The Changeling

by V-Oblivion

Chapter 1 (reviewed)

Chapter 1

Preceding the honorable Judges:
- Your Lordship Maneos J.
- Your Honour Rottamanthys LJ.
- His Honour Judge Sr. Eiaquus.

First day of trial

The accused; a remnant officer member of the force that invaded Canterlot a few months ago, captured by the royal guard the day ** of ** of the current year, charged of committing confederacy and acts of war against our sovereign nation by assaulting the royal castle and its surroundings, subjugating our beloved Princess Celestia in the process, all of this in an attempt of to capture this capital city and hence all of Equestria for so far known reasons of conquest and slavery. This jury will determine the accused‘s fate based on our evidence and whatever may the accused say on his behalf.

Interrogation day one:

I can talk now? My lords, members of the grand jury, spectators in general, I’m here to receive proper judgment and punishment for the acts I committed against your country and people, yet in the process, I hope for you to understand that we, the Changelings, were desperate, that we have no choice. But first I would like to ask: Are we going to listen to that long introduction every time we begin? ... Good to know … Your Honour, I will stop inquiring the scribe, but I just found annoying that this interrogation may start this slowly every time… Yes Sr. I’m done complaining.

My name and rank, My Lord? I’m General XxX of the Changeling army, third division known as the Tagmateers (a sort of royal guard), in charge of protecting Queen Chrysalis herself (and at her complete disposal). I was commander in charge of the invading force (as your scribe kindly pointed out), which in turn was under direct orders of our queen. She was in charge of the planning, infiltration, strategy, and kidnaping Princes Mi Amore Cadenza (which I assisted).

As I mentioned, the whole invasion was planned by Queen Chrysalis herself, hence a lack of true love in our kingdom which serves as source of nutrition to our species, however we have survived this far thanks to…

So Your Honour, as you say: this tribunal has no interest in these “trivial” matters…?

… Very well then, what does this tribunal want to know?

About the invasion? I hoped you would like to know more about my people… Though, I do understand this must have gotten all of you off-guard. We did plan it that way. No My Lord, I’m not mocking your kind. I will do as I have been ask and answer the question:

The invasion was planned to be like this: First, the kidnapping of Princess Cadence so the queen could take the Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor, under her control with enough spare time. Second, a reason for him to use his magic force field which would weaken him and keep the whole Royal Guard distracted while creating a (false) sense of safety, thus the threat anonymously send. Third, an excuse to keep everypony busy in other matters (especially both royal Princesses). For this, the wedding arrangements worked just fine. Fourth, to assure the wedding and invasion proceeded without interferences. And fifth, to commence the invasion.

Mhm!? Sr. what do you mean by “expand my explanation”? Oh! It’s fine for me to be more detailed if you want a more complete story of the events, but it will take me some time to explain it all. Is it ok for this tribunal?

Very well then. It was rather easy to lure Princess Cadence out of the royal palace and into the caves beneath Canterlot. One of us disguised as her fiancé, the rest is evident so I will leave that aside. The problem was her fiancé itself, who noticed the switching right away. Of course, he thought this was some sort of joke at first, but he eventually grew tired of it, and demanded to know the whereabouts of his wife-to-be… Then we recurred to force in order to subdue him. I must admit though, that Captain Shining Armor doesn’t hold his title for show. Half of our forces where disabled rather quickly, yet the numbers were with us, and the Queen lost no time in putting him under her enchantment, despite the risk this whole process had implied, having been done within the city. Phase one was completed in a mere day. The rest of the plan ran simultaneously, with phase 4 being the most critical of them all. The one that strictly required for the Queen to marry Shining Armor… … … (Apologies My Lord I get distracted!) Not for love I must add, but strategy, in order to prevent Princess Cadence from becoming a treat if she were to escape the caves (as she did), and for the Queen to gain even more power. After all, everypony loves a couple just married.

Yet this complete plan was ruined by one single mare… But I’m getting ahead of the events. Let me go back to where my Queen had just taken over Captain Shining Armor’s mind. Here, we take the opportunity of listening to some intelligence firsthoove. Here is where it gets complicated, and here is where my narration starts:

<< “Your name?” – I asked the now hypnotized Captain – “Your rank and your office?” >>

<< “Shining Armor” – he answered without hesitation, nor emotion – “Captain, in charge of the royal guard.” >>

I continued inquiring the numbers on their ranks, their regular patrols, barracks and arsenal locations, evacuation routes, and contingency plans, and here he told me…

<< In case of major chaos, the Elements of Harmony will be dispatched to their bearers in Ponyville, so a countermeasure can be planed. >>

<< “The ‘what’ again?” – Despite our planning time, we have never heard of such things – “What are these ‘elements’?” >>

<< “The Elements of Harmony are the strongest weapons in all of Equestria, discovered by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna more than a thousand years ago. Their power is capable of vanquishing great threats, such as Nightmare Moon and Discord, both twice.” >>

Shocked, we were. Our country had heard of both creatures as beings of unthinkable evil and power; creatures of folklore, myth and legend. It was much to our surprise to know that they did actually existed. Nevertheless, that there was something strong enough to defeat them with such ease.

<< “Who are the bearers of these elements that you mention?” >>

<< “Two earth ponies, two pegasi, and two unicorns, all residents of Ponyville; my sister being one of them. Though they are the actual users, they lack experience on their control, so we keep the Elements safe here in Canterlot, in one of the castle buildings” – He provided me with its location.

As you may have all guessed, this was an inconvenience, and inconveniences have to be dealt with, so I reported this to my Queen. Once I finished, she said:

<< “I do know of this weapon. Good work, getting this information! – I wanted to say something, but it is not a soldier’s job to argue with his Queen, and I foolishly thought there would be another moment for it. – “But fear not” – she continued – “I have no intention to let them use it against my subjects. If everything goes as planned, we will take over this entire city before they can even react, and I have no intentions of bringing those fillies here. They will remain in their Ponyfilth as far I’m concerned” – she proclaimed while magically bursting a letter Shining Armor was writing into green fire (for his younger sister, I believe). After some silence, she changed her severe expression, and told me – “So, have faith my old friend.” >>

<< “Ma’am, by thy bidding” – was all I could tell her… Not that I was afraid of her, or something alike. I just… I just wish I could have told her that I do believe in her.

If I can say this, as a break, of the few things I can brag about in my life, it’s being one of Queens Chrysalis’ closest and oldest friends... Mhm… By the look of your faces, I can tell you are either not believing me, or are not interested, though I can answer you one thing with all sincerity: I could care less for whatever you want to believe or care!

Yes Your Honour, I’m aware of my behavior, and of its possible consequences… I will continue then.

Days passed like years, fearing that our plan may be discovered, yet no one suspected anything. Princess Cadenza’s change of humor was interpreted as pre-wedding stress. No one was expecting us to be so close of the castle, and thanks to Shining Armor’s intel, we were able to avoid the patrols. Everything was going perfectly until one day, our Princess was looking for me urgently. “Something happened,” was all the message. I disguised myself and rushed toward my Queen (we have our ways of going in and out the force barrier, but only one or two per time). I expected an ambush, someone chasing her, that our cover had been blown, or a fierce battle. Instead, I found my disguised queen in the middle of a garden making a tantrum. ‘So much for the epic rescue’, I thought – “What is thy bidding, my Queen?” >>

The instant she noticed me, I received a glare fierce enough to scare a manticore, and a not-so-different shout – “THEY ARE COMING!!” >>

After a few seconds of recollecting what I could understand (she does have a ‘royal’ voice), I could only answer – Beg thy pardon? Who is coming…? The enemy!? – is what I was going to ask, but I get abruptly cut off – “MY SOON-TO-BE SISTER IN LAW! AND HER FRIENDS!!” >>

After another moment of recollection I finally reacted – “The element’s users! But how?” >>

<< “CELESTIA!!! Apparently, Shining Armor’s sister is also Celestia’s ‘personal’ student, so she sent her a ‘personal’ invitation, and of course to her friends too!” >>

<< “We could swap with them before they ever reach the city” – I proposed.

<< “NO! Cadence’s behavior has been easy to explain thanks to the wedding, but I doubt Celestia will ignore her faithful student if she were to see similar changes on her, despite having fooled her with my act, I don’t see Celestia as a complete fool. And since they are expected to come, we can’t make them disappear either. But be at ease” – she continued – “I suggested Celestia to give them especial endeavors on the wedding’s preparations, so they will be too busy to notice everything. Apparently, each one of them takes too much pride and joy in their jobs.” >>

<< “Then if everything has been arranged for, our plans by thy greatness… What am I here for?” >>

<< “What?! I can’t shout out my frustration?” – Our Queen always had an aura of arrogance and superiority around her, to see such a soft side was a privilege, a dangerous privilege. I couldn’t answer. This time it was fear, not that I think she may decapitate me if I said something rude… I think… hope… However, I respect my queen enough to be silent and allowed her to continue.

To dissimulate we walked around the gardens. While we moved aimlessly, my Queen continued to tell me all the things she had endured and done so far in order to conceal herself, and how annoying it was to pretend to be somepony else for so long, especially with the bridesmaids – “despite having them completely under my lies” – she told me exasperated – “they are annoyingly close, curious and close. Don’t they know about personal space?” >>

Once getting rid of all that tension, she said – “However, all of this greatness will be ours soon. Soon, our people will have to live with scraps no longer! Soon, these ponies will know what it is like to live under somepony else’s hooves!” >>

Pride and determination shone in her eyes – “The element bearers will arrive tomorrow by train. If I take care of one of them, the elements will just be pretty garments and nothing more. Keep the troops safe, my General. I will deal with this side the best I can” – she added confidently – “Not that it is that hard. And don’t forget to keep an eye on our special guest.” >>

<< “By thy bidding!” >>

(By now I’m pretty sure you may have noticed this but let me explain it anyway: ‘What is/by thy bidding’ is our usual way of entering or retiring from our Queen’s presence.)

I left, not without noticing how she was approached by her ‘friends,’ and despite all the ‘inconveniences’ the queen mentioned, she was looking radiant, powerful, healthy… What do I mean by healthy…? Oh right, my Sir, you don’t know about our situation. You see, for us to be healthy is a rare thing because of our actual shortage of love. Look at me. I have the size and complexion of your average mare, though I’m a male, and a warrior. The Captain’s love was sure doing wonders for my Queen, as sad as it was… Normally she gets nutrition from the love of her subjects, but that’s no longer enough.

You want to know how your Princess was, Your Honour? Well we may need her imprisoned but, definitely not gone, so we took care of her while in our custody. Some hay for a day to keep her alive, but not enough for her to escape… If my answer was going to cause such ruckus then why ask in the first place?!

No My Lord, I’m not whining, I’m merely complaining, politely.

… I returned to my post and kept waiting. A few days passed until the Queen sent another message, which said ‘I can’t stand these “bridlemaids” anymore! Put them in the caves. They are already there.’ Thanks to our previous chat, I could make an idea of why she did it, so I took my personal maneuver team and headed towards the entrance of Canterlot’s caves.

There were three young unicorns; one blue, one beige, and one turquoise. Princess Cadence’s original bridesmaids, all of them wearing their colorful dresses with joy, if they could only know. Thanks to being lured there by our Queen, it was easy to ambush them. Though they did get surprised at first, they put no resistance for our mind control enchantment. I took the opportunity and gave them the order to let no one out of the caves, to guard it… But they seemed to disagree.

You see our mind control is based on what we can make the target believe. If they didn’t believe they could do “X” thing, they will not. However, Sergeant Acari, my second in command and most trusted subordinate, came up with an idea.

<< “The Princess is getting ready for the wedding in her quarters” – she said while pointing into the cave – “But she may get some pre-engagement panic. So, no matter what, don’t let her out until…” >>

Here she seemed to run out of juice (as you may say), so I added – “Until she comes out to throw her bouquet, which you will catch” – Acari give me a disapproval eye (how can females have such hurtful stares?) since it made no sense. ‘Why would the bride come out to throw her bouquet without being married?’ However (and to our surprise) the three seemed to agree to the terms and guard the ‘Princess’ Quarters’.

After leaving those three in the caves I asked my Sergeant – “Where did you get this idea sergeant? Pretty clever indeed.” >>

<< “Obviously somedrone who is not married wouldn’t know such a thing. Besides, they are wearing their dresses with excitement. It wasn’t that hard to deduce” – she answered me with some extravagant pride. But then she changed to a more distressed tone – “Once this is over, our families will be fed properly, right?” >>

Sergeant Acari formed a family some years ago. Despite being one of the few female officer in our army, she has the determination, strength, and courage for the job. She may already be a high ranking officer by now if she wasn’t so concerned for her child’s needs. I constantly keep telling her to have a little more faith in her husband.

‘That weak-link?! He barely proposed me! Like hay I let him take care of my children!’ is her usual response to it.

I took a deep breath and time to think before I could answer her.

<< “Sergeant, this whole plan is for us. All of us, not just the royalty. So have faith in our Queen, as she has faith in us to deliver her expectations. Tomorrow, we must proceed as smoothly and swiftly as possible to assure a brighter future to our people, your children included sergeant.” >>

<< “Sir!” >>

I smiled back at her, hoping that I calmed her fears. Then I told her to take a soldier of her choice, disguise as one of the three new captives in the caves, and keep a good watch over the Queen, reporting immediately if anything were to happen.

I know my Queen is tough enough to handle things by herself in case of any unexpected event (as she did), but I wanted to give her some extra protection, however small. ‘Tomorrow will be the longest day for both of us: ponies and changelings’, was all I could think that night.

The next day, we waited for the signal to begin. Within our ranks, the silence was sepulchral, and the tension thick. As the time became near, and the moment of truth walked upon us, a mixture of anticipation, apprehension, and despair grew within my troops. So in order to dissipate their doubts, I face them and say:

<< “Soldiers! Brothers and sisters of mine! Hear me! Today is the day we have been waiting for so long. We have come to conquer this land; to invade it and to take over it, but not for glory, not for pride, and neither for wealth. We are here to seize not this city, but a new hope for our people! To seize them a better future! Feel neither sadness nor fear about what we are going to do! It’s the right of every living creature to fight for its happiness, and the happiness of their kind, so let’s all fight for that happiness! Let us all fight for a brighter tomorrow for our country! Let us all fight for our Queen, for your families, and for ourselves …”!

<< “Think on those families, those friends, those compatriots who stayed behind, all expecting us; not as victors, not as conquerors, not with glory, they only expect us to return home safely with them! We are here not to lose, not to fail! Do this for them! Do this for your country!! DO THIS FOR YOUR QUEEN!!!” >>

In that precise moment, the wedding bells of the chapel resonated all over Canterlot. This was the signal for us to begin, and my cue to shout as loudly I ever did.

<< “TAGMATEERS!” – I screamed as I flew over them – “WITH OUR QUEEN!!” >>

A roar was the only comprehensible answer I get from my soldiers. Their doubts washed off by their own shouts as they climbed up in flight, covering the cerulean sky as a gray maelstrom.

Well, I hope this break hasn’t made anypony forget what I have said so far. Now I will continue:

As planned, all sentries were previously captured before the start, so no one noticed our numerous presences, and the force field was so weakened that some cracks were showing already before we even started attacking, which we did not hesitate to do. With the toughest drones of our soldiers ramming over the entire dome, the thunders generated by each appearing fissure only exited us more and more. It was just a matter of time.

From the chapel came running out a pony, a unicorn to be precisely, which I recognized as our disguised ally. He only made a wave of hooves, a signal which said ‘The Queen’s cover has been blown!’

<< “FASTER!” – was the answer I gave to my troops as they hastened their ramming – “Faster you maggots! Our queen needs us!” – A few seconds after I finished my sentence a flash of light came out the chapel’s windows: a magical showdown. However, it lasted only a few seconds. All I could do was wait for the force field to fall as I keep looking over the window, waiting for a second flash to show up. It felt as if I waited an eternity.

Yet not a light, but a group of ponies came out. Two earth ponies, two unicorn ponies, and two pegasus ponies; the users of the Elements of Harmony. Followed immediately by Acari which with a single hove signal indicate us to ‘GET THEM!’.

It all happened so fast. The very instant they came out the whole dome filled completely with cracks – “NOW!” – I shouted and all of us rammed towards the force field, blasting it to smithereens. While the pieces were falling, I gave my Officers their orders – “Company α, the armories and barracks! β & γ take the civilians and remaining soldiers into custody! ε will cover the exits! Δ will protect the queen, and Ω is with me!” – And then the last of the magic barrier hit the ground and at that moment we were assaulting Canterlot.

I took my platoon to directly deal with the element users, sending first our interceptor force… Yes Sr. the odd oozy lime we generate it’s a form of our magic. Let me take another break from my narration and explain to you how this works. That is, if I’m granted with your permission My Lord… Thank you very much; I will be as brief as possible.

As regular unicorn ponies, our magic allows us to manipulate any object in our line of sight (obviously potency varies depending on individual and object). However, this magic has another function. We can turn it into a solid, organic, jelly-like mass that we can use in an infinity of ways, since we can give it elasticity, resistance, sharpness, form, softness, toughness, and even stickiness if we want. The more evident way of use your people may have witnessed is in the ram-charge we used all over the city and the hoofcuffs, used to restrain the defeated foes.

Hypnosis and mimicking are other types of magic we can control, as long we are strong enough that is. But these need different explanations which I will leave for another time.

Now, where was I? Oh yes, the element users! Our interceptors didn’t make any progress on their capture, but they did direct them into a square big enough for the rest of us to engage them freely.

One of my subordinates took the chance to show those little ponies the Changeling’s average engagement strategy: First, to confuse the foe, as he took the form of the first one of them who challenged us; second to shock it, mimicking her every movement; and finally, taking the initiative, by sneaking the first blow. Which immediately inspired my forces into action.

A bunch of privates didn’t lose their chance to do the same, as they also taunted the purple coated unicorn (which seemed to be their leader). At this point, I only gave one single order: ‘to end this quickly’. I changed myself into one of them (the orange coated one to be precisely) and charged towards them.

To my disgrace and shame, I must admit this wasn’t the greatest of my battles, nor of my drones. Normally, we Changelings can sense which one of us under disguise, but here, and with all this love around us, we could barely know who was beside us. Because of this, we were wreaking havoc with ourselves as soon the brawl started, yet we managed to keep giving them some fight…

For a few instances, the disorganization for our side was bad enough, but those fillies are no softies either: bucking, sweeping, slapping, staring, blasting, surprising, they gave us more hell that we could imagine…

<< “We aren’t going to win this” – I said to myself – “But neither are we going to lose it.” >>

Thereupon I grab the first Officer I could find, and gave him the order – “Grab as many drones you can from here and go the building at the end of this street” – I indicated him the direction where the Elements of Harmony where supposed to be held – “Summon as many other soldiers you may find on your way and prepare an ambush! We will give you as much time as we can.” >>

<< “SIR…!?” – was all he could answer before I threw him into the air.

<< “For today, son!” >>

And off he went with many soldiers behind him – “As much time as we can… let’s see how long that is.” >>

I couldn’t finish this sentence either, as a purple light blasted me into the distance. Throwing out both my helmet and my disguise, I almost blacked out, yet somehow remain conscious. While I recovered, I saw how every soldier who tried to face them ended flying away some good meters… (One meter is around three hooves, Your Honour). At this moment, I realized how bad our condition was. Not as an army, but as living beings.

Six young, untrained, civilian mares were bucking our flanks as if they were pros. Yes, I have said that we have the general disorder at our disadvantage, but I keep wondering if that even mattered. Changelings were defeated one after another like bugs… Ironic isn’t?

<< “No time for you to rest” – I say to myself again – “If we can’t stop them it’s all over!!” >>

And again I charged to the ‘furball’, and again I fought some of my kind before I could face one of the main six threats, and again I get bucked away. As I rose from my recent fall, I see out of the corner of my eye how one of them aimed a canon toward one of my drones. By instinct I pushed him out of its blast with one single problem: I was its target now, at zero range. All I could say was – “Buck!” >>

There was a flashing light followed by a burst of colors and forms which didn’t kill me, to my surprise (and relief), but did knock me down for good this time. And from the bursting of light, I fell into the wrapping darkness.

Alone with my thoughts, I think over what had happened, what we have done, what made us do all of this, what was at stake, until a voice started to call me back.

<< “…ir! … ke u… SIR! Wake up!” – As my consciousness returned to this world, the voice became clearer – “Are you alright Sir!?” >>

It was the same drone I sent to set the ambush. On his face I could see a mix of concern and bliss, hard to believe – “Yeah, I’m fine… mhm… captain…?” >>

<< “Antenna Sir! Captain Antenna of Ω’s eighth squad!” – he answered, with what I could only call admiration while he enthusiastically added – “I’m new in your platoon.” >>

<< “That figures. My apologies for my disrespect, Captain, as also my appreciation. It seems the ambush worked out” – I could tell by the happy roar that could be heard all over the city.

<< “Sir, your plan was a success! We arrived right on the moment they were about to enter the element’s chamber, but if it wasn’t for Σ’s surprise appearance, we would have been too late.” >>

If My Lord and this jury may recall, I never mentioned this platoon, by the simple fact that they weren’t supposed to be here in the first place. Σ belongs to the second division of our army known as the armada, at direct order of the council. What they were doing here is beyond my knowledge, but whatever it may been it didn’t matter, as their staying was brief, like ours.

But I was unaware of these future events, so I inquired my subordinated about them – “Why is Σ here? Did they give you any explanation about it?” >>

The Captain’s face confirmed my doubts before he answered me – “No, Sir. After aiding with the capture of the users, they enclosed themselves within the Elements of Harmony’s chambers, without giving us any explanation at all” – I wanted to ask more but here he told me – “Oh! Right on time. There go the captured ponies!” – He pointed towards a group of drones ‘escorting’ two earth ponies, two unicorns, and two pegasi; the captured element users.

<< “Where are you taking them?” – I ask him.

<< “To our Queen by her instructions.” >>

I wanted to know more about Σ’s presence here, so I left the Captain in charge of their custody. But before leaving, I gave them a quick view. They all looked tired and scared (I couldn’t blame them). All of them but one, who was discreetly looking at all directions, not with fear but as searching for an opportunity to break loose, such distraction could have given them a chance, a chance I wasn’t kind enough to let slip – “Restrain that blue pegasus!” – I ordered to the ones close to her, and added – Gently, we are not savages.” >>

And left to ‘kindly’ argue with our unexpected visitors…

Yes, Your Honour. We talked all throughout the invasion, otherwise it would be impossible for us to coordinate all forces. Why the question? ...Well of course you couldn’t hear us. Our mother language isn’t like yours at all, actually, only some animals can hear it.

*Scribe Note: The accused began to emit sounds I can only catalogue as screeches, similar to the ones done by bats. From those screeches, only a bunch of them were loud enough to be heard. The accused seemed quite amused while giving the whole ‘speech’ on his language.
*End of note.

As you can see, or rather hear, we communicate on a scale impossible for your kind to listen, which of course facilitated our infiltration. Is this enough answer for you Your Honour? I will interpret your silence as a yes, and I found it delightful that Sir Eiaquus enjoys this at his fullest. It is good to make somepony laugh. I hope he can return soon. That’s quite some laughter.

Yes, My Lord. I will remain in order, but I can’t promise for His Honorable Judge.

I took my time to rendezvous with Σ, and enjoyed the views of the streets. Everydrone was more than excited, they were drunk in happiness. I couldn’t blame them at all. I myself was very happy too. The invasion was a success, there were no losses on both sides and in the end, my Queen didn’t get engaged with Captain Shining Armor. I was so happy, that I could get carried away with the bliss as the rest of my kind did, but protocols needed to be done, and my rank had come with responsibilities.

Halfway there, I remember getting surprised by some sort of whirring noise that hurt me in a way I have never experienced. I couldn’t recognize what exactly was the source of it, but I could determine where it came from; an alley beside me.

I just turned my head when a colt with grayish amber coat bumped into me. He rose up as fast as he fell and continued with his escaping, not willing to be caught. I can remember him saying something like – “Sorry mate, got to run! Oh! And sorry for taking advantage of your fine ears!” – while running into the distance. Shortly after, some soldiers came out the same alley giving him chase.

<< “BRING HIM ALIVE!” – a familiar voice shout them behind me – WE MUST KNOW WHAT HE USED AGAINST US!” >>

Sergeant Acari sure looked angry, but in a funny way, until she noticed my presence – “WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU, SIR!” >>

<< “First of all, stop screaming at me.” >>

<< “…WHAT!? SORRY SIR I CAN’T HEAR YOU!” >>

<< “I notice it” – I said to her, doubting she could heard me.

<< “WE HAVE THIS COLT, A MARE, AND A FILLY CORNERED IN THE ALLEY BEHIND US WHEN HE SUDDENLY ASKED US ‘WHAT IS BLACK, BIG, SCARY AND HELPLESS?’… why am I shouting?” >>

<< “I guess you can hear again now” – for my relief – “So, then what happened?” >>

<< “I don’t know. We looked at each other, wondering if he was some sort of crazy loon, when he took the opportunity and make that noise… somehow. Ouch... I’m gonna have a headache tonight.” >>

I couldn’t avoid laughing a bit about it – “And what happened to the others captives?” – I asked her.

<< “They fled as soon he made that sound. It was all a diversion to give them a chance of escaping.” >>

<< “Well, it did work, but we have complete control of the city. We will catch them in the end. In the meantime” – I was going to ask Sergeant Acari to accompany me on my search over Σ when our dream came to an end.

From the chapel a burst of light erupted slowly. As it gradually intensified its glowing, a shill on the back of my neck grew too. I turned to shout ‘Retreat!’ to everydrone, but I was too late. The moment I opened my mouth was the moment the light exploded, pushing every one of us out of Canterlot. All I could do was watching how that wall of light took every single Changeling, and threw them far into the distance. All of them but me.

The magic barrier did throw me high into the sky but not into the distance. It threw me right into a woodland garden where I hit every tree in there, or at least I felt it that way.

While I fell down, I could hear the screams of fear and surprise of all of my comrades as they were projected out of Canterlot. I could even feel the desperation on their voices. Then, I hit the ground, and as I heard my Queen’s voice disappearing off in the distance, my consciousness slip out of me until I finally fainted for the second time on that day.

…

To our beloved Princess Celestia,

By your command, we have begun the trials of this Changeling officer. His respect shown during the whole first day of procedure is elegant and stoic indeed, but he never lost a chance to taunt or disrespect us at every opportunity he found. We now know that this invasion has been intentional, and delivered with fraud from with at least some months of anticipation, and that their planning was indeed diligent. The accused has shown that he supports his Queen and country firmly, despite the fact he is giving us so much information about them, which could easily be seen as treason by his own kind.

As for the other matter you have commanded me, I was unable to determine the reason as to why this whole attack was planned. Lord Justice Rottamanthys was expressing his spite toward the accused more than once during the entire interrogation, which actually seems mostly a narration. LJ seems to ignore any possible logical cause on the Changeling’s side, and wants to punish them as harsh as possible. I will try to convince him into letting the accused express himself more freely, of course as long he keeps his composure. If such reason is big enough to make them re-launch an attack, we are nowhere near safe.

In the end, your decision of making this trail with three judges was asserted. No pony can tell what kind of rushed sentence the young LJ could have dictated, as he held some kind of grudge against the Changelings, and has shown no intention of changing his mind. On the other hoof, I can’t tell what Sir Eiaquus is thinking, or even doing here. Indeed he is a senior of remarkable knowledge and experience, but he is also well known for his soft and playful way of directing trials. He really seemed to enjoy listening the accused’s story, and he seems eager to hear more about it.

As for me, I may not have as much experience as my followers Mrs. and Miss. Justices, but I can tell that my priority is to remain as neutral as possible, and to determine a just verdict based on the facts and the evidence. I will send you more of my reports as this trial develops.

Your humble servant,
“High Judge” Maneos Right.