Project: Chrysalis

1. The Letter

Celestia sat on her soft bed, reviewing matters of state such as tax revenue and monthly expenditures. One letter however wasn't routine. It was from the Royal Scientific Society, and stamped with a "classified" mark. “What could be so important?” She thought. Before she got a chance to open the letter, however, a wind of magic appeared in her window, and burst into a scroll. Her faithful student had sent her a report on friendship. Celestia did so enjoy reading them, and looked forward to it. It was a nice touch of excitement on an otherwise dull schedule.

She used her magic to unroll the scroll and began to read:

Dearest Princess Celestia,

I am writing to you to inform Her Majesty that I have endeavored to research the species known as "Changelings". After the attack on Canterlot, I have become quite interested in the subject, and would very much like to know more about these enigmatic creatures. However, a scouring of the library here in Ponyville has revealed no such documentation on them. I have checked three times thus far, and none of the catalogs have an entry for Changelings.

I am therefore asking whether you have access to any authoritative literature related to Changelings, and if so, could you send as much as you can to me? If not do you happen to know of any? I have investigated compendiums and bestiaries for any mentions. There is but one passing mention in a book on urban legends. However it was published a mere ten years ago, and no scientific content is present. The entry was short and I found it to be very...uncertain.

I have even asked Princess Cadance whether or not she knows much about these creatures. She was after all the only pony who seemed to know what they were. A return letter tells me the Queen informed her. But this was where Cadance's exclusive knowledge ends. Feeding on 'love' and being able to shape shift have been well reported, as I'm sure you know. But everything else, from history to biology, habitats and the like are absent details.

If it does so happen that even you have no access to any concrete information, I request permission to conduct my own research. If the Changeling is a truly undocumented race, I would love nothing more than to contribute to the scientific community.

Yours truly,

Twilight Sparkle

Celestia had mixed feelings on this letter. She couldn't help but smile at her student. She was always thirsting for knowledge, and would go to great lengths to get information. Twilight would read and read, and occasionally experiment, all to enhance her already impressive fortune of data, albeit sometimes obsessively.

But this particular subject wasn't what the regal alicorn had wanted the purple filly to pursue. She feared for her safety. The Changelings had proven to be a dangerous lot. They were a single-minded swarm of insects, zealously chasing a goal. Their lust for energy was only exasperated by the euphoria experienced from feeding on something as personal as love. Such intrusive behavior. Celestia knew she had to do all in her power to prevent Twilight from going through with this.

The Changeling Swarm was an unforgiving, cruel monster. It should have been destroyed long ago. Dead and unknown, it would be harmless. Living and unknown is a recipe for disaster.

Celestia uncorked a bottle of ink and dipped a quill in it. Using her magic, she drafted a letter in beautiful manuscript trying to tactfully convince Twilight to relinquish her silly notions of investigating the Changelings. With a poof of magic, the letter was on its way to its recipient.

The Princess levitated the unopened letter from the RSS. Ripping the envelope, she unfolded the typed parcel.

Dear Princess Celestia, Co-Ruler of Equestria,

The Royal Scientific Society has a very sensitive matter to discuss with you. To ensure the security of this communique, the ink is invisible. If your Highness is indeed reading this, please dispel the charm.

She knew full well the spell used for secret documents. With a flash of her horn, the rest of the letter revealed itself.

Good. Now that we can speak in private, there has been an unfortunate event at Lab 28. For further reasons of security, the details will not be discussed. However, officials are ready to accept your arrival. It is high priority. We fear the worst. The official report is mechanical failure. Our public relations board has been spared all sensitive and crucial details, but has diffused the situation. The only informed agents are the Society Council, and the Lab employees. Confidentiality agreements are still in effect. I trust you are enforcing them, Princess.

However, our scouting efforts reveal a particularly voyeuristic individual. As of yet the pony has caused no harm. His motives are unknown, and all attempts to search his home have ended in threats from a firearm. In addition to your presence at the lab, we request aid in apprehending this interloper.

There is nothing more else to say that cannot wait for the isolated walls of the Lab. We eagerly await, Princess.

The Royal Scientific Society Council

P.S. Please destroy this message once you have completed reading it. We have taken the liberty of erasing its information from the National Postal Database.

Celestia's eyes widened as she set the letter down. Her mind was racing as all the possible implications of the letter formed within her brain. She tossed the letter into her fireplace, and made sure the paper burned.

Running into the hall, she scouted out her sister, recently woken up for the night.

"Luna," she said. "I am taking a short break. I shall be back soon. Take care of things while I am gone."

The midnight pony gave Celestia a puzzled look. "Where are you going, dear sister? And why so sudden?"

Before she got her answer, though, Luna watched Celestia run away. "She must be in a hurry. Oh well I'm sure it's someplace nice. I wonder if I can take such an unexpected leave. When Celestia is here of course."

Back in another hall, as inconspicuously as possible, the alabaster princess flew out of a window, and caught a northward wind.

Her heart pounding, she prepared for the worst.