The Decision

Chrysalis paced about her throne room, muttering about potential ways of exerting revenge upon the ponies.  She needed to do something, perhaps even something drastic, to get her changelings the resources they needed to survive.  Their numbers had diminished severely, and they continued to drop at a rate of several per day.

The plan to invade Canterlot had all been her idea; every aspect of it was chosen of her accord.  And it had failed.  Certainly, if some other plan were to be concocted, it would have to be done by someone more tactical than her.  Someone like her military leader, General Devious.

The Queen concentrated, connecting to the hive mind and summoning the General to the throne room with her.  The General arrived promptly, and Chrysalis began informing him of the situation.  “As you are most likely aware, General, we are starving, and our most recent attempt of finding sustenance was met with little success.  It is now my belief that our efforts be directed from solely finding food to exacting some revenge on Celestia and her ponies.”

“My queen, I do not think this wise.  An operation like this needs proper resources to be carried out properly, and it seems like a waste of our efforts, considering our situation.”

“I will see to it that whatever forces that are sent are given what they need,” assured Chrysalis.  “Our last move against the ponies was an all-out invasion.  Perhaps, this time, a more subtle approach is necessary, and such measures could unveil a new source of food.”

Devious sighed.  “While I would oppose acting on such folly hopes, whatever you choose to do, my queen, I will assist with to the best of my abilities.”

“Excellent,” answered the Queen.  “Now, the issues that I'm facing are that I can't seem to think of an adequate course of action.  Perhaps you might be able to assist?”

“Of course, my queen,” complied Devious.  “What exactly are you wanting to do to the ponies?”

Chrysalis grinned evilly.  “I want to see them fall.”

“That could certainly be arranged.  If you want to make them crumble, you need to take down their defenses, first.”

Chrysalis snarled.  “I already tried to remove Shining Armor from the picture.”

“I'm not talking about the Royal Guard, your highness.  I'm talking about a different, more powerful, defensive measure.  The

Elements of Harmony.”

The Queen's smile withered at their mention.  “The bearers of the Elements are known to live in the

small village of Ponyville.  Quite simply, we send a team there to eliminate or otherwise remove the bearers from the picture.  Now that I think about it, the place might have a substantial quantity of love for us to take; it only makes sense, considering

it's the living place of the Elements.

“We have also recently come into contact with our three best spies, who went missing after the previous invasion.  If this goal is important to you, I recommend you send them to fulfill the task.  Having them enter the town disguised as ponies will be no small hassle for these three.”

“Very good, Devious,” complimented Chrysalis.  “I knew you would come through.  Send these spies to me so I may give them instructions and prepare them.”  Devious bowed, then went out to satisfy his commands.  When he had gone, Chrysalis

walked over to and sat on her throne.

The premise was simple, and she could almost taste the victory already.  Her mind began to contemplate the various complications that may arise, as well as the possible outcomes of both success and failure.

In the end, she concluded that victory was eminent.

The three spies that Devious had recommended stood before Chrysalis, each standing still at  attention and awaiting their orders.  She smiled at their display of discipline and began giving them instructions.  “Alright, my children,” she started, “you three have been selected for a task that I deem of utmost importance.  You are to infiltrate the town of Ponyville, the home of the Elements of Harmony, and dispose of them in anyway.  This is your primary objective, but there is another goal that I want you to satisfy.  General Devious and I suspect that Ponyville is ripe with food for us, due to the Elements living there.  You are also to determine the validity of our suspicions before moving onto the Elements.  Are these instructions

understood?”

The three changelings nodded there understanding, prompting Chrysalis to continue.  “Good.  You are granted as much time as you need to fulfill these orders, and you will leave as soon as you are given your equipment.”  She strolled over to an unlocked footlocker that had prepared for the spies while they made their way to the throne room.

“You will each be given a standard espionage package; a map, some rope, non-lethal chemical weaponry; the usual.  Additionally, because this mission is so important, you will each be given one of our few precious rations and a cyanide tablet, for use if you are inescapably caught.

“The potential for death is extremely high, though if anything goes awry, I will ensure that there is always a medic ready to respond at a moment's notice..  I will admit, I am hesitant to send you off to what could be your doom, but this mission's

success is important enough to the hive's survival that it is a necessary risk.

“That is; you are dismissed.  Go, now, and make your queen proud.”

Without hesitation, the three spies moved to claim their gear from the footlocker.  They equipped their things and sped out of the throne room to make towards Ponyville.