The Hive: A large, hollowed out rock spire deep in the Badlands; the home of the Changeling Swarm; a tower like structure, housing the entire race. At the top, the pinnacle of both home and race, sat Chrysalis, the Queen of the Changelings. Truly a legend amongst her people, she is known for her grace, beauty, and intelligence. And yet, there she sat, her mane ruffled in a fatigued mess. She was well used to being needed at all hours of the night, to being the hoof to guide and feed her people with little, if any, regard to her own wellbeing. However, as she looked out in her court room, she found that the members of the Swarm seemed to stretch out the door and around the side, lined up for her orders. They were Changelings needing her direction of where to search for others, Changelings needing her direction for how to rebuild their once significant military force, Changelings needing her direction on what to do with their rapidly dwindling amount of food. It seemed as if they would never stop. Even now, the queen could scarcely pay attention to the females speaking to her.

“-ports still indicate that we’re still missing over half of those who went to the attack, your majesty. Do we have your permission to spare some of the Swarm’s military resources to search for them?”

“Hm?” Chrysalis asked, shaken from her inner thoughts. “Oh, yes, of course…”

“But, your majesty!” One of the captains of the Swarm’s military, Captain Tarrlok, stepped forward, opposing the other female. “Our resources are drained enough as is! If we send any more warriors out, we’ll be completely unprotected! The Orthi will tear us apart! We need to focus on our home, now. We need food! Those who are lost can take care of themselves.”

The same speaker from earlier seemed appalled by this notion. “Captain! Those who are out there are-“

“Soldiers, just the same as me!”

“No! Those who are out there are our mates and our Nymphs!”, She retorted

“Who knew the risks!”

“ENOUGH!” Chrysalis cried, demanding the attention of both of the bickering changelings. The queen was well used to having to settle disputes between her people; a job that could just as well be accomplished by allowing the changelings under her command to work their own issues out amongst themselves. But Chrysalis knew that this would lead to her people’s independence from her, as well as far too many squabbles that could result in far too many issues that would break them away from their task of gathering love. Better that she dealt with issues like these herself. However, the Queen would admit (though never to her subjects) that dealing with her military would always be a confounding issue to the Queen. She didn’t quite know why. Shouldn’t it be easier than dealing with the other needs of her people? No matter, this wasn’t the time for her to be thinking of this.
“Tarrlok, do you believe the Othri to be such a threat that we need all of our remaining forces to defend ourselves from them?” The senior captain looked to think on this for a moment, before finally answering her queen, bowing her head in respect to the monarch.

“My Queen, I do not want to deceive you. Of our forces who’ve returned…less than a third of them were our warriors. Those who have, spies and the occasional scout, have been in hardly a condition to defend our home from the beasts, being starved and injured.” Chrysalis was silent for a moment. Looking again to the line, she spoke, a wonder niggling into her mind.

“Who among you is here with issues regarding our military force?! Be it protection, missing Changelings, or anything of the sort?” A chorus of affirmations rang out, bringing to light the source of all these problems. Looking back to the Captain, who seemed to be anxiously awaiting her ruler’s word, the Queen spoke. “Tarrlok, who is the acting commander of what remains of our military force?”
“That would be myself, your highness.” The warrior responded, dipping her head. This wasn’t good. While Tarrlok was a long time member of the Swarm’s forces, and a truly loyal Changeling, Chrysalis knew the female’s strengths were not in training and leading the entirety of their forces. She was a fine soldier, and a great gatherer of love, but a phenomenal record keeper. The Queen knew that not she, nor her mother before her, had ever had an issue with records with her in charge. Not to mention, when her duties called, the captain did have a way with the Nymphs. Chrysalis rose from her position, hoping the movements would help her weary mind come to a satisfactory decision. It was after a few moments of this pacing that a solution came to Chrysalis. Turning to the pair, the queen spoke.

“I am sorry, Gyne, but I cannot, at this time, send all of our soldiers out to search the whole of even Equestria for our people. They have been trained, and prepared for a situation such as this...” Gyne bowed her head, her eyes closed.

“Of course, your majesty. I understand...By your leave, my lady…” With a nod from Crysalis, the mother turned, making her way from the throne room. Crysalis watched her retreat for a moment before returning her attention to Tarrlok.

“Captain, you told me you’d another message for me?”

“Hm? Oh, yes! Your majesty, one of our scouts reported that ponies had spoken of seeing a bright gray pony matching the commander’s disguise’s description in Ponyville. The stallion in question has been staying with a local animal tender...” The Captains report trailed off as she saw the expression that her queen was wearing. It was a mix between devious joy, and elated relief.

Finally, thought Chrysalis, If that truly is the commander, then I can be done dealing with his responsibilities!
Noting the Captain merely staring at her, Chrysalis chided herself. She mustn’t act a fool in front of her people.
“Captain!” She spoke suddenly, startling the female. “Gather the finest squad we can spare. They will be going to retrieve our dear commander. And fetch...Him…”