Twilight Sparkle does not ask for much in life, and usually life has been kind enough to give her what she asks for, but there are always strings attached. Examples?

Friends.

Twilight deep down always wanted friends, but during her filly and teenage years she was too anxious to go out and solidify the connections she had in Canterlot, choosing to retreat in her studies to cope with her lack of decent social skills. Then shortly after her eighteenth birthday, she got sent to Ponyville, made friends and has been Equestria and the world ever since.

Have a husband.

She has Flash, which is nice, but he is not the Flash from the human dimension. She is trying to make it work, but the more time passes the more she realizes that there really are two different Flash's. She will make it work, though. As far as she knows Pony Flash does not know about Human Flash, so that is good.

Be like Celestia.

Twilight has always admired Celestia in ways no one else can possibly comprehend. Sure there are churches dedicated to Celestia since she is a solar goddess, but they do not have the Mother-Daughter relationship that she and Celestia share. Twilight is even bold enough to say that her relationship with the Sun Goddess is stronger than the one she has with her own parents. Now Twilight has a school, is an alicorn, has her own semi-autonomous kingdom, and has a few students of her own. Each with their own challenges. Such as Sunset being crafty (and in an entirely different dimension), Starlight's devious nature, and Twilight is sure that Tempest is a genuine sociopath.

Be important.

This ties into being like Celestia, and she has her own kingdom with the capital being Ponyville and her taking charge over every town in the Plains of Equestria. From Ponyville to Appleloosa, to Dodge City and the towns between it and Foal Mountain, and White Tail Woods to Ghastly Gorge and all who reside in those areas. So this dream has come true as a default with being like Celestia. But with being an important government figurehead comes mail. Lots and lots of mail.

Most of the mail is good with polite requests, but some are not so good as they are calls for her to step down and let a real noble take her place or saying she sucks at her job. Those kinds of mail hurt, but they usually belong to ponies who fall outside her territory, therefore have no rightful say in how she runs things in the Kingdom of Twilight.

Then there is mail that has the official Seal of Celestia, a tightly wound and bound scroll with a sun seal and red bands. These always take priority over all else, which is why Twilight is quick to open it.

URGENT

Dear Princess Twilight,

Your presence at the Royal Palace is requested right away. The matter is best discussed in person, and bring your friends as well as Tempest Shadow along. I feel we may need her for this particular situation.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia

Twilight drops the letter and knocks over her chair when she bolts out of her office.

“Spike, we need train tickets!”

In the heat of the afternoon sun, Tempest lays in a field of tall grass in her lavender combat armor, stomach and hoofs pressed to the dirt, eyes narrowed, ears flat against her skull and the tip of her tail flicking. In her sights, casually munching on some tomatoes that she has spent a lot of time tending to is a small white rabbit. She has seen that rabbit around town, and it has specifically ran towards Fluttershy's tree house every day, so Tempest is sure it is one of that pegasus' fifty pets. But the glorious thing is that Tempest does not care.

This rabbit has been ruining her garden and now it will die.

The rabbit leaves a half eaten tomato and moves on to digging up the carrots Tempest planted, and the former commander licks her lips as she crawls just a bit closer.

'Rabbit stew tonight,' thinks Tempest.

The rabbit is still distracted, and like a coiled spring released, Tempest leaps towards the rabbit only for a blinding flash of sparkly purple light to suddenly appear and with it an alicorn. Tempest's eyes widen and she manages a short sharp yelp before impacting Twilight in the chest with enough force to knock the air out of both of them. They roll over each other, smashing cabbages to bits, and they crash into a fence that Tempest recently built, covering both of them in splinters and dust. And they lay there, Tempest on top of Twilight and Twilight twitching and groaning in pain. The rabbit has long since ran away.

Tempest's dinner... is gone.

“You...” seethes Tempest. She sits on top of Twilight's hips and presses her metal boots on to Twilight's shoulders as electric sparks fly from her broken horn, bringing the alicorn to wince. “You cost me my dinner and wrecked my cabbages!”

“I'm sorry! But there is something urgent that Celestia wants to talk to us about!” says Twilight.

“Us?”

Twilight nods.

“If its about the bank then I didn't rob it,” says Tempest.

“What?” says Twilight.

“You ruined my meal.”

“And I'm sorry! … Can you get off of me, please?”

Tempest climbs off of Twilight and pokes at her broken cabbages while the Princess rolls upright and shakes dirt off her hide and feathers.

“What does she want to talk about?” asks Tempest.

“She didn't say, but she specifically requested you. She said we may need you for this situation that has come up,” says Twilight.

“A situation that she has not revealed.”

“Right.”

“And what if this particular situation is a trap to arrest me?”

“... Did you really rob a bank?”

“No.”

Twilight narrows her eyes skeptically.

“If a bank was really robbed then everyone would know. Especially if I was involved,” says Tempest.

“Look, Tempest. If Celestia was going to arrest you then it would have happened already,” says Twilight. “You're lucky you weren't turned back to stone after the Storm King's invasion, and if she was going to arrest you it would be over that. But you've already been pardoned so arresting you for that would be a legal nightmare and raise some serious questions about our judicial system.”

“If I recall correctly, I was only pardoned because you and the Princesses had a very long chat about it, which, honestly my life is boring now. Prison would be nice. I could actually start a gang, get into prison fights and maybe get some tattoos.”

“First, no you can't. You'd still get in trouble. Second, we've been over this. What we're doing with you now is like a rehabilitation program. Starlight went through the same thing you are going through.”

“Yeah, but she's Starlight.”

Twilight cocks a brow. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, you know? Conniving, deceitful nature. Master manipulator. Destroyer of timelines. Bad case of envy and very self centered. I wouldn't be surprised if she has a plan to gradually erode your influence and create a hidden network of loyalists that will remove you from power using legal loopholes and clever subliminal propaganda, thus allowing her to take your place and owning your kingdom which will allow her to begin the process of orchestrating an independence movement to create a fully independent nation that will eventually usher in the unnatural society that she dreamed of.”

By the time Tempest is done, Twilight's eyes are wide and Tempest has slipped past her to inspect her broken fence.

“Or maybe she doesn't. Hard to say with her,” says Tempest.

“Uh... Yeah, I... I, uh, I think your imagination might be running just a little bit wild.” Twilight points at a simple windowless shack with a skinny chimney, steel door with four locks, a line of lanterns, spikes on the steep roof, and a disarmed bear trap in front of the door. “Why don't we get your stuff?”

“Do I have a choice?”

“Not really. If Celestia says something you really have to do it.”

Tempest huffs. “Fine. But let me go in first. I got a trap on the other side of the door ready to shoot unwanted guests in the face.”

A couple of hours later, Twilight and Tempest are on the train with the rest of the Element Bearers. The scenery speeds by in blur of green and brown, and so far Tempest has yet to say a word to any of them while Twilight is reading Celestia's note for the three dozenth time.

“Are ya sure ya don't have any idea what Celestia wants?” asks Applejack.

“There is nothing in this letter,” says Twilight. “I even scanned it for hidden messages and nothing came up.”

“What if its a trap?” asks Rainbow Dash. “Like, a villain captured her and forced her to write the letter to lure us in and then BAM! We're in an ambush fighting for our lives.”

Fluttershy gulps and Tempest rolls her eyes.

“What if it's a party?” asks Pinkie Pie. “Luna's birthday is coming up so maybe she wants us to help her throw a surprise party.”

“I don't think that's it,” says Twilight. “The tone doesn't sound right. Plus she didn't use the code words for Luna and birthday party.”

Pinkie Pie rubs her chin. “You're right... Unless... Hold on.” Pinkie Pie digs into her saddle, pulls out a thick book and flips through the pages. When she finds the right page, her eyes slide left to right, then right to left, then up and down, and finally she nods and quickly puts it away. “Well, that makes sense.”

“What was that? What did you find?” asks Twilight.

Pinkie Pie smirks. “No spoilers.”

Twilight groans and rubs her temple, and Rarity, who is reading a newspaper, glances at Pinkie Pie.

“It would do all of us wonders if you gave us 'spoilers',” says Rarity.

“That would ruin the surprise. But I'll give you a hint... Money,” says Pinkie Pie.

Tempest's ears perk.

“Fine dining at an exotic place.”

Rarity lowers her newspaper, fully intrigued now.

“Adventure... Science... Animals... Gift shops and...” Pinkie Pie looks at Applejack. “I'm sorry I got nothing for you. Trees, I guess. Lots and lots of trees.”

Applejack sighs sadly. “Well, that'll do, I guess.”

“So, chin up, everypony! Whatever Celestia wants, it'll give us something unforgettable to reflect on when we are old and surrounded by kids.”

Fluttershy raises her hoof. “I would like something forgettable for once. I've kind of had enough unforgettable events for a few lifetimes.”

Pinkie Pie snickers, wraps her hoof around Fluttershy's waist and pulls her in so their bodies are squished together.

“After all we've been through, how can you want a boring life, Flutters?” asks Pinkie Pie.

“It's not that... It's just that... Well, I kind of want a chance to live a full life,” says Fluttershy.

“Oh, don't worry, you will. Now, who wants to play I-Spy?”

So I found this and decided to post it because why not?

There is a certain etiquette when meeting the Equestrian Diarchy. Everyone is bound to it, from the peasants (as Luna likes to call them), to the dignitaries of foreign lands, and the Viceroys and the members of their Court. Despite Twilight being an alicorn and the ruler of the Kingdom of Twilight, she is still technically a Viceroy and answers directly to Celestia, therefore making her subjugated to such traditions that the rest follow. Not that she is complaining. She actually loves it.

First, there is getting off the Canterlot Grand Central Station, where the group is greeted by a designated representative. In this case, they are greeted by Kibitz, the majordomo of the Palace. The pale, gray eyed unicorn is standing in the appropriate spot behind the yellow line, flanked by a group of golden armored unicorn guards, and he is levitating his pocket watch, anxiously watching the time tick by. When he sees Twilight and her group, with Tempest Shadow staying right in the middle of the Bearers, he stuffs his watch back in his burgundy coat and ushers them to the next phase.

The second part of this tradition is the group is taken through the scenic route of Canterlot in golden plated carriages with the guards surrounding them. They pass white brick and golden roofed buildings, gem lined statues and fountains, and healthy trees in full bloom. The well dressed citizens of Canterlot stay on the sidewalks, watching with near boredom as the small convoy goes through their cobblestone streets. Such a scene is a near weekly occurrence, anyway.

The third part is going to the actual palace. They are taken across the long bridge over the waterfall and given a trip around the roundabout so they get a full view of the lush lawn and colorful flowers. Once that is done, they are greeted by more guards who take them up the towering stairs, through the massive doors made of wood and metal that are decorated with the sun and crescent moon, down the halls occupied by only pillars of white and gold and stained glass telling tales of Equestria, and to the doors of the throne room.

Along the way, Tempest looks at the newest addition of the stained glass collection, which is of the Storm King Invasion. It doesn't show him shattering into pieces, but it does show a pointed stylized Twilight Sparkle breaking apart a storm cloud and scattering pitch black ships with the Storm King falling into a pit. Tempest Shadow is also there, but she is curled up with her hoof extended to Twilight like a sinner begging God to save them. It brings Tempest to wonder how much trouble she would get in if she accidentally threw a brick through it for completely messing up her part of the story.

That said, despite Tempest taking time to loathing the art she is still able to keep up with the group, and when the large double doors open to reveal the expansive throne room they are prompted for the final part of the time consuming tradition. Bowing to Princess Celestia and Luna. Though, while Twilight and her friends do it quickly and smoothly, Tempest chooses to stare at them without so much as a bend in her knees or a care of the glare Kibitz is giving her. But then Twilight slaps her on the back of the head with a magical hand, so she bows. Partially.

“Twilight, I'm so glad you were able to make it with everypony,” says Celestia from her plush red cushioned throne.

Luna, sitting on her midnight blue throne, yawns. “Yes, we are glad you are here, but we have to hurry. Time is of the essence.”

Twilight's group straightens their postures, and the young alicorn steps forward.

“What's wrong? Is there trouble?” asks Twilight urgently.

“No. I'm just not a day pony,” says Luna.

“There is something that we have to discuss, though,” says Celestia. “It is about an island that is in griffin territory.”

“An invasion? I knew it!” says Rainbow Dash.

“No, not an invasion.”

“A staging ground for an invasion?”

“No. There is a facility there that we need to discuss.”

“Like a military base preparing for an invasion?”

“No. I-”

“Or a facility that is preparing mutants for an invasion?”

“Rainbow Dash, there's no-”

“What if the griffins are building a super weapon... To prepare for an invasion!”

“THERE'S NO INVASION, YOU GAUDY HARLOT!” yells Luna in her Royal Canterlot Voice.

The ponies in the room blink, their manes blown back and their fur and feathers in disarray, and all their ears are ringing. Even Tempest is surprised by this, and is more surprised by the fact that the guards are unaffected and Celestia is calmly using a magically summoned q-tip to clean out her ear.

“Luna, please use your inside voice,” says Celestia. “Especially when you are sitting next to me.”

“She called me a harlot...” says Rainbow Dash, her ears drooped and eyes shimmering.

Fluttershy hugs Rainbow Dash with her wing.

“I'm sure she didn't mean it,” says Fluttershy.

“Anyway, we have much to discuss, so if you will please follow me to the library,” says Celestia.

Celestia and Luna descend from their thrones and lead the group through a set of double doors that takes them to a massive room lined with filled bookshelves and scroll racks. A pair of windows let in the sunlight and give a pleasant view of the city outside, and in the center of the room is a long table with enough chairs for everyone involved.

Sitting at the table with a cup of sweet tea and lemon is a snow white griffin whose age is shown by the wrinkles surrounding his golden eyes and the gray tips of his feathers. He is wearing a blue button up short sleeve shirt with a red ascot wrapped around his neck, and on the table next to his drink is a straw hat with a red band.

When the griffin sees the group, a sparkle illuminates his eyes and he stands up quickly while Celestia smiles and points at him as she looks at the group.

“Twilight Sparkle, friends, Fizzlepop Berrytwist-” begins Celestia.

Tempest glares at Pinkie Pie, which she returns with a sheepish smile and blush while the rest of the group looks at the cherry colored pony with confused looks.

“Her name is Fizzlepop? Lame,” whispers Rainbow Dash to Fluttershy.

“This is Dr. Test Tube Rack,” says Celestia, bringing the eyes back to her. “CEO and founder of Life Tree Incorporated.”

Twilight gasps gleefully and her wings snap wide open. “The Dr. Test Tube Rack? The leading geneticist in the whole wide world!? EeeeeEEeee!”

“Exposition,” coughs Pinkie Pie into her hoof.

“That I am, and it is nice to meet all of you,” says the griffin. He rushes around the table and grabs Twilight's hoof, shaking it hard and fast as he peers into her wide eyes. “Especially you, Ms. Twilight Sparkle. I'm a big fan of your work.”

“Princess,” corrects Luna.

“Its actually 'Missus'... And Princess... Missus Princess!” says Twilight.

“Anyway, I do believe we have an important business to discuss,” says Celestia. “Ladies, if you'll please have a seat.”

After the group sits down, a unicorn butler quickly sets down a cup of hot tea and a plate of crumpets in front of everyone. After the butler leaves, Test Tube claps and rubs his talons together.

“I know we are all very busy and very tired, so I will make this quick,” he says.

Luna yawns. “Please do.”

“I have an island 190 miles off the coast of Equestria and 120 miles off of Griffinheim, and on this island is a zoo of sorts. Or a cross of a theme park, zoo and a petting zoo. Nothing quite like it in the world!” says Test Tube. “I want to have it open to the public next year, provided that the lawyers don't kill me first. I don't really care for lawyers. Do you?”

Rarity hesitantly raises her hoof. “I don't mind them. I know a few lawyers that helped me get my businesses started in Ponyville, Canterlot and Manehatten. I'll have another boutique opening up in Fillydelphia soon, too. They are very helpful!”

“I see,” says Test Tube as he slowly rubs the bottom of his beak. “So, you must know your way around the law, then?”

Rarity chuckles. “Oh, I know a little here and there, but I don't know any international laws. I only know Equestrian business laws.”

“That's quite all right. The lawyer my investors sent me knows all about the boring international legal jargon, but here's the thing. I already got approval from the Griffinheim Parliament, but your Princess doesn't want Equestrian citizens going on the island without... eh... trusted opinions.” Test Tube smiles at Celestia. “Sorry for throwing you under the bus.”

Celestia offers an understanding smile. “It is okay. You didn't hurt my feelings.”

Luna yawns and rests her head on her hoof, her eyes glazing over, and Applejack leans forward, casting Test Tube a questionable look.

“So we go on the island. Inspect it, give it a yay or neigh and go home?” asks Applejack.

Test Tube nods.

Applejack puckers her lips and nods. “That don't sound too bad. How long will we be gone?”

“It will take about two weeks all together for travel and a thorough inspection,” says Test Tube.

“That sounds bad. I can't be off the farm that long.”

Celestia summons a pen and parchment and begins scribbling with quick, yet elegant strokes.

“I'll have help sent to your farm,” says Celestia.

“What about my Wonderbolts training? We got a show coming up!” says Rainbow Dash. “Not that I don't want to go to the island and all, because I do, but, you know? Obligations and stuff.”

“Also taken care of,” says Celestia.

“And my animals?” asks Fluttershy. “I don't think Discord can handle the responsibility.”

“I'll have Canterlot's best take care of them.”

“I can have Coco and Sweetie Belle watch over my business while I'm away,” says Rarity.

“And Spike and Flash can handle all the basic tasks of the castle,” says Twilight.

“And I can stock up on bug spray!” says Pinkie Pie, once again holding her mysterious red book.

“Oh, you won't have to worry about that. We will provide all the bug spray you need,” says Test Tube.

Pinkie Pie squints at him, her lips hooked in a suspicious frown and humming like a failing engine. This brings the griffin to return the squint, but more out of confusion than anything else. And as this happens Tempest taps the table.

“Can someone tell me why I'm here?” says Tempest.

“Ah, yes, Fizzlepop,” says Celestia brightly. “I think it will be good for you to get out and get a change of scenery. Maybe provide some security for your new friends.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow.

“It'll be fun,” adds Celestia.

“Babysitting isn't fun,” retorts Tempest.

“I'll make it fun,” says Pinkie Pie.

“You will give me a headache.”

Pinkie Pie snickers and pats Tempest's shoulder. “You know you love me.”

Tempest shakes her head, and returns her attention to Celestia. “Why do you want me as security? If this is only an exotic petting zoo then it should not be anything serious. Besides, I'm sure they can handle themselves if puppies and kittens get out of hand.”

Luna shudders and summons a coffee mug, a coffee pot and a mysterious bottle with two X's on its label, pours the contents of the pot and bottle in her cup and takes a big gulp.

“Can we please hurry this up, my sleep time is already being cut short by this lunacy,” says Luna.

“The soldier is right, you have nothing to worry about,” says Test Tube. “My facility has been built by the best in the field, and the security is top notch. The most you will have to worry about is waiting for your food and for the boat.”

“See? You will have an easy time! You can actually relax and enjoy something,” says Twilight to Tempest. She then looks at Test Tube with an eager smile. “When can we leave?”

“I would say... Probably now,” says Test Tube.

Then the double doors fly open and a group of unicorns march in pulling carts of luggage, each marked with the name and cutie mark of the owner of said luggage. One unicorn in particular is covered in soot, his hair is burnt, his face is covered in scratches and his limbs are bandaged, and he is pulling a cart of two suitcases marked with 'Tempest FPBT Shadow' and a '?' where the cutie mark should be. In Rarity's case her luggage requires two unicorns who are both sweating from magical exhaustion of carrying towers of metal cases decorated with gems, all held in place by multiple straps.

Seeing this, Twilight's group plus Luna slowly turns their eyes to Celestia, and the Sun Alicorn casually sips her tea.

“I may have jumped the gun a little bit,” says Celestia.

Griffintown, Manehatten, Equestria

Gene Flow has been with Pathway Corporation since the beginning. Most don't even know of its existence, and to the outside world it looks like a small medical company. But to those that keep it afloat, they know what it really is, and the pattern follows their rivals at Life Tree. A few thousand bits from overpriced national projects, some bits from medical charities, a little cash from donations by academics and scientists, slush funds from hospitals, pharmacies, salons, eateries, banks and other businesses, and of course a very generous and benign check from the military to pay for medical supplies.

In all actuality, not even the Royal Family knows of their existence, which is just the way Pathway and their investors like it. Secrecy has allowed them to do what they do and to sow the fields to their liking. That said, the trouble with secrecy is that it is hard to keep it. One wrong move coupled with an observant eye and everything can be unraveled, which is why Gene has been dreading this day.

Gene pushes open the door to a simple eatery and looks around for his contact. Him being a light blue unicorn stallion with a two toned white and green mane makes him an obvious unusual guest in the room full of griffins. Not even his dark suit, bulky saddle and hat can hide the fact that he does not belong, but at least his coat is long enough to hide his DNA shaped cutie mark, so he at least has that going for him.

As Gene looks at the crowd of various shades of brown and gray sitting at simple tables with wobbly ceiling fans spaced unevenly around the lobby, a familiar voice calls him.

“Gene, over here!” hollers a griffin with sandy fur and dark brown feathers sitting in the corner and waving at him.

Gene looks at the griffin, and after he waves again Gene releases an irritated sigh and walks towards his contact. The griffin is finishing off the last of a steak sitting in a pool of sauce in his plate, and next to him are two more empty plates with crumbs, vegetable bits and a thin layer of cheese sauce, plus an empty cup. However, Gene's eyes are locked on the slab of meat that is being cut up by the griffin. It is making his stomach churn, despite him spending all morning trying to prepare for the meeting.

Gene has to take a moment to regain his breath after witnessing the griffin slice off another piece of the steak. Thin streaks of red run out and dribble on the plate, and when the griffin motions him to sit using his knife he removes the saddle bag from his harness and puts it next to his seat. Immediately a young waitress griffin comes over, with a pad and pen at the ready.

“Chip said you would come. Right on time, too,” says the waitress with a well practiced smile and playful tone.

Gene shoots a condemning look at the griffin, Chip Off.

“Did he?” says Gene.

“I did,” says Chip. “Bring my friend a sweet tea and a garden salad. These ponies can't handle real food.”

The waitress scribbles the information down and leaves with a lively speed, and Gene watches her until he can no longer turn his head before looking back at Chip. The griffin is chewing the last of his steak and he points at Gene's hat with his knife.

“You going for a secret agent look?” asks Chip.

“You shouldn't have called my name,” says Gene. “Much less told anybody I would be here.”

“Relax, nobody knows who you are. But-” Chip yanks off Gene's hat “-dressing like a secret agent will draw some attention.”

Gene uses his magic to yank his hat away from Chip, bringing the griffin to shake his head and start stacking his plates.

“Lighten up,” says Chip.

“This is very serious business we are doing, and we are doing it in a stupid place.”

Chip lays the cup sideways on the stack of plates. “How many times will I have to tell you to relax? And where's the money?”

Gene nudges his saddle toward Chip, which is quickly snatched up and inspected.

“Twenty nine thousand five hundred bits worth of Equestrian trusted notes,” says Gene while Chip pulls out a wad of tightly bound bills and runs his talons through them. “You will get another two thousand for each viable embryo.”

Chip tosses the wad down and inspects another one.

“You will get them all,” says Chip.

“They have to be in perfect condition when we get them. Anything less will be useless to us,” says Gene.

Chip tosses the bills back, zips up the bag and puts it on his lap.

“You will get them,” says Chip. “But the boat has to be on time at the location we discussed, not a minute later or earlier.”

The waitress returns with a tray carrying a prepacked salad and a cup of sweet tea heavy on the ice, and the two smile politely at her as she sets the items down, plus a receipt and takes the stack of dishes. After she leaves their smiles disappear and they lock eyes again, only this time Gene is levitating a blue and white striped can of Flim Flam Dye Gel from his other saddle.

“This will store the embryos for up to thirty six hours,” says Gene. He unscrews the bottom, pulls out a small circular rack and pushes a small button at the top that splits the slots to add a second layer, which when he does that the device makes a quick and sharp screech. “It can hold up to twelve and it can get past customs.”

He closes the slots, screws the device back into its case and gives it to Chip, who them sprays a glob of light blue gel on his hand. He looks at the gel for a moment before grabbing a napkin next to Gene's salad and wipes his hand off.

“That makes my job a lot easier,” says Chip while tossing the napkin back to Gene's side and ignoring the frown he got from the stunt.

“It was the easiest and best way to get them. But how do you plan on getting around the security?” asks Gene.

“I have my ways. Just make sure the boat is on the Eastern Dock, seven in the morning sharp,” says Chip. He stands up, tosses the can in his bag of money, clips the bag to his saddle, and then puts on a black hat and walks past Gene so he can pat him on the shoulder. “Bill is yours. Don't forget to tip the lady.”

Gene watches Chip weave his way between the tables, and when he exits the restaurant Gene looks at the receipts, then shakes his head and slumps in his seat.

“That son of a bitch.”

There are universally known facts in the world, such as a fish needs water, a carnivore needs meat, unicorns need frequent quiet times, earth ponies need lots of food, and pegasi need lots of space. In fact, confining a pegasus in a small space for long periods of time is a recipe for disaster. Case in point, Rainbow Dash wrecking her room due to a sheer panic attack and zipping back and forth in blurs of colors after being stuck on a boat for many days.

“Aaaaauuugghhhhhhh~ Why is this taking so long!?” groans Rainbow Dash. She runs to the round window of the ship and presses her hoofs against the cold, lifeless steel wall, pressing her snout against said window as she looks longingly at the open sky. “How much longer are we going to be on this tub!?”

Fluttershy has the misfortune of sharing a room with Rainbow Dash, and she has a bucket next to her bed, which is a good thing since her face has turned green no thanks to the boat's rocking. Like clockwork, the boat will tip one way, and then groan and tip the other way, and foamy water will splash against the window, pushing the boat back the other way. How Rainbow Dash is not sick from this is leaving Fluttershy just a bit envious, but between being sick and angry she would honestly pick being sick. There are more sympathy points for being sick.

“We should be close to the... The...” Fluttershy's cheeks puff and she dips her head in the bucket and releases a horrid sound of sloshy, chunky, liquid that splashes inside the bucket. When she pulls back, her face is still green and her mane is hanging in front of her face like ripped string and her pupils are tiny dots. “Oh goodness, I-I don't think I can take much more of this...”

And as if the universe has heard the pain of the pair, the boat's horn blares, bringing the two to jump and for Fluttershy to almost knock over her bucket of vomit. Luckily she catches it and hurries it off to the bathroom.

“Don't forget to flush that,” says Rainbow Dash.

Then the door swings opens and Twilight jumps in, smiling bright like a polished diamond in sunlight.

“Good news! We're nearing the island!” says Twilight.

“Finally,” huffs Rainbow Dash.

There is another gagging and disgusting splashing, followed by a flush, and Fluttershy staggers out of the bathroom, still green and having to use the wall for support.

“Can I have some medicine?” asks Fluttershy weakly, looking at Twilight with watery eyes.

“You'll be fine,” says Twilight.

The alicorn's horn glows and the door slams shut, and Fluttershy's ears droop.

“Oh... Okay...” she says.

Applejack is laying on her back on her bed, stetson covering her eyes and her hoofs over her barrel, fully relaxed from the gentle rocking of the boat. Or she was until the horn blew, and now she can hear Rarity's hoofs clip clopping back and forth at a fast pace, and she can also hear the sparkly humming fairy fru-fru sound Rarity's horn makes when she is using her magic.

“This is so exciting! I can't wait to get pictures!” says Rarity. “Sweetie Belle would love to see all the exotic animals and flowers. I wonder if they will let me take a flower or two back? She was already jealous of me going without her, but next year when this is actually open then I will definitely take her.”

“We ain't even done anything yet,” says Applejack. “For all we know this could just be a big scam and the petting zoo is just a bunch of bird cages and fake lizards.”

Applejack's hat is lifted off her head by Rarity's aura, and the farmer gets a full view of the fashionista's purple eyes and curly lavender mane, and a nose full of her expensive lilac perfume.

“Don't be a pessimist,” says Rarity. “This is a great opportunity for us to actually do something without our lives being in danger for once. I mean, it is a petting zoo. What's the worst that can happen?”

Applejack snatches her hat back. “The doc said the place is a mix of a theme park, zoo and petting zoo, and I admit I want it work, but to say that everything is fine without actually inspecting anything is asking for trouble.”

The door suddenly flies open and Twilight barges in, knocking over a stack of Rarity's luggage without a care.

“We're about to dock!” says Twilight, and then she leaps out and slams the door shut with her magic, leaving the two occupants to stare at the door.

“Thanks for knocking,” mutters Applejack.

Tempest Shadow is laying on her bed, hoofs pressed firmly in the mattress and her eyes sliding side to side as she reads a complementary book that was stuffed in the dresser drawer of her and Pinkie's room. So far she has felt only regret in reading the abysmally boring work of literature; but then again she has never liked William Quillpen's stories and books being adapted after his godawful plays was a disaster she should have seen coming. However, reading kills time, and time is boring, so it all boils down to a big whatever. And as Tempest reads this particular story of some king who got betrayed by his bratty daughters, she hears Pinkie Pie bouncing around and talking, but she has not been paying attention to a single thing she has said. In fact, she has not been paying attention to anything.

“Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah,” says Pinkie Pie.

“Mhm,” hums Tempest as she flips the page of her book.

“Blah blah. Blaaaaaah. Blah blah blah. Blah blah. Blah.”

“Yep.”

“Blah blah blah. Blah?”

“Sure.”

Suddenly, pink hoofs wrap around her neck and she is pulled in for a hug that nearly pulls her off the bed and squeezes the air out of her.

“Yay! I knew you would say yes!” says Pinkie Pie, her fluffy cheek rubbing against Tempest's rough cheek.

Tempest gags and tries to pry Pinkie Pie off of her, but she is quickly reminded of the notorious earth pony strength. “What are you talking about?”

Then the door bangs against the wall and Twilight slides in.

“Girls, we're about to-” Twilight stops and her ears and wings perk as she looks at Pinkie Pie nuzzling Tempest. “Oh... Am I interrupting-?”

“Yes. Get lost,” says Tempest sharply.

“Oh... We're about to dock.”

“I heard. Get out. Now.”

“Right. Bye!”

Twilight closes the door, and Tempest looks at Pinkie out of the corner of her eye, mostly because she cannot move her head since they are still cheek to cheek.

“You can let go of me now,” says Tempest.

“But I like your cheek. Its like rubbing a beard,” says Pinkie.

Tempest's broken horn sparks and Pinkie Pie slides away from her.

“I think I'm going to get ready for some exploration.”

Twilight scampers on to the deck of the ship, her pearly white teeth exposed from her wide grin, her wings at full mast, and her hoofs rapidly tapping against the deck as she paces back and forth, whimpering with excitement and gazing at the majestic island. Lush tropical trees cover its towering jagged mountains, surrounding the green island are many jagged rocks of all shapes and sizes each with a small red light on them, and waiting for the boat is a simple dock with a red roofed, white lighthouse overlooking it. The dock also has a small block shaped building, and behind that is a large wall with thick gates and a pair of bulky lights covered in grates and a round cap.

“You haven't seen anything, yet,” says Test Tube as he approaches Twilight. “I spared no expenses with this park, so my investors will definitely be getting their money's worth plus some.”

“This is great! What kind of animals will we see?” asks Twilight.

Test Tube smirks. “That would ruin the surprise. But with a mare like yourself who values science, I can guarantee you that you will love it.”

“Oh, I can't wait!”

The rest of the group walks on the deck, each cringing in their own way when the horn blows again.

“Can't I just fly over there?” asks Rainbow Dash.

“Nope. Security will have you in a net quicker than you can blink,” says Test Tube.

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “As if.”

“All of the island security is ex military, ex law enforcement, or professional hunters. My Lead Security Officer actually successfully bagged the world's largest chupacabre! He has it on display at the Griffinstone Museum.”

“Your security seems a bit excessive for a petting zoo,” says Tempest.

“And a theme park,” adds Applejack.

Test Tube shrugs. “What can I say? Safety first.” Then he looks at Fluttershy, who is leaning over the railing, her green face hidden by the sweaty pink locks of her mane and a groan leaving her lips. “What's her deal?”

“She's sea sick,” says Rainbow Dash.

“Ah, she'll be fine,” says Test Tube with a dismissive wave.

Fluttershy hiccups.

“So for the order of business,” says Test Tube. “We dock, we check in, and I show you a few great things and then its lunch, then more great things, and then dinner, maybe one more great thing if we have time, and then bed. The next day we explore the island some more. Rinse repeat. All until the next boat arrives five days from now.”

“Are there gift shops?” asks Pinkie Pie.

“Yes,” says Test Tube. “Five, in fact. One for each section of the park.”

Pinkie Pie grins and rubs her hoofs. “Excellent.”

Several minutes later the boat successfully glides towards the dock, where a scrawny griffin swoops in and uses a rope to tie the boat down. A ramp is then pushed to the boat and the group trots on down, except for Rainbow Dash who has decided to fly off and land in front of everyone, giving the irritated guards a smug look with her feathers and fluff puffed out to display her pride in the stunt. Pinkie Pie also has decided to forgo the ramp entirely and leaps over the railing, bounces on top of Rainbow Dash's head, thus pushing her into the dock, and gallops ahead towards the small building by the gate.

She slides to a stop and spins to face the group, grinning ear to ear. “FIRST!”

Twilight smiles and shakes her head, and as she and the rest of her group walks towards the building Test Tube leans close to her.

“She's certainly excited,” he says.

“It's easy to get her excited,” says Twilight.

“Well I'm going to remind you that safety is very important here. We can't have her running off like that or your friend-” Test Tube looks at Rainbow Dash “-flying where she shouldn't.”

Rainbow Dash returns his look with a roll of her eyes, and when they reach the short building they are guided inside by Test Tube. There they are met with a very bland room with a ceiling fan, small tropical trees in the corner, and a bored griffin sitting in a booth with metal grates over the window. Above the window is a simple sign that reads: CHECK IN

“Here is where we check in,” says Test Tube. “We turn in the tickets here, and print and sign and date in the book. Give it a try.”

Twilight goes up first and smiles at the griffin, who is old and frail and meets her optimistic smile with a near blank stare.

“Hi! I'm here for the inspection,” says Twilight.

“Tickets, please,” says the griffin.

“Eh... We didn't get any.”

“The old coot is finally learning,” says Test Tube.

He puts down a small stack of tickets, one for each member of the party, and the old griffin slides a book towards them. As they sign in, Tempest presses her hoof against the metal grates, followed by taping her hoof against the concrete barrier and the steel door leading to the ticket room. This brings Test Tube to raise a brow.

“Is there a problem, Ms. Shadow?” asks Test Tube.

“What are you hiding on this island?” asks Tempest.

Test Tube scowls. “The only thing I am hiding are the animals, which you all will love when you actually see them. You might even love our main attraction.”

Tempest hums skeptically and Rarity approaches Test Tube after she signs the guest book.

“The workers, do they live here?” asks Rarity.

“Yes. One year contracts,” replies Test Tube. “But we are currently operating on a skeleton crew. A couple of Chefs, a couple of security, and our facility maintenance team. Oh, and a few interns from various universities.”

“Unionized?”

“Of course! Unions are mandatory under griffin law.”

“Insurance?”

“Mandatory under griffin law.”

“Paid vacation and sick leave?”

“Griffin law.”

“What about communications?”

“We have radio towers and a mail boat that arrives on a weekly basis.”

Rarity smiles. “You thought of everything, haven't you?”

Test Tube returns the smile. “I have. Is everyone signed in?”

“I signed in calligraphy!” boasts Pinkie Pie.

“That's nice. Let's head outside.”

The group is led outside and immediately spot a convoy of four vehicles, all painted in yellow tinted camouflage with thick wheels and rectangular features. Their roofs are open and all of them have large headlights, and on their doors is a logo with DINO-PARK written in white inside a black bar. Behind the black bar is a red circle with a white dinosaur skull on it. Each vehicle also has a driver waiting for them, with one in particular catching all of their eyes.

This griffin has a solid build with height and muscle, is colored black with white tipped wings and white spots peppering his plumage, and he is wearing a simple safari hat and has a belt of pouches slung around his chest, which includes a sheathed knife and a box with a red “+” on it. The vehicle he is leaning against has in its passenger seat a large rifle with a fat scope, a revolving chamber a suppressor on the barrel, and “SECURITY” in bold red letters is painted next to the park logo on the door.

When the girls see him, they all stare at him with various levels of intrigue with Rarity not being shy about her nearly drooling over his physique. However, Fluttershy is unfortunately having to use one of the vehicles for support, so she only gets to see the gravel.

“This is my Lead Security Officer, Guillermo da Costa Castell,” says Dr. Rack. “He specializes in killing things and keeping order in the park.”

“Ladies, it is nice to have you here,” says Guillermo. He steps forward and shakes each of their hoofs, getting their names in the process, but when he is by Fluttershy he looks at her quizzically and keeps his talons away. “What's wrong with you?”

“She's sea sick,” says Rainbow Dash.

“We got some medicine at the guest center that should help with that.”

Fluttershy barely lifts a wing for a wave. “Thank you.”

“Please, everyone pick a jeep,” says Test Tube. “I promise none of the drivers bite.”

So the girls all get in their vehicles, with Pinkie and Tempest taking the one in the back, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy taking the next one up, Twilight and Test Tube taking the one after, and Rarity nearly leaping into the security vehicle Guillermo is driving. Applejack is the last one to pick a vehicle, and she decides to hitch a ride with Rarity, but unlike Rarity she does not leap inside. Rather she goes in with some dignity.

“So, Guillermo,” purrs Rarity as she leans out of her seat, nearly going cheek to cheek with the griffin. “That's an interesting name for a griffin. Where are you from?”

“Iberia,” replies Guillermo as he starts the engine.

“Are you single? Surely a good looking griffin like yourself can't be single. Who's the lucky lady?”

Guillermo looks at Applejack. “Is she always like this?”

“Yep,” says Applejack. She adjusts her posture to be more refined and flashes an easygoing smile. “But ya ain't gotta worry about me. I ain't like that... At all... Nope. Not at all.”

Guillermo shoulders slouch. “Great.”

In the back of the convoy, Tempest sits in the front passenger seat, ignoring the uneasy stare the griffin driver is giving her. Rather her attention is focused on the rear view mirror, watching Pinkie's tail swish as she digs into the trunk.

“First aid, map, signal flare, signal flare, food bars, aaaaaand... Ha! Bi-Noc-U-Lars!” says Pinkie Pie. She turns around with the binoculars over her eyes and looks at Tempest. “You got dirt on your face.”

Tempest knocks the binoculars out of Pinkie's hoofs.

“Now that was uncalled for,” says Pinkie Pie.

Fluttershy gulps down a bottle of water given to her by her driver, and then rests her head against the door, sighing and shivering.

“Are you sure I'm just sea sick?” asks Fluttershy.

“Yeah, you were fine until you got on the boat. You'll live, trust me,” says Rainbow Dash. She leans half of her body out to look down the line of vehicles. “Come on come on come on. What's taking so long?”

The driver starts the vehicle and Rainbow Dash grins and bangs on the door.

“Yes! Put some gas in this thing! I want to see it fly!”

“Can we go nice and steady, please?” asks Fluttershy.

“But that'll be boring!”

“I like boring, though.”

The driver sighs, reaches over to the front passenger seat, and puts a stetson on Fluttershy's head.

“There you go. That'll keep the light out of your eyes and I'll go slow so you'll be able to get a quick nap on the road,” says the driver.

“Thank you,” says Fluttershy.

“Yeah yeah, that's nice and all, but what's taking so long with these people?” complains Rainbow Dash. She looks down the line again and stretches her neck out. “Hey, move it! We're burning daylight!”

In Twilight's vehicle, she is sitting next to Test Tube in the back seat. She has her hoofs hooked on the back of the front passenger seat and is looking at the security vehicle impatiently.

“What is he waiting for?” asks Twilight.

“He does this all the time,” says Dr. Rack. “He is the kind of griffin that will wait until his favorite song is over before doing anything.”

Then the security vehicle starts to pull forward and the metal gate in front of them slides open. Its opening is surprisingly smooth, barely making a sound as it goes across the ground, and the mud splashes around the tires when the vehicle drives off the docking area and into the dirt road.

After a couple of minutes of driving down the road, passing thick trees with large leafs hanging them to provide shade, they come across a massive wooden double door towering thirty feet high with two large lit torches on top that have an arch connecting them that reads: DINO-PARK.

Such a sight sucks the air right out of Twilight's lungs.

“You like that, don't you?” says Test Tube proudly. “The fire inspector was a real pain for that feature, but we got it to work.”

“That. Is. Cool! I wish I had a camera!”

The vehicles come to a stop, giving the doors enough time to slide open. They groan loudly, but each passing second grows Twilight's smile, and when the doors are fully open the vehicles proceed. The road turns from dirt and mud to pavement after that, and on either side of the road are two sharp inclined gray rock walls with thin green lines like blood veins covering them. Beyond that, miles of open green hills blessed with the light of a rising sun and a warm wind brushing through the grass.

“That is also cool. I have never seen rocks like that before,” says Twilight, completely fixated on the rocks rather than the open scenery.

“Ah, yes, those rocks are beautiful,” says Test Tube. “When we were constructing the park we had to demolish thousands of tons of them. We reused what we could for cosmetics and what we couldn't use we sold. They are quite valuable.”

Twilight giggles. “Now you are just showing off.”

Test Tube shrugs. “What can I say? I'm proud of what I built.”

Tempest is not easily impressed. She has seen many things over the years, a lot of which was mediocre or downright stupid. The stuff she was usually impressed with usually nearly killed her, but today is different. Today she is impressed by a large door. She does not know why, but that DINO-PARK double door entrance has her eyes wide and the wet wipe she is using to clean her face falls out of her magical grip. Why she is this impressed by a door she may never know, but right now she wishes she had her camera. But it is currently locked away in her travel case, which she did not pack therefore it does not have all the pieces. One of Celestia's slaves did the packing, and she had to redo her travel case on the boat to be organized how she likes it. Luckily what was packed of her camera didn't break or else heads would have been severed.

But cameras and heads aside. Door. Big. Cool. Tempest likes it. Maybe she can get a group picture with her, Pinkie and Twilight standing in front of it before they leave.

“Whoa, stop the car! Hold on a second!” says Pinkie Pie in a fit of panic, leaning out the vehicle with perked ears and a stiff posture.

“Sorry, we got to keep going. We have a schedule and Dr. Rack likes his schedules,” says the driver.

“What is it?” says Tempest, her slack jawed whimsical face now replaced with worry.

Pinkie Pie points at the rock wall they are driving past. “Those rocks are ampelosites!”

“So?”

“Ampelosites are also called 'Unicorns Curse' because they are stones that produce a natural magic nullification field around them which means the more ampelosites are around the weaker a unicorn's magic becomes which is why ampelosites are used for horn cuffs and are heavily regulated in Equestria and if there is that many ampelosites in this area then that means this island is probably loaded with them which means Twilight, Rarity and you will have a hard time using your magic if at all! You probably won't be able to levitate anything heavier than a book!”

Tempest looks ahead and furrows her brows. “That's interesting.”

“Uh... I just want to say, I had no idea about this,” says the driver. “I'm just an intern.”

Tempest slowly looks at him, and he tightens his grip on the steering wheel.

“I'll keep driving,” says the intern.

“If you ever want to visit Equestria I know my way around every major city,” says Rarity, still leaning over so she has a good look at Guillermo. “I also know the best restaurants and stores, and have a personal relationship with Princess Celestia and Luna themselves!”

Guillermo exhales heavily, but stays quiet.

“Not everypony wants to see big cities,” counters Applejack. “'Sides, he's more of a country guy. I can tell. He likes the rustic life style and the country girls. Ain't that right?”

Applejack pushes Rarity out of the way, and bats her lashes at the griffin, and smiling playfully at him while the tip of her tail flicks.

“I think this is an inappropriate conversation,” says Guillermo.

“I'm just having a friendly talk,” says Applejack. “By the way, I got a barn. Its big. You'll love it. And I'm really good at making pies and taking care of my guests.”

“And I'm all that, plus rich and beautiful,” says Rarity.

“Ya couldn't make a pie if your mane depended on it!”

“On the contrary, my dear Applejack, I actually took baking lessons.”

Guillermo sulks in his seat. “Why me?”

Fluttershy is pressed against the door, and she has her eyes closed and covered by the stetson, plus her wings are covering her tightly curled body to shield her and the hat from the wind. She still feels light headed and like her stomach is spinning, and now she is getting a pain in her lower back that she is hoping is because of her position. This discomfort is not made any better when Rainbow Dash begins poking her quick and hard, and despite her doing her best to ignore the hard jabs against her ribs and shoulders it becomes increasingly more difficult with every poke.

“Oh, look at the door!” says Rainbow Dash.

Poke-poke-poke.

“Look at the door!”

Poke-poke-poke.

“Come on, Flutters, you're going to miss the door!”

With a heavy groan, Fluttershy reluctantly uncurls herself and looks up just in time to see the arch overhead, and when she turns her head to see the door shutting she curls back in her seat.

“That was lovely,” says Fluttershy.

“You didn't even see it,” mutters Rainbow Dash.

Twilight has her nose buried in a map she found in the back of the jeep. From what the map is telling her the island is 120 miles long and sixty miles at its widest point, it has a tear dropped shaped with a collection of mountains on the back, plains near the front (which also has the dock), and a small rain forest to the east and a bay to the west. Granted, the whole island is not developed, but each area that is is walled off and the map has the roads marked, as well as attractions, visitor centers and other structures of importance. Needless to say, getting five days to explore the facility actually seems to be too little of amount of time for a thorough investigation now that Twilight actually has a grasp of what has been built.

“How did you get the money to build this?” asks Twilight, her eyes focusing on the “Safari” section, which includes a cafeteria and a small visitor center.

“I have a lot of investors,” replies Test Tube. “It also helps to have a good reputation in this sort of field, but I need more than just my reputation to get this park open.”

He then leans over and points at the radio built into the dashboard.

“Gary, radio please,” says Test Tube.

The driver gives him the radio, and after he grabs it he points towards rolling hills off the road that have a thirty foot fence with thick cords between the posts and coils up top. The vehicle then takes a steady turn, giving Twilight a small bump when it bounces off the road and begins its journey through the lush green grass.

“Guillermo and team, it is time for the first attraction,” says Test Tube.

“Copy that,” says Guillermo over the radio.

The remaining vehicles follow Test Tube's lead through the field, each bumping a bit as they go off the road.

“One of the attractions will be a safari, which will be unlike anything in the world!” claims Test Tube. “The interns will basically ferry the guests around the designated area and everybody will see the animals. I also made sure they were perfectly harmless. Their sizes might surprise you, though.”

The vehicles stop in front of the gate in the wall, and when it slides open they go through one by one and travel for a few more minutes before they glide to a stop. As they slow down, Twilight's eyes get wider and her heart beats faster with a pressure building in her chest and throat.

The ground thumps, and thumps again, and Twilight brings her hoof up to cover her smile and choked laugh. The ground thumps again and a gentle, yet loud, call shakes her ears, bringing her eyes to mist over and her hoofs to tremble.

“This can't be real,” says Twilight.

Tempest Shadow's orchid colors have paled, and her back is pressed hard against the seat. Despite wanting to see anything other than what is in front of her, her eyes refuse to break away from it. She barely registers Pinkie Pie sticking her face next to hers and having her puffy pink mane brushing her cheek. Pinkie Pie is also speechless, and that is a terrible sign for Tempest.

Fluttershy's ear twitches with the thump, and then her ear twitches again as another thump shakes her. She cracks her eyes open and peeks out from her wing, and immediately perks up. Rainbow Dash has hooked herself on the bar of the jeep and her wings have come to full mast, but she does not move while Fluttershy scrambles out of the jeep and follows Twilight when she exits her jeep. As the two fight their bodies to keep from running they have to crane their necks and tilt their heads back to get a good look at the fifty foot creature.

The massive, quadruped reptile with a thick body, incredibly long neck and a small head walks past them without a care, its columnar legs moving with grace and its long muscular tail kept straight as it walks. Its loud yet gentle call shakes Fluttershy to the bone, and she falls to her haunches pointing at it with looking at Twilight, completely breathless with a smile on her face.

“Its a dinosaur,” stammers Fluttershy. “Its a real brachiosauraus.”

“Look at the height! A-a-and its neck and tail! Down to the book!” Twilight traces the body with her hoof. “Cold blooded, thick hide, the trunk is huge, the legs are perfectly portioned for its height and weight, this has to be an adult. A living, breathing, healthy adult brachiosauraus!”

It makes a call again and approaches tall, slender trees that exceed its height, and Fluttershy laughs and brings her hoofs to her mouth as her wings flutter.

“That is amazing. I can't believe this is real,” says Fluttershy softly.

Fluttershy then gasps and pulls Twilight close to her when the brachiosauraus stands on its hind legs to reach the upper leafs of the tree. Its stretches its slender neck, grabs a mouthful of leafs and pulls. The tree bends and groans, and when the branches snap loose the tree swings back and the dinosaur brings its legs down, shaking the earth with a massive thud that rattles the vehicles and everyone's body.

Twilight and Fluttershy can barely breathe at this point from what they have seen, and when they hear distant calls of the same type they look in the distance and see a herd of brachiosaurauses and other smaller dinosaurs by a body of water, swimming and drinking.

“This place is a gold mine,” says Rarity.

They didn't even see her or Applejack or the rest of the group (minus Tempest) walk up to them with Test Tube, but the girls stay back while the griffin stands next to Twilight.

“Princess Twilight, welcome to Dino-Park,” says Dr. Rack.

“How did you do this?” asks Twilight breathlessly.

Test Tube gives her shoulder a light squeeze. “I'll show you.”

No amount of writing can do that scene justice.

It has taken the convoy a few minutes to reach their destination, which is a four story circular building with dinosaur skeletons etched into the walls and a roof designed to have a thatch appearance, even though it is just slabs of wood connected by steel straps and strong sealant. The entrance is a pair of metal doors with small glass fragments that make a sun with its beams extending to the edges, and surrounding the structure is a small moat with little islands and floating plants, and it is occupied by ducks swimming and quacking. The convoy crosses the moat by going over a small arching bridge and they stop next to a group of griffins that quickly open the doors for them.

“This is the Visitor Center, which also serves as a hotel,” says Test Tube. “And before you ask, we already have your luggage in your rooms.”

“And what if we want to sleep alone?” asks Tempest.

“Easy fix at the front counter.”

“Is this where the gift shop is?” asks Pinkie Pie.

“It is, but first we're going to watch a video that will explain how I was able to bring dinosaurs to life.”

Test Tube leads the group through the double doors and the first thing they see in the spacious lobby is the black skeleton of a thirty foot tall beast with a large head, tiny arms and a big tail and legs standing in front of a large glass wall that shows the open field and distant mountains of the island. The skeleton is positioned to look like it is roaring, and above it is a yellow banner with green stripes and WELCOME TODINO-PARK printed on it.

Rainbow Dash tilts her head up and whistles. “Neato.”

Test Tube stops and smiles at the skull, but the smile is not the relaxed one he has usually displayed. This one is burdened with a weight that dims the brightness in his eyes.

“My wife dug that up in the Equestrian Badlands,” says Test Tube. “It was her first big find after she graduated from the National Paleontologist University. I actually met her on the digging site when I was doing work in Equestria.”

“Where's your wife? I'd like to meet her,” says Twilight.

“Buried at the Highland Community Cemetery back home.”

Twilight's ears droop. “Oh. I'm sorry.”

“It is all right, but let's get your keys and then we can watch the video and continue with the tour.”

Test Tube goes ahead and the rest of the group follows after him, but Twilight stays behind to stare the skeleton, feeling ashamed of having been so careless about her question. Twilight sighs and walks closer to the skeleton, taking note of how it is held together with glue and bolts and surrounded by rocks and fake grass to give it a somewhat authentic feel. There is also an obsidian plaque with gold letters that read:

Twilight smiles thinly and brushes her hoof against the letters and looks up at the skeleton again. However, before she can make any decent observations she hears Test Tube calling her, so she takes a few paces, gives the skeleton one last look, and then gallops to the group.

The group is led to a small theater with red chairs and cold gray walls with strips of lights running along the ceiling, and the park logo with a pink tint is projected on a screen.

“Everyone have a seat,” says Test Tube.

The ponies all take a seat, but Guillermo walks up to the older griffin and whispers in his ear. The doctor nods, bids him a farewell and after Guillermo leaves he smiles at the group, who are giving him confused looks.

“Guillermo has other tasks to do. We'll see him again in a little bit,” says Test Tube.

“What kind of tasks?” asks Applejack. “Will he need any help? I can be helpful.”

“I think he can handle his task.”

“I'm just saying maybe he needs help. Plus, it can count for the park inspection.”

Pinkie Pie kicks the back of Applejack's chair. “Hey! Quiet! I want to see the movie!”

Applejack glares at Pinkie Pie and Test Tube sighs, goes to a podium in the back and pushes a few buttons. First, the group is locked in their chairs by a bars that slide out from the back of the chairs in front of them. After that the lights shut off, the screen goes dark, and then a loud, ear shattering hum and horn shakes the chamber, followed by a bland logo of CCSS, followed by the park logo replacing it a few seconds later.

“The audience is now deaf,” says Pinkie Pie in a deep voice.

After saying this, a sequence of numbers begins counting down, with each number being accompanied by a beep.

“Hello, tourists! Are you ready to put your friends and family to shame with knowledge!?” says an aggressively energetic male on the blank screen. A voice that is recognized by most of the group.

“Is that Iron Will?” asks Fluttershy.

“As a matter of fact it is,” says Test Tube. “It cost a lot of money and a serious headache to get him to do this.”

“Good! Learning is fun! It is the gym of your brain and for the first exercise to make you smarter than your inferiors we are going to learn about DNA with my friend, Mr. D,” says Iron Will.

A swirl of colorful blocks fly into view and create a loosely connected stick figure with big round eyes, a bright smile and white gloved hands. “Hello, I'm Mr. D the DNA Strand.”

Pinkie Pie giggles while Applejack looks side to side with an uneasy smile and Tempest slouches in her seat and snorts out hot air.

“So, Mr. D, what is DNA?” asks Iron Will.

“Well, Mr. Narrator, DNA can either have a complicated answer, or an easy one,” says Mr. D. “If we were to talk about all the complexities of DNA then we would be here for hours, and I know you don't want to sit here and listen to me talk for very long, so I will use the simple version.”

Mr. D slides to the side and waves into existence a drop of blood, which then zooms in to show an innumerable amounts of him crammed inside, all talking and pushing against each other.

“DNA holds the blueprint of life, and just one drop of blood contains billions of strands of DNA like me!” says Mr. D. “And some of the animals that went extinct, like dinosaurs, left their blueprints behind for us to find.”

“And where did we find you, Mr. D?”

“I'm glad you asked!”

Tempest rests her cheek on her hoof, but it does nothing to alleviate the growing blood pressure and the need to find any reason to walk out on the terrible acting. Judging from the expressions of everyone else, Tempest knows she is not alone in her loathing of the acting. However, unsurprisingly, Twilight and Pinkie Pie are fully engrossed in the video with the former having a wide smile and the latter eating from a bowl of popcorn that she managed to pull out of thin air.

Meanwhile, the video zooms out and Mr. D pulls out a photo album, flips it to the page he wants and turns it so the audience can see the picture of a mosquito.

“65 million years ago there were mosquitoes just like we have today-”

He flips the page to a mosquito sucking the blood from a generic, chubby and long necked green dinosaur eating a leaf.

“-And they would suck on the blood of dinosaurs-”

The page flips to two pictures. The first is of the mosquito flying away full of blood, and the next is it landing on a branch covered in sap.

“-And sometimes they would land on a tree, get stuck in its sap and be perfectly preserved for us to find.”

“That's awesome! They used the blood from mosquitoes to make dinosaurs! But how did they do that? Won't all that blood mixing be like trying to separate fruit punch from cherry soda?” asks Iron Will.

Tempest blows a steady stream of hot air through her nose as her drooped eyes stare ahead and her armored hoof digs into her cheek. Not even Pinkie offering her some popcorn can save her from the agitation she is facing.

On the screen, Mr. D closes the book, makes it disappear with a snap, and then he pulls the background away, and with it goes the screen to show a group of griffins and ponies wearing white labcoats and thick gloves carefully working at lab stations crowded with test tubes, bulky equipment, charts, graphs, models, and so on. Some are even working on equipment with data scrolling across the screens and typing information on pads. The walls in the area are white washed and brightly lit, and behind them is a large locked tube with the biohazard symbol painted on its entrance, plus a thermostat on its door.

“Here at Dino-park, the specially trained geneticists and the super computers built by the finest minds are able to separate and recreate these DNA strands,” says Mr. D over the speakers. “And with the power of genetic technology they are able to bridge gaps in the DNA sequences using frogs, giving the world the first dinosaurs in 65 million years and the greatest leap in scientific discovery!”

And just like that, Twilight's smile disappears, and Rarity looks at Test Tube curiously.

“Are those real scientists? Or are they actors?” asks Rarity.

“They are real scientists. The best in the world,” says Test Tube.

Fluttershy coughs into her hoof, now wishing she remembered about the medicine and internally kicking herself for being distracted by the brachiosauraus. Then comes a sudden jolt that feels like a punch to the gut and a severing of the brain. The seats move along a rail system, and Fluttershy rests her head on the chair in front of her, trying to suck in air and ease her light head. In doing so, she notices an elevated platform with a thick patch of hay and a ring of heating lamps shining down on them. And in the hay are a group of eggs that are being observed by a gray unicorn stallion with an ashy black mane and white spots on his ears and around his eyes.

“On to the next part! We're going to talk about herbivorous dinosaurs!” says Iron Will over the speaker. “They are friendly, like a house cat or parrot, and they eat their vegetables because they care about their health.”

“Wait, I want to see the eggs!” says Fluttershy.

“And I want to get a closer look at the lab,” says Twilight.

“Sorry, this is a ride. We can look at the lab when this is over,” says Test Tube.

Twilight's horn glows and her bar is forcefully pushed back to its original position, which brings the ride and audio to a sudden stop, and all the lights snap on while the other bars return to their original position. Twilight then leaps out of her seat and trots towards the entrance of the lab with the rest following close behind, except for Fluttershy since she is still in her seat, at a loss of whether she should follow to see the eggs or obey the rules.

“Or you can completely ignore me. That's fine, too,” says Test Tube.

He flies over Fluttershy and bullies his way through the ponies to get to the door, and Fluttershy sighs and walks after them, keeping close to the walls for support.

It takes a moment for Test Tube to punch in the code on the door, but after it is successfully entered a trio of thick metal rods slide to the floor and ceiling and it takes a lot of the old griffin's strength to push the door open. A rush of cold air slams into them, wrecking their manes and feathers, and after stepping through the doorway they are sprayed with a foul mist.

“Don't mind that. It is just a sanitation procedure,” says Test Tube. He leads them down a winding staircase, smiling politely at the scientists that stop their work to watch the group. The scientists don't spend too much time staring at them, and the old griffin leads them to ashy maned unicorn. “Girls, this is my protege, Dr. Wayward.”

“Hi,” says Wayward without looking up from his notepad, using his magic to guide the pen on the paper.

The group returns the greeting with the same level of enthusiasm.

“He is actually the one that figured out how to successfully bridge DNA strands of the dinosaurs and frogs,” says Test Tube. “Using my research as a base, of course.”

“Really?” says Twilight. “And how did you manage that?”

“Classified,” says Wayward.

“You can tell me. I am a princess, after all,” says Twilight.

She unfurls her wings and the unicorn glances up from his notes to give her a critical eye.

“Hint hint. Wink wink,” says Twilight.

“Classified,” says Wayward.

Twilight frowns and folds her wings down. “Not much of a talker, are you?”

Wayward walks past her without a word and pulls out a probe to measure the heat of the air underneath the heat lamps, followed by him putting on a stethoscope to listen to the eggs.

“He's like a rude Big Mac,” says Pinkie Pie. “Only smaller. And with a horn. I think I'll call him Sour Mac.”

Tempest goes towards a group of four scientists, both griffin and pony. One is using a syringe to carefully extract the blood from a mosquito trapped inside a solid case of solidified sap; another is extracting blood from a frog; and the last two are at a device that is spinning a dozen tiny tubes at a blurring speed. Though, when they see Tempest standing by them they all stop and look at her fearfully.

“So, do you geeks spend all your time in here doing this stuff?” says Tempest. “Do you even have a life? How about security? Who's watching you to make sure you comply with the rules and regulations of this facility?”

“Hold on, they're nerds, not geeks. Geeks are more into the fictional stuff whereas nerds are more into real science and uh...” Rainbow Dash taps one of the computer towers with her wing. “Whatever this thing is. Totally different breed. But they look fine, so I don't see what the big deal is.”

“Whatever,” says Tempest. “Now, answer my questions, nerds.”

“You don't have to be hostile. Everything is secure,” says Test Tube.

“You're displaying your research for everyone to see on a ride, and all that stands between this room and a threat is a glass wall and a door. How is that secured?”

“I should have you know that this area is monitored all day, every day by our control center with a team of security on standby. And yes, the scientists have a life and they are searched before they go anywhere. Do you honestly think I would risk everything I worked for with lax security?”

Tempest and Test Tube have a cold blooded staring contest, and Twilight's group watches them, eyes flicking left to right and anticipating the worst.

“Wellll~ I'm glad you got it all under control,” says Pinkie Pie, wrapping her hoof around Tempest's neck and gently pulling the unicorn away. “How about some lunch?”

“Later,” says Test Tube.

“I got a quick question about this place,” says Applejack.

“Yes?”

“How much power are ya using? I ain't ever seen anything like this before, and with all the stuff ya got here I would think ya'd need a few strong generators. I mean, everything looks safe from what I saw, but I'm kinda worried 'bout what'll happen if there is a power outage.”

“That is a reasonable question for once,” says Test Tube, “and it is one that we can discuss when I show you the main power plant.”

Applejack nods, and then Wayward comes to Test Tube's side and points at the batch of eggs with his clipboard.

“We got another one,” says Wayward.

Test Tube's moody expressions brightens in a snap and he speedily walks towards the eggs, with Fluttershy following close behind and the rest trailing them. Only one egg is shaking in the batch, and with perfect timing the shell begins to crack and pop up near its tip. All cold feelings have thawed in the room and the group crowds around the eggs, murmuring in excitement and trying to squeeze past each other to see the scene unfold.

“This, right here, is my favorite part of this job,” says Test Tube.

The shell pushes higher and a beady eye obscured by a string of bloody slime looks out into the world for the first time.

“Come on, push,” says Test Tube gently. The creature's reptilian snout pushes the egg fragment higher and the griffin chuckles and plucks the piece off, fully exposing its slit pupils and little maw full of teeth. “There we go.”

The creature squeaks and closes its eyes, and a slender hand with three curved talons slide into view, breaking off more of the shell. It extends its neck and makes another weak, raspy cry while it pushes the egg to its side, giving it the opportunity to crawl out into the hay and reveal the rest of its scrawny body, from its sharp snout to its thin tail.

“That is nuts,” says Rainbow Dash.

Test Tube rubs its stomach with the blunt edge of his talon. “That is science. Do you want to pet her?”

Rainbow Dash pulls away. “Maybe when its not slimy.”

Fluttershy extends her hoof and feels the baby's smooth skin. The baby makes another call and opens its eyes again to look at Fluttershy. Its tiny talons hook into her flesh and its stubby tail As she does this, a cold shiver runs through her spine and she looks at Wayward, hoping that the answer she gets will be different than what she is fearing.

“Excuse me, but can you please tell me what dinosaur this is?” asks Fluttershy.

“A velociraptor,” says Wayward.

A cold block drops in Fluttershy's stomach. “You're breeding velociraptors?”

Wayward arches a brow. “Why wouldn't we?”

The air is warm, yet the sky has become a cool gray, and a roaring and screeching coming from behind a high walled, concrete and metal paddock has frozen Fluttershy's blood, as well as the blood of the rest of the group. They cannot see anything past the walls, and the crane lifting a bloodied tattered tarp and broken bars while a group of griffins stand watch on an elevated walkway has injected another dose of dread into them. One of the griffins is actually Guillermo, and when the tarp is high enough he makes a circle in the air with his talon, bringing warning bells to sound off followed by metallic grinding as an angled roof of metal bars and mesh slide and lock into place.

“Ah, they just finished feeding them,” says Test Tube. “Good thing you missed it. It is a hard thing to watch for those not accustomed to them. Unfortunately the lawyer my investors sent me didn't have a heart attack when we showed him that.”

Applejack cautiously walks up to the paddock wall and tilts her head back, not entirely being sure what she is looking for, but is still impressed with what she is seeing. The large walls, like many of the structures of Dino-Park, have fragments of ampelosites built into them, giving the wall a visual of green cracks running from the surrounding gravel to the metal barrier up top.

“Twenty foot concrete wall. I see some angled fencing up there. Ya sure that'll keep them things in?” asks Applejack.

“Yes. It is more that capable of doing so,” says Test Tube.

“If it were up to me they would all be killed!” says Guillermo, taking flight off the walkway and purposefully landing next to Twilight and Tempest when Applejack and Rarity smile at him.

“Guillermo is just overreacting,” says Test Tube. “The raptors are perfectly quarantined.”

Fluttershy walks up to Guillermo. “Um, excuse me. I have a few questions.”

“Go on,” says Guillermo.

“How fast do the raptors mature? And have you managed to measure their intelligence? Also, what's their health like? Do they hunt? Do you feed them? How do you feed them? What do you feed them?”

Guillermo holds up a talon, bringing Fluttershy to quiet herself.

“These raptors are fully grown and lethal in six months,” says Guillermo. “They are also very smart. Smarter than certain griffins are giving them credit for.”

Guillermo finishes with a condemning glare focused on Test Tube, but the older griffin dismisses the statement with a wave of his hand.

“Smart or not, the cage is electrified. They will not be getting out,” claims Test Tube. “I can assure you, Ms. Butterfly, that you have nothing to fear.”

“It's... It's Fluttershy,” says Fluttershy timidly.

“In fact, if it would make all of you feel better you can meet the Raptor Supervisor. Guillermo, if you'll please check on the other attractions.”

Guillermo grunts and flies off, and Test Tube leads the girls up a flight of exterior metal stairs that lead to the top of a tower overlooking the pen. The door leading to its interior is a thick metal door with a simple red button next to it and a lever for a handle. Test Tube pushes the button, activating a buzzing noise, and a few seconds later the door opens to reveal a male griffin with bronze colored feathers and brown fur with bright yellow eyes. He is wearing a lab coat with a badge clipped to the collar, and when he sees them he smiles and opens the door for them to enter.

“Come on in. I was wondering when I was going to meet all of you up close,” says the griffin.

The girls all say their greetings and do a quick scan of his area. His control panel is a mess of old cartons, empty bottles, notebooks, crumbles paper and worn books, as well as action figures of dinosaurs, griffins and ponies in fighting poses. There is also a Wonderbolts poster tacked to the wall to go with the posters giving safety tips and the rights of the worker.

“Girls, this is Gate Keeper. He is in charge of the raptor paddock,” says Test Tube.

Rainbow Dash snickers. “What a geeky name.”

Gate Keeper shrugs. “My parents are 'O and O' fans.” He turns and points out the observational window with both of his hands open. “But this is way better than make-believe. They sat around playing that stupid game while I actually studied and now look at me. I'm watching raptors instead of pretending to be somebody else. And please don't touch those.”

It takes a group a second to realize that Tempest has used her magic to beat together an armored unicorn action figure and a raptor counterpart like they are fighting. She doesn't say anything to Gate Keeper, but her demeanor is soured when she puts them back.

After this, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash go next to the pen master and peek out the window. It has an excellent view of the whole pen, which is populated with thick, large leafed flora. They cannot even see the dirt past all the foliage.

“How do you keep them in?” asks Twilight.

“The paddock has an electrified barrier covering the top,” says Gate Keeper. “It only opens just enough to drop off food.”

“Told you. Perfectly safe,” says Test Tube.

“But there is also this gem.” Gate Keeper taps a panel with four red buttons. “Each button controls four turrets of highly pressurized liquid nitrogen. Raptors are cold blooded so this hurts them a lot more than it does us. One in particular is a gluten for punishment since she likes to claw up the wall.” He points to the corner of the the pen. “Actually, if you look right there you can see her.”

The group looks to where Gate Keeper is pointing and even with Twilight's alicorn sight and the pegasi's natural long distance sight they can barely see a pair of blood red, slit eyes staring back at them. The eyes blink, the plants rustle, and the last any of them see is a long, slender tail with a faint red stripe disappearing into the large leafs.

“I call her Red Gala,” says Gate Keeper. “Then there is Flare, Sea Shine, Dawn, Banana Creme, Mocha, Crystal, Tracker, and Pudding. Pudding is a real sweetheart. She never causes trouble. And Tracker is the fastest one. Its pretty funny watching her run along edges of the pen.”

He rapidly makes a circle on the desk with his talon while making vroom noises, finishing with a chuckle that only Pinkie Pie shares.

“How fast can she go?” asks Rainbow Dash.

“We clocked her at 70 miles. The rest could barely breach 60,” says Dr. Rack. “One of the attractions we have set up will show off her speed, much like a dog race, but instead of a fake rabbit it will be a slab of meat.”

The group grimaces.

“That's cruel,” says Fluttershy. “And so is keeping them locked in here. This paddock is not nearly big enough for all of them. This quarantine and close proximity will drive them insane!”

“They're animals. They don't have sanity.”

“That is not true,” counters Fluttershy sharply. “Each animal has its own personality, and a healthier environment will make them more... cooperative. Or, as cooperative as a tainted as a raptor can be.”

“...Right, well,” Test Tube claps his hands together. “Who's hungry?”

Being a princess of a vassal kingdom has taught Twilight a lot of things. First being that a ruler is only as strong as her council and the party that controls the seats of power. It is why she has Flash, Spike and her friends as her closest unofficial councilors. Officially she has a few who have been in politics for a while. During her time of ruling she has realized that many ambitions, dreams, goals, and projects in general can come to a crashing halt and burn to ashes because of a disgruntled member of the Kingdom Parliament who has enough power to destroy good things. This has led to a lot of disappointments, nights crying into her pillow, and in many instances wondering if she is right to lead. After all, the Kingdom of Twilight is her kingdom, but if she cannot unite 75 ponies in a room to create an infrastructure overhaul then what good is she?

Infrastructure is the vein network of any place, from simple buildings, to theme parks and kingdoms. The strongest hearts and brightest minds cannot do anything for the body if the vein network is unhealthy.

That said, getting better at coping with disappointment is something Twilight has put on her New Year's resolution, and it was going well until today. She does not know if she is more disappointed in how Test Tube has been behaving, or if she is disappointed about his reckless experimentation on DNA splicing. Whatever it is, she wishes they had served something other quesadillas so she can actually think about something other than how hungry she is. In fact, the quesadilla is the size of her plate, cut into equal sized triangles, allowing the cheese to ooze out like lava, and when she picks up a slice with her magic she grimaces as the strands stretch and snap and bleed out. She quickly drops the slice and looks at her other plate of food, which is a salad long gone, save for some crumbs and a puddle of ranch.

“-And so we have the main power station, but it is supported by a sub station in each section,” says Test Tube. “The safari area has one, the aquarium has one, the bird box has one, the trolley tour has one, and the central area has one. This helps regulate the power so the big plant doesn't overexert itself. It also allows each section to have its own power if something happens. Sort of like a support network.”

Applejack sits near him, nodding and munching on her quesadilla with a green and yellow striped cup that has 'I Survived Dino-Park' printed on it in black letters. All of Twilight's group has the same cup and same plate of food (with Fluttershy getting some vitamin pills for her meal), but Test Tube has a tall clear glass filled with sweet tea and his plate has strips of meat and sliced buttered bread, plus some garnish. And next to him is another pony, a unicorn stallion with a dull orange coat, red mane and large glasses, dressed in a black suit with a gold pin on his tie. He has a stack of folders next to him, and he is sliding them to Test Tube one by one, which the old griffin halfheartedly flips open and uses a stamp to put his signature on the papers inside.

“Shouldn't you be reading those?” asks Rarity.

“I already know what's in them,” says Test Tube. “I've read and negotiated their adjustments so much that I have them memorized down to the last period.”

“The investors will be pleased with their return,” says the unicorn.

“As they should be, Coinbag,” says Test Tube. He shakes his head and smiles at Rarity. “Lawyers. They never give you a break until they get paid.”

Rarity chuckles and Twilight forces a smile, then scowls at her quesadilla, and then looks to her left and sees Tempest's plate is already empty, and she looks to her right and sees Pinkie Pie staring at the wall. Her jaw moves slowly and her eyes have yet to break off from the green veins running along the wall's height with the potted plants, which, with the dim lighting of the room the green gives a hauntingly beautiful glow.

“How much are the tickets?” asks Rarity.

“One thousand Equestrian bits,” says Dr. Rack.

“We negotiated coupon days at fifty percent off,” says Coinbag, taking the stack of signed folders and sliding a new stack to Dr. Rack.

“That is expensive. Most Equestrians don't even make four hundred bits a month,” says Rarity.

“Are there family prices? Like ticket prices for kids?” asks Applejack.

“No kids allowed,” says Test Tube.

Applejack does a double take. “Oh... Eh, why not?”

“Well, for starters, I hate them, and secondly, the last thing this place needs are kids wandering off and hurting themselves. Kind of like why we have a no flying rule and restrict magic to basic telekinesis.”

“Lame,” says Rainbow Dash.

“That makes sense, though,” says Applejack. “'Sides, ain't no way I'd want Apple Bloom here with all them big things around.”

Twilight looks over her shoulder, but doesn't see any servers, so she looks back at her plate, ears drooped and lips locked in an annoyed frown.

“But why so expensive?” asks Rarity.

“Rarity, this park is not like your normal park. I have talented scientists and guards to pay, plus upkeep, payments, merchandise and food, and so on. Having cheap prices will be financial suicide,” says Dr. Rack.

Twilight huffs and drinks from her cup, filling her tight stomach with cold water.

“When were you going to tell us about the ampelosites?” asks Pinkie Pie in a heavy tone.

“I'm sorry, the what?” asks Test Tube.

Pinkie Pie points at the vein-like rocks on the wall. “Those ampelosites. The spooky glowing rocks you didn't mention at all.”

Test Tube raises a brow. “I didn't think the rock was relevant.”

“They drain magic.”

“Wait, what?” Twilight snaps to Test Tube. “Those rocks drain magic!? And you have them all over the park!?”

Test Tube holds up his hand. “They are only dangerous in large quantities or in direct contact with a unicorn's horn.” He points at the wall. “That is not enough to do anything. And like I said, the large pieces were removed. They are harmless. Go ahead and use your magic now.”

Twilight's horn glows and all the plates, glasses and silverware lift with ease, and she gently sets them down, giving Rarity and Tempest a chance to toy with their wares. However, Pinkie Pie shakes her head, unconvinced.

“That doesn't mean anything,” says Pinkie Pie.

“I'm sorry, are you a geologist? Do you have a degree in rocks?” says Test Tube.

“No, but-”

“Exactly! I used the best geologists and excavators to get this island transformed from what it was to what it is. I changed this island from tip to tip, coast to coast for the better.”

Pinkie Pie shakes her head. “Nope, wrong. Totally wrong. Have you heard of ampelosite poisoning? It is when unicorns are exposed to ampelosites for long periods of time that permanently drains their magic over time. What you did was literally create a toxic atmosphere by taking those magic draining rocks and spreading their little pieces around like... like I don't know, paint! I can't give a seal of approval as long as those rocks are anywhere on the island.”

There is a moment of silence that is broken when Test Tube clicks his tongue and leans forward, his eyes glowing like smoldering ore in the dim light.

“I have been building on this island for over six years and nothing bad has ever happened to my unicorn workers. Even the lawyer is fine and he has been here a while. This island is safe,” says Test Tube. He leans back in his chair and stamps another folder. “The truth is, I chose this island because it is the perfect spot for these animals. Far away from civilization, good temperature, good climate and size. I have revived these dead animals and given them a home, something that cannot be said by anybody else. So, you can hate me and this magnificent park right now, but I hope the attractions will change your mind.”

Test Tube returns the folder to Coinbag and he quickly slips the large stack into a metal case that is magically sealed with a rune, and then slipped into his saddle.

“I actually had a question 'bout that resurrection thing,” says Applejack. “With this park, don'tcha think ya might be, I dunno, playing a god or something? It's one thing to breed a pig or a dog, but to bring back dead animals for show? Ain't that a little bizarre? I mean, I think it is amazing, but I ain't sure how to defend ya if the folks back home start accusing you of somethin' like god playing.”

“Applesnack, if we weren't meant to play God then God should not have given us knowledge to do so,” says Test Tube. “But putting aside religious morality, think of what we can do with genetics? One little adjustment in our DNA and we can create an immune system able to withstand any disease or abolish hereditary diseases all together. This park, these dinosaurs, are merely part of the steps towards that goal. On top of that, I brought back extinct animals! Do you know what the means? That means we are on the path of resurrecting our dead loved ones! Imagine, no disease, no death. How can we reject such a path?”

Applejack's ears droop, and Twilight clears her throat, bringing the doctor's attention to her.

“I think there is some merit to Applejack's concern,” says Twilight. “Genetics is a very new field, and you are already taking big risks without doing proper controlled tests. Even then research has shown that dinosaurs are more closely related to birds than amphibians, yet you use a frog to bridge the gaps. You did not recreate dinosaurs, you made an entirely new species with conflicting strands of DNA. That is a recipe for disaster.”

Test Tube quietly nods and rubs his talons over each other as he casts her a condemning look, and after taking a deep breath he speaks with a heavy tone.

“Tell me, Ms. Sparkle, do you know the genetic makeup of a pony?” asks Test Tube.

“Enlighten me.”

“Earth ponies have DNA strands found in various species of canines and bovines, plus a long extinct species of equines and another creature we have not been able to identify. Now, from what we understand of the laws of nature it says that a dog and a bull cannot produce offspring.” Test Tube points at Applejack. “And yet earth ponies exist.”

Applejack self-consciously inspects herself, while Pinkie Pie is back to quietly chewing her food and staring at the green veined ampelosites.

“A pegasus, same equine family, but components of felines and various avians and the mysterious extinct species again,” continues Test Tube, now pointing at the two pegasi. “Even thestrals have a lot of bat DNA. None of these pieces should fit together because cats and birds can't make babies and a bat and equine cannot fit together. But here they are.”

With his words about pegasi, Rainbow Dash smirks and expands her wings and puffs out her chest fluff. This act unfortunately gets in Fluttershy's way, so she has to gently push the blue wing down for her to enjoy what is left of her meal.

“Unicorns and alicorns. Equine and mystery species similarities, as well as entirely new DNA strands we have not been able to trace,” says Test Tube, hands folded together and his eyes locked on Twilight. “By the law of nature, unicorns and alicorns should not even exist because their entire DNA structure is an anomaly. Some have even argued that your DNA is an artificial construction.”

Twilight narrows her eyes, Tempest raises a brow, and Rarity sips her drink, pretending to have an idea of what he is talking about even though her stare is blank.

“Now, I can go on about griffins, goats, hippogriffs, yetis, yaks, so on, but the point is DNA bridging is either completely natural, therefore making our existence legitimate and my work merely reproducing what nature built.” Test Tube holds up a finger. “Or our existence is unnatural, therefore illegitimate in your eyes, much like all this work and potential for future discoveries.”

“Hold on, no, that's not what I'm saying! You are going on a tangent about genetic make up of ponies which evolved with the traits we have now over the course of millions of years,” says Twilight. “But what I am saying is that you are taking creatures that have been dead for millions of years and mixing them with present day frogs. We don't know the long term consequences of that, but you don't care! This is all looking like to be a big vanity project.”

“You have strong opinions for someone who has no profession in this field.”

Twilight's wings snap open as she glares daggers at the old griffin. “I happen to be the smartest pony on the planet! I can read all of best books on genetics by the end of the month and tear your work to pieces!”

Twilight finishes with a slam of her hoofs on the table, cracking it and causing Fluttershy to squeak and drop her 'I Survived Dino-Park' cup, which shatters on the floor.

“M-Maybe we should calm down a little bit,” says Fluttershy, her eyes darting between Twilight and Test Tube.

Twilight sighs and slumps in her seat, and with a shaky hand Test Tube swallows the last of his sweet tea.

“You're right, we should,” says Test Tube coldly. “But what do you think, Fluttershy? Do you like what you see so far?”

“Oh... Um, well, I-I can see you put a lot of hard work in this park and it is lovely.”

“Thank you.”

“... But...”

“...But?”

“But... Maybe we should consider that... um... we're dealing with previously extinct species that have been brought back to mingle with... well, us. We don't know how they will react with the crowds you want. Somepony or one of the animals could get hurt. Also, we have to think about the mental health of the animals. The raptors, specifically. Are there more animals caged up like them?”

“Do you seriously want raptors to have a free range paddock?”

“Yes. They need their space, just like the other dinosaurs... And I don't want to be mean, but... well, I can't give you an approval unless conditions change for the raptors and every paddock gives these animals the space they need.

Test Tube exhales heavily. “Great, the only ones who openly supports me is the blood sucking lawyer.”

Coinbag scowls. “Thanks.”

“I'm not interested in the philosophy of genetics or animal rights,” says Tempest. “I just want to make sure your island is more than capable of keeping those monsters in. And if you kill the big ones that'll make me feel better, too.”

“I'm not killing any of my dinosaurs,” says Test Tube.

“Look, just let us pegasi fly around a little. Saying we can't fly is like saying an earth pony can't walk or a unicorn can't use their magic,” says Rainbow Dash. “Which they basically can't because of the evil rocks.”

“The no flying rule is for your own protection,” insists Test Tube. “And as for the 'evil rocks' we made sure their effects would be minimum. This island is perfectly safe.”

“Who is your geologist?” asks Pinkie Pie sharply.

“We used the National Geographic Society and Mountain Mover Excavation,” says Test Tube. “And before you say another word, I treated the ampelosites according to the guidelines they laid out.”

“Get a refund. Like, no joke. Get a refund, hire my sister and she can get a team to get all of the ampelosites off your island and off your buildings. I don't care what the other guys said, those rocks are not safe. Even if they are reduced to pebbles and wall decorations its still little doses of poison and it will add up!”

“Pinkie, Dr. Rack has put a lot care into this island and I highly doubt the people he hired would let any of those rocks remain if they posed a threat. Besides, they add to the aesthetics and my magic is just fine,” says Rarity, levitating her cup in a showy manner.

Test Tube smiles. “Thank you. I'm glad someone other than they lawyer appreciates my hard work.”

“Do you know what else is pretty and glows in the dark? Uranium. Do you want me to buy you some?” says Pinkie Pie

“You can buy uranium?” asks Tempest, her ears perked and an excited smile on her face.

Pinkie's ears and eyelids droop. “That was a joke, Fizzles.”

“Oh. Party pooper.” Tempest looks at Twilight's plate. “You going to eat that?”

Twilight slides her plate to Tempest, and she quickly gobbles the quesadilla.

Test Tube grunts and looks at a clock hanging over the door. “Well, this conversation was fun, but I'm afraid I have to disappear for a while. Boring administrative work and whatnot. But there are a pair of trolleys in the back that will take you through the next part of the tour.”

Test Tube stands up and Twilight holds up her hoof.

“Is there a vending machine I can use?” asks Twilight.

“Down the hall, by the cafeteria entrance,” says Dr. Rack.

“I'd actually like to have a look at your main power plant,” says Applejack.

“And I want to have a look at your command center,” says Tempest.

Test Tube looks between the two, then sighs and nods. “Fine. I'll call someone over to take you to the main power plant. And Temperate-”

“Tempest,” corrects Tempest.

“You can follow me.”

“Oh, hey, since we're splitting up, can I go back to the raptor pen? I wanna see how fast Tracker can go!” says Rainbow Dash.

Test Tube rubs the back of his head. “Well, we don't have her scheduled for the track until a couple of days... But I guess I can have Gate Keeper show you a little something.”

Rainbow Dash giggles and rubs her hoofs together. “Awesome.”

Test Tube looks at the group. “Anybody else want to ignore the plans I have?”

The group shakes their heads.

“Good.” Test Tube looks at Twilight. “You might want to get a lot of food. The trolley tour is quite long.”

“Oh, I will,” says Twilight.

“I think I'll go on the tour with you,” says Coinbag. “The boat doesn't arrive for another few days, and I'd like to get a few more pictures for the investors to see.”

“Fine by me,” says Test Tube. He points towards the door. “Ladies, sir, if you'll please. The next act awaits.”

I really cannot do the film or book any justice. But its still fun to write.

Twilight's frown is reflecting back at her from the glass of the vending machine, and behind her she can see a potted plant and more fragments of the ampelosites on the wall arranged like running dinosaurs. Through her transparent reflection she scans the collection of candy bars, cracker packs, muffins, and cookies. She levitates a bag of bits, stares at the aura surrounding it, and then lets the purple mist disappear so the bag falls on the bowl of her hoof. Her horn glows again and the bag floats up to her eye level. She then carefully plucks out a few bits from her bag and looks up and down the collection of snacks again.

Fluttershy's eyes hurt as she looks at the gray sky using her hoof to hold the stetson down. A distant rumble sends an uneasy tingle up her spine, and she looks over her shoulder to look at the rest of the group.

Tempest is staying at the top of the stairs of the facility, watching everyone carefully, and Rarity is talking to Coinbag while Pinkie is digging holes in the ground, much to the annoyance of Test Tube. Near Pinkie, Rarity and Coinbag is a rail network with dual cables above it and support arches spread out in equal segments.

Applejack is standing at the corner of the building, waiting patiently for her ride with Rainbow Dash by her side, but the vibrant pegasus is groaning and switching between tapping her hoof and pacing in circles.

Twilight comes out of the building a few minutes later with a saddle full of snacks and drinks, and she is munching on a muffin. She does not seem to care much about the crumbs on her face, but her frown is replaced with a content expression now.

“Do you have plenty of food?” asks Test Tube.

“Mhmhm,” says Twilight.

“Excellent. Now, can you tell your friend to stop digging up my property?”

Twilight swallows her muffin and looks at Pinkie Pie, sighing when she sees her starting another hole.

“Pinkie, please stop destroying their property,” says Twilight.

“I will when I find all of the ampelosites,” says Pinkie Pie. “There has to be more around here.”

Twilight shakes her head and trots towards Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy looks down the rail just in time to see a small yellow trolley with green stripes and the park logo rolling towards them with its headlights shining bright. Trailing behind it at about fifty feet is another trolley of the same design, and when they stop the front and back doors fold open to reveal absolutely nobody driving them, and the crystal clear windows show empty seats. This brings Fluttershy's brain to a halt.

“Um... What?” says Fluttershy.

“Finally! The trolleys are a bit behind but not by much,” says Test Tube. He flies down to the trolley, ignoring the death stare Rainbow Dash is giving him, and when he lands he puts his talons on Fluttershy's shoulder and guides her to the door. “These are self automated and have amazing seats and windows for the best tourist experience money can buy!”

Fluttershy digs her hoofs into the dirt. “Oh... Um, they look nice, but I don't want to be first.”

Twilight appears next to the two with a purple flash and pokes her head inside, humming critically.

“How is this operated?” asks Twilight.

“From the command center,” says Test Tube. “It is very safe I can assure you.”

Twilight hops inside, and realizes that there are not a lot of seats and that the space is big enough for four to sit comfortably. Also, the roof is made of plexiglass with connectors on the roof's rim attaching the trolley to the cables. With the plexiglass Twilight can see the thick gray clouds, and at the end of the small trolley car is a medical box and another box labeled SUPPLIES.

“This seems awfully small to be a trolley,” says Twilight.

“I never liked how crowded trolleys were, and this will make it easier to have more personal moments on the tour,” says Test Tube. “Plus they are easier to maintain.”

Fluttershy pokes her head in through the back door and sees a map labeled “Trolley Tour” posted on the back of the front seat, with another map on the dashboard for the passengers up front to see, and then she notices a speaker in the center of the trolley's dashboard, as well as cup holders, a folded tray, and a trash can.

“Don't just stare. Have a seat!” says Test Tube.

He tugs Fluttershy to the front seat and she releases a small squeak when she sits next to Twilight on the actually amazingly comfortable, cloud tier soft seat, and she flashes a nervous smile when he smiles at her.

“Good seats, yes?” asks Test Tube.

Fluttershy nods.

“Excellent!” Test Tube looks at Twilight. “The trolley tour will take you in one giant loop and you will see the main attractions, and then when you come back I will give you a more in depth tour of the visitor center and will answer any questions you have.”

Twilight nods, and uses her magic to open a pack of cookies, and Test Tube waves to Rarity, Pinkie and Coingbag.

“All aboard!”

Rarity and Coinbag are quick to get on the second trolley, and Pinkie slides next to Tempest and leans close to her, whispering in a not so discrete manner.

“Since you're staying make sure you spy really good on the Doctor,” she says.

Tempest rolls her eyes. “I'm not being paid to be a spy.”

“Still. Do it for me. He smells fishy.”

“He's a griffin. They always smell like that.”

“...That's not what I meant...”

Tempest pats Pinkie's head. “I know. I'll do what I have to do. You just have some fun. You can tell me all about the tour when you come back.”

Pinkie Pie stares at her for a few seconds before she nods and gallops towards the trolley with Rarity. Once at the trolley she leaps inside to claim a backseat while Rarity and Coinbag remain upfront. Then she smiles and puts her hoofs on their shoulders.

“I hope you don't mind me hitching a ride with you,” says Pinkie Pie.

“Of course I don't mind, darling,” says Rarity.

“You're one of the Equestrian inspectors correct?” asks Coinbag.

“Yep! Pinkie's the name, party's are my game!” replies Pinkie Pie.

“What credentials do you and your friends have?”

“Oh... Uh... Well, that delicate pony right there-” Pinkie points at Tempest “-is ex military.”

“Uh huh.”

Pinkie Pie puts her hoof on Rarity's mane. “This lovely lady successfully runs a chain of businesses.”

Rarity gently pushes Pinkie's hoof off and summons a comb to fix her mane.

“The adorable yellow pegasus is our animal specialist and the alicorn has extensive knowledge in government policies and international relations,” says Pinkie Pie.

“You mean the fake alicorn?” asks Coinbag.

Rarity and Pinkie Pie do a doubletake.

“Fake!?” they exclaim in unison.

“Twilight is not fake,” says Rarity.

“She is as real as reality, which if she isn't real then reality isn't real, and you don't want reality to be not real!” says Pinkie Pie.

Coinbag shrugs. “Look, all I'm saying is that there are three other alicorns and all of them are taller than your purple friend. So, it really brings things to question. And by credentials I meant proper certificates, not careers.”

Pinkie Pie narrows her eyes and the trolley dings and creeps forward as the doors slide shut.

“Thank you for riding the Dino-Park Trolley Tour! Please remain in the vehicle for your own safety! If you don't, bad things will happen and we will not be held liable for you being stupid!”says Iron Will's recording.

“I don't like you,” says Pinkie Pie.

Shortly after the trolleys leave, a jeep pulls around the corner with Gary as the driver, which, upon his arrival, a distant rumble shakes Applejack's ears and a gust of wind forces her to put her hoof on her hat. She does not mind this, though. She is used to working in every condition and it is not like the power station is going anywhere. Then there is Rainbow Dash...

“Finally!” says Rainbow Dash. “I could have been at the pen by now if I just walked!”

Applejack smirks. “Dash, if ya could walk that fast ya would never fly.”

The jeep screeches to a full stop next to them and Gary scrambles out, apologizing profusely and opening both doors for them before running to Test Tube. This brings Applejack to look at him curiously.

“Everything alright, hun?” asks Applejack.

“Yep! I'll be right back!” says Gary without looking at them.

Applejack raises a brow and Rainbow Dash zips inside the jeep, leaving a rainbow trail.

“Shotgun!” blurts Rainbow Dash. She slams her door shut and waves at Gary. “Hurry it up, slowpoke!”

“Dash, relax,” says Applejack firmly as she takes a backseat. Though when she sits down she notices that the sky is darker in the distance and a gray wall is forming at the island's mountain range. “If yer worried 'bout getting wet then I promise ya ain't gonna melt.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “I'm not worried about getting wet. I want to have a look at the raptors before that storm hits since I doubt they will be able to do anything once it does.”

“...Fair enough.”

Tempest Shadow watches the trolleys until they are out of sight, and once they leave she puts her eyes on the jeep where the other two Elements are, but her ears are on Gary and Test Tube.

“Are you sure we should continue the tour? The radio is reporting a strong storm and the dock is being hammered,” says Gary, his voice shaky.

“This island has weathered through plenty of storms. This one will be no different,” says Test Tube. “Now do what I told you to do.”

Gary nods and takes flight to the jeep, and after he gets inside the jeep drives off a few seconds later, leaving just Tempest and Test Tube on the top of the steps. They remain there in silence for a few seconds before Test Tube opens the door and motions her inside.

“Shall we?” asks Test Tube.

Tempest quietly goes inside and follows him down the hall. The trip is not long, but they do not exchange any words until they go down a set of stairs that lead to a solid metal door with four round windows next to it. Through the windows, Tempest sees a large circular room with rows of empty computer desks and only one section lit up, plus a wall with a map on it. She does not see much more than that, though, since the windows are tinted. And she also notices a disturbing lack of guards for something supposedly important.

“So, just out of curiosity. Have you ever killed anybody?” asks Test Tube as he types in a code on a keypad next to the door.

“52 confirmed,” says Tempest. “This doesn't count the airships I helped take down or the collateral damage my soldiers caused.”

“Oh... Do you regret your past life?”

“No.”

The pad beeps and the door clicks and slides open, and the two walk into the room.

“That's interesting,” says Test Tube. “Usually people have regrets in their pasts and try to make up for it with their future actions.”

“I did what I had to do then and I'm doing what I have to do now,” says Tempest.

“I think we are similar in that regard,” says Test Tube. “This park is me doing what I have to do, not only for the sake of science and a better future, but to fix past mistakes. I don't think I won any favors with Princess Sparkle, which is unfortunate since I am a huge fan of her essays on magical studies. but maybe you will be more inclined to give this park a favorable review.”

Tempest walks past Test Tube to go to the illuminated area, which she now sees a few figures there.

“Don't waste your energy. The future can't change the past. You can only move on,” says Tempest. “If you want this park to succeed then you shouldn't anchor yourself to something that can't be fixed.”

When Tempest reaches the lit up area she sees Guillermo sitting next to a radio, listening to the weather report over a static frequency, and there are a couple of other male griffins she has never seen before. One has sandy fur and dark brown feathers and a blue streak in his plumage, and is sitting at a computer with his desk spotless and a row of clocks each marked with a different time zone. On his desk, besides the three computers with full screens, is a can of Flim Flam Dye Gel plus a black hat. The other griffin is nearly white with gray spots on his wings and chest, and his desk has three computers that have cords running up to a map of the island that is taking up the whole wall. The map has each section of the park outlined with green lights and various green dots are scattered in each section. However, what Tempest notices is that with the whole size of the park it barely takes up a fifth of the island. The rest is unoccupied.

“Tempest, these are my monitors.” Test Tube points at the sand colored griffin. “Chip Off” He points at the white and gray griffin. “And Electric Cord. Gentlemen, this is Tempest Fizzles, she's an inspector from Equestria.”

“Shadow,” says Tempest.

“What?”

“Tempest. Shadow. That's my name.”

“Oh. Well, I was close.”

Tempest scowls, and Cord stands up and smiles with his hand extended.

“Hi, there. Welcome to the command center,” he says.

Tempest presses her hoof against his hand and looks at the borders of the sections of the park. “Which one is the trolley tour?”

Cord points at the farthest and second largest section. “Right here.” He traces a thin railroad track that circles the section and passes multiple green dots. There are also a pair of yellow lights that follow the tracks and go up little by little every few seconds. “And this line is the route they take and the yellow represents the trolleys. Everything is good, though. If there were any problems then they would be red.”

Tempest looks at Chip, but he is too focused on his computer to return the favor.

“What's he doing?” asks Tempest.

“Fixing bugs in the system. But really he should be fixing that awful dye. Blue does not suit you, Chip!”

Chip ignores him.

“You'll have to forgive him. He's not a people person,” says Cord. “But what else would you expect from a former accountant?”

“An accountant to a monitor is quite a jump,” says Tempest.

“Yes, but he is really good at what he does. Believe me, I tested him and he aced it,” says Test Tube as he takes a seat near the map. “Isn't that right, Chip?”

Chip glances at Dr. Rack. “Your test was too easy.”

Test Tube chuckles. “Griffin of few words.” He points at an empty chair and looks at Tempest. “Have a seat, relax, the tour is going to be a while.”

After a moment of hesitation Tempest takes an empty chair that allows her to see everyone in the room, and there she sits, quietly watching everyone and the little yellow dots move along the map.

“Hey guys, this is Gary, I just dropped off Rainbow at Gate's post and I'm heading over the main power plant with Applejack now,” says Gary over the radio.

“Good. Keep us posted,” says Guillermo.

The yellow dots stop by a section of the trolley tour and a small icon of a long snouted skull appears.

“It looks like they reached the dilophosaurus,” says Cord.

Dr. Rack smiles. “Good. Turn on the speakers and let the fun times roll.”

Cord nods, flips a switch and the voices of Twilight's party overlapping each other pour out of a pair of speakers near Cord's desk.

“One of the earliest carnivores discovered, we now know that dilophosaurus actually spits venom at its prey, causing blindness and eventually paralysis, allowing the carnivore to eat at its leisure,” says Iron Will's recording. “This makes dilophosaurus a beautiful, but deadly, addition to Dino-Park."

“Ooh, neat! … But where is it?” asks Pinkie Pie.

“I'm sure it is in the bushes somewhere,” says Rarity.

“They left out the part where dilophosauruses are pack animals,” says Fluttershy.

“I never knew you were into dinosaurs,” says Twilight.

“It was just a phase when I was a teenager.”

“MR. DINOSAUR! SHOW YOURSELF!” shouts Pinkie Pie.

“Pinkie, calm down,” says Rarity.

“I'm already bored. Do we have snacks we can throw at it? Like crackers or bread?”

“Please tell me you take meds,” says Coinbag.

“And fuel the pharmaceutical stranglehold on the Equestrian working class and ruling elite? No way, José!”

Test Tube shakes his head with a deep frown. “I really hate her.”

Tempest smirks at that. Maybe the trolley tour will be interesting after all.

Rainbow Dash beats on the dashboard of the jeep as it drives down the gravel path towards the high walled, concrete and metal structure of the Raptor Pen. The ampelosites glow green in the darkening atmosphere and spotlights shine down on the pen, reflecting light off of the falling droplets. The jeep screeches to a halt, and Rainbow Dash immediately jumps out and flies to the tower, pushing the door's buzzer.

Bzz! Bzzz-Bzz-Bzzzzzzzzz!

“No flying!” scolds Gary as he lands next to her, and he pushes her hoof away from the door. “And don't touch the buzzer.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Jeez, when did griffins become such sticks in the mud?”

Before Gary can answer, the door opens up and Gate Keeper greets them with a bright smile.

“Come for another visit? I'm flattered,” says Gate Keeper.

“She wants to look at the raptors again,” says Gary.

“I want to see them run. Especially Tracker,” says Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, well we can do that right after the storm winds down. It should be quick,” says Gate Keeper.

Rainbow Dash tilts her head back, groaning, and Gary rolls his eyes.

“You were too slow!” accuses Rainbow Dash. “If you would have let me flown then I would have been here on time and now I have to go with you on more boring crap.”

“I got some Daring Do books if you want to stay for a few hours,” says Gate Keeper.

“Done!”

Applejack is now in the jeep's front seat, using its reclining feature, and has her hat tipped over her face, making the patter of rain against the windows all the more enjoyable. Then the door suddenly opens and slams shut, and Applejack jumps in her seat, dropping her hat on her lap. Once she has it back on her head she looks at Gary, whose plumage cannot hide the redness in his face.

“Ya doin' okay, hun?” asks Applejack.

“Your friend is a real pill,” says Gary as he grabs his radio.

“Yeah, she ain't an easy one to deal with at first, but it gets easier over time.”

“Uh huh.” Gary activates his radio. “Hey guys, this is Gary, I just dropped off Rainbow at Gate's post and I'm heading over the main power plant with Applejack, now.”

“Good. Keep us posted,” says Guillermo over the radio.

Gary puts the radio back and starts driving away from the post, and as he drives Applejack looks out the window, grimacing at the increasingly darkening sky.

“Oh boy. I ain't seen storms like this before,” says Applejack.

“Neither have I,” says Gary grimly.

The trolley holding Pinkie, Rarity, and Coinbag comes to a stop by a fenced off area with barb wire, small red lights and a yellow sign that has a black silhouette of a skull with a long snout. Behind the barrier is thick foliage that is shaking from the rain and wind bombarding it, and inside the trolley, the rain sounds like dozens of taps every second while the wind sounds like a ghostly moan. Rarity is glad that she inside the trolley, though. While she can do without the recording of Iron Will she finds that as an acceptable trade off for being warm and dry, rather than cold and wet and probably covered in mud.

“One of the earliest carnivores discovered, we now know that dilophosaurus actually spits venom at its prey, causing blindness and eventually paralysis, allowing the carnivore to eat at its leisure,” says Iron Will's recording. “This makes dilophosaurus a beautiful, but deadly, addition to Dino-Park."

Rarity and Pinkie Pie both look at the forest behind the barb wire, but Coinbag is focused on the barrier and taking notes.

“Ooh, neat! … But where is it?” asks Pinkie Pie.

“I'm sure it is in the bushes somewhere,” says Rarity, squinting her eyes.

“MR. DINOSAUR! SHOW YOURSELF!” shouts Pinkie Pie.

Coinbag and Rarity cringe, and the lawyer glares at the pink ball of energy with his hoof tenderly rubbing his ear while Rarity puts her hoof on Pinkie's shoulder. She can feel her friend shiver, and she can also see the small twitches. Something is spooking Pinkie, and she is trying to hide it by being obnoxious. This, in turn, makes Rarity uneasy since out of all her friends, Pinkie Pie has a knack of picking up things well ahead of everyone else.

“Pinkie, calm down,” says Rarity gently.

“I'm already bored. Do we have snacks we can throw at it? Like crackers or bread?” says Pinkie Pie quickly as she wiggles her way around the trolley, not so subtly inspecting the emergency exit.

“Please tell me you take meds,” says Coinbag.

“And fuel the pharmaceutical stranglehold on the Equestrian working class and ruling elite? No way, José!”

Coinbag frowns. “I'm going to strongly suggest that your assessments be dismissed with extreme prejudice.”

Pinkie presses her snout and hoofs against the window. “You do that and it'll be bad news bears for the park... By the way, I think I see something! Never mind! It's just shaky branches!”

As the Iron Will recording plays over the speaker, Twilight Sparkle strains her eyes to see through the rain and forest, but even her alicorn sight can't find the dilophosaraurus. A part of her is disappointed, but another part of her is relieved. From what she has heard from the recording, the dilophosaraus is an animal she does not want to run into. In fact, just the idea of a small pane of glass and a little bit of wire separating her from a venom spitting monster sends a chill up her spine.

“They left out the part where dilophosauruses are pack animals,” says Fluttershy.

And now Twilight is hoping that they did not make a pack of those things.

“I never knew you were into dinosaurs,” says Twilight, trying (and probably failing) to hide her discomfort.

“It was just a phase when I was a teenager. I actually thought of being a paleontologist at one point, but I couldn't stomach leaving home,” says Fluttershy.

Twilight nods and puts her hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. “I can understand that.”

“I also failed the Royal Academic Test so I couldn't enroll in any higher education schools, so that dream really died. They said I was better off being a janitor or waste management, which further injured my already low self esteem.”

Twilight's eyes bulge. “Oh... I... I never knew. That's terrible.”

Fluttershy shrugs. “It's okay. If I passed the test then I wouldn't have friends. Only work partners.”

Twilight blinks. “Oh... Well, that's a way to look at it.”

Fluttershy nods and holds out an apple juice box to Twilight. “Juice box?”

“No thanks.”

Inside the control room, Tempest stays in the back, watching everyone and everything. Test Tube is appearing to be stressed while Cord looks to be calm and Guillermo is still listening to the weather, and then there is Chip. He hasn't said a word and is focused on his work. The conversations in the trolley continue, and Test Tube goes to Cord's side.

“Why hasn't the exhibit showed up?” asks Test Tube.

“Weather, probably,” says Cord. “But they still got a few more stops to go before the trolley tour is over, so there's still time to impress them.”

“I'll have to hire a team of pegasi to keep the weather clear on this island. This storm is ridiculous!”

Tempest looks around the empty room again, noting all the powered off computers, lights and empty seats, and then she looks at Test Tube again, her frown growing.

“Where's the security?” asks Tempest.

“Not now,” says Test Tube. “Can we force the exhibit out?”

“Not unless one of the guests wants to offer themselves up as a sacrifice,” replies Cord.

“Maybe the pink one will do it.”

“HEY!” barks Tempest.

“What!?” snaps Test Tube, now looking at her.

“Where's the security?”

“Doing security stuff.”

“Protecting this room and facility is 'security stuff'.”

“And they are doing just that. You just don't see them because they are patrolling. Besides, Guillermo is here, so you have nothing to worry about.”

Tempest snorts and rests her chin on the railing, and the griffins go back to their work, with Chip still quiet and focused on his work and Guillermo just the same.

“Move them to the next exhibit,” orders Test Tube.

Cord nods and pushes a couple of buttons, and the dots on the display begins moving up. While this happens, Tempest focuses on Chip and his computer screen, but she has no idea what she is looking at, so she looks back at the map, watching as the dots move towards a black, sharp toothed skull labeled “T-Rex”.

“Maybe the T-Rex will be nice and show up for them,” says Test Tube.

Tempest snorts and looks at Chip again. The griffin is now standing and shaking out his legs, and then quietly heads towards the door. However, his sneaking is no match for Test Tube's observation.

“Where do you think you're going?” asks Test Tube, his talon pointed at the blue-dyed griffin while his eyes trace the dots going towards the T-Rex section.

“Bathroom, smoke break, then vending machine for a snack, then back to work,” says Chip.

“So, we'll see you tomorrow, then?” asks Cord with a smile.

Chip flips him the bird, and Cord snickers while Test Tube shakes his head.

“No smoking. You can use the bathroom and the vending machine, but we have too much work to do,” says Test Tube.

“Fine. Do you want anything?” asks Chip sourly.

“No.”

“Guillermo?”

Guillermo shakes his head, lifting a small cup of coffee near him, and Chip looks at Cord.

“Fat ass?” asks Chip.

“Something with a lot of caffeine and a chocolate muffin,” says Cord.

Chip grunts and looks at Tempest. “Anything for you?”

Tempest shakes her head, and Chip shrugs and walks off. Tempest follows him with her eyes, and when he is out of her line of sight she looks at his desk and sees that his can of ugly hair dye is gone. She narrows her eyes and straightens herself out, then looks at the door as it closes with a soft click.

“You know what? I think I'll use the bathroom, too,” says Tempest.

“Good. Maybe you can make sure Chip doesn't sneak out for a smoke,” says Test Tube. “After you leave the room, go left down the hall and take another left at the first turn. It'll have a big sign. You can't miss it.”

“Thank you.”

Tempest then exits the room, looks left, and then looks right and sees Chip disappearing around the corner. She begins her pursuit, keeping her steps quiet and her eyes and ears focused. She hears Chip

steps in the quiet hallways, a very distinct sound of talons and paws hitting the floor, but Tempest's heart starts racing when she realizes that her boots are also making tiny click-clack noises. Chip stops and she stops, still out of sight, and when the griffin starts walking again she goes forward and stops by the corner. She crouches and peeks out, watching Chip slip a guard a small bag of money. Said guard is by a thick door with a keypad, and after he counts the money nods, hands Chip a slip and leaves without a word, and Tempest rolls her eyes, not in the least bit surprised a griffin got bribed.

After the guard is out of sight, Chip pulls out the can of hair dye from under his wing, places it on the floor in front of the door, takes a deep breath, rolls his shoulders and neck and flexes his wing, and then turns around.

“You can stop sneaking, little pony,” says Chip.

Tempest slips out from her spot and briskly walks towards Chip, eyes narrowed and ears flat against her skull. When they are a few paces apart, Tempest stops and charges her broken horn, illuminating her face in her unstable blue magic.

“How much are you being paid to betray your boss?” asks Tempest.

“That is none of your concern,” says Chip. “You should be asking yourself something more important.”

Tempest braces herself and her magic crackles while Chip taps a single talon on the tile and focuses on Tempest.

“You should be asking yourself: Which one of us is going to die, tonight?” says Chip.

So that took forever. But now its done... Yay...?

The pair of trolleys stop by an area that piques the group’s interest for an otherwise uneventful ride. Granted the rain holds much to blame since it is keeping the exhibits sheltered, however, interest has returned now that the group sees tall electric fences standing at almost two dozen feet tall with red lights on each post, and securing the posts in is a concrete wall.There is also a sign on the fence big enough for everyone to see, and it has is a simple message: REMAIN IN YOUR VEHICLES!

Inside Twilight’s trolley, she stares wide eyed at the tall posts. The red light gives the rain a red tint, and a brief flash of lightning in the distance adds to the ominous atmosphere. As Twilight stares at the fence, she uses her magic to grab a folded map and slowly looks away to study the trail, realizing that Test Tube has made a horrible error. According to the map, they are at the T-Rex paddock, which she is sure is the big attraction, but there are also a dozen other locations to visit after this one. Essentially, the doctor played his best card first.

“The Tyrannosaurus Rex is often called the King of the Dinosaurs, and for a good reason! It was the largest of the Tyrannosaurids, capable of growing four meters tall and thirteen meters long,” says the recording.

“Thirteen point two,” corrects Fluttershy under her breath.

Twilight looks at Fluttershy, who has her face pressed against the window, squinting as thick streaks of water obscure her vision. Fluttershy says nothing more, and Twilight goes back to looking at the map, but it is more out of giving her eyes something to do other than trying to see through a shroud of darkness.

“I don’t think this park is ready,” says Twilight. “This map layout doesn’t make any sense, and with the time I’ve spent with Dr. Rack, I’ve gotten the feeling that he is using this park to fix a chip on his shoulder. That, and the ampelosites are also a huge problem.”

Fluttershy sighs and flops in her seat. “The doctor did say that his wife died. Maybe he is doing this as a tribute to her? But it doesn’t excuse how he’s been treating these creatures. If he’s treating the raptors poorly, then I can’t imagine how he’s treating the others.”

Twilight nods and looks at the fence, specifically the wires, and rubs her chin.

“Another potential problem I see is the fencing. Those wires look strong, but do you think they can hold a T-Rex?” asks Twilight.

“I hope they do because it’s been watching us for a few minutes,” replies Fluttershy.

“Wait, you can actually see it?”

Fluttershy points at the thick foliage of trees, and Twilight squints her eyes, which allows her to see a pair of beady eyes hiding in the camouflage of heavy rain, darkness, and thick forest. Seeing that sends a shiver up her spine, and Fluttershy coughs in her hoof and shudders.

“If that fence breaks, we’ll be in a lot of trouble,” says Fluttershy.

Inside Gate Keeper’s office, Rainbow Dash has found a perch on the office couch with a Daring Do book. It is one of A.K. Yearling’s earlier books and the writing shows, but nonetheless it is still enjoyable. Though, her immersion is broken when the light above flickers, and Rainbow Dash looks at the troublesome light while Gate Keeper casts her an easygoing smile with another Daring Do book on his desk, which is next to a log book and a stack of notebooks.

“Relax,” says Gate Keeper. “The light does that every time there is a storm.”

“You’ve been through a lot of storms, huh?” says Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, yeah. This might be the worst one, but nothing bad has ever happened. This will be no different”

“What happens if the power goes out?”

“It won’t. This section has its own power station that is connected to the main power station, so if this one drops, the big one will give us some juice until the little one is brought back up. No biggie.”

Rainbow Dash nods and looks at her book. “Right. The doctor mentioned something like that earlier. I just forgot.”

Gate Keeper waves his hand. “No worries. I forget a lot of… Hold on.”

Rainbow Dash’s ears perk, and she looks at Gate Keeper as he pushes one of the red buttons, giggling to himself while he peers out the window and gives the button another push.

“Red Gala is being a troublemaker again,” he says, giving the button yet another push. “But nothing like a few bursts of liquid nitrogen to show her who’s in charge!”

Rainbow Dash watches Gate Keeper giggle for a few more seconds before she lowers her head into the book, now wondering if she made a mistake staying with him.

Gary’s vehicle slows to a stop outside a structure surrounded by a barb wire fence with lamp posts placed in equal intervals, making it the brightest spot on the island from what Applejack has seen. Beyond the wall is a metal structure dozens of stories tall, with large towers on its corners spewing exhaust. There are also two brick wings attached to the structure through a network of walkways, which are being illuminated by a generous amount of lights. The station also has pipes of various sizes and colors circling around and inside it, and thick wires on equally placed poles leave the station to connect with dozens of tall cylindrical turbines in the distance, which are being spun by the stormy winds and the crashing waves, and each have red lights signaling their location.

While Applejack stares at the distant turbines, Gary leans out and slips a card into a small machine by the entrance gate. The machine beeps, flashes green, and once Gary pulls his card out the gate opens. The griffin adjusts himself, then drives forward, and Applejack looks over shoulder, watching the gate close with the rain smashing against the metal. Once the gate closes, she looks back at the power station with a small smile.

“It’s amazing, we don’t have anything like this in Equestria,” says Applejack.

“The lack of magical abilities has forced us to look to technology,” says Gary. “But I will say, I absolutely hate driving. Griffins are meant to fly, not do this.”

Applejack stares at Gary, and he looks at her out of the corner of his eye.

“Not that I mind driving a guest around since I know you can’t fly and you’ll be heavy to carry around, but you understand where I’m coming from, right?” says Gary.

“What’d’ya mean I’d be heavy to carry around?” says Applejack.

“You ponies are heavy! Especially earth ponies. I mean, jeeze, talk about a load.”

Applejack self-consciously inspects her large frame. Sure, she is bigger than most earth pony mares, with her rock-solid build from working on the orchard and a lifetime of various strength and endurance tasks, but she’s not that much bigger or heavier. Gary is just being a jerk.

“Well, ya ain’t exactly a pillow to carry, either, being a griffin and all,” says Applejack.

Gary rolls his eyes. “Oh, wow. The burn. I’ll need some aloe vera for that.” He stops the vehicle outside the structure’s entrance and hops out. “I think we should focus on the job, now. You want to inspect the plant? Here we are. Get your checklist ready. We got a lot to cover.”

Tempest stares at Chip from just a few paces away, her ears flat against her skull, eyes narrowed and broken horn charging. Every part of her is tense, but from what she can see Chip seems only mildly inconvenienced by her presence. And Tempest doesn’t like that at all. He is either very stupid or very dangerous, and with what she can see in his eyes, it is the latter.

“How much are you being paid to betray your boss?” asks Tempest, her eyes steady while they search for a weak spot on the large griffin.

“That is none of your concern,” says Chip, his eyes fixed on hers. “You should be asking yourself something more important.”

Tempest braces herself and her magic crackles while Chip taps a single talon on the floor.

“You should be asking yourself: Which one of us is going to die, tonight?” says Chip.

Tempest narrows her eyes and her broken horn sparks as she snorts and paws the floor. There isn't a lot of space, which is not good for her, but not good for Chip, either. She knows from experience that griffins need their space, and she needs space because that is how her training molded her to be, but with her size she should be able to adjust easier than Chip.
Then she makes a mistake.

She blinks.

In that split second of a blink, Chip launches himself forward, and Tempest barely has a chance to slide out of the way. His talons graze her armor and his wing hits her in the face, knocking him into a spin and forcing her off balance. But Tempest is able quickly regains herself and with a snarl she turns and leaps at Chip, only to have the griffin grab her throat and slam her on the ground. His talons dig into her neck, drawing blood, and he puts his feline paw on her gut while the other set of talons lift to gouge her eyes out.

Before he can bring his talons down, Tempest zaps Chip in the chest, bringing him to loosen his grip, and she follows up with swiftly tucking her legs underneath his gut and kicking him off. Chip flips over her and lands on his back, and he growls as a trail of smoke rises from his chest with the stench of burnt fur and skin flowing into Tempest's nose. Chip quickly rolls upright, but before he can get a stable stance, Tempest rams him into the wall, denting it, and she bites on the crook of his neck while her hoofs lock on his shoulders. The taste of blood tickles Tempest's tongue, and she can't help but get a little bit of glee from that. It is only fair, after all. Blood for blood!

With Tempest’s teeth latched firmly on Chip’s neck, the griffin screams and rolls around on the floor, squishing Tempest with his superior weight, but she refuses to let go and releases another burst of electricity into him, burning more of his fur and skin, and this time a little bit of his feathers. The sparks have also blown out some of the lights and as shattered glass falls, the stench of burnt wires flood Tempest’s senses.

“You psycho!” snarls Chip.

The griffin screams again, only this time he goes into flight, and Tempest feels a brief rush of wind before a sharp pain hits her head, followed by a multiple cuts going all over her neck and cheek. Then everything becomes a blur as she rolls and bounces across a carpeted floor. She hits a chair, knocking it over, and when she stands up quickly, her legs give out and her attempt to grab a table leads to it falling over, spilling a napkin dispenser and condiments on the floor.

Across from Tempest, Chip growls and shakes glass off his hide, and his fur and feathers bristle as he coils his body, eyes locked on Tempest. Meanwhile, Tempest groans and keeps her eyes on Chip as she rolls to her hoofs, but before she can fully regain herself, she is rammed again and her back breaks into a vending machine, showering her with glass and snacks. Chip steps back to let her fall on the floor, and as Tempest tries to get up, Chip grabs the vending machine, and the last thing she feels before losing consciousness is 500 pounds of machinery landing on top of her.

Chip looks at Tempest's limp body underneath the vending machine, with one of his hands holding the wound on his neck. He is breathing heavily, and after taking a moment to look at the blood on his palm he looks at the clock on the wall. Seeing the precious time wasted he snarls and hurries away. He is confident that Tempest is out of the way for good, and even though he didn't like the commotion or the time it took he knows this set back won't change the outcome. His goal has been accomplished. Getting paid is just icing on the cake.

Test Tube is chewing on his talon, his eyes fixated on the map in front of him while his ears are listening to the conversations of the passengers.

“I don’t think this park is ready,” says Twilight. “This map layout doesn’t make any sense, and with the time I’ve spent with Dr. Rack, I’ve gotten the feeling that he is using this park to fix a chip on his shoulder. That, and the ampelosites are also a huge problem.”

Test Tube’s eyes briefly break off the map to look at the speaker, and Cord glances at him, only to look back at his station when the doctor motions him to.

“Has the T-Rex showed up yet?” asks Test Tube.

“Considering that no one is screaming, I would say no,” says Cord.

Test Tube sighs heavily and leans against the desk. His talons dig into the wood, leaving deep gashes and he glares at the map.

“So far this is turning out to be a dud,” says Test Tube. “A very expensive dud.”

“Hey, it’s only been one day,” says Cord. “We still got four more left, right? Or is it three? I honestly don’t know since nobody told me they would be coming”

Test Tube glares at him out of the corner of his eye. “We had a team meeting about this.”

“I’m sorry, I missed the meeting. But what I’m trying to say is that we still got some time left to impress them.” Cord grins and points at Guillermo. “Maybe if we convince that guy to upgrade his personality from sandpaper to Casanova, he can convince those ponies to give us passing grades. Two of them are already drooling over him, anyway.”

Test Tube looks at Guillermo, who is still listening to the weather, which is only getting worse according to the reports. It is also at that time that Test Tube realizes that Tempest and Chip still haven't returned. He honestly expected Chip to do some ditching since his attitude has always been terrible, but he distinctly remembers Pinkie Pie telling Tempest to spy on him and she has been watching everyone closely up until she left to use the bathroom. So, for her to be missing is a cause for concern.

“Guillermo,” calls Test Tube, getting the black and white griffin’s attention. “Find Tempest and Chip, please.”

Guillermo stands up, shoulders his rifle, and goes to the door, and when he grips the knob, he looks at Test Tube.

“You really need to call the trolleys back. The weather is getting worse and one of our visitors is already sick,” says Guillermo.

“Noted. Please do what I told you to do,” says Test Tube.

Guillermo grunts and exits the room, and Test Tube shakes his head and looks at the map.

“Stupid dinosaurs. Stupid weather,” grumbles Test Tube. “At this rate I’ll be driven back to smoking.”

Cord chuckles, and Test Tube resumes biting his talons.

In the hallway, Guillermo looks behind him, peering through one of the circular windows, watching Test Tube and Cord go about their business. He shakes his head, adjusts his rifle and is about to go in the direction of the bathroom when a flicker catches his eye. He looks in the direction of the oddity and notices that there is a dimness around the corner. He furrows his brow and carefully walks towards the shadowed corner. When he rounds the corner, he sees flickering lights reflecting off broken glass and droplets of blood, and there are feathers everywhere with a large dent on the wall. Seeing this, Guillermo’s jaw tightens, and he walks forward.

Inside the command center, Test Tube is sitting on a chair, rubbing his brow, and not hearing anything pointing towards excitement. It is all boredom!

“Forget it,” says Test Tube. “Move them to the next exhibit.”

“Are you sure that is a good idea? I mean, the weather is-”

“Just do it!”

Cord holds up his hands and is about to put in the next command but stops when a small radio on his desk crackles.

“Hey, Doc, I found Tempest,” says Guillermo.

Test Tube snatches the radio. “Where?”

“Underneath a vending machine in the break room,” says Guillermo. “She surprisingly still has a pulse, so I'm taking her to medical for Wayward to look at her. But I have not seen Chip anywhere and the protection detail for the samples is missing.”

“What are you talking…” Test Tube's voice drifts off as his eyes drift to Chip's desk, noticing two things. First, Chip's ugly hair dye can is missing. Second, there is a loading bar moving across the screen, creeping towards a skull and crossbones icon. “Guillermo, check the DNA samples and send a search party out for Chip and the missing security! Arrest them on sight!”

“Copy that.”

Test Tube turns to Cord. “You! Bring the trolleys back right now! Celestia will have me turned to stone if any of these ponies are hurt!”

“Got it!” says Cord.

But as soon as Cord goes to put in the command, the loading bar zips towards a snake icon, and when the bar reaches the icon, a message appears: “You lose.”

After that, the lights flicker off and various thuds echo in the chamber as the hallway lights flash off one by one. The map goes dim, the radios fuzz out, the computers go dark, and red emergency lights flash on, bringing pockets of dim light to the circular room.
“Oh... That's not good,” says Cord.

Inside the power station, Applejack follows Gary up a large metal stairway. The pipes that cling to the walls rumble, and gauges are placed at even intervals with labeled rooms scattered about. In the center of the station are five turbines, each with their fans spinning at blurring speeds with a deafening whir as well as having thick tubes connecting them to large, block shaped devices that have more tubes connecting to the pipes. The block shaped devices have monitors, gauges and various knobs, levers, and buttons on them, and each one us showing a steady stream of data with the gauge needles inching closer to the red section.

“This power station serves as the main, um, power station,” says Gary, having to speak loudly over the generators. “We got five more smaller stations around the park, but by themselves they barely power their sections. With this beauty, however, it sends more power to each section, giving them a boost while having enough to keep the park running in case of emergency. So, if one fails for some reason, this will make sure power still gets to the affected area. Which, if I’m going to be honest, I’m expecting at least two sub stations to fail due to this awful storm. It’s going to suck, but this station will keep the lights on.”

“And what happens if all the small ones fail?” asks Applejack.

“The station would be strained and possibly explode from over exertion.”

Applejack stops and stares at Gary with wide eyes while the lights get brighter and the generators whirring gets louder.

“Are ya saying we’re walking on a giant bomb!?” says Applejack.

Gary stops at the top of the stairs and looks at Applejack, leaning against the railing with a cool smile.

“Look, I know this is all new to you, but the chances of all the power stations failing at once is very unlikely and it would take a while for the main station to explode from overexertion!” says Gary. “We’ll be fine! Trust me!”

And right as he finishes the sentence, red lights flash on with a wailing alarm, and Gary’s smile disappears in a flash as he looks at one of the red lights.

“What is going on!?” asks Applejack loudly.

One of the generators sparks and flames burst out, twirling in the air with the fan glowing red hot. The other turbines follow soon after with pipes shaking and bursting, and sparks rain from the ceiling as Gary runs towards Applejack.

“We need to evacuate!” says Gary. “The plant’s overheating!”

Without saying a word, Applejack bolts down the stairs, but before she could reach the bottom, one of the generators explodes, flinging hot twisted metal everywhere and a cloud of electric fire destroying the other four generators, leading to more explosions tearing apart the room. The flying debris cuts into the pipes and the stairway jerks sharply to the side as the support is bent. Metal, brick, and concrete rain down on the pair, shaking and damaging the stairway more, and Gary leaps towards Applejack, using his body as a shield as a burst of fire collides with them, knocking them against the wall. With the disorientation and shaking of the stairs, the two bounce down the metal steps, and once they land on the bottom, Applejack and Gary roll away from each other, with Applejack’s hat falling off her head.

As the building continues shaking with fire bursting from the pipes and wires snapping, Applejack coughs and groans, tasting blood on her tongue, and near her, Gary shifts on the ground with smoke rising from his patches of burnt fur and feathers. As the two lay on the floor, shifting and coughing, another explosion tears apart a network of support beams, and Applejack’s eyes widen as the literal tons of burning debris rain down. The mangled metal hits the stairs, crushing what is left of it, and when all that burning rubble crashes into the floor, sending a rushing wave of smoke and rubble towards the pair. Applejack can barely scream before she is hit and everything goes dark.

All the large lamps snap off around the raptor paddock, the humming of the electric fences ceases, and the office is plunged into total darkness, with only a red light above the door and the bright, terrified eyes of Gate Keeper shining in the dark.

“What just happened!?” yells Rainbow Dash, dropping her book.

“A… A power outage,” says Gate Keeper. “A very bad power outage.”

In Pinkie’s trolley, all the interior lights snap off, and the same happens with Twilight’s trolley, and on the large electric fence, the red lights on the posts switch off. It all happens so fast that it knocks Pinkie’s thoughts out of focus, but after that moment of loss, dread slams into her stomach like a rock, and her color drains as she looks up, squishing herself into the other side of the wall as rain slams against the trolley.

“What happened to the red lights?” asks Rarity. “Why did the lights turn off!?”

“This is not going to look good for him. Power outages are unacceptable,” says Coinbag. “I’m glad I went through another round of inspections. Who knows how many other problems are-”

“Shush for a second!” snaps Pinkie Pie.

The two unicorns look at her, with Rarity’s worry increasing tenfold while Coinbag is annoyed. Then comes a series of ever approaching thumps that get louder and rattle the windows harder with every passing second. When the thumping stops, the glass stops rattling and it is just three sets of heavy breathing inside the trolley. A few seconds later, Pinkie Pie inches towards her original spot to get a peek outside, and her mane deflates with a terrified whimper and she quickly pushes herself back, followed closely by the other two, and all three hug each other as they stare out the window, pale and shaking.

Then one of the posts bends, the wires snap one by one, and the ground shakes with heavy thud; followed by another. And another. And another. Seconds later, a blaring roar shakes their very bones.

The king has come.

And he is hungry.

Now things will get fun.