I think you really spruce up the office, Ms. Philodendron.
Oh! I'm going to call you Phyllis!
[funny voice] Don't you look good, Phyllis.
[knock at door]
[same voice] Come in.
[cough]
[normal voice] I mean, uh, come in!
Uh, were you just talking to someone?
No. Why?
Starlight, I have something very important to discuss with you.
If this is about leaving early yesterday,
I didn't have any students on my schedule
and Trixie was having a "magical emergency,"
which actually turned out to be nothing.
[giggle]
It's not anything like that.
Ahem!
Twilight Sparkle the Princess of Friendship,
in light of her impending ascension
to the throne of Equestria and in anticipation
of her many duties and responsibilities forthwith,
does hereby intend to make good
on her previous offer to you, Starlight Glimmer,
of replacing her as Headmare of the School of Friendship!
I want you to take over the school when I move to Canterlot.
I KNOW!
It's just so amazing.
I'm a little...
Do you think I'm really up for it?
Of course you do.
I've covered for you every time you've had to run off
and save Equestria, but, I mean, yes!
Of course! Thank You!
[squeal]
[thud]
You're welcome.
And I can't think of any pony who'd be better for the job.
I'm a little nervous, and excited,
I'm mostly just nervous.
I understand.
Of course I'll have a lot of important responsibilities
as ruler of Equestria, but I'll always be available
to help whenever you need.
[Spike inhales]
Are you supposed to be at a Royal Etiquette lesson
with Celestia and Luna right now?
Right! Can't underestimate the important responsibility
of Royal napkin placement.
[poof]
Wow.
I mean, no biggie, right Phyllis?
I've totally got this.
[smash]
[nervous laugh]
♪ My little pony, my little pony ♪
♪ Aaaahhh ♪
♪ My little Pony ♪
♪ I used to wonder what friendship could be. ♪
♪ My Little Pony ♪
♪ Until you all shared its magic with me. ♪
♪ Big adventure! ♪ ♪ Tons of fun ♪
♪ A beautiful heart! ♪ ♪ Faithful and strong! ♪
♪ Sharing kindness ♪ ♪ it's an easy feat ♪
♪ And magic makes it all complete! ♪
♪ To have my little pony ♪
♪ Do you know you're all my very best friends? ♪
♪♪
You know I'm nothing but proud that you've been
officially offered the position of Headmare.
[tentatively] Thanks.
But, I can't help wondering
if it's going to cut into our social schedule.
What do you mean?
Take now, for example.
Instead of heading to the delightful lunch I had planned,
we're striding with determination toward
what I can only assume is Twilight's office.
Obviously, our lunch is super important,
but so is taking over the school
and the only pony who's really run the School of Friendship
is the Princess of Friendship.
And I'm worried about doing it all alone,
so I want to get as much advice from Twilight
as I can while she's still here.
But Twilight's never really done anything alone.
She always has her friends.
But that just gave me an idea!
Thanks, Trixie.
You can give good advice when you don't mean to.
Uh, thanks?
Are we still doing lunch?
♪♪
Getting Royal Place Settings just right
is a lot harder than it looks.
OK, umm.
I know how busy you are, but I wanted to talk to you
about running the school because, honestly,
I was a bit worried about taking it over all on my own,
but I just realized you never did it alone.
Having a friend help out is pretty great.
Exactly!
So, what do you think about me hiring a Vice-Headmare
to help run things?
I trust you to run the school any way you want.
And if that means hiring a Vice-Headmare,
I think it's a great idea.
Really?
Like you said, I've always had ponies around to help.
And don't worry, you can always call on me to--
Uh, Twilight?
Rarity says you were supposed to be at the boutique
five minutes ago for your second fitting for the coronation gown.
How many fittings are there going to be?
A lot?
Anyway, good luck finding your Vice-Headmare.
I know you'll pick the right pony for the job.
[poof]
Wow. I heard the whole thing
and all I can say is, I am humbled.
Uh, why?
I hadn't ever considered it,
but hearing you say it out loud made me realize
what a great and powerful Vice-Headmare I'll be.
Plus, we get to work and socialize at the same time!
Well, sure, that would be fun, but
I can't just give you the job.
Oh, oh, no. Of course not.
I imagine there's a lengthy "process" to go through
before you inevitably hire the "best pony" for the position.
Wink.
Exactly.
I'll probably interview several ponies.
Of course. "Several." Wink.
Why do you keep saying wink?
I'm not saying wink!
Wink.
[nervous laugh]
I'm glad you all decided to be part of the search
for the School of Friendship's Vice-Headmare.
Honestly, if you're looking for somepony to fundraise,
I can bring in enough bits
to have several buildings named after me.
Well, that's not the primary responsibility
of the Vice-Headmare,
but anypony is welcome to apply.
I think the selection process I've come up with
is pretty special.
[loud whisper] Albeit unnecessary.
Wink.
Ahem.
Since you all have to prove you have what it takes to be
Vice-Headmare, I've designed the interview in three stages.
Each stage will test a different skill the Vice-Headmare needs.
Only those who do well will move through the stages
until finally the best candidate rises to the top!
So, without further ado, it's time for stage one:
Substituting for the teachers!
[excited chatter]
Once the students get a sample
of my great and powerful instruction,
they might not want to go back
to the regular faculty.
[groan]
♪♪
Wow, that seam is so straight!
You really learned how to sew from mending apple sacks
on the farm?
Eeyup.
Obviously, loyalty is the foundation
of friendship and trust.
But nothing gets more loyalty than a big stack of bits.
This book on business will teach you all how to earn your own.
Chapter one: Equity.
♪ [orchestral music] ♪
[laughter]
♪ [out-of-tune blast] ♪
♪ [walking jazz bass] ♪
[laughter]
♪♪
[bubbling]
♪♪
Ahhhh!
[bird chirps]
[cheers]
In the Pre-Equestria Era, year 1322, Abraxius the Bold did...
[mumbling]
ooh a bunch of boring stuff...
[mumbling]
for a really long time.
OK, I know history's important, but I never learned any of it
and look how I turned out.
[bored murmurs and snoring]
Wink.
[groan]
OK, Phyllis, obviously those three are moving on.
What about the rest?
Mmhm. I think we're in agreement on this one.
I know what you're going to say.
But it would be so much fun to have my Vice-Headmare
be a friend.
She just needs a little more hoof-holding
than some of the others,
but it could still work out, right?
[door opens]
Starlight, I've given this a lot of thought
and even though I still believe naps
are a valid use of class time,
you'll be the one running the school.
So, if you say no naps, then no naps!
And I know I can be a little stubborn
and not the best listener,
but I just can't wait for us to
tackle this job as a team.
Two great and powerful friends taking on the world.
And I know you still have to go through all this
"interview" stuff, wink,
but I just had to tell you how excited I am!
See? I told you it could work.
♪♪
[groan]
All right, remaining Vice-Headmare candidates.
Welcome to Stage Two!
All of you are here because you performed well...
or well enough, to face your next challenge.
Parent-Teacher conferences!
The Vice-Headmare will need to be a master communicator
and I can't think of a better test of that
than meeting with our students and their parents or guardians.
I eagerly look forward to sharing my love of science
with both progeny and progenitors!
Indeed.
An orchestra is made up of different parts
and good communication is the key to harmony.
Eeyup!
A lifetime on stage has taught me that good communication
is essential to holding your audience's attention,
which is why Trixie is also known
as a great and powerful communicator!
Life at the School of Friendship is like a song,
and although she started out singing her part pianissimo,
Ocellus is now soloing fortissimo!
That's good, right?
Indeed!
The science curriculum at this school is somewhat lacking,
but Yona has taken to the subject like a yak to smashing!
If fostered, I believe she could easily blaze a trail
and expand our understanding of science itself!
YAKS BEST! YAKS BEST! YAKS BEST!
Gallus is a fantastic student.
He's even taught me a thing or two about napping.
Is that why you're putting me to sleep?
Um... Excuse me?
I don't know why I have to come to these things.
Well, most parents or guardians want to be involved
in our students' lives.
Maybe we should find a different representative
from Griffonstone to be Gallus' guardian.
Oh, that'd be great!
If you find one, let me know!
I'm so CONFUSED!
You're saying Silverstream is exuberant?
Eeyup.
And enthusiastic?
Eeyup.
But aren't those the same?
And are they good?
I mean, you could be trying to tell me she's unfocused,
but then you might just be explaining
that you appreciate her high energy.
Ah. Nope, Eeyup, er...
Maybe.
There seems to be a lot of nuance here and I just want to
make sure I understand exactly what you're saying.
So what are you saying?
Uhhhhhh.
Gallus doesn't need to know I'm "proud" of him!
And he certainly doesn't need me
trekking all the way to Ponyville!
Good! Because you're no longer welcome!
Oh, well fine with me!
Trixie, what happened?
I'm not sure, but we'll have one less conference
to worry about next semester.
[slap]
I really appreciate your honesty, Big Mac,
and you're right.
Parents expect a lot of detailed communication
when it comes to their kids
and if you aren't comfortable with that,
Vice-Headmare probably isn't the job for you.
Yeah, nope.
♪♪
Starlight, I know why you wanted to see me
and you don't have to worry.
Oh, good.
It's thoughtful that you'd want to check in on me
after my shocking confrontation with Grandpa Gruff,
but never fear. I shall recover.
Trixie, that's not exactly what I wanted to talk to you about.
You can't get into a shouting match with parents.
or guardians.
For the final stage of the interview process,
you'll each have to put together a field trip
and if you really do want the job,
I need yours to be exceptional
because if I had to pick a Vice-Headmare right now,
it wouldn't be you.
Oh, I see what you're doing.
Obviously, you're not going to give the job to somepony else,
but you want to see my best.
Well, message received.
Wink.
Ugh, Trixie, I...
The Great and Powerful Trixie is about to pull out all the stops.
I hope you're ready for the most exceptional field trip
to ever grace this school.
[poof]
Is it wrong for me to think she might actually pull it off?
Oh, don't answer that.
[loud yawn]
Not looking forward to the performance?
I know Octavia loves music,
but a field trip to a classical music performance
isn't my idea of an exciting time.
♪ [loud synthesizer accompaniment] ♪
[shouts and cheers]
OK. I take it back.
When I heard we'd be arranging field trips,
I knew right away I wanted to take you all to my lab.
I can think of no better trip
than one through the quantum field!
I am referring to time travel!
I've been working on a temporal transportation device!
A chair?
And 3, 4, 5.
Congratulations!
You are now five seconds into the future.
You see we are all already time travelers!
Who's next?
Uh now what?
Oh. I hadn't actually thought that much beyond this.
[groan]
[explosion]
[choking]
Ponies and other students!
Welcome to the greatest and most powerful field trip
of your lives!
Where Yona and friends going?
I am thrilled you asked.
Because today we're not doing a normal, old, boring field trip,
where you go somewhere.
So not field trip.
Au contraire.
I could have easily taken you to Froggy Bottom Bog.
But we don't need to leave the comfort of the classroom
for our field trip.
I can bring the field trip to us!
[crash]
[shouts]
[cracking]
[zapping]
Trixie! What did you do?
Well, I found the perfect little patch of bog
to teleport into the school.
I guess I just didn't consider the possibility
that a hive of flash bees might have nested there.
[buzzing]
[screams]
Who told you bees to nest in my patch of field trip bog!
[zapping]
[screams]
Trixie, go with the students.
I'll handle this!
I was only trying to give them
an exceptional field trip experience.
which you have to admit I did!
[screams]
We'll talk about it later!
♪♪
[zap]
[explosion]
Um... Starlight?
Hey, there.
So um... they're gone?
Yes.
Nice. Teamwork. Am I right?
Are you kidding?
I don't know what team you're on, but it isn't mine.
This was a disaster.
It was dangerous!
I think the words you're looking for are great and powerful.
It wasn't even acceptable!
You went from not taking it seriously to blowing things
so out of proportion, you put every creature in danger!
And I wanted to work with a friend so much,
I ignored the fact
that you would never be right for the job!
I'm confused. What are you saying?
I'm saying you'll never be Vice-Headmare!
But, but, I thought you created the position for me.
Why would you think that?
I created the position because I need help,
but I can't think of any way that you would ever help me!
But Twilight's friends always helped her.
Oh, that's because Twilight's friends are competent.
They care about what they're doing,
and they know how to do it!
Well, I guess I won't take up any more of your time,
Headmare Starlight.
♪♪
Starlight?
I just thought I'd check in to see how the search
for a Vice-Headmare was going.
[zap]
A lot better now.
OK.
I really wanted it to be a friend,
so I ended up pushing aside some pretty big signs
that it wasn't gonna work out.
Not everypony is right for every job,
but everypony has something to contribute.
The trick is figuring out what.
What if you and your friend can't figure it out?
If you have a job to do, you have to decide what's best
and be upfront and honest, even if that means
you can't work with a friend on it.
So, I guess that means talking to them at the beginning
instead of stringing them along until you get so frustrated
you totally lose it and say a bunch of really awful things.
Pretty much.
Oh!
[knock knock]
Trixie!
I know you're in there.
Well, you're wrong!
I'm sorry for all those things I said.
I just really wanted it to work out,
even though I knew it probably wouldn't.
I should have said something sooner.
Obviously, we can't have what we want
because I'm terrible at everything
and could never help you with anything.
You aren't terrible.
And you have a lot of great qualities.
Maybe not Vice-Headmare qualities,
but great and powerful friend qualities.
Well, you really stand by the ponies you care about.
Gallus even said no creatures ever stuck up for him
the way you did with Grandpa Gruff.
It would have been nice to run the school together,
but not everypony is right for every job.
I know how you take your responsibilities seriously.
And maybe I should have known I wasn't exactly a perfect fit.
If it makes you feel any better, nopony was.
What do you mean?
Well, Dr. Hooves has decided to go back to his experiments
and Octavia is worried the responsibilities of
Vice-Headmare will take too much time away from her music.
Maybe getting a Vice-Headmare was a bad idea.
Starlight.
Obviously, you'd like some help, and hiring a Vice-Headmare
is a great idea.
But who could it be?
Well, you need somepony who's responsible like you,
and detail-oriented, like Twilight.
And smart, obviously, it is a school after all.
It would be nice if I got along with them,
since having it be a friend can't work out.
Maybe it can.
[explosion]
...and I knew as soon as I read Trixie's scroll
that it was the exact right thing for me to do.
But what about being Flurry Heart's Crystaler?
Well, honestly, now that Flurry Heart's a little older,
there really isn't much for me to do
outside of the occasional tradition or festival.
And working at a school is what I always thought I'd do,
I mean, if you'll have me.
Are you kidding?
You're hired!
I had a feeling this would work out.
Oh, Trixie, thank you so much.
Between being insightful when I want to be
and giving good advice when I don't mean to,
I suppose I can be a pretty good friend.
More than that, actually.
You really did give good advice,
and you helped me talk through the problem
of finding the right pony for the job.
And we know you care about the students.
Trixie the Great and Powerful Advice Giver,
Problem Talk Througher, and Student Care Abouter!
I think I'll go with friend.
Friend is perfect, but there's a position here at the school
you might be right for too.
What would you say to being the School of Friendship's
new student counselor?
I'd say, this office needs a bit of redecorating!
Potted plants scream desperation.
Phyllis! No!