The Son of Earth

"I hope you understand, Princess Celestia, that we cannot help but to feel threatened by this new development."

The Gryphon ambassador leaned on the table, staring directly into Celestia's eyes. Various races from various nations were sat around the massive wooden table, marking the eighty-ninth annual meeting of the International Council of Peace. Behind each representative was the flag of their nation; from the sun and moon flag of Equestria, to the crossed rifles of the Gryphons, to the hammer and sickle of the Minotaur Commune. A new flag graced the table this time, however; underneath the royal banner of Equestria was the winged sword of Humanity.

"Indeed, Ambassador Vasily. I am certain, however, that with enough time this, too, shall pass."

The Solar Princess returned the stare, her magenta eyes piercing into the pale blue eyes of the Gryphon. "After all, it's not like the aircraft fired on yours, which is more than we can say about you."

"And what did you expect, Princess? That an unknown object traveling straight for one of our military vehicles at unbelievable speeds was going to simply buzz our fighter and not engage?"

"That is no excuse for potentially destroying one of our units and killing one of our subjects."

"Celestia, Lifva, please calm down," said the Neighponese representative, the water drop of his flag hanging above his head. "This is the most peaceful the world has been in centuries; let us not ruin this potential end to all war with simple bickering!"

"I must say, old chap, that I agree," said the mule who was sat next to the Princess. "You know that, if we don't calm down, this could easily lead to war."

"Yes. It would." said the one human, seated on Celestia's right in a minor throne. He had no flag above his head, but was known throughout the group to belong to the Princess. "And I don't intend to let that happen. We didn't flee from one war to head straight into another," said David firmly. "And the Princess here has been kind enough to grant us peace from all external conflicts for a year; although, I sincerely doubt that we will need it when it expires in seven months."

A murmur rose from the various Council members. Finally, they agreed on a solution.

"Mr. Wilhelm," began the Gryphon, "If you give us a tribute of twenty tons of your so-called 'Lynium' alloy monthly, we will forget this incident ever happened."

"You ask too much," David said cooly. "How about we ship you a few crates of mag-weapons and we call it even?"

"The Gryphonic Reich will not live this down until you accept our demands, human," the Gryphon's voice said, gaining an edge.

"Let them talk about it all they want; we need that alloy to maintain our ships."

"Listen to how foolish this creature is!" said the Gryphon. "He claims to have technology far beyond what we ourselves have achieved, but when asked to show it he refuses."

"Perhaps we can settle this at a later date. After all, the revolutionary protests in the Badlands are certainly far more pressing," said the Buffalo ambassador. "And, with the Changelings suddenly dropping their support of the council, it can only mean war."

"You speak too quickly, fool. Put your weapons where your voice is and perhaps you may be able to defend yourself!"

"They march on our border as we speak, and all you can do is witty retorts?"

"I declare Equestria's support for the Buffalo should the Changelings move in to attack them."

"I, then, declare that the Gryphonic Reich shall support the changelings in whatever endeavour they may undertake."

"We of the Minotaur Commune also declare our support for the changelings in their efforts."

"The Neighponese Republic shall follow the path of the wise Princess and support the Buffalo."

"As will we, the mules."

"I propose we adjourn the meeting." said the Gryphon ambassador.

"Aye." came the near-unanimous response.

"Let us pray that the next time we meet is not on the battlefield."