//------------------------------// // Chapter 11: All too Familiar // Story: Megatron Takes Equestria // by Synthetic Soul //------------------------------// Deep beneath the surface of the Crystal Empire, in the catacombs of the gem mines that King Sombra once held so dear, the citizens under Megatron’s mighty rule were laboring intensively. The earth ponies were hard at work, transporting carts filled with metals, organized by type. Meanwhile, the unicorns and the pegasi were busy forging the metals into the appropriate shapes as dictated by Soundwave’s designs. Others worked to assemble the newly built pieces together. All ponies working on Megatrons secret project were forbidden to leave the underground. They were confined, like the slaves they were. The only ponies who were allowed to leave were the armored guards who kept the ponies imprisoned. And standing above the makeshift factory was the supervisor of the project: Soundwave, with his master Megatron standing near him on a balcony. Soundwave was in charge of making sure the ponies stayed on task, shaping and cutting the metals, and assembling them 100% accurately to his designs. “They’ve been making surprisingly good progress, for such a primitive species,” stated Megatron to his subordinate. Soundwave nodded in reply. “Do whatever you have to, to make sure they stay on track. I want this project completed by the deadline.” Soundwave confirmed his master’s order. “I have other business to attend to. I leave you in charge.” Megatron turned and made his way to the staircase, which led to the surface. He climbed the steps, exiting the doorway, which led to the underground, which was guarded by two soldiers. Megatron, flanked by two guards, started making his way towards the palace. As he walked, a grey Pegasus with blue hair, one of Megatrons aids, named Grey Shine, approached his master, and walked along side him. “My Lord, I bring an update of our affairs,” said the pony, with his raspy voice. “Then speak,” replied Megatron. “The Griffon king has submitted to our will ev-“ “MY will,” stated Megatron, cutting his servant off. “Yes, of course, YOUR will, my Lord. The king has agreed to act as your inside man, and when the time comes, his loyalties will lie with you.” “Good. Make sure his offspring stays alive, but let no one know she is here.” “We have taken all precautions. She is kept in a cell deep down in the dungeons. We’ve taken the liberty of clipping her wings, so that should she somehow break free, she will not be able to fly anywhere.” “An important precaution to take,” replied Megatron. “As for the dragons, they are preparing for the upcoming conquest. With their might, Equestria will fall quite easily.” “Have they been approached by our enemies yet?” questioned the warlord. “Not yet, but we assume they will try eventually, and try to win them over to their side.” “Station a garrison there, to make sure the dragons stay loyal to us.” “Of course my Lord,” said Grey Shine, as he bowed, departing. ‘He is as much of a conniving snake as Starscream,’ thought Megatron. He had a certain sense when it came to people like him, forged by years of working with possible usurpers. Starscream was the most recent, but not the first. Many had tried to overthrow him in the past, and none had succeeded. As Megatron entered the palace, a pony ran up to him, bowing, before walking behind him. “Lord Megatron, we have…unexpected visitors,” said the pony. “Is it an attack?” questioned the despot. “No my lord, it is…a foreign delegate, who…wishes to align herself with our cause.” Megatron came to a sudden stop, and directed his full wrath on the pony. “WHAT! Are you telling me that our plan has been leaked!” shouted Megatron, causing the pony to cringe beneath him. “It…it appears that she had s-spies planted in the Empire, since before you took power,” said the cowering pony. Megatron scowled at the pony, before turning and walking away. “Once I’ve made it back to my throne room, bring her in. I will see just what this supposed ally’s intentions are.” “She’s already there my Lord,” replied the pony. Megatron growled. ‘The presumptuousness of this supposed ruler…for her sake, she had better have something to offer me.’ Queen Chrysalis stood confidently in the throne room of the Crystal Empire, flanked by four of her best warriors. She waited for the infamous new ruler of the empire to enter his throne room. She knew that she had plenty to offer the supposed male Alicorn. And once she had dug herself deep into his operation, she would dispose of him, and take control, not only of his empire, but of his plans for conquest as well! If she played her cards right, not only would she defeat and conquer Equestria, but possibly the entire world! Just the thought filled her with excitement. The doors to the throne room opened. Chrysalis and her changelings turned, and were greeted with the sight of the new master of the Crystal Empire. The first thing she noticed was his height. He was just as tall as her, with a dark purple horn that seemed to be made of crystal, jutting from his head. He had red, resentful eyes that permeated a purple glow. He wore armor, of a similar color to his own fur. It was jagged and sharp at the ends, a truly menacing sight. After observing the Alicorn, Chrysalis’s eyes were drawn to the sheathed weapon he carried on his person. It appeared to be a sword of some kind. Chrysalis’s breath caught in her throat, as she felt the raw power that emanated from the weapon. It was as if it had sucked in a piece of her soul the moment it entered her vicinity. ‘That weapon,’ thought the Queen. ‘It’s a spawn of the darkest of magic.’ The changeling made a note, that she would be cautious of this blade. As the Alicorn strode past Chrysalis, heading for his throne, she composed herself, and prepared to address the dark lord. “Ahem. You must be Megatron,” said the queen. “It is LORD Megatron,” said the stallion, as he took his seat upon his throne. “Yes, of course, Lord Megatron. I am Queen Chrysalis, leader of the Changelings.” Megatron wracked his mind, before it brought him to something he had read in a book. ‘Changelings,’ thought the Cybertronian. ‘The shape shifting creatures that feed on emotion. Sickening parasites.’ “Why have you come here?” questioned Megatron, already knowing the answer. “I have come to lend you my services, oh mighty Megatron. You see, I too harbor a grudge against the Equestrians, and I wish to have a role in their downfall,” proclaimed Chrysalis, attempting to lace her words with honey. Megatron looked into Chrysalis’s eyes, and could instantly read her, mind, body and soul. In the Changeling Queen, Megatron saw an all to familiar personality. She was a sycophant, merely seeking way to serve her own needs. Megatron had gained a talent for spying these types through the millennia he had led the Decepticons. This queen would try to dispose of him as soon as she could. ‘She is just as treacherous as that Airachnid. Fitting, since their both insects.’ “Shape shifters would be an interesting addition to my army. But I doubt you would surrender any of your own power to me. What goal do you seek in this conquest?” “I merely wish to see Equestria fall, so that I can provide adequate sustenance for my changelings. All I desire… is a place at the table.” Megatron kept a neutral face, but smirked internally as memories of a certain human came to mind. An inferior being who tried to be more than he was meant to be. It was as if this Chrysalis was the embodiment of all those in the past who had attempted to out smart Megatron, with no success. The dark tyrant would enjoy crushing this bug when she outlived her usefulness. This queen thought she could manipulate him. How wrong she was. Megatron descended the steps to his throne, and stopped a few feet in front of Chrysalis. “Then welcome, Chrysalis. You shall have your place with us, and our conquest of Equestria.” The two tyrants stood before each other, each bearing confident smiles, each one knowing that this alliance would not last forever.