(image by the talented NemoSpecific)

Y.O.H. 1515

As the Great Changeling War approaches its end, and the High Queen Nightmare Hunger is reduced to an ever-shrinking territory and number of Hives, the disgraced Theoretical Infiltrator Compound, already demoted to Logistical Aide, is no longer needed. The resource flow between Hives has ceased, and all she is now is a warm body noling particularly likes.

She is reassigned to to Hive Hunger's Provisional Hive Defense Swarm, a last-ditch unit of Warrior cadets and confused Workers having weapons shoved into their claws and being flung in the path of the Equestrian advance. She has read enough of the reports to know what this means.

Her life is over.

But now, after three long lonely years, among members of a Caste she would normally consider far beneath her, can the impossible happen? On the brink of her death, can Compound rediscover the sense of belonging that alone gives meaning to the life of a Changeling?

Can a pariah finally find friends?

ADDENDUM: AU after S6 finale.