“June,” said Disc as he looked over the test results “do you have the new plant specimens I ordered. Disc got off his chair and brushed some of his blue fur out of his golden colored mane.
June levitated the plastic containers onto the table. “Yes I did. Don’t you think it is odd that the plants have suddenly stopped attacking now.”
Disc nodded his head, “I agree that it's strange but we should use this momentary break as more time to develop a countermeasure. These plants have been harassing our colony for days and it doesn't help that we only set up two weeks ago.”
June brushed her purple mane out of her crimson eyes. “The expeditionary team had told us that the planet was completely safe, so much for that,” she said as she sighed heavily.
“I know this is scary June but the The Equestrian Union promised to send reinforcements as soon as they can,” said Disc. He could tell that June was having a hard time.
June started to cry. “Who knows how long that will take. We’re just a nobody on the outer rim so I'm sure we’re not high on their priority list.” The room fell silent while only the soft sobs of Disc's assistant could be heard.
“I know you’re upset June but I have faith in The Equestrian Union, they wouldn't abandon us. Now let’s stop early tonight since you’re having a rough day.”
--------------8 hours later
The serene sounds of the Everfree Forest were soft under the silver glow of the moon. Everypony in the colony was asleep except for the marines as the night reached its peak. As if the spirit of the planet demanded that the quiet dreams of the colonists were to be interrupted, a siren echoed throughout, waking everypony up from their deep slumber.
“What in the world is going on” yelled Disc as he awoke abruptly. As if he heard him, a marine burst through the door.
“Sir I’ve got to get you out of here, the plants have raided the colony!” yelled the marine as he went over to grab the scientist.
“Hold on, need to get my glasses,” said Disc as he took the marines hoof off his shoulder."I cant believe this is happening" thought Disc,still groggy from waking up so suddenly.
“Fine, but hurry up” said the marine. Disc could tell that he was not used to waiting very much.
Disc got his glasses and headed out the door with him. “So, whats your name?” asked Disc, trying to make idle chat.
“Shining Armor” the marine replied “named after my great grandfather who died in the Great Pony-Griffon War.” Disc and Shining started down the steps to the exit of Disc's house.
“So Shining, give me the sit-rep,” said Disc, wanting to know how the rest of the colony is holding up.
“Not good sir, the whole Market district has already been overtaken and the plants are trying to break through the barricades into the Science district. The weird thing is that the plant life is not even touching the Housing and Entertainment districts.”
Disc came to a realization. “They know about the countermeasures and they want to destroy them. We have to go to the Science district and get them!” yelled Disc.
“Sir, I have orders to protect you and I cannot allow you to endanger yourself like that,” demanded Shining.
“Forget the orders, I outrank you by a whole lot and I order you to escort me to my lab!” yelled Disc furiously.
“Very well sir,” said Shining as he sighed “it won’t be my fault if you die horribly.”
-------------At the Science District
“There’s the barricade,” said Shining as he and Disc approached the lab. Gunfire and screams could be heard from that direction as a marine was grabbed by a vine.
“Hey, no civilians allowed near the barricade. You should be at the escape shuttles by now.” said a marine as he approached the two.
“I am Disc Overy, head of this facility. Let me in to my lab,” said Disc, proving who he was.
“I can vouch for him” said Shining “he is the real deal.”
The marine scratched his mane.“Be quick because I'm not sure how long we can hold them back."
“Alright Shining,” said Disc “Let’s get inside the facility.”
------------ Inside the Facility
“Hurry, the countermeasure is in the room on the right” Disc said as he rushed through the strikingly clean laboratory.
Shining followed him into the room and was amazed at the armory-like nature of it. “Sir, I had no idea how far you were with your research, its like a weapons-locker in here.” The walls of this large metal room are lined with assault rifle looking weapons and grenades. Strange green pellets lay spread across the table in the middle of being put into an ammo case.
“What are these green things on the table,” said Shining “they look like they have some sort of liquid inside them.”
Disc turned to Shining. “Its called 67-P, the enchanted liquid kills the plants on contact. I have created weapons to combat the menace using it.” Disc started to gather up 67-P grenades and gave Shining an assault rifle full of the green pellets. “This should do well enough. Come on, we have to go before the facility explodes.”
Shining looked at Disc in shock. “Did you say explode!?” said Shining as he started following Disc out. “Why would you want the lab to explode and how would you even do that?” he yelled in dismay.
“If the plants get into my lab and discover the weapon they will develop an immunity against it. We have to destroy it using a timed explosion spell,” Disc explained as he and Shining went down the stairs.
"Even if that was the case, I think that is a bit overkill. These plants can't be so intelligent that they can develop an immunity in less than a day," argued Shining. He noticed Disc getting a bit angry.
"Who was the person that studied these plants and developed a weapon against them? asked Disc sarcastically, "ME! now shut up and let me do the thinking."
" I didn't mean to offend in any way i just-"
"Its ok" said Disc, "I'm just very upset that all of my work has to be blown up into dust." Disc sighed and shook his head.
“Alright then, I should call a drop-ship to pick us up.” said Shining as he levitated his communicator up to his mouth. "Hello is anyone there, this is Shining Armor to any drop-ships in the vicinity." Shining waited for an answer.
"Yes, this is drop-ship 181 reporting" said a voice over the communicator.
"I am here with a scientist who has precious cargo and need immediate evac" said shining, hoping they could come and help pick them up.
"Roger that Shining, we are on our way."
---------------Outside the Facility "
Disc and Shining rushed toward the drop-ship,desperately trying to get there before the lab exploded. They both dove into the open cargo bay door and collapsed on the ground
“I can’t..*pant*.. believe..*pant*.. you would..*pant*.. actually..*pant.. do this,” Shining yelled “this is crazy!” Both of them were exhausted from running all the way through the giant lab complex
Disc glared at Shining. “Its not..*pant*..my fault..*pant*..the plants..*pant*..are intelligent.” said Disc as he wheezed.
The dropship took off and started to fly away. Disc and Shining got back up and looked out the window. They watched as the entire Science District exploded in a fiery blast of metal and burning plant matter. The colony was engulfed in a tangled web of vines and roots.
“What now?” Shining asked the pilot, wondering where they could possibly go. “We are going north to the part of the planet that is too cold for the forest plants to survive. We should be safe there.” said the pilot.
Disc sighed “Hopefully we can get The Equestrian Union to evacuate us soon. We sent out a distress signal right.
Everyone stared.
“Right?!”
