Chapter 1: Ebony

It was a normal day at the Rainbow Factory. I was walking to the control center with some of my friends and co-workers. Lightning Dancer; the one who was the glue that held us together. Dream Darling; the mare who could get a party started anywhere and who was excited about everything that would happen. She was a lot like Pinkie, but they had their differences. And alas, Storm Twirl. She was the one outcast that we had come to love, we gave her a home.

It was early morning. All the clouds had just been cleared from the sky. It made a good sunrise look amazing from the view that I’ve ever seen. I just wanted to go and stare at it for days, yet that couldn’t happen, due to the work that had to be done.

When we all had arrived, the foyer had just been cleaned and looked sterile as ever. White marble floors illuminated the sunrise from a great distance, making the walls a warm yellow/orange color. Lovely rainbow trimming glittered on the embroidered walls, giving the walls a warm glow, like a beach at sundown. Anyone could see this was a great place to work…. but it also hid a terrible secret. For this was the Rainbow Factory. They had the task of creating rainbows. They were excited for, all the ponies who came inside; (never used the out entrance again) would never see the light of day again.

The security droids were nice a usual; to the extent of their programming, they let us go past. It was then, that all of the ponies that worked there started going through their normal routine. I could barely make out what they were saying; all I heard was that they were having fun with the rainbow making process. I really wanted to go out to the public and tell the Pony Press that this factory was killing all the ‘visitors’; yet if I ever did, I’d be killed on spot. That's why I’m always quiet when I’m out.

“Hey guys, ready for another day at work?” I chimed cheerfully, breaking the silence between us.

“I can’t wait to get started!” The other pegasi smiled cheerfully, for they loved their job as much as I did.

“Yeah, its going to be great!” Replied Lightning Dancer. She pranced slightly, showing off the excitement she always had.

“Where do you think we'll be today, guys? The control room or out in the pasture?” Inquired Dream Darling. She looked at me, then Storm, smiling from ear to ear. She rarely slept, always drinking too much caffeine, which earned a slight giggle from me.

“Ooh! I hope we’re in the control room. That way we see the ‘clients’ faces. I do so love to meet them.” Storm Twirl exclaimed, giggling they set off; flying down the stairs into the lobby. Knowing about her past, left me no questions about her killing plans. They put their IDs on and checked in. Since this was the Rainbow Factory, there was a lot of security; they had a strict code, no souls beyond the gates. Who ever entered that didn’t work at the factory, would be knocked out.  Then be sent to the main heart of the factory.

I looked at my card, today Dream Darling and I were working in the control room; while Storm Twirl and Lightning Dancer were out in the pasture.

“At least we're with one friend.” I muttered. We all liked to be together, neither of us didn't knew the other workers very well.

“Yeah… Well, have fun in the Control Room! We'll see you at lunch.” Storm Twirl gave us a smile and ran off with Lightning Dancer.

“Well, lets go Dream Darling, we have work to do. We’re almost at the one billion rainbow marker!” I said in mid-flight, smiling slightly. I was uncomfortable with the one billion mark for some reason, but that was subsided for I was with Dream.

“Oh my gosh, I completely forgot Ebony. Thanks for reminding me, lets go!” Lightning Dancer dashed off; her mane flying in pursuit of her beating wings. She zipped through the hallway and disappeared into Lab Section A. I started walking toward the stairs and began to make my way to the control room on the second floor. Dream Darling followed in hot pursuit and soon we were making our way past the platforms toward the looming tower. The plaza, as the workers called it, had a great view. The sunset vanished, leaving the yellow glow from the sun; making the halls of the factory a mild yellow color and letting the embroidering of the rainbow trimming on the walls glow and shine. I loved the view that I had in the factory. I could see the sun rising at a slow pace creating small heat waves. I’m sure that Dream loved the view as much as I did. For when she made it into the control room, she’d look at the sun for a few minutes and then get back to working.