Twilight blinked rapidly, her vision returning to the real world as soon as Fluttershy’s memory ended. The pegasus was similarly confused, though she was more contemplative than truly baffled. Spike on the other hand seemed as though he had been about three seconds from a panic attack.
“What happened? You just froze up for a minute there, and I couldn't even sense your mental presence. Was it an attack? Is there another queen around?” Spike demanded, his spines rising as he rapidly glanced around the room.
“Spike, calm down. We’re fine. We're all okay,” Twilight stressed. “I just… stumbled upon one of Fluttershy’s memories and got dragged into it. Sorry about that, by the way.”
Fluttershy shook her head. “It's fine.”
“What are you talking about?” Spike demanded.
Twilight rolled her eyes and sent the brief memory directly into Spike’s mind.
“There, does that answer your questions?” Twilight exclaimed.
Spike blinked, visibly relaxing though not appearing any less confused.
“I think so,” he murmured.
“Fluttershy was gathering essence this entire time. Which explains her expertise with spinning,” Twilight began. “She's got a whole bank of samples already.”
“So it seems,” Fluttershy murmured. “This is going to take some time to process. I feel like an entirely new part of my mind has been opened, and it's all a little much.”
“Relax, take the day off and just focus on getting your head in order,” Twilight offered in a firm tone.
“That's probably for the best,” Spike reasoned.
Fluttershy nodded. “I think I’ll do just that. Thank you, my queen.”
“It's no problem at all, Fluttershy. Thank you for all your hard work,” Twilight exclaimed.
Twilight nodded to Spike as she turned to walk out, signaling for the dragon to join her as they left. As soon as they got outside, they were met by horrified Scootaloo who seemed ready to pounce.
“Oh, thank goodness,” Scootaloo murmured, relaxing the moment she laid eyes on Fluttershy. “For a second there I thought I’d have to fight you or something.”
“You’d definitely lose,” Spike exclaimed.
“Yeah, but if you hurt Miss Fluttershy, I’d have to try,” Scootaloo declared.
Twilight chuckled, patting an armored hoof on the zergling’s head. “Your loyalty is praiseworthy, though remember who you’re talking to, Scootaloo. I would never hurt you guys. You’re my family.”
“I know,” Scootaloo replied. “I just like Fluttershy more.”
With that the filly scampered through Twilight's legs and disappeared into the other room. Spike turned and watched as the young mare immediately curled up next to the other pegasus hybrid. Who barely even noticed Scootaloo’s presence until several seconds later, at which point she extended a wing over the zergling.
“You know, it's almost too bad we can't make her bigger somehow,” Spike exclaimed, gesturing to Scootlaoo’s prone form. “She’d make a much better bodyguard if she was covered in armor and had two great big scythe arms on the front of her.”
Twilight rolled her eyes. “I think she's perfect the way she is. Besides, Fluttershy needs a cuddle buddy.”
“True,” Spike admitted. “So, where are we off to next?”
“I was thinking of checking in with Applejack and Zecora. Gotta make sure they have everything they need for our first real mission,” Twilight answered.
“I think they’re down at the range right now,” Spike replied,sticking his tongue out as he focused. “Yup, they’re one level up and a bit further to the east.”
“You’re pretty good at that,” Twilight replied, already trotting towards the stairs.
“Well, it's not like I had much else to do but practise while you were gone,” Spike remarked with a shrug. “It was either that or lose to Applejack in checkers for the millionth time. Like seriously, how does she do it?”
“I guess it must be a hydralisk thing,” Twilight exclaimed, only to sigh. “So, I guess I should ask you what you are going to spend the next week working on.”
“Continuing my hand-to-hand combat training with the guys who used to be our guards. It's really cathartic knocking them on their asses,” Spike answered, launching a few punches at the empty air.
Twilight perked up. “Oh really? Well, that's great to hear. Are they decent ponies?”
Spike shrugged. “They aren't bad. Kinda fun to hang out with, even if I can tell they only do so because they pity me.”
“Don't feel obligated to practice with them just because you don't have many other options,” Twilight warned in a motherly tone. “Your self-worth is more valuable than the company of others.”
Spike rolled his eyes. “Yes, mooom.”
“Don't take that tone with me, young man. Respecting one’s self is important,” Twilight retorted.
“I’m well aware. Besides, once I actually talk to the new guy, he’ll stop pitying me so much,” Spike continued.
“That's because they get to meet the real charming you,” Twilight exclaimed.
“Either that or they realize I’m not about to eat them at the drop of a hat,” Spike added.
Twilight chuckled. “Or that.”
The pair stepped into an elevator and, after the click of a button, left behind the barracks level completely. A few short seconds later, the metal box dinged loudly, announcing their arrival at the next floor. It wasn't long before the doors opened on their own, and the pair trotted out into yet another dull gray hallway.
Nearly identical to the rest of the building, this level was mainly storage with a few minor alterations. Including the warehouse space which had been repurposed into a shooting range near the far end. To get there, however, Spike and Twilight needed to maneuver past a number of enormous shelves stacked high with supplies.
“You know, you should really consider giving us ranks,” Spike offered.
“Ranks? Why? Everyone understands their purpose quite clearly,” Twilight declared.
“Yeah, well, now that you’re officially a volunteer commander you could totally promote people,” Spike replied.
Twilight chuckled. “You just want to be Sergeant Spike.”
“Hey, it rolls off the tongue!” Spike exclaimed. “I don't know if that would work though. We are infested, not ponies. Our military structure isn't going to be like theirs.”
“True,” Twilight replied, a frown crossing her face. “Fluttershy would be some kind of advisor, or like a supply officer of some kind, as would Zecora. Applejack, on the other hoof, would probably be a second lieutenant or something.”
“And what am I? Chopped liver?” Spike demanded.
“You'd be, buck, Private Spike,” Twilight stated with a smirk. “That way I can keep you at my side forever.”
Spike stuck out his long tongue in disgust. “You are such a sap, you know.”
“Yeah, well, bite me,” Twilight retorted.
He chuckled. “Don't tempt me.”
The duo made their way around one final stack of supplies before appearing at the end of a slightly improvised shooting range. A line of boxes served as the barrier to the range, while a bunch of paper cutouts hung down from the rafters on wires. There were few ponies around, and fewer still nearby, any stragglers having given the pair of infested a wide berth.
One of whom was standing tall in between a pair of towering boxes, the small flaps on her shoulders having opened. Applejack’s expression was strained, and she focused on the distant target slowly moving back and forth on the primitive rail system. With a thwump, she launched a pair of dagger-like projectiles, which cut straight through the piece of paper and bounced off the far wall.
Zecora nodded knowingly, taking a moment from whatever she had been focusing on to congratulate the taller infested. Who smiled down at her companion, speaking animatedly about how far she’d come since she first started practicing. It was at this point that Twilight and Spike trotted up, prompting the other two to pause their conversation.
Greetings, my queen, Zecora exclaimed, bowing slightly.
“Howdy, Twi,” Applejack greeted and bobbed her head. “What brings y'all down here today?”
“I was just hoping to catch up with you both in person, so to speak,” Twilight exclaimed. “As you likely already know, we’ve received our first mission.”
So that is what you’ve been hiding from us in the hive mind. I had wondered what secrets you were keeping, Zecora exclaimed.
“Isn't it awesome?” Spike declared. “We get our own base, and we have an important job. This is going to go a long way to making them trust us.”
“Well, that's iffen we don't muck it up,” Applejack countered.
Though I do not understand why we need their approval in the first place, Zecora stated with an indignant huff, you are queen. Your word is law.
“Our enemy is much more powerful than us,” Twilight quickly replied. “Allies will be essential for survival. In the future that may change, but for right now they are necessary.”
“Relax, Zecora. Boss lady’s already planning on building our own army anyway,” Spike added.
Ahh, my apologies. Being cooped up here has made me… testy, Zecora remarked, giving Twilight an apologetic nod.
Twilight waved a hoof dismissively. “Think nothing of it. Though if you have a moment, I was curious as to how you two were going to spend the week.”
Other than resisting the urge to strangulate these impetuous ponies? Very little, Zecora answered.
“Oh don't be such a downer, Zecora,” Applejack exclaimed, patting the zebra on the back. “Y'all just need a hobby that doesn't involve you imagining new and creative ways to kill people.”
Impossible. It is very important that I continue my work, Zecora shot back.
“Right, and coming up with a way to hurt that poor fella who accidentally bumped you in the hallway is important how exactly?” Applejack retorted.
Zecora sputtered briefly before turning away. That was merely a thought exercise. I was not upset by him or his actions.
“Either way, you really should come up with something to do to pass the time,” Twilight stated firmly. “The others will all be practicing or training in some way.”
I suppose I could review these ponies' knowledge of toxins and see if I could refine my blends, Zecora reasoned. Though I would need access to their books or, what did you call them, computers? Either way, I would also require a cache of chemical components.
“I’m sure the boss lady will be able to get that to ya,” Spike exclaimed, smacking a hand against Twilight's back. “Ain't that right?”
“Probably,” Twilight replied with a shrug. “Just don't go making napalm or something. I don't want to get on the base commander’s bad side until after we’re a hundred miles away.”
Zecora laughed a strange, gurgling chuckle. Understandable. I will only attempt to replicate such a substance after they are no longer watching us.
Twilight winced. “Normally I’d dissuade any attempt to research such a topic, but given how numerous our foes will surely be, I suppose it behooves us to employ some manner of fire-based attack.”
“You should see some of the preliminary tests they’ve been doing with that firebat suit,” Spike exclaimed. “That thing cuts through zerglings like a thresher through a wheat field.”
“Right scary those things are,” Applejack murmured, her body shuddering. “I don't know who could pilot such a thing.”
“Nutjobs, mostly,” Spike replied.
Twilight cleared her throat. “I think we’re getting a bit off topic.”
“Oh yeah. We were talkin’ about what we planned on doing, and as for me I was just gonna keep practicing,” Applejack exclaimed, gesturing to the range. “I’ve had these things all my life, but I never actually had control over ‘em till I met you, so my aim is a mighty bit rusty.”
Twilight nodded slowly. “That sounds like an excellent plan.”
“Don't forget about the thing you were thinkin’ of,” Spike whispered.
“Oh, right.” Twilight cleared her throat. “I might be able to change your appearance a bit. I hinted at this before, but in time I am hoping to be able to completely rewrite your genetic information.”
“So, are there any changes you might want?” Spike finished.
Negative, Zecora replied, only to pause. Correction. Is there any way to further embrace my infestation and perhaps discard my zebra heritage entirely?
“You want to throw it all away?” Twilight asked.
Affirmative, Zecora answered. If I had additional limbs, I could support a larger mass and thus be capable of processing a greater number of chemicals as well as a wider range of parasites or other organisms.
“Are you sure that's what you want? Such large scale changes would be irreversible,” Twilight exclaimed.
Good, Zecora stated confidently.
“Maybe you should think about this for a bit? I mean, I doubt you could go back home if you were some kinda giant centipede looking thing,” Spike added.
I… Zecora hesitated for a moment, and in that brief instance Twilight caught a glimpse into the enigmatic zebra’s mind.
There Twilight saw a deep burning desire to return to her homeland and to see her people as well as her family. Such yearning was buried beneath a mountain of newly acquired instinct, guilt, anguish, and shame. Then it was gone, and Zecora’s inner machinations were hidden once more beneath the firm layer of control she maintained almost constantly.
Irrelevant, Zecora retorted. My place is at my queen’s side. Nothing else matters.
“I mean, I’m all for giving our queen my all, but you can think about yourself a little bit,” Applejack whispered in a low tone and glanced expectantly at Twilight.
“Yes. Don't think of yourself as only a tool to further our goals,” Twilight declared. “You’re an individual after all, and not some mindless slave.”
I don't wish to be anything more, Zecora shot back. All I desire is to protect the swarm and to increase our brood’s strength.
Spike shrugged. “I don't see what the big deal is. Zecora here is just a team player.”
Yes, what the purple one said, Zecora quickly added.
Twilight sighed. “Fine, though there will come a time when you will be able to take time for yourself, and I expect you to take it.”
By your will, Zecora exclaimed, bowing slightly.
Twilight resisted the urge to sigh a second time, and gestured towards Spike. “Come on. Let's go check in with the rest of our friends. I promised to teach Pinkie Pie’s group a thing or two anyway.”
“Oh, uh, leaving already?” Applejack inquired in a hesitant tone.
Twilight gently laid a hoof on the hydralisk’s side. “I’ll be back shortly. Until then, you practise up so you can really impress me, okay?”
Applejack snapped off a hurried salute. “Yes, ma’am!”
Twilight gave Zecora a simple nod before turning and walking away alongside Spike.
As they left the range behind, Spike occasionally shot a glance over his shoulder, noting that Applejack had gone right back to shooting. Zecora, however, seemed distant, though her alien features were difficult to read, even for a fellow infested.
“I don't see why you’re worrying about Zecora,” Spike exclaimed. “She just seems to want what's best for us as a group, you know.”
“What do you think will happen when she locates a more powerful zerg to follow?” Twilight asked, glancing over at the dragon.
Who paused mid-stride and shot Twilight a confused look. “What do you mean? She’d stay loyal, of course.”
“Are you so certain? Yes, she's a team player, but she values strength above nearly everything,” Twilight replied.
“I mean, I guess,” Spike reluctantly admitted. “I still don't think you have anything to worry about when it comes to her.”
Twilight shrugged. “I’m not wholly convinced she’d be so quick to jump ship, but you must admit it is a possibility.”
“So,” Spike began, quickly changing the subject as the pair entered an elevator, “what are you going to spend your week doing?”
“I'm not… wholly certain,” Twilight murmured. “Probably test this new body and see what it can all do.”
“You should totally get me a suit like that. You can never have too much armor,” Spike declared.
Twilight jabbed Spike in the stomach with a hoof. “Add anymore ‘armor’ on that belly of yours, and people might start thinking you’re fat.”
“I’m just thick-scaled!” Spike retorted, his face turning slightly red.
“You are too easy to tease sometimes,” Twilight remarked.
Spike snorted. “That's just because you can look into my head and see everything that bugs me.”
“That does help,” Twilight replied with a shrug. “So, what do you think Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash are going to get up to?”
“Rainbow Dash will do two things and two things only,” Spike extended a pair of claws. “Mope and train. That's pretty much it.”
“A fair assessment,” Twilight agreed.
“As for Pinkie Pie, well if I had to guess, I’d say that she’d spend the whole time working on some kinda crazy contraption. Either that or training with her squad,” Spike finished.
The pair paused their conversation as they left the elevator and began trotting down another long metal hallway. One far more occupied than the relatively barren expanses they had passed through up until now. Here traffic was constant, as were the curious onlookers and whispered conversations.
I feel like there are a lot more people staring this time, Spike remarked, glancing past a trio of partially armored marines staring intently at the infested as they passed.
They must have made some kind of announcement by now. Come on, the sooner we get down to the labs, the sooner we can leave these crowds behind, Twilight exclaimed.
This was one thing I do not miss about Canterlot, Spike thought idly.
You and I both, Spike, Twilight sadly agreed.
Twilight raised a hoof to knock, only to feel the warm and somehow sugary aura of Pinkie Pie wash over her. Instead of announcing her presence, Twilight took a step back and simply waited along with Spike. Who stood there patiently until a ragged-looking Pinkie Pie appeared in the doorway, a strained smile on her face.
“Oh, hey guys,” Pinkie Pie muttered. “What are you doing around here?”
Twilight raised an eyebrow and noted that her pink friend had her mane tied back into a tight ponytail. Not only that, but she wore a pair of mechanic’s overalls that were stained with grease. The earth pony’s attire wasn't what interested Twilight however, rather it was the chaotic state of her mind.
“Would you please dial it back a little?” Spike asked, clutching the sides of his head. “Feels like you’re trying to shout directly into my ears.”
“Sorry, Spike,” Pinkie Pie murmured, quickly closing her eyes and focusing inward until her mind had closed itself off.
“That is going to have to be the first lesson I teach you all,” Twilight exclaimed.
“Sorry again. Just… had a bit of a fight, and I’m still a little shaken,” Pinkie Pie admitted, shrugging weakly.
“What about?” Twilight asked.
“About whether or not she’ll be sending us into the field with barely any training, limited powers, and shit equipment!” shouted the familiar voice of a certain dragon.
“I don't know what's louder, her thoughts or her voice,” Spike muttered.
“It's like a foghorn inside my skull,” Twilight murmured.
“What was that?” Ember demanded after walking up to the small group.
“I think they are having trouble because you’re shouting your thoughts again,” Pinkie Pie remarked.
“Then stop listening,” Ember rebuked.
“You inconsiderate little shit. Come here,” Twilight demanded.
“What are you--Hey!” Ember shouted as Twilight magically pulled her across the threshold and grabbed her head in both hooves. “Get your filthy hooves off me!”
Twilight merely grunted, using her considerable psychic might to forcefully quiet the girl.
“There,” Twilight declared. “And your next lesson will be in humility, or pain. Your choice.”
Ember tore herself from Twilight's grip and glared at the pony angrily, a clawed hand rubbing the side of her head.
“Thank you, Twilight. If I had to know anymore about how much she likes the color of my scales, I might have just blown a gasket,” Spike muttered.
Ember’s eyes went wide. “I didn't think that at all! You’re lying!”
“So you’re not even in tune with your unconscious thoughts. Unfortunate,” Twilight remarked.
“Would you quit teasing the poor girl? She’s going to explode again, and I don't have my ear plugs with me,” Pinkie Pie interrupted.
“I am simply telling you how it is,” Ember growled.
“So, what was this all about, some kind of equipment shortage?” Twilight asked, glancing at Pinkie Pie.
“Not exactly,” replied the earth pony. “Their custom light suit should be done soon enough, and we should all have a bit more training by the time we deploy.”
“But she refuses to utilize the chemicals we discovered,” Ember declared. “We need this boost if we are going to have a hope of surviving against the zerg.”
Pinkie Pie sighed and ran a hoof down her face. “I told you, just because it seems like it might boost your psionics, it doesn't mean it will and that taking it won't have extreme consequences.”
“Yeah, well. The way I look at it, we have next to no armor, or training, or advanced weapons, so we’re going to need something,” Ember retorted.
“What are these chemicals she's talking about?” Twilight asked.
“It’s a compound Screwy and I discovered that may result in a greater psionic potential,” Pinkie Pie answered. “Though again. I don't know what kind of side effects it may have or if it will even work.”
“Then test it,” Ember interrupted. “I volunteer.”
“She's got a point,” Spike remarked. “It seems like it needs to be refined before being put to use, so why not do just that?”
“So long as you take the necessary precautions, then this could be a huge benefit for you all,” Twilight added.
Pinkie Pie sighed and did her best to ignore Ember’s triumphant smirk. “Fine, fine. But I’m going to need you here every day in order to train these guys. My time will be occupied with refining the formula and working on the best method of delivery.”
“That's fine,” Twilight replied. “I should have a few hours in the morning in order to give a lesson or two.”
“That's great,” Pinkie Pie murmured, releasing a long exhale of relief.
“Hmph. Maybe you’re not all bad,” Ember muttered before turning and walking away.
“Please tell me I can help you train that brat,” Spike stated the second Ember was out of earshot.
“I’m counting on it,” Twilight replied.
“Just try not to be too hard on her. She acts tough, but it's a big act to cover for, well… you know,” Pinkie Pie whispered.
“Of course,” Twilight answered.
“So, did ya see Rainbow Dash around?” Spike asked.
“She's training again. Trying to nail down some kind of issue with the flight suits,” Pinkie Pie replied.
“Better not interrupt her then,” Twilight exclaimed.
“Yeah, that probably wouldn't turn out well,” Pinkie Pie pointed out.
“So, back to the range for now and then return to the labs tomorrow with a lesson plan?” Spike asked.
Twilight nodded. “Sounds good.”