Shortly after her return to Equestria, Princess Luna formed the Equestrian Republic, a government based on equality and freedom. However, Celestia refused to step down from her throne. After years of civil war, Luna was forced to surrender. She was sent back to the moon and her followers were disgraced, arrested, exiled, and even executed. Celestia has ensured her continued rule. For ten years now, she has kept it that way.

Deep within the Canterlot mines, hundreds of ponies worked under the watchful eyes of the royal guards. Earth ponies pulled carts filled to the brim with gemstones. Teams of pegasi struggled to lift elevators up the shaft. A handful of unicorns blasted the walls to reveal more gems. As they worked at a back-breaking pace, a harsh song vibrated through cavern.

Look down, look down
Don't look 'em in the eye
Look down, look down
you're here until you die

[pegasi]
No sky above,
to escape all our woes

Look down, look down
there's a thousand years to go

[unicorns]
We've done no wrong
Celestia hear our prayer

Look down, look down
Celestia doesn't care

[earth ponies]
My folks will come
They always have been true

Look down, look down
They've all forgotten you

[Derpy]
Just a muffin
Is that too much to ask

Look down, look down
You'll always be a slave
Look down, look down

You're standing in your grave

"STOP!" the Warden yelled. Everypony dropped what they were doing to gaze at his overlook near the barracks. "Prisoner 24601 come to the Warden's office immediately."

Prisoner 24601 perked up her ears. A trip to the Warden's office could mean anything. Just as many convicts have been freed as executed through that mysterious door. As quick as her sore body would allow, Prisoner 24601 took off her cart's harness and headed up to the office. She made sure to avoid eye contact with the scores of ponies now staring at her.

When Prisoner 24601 finally reached the office, she took a deep breath and entered. The interior was dark with only a lamp sitting upon a small table in the center of the room. The prisoner walked cautiously up to the table. She could vaguely see the shapes of guards hiding in the shadows.

A door behind the table opened and a purple alicorn stepped out. "Hello Applejack," said Twilight flatly.

"Twilight? What the sam heck are ya'll doing here?" asked the orange mare.

"The short answer is giving you your parole. I wanted to give it to you myself." Twilight levitated a scroll bearing Celestia's seal over to Applejack.

Applejack scanned the letter. "So, this means a'm free to go home right?"

"No. Sweet Apple Acres has been sold to Flim/Flam Fields years ago," Twilight said sternly. Her expression softened slightly, "those papers should get you access to public room and board. I'm sorry but that is all I could do."

"Gosh darnit' Twilight, y'all know that ain't true! If you did everyth'n ya could I wouldn't be here! Why didn't ya speak for me? For that matter, why didn't ya do anyth'n for Apple Bloom?"

"The law specifically states that all spies must be hanged. She shouldn't have betrayed Celestia in the first place."

"She was just a filly Twilight! Surely there could've been an exception."

Twilight maintained an expressionless face, "There are no exceptions to the rules AJ. Surely you must have known that when you housed rebels in your home."

"That was my brother's company and half of 'em were wounded. I couldn't of just left 'em out in the cold."

"What about all those times you supported the Republic in our conversation's? How can you even entertain the idea of overthrowing Celestia?"

Applejack glared at the princess, "Am I bein' paroled or am I on trial again?"

Twilight coughed, "very well then, if you want this over with then I'll just list the conditions of your release. First, you will forevermore be labeled as a Republican and will be treated as such. Second, you will never be allowed within 100 yards of any government building. Third, you may not associate with any other known rebels under any circumstances. Lastly, any further criminal activities can lead to immediate revoking of your parole rights,imprisonment, or execution. Do you understand."

Applejack nodded

"Good, then I believe we are done here." Twilight turned and left.

Applejack was escorted to the mine entrance by the squad of guards from the office. Before leaving through the heavy iron door, Applejack looked down on the prison. The ponies below had gone back to work, endlessly heaving and hoisting and blasting to the rhythm of their work song. With sweat, tears, and blood they continued to dig their own grave.

Author's Note

The lyrics of this story are based off the 2012 Les Miserables soundtrack. Sorry they aren't that creative this time. Look Down doesn't really give much material for ponification. Anyways, feel free to comment and critique. Any insight will be appreciated