Spinnekop and Cadence kept up their contacts, sending letters as soon as they received them, Spinnekop found herself enjoying them more and more as they became more like two friends than two acquaintances.
Every month, Spinnekop talked to Chrysalis, receiving words of small praise while being critically panned if she got very little information. She tried to at least get one new piece of information from her every month, no matter how small to lessen the blow.
Along with that, Cara kept her Scout training going, spending more and more time away from the Hive in locations further from it. When she returned, she usually brought a poster, a postcard, or a small knick-knack back. Spinnekop was happy with whatever Cara brought back, and it was always a highlight of the times.
It was, up until three years passed.
Cara had just returned from another scouting mission, this time in Cloudsdale, the weather capital of Equestria, when she walked in with her head hung slightly lower than usual.
Spinnekop noticed the difference as she used one of her chisels to carve a piece of the black stone of the Hive into a Bust of Chrysalis. “Cara, are you okay?”
Cara didn’t respond, she just sighed and walked over to her bed, pulling out a chest from underneath it. Her horn lit up as her dresser opened and Cara began pulling some of her reports and other objects she kept out and placing them in the chest.
“Cara…” Spinnekop repeated. “What’s wrong?” After Cara didn’t reply, Spinnekop gasped. “You… You didn’t…fail did you?”
Cara placed the last few of her items into the chest and shook her head. “I’m in…”
Spinnekop looked up at her, a smile working across her face. “That’s great, Cara! You’ll be a real scout! Think of it, you’ll be gathering intel for the Hive and making sure we stay safe! Just like you always wanted!”
Cara sighed. “I can’t stay here.” She said. “I’m being moved to the Scout Barracks, where I’ll placed on a team to continue my training.”
Spinnekop’s ears fell. “Oh… Well…”
Cara closed the chest. “We won’t be able to see each other for a while.”
“What? Why?” Spinnekop said quickly. “Cara, why can’t I see you?”
Cara turned to look away. “The only Scout Barracks are located away from the Main Hive, I wouldn’t be able to come back for a while.”
Spinnekop’s ears fell flat. “But… But…” She said. “Maybe… Maybe I can write to you?”
Cara sighed. “Spinnekop… I’m going to be running drills and tests for the next few years, I’ll only be able to write once a month, if that!”
“But you’ll still get my letters?” Spinnekop replied.
Cara sighed. “Yes, Spin, I’d eventually get them. Whether I write back and when is up for debate, I can’t put the Hive at risk.”
“I know but…” Spinnekop began.
Cara sighed. “Listen, Spin. I’ll answer when I can but no promises.”
Spinnekop nodded.
Cara sighed. “Spin… I’m sorry that this is happening so soon. I wanted a little more time, but I’ve been accepted as a Scout… I’m… Going to miss you.”
Spinnekop put down the stone and walked over to Cara. “You’ve always been like my sister.” She hugged Cara. “I’m gonna miss you.”
Cara returned the hug. “I know…” She sighed. “Spin, I have to go… Mandible wants us to gather around the front of the Hive, so that we could move under the cover of night.”
“Wait, before you go!” Spinnekop said, her horn began to glow as the bottom drawer opened and a small wooden box flew out of it, stopping right in front of Cara. “Open it.”
Cara looked at it. The wooden box was clearly made by Spinnekop, it had one of the small hinges keeping it closed. Cara opened the box and smiled. “Spin…”
“Do you like it?”
Cara’s horn lit up as she pulled the small figurine out of the box it was an exact replica of Cara, down to the positioning of the holes in her legs. The body had been painted black while the eyes were colored blue and the wings green. “How long did this take you?”
“To keep it a secret, a month. The hardest part was the legs, I had to do them while you were asleep to be sure.” Spinnekop replied.
Cara raised her eyebrow. “You watched me sleep?”
Spinnekop blushed. “Just once…” She moved her hoof in a circle. “I needed it to be perfect…”
“Well you certainly got that right.” Cara joked. “I’ll keep track of it, Spinnekop.”
Spinnekop smiled. “I’ll miss ya, Cara.” She hugged her friend.
Cara returned it. “I’ve got to go, Spinnekop” She said. “I’ll keep it with me.”
Spinnekop nodded. “Write to me when you get there…”
“I’ll try, Spin.” Cara replied. “Maybe I’ll see you on the other side.”
Spinnekop smiled. “Get going, Cara. Don’t want you to be late.”
Cara gave a small smile and grabbed her chest walking out of the room for the last time. Spinnekop sighed as she watched her friend leave. “Bye Cara…”
Spinnekop turned back to the stone bust she was making, glancing back over at the now vacant bed. “Guess I better get used to it now…” She said, turning back to the bust.
It took Spinnekop more time then she wanted… But eventually she got used to having the room to herself, though it felt like something was constantly missing. Sure her and Cara wrote to each other whenever they could, but it still felt a little…Difficult.
The lack of anyone to talk to about the day outside of the brief talks with Blink, left her feeling down a few times, weighed down by the constant insults of the Alphas and the rigorous training. The only enjoyment she felt was when she was sculpting and crafting, and a small hint of it came when she received letters from both Cadence and Cara.
Through the next two years, she kept up a cycle of sending letters to both of them. She had been enjoying the contact with them even more when the Queen told her she would have the letters delivered directly, instead of placed through the Hive’s Manehatten Outpost, for the pure reason of getting more information from the Alicorn.
Though Spinnekop had been aware that it was a job, it was something she enjoyed. Hearing from Cadence always made her feel like there was someone out there who cared for her. While Cadence was a pony, she would always reply honestly and understand the problems Spinnekop went through, giving her sound advice.
Two years after Cara had left, Spinnekop had been called to the Queen’s Chambers. She had gotten used to the walk to the Throne, and no longer felt any kind of fear from walking up to the Queen, just a slight nervous feeling.
She had been walking up to the Queen’s chamber, carrying her notebook with her when one of the Alphas flew down next to her. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to talk with the Queen.” Spinnekop said. “It’s none of your business, Clobber.”
The Alpha puffed out his chest. “I am going to become a Captain you little-”
“Not if you lose your temper this easily, Clobber.” Mimic said, flying down to the two of them. “Spinnekop is here for a reason, Cadet, so back off, or I will demote you for interference with her Majesty’s business.”
“Of course, sir.” He spat. “I was merely questioning why a Beta is here.”
Mimic glared at the young Alpha. “That is none of your concern, now you are to return to your training regiment ASAP.”
Clobber saluted and then walked towards the exit.
“He’s been trying to find out what the Queen sees in you.” Mimic explained. “Been having trouble keeping him in check recently.” Mimic sighed. “Good thing you won’t be dealing with him any longer.”
Spinnekop looked up at him. “What do you mean?”
Mimic grinned. “I’ll let Chrysalis tell you herself.” He said, leading her to the Throne room door. “Remain calm, you will be alright.”
Spinnekop took a deep breath and sighed. “I’m ready…”
Mimic nodded encouragingly and pushed open the door with his magic, allowing Spinnekop to enter into the room.
“I’m not arguing with you, my Queen.”
“Then stop trying to convince me otherwise, Dagger.”
Spinnekop looked towards the throne, Chrysalis was looking down at two different Changelings, both Cloak and Dagger were bowing to her.
“Cloak, I am entrusting you to…” Chrysalis looked up towards Spinnekop. “Ah, there she is.”
Cloak and Dagger looked back at Spinnekop. Dagger scowled at the sight of her while Cloak gave a small smile. Chrysalis walked down from her throne, stopping on the last step.
“Spinnekop, I am pleased to inform you that you have exceeded my expectations.” She gave a small shadow of a smile. “You have lasted five years in the worst possible training program, as well as keeping me updated constantly with your latest progress on the Alicorn, despite the fact you were not born into the caste. You have potential. I like that. I have decided that you being a soldier is unacceptable.”
Spinnekop looked up at the Queen curiously, noting the slight change in expression from Dagger.
“No… I don’t think you are fit to be a soldier.” Chrysalis said, tapping her chin. “What do you think Commander?” She looked towards Dagger.
“She’s not ready to be under my command.” Dagger replied. “She would be better served elsewhere.”
Chrysalis nods. “I agree fully.” She stepped down to the ground level, stepping towards Spinnekop.
Spinnekop tensed slightly at that. She felt as though she was failing Chrysalis, and failures were not treated well.
“That is why I am pulling you out of your soldier training, and placing you in the command of Captain Cloak, where you will be directed in the proper way to implement long term disguises and pony etiquette.” She replied. “You will focus on your mission, gathering information on the Alicorn. She will monitor your letters and ensure they are up to standards, then they will be sent directly to the Alicorn.”
Cloak smiled slightly.
“But do not think that it will be easy.” Chrysalis replied. “Every day you will train with the Captain until she decides you have had enough.” Chrysalis walked closer to Spinnekop. “You are to vacate from the Training barracks as soon as possible.”
Spinnekop’s heart skipped a beat. What?
Chrysalis turned back to Cloak and Dagger. “You will be placed in your own personal chambers within the Command barracks. I do not expect you to rise to the level of a Corporal, but your new job demands a higher status than soldier.”
Spinnekop quietly sighed. She wasn’t getting in trouble for anything, and she was getting put in the commander Barra- WAIT I’m going WHERE?
Chrysalis looked back towards her. “You will have your own quarters, and will be allowed free reign over your… Expression.” She groaned. “I will not have any of it outside of that room. Understood?”
Spinnekop nodded quickly. “Good, now I will leave you with Captain Cloak. She will show you to your new quarters. Afterwards I will leave you to gather your personal belongings. I expect you to be settled in by the Evening meal.”
Spinnekop nodded. “Of course, My Queen.” Spinnekop bowed. “I’ll get right on that.”
Dagger grumbled something and got a piercing stare from Cloak before she walked forward towards Spinnekop. “Spinnekop, I am going to show you where we are going and help you move some of your belongings.” She gave a small smile as she began to lead Spinnekop out of the room.
Once they had left the room, Cloak let out an aggravated sigh. “My brother can be such an ass.” She said. “You should have heard what he was saying about you…” She shook her head. “I hate him at times… He’s an effective leader, but he lacks… Communicative skills.”
“I didn’t mind…” Spinnekop replied. “He kept me going…”
“By verbally assaulting you and letting the recruits do the same and more.” Cloak shook her head. “I swear if I didn’t keep an eye on you, he wouldn’t have stopped.”
Spinnekop looked up at the older Changeling. “But… I didn’t see you.”
Cloak giggled and gave Spinnekop a small wink. “Wouldn’t be much of a spy if I got caught now would I? Come on, let’s go get some of your stuff.”
The walk was rather uneventful, as most of the Hive was sleeping or working, the worst thing that happened was a few Changelings questioning Cloak about a few rumors she had spread about herself, when Spinnekop asked she leaned in and said. “All of them are true, and all of them are false.”
When the two of them came to Spinnekop’s room in the Barracks, Cloak looked around the small decorated room in surprise. “You made all these?” She asked lifting up a bust of Chrysalis. “This is amazing.”
Spinnekop sighed. “It’s nothing special.” She admitted. “The ponies far out class me in the arts.” She motioned to a few of the posters she had rolled up. “I’m nowhere near them.”
Cloak grinned and placed the bust back. “Spinnekop, from someone who has frequently visited Equestria, many ponies would give their hind legs to be this good. You have a real talent for this stuff.”
Spinnekop reached under her bed to pull out the chest she kept there, the outside of it was basic, nothing like she would have created, but it was something she kept. She opened up the case and began levitating her art supplies into the bottom. “It’s not like it can help the Hive at all…” She sighed.
Cloak looked over at the Nymph. “Spinnekop, I hate to tell you this, but you’re wrong.” She walked over to the Changeling and put a hoof around her. “The Hive needs Changelings with your abilities, have you seen the state of some of the pods? They’re falling apart, and Chrysalis refuses to put any time into fixing them. So here is what I want you to do.”
Spinnekop looked up at Cloak. “I want you to try fixing a few of them. I’ll bring a few of the worse ones up to your room, with a few of the materials, and I want to see if you can fix them.” She spoke in a soft voice, but it didn’t seem like an order, more of a request.
“Well… I can try.” Spinnekop replied.
Cloak gave her a small smile. “Great to hear, now let’s move some of this stuff out of here, need to make room for the new pupa.”
Spinnekop nodded and began moving some of the other objects into the chest.
Walking towards the Command Barracks was a very intimidating procedure. Spinnekop was going to be living alongside some of the tops of Chrysalis’ army, the best of the best, and she was going to be there! It was both the scariest and most exhilarating this she had done in her life so far. She was just following behind Cloak, trying not to let her nerves show. She felt her pendant rhythmically tapping against her chitin with every step.
Cloak walked just ahead at a steady pace, making sure that Spinnekop was behind her, she only stopped to make quick chat with some of the other Commanders before moving on. They walked for a few minutes inside the barracks before coming to a blank empty room, separated by a black door. Spinnekop was led into it and looked around.
The room was moderately larger than her small Barracks room. It had a small bed placed in the farthest corner, with almost nothing else in the room. The only things were a small cabinet, dresser, and a clock. Spinnekop looked around the room, mentally separating it into different sections for her work. There was plenty of room for her to spread out her work, maybe even decorate it fully.
“Sorry for it being a bit bare.” Cloak said. “We can get you some basic furniture if you want, the last Changeling who lived here was… Well let’s just say he wasn’t very popular.”
Spinnekop put down the chest she had been carrying in her magic. “So… I guess this is my room now?”
Cloak nodded. “I know it is pretty different, but I think you’ll get used to it pretty quickly.” She looked down at Spinnekop. “Just let me know if you want me to send one of the pods up for you and I’ll…”
“Yes please.” Spinnekop replied. “I… I want to get started on it.” She said unenergetically. “Maybe it will make this place a bit homier…” Spinnekop said. She did enjoy the idea of being in the Command Barracks, but a mixture of fear, nerves, and unknown expectations were pushing all of that down.
Cloak looked down at her and sighed. “Spinnekop, I’ll leave you to get situated here, I’ll send up a pod later.” Cloak walked over to the door and opened it. “We’ll start your training tomorrow, you get your rest.”
Cloak left the room, closing the door behind her. When she had left, Spinnekop sighed and looked down at her pendant as it pointed off into the distance. “Mom… Why did you two leave me?”
Spinnekop took off the pendant set it down on her new bed. She then began to unpack everything she had taken, placing them all in their own positions around the room, she made mental plans to make a small table to place her works on. While she was moving some of the large works, she noticed a small brown envelope at the bottom of the chest.
Curiously, she reached in and picked it up, looking over the envelope, there was no name or any information on it as to who sent it. She looked around the room quickly before opening it with her old carving knife.
Spinnekop,
I’m excited to hear that you have been promoted from a basic soldier. I wish that it wasn’t just due to your mission, but I suppose I cannot argue. My contact has been telling me wonderful things about your work. I’m very proud of you, if he were still alive he would agree with me. Please, keep working on your craft, I left you a small gift given to me by him.
I’m sorry Spinnekop, I cannot give any more details, I wish I could.
Spinnekop looked into the envelope and pulled out a piece of plain white paper. She unfolded the paper to reveal a colored and touching drawing of two Changelings sitting under a tree, the sun setting in the background casting a pink glow over the sleek carapaces. If it weren’t for the very faint lines on the paper, Spinnekop could have sworn it was a photograph. Spinnekop turned the drawing over to reveal a few words written on the back.
All of the Queen’s Graces and the Sun’s beauty, could never compare to you.
Spinnekop looked back over the drawing and smiled. She folded up the drawing and placed it into her Storage chest, which now held a few small carvings and sculptures she had made, and closed the chest. She looked around the room before letting out a small sigh. “Just what I wanted… A room to myself.” She flew around the room, placing the busts and works around the room so that they would be evenly separated.
A few hours later, a knock on the door caused Spinnekop to jump slightly, causing her knife to cut through the ear of her new carving. “Come in.” She said as she lifted up the small ear of the Earth pony she had been working on.
The Door opened as Cloak walked in, carrying a tattered pod behind her. “Afternoon, Spinnekop.” She said cheerfully. “I brought you one of the pods, as well as a bit of the materials.” She levitated the pod over to lean against a wall, the tattered outside facing the room. Cloak looked around the room. “I see you made yourself at home.”
Spinnekop nodded. “How do I fix it?” She asked looking over at the pod.
Cloak walked around the room, looking at the various pieces of art. “Usually it is just made with some of the Builders natural adhesive spit to stick to walls and the Changelings own magic to create the membrane, though we haven’t done that for years… Plus the Healing pods work differently to Cocoons we use to hold prisoners… I’d say you should be able to figure it out.”
Cloak walked over to the pod. “This is just a healing pod, your own spit mixed with a little bit of magic should be able to plug up the holes… But you need to be careful.”
Spinnekop looked up at Cloak. “If anyling could do it… Then why do you need me?”
Cloak flew up to the tatter and placed her hoof through it. “The membrane is old. It’s degrading, and it is very flimsy.” She lowered her hoof and pushed against the membrane, breaking through it. “It can’t be too thick, or the Changeling wouldn’t be able to get out. Too thin and it would break. I need someone that can understand that, plus Soldiers would do it quickly and ineffectively, we need it to be done perfectly.”
Spinnekop looked over the pod. “I’m… Not sure if I could fix these… But I’ll try.”
Cloak patted Spinnekop on the back. “That’s all I’m asking of you, try your best.”
Spinnekop looked at the damages a bit more and thought about the best way to approach fixing it. “I… Think I can handle this…”
Cloak smiled. “I’m glad to hear it. I’ll check up on you in a bit. I need to look over the rest of the recruits. Good luck.” She walked towards the door and opened it, she stepped out before closing it with her magic.
Once she left, Spinnekop looked up at the pod. “Just spit and magic…” She told herself. “Basic stuff…”
A few hours passed, as Spinnekop worked on the Pod, fixing the various holes in it, and patching it up, some time spent on trying to find the right mixture and test it. Once she got the right mixture, it was all a problem of keeping it on the pod, she eventually managed to, and was looking over the work when the door opened and Cloak walked in.
“Evening, Spinnekop.” She said cheerfully. “So how’d it go?”
Spinnekop looked over towards Cloak. “Good. It took me some time, but I eventually managed to patch it up.”
Cloak walked over to the repaired pod, while not exquisitely done, the tatters and rips were all fixed, and the weaker sections seemed to be strengthened. “Nice work, Spinnekop.” Cloak said inspecting the pod. “This is expert work you did here. This thing should be able to help the Scouts that came back from the outpost.”
Spinnekop’s ears shot up. “What happened to the Scouts?”
Cloak looked back at her. “Oh… I forgot… Cara was training to be a Scout wasn’t she…”
Spinnekop nodded. “What happened?”
Cloak sighed. “A dragon attacked the outpost.” She explained. “A lot of the Changelings were badly injured and the infirmary has been on full alert.”
Spinnekop’s ears fell against her head. “What about Cara?”
Cloak placed her hoof on Spinnekop’s shoulder. “She’s fine, Spinnekop, her and some of the newer Scouts were out with Major Mandible looking into a small riot going on nearby, then they saw the Dragon. Cara stayed behind to work on destroying any evidence that there was an outpost there. She’s alright.”
Spinnekop sighed. “Alright…” She was glad to hear that Cara was alright, though all of those Changelings that were hurt…
“They’ll be fine.” Cloak said. “The Dragon wasn’t aiming for the outpost, we think it just happened to fly into it.”
Spinnekop nodded. “I understand and I’m glad they’re all okay.” She replied. “Is there… Anything else?”
Cloak looked down at Spinnekop. “Yeah… There is one other thing. Tomorrow we begin your training to be an Infiltrator. That starts with a disguise, which I know you already have.” She looks over at a small shelf which held a few of the completed figures, one of which was of a light brown Unicorn. “So we’ll work on your transformative magic. It needs to be absolutely perfect or you put yourself at risk.”
“Okay…” Spinnekop replied. She had definitely tried transformations before, but the most she managed was to change her carapace color.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do fine.” Cloak replied. “I’ll help hone those skills of yours until they could match even the Queen herself.”
Spinnekop giggled, she looked over at Cloak, who let a small smile form on her face. “There’s the Spinnekop I remember.”
Cloak lifted the pod off the wall with her magic and carried it over to the door. “Oh!” Cloak paused at the door. “I almost forgot about this.” Her leg burst into green flame as a hole in her leg appeared, inside it was an envelope. “This was for you from a Messenger Drone, he tried to deliver it to the old barracks. I made sure he knew where you were moved.” She levitated the envelope over to Spinnekop. “See you in an hour, Spinnekop.”
Spinnekop nodded as she opened up the envelope, watching Cloak leave the room. She looked over the slightly burnt paper before reading through it. The writing was frightfully small, but Spinnekop had no trouble reading through it.
Dear Spin,
I realize this is pretty early compared to my normal writing schedule, but the most amazing thing happened! A Dragon attacked our outpost! Don’t worry, me and my squad are fine. We were out in the village when it happened, but it was awesome! I was just buying some food for the outpost when this loud roar shook the ground, and I get told that a DRAGON is burning the forest nearby. I’ve read so much about Dragons but I never saw one! I’m sorry I rambled on a bit. Anyway, I just sent this so you knew I was alright. I’ll be moved to another Outpost to continue my training, but Mandible thinks I’ll do fine since I got the highest scores out of my Cluster. Hooves Crossed.
I’d love to hear if anything has been going on at the Hive, I haven’t heard much about it recently. Hopefully you can get a change in commanders soon, Dagger sounds like he is working you to death.
Sorry for the small writing, Scout training is teaching me to cram as much information on the sheet as possible.
~Cara
Spinnekop snickered as she read through the letter, Cara had been ecstatic about seeing anything outside the Hive, specifically the creatures. She always said that seeing them was nothing like reading about them, a book just couldn’t do some creatures justice.
Spinnekop walked over a small box she had made, opening it and taking out one of the clean sheets of paper and pulling over her quill.
Dear Cara,
Not much in the Hive has changed, the old Cluster has already moved out of the old Barracks, I was the last one to leave. I’m glad to hear that you are okay after that attack, I was worried when I heard about it. One big change that did happen was that I got a new Commander, the Queen called me to her Chamber and I was told that I would be put under Cloak’s command. She is going to teach me to be an infiltrator. I also got moved to the Command Barracks and I have my own room! It feels pretty empty but I can work on my art whenever I want now! Cloak is also giving me time to help fix up the pods that are tattered and broken. I’ll be doing some really good stuff for the Hive.
I wish that you could respond more frequently, but I’m still just happy to hear you’re alright. Maybe you’ll get placed on the Elite team with the scores you got, wouldn’t that be interesting?
~Spinnekop
As she finished with the letter, she grabbed an envelope from a similar box she got the paper from and placed the letter inside. She began to walk towards the door to her new room and paused, looking back at the empty space. She let out a sigh. “I really need something to liven this place up…” She tapped her chin. “Maybe I could make a table or something…” She shook the thought away for the moment and began to walk to the Messenger service to send the letter to Cara.