Star Chaser / Yet Another Day Passes
The days have begun to blur together. I am nothing but a faceless pony in the massive group-think that is now Equestria. I have to be. My name used to be Star Chaser, but when Queen Solar Flare took Equestria along with Nightmare Moon, I was given the name 'Citizen #6393'. My sector's commander, General Jasper, is pacing our quarters and verbally hazing every pony she passes. Her commanding style is certainly a unique one, but it's very effective when it comes to keeping the ponies in check. I have become numb to her hazing rounds, but lately, she has been scaring me. She's getting more aggressive by the day.
After a while, we are sent off to work. Looking around at the ponies surrounding me, I see the suffering that they go through. This batch is very clearly new, you can see the eyeliner streaming down the mares' faces as they run out of the room. Jasper can get to them, but she can't get to me. Not anymore. After a short walk through the river of ponies trying to get to their respective workplaces, I reach mine. The one place I feel that I'm in my element. The Observatory. Before Solar Flare's appearance and Nightmare Moon's return, I was an accomplished astrologian and scholar. The glimmer of hope returns to my eyes. Even when I'm reading the stars for these villains rather than for someone like Princess Celestia, seeing the stars makes me feel alive. I see Celestia in the constellations sometimes, and I wonder where she went, and if she'll ever return.
I've been called to the castle. General Jasper looks very pleased, for once. Trotting down the walkway to the carriage, Jasper speaks to me in a caring tone. "6393, you have done amazing things for us as an astrologian. And Queen Solar Flare needs you to do it again." My heart drops, and my face turns red. "Queen Solar Flare? Needing me? No way, there are so many more ponies more talented than I! Not that I'm questioning your authority, I just-" I stammer. Meeting the Queen is already terrifying, but having to do something for her directly? If I mess this up, I'll be killed, no, worse, I might be maimed and hung up in a cage for all ponies to see and laugh at! Jasper cuts off my words and my thoughts. "Yes, 6393, there may be ponies 'better' than you, but Solar Flare asked for you by number. I know you are not one to question authority, but you must know the gravity of the situation. Be the best-behaved pony in the colony. Make me look good." Steadying my breath, straightening my posture, and making sure I stop shaking, I nod.
Yet another day passes, and yet this one is so much different.