The grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup were by far the best the seven mares remember. Contending even with mother's cooking. After a few minutes worth of sitting around basking in what could be considered an afterglow of the blissful meal, Daring called them up to her cabin, along with most of her crew.

"Now, as you know, there is a reason I called you all here. It's because of Rule 4. You're standing there thinking 'Yeah, sure we've met odd ponies before. Your crew seems pretty normal.' Well in truth, they aren't." Daring said, in a commanding tone. Looking at her first mate, she nodded. Suddenly, all around them, bursts of green fire erupted.

"Meet my crew." Daring said with a smile.

"CHANGELINGS!" Rainbow yelled taking an aggressive stance, followed immediately by her friends.

"Now what did I say!?" Daring shouted. "These are changelings who are legally integrated into the state. Celestia and Luna both know my entire crew are changelings. What was Rule 4?! Don't. Judge. My. Crew. This is your final warning. Calm down, or I WILL turn this ship around and kick you all off. Do I make myself clear!?" Daring yelled furiously, her wings flaring out in an equally aggressive stance.

Twilight considered this, and was the first to break her aggressive stance. Looking the first changeling in the eye, she assessed the Changeling. Carefully looking it over, looking closely for any deception.

"Do you share any affiliation with Chrysalis?" Twilight asked carefully.

"None." the changeling first mate said, his red eyes locking with hers.

"How do we know you're telling the truth?" Rainbow challenged.

"Miss Applejack?" The Changeling asked, politely pointing a hoof in her direction.

"He's for real y'all... can't believe Ah just said that..." Applejack said in disbelief.

"How do we know you didn't make AJ say that?!" Rainbow challenged.

"Impossible." Starlight started. "Powerful unicorns or even alicorns can sense that kind of magic. Twilight, Rarity and I would have noticed."

"But... the red eyes!? Surely that has to be-" Rainbow began before a glare from Daring Do shut her up. The red eyed changeling stepped towards Twilight, slowly, and bowed politely.

"Our apologies for frightening you and your friends Princess. I know you think all changelings are dark and cruel beings, but I must assure you that is not true." The changeling first mate said. "We left our hives prior to Miss Do's first adventure."

"What was omitted from that story was how and when they found me dehydrated and exhausted. The jungle can take a toll on those caught unprepared. They found me just a mile from camp, and got me back on my hooves. They've been with me ever since, and deserve respect."

"We disconnected from our hives simply because we wished for a new start. Where are my manners. My pony name is Compass Rose. My twin sister over on the helm is Nautica." The first mate explained.

"Hi hi!" she waved with a cheerful smile.

"We can promise you, we mean absolutely no harm... unless you ask very nicely." he said flashing Twilight and her friends a toothy grin.

A separate Changeling, the navigator, came right up to Rarity, and whispered into her ear. "Any fantasy, any pony. Mare or Stallion of your dreams." causing Rarity to blush intensely.

"Oh come off it Tikka. Quit flirting with our guests. If they want to pay you in their love, that's fine but save it for tonight." Daring chided with a roll of her eyes.

"You swear on your life not to hurt my friends or I?" Twilight hissed.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Compass said with confidence. "That's contradictory of Changeling nature. Besides, to be perfectly honest, I'm more afraid of Captain Do than you. No offense."

"None taken."

Satisfied, Twilight smiled, and led her entourage up to the deck. As the door started to swing closed, Rainbow's voice could be heard asking if Twilight was off her rocker.

"Now, Captain?" Tikka queried. "Are we to head to the same spot in the East?"

"That's correct."

"No disrespect Cap, but that place puts us all on edge. We don't know what it is but...something just... feels off." Nautica said with a shiver.

"Could you girls elaborate?" Daring asked.

"I wish I could. At least five Changeling hives have nested out there. They were doing fine for a while, but then... something happened. I told you all Changeling queens, with the exception of Chrysalis, are telepathic with each other?" At Daring's nod, she continued. "Well... my hive, under Fillydelphia, we sent a scout team after one of them reported an illness, then they cut off the link. They don't know what it was... but... well... I wasn't a part of this. Before my time. Only one changeling returned from a team of fifteen. Said the hive they were investigating... something happened to them. In his words... the queen as well as all grown changelings... changed.
They went feral. They... they cannibalized the nymphs, and sometimes each other..." The young red changeling couldn't help but shudder.

Daring looked solemn. Changelings fed on emotions; love in particular. Why would they suddenly start attacking and eating each other? It was unheard of, even by Changeling history.

"Captain? Permission to resume navigational duties?" Nautica asked apprehensively.

" Granted. If you have nightmares later tonight from telling me this, your welcome in my cabin." Daring said with a smile. "Now though, take it easy on our guests. They haven't had the best of experience with Changelings. I'm sure Compass is outside explaining just that." Daring finished giving her a kiss on the forehead, causing her to brighten up on the spot. "We have our heading Nautica, do be careful."

"Yes Ma'am!" She saluted.

Outside, on the deck of the Icarus, Compass Rose had finished explaining normal changeling culture.

"So you're saying that Chrysalis was the exception and not the standard? That she went rogue?" Twilight asked cautiously.

"That is indeed correct. Normal changeling hives care immensely about where and how we harvest our love, and the condition of the host. Chrysalis had no such cares because... to be honest none of us really know why. One day she was perfectly sane, and the next... gone. Snapped. I wish I could give you more details Princess. Truly." Compass said.

"How do we know you're telling the truth?!" Rainbow growled.

"Ask Miss Applejack." Compass chuckled.

"AJ?"

"He's tellin' the truth." Applejack said stoically.

"So, You work for Daring Do... How does that work exactly if I may ask?" Rarity queried. "I can't Imagine Ponies just opening the doors to their shops for a Changeling, Registered or no."

"Yes the stigma from Chrysalis is still there, and we Changelings can taste the distrust around the city. Very few know what we actually are, but if and when the topic of 'Changeling' comes up, It tastes sour, bitter, depends on who you ask. Each one of us taste something different."

"How do we taste right now?" Pinkie asked bouncing up and down.

"You taste like blue raspberries. The rest of you taste like a flat cola, but it's improving. Spend some time with us and you'll taste as sweet as Miss Pinkie here really quick. But back to your question Miss Rarity, yes we do get paid in money, but Changelings aren't known for being a material race, so we don't waste our time buying nick nacks, and the like. Just the occasional suit or dress here and there for when the occasion calls. Mostly we donate the money Ms. Do gives us to orphanages, scouts, and various other charities. We genuinely care for the foals you know. One time I was asked to watch a small scout troop, four fillies and two colts. I'm a part time Scout troop leader now. When I'm not on voyage with Ms. Do that is."

"Who in Canterlot knows your all Changelings? Besides the Princesses?" Twilight asked.

"Donut Joe, Fancy Pants and his wife Fluer, The castle gardener, and the Museum Curator on 5th."

"What about the Scouts?" Rainbow asked.

"They just think I'm a, and I quote, Cool Pegasus who knows how to have fun, and teach real life skills at the same time. Their words, not mine." Compass then looked out over the side, and smiled. "If you turn around you can see Ponyville."

The girls all turned around, and smiled as they looked at Ponyville from this new angle.

"Now you taste like fresh cold cola." Compass said with a smile. "I must resume my duties before Dusty rips another sail. Dinner is at 5:45 and served in the galley." Just then the sound of a loud rip draws his attention away from the guests. "DUSTY! FOR THE LOVE OF-! THAT'S THE THIRD SAIL THIS MONTH! " He started shouting as he flew to the changeling in question who couldn't help but look ashamed, meekly apologizing.

Twilight, for her part was rethinking everything she knew about changelings. Or rather, everything she thought she knew.

"Not quite what you expected from them huh?" Starlight asked, as Twilight looked out over the side of the ship.

"Not even close to what I expected. They're kind, charitable, humble, and easy to please. Nothing like Chrysalis." Twilight sighed. "They almost remind me of Applejack."

"How so Sugarcube?" AJ asked, hearing Twilight's thoughts.

"Your a charitable pony AJ. Very down to earth. A little bit pincher sure, but you use the money for practical purposes. Replace old tools, Applebloom's schooling and health, but I've seen you cook an entire buffet for a Scout troop out of the kindness of your heart, because you thought it'd be fun."

"Ah. Ah remember that day. Almost got in some really hot water. One poor colt had an apple allergy." AJ shivered.

"Oh dear. Was the colt okay?" Rarity asked.

"He was fine. Just had Pumpkin Pie for desert instead. Troop leader told me later that if he had eaten apples, he would've probably died." Applejack reflected. "So Twi, What are your thoughts about this here excursion?"

"Well... If what Daring says is correct, then maybe we'll be finding the remains of an extinct pony race. It's the pathogen that scares me though. I wonder if Daring has the journals and autopsy reports of those old explorers. Daring said we had three days until we reach our destination, so that gives me three days to try and plan ahead."

"Excuse me Princess, Cap'n asked me to escort you to your cabins. I must apologize Miss Rarity, but we had to widdle down your luggage to two suitcases. Twelve pieces of matched luggage simply exceeds the ships carrying capacity and would have slowed us down dramatically. We took the liberty of mailing the rest to your home." One of the deck hooves said.

"What?! But darling, Those had all my best clothes for 'roughing it'. And what of my sewing machine?" Rarity complained.

"Again, I apologize, but for the sake of time it had to be done. We kept your tape measure, sketchbook and glasses in case of sudden inspiration, but packing everything but the kitchen sink aboard a small Cumulus class such as this is almost unacceptable. I understand you put so much into your work, they were practically glowing in love. I almost had to beat Chestnut and Cookie away with a stick lest they damage your clothes or luggage. They were shipped immediately as top priority fragile packages."

"Oh... well If it had to be done, so be it. Thank you for sending them to my home." Rarity sighed, deflating a bit. "How can I compensate you for your troubles? I insist." she said brightening up.

"A-are you sure? You know that most changelings aboard this ship would get slapped for their request." She blushed.

"And why is that darling?" her head tilting to the side.

"Surely you've met Tikka by now." She said with a deadpan expression.

"Ah... yes... How about financial compensation?" Rarity asked, levitating a bit bag out.

"I was thinking more of a new outfit if it isn't too much trouble." She blushed.

"That's perfectly reasonable. May I ask your name?" Rarity smiled. A dress would be perfect.

"My pony name is Almond" She smiled.

"Well then my dear." Rarity said with a smile. "If you would come by my cabin later I'll gladly take your measurements."

"Of course." Almond beamed.

"Darling, If it's not too much trouble, or too personal... May I ask why you left your hive?" Rarity asked, trying to strike up conversation.

"Well, we all have our reasons. For now that's all I'll say." Almond said.

"I understand darling." Rarity smiled. "Is there any particular style your looking for?"

"I've... always been a fan of those Noir fiction novels... oh what was her name? Shadow Spade?" Almond thought. "Sorry. It's been a while since I've read them"

"That's quite alright dear. I know the outfits you mean. When this is all said and done, I can give you a note to give to my Canterlot boutiques manager, and she'll set you up. All I need is your measurements." Rarity smiled down at the petite changeling.

"Thank you. I appreciate it." Almond smiled.

"Your very welcome dear." Rarity said happily. "Why don't we proceed down to the cabin so we can get your measurements? Best to get it out of the way."

"Of course. You're procrastinating until dinner aren't you?" Almond said mischievously.

"Oh you've caught me. I've been on airships before dear, and frankly I find them rather boring." Rarity groaned, not so much at getting caught, but more at the sheer idea of three days with so little to do.

"Ah. Yeah, work ships like this are like that. But we do have activities to pass the time. Chess, Cribbage, Poker, Shift poker, that sort of stuff" Almond explained.

"What's 'shift poker' darling? I can't say I've ever heard of it." Rarity asked.

"It's a... uh... ch-changeling game... i-it uh..." Almond stuttered, a deep red tint coming over her face. "Lets just say it's Tikka's favorite game..."

"Ah... say no more dear." Rarity said, her face falling flat.

Elsewhere, Applejack was having a hard time forcing herself to the edge of the ship, where Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Twilight were all spreading their wings and sticking their heads over the side. Meanwhile, Daring Do stood on the railing on the ship's prow, doing the very same thing.

"It's a pegasus thing." came the voice of Nautica.

"Ah gather..." Applejack said nervously.

"Scared of heights huh?" Nautica asked carefully.

"Nnope. Ah'm afraid of the sudden stop at the bottom." Applejack said stiffly.

Nautica didn't respond verbally. Instead she just gave off a look that screamed 'bullshit'.

"Alright. Yes. Ah'm afraid a heights." Applejack resigned.

"First step is to talk about it." The young red eyed changeling said sagely.

"Ain't nuthin to talk about! Ah just don't like heights." Applejack snapped.

"Okay okay! I get it!" Nautica said raising her hooves. "No more talk about up-up."

"Sorry... just... Earth ponies belong on the ground. Not up here!" Applejack said.

"Yet you were at Cloudsdale's cloudesium for the 'Best Young Fliers' competition." the helms-ling countered.

"To support her."

"If it helps, there are twenty-five changelings, six pegasi, and one alicorn on this ship. If you somehow fell over, you'd be caught. I can guarantee it." Nautica said comfortingly.

"Ah believe it."

Not much happened aboard the ship. Twilight and Starlight learned as much as they could from various changelings aboard the ship, their lives before they left their respective hives, how the hive works. They soaked it up like a sponge. Rarity and Almond passed the time by talking about fashion and sketching designs, Rainbow kept her distance from any changelings, still not trusting them. Fluttershy was slowly coming out of her shell when the cabin pony started talking to her. Pinkie Pie however, was quickly turning into a changeling buffet. Her constantly bubbly attitude causing sluggish changelings to burst into life, and already lively changelings to be about as hyper as her; Moving and talking a mile a minute. Before anypony knew it, the bell signalling dinner rang and everypony filed down into the galley, the smell of warm enchiladas wafting into their noses.

Author's Note

If you see an issue with this chapter, please send a PM instead of the comments please.