//------------------------------// // Resurface // Story: Plan B // by Dropbear //------------------------------// Cadence slowly trotted into the palace kitchen, her hooves clicking on the dusty cream tiles. Racks of assorted pots and pans adorned the walls, untouched for centuries, and the lines of wood-fired stoves and food preparation benches stood empty. It was the sinks down the opposite end of the room that drew her attention however, the sound of running water accompanied by the clinking of pans and whistling. Rounding a bench covered with a set of bloodstained knives, Cadence nearly jumped out of her fur as something hissed at her. “Slave…” Raising a foreleg to her chest, Cadence let out a breath when she realised that it was just Sombra in his box prison. The former Tyrant’s glowing eyes glared out at her from his spot to the side of the main sink, his smoky body filling the entire rectangle box. A few lines of soapy water dripped down one side, a set of plates from breakfast sitting in the metal dish rack that had been unceremoniously popped down on top. “Ah, Cadence,” Chalmers greeted as he turned around from the sink to look at her with soapy scrubbing brush in hand. “Have you come to help out?” He gave a pointed glance towards the door leading to the dining room. “No one else has, so it’s just been me and Sombra so far.” As he spoke, he plucked a clean plate up from soap in the sink and rinsed it off under a tap, before placing it in the dishrack atop of the glass-like prison. “I was actually wanting to talk with you for a moment,” Cadence answered with another glance towards Sombra. The smoke monster still hadn’t taken his eyes off of her, a shiver running down her spine as he licked his fangs. “But I’m happy to give you some assistance as I do.” Her horn glowed and a wet plate was plucked up from the dishrack while a tea towel was levitated over at the same time. They both commenced their respective tasks, Chalmers washing as Cadence dried. A few moments passed, before Nigel coughed. “So?” Slowing her work, a soapy glass held before her, Cadence looked up at him. “I was hoping to talk with you some more about Chrysalis, if you’re okay with that.” “Sure,” he replied. “I don’t have a problem with talking about Chrissy.” He lowered his voice to an exaggerated whisper. “As long as she doesn’t find out, that is.” Smiling, Cadence continued. “I was just really curious. I mean, as you’ve heard we really haven’t had the best history together, and I always thought of her to be…” she hesitated. “Well, irredeemably cruel.” He chuckled at that, his hands resting in the soapy water while he looked at her. “You know, I can see why you’d probably think that to be quite honest. But I have to say, you wouldn’t believe just how much of a softy she was when I first met her.” “Really?” Nigel lifted his hands up from the sink and moved one of them down to his thigh. “Chrissy was just up to here on me, this slightly annoying blue-green unicorn.” He smiled, a sigh escaping him. “Ah, Seabiscut. Truly a superior name choice. She was masquerading as a first mate on this pirate ship I… accidentally ‘acquired’.” Cadence raised an eye. “Accidentally?” “Yeah.” Nigel returned his hands to the sink, one picking up a dirty plate while the other grabbed the brush. “Don’t try and use magic on me, by the way. I like you too much for that.” He started to scrub, Cadence unable to query as to why before he continued. “Yes, Chrysalis. She was just like that lot out there,” the brush flicked a few soap suds onto the tiled floor as it was gestured towards the dining room doorway. “All bald and blue-eyed. Full of fascination at everything, got a little grating sometimes.” Cadance finished drying her plate and plonked it down on top of Sombra, her head glancing over to the door. “Really? So she was a normal changeling?” Chalmers nodded, so she continued. “Who are those changelings, anyway? They seem to be far fewer in number than...” She grimaced. “Last time I had the pleasure of meeting her.” Nigel passed her another clean plate, Cadence starting on it with a look towards him. “Well, they’re what Chrissy calls her ‘nobles’. You see, back when we first met, there was this town we were staying in. Nice town, not as nice as it was when I was in charge though.” Cadence didn’t miss the way his smile grew at the memory. “This trader rocked up with ten baby changelings all in a cage, selling them as exotic pets. Then this prissy mayor goes to buy all ten for ‘decorations’.” “Oh.” Frowning, Cadence continued to dry. “I take it that Chrysalis didn’t react to well to that.” Another grin from Chalmers. “No, no she did not. She outright dropped her disguise then and there, turned to me, and begged me to rescue them for her. Keep in mind, up until then I still thought that she was a genuine unicorn.” “So what happened?” “Well, I’ll spare you the boring details, but we ended up ‘acquiring’ them.” “You seem to do a lot of that,” Cadence said with a smile. “That I do.” Chalmers passed her the last plate needing to be dried, switching to the coffee mugs. “It’s a bit of a long story, but essentially I was breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all of them, Chrissy included. She was pretty much the mother figure for them, and I still don’t really know why, but she started to change during it. Growing hair, taller, stuff like that.” A few moments passed where they just continued to wash, a pile of dried mugs quickly stacking up on top of Sombra. Cadence was almost about to start asking more questions, the story about Queen Chrysalis’ early days was fascinating to her, but she was stopped at the sound of approaching hoofsteps. Both she and Nigel turned around, one of the changelings trotting up to them. “Nigel.” The changeling, a female judging from the voice, smiled up at Chalmers before glancing at her. The smile turned into a frown, a quick glare being sent her way before the changeling returned to smiling after refocusing on Nigel. “Do you want some help?” “Actually, I think that the three of us have already got it covered, Reflection.” Watching Nigel dry one of his hands off on a spare tea towel, Cadence noticed the changeling give her a sideways glance. “Are you sure?” “Positive.” Chalmers knelt down before he reached out and patted Reflection on the head. “Thank you for offering though. We’re almost finished here, why don’t you get the others ready for me? We’ll head off as soon as Chrysalis is done with her bath.” Another glance sent Cadence’s way, but the changeling nodded after a second. “Okay. Just let me know of you do need help with anything, though.” Standing up and removing his hand, Nigel smiled. “Will do.” With a final, suspicious look, Reflection turned and trotted back out the way she had come in from. As soon as she was gone Cadence gave Chalmers a look, the human shrugging his shoulders before turning back to the sink. “They’re just protective, that’s all.” ‘Yeah, sure.’ Cadence finished the last of the dishes, her magic quickly grabbing plates and cups and storing them in the appropriate cupboards. “So how did you get so many?” Nigel, in the middle of pulling out the plug, paused to turn his head. “So many what?” She glanced back to make sure there weren’t any more intruders. “Changelings. You said that Chrysalis and yourself found those ten.” She lowered her voice. “I mean, I don’t know much about them, but surely those ten didn’t produce the thousands that were at the wedding.” Nigel stared back at her, before his eyes lit up with understanding. “Oh, no, no.” He pulled the plug out, the water in the drain starting to empty while he talked. “Those ten out there aren’t the original ten. Chrissy has some weird bloodline and naming system going on.” The sink finished draining with a gurgle that echoed around the kitchen. “No, the original ten ones that I helped raise a little are long dead now from age, we’re probably about ten generations in at this point.” She paused, the last mug halfway into the cupboard. ‘There’s no way that’s possible,’ Cadence realised. ‘Unless changelings only live for a few years at most.’ Then, with mug still in her magical grasp, she glanced down at the box that held Sombra. Looking into the mad King’s narrowed eyes as the smoky mass shifted and swirled, she recalled a rather important detail. “Hold on,” she said while meeting Nigel’s curious glance. “You and Sombra know each other, but the Crystal Empire’s been in magical exile for at least a thousand years. You also knew Chrysalis when she was still a ‘normal’ changeling, and she only started with ten…” Cadence tilted her head. “Surely you haven’t been around for more than a thousand years?” He chuckled. “Heh, not quite that, no.” “Oh,” Cadence said. “Then-“ “I mean, unless you count all the centuries of being magically trapped as a stone statue, that is.” There was a harsh crash and a crack, as the last mug dropped from Cadence’s magical grasp onto the ground. Nigel looked over towards the shattered remains of the coffee mug, before he focused back on Cadence. “Something wrong?” he asked her, Cadence still staring at him. “Let me get it.” Walking over and crouching down, Nigel allowed himself a small smile as he picked the shards of former mug up. Then a voice called out from the other end of the kitchen. “Nigel?” “All good in here, Reflection,” he called back while standing up and glancing at the doorway. The changeling let her gaze linger on him for a moment, before she gave in and left. Turning around, he refaced Cadence and rolled the shards of pottery around in his hand. “So Cadence, questions?” She continued to stare, but with a shake of her head she managed to regain her composure. “I…” she began, blinking her eyes. “I have to say, that really wasn’t the explanation I was expecting. I only know of one other who received that punishment, and he’s far worse than you.” She glanced at the door, but didn’t make any attempt to back away. “You’re not lying to me, are you?” Nigel grinned. “I’m flattered that you think that highly of me,” he chuckled. He dumped the broken mug on the bench, crossing his arms as he leaned back against it. Cadence for her part seemed to relax, her stance loosening. “But no, I’m telling the truth. I really did get locked in stone, an unfortunate mistake on my part.” He waited, Cadence tilting her head and studying him. Her eyes roamed over his armour, one of her ears flicking. “If you don’t mind me asking, Nigel, what did you exactly do?” He shrugged his shoulders. “Oh, you know. I ‘acquired’ a ship, a town, some changelings, tried to also acquire the world…” A chuckle. “The usual really.” Chalmers noticed Cadence frown and glance towards Sombra, so he quickly continued. “Keep in mind that this was quite a long time ago, you ponies weren’t exactly getting along well with each other.” Cadence looked back up at him. “And Celestia and Luna thought that it was bad enough to use the Elements of Harmony on you?” “Well,” Nigel winced. “I may have also tried to kill Celestia.” He noticed her look, and held up a hand. “But that was only after they both tried to get me the first time, so it was self-defence. Also, I was going to spare Luna afterwards.” Cadence still didn’t drop the judgmental look, Nigel wincing again. “It… it was a long time ago?” His host maintained her gaze, her frown staying put. Narrowing her eyes, Cadence shifted her hoofing. “I know that I should be mad,” she stated evenly, her eyes shifting away to quickly check the kitchen door for any spying observers. “I suppose that you’ve at least figured out by now that I’m an Equestrian myself, and connected to the royal family.” Nigel nodded. “It was pretty obvious from the start really with the whole palace, Canterlot wedding story, and alicorn thing after all.” He smiled, despite her narrowed eyes. “I’m not as ignorant as Chrysalis thinks I am.” “And yet,” Cadence replied. “You still treated myself and Shining with politeness and respect, even though Chrysalis wanted you to destroy us, and even when you’re obviously enough of a threat to Equestria that the pony I respect the most used the Elements on you.” She paused for a second, before continuing. “And I’ve just realised that I’ve heard of you before, from Chrysalis no less. I just didn’t expect you to be… you.” Cadence’s stare wavered, her head once again turning to check the doorway. “She certainly seems to despise how the Princesses, two ponies I look up to, punished you. I would have thought that, considering your history, you would be more than happy to help her get rid of me out of spite for Luna and Celestia alone.” She furrowed her brows. “But you didn’t, instead you managed to get her to calm down and be nice. Why?” Chalmers shrugged his armoured shoulders. “Eh, basic politeness goes a long way. Besides, I don’t have any grudge with you or your husband.” Chuckling, he bent down to remove the empty dishrack from Sombra’s box, placing it on a nearby bench. “You both weren’t even born back when it happened, for a start.” He watched Cadence regard his words, one hand brushing the last remaining soap trails off of Sombra. “You know that I’ll have to tell her about them,” Cadence said slowly after another pause. “How you were here.” Nigel stood back up and wiped his hands, smile still on his face. “I hope you will, put in a good word for me, hey?” He winked, causing Cadence to raise an eye. “It hasn’t exactly been the worst stay.” “No,” Cadence’s eyes glanced to the cupboards where they had stored the clean plates. “No it hasn’t, admittedly.” Pursing her lips, she let the last remainders of her frown drop with a sigh and focused back on him. “Knowing what I am expected to do, as a Princess, I think it would be best if you departed from these lands as soon as you are able. I won’t spoil Shining’s day with this information about you, especially after breakfast, but I will have to inform Celestia and Luna.” Chalmers nodded. “I understand that, duty to one’s people.” He straightened, one hand looping around the handle attached to the top of Sombra’s prison. The King hissed but didn’t say anything as he was lifted up, Nigel giving him a hiss back before refacing Cadence. “I’ll get everyone moving, including Chrysalis. We’ll be gone in a few minutes. Thank you for the hospitality despite everything, it was very kind.” He turned and started to walk towards the door, but halted when Cadence spoke again. “Wait.” Nigel turned, Cadence shifting uncomfortably. “I know that Chrysalis and you are not going to just leave Equestria alone. Is there…” she folded both of her ears back. “Do you think there’s any way that the two of you could try to talk to Celestia and Luna, to work something out without the need for any hostility?” Cadence took a step towards him. “I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider it, I’d rather have us be on good terms, even friends.” There was an attempt at a smile. “Chrysalis might have to stay as a good acquaintance, though.” “Heh,” Nigel smiled. “I’d like that too.” Then, still with a smile, he shook his head. “But I’m afraid that it’s likely not to work out like that.” He looked her in the eyes. “I wasn’t the only one punished for what I did that day, Cadence. And compared to them, I got off rather lightly. You yourself have experienced the result of what they went through.” Nodding, he waved his free hand. “Goodbye Cadence. Once again, thanks for putting us up for the night. I’ll remember it.” With that, leaving Cadence standing still behind him, Nigel resumed walking. Upon exiting the room he was met with ten sets of curious eyes as the nobles broke apart from the whispering circle they had gathered in. “Alright you lot,” Chalmers announced with a grin. “We’ve got a lot of ground to cover before dark, let’s get Chrysalis and go home.” “Oh you can’t be serious!” Twilight jolted awake at the yell as it echoed around the bridge, her mother hitting her in the side with a foreleg as she was also rudely awakened. With a wince, Twilight sat up against the wall before she looked over at the command chair in the centre of the room, Morning Sparkle snarling at a large screen that was suspended down from the metal ceiling. “That’s even further away from the sea then before!” While Morning smacked her hoof down on her chair’s arm, Twilight snuck a glance at what was vexing the pirate captain so. An image was lit up on the suspended surface, and she recognised it as an ancient map of Equestria. ‘It must be centuries old,’ Twilight silently thought as she leaned her head forwards to get a better look. ‘Seedtown? Castle Ironhoof? Manehattan isn’t even on there, unless it used to be called Quayble’. Then she noticed the two flashing dots on the map, both a firm red colour. One was out in the east sea, Twilight taking a guess that it represented their submersible ship, and the other was to the north of Equestria, near the snowy wastes. Then, the dot out in the north moved a tiny bit south, Twilight so focused on the map that she didn’t notice Morning turn around and stare at her until the pirate threw a hoof up towards her. “How are we supposed to get over there!? Just how?” Twilight felt her mother nudge her in the side, and so she hesitantly cleared her throat. “You… you could always just travel on land… if you really needed to?” Morning stared at her, before her hoof swung about in the air again. “Oh yeah,” the Captain snorted. “Genius idea. I’ll just ram the nearest coastline I see and carve a passage through. Should be simple.” Twilight bowed her head, Velvet speaking up from beside her. “I think that Twilight was suggesting that you leave your vessel hidden somewhere, and continue on hoof.” Not flinching even when Morning glared at her, Velvet continued. “Equestria has good roads, and you could even take the train if you landed near a city or large town to get across the country in a few days.” “Train?” Perking back up at the question, Twilight joined back in with an answer. “A number of metal carriages that can carry ponies, pulled along by a ‘locomotive’ powered by steam that uses long and flat rails to travel across the country.” She smiled. “It’s named ‘The Friendship Express’.” Glad to have helped, Twilight sat and waited while Morning glanced towards Velvet and back. “Friendship Express?” The pirate scoffed. “Ha! You’re even worse at naming things as the Captain was!” Twilight frowned, while Velvet just rolled her eyes with a sigh. “Do you have a better name?” Morning waved a dismissive hoof. “I don’t care about land-things, only ships.” She turned around, Twilight managing to catch a small smile on the pirate before her back was put towards them. “He would have probably called it something melodramatic like ‘The Train of Terror’ or something like that.” Morning paused, Velvet speaking up again in the quiet. “I take it that you’re against the train and dropping us off at Manehattan on the way, then?” Glancing back, Morning glared and pointed a hoof at the pair of them. “Yes, I am against taking this ‘train’, and dropping you two softies off just yet.” Another moment of hesitation, Morning’s hoof going to her chin. “Although, I do have the longboat in the back…” Sharing a puzzled look with her mother, Twilight furrowed her brows. Taking care to try and keep judgement from entering her tone, Twilight turned her head back to look at Morning. “But… isn’t that just a smaller boat?” She didn’t flinch when Morning’s eyes locked onto her. “You still have the same problem, there’s no water to travel on.” “Oh,” Morning snorted with a shake of her head. “Don’t underestimate the Captain. A longboat that travels on water makes far too much sense…” The fire crackled, and Reflection smiled to herself as she held her hooves out to get rid of the last remnants of frost. The ground beneath her rump was starting to lose its chill, and she looked around while the fire’s glow continued to light up the flat walls of the makeshift shelter. The rest of the nobles had all formed a tight circle around the roaring fire, Reflection’s gaze passing over Buzz. Spying her targets, she watched while Chalmers sat down next to Chrysalis with the armour on his right hand retracted. Her ears gave an envious twitch at the ear scratch that the Queen then received, Chrysalis closing her eyes with a content hum, but Reflection knew better than to try and muscle in on the attention. ‘At least he’s managing to keep her happy,’ she thought with a smile. Chalmers turned his head when he noticed her gaze on him, Chrysalis rolling her own head around under his hand unaware, and Reflection brightened at the grin he gave her. She had to raise a forehoof to her mouth to hold in the giggle at the pointed look and exaggerated eye-roll that was directed at Chrysalis, Nigel not holding in his own chuckle before he cleared his throat. “Well then,” he spoke up with everyone turning around to face him. Even Chrysalis managed to open her eyes and pay attention with a smile as the ear rub continued. “We’ve managed to make some good progress today, so good job all of you. A bright and early start, and we should be able to reach home before nightfall tomorrow.” Chrysalis’ grin grew when Nigel glanced down at her, the Queen sitting up straighter and nodding at them all. “That’s right. It will be busy when we return, but we have much to prepare for.” The smile gained a touch of wicked glee. “With all of the distractions out of the way, we can focus on Canterlot, and Equestria as a whole.” Reflection shifted on her spot, her smile wavering at the memory of the last attempt they had made against Equestria. The other nobles seemed equally uncomfortable at the reminder of the Queen’s goal, Buzz even going so far as a to share a look with her. Their reactions weren’t ignored, Chrysalis’ grin fading as she made to reply. “I wouldn’t worry about that,” Nigel got in first with an armoured thumb pointing at his chest. “This time you’ve got me on your side, ready to topple regimes and usurp control. All in a day’s work.” He waved a hand. “So don’t worry too much about it. We’ll assemble a devious plot over the next few days, one that Celestia and Luna would never guess, and victory will be ours for the taking.” “You make It sound so simple,” Chrysalis grumbled, before her mouth twitched into a smirk. “Simple does seem to be your specialty, after all.” A bare finger flicked her lightly on the nose at the comment, and Chalmers snorted. “I am anything but simple, thank you very much.” Reflection and the others turned back to the fire as the two leaders started to quietly quarrel between themselves in the corner, the nobles all sharing looks with each other with accompanying eye rolls. ‘I’m sure, no matter the plan,’ Reflection thought as she laid down with her head on her forehooves. ‘That absolutely nothing about this will be simple.’ She thought back to the incident at the bat-pony city, and winced. ‘All I can ask is that I be far away from any more explosions.’ Beams watched with furrowed eyes while the deep blue glow of Princess Luna’s magic surrounded the last wincing councillor. The bat-pony mare in question, greyed hairs hinting that she was far too old for the situation, stood frozen in place in the main council hall until the glow completely died out a few moments later with a faint tinkle of magic. Princess Luna’s frown didn’t change at all, instead her silver-shoed hoof raised up to rub her chin. “Well?” Beams turned her head towards the approaching hoofsteps, Head Councillor Artibeus trotting past Corporals Belfry and Dream to gaze up at the Princess with hope in his eyes. “I cannot tell for sure, I am afraid,” Luna answered with a shake of her head. “I have not managed to detect anything out of the normal.” Around them, the councillors broke out into frantic whispering. A few gingerly touched forehooves to their chests, wings giving the occasional nervous flap. The unease was seemingly ignored by the Princess, Luna keeping her focus on Artibeus while the councilmare that had just been scanned trotted away with a dejected frown. “You cannot recall any additional information that the vagabonds let slip? Nothing of their intentions, no boasts of future plans for you?” Luna’s gaze remained resolute. “Possibly anything that you believe would endanger you if you inform me?” Artibeus stood tall and frowned, a sigh escaping him. “No, my Princess. Believe me, I wouldn’t withhold anything from you, even if it meant my life.” He glanced towards Beams, before looking back to Luna. “Unfortunately, I’m sure that your guards have told you all that I already know. The Changeling Queen and the Human demanded that we side with them against Equestria, and when we refused they took action. Apart from forcing us to allow them to escape the city, they left us with no extra orders or demands.” He shuffled on his hooves. “However, I cannot rule out that they will not return and change that.” The three of them glanced towards the main council chamber doors at the creak of them opening, Sergeant Bites and Corporal Sweeps trotting in along with two armoured city guards. Beams didn’t miss the way Artibeus initially flinched, before the stallion relaxed when it was evident that it was just more bat-ponies. “Princess, Sergeant-Major,” Bites greeted upon trotting up to them, with Sweeps raising up his foreleg in a salute. “Any luck?” ‘I swear…’ Beams ground her teeth and repressed the urge to reprimand her subordinate for being so unthoughtful in front of their monarch. Judging from the small smile that Luna gave the two newly-arrived stallions however, she didn’t think that the Princess was offended by the informality. “Unfortunately, no,” the Princess answered with a head shake. “I was unable to detect any of the tiny machines with my magic, but that does not rule out their presence.” Luna raised an eye. “Did the pair of you find any important information?” “Not really, no,” Corporal Sweeps answered for Bites. “We checked out the hotel that was used to house them, and aside from the staff telling us about the…. ‘romantic squabbles’, it was just ‘they seemed okay’ and ‘nothing really out of place’ responses. With the staff believing them to just be strange foreign diplomats, nothing was really out of place.” “Except for the receptionist,” Bites chimed in with a raised hoof. “She got real strange when I mentioned the human, Chalmers. Started mumbling about eyes, fidgeting in her seat.” Despite the circumstances, he grinned. “Though, that might have just have been because I was talking to her.” Beams and Sweep shared an eye roll, one that Luna caught with a visible tilt of her head, before Sweeps cleared his throat. “Actually, Sergeant, I spoke to her as well.” The corporal couldn’t hide the mouth twitch that tried to turn into a smile. “While I don’t dare doubt your mythical skill with the mares, I think that the receptionist was more enamored with a creature of the two-legged variety.” Sweeps quickly turned to address the Princess before Bites could reply. “From what I could gather from her, Princess, the human was very polite and complimenting. He managed to convince her to give them rooms despite hotel management not having given approval.” Luna nodded at the information. “That sounds accurate given what we have observed. Our foe has various weapons in his armoury to use against us, not just blades and explosives.” “It’s more the explosives that concern me, personally,” Artibeus spoke up with a raised foreleg. “Given the circumstances.” “Yes, I can see why,” Luna conceded, her expression hardening. “But alas, I am saddened to admit that I am unable to help you at the moment, Council leader. Without being able to locate the Human’s machines inside of you, I’m afraid that I must instead settle on assuring you that I will do everything in my power to halt the Human and Changeling Queen’s machinations.” Artibeus bowed his head. “I understand, My Princess. Please, do not take offence at my prior outburst, I appreciate the effort.” He looked back up, a wince crossing his tired face. “But I do have to ask what shall we do if they do return, and try to force us to act against you? I cannot ask my fellow councilmembers to defy such an order considering what it could lead to.” “Do not defy them,” the answer came quickly. “I also cannot ask you to make such a sacrifice, even it means working against Equestria.” A silver shoe placed itself on Artibeus’ shoulder, the councillor meeting his Princess’ eyes. “I know that none of my bat-ponies would ever harbour such ill-will against me. Do whatever you must, to keep this city safe.” “I will, Princess. Certainly.” Luna withdrew her hoof and looked around at all of them, her wings giving a flutter as she adjusted her hoofing. “We shall make haste back to Equestria. Celestia will be informed of this development, and I will urge her to accelerate our plans to deal with this matter. Guards, with me.” Turning for the door, Luna nodded at Artibeus. “Farewell, I wish you luck.” “And to you.” Moving alongside the Princess when she started to trot for the door, Beams looked up at the ruler as her squad moved in to follow behind. “We shall require more than luck, Sergeant-Major,” Luna murmured softly to her. “Would you believe me when I say that it is likely to get much worse?” Beams looked forwards as the city guards up ahead made to open the council doors for them, her mind flashing back to when she was overlooking the changeling army disposing of countless melons. “Oh, I believe it, Princess,” she answered with a whisper, both Luna and her going quiet as they trotted through the doors and left the council chambers behind. “Well, what do you think? Chrysalis’ choice of aesthetics, not mine.” The whine of thrusters died down when Chalmers’ armoured boots hit the rocky ground, Chrysalis and the nobles landing a second later closer to the entrance of the Hive up ahead. He glanced down towards the box he held at his side, the glowing eyes within turning from their appraisal of the jagged black spires to glare at him. “I know, I prefer metal exteriors for my lairs personally,” Nigel shrugged, Sombra not even hissing at him in response. “I like the pointed towers though.” He looked back at the entrance, a gaggle of twenty changelings moving out from the entrance to greet Chrysalis and the ten nobles. Spotting the Queen turn her head to look at him, Chalmers started to move forwards with Sombra carried by his side. The non-noble changelings, all clad in purple armour, ceased their bows and stood up straight at his approach. Their eyes settled on him with an air of unease, Nigel not sure if they were just intimidated or if they didn’t completely trust him despite Chrysalis’ orders to the contrary. ‘Not that I can really blame them either way,’ he thought, before giving the soldiers a small wave. “Hey fellas, how did the homestead hold up? Good to have some time with the Queen away?” No-one answered, a moment of silence passing with the soldiers all looking towards Chrysalis for direction. It was broken by a small giggle from behind the Queen, the culprit hidden within the bunch of changeling nobles, and with a sigh Chrysalis waved a foreleg at the guards. “Ignore him,” she ordered with a roll of her eyes. “I am confident that everything was kept under control during my absence.” She paused, her gaze sweeping over the soldiers with none of them correcting her. A nod of approval, before she flicked her mane. “Still, our travel has been long, so I will listen to your reports while on my throne. Go, I will be there in a moment.” The armoured changelings nodded, the group of five with golden armour trim turning to retreat back into the Hive while the remainder took up positions beside the entranceway. “Actually, wait.” They stopped, Chrysalis pointing a hoof towards Sombra. “Take this box with you as well, and place it by my throne. It will make a fine decoration.” The muffled growl that Sombra let out as he shifted and swirled within the transparent prison was unintelligible, the five changeling officers looking to the glowing eyes and back to the Queen. “It is adequately contained,” she reassured them. “Now don’t delay.” Sharing a look, the five simultaneously powered their horns and used them to lift up Sombra, the box floating in the air behind them while they re-entered the hive with it in tow. Chrysalis took the chance to face the nobles, her expression neutral. “You’ve all been well-behaved while away, despite the many incidences that plagued us. It was… not entirely unpleasant.” The Queen’s posture softened, the monarch lowing her voice somewhat with a sideways glance towards the awaiting soldiers. The nobles for their part remained quiet, but their chins were raised with pride. “Continue with your good behaviour, and I may see fit to reward you with increased responsibly in the future. Understand?” She received nods of acknowledgement, Chrysalis straightening back up. “Good. Now, I’m sure you’re all tired, so I will permit you to retire to your rooms or the baths if you wish.” Nigel chose that moment to step in, one armoured finger pointing up in the air. “Ah, except for one of you, that is.” He started to circle around the nobles, the changelings all sharing confused looks with one another while Chrysalis just sighed and shook her head. Not paying attention to her, but still preparing for her eventual admonishing, Nigel continued on. “You see, I require an assistant for our upcoming schemes, a position of great importance. Such a position, however, can only go to the toughest, strongest changeling out of you. That’s who I need.” A loud scoff was the immediate reply, all attention going to Buzz as the bulky noble stepped out from the group and banged a foreleg against his chest with a grin. “No contest,” Buzz stated with a deep buzz and a smug glance back at the others. “I’m the toughest one here, if not the entire Hive. I’ve fought the most out of all of us.” He turned around on the spot, showing off the numerous nicks and scars that covered his chitin. Flicking his left ear, the top half missing completely, Buzz refaced Nigel. “I even fought the Equestrian’s special Element Bearers at Canterlot, during the invasion.” “I heard the blue pegasus kicked your rump though,” Cupid interjected, although her tone was more jovial than malicious. It certainly earned a round of snickers from the others, even Nigel raising an eye under his helmet. “Knocked you out cold, too.” Despite his fellows poking fun at him, Buzz didn’t bat an eye. He didn’t’ even turn around to acknowledge them with his next words. “You heard about it because you weren’t there to witness it yourselves,” he stated with smile still intact. “I was on the front lines with the main group of the soldiers, while the rest of you save for Reflection and Sheen were back in the hive lounging around in the baths.” Buzz’s tail flicked, and he straightened. “But if you think I’m lying, then why don’t you all ask the Queen what she thinks?” Nigel followed his advice and looked over towards Chrysalis, as did the rest of the nobility. Chrysalis made the obvious effort to suppress her entertainment with the boasting, her smile quickly hidden behind a thoughtful frown. “Well…” she murmured with a look over all of them. “Buzz is certainly confident, but I can’t say that he’s wrong.” Her smile made a great effort to return, Chrysalis’ mouth twitching as she clarified her answer. “Perhaps not the most intelligent, cunning, or charismatic out of you, but I would be safe in declaring him the strongest changeling here when it comes to physical matters.” The smile managed to break free, Nigel tilting his head and meeting the grin she aimed at him. “Saying that, he’s probably still above you in the intelligence and cunning contest Nigel. I’ll let you have ‘charisma’ though.” “Hardy-har,” Nigel snorted, while in front of him Buzz beamed with pride. “Thank you, Queen Chrysalis,” he bowed before standing back up with a salute. “With that settled by your word, I stand ready to serve as needed.” Pausing to give a quick finger point at Chrysalis while she smirked at him, Nigel turned back to focus on Buzz. “Good Lad, at ease.” Buzz dropped the salute, Nigel taking a knee on the rocky ground to pat the stocky changeling on the soldier. “So, the toughest you say,” he said as he turned the shoulder pat into an ear scratch, Buzz tilting his head to the side with a happy hum. The other nobles watched on, many jealous ear flicks going around the group. “Glad to hear it. You even had Chrissy back you up too, and you know how she is with praise.” He ignored the Queen’s frown. “Tough and strong, splendid,” continued Nigel without pausing the scratch. “I’m going to need a sturdy changeling like you to lend a hand. A changeling quick to not back down in the face of danger, steadfast and without fear. Willing to risk life and limb for victory over our foes, our hated adversaries, the charlatans standing in the way on our path to glor-“ “I see where this is going,” Chrysalis cut in, everyone switching to focus on her hoof stamping down. The Queen’s expression was stern, Nigel looking up at her as she trotted closer to look down at him kneeling in place. “No making or using explosives in the Hive, Nigel. Absolutely no chance.” His hand stopped the ear scratch, Buzz having frozen in place at the word ‘explosives’, and Nigel unfurled his hands by his sides while still kneeling in place. “Chrissy, Chrissy, Chrissy, whatever do you mean? I certainly would never even think of such a thing.” ‘How did she know!?’ “Besides, I’ve already done explosives. I was thinking of something new, and entirely non-combustible in nature. Don’t you trust me?” Chrysalis’ snout booped up against his blank helmet visor, her foreleg pressing up against his armoured chest. “No. Explosives. In. The. Hive.” Each word was accompanied by a forceful prod of her hoof, a moment passing between them. “Okay,” Nigel gave in with his hands raised. “No explosives in the Hive. El comprehendae.” “Repeat it,” she pressed with another prod, the nobility and watching soldiers all struggling to maintain their composure. “To be sure.” “Oh come on-“ “Repeat!” “No explosives in the Hive,” he hurried out, like a child forced to utter a fake apology. “Okay? I get it.” “You better,” Chrysalis huffed. Turning around, she lowered her voice to a mutter. “Maniac.” Her teal tail teasingly flicked his visor as she made for the Hive entrance, Chrysalis calling out behind her. “Nobles, with me. Buzz, congratulations on the promotion, have fun helping Nigel now.” Nigel stood back up and watched her go with the other favoured changelings in tow, the soldiers at the entrance falling in behind as the group disappeared into the depths. Buzz, standing beside him, waited for a few moments before shrugging. “Well, what do you want to do now?” he asked, Nigel still watching Chrysalis leave. “You know, since the Queen said no explosives and all that.” Under his helmet, Nigel broke out into a grin. “Ah,” he corrected with a finger going up into the air. “She said ‘no explosives in the Hive’, keywords being ‘in the Hive’. Ergo, any explosive devices constructed and or abused outside of the Hive are fair game.” Buzz looked up at him, the last tinges of hope having fled from his wide blue eyes. “Can you at least promise me that I’ll get to keep all of my limbs?” “No time for promises, assistant!” Nigel announced, spinning around on the spot and strolling away from the entrance. “We have much work ahead of us, much greatness!” Chalmers ignored the long, drawn out sigh, the steady hoofsteps that followed him enough proof that Buzz was indeed as fearless in the face of death as had been claimed. No, he was instead far too preoccupied with plans and schemes, the neurons in his brain sparking as possible designs and ideas flashed through his mind at a breakthrough pace. “Hmm…” Morning lowered the gold-trimmed spyglass she held and simultaneously used her magic to take a swig of strong rum from a cloudy brown bottle, the occasional wave lapping up against the side of her ship. She adjusted her hoofing on the damp deck, her eyes still set firmly on the land before her. The perfect beaches and lush green fields behind them didn’t interest her in the slightest, neither did the small villages that dotted along the coast. “Right in that direction,” she mumbled to herself, swaying slightly. “A week or so on hoof, I really don’t have much of a choice then.” The empty bottle was flung over the side of the submersible to splash down into the sea as Morning turned back to the doorway leading to the bridge. Trotting forwards, she powered her horn and pulled the handle, the door creaking open on its hinges to allow her entry. Stepping back inside, she eyed her two alleged descendants and drew her cutlass. “Alrighty then,” she slurred while ignoring how their eyes widened. “I think it’s about time that we made some headway on this journey.” Stepping over towards her command chair, she reached out with a forehoof and pressed a button. Or, at least she tried, Morning having to focus after the first three attempts to get it right. Finally landing the edge of her hoof on it, Twilight and Velvet both jolted in place as a loud whir droned out through the cabin. A one metre by one metre section of the metal floor slid to the side, revealing a short metal stairwell leading down below. “Nobles and guests first,” Captain Morning grinned, with a pointed jab of her cutlass. “I insist.” “Ahh…” Twilight stammered out, sharing a look with Velvet. “O-okay.” Visibly gulping, the young unicorn took the lead and descended the stairs. Morning followed behind Velvet, cutlass still drawn. The trio’s hooves clanked on the cold metal beneath, and within a few moments they were all standing single-file in a small passageway. Thick metal doors covered each wall, Twilight looking back for guidance. “Head through the end door,” answered Morning with a nod of confirmation. “It’s unlocked.” The hoofsteps resumed, Twilight hesitantly opening the door upon reaching it and stepping through. Morning shut it behind her after following Velvet through, all three going over the room with curious gazes. Rows of metal cabinets, covered in symbols and signs that even Morning didn’t recognise, took up most of the room on the walls. Sealed crates marked with yellow warning signs sat tethered to the floor in front, but the most unusual thing was the object situated square in the centre of the room. “Is that…” Twilight Sparkle questioned, one forehoof raising up to point while she squinted. “Supposed to be a boat?” Morning couldn’t exactly blame her for doubting. What used to be a normal, wooden longboat sat in the centre of the room. A thick metal cylinder, one large hole in the end, was firmly secured onto the back of the boat. ‘Firmly secured’ in this case meaning ‘bolted onto the back by a few strips of randomly place metal’. Two thick and rubbery cables snaked out from within the boat to attach to the metal cylinder, seemingly only held in place by a few strips of silvery-grey tape. Numerous rectangles of metal, vents and ducts, adorned the sides and bottom of the boat, alluding that it was no longer meant to be sea-worthy. Finally, a metal ship’s wheel, adorned with numerous buttons and levers, sat in the longboat with five sturdy chairs bolted in place before it in rows of two. “Some claim that the Captain wasn’t a genius,” Morning said while dragging a forehoof down the side of the boat. Twilight Velvet paused her examination of the crime against engineering, her head tilting. “And you?” “I agree with them,” scoffed Morning with a wave over the boat. “Look at this thing! How does It even work?” At that, Twilight trotted over to the boat and peered in, her eyes furrowing. “There seems to be some instructions here, in Equestrian too.” A glance at Morning, the Captain nodding to go ahead, Twilight lifted up the single sheet of paper and cleared her throat. “Step one,” she read out. “Insert nuclear reactor core into boat. Be forceful if needed.” Morning frowned. “Nu-what?” “There’s some pictures here, I think… ah ha!” Without even asking for permission, Twilight lifted her head up and looked across at a certain cabinet with a black and yellow sign on the front. Morning considered waving her cutlass around when Twilight’s horn started to glow, but escaping or fighting back seemed to be the last thing on Twilight’s mind at the moment as the cabinet door was opened and a black metal sphere levitated out. The door was shut as soon as it was clear, a further ten identical spheres left clumped together inside of locker, before Twilight levitated it over to the three of them. “Is that it?” Velvet asked, leaning forwards to get a better look. Morning was about to add her own comment, but Twilight got in first. “It matches the instructions, and now…” The longboat was set upon by Twilight, her free forehoof probing the wooden deck. “We just need to find where to put it!” While Twilight busied herself with investigating, Morning gave Velvet a look and eye raise. “She’s very driven when it comes to learning,” was the whispered explanation. Scoffing, Captain Morning turned back to watch Twilight find and pop open a hatch concealed below the seat directly before the wheel. ‘It’s rather hard to miss that,’ she thought, shaking her head in an attempt to clear her groggy mind. Meanwhile, Twilight had managed to successfully connect the core, the top of the hatch closing with a solid click. Barely a second passed before she was nose-deep in the instructions once more, her eyes locked on the paper before her. “Step two: Turn it on.” Once again, neither Morning’s authority nor cutlass held any sway over the renegade unicorn, Twilight stepping over to press one of the buttons on the boat’s wheel after a mere second of examination. The result was a soft hum that slowly grew louder and louder until it sounded almost like an angry swarm of bees. The buttons on the ship’s wheel lit up with glows, Twilight bouncing briefly on her hooves with glee as she refocused on the written instructions once more. “Step Three: Prepare launch platform.” She glanced around the room, before looking at Velvet and Morning. “Could you both step back, please? I think this needs some space around the boat.” Velvet did as instructed without complaint, however Morning held her ground with a glare. “This is my ship, I give the orders around here.” Twilight wiggled her nose, biting her bottom lip while she did so. “Please, Captain?” The piece of paper was waved about in the air. “The instructions say that we have to. The instructions.” A second of silence passed, Morning drunkenly glancing at the waving paper, before she grunted and stepped back. “Stupid instructions,” she mumbled under her breath. Twilight either didn’t notice, or more likely didn’t care, trotting over towards the far wall with a bounce in her step. A fat, red button sat mounted on a silver section of the wall, right next to the cabinet containing the rest of the nuclear cores. With obvious anticipation, the button was swiftly and firmly pressed by a purple hoof, the effect immediate. “Launch Platform deploying,” Sea Biscuit’s voice informed through hidden speakers. “Keep clear.” The trio of ponies watched the centre of the room as, with a metallic groan, the pillar of metal that the bottom of the boat was mounted on started to angle up. A crack of blue became visible up above as the metal roof split in two at the same time, the parts sliding to the sides to reveal more and more of the outside sky. Fresh sea air flooded into the large room, joining the clanking of metal and the droning warnings of the ship’s computer. The launch pillar stopped at a raised ninety-degree angle at the same time that the sliding roof grinded to a halt, even Sea Biscuit pausing for a moment. “Longboat ready for launch,” the computer informed after the pause. “Prepare to board. Aye Aye. Shiver Me Timbers.” The three of them stared at the raised platform, the boat not exactly a shining example of aerodynamics. Morning then glanced up at the hole in the roof, noticing that the launch pillar wasn’t even centred properly. ‘Must be the booze,’ she rationalised, although a part of her mind doubted that greatly. Still, she missed the look that Twilight and velvet shared, the two also looking up to the hole with sneaky glances to each other. “Oh well,” Morning mumbled out. “It’s either this, or land.” Turning around, she sheathed her cutlass and focused on her two descendants. “Okay, you landlubbers,” she announced with a wave of her hoof to the boat. “Get on the boat and strap in. We got a human to hunt down.” The pair shared a glance, both shifting on their hooves, before Twilight looked at her with a forced smile. “Actually, while we appreciate the offer, we really don’t want to.” She continued on before Morning could even process the refusal and reply. “Good luck trying to fly that boat though, it was… interesting to meet you, despite the whole ‘evil pirate’ thing. We’ve got to go now,” Twilight’s smile gained a genuine touch. “I’ll tell the Princess that you aren’t all bad though, thank you for not making us walk the plank.” Morning blinked. “Wha-?” “Bye.” Twilight waved a hoof in farewell, a second before her horn lit up in a bright flash. With a pop, the two equestrians disappeared, leaving a very confused Pirate Captain blinking away the bright spots from her eyes. “I…” Morning mumbled, glancing from the spot the unicorns had been standing in to the open roof, then back again. “They…” She focused back on the longboat, her grog-befuddled mind working overtime trying to process what had happened. Giving up after a few moments, she looked back at the raised boat before shrugging. “Fine. Be that way.” Stumbling over, she started the arduous process of trying to climb into the seat sitting just before the wheel. “I’ll just go by myself then.” “Prepare to board,” Sea Biscuit repeated through the speakers, almost as if on cue. “Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum.” “Could do with some more rum,” Morning grunted in agreement, her hooves struggling to connect her seatbelt clasp. “Much more.” A flash of magic lit up a bright and grassy field, empty save for a few daisy plants happily blooming in the warm coastal sun. Two unicorns appeared in the middle, the sphere of magic that they had arrived in fading out to nothing in a second. The pair took a second to shake their heads in recovery before looking around, Twilight and Velvet Sparkle taking stock of their surroundings. “Well, we didn’t get very far,” Velvet commented while examining the nearby coastline, waves crashing against a rocky beach. “At least we’re off of that ship though, that contraption did not look safe at all.” “I know,” agreed Twilight with a nod of her head. “Especially with how drunk our driver was.” Her eyes frowned. “I hope she’ll be okay, maybe she’ll just take the train like we suggested?” Velvet moved over and placed a foreleg across Twilight’s back, warm smile on her face. “With any luck, the Captain will come to her senses soon enough. I’m sure everything will end up fin-“ She was cut off by a distant roar, the two of them looking out towards the ocean to spot a pillar of flame and smoke rapidly rise up into the air. The trail soared high, high up into the previously clear sky with a speed to make even the fastest pegasus jealous. Then, it angled off towards them, Twilight and Velvet tracking the movement as the trail crossed over their heads up above and headed further inland. “End up fine,” Velvet repeated, shaking her head sadly. “Great.” Twilight watched the glowing object disappear, shifting on her hooves. “I suppose we should tell Princess Celestia then,” she said to her mother. “About the ancient pirate, the talking ship, the… flying rowboat.” Scrunching up her nose, Velvet sighed. “Will she even believe us?” “Oh, honestly this is pretty believable,” Twilight nodded, still watching the direction that their ancestor had flown off to. “You should see some of the stuff that happens in Ponyville.” “My Queen?” The two guards on either side of the throne room doors glanced at Chatter as he trotted in, but they quickly relaxed upon recognising him and his status. “You asked to see me?” Queen Chrysalis looked up from her position on her throne, belly down while a young nurse changeling massaged her shoulders with oiled hooves. A box beside her throne swirled with thick darkness, although the imprisoned king inside seemed to either be asleep or otherwise not paying attention. Her Majesty was already smiling slightly with relaxation, and that smile thankfully grew upon noticing him. “Chatter,” his Queen greeted. “I’m glad that you answered so quickly, I’m glad to be able to rely on you.” She waved a hoof at the nurse behind her, the changeling having paused upon Chatter’s entrance. “Don’t mind him, continue.” The nurse did as instructed, and Chrysalis sighed happily upon the recommencement of the rub. “It’s not nearly as good as Nigel with those hands of his, but it’s more than good enough for now.” Her smile lessened somewhat, Chatter tilting his head. “Something wrong?” Chrysalis shrugged her shoulders from her spot. “It’s… nothing really. But your requested presence does have something to do with it.” He waited for her to explain, but while he did so he quickly tried to think of anything related. ‘I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong, and she’s not exactly in a bad mood…’ Chrysalis drew his full attention back to her with another wave of her hoof, her wings giving a light buzz while the nurse continued to work the chitin on her back. “It’s Chalmers. He’s been quiet.” The Queen’s eyes narrowed. “Too quiet.” Chatter blinked. “Oh. Okay?” A snort, Chrysalis rolling her eyes. “Don’t think that I’m just being petty. You don’t know him like I do.” She scoffed. “You’d think he causes the most trouble when he’s prancing about in the middle of it all, jabbering on and making a general fool of himself.” Chatter shifted his hoofing when she pointed a foreleg at him. “No, Chatter. It’s when he goes quiet and tries to act with any semblance of subtly, that’s when you should start to worry.” She settled back down in her throne, the nurse pausing for a moment to re-oil her hooves in a small black pot. Chatter took the opportunity to step forwards, his head tilting. “So what would you have me do?” “Find out what he’s up to, snoop around if you have to,” she replied. “Bring me news of what he and Buzz are working on.” Eyes narrowing, Chrysalis paused and dropped to a mutter. “Nigel is such a bad influence, hopefully Buzz has more sense in him…” Chatter waited for her to continue, but instead the Queen continued to murmur under her breath to herself. Coughing into a hoof, he tried to smile at her. “As you wish, My Queen.” His ears flicked, Chatter taking a breath. “Ah… do you happen to know where I could find him? I haven’t really seen him around the Hive since we got back.” “Ha, neither have I,” Chrysalis grumbled, forelegs crossing. “He didn’t even come to bed last night, can you believe it?” The nurse, having resumed the massage, tutted with a shake of her head at the news. Chatter for his part didn’t really know how to respond to that, having to take a moment to think of something. “...He must be working on something of utmost importance to the Hive if it’s that dire.” “Quite.” Chrysalis reply was flat, a brief frown of annoyance crossing her face before she looked square at him and waving a forehoof in dismissal. “Now go, I’d start with the soldiers posted to the entrance, they might have seen something.” Bowing, Chatter obeyed without complaint, swiftly turning on the spot and heading back out. Passing the soldiers at the door, he headed into the main Hive corridor and trotted in the direction of the entrance. Passing soldiers stopped to salute while drones and nurses moved to the sides to allow him a swift passage, Chatter acknowledging a few of them with nods as he made his way through the Hive. It wasn’t long before he reached the entrance, the bright light of the sun outside shining in through the large hole. A few soldiers lurking in the shadows to the sides eyed him with suspicious gazes, Chatter deciding to just skip them and head straight out. He hurried past and through the hole, the four guards directly outside turning to examine him. “The Queen sent me,” he said, the soldiers straightening and saluting once they saw that he was a noble. “She is… inquisitive as to what her Consort is currently doing. Would you have happened to have seen him?” The four all shared a look between themselves before one of the armoured changelings pointed with a foreleg away and to the left of the Hive, out towards a barren hill less than a minute’s trot away. Chatter followed it and squinted at what he found, the small and squat metal structure sitting upon the rocky and dusty mound looking to be barely larger than the makeshift shelter they had used during the trip. “One minute there was nothing, then all of a sudden that thing was there,” the pointing soldier buzzed. Chatter looked back at him. “You didn’t report it?” “The Consort and Firstborn Buzz were walking around it soon after,” a second soldier answered, Chatter picking up on the irritation his question caused them all. “We’re not to question what the Consort does, unless it’s a direct threat to the Hive. Queen’s orders.” “Of course,” Chatter nodded. “I remember that. Are they still in there?” “As far as we know. The night shift didn’t mention seeing them at all, either.” Pausing, the soldier glanced back towards the building. “They said that they could feel movements in the ground, though. Tremors.” ‘Well that’s… reassuring.’ “Okay, well thanks for the help.” Chatter started to trot for the structure, but paused a few seconds in. Looking behind him, he met the stares of the guards. “If I’m not back in an hour, send help.” They didn’t reply, and Chatter was left to continue trotting onwards alone. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he drew closer until he reached the plain metal door set into the side. The door, much like the rest of the square block, was unmarked save for a line of black writing in an unknown language and a hastily-scrawled message below it in red ink. Chatter’s eye raised when he realised that the red message was in badly-drawn equestrian, simply reading ‘No Chrysalis allowed!’ with a small and almost unrecognisable picture of the Queen’s frowning face drawn alongside it. His focus shifted to the white button set into the left wall beside the door, and he winced in preparation for something painful to happen as he reached out a hoof to press it. A muffled ding sounded out from within the building, Chatter stepping back and straining his ears as muffled clanging soon followed it. Then, a hiss of air and more clanging, before there was a loud clunk from the door itself. It opened a tiny crack, Chatter looking up and meeting the lone blue eye that peeked out at him. “Ah, Chatter.” The door opened further to reveal Nigel, the human’s entire body save for his head covered in heavy black armour. “Come to check up on me?” “Yes, actually,” he answered, noticing the way Chalmers had worded it. Smiling, he decided to try and quickly dispel the idea that the Queen had sent him to spy, even if it was completely correct. “You see,” he continued, awkwardly rubbing the back of one foreleg with the other. “I was helping Chrysalis out with some things, and… well, let’s just say that I decided to see whether you needed a hoof with anything instead.” He even managed to fake a wince and a shiver, Nigel’s smile widening with a chuckle. “Ha, I see, I see.” Chatter snuck a look behind Chalmers while he laughed, the metal room surprisingly empty save for a few plain grey cabinets set up against the walls. ‘I wonder what he’s doing in here?’ Chatter silently questioned. ‘And where’s Buzz?’ He had to look back up at Nigel upon hearing a hum, Chalmers rubbing his chin in thought. “You know, I might have something for you to do, now that you mention it. I mean, things here are pretty much under control at the moment but-“ A muffled thump, from somewhere beneath them, cut Nigel off mid-sentence. Both he and Chatter looked down at the floor, as the building shook slightly. “One second,” Nigel told him with a raised finger, before walking over towards the back of the room. Bending down, he moved a hand down and touched the metallic floor, another hiss of air sounding out as a square section retracted into one side. Chatter leaned forwards for a better look, able to spot a sturdy-looking ladder leading down into the hole. Nigel for his part peered down into it, eyes furrowed. “Buzz!” He called out into the shaft. “Are you okay down there?” There was a second of silence, before a faint voice called back out from down below. “Yes… I think so!” “You’re not maimed?” Another pause, Chatter giving Chalmers an unsure look before Buzz’s reply echoed out. “No, everything seems to be there. I… I think I might have blown up the test dummy though.” Chalmers visibly relaxed at the news. “All good, that’s what they’re for. I’ll be back down in a minute.” He stood back up, Chatter tilting his head while the human focused back on him. “So yeah. As I was saying before, I’ve got some things needing done if you want to get away from Chrissy for a while.” Chatter, alternating his gaze to the trapdoor and back, cautiously took another step back. “Actually, now that I think of it, I better get back to the Queen. As much as I would like to help, she might get a little upset with me if I just disappear down underground.” He forced a smile and tried to joke. “I’m not sure which option is safer, really.” It seemed to work, Nigel showing his teeth with a grin. Stepping forwards out of the building, he rubbed his hands together and nodded. “Quite right there, Chatter. Probably the better choice.” He closed the door behind him, before looking out at the Hive. “Now that you mention it, I might tag along with you. Pop in and see Ol’ Chrissy for a minute, make sure that she doesn’t think that I’ve forgotten her and all that.” Metal boots crunched the rocks beneath them, Chatter following alongside as Chalmers started to walk off towards the Hive entrance. Drawing up against his left, Chatter was pleasantly surprised at the short head pat and burst of affection that he received. Hoping that the guards hadn’t noticed it, he smiled at the feeling and continued to trot. ‘Well, that was easy,’ he thought to himself, still grinning. ‘I hope that Chrysalis will be happy, that would be great.’ Chatter was so engrossed in thinking about all the praise he would receive from the Queen for successfully retrieving her consort that he didn’t notice Nigel stop walking, until a hand came down firmly on his back. “Hang on, hear that?” Looking up and spying Nigel looking up into the sky, Chatter cocked his ears. “No, why?” “You sure? Coming from the east I think.” Straining, Chatter focused on the direction indicated, a distant roar in the sky slowly growing louder. “Some kind of dragon?” “Seeking revenge for earlier?” Chalmers guessed, before his eyes furrowed as the sound continued to increase in volume. “No, hang on…” It was too late, the source of the roar quickly upon them. The pair looked up to the sky as something streaked overhead with a trail of flame at the rear, before it disappeared behind the Hive’s spires seconds later. Then, the roar died out, and a second later the ground shook to the sound of a small boom. Chatter and Chalmers watched as a plume of smoke rose up into the sky, the pair quiet for a moment as soldiers started to pour out of the Hive entrance with alarm. “That looked like a rowboat,” Nigel muttered, Chatter looking up at him just in time to see the human’s eyes widen. “Holy shit, that was a rowboat!” Nigel broke into a run, Chatter hesitating for a moment before galloping off after him. Nigel however was surprisingly fast for a creature covered in armour, leaving him behind to huff and puff while struggling to keep up. ‘Somehow, someway,’ he thought inbetween his huffs. ‘The Queen’s going to blame me for this…’