Twilight's alarm jolted her awake, her heart pounding and her mane wild and tangled from an uneventful sleep. She silenced the alarm, rubbing her face with a groan. With a slow motion, she sat up and pressed the panel beside her bed to open a view port. It was all, ultimately, a sham. She had no physical body, but her mind was still that of a pony.

Going through the steps of rest helped rebalance her. The need for such things was highly subjective. As long as she felt refreshed and clear-minded, it didn't matter if she actually slept. The most important thing was that she was doing something to keep herself healthy. Shaking herself out, mane just returning to its default with no actual touching, she returned to the bridge.

"Engine showing as online," she reported even as she faded into being near Captain Roger. "What are the reports from the repair crew?"

Roger gestured at a series of readouts in the air next to him. "Here's their reports. Not bad. In fact, better than we could have hoped for. They've accounted for the extra damage and shored up some of the most vulnerable sections." He let out a huff, but with a hint of a smile. "I think we're ready to resume our journey."

"Excellent." With a soft jolt, Twilight got the ship moving. "One thing bothers me, Captain."

Roger looked up to her with concern. "Yes?"

"It was just so simple, really. The rock that struck us, it wasn't a threat, and we couldn't have predicted it. But it should not have caused that fire. The rock caused us to stop, but there is no good reason for the blaze that followed afterwards." Twilight's gaze went distant with the data filtering through only her vision. "Something was the cause, and I fear it was something internal."

Roger took a slow breath. "That sounds concerning. So, you think someone's sabotaging us?"

Twilight blinked at that. "Hm. Perhaps? That was quite the leap in logic. But not an incorrect one. It could be that, or some other failing system that could cause another fire if we don't address the root cause. We must find it, living or not."

"Agreed." Roger sat up straighter in his chair. "Check with engineering, have them start diagnostics on all systems. I want to know everything is in tip-top shape." He pressed a button at his chair. "They should be able to do that even as we go. Put security on yellow alert."

Elsewhere in the ship, Susan looked up as a light began blinking and demanding her attention. She groaned softly as she made her way over to the control panel for the security center. With a soft tap, the screen revealed a security alert was in effect. "It's okay. Just yellow alert." She read down through the specifics. "Huh, keep an eye open for vital system tampering?"

Sunset appeared abruptly in pony form. "That sounds dangerous!"

Susan prodded her holographic partner. "Aren't you supposed to be at work."

"Well, excuse me!" Sunset threw up a hand. "I kept an ear on you, because I care, okay? And that sounded dangerous."

"Look, we're just trying to be safe. Don't worry about it." Susan waved her hand to open a viewport, gazing out at the stars as they passed. "Captain's paranoid after what happened with the fires." She got herself presentable. "I don't even blame him. I'll keep an eye out, and probably find nothing."

Sunset scowled at Susan. "You have one job here, and it's to protect people. So I want you to do your best, or I'm going to get upset." She tapped her hooves on the ground for emphasis.

Susan ruffled Sunset's mane on the way past. "Wish me luck!" And she was gone, walking with purpose down the hallway.

With a groan, Sunset turned back to the panels behind her. "Rrrgh." She tapped a few buttons. "Twilight, did you hear that?"

"I did," came the reply. "I advised that action. Is something wrong?"

"Well, uh." Sunset looked around, as if to find words for her feelings. "No, I guess not. But just tell me when she's in danger? Please? I worry about her."

There was a pause. "I will try. Anything else?"

"Yeah." Sunset lowered her voice, though she knew Susan couldn't hear. "Please tell me when I'm doing something stupid or embarrassing." She raised her head and nodded with determination. "I need to know."

Twilight laughed musically over the intercom. "Sunset, we all do things that qualify as both of those at times. I feel certain Susan still likes you then. I'd wager she may like you even more when you show your vulnerable sides."

Sunset squirmed where she stood. "Well, yeah. But I don't want to show off every little thing." She took a slow breath. "Look, she knows I'm in love with her, right?"

"Sunset." Twilight faded into being next to her. "She has accepted a domestic relationship with you. You two have a child. I feel it is safe to assume she knows you love her."

Sunset covered her face. "I know! But I don't want to give her reasons to stop liking me." She let out a deep sigh. "I can't get over how important she is to me."

Twilight offered an arm, and soon had a Sunset to hold gently. "You are equally important to her, though we aides are more resistant to physical harm. I need to return to my own duties, and you have your own."

"Thanks." Sunset leaned into Twilight's shoulder a moment. "You're right. I'm getting my emotional levels back in order. I'll go back to my post." She disappeared, leaving Twilight alone.

Twilight turned. "You can come out now."

Harriet stepped into view with a nervous expression. "I wasn't trying to spy on them!"

Twilight smiled softly. "I know."

"I just didn't want to disturb Sunset while she was being open about her feelings." Harriet stood nervously before Twilight. "She seems so vulnerable."

Twilight laughed gently and waved Harriet closer. "I won't tell her. You can, if you want. You're an adult now, young though you are. Do you desire your own quarters? It could be arranged."

Harriet shook her head sharply. "I don't want to be alone. My work is important too, but I'm not ready for that yet." She raised a hand to her face as she averted her gaze. "I want to be responsible. I want to be an adult. But I don't feel like one? Does that make sense?"

"No." Twilight inclined her head. "I'm not very good at growth and maturation. When I was a mother, I struggled at every step. I fear I wasn't very good. I will send an aide that is far more proficient in the task, with your permission? You deserve support during this challenging moment of development."

Harriet nodded firmly. "Yes. Please." She clasped her hands together nervously. "Who would you recommend?"

Twilight clapped her hooves once, summoning a new window. "Cheerilee? We have a case for you."

Cheerilee yawned as she woke up, her program just starting. "Twilight? How can I help?"

"This is Harriet Tappin. I feel she needs counseling and emotional support in order to achieve a positive mental growth process." Twilight pointed at Harriet. "This is her. Can you take this case?"

Cheerilee stepped right through the window, becoming a full-sized holographic pony in the room. She looked Harriet over with a bright smile. "Hello there, Harriet! My name is Cheerilee, and it would be my pleasure to talk with you." She pressed a hoof to her mouth as she let out another yawn. "Excuse me. I didn't mean to do that."

Twilight smirked and turned away. "I will leave you two to your discussions." She vanished, returning to being the entire ship.

Harriet was already relaxing as she talked with Cheerilee.

Cheerilee took the time to listen before speaking what she thought. They went over growing wants and need. They covered responsibilities desired and the fear that came with the idea of failure. It wasn't the same as Harriet's life before. Everything was in flux, and even the moments when things were stable felt like the calm before the storm.

"And it's really scary." Harriet let out a slow sigh. "But I don't want to run. I want to be a good crewmember."

Cheerilee nodded. "That is why I am here. If you ever feel unsure or scared, I'll be available for you. No matter how many times you need to talk." She chuckled softly. "I've had many students over the years. Some grow so quickly, but others, well. I have three that remain in my care despite being old enough to be your great grandparent."

Cheerilee gestured, summoning a window that showed the Crusaders rushing around the ship on their various chores. "Have you met them? Wonderful foals, but, truth told, they really don't need me anymore. But still they return, eager to speak to me."

Harriet glanced at the scene with interest. "I met Apple Bloom once. She was cute, and energetic. Her friends were helping her in the hydroponics bay." She lowered her gaze. "It seems like they have more fun than work."

"They certainly think so." Cheerilee chuckled again. "But they get every task given to them done. They just refuse to accept life without fun, so they remain small, with smiles, and they remain by youth's side." She raised a hoof to her chin. "Maybe they're the smart ones?"

Harriet considered that. "Is it possible for someone to change what their purpose is? Or to want to grow up faster?"

Cheerilee closed the window and turned back to Harriet. "Do you feel you must change, or that you have no choice in your future?"

"My parents aren't pressuring me!" Harriet flushed at that outburst. "Sorry. They really aren't. I just don't want to disappoint them, or anyone else. There's so much I want to see, and do."

Cheerilee reached out and gently placed a hoof on Harriet's shoulder. "Listen to yourself, and listen to your heart. Don't stop until you find the answer to my question."

Harriet let out a slow breath. "That's easier said than done." She tried to calm herself. "You make me feel a bit silly."

"Why is that?" Cheerilee inclined her head. "Is it because I'm new?"

"No! No, it's more that you're so calm about this." She dusted herself off, still seated. "Makes me feel silly being worked up about it."

Cheerilee chuckled softly. "Being an adult is what you make of it. It's a goal to work towards, not a prize at the end of a race." She reached out again and patted Harriet on the shoulder. "And you're not alone. You have two parents that love you quite a bit." Her ear danced, that information flowing unseen and unheard into her. "You have friends that adore you."

Harriet slumped where she sat. "It's complicated. I don't know what I want, or how to tell them." She raised her head, determined. "But I do want to find out." She huffed and forced herself to her feet. "I should go talk to them."

"Your parents?" Cheerilee stood up herself, though she was shorted than Harriet's bipedal stance.

"My friends, actually." Harriet headed for the door. "Thanks. I'll call you later, okay?"

Cheerilee smiled softly. "Certainly." She turned away and let herself vanish.

Harriet hesitated only a moment, then stepped out into the hallway. She walked through the corridors with purpose, looking around as she went.

Author's Note

Just because they grow quickly doesn't mean they're done emotionally. Harriet has her doubts, even as she reaches for bigger and brighter.

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