Prologue: Enlightening

War… war never changes.

“How can they still be making those posters? You’d think the MOI would have caught them by now.” Stitch said.

As we walk down the road we notice crude posters on every building in sight. Ever since we officially declared war on the zebras, posters, flyers and anonymous documents have been appearing all over equestria. They all start the same way, ‘War… war never changes.’ Then they each go off into some metaphysical observation about conflict, or our true nature, or how the world will look 200 years from now. The ministry of image has officially declared this as unpatriotic, corruptive material and has been trying to destroy it. But no matter how many posters they burn, new ones are made and put up.

“I don’t think it’s the same ponies. I think it’s like some kind of underground movement of peaceful protesters trying to end all hostilities.” I replied.

“If it’s peaceful, then why don’t they just stand outside the castle or ministry walk like everypony else?” Stitch said in annoyance.

“Because they aren't every everypony.” I said with just a hint of sass. “And if they did they would be dragged into the MOM for a memory orb treatment.”

“Ash do you really think the MOM is abducting us in the middle of the night and stealing our memories?” Stitch said jokingly.

“There is no way to not know.” Stitch’s face contorted in confusion. “After the MOM takes your memories they make you forget you were ever abducted. You would never know your mind was probed.” I could see my friends suddenly realized the implications of what I said. “Did you never think about this before?” I asked.

“No, not really… I don’t know.” From his expression I could tell he wasn't lying, he never thought about this before. Knowing stitch that is strange.

We have always debated about the ministries, usually about ethics or questionable practices. Our favorites were always The MWP ‘ministry of wartime profiteers’ or The MOM, saying they are paranoid spies looking at our mail and reading our minds. We saw The MOI as the enlightened perpetuating ignorance. The MOA are either lazy noponys or a glorified branch of the military. The MAS… well other than developing weapons, which is what we are supposed to do, I can’t think of much, maybe I’m biased because I work for them. Finally there’s the MOP, stitch's branch. After what stitch told me I’m not surprised he hates it.

“But why would they do it. Why would we be conspirators? I mean, we are both big names in the MOP and MAS, so why would they think we are traitors?”

“They think anypony who isn't all ‘ra, ra, celestia is god, zebras are evil, ra ra’ is a conspirator. War stifles ponies’ capacity for abstract thought and sympathy. It’s easier to kill and fight something when you see it as either a direct threat or as something less than yourself. And don’t think we are the only guilty party here, the zebras believe we are being manipulated by evil stars via Nightmare Moon.”

“I thought you said religion was bullshit?”

“No. I said organized religion is bullshit. I am in no position to judge anypo…” catching myself, I corrected. “Anybody’s beliefs. I believe religion gives us hope and solace when facing grate danger or fear. It’s when people use religion to perpetuate fear, stigmatize others, or profit that irritates me. I respect the zebra religion but they all believe in it to a degree where even the slightest correlation to the stars makes something taboo. I think I’d be fine with it if there were some zebras whose beliefs in it weren’t soo… zealous. I guess Bigotry and zealotry seem to go hoof in hoof don’t you think?”

“Yeah, I know. But maybe we shouldn’t think about that, I mean we are going into a stable. A stable, Ash! Just think about it!” the Ministry of Arcane sciences Research stable, or simply the Science Stable, is a joint project between the ministries of arcane science and technology. Its purpose is to gather the brightest minds of the ministries and bring them together into a secure location. From there we would spend the next 5 years developing new technologies for equestria, sending them beck via secure terminal channels. I was selected as head of Energy weapons development. Stitch was selected for his knowledge of Medical technology. Together, along with other brilliant pony minds, we would invent new sources of power, food, and of course weapons to end the war.

“A new life, a fresh start, plus all those mares!”

“Only you would need to be trapped in a hole in the ground for a girl to like you, stitch.” I smirked.

“Whatever, like you have done any better.”

“I’m alone by choice.” I lied.

“ya, keep telling yourself that.” As we looked at the giant gear shaped door of the stable, Stitch and I let out a simultaneous,

“Whoa.” We stood in a crowd of 500 scientist ponies, most dressed in scrubs and lab coats, mostly unicorn I noticed. I shuttered at the grating sound of the stable door unlocking, it sounded like the gears were rusted. As the door opened a voice boomed.

“Greetings professors, doctors and scientists alike, my name is twilight sparkle. I formally welcome you to the Ministry of Arcane sciences Research stable. It is here that you will spend the next 5 years of your lives in the company of fellow ponies of science. I would like to assure you that this is a fully functioning stable-tech stable, complete with every luxury and facility you will ever want or need. A fully stocked digital library, diverse all natural gardens and an atrium for group activities. You will find all state of the art equipment and tools to help you in your studies. Many of you personally requested items and the ministry has complied supplying specialized items just for you. What makes this stable truly unique are the 6 interchangeable and customizable labs for major projects. The Ministry of Arcane sciences, and myself personally, would like to thank you for your cooperation and hope you have the time of your lives.”

Author's Note

Foot note character Stats

Ash Trotter-Unicorn-Tag Skills- Energy Weapons, Science, Repair/ SPECIAL, S-5, P-5(+2), E-3, C-3, I-10, A-6, L-7/ Traits- Four Eyes, Good Natured

Stitch- Unicorn- Tag Skill- Medicine, Explosive, Science/ SPECIAL, S-5, P-5, E-6, C-6, I-8, A-3, L-7/ Traits- Built to Destroy, Loose Cannon