The following takes place between 4:00am and 5:00am

"Explain!" Omega shouted in front of Sigma's eyes.

"What do you mean?" Sigma asked.

"Beta's death. You're the last pony with him. Don't bother pull the innocent look on me."

"Can't say I deny it. I killed him for reasonable purposes."

Omega knew the leader would want to know. He hates to see how he'll react. Their plans continue to foil; ESCT buffed up their surveillance; the longer Jack Bauer stays, the more it becomes complicated. Both Sigma and Omega weren't afraid of their leader, unlike anybody in Sect.

"Hope you can gave a reasonable explanation." Omega hoped Sigma knew what he's doing.

Sigma had the nerve to tell. He can't lie his way out of it, Omega can see it through his eyes. "He wasn't following orders. He believes talking will help, which our leader won't suffice."

"Was he always like that?"

"Not before I met him. He sounded like he's going to double cross us." Sigma thought Beta was going to betray them, so killing him was a reliable action.

Going soft is the least of their concerns. Sect facing casualties added some stress. They're uncertain how their leader would cope.

"Do you think he has another plan?" Sigma asked.

"If you're taking about our leader, he'll have to take drastic measures." Omega found it puzzling after Sigma asked.

Any member of Sect would think the same thing. Some forget about it, or just brush it off. They can't imagine how it goes when ESCT go deeper.

They made certain that the lair isn't spotted. A cave under a mountain could be easily spotted. They used magic as camouflage, sealing up the entrance. They can see Alpha inside. He's sitting, waiting for him to arrive. They don't see any other entrance.

A cylinder barrier of green light appeared in front of Alpha. Sigma and Omega walked closer. Showing their presence instead of hiding, may tick him off if they're spotted. Wings spread wide, legs appeared slowly, a jagged horn emerged from the head, and a pair of eyes opened in a nanosecond. A male changeling alicorn stood tall and stared down at them.

"I bring you news my liege," Alpha spoke. "ESCT have found the artefact."

"They're catching on to us," Sigma said in surprise.

The alicorn changeling blinked slowly. He talked in booming voice. "And the human?"

"He's still with those six equines. Already he's becoming a reliable asset to them," said Omega.

"Celestia has gotten desperate after that attempt on her life. Now she'll see why she should be more responsive to threats. Probably already has when she banished her sister."

"You know the alicorn sisters?"

"Longer than Chrysalis." He can already see the past coming back.

It's an enigma for Omega, Sigma and Alpha to know anything about their liege. Others members of Sect, know nothing of his past. He rarely speaks it to them. All he does is give orders and reveal motives. A few of them questioned about his background. They tried to ask him, he didn't reply. He doesn't want them to know.

"Any word on those who are still alive?" Alpha asked Sigma.

It's like they're turning on Sigma for killing Beta; highly unlikely after he gave an explanation. It may take some time before they entrust him again.

"They're not going to find peaceful solutions," Sigma hesitated.

Omega looked at the drawing of the alicorns. He glanced at it for a short time before the leader could catch him. While the debate is still going, he noticed a connection between them.

4:16am

Bringing the horn back to ESCT headquarters was a daunting task. They've yet to discover what it does. The stones surrounding it puzzled Brave Lance and Dark Spear. They must serve a purpose.

"I think they act as a barrier." Dark Spear lifted the horn slowly in his hooves.

Brave Lance felt a small dose of energy. It came from the rocks and the horn. He felt different strengths of energy, when he inspected each of the rocks. He noticed some familiarity with the horn.

"Do you recognise…" Brave Lance asked.

Dark Spear looked at it. He knew what or who, originally owned that horn.

4:19am

"Do any of you recognise this?" Jack showed Twilight and the others the rock.

"They're the elements of Harmony," Twilight answered. "Where did you find it?"

"In one of the hoof cannons. It's likely someone is sending us a message. There might be a connection with the Elements."

"So whoever's responsible knows about the Elements?" Applejack asked.

"What are the Elements of Harmony anyway?" Jack asked.

Pinkie interrupted Twilight and explained Jack what they are. She talked so fast, it took half a minute to tell the entire thing. Jack managed to hear the entire story. Pinkie's use of visuals made it easy to remember.

"Do you use them at any time?" Jack thought they could be useful.

"When it's absolutely necessary. Sadly we don't have them anymore," replied Twilight.

"We gave them to the Tree of Harmony to save Equestria," said Applejack.

"And the castle?" Jack asked.

"We received items which are keys for a box from the Tree of Harmony," Rainbow Dash.

Jack thought he'll lose his head after that exposition. He wondered if the rock with Elements of Harmony carve in, might have a connection with Sect.

"Who would put that rock in a hoof cannon?" Rarity glanced at it, observing the finest detail.

While the others inspected it, Jack felt a presence. He didn't want the other ponies to know. He looked at the door, seeing Chrysalis' eye. He didn't want her to enter just yet. He hasn't told them about his encounter with her. A surprise is the last thing they want at the moment.

"Do you think there's a connection with the Elements and Sect?" wondered Rainbow Dash.

"Seems likely." It's the only possible reason Jack can agree with. "Listen, I know a "pony" who can help us."

"Who is it?"

"You're not going to like it." Jack faced the door. "You can enter now."

Queen Chrysalis trotted in slowly. Mane 6 were immediately surprised. They didn't try to attack, they noticed she's wasn't as powerful as before. She appeared normal to them.

"What's wrong with her?" asked Applejack.

"She looks weak," replied Rainbow Dash. "It's like her energy's drained."

Fluttershy flew over to check Chrysalis. "Are you OK?"

"Not quite," Queen Chrysalis answered. "Sect's using me and my swarm to energise themselves."

"That's awful."

Jack helped Chrysalis near one of the thrones. Rarity scratched her head. "This turned out unexpectedly."

"Jack, how long have you spoke to her?" Twilight asked.

"Roughly three hours earlier. She didn't know who to trust, so she came to me."

"Makes sense to me."

Fluttershy tried to make Chrysalis comfortable. "Is there a way to give your energy back?"

Chrysalis tried to sit upright. "Draining your love or life energy for one."

"Why not Zecora?" Jack suggested.

"Great idea!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie. "She can cure any pony."

4:31am

Zecora brewed a potion to help Chrysalis. She was sceptical at first, after hearing more about Sect, she agreed to help. Chrysalis drank an entire bottle. She felt every bit of energy coming back.

"Good luck with you mission. Hopefully you can put Sect out of commission." Zecora watch Jack and Chrysalis leave.

"Now I can stop using plants to drain every ounce of life," said Chrysalis.