The Factory Psychologist

After sprinting down the streets towards the weather factory - earning the researcher some concerned glares from the residents - he managed to arrive just before the clock struck 1. The delightful Westminster Chimes of the Clock sung, followed by a lone solitary ringing of the bell.

Almost as if awakened by the noise, a bright blue pony with a purple mane tied in a bun swung the door open, a look of joy spread across their face as their gaze met the researchers.

"Ah! I'm glad you could make it Mr. Thornbred. My name is Azure. I hope your trip was pleasant."

"I suppose it was. I was certainly excited to meet you! The letter you sent was rather mysterious and vague!" Thornbred replied as he trotted towards Azure, who quickly moved back inside the factory, suggesting that Thornbred should follow.

"Yes, sorry about that. The higher-ups have a strict policy on hiring external help. Something about the privacy of those within the corporation."

"I suppose so, but doesn't the weather factory offer tours to any pony that comes by? They have always been so open about most of their employees and operations. Why the need for such high security?" Thornbred scowled, thinking deeply about the situation. Whilst anonymity was a big factor in his research, this seemed a bit extreme. The weather factory was not only a factory, but somewhat of a tourist destination where employees would take Pegasus - even unicorns and earth ponies - from all over Equestria around the site. With such transparency, what exactly did they need to hide from anyone who might accidentally receive his letter?

Azure closed the door, keeping a generally joyous demeanour.

"Whilst that is mostly true Mr. Thornbred, the factory does attempt to be honest about its practices. There is one major exception, however. Sub-"

"Subsection 7R? I remember hearing all about it as a little foal. It's all everyone ever wanted to be - the ultimate dream in school. As I grew up, I somewhat doubted that it even existed." Thornbred butted in. He usually wasn't one to do this but having the sudden rush of memories come back from his childhood made his manners slip slightly, causing an interruptive outburst.

"Yep. Subsection 7R - one of the most important places in the whole factory. Where the components for rainbows are made - although I'm sure you knew that already." Azure took the reins of the conversation once more, leading Thornbred towards and up a staircase leading up to the upper levels of the factory. Normally they would fly up through the hole in the middle of the spiral, but she knew it would be nearly impossible with all the notes Thornbred was carrying.

"One thing I don't think you would have heard of however is the recent problems with ponies who work in that area. It has been nicknamed Factory Stress Desaturation. Or FSD."

"I'm assuming that's why I've been called here?" Thornbred responded, the ignition of a deep desire to discover all about FSD as they could sparking to life inside of their mind.

"I would assume so. As per usual when discussing Subjection 7R, the higher-ups don't provide any details to anyone who doesn't have clearance R - me included. I'm just some sort of messenger." Azure said with a hint of spite in her voice. It was easy to assume that she - alongside many ponies working at the factory - was always irritated by the fact that she wasn't allowed to enter that part of the facility - whether it be pride or curiosity. It was an irritating experience.

"Well, you looked to know what you were talking about," Thornbred responded, trying to cheer the down Pegasus up and distract them from the lack of position they desperately wished they had.

"It's difficult not to know at this point. The ponies with FSD stick out like an Earth pony in a crowd of Pegasus. Dull and zombie-like, with no expression on their faces. It's eerie."

Thornbred had heard of symptoms like this before in his excessive research - but never all at once. It was going to be a new experience studying ponies with the condition.

"But it's a job... I dreamed of working there since I was a foal. Looking out of my bedroom window and seeing the factory made me feel a way no other could." Azure continued, smiling widely as she recalled the fond memories of childhood.

"I understand that feeling - I always wanted to be a researcher of some kind. But it's also hard to deny that I wanted to work here too." Thornbred responded, recalling the past similarly to Azure, a similar feeling of warmth and nostalgia arising from the foggy images

"Who didn't? It was all anyone ever talked about in the playground. Well... except for the Wonderbolts of course. But the factory was where I belonged... It's even how I got my cutie mark!" Azure beamed, slowing down and raising the flank closest to Thornbred to show off the emblem on its surface; A sun covered partly by a cloud with 3 small snowflakes falling downwards towards her knee.

She quickly began walking normally again once Thornbred looked over. Thornbred smiled at the design. Cutie marks of all the different ponies were always interesting to look at - infinite possibilities all catered to the uniqueness of the individual.

"I remember when everyone was getting their cutie marks. It is always such a wonderful occasion - all excited and proud to finally have a purpose." Thornbred smiled warmly, recounting seeing all his friends gain their cutie marks in school.

"Wasn't so wonderful for me... I... Got mine later on in life... Spent most - maybe even all - of my childhood without one... I got bullied so much by the other kids for it. But it just made the day I got mine even better!" Azure proudly stated, lifting her head high in pride.

"Say, what about you? Don't see many ponies wearing pants. What's your cutie mark like?" Azure questioned Thornbred, looking back at the satchels on his hips.

"Oh, it's nothing special. Just a notepad with a drawing on it. Nothing too crazy or colourful." Thornbred responded, looking back towards where his cutie mark would be under the trousers.

"All cutie marks are special, even if they aren't colourful or dazzling in design. You should be proud of it!" Azure placed a hoof on Thornbred's shoulder in a reassuring gesture, smiling all the while.

"Who said I wasn't? I like it the way it is, alongside just so happening to like a more formal styling." Thornbred playfully replied, looking at Azure. "It also helps my little sister. She hasn't got hers yet and I don't want her staring at mine all day and getting jealous or worried that she hasn't got one."

"How old is she?"

"Still just a filly - constantly going on and on about how all her friends are getting them and that she doesn't want to wait. It hurts knowing that I can't help her."

"Maybe I can speak to her? I know how she is feeling - I may not be able to get her cutie mark for her, but I can ease the disappointment. It's the best thing to do to help a cutie-mark-less pony."

Thornbred nodded, opening his mouth to respond before he noticed that Azure suddenly stopped behind a red line on the floor. A large black door stood in front with text in its centre reading "Subsection 7R."

"Here we are." Azure stated, body frozen and not daring to move an inch forward "I'm not allowed to go further due to the entire clearance thing. Anyone who does is often fired on the spot. Wouldn't want that to happen."

"No, of course-"

Thornbred was interrupted, a loud clank being heard as the door swung open, two Pegasi in complete black jumpsuits and respirators walked out, a baton strapped to their back, lacking any sort of recognisable characteristic. They quickly move to either side of the door, allowing a third Pegasi to exit the room behind.

This pony looked older, with a partly grey mane and tail with some wrinkles on his red fur - mainly focused around his eyes and mouth. He was wearing a researcher's coat with a set of goggles on top of his head. He dismissively waves a hoof.

"Thank you Azure for delivering our friend here to Subsection 7R. You can take an early break if you desire."

Azure smiles towards Thornbred, nodding towards him as she turns around to go in the opposite direction "See you around then?"

"I hope so," Thornbred responds alongside a wave, focusing on the lead pony in front of him after Azure begins to trot away.

The lab pony in front speaks once more, the two masked ponies stay silent.

"It's nice to meet you Mr Thornbred, my name is Dr. Crowhop. I am the supervisor here in Subsection 7R. Please follow me."

His words are calm, collected and possibly even cold to some - but that's professionalism for you. Like a synchronized unit, both Dr. Crowhop and the two masked guards turn around. Dr. Crowhop leads, followed by one of the guards. The other behind Thornbred, making the option not to follow seem like not so much of an option at all. He slowly trots forward, not getting too close to the pony in front.

"So Mr. Thornbred, I've seen your research. Very impressive for a pony of your age. I'm glad you accepted this opportunity to work closely with the weather factory." He spoke with a flat and unchanging tone, with no energy - only authority - in his voice.

"Of course, it's an honour to work in a place like this, especially in this part of the factory." Thornbred's wings began to twitch in excitement again. It was hard to keep a professional front and hide the excitement from his childhood dream finally coming true.

"Yes. It is a big honour to be allowed behind these doors at all. Speaking of which, let's get you signed in. You'll need an ID card if you'll be working here."

Thornbred's mouth opened slightly in shock - it all made sense of course. ID cards allow the workers to access this part of the factory and all within it. But he never expected to get one! It was a dream come true, making his inner child jump with excitement.

But alas, he kept his professional front.

"Yes, of course. What do I have to do?"

"We need you to provide a picture and other formal details - nothing too out of the ordinary. Then you'll be free to roam around certain sections of the facility to do your job."

"Which is what exactly? You haven't quite told me." Thornbred scowled lightly, confused at the way Dr. Crowhop was introducing him to the workplace. Normally the job is described before being signed in.

"You'll see...."