Didja miss me?

“Coming near land.” Rulewood told, making Joy blink some. “Joy, Strike? Get your gear on and take the PRAWN. Leave the later in the water though, don’t want people to notice it by chance.”

While she would of felt better to have her PRAWN suite with, Joy gave a nod and glanced to Strike. The mare smiled and moved to the ladder, sliding down while the unicorn got out of her chair and moved to get the pink PRAWN. Crawling down and closing the hatch, the room pressurized and allowed water to pour in before the mech was dropped into the awaiting waters. Sand kicked up and steadily, Joy moved it forwards.

Beside her, Strike swam nearby and also headed for land. With a few hand motions, the pegasus informed she would go ahead, a stasis rifle in her grasp showing she planned to secure the area. Joy gave a nod, watching her friend move on forward while she trudged the suite onwards.

When she reached a shallow area, did Joy get her rebreather ready and pressed a switch. Hatch opening, Joy still marveled at the odd way water could not escape out of the PRAWN, but didn’t complain while she climbed out into the open water and began to swim-- mech turning off and sitting in place.

Once she reached land, the unicorn noted Strike having taken to the air and scouted about some before coming down. With a easy smile, she said, “ready?”

Rolling her eyes, Joy snarked, “to get this over with? Sure.” Getting a laugh from the pegasus.

Sickness. That all she felt. Sickness with this green, virus? It was hard to say what she felt in her body. Especially since she was so hungry, she forgotten what a good meal taste like. Or even not being sick. What she did know? Was that she had to move, despite her weaken and sicken state? Things were bad. So much bad. She had to be constantly moving, ignoring her stomach sounds for food.

Ignoring the burning feeling in her body...ignoring the green spots glowing on her form.

Yet fate was cruel to her, as she tripped on her hoof, falling down on the ground as she cough a bit, shivering as she could barely raise her head up. Eyes watering as she thought. So this is it. This is how I die. By a sickness that can’t be cured. By being hungry...and in the wilderness alone… she took a breath in, as the mare thought. Well...at least I’m way from any Caribous. Maybe it’s best...if I die like this. That way things will be peaceful… eyes slowly closing as she felt darkness talking her mind into its sick slumber….

“Well we can’t just leave her here.” She wasn’t sure of how long it was, but on the fringes of her mind, she could hear voices…. Faint almost. “Just look at her, she needs help!” Concern… one of them was concerned…

The other… the other was distrustful. “I still think it’s a bad idea. You know what she might do if we bring her with!” They were arguing. Over her?

“I know, but… just look! She doesn't deserve this!” spoke the first before saying, her voice becoming clearer, “Look, I’ll take responsibility… but it wouldn’t be right to just… leave her here…”

By the time the mare could open her eye, she could see two mares in… oddly tight clothes. One was a pegasus, the other… a unicorn, one that was over her and… was she looking her over? Regardless of this, the pegasus spoke with a tinge of weariness. “It’s going to be risky. Grain’s not going to like it… and Albert…”

“Albert would help.” Affirmed Joy. “He had no reason to help us, but he did. He only didn’t help the Caribou because he knew what some of us ponies would of done if the few good ones came to Alpha base. I think we should give her a chance.”

After a short moment, the pegasus snorted and told, “fine.” Then motioned, “I’ll pick up the seeds we got and head back to the ship and tell Rule what’s going on.” Then pointed to the unicorn, “I’m sticking my neck out here… and Rule’s not going to like this.”

“I know.” spoke the unicorn. “But is times like these… I don’t think we should just turn people away when they need us.”

With a stiff nod, the dark pink pegasus turned and walked off to presumably grab these seeds. The unicorn however, sighed and lit her horn, a weightlessness overcoming the mare as she lifted up. A hand helped guide a arm over a shoulder and the unicorn proceeded to half hold by magic and carry by strength. “Just hang in there a bit longer. We’ll get you cured soon enough.” A slight fading of the mare’s voice starting as she mare felt dizzy again.

Coughing a bit, she only managed to say lowly and weakly. “Cured...heh, too….near….death…” passing out as she was out like a light...or at least knock out from lack of food and sleep with sickness still making her unwell.

For a while, it was like darkness encompassed her, only a few times did she come in and out of consciousness, barely feeling strong enough to remain awake for scant moments. During those times, she got glimpses of being in a strange ship… around strange ponies… being moved… Halls and voices all blurring and muffling… arguing…

It was hard to piece anything together, every time she began to wake, she would go under and know.. Nothing for who knows how long. But with a barely able flicking ear, she became aware of.. Sounds… sounds and a slight nonsensical humming.

Just barely, she heard, “Vitals still good. Subject responding to outside stimuli of entities. Khara about 60% removed at this point.” there was a pause and some feet tapping away, the voice becoming more distinct… deeper… malish. “Thank you for your help, Glint. I think I have things covered from here.”

“Don’t mention it, Albert.” Spoke the mare voice from nearby. “Saving lives is what I do. If you don’t mind… I have more ponies to see to.” And ever so slowly, was the mare able to open her eyes.

“That’s fine. Go on, I want to go over her a bit more to make sure the cure is working right.” The male said as there was… concern. It wasn’t in his voice, but he was concerned. She was able to finally gain sight in time to see a pony leave.. And there to be a strange… male standing nearby. Looking at some tablet and having the same.. Sickness over his skin.

Breath hitched in, as the mare tried to take in everything around her. Strange things, sick-looking male like her, strange environment….And her in a single, clean, comfortable bed that didn’t smell of sex. She was...confused to say the least. Focusing on the male himself, she manages to speak in a raspy voice. “What...what are you….and how are...you aren't dead?”

He turned quickly, surprise flashing with him for a scant second before he spoke with a calm. “Well, I tried to find a cure and somehow accidentally merged the virus with my body.” Then smiled with a almost whimsical grin, “funny story really. It taught me a valuable lesson in randomly picking genetic stands in hope for a cure in my remaining five-weeks to live.” Tapping one of the green spots, he told, “it looks a lot worse than it really is.”

Tablet stowed away in his long coat-- a black lab coat from the looks of it, he said, “and I am a homosapien. Human as most know me.” Moving to the side and opening a locker. Reaching in, he retrieved what looked to be a large bottle of water and walked up to her. “I’m non-indigenous to this world, and came here by a slight mishap of a long-range warpgate after messing with it’s internal workings. Also a funny story in itself.”

Holding out the bottle to her, she looked from it to him, the male prattling on, “I think I should of listened to Henry about not trying to shove salt, gold and copper wires in the left side of the thing, but I was trying to figure out alien technology. Risks are bound to happen. But I’ll admit, using salt might have been a little on the risky side.”

Looking at him as she cautiously took the bottle of water from him, taking small sips as she manage to say in a more normal and reverberating tone. “I would say that you are bullshitting me...but from how much you’re admitting to me on the truth and trying to gain my trust, I say you took an acceptable risk...for a male.”

“And you are doing an excellent job of trying to hide the fact that it probably don’t matter if I tried to lie-- since changelings can sense emotions.” The male response back without missing a beat. “Not a half bad attempt… for a insectoid.” Despite the shock of him knowing what she was, he told with a slight smile that did not do his inner amusement justice, “I am Albert. Imagine my surprise when a Expedition Crew called in they found a changeling on the verge of death with the Khara Virus.”

He moved on, talking while going over his Tablet again. “The perfected cure is working on you. I’m rather surprised your body accepted it so quickly, but from the looks of it, your body has a different form of makeup that slowed the Viruses advance. It was having trouble mutating your DNA. I hypothesized that your innate ability to shapeshift has something to attribute to that, and the cure was able to work all the more effective because of it.”

Glancing down, she noticed she wasn’t having the green spots and glowing features...then snort as she noticed she was near nude under the sheets, with only her bra and panties remaining. Glancing up and she asked to the male. “Why am I alive?” she didn’t bother asking on the whole near nude thing, as she figure they had to remove the contaminated clothes in this….hospital area to have less infections of that...sickness she had.

But she also wanted to know why she was alive right now? And why she hasn’t been cuffed at this point to the bed?

“Because I was concerned your species was extinct.” Was Albert’s sole response. Or… the beginning for it as he went on, tablet once more down by his side. “The Khara Virus is a very volatile thing. It’s been infecting your world since I got here and I’ve been corralling it to try and stop it. So far, I’ve only been moderately successful so far.” He then pointed at her. “I didn’t want to risk the chance that you were the last of your species. Your race’s survival is too important for you to die out.”

Harshly snorting to that, she questioned. “My race survival? Since when did ponies care about changelings all of a sudden? Last I check that idiot Chrysalis botched things up for us. Not to mention any potential changelings hid or ran off who knows where when the Caribous came.”

“Some care because you’re alive like them.” Albert told simply. “As for myself?” He gave a little huff of amusement. “Like I once said, I don’t condole the genocide of an entire species. Ecosystems sometimes rely on certain species to live, and if they are gone, it throws the whole ecosystem out of balance and causes more genocide deaths.”

Warily looking at him, she took another sip of the water, as so far? He was telling the truth. Then thought over it as she sighed and said. “Aria.” looking to him as she told. “My name is Aria….and if you do give a damn of my species...then know that I might be the last Queen left of the changeling species.”

Nodding, Albert seemed to take a moment to think, tapping his chin and telling, “I will personally see to your survival, Aria. I think it would be a shame if your race died out.” A odd… feeling of interest swelling in him. “I talked to the ponies. Your species as a whole is fascinating. A inbreed ability to camouflage and mimic other species to some of the most minute details. Able to survive on emotions-- the very impulses and chemical our minds produce to simulate the needed ‘feelings’ to coax responses allowing you to live and survive?”

Taking a long and invigorating breath, Albert turned to her and told, “your species as a whole are capable of so many interesting things, Aria. If fully utilized in the right way…” Pausing before going on, “if you are the last Queen, and the last one of your race? I’ll be sure you remain safe. I’d feel guilty if I was responsible for your species extinction.” A strong honesty there… and a real care, one that just didn’t seem to convey through that small smile of his.

It felt...odd for her, as she passively took in his emotions, as they tasted...rather pleasant. Taking a breath in, she debated on trusting him. But so far? He seems fine….for now. Letting it out she told as she look to him. “Changelings take in positive emotions as food. Love, happiness, joy. The more stronger that emotion, the more we’re full. We can passively take some other emotions...but it’s not filling. Negative emotions like anger, fear, and hatred? It hurt us, like a sickness...even more when it’s focus on us.”

Nodding to this, Albert’s smile tuned into more of a thin line. While he raised his PDA to work on it, she could feel his concern. It was still odd to get such an emotion off of him… but when he spoke, he did so with a certain degree of business. “Then we might have to seclude you to only specific sections of the base for your own wellbeing. Some already know you’re here, but only those that need to know. Like the Princess herself.” His tinge of curiosity next to missed once Aria registered what he said.

“Princess….So the rumors were true.” muttered Aria as she asked. “Which one? Which one is here that the Ovelord took from the Caribou Empire?”

Smiling and with a joking tone, Albert said, “well, him and I almost. I was part of the group that went to rescue her.” Then shook his head to go on, using a hand to move his long black hair out of his face. “Princess Twilight Sparkle. She’s been here aiding in organizing the base and partaking in the Research team here.”

As if a after thought, he told, “I’d ask that you don’t go into the labs without someone to guide you around. Some volatile and delicate experiments and projects are being done, and it would be a shame if you walked into the middle of a experiment that has a exploding vat of acid.”

“....should I know if you are housing some insane scientist that could very well kill all of us with a simple mistake?” snark the mare as she took another sip of water. She already knew he was telling the truth, especially how he didn’t bother to fabricate it.

“Counting myself? 3.” Told the man simply while going over his Tablet, making her do a spit-take that he responded to the question. “I’d say four, but it turns out the Twilight isn’t that insane. I found out that the insane aren't affected by Caribou mind altering magic. I’m debated to be insane and I’m sure Magic maybe close on some occasions.”

Pausing, he soon iddily waved off and said more to himself, “no, no… Magic’s wife isn’t insane. Fanatical would be the proper term for her position.”

Coughing a bit, she managed to gain her breath and nearly shouted. “Dark Art’s Magic!? The, ‘Do not piss off’ Magic?! The, ‘I will raise hordes of undead to completely kill you’ Magic?!”

Turning, Albert remarked, “Lengthy titles.” Then back to his PDA and going on, “and yes. Magic the Archmage of Equestria. He’s been a partner in working on projects, even helping me understand magic a bit better. A large help in getting work and more advance upgrade made to my technology. Runic Crafting is a very fascinating facet of Equestrian magical theory.”

A little off subject, he told her, “did you know that anyone can use runes as long as they can make the base three or six needed glyphs inside the main circle array and draw on near megawatt worth of power? It’s rather fascinating and explains how some things with or without magic are so viable.” Trailing slightly off into thought.

He then babbled on, “I tried to talk to Pyro over the same subject… but he seemed more interested in the application of overcharging those runes to make overly powerful explosives that might completely disintegrate a house.”

Aria was glad she waited on drinking her water, as her mouth gapped and said in a weak tone. “Pyro…” what made it all so surreal was that he was feeling elated and...happy on talking about this, even talking about his cohorts...with one being a potential sociopath and a pyromaniac. She looks at Albert...and asked. “And what makes you think you’re insane as well?”

Nodding, he said to her in a frank manner, “I’m rather sure my sanity was lost to sea when I was trapped in the middle of a vast ocean for years on end and no human contact.” Going on to explain, “Humans are social creatures by nature. We normally don’t do well alone for very long periods of time, causes psychological disorders they say.”

Taking another sip of the water….she can honestly and truely be assured that Albert may be the oddest male she has ever met. In a long time, being so frank on it...but at the same time making her debate if his sanity was insanity?

Both heard a light rapping of a knock, and when they turned, both found a unicorn in a dress just outside the slightly open bulkhead. She gave a smile and asked, “sorry Albert, am I…?”

Waving a hand, the man said, “no, no, you’re fine Joy. I was just going over the data on Aira’s vitals.” Then glanced at the tablet adding, “which reminds me, I should get back to work.” then gave a smile to the changeling, “it was nice meeting you Aria. I’ll visit and check up on your condition later.” Moving out the now open door while Joy walked in a bit and slightly closed the bulkhead.

After shifting in place for a moment, she looked up and gave a smile and asked with concern that came into her voice, just as much from her person. “How are you doing? You gave me a little scare when I found you laying on the ground back on land. Feeling any better?”

“Well beside the fact I’m in a unknown location, recently discover someone is sympathetic in making sure my species might not die out, and discover that a sociopath and a pyromaniac are living here that could destroy everything around them-- I’m fine.” then thought as she took another sip of water and amended. “Beside not having a lot of food in me and trying to passively eat what I can to get me by.”

Nodding, the mare, ‘Joy’ Aria reminded herself, asked, “but you’re doing better, right?” Looking the changeling over and saying, “you look better. It normally takes a week for the cure to work it’s magic, but when we got you here, we were a little worried you weren't going to make it.” Then gave a laugh of relief. “I’m glad we told Albert ahead of time. He made sure you got stable, even if he said he didn’t do much.”

She didn’t remark much, mostly as she was drinking her water and putting the bottle down as she told. “I’m probably still alive because since I’m a changeling, the virus had a harder time to kill me. Or at least, that what Albert mention.” thinking abit...then ask. “Why did you save me? I recall your voice among other's...they would of left me to die. You didn’t. Why?”

Lowering her head to that, there was a distinct sadness as Joy told, “the world’s become a darker place. Ever since the Caribou came, things just got… darker. And I think ponies forgot what it was like to just… be nice to others and actually give others a chance.”

Looking up, Joy told with conviction, “I did it because it was the right thing to do. You deserve to live just as much as I do. You might be a changeling… but you didn’t deserve to die out in the middle of nowhere by that… freaky sickness.” Getting a little disgusted when mentioning the sickness itself. “I haven’t forgotten what it’s like to have harmony… and I didn’t want that to die out with everything else that’s been dying around us.”

Giving a harsh snort, she remarked. “Considering that demon named Overlord showed up? I say the world been going into a near frozen tartarus thanks to it.”

Blinking, Joy asked, “wait… you mean Jerry?” Getting utter confusion from Aira. “Right, you probably don’t know. His name is Jerry.” Then smiled, “He’s actually been helping the ponies out in getting free. Even rescued Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Shining-- even the element bearers are now safe with thousands more!”

While she was enjoying the full on meal of joy, something of which she took in as much as possible, did the Queen raise a hand and said. “Wait...just wait….” then took in a breath and said. “So you mean to tell me that this demon, is name Jerry….And he’s been helping you all, taking the Princess’s, and the Element Bearers...and hasn’t taken either Princess’s for himself-- or hasn’t enslaved all the ponies he took in his raids?!”

“He….is the worst sort of villain I have ever heard...in my life. I expected him to be the next Sombra or Chrysalis….not a third-rate villain.”

Giving a giggle, Joy told, “he might act like a real evil Overlord-- and I’ll be honest, he gets pretty scary when he gets angry or attacks Caribou. But when he’s not raiding towns or fighting battles? He’s actually not half bad.” Then smiled on, “he’s nice really. He tries to act tough and evil, but I could tell he didn’t mean it. Only does it for some ridiculous reason that ‘being the bad guy’ is something important.” Shaking her head and crossing her arms. “I really don’t understand what he was trying to say. It all sounded ridiculous to me.”

Snorting, she ask in a sarcastic tone. “Which part? The part of him pretending to be evil, or the part he felt like he was obligated to be evil?” shaking her head as she continue on. “I’ll be honest...it’s sorta sad that the rumors mention on the Overlord….really exaggerated of him. Especially more since some of the grapevine mention that he was going to conquer all of Equestria as his new domain.”

“I think that’s his excuse to kill more Caribou.” Joy told honestly. “He really doesn't like them. He’s only been lenient with a few alright ones, but the rest?” By this part, she just made a ‘creeeek’ sound and drew a finger over her neck.

Shrugging, Joy crossed her arms and told, “He can get pretty violent. I know that’s true. But I don’t think he’s that evil really.” Thinking on it a little before looking at the changeling some. With a smile, she asked, “would you mind if I stopped by to visit some time?” Then going on while looking around, “maybe if you get well enough, I could get you out of this room and someplace more open. I’m sure you’ll be begging Glint to let you out of this med-bay as soon as possible.”

“Hey, I don’t mind if I stay for a month. I’m in a comfy bed!” slightly joked the changeling with a grin. “For most of my time sleeping, it was on the ground. I think I can endure being in this place if it means I can sleep…” then trail off as she soon asked. “Med-bay? Are we….are we on a ship?”

Blinking, Joy rubbed her head as she said, “uh… well, no. We moved you by ship, but… you’re not on a ship.” Then hesitantly began, “I’m not sure how to tell you this. It might seem… a little crazy…”

A flat face on her expression as she told. “I just got cured by a incurable disease, found out Magic and Pyro are in the area, and Albert being the most oddest male I have ever seen….I think crazy is the new norm here.”

Hesitating a bit more, the mare eventually breathed in and told, “we’re currently in a place called Citidel-1.” A strange name to be heard by Aira, but nothing odd about it yet. “It’s a underwater base the size of a city, located about 500 meters under water.” That…. That was where the changeling Queen found herself wondering how the mare wasn't lying.

Staring at her….then to her water bottle….then back at her as she soon finished her drink, place it on the side and told as she lay back on the bed. “Just when I think I can handle it. I can’t. Now if you excuse me, I’m going to use whatever shock in my system to now faint and sleep.” then gave a groaning sound and clonk out.

Looking about awkwardly, Joy backed away and said, “I’ll just… go then and maybe… find some cloths for you later and… stuff.” Eventually leaving and closing the door… and leaving Aira to scrunch her eyes and wonder…

I wonder if I have to pass any legal means. For all I know, the laws here are different… giving a low sigh as she thought. Although while I’m a bit happy I have a place to rest and eat...it’ll be time before I’ll find a male to repopulate my species… one thing was certain, despite the near insanity of all of this….

At least she wasn’t among Caribous.

For each day that passed, Aira watched while her body recovered from the otherwise deadly disease. She was provided for at nearly every turn, Glint being a very attentive doctor in making sure she remained healthy. Albert was also a very common sight, coming in at least twice a day. Once in the late morning, and once more in the later evening. Mostly to check on her progress and biology for any complications.

Joy herself also visited-- not as often, but the mare did so out of the conviction to try and help. If anything she was more than welcomed in for the positive emotions she brought with. While Glint was fine, the mare was rather bland in emotions. Albert was pleasant and common, but he was also erreactic.

That being said, when the infection had ebbed away to the point that it was next to gone, did Glint insist that the changeling Queen leave for her own living space. She was given back her clothes, all cleaned up and a little fixed up before being sent out and given simple directions. To her own living spaces.

Aira glance around of the...underwater place she was within. Seeing the sea outside a glass window was….offsetting if she was admittance. Although this place was odd itself, as most of the halls were white, clean and smooth under her hooves...While others were filled with glass halls. Allowing her to see the utter vastness of the dark waters around the base that were slightly lit by artificial lights.

The disguised unicorn had to take in the sight now and then of the expansive base whenever she look through the window itself, seeing the ‘submarines’ of small vessels and the long ones. Aira partially wonder if she was dreaming, but the heartbeat within her and the emotions, or remnants of emotions remind her that she was awake. I do wonder...if Albert came to Equestria before the Caribous arrived...would he come to the ponies...or be secluded until he noticed something was off?

While she may not like the ponies all that much, she could tolerate them out of necessity. Mostly because they provide food, and she was at their mercies in a sense. Sure a pony saved her life...but she was one among many who may have their own opinions of the Queen presence. Hence her unicorn disguise.

Moving in silence of the halls, she could tell that everything here was beyond Equestrian understanding, mostly since pony’s haven’t invented ways to go underwater. What she does know of this place, was that Albert was the being behind...everything here. The subs in the water, the Citadel-1...even cure of the ‘Khara’ virus. What was the old saying? Genius in insanity like dear mother say? Well she was certainly right, as I doubt any sane being could make all of this.

While she stared out the window, she became aware of some.. Feelings… confusion. When she turned, she found herself looking at a lavender mare, one she at first was a unicorn… well, until she noticed the wings. It was a fast realization that this was Twilight, the newest Princess in the Equestrian’s lineup of rulers.

The mare had paused in her walk, a simple shirt, jeans and what looked to be a more simplistic black lab coat nowhere near as padded as Albert’s own. After a moment, Twilight said, “hello.” Blinking a moment before looking over the tablet, or ‘PDA’ as Albert told her it was called. “I didn’t expect to see anypony here.” Thinking for a moment before glancing out the window.

Looking back, the princess asked, “still getting used to Citadel-1?” Then gave a low laugh telling, “I wouldn’t blame you. It’s still a slight surprise something like this is even possible.” Walking up to stand next to the currently disguised chanling to say while holding a hand out, “Twilight Sparkle. I’m here to help oversee everything that happens in Citadel-1. You are…?”

Turning to her, she introduce as she took the hand shake. “Aira.” then look over the mare, sensing her emotions as well as any signs of caribou magic as it seem...she had no magic on her, at least from what she gathered. “It is a slight surprise to see that Joy was right. You are back to normal…” Aria shakes her head in slight wonder. “It is a sight to see somepony to be restoring back from the Caribou magic…” Giving a glance over as she remarked. “Despite being told...it’s still something to be surprised at.”

There was a pause from Twilight, though she seemed to shake it off and say with a smile, even if her feelings were of suspicion. “So you’re Aria.” Then looked her over and asked, “I… don’t want to be rude but, why are you in disguise?”

“Because I’m not stupid enough to assume that despite Albert and Joy intentions, not everypony will be happy to see a changeling queen among them. I know I can be seen as a threat, and will be regarded with suspicion and hostility. Especially to you and to your friends.” then added. “And don’t bother trying to deny it. You face off against Chrysalis and other changelings, especially what they done to those you care of. You still have lingering feelings and anger bottle up in you.”

Blinking, Twilight shook her head and said, “sorry, it’s just…” Then let out a sigh and explained, “you probably didn’t know, but you’re in a more secluded part of the Citadel.” Which, was a little surprise to hear for the fake-unicorn. “After Albert talked to me at length about changelings, he felt it would be safer for you to be here, in the more secluded section of the base than in the open where a incident might happen.”

“I was a little suspicious because, well… at first there’s was an unknown mare in a place she wasn’t really supposed to be for one.” Twilight continued to explain. “And when you mentioned your name… I was a little… I want to say confused why you were disguised, but you probably just didn’t know you’re in a secluded area. You don’t have to wear your disguise if you don't want. Everyone within this part of the base aren't going to hurt you in anyway.”

“And you’re right; I do have some lingering misgivings.” Twilight openly admitted. “My experience wasn’t the best, but I’m willing to give you a chance at the very least.” Pausing to think of her next words before sighing out. “I won’t blame you for your reasoning. It’s actually smart you did disguise yourself. Probably better you did that if you explored the rest of the Citadel. But here in the secluded area? You don’t have to hide yourself if you don’t want to.”

“Forgive if I’m being pessimistic, but better to remain caution than assume the best in pony’s action, especially with Magic and ‘Pyro’ around. Especially Magic.” deadpan told the mare as she added. “I also develop the habit of being in disguise...mostly since I’m trying to survive on my own without any of my fellow changelings.”

Nodding a bit and holding her PDA to her chest, Twilight told, “well, we might not be changelings… but you don’t have to be alone in your survival.” A odd sensation of… sincerity coming from Twilight. “At this point? I think any bad impressions from before don’t matter anymore. So many things have been going wrong, the world’s falling apart…”

Taking in a deep breath, Twilight seemed to further reinforce her feeling on the mere thought. “We need each other if we’re going to pull through. While I sometimes don’t agree with Albert on some things, he is right on one. If we’re to survive, we have to work together. We don’t have to be friends, or like each other, but the best way to survive, is to work together.”

Glancing at Aira, Twilight did smile and ask with a light of hope, “but I’d still like it if we became friends. Or, at least give it a try. We can’t let the past define our future. It would be better for the both of us if we got along, right?”

Staring at her with a scrutiny gaze, Aira examined the alicorn for a good minute...before removing her disguise as dark short yellow mane shown on her head, with yellow eyes looking at her as she said. “That was sappy...utterly sappy.” then gave a low smile. “Remind me of old Equestria.” then joke. “Did Celestia use that little speech when you ponys found out the Overlord was willing to work with you all?”

Sighing and giving a laugh of relief, Twilight shook her head. “No… there wasn’t much of speeches or fanfare when everything happened at the time. I just… came up with that on the spot.” Looking to the changeling Queen before herself to tell, “Albert and the Overlord, Jerry, they really shake things up. I can’t say I agree with either of them at times or what they do… but I can tolerate them, or even respect their choices.”

“I’m not friends with Jerry.” Twilight told with admittance, “I don’t know him that well, but I do have him to thank for returning me to normal. And Albert?” She thought and admitted while shifting in place, “he’s a friend. A slightly… confusing and maybe questionable man… but I think he means well.”

Shaking her head, Twilight said, “anyways. Would you like me to show you around?” Pausing to look at her PDA and told, “I think I have at least a half hour before I have some business to get to… but I can use that time to show you around and tell you a few rules about Citadel-1 that are important to know.”

Thinking some, she nodded and agreed. “It would be nice to know of how things are run here.” then comment. “As for Albert being confusing? He is...but I can say that you are right, he does mean well. Even if he doesn’t show those emotions most of the time.” she soon asked in curiosity. “What are the rules here? I know the common sense sort of rules are understandable-- but what does the Citadel-1 enforce the most?”

“Work for one.” Twilight told on the spot. “Everyone is expected to do at least some amount of work to maintain the whole place.” Holding up her PDA, the mare told, “expect Albert to give you a PDA at some point. Everyone that is old enough has one. Think of them as a fast means to gain messages and lists of tasks that need to be done.”

Motioning for the Queen to walk with her, possibly to show her to her room, Twilight continued on. “Base maintenance is extremely important. Power, air, equipment, rooms, water systems-- if we’re not diligent, something might break and we’d be in slight trouble. Being so deep underwater does have risks.”

Glancing at the listening in changeling, the alicorn then emphasized, “one good example is hull breaches. They aren’t common, but if part of the base is compromised and water leaks in? It need to be fixed and fast. Base flooding is dangerous.” Pausing to point down a hall what had a sealed door, she explained. “All the doors can seal. They're bulkheads. Make sure they stay closed as often as possible. They're the only thing between you and a flooding space of water.”

Taking in this information, Aria remarked. “So things can fall apart and be damaging. Good to know on what to be wary of.” and was feeling somewhat assure that she was going to do something to pass the time, she doubted she can stay in a room for most of her time here, especially in getting food. Although she couldn’t help but ask. “And what of the Dark Art user and the ‘Mad-Artist’ that lives around here? Or are they working on some research of their own?”

“Magic and Pyro?” Asked Twilight in bemusement before shaking her head. “They keep to the Labs. They’re someplace else, but are connected to this secluded area. You might meet them, but maybe if they want to have a break outside the Lab’s.” Thinking a bit, she went on, “they have their own private spaces and rooms located near the Labs. So you might not see them too often.”

“I work with them you see.” Began to tell the alicorn. “We’re all working on new projects to help either fight or counter the Caribous forces still occupying Equestria. And since Magic isn’t the most social of ponies, and Pyro can be… excitable, they tend to keep to the labs for the most part. At best? They might only come out if their wives are just trying to get them out of the labs for a while.”

Considering it, Twilight decided to inform, “you should also know that meal’s aren't fully scheduled for everyone here. Breakfast and Dinner are at least held in a few areas of the base, but for the most part? You are responsible for your own food and water.” Tilting her head, the lavender mare amended, “food might not be a full problem for you, but if you need something or want something? Then you might have to do a measure of work for it. And if you can’t get or do something? Forward a requisition and wait for approval of that request.”

Giving a nod, she said. “Fair. Work in exchange for food. Something I can do with….” then frown and said. “But it will take me time to...be familiar with the work around here, especially more since everything is unfamiliar for me.”

Thinking to this, Twilight told, “don’t worry over it too much, Aria.” Smiling as she went on, “everyone that comes to the base are given time to adjust. You’ll be expected to do easy stuff at first. Cleaning the halls, cooking, washing dishes, gathering food or even helping organize storage spaces. Nothing too hard.”

She then told more to point. “But if you want to take on more responsibilities and maybe gain a few other benefits on the side? Well, you’ll have your work cut out for you.” Hand to herself, Twilight told, “for example. I’m acting both as a semi-head of affairs down here and part of the Research team. I’m responsible of watching stocks, how well living spaces are working out, how the ponies are doing-- maybe keep an eye on what supplies have or haven’t been used.” Tilting her head, she told on, “or the other side with me aiding in researching new magic and technology.”

“Fluttershy works most menial type works, but she’s been taking an interest into the Aquariums that Albert has that gives us a more readily source of food.” Continued the mare. “She’s been given data on the biology of the local fauna so she can help take care of the fish in the aquariums better.”

Looking to the changeling Queen, Twilight told, “If you take up more responsibility, there is more work.. But I find that it really does give you something more to do that you might enjoy. As long as you do your job and do it good? Then it helps the base all the better. You can get some more exclusive privileges at times too, if it helps with your job.”

Thinking more...she knew that while she wouldn’t mind working, the problem was what sort of ‘job’ she could do? Yes she was raised to lead a Hive...but this wasn't at her place, her ‘home’ in a sense. She was a outsider, and Aira had to play by their rules. Especially in knowing how the jobs work. What to do, what to do… thinking all the more as she hum out.

“While I can easily handle the cleaning, cooking, washing and other things...I feel that if I take part in the bigger jobs, I will inadvertently cause problems with things I haven’t learn of yet...so for now, it might be safer for me to know the easy things before tackling on anything big.” already knowing that despite her at full health? She still need time to adjust to this place and its ways.

Nodding to this, Twilight said, “that’s fine Aira. Everyone is given at least a week to go through everything that’s expected of them at the very bare minimum. So there’s no reason to rush yourself.” Thinking a little, the mare did tell, “but if you do start to look for other jobs? One I suggest you don’t consider is volunteering for Expedition Crews.”

Raising a brow at this, she glance to outside of a window of the sea….and comment. “It involves going out in the ocean and finding things while trying to not get eaten alive, right?”

“Or suffer accidents.” Twilight added on. “It’s a dangerous job that you can get killed by if not careful.” Breathing in, the alicorn told, “the ocean is much bigger than it looks Aira. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit scared of how deep it can go. There are fish out there that make Hydra’s, one of the largest creatures on land, look small. Or places where you do risk getting trapped and lost, maybe even hurt by some strange plant.”

Trying to not shudder at being reminded of the plants up on the land, she said. “Noted.” then thought...and asked in a bit of hopefulness. “Has there...been any news of other changelings in terms of where the other Equestrians are at...or...with this Overlord being?”

There was a sensation of uncertainty and worry before Twilight signed out and shook her head. “We haven’t seen or heard of any changelings since the Caribou came, Aira.” Pausing a bit and going on. “I’ll be honest… Albert and I were hoping you’d know. He’s been worried at no hints and I was a little concerned what was going on since none showed up to try and attack the Caribou.”

Giving a sigh...she told with a tried look. “Most changelings have been in hiding. Leaving Equestria to hid far from the Caribous...when we felt their corruptive magic from the north? Most knew that it was high-time to leave...some Hives remain near it for emotions...but I do not know if they were caught or not by the Caribous. Those that hid? If I know what they might do?” take a deep breath and told flatly.

“Hibernate. Sleep in seclusion and wait until either you ponies, or the other nations come and remove the threat...but with how long the Caribous had been around-- and with the arrival of Albert and the Overlord? I dare say that any Hive, either asleep or aware...will see Equestria as a lost cause, and will try to avoid the plague and Windigos….or be killed by either.”

Slowly, Twilight nodded and said, “I won’t try and hide it Aira. I’m not sure how I should feel about the changelings at times.” a honesty showing through. “But after everything I’ve seen… remember and been told? I would be heartless if I wasn’t a little concerned what happened to you all. And with the Virus, the Windigos… and the Caribou’s…”

She shook her head and said, “everyone’s in danger, Aira. Dragons, Griffins, Horses, Minotaur… the virus might reach them and kill them off. The windigos might get attached to their hate… and the caribou might try something. It’s just all…”

Turning and stopping by a door in a hall, the Alicorn shook her head a bit and looked to the Changeling. “I don’t like how this is all spiraling out of control and hurting everyone in the process. And while the Invasion left a bitter… taste, I’ve seen what the virus at least did to some. I’ve read it does…”

Hand on the bulkhead, Twilight tapped her fingers away on the handle and a small sadness in place. “Even with what the swarm did to my brother and to Canterlot? I don’t think anyone… maybe not even the Caribou deserve what the virus does to you.”

“I….can agree somewhat to that. I see what happen to those that perish with it...it’s not a pretty sight…” then was quiet and said. “I...can say that it’ll take a pony miracle to stop this…” then sigh out. “But I know Equestria can’t stop the virus, it’s spreading faster and it’ll kill a lot of people...and I know that without you and your friends stones, you can’t push back the Windigos...not with how much negativity surrounds the lands.”

Nodding, Twilight turned and said, “It’s bad. I know.” Looking at Aira for a moment, she soon said, “Albert and I are actually hoping that you could tell us what’s been happening on the mainland. Tell us how bad it’s really gotten.” But, after a moment, she shook hat off and told, “but only after you’re ready to. This is all a lot to take in, and once you’re settled, we can have that talk.”

Pulling and turning the bulkhead handle, Twilight motioned Aira to go on in first and said with a smile, “anyways. This is your room. It only has the bare minimum of things, but you can spruce it up however you like later on.” While Aria began to move into the simple room with a single bed, some shelves and a couple of dressers, the alicorn added, “someone also stopped by you room. Joyous Jubilee? She left a few kinds of clothes for you, so you had something else to wear.”

A low smile on her face as she said. “I remember her, she visit me whenever she could. Also helped feed me with her positivity too.” then glance around as she said. “And I’ll take up the offer of settling in...Because you are right on the mainland and how bad it gotten…” glancing to the alicorn as she told. “It’s gotten worse to the point Dainn is desperate now.”

Grimacing to this, Twilight gave a steady nod and told, “I’ll let Albert know.” Then thought and told, “take your time to settle in. We’ll be waiting.” With a smile, she then said, “Also, expect that PDA in at least of day. I’m sure Albert will be there to help walk you through it.” With a nod, she told, “so, welcome to the the Citadel-1 Aria.” Moving the Bulkhead closed to give the more privacy.

Feeling the alicorn emotions slowly fading as a sign to confirm she left, Aira sighed deeply. Moving to the bed, she look at the spare cloths...and with a glow of her horn, place them on the dresser as she did the one thing she wished she could do on the mainland in...years. Getting on the bed and just laying down. Sure it may seem not much to most...but she hasn’t had been in a comfortable bed and in a single place of safety...for years. Especially with some food in her being than the stuff she had to get while in disguise.

She was just glad she didn’t had to take on lust anymore. Sure it was filling...but it wasn’t positive emotions like love. Taking another breath in, she frown as she nestle in the bed, as while part of her would be curious on the PDA thing...a large part of her knew that what she has to say to them…

Well...it’ll make the Overlord seem small with what changed...or how desperate Dainn really got at this point.

Closing her eyes and breathing in, part of her mind wandered over everything that had happened since the Caribou came… The enslavement, the conquest, the laws and the many suffering emotions. It was a lot to think over for first years of it.

When the Overlord came… well, it took a while for her to become aware of him, but things did go down from there. The way the conquered Equestrian land began to go into a slowly mixing chaos he brought. Then the Princesses were taken…. The empire fell… towns and cities attacked…

He vanished. Just after the sickness had started during the Empire’s fall and the epidemic began to go rampant. Dainn had already begun to put more power and thought into his military to deal with the Overlord. But when the Wendigo’s came from the north? He began to panic.

Sure, his decrees and his voice boasted of confidence. But she knew.. He was scared. They were nowhere near ready to deal with the Windigos. A entity that was not affected by their magics, and grew stronger while feeding on the hate of others. In a ironic twist, they could only be countered be Equestrian harmonic like magic or pure forms of love. Things the Caribou had slowly poisoned and killed over the years.

She abandoned ship long before the Windigo’s reached her. She was doing it to try and escape the sickness-- fat lot good that did. But the information of Equestria turning into a frozen wasteland… it wasn’t good.

That… that was not mentioning how there was a new contender. Apparently the weakness of the Caribou’s once powerful armor drew in someone new. Someone that apparently could deal with the Windigo’s and also had begun some campaign on taking the now weakened Equestria.

A shiver escape from her, as she hasn’t met this being yet...but knew what they could do. Something that only one other pony could use at it’s full potential.

Necromancy. The use of the undead.

However...unlike the Dark Art’s user, this being raised a legion of undead within a night, marching through cold and their master being a mage of heavy armor, lacking fear in attacking anything in rage...or taking slaves for his personal wants. Something that could…

Could even rival the Overlord in a sense.