Only Human Chapter 9 - Sneak Preview · 10:50pm Jul 1st, 2013
“Because...” Synergy slowly turned her head, staring over her shoulder, straight at Lyra. “You and I are long overdue for a talk.”
Guess I was going to have to deal with this at some point, right?
“Sure,” Lyra responded, smiling nonchalantly. “What did—”
“Don’t play stupid, Lyra,” interrupted Synergy. “At least no more stupid than you have since we met.”
I’m dead, aren’t I?
Synergy poured the second glass of cider, waving Lyra over to her. “We’re going to be here awhile. May as well quench our thirst.”
Gulping, Lyra slowly walked towards Synergy, one step for each heart beat. Eventually reaching her, she levitated her glass as Synergy picked up her’s with her hoof. “To... to what will we toast?” she asked, trying her best to sound brave.
“To understanding,” Synergy said, tapping her glass to Lyra’s.
“Understanding what?” asked Lyra as she watched Synergy take a sip.
Pulling the glass from her mouth, Synergy looked directly into Lyra’s eyes. “It occurred to me a while ago that I may have come across as antagonistic.”
No?!
Synergy continued. “When in actuality, that was you.”
Lyra stared blankly at Synergy, who continued to enjoy her bubbly. “H-how have I been antagonistic?”
Synergy sighed. “Lyra, regardless of whether or not you were in on Bon Bon’s little ploy to get your show on the air, you still allowed it to happen. You allowed your pathetic excuse for entertainment to take precedence over the importance of others. Those are not the actions of a pony who has the best leadership skills.”
It took all of Lyra’s strength to maintain eye contact. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“I know you don’t,” Synergy said as she laid a hoof on Lyra’s shoulder, smiling straight at her. “But it’s OK. Before tonight is over, you’ll know exactly what you’ve done.”
Okay, I'm REALLY feeling uneasy about Synergy right now. Should I be?
... I think the stress put on Synergy by the other executives and Lyra's free spirited nature have caused her to snap. And frankly, in the context, I'm not sure how different I'd be.