//------------------------------//
// Ending the Cycle 
// Story: Civilized Species 
// by Reviewfilly 
//------------------------------//

“Finding a new species sounds like a dream come true to any biologist. Figuring out that not only is this species sentient, but also intelligent and capable of building their own civilization under our very noses is something that goes beyond one’s wildest fantasies.

“It has been my greatest honor and, recently, my greatest regret to be the pony who made first contact with the equidae called Vespiquines. I know many, even in this very audience, far prefer to affectionately call them “wasp-ponies” due to their remarkable similarity to us, but I personally refuse to use this nomenclature and would kindly request all gathered here to do the same. The reasons why will soon become quite evident.

“The newspapers have already discussed to death how I accidentally stumbled upon their hive deep below Canterlot in search of what I believed to be an elusive species of fungi responsible for a variety of odd symptoms experienced by some of the locals. I’m also already quite sure all of you have heard about how, despite being different species, they treated me with impeccable hospitality and how quickly inter-species... relations between us began.

“Allow me get to the point. I’m sure you have all received the memo about this meeting’s confidentiality. The fact that only the highest echelon is present should also give you a clue that this isn’t some courtesy-conference. I have full faith that what leaves my mouth next will stay in this room forever.

“Sun and Moon... We were fools.

“When did we fall so low? Was it merely wishful thinking that made us accept these Vespiquines into our midst without due investigation? Did we merely become so naive over the years that if a creature doesn’t outright want to kill us, we immediately assume it to be a friend?

“As we quickly discovered, they walk and talk like us. Their society, though far smaller, is similar to ours. They create art, have aspirations, hold grudges. They, just like all ponies under the Equestrian banner, are capable of the fundamental virtue: Friendship.

“Yet, fillies and gentlecolts, as much as it pains me to say, in the form of these Vespiquines, we have found our most insidious enemies yet.

“There is only one part of their life we weren’t privy to, until very recently. After all, etiquette demands prudence. With the blessing of hindsight, it should have been obvious that something was amiss. But who in their right mind would have imagined this?”


...


“Please, do not avert your eyes. I understand how appalling the sight is. I myself haven’t slept for almost a week now. However, I cannot stress it enough that you have to see it for yourself to understand why we are here today.

“Indeed, as you may have already figured out, this macabre sight is the result of the Vespiquines’ reproductive cycle. As you can see, most of the victim’s internal organs have been completely consumed from the inside out, along with parts of her mane and fur. And, perhaps most shockingly, her eyes are missing as well. We believe this particular form of dismemberment isn’t the result of cruelty, but rather of a pragmatic strategy.

“As confirmed by other victims, Harmony rest their souls, infection occurs during intercourse. Based on testimonies and experiments, during fertile periods Vespiquines secrete potent pheromones capable of affecting both sexes. Once the ‘couple’ retreats to privacy, the Vespiquine injects a substance, which, upon coming into contact with the victim, induces unconsciousness and short-term amnesia. The Vespiquine then uses its characteristic stinger to inject a larva into the incapacitated host before retreating. The coma is non-lethal by design and wears off after only a few hours. The victim awakens, without even realizing anything wrong has happened, and goes on with their day, perhaps a bit disappointed that they somehow dozed off during what they expected to be the “most exciting sex of their life.” ... Ahem.

“The infection’s cruelty is in its slowness. Larvae are careful not to touch vital organs until they have grown to sufficient size, causing an agonizingly slow deterioration in the host. Though we can detect the parasite’s presence, there is sadly only a short window of time during which it can be removed, lest we cause the death of the host too.

“When the time comes, the larva chemically directs its host to seek shelter, far from prying eyes. There it completely paralyzes its victim, before emerging fully and consuming the final ‘nutrients.’ It then disposes of the corpse and joins the hive, beginning the cycle anew.

“This is why we are here today.

“Equestria until now always chose the softest path possible. Integration or, if all other methods fail, retaliation until we once again have the peace we so cherish. However, this time we must make the first step.

“The Vespiquines cannot be allowed to continue existing. We are talking about a species which has nearly the same level of intelligence as us and which doesn’t consider its method of reproduction immoral. Even if we drove them from our lands, they would cause suffering elsewhere, without even realizing it.

“Our rulers were quite clear on their terms. Direct extermination of a race that accepts Harmony would be sacrilegious.

“We are a civilized species, after all.

“Instead, the royal alchemists recently discovered a chemical capable of destroying immature parasites in ponies and causing infertility in Vespiquines. By introducing this concoction into our water supplies and exports, we will effectively solve our problem without a drop of blood. The Vespiquines’ last generation will pass into oblivion in peace and prosperity.

“I’m sure some of you are outraged now, perhaps rightfully. But, before you raise your voice, consider your own foals in the place of this poor pony. Consider yourself. I know I have.

“The aides will explain the details. Forgive me for cutting my words short, but I’m afraid I’m running out of time. I will be visiting my relatives now. I hope you will make the right choice. Goodbye.”