//------------------------------// // 25. Casual Uranium // Story: Zombies to Ponies in Ten Seconds Flat // by 8r0ny //------------------------------// I arrived at the hive site.  I wasn't sure what to expect for a changeling problem...I mean, what could be wrong that Chloris couldn’t fix? “Whats up Chloris?”  I asked as I landed next to her and her hive.  “What do you need me for?” “Well, you see...the ore concentration on this island is much higher than we expected.”  She said looking a little sheepish for whatever reason. “It will take longer to construct the hive overall, and especially if we need to keep all these materials for you.” “I see.  Not as many deposits in the badlands I assume?”  I asked. “No, mostly just gems.”  She said. “And we gave them to the diamond dogs to help us dig.  Or so I’m told, the hive was pretty expansive already when I was born.  It was the Changeling hive for generations.” “Well, you will have some humans over here.”  I said thinking. “Not sure if they are as good as the diamond dogs, but they can work.  They need to set up their own living quarters first though, and that may take a while.” “We can help them get settled.”  Chloris said happily. “Then they can help us!” “Unfortunately I don't think that will work.”  I said, thinking of how to explain the next part.  “Humans have this need to do things, and making a shelter, growing your food, and being self sufficient is one of the most fulfilling things a person can do.  So I think that the people volunteering to come over here will really want to do this on their own, with no interference.” “You people are weird.”  Chloris deadpanned. “Survival is natural, why do you seek it out?” “Because when humanity was at it’s best, survival was given.  And ‘roughing it’ was a luxury.” I said laughing a little. “One of the many popular things to do was to get a tent and some food and live in the woods for a few days, cooking over a fire.  Camping was what rich people did for fun.” “Survival was fun…”  She said slowly. “Yah, no I still don't get it.” “Whatever, back to our problem.”  I said bringing the conversation back.  “I’ll see if we can get some sort of living quarters up and we can get people from the island to work over here.  You will have to provide for these people though.” “But you just said not to and surviving was fun.”  She said dumbfounded. “For some people, others want a cushy life.”  I corrected. “Of course a cushy life became pretty impossible after the zombie outbreak...but regardless I’ll see if I can get you help.  In the meantime can you build a normal people structure?” “Want another building like the one on the smaller island housing the humans?”  She asked. “Yes...but no.”  I said cryptically.  “That style, but less rooms.  Keep it to two stories and twelve rooms should do it.” “We will have it done in two days.”  She said confidently. “The structure at least, you’re on your own for the insides.” “I can handle that.”  I said as I turned to go back to the smaller island.  “Thanks Chloris, you’re the best.” “Don’t I know it.”  She said just loud enough for me to hear.  “I'll be in touch.” On my way back to the smaller island I heard some wingbeats behind me.  Too big to be pegasus, maybe griffin...or alicorn. I turned to see Celestia closing in on me. “Hello Celestia.”  I said as she came into earshot.  “How are you today?” “I’m doing well Shawn, how are you?”  She replied. “Pretty good I suppose.”  I answered. “Keeping all my ducks in a line the best I can.  What brings you round these parts?” “It’s not as easy as it looks is it.”  She said coyly. “And as for why I’m here, I actually just wanted to get away from day court for a little bit.  Those nobles are a nightmare.” “Glad I don’t have any of them.”  I said honestly. “You know democracy avoids nobles...there are still families with power but they don’t stick around for hundreds of years.” “That's interesting, but we are too far into diarchy to change anything now.”  She said, surprising me a bit. “However, while I was stalking you I noticed a large deposit of gold over on the other island.  Figured I’d remind you of the literal billions of Bits you owe Equestria.” “Typical tyrannical bitch.”  I said with mock anger. “Follows me around and as soon as I find anything of value, she comes along and tries to snatch it away!” “Well I’m just saying.”  She said innocently. “Equestria can always use more gold.  It makes our money, our castle, our armor, my throne, the list goes on.” “Well in all seriousness, we would like to hold onto our resources for a little bit.”  I said dropping my act. “Gold is very valuable to electronics as it's a great conductor of electricity and also great for transferring heat.  And as we don’t currently have currency, we were going to make some out of gold to help start some sort of economy. And since all jobs are through me right now, I can start circulation pretty fluidly.  And the other ores and minerals we can use for-” “I get it, you want your stuff.”  Celestia said cutting me off. “But I expect the products you produce to be worth more than the resources.  Or your little colony will be in big trouble with the collection agency.” “Are the caterers coming back?”  I said jokingly. “I knew I shouldn't have shorted them on their pay.” “Yes, very funny.” She said nodding her head.  “And as it turns out you do have more going on in your head than you let on.” “I resemble that remark.”  I said, purposely misusing words. “Indeed.”  She said snickering.  “But we did interact with the humans as caterers.  The humans we talked with were not afraid of us at all.” “Yah, well I think it was all BS anyhow.”  I said shaking my head. “They don't give a damn about your authority.  They would have talked to you anyways, if they had a reason to that is.” “Well I’m glad they don’t fear me, but I would like at least some respect.”  Celestia said a little more serious. “I am one of the rulers of the nation that owns this island.” “Well they wouldn't outright disrespect you.”  I said defensively. “But they won’t fear you like your ponies do.  They will acknowledge your power, like they do mine, but talk with you like we’re talking right now.  At least most of them, some may differ.” “I guess that is acceptable.”  She said pouting a little. “I don't know why my ponies fear me so much, but I have grown used to everyone bowing to me...it’s strange that you just treat me like a family member would.” “Well if you have any hot young daughters you haven't told me about, we could be family.”  I said winking her way. “Or better yet, let me just have a go at you.” “O please, you couldn't handle all this mare.”  She said giggling. “And if I had a daughter, I wouldn't let either of you know of the other's existence.” “O come now Celestia.”  I said faking hurt. “It’s me we’re talking about, your favorite king-human-changeling-guy.” “Yes, we are talking about you.”  She countered. “The foul, greasy, dunce that's crashing on my island.” “I’m hurt.”  I said holding my chest.  “And this is my island by the way.  I may owe you billions of a currency I don't quite understand, but the island is under my name.  Sure you can repo it, but for now it's mine.” “I know, and for the record, you’re my favorite king.”  She said smiling. “Well, I’ve been away long enough, I guess I’ll get back to day court.” “Have fun with that.”  I said, not at all envying what she was going through.  “I’ll be herding my ducks.” “Farewell, I’ll see you for the mass transformation.”  She said before she charged her horn up, and teleported back to Canterlot. “That mare needs a vacation.”  I said as I neared the island. “Maybe I can work something out where she can come down here for a week or so on some ‘diplomatic trip’ or something.” I landed back where I had left to find most of the crowd had dispersed.  I wouldn't have waited around that long either, I had been gone for an hour or so.  A handful of people still sat around, waiting for the rest of the information on what the situation was with the larger island. “So, a quick update.”  I said addressing the group.  “Chloris and her hive will be your radio tower.  She will also be your employer. If you’re going over there, we are gonna put you to work.  I understand you need time to settle in so you don’t have to start immediately. But she needs help now so I have her constructing a small living quarters for people to go to and work while everyone else gets settled.  I’m gonna hold a meeting later today to go over everything with everyone, so until then that is all.” With that the last few people dispersed and made their way to the others to fill them in.  While I’m sure word of mouth would eventually spread my message to everyone, I felt that having...well basically a town meeting, would just be better. “Hey, King Shawn.”  Camden yelled sticking his head out the science tent.  “I’ve set up some fabrication technologies, now I need materials.” “O hey Nerd Camden.”  I said, addressing him with a proper title as well.  “Write what you need down and I’ll relay it to Chloris.  Her drones can deliver it for now but soon I think we’ll have a ferry system between the islands.” “Ok, I’ll make up a list for you.”  He said disappearing back into the tent. “I don't look forward to it.”  I said under my breath. “I have a feeling you’re gonna request the impossible...but It will probably advance the society as a whole so I guess it’ll be worth the hassle.” “Hey Chloris.  I said over the link.  “Sorry to bother you but I’m going to have to borrow a few drones soon.  Camden needs resources.” “Very well.”  She replied, almost hesitantly.  “You do remember I only have a handful right?” “Yes, I know.”  I said apologetically.  “And I know I just put a bunch of responsibilities on you, AND you are trying to build your home.  You can say no by the way. I may be king and whatnot but I’m a person, I make mistakes too. So if this is too much for you to handle let me know.” “It’s fine.”  She said sighing.  “I can handle it.  You may not show your stress or emotions, but I can feel them remember.  You desperately need someone you can rely on, and I will happily fill that role.  A king needs a pretty princess by his side.” I could practically feel her winking with that last remark.  But she wasn’t wrong, I really did need someone. My crew was reliable, but I had been trying to not put too much on them.  They were all working at their own pace. But I was forced to work at whatever pace my people seemed fit. “Thanks Chloris.  You’re right, I do need someone.  But for the record you’re not a pretty princess.”  I said, pausing for dramatic effect.  “You’re my beautiful queen.” “That was awful.”  She said, terminating the link we had established. “Shawn, I have the list.”  Camden called out, making his way over to me.  “I understand the carrying capabilities of drones aren’t infinite so I prioritized each item and its weight.” He handed me the paper with his awful handwriting and made his way back to the tent.  The list wasn't terribly long, I guess he really did understand. Or so I thought till I got to the fifth item. “Camden, how the fuck am I going to get you fifty pounds of uranium!?”  I yelled exasperated.