can talk about this later? There's still too much work to get done right now, and I'd rather not waste it talking about unpleasant past memories".
Scuttler shrugged before returning to work. He knew there was no point prying for information that he could find out later. Besides, Mandible was right. There was FAR too much work to be done.
..........................................
Elsewhere...
"Are we ready"?
"As ready as I ever will be Abdonis".
"Good. Let us begin".
The two changelings crept forwards into the swamp, allowing their limbs to be swallowed up by the murky water. As they made their way towards their target, the occasional brush against their legs could be felt. Most likely a fish. Fang couldn't help but freeze whenever it happened. Just for a fraction of a second before continuing to follow the swarm leader in front.
Abdonis on the other hoof paid this minor annoyance no attention. He needed to focus. Even now he was saving the love energy he had taken from the chrysalis pods. He needed a lot of it and for even a chance for this plan to fall into fruition, he needed to use all this energy in a single spell.
In truth, the changeling was nervous. But he didn't let it show. Not in front of another fellow changeling at least. This entire plan was a gamble, based on a theory that had taken an entire month just to now execute. He was risking his own life just to test it as well as Fang's. Perhaps it would have been best to have him wait back just in case things go horribly wrong. He at least had the experience to lead the remainder of the group.
Still. He doubted the infiltration leader would obey the order anyway. He would continue on and do what he was told to do. Distract the target.
Besides, speaking of the target. It was right ahead. Its head poking out of the water.
Abdonis mentally groaned. Had the beast been on land they could have used the tight spaces between the trees to outrun the creature. But that was no longer an option and neither was waiting. Instead they had to face the monster in its own territory if they wanted to get close enough. It was just was well the muddy swamp water was shallow enough so that the target wasn't completely submerged.
A few cautious steps more and they were in position.
There was no point in delaying the inevitable. Abdonis purposely splashed the water, breaking the tense silence. If there was the chance to turn back before, it had certainly gone now.
The target rose its head and turned slightly. A large red eye surveyed the surrounding area and locked onto the creatures dumb enough to step into its home. Unhappy, the beast twisted its ugly green head towards its prey and begun to swim towards them. Now it was time to play chicken.
Abdonis stood rooted to his spot. The view of a large reptile a dozen times his own size making its way towards him was an experience he was only just now introduced to. Despite being nervous before, he did not feel as scared as he had expected to be. Maybe it had to do with the faith he had on the plan succeeding. Or perhaps the amount of magical energy he had stored inside his body made him feel invincible. Either way it did not matter.
The beast began swimming faster. Even if the two changelings tried retreating now, the beast was now too fast. Even if they tried flying into the air. The large predator opened its mouth revealing its large, flesh tearing, bone breaking teeth. Seconds away from tasting blood.
The time had come.
Abdonis released all the energy he had been storing with a single blast from his horn. The aura was so large and bright that neither changeling or beast could see. Only a green flash and a roar.
Only when the brightness had died down did Abdonis open his eyes. What he saw brought a large and almost wicked grin on his face.
"Fang".
Fang, who had had his eyes shut even before the flash, opened his own and was taken by what he was shown. It took a few seconds before he realised that the swarm leader had just addressed him.
"Yes swarm leader"?
"Prepare a swarm patrol. I know a nearby pony settlement that's close by and far enough from the prying ears of the Equestrian capital where we can test our new weapon. It's time to emerge from the shadows of the forest".