THE IMPOSTER AMONG US

Chapters

1, START
2, A little Singed
3, 1/7
4, No more Burns
5, Navigation. 2/7
6, Rather Cozy
7, Captain
8, Bargains
9, Master Mind
10, The Return
11, Land Ho
12, CARL!
14, Last day on the job
13, first day on the job
Oh.

1, START

Space.

Space is a wonderful thing, full of life. But also full of death. And this is a tale of both. With much mystery, and even some comedy, if it seems possible.

Welcome reader. To the Space Ship Pony Village. The Pony Village is a massive spaceship carrying over two hundred crewmates. Designed by The Company, it is one of the best vessels out there.

Not everypony likes that. Maybe not even everycreature. Or Everyone. But that's besides the point. Not really, but still.

Certain people have done certain things. Both bad and good. For bad and good. But you don't want some survivor's text, do you?

No.

You came here for a story. So let us begin.

*S. S. PONYVILLE*

Twilight walked through the long halls. She nodded towards Rarity, before heading over to a wire panel. She opened it and saw the wires were torn. Her eyes widened, before she shook her head. 'Either someone tried to sabotage, or we need better maintenance' she thought to herself. She trotted over to the cabinets. She attempted to open it, only to find that it was jammed shut. 'Oh come on!' She tugged hard with her hooves, before it opened with a loud bang. Another bang was made as Twilight fell onto her haunches.

"What in Taration?" Applejack heard a loud noise from electricity. Applejack rushed in, only to see Twilight had fallen. She shook her head and left, angry that her time had been wasted. As she left, Applejack decided to sneak a glance back in the room, walking slowly as to not let Twilight be aware. What she saw shocked her.

Twilight pulled out the tool box, before heading back to the panel. She attempted to remove the broken wires, only to get zapped. She let out an angry grunt, before reaching over to the breaker to turn off the power to the wires. She grabbed the wrong breaker and realized such. Before she could even move her covered hoof, she heard a gasp. Out of surprise, she snapped around, accidently turning off the lights.

Applejack didn't care that the lights were off. She kicked off the ground and galloped to the cafeteria.

Twilight quickly turned back on the lights. She saw Applejack had disappeared and wondered why, before realizing how the situation made her look. "Orange wait!" she quickly said as she ran out.

/EMERGENCY MEETING!/

Pink let out a sigh as she walked away from the memory pattern squares. "I was almost done!"

Soon the cafeteria table was surrounded by ponies in spacesuits.

"Purple was tryin to sabotage the ship!" Applejack shouted, pointing a hoof at Twilight.

"Is this true!?" Rarity asked, turning to Twilight.

"I- no! It was a mistake! I didn't mean to!" Twilight quickly said.

Rainbow Dash glared. "Not doing a good job clearing yourself." she growled.

"Let me start from the beginning!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Alright, I ain't unreasonable. Let's hear it." Applejack said with a nod.

Twilight took a deep breath. "Okay... I had headed to a comms room and set my tablet down to download info from HQ. I decided to head over to check up on Electricity. I opened the panels to the wires and saw someone had cut them. I tried to get some tools from the cabinet, which was jammed. I eventually opened it. Orange came because of the noise."

"I can confirm." Pink said. "I heard it."

"Thank you. I then removed the damaged wires and was about to turn off the power to them, when I was surprised by a gasp. I spun around from surprise and turned the lights off. I turned them back on and here we are."

Applejack glared through her helmet. "I don't believe ya."

"What!?" Twilight asked in shock. "Why- Now- You're just being dumb"

"Why don't ya say that to mah face?" Applejack growled.

"Take off your helmet and I will-" Twilight pointed at Applejack, before tilting her head. "You?"

"What do ya mean, you?" Pink asked.

Twilight's hoof lowered. "I..." (FLASHBACK: Red Lights blaring, screaming everywhere) Purple yank her helmet off, now able to see clearly. "I don't remember!" she exclaimed. Her mind knew that for her not to remember was not like her. "Orange, quick because I'm panicking, what is your name!?"

"What sort of silly question is that!? Mah name is-" Applejack stopped, before taking off her helmet. "Mah name is..."

They removed their helmets, now being able to see clearly.

"Uhh..." Fluttershy stared across the room in shock. The cafeteria was huge. And there were dozens of... people? sitting at every table. "Eep!"

Pink took a deep breath, raised a microphone to her mouth and screamed. "TAKE OFF YOUR HELMETS AND TELL ME YOUR NAMES!"

Everyone quickly did so, only to find that they did not know their own names. And what more, all those in pink were... Identical.

"AHHHHH!!!" They all realized they had no idea why they were here. And they were panicking.

Twilight grabbed the microphone from the pink one at her table. "EVERYONE SHUT UP!" Silence fell. "Thank you! Now, I know... nothing really, I'm just as confused as all of you. However, I know I was downloading information earlier. I just need to head back to my tablet and there should be information explaining everything. Until then, everyone stay here and stay calm... Thank you."

Twilight left the cafeteria, which looked like it could fit one hundred or so people. She shook her head. 'Keep it together- me.' She headed to the comms room, which was labeled Comm - 1. She grabbed her tablet. "How do I not remember what this place is? Or who I am? I got to know." she said to herself. She began reading.

*CAFITERIA*

There was silence in the room as they waited for that Purple's return. Rainbow let out a yawn. 'I'm bored.' she thought to herself. She reached into her pocket, and felt something. She pulled out "A WALLET! Guys! We got wallets!" Rainbow Dash opened the wallet and saw "WE GOT ID CARDS!"

Everyone reached quickly into their pockets, to at least find an answer to one mystery.

She looked at her card. ID: RNBDSH. "Huh? Rnb dsh... Ranba Dash? Ranba Dish? Ranab Dish... I like the last one." Rainbow Dash said with a nod.

ID: APJK. "A P J K... What in tarnation? Heck, I'm just goin with Ap Jack." Applejack said to herself.

ID: RTY. "Only three letters? How in... Hm. I don't even remeber the expression." Rarity stated "But what could my name be?

PINK 1. "Pink 1." Pink read. "Pink 1? There isn't even the ID before it."

"Mine's the same!" another Pink said.

ID: BIGMAC. Big Mac stared at his ID. "Eyup." he said with a nod, content that his looked like a name. His red suit was large enough to fit him.

ID: CYGW. The little filly stared at her name. "Crazy... I don't know." Cozy Glow said with a shrug, her red covered shoulders rolling.

ID: STLO. Scootaloo looked at her ID with a frown. "Stlo? Stlu? No. Stalo"

ID: BTNMSH. "B T N? I want my mommy." Button Mash said.

ID: LNA. " It seems we art Lana. An interesting name, but one I will except." Luna said to herself. She like her blue suit, but wanted a black one.

Voices overlapped as ponies head out their odd letters for names. They grew silent as Twilight entered the cafeteria. "So?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Oh! Check your pocket for a wallet with your ID!" a Pink said.

Twilight levitated her wallet out, much to the shock of the crew. ID: TLTSRK. She set it away. The Pink at her table gave her a microphone. "Hello everyone. I know that earlier we all were in a panicked state of mind, but don't worry. The information I acquired should be sufficient to solve most of our inquiries."

A cough was heard in the crowd as they all looked confused.

"I have answers" Twilight dumb down for them. She looked at the screen. "To sum it all up, we're all crewmates on the Space Ship Pony Village. Or the S. S. Ponyville. As far as I can gather, we just need to make sure we reach our destination and stay in orbit. We have special tasks, yet our suits are not color coded, except for pink."

"Why do we look the same?" two Pinks asked.

Twilight gulped. "Uh..." They all stared at her desperate for truth and answers. She took a deep breath, and read "Pink 1's are clones designed for any task deemed too hazardous for actual lifeforms. They are the only ones to wear pink, so they are clearly identified. They are hardy things that if too severely damaged, can easily be recycled. Best of all, they are far cheaper then drones, and more disposable.." Twilight looked at the screen in disgust. "I'm not even going to finish reading this!"

Several Pink 1's looked at each other. One gulped.

"So... We just due our tasks and we're all good?" Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight now stared at the screen in horror. "Right?"

"W-what's wrong?" Fluttershy/ FTY asked in fear.

"Latest Report from HQ: We have discovered that 1 insane saboteur or more has infiltrated S. S. Ponyville, with intent to keep you from reaching your destination, no matter what, even to the slaughter of the whole crew. May Celestia help you."

"What does that mean?" Cheerilee/CRLE asked.

"It means..." Twilight gulped. It means..." She took a deep breath and finished her words.

"There is An Imposter Among Us."

2, A little Singed

Food.

Food's real lovely. I got plenty of course... With being the sole survivor. Not imposter, don't you worry...

At least I think not Imposter? At least not of that ship.

But that isn't important. Is it? Sorry. I get confused at times.

I've ben trying to bake, but... Well, this food isn't meant for messing with the recipe.

I'm rambling. Sorry. Just... Nevermind. Just keep reading the story.

*S. S. PONYVILLE*

The cafeteria was silent. "S-so what do we do?" Diamond Tiara/DMDTA asked in fear.

Twilight saw so many eyes face her. "I- Uh-" She sweated under their stares. "I don't know! I'm not a leader or-"

"Then come up with a plan!" Rainbow Dash shouted, slamming her hoof on the table and spooking several people.

"Plan!? What plan!? What plan could ever be made to benefit us in a situation like this?" Twilight shouted. "If you think you even remotely have a plan, then just come right on up and-"

Rainbow Dash ran up to Twilight, yanked the microphone out of her magic, and stood on the table closest, putting her near the doorway and in plain view of everyone.

"Alright, listen up! First things first, remain calm or I WILL slap you. Everyone just go and do tasks you know you can do. If something looks even remotely dangerous, DO NOT try to do it. If you don't understand the task in ANY WAY, DO NOT try to do it. Try to memorize the layout as you go about, see if there's something that brings memory. Things we gotta look for, Kitchen or food storage, clean water, and bathrooms. If you find any of those, let us know via the really big button on that table. Afterwords, find some sleeping areas."

They all stared at the Cyan Mare, memorizing every word.

"Any questions?" Rainbow Dash asked.

A hoof was raised in the crowed. Celestia waved her hoof high.

"Yes?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"What about the Imposter?" Celestia asked.

"As of now, there's nothing we can do. Until we get things up and running, we just gotta hope they already think they've won. Prey that's played with last longer."

"What's your name?" a creaky voice rang out. The crowed turned to look at Granny Smith. "Well?"

They all turned back to face Rainbow Dash.

She stood firm. "I am R N B D S H. I am calling myself Ranab Dish. I suggest you all form a name that you can easily remember. Anymore questions that I have the capacity to answer?" No one raised any limbs. "Dismissed."

They filtered out of the several doorways. There were so many halls. after ten or so minutes, either small groups moved through the halls, or people walked alone.

Applejack entered the Electricity she saw earlier. She felt like she was being watch. She suddenly turned around and stared right into the face of a huge red pony. "ACK!" She took a step back, while the larger pony barely batted an eye. "You tryin tah give me a heart attack or somethin!?"

"Nope." Big Mac said calmly.

"Well ya sure did scare me." Applejack growled.

"Yup." he answered simply.

Applejack glared at him for a few more moments. "Why you here with me?" she asked, turning away to check the panels. Earlier it felt so natural to know what to push and whatnot. Now, she hadn't the slightest what she was doing. She glanced back at him.

Bug Mac gained a thoughtful expression, before shrugging with his face. Or rather, he somehow successfully did a face expression that was understood as a shrug.

Applejack turned back to her task. It was official. Now that she knew that she didn't know stuff, she no longer knew a single task here. She looked back aat the big red fella. "You just gonna stand there?"

"Yup."

"What are ya, some kind of guard dog?"

He seemed to think for a moment. "Eyup." he said with a nod, pointing at Applejack.

Applejack frowned. "You're guarding me?"

"Yup."

"You got any more words in your vocab, or is that it?"

"Eyup. Yup. Yes. Enope. Nope. No." Big Mac answered with a smirk.

Applejack smiled. "Name's Ap Jack. Or A P J K." She extended her hoof.

Big Mac pulled out his ID card and showed it, before putting it away and shaking her hoof.

The two gave a single, firm, shake, then Applejack reared onto her hind legs and shook Big Mac's hoof enthusiastically. "Pleasure meetin ya, Big Mac!"

"Eyup!" Big Mac said it return, a smile on his face.

Over in a kitchen, Carrot Cake searched the cupboards, when he saw Cup Cake inspecting the inside of the oven. "Hi! I'm C R C K!" he said politely.

"That's interesting!" Cup Cake said with her head in the oven. "My name is C P C K!"

The thin yellow baker's eyes widened at that. "We might be siblings!" he said, excited that there could be someone he could trust.

Cup Cake pulled her head out, and both regretted it and didn't. Before her was a pony she could only describe as extremely handsome and cute. She felt her heart skip a beat as she discovered she instantly had a crush on this stallion. "S-siblings! Yeah!" she stuttered. Carrot gave her a unsure look. "Uh- Oh! I can't seem to get this oven working. Think you may be able to?"

Carrot Cake shrugged. "I'll do my best!" He inspected the back of the oven. "Here's the problem! The plug's wire is broken."

"We need to find some tools to fix that..." Cup Cake said.

"I got tools!" a Pink 1 said, poking her head in. She jumped from the doorway, over to the oven. "Wow! This kitchen is huge! And hurts to look at with how white it is." The Pink 1 headed to the back of the oven. "Okay, so I just gottAAAAA!!!"

The Pink 1 had reached for the wires, when her suit suddenly did something she didn't expect. The pink hoof covering folded up in a mechanical like manner, exposing her hooves as she grabbed the exposed section of the still plugged in oven. The electricity traveled through her, before the power shut off to that room. The oven had a small fire that provided light, showing a Pink 1 with singed hair. "Ow." she wheezed.

Click. Applejack turned to look at the panels. "Huh. A switch flipped." Applejack flipped it back on.

The oven exploded as the lights turned on, sending the Pink 1 flying to the opposite wall with a splat. A black ooz of blood and ash appeared as she slid down the wall, leaving a streak.

"OH F*** PARDOM MY MOUTH!" Carrot Cake shouted.

"She's dead!" Cup Cake wailed.

Applejack gave one last look, before shaking her head. "Can't do nothin here. Let's go."

Carrot Cake walked over to the body, hanging his head.

"oooowwwwwwwiiiiiieeeee." a voice wheezed.

"She's alive!" Carrot Cake exclaimed. He froze. "Oh gosh. She lived through that. Where's a medbay!?"

/EMERGENCY MEETING/

"Help me carry her!" Cup Cake said, standing on her hind legs and lifting the Pink 1 by the legs. Carrot Cake quickly helped, lifting her head. "I do hope they found a Medbay!"

The cafeteria was filled quickly. Applebloom stood on the table with the button. "Ah found a medbay!" she shouted, as she didn't have a microphone.

"Where!?" Carrot Cake and Cup Cake shouted as they entered.

Applebloom's eyes widened. "I'll show ya." she quickly said, hopping down from the table.

"Someone strong help those two with the pink!" Rainbow Dash quickly shouted.

Celestia and Big Mac quickly threw the burnt Pink 1 onto their backs, before running synchronized. They ran following the small child in yellow.

"Here!" Applebloom said, pointing towards a medbay. Inside was eight beds, four on each wall. At the far wall was a med scanner with a large green panel and what seemed to be a trash shoot.

Celestia and Big Mac quickly set the Pink 1 on the scanner.

"Weight detected. No lifeform detected." the system said in a familiar voice. Redheart recognized it as her own.

"What!?" Cup Cake proclaimed. "System, heal her!"

"I am afraid I can't do that. The Red Heart System only heals lifeforms it's designed for. Please Recycle the Pink 1."

The trash shoot opened up.

Redheart entered with determination. "Red Heart System, the Pink 1 holds possible information on a Saboteur. Recycling the Pink 1 may remove the memory and thereby the information will be lost."

"Processing. Pink 1 has two more years to live in current state. Do you need to be reminded of their many functions?"

"Just heal them! Please!" Redheart scolded the machine.

" That will do. Scanning Error. Unregistered entity. Please register entity." the system replied.

"Singed." the Pink 1 wheezed.

"Entity registered. S N G. Scanning." A ring of green formed Multiple problems found." A diagram popped up onto the screen. It displayed a newborn baby and what seemed to be Singed. "Error: Entity Cell Age and mass does not match. Several missing organs. Reproduction system missing. Several mutated organs. Severely burnt flesh. No sex. Possible Alien Lifeform."

"Ignore the age problem. Fix what organs are there to a stable state. Do not attempt to add any organs." Redheart told the system.

"Warning, this goes against multiple health codes. Verification required." the system said. A red circle popped up on the screen with dashes beneath it. "If you are to continue, please input ID. "

Redheart walked over and tapped the dashes. The alphabet popped up beneath the dashes. RDRT.

"Please say your name."

"Radrit." Redheart answered.

"Proceeding." The red circle turned blue, before fading. The rings of green glowed stronger as the diagram showed Singed healing. After many minutes, the green glow stopped. "Be sure that she he Error Unknown sex gets plenty of rest. And water. Avoid any hazardous tasks and Error Continue to do your tas Error."

Redheart put Singed onto a bed. "Everyone, continue the tasks that you were doing. Singed needs her rest, and doesn't need us disturbing her."

"But what about the imposter!?" Spoiled Rich asked. "You said she has information!"

"Yes, she must have. Otherwise, why else would she be so severely injured unless to hide information? But hey, you all heard the nurse. Get out and let her rest." Rainbow Dash said.

The others listened, and shuffled out. Redheart decided to stay and watch over Singed. It... just felt right.

Rainbow Dash returned. "We've figured out it's lunch time. And a couple others found food. You coming Radrit?"

Redheart stroked the hair of Singed softly. "You go on ahead. I have a patient to care for."

3, 1/7

Warmth.

The heater's broken down. Everything got icy really fast.

Engines aren't working. I'm sitting out here like a duck in water.

I managed to shut off all power to the engines, which means I have lots of energy to spare now. Oh! I've baked a cake!

I mean, it's not really good... or tasty... and taste better separate... but I did something. Yay?

Sorry. I'm rambling again. Just.... Story

*SPACE SHIP PONY VILLAGE*

Fluttershy stood behind the counter, giving out rations of dinner. Two Bed chambers had been found, and a single boys bathroom was discovered. It was also discovered that a fully functioning kitchen was connected to the cafeteria.

Singed walked up. "Oh! Hello Singed. Good to see you're okay. Oh- or as okay as you can get." Fluttershy said meekly. She hid behind her mane for a moment. "What can I get you?"

"A Pink ration. I don't know if I can actually eat normal food, so I'm going to play it safe." Singed said.

"Good idea!" a Pink 1 said from within the kitchen. She walked up to the counter. "Hey, why'd you name yourself Singed?"

Singed shrugged. "It seemed funny at the time."

Fluttershy and the Pink 1 stared. "It seemed... funny?" the Pink 1 asked.

"Hey, I was dying and hit my head really hard. I wasn't thinking clearly." Singed retorted as she bit into the brown cube of Pink Rations. "Hm. Bland."

"EIIIIIEEE!" The scream traveled through the halls.

"Big Red, Tall White, Singed, with me! The rest of you, stay here!" Rainbow Dash said as she threw aside her food, leaped over the table, and headed down the hall in ten seconds flat. Big Mac, Celestia, Time Turner, and Singed quickly followed, while the rest stayed. An Imposter cursed under their breath, as only a few left.

Rainbow Dash entered a room and found Rarity bleeding on the ground. The room seemed to be an armory. "White! Are you alright!?"

"My suit's torn." Rarity stated. "I'm on the ground. I'm covered in blood. And it's my own." she said, looking up at Rainbow Dash. "so dearie, WHAT THE HECK DO YOU THINK?"

"Geez!" Rainbow Dash said, rubbing her ears. "Alright, lets get you to the Medbay. Can you walk?"

Rarity tried, only to wince in pain. "I don't think so." Rainbow Dash grabbed her by the midsection and hoisted her up. Rarity bit into the thick fabric around her neck. "What the heck!?"

"You can walk." Rainbow Dash said, shouldering beside Rarity to help her keep balance. "Did you see your attacker?"

"Yes. They were in a red suit."

"Alright. Keep that information to yourself."

Rarity and the others stopped. "I'm sorry, what?" Celestia asked.

"The imposter doesn't know that they were seen. We have a better chance of catching them by surprise this way."

"Eyup." Big Mac said with a nod, noticing that something was off.

Rarity frowned. "I don't know..." she said. "Oh! I forgot to introduce myself. I'm RTY. Still looking for a name that holds glamor."

"No." Rainbow Dash scolded firmly. "Choose a name you can remember. Something simple, so others know how to call you." She positioned herself so she near the wall, with Rarity being closer. "That cut looks bad. It's all bleeding out, not even in your suit!"

"Yes, I know." Rarity answered.

"Thing is, these suits are large enough to cover my wings and not leave a bump." Rainbow Dash explained, before ramming Rarity to the wall. She gut punched the white unicorn. "Also, White's cooking in the kitchen."

The Imposter's eyes widened in mock shock. Too large eyes. Sharp teeth grew from her mouth as she lunged at Rainbow Dash. Big Mac and Celestia slammed into it. The Imposter let out a hiss, before running down the hall, screaming "THEY'RE THE IMPOSTERS! THEY'RE THE IMPOSTERS!"

The five chased the alien into the cafeteria. All six of them were quickly caught by Twilight's powerful magic.

The false Rarity was very powerful. It was absolutely terrified that a unicorn could have such powerful natural energy. Twilight looked in confusion at the odd looking Rarity.

"Alright, let's all calm down." Rainbow Dash said. "Okay so-

"THEY'RE THE IMPOSTERS THEY'RE-" The alien sent a shock to Twilight, knocking her out and ending the spell. It grabbed Rainbow Dash before slamming her into the ground. It's tongue lashed out with incredible speed, severely harming several ponies.

Rainbow Dash crawled towards the trash chute. "Get her over here!" she shouted over the screams of panic.

Celestia lowered her head and ran at the imposter, skewering it right as it was about to eat Diamond Tiara. She ran towards the trash chute, flinging her head as Rainbow Dash opened the chute. The imposter was flung in.

Rainbow Dash closed the chute as the creature hissed. "Tall, Big, Lana, get over here." The three quickly did. Rainbow Dash looked back towards the Imposter. It now had one giant eye and HUGE teeth. Rainbow Dash pulled the lever and opened the chute. "I'm willing to spare you for information."

It hissed, before lunging. It bonked off the thick glass of the chute as Rainbow Dash slammed it shut.

Twilight got up with a groan, only to be quickly dragged over by Rainbow Dash. "Alright. Question one. Who are the imposters?" Rainbow Dash asked, hatch open.

It laughed. "You found out. You knew how to find us. Then, you forgot." It grinned slyly. "I know who all of you are. I know your strengths and your weaknesses. I also know-" The hatch was shut as it's tongue shot out. The tongue hit with a thud against the glass.

"You wasted your chance." Rainbow Dash said coldly. She held the lever down. The imposter's eye widened as the vacuum of space sucked it out, sending it flying into the cold dark of space. She turned to those near her. "Chow time."

Celestia stood in shock. "I'm covered in blood..." she whispered to herself.

Dinner was eaten in silence, with the injured in medbay. The crew was on edge, with some wondering if they should celebrate the departure of the Imposter.

They soon headed to the beds, with many sleeping in the halls. Those who wanted blankets used them. Others simply laid on any surface they found soft enough. The hallway lights dimmed to night mode, giving a soft glow.

Big Mac laid on a lunch table, staring at the ceiling, when he heard someone sniffling. He reached for his helmet and headed over to the source of crying. Big Mac walked over to the window, and saw a child crying.

Apple Bloom tried to quiet her tears as Big Mac sat beside her. She turned and saw him looking, a confused expression on his face. His very expression seemed to ask "What's wrong?" with genuine concern. And so, Apple Bloom told him.

"I'm afraid. I heard a boy saying how he wanted his mommy." Apple Bloom let out a sob. "I don't know who my mommy is."

Big Mac sat beside the crying child for a moment in silence, before pulling her close to him. She instinctively hugged him tightly. Big Mac patted her on the head, humming a song. She sobbed into his chest for some time, before pulling away with a sniff, her breathing under control.

The filly wiped her nose, before looking up at Big Mac's face. He, being a master of faces, could see she had an important question. He rubbed her back, helping her relax slightly. His expression said enough: "Go ahead. Ask."

"Mister?" Apple Bloom asked. "Will... Will you be my daddy?"

Big Mac pulled the child into a tight hug. "Yes." Apple Bloom returned the hug, a happy crying now being heard from her.

4, No more Burns

Hi again! It's me.

I've gotten some heaters going so rooms aren't icy. But hey, now I can slide up and down the hal- Hang on a second. I'm in Admin. And there's a red light on the cam.

It's off now.

I'm the only one left though...

I'm staying here. I don't feel like getting killed. Hang on while I just put something heavy on the vent... Like the whole goshdarn table.

Anyways, story.

*S. S. PONYVILLE*

Breakfast had been nice, and Twilight had found discovered that she knew about coding and hacking, all with her own tablet. They also found out the helmets could "squish" in a sense to fit, or rather click, on the back of their packs, a circle upon a rectangle. And those also were cool! They had an Oxygen Tank and storage compartment to carry stuff! Another thing was that apparently according to The Company, they should be wearing their helmets as often as possible, unless sleeping, eating, or using the toilet. The helmets limited their vision.

Apple Bloom hummed to herself as she walked with Big Mac and Applejack. "What's gotten you so happy?" Applejack asked, wondering why a child was sticking with them.

Apple Bloom looked at Big Mac, wanting him to explain. He stared for a moment, before saying "Nope."

Apple Bloom frowned, before smiling again. "Big Mac's being mah daddy until I find my daddy!"

Applejack's eyes widened at that. "Why in tarnation did ya-" Applejack paused in her speaking. "Tarnation?" She shook her head. "Why couldn't you just say that!?" she asked Big Mac.

He let out a chuckle. "Eyup!" he said cheerfully. He winced as Applejack leaned over and bit his ear. "No!"

Applejack released his ear. "Yes and no, that's all ya ever gonna say, init?"

"Yes." Big Mac answered, rubbing his ear with a grimace.

Applejack shook her head. The trio entered Electrical, seeing Button Mash staring at the wires with an odd look in his eyes.

"Hey, it's the boy!" Apple bloom said. "Hey, what's your name?"

Button Mash's ear flicked, before he reached over and repaired the wires. He leaped to his hooves with a blank expression, before running out of the room. The Apple family looked at each other, before running out to follow him.
*

Diamond Tiara wondered the halls. She had somehow gotten separated from her group, and was now going about aimlessly. She arrived at a door at the end of the hall. But unlike the other dead ends, this door took up the entire hall, with a crack down the middle. Diamond Tiara pushed against the door. It didn't budge. She frowned, before spotting a panel. She put her hoof on it.

"Come on, open!" the filly said to the door. Diamond Tiara let out a grunt, before removing her helmet and shimmying out of her suit until it was past her arms. She put her bare hoof against the scan panel.

"Lockdown Procedure." the system said, registering a Crewmate. It sounded like Blueblood.

"How do I get past?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Captain Required." the system said simply.

Diamond Tiara frowned. She pulled her suit back up and set back on her helmet. Button Mash suddenly shoved her aside. "Hey!" she said angrily. She then turned as she heard footsteps. A panting trio of Apples showed up.

Button Mash sat down, giving the panel an intense stare. He then leaped to his hooves, proceeding to whack the panel. "Twice on top, three on the left. Another on top. Hit the screen." Button Mash muttered under his breath. The door opened 6 inches. Button Mash desperately attempted to pry open the doors.

"Eyup." Big Mac said, rolling his shoulders. He gently moved aside Button Mash, before slowly prying open the doors with a grunt. The moment it was open enough, Button Mash squeezed himself through and ran. The other two children quickly followed.

Applejack helped to further pry open the doors. "Come on Big!" she said, darting down the hall. Big Mac followed. The first thing the two noticed were dim red lights. The second were the dark splotches on the wall. They ran faster.

"Hey! Wait up!" Applebloom called out, oblivious to the signs of danger around her. Earlier Button Mash did some wires, before running out and fixing multiple wires through the halls. There were several broken panels with wires broken, but he didn't stop for any of those.

"We shouldn't be here!" Diamond Tiara shouted at the two of them. Regardless, the two girls followed the boy, until they reach the Navigation Room. Button Mash stopped at the entrance way into the room, before breaking into tears, his face now holding a confused expression.

Apple Bloom walked to his side. "You alright?" she asked.

"I... don't know?" Button Mash answered. "I just began running. I think I kinda blacked out, and now I'm here?"

Big Mac and Applejack ran up, panting heavily. "Child, why'd you run like that?" Applejack asked.

"...Enope." Big Mac peered into the Navigation room and saw a corpse at the helm.

"Wha-" Applejack stopped in her speech as she saw what Big Mac saw. "Hey, how about we all get out of here?" she said quickly.

Button Mash leaped to his feet. "We gotta hit the button!" he suddenly said.

/EMERGENCY MEETING/

The five looked at each other, before running out of the area, heading towards cafeteria.

Ponies entered the cafeteria to the shouting's of Spoiled Rich. "She's the Imposter!" Spoiled shouted, pointing to a silently crying Celestia. They removed their helmets, giving them full vision as the helmets were tinted.

"EVERYONE SHUT UP AND CALM DOWN!" Rainbow Dash shouted into her microphone. After awhile of Spoiled screaming, she turned to the mare. "That means you too!" Rainbow Dash let out a sigh, before walking up and slapping Spoiled Rich.

The mare stayed silent for a second, before shaking her head. "Sorry." she said.

"Alright, why do you think..." Rainbow Dash paused. "Sorry, but what are either of your names?"

"That does not matter. She's one of those- those- those things!" Spoiled Rich proclaimed. "Singed had information on who the Imposter might have been, and now-!" Spoiled Rich stopped, unable to finish her sentence.

"What's happened to Singed!?" Rainbow Dash demanded.

Spoiled Rich pointed to the window. A pink figure could be seen floating outside.

Rainbow Dash turned to Celestia, who's head was still a dark pink from the blood of yesterday. "You have one chance to explain. Don't waste it."

"Tell me a lie." Celestia whispered.

"What?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Tell me a lie."

"...Alright. I have full memory of who I am." Rainbow Dash said.

BZZZ. The ring of Celestia's suit glow red, letting out a deep buzz. "Tell the truth."

"I'm a crewmate determined to keep everyone safe." DING. The collar glowed green.

"Now say something that would get you in trouble."

"I support Imposters killing the crew." DING. Rainbow Dash frowned.

"That conflicts itself." Twilight commented.

"We discovered that I had a lie detector. We tested it on random crewmates." Celestia said, no longer whispering but still in a sad tone. "It worked perfectly. We were excited, thought we could find all the Imposters. She gave me a cupcake. She wanted to give me a treat. I asked if it would kill me. She said it wouldn't. Then..." She wiped her tears away. "Then it made the buzz. She thought she was an Imposter and..." Celestia brought herself to look at the body, face hidden by the tinted helmet it had on. "She ejected herself."

"How? The lever's inside." Rainbow Dash questioned. She looked over at the chute, only to see a chair tied to the lever. "Oh. That's how." She turned to Celestia. "Name?"

"C L T." Celestia answered. "Celt."

Rainbow Dash nodded. "So while you have a lie detector, it's useless against finding the imposter."

Celestia nodded.

"Alright. Dism-"

"We found something!" Applejack shouted.

"What did you find?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well..." Applejack walked up to Rainbow Dash and whispered in her ear. "It's a bloody mess of new rooms."

Rainbow Dash took a step back. "Alright. C-Rick! C-Pick!" Carrot Cake and Cup Cake looked up. "I'm taking a group to go exploring new sections. Watch the children and make sure they DON'T wander off."

Helmets were put back on. Rainbow Dash picked a group of those she thought were the strongest, along with Twilight, before traversing towards Navigation. The others went about to continue to explore the safer parts.
*

Carrot Cake and Cup Cake watched to children watch the stars. Cup Cake silently cried. "We saved her from death, only..."

"There there, sis." Carrot Cake said, hugging his wife close. Carrot Cake felt Cup Cake lean into the hug, before feeling someone lean onto his left. He turned his head and saw Redheart leaning against him. Carrot Cake now realized he was uncomfortable with how he was sitting, but didn't want to move and disturb the troubled mares.

5, Navigation. 2/7

Warmth.

I managed to get heaters on, so I'm not dead from cold.

"Hello? Does anyone read this? Over."

OH CRAP! Uh uh Hello! I read you over. Who is this?

"Charles Calvin, at your service. Kinda shipwreck, but still got some power. You sound super relieved to hear me... What's your name? Over."

It's- I actually don't remember that right now... over.

"Eh, no worries then... So kttchhhhhhhhh-"

...Please come back...

*S. S. Ponyville*

A Pink 1 traveled with the group, her helmet having a built in flashlight. "Oh goodness... I think I'm gonna be sick..." She had to turn her head to shine her light on whatever needed to be looked at, as she was the only one with a light, and all the other Pink 1s refused to go. "S-sooo much blood."

"This ain't the worst of it." Applejack said.

"Yup." Big Mac commented.

Rainbow Dash took off her helmet and swapped it with the Pink 1's. "There. Oh goodness it gets bloodier." There were bodies torn beyond recognition. They entered the Navigation room. Rainbow Dash inspected the body at the co-pilot chair.

"He needs to know!" The body lunged forward and grabbed Rainbow Dash weakly.

"Oh holy crap!" Rainbow Dash moved away in shock.

"Please... he needs to know..." Chip, Button Mash's father, sat in the chair. The chest of his suit was torn open, and a little more.

Rainbow Dash did everything she could not to vomit at the sight. "What? What does he need to know?" she asked, removing the helmet and leaning close.

"T-tell my son... I love him... That he needs to take care of his mother and be a good boy... That he is a good boy... Will- will you tell him that?"

"I promise, sir." Rainbow Dash told him.

Chip smiled softly. His hooves pulled a Game Boy out of his pocket, and handed it to Rainbow Dash. "Th-thank y- *cough* give this to Button-" His head flopped downwards as his hoof dropped.

"Great. Now he's dead."

"Show some respect!" Rainbow Dash snapped at the Pink 1.

"I didn't say that!" the Pink 1 answered.

"I did. Now someone recycle me!" They looked towards the ground and saw a shredded body with a mostly contact head. It was pink.

"Another Pink 1! Dang, you guys can take a beating!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, somewhat impressed while horrified.

"Excuse me? I'm a Pink 3, and I don't want to be in a constant state of agony. Recycle me."

"No." Big Mac said.

"I don't know, she looks like she's better off recycled." Spitfire commented.

"Before we decide any of that-!" Twilight interrupted before getting interrupted herself.

"Fine then." the Pink 3 said, before taking one of it's bones and stabbing it's own heart. They all stared in silence for a moment.

"...Huh." Big Mac said, breaking the silence. He frowned, before staring at the body at the helm.

"Pink 1, try to get the wires working." Rainbow Dash said, once again swapping helmets.

"Why me?"

"Well, I don't know if the wires are too damaged to be safe for most of us, and well, you saw how much you Pinks can take." Rainbow Dash said.

The Pink 1 shivered. "Fine." They all waited as the Pink 1 worked wires. They winced as the lights sharply turned back on. "I turned on the power. Now what?" the Pink 1 asked.

Rainbow Dash looked over the control dashboard. She saw something red, and moved it. It glowed green. "Course Corrected." Luna's voice rang out.

"Course corrected?" Twilight asked. She removed her helmet to get a better look at the dashboard, and regretted it. "OH SWEET CELESTIA IT SMELLS!" She slammed her helmet back on. "We should leave."

"Yeah... We should." Rainbow Dash said, with an unsure expression.

"Something wrong?" Spitfire asked.

Rainbow Dash nodded. "I think so. When you see it, you'll know. Until then... We can't risk anyone eavesdropping." They all returned to the cafeteria. She nodded at the Cakes, before standing on the table and stepping on the button.

/EMERGENCY MEETING/

Those who were with her sat at the table. The room filled up with ponies quickly. "Alright everyone! I have some good news!" Rainbow Dash said as ponies removed their helmets. Then she saw him. "You sir, we have good news for you!" Chip glanced around himself, before pointing at himself. "Yes you. What's your name?"

"Oh! Um. It's CHP. Or Chip." Chip answered.

"Please come up here." Rainbow Dash said. Chip quickly did so. "We found a message that should explain who you are sir. Chip, co-pilot of this ship, wants his son to know he loves him." Rainbow Dash said. A few ponies clapped. "And NOW!" Chip was tackled by Spitfire, Big Mac, and Applejack.

"What's going on!?" Chip asked as he was dragged over to the trash chute. He was thrown in. "I'm not an Impostor! You have to believe me!"

"We found a dying man in Navigation. You shouldn't have pretended to be him." Rainbow Dash growled. "You have one chance. Do NOT waste it."

The Impostor smiled, it's face enlarging as it's eyes fused into one large eye. "You think you're so tough, don't you? How many are you willing to kill, just to rid of one Impostor?" it asked smugly.

"You wasted your chance." Rainbow Dash said. The Impostor went wide eyed when it realized the mare would not hesitate. Rainbow Dash pulled on the lever, sending the Impostor into space. 5 ponies in the crowd gulped.

Rainbow Dash let out a breath. "Alright." She walked back onto the table. She pointed at Button Mash. "Please come up here."

"B-but I'm not an Impostor!" Button Mash exclaimed, clinging to Diamond Tiara.

"I know." Rainbow Dash pulled out the Game Boy. "It's a gift from your dad."

"My Game Boy!" Button Mash ran up to the table. He yank it from Rainbow Dash's hoof, before hugging her. He then let out a gasp. "I know what this is called! I can remember what it's called!" This brought hope to the ponies, and upset the remaining Impostors. Button Mash froze. "It's from my dad." He turned to Rainbow Dash. "You said the Impostor was pretending to be a dead man..." His face held a question, that he dared not ask. Button Mash stepped down from the table.

Rainbow Dash let out an awkward cough. "We also need some folks to clean up the Navigation section."

"What's wrong with it?" a Pink 4 asked.

Rainbow Dash stared at the Pink 4. It's outfit was slightly different, but she didn't know in what way. "Possible Impostor, but not sure" Rainbow Dash thought to herself. "I'll say these two things. One, it looks like a red suit threw up everywhere. Two, It isn't for the weak in stomach."

The Pink 4 saluted. "I'll get right on it!" She bounced out of her chair, an action that confused many, before walking down a hall.

"All volunteers please stay here. Everyone else, dismissed." Rainbow Dash said.

The ponies shuffled out, while the Pink 4 returned with cleaning supplies and a mop-bucket on wheels. Rainbow Dash now saw that the Pink 4's suit was designed to hold cleaning tools. "Pink 4 reporting for duty, Ma'am!" With her was Rarity, Celestia, Twilight, Coco Pommel, Applejack, and Button Mash.

Rainbow Dash let out a whistle, before putting back on her helmet. "I gotta be honest, I expected more." She looked at Button Mash. "You sure you wanna come, Button?"

Button Mash nodded. "I want to see my dad."

The group traveled to the Navigation section. The very entrance way was bloody. "This is going to be a lot of work, isn't it?" Rarity asked.

"Looks like it." the Pink 4 answered. "Oh! Pinks to recycle!" The Pink 4 grabbed a Pink carcass and threw it on her back, before heading towards the medbay.

"...Eyup."

"When in when did you get here!?" Coco asked Big Mac. The stallion simply nodded.

"Are you here to help?" Twilight asked.

"Eyup." Big Mac answered. His head followed Button Mash who was walking in front of the group. "Huh?"

They walked to the Navigation room. Button Mash walked over to the brown suited pony at the helm. The others went about cleaning the hall, to let the child have some alone time. Button Mash stared at the stallion. "H-hey da-"

"EH!" The man breath in heavily, throwing himself off the chair and onto the ground. He yanked of his helmet. "Son I don't have much time. One, my back is adjustable so it can attach to your suit. Two, throw something at Pinki- Pink. She'll always catch it. If she doesn't, then-" the man coughed.

"Dad! Help! Somepony help!" Button Mash shouted.

"Sonny." Chip clambered to his hooves. He removed his face mustache and slapped it onto Button Mash's visor. "I love you. Tell... tell your mother I love her. *COUGH!*" Chip fell once more. "You're the man of the house now." His smile slipped away, and his chest stopped moving.

6, Rather Cozy

Author's Note

Excuse my lack lack of... details. I will not have this become rated M for gore.

6, Rather Cozy

Steering.

Its kinda funny. I'm captain of the ship now. I don't remember who I am, nor my rank.

But I'm the captain now... Not that it's much of an idea. Navigation is offline. I don't know the heading. And the engines are off. So the vent opened. Wait no I

"I'm not gonna hurt you."

R really? Oh thank goodness. Hi. Who are you?

"Heh. Guess I should say. Hello. My name is Discord."

*S. S. PONYVILLE*

The filly banged her head against the wall, trying to keep from losing herself. "You name is Cygow! It's Cygow, not Cozy Glow!" she sobbed, a red spot forming on the wall. She gripped the knife tightly in her hoof. It dripped with blood. "I'm Cygow. Please, let me be Cygow!". A hoof landed on her shoulder. She stiffiened and let her head rest against the wall. She didn't want to die.

"Your name is Cygow as much as mine is Macintosh." the figure behind her said. "Just embrace it."

She remembered the fat child's fearful face. It made her sick... yet she loved it. She loved to she his eyes wide with fear, only to glaze over as he- NO! It made her sick, it made her disgusted. "Please... I don't want-"

"That's your problem. You're denying who you are. Your attempt to spare him was so different from your usual self that it's making you physically sick." the deep voice told her. Cozy Glow knew the creature was right. And she hated it. Or at least, she wanted to. "The Cakes are alone." Cozy Glow stiffened. The only thing saving them were the fact she dd not know who they were. "Or I guess C Rick and C Pick."

Cozy Glow licked her lips. She couldn't fight it anymore. NO! She HAD to fight it. She... "Screw it." Cozy Glow licked the blade free of blood, then put back on her helmet. They were expecting aliens to be killing the crew. None of them remembered putting her into stone. Stone she was trapped in for a year. It... it changed her. For worse, she knew. People tried to break her statue. They tried to kill her. They forgot the filly who didn't understand. They forgot the brat who simply needed some therapy. Now she was beyond the help of therapy.
*

Carrot Cake fiddled with the lock to the wooden doors. "Hand me the nail, sister. I think I almost got it."

"Need any help?" The two turned to look at the filly. Who was holding a knife. She raised it into the air-

"Thanks!" only for her weapon to be taken. Carrot used the tip of the knife and the nail in an odd manner, fiddiling until *click* the doors unlocked. Carrot Cake pushed open the doors, revealing a massive library. Behind a counter were many file cabinets with locks on them. "Were you using this for anything?" Carrot Cake asked, wondering if the filly wanted the knife back.

"N-nah. You can keep using it. After all, I brought it here for you." Cozy Glow shakily said. She was glad the helmet hid her expression. "Oh dang I forgot something." Cozy Glow bolted away from the two. She ran back to the child's body. She entered the room and froze as she saw a Pink 1 standing over it.

"... If you're going to kill everyone then you gotta be smart about it." the creature said, voice very much female. She picked up the child's fez and plopped in onto Cozy Glow's helmet. "Now then, how will you get rid of the body?"

"How did you manage to convince me to do this!?" the female hissed, the two rushing to navigation. The two had removed the child from the suit, and planned to dispose of him in the bloody Navigation.

"I don't know! I just somehow did. You guys screwed up my memory too." Cozy Glow snapped back.

"What are you guys doing?" The two looked at Button Mash and froze. The colt sat at the entrance to the bloody Navigation.

"Uhh... what does it look like we're doing?" Cozy Glow asked.

Button Mash shrugged. "I dunno. You three look like shadows."

"We're at the edge of his vision." the two realized. Cozy Glow removed her helmet to whisper to the alien. "I'll distract him. You chop the fat fella uo, spread him around, and replace him. Then say that the Pink was simply there to help clean." The Impostor nodded.

"So, whats a game boy?" Cozy Glow asked, setting down the body while walking up to Button Mash. She sat down beside him.

Button Mash pulled out the game boy, turning to face cozy Glow. "I don't really know but it has a game I can play." Button Mash said, turning on the GameBoy. "It's "The castle of Nightmare Moon". It's really fun!" Button Mash clicked profile 2 and handed it to Cozy Glow.

"Uhh..." Cozy Glow stared in confusion at the grey object. "I don't know what to do." she said as the Impostor slipped past.

"Okay, so there's start and select there, see?" Button Mash said, pointing.

"Uhuh."

"Okay, click start." Click. "Alright, so you see that sprite?" Cozy Glow tilted her head to show her confusion. She saw the Impostor leave, disguised as the dead child.

"Hey! When did you get that?" Cozy Glow asked as Button Mash started to look up.

"Get what?" Button Mash asked, now paying attention to Cozy Glow.

"That." Cozy Glow said, tapping the mustache.

Button Mash reached up and touched his new cosmetic. His eyes looked down from behind his visor. "I..." He let out a sigh, before trying to divert the subject. "Where'd you get that hat?" he asked.

"Oh FUUUUUUUDGE I FRIKIN FORGOT" Cozy Glow thought to herself. "I... Uh..." She turned her head away, forgetting for a moment she didn't have to to hide her face.

Button Mash gave Cozy Glow a hug, thinking her fez might have been from a friend. "You don't have to say, if you don't want to.

Cozy Glow thought the hug was kinda nice... No. She couldn't get attached to any of these scumbags. Cozy Glow angrily shoved Button Mash away, before quickly leaving.

Fluttershy hummed to herself as she worked in the kitchens. She was out of her whole suit. She worried that someone would walk in on her, and wondered what she would say. "O-oh! I- Um. Well I was baking and m-my helmet got really fogged so I removed it, then I k-kind got really hot in my suit. I don't know why- so" Clang. "Eep!" Fluttershy attempted to cover herself with an apron as she stared at the open vent.

Cozy Glow stared at Fluttershy. "Golly, this ain't good." she thought to herself.

"I-uh um-" Fluttershy looked at her suit then at Cozy Glow. "I-" Her look of nervousness faded, replaced by confusion. "Sorry to ask but... Why were you in the vents?"

Cozy Glow crawled out of the vents. "Well it's really simple... What's your name again?" Cozy Glow asked, tilting her head while edging towards the knifes.

"O-oh! My name is FTY. Or Fitee!-" Fluttershy slowly looked down with her eyes, staring in disbelief at the knife in her chest. "Help." she whimpered, before being shoved to the ground.

Cozy Glow removed her helmet, so she could look her victim in the eyes. "I'm going to enjoy this." she said, grabbing the whole rack of knives.

Fluttershy attempted to run, only for four knives to pierce her legs. She let out a whimper, rolling onto her back and tucking her wings beneath her. She then realized this was a large mistake. "Why?" Fluttershy whimpered.

"Why? WHY!?" Cozy Glow let out a cold laugh. "You! You were the kindness out of them all! I only remember the anger, and the waiting. Of course, you don't remember." Cozy Glow hit Fluttershy hard in the chest, causing her wings to expand a bit. She immediately brought blades down. "None of you remember! Which means none of you will suspect me! I CAN EXACT MY REVENGE AND-" Cozy Glow's now red eyes looked at the kitchen entrance, where Twilight and Rainbow Dash stood. Cozy Glow quickly put a knife against Fluttershy's flesh, above her genitals. "Do you think you're fast enough? Because right here is a spot that if torn, will bleed so much that she will die within the minute."

Rainbow Dash growled, but was held back by Twilight. "She's right. That *cough* area... It is a soft part of the body, and extremitly fragile with many veins down there. She would be dead before we get the medical system operating."

Cozy Glow grinned, panting from her rage, but internally was panicking. "Hostage situation here. But for how long? I'd need to kill them all, then hit the button. Most of the knives are stuck inside..." Cozy Glow's though process halted. Her eyed dimmed back to aburn as she stared at Twilight. "You're a unicorn. No wings." she said, wide eyed.

Twilight looked confused. "Why would I have wings?"

Cozy Glow's panting increased. "No wings. B-but Stone! You- wings- but- why-" Cozy Glow gained a panicked expression as she dropped the knife and looked at the darker red on her red suit. "But- I- If you're not- then why would I-" She began to hyperevntilate, before a frying pan smashed against her skull. She collapsed into a heap.

"Someone get Yellow- er- Fighty to the medbay." Rarity said, tossing the frying pan aside. She walked over the the button.
/EMERGENCY MEETING!/

Carrot Cake jumped. "Goodness! I don't think I'll ever get used to that sound. Come on Sister."

"Alright Brother. Oh! We can tell them about the library!" Cup Cake exclaimed.

The cafeteria was quickly filled as usual. This time they were shocked. A child sat helmetless in the garbage chute, slamming her fists against the glass with wide eyes.

"You know the drill." Rainbow Dash said, opening the hatch by a sliver. "One cha-"

"I'M NOT A IMPOSTOR LET ME OUT LET ME OUT LET ME OUT I'M NOT A IMPOSTOR!" Cozy Glow beat against the glass furiously, eyes wide with fear. Her eyes caught Button Mash'es. "GAME BOY! TELL THEM! TELL THEM I'M NOT!"

Rainbow Dash glared. "Sorry to- no, I'm not sorry to say. We found a new body in nav, chopped up and scattered. 'Game Boy' confirmed you being there. Also, you wasted your one chance."

CRUNCH. As Rainbow Dash tried to close the hatch, Cozy Glow jammed what she could of her right hoof into the opening, breaking her hoof in the process. "I'M NOT A IMPOSTOR I DON'T WANNA DIE PLEASE LET ME GO I DON WANNA DI-HI-HIIIIEEEEE!" She pounded on the glass with her left.

"Enough!" Cheerilee shoved Rainbow Dash aside, then opened the hatch. Cozy Glow leaped out, laughing and sobbing while kissing the floor. She then froze, staring at Twilight with red eyes.

"No wings why stone no wings why stone never sleep always awake never tire day night day night never sleep no wings." Cozy Glow ranted, hyperventilating. She then stared at Button Mash, before running over to him and hugging him, while seemingly looking around and laughing.

Redheart felt her forehead. "She has a fever. From the way her eyes keep focusing on nothing, I believe she is seeing hallucinations." Realization formed on her face. "Oh gosh. I think I know why she attacked Fluttershy. She might have thought in her deranged mind-state that she was murdering an Impostor."

Button Mash pulled out his gameboy, handing it to Cozy Glow. She seemed to calm down immensely, now only letting out a few sniffles and an occasional giggle.

Ponies shuffled out, not wanting to be in the area for long.

7, Captain

Author's Note

Have fun trying to imagine what the engines look like.

7, Captain

Company.

Company is kinda nice? All I know is that I was lonely.

"Scthhello? Hello! This is Charles, I repeat, this is Charles Calvin. Do you read me? Over"

I read you! Over. "As do I."

"Shtch Who's that? Over."

That's my friend Discord. He- Do I smell smoke?

"You shouldn't. I was baking a cak- ow! Why are you doing that?"

No time to explain but ovens really shouldn't be on right now!

"Oh goodness is that fire I hear?"

Come on! we h

". . . Well, that sounds interesting... Over."

*SPACE SHIP PONY VILLAGE*

Trixie hummed to herself as she walked down the halls. She was carrying supplies to the... Trixie stopped. "What am... I doing?" She shook her head as the lights went out. "Hello?" she asked. "Hmph. I hope someone turns back on the lights." The lights turned back on, a deep red. "Trixie regrets her words." Trixie said in fear.

Trixie's eyes opened wide. "Trixie remembers her nam- oh what is that!?" A withering mass of blackness and blood moved towards her, with a... tall bipedal creature in a white hazmat suit behind it.

The thing seemed to communicate to Trixie, before shaking. The creature behind it seemed surprised
CLICK

The lights went back to normal, as Trixie looked at the black suited pony. "Hello? Anyone there?" Thorax asked, waving his hoof in font of Trixie.

"Screw this crap I'm out." Trixie said, before turning around and running the other direction.

"I... Does a black suit really look that scary?" Thorax asked himself. He watched with concern as Trixie ran as fast as she could. He then turned around, but saw nothing dangerous.

"Nope nope nope nope so much nope T I E does not like this nope." Trixie said, running for the button.

CLICK

A withering mass of shadows and blood stood in front of the button, guarding it. Trixie gulped. "I- m-might Trixie- Wait. Why does Trixie know her name when-"

CLICK

Trixie stared at the button in fear. "Tie reconsiders and begs to not be killed." she said, walking away from the table, before turning and running towards the door.

/EMERGENCY MEETING!/

Trixie let out a whimper as the room filled with shadowy masses of darkness and blood. She took off her helmet. And let out a sigh as everything went back to normal. She smiled, not knowing one of the things was right behind her.

"Alright ya buzzards, come and eat your gosh dang breakfast!" a Pink 3 shouted from the kitchen counter. Her suit was part of her flesh, providing a layer of natural armor. Upon her helmet was a chef hat. "If any of ya even try comin for more then your share, I'll rip out your spleen."

The crowd stared wide eyed. Silver Spoon leaned towards a pony in a cyan uniform. "What's up with that Pink 1?"

"Actually she's a Pink 3 or Guard." a Pink 1 explained. "Someone tried to break the Pink respawn system and..." the Pink 3 growled at a pony. "Well, that happened."

Many stared in shock as Fluttershy was thrown out of the kitchen. She was wearing what seemed to be a black tank top with white shorts, and bandages on her many wounds. According to the medbay system, she should be out of the suit while healing. "Hey!"

"Stay out of Chef Cheff's kitchen!" the Pink 3 said, naming herself. She threw a butcher knife at a vent that started to open, before pulling out a steak knife and looking in the vent. Finding nothing in sight, she grumbled before serving the others.

Rainbow Dash raised a brow at that, before shaking her head. She sat down at her usual table, next to her friends. "Wait... where's Purp- Tiltserk?" She quickly left the room, trying to find the unicorn.

"Are you alright?" Button Mash asked Cozy Glow as she silently stared at her food. Her eyes were amber.

"I... I don't know." Cozy Glow whispered. "I keep seeing things."

"What kind of things?"

Cozy Glow stared ahead at the dissected Tirek trying to scold her. "Trust me, you don't wanna know." Her eyes suddenly snapped wide open. With a loud snap, she turned her head to her left. Button Mash was gone with the gameboy on the ground. Cozy Glow's eyes turned red.

Rainbow Dash flew franticly through the halls, trying to find her friend. She burst into the library, and saw Twilight reading a dictionary. "Thank goodness you're alright! What are you doing here? It's breakfast time!" Twilight glanced up, before letting out a sigh, her helmet next to her. Rainbow Dash then noticed that there were several Maintenance books behind Twilight on the bookshelf, covered in dust. "Hang on, why aren't you-"

"Because there's no point!" Twilight suddenly shouted, throwing her book. Rainbow Dash now saw her eyes were red from crying. "No matter what we do, we're all gonna die! We almost ejected an innocent child. A CHILD!" Twilight got to her hooves. "We have no memory of who we are! We don't know how to do anything! We'd obviously need training, and we have no one to train us! And the girl..." Twilight sat down and stared at her hooves. "I did something to her. I... I don't even know who I am. I think I'm a crewmate, but what if I'm not? I hurt that little girl and I feel sorry. But how long until I get my memory back and find out I want to kill everyone?"

"Tilt, I-"

"HOW LONG UNTIL I DISCOVER I'M AN IMPOSTOR AND HURT EVERYONE!? I'm the smartest one on this ship! I could kill everyone and-"

SLAP! Twilight stood stunned as Rainbow Dash glared at her. "Shut up for one moment and let me tell you something!" Rainbow Dash growled as she slammed Twilight against the self. "You are my friend, don't forget that. You are a good person. You felt bad when thinking you hurt a child. And I know we're all scared of dying. But I'll do my best to help this crew in any darn way I can, no matter what. Even if I die trying. I swear on the lives of those who are passed, I will do everything to protect any and all crew. Even you. I'm loyal to the crew." Rainbow Dash released Twilight and walked to the door. She stared out the door before saying "I'd never leave Ponyville hanging." She left the library, walking back towards the cafeteria. Unknown to her, a group of ponies had listened from a nearby room.

Button Mash whimpered as a claw was slid against his skin. He was chained to the engines, the fans unnervingly close. "Do you know what I love about this section?" a voice called out. "That there are only two ways to access it. Vents, or a single door. And that door is password protected so only the captain or an Imposter can open it. And he's dead!" A giggle came from the one eyed creature as it walked upright. "Your daddy is dead! And now I get to kill you!" It reshaped it's head into a wolf like shape, it's flesh still resembling a green spacesuit. "Best of all, I can take my time!"

Button Mash simply let out another whimper, paralyzed in fear. The Impostor let out an annoyed sigh. "Really no questions as to why I'm doing this or anything?" Button Mash didn't respond. "Ugh. Well I might as well tell you a little secret, as you'll never live to tell others. Crew mates are ranked by importance according to how many letters they have in their ID. You're the son of C P T C H P, or Captain Chip. That's why you're B T N M S H. Then again, Celestia takes Rank if Chip dies." The Impostor let out a grunt as Button Mash remained unresponsive. "Really?" it asked, annoyed. "Well let me change your ID." It took the card, before changing it. "Let's see, Button Mash to B U T A S H. Butash, like a butt and your fake mustache."

Button Mash let out a shriek as he was pushed closer to the fans. "MOMMY!" he shouted. A needle was then injected into him. He began crying.

"Finally! A sound of fear! Tee hee~" Button Mash began to feel woozy. "Oh don't worry darling. You only took a small dose, so I can work at least this. Your ID is your name. Actually, why am I telling you this? I'm just gonna kil-"

A knife stabbed into The Impostor's side. "You little turd." it growled, slamming it's fist into Cozy Glow's helmet, shattering the visor. It sliced at her, cutting open her suit while throwing her across the chamber.

Cozy Glow laughed, spitting up blood. "It's gonna take a lot more then that to kill this kid!

"Traitor." it hissed at the child.

"Insane." Cozy Glow replied. With a powerful leap, she rammed headfirst into the Impostor's face. "AND THIS PHYCO IS NOT GONNA LET YOU TAKE AWAY HER ONLY FRIEND!"

The Impostor braced itself for impact, before realizing Broken Visor meant Sharp shards, or face knives. "RAUGH!" The Impostor swung wildly, before diving into a vent, blood dripping from it's eye.

Cozy Glow tugged at the chains. She braced her hind hooves against the engine, before steadily pulling on the chains. After a for minute of constant force, the chains began to to creak, before snapping. The chains slapped Cozy Glow's face, causing it to bleed. She quickly caught Button Mash. "Come on, we gotta get out of here."

Rainbow Dash walked slowly, to think over what Twilight said. Was it really hopeless? No! She shook her head. She couldn't let those thoughts muddle with her head. She entered the cafeteria, and saw everyone staring at her. ". . .Hi?"

Granny Smith stepped forward. "Listen here Cyan, cause Ima only splain it once. We here was thinkin that we'd be needin a captain. It was brought up while you was off an about. Twilight came here before ya arrived, and nominated you. Some other folks did as well. Big white?"

Celestia walked over, a captain's hat in her magic. "I found this in a room with a really comfy bed. I figured a hat this grand should belong to you."

"Ranib Dish, please kneel." Granny Smith said. Rainbow Dash stood frozen for a second, before slowly kneeling. "With this hat, we crown thee as Captain." Celestia's magic lowered the hat onto Rainbow's head. "Arise, Captain Dish." Granny Smith smiled as Rainbow Dash rose. She began to tap her hooves onto the ground, before stomping them in applause. The rest of the room quickly followed, with many even cheering.

Button Mash stopped applauding for a moment to turn to Cozy Glow. "Are you going to be all right?" he asked loudly, trying to be heard over the applause.

Cozy Glow smiled. "Don't worry, I know where another suit is." she said with a giggle, staring at a child with a fez on their helmet. Her eyes glowed red, before turning back to amber.

8, Bargains

Sleep.

Now that I think about it, I don't have a sleeping scedule. I just take short rests and naps through out the well I guess it's not day or night.

"Wait what!? I thought you went to sleep!"

Nah. Hey as you sleep long enough to What do you dream?

*SPACE SHIP PONY VILLAGE*

"Why are we here Cygow?" Button Mash asked, entering the side room with Cozy Glow.

"I'm here because I need a new suit." Cozy Glow said, picking up the suit of the child she slaughtered. "You,-"

"Wait, I though we didn't have any spare suits." Button Mash pointed out.

". . . That's not important. What's important is why I brought you, my dear Game Boy." Cozy Glow said with a giggle, reaching into Button Mash'es Chip Pack and pulling out a booklet.

Twilight stared at the red mess before her. She then looked at the two she saw responsible. "C Rick. C Pick... What in Celestia's name happened in here?"

The Cake couple looked at the spattered gunk, then at Twilight. "It wasn't us." Carrot Cake said.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. She then tilted her head, remembering they couldn't see through the visor. "Alright, who was it?"

"Lana and Celt." Cup Cake explained. "They left shortly after... this happened."

Carrot Cake licked some of the semi-thick red substance. "Hey, it's not half bad!" He said cheerfully.

"Really?" Cup Cake sampled some as well. "It's not half bad, its all great! Tiltserk, you should try some!"

"No thank you." Twilight answered. "I'm not in the mood for cherry pudding."

The Cakes shrugged. "Suit yourself." Carrot Cake said.

"Oh! If you see those tall ladies again please ask them if they remember the recipe." Cup Cake added.

Twilight let out a sigh and nodded. "Sure." She left the room, wondering how Cherry Pudding could be so messy. "At least it's not a body splattered about." she said to herself as she left, remembering Navigation.

Fluttershy walked through the halls with Button Mash, shying away from other ponies. She felt incredibly naked without the spacesuit on, despite the underclothes she was given. Button Mash seemed somewhat uncomfortable too, but there were safety in numbers and he was the only one who seemed to know how to fix wires properly. She entered the navigation area, before heading to it's Electrical Room. Above the doorway to said room was NAV-ELEC-2. She wrinkled her nose as she and Button Mash entered. "At least it doesn't smell as bad." she aloud. She walked around the large computer that hid the other half of the room. "Oh! You scared me!" Fluttershy said, looking at a child in a fez. "Trying to fix wires too?"

"Not exactly..." the colt sheepishly said, looking down. He looked back up, a crack now visible below the visor. One in the shape of a smile.

"EEK!" Fluttershy winced as she spun around, running to the doors. Button mash followed close behind. The doors slammed shut with a hiss. "Nononono" she whimpered.

"Ya know, I wish you could have been faster, so I could have squashed you between the doors and made it look like a malfunction." the impostor said, as Fluttershy cried against the door. Button Mash himself could be heard crying behind his visor. The vent opened. "Perfect tim-" POW! The Impostor got knocked to the ground.

A grinning Cozy Glow in the red outfit and cracked helmet stood over them. "Hi!" she said cheerfully, before picking up the Impostor and throwing them against the wall. She walked over and pinned them to the ground to the ground. "Quick thing okay? I don't really care who you kill, because I hate most everybody." Her eyes turned red. "But if you ever try to hurt Game Boy" Her eyes glowed red. "I won't hesitate to rip out your heart and shove it into your brain." Her helmet suddenly fixed itself, turning grey in the process. The red glow of her eyes shined through. "This includes any other friends I make in the future. So just avoid any allies of mine and you can stay healthy."

"Traitor!" it hissed at her. A leg grew out of it's side, kicking Cozy Glow off. It's jaws opened to kill one of the two against the door, before suddenly dropping with a thud.

Fluttershy stared wide eyed at the Impostor, who was now torn in two from the stomach. Button Mash threw off his helmet and vomited. Cozy Glow giggled cutely, putting her hoof to her visor.

"I did warn you!" she said.

"I was going for the yellow one! She isn't protected by a suit!" the impostor growled.

"Ohhh..." Cozy Glow's helmet and suit changed back to the broken red. "My bad..." Cozy Glow dragged the halfs to the vent. "Just uh... give the others my warning, kay?" she said, staring at Fluttershy. "I gotta take care of a witness."

"Wait!" Button Mash shouted. "Don't kill her!"

Cozy Glow laughed. "Sorry, but unless I have a good reason to leave her alive... well yeah."
*

Big Mac stared at three breakers, each spinning. He push one button, and it clicked. He timed the next one incorrectly, and the first reset. "No." he growled. He gave up, leaving Room NAV-ELEC-1. He walked to NAV-ELEC-2. He was about to open them when they shot open with a hiss. He took a step back as a Bloody Fluttershy and Bloody Button Mash exited. "Huh!?" He rushed up to them inspecting the wounds. "Nope nope nope!" he said with huge concern. He gave a quizzical and concerned look.

Button Mash and Fluttershy tried to look away. But Big Mac simply turned them to face him. His face held a question that he demanded to be answered. "We're alright." Button Mash said. "Just had some trouble."

"Who?" Big Mac asked, before glancing into the room. His jaw dropped as he saw the blood splattered on the walls and the puddle on the ground. "Huh!?" He looked at the two, his glare demanding harshly for them to speak.

"Golly!" The three turned to see Cozy Glow in a grey suit trotting up to them. "Did ya trip and hurt yourself?" she asked cutely, before laughing in a twisted version of a chuckle. She gasped as she saw Button Mash, panic in her eyes. She shoved Big Mac out of the way. "Who hurt you? I'll make sure they'll never-" She stopped, and stared at Big Mac. "Bye." she said, quickly running away.

Big Mac saw the blood on her new grey suit. He raised an eyebrow. He turned back to face the other two. They shoved past him and ran.

*MEDBAY

Cozy Glow stared at Redheart as she mended a Pink 1. "Hiya Radrit!" she said cheerfully.

"Goodness!" Redheart exclaimed. "Cygow, you scared me!"

Cozy Glow giggled. "Golly, you don't think I'm an Impostor now, do you?" She laughed hard as if she had told a grand pun.

Redheart shook her head. "No. I don't." Her eyes widened. "Are you walking on your crushed hoof!?"

"Uhh... Yeah?" Cozy Glow said, unsure as to why Redheart was panicked.

"Let me take a look at-"

"NO!" Cozy Glow shouted, causing Redheart to jump back. The girl ran out of medbay.

*NIGHT

Twilight and Rainbow Dash sat next to the Button. Rainbow Dash sipped from a mug. "You've done the math, right?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Math for what?" Twilight asked.

"..." Rainbow looked into her mug. "How long we'll last." she finally said.

"I..." She let out a sigh. "We only got a week."

"Dang. That's less then I thought." Rainbow Dash said.

"Oh you'll live longer." Cozy Glow said, popping up next to them. She was in her red suit. "If you're smart." Her fez had a splatter of blood on it. "Also, do we have any fabric cleaner?"

"Why is your hat red?" Rainbow growled.

"I'm insane and wanna hurt people. I do what I do for fun!" Cozy Glow giggled. "But before you eject me and ruin more than my hoof, let me say this. The more letters in your name, the more important you are to the crew. I have more information that can help the crew, but I gotta be alive to say!" she giggled, before running and diving into a vent.

Rainbow Dash growled. "So we let a Impostor live so she can give us information!?"

Twilight remained silent. She knew the girl was messed up in the head, and that she was the reason.

9, Master Mind

Friendship.

Charles?

"Speaking. You alright? You sound scared, Over. Sctch."

No. No I'm not alright.

"Why are you whispering? Over."

AHHH NO NO!

"What's wro-"

No! You... You broke it. YOU BROKE IT! Eeek! NO NO DON'T HURT ME AHH AHH AHH! Please-... Discord. Discord what are you doing?

"..."

Discord get away from there.

"I... I hurt you. I nearly killed you."

I don't care! Don't!

{WARNING. UNREGISTERED OXYGEN DUMP. CRISIS REPAIRED.}

... ... ... D-Discord?

*S. S. PONYVILLE*

"Captain Cy- Dish, I know you want what's best for the crew but this is insane." Rarity told Rainbow Dash ash they walked briskly down the hall, with her friends, Coco Pommel, Trixie, and Cream Heart/Momma Mash.

"She's just a child!" Coco Pommel told her.

"She's a killer." Rainbow Dash shot back. They arrived at a room marked ENGINE SECTION. Rainbow Dash pushed her hoof against the panel.

"You're the Captain now? Didn't see that one coming." the voice of Blueblood sounded, as the door opened.

The group made their way to the large engines, seeing Cozy Glow sipping from a tea cup at a tea table. "Thirsty?" she asked, electrical wires sparking against the metal ground. The group could not come close without getting shocked.

"I guess you already know why we're here." Rainbow Dash growled.

Cozy Glow giggled. "Yepooruny! You're here to kill little ol me." She dropped her smile. "I'm not afraid of death this time." Cozy Glow's suit reverted to red. "Wouldn't you like to know why I'm doing any of this? Hear my side of the story?" she asked, transmitting a signal.
*

Chef Cheff removed his chef hat taking a break. She stared at a cupcake. "Screw it." she said, grabbing the pastrie. A butcher knife slammed into her head, lodging deep. Chef Cheff dropped the cupcake as she was stunned. She slowly turned her head to face the very surprised Impostor. "You damn fucking rubber nosed bitch of a cunt." she said, reaching up and pulling the knife out of her skull. "I am going to rip out your spine and fuck your ears with it."

"No thanks." the Impostor said, before diving into the vents.

Chef Cheff placed the butcher knife back into her head, before putting on her hat. She wasn't remade with a helmet, which upset her. But the style of the knife made up for it. "Pardon my mouth, but that really hurt."
*

Cozy Glow's suit reverted to grey. A message appeared on her screen. {Soldier has knife stuck in brain. We underestimated how durable they are.} "You saw how I acted before. And how upset I was that she didn't have wings." Cozy Glow pointed at Twilight. "There are several... How do I say it? Paradoxes. Yes. That's the world. There are several paradoxes on the ship. We are, and therefore we shouldn't be."

"Enough games." Rainbow Dash said.

"NO! THE LONGER I SPEAK THE LONGER I LIVE SO EXCUSE ME FOR PROLONGING MY DEATH. I may not fear death, but I still don't want to die." Cozy Glow reverted back to red. "Now then... Paradoxes. What shouldn't be, but is... Tw- Er- Tiltserk has no wings. None of you see the point in this, right?"

"Right." Twilight answered.

"In a reality where you have wings, I was forced into stone." Cozy Glow said causually. She leaned foreward, voice angering. "For five years. Never moving, never blinking, never sleeping. I saw the same sight, second after second. Minute after minute. Hour after hour." Her eyes turned red as she began shouting. "DAY AFTER DAY! WEEK AFTER WEEK! MONTH AFTER MONTH! YEAR AFTER YEAR! THE SAME SIGHT, THE SAME STANCE! I WAS A KID WITH MILD INSANITY! I DIDN'T DESERVE STONE!" She panted, curls or hair now hanging ovr her glowing eyes. "You sentenced me to a fate worse than death. You drove me mad. So I seeked revenge. Think on that for a minute, huh?" Another signal sent.
*

Bulk Biceps lifted a bed, looking around. He heard someone enter. "Oh hey! Name's BULBCP. I call myself Bulb Cup." he said, turning to face a Pink 1.

"I call myself Zekan." it answered.

"Huh? Why Zek-" Bulk Biceps stopped as a knife slashed his suit and stabbed through his chest. He slumped to the ground.
*

Cozy Glow's suit reverted to gray. {Soldier killed. The huge one with tiny wings. This makes me fear the Pink 3 even more.} "However, you don't have wings. Which means you never did stone me. But that horrible event?" Cozy Glow shook her head slowly. "That's not something you can just imagine." She laughed. "I blame the company. They're the reason for everything. I don't remember enough, only that they were the cause..."

CLICK

Rainbow Dash raised an arm to the side, instinctively shielding her friends. Sitting at the table was a black withering mass of shadows and blood. The red light seemed dimmest around it. A broken and shredded red suit bled to form around the thing, giving it shape.

"Trixie does not like this. Explain please." Trixie said.

CLICK

"That is the Paradox Affect. That is what we become... Maybe what we are." Cozy Glow said. "Look again, but not at m-"

CLICK

Rainbow Dash and the others quickly moved away from Twilight, who now was one of those... things. It moved towards them.

CLICK

"-from me?" Twilight asked, wondering why the others pulled away so suddenly.

"I-" Rainbow Dash turned to stare back at Cozy Glow. "I-I don't understand. What is this!?"

"The Company." Cozy Glow let out a giggle. "Daddy's gonna die, Jackie!" She started letting out a mainical laugh.

CLICK

The mass moved through the electricity, removing the cords, before heading into the vents.

CLICK

"That... I saw her as that. Does that mean she saw me as that?" Twilight pondered.

"BIG MAC!" Applejack shouted, turning around and kicking off the ground. She started to sprint to where she last saw him.

"GOODNESS" The others quickly followed, remembering how Big Mac was acting as father to Apple Bloom.

Big Mac hadn't really expected this whatsoever. He had taken off his suit to take a shower, when someone tried to backstab him! And now here he was, fighting himself!

Rainbow Dash reached the showers first. She saw Big Mac in a pair of black shorts standing over a bloodied body of another Big Mac in shorts, panting heavily. The others quickly arrived.

"Big Mac! Are you alright!?" Applejack asked.

Big Mac rushed and hugged Applejack, before gently pushing her away. The body got up. "It's still alive! Quick, we gotta eject it."

"..." Applejack stared, before tackling her brother.

"Hey!"

The others quickly tried to pull Applejack off. Applejack threw them off and dragged Big Mac to the Cafiteria, quickly cramming him into the trash chute. Everyone was there. Lunch.

"Stop her!" Twilight shouted.

"Applejack, let me out!" Big Mac said, pounding on the glass. "I'm not the Impostor!"

Applejack pulled out her mic before the others reached her. "SHUT IT AND LET ME EXPLAIN! THIS HERE IMPOSTOR MADE A FEW MISTAKES. ANYONE WANNA TELL ME WHAT THEY ARE?"

Rainbow Dash wiggled out of her suit, allowing herself to fly/ram into Applejack. "One chance to explain." she growled, holding a knife to her neck.

"Ah got two bits to say." Applejack said. "One, Big Mac ain't never say a full sentence. Mah proof, he didn't even say he was a dad. Simply said Yup and such."

"You bought yourself somemore time. But that's not good enough."

"I said I had two bits. The second, He called me by my name. Not Ap Jack, but Applejack."

The lever was pulled. The two turned to look, and saw Cozy Glow at the lever. "Bye bye, 'Macintosh'." she said, before laughing. She shoved Rainbow Dash aside and helped Applejack to her hooves. "Can't have you dying on us, Jackie!" Cozy Glow turned to face Rainbow. "Now somebody go and make sure Daddio doesn't die on us."

10, The Return

Lonely.

I... I need help. I don't know if someone is listening or reading or what... but I need help. I'm drifting through the dark abyss...

I have more than enough food and water to survive but... Should I? Is it worth it?

Yes. I don't know why, but I have to live. I have to survive.

I have to save everyone.

*S. S. Ponyville*

Cozy Glow hummed to herself as she hung upsidedown from the ceiling of the bedroom, chains digging in uncomfortably. "Golly, you know this isn't nessicary, right?" she asked.

Rainbow Dash stood, a scowl on her face. "Six days ago you mounted an attack, tring to take down our strongest."

"But I faaiiilllled!" Cozy Glow sang.

"And there's also the business of 'Paradoxes', as you say."

Cozy Glow sweated. "Uhhh... Oh look at that!"

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Usally I would do this as a trick but there's a green thing in a space suit behind you." Cozy Glow said.

Rainbow Dash took a quick glance. "Oh dang there is."

Standing in the doorway was a three foot lime green creature standing on two legs. It was in an outer white spacesuit with a helmet sitting on it's head. Floating beside it was a small UFO. It waved a hand that was connected to nothing. A smile formed beneath the visor.

Rainbow Dash leapt to her hooves, grabbed a screwdriver.

Seeing Hostility, the creature took off running as fast as it's legs could carry it.

"GET BACK HERE!" Rainbow Dash shouted. She groaned. "Hey! Can someone help me in here?"

"Sure!" Cozy Glow said, walking up. She stopped, seeing the chained up Impostor. "Actually I change my mind see ya." Cozy Glow ran off the opposite direction, as the Impostor slipped out of the chains and vented.

Rainbow Dash shook her head, before running after the alien.

Twilight and Button Mash tried to access the rest of the stocks of food, before seeing a weird... thing run by, making turkey gobbles. The two looked at each other, before looking again. This time, they saw a whole crowd of ponies chasing after it. "Uhh..."

"What's going on?" Twilight asked a random pony.

"Impostor! Can't you see!?" the pony responded.

Twilight blinked. "But... It's not even disguised. It's making turkey calls."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

Twilight raised a hoof, before lowering it. "I... Hm."

Cozy Glow sat on a table, playing zylaphones on a ribcage with a rather bulky skull, choosing to due so because eveyone was too distracted by... whatever that is. Spike materilized beside her. "I... wha... Cozy Glow, what's even going on?"

Cozy Glow turned to face him. "Hi hallucination!" she said cheerfully. "Ima call you Spike."

Spike scratched his head, or rather he rubbed his helmet. "Huh? But my name alrea-"

"Shush, now listen closly Spike, until I finish, okay? No interrupting." Cozy Glow said, putting a hoof to Spike's helmet.

"Sure."

"The whole crew lost their memories due to sabatours, we've jettisoned a few impostors off the ship, I went mad or insane and started murdering other, and now this turkey thing is here. And-"

"Wait wait wait, WHAT!?" Spike cried out in shock. "This is bad, this is reall-"

"YOU INTURRUPTED!" Cozy Glow screamed, tearing off a rib and stabbing Spike through the helmet and into the left eye. Simple to say, Spike flopped facefirst to the table and rolled to the floor.

"Oh. Oh he was real. He was real and had answers." Cozy Glow looked around. "Ima just..." She gingerly touched Spike's eye addition. She sucked in a breath. "My bad..." She put the rest of the bone into her back, before backing away. "Yeeeaaah... Cozy Glow bolted towards the Emergency Medbay, as she discovered it was called.

"Hey big fella. You alright?" Applejack asked.

"Kinda, not kinda, still healin." Big Mac said with a shrug.

Applejack deadpanned, before slamming her hoof into Big Mac's right arm.

"No!" he said in pain, rubbing his arm.

"Yeah, don't ya ever joke around like that." Applejack scolded.

"Mmmmmnope," Big Mac answered with a sharp nod.

Applejack seemed to think about this. "Wait... If you said no, then is that a no to joking around like that, or a no to not joking aroun-"

Apple Bloom bounded into the room happily. She set down a flower on Big Mac's bed. "Hi Daddy!"

"Heh heh, eyup!" Big Mac said, scooping up Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom whispered in his ear. He stared at Apple Bloom, a playful yet quizicle expression on his face, before glancing at Applejack and back at Apple Bloom. "Yes." he said, nuzzling her.

Apple Bloom let out a happy sound. She got off the bed and walked up to Applejack. "Miss Jackie? Will you be my mom?"

"...Saywhatnow?"

"You do your best to protect Dad, even though he tries to protect you! And you're pretty."

Applejack let out a laugh. "Shucks, sure! I-"

"I SPIKED SPIKE!" Cozy Glow shouted, running into the room and shocking everyone. "Also we got a space turkey."

"...Huh?" the three Apples asked. The Alien flew by the door, riding on it's UFO while gobbleing in panic. A group of ponies was seen chasing after it.

"That." Cozy Glow said, pointing. "Also I accidently killed someone."

"Stay here." Applejack told Apple Bloom, before leaving with Cozy Glow.

The two rushed to the Cafiteria as Rainbow Dash was gaining on the alien. "Come on, while they're distracted. We don't need them thinking we're Impostors!" Cozy Glow said. The two quickly brought Spike back to the Emergency Medbay.

"What is that?" Apple Bloom asked as Spike was set onto the scanner.

"No clue but he knows stuff. Activate!" Cozy Glow shouted.

"I'm sorry, but you have run out of emergency healings. Please restock EH points at Mira HQ." the system said.

"... well crap. No wait, this is beyond crap. Well shit." Cozy Glow muttered as Spike slowly bled to death. "Iiii... am gonna leave this as your problem." Cozy Glow ran out the room.

Rainbow Dash tackled the creature, who squirmed in panic. "Will you stop it!?" The creature gobbled in panic. "Listen, you don't stop that, I'm ejecting you into space." It stopped squirming. "And now I know you can understand me." A sweat formed on the face of the alien. It proceeded to shapeshift so it's round helmet fit on it's head, neck of suit and helmet sealing.

A knocking caused them to look up. Rainbow Dash released the alien, before removing her helmet. Her jaw hung low as she stared at the window. Others turned to look as well. For at the window was a team of Pink, with Singed knocking on the glass. She pointed to the trash dump, before shoving her hoof down.

Twilight quickly pushed the lever down, causing the outside hatch to open. Singed climbed into the chute. Twilight then raised the lever, allowing Singed access. Singed leaped inside. "No time to explain we gotta find Captain Chip and get into the Navigation Cockpit!"

"I'm the Captain now!" Rainbow Dash said, before being grabbed and dragged by Singed. "Hey, what's going on!?"

"Sorry but really no time to explain!" Singed said. They reached the control room. "I didn't want to have to waste this on you, but survival calls!" Singed yanked off Rainbow Dash's helmet, before slamming a needle into her neck.

11, Land Ho

Memories.

Memories are precious. You never know when your last one will be. Whether it's your own in life, or one shared with another...

I have to save them. But how?

*2 MONTHS AGO*

The group of friends moved down the hall, following Twilight. Rainbow Dash grabbed her by the shoulders. "Hey 'Miss Sparkle'! We got some questions for you." she said angrily.

Twilight turned, before running away and teleporting.

"Darn it! Where'd she go!?" Applejack asked.

"Where else, Orange?" Rainbow Dash said, before walking to the library. She bucked the doors open.

Applejack quickly lassoed Twilight before she could go anywhere. "Hold on, Twi! We ain't gonna hurt ya!"

"We just are wondering if you have seen where Pinkie has gone." Rarity said.

"But you've seemed so busy, even when you weren't." Fluttershy whispered.

Twilight struggled against the rope.

"Twi..." Rainbow Dash's face softened. "We're scared. Ever sense we were... 'hired' by the company, well, a lot of us have been on edge. Then the one pony who boosts everypony's moral just disappears. One of our friends. Pinkie Pie."

"You're the only one with answers." Applejack said, removing her hat from the top of her helmet. She untied Twilight.

"If there is anything you could tell us, please say." Rarity said, her expression hidden but known by the others.

Twilight faced down, before looking up at her friends. "I'll tell you everything once we reach Polus. I Pinkie Promise."

*CURRENT MOMENT*

Rainbow Dash looked at the control panel, shaken by the flow of memories. "How do I suddenly know how to steer this?"

"Who cares JUST GET IT TO ORBIT!" Singed shouted. She pointed out the window.

"Oh." Rainbow Dash stared at a moment at the planet, before quickly moving her hooves across the control panel.

Everyone felt the vessel shift dramatically, throwing most off their hooves. "What was that!?" Cup Cake asked.

"Hahaha!" Chef Cheff laughed, before slamming her hoof onto the Button.

Poomph.

Chef Cheff stared at the button.

Poomph.

Her laughter stopped as she tried again.

Poomph.

Rarity saw this. She huffed, wondering why Pinks weren't even allowed the Button. She headed over and-

Poomph.

Twilight tried herself.

Poomph

A Pink 1 handed over a microphone to Chef Cheff. "Thank you." Chef Cheff said, patting the Pink 1 on the head. "ALRIGHT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, FOLLOW ME BECAUSE WE HAVE ARRIVED AT OUR DESTINATION! WE'RE DROPPING IN!"

"Say what now?" Cream Heart asked.

A black suited pony glanced around, before grabbing Chef Cheff and walking with her. The figure motions for the others to follow. Slowly but surely, they started to follow.

Applejack and Apple Bloom quickly went to grab Big Mac.

"What in Zehe's name is he doing!?" Zekan asked in disbelief.

"She, Zekan. She." Ilshus reminded her comrade.

"I flyrepton refuse to acknowledge the idea of 'trans' human nonsense, Ilshus." Zekan responded. "The mission is getting way out of clin. We were supposed to remove the work force, and return the ships back to the Company. Now three of our team are dead, and Zeris-"

"Ilthamus."

"Zeris is leading them to the shuttle! He is betraying us!" Zekan exclaimed.

"I'm sure she had a reason... Maybe to gain their trust?" Ilshus suggested.

"I swear if you keep referring to him as a Il rather than a Ze, I'll force you to grow a full set of side dinths and mate him."

Ilshus stopped in her tracks, staring at her comrade as others moved around them. "That's flyrepton gross, Zekan... But fair." She giggled as she continued to walk. "But then again, to grow Ze parts and mate him like he's a Il," She let out a purr.

"Good Zehe I regret saying that to you." Zekan said in disgust. "I swear humans have corrupted you with their ideals."

"You're the one wanting me to grow a set of balls and co-"

"Finish that sentence and I will not hesitate to end your entire existence, so I swear upon the Holy Grail." Zekan growled.

Ilshus gulped. "I understand, Captain. Sorry."

"Good." Zekan said with a nod as they came to the shuttle room. They watched as their comrade hacked the panel system to let the others on.

"Scared?"

The two whipped their heads to Cozy Glow. "You little trai-"

"Eh!" Cozy Glow said, holding up her hoof. "I didn't rat you guys out, now did I?" Cozy Glow giggled. "Thing is, I'm terrified!" she said cheerfully. "With every step I take closer to that planet, the more my heart and head pounds. Like a bad dream, about to repeat." Cozy Glow's breath quickened. "The shadows grow longer and my hearing sharper, yet there are black shapes and extra sounds." Cozy Glow looked up. "Why did you hire me?"

"You knew the codes." Ilshus answered. "But we don't know why you went insane. Zemlinder knew, but you flushed him out into space."

"Cygow! Over here!" Nurse Redheart called.

"Well, that's my cue! Bye!"

The two watched the child run off. "Commander. What now?" A large black suited figure walked over to them.

"I- I'm not sure. We were never supposed to arrive at the planet..." Zekan said. "By this condition... The mission's off..."

The shuttle landed with a thunk. Rainbow Dash took a breath, before opening the doors. A small... thing in a red spacsuit waved at her. A far taller White thing stood beside it. The green one in the white suit quickly ran out of the shuttle. "Hello!" the taller thing said. "My name is Captain Rogers. Welcome to Polus!"

*LATER

"Wow." Rogers looked at Rainbow Dash in disbelief, his face visible through the helmet. "Thatsa- Thats a lot to take in." He removed his helmet, rubbing the back of his head before putting it back on. "I don't know what to say." He coughed, before walking to a cliff edge. "See that? Down there?" Rogers said, pointing down the mountain. "That's where the rest of "Ponyville" is. We can't actually get there yet. At least not until the tram is done. Meanwhile, we're the top research crew. Double pun there."

"OI! I DON'T CARE WHO'S DYIN! GET YER ARSES TO WORK, OR BREAK IN THE NEWBIES!" a lime crewmate shouted from a distance.

"That's painfully ironic." Rogers said with a wince.

Chef Cheff walked into the kitchen. She grabbed the current chef and threw him out. "My kitchen now."

Seeing the knife in her head, Chef Jackson decided he'll work on laundry duty. "Good day, Mademoiselle." he said, before sprinting away.

12, CARL!

I I gotta be honest. I can't tell if I like being alone or hate it.

It's so silent. And I'm left with only my thoughts. I I got multiple systems online.

*ERROR

"Twilight."

Twilight's eyes opened with a snap. She lifted her head, and found herself floating through space. "Where am I?"

"Twilight, look at me." Twilight craned her neck and saw a tall purple unicorn with wings standing through a glowing portal.

"Hi?" Twilight asked. "What's going on? Who are you?"

"I'm-" She looked thoughtfully, choosing her words carefully. "I will be blunt. I am you from The Future. Or rather, A different timeline... Or the same line, just altered..." She turned her head. "Doctor! How would you explain it?"

"Is that Timit?" Twilight asked, seeing Time Turner standing behind the taller mare.

"I'm sorry, wot?"

"Timit. Name for T M T. Am I dreaming?" Twilight asked.

The brown stallion frowned. "The Tardis is canibblelizing herself to support the paradox and this is what we get!?" He looked at the tall one. "Your magesty, I told you we should have checked DAILY!" He shook his head. "If I'm Timit, what's your name?"

"Tiltserk, for TLTSRK. Why am I floating? Am I dreaming?"

"Yes. And No. I am speaking to you through dreams." The mare frowned. "So. She has whipped your minds and spread panic. Twilight, I will make this simple and precise. You must kill cozy Glow."

"WHAT!?" Twilight asked in shock. Her anger of how awkward it was to move disperssed in a flash. "No! Dish may have the guts to pull the lever, but I could never kill anyone!" Her eyes narrowed at the mare, dispite now being "upsidedown". "Nor will I." she said firmly.

The mare sighed. "I see you are set in your view. For the good of Equestria, and all other nations." Her horn glowed.

AHHHH

Twilight could hear a faint noise. It sounded like... pained screaming... Her eyes widened. Twilight jammed her hoof into her eye.

"What are you-"

"AHHH!" Twilight screamed in pain, rolling off her cot. She quickly pulled on her suit and helmet, rushing out of her room. She quickly ran down the halls of the sleeping rooms to where she knew Cozy Glow was.

"AHHHHH! MAKe IT STOP!" Twilight burst the room, where a huge ball of electricity sourrounded Cozy Glow.

Twilight felt herself react before she could even realize it. She dove into the energy, feeling it flow through her. Not harming her, but still it packed a punch. She shoved her way through to the center, grabbing Cozy Glow. Twilight let off a burst of energy.

KABOOM!

Twilight and Cozy Glow went flying back as the energy disspeersed. "Ugh." Twilight tried to rub her head, only to rub her helmet. She shook her head. "Are you alright?"

"WINGS!" Twilight winced as a pillow was thrown at her. "STUPID WINGS!" She ducked as now a knife was thrown.

"Hey!"

"WINGS ON THE BACK! WINGS AND STONES!"

Twilight quickly ran out of the room. Her mind already raced to what she saw in her dream. 'Is that what I become? A woman so cold she would kill a child!?' She shook her head. "Only Cygow- Cozy Glow and I have the slightest idea what's going on, and she doesn't want to see me." Twilight rubbed her chin. 'Who else could know what's going on? Oh! Timit!' "OOMP!"

"ACK!"

Twilight fell on her rump. "Sorry! I didn't see you."

"Head in the atmosphear?" the crewmate asked. He had on a labcoat and a stethescope. "Doctor Cyan, at yours. And the cyan suit is purposfule." He reached out his hands, helping Twilight up. "Though we're the same size of 3 feet, aye. Knife in ya suit. Alright, come with me." He started walking, motioning for Twilight to follow. "Up early, inya?"

"Y-yes." Twilight answered. "But I'm not harmed." She quickly followed the crewmate.

"The scanner will judge that. That, and you need repairs. Now then, wots get ye nog in the dizzy then?"

"...Wot? I mean what?" Twilight asked, confused. "What's with your voice?"

"Personally, it's the voice of a brit who gave up long since. Otherwise, itsa scots doc whos delt with folks tryin ta rip his head off. That's my dizzy. Wots yers?"

Twilight frowned. "You keep altering your accent."

"Ey, so wat? So long as it's got the given up but still barely alive voice. Now quit dodgin." Dr. Cyan told her.

"...It sounds papostrous." Twilight said.

"Nah, I've bearly survived bein tossed out a ship as an Impo, ey? That's potpos." He opened the exit door. The two walked through the cold air. Twilight did her best to keep from shivering as they walked to the work site.

Dr. Cyan opened the doorto the medbay. Two crewmates with ballons on their heads sat on a bed, cuddling. "Oi! Charlie, Jake! Get yoi gay tuches out of er!"

The green and brown quickly ran out. "Sorry doc!" the two said as they passed by. Twilight noticed they wore ballons of each other's color.

Dr. Cyan shoom his head. "Those blighters would be kisin if it wern't for those helms." He walked over to the curtains med scanner, yanking it open. A bright pink hand quickly pulled it shut.

"I'm not decent!" a light voice sounded.

Dr. Cyan shook his head. "Sit down lass, these things take a tad ta scan." A slight hum was heard, along with some noises of cloth, and what sounded like someone humming a war tune.

"Okay, I'm good!" a gruff voice said from behind the curtain. The curtain was flung open, revealing a Pink crewmate with an army uniform and helmet on top. "SIR REPORTING FOR DUTY! CHARGE!" Sir ran out of the medbay, mimicing trumpet music. He returned, saying "Also your dog is on a walk with Shotgun's son. BYE! CHARGE!"

Twilight stepped onto the scanner. "Who was that?"

Dr. Cyan sighed. "That, my wee little- hm. We are equal hight. That, miss..." Dr. Cyan frowned. "What is your name?"

"Tiltserk. Or Twilight, I guess." Twilight answered.

"Ah. That was Lilly Rose Flower, also known as Sir. He-er she? I think of him as a he, though the true name gives me thought a plenty." Dr. Cyan paused, before continuing. "Anyways, he's an enthustic chap who's basicly unofficail security." Dr. Cyan looked at the scanner. "Alright, you're good. Report to Shotgun for suit repair."

"Who?" Twilight asked.

"Shotgun, he- Actually, just look for Brian in the Biotree room. Shotgun always talks to him. Just ask around, miss Twilight. Now if you excuse me, I need to find where the heck Spike wandered off two." Dr. Cyan grumbled, leaving the room.

Twilight left the room, wandering down the hall. "Excuse me, do you know where I can find Brian?" she asked a yellow crewmate in a janitor's outfit and halo.

"Oh! Of course deary!" the crewmate said with a soft New Yorkern accent. "He's in the Biotree room. But I'm afraid I can't talk. The docter needs me to help him find Spike. The poor dear has gone missing." The woman quickly ran off.

"Biotree room?" Twilight shook her head as she continued down the hall. "Why does Spike sound so familuer?" Twilight pondered, not pauing attention to her surroundings. 'Did I know someone named Spike?' She was suddenly slammed into the wall.

"Start talking Twilight." Rainbow Dash growled, her helmet on her back. "Or else."

"A-about what!?" Twilight began in a panic, before her helmet got yanked off.

"I mean about what you promised to-"

"Caarrl! There's a dead crewmate in our room!"

"Oh heey! How did he get here?"

Rainbow Dash released Twilight. "This isn't over." she said, before peeking into the room.

"Carl, we're not doing this again." a llama in a red suit said, the helmet being clear on the front and a flowered hat on top.

"I don't know what you're refering to." Carl said, wearing a lime suit with his toss cap on his head.

"Carl, if they find the body they'll kill us!"

"You and I both know that I could kill everyone here before they killed either of us." Carl responded.

"Carl! It was all this killing that got us banished from our own dimenion in the first place. Our own dimension, Carl! That's how desperate they were!"

"That's just a testiment to my abilities." Carl responded.

"That isn't something to be proud of Car-" The llama stared at the door, then at the body. "I can explain."

"Explain what, Paul? Usually its me who-" Carl whipped his head around. "Oh hey! When did you get here?" His mouth opened, his jaw unhinging like somekind of snake.

At that moment, a lime crewmate walked in. He stared for a moment, before making an angry gasp. "Do you have idea how darn long it took me to clean that carpet!? Sewage duty for you two!" he shouted pointing at Carl and Paul. "And you two, DO YOUR TASKS!" he said, glaring at Rainbow Dash and Twilight. Twilight was shocked at the appearence of floating eyebrows.

"But-" Rainbow Dash began, before getting cut off.

"No buts! I don't care who's dying, I'm not having anyone thrown into the lava! We've had too many deaths already! And if you can't keep the show moving, then you don't deserve that hat!" And with that, he swipped Rainbow's hat right off her head.

"Hey! You caHHHHH" Rainbow Dash started to speak before the lime crewmate stuck a stun gun on her face. She fell into a heap.

"Woah!" Carl exclaimed, his jaw returning to normal.

"Did I stutter? No I did not." the lime said, putting the hat back on her head. "Miss Purple, please report to Shotgun and fix your suit. Miss Cyan, clean up the blood and categorize the body when you're ready. Any questions? No? Then see you later." The lime crewmate stomped out of the room.

"...H-who was that?" Rainbow Dash moaned from the ground.

"That," Paul answered, "was Boss."

14, Last day on the job

My head feels fuzzy. Like, I'm remembering something, but I don't know what.

Why does this memory feel so important?

What am I forgetting that I don't want to remember?

*POLUS*

Button Mash walked down the halls of the campus. "Cygow? Cygow!" he called out, looking or his friend. He sighed, looking out a window. He frowned, scrunching up his nose. There was someone moving a large box out of one of the shuttles. "Is that... Cygow?"

Button Mash ran out the nearest door. "Hey Cygow! What are you doing?" he asked, trotting up.

Cozy Glow turned to him, tears pouring down her eyes. "I'm sorry." she mouthed. "I'm sorry."

"...You're gonna do something really bad, aren't you?" Button Mash asked.

Cozy Glow nodded. "Yes. It's already started. I'm just trying to save myself." She nodded towards the box.

Button Mash sighed. "So no matter what, we're all doomed."

Cozy Glow nodded. "I have... There's a problem. A problem made later- I" Cozy Glow started hitting her head against the ship. "I can't explain it without sounding more insane!"

"Is it time travel?" Button Mash asked.

Cozy Glow slowly turned her head. "H-how did you-?"

"Fly up to that ship." Button Mash pointed at the S. S. Skeld. "It's on that one."

"How do you know?" Cozy Glow asked.

"Because I can remember now, Cozy Glow." Button Mash said. "I'm remembering it all. There's a lot I don't wanna remember, but..." He sighed. "Just... Just try to fix some problems, alright?" He hugged Cozy glow tightly. "Please try to be my friend again."

"I will" Cozy Glow said.

Button Mash quickly pulled his gameboy out of his bag, along with a smaller bag. "Here, I'm not gonna need them." he said, handing Cozy Glow the items.

"You don't know how much this means to mAHH!" Cozy Glow screamed as a syringe shot into her neck. She yanked it out, before paleling. "Memory Passer!" She quickly ran into the shuttle, closing the doors and flying up.

"I'LL GET YOU!" Zemlinder roared. He raised a charkled at Button Mash, before shooting a gun at him. Buttom Mash crumpled to the ground.

***

Cup Cake and Carrot Cake sat together in the lounge, playing a game of chess. Cup Cake gasped, shoving the chess board to the ground. "Tell me you remember!" she shouted.

"I- Remember what!?" Carrot Cake asked. He then smacked his forehead. "I REMEMBER! I'm Carrot Cake! And you're not my sister You're-" Carrot Cake stopped. "Oh, that's awkward." Cup Cake grabbed her husband, yanking him over the table. "Woop!"

"You don't know how long I've been wanting to do this!" Cup Cake exclaimed.

"D-do what?" Carrot asked nervously. He quickly got his answer as Cup Cake kissed him fully on the lips. The two clung to each other as a white flame engulfed them.

***

Twilight raised her head. She was building a snowman with Rogers, when she heard a loud bang of sorts. She gasped. "Oh sweet Celestia I remember!" She stared as a shuttle took off. "Wait, I need that! I remember why there was a past future me- Oh no." Her hooves shot up to her mouth. "Spike. I remember Spike."

"Twilight!" Rainbow Dash and the others galloped up to Twilight. "We can see you remember. So as Captain of the S. S. Ponyville, I command you to tell us: Where the BUCK is Pinkie!?"

"She's in the S. S. Ponyville!" Twilight said. "She's the motherboard for the cloning processor."

"And that means what?" Applejack asked, no sign of her country accent on her lips.

Fluttershy frowned. "Your accent is wrong." she said, before tackling Applejack. "YOU'RE NOT A J!" she screamed as a white flame engulfed them.

***

Carl hummed to himself as he scrubbed the sewer walls. A beeping caused him to frown. "Odd." He pulled a tablet out of his bag. "Uh oh!"

"Carl, what's Uh Oh?" Paul asked, heavily worried.

"Oh, well it looks like someone hijacked a space ship and is now driving off into space. Oh, and one of my nukes have been armed."

"...Carrrl." Paul groaned. "Why would you bring a nuke!?"

Carl shrugged. "Well, I mean I couldn't come without one, now could I? Also I love you. You're my best friend."

Paul raised an eyebrow. "Alrigh-" he said slightly confused, as a white flame engulfed the two of them.

***

Cozy Glow stumbled as the ship burst away from the planet. "Come on come on!..." An explosion shook the very sky. The Reactors of Polus released a beam of energy, hitting the space ship dead on. "YES!" Cozy Glow shouted. "Now all I got to do..."

The girl stopped. "Now all I got to do is... Who... am I?" she asked. She looked around the ship. She... She was the only one left. She was a survivor, but what was the tragedy?

13, first day on the job

Cold

I know I have heaters back online, but I feel colder than I ever have. I saw a flashlight and my reflection.

Either there's something wrong with the flashlight, the mirror or me.

I felt so cold. Why did my reflection look like that?

*BIOTREE ROOM

Twilight finally made her way to the bio tree room, where she saw an orange crewmate with a hazmat suit and gas mask looking at a screen. At their side was a robot. "Excuse me, are you Brian?" Twilight asked. The crewmate nodded, not turning around. "I was sent to you about suit repairs. Or rather about Shotgun."

"Alrighty then HOLY MOTHER OF LUCIFER!" Brian turned around before looking in shock. He then took a few breaths, calming down. "Sorry. For a second I thought you were an Imp."

"A what?" Twilight asked.

"Nevermind." Brain said with a wave of his hand. "Anywho, I am Brain, and this is my droid Queber. With a Q U E, not C U. I'm the radiation expert!" He held out his hand. "And you?"

"Tiltserk, or Twilight." Twilight answered, raising a hoof to shake Brian's hand. The two shook.

"So, you want suit repairs, but came to me?" Brian said, ending the shake.

"Well, I was told that-"

"Duck." Brian pulled Twilight down as a knife entered the wall. He straitened back up. "Continue please."

"I..."

"That happens often. I honestly think it isn't even meant to be threatening at this. Why, we haven't had a death in 5 whole months.

Twilight stared at the knife. "The fact that's normal shouldn't be normal at all!"

Brian waved his hand. "It's not important."

"You and I know darn well it is." a voice called out. Twilight turned around. Before her was a red cremate with a Polus Explorer suit and a Miner hat. In his hands was a shotgun.

"What is it with everyone being so silent!?" Twilight asked.

The crewmate raised a finger, before lowering it. "You're asking the right questions, miss." He slung the shotgun on his back. "Name's Shotgun." He seemed to frown. "Yeesh, who tried stabbing you?" he asked with a voice of concern.

"That's not important." Twilight quickly said.

"...Yeah, and I'm Saint Nick." Shotgun said.

"I don't know who that is." Twilight shook her head. "I was told you repair the suits?"

"Indeed I do." Shotgun replied. "Follow me."

*KITCHEN

Chef Cheff hummed to herself as she chopped up carrots. "Smile smile smile." she sang under her breath. "Makes it while to see everypony smile." She threw the whole cutting board into a massive pot, before yanking it out.

"What's that song you're singing, Dame cuisinière?" Jachion asked, leaning over the counter.

"I... I am not sure." Chef Cheff said. "I just remember it, though I've never heard it."

"Ah, a song from your mère? Er- from your mother."

"Never had one. Unless you account for a cloning machine." Cheff replied.

"Ah! So, how often do you converse with the original?" Jachion asked.

Cheff raised her knife, before bringing it heavily on a lob of meat. "I don't think I have one."

"Ah, but a Pink clone was made less than two days ago. Which means your original is alive and healthy!"

Cheff rinsed the blade, before sticking it back into her head. "I've never seen them."

"Well, then she is hiding somewhere. Why she would hide, I do not know. Your ship is empty of all but space crew." Jacho chopped up a pile of tomatoes.

"All the clone crew..." Cheff wrinkled her nose. She had a feeling something was up, but she wasn't sure. All she knew, was it was probably bad.

*OUTSIDE, NEXT TO LAVA READER

"Howdy Cozy Glow!" Big Mac said, walking up to the child. "I really wanna thank ya for helpin save mah life."

"Oh, it was no problem, daddy!" Cozy Glow said.

"Heh. I ain't yer daddy. I ain't even yer species."

Cozy glow's blood ran cold, yet she held her grin. "Oh, really?" she giggled.

"Ah can see dat fear in yer eyes." Big Mac bent down, folding up Cozy Glow's helmet. "I preferred the fury." he whispered. "And really, even though it was a big misunderstanding, I am happy to be alive." A long, black tongue slid out, licking Cozy Glow's lips, before it pulled back into the creature's mouth. "Be seein ya round then."

Cozy Glow watched the Imposter walk off. "No!" She hung her head in defeat. "No..."

Zemlinder walked back to Cozy Glow. "Will the child cry?" he asked, bending down. Indeed, Cozy Glow had began to softly cry. "Allow me to tell you what you are."

"Once upon a time, there was a mighty princess who ruled the lands. Then, the sun exploded. Equus was dying. Flim and Flam tried so hard to try to save all, yet all plans failed. Then came the Company, offering to save all of Equus. In return, they asked Equus to help them with some projects."

Zemlinder sat down. "And now, I explain. The company blew up your star, and offered jobs. those of your planet didn't have a choice, so hey! Free Laborers. Your statue was brought along, you broke out, tried to kill, blah blah blah..."

"Her majesty and an alien called "The Doctor" set up a rebellion against the dictators. Actually, they're the only ones left alive by now. So they made a paradox machine and sent messages back in time to their selves. So, time A and time B. Company B sees this and causes the sun to blow up earlier. Company A and B capture Cozy Glow A, and give you her memories, making an innocent child killer. Not every paradox comes through clearly, and the universe doesn't know how to show it. And so you get your little shadow monsters. With me so far?" Cozy Glow softly nodded. "One las thing. I killed ABM and APJK."

Cozy Glow let out a loud sob, before quieting. She then softly started to laugh, before breaking out into hysterics. Zemlinder backed away. "Why are you laughing?"

"Because now I see what I gotta do! I know how to save EVERYPONY!" She grabbed Zemlinder, and with a strength belaying her size, threw him down into the lava. "Heh. Heh heh. Ha ha ha ha. HA HA HA HA HA HA! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"AHHHHHHHH!!!" Zemlinder bounced off the rocky cliffside as he fell into the scolding lava. He hit the burning liquid, letting out a screech that could be heard across the entire campass, right down to the colonization towns. A claw of burnt flesh pulled a crisp body onto a rock barley above the lava level. Then, it stopped moving, stopped screaming.

Cozy Glow heard people approaching, and took off running. She needed an explosion or the energy. But it needed to be big. REEAAL big.

Oh.

That's right. I killed them all. Hee hee. I remember now. I remember what my plan was.
I remember why I killed them.

Cozy Glow giggled to herself. She remembered why she chose this ship. "But first, I must prepare!" She went from room to room, collecting small, important items. Finally, she was ready.

Cozy Glow trotted to Storage. She stared at the floating box. "I know what you hide." she said, clutching the Gameboy tightly in her grip. It hurt, it never healed. It only got worse. A cracked hoof, with white bone exposed. The only reason it had yet to fall off was because she took good care of it. The suit helped too.

She was older now. Older than she would like to be. But older was good. People listened more to the older. She wasn't as smart, true. How many years had she spent, talking to a man on the radio, have small squabbles with Discord? How many years were spent utterly alone? Too many. But that was good. She would fix the problem, even if her allies killed her.

Was her hair gray? No. It hadn't been THAT long. Not yet.

She hoped she could gain her friends again. She was old. Nearly too old. Would they still want to be her friends? Apple Bloom. Button Mash. Carrot Cake. Redheart. "I should have focused more in that Friendship school." She let out a laugh. "I never went! No wings on her back, after all."

Cozy Glow took a slow breath. She opened the box, and ceased to exist.