//------------------------------//
// Epilogue: Red Dawn 
// Story: Equestria's first warp drive 
// by CCC 
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Eighty-four hours after arrival at Equestria; deep in Borg space

The creature once designated Red Dawn was unique among the Borg; a creature with the natural ability to change shape to any vaguely equine form, hiding its Borg implants and infiltrating any society – or, at least, any quadrupedal society.

But while the Borg worked on reverse-engineering this ability, and tried to work out whether it would be worthwhile to install similar capabilities in its other drones, there was one ability of Red Dawn's that would see more immediate use.

Dawn could communicate with the Changeling hivemind. And this communication took the form of subtle variations in the structure of subspace; variations that would appear to be no more than background noise, unless one held the key.

And the key was in Dawn's brain; hence the Borg had the key.

With care, delicate amplification, and a detector array the diameter of a solar system, the Borg hivemind could communicate with the Changeling hivemind from a distance of several thousand lightyears.

Unfortunately for the Borg, the communications channel was limited; they could not overwhelm the Changelings by sheer telepathic force. But that did not mean that they could not use the channel; as long as Red Dawn remained a Borg drone, they could talk to Chrysalis; and, for this communication, the Borg Queen would speak to Chrysalis in person...

Greetings, Chrysalis said a message, sent near-instantaneously across vast reaches of space.

Who is this? came back the instant reply, the subtle variations in subspace being picked up by the sensitive Borg recievers.

We are the Borg. sent back the Borg. We are a hivemind, much like your own, merely... somewhat larger. There is something close to you that we want; and if you will help us to obtain it, we can offer you much in exchange.

How did you contact me this way? What do you offer?

How we contacted you is not important. replied the Borg. As to what we can offer...

The Borg sent an image; of Celestia and Luna, covered in some strange armour, bowing at Chrysalis' feet.

We can offer you everything you want. said the Borg.

I've heard this story. replied Chrysalis. Moreover, I've run it myself. The tempter offers everything, with no details; if the mark accepts the deal, he is killed, drained of love, and cocooned. Besides, I will have Luna and Celestia trapped on my own by the end of the month. I reject your offer.

We have reviewed your current plan. sent back the Borg. It has a number of flaws. After it fails... contact Us again. Our offer will not stand forever... but it will stand for a time.