Lex was able to reduce the sheer number of ponies in the kitchen by sending them out on errands –- bring back some orange flowers; go look at the ocean and see if any big squiddy monsters are coming yet; fetch another bowl to replace the one Applesauce just stepped on.
They also kept looking at him, and whispering. Lex had gotten pretty good at ignoring that over the years, but somehow it was different when it was unwanted attention from little cartoon-like horses. He still tried his best, and was unpleasantly surprised when he suddenly received a blow to the head and was knocked to the floor.
There were reproachful pony cries, and a great confusion of hooves (fortunately none of them stepped on him.) When the muzziness cleared, just a minute or so later, Lex found Morning Glory licking the bruised place on his head, and a phalanx of concerned-looking ponies between him and Applesauce, who seemed to be his assailant.
"What did you do that for?" Lex demanded.
Applesauce had the grace to look embarrassed (unlike certain gigantic farmboys of his acquaintance). "I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself. It's just so shiny!"
All the ponies looked at his head. Even Morning Glory stopped her ministrations.
"It really is," commented Gusty. "Maybe you should wear a hat."
Lex didn't dignify that with a reply. He shook himself clear of the ponies, stood up, and went back to his synthesis. Here he was, working like a fiend to save these ungrateful creatures from a horrifying doom, and they were kicking him in the back of the head for no good reason.
It was just like home, really.
