//------------------------------//
// Sequel 
// Story: Five Weeks Of Deliberation 
// by Jest 
//------------------------------//

"Production of love gel and other emotion-based products are up fifteen percent," droned a masculine-sounding changeling, who flipped the page on his clipboard and continued reading. "Construction of temporary housing is nearly complete. The work crews require only a few extra days to hammer out the last of the bed chambers."

The changeling stopped, adjusted his glasses, and peered closely at his paper. "Thanks to the volunteers, we have been able to get ahead of schedule in nearly every other department. The hive has simple furnishings, and most drones even have quote-unquote 'proper' beds after that last caravan of donations rolled in. In fact, the only thing we're struggling with is constructing enough vats to contain the love we've gathered."

He paused once more, this time his gaze lingered on the expressionless queen staring off into the distance. Clearly not paying attention to his briefing, the drone didn't complain, though he did begin to worry.

"My queen?" he whispered in a soft tone.

"Hmm?" Chrysalis muttered from atop her crystal throne. "Did you say something?"

"I was just reading you the last of the reports," answered her assistant.

"Oh yes, donations. Volunteers, furnishings," Chrysalis murmured.

"And the love problem," added the drone.

"Problem?" Chrysalis jumped up in her chair and grabbed the male by the sides of his face. "What are you talking about? What's happened to our reserves?"

"N-nothing your majesty!" he squeaked, legs kicking uselessly under him. "We are just running out of room to store it all!"

"Oh..." Chrysalis relaxed, depositing the drone on the floor once more.

The second he had his hooves under him he immediately prostrated himself before the queen, bowing as low as he was physically able to do so.

"Please, I beg your pardon, my queen. I should have been more cognizant of my word choice," He blubbered, tears coming to his eyes.

"What? Oh yeah. You're forgiven or whatever," Chrysalis dismissed, waving a hoof.

"T-thank you, my queen. I swear that-"

"Stow it," Chrysalis interrupted. "We have greater concerns than your pitiful wailing, now get up and brief me on the subject."

The drone hopped back up and flipped a page on his clipboard. 

"Right, project Daggerback," exclaimed the drone. "What did you wish to know, my queen?"

"How have our projections changed now that we are going to be relocating to the Everfree, rather than remaining in Canterlot?" Chrysalis questioned.

"Hmm," hummed the drone. "Our analysts have estimated it will take five, maybe six years before we can put your plan into motion. Without the close proximity of existing manufacturing centers, we will have to construct our own."

"That is... Acceptable," Chrysalis muttered, the queen rising from her throne and staring off into the distance once more. "For soon I will stand astride this world like a colossus, and all shall fear the name, Chrysalis!"