Welcome to the Rainbow Factory

Chapters

Welcome to the Party
Welcome to the Flight Test
Welcome to the Omen
Welcome to the Theatre Room

Welcome to the Party

Scootaloo was looking out from the window, trying not to think of graduation. Outside, night had already settled, and Ponyville was quiet, but inside Rainbow's house was all noise and chaos. Scootaloo looked up towards the sky. She could make out the constellations, but immediately turned away. The stars made her think of Orion.

She turned back towards the party, and stood for a long moment, dejected. Derpy Hooves appeared from the crowd, and offered her some bottled cider. She took hope from that. Orion wasn't the first to fail, but that didn't mean his life was over. Derpy and Fluttershy were proof of that. Somewhere, in Equestria, he was probably starting a new life in exile. With time, maybe he could redeem himself in the eyes of Cloudsdale, and Scootaloo could see him again; or perhaps she'll bump into him, and the two could look back at everything and laugh. Scootaloo felt her spirits returning, and returned to the party.

Rainbow Dash was by the cider table. She had been there, on the day of Scootaloo's flight test. Not for a moment had she left Scootaloo's side. Upon first sight of her, Rainbow scooped Scootaloo up from the crowd of ponies, hugging her tightly in mid-air. She took Scootaloo out for dinner, and helped Pinkie organize the graduation party. Not once did she conceal her excitement. So Scootaloo stayed quiet.

She didn't want to ruin her friends happiness.

She stood beside Applejack for a moment, to nervous to speak, to nervous to stand with Rainbow Dash. The window was open, and Scootaloo could see the stars. She turned to look at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash looked over. For a moment she did not seem to recognize Scootaloo. Finally she blinked. "What are you doing way over there?" she asked playfully.

"Oh, um, just enjoying this cider," said Scootaloo.

Rainbow seemed unnaturally happy. Her multi-colored mane was dull and sloppy; and Scootaloo could make out the dark blemishes around Rainbows eyes. She looked like she hadn't slept for days.

Part of her was frightened, but Scootaloo knew that Rainbow cared for her; and she realized that, for all her anxiety, she hadn't considered how the test had affected Rainbow. The instant Scootaloo was capable of flight, Rainbow began training her, spending hours on end to make sure she had what it took to graduate.

"C'mon now," said Applejack. "There's no need for modesty. You should be proud of yourself."

"I guess," said Scootaloo meekly.

"You guess!!" shouted Rainbow Dash.

"It's just," stammered Scootaloo. She glanced towards the windows. The stars twinkled in the night sky. "I can't stop thinking about everypony that didn't pass.

Something cold moved in Rainbow's eyes. "Well stop thinking about them," she said. "They had their chance and they blew it."

Applejack looked incredulously at Rainbow, stunned by her outburst. "Ain' that a bit harsh Rainbow," she said.

"No way," said Rainbow Dash, defiant. "Those ponies were flying through hoops, while Scootaloo was still grounded. She worked hard to pass her flight test."

Scootaloo felt a wing around her shoulder. It was Twilight's. She looked at Scootaloo tenderly, before speaking up.

"I have to agree with Rainbow," she said. "You worked so hard to get where you are. You shouldn't feel guilty or ashamed just because you passed."

"See," said Rainbow smugly. "Twilight agrees with me."

"That don' mean you should be so blunt about it," said Applejack.

"Coming from Miss Manehatten."

Applejack glared irritably at Rainbow.

"I get what Rainbow's trying to say," said Scootaloo. "And she's right. It took a lot of work to catch up, and Rainbow Dash was with me every step of the way. I don't think I could've passed if not for her."

Rainbow smiled, ruffling Scootaloo's mane with her hoof. "Don't sell yourself short kid. You were all kinds of awesome out there."

Pinkie and Rarity were sniffling in the background, watching the drama unfolding before them. It was more than they could bear, the memory of watching Rainbow working night and day with Scootaloo, all leading up this commiserating moment. Pinkie brushed away her tears, before hoping towards Scootaloo and presenting her with a cake.

Scootaloo stared at the burning candle, its bright flame dancing radiantly above the cake. In that moment Scootaloo understood that she was no longer some flightless pony, but a true pegasus, something she thought was only possible in her dreams. She looked up towards Rainbow Dash, standing right behind her. She looked back, offering a smile.

The remainder of the party was the happiest Scootaloo felt in her entire life. Everything was noise and confusion. Music was blaring, ponies were shouting, cider was being procured and passed out with uncontained mirth. It was well passed midnight before everypony said their goodbyes, and made their way home.

Only Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo remained, too tired to consider cleanup. Pinkie had offered to help, but Rainbow wanted some shut-eye, and insisted they take care of it later. Scootaloo collapsed on Rainbow's bed, too exhausted to realize she was still in Rainbow's house. Rainbow Dash watched the young pegasus futilely fighting sleep, and chuckled.

"How's about you stay with me tonight." she said. "It's pretty late, and you look like you're about to keel over."

"It really was some party," said Scootaloo wearily.

"You deserved it squirt," said Rainbow Dash.

Scootaloo glanced behind her, and saw the stars from the window. She remembered Orion walking to the west gate, lifting a wing to help some filly walk. Scootaloo started crying there, tears welling up and blurring her vision. It wasn't right. It shouldn't have happened. Orion should have passed his test, cheering her on from the east gate, not consoling some filly with a busted wing. Orion should have been at the party with her, drinking cider, and dancing like a buffoon.

Rainbow rushed over to Scootaloo the moment she heard her sobbing. "Wh-What's going on? Why are you crying?"

"It's not fair," sobbed Scootaloo.

"What's not?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Orion shouldn't have failed. He was a much better flyer than me."

"Orion?"

"He was a colt at flight school. He helped me. Took care of me when everypony else started bullying me. Even with everything you taught me, I still wasn't as good as him. But now..."

"He's a failure," said Rainbow. Her eyes found her. They were full of poison. "He couldn't cut it in the end, so now..."

Scootaloo was frightened. Rainbow's cerise eyes were cold and steady. It was like a law of nature, something that could not be questioned, altered, or implored; and the little filly could not help but feel that she was being crushed under them.

"But he never took the test," she said frantically.

"Huh," Rainbow said, puzzled.

"This pony, Aurora, her wing snapped during the test, so Orion went to help her. He could've done his maneuvers and flew to her there, but instead he went straight for her."

"That pony flunked the test, just for some filly in distress!!!"

"She was hurt."

"That's what medics are for," interrupted Rainbow. "You think that Aurora's the first pony to flunk due to a broken wing. She shouldn't have even been there in the first place."

"But..." Scootaloo lowered her eyes. Rainbow was cradling one of her hooves. She lifted Scootaloo's head, looking back at her. Her eyes no longer appeared cold, but there was still something off, something Scootaloo couldn't describe. So she focused on the look of sympathy Rainbow had offered her, and with enough focus, Scootaloo was able to overlook the cold glaze in her eyes.

"I'm sorry kid. I shouldn't have snapped like that. But sometimes bad things happen, and there's nothing you can do about it. I'm not saying this to make you feel bad; but that Orion guy made a choice, and gave up everything just to play hero. And that filly, Aurora, if she had a bad wing, she should have told somepony. She could've gotten a waiver; waited till her wing got better before taking the test."

"But..."

"There's no excuse for failure Scootaloo. They were given every opportunity and they squandered it. Do you understand?"

Scootaloo paused, she was still looking at Rainbow. She was right. It wasn't her fault that Orion failed, or that Aurora's wing broke mid-flight. It still hurt to think about it, but there was nothing she could do. She nodded slowly, but Rainbow's eyes demanded more than meek acceptance. She steeled herself, reminding herself that Rainbow was her friend, trying to help her.

"Yes," she said flatly. "I do."

Rainbow eyed Scootaloo, searching for some sign of wavering. When she found none, she smiled brightly, again ruffling her mane with her hoof.

"I know it stinks, but if you give it a while, everything will get better. I mean look at Fluttershy. She never took the test, heck she never even finished flight school; but she's doing alright, and we're all best friends."

"I know; and I know I shouldn't be so upset that Orion failed. Other ponies might think he's a failure, but he'll always be my friend."

"Now that's the Scootaloo I know," cheered Rainbow Dash. "So, if you're done being all sappy and mopey, I have something that should make you feel better."

"Huh"

"It's your first assignment," said Rainbow. "Now that you've passed flight school, you can do some work over at Cloudsdale. They're usually quick to put new grads to work, so I pulled some strings and got you a sweet job."

Scootaloo's despondence was replaced with curiosity. With everything that had happened, she had forgotten about her duties in Cloudsdale. Weather work was serious business, and the Cloudsdale Weather Corporation was in constant demand for new ponies to man the facilities. Fresh grads were usually assigned low-end work, such as mixing spectra, or working the snow-line, to get them used to corporate life. But not everypony had a friend like Rainbow Dash, and all her gloom and fatigue quickly dissipated when she received the letter from Rainbow.

The young pegasus quickly torn open the envelope, and looked over the paper. It didn't bear the logo of the snow line, or the cloud busters. In fact, Scootaloo could not recount ever seeing a symbol such as this.

[][][][]

G2 Scootaloo

Flight 264

General Firefly Training School, Cloudsdale XXXXX-XXXX

Dear Scootaloo,

Welcome to the 1st Rainbow Section of the Cloudsdale Weather Corporation. We are the second largest section in Cloudsdale, with approximately 60 trained pegasi calling us "home." Our job is to employ the highest quality technology, maintenance, and inspections, to optimize the production of rainbows. The "Rainbow Factory" achieves this by providing high quality Spectra, a key component in the production of rainbows that not only provide it its color, but also its magic.

The 1st Rainbow Section maintains its own secondary facilities, providing food, shelter, and recreation to all employees. It's a great place to live and we enjoy a great relationship between Cloudsdale and all of Equestria. Once you're settled, I urge you to get out and see what the area has to offer and to get involved in local activities.

I know that moving is a stressful process and I encourage you to take advantage of the many agencies that are available to help. Please contact your sponsor G5 Rainbow Dash concerning anything we can do to assist you with your move.

[][][][][]

Scootaloo didn't move. Part of her wanted to scream, but she reminded herself that she wasn't a little filly anymore. Rainbow Dash was her sponsor, and that meant they would be working together. Her hooves fidgeted uncontrollably. It didn't matter anymore what kind of job she got, or what the "Rainbow Factory" was. If Rainbow Dash worked there, then it must be awesome.

"Just so you know," said Rainbow smugly, "this ain't some boring grunt work you'll be doing. You won't be mixing spectra."

"Wait, but don't you work in Ponyville?" asked Scootaloo nervously.

"That's just a side-job I do. I'm actually a factory manager over at Cloudsdale."

"I can't believe this is happening."

"I figured you'd be happy about it."

Scootaloo calmed herself, setting the paper on her lap.

"If Orion could see this," she said.

"I'm sure he'd be happy for you," said Rainbow.

A shimmer of light caught Rainbow eye. She looked from the window to see that Celestia had begun raising the sun. Rainbow groaned with irritation.

"It's already morning," said Rainbow grumpily. "Guess we won't be cleaning up later today. How's about we hit the sack."

"Yeah," said Scootaloo between a yawn.

The pair laid on the bed, each finding their own means of getting comfortable. Rainbow watched Scootaloo, wrapping the parts of the large quilt around her small body.

"It's not too awkward for you to be sleeping with your boss, is it?"

Scootaloo blushed in response. "Very funny," she said sarcastically, turning her back against Rainbow.

"Seriously though," said Rainbow tenderly. "Are you feeling better?"

Scootaloo turned around to look at Rainbow Dash. Whatever fear she had felt earlier had faded, and she could only see that tender smile, brightened by the morning sun. She smiled sweetly.

"As long as you're here, I don't think I could ever be completely sad."

Rainbow wrapped a wing around Scootaloo, drawing the surprised filly closer to her.

"Goodnight squirt."

"Goodnight Rainbow Dash."

As Scootaloo's mind began to drift towards sleep, she thought of Orion. She smiled inwardly, imagining Orion someplace warm and homely.

I hope your happy, she thought, wherever you are. I hope you're making lots of friends, and making something of yourself. Maybe I'll get to see you again, and I can take you to see where rainbow's are made."

Welcome to the Flight Test

Rainbow Dash enjoyed sleeping. Whenever there wasn't any work that needed to be done, she would happily find a comfy cloud and take a nice, long, nap. Comfy on her bed, the curtains shut, to blot out the morning sun, she couldn't bring herself to sleep. She was watching Scootaloo, nuzzled closely beside her; her tiny body wrapped in a large, thick quilt. Rainbow's blue, feathered wing draped over her, shielding Scootaloo from whatever nonsense could interrupt her dreaming, and deny Rainbow the luxury she had been given. She continued watching Scootaloo, breathing deeply; occasionally fidgeting for comfort. Rainbow didn't want to sleep; because today she would have to take Scootaloo to the factory.

She remembered watching Scootaloo in the colosseum. It was in bad form to visit during the flight test. There were too many risk of some pony cheating; some whiney little filly, who can't bear to see somepony important to them fail. Perhaps, Rainbow thought, calling them whiney was a bit unfair. Nopony wanted to see their special somepony fail, especially Rainbow Dash. She watched from the distance, far from the scrutinizing eye of the adjudicators. Scootaloo was already finishing her pre-test stretches, looking brash as ever. Made sense she would be confident; she learned from the best. Next to her was a colt, fluffing his light-brown feathers. Rainbow had barely made out the smirk he gave Scootaloo. She didn't like it. The most important day in their lives, and all that feather-brained idiot could do was flirt.

Scootaloo wasn't doing any better. She seemed to be enjoying the colt's company; she wouldn't stop chatting with him. Get you head in game squirt, she screamed inwardly; this ain't a mock-test, it's the real deal. Rainbow sneaked a few more steps, trying to get closer to the crowd of fillies; closer to Scootaloo. She had gotten closer to the peristyle, stopping beside a column. Nopony could see her from where she stood, and Rainbow could make out the voices in the crowd.

"I hope to get some cool weather job," it was Scootaloo's voice. "Can you imagine? Everypony in Ponyville or Fillydelphia staring up at me, going ‘There goes Scootaloo! Such an amazing flier! And from Cloudsdale, there can be no doubt!'"

Rainbow smiled upon hearing her voice. No doubt at all squirt, she thought.

They're conversation was cut short by the arrival of the flight instructor. He gave the usual instructions, nothing Rainbow hadn't heard before. She laid beside the column waiting for Scootaloo's name to be called out. Further out in the distance, Rainbow could make out The Factory. Of course, there was more than one factory. Numerous facilities were situated in Cloudsdale, all for the noble purpose of weather production. Everything, whether it was rain, sleet, or snow, was all produced in Cloudsdale, with each facility connected to one another, sharing resources. One factories waste was raw material for another. Further inward, closer to the flight-line, was the Rainbow Facility, where Dash worked.

There was a considerable difference between the two sections of the facility. The 2nd Section received large quantities of Spectra through streams flowing through large grates and into vast vats, to be carefully mixed into coagulated rainbow pools that ran through the factory, ready for use. The 1st Section provided the Spectra; but that required a specialized facility, completely separated from the vast chain of factories that dotted the floating city.

Rainbow couldn't see it from where she stood, but she had been there frequently enough to remember it's appearance down to the last brick. And, for a moment, she wondered if Scootaloo would be assigned there. It makes sense, thought Rainbow. Some pony probably noticed me with her. They'll probably think she's good enough cause I trained her. Rainbow shook her head, clearing her thoughts. Not possible, she thought. Newbies always get stuck doing the grunt work, helps them adjust. Best case, she'll probably get to do some work cloud-busting.

"Get onto that field or I fail you myself!!!"

Rainbow's rumination was cut short by the menacing shouting of the instructor. From below, she could see the brown pegasus standing defiantly before the instructor. What the hay was going on? she thought. Further into the test area, she could see a yellow pony sobbing. Looks like she busted her wing, thought Rainbow Dash. She looked around the colosseum. Medics haven't showed up yet either, she thought. Oh well, she's going to the grinder either way.

A second pegasus flew towards the yellow filly. It was the same brown pegasus who was having his little spat with the instructor. Rainbow chuckled. She wouldn't have to worry about him messing with Scootaloo.

Scootaloo appeared to be watching the scene unfolding; but Rainbow didn't care much to infer anything from it. All that mattered was that she passed; and then Rainbow could take her out for oat-burgers.

"Scootaloo. Clear, fly, fall, complete."

Scootaloo was moving up the ramp, still staring at the pair, now walking slowly towards the west gate of the colosseum. With a powerful flash of her wings, she propelled herself forward through the first ring. Rainbow watched eagerly, capturing every movement of Scootaloo's body as she maneuvered through the rings. Second, keep good form; Third, watch your wings, keep them level. She curved towards the second last ring; near the bottom of the field. She was almost there. Rainbow felt a knot forming in her stomach as she watched Scootaloo, expertly turning and drifting towards the ring.

Wait a minute, thought Rainbow Dash. Something was wrong. Scootaloo was wavering. What the hay are you doing? she thought. Scootaloo didn't have enough lift, and was inches from flying straight into the bottom of the ring. Pick yourself up, she screamed inwardly; pick yourself up, dammit!!!

Rainbow was trembling. Scootaloo couldn't fail, not after everything Rainbow had taught her. All the flight training, the studying, the workouts; it couldn't have been for nothing. Scootaloo was doing perfectly before.

Rainbow frantically surveyed the colosseum as best she could. Maybe somepony was sabotaging her; putting light in her eyes, or something. There had to be something causing this. It couldn't be Scootaloo's fault. She wasn't a failure.

Rainbow heard a shout and immediately shut her eyes.

She's won't fail, she thought to herself.

Oil started spraying.

She can't.

The master switch was flipped.

She wouldn't fail me.

The engine's roared.

SHE'S NOT A FAILURE!!!!

Rainbow eyes snapped open. She was lying on the bed. Beside her, Scootaloo was nuzzled comfortably near her. Rainbow began sniffling, tears welling up, threatening to drip onto the young filly's face. She immediately rubbed her eyes with her wing, bringing it back down over Scootaloo, inching her a bit closer.

She's not a failure, thought Rainbow, smiling affectionately to Scootaloo. And she never will be.

Welcome to the Omen

The Pegasi in Cloudsdale were always fond of a good meal, and had no desire to conceal the fact. Close to the flightline there were a number of restaurants, food carts, and other spots, that regularly enjoyed a steady lineup of customers. There were also publicly funded canteens, fully staffed, and never short of food. Pegasi working the day shift had laid their trays in the large dining-rooms, and over the boisterous crowd, could make out the familiar sounds of weather work. Besides tea, coffee, sandwiches, honey, buttered bagels, special apple fritters imported from Ponyville, oat-burgers, and so on, strong hot Cloudsdale soup was also served.

On the morning when Scootaloo was in Cloudsdale, she stood beside Rainbow Dash in line to a small food-cart. If they had come even a moment earlier, they would have elected to eat at the canteens, but they were now closed. Standing closely to Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo yawned sleepily, despite having slept so soundly in Rainbow's house. And although she was excited to join Rainbow on a trip to the factory, her sister-figure seemed more reluctant to Scootaloo attending than she was last night. Other young ponies could also be seen with their sponsers; though they were to attend weather training before doing any actual work. Scootaloo had, it is true, been surprised that she would be immediatly doing on the job training. But as she had Rainbow Dash as her sponser, and trusted the blue pegasus whole heartedly, she promptly dismissed whatever reservations she might have felt.

[][][][][]

It will perhaps help to make our story clearer, if we break off here and explain some of the circumstances in which we find Scootaloo. We have just seen that Scootaloo had passed her flight test, despite being grounded for much of her foalhood. She had managed to succeed with the help of Rainbow Dash, who had devoted her every waking moment to training and educating her. She had, for instance, made it a principal to push Scootaloo as far as she could—that is, until the young filly suffered wing-splints, as so many Pegasi suffered when exercising, even the more cautious flyers, such as Fluttershy. She even succeeded in devising an appropriate study program with little help from the studious Twilight Sparkle, though it was difficult to carry out—difficult because a fair amount had changed since Rainbow attended flight school. But Rainbow’s methods were exceedingly effective and founded on sound facts. Moreover, due to her inexperience, Scootaloo was at a disadvantage, and could not refuse Rainbow’s help, however brutal her programs were becoming. As long as she followed her instructions, Scootaloo knew she would be an equal to any student in Cloudsdale, if not more so. All that would be left for Scootaloo to do would be to muscle through her classes, and keep an unflagging, unaltered exercise regimen, that she may not fall behind the other students and risk failing her flight test. The mere fact too, that her flying and acrobatics was improving considerably every month in steady progression further convinced Scootaloo of the soundness of Rainbow Dash’s teachings.

But all these incontestable facts were confronted by another fact. Cloudsdale had a zero tolerance policy regarding failures in flight school. Almost at the same moment when Scootaloo became capable of flight, Sky Skimmer, a colt in the best society, of the highest education, and flawless physique, had failed his flight test. He was a colt of thirteen, of sound mind, and extraordinary ambition. His family had been proud citizens of Cloudsdale since the years before Nightmare Moon, and were perfectly confident in their foals abilities. As they possessed extraordinary wealth, they saw fit to hire the best tutors and trainers for their son, sparing no expense in his becoming a Clousdale citizen.

The family was, as we have already said, wealthy and influential in Cloudsdale. But even Sky Skimmer, a pony with the highest connections, realized it was useless for him to expect special treatment and that his family could not save him from exile. Perhaps the various rumors and stories exaggerated the situation, but he had accepted, bleakly, and in the most simple-minded fashion, that he would never see his family again, and that he would be blamed for sullying the family name. Sky Skimmer’s future was to be the paragon of tragedy, without hope or forgiveness. Some of the family had even themselves agreed, without saying much about it, that if necessary they should remove all traces of him, and redeem the family name with a more successful candidate. The parents knew of this pact, and so when Sky Skimmer was sent away to the west gate, they requested he be returned to them. The father attached the greatest value to Sky Skimmer and purchased a small home in Trottingham, where he might live in exile under their loving care. They received, in response, a satisfactory, though not absolutely definite, assurance that Sky Skimmer would be returned to him once he had been out-processed.

Yet, despite numerous meetings and inquiries, the parents could receive no definite information regarding their son. It had been mutually agreed, in a less than friendly way, that Sky Skimmer had been sent away in exile, and the city administration had not been informed that he was to be hoofed to his parents. The parents themselves had not even begun to speak quite openly on the subject; there were signs of a malicious element.

Night Star, the mother, was, for some reason, evincing fear, and believed that their son had become the victim of some terrible scandal. She continually investigated the whereabouts of her son, while her husband continued being "stonewalled,” as she put it, by the Cloudsdale Weather Corporation. She managed after working fearfully hard, almost like a slave, to get a few more or less satisfactory leads on her son’s whereabouts. At the small success she was extraordinarily elated. Radiant with hope, she went out for days, against her husband’s objections, following the information she had gathered in search of her son. She had been two days out on her excursions, when the elder of her husbands estate informed him that he lost sight of her near the Rainbow facility. The husband was sufficiently surprised, but was convinced that Night Star would return as she always did.

However, she had not returned, and, for fear that she may have suffered some sort of calamity, the husband sent his servants in search of her. When at last they found her, they found almost from their very first glimpse of her that they had to abandon the language, the mannerisms, the subjects of the agreeable and sane conversations that were so familiar to them—everything, everything! They saw an entirely different mare, not in the least like the kindly mare they worked for.

The new mare turned out, in the first place, to have been struck by some form of delirium, and did not seem fully aware of those around her. Yet her eyes, blank and unfocused, carried some glint of understanding; but they also carried dread, as though the thing she understood would reach out to harm her. Moreover, she had not the same character as before. She did not resist when the servants escorted her to the estate, nor did she react upon seeing her husband. There was nothing of the vitality, the hopefulness, sometimes fascinating in its simplicity and quantity.

It was a new and surprising creature, utterly unmoved by the tender affections of her distraught husband, who laughed upon any mention of her son, and stung him with venomous melancholy, openly declaring that ponykind was rotten and expressing no other feeling but contempt—contempt and loathing which had come upon her immediately after she gathered she was in her home.

That was, at least, what she said. But while this new Night Star laughed and talked like this, her husband discovered an unusual phobia. The discovery was accidental, he had simply offered her a glass of water. But upon seeing the rainbow reflected off the glass, she cried out in terror, screaming and thrashing until at last her husband managed to console her.

[][][][][]

Scootaloo was, at the time, sitting across from Rainbow Dash, eating a plain croissant with hay and oats. Whenever she was close to Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo used to open her eyes wide, and fidget nervously, stammering embarrassingly whenever she tried to speak. She had once had the weakness to imagine Rainbow Dash as a demigoddess, the greatest of all pegasi, and therefore made any time she spent with Scootaloo a wonderful privilege.

“Sorry I couldn’t get us to the feeder in time squirt,” said Rainbow Dash, munching through a daffodil and daisy sandwich.

“It’s no problem,” said Scootaloo, “at least they have hay and oats in Cloudsdale. I’m still not really used to pegasus food."

Rainbow snickered. “It is a bit different from Ponyville. And to think, I grew up here. Applejack and Pinkie ruined me for Cloudsdale sweets."

“You think we can get them delivered?"

“Absolutely. Last time I did work in Cloudsdale, Pinkie sent me enough goods from Sugar Cube Corner to start my own stand. It was a bit annoying at first, but it was nice of her. Helps me remember where home really is."

Scootaloo shifted on the bench nervously. “Can’t believe I’ll be gone a whole month. Wonder what Applebloom and Sweetie Belle will be up too while I’m here?"

“Don’t sweat it too much. They’ll probably be “crusading,” and getting into all kinds of trouble."

“You think they’ll be able to mail me while we’re moving around?"

“If they can’t, I’m sure Pinkie Pie can. Don’t ask me how. I don’t make a habit of questioning how that pony does things,” answered Rainbow Dash.

When at last they finished, and chucked whatever wrappers and other trash they had in the nearest bin. They proceeded towards the factory.

“Scootaloo,” said Rainbow Dash, “I want you to know, what goes on in the factory stays with us, kay. There’s a reason we don’t permit tours of the upper factory."

“Cause of the Spectra, right?” asked Scootaloo.

“Right,” replied Rainbow uncomfortably, “Spectra’s important for weather production, but in the wrong hooves it could be some pretty nasty stuff."

“Like when Pinkie ate some of it?” asked Scootaloo jokingly.

“Something like that… The point is, you’ve got a very important job. It won’t seem like it at first, but what we do there is important for everypony. Friends, family, you name it; everypony needs us to keep the weather stable, and it all starts with making Spectra."

Rainbow looked towards the “ground,” slowing her pace as she shifted her attention to the tufts of cloud they were walking on.

“So, whatever happens, just know that I have faith in you. You’re alot like me; you’re no quitter. But even I had trouble getting used to that place; and, with Fluttershy and Gilda gone, I didn’t have any anypony to help me through it. You do though."

Scootaloo felt the feathers of Dash’s wing on her shoulder, as she gazed towards the blue pony, somewhat surprised by what she heard. The pegasus she continuously admired like a big sister appeared smaller, and terribly fragile. She nudged herself closer, allowing more of her figure to be draped under Rainbow’s wing, and smiled sweetly to her.

The factory was just across from them. It was much larger than any of the facilities Scootaloo had spotted along the flight-line. The colonnades seemed almost rotten, and the cloud wall was not the clean, white design shared throughout the city, but was a black, quietly thundering fog, shifting slowly, and creepily in various directions.

Scootaloo shivered at first glance of the imposing facade, but the soft touch of Dash’s feathers pushed aside all manner of fear and reluctance she might have felt in that brief moment. She reminded herself that she was a Cloudsdale pegasus, an elite flyer; and standing beside her was Equestria’s greatest Pegasus pony; a pony who would always be with her, physically or in spirit, and protect her from harm.

Welcome to the Theatre Room

Rainbow Dash didn’t like going to the Factory. What must it have been for her, to hear, without the slightest bit of preparation, that Scootaloo, a filly who blindly trusted her with the naiveté of a foal, would be working with her in that forsaken facility. Rainbow Dash counted on making an effect, impressing her at once, turning her attention in another direction and concealing anything that might suggest some ill intent within the Factory.

When anything extraordinary happened, Scootaloo’s eyes would glisten like diamonds, and she would seldom be able to contain the unbridled mirth that only be found in those both young, and ill-informed. She turned her head rapidly in all directions, taking in the aged colonnades that lined the massive hall, the soft glow of sunlight behind the film of the glass roof, and old statues of armored pegasi, perched along the great hall like stalwart guards. She had once had the weakness to imagine she had entered some form of palace, and even the knowledge that she had entered the secretive Rainbow Factory could not diminish the allure of majesty she was witness to.

“This is a factory?,” asked Scootaloo incredulously.

“That’s right squirt,” answered Rainbow Dash; “Lot of history in this place. Oldest building in Cloudsdale, actually.” As Rainbow flew upwards, with Scootaloo close behind, she opened the doors to a smaller room. Scootaloo opened her eyes to their very widest, gazing inside, as Rainbow fidgeted beside her.

The room they were in was not as flattering as in the hall. Although the room was simpler, the furnishings seemed out of place. Large, magically laminated tables and and shelving dominated the main room. The shelves were crammed with old binders and loose paper, giving the impression of a strained office. Piping, cables, steel dressers, some old, some new, took up most of the space, but it was the machines which Scootaloo was most mindful of. One was a large gray metal stand, riddled with dials, knobs, and all sorts of things that were foreign to the young filly.

“This is where you’ll be working. It’s not much to look at, though its got its own snack bar,” Rainbow hastened to explain. “We route a lot of parts here for the machinery over in the main room; its messy work, but you’ll have a lot of free time between jobs, and it’s pretty laid back. Most you’ll have to worry bout is paperwork; there’s a lot of forms you’ll have to check and fill out.”

“What’s that?,” asked Scootaloo, pointing a hoof towards the stand.

“Oh, that’s the test stand,” answered Rainbow Dash. “Pretty important piece of machinery. Don’t let all the knobs and buttons get to you. It’s pretty easy to handle.”

“Most I’ve ever done is fix up my old scooter,” said Scootaloo, nervously. Beside her was a large shelf, with worn plastic bins, filled with strange devices she had never seen before. Sticking out from one of the bins, was a large metal rod, with red fluid dripping from the end. Scootaloo shivered, reminded of the severed limbs she had read about in one too many horror stories.

“It can be pretty tough here sometimes, but the ponies here will show the ropes,” said Rainbow Dash; “and after a few weeks it’ll be a piece of cake.” Rainbow motioned for Scootaloo to follow her, as she walked over the next room. If there was any of the glamor that Scootaloo saw in the great hall that remained in the room, it was well hidden. Old , mismatched couches and lounge chairs lined up against dirtied, white patterned walls. Among the other furnishings, was a lacquered, long table, with faded etchings, and a large metal cabinet, seated beside a plain white fridge.

Rainbow opened the metal cabinet, revealing a trove of snacks, some of which Scootaloo assumed could only be found in Cloudsdale.

“Whah,” mumbled Scootaloo.

“Pretty sweet, huh,” Rainbow Dash said proudly; “Hydro’s always been good at getting the best snacks. Just avoid the Helios if you can,” she added, pointing a hoof towards a rows of sun labelled cans. “This stuff will get you more wired than Rarity’s espresso.”

Scootaloo shuddered at the memory. It was a few weeks before her first day in flight school. Rarity had been late on a large order, and pulled a double nighter. She couldn’t tell how much of the story was true, but from what Sweetie Belle mentioned, her sister had gotten so wired that Sweetie Belle had to stay with Pinkie Pie for a a few days just to avoid the twitching white blur haunting the Carousel Boutique.

“She looked like death,” said Scootaloo.

“And this stuff’s no better,” said Rainbow Dash. “One of the stallions here drank so much Helio’s, some of his teeth rotted out.”

“Then, why-”

“Because,” interrupted Rainbow, “mid-shift hits you pretty hard, and you need something to keep you up. You’ll understand later on. Everypony has a mid-shift at some point. Just try to stick to coffee.”

“So, you run all this?” asked Scootaloo.

“Eeyup,” answered Rainbow Dash, smugly. “And not just the hydro shop. I’m in charge of everything that goes on here in the factory. So if you have any kind of question, you just ask me.”

“It is pretty cool, working together I mean,” said Scootaloo. This was a lie; them two working together was the most incredible thing Scootaloo could have ever imagined for herself.

“C’mon, let’s get you to your dorm room.” said Rainbow Dash. “You’re going to be staying here while on the job, and I managed to get you a pretty nice setup in one of the newer rooms.”

“I’m still kinda nervous about all this,” said Scootaloo.

Rainbow wrapped a wing around Scootaloo, inching her closer. It was going to be a hard month, but if Rainbow could cushion the blow as much as possible, it would keep things between them just the same as it was in Ponyville.

“Hey, if anything happens, just remember you’ve got me,” said Rainbow, resisting the desire to nuzzle her head against Scootaloo’s mane. “I’ve got a place here in Cloudsdale, not too far off. So if you have any problems, anything at all, you come find me, kay?”

Scootaloo couldn’t help but feel that her being here had been harder for Rainbow Dash than she thought. Made sense, thought Scootaloo. Rainbow being her boss might cause problems, since they knew each other so well. She remembered Ms. Harshwhinny, and how strict she was towards her classmates in Ponyville before the Equestria Games, and wondered if that was the sort of boss Rainbow was in the Factory.

The feathers of Rainbow’s wing felt somewhat ticklish against Scootaloo’s fur, but it made Scootaloo smile a bit, and she reminded herself that, regardless of what happened in the Factory, Rainbow was still Rainbow.

“C’mon, you taught me to be the best,” said Scootaloo, with familiar confidence. “I bet after the first week, I’ll be the best…,” Scootaloo stammered for a bit; “what am I doing here, again?” she asked, awkwardly.

“You’re in maintenance,” answered Rainbow Dash, smirking.

‘Yeah, I’ll be the best maintenance pony in the whole factory,” finished Scootaloo, nuzzling herself closer to Rainbow.

“Excuse me…”

By the door, standing across of them, a brick-red pegasus had, for a solid minute, been silently watching the pair.

He had a broad and flat muzzle, and his lips were curved in an insolent, mocking, and even malicious smile. But what was most striking to Scootaloo was the stallion’s weary demeanor, which gave him a look of exhaustion despite his healthy figure, and at the same time a passionate expression, almost painfully incongruous with his coarse, insolent smile and the stern look in his eye.

Rainbow Dash quickly pulled her wing from Scootaloo, straightening herself upward, and at last, after a solid second staring deathly towards the stallion, and with all the indelicate formality that suggested a disliking towards him, finally said:

“Scootaloo, this is Dr. Hyde Atmosphere, he works here in the factory.”

“Oh, nice to meet you,” said Scootaloo, with extraordinary readiness, “I didn’t know there was a doctor here. What sort of doctor are you?”

“A proctologist,” answered Hyde, passively.

“A what?” asked Scootaloo, nervously.

“Dr. Atmosphere,” said Rainbow, hastily, “is an engineer here in the factory.”

“That’s right” said Hyde, snidely, “a lot of ponies don’t know that engineers can be doctors too.”

“Well, you can count me as somepony that knows,” said Scootaloo, uncomfortably.

Hyde pointed a hoof towards Rainbow Dash. “Would you mind if I speak with Miss Dash, in private. I need to ask a huge favor from her.”

“Of course,” said Scootaloo, nervously, “n-no problem.”

“Thank you,” said Hyde, his voice lacking any sincerity. “And here,” he added, pulling from the pocket of his lab coat a couple of bits, “get yourself a little something from the snack bar, my treat.”

“T-thank you,” said Scootaloo, reluctantly accepting the bits offered to her. She sat there, rooted to the floor, as Hyde and an irritated Rainbow Dash left the room. In the brief moment that passed between Hyde opening the door, and it closing behind Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo had been reminded of school in Ponyville, and Ms. Cheerilee’s class regarding stranger danger.

[][][][][]