> H.E.R.D.
>  by Time Code
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Welcome to the H.E.R.D.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scootaloo awoke with a start as her world seemed to roll beneath her. She opened her eyes, squinting against the sudden brightness, and was startled to see the ocean sparkling far below her. It took her a few seconds to realise that she was in a flying carriage. An expensive one, based on the glowing runes covering the ceiling.
   “What happened?” Scootaloo groaned, watching the water below through a window, “Where am I”?

   “Ah don’t rightly know.” Scootaloo gave a startled yelp, jumping around to face a yellow Earth-Pony filly. The filly gave Scootaloo an apologetic grin. “Sorry about that.”

   “No problem,” Scootaloo responded, taking a couple of deep breaths to calm her nerves. “You just surprised me. That’s all.”

   “That’s good. The names Apple Bloom.” Apple Bloom stuck out her hoof for a hoof bump. Scootaloo reciprocated the gesture.

   “Scootaloo. You seriously don’t know why we are here?”

   “Nah. Ah was hoping you would know something.” Apple Bloom explained, a slight hint of hope present in here.thickly accented voice.

   “Sorry. No clue here either.” disappointment clear in Scootaloo’s voice. Looking out of the carriage’s front window, Scootaloo could clearly see the four pegasi pulling the carriage. All four wore some kind of form-fitting black uniform but from this angle no insignias or badges were visible. Apple Bloom followed Scootaloo’s eyes out the front window, before lightly huffing.

   “Bet they’ll know what’s happening.” Apple Bloom muttered bitterly.

   “Well we can’t exactly ask them right now,” Scootaloo said, flopping onto her back. “All we can do is wait.” Sighing, Apple Bloom lay down, a depressed look on her face. Scootaloo just now noticed the fluffy, purple rug covering the floor. That explained why she felt so well rested. Looking up, Scootaloo spotted something in the distance.

   “Hey, Apple Bloom. What about that?” Coming more and more into focus with each second, was a tropical island. In the centre of the island, was a tall mountain, and from the mountain’s severed peak, came a continuous plume of black smoke.

   “Ah guess that’s our destination. Fa’nally some answers.” Apple Bloom said, pushing herself up off the floor. The Carriage quickly closed the gap, and soon the scrolling ocean was replaced with an untamed jungle. Approaching the mountain, the carriage started to climb, getting closer and closer to the geyser of volcanic gas at the top, until eventually the carriage was consumed by this dark cloud. Watching the guards continue on, without breaking stride, Scootaloo suddenly realize that this was no natural volcanic smoke. Natural smoke would have seared the feathers from the pegasi’s wings near instantaneously. This smoke must have been faked. Scootaloo’s theory was confirmed not a second later, as the carriage started a tight descend down into the crater of the volcano. After a few minutes, the smoke suddenly cleared, revealing a landing platform. Scattered across the platform was a collection of ponies from every tribe, all wearing hard hats and orange jumpsuits. The plethora of ponies were rushing all over the platform, preparing for the carriage’s arrival.

   “Seems like they were expecting us” Apple Bloom muttered. Scootaloo mentally agreed. As the carriage came to a standstill, several of the ponies began to approach it. Scootaloo quietly noted the oddly shaped sheaths on their flanks. The sheaths differed in shape for each tribe, but none of the shapes looked familiar. What were those things?
A guard opened the carriage door on Scootaloo’s side, gesturing for her to get out. Complying, Scootaloo stepped down, the true enormity of the hanger suddenly becoming apparent to her.

   “Wow!” Apple Bloom gasped, stepping down beside Scootaloo, awe dripping from her words. Scootaloo grudgingly had to agree with her. It was an impressive bit of construction work, despite its current use. A round the room sat at least a dozen other carriages, all of the same design as the one they had just been in, their matte, dark finishing seeming to ripple in the light from the glowing crystals embedded in the platform, like the heartbeat of some sleeping beast. Grim-looking guards were posted at regular intervals around the platform, with extras being posted around the recently landed carriage. Considering the sheer amount of guards, Scootaloo decided it was probably wise to do what they wished for now. Apple Bloom seemed to have had the same idea if her narrowed eyes and flat smile were any indication.

   “Proceed up the stairs and through the main entrance” one of the guards commanded in a gruff voice, pointing to a set of stairs carved directly into the rock. “You will be given further instruction inside.” Giving Apple Bloom a light nudge, Scootaloo started to walk towards the stairs, the yellow filly joining her a second later. They proceeded in silence, Scootaloo wondering what they would find behind the giant set of steel doors situated at the top of the stairs they were climbing. A loud grinding noise filled the room, causing both fillies to instinctively cover their ears. Looking up, Scootaloo spotted a pair of glowing panels slowly closing together. On closer inspection, the panels were covered in some sort of Runic array, although she didn’t recognise it from this distance. As the panels crunched together, the light from the array winked out of existence, leaving the only light in the room being that of the landing crystals. With a sudden shudder, Scootaloo realised the volcano had been sealed. They were trapped.

   The two fillies continued their climb, eventually reaching the metal doors, which automatically slid open as they approached. They passed through into another cavern, not as large as the hanger, but equally impressive. The floor was a highly polished dark stone, possibly black marble but Scootaloo was no geomancer. The rock walls were also lined with slabs of the same gleaming stone, the dark surface broken up by the occasional sturdy-looking brushed-steel door. At the far end of the corridor there stood a grand sculpture of the globe, covered in golden cracks and splinters, as it was being crushed beneath a giant hoof. Around the base, emblazoned in gold, were the words ‘DO UNTO OTHERS’. In front of the statue was a low stage, with a lectern placed in the centre, right below the giant hoof. Milling around in front of the stage was a group of around 20 or so foals, nervous looks and whispers being plentiful amongst them. They all seemed to be roughly Scootaloo's age, and it was clear to Scoots that the foals were just as confused and anxious as she was. Not that scoots would admit that to anyone. All around the perimeter of the room stood guards, each of them watching the foals carefully. Seeing as they had seemingly arrived at their destination, Scoots closely scrutinised the guards. Despite looking just like any of the hired thugs she had seen back home, these guys held themselves with an air of discipline. She may not have been able to recognise the weapons the guards were equipped with, but Scootaloo could definitely recognise the care and comfortable posture of the guard. They were clearly well trained, and unafraid to use the weapons if required.

   “Or not,” Scootaloo muttered under her breath, earning herself an odd look from Apple Bloom. A door in the wall hissed open, revealing a well-dressed unicorn mare. The mare started walking towards the podium, her tall height and black suit, with a black shirt and burning red cravat, giving her an imposing image. Raising a pale orange leg, the unicorn stepped up onto the podium, her turn towards the audience shifting the mare’s long red and yellow mane out of her face, revealing a pair of pale green eyes. The mare scanned her eyes over the crowd for a second, an amused smile playing on her face.

   “Welcome, fillies and colts, to your new home” The Mare gestured to the stone walls around them, a slight echo from the cavern repeated the words, making sure everyone had heard them. “Your lives as you once knew them are over,” she continued. “You have been selected, all of you, the worst, the most cunning, the most mischievous young minds from across Equus. You have been selected to become a part of an enterprise like no other. You have all exhibited certain unique abilities, abilities that set you apart from the mediocrity of the teeming masses and which mark you as the leaders of tomorrow. Here, in this establishment, you will be granted the knowledge and experience to best exploit your own natural abilities, to hone your craft to a cutting edge.” The mare paused here, and this time slowly surveyed the crowd of pale, wide-eyed foals before her.

   “Each of you has a rare quality. A blessing or gift, as some have called it, for all of you have a special talent suited for supreme villainy. Society would have us believe that this is an undesirable characteristic, something that must be subdued, controlled or destroyed; all in the name of harmony. But not here… No, here we wish to see you blossom into all that you can be, to see your innate wickedness flourish, to make you the very worst that you can be. To create true harmony, by balancing the brightest lights, with the darkest shadows.
The Mare stepped out from behind the lectern and walked to the front of the stage. As she loomed over the foals, the mare seemed to grow in size, and her eye began to lightly glow. Many of the foals at the front began to back away slowly. “Today is a great day for you all, as you have the unique honour and privilege of becoming the newest students at the first and only school for applied villainy in all of Equus.” The Mare suddenly reared up onto her hind legs, throwing her forelegs out to point toward the cavern walls, hey horn glowing brightly. “Welcome to H.E.R.D. the High Educator for Rogue Dignitaries!”
> A glimpse into the Sun.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the Orange Unicorn spoke, her horn lit up with a light teal aura, the walls of the cavern glowing a similar colour. The walls began to undulate and ripple, slowly sinking into the ground in an impressive, and intimidating, display of geomancy; especially for a unicorn. But more impressive than the melting walls were the caverns and corridors behind them. The adjoining caverns were just as large as the one the group of confused foals was currently stood in. Unlike their cavern, however, these ones were awash with activity. Scootaloo didn’t know which way to look. Some caverns were filled with chromatic arrays of smoke and vapour, large vents in the ceiling pulling the magical fumes out of the air. Others were illuminated with strange flashing lights, accompanied by an occasional shout of exertion, or the rumble of a minor explosion. One cavern even seemed to be set up like a Nieghponese dojo; complete with rows of ponies practising their various techniques, all in sync with each other. And in every cavern there were foals. Hundreds of them, of all ages and tribes, smiling and chatting with each other as they walked from one cavern to another, some nervous, some focused, some laughing joyously; most wearing some form of near identical jumpsuit.

   Scootaloo cracked a smile. This place looked awesome! Turning to look at Apple Bloom, Scootaloo noticed that the yellow filly had yet to look away from the mare on the stage. Looking towards the mare in question, Scootaloo noticed she had a sly smile on her face, akin to a knowing smirk.

   ‘If I could have your attention.’ The mare announced, amusement clear in her voice, although look in her eyes made it clear this was no request. “My name is Dr Shimmer. I am the founder and overseer of this facility. While you remain within the walls of HERD, you will rest safely under my protection. All I ask for is respect and obedience towards myself, as well as your teachers.” A dangerous glint entered Dr Shimmer’s eyes, a broad smile, with just a hint of barely contained madness growing across her face. ”I doubt I’ll get it, but I like to ask nicely the first time.” The continued glowing of her horn made consequences of a second request very clear.

   ‘Note to self,’ Scootaloo thought, ‘Don’t get caught.’

   “I am sure you have many questions,” The Doctor continued, a regular smile returning to her face. “and to try and answer as many of them as possible, I will let you continue with your induction into H.E.R.D. After this, you will have an induction briefing, where you will be shown a short presentation that will hopefully answer the majority of your questions. After that, you will be given a quick tour of the facilities more important areas, as well as receive an introduction to life at HERD from one of our senior teachers.” Finally, the glow around the unicorn’s horn died down. She smiled warmly at the awed foals. ”I am sure I will see you all again with in the next few days, but until then I wish you all luck, and I hope you enjoy the tour.”

   As Dr Shimmer finished speaking, the guards started to usher the colts and fillies away from the platform, and towards a doorway carved into the main cavern’s wall. Carved above the wall, was the silhouette of a pony's head, with a pair of compasses, glowing a dim arcane blue, engraved in the centre of the head. Beneath the symbol, glowing the same colour as the pair of compasses, were the words “PLOTTING ROOM TWO”. As the foals approach the doorway, the stone door slid open, silently and without provocation. Swallowing her nerves at the un-natural movement of the door, Scootaloo stepped forward, towards the opening.





   Sunset Shimmer stood watching the group of new students as they trotted off towards the doorward. She always did like inducting the new students. Nothing a villain likes more than revealing their master plan, and despite being a teacher for many years now, some things were just hard wired. The jaw dropping awe they showed at the reveal. The staggering realization as to the scale of the operation. The foals reactions never failed to amuse her. If there was one thing she had learned, it was that impressions are fluid. The younglings would come to rely on and trust in their teachers and mentors eventually, but for now, it was important to keep them confused, busy and tired, at least until they settled in properly. It helped to keep unruly behaviour to a minimum, a hard task considering the talents of the students.

   ‘Can’t remove it all though’ Sunset thought to herself, a smirk forming on her lips, ‘That would be counter-productive.’ There was always at least one though; one who saw through the act each year. One who wasn’t impressed by the display, or who kept total focus on her despite the show going on around them. It wasn’t hard to notice this year's stand out. The yellow filly, with the red bow. Not once did her eyes waver from the podium. She was completely focused on Sunset, and if the light biting of the filly’s own lip was any indication, was trying to figure her out like some sort of puzzle. Sunset smirked, that filly definitely took after her grandmare. There was also the filly standing next to her; the one with the purple mane. At first glance, she seemed to be just like the rest of the foals, gawking in awe at everything. But there was a smile on her face. A glint of joy and excitement in her eyes; A look Sunset had only seen on some of her most passionate contemporaries. A shiver ran down her spine. Yes. That one, more than any other first year, was meant for this life. Both those fillies were going to go far. ‘I’ll have to keep an eye on the two of them.’ Sunset smiled; a pure innocent smile. ‘This is going to be an interesting year.

   ”You can come out now Rainbow,” Sunset said quietly, the innocent smile remaining on her lips. From the shadows at the base of the statute arose a pegasus mare. Dressed in a dark fur-tight flight suit, she strutted forward, starting out as grayscale in colour before slowly sliding across to being cyan, with the prismatic mane, from which her name was devised.

   “Dam it, Sunset!” The mare exclaimed with exasperated arrogance, the remnants of her stealth magic slowly disappearing from the tips of her feathers. “How is it that you can always spot me, despite nopony else being able to!”

   “Come on Dash. Telling you would ruin the fun.” Sunset chuckled out her reply. Rainbow Dash scowled at the response.

   “Easy for you to say,” Dash muttered.

   “You were in charge of acquisitions this year, right?” Sunset asked, trotting over to the lecture in the process.

   “Yeah. Whatcha want to know?” Rainbow questioned back. Sunset channelled some magic into a rune on the lectern, causing a still hologram of the new students to appear on top of the lecture. Sunset pointed to the Purple maned filly.

   “Who is she?” Sunset was all business now. So was Rainbows answer.

   “Scootaloo. Scholarship student, although her sponsor wasn’t noted on the acquisitions order. She’s responsible for the recent mess at the Manehattan Stock Exchange. I actually retrieved her personally.” Rainbow said the last bit with a touch of pride in her voice.

   “Impressive” Sunset stated. Mess was a bit of an understatement, as the incident Rainbow had mentioned would most likely be going down as one of the worst days in Equestria’s economic history, despite nopony having quite yet figured out what had happened. The fact that a foal as young as the filly on screen was able to bring the country to its knees like that… Sunset made a mental note to find out exactly who had sponsored Scootaloo’s selection and scholarship. Most scholarship students were orphans, some were runaways, but all of them had a clear lack of familial bonds. No parental or sibling figures who would get the forces of justice involved. Scootaloo was one of these scholarship students. “Keep an eye on her Rainbow. She is going to be a handful.”

   “I was planning on it.” The Prismatic Guard stated, a reminiscent look appearing on her muzzle.  “There’s a spirit about her that I kind of like.”

   “I wonder why that is?” Sunset barked out, sarcastically. Rainbow rolled her eyes.

   “Har. Har.” came the mare’s deadpan response. Looking away from the image of the orange filly, Rainbow’s eyes came to lie on the yellow earth filly, a flicker of curiosity entering her eyes. “I’ve got to ask, Sunset. How did you get AJ to agree to this? ” Rainbow gestured towards the earth filly. A sad frown appeared on Sunset’s face.

   “Applejack and Big Mac may have gone legit, but their Granny Smith never truly left our life style. Zap Apples may be legal now, but many forget they started out as a product of Granny Smith’s arborimancy research. They forget the amount of unrestricted testing and development that went into giving both the sweet apples and the zap apples their taste.” Sunset sighed. “Unlike her siblings, young Apple Bloom has a gift for experimentation. An ability akin to her grandmare back in the day and I refuse to let such talent be wasted!” Despite the passion and conviction in Sunset’s voice, Rainbow could sense something was off.

   “That doesn’t answer my question.” Rainbow’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “What. Did. You. Do.”
Sunset looked at the ground, a look of regret on her face.

   “I brought up their parents.”

   “Sunset!” Rainbow exclaimed a look of anger on her face.

   “I said what I had to,” Sunset replied a cold look on her face, a glimpse into the master criminal of old. “Big Mac and AJ might be alright with just their memories and the apple farm, trying to forget reality through their granny’s jam, but that filly deserves better than romanticised tales with false endings. She deserves the truth, and a chance at actually being a true Apple.” The two mares locked eyes with each other, Sunset daring Rainbow to contradict her. Eventually Rainbow sighed; a weary sigh, one of a long fought battle.

   “I keep forgetting how much older than the rest of us you are” Dash met Sunset with a look of acceptance. “Just don’t get so caught up in the past, that you forget the ponies of today.” With that, the chromatic mare’s colours faded to grayscale once more, her lithe form slinking back into the shadow. Sunset just gave a forlorn look at the other holographic foals on the lectern.

   “I won’t,” Sunset whispered, her eyes committing the faces of her newest charges to memory. “I can’t.”
> The School of Tomorrow, Today.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scootaloo looked around plotting room two, taking in the polished black walls; the standard look for this place so far. Unlike previous rooms, however, this one had maps plastered across the walls. Some were new; made from thick paper with intricate colours and details. Others were old; yellowing, curling parchment, with stains, holes and burns. One map even seemed to be made from solid stone, veins of metal and slivers of crystal making up the detail.

   “I wonder where that is?” Scootaloo muttered to herself, looking intently at the stone map.

   “Ah doubt it’s anywhere we’d ‘ave heard off,” Applebloom answered, ignoring the rhetorical aspect of the question.  “That map don’t even make sense to me.” Taking a close look at the ‘map’, Scootaloo noticed the compass rose; or rather a strange equivalent of one. Unlike a regular 8 pointed star, or even the simpler 4 pointed one, this rose had 6 points to it. The angles between the points weren’t even the same!

   “Now, now younglings settle down. Take a seat anywhere.” A deep, operatic voice cut itself across the babbling students. Turning towards the source of the voice, Scootaloo spotted a pale, yellow earth pony mare reclining in a chair, the covering being some dark yet shiny material she didn’t recognise. In her left hoof, the mare held a long yet thin pipe, which had coloured smoke flowing from both ends. In front was a large table at least 6 lengths long, and 2 lengths across, made entirely of another material Scootaloo didn’t recognise. This material, however, was a blue or purple crystal and steamed very juxtaposed with the dark walls of the room, or the strange material the chairs surrounding the table were covered in. Inlayed into the centre of the table, in the same material as the walls, was the hoof crushing the globe, same as the statue out in the hallway. Unlike that one, however, this one's cracks were made from the same material as the rest of the table, almost as if the table had been grown around the insignia. Scootaloo trotted over to the table and took a seat, about halfway down, Apple Bloom sitting right behind her. Looking down the table from this angle, Scootaloo could now make out the mare more clearly. Amusement shone in her eyes as she looked over the young foals. Not amusement at the situation, like had been in Dr Shimmers eyes. Amusement at them, the students, like they were some sort of amusing pet. Scootaloo hated that look, that same look that the business ponies in central would give her. The mare leaned forward to tap some of the ash from her pipe into an ashtray on the table, her voluptuous orange hair bobbing around her, despite being tied back; it’s sheer size framing her head like a painting.  Around the strange mare’s neck there sat a necklace with a single red crystal, a large crack running down the centre.

   “You're the Alpha for this year then?” No one answered. The mare smiled, all eyes were focused on her, begging for answers. “My name is Contessa Adagio Dazzle, However, most simply refer to me as the Contessa.” For a second Scootaloo thought she heard a snort of mirth coming from somewhere behind her, but seeing nothing there she ignored it. “I take great pleasure, in being the one to introduce you to your new lives here, at the H.E.R.D. We will start with a short presentation, after which I will answer some of your questions. Let us begin.” As the Contessa spoke, her voice had slowly shifted to a smooth, soothing cadence, with many of the more tense or nervous students seeming to visibly relax at the sound. The Contessa then raised her hoof above the table and tapped gently on its crystal surface. The table immediately began to glow, a holographic image of what Scootaloo could only assume by now was the school's logo appeared above the table, rotating in place, before fading away to show a 3D image of the island they had flown over to get here, the smoking volcano at its center looking very active, despite their landing pad she knew was actually in the crater. A voice started to emanate from the centre of the table. It sounded equestrian but Scootaloo couldn’t recognise the accent. It was like someone had combined all of the equestrian accents into a single, completely generic one.

   “Welcome to The Island, an undisclosed tropical location that houses the H.E.R.D; the most unique and prestigious educational institution in all of Equus. Founded in the 97th decade of the Celestial Era by Doctor Shimmer as a training ground for the leaders of tomorrow, the High Educator of Rogue Dignitaries has an illustrious history of villainous success. Now in its fourth decade of operation, The H.E.R.D. has become a state-of-the-art training facility, fully equipped, with the most cutting-edge of thaumatic and mechanical engineering, to better prepare YOU to rule the world in the future.” The image of the island began to change, the tropical trees and volcanic slopes fading away, leaving a series of translucent pipes and chambers, one of which Scootaloo quickly noticed was the room they were currently sitting in. But based on the scale of the model compared to the size of the room, this facility was huge!, Right now they seemed to be in a massive mesh of interlinked caverns, like a central core of some kind, with longer tunnels forking out of the core to other smaller clusters. If that diagram was accurate, then the only way out seemed to be the volcano landing pad from earlier.

   “Dr Shimmer’s motto has always been ‘It takes the best, to create the worst’. As such, the H.E.R.D. is staffed by some of the greatest criminal educators in all of Equus. The fine mares and stallions that run this place have thus been provided with the facilities and equipment necessary to their jobs properly” The hologram started to display some of these facilities, ranging from Wonderbolt Style flight obstacle courses and gyms with earth pony weights to Science labs and Arcane Ritual rooms.

   “Life as a H.E.R.D. student is full of fun and excitement. Here you will make friends that will last you a lifetime, or two if you’re good enough.” Another set of scenes, mostly of older looking colts and fillies Scootaloo notice, appeared in the hologram. A pair of pegasi sword fighting; a colt smiling with a bubbling test tube in hoof; a trio of fillies climb up a rock face together, and a smiling couple laughing behind a clear blast shield, a large rainbow coloured explosion going off behind them. A wild grin came to Scootaloo’s face. She so needed to find out how they create that explosion.

   “For the next six years this facility will be your new home, and, while contact with the outside world is initially forbidden, H.E.R.D. is the perfect home away from home.” Images of fancy, but practical hotel-like rooms appeared above the table. More images of large indoor meadows complete with trees, grass and a few small lakes soon followed.

   “At H.E.R.D. we aim to get the very best out ever student. Failure is not an option in our industry. Our friendly and professional staff will always be there to inspire, advise and assist students, helping you to strive for greatness!”  The new scenes were now of orange jump-suited guard performing various acts of kindness. Somewhere giving directions to lost students, others were joining in with games or helping with what looked like homework. One image even showed a guard slicing a large chocolate cake, surrounded by smiling foals. Applebloom gave a derisive snort.

   “If any of that is real, I’ll eat mah hat.” the yellow filly muttered. A small smirk grew on Scootaloo’s face. She had to agree. These ‘guards’ looked a lot softer than the ones back in the other room. The was one hole in Applebloom’s logic, however.

   “You’re not actually wearing a hat, you know?” Scoots asked, a teasing mirth in her voice.

   “Ah know that,” Applebloom replied defensively. “It just something Applejack would say...” Her voice trailed off as the filly looked down at the table, a look worry and sadness appearing in her face and eyes. Knowing she’d messed up, Scootaloo put one foreleg around Applebloom's shoulder and gave her a light squeeze. Looking up at the hologram, only to see a smiling image of Dr Shimmer, handing over a diploma scroll to a smirking caramel coloured stallion, in a black jumpsuit, before a large audience.

   “...perfect start to a successful lifetime of villainy.” The crowd in the hologram started to stomp, the applause mixing in with the voice over. “ H.E.R.D. The School of Tomorrow, Today.” The image slowly faded away, leaving only the rotating hoof and globe from the beginning, before that too faded away.

   “So younglings.” The Contessa’s voice rang out to the foals, focusing their attention back on her. “Since you have now seen a small sample of what the H.E.R.D. has to offer you, do you have any questions?”
> Any Questions?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Ai have a question, Mrs.” Apple Bloom’s curious voice broke the growing silence of the room.

“Why can’t we talk to people outside this place?” Scootaloo glanced at Apple Bloom cautiously. The secrecy side of a villain's school seemed obvious. Where was she going with this?

“My dear girl, surely you can understand the need for secrecy at a villainy school? We have had… incidents in the past that have been directly caused by unnecessary security breaches. The most effective solution has been to limit communication to only the most vital of circumstances. This way no one on the island can reveal the H.E.R.D.’s location, intentionally or not.” That made sense to Scootaloo. Any sort of long range communication spell could probably be easily traced back here by a half decent diviner. 

“So we’re ya prisoners?” Apple Bloom’s deadpan response made Scootaloo winch. That was a perspective she hadn’t thought of yet. Scootaloo really didn’t like thinking of this place that way. Neither, it seemed, did the Contessa; her smile faltering slightly.

“Prisoner is a harsh word, young apple. You’re are our students and our wards. These measures are to make sure you are properly protected.” 

“What about our families?” Apple Bloom pressed, a hardened focus in her eyes and voice. “Ain’t they going to wonder where we’ve gone?”

“Your parents or guardians are aware of your situation, if not your location. You have all been brought here with their permission.” That proclamation from the Contessa brought about a round of mutterings and shocked looks. Scootaloo was as surprised as the rest of them. Did they ask for permission? From the orphanage? A sad scowl spread across Scootaloo’s face. The orphanage had finally kicked her out it seemed.

“Can we talk to them? Our parents? Mah Sister?” So that's what this question was about. Scootaloo’s scowl morphed into a look of pity. That reflexive country-ism had given Applebloom's game away. 

“No. As has already been explained multiple time now, no communication is allowed between students and the outside world. Seeing as your families are outside of this facility, communication with them is also not allowed.” That was blunt. Harsh even. The Contessa was clearly starting to get annoyed by this line of questioning.

“So how do we know our families actually know that we're here?!” Rather than backing down at the terse response, Apple Bloom had doubled down, an angry glare in her eye. “How do we know you ain’t lyin’?” The Contessa sighed a deep sigh, before looking directly at Apple Bloom.

“You are an inquisitive one,
Young filly with a bow,
But that is information,
You do not need to know.”

As the Contessa spoke, her tone shifted melodically, as if it were a separate instrument, accompanying her words, which were softly sung to an unknown tune. For a second, Scootaloo could have sworn she heard a choir of other voices joining in. Turning to see Apple Bloom’s reaction, Scootaloo was surprised to see her new friend sitting there with a glazed look in her eyes, mouth wide open. The glaze faded only to be placed with a look of total confusion.

“No, Contessa. Ah do not need to know that.” Apple Bloom’s word came out so distant and regulated, Scootaloo would have almost thought it was someone else sitting next to her. 

“Good. Anyone else?” The Contessa looked around the table again. Apple Bloom’s silence was shocking to Scootaloo. She may not have known the yellow filly for very long, but she knew a fighter when she saw one. This reaction, to essentially being told to ‘shut up’, was strange. Also, there was sudden random singing. That wasn’t normal… 

Well, the short burst wasn’t normal at least. Time to do some digging.

“I got one for you!” Scootaloo called out. The Contessa turn to her, a thin smile on her face. 

“What would you like to know Miss?”

“Name’s Scootaloo.” The excited filly flashed the Contessa a confident grin. The Contessa nodded for Scootaloo to continue. “Are we allowed to leave the Island? Like, can we go practise this stuff on real ponies?” The Contessa’s smile turned flat.

“There are the occasional field trips, but those are quite infrequent. Dr Shimmer does also allow for older students to briefly leave the island occasionally, provided there’s a good enough reason.” The Contessa’s clipped tone and direct answer were a warning against further questions of this nature.

“Has anypony ever just gone off on their own? Left the H.E.R.D. and done their own thing?”  A warning Scootaloo completely ignored as she pressed the Contessa for more information. 

“Such a thing would be truancy, young lady.” The Contessa snap out, anger clear in her voice. “And we have a grim view when it comes to truancy,” Scootaloo smirked subtly. 

“That didn’t answer the question though. Has anypony...”

.”A suspicious line of questions,
You do ask, Miss Scootaloo,
But I can not answer them,
So that will have to do.” 

The Contessa’s operatic voice cut through Scootaloo’s suddenly, Her tone lyrical, the sound backed softly by a million other voices. That will have to do? Not likely! There were so many other questions to ask! Scootaloo opened her mouth, determining to continue the interrogation…

“…”

“…”

What had happened to her questions? She remembered planning them. She remembered what each question was for but… No. She just couldn’t remember the questions themselves. Scootaloo glanced over at Apple Bloom, the yellow filly still looking pale and confused. Is this what had happened to her? That part of her thoughts had been changed? Removed? 

“Anyone else?” The Contessa glanced at the other foals again, a steely look in her eyes. A shiver ran down Scootaloo’s spin. The Contessa was not one to be trifled with recklessly.  That much was obvious now. A pink filly with a purple and white mane hesitantly put her hoof up. As the foals turned to look have her, Apple Bloom let out a surprised gasp.The Contessa nodded for the filly to speak.

“Do we have to wear those jumpsuit things like those foal in the… whatever that thing was.” The pink filly pointed towards the centre of the table as she spoke; the disdain in her voice at the jumpsuits being pretty clear. 

“In the hologram? Yes, all students do wear them. That is the point of a uniform.” The Contessa seemed to relax a bit, the more normal question being easier to handle. “There are minor differences that denote your year group and stream, but otherwise they are identical; outside of personal adjustments anyway. Not that many stores out here to keep up with fashion.” The filly scowled and slouched in her seat, forelegs crossed. “Anymore?”

“Oooh. Ooh Ooh Ooh. I’ve got one.” A white unicorn filly called out, waving her hoof in the air.

“Yes?” The Contessa responded in a tone somewhere between annoyance and amusement. 

“What’s a stream? You keep mentioning it like we should know what it is?” That was a good question. A very good question. A question that suddenly felt familiar to Scootaloo. That was one she had planned to ask!

“Yes, the streams. You see, the school is split into different types of training courses that specialise in training different things. We call these courses 'Streams'. You lot are all from the Alpha Stream. Your training will focus on strategy and leadership. We also have Henchpony, Technical, and Political-Finance streams. Many of the classes are universal, but there are some that are restricted to certain Streams. You can tell what stream a pony is from by the colour of their suit: black for the Alphas, that's you; blue for the Henchponies; white for the Technicals, and grey for the Political-Financiers. You’ll get used to it after a few weeks. Oh, and the guard are in orange jumpsuits.” Another hoof went up, this time belonging to a brown colt, with a propeller beanie on his head. 

“How evil is evil?” The was a pregnant silence as the Contessa processes the colt’s question.

“I’m sorry, could you repeat that one, my dear?”

“How evil is evil?” The colt repeated, his voice laced with curiosity. “Are we talking money laundering and drugs kind of evil, or the doomsday ray ransom kind of evil? Also when’s lunch?”  The Contessa just stared at the colt, as did everyone else. Eventually, the Contessa just closed her eyes and sighed. 

“Are you related to Hash Table by any chance?” Now it was the colt’s turn to be confused.

“Yeah. He’s my father. You know him?” That just made the Contessa groan. 

“Yes. He was a student here, and a pain in the...” The Contessa sigh again. “To answer your first Question, that depends on you I guess, and what you want to achieve during your career. Some of our students do go on to work as drug barons, both minor and major. The more ambitious have created improbable innovations to further their personal agendas, sometimes to the detriment of others. As to which brand of villainy is more preferable, you should ask Dr Shimmer. She is more familiar with villainous philosophy that I am.” A new question sprung up in Scootaloo’s mind at this response, but as she opened her mouth to ask it, the question vanished from her mind, much to Scootaloo’s annoyance. Luckily the white furred filly from earlier asked it instead. 

“What do you believe then, Contessa?” The orange mare turned to look at the filly. For a split second, the mare seemed visibly sag, like she had aged a thousand years in a second, a far off look in her eyes. 

“Villainy is the art of survival, no matter the personal cost.” The mare started slightly, before turning to the brown colt. “To answer your other question, Mr?” The mare had returned to her previous demeanour as if the white filly had never asked her question.

“Button Mash.” Replied the now named Button Mash.

“Mr Mash. You will join the rest of the students for lunch in about an hour. Before that you will be provided with your new uniforms, and after lunch you will have an introductory tour of the facility.” Button Mash gave the Contessa a small nod, although Scootaloo thought she heard a slight rumble come from his direction. The uncomfortable expression made his reasoning for the lunch question pretty clear. Now that she thought about it, Scootaloo was also pretty hungry. How long had it been since she was knocked out? Maybe Button Mash was onto something with that question after all. 

“Anyway, that’s enough questions for now. We really should get you all those uniforms. Please follow me to the quartermaster.” That last sentence had a slightly melodic tone to it, Scootaloo noticed. As the group of foals started to move towards the doorway, Scootaloo realised that some of her previous questions were starting to return to her. More importantly, she was able to remember them. Whatever the Contessa had down to her was starting to fade. Looking at Applebloom, Scootaloo saw the filly rubbing a hoof against her forehead. 

“What in Celestia’s name was that?” The yellow filly asked, only partially rhetorically. “It was like ah suddenly didn’t care about where I was or what was going on.” Applebloom look down forlornly, “or about seeing mah family.”

“I guess she doesn’t like questions. Maybe you should keep your head down for a bit.” Concern spread across the yellow filly’s face.

“What about you?” Scootaloo just grinned.

“There is more that one way to be stealthy.”

“Come along you two!” the Contessa called to them from the door. “You look a little confused. Is this all a bit overwhelming for you?” Despite her sympathetic tone of voice, the Contessa's eyes were more curious that caring.

“More Applebloom that me, Mam.” Scootaloo’s wide grin was contrasted by her own curious gaze, the two lock their eyes on each other. “You literally took the words right out of her mouth.” The Contessa gaze hardened. Her voice became melodious and sinister, barely a decibel about the background whispers that accompanied it.

“I can do so much worse than that, young ones. 
So much much worse.” 

With that the Contessa turn away, walking out the door.

“Come along children. So much to do, and never enough time to do it in.” Her voice had returned to its normal state. Applebloom glared at Scootaloo.

“How is that being subtle?!” The whispered indignation clear in the country filly’s voice. A smirk appeared on Scootaloo’s face.

“In that she thinks she knows what cards we have.” At the confused expression on Apple Bloom's face Scootaloo continued. “The Contessa let more slip there than she thought. A lot more actually.” Scootaloo started to walk towards the door herself. 

“For instance, how did she know you were an apple?”
> A Slice of Life.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The group of foals were lead off along a large catwalk, that curved off into various flood lit caverns. Large mirrors with light orbs at their centre were attached to the ceilings, the ancient stalactites glinting in the mirror's glow.  Far below them along the cavern floor where large octagonal domes, built from glass panelling. Each dome was filled with plants. Some in neat, ordered rows. Others set up in more natural dispersions, with grass and moss covering their floors.

"H.E.R.D. is a near self-sufficient facility." The Contessa announced to her wards. "Greenhouses and Hydroponics bays like the ones you see below are used to grow many different plants. Some of them supply our kitchen with fresh ingredients to ensure our students and staff eat delicious and healthy meals. Other plants are grown here for their more... exotic properties." At this point, the Contessa gestured out to a specific greenhouse, nestled amongst the others. "A couple of the greenhouses contain fully functioning eco-systems, containing both flora and fauna. These are used to supply our more carnivorous members. " The Contessa moved onward, the group following after her.

"It's not enough." Scootaloo turned, hearing Applebloom's muttering.

"What do you mean?" Scootaloo asked, confused.

"The farms. Ah grew up on an orchard. I know about farming and that's not enough food down there to feed all these people. " Applebloom explained, gesturing around them as they trotted after the Contessa.

"Well, she did say 'near self-sufficient'. They probably import the rest of the food."

"Not this amount though. No way you'd be able to bring that much food in by carriage. Not without someone noticing." Huh. If that was the case then there might be another hanger or dock somewhere, Scootaloo thought. Surely such a large amount of food couldn’t be flown in by pegasus. Not through the earlier hanger anyway.

"A bigger question is, how’d they build all of this." Scootaloo tapped the catwalk with her hoof, a soft clang ringing out as a result. “A construction job like this would have hundreds of construction workers.” A macabre look spread across the Applebloom’s face.

“I doubt they ever left the island. These guys don’t feel like the sort to leave loose ends like that.” That was a dark prospect. Unfortunately, it was also probably true.

“Well… That’s one aggressive retirement plan.” Applebloom, as well as the white filly from earlier, both turned to pin Scootaloo with a glare. “Too soon?”

“Yeh. Too soon.” Despite Applebloom’s reply, Scootaloo noticed that the white filly hadn’t turned back to face the direction they were walking.

“Sorry,” Scootaloo muttered, a sheepish look on her face. The white filly finally turned back. Note to self, Scootaloo thought, Speak quieter.

The party continued on in silence after that. They turned off the catwalk into a side corridor that felt like it was gently sloping downwards, at least to Scootaloo. Eventually, they came to another small cavern, that seemed to act as a junction for other corridors. As the group crossed the cavern, the marbling of the stone walls began to lightly glow and a voice blared out across the facility.

“MWAH! MWAHAHAHA! MWAHAHA!!!” The voice sounded both deep and forced. Like someone was making their regular voice deeper than it normally was. Still, the glowing of the walls, as well as the sheer volume of the voice made the sound terrifying to the children, who immediately clustered together in the middle of the room. It was a good thing they did too, as almost immediately ponies started pouring into the room, mainly students by the look of them, from all different streams and age groups. The wall seemed to vibrate, as the cavern was filled with conversation and laughter.

“... What’s the point of learning lockpicking, when we have mana explosives?...”

“... then he said ‘Plutonium?’ and we all start laughing!...”

“... a seven-unto-three point umbric array should be enough...”

“... stick him in a pod one of these days...”

“...and I said ‘Oatmeal? Are you crazy!’...”

The bewildered group of first years just stood there in the centre, watching the students go by. Some of the students noticed them, point the first years out to their friends before moving one. Occasionally one would smile or wave, but soon enough the cavern emptied again. The whole event, from silence to school yard cacophony and the back to silence, couldn’t have lasted more than a minute.

“As you can see punctuality is something that is taken very seriously here at H.E.R.D. Tardiness is not something taken lightly, and you don’t want to be caught by our hall monitors without a pass.” As if on cue a team of guards swept through the hallway; 2 unicorns, 2 pegasi and an earth pony. A quiet, soft voice spoke up from the back of the group.

“Why… Umm… Weapons?” Looking over, Scootaloo saw a small, light grey earth filly with a long dark grey mane. Realising that everyone was looking at her, the filly cowed down, hiding her face in her hair.

“Are you asking why the guards are armed, dear?” The Contessa asked. At the filly’s hesitant nod, she turned, gesturing the guards over. “Do not worry my dear, the guards are here for your protection. You have nothing to fear from them. Well, unless you break the school's rules anyway.” The Contessa now turned towards the approaching Guards. “Besides, these aren’t your average weapons. HERD GUARD! PRESENT ARMS!”

At the Contessa’s shout, the 5 guard snapped to attention, smoothly pulling the weapons from their sheaths in a fluid, well practised movement, holding them combatively for a second before relaxing their stance slightly, safely presenting the weapons to their commanding officer. These definitely weren’t just your average school guards. These guards were military. This was the first good look Scootaloo had got of their weapons.

The unicorns had telekinetically pulled bronze spears from sheaths on their backs. Unlike a regular spear, the head on these was split laterally, with a light purple crystal embedded in the gap, hints of yellow light occasionally glinting from deeper within. While the spear definitely still had a sharp edge and point to the metal parts, the weapon was clearly designed around the central crystal. Inlaid lines of gold twisted their ways down the spear shaft, with the occasional glint of sapphire slivers embedded between the lines.

The two pegasi had pulled out wing-blades, previously housed in a pair of quick release blade holsters attached low on the guard's flanks. Similar to the Unicorn’s spears, these wing-blades had a core of the same purple crystal. Unlike the spears, however, the yellow light was clearly visible, forking up and down the lengths of the blades at random. Also unlike the spears, the crystal itself had been cut into a sharp edge. The surrounding metal, some sort of woven material interchanging periodically between gold and bronze, served only to attach the crystal edge to the wielder. A line of glowing, green emeralds lined the metal where the weapon met the pegasi’s wings.

Unlike the rest of the guards, the earth pony had no clear weapon. Instead he reared up, clapping his front two hooves together, before dropping back down onto all fours and presenting his right forehoof, frog up. On closer inspection, one could see that the guard's horseshoe was made near entirely from the purple crystal, although the edges were gold, with slices of glowing ruby inlaid in them. Once again the purple crystal was different, with the crystal practically glowing yellow. Scootaloo wasn’t sure, but she thought she could see a yellow glow coming from under the earth ponies other hooves as well.

The Contessa’s horn glowed purple, her aura coating one of the spear staves from one of the unicorns. An uneasy look flickered across the guard's face as he released his grip on the weapon.
“You may draw another stave from the armoury when you have finished your Patrol. Dismissed.” The guard nodded and turned to leave. The rest of the patrol followed, stowing their weapons in the process. The Contessa suddenly pointed the spear at the unarmed unicorns back. Her magic flared slightly before the air between the guard and the spear head seemed to pulse. With a flash of yellow light and a zapping sound, the guard collapsed unconscious, completely limp. The foals screamed in alarm, although the guard just slowly edged away from both their collapsed comrade and the Contessa.

“I didn’t formally request this weapon.” The Contessa’s focus was solely on the guards. “Your squad mate should not have relinquished control of the weapon without a full, verbal order.” The Contessa turned back to the students, presenting the spear staff to them, point up to the ceiling. “These are mana scrambling pulse inhibitors, or as the guards call them Sleepers. When exposed to a directed mana flow, the crystals produce a pulse of weak but wild chaos magic. If hit by said pulse, your mana will be temporarily forced from your body, rendering you unconscious. It will also randomly misalign any mana you have left, preventing recovery until your magic has realigned itself. The process is completely harmless, and one usually recovers in about eight hours.”

The Contessa tossed the weapon to the team's other unicorn. “When he wakes up, he is to report to Colonel Biceps for remedial training. DISMISSED!” The remaining guards quickly picked up their unconscious comrade and marched out of the hall. Probably towards the nearest barracks, Scootaloo though. “The weapons were developed here at the H.E.R.D. by some of our student as a final year project.” The Contessa was once again talking to the foals, trying to reassure them. “The students in question were concerned with the potential effect the Ketamine used in our old tranquillisers could have on young minds. Additionally, the student managed to build in a security system, so only those with permission may activate a Sleeper. These are the sort of innovations you too will be able to create, come the end of your course.”

Scootaloo was very interest in those weapons. Those could be amazing for Equestria's police force. No more ‘accidental’ deaths during police raids, and a lot of profit to be had as the seller. Nothing wrong with making a little money, on the side. A grin spread on Scootaloo’s face. She had to get her hooves on one of those Sleepers. Looking across at Applebloom, Scootaloo saw the yellow filly had a troubled look on her face.

“What’s wrong?” Scootaloo asked. Applebloom turned to Scootaloo, concern in her eyes.

“Wat’s the last thing ya remember before waking up in the carriage.”Scootaloo tilted her head down, thinking.

“I was walking around the Island, trying to lay low, and then...” The orange pegasus tilted her back in in concentration. Suddenly her eyes flashed open. “The sound! I remember that sound.” Applebloom nodded, as suddenly reassured of something.

“Ai remember seeing somepony enter the room, then a flash. Ai have a feeling those get used a lot more often than they should.” Scootaloo silently agreed with that assumption.

“Come along now students,” The Contessa called out, “We do need to hurry to the quartermasters. We are starting to run behind schedule.”

“We should probably try to avoid provoking the guards any time soon,” Applebloom muttered, trotting after the Contessa and their fellow first years “Ai for one don’t want to wake up with another headache ” A flash of confusion spread across Scootaloo’s face. What headache?
> Number One Assistant
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The foals continued on their way, passing many corridors and caverns. Scootaloo kept looking about at everything, watching various classes being taught through the classroom windows. In one a unicorn in a lab coat was gesturing to a complex magical diagram on a chalk board. A diagram Scootaloo thought she recognised. That particular classroom was filled with jumpsuit of every colour. Well, every student colour anyway. Clearly, magical theory was a subject everyone had to learn here.  

Through another window was a class of made entirely of blue suited students. Their teacher, a massive white pegasus, was moving model guards around what looked to be a detailed replica of Canterlot castle. It wasn’t just the classrooms that caught Scootaloo’s attention. Signs were attached to the various walls, all describing rooms and facilities that sounded incredibly exciting to the young filly. Places such as the ‘DEATH RAY TESTING RANGE’, ‘THE MAZE’ and ‘CENTRAL OPERATIONS’, just to name a few. There were also less interesting places named, such as the ‘SICK BAY’, the ‘TEST TRACK’ and the ‘HIPPOCAMPI DOCK’.

Wait, what. Scootaloo did a double take, but the group pressed on, leaving her unable to check what she had thought she saw. All too soon the group had arrived at a set of large metal doors.

“Here we are.” The Contessa announced, turning to look at the foals. “This is the quartermasters. Beyond these doors, you will be granted you uniforms, as well as have your measurements taken. These measurements will be used to make any more specialized equipment you will require in the future. I will also be introducing you to H.E.R.D.’s number one assistant, who you will come to rely on, as we all do, as the years go on.” The Contessa turned back to the doors.

“S.P.I.K.E. Can you open the doors, please? I have a new batch of students here for their uniforms.” 

“Sure thing, Adagio. Come on in.” A youthful, male voice replied to the Contessa, the response seeming to come from the walls themselves. Walls whose marbling was now glowing, just like the corridor junction earlier. The Doors slide apart and the Contessa stepped into the room, the foals following close behind. The room was very bright, much in contrast to the rest of H.E.R.D. The parts they had seen so far at least. The walls, floor and ceiling were covered in blindingly white tiles. The tiles were so blinding that Scootaloo wasn’t sure if they were actually white, or just enhanced to emit white light. Between the evenly spaced tiles were lines of crystal similar in colour to the guard’s sleeper crystals. The difference between these crystals and those of the guards, however, was the river of green that seemed to flow through their core. The Contessa stop in the middle of the room. 

“S.P.I.K.E. Introduce yourself to the new students please.”

“Can do.” Just like before the walls lit up. Unlike in the corridors, however, the light from the purple crystals continued to grow, the river of energy appearing to flow faster. The energy, Scootaloo notice, all flowing to a point near the centre of the room. Suddenly the green energy burst out of the ground, not even a length away from the Contessa. The growing mass of green glowed with a purple light, as is constricted in on itself, magic compressing the strange matter into shape, a bipedal shape with the purple glow solidifying into purple scales. The creature before the young foals was like nothing they had seen before. It looked around at the terrified foals, it’s slitted eyes taking the students in. The creature opened its mouth. Sharp, vicious teeth resided in its gaping maw.

“So, you're the new Alpha students.” That… was disconcerting. The creature sounded young, really young. Scootaloo actually thought he sounded younger than she was.  “You sure these guys are Alpha material, Contessa? They feel a lot more specialised than the previous years?” Definitely easier to think of the creature as a strange looking colt. That voice was certainly not that of a filly’s. Wait, did he just insult them?

“Doctor Shimmer has reviewed the Alpha’s credentials herself, as always S.P.I.K.E. If you disagree you can take it up with her.” 

“Fine. If Doctor Shimmer says they’re Alpha quality, then I guess they are.” With that S.P.I.K.E. properly address the collection of foals. “Hi. I’m S.P.I.K.E. The Spectrally Projected Internal Kernel Entity. and H.E.R.D.’s number one assistant. You need any help, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“S.P.I.K.E. here is a 1st generation Arcane Intelligence. He monitors and assists with the running of the most of H.E.R.D.’s runic systems.” The Contessa explained. Most of the foals looked confused by the explanation. Some of the words were a bit long and complex for Scootaloo’s liking, but she understood the gist of it. An intelligent being, created from raw magic. It was an impressive feat. “Does anyone have any question’s for S.P.I.K.E.?”

Scootaloo looked around at the other foals. Applebloom once again had her look of serious thought on. She was one of the few who did. One of the foals boldly raised their hoof. Scootaloo recognised her as the glaring unicorn filly from earlier. The other thing Scootaloo noticed was the spark of curiosity in her eyes, dangerous levels of curiosity. 
“Oh! I’ve got a question!” That was the second time the white filly had made that sound, Scootaloo noticed. 

“What is it, Sweetie… Belle.” For a half second, S.P.I.K.E. froze mouth open, his eye glued to the now named Sweetie Belle, before finishing her name. Well, that was odd, Scootaloo though. Clearly, introductions weren’t required, S.P.I.K.E. obviously knew who they were. 

“You’re a lot more articulate than any thaumic construct I’ve heard of. How old are you?” Articulate? Thaumic construct? The filly sounded like a bloody dictionary to Scootaloo.

“I should hope I’m better spoken than any golem,” S.P.I.K.E. replied, pride lacing his young voice. “I have a more aetheric base that those old things.”  Scootaloo rolled her eyes. Of course the A.I. would use fancy words too. At least he had simplified the first part.

“S.P.I.K.E.” The Contessa drawled in a long, dangerous tone. 

“I know. I know. Classified information.” S.P.I.K.E. clearly didn’t think the secret to his creation was that big a deal. “Anyway Sweetie Belle, to answer your question about my age, I’m not sure. Would you measure from my first test activation, my first installation test, or when I was first usefully online?”

“That’s… I’m not really sure S.P.I.K.E.” Clear Sweetie Belle hadn’t been expecting that answer. 

“I have been continuously active for 10 moons so far. Is that good enough?” S.P.I.K.E. offered the answer tentatively. It was as if he was apologizing for something.

“Yeah. Wow, you're really young. You must be very powerful to run a place this big!” Was it just Scootaloo, or was the A.I. blushing?

“Powerful? I guess.” The A.I. looked really uncomfortable with the idea. “I’m really just good at multitasking. For example, this is just one of 45, wait,” S.P.I.K.E. glanced down for a second, “46; 46 conversations I am currently having.” O.K. That was an impressive feat. That level of cognitive power was impressive. Here was another technology the H.E.R.D. had that could revolutionise the world.

“Is this your home?” Wait, that was a male voice. Looking behind her, Scootaloo spotted Button Mash, the colt staring intently at the A.I. 

“I’m sorry, what?” S.P.I.K.E.’s eloquent answer brought a smile to Scootaloo’s face. The more S.P.I.K.E. talk the more she was beginning to like him.

“Is this your runic array?” This time it was Sweetie Belle who spoke. All eyes turn to Sweetie, who started to blush. She glanced over at Button Mash “I think that what you meant by that right?” Button stared at her for a few seconded before grinning widely.

“Yeah. That’s what I meant.” Spike gave the pair of foals a bemused look.

“No, this isn’t my runic array. This room just contains a projection array I can use.” Button Mash quirked an eyebrow at the A.I.’s response, while a look of confusion spread across Sweetie Belle’s face. S.P.I.K.E. sighed.

“I’m set up as a dynamic, self-invoking matrix. The architecture is innovative and doesn’t follow traditional runic architectures” S.P.I.K.E.’s tone was dull and flat. That was clearly a phrase he was tired of repeating. And it was nonsense. Scootaloo may not have had a formal magical education, but the young pegasus knew enough to recognise a cop out when she heard one. Sweetie Belle also seemed unconvinced by the answer. 

“But the universal law of...” 

“Now Miss Belle.” The Contessa cut across Sweetie Belle, a frown on the mare’s face. “The exact workings of our A.I. are really none of your concern.” The Contessa’s eyes panned across the room. “Does anyone else have a question?” 

“I’ve got one,” Scootaloo called out, hoof partially raised. S.P.I.K.E. turned to the filly.

“What do you to know, Scootaloo.” Technical questions may have been off the table, but there was a lot more one could ask. 

“If you constantly helping people across H.E.R.D., doesn’t that mean you are constantly watching and listen to everyone?” A harmonious intake of breath showed just how few of the foals had realised that aspect of the magical construct. S.P.I.K.E. nodded casually.

“In order to be a number one assistant, I need to keep an eye on nearly everything going on in the H.E.R.D. The place is more secure as a result, and it makes it easier to keep both the staff and students both happy and healthy.” That would be a problem. Unlike regular pony guards, S.P.I.K.E. wouldn’t get tired, or drop his guard. And good luck trying to lie your way out of a situation.

“So you watch us while we are sleeping?” One of the fillies behind Scootaloo gave a high pitched squeak. Looking around at the group, many of the foals were either blushing or had wide eyes. Usually both. 

“Well... I… Um...” S.P.I.K.E. spluttered out, slightly taken off guard. Scootaloo quirked an eyebrow. The young A.I. closed his eyes, seeming to collect himself, although the orange filly notices a slight flicker of green light around his feet. “I don’t actually monitor inside your rooms. I do have some respect for your privacy.” Well, that was decent of him. And exploitable. “I do however monitor the corridors outside your rooms so...” O.K. so not quite as exploitable as Scootaloo had thought. Also, was the A.I. now blushing as well? “Any other questions… please.” Yeah, he was definitely blushing.

“Fine. You said you help keep us happy?” Keeping them happy was an odd priority for a monitoring system.

“Yeah. Mainly by keep track of complaints, and monitoring ponies' mental health. Also by keeping track of the food variety. The fastest way to a ponies heart is through their stomach.” A few of the foals laughed at that. 

“Do you enjoy it?” S.P.I.K.E. quirked an eyebrow at the question.

“Enjoy it?” confusion leaked from the A.I.’s voice.

“Yeah. Do you enjoy working here? Does it make you happy?” A strange, almost twisted look overcame S.P.I.K.E.’s face, the construct looking out, passed Scootaloo, towards something no one else could see. 

“Enjoy it? This is my home. My life. I am the H.E.R.D.’s number one assistance.” His voice was distant and wizened. Disconcertingly wizened. S.P.I.K.E. gave a start, seeming to come back to himself. He gave Scootaloo a small, warm smile. “I am useful here, Scootaloo. And so long as I am helping the people of this island, I will always find my work enjoyable.” 

S.P.I.K.E.’s response was surprisingly selfless, in Scootaloo’s opinion. If he was telling the truth anyway. He was a magical construct, one built by villains. And as Sweetie Belle had said, there were, reportedly, no other sentient A.I. outside of story books. Part of Scootaloo was currently wanting to find the mare behind the curtain. But if he was telling the truth, then S.P.I.K.E. was definitely the kindest villain Scootaloo had ever seen.

“I think we should proceed with uniform-fitting, wouldn’t you agree S.P.I.K.E.?“ The Contessa spoke up, her terse yet flowing voice brooking no arguments.

“Sure thing, Adagio.” The A.I. suddenly clicked his claws. The room flashed green, blinding the young foals. When their vision returned, the room appeared to be bigger, with cubicles now receded into the walls. Enough cubicles for all the students. “Well, I’ve got your measurements.” Looking over, Scootaloo saw S.P.I.K.E. intently reading at a roll of parchment, quill in hand, and a monocle in one eye. Why he had any of them was a mystery.  “You can change in those ” S.P.I.K.E. gestured to said cubicles. 
“One student to a cubicle, any one will do.” The Contessa added. “Be quick about it. You have 5 minutes.”

Scootaloo trotted into one of the cubicles, the opening sliding shut behind her. The cubicle was small, with Scootaloo easily being able to touch all four walls with her hooves simultaneously. A mirror fully covered one side of the small room. A part of the wall flashed green next to her face. Looking over, Scootaloo saw S.P.I.K.E.’s face, painted onto the side of the cubicle. Unlike a normal painting, however, this one was moving.

“All right, get this over with.” A small opening appeared underneath the painted face. “Please put any items you currently have on you in this slot.” An odd request, since it was obvious Scootaloo had no clothing

“Um… I don’t have any clothes with me, S.P.I.K.E.” The painted S.P.I.K.E.’s looked away, a slightly red tint its cheeks.

“I wasn’t asking about clothing, Scootaloo. You would be surprised what certain curious young colts and fillies have accidentally brought in.” Oh. That’s what he meant. 

“No! No! I don’t have anything like that!” Scootaloo spluttered out, her own cheeks turning red. 

“O.K.” The slot closed shut. Simultaneously another, larger recess opened up. This one contained her new uniform, hung up on a hanger. Taking the jumpsuit down, Scootaloo got her first proper look at the uniform. The black jumpsuit was perfectly pressed and was primarily made from a thick, yet slightly stretchy material. A zipper ran up the underside of the jumpsuit, starting about two-thirds of the way down the barrel. Taking the jumpsuit down, Scootaloo began slowly struggling into it. She wasn’t really used to wearing clothes. Getting into the back legs was a nightmare, forced the filly to lay on her back as she pulled the suit on. It didn’t help that she keep glancing towards the cubicle door, worried it would slide open while she was in such a compromising position. Once Scootaloo finally had the back legs in place, the rest was rather easy to pull on, helped by the stretchiness of the material. Zipping up the uniform, Scootaloo took a long look at herself in the mirror. The now familiar hoof and globe logo, embroidered in silver, stood proudly on her chest. Attached to the suit's collar, was a single, white stud. Trotting in place for a bit, Scootaloo found that the jumpsuit, while very form fitting, didn’t seem to restrict her movements at all. It was actually rather comfortable. Well, with the exception of her tail, which felt like it was being shoved right up her...

“There is a rear zip through which to put your tail, Scootaloo” Oh. Throwing the painted S.P.I.K.E. a grateful look, Scootaloo twisted herself around, just about seeing the top of the zip only slightly above where her dock was. Reaching underneath herself for the zip, once again very glad the door was closed, Scootaloo pulled the zip fully down, curious as to how low the zip would go. Nearly to her barrel, it turned out. Well, that would make toilet breaks easier. Pulling her surprisingly long and flowing tail free from the jumpsuit, Scootaloo zipped the crotch back up, leaving a gap for her tail. She also found the zip hand a locking mechanism, to stop it from slipping down. Scootaloo smiled slightly. This jumpsuit was really well designed. “Everything feels comfortable?” 

“Yes. S.P.I.K.E. Thanks for telling me about the tail hole.” That would have been embarrassing. Walking out with her tail still in the suit. 

“No problem. You should go join the other students.” Nodding, Scootaloo turned to where the original entrance was. “Oh, and Scootaloo.” The orange filly looked back at S.P.I.K.E. It was hard to tell on the painted face, but he looked conflicted to Scootaloo. “I love this place, and I do enjoy my work but… No. I’m not happy here.” With that the face vanished in a flash of green, the door sliding open.

Scootaloo blinked stupidly at the wall. What the hell was that about. Had S.P.I.K.E. just change his opinion of this place. No, no, he said he enjoyed it here but yet wasn’t happy? That made little sense to the young filly. Weren’t happiness and enjoyment the same thing? Slowly trotting out of the cubicle, Scootaloo saw about half the new students had finished changing; most of them milling about, getting used to the uniform. Standing amongst the crowd was Applebloom, sans pink bow. Without the bow, her mane spread out a lot more, framing the yellow filly's face with a background of red. A hard, angry look filled the filly’s eyes. Eye’s that were locked on the Contessa. Against most laws of self-preservation, Scootaloo approach her new friend

“I see you had to give up the bow?” Scootaloo’s opening line was met with minimal acknowledgement, the filly continuing to glare at the Contessa.

“Yeap.”  Well, that was a disconcerting answer.

“I taking it that bow was special to you?”

“Yeap.” Very disconcerting.

“Did they say if you would get it back?”

“Nope.” O.K. That was something to ask S.P.I.K.E.

“Well, I guess we’ve got to find where they put all the confiscated stuff then.” Apple Bloom finally looked at Scootaloo, staring into the orange filly’s eyes; almost like she was looking for something. Finally, a small smile spread across Apple Bloom’s face, her eyes softening. 
“Yeah, we do.” The young earth pony’s words were soft and grateful. “Thanks.” Scootaloo returned the smile. The two fillies stood there, watching as the other foal slowly came out of their own cubicles; Apple Bloom occasional throwing a glare in the Contessa’s direction. The Contessa was actually arguing with the pink filly who had asked about the jumpsuit back in the plotting room. 

“Hey Apple Bloom. Did Spike say anything… odd to you.” Apple Bloom flushed slightly.

“Do you mean the ‘hidden items’ thing?”

“No. Well, that was weird, but not what I meant. Like anything not about the uniform?”

“Oh. Then no. Nothing other than uniform talk.” Just her then.

“Did he say something to you?” The curiosity was clear in Apple Bloom’s voice.

“I’ll tell you about it later.” Scootaloo’s response was almost lost under the now rather loud argument the Contessa and the pink filly where having. 

“... were real, round cut, blue diamonds on that tiara! It’s bad enough that you have kidnapped us, and are forcing us to wear these ridiculous things, but I demand the return of my property immediately!” The pink filly was really worked up about that tiara. Then again weren’t coloured diamonds incredibly rare and expensive? 

“My dear, jewellery is not allowed as part of the school uniform. You wouldn’t be able to wear it anyway.” The Contessa’s gritted teeth betrayed how frustrated she was with the conversation.

“Whether it’s uniform at this place that you call a ‘School’ or not is irrelevant! It’s my tiara and I demand that you return it!” 

“Hey, calm down.” The full bodied version of S.P.I.K.E. had walked over, concern visible on his face. “Tell you what. The tiara is still sitting in processing. I can transfer it over to import screening, and register it as a personal effect. Once security has finished their check, I’ll have it delivered to your quarters. You’ll have it by tomorrow afternoon at the latest.” It was a good deal, in Scootaloo’s eyes. Too good if the Contessa’s scowl was anything to go by. Too bad the upset filly didn’t see it that way.

“No! I don’t want it tomorrow! I don’t want it delivered to my room. I want my tiara right here, and right now!” The Contessa suddenly bent down, putting her face right next to the pink foal’s ear. Scootaloo couldn’t hear what the Contessa said, but the filly’s face went from red and angry, to white and scared in an instant.

“Your ri-right, Contessa. I don’t need jewellery, to be happy. You c-ca-... You can keep it. Payment for this high-quality uniform.” A shudder went up Scootaloo’s back. That change of mindset was not normal. S.P.I.K.E.'s scowl toward the Contessa’s back showed his own opinion of her methods.

“Poor Di.” Looking round, Scootaloo was surprised to see a look of sympathy on Apple Bloom’s face.

“You know her.” It wasn’t a question.

“Diamond Tiara and Ai grew up in the same village. Her father’s a wealth business pony.” Wealthy business pony with a daughter at a villain's school? That was rather telling. “She’s always been a bitch to everyone. She probably fits in here better than any of us”

“It sounds like you hate her.” 

“ Dislike, yes. Hate? Maybe. I don’t know.” Apple Bloom sighed.

“It’s just, I know how much that tiara means to her. From what I understand, she made it herself. It’s what got Diamond her cutie mark, not that anyone can see them in these jumpsuits.” That was true. There was no way to tell what someone’s cutie mark was unless they show it to you. That was a big change here than in other schools.

“So her talent is what? Gem Cutting? Metal Work?”

“No idea. But the tiara means a lot to her. I guess I can empathise with that.” The yellow filly subconsciously ran a hoof through her mane. The Contessa turn to address them.

“Now that Miss Tiara and I have finished our discussion, we can head to the cafeteria. We should make it just in time, for lunch.” At this Sweetie Belle, raised a hoof. “What is it Miss Belle?”

“Um… Button isn’t here.” Looking around, Scootaloo noticed that Button Mash was indeed not with them, despite all the cubicles being open.

“S.P.I.K.E. where is Mr Mash? ” The resigned tone to the Contessa's voice was surprising. Then again, she did say she taught Button’s father. Maybe their entire family was like this?

“Button Mash is currently refusing to come out of the closet.” A mixture of giggles and blushes spread throughout the foals. The ones who didn’t react either didn’t get the joke or didn’t care for it. Scootaloo was the later. 

“Which cubicle is he in S.P.I.K.E?” S.P.I.K.E. just pointed out one of the cubicles. Surprisingly it was Sweetie Belle who walked over to the cubicle, reacting faster than the Contessa did to S.P.I.K.E.’s gesture.

“Button! It’s lunch! Get out here!” From within the cubicle Button Mash’s voice emerged. 

“But this closet’s so cool! It’s got a translocation array built into it!” That was interesting. Not ‘jam yourself in a closet’ interesting, but still interesting. 

“Really?” Sweetie trotted inside the cubicle as well. “Oh yeah, there is. But look at the input channels. They're completely different to normal.” A loud cough from the Contessa had Sweetie Belle remembering why she in the cubicle with the colt. “Right... Um, come on Button. The rest of us want food.”

“But the translocation array?” 

“We can come back and look at it later. Besides, weren’t you the one who asked about lunch earlier anyway.” A muffled rumble suddenly came from the cubicle. Clearly one of the duos stomachs agreed with the statement. Slowly the pair trotted out of the cubicle, although the slight wrinkling on opposite sides of their jumpsuits revealed just how little space there had been for the two of them in the cubicle. 

“Seeing as Mr Mash is finally out of the closet,” The sudden blush on Button's face showed his understanding of the double entendre, in stark contrast to Sweetie Belle’s curious smile. “We can now proceed to the cafeteria. Please follow me, students.” As the two rune heads passed Scootaloo, she distinctly heard them talking about the rune Button had been looking at. Apple Bloom shook her head at the pair.

“You know, if it wasn’t for the Contessa I reckon the two of them would have eaten lunch in that cubicle.” Sometimes Scootaloo hated her imagination. Especially when it would conjure up mental images she could have best done without. Especially when though image involved two ponies, whose rumps she was definitely not following, being trapped together in a small room. “Your face has gone red.” Apple Bloom noticed, concerned..””You feeling O.K?”
“Yeap.” Apple quirked an eyebrow at Scootaloo tone.
”You sure? You’re not getting sick, are ya?” As the Sweetie Belle in Scootaloo’s mind stuck her head into the closet, the Button Mash reared up, hooves on Sweetie’s Back, trying to get a look in himself. 
“Nope!”