//------------------------------//
// Chapter 9: A Hive of Hatred 
// Story: A Stampede to Remember 
// by ShadowGear 
//------------------------------//

	The squad of Changelings approached a barren wasteland. Most would believe nothing could survive here but to a Changeling this was home. The group landed in front of the main entrance and walked in with no resistance from the guards stationed outside. As the group entered Sclerite was met with a large lobby where many of Queen Formic's Changelings were rushing in and out of tunnels that appear and disappear. Many of them were carrying materials of all kinds, mainly magic siphoning minerals similar to the ones used to make Queen Chrysalis' throne. Tarsal mostly ignored them and continued leading the group closer to Queen Formic's throne room.

When they arrived the room resembled Queen Chrysalis' throne room except for the large lifeless beast made of magic siphoning minerals. It had no eyes, mouth, or legs but it had a really long and skinny snout. It was so large that it looked like it could devour a Changeling in one bite.

Queen Formic was sitting on her throne when she noticed the group. Her drones that led them to her throne room split off from the group and approached the base of the throne as she spoke. "Which one of you is Sclerite?"

Sclerite stepped forward and bowed his head respectfully. Queen Formic made her way to him and scrutinized him. She then put her hoof beneath his chin and lifted his head so he would be forced to look her in the eyes.

"So you're Queen Chrysalis' apprentice? She wasn't kidding when she said you were weak but had a lot of magical potential," she said. "The rest of you may go. You've done your part according to the agreement." Carapace, Elytra and Fang left the room towards the main entrance.

After they were out of sight, he spoke. "You know me?" Sclerite asked hoping he wasn't stepping out of line by speaking to her like this.

"Every Queen knows about you Sclerite. A drone singled out of a crowd by his own Queen tends to draw a lot of attention," she said letting go of his chin. "Now Sclerite! You are going to get the privilege of testing out our newest weapon. Tell me, what do you see when you look at that?" she gestured toward the lifeless beast.

"I see... a thing of nightmares," he answered.

"Yes that's right. Now I want you to get in it. There is a hatch on top, I've left it open for you."

Sclerite flew on top of the beast and entered through a hole large enough for him to fit through. After he climbed in he noticed the beast was hollow enough on the inside that he could walk around the small interior. He then heard Queen Formic's voice through the open hatch.

"Okay the first thing you need to know about is the scope. That will allow you to aim. There is also a periscope you can use to see outside with. It should be hanging from the ceiling."

Sclerite looked around until he saw a periscope. When he looked into it, he saw Queen Formic standing outside. "Alright I can see you! Now what?"

"Now I want you start it up. We've set up an engine in the back. Use your magic to power it," Queen Formic said.

Sclerite turned around to see a mass of gears set up in a strange pattern. One of the gears was connected to a valve. He used his magic and began to turn the valve. After the valve started, it became easier and easier to keep it going until it continued on its own. Suddenly the entire beast came to life with a roar.

Queen Formic began to shout over the engine. "Fantastic! You see that Equestrian guard helmet over there on a post? Aim at it! There should be two more valves that control your aiming! When you're ready there should be a pedal to fire!"

Sclerite looked around again and noticed the valves and pedal Queen Formic mentioned. One of the valves was horizontal and the other was vertical. He rushed over and used his magic to turn the valves while looking through the scope until the scope's reticle was aligned with the helmet.

"You may fire when ready!"

Sclerite pressed the pedal with his hoof and immediately the barrel fired a large magical bolt that blew up the helmet, the pole and the area around it. With the engine running Sclerite peered out of the hatch to see the damage he had done. He was left speechless by what had happened. He looked at the others to see that everypony, even Queen Formic was just as surprised as he was.

"Shut it off!" ordered Queen Formic.

Sclerite climbed back in and stopped the valve that kept the engine running. He then pulled half of himself out through the hatch to wait for what would come next.

"That's true. Now that we know it works I want to see it on the battlefield. Who better to test it on than the Buffalos. Luckily they are having their annual stampede and they don't take kindly to outsiders in their land," said Queen Formic.

"Brilliant idea my Queen. Those Buffalo will never know what hit them," said Tarsal.

"Tarsal, I want you to engage the Buffalo on their next stampede. I will accompany you on this mission. As for you Sclerite, you will use this weapon against them and you will demonstrate the power of the Hive," ordered Queen Formic.

"But what about Little Strong Heart?" Sclerite blurted out. The entire room looked at him with disbelief.

"Who's Little Strong Heart?" asked Tarsal.

"She's my friend," answered Sclerite. The entire room bursted into laughter.

"You actually care about a Buffalo?" Tarsal laughed.

"Okay that's enough!" yelled Queen Formic silencing the room. "Sclerite, I don't care about your concerns for your friend. I want that weapon out there and I want you to use it. Just make it happen. Is that clear?"

Sclerite grumbled, "Roger, Roger."

"Good! Now move out! Hauptscharführer Tarsal, you're in charge of planning!" ordered Queen Formic. "As for you Sclerite there are two sticks and a lever that allow you to drive it. The two largest ones are for deciding which of the tracks move in which direction and the smallest one on the side is for controlling the speed. Drive it out the main entrance. You are going to need the practice."

Sclerite used his magic to start up the weapon again and used his magic to drive it towards the lobby and out the main entrance. In the back of his mind all he could do was worry about his friend Little Strong Heart. He needed to find some way to make sure she would be safe.