Along the journey to their destination, Fear had intuitively taken it upon himself to pile all of his team's skills into a cauldron and mix it about to see what kind of plans came up in his mind. He already knew Sim's changeling abilities, and Faith's skill with distraction and charisma, but Gentler was a complete blindspot. He had certainly asked Faith if her weapon was silent, to which the mare had replied 'not at all, it's more of a sniper rifle, the shot can bend depending on what it feels near it.' She'd also explained that she had a pair of binoculars in her saddlebags, and was still looking for a gunsmith who could find a way to attach some kind of scope. It was a curiosity where she'd found it, but Faith told him it was a personal story that she didn't feel like sharing yet. During the rest of the discussion Fear had revealed just why he'd been able to form carapace and transform his hoof into a small blade.

Gentler had been surprised, but not put off. After all, he'd accurately judged Fear's integrity. He'd hardly even looked shocked, but Fear could feel it.

“Well, colt, I've gotten good at stealth ever since coming here, I can hunt relatively well – it's easy for me to pick up on days old tracks and remains, as well as to catch scents and sounds on the wind. I learned a little medicine, how to make various tonics, while I was in Abyssinia.”

Fear hummed, picking up the habit from Faith. “Well, what can those gauntlets of yours do? I know they disrupted my telekinesis when we were fighting.”

An arrogant smile formed across Gentler's face. “Heheh, I'm glad you were able to pick up on that.”

Fear snorted. “I mean it's not like it wasn't obvious or anything. Like, seriously. What do you take me for? A dolt?”

Gentler slapped Fear on the flank, causing him to feel slightly uncomfortable, glancing back at the Abyssinian. “I don't know. You seem like you have a long road ahead of you, for sure! I don't know how much faith I have in you. But you're interesting for sure.”

Fear rolled his eyes in a circle. “Gee, thanks.”

“Anyways,” Gentler continued, “they have three gems, so three spells loaded in.” He had already explained, in terms that Fear couldn't understand, how the combination of metal, cores fused into the gems, and specialized wires generated and conducted magic. “There's nullification, magnetism, and electricity. So I can punch through a magical barrier, increase the strength of my punch like some kind of gauss rifle if the creature has armor, and deliver a paralyzing shock. Temporarily.”

Fear nodded sinisterly, rubbing his chin with a hoof. “Nice... nice.” He cooed to himself. “I'll try to come up with a plan.”

Sim didn't have high hopes for his son. He was still inexperienced. What kind of plans could he possibly come up with?

Faith was hoping that Fear would be able to come up with something. She wasn't much of a planner.

==========================================================================================

It was daybreak by the time the group reached the institute. They could see a large two story building that spanned for a couple blocks in the distance. It was made of gray concrete, way too blocky to be considered artistic, and rather plain and boring. The windows were spartan at best; simple and barely there, and it had a skywagon parking lot in the front. The block letters on the front that distinguished it from any other building was falling apart, with the forest green paint flaking off and fading: Stable Tec Environmental Institute of Equestria. Some of the letters were missing, but it could easily be guessed what the overall message behind it was. It was a souringly appropriate base of operations for what they were here to put a stop to. Fear was the last to notice the two snipers on the roof of the institute.

Fear's mind was already raging inside as he tried to come up with a plan of entry, but Sim easily slipped past the squad, motioning for them to wait there, as he approached the pony out front currently standing guard. He was a unicorn decked in a pair of pistols and leather armor made from bloodwings, with a few chitinous plates taken from radscorpions. Overall he looked like a force to be reckoned with, even if his stance, muted colors, and frizzy hair screamed less 'danger' and more 'get the fuck off my property you stupid kids.'

Sim waved at the two snipers before sweeping a hoof through the air as he called out. “Hello! Sir! Are you available for a moment?” His voice sounded like that of an expert solicitor but he was hardly one.

The stallion made vague horse noises in frustration as his green eyes lidded. “Get away from the property, we don't want whatever you're selling.”

Sim coughed into his hoof. “Ah, right, certainly. However, I heard your boss was looking for more... able-bodied ponies to do his, ahem, dirty work. And I figured we could be the ones to do it. We even have somepony with us good with medicine who might be of help!” He pointed toward the Abyssinian as he finally got right up in the pony's face, beckoning his accompaniment to join him once he was sure the pony wouldn't shoot on sight. Fear was the first to hurry over.

The stallion lifted an eyebrow as he stared at the gathering of ponies. Sim had a less than threatening air about him. He seemed more like a pony that was in the wrong place at the wrong time. How could he hardly be an example of muscle? “And the colt?” The stallion asked while pointing a hoof at him.

Sim 'ah'ed. “How could you not possibly recognize one of the most dangerous raiders in the wasteland? Look at those eyes of his! Perfect at seeing in the dark, nary a thing wrong with them. He's a perfect sniper! And that sword of his? Could slide into the cracks of the toughest armor imaginable. He's a walking typhoon just waiting to be unleashed!” Sim had his foreleg draped over the colt as he stared into the stallion's eyes. With a little influx of magic through his brain and pumping into his eyes, an imperceptible green light shone across them for a split second.

The stallion jerked slightly from the sensation of worms wriggling into his brain through his eyeballs. It wasn't an unpleasant sensation at all, and if anything felt like pure bliss and relaxation. A strange contradiction to be sure. The stallion's eyes lidded and he felt more... more agreeable. He didn't know why but all of a sudden there was no reason to really test them. This dazzling pony's words were worth their weight in gold. “Hm. I... I guess. Fine. I'll let you through. Mister Contingent Vision is in the superintendent's office, just follow the map on the first floor.” And with that the stallion stepped to the side in order to let them past.

Sim gave a grateful nod and ushered everyone in ahead of him. “Thank you so much sir! You are very kind. Here: for your trouble.” Sim pulled out ten caps from his saddlebags and held them out to the stallion.

The unnamed one rubbed his head with a hoof, trying to become aware again. There were faint whispers and delirious static bristling in his brain that felt so incredible he couldn't explain why he suddenly felt so good. It just felt that good to be under Sim's sway. Or maybe Sim was just that experienced. “N... no, that's okay. Keep it. I'm glad to... to let you through to see my boss.”

Sim just smiled broadly. “You sir, are very kind to an old stallion like me. Take care of yourself, I'm sure we'll be working together before too long.” Sim gave the stallion a pat on the neck and headed inside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb8f70MO3DE

Faith whistled. “That sure was impressive, Simmy.”

Sim's eyes revolved in their sockets. “Don't call me that please, that's reserved for my parents. But thank you Faith.”

Gentler was just busy looking around while Fear was staring at his father in awe with how he handled that situation.

The Institute was economical, in a word. With hardly anything decorating the lobby aside from a marble stand displaying a glass map of the compound, a front desk behind it for checking in, a small station to the side for security which appeared to be half full, a hallway at the far end leading forward and then off to either side, and right before that a spiral staircase that led up to the second level. The second level was a raised platform that circled the edge of the lobby with a few hallways scattered here and there that led to different areas. Everything was silent.

Fear piped up without any provocation, though he was quiet about it. “There are guards. But I think they’re busy playing. Their intentions are all over the place.”

Sim's eyes narrowed. “Yes, I saw a couple cameras outside directed at the front entrance.”

Fear boggled at his father, he hadn't seen those! He had to pay better attention.

Sim immediately made his way up to the map, followed by Faith and the rest.

The map was elaborate, and though it showed an elevator further in on the first floor, it did not seem to go up to the second. There was also a set of stairs on the second floor that went up to the roof. Gentler was the first to point out the oddity.

Sim reasoned it out. “It probably goes down a floor. It would make sense that the research would take place below ground and outside around the facility.” He then pointed with a hoof toward the map of the second floor. “There's the office.” And with that he was hurrying along his way. There was nopony at the front desk to stop them.

Gentler was impressed with the sheer capability of Fear's father as he followed along on the stallion's heels, the group heading up the stairwell and to the glass catwalk ringing the lobby. They took a couple turns with Sim leading the way, Fear's heart pounding in his chest. Things were way too quiet for his comfort. He thought about turning on his radio but fought the urge as a bit of perspiration flowed freely.

“You're right Dad, by the way,” he finally said, “there are ponies underground. I can feel their souls. Some of them seem to be sleeping right now.” His gaze was a little empty as he searched with his sixth sense.

Sim wasn’t surprised, just glaring at nothing in particular.

The group had a false sense of security, making as much noise as they wanted – except for Gentler who was always as silent as a mouse aside from the gentle click of his greaves. As they rounded a corner an earth pony greeted them. He was staring long and hard at them. The pony had a glorious golden mane and tail with ash-y streaks running through it, as well as a burning orange coat that was a little too shaggy to be healthy. His mane hung over his eyes slightly, as if he could use a haircut. His eyes were a brilliant bright emerald with a crimson sheen. On his flanks was a reptilian green ouroboros cutiemark.

Fear felt awkward under the gaze and took a few steps back. He felt something off about this pony. He had something behind him, at least that was the best way he could describe it.

“What are you here for?” The stallion's voice was... unhinged. A little feral. Like he'd spent time in places ponies shouldn't be spending time in.

Sim adopted an amicable expression at the drop of a hat. “We're simply here to offer our services to Mister Contingent Vision, nothing more, nothing less.” Sim continued a moment later as the stallion analyzed him. “I'm Simulacrum, what's your name?”

“Simulacrum, huh?” A sneer formed on the pony's face. “The same Simulacrum that Pumpkin Pep has been speaking of?”

Sim was taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise. He twisted his head to the side, pursing his lips. “Mmh, maybe. And you are?”

“Luminous Ash.”

Fear moved up behind his father. “Dad something's seriously wrong here.”

Lumi was striding forward with a graceful gait.

“He seems... seems damaged. I don't think...”

Sim lowered to Fear's ear. “When I give you the signal, get out of here.”

“I'm not going to leave you here!”

Sim hissed. “Do it!”

Fear nodded, but secretly, as he turned his head forward, he knew he was going to try and slip by. He was going to do his best to convince Contingent to step down.

Lumi's hooves glistened from the light being cast by the overhead lamps. “I'll give you one chance to leave here with your lives.” He paused. “I owe it to Spear.”

Fear realized then and there why the stallion felt so weird. Not the damaged part – that was clear as day, that one was like he used to be. The weird part was everything that seemed to be behind Lumi. He's a hybrid! Fear voiced his concerns. “Dad he's a hybrid!”

Sim's eyes dilated from the information. “We're not leaving.”

Whatever's behind him – it's a hive! Just like Emulae and the others!

Lumi spat, “so be it.” And bum rushed Sim.

Gentler was right up in Lumi's face, pouring force into a hook punch. Lumi bent his neck forward, ramming the Abyssinian in the gut and sending him careening into Sim, the two of them toppling backwards into a tangled bundle.

“Fear get out of here!” Sim cried while Lumi lifted a hoof to jam the colt in the face.

Faith had been charging up energy for a little while, magical energy zapping between the 'feathers' of her weapon's pegasus wings, pulling in energy from the air around her before coalescing in the horn. Without any warning aside from a powerful 'vrrr' a telekinetic bullet that looked more like an ovular arrow shot from the tip, careening straight for Lumi.

Lumi fell to the side, having seen the charge out of the corner of his eye, the bullet scraping past his body and creating a deep gash that bled profusely. The stallion limped as the blast exploded at the end of the hall with a loud boom, destroying the wall and leaving a crater that exposed the room beyond it.

“Fear run!” Sim repeated as Gentler and him got up.

Fear, instead of running back, ran forward.

“Fear!” Sim cried as Ash pumped an illusion into the air, making the room grow wobbly and incomprehensible, like everything was melting and gyrating, rumbling and keeping everypony from staying on their hooves and feet. Fear stumbled, nearly falling.

Sim countered the illusion, pumping out a magical image that negated it. Returning it to normal.

Fear was quick to get back on his hooves and race down the hall as Sim grunted.

“Damn colt!” Sim cursed.

==========================================================================================

It had been a long race through the remaining couple hallways. Amazingly enough, or maybe not so amazingly, nopony and no other changeling had been active on this floor, it seemed Lumi had been the sole guardian of it. Fear checked and rechecked the map lingering in his memory with a grimace on his face. He needed to hurry and tell the boss to stand down, or explain to him to stand down, or convince him to. Or... or something! Fear needed to do something! Fear grit his teeth, unsure of himself so much his stomach was knotting up.

The walls and their faded picture frames and dead potted plants blurred by the colt as he screeched to a halt at a single door. Fear didn't even hesitate, pulling it open with telekinesis and barging in. “Contingent!” He called furiously. “Call your dogs off!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNbVJ2Im1Ik

The office was like any other, with that all too familiar portrait of Princess Luna that seemed to stare into your soul. Only it was torn to shreds. Contingent was sitting behind a desk with the chair facing the colt. “So. You got past.” The 'ling's voice was toxic, demanding submission of all who heard it, and nearly driving Fear to his knees. The chair twisted around, exposing the changeling behind the operation. He reached forward and slammed his hooves on the desk, on either side of the built-in terminal, as he revealed himself from the shadows, the paperwork and other items trembling from the force. “I figured you all deserved to see my true form.”

Contingent was a strange changeling. He had ebony carapace and holes just like Emulae, but he had what looked like fins in place of his ears, which were colored a sickly eggshell white. The membranous shell was as well, but his compound eyes and chitinous wings were a vivid crimson that looked brighter than blood, almost neon. He had no gossamer hair nor tail to speak of, as if he had cut it off. It made him look far more well-kept, only adding to the sleekness of his polished body. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your acquaintance mister...?”

Fear's voice was stuttery and uncertain, as if he didn't know how to voice his opinion let alone where to place his hooves. “F-Fearei Shatter, sir.” Fear glanced off to the side, unable to look him in the eyes. The presence was entrancing, and driving him six feet under already. How was he supposed to fight against something like this? What was the king like?

“Fearei. I'm sure you understand by now what we're trying to achieve. An untainted world, cured of its ills. A world of order and respect.” Contingent stood up and wandered around the desk. Fear cowered backwards, his tail hiding between his legs. He looked like a kicked puppy. “Surely you can understand that this world needs those who are superior and those who are inferior in order to function, a hierarchy in order to thrive.”

Fear's voice was quiet. “I don't... I don't know.” Fear stood his ground. “All I know... all I know is you don't treat my grandfather with respect, and while Lumi is willing to follow you to the ends of Equus, he... he seems damaged. Almost unhinged.”

Contingent began pacing. “All necessary sacrifices for a better world. One in which the true masters, the ones who have suffered since time immemorial, rule over the weak.” Something about that sounded off. It wasn't the speech itself that affected Fear, it was the emotions hidden behind it. Fear narrowed his eyes.

“And just what does this supposed master species determine is right?”

Contingent spun to face Fear, stomping a hoof on the floor, speaking as if reciting. “A world in which ponies do not define our future any longer! A world in which changelings reign supreme! A world in which changelings are the saviors so desperately needed, and where the roles are reversed, with ponies being treated as trash!”

A sly smile crept onto Fear's face. “You don't... actually believe that. Do you?”

“And what have you to say in argument!?”

Fear shrugged. “I don'know. I don't know if any species deserves to be supreme or not. All I know is my experiences and feelings, and those tell me that I don't want to be better than... everyone. Not in that way.”

“What would you know? You haven't lived our life!” Contingent spat.

Fear glanced off to the side. “Well, for one thing, I know everyone has their importance, their specialties, their roles. I used to be prejudice against earth ponies and pegasi, but nowadays? I mean, I get that it's right to be kind. Isn't it?” Fear sounded uncertain, as if he was in a haze and just grasping for his ideals.

Contingent's face faltered. His features slackened. “You don't... don't know what you're talking about. Changelings have gone through Tartarus, we didn't deserve the wasteland. We deserve prosperity. And ponies are going to come with us because... because they're our food source!”

Fear shook his head. “I mean, maybe? A food source can be treated with respect can't it? They're living creatures just like you or me.”

“You're nothing but a crossbreed!”

“And I know that means something to you! I may not be family but... but, I know we've all gone through difficult times. And all we have when it comes right down to it is each other!”

“But your Chrysalis-forsaken Steel Rangers certainly don't feel that way! Your Enclave abandoned you!”

“True,” Fear conceded easily. “But...” His smile returned, a look of assuredness coming to light. “That doesn't mean we have to be them. It doesn't mean we can't bring them into our fold, teach them the right way to do things. I know you feel it too.”

“Idealistic nonsense!” Contingent hissed, taking a threatening step toward the colt.

Fear didn't back down. “Idealistic, maybe. But what do we have in a broken world but our ideals and virtues? Everypony is grasping tight to their ideals in order to make a better world, but we don't have to abandon what makes us good... creatures, in order to do it.” Fear hesitated, glancing away. “Right?”

Contingent's legs buckled under him, as if the weight of everything he'd been doing suddenly collapsed on top of him, as if he could no longer carry the burden. His face turned to one of horror as if he was looking in a mirror. He took a step back and fell on his haunches, covering his face in his hooves as if he couldn't bare to be seen.

Fear approached.

“Get away from me!”

Fear didn't stop.

“I said get away!” Contingent's voice was shaky. Terrified.

Fear reached out a hoof. “We're not enemies.” The colt's voice was the most calming, charismatic thing on the planet in that one moment, and a little haunting – in a good way. Like a singularity pulling everything and everyone into the center of his spiral. Everything spun around him in that one moment, leaving Contingent reeling. He thought about batting the hoof away, but he couldn't. The colt was speaking to something deep inside of him.

A shudder pumped through Contingent's body. “The king... the king says all this stuff. I thought I believed it, but... but I don't.”

Fear moved up to Contingent, wrapping him up in a hug. “Everything's going to be okay. Can you please call off Lumi? I don't want anyone to get hurt.”

Contingent squeezed his eyes shut, sending out the message.

==========================================================================================

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtIBXMLoGEo

Steam rose off of the gash in Lumi's side as the cells unnaturally reproduced as quick as lightning, the flesh restoring itself in a matter of seconds when it realized something had hurt it.

Faith glanced up over her weapon, hackles rising on end from the sight. It was like the hybrid had taken a health potion. Her stomach flipflopped.

Lumi bolted at Faith, but was intercepted by a swinging Gentler – a straight punch, a hook, an uppercut, and a roundhouse – each dodged in swift succession. Lumi did an uppercut of his own, trying to jab Gentler in the gut.

Gentler flipped away and charged at Lumi with a side kick using the greave, electricity flowing over the metal as the gems charged up a static shock.

Lumi weaved to the right, pulling up his hindlegs and bucking Gentler in the abdomen as the Abyssinian passed by. He grunted as he was sent crashing into the wall, his clothing being the only thing saving him from the paralytic poison that had dampened the cloth.

The cat might've had a bruised rib or two, but he got up and lunged at Lumi, gauntlets crackling with electricity as he swung again, and again. Lumi had dodged to the side, and was now flowing back down the hallway, his rear no longer facing the wall. Gentler threw a punch for Lumi's head, then tried to slam a fist with a hook into where he predicted the hybrid would be.

The gauntlet nearly connected, but Lumi had followed through, spinning in a circle as he ducked, then shoved his hindlegs out again, bucking the Abyssinian right in the chest during his overreach.

The wind was knocked out of the cat a second time as he was sent hurtling through the air and crashing to the ground, tumbling in a circle as he felt his ribs nearly crack from the pressure. He groaned on the floor.

Sim had unsheathed his carapace knife and was now throwing himself into the fray, swiping left, right, vertically, trying to slash through Lumi who kept backing up. He was nearly at the end of the hall. Lumi and Sim were staring at each other in a frenzy. Though a second later a surge of green crossed the regenerative hybrid's eyes, boring a hole into Sim's brain and leaving him feeling like a fifty pound weight was hanging over his entire body. His form shook violently and he nearly collapsed to the ground, one eye lidding and the other twitching as he was suddenly struck with paralysis.

Lumi lashed out during it, slamming a hoof into Sim's cheek, both dislocating and numbing the other hybrid's jaw and sending him to the ground, the knife clattering to the floor. He then heard the charging sound of Faith's weapon, but it was too late. A powerful telekinetic bullet vwoompfed out of the tip of the horn and obliterated a hole straight through the front of his body, shredding through a lung and destroying organs and musculature. Blood flowed freely for... a few seconds. Before Lumi's flesh began to sizzle, pop, and boil, becoming effervescent and repairing itself within the course of ten seconds.

Faith was at a loss for words as Lumi remained standing. The hybrid left Sim on the ground, unable to get on all fours, the suggestion still latched onto his brain like a parasite, galloping toward the preacher.

Gentler was there to interfere with the hybrid's plans once more, though he was slumped over and holding his chest with one hand as he intervened, bringing a foot up and trying to jam it into Lumi's jaw.

It hit.

A static shock coursed through the greave and into the hybrid's jaw, paralyzing his face and causing all his facial features to slacken, unable to move properly. But Lumi wasn't out for the count, even with the concussion. He staggered backward and lashed out at the hurt Abyssinian, ramming a hoof into where Gentler's gut was.

Was.

Gentler, panting, swerved to the side and brought up one of his knees, jabbing it into Lumi's face, who stumbled backwards again as his snout was broken, bleeding profusely before it immediately healed, leaving the blood stain on the muzzle. Gentler held his leg in the air and snapped it toward Lumi in a roundhouse, trying to crack him across the face and bring him down.

Lumi reared back onto his hindlegs to avoid it, then fell back onto all fours as Gentler's leg slammed into the wall, putting a hole through it. The hybrid threw a hoof into the Abyssinian's side, sending him crashing to the ground from the pain lancing through him.

That's when Lumi got the message. He was distracted for a single moment, feeling exhausted from repairing his body so much, and sidestepped another eruption from Faith's cannon, the blast firing through the hole she'd already made and blowing an opening to the outside.

“Stop.” Lumi declared. “Spear says the fight is over.”

Gentler was left holding his ribs, cringing in pain, resting against the wall.

Faith was at a loss for words, lowering her weapon.

Sim was just finally starting to stand up.

==========================================================================================

Fear had learned Contingent's real, changeling name soon after meeting with him and getting back to the others. It was Spearmint Wing. The changeling had explained to Fear he was willing to give the colt a chance to prove his ideals true. In the wasteland it was might makes right, more often than not, and thus Fear was given a time period of three months to strengthen himself far enough to take on King Solanum. To either defeat him or somehow convince him to stand down like Fear had done Spear. The changeling would keep Solanum busy until then, and near the end of the three months he would tell him that somepony wanted to challenge him for dominance.

The colt didn't think he could do it, after seeing the rampage Lumi had gone on, completely devastating his allies. Sim's ego was hurt more than anything else, he'd never faced anything as dangerous as Lumi before, trying to figure out why he was able to regenerate his body. Lumi had explained it was mutation in his cells. It shortened his lifespan greatly but it allowed him to recover from mortal wounds – the only thing that would be able to kill him was something cutting off his head, like a zombie. Even damage to his brain could be repaired given enough time, though of course he would suffer from amnesia due to it.

Gentler's pride was also sore, but his ribs even more so. Taking two bucks and a punch in the side had left him reeling, using the walls to help hold himself up. Breathing was agonizing, and he needed to rest every ten or so minutes. He had taken to using Sim as a walker, leaning on him.

Faith was the least wounded out of all of them, though she was shaken to her core at the true strength of a hybrid.

A hybrid they had learned was a reject, a mistake. One of the higher ups in Solanum's hive had procreated with a mare while disguised and he'd happened to be born. Upon finding out what Lumi's father really was, his mother had disowned him, run away when they least expected it. Lumi was left without a mother, but had been accepted into the hive as a lesser citizen. His father had nearly abandoned him however, but Spear had taken pity on him and brought him into his fold. He had specifically asked for the hybrid to be placed under his jurisdiction during the research as a bodyguard.

It was because of that, that Lumi had decided to devote his life to Spear. He was the only one who'd ever shown him such respect, kindness, and a desire to have him. But despite Spear's change of heart, his intention to give Fear a chance, Lumi would not join Fear in his rebellion against Solanum. He was too loyal to the ones who had given him a home rather than forcing him to forage in the wastes.

Still, the only thing Fear could think about was his upcoming confrontation with Solanum. Even if the others had promised to help him, and he knew Luna and the others would help train him as well, it was only three months.

Three months.

Fear was almost confident. Barely. And he might have saved Pumpkin Pep from being used as a research specimen, but in all honesty? With a new threat, greater than anything he could ever imagine, he didn't feel like he'd saved anything or anyone. It was kind of irrational, he knew, but it was there.

Maybe it was because Fear knew Jack was just going to get kidnapped again by a different changeling if Solanum was not stopped? And he knew: it'd be far more merciless.

Likely.

==========================================================================================

Faith had taken Gentler, with the help of Lumi, to a makeshift nursing station. Gentler was using some homemade salves on his ribs, and was being given bandages to help keep things stable. It wasn't much, but it was something.

Fear and Sim had been brought downstairs via the elevator, and quickly led through the bare minimum corridors, past all sorts of doors to offices and research chambers, to where Jack was being kept. Spear had told them they'd ceased their pony-based experimentations on his orders when Fear had convinced him to, and had also told them that the ponies they'd hired for duties around the facility were in order to give some semblance of business to the ponies of Dryfield and get in their good graces. Of course they were also being used to discreetly siphon love. Fear thought it was insincere given they weren't going to be treated with respect in the end, but accepted it. Creatures had to live, and maybe Spear would finally take a step toward treating other species well, like he had wanted to do.

Which was why, despite following orders, Spear had taken those who were most likely to obey him and agree with him on the mission he'd been given. Perhaps he'd seen it coming, or perhaps he'd been looking for an excuse to go against his king's wishes all along. Spear explained that the king was merely an expression of the majority of the hive, not the minority as well. The king just kept the minority in line.

Fear thought it strange that he could inspire a minority to fight back.

Sim and Fear were guided toward a room with one-way mirror windows and a revolving door. Sim was the first to enter, followed by Fear and Spear. The colt could already hear Sim and Jack on the other side.

“Simmy?”

“Pop!”

Fear then felt the sensation of two souls brimming with joy at being reunited. It was a heartwarming sensation. Unlike the room he'd just entered, which was a sterile, blank white office that had been converted into a bedroom. It had a recently added bed with restraints fused to it, a bookshelf full of old, entertaining pre-war books, an oddly not dead potted plant, and a table for eating. But that was about it. The colt glanced to Spear with a raised eyebrow and unamused frown as if to ask, 'really?'

Spear just took the brunt of the expression, watching the father and son be reunited. It wasn't exactly the most tear-jerking reunion ever, unless you were them or Fear.

Then Fear took in Pumpkin Pep, otherwise known as Grandpa Jack, himself. He was a strange unicorn. He looked like some kind of old boy band from pre-war Equestria, with his swept, pumpkin orange mane, twisted tail, and shaggy periwinkle fur. He just had that sense of youthfulness, and seemed like he could make any young mare swoon. What startled Fear was how much shorter he was than Sim – like he was almost as stout as Fear, but a tiny bit taller. When Jack opened his eyes, it revealed a pair of beauties Fear wouldn't have expected on any farmer of all ponies. They looked precious and naive, truly a gem in the wasteland, the color being a soft indigo. Fear leaned to the side to get a view of his cutiemark, which was a pair of orange pompoms with succulent green stem handles.

“What was this place used for anyway?” Fear asked, as curious as ever, while his parent and grandparent caught up, his tail flicking from side to side. “Was it really an environmental institute or is that just a cover up?” He sounded conspiratorial.

“No. No cover up. This place was no more than a project by Stable-Tec, with the backing of the Ministry of Image and Ministry of Morale.”

“What, really? That's it?”

“Yes. They wanted to genetically engineer vegetation for higher quality foods, alluring sights, and the ability to grow in various conditions. The research was supposed to be used in stables, but it never got too far off the ground unfortunately. Maybe if it had there'd be more information for all of us to use in our endeavors.”

Fear looked back to Jack and Sim. “That's a real shame.”

Sim and Jack parted ways, with the hybrid stallion pointing a hoof toward Fear, who was finally starting to pay attention to them.

“That's my son, Fearei Shatter. The one I told you about last time I visited.”

Pumpkin Pep's eyes sparkled, hurrying to Fear and wrapping him up in an unexpectedly tight hug, causing Fear to gasp for air and flail a little. “Hey! Too tight!” Fear eased out, too much pressure on his lungs.

Jack finally let him go. “So you're my little savior huh? Well aren't you the cutest little thing! You know I got called adorable often when I was a little rambunctious colt like you.” He leaned down and furtively whispered. “Your father says you need to listen to him more but I think you're just fine, Fearei. Keep up the good work and always follow your instincts.” He lifted his head up while Sim stared disapprovingly at him. “Anyways! Let's get home. I want some real food for once!”

Fear was... happy.

Author's Notes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=behTPFmFlCY Not a perfect match, but it'll work for now.