//------------------------------//
// The First Quest 
// Story: Changed 
// by Dream Seeker 
//------------------------------//

	Star Watcher awoke to a voice in his mind.  This is Queen Phantasma speaking through the Hive Mind.  This is a Class 4 emergency, and all able-bodied Changelings are required to report to the mess hall immediately.  That includes you, Star Watcher.  Silent Whisper apparently heard the same message from above him.

"You hear that?  We have an emergency on our hooves."  Silent Whisper stated calmly, but with a trace of worry in his eyes.  "You'll probably be sent out as well as the others.  Emergencies are rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 in minor and 5 is 'apocalypse is coming, we're all screwed'.  A four means if quick action is not taken, we will all be wiped out."

Star Watcher's eyes widened in alarm.  "You mean that after only a single day of being a Changeling, I'm probably going to die?!"

"Not if you're sent out."  Silent Whisper reassured him as they set off for the mess hall.  "If you're sent out, you're safe as long as you find enough love energy to keep you alive.  We didn't have the chance to go over advanced Changeling love-magic, so I can't really explain to you how much love you need to survive, you don't have a way of understanding it in the pony language."

Star Watcher and Silent Whisper joined the group of Changelings, conglomerating around the Queen.  As he looked around, Star Watcher noticed that there were much fewer gemstones in the wall this morning, and half of what were left were empty, but not taken out.  He pointed this out to Silent Whisper, but before Silent could respond the Queen began talking.

"We have a Class 4 emergency:  Somebody has stolen about a quarter of our gems, and half of our love energy.  If we continue with the same pattern of rations, we now only have a few weeks left before starvation sets in.  As a result, I am sending in half of our population."  murmurs were heard after this announcement, it seemed like many Changelings were not happy about this development.  "If we send out half of our population,"  the Queen continued, "we will not only halve our consumption, but double our output."

"And the chances that we're caught!"  a Changeling yelled from the crowd.  The Queen winced at that.

"I know it is less than ideal, but it is necessary.  In order to survive, this is our only hope."

"I, for one, am willing to do whatever is necessary to protect the Changelings."  Star Watcher said determinedly.  "Even if I must risk my life to do so."  he gazed at the crowd, with a look that would book no arguments.  "I have only been a Changeling for a few days.  Are those who have been a Changeling their whole lives more scared of being discovered than one who barely knows how to disguise himself?"  he asked boldly.  "If you are to cowardly to risk your lives for the survival of your family, when a former pony is willing to risk his life for your families, say aye."  Not a single one of the crowd made a noise after that.  "Then our Queen's plan should go on."

"Thank you for that, Star Watcher."  Queen Phantasma said smiling.  "Now, come here for the specific location of your infiltration, and where to exchange information and love with messengers once you get there.  Single file, please."

The crowd broke up, and Silent Whisper stared at Star Watcher in awe.  "What, you didn't think I was capable of that?"  Star Watcher asked with a pleased smirk, before frowning and dropping his tone to a whisper.  "I didn't either.  The truth is, I'm terrified, but I would prefer my new extended family to stay together.  I know first hoof how bad split families can get..."  he shuddered.  "Now, let's go get our assignments."

Silent Whisper followed behind Star Watcher in line.  Now, that is a Changeling with natural leadership skills.  he thought to himself.  I wish I could make a speech that was half as good as that one.  His assignment was to stay with Star Watcher, helping him learn the ropes of being a Changeling.  They would be stationed in Ponyville, a relatively innocent small town close by Canterlot and the Hive, an ideal location for a budding Changeling to learn... right?