Esper: So why do you like all of that dark stuff anyways?

Barn: You read it too.

Esper: Not as much as you do. Besides, I only read it because Stratos does. It helps me understand him.

Barn: Don’t you find it scary?

Esper: *Exaggerated* It burns my poor little filly eyes! *Giggles* No, they’re just stories. So, like I asked, why do you read it?

Barn: I just find it fascinating. Ponies don’t usually write like this.

Esper: Dark and dreary, where the main characters commonly go insane. Can’t imagine why.

Barn: But it’s interesting.

Esper: It’s interesting, but it’s too depressing.

Barn: That’s how you look at it?

Esper: Uh, yeah… what’s with that smile?

Barn: Equestria could use more of these stories. I really admire what these humans are writing.

Esper: …Why do you suppose Stratos reads them?

Zed: Because he believes in them.

*Esper and Barn jump in surprise*

Barn: Dear Celestia, would you please stop doing that.

Zed: No… Your reactions are amusing.

Epser: What were you saying?

Zed: Stratos has no faith in his fellow man. There is a reason why he left his world. It would not be an exaggeration to say he hates humanity.

Barn: You?

Zed: I have never met any other humans. I hold no feelings one way or the other.

Barn: Zed, I’m not smart, but I am experienced.

Zed: Your point?

Barn: You are lying to me.

Zed: You are correct. Humans designed and created me. Naturally, I feel a sense of gratitude. Stratos’s attitude mystifies me.

Esper: But he seems to like us.

Zed: You are not a human.

*Silence*

Barn: I don’t think I like Stratos.

Stratos: Someone call my name?

Esper/Barn/Zed: No.

Stratos: Oh, okay. *distant* By the way, next time you talk behind my back, try not to do so within earshot. It is very tempting to listen in.

Zed: Noted.

Barn: Maybe he’ll grow on me.

Esper: Like some kind of cancerous tumor!