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.