//------------------------------// // Situation Report pt. 1 // Story: Changeling Times // by Midnight Might //------------------------------// The next day at the Badlands Hive Thorax had woken up scared but rested. Unsure what to make of the Alicorns message he decided to call for his friends, having them gather in the throne room. Hmm... Throne room no longer worked. He would have to come up with a new name for it. Regardless of its name, that was his current destination. From his room it was a relatively short walk. However, he chose to take the long way to get a look at the hive. In many of the upper tunnels the roof had been broken open allowing the morning sun in. Oddly enough plants had already begun growing within the tunnels. It was odd because of the location of the hive. In the Badlands only the hardiest of plants managed to survive. Yet here within the hive vibrant green moss had started covering the walls and floors. Additionally light blue vines could be seen running along the walls. The lower tunnels were much the same as it was before. The attitude of the Hive's denizens was what made it feel different. Where once hisses and snarls were the only sound, now greetings and well wishes filled the air. With Chrysalis leaving and the throne broken the tunnels had also become wider. Almost symbolic of the changelings opening their hearts up. Though many of the changelings he saw looked a little hungry, they were also the happiest he had ever seen them. It reminded him that that was why he needed to step up. To save those smiles, to bring about a better future for the changelings. All he had to do now was figure out how. Arriving at the throne room Thorax saw that his friends had already arrived. Barb and Mandible were standing near the dais, with Starlight and Trixie standing near the entrance to the room. However there was also a surprise. Standing near the shattered throne were two ponies he never thought would visit the hive. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and her spouse, Prince Shining Armor. "Princess Cadance, Prince Shining Armor, what brings you to the hive?" As he spoke Thorax gave a slight bow. "Starlight told us you needed some help. I remember how overwhelming it was when I first took control of the Crystal Empire. I couldn't ignore one of my best friends in need." Walking over Cadance favored him with a smile and a short hug. "Thank you," Thorax's eyes widened slightly as he spoke. He had been expecting the two royals to be more hostile towards the hive, maybe even avoid it. Moving his gaze to the others in the room Thorax's gaze settled on his two advisors. "Everycreature, these are my advisors, Barb," Thorax gestured to the orange changeling, "And Mandible," he said pointing to the blue changeling. "They are helping me keep the hive together. Unless something has changed, the situation is not ideal." "Nothing has changed Thorax, for better or worse." It was Barb that spoke up, taking a step into the center of the room. "For those unaware the hive is currently facing three major problems. First and probably most important, Chrysalis has escaped. She is currently on the loose and probably plotting revenge. Second and most immediate, the hive is facing a shortage of food. Chrysalis had pulled back almost all infiltrators and gatherers so the Hive would be at full strength to attack. This means that after that initial boost of energy we have had no new food coming in. Third and most volatile, there is a small group of changelings unhappy with the change in leadership. These changelings did reform, but still believe that ponies and other races are weaker than changelings." With her piece said Barb took a step back out of the center. "Thank you Barb. One advantage that I did not count on was having princess Cadance here. I had intended to send out a letter to set up a meeting, but with you already here I hope we can discuss it now?" Thorax looked towards Cadance as he spoke. "Of course Thorax, how can we help," questioned Shining, Cadance nodding in agreement. "Thank you, both of you. I was hoping you could help with the food shortage. I, We," he corrected himself, "have stepped out of the shadows. Our old methods of gathering food are something I no longer want the hive to do. I was hoping we could set up an exchange of some sort. Materials or labor in exchange for love from the Crystal Heart." "I see no problem with that. The Crystal Empire has more than enough love to share, and more than enough work to share as well." With no objection coming from Shining and Cadance in agreement it seemed this particular issue was solved for now. "The changelings are in your debt," Thorax said, his voice shaking as he dropped into a bow. Shining's voice and a hoof on his shoulders brought him back up. "Thorax, we're friends, of course we'd help you." "Still, thank you," Thorax stopped speaking for a moment to turn and look at Mandible. "Mandible after the meeting could you work out the details with Prince Shining Armor?" "Of course Thorax, it shall be done with haste," was Mandibles typical elegant response. Walking onto the dais Thorax turned so he could see everyone in the room before speaking again. "Onto the next problem. Starlight I brought you here in the hopes you would know how to help change the elitist changelings minds? They haven't done anything yet, but it's a risk I don't want to have. Especially with Chrysalis still on the loose. I've tried asking nicely, offering larger rations, invited them to talk at one of the social circles, but nothing seems to be working!" The longer he talked the faster Thorax spoke, the reality of the situation causing his panic to build. "I'm not sure what help I'll be, but I'll try my best Thorax," was Starlight's quick response. "With the great and powerful Trixie helping your worries are over!" "Thank you Starlight, and you as well Trixie," Thorax said looking towards the two of them. "That just leave's Chrysalis, what of her my liege," questioned Mandible. Somewhere in the Everfree forest The wild rains poured down upon the forest. Pelting the leafs and producing a constant din, punctuated only by the occasional thrum of thunder, and the mad laughter of it's newest denizen. Surrounded by green cocoons filled with forest creatures sat an alicorn sized creature. It's skin black as the night, with long legs riddled with holes. Atop her head sat a black four pronged crown with dark teal crystals at the tips. Long sparkling teal hair falling from her head, parted by her black gnarled horn. A pale green and teal carapace around her waist, and a pair of ragged translucent teal wings on her back. Green eyes staring down at a clutch of six eggs. A pink one, a yellow one, a white one, an orange one, a blue one, and a purple one larger than the rest. "Soon all of Equestria will bow to me! Ahahaha!"