Incognito - The Chrysalis Chronicles

Prologue: Fillybuster

The Changeling Senate, a place of history, victories and prestige for Chrysalis' family. It was here that her great-grandmother had led the Griffon King in chains after his defeat at Hook-Beak Pass. Here her grandmother had been proclaimed Queen after ending the Changeling Civil War, which of course none of the other races knew about. It was in these hallowed halls that her mother had pushed through the military reforms that made the Changeling Nation the most feared fighting force in the known world.

And if things continued as they stood, Chrysalis' contribution to its rich history would be to burn the whole damn place to the ground along with its pompous senators.

The whole morning had been spent painstakingly analyzing the recent failure. It all came down to one slight miscalculation. Canterlot had been in her grasp. She was on the verge of becoming the greatest queen the Hive had ever known, conquering Equestria, effectively doubling the state's property and claiming a near inexhaustable feeding ground for her people.

It was all hers, if it hadn't been for that meddling student of Celestia's and her old foal sitter. Instead of celebrating a triumphant return, she was forced to listen to ancient politicians picking her every decision apart.

“Senators,” she said, standing up from her throne and interrupting the speaker. Her annoyance was only barely concealed. “Yes there has been a mistake in the recent campaign. A hindrance that could not be foreseen. But the fact remains that we conquered Canterlot once and can do it again. Let me take out the army and we will take our revenge.”

There was murmuring among the 600 senators at her bold statement, but the speaker, a positively ancient Changeling with a long, grey beard frowned at her. “The alicorns will be more vigilant than ever, especially now. And let's not forget how well your last 'revenge' went.”

Chrysalis grimaced. Her preoccupation with Twilight Sparkle had led her to another defeat, which she was trying to repress. But in politics every loss could be turned into a victory. “That is exactly why a military solution is required. We cannot defeat the ponies with magical power alone.”

The elderly statesman by the name of Cator sneered. “Your mother led us on the wrong path with her reforms. We Changelings have always been the masters of subterfuge, a department you are sorely lacking in, your majesty. The defeat at Canterlot proves it without a doubt.”

The Queen bared her fangs at the senator. “I fooled everypony except one mare.”

“And that was enough to make all your armies useless. The Senate will not give you leave to mount another pointless attack, Queen or not.”

Chrysalis' eyes narrowed darkly beneath that stray strand of hair that always seemed to fall into her face. “You can't block me. The General Staff answers to me and me alone. My mother saw to that.”

A sly grin crossed Cator's lined face. “Perhaps so, but the Senate signs their pay checks and we haven't voted on next quarter's financials yet. Let's see how far your soldiers will follow you without pay.”

“You can't do this to me,” Chrysalis growled menacingly.

“I've got two words for you, your majesty: Fillybuster!” He turned towards the rest of the assembled sticks in the mud, completely ignoring his queen. “Dear Senators. Furthermore I am of the opinion that Bearthargo needs to be destroyed. Let me present my arguments in excruciating detail once more.”

“You'll regret this, you old fool!” Chrysalis screamed. When nopony reacted to her outburst, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the Senate, two royal guards falling in behind her in quick step. “And fillybuster is one word, you jackass!” she added over her shoulder.

* * *

Back in her royal apartments, Chrysalis was in dire need of some pampering. She unceremoniously threw off her state robes, which landed in the corner of the room in a crumpled heap and slipped into her favourite green gown.

She sat down in a comfortable chair and immediately one servant scrambled to place a bowl of hot water for a hoof bath in front of her, while another began massaging her stiff shoulders.

Chrysalis sighed and relaxed visibly as she dipped her hooves into the warm water and began to moan lightly as her muscles were kneaded. She waved away another servant who was getting ready to file her horn.

“What do we do now, your majesty?” one of the two guards, who had taken up position at the door, asked.

“I don't know. Maybe it's time we all took a vacation.”

“Funny, I was just about to suggest that,” a new voice chirped in.

Both of the guards immediately pointed their spears at the lean, young Changeling at the door. He was wearing a red sash that identified him as a senator. “This is the Queen's private quarters. State your business.”

With an oily grin he spread his hands to show that he was no threat. “Your faithful service to our queen does you honour, good sirs. I, myself, was outraged at the Senate's lack of respect. That is why I left the proceedings to come here with a proposition for her majesty.”

The guard gave Chrysalis a questioning look. She shrugged. Sometimes opportunities came in the most unlikely forms. “Let him in.” She mustered the man with a penetrating glance. “I don't think we've met.”

He nodded. “The name's Seianor, your majesty. I took over my father's place in the Senate after his unexpected death last spring. Senator Scipior.”

Chrysalis nodded. “Scipior was one of my mother's most trusted supporters. He helped her reforms tremendously.” Then she raised an eyebrow. “I also know for a fact that he had no son.”

“You're very astute, my Queen,” Seianor said, bowing and rubbing his hands. “I am his adopted son. Nonetheless I am looking to continue the family tradition. I can help you deal with the Senate.”

Chrysalis didn't like the man. He was one of those crawlers, who had nothing but their own standing in mind by kissing the flanks of actually important people. But since she herself was at a loss, there was no harm in at least hearing him out. “I'm listening.”

“You see, at the moment the senators are under the wrongful impression that our agents don't know enough about the enemy to do their duty. If you were to supply a comprehensive study about pony society, it would pull the rug out from under Cator's hooves.”

Chrysalis rubbed her chin in thought. “So what you're saying is that they won't go to war with an unknown quantity. And I suppose you'll want to present my findings to the Senate?”

She had been spot on as Seianor flinched at her perceptiveness. “Well, of course if you were present such a study yourself, Cator will cry foul play immediately. I on the other hand am impartial right now, so I can further your cause.”

“As well as further your bid to become praetor. You are the most junior applicant on the list for next month's vote,” the Queen pointed out without missing a beat.

Seianor bowed so deeply that his muzzle was almost scraping the floor. “You are as wise as you are beautiful, my Queen. But just think of all the possibilities that I could open up for you in exchange for this small favour. I am your humble servant in all things.”

Chrysalis resisted the urge to gag and instead gave him a charming smile. “Very well, I can see the merit in your plan. You can expect some mail from me soon. You have our permission to withdraw.” That was a phrase she had learned from her mother. Translation: Get lost.

Still bowing, Seianor backed out of the room. Maybe he thought that in this position Chrysalis wouldn't notice the sly grin on his face.

The Queen of the Changelings turned to her two guards. “Pack my things, bare essentials only. I'm leaving for Equestria today.”

“Do you require an escort, your majesty?” the guard asked.

“Only as far as the border. I don't want to draw any unwanted attention. It's better for me to go alone.” As the wheels began to turn in her head for a political coup de grâce, she said to her servants: “Mop up in here while I'm gone. I don't want anyone to slip and fall on the slime trail that sycophant left.”