TCB: Thera

by Joe Toon

Betrayal of Loyalty

May 29, 2020
One week before the start of the war

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING TRANSCRIBED AUDIO RECORDINGS ARE UNDER PROPERTY OF THE ROYAL EQUESTRIAN SECURITY COMMISSION (RESC). ACCESS TO THESE MATERIALS ARE RESTRICTED TO PONIES AUTHORISED BY THE PRINCESSES. ALL UNAUTHORISED ACCESS WILL BE GROUNDS FOR BANISHMENT AND/OR TERMINATION. ANY MATERIAL DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC WILL BE GROUNDS FOR BANISHMENT AND/OR TERMINATION. 

THE RECORDING WAS TAKEN FROM THE HOME OF RAINBOW DASH, ELEMENT BEARER OF LOYALTY.

RD: Rainbow Dash
PP: Pinkie Pie
RB: Rarity Belle
AJ: Applejack
FS: Fluttershy
S: Spike

RD: Hey guys!

PP: Hello Rainbow Dash!

AJ: How'r ’ya doin’ Sugarcube?

RB: Hello Darling. You don’t mind if we make ourselves comfortable?

FS: Good to see you Rainbow Dash. 

RD: Come! Come in! I hope you guys like the cloud walking amulets I gave you.

RB: They are simply divine, Rainbow! They must have been expensive, where did you buy them?

RD: Heh, c’mon they’re not that special. They’re just outdated Wonderbolt amulets for non-flyers that they’re just giving away. 

RB: Well, it matters not, darling. They still perform their function and the designs look stunning.

RD: Glad you like them, Rares. So, why did you guys want to come for a visit?

AJ: Well, to be honest Sugarcube, it was Pinkie who called us here for a visit. Not that we wouldn’t come if she didn’t, but she wouldn’t quit pesterin’ til we check on how you’re doin’.

PP: Eeyupie Eeyuppers! I had to come and bring the girls here because my Pinkie sense was telling me that something super important is going to happen and it involves Dashie here. I was going to bring Twilight with us but she was super busy and my Pinkie sense told me not to bring her so I just brought Gummy instead!

RD: That’s… Um… Nice of you Pinkie. But that still doesn’t answer my question.

RB: To be perfectly frank, darling, even without Pinkie’s encouragement, we would have still made this visit due to a certain concern over you over your wellbeing recently.

RD: W-what do you mean Rares?

AJ: Oh c’mon Sugarcube, you’ve been slowin’ down for the last three months. An’ you are never slow. You’ve been laggin’ behind Wonderbolt drills, you’ve been walkin’ a lot more than flyin’ lately, you’ve stopped trainin’ Scootaloo, you haven’t pulled any pranks for months, you’ve stopped hangin’ out with us, and now you’ve been avoidin’ to go outside altogether. What’s goin’ on, Rainbow?

RD: I… I… I just… I haven’t been feeling so good lately. (Gagging noise)

RB: Well, it seems the poor dear wasn’t lying about being sick. Maybe she caught a fever.

AJ: In the middle of Summer? ‘Less it’s Hayfever I doubt it. Though I do admit, whatever she caught sounds mighty serious.

FS: Oh dear, I think I need to go check on her.

FS: Rainbow Dash, how are you doing?

RD: (Cough) M-much better. Thanks Fluttershy.

FS: Glad to hear it. Now, let’s take off your robe and have it cleaned up. You shouldn’t be wearing that in summer anyway. 

RD: Fluttershy, wait!

FS: (Gasp) Rainbow, y-y-your belly. 

RD: (Sniff) … Yes. I… I’m…

FS: Shhh. It’s okay, Rainbow. It’s okay.

AJ: What’s goin’ on there?

FS: Do you want me to tell them or…

RD: No, (Sniff) I-I’ll tell them. (Sniff) They deserve to hear it from me.

FS: Here, let me help you out.

FS: Girls, Rainbow has something to say. Well, more like something to show us. But she’s really uncomfortable with sharing it with you so please; whatever you do, please don’t raise your voices, okay?

RB: Of course, darling. I wouldn’t dream of embarrassing her when it comes to something important.

AJ: Rarity’s right, Flutters. We ain’t gonna make her feel uncomfortable or unwanted.

PP: Oh fine. I Pinkie Promise not to use my “Congratulations for your foal” greeting.

AJ: Say what now?

FS: Fair enough. Rainbow, you can come out now.

PP: (Whispered) Congrats Rainbow. Here’s a cupcake for the announcement.

AJ: Rainbow, y-you’re… you’re pregnant?!

RD: (Softly under her breath) Yeah, I am. I’ve been for a while now.

RB: B-but how? Didn’t you say that you were infertile?

RD: Yeah, about that. I thought the same thing until just a few months ago.

PP: Ommygosh! Rainbow, that’s a miracle!

FS: Pinkie! What did I just say?

PP: Oops! Sorry.

FS: Pinkie’s right though, Rainbow Dash. This is a miracle, and it is worth celebrating.

RD: Y-you… You guys… (Sniffling and whimpering) Y-you’re not mad? Disappointed? Ashamed at my decision to hide it from all of you? Choosing to have a baby from a secret relationship?

AJ: Now why would you think that, Rainbow?! There was no need to hide it from us. We’re friends! Family even. We would support you even if Celestia herself wouldn’t approve. Hay, Pinkie and I would support anypony who chooses to have a foal. Ain’t nothin’ like the miracle of life as Ol’ Granny Smith would say. By the way, how long has the li’l tike been tuckered in there?

RD: (Sniffling) Thanks AJ… (Blowing her nose) Um… About six-seven months. 

RB: So it’s due for a few months from now? (Giggling) Oooh, I can’t wait to see the foal. Who’s the lucky stallion?

FS: Rainbow, are you alright?

RD: Y-yeah, it’s just… The Father… He’s not a stallion. More specifically, he’s not a pony.

RB: Oh, I see. I guess that makes sense why you’re hesitant to tell us; considering how other races tend to view Equestria. Is it a griffon, perhaps one that Gilda introduced you to?

RD: (Sighing) No Rares, he isn’t a griffon.

PP: Oooh! Guessing games!! Here let me try; is it a Changeling? Is it Kevin? Is it a Zebra? A friend of Zecora? A Yak? A Bison? A Hippogriff? A Human? A Dragon? (Gasp) Is it Spike?

RB: Pffft! Oh come now, Pinkie. Rainbow and Spike? Ridiculous! Spike is too young to court anypony and Rainbow barely talks to the young drake. It isn’t him, is it?

RD: W-what? N-no, it isn’t Spike! He isn’t… I mean, he… 

AJ; Hang on a sec. Did you say six-seven months? ……… You weren’t in Equestria then, you were on leave in… Thera… Oh nelly.

RB: …Oh sweet Celestia. R-Rainbow, the Father is a H-human?

PP: Oooh! So I guessed it right?

RD: (Whimpered sobbing) …Yes. …His name is Carlos, a pilot for the British Homeguard stationed in Gibraltar.

PP: Carlos? You mean that weird pilot that you met on your Wonderbolts’ tour of Thera three years ago? That Carlos?

RD: … Yes Pinkie, it’s the same guy…… After the Wonderbolts’ tour we kind of hung out; travelled the world together, flew together across the Mediterranean, even went to see their moon and the Mars Colony… He was a cool guy. I wanted to stay friends with him but he wanted us to be something more… Then one night a few months ago, we had a few drinks, he took me to his home and… and… (Sobbing)

FS: Ohmygosh. Rainbow, do you mean you were…

RD: N-no! He didn’t do anything wrong to me! … I mean… I didn’t want to admit it, but deep inside I knew I loved him. I was crazy for him!! I could have stopped seeing him when the tour ended! I could have declined his invitations to travel the world with him! I could have rejected him when he told me he loved me! I could have shoved him off when he held me in his arms… and kissed me… and scratched behind my ears… and s-s-stroked my wings…

RB: Well? Go on, darling! You’re keeping us in suspense!

AJ: RARITY!!

RB: What? It’s true! Everypony here wants to hear the juicy details of her love life, and don’t deny it!

AJ: That don’t mean she got to tell us everything! The subject matter ain’t exactly somethin’ anypony is comfortable discussing!

PP: Yeah! Besides, we aren’t supposed to be talking about this without certain tags to warn the readers.

FS: GIRLS!!! (A pause) Sorry, it’s just that we’re here to give Rainbow Dash some comfort.

RB: You’re right. I’m sorry darling, you know how much I love to talk about the intricate details of one’s relationships.

RD: I know Rares. (Whimpering) This… This whole thing is bucked. I don’t mean the baby, I mean this whole whole situation with Equestria and Thera. … The day I found out I was pregnant, he wrote to me telling me how much he wanted to marry me. Even going so far as to offer converting into a pony, for me. ME! I’ve never met anypony who would do that for me, not even myself! And I'm supposed to be the bearer of the bucking element of Loyalty! (Sobbing) It almost tore me apart when I read his letter. Like my whole being screamed with happiness and shame. He would give everything for me!! EVERYTHING!!! And what do I have to show for him?! I can’t leave, I can’t marry him, I can’t even send anymore letters to him, and now a bucking call for general mobilisation?! I don’t know what to do, girls! I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!! (Openly crying)

FS: (Sobbing) Oh Rainbow Dash, I’m so sorry. I wish I could help. (Openly crying)

PP: (Openly crying) I-I’m sorry too, Dashie! I wish I could know a way to make you happy!! 

AJ: (Sniffling) Aww Sugarcube, why didn’t you just say so? It’s okay, we’ll try to figure something out. (Sobbing)

RB: (Sniffling) Oh Rainbow darling… I-I’m so sorry! I should have known! I should have noticed your distress! I would offer anything to put your heart at ease, IF I KNEW WHAT TO DO!!! (Excessive weeping) P-perhaps… Perhaps we should ask Twilight for help?

S: Actually ladies, that’s not such a good idea.

RD: Spike!

AJ: Spike!

FS: Spike!

RB: Spike!

PP: Spike!

S: Hi girls. Sorry for barging in, Dash.

RD: H-h-how long have you been here?

S: Long enough for you to confirm Redheart’s report.

RD: Redheart? B-b-but, she promised me she wouldn’t tell anypony!

S: Yes, and I’m not a pony. More importantly, I believe we’ve got more pressing things to worry about. You want my advice, Rainbow? Leave Equestria.

AJ: Now hold on just a sec! What d’ya mean, “leave”? She can’t just get out and hit the road! She’s pregnant for Land’s sake, and the borders are closed. And why can't we tell Twilight about this?!

S: Because, Applejack, she is in danger. Serious danger.

FS: D-danger? Danger from what?

S: Not what, Fluttershy; Who. (Sigh) Look, I don’t want to cause any alarm or break whatever view you have of Princess Celestia, but if you want you and your foal to be safe you need to get out of Equestria. I don’t know how much I should tell any of you, but here’s the long and short of it; Princess Celestia has been obsessed in finding a cure for Pony Infertility, calling it an extinction crisis. It’s why this whole conversion thing is happening to begin with. However, I’ve been hearing from Canterlot that she’s been looking for mares who have been chummy with the Humans, something about being the key to the cure or pony evolution of some sort. And you Rainbow are about to be exhibit A.

RB: Spikey, y-you can’t be serious. This… This is a joke, right? A prank?

AJ: … Oh sweet Faust, you’re serious and you ain't lying.

PP: Oh wow… I did not see that coming.

FS: B-but, what about Twilight? She wouldn’t allow that to happen, would she? … She’s our friend, she wouldn’t-

S: Why do you think I’m here? Twilight has been suspicious of her for a while now.

RD: No… She wouldn’t… That has to be a lie! She wouldn’t… Oh Faust, she wouldn’t!

RB: Spike, how do you know all of this? More importantly, why would you tell us any of this? You are Twilight’s Assistant, her confidant. Why?

S: Firstly, it’s because I’m Twilight’s “Assistant” that I know all this. Secondly, I think “Lab Experiment” would be a better definition of me. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say I found out about something from my past that paints Celestia in a whole new picture. And believe me, I wouldn’t put it past her of what she could do with your foal.

RD: (Heavy breathing) W-where would I go? Even if I leave Equestria, she’ll just send after me!

S: Not if I smuggle you to Thera.

PP: You could do that? How? Do you have a secret portal that connects to Thera that even Celestia doesn’t know about?

S: How did you… Y’know what, never mind. Yes, I know of a secret connection to Thera, and I could try to smuggle you out through there if we’re quick enough. I need to arrange an extraction within two days if we’re going to do this though.

PP: Rainbow Dash, I think you should go.

RD: Wh-what? But, Pinkie…

PP: Spike is right. We need to trust him on this and my Pinkie Sense is telling me that you should take this offer. … Don’t worry about us, Rainbow. Worry about yourself and your foal first. We can take care of ourselves, so don’t you worry. (Squee)

RB: Pinkie is right darling. I don’t want to believe it but as mother always told me, “Don’t take chances. Strike while the iron is hot.” 

FS: Go Rainbow, do this for yourself.

AJ: And your foal. 

RD: (Sobbing) … Girls… Thank you. (Blowing her nose) I’m in, Spike.

Two days later

RB: Rainbow, have you packed the extra set of baby clothes for your foal? It should be the right shape and size for however you foal should look like. I wasn’t really sure how it would turn out.

RD: It’s fine, Rares. But I’m not sure if I could pick this all up, to be honest. I’m supposed to be travelling light.

PP: You’ll be fine, Dashie. These suitcases are smaller on the outside than the inside.

RD: … Yeah, about that, Pinkie, how does that work?

PP: Oh, it was from Dr Time Turner. Said that we’ll be needing it. I even packed a box of cupcakes in the corner. 

AJ: Here. You’ll be needing Hilda more than I do.

RD: AJ… But… That’s your dad’s hat. I can’t take this!

AJ: Actually, that’s just one of mine. I’ve got a hundred more at home so don’tcha worry none, okay?

FS: And here’s a shawl Rarity and I put together. It’ll cover your torso to hide your little one in your belly. 

RD: Girls… (Sniffling) Thank you… (Sobbing) I don’t want to go! I don't want to leave you all behind! I'm an Equestrian, an Element of Loyalty, a Wonderbolt, your most awesome friend! I don’t want to leave after all we’ve been through!

PP: Aww Dashie, it’s all right. This isn’t goodbye. It’s not like we’ll all be dead or anything. We’ll see each other again, and then we’ll have a huge party once this all blows over, just like old time- (Jittering noise) 

AJ: Pinkie? Sugarcube, y’all right there?

PP: Rainbow, Spike, you both need to go, now!

S: Alright, that’s our cue. You all set, Rainbow?

RD: (Blowing her nose) Yeah, let’s go. Tank, come along! You girls, could you tell Scootaloo?

FS: We’ll tell her the situation, Rainbow. I’m sure she’ll understand.

RD: Thanks. Okay let’s-

RB: Now, who could that be?

RD: Oh, it’s probably Derpy. Probably the package I asked for weeks ago. I’ll get the door.

RD: Oh, Bonbon. What are you doing here?

S: Wait, what did she say?

SD: Hello Rainbow Dash, you look like you're moving somewhere. May I ask where?

RD: Um, yeah… I’m moving back to Cloudsdale. I’ve been really exhausted coming to the Wonderbolts Airbase and back from Ponyville so I’m moving back to my folks to shorten the travel time.

SD: I see. Is it to do with what you’ve got in your belly then?

RD: What?

S: Rainbow, get away from her!

RD: What the hay, Bonbon?! What’s going on here?!

SD: That’s Special Agent Sweetie Drops to you, Rainbow Dash. You and Spike the Dragon are under arrest for Treason against the Crowns.

RD: (Under her breath) No… Oh no.

SD: Come quietly and I’ll be sure not to have you restrained. That can’t be good for the baby, now would it?

PvtFB: Gah! Agent Drops, she’s got a cannon!!

PP: Nopony move!! Or the guard here gets it!

SD: You were going to threaten us with… a Party Cannon?

PP:  Hehehe, maybe? GAAAAAAAAAAGH!!

SD: Restrain them!!

AJ: Get off me, ya’ vermin!

FS: Eeeeep!

RB: Unhoof me, you brutish roughians! You have no authority to do this! If Princes Twilight hears of this, she’ll have you peeling potatoes til next week!

SD: Firstly, I have every authority to do so. And second, who do you think gave me that authority?

RD: Tw-Twilight? How? Why?

TS: (Sigh) I was suspicious of your activities for the past few months so I had the RESC install listening crystals in every room of the house.

RB: Twilight! How could you? She is our friend! YOUR FRIEND! Why?

TS: I’m not happy about this either, Rarity, but this is for the Greater Good! Pony society is dying, our numbers are dwindling each generation. In two or three more generations, our fertility rates will just stop, making us completely extinct. This has to be done.

AJ: By turnin’ a foal into your science project?!! Are you listening to yourself, Twi?!

TS: It isn’t a foal yet, Applejack. Besides, just one to sacrifice for the millions out there is more than worth it.

AJ: HORSEAPPLES!! If this is what we’ve come to, to preserve our species, THEN WE DESERVE TO DIE OUT!

TS: … I’m sorry this has to happen girls. I really am. … As for you Spike, who would have thought you were the one who leaked the information to the Therans. I am disappointed in you.

S: Yeah, I’m disappointed in you too. I’m disappointed that you could still support Celestia despite knowing what she did to my real parents. I’m disappointed that you could back her decision despite knowing what you’re about to do to your friends. I’m disappointed that even after everything he did to save you, the girls and the princesses, you’ve made Discord into your own personal battery to activate the portal!!

FS: What?! (Whimpering) … Twilight… That isn’t true, right? … You said he sacrificed himself to defeat Chrysalis, right? … Tell me it isn’t true! Oh Twilight, please, you didn’t…

RD: (Sobbing) Twilight, please. Don’t do this… After all we’ve been through, please don’t let them do this. I’m begging you. (Whimpered crying)

TS: … Like you said Rainbow, after all we’ve been through. I’ve seen how this played out before, and I won’t let it happen again. Take those two away. Detain the rest of them.

RD: NOOOOOO!!!! TWILIGHT NOOO!! PLEASE I BEG YOU!! NOT MY BABY!! NOT MY BABY!!