With a long creak the massive oaken doors swung open before her, and Rebecca's ears were greeted by the sound of hooves upon marble as she was lead into the grand foyer. "Welcome to the Bureau of Magical Research and Development," said Celestia, as they entered. Rebecca's only response being a awed whistle as she took in the sight.

The floor was polished to a mirror shine, and great columns of marble rose to support the ceiling high above. At the opposite end of the foyer two gently curving staircases allowed access to the second floor balcony that circled most of the room. All along the walls were hung portraits of various ponies dressed in what Rebecca could only assume was classic nobles attire set either above or to the sides of the many hallways that lead deeper into the building. The most striking feature, however, was the stained glass window above the stairs, which depicted a bearded stallion in flowing blue robes and pointed hat holding a thick tome to his chest.

Rebecca also noticed the multitude of ponies in the room, all of which were now looking in her direction. Fortunately, every one of them quickly fell into a deep bow, allowing her to take some comfort in the knowledge that, for once, she was not the center of attention. As the ponies began to get to rise, one particularly elderly looking blue stallion with a bushy white mustache began making his way toward them.

"Ah, Princess Celestia, to what do we owe the honor of your visit?" He said, taking another bow as he addressed her.

"Please, Director Radium, rise," Celestia replied. "I'm just here to escort a friend."

"A friend, you say?" asked Radium, raising his head.

"Indeed, allow me to introduce, Rebecca Lancaster," said Celestia, stepping to the side to reveal the woman who had been trying to hide behind her.

Upon seeing her, Radium's eyes visibly widened. "So, you're the one that little Babble has been so excited about," he said, as he stepped forward to get a closer look at Rebecca.

"Um, yeah, I guess I am," Rebecca replied, glancing at Babble.

"Yep, this is her. Finally, my very own human to study. So, is the lab ready yet? Has the team assembled? When can we start?" Babble asked, oblivious to the looks she was getting from Rebecca and the others.

"Yes, yes, my dear, everything has been prepared," replied Radium, holding up his forehooves. "You can begin as soon as you are ready."

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go everypony." With that, Babble was heading toward the stairs.

"Is she always like this?" Rebecca asked, as she passed by Radium.

The old stallion sighed. "She's actually gotten better."

By the time Rebecca and Celestia caught up with her, Babble was already up the stairs and heading down one of the long halls of the upper floor. As they walked, Rebecca couldn't help but ask, "So, Doctor Babble..."

"Oh, you can just call me Techno," she said.

"Okay... Techno. If you don't mind me asking, what exactly are we going to be doing when we get to wherever it is we're going?"

"Oh, where to even begin?" Techno squealed. "There are so many things to look into, morphic resonance, astral stability, I don't even know if you have an arcane reservoir or void."

"Reservoir or void?" Rebecca asked.

"Oh, yes. You see, when Lero was studied here, they learned that Humans don't have a natural reserve of magic in them."

"You studied Lero," Rebecca asked, her tone growing wary.

Sensing Rebecca's concern, Celestia quickly cut in, "When Lero was first discovered he was brought here so that we could try to make some sense of what he was. The Director ran basic diagnostics tests to help determine if it was safe for ponies to interact with him without protective apparel."

"Oh, yeah, I suppose that would be a smart thing to do when you discover an alien creature," Rebecca replied.

"Oh yes," agreed Techno. "Fortunately, he didn't seem to bring anything with him that we didn't already have vaccines for, so it wasn't a serious issue. But, I sure wish I could have been here to see everypony walking around in hazmat suits," she finished with a giggle.

"You weren't working here?" Rebecca asked.

"Unfortunately no, Lero arrived just before I finished the entry requirements to join the bureau. That's why I've been so looking forward to meeting you; it's finally my turn to have a look at a real live alien, and a chimera at that. It's like a birthday and Hearth's Warming Eve all rolled into one!"

As Techno began bouncing like a school filly, the three reached the end of the hall and came to a stout wooden door with a plaque above it which read 'Dr. T. Babble'. "Ah, here we are," Techno exclaimed.

Even before she stepped into the room, Rebecca could smell the thick chemical odor hanging in the air. Once she entered the large room, the source became obvious. The place looked like it had been taken right out of Frankenstein. Several tables were arranged around the room, half of which were covered in glass tubes and beakers filled with strangely colored liquids bubbling away, while the rest were piled high with books and scrolls. A half dozen bizzar machines were set up around the room, some of which Rebecca thought she had seen before in a certain unicorn's basement. The cherry on top came in the form of a large examination table in the center of the room that was covered with a white cloth concealing something laying on top of it.

"Um, is that supposed to be there?" asked Rebecca, pointing at the mass under the cover.

"No, they're not," replied Techno, pulling a sports whistle out of her coat.

As the shrill squeal of the whistle cut through the lab, the mass on the table suddenly lurched up in multiple directions as several voices began crying out.

"What's happening?"

"Which timer was that?"

"I can't see, I can't see!"

With a heavy thud, the mass rolled off the table on to the floor before laying still. Stowing her whistle, Techno trotted up to the pile and took the sheet in her teeth before pulling it away. Two mares and a stallion were sprawled out on the floor, and looking up at her with sheepish grins.

"Uh, hey, boss, back already?" Asked the stallion.

"Yes, Copper, I am. Now, what did I tell you three about taking naps between experiments?"

"Uh, don't?" Asked one of the mares.

"That's right," replied Techno. "We're not in the dorms anymore. You three can't keep nodding off after mixing up one dose of sleeping powder. We're professionals now, we have to start acting like it. Now get up off the floor, you're embarrassing yourselves in front of our specimen, I mean guest," she said, with a blush.

As one, the ponies all shot upright and turned to Rebecca with wide eyes. "Sweet Celestia, it's her!" cried the stallion, as the three crossed the room in a multi-colored blur, only to slam face first into a glowing golden barrier and slide to the floor once again.

"So sorry about that," said Celestia, as she lowered the field around Rebecca and herself. "But I'm afraid that Miss Lancaster has a slight problem with physical contact, and I know how excited you and your team can become Doctor Babble."

"Heh-heh, yes I guess they can forget their manners now and then," replied Techno, smiling at the three ponies. "Speaking of manners, where are mine? Miss Lancaster, allow me to introduce my lab assistants," she said, as the ponies got back to their feet. "This is Copper Coil," she said, motioning to the chocolate brown unicorn stallion with the black mane; his cutie mark was a simple copper spiral on his flank. "He keeps all the machines in good working order."

"Hello," he said, offering his forehoof. Looking at it for a moment, Rebecca slowly reached out to give it a quick shake. "Oh, my gosh, they really are more dexterous that a minotaur's," he whispered, as her fingers closed around his hoof. Rebecca did her best not to jerk her hand away.

"This is Data Point, she makes sure everything important is recorded."

"Smile!" A blinding flash went off in Rebecca's eyes as she turned to next pony. When the spots cleared from her vision, she saw a pale-yellow pegasus with a golden mane and tail, and a white quill with a drop of ink at the tip, holding a camera. "Alright, initial contact has been preserved for posterity," she declared.

"Oh, thank goodness, I'm glad at least one of us managed to get it," said Techno, before turning to her last assistant; a pure white unicorn mare who barely came up to Rebecca's waist. "And this is Steam Hammer. She helps me collect and care for research materials."

"Hello, I can't wait to work with you," she said, with a smile.

"Steam Hammer?" Rebecca asked, tilting her head to try and get a look at the pony's cutie mark.

Seeing what Rebecca was doing, Steam let out a sigh. "Mother was big into construction. Thought I would follow in her hoof steps. Guess what didn't happen," she said, turning to let Rebecca see the magnifying glass on her flank.

"So, these are the people that are going to help me?" asked Rebecca, turning to Celestia.

"Don't let their antics throw you," Celestia replied, as she began to walk around group. "These ponies are all very good at what they do, and Doctor Babble is one of the most skilled practitioners of transformative magic. I assure you, you're in good hooves here."

As Celestia made her way back to Rebecca's side, there was a quick knock at the door before it was pushed open and one of her unicorn guards entered. He quickly made his way over to Celestia and whispered something in her ear. "Really? How odd. I'm sorry, everypony, but I'm afraid royal duty calls."

"Wait, you're leaving?" Rebecca asked.

"Yes, I'm afraid a princess's work is never done. Don't worry though, Rebecca, if I haven't returned by the time you're finished Onyx here will show you to your quarters." The guard gave Rebecca a salute before Celestia continued. "As for the rest of you, I'm placing my trust in your hooves; please find a way to help our new friend."

As one, Techno and her team bowed. "We won't let you down Princess," she replied. With that, a golden glow surrounded Celestia's horn, and in a brief flash of radiant light she was gone.

"Now what?" asked Rebecca, as the ponies slowly turned to eye her.

"Well, the first thing we should probably do is make sure that all the data that we have on you is still accurate," Techno explained.

"How do we do that?"

"Why, by taking samples of course!" cheered Techno, as she and her assistants produced a number of, rather pointy, medical instruments.

Rebecca spared a glance at the door, only to find that the guard had stepped in front of it, before turning back to the grinning ponies in front of her. "Please be gentle."

****

As the early morning sun cast it's light upon Canterlot Castle, the many spires that stretched into the sky seemed to turn from ivory to gold. Few ponies were fortunate enough to view the spectacle, and even fewer got to see it up close. So, as she made her way up the staircase that spiraled around the easternmost tower of the guest wing, Lyra couldn't help but pause to take in the sight of the gleaming palace. Sigh, I'd give anything to have him wrap his arms around me right now. Lyra basked in the pleasant thought for a few moments before continuing her climb. When she finally came to the landing of the topmost floor, she took one more look at the castle below before giving the door a firm knock. After a few moments with no answer she knocked again, only to be met with more silence. Gosh, I hope I'm not too early. Just as she was about to leave, the slight thumping of feet against floor caught her attention and the door slowly opened.

"Good morning, Rebecca," said Lyra, cheerfully. Rebecca regarded her guest with baggy, sleep encrusted eyes that were barely visible beneath a tangled mess of hair. She wore a loose robe that hung partially open as she scratched her backside while letting out a low groan. "You look like Tartarus."

"Lyra, it's early." Rebecca's voice was low and gravely.

"Sorry, were you asleep?" Lyra asked, sheepishly.

"Well, I was trying," replied Rebecca, as she adjusted her robe and stepped aside to let Lyra in.

"Trying?"

"Had a bit of a rough night."

"Oh, what happened? Did they do tests? Are you alright? Can they help you- Hey!"

Lyra was cut off as the robe that Rebecca had been wearing was suddenly thrown over her head. She managed to get it off just in time to see Rebecca vanish behind a dressing screen. "Lyra, I'll give you the lowdown later. Right now, coffee," she said, as she came back out in a set of khaki pants and button-up white blouse. Grabbing a hair brush of the dresser as she walked, Rebecca headed through one of the doorways in the room.

Before following, Lyra couldn't help but spare a glance around the room. Between the four poster bed, freshly polished furniture, plush carpeting, and even a small chandelier the place definitely lived up to expectations for a 'Royal' guest room.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" came Rebecca's voice, from the next room.

"Something wrong?" asked Lyra, making her way into what she was surprised to find was a fully stocked kitchen, and small dining area, with an irate Rebecca digging through the cupboards.

"Of all the things they could leave out, it had to be that didn't it." Rebecca moved to the last of three cabinets with an short huff. "Look at this! There's, like, ten different kinds of tea in here, but no freaking coffee." Rebecca closed the cupboard and turned to Lyra. "Do Canterlot ponies not drink coffee?"

Lyra couldn't help but giggle. "Well, most of the ponies that would usually stay in these rooms probably have slightly more refined tastes."

"Well, they still need caffeine, don't they?" asked Rebecca, a look of desperation growing on her face.

"Alright, alright, if you need a cup of joe that bad then follow me," said Lyra, turning to leave. "I know a great place for breakfast."

After what felt like days navigating the halls and gardens of the palace grounds, the two friends were finally making their way through the main gates of Canterlot Castle, and into the city beyond. In their haste, neither one really noticed the beautifully clear sky; or the golden chariot bearing six very familiar ponies toward the castle.

****

The sweet smell of baking bread filled Rebecca's nose, along with the rich aroma of fresh brewed coffee. She slowly sipped at her second cup, having downed the first one with gusto, and was pleased to finally feel herself waking up.

"Feeling better?" asked Lyra, around a mouthful of cinnamon roll.

"Yes, thank you," replied Rebecca, taking another sip from her cup. "Man, this is good stuff."

"Yeah, Donut Joe is definitely good at what he does," said Lyra, glancing at the burly unicorn behind the counter. "My friends and I used to eat here all the time, before I moved to Ponyville."

"You lived in Canterlot?"

"Yep, born and raised."

"Huh, you certainly don't act like most of the ponies I've seen around here. "Rebecca looked out one of the nearby windows at the well dressed ponies on the street, and the way they all seemed to be walking around with their noses in the air. "Boy, they really like to ham it up, don't they?"

"Well, not all the ponies who live in Canterlot are like that. Take Twilight for example."

"Oh, yeah, she did mention that. Ha, can you imagine if she acted like that," said Rebecca, motioning to the ponies on the street.

Lyra visibly shuddered. "Thanks for putting that image of her in my mind," she said. "But, enough what-ifs for now. Don't you think it's time you told me how it went yesterday?"

Rebecca put her coffee down, and let out a sigh. "I was wondering when you were going to ask about that."

"Well, it is kind of the whole reason we came up here," replied Lyra, her tone going serious.

"Yeah, I guess it is. Which is why it's so disappointing that I really don't have much to tell yet. I mean, most of the day was just them taking samples and comparing them to files they had on Lero to see how close we matched."

"What kind of samples?" asked Lyra.

"You name it," replied Rebecca. "Hair, skin, urine, blood... marrow."

"Ouch." Lyra winced.

"Yeah," Rebecca agreed. "All that just so they could tell me that I seem to be 'almost completely human'."

"Almost?"

"Yeah, apparently, I have an arcane reservoir."

"That's definitely different from Lero," said Lyra, leaning in close.

"That's what they said," replied Rebecca. "It's not very big, but it is there."

"Now that's something I'm sure Twilight would love to hear about," said Lyra, with a chuckle.

"Well, if she comes up here, I'm sure Techno will be happy to tell her all about it," said Rebecca.

"Techno?"

"The head scientist working on my case. Imagine somebody painting Twilight green and you've pretty much got her," Rebecca answered, rubbing her temple.

"She sounds cute," said Lyra, as she finished off her snack.

"Oh, yeah, she's adorable." Rebecca's voice dripped with sarcasm. "And best of all, I'm supposed to go back for more tomorrow. The only reason I got today off was so that they could compile data, and decide what they want to do to me next."

"Well, it sounds like we should make the most of today then. Let me hit the little filly's room and then I'll show you around the fun parts of Canterlot." With that, Lyra got up and made her way to the back of the shop, leaving Rebecca to finish off her coffee.

With Lyra gone Rebecca leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, enjoying the sound of silence for a change. Having arrived just after the breakfast rush, there hadn't been many ponies in the store when she and Lyra had gotten there. What few ponies had been there had made it a point to vacate shortly after she had entered, so she and Lyra had the place to themselves. If the proprietor had any issue with it, he certainly didn't show it. In fact, Rebecca could hear him snoring at the counter. Guess I'm not the only one who has trouble waking up.

A low rumble caught Rebecca's attention and her eyes shot open when she heard the silverware start to rattle. Tensing up in preparation for a mad dash out the front door, she was relieved when the tremor stopped as quickly as it started, and soon settled back into her chair.

The tapping of hooves at her side told her that someone was approaching. No doubt Pony Joe had been roused by the tremor and was looking to see if his sole customer was all right. "Pardone me, madam, but eez everyzing in order over eer?"

Rebecca turned to regard the stranger with the over the top accent, only to find Joe standing beside her. His baker's apron and cap had been replaced by a tuxedo jacket and red tie, his unkempt mane was slicked back, and he had apparently grown a thin mustache in the last five minutes. "Uh, yeah, I-I'm good. Everything's fine over here," she stuttered.

"Very good, madam. Eef you need me, I shall be in zee kitchen preparing a fresh batch of crescents," he replied, before heading for the back room, and leaving Rebecca scratching her head.

Okaaay, that was weird, but I guess it's not the strangest thing I've seen since coming here...

Rebecca was jolted out of her thoughts by the sudden crash of breaking glass. Turning to see what had just happened, she was shocked to see that the display window at the front of the store had been shattered, and a pony was laying amid the pastries that had been set out. Rebecca rushed to the window, hoping that the pony wasn't hurt, but stopped short when she saw what was going on.

The pony was a white unicorn mare with a light pink mane and three fleur-de-lis symbols for a cutie mark; miraculously she didn't seem to be hurt. The mare's eyes were closed and she had a big grin on her face that was stretched thin by her bulging cheeks. As Rebecca watched, the mare swallowed whatever she was munching on before seizing a chocolate covered donut in her magic and shoving the whole thing into her mouth.

"Um, miss, are you okay?" Rebecca asked, warily.

As if noticing Rebecca for the first time, the mare looked at her with heavy lidded eyes and let out a pleasured moan. "Mmm, I love donuts," she said, with a loud gulp. "But I can't eat them or I'll get fat. But they're sooo goood." With that the mare chomped down on another pastry, before leaning back and wallowing in the ones she had landed on.

Rebecca glanced around the shop. Okay, am I on some sort of hidden camera show, or something? When she didn't see anything out of place, she turned back to the donut-crazed mare. "Okay, hun, what do you say we get you to a table, and I'll see if I can't find you some coffee or something?" The mare resisted at first, until Rebecca grabbed a tray of undamaged donuts and used it to lead her to a table, and away from the broken window. Once the mare was happily chewing, Rebecca let out a sigh. "Okay, now you just sit tight. I'm going to go find someone who may be able to help you a little better than I can."

Rebecca almost jogged to the restrooms, while doing her best to push back the feeling that something was very wrong. Easy, Becky, it's just a couple of ponies having psychosomatic episodes... At the same time... In the same place... Lyra had better be done in there. She reached the mare's room door just as sweat was beginning to bead on her forehead, and gave it a firm knock. "Hey, Lyra, you almost done? I think there's something you need to see out here." A moment passed. "Lyra?"

Placing her ear to the door, Rebecca thought she heard soft mumbling on the other side. Slowly turning the knob, she pulled the door open an inch at a time until she could peek inside. The feeling inside her suddenly got a lot worse at the sight before her. The lights had been put out, casting the room in darkness, save for a single candle that had been lit and placed at the bottom of the sink. The dim light was just bright enough for Rebecca to see that something had been drawn on the mirror. There on the glass, drawn using soap, was the unmistakable image of a human hand.

As she stared, dumbfounded, at the makeshift shrine, a soft giggle snapped her back to attention. Sitting on the floor in front of the sink was Lyra. Her back was to Rebecca, but she could see her face in the mirror. Her pupils had shrunk to pinpoints, and a manic grin was plastered on her face. Worst of all, Rebecca could see that the mare was looking at her in the mirror, and a single quivering word slipped out of Lyra's lips. "Hands?"

Rebecca slammed the door as fast as she could, then reached for a nearby chair and wedged it under the door knob. Okay, Becky, you can start worrying now! Rebecca's stomach began to twist as panic started to set in. Maybe there's something in the food here. The thought only made her stomach turn more. Okay, come on, deep breaths. There has to be a police station, or something, somewhere in this city. Breaking into a full sprint, Rebecca threw the front doors of the bakery open, and almost screamed at the sight of a world turned upside down.

Author's Note

Well, I finally managed to get another chapter out. I realize it isn't very long, but I really wanted to get something out after being inactive for so long, so here we are with a little more set up before all hell breaks loose.

As always thanks to Sausage for proof reading, but feel free to point out anything we may have missed.